All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special
permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For
articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without
permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to
https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess.
Feature papers represent the most advanced research with significant potential for high impact in the field. A Feature
Paper should be a substantial original Article that involves several techniques or approaches, provides an outlook for
future research directions and describes possible research applications.
Feature papers are submitted upon individual invitation or recommendation by the scientific editors and must receive
positive feedback from the reviewers.
Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world.
Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly
interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the
most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.
by
Karoly Bancsik, Codrin Dan Nicolae Ilea, Mădălina Diana Daina, Raluca Bancsik, Corina Lacramioara Șuteu, Simona Daciana Bîrsan, Felicia Manole and Lucia Georgeta Daina
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruptions in various healthcare systems. In Romania, the elective procedures in the orthopedic and traumatology specialty were one of the most affected. The study aims to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient perceptions
[...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruptions in various healthcare systems. In Romania, the elective procedures in the orthopedic and traumatology specialty were one of the most affected. The study aims to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient perceptions of quality in these departments. Standardized assessment tools were used, which consist of satisfaction questionnaires addressed to patients in order to assess the quality of health services in orthopedics and traumatology departments. Thus, a retrospective study was conducted using satisfaction questionnaires addressed to patients admitted to the orthopedics and traumatology departments of the County Clinical Emergency Hospital Bihor between January 2019 and December 2022. Eight reports, based on 746 questionnaires conducted during the studied period, were evaluated. To gauge patient satisfaction, Likert scales featuring five response options were used. A total of 627 questionnaires were valid, the exclusion criteria being incomplete questionnaires (the patients did not respond on all questions, n = 119). Four domains were analyzed: demographic data, hotel conditions, quality of medical care, and overall satisfaction. Demographic data highlight that patients exhibited an equitable distribution across residences, with 50.2% hailing from urban locales, while 53.5% (n = 333) were female. Regarding the overall impression, in 2020, there was a decline in the top rating of 5 compared to 2019, dropping to just 45.10% from 53.45%. Scores of 4 increased to 41.83%, while scores of 3 stayed under 8.5%. Scores of 2 and 1 were negligible. In 2021 and 2022, we can observe a sustained increase in the number of patients who awarded 5 points for overall impression and a decrease in the number of patients who awarded 4 points compared to previous years. The maximum difference between 2020 and 2021 and the period before and after this period was 27.24% (p-value < 0.001). The results indicate that while overall impressions of the hospital remained positive throughout the studied period, there were notable fluctuations in satisfaction levels during the pandemic. Patient satisfaction with attending physicians dipped in 2020 from 86.70% to 77.78% but recovered by 2022. The same trend can be observed with nurses and caregivers, as well as hotel services, during this period. These findings underscore the importance of addressing patient concerns and improving the quality of care delivery, particularly during times of crisis.
Full article
This cross-sectional study investigates the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): its prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular characteristics in healthy swine populations in central Portugal. A total of 213 samples were collected from pigs on twelve farms, and MRSA prevalence was assessed using selective agar
[...] Read more.
This cross-sectional study investigates the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): its prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular characteristics in healthy swine populations in central Portugal. A total of 213 samples were collected from pigs on twelve farms, and MRSA prevalence was assessed using selective agar plates and confirmed via molecular methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were performed to characterize resistance profiles and genetic determinants. Among the 107 MRSA-positive samples (83.1% prevalence), fattening pigs and breeding sows exhibited notably high carriage rates. The genome of 20 isolates revealed the predominance of the ST398 clonal complex, with diverse spa types identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, including penicillin, cefoxitin, and tetracycline. WGS analysis identified a diverse array of resistance genes, highlighting the genetic basis of antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, virulence gene profiling revealed the presence of genes associated with pathogenicity. These findings underscore the significant prevalence of MRSA in swine populations and emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures to mitigate zoonotic transmission risks. Implementation of prudent antimicrobial use practices and targeted intervention strategies is essential to reducing MRSA prevalence and safeguarding public health. Continued research efforts are warranted to elucidate transmission dynamics and virulence potential, ultimately ensuring food safety and public health protection.
