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12 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Factors Affecting the Running Performance of Soccer Teams in the Turkish Super League
by Spyridon Plakias and Yiannis Michailidis
Sports 2024, 12(7), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12070196 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Performance analysis in sports is a rapidly evolving field, where academics and applied performance analysts work together to improve coaches’ decision making through the use of performance indicators (PIs). This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of factors affecting running performance (RP) [...] Read more.
Performance analysis in sports is a rapidly evolving field, where academics and applied performance analysts work together to improve coaches’ decision making through the use of performance indicators (PIs). This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of factors affecting running performance (RP) in soccer teams, focusing on low (LI), medium (MI), and high-speed distances (HI) and the number of high-speed runs (NHI). Data were collected from 185 matches in the Turkish first division’s 2021–2022 season using InStat Fitness’s optical tracking technology. Four linear mixed-model analyses were conducted on the RP metrics with fixed factors, including location, team quality, opponent quality, ball possession, high-press, counterattacks, number of central defenders, and number of central forwards. The findings indicate that high-press and opponent team quality affect MI (d = 0.311, d = 0.214) and HI (d = 0.303, d = 0.207); team quality influences MI (d = 0.632); location and counterattacks impact HI (d = 0.228, d = 0.450); high-press and the number of central defenders affects NHI (d = 0.404, d = 0.319); and ball possession affects LI (d = 0.287). The number of central forwards did not influence any RP metrics. This study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing RP in soccer, highlighting the complex interactions between formations and physical, technical–tactical, and contextual variables. Understanding these dynamics can help coaches and analysts optimize team performance and strategic decision making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)
19 pages, 12914 KiB  
Article
Preparation of High-Purity Quartz Sand by Vein Quartz Purification and Characteristics: A Case Study of Pakistan Vein Quartz
by Mei Xia, Xiaoyong Yang and Zhenhui Hou
Minerals 2024, 14(7), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14070727 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
This study focuses on the purification and evaluation of the high-purity quartz (HPQ) potential of vein quartz ore from Pakistan. Vein quartz is grayish-white and translucent, with its mineral composition mainly comprising quartz crystal. Processed quartz sand is obtained from quartz raw ore [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the purification and evaluation of the high-purity quartz (HPQ) potential of vein quartz ore from Pakistan. Vein quartz is grayish-white and translucent, with its mineral composition mainly comprising quartz crystal. Processed quartz sand is obtained from quartz raw ore through purifying technologies, including crushing, ultrasonic desliming, flotation, high-temperature calcination, water quenching, hot pressure acid leaching, and chlorination roasting. The microscopic characteristics show that the vein quartz raw ore has a medium-coarse granular metacrystalline structure, high quartz content, with only a small quantity of fine-grained K-feldspar. The inclusions primarily consist of large-sized primary inclusions and secondary fluid inclusions developed along the micro-fractures, and the content of inclusions in most areas of the crystal is very low or even nonexistent. The quartz ore with such inclusion characteristics is considered a relatively good raw material for quartz. Component analysis shows that the main impurity elements in the quartz ore are Al, K, Ca, Na, Ti, Fe, and Li, with a total impurity element content of 128.86 µg·g−1. After purification, only lattice impurity elements Al, Ti, and Li remain in the processed quartz sand, resulting in a total impurity element content of 24.23 µg·g−1, an impurity removal rate of 81.20%, and the purity of SiO2 reaching 99.998 wt.%. It is suggested that when the quartz raw ore contains high content of lattice impurity elements, such as Al, Li, and Ti, it is difficult to remove them by the current purification method. In industrial production, considering the economic cost, if quartz sand still contains high content of lattice impurity elements Al, Ti, and Li after flotation, it cannot be used as a raw material for high-end HPQ. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physicochemical Properties and Purification of Quartz Minerals)
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18 pages, 2978 KiB  
Article
Complementarity of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data for Soil Salinity Monitoring to Support Sustainable Agriculture Practices in the Central Bolivian Altiplano
by J. W. Sirpa-Poma, F. Satgé, R. Pillco Zolá, E. Resongles, M. Perez-Flores, M. G. Flores Colque, J. Molina-Carpio, O. Ramos and M.-P. Bonnet
Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 6200; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146200 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Soil salinization will affect 50% of global cropland areas by 2050 and represents a major threat to agricultural production and food sovereignty. As soil salinity monitoring is costly and time consuming, many regions of the world undertake very limited soil salinity observation (in [...] Read more.
