The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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15 pages, 8593 KiB  
Article
The Significance of the 98th Amino Acid in GP2a for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Adaptation in Marc-145 Cells
by Yao Chen, Zhantang Huo, Qi Jiang, Zhiheng Qiu, Zheng Shao, Chunquan Ma, Guihong Zhang and Qi Li
Viruses 2024, 16(5), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050711 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most important pathogens in the pig industry. Marc-145 cells are widely used for PRRSV isolation, vaccine production, and investigations into virus biological characteristics. Despite their significance in PRRSV research, Marc-145 cells struggle [...] Read more.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most important pathogens in the pig industry. Marc-145 cells are widely used for PRRSV isolation, vaccine production, and investigations into virus biological characteristics. Despite their significance in PRRSV research, Marc-145 cells struggle to isolate specific strains of the North American virus genotype (PRRSV-2). The involvement of viral GP2a, GP2b, and GP3 in this phenomenon has been noted. However, the vital amino acids have not yet been identified. In this study, we increased the number of blind passages and successfully isolated two strains that were previously difficult to isolate with Marc-145 cells. Both strains carried an amino acid substitution in GP2a, specifically phenylalanine to leucine at the 98th amino acid position. Through a phylogenetic and epidemiologic analysis of 32 strains, those that were not amenable to isolation widely exhibited this mutation. Then, by using the PRRSV reverse genetics system, IFA, and Western blotting, we identified the mutation that could affect the tropism of PRRSV-2 for Marc-145 cells. Furthermore, an animal experiment was conducted. Through comparisons of clinical signs, mortality rates, and viral load in the organs and sera, we found that mutation did not affect the pathogenicity of PRRSV-2. In conclusion, our study firmly establishes the 98th amino acid in GP2a as a key determinant of PRRSV-2 tropism for Marc-145 cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Viruses)
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16 pages, 6263 KiB  
Article
Implementation and Evaluation of Walk-in-Place Using a Low-Cost Motion-Capture Device for Virtual Reality Applications
by Rawoo Shin, Bogyu Choi, Sang-Min Choi and Suwon Lee
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2848; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092848 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) is used in many fields, including entertainment, education, training, and healthcare, because it allows users to experience challenging and dangerous situations that may be impossible in real life. Advances in head-mounted display technology have enhanced visual immersion, offering content that [...] Read more.
Virtual reality (VR) is used in many fields, including entertainment, education, training, and healthcare, because it allows users to experience challenging and dangerous situations that may be impossible in real life. Advances in head-mounted display technology have enhanced visual immersion, offering content that closely resembles reality. However, several factors can reduce VR immersion, particularly issues with the interactions in the virtual world, such as locomotion. Additionally, the development of locomotion technology is occurring at a moderate pace. Continuous research is being conducted using hardware such as treadmills, and motion tracking using depth cameras, but they are costly and space-intensive. This paper presents a walk-in-place (WIP) algorithm that uses Mocopi, a low-cost motion-capture device, to track user movements in real time. Additionally, its feasibility for VR applications was evaluated by comparing its performance with that of a treadmill using the absolute trajectory error metric and survey data collected from human participants. The proposed WIP algorithm with low-cost Mocopi exhibited performance similar to that of the high-cost treadmill, with significantly positive results for spatial awareness. This study is expected to contribute to solving the issue of spatial constraints when experiencing infinite virtual spaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Navigation and Positioning)
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10 pages, 222 KiB  
Article
A Comprehensive Analysis of Renal and Endothelium Dysfunction Markers Fourteen Years after Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Contraction
by Dragan Ledina, Ivo Ivić, Ante Tadin, Kristian Bodulić, James W. LeDuc and Alemka Markotić
Life 2024, 14(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050575 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
While the pathology of acute hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) has been widely researched, details on the chronic HFRS sequelae remain mainly unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 30 convalescent HFRS patients 14 years after the [...] Read more.
While the pathology of acute hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) has been widely researched, details on the chronic HFRS sequelae remain mainly unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 30 convalescent HFRS patients 14 years after the disease contraction, mainly emphasizing several endothelial dysfunction parameters. Convalescent HFRS patients exhibited significantly higher serum levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, von Willebrand factor, uric acid, C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin A when compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, 24 h urine analyses revealed significantly lower sodium and potassium urine levels, as well as significantly higher proteinuria, microalbumin levels and β2-microglobulin levels when compared to healthy individuals. First morning urine analysis revealed significantly higher levels of hematuria in convalescent HFRS patients. None of the additional analyzed endothelium dysfunction markers were significantly different in post-HFRS patients and healthy individuals, including serum and urine P-selectin, E-selectin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, binary logistic regression revealed a weak association of serum sVCAM-1 and urine VEGF levels with HFRS contraction. Generally, our findings suggest mild chronic inflammation and renal dysfunction levels in convalescent HFRS patients 14 years after the disease contraction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases)
11 pages, 1186 KiB  
Communication
Chemerin Levels in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and a Normal Weight versus Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: An Observational, Cross-Sectional Study
by Aishee B. Mukherji, Victoria Idowu, Lei Zhao, Lawrence L. K. Leung, Sa Shen, Latha Palaniappan and John Morser
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12050983 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Chemerin acts as both a chemotactic agent and an adipokine that undergoes proteolytic cleavage, converting inactive precursors into their active forms before being subsequently inactivated. Elevated chemerin levels are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). This study aimed to elucidate [...] Read more.
