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11 pages, 1005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in Bethesda III Thyroid Nodules: A Retrospective Analysis at a Single Endocrine Surgery Center

by Iyad Hassan, Lina Hassan, Nahed Balalaa, Mohamad Askar, Hussa Alshehhi and Mohamad Almarzooqi

Diagnostics 2024, 14(10), 1026; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14101026 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Background: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is widely used to diagnose and monitor thyroid nodules. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) is the standard for interpreting FNAC specimens. The risk of malignancy in Bethesda III nodules, also known as Atypia of Undetermined [...] Read more.

Background: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is widely used to diagnose and monitor thyroid nodules. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) is the standard for interpreting FNAC specimens. The risk of malignancy in Bethesda III nodules, also known as Atypia of Undetermined Significance (AUS), varies significantly throughout several studies published worldwide. This retrospective study examines the risk of cancer in thyroid FNAC categorized as Bethesda III as identified in the final histopathology of thyroidectomy specimens at a single endocrine surgery center. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis included 1038 consecutive patients who underwent elective thyroid surgery with complete follow-up data between January 2020 and March 2024. Preoperative data on clinical and pathological characteristics have been collected. The final histopathology report from the thyroidectomy specimen was compared to the results of the preoperative FNAC on nodules that were judged to be Bethesda category III. Statistical methods were performed using SPSS version 29. Results: A total of 670 ultrasound-guided FNACs (64.5%) performed during the study period were included in the final analysis. The study population was predominantly female, represented by 79.6% of patients with a mean age of 42.5 (SD 12.1), while 20.4% were male and significantly older with mean age of 45.13 years (p = 0.02). The FNAC inadequacy rate was 5.1%, which was associated with a high risk of malignancy (6 out of 34; 17.6%). Out of the total sample size of 170 patients classified as group III, 57 were found to have malignancies in final surgical histopathology, representing 33.5% of the cases within this category. The secondary gender-related outcome analysis showed that female patients classified under the Bethesda II category had a significantly higher risk of malignancy, with a rate of 21.2%, compared to males who had a malignancy rate of 3.4% in the same Bethesda category (p = 0.001, chi-square test). However, the female patients exhibited prognostically superior non-invasive tumors compared to male individuals (p = 0.02, chi-square test). Conclusion: This study’s results indicate that Bethesda categories II and III are associated with a higher risk of malignancy in comparison to the reports of the first and third editions of the TBSRTC, particularly for female patients classified under category II. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cyto-Histological Correlations in Pathology Diagnosis)

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4 pages, 1068 KiB

Open AccessInteresting Images

TAFRO Syndrome on ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT: An Appealing Diagnostic Tool

by Ayoub Jaafari, Nadim Taheri, Sohaïb Mansour, Saïf-Eddine El Bouhali and Rachid Attou

Diagnostics 2024, 14(10), 1025; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14101025 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

TAFRO syndrome (TS) is a recently recognized and heterogenous systemic disease characterized by a confluence of symptoms: thrombocytopenia (T), anasarca (A), fever (F), reticulin myelofibrosis (R), and organomegaly (O). First described in Japan in 2010, the pathogenesis remains unclear and includes various clinical [...] Read more.

TAFRO syndrome (TS) is a recently recognized and heterogenous systemic disease characterized by a confluence of symptoms: thrombocytopenia (T), anasarca (A), fever (F), reticulin myelofibrosis (R), and organomegaly (O). First described in Japan in 2010, the pathogenesis remains unclear and includes various clinical conditions such as malignancies, rheumatologic disorders, infections, and “Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and Skin changes” (POEMS) syndrome. Due to its heterogeneous presentation and potential life-threatening delays in diagnosis, accurate diagnosis is crucial. According to the literature, no specific imaging modality has been recommended for the work-up of patients with suspected TS. Here, we report a case of TS and its management using 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging as an attractive complementary diagnostic tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)

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12 pages, 1457 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of 9 Years of Swine Wastewater Application on the Mineral and Organic Quality of Soil in Various Agricultural Crops

by Ana Paula Almeida Castaldelli Maciel, Gabriela Medeiros, Amanda de Souza Machado, Maria Clara Pilatti, Ralpho Rinaldo dos Reis and Silvio Cesar Sampaio

