The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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12 pages, 493 KiB  
Article
The Intersection of a Child’s Demographics and Household Socioeconomic Status in the Multimorbidity of Malaria, Anaemia, and Malnutrition among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Nigeria
by Phillips Edomwonyi Obasohan, Stephen J. Walters, Richard M. Jacques and Khaled Khatab
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050645 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Multimorbidity of malaria, anemia, and malnutrition (MAMM) is a condition in which an individual has two or more of these health conditions, and is becoming an emergent public health concern in sub-Saharan African countries. The independent associations of a child’s demographic variables and [...] Read more.
Multimorbidity of malaria, anemia, and malnutrition (MAMM) is a condition in which an individual has two or more of these health conditions, and is becoming an emergent public health concern in sub-Saharan African countries. The independent associations of a child’s demographic variables and household socioeconomic (HSE) disparities with a child’s health outcomes have been established in the literature. However, the effects of the intersection of these factors on MAMM, while accounting for other covariates, have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how children’s sex, age, and household socioeconomic status interact to explain the variations in MAMM among children aged 6–59 months in Nigeria. Data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey and the 2018 National Human Development Report (NHDR) were used. This study included weighted samples of 10,184 children aged 6–59 months in Nigeria. A three-level multilevel mixed effect ordinal logistic regression model was used, such that individual characteristics at level 1 were nested in communities at level 2 and nested in states at level 3. Subsequently, predictive probability charts and average adjusted probability tables were used to interpret the intersectional effects. Five models were created in this scenario. Model 1 is the interaction between the child’s sex and household wealth status; model 2 is the interaction between the child’s sex and age; model 3 is the interaction between the child’s age and household wealth status; model 4 has the three two-way interactions of the child’s sex, age, and household wealth status; and model 5 includes model 4 and the three-way interactions between a child’s sex, age, and household wealth quintiles; while accounting for other covariates in each of the models. The prevalence of children with a ‘none of the three diseases’ outcome was 17.3% (1767/10,184), while 34.4% (3499/10,184) had ‘only one of the diseases’, and 48.3% (4918/10,184) had ‘two or more’ MAMMs. However, in the multivariate analyses, model 3 was the best fit compared with other models, so the two-way interaction effects of a child’s age and household wealth status are significant predictors in the model. Children aged 36–47 months living in the poorest households had a probability of 0.11, 0.18, and 0.32 of existing with MAMM above the probability of children of the same age who live in the middle class, more prosperous, and richest households, respectively, while all other covariates were held constant. Thus, the variation in the prevalence of MAMM in children of different ages differs depending on the household wealth quintile. In other words, in older children, the variations in MAMM become more evident between the richer and the poorer household quintiles. Therefore, it is recommended that policies that are geared toward economic redistribution will help bridge the disparities observed in the prevalence of multiple diseases among children aged 6–59 months in Nigeria. Full article
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24 pages, 914 KiB  
Review
Ultraviolet Filters: Dissecting Current Facts and Myths
by Thomas Breakell, Isabel Kowalski, Yannick Foerster, Rafaela Kramer, Michael Erdmann, Carola Berking and Markus V. Heppt
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2986; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102986 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Skin cancer is a global and increasingly prevalent issue, causing significant individual and economic damage. UV filters in sunscreens play a major role in mitigating the risks that solar ultraviolet radiation poses to the human organism. While empirically effective, multiple adverse effects of [...] Read more.
Skin cancer is a global and increasingly prevalent issue, causing significant individual and economic damage. UV filters in sunscreens play a major role in mitigating the risks that solar ultraviolet radiation poses to the human organism. While empirically effective, multiple adverse effects of these compounds are discussed in the media and in scientific research. UV filters are blamed for the disruption of endocrine processes and vitamin D synthesis, damaging effects on the environment, inducement of acne and neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Some of these allegations are based on scientific facts while others are simply arbitrary. This is especially dangerous considering the risks of exposing unprotected skin to the sun. In summary, UV filters approved by the respective governing bodies are safe for human use and their proven skin cancer-preventing properties make them indispensable for sensible sun protection habits. Nonetheless, compounds like octocrylene and benzophenone-3 that are linked to the harming of marine ecosystems could be omitted from skincare regimens in favor of the myriad of non-toxic UV filters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dermatology)
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14 pages, 1537 KiB  
Article
Propeller Optimization in Marine Power Systems: Exploring Its Contribution and Correlation with Renewable Energy Solutions
by Bruna Bacalja Bašić, Maja Krčum and Zdeslav Jurić
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050843 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
The goal of increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has increased interest in the application of renewable energy sources and the usage of new technologies in the maritime industry. In order to implement the most suitable source, factors such as [...] Read more.
The goal of increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has increased interest in the application of renewable energy sources and the usage of new technologies in the maritime industry. In order to implement the most suitable source, factors such as voyage duration, storage availability, and the condition of existing vessels as well as those that are still under construction should be taken into account. Propeller optimization is proposed as a long-term solution. This paper investigates the environmental aspects of propeller optimization, focusing on its potential to reduce ship vibrations fuel consumption, and, therefore, the ship’s carbon footprint. The case study presents propeller optimization on a Ro-Ro passenger ship. The data collected during sea trials before and after propeller optimization will be compared. Expected fuel oil consumption will be correlated to the CO2 emission reduction. Besides propeller optimization, the paper performs a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis comparing it with solar and wind power applications on ships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
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14 pages, 6060 KiB  
Article
Catalytic Pyrolysis of Polypropylene for Cable Semiconductive Buffer Layers
by Xiaokai Meng, Hua Yu, Zhumao Lu and Tao Jin
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101435 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
With the progress of the power grid system, the coverage area of cables is widening, and the problem of cable faults is gradually coming to affect people’s daily lives. While the vast majority of cable faults are caused by the ablation of the [...] Read more.
