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11 pages, 1574 KiB  
Article
A Statistical Mesoscale Approach to Model the Size Effect on the Tensile Strength of Notched Woven Composites
by Andrea Ferrarese, Carlo Boursier Niutta, Alberto Ciampaglia and Davide Salvatore Paolino
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3467; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083467 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The scaling of the strength of composite parts with part size is referred to as the size effect. In the presence of notches, stress concentration affects a portion of material that increases with the notch size. Furthermore, in woven composites, the notch and [...] Read more.
The scaling of the strength of composite parts with part size is referred to as the size effect. In the presence of notches, stress concentration affects a portion of material that increases with the notch size. Furthermore, in woven composites, the notch and tow size can be comparable, thus demanding a mesoscale approach to properly capture the stress intensification. In this paper, a probabilistic mesoscale method to model the size effect in notched woven composites is presented. First, the stress distribution is estimated with a finite element model, calibrated on experimental Digital Image Correlation data. The FE model simulates the mesoscale heterogeneity of the woven reinforced material and replicates the local stress intensification at the tow level. Then, a three-parameter Weibull-based statistical model is introduced to model the probability of failure from the calculated stress distribution and the volume of the part. An equivalent stress is used to capture the relevant fiber and matrix failure modes and the maximum value within the specimen volume is the random variable of the model. The method is applied to open-hole tension tests of a woven twill carbon fiber–epoxy composite. Two specimen widths and three width-to-diameter ratios, from 3 to 12, are considered. Specimen width produced an observable size effect, whereas the variation of hole size in the range considered did not. The statistical model is found to accurately describe the experimental observations, efficiently replicating an inverse size effect, regardless of hole size, while wider specimens lead to a lower probability of failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties and Fatigue Behavior of Composite Materials)
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12 pages, 3656 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Oxide Films on Zr702 and Their Corrosion Performance in Boiling Fluorinated Nitric Acid
by Hangbiao Su, Yaning Li, Yongqing Zhao, Weidong Zeng and Jianping Xu
Metals 2024, 14(4), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040479 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Fluoride ions, which interfere with the oxide formation on zirconium have been over-looked until recently. The effect of fluoride ions on oxide formation and dissolution behaviors in zirconium was investigated in this study. A detailed quantitative characterization of the oxide films formed on [...] Read more.
Fluoride ions, which interfere with the oxide formation on zirconium have been over-looked until recently. The effect of fluoride ions on oxide formation and dissolution behaviors in zirconium was investigated in this study. A detailed quantitative characterization of the oxide films formed on Zr702 immersed in a fluorinated nitric acid solution was performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and representative high-angle annular dark-field scanning Transmission Electron Microscope, (TEM). The corrosion performance in a fluorinated nitric acid solution was discussed. The results reveal that the thickness of the oxide films immersed in the fluorinated nitric acid solution was between 42–48 nm, which is much thinner than that of the oxide layer (~98.85 nm thickness) in the F free HNO3 solution. The oxide film was identified to be a nanocrystalline cluster, comprised of outermost HfO2 and HfF4 layers, sub-outer ZrO2 and ZrF4 layers, and an innermost Zr (F, O)3.6 layer. This fluoride species penetration through the oxide films indicated that the fluoride ions are responsible for the dissolution of the oxide film of Zr702. Full article
14 pages, 9176 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ni Doping on the Thermoelectric Properties of YbCo2Zn20
by Jorge R. Galeano-Cabral, Benny Schundelmier, Olatunde Oladehin, Keke Feng, Juan C. Ordonez, Ryan E. Baumbach and Kaya Wei
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081906 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Thermoelectric devices are both solid-state heat pumps and energy generators. Having a reversible process without moving parts is of high importance for applications in remote locations or under extreme conditions. Yet, most thermoelectric devices have a rather limited energy conversion efficiency due to [...] Read more.
Thermoelectric devices are both solid-state heat pumps and energy generators. Having a reversible process without moving parts is of high importance for applications in remote locations or under extreme conditions. Yet, most thermoelectric devices have a rather limited energy conversion efficiency due to the natural competition between high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity, both being essential conditions for achieving a high energy conversion efficiency. Heavy-fermion compounds YbT2Zn20 (T = Co, Rh, Ir) have been reported to be potential candidate materials for thermoelectric applications at low temperatures. Motivated by this result, we applied chemical substitution studies on the transition metal site in order to optimize the charge carrier concentration as well as promote more efficient phonon scatterings. Here, we present the latest investigation on the Ni-doped specimens YbCo2-xNixZn20, where enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit values have been obtained. Full article
17 pages, 1177 KiB  
Article
Validating Constructs of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 and Exploring Health Indicators to Predict the Psychological Outcomes of Students Enrolled in the Pacific Islands Cohort of College Students
by Rebecca H. Kim, Yvette C. Paulino and Yoshito Kawabata
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040509 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) has been used in various countries to assess the mental states of individuals. The objectives of this study were to validate the DASS-21 for use in Guam, an island that endures a high burden of mental [...] Read more.
