The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
20 pages, 1932 KiB  
Review
The Transformative Role of 3D Culture Models in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research
by Xavier S. Bittman-Soto, Evelyn S. Thomas, Madeline E. Ganshert, Laura L. Mendez-Santacruz and J. Chuck Harrell
Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1859; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101859 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Advancements in cell culturing techniques have allowed the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models sourced directly from patients’ tissues and tumors, faithfully replicating the native tissue environment. These models provide a more clinically relevant platform for studying disease progression and treatment responses [...] Read more.
Advancements in cell culturing techniques have allowed the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models sourced directly from patients’ tissues and tumors, faithfully replicating the native tissue environment. These models provide a more clinically relevant platform for studying disease progression and treatment responses compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) models. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and patient-derived xenograft organoids (PDXOs) emerge as innovative 3D cancer models capable of accurately mimicking the tumor’s unique features, enhancing our understanding of tumor complexities, and predicting clinical outcomes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses significant clinical challenges due to its aggressive nature, propensity for early metastasis, and limited treatment options. TNBC PDOs and PDXOs have significantly contributed to the comprehension of TNBC, providing novel insights into its underlying mechanism and identifying potential therapeutic targets. This review explores the transformative role of various 3D cancer models in elucidating TNBC pathogenesis and guiding novel therapeutic strategies. It also provides an overview of diverse 3D cell culture models, derived from cell lines and tumors, highlighting their advantages and culturing challenges. Finally, it delves into live-cell imaging techniques, endpoint assays, and alternative cell culture media and methodologies, such as scaffold-free and scaffold-based systems, essential for advancing 3D cancer model research and development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer)
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13 pages, 10169 KiB  
Article
A Rapid Construction Method for High-Throughput Wheat Grain Instance Segmentation Dataset Using High-Resolution Images
by Qi Gao, Heng Li, Tianyue Meng, Xinyuan Xu, Tinghui Sun, Liping Yin and Xinyu Chai
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051032 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Deep learning models can enhance the detection efficiency and accuracy of rapid on-site screening for imported grains at customs, satisfying the need for high-throughput, efficient, and intelligent operations. However, the construction of datasets, which is crucial for deep learning models, often involves significant [...] Read more.
Deep learning models can enhance the detection efficiency and accuracy of rapid on-site screening for imported grains at customs, satisfying the need for high-throughput, efficient, and intelligent operations. However, the construction of datasets, which is crucial for deep learning models, often involves significant labor and time costs. Addressing the challenges associated with establishing high-resolution instance segmentation datasets for small objects, we integrate two zero-shot models, Grounding DINO and Segment Anything model, into a dataset annotation pipeline. Furthermore, we encapsulate this pipeline into a software tool for manual calibration of mislabeled, missing, and duplicated annotations made by the models. Additionally, we propose preprocessing and postprocessing methods to improve the detection accuracy of the model and reduce the cost of subsequent manual correction. This solution is not only applicable to rapid screening for quarantine weeds, seeds, and insects at customs but can also be extended to other fields where instance segmentation is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue In-Field Detection and Monitoring Technology in Precision Agriculture)
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20 pages, 5908 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Synergy between Humic Acid Substances, Dehydrogenase Activity and Soil Fertility
by Katarzyna Kagan, Weronika Goraj, Agnieszka Kuźniar, Anna Kruczyńska, Anna Sochaczewska, Andrzej Słomczewski and Agnieszka Wolińska
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051031 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The European Commission’s “Farm to Folk” (F2F) strategy recommends reducing fertilizers by at least 20% by 2030. In this aspect, the main goal of our study was to verify whether a 20 and even 40% reduction in nitrogen (N) fertilization rate would be [...] Read more.
The European Commission’s “Farm to Folk” (F2F) strategy recommends reducing fertilizers by at least 20% by 2030. In this aspect, the main goal of our study was to verify whether a 20 and even 40% reduction in nitrogen (N) fertilization rate would be sufficient to maintain soil fertility (expressed as dehydrogenase activity—DHA, humic acid substances—HA substances, E4/E6 ratio), and yields of wheat and rapeseed cultivated in strip-till technology. Two fields (10 ha each) were established for wheat and rapeseed cultivation, and soils (0–20 cm) were sampled before sowing and after harvesting. It was found that a 20% fertilization reduction does not adversely affect the biological activity expressed by DHA. Nevertheless, the reduction in nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates led to a slight decrease in the E4/E6 ratio, which could serve as a potential indicator of fertilization reduction. DHA, E4/E6 ratio and content of HA substances were also dependent on the crop. Following harvesting, both rapeseed and wheat exhibited a positive correlation between the E4/E6 ratio and the degree of fertilization rate (FR), as well as yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Cycling and Environmental Effects on Farmland Ecosystems)
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21 pages, 28192 KiB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Multi-Scenario Simulation of Non-Grain Production on Cultivated Land in Jiangsu Province, China
by Chengge Jiang, Lingzhi Wang, Wenhua Guo, Huiling Chen, Anqi Liang, Mingying Sun, Xinyao Li and Hichem Omrani
Land 2024, 13(5), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050670 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Cultivated land plays a crucial role as the basis of grain production, and it is essential to effectively manage the unregulated expansion of non-grain production (NGP) on cultivated land in order to safeguard food security. The study of NGP has garnered significant attention [...] Read more.