Water 2024, 16(10), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16101412 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates the long-term effects of swine wastewater (SWW) on relevant parameters for soil fertility, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) cations, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and organic matter (OM) in an agricultural area with 9 years of crop cultivation. Three [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the long-term effects of swine wastewater (SWW) on relevant parameters for soil fertility, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) cations, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and organic matter (OM) in an agricultural area with 9 years of crop cultivation. Three types of SWW (raw, after leaving the biodigester, and after the manure plant) were analyzed with four application rates of SWW (0, 100, 200, and 300 m³.ha⁻¹), associated or not with mineral fertilization, resulting in eight treatments. The study found that the long-term use of SWW had significant effects on soil parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to summarize the data. The soil’s calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) levels were higher in soybean compared to other crops and natural soil. Similarly, the treatment with 0 m³.ha⁻¹ of pig manure and without mineral fertilization showed higher levels of these nutrients. In contrast, potassium (K) was found in greater quantities in oats, SWW from the biodigester, higher doses of manure, and with mineral fertilization. The crops had a higher organic matter (OM) content compared to the natural soil, with corn and raw SWW showing the most significant increase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Waste and Wastewater: Treatment and Resource Recovery, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 6500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Oil–Water Flow Prediction in Heterogeneous Porous Media Using Machine Learning

by Gaocheng Feng, Kai Zhang, Huan Wan, Weiying Yao, Yuande Zuo, Jingqi Lin, Piyang Liu, Liming Zhang, Yongfei Yang, Jun Yao, Ang Li and Chen Liu

Water 2024, 16(10), 1411; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16101411 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

The rapid and accurate forecasting of two-phase flow in porous media is a critical challenge in oil field development, exerting a substantial impact on optimization and decision-making processes. Although the Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM) network effectively captures spatiotemporal dynamics, its generalization in [...] Read more.

The rapid and accurate forecasting of two-phase flow in porous media is a critical challenge in oil field development, exerting a substantial impact on optimization and decision-making processes. Although the Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM) network effectively captures spatiotemporal dynamics, its generalization in predicting complex engineering problems remains limited. Similarly, although the Fourier Neural Operator (FNO) demonstrates adeptness at learning operators for solving partial differential equations (PDEs), it struggles with three-dimensional, long-term prediction. In response to these limitations, we introduce an innovative hybrid model, the Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory-Fourier Neural Operator (CL-FNO), specifically designed for the long-term prediction of three-dimensional two-phase flows. This model integrates a 3D convolutional encoder–decoder structure to extract and generate hierarchical spatial features of the flow fields. It incorporates physical constraints to enhance the model’s forecasts with robustness through the infusion of prior knowledge. Additionally, a temporal function, constructed using gated memory-forgetting mechanisms, augments the model’s capacity to analyze time series data. The efficacy and practicality of the CL-FNO model are validated using a synthetic three-dimensional case study and application to an actual reservoir model. Full article

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15 pages, 1361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elucidating Cancer Subtypes by Using the Relationship between DNA Methylation and Gene Expression

by Muneeba Jilani, David Degras and Nurit Haspel

Genes 2024, 15(5), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050631 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Advancements in the field of next generation sequencing (NGS) have generated vast amounts of data for the same set of subjects. The challenge that arises is how to combine and reconcile results from different omics studies, such as epigenome and transcriptome, to improve [...] Read more.

Advancements in the field of next generation sequencing (NGS) have generated vast amounts of data for the same set of subjects. The challenge that arises is how to combine and reconcile results from different omics studies, such as epigenome and transcriptome, to improve the classification of disease subtypes. In this study, we introduce sCClust (sparse canonical correlation analysis with clustering), a technique to combine high-dimensional omics data using sparse canonical correlation analysis (sCCA), such that the correlation between datasets is maximized. This stage is followed by clustering the integrated data in a lower-dimensional space. We apply sCClust to gene expression and DNA methylation data for three cancer genomics datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to distinguish between underlying subtypes. We evaluate the identified subtypes using Kaplan–Meier plots and hazard ratio analysis on the three types of cancer—GBM (glioblastoma multiform), lung cancer and colon cancer. Comparison with subtypes identified by both single- and multi-omics studies implies improved clinical association. We also perform pathway over-representation analysis in order to identify up-regulated and down-regulated genes as tentative drug targets. The main goal of the paper is twofold: the integration of epigenomic and transcriptomic datasets followed by elucidating subtypes in the latent space. The significance of this study lies in the enhanced categorization of cancer data, which is crucial to precision medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioinformatics of Disease Research)

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15 pages, 4078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Establishment of Parentage Identification Method for Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius Based on SSR-seq Technology

by Xuechun Jiang, Lei Liu, Hao Guo, Peng Liu, Wenzhuo Tian, Fanjiang Ou, Jun Ding, Weijie Zhang and Yaqing Chang

Genes 2024, 15(5), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050630 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

To establish a parentage identification method for Strongylocentrotus intermedius, 15 microsatellite loci and simple sequence repeat sequencing (SSR-seq) technology were used to perform SSR sequencing and typing of the validation population with known pedigree information and the simulation population. Cervus v3.0 was [...] Read more.

