The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
14 pages, 6460 KiB  
Article
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))
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 14488 KiB  
Article
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
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 13001 KiB  
Article
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)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 8264 KiB  
Review
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)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3162 KiB  
Article
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)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 644 KiB  
Review
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)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1654 KiB  
Article
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)
Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 526 KiB  
Brief 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
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 5925 KiB  
Article
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
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
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  
Article
Protective Effects of Resveratrol on Cytotoxicity of Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells Induced by PM2.5
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 (PM2.5) 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 (PM2.5) 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 PM2.5 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 PM2.5 (100 μg/mL). We determined the cell viability in mHSCs after treatment with PM2.5 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 PM2.5 with or without RES. The results showed that (1) PM2.5 has cytotoxic effects on mHSCs, whereas RES (5 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L) inhibited PM2.5-induced cytotoxicity and LDH leakage; (2) RES effectively reduces ROS and MDA production caused by PM2.5 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 PM2.5 plus RES treatment group compared to the PM2.5-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 PM2.5 compared to the PM2.5 group. These results demonstrate that RES can up-regulate SIRT1 and mitigate PM2.5-induced fibrosis by suppressing oxidative stress in mHSCs and the SIRT1/NF–κB/NLRP3 pathway activated by PM2.5. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3835 KiB  
Article
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
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 7915 KiB  
Article
Positive In Vitro Effect of ROCK Pathway Inhibitor Y-27632 on Qualitative Characteristics of Goat Sperm Stored at Low Temperatures
by Yongjie Xu, Shixin Sun, Yu Fu, Lei Wang, Chunhuan Ren, Yinghui Ling, Zijun Zhang and Hongguo Cao
Animals 2024, 14(10), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101441 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Y-27632, as a cytoskeleton protector, is commonly used for low-temperature preservation of cells. Goat sperm are prone to damage to the cytoskeleton under low-temperature conditions, leading to a loss of sperm vitality. However, the Y-27632 small molecule has not yet been used in [...] Read more.
Y-27632, as a cytoskeleton protector, is commonly used for low-temperature preservation of cells. Goat sperm are prone to damage to the cytoskeleton under low-temperature conditions, leading to a loss of sperm vitality. However, the Y-27632 small molecule has not yet been used in research on low-temperature preservation of goat semen. This study aims to address the issue of low temperature-induced loss of sperm motility in goats by using Y-27632, and explore the regulation of Y-27632 on goat sperm metabolism. At a low temperature of 4 °C, different concentrations of Y-27632 were added to the sperm diluent. The regulation of Y-27632 on the quality of low temperature-preserved goat semen was evaluated by detecting goat sperm motility, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial activity, cholesterol levels, and metabolomics analysis. The results indicated that 20 µM Y-27632 significantly increased plasma membrane integrity (p< 0.05), and acrosome integrity (p < 0.05) and sperm motility (p < 0.05), increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p < 0.01), increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05), decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.01), and significantly increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The levels of ATP, Ca2+, and TC in sperm increased (p < 0.01). Twenty metabolites with significant differences were identified, with six metabolic pathways having a significant impact, among which the D-glutamic acid and D-glutamine metabolic pathways had the most significant impact. The artificial insemination effect of goat semen treated with 20 μM Y-27632 was not significantly different from that of fresh semen. This study indicates that Y-27632 improves the quality of low-temperature preservation of sperm by protecting the sperm plasma membrane, enhancing sperm antioxidant capacity, regulating D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, and promoting the application of low-temperature preservation of semen in artificial insemination technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sperm Quality in Domestic Animals)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3025 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Hyperbaric Storage on the Nutritional Value and Retention of Certain Bioactive Proteins in Human Milk
by Katarzyna Mazur, Barbara Kusznierewicz, Dorota Martysiak-Żurowska, Izabela Drążkowska and Edyta Malinowska-Pańczyk
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101455 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Human milk (HM) contains the essential macronutrients and bioactive compounds necessary for the normal growth and development of newborns. The milk collected by human milk banks is stored frozen and pasteurized, reducing its nutritional and biological value. The purpose of this study was [...] Read more.