Chemerin acts as both a chemotactic agent and an adipokine that undergoes proteolytic cleavage, converting inactive precursors into their active forms before being subsequently inactivated. Elevated chemerin levels are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). This study aimed to elucidate the effects of T2D and obesity on chemerin levels by comparing plasma samples from individuals with a normal weight and T2D (BMI < 25; NWD group n = 22) with those from individuals who are overweight or obese and have T2D (BMI ≥ 25; OWD group n = 39). The total chemerin levels were similar in the NWD and OWD groups, suggesting that T2D may equalize the chemerin levels irrespective of obesity status. The cleavage of chemerin has been previously linked to myocardial infarction and stroke in NWD, with potential implications for inflammation and mortality. OWD plasma exhibited lower levels of cleaved chemerin than the NWD group, suggesting less inflammation in the OWD group. Here, we showed that the interaction between obesity and T2D leads to an equalization in the total chemerin levels. The cleaved chemerin levels and the associated inflammatory state, however, differ significantly, underscoring the complex relationship between chemerin, T2D, and obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Adipokines—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 1528 KiB  
Article
Deep Learning-Based Detection of Glottis Segmentation Failures
by Armin A. Dadras and Philipp Aichinger
Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050443 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Medical image segmentation is crucial for clinical applications, but challenges persist due to noise and variability. In particular, accurate glottis segmentation from high-speed videos is vital for voice research and diagnostics. Manual searching for failed segmentations is labor-intensive, prompting interest in automated methods. [...] Read more.
Medical image segmentation is crucial for clinical applications, but challenges persist due to noise and variability. In particular, accurate glottis segmentation from high-speed videos is vital for voice research and diagnostics. Manual searching for failed segmentations is labor-intensive, prompting interest in automated methods. This paper proposes the first deep learning approach for detecting faulty glottis segmentations. For this purpose, faulty segmentations are generated by applying both a poorly performing neural network and perturbation procedures to three public datasets. Heavy data augmentations are added to the input until the neural network’s performance decreases to the desired mean intersection over union (IoU). Likewise, the perturbation procedure involves a series of image transformations to the original ground truth segmentations in a randomized manner. These data are then used to train a ResNet18 neural network with custom loss functions to predict the IoU scores of faulty segmentations. This value is then thresholded with a fixed IoU of 0.6 for classification, thereby achieving 88.27% classification accuracy with 91.54% specificity. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented approach. Contributions include: (i) a knowledge-driven perturbation procedure, (ii) a deep learning framework for scoring and detecting faulty glottis segmentations, and (iii) an evaluation of custom loss functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Models and Analysis of Vocal Emissions for Biomedical Applications)
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19 pages, 3583 KiB  
Article
Green and Efficient Extraction of Phenolic Components from Plants with Supramolecular Solvents: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
by Bo-Hou Xia, Zhi-Lu Yu, Yu-Ai Lu, Shi-Jun Liu, Ya-Mei Li, Ming-Xia Xie and Li-Mei Lin
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2067; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092067 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) has garnered significant attention as an innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly solvent for the effective extraction and separation of bioactive compounds from natural resources. However, research on the use of a SUPRAS for the extraction of phenolic compounds from [...] Read more.
The supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) has garnered significant attention as an innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly solvent for the effective extraction and separation of bioactive compounds from natural resources. However, research on the use of a SUPRAS for the extraction of phenolic compounds from plants, which are highly valued in food products due to their exceptional antioxidant properties, remains scarce. The present study developed a green, ultra-sound-assisted SUPRAS method for the simultaneous determination of three phenolic acids in Prunella vulgaris using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The experimental parameters were meticulously optimized. The efficiency and antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds obtained using different extraction methods were also compared. Under optimal conditions, the extraction efficiency of the SUPRAS, prepared with octanoic acid reverse micelles dispersed in ethanol–water, significantly exceeded that of conventional organic solvents. Moreover, the SUPRAS method demonstrated greater antioxidant capacity. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images revealed the spherical droplet structure of the SUPRAS, characterized by a well-defined circular fluorescence position, which coincided with the position of the phenolic acids. The phenolic acids were encapsulated within the SUPRAS droplets, indicating their efficient extraction capacity. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations combined with CLSM supported the proposed method’s mechanism and theoretically demonstrated the superior extraction performance of the SUPRAS. In contrast to conventional methods, the higher extraction efficiency of the SUPRAS can be attributed to the larger solvent contact surface area, the formation of more types of hydrogen bonds between the extractants and the supramolecular solvents, and stronger, more stable interaction forces. The results of the theoretical studies corroborate the experimental outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Green Solvents II)
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16 pages, 6279 KiB  
Article
Microbial Mineralization-Based Rapid and High-Strength Simultaneous Repair of Surrounding Rock Fracture Zones and Lining Cracks
by Rongzheng Zhang, Shixia Zhang, Zhichao Song, Danyi Shen and Chuangzhou Wu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3751; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093751 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Grouting technology based on microbial mineralization represents a novel approach to enhancing the properties of rock and soil. Widely studied for its combination of high efficiency and environmental friendliness, this method improves the strength and permeability of rock and soil. In this study, [...] Read more.