Soil salinization will affect 50% of global cropland areas by 2050 and represents a major threat to agricultural production and food sovereignty. As soil salinity monitoring is costly and time consuming, many regions of the world undertake very limited soil salinity observation (in space and time), preventing the accurate assessment of soil salinity hazards. In this context, this study assesses the relative performance of Sentinel-1 radar and Sentinel-2 optical images, and the combination of the two, for monitoring changes in soil salinity at high spatial and temporal resolution, which is essential to evaluate the mitigation measures required for the sustainable adaptation of agriculture practices. For this purpose, an improved learning database made of 863 soil electrical conductivity (i.e., soil salinity) observations is considered for the training/validation step of a Random Forest (RF) model. The RF model is successively trained with (1) only Sentinel-1, (2) only Sentinel-2 and (3) both Sentinel-1 and -2 features using the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to reduce multi-collinearity in the independent variables. Using k-fold cross validation (3-fold), overall accuracy (OA) values of 0.83, 0.88 and 0.95 are obtained when considering only Sentinel-2, only Sentinel-1 and both Sentinel-1 and -2 features as independent variables. Therefore, these results highlight the clear complementarity of radar (i.e., Sentinel-1) and optical (i.e., Sentinel-2) images to improve soil salinity mapping, with OA increases of approximately 10% and 7% when compared to Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1 alone. Finally, pre-sowing soil salinity maps over a five-year period (2019–2023) are presented to highlight the benefit of the proposed procedure to support the sustainable management of agricultural lands in the context of soil salinization on a regional scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
27 pages, 687 KiB  
Systematic Review
Arterial Vascularization of the Forehead in Aesthetic Dermatology Procedures: A Review
by Katarzyna Kliniec, Zygmunt Domagała, Bartosz Kempisty and Jacek C. Szepietowski
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(14), 4238; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13144238 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Background: The growing popularity of aesthetic procedures on the face raises the question of their safety. The forehead region is crucial aesthetically, but due to its abundant vascularization, it is also one of the most dangerous areas for dermatologic procedures, especially in the [...] Read more.
Background: The growing popularity of aesthetic procedures on the face raises the question of their safety. The forehead region is crucial aesthetically, but due to its abundant vascularization, it is also one of the most dangerous areas for dermatologic procedures, especially in the glabella area. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the arterial vascularization of the forehead to identify potential high-risk zones for aesthetic dermatology procedures. Methods: A database search (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase) was conducted, and the titles and abstracts of all identified studies were screened, followed by full-text evaluation. Results: We identified 714 articles during the database search, and 25 articles were included in the review. The included studies used cadaveric dissection and computed tomography applied to cadavers as well as Doppler ultrasonography on volunteers to evaluate the forehead arteries (supratrochlear (STrA), supraorbital (SOA), central (CA), paracentral artery (PCA), and frontal branch of superficial temporal artery(FBSTA)). A total of 1714 cases involving the forehead arteries were analyzed. The included arteries were observed over a relatively large area, and their locations varied. The CA and PCA in cadaver studies were observed in an area of 0.2 to 10.8 mm and 0.8 to 16.2 mm, respectively, on the entire path from the glabellar point to the frontal prominence point. The distances from the midline in cadaveric studies at various measurement points ranged from 0.6 to 28.0 mm for the superficial branch of the STrA and 13.6 to 40.7 mm for the deep branch of STrA. In case of SOA, the distance from the midline ranged from 23 to 32 mm. Measurements from the midline in Doppler studies ranged from 0 to 23 mm for STrA and from 10 to 50 mm for the SOA. In studies using computed tomography, STrA was observed at a distance of 11 to 21 mm and the SOA at a distance of 21 to 32 mm, both lateral to the midline. Conclusions: Medical professionals should be aware of zones where frontal arteries are more likely to be encountered. The glabella region appears to be one of the most dangerous areas for dermatologic procedures. It is believed that the supratrochlear, supraorbital, and the paracentral arteries may cause ophthalmic complications due to occlusion of the ophthalmic artery, while this risk for the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery seems to be low but cannot be completely excluded. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Facial, Breast, and Body Aesthetic Surgery)
9 pages, 357 KiB  
Article
Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin and Stem Cell Mobilization for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Favorable Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia
by Danaë Martinez Flores, Dilara Akhoundova, Katja Seipel, Myriam Legros, Marie-Noelle Kronig, Michael Daskalakis, Ulrike Bacher and Thomas Pabst
Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1616; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071616 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), a CD33-targeting antibody drug conjugate, previously showed longer relapse-free survival when combined with induction chemotherapy in patients with favorable-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this patient population, characterized by lower relapse risk as compared to other ELN risk groups, autologous [...] Read more.
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), a CD33-targeting antibody drug conjugate, previously showed longer relapse-free survival when combined with induction chemotherapy in patients with favorable-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this patient population, characterized by lower relapse risk as compared to other ELN risk groups, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) can be used as consolidation strategy. However, there are limited data on the impact of GO on the peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization potential. We therefore retrospectively analyzed data from 54 AML patients with favorable-risk AML treated with (n = 17) or without (n = 37) GO during induction treatment. We observed no significant differences in the PBSC mobilization rate between patients treated with vs. without GO. The mobilization success in a first attempt directly following cycle 2 was 65% vs. 70% (p = 0.92); and the mobilization success in a subsequent second attempt after hematologic recovery and repeated stimulation procedure was 24% vs. 19% (p = 0.56). No significant impact on treatment outcome in terms of EFS (p = 0.31) or OS (p = 0.99) was observed. Thus, our results suggest that the addition of GO to induction regimens does not negatively impact PBSC mobilization in favorable-risk AML patients. To our best knowledge, this is the first study comparing the stem cell mobilization potential in favorable-risk AML patients treated with vs. without GO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia)
34 pages, 4682 KiB  
Article
Microservice-Based Vehicular Network for Seamless and Ultra-Reliable Communications of Connected Vehicles
by Mira M. Zarie, Abdelhamied A. Ateya, Mohammed S. Sayed, Mohammed ElAffendi and Mohammad Mahmoud Abdellatif
Future Internet 2024, 16(7), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi16070257 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
The fifth-generation (5G) cellular infrastructure is expected to bring about the widespread use of connected vehicles. This technological progress marks the beginning of a new era in vehicular networks, which includes a range of different types and services of self-driving cars and the [...] Read more.