Cultivated land plays a crucial role as the basis of grain production, and it is essential to effectively manage the unregulated expansion of non-grain production (NGP) on cultivated land in order to safeguard food security. The study of NGP has garnered significant attention from scholars, but the prediction of NGP trends is relatively uncommon. Therefore, we focused on Jiangsu Province, a significant grain production region in China, as the study area. We extracted data on cultivated land for non-grain production (NGPCL) in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2019, and calculated the ratio of non-grain production (NGPR) for each county unit in the province. On this basis, Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and spatial autocorrelation analysis tools were utilized to uncover the spatio-temporal evolution of NGP in Jiangsu Province. Finally, the Patch-Generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model was utilized to predict the trend of NGP in Jiangsu Province in 2038 under the three development scenarios of natural development (NDS), cultivated land protection (CPS), and food security (FSS). After analyzing the results, we came to the following conclusions:(1) During the period of 2000–2019, the NGPCL area and NGPR in Jiangsu Province exhibited a general decreasing trend. (2) The level of NGP displayed a spatial distribution pattern of being “higher in the south and central and lower in the north”. (3) The results of multi-scenario simulation show that under the NDS, the area of NGPCL and cultivated land for grain production (GPCL) decreases significantly; under the CPS, the decrease in NGPCL and GPCL is smaller than that of the NDS. Under the FSS, NGPCL decreases, while GPCL increases. These results can provide reference for the implementation of land use planning, the delineation of the cultivated land protection bottom line, and the implementation of thee cultivated land use control system in the study area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Socio-Economic Values in Land Resource Management)
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21 pages, 2758 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Workplace Safety through Personalized Environmental Risk Assessment: An AI-Driven Approach in Industry 5.0
by Janaína Lemos, Vanessa Borba de Souza, Frederico Soares Falcetta, Fernando Kude de Almeida, Tânia M. Lima and Pedro Dinis Gaspar
Computers 2024, 13(5), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13050120 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
This paper describes an integrated monitoring system designed for individualized environmental risk assessment and management in the workplace. The system incorporates monitoring devices that measure dust, noise, ultraviolet radiation, illuminance, temperature, humidity, and flammable gases. Comprising monitoring devices, a server-based web application for [...] Read more.
This paper describes an integrated monitoring system designed for individualized environmental risk assessment and management in the workplace. The system incorporates monitoring devices that measure dust, noise, ultraviolet radiation, illuminance, temperature, humidity, and flammable gases. Comprising monitoring devices, a server-based web application for employers, and a mobile application for workers, the system integrates the registration of workers’ health histories, such as common diseases and symptoms related to the monitored agents, and a web-based recommendation system. The recommendation system application uses classifiers to decide the risk/no risk per sensor and crosses this information with fixed rules to define recommendations. The system generates actionable alerts for companies to improve decision-making regarding professional activities and long-term safety planning by analyzing health information through fixed rules and exposure data through machine learning algorithms. As the system must handle sensitive data, data privacy is addressed in communication and data storage. The study provides test results that evaluate the performance of different machine learning models in building an effective recommendation system. Since it was not possible to find public datasets with all the sensor data needed to train artificial intelligence models, it was necessary to build a data generator for this work. By proposing an approach that focuses on individualized environmental risk assessment and management, considering workers’ health histories, this work is expected to contribute to enhancing occupational safety through computational technologies in the Industry 5.0 approach. Full article
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16 pages, 293 KiB  
Review
The Potential Systemic Role of Diet in Dental Caries Development and Arrest: A Narrative Review
by Ashley J. Malin, Zhilin Wang, Durdana Khan and Sarah L. McKune
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1463; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101463 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Current conceptualizations of dental caries etiology center primarily on the local role of sugar, starch, or other fermentable carbohydrates on tooth enamel demineralization—a well-established and empirically supported mechanism. However, in addition to this mechanism, studies dating back to the early 1900s point to [...] Read more.
Current conceptualizations of dental caries etiology center primarily on the local role of sugar, starch, or other fermentable carbohydrates on tooth enamel demineralization—a well-established and empirically supported mechanism. However, in addition to this mechanism, studies dating back to the early 1900s point to an important systemic role of diet and nutrition, particularly from pasture-raised animal-source foods (ASF), in dental caries etiology and arrest. Findings from animal and human studies suggest that adherence to a diet high in calcium, phosphorus, fat-soluble vitamins A and D, and antioxidant vitamin C, as well as low in phytates, may contribute to arrest and reversal of dental caries, particularly among children. Furthermore, findings from observational and experimental studies of humans across the life-course suggest that fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2 may interact to protect against dental caries progression, even within a diet that regularly contains sugar. While these historic studies have not been revisited in decades, we emphasize the need for them to be reinvestigated and contextualized in the 21st century. Specifically, methodologically rigorous studies are needed to reinvestigate whether historical knowledge of systemic impacts of nutrition on dental health can help to inform current conceptualizations of dental caries etiology, prevention, and arrest. Full article
14 pages, 1527 KiB  
Article
Impact of Nutrient Intake on Body Composition in Very Low-Birth Weight Infants Following Early Progressive Enteral Feeding
by Rasa Brinkis, Kerstin Albertsson-Wikland, Kastytis Šmigelskas, Aurika Vanckavičienė, Ilona Aldakauskienė, Rasa Tamelienė and Rasa Verkauskienė
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1462; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101462 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Preterm infants have increased body adiposity at term-equivalent age and risk of adverse metabolic outcomes. The aim of the study was to define how nutrient intake may impact body composition (BC) of very low-birth weight infants fed with early progressive enteral feeding and [...] Read more.
