The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
16 pages, 9619 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticles’ Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances Emerged in Polymeric Environments: Theory and Experiment
by Maria Tsarmpopoulou, Dimitrios Ntemogiannis, Alkeos Stamatelatos, Dimitrios Geralis, Vagelis Karoutsos, Mihail Sigalas, Panagiotis Poulopoulos and Spyridon Grammatikopoulos
Micro 2024, 4(2), 318-333; https://doi.org/10.3390/micro4020020 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Considering that the plasmonic properties of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are strongly influenced by their dielectric environment, comprehension and manipulation of this interplay are crucial for the design and optimization of functional plasmonic systems. In this study, the plasmonic behavior of silver nanoparticles encapsulated [...] Read more.
Considering that the plasmonic properties of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are strongly influenced by their dielectric environment, comprehension and manipulation of this interplay are crucial for the design and optimization of functional plasmonic systems. In this study, the plasmonic behavior of silver nanoparticles encapsulated in diverse copolymer dielectric environments was investigated, focusing on the analysis of the emerging localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) through both experimental and theoretical approaches. Specifically, two series of nanostructured silver ultrathin films were deposited via magnetron sputtering on heated Corning Glass substrates at 330 °C and 420 °C, respectively, resulting in the formation of self-assembled NPs of various sizes and distributions. Subsequently, three different polymeric layers were spin-coated on top of the silver NPs. Optical and structural characterization were carried out by means of UV–Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) was employed to study the LSPRs theoretically. The polymeric environment consistently induced a red shift as well as various alterations in the LSPR amplitude, suggesting the potential tunability of the system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microscale Materials Science)
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10 pages, 712 KiB  
Article
Long-Read Nanopore-Based Sequencing of Anelloviruses
by Raghavendran Anantharam, Dylan Duchen, Andrea L. Cox, Winston Timp, David L. Thomas, Steven J. Clipman and Abraham J. Kandathil
Viruses 2024, 16(5), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050723 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Routinely used metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) techniques often fail to detect low-level viremia (<104 copies/mL) and appear biased towards viruses with linear genomes. These limitations hinder the capacity to comprehensively characterize viral infections, such as those attributed to the Anelloviridae family. These [...] Read more.
Routinely used metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) techniques often fail to detect low-level viremia (<104 copies/mL) and appear biased towards viruses with linear genomes. These limitations hinder the capacity to comprehensively characterize viral infections, such as those attributed to the Anelloviridae family. These near ubiquitous non-pathogenic components of the human virome have circular single-stranded DNA genomes that vary in size from 2.0 to 3.9 kb and exhibit high genetic diversity. Hence, species identification using short reads can be challenging. Here, we introduce a rolling circle amplification (RCA)-based metagenomic sequencing protocol tailored for circular single-stranded DNA genomes, utilizing the long-read Oxford Nanopore platform. The approach was assessed by sequencing anelloviruses in plasma drawn from people who inject drugs (PWID) in two geographically distinct cohorts. We detail the methodological adjustments implemented to overcome difficulties inherent in sequencing circular genomes and describe a computational pipeline focused on anellovirus detection. We assessed our protocol across various sample dilutions and successfully differentiated anellovirus sequences in conditions simulating mixed infections. This method provides a robust framework for the comprehensive characterization of circular viruses within the human virome using the Oxford Nanopore. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Research of Anelloviruses)
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24 pages, 1644 KiB  
Review
Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapies for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
by Songzi Zhang, Yunhwan Lee, Yanting Liu, Yerin Yu and Inbo Han
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4979; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094979 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) significantly increase morbidity and mortality, presenting a formidable challenge in healthcare. Traditional interventions such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, despite their widespread use, are limited in addressing the secondary effects of vertebral fractures in adjacent areas and do not [...] Read more.
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) significantly increase morbidity and mortality, presenting a formidable challenge in healthcare. Traditional interventions such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, despite their widespread use, are limited in addressing the secondary effects of vertebral fractures in adjacent areas and do not facilitate bone regeneration. This review paper explores the emerging domain of regenerative therapies, spotlighting stem cell therapy’s transformative potential in OVCF treatment. It thoroughly describes the therapeutic possibilities and mechanisms of action of mesenchymal stem cells against OVCFs, relying on recent clinical trials and preclinical studies for efficacy assessment. Our findings reveal that stem cell therapy, particularly in combination with scaffolding materials, holds substantial promise for bone regeneration, spinal stability improvement, and pain mitigation. This integration of stem cell-based methods with conventional treatments may herald a new era in OVCF management, potentially improving patient outcomes. This review advocates for accelerated research and collaborative efforts to translate laboratory breakthroughs into clinical practice, emphasizing the revolutionary impact of regenerative therapies on OVCF management. In summary, this paper positions stem cell therapy at the forefront of innovation for OVCF treatment, stressing the importance of ongoing research and cross-disciplinary collaboration to unlock its full clinical potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Development and Skeletal Pathophysiologies 2.0)
19 pages, 2493 KiB  
Article
SNP-Associated Substitutions of Amino Acid Residues in the dNTP Selection Subdomain Decrease Polβ Polymerase Activity
by Olga A. Kladova, Timofey E. Tyugashev, Aleksandr A. Miroshnikov, Daria S. Novopashina, Nikita A. Kuznetsov and Aleksandra A. Kuznetsova
Biomolecules 2024, 14(5), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14050547 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
In the cell, DNA polymerase β (Polβ) is involved in many processes aimed at maintaining genome stability and is considered the main repair DNA polymerase participating in base excision repair (BER). Polβ can fill DNA gaps formed by other DNA repair enzymes. Single-nucleotide [...] Read more.
