The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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14 pages, 888 KiB  
Article
Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Wild-Living Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.) Originating from Croatia
by Nikolina Kelava Ugarković, Dalibor Bedeković, Kristina Greiner, Nera Fabijanić, Zvonimir Prpić and Miljenko Konjačić
Foods 2024, 13(10), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101519 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sex and hunting location on carcass characteristics and meat quality of wild-living mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) from Croatia. Twenty-eight mallards (14 ♂; 14 ♀) were hunted at two hunting locations (HL [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sex and hunting location on carcass characteristics and meat quality of wild-living mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) from Croatia. Twenty-eight mallards (14 ♂; 14 ♀) were hunted at two hunting locations (HL I = 8 ♂, 8 ♀; HL II = 6 ♂, 6 ♀) in the Croatian lowlands. The carcasses were eviscerated, dressed, and dissected, and the individual internal organs and carcass parts were weighed. The breast muscle (m. pectoralis major) was sampled and used to determine color, pH, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, and proximate chemical and fatty acid composition. Sex and HL had a significant effect on the majority of carcass characteristics analyzed, but they had no effect on the physical meat parameters. The protein and ash content of mallard meat was significantly higher in HL II (23.16 %vs. 22.67%; 1.45% vs. 1.36%, respectively) and the moisture content in females (72.40% vs. 71.59%). HL had a significant effect on SFA (II 33.96% vs. I 29.91%), PUFA n-3 (II 3.55% vs. I 2.69%), PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios, and all lipid indices. Females had a significantly higher C22:6n-3 content, a higher PI index and a lower n-6/n-3 ratio. The data presented in this study contribute to a better understanding of game-bird meat quality originating from different regions. Full article
15 pages, 690 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Short-Term Combined Balance and Multidirectional Plyometric Training on Postural Balance and Explosive Performance in U-13 Male and Female Soccer Athletes
by George Ioannou, Evangelos Kanioris and Maria-Elissavet Nikolaidou
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4141; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104141 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
This study’s aim is to examine the effect of a combined balance and multidirectional plyometric training intervention on postural balance ability and lower limb explosive performance in U-13 male and female soccer athletes. Twenty pre-adolescent (age: 12.6 ± 1.6 years) soccer athletes followed [...] Read more.
This study’s aim is to examine the effect of a combined balance and multidirectional plyometric training intervention on postural balance ability and lower limb explosive performance in U-13 male and female soccer athletes. Twenty pre-adolescent (age: 12.6 ± 1.6 years) soccer athletes followed a 6-week training intervention combining balance exercises, dynamic stabilization tasks and multidirectional plyometric exercises at a frequency of twice/week for 20–25 min, based on a progressive increase in exercise difficulty from phase A (week 1–3) to phase B (week 4–6). Pre- and post-training measurements were carried out to assess the following: (a) static balance performance in single (left, right)-legged and two-legged quiet stance trials with eyes open and eyes closed (two trials per stance and vision condition of 30 s duration) and (b) lower limb explosive performance in countermovement and squat jumps without arm swing (three trials/jump). The vertical GRF was recorded by a customized force plate (Wii, 1.000 Hz, Biovision) and offline, CoP and explosive performance parameters were calculated. The overall results showed that the static balance ability of athletes remained unaffected, while restricting their vision deteriorated their postural control. The lower limb explosive performance showed a trend for improvement; however, inter-individual variations in athletes’ responses might have obscured any effect. Full article
41 pages, 2812 KiB  
Article
Benedict–Webb–Rubin–Starling Equation of State + Hydrate Thermodynamic Theories: An Enhanced Prediction Method for CO2 Solubility and CO2 Hydrate Phase Equilibrium in Pure Water/NaCl Aqueous Solution System
by Changyu You, Zhaoyang Chen, Xiaosen Li, Qi Zhao, Yun Feng and Chuan Wang
Energies 2024, 17(10), 2356; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17102356 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Accurately predicting the phase behavior and physical properties of carbon dioxide (CO2) in pure water/NaCl mixtures is crucial for the design and implementation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology. However, the prediction task is complicated by CO2 liquefaction, [...] Read more.
