The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
6 pages, 516 KiB  
Editorial
Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacteria
by Carmen Bianco
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101323 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Global food-production levels may soon be insufficient for feeding the population, and changing climatic conditions could further limit agri-food production [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4584 KiB  
Article
Mobile Robot IoT: Project of Sustainable Technology for Sanitizing Broiler Poultry Litter
by Alan Kunz Cechinel, Carlos Eduardo Soares, Sergio Genilson Pfleger, Leonardo Luiz Gambalonga Alves De Oliveira, Ederson Américo de Andrade, Claudia Damo Bertoli, Carlos Roberto De Rolt, Edson Roberto De Pieri, Patricia Della Méa Plentz and Juha Röning
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3049; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103049 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
The traditional aviary decontamination process involves farmers applying pesticides to the aviary’s ground. These agricultural defenses are easily dispersed in the air, making the farmers susceptible to chronic diseases related to recurrent exposure. Industry 5.0 raises new pillars of research and innovation in [...] Read more.
The traditional aviary decontamination process involves farmers applying pesticides to the aviary’s ground. These agricultural defenses are easily dispersed in the air, making the farmers susceptible to chronic diseases related to recurrent exposure. Industry 5.0 raises new pillars of research and innovation in transitioning to more sustainable, human-centric, and resilient companies. Based on these concepts, this paper presents a new aviary decontamination process that uses IoT and a robotic platform coupled with ozonizer (O3) and ultraviolet light (UVL). These clean technologies can successfully decontaminate poultry farms against pathogenic microorganisms, insects, and mites. Also, they can degrade toxic compounds used to control living organisms. This new decontamination process uses physicochemical information from the poultry litter through sensors installed in the environment, which allows accurate and safe disinfection. Different experimental tests were conducted to construct the system. First, tests related to measuring soil moisture, temperature, and pH were carried out, establishing the range of use and the confidence interval of the measurements. The robot’s navigation uses a back-and-forth motion that parallels the aviary’s longest side because it reduces the number of turns, reducing energy consumption. This task becomes more accessible because of the aviaries’ standardized geometry. Furthermore, the prototype was tested in a real aviary to confirm the innovation, safety, and effectiveness of the proposal. Tests have shown that the UV + ozone combination is sufficient to disinfect this environment. Full article
24 pages, 577 KiB  
Review
Promotion of Healthy Habits in University Students: Literature Review
by Sara Puente-Hidalgo, Camino Prada-García, José Alberto Benítez-Andrades and Elena Fernández-Martínez
Healthcare 2024, 12(10), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12100993 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
The increase in responsibilities, together with the multiple challenges that students face in the university period, has a direct impact on their healthy lifestyles. This literature review describes the benefits of promoting healthy habits in college, highlighting the fundamental role of prevention and [...] Read more.
The increase in responsibilities, together with the multiple challenges that students face in the university period, has a direct impact on their healthy lifestyles. This literature review describes the benefits of promoting healthy habits in college, highlighting the fundamental role of prevention and promotion. A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA recommendations, searching for information in the WOS and Scopus databases. On the other hand, a search was carried out within the existing and available grey literature. The review focused on finding information about physical activity, nutrition, and stress (with an emphasis on resilience and academic burnout) in university students. This bibliographic review includes 32 articles and six web pages, containing information on the benefits of physical activity, healthy habits, and health prevention. The information collected in this study shows that university students are exposed to multiple changes during this period, increasing as the academic years progress. At that time, their habits worsen, with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, low physical activity, and high levels of stress, specifically increasing cases of academic burnout. The establishment of healthy habits during the university period is necessary, observing an improvement in all the variables studied. Prevention has played a fundamental role. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4197 KiB  
Article
Repeatability of Hydroacoustic Results versus Uncertainty in Assessing Changes in Ecological Status Based on Fish: A Case Study of Lake Widryńskie (Poland)
by Andrej Hutorowicz
Water 2024, 16(10), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16101368 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Assessments of changes in the ecological state of aquatic ecosystems are always burdened with uncertainty, which results from environmental reasons and poor repeatability of measurement results of elements enabling the assessment. This study determines the uncertainty related to the elements of the assessment [...] Read more.