The fifth-generation (5G) cellular infrastructure is expected to bring about the widespread use of connected vehicles. This technological progress marks the beginning of a new era in vehicular networks, which includes a range of different types and services of self-driving cars and the smooth sharing of information between vehicles. Connected vehicles have also been announced as a main use case of the sixth-generation (6G) cellular, with ultimate requirements beyond the 5G (B5G) and 6G eras. These networks require full coverage, extremely high reliability and availability, very low latency, and significant system adaptability. The significant specifications set for vehicular networks pose considerable design and development challenges. The goals of establishing a latency of 1 millisecond, effectively handling large amounts of data traffic, and facilitating high-speed mobility are of utmost importance. To address these difficulties and meet the demands of upcoming networks, e.g., 6G, it is necessary to improve the performance of vehicle networks by incorporating innovative technology into existing network structures. This work presents significant enhancements to vehicular networks to fulfill the demanding specifications by utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, including distributed edge computing, e.g., mobile edge computing (MEC) and fog computing, software-defined networking (SDN), and microservice. The work provides a novel vehicular network structure based on micro-services architecture that meets the requirements of 6G networks. The required offloading scheme is introduced, and a handover algorithm is presented to provide seamless communication over the network. Moreover, a migration scheme for migrating data between edge servers was developed. The work was evaluated in terms of latency, availability, and reliability. The results outperformed existing traditional approaches, demonstrating the potential of our approach to meet the demanding requirements of next-generation vehicular networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Moving towards 6G Wireless Technologies)
16 pages, 908 KiB  
Article
Saponin and Phenolic Composition and Assessment of Biological Activities of Saponaria officinalis L. Root Extracts
by Despina Charalambous, Michalis Christoforou, Krystallo Christou, Melina Christou, Antonis Ververis, Marios Andreou, Kyproula Christodoulou, Andrie Koutsoulidou, Christoforos Papachrysostomou and Maria Pantelidou
Plants 2024, 13(14), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13141982 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the saponin and phenolic components in root extracts of Saponaria officinalis, a widespread species, found in Cyprus. A total of six major saponins, including gypsogenin and gypsogenic acid derivatives, as well as saponariosides C, [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to identify the saponin and phenolic components in root extracts of Saponaria officinalis, a widespread species, found in Cyprus. A total of six major saponins, including gypsogenin and gypsogenic acid derivatives, as well as saponariosides C, D, and E, were identified using UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis, with gypsogenin derivatives being the most common saponins detected through quantitative analysis. A total of six phenolic compounds were also identified, including rutin, quercetin galactoside, syringic acid, apigenin, protocatechuic, and vanillic acid. In addition to their saponin and phenolic contents, the root extracts were prepared through different extraction methods, and their biological activity was assessed. All samples demonstrated antioxidant capacity, as well as antibacterial activity, against four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Salmonella enteritidis), with the acetone extract presenting higher susceptibility. The evaluation of anticancer activity in A375 (human malignant melanoma), HeLa (human cervical epithelioid carcinoma), and HaCaT (healthy human keratinocytes) cell lines revealed that the acetone extract of S. officinalis extract demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of A375 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. None of the extracts demonstrated anti-neurotoxic potential against Aβ25–35 cytotoxic peptides. The results of this study support previous findings that reveal that the Saponaria species are an excellent natural source of biologically active compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isoprenoids: Metabolic Mechanisms, Bioactivity and Application)
22 pages, 1576 KiB  
Article
Candidate Key Proteins in Tinnitus—A Bioinformatic Study of Synaptic Transmission in the Cochlear Nucleus
by Johann Gross, Marlies Knipper and Birgit Mazurek
Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1615; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071615 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify key proteins of synaptic transmission in the cochlear nucleus (CN) that are involved in normal hearing, acoustic stimulation, and tinnitus. A gene list was compiled from the GeneCards database using the keywords “synaptic transmission” AND [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to identify key proteins of synaptic transmission in the cochlear nucleus (CN) that are involved in normal hearing, acoustic stimulation, and tinnitus. A gene list was compiled from the GeneCards database using the keywords “synaptic transmission” AND “tinnitus” AND “cochlear nucleus” (Tin). For comparison, two gene lists with the keywords “auditory perception” (AP) AND “acoustic stimulation” (AcouStim) were built. The STRING protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and the Cytoscape data analyzer were used to identify the top two high-degree proteins (HDPs) and their high-score interaction proteins (HSIPs), together referred to as key proteins. The top1 key proteins of the Tin-process were BDNF, NTRK1, NTRK3, and NTF3; the top2 key proteins are FOS, JUN, CREB1, EGR1, MAPK1, and MAPK3. Highly significant GO terms in CN in tinnitus were “RNA polymerase II transcription factor complex”, “late endosome”, cellular response to cadmium ion”, “cellular response to reactive oxygen species”, and “nerve growth factor signaling pathway”, indicating changes in vesicle and cell homeostasis. In contrast to the spiral ganglion, where important changes in tinnitus are characterized by processes at the level of cells, important biological changes in the CN take place at the level of synapses and transcription. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Chronic Neurological Diseases: Pathophysiology, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Approaches)
18 pages, 736 KiB  
Systematic Review
Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction Disparities: A Systematic Review of Sociodemographic and Economic Barriers
by Kella L. Vangsness, Jonathan Juste, Andre-Phillippe Sam, Naikhoba Munabi, Michael Chu, Mouchammed Agko, Jeff Chang and Antoine L. Carre
Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071169 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Background: Breast reconstruction (BR) following mastectomy is a well-established beneficial medical intervention for patient physical and psychological well-being. Previous studies have emphasized BR as the gold standard of care for breast cancer patients requiring surgery. Multiple policies have improved BR access, but [...] Read more.