Full article
With the rapid development of high and new technology, rubidium and its compounds show broad application prospect and market demand with their unique characteristics. At present, the production of rubidium metal is mainly prepared by calcium thermal reduction of rubidium chloride. Rubidium metal
[...] Read more.
With the rapid development of high and new technology, rubidium and its compounds show broad application prospect and market demand with their unique characteristics. At present, the production of rubidium metal is mainly prepared by calcium thermal reduction of rubidium chloride. Rubidium metal obtained by reduction requires multi-step vacuum distillation to obtain high-purity rubidium metal. The purity of rubidium metal depends on the purity of the raw material rubidium chloride. Rubidium metal is relatively active and is easy to oxidize and explode in air. Therefore, a method combining vacuum decomposition and vacuum distillation to reduce impurity elements in rubidium chloride from raw materials is proposed in this paper. The experimental results show that under the conditions of pressure of 5–10 Pa, distillation temperature of 823 K and vacuum distillation time of 60 min, the contents of Si and Zn impurities are reduced from 1206 mg/kg and 310 mg/kg to less than 0.1 mg/kg, and the removal rates are 99.99% and 99.97%, respectively. Rubidium chloride has almost no loss, and through one-step vacuum distillation, the impurity elements silicon and zinc can be deeply removed, reducing the flammability and explosiveness, high cost, long process and other problems caused by the subsequent preparation of high-purity rubidium metal.
Full article
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET) are known to be variably infiltrated by different immune cells. Nonetheless, their role in pituitary oncogenesis has only begun to be unveiled. The immune microenvironment could determine the biological and clinical behavior of a neoplasm and may have prognostic
[...] Read more.
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET) are known to be variably infiltrated by different immune cells. Nonetheless, their role in pituitary oncogenesis has only begun to be unveiled. The immune microenvironment could determine the biological and clinical behavior of a neoplasm and may have prognostic implications. To evaluate the expression of immune-related genes and to correlate such expression with the presence of infiltrating immune cells in forty-two PitNETs of different lineages, we performed whole transcriptome analysis and RT-qPCR. Deconvolution analysis was carried out to infer the immune cell types present in each tumor and the presence of immune cells was confirmed by immunofluorescence. We found characteristic expression profiles of immune-related genes including those encoding interleukins and chemokines for each tumor lineage. Genes such as IL4-I1, IL-36A, TIRAP, IL-17REL, and CCL5 were upregulated in all PitNETS, whereas IL34, IL20RA, and IL-2RB characterize the NR5A1-, TBX19-, and POU1F1-derived tumors, respectively. Transcriptome deconvolution analysis showed that M2 macrophages, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and neutrophils can potentially infiltrate PitNET. Furthermore, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and NK cells infiltration was validated by immunofluorescence. Expression of CCL18, IL-5RA, and HLA-B as well as macrophage tumor infiltration could identify patients who can potentially benefit from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Full article
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant increase in cases of mucormycosis was observed in COVID-19 patients, especially in India, but not exclusively. The presented cases highlight the heterogeneous nature of mucormycosis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing predisposing factors, such as immunosuppression, due to
[...] Read more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant increase in cases of mucormycosis was observed in COVID-19 patients, especially in India, but not exclusively. The presented cases highlight the heterogeneous nature of mucormycosis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing predisposing factors, such as immunosuppression, due to comorbidities or medication. Diagnosing mucormycosis poses a challenge due to nonspecific clinical manifestations, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis. Treatment involves a multi-pronged approach centered around the early initiation of antifungal therapy alongside surgical intervention and the management of underlying conditions, with an emphasis on controlling immunosuppression. Understanding the relationship between COVID-19 and predisposing factors for mucormycosis is fundamental for developing prevention and treatment strategies.
Full article
Gait speed and timed-up-and-go (TUG) predict cognitive decline, falls, and mortality. Dual-tasks may be useful in cognitive screening among people living with dementia (PWD), but more evidence is needed. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare single- and dual-task performance and determine the influence
[...] Read more.
