The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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15 pages, 2909 KiB  
Article
Transparent Cellulose/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Hybrids with Improved Ultraviolet-Shielding Properties Prepared from Cotton Textile Waste
by Zhen Xu, Yingying Ma, Xiaohui Yao, Hongxu Wang, Qian Zhang, Qiance Ma, Zhanrui Zhang, Guangmei Xia, Jinming Zhang and Fengshan Zhang
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091269 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Plastics offer many advantages and are widely used in various fields. Nevertheless, most plastics derived from petroleum are slow to degrade due to their stable polymer structure, posing serious threats to organisms and ecosystems. Thus, developing environmentally friendly and biodegradable plastics is imperative. [...] Read more.
Plastics offer many advantages and are widely used in various fields. Nevertheless, most plastics derived from petroleum are slow to degrade due to their stable polymer structure, posing serious threats to organisms and ecosystems. Thus, developing environmentally friendly and biodegradable plastics is imperative. In this study, biodegradable cellulose/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MCNT) hybrid gels and films with improved ultraviolet-shielding properties were successfully prepared using cotton textile waste as a resource. It was proven that MCNTs can be dispersed evenly in cellulose without any chemical or physical pretreatment. It was found that the contents of MCNTs had obvious effects on the structures and properties of hybrid films. Particularly, the averaged transmittance of cellulose/MCNT composite films in the range of 320–400 nm (T320–400) and 290–320 nm (T290–320) can be as low as 19.91% and 16.09%, when the content of MCNTs was 4.0%, much lower than those of pure cellulose films (T320–400: 84.12% and T290–320: 80.03%). Meanwhile, the water contact angles of the cellulose/MCNT films were increased by increasing the content of MCNTs. Most importantly, the mechanical performance of cellulose/MCNT films could be controlled by the additives of glycerol and MCNTs. The tensile strength of the cellulose/MCNT films was able to reach as high as 20.58 MPa, while the elongation at break was about 31.35%. To summarize, transparent cellulose/MCNT composites with enhanced ultraviolet-shielding properties can be manufactured successfully from low-cost cotton textile waste, which is beneficial not only in terms of environmental protection, but also the utilization of natural resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomacromolecules, Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers)
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14 pages, 1705 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Efficacy of OSU-2S in the Treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Screening of Potential Targets of Action
by Mengyuan Han, Xiangran Liu, Sendaer Hailati, Nurbiya Nurahmat, Dilihuma Dilimulati, Alhar Baishan, Alifeiye Aikebaier and Wenting Zhou
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(5), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050582 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: OSU-2S is a derivative of FTY720 and exhibits significant inhibitory effects on various cancer cells. There is currently no research on the mechanism of the impact of OSU-2S on NSCLC development. We analysed and validated the hub genes and pharmacodynamic effects [...] Read more.
(1) Background: OSU-2S is a derivative of FTY720 and exhibits significant inhibitory effects on various cancer cells. There is currently no research on the mechanism of the impact of OSU-2S on NSCLC development. We analysed and validated the hub genes and pharmacodynamic effects of OSU-2S to treat NSCLC. (2) Methods: The hub genes of OSU-2S for the treatment of NSCLC were screened in PharmMapper, genecard, and KM Plotter database by survival and expression analysis. The effect of OSU-2S on hub gene expression was verified by Western blot analysis. The ex vivo and in vivo efficacy of OSU-2S on tumour growth was verified using A549 cells and a xenografted animal model. (3) Results: A total of 7 marker genes for OSU-2S treatment of NSCLC were obtained. AURKA and S1PR1 were screened as hub genes. Significant differences in the expression of AURKA and S1PR1 between normal and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues were found in the GEPIA2 database; Western blot showed that OSU-2S could affect p-AURKA and S1PR1 protein expression. OSU-2S significantly inhibited tumour growth in A549 cells and xenografted animal models. (4) Conclusions: Our study confirms the inhibitory effect of OSU-2S on NSCLC, screens and demonstrates its potential targets AURKA(p-AURKA) and S1PR1, and provides a research basis for treating NSCLC with OSU-2S. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Research in Pharmacological Therapies)
26 pages, 4738 KiB  
Article
Standing Watch: Baselining Predictable Events That Influence Maritime Operations in the Context of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
by Bruce Lambert and James Merten
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3820; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093820 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
The authors present a practical framework for assessing seasonal events that may influence maritime operations, seeking to tie in discussions about climate change adoption to maritime operational assessments. Most maritime-related research tends to focus on a single event, such as a storm, but [...] Read more.