Background: Breast reconstruction (BR) following mastectomy is a well-established beneficial medical intervention for patient physical and psychological well-being. Previous studies have emphasized BR as the gold standard of care for breast cancer patients requiring surgery. Multiple policies have improved BR access, but there remain social, economic, and geographical barriers to receiving reconstruction. Threats to equitable healthcare for all breast cancer patients in America persist despite growing awareness and efforts to negate these disparities. While race/ethnicity has been correlated with differences in BR rates and outcomes, ongoing research outlines a multitude of issues underlying this variance. Understanding the current and continuous barriers will help to address and overcome gaps in access. Methods: A systematic review assessing three reference databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline) was carried out in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A keyword search was conducted on 3 February 2024, specifying results between 2004 and 2024. Studies were included based on content, peer-reviewed status, and publication type. Two independent reviewers screened results based on title/abstract appropriateness and relevance. Data were extracted, cached in an online reference collection, and input into a cloud-based database for analysis. Results: In total, 1756 references were populated from all databases (PubMed = 829, Ovid Medline = 594, and Web of Science = 333), and 461 duplicate records were removed, along with 1147 results deemed ineligible by study criteria. Then, 45 international or non-English results were excluded. The screening sample consisted of 103 publications. After screening, the systematic review produced 70 studies with satisfactory relevance to our study focus. Conclusions: Federal mandates have improved access to women undergoing postmastectomy BR, particularly for younger, White, privately insured, urban-located patients. Recently published studies had a stronger focus on disparities, particularly among races, and show continued disadvantages for minorities, lower-income, rural-community, and public insurance payers. The research remains limited beyond commonly reported metrics of disparity and lacks examination of additional contributing factors. Future investigations should elucidate the effect of these factors and propose measures to eliminate barriers to access to BR for all patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Post-mastectomy Breast Reconstruction)
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8 pages, 274 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with Postpartum Depression among Women in Eastern Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Khalid Nasralla, Saeed Omar, Ghusun Alharbi, Fai Aljarallah, Nadiah AlHabardi and Ishag Adam
Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071167 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbirth. While the epidemiology of postpartum depression has been extensively studied in African countries, there is little published data on the topic in Sudan. In addition, no studies have [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbirth. While the epidemiology of postpartum depression has been extensively studied in African countries, there is little published data on the topic in Sudan. In addition, no studies have been conducted in Eastern Sudan. This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with postpartum depression among Sudanese women in Gadarif in Eastern Sudan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study (using the systematic random sampling technique) of women presenting to Gadarif Maternity Hospital for postnatal follow-up within six weeks of childbirth was conducted. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess postpartum depression. Results: Three hundred women were enrolled in the study. The median (interquartile) age and parity were 30.0 (25.0–34.0) years and 2 (1–4). Thirty-one (10.3%) of the women had postpartum depression. A univariate analysis showed that a past history of depression was the only factor associated with postpartum depression (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.03–8.97). Other investigated factors (age, parity, educational level, occupation, history of previous miscarriage or intrauterine fetal death, a family history of depression, financial support, medical insurance, whether the pregnancy was planned or not, and if the gender of the newborn was known before delivery) were not associated with postpartum depression. Conclusions: The current study showed that 1 out of 10 women had postpartum depression that was associated with a past history of depression. Factors that have been reported to be associated with postpartum depression in African countries (age, parity, education, and occupation) were not found to be associated in this study. Mental health assessment needs to be employed for women in their antenatal and postpartum periods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics and Gynecology)
9 pages, 988 KiB  
Article
Barriers against Implementation of European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Performance Measures for Colonoscopy in Clinical Practice
by Giulia Gibiino, Leonardo Frazzoni, Andrea Anderloni, Lorenzo Fuccio, Alessandro Lacchini, Cristiano Spada and Carlo Fabbri
Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1166; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071166 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The implementation and monitoring of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) performance measures for colonoscopy are suboptimal in clinical practice. Electronic reporting systems may play an important role in data retrieval. We aimed to define the possibility of systematically [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The implementation and monitoring of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) performance measures for colonoscopy are suboptimal in clinical practice. Electronic reporting systems may play an important role in data retrieval. We aimed to define the possibility of systematically assessing and monitoring ESGE performance measures for colonoscopy through reporting systems. Materials and Methods: We conducted a survey during a nationwide event on the quality of colonoscopy held in