To establish a parentage identification method for Strongylocentrotus intermedius, 15 microsatellite loci and simple sequence repeat sequencing (SSR-seq) technology were used to perform SSR sequencing and typing of the validation population with known pedigree information and the simulation population. Cervus v3.0 was used for gene frequency statistics, simulated analysis, and parentage identification analysis. The results showed that, in validation population, using 15 microsatellite loci, the highest success rate of parent pairs identification was 86%, the highest success rate of female parent identification was 93%, and the highest success rate of male parent identification was 90%. The simulated population was analyzed using 12–15 loci, and the identification rate was up to 90%. In cases where accurate parentage was not achieved, individuals could exhibit genetic similarities with 1–3 male or female parents. Individuals identified as lacking a genetic relationship can be selected as parents to prevent inbreeding. This study shows that parent pairs or single parents of most offspring can be identified successfully using these 15 selected loci. The results lay a foundation for the establishment of a parentage identification method for S. intermedius. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Molecular Breeding in Fisheries and Aquaculture)

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23 pages, 4889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of UV Topcoat Microcapsules and Their Effect on the Properties of UV Topcoat Paint Film

by Yongxin Xia and Xiaoxing Yan

Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101410 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

An orthogonal experiment was designed to prepare different UV topcoat microcapsules by adjusting the mass ratio of wall material to core material, HLB value of emulsifier, reaction temperature, and reaction time of UV topcoat microcapsule. By testing the morphology and multiple properties of [...] Read more.

An orthogonal experiment was designed to prepare different UV topcoat microcapsules by adjusting the mass ratio of wall material to core material, HLB value of emulsifier, reaction temperature, and reaction time of UV topcoat microcapsule. By testing the morphology and multiple properties of UV topcoat microcapsules, it was found that the biggest factor affecting the synthesis of UV topcoat microcapsules is the emulsifier HLB value. In order to further optimize the performance of UV topcoat microcapsules, a single-factor experiment was conducted with the emulsifier HLB value as the variable, and it was found that the UV topcoat microcapsules achieved the best performance when the emulsifier HLB value was 10.04. The optimal UV topcoat microcapsules were added to the UV topcoat at different amounts to prepare UV topcoat paint films. Through testing the various properties of the UV topcoat paint film, it was determined that the performance of the UV topcoat paint film was optimal when the amount of UV topcoat microcapsules added to the UV topcoat was 4.0%. The optical properties of the UV topcoat paint film were tested, and the effect of UV topcoat microcapsules on the color difference and glossiness of the UV topcoat paint film was not significant. The tensile and self-healing performance of UV topcoat microcapsules were tested. UV topcoat microcapsules can enhance the toughness of the UV topcoat paint film to a certain extent, suppress the generation of microcracks, and have a good self-healing effect. The results provide experimental support for the preparation of microcapsules using UV coatings as core materials for the self-healing of UV coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Coatings for High-Performance Applications)

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17 pages, 7178 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facile Fabrication of Highly Efficient Chitosan-Based Multifunctional Coating for Cotton Fabrics with Excellent Flame-Retardant and Antibacterial Properties

by Yuan-Yuan Huang, Li-Ping Zhang, Xing Cao, Xin-Yu Tian and Yan-Peng Ni

Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1409; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101409 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Interest in the development of eco-friendly, sustainable, and convenient bio-based coatings to enhance flame retardancy and antibacterial properties in cotton fabrics is growing. In this work, chitosan was protonated at its amino groups using a method with a high atom economy using an [...] Read more.

Interest in the development of eco-friendly, sustainable, and convenient bio-based coatings to enhance flame retardancy and antibacterial properties in cotton fabrics is growing. In this work, chitosan was protonated at its amino groups using a method with a high atom economy using an equimolar amount of amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP), resulting in the fabrication of a single-component chitosan-based multifunctional coating (ATMP-CS), thereby avoiding any additional neutralization or purification steps. Cotton fabrics coated with various loads of ATMP-CS were prepared through a padding–drying–curing process. The morphology, thermal stability, mechanical properties, antibacterial properties, flame-retardant behavior, and flame-retardant mechanism of these fabrics were investigated. The coating exhibited excellent film-forming properties, and it imparted a uniform protective layer onto the surfaces of the cotton fabrics. When the load capacity reached 11.5%, the coated fabrics achieved a limiting oxygen index of 29.7% and successfully passed the VFT test. Moreover, the ATMP-CS coating demonstrated antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus reaching 95.1% and 99.9%, respectively. This work presents a straightforward and gentle approach to fabricating colorless, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient fabric coatings that have potential applications in promoting the use of bio-based materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Flame-Retardant Polymer Material)

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18 pages, 4877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Organic Materials from Mytilus Shells and Their Morphological and Chemical-Physical Characterisation

by Alberto Ubaldini, Flavio Cicconi, Sara Calistri, Stefano Salvi, Chiara Telloli, Giuseppe Marghella, Alessandro Gessi, Stefania Bruni, Naomi Falsini and Antonietta Rizzo

Crystals 2024, 14(5), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050464 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

A simple and effective method to eliminate the organic component from mussel shells is presented. It is based on the use of hot hydrogen peroxide. Mollusc shells are composite materials made of a calcium carbonate matrix with different polymorphs and numerous biomacromolecules. The [...] Read more.