Preterm infants have increased body adiposity at term-equivalent age and risk of adverse metabolic outcomes. The aim of the study was to define how nutrient intake may impact body composition (BC) of very low-birth weight infants fed with early progressive enteral feeding and standard fortification. Eighty-six infants with <1500 g birth weight were included in the BC study and stratified into extremely preterm (EP) and very preterm (VP) groups. Nutrient intake was calculated during the first 28 days and BC assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry at discharge and by skinfold thickness at 12 months of corrected age (CA). Total nutrient intake did not differ between the groups. EP infants had a higher fat mass percentage at discharge than VP infants (24.8% vs. 19.4%, p < 0.001); lean mass did not differ. None of the nutrients had any impact on BC of EP infants. Protein intake did not result in a higher lean mass in either group; fat intake was a significant predictor of increased fat mass percentage in VP infants at discharge (p = 0.007) and body adiposity at 12 months of CA (p = 0.021). Nutritional needs may depend on gestational age and routine fortification should be used with caution in more mature infants. Full article
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14 pages, 1548 KiB  
Article
Assessing Sodium Intake in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Elevated Blood Pressure: Validation of Spot Urine Excretion and Dietary Survey-Derived Estimates
by Yee Chang Soh, Andrea Fairley, Mawada Alawad, Siew Siew Lee, Tin Tin Su, Blossom Christa Maree Stephan, Daniel Reidpath, Louise Robinson, Shajahan Yasin, Mario Siervo and Devi Mohan
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101461 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
This cross-sectional study evaluated the validity of three alternative methods compared to the gold standard 24-h urine collection for estimating dietary sodium intake, a modifiable risk factor for hypertension, among middle-aged and older adults with elevated blood pressure. These included spot urine collection [...] Read more.
This cross-sectional study evaluated the validity of three alternative methods compared to the gold standard 24-h urine collection for estimating dietary sodium intake, a modifiable risk factor for hypertension, among middle-aged and older adults with elevated blood pressure. These included spot urine collection (using Kawasaki, Tanaka, and INTERSALT equations), 24-h dietary recall, and food frequency questionnaire responses, compared to 24-h urine collection in a subset of 65 participants (aged 50–75 years, 58.5% women, 61.6% hypertensive) from the DePEC-Nutrition trial. The validity of the methods was assessed using bias, the Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC), the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland–Altman analysis. Among the alternative methods, spot urine collection using the Kawasaki equation showed the strongest correlation (SCC 0.238; ICC 0.119, 95% CI −0.079 to 0.323), but it exhibited a significant bias (1414 mg/day, p-value < 0.001) relative to 24-h urine collection. Conversely, dietary surveys had a smaller bias but wider limits of agreement. These findings underscore the complexities of accurately estimating dietary sodium intake using spot urine collection or dietary surveys in this specific population, suggesting that a combination or the refinement of existing methodologies might improve accuracy. Further research with larger samples is necessary to develop more reliable methods for assessing sodium intake in this high-risk group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition Methodology & Assessment)
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17 pages, 3759 KiB  
Communication
Genomic, Phylogenetic and Physiological Characterization of the PAH-Degrading Strain Gordonia polyisoprenivorans 135
by Ekaterina Frantsuzova, Alexander Bogun, Olga Kopylova, Anna Vetrova, Inna Solyanikova, Rostislav Streletskii and Yanina Delegan
Biology 2024, 13(5), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13050339 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The strain Gordonia polyisoprenivorans 135 is able to utilize a wide range of aromatic compounds. The aim of this work was to study the features of genetic organization and biotechnological potential of the strain G. polyisoprenivorans 135 as a degrader of aromatic compounds. [...] Read more.