Accurately predicting the phase behavior and physical properties of carbon dioxide (CO2) in pure water/NaCl mixtures is crucial for the design and implementation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology. However, the prediction task is complicated by CO2 liquefaction, CO2 hydrate formation, multicomponent and multiphase coexistence, etc. In this study, an improved method that combines Benedict–Webb–Rubin–Starling equation of state (BWRS EOS) + hydrate thermodynamic theories was proposed to predict CO2 solubility and phase equilibrium conditions for a mixed system across various temperature and pressure conditions. By modifying the interaction coefficients in BWRS EOS and the Van der Waals–Platteeuw model, this new method is applicable to complex systems containing two liquid phases and a CO2 hydrate phase, and its high prediction accuracy was verified through a comparative evaluation with a large number of reported experimental data. Furthermore, based on the calculation results, the characteristics of CO2 solubility and the variation of phase equilibrium conditions of the mixture system were discussed. These findings highlight the influence of hydrates and NaCl on CO2 solubility characteristics and clearly demonstrate the hindrance of NaCl to the formation of CO2 hydrates. This study provides valuable insights and fundamental data for designing and implementing CCUS technology that contribute to addressing global climate change and environmental challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gas Hydrates: A Future Clean Energy Resource)
16 pages, 1047 KiB  
Article
Estimating the Lifetime of Rotary Dryer Flights Based on Experimental Data
by Marius Gabriel Petrescu, Andrei Burlacu, Gheorghe Dan Isbășoiu, Teodor Dumitru and Maria Tănase
Processes 2024, 12(5), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050993 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The studies carried out address an important problem for the concrete and asphalt industry, referring to the wear phenomena that affect the elements (flights) of rotary dryers used to dry mineral aggregates. In this article, the authors propose a lifetime estimation method for [...] Read more.
The studies carried out address an important problem for the concrete and asphalt industry, referring to the wear phenomena that affect the elements (flights) of rotary dryers used to dry mineral aggregates. In this article, the authors propose a lifetime estimation method for rotary dryer flights. In order to benefit from greater credibility, the proposed method was applied based on the experimental results obtained, by the authors, in the laboratory, on a stand that reproduces a portion of the real equipment. Starting from these results, the authors identified the mathematical functions used to model the failure rates (wear) of the flights by referring to characteristic quantities for wear evaluation: mass loss of material; reduction in the thickness of the part; surface affected by wear. The experimental data—the input data for the proposed algorithm—correspond to six steels used in industrial applications. The wear phenomenon was modeled considering both the situation of uniform wear and the situation of differentiated wear on the flight surface. Therefore, the steel type with the highest service life values could be identified, namely, steel grades E and G. The method proposed in this paper can be extended to any category of material or part provided that the failure rate function is identified beforehand, possibly based on a laboratory experiment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Process Control and Monitoring)
21 pages, 846 KiB  
Review
The Involvement of Ascorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment
by Di Guo, Yuan Liao, Jintong Na, Liangliang Wu, Yao Yin, Zhengcheng Mi, Shixu Fang, Xiyu Liu and Yong Huang
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2295; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102295 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Vitamin C (VC), also known as ascorbic acid, plays a crucial role as a water-soluble nutrient within the human body, contributing to a variety of metabolic processes. Research findings suggest that increased doses of VC demonstrate potential anti-tumor capabilities. This review delves into [...] Read more.
Vitamin C (VC), also known as ascorbic acid, plays a crucial role as a water-soluble nutrient within the human body, contributing to a variety of metabolic processes. Research findings suggest that increased doses of VC demonstrate potential anti-tumor capabilities. This review delves into the mechanisms of VC absorption and its implications for cancer management. Building upon these foundational insights, we explore modern delivery systems for VC, evaluating its use in diverse cancer treatment methods. These include starvation therapy, chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT), electrothermal therapy, immunotherapy, cellular reprogramming, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and various combination therapies. Full article
17 pages, 2750 KiB  
Article
Autoprobiotics in the Treatment of Patients with Colorectal Cancer in the Early Postoperative Period
by Elena Ermolenko, Natalia Baryshnikova, Galina Alekhina, Alexander Zakharenko, Oleg Ten, Victor Kashchenko, Nadezhda Novikova, Olga Gushchina, Timofey Ovchinnikov, Anastasia Morozova, Anastasia Ilina, Alena Karaseva, Anna Tsapieva, Nikita Gladyshev, Alexander Dmitriev and Alexander Suvorov
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050980 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Despite great advances in the treatment of oncological diseases, the development of medical technologies to prevent or reduce complications of therapy, in particular, those associated with surgery and the introduction of antibiotics, remains relevant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Despite great advances in the treatment of oncological diseases, the development of medical technologies to prevent or reduce complications of therapy, in particular, those associated with surgery and the introduction of antibiotics, remains relevant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of autoprobiotics based on indigenous non-pathogenic strains of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus hirae as a personalized functional food product (PFFP) in the complex therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the early postoperative period. A total of 36 patients diagnosed with CRC were enrolled in the study. Study group A comprised 24 CRC patients who received autoprobiotic therapy in the early postoperative period, while the control group C included 12 CRC patients without autoprobiotic therapy. Prior to surgery and between days 14 and 16 post-surgery, comprehensive evaluations were conducted on all patients, encompassing the following: stool and gastroenterological complaints analysis, examination of the gut microbiota (bacteriological study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, metagenome analysis), and analysis of interleukins in the serum. Results: The use of autoprobiotics led to a decrease in dyspeptic complaints after surgery. It was also associated with the absence of postoperative complications, did not cause any side effects, and led to a decrease in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-18) in the blood serum. The use of autoprobiotics led to positive changes in the structure of escherichia and enterococci populations, the elimination of Parvomonas micra and Fusobacterium nucleatum, and a decrease in the quantitative content of Clostridium perfringens and Akkermansia muciniphila. Metagenomic analysis (16S rRNA) revealed an increase in alpha diversity. Conclusion: The introduction of autoprobiotics in the postoperative period is a highly effective and safe approach in the complex treatment of CRC. Future studies will allow the discovery of additional fine mechanisms of autoprobiotic therapy and its impact on the digestive, immune, endocrine, and neural systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Strategies in the Study of the Human Gut Microbiota 2.0)
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32 pages, 430 KiB  
Article
Mild Solutions for w-Weighted, Φ-Hilfer, Non-Instantaneous, Impulsive, w-Weighted, Fractional, Semilinear Differential Inclusions of Order μ ∈ (1,2) in Banach Spaces
by Zainab Alsheekhhussain, Ahmed Gamal Ibrahim, M. Mossa Al-Sawalha and Khudhayr A. Rashedi
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(5), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8050289 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this work is to obtain novel and interesting results for mild solutions to a semilinear differential inclusion involving a w-weighted, Φ-Hilfer, fractional derivative of order μ(1,2) with non-instantaneous impulses in Banach spaces [...] Read more.
