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12 pages, 569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Denosumab on Rotator Cuff Repair in Women Aged 60 and over with Osteoporosis: A Prospective Observational Study

by Ki-Tae Kim, Sanghyeon Lee, Ho-Won Lee, Shi-Hyun Kim and Yong-Beom Lee

Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051069 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Background: In previous studies, denosumab, a RANKL human monoclonal antibody used in osteoporosis treatment, has shown efficacy in tendon healing after rotator cuff repair. This prospective study investigated the effects of denosumab on tendon healing, re-tear rates, and clinical outcomes post rotator cuff [...] Read more.

Background: In previous studies, denosumab, a RANKL human monoclonal antibody used in osteoporosis treatment, has shown efficacy in tendon healing after rotator cuff repair. This prospective study investigated the effects of denosumab on tendon healing, re-tear rates, and clinical outcomes post rotator cuff repair in women with osteoporosis. Method: This was a prospective, observational study, employing propensity score matching for the control group. From March 2018 to March 2023, female patients over the age of 60 with normal bone density undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were selected as controls through propensity score matching (PSM) and compared with female patients of the same age group with osteoporosis who were receiving denosumab treatment. The control group was matched using 1-to-2 propensity score matching. Radiological examinations and functional outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Results: In the final analysis, the study comprised 34 patients in the denosumab treatment group (Group 1) and 68 patients in the control group (Group 2). The functional scores showed significant improvement at 6 months post-surgery in both groups. No significant difference in the functional scores was observed among the groups. The re-tear rate, defined according to Sugaya’s classification (types IV and V) as re-tear, was slightly higher in Group 1 at 16.7% (6 of 34) compared to Group 2 at 11.7% (8 of 68), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.469). The re-tear patterns, classified according to Rhee’s classification, also showed no significant difference among the groups (Group 1: 2/4 of 6; Group 2: 4/4 of 8; p = 0.571). The occurrence of type I re-tear exhibited no significant difference between the two groups (5.9% vs. 5.9%; p = 1.000). Conclusions: The administration of denosumab following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in women aged 60 and over with osteoporosis resulted in a re-tear rate that was similar to that observed in patients without osteoporosis. This result suggests that denosumab administration might be beneficial for rotator cuff healing, particularly in the context of osteoporosis, a known risk factor for increased retear rates. Therefore, comprehensive osteoporosis screening and treatment should be considered in conjunction with rotator cuff repair surgery in middle-aged women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research on Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis)

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14 pages, 12078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extended-Aperture Shape Measurements Using Spatially Partially Coherent Illumination (ExASPICE)

by Mostafa Agour, Claas Falldorf and Ralf B. Bergmann

Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3072; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103072 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

We have recently demonstrated that the 3D shape of micro-parts can be measured using LED illumination based on speckle contrast evaluation in the recently developed SPICE profilometry (shape measurements based on imaging with spatially partially coherent illumination). The main advantage of SPICE is [...] Read more.

We have recently demonstrated that the 3D shape of micro-parts can be measured using LED illumination based on speckle contrast evaluation in the recently developed SPICE profilometry (shape measurements based on imaging with spatially partially coherent illumination). The main advantage of SPICE is its improved robustness and measurement speed compared to confocal or white light interferometry. The limited spatial coherence of the LED illumination is used for depth discrimination. An electrically tunable lens in a

4 f

-configuration is used for fast depth scanning without mechanically moving parts. The approach is efficient, takes less than a second to capture required images, is eye-safe and offers a depth of focus of a few millimeters. However, SPICE’s main limitation is its assumption of a small illumination aperture. Such a small illumination aperture affects the axial scan resolution, which dominates the measurement uncertainty. In this paper, we propose a novel method to overcome the aperture angle limitation of SPICE by illuminating the object from different directions with several independent LED sources. This approach reduces the full width at half maximum of the contrast envelope to one-eighth, resulting in a twofold improvement in measurement accuracy. As a proof of concept, shape measurements of various metal objects are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensing and Imaging)

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14 pages, 16132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hierarchically Porous Carbon Cloth–Polyaniline (CC–PANI) Composite Supercapacitor Electrodes with Enhanced Stability

by Svetlana V. Stakhanova, Ilya S. Krechetov, Kristina E. Shafigullina, Tatiana L. Lepkova, Valentine V. Berestov, Eugene S. Statnik, Zlatotsveta E. Zyryanova, Elena A. Novikova and Alexander M. Korsunsky

Crystals 2024, 14(5), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050457 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

In this work, hierarchically porous composites were prepared in the form of activated carbon cloth (CC) Busofit T–1–055 filled with an electrically conductive polymer, polyaniline (PANI), for use as pseudocapacitive electrodes of electrochemical supercapacitors (SCs). CC fibers have high nanoporosity and specific surface [...] Read more.