The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) has been used in various countries to assess the mental states of individuals. The objectives of this study were to validate the DASS-21 for use in Guam, an island that endures a high burden of mental health challenges, such as suicide, and examine the predictive impact of selected health indicators on DASS-21 variables. Three years of data (2017–2019) were pooled from the Pacific Islands Cohort of College Students (PICCS) study conducted annually at the University of Guam. In total, 726 students were included in the secondary data analysis. MPlus statistical software was used to perform a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for the validation and structural equation modeling (SEM) for the predictive modeling. The results from the CFA suggested an acceptable model fit (RMSEA: 0.073, CFI: 0.901, TLI: 0.889, RMR: 0.044), while SEM suggested that sleep quality and physical activity were significant predictors of DASS-21 variables. Therefore, the DASS-21 is a valid instrument for measuring depression, anxiety, and stress among emerging adults in Guam. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disparity of Non-communicable Diseases among Pacific Islanders)
13 pages, 246 KiB  
Article
Bridging the p-Special Functions between the Generalized Hyperbolic and Trigonometric Families
by Ali Hamzah Alibrahim and Saptarshi Das
Mathematics 2024, 12(8), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12081242 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Here, we study the extension of p-trigonometric functions sinp and cosp family in complex domains and p-hyperbolic functions sinhp and the coshp family in hyperbolic complex domains. These functions satisfy analogous relations as their classical counterparts with some unknown properties. We [...] Read more.
Here, we study the extension of p-trigonometric functions sinp and cosp family in complex domains and p-hyperbolic functions sinhp and the coshp family in hyperbolic complex domains. These functions satisfy analogous relations as their classical counterparts with some unknown properties. We show the relationship of these two classes of special functions viz. p-trigonometric and p-hyperbolic functions with imaginary arguments. We also show many properties and identities related to the analogy between these two groups of functions. Further, we extend the research bridging the concepts of hyperbolic and elliptical complex numbers to show the properties of logarithmic functions with complex arguments. Full article
12 pages, 3437 KiB  
Article
Mycorrhizal Associations between Helvella bachu and Its Host Plants
by Caihong Wei, Mengqian Liu, Jianwei Hu, Lili Zhang and Caihong Dong
Forests 2024, 15(4), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040721 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Helvella bachu, a prized edible and medicinal fungus, is primarily found in the forests of Populus euphratica, an ancient and endangered species crucial to desert riparian ecosystems. Despite extensive efforts, the isolation of pure cultures and cultivation of fruiting bodies of [...] Read more.
Helvella bachu, a prized edible and medicinal fungus, is primarily found in the forests of Populus euphratica, an ancient and endangered species crucial to desert riparian ecosystems. Despite extensive efforts, the isolation of pure cultures and cultivation of fruiting bodies of H. bachu have remained elusive. While some species within the Helvella genus have been confirmed as ectomycorrhizal fungi, others have been considered either saprotrophic or mycorrhizal. By integrating field observations of H. bachu habitat, macro- and micro-anatomical examination of plant root tips, and molecular data from fruiting bodies, mycorrhizae, and host plants, it has been confirmed that H. bachu forms ectomycorrhizal associations with Populus trees. The mycorrhiza of H. bachu displays a light earth color with a curved smooth cylindrical shape. It features a thick mantle and the presence of a Hartig net, accompanied by a small amount of epitaxy mycelia. Morphological observation of the root tips requires meticulous handling, and the paraffin section technique has yielded noteworthy results. Host plants encompass four Populus species, including P. euphratica, P. pruinosa, P. nigra, and P. alba var. pyramidalis (synonym Populus bolleana). A conservation area was established within the young P. euphratica forest at Tarim University, resulting in a 14.75% increase in the quantity of fruiting bodies during the second year. Establishing a conservation area and in situ propagation of H. bachu holds economic and ecological implications. This study will contribute to the conservation of resources related to H. bachu and P. euphratica. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Interactions with Host Trees and Forest Sustainability)
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16 pages, 8910 KiB  
Article
Assessing Phytoremediation Potential: Dominant Plants in Soils Impacted by Polymetal(loid)lic Mining
by Boxin Wang, Juan Hou, Xueyong Wu, Xuekui Niu and Fengping Zhou
Processes 2024, 12(4), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040833 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Phytoremediation, an ecological approach aimed at addressing polymetal(loid)lic-contaminated mining soils, has encountered adaptability challenges. Dominant plant species, well-suited to the local conditions, have emerged as promising candidates for this purpose. This study focused on assessing the phytoremediation potential of ten plant species that [...] Read more.