The authors present a practical framework for assessing seasonal events that may influence maritime operations, seeking to tie in discussions about climate change adoption to maritime operational assessments. Most maritime-related research tends to focus on a single event, such as a storm, but maritime systems operate within complex systems that have some predictable patterns. These predictable patterns due to natural events, such as weather and water levels, can influence operations. By contrast, other factors, such as cargo peaks or cultural activities, could also shape maritime systems. The growing focus on adopting human activities to the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals means that system operations should consider their relationship to these broader goals. By integrating data from emergency management databases and weather information sources with other inputs, the authors, in collaboration with various stakeholder groups, created a matrix of regionally specific predictable events that may occur within a region by time of year that can be linked to the Sustainability Development Goals. The matrix was vetted to verify the information, ensuring that all perspectives were considered. The main findings were that a seasonal event matrix was not just a theoretical tool but a practical reference for examining operational patterns in a river for various uses, such as training, operational planning, and emergency response coordination. Full article
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14 pages, 405 KiB  
Article
Impact of Climate Policy Uncertainty, Clean Energy Index, and Carbon Emission Allowance Prices on Bitcoin Returns
by Samet Gürsoy, Bartosz Jóźwik, Mesut Dogan, Feyyaz Zeren and Nazligul Gulcan
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3822; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093822 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
This research aimed to investigate the relationship between climate policy uncertainty (CPU), clean energy (ENERGY), carbon emission allowance prices (CARBON), and Bitcoin returns (BTC) for the period from August 2012 to August 2022. The empirical analysis strategies utilized in this study included the [...] Read more.
This research aimed to investigate the relationship between climate policy uncertainty (CPU), clean energy (ENERGY), carbon emission allowance prices (CARBON), and Bitcoin returns (BTC) for the period from August 2012 to August 2022. The empirical analysis strategies utilized in this study included the Fourier Bootstrap ARDL long-term coefficient estimator, the Fourier Granger Causality, and the Fourier Toda–Yamamoto Causality methods. Following the confirmation of cointegration among the variables, we observed a positive relationship between BTC and CARBON, a positive relationship between BTC and CPU, and a negative relationship between BTC and ENERGY. In terms of causal associations, we identified one-way causality running from CARBON to BTC, BTC to CPU, and BTC to the ENERGY variable. The study underscores the potential benefits and revenue opportunities for investors seeking diversified investment strategies in light of climate change concerns. Furthermore, it suggests actionable strategies for policymakers, such as implementing carbon taxes and educational campaigns, to foster a transition towards clean energy sources within the cryptocurrency mining sector and thereby mitigate environmental impacts. Full article
12 pages, 732 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Wrinkled MoS2 Thin Films Using a Two-Step Method Consisting of Magnetron Sputtering and Sulfurization in a Confined Space
by Claudia Mihai, Iosif-Daniel Simandan, Florinel Sava, Angel-Theodor Buruiana, Amelia Elena Bocirnea, Teddy Tite, Mohamed Yassine Zaki and Alin Velea
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3819; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093819 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Considering the increasing need for sustainable and economical energy storage solutions, the integration of layered materials such as MoS2 into these systems represents an important step toward enhancing energy sustainability and efficiency. Exploring environmentally responsible fabrication techniques, this study assesses wrinkled MoS [...] Read more.
Considering the increasing need for sustainable and economical energy storage solutions, the integration of layered materials such as MoS2 into these systems represents an important step toward enhancing energy sustainability and efficiency. Exploring environmentally responsible fabrication techniques, this study assesses wrinkled MoS2 thin films synthesized from distinct Mo and MoS2 targets, followed by sulfurization conducted in a graphite box. We utilized magnetron sputtering to deposit precursor Mo and MoS2 films on Si substrates, achieving thicknesses below 20 nm. This novel approach decreases sulfur by up to tenfold during sulfurization due to the confined space technique, contributing also to avoiding the formation of toxic gases such as SO2 or the necessity of using H2S, aligning with sustainable materials development. Thinner MoS2 layers were obtained post-sulfurization from the MoS2 precursors, as shown by X-ray reflectometry. Raman spectroscopy and grazing X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed the amorphous nature of the as-deposited films. Post-sulfurization, both types of films exhibited crystalline hexagonal MoS2 phases, with the sulfurized Mo showing a polycrystalline nature with a (100) orientation and sulfurized MoS2 displaying a (00L) preferred orientation. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results supported a Mo:S ratio of 1:2 on the surface of the films obtained using the MoS2 precursor films, confirming the stoichiometry obtained by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images revealed micrometer-sized clusters potentially formed during rapid cooling post-sulfurization, with an increased average roughness. These results open the way for the further exploration of wrinkled MoS2 thin films in advanced energy storage technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Materials)
22 pages, 1983 KiB  
Article
An Efficiency and Coupling Analysis of Chinese Regional Economic and Environmental Sustainability Based on a Super-SBM Model and Coupling Coordination Model
by Nannan Liang and Linlin Zhao
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3818; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093818 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
This study presents a two-stage framework for analyzing the coupling mechanism between regional sustainable economic development and environmental protection subsystems. We propose a modified super-slack-based measure (SBM) model to evaluate efficiency and apply a coupled coordination model to measure the coordinated development levels [...] Read more.