The aim of this work is to obtain novel and interesting results for mild solutions to a semilinear differential inclusion involving a w-weighted, Φ-Hilfer, fractional derivative of order μ(1,2) with non-instantaneous impulses in Banach spaces with infinite dimensions when the linear term is the infinitesimal generator of a strongly continuous cosine family and the nonlinear term is a multi-valued function. First, we determine the formula of the mild solution function for the considered semilinear differential inclusion. Then, we give sufficient conditions to ensure that the mild solution set is not empty or compact. The desired results are achieved by using the properties of both the w-weighted Φ-Laplace transform, w-weighted ψ-convolution and the measure of non-compactness. Since the operator, the w-weighted Φ-Hilfer, includes well-known types of fractional differential operators, our results generalize several recent results in the literature. Moreover, our results are novel because no one has previously studied these types of semilinear differential inclusions. Finally, we give an illustrative example that supports our theoretical results. Full article
11 pages, 692 KiB  
Article
Economic Rationality in Decision-Making Regarding Newborn Screening: A Case Study in Quebec
by Van Hoa Ho, Yves Giguère and Daniel Reinharz
Int. J. Neonatal Screen. 2024, 10(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijns10020036 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Health systems in high-resource countries recognize the importance of making decisions about the services offered to the population based on scientific evidence. Producing this evidence is especially challenging in areas such as newborn care where the frequency of conditions is rare. However, methodological [...] Read more.
Health systems in high-resource countries recognize the importance of making decisions about the services offered to the population based on scientific evidence. Producing this evidence is especially challenging in areas such as newborn care where the frequency of conditions is rare. However, methodological advances in the field of economic evaluation could change how this evidence is used in decision-making. This study aimed to investigate how decision-makers in the Canadian province of Quebec perceive the value of recent advances in economic evaluations for perinatal studies and how these advances might affect the offer of neonatal interventions in the public health care system. A qualitative study was conducted. A total of 10 policymakers were interviewed. A neo-institutional conceptual framework highlighting three dimensions, structure, power, and interpretive schemes, was used for data collection and analyses. Structural factors, interpretative schemes, and power management between the groups concerned concur to ensure that providing services to newborns is not hindered by the difficulty of producing evidence. They also ensure that the decisions regarding which disease to screen for take into consideration the specificity of neonatology, in particular, the social value given to children not captured by available evidence. Full article
25 pages, 2538 KiB  
Review
Related Work and Motivation for Electric Vehicle Solar/Wind Charging Stations: A Review
by Radwan A. Almasri, Talal Alharbi, M. S. Alshitawi, Omar Alrumayh and Salman Ajib
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(5), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15050215 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The shift towards sustainable transportation is an urgent worldwide issue, leading to the investigation of creative methods to decrease the environmental effects of traditional vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a promising alternative, but the issue lies in establishing efficient and environmentally friendly charging [...] Read more.
The shift towards sustainable transportation is an urgent worldwide issue, leading to the investigation of creative methods to decrease the environmental effects of traditional vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a promising alternative, but the issue lies in establishing efficient and environmentally friendly charging infrastructure. This review explores the existing research on the subject of photovoltaic-powered electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs). Our analysis highlights the potential for economic growth and the creation of robust and decentralized energy systems by increasing the number of EVCSs. This review summarizes the current knowledge in this field and highlights the key factors driving efforts to expand the use of PV-powered EVCSs. The findings indicate that MATLAB was predominantly used for theoretical studies, with projects focusing on shading parking lots. The energy usage varied from 0.139 to 0.295 kWh/km, while the cost of energy ranged from USD 0.0032 to 0.5645 per kWh for an on-grid system. The payback period (PBP) values are suitable for this application. The average PBP was demonstrated to range from 1 to 15 years. The findings from this assessment can guide policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders in shaping future advancements toward a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system. Full article
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30 pages, 3558 KiB  
Article
Multi-Strategy Improved Dung Beetle Optimization Algorithm and Its Applications
by Mingjun Ye , Heng Zhou, Haoyu Yang, Bin Hu and Xiong Wang
Biomimetics 2024, 9(5), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9050291 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The dung beetle optimization (DBO) algorithm, a swarm intelligence-based metaheuristic, is renowned for its robust optimization capability and fast convergence speed. However, it also suffers from low population diversity, susceptibility to local optima solutions, and unsatisfactory convergence speed when facing complex optimization problems. [...] Read more.