A simple and effective method to eliminate the organic component from mussel shells is presented. It is based on the use of hot hydrogen peroxide. Mollusc shells are composite materials made of a calcium carbonate matrix with different polymorphs and numerous biomacromolecules. The described method was used on mussel shells, but it is generalisable and allows the complete removal of these organic components, without altering the inorganic part. Specimens were kept in a H₂O₂ 40% bath for few hours at 70 °C. The organic layers found on the faces of the shells were peeled away in this way, and biomacromolecules were degraded and removed. Their fragments are soluble in aqueous solution. This easily permits the chemical-physical characterisation and the study of the microstructure. The quality of calcite and aragonite microcrystals of biogenic origin is very high, superior to that of materials of geological or synthetic origin. This may suggest various industrial applications for them. Calcium carbonate is a useful precursor for cements and other building materials, and the one obtained in this way is of excellent quality and high purity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polycrystalline Materials – from Design to (Micro)Structural Characterization and Applications)

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8 pages, 2251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralization of Octacalcium Phosphate under Magnetic Field

by Wenhao He, Bingyu Xue, Qi Qian, Shenye Chen, Zhengyi Fu and Kun Wang

Crystals 2024, 14(5), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050463 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

The mineralization of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) crystals in gel media was studied in the presence of a magnetic field. OCP crystal growth was found to be dependent on mineralization temperature, mineralization time, and the magnetic field. Higher temperatures significantly reduced the mineralization time, [...] Read more.

The mineralization of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) crystals in gel media was studied in the presence of a magnetic field. OCP crystal growth was found to be dependent on mineralization temperature, mineralization time, and the magnetic field. Higher temperatures significantly reduced the mineralization time, which is crucial for directional growth of OCP crystals. The growth of OCP crystals was accelerated by the applied magnetic field, while OCP crystals generated in the presence of a magnetic field exhibited increased length and width of oriented growth. This study provides valuable insights into the influence of mineralization factors in bioprocessing-inspired manufacturing processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mineralogical Crystallography and Biomineralization)

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16 pages, 3054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering the Clinical Behaviour of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast Defines an Aggressive Subtype

by Shorouk Makhlouf, Nehal M. Atallah, Susanna Polotto, Andrew H. S. Lee, Andrew R. Green and Emad A. Rakha

Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101893 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Background: Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), the most common special type of breast cancer (BC), has unique clinical behaviour and is different from invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type (IDC-NST). However, ILC further comprises a diverse group of tumours with distinct features. This [...] Read more.

Background: Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), the most common special type of breast cancer (BC), has unique clinical behaviour and is different from invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type (IDC-NST). However, ILC further comprises a diverse group of tumours with distinct features. This study aims to examine the clinicopathological and prognostic features of different variants of ILC, with a particular focus on characterising aggressive subtypes. Methods: A large (n = 7140) well-characterised and histologically reviewed BC cohort with treatment and long-term follow-up data was investigated. The cohort was classified based on the WHO classification of tumours into main histological subtypes, including ILC and IDC-NST. ILCs were further classified into variants. Clinicopathological parameters and patient outcomes in terms of BC-specific survival (BCSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated. Results: ILC constituted 11% of the cohort. The most common non-classic ILC variants were pleomorphic (pILC) and solid (sILC), constituting 19% of ILC. Compared to classic and related variants (alveolar, trabecular, papillary, and tubulolobular; cILC), pILC and sILC variants were associated with aggressive tumour characteristics. The histologic grade of ILC was an important prognostic variable. The survival patterns identified an aggressive ILC subtype encompassing pILC and high-grade sILC. These tumours, which comprised 14% of the cases, were associated with clinicopathological characteristics of poor prognosis and had high BC-specific death and recurrence rates compared not only to cILC (p < 0.001) but also to IDC-NST (p = 0.02) patients. Contrasting this, cILC patients had significantly longer BCSS and DFS than IDC-NST patients in the first 10 to 15 years of follow-up. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve the outcome of patients with aggressive ILC subtypes. Conclusions: pILC and high-grade sILC variants comprise an aggressive ILC subtype associated with poor prognostic characteristics and a poor response to chemotherapy. These results warrant confirmation in randomised clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Developments in Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy)

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14 pages, 632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studying Outcomes after Steroid-Sparing Immunosuppressive Agent vs. Steroid-Only Treatment for Immune-Related Adverse Events in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Melanoma: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

by Sharjeel Syed, Jacobi Hines, Rachel Baccile, Sherin Rouhani and Pankti Reid

Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1892; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101892 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Background: The effects of steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents (SSIAs), used for the treatment of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) antitumor activity is not well known. We compared tumor outcomes of patients who received corticosteroid monotherapy (CS) versus a corticosteroid plus [...] Read more.