Phytoremediation, an ecological approach aimed at addressing polymetal(loid)lic-contaminated mining soils, has encountered adaptability challenges. Dominant plant species, well-suited to the local conditions, have emerged as promising candidates for this purpose. This study focused on assessing the phytoremediation potential of ten plant species that thrived in heavy metal(loid)-contaminated mining soils. This investigation covered nine heavy metal(loid)s (As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn) in both plants and rhizosphere soils. The results revealed a significant impact of mining activities, with heavy metal(loid) concentrations surpassing the Yunnan Province’s background levels by 1.06 to 362 times, highlighting a significant concern for remediation. The average levels of the heavy metal(loid)s followed the order of As (3.98 × 103 mg kg−1) > Cu (2.83 × 103 mg kg−1) > Zn (815 mg kg−1) > Sn (176 mg kg−1) > Pb (169 mg kg−1) > Cr (68.1 mg kg−1) > Ni (36.2 mg kg−1) > Cd (0.120 mg kg−1) > Hg (0.0390 mg kg−1). The bioconcentration factors (BCFs), bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), and translocation factors (TFs) varied among the native plants, indicating diverse adaptation strategies. Low BCFs and BAFs (ranging from 0.0183 to 0.418 and 0.0114 to 0.556, respectively) suggested a low bioavailability of heavy metal(loid)s. Among the species, both J. effusus and P. capitata showed remarkable abilities for As accumulation, while A. adenophora demonstrated a notable accumulation ability for various heavy metal(loid)s, especially Cd, with relatively high BCFs (1.88) and BAFs (3.11), and the TF at 1.66 further underscored the crucial role of translocation in preventing root toxicity. These findings emphasized the potential of these plant species in mine ecological restoration and phytoremediation, guiding targeted environmental rehabilitation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Remediation of Contaminated Sites: Volume II)
13 pages, 1380 KiB  
Article
Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Origin in Children: Analysis of 17 Cases Admitted to the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome
by Velia Chiara Di Maio, Leonarda Gentile, Rossana Scutari, Luna Colagrossi, Luana Coltella, Stefania Ranno, Giulia Linardos, Daniela Liccardo, Maria Sole Basso, Andrea Pietrobattista, Simona Landi, Lorena Forqué, Marta Ciofi Degli Atti, Lara Ricotta, Andrea Onetti Muda, Giuseppe Maggiore, Massimiliano Raponi, Carlo Federico Perno and Cristina Russo
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040826 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study described 17 cases of children admitted to the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital with acute hepatitis of unknown origin between mid-April and November 2022. Following the World Health Organization’s working case definition of probable cases, 17 children, with a median age of [...] Read more.
This study described 17 cases of children admitted to the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital with acute hepatitis of unknown origin between mid-April and November 2022. Following the World Health Organization’s working case definition of probable cases, 17 children, with a median age of 2.1 years (interquartile range: 1.0–7.1), presenting with acute hepatitis non-AE, with serum transaminase >500 IU/L, were included in the study. A pre-specified set of microbiological tests was performed on different biological specimens for all pediatric patients. All patients resulted negative for the common hepatotropic viruses. The most common pathogen detected in blood specimens was human-herpes-virus-7 (52.9%). Adenovirus was detected more frequently in stool specimens (62.5%) than in respiratory (20.0%) or blood samples (17.6%). Regarding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, one child tested positive two days after admission, while antibodies against spike and nucleoprotein were present in 82.3% of patients. A co-pathogen detection was observed in 94.1% of children. Overall, 16 children recovered without clinical complications, while one patient required liver transplantation. In these cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin, adenovirus was mainly detected in stool samples. A co-pathogen detection was also frequently observed, suggesting that the etiology of this acute hepatitis is most probably multifactorial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Antivirals for Emerging Viruses 3.0)
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12 pages, 453 KiB  
Review
Antimicrobial De-Escalation in Critically Ill Patients
by Eloisa Sofia Tanzarella, Salvatore Lucio Cutuli, Gianmarco Lombardi, Fabiola Cammarota, Alessandro Caroli, Emanuele Franchini, Elena Sancho Ferrando, Domenico Luca Grieco, Massimo Antonelli and Gennaro De Pascale
Antibiotics 2024, 13(4), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13040375 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Antimicrobial de-escalation (ADE) is defined as the discontinuation of one or more antimicrobials in empirical therapy, or the replacement of a broad-spectrum antimicrobial with a narrower-spectrum antimicrobial. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the available literature on the [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial de-escalation (ADE) is defined as the discontinuation of one or more antimicrobials in empirical therapy, or the replacement of a broad-spectrum antimicrobial with a narrower-spectrum antimicrobial. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the available literature on the effectiveness and safety of ADE in critically ill patients, with a focus on special conditions such as anti-fungal therapy and high-risk categories. Although it is widely considered a safe strategy for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), to date, there has been no assessment of the effect of de-escalation on the development of resistance. Conversely, some authors suggest that prolonged antibiotic treatment may be a side effect of de-escalation, especially in high-risk categories such as neutropenic critically ill patients and intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). Moreover, microbiological documentation is crucial for increasing ADE rates in critically ill patients with infections, and efforts should be focused on exploring new diagnostic tools to accelerate pathogen identification. For these reasons, ADE can be safely used in patients with infections, as confirmed by high-quality and reliable microbiological samplings, although further studies are warranted to clarify its applicability in selected populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Resistance and Infection Control in ICU)
13 pages, 1387 KiB  
Article
The Recognition Pathway of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain to Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
by Can Peng, Xinyue Lv, Zhiqiang Zhang, Jianping Lin and Dongmei Li
Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1875; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081875 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has spread around the world. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is a critical component that directly interacts with host ACE2. Here, we simulate the ACE2 recognition processes of RBD of the WT, Delta, and [...] Read more.
