The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
5 pages, 965 KiB  
Interesting Images
A Late Testicular Relapse in an Adult with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, 5 Years after the Diagnosis and 4 Years after Allotransplant—A Rare Case
by Andrei Epure, C Florin Pop, Ciprian Juravle, Florin Grosu and Carmen Naicu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(9), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14090875 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disorder of lymphoid progenitor cells that affects both pediatric and adult populations. Although isolated testicular or any other organ recurrence can occur in the pediatric population, it is rare in adults. We present images for an [...] Read more.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disorder of lymphoid progenitor cells that affects both pediatric and adult populations. Although isolated testicular or any other organ recurrence can occur in the pediatric population, it is rare in adults. We present images for an atypical case of the late testicular recurrence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a 56-year-old man previously diagnosed with ALL pro-T who was in remission following polychemotherapy (GMALL 2013 protocol) and the allotransplantation of peripheral blood stem cells from a related donor. Five years later (2022), the unilateral testicular relapse of ALL was suspected by imaging and diagnosed by immunophenotyping from sperm fluid infiltrated with atypical cells with an immunophenotype concordant with that of the underlying disease (ALL T). Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy showed no evidence of systemic leukemia relapse. Testicular ablation or chemotherapy and irradiation were considered. Given the strictly testicular relapse, orchiectomy would have been useful, but given the abdominal adenopathy, a chemotherapy course with HyperCVAD Block A was first required. Testicular relapse can occur at any age, and the recognition of this is important as it may be the first manifestation of systemic relapse. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)
8 pages, 359 KiB  
Brief Report
Signatures and Discriminative Abilities of Multi-Omics between States of Cognitive Decline
by Filippos Anagnostakis, Michail Kokkorakis, Keenan A. Walker and Christos Davatzikos
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12050941 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Dementia poses a substantial global health challenge, warranting an exploration of its intricate pathophysiological mechanisms and potential intervention targets. Leveraging multi-omic technology, this study utilizes data from 2251 participants to construct classification models using lipidomic, gut metabolomic, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomic markers [...] Read more.
Dementia poses a substantial global health challenge, warranting an exploration of its intricate pathophysiological mechanisms and potential intervention targets. Leveraging multi-omic technology, this study utilizes data from 2251 participants to construct classification models using lipidomic, gut metabolomic, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomic markers to distinguish between the states of cognitive decline, namely, the cognitively unimpaired state, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. The analysis identifies three CSF proteins (apolipoprotein E, neuronal pentraxin-2, and fatty-acid-binding protein), four lipids (DEDE.18.2, DEDE.20.4, LPC.O.20.1, and LPC.P.18.1), and five serum gut metabolites (Hyodeoxycholic acid, Glycohyodeoxycholic acid, Hippuric acid, Glyceric acid, and Glycodeoxycholic acid) capable of predicting dementia prevalence from cognitively unimpaired participants, achieving Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.879 (95% CI: 0.802–0.956), 0.766 (95% CI: 0.700–0.835), and 0.717 (95% CI: 0.657–0.777), respectively. Furthermore, exclusively three CSF proteins exhibit the potential to predict mild cognitive impairment prevalence from cognitively unimpaired subjects, with an AUC of 0.760 (95% CI: 0.691–0.828). In conclusion, we present novel combinations of lipids, gut metabolites, and CSF proteins that showed discriminative abilities between the states of cognitive decline and underscore the potential of these molecules in elucidating the mechanisms of cognitive decline. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarkers in Dementia Disorders)
15 pages, 834 KiB  
Article
The Interrelationship of Benefit Finding, Demoralization, and Stigma among Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Their Caregivers
by Pei-Chien Chou, Yu Lee, Yung-Yee Chang, Chi-Fa Hung, Ying-Fa Chen, Tsu-Kung Lin, Fu-Yuan Shih, Wu-Fu Chen, Pao-Yen Lin, Mian-Yoon Chong and Liang-Jen Wang
Healthcare 2024, 12(9), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090878 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease with a relentlessly progressive course of illness. This study aimed to assess the dyadic dynamics of benefit finding (BF), demoralization, and stigma on the depression severity of PD patients and their caregivers. This study used [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease with a relentlessly progressive course of illness. This study aimed to assess the dyadic dynamics of benefit finding (BF), demoralization, and stigma on the depression severity of PD patients and their caregivers. This study used a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling. In total, 120 PD patients and 120 caregivers were recruited from the neurological ward or neurological outpatient clinic of a medical center in Taiwan from October 2021 to September 2022. PD patients and their caregivers were enrolled and assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the Benefit Finding scale, Demoralization Scale, Stigma Subscale of the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue, and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire. Among the 120 patients and 120 caregivers that successfully completed the study, 41.7% (N = 50) and 60% (N = 72) were female, respectively. The most common psychiatric diagnoses of both the PD patients (17.5%) and their caregivers (13.3%) were depressive disorders. Using structural equation modeling, we found that the stigma, BF, and demoralization of PD patients might contribute to their depression severity. Demoralization and stigma of PD patients’ caregivers might also contribute to the depression severity of PD patients. Caregivers’ BF and demoralization were significantly linked with their depression severity. PD patients’ BF degree and their caregivers’ BF degree had significant interactive effects. Both patients’ and their caregivers’ stigma levels had significant interactive effects. Clinicians should be aware of and manage these contributing factors between PD patients and their caregivers in order to prevent them from exacerbating each other’s depression. Full article
16 pages, 3126 KiB  
Article
Functional Improvement of NiOx/CeO2 Model Catalyst Active in Dry Methane Reforming via Optimization of Nickel Content
by Piotr Legutko, Mateusz M. Marzec, Marcin Kozieł, Krystian Sokołowski, Marek Michalik and Andrzej Adamski
Processes 2024, 12(5), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050851 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The valorization of greenhouse gases, especially when focused on carbon dioxide, currently belongs to the main challenges of pro-environmental chemical processes. One of the important technologies in this field is dry methane reforming (DMR), leading to the so-called synthesis gas (CO + H [...] Read more.