The strain Gordonia polyisoprenivorans 135 is able to utilize a wide range of aromatic compounds. The aim of this work was to study the features of genetic organization and biotechnological potential of the strain G. polyisoprenivorans 135 as a degrader of aromatic compounds. The study of the genome of the strain 135 and the pangenome of the G. polyisoprenivorans species revealed that some genes, presumably involved in PAH catabolism, are atypical for Gordonia and belong to the pangenome of Actinobacteria. Analyzing the intergenic regions of strain 135 alongside the “panIGRome” of G. polyisoprenivorans showed that some intergenic regions in strain 135 also differ from those located between the same pairs of genes in related strains. The strain G. polyisoprenivorans 135 in our work utilized naphthalene (degradation degree 39.43%) and grew actively on salicylate. At present, this is the only known strain of G. polyisoprenivorans with experimentally confirmed ability to utilize these compounds. Full article
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20 pages, 4360 KiB  
Article
Fault Diagnosis Method for Railway Signal Equipment Based on Data Enhancement and an Improved Attention Mechanism
by Ni Yang, Youpeng Zhang, Jing Zuo and Bin Zhao
Machines 2024, 12(5), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12050334 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Railway signals’ fault text data contain a substantial amount of expert maintenance experience. Extracting valuable information from these fault text data can enhance the efficiency of fault diagnosis for signal equipment, thereby contributing to the advancement of intelligent railway operations and maintenance technology. [...] Read more.
Railway signals’ fault text data contain a substantial amount of expert maintenance experience. Extracting valuable information from these fault text data can enhance the efficiency of fault diagnosis for signal equipment, thereby contributing to the advancement of intelligent railway operations and maintenance technology. Considering that the characteristics of different signal equipment in actual operation can easily lead to a lack of fault data, a fault diagnosis method for railway signal equipment based on data augmentation and an improved attention mechanism (DEIAM) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the original fault dataset is preprocessed based on data augmentation technology and retained noun and verb operations. Then, the neural network is constructed by integrating a bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) model with an attention mechanism and a convolutional neural network (CNN) model enhanced with a channel attention mechanism. The DEIAM method can more effectively capture the important text features and sequence features in fault text data, thereby facilitating the diagnosis and classification of such data. Consequently, it enhances onsite fault maintenance experience by providing more precise insights. An empirical study was conducted on a 10-year fault dataset of signal equipment produced by a railway bureau. The experimental results demonstrate that in comparison with the benchmark model, the DEIAM model exhibits enhanced performance in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1. Full article
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17 pages, 1647 KiB  
Article
Novel CAD Diagnosis Method Based on Search, PCA, and AdaBoostM1 Techniques
by Can Eyupoglu and Oktay Karakuş
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2868; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102868 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary cause of mortality worldwide, resulting in a growing number of annual fatalities. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the basic types of CVDs, and early diagnosis of CAD is crucial for convenient treatment and decreasing [...] Read more.
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary cause of mortality worldwide, resulting in a growing number of annual fatalities. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the basic types of CVDs, and early diagnosis of CAD is crucial for convenient treatment and decreasing mortality rates. In the literature, several studies use many features for CAD diagnosis. However, due to the large number of features used in these studies, the possibility of early diagnosis is reduced. Methods: For this reason, in this study, a new method that uses only five features—age, hypertension, typical chest pain, t-wave inversion, and region with regional wall motion abnormality—and is a combination of eight different search techniques, principal component analysis (PCA), and the AdaBoostM1 algorithm has been proposed for early and accurate CAD diagnosis. Results: The proposed method is devised and tested on a benchmark dataset called Z-Alizadeh Sani. The performance of the proposed method is tested with a variety of metrics and compared with basic machine-learning techniques and the existing studies in the literature. The experimental results have shown that the proposed method is efficient and achieves the best classification performance, with an accuracy of 91.8%, ever reported on the Z-Alizadeh Sani dataset with so few features. Conclusions: As a result, medical practitioners can utilize the proposed approach for diagnosing CAD early and accurately. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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17 pages, 3702 KiB  
Review
Failure of Autophagy in Pompe Disease
by Hung Do, Naresh K. Meena and Nina Raben
Biomolecules 2024, 14(5), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14050573 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved lysosome-dependent degradation of cytoplasmic constituents. The system operates as a critical cellular pro-survival mechanism in response to nutrient deprivation and a variety of stress conditions. On top of that, autophagy is involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis through selective [...] Read more.
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved lysosome-dependent degradation of cytoplasmic constituents. The system operates as a critical cellular pro-survival mechanism in response to nutrient deprivation and a variety of stress conditions. On top of that, autophagy is involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis through selective elimination of worn-out or damaged proteins and organelles. The autophagic pathway is largely responsible for the delivery of cytosolic glycogen to the lysosome where it is degraded to glucose via acid α-glucosidase. Although the physiological role of lysosomal glycogenolysis is not fully understood, its significance is highlighted by the manifestations of Pompe disease, which is caused by a deficiency of this lysosomal enzyme. Pompe disease is a severe lysosomal glycogen storage disorder that affects skeletal and cardiac muscles most. In this review, we discuss the basics of autophagy and describe its involvement in the pathogenesis of muscle damage in Pompe disease. Finally, we outline how autophagic pathology in the diseased muscles can be used as a tool to fast track the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Full article
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19 pages, 1903 KiB  
Review
Evolution of Glutamate Metabolism via GLUD2 Enhances Lactate-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity and Complex Cognition
by Andreas Plaitakis, Kyriaki Sidiropoulou, Dimitra Kotzamani, Ionela Litso, Ioannis Zaganas and Cleanthe Spanaki
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105297 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Human evolution is characterized by rapid brain enlargement and the emergence of unique cognitive abilities. Besides its distinctive cytoarchitectural organization and extensive inter-neuronal connectivity, the human brain is also defined by high rates of synaptic, mainly glutamatergic, transmission, and energy utilization. While these [...] Read more.