The dung beetle optimization (DBO) algorithm, a swarm intelligence-based metaheuristic, is renowned for its robust optimization capability and fast convergence speed. However, it also suffers from low population diversity, susceptibility to local optima solutions, and unsatisfactory convergence speed when facing complex optimization problems. In response, this paper proposes the multi-strategy improved dung beetle optimization algorithm (MDBO). The core improvements include using Latin hypercube sampling for better population initialization and the introduction of a novel differential variation strategy, termed “Mean Differential Variation”, to enhance the algorithm’s ability to evade local optima. Moreover, a strategy combining lens imaging reverse learning and dimension-by-dimension optimization was proposed and applied to the current optimal solution. Through comprehensive performance testing on standard benchmark functions from CEC2017 and CEC2020, MDBO demonstrates superior performance in terms of optimization accuracy, stability, and convergence speed compared with other classical metaheuristic optimization algorithms. Additionally, the efficacy of MDBO in addressing complex real-world engineering problems is validated through three representative engineering application scenarios namely extension/compression spring design problems, reducer design problems, and welded beam design problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Inspired Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms 2024)
28 pages, 1514 KiB  
Article
Intelligent Learning-Based Methods for Determining the Ideal Team Size in Agile Practices
by Rodrigo Olivares, Rene Noel, Sebastián M. Guzmán, Diego Miranda and Roberto Munoz
Biomimetics 2024, 9(5), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9050292 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
One of the significant challenges in scaling agile software development is organizing software development teams to ensure effective communication among members while equipping them with the capabilities to deliver business value independently. A formal approach to address this challenge involves modeling it as [...] Read more.
One of the significant challenges in scaling agile software development is organizing software development teams to ensure effective communication among members while equipping them with the capabilities to deliver business value independently. A formal approach to address this challenge involves modeling it as an optimization problem: given a professional staff, how can they be organized to optimize the number of communication channels, considering both intra-team and inter-team channels? In this article, we propose applying a set of bio-inspired algorithms to solve this problem. We introduce an enhancement that incorporates ensemble learning into the resolution process to achieve nearly optimal results. Ensemble learning integrates multiple machine-learning strategies with diverse characteristics to boost optimizer performance. Furthermore, the studied metaheuristics offer an excellent opportunity to explore their linear convergence, contingent on the exploration and exploitation phases. The results produce more precise definitions for team sizes, aligning with industry standards. Our approach demonstrates superior performance compared to the traditional versions of these algorithms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Inspired Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms 2024)
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22 pages, 7387 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Energy Harvesting Efficiency of Flapping Wings with Leading-Edge Magnus Effect Cylinder
by Huaqiang Zhang, Bing Zhu and Weidong Chen
Biomimetics 2024, 9(5), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9050293 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
According to the Magnus principle, a rotating cylinder experiences a lateral force perpendicular to the incoming flow direction. This phenomenon can be harnessed to boost the lift of an airfoil by positioning a rotating cylinder at the leading edge. In this study, we [...] Read more.
According to the Magnus principle, a rotating cylinder experiences a lateral force perpendicular to the incoming flow direction. This phenomenon can be harnessed to boost the lift of an airfoil by positioning a rotating cylinder at the leading edge. In this study, we simulate flapping-wing motion using the sliding mesh technique in a heaving coordinate system to investigate the energy harvesting capabilities of Magnus effect flapping wings (MEFWs) featuring a leading-edge rotating cylinder. Through analysis of the flow field vortex structure and pressure distribution, we explore how control parameters such as gap width, rotational speed ratio, and phase difference of the leading-edge rotating cylinder impact the energy harvesting characteristics of the flapping wing. The results demonstrate that MEFWs effectively mitigate the formation of leading-edge vortices during wing motion. Consequently, this enhances both lift generation and energy harvesting capability. MEFWs with smaller gap widths are less prone to induce the detachment of leading-edge vortices during motion, ensuring a higher peak lift force and an increase in the energy harvesting efficiency. Moreover, higher rotational speed ratios and phase differences, synchronized with wing motion, can prevent leading-edge vortex generation during wing motion. All three control parameters contribute to enhancing the energy harvesting capability of MEFWs within a certain range. At the examined Reynolds number, the optimal parameter values are determined to be = 0.0005, R = 3, and = 0°. Full article
29 pages, 8038 KiB  
Article
Pore Fractal Characteristics between Marine and Marine–Continental Transitional Black Shales: A Case Study of Niutitang Formation and Longtan Formation
by Shitan Ning, Peng Xia, Fang Hao, Jinqiang Tian, Yong Fu and Ke Wang
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(5), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8050288 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Marine shales from the Niutitang Formation and marine–continental transitional shales from the Longtan Formation are two sets of extremely important hydrocarbon source rocks in South China. In order to quantitatively compare the pore complexity characteristics between marine and marine–continental transitional shales, the shale [...] Read more.
