Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and are therefore monitored worldwide in the hope to reduce the burden of disease by annual updates to vaccine recommendations. We conducted genomic sequencing of 110 influenza A and 30 influenza B viruses from specimens collected between October 2023 and February 2024 in Arizona, USA. We identified mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) antigenic sites as well as the neuraminidase (NA) gene in our samples. We also found no unique HA and NA mutations in vaccinated yet influenza-infected individuals. Real-time genomic sequencing surveillance is important to ensure influenza vaccine effectiveness. Full article

Background: Vitamin D and protein deficiencies are common conditions in the general population. In Orthopaedic surgery, they can result in wound complications or poor bone healing. The goal of this study was, therefore, to determine the prevalence of vitamin D and albumin deficiencies in patients scheduled for elective Orthopaedic procedures. Methods: We performed an observational, noninterventional study using the demographic characteristics via means chart analysis of in-patients with an elective surgery in a single Swiss Orthopaedic centre. The following variables were collected and analysed: age, gender, BMI, ASA score, rate of vitamin D supplementation before surgery, and serum preoperative levels of vitamin D, albumin, Haemoglobin, calcium, and phosphate. Results: A total of 336 patients were analysed; there were 218 women (64.9%) and 118 men (35.1%). The average age was 59.4 years (17–89 years). The average BMI was 26.8 kg/m² (17.8–37.6) and the average ASA score was II (I–III). The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 82.1%, being more common in the male (89.8%) than female patients (77.9%). Patients who received vitamin D supplements before surgery had an average vitamin D level in the normal range. Of the subgroup of 170 patients who were over 60 years of age, 78.8% of the patients were Vitamin D deficient, with deficiency once again being more common in men (93.3%) than in women (92%). Albumin deficiency was documented in 58.9% of the cases. A total of 62.8% of all the female patients were albumin deficient, and 51.7% of all male patients were. Of the subgroup of 170 patients who were over 60 years of age, 71.8% of the patients were albumin deficient, with the deficiency being practically identical in men (71.1%) and women (72%). Conclusions: Despite increased awareness in the medical community, vitamin D and albumin deficiencies remain highly prevalent in elective Orthopaedic patients. Pre/perioperative screening and addressing possible vitamin D and albumin deficiencies are of great importance for good outcomes in Orthopaedic surgery. Full article

Metformin, a widely used anti-diabetic drug, has garnered attention for its potential in cancer management, particularly in breast and colorectal cancer. It is established that metformin reduces mitochondrial respiration, but its specific molecular targets within mitochondria vary. Proposed mechanisms include inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I and/or Complex IV, and mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, among others. These actions lead to cellular energy deficits, redox state changes, and several molecular changes that reduce hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Clinical evidence supports metformin’s role in cancer prevention in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Moreover, in these patients with breast and colorectal cancer, metformin consumption leads to an improvement in survival outcomes and prognosis. The synergistic effects of metformin with chemotherapy and immunotherapy highlights its potential as an adjunctive therapy for breast and colorectal cancer. However, nuanced findings underscore the need for further research and stratification by molecular subtype, particularly for breast cancer. This comprehensive review integrates metformin-related findings from epidemiological, clinical, and preclinical studies in breast and colorectal cancer. Here, we discuss current research addressed to define metformin’s bioavailability and efficacy, exploring novel metformin-based compounds and drug delivery systems, including derivatives targeting mitochondria, combination therapies, and novel nanoformulations, showing enhanced anticancer effects. Full article

Obesity, a multifactorial disorder, has been associated with alterations in metal metabolismand epigenetic modifications. This pilot case–control study aimed to investigate serum cobalt concentrations and associated DNA methylation patterns in women with obesity. Serum cobalt levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), revealing significantly higher cobalt concentrations in participants with normal weight than in participants with obesity. Additionally, DNA methylation analysis identified differentially methylated positions (DMPs) associated with cobalt exposure, and DMPs between groups highlighted hypomethylation in the top DMPs in individuals with obesity. Functional enrichment analysis of these DMPs unveiled potential pathways implicated in apoptosis, cancer, and metabolic signaling, warranting further investigation into the mechanistic links. This study provides preliminary insights into the interplay between cobalt exposure, DNA methylation, and potential implications for obesity management. Full article