With the progress of the power grid system, the coverage area of cables is widening, and the problem of cable faults is gradually coming to affect people’s daily lives. While the vast majority of cable faults are caused by the ablation of the cable buffer layer, polypropylene (PP), as a common cable buffer material, has pyrolysis properties that critically impact cable faults. Studying the semiconductive buffer layer of polypropylene (PP) and its pyrolysis properties allows us to obtain a clearer picture of the pyrolysis products formed during PP ablation. This understanding aids in the accurate diagnosis of cable faults and the identification of ablation events. In this study, the effects of temperature and catalyst (H-Zeolite Standard Oil Corporation Of New York (Socony) Mobil-Five (HZSM-5)) content on the PP thermolysis product distribution were studied by using an online tubular pyrolysis furnace-mass spectrometry (MS) experimental platform. The results showed that PP/40% HZSM-5 presented the highest thermolytic efficiency and relative yield of the main products at 400 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Combustion and Pyrolysis Kinetics)
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13 pages, 4516 KiB  
Article
Broadband High-Linear FMCW Light Source Based on Spectral Stitching
by Liang Sun, Xinguang Zhou, Haohao Zhao, Shichang Xu, Zihan Wu, Guohui Yuan and Zhuoran Wang
Photonics 2024, 11(5), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11050477 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
The key to realizing a high-performance frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) laser frequency-sweeping light source is how to extend the frequency-swept bandwidth and eliminate the effect of nonlinearity. To solve these issues, this paper designs a broadband high-linear FMCW frequency-sweeping light source system based [...] Read more.
The key to realizing a high-performance frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) laser frequency-sweeping light source is how to extend the frequency-swept bandwidth and eliminate the effect of nonlinearity. To solve these issues, this paper designs a broadband high-linear FMCW frequency-sweeping light source system based on the combination of fixed temperature control and digital optoelectronic phase-locked loop (PLL), which controls the temperatures of the two lasers separately and attempts to achieve the coarse spectral stitching based on a time-division multiplexing scheme. Furthermore, we uses the PLL to correct the frequency error more specifically after the coarse stitching, which achieves the spectrum fine stitching and, meanwhile, realizes the nonlinearity correction. The experimental results show that our scheme can successfully achieve bandwidth expansion and nonlinearity correction, and the sweeping bandwidth is twice as much as that of the original single laser. The full-width half-maximum (FWHM) of the FMCW output is reduced from 150 kHz to 6.1 kHz, which exhibits excellent nonlinear correction performance. The relative error of the FMCW ranging system based on this frequency-swept light source is also reduced from 1.628% to 0.673%. Therefore, our frequency-swept light source with excellent performance has a promising application in the FMCW laser ranging system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Lasers and Their Applications II)
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11 pages, 247 KiB  
Article
Poor Response to Gonadotropin Stimulation and Perinatal Outcomes in Fresh In Vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer Cycles—A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Alyssa Hochberg, Avital Wertheimer, Rita Zlatkin, Onit Sapir, Eyal Krispin, Tzippy Schohat, Eran Altman, Avi Ben-Haroush and Yoel Shufaro
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2985; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102985 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Objective: The objective was to examine the association between poor ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton gestations in young patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including women aged 17–39 who underwent [...] Read more.
Objective: The objective was to examine the association between poor ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton gestations in young patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including women aged 17–39 who underwent fresh embryo transfer and delivered a singleton neonate at a single center (pre-implantation genetic testing excluded) (2007–2022). Patients were classified as one of the following categories: poor responders—daily follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ≥ 150 IU yielding ≤ 3 retrieved oocytes; normal responders—4–15 oocytes; and high responders with ≥16 oocytes. The primary outcome was a composite of pre-eclampsia (mild or severe), small-for-gestational-age, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm birth (<37 weeks). We compared maternal and neonatal outcomes between the three groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for confounders. Results: Overall, 507 women met the inclusion criteria. Of them, there were 44 (8.68%) poor responders, 342 (67.46%) normal responders, and 121 (23.87%) high responders. Poor responders, compared to normal and high responders, were characterized by a higher maternal age (34.64 ± 4.01 vs. 31.4 ± 5.04 vs. 30.01 ± 4.93, p < 0.001, respectively) and total FSH dosage (3028.41 ± 1792.05 IU vs. 2375.11 ± 1394.05 IU vs. 1869.31 ± 1089.63 IU, p < 0.001). The perinatal outcomes examined, including cesarean delivery (CD) rate and the composite outcome, were comparable between groups. Using multivariable logistic regression and adjusting for ovarian response group, maternal age, nulliparity, and estradiol level and endometrial thickness before ovulation triggering, poor response was not associated with CD rate or the composite outcome, with maternal age associated with CD (p = 0.005), and nulliparity with the composite outcome (p = 0.007). Similar results were obtained when comparing poor responders to each other group separately or to all other responders. Conclusions: Poor ovarian response is not associated with increased adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. Full article
22 pages, 1373 KiB  
Article
Study of The Microstructure and Mechanical Property Relationships of Gas Metal Arc Welded Dissimilar Protection 600T, DP450 and S275JR Steel Joints
by Mustafa Elmas, Oğuz Koçar and Nergizhan Anaç
Crystals 2024, 14(5), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050477 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
The need for combining dissimilar materials is steadily increasing in the manufacturing industry, and the resulting products are expected to always have high performance. While there are various methods available for joining such material pairs, one of the commonly preferred techniques is fusion [...] Read more.
