The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
9 pages, 473 KiB  
Article
Assessment of The Factors Related to The Spontaneous Passage of Common Bile Duct Stones
by Bayram İnan, Ahmet Akbay, İbrahim Ethem Güven and Osman Ersoy
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2672; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092672 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Common bile duct (CBD) stones may pass spontaneously without any intervention. Assessment of the predictors of spontaneous passage can contribute to avoiding unnecessary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) implementation. This study aimed to investigate the factors related to spontaneous passage of CBD stones. [...] Read more.
Background: Common bile duct (CBD) stones may pass spontaneously without any intervention. Assessment of the predictors of spontaneous passage can contribute to avoiding unnecessary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) implementation. This study aimed to investigate the factors related to spontaneous passage of CBD stones. Methods: From January 2021 to August 2023, patients with naïve papilla who had undergone biliary ERCP and with CBD stones detected by MRCP before the procedure were analyzed retrospectively. Subjects were divided into two groups on the basis of the presence of stones during the ERCP procedure: the spontaneous passage group and the non-passage group. Groups were compared in terms of demographic, laboratory, and radiological data. Results: A total of 236 patients, including 26 in the spontaneous passage group and 210 in the non-passage group, were involved. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that only stone size was significantly associated with spontaneous passage. From ROC curve analysis, stone size with a cut-off value of 4.3 mm predicted spontaneous passage with 58% sensitivity and 85% specificity. Conclusions: Stones with a size of less than 4.3 mm are more likely to pass spontaneously without endoscopic intervention. Paying attention to the stone diameter before ERCP procedures can contribute to avoiding unnecessary ERCP implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endoscopic Management of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Disease)
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27 pages, 2892 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) Pomace Combined with Golden Linseed (Lini semen) for the Development of Vegetable Crispbreads as Gluten-Free Snacks Rich in Bioactive Compounds
by Julia Niemira and Sabina Galus
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2105; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092105 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
This work aimed to develop gluten-free snacks such as crispbread based on beetroot pomace (Beta vulgaris L.) and golden linseed (Lini semen). Beetroot is attracting more and more consumer attention because of its nutritional and health properties. The use of [...] Read more.
This work aimed to develop gluten-free snacks such as crispbread based on beetroot pomace (Beta vulgaris L.) and golden linseed (Lini semen). Beetroot is attracting more and more consumer attention because of its nutritional and health properties. The use of beet pomace contributes to waste management. Linseed, known as a superfood with many health-promoting properties, was used to produce crispbreads as an alternative to cereals, which are allergens. Beetroot pomace and whole or ground linseed were used in different proportions to produce crispbread snacks. Chemical and physical analyses were performed including water activity, dry matter, betalains, and polyphenols content, as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A sensory evaluation and microstructure observations were also performed. The obtained snacks were characterized by low water activity (0.290–0.395) and a high dry matter content (93.43–97.53%), which ensures their microbiological stability and enables longer storage. Beetroot pomace provided betalains—red (14.59–51.44 mg betanin/100 g d.m.) and yellow dyes (50.02–171.12 mg betanin/100 g d.m.)—while using linseed enriched the product with polyphenols (730–948 mg chlorogenic acid/100 g d.m.). FTIR analysis showed the presence of functional groups such as the following: -OH, -C-O, -COOH, and -NH. The most desired overall consumer acceptability was achieved for snacks containing 50% beetroot pomace and 50% linseed seeds. The obtained results confirmed that beetroot pomace combined with linseed can be used in the production of vegetable crispbread snacks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Dietary Bioactives in Human Health)
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16 pages, 1497 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Profiling of Klebsiella in Surface Waters from Northern Portugal: Understanding Patterns in Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance, and Biofilm Formation
by Sara Araújo, Vanessa Silva, Maria de Lurdes Enes Dapkevicius, José Eduardo Pereira, Ângela Martins, Gilberto Igrejas and Patricia Poeta
Water 2024, 16(9), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091297 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the prevalence of resistance and virulence genes in Klebsiella isolates from surface waters in Northern Portugal, within the broader context of freshwater quality challenges in Southern Europe. The aim of this research is to explain how Klebsiella dynamics, antibiotic resistance, [...] Read more.