The valorization of greenhouse gases, especially when focused on carbon dioxide, currently belongs to the main challenges of pro-environmental chemical processes. One of the important technologies in this field is dry methane reforming (DMR), leading to the so-called synthesis gas (CO + H2). However, to be efficient and economically viable, an active and stable catalyst is required. Ni-based systems can be recommended in this regard. This research aimed to investigate how nickel content can influence the activity of model NiOx/CeO2 catalysts in DMR. A series of NiOx/CeO2 samples of various nickel loadings (0–10 wt.%) were prepared through dry impregnation. The obtained samples were characterized through XRD, RS, N2-BET, DRIFT, SEM, UV/Vis-DR, and XPS. Nonlinear changes in surface properties of the investigated samples with increasing nickel concentration were found. The observed changes are mirrored both in the determined nickel speciation and in the corresponding catalytic activity. The highest activity was found for the catalyst containing 3 wt.%. of nickel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Synthesis and Applications of Supported Nanocatalysts)
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15 pages, 586 KiB  
Review
Biologics and Non-Biologics Immunosuppressive Treatments for IgA Nephropathy in Both Adults and Children
by Decimo Silvio Chiarenza, Enrico Eugenio Verrina, Edoardo La Porta, Gianluca Caridi, Gian Marco Ghiggeri, Gabriele Mortari, Francesca Lugani, Andrea Angeletti and Carolina Bigatti
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2465; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092465 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy represents the most prevalent cause of glomerulonephritis worldwide and may lead to renal failure in a relevant number of cases in both paediatric and adult subjects. Although their pathogenesis is still largely unclear, evidence of immune abnormalities provides the background [...] Read more.
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy represents the most prevalent cause of glomerulonephritis worldwide and may lead to renal failure in a relevant number of cases in both paediatric and adult subjects. Although their pathogenesis is still largely unclear, evidence of immune abnormalities provides the background for the use of immunosuppressive drugs, such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and antiproliferative and alkylating agents. Unfortunately, these treatments fail to achieve a sustained remission in a significant percentage of affected patients and are burdened by significant toxicities. Recent developments of new biologics, including anti-BAFF/APRIL inhibitors and molecules targeting complement components, offered the opportunity to selectively target immune cell subsets or activation pathways, leading to more effective and safer hypothesis-driven treatments. However, studies testing new biologic agents in IgAN should also consider paediatric populations to address the unique needs of children and close the therapeutic gap between adult and paediatric care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nephrology & Urology)
13 pages, 4413 KiB  
Article
Barley Malt as a Binder for Moulding Sands—Gas Evolution and Surface Quality of Iron Castings
by Daniel Nowak, Artur Bobrowski, Bartłomiej Samociuk, Sylwia Żymankowska-Kumon and Daniel Medyński
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3560; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093560 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The requirements placed on the foundry industry are mainly related to the need to maintain an appropriate quality–price ratio of the product and to maintain an appropriate production regime that takes into account modern legal solutions related to environmental protection. This work is [...] Read more.
The requirements placed on the foundry industry are mainly related to the need to maintain an appropriate quality–price ratio of the product and to maintain an appropriate production regime that takes into account modern legal solutions related to environmental protection. This work is part of the trend of searching for new or previously unused materials from renewable sources in moulding sand technology. This article concerns the possibility of using barley malt in moulding material technology as a binding material. The presented work contains the results of research on the release of gases during casting, where high temperatures cause the decomposition of chemical substances. The tests confirmed that moulding sands with barley malt as a binder do not cause excessive emissions of harmful gaseous products when pouring moulds with liquid casting alloy. The volume of gases formed was smaller than that of commonly used moulding sands with other binders. The total volume of gases produced and the kinetics of their release indicate that casting in this type of moulding sand did not cause any technological inconvenience or casting defects of gaseous origin. This was confirmed by research involving obtaining iron castings in industrial conditions using barley malt as a binder in moulding sand technology, which were then subjected to visual assessment and roughness analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science and Engineering)
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15 pages, 4640 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Climate Change on Runoff in the Heihe River Basin, China
by Qin Liu, Peng Cheng, Meixia Lyu, Xinyang Yan, Qingping Xiao, Xiaoqin Li, Lei Wang and Lili Bao
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050516 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Located in the central part of the arid regions of Northwest China, the Heihe River Basin (HRB) plays an important role in wind prevention, sand fixation, and soil and water conservation as the second largest inland river basin. In the context of the [...] Read more.