The need for combining dissimilar materials is steadily increasing in the manufacturing industry, and the resulting products are expected to always have high performance. While there are various methods available for joining such material pairs, one of the commonly preferred techniques is fusion welding. In this study, three different steel materials (Protection 600T, DP450, and S275JR) were joined using gas metal arc welding (GMAW) in different combinations (similar/dissimilar). The microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated. Tensile test, Vickers microhardness (HV 0.1), bending, Charpy V-notch impact testing, and microstructure examinations were conducted to analyze the weld and heat-affected zone. The tensile strengths of the base metal materials Protection 600T, DP450, and S275JR were found to be 1524.73 ± 18.7, 500.8 ± 10.4, and 508.5 ± 9.5 MPa, respectively. In welded samples of similar materials, the highest efficiency was found to be 103.05% for DP450/DP450, while in dissimilar welded joints, it was 105.5% for the DP450/S275JR pair. Hardness values for the base materials Protection 600T, DP450, and S275JR were measured as 526.5 ± 10.5, 153.8 ± 1.8, and 162.5 ± 5.2, respectively. In all welded samples, there was an increase in hardness in the weld zone (due to the welding wire) and the heat-affected zone (due to grain size refinement). While the impact energy values of similar material pairs were close to the base material impact energy values, the impact energy values of dissimilar material pairs varied according to the base materials. In addition, in joints made with similar materials, the bending force was close to the base materials, while a decrease in bending force was observed in joints formed with dissimilar materials. As a result, the welding of DP450 and S275JR materials was carried out efficiently. Protection 600T was welded with other materials, but its welding strength was limited to the strength of the material with low mechanical properties. Full article
22 pages, 3740 KiB  
Article
A Proteomic Approach Identified TFEB as a Key Player in the Protective Action of Novel CB2R Bitopic Ligand FD22a against the Deleterious Effects Induced by β-Amyloid in Glial Cells
by Beatrice Polini, Lorenzo Zallocco, Francesca Gado, Rebecca Ferrisi, Caterina Ricardi, Mariachiara Zuccarini, Vittoria Carnicelli, Clementina Manera, Maurizio Ronci, Antonio Lucacchini, Riccardo Zucchi, Laura Giusti and Grazia Chiellini
Cells 2024, 13(10), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13100875 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are progressive multifactorial disorders of the nervous system sharing common pathogenic features, including intracellular misfolded protein aggregation, mitochondrial deficit, and inflammation. Taking into consideration the multifaceted nature of NDDs, development of multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) has evolved as an attractive therapeutic [...] Read more.
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are progressive multifactorial disorders of the nervous system sharing common pathogenic features, including intracellular misfolded protein aggregation, mitochondrial deficit, and inflammation. Taking into consideration the multifaceted nature of NDDs, development of multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) has evolved as an attractive therapeutic strategy. Compounds that target the cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2R) are rapidly emerging as novel effective MTDLs against common NDDs, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We recently developed the first CB2R bitopic/dualsteric ligand, namely FD22a, which revealed the ability to induce neuroprotection with fewer side effects. To explore the potential of FD22a as a multitarget drug for the treatment of NDDs, we investigated here its ability to prevent the toxic effect of β-amyloid (Aβ25–35 peptide) on human cellular models of neurodegeneration, such as microglia (HMC3) and glioblastoma (U87-MG) cell lines. Our results displayed that FD22a efficiently prevented Aβ25–35 cytotoxic and proinflammatory effects in both cell lines and counteracted β-amyloid-induced depression of autophagy in U87-MG cells. Notably, a quantitative proteomic analysis of U87-MG cells revealed that FD22a was able to potently stimulate the autophagy–lysosomal pathway (ALP) by activating its master transcriptional regulator TFEB, ultimately increasing the potential of this novel CB2R bitopic/dualsteric ligand as a multitarget drug for the treatment of NDDs. Full article
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18 pages, 1967 KiB  
Review
Review of the Potential Role of Ascorbate in the Prevention and Treatment of Gynecological Cancers
by Xiaochang Shen, Jiandong Wang, Boer Deng, Ziyi Zhao, Shuning Chen, Weimin Kong, Chunxiao Zhou and Victoria Bae-Jump
Antioxidants 2024, 13(5), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050617 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Ascorbate (vitamin C) is an essential vitamin for the human body and participates in various physiological processes as an important coenzyme and antioxidant. Furthermore, the role of ascorbate in the prevention and treatment of cancer including gynecological cancer has gained much more interest [...] Read more.