This study investigates the prevalence of resistance and virulence genes in Klebsiella isolates from surface waters in Northern Portugal, within the broader context of freshwater quality challenges in Southern Europe. The aim of this research is to explain how Klebsiella dynamics, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation interact in surface waters. Antimicrobial susceptibility was examined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against 11 antibiotics and screening for Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) production using the double-disk synergy. PCR was employed to detect resistance and virulence genes, while biofilm production was assessed using the microplate method. Out of 77 water isolates, 33 Klebsiella (14 Klebsiella spp. and 19 K. pneumoniae strains) were isolated. ESBL production was observed in 36.8% of K. pneumoniae and 28.6% of Klebsiella spp. High resistance rates to blaCTX-U were observed in both. The papC gene was prevalent, signifying potential environmental risks. Biofilm production averaged 81.3% for K. pneumoniae and 86.9% for Klebsiella spp. These findings underscore the intricate interplay between Klebsiella’s dynamics and freshwater quality, with ESBL’s prevalence raising concerns about waterborne dissemination and public health implications. This work supports the need for vigilance of Klebsiella in surface waters in Southern Europe. Full article
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9 pages, 884 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Clinical Differences in Patients with Severe Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures
by Isabella Nardone, Rossella Antonelli, Simona Zaccaria, Sium Wolde Sellasie, Stefania Falcone, Chiara Pecchioli, Laura Giurato and Luigi Uccioli
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2670; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092670 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and osteoporosis are two of the most widespread metabolic diseases in the world. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of DM among patients affected by osteoporosis and fragility fractures, and to search for differences in [...] Read more.
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and osteoporosis are two of the most widespread metabolic diseases in the world. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of DM among patients affected by osteoporosis and fragility fractures, and to search for differences in clinical characteristics. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective, case–controlled study. A total of 589 patients attending CTO Bone Unit between 2 January 2010 and 31 May 2023, due to osteoporosis and fragility fractures, were divided into two groups, according to the diagnosis of DM. The clinical and bone characteristics of patients were compared. Results: Prevalence of DM was 12.7%. Compared to patients without DM, the median age at the time of first fracture was similar: 72 years ± 13.5 interquartile range (IQR) vs. 71 years ± 12 IQR; prevalence of combination of vertebral and hip fractures was higher (p = 0.008), as well as prevalence of males (p = 0.016). Bone mineral density (BMD) at all sites was higher in DM group; trabecular bone score (TBS), instead, was significantly lower (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with fragility fractures and DM more frequently show combination of major fractures with higher BMD levels. In these patients, TBS could be a better indicator of bone health than BMD and, therefore, might be used as a diagnostic tool in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology & Metabolism)
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11 pages, 2474 KiB  
Article
First Report of Fusarium vanettenii Causing Fuarium Root Rot in Fatsia japonica in China
by Xiaoqiao Xu, Tingting Dai and Cuiping Wu
Forests 2024, 15(5), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050805 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Fatsia japonica plays an important role as a commonly used plant in urban landscaping. From 2022 to 2023, a root rot infestation was observed that caused extensive wilting of Fatsia japonica without leaf shedding and eventual death of the plant, severely reducing the [...] Read more.
Fatsia japonica plays an important role as a commonly used plant in urban landscaping. From 2022 to 2023, a root rot infestation was observed that caused extensive wilting of Fatsia japonica without leaf shedding and eventual death of the plant, severely reducing the ornamental qualities of the plant as well as the vigor of its growth. Fusarium species were isolated from the roots of the affected plants, exhibiting abundant and dense yellow mycelial colonies that proliferated radially from the center of the Petri dishes. Morphological examinations revealed the presence of falciform macro- and microconidia consistent with Fusarium, as well as chlamydospores characterized by their thick walls. For further identification, the amplification and sequencing of the ITS, TEF1 alpha, and RPB2 alpha genes were performed. Finally, healthy Fatsia japonica plants were inoculated with a spore suspension of the pathogen, to confirm that the disease symptoms were compatible with naturally occurring infection. Fusarium vanettenii was identified as the causative agent of Fatsia japonica root rot. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of F. vanettenii causing root rot of Fatsia japonica in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)
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22 pages, 46483 KiB  
Article
SWIFT: Simulated Wildfire Images for Fast Training Dataset
by Luiz Fernando, Rafik Ghali and Moulay A. Akhloufi
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(9), 1627; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16091627 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Wildland fires cause economic and ecological damage with devastating consequences, including loss of life. To reduce these risks, numerous fire detection and recognition systems using deep learning techniques have been developed. However, the limited availability of annotated datasets has decelerated the development of [...] Read more.
Wildland fires cause economic and ecological damage with devastating consequences, including loss of life. To reduce these risks, numerous fire detection and recognition systems using deep learning techniques have been developed. However, the limited availability of annotated datasets has decelerated the development of reliable deep learning techniques for detecting and monitoring fires. For such, a novel dataset, namely, SWIFT, is presented in this paper for detecting and recognizing wildland smoke and fires. SWIFT includes a large number of synthetic images and videos of smoke and wildfire with their corresponding annotations, as well as environmental data, including temperature, humidity, wind direction, and speed. It represents various wildland fire scenarios collected from multiple viewpoints, covering forest interior views, views near active fires, ground views, and aerial views. In addition, three deep learning models, namely, BoucaNet, DC-Fire, and CT-Fire, are adopted to recognize forest fires and address their related challenges. These models are trained using the SWIFT dataset and tested using real fire images. BoucaNet performed well in recognizing wildland fires and overcoming challenging limitations, including the complexity of the background, the variation in smoke and wildfire features, and the detection of small wildland fire areas. This shows the potential of sim-to-real deep learning in wildland fires. Full article
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11 pages, 881 KiB  
Article
Understanding How Green Space Naturalness Impacts Public Well-Being: Prospects for Designing Healthier Cities
by Adriano Bressane, Mirela Beatriz Silva, Ana Paula Garcia Goulart and Líliam César de Castro Medeiros
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050585 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Statement of problem: Urbanization has brought significant advancements in human well-being; however, it poses challenges to urban green spaces (UGSs), affecting environmental quality and public health. Research gap: Previous studies have established the importance of UGSs for urban well-being but have [...] Read more.