Assessments of changes in the ecological state of aquatic ecosystems are always burdened with uncertainty, which results from environmental reasons and poor repeatability of measurement results of elements enabling the assessment. This study determines the uncertainty related to the elements of the assessment of the hydroacoustic structure of fish communities’ (1) vertical target strength distribution (TS) in two-meter layers of water and (2) changes in the area where fish were recorded (which was determined on the basis of maps of their distribution in 2 m deep water layers). The object of this study was a lake (depth: 27 m) in which at the end of June 2016 the O2 concentration was <1.4 mg L−1 below 8 m depth, which resulted in the accumulation of fish to a depth of 6 m. Hydroacoustic acquisition was carried out along transects arranged in the east–west (WE), north–south (NS), and zigzag (ZZ) directions in three repetitions. It was shown that the empirical probability of obtaining statistically different results was 2/9 when (1) Kendall’s τ coefficient, used to determine the similarity of the TS distribution, was less than 0.7—moderate correlation—and (2) fish occurrence areas in two cases (WE and ZZ on the third day of research) in layers 2–4 m and 4–6 m differed statistically significantly from the average area for all repetitions by 10–14% and 56–66% (p < 0.05), respectively. The obtained results indicate quite good repeatability of acoustic measurements; however, in order to reduce the uncertainty, it is recommended that tests be conducted in this type of lake in three series of measurements. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3006 KiB  
Article
Effect of Moisture Content and Wet–Dry Cycles on the Strength Properties of Unsaturated Clayey Sand
by Chuan Wang, Weimin Yang, Ning Zhang, Senwei Wang, Chuanyi Ma, Meixia Wang and Zhiyuan Zhang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051375 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Based on the actual situation of the project on the Weihai–Yanhai Expressway section of Rongwu Expressway, the effects of water content change and the dry–wet cycle on the mechanical behavior of unsaturated clayey sandy soil were analyzed in this study. In this study, [...] Read more.
Based on the actual situation of the project on the Weihai–Yanhai Expressway section of Rongwu Expressway, the effects of water content change and the dry–wet cycle on the mechanical behavior of unsaturated clayey sandy soil were analyzed in this study. In this study, ventilated undrained triaxial shear tests were carried out on unsaturated clayey sandy soils with different water contents (6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14% and 16%). Concurrently, the soil samples were subjected to three distinct wet and dry cycle pathways (2~22%, 2~12%, and 12~22%) to gain an understanding of how the mechanical features of the soil changed under the different conditions. The test findings demonstrate that when the water content increases, the unsaturated clayey sandy soil’s cohesiveness and shear strength diminish. The strength of shear decline exhibits a pattern of first being quick, followed by sluggish. The strength of shear and cohesiveness of clayey sandy soil declined under the influence of the dry and wet cycles, with the first cycle primarily affecting variations in cohesiveness and strength of shear. Furthermore, the strength of shear and cohesiveness of clayey sandy soil diminish more with increasing wet and dry cycle amplitude and upper water content limits. Lastly, the drying shrinkage and hygroscopic expansion of clay particles in clayey sandy soils during wet and dry cycles are not significant, resulting in less structural damage and deterioration of the mechanical properties of the soils. The study’s findings have a significant impact on the durability of roadbeds made of unsaturated clayey sandy soil in both wet and dry situations. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2545 KiB  
Article
Coastal Eukaryotic Plankton Diversity of the Southern Adriatic as Revealed by Metabarcoding
by Ana Baricevic, Tjasa Kogovsek, Mirta Smodlaka Tankovic, Lana Grizancic, Mia Knjaz, Ivan Vlasicek, Ivan Podolsak, Natasa Kuzat, Martin Pfannkuchen and Daniela Maric Pfannkuchen
Diversity 2024, 16(5), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16050293 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Plankton studies serve as a basis for marine ecosystem research, but knowledge of marine plankton is still incomplete due to its extreme taxonomic and functional complexity. The application of metabarcoding is very valuable for the characterisation of the plankton community. The plankton community [...] Read more.
Plankton studies serve as a basis for marine ecosystem research, but knowledge of marine plankton is still incomplete due to its extreme taxonomic and functional complexity. The application of metabarcoding is very valuable for the characterisation of the plankton community. The plankton community of the Southern Adriatic is subject to strong environmental fluctuations and changes, which underlines the need for frequent, reliable and comprehensive characterisation of the plankton. The aim of this study was to determine the taxonomic composition and seasonal distribution of eukaryotic plankton in the Southern Adriatic. Plankton samples were collected monthly for one year at the coastal station of the Southern Adriatic and metabarcoding was used for taxonomic identification. The results showed a high taxonomic diversity and dynamic seasonal distribution patterns for both the protist and metazoan plankton communities. Metabarcoding revealed both the core, year-round plankton community and previously unrecorded plankton organisms in the Southern Adriatic. The results provide for the first time a comprehensive overview of the plankton community in this area by metabarcoding. The identified seasonal patterns of plankton genera and species in the Southern Adriatic will contribute to the understanding of plankton interactions and future changes in community diversity characterisation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecology in the Mediterranean Sea)
11 pages, 1097 KiB  
Article
Cartilage Collagen Neoepitope C2C Expression in the Articular Cartilage and Its Relation to Joint Tissue Damage in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
by Taavi Torga, Siim Suutre, Kalle Kisand, Marina Aunapuu and Andres Arend
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051063 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Pathological cleavage of type II collagen (Col2) and generation of Col2 neoepitopes can serve as useful molecular markers of the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). One of such potential biomarkers is type II collagen neoepitope C2C. The aim of this study was to correlate [...] Read more.