Located in the central part of the arid regions of Northwest China, the Heihe River Basin (HRB) plays an important role in wind prevention, sand fixation, and soil and water conservation as the second largest inland river basin. In the context of the warming and wetting climate observed in Northwest China, the situation of the ecological environment in the HRB is of significant concern. Using the data from meteorological observation stations, grid fusion and hydrological monitoring, this study analyzes the multi-scale climate changes in the HRB and their impacts on runoff. In addition, predictive models for runoff in the upper and middle reaches were developed using machine learning methods. The results indicate that the climate in the HRB has experienced an overall warming and wetting trend over the past 60 years. At the same time, there are clear regional variabilities in the climate changes. Precipitation shows decreasing trends in the northwestern part of the HRB, while it shows increases at rates higher than the regional average in the southeastern part. Moreover, the temperature increases are generally smaller in the upper reaches than those in the middle and lower reaches. Over the past 60 years, there has been a remarkable increase in runoff at the Yingluo Gorge (YL) hydrological station, which exhibits a distinct “single-peak” pattern in the variation of monthly runoff. The annual runoff volume at the YL (ZY) hydrological station is significantly correlated with the precipitation in the upper (middle) reaches, indicating the precipitation is the primary influencing factor determining the annual runoff. Temperature has a significant impact only on the runoff in the upper reaches, while its impact is not significant in the middle reaches. The models trained by the support vector machines and random forest models perform best in predicting the annual runoff and monthly runoff, respectively. This study can provide a scientific basis for environmental protection and sustainable development in the HRB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Climatology)
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16 pages, 6221 KiB  
Article
Special Prey, Special Glue: NMR Spectroscopy on Aggregate Glue Components of Moth-Specialist Spiders, Cyrtarachninae
by Max W. VanDyck, John H. Long, Jr., Richard H. Baker, Cheryl Y. Hayashi and Candido Diaz, Jr.
Biomimetics 2024, 9(5), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9050256 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Orb-weaver spiders produce upwards of seven different types of silk, each with unique material properties. We focus on the adhesive within orb-weaving spider webs, aggregate glue silk. These droplets are composed of three main components: water, glycoproteins, and a wide range of low [...] Read more.
Orb-weaver spiders produce upwards of seven different types of silk, each with unique material properties. We focus on the adhesive within orb-weaving spider webs, aggregate glue silk. These droplets are composed of three main components: water, glycoproteins, and a wide range of low molecular mass compounds (LMMCs). These LMMCs are known to play a crucial role in maintaining the material properties of the glycoproteins, aid in water absorption from the environment, and increase surface adhesion. Orb-weavers within the Cyrtarachninae subfamily are moth specialists and have evolved glue droplets with novel material properties. This study investigated the biochemical composition and diversity of the LMMCs present in the aggregate glue of eight moth-specialist species and compared them with five generalist orb-weavers using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We hypothesized that the novel drying ability of moth-specialist glue was accompanied by novel LMMCs and lower overall percentages by silk weight of LMMCs. We measured no difference in LMMC weight by the type of prey specialization, but observed novel compositions in the glue of all eight moth-catching species. Further, we quantified the presence of a previously reported but unidentified compound that appears in the glue of all moth specialists. These silks can provide insight into the functions of bioadhesives and inform our own synthetic adhesives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silk-Based Bioinspired Materials: Design and Applications)
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14 pages, 1169 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Drug Blood-Brain-Barrier Permeability Using a Microfluidic Chip
by Jung Yoon Yang, Dae-Seop Shin, Moonkyu Jeong, Seong Soon Kim, Ha Neul Jeong, Byung Hoi Lee, Kyu-Seok Hwang, Yuji Son, Hyeon-Cheol Jeong, Chi-Hoon Choi, Kyeong-Ryoon Lee and Myung Ae Bae
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(5), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16050574 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is made up of blood vessels whose permeability enables the passage of some compounds. A predictive model of BBB permeability is important in the early stages of drug development. The predicted BBB permeabilities of drugs have been confirmed using a [...] Read more.