Grouting technology based on microbial mineralization represents a novel approach to enhancing the properties of rock and soil. Widely studied for its combination of high efficiency and environmental friendliness, this method improves the strength and permeability of rock and soil. In this study, a novel approach involving bioslurry + filling particles was proposed to reinforce sand columns. It was observed that the addition of filling particles provided new nucleation sites for crystallization, significantly enhancing the cementation effect of sand particles. After 3 days of grouting treatment, sand columns containing 10% filling particles exhibited an order of magnitude reduction in permeability with the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) reaching 2.5 MPa, more than twice that of sand columns reinforced with bioslurry alone. Additionally, this study presented a method for the simultaneous repair of sand particles and concrete cracks. Results indicated that after 3 days of the grouting treatment, the interfacial shear strength between sand columns and concrete reached 100 kPa. Moreover, for concrete with crack apertures less than 1 mm, the permeability coefficient was reduced by over 80%, while the recovery ratio of the splitting tensile strength reached 64.2%. These findings highlight the potential of microbial mineralized grouting technology in addressing practical challenges, providing a foundation for the rapid and high-strength simultaneous repair of tunnel-surrounding rock fracture zones and lining cracks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Geotechnical Engineering)
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19 pages, 5941 KiB  
Article
Multiplicative Improved Coherence Factor Delay Multiply and Sum Algorithm for Clutter Removal in a Microwave Breast Tumor Imaging System
by Donghao Guo, Jingjing Wang, Huanqing Liu, Yuxi Bai, Yongcheng Li and Weihao Liu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3820; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093820 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the medical field, microwave imaging technology has experienced rapid development due to its non-invasive and non-radioactive nature. The confocal algorithm is a method commonly used for microwave breast cancer imaging, with the key objective of removing clutter in images to achieve high-quality [...] Read more.
In the medical field, microwave imaging technology has experienced rapid development due to its non-invasive and non-radioactive nature. The confocal algorithm is a method commonly used for microwave breast cancer imaging, with the key objective of removing clutter in images to achieve high-quality results. However, the current methods are facing challenges in removing clutter. In order to reduce the clutter in images, a multiplicative improved coherence factor delay multiply and sum algorithm based on the maximum interclass differencing method is proposed. The algorithm compares the starting and ending moments of tumor signals in different channels to determine whether the tumor-scattered signals in different channels overlap in time. An improved coherence coefficient is obtained by summing the non-overlapping signals and multiplying the time window. The multiplicative improved coherence factor, which is obtained by multiplying the coherence coefficients of the improved multi-pair signals, is then multiplied by the focal point intensity obtained using the delay multiply and sum algorithm to reduce clutter in an image. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, several low-cost uniform and non-uniform models of human breast and tumor tissue with dielectric properties were prepared for testing. The experimental results show that, compared to the existing algorithm, the proposed algorithm can greatly reduce the clutter in images, with a signal-to-clutter ratio of at least 4 dB higher as well as contrast at least six-fold higher. Full article
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14 pages, 5111 KiB  
Article
Distribution Pattern of Species Richness of Endemic Genera in Mountainous Areas of Southwest China and Its Influencing Factors
by Aoxiang Chang, Ting Wu, Bowen Li, Dezhi Jiao, Yushu Wang, Dan He, Zihan Jiang and Zhenyu Fan
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3750; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093750 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
China’s southwest mountainous region is one of the hotspots of biodiversity in the world. However, the study on the pattern of species richness distribution of endemic plants in this region and its influencing factors is still in the exploration stage. A clear regional [...] Read more.