This study presents a two-stage framework for analyzing the coupling mechanism between regional sustainable economic development and environmental protection subsystems. We propose a modified super-slack-based measure (SBM) model to evaluate efficiency and apply a coupled coordination model to measure the coordinated development levels of regional economies and environments. Subsequently, we assess the economic and environmental efficiency and coordination levels of 30 Chinese regions from 2011 to 2019. The findings indicate a strong synchronization between regional economic development and environmental protection, whereby regions with better economic development exhibit superior environmental protection measures. Regional technical inefficiency is primarily attributed to scale inefficiency, although the overall developmental trend is predominantly determined by pure technical advancement. While the synchronization between the economy and environment remains highly robust, over time, the coordination level gradually diminishes, transitioning from a state of well-coordinated and orderly development to dysfunctional and disorderly recession. Noticeable regional disparities in efficiency and coordination levels are apparent among the eastern, western, and central regions, with the central region demonstrating exemplary performance across all aspects. To promote sustainable high-quality coordinated development, regions with limited capacity should prioritize economic construction. Conversely, in other regions, the simultaneous promotion of economic development and environmental protection would be more appropriate to achieve a higher level of coordinated regional development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
18 pages, 659 KiB  
Review
Identifying and Dealing with Interdependencies and Conflicts between Goals in Manufacturing Companies’ Sustainability Measures
by David Koch and Alexander Sauer
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3817; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093817 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable business practices. Internal and external stakeholders’ expectations manifest in legal requirements, national and international standards, and market and customer expectations, among other things, must be considered. In addition to profit maximization, which is the usual target for [...] Read more.
Companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable business practices. Internal and external stakeholders’ expectations manifest in legal requirements, national and international standards, and market and customer expectations, among other things, must be considered. In addition to profit maximization, which is the usual target for corporate management, management must consider environmental sustainability aspects such as resource efficiency, greenhouse gas intensity, and a company’s emissions behavior. In addition, social aspects related to the company’s employees, the immediate urban environment, the situation in the supply chain, and effects on the market environment must increasingly be considered. Specifically, companies are faced with the challenge of dealing with conflicting objectives regarding the various aspects of sustainability and, if necessary, weighing them up against each other. These trade-offs must be made against the company’s socio-economic and ecological environment, corporate strategy, and sustainability goals. This paper provides an overview of current approaches and research gaps on this topic through a literature review. It highlights the lack of methods and frameworks to specifically deal with trade-offs and conflicts between goals. Full article
19 pages, 18119 KiB  
Article
Black Crust from Historic Buildings as a Natural Indicator of Air Pollution: A Case Study of the Lipowiec Castle, Babice, Southern Poland
by Mariola Marszałek, Krzysztof Dudek and Adam Gaweł
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3816; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093816 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
The study is focused on the analysis of black crust and soiling on the building materials of the medieval Lipowiec Castle in southern Poland. The castle was constructed using local, partly dolomitic limestones and dolomites, supplemented with other limestones and bricks, during 20th-century [...] Read more.