In the cell, DNA polymerase β (Polβ) is involved in many processes aimed at maintaining genome stability and is considered the main repair DNA polymerase participating in base excision repair (BER). Polβ can fill DNA gaps formed by other DNA repair enzymes. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the POLB gene can affect the enzymatic properties of the resulting protein, owing to possible amino acid substitutions. For many SNP-associated Polβ variants, an association with cancer, owing to changes in polymerase activity and fidelity, has been shown. In this work, kinetic analyses and molecular dynamics simulations were used to examine the activity of naturally occurring polymorphic variants G274R, G290C, and R333W. Previously, the amino acid substitutions at these positions have been found in various types of tumors, implying a specific role of Gly-274, Gly-290, and Arg-333 in Polβ functioning. All three polymorphic variants had reduced polymerase activity. Two substitutions—G274R and R333W—led to the almost complete disappearance of gap-filling and primer elongation activities, a decrease in the deoxynucleotide triphosphate–binding ability, and a lower polymerization constant, due to alterations of local contacts near the replaced amino acid residues. Thus, variants G274R, G290C, and R333W may be implicated in an elevated level of unrepaired DNA damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue DNA Damage and DNA Repair in Cancer)
30 pages, 1554 KiB  
Review
The Enigma of Tau Protein Aggregation: Mechanistic Insights and Future Challenges
by Huiting Zheng, Huimin Sun, Qixu Cai and Hwan-Ching Tai
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4969; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094969 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Tau protein misfolding and aggregation are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and over twenty neurodegenerative disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms of tau aggregation in vivo remain incompletely understood. There are two types of tau aggregates in the brain: soluble aggregates (oligomers and protofibrils) [...] Read more.
Tau protein misfolding and aggregation are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and over twenty neurodegenerative disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms of tau aggregation in vivo remain incompletely understood. There are two types of tau aggregates in the brain: soluble aggregates (oligomers and protofibrils) and insoluble filaments (fibrils). Compared to filamentous aggregates, soluble aggregates are more toxic and exhibit prion-like transmission, providing seeds for templated misfolding. Curiously, in its native state, tau is a highly soluble, heat-stable protein that does not form fibrils by itself, not even when hyperphosphorylated. In vitro studies have found that negatively charged molecules such as heparin, RNA, or arachidonic acid are generally required to induce tau aggregation. Two recent breakthroughs have provided new insights into tau aggregation mechanisms. First, as an intrinsically disordered protein, tau is found to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) both in vitro and inside cells. Second, cryo-electron microscopy has revealed diverse fibrillar tau conformations associated with different neurodegenerative disorders. Nonetheless, only the fibrillar core is structurally resolved, and the remainder of the protein appears as a “fuzzy coat”. From this review, it appears that further studies are required (1) to clarify the role of LLPS in tau aggregation; (2) to unveil the structural features of soluble tau aggregates; (3) to understand the involvement of fuzzy coat regions in oligomer and fibril formation. Full article
14 pages, 1363 KiB  
Article
A Combination of UV and Disinfectant for Inactivating Viable but Nonculturable State Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Efficiency and Mechanisms
by Jinfeng Zhao, Huichao Zhu, Chen Tao, Zhiquan Wang, Ning Deng and Xin Huang
Water 2024, 16(9), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091302 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Conventional disinfection techniques, relying on a single disinfection step, often fail to directly eliminate microorganisms, instead causing them to enter a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state. However, microorganisms in the VBNC state retain metabolic activity and can reactivate under suitable conditions, representing a [...] Read more.
Conventional disinfection techniques, relying on a single disinfection step, often fail to directly eliminate microorganisms, instead causing them to enter a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state. However, microorganisms in the VBNC state retain metabolic activity and can reactivate under suitable conditions, representing a “hidden source of contamination” that threatens drinking water safety. This study fundamentally assessed the feasibility of combined disinfection methods by integrating UV254 with disinfectant (NaClO, PAA, and PDS) for inactivating Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), an opportunistic pathogen that has been widely detected in water supply systems. The number of culturable cells was determined using the heterotrophic plate counting (HPC) method, and the number of VBNC cells was quantified using our recently developed qPCR approach. Quantitative analyses showed that combined disinfection methods can effectively reduce both culturable and VBNC cells by several orders of magnitude compared to a single disinfection step. Notably, VBNC P. aeruginosa, after 30 min of UV/NaCIO treatment, was below the detection limit (3.191 log CFU/mL) of PMA-qPCR. The reactivation experiment also confirmed that VBNC P. aeruginosa did not reactivate for 16 h after 30 min of UV/NaClO treatment under controlled laboratory conditions. The higher disinfection capacity of combined methods can be attributed to the generation of reactive radicals. This study highlighted combined disinfection as a promising approach for the inactivation of bacteria in the VBNC state, yet further studies are needed before an application can be considered for minimizing VBNC reactivation in city utility water processing or high-risk building water distribution systems. Full article
16 pages, 2463 KiB  
Article
Effects of Biochar and Compost on Turfgrass Establishment Rates
by Jonathan Montgomery, David Crohn, Marco Schiavon, Jaime Barros Silva Filho, Bernd Leinauer and Milton E. McGiffen Jr.