Statement of problem: Urbanization has brought significant advancements in human well-being; however, it poses challenges to urban green spaces (UGSs), affecting environmental quality and public health. Research gap: Previous studies have established the importance of UGSs for urban well-being but have not sufficiently explored how the naturalness of these spaces—ranging from untouched natural areas to human-designed landscapes—affects mental health outcomes in the context of developing countries, particularly Brazil. Purpose: This study aimed to bridge the research gap by investigating the relationship between the degree of naturalness in UGSs and mental health among residents of Brazilian metropolitan areas. Method: Data were collected through an online survey involving 2136 respondents from various Brazilian urban regions. The study used Welch’s ANOVA and Games–Howell post hoc tests to analyze the impact of UGS naturalness on mental health, considering depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Results and conclusions: The findings revealed that higher degrees of naturalness in UGSs significantly correlate with lower levels of mental distress. These results underscore the necessity of integrating natural elements into urban planning to enhance public health. Practical implications: Urban planners and policymakers are encouraged to prioritize the preservation and creation of naturalistic UGSs in urban environments to improve mental health outcomes. Future directions: Further research should explore the specific attributes of naturalness that most contribute to well-being and examine the scalability of these findings across different cultural and environmental contexts. Full article
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11 pages, 1100 KiB  
Article
Comorbidities and Complications in People Admitted for Leprosy in Spain, 1997–2021
by Blanca Figueres-Pesudo, Héctor Pinargote-Celorio, Isabel Belinchón-Romero and José-Manuel Ramos-Rincón
Life 2024, 14(5), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050586 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
This study aims to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and trends of these admissions in Spain. This retrospective study drew data from the Hospital Discharge Records Database of the Spanish National Health System. We used the diagnostic codes for leprosy from the [...] Read more.
This study aims to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and trends of these admissions in Spain. This retrospective study drew data from the Hospital Discharge Records Database of the Spanish National Health System. We used the diagnostic codes for leprosy from the International Classification of Diseases, ninth and tenth revisions, to retrieve leprosy admissions from 1997 to 2021. There were 1387 hospitalizations for leprosy The number of annual cases decreased gradually, from 341 cases in 1997–2001 to 232 in 2017–2021 (p < 0.001). Patients’ median age increased, from 65 years in 1997–2001 to 76 years in 2017–2021 (p < 0.001), as did the prevalence of some comorbidities, such as hypertension (15% in 1997–2001 to 27.6% in 2017–2021; p < 0.001). The mortality rate (6%) and the frequency of leprosy complications remained stable. After Spain (79.1%), the most common country of origin was Paraguay (4.4%). Admissions decreased significantly in Andalusia, from 42% in 1997–2001 to 10.8% in 2017–2021 (p < 0.001), and in the Canary Islands, from 7.9% in 1997–2001 to 2.6% in 2017–2021 (p = 0.001), whereas they increased in Madrid, from 5.9% in 1997–2001 to 12.1% in 2017–2021 (p = 0.005). Overall, leprosy admissions in Spain have declined, even in the regions with the highest prevalence. Patients admitted for leprosy have become older and sicker. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology)
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19 pages, 3476 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Effect of 9,9′-Norharmane Dimer against Herpes Simplex Viruses
by María Micaela Gonzalez, Maria Guadalupe Vizoso-Pinto, Rosa Erra-Balsells, Thomas Gensch and Franco M. Cabrerizo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4966; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094966 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are highly widespread among humans, producing symptoms ranging from ulcerative lesions to severe diseases such as blindness and life-threatening encephalitis. At present, there are no vaccines available, and some existing antiviral treatments can be ineffective or lead to [...] Read more.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are highly widespread among humans, producing symptoms ranging from ulcerative lesions to severe diseases such as blindness and life-threatening encephalitis. At present, there are no vaccines available, and some existing antiviral treatments can be ineffective or lead to adverse effects. As a result, there is a need for new anti-HSV drugs. In this report, the in vitro anti-HSV effect of 9,9′-norharmane dimer (nHo-dimer), which belongs to the β-carboline (βC) alkaloid family, was evaluated. The dimer exhibited no virucidal properties and did not impede either the attachment or penetration steps of viral particles. The antiviral effect was only exerted under the constant presence of the dimer in the incubation media, and the mechanism of action was found to involve later events of virus infection. Analysis of fluorescence lifetime imaging data showed that the nHo-dimer internalized well into the cells when present in the extracellular incubation medium, with a preferential accumulation into perinuclear organelles including mitochondria. After washing the host cells with fresh medium free of nHo-dimer, the signal decreased, suggesting the partial release of the compound from the cells. This agrees with the observation that the antiviral effect is solely manifested when the alkaloid is consistently present in the incubation media. Full article
15 pages, 4589 KiB  
Article
Domain Feature Decomposition for Efficient Object Detection in Aerial Images
by Ren Jin, Zikai Jia, Xingyu Yin, Yi Niu and Yuhua Qi
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(9), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16091626 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Object detection in UAV aerial images faces domain-adaptive challenges, such as changes in shooting height, viewing angle, and weather. These changes constitute a large number of fine-grained domains that place greater demands on the network’s generalizability. To tackle these challenges, we initially decompose [...] Read more.