In this work, hierarchically porous composites were prepared in the form of activated carbon cloth (CC) Busofit T–1–055 filled with an electrically conductive polymer, polyaniline (PANI), for use as pseudocapacitive electrodes of electrochemical supercapacitors (SCs). CC fibers have high nanoporosity and specific surface area, so it was possible to deposit (via the chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline) a significant amount of PANI on them in the form of a thin layer mainly located on the inner surface of the pores. Such morphology of the composite made allowed the combining of the high capacitive characteristics of PANI with the reversibility of electrochemical processes, high columbic efficiency and cyclic stability rather typical for carbon materials of double-layer SCs. The highest capacitance of composite electrodes of about 4.54 F/cm² with high cyclic stability (no more than 8% of capacity loss after 2000 charge–discharge cycles with a current density of 10 A/cm²) and columbic efficiency (up to 98%) was achieved in 3 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte solution when PANI was synthesized from an aniline hydrochloride solution with a concentration of 0.25 M. Trasatti analysis revealed that 27% of specific capacitance corresponded to pseudocapacitance, and 73% to the double-layer capacitance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Crystalline Electroconductive Polymers)

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14 pages, 4092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Wastewater-Based Epidemiology and Mobility Data to Predict SARS-CoV-2 Cases

by Hannes Schenk, Rezgar Arabzadeh, Soroush Dabiri, Heribert Insam, Norbert Kreuzinger, Monika Büchel-Marxer, Rudolf Markt, Fabiana Nägele and Wolfgang Rauch

Environments 2024, 11(5), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11050100 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Wastewater-based epidemiology has garnered considerable research interest, concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictive public health interventions and mobility limitations are measures to avert a rising case prevalence. The current study integrates WBE monitoring strategies, Google mobility data, and restriction information to assess the epidemiological [...] Read more.

Wastewater-based epidemiology has garnered considerable research interest, concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictive public health interventions and mobility limitations are measures to avert a rising case prevalence. The current study integrates WBE monitoring strategies, Google mobility data, and restriction information to assess the epidemiological development of COVID-19. Various SARIMAX models were employed to predict SARS-CoV-2 cases in Liechtenstein and two Austrian regions. This study analyzes four primary strategies for examining the progression of the pandemic waves, described as follows: 1—a univariate model based on active cases; 2—a multivariate model incorporating active cases and WBE data; 3—a multivariate model considering active cases and mobility data; and 4—a sensitivity analysis of WBE and mobility data incorporating restriction policies. Our key discovery reveals that, while WBE for SARS-CoV-2 holds immense potential for monitoring COVID-19 on a societal level, incorporating the analysis of mobility data and restriction policies enhances the precision of the trained models in predicting the state of public health during the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Assessment)

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15 pages, 8264 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular, Morphological and Electrophysiological Differences between Alpha and Gamma Motoneurons with Special Reference to the Trigeminal Motor Nucleus of Rat

by Youngnam Kang, Mitsuru Saito and Hiroki Toyoda

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5266; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105266 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

The muscle contraction during voluntary movement is controlled by activities of alpha- and gamma-motoneurons (αMNs and γMNs, respectively). In spite of the recent advances in research on molecular markers that can distinguish between αMNs and γMNs, electrophysiological membrane properties and firing patterns of [...] Read more.

The muscle contraction during voluntary movement is controlled by activities of alpha- and gamma-motoneurons (αMNs and γMNs, respectively). In spite of the recent advances in research on molecular markers that can distinguish between αMNs and γMNs, electrophysiological membrane properties and firing patterns of γMNs have remained unknown, while those of αMNs have been clarified in detail. Because of the larger size of αMNs compared to γMNs, blindly or even visually recorded MNs were mostly αMNs, as demonstrated with molecular markers recently. Subsequently, the research on αMNs has made great progress in classifying their subtypes based on the molecular markers and electrophysiological membrane properties, whereas only a few studies demonstrated the electrophysiological membrane properties of γMNs. In this review article, we provide an overview of the recent advances in research on the classification of αMNs and γMNs based on molecular markers and electrophysiological membrane properties, and discuss their functional implication and significance in motor control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Molecular Neurobiology 2024)

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9 pages, 1634 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Silent Threat of Hypokalemia after High Voltage Electrical Injuries: A Case Study and Review of the Literature

by Maxwell B. Baker, Dhanesh D. Binda, Ala Nozari and William E. Baker

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2852; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102852 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

High-voltage electrical injuries, especially from lightning strikes, can cause life-threatening complications due to extreme temperature and voltage exposure. While burns and cardiac complications have been widely described, the documentation of metabolic imbalances, particularly hypokalemia, has not been as prevalent. This report focuses on [...] Read more.

High-voltage electrical injuries, especially from lightning strikes, can cause life-threatening complications due to extreme temperature and voltage exposure. While burns and cardiac complications have been widely described, the documentation of metabolic imbalances, particularly hypokalemia, has not been as prevalent. This report focuses on a patient with profound transient hypokalemia following a lightning strike, alongside a review of three similar cases of transient hypokalemia from the literature. Our patient, a previously healthy young man, was struck by lightning and subsequently suffered transient hypokalemia with lower extremity sensory changes, which resolved after the normalization of serum potassium levels. While the exact underlying mechanisms of transient hypokalemia following high-voltage electrical injuries are unknown, we propose a multifactorial mechanism, which includes massive intracellular shifts of potassium due to elevated epinephrine levels and the prevention of potassium efflux through the electrical disruption of voltage-gated potassium channels. Our report underscores the importance of recognizing hypokalemia in patients with high-voltage electrical injuries and contributes to the understanding of the complex mechanisms involved. Further research is necessary to understand the connection between cellular changes induced by high-voltage exposure and their effects on metabolism, particularly in relation to hypokalemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Emergency Medicine)

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20 pages, 10650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyses of Pile-Supported Structures with Base Isolation Systems by Shaking Table Tests

by Sumin Song and Sangseom Jeong

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051382 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

The dynamic behavior of a pile-supported structure with a base isolator was investigated by using 1 g shaking table model tests considering soil–structure interaction (SSI). The emphasis was placed on evaluating the effect of the with/without developed base isolator on the dynamic behavior [...] Read more.