Pathological cleavage of type II collagen (Col2) and generation of Col2 neoepitopes can serve as useful molecular markers of the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). One of such potential biomarkers is type II collagen neoepitope C2C. The aim of this study was to correlate the degree of articular cartilage damage in OA patients with C2C expression in histological samples of tissues removed during total knee replacement. Cartilage samples were obtained from 27 patients ranging in age from 55 to 66 years. In each patient, medial and lateral tibia plateau samples were analyzed according to the OARSI histopathology grading system. The C2C expression was evaluated on histological slides by semi-quantitative analysis using ImageJ Fiji 2.14.0 software. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis revealed a positive weak correlation (rho = 0.289, p = 0.0356) between the histological grade of tissue damage and the percentage of C2C staining. In addition, a highly significant positive correlation (rho = 0.388, p = 0.0041) was discovered between the osteoarthritis score (combining the histological grade of damage with the OA macroscopic stage) and the percentage of C2C staining in the samples. The C2C expression was detected in all the regions of the articular cartilage (i.e., the superficial zone, mid zone, deep zone and tidemark area, and the zone of calcified cartilage). Our findings imply that local expression of C2C correlates with the articular cartilage damage in OA-affected knees. This confirms that C2C can be used as a prospective marker for assessing pathological changes in the OA course and OA clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research on Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis)
23 pages, 4818 KiB  
Review
Development of Si-Based Anodes for All-Solid-State Li-Ion Batteries
by Xuyang Zhao, Yunpeng Rong, Yi Duan, Yanlong Wu, Deyu He, Xiaopeng Qi and Jiantao Wang
Coatings 2024, 14(5), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050608 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
All-solid-state Li-ion batteries (ASSBs) promise higher safety and energy density than conventional liquid electrolyte-based Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Silicon (Si) is considered one of the most promising anode materials due to its high specific capacity (3590 mAh g−1) but suffers from poor [...] Read more.
All-solid-state Li-ion batteries (ASSBs) promise higher safety and energy density than conventional liquid electrolyte-based Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Silicon (Si) is considered one of the most promising anode materials due to its high specific capacity (3590 mAh g−1) but suffers from poor cycling performance because of large volumetric effects leading to particle pulverization, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and electric disconnection. In ASSBs, additional issues such as poor solid–solid contacts and interfacial side reactions between Si and solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are also hindering their practical application. This review first outlines the prospects and recent research achievements of Si-based anodes with special focuses on various Si structures and composite materials, then analyzes the issues of electrochemical–mechanical effects, and finally summarizes key factors and promising strategies for further improving Si-based anodes for high-performance ASSBs. Full article
14 pages, 1926 KiB  
Article
Comparative Studies of Bioactivities and Chemical Components in Fresh and Black Garlics
by Kanako Matsuse, Sho Hirata, Mostafa Abdelrahman, Tetsuya Nakajima, Yoshihito Iuchi, Satoshi Kambayashi, Masaru Okuda, Kimiko Kazumura, Benya Manochai and Masayoshi Shigyo
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2258; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102258 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
To investigate the bioactivities of fresh garlic and its processed product, black garlic, we conducted comparative analyses of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, innate immune activation, and anti-cancer activities in addition to the chemical composition (sugar, amino acid, and polyphenol contents) of these materials. Simultaneous assay [...] Read more.
To investigate the bioactivities of fresh garlic and its processed product, black garlic, we conducted comparative analyses of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, innate immune activation, and anti-cancer activities in addition to the chemical composition (sugar, amino acid, and polyphenol contents) of these materials. Simultaneous assay using neutrophil-like cells showed that fresh garlic exhibited antioxidant and innate immunostimulatory activities, whereas black garlic displayed a potent anti-inflammatory effect. The antioxidant activity index was correlated with phenol and flavonoid contents, while the innate immunostimulatory activity was correlated with fructan content. Furthermore, some black garlics with low fructose content were found to inhibit the proliferation of UM-UC-3 cancer cells, while other black garlics rich in fructose increased UM-UC-3 cell proliferation. It was shown that the processing of fresh garlic could change the composition of sugars, antioxidants, and amino acids, which have different effects on neutrophil-like cells and UM-UC-3 cells, as well as on bioactivities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemistry, Human Health and Molecular Mechanisms)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

33 pages, 6045 KiB  
Article
A Display-Adaptive Pipeline for Dynamic Range Expansion of Standard Dynamic Range Video Content
by Gonzalo Luzardo, Asli Kumcu, Jan Aelterman, Hiep Luong, Daniel Ochoa and Wilfried Philips
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4081; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104081 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Recent advancements in high dynamic range (HDR) display technology have significantly enhanced the contrast ratios and peak brightness of modern displays. In the coming years, it is expected that HDR televisions capable of delivering significantly higher brightness and, therefore, contrast levels than today’s [...] Read more.