Marine shales from the Niutitang Formation and marine–continental transitional shales from the Longtan Formation are two sets of extremely important hydrocarbon source rocks in South China. In order to quantitatively compare the pore complexity characteristics between marine and marine–continental transitional shales, the shale and kerogen of the Niutitang Formation and the Longtan Formation are taken as our research subjects. Based on organic petrology, geochemistry, and low-temperature gas adsorption analyses, the fractal dimension of their pores is calculated by the Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) and Sierpinski models, and the influences of total organic carbon (TOC), vitrinite reflectance (Ro), and mineral composition on the pore fractals of the shale and kerogen are discussed. Our results show the following: (1) Marine shale predominantly has wedge-shaped and slit pores, while marine–continental transitional shale has inkpot-shaped and slit pores. (2) Cylindrical pores are common in organic matter of both shale types, with marine shale having a greater gas storage space (CRV) from organic matter pores, while marine–continental transitional shale relies more on inorganic pores, especially interlayer clay mineral pores, for gas storage due to their large specific surface area and high adsorption capacity (CRA). (3) The fractal characteristics of marine and marine–continental transitional shale pores are influenced differently. In marine shale, TOC positively correlates with fractal dimensions, while in marine–continental shale, Ro and clay minerals have a stronger influence. Ro is the primary factor affecting organic matter pore complexity. (4) Our two pore fractal models show that the complexity of the shale in the Longtan Formation surpasses that of the shale in the Niutitang Formation, and type I kerogen has more complex organic matter pores than type III, aiding in evaluating pore connectivity and flow effectiveness in shale reservoirs. Full article
19 pages, 3595 KiB  
Article
Four New Species and a New Combination of Boletaceae (Boletales) from Subtropical and Tropical China
by Rou Xue, Lin-Jie Su, Tai-Jie Yu, Chang Xu, Hong-Yan Huang, Nian-Kai Zeng, Guo-Li Zhang and Li-Ping Tang
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050348 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that boletes are abundant and diverse in China, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. In the present study, morphological, ecological, host relationship, and a four-locus (28S, tef1, rpb1, and rpb2) molecular phylogenetic analyses were used to [...] Read more.
Previous studies have shown that boletes are abundant and diverse in China, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. In the present study, morphological, ecological, host relationship, and a four-locus (28S, tef1, rpb1, and rpb2) molecular phylogenetic analyses were used to study the family Boletaceae in subtropical and tropical China. Four new bluing species are described from three genera, viz. Boletellus verruculosus (Chinese name疣柄条孢牛肝菌), Xerocomellus tenuis (Chinese name细柄红绒盖牛肝菌), Xer. brunneus (Chinese name褐盖红绒盖牛肝菌), and Xerocomus zhangii (Chinese name张氏绒盖牛肝菌). Moreover, the genus Nigroboletus is treated as a synonym of Xerocomellus, and a new combination, namely Xer. roseonigrescens (Chinese name玫瑰红绒盖牛肝菌), is proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Systematics and Evolution of Forestry Fungi, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 1883 KiB  
Article
The Autophagy-Related Protein ATG8 Orchestrates Asexual Development and AFB1 Biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus
by Qingru Geng, Jixiang Hu, Pingzhi Xu, Tongzheng Sun, Han Qiu, Shan Wang, Fengqin Song, Ling Shen, Yongxin Li, Man Liu, Xue Peng, Jun Tian and Kunlong Yang
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050349 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Autophagy, a conserved cellular recycling process, plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis under stress conditions. It also regulates the development and virulence of numerous filamentous fungi. In this study, we investigated the specific function of ATG8, a reliable autophagic marker, in the [...] Read more.
Autophagy, a conserved cellular recycling process, plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis under stress conditions. It also regulates the development and virulence of numerous filamentous fungi. In this study, we investigated the specific function of ATG8, a reliable autophagic marker, in the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus flavus. To investigate the role of atg8 in A. flavus, the deletion and complemented mutants of atg8 were generated according to the homologous recombination principle. Deletion of atg8 showed a significant decrease in conidiation, spore germination, and sclerotia formation compared to the WT and atg8Cstrains. Additionally, aflatoxin production was found severely impaired in the ∆atg8 mutant. The stress assays demonstrated that ATG8 was important for A. flavus response to oxidative stress. The fluorescence microscopy showed increased levels of reactive oxygen species in the ∆atg8 mutant cells, and the transcriptional result also indicated that genes related to the antioxidant system were significantly reduced in the ∆atg8 mutant. We further found that ATG8 participated in regulating the pathogenicity of A. flavus on crop seeds. These results revealed the biological role of ATG8 in A. flavus, which might provide a potential target for the control of A. flavus and AFB1 biosynthesis. Full article
14 pages, 1347 KiB  
Article
Sequential Induction of Drug Resistance and Characterization of an Initial Candida albicans Drug-Sensitive Isolate
by Setrida El Hachem, Nour Fattouh, Christy Chedraoui, Marc Finianos, Ibrahim Bitar and Roy A. Khalaf
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050347 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Background: The pathogenic fungus Candida albicans is a leading agent of death in immunocompromised individuals with a growing trend of antifungal resistance. Methods: The purpose is to induce resistance to drugs in a sensitive C. albicans strain followed by whole-genome sequencing to determine [...] Read more.