The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is made up of blood vessels whose permeability enables the passage of some compounds. A predictive model of BBB permeability is important in the early stages of drug development. The predicted BBB permeabilities of drugs have been confirmed using a variety of in vitro methods to reduce the quantities of drug candidates needed in preclinical and clinical trials. Most prior studies have relied on animal or cell-culture models, which do not fully recapitulate the human BBB. The development of microfluidic models of human-derived BBB cells could address this issue. We analyzed a model for predicting BBB permeability using the Emulate BBB-on-a-chip machine. Ten compounds were evaluated, and their permeabilities were estimated. Our study demonstrated that the permeability trends of ten compounds in our microfluidic-based system resembled those observed in previous animal and cell-based experiments. Furthermore, we established a general correlation between the partition coefficient ( and the apparent permeability (). In conclusion, we introduced a new paradigm for predicting BBB permeability using microfluidic-based systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Pharmaceutical Technology)
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13 pages, 545 KiB  
Article
Caffeine Improves Sprint Time in Simulated Freestyle Swimming Competition but Not the Vertical Jump in Female Swimmers
by Kürşat Acar, Ahmet Mor, Hakkı Mor, Zehra Kargın, Dan Iulian Alexe, Mekki Abdioğlu, Raci Karayiğit, Cristina Ioana Alexe, Adin Marian Cojocaru and George Danuț Mocanu
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091253 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Caffeine (CAF) has been shown to be an effective ergogenic aid in enhancing sports performance, including vertical jump (VJ), sprint, balance, agility, and freestyle swimming performance (FSP). However, whether acute CAF supplementation improves FSP in moderately trained female swimmers has not been well [...] Read more.
Caffeine (CAF) has been shown to be an effective ergogenic aid in enhancing sports performance, including vertical jump (VJ), sprint, balance, agility, and freestyle swimming performance (FSP). However, whether acute CAF supplementation improves FSP in moderately trained female swimmers has not been well documented. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of CAF intake on vertical jump, balance, auditory reaction time (ART), and swimming performance in female swimmers. In a double-blind, cross-over design, eight moderately trained female swimmers (age: 21.3 ± 1.4 years, height: 161.2 ± 7.1 cm, body mass: 56.3 ± 6.7 kg, body mass index (BMI): 21.9 ± 1.3 kg/m2, and habitual CAF intake: 246.4 ± 111.4 mg/day) ingested caffeine (CAF) (6 mg/kg) or a placebo (PLA) 60 min before completing VJ, balance, ART, and 25/50 m FSP. CAF supplementation resulted in a significantly lower time both in 25m (p = 0.032) and 50m (p = 0.033) FSP. However, CAF resulted in no significant difference in VJ, ART, and RPE (p > 0.05). Balance test results showed a non-significant moderate main effect (d = 0.58). In conclusion, CAF seems to reduce time in short-distance swimming performances, which could be the determinant of success considering the total time of the race. Thus, we recommend coaches and practitioners incorporate CAF into swimmers’ nutrition plans before competitions, which may meet the high performance demands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Dietary Intake on Athletic Performance)
21 pages, 1946 KiB  
Article
Detecting Fatigue during Exoskeleton-Assisted Trunk Flexion Tasks: A Machine Learning Approach
by Pranav Madhav Kuber, Hrushikesh Godbole and Ehsan Rashedi
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3563; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093563 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Back-Support Industrial Exoskeletons (BSIEs) can be beneficial in reducing the risk of injury due to overexertion during trunk flexion tasks. Most real-world tasks include complex body movements, leading to mixed outcomes that necessitate field-based methods for detecting overall physical demands. Monitoring fatigue can [...] Read more.
Back-Support Industrial Exoskeletons (BSIEs) can be beneficial in reducing the risk of injury due to overexertion during trunk flexion tasks. Most real-world tasks include complex body movements, leading to mixed outcomes that necessitate field-based methods for detecting overall physical demands. Monitoring fatigue can be beneficial in this regard to ensure that benefits of BSIEs are translated to the real world. Our experiment included 14 participants, who performed 30 repetitions of 45° trunk-flexion while assisted by a BSIE, first without fatigue and then at medium-high back fatigue (7/10 in the Borg scale). We extracted 135 features from recorded muscle activity, trunk motion, and whole-body stability across bending, transition, and retraction portions of each trunk-flexion cycle. Four classification algorithms, namely Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), and XGBoost (XGB), were implemented to assess fatigue prediction. XGB (Accuracy: 86.1%, Recall: 86%, Specificity: 86.3%) was effective in classifying fatigue with data obtained from a single EMG sensor located on the lower back (erector spinae) muscle. Meanwhile, stability measures showed high predictability with both RF (92.9%, 91.9%, 94.1%) and XGB (93.5, 94.1%, 93.1%). Findings demonstrate the success of force plates, and when replaced by pressure insoles, they can facilitate real-world fatigue detection during BSIE-assisted trunk-flexion tasks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches and Applications in Ergonomic Design III)
19 pages, 2157 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Predictive Accuracy in European Agricultural Tractor Residual Value Estimation: A Double Square Root Regression Reappraisal
by Ivan Herranz-Matey and Luis Ruiz-Garcia
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050654 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Determining the residual value of tractors is imperative for comprehensive cost analyses within the agricultural machinery sector. Despite numerous studies offering various models and independent variables, the double square root regression approach, originally developed by Cross and Perry and adapted by ASABE for [...] Read more.