In this study, we designed a wideband CMOS power amplifier to support multi-band and multi-standard wireless communications. First, an input matching technique through LC network and a wideband design technique using a low Q-factor transformer were proposed. In addition, a design technique was proposed to improve output matching using RC feedback. To verify the feasibility of the proposed design methodology for wideband CMOS power amplifiers, the designed power amplifier was fabricated using a 180 nm RFCMOS process. The size including all of the matching network and test pads was 1.38 × 0.90 mm². In addition, the effectiveness of the proposed power amplifier was verified through the measured results using modulated signals of WCDMA, LTE, and 802.11n WLAN. Full article

The rising demand for novel and alternative protein (AP) sources has transformed both the marketplace and the food industry. This solid trend is driven by social awareness about environmental sustainability, fair food production practices, affordability, and pursuit of high-quality nutritional sources. This short review provides an overview of key aspects of promising AP sources (plants, algae, insects, fungi and cultured protein) as well as the economic potential, prospects, and operational challenges of this market. The low environmental performance of livestock production, associated with high GHG emissions and land use, can be overcome by less resource-intensive AP production. However, despite the forecasted expansion and improved economic viability, key challenges such as regulatory concerns, consumer acceptance and product functionality still need to be addressed. While the consumption and production of plant-based products are relatively well established, research and development efforts are needed to remediate the main commercialization and manufacturing issues of unprecedented protein sources such as cultured protein and the emerging edible insects sector. Full article

Berberis vulgaris L. (Berberidaceae) is a shrub that has been widely used in European folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the mechanisms of the chemopreventive action of the plant’s methanolic root extract (BVR) against colon cancer cells. Studies were conducted in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (LS180 and HT-29) and control colon epithelial CCD841 CoN cells. According to the MTT assay, after 48 h of cell exposure, the IC₅₀ values were as follows: 4.3, 46.1, and 50.2 µg/mL for the LS180, HT-29, and CCD841 CoN cells, respectively, showing the greater sensitivity of the cancer cells to BVR. The Cell Death Detection ELISAPLUS kit demonstrated that BVR induced programmed cell death only against HT-29 cells. Nuclear double staining revealed the great proapoptotic BVR properties in HT-29 cells and subtle effect in LS180 cells. RT-qPCR with the relative quantification method showed significant changes in the expression of genes related to apoptosis in both the LS180 and HT-29 cells. The genes BCL2L1 (126.86–421.43%), BCL2L2 (240–286.02%), CASP3 (177.19–247.83%), and CASP9 (157.99–243.75%) had a significantly elevated expression, while BCL2 (25–52.03%) had a reduced expression compared to the untreated control. Furthermore, in a panel of antioxidant tests, BVR showed positive effects (63.93 ± 0.01, 122.92 ± 0.01, and 220.29 ± 0.02 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g in the DPPH•, ABTS•+, and ORAC assays, respectively). In the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition test, BVR revealed 62.60 ± 0.87% of enzyme inhibition. The chemical composition of BVR was determined using a UHPLC-UV-CAD-MS/MS analysis and confirmed the presence of several known alkaloids, including berberine, as well as other alkaloids and two derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid (ferulic and sinapic acid hexosides). The results are very promising and encourage the use of BVR as a comprehensive chemopreventive agent (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-apoptotic) in colorectal cancer, and were widely discussed alongside data from the literature. Full article

Nanocelluloses have gained significant attention in recent years due to their singular properties (good biocompatibility, high optical transparency and mechanical strength, large specific surface area, and good film-forming ability) and wide-ranging applications (paper, food packaging, textiles, electronics, and biomedical). This article is a comprehensive review of the applications of nanocelluloses (cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, and bacterial nanocellulose) in the conservation and restoration of historical paper documents, including their preparation methods and main properties. The novelty lies in the information collected about nanocelluloses as renewable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable materials in the field of cultural heritage preservation as an alternative to conventional methods. Several studies have demonstrated that nanocelluloses, with or without other particles, may impart to the paper documents excellent optical and mechanical properties, very good stability against temperature and humidity aging, higher antibacterial and antifungal activity, high protection from UV light, and may be applied without requiring additional adhesive. Full article