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has spread around the world. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is a critical component that directly interacts with host ACE2. Here, we simulate the ACE2 recognition processes of RBD of the WT, Delta, and OmicronBA.2 variants using our recently developed supervised Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (Su-GaMD) approach. We show that RBD recognizes ACE2 through three contact regions (regions I, II, and III), which aligns well with the anchor–locker mechanism. The higher binding free energy in State d of the RBDOmicronBA.2-ACE2 system correlates well with the increased infectivity of OmicronBA.2 in comparison with other variants. For RBDDelta, the T478K mutation affects the first step of recognition, while the L452R mutation, through its nearby Y449, affects the RBDDelta-ACE2 binding in the last step of recognition. For RBDOmicronBA.2, the E484A mutation affects the first step of recognition, the Q493R, N501Y, and Y505H mutations affect the binding free energy in the last step of recognition, mutations in the contact regions affect the recognition directly, and other mutations indirectly affect recognition through dynamic correlations with the contact regions. These results provide theoretical insights for RBD-ACE2 recognition and may facilitate drug design against SARS-CoV-2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Biomacromolecules)
11 pages, 749 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Association between Protein Intake and Disability-Adjusted Life Year Rates for Alzheimer’s Disease in Japanese Aged over 60
by Kazuki Fujiwara, Takayuki Tanaka, Hisamine Kobayashi, Kenji Nagao and Kazuko Ishikawa-Takata
Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081221 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
With advancements in medical technology, the structure of disease is shifting from acute illnesses to chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Consequently, there is an escalating need for evaluations that discourse on the potential effects on healthy life years, as well as [...] Read more.
With advancements in medical technology, the structure of disease is shifting from acute illnesses to chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Consequently, there is an escalating need for evaluations that discourse on the potential effects on healthy life years, as well as disease onset. We aimed to evaluate the associations with AD disability-adjusted life year (AD-DALY) rates and protein intake by sex and age group. For the analysis, we used representative values for males and females in their 60s and aged over 70, extracted from the public dataset of the Global Burden of Disease Study and the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, covering the years 1990 to 2019. In order to evaluate the association between AD-DALY rates and protein intake, we analyzed correlations and stratified multiple regression models. Additionally, we simulated alterations in AD-DALY rates associated with changes in protein intake by utilizing stratified multiple regression models. AD-DALY rates and protein intake indicated significant negative correlations across all sex and age groups. In stratified multiple regression models, significant associations were found between higher protein intake and lower AD-DALY rates in females. In the simulation, when protein intake was increased to 1.5 g/kg/day, AD-DALY rates decreased by 5–9 percent compared with 2019. However, the association between intake of animal and plant protein and AD-DALY rates were found to vary based on sex and age group. The present study suggests the possibility to improve AD-DALY rates by increasing population average protein intake levels in a recommended range. Full article
36 pages, 2328 KiB  
Review
The Role of Alarmins in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Psoriasis
by Kajetan Kiełbowski, Wiktoria Stańska, Estera Bakinowska, Marcin Rusiński and Andrzej Pawlik
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(4), 3640-3675; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46040228 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Alarmins are immune-activating factors released after cellular injury or death. By secreting alarmins, cells can interact with immune cells and induce a variety of inflammatory responses. The broad family of alarmins involves several members, such as high-mobility group box 1, S100 proteins, interleukin-33, [...] Read more.