Gait speed and timed-up-and-go (TUG) predict cognitive decline, falls, and mortality. Dual-tasks may be useful in cognitive screening among people living with dementia (PWD), but more evidence is needed. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare single- and dual-task performance and determine the influence of dementia severity on dual-task performance and interference. Thirty PWD in two residential care facilities (Age: 81.3 ± 7.1 years; Montreal Cognitive Assessment: 10.4 ± 6.0 points) completed two trials of single- (feet apart) and dual-task posture (feet apart while counting backward), single- (walk 4 m) and dual-task gait (walk 4m while naming words), and single- (timed-up-and-go (TUG)), and dual-task functional mobility (TUG while completing a category task) with APDM inertial sensors. Dual-tasks resulted in greater sway frequency, jerk, and sway area; slower gait speed; greater double limb support; shorter stride length; reduced mid-swing elevation; longer TUG duration; reduced turn angle; and slower turn velocity than single-tasks (ps < 0.05). Dual-task performance was impacted (reduced double limb support, greater mid-swing elevation), and dual-task interference (greater jerk, faster gait speed) was related to moderate-to-severe compared to mild PWD. Moderate-to-severe PWD had poorer dynamic stability and a reduced ability to appropriately select a cautious gait during dual-tasks than those with mild PWD, indicating the usefulness of dual-tasks for cognitive screening.
Full article
Implementing green fiscal and tax policies for reducing emissions and pollution without negatively impacting economic growth remains a challenge. We aimed to determine whether environmental protection and economic growth can both be attained under a green fiscal and tax policy. Specifically, we created
[...] Read more.
Implementing green fiscal and tax policies for reducing emissions and pollution without negatively impacting economic growth remains a challenge. We aimed to determine whether environmental protection and economic growth can both be attained under a green fiscal and tax policy. Specifically, we created a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model to explore the environmental, economic, and welfare impacts of green fiscal and tax policies. Additionally, a welfare analysis based on an environmental DSGE (E-DSGE) model was performed. We found that (1) raising the environmental or energy tax rate was beneficial for reducing emissions and environmental pollution. However, this approach inhibited economic growth, an outcome not conducive to improving welfare. (2) Increasing the subsidy rate for emission reduction not only incentivized businesses to reduce emissions but also improved economic growth and welfare. (3) The emission reduction mechanisms of environmental tax policies, energy tax policies, and subsidy policies are different. Among them, the environmental tax policy and the energy tax policy both reduce pollution by forcing businesses to increase their emission reduction efforts, but the former is a tax on pollution emissions, while the latter is a tax on energy consumption. However, emission reduction subsidy policies incentivize companies to increase their emission reduction efforts and reduce pollution emissions by alleviating their financial burden. (4) Increasing government spending on environmental remediation could promote economic growth. However, considering that this does not motivate companies to reduce emissions, increasing their share will lead to a reduction in emission reduction subsidies, ultimately negatively impacting social welfare. (5) An environmental tax would cause greater losses in welfare than an energy tax. These findings will enable policymakers to optimize expenditures and tax systems.
Full article
Highly portable nanoelectronics and large-scale electronics rely on lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as the most reliable energy storage technology. This method is thought to be both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. We provide a study of a low-cost, abundant, and renewable supply of carbon-based biomass
[...] Read more.
Highly portable nanoelectronics and large-scale electronics rely on lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as the most reliable energy storage technology. This method is thought to be both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. We provide a study of a low-cost, abundant, and renewable supply of carbon-based biomass with potential uses in LIBs. Renewable feedstocks have received significant attention in recent decades as promising tools for efficient and alternative anode materials for LIBs. Researchers can synthesise carbon-rich biochar through the pyrolytic process of biomass. Depending on the synthetic process, precise surface chemistry, and textural qualities such as specific surface area and porosity, this material can be customised to favour application-specific properties with a preferred application. In this research, we look at the performance of biochar in LIBs, its properties, and the biomass supply, and we discuss the prospects for these biomass-derived materials in energy storage devices.
Full article
The deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is widespread in different environments, including homes. Although security is incorporated, homes can become targets for cyberattacks because of their vulnerabilities. IoT devices generate Domain Name Server (DNS) traffic primarily for communication with Internet servers.
[...] Read more.
The deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is widespread in different environments, including homes. Although security is incorporated, homes can become targets for cyberattacks because of their vulnerabilities. IoT devices generate Domain Name Server (DNS) traffic primarily for communication with Internet servers. In this paper, we present a detailed analysis of DNS traffic from IoT devices. The queried domains are highly distinctive, enabling attackers to easily identify the IoT device. In addition, we observed an unexpectedly high volume of queries. The analysis reveals that the same domains are repeatedly queried, DNS queries are transmitted in plain text over User Datagram Protocol (UDP) port 53 (Do53), and the excessive generation of traffic poses a security risk by amplifying an attacker’s ability to identify IoT devices and execute more precise, targeted attacks, consequently escalating the potential compromise of the entire IoT ecosystem. We propose a simple measure that can be taken to reduce DNS traffic generated by IoT devices, thus preventing it from being used as a vector to identify the types of devices present in the network. This measure is based on the implementation of the DNS cache in the devices; caching few resources increases privacy considerably.
Full article
Self-renewal and differentiation are two characteristics of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Under steady physiological conditions, most primitive HSCs remain quiescent in the bone marrow (BM). They respond to different stimuli to refresh the blood system. The transition from quiescence to activation is accompanied
[...] Read more.
Self-renewal and differentiation are two characteristics of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Under steady physiological conditions, most primitive HSCs remain quiescent in the bone marrow (BM). They respond to different stimuli to refresh the blood system. The transition from quiescence to activation is accompanied by major changes in metabolism, a fundamental cellular process in living organisms that produces or consumes energy. Cellular metabolism is now considered to be a key regulator of HSC maintenance. Interestingly, HSCs possess a distinct metabolic profile with a preference for glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for energy production. Byproducts from the cellular metabolism can also damage DNA. To counteract such insults, mammalian cells have evolved a complex and efficient DNA damage repair (DDR) system to eliminate various DNA lesions and guard genomic stability. Given the enormous regenerative potential coupled with the lifetime persistence of HSCs, tight control of HSC genome stability is essential. The intersection of DDR and the HSC metabolism has recently emerged as an area of intense research interest, unraveling the profound connections between genomic stability and cellular energetics. In this brief review, we delve into the interplay between DDR deficiency and the metabolic reprogramming of HSCs, shedding light on the dynamic relationship that governs the fate and functionality of these remarkable stem cells. Understanding the crosstalk between DDR and the cellular metabolism will open a new avenue of research designed to target these interacting pathways for improving HSC function and treating hematologic disorders.
Full article
Breast cancer (BC) is a global health risk for women and has a high prevalence rate. The drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis of BC affect patient prognosis, thus posing a challenge to scientists. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) that originate from various cells;
[...] Read more.
Breast cancer (BC) is a global health risk for women and has a high prevalence rate. The drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis of BC affect patient prognosis, thus posing a challenge to scientists. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) that originate from various cells; they have a double-layered lipid membrane structure and contain rich biological information. They mediate intercellular communication and have pivotal roles in tumor development, progression, and metastasis and drug resistance. Exosomes are important cell communication mediators in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Exosomes are utilized as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for estimating the treatment efficacy of BC and have the potential to function as tools to enable the targeted delivery of antitumor drugs. This review introduces recent progress in research on how exosomes influence tumor development and the TME. We also present the research progress on the application of exosomes as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and drug delivery tools.
Full article
In this study, we introduce the concept and construction of an innovative Digital Miniature Cathode Ray Magnetometer designed for the precise detection of magnetic fields. This device addresses several limitations inherent to magnetic probes such as D.C. offset, nonlinearity, temperature drift, sensor aging,
[...] Read more.