Ascorbate (vitamin C) is an essential vitamin for the human body and participates in various physiological processes as an important coenzyme and antioxidant. Furthermore, the role of ascorbate in the prevention and treatment of cancer including gynecological cancer has gained much more interest recently. The bioavailability and certain biological functions of ascorbate are distinct in males versus females due to differences in lean body mass, sex hormones, and lifestyle factors. Despite epidemiological evidence that ascorbate-rich foods and ascorbate plasma concentrations are inversely related to cancer risk, ascorbate has not demonstrated a significant protective effect in patients with gynecological cancers. Adequate ascorbate intake may have the potential to reduce the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and high-risk HPV persistence status. High-dose ascorbate exerts antitumor activity and synergizes with chemotherapeutic agents in preclinical cancer models of gynecological cancer. In this review, we provide evidence for the biological activity of ascorbate in females and discuss the potential role of ascorbate in the prevention and treatment of ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. Full article
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13 pages, 1202 KiB  
Article
Comparing the Effects of an Off-Ice Sprint-Change of Direction Task on Trunk Kinematics and Gait Laterality in Collegiate Ice Hockey Players
by Stuart Evans and Sam Gleadhill
Biomechanics 2024, 4(2), 296-308; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomechanics4020019 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Laterality preferences are intrinsic in most physical activities, and ice hockey is one domain wherein these preferences might influence performance. Biomechanical laterality between dominant and nondominant (or preferred and nonpreferred) limbs is believed to be an advantageous attribute that is linked with skilled [...] Read more.
Laterality preferences are intrinsic in most physical activities, and ice hockey is one domain wherein these preferences might influence performance. Biomechanical laterality between dominant and nondominant (or preferred and nonpreferred) limbs is believed to be an advantageous attribute that is linked with skilled performance. Yet little is known about the implications of motor asymmetries for skilled performers in dynamic, time-constrained, team-based activities in an off-ice environment. This can be extended to when player position is considered, notably for those playing in a defensive or an offensive position. In this study, fourteen semi-professional collegiate male ice hockey players (age: 21.87 ± 2.98 years; BMI: 25.26 ± 3.21 kg/m) performed a randomized repeated 15 m sprint-change of direction task. Assessments of lower limb laterality were carried out as participants commenced the 15 m sprint change of direction task in both a right and left foot rear setback position. Biomechanical laterality between right and left rear foot setback positions was inferred by an ActiGraph GTx3 triaxial accelerometer that was located on the participants’ spinous process, representing the trunk centre of mass (CoM). Overall, ANOVA results indicated significant differences across all sprint split times between the right and left foot rear setback positions, with times significantly quicker when players commenced in a right rear foot setback position (p < 0.001). ANOVA revealed significant differences in trunk CoM acceleration between in a right and left rear setback position, specifically during the initial 0–10 m sprint split, with offensive players observed to have lesser trunk anteroposterior and vertical CoM acceleration (p = 0.05) and during the final 5 m sprint split (p = 0.002, d = 0.7), despite overall smaller effect sizes seen in the left foot rear setback position. It appears that starting with the foot in a right rear setback position results in quicker 15 m performance times and concurrent lower magnitudes of trunk CoM acceleration. Although we demonstrated that offensive players were quicker and displayed less trunk CoM acceleration, we recommend that future studies use a greater number of participants for inter-limb symmetry in these movement tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics in Sport, Exercise and Performance)
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20 pages, 4529 KiB  
Article
Risk Evaluation and Attack Detection in Heterogeneous IoMT Devices Using Hybrid Fuzzy Logic Analytical Approach
by Pritika, Bharanidharan Shanmugam and Sami Azam
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3223; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103223 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
The rapidly expanding Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) landscape fosters enormous opportunities for personalized healthcare, yet it also exposes patients and healthcare systems to diverse security threats. Heterogeneous IoMT devices present challenges that need comprehensive risk assessment due to their varying functionality, protocols, [...] Read more.
The rapidly expanding Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) landscape fosters enormous opportunities for personalized healthcare, yet it also exposes patients and healthcare systems to diverse security threats. Heterogeneous IoMT devices present challenges that need comprehensive risk assessment due to their varying functionality, protocols, and vulnerabilities. Hence, to achieve the goal of having risk-free IoMT devices, the authors used a hybrid approach using fuzzy logic and the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to evaluate risks, providing effective and useful results for developers and researchers. The presented approach specifies qualitative descriptors such as the frequency of occurrence, consequence severity, weight factor, and risk level. A case study with risk events in three different IoMT devices was carried out to illustrate the proposed method. We performed a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) attack on an oximeter, smartwatch, and smart peak flow meter to discover their vulnerabilities. Using the FAHP method, we calculated fuzzy weights and risk levels, which helped us to prioritize criteria and alternatives in decision-making. Smartwatches were found to have a risk level of 8.57 for injection attacks, which is of extreme importance and needs immediate attention. Conversely, jamming attacks registered the lowest risk level of 1, with 9 being the maximum risk level and 1 the minimum. Based on this risk assessment, appropriate security measures can be implemented to address the severity of potential threats. The findings will assist healthcare industry decision-makers in evaluating the relative importance of risk factors, aiding informed decisions through weight comparison. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Internet of Things)
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27 pages, 3028 KiB  
Article
Dengue Virus and Zika Virus Seroprevalence in the South Pacific Populations of the Cook Islands and Vanuatu
by Charlotte E. B. Saretzki, Gerhard Dobler, Elizabeth Iro, Nicole Heussen and Thomas Küpper
Viruses 2024, 16(5), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050807 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Arboviral diseases are serious threats to global health with increasing prevalence and potentially severe complications. Significant arthropod-borne viruses are the dengue viruses (DENV 1-4), the Zika virus (ZIKV), and the chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Among the areas most affected is the South Pacific Region [...] Read more.