Reptiles are known to be asymptomatic carriers of various zoonotic pathogens. A number of Gram-negative opportunistic commensals are causative agents of bacterial infections in immunocompromised or stressed hosts and are disseminated by reptiles, whose epidemiological role should not be neglected. Since most studies have focused on exotic species, in captivity or as pet animals, the role of wild populations as a potential source of pathogens still remains understudied. In the present study, we isolated a variety of Gram-negative bacteria from the cloacal microbiota of free-living lizard and tortoise hosts (Reptilia: Sauria and Testudines) from the Bulgarian herpetofauna. We evaluated their pathogenic potential according to their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, biofilm-forming capacity, and extracellular production of some enzymes considered to play roles as virulence factors. To our knowledge, the phenotypic manifestation of virulence factors/enzymatic activity and biofilm formation in wild reptile microbiota has not yet been widely investigated. All isolates were found to be capable of forming biofilms to some extent and 29.6% of them could be categorized as strong producers. Two strains proved to be excellent producers. The majority of the isolated strains showed extracellular production of at least one exoenzyme. The most pronounced pathogenicity could be attributed to the newly isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain due to its multiresistance, excellent biofilm formation, and expression of exoenzymes. Full article

Micropollutants belong to various groups of chemicals. One of the most diverse and large group of them are pharmaceuticals. The presence of pharmaceutical residues in wastewater poses a significant challenge to water quality and environmental health. This paper provides an overview of recent advancements in the removal of pharmaceuticals from water, focusing on various treatment processes and their effectiveness in eliminating micropollutants. Through a review of the literature, including studies on ozonation, UV irradiation, sulfate radical-based technologies, and photocatalytic processes, insights into degradation mechanisms and optimal conditions for their removal are synthesized. Additionally, with new legislation mandating the monitoring of selected micropollutants and the implementation of quaternary treatment in wastewater treatment plants, the paper discusses prospects for future research and recommendations for effective pharmaceutical removal. Key actions include conducting comprehensive laboratory and pilot trials, implementing quaternary treatment of wastewater, continuously monitoring water quality, investing in research and development, and promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. By embracing these strategies, we can work towards safeguarding water resources and protecting public health from the adverse effects of pharmaceutical contamination. Full article

Forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and provide numerous benefits. The monitoring and managing of large-scale forest plantations can be challenging and expensive. In recent years, advancements in remote sensing technologies, such as lightweight drones and object-oriented image analysis, have opened up new possibilities for efficient and accurate forest plantation monitoring. This study aimed to explore the utility of lightweight drones as a cost-effective and accurate method for mapping plantation characteristics in two 50 ha forest plots in the Nayla Range, Jaipur. By combining aerial photographs collected by the drone with photogrammetry and limited ground survey data, as well as topography and edaphic variables, this study examined the relative contribution of drone-derived plantation canopy information. The results demonstrate the immense potential of lightweight drones and object-oriented image analysis in providing valuable insights for optimizing silvicultural operations and planting trees in complex forest environments. Full article

The aim of this study was to present the demographic and clinical characteristics of sports-related pure (rim-sparing) orbital blowout fractures and to analyze these differences by type of sport. Ten years of sports-related orbital fracture data were accumulated. Patients were classified into similar sports (i.e., soccer and futsal) wherein orbital blowout fractures were obtained, producing 14 groups. This study included 377 sides from 374 patients. The majority of patients were male (83.4%), and the mean population age was 20.9 ± 10.8 years. The most common sports causing injuries were baseball/softball, rugby/football, and martial arts. Single-wall fractures were found in 78.8% of patients, but baseball/softball had a higher frequency of multiple-wall fractures (p = 0.035). Concomitant ocular and periocular injuries occurred in 18.6% of patients, which were frequently caused by baseball/softball (p < 0.001). The field of binocular single vision (BSV) included primary gaze in 84.2% of patients. Surgical management was conducted in 52.1% of patients. This study showed that baseball and softball had the highest rate of multi-wall fractures and concomitant ocular and periocular injuries. The field of BSV measured during the first examination was acceptable in most cases. Full article