The dynamic behavior of a pile-supported structure with a base isolator was investigated by using 1 g shaking table model tests considering soil–structure interaction (SSI). The emphasis was placed on evaluating the effect of the with/without developed base isolator on the dynamic behavior of end-bearing piles and structures. The experiment was performed through sweep tests and sinusoidal wave tests. As a result of the tests, the developed base isolator was found to effectively reduce the structure’s resonant frequencies and damped the response acceleration under resonance frequencies. According to sweep tests, the base shear force of the pile-supported structure system tends to decrease as the relative density of the soil increases during resonance. It showed that the base isolator tends to reduce significantly the response acceleration of not only the rigid-based structure but also the pile-supported structure. It was shown that although the isolated superstructure recorded large horizontal displacements, piles experienced reduced horizontal displacement and bending moments, regardless of soil conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Foundation Engineering for Building Structures)

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12 pages, 7308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Normal Ovarian Function in Subfertile Mouse with Amhr2-Cre-Driven Ablation of Insr and Igf1r

by Jenna C. Douglas, Nikola Sekulovski, Madison R. Arreola, Yeongseok Oh, Kanako Hayashi and James A. MacLean II

Genes 2024, 15(5), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050616 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Insulin receptor signaling promotes cell differentiation, proliferation, and growth which are essential for oocyte maturation, embryo implantation, endometrial decidualization, and placentation. The dysregulation of insulin signaling in women with metabolic syndromes including diabetes exhibits poor pregnancy outcomes that are poorly understood. We utilized [...] Read more.

Insulin receptor signaling promotes cell differentiation, proliferation, and growth which are essential for oocyte maturation, embryo implantation, endometrial decidualization, and placentation. The dysregulation of insulin signaling in women with metabolic syndromes including diabetes exhibits poor pregnancy outcomes that are poorly understood. We utilized the Cre/LoxP system to target the tissue-specific conditional ablation of insulin receptor (Insr) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (Igf1r) using an anti-Mullerian hormone receptor 2 (Amhr2) Cre-driver which is active in ovarian granulosa and uterine stromal cells. Our long-term goal is to examine insulin-dependent molecular mechanisms that underlie diabetic pregnancy complications, and our conditional knockout models allow for such investigation without confounding effects of ligand identity, source and cross-reactivity, or global metabolic status within dams. Puberty occurred with normal timing in all conditional knockout models. Estrous cycles progressed normally in Insr^d/d females but were briefly stalled in diestrus in Igf1r^d/d and double receptor (DKO) mice. The expression of vital ovulatory genes (Lhcgr, Pgr, Ptgs2) was not significantly different in 12 h post-hCG superovulated ovaries in knockout mice. Antral follicles exhibited an elevated apoptosis of granulosa cells in Igf1r^d/d and DKO mice. However, the distribution of ovarian follicle subtypes and subsequent ovulations was normal in all insulin receptor mutants compared to littermate controls. While ovulation was normal, all knockout lines were subfertile suggesting that the loss of insulin receptor signaling in the uterine stroma elicits implantation and decidualization defects responsible for subfertility in Amhr2-Cre-derived insulin receptor mutants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Genomics of Female Reproduction)

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16 pages, 2893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design, Optimization, and Modeling Study of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes

by Bárbara Avancini Teixeira, Eliana Alviarez Gutiérrez, Mariane Sampaio da Silveira de Souza, Thaís Caroline Buttow Rigolon, Evandro Martins, Fernando Luiz Pellegrini Pessoa, Márcia Cristina Teixeira Ribeiro Vidigal and Paulo Cesar Stringheta

Foods 2024, 13(10), 1497; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101497 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on optimizing the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from purple-fleshed sweet potatoes (PFSP) for potential use as natural colorants. Factors such as time, temperature, and solid-to-liquid ratio were varied using a Box–Behnken Design. The optimal conditions were determined as [...] Read more.