China’s southwest mountainous region is one of the hotspots of biodiversity in the world. However, the study on the pattern of species richness distribution of endemic plants in this region and its influencing factors is still in the exploration stage. A clear regional spatial distribution pattern of plants and its influencing factors are very important for the protection and management of plant diversity in southwest China. In this study, 511 county-level regions in the southwest mountainous region were taken as examples to establish a plant species resource bank in the southwest mountainous region, and the distribution pattern of the proportion and abundance of endemic plant families and genera was analyzed based on 19 climate and environmental factors and 8 human disturbance factors in the southwest mountainous region. The geographical weighted regression model (GWR) was used to reveal the main factors affecting the spatial distribution of species. The results showed that: (1) A total of 4688 species investigated in the southwest mountain belong to 19 families and 32 genera. (2) The endemic species richness in the southwest mountainous region showed a significant uneven spatial pattern, mainly concentrated in the Heng Duan Mountain area, southwest Sichuan and northern Yunnan area, and the Ruoergai-Hongyuan area of West Sichuan Plateau. (3) The results of the GWR model showed that the diurnal mean temperature range, precipitation seasonality and distance from the main road had significant effects on species richness. The study on the distribution of endemic genera and their influencing factors in the southwest mountainous region has important implications for the exploration of the evolutionary history and species conservation of the mountain flora. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Biologic Conservation and Ecological Sustainability)
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16 pages, 3442 KiB  
Article
Research on a Biofilter for a Typical Application Scenario in China: Treatment of Pesticide Residue Wastewater in Orchards
by Jin Zeng, Quanchun Yuan, Wenzhi Xu, Hailong Li, Menghui Li, Xiaohui Lei, Wei Wang, Qiang Lin, Xue Li, Rui Xu and Xiaolan Lyu
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050934 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
To reduce pesticide pollution and promote sustainable agricultural development in China, we designed a pilot-scale biofilter system to treat residual imidacloprid wastewater in an orchard. The biofilter system demonstrated a high rate of removal of imidacloprid from the biodegradation wastewater, with removal rates [...] Read more.
To reduce pesticide pollution and promote sustainable agricultural development in China, we designed a pilot-scale biofilter system to treat residual imidacloprid wastewater in an orchard. The biofilter system demonstrated a high rate of removal of imidacloprid from the biodegradation wastewater, with removal rates from the outlet exceeding 99% at different concentrations of pesticides. Among environmental factors, imidacloprid concentration at the inlet and biomixture significantly affected the activity of imidacloprid-degrading bacteria. The dominant microbial communities during the stable operation of the biofilter system included Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level and Bacillus, Methylobacter, and unclassified_f__Microbacteriaceae at the genus level. In future initiatives to improve biofilter performance and applicability, increasing attention should be paid to the dominant microbial communities, the number of biofilter units, and important environmental factors. Orchard workers in China should improve the existing treatment of residual pesticide wastewater to mitigate agricultural non-point source pollution. Full article
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13 pages, 2531 KiB  
Article
Study on the Skincare Effects of Red Rice Fermented by Aspergillus oryzae In Vitro
by Mo Chen, Yi Sun, Le Zhu, Lingyu Li and Ya Zhao
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2066; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092066 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Red rice, a variety of pigmented grain, serves dual purposes as both a food and medicinal resource. In recent years, we have witnessed an increasing interest in the dermatological benefits of fermented rice extracts, particularly their whitening and hydrating effects. However, data on [...] Read more.
Red rice, a variety of pigmented grain, serves dual purposes as both a food and medicinal resource. In recent years, we have witnessed an increasing interest in the dermatological benefits of fermented rice extracts, particularly their whitening and hydrating effects. However, data on the skincare advantages derived from fermenting red rice with Aspergillus oryzae remain sparse. This study utilized red rice as a substrate for fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae, producing a substance known as red rice Aspergillus oryzae fermentation (RRFA). We conducted a preliminary analysis of RRFA’s composition followed by an evaluation of its skincare potential through various in vitro tests. Our objective was to develop a safe and highly effective skincare component for potential cosmetic applications. RRFA’s constituents were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Kjeldahl nitrogen determination, the phenol-sulfuric acid method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We employed human dermal fibroblasts (FB) to assess RRFA’s anti-aging and antioxidative properties, immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and 3D epidermal models to examine its moisturizing and reparative capabilities, and human primary melanocytes (MCs) to study its effects on skin lightening. Our findings revealed that RRFA encompasses several bioactive compounds beneficial for skin health. RRFA can significantly promote the proliferation of FB cells. And it markedly enhances the mRNA expression of ECM-related anti-aging genes and reduces reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, RRFA significantly boosts the expression of Aquaporin 3 (AQP3), Filaggrin (FLG), and Hyaluronan Synthase 1 (HAS1) mRNA, alongside elevating moisture levels in a 3D epidermal model. Increases were also observed in the mRNA expression of Claudin 1 (CLDN1), Involucrin (IVL), and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) in keratinocytes. Additionally, RRFA demonstrated an inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis. Collectively, RRFA contains diverse ingredients which are beneficial for skin health and showcases multifaceted skincare effects in terms of anti-aging, antioxidant, moisturizing, repairing, and whitening capabilities in vitro, highlighting its potential for future cosmetic applications. Full article
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16 pages, 3873 KiB  
Article
Effect of Water Injection on Combustion and Emissions Parameters of SI Engine Fuelled by Hydrogen–Natural Gas Blends
by Saugirdas Pukalskas, Vidas Korsakas, Tomas Stankevičius, Donatas Kriaučiūnas and Šarūnas Mikaliūnas
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2132; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092132 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Technologies used in the transport sector have a substantial impact on air pollution and global warming. Due to the immense impact of air pollution on Earth, it is crucial to investigate novel ways to reduce emissions. One way to reduce pollution from ICE [...] Read more.