Human milk (HM) contains the essential macronutrients and bioactive compounds necessary for the normal growth and development of newborns. The milk collected by human milk banks is stored frozen and pasteurized, reducing its nutritional and biological value. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hyperbaric storage at subzero temperatures (HS-ST) on the macronutrients and bioactive proteins in HM. As control samples, HM was stored at the same temperatures under 0.1 MPa. A Miris HM analyzer was used to determine the macronutrients and the energy value. The lactoferrin (LF), lysozyme (LYZ) and α-lactalbumin (α-LAC) content was checked using high-performance liquid chromatography, and an ELISA test was used to quantify secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The results showed that the macronutrient content did not change significantly after 90 days of storage at 60 MPa/−5 °C, 78 MPa/−7 °C, 111 MPa/−10 °C or 130 MPa/−12 °C. Retention higher than 90% of LYZ, α-LAC, LF and sIgA was observed in the HM stored at conditions of up to 111 MPa/−10 °C. However, at 130 MPa/−12 °C, there was a reduction in LYZ and LF, by 39 and 89%, respectively. The storage of HM at subzero temperatures at 0.1 MPa did not affect the content of carbohydrates or crude and true protein. For fat and the energy value, significant decreases were observed at −5 °C after 90 days of storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Nutrition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1622 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Business-to-Business Customer Satisfaction Analysis through Advanced Two-Stage Clustering: Insights from Industrial Parks
by Jian Wang and Lingling Yue
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4043; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104043 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Traditional research on customer satisfaction (CS) estimation has focused on the business-to-customer (BTC) business mode. Customers in the BTC mode have been assumed to be familiar with the full range of services or products and to be able to make estimations of their [...] Read more.
Traditional research on customer satisfaction (CS) estimation has focused on the business-to-customer (BTC) business mode. Customers in the BTC mode have been assumed to be familiar with the full range of services or products and to be able to make estimations of their CS. However, in the business-to-business (BTB) mode, diverse services have often been required and provided. It may be difficult to find members who have experience with all kinds of services or to generate common CS estimation results supported by different members. In this study, the difference between BTC and BTB was verified using structural equation modeling (SEM), and a model of CS estimation was developed with respect to BTB. The empirical results show that perceived service quality has no direct impact on enterprise satisfaction, indicating that traditional models are limited. A two-stage clustering algorithm was adopted to optimize the traditional CS evaluation model based on SEM, i.e., (1) K-nearest neighbor (KNN) classification and (2) density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN). In order to verify the feasibility of the proposed model, CS with respect to six industrial parks was estimated empirically. The results show that the proposed model can improve the results of CS estimation compared with the results obtained using traditional methods. During the clustering process, each park generated and eliminated a certain number of noise points to optimize the satisfaction evaluation results. Specifically, park A generated and eliminated seven noise points, while park C generated and eliminated five noise points. The results of the satisfaction evaluation of each park obtained using the proposed model are more realistic, i.e., park A > park B > park C > park E > park D > park F. The proposed model extends the existing research on CS estimation in theory and can support applications in the BTB business mode. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 2656 KiB  
Review
Diabetic Retinopathy: New Treatment Approaches Targeting Redox and Immune Mechanisms
by Qi Tang, Francesco Buonfiglio, Elsa Wilma Böhm, Liyu Zhang, Norbert Pfeiffer, Christina A. Korb and Adrian Gericke
Antioxidants 2024, 13(5), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050594 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) represents a severe complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by irreversible visual impairment resulting from microvascular abnormalities. Since the global prevalence of diabetes continues to escalate, DR has emerged as a prominent area of research interest. The development and progression of [...] Read more.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) represents a severe complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by irreversible visual impairment resulting from microvascular abnormalities. Since the global prevalence of diabetes continues to escalate, DR has emerged as a prominent area of research interest. The development and progression of DR encompass a complex interplay of pathological and physiological mechanisms, such as high glucose-induced oxidative stress, immune responses, vascular endothelial dysfunction, as well as damage to retinal neurons. Recent years have unveiled the involvement of genomic and epigenetic factors in the formation of DR mechanisms. At present, extensive research explores the potential of biomarkers such as cytokines, molecular and cell therapies, antioxidant interventions, and gene therapy for DR treatment. Notably, certain drugs, such as anti-VEGF agents, antioxidants, inhibitors of inflammatory responses, and protein kinase C (PKC)-β inhibitors, have demonstrated promising outcomes in clinical trials. Within this context, this review article aims to introduce the recent molecular research on DR and highlight the current progress in the field, with a particular focus on the emerging and experimental treatment strategies targeting the immune and redox signaling pathways. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Can Mandatory Disclosure of CSR Information Drive the Transformation of Firms towards High-Quality Development?
by Rong Xu, Yongze Cui, Qi Ban, Yang Xie and Xiaoyun Fan
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4042; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104042 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
This paper establishes a quasi-natural experiment grounded in the exogenous shock occasioned by the implementation of a compulsory corporate social responsibility (CSR) information disclosure policy. It investigates the ramifications of this mandated CSR information disclosure policy on firms’ total factor productivity (TFP) through [...] Read more.