Recent advancements in high dynamic range (HDR) display technology have significantly enhanced the contrast ratios and peak brightness of modern displays. In the coming years, it is expected that HDR televisions capable of delivering significantly higher brightness and, therefore, contrast levels than today’s models will become increasingly accessible and affordable to consumers. While HDR technology has gained prominence over the past few years, low dynamic range (LDR) content is still consumed due to a substantial volume of historical multimedia content being recorded and preserved in LDR. Although the amount of HDR content will continue to increase as HDR becomes more prevalent, a large portion of multimedia content currently remains in LDR. In addition, it is worth noting that although the HDR standard supports multimedia content with luminance levels up to 10,000 cd/m2 (a standard measure of brightness), most HDR content is typically limited to a maximum brightness of around 1000 cd/m2. This limitation aligns with the current capabilities of consumer HDR TVs but is a factor approximately five times brighter than current LDR TVs. To accurately present LDR content on a HDR display, it is processed through a dynamic range expansion process known as inverse tone mapping (iTM). This LDR to HDR conversion faces many challenges, including the inducement of noise artifacts, false contours, loss of details, desaturated colors, and temporal inconsistencies. This paper introduces complete inverse tone mapping, artifact suppression, and a highlight enhancement pipeline for video sequences designed to address these challenges. Our LDR-to-HDR technique is capable of adapting to the peak brightness of different displays, creating HDR video sequences with a peak luminance of up to 6000 cd/m2. Furthermore, this paper presents the results of comprehensive objective and subjective experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed pipeline, focusing on two primary aspects: real-time operation capability and the quality of the HDR video output. Our findings indicate that our pipeline enables real-time processing of Full HD (FHD) video (1920 × 1080 pixels), even on hardware that has not been optimized for this task. Furthermore, we found that when applied to existing HDR content, typically capped at a brightness of 1000 cd/m2, our pipeline notably enhances its perceived quality when displayed on a screen that can reach higher peak luminances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Systems: Methods and Implementation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1141 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Hormone Response Analysis of the COBL Gene Family in Barley
by Panrong Ren, Liang Ma, Wei Bao and Jie Wang
Genes 2024, 15(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050612 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), a diverse cereal crop, exhibits remarkable versatility in its applications, ranging from food and fodder to industrial uses. The content of cellulose in barley is significantly influenced by the COBRA genes, which encode the plant glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein [...] Read more.
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), a diverse cereal crop, exhibits remarkable versatility in its applications, ranging from food and fodder to industrial uses. The content of cellulose in barley is significantly influenced by the COBRA genes, which encode the plant glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein (GAP) that plays a pivotal role in the deposition of cellulose within the cell wall. The COBL (COBRA-Like) gene family has been discovered across numerous species, yet the specific members of this family in barley remain undetermined. In this study, we discovered 13 COBL genes within the barley genome using bioinformatics methods, subcellular localization, and protein structure analysis, finding that most of the barley COBL proteins have a signal peptide structure and are localized on the plasma membrane. Simultaneously, we constructed a phylogenetic tree and undertook a comprehensive analysis of the evolutionary relationships. Other characteristics of HvCOBL family members, including intraspecific collinearity, gene structure, conserved motifs, and cis-acting elements, were thoroughly characterized in detail. The assessment of HvCOBL gene expression in barley under various hormone treatments was conducted through qRT-PCR analysis, revealing jasmonic acid (JA) as the predominant hormonal regulator of HvCOBL gene expression. In summary, this study comprehensively identified and analyzed the barley COBL gene family, aiming to provide basic information for exploring the members of the HvCOBL gene family and to propose directions for further research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)
22 pages, 4455 KiB  
Article
1H-NMR Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometrics to Classify Wines According to Different Grape Varieties and Different Terroirs
by Paola Bambina, Alberto Spinella, Giuseppe Lo Papa, Delia Francesca Chillura Martino, Paolo Lo Meo, Luciano Cinquanta and Pellegrino Conte
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050749 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, 1H-NMR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics was applied to study the wine metabolome and to classify wines according to different grape varieties and different terroirs. By obtaining the metabolomic fingerprinting and profiling of the wines, it was possible to assess [...] Read more.