Arboviral diseases are serious threats to global health with increasing prevalence and potentially severe complications. Significant arthropod-borne viruses are the dengue viruses (DENV 1-4), the Zika virus (ZIKV), and the chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Among the areas most affected is the South Pacific Region (SPR). Here, arboviruses not only cause a high local burden of disease, but the region has also proven to contribute to their global spread. Outpatient serum samples collected between 08/2016 and 04/2017 on three islands of the island states of Vanuatu and the Cook Islands were tested for anti-DENV- and anti-ZIKV-specific antibodies (IgG) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). ELISA test results showed 89% of all test sera from the Cook Islands and 85% of the Vanuatu samples to be positive for anti-DENV-specific antibodies. Anti-ZIKV antibodies were identified in 66% and 52%, respectively, of the test populations. Statistically significant differences in standardized immunity levels were found only at the intranational level. Our results show that in both the Cook Islands and Vanuatu, residents were exposed to significant Flavivirus transmission. Compared to other seroprevalence studies, the marked difference between ZIKV immunity levels and previously published CHIKV seroprevalence rates in our study populations is surprising. We propose the timing of ZIKV and CHIKV emergence in relation to recurrent DENV outbreaks and the impact of seasonality as explanatory external factors for this observation. Our data add to the knowledge of arboviral epidemics in the SPR and contribute to a better understanding of virus spread, including external conditions with potential influence on outbreak dynamics. These data may support preventive and rapid response measures in the affected areas, travel-related risk assessment, and infection identification in locals and returning travelers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Virus Discovery, Diagnostics and Vaccines)
13 pages, 3541 KiB  
Article
Heterostructure Engineering Enables MoSe2 with Superior Alkali-Ion Storage
by Huabin Kong, Yihan Wen, Siying Chen, Xiyao Chen, Runzhi Chen, Jiamou Yan and Nianjie Mao
Metals 2024, 14(5), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050595 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) is a promising anode for alkali-ion storage due to its intrinsic advantages. However, MoSe2 still encounters the issues of structural instability and poor rate performance caused by drastic volume change and sluggish reaction kinetics. Reasonable design of [...] Read more.
Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) is a promising anode for alkali-ion storage due to its intrinsic advantages. However, MoSe2 still encounters the issues of structural instability and poor rate performance caused by drastic volume change and sluggish reaction kinetics. Reasonable design of electrode structure is crucial for achieving superior electrochemical performance. Herein, a novel hierarchical structure coupled with 1D/1D subunits is elaborately designed and constructed, in which the MoSe2/CoSe2 heterostructure is the “trunk” and the N-doped carbon nanotubes are the “branches” (MoSe2/CoSe2/NCNTs). Benefiting from the properties endowed by unique configurations, MoSe2/CoSe2/NCNTs electrodes manifest faster reaction kinetics and better structure durability. Evaluated as an anode for LIBs and SIBs, MoSe2/CoSe2/NCNTs deliver high reversible capacity, superior rate capability (452 at 10 A g−1 in LIBs and 296 at 10 A g−1 in SIBs), and prominent cycle life (553 after 2000 cycles at 5 A g−1 in LIBs and 310 after 2000 cycles at 5 A g−1 in SIBs). Such design conception can also provide guidance for the development of other high-performance electrodes. Full article
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8 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Impact of Oral Isotretinoin on the Menstrual Cycle: A Prospective Study on Predictors of Menstrual Irregularities
by Diala Alshiyab, Haitham Bassam Marie, Raghad Alrawashdeh, Nour Alrawashdeh, Yaman B. Ahmed and Ausama Atwan
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050832 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the association between the use of oral isotretinoin and menstrual irregularities in acne patients with previously regular menstrual cycles. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 58,599 female patients aged [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the association between the use of oral isotretinoin and menstrual irregularities in acne patients with previously regular menstrual cycles. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 58,599 female patients aged 14 to 36 at King Abdullah University Hospital in Irbid, Jordan. The patients were followed for a period of 4.5 to 8 months during treatment and for 2 months post-treatment. Menstrual cycle changes were documented, and statistical analysis was performed to identify any significant associations. Results: A total of 111 (37.1%) patients, who were previously known to have regular menstrual cycles, complained of menstrual changes while using oral isotretinoin. Ninety-nine of those patients who complained of menstrual changes had their cycles back to normal post-treatment. There is a significant difference in the total accumulative dose between those with changes in menses and those without; p-value [0.008]. The most common change that occurred was amenorrhea (p < 0.001), followed by oligomenorrhea and menorrhagia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.050, respectively). The duration of treatment was a significant predictor of menstrual irregularities, with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.106 (95% CI: 1.371–19.020, p = 0.015), indicating a higher likelihood of menstrual changes with increased treatment duration. The total accumulative dose was also significantly associated with menstrual irregularities (OR = 0.964; 95% CI: 0.939–0.990; p = 0.006). Additionally, a family history of PCOS significantly increased the odds of menstrual irregularities (OR = 3.783; 95% CI: 1.314–10.892; p = 0.014). Conclusions: The study identified that 37.1% of the participants experienced changes in their menstrual cycles while undergoing isotretinoin therapy, with the vast majority (89.2%) returning to normal within two months post-treatment. Our logistic regression analysis pinpointed the duration of isotretinoin treatment, the total accumulative dose, and a family history of PCOS as significant predictors of menstrual irregularities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dermatology)
14 pages, 881 KiB  
Review
Engineering Gut Symbionts: A Way to Promote Bee Growth?