Determining the residual value of tractors is imperative for comprehensive cost analyses within the agricultural machinery sector. Despite numerous studies offering various models and independent variables, the double square root regression approach, originally developed by Cross and Perry and adapted by ASABE for North American contexts, has been widely utilized. However, factors such as the complexity of OEM portfolios, steep price increases due to compliance with diesel emission regulations, and limited data availability in Europe and its market specificities necessitate improvements in predictive accuracy. This study evaluates different tractor cohort alternatives beyond engine horsepower to enhance predictive robustness. Incorporating brand and powertrain type alongside engine power significantly improved model performance and exhibited the strongest robustness, as evidenced by reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) and increased R-squared values. These findings contribute to the refinement of tractor residual value estimation models, offering valuable insights for stakeholders in the agricultural machinery industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
15 pages, 1352 KiB  
Article
Halotolerant Endophytic Bacteria Regulate Growth and Field Performance of Two Durum Wheat Genotypes with Contrasting Salinity Tolerance Potential
by Randa Albdaiwi, Rabea Al-Sayaydeh, Mohammad K. Al-Rifaee, Tareq Alhindi, Muhammad Ashraf and Ayed M. Al-Abdallat
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091179 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Soil salinity hampers durum wheat plant growth and development at various stages. The detrimental effects of salinity on plant cellular and physiological processes necessitate strategies to alleviate its negative impact and improve overall crop yield. This study investigates the efficacy of plant growth-promoting [...] Read more.
Soil salinity hampers durum wheat plant growth and development at various stages. The detrimental effects of salinity on plant cellular and physiological processes necessitate strategies to alleviate its negative impact and improve overall crop yield. This study investigates the efficacy of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) bacteria inoculation in mitigating salinity stress on two durum wheat genotypes with contrasting degrees of salinity tolerance (Tamaroi, salt-sensitive and Line 5004, salt-tolerant) under greenhouse and field conditions. For this purpose, two halotolerant-PGPR strains, Pseudomonas jordanii strain G34 and Oceanobacillus jordanicus strain GSFE11, were utilized for the inoculation. For the greenhouse experiment, the two selected genotypes were subjected to salinity at the flag leaf stage with continuous irrigation with a Hoagland solution supplemented with 50 mM NaCl. Field experiments were conducted across two locations with contrasting salinity levels over two growing seasons. At the end of both experiments, various parameters including total weight, spike weight, grain weight, spike number, spikelet number, grains per spike and thousand kernel weight were measured. The halotolerant PGPRs, P. jordanii strain G34 and O. jordanicus strain GSFE11, proved effective in alleviating salinity-induced adverse effects and enhancing growth under greenhouse and field conditions. However, bacterial inoculation significantly improved growth in the salt-sensitive genotype and such effects were not observed in the tolerant genotype, emphasizing genotype-specific responses. Notably, inoculation with O. jordanicus increased Na+ and Ca2+ uptake in the salt-tolerant “Line 5004” without hindering growth, suggesting one of its potential mechanisms for salt tolerance. This research demonstrates the potential of halotolerant-PGPR inoculation in enhancing durum wheat production in saline environments, but also underscores the importance of understanding genotype-specific responses for tailored interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Physiology and Crop Production)
29 pages, 8811 KiB  
Review
Predictive and Prognostic Relevance of Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells: Tailoring Personalized Treatments against Different Cancer Types
by Tikam Chand Dakal, Nancy George, Caiming Xu, Prashanth Suravajhala and Abhishek Kumar
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091626 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
TIICs are critical components of the TME and are used to estimate prognostic and treatment responses in many malignancies. TIICs in the tumor microenvironment are assessed and quantified by categorizing immune cells into three subtypes: CD66b+ tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), FoxP3+ regulatory T cells [...] Read more.