This study focuses on optimizing the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from purple-fleshed sweet potatoes (PFSP) for potential use as natural colorants. Factors such as time, temperature, and solid-to-liquid ratio were varied using a Box–Behnken Design. The optimal conditions were determined as 75 min, 70 °C, and a 1:15 m/v solid-to-liquid ratio, resulting in 18.372 mg/100 g total anthocyanin (TA) and 151.160 mg GAE/100 g total phenolic content (TPC). The validation yielded 18.822 mg/100 g for total anthocyanin and 162.174 mg GAE/100 g for total phenolic content, showing a 7% difference from predictions. UAE significantly increased TA extraction by 81% and TPC by 93% compared with the conventional method, with a notable reduction in process time from 24 h to 75 min. Additionally, three kinetic models were tested to compare extraction mechanisms, confirming the efficiency of UAE for PFSP bioactive compound recovery. This study proposes the UAE technique as a highly effective means of extracting bioactive compounds from PFSP, offering promising applications across multiple industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)

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15 pages, 1765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Dangerous Couple: Sequential Effect of Phosphorus Flame-Retardant and Polyurethane Decrease Locomotor Activity in Planarian Girardia tigrina

by Dora Bjedov, Rone S. Barbosa, Danielle Palma de Oliveira, Daniel Junqueira Dorta, Maíra Ignacio Sarmento, Renato Almeida Sarmento, Ana L. Patrício Silva and Carlos Gravato

Biology 2024, 13(5), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13050337 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Understanding the interplay among organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), microplastics, and freshwater organisms is crucial for unravelling the dynamics within freshwater environments and foreseeing the potential impacts of organic pollutants and plastic contamination. For that purpose, the present research assessed the exposure impact of [...] Read more.

Understanding the interplay among organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), microplastics, and freshwater organisms is crucial for unravelling the dynamics within freshwater environments and foreseeing the potential impacts of organic pollutants and plastic contamination. For that purpose, the present research assessed the exposure impact of 10 mg L⁻¹ flame-retardant aluminium diethylphosphinate (ALPI), 10 μg mg⁻¹_liver microplastics polyurethane (PU), and the combination of ALPI and PU on the freshwater planarian Girardia tigrina. The exposure to both ALPI and PU revealed a sequential effect, i.e., a decrease in locomotor activity, while oxidative stress biomarkers (total glutathione, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, lipid peroxidation) and metabolic responses (cholinesterase activity, electron transport system, and lactate dehydrogenase) remained unaffected. Despite this fact, it was possible to observe that the range of physiological responses in exposed organisms varied, in particular in the cases of the electron transport system, cholinesterase activity, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, and levels of total glutathione and proteins, showing that the energetic costs for detoxification and antioxidant capacity might be causing a lesser amount of energy allocated for the planarian activity. By examining the physiological, behavioural, and ecological responses of planarians to these pollutants, insights can be gained into broader ecosystem-level effects and inform strategies for mitigating environmental risks associated with OPFRs and microplastic pollution in freshwater environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecophysiology and Environmental Health: Assessing the Impact of Pollutants on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function)

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13 pages, 2980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantatum HFY11 on Colitis in Mice

by Fang Tan, Xianrong Zhou, Lixuan Ren and Chang-Suk Kong

Foods 2024, 13(10), 1496; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101496 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the potential impact of the intervention of Lactiplantibacillus plantatum HFY11 (LP-HFY11) on colitis using in vivo animal trials. The impact of LP-HFY11 intervention on colitis was determined by measuring the levels of relevant indicators in the intestine, colon, [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the potential impact of the intervention of Lactiplantibacillus plantatum HFY11 (LP-HFY11) on colitis using in vivo animal trials. The impact of LP-HFY11 intervention on colitis was determined by measuring the levels of relevant indicators in the intestine, colon, and blood after oxazolone-induced colitis in BALB/c mice. The results of the trial show that LP-HFY11 improved the colon weight-to-length ratio, reduced the colitis-induced colon length shortening, and reduced colonic abstinence. Furthermore, it decreased the levels of myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde activities while increasing the glutathione content in the colon tissue of colitis-affected animals. LP-HFY11 lowered the interleukin-10 (IL-10) level and increased the IL-2 level in the serum of colitis mice. LP-HFY11 also upregulated the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, c-Kit, and stem cell factor (SCF), and downregulated the expression of IL-8, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CXCR2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the colon tissue of mice with colitis. LP-HFY11 decreased the expression of Firmicutes in the gut while increasing the expression of Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus. This indicates that LP-HFY11 could control physiological alterations in the serum and colon tissue, as well as the expression of gut microorganism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Properties of Food Source Probiotics)

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24 pages, 2358 KiB

Open AccessReview

Forest Therapy Research in Europe: A Scoping Review of the Scientific Literature

by Elena Mazzoleni, Davide Donelli, Federica Zabini, Francesco Meneguzzo and Michele Antonelli

Forests 2024, 15(5), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050848 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

This scoping review aims to outline key discoveries, gaps in knowledge, and potential future directions in the field of forest therapy research in Europe. Clinical studies investigating the effects of forest therapy sessions in Europe were systematically screened through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, [...] Read more.

This scoping review aims to outline key discoveries, gaps in knowledge, and potential future directions in the field of forest therapy research in Europe. Clinical studies investigating the effects of forest therapy sessions in Europe were systematically screened through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Google Scholar (search date: January 2024). This review encompasses 26 selected studies, collectively engaging 2775 participants across various European countries, including Italy, Poland, Spain, Germany, Finland, Hungary, Sweden, Iceland, and Switzerland. These studies predominantly measured psychological outcomes such as mood states, affect, attention levels, subjective wellbeing, and quality of life. Additionally, physiological assessments were conducted, covering vital signs, salivary cortisol, body composition, and blood count. Notably, most of the investigation sites were covered by evergreen forests. Forest therapy practices in Europe demonstrated significant benefits in psychological aspects, including relaxation, mood enhancement, and improved wellbeing, accompanied by physiological improvements, particularly in asthma patients. While a fair-to-good methodological quality was identified in randomized controlled trials, the acknowledged weaknesses point towards a need for more rigorous and standardized research approaches. In conclusion, this comprehensive scoping review provides valuable insights into the current landscape of forest therapy research in Europe, highlighting its potential to positively impact both physical and mental wellbeing. The findings underscore the need for further research addressing methodological limitations and exploring gaps in understanding, thereby contributing to the continued advancement of forest therapy as a holistic wellbeing intervention within the European context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forest Landscapes and Forest Therapy)