Rome, Italy, in March 2023 by a self-administered questionnaire. Analyses were conducted overall and by workplace setting. Results: The attendance was 93% (M/F 67/26), with equal distribution of age groups, regions and public or private practices. Only about one-third (34%) and 21.5% of participants stated that their reporting system allows them to retrieve all the ESGE performance measures, overall and as automatic retrieval, respectively. Only 66.7% and 10.7% of respondents can systematically report the cecal intubation and the adenoma detection rate, respectively. The analysis according to hospital setting revealed no significant difference for all the items. Conclusions: We found a generalized lack of systematic tracking of performance measures for colonoscopy due to underperforming reporting systems. Our results underline the need to update reporting systems to monitor the quality of endoscopy practice in Italy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatology)
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10 pages, 637 KiB  
Article
Progranulin and Vaspin as Potential Novel Markers in the Etiology of Type 1 Diabetes in Children
by Katarzyna Jakubek-Kipa, Sabina Galiniak and Artur Mazur
Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071165 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a significant health problem, prompting the search for new therapeutic strategies. Recently, researchers have focused on identifying novel markers for the progression of this condition. It is well established that adipokines, such as progranulin and vaspin, play crucial [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a significant health problem, prompting the search for new therapeutic strategies. Recently, researchers have focused on identifying novel markers for the progression of this condition. It is well established that adipokines, such as progranulin and vaspin, play crucial roles in regulating lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Materials and Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study aimed to assess serum progranulin and vaspin levels in 80 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to examine their correlation with body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile. The cohort included 40 children newly diagnosed with diabetes, 40 children with long-term diabetes (20 well-controlled and 20 poorly controlled), and 14 non-diabetic children as a control group. Progranulin and vaspin levels were determined using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: There were no significant differences in the progranulin and vaspin concentrations in the studied groups (p = 0.246 and p = 0.095, respectively). No statistically significant differences were noted in the levels of both adipokines among boys and girls within the T1D, well-controlled T1D, and poorly controlled T1D groups. We did not find any differences in the progranulin and vaspin levels among all children with T1D and healthy controls when divided based on BMI percentiles. A negative correlation was observed between progranulin concentration and the age of children in the T1D, well-controlled T1D, and healthy groups. Furthermore, progranulin correlated negatively with BMI among children with T1D. In contrast, vaspin concentration correlated positively with age among healthy children. Conclusions: Our study provides novel insights into the status of progranulin and vaspin among pediatric participants with varying levels of type 1 diabetes control. However, further research involving larger patient cohorts and different stages of sexual maturation is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology)
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13 pages, 3188 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Degradation of Carbamazepine from Constructed Wetlands with a PEC System Based on an Anode of N-TiO2 Nanocrystal-Modified TiO2 Nanotubes and an Activated Carbon Photocathode
by Xiongwei Liang, Shaopeng Yu, Bo Meng, Jia Liu, Chunxue Yang, Chuanqi Shi and Junnan Ding
Separations 2024, 11(7), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11070216 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
We used the Vienna ab initio Simulation Package (VASP), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and diffuse reflectance (DRS) to optimize anode material for a photoelectric catalytic system. After screening how the doping of TiO2 by N and S affects its photoelectric properties, N-doped [...] Read more.
We used the Vienna ab initio Simulation Package (VASP), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and diffuse reflectance (DRS) to optimize anode material for a photoelectric catalytic system. After screening how the doping of TiO2 by N and S affects its photoelectric properties, N-doped TiO2 was selected to fabricate the photoelectron catalytic (PEC) system. TiO2 nanotubes modified by N-doped TiO2 nanocrystals and activated carbon were used as an anode and as a photocathode, respectively, to decompose carbamazepine in water samples from the constructed wetlands. The calculations showed that the N-TiO2 NCs/TNTAs-AC/PTFE system had the highest content of •OH. The highest carbamazepine removal rate under the N-TiO2 NCs/TNTAs-AC/PTFE composite presence was at pH = 8, and 69% of carbamazepine was removed within 180 min of the constructed wetland water treatment at pH = 7.8. The PEC system containing modified (with nano N-TiO2) TiO2 nanotubes as an anode and activated carbon as a photocathode can effectively decompose carbamazepine in the constructed wetlands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nitrogen Removal Process in Adsorption and Removal of Pollutants)
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12 pages, 5151 KiB  
Article
Unraveling Time Series Dynamics: Evaluating Partial Autocorrelation Function Distribution and Its Implications
by Hossein Hassani, Leila Marvian, Masoud Yarmohammadi and Mohammad Reza Yeganegi
Math. Comput. Appl. 2024, 29(4), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/mca29040058 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to assess the distribution of the Partial Autocorrelation Function (PACF), both theoretically and empirically, emphasizing its crucial role in modeling and forecasting time series data. Additionally, it evaluates the deviation of the sum of sample PACF from [...] Read more.