TIICs are critical components of the TME and are used to estimate prognostic and treatment responses in many malignancies. TIICs in the tumor microenvironment are assessed and quantified by categorizing immune cells into three subtypes: CD66b+ tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), and CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In addition, many cancers have tumor-infiltrating M1 and M2 macrophages, neutrophils (Neu), CD4+ T cells (T-helper), CD8+ T cells (T-cytotoxic), eosinophils, and mast cells. A variety of clinical treatments have linked tumor immune cell infiltration (ICI) to immunotherapy receptivity and prognosis. To improve the therapeutic effectiveness of immune-modulating drugs in a wider cancer patient population, immune cells and their interactions in the TME must be better understood. This study examines the clinicopathological effects of TIICs in overcoming tumor-mediated immunosuppression to boost antitumor immune responses and improve cancer prognosis. We successfully analyzed the predictive and prognostic usefulness of TIICs alongside TMB and ICI scores to identify cancer’s varied immune landscapes. Traditionally, immune cell infiltration was quantified using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, and other platforms that use integrated immune gene sets from previously published studies. We have also thoroughly examined traditional limitations and newly created unsupervised clustering and deconvolution techniques (SpatialVizScore and ProTICS). These methods predict patient outcomes and treatment responses better. These models may also identify individuals who may benefit more from adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment. Overall, we think that the significant contribution of TIICs in cancer will greatly benefit postoperative follow-up, therapy, interventions, and informed choices on customized cancer medicines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncogenomic and Multi-Omic Data Science and Data Engineering)
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16 pages, 982 KiB  
Article
Virtual Reality in Cultural Heritage: A Setup for Balzi Rossi Museum
by Saverio Iacono, Matteo Scaramuzzino, Luca Martini, Chiara Panelli, Daniele Zolezzi, Massimo Perotti, Antonella Traverso and Gianni Viardo Vercelli
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3562; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093562 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study presents the creation of a virtual reality experience for the Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi e Zona Archeologica (hence Balzi Rossi Museum) commemorating the centenary of Prince Albert I Grimaldi’s archaeological work at the site. The project aims to preserve and [...] Read more.
This study presents the creation of a virtual reality experience for the Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi e Zona Archeologica (hence Balzi Rossi Museum) commemorating the centenary of Prince Albert I Grimaldi’s archaeological work at the site. The project aims to preserve and convey the site’s heritage through advanced VR technology. Photogrammetry was used for 3D reconstruction of the entire Balzi Rossi coastal cliffs, including the notable “Caviglione” and “Florestano” caves, known for their upper Paleolithic rock engravings. Two subsequent development phases produced the final public VR experience, incorporating Nanite technology for enhanced visual fidelity. This advancement resulted in a more detailed and immersive VR experience, presenting the Balzi Rossi cliffs across different historical periods, including the Würm glaciation. Key to this phase was optimizing the VR experience for performance, focusing on stable frame rates and minimizing motion sickness, and integrating a multi-lingual interface for broader accessibility. Since November 2023, the VR setup at Balzi Rossi Museum has been an educational and interactive feature enabling visitors to virtually explore the site’s history. This study aims to describe a process for optimizing and enabling the creation of VR experiences while maintaining a high polygon count within the context of small teams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in 3D Reconstruction, 3D Imaging and Virtual Reality)
19 pages, 1991 KiB  
Article
An Integrative Investigation of Travel Satisfaction, Streetscape Perception, and Mental Health in Urban Environments
by Pawinee Iamtrakul, Sararad Chayphong and Yoshitsugu Hayashi
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3526; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093526 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
A significant connection exists between mental health, particularly depression, and travel. This study aims to explore the relationship between travel satisfaction, perception of the streetscape, and depression by comparing non-older adults and older adults. Subjective well-being serves as a concept for measuring mental [...] Read more.
A significant connection exists between mental health, particularly depression, and travel. This study aims to explore the relationship between travel satisfaction, perception of the streetscape, and depression by comparing non-older adults and older adults. Subjective well-being serves as a concept for measuring mental health derived from travel satisfaction and perception of the streetscape across age groups. Additionally, the Geriatric Depression Scale (15-item GDS) was employed to specifically assess depression. The survey was conducted among respondents residing in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) with a sample size of 3600 which is segmented into three age groups for the study model: early adulthood (18–34 years), middle adulthood (35–59 years), and later maturity (60 years and above). Multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between travel satisfaction, perception of the streetscape, and mental health. The results suggest that both travel satisfaction and perception of the streetscape have a statistically significant impact on mental health, particularly in relation to depression. Additionally, the analysis highlights variations in stressors among different age cohorts. Particularly noteworthy is the finding that ease of access to the city center and openness of the streetscape emerged as statistically significant factors influencing depression within the later maturity age group. Conclusively, the study reveals the variations in stressors across diverse age cohorts, highlighting the imperative for tailored interventions to mitigate mental health concerns throughout different life stages. Full article
10 pages, 605 KiB  
Article
Effect of EVAR on International Ruptured AAA Mortality—Sex and Geographic Disparities
by C. Y. Maximilian Png, A. Alaska Pendleton, Martin Altreuther, Jacob W. Budtz-Lilly, Kim Gunnarsson, Chung-Dann Kan, Manar Khashram, Matti T. Laine, Kevin Mani, Christian C. Pederson, Sunita D. Srivastava and Matthew J. Eagleton
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2464; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092464 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: We sought to investigate the differential impact of EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) vis-à-vis OSR (open surgical repair) on ruptured AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) mortality by sex and geographically. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of administrative data on EVAR from [...] Read more.