Alarmins are immune-activating factors released after cellular injury or death. By secreting alarmins, cells can interact with immune cells and induce a variety of inflammatory responses. The broad family of alarmins involves several members, such as high-mobility group box 1, S100 proteins, interleukin-33, and heat shock proteins, among others. Studies have found that the concentrations and expression profiles of alarmins are altered in immune-mediated diseases. Furthermore, they are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory conditions. The aim of this narrative review is to present the current evidence on the role of alarmins in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis. We discuss their potential involvement in mechanisms underlying the progression of these diseases and whether they could become therapeutic targets. Moreover, we summarize the impact of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of these diseases on the expression of alarmins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Osteoarthritis and Osteoarticular Diseases)
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19 pages, 4037 KiB  
Article
Blockchain-Enabled Utility Optimization for Supply Chain Finance: An Evolutionary Game and Smart Contract Based Approach
by Shenghua Wang, Mengjie Zhou and Sunan Xiang
Mathematics 2024, 12(8), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12081243 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
In recent years, blockchain technology has attracted substantial interest for its capability to transform supply chain management and finance. This paper employs evolutionary game theory to investigate the application of blockchain in mitigating financial risks within supply chains, taking into account the technology’s [...] Read more.
In recent years, blockchain technology has attracted substantial interest for its capability to transform supply chain management and finance. This paper employs evolutionary game theory to investigate the application of blockchain in mitigating financial risks within supply chains, taking into account the technology’s maturity and the risk preferences of financial institutions. By modeling interactions among financial institutions, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and core enterprises within the accounts receivable financing framework, this study evaluates blockchain’s impact on their decision-making and its efficacy in risk reduction. Our findings suggest the transformative potential of blockchain in mitigating financial risks, solving information asymmetry, and enhancing collaboration between financial entities and SMEs. Additionally, we integrate smart contracts into supply chain finance, proposing pragmatic procedures for their deployment in real-world contexts. Via a detailed examination of blockchain’s maturity and financial institutions’ risk preferences, this research demonstrates the primary determinants of strategic decisions in supply chain finance and underscores how blockchain technology fosters system stability using risk mitigation. Our innovative contribution lies in the design of smart contracts for the ARF process, rooted in blockchain’s core attributes of security, transparency, and immutability, thereby ensuring efficient operation and cost reduction in supply chain finance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Simulation Analysis of Blockchain System)
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11 pages, 431 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Lateral Ventricular Opening in the Resection of Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Gliomas: A Single Center Experience
by Fabio Cofano, Andrea Bianconi, Raffaele De Marco, Elena Consoli, Pietro Zeppa, Francesco Bruno, Alessia Pellerino, Flavio Panico, Luca Francesco Salvati, Francesca Rizzo, Alberto Morello, Roberta Rudà, Giovanni Morana, Antonio Melcarne and Diego Garbossa
Cancers 2024, 16(8), 1574; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081574 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Given the importance of maximizing resection for prognosis in patients with HGG and the potential risks associated with ventricle opening, this study aimed to assess the actual increase in post-surgical complications related to lateral ventricle opening and its influence on OS and PFS. [...] Read more.
Given the importance of maximizing resection for prognosis in patients with HGG and the potential risks associated with ventricle opening, this study aimed to assess the actual increase in post-surgical complications related to lateral ventricle opening and its influence on OS and PFS. A retrospective study was conducted on newly diagnosed HGG, dividing the patients into two groups according to whether the lateral ventricle was opened (69 patients) or not opened (311 patients). PFS, OS, subependymal dissemination, distant parenchymal recurrences, the development of hydrocephalus and CSF leak were considered outcome measures. A cohort of 380 patients (154 females (40.5%) and 226 males (59.5%)) was involved in the study (median age 61 years). The PFS averaged 10.9 months (±13.3 SD), and OS averaged 16.6 months (± 16.3 SD). Among complications, subependymal dissemination was registered in 15 cases (3.9%), multifocal and multicentric progression in 56 cases (14.7%), leptomeningeal dissemination in 12 (3.2%) and hydrocephalus in 8 (2.1%). These occurrences could not be clearly justified by ventricular opening. The act of opening the lateral ventricles itself does not carry an elevated risk of dissemination, hydrocephalus or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Therefore, if necessary, it should be pursued to achieve radical removal of the disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Methods and Technologies Development)
36 pages, 1803 KiB  
Article
An Overview on the Advancements of Support Vector Machine Models in Healthcare Applications: A Review
by Rosita Guido, Stefania Ferrisi, Danilo Lofaro and Domenico Conforti
Information 2024, 15(4), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15040235 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Support vector machines (SVMs) are well-known machine learning algorithms for classification and regression applications. In the healthcare domain, they have been used for a variety of tasks including diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of disease outcomes. This review is an extensive survey on the [...] Read more.