The objective of this paper is to assess the distribution of the Partial Autocorrelation Function (PACF), both theoretically and empirically, emphasizing its crucial role in modeling and forecasting time series data. Additionally, it evaluates the deviation of the sum of sample PACF from normality: identifying the lag at which departure occurs. Our investigation reveals that the sum of the sample PACF, and consequently its components, diverges from the expected normal distribution beyond a certain lag. This observation challenges conventional assumptions in time series modeling and forecasting, indicating a necessity for reassessment of existing methodologies. Through our analysis, we illustrate the practical implications of our findings using real-world scenarios, highlighting their significance in unraveling complex data patterns. This study delves into 185 years of monthly Bank of England Rate data, utilizing this extensive dataset to conduct an empirical analysis. Furthermore, our research paves the way for future exploration, offering insights into the complexities and potential revisions in time series analysis, modeling, and forecasting. Full article
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10 pages, 222 KiB  
Article
Can Support Groups Improve Treatment Adherence and Reduce Sexual Risk Behavior among Young People Living with HIV? Results from a Cohort Study in South Africa
by Tonya R. Thurman, Brian Luckett, Babalwa Zani, Johanna Nice and Tory M. Taylor
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(7), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9070162 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa experience poorer HIV outcomes than adults, including lower ART adherence and virologic suppression. They also have high rates of unprotected sex, increasing the risk of adverse sexual health outcomes and onward transmission. [...] Read more.
Adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa experience poorer HIV outcomes than adults, including lower ART adherence and virologic suppression. They also have high rates of unprotected sex, increasing the risk of adverse sexual health outcomes and onward transmission. This one-arm, pre–post study investigates a structured 14-session support group aiming to boost treatment adherence and sexual protective behavior for AYLHIV in South Africa. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were performed on self-reported pre- and post-intervention survey data collected approximately 7.5 months apart from a cohort of 548 AYLHIV. Participants were significantly more likely to report at least 95% adherence at follow-up and rate their health as “good;” they also demonstrated greater treatment knowledge and had fewer absences from school overall and due to illness. Among sexually active AYLHIV, contraception use at last sex increased significantly, while condom use did not. Effects were small, and greater programmatic emphasis on adherence and multifaceted service packages is likely necessary to promote viral suppression. Nonetheless, the intervention addresses an important gap in service provision for AYLHIV in South Africa. Findings denote the potential for incorporating care and treatment components into sexual and reproductive health interventions tailored for AYLHIV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Living with HIV: Support, Care, and Treatment for Vulnerable Populations)
16 pages, 1772 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Causes of Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) Mortality in Norwegian Hatcheries: Challenges and Opportunities
by Lauris Boissonnot, Camilla Karlsen, Thor Magne Jonassen, Silje Stensby-Skjærvik, Torolf Storsul and Albert Kjartan Dagbjartarson Imsland
Fishes 2024, 9(7), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9070288 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Lumpfish are broadly used as biological sea lice removers in Norwegian salmon farming and are mostly produced in hatcheries. To date, there is little systematic documentation on the mortality causes of lumpfish in hatcheries. In the current study, data from 12 selected fish [...] Read more.
Lumpfish are broadly used as biological sea lice removers in Norwegian salmon farming and are mostly produced in hatcheries. To date, there is little systematic documentation on the mortality causes of lumpfish in hatcheries. In the current study, data from 12 selected fish groups from four hatcheries in Norway were collected to understand the challenges and opportunities related to the categorization of mortality causes of lumpfish in hatcheries. This study indicated that a high proportion of lumpfish mortality was categorized by the hatcheries as unspecified. When specified, mortality was primarily assessed as due to fin damage. Our analyses showed that mortality categorized as fin damage correlated with the detection of infectious agents in dead fish, suggesting that mortality was due to infections rather than fin damage. It was not possible to conclude whether infection with pathogens present in the environment caused fin damage or if injuries from aggression were a gateway for pathogens. Furthermore, due to the lack of information regarding production conditions, it was not possible to assess risk factors causing eventual aggression or the presence of pathogens. This study revealed that mortality causality—the chain of events leading to death—is mainly unclear in lumpfish hatcheries because (1) mortality categorization does not focus on underlying causes and (2) there is little documentation of production conditions, making it very difficult to relate mortality rates to external factors. The present findings highlight that there are gaps in the registrations made by hatcheries and that there is an urgent need to implement standardized monitoring protocols for lumpfish hatcheries. This will help identify the causes of mortality and, therefore, allow for the implementation of proper measures that will ensure better survival. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Welfare and Sustainability in Aquaculture)
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15 pages, 4468 KiB  
Review
Wax Protrusions on Anti-Adhesive Plant Surfaces and Their Interactions with Insect Adhesive Pads: A Mechanical Interpretation
by Feodor M. Borodich, Zaida Gao, Elena V. Gorb, Stanislav N. Gorb and Xiaoqing Jin
Biomimetics 2024, 9(7), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9070442 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Insect attachment devices enhance adhesion to complex-geometry substrates by increasing the real contact area. In nature, insects mainly interact with plant surfaces that are often covered by 3D wax structures. Here, we describe, discuss, and give a mechanical interpretation of plant waxes and [...] Read more.