In this study, 1H-NMR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics was applied to study the wine metabolome and to classify wines according to different grape varieties and different terroirs. By obtaining the metabolomic fingerprinting and profiling of the wines, it was possible to assess the metabolic biomarkers leading the classification (i.e., phenolic compounds, aroma compounds, amino acids, and organic acids). Moreover, information about the influence of the soil in shaping wine metabolome was obtained. For instance, the relationship between the soil texture and the content of amino acids and organic acids in wines was highlighted. The analysis conducted in this study allowed extraction of relevant spectral information not only from the most populated and concentrated spectral areas (e.g., aliphatic and carbinolic areas), but also from crowded spectral areas held by lowly concentrated compounds (i.e., polyphenols). This may be due to a successful combination between the parameters used for data reduction, preprocessing and elaboration. The metabolomic fingerprinting also allowed exploration of the H-bonds network inside the wines, which affects both gustatory and olfactory perceptions, by modulating the way how solutes interact with the human sensory receptors. These findings may have important implications in the context of food traceability and quality control, providing information about the chemical composition and biomolecular markers from a holistic point of view. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Product Quality and Safety)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 2775 KiB  
Article
Multimodal Genealogy: The Capitol Hill Riot and Conspiracy Iconography
by Vittorio Iervese
Genealogy 2024, 8(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy8020058 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
The Capitol Hill riots on 6 January 2021 were an event of great importance not only because of their political and legal impact, but also because they allowed everyone to observe the symbols, images, masks, and other signs that were displayed in front [...] Read more.
The Capitol Hill riots on 6 January 2021 were an event of great importance not only because of their political and legal impact, but also because they allowed everyone to observe the symbols, images, masks, and other signs that were displayed in front of the cameras of many journalists and eyewitnesses. The iconography displayed on that occasion should not be dealt with as an extemporary invention but considered the result of a process of semantic and narrative accumulation produced in online and offline interactions. This article seeks to outline a theoretical–methodological framework of contemporary conspiracy images as multimodal forms of communication. Starting with images collected on Capitol Hill along with a corpus of online conversations that occurred on platforms such as Gab, in particular, between 2016 and 2021, examples of the dynamics of constitution of conspiracy images and their genealogy will be provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conspiracy Theories: Genealogies and Political Uses)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1419 KiB  
Article
Hierarchical Constraints on the Distribution of Attention in Dynamic Displays
by Haokui Xu, Jifan Zhou and Mowei Shen
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050401 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Human vision is remarkably good at recovering the latent hierarchical structure of dynamic scenes. Here, we explore how visual attention operates with this hierarchical motion representation. The way in which attention responds to surface physical features has been extensively explored. However, we know [...] Read more.
Human vision is remarkably good at recovering the latent hierarchical structure of dynamic scenes. Here, we explore how visual attention operates with this hierarchical motion representation. The way in which attention responds to surface physical features has been extensively explored. However, we know little about how the distribution of attention can be distorted by the latent hierarchical structure. To explore this topic, we conducted two experiments to investigate the relationship between minimal graph distance (MGD), one key factor in hierarchical representation, and attentional distribution. In Experiment 1, we constructed three hierarchical structures consisting of two moving objects with different MGDs. In Experiment 2, we generated three moving objects from one hierarchy to eliminate the influence of different structures. Attention was probed by the classic congruent–incongruent cueing paradigm. Our results show that the cueing effect is significantly smaller when the MGD between two objects is shorter, which suggests that attention is not evenly distributed across multiple moving objects but distorted by their latent hierarchical structure. As neither the latent structure nor the graph distance was part of the explicit task, our results also imply that both the construction of hierarchical representation and the attention to that representation are spontaneous and automatic. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1383 KiB  
Review
Cell-Based Therapies for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury: Promises and Trajectories
by Karl J. Habashy, Saad Omais, Benedikt Haupt, Adam M. Sonabend and Christopher S. Ahuja
Biologics 2024, 4(2), 161-176; https://doi.org/10.3390/biologics4020011 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a debilitating condition that poses a significant public health concern. Historically linked to motor vehicle accidents, the epidemiology of TBI has evolved. Falls now emerge as the predominant cause, particularly among older adults. Sport-related TBIs have also garnered [...] Read more.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a debilitating condition that poses a significant public health concern. Historically linked to motor vehicle accidents, the epidemiology of TBI has evolved. Falls now emerge as the predominant cause, particularly among older adults. Sport-related TBIs have also garnered increased attention due to concerns regarding long-term neurological sequelae. To date, therapeutic interventions remain limited and have yet to yield substantial clinical benefits. Cell-based therapies offer promising avenues for neural repair and regeneration: endogenous stem cell therapies capitalize on endogenous pools that can be triggered by the injury and further enhanced by therapeutic approaches. In contrast, exogenous cell therapies provide an exogenous source of cells. However, challenges such as age-related decline in neurogenesis, age-related inflammation, and the heterogeneity of TBI present significant hurdles to overcome. Moreover, translating stem cell research from the laboratory to clinical applications necessitates the adherence to good manufacturing practice standards, which presents distinct obstacles. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including careful patient selection in clinical trials, appropriate experimental models, and the optimization of therapeutic techniques. Ultimately, a combination of strategies is likely to yield the most promising outcomes in the pursuit of effective TBI therapies. Full article
15 pages, 3696 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Military Service Member Preferences of Landscape Design Elements in Therapeutic Gardens
by Alicia Thomas, Muntazar Monsur, Carol S. Lindquist, Thayne Montague and Catherine R. Simpson
Land 2024, 13(5), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050658 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Military service members (MSVMs) suffer from mental and physical health ailments upon returning home from enlistment. Due to the enormity of these different and complex ailments, many unique therapeutic methods, like therapeutic gardens, have been utilized on MSVM populations to improve their overall [...] Read more.