In practical applications, rapid prediction and optimization of heat transfer performance are essential for premixed methane impinging flame jets (PMIFJs). This study uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combined with a methane detailed chemical reaction mechanism (GRI–Mech 3.0) to study the equivalence ratio (), Reynolds number () of the mixture, and the normalized nozzle–to–plate distance () on the heat transfer performance of PMIFJs. Moreover, the Kriging model (KM) was used to construct a prediction model of PMIFJ heat transfer performance. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to determine the maximum likelihood function (MLE) of the model parameters for constructing KM and identify the points with the maximum root mean square error (RMSE) as the new infilled points for surrogate–based optimization (SBO). Combining these methods to analyze the simulation results, the results show that the global heat transfer performance of PMIFJs is enhanced with the increase in , the increase in , and the decrease in . Sensitivity analysis points out that and significantly affect enhanced heat transfer, while has a relatively small effect. In addition, GA was also used to search for the optimal heat transfer performance, and the global heat transfer performance at specific conditions was significantly enhanced. This study deepens the understanding of the heat transfer mechanism of impinging flame jets and provides an efficient method framework for practical applications. Full article

The estimation of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) is crucial for irrigation water management, especially in arid regions. This can be particularly relevant in the Po Valley (Italy), where arable lands suffer from drought damages on an annual basis, causing drastic crop yield losses. This study presents a novel approach for vegetation-based estimation of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for maize. Three years of high-resolution multispectral satellite (Sentinel-2)-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Normalized Difference Red Edge Index (NDRE), and Leaf Area Index (LAI) time series data were used to derive crop coefficients of maize in nine plots at the Acqua Campus experimental farm of Irrigation Consortium for the Emilia Romagna Canal (CER), Italy. Since certain vegetation indices (VIs) (such as NDVI) have an exponential nature compared to the other indices, both linear and power regression models were evaluated to estimate the crop coefficient (K_c). In the context of linear regression, the correlations between Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-based K_c and NDWI, NDRE, NDVI, and LAI-based K_c were 0.833, 0.870, 0.886, and 0.771, respectively. Strong correlation values in the case of power regression (NDWI: 0.876, NDRE: 0.872, NDVI: 0.888, LAI: 0.746) indicated an alternative approach to provide crop coefficients for the vegetation period. The VI-based ETc values were calculated using reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) and VI-based K_c. The weather station data of CER were used to calculate ET₀ based on Penman-Monteith estimation. Out of the Vis, NDWI and NDVI-based ETc performed the best both in the cases of linear (NDWI RMSE: 0.43 ± 0.12; NDVI RMSE: 0.43 ± 0.095) and power (NDWI RMSE: 0.44 ± 0.116; NDVI RMSE: 0.44 ± 0.103) approaches. The findings affirm the efficacy of the developed methodology in accurately assessing the evapotranspiration rate. Consequently, it offers a more refined temporal estimation of water requirements for maize cultivation in the region. Full article

Intelligent underwater vehicles hover by way of a hovering control system. To provide design inputs and maneuver guidance, this study focused on the characteristics of intelligent underwater vehicles during hovering control with the propulsion system shut down, established a mathematical model of hovering control and determined injection and drainage functions based on optimal control theory. From analysis simulation experiments, the influence laws of control parameters, control timing and rate of injection and drainage control upon hovering control were deduced. It is proposed that, at the time of control parameter selection, the continuous injection and drainage rate at each time should be reduced as far as possible to relieve the demand on the volume of the reservoir when the requirement of depth control accuracy has been satisfied. In addition, the injection and drainage control should initiate when depth changes exceed 0.5 m. Suggestions are included on the minimum injection and drainage rate required for different initial disturbances. The proposed suggestions guide the design of hovering control systems and hovering control over intelligent underwater vehicles. Full article