Support vector machines (SVMs) are well-known machine learning algorithms for classification and regression applications. In the healthcare domain, they have been used for a variety of tasks including diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of disease outcomes. This review is an extensive survey on the current state-of-the-art of SVMs developed and applied in the medical field over the years. Many variants of SVM-based approaches have been developed to enhance their generalisation capabilities. We illustrate the most interesting SVM-based models that have been developed and applied in healthcare to improve performance metrics on benchmark datasets, including hybrid classification methods that combine, for instance, optimization algorithms with SVMs. We even report interesting results found in medical applications related to real-world data. Several issues around SVMs, such as selection of hyperparameters and learning from data of questionable quality, are discussed as well. The several variants developed and introduced over the years could be useful in designing new methods to improve performance in critical fields such as healthcare, where accuracy, specificity, and other metrics are crucial. Finally, current research trends and future directions are underlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning in Italy)
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21 pages, 2624 KiB  
Article
Determination of Self-Neutralization Phenomena of Ion Beams with Langmuir Probe Measurements and PIC-DSMC Simulations
by Ruslan Kozakov, Maximilian Maigler, Jochen Schein and Neil Wallace
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3470; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083470 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Small mN-class gridded ion thrusters are usually tested in a vacuum chamber without the use of a neutralizer, relying on self-neutralization of the ion beam due to interaction with facility walls. Langmuir probe measurements performed immediately downstream of such a thruster [...] Read more.
Small mN-class gridded ion thrusters are usually tested in a vacuum chamber without the use of a neutralizer, relying on self-neutralization of the ion beam due to interaction with facility walls. Langmuir probe measurements performed immediately downstream of such a thruster reveal values of the plasma potential of several hundreds of volts. If this locally very high potential indeed exists, it would have significant impact on the erosion rate of RIT grids and thus reduce the lifetime of thrusters compared to the generally accepted plasma potential of a few tens of volts. Further measurements performed with a movable Langmuir and emissive probes indicate that the probe mount violates the ability of the ion beam to self-neutralize. This is concluded due to dependence of the measured potential value on the degree of neutralization introduced in the experiment. Particle-in-cell and direct-simulation Monte Carlo simulations of the ion beam corresponding to experimental conditions (ion energy EXe+=1.5 keV and ion beam current IXe+=17 mA) are carried out to determine the phenomena responsible for the self-neutralization; mainly, reactions with neutral species such as ionization by electron or ion impact and secondary electron emission (SEE) from the facility walls are compared. Reasonable agreement with measurements is achieved, and SEE is determined to be the primary source of electrons, indicating that facility and measurement disturbance effects majorly influence testing of (non-neutralized) ion beams. Further, limitations of the applicability of probe diagnostics on non-neutralized ion beams are described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aerospace Science and Engineering)
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11 pages, 4627 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Glioblastoma Cell Culture Platforms Based on Transcriptional Similarity with Paired Tissue
by Junseong Park, Ilkyoo Koh, Junghwa Cha, Yoojung Oh, Jin-Kyoung Shim, Hyejin Kim, Ju Hyung Moon, Eui Hyun Kim, Jong Hee Chang, Pilnam Kim and Seok-Gu Kang
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(4), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17040529 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
No standardized in vitro cell culture models for glioblastoma (GBM) have yet been established, excluding the traditional two-dimensional culture. GBM tumorspheres (TSs) have been highlighted as a good model platform for testing drug effects and characterizing specific features of GBM, but a detailed [...] Read more.
No standardized in vitro cell culture models for glioblastoma (GBM) have yet been established, excluding the traditional two-dimensional culture. GBM tumorspheres (TSs) have been highlighted as a good model platform for testing drug effects and characterizing specific features of GBM, but a detailed evaluation of their suitability and comparative performance is lacking. Here, we isolated GBM TSs and extracellular matrices (ECM) from tissues obtained from newly diagnosed IDH1 wild-type GBM patients and cultured GBM TSs on five different culture platforms: (1) ordinary TS culture liquid media (LM), (2) collagen-based three-dimensional (3D) matrix, (3) patient typical ECM-based 3D matrix, (4) patient tumor ECM-based 3D matrix, and (5) mouse brain. For evaluation, we obtained transcriptome data from all cultured GBM TSs using microarrays. The LM platform exhibited the most similar transcriptional program to paired tissues based on GBM genes, stemness- and invasiveness-related genes, transcription factor activity, and canonical signaling pathways. GBM TSs can be cultured via an easy-to-handle and cost- and time-efficient LM platform while preserving the transcriptional program of the originating tissues without supplementing the ECM or embedding it into the mouse brain. In addition to applications in basic cancer research, GBM TSs cultured in LM may also serve as patient avatars in drug screening and pre-clinical evaluation of targeted therapy and as standardized and clinically relevant models for precision medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2D and 3D Culture Systems: Current Trends and Biomedical Applications)
11 pages, 384 KiB  
Article
Impact of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms on Severe Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation: An Observational Study
by Giovanna Barbara Castellani, Elisa Maietti, Valentina Colombo, Stefano Clemente, Ivo Cassani and Paola Rucci