Military service members (MSVMs) suffer from mental and physical health ailments upon returning home from enlistment. Due to the enormity of these different and complex ailments, many unique therapeutic methods, like therapeutic gardens, have been utilized on MSVM populations to improve their overall wellbeing. Therapeutic gardens are built following a set of guidelines meant to serve general populations instead of target populations. There has been little research on the preferences of landscape design elements in therapeutic gardens by MSVMs. To determine if landscape design elements can be optimized for therapeutic gardens that serve MSVMs, a series of questions with pictures pertaining to preferences were created in an online survey that was released to civilians on social media and MSVMs through U.S. military organizations (N = 366, 90.6% completed). The average respondents were male, Caucasian, and 25–35 years old. The majority of MSVM respondents were or had enlisted in the Army branch, and were currently active duty, or honorably discharged. MSVMs and civilians had overall similar preferences of utilities and garden elements. While commonalities were found among the two respondent groups, with a preference for clear walkways, lighting wild and natural views, there were differences. In contrast to civilians, MSVMs also overwhelmingly preferred fences and gates, and the creation of privacy and prospect views instead of refuge views. Results indicate that an increased line-of-sight in fenced-in areas may make MSVMs more comfortable in therapeutic garden settings. These differences may assist urban planners and landscapers in the building of green spaces tailored to target populations like MSVMs and to illustrate the importance of building inclusive spaces for populations of concern. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 223 KiB  
Article
An Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Clinical Trial in Rural Alabama: Project Design and Potential Implications for Pharmacy and Audiology Interprofessional Collaborations
by Marcia J. Hay-McCutcheon, Abigail F. Hubbard, Emma B. Brothers, Rebecca S. Allen and Xin Yang
Pharmacy 2024, 12(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy12030076 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Over-the-counter hearing aids (OTC HAs) have the potential to help adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss across the US, especially in rural communities, where access to hearing healthcare is extremely limited or non-existent. The purpose of this study was to describe an OTC [...] Read more.
Over-the-counter hearing aids (OTC HAs) have the potential to help adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss across the US, especially in rural communities, where access to hearing healthcare is extremely limited or non-existent. The purpose of this study was to describe an OTC HA clinical trial being conducted in five rural counties of Alabama and to provide preliminary anecdotal data related to the use and care of these hearing aids by the participants. In brief, for this clinical trial, adults with hearing loss were randomly placed in one of three groups where they received varying levels of support for setting, using, and maintaining their OTC HAs. Listening tests and surveys were administered to assess the extent to which they benefitted from the hearing aids as related to word understanding, communication with others in natural settings, and hearing aid use and care. Currently, anecdotal findings suggested that, although some participants required very little support to successfully use their hearing aids, others had difficulty setting and caring for their devices and could have benefitted from individualized guidance. Future quantitative studies will assess the extent of support needed for successful hearing aid benefit and use. Potentially, collaborations among pharmacy and audiology professionals could lead to increased access to hearing healthcare by supporting the use and purchase of OTC HAs in rural pharmacy settings. Full article
13 pages, 1438 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Use of Chemical Weapons for Capturing Prey by a Venomous Mammal, the Greater Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang)
by Grace Fuller, Wirdateti and K. A. I. Nekaris
Animals 2024, 14(10), 1438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101438 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Few mammals are venomous, including one group of primates—slow (Nycticebus spp.) and pygmy (Xanthonycticebus spp.) lorises. Hypotheses for the evolutionary function of venom in these primates include defense from predators or ectoparasites, communication or competition with conspecifics, and the capture of [...] Read more.