This paper establishes a quasi-natural experiment grounded in the exogenous shock occasioned by the implementation of a compulsory corporate social responsibility (CSR) information disclosure policy. It investigates the ramifications of this mandated CSR information disclosure policy on firms’ total factor productivity (TFP) through the integration of the difference-in-differences (DID) methodology. The investigation reveals that obligatory disclosure of CSR information significantly augments firms’ total factor productivity (TFP) by mitigating agency conflicts and financial constraints. Further analysis elucidates investment efficiency and innovation enhancement as pivotal conduits through which the mandatory CSR information disclosure policy fosters firms’ TFP. The study explores the impact of mandatory CSR information disclosure on firms’ TFP mechanism, which has significant policy value and can provide useful reference for the high-standard development of China’s corporate economic transformation. Full article
21 pages, 515 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Possibilities of Using Oat Malt in Wheat Breadmaking
by Agnieszka Salamon, Hanna Kowalska, Sylwia Stępniewska and Anna Szafrańska
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4101; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104101 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Malt is a natural additive to bread in amounts below 1%. However, there is a lack of research on supplementing bread with a larger dose of malt. The study aimed to evaluate the partial replacement of wheat flour with oat flour (10%) with/without [...] Read more.
Malt is a natural additive to bread in amounts below 1%. However, there is a lack of research on supplementing bread with a larger dose of malt. The study aimed to evaluate the partial replacement of wheat flour with oat flour (10%) with/without the addition of malted oat flour (0.6%) and scalded malt flour (10%) on the technological and health-promoting quality of bread. At the dough preparation stage, the malted flour was scalded. The dough was prepared using the single-phase method, and laboratory baked goods were prepared using a standard baking test for pan bread. It was found that the preparation of the dough by the preliminary scalding of malt flour resulted in an improvement in the bread volume and a lower increase in crumb hardness during 2-day storage, i.e., delayed staling, compared to the control bread. Replacing wheat flour with 10% oat flour contributed to an increase in the dietary fiber content of bread and a decrease in its energy value. The measurable effect of adding 10% scalded oat malt flour to bread was a 1.5-fold increase in the total polyphenols content and an almost 2.5-fold increase in antioxidant activity compared to bread supplemented with oat flour. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Processing Technology of Pulses and Cereals)
Show Figures

Figure 1

5 pages, 629 KiB  
Editorial
Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress
by Shaofei Jin, Bo Liu, Mulualem Tigabu and Jing Zhou
Forests 2024, 15(5), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050846 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
As the most critical stage in the plant life cycle, the seedling period assumes a crucial role in forest community succession and vegetation restoration [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Mechanisms of Tree Seedlings to Adapt to Stress)
13 pages, 2547 KiB  
Article
Inhibition of Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Attenuation of Its Virulence by Liriope muscari
by Jeonghoon Lee, Hyunchan Song and Kiyoung Kim
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050434 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Although Candida albicans accounts for the majority of fungal infections, therapeutic options are limited and require alternative antifungal agents with new targets; (2) Methods: A biofilm formation assay with RPMI1640 medium was performed with Liriope muscari extract. A combination antifungal assay, [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Although Candida albicans accounts for the majority of fungal infections, therapeutic options are limited and require alternative antifungal agents with new targets; (2) Methods: A biofilm formation assay with RPMI1640 medium was performed with Liriope muscari extract. A combination antifungal assay, dimorphic transition assay, and adhesion assay were performed under the biofilm formation condition to determine the anti-biofilm formation effect. qRT-PCR analysis was accomplished to confirm changes in gene expression; (3) Results: L. muscari extract significantly reduces biofilm formation by 51.65% at 1.56 μg/mL use and therefore increases susceptibility to miconazole. L. muscari extract also inhibited the dimorphic transition of Candida; nearly 50% of the transition was inhibited when 1.56 μg/mL of the extract was treated. The extract of L. muscari inhibited the expression of genes related to hyphal development and extracellular matrix of 34.4% and 36.0%, respectively, as well as genes within the Ras1-cAMP-PKA, Cph2-Tec1, and MAP kinase signaling pathways of 25.58%, 7.1% and 15.8%, respectively, at 1.56 μg/mL of L. muscari extract treatment; (4) Conclusions: L. muscari extract significantly reduced Candida biofilm formation, which lead to induced antifungal susceptibility to miconazole. It suggests that L. muscari extract is a promising anti-biofilm candidate of Candida albicans since the biofilm formation of Candida albicans is an excellent target for candidiasis regulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiofilm Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3455 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Postoperative Gum Chewing on Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function Following Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Thunwipa Tuscharoenporn, Kittithat Uruwankul and Kittipat Charoenkwan
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2851; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102851 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Chewing gum, considered a form of sham feeding, has been shown to improve intestinal motor and secretory function in various types of abdominal surgery. We conducted this systematic review to evaluate the effects of postoperative gum chewing on the recovery of gastrointestinal [...] Read more.