Object detection in UAV aerial images faces domain-adaptive challenges, such as changes in shooting height, viewing angle, and weather. These changes constitute a large number of fine-grained domains that place greater demands on the network’s generalizability. To tackle these challenges, we initially decompose image features into domain-invariant and domain-specific features using practical imaging condition parameters. The composite feature can improve domain generalization and single-domain accuracy compared to the conventional fine-grained domain-detection method. Then, to solve the problem of the overfitting of high-frequency imaging condition parameters, we mixed images from different imaging conditions in a balanced sampling manner as input for the training of the detection network. The data-augmentation method improves the robustness of training and reduces the overfitting of high-frequency imaging parameters. The proposed algorithm is compared with state-of-the-art fine-grained domain detectors on the UAVDT and VisDrone datasets. The results show that it achieves an average detection precision improvement of 5.7 and 2.4, respectively. The airborne experiments validate that the algorithm achieves a 20 Hz processing performance for 720P images on an onboard computer with Nvidia Jetson Xavier NX. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning for the Analysis of Multi-/Hyperspectral Images II)
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14 pages, 1593 KiB  
Article
Keap1 Negatively Regulates Transcription of Three Counter-Defense Genes and Susceptibility to Plant Toxin Gossypol in Helicoverpa armigera
by Xingcheng Xie, Qian Wang, Zhongyuan Deng, Shaohua Gu, Gemei Liang and Xianchun Li
Insects 2024, 15(5), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050328 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Expressions of a wide range of cytoprotective counter-defense genes are mainly regulated by the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway in response to oxidative stress from xenobiotics. Gossypol is the major antiherbivore secondary metabolite of cotton, but how the polyphagous pest Helicoverpa armigera copes with this [...] Read more.
Expressions of a wide range of cytoprotective counter-defense genes are mainly regulated by the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway in response to oxidative stress from xenobiotics. Gossypol is the major antiherbivore secondary metabolite of cotton, but how the polyphagous pest Helicoverpa armigera copes with this phytochemical to utilize its favorite host plant cotton remains largely elusive. In this study, we first suppressed the Keap1 gene in newly hatched larvae of cotton bollworm by feeding them the siRNA diet for 4 days. All of the larvae were subsequently fed the artificial diet supplied with gossypol or the control diet for 5 days. We identified that the knockdown of the Keap1 gene significantly decreased larval mortality and significantly increased the percentages of larval survival, reaching the fourth instar, compared with ncsiRNA when exposed to a diet containing gossypol. Three counter-defense genes CYP9A17, CYP4L11 and UGT41B3, which were related to the induction or metabolism of gossypol according to the report before, were all significantly up-regulated after the knockdown of the Keap1 gene. The Antioxidant Response Elements (AREs) were also detected in the promoter regions of the three counter-defense genes above. These data indicate that the suppression of the Keap1 gene activates the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, up-regulates the expressions of counter-defense genes involved in the resistance of oxidative stress and finally contributes to reducing the susceptibility of gossypol. Our results provide more knowledge about the transcriptional regulation mechanisms of counter-defense genes that enable the cotton bollworm to adapt to the diversity of host plants including cotton. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How the Detoxification Genes Increase Insect Resistance)
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14 pages, 3286 KiB  
Article
Structural and Immunological Features of PR-10 Allergens: Focusing on the Major Alder Pollen Allergen Aln g 1
by Daria N. Melnikova, Ekaterina I. Finkina, Andrey E. Potapov, Yulia D. Danilova, Ilia Y. Toropygin, Natalia S. Matveevskaya, Tatiana V. Ovchinnikova and Ivan V. Bogdanov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4965; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094965 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Today, allergies have become a serious problem. PR-10 proteins are clinically relevant allergens that have the ability to bind hydrophobic ligands, which can significantly increase their allergenicity potential. It has been recently shown that not only the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 [...] Read more.