Background: The effects of steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents (SSIAs), used for the treatment of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) antitumor activity is not well known. We compared tumor outcomes of patients who received corticosteroid monotherapy (CS) versus a corticosteroid plus SSIA (CS-SSIA) for irAE treatment, using statistical methods to address immortal time bias. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study on patients ≥ 18 years with melanoma or non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with ≥1 ICI at a quaternary care center between 1 January 2016 and 11 January 2021. Patients were divided into two cohorts: CS or CS-SSIA. We used propensity score nearest-neighbor matching to match on tumor type, stage, and prior lines of therapy. Primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included the time from the start of the irAE treatment to the irAE resolution. Hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS and OS were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard regression method with both (1) the time to the steroid and SSIA as time-varying covariates and (2) a binary exposure classification not accounting for the time to the treatment. Results: A total of 167 patients were included after matching (132 in the CS cohort and 35 in the CS-SSIA cohort). Sixty-six percent of all the patients had melanoma. The most common irAEs requiring treatment were gastroenterocolitis and hepatitis. In an adjusted analysis not accounting for immortal time bias, there were no significant differences in PFS (HR 0.75, 95% CI [0.46–1.23]) or OS (HR 0.82, 95% CI [0.46–1.47]). In analyses using a time-varying treatment indicator, there was a trend toward improved PFS in patients treated with SSIAs (HR 0.54, CI 0.26–1.10). There was no difference in OS (HR 1.11, CI 0.55–2.23). Patients with melanoma who specifically received infliximab had improved PFS compared to patients with CS only, after adjusting for immortal time bias (HR 0.32, CI 0.24–0.43). Conclusions: The use of SSIAs with CS did not have worse outcomes than CS monotherapy. In melanoma, our findings showed improved PFS for the use of infliximab versus steroid monotherapy for irAEs. Large, prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and guide the optimal treatment of irAEs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How to Properly Diagnose and Treat Immune-Related Adverse Events during Immunotherapy in Patients with Cancer: Discussion between Specialists)

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11 pages, 817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing the Outcomes of Matched and Mismatched Unrelated Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation with Different Anti-Thymocyte Globulin Formulations: A Retrospective, Double-Centre Experience on Behalf of the Polish Adult Leukemia Group

by Ugo Giordano, Monika Mordak-Domagała, Małgorzata Sobczyk-Kruszelnicka, Sebastian Giebel, Lidia Gil, Krzysztof D. Dudek and Jarosław Dybko

Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1891; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101891 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Despite notable advancements in immunotherapy in the past decades, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remains a promising, potentially curative treatment modality. Only a limited number of studies have performed a direct comparison of two prevalent rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) formulations—specifically, Thymoglobuline (ATG-T, [...] Read more.

Despite notable advancements in immunotherapy in the past decades, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remains a promising, potentially curative treatment modality. Only a limited number of studies have performed a direct comparison of two prevalent rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) formulations—specifically, Thymoglobuline (ATG-T, formerly Genzyme) and Grafalon (ATG-G, formerly Fresenius). The primary objective of our retrospective analysis was to compare the outcomes of adult patients undergoing matched or mismatched unrelated donor (MUD/MMUD) allo-HCT, with a graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis based on either ATG-T or ATG-G. A total of 87 patients who had undergone allo-HCT between 2012 and 2022 were included. We observed no significant differences between ATG-T and ATG-G concerning the occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD), regardless of its severity. Conversely, chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) occurred less frequently in the ATG-T group compared to the ATG-G group (7.5% vs. 38.3%, p = 0.001). The negative impact of ATG-G on cGvHD was confirmed by multivariate analysis (HR 8.12, 95% CI 2.06–32.0, p = 0.003). Patients treated with ATG-T manifested a higher incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivations (70% vs. 31.9%, p < 0.001), with a shorter time between transplant and CMV (<61 days, 77.8% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.008) and a higher median CMV copy number (1000 vs. 0, p = 0.004). Notably, despite a higher occurrence of CMV reactivations in the ATG-T cohort, most patients were asymptomatic compared to ATG-G (85.7% vs. 43.8%, p = 0.005). By multivariate analysis, only aGvHD had an influence on CMV reactivations (HR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04–0.75, p = 0.019). Finally, we observed no significant differences in terms of 5-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) while comparing ATG-T and ATG-G (32.0% vs. 40.3%, p = 0.423; 66.7% vs. 60.4%, p = 0.544, respectively). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Cancer Biology)

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14 pages, 1138 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Langerhans Cells in Sentinel Lymph Nodes from Melanoma Patients

by Gianni Gerlini, Pietro Susini, Serena Sestini, Paola Brandani, Vanni Giannotti and Lorenzo Borgognoni

Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1890; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101890 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Background. Langerhans cells (LCs) are professional Dendritic Cells (DCs) involved in immunoregulatory functions. At the skin level, LCs are immature. In response to tissue injuries, they migrate to regional Lymph Nodes (LNs), reaching a full maturation state. Then, they become effective antigen-presenting cells [...] Read more.