Human evolution is characterized by rapid brain enlargement and the emergence of unique cognitive abilities. Besides its distinctive cytoarchitectural organization and extensive inter-neuronal connectivity, the human brain is also defined by high rates of synaptic, mainly glutamatergic, transmission, and energy utilization. While these adaptations’ origins remain elusive, evolutionary changes occurred in synaptic glutamate metabolism in the common ancestor of humans and apes via the emergence of GLUD2, a gene encoding the human glutamate dehydrogenase 2 (hGDH2) isoenzyme. Driven by positive selection, hGDH2 became adapted to function upon intense excitatory firing, a process central to the long-term strengthening of synaptic connections. It also gained expression in brain astrocytes and cortical pyramidal neurons, including the CA1-CA3 hippocampal cells, neurons crucial to cognition. In mice transgenic for GLUD2, theta-burst-evoked long-term potentiation (LTP) is markedly enhanced in hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses, with patch-clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons revealing increased sNMDA receptor currents. D-lactate blocked LTP enhancement, implying that glutamate metabolism via hGDH2 potentiates L-lactate-dependent glia–neuron interaction, a process essential to memory consolidation. The transgenic (Tg) mice exhibited increased dendritic spine density/synaptogenesis in the hippocampus and improved complex cognitive functions. Hence, enhancement of neuron–glia communication, via GLUD2 evolution, likely contributed to human cognitive advancement by potentiating synaptic plasticity and inter-neuronal connectivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Molecular Research in Brain Development and Cognitive Functions)
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17 pages, 1698 KiB  
Review
Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy: A Review for Clinical Practitioners
by Agata Makowska, Thomas Treumann, Stefan Venturini and Michael Christ
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2863; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102863 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making in pregnancy with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging. European and other international professional societies have proposed various recommendations that are ambiguous, probably due to the unavailability of randomized controlled trials. In the following sections, we discuss the supporting [...] Read more.
Diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making in pregnancy with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) is challenging. European and other international professional societies have proposed various recommendations that are ambiguous, probably due to the unavailability of randomized controlled trials. In the following sections, we discuss the supporting diagnostic steps and treatments. We suggest a standardized diagnostic work-up in pregnant patients presenting with symptoms of PE to make evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. We strongly recommend that clinical decisions on treatment in pregnant patients with intermediate- or high-risk pulmonary embolism should include a multidisciplinary team approach involving emergency physicians, pulmonologists, angiologist, cardiologists, thoracic and/or cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists, and obstetricians to choose a tailored management option including an interventional treatment. It is important to be aware of the differences among guidelines and to assess each case individually, considering the specific views of the different specialties. This review summarizes key concepts of the diagnostics and acute management of pregnant women with suspected PE that are supportive for the clinician on duty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Emergency Medicine)
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15 pages, 1239 KiB  
Article
Changes in α-Dicarbonyl Compound Contents during Storage of Various Fruits and Juices
by Yang Yang, Xue-Yi Liu, Qian Zhao, Dan Wu, Jin-Tao Ren, Meng Ma, Pei-Yun Li, Jia-Cai Wu, Wen-Yun Gao and Heng Li
Foods 2024, 13(10), 1509; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101509 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
α-Dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs) are commonly present in various foods. We conducted the investigation into concentration changes of α-DCs including 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), glyoxal (GO), and methylglyoxal (MGO) in fresh fruits and decapped commercial juices during storage at room temperature and 4 °C, as well [...] Read more.
α-Dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs) are commonly present in various foods. We conducted the investigation into concentration changes of α-DCs including 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), glyoxal (GO), and methylglyoxal (MGO) in fresh fruits and decapped commercial juices during storage at room temperature and 4 °C, as well as in homemade juices during storage at 4 °C. The studies indicate the presence of α-DCs in all samples. The initial contents of 3-DG in the commercial juices (6.74 to 65.61 μg/mL) are higher than those in the homemade ones (1.97 to 4.65 μg/mL) as well as fruits (1.58 to 3.33 μg/g). The initial concentrations of GO and MGO are normally less than 1 μg/mL in all samples. During storage, the α-DC levels in the fruits exhibit an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease, whereas, in all juices, they tend to accumulate continuously over time. As expected, 4 °C storage reduces the increase rates of the α-DC concentrations in most samples. From the viewpoint of the α-DC contents, fruits and homemade juices should always be the first choice for daily intake of nutrients and commercial juices ought to be mostly avoided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
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21 pages, 2743 KiB  
Article
Oilseed Radish: Nitrogen and Sulfur Management Strategies for Seed Yield and Quality—A Case Study in Poland
by Artur Szatkowski, Zofia Antoszkiewicz, Cezary Purwin and Krzysztof Józef Jankowski
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050755 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilization significantly affect seed yield and quality in Brassica oilseed crops. The effect of N and S management on the crop parameters (plant height, stem-base diameter, and number of branches), yield (seed yield components, seed and straw yields, [...] Read more.
Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilization significantly affect seed yield and quality in Brassica oilseed crops. The effect of N and S management on the crop parameters (plant height, stem-base diameter, and number of branches), yield (seed yield components, seed and straw yields, harvest index—HI), and the quality of the seeds and oil (crude fat—CF, total protein—TP, crude fiber—CFR, fatty acids profile—FA, acid detergent fiber; and neutral detergent fiber) of oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiformis Pers.) was analyzed in the study. The effect of N and S fertilization was evaluated in a field experiment in Bałcyny (north-eastern Poland) in 2020–2022. The experiment had a split-plot design with two factors and three replications. The first factor was the N rate (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 kg ha−1) and the second factor was the S rate (0, 15, 30 kg ha−1). Nitrogen fertilization stimulated stem elongation and branching. The average oilseed radish (OSR) seed yield ranged from 0.59 to 1.15–1.25 Mg ha−1. Seed yields increased significantly, up to 90 kg N ha−1 and 15 kg S ha−1. The N fertilizer use efficiency (NFUE) of OSR decreased with a rise in the N rate (from 4.22 to 2.19 kg of seeds per 1 kg N). The application of S did not increase NFUE. The HI ranged from 10% (0–30 kg N ha−1) to 12% (60 kg N ha−1). The contents of CF, TP, and CFR in OSR seeds (kg−1 dry matter—DM) were 383–384 g, 244–249 g, and 97–103 g, respectively. Nitrogen fertilization decreased the CF content (by 5%) and increased the contents of TP (by 5%) and CFR (by 16%) in OSR seeds. Sulfur fertilizer applied at 30 kg ha−1 decreased the CF content (by 2%), but it did not alter the content of TP or CFR. Oilseed radish oil contained 68–70% of monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) (erucic acid accounted for 2/3 of the total MUFAs), 24–25% of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), and 6–8% of saturated FAs (SFAs). Nitrogen fertilization increased the proportions of SFAs and PUFAs in OSR oil. Nitrogen rates of 60–90 kg ha−1 increased the contents of alpha-tocopherol (α-T), beta-tocopherol (β-T), and gamma-tocopherol (γ-T) in OSR seeds by 32%, 40%, and 27%, respectively. Sulfur fertilization increased the content of PUFAs and decreased the content of MUFAs in OSR oil, while it increased the contents of α-T (by 15%) and γ-T (by 19%) in OSR seeds. Proper N and S management in OSR cultivation can improve crop productivity and the processing suitability of seeds. Full article
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19 pages, 2238 KiB  
Article
Comparison of the Clinical Utility of Two Insulin Resistance Indices: IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore in Diagnosing Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Complications in Children Based on the Results Obtained for the Polish Population
by Anna Łupińska, Sara Aszkiełowicz, Dorota Kowalik, Krzysztof Jeziorny, Marzena Kolasa-Kicińska, Paula Smalczewska, Arkadiusz Zygmunt, Andrzej Lewiński and Renata Stawerska
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102865 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Recognizing insulin resistance (IR) in children remains challenging due to uncertain IRI-HOMA cut-offs and unclear recommendations for evaluating IR based on OGTT. In our study, we compare the effectiveness of IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore (OGTT-based) in detecting IR and its metabolic complications in [...] Read more.
Background: Recognizing insulin resistance (IR) in children remains challenging due to uncertain IRI-HOMA cut-offs and unclear recommendations for evaluating IR based on OGTT. In our study, we compare the effectiveness of IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore (OGTT-based) in detecting IR and its metabolic complications in children. Methods: The analysis included 553 children who were hospitalized at the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases of the Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMH-RI) in Lodz, Poland, between 2002 and 2018 due to various reasons—of these, 67.5% were girls. All underwent OGTT for glucose and insulin assessment. IR diagnosis relied on IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore. IR based on IRI-HOMA was evaluated using three criteria: (A) >2.5; (B) >2.67 in boys and >2.22 in girls before puberty and >5.22 and >3.82 during puberty, respectively; (C) >95th percentile according to charts for IRI-HOMA in children. Results: Prepubertal children exhibited significantly lower IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore than their pubertal counterparts (p < 0.00005). IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore values positively correlated with age and BMI SDS value (p < 0.000001 for all calculations). As many as 26% to 46.9% of children with normal IRI-HOMA showed elevated IRI-Belfiore, with notably higher levels of triglycerides, a lower HDL cholesterol fraction, and a lower HDL/total cholesterol ratio in this subgroup. Conclusions: A notable proportion of children exhibited elevated IRI-Belfiore levels despite having normal IRI-HOMA values. This suggests the possibility of peripheral IR preceding hepatic IR in children—omitting an OGTT may therefore lead to overlooking cases of IR. Children diagnosed with IR via OGTT displayed significantly poorer lipid profiles compared to those without IR (characterized by normal values in both IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore). This underscores the ability of OGTT-derived IR indices to identify individuals at risk of developing complications associated with obesity and IR before the onset of metabolic syndrome (MS) symptoms. If IR is already detected in children based on fasting glucose and insulin levels (IRI-HOMA), further evaluation may not be warranted, as OGTT results often simply confirm the diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology & Metabolism)
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13 pages, 4009 KiB  
Article
Laser-Based Mobile Visible Light Communication System
by Yuqi Hou, Zhichong Wang, Zengxin Li, Junhui Hu, Chicheng Ma, Xiaoqian Wang, Liang Xia, Guangyi Liu, Jianyang Shi, Ziwei Li, Junwen Zhang, Nan Chi and Chao Shen
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3086; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103086 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Mobile visible light communication (VLC) is key for integrating lighting and communication applications in the 6G era, yet there exists a notable gap in experimental research on mobile VLC. In this study, we introduce a mobile VLC system and investigate the impact of [...] Read more.