Technologies used in the transport sector have a substantial impact on air pollution and global warming. Due to the immense impact of air pollution on Earth, it is crucial to investigate novel ways to reduce emissions. One way to reduce pollution from ICE is to use alternative fuels. However, blends of alternative fuels in different proportions are known to improve some emissions’ parameters, while others remain unchanged or even worsen. It is therefore necessary to find ways of reducing all the main pollutants. For SI engines, mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas can be used as alternative fuels. The use of such fuel mixtures makes it possible to reduce CO, HC, and CO2 emissions from the engine, but the unique properties of hydrogen tend to increase NOx emissions. One way to address this challenge is to use port water injection (PWI). This paper describes studies carried out under laboratory conditions on an SI engine fuelled with CNG and CNG + H2 mixtures (H2 = 5, 10, 15% by volume) and injected with 60 and 120 mL/min of water into the engine. The tests showed that the additional water injection reduced CO and NOx emissions by about 20% and 4–5 times, respectively. But, the results also show that water injection at the rate of 120 mL/min increases fuel consumption by between 2.5% and 7% in all cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internal Combustion Engine: Research and Application—2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 6589 KiB  
Article
Prediction of the Remaining Useful Life of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on the 1D CNN-BLSTM Neural Network
by Jianhui Mou, Qingxin Yang, Yi Tang, Yuhui Liu, Junjie Li and Chengcheng Yu
Batteries 2024, 10(5), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10050152 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries are currently widely employed in a variety of applications. Precise estimation of the remaining useful life (RUL) of lithium-ion batteries holds significant function in intelligent battery management systems (BMS). Therefore, in order to increase the fidelity and stabilization of predicting the [...] Read more.
Lithium-ion batteries are currently widely employed in a variety of applications. Precise estimation of the remaining useful life (RUL) of lithium-ion batteries holds significant function in intelligent battery management systems (BMS). Therefore, in order to increase the fidelity and stabilization of predicting the RUL of lithium-ion batteries, in this paper, an innovative strategy for RUL prediction is proposed by integrating a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN) and a bilayer long short-term memory (BLSTM) neural network. Feature extraction is carried out through the input capacity data of the model using 1D CNN, and these deep features are used as the input of the BLSTM. The memory function of the BLSTM is applied to retain key information in the database and to better understand the coupling relationship among consecutive time series data along the time axis, thereby effectively predicting the RUL trends of lithium-ion batteries. Two different types of lithium-ion battery datasets from NASA and CALCE were used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method achieves higher prediction accuracy, demonstrates stronger generalization capabilities, and effectively reduces prediction errors compared to other methods. Full article
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8 pages, 2300 KiB  
Article
Histological Bone-Healing Evaluation of Critical-Size Defects Filled with β-Tricalcium Phosphate in Rat Tibiae
by Ana Maria Veiga Vasques, Carlos Roberto Emerenciano Bueno, Maria Rosa Felix de Souza Gomide Guimarães, Diego Valentim, Ana Cláudia Rodrigues da Silva, Francine Benetti, João Miguel Marques Santos, Luciano Tavares Angelo Cintra and Eloi Dezan Junior
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3821; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093821 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Bone defects may be a result of different pathologies and represent a challenge in different fields of dentistry. Techniques for the correction of bone defects involving the use of several types of grafts have been proposed. This study evaluated bone repair in rat [...] Read more.
Bone defects may be a result of different pathologies and represent a challenge in different fields of dentistry. Techniques for the correction of bone defects involving the use of several types of grafts have been proposed. This study evaluated bone repair in rat tibiae after surgically created critical-size defects were filled with β-tricalcium phosphate (RTR®, Septodont, FR). Critical-size bone defects were created in the tibiae of 32 male Wistar rats, which were divided into four groups (n = 8): Control 30 days, Control 90 days, RTR® 30 days, and RTR® 90 days. After the experimental period, the animals were euthanized and specimens were collected, embedded in paraffin, serially cut, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate the inflammatory and repair response. Two parameters were analyzed: neoformed bone tissue areas (NBA) and neoformed cortical areas (NCA). Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The RTR® group demonstrated superior bone healing compared with the control group in both analyzed parameters (NBA and NCA), with repair of the cortical bone and bone-tissue formation in the central region of the defect, which showed partial repair in the defect area (p < 0.05). RTR® enhanced bone neoformation in the adopted experimental model and may be a useful biomaterial to boost healing in cases of critical-size bone defects. Full article
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13 pages, 820 KiB  
Article
Salvage Ablative Radiotherapy for Isolated Local Recurrence of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma following Definitive Surgery
by Edward Christopher Dee, Victor C. Ng, Eileen M. O’Reilly, Alice C. Wei, Stephanie M. Lobaugh, Anna M. Varghese, Melissa Zinovoy, Paul B. Romesser, Abraham J. Wu, Carla Hajj, John J. Cuaron, Danny N. Khalil, Wungki Park, Kenneth H. Yu, Zhigang Zhang, Jeffrey A. Drebin, William R. Jarnagin, Christopher H. Crane and Marsha Reyngold
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2631; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092631 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Introduction: The rate of isolated locoregional recurrence after surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) approaches 25%. Ablative radiation therapy (A-RT) has improved outcomes for locally advanced disease in the primary setting. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of salvage A-RT for isolated locoregional recurrence [...] Read more.