The study is focused on the analysis of black crust and soiling on the building materials of the medieval Lipowiec Castle in southern Poland. The castle was constructed using local, partly dolomitic limestones and dolomites, supplemented with other limestones and bricks, during 20th-century renovations of the castle ruins. The crust and soiling components, secondary mineral phases, and particulate matter of anthropogenic origin were analysed using Raman micro-spectroscopy (RS) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS). The crust, mostly composed of gypsum and other sulphate phases, was found to contain carbonaceous matter, spherical Si-Al glass particles, and iron oxides, with admixtures of other elements, including heavy metals, as well as irregularly shaped particles containing various metals. These components reflect the air pollution in the region, related to the combustion of solid fuels in both industrial power plants and local domestic furnaces, Zn-Pb ore mining (operational until 2021), and smelting in the neighbouring industrial centre. Despite its location in a rural area, the castle has been exposed to pollution for an extended period due to its proximity to large industrial centres. Therefore, the crust analysed may serve as an environmental indicator of the nature of the air pollution in the region. Full article
21 pages, 7298 KiB  
Review
Recent Developments on the Effects of Micro- and Nano-Limestone on the Hydration Process, Products, and Kinetics of Cement
by Xin Li and Mingli Cao
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2133; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092133 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Limestone is commonly used in cement concrete due to its unique nature and type. It has physical effects (nucleation effect and dilution effect) and chemical effects on the hydration process of cement. This paper reviews the effects of three representative limestone materials on [...] Read more.
Limestone is commonly used in cement concrete due to its unique nature and type. It has physical effects (nucleation effect and dilution effect) and chemical effects on the hydration process of cement. This paper reviews the effects of three representative limestone materials on the hydration process, hydration products, and hydration kinetics. In the hydration process, the reaction was delayed by limestone powder with a particle size larger than 20 μm and calcium carbonate whiskers due to their dilutive effect. On the other hand, limestone powder with a particle size smaller than 20 m and calcium carbonate nanoparticles facilitated the reaction through nucleation and chemical effects. Limestone has a similar effect on hydration products, promoting the production of C-S-H through nucleation. The mechanism of action for this nucleation effect depends on the differences in crystalline form and particle size of the three types of micro- and nano-calcium. Chemical effects impact the amount of AFt produced, with the generation of new products being the main reaction influenced by the limestone admixture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Cement-Based Composites for Civil Engineering (Volume II))
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28 pages, 1565 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Urban–Rural Integration on Food Security: Evidence from Provincial Panel Data in China
by Xiaofu Chen and Guoxin Yu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3815; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093815 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Food security is pivotal for national sustainable development. This study utilizes panel data from 31 Chinese provinces spanning from 1990 to 2021 to construct distinct indicator systems for urban–rural integration and food security. The entropy method is employed to assess levels of urban–rural [...] Read more.
Food security is pivotal for national sustainable development. This study utilizes panel data from 31 Chinese provinces spanning from 1990 to 2021 to construct distinct indicator systems for urban–rural integration and food security. The entropy method is employed to assess levels of urban–rural integration and food security, with their inter-relationship examined through a fixed-effects model. Additionally, this study conducts rigorous robustness and endogeneity tests, alongside comprehensive heterogeneity analyses across various dimensions and regions. The findings underscore the significant role of urban–rural integration in enhancing food security, particularly within spatial, social, and economic dimensions, albeit encountering challenges in ecological integration. Moreover, the impact of urban–rural integration on food security manifests differently across diverse food-producing regions, exhibiting notable advantages in primary production and distribution hubs while being negligible in balanced regions. These results accentuate the critical necessity for refining urban–rural integration strategies to bolster food security. Consequently, in formulating agricultural regional policies, careful consideration of resource allocation and the developmental stages of each region is imperative to ensure food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
19 pages, 907 KiB  
Article
Behind the Hospital Ward: In-Hospital Mortality of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Indonesia (Analysis of National Health Insurance Claim Sample Data)
by Ede Surya Darmawan, Vetty Yulianty Permanasari, Latin Vania Nisrina, Dian Kusuma, Syarif Rahman Hasibuan and Nisrina Widyasanti
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050581 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
The rising global prevalence of diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, poses significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. This study examined in-hospital mortality among patients diagnosed with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) of ICD-10, or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), in Indonesia, utilizing hospital [...] Read more.
The rising global prevalence of diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, poses significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. This study examined in-hospital mortality among patients diagnosed with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) of ICD-10, or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), in Indonesia, utilizing hospital claims data spanning from 2017 to 2022 obtained from the Indonesia Health Social Security Agency or Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) Kesehatan. The analysis, which included 610,809 hospitalized T2DM patients, revealed an in-hospital mortality rate of 6.6%. Factors contributing to an elevated risk of mortality included advanced age, the presence of comorbidities, and severe complications. Additionally, patients receiving health subsidies and those treated in government hospitals were found to have higher mortality risks. Geographic disparities were observed, highlighting variations in healthcare outcomes across different regions. Notably, the complication of ketoacidosis emerged as the most significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality, with an odds ratio (OR) of 10.86, underscoring the critical need for prompt intervention and thorough management of complications to improve patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Health Care and Diabetes)
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11 pages, 527 KiB  
Article
Diagnosis in Bytes: Comparing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Google and ChatGPT 3.5 as an Educational Support Tool
by Guilherme R. Guimaraes, Ricardo G. Figueiredo, Caroline Santos Silva, Vanessa Arata, Jean Carlos Z. Contreras, Cristiano M. Gomes, Ricardo B. Tiraboschi and José Bessa Junior
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050580 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Adopting advanced digital technologies as diagnostic support tools in healthcare is an unquestionable trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their accuracy in suggesting diagnoses remains controversial and needs to be explored. We aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of [...] Read more.