Few mammals are venomous, including one group of primates—slow (Nycticebus spp.) and pygmy (Xanthonycticebus spp.) lorises. Hypotheses for the evolutionary function of venom in these primates include defense from predators or ectoparasites, communication or competition with conspecifics, and the capture of prey. We tested the prey capture hypothesis in 75 trials with 22 wild-caught greater slow lorises (N. coucang) housed in a rescue center in Java, Indonesia. We experimentally offered the slow lorises arthropod prey items varying in size, escape potential, and toxicity and recorded venom-related and predatory behaviors using live and video observations. The slow lorises visually targeted arthropod prey, approached it quickly and efficiently, and captured it with a manual grasping motion. They rarely performed venom-related behaviors and seemed to do so in a defensive context. The slow lorises exhibited little variation in pre-capture behavior as a function of prey size or escape potential. In response to noxious prey, the slow lorises performed tongue-flicking and other investigative behaviors that indicate they are using chemosensory input to assess prey characteristics. These data suggest it is unlikely that slow lorises use chemical weapons to subdue arthropod prey and may support, instead, a defensive function for slow loris venom. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 348 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Field Multiplication in IoT Nodes with Limited Resources: A Low-Complexity Systolic Array Solution
by Atef Ibrahim and Fayez Gebali
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4085; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104085 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Security and privacy concerns pose significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of IoT technology. One potential solution to address these concerns is the implementation of cryptographic protocols on resource-constrained IoT edge nodes. However, the limited resources available on these nodes make it challenging [...] Read more.
Security and privacy concerns pose significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of IoT technology. One potential solution to address these concerns is the implementation of cryptographic protocols on resource-constrained IoT edge nodes. However, the limited resources available on these nodes make it challenging to effectively deploy such protocols. In cryptographic systems, finite-field multiplication plays a pivotal role, with its efficiency directly impacting overall performance. To tackle these challenges, we propose an innovative and compact bit-serial systolic layout specifically designed for Montgomery multiplication in the binary-extended field. This novel multiplier structure boasts regular cell architectures and localized communication connections, making it particularly well suited for VLSI implementation. Through a comprehensive complexity analysis, our suggested design demonstrates significant improvements in both area and area–time complexities when compared to existing competitive bit-serial multiplier structures. This makes it an ideal choice for cryptographic systems operating under strict area utilization constraints, such as resource-constrained IoT nodes and tiny embedded devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cybersecurity and Cryptography in the Internet of Things (IoT))
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 861 KiB  
Case Report
Treatment and Healing of Leishmaniasis in a Wolf in Semi-Captivity Regime from an Educational Center of Zamora Province (Spain)
by Javier Merino-Goyenechea, Jesús Palacios-Alberti, Tomás Yanes-Martínez, María Martínez-Valladares and Rafael Balaña-Fouce
Animals 2024, 14(10), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101436 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Leishmaniasis in wild canids is a vector-borne disease caused in Europe by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum. To date, there is limited information on clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities in wolves due to leishmaniasis. The current clinical case report described a female [...] Read more.
Leishmaniasis in wild canids is a vector-borne disease caused in Europe by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum. To date, there is limited information on clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities in wolves due to leishmaniasis. The current clinical case report described a female Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) housed in semi-captivity conditions at the Centro del Lobo Ibérico “Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente”, in Robledo de Sanabria, Zamora (Spain), with an interdigital ulcerous wound at the right forepaw, hyper-gammaglobulinemia, and abnormal liver blood parameters. Definitive serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis was established using antileishmanial serum antibodies and PCR analysis of different biological samples. A gold-standard anti-L. infantum treatment protocol consisting in subcutaneous meglumine antimoniate and oral allopurinol combination was installed. However, the presence of pain at the site of injection due to meglumine antimoniate administration forced its substitution by oral miltefosine. A progressive reduction of the levels of anti-L. infantum serum antibodies and the concentrations of gamma-globulin fraction was detected after antileishmanial treatment as well as a decline of liver GPT. To our knowledge, this is the first case of leishmaniasis diagnosed in a wolf housed in semi-captivity conditions, with the condition subsequently treated and successfully cured. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2125 KiB  
Article
Regulation of T Lymphocyte Functions through Calcium Signaling Modulation by Nootkatone
by Ji Min Lee, Jintae Kim, Su Jin Park, Joo Hyun Nam, Hyun Jong Kim and Woo Kyung Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5240; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105240 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Recent advancements in understanding the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying immunological responses have underscored the critical involvement of ion channels in regulating calcium influx, particularly in inflammation. Nootkatone, a natural sesquiterpenoid found in Alpinia oxyphylla and various citrus species, has gained attention for its [...] Read more.