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14 pages, 6460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Evaluation of the Radioactive Content of Ashes Obtained from the Use of Fuels from Recycled Materials by Co-Processing in the Cement Industry

by José Antonio Suarez-Navarro, Miguel Ángel Sanjuán, Pedro Mora and María del Mar Alonso

Materials 2024, 17(10), 2287; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102287 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

The co-processing of different wastes as fuels in the manufacture of cement clinker not only meets the objectives of a circular economy but also contributes to the reduction in CO₂ emissions in the manufacture of Portland cement. However, waste used as alternative [...] Read more.

The co-processing of different wastes as fuels in the manufacture of cement clinker not only meets the objectives of a circular economy but also contributes to the reduction in CO₂ emissions in the manufacture of Portland cement. However, waste used as alternative fuels, such as sludge or organic-rich residues, may contain naturally occurring radionuclides that can be concentrated during the combustion process. In this study, the presence of natural radionuclides (radioactive series of uranium, thorium, and ⁴⁰K) and anthropogenic radionuclides (¹³⁷Cs) in these wastes has been investigated by gamma spectrometry. Possible relationships between the radioactive content and the obtained chemical composition, determined by X-ray fluorescence, have also been studied by applying a principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that the wastes with the highest radioactive content were sewage sludge with activity concentrations of ²³⁸U and ²¹⁰Pb of 321 ± 38 Bq kg⁻¹ and 110 ± 14 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively. A correlation between radioactive content and Fe₂O₃ concentration was also observed. The annual effective dose rates to workers for the ashes estimated from the ash content ranged from 0.0033 mSv to 0.092 mSv and therefore do not pose a risk to workers as they are lower than the 1 mSv per year limit for the general public (DIRECTIVE 2013/59/EURATOM). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Cement-Based Composites for Civil Engineering (Volume II))

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22 pages, 14488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Tree Cover Estimation for Sparse Trees Mixed with Herbaceous Vegetation in Drylands Using Texture Features of High-Resolution Imagery

by Haolin Huang, Zhihui Wang, Junjie Chen and Yonglei Shi

Forests 2024, 15(5), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050847 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Tree cover is a crucial vegetation structural parameter for simulating ecological, hydrological, and soil erosion processes on the Chinese Loess Plateau, especially after the implementation of the Grain for Green project in 1999. However, current tree cover products performed poorly across most of [...] Read more.

Tree cover is a crucial vegetation structural parameter for simulating ecological, hydrological, and soil erosion processes on the Chinese Loess Plateau, especially after the implementation of the Grain for Green project in 1999. However, current tree cover products performed poorly across most of the Loess Plateau, which is characterized by grasslands with sparse trees. In this study, we first acquired high-accuracy samples of 0.5 m tree canopy and 30 m tree cover using a combination of unmanned aerial vehicle imagery and WorldView-2 (WV-2) imagery. The spectral and textural features derived from Landsat 8 and WV-2 were then used to estimate tree cover with a random forest model. Finally, the tree cover estimated using WV-2, Landsat 8, and their combination were compared, and the optimal tree cover estimates were also compared with current products and tree cover derived from canopy classification. The results show that (1) the normalized difference moisture index using Landsat 8 shortwave infrared and the standard deviation of correlation metric calculated by means of gray-level co-occurrence matrix using the WV-2 near-infrared band are the optimal spectral feature and textural feature for estimating tree cover, respectively. (2) The accuracy of tree cover estimated using only WV-2 is highest (RMSE = 7.44%), indicating that high-resolution textural features are more sensitive to tree cover than the Landsat spectral features (RMSE = 11.53%) on grasslands with sparse trees. (3) Textural features with a resolution higher than 8 m perform better than the combination of Landsat 8 and textural features, and the optimal resolution is 2 m (RMSE = 7.21%) for estimating tree cover, whereas the opposite is observed when the resolution of textural features is lower than 8 m. (4) The current global product seriously underestimates tree cover on the Loess Plateau, and the tree cover calculation using the canopy classification of high-resolution imagery performs worse than the method of directly using remote sensing features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Forest Cover Change and Its Ecological and Environmental Effects—Series II)

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19 pages, 13001 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Full-Scale Modeling and FBGs Experimental Measurements for Thermal Analysis of Converter Transformer

by Fan Yang, Sance Gao, Gepeng Wang, Hanxue Hao and Pengbo Wang

Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3071; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103071 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

As the imbalance between power demand and load capacity in electrical systems becomes increasingly severe, investigating the temperature variations in transformers under different load stresses is crucial for ensuring their safe operation. The thermal analysis of converter transformers poses challenges due to the [...] Read more.