Introduction: The rate of isolated locoregional recurrence after surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) approaches 25%. Ablative radiation therapy (A-RT) has improved outcomes for locally advanced disease in the primary setting. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of salvage A-RT for isolated locoregional recurrence and examine the relationship between subsequent patterns of failure, radiation dose, and treatment volume. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all consecutive participants who underwent A-RT for an isolated locoregional recurrence of PDAC after prior surgery at our institution between 2016 and 2021. Treatment consisted of ablative dose (BED10 98–100 Gy) to the gross disease with an additional prophylactic low dose (BED10 < 50 Gy), with the elective volume covering a 1.5 cm isotropic expansion around the gross disease and the circumference of the involved vessels. Local and locoregional failure (LF and LRF, respectively) estimated by the cumulative incidence function with competing risks, distant metastasis-free and overall survival (DMFS and OS, respectively) estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and toxicities scored by CTCAE v5.0 are reported. Location of recurrence was mapped to the dose region on the initial radiation plan. Results: Among 65 participants (of whom two had two A-RT courses), the median age was 67 (range 37–87) years, 36 (55%) were male, and 53 (82%) had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy with a median disease-free interval to locoregional recurrence of 16 (range, 6–71) months. Twenty-seven participants (42%) received chemotherapy prior to A-RT. With a median follow-up of 35 months (95%CI, 26–56 months) from diagnosis of recurrence, 24-month OS and DMFS were 57% (95%CI, 46–72%) and 22% (95%CI, 14–37%), respectively, while 24-month cumulative incidence of in-field LF and total LRF were 28% (95%CI, 17–40%) and 36% (95%CI 24–48%), respectively. First failure after A-RT was distant in 35 patients (53.8%), locoregional in 12 patients (18.5%), and synchronous distant and locoregional in 10 patients (15.4%). Most locoregional failures occurred in elective low-dose volumes. Acute and chronic grade 3–4 toxicities were noted in 1 (1.5%) and 5 patients (7.5%), respectively. Conclusions: Salvage A-RT achieves favorable OS and local control outcomes in participants with an isolated locoregional recurrence of PDAC after surgical resection. Consideration should be given to extending high-dose fields to include adjacent segments of at-risk vessels beyond direct contact with the gross disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pancreatic Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Challenges)
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12 pages, 1503 KiB  
Article
Gel Properties and Protein Structures of Minced Pork Prepared with κ-Carrageenan and Non-Meat Proteins
by Yang Ye, Fei Chen, Meimei Shi, Yang Wang, Xia Xiao and Chunmei Wu
Gels 2024, 10(5), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10050305 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Problems with minced pork include water release and low gel strength. This study aimed to investigate the effect of treatments with κ-carrageenan (κ-CAR), egg white powder (EWP), wheat gluten (WG), soy isolate protein (SPI), and a combination of these treatments on the gel [...] Read more.
Problems with minced pork include water release and low gel strength. This study aimed to investigate the effect of treatments with κ-carrageenan (κ-CAR), egg white powder (EWP), wheat gluten (WG), soy isolate protein (SPI), and a combination of these treatments on the gel properties and protein structures of minced pork. The cooking loss and trapped water within minced pork increased when additives were incorporated; in particular, the SPI group reached 1.31 ± 0.01% and 91.42 ± 0.20%. The hardness and chewiness of minced pork reached their maximum values (38.91 ± 0.80 N, 14.73 ± 0.41 N) when the WG was added. The κ-CAR/WG-minced pork gel network structure was the densest and most stable, characterized by increased hydrophobic interactions, disulfide bonds in the mince gel, and enthalpy value. The α-helix content with κ-CAR/WG treatment decreased from 27% to 7.8%, transforming into other secondary structures. This suggests that the addition of κ-CAR/WG can be a more effective combination for improving the quality of minced pork. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Gels in Food Technology)
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15 pages, 518 KiB  
Article
Surveillance of Bacterial Load and Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria on Surfaces of Public Restrooms
by Khadega Ibrahim, Maisha Tahsin, Aninda Rahman, Shaikh Mizanoor Rahman and Md Mizanur Rahman
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050574 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Public restrooms are often a hub of microbial contamination and the examination of bacterial contamination in these facilities can serve as an important indicator of the transmission of infectious diseases. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in public [...] Read more.