Recent advancements in understanding the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying immunological responses have underscored the critical involvement of ion channels in regulating calcium influx, particularly in inflammation. Nootkatone, a natural sesquiterpenoid found in Alpinia oxyphylla and various citrus species, has gained attention for its diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to elucidate the potential of nootkatone in modulating ion channels associated with calcium signaling, particularly CRAC, KV1.3, and KCa3.1 channels, which play pivotal roles in immune cell activation and proliferation. Using electrophysiological techniques, we demonstrated the inhibitory effects of nootkatone on CRAC, KV1.3, and KCa3.1 channels in HEK293T cells overexpressing respective channel proteins. Nootkatone exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of channel currents, with IC50 values determined for each channel. Nootkatone treatment did not significantly affect cell viability, indicating its potential safety for therapeutic applications. Furthermore, we observed that nootkatone treatment attenuated calcium influx through activated CRAC channels and showed anti-proliferative effects, suggesting its role in regulating inflammatory T cell activation. These findings highlight the potential of nootkatone as a natural compound for modulating calcium signaling pathways by targeting related key ion channels and it holds promise as a novel therapeutic agent for inflammatory disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Discovery Based on Natural Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1854 KiB  
Article
Functional Characterization of a Spectrum of Genetic Variants in a Family with Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency
by Miroslava Didiasova, Samuele Cesaro, Simon Feldhoff, Ilaria Bettin, Nana Tiegel, Vera Füssgen, Mariarita Bertoldi and Ritva Tikkanen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5237; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105237 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the catabolism of the neurotransmitter γ-amino butyric acid. Pathogenic variants in the gene encoding this enzyme cause SSADH deficiency, a developmental disease that manifests as hypotonia, autism, and epilepsy. SSADH deficiency patients usually [...] Read more.
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the catabolism of the neurotransmitter γ-amino butyric acid. Pathogenic variants in the gene encoding this enzyme cause SSADH deficiency, a developmental disease that manifests as hypotonia, autism, and epilepsy. SSADH deficiency patients usually have family-specific gene variants. Here, we describe a family exhibiting four different SSADH variants: Val90Ala, Cys93Phe, and His180Tyr/Asn255Asp (a double variant). We provide a structural and functional characterization of these variants and show that Cys93Phe and Asn255Asp are pathogenic variants that affect the stability of the SSADH protein. Due to the impairment of the cofactor NAD+ binding, these variants show a highly reduced enzyme activity. However, Val90Ala and His180Tyr exhibit normal activity and expression. The His180Tyr/Asn255Asp variant exhibits a highly reduced activity as a recombinant species, is inactive, and shows a very low expression in eukaryotic cells. A treatment with substances that support protein folding by either increasing chaperone protein expression or by chemical means did not increase the expression of the pathogenic variants of the SSADH deficiency patient. However, stabilization of the folding of pathogenic SSADH variants by other substances may provide a treatment option for this disease. Full article
17 pages, 734 KiB  
Article
Metallo-Glycodendrimeric Materials against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
by Aly El Riz, Armelle Tchoumi Neree, Leila Mousavifar, René Roy, Younes Chorfi and Mircea Alexandru Mateescu
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050966 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Conjugation of carbohydrates to nanomaterials has been extensively studied and recognized as an alternative in the biomedical field. Dendrimers synthesized with mannose at the end group and with entrapped zero-valent copper/silver could be a potential candidate against bacterial proliferation. This study is aimed [...] Read more.
Conjugation of carbohydrates to nanomaterials has been extensively studied and recognized as an alternative in the biomedical field. Dendrimers synthesized with mannose at the end group and with entrapped zero-valent copper/silver could be a potential candidate against bacterial proliferation. This study is aimed at investigating the bactericidal activity of metal-glycodendrimers. The Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction was used to synthesize a new mannosylated dendrimer containing 12 mannopyranoside residues in the periphery. The enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli fimbriae 4 (ETEC:F4) viability, measured at 600 nm, showed the half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of metal-free glycodendrimers (D), copper-loaded glycodendrimers (D:Cu) and silver-loaded glycodendrimers (D:Ag) closed to 4.5 × 101, 3.5 × 101 and to 1.0 × 10−2 µg/mL, respectively, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of D, D:Cu and D:Ag of 2.0, 1.5 and 1.0 × 10−4 µg/mL, respectively. The release of bacteria contents onto broth and the inhibition of ETEC:F4 biofilm formation increased with the number of metallo-glycodendrimer materials, with a special interest in silver-containing nanomaterial, which had the highest activity, suggesting that glycodendrimer-based materials interfered with bacteria-bacteria or bacteria–polystyrene interactions, with bacteria metabolism and can disrupt bacteria cell walls. Our findings identify metal–mannose-dendrimers as potent bactericidal agents and emphasize the effect of entrapped zero-valent metal against ETEC:F4. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Properties of Nanoparticle)

Open Access Journals

Browse by Indexing Browse by Subject Selected Journals
Back to TopTop