Today, allergies have become a serious problem. PR-10 proteins are clinically relevant allergens that have the ability to bind hydrophobic ligands, which can significantly increase their allergenicity potential. It has been recently shown that not only the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 but also the alder pollen allergen Aln g 1, might act as a true sensitizer of the immune system. The current investigation is aimed at the further study of the allergenic and structural features of Aln g 1. By using qPCR, we showed that Aln g 1 was able to upregulate alarmins in epithelial cells, playing an important role in sensitization. With the use of CD-spectroscopy and ELISA assays with the sera of allergic patients, we demonstrated that Aln g 1 did not completely restore its structure after thermal denaturation, which led to a decrease in its IgE-binding capacity. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we revealed that the replacement of two residues (Asp27 and Leu30) in the structure of Aln g 1 led to a decrease in its ability to bind to both IgE from sera of allergic patients and lipid ligands. The obtained data open a prospect for the development of hypoallergenic variants of the major alder allergen Aln g 1 for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment of Allergic Reactions)
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16 pages, 4686 KiB  
Article
Fully Bio-Based Polymer Composites: Preparation, Characterization, and LCD 3D Printing
by Giovanna Colucci, Francesca Sacchi, Federica Bondioli and Massimo Messori
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091272 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The present work aimed to prepare novel bio-based composites by adding fillers coming from agro-wastes to an acrylate epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) resin, using liquid crystal display (LCD) 3D printing. Different photocurable formulations were prepared by varying the reactive diluents, iso-bornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) [...] Read more.
The present work aimed to prepare novel bio-based composites by adding fillers coming from agro-wastes to an acrylate epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) resin, using liquid crystal display (LCD) 3D printing. Different photocurable formulations were prepared by varying the reactive diluents, iso-bornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) and tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate (THFA). Then, two fillers derived from different industrial wastes, corn (GTF) and wine (WPL-CF) by-products, were added to the AESO-based formulations to develop polymer composites with improved properties. The printability by LCD of the photocurable formulations was widely studied. Bio-based objects with different geometries were realized, showing printing accuracy, layer adhesion, and accurate details. The thermo-mechanical and mechanical properties of the 3D-printed composites were tested by TGA, DMA, and tensile tests. The results revealed that the agro-wastes’ addition led to a remarkable increase in the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and glass transition temperature in the glassy state for the systems containing IBOMA and for flexible structures in the rubbery region for systems containing THFA. AESO-based polymers demonstrated tunable properties, varying from rigid to flexible, in the presence of different diluents and biofillers. This finding paves the way for the use of this kind of composite in applications, such as biomedical for the realization of prostheses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Photopolymerization)
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15 pages, 11848 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Gastrointestinal Digestion of Bovine, Caprine and Ovine Milk Reconstituted from Commercial Whole Milk Powders
by Siqi Li, Aiqian Ye, Jian Cui, Yu Zhang, Lara Ware, Jody C. Miller, Holly Abbotts-Holmes, Nicole C. Roy, Harjinder Singh and Warren McNabb
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091403 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The global dairy market has been increasingly diversified with more dairy product offerings of milk products from different animal species. Meanwhile, milk powders remain the main exported dairy product format due to their ease of transportation. In this work, we studied the structural [...] Read more.
The global dairy market has been increasingly diversified with more dairy product offerings of milk products from different animal species. Meanwhile, milk powders remain the main exported dairy product format due to their ease of transportation. In this work, we studied the structural changes, protein hydrolysis and nutrient delivery during dynamic gastric digestion and small intestinal digestion of cow, goat and sheep milk reconstituted from commercial whole milk powders. The results show that the reconstituted milks digest similarly to processed fresh milk. The digestion behaviors of the three reconstituted ruminant milks are broadly similar (gastric coagulation, kinetics of gastric emptying of protein and fat and the high digestibility in the small intestine) with some differences, which are likely contributed by the processing history of the milk powders. The delivery of individual amino acids to the small intestine differed between the early and late stages of gastric digestion, which were primarily affected by the abundance of amino acids in caseins and whey proteins but also by the difference between milk types associated with their gastric coagulation behaviors. This work showed that powdered milk is similar to fresh processed milk in digestion behavior, and the inherent differences between ruminant milks can be modified by processing treatments. Full article
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20 pages, 14427 KiB  
Article
Virtual Simulation Design and Debugging of Lift-and-Transverse Stereo Garage Based on the Digital Twin
by Ke Zhang and Ziyang Ding
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3896; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093896 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
In the face of the challenges of limited urban space and the continuous increase of vehicles, stereo garages have been widely used as a solution in cities. In order to improve the automation and intelligence level of the stereo garage, this paper applies [...] Read more.