Background. Langerhans cells (LCs) are professional Dendritic Cells (DCs) involved in immunoregulatory functions. At the skin level, LCs are immature. In response to tissue injuries, they migrate to regional Lymph Nodes (LNs), reaching a full maturation state. Then, they become effective antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that induce anti-cancer responses. Notably, melanoma patients present several DC alterations in the Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN), where primary antitumoral immunity is generated. LCs are the most represented DCs subset in melanoma SLNs and are expected to play a key role in the anti-melanoma response. With this paper, we aim to review the current knowledge and future perspectives regarding LCs and melanoma. Methods. A systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement using the PubMed (MEDLINE) library from January 2004 to January 2024, searching for original studies discussing LC in melanoma. Results. The final synthesis included 15 articles. Several papers revealed significant LCs–melanoma interactions. Conclusions. Melanoma immune escape mechanisms include SLN LC alterations, favoring LN metastasis arrival/homing and melanoma proliferation. The SLN LCs of melanoma patients are defective but not irreversibly, and their function may be restored by appropriate stimuli. Thus, LCs represent a promising target for future immunotherapeutic strategies and cancer vaccines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tumor Microenvironment)

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18 pages, 1799 KiB

Open AccessReview

“Oh, Dear We Are in Tribble”: An Overview of the Oncogenic Functions of Tribbles 1

by Karnika Singh, Christian A. Showalter, Heather R. Manring, Saikh Jaharul Haque and Arnab Chakravarti

Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1889; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101889 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Pseudokinases are catalytically inactive proteins in the human genome that lack the ability to transfer phosphate from ATP to their substrates. The Tribbles family of pseudokinases contains three members: Tribbles 1, 2, and 3. Tribbles 1 has recently gained importance because of its [...] Read more.

Pseudokinases are catalytically inactive proteins in the human genome that lack the ability to transfer phosphate from ATP to their substrates. The Tribbles family of pseudokinases contains three members: Tribbles 1, 2, and 3. Tribbles 1 has recently gained importance because of its involvement in various diseases, including cancer. It acts as a scaffolding protein that brings about the degradation of its substrate proteins, such as C/EBPα/β, MLXIPL, and RAR/RXRα, among others, via the ubiquitin proteasome system. It also serves as an adapter protein, which sequesters different protein molecules and activates their downstream signaling, leading to processes, such as cell survival, cell proliferation, and lipid metabolism. It has been implicated in cancers such as AML, prostate cancer, breast cancer, CRC, HCC, and glioma, where it activates oncogenic signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT and MAPK and inhibits the anti-tumor function of p53. TRIB1 also causes treatment resistance in cancers such as NSCLC, breast cancer, glioma, and promyelocytic leukemia. All these effects make TRIB1 a potential drug target. However, the lack of a catalytic domain renders TRIB1 “undruggable”, but knowledge about its structure, conformational changes during substrate binding, and substrate binding sites provides an opportunity to design small-molecule inhibitors against specific TRIB1 interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein Kinases and Pseudokinases in Cancers)

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13 pages, 8984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fly-Cutting Processing of Micro-Triangular Pyramid Arrays and Synchronous Micro-Scrap Removal

by Jiashun Gao, Zhilong Xu, Yu Lei and Su Huang

Micromachines 2024, 15(5), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15050655 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Many micro-scraps are generated when a micro-triangular pyramid array (MTPA) is machined by the fly-cutting method. Micro-scraps are generally not removed quickly enough; therefore, these residual micro-scraps participate in the cutting process again, scratching the workpiece surface and accelerating diamond tool wear. To [...] Read more.

Many micro-scraps are generated when a micro-triangular pyramid array (MTPA) is machined by the fly-cutting method. Micro-scraps are generally not removed quickly enough; therefore, these residual micro-scraps participate in the cutting process again, scratching the workpiece surface and accelerating diamond tool wear. To remove micro-scraps rapidly, a fly-cutting method to produce MTPAs on vertically oriented working surfaces was developed during this study. The results show that an MTPA produced by fly cutting on a vertical workpiece had a clearly outlined structure, high dimensional accuracy, and a low surface roughness. There was no micro-scrap residue on the workpiece surface and the diamond tool wear was small. The cutting inlet edges had no burrs, and the cutting outlet edges had only a small number of burrs. This method of fly cutting MTPAs on vertically oriented working surfaces provides a foundation for the development of high-precision micro-triangular pyramid optical elements. Full article

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10 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Combined Lifestyle Risks and the Transition of Activities of Daily Living in the Elderly Population of Taiwan: Evidence from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging

by Fu-Kuei Chang, Hui-Ting Lin, Jia-Hao Chang and Hsin-Jen Tsai

Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101499 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Functional ability decline occurs with age. This study aims to investigate the associations between the lifestyle factors—exercising, food consumption, and smoking—and the functional ability of the activities of daily living (ADL) by gender. The data were obtained from the Taiwan longitudinal study on [...] Read more.