by Pachara Sattayawat, Sahutchai Inwongwan, Nuttapol Noirungsee, Jilian Li, Jun Guo and Terd Disayathanoowat
Insects 2024, 15(5), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050369 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Bees play a crucial role as pollinators, contributing significantly to ecosystems. However, the honeybee population faces challenges such as global warming, pesticide use, and pathogenic microorganisms. Promoting bee growth using several approaches is therefore crucial for maintaining their roles. To this end, the [...] Read more.
Bees play a crucial role as pollinators, contributing significantly to ecosystems. However, the honeybee population faces challenges such as global warming, pesticide use, and pathogenic microorganisms. Promoting bee growth using several approaches is therefore crucial for maintaining their roles. To this end, the bacterial microbiota is well-known for its native role in supporting bee growth in several respects. Maximizing the capabilities of these microorganisms holds the theoretical potential to promote the growth of bees. Recent advancements have made it feasible to achieve this enhancement through the application of genetic engineering. In this review, we present the roles of gut symbionts in promoting bee growth and collectively summarize the engineering approaches that would be needed for future applications. Particularly, as the engineering of bee gut symbionts has not been advanced, the dominant gut symbiotic bacteria Snodgrassella alvi and Gilliamella apicola are the main focus of the paper, along with other dominant species. Moreover, we propose engineering strategies that will allow for the improvement in bee growth with listed gene targets for modification to further encourage the use of engineered gut symbionts to promote bee growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breakthrough Technologies for Future Entomology)
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21 pages, 1128 KiB  
Article
Sustainability in Project Management Practices
by Inês Soares, Gabriela Fernandes and José M. R. C. A. Santos
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4275; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104275 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
The intersection between sustainability and project management has received significant attention as organizations recognize the criticality of incorporating sustainability practices into their projects. However, incorporating sustainability considerations presents some challenges, requiring the development and adoption of methods, tools and techniques tailored to address [...] Read more.
The intersection between sustainability and project management has received significant attention as organizations recognize the criticality of incorporating sustainability practices into their projects. However, incorporating sustainability considerations presents some challenges, requiring the development and adoption of methods, tools and techniques tailored to address sustainability at the project level. Against this backdrop, this study endeavors to develop an understanding of the effective incorporation of sustainability within projects through the micro-level perspective of practices. An online survey was developed based on a comprehensive literature review of which a total of 107 valid responses were collected and analyzed. The results show the most useful sustainable project management practices perceived by experienced project professionals, including ‘Sustainability team management’, ‘Lessons learned towards sustainability’ and ‘Sustainability risk register’, among others. However, a data analysis reveals a prevailing trend marked by the limited perceived usefulness of sustainability practices in the context of project management. Furthermore, through exploratory factor analysis, a clear classification of sustainable project management practices was identified, according to the specific phases of the common project management lifecycle: ‘Initiation and planning’, ‘Execution, monitoring, controlling and replanning’ and ‘Closure’. By providing a set of sustainable project management practices and identifying the underlying factors that elucidate the incorporation of sustainable project management practices across the project management lifecycle, this study extends a guiding hand to practitioners in pursuing successful sustainability integration in their projects. It vividly illustrates that sustainability can be readily incorporated into project-management processes, delivering sustainable products and/or services in a sustainable way, combining both the ‘sustainability of the project’ and ‘sustainability by the project’ perspectives. Full article
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15 pages, 3242 KiB  
Article
Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea during Pregnancy on Fetal Development: Gene Expression Profile of Cord Blood
by Laura Cànaves-Gómez, Aarne Fleischer, Josep Muncunill-Farreny, María Paloma Gimenez, Ainhoa Álvarez Ruiz De Larrinaga, Andrés Sánchez Baron, Mercedes Codina Marcet, Mónica De-La-Peña, Daniel Morell-Garcia, José Peña Zarza, Concepción Piñas Zebrian, Susana García Fernández and Alberto Alonso
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5537; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105537 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is quite prevalent during pregnancy and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, but its potential influence on fetal development remains unclear. This study investigated maternal OSA impact on the fetus by analyzing gene expression profiles in whole cord blood [...] Read more.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is quite prevalent during pregnancy and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, but its potential influence on fetal development remains unclear. This study investigated maternal OSA impact on the fetus by analyzing gene expression profiles in whole cord blood (WCB). Ten women in the third trimester of pregnancy were included, five OSA and five non-OSA cases. WCB RNA expression was analyzed by microarray technology to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under OSA conditions. After data normalization, 3238 genes showed significant differential expression under OSA conditions, with 2690 upregulated genes and 548 downregulated genes. Functional enrichment was conducted using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) applied to Gene Ontology annotations. Key biological processes involved in OSA were identified, including response to oxidative stress and hypoxia, apoptosis, insulin response and secretion, and placental development. Moreover, DEGs were confirmed through qPCR analyses in additional WCB samples (7 with OSA and 13 without OSA). This highlighted differential expression of several genes in OSA (EGR1, PFN1 and PRKAR1A), with distinct gene expression profiles observed during rapid eye movement (REM)-OSA in pregnancy (PFN1, UBA52, EGR1, STX4, MYC, JUNB, and MAPKAP). These findings suggest that OSA, particularly during REM sleep, may negatively impact various biological processes during fetal development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathogenesis and Diagnostics of Lung Diseases)
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23 pages, 6508 KiB  
Article
The Influence of the Alkylamino Group on the Solvatochromic Behavior of 5-(4-substituted-arylidene)-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6-triones: Synthesis, Spectroscopic and Computational Studies
by Ilona Pyszka, Przemysław Krawczyk and Beata Jędrzejewska
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102447 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Advances in electronics and medical diagnostics have made organic dyes extremely popular as key functional materials. From a practical viewpoint, it is necessary to assess the spectroscopic and physicochemical properties of newly designed dyes. In this context, the condensation of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid with [...] Read more.