In the face of the challenges of limited urban space and the continuous increase of vehicles, stereo garages have been widely used as a solution in cities. In order to improve the automation and intelligence level of the stereo garage, this paper applies the digital twin technology to the lift-and-transverse stereo garage. A five-dimensional model of a digital twin has been developed based on an actual stereo garage. Combined with S7-PLCSIM Advanced, Botu TIA Portal, and NX MCD to build a virtual simulation platform, realizing the virtual simulation design and debugging of the digital twin-based stereo garage. This approach allows to test and optimize operational processes without relying on physical equipment, reducing labor and field debugging costs, shortening deployment cycles, and significantly reducing development costs. In addition, MCD allows real-time monitoring and control of security risks and failures detected. Finally, the feasibility of the virtual simulation and debugging scheme based on digital twin is verified by comparing the operation data of the virtual model and the actual stereo garage, which provides new ideas for the intelligent development of stereo garage but also can be used as an important reference for the development of equipment in other areas. Full article
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22 pages, 368 KiB  
Review
Techniques for Penile Augmentation Surgery: A Systematic Review of Surgical Outcomes, Complications, and Quality of Life
by Ugo Giovanni Falagario, Federico Piramide, Karl H. Pang, Emil Durukan, Lazaros Tzelves, Anna Ricapito, Loic Baekelandt, Enrico Checcucci, Diego M. Carrion, Carlo Bettocchi and Francesco Esperto
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050758 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The increase in practices related to enhancing penile size can be attributed to the belief that an improved genital appearance contributes to a man’s virility, coupled with an altered self-perception of his body. It is crucial to tailor interventions to meet the genuine [...] Read more.
The increase in practices related to enhancing penile size can be attributed to the belief that an improved genital appearance contributes to a man’s virility, coupled with an altered self-perception of his body. It is crucial to tailor interventions to meet the genuine needs of patients by thoroughly assessing their history, psychological state, and potential surgical benefits, all while considering the associated risks of complications. This systematic review aims to summarize the available evidence on outcomes, complications, and quality of life after penile augmentation surgery, examining both minimally invasive and more radical techniques. A search of the PubMed and Scopus databases, focusing on English-language papers published in the last 15 years, was performed in December 2023. Papers discussing surgery in animal models and case reports were excluded from the present study unless further evaluated in a follow-up case series. The primary outcomes were changes in penile dimensions, specifically in terms of length and girth, as well as the incidence of surgical complications and the impact on quality of life. A total of 1670 articles were retrieved from the search and 46 were included for analysis. Procedures for penile length perceived enhancements include lipoplasty, skin reconstruction plasty, V-Y and Z plasty, flap reconstruction, scrotoplasty, ventral phalloplasty, and suspensory ligament release; techniques for increasing corporal penile length include penile disassembly, total phalloplasty, and sliding elongation. Finally, penile girth enhancement may be performed using soft tissue fillers, grafting procedures, biodegradable scaffolds, and Penuma®. In conclusion, while penile augmentation surgeries offer potential solutions for individuals concerned about genital size, the risks and complexities need to be accounted for. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Surgery)
13 pages, 748 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Icing on Wind Turbines Based on SCADA Data via Temporal Convolutional Network
by Yujie Zhang, Nasser Kehtarnavaz, Mario Rotea and Teja Dasari
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092175 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Icing on the blades of wind turbines during winter seasons causes a reduction in power and revenue losses. The prediction of icing before it occurs has the potential to enable mitigating actions to reduce ice accumulation. This paper presents a framework for the [...] Read more.
Icing on the blades of wind turbines during winter seasons causes a reduction in power and revenue losses. The prediction of icing before it occurs has the potential to enable mitigating actions to reduce ice accumulation. This paper presents a framework for the prediction of icing on wind turbines based on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) data without requiring the installation of any additional icing sensors on the turbines. A Temporal Convolutional Network is considered as the model to predict icing from the SCADA data time series. All aspects of the icing prediction framework are described, including the necessary data preprocessing, the labeling of SCADA data for icing conditions, the selection of informative icing features or variables in SCADA data, and the design of a Temporal Convolutional Network as the prediction model. Two performance metrics to evaluate the prediction outcome are presented. Using SCADA data from an actual wind turbine, the model achieves an average prediction accuracy of 77.6% for future times of up to 48 h. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Wind Energy Technology)
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14 pages, 5060 KiB  
Article
Heat-Annealed Zinc Oxide on Flexible Carbon Nanotube Paper and Exposed to Gradient Light to Enhance Its Photoelectric Response
by Jih-Hsin Liu and Pi-Yu Shen
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090792 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Buckypaper (BP), a flexible and porous material, exhibits photovoltaic properties when exposed to light. In this study, we employed radio frequency (RF) sputtering of zinc oxide (ZnO) followed by rapid thermal annealing to enhance the photovoltaic response of BP. We investigated the impact [...] Read more.