Functional ability decline occurs with age. This study aims to investigate the associations between the lifestyle factors—exercising, food consumption, and smoking—and the functional ability of the activities of daily living (ADL) by gender. The data were obtained from the Taiwan longitudinal study on aging, a national cohort study. The cross-sectional results demonstrated that the frequency of exercising was negatively associated with ADL in both men and women. Dairy products were positively associated with ADL in men. The longitudinal results illustrated that current and consistent exercising were negatively associated with changes in ADL scores over 4- and 8-year periods in both men and women. Seafood consumption was negatively associated with changes in the subsequent 4-year ADL scores. Past smoking was positively associated with changes in subsequent 4-year ADL scores in men, while current smoking was positively associated with changes in subsequent 8-year ADL scores in women. Therefore, consistent exercising, food consumption, and smoking were associated with ADL functional ability in elderly people, and the associations differed by gender. Elders exercising consistently had good ADL performance and maintained their ADL ability better, especially women. Seafood consumption decreased the risk of ADL decline, while smoking increased the risk of ADL decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)

10 pages, 431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Protein Diet in Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 4 and 5 in Conservative Management: Focus on Sarcopenia Development

by Francesca K. Martino, Alessandra Zattarin, Chiara Cinquini, Silvia Toniazzo, Francesco Francini Pesenti, Lucia Federica Stefanelli, Martina Cacciapuoti, Elisabetta Bettin, Lorenzo A. Calò and Paolo Spinella

Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101498 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is a degenerative and increasingly prevalent condition that includes metabolic abnormalities and is associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia. The conservative approach points primarily to controlling metabolic issues and reducing the risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia, slowing the [...] Read more.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is a degenerative and increasingly prevalent condition that includes metabolic abnormalities and is associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia. The conservative approach points primarily to controlling metabolic issues and reducing the risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia, slowing the progression of kidney disease. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of a low-protein diet on malnutrition and sarcopenia. Methods: A total of 45 patients (33 male and 12 female) aged over 70 with chronic kidney disease stage 4–5 in conservative management were considered. All patients had a dietary assessment and prescription of personalized low-protein dietary plans (≤0.6 g protein/kg) and a follow-up control between 4 and 6 months. In preliminary and follow-up evaluations, anthropometric data, blood examinations, body composition results, muscle strength, physical performance, and a 3-day food diary were collected. Results: In the follow-up period, a significant weight loss (p = 0.001) and a decrease in body mass index (p = 0.002) were recorded. Food diaries revealed a significant reduction in protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake (p < 0.001), with a significant reduction in urea (p < 0.001) and proteinuria (p = 0.01) without any impact on lean mass (p = 0.66). Considerable variations in adherence between food diaries and the prescribed diet were also noted. Conclusions: Providing a personalized low-protein diet led to significant benefits in a short period without worsening the patient’s nutritional status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Older Adults)

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10 pages, 1855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Overlooked Group of Citizen Scientists in Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) Information: Shell Collectors and Their Contribution to Molluscan NIS Xenodiversity

by Argyro Zenetos, Christiane Delongueville and Roland Scaillet

Diversity 2024, 16(5), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16050299 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

This work reports on 60 marine alien mollusks from nine countries across the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Marmara collected by two Belgian citizen scientists. Some of their published observations concerning collection dates are compared with the year of first publication for [...] Read more.

This work reports on 60 marine alien mollusks from nine countries across the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Marmara collected by two Belgian citizen scientists. Some of their published observations concerning collection dates are compared with the year of first publication for these alien mollusks reported in the literature, which enable us to backdate some of their introductions and set new first Mediterranean records for two species. This underlines the importance of collaboration between volunteers and institutional scientists in tracing variations and changes in the environment and biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2024 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members)

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20 pages, 1478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Opinion and the Energy Transition in East Asia: The Case of Taiwan

by Bruno Di Giusto, Joseph Lavallee, Igor Žilák and Yvonne Hu Di Giusto

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4164; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104164 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Previous research in Western nations has established a clear connection between pro-environmental public opinion and clean energy transition policies aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13. However, little is known about this relationship in East Asia, the most important region of the [...] Read more.

Previous research in Western nations has established a clear connection between pro-environmental public opinion and clean energy transition policies aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13. However, little is known about this relationship in East Asia, the most important region of the world in terms of carbon emissions. Using the International Social Survey Program and Taiwan Social Change Survey results from 2010 and 2020, this study examines public opinion in Taiwan on environmental issues, comparing it with opinion in a group of 18 OECD countries. Results show high but stable support for the environment and the energy transition in Taiwan over this period, with no indications of climate denial. However, willingness to make sacrifices for the environment is sharply lower among the lower half of the income distribution, highlighting existing socioeconomic disparities and inequality. Further, political engagement around environmental issues remains relatively low in Taiwan compared to engagement in the OECD comparison group. This disjunction suggests a unique model of public opinion and policy outcomes in Taiwan, which is clearly distinct from patterns in the West. Comprehending this model is vital, considering East Asia’s necessary role in a global clean energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Policy and Green Governance 2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 29792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Raw Material Stage Assessment of Seating Elements as Urban Furniture and Eco-Model Proposals

by Serkan Sipahi and Merve Sipahi

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4163; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104163 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

As cities strive to become sustainable, it is imperative to consider even the smallest components of the urban environment and prioritize sustainability. Ensuring the sustainability of urban furniture, especially the numerous benches found in cities, is crucial. This study proposes an alternative solution [...] Read more.