Background: The pathogenic fungus Candida albicans is a leading agent of death in immunocompromised individuals with a growing trend of antifungal resistance. Methods: The purpose is to induce resistance to drugs in a sensitive C. albicans strain followed by whole-genome sequencing to determine mechanisms of resistance. Strains will be assayed for pathogenicity attributes such as ergosterol and chitin content, growth rate, virulence, and biofilm formation. Results: We observed sequential increases in ergosterol and chitin content in fluconazole-resistant isolates by 78% and 44%. Surface thickening prevents the entry of the drug, resulting in resistance. Resistance imposed a fitness trade-off that led to reduced growth rates, biofilm formation, and virulence in our isolates. Sequencing revealed mutations in genes involved in resistance and pathogenicity such as ERG11, CHS3, GSC2, CDR2, CRZ2, and MSH2. We observed an increase in the number of mutations in key genes with a sequential increase in drug-selective pressures as the organism increased its odds of adapting to inhospitable environments. In ALS4, we observed two mutations in the susceptible strain and five mutations in the resistant strain. Conclusion: This is the first study to induce resistance followed by genotypic and phenotypic analysis of isolates to determine mechanisms of drug resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology)
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17 pages, 2990 KiB  
Article
Green Valorization of Waste Plastics to Graphene as an Upcycled Eco-Friendly Material for Advanced Gas Sensing
by Prince Oppong Amoh, Marwa Elkady, Mahmoud Nasr and Hassan Shokry
Recycling 2024, 9(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling9030038 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
 The valorization technique successfully transformed waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into valuable carbon nanomaterial (CN)/graphene, while doped and undoped ZnO nanopowders were synthesized via sol–gel methods. Utilizing XRD, BET, TEM, EDX, FTIR, and TGA analyses, the synthesis of sp2 2D sheet, pristine, and [...] Read more.
 The valorization technique successfully transformed waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into valuable carbon nanomaterial (CN)/graphene, while doped and undoped ZnO nanopowders were synthesized via sol–gel methods. Utilizing XRD, BET, TEM, EDX, FTIR, and TGA analyses, the synthesis of sp2 2D sheet, pristine, and doped ZnO nanostructures was confirmed. Solid-state gas sensor devices, tested under 51% relative humidity (RH), 30 °C ambient temperature, and 0.2 flow rate, exhibited a 3.4% enhanced response to H2 gas compared to CO2 at 50 ppm concentrations over time. Notably, the ZnO/CN sensor surpassed CN and ZnO alone, attributed to CN dopant integration with decreasing order of response performance as ZnO/CN > CN > ZnO. This study underscores the efficacy of valorization techniques in generating high-value carbon nanomaterials and their efficacy in bolstering gas sensor performance, with ZnO/CN demonstrating superior response capabilities. Full article
12 pages, 2474 KiB  
Article
Development of Improved Confined Compression Testing Setups for Use in Stress Relaxation Testing of Viscoelastic Biomaterials
by Anthony El Kommos, Alicia R. Jackson, Fotios Andreopoulos and Francesco Travascio
Gels 2024, 10(5), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10050329 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The development of cell-based biomaterial alternatives holds significant promise in tissue engineering applications, but it requires accurate mechanical assessment. Herein, we present the development of a novel 3D-printed confined compression apparatus, fabricated using clear resin, designed to cater to the unique demands of [...] Read more.