In this study, we introduce the concept and construction of an innovative Digital Miniature Cathode Ray Magnetometer designed for the precise detection of magnetic fields. This device addresses several limitations inherent to magnetic probes such as D.C. offset, nonlinearity, temperature drift, sensor aging, and the need for frequent recalibration, while capable of operating in a wide range of magnetic fields. The core principle of this device involves the utilization of a charged particle beam as the sensitivity medium. The system leverages the interaction of an electron beam with a scintillator material, which then emits visible light that is captured by an imager. The emitted scintillation light is captured by a CMOS sensor. This sensor not only records the scintillation light but also accurately determines the position of the electron beam, providing invaluable spatial information crucial for magnetic field mapping. The key innovation lies in the combination of electron beam projection, CMOS imager scintillation-based detection, and digital image signal processing. By employing this synergy, the magnetometer achieves remarkable accuracy, sensitivity and dynamic range. The precise position registration enabled by the CMOS sensor further enhances the device’s utility in capturing complex magnetic field patterns, allowing for 2D field mapping. In this work, the optimization of the probe’s performance is tailored for applications related to the characterization of insertion devices in light sources, including undulators.
Full article
by
Hao Hong, Zhuangxin Ye, Gang Lu, Kehui Feng, Mei Zhang, Xiaohui Sun, Zhilei Han, Shanshan Jiang, Bin Wu, Xiao Yin, Shuai Xu, Junmin Li and Xiangqi Xin
Insects constitute the largest proportion of animals on Earth and act as significant reservoirs and vectors in disease transmission. Rice thrips (Haplothrips aculeatus, family Phlaeothripidae) are one of the most common pests in agriculture. In this study, the full genome sequence of
[...] Read more.
Insects constitute the largest proportion of animals on Earth and act as significant reservoirs and vectors in disease transmission. Rice thrips (Haplothrips aculeatus, family Phlaeothripidae) are one of the most common pests in agriculture. In this study, the full genome sequence of a novel Ollusvirus, provisionally named “Rice thrips ollusvirus 1” (RTOV1), was elucidated using transcriptome sequencing and the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). A homology search and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the newly identified virus is a member of the family Aliusviridae (order Jingchuvirales). The genome of RTOV1 contains four predicted open reading frames (ORFs), including a polymerase protein (L, 7590 nt), a glycoprotein (G, 4206 nt), a nucleocapsid protein (N, 2415 nt) and a small protein of unknown function (291 nt). All of the ORFs are encoded by the complementary genome, suggesting that the virus is a negative-stranded RNA virus. Phylogenetic analysis using polymerase sequences suggested that RTOV1 was closely related to ollusvirus 1. Deep small RNA sequencing analysis reveals a significant accumulation of small RNAs derived from RTOV1, indicating that the virus replicated in the insect. According to our understanding, this is the first report of an Ollusvirus identified in a member of the insect family Phlaeothripidae. The characterisation and discovery of RTOV1 is a significant contribution to the understanding of Ollusvirus diversity in insects.
Full article
Pesticide contamination of aquatic ecosystems poses a significant threat to humans and can adversely affect fungal-driven processes in these understudied habitats. Here, we investigated the effects of four pesticides on detritus-inhabiting and plant root-associated fungi from streams, peatlands, and saltwater marshes. Additionally, we
[...] Read more.
Pesticide contamination of aquatic ecosystems poses a significant threat to humans and can adversely affect fungal-driven processes in these understudied habitats. Here, we investigated the effects of four pesticides on detritus-inhabiting and plant root-associated fungi from streams, peatlands, and saltwater marshes. Additionally, we assessed the isolates’ capacities to degrade three carbon sources to understand the impact of pesticides on fungal-driven processes. Pesticide assays were conducted in 96-well glass-coated plates, with fungal growth measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer set to 595 nm. Assays included technical replication (n = 6), replication over time (n = 2), negative controls, and carry-over controls. In total, we assayed more than 153 isolates, representing up to 97 fungal genera. Results showed that 1.9%, 49.7%, 3.1%, and 5.6% of the isolates exhibited consistently lower growth when exposed to atrazine, mancozeb, cypermethrin, and malathion, respectively. Furthermore, 101 isolates, comprising 87 genera, were tested for cellulase, starch degradation, and tannase activity, with 41.6%, 28.7%, and 30.7% of the isolates testing positive, respectively. These findings suggest that while many species demonstrate functional redundancy, some fungal species are sensitive to current environmental pesticide levels, which affects their growth and may have broader implications on ecosystem health.
Full article
Ancient Chinese characters known as oracle bone inscriptions (OBIs) were inscribed on turtle shells and animal bones, and they boast a rich history dating back over 3600 years. The detection of OBIs is one of the most basic tasks in OBI research. The
[...] Read more.