In this study, a neural network and a multi-objective genetic algorithm were used to optimize the geometric parameters of segmented thermoelectric generators (TEGs) with trapezoidal legs, including the cold end width of thermoelectric (TE) legs (W_c), the ratios of cold-segmented length to the total lengths of the n- and p-legs (S_n,c and S_p,c), and the width ratios of the TE legs between the hot end and the cold end of the n- and p-legs (K_n and K_p). First, a neural network with high prediction accuracy was trained based on 5000 sets of parameters and the corresponding output power values of the TEGs obtained from finite element simulations. Then, based on the trained neural network, the multi-objective genetic algorithm was applied to optimize the geometric parameters of the segmented TEGs with the objectives of maximizing the output power (P) and minimizing the semiconductor volume (V). The optimal geometric parameters for different semiconductor volumes were obtained, and their variations were analyzed. The results indicated that the optimal S_n,c, S_p,c, K_n, and K_p remained almost unchanged when V increased from 52.8 to 216.2 mm3 for different semiconductor volumes. This work provides practical guidance for the design of segmented TEGs with trapezoidal legs. Full article

Avocado production has boomed worldwide in recent years, and Spain, including the Canary Islands, has been no exception. The number of avocado growers in the region has increased significantly as growers recognize the potential of this crop. However, several species of spider mites (Tetranychidae) pose a risk to this crop, with the genus Oligonychus being the most diverse and having the greatest economic impact. In particular, Oligonychus perseae (Tuttle, Baker and Abbatiello) has been reported as the one mainly responsible for the economic damage in major avocado-producing regions worldwide. In this paper, we aim to present an overview of the studies conducted and the measures implemented to mitigate the impact of O. perseae after its arrival in the Canary Islands. Our objective is to provide a detailed description of the current status of this pest (O. perseae), with special attention to its situation 17 years after its first appearance in avocado crops in the Canary Islands. In doing so, we aim to provide valuable insights and knowledge to understand and manage better the challenges posed by O. perseae in this region. Full article

(1) Background: Fortifying maize and wheat flours with folic acid has effectively reduced neural tube defect-affected births. However, maize and wheat flours may not be widely consumed in all countries; further reduction in neural tube defect-affected births could benefit from the identification of alternative food vehicles. We aimed to use dietary intake or apparent consumption data to determine alternative food vehicles for large-scale fortification with folic acid in low-income and lower-middle-income countries (LILMICs) and identify current research related to examining the technological feasibility of fortifying alternative foods with folic acid. (2) Methods: We identified 81 LILMICs, defined by the World Bank’s (WB) 2018 income classifications. To identify dietary intake or apparent consumption, we reviewed WB’s Microdata Library and Global Health Data Exchange for national surveys from 1997–2018. We reviewed survey reports for dietary intake or apparent consumption data and analyzed survey datasets for population coverage of foods. We defined alternative food vehicles as those that may cover/be consumed by >30% of the population or households; cereal grains (maize and wheat flours and rice) were included as an alternative food vehicle if a country did not have existing mandatory fortification legislation. To identify current research on fortification with folic acid in foods other than cereal grains, we conducted a systematic review of published literature and unpublished theses, and screened for foods or food products. (3) Results: We extracted or analyzed data from 18 national surveys and countries. The alternative foods most represented in the surveys were oil (n = 16), sugar (n = 16), and salt (n = 14). The coverage of oil ranged from 33.2 to 95.7%, sugar from 32.2 to 98.4%, and salt from 49.8 to 99.9%. We found 34 eligible studies describing research on alternative foods. The most studied alternative foods for fortification with folic acid were dairy products (n = 10), salt (n = 6), and various fruit juices (n = 5). (4) Conclusions: Because of their high coverage, oil, sugar, and salt emerge as potential alternative foods for large-scale fortification with folic acid. However, except for salt, there are limited or no studies examining the technological feasibility of fortifying these foods with folic acid. Full article