Insect attachment devices enhance adhesion to complex-geometry substrates by increasing the real contact area. In nature, insects mainly interact with plant surfaces that are often covered by 3D wax structures. Here, we describe, discuss, and give a mechanical interpretation of plant waxes and the possible fracture mechanisms of these wax structures during their interactions with the adhesive pads of insects. It is argued that these plant surface microstructures significantly influence insect adhesion through reducing the contact area and contaminating the insect pads. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Reviews Collection Series: Biomimetic Surfaces and Interfaces)
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10 pages, 2935 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Bioactive Functions and Quantitative Analysis of Phenolic Compounds of Glehnia littoralis from Different Regions
by Nari Yoon, Sullim Lee, Kyung Choi, Jajung Ku and Sanghyun Lee
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070764 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
Glehnia littoralis F. (GLF), a perennial herb indigenous to the coastal areas of northern Pacific countries is widely utilized in medicine for various diseases and symptoms. The current study aimed to determine the relationship between phytochemicals and their diverse functional abilities. High-performance liquid [...] Read more.
Glehnia littoralis F. (GLF), a perennial herb indigenous to the coastal areas of northern Pacific countries is widely utilized in medicine for various diseases and symptoms. The current study aimed to determine the relationship between phytochemicals and their diverse functional abilities. High-performance liquid chromatography and a photodiode array detector were used to identify chlorogenic acid (1), rutin (2), isoquercitrin (3), psoralen (4), 8-methoxy psoralen (5), and bergapten (6). 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+)- and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-radical-scavenging assays were conducted. It was found that GLF from the Chungnam Province had a higher content of compounds 4–6 contents of approximately 51.29 µmoL/g, which was primarily composed of bergapten (6) (44.44 µmoL/g). Moreover, GLF from Jeju Island exhibited the strongest ABTS+- and DPPH-radical-scavenging activities, with IC50 values of 6.69 mg/mL and 10.26 mg/mL, respectively, followed by Chungnam Province and Jeonnam Province. In contrast, the radical-scavenging activities of GLF did not correlate with compounds 4–6 (furanocoumarins) and were predicted to be related to compounds 1–3. These differences in chemical composition and biological functions are consistent with differences in environmental conditions. Therefore, GLF with high amounts of flavonoid compounds such as rutin and isoquercitrin could potentially be utilized as herbal medicines; however, further research into their additional biological effects is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Isolation, Characterization and Biological Activities)
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10 pages, 1231 KiB  
Article
A Species-Specific PCR Differentiates Two Causal Agents of Hazel Powdery Mildew and Reveals the Occurrence of Erysiphe corylacearum
by Klementina Kalmár, Katalin Borostyán, Orsolya Molnár, János Ágoston, Éva Preininger and Márk Z. Németh
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070763 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
The demand for common hazel (Corylus avellana) fruit increases constantly. Powdery mildew (PM) on hazels in Hungary and throughout Europe was previously caused mainly by Phyllactinia guttata. However, less than a decade ago, another fungus of Asian origin, Erysiphe corylacearum [...] Read more.
The demand for common hazel (Corylus avellana) fruit increases constantly. Powdery mildew (PM) on hazels in Hungary and throughout Europe was previously caused mainly by Phyllactinia guttata. However, less than a decade ago, another fungus of Asian origin, Erysiphe corylacearum, appeared on hazels in Europe, including Hungary. Our investigation aimed to develop a species-specific PCR (ssPCR) to aid the identification of P. guttata and E. corylacearum, and to assess the presence of the latter, non-native fungus in Hungary. For this study, 59 samples were collected from Hungary between 2021 and 2023. The chasmothecial morphology of the PM fungi was observed, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA was sequenced in representative samples. Morphological analysis distinguished two types of chasmothecia. Parts of the chasmothecia, typical of P. guttata, were flattened and spherical with bristle-like appendages, while other chasmothecia, characteristic of E. corylacearum, were distinctly smaller, bearing appendages with branched apices. Sequence data also verified the presence of P. guttata and E. corylacearum in our samples. The developed ssPCR revealed that E. corylacearum was present in more than three-quarters of the samples, more than a quarter of the samples contained both fungi and about one-fifth carried solely P. guttata. The alien fungus E. corylacearum was found in all but one of the sampled regions and was found on C. avellana and also on C. colurna. Erysiphe corylacearum spreads rapidly and can be considered an invasive pathogen. Its practical importance lies in its ability to infect hazelnuts, potentially causing economic losses. Our ssPCR ensures accurate and quick identification of the fungus, which is essential for effective plant protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Pathology and Disease Management (PPDM))
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21 pages, 2586 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Antioxidant Bioaccessibility in Rosa rugosa through Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation
by Jiaru Li, Junxiang Li, Hui Yang, Yuchan Ma, Zeqi Huo, Shutao Wang, Yang Lin and Chunjiang Zhang
Fermentation 2024, 10(7), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10070368 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
This study explores the biotransformation of phenolic compounds in Rosa rugosa through Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation, enhancing their bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity. We developed a sensitive and reproducible analytical method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS), enabling [...] Read more.