Ancient Chinese characters known as oracle bone inscriptions (OBIs) were inscribed on turtle shells and animal bones, and they boast a rich history dating back over 3600 years. The detection of OBIs is one of the most basic tasks in OBI research. The current research aimed to determine the precise location of OBIs with rubbing images. Given the low clarity, severe noise, and cracks in oracle bone inscriptions, the mainstream networks within the realm of deep learning possess low detection accuracy on the OBI detection dataset. To address this issue, this study analyzed the significant research progress in oracle bone script detection both domestically and internationally. Then, based on the YOLOv8 algorithm, according to the characteristics of OBI rubbing images, the algorithm was improved accordingly. The proposed algorithm added a small target detection head, modified the loss function, and embedded a CBAM. The results show that the improved model achieves an F-measure of 84.3%, surpassing the baseline model by approximately 1.8%.
Full article
High-quality eye-tracking data are crucial in behavioral sciences and medicine. Even with a solid understanding of the literature, selecting the most suitable algorithm for a specific research project poses a challenge. Empowering applied researchers to choose the best-fitting detector for their research needs
[...] Read more.
High-quality eye-tracking data are crucial in behavioral sciences and medicine. Even with a solid understanding of the literature, selecting the most suitable algorithm for a specific research project poses a challenge. Empowering applied researchers to choose the best-fitting detector for their research needs is the primary contribution of this paper. We developed a framework to systematically assess and compare the effectiveness of 13 state-of-the-art algorithms through a unified application interface. Hence, we more than double the number of algorithms that are currently usable within a single software package and allow researchers to identify the best-suited algorithm for a given scientific setup. Our framework validation on retrospective data underscores its suitability for algorithm selection. Through a detailed and reproducible step-by-step workflow, we hope to contribute towards significantly improved data quality in scientific experiments.
Full article
by
Mariane de Mello Fontanelli, Lais Duarte Batista, Angela Martinez-Arroyo, Dariush Mozaffarian, Renata Micha, Marcelo Macedo Rogero, Regina Mara Fisberg and Flavia Mori Sarti
The challenges in the characterization of the nutritional quality of grain foods comprise obstacles to public health actions toward promotion of healthier grain-based foods. The present study investigated how carbohydrate metrics related to glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and warning labels of
[...] Read more.
The challenges in the characterization of the nutritional quality of grain foods comprise obstacles to public health actions toward promotion of healthier grain-based foods. The present study investigated how carbohydrate metrics related to glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and warning labels of grain foods consumed by individuals living in São Paulo, Brazil. Information on intake of grain foods at individual level was obtained using 24 h recalls within a cross-sectional population-based survey conducted in 2015. There were 244 unique grain products reported by individuals in the survey, assessed through four metrics of carbohydrate quality, considering contents per 10 g of total carbohydrate: (1) ≥1 g fiber, (2) ≥1 g fiber and <1 g free sugars, (3) ≥1 g fiber and <2 g free sugars, and (4) ≥1 g fiber, and <2 g free sugars per 1 g of fiber. Outcomes included GI, GL, and inclusion of warning labels proposed by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the Chilean Ministry of Health (1st and 3rd stages), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Metrics identified products with lower mean GI (−12.8 to −9.0 [p-values < 0.001]), and GL (−12.5 to −10.3 [p-values < 0.001]). Warning systems showed a certain degree of discrimination between products according to the metrics (p-value < 0.01 each); however, >50% of products with good nutritional quality according to the carbohydrate metrics still would receive warnings. Findings suggest that carbohydrate metrics identified products with lower GI and GL, and current warning labels may not adequately capture overall nutritional quality of grain foods.
Full article
Deproteinised bovine bone (DBB) is widely used as bone substitute in maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) surgery. No previous studies have shown the long-term volumetric changes in the augmented bone when using DBB. The selected patients had MFSA performed using a lateral window
[...] Read more.