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050960 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Organic soil amendments are a sustainable option for modifying soil structure and improving plant performance in the face of abiotic stressors such as drought and soil salinity. Of these amendments, biochar and compost have the added benefits of carbon sequestration and waste recycling. [...] Read more.
Organic soil amendments are a sustainable option for modifying soil structure and improving plant performance in the face of abiotic stressors such as drought and soil salinity. Of these amendments, biochar and compost have the added benefits of carbon sequestration and waste recycling. Establishment studies were conducted on tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) (syn., Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort and Lolium arundinaceum (Scop.) Holub) to assess the potential inhibition of establishment by compost and biochar products. Both green waste and biosolid compost impaired establishment rates, while biochar did not. In the field study, the green waste treatments were slower to reach 50% coverage than the untreated control or when biochar was added to the soil, but all treatments reached 75% and final coverage at a similar rate. Field application of compost had a positive effect on final root length and volume but a negative effect on tall fescue roots in the greenhouse. The negative effect of higher salts and volatiles in the biosolids compost was reduced when biosolids and biochar were incorporated into the soil simultaneously. This work represents one of the only large-scale field studies on turfgrass establishment comparing the impact of biochar and compost products on turfgrass establishment. Full article
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20 pages, 1325 KiB  
Article
Application of Machine Learning for Shale Oil and Gas “Sweet Spots” Prediction
by Hongjun Wang, Zekun Guo, Xiangwen Kong, Xinshun Zhang, Ping Wang and Yunpeng Shan
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2191; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092191 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
With the continuous improvement of shale oil and gas recovery technologies and achievements, a large amount of geological information and data have been accumulated for the description of shale reservoirs, and it has become possible to use machine learning methods for “sweet spots” [...] Read more.
With the continuous improvement of shale oil and gas recovery technologies and achievements, a large amount of geological information and data have been accumulated for the description of shale reservoirs, and it has become possible to use machine learning methods for “sweet spots” prediction in shale oil and gas areas. Taking the Duvernay shale oil and gas field in Canada as an example, this paper attempts to build recoverable shale oil and gas reserve prediction models using machine learning methods and geological and development big data, to predict the distribution of recoverable shale oil and gas reserves and provide a basis for well location deployment and engineering modifications. The research results of the machine learning model in this study are as follows: ① Three machine learning methods were applied to build a prediction model and random forest showed the best performance. The R2 values of the built recoverable shale oil and gas reserves prediction models are 0.7894 and 0.8210, respectively, with an accuracy that meets the requirements of production applications; ② The geological main controlling factors for recoverable shale oil and gas reserves in this area are organic matter maturity and total organic carbon (TOC), followed by porosity and effective thickness; the main controlling factor for engineering modifications is the total proppant volume, followed by total stages and horizontal lateral length; ③ The abundance of recoverable shale oil and gas reserves in the central part of the study area is predicted to be relatively high, which makes it a favorable area for future well location deployment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section H1: Petroleum Engineering)
13 pages, 5411 KiB  
Case Report
Restoring Severely Atrophic Edentulous Ridge of Mandible Using Self-Expanding Tissue Expander—A Case Report
by Chiyun Won
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050759 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
This report describes the use of Self Inflating Tissue Expanders (SITEs) to rehabilitate severely atrophic edentulous mandibular ridges, enabling successful bone grafting and implant placement. The treatment resulted in stable and complication-free implants over a seven-year follow-up, demonstrating SITEs' effectiveness in providing sufficient [...] Read more.
This report describes the use of Self Inflating Tissue Expanders (SITEs) to rehabilitate severely atrophic edentulous mandibular ridges, enabling successful bone grafting and implant placement. The treatment resulted in stable and complication-free implants over a seven-year follow-up, demonstrating SITEs' effectiveness in providing sufficient bone volume and soft tissue coverage for dental implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Periodontics and Dental Implantology: Part II)
11 pages, 2915 KiB  
Article
Tunable Construction of Chiral Nematic Cellulose Nanocrystals/ZnO Films for Ultra-Sensitive, Recyclable Sensing of Humidity and Ethanol
by Xiao Xiao, Hanqi Dong, Xinxin Ping, Guowei Shan, Jie Chen, Mengxing Yan, Weixing Li and Zhe Ling
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4978; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094978 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The investigation of functional materials derived from sustainable and eco-friendly bioresources has generated significant attention. Herein, nanocomposite films based on chiral nematic cellulose crystals (CNCs) were developed by incorporating xylose and biocompatible ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) via evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA). The nanocomposite films exhibited [...] Read more.