Mobile visible light communication (VLC) is key for integrating lighting and communication applications in the 6G era, yet there exists a notable gap in experimental research on mobile VLC. In this study, we introduce a mobile VLC system and investigate the impact of mobility speed on communication performance. Leveraging a laser-based light transmitter with a wide coverage, we enable a light fidelity (LiFi) system with a mobile receiving end. The system is capable of supporting distances from 1 m to 4 m without a lens and could maintain a transmission rate of 500 Mbps. The transmission is stable at distances of 1 m and 2 m, but an increase in distance and speed introduces interference to the system, leading to a rise in the Bit Error Rate (BER). The mobile VLC experimental system provides a viable solution to the issue of mobile access in the integration of lighting and communication applications, establishing a solid practical foundation for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Visible Light Communication (VLC))
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13 pages, 1913 KiB  
Article
Chemical Management Strategies of Pimelea trichostachya Lindl. Using Pre- and Post-Emergence Herbicides
by Rashid Saleem, Shane Campbell, Mary T. Fletcher, Sundaravelpandian Kalaipandian and Steve W. Adkins
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101342 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Pimelea trichostachya Lindl. is a native Australian forb responsible for livestock poisoning and reducing the productivity and sustainability of grazing enterprises. This study was conducted as a pot trial under controlled conditions to investigate an effective chemical management strategy for P. trichostachya, [...] Read more.
Pimelea trichostachya Lindl. is a native Australian forb responsible for livestock poisoning and reducing the productivity and sustainability of grazing enterprises. This study was conducted as a pot trial under controlled conditions to investigate an effective chemical management strategy for P. trichostachya, a method that did not leave standing dead plant material, as such material can also be toxic to grazing cattle. Three herbicides, including one pre-emergence (tebuthiuron) and two post-emergence herbicides (2,4-D and metsulfuron-methyl), were tested in pot trials for their efficacy on P. trichostachya. Results showed that tebuthiuron applied as either a granular (10% active ingredient, a.i.) or pelleted (20% a.i.) form efficiently reduced the emergence of P. trichostachya seedlings. Although some seedlings emerged, they perished within 7 days post treatment, leaving no residual plant matter. Testing now needs to be undertaken under field conditions to validate the findings within vegetation communities where potential non-target impacts need to be accounted for as well. The post-emergence application of 2,4-D and metsulfuron-methyl demonstrated that the highest efficacy and reduced application rates were achieved by treating earlier growth stages (i.e., seedlings) of P. trichostachya plants. In addition, the amount of toxic dead plant material was minimized due to the faster degradation of these small plants. These findings offer practical, cost-effective solutions for sustaining grazing lands from P. trichostachya challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Invasion 2023)
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16 pages, 2259 KiB  
Article
Consumers’ Perceptions for an Outdoor Ornamental Plant: Exploring the Influence of Novel Plant Diseases Diagnostics and Sustainable Nurseries Cultivation Management
by Michel Frem, Alessandro Petrontino, Vincenzo Fucilli, Barbara De Lucia, Emanuela Tria, Adele Annarita Campobasso, Federica Calderoni and Francesco Bozzo
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050501 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
A discrete choice experiment was conducted to assess the perceptions and willingness-to-pay of Italian consumers regarding plant diagnosis and sustainable cultivation attributes in outdoor ornamental plants, specifically Abelia × grandiflora. The results revealed that most Italian consumers place great importance on the [...] Read more.