Background: Chewing gum, considered a form of sham feeding, has been shown to improve intestinal motor and secretory function in various types of abdominal surgery. We conducted this systematic review to evaluate the effects of postoperative gum chewing on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature review of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Embase, and a reference list of relevant studies from the inception to 11 March 2024, comparing postoperative gum chewing versus no gum chewing following laparoscopic gynecologic surgery regardless of indications and setting without language restriction. The primary outcome was the time to the presence of bowel sounds and the time to the first passage of flatus. Cochrane’s risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias in included studies. Results: Nine RCTs with a total of 1011 patients were included. Overall, three studies were categorized as having a low risk of bias, three had some concerns, and three exhibited a high risk of bias. The time to the presence of bowel sounds (mean difference [MD] −2.66 h, 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.68 to −1.64, p < 0.00001) and time to the first passage of flatus (MD −4.20 h, 95% CI −5.79 to −2.61, p < 0.00001) was significantly shorter in the gum-chewing group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups with regard to the time to the first defecation (MD −6.52 h, 95% CI −15.70 to 2.66, p = 0.16), time to the first postoperative mobilization (MD 24.05 min, 95% CI −38.16 to 86.26, p = 0.45), postoperative ileus (MD 0.68, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.19, p = 0.17), and length of hospital stay (MD −0.05 day, 95% CI −0.14 to 0.04, p = 0.28). Conclusions: Gum chewing following laparoscopic gynecologic surgery appears to promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function, as evidenced by a reduced time to the presence of bowel sounds and the first passage of flatus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4430 KiB  
Article
A Strategy of Candle Soot-Based Photothermal Icephobic Superhydrophobic Surface
by Chenlu Qian, Lu Wang, Qiang Li and Xuemei Chen
Coatings 2024, 14(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050612 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Anti-icing/de-icing is of fundamental importance in practical applications such as power transmission, wind turbines, and aerofoils. Despite recent efforts in developing engineering surfaces to delay ice accumulation or reduce ice adhesion, it remains challenging to design robust photothermal icephobic surfaces in a durable, [...] Read more.
Anti-icing/de-icing is of fundamental importance in practical applications such as power transmission, wind turbines, and aerofoils. Despite recent efforts in developing engineering surfaces to delay ice accumulation or reduce ice adhesion, it remains challenging to design robust photothermal icephobic surfaces in a durable, low-cost, easy-fabrication manner. Here, we report an intelligent candle soot-based photothermal surface (PDMS/CS60@PDMS/Al) that can utilize sunlight illumination to achieve the multi-abilities of anti-icing, de-icing, and self-cleaning. Our method lies in the construction of hierarchical micro/nanostructures by depositing photothermal candle soot nanoparticles, which endow the surface with superior superhydrophobicity and excellent photothermal performance. The underlying mechanism is exploited by establishing the heat transfer model between the droplets and the cooled surface. We believe that the smart PDMS/CS60@PDMS/Al developed in this work could provide a feasible strategy to design intelligent engineering surfaces for enhanced anti-icing/de-icing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Functional Thin Films)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5960 KiB  
Article
Construction and Investigation of a Filtration Efficiency Test System for High-Efficiency Filter Materials Based on Mass Concentration
by Fang Wei, Yun Liang, Hao Wang, Mengxiang Hu, Lingyun Wang, Desheng Wang and Min Tang
Processes 2024, 12(5), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050981 (registering DOI) - 12 May 2024
Abstract
Protection from nuclear biochemical aerosol and air pollution pays attention to aerosol mass concentration. The concentration of upstream aerosol of the commonly used filtration efficiency detection device for high-efficiency filter materials is low, making it insufficient for detecting the filtration efficiency of high-efficiency [...] Read more.
Protection from nuclear biochemical aerosol and air pollution pays attention to aerosol mass concentration. The concentration of upstream aerosol of the commonly used filtration efficiency detection device for high-efficiency filter materials is low, making it insufficient for detecting the filtration efficiency of high-efficiency filter materials. This study designed and built a set of filtration efficiency detection devices for high-efficiency filter materials based on mass concentration. By adjusting the oil bath temperature, injection pressure, the degree of spiral-separator separation, as well as the number and size of nozzles, we investigated the effects of each condition on the concentration and particle size distribution of aerosol generation. As a result, the oil mist generator of the device can stably generate high-concentration aerosol with a mass concentration of up to 1587.9 mg/m3 and a number concentration of up to 107–108 P/cm3. The high-concentration aerosol generated can meet the E11–U15 filter material performance requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Separation Processes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Open Access Journals

Browse by Indexing Browse by Subject Selected Journals
Back to TopTop