The development of cell-based biomaterial alternatives holds significant promise in tissue engineering applications, but it requires accurate mechanical assessment. Herein, we present the development of a novel 3D-printed confined compression apparatus, fabricated using clear resin, designed to cater to the unique demands of biomaterial developers. Our objective was to enhance the precision of force measurements and improve sample visibility during compression testing. We compared the performance of our innovative 3D-printed confined compression setup to a conventional setup by performing stress relaxation testing on hydrogels with variable degrees of crosslinking. We assessed equilibrium force, aggregate modulus, and peak force. This study demonstrates that our revised setup can capture a larger range of force values while simultaneously improving accuracy. We were able to detect significant differences in force and aggregate modulus measurements of hydrogels with variable degrees of crosslinking using our revised setup, whereas these were indistinguishable with the convectional apparatus. Further, by incorporating a clear resin in the fabrication of the compression chamber, we improved sample visibility, thus enabling real-time monitoring and informed assessment of biomaterial behavior under compressive testing. Full article
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13 pages, 3528 KiB  
Article
Genome Mining of Fungal Unique Trichodiene Synthase-like Sesquiterpene Synthases
by Zhanren Cong, Qiang Yin, Kunhong Tian, Njeru Joe Mukoma, Liming Ouyang, Tom Hsiang, Lixin Zhang, Lan Jiang and Xueting Liu
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050350 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Sesquiterpenoids served as an important source for natural product drug discovery. Although genome mining approaches have revealed numerous novel sesquiterpenoids and biosynthetic enzymes, the comprehensive landscape of fungal sesquiterpene synthases (STSs) remains elusive. In this study, 123 previously reported fungal STSs were subjected [...] Read more.
Sesquiterpenoids served as an important source for natural product drug discovery. Although genome mining approaches have revealed numerous novel sesquiterpenoids and biosynthetic enzymes, the comprehensive landscape of fungal sesquiterpene synthases (STSs) remains elusive. In this study, 123 previously reported fungal STSs were subjected to phylogenetic analysis, resulting in the identification of a fungi-specific STS family known as trichodiene synthase-like sesquiterpene synthases (TDTSs). Subsequently, the application of hidden Markov models allowed the discovery of 517 TDTSs from our in-house fungi genome library of over 400 sequenced genomes, and these TDTSs were defined into 79 families based on a sequence similarity network. Based on the novelty of protein sequences and the completeness of their biosynthetic gene clusters, 23 TDTS genes were selected for heterologous expression in Aspergillus oryzae. In total, 10 TDTSs were active and collectively produced 12 mono- and sesquiterpenes, resulting in the identification of the first chamipinene synthase, as well as the first fungi-derived cedrene, sabinene, and camphene synthases. Additionally, with the guidance of functionally characterized TDTSs, we found that TDTSs in Family 1 could produce bridged-cyclic sesquiterpenes, while those in Family 2 could synthesize spiro- and bridged-cyclic sesquiterpenes. Our research presents a new avenue for the genome mining of fungal sesquiterpenoids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology)
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17 pages, 16504 KiB  
Article
Transcriptome Sequencing and Analysis of Trichoderma polysporum Infection in Avena fatua L. Leaves before and after Infection
by Haixia Zhu and Yushan He
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050346 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Biological control is a scientific management method used in modern agricultural production, and microbially derived biopesticides are one effective method with which to control weeds in agricultural fields. In order to determine the key genes for weed control by Trichoderma polysporum, transcriptome [...] Read more.
Biological control is a scientific management method used in modern agricultural production, and microbially derived biopesticides are one effective method with which to control weeds in agricultural fields. In order to determine the key genes for weed control by Trichoderma polysporum, transcriptome sequencing was carried out by high-throughput sequencing technology, and the strains of T. polysporum HZ-31 infesting Avena fatua L. at 24, 48, and 72 h were used as the experimental group, with 0 h as the control group. A total of 690,713,176 clean reads were obtained, and the sequencing results for each experimental group and the control group (0 h) were analyzed. In total, 3464 differentially expressed genes were found after 24 h of infection with the pathogen, including 1283 down-regulated genes and 2181 up-regulated genes. After 48 h of infection, the number of differentially expressed genes was 3885, of which 2242 were up-regulated and 1643 were down-regulated. The number of differentially expressed genes after 72 h of infection was the highest among all the groups, with 4594 differentially expressed genes, of which 2648 were up-regulated and 1946 were down-regulated. The up-regulated genes were analyzed by GO and KEGG, and the results showed that the up-regulated differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan; the degradation of aromatic compounds; methane metabolism; and other pathways. Among them, the PHA2, GDH, ADH2, and AROF genes were significantly enriched in the above-mentioned pathways, so they were hypothesized to play an important role in the synthesis of the herbicidally active substances of T. polysporum HZ-31. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the pathogenicity of T. polysporum to A. fatua L., and accelerate the development and utilization of new and efficient bioherbicides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Fungal Diseases and Crop Protection)
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15 pages, 1283 KiB  
Article
Bioreactor Expansion Affects Microbial Succession of Mixotrophic Acidophiles and Bioremediation of Cadmium-Contaminated Soils
by Xiaodong Hao, Ping Zhu, Xueduan Liu, Luhua Jiang, Huidan Jiang, Hongwei Liu and Zhiqun Chen
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050362 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Microbial scale-up cultivation is the first step to bioremediating cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils at the industrial scale. However, the changes in the microbial community as the bioreactor volume expands and their associations with soil Cd removal remain unclear. Herein, a six-stage scale-up cultivation process [...] Read more.