The investigation of functional materials derived from sustainable and eco-friendly bioresources has generated significant attention. Herein, nanocomposite films based on chiral nematic cellulose crystals (CNCs) were developed by incorporating xylose and biocompatible ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) via evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA). The nanocomposite films exhibited iridescent color changes that corresponded to the birefringence phenomenon under polarized light, which was attributed to the formation of cholesteric structures. ZnO nanoparticles were proved to successfully adjust the helical pitches of the chiral arrangements of the CNCs, resulting in tunable optical light with shifted wavelength bands. Furthermore, the nanocomposite films showed fast humidity and ethanol stimuli response properties, exhibiting the potential of stimuli sensors of the CNC-based sustainable materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocellulose: Recent Advances and Green Applications)
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18 pages, 5982 KiB  
Article
A Late Jurassic Epithermal Pb-Zn Deposit: Insights from Rb-Sr Dating of Quartz-Hosted Fluid Inclusions and Sphalerite Chemical Composition
by Zheng Xia, Zengxia Zhao, Xiang Zou and Lei Liu
Minerals 2024, 14(5), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14050485 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The Kangjiawan Pb-Zn deposit, situated within the Shuikoushan polymetallic ore field in Changning, Hunan Province, China, is a large-scale Pb-Zn deposit unearthed in 1976. Based on detailed geological field investigations, this study presents the results of the Rb-Sr isotopic dating, electron probe microanalyses [...] Read more.
The Kangjiawan Pb-Zn deposit, situated within the Shuikoushan polymetallic ore field in Changning, Hunan Province, China, is a large-scale Pb-Zn deposit unearthed in 1976. Based on detailed geological field investigations, this study presents the results of the Rb-Sr isotopic dating, electron probe microanalyses (EPMAs), and LA-ICP-MS analyses of the Kangjiawan Pb-Zn deposit in order to determine the ore-forming age and the occurrence of trace elements in sphalerite and thereby constrain the genesis of the deposit. The Rb-Sr dating of quartz-hosted fluid inclusions yielded an Rb-Sr isochron age of 150 ± 4 Ma, with an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.71101 ± 0.00008 (MSWD = 1.1), suggesting that the Pb-Zn mineralization of the Kangjiawan deposit took place during the Late Jurassic, coeval with the magmatic activities within the ore field. EPMA and LA-ICP-MS analyses showed that Fe, Mn, and Cd were primarily incorporated into the sphalerite lattice through isomorphous substitution. Specifically, Fe and Mn substituted for Zn, whereas Cd replaced both Fe and Zn. Other elements such as Cu, Sb, and Sn occurred within the sphalerite lattice through mineral micro-inclusions or isomorphic substitution. EPMAs and LA-ICP-MS results showed that the FeS contents in sphalerite were less than 14.33%, with corresponding ore-forming temperatures below 259 °C. The LA-ICP-MS results showed that sphalerites from the Kangjiawan Pb-Zn deposit had relatively high Ga/In ratios ranging from 0.01 to 144, providing further support for medium-to-low-temperature mineralization. The trace element compositions of sphalerites from the Kangjiawan Pb-Zn deposit exhibit skarn-type characteristics, suggesting a potential association with contemporary magmatic activities within the Shuikoushan ore field. During the Late Jurassic, extensive granitic magmatic activities occurred in the study area. At the late stage of magma crystallization, hydrothermal fluid containing Pb and Zn precipitated at medium-to-low temperatures and generated the Kangjiawan Pb-Zn deposit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ag-Pb-Zn Deposits: Geology and Geochemistry)
14 pages, 24262 KiB  
Article
The Preparation of Ti–Ta Impedance-Graded Coatings with Limited Diffusion by Cold Spraying Combined with Hot Isostatic Pressing
by Yaoning Shen, Xianjin Ning, Xiaodong Yu, Dongwei Li, Chengliang Feng and Chengwen Tan
Coatings 2024, 14(5), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050565 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Ti–Ta impedance-graded coatings were prepared using cold spraying combined with hot isostatic pressing. Compared to the general Ti–Ta binary diffusion couple, the interdiffusion coefficient of as-sprayed Ti–Ta can be increased by approximately 25 times at 1100 °C due to grain refinement at the [...] Read more.