This study explores the biotransformation of phenolic compounds in Rosa rugosa through Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation, enhancing their bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity. We developed a sensitive and reproducible analytical method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS), enabling the analysis of 17 phenolic compounds from Rosa (R) and fermented Rosa (FR). Additionally, we conducted a density functional theory (DFT) study to correlate the structure of key phenolic compounds from R and FR with their antioxidant activity. Our findings revealed that both R and FR mitigate oxidative stress in tert-butyl-hydrogen peroxide (TBHP)-induced Caco-2 and HT-29 cells by elevating the activities of crucial antioxidative enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione reductase (GR). Furthermore, fermented Rosa significantly upregulated Nrf2, γ-GCS, HO-1, and NOQ-1 mRNA expression in TBHP-induced cells with Quantitative and real-time PCR technology, emphasizing its protective function primarily through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. This study is the first to demonstrate the link between the enhanced antioxidant potential in fermented Rosa and the biotransformation of its phenolic compounds. It paves the way for augmenting the antioxidant capacity of plant foods through Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation, offering a novel approach to reinforce their health benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fermentation for Food and Beverages)
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8 pages, 682 KiB  
Brief Report
Investigation of the Infection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Sheep and Goats in Jiangsu, China
by Cheng Cheng, Yuan Cai, Hua Xing, Jianping Tao and Darong Cheng
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(7), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11070327 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
In order to investigate the infection status and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) in sheep and goats in Jiangsu Province, a total of 786 fresh fecal samples from 18 farms across five regions in Jiangsu were collected and examined for [...] Read more.
In order to investigate the infection status and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) in sheep and goats in Jiangsu Province, a total of 786 fresh fecal samples from 18 farms across five regions in Jiangsu were collected and examined for the presence of E. bieneusi, and the genotype of E. bieneusi was examined using nested-PCR and sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer. The results showed that E. bieneusi was detected in the fecal samples of sheep and goats in all regions, with infection rates ranging from 23.65% to 42.81%. The overall infection rate was 36.51% (287/786). The infection rate of E. bieneusi showed no significant difference between sheep and goats, as well as among different ages of animals (p > 0.05), but showed a significant difference in sheep and goats with different health conditions (p < 0.05). The positive products were amplified and cloned and subjected to sequenced analysis. Six genotypes, BEB6, CHG2, CHG3, CHC8, CHG14, and COS-I, were found. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the six genotypes belonged to Group 2, which had previously been described as a non-zoonotic group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection of Parasitic Diseases in Livestock)
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12 pages, 1050 KiB  
Article
Comparison of the Controlled Atmosphere Treatment for Submerged and Solid-State Fermentation of Inonotus obliquus
by Hsin-Jung Chen, Yuh-Shuen Chen, Kuo-Min Lin, Shuo-Wen Tsai, Mei-Jine Liao, Chia-Sheng Yeh and Shih-Lun Liu
Foods 2024, 13(14), 2275; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142275 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
In this study, a controlled atmosphere (CA) treatment was used in the submerged (SM) and solid-state (SS) fermentation of Inonotus obliquus to determine the optimal conditions. The goal was to accelerate the artificial fermentation to obtain I. obliquus as an ingredient for dietary [...] Read more.
In this study, a controlled atmosphere (CA) treatment was used in the submerged (SM) and solid-state (SS) fermentation of Inonotus obliquus to determine the optimal conditions. The goal was to accelerate the artificial fermentation to obtain I. obliquus as an ingredient for dietary supplements. The results indicated that when CA treatment was used, the SM and SS fermentation of I. obliquus yielded polysaccharide and betulinic acid contents 2–2.5 times higher than those obtained when such treatment was not used. The two fermentation methods yielded similar outcomes in terms of DPPH scavenging ability, bioactivity, and antioxidant activity. Although SS fermentation yielded highly bioactive fruiting bodies when the period of fermentation was extended to 60 days, the mycelia produced by SM reached a similar bioactivity quality with only 30 days of fermentation. It was indicated that SM fermentation is more economically feasible than SS fermentation in the production of I. obliquus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Biotechnology)
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13 pages, 2050 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Soluble Solids in White Strawberries: A Comparative Analysis of Vis-NIR and NIR Spectroscopy
by Hayato Seki, Haruko Murakami, Te Ma, Satoru Tsuchikawa and Tetsuya Inagaki
Foods 2024, 13(14), 2274; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142274 - 19 Jul 2024
Abstract
In recent years, due to breeding improvements, strawberries with low anthocyanin content and a white rind are now available, and they are highly valued in the market. Strawberries with white skin color do not turn red when ripe, making it difficult to judge [...] Read more.
In recent years, due to breeding improvements, strawberries with low anthocyanin content and a white rind are now available, and they are highly valued in the market. Strawberries with white skin color do not turn red when ripe, making it difficult to judge ripeness. The soluble solids content (SSC) is an indicator of fruit quality and is closely related to ripeness. In this study, visible–near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy are used for non-destructive evaluation of the SSC. Vis-NIR (500–978 nm) and NIR (908–1676 nm) data collected from 180 samples of “Tochigi iW1 go” white strawberries and 150 samples of “Tochigi i27 go” red strawberries are investigated. The white strawberry SSC model developed by partial least squares regression (PLSR) in Vis-NIR had a determination coefficient R2p of 0.89 and a root mean square error prediction (RMSEP) of 0.40%; the model developed in NIR showed satisfactory estimation accuracy with an R2p of 0.85 and an RMSEP of 0.43%. These estimation accuracies were comparable to the results of the red strawberry model. Absorption derived from anthocyanin and chlorophyll pigments in white strawberries was observed in the Vis-NIR region. In addition, a dataset consisting of red and white strawberries can be used to predict the pigment-independent SSC. These results contribute to the development of methods for a rapid fruit sorting system and the development of an on-site ripeness determination system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Analytical Techniques for Food Quality and Safety)
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