As cities strive to become sustainable, it is imperative to consider even the smallest components of the urban environment and prioritize sustainability. Ensuring the sustainability of urban furniture, especially the numerous benches found in cities, is crucial. This study proposes an alternative solution to the sustainability issue in cities regarding urban furniture. This is because a review of the literature indicates that while efforts have been made to evaluate the sustainability of urban amenities and furniture, studies conducting life cycle analysis specifically for urban furniture are lacking. This study will contribute to the identified gap in the literature by analyzing 14 different seating elements in recreational areas located in the city of Rize, Turkey, using the Ccalc program to calculate their carbon footprints. In the subsequent phase of this study, an eco-design process will be conducted based on the findings, aiming to create an eco-seating unit design. Based on the data obtained, materials with high environmental impact were identified, material replacement recommendations were made, and consequently, a model proposal was presented. The potential reduction in carbon footprints with the use of transformed materials was discussed. The findings revealed that carbon footprint values were particularly high in the seating units where concrete and polypropylene materials were used. Additionally, it was determined that solvent paint, especially varnish, affects the carbon footprint, and it was recommended that would be used in its natural form, which is eco-friendly. In conclusion, the recommendations developed for the sustainability of urban furniture in coastal areas will contribute to the future of cities and humanity. Full article

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20 pages, 1613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Influence of Cultural Memory in Agricultural Heritage on Brand Loyalty

by Jingxuan Liang, Sunbowen Zhang and Lu Lu

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4162; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104162 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Agricultural heritage includes both material and immaterial vestiges of past agricultural practices that are directly tied to human agriculture. It holds great ecological, cultural, commercial, and tourism value. There are not many historical sites available for developing agricultural heritage tourism right now, and [...] Read more.

Agricultural heritage includes both material and immaterial vestiges of past agricultural practices that are directly tied to human agriculture. It holds great ecological, cultural, commercial, and tourism value. There are not many historical sites available for developing agricultural heritage tourism right now, and no experience is ideal. This study used sophisticated PLS-SEM techniques and SmartPLS 3.3.9 software to carefully examine data, examine measurement and structural models, rigorously test hypotheses, determine the validity and reliability of the findings, and investigate potential moderating effects. To address the critical issue of brand loyalty in agricultural heritage tourism, this study developed and tested a comprehensive impact route, which was supported by an examination of 427 visitors’ cultural memories and brand experiences, demonstrating their critical role in influencing brand loyalty. The findings show the importance of cultural memory in shaping travelers’ brand experiences and loyalty. Furthermore, due to their unique characteristics, various groups react differently to each phase of the brand loyalty effect route. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sense of Place, Place Attachment and Sustainability in Culture, Tourism, Hospitality and Events)

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15 pages, 2446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Precision Regulation and Forecasting of Greenhouse Tomato Growth Conditions Using an Improved GA-BP Model

by Wei Zhang, Wenyu Zhong, Zhidong Liu, Baoxia Du, Mingliang Li, Meng Huang, Helong Yu, Bowei Chen and You Tang

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4161; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104161 - 16 May 2024

Abstract

Tomatoes are annual herbaceous plants of the family Solanaceae. They have very stringent requirements for their growing environment and climate conditions. To precisely control the greenhouse environment for tomato growth, this project designed and implemented a monitoring system utilizing programmable logic controllers and [...] Read more.

Tomatoes are annual herbaceous plants of the family Solanaceae. They have very stringent requirements for their growing environment and climate conditions. To precisely control the greenhouse environment for tomato growth, this project designed and implemented a monitoring system utilizing programmable logic controllers and a data acquisition system for monitoring. Sensors are installed at key locations in the greenhouse, such as near the ground, in the plant canopy, and under the roof, to monitor environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and carbon dioxide concentration in real time. A three-layer feedforward GA-BP neural network model was established using soil temperature, soil humidity, air humidity, and illumination as predictive parameters. This technology predicts optimal environmental parameters and performs real-time monitoring and intelligent control, overcoming the traditional BP neural network’s drawbacks of slow convergence, susceptibility to disturbance, and poor generalization ability, with the current model’s average prediction error being less than 5%. It provides a theoretical basis and decision support for precision control and related environmental forecasting in agricultural projects. Based on the growth characteristics, physiological and morphological features of tomatoes, and the comprehensive impact of planting conditions, the technology enhances tomato yield and quality while reducing production costs and labor inputs. It mainly includes the establishment of tomato growth models, measurement and control of environmental parameters, and the design and optimization of intelligent decision control systems. Research outcomes in this field are significant for improving agricultural production efficiency, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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