Ti–Ta impedance-graded coatings were prepared using cold spraying combined with hot isostatic pressing. Compared to the general Ti–Ta binary diffusion couple, the interdiffusion coefficient of as-sprayed Ti–Ta can be increased by approximately 25 times at 1100 °C due to grain refinement at the interface of the cold-sprayed particles. By the control of interdiffusion, pure Ta and pure Ti regions can remain in the materials after hot isostatic pressing at 900 °C. Hot isostatic pressing with capsulate reduced the porosity of the material efficiently to less than 0.02%. The strength of the as-sprayed Ti–Ta composite coating was significantly improved to 990.1 MPa, and the fracture strain reached 11.5%. The strengthening mechanism of Ti–Ta composite coatings relies primarily on the hindrance of dislocation slip by phase interfaces between α and β. Moreover, the macroscopic interfacial bonding strength of the graded material exceeds 881 MPa, which is comparable to that of bulk materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Novel Coatings)
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11 pages, 2082 KiB  
Article
Real-Time Navigation Roads: Lightweight and Efficient Convolutional Neural Network (LE-CNN) for Arabic Traffic Sign Recognition in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
by Alaa A. Khalifa, Walaa M. Alayed, Hesham M. Elbadawy and Rowayda A. Sadek
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3903; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093903 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Smart cities are now embracing the new frontier of urban living, with advanced technology being used to enhance the quality of life for residents. Many of these cities have developed transportation systems that improve efficiency and sustainability, as well as quality. Integrating cutting-edge [...] Read more.
Smart cities are now embracing the new frontier of urban living, with advanced technology being used to enhance the quality of life for residents. Many of these cities have developed transportation systems that improve efficiency and sustainability, as well as quality. Integrating cutting-edge transportation technology and data-driven solutions improves safety, reduces environmental impact, optimizes traffic flow during peak hours, and reduces congestion. Intelligent transportation systems consist of many systems, one of which is traffic sign detection. This type of system utilizes many advanced techniques and technologies, such as machine learning and computer vision techniques. A variety of traffic signs, such as yield signs, stop signs, speed limits, and pedestrian crossings, are among those that the traffic sign detection system is trained to recognize and interpret. Ensuring accurate and robust traffic sign recognition is paramount for the safe deployment of self-driving cars in diverse and challenging environments like the Arab world. However, existing methods often face many challenges, such as variability in the appearance of signs, real-time processing, occlusions that can block signs, low-quality images, and others. This paper introduces an advanced Lightweight and Efficient Convolutional Neural Network (LE-CNN) architecture specifically designed for accurate and real-time Arabic traffic sign classification. The proposed LE-CNN architecture leverages the efficacy of depth-wise separable convolutions and channel pruning to achieve significant performance improvements in both speed and accuracy compared to existing models. An extensive evaluation of the LE-CNN on the Arabic traffic sign dataset that was carried out demonstrates an impressive accuracy of 96.5% while maintaining superior performance with a remarkably low inference time of 1.65 s, crucial for real-time applications in self-driving cars. It achieves high accuracy with low false positive and false negative rates, demonstrating its potential for real-world applications like autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Transportation and Future Mobility)
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10 pages, 3302 KiB  
Article
A New Quinazolinone Alkaloid along with Known Compounds with Seed-Germination-Promoting Activity from Rhodiola tibetica Endophytic Fungus Penicillium sp. HJT-A-6
by Dongliang Xiao, Yan Wang, Congcong Gao, Xuemei Zhang, Weixing Feng, Xuan Lu and Baomin Feng
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2112; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092112 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
A new quinazolinone alkaloid named peniquinazolinone A (1), as well as eleven known compounds, 2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionamido)-N-methylbenzamide (2), viridicatin (3), viridicatol (4), (±)-cyclopeptin (5a/5b), dehydrocyclopeptin (6), cyclopenin (7 [...] Read more.
A new quinazolinone alkaloid named peniquinazolinone A (1), as well as eleven known compounds, 2-(2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionamido)-N-methylbenzamide (2), viridicatin (3), viridicatol (4), (±)-cyclopeptin (5a/5b), dehydrocyclopeptin (6), cyclopenin (7), cyclopenol (8), methyl-indole-3-carboxylate (9), 2,5-dihydroxyphenyl acetate (10), methyl m-hydroxyphenylacetate (11), and conidiogenone B (12), were isolated from the endophytic Penicillium sp. HJT-A-6. The chemical structures of all the compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. The absolute configuration at C-13 of peniquinazolinone A (1) was established by applying the modified Mosher’s method. Compounds 2, 3, and 7 exhibited an optimal promoting effect on the seed germination of Rhodiola tibetica at a concentration of 0.01 mg/mL, while the optimal concentration for compounds 4 and 9 to promote Rhodiola tibetica seed germination was 0.001 mg/mL. Compound 12 showed optimal seed-germination-promoting activity at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. Compared with the positive drug 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), compounds 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 12 could extend the seed germination period of Rhodiola tibetica up to the 11th day. Full article
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21 pages, 442 KiB  
Review
The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Parameters in Heart Failure
by Karolina Wróbel-Nowicka, Celina Wojciechowska, Wojciech Jacheć, Marzena Zalewska and Ewa Romuk
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050760 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) remains a major medical and social problem. The NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its active form, brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), in a simple blood test are the gold-standard biomarkers for HF diagnosis. However, even good biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides [...] Read more.