As the imbalance between power demand and load capacity in electrical systems becomes increasingly severe, investigating the temperature variations in transformers under different load stresses is crucial for ensuring their safe operation. The thermal analysis of converter transformers poses challenges due to the complexity of model construction. This paper develops a full-scale model of a converter transformer using a multi-core high-performance computer and explores its thermal state at 80%, 100%, and 120% loading ratios using the COUPLED iteration method. Additionally, to validate the simulation model, 24 FBGs are installed in the experimental transformer to record the temperature data. The results indicate a general upward trend in winding the temperature from bottom to top. However, an internal temperature rise followed by a decrease is observed within certain sections. Moreover, as the loading ratio increases, both the peak temperature and temperature differential of the transformer windings rise, reaching a peak temperature of 107.9 °C at a 120% loading ratio. The maximum discrepancy between the simulation and experimental results does not exceed 3.5%, providing effective guidance for the transformer design and operational maintenance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber Grating Sensors and Applications)

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14 pages, 3162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oxidative Stress, Persistent Inflammation and Blood Coagulation Alterations in Serum Proteome of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

by Mateusz Winiarczyk, Bernd Thiede, Tor Paaske Utheim, Kai Kaarniranta, Dagmara Winiarczyk, Katarzyna Michalak and Jerzy Mackiewicz

Life 2024, 14(5), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050624 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible blindness in elderly populations in developed countries. AMD’s etiopathology is multifactorial, with strong environmental and genetic components, but the exact molecular pathomechanisms underlying the disease are still unknown. In this study, we [...] Read more.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible blindness in elderly populations in developed countries. AMD’s etiopathology is multifactorial, with strong environmental and genetic components, but the exact molecular pathomechanisms underlying the disease are still unknown. In this study, we analyzed blood serum collected from 74 neovascular AMD patients and 58 healthy controls to identify proteins that may serve as potential biomarkers and expand our knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of the disease. The study revealed 17 differentially expressed proteins—11 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated—in neovascular AMD, which are involved in the biological processes previously linked with the disease—oxidative stress and persistent inflammation, impaired cellular transport, lipid metabolism and blood coagulation. In conclusion, the differences in the expressions of the proteins identified in this study may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying AMD and possibly serve in future as promising biomarkers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eye Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 644 KiB

Open AccessReview

Surgical Resection in Colorectal Liver Metastasis: An Umbrella Review

by Martina Milazzo, Letizia Todeschini, Miriam Caimano, Amelia Mattia, Luca Cristin, Alessandro Martinino, Giuseppe Bianco, Gabriele Spoletini and Francesco Giovinazzo

Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1849; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101849 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Surgical resection is the gold standard for treating synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The resection of the primary tumor and metastatic lesions can follow different sequences: “simultaneous”, “bowel-first”, and “liver-first”. Conservative approaches, such as parenchymal-sparing surgery and segmentectomy, may serve as alternatives to [...] Read more.

Surgical resection is the gold standard for treating synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The resection of the primary tumor and metastatic lesions can follow different sequences: “simultaneous”, “bowel-first”, and “liver-first”. Conservative approaches, such as parenchymal-sparing surgery and segmentectomy, may serve as alternatives to major hepatectomy. A comprehensive search of Medline, Epistemonikos, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Studies evaluating patients who underwent surgery for CRLM and reported survival results were included. Other secondary outcomes were analyzed, including disease-free survival, perioperative complications and mortality, and recurrence rates. Quality assessment was performed using the AMSTAR-2 method. No significant differences in overall survival, disease-free survival, and secondary outcomes were observed when comparing simultaneous to “bowel-first” resections, despite a higher rate of perioperative mortality in the former group. The 5-year OS was significantly higher for simultaneous resection compared to “liver-first” resection. No significant differences in OS and DFS were noted when comparing “liver-first” to “bowel-first” resection, or anatomic to non-anatomic resection. Our umbrella review validates simultaneous surgery as an effective oncological approach for treating SCRLM, though the increased risk of perioperative morbidity highlights the importance of selecting suitable patients. Non-anatomic resections might be favored to preserve liver function and enable future surgical interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Metastasis)

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14 pages, 1654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of New Approaches to Depression Treatment Using an Animal Model of Phramacoresistant Depression

by Alexandra Zvozilova, Stanislava Bukatova, Romana Koprdova and Mojmir Mach

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5265; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105265 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Depression is emerging as the predominant psychiatric disorder globally. Despite the wide availability of antidepressants, up to 30% of patients exhibit poor response to treatment, falling into the category of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This underscores the need for the exploration of novel therapeutic [...] Read more.