In recent years, extensive research has been dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability in heating and cooling systems. Among the promising solutions, phase change materials (PCM) technology stands out as a key area of exploration. This study focuses on improving the thermal performance of PCM–water hybrid tanks by investigating methods to enhance thermal conductivity and heat transfer. Through experimental testing using techniques such as copper matrices, steel twisted matrices, and copper spirals, this study demonstrates significant improvements in thermal conductivity, particularly with the use of copper matrices. The integration of a copper matrix placed in the PCM reservoir increased the heat transfer coefficient and thermal conductivity of the PCM, and thus, the total phase transformation time for solidification was reduced by 79.19% and for melting by 54.7%. Our experimental results demonstrate that the integration of a copper matrix can increase latent heat transfer from 55,677.6 J up to 125,274.6 J, marking a 125% enhancement over the experiment with pure PCM. Additionally, comparisons of the energy storage potentials for different PCMs underscore the benefits of integrating PCMs into hybrid storage tanks. These findings highlight the immense potential of PCM technology to increase energy storage efficiency in heating and cooling applications. Full article

This study aimed to demonstrate the potential role of dual-energy CT in assessing bone mineral density (BMD) using hydroxyapatite–fat material pairing in postmenopausal women. A retrospective study was conducted on 51 postmenopausal female patients who underwent DXA and DECT examinations for other clinical reasons. DECT images were acquired with spectral imaging using a 256-slice system. These images were processed and visualized using a HAP–fat material pair. Statistical analysis was performed using the Bland–Altman method to assess the agreement between DXA and DECT HAP–fat measurements. Mean BMD, vertebral, and femoral T-scores were obtained. For vertebral analysis, the Bland–Altman plot showed an inverse correlation (R²: −0.042; RMSE: 0.690) between T-scores and DECT HAP–fat values for measurements from L1 to L4, while a good linear correlation (R²: 0.341; RMSE: 0.589) was found for measurements at the femoral neck. In conclusion, we demonstrate the enhanced importance of BMD calculation through DECT, finding a statistically significant correlation only at the femoral neck where BMD results do not seem to be influenced by the overlap of the measurements on cortical and trabecular bone. This outcome could be beneficial in the future by reducing radiation exposure for patients already undergoing follow-up for chronic conditions. Full article

Sarcopenia, defined as the age-associated loss of muscle mass and increased fragility with age, is increasing worldwide. The condition often precedes the development of Alzheimer’s disease, thereby decreasing the levels of mobility and physical activity in those affected. Indeed, the loss of muscle mass has, in some studies, been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. However, a detailed understanding of the interplay between both conditions is not available and needs to be thoroughly addressed. In the following review, we focus on several genes, specifically APOE, BDNF, ACE, FTO, and FNDC5, that have been associated with both conditions. We also discuss the epigenetic regulation of each of these genes along with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that may have a role in the development of both the sarcopenic and Alzheimer’s disease phenotypes. Finally, we assert that the application of systems biology will unravel the relationship between sarcopenia and Alzheimer’s disease and believe that the prevention of muscle loss in older age will reduce the incidence of debilitating cognitive decline. Full article

The ecological environment of the Wuling Mountains region has been impacted by climate change and economic development, necessitating immediate reinforcement of ecological protection and restoration measures. The study utilized the normalized vegetation index (NDVI) as a proxy for ecological resilience. NDVI data from 2000 to 2020 were employed to compute the ecological resilience index of the Wuling Mountains area and to examine its spatial and temporal evolution as well as the factors influencing it. The findings indicate that: (1) The ecological resilience index increased in the Wuling Mountains area and Guizhou, Chongqing, and Hunan sub-areas but decreased in the Hubei sub-area. (2) The ecological resilience varies significantly in the Wuling Mountains area and the Guizhou, Hubei, and Hunan sub-regions, whereas it varies less in the Chongqing sub-region. (3) The primary elements influencing the ecological resilience capability of the Wuling Mountains area and its four sub-areas are climate conditions and socio-economic factors, respectively. The study can offer a scientific foundation for ecological conservation and restoration efforts in the Wuling Mountains area, as well as serve as a benchmark for measuring ecological resilience in other environmentally vulnerable regions. Full article