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040830 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIa) and antimicrobial resistance are expected to be the next threat to human health and are most frequent in people with severe acquired brain injury (SABI), who can be more easily colonized by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). The study’s aim is to [...] Read more.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIa) and antimicrobial resistance are expected to be the next threat to human health and are most frequent in people with severe acquired brain injury (SABI), who can be more easily colonized by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). The study’s aim is to investigate the impact of MDRO colonizations and infections on SABI rehabilitation outcomes. This retrospective observational study was performed in a tertiary referral specialized rehabilitation hospital. The main outcomes were the presence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) colonization, type and timing of HAI and MDRO HAI, and the number of CPE transmissions. We included 48 patients, 31% carrying CPE on admission and 33% colonized during the hospitalization. A total of 101 HAI were identified in 40 patients, with an overall incidence of 10.5/1000 patient days. Some 37% of patients had at least one MDRO infection, with a MDRO infection incidence of 2.8/1000 patient days. The number of HAIs was significantly correlated with the length of stay (LOS) (r = 0.453, p = 0.001). A significant correlation was found between colonization and type of hospital room (p = 0.013). Complications and HAI significantly affected LOS. We suggest that CPE carriers might be at risk of HAI and worse outcomes compared with non-CPE carriers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance: Challenges and Innovative Solutions)
11 pages, 1376 KiB  
Article
The Expression and Function of Notch Involved in Ovarian Development and Fecundity in Basilepta melanopus
by Yifei Xie, Yifan Tan, Xuanye Wen, Wan Deng, Jinxiu Yu, Mi Li, Fanhui Meng, Xiudan Wang and Daohong Zhu
Insects 2024, 15(4), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040292 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Basilepta melanopus is a pest that severely affects oil tea plants, and the Notch signaling pathway plays a significant role in the early development of insect ovaries. In this study, we explored the function of the notch gene within the Notch signaling pathway [...] Read more.
Basilepta melanopus is a pest that severely affects oil tea plants, and the Notch signaling pathway plays a significant role in the early development of insect ovaries. In this study, we explored the function of the notch gene within the Notch signaling pathway in the reproductive system of B. melanopus. The functional domains and expression patterns of Bmnotch were analyzed. Bmnotch contains 45 epidermal growth factor-like (EGF-like) domains, one negative regulatory region, one NODP domain and one repeat-containing domain superfamily. The qPCR reveals heightened expression in early developmental stages and specific tissues like the head and ovaries. The RNA interference (RNAi)-based suppression of notch decreased its expression by 52.1%, exhibiting heightened sensitivity to dsNotch at lower concentrations. Phenotypic and mating experiments have demonstrated that dsNotch significantly impairs ovarian development, leading to reduced mating frequencies and egg production. This decline underscores the Notch pathway’s crucial role in fecundity. The findings advocate for RNAi-based, Notch-targeted pest control as an effective and sustainable strategy for managing B. melanopus populations, signifying a significant advancement in forest pest control endeavors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)
27 pages, 13767 KiB  
Article
Cross-Domain Text Mining of Pathophysiological Processes Associated with Diabetic Kidney Disease
by Krutika Patidar, Jennifer H. Deng, Cassie S. Mitchell and Ashlee N. Ford Versypt
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4503; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084503 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. This study’s goal was to identify the signaling drivers and pathways that modulate glomerular endothelial dysfunction in DKD via artificial intelligence-enabled literature-based discovery. Cross-domain text mining of 33+ million PubMed [...] Read more.
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. This study’s goal was to identify the signaling drivers and pathways that modulate glomerular endothelial dysfunction in DKD via artificial intelligence-enabled literature-based discovery. Cross-domain text mining of 33+ million PubMed articles was performed with SemNet 2.0 to identify and rank multi-scalar and multi-factorial pathophysiological concepts related to DKD. A set of identified relevant genes and proteins that regulate different pathological events associated with DKD were analyzed and ranked using normalized mean HeteSim scores. High-ranking genes and proteins intersected three domains—DKD, the immune response, and glomerular endothelial cells. The top 10% of ranked concepts were mapped to the following biological functions: angiogenesis, apoptotic processes, cell adhesion, chemotaxis, growth factor signaling, vascular permeability, the nitric oxide response, oxidative stress, the cytokine response, macrophage signaling, NFκB factor activity, the TLR pathway, glucose metabolism, the inflammatory response, the ERK/MAPK signaling response, the JAK/STAT pathway, the T-cell-mediated response, the WNT/β-catenin pathway, the renin–angiotensin system, and NADPH oxidase activity. High-ranking genes and proteins were used to generate a protein–protein interaction network. The study results prioritized interactions or molecules involved in dysregulated signaling in DKD, which can be further assessed through biochemical network models or experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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10 pages, 684 KiB  
Article
Using qPCR to Identify Potential Effects of Thermal Conditions during Embryogenesis on Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Juvenile Brown Trout Salmo trutta
by Ann Erlandsson, Giedrė Ašmonaitė, Bror Jonsson and Larry Greenberg
Fishes 2024, 9(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9040142 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Changes in the number, structure, and function of mitochondria during the early life stages of animals can play an important role for an organism’s metabolic rate, growth, and health. Previous studies have shown that juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) subjected to [...] Read more.