Depression is emerging as the predominant psychiatric disorder globally. Despite the wide availability of antidepressants, up to 30% of patients exhibit poor response to treatment, falling into the category of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This underscores the need for the exploration of novel therapeutic options. Our work aims to study the effect of chronic administration of the pyridoindole derivative SMe1EC2M3, a triple reuptake inhibitor, and the combination of zoletil and venlafaxine under conditions of stress induced by a 4-week chronic mild stress (CMS) procedure in Wistar-Kyoto male rats as an animal model of TRD. Therefore, we investigated the possible effect of the selected compounds in four experimental groups, i.e., stress + vehicle, stress + venlafaxine, stress + zoletil + venlafaxine and stress + SMe1EC2M3. The following variables were assessed: anhedonia in sucrose preference test (SPT), spontaneous locomotion and exploration in open field test (OF), anxiety-like behavior in elevated plus maze test (EPM), motivation and depressive-like behavior in forced swim test (FST) and nociception in tail flick test. We also evaluated cognition, particularly recognition memory, in the novel object recognition test (NOR). Sucrose preference was significantly increased in the SMe1EC2M3 group (p < 0.05) in comparison with the venlafaxine animals. In the OF, we observed a significantly higher number of entries into both the central and peripheral zones in the venlafaxine (p < 0.05 central zone; p ≤ 0.05 periphery zone) and SMe1EC2M3 (p < 0.05 central zone; p < 0.05 periphery zone) groups compared to the venlafaxine + zoletil group. SMe1EC2M3 was able to significantly increase the time of climbing in FST (p < 0.05) in comparison with the venlafaxine and control groups. The NOR test revealed a significantly higher discrimination ratio in the SMe1EC2M3 group (p < 0.05) compared to the control and venlafaxine groups. Analyses of the tail flick test showed a significant increase in reaction time to painful stimuli in the SMe1EC2M3 group (p < 0.05) in comparison to both the control and venlafaxine groups. Our findings suggest that SMe1EC2M3 has the potential to ameliorate some behavioral changes associated with TRD, and the venlafaxine + zoletil combination treatment was not a promising treatment alternative in the animal model of TRD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depression: From Molecular Basis to Therapy)

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7 pages, 526 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Nutritional Outcomes of Bowel Lengthening Procedure in Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome

by Tena Niseteo, Mia Šalamon Janečić, Sara Sila, Anuka Torić, Laura Serdar, Stjepan Višnjić, Francisca Tolete Velcek, Marko Mesić and Iva Hojsak

Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1456; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101456 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Background: Although parenteral nutrition (PN) significantly improves mortality rates in pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS), long-term PN has many possible complications and impacts quality of life. Bowel lengthening procedures (BLPs) increase the contact surface of food and the intestinal mucosa and enable the [...] Read more.

Background: Although parenteral nutrition (PN) significantly improves mortality rates in pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS), long-term PN has many possible complications and impacts quality of life. Bowel lengthening procedures (BLPs) increase the contact surface of food and the intestinal mucosa and enable the better absorption of nutrients and liquids, possibly leading to a PN decrease. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with short bowel syndrome who underwent BLPs in the period from January 2016 to January 2022. Overall, eight patients, four male, five born prematurely, underwent BLPs. Results: There was a significant decrease in the percentage of total caloric intake provided via PN and PN volume after the BLPs. The more evident results were seen 6 months after the procedure and at the last follow-up, which was, on average, 31 months after the procedure. Two patients were weaned off PN after their BLPs. Patients remained well nourished during the follow-up. Conclusions: The BLP led to a significant decrease in PN needs and an increase in the food intake; however, significant changes happened more than 6 months after the procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Perinatal-Preterm and Term-Neonatal Nutrition—Physiology, New Hypothesis and Interventions)

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12 pages, 5925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Condition Variations on Bioelectrochemical System Performance: An Experimental Investigation of Sulfamethoxazole Degradation

by Qun Xue, Zhihui Chen, Wenjing Xie, Shuke Zhang, Jie Jiang and Guoxin Sun

Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2276; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102276 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are an innovative technology for the efficient degradation of antibiotics. Shewanella oneidensis (S. oneidensis) MR-1 plays a pivotal role in degrading sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in BESs. Our study investigated the effect of BES conditions on SMX degradation, focusing on [...] Read more.

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are an innovative technology for the efficient degradation of antibiotics. Shewanella oneidensis (S. oneidensis) MR-1 plays a pivotal role in degrading sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in BESs. Our study investigated the effect of BES conditions on SMX degradation, focusing on microbial activity. The results revealed that BESs operating with a 0.05 M electrolyte concentration and 2 mA/cm² current density outperformed electrolysis cells (ECs). Additionally, higher electrolyte concentrations and elevated current density reduced SMX degradation efficiency. The presence of nutrients had minimal effect on the growth of S. oneidensis MR-1 in BESs; it indicates that S. oneidensis MR-1 can degrade SMX without nutrients in a short period of time. We also highlighted the significance of mass transfer between the cathode and anode. Limiting mass transfer at a 10 cm electrode distance enhanced S. oneidensis MR-1 activity and BES performance. In summary, this study reveals the complex interaction of factors affecting the efficiency of BES degradation of antibiotics and provides support for environmental pollution control. Full article

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13 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Prompts Affect Consideration of Health but Not Intertemporal Preferences While Promoting Healthier Food Choices

by Olivier Tuyizere, Christopher R. Gustafson and Devin J. Rose

Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1454; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101454 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Diet-related diseases impact populations across the globe. While intertemporal preferences—a fundamental preference for the distribution of benefits across time—have been used to explain low-quality food choices, the recent literature proposes another cause: inattention to the future implications (or opportunity costs) of the options [...] Read more.