Heart failure (HF) remains a major medical and social problem. The NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its active form, brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), in a simple blood test are the gold-standard biomarkers for HF diagnosis. However, even good biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides fail to predict all the risks associated with HF due to the diversity of the mechanisms involved. The pathophysiology of HF is determined by numerous factors, including oxidative stress, inflammation, neuroendocrine activation, pathological angiogenesis, changes in apoptotic pathways, fibrosis and vascular remodeling. High readmission and mortality rates prompt a search for new markers for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HF. Oxidative-stress-mediated inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of subsequent changes in the failing heart and provides a new insight into this complex mechanism. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers appear to be a promising diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with HF. This systematic review provides an overview of the current knowledge about oxidative stress and inflammation parameters as markers of HF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
23 pages, 27139 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Safety of Autonomous Vehicles in Adverse Weather by Deep Learning-Based Object Detection
by Biwei Zhang, Murat Simsek, Michel Kulhandjian and Burak Kantarci
Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1765; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091765 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Recognizing and categorizing items in weather-adverse environments poses significant challenges for autonomous vehicles. To improve the robustness of object-detection systems, this paper introduces an innovative approach for detecting objects at different levels by leveraging sensors and deep learning-based solutions within a traffic circle. [...] Read more.
Recognizing and categorizing items in weather-adverse environments poses significant challenges for autonomous vehicles. To improve the robustness of object-detection systems, this paper introduces an innovative approach for detecting objects at different levels by leveraging sensors and deep learning-based solutions within a traffic circle. The suggested approach improves the effectiveness of single-stage object detectors, aiming to advance the performance in perceiving autonomous racing environments and minimizing instances of false detection and low recognition rates. The improved framework is based on the one-stage object-detection model, incorporating multiple lightweight backbones. Additionally, attention mechanisms are integrated to refine the object-detection process further. Our proposed model demonstrates superior performance compared to the state-of-the-art method on the DAWN dataset, achieving a mean average precision (mAP) of 99.1%, surpassing the previous result of 84.7%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Autonomous and Connected Vehicles)
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20 pages, 11622 KiB  
Article
Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling Accompanied by Redistribution of Adhesion Proteins Drives Migration of Cells in Different EMT States
by Alla S. Ilnitskaya, Nikita I. Litovka, Svetlana N. Rubtsova, Irina Y. Zhitnyak and Natalya A. Gloushankova
Cells 2024, 13(9), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13090780 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process during which epithelial cells lose epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal features. Here, we used several cell models to study migratory activity and redistribution of cell–cell adhesion proteins in cells in different EMT states: EGF-induced EMT of epithelial [...] Read more.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process during which epithelial cells lose epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal features. Here, we used several cell models to study migratory activity and redistribution of cell–cell adhesion proteins in cells in different EMT states: EGF-induced EMT of epithelial IAR-20 cells; IAR-6-1 cells with a hybrid epithelial–mesenchymal phenotype; and their more mesenchymal derivatives, IAR-6-1-DNE cells lacking adherens junctions. In migrating cells, the cell–cell adhesion protein α-catenin accumulated at the leading edges along with ArpC2/p34 and α-actinin. Suppression of α-catenin shifted cell morphology from fibroblast-like to discoid and attenuated cell migration. Expression of exogenous α-catenin in MDA-MB-468 cells devoid of α-catenin drastically increased their migratory capabilities. The Y654 phosphorylated form of β-catenin was detected at integrin adhesion complexes (IACs). Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated that α-catenin and pY654-β-catenin were associated with IAC proteins: vinculin, zyxin, and α-actinin. Taken together, these data suggest that in cells undergoing EMT, catenins not participating in assembly of adherens junctions may affect cell migration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cytoskeletal Remodeling in Health and Disease)
17 pages, 2171 KiB  
Article
An Innovative Layer-by-Layer Edible Coating to Regulate Oxidative Stress and Ascorbate–Glutathione Cycle in Fresh-Cut Melon
by Danilo Cice, Elvira Ferrara, Maria Tommasina Pecoraro, Giuseppe Capriolo and Milena Petriccione
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050465 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Fresh-cut fruits, renowned for their convenience and nutritional value, are susceptible to rapid deterioration, compromising their quality and shelf life. In this study, a sustainable and environmentally friendly edible coating was developed based on sodium alginate (SA; 1% w/v), cedar mucilage (CM; [...] Read more.