Advances in electronics and medical diagnostics have made organic dyes extremely popular as key functional materials. From a practical viewpoint, it is necessary to assess the spectroscopic and physicochemical properties of newly designed dyes. In this context, the condensation of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid with electron-rich alkylaminobenzaldehyde derivatives has been described, resulting in a series of merocyanine-type dyes. These dyes exhibit intense blue-light absorption but weak fluorescence. An electron-donating alkylamino group at position C4 is responsible for the solvatochromic behavior of the dyes since the lone electron pair of the nitrogen atom is variably delocalized toward the barbituric ring, which exhibits electron-withdrawing properties. This was elucidated, taking into account the different geometry of the amino group. The intramolecular charge transfer in the molecules is responsible for the relatively high redshift in absorption and fluorescence spectra. Additionally, an increase in solvent polarity moves the absorption and fluorescence to lower energy regions. The observed solvatochromism is discussed in terms of the four-parameter Catalán solvent polarity scale. The differences in the behavior of the dyes were quantified with the aid of time-dependent density functional theory calculations. The obtained results made it possible to find regularities linking the basic spectroscopic properties of the compounds with their chemical structure. This is important in the targeted search for new, practically important dyes. Full article
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11 pages, 475 KiB  
Article
Associations of Diabetes and Hyperglycaemia with Extent and Outcomes of Acute Burn Injuries
by Jeffrey Chandra, Edward Raby, Fiona M. Wood, P. Gerry Fegan and Bu B. Yeap
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051127 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Severe burns may induce hyperglycaemia in the absence of diabetes, but how glucose trajectories relate to burns outcomes is unclear. Aim: To assess incidence of hyperglycaemia following acute burn injury, and associations with diabetes history and length of stay (LOS). Methods: Retrospective [...] Read more.
Background: Severe burns may induce hyperglycaemia in the absence of diabetes, but how glucose trajectories relate to burns outcomes is unclear. Aim: To assess incidence of hyperglycaemia following acute burn injury, and associations with diabetes history and length of stay (LOS). Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adults admitted with acute burns to tertiary centres. Blood glucose level (BGL), hyperglycaemic episodes (BGL ≥ 11.1 mmol/L) and hyperglycaemic days were recorded. Stress hyperglycaemia was defined as BGL ≥ 11.1 mmol/L without a diabetes history. Results: A total of 30 participants had a diabetes history and 260 did not. Participants with known diabetes had higher mean BGLs (9.7 vs. 9.0 mmol/L, p < 0.001), more hyperglycaemic episodes (28.0 vs. 17.2%, p < 0.001) and hyperglycaemic days (51 vs. 21%, p < 0.001), compared to those without diabetes, despite smaller burns (total body surface area 1.0 vs. 14.8%, p < 0.001). Fourteen participants with stress hyperglycaemia had similar BGLs (at admission 10.3 vs. 11.5 mmol/L; during inpatient stay 9.9 vs. 9.8 mmol/L), more severe burns (15.6% vs. 1.0% TBSA) and longer LOS (18 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001) compared to participants with known diabetes. Extent of burns, having NGT nutrition, age, having inpatient BGL monitoring in the setting of diabetes, or having inpatient BGL monitoring in the absence of diabetes were associated with longer LOS. Conclusions: In participants with known diabetes, small burn injuries were associated with hyperglycaemia. Stress hyperglycaemia can be triggered by major burn injuries, with early and sustained elevation of BGLs. Further research is warranted to improve inpatient management of BGL in patients with acute burn injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Metabolism Research)
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18 pages, 7382 KiB  
Article
Sensor Fault Reconstruction Using Robustly Adaptive Unknown-Input Observers
by Qiang Huang, Zhi-Wei Gao and Yuanhong Liu
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3224; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103224 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Sensors are a key component in industrial automation systems. A fault or malfunction in sensors may degrade control system performance. An engineering system model is usually disturbed by input uncertainties, which brings a challenge for monitoring, diagnosis, and control. In this study, a [...] Read more.