Diet-related diseases impact populations across the globe. While intertemporal preferences—a fundamental preference for the distribution of benefits across time—have been used to explain low-quality food choices, the recent literature proposes another cause: inattention to the future implications (or opportunity costs) of the options faced. Food choices tend to become habitual to conserve cognitive resources, rather than carefully modeling future health impacts. Both low discount rates for future benefits and attention to future health impacts predict healthier decisions. While intertemporal preferences are stable, attention may provide an opportunity to intervene in the decision process to promote healthier decisions. In this study, we test the impact of a simple message that highlights health during food choice on the healthiness of the foods chosen and on health consideration and intertemporal preferences. Our results show that actively considering health outcomes and lower discount rates lead to healthier food choices. We find that messaging increases the consideration of health outcomes during food choice but does not affect intertemporal preferences, suggesting that simple prompts may be an effective way to promote decisions balancing short- and long-term benefits by drawing attention to the overlooked opportunity costs of choices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutritional Policies and Education for Health Promotion)

15 pages, 2265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effects of Resveratrol on Cytotoxicity of Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells Induced by PM_2.5

by Mei Zhang, Shanshan Chen, Lirong Bai, Wenqi Chen and Ruijin Li

Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050588 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

The atmosphere’s fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) can enter the liver through the circulatory system, leading to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. As a non-flavonoid polyphenolic compound, resveratrol (RES) has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects, but the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis induced [...] Read more.

The atmosphere’s fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) can enter the liver through the circulatory system, leading to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. As a non-flavonoid polyphenolic compound, resveratrol (RES) has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects, but the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis induced by PM_2.5 exposure are still limited. In this study, we established an in vitro cell model to investigate the intervention effect of RES with different concentrations (5 and 20 μmol/mL) on mouse hepatic stellate cells (mHSCs) injury induced by PM_2.5 (100 μg/mL). We determined the cell viability in mHSCs after treatment with PM_2.5 or/and RES for 24 h. We investigated the intracellular oxidative stress by detecting the changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. We also measured the protein expressions of fibrosis-related genes (α-SMA, Collagen I and Collagen III) and key genes (SIRT1, NF-κB, NLRP3, Cleaved-Caspase1, IL-1β) in the NLRP3 pathway in mHSCs exposed to PM_2.5 with or without RES. The results showed that (1) PM_2.5 has cytotoxic effects on mHSCs, whereas RES (5 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L) inhibited PM_2.5-induced cytotoxicity and LDH leakage; (2) RES effectively reduces ROS and MDA production caused by PM_2.5 while concurrently enhancing SOD levels, thereby improving cellular anti-oxidant capacity; (3) the expression of α-SMA, Collagen I and Collagen III were notably downregulated in the PM_2.5 plus RES treatment group compared to the PM_2.5-exposed group; (4) RES significantly increased SIRT1 expression and decreased the expression of NF-κB, NLRP3, Cleaved-Caspase1 and IL-1β in mHSCs exposure to PM_2.5 compared to the PM_2.5 group. These results demonstrate that RES can up-regulate SIRT1 and mitigate PM_2.5-induced fibrosis by suppressing oxidative stress in mHSCs and the SIRT1/NF–κB/NLRP3 pathway activated by PM_2.5. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)

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15 pages, 3835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Derivation of Landslide Rainfall Thresholds by Geostatistical Methods in Southwest China

by Zhongyuan Xu, Zhilin Xiao, Xiaoyan Zhao, Zhigang Ma, Qun Zhang, Pu Zeng and Xiaoqiong Zhang

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4044; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104044 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024

Abstract

Deriving rainfall thresholds is one of the most convenient and effective empirical methods for formulating landslide warnings. The previous rainfall threshold models only considered the threshold values for areas with landslide data. This study focuses on obtaining a threshold for each single landslide [...] Read more.

Deriving rainfall thresholds is one of the most convenient and effective empirical methods for formulating landslide warnings. The previous rainfall threshold models only considered the threshold values for areas with landslide data. This study focuses on obtaining a threshold for each single landslide via the geostatistical interpolation of historical landslide–rainfall data. We collect the occurrence times and locations of landslides, along with the hourly rainfall data, for Dazhou. We integrate the short-term and long-term rainfall data preceding the landslide occurrences, categorizing them into four groups for analysis: 1 h–7 days (H1–7), 12 h–7 days (H12–D7), 24 h–7 days (H24–D7), and 72 h–7 days (H72–D7). Then, we construct a rainfall threshold distribution map based on the 2014–2020 data by means of Kriging interpolation. This process involves applying different splitting coefficients to distinguish the landslides triggered by short-term versus long-term rainfall. Subsequently, we validate these thresholds and splitting coefficients using the dataset for 2021. The results show that the best splitting coefficients for H1–D7, H12–D7, H24–D7, and H72–D7 are around 0.19, 0.52, 0.55, and 0.80, respectively. The accuracy of the predictions increases with the duration of the short-term rainfall, from 48% for H1–D7 to 67% for H72–D7. The performance of these threshold models indicates their potential for practical application in the sustainable development of geo-hazard prevention. Finally, we discuss the reliability and applicability of this method by considering various factors, including the influence of the interpolation techniques, data quality, weather forecast, and human activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring, Early Warning and Mitigation Measures of Mountain Hazards and Environmental Degradation)

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