Deproteinised bovine bone (DBB) is widely used as bone substitute in maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) surgery. No previous studies have shown the long-term volumetric changes in the augmented bone when using DBB. The selected patients had MFSA performed using a lateral window technique and a xenograft, alone or in combination with the patient’s autologous bone from the mandible. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were used to compare the volumetric changes in the augmented bone for patients over a period of 6 or more years. No significant bone reduction was seen in the augmented bone region when comparing MSFA after 7 months and 6 or more years after dental implantation.
Full article
Escherichia coli is listed as a priority 1 pathogen on the World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogen list. For this list of pathogens, new antibiotics are urgently needed to control the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant strains. This study assessed eighteen metal ions, graphene,
[...] Read more.
Escherichia coli is listed as a priority 1 pathogen on the World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogen list. For this list of pathogens, new antibiotics are urgently needed to control the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant strains. This study assessed eighteen metal ions, graphene, and graphene oxide for their antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli in both planktonic and biofilm growth states and the potential synergy between metal ions and graphene-based compounds. Molybdenum and tin ions exhibited the greatest antimicrobial activity against the planktonic states of the isolates with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging between 13 mg/L and 15.6 mg/L. Graphene oxide had no antimicrobial effect against any of the isolates, while graphene showed a moderate effect against E. coli (MIC, 62.5 mg/L). Combinations of metal ions and graphene-based compounds including tin–graphene, tin–graphene oxide, gold–graphene, platinum–graphene, and platinum–graphene oxide exhibited a synergistic antimicrobial effect (FIC ≤ 0.5), inhibiting the planktonic and biofilm formation of the isolates regardless of their antibiotic-resistant profiles. The bactericidal effect of the metal ions and the synergistic effects when combined with graphene/graphene oxide against medically relevant pathogens demonstrated that the antimicrobial efficacy was increased. Hence, such agents may potentially be used in the production of novel antimicrobial/antiseptic agents.
Full article
Copper-chelated chitosan microgels were investigated as an immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) phase for peptide separation. The copper-crosslinked chitosan beads were shown to strongly interact with a range of amino acids, in a wide range of pH and saline conditions. The beads exhibited
[...] Read more.
Copper-chelated chitosan microgels were investigated as an immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) phase for peptide separation. The copper-crosslinked chitosan beads were shown to strongly interact with a range of amino acids, in a wide range of pH and saline conditions. The beads exhibited an affinity that seemed to depend on the isoelectric point of the amino acid, with the extent of uptake increasing with decreasing isoelectric point. This selective interaction with anionic amino acids resulted in a significant relative enrichment of the supernatant solution in cationic amino acids. The beads were then studied as a novel fractionation system for complex milk hydrolysates. The copper chitosan beads selectively removed larger peptides from the hydrolysate aqueous solution, yielding a solution relatively enriched in medium and smaller peptides, which was characterized both quantitatively and qualitatively by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) work provided comprehensive data on a peptide sequence level and showed that a depletion of the anionic peptides by the beads resulted in a relative enrichment of the cationic peptides in the supernatant solution. It could be concluded that after fractionation a dramatic relative enrichment in respect to small- and medium-sized cationic peptides in the solution, characteristics that have been linked to bioactivities, such as anti-microbial and cell-penetrating properties. The results demonstrate the use of the chitosan copper gel bead system in lab scale fractionation of complex hydrolysate mixtures, with the potential to enhance milk hydrolysate bioactivity.
Full article
Colloidal systems are peculiar mixtures formed by the uniform dispersion of sub-micro sized particles of one substance through another substance. In this framework, a particular colloidal system, known as sol, is a colloid in which the dispersed particles are solid, and the dispersing
[...] Read more.