Changes in the number, structure, and function of mitochondria during the early life stages of animals can play an important role for an organism’s metabolic rate, growth, and health. Previous studies have shown that juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) subjected to elevated temperatures during the embryonic stage respond phenotypically with a reduced metabolic rate. The aim of this study was to explore if embryonic temperature affects the mitochondria content of young brown trout and as such explains the previously found differences in metabolic rates. Here, we optimize a quantitative PCR (qPCR) method for the mitochondria cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, and then use the method as a proxy for mitochondrial DNA content. We hypothesize that young trout subjected to elevated temperatures during the embryonic stage respond phenotypically with a reduced mitochondrial DNA content. To test this hypothesis, we subjected brown trout to either control ambient (4.4 ± 1.5 °C) or elevated temperatures (7.1 ± 0.6 °C) during embryogenesis. Subsequently, we extracted DNA from liver and white muscle tissue of juvenile brown trout from the two different incubation temperature treatments and successively optimized qPCR for mitochondrial DNA. We found that the amount of mitochondria DNA in liver tissue was 18 times higher than in white muscle tissue, but there was no significant difference in mitochondria content in liver or muscle tissue between brown trout exposed to elevated and ambient control temperatures during embryogenesis. We conclude that reduced metabolic rate is not likely associated with mitochondria DNA content. We also suggest that qPCR is a simple and cost-effective method to quantify mitochondria DNA in frozen and partly degraded tissue from different treatment groups and a useful proxy for identification of differences in mitochondria number. Full article
19 pages, 3494 KiB  
Article
Diabetic Rats Induced Using a High-Fat Diet and Low-Dose Streptozotocin Treatment Exhibit Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Osteoporotic Bone Pathologies
by Kuo-Chin Huang, Po-Yao Chuang, Tien-Yu Yang, Yao-Hung Tsai, Yen-Yao Li and Shun-Fu Chang
Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081220 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presents a challenge for individuals today, affecting their health and life quality. Besides its known complications, T2DM has been found to contribute to bone/mineral abnormalities, thereby increasing the vulnerability to bone fragility/fractures. However, there is still a need [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) presents a challenge for individuals today, affecting their health and life quality. Besides its known complications, T2DM has been found to contribute to bone/mineral abnormalities, thereby increasing the vulnerability to bone fragility/fractures. However, there is still a need for appropriate diagnostic approaches and targeted medications to address T2DM-associated bone diseases. This study aims to investigate the relationship between changes in gut microbiota, T2DM, and osteoporosis. To explore this, a T2DM rat model was induced by combining a high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin treatment. Our findings reveal that T2DM rats have lower bone mass and reduced levels of bone turnover markers compared to control rats. We also observe significant alterations in gut microbiota in T2DM rats, characterized by a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes (F) and Proteobacteria (P), but a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (B) at the phylum level. Further analysis indicates a correlation between the F/B ratio and bone turnover levels, as well as between the B/P ratio and HbA1c levels. Additionally, at the genus level, we observe an inverse correlation in the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae. These findings show promise for the development of new strategies to diagnose and treat T2DM-associated bone diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Diabetes)
12 pages, 2329 KiB  
Article
Study on Suburban Land Use Optimization from the Perspective of Flood Mitigation—A Case Study of Pujiang Country Park in Shanghai
by Hui Xu, Junlong Gao, Xinchun Yu, Chunyang Wang, Yi Liu, Jiahong Wen and Qianqian Qin
Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3436; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083436 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The integration of nature-based solutions into land use optimization has become a central focus of current research, primarily due to its effectiveness in mitigating flooding impacts and promoting sustainable development in both urban and rural areas. Taking Shanghai’s Pujiang Country Park as a [...] Read more.
The integration of nature-based solutions into land use optimization has become a central focus of current research, primarily due to its effectiveness in mitigating flooding impacts and promoting sustainable development in both urban and rural areas. Taking Shanghai’s Pujiang Country Park as a case study, this paper conducts a simulation analysis to assess the flood mitigation effectiveness of three distinct land use patterns (Natural scenario, Scenario N; Complete urbanization scenario, Scenario U; Country Park Planning scenario, Scenario P) under five stormwater scenarios with return periods of 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 years. The findings reveal that Scenario P exhibits superior flood mitigation performance, particularly under stormwater scenarios with a return period of less than 50 years. Building upon these results, the paper proposes recommendations for optimizing land use to mitigate the impact of flooding. This study is crucial for understanding the mechanisms involved in urban stormwater logging mitigation through land use methods and holds significance for decision-making in land use and planning at the micro level. Full article
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