Public restrooms are often a hub of microbial contamination and the examination of bacterial contamination in these facilities can serve as an important indicator of the transmission of infectious diseases. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in public restrooms based on the economic class of the building. Samples were collected from various spots in 32 restrooms found in 10 shopping malls, classifying them into two categories: upper-end restrooms and lower-end restrooms. The findings showed that the level of contamination was higher in the lower-end restrooms, with the seat being the most contaminated area. The most dominant Gram-positive bacteria were of the coagulase-negative staphylococci species, making up 86% of the identified Gram-positive isolates. The most dominant Gram-negative bacteria identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The antibiotic sensitivity test results revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria among the Gram-positive and negative isolates, including Staphylococcus haemolyticus (S. haemolyticus), Staphylococcus kloosii (S. kloosii), Acinetobacter baumanii (A. baumanii), and P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of monitoring bacterial contamination in public restrooms and the need for measures to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Further research is crucial to gain a complete understanding of the bacterial contamination in public restrooms and their resistance patterns, to ensure the safety and health of the public. The implementation of improved cleaning practices and hands-free designs in addition to the installation of antimicrobial surfaces in restrooms can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and prevent the spread of diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Environmental Aspects in the Maintenance of Human Health)
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18 pages, 3643 KiB  
Article
Cloning, Expression, Characterization and Immobilization of a Recombinant Carboxylesterase from the Halophilic Archaeon, Halobacterium salinarum NCR-1
by Nestor David Ortega-de la Rosa, Evelyn Romero-Borbón, Jorge Alberto Rodríguez, Angeles Camacho-Ruiz and Jesús Córdova
Biomolecules 2024, 14(5), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14050534 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Only a few halophilic archaea producing carboxylesterases have been reported. The limited research on biocatalytic characteristics of archaeal esterases is primarily due to their very low production in native organisms. A gene encoding carboxylesterase from Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 was cloned and successfully expressed [...] Read more.
Only a few halophilic archaea producing carboxylesterases have been reported. The limited research on biocatalytic characteristics of archaeal esterases is primarily due to their very low production in native organisms. A gene encoding carboxylesterase from Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 was cloned and successfully expressed in Haloferax volcanii. The recombinant carboxylesterase (rHsEst) was purified by affinity chromatography with a yield of 81%, and its molecular weight was estimated by SDS-PAGE (33 kDa). The best kinetic parameters of rHsEst were achieved using p-nitrophenyl valerate as substrate (KM = 78 µM, kcat = 0.67 s−1). rHsEst exhibited great stability to most metal ions tested and some solvents (diethyl ether, n-hexane, n-heptane). Purified rHsEst was effectively immobilized using Celite 545. Esterase activities of rHsEst were confirmed by substrate specificity studies. The presence of a serine residue in rHsEst active site was revealed through inhibition with PMSF. The pH for optimal activity of free rHsEst was 8, while for immobilized rHsEst, maximal activity was at a pH range between 8 to 10. Immobilization of rHsEst increased its thermostability, halophilicity and protection against inhibitors such as EDTA, BME and PMSF. Remarkably, immobilized rHsEst was stable and active in NaCl concentrations as high as 5M. These biochemical characteristics of immobilized rHsEst reveal its potential as a biocatalyst for industrial applications. Full article
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13 pages, 423 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in Treatment for HER2-Positive Advanced Gastric Cancer
by Takeshi Kawakami and Kentaro Yamazaki
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1747; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091747 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Human epidermal receptor (HER) 2-positive advanced gastric cancer is one of the major subtypes of gastric cancer, accounting for ~20% of all cases. Although combination therapy with trastuzumab and chemotherapy provides meaningful survival benefit, clinical trials targeting HER2 have failed to demonstrate clinical [...] Read more.
Human epidermal receptor (HER) 2-positive advanced gastric cancer is one of the major subtypes of gastric cancer, accounting for ~20% of all cases. Although combination therapy with trastuzumab and chemotherapy provides meaningful survival benefit, clinical trials targeting HER2 have failed to demonstrate clinical benefits in first- or subsequent-line treatment. Trastuzumab deruxtecan, an antibody–drug conjugate, has shown positive results even in later-line treatment and has become new standard treatment. In first-line therapy, combination therapy with pembrolizumab and trastuzumab plus chemotherapy demonstrated a dramatic response rate. Therefore, the FDA rapidly approved it without waiting for the results of survival time. The emergence of combination therapy including immunotherapy with HER2-targeting agents and the development of HER2 targeting agents with or without immunotherapy have been advancing for treating HER2-positive gastric cancer. In this review, we will discuss the current status of treatment development and future perspectives for HER2-positive gastric cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers on Advanced Gastric Cancer)
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15 pages, 797 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Dynamic Relationships between Agricultural Production and Environmental Pollution: Evidence from a GMM-SYS Model in the Three Seas Initiative (3SI)
by Błażej Suproń and Janusz Myszczyszyn
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3748; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093748 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) is still an under-researched area and is particularly important due to historical circumstances and economic backwardness. A study was carried out to assess the impact of renewable energy and production made by the agricultural sector on CO2 [...] Read more.