Background: We sought to investigate the differential impact of EVAR (endovascular aneurysm repair) vis-à-vis OSR (open surgical repair) on ruptured AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) mortality by sex and geographically. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of administrative data on EVAR from state statistical agencies, vascular registries, and academic publications, as well as ruptured AAA mortality rates from the World Health Organization for 14 14 states across Australasia, East Asia, Europe, and North America. Results: Between 2011–2016, the proportion of treatment of ruptured AAAs by EVAR increased from 26.1 to 43.8 percent among females, and from 25.7 to 41.2 percent among males, and age-adjusted ruptured AAA mortality rates fell from 12.62 to 9.50 per million among females, and from 34.14 to 26.54 per million among males. The association of EVAR with reduced mortality was more than three times larger (2.2 vis-à-vis 0.6 percent of prevalence per 10 percentage point increase in EVAR) among females than males. The association of EVAR with reduced mortality was substantially larger (1.7 vis-à-vis 1.1 percent of prevalence per 10 percentage point increase in EVAR) among East Asian states than European+ states. Conclusions: The increasing adoption of EVAR coincided with a decrease in ruptured AAA mortality. The relationship between EVAR and mortality was more pronounced among females than males, and in East Asian than European+ states. Sex and ethnic heterogeneity should be further investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advancements and Challenges in Vascular Surgery)
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17 pages, 27418 KiB  
Article
Landsat 8 and 9 Underfly International Surface Reflectance Validation Collaboration
by Joshua Mann, Emily Maddox, Mahesh Shrestha, Jeffrey Irwin, Jeffrey Czapla-Myers, Aaron Gerace, Eon Rehman, Nina Raqueno, Craig Coburn, Guy Byrne, Mark Broomhall and Andrew Walsh
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(9), 1492; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16091492 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
During the launch and path to its final orbit, the Landsat 9 satellite performed a once in a mission lifetime maneuver as it passed beneath Landsat 8, resulting in near coincident data collection. This maneuver provided ground validation teams from across the globe [...] Read more.
During the launch and path to its final orbit, the Landsat 9 satellite performed a once in a mission lifetime maneuver as it passed beneath Landsat 8, resulting in near coincident data collection. This maneuver provided ground validation teams from across the globe the opportunity of collecting surface in situ data to compare directly to Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 data. Ground validation teams identified surface targets that would yield reflectance and/or thermal values that could be used in Landsat Level 2 product validation and set out to collect at these locations using surface validation methodologies the teams developed. The values were collected from each team and compared directly with each other across each of the different bands of both Landsat 8 and 9. The results proved consistency across the Landsat 8 and 9 platforms and also agreed well in surface reflectance underestimation of the Coastal Aerosol, Blue, and SWIR2 bands. Full article
17 pages, 1453 KiB  
Article
A Principal Components Analysis and Functional Annotation of Differentially Expressed Genes in Brain Regions of Gray Rats Selected for Tame or Aggressive Behavior
by Irina Chadaeva, Rimma Kozhemyakina, Svetlana Shikhevich, Anton Bogomolov, Ekaterina Kondratyuk, Dmitry Oshchepkov, Yuriy L. Orlov and Arcady L. Markel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094613 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The process of domestication, despite its short duration as it compared with the time scale of the natural evolutionary process, has caused rapid and substantial changes in the phenotype of domestic animal species. Nonetheless, the genetic mechanisms underlying these changes remain poorly understood. [...] Read more.
The process of domestication, despite its short duration as it compared with the time scale of the natural evolutionary process, has caused rapid and substantial changes in the phenotype of domestic animal species. Nonetheless, the genetic mechanisms underlying these changes remain poorly understood. The present study deals with an analysis of the transcriptomes from four brain regions of gray rats (Rattus norvegicus), serving as an experimental model object of domestication. We compared gene expression profiles in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, periaqueductal gray matter, and the midbrain tegmental region between tame domesticated and aggressive gray rats and revealed subdivisions of differentially expressed genes by principal components analysis that explain the main part of differentially gene expression variance. Functional analysis (in the DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery) Bioinformatics Resources database) of the differentially expressed genes allowed us to identify and describe the key biological processes that can participate in the formation of the different behavioral patterns seen in the two groups of gray rats. Using the STRING- DB (search tool for recurring instances of neighboring genes) web service, we built a gene association network. The genes engaged in broad network interactions have been identified. Our study offers data on the genes whose expression levels change in response to artificial selection for behavior during animal domestication. Full article
11 pages, 656 KiB  
Review
Flooding Tolerance of Rice: Regulatory Pathways and Adaptive Mechanisms
by Jing Wang, Mingzhen Han, Yongxiang Huang, Junliang Zhao, Chuanguang Liu and Yamei Ma
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091178 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Rice is a major food crop for more than half of the world’s population, while its production is seriously threatened by flooding, a common environmental stress worldwide. Flooding leads to oxygen deficiency, which is a major problem for submerged plants. Over the past [...] Read more.