Buckypaper (BP), a flexible and porous material, exhibits photovoltaic properties when exposed to light. In this study, we employed radio frequency (RF) sputtering of zinc oxide (ZnO) followed by rapid thermal annealing to enhance the photovoltaic response of BP. We investigated the impact of various sputtering parameters, such as the gas flow ratio of argon to oxygen and deposition time, on the morphology, composition, resistivity, and photovoltaic characteristics of ZnO-modified BP. Additionally, the photovoltaic performance of the samples under different illumination modes and wavelengths was compared. It was found that optimal sputtering conditions—argon to oxygen flow ratio of 1:2, deposition time of 20 min, and power of 100 watts—resulted in a ZnO film thickness of approximately 45 nanometers. After annealing at 400 °C for 10 min, the ZnO-modified BP demonstrated a significant increase in photocurrent and photovoltage, along with a reduction in resistivity, compared to unmodified BP. Moreover, under gradient illumination, the ZnO-modified BP exhibited a photovoltage enhancement of 14.70-fold and a photocurrent increase of 13.86-fold, compared to uniform illumination. Under blue light, it showed a higher photovoltaic response than under other colors. The enhancement in photovoltaic response is attributed to the formation of a Schottky junction between ZnO and BP, an increased carrier concentration gradient, and an expanded light absorption spectrum. Our results validate that ZnO sputtering followed by annealing is an effective method for modifying BP for photovoltaic applications such as solar cells and photodetectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Growth, Characterization and Applications of Nanotubes: Volume II)
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11 pages, 1583 KiB  
Article
Objective Measurements of Nasal Obstruction and Eustachian Tube Function in Pregnant Women
by Alicja Grajczyk, Krystyna Sobczyk, Justyna Zarzecka, Ewa Barcz and Karolina Dżaman
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2671; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092671 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Hormonal changes during pregnancy have a substantial effect on the swelling of the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity, resulting in rhinitis and Eustachian tube dysfunction. The aim of the study was to assess subjective and objective changes in nasal cavity [...] Read more.
Background: Hormonal changes during pregnancy have a substantial effect on the swelling of the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity, resulting in rhinitis and Eustachian tube dysfunction. The aim of the study was to assess subjective and objective changes in nasal cavity and Eustachian tube patency in the third trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The study group included fifty 18–41 year-old women in the third trimester of pregnancy. The control group consisted of 25 females aged 25 to 31 who were not pregnant. The Eustachian tube and nasal cavity patency examination was carried out using a rhinomanometer, a tympanometer and a SNOT-22 Questionnaire. Results: The SNOT-22 showed that subjective nasal obstruction was assessed as strong or worse by 42% of the study group, which was significantly higher than in the control group and confirmed with rhinomanometry. A total of 68% of the study group reported a subjective ear fullness which correlated with the week of pregnancy. The tympanometry showed that all pregnant women exhibited a type A tympanogram, but tympanometry values decreased at higher weeks of pregnancy, and statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference between the study group and the control group in tympanometry for both ears. Conclusions: The results highlight the substantial impact on both subjective and objective measurements of nasal and Eustachian tube patency. Almost every woman in the third trimester of pregnancy experiences nasal obstruction, and nearly 70% struggle with ear fullness. Recognizing and addressing these challenges are pivotal for ensuring the well-being of pregnant individuals and enhancing the quality of antenatal care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
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17 pages, 3971 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Performance Analysis of Hydrolyzed versus Non-Hydrolyzed Poly(NVF-co-HEA) Hydrogels for Cosmetic Applications
by Maytinee Yooyod, Thanyaporn Pinthong, Sararat Mahasaranon, Jarupa Viyoch, Sukunya Ross and Gareth M. Ross
Gels 2024, 10(5), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10050311 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
This study explores the synthesis and modification of poly(N-vinylformamide-co-N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (poly(NVF-co-HEA)) hydrogels for cosmetic applications. Poly(NVF-co-HEA) hydrogels were produced followed by an acid hydrolysis reaction to produce poly(NVF-co-VAm-co-HEA) hydrogels, introducing poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) into the structure. This modification considerably alters the hydrogels’ properties, [...] Read more.