The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) is still an under-researched area and is particularly important due to historical circumstances and economic backwardness. A study was carried out to assess the impact of renewable energy and production made by the agricultural sector on CO2 emissions in 3SI countries between 2008 and 2020. The study used panel data analysis based on the two-step system’s generalized method of moments (GMM) and the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality test. The results show that a 1% increase in the value added generated by agriculture increased CO2 emissions in the countries studied by 0.11%. In contrast, a 1% increase in GDP led to a 0.29% increase in CO2 emissions. Conversely, when renewable energy consumption increased by 1%, CO2 emissions fell by 0.25% in the countries studied. One way to reduce CO2 emissions from agricultural production in the short term is to increase the share of renewables, which incidentally is in line with EU action. Full article
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15 pages, 450 KiB  
Article
Phosphorus Release Dynamics from Ashes during a Soil Incubation Study: Effect of Feedstock Characteristics and Combustion Conditions
by Berta Singla Just, Pablo Martín Binder, Nagore Guerra-Gorostegi, Laura Díaz-Guerra, Rosa Vilaplana, Nicola Frison, Erik Meers, Laia Llenas and Ana Robles Aguilar
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050935 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Recovering phosphorus (P) through combustion from waste streams, like wastewater sludge and animal manure, offers a promising solution. This research explores the P release patterns in different ashes derived from secondary raw materials, using a long-term soil incubation lasting 160 days. The study [...] Read more.
Recovering phosphorus (P) through combustion from waste streams, like wastewater sludge and animal manure, offers a promising solution. This research explores the P release patterns in different ashes derived from secondary raw materials, using a long-term soil incubation lasting 160 days. The study evaluated the P release dynamics in five types of ashes from enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems and pig slurry burned at different temperatures. According to the results, a primary effect was observed on P bioavailability during the initial incubation period. All tested ashes release more than 50% of the total P applied between days 5 and 10. Ashes from EBPR exhibited higher P release than those from pig manure, indicating ash origin as a key factor in P release. Additionally, combustion temperature was crucial, with higher temperatures resulting in increased P release rates. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation revealed a strong relationship between the characteristics of the ashes and the amount of P release. Overall, these findings suggest that ashes could be a valuable P-source for agriculture avoiding the process of wet chemical P extraction, thus reducing both economic and environmental costs. Full article
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4 pages, 180 KiB  
Editorial
Beyond the Biomarker: Unveiling the Multifaceted Role of Osteopontin in Both Physiological and Pathological Processes
by Davide Raineri, Annalisa Chiocchetti and Giuseppe Cappellano
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 982; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12050982 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional protein, has emerged as a fascinating subject of study due to its diverse roles in various physiological and pathological processes [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30 Years of OPN Milestones and Future Avenues)
14 pages, 1056 KiB  
Review
Innovations in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
by Ting Chak Lam and Yiu Yan Leung
Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050444 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The field of peripheral nerve regeneration is a dynamic and rapidly evolving area of research that continues to captivate the attention of neuroscientists worldwide. The quest for effective treatments and therapies to enhance the healing of peripheral nerves has gained significant momentum in [...] Read more.
The field of peripheral nerve regeneration is a dynamic and rapidly evolving area of research that continues to captivate the attention of neuroscientists worldwide. The quest for effective treatments and therapies to enhance the healing of peripheral nerves has gained significant momentum in recent years, as evidenced by the substantial increase in publications dedicated to this field. This surge in interest reflects the growing recognition of the importance of peripheral nerve recovery and the urgent need to develop innovative strategies to address nerve injuries. In this context, this article aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by providing a comprehensive review that encompasses both biomaterial and clinical perspectives. By exploring the utilization of nerve guidance conduits and pharmacotherapy, this article seeks to shed light on the remarkable advancements made in the field of peripheral nerve regeneration. Nerve guidance conduits, which act as artificial channels to guide regenerating nerves, have shown promising results in facilitating nerve regrowth and functional recovery. Additionally, pharmacotherapy approaches have emerged as potential avenues for promoting nerve regeneration, with various therapeutic agents being investigated for their neuroprotective and regenerative properties. The pursuit of advancing the field of peripheral nerve regeneration necessitates persistent investment in research and development. Continued exploration of innovative treatments, coupled with a deeper understanding of the intricate processes involved in nerve regeneration, holds the promise of unlocking the complete potential of these groundbreaking interventions. By fostering collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and industry partners, we can accelerate progress in this field, bringing us closer to the realization of transformative therapies that restore function and quality of life for individuals affected by peripheral nerve injuries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Nerve Regeneration)
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