Fresh-cut fruits, renowned for their convenience and nutritional value, are susceptible to rapid deterioration, compromising their quality and shelf life. In this study, a sustainable and environmentally friendly edible coating was developed based on sodium alginate (SA; 1% w/v), cedar mucilage (CM; 4% w/v), and calcium chloride (2% w/v), applied using a layer-by-layer technique to preserve the quality and prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut melon. Fruits were cut into cubes coated or uncoated by dipping and subsequently packaged in a polyethylene terephthalate container and stored for 15 days at 4 °C. Physicochemical traits and qualitative features such as polyphenol, flavonoid, carotenoid, ascorbic acid content, as well as antioxidant activity, were assessed. Furthermore, the enzymatic antioxidant system and the ascorbate–glutathione cycle were investigated. The coating reduced weight loss and enhanced polyphenol, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity during cold storage. Edible coating (SA + CM) represents a valid tool to extend the postharvest life, improve the storability, and enhance the physicochemical and qualitative traits of fresh-cut melon. Further research is required to optimize coating formulations and application techniques to maximize their effectiveness and commercial viability in the food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology)
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13 pages, 474 KiB  
Article
Improved Ultrasound-Guided Balloon-Assisted Maturation Angioplasty Using Drug-Eluting Balloons in the First Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistula Procedure: Early Experience
by Domenico Mirabella, Ettore Dinoto, Edoardo Rodriquenz, Michele Bellomo, Andrea Miccichè, Paolo Annicchiarico and Felice Pecoraro
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051005 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
In patients with end-stage renal failure requiring hemodialysis, autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is preferred over tunneled dialysis catheters due to lower complications and costs. However, AVF maturation failure remains a common issue due to small vein size, multiple venipunctures, and other factors. Guidelines [...] Read more.
In patients with end-stage renal failure requiring hemodialysis, autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is preferred over tunneled dialysis catheters due to lower complications and costs. However, AVF maturation failure remains a common issue due to small vein size, multiple venipunctures, and other factors. Guidelines recommend using vessels of >2 mm for forearm AVFs and >3 mm for upper arm AVFs. This study investigates the use of intraoperative Doppler ultrasound (DUS)-guided Balloon-Assisted Maturation (BAM) with drug-eluting balloons (DEB) during initial AVF creation. Data from 114 AVF procedures, of which 27.2% underwent BAM, were analyzed. BAM was performed in 25 distal radio-cephalic and 6 proximal brachio-cephalic AVFs. With DUS guidance, vein stenosis was identified and treated using DEB. Technical success was achieved in all cases, with no early mortality. Early BAM-related complications were minimal, and no AVF thrombosis occurred. AVF maturation time was 15 days (SD: 3), and no further complications were reported during a mean follow-up of 10.38 months. Using BAM with DEB during AVF creation led to successful maturation and dialysis use without the need for secondary procedures. This study emphasizes the importance of identifying AVF failure risk early and utilizing DUS-guided procedures to enhance AVF outcomes. A more liberal use of intraoperative BAM could limit reinterventions in patients undergoing AVFs. Full article
22 pages, 13693 KiB  
Article
A New Insight into the Genesis of Graphite Deposits in Madagascar Using U‒Pb Zircon Dating and Electron Microprobe Analysis
by Ming-Jian Yang, Yong-Jun Di, Da Zhang, Da-Tian Wu, Ye Fang and Xin-Ming Zhang
Minerals 2024, 14(5), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14050484 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Madagascar is globally recognized as an important producer of high-quality flaky graphite. However, current research on graphite deposits in Madagascar remains insufficient. Previous studies have linked the genesis of Madagascan graphite deposits to the metamorphism of sedimentary organic matter. Here, we provide a [...] Read more.
Madagascar is globally recognized as an important producer of high-quality flaky graphite. However, current research on graphite deposits in Madagascar remains insufficient. Previous studies have linked the genesis of Madagascan graphite deposits to the metamorphism of sedimentary organic matter. Here, we provide a case study of graphite deposits in Madagascar, combining new data from the Ambahita graphite deposit (AMG) in southern Madagascar with data from the Antanisoa graphite deposit (ANG) in central Madagascar and the Vohitasara graphite deposit (VOG) on the east coast of Madagascar. We note that the mineral assemblages of graphite-bearing rocks in the AMG, ANG, and VOG are not typical of metamorphic mineral assemblages but rather the results of filling and metasomatism by mantle-derived fluids that occurred after peak metamorphism. Electron microprobe analysis indicates that the graphite of the AMG, VOG, and ANG is usually associated with phlogopite or Mg-biotite; the phlogopite shares a common genesis with other widespread phlogopite deposits across Madagascar. We reveal that the distribution of graphite deposits in Madagascar is primarily controlled by ductile shear zones between blocks. Ductile shear zones that extend deep into the mantle can provide an ideal migration channel and architecture for the emplacement of mantle-derived fluids. The graphite mineralization formed no earlier than the peak metamorphism (490 Ma) and no later than the intrusion of pegmatite veins (389 ± 5 Ma). The distribution of graphite deposits, graphite orebody morphologies, mineral associations, and geochemical data suggest that the genesis of graphite deposits in Madagascar is linked to mantle-derived fluid filling rather than the metamorphism of sediments, as previously suggested. These findings have important implications for similar deposits in Madagascar and potentially globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbeam Analysis Characterization in Petrogenesis and Ore Deposit)
17 pages, 4187 KiB  
Article
Perpetuation of Gender Bias in Visual Representation of Professions in the Generative AI Tools DALL·E and Bing Image Creator
by Teresa Sandoval-Martin and Ester Martínez-Sanzo
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(5), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13050250 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based generative imaging systems such as DALL·E, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Adobe Firefly, which work by transforming natural language descriptions into images, are revolutionizing computer vision. In this exploratory and qualitative research, we have replicated requests for images of women in [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based generative imaging systems such as DALL·E, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Adobe Firefly, which work by transforming natural language descriptions into images, are revolutionizing computer vision. In this exploratory and qualitative research, we have replicated requests for images of women in different professions by comparing these representations in previous studies with DALL·E, observing that this model continues to provide in its last version, DALL·E 3, inequitable results in terms of gender. In addition, Bing Image Creator, Microsoft’s free tool that is widely used among the population and runs under DALL·E, has been tested for the first time. It also presents a sexualization of women and stereotypical children’s representations. The results reveal the following: 1. A slight improvement in terms of the presence of women in professions previously shown only with men. 2. They continue to offer biased results in terms of the objectification of women by showing sexualized women. 3. The representation of children highlights another level of gender bias, reinforcing traditional stereotypes associated with gender roles from childhood, which can impact future decisions regarding studies and occupations. Full article
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18 pages, 5757 KiB  
Review
Is Conduction System Pacing a Valuable Alternative to Biventricular Pacing for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy?