This study explores the synthesis and modification of poly(N-vinylformamide-co-N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (poly(NVF-co-HEA)) hydrogels for cosmetic applications. Poly(NVF-co-HEA) hydrogels were produced followed by an acid hydrolysis reaction to produce poly(NVF-co-VAm-co-HEA) hydrogels, introducing poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) into the structure. This modification considerably alters the hydrogels’ properties, yielding materials with over 96% water content, predominantly in the form of non-freezing or free water, which is beneficial in the uptake and release of hydrophilic species. The primary amine groups from inclusion of VAm also improved the mechanical properties, as evidenced by an 8-fold increase in Young’s modulus. The hydrogels also possessed pH-responsive behavior, which was particularly noticeable under acidic and basic conditions, where a large decrease in water content was observed (40% to 75% reduction). Characterizing the hydrogels’ release capabilities involved using organic dyes of different functional groups and sizes to examine the pH impact on release. The results indicated that hydrolyzed hydrogels interacted more effectively with charged species, highlighting their suitability for pH-responsive delivery. The release of cosmetic active ingredients was also demonstrated through the controlled release of Liquid Azelaic™, specifically potassium azeloyl diglycinate (PAD). Our findings reveal that the hydrolyzed hydrogels exhibit superior burst release, especially under alkaline conditions, suggesting their suitability for cosmetic applications where controlled, pH-responsive delivery of active ingredients is desired. Overall, this investigation highlights the potential of hydrolyzed poly(NVF-co-HEA) hydrogels in cosmetic applications. Their ability to combine high water content with mechanical integrity, along with their pH-responsive release ability, allows for use in cosmetic formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gel Analysis and Characterization)
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32 pages, 8970 KiB  
Review
Defects and Defect Passivation in Perovskite Solar Cells
by Zhanwei Wang, Hongli Gao, Dandan Wu, Junhua Meng, Jinxiang Deng and Min Cui
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092104 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells have made significant strides in recent years. However, there are still challenges in terms of photoelectric conversion efficiency and long-term stability associated with perovskite solar cells. The presence of defects in perovskite materials is one of the important influencing factors [...] Read more.
Perovskite solar cells have made significant strides in recent years. However, there are still challenges in terms of photoelectric conversion efficiency and long-term stability associated with perovskite solar cells. The presence of defects in perovskite materials is one of the important influencing factors leading to subpar film quality. Adopting additives to passivate defects within perovskite materials is an effective approach. Therefore, we first discuss the types of defects that occur in perovskite materials and the mechanisms of their effect on performance. Then, several types of additives used in perovskite solar cells are discussed, including ionic compounds, organic molecules, polymers, etc. This review provides guidance for the future development of more sustainable and effective additives to improve the performance of solar cells. Full article
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12 pages, 369 KiB  
Article
Asymptotic Behavior of Some Differential Inequalities with Mixed Delays and Their Applications
by Axiu Shu, Xiaoliang Li and Bo Du
Axioms 2024, 13(5), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13050302 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, we focus on the asymptotic stability of the trajectories governed by the differential inequalities with mixed delays using the fixed-point theorem. It is interesting that the Halanay inequality is a special case of the differential inequality studied in this paper. [...] Read more.
In this paper, we focus on the asymptotic stability of the trajectories governed by the differential inequalities with mixed delays using the fixed-point theorem. It is interesting that the Halanay inequality is a special case of the differential inequality studied in this paper. Our results generalize and improve the existing results on Halanay inequality. Finally, three numerical examples are utilized to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Fixed Point Theory and Application)
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14 pages, 2707 KiB  
Article
Ternary Polymer Solar Cells: Impact of Non-Fullerene Acceptors on Optical and Morphological Properties
by Quentin Eynaud, Tomoyuki Koganezawa, Hidehiro Sekimoto, Mohamed el Amine Kramdi, Gilles Quéléver, Olivier Margeat, Jörg Ackermann, Noriyuki Yoshimoto and Christine Videlot-Ackermann
Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1752; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091752 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Ternary organic solar cells contain a single three-component photoactive layer with a wide absorption window, achieved without the need for multiple stacking. However, adding a third component into a well-known binary blend can influence the energetics, optical window, charge carrier transport, crystalline order [...] Read more.
Ternary organic solar cells contain a single three-component photoactive layer with a wide absorption window, achieved without the need for multiple stacking. However, adding a third component into a well-known binary blend can influence the energetics, optical window, charge carrier transport, crystalline order and conversion efficiency. In the form of binary blends, the low-bandgap regioregular polymer donor poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl), known as P3HT, is combined with the acceptor PC61BM, an inexpensive fullerene derivative. Two different non-fullerene acceptors (ITIC and eh-IDTBR) are added to this binary blend to form ternary blends. A systematic comparison between binary and ternary systems was carried out as a function of the thermal annealing temperature of organic layers (100 °C and 140 °C). The power conversion efficiency (PCE) is improved due to increased fill factor (FF) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) for thermal-annealed ternary blends at 140 °C. The transport properties of electrons and holes were investigated in binary and ternary blends following a Space-Charge-Limited Current (SCLC) protocol. A favorable balanced hole–electron mobility is obtained through the incorporation of either ITIC or eh-IDTBR. The charge transport behavior is correlated with the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) morphology deduced from atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact water angle (CWA) measurement and 2D grazing-incidence X-ray diffractometry (2D-GIXRD). Full article
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