Sensors are a key component in industrial automation systems. A fault or malfunction in sensors may degrade control system performance. An engineering system model is usually disturbed by input uncertainties, which brings a challenge for monitoring, diagnosis, and control. In this study, a novel estimation technique, called adaptive unknown-input observer, is proposed to simultaneously reconstruct sensor faults as well as system states. Specifically, the unknown input observer is used to decouple partial disturbances, the un-decoupled disturbances are attenuated by the optimization using linear matrix inequalities, and the adaptive technique is explored to track sensor faults. As a result, a robust reconstruction of the sensor fault as well as system states is then achieved. Furthermore, the proposed robustly adaptive fault reconstruction technique is extended to Lipschitz nonlinear systems subjected to sensor faults and unknown input uncertainties. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithms is demonstrated using an aircraft system model and robotic arm and comparison studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fault Diagnosis & Sensors)
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18 pages, 3978 KiB  
Article
Gain-Type Aneuploidies Influence the Burden of Selective Long Non-Coding Transcripts in Colorectal Cancer
by Chiara Scuderi, Virginia Di Bella, Anna Provvidenza Privitera, Francesca Maria Giustolisi, Vincenza Barresi and Daniele Filippo Condorelli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5538; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105538 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Chromosomal instability is a hallmark of colorectal carcinogenesis and produces an accumulation of different forms of aneuploidies or broad copy number aberrations. Colorectal cancer is characterized by gain-type broad copy number aberrations, specifically in Chr20, Chr8q, Chr13 and Chr7, but their roles and [...] Read more.
Chromosomal instability is a hallmark of colorectal carcinogenesis and produces an accumulation of different forms of aneuploidies or broad copy number aberrations. Colorectal cancer is characterized by gain-type broad copy number aberrations, specifically in Chr20, Chr8q, Chr13 and Chr7, but their roles and mechanisms in cancer progression are not fully understood. It has been suggested that broad copy number gains might contribute to tumor development through the so-called caricature transcriptomic effect. We intend to investigate the impact of broad copy number gains on long non-coding RNAs’ expression in colorectal cancer, given their well-known role in oncogenesis. The influence of such chromosomal aberrations on lncRNAs’ transcriptome profile was investigated by SNP and transcriptome arrays in our series of colorectal cancer samples and cell lines. The correlation between aneuploidies and transcriptomic profiles led us to obtain a class of Over-UpT lncRNAs, which are transcripts upregulated in CRC and further overexpressed in colon tumors bearing specific chromosomal aberrations. The identified lncRNAs can contribute to a wide interaction network to establish the cancer driving effect of gain-type aneuploidies. Full article
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17 pages, 8975 KiB  
Article
Underwater Camera Calibration Based on Double Refraction
by Yushan Sun, Tian Zhou, Liwen Zhang and Puxin Chai
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050842 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Underwater camera calibration plays a pivotal role in underwater positioning and underwater mapping reconstruction, making it crucial for achieving precise spatial measurements in underwater environments. To elevate measurement accuracy, we have refined the calibration methodology for underwater cameras. Firstly, we conducted an in-depth [...] Read more.
Underwater camera calibration plays a pivotal role in underwater positioning and underwater mapping reconstruction, making it crucial for achieving precise spatial measurements in underwater environments. To elevate measurement accuracy, we have refined the calibration methodology for underwater cameras. Firstly, we conducted an in-depth investigation into the intricate challenges posed by double refraction errors arising from light passing through water–glass–air interfaces. To address this issue, we established a double refraction model based on the actual underwater light paths, laying the groundwork for our calibration efforts. Furthermore, to tackle the problem of determining multiple camera parameters, we proposed a parameter optimization method based on genetic algorithms, capable of navigating the complex parameter space. Finally, compared with other algorithms, our method enables more precise determination of underwater camera parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Oceanography)
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10 pages, 253 KiB  
Article
Preterm Infants on Early Solid Foods and Neurodevelopmental Outcome—A Secondary Outcome Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
by Margarita Thanhaeuser, Fabian Eibensteiner, Melanie Gsoellpointner, Sophia Brandstetter, Renate Fuiko, Bernd Jilma, Angelika Berger and Nadja Haiden
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1528; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101528 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
There are no evidence-based recommendations regarding the introduction of solid foods in preterm infants. The objective of this study was to investigate whether age at the introduction of solid foods affects neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study focuses on analyzing secondary outcomes from a prospective [...] Read more.
There are no evidence-based recommendations regarding the introduction of solid foods in preterm infants. The objective of this study was to investigate whether age at the introduction of solid foods affects neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study focuses on analyzing secondary outcomes from a prospective trial involving very low birth weight infants who were randomly assigned to either an early (10–12th week corrected age) or a late (16–18th week corrected age) complementary feeding group. The study evaluated neurodevelopmental outcomes at one and two years of corrected age, as well as at three years and four months of uncorrected age by utilizing Bayley scales. In total, 89 infants were assigned to the early and 88 infants to the late group, all with a mean gestational age of 27 + 1 weeks. A linear mixed-effects model was used to compare neurodevelopmental outcomes across the study groups, taking into account variables such as gestational age at birth, sex, nutrition at discharge, parents’ highest education level, and high-grade intraventricular hemorrhage. The analysis did not reveal any significant differences between the groups. The timepoint of the introduction of solid foods had no impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes at one and two years of corrected age, and at three years and four months of uncorrected age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Nutrition)

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