by Davide Castagno, Francesco Zanon, Gianni Pastore, Gaetano Maria De Ferrari and Lina Marcantoni
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2024, 11(5), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11050144 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with ventricular systolic dysfunction and dyssynchrony. Biventricular pacing (BVP) has a class IA recommendation for patients with symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, approximately [...] Read more.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with ventricular systolic dysfunction and dyssynchrony. Biventricular pacing (BVP) has a class IA recommendation for patients with symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, approximately 30% of patients have a poor therapeutic response and do not achieve real clinical benefit. Pre-implant imaging, together with tailored programming and dedicated device algorithms, have been proposed as possible tools to improve success rate but have shown inconsistent results. Over the last few years, conduction system pacing (CSP) is becoming a real and attractive alternative to standard BVP as it can restore narrow QRS in patients with bundle branch block (BBB) by stimulating and recruiting the cardiac conduction system, thus ensuring true resynchronization. It includes His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP). Preliminary data coming from small single-center experiences are very promising and have laid the basis for currently ongoing randomized controlled trials comparing CSP with BVP. The purpose of this review is to delve into the emerging role of CSP as an alternative method of achieving CRT. After framing CSP in a historical perspective, the pathophysiological rationale and available clinical evidence will be examined, and crucial technical aspects will be discussed. Finally, evidence gaps and future perspectives on CSP as a technique of choice to deliver CRT will be summarized. Full article
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18 pages, 1959 KiB  
Review
Polymorphism of Genes Encoding Inflammatory Interleukins and the Risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Katarzyna Lorenz, Andrzej Mastalerz, Anna Cywińska, Aleksandra Garbacz and Ewelina Maculewicz
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4976; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094976 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Sport injuries, including the anterior crucial ligament rupture (ACLR) seem to be related to complex genetic backgrounds, including the genes responsible for inflammatory response. This review and meta-analysis investigated the contribution of the polymorphisms of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and their receptors to [...] Read more.
Sport injuries, including the anterior crucial ligament rupture (ACLR) seem to be related to complex genetic backgrounds, including the genes responsible for inflammatory response. This review and meta-analysis investigated the contribution of the polymorphisms of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and their receptors to the risk of ACLR. The scientific databases Science Direct, EBSCO host, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar were screened (completed on 14th June 2023) according to the established inclusion/exclusion criteria (only fully accessible, original, human case–control studies written in English concerning the effect of interleukin genes’ polymorphisms on the occurrence of ACL injury were included) and statistical meta-analysis using R version 4.0.3 was performed. The PRISMA methodology was used to review articles. The review protocol was registered under the number CRD42024514316 in the Prospero database. Eighty-nine studies were identified and narrowed down to three original case–control studies used for the meta-analysis. The studies analyzed Polish, South African, and Swedish cohorts, altogether 1282 participants. The candidate polymorphisms indicated in the studies involved IL6 rs1800795, IL6R rs2228145 and IL1B rs16944. The systematic review showed the relationships between IL6 rs1800795 polymorphism and ACLR in the Polish subpopulation, and IL6R rs2228145 and IL1B rs16944 in the South African subpopulations. The meta-analysis revealed that the IL6 rs1800795 CG genotype was over-represented (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.02–1.66), while the CC genotype was under-represented (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.54–1.03) in ACLR subjects, but no significant impact of IL6R rs2228145 was shown. Additionally, a tendency of the IL1B rs16944 CT genotype to be protective (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.70–1.14), while the TT to be a risk genotype (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.84–1.68) was observed. Thus, the relationship between the interleukin receptor IL6R rs2228145 and ACLR risk was not confirmed. however, the impact of genes coding pleiotropic IL6 rs1800795 on the incidences of ACLR was clear and the effect of pro-inflammatory IL1B rs16944 was possible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Cytokines in Diseases)

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