Rice is a major food crop for more than half of the world’s population, while its production is seriously threatened by flooding, a common environmental stress worldwide. Flooding leads to oxygen deficiency, which is a major problem for submerged plants. Over the past three decades, significant progress has been made in understanding rice adaptation and molecular regulatory mechanisms in response to flooding. At the seed germination and seedling establishment stages, the CIPK15-SnRK1A-MYBS1 signaling cascade plays a central role in determining rice submergence tolerance. However, from seedlings to mature plants for harvesting, SUB1A- and SK1/SK2-regulated pathways represent two principal and opposite regulatory mechanisms in rice. In addition, phytohormones, especially gibberellins, induce adaptive responses to flooding throughout the rice growth period. This review summarizes the significant adaptive traits observed in flooded rice varieties and updates the molecular genetics and mechanisms of submergence tolerance in rice. Full article
24 pages, 4578 KiB  
Article
Study on Traveling Wave Fault Localization of Transmission Line Based on NGO-VMD Algorithm
by Ke Yu, Xueling Zhu and Wensi Cao
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2003; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092003 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
To address the challenge of inaccurate fault location of variational mode decomposition (VMD) in practical engineering, due to poor choice of mode decomposition number K and quadratic penalty factor α, a traveling wave fault location method using Northern Goshawk optimization algorithm (NGO) to [...] Read more.
To address the challenge of inaccurate fault location of variational mode decomposition (VMD) in practical engineering, due to poor choice of mode decomposition number K and quadratic penalty factor α, a traveling wave fault location method using Northern Goshawk optimization algorithm (NGO) to optimize VMD was proposed. First, the NGO algorithm is used to optimize VMD, and the optimal K and α are obtained. Secondly, the optimal parameters are inputted into VMD for fault signal decomposition, and the eigenmode components are obtained. Due to the difficulty of identification of the traveling wave head in the process of traveling wave propagation, Hilbert transform is used to determine the time of initial arrival of the traveling wave head at both ends of the line, and the fault location is precisely calculated by using the two-ended traveling wave fault detection formula. Finally, simulation experiments are carried out to verify the accuracy of the proposed location method, which shows that the proposed location method can locate the fault more accurately and has good engineering application value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)
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19 pages, 1693 KiB  
Article
From Organelle Morphology to Whole-Plant Phenotyping: A Phenotypic Detection Method Based on Deep Learning
by Hang Liu, Hongfei Zhu, Fei Liu, Limiao Deng, Guangxia Wu, Zhongzhi Han and Longgang Zhao
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091177 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The analysis of plant phenotype parameters is closely related to breeding, so plant phenotype research has strong practical significance. This paper used deep learning to classify Arabidopsis thaliana from the macro (plant) to the micro level (organelle). First, the multi-output model identifies Arabidopsis [...] Read more.
The analysis of plant phenotype parameters is closely related to breeding, so plant phenotype research has strong practical significance. This paper used deep learning to classify Arabidopsis thaliana from the macro (plant) to the micro level (organelle). First, the multi-output model identifies Arabidopsis accession lines and regression to predict Arabidopsis’s 22-day growth status. The experimental results showed that the model had excellent performance in identifying Arabidopsis lines, and the model’s classification accuracy was 99.92%. The model also had good performance in predicting plant growth status, and the regression prediction of the model root mean square error (RMSE) was 1.536. Next, a new dataset was obtained by increasing the time interval of Arabidopsis images, and the model’s performance was verified at different time intervals. Finally, the model was applied to classify Arabidopsis organelles to verify the model’s generalizability. Research suggested that deep learning will broaden plant phenotype detection methods. Furthermore, this method will facilitate the design and development of a high-throughput information collection platform for plant phenotypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Modeling)
11 pages, 443 KiB  
Brief Report
A Pilot Study on the Influence of Maternal Attachment Representations on Maternal Heart Rate Mediated by Perceived Stress
by Franziska Koehler-Dauner, Lena Peter, Eva Roder, Jörg M. Fegert, Ute Ziegenhain, Christiane Waller and Anna Buchheim
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(5), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14050412 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Past findings have suggested that there is a link between attachment representations and reactions towards stress (subjective and physiological). The aim of this study was to examine the mediating effect of perceived stress on the association between attachment representation and physiological changes, specifically [...] Read more.
Past findings have suggested that there is a link between attachment representations and reactions towards stress (subjective and physiological). The aim of this study was to examine the mediating effect of perceived stress on the association between attachment representation and physiological changes, specifically heart rate. As part of a long-term study investigating the transgenerational transmission of childhood maltreatment, n = 163 mothers participated in multiple assessments. The Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) was used to measure maternal attachment representation, categorizing individuals as securely or insecurely attached. Perceived daily stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale 14 (PSS-14), and maternal baseline heart rate (HR) was measured via electrocardiography during a laboratory visit. The results revealed that the representation of secure attachment had a significant reducing effect on both the mother’s perceived daily stress and heart rate. Furthermore, the association between secure attachment representation and heart rate was mediated by perceived stress. This study emphasizes the role of attachment representation in maternal well-being, highlighting its impact on stress and physiological responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neuropsychology)

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