Colloidal systems are peculiar mixtures formed by the uniform dispersion of sub-micro sized particles of one substance through another substance. In this framework, a particular colloidal system, known as sol, is a colloid in which the dispersed particles are solid, and the dispersing medium is fluid. Sols have extensive applications in industries ranging from material science to food to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The size and size distribution of colloidal particles within these systems play a pivotal role in determining their stability, rheological properties, and overall functionality (which in turn directly influence material quality, performance, and shelf life). As a result, this study is aimed at devising a new method to analyze the dimensions of the colloidal particles (dispersed phase) of a colloidal system (sol), like bitumen, by (i) a cheap and common technique, optical microscopy, and (ii) the more complex confocal laser scanning microscopy. To do so, a validation by comparison with a standard technique—in this case, atomic force microscopy is presented. Both optical and confocal microscopies turned out to be suitable, valid, and effective for particle size determination. Both techniques effectively revealed, upon bitumen aging, a shift of the size distribution to slightly larger sizes. Large particles, whose abundance did not increase significantly, appeared to be more inert than small ones. A huge advantage of optical microscopy is its popularity and cost-effectiveness as it is commonly featured in laboratories independently of the research topic. On the other hand, confocal microscopy can observe more particles, thus providing better statistics. It also appears to be more efficient for particles smaller than 1 µm2. These microscopy techniques were used to evaluate the dimensions of the asphaltenes present in a complex colloidal system; bitumen; the model colloidal system for this study, which was examined before and after an aging process which is expected to change the size distribution.
Full article
Cementing is a critical link in oil and gas exploitation, in which slurry density control is particularly important. In this study, we examined a slurry mixing control system in order to solve the problem of time delays in the mixing system. The model
[...] Read more.
Cementing is a critical link in oil and gas exploitation, in which slurry density control is particularly important. In this study, we examined a slurry mixing control system in order to solve the problem of time delays in the mixing system. The model of a slurry mixing system was built in accordance with the system’s structure. A Smith fuzzy PID (proportion integration differentiation) composite control solution is proposed herein, and the simulation results show that the adjustment time and overshoot are lower than those of the conventional PID control and Smith predictive compensation control. A genetic algorithm is utilized to optimize the quantization factor and scale factor of the Smith fuzzy PID controller. Following optimization, the rise time of the controller was found to be 0.45 s, which represents a decrease of 35.9%, the overshoot was reduced by 0.4%, and the stabilization time was reduced by 36.6%. Afterward, we built a cementing slurry mixing simulation experimental platform, and experiments were used to verify the feasibility and superiority of the Smith fuzzy PID controller optimized by the genetic algorithm in comparison with the conventional controllers. The study results thus provide a scientific basis for the engineering application of the autonomous control technology of the slurry mixing system in cementing units.
Full article
The frequency diverse array (FDA) is capable of generating range-angle-dependent beampatterns by introducing a tiny frequency offset to the transmit carrier frequency of each array element. However, the beam-scanning potential of conventional linear FDA applications is limited, notably in their incapacity for 360° omnidirectional
[...] Read more.
The frequency diverse array (FDA) is capable of generating range-angle-dependent beampatterns by introducing a tiny frequency offset to the transmit carrier frequency of each array element. However, the beam-scanning potential of conventional linear FDA applications is limited, notably in their incapacity for 360° omnidirectional scanning. This paper introduces a method that leverages the geometric configuration of circular frequency diverse arrays (CFDAs) for synthesizing and optimizing beampatterns through a practical engineering approach. Initially, we compute the structural parameters and configurations of CFDA. Subsequently, the isophase plane is utilized to adjust the phase of each array element. Ultimately, the CFDA structure is used to optimize the non-uniform frequency offset, and the beampattern, which is capable of 360° omnidirectional scanning, is realized by low sidelobe optimization. Simulation results affirm that the CFDA antenna, as per the actual engineering model, possesses precise dot-shaped beampattern scanning abilities across both range and angle dimensions.
Full article
IJMS
Applied Sciences
Sustainability
Sensors
JCM
Energies
Molecules
Materials
Remote Sensing
Cancers
Electronics
Mathematics
Foods
Buildings
Plants
Nutrients
Animals
Polymers
Water
Diagnostics
Biomedicines
Agronomy
Microorganisms
Processes
Healthcare
Forests
Cells
JMSE
Medicina
Viruses
Agriculture
Nanomaterials
IJERPH
Land
Pharmaceutics
Pharmaceuticals
Religions
Biomolecules
Life
Micromachines
Atmosphere
Antioxidants
Genes
Metals
Symmetry
Children
Coatings
Vaccines
Horticulturae
Education Sciences
Minerals
Brain Sciences
JPM
Bioengineering