A discrete choice experiment was conducted to assess the perceptions and willingness-to-pay of Italian consumers regarding plant diagnosis and sustainable cultivation attributes in outdoor ornamental plants, specifically Abelia × grandiflora. The results revealed that most Italian consumers place great importance on the health of ornamental plants during the purchasing process, with a preference for obtaining them from nursery facilities. Additionally, they demonstrated a willingness to pay a price premium for innovative plant diagnosis and sustainable cultivation in the production of A. × grandiflora, amounting to EUR 1.10 and EUR 0.90, respectively. These findings have significant implications for (i) nursery growers, enabling them to shape their sustainable nursery management and marketing strategies, and (ii) policymakers, facilitating the enhancement of communication strategies and the implementation of awareness campaigns aimed at promoting the sale of healthy Italian ornamental species, following the current EU regulation 2020/1201. Full article
19 pages, 1369 KiB  
Review
Insights into Calpain Activation and Rho-ROCK Signaling in Parkinson’s Disease and Aging
by Amy Gathings, Vandana Zaman, Narendra L. Banik and Azizul Haque
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051074 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, has no cure, and current therapies are not effective at halting disease progression. The disease affects mid-brain dopaminergic neurons and, subsequently, the spinal cord, contributing to many debilitating symptoms associated with PD. The GTP-binding protein, Rho, [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, has no cure, and current therapies are not effective at halting disease progression. The disease affects mid-brain dopaminergic neurons and, subsequently, the spinal cord, contributing to many debilitating symptoms associated with PD. The GTP-binding protein, Rho, plays a significant role in the cellular pathology of PD. The downstream effector of Rho, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), plays multiple functions, including microglial activation and induction of inflammatory responses. Activated microglia have been implicated in the pathology of many neurodegenerative diseases, including PD, that initiate inflammatory responses, leading to neuron death. Calpain expression and activity is increased following glial activation, which triggers the Rho-ROCK pathway and induces inflammatory T cell activation and migration as well as mediates toxic α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation and neuron death, indicating a pivotal role for calpain in the inflammatory and degenerative processes in PD. Increased calpain activity and Rho-ROCK activation may represent a new mechanism for increased oxidative damage in aging. This review will summarize calpain activation and the role of the Rho-ROCK pathway in oxidative stress and α-syn aggregation, their influence on the neurodegenerative process in PD and aging, and possible strategies and research directions for therapeutic intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropeptides, Dopamine and Their Interactions in Neuroscience)
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17 pages, 3601 KiB  
Article
Sensory Evaluation through RATA and Sorting Task of Commercial and Traditional Panettones Sold in Peru
by Reynaldo J. Silva-Paz, Robert W. Ocrospoma-Dueñas, Yolanda M. Eguilas-Caushi, Rossy A. Padilla-Fabian and Nicodemo C. Jamanca-Gonzales
Foods 2024, 13(10), 1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101508 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
In Peru, the consumption of panettone has increased, highlighting the importance of its sensory aspect, quality and price for its acceptance. This study evaluated sensory, physicochemical, texture and color attributes in commercial and traditional panettones. The RATA descriptive test and the discriminative sorting [...] Read more.
In Peru, the consumption of panettone has increased, highlighting the importance of its sensory aspect, quality and price for its acceptance. This study evaluated sensory, physicochemical, texture and color attributes in commercial and traditional panettones. The RATA descriptive test and the discriminative sorting task were used, with 168 and 92 consumers, respectively. In addition, acceptability and purchase intention were evaluated. Significant differences were found between the samples; the traditional panettone showed lower weight, pH and fat content. Regarding the color of the crust and crumb, differences were also observed between both types. Regarding texture, traditional panettone showed less hardness and chewiness compared to commercial ones. The sorting method allowed us to differentiate the samples, where consumers differentiated the traditional panettone from the commercial ones, although within the commercial ones, they also found differences. The RATA test showed a similar behavior, traditional panettones were described as spongy, with fruits and a strong smell, unlike the commercial ones characterized as greasy, brown and fibrous. It is concluded that sensory methods are useful to understand the quality of panettone along with the physicochemical parameters, which influence consumer preferences according to the sensory characteristics and the quality of the ingredients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Consumer Sciences)
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23 pages, 2081 KiB  
Article
Towards a Cognition-Based Framework Describing Interdisciplinary Expert Team Processes for Cognitive Robotics in Industry 5.0 Technologies
by Tina Morgenstern, Anja Klichowicz, Philip Bengler, Marcel Todtermuschke and Franziska Bocklisch
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4121; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104121 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
With the evolution of traditional production towards smart manufacturing, humans and machines interact dynamically to handle complex production systems in semi-automated environments when full automation is not possible. To avoid undesirable side effects, and to exploit the full performance potential of experts, it [...] Read more.
With the evolution of traditional production towards smart manufacturing, humans and machines interact dynamically to handle complex production systems in semi-automated environments when full automation is not possible. To avoid undesirable side effects, and to exploit the full performance potential of experts, it is crucial to consider the human perspective when developing new technologies. Specifically, human sub-tasks during machine operation must be described to gain insights into cognitive processes. This research proposes a cognition-based framework by integrating a number of known psychological concepts. The focus is on the description of cognitive (team) processes in the resolution of anomalies within a manufacturing process with interdisciplinary experts working together. An observational eye tracking study with retrospective think-aloud interviews (N = 3) provides empirical evidence for all cognitive processes proposed in the framework, such as regular process monitoring and—in case of a detected anomaly—diagnosis, problem solving, and resolution. Moreover, the role of situation awareness, individual expertise and (cognitive) team processes is analyzed and described. Further, implications regarding a human-centered development of future production systems are discussed. The present research provides a starting point for understanding and supporting cognitive (team) processes during intelligent manufacturing that will dominate the production landscape within Industry 5.0. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Robotics in the Era of Industry 5.0)
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