Microbial scale-up cultivation is the first step to bioremediating cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils at the industrial scale. However, the changes in the microbial community as the bioreactor volume expands and their associations with soil Cd removal remain unclear. Herein, a six-stage scale-up cultivation process of mixotrophic acidophiles was conducted, scaling from 0.1 L to 10 m3, to remediate Cd-contaminated soils. The findings showed that bioreactor expansion led to a delay in sulfur and glucose oxidations, resulting in a reduced decline in solution pH and cell density. There were minimal differences observed in bacterial alpha-diversity and community structure as the bioreactor volume increased, except for the 10 m3 scale. However, bioreactor expansion decreased fungal alpha-diversity, changed the community structure, and simplified fungal community compositions. At the family level, Acidithiobacillaceae and Debaryomycetaceae dominated the bacterial and fungal communities throughout the scale-up process, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated that the indirect effect of mixotrophic acidophiles played a significant role in soil Cd removal. Bacterial community shifts, driven by changes in bioreactor volume, decreased the pH value through sulfur oxidation, thereby indirectly enhancing Cd removal efficiency. This study will contribute to the potential industrial application of mixotrophic acidophiles in bioremediating Cd-contaminated soils. Full article
19 pages, 7555 KiB  
Article
Ribosomal Dysregulation in Metastatic Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Proteomic Insights and CX-5461’s Therapeutic Promise
by Miao Gao, Ting Liu, Kairui Hu, Songling Chen, Shixin Wang, Di Gan, Zhihan Li and Xiaohuang Lin
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050363 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
One of the main barriers to the successful treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is postoperative progression, primarily due to tumor cell metastasis. To systematically investigate the molecular characteristics and potential mechanisms underlying the metastasis in laryngeal cancer, we carried out a [...] Read more.
One of the main barriers to the successful treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is postoperative progression, primarily due to tumor cell metastasis. To systematically investigate the molecular characteristics and potential mechanisms underlying the metastasis in laryngeal cancer, we carried out a TMT-based proteomic analysis of both cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissues from 10 LSCC patients with lymph node metastasis (LNM) and 10 without. A total of 5545 proteins were quantified across all samples. We identified 57 proteins that were downregulated in LSCC with LNM, which were enriched in cell adhesion pathways, and 69 upregulated proteins predominantly enriched in protein production pathways. Importantly, our data revealed a strong correlation between increased ribosomal activity and the presence of LNM, as 18 ribosomal subunit proteins were found to be upregulated, with RPS10 and RPL24 being the most significantly overexpressed. The potential of ribosomal proteins, including RPS10 and RPL24, as biomarkers for LSCC with LNM was confirmed in external validation samples (six with LNM and six without LNM) using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we have confirmed that the RNA polymerase I inhibitor CX-5461, which impedes ribosome biogenesis in LSCC, also decreases the expression of RPS10, RPL24, and RPS26. In vitro experiments have revealed that CX-5461 moderately reduces cell viability, while it significantly inhibits the invasion and migration of LSCC cells. It can enhance the expression of the epithelial marker CDH1 and suppress the expression of the mesenchymal markers CDH2, VIM, and FN at a dose that does not affect cell viability. Our study broadens the scope of the proteomic data on laryngeal cancer and suggests that ribosome targeting could be a supplementary therapeutic strategy for metastatic LSCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Metabolism and Toxicological Mechanisms)
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15 pages, 1150 KiB  
Article
Transformation and Degradation of PAH Mixture in Contaminated Sites: Clarifying Their Interactions with Native Soil Organisms
by Xiaoyu Li, Shengnan Zhang, Ruixue Guo, Xuejing Xiao, Boying Liu, Rehab Khaled Mahmoud, Mostafa R. Abukhadra, Ruijuan Qu and Zunyao Wang
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050361 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Soil contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially caused by the mixture of two or more PAHs, raised great environmental concerns. However, research on the migration and transformation processes of PAHs in soils and their interactions with native communities is limited. In this [...] Read more.
Soil contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially caused by the mixture of two or more PAHs, raised great environmental concerns. However, research on the migration and transformation processes of PAHs in soils and their interactions with native communities is limited. In this work, soil samples from uncontaminated sites around the industrial parks in Handan, Hengshui, and Shanghai were artificially supplemented with three concentrations of anthracene (Ant), 9-chloroanthracene (9-ClAnt), benzopyrene (BaP), and chrysene (Chr). Ryegrass was planted to investigate the degradation of PAHs and its interaction with native soil organisms in the constructed ryegrass–microbe–soil microcosmic system. The bacterial and fungal communities in soil were affected by PAHs; their species diversity and relative abundance changed after exposure to different concentrations of PAHs, among which Lysobacter, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Massilia bacteria were correlated to the degradation of PAHs. On the 56th day, the contents of BaP, Chr, and Ant decreased with the degradation process, while the degradation of 9-ClAnt was limited. Nineteen intermediates, including hydroxylation and carboxylated compounds, were identified. The present research would help clarify the potential interactions between PAHs and native organisms in contaminated sites, providing fundamental information for evaluating the transformation risks of PAHs in the natural environment. Full article
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