Background: Adopting advanced digital technologies as diagnostic support tools in healthcare is an unquestionable trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their accuracy in suggesting diagnoses remains controversial and needs to be explored. We aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of two free accessible internet search tools: Google and ChatGPT 3.5. Methods: To assess the effectiveness of both medical platforms, we conducted evaluations using a sample of 60 clinical cases related to urological pathologies. We organized the urological cases into two distinct categories for our analysis: (i) prevalent conditions, which were compiled using the most common symptoms, as outlined by EAU and UpToDate guidelines, and (ii) unusual disorders, identified through case reports published in the ‘Urology Case Reports’ journal from 2022 to 2023. The outcomes were meticulously classified into three categories to determine the accuracy of each platform: “correct diagnosis”, “likely differential diagnosis”, and “incorrect diagnosis”. A group of experts evaluated the responses blindly and randomly. Results: For commonly encountered urological conditions, Google’s accuracy was 53.3%, with an additional 23.3% of its results falling within a plausible range of differential diagnoses, and the remaining outcomes were incorrect. ChatGPT 3.5 outperformed Google with an accuracy of 86.6%, provided a likely differential diagnosis in 13.3% of cases, and made no unsuitable diagnosis. In evaluating unusual disorders, Google failed to deliver any correct diagnoses but proposed a likely differential diagnosis in 20% of cases. ChatGPT 3.5 identified the proper diagnosis in 16.6% of rare cases and offered a reasonable differential diagnosis in half of the cases. Conclusion: ChatGPT 3.5 demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy than Google in both contexts. The platform showed satisfactory accuracy when diagnosing common cases, yet its performance in identifying rare conditions remains limited. Full article
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17 pages, 2082 KiB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Variation in the Exceedance of Enterococci in Lake Burley Griffin: An Analysis of 16 Years’ Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Data
by Ripon Kumar Adhikary, Danswell Starrs, David Wright, Barry Croke, Kathryn Glass and Aparna Lal
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050579 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Recreational waterbodies with high levels of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) pose health risks and are an ongoing challenge for urban-lake managers. Lake Burley Griffin (LBG) in the Australian Capital city of Canberra is a popular site for water-based recreation, but analyses of seasonal [...] Read more.
Recreational waterbodies with high levels of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) pose health risks and are an ongoing challenge for urban-lake managers. Lake Burley Griffin (LBG) in the Australian Capital city of Canberra is a popular site for water-based recreation, but analyses of seasonal and long-term patterns in enterococci that exceed alert levels (>200 CFU per 100 mL, leading to site closures) are lacking. This study analysed enterococci concentrations from seven recreational sites from 2001–2021 to examine spatial and temporal patterns in exceedances during the swimming season (October–April), when exposure is highest. The enterococci concentrations varied significantly across sites and in the summer months. The frequency of the exceedances was higher in the 2009–2015 period than in the 2001–2005 and 2015–2021 periods. The odds of alert-level concentrations were greater in November, December, and February compared to October. The odds of exceedance were higher at the Weston Park East site (swimming beach) and lower at the Ferry Terminal and Weston Park West site compared to the East Basin site. This preliminary examination highlights the need for site-specific assessments of environmental and management-related factors that may impact the public health risks of using the lake, such as inflows, turbidity, and climatic conditions. The insights from this study confirm the need for targeted monitoring efforts during high-risk months and at specific sites. The study also advocates for implementing measures to minimise faecal pollution at its sources. Full article
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12 pages, 1606 KiB  
Article
Contingency Management for Dually Diagnosed Inpatients with Psychosis
by Lise Docx, Marianne Destoop and Geert Dom
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050578 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Contingency management (CM) is an evidence-based treatment method in substance abuse treatment. However, little is known about its efficacy in dually diagnosed patients with psychosis and in inpatient settings. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of CM for [...] Read more.
Contingency management (CM) is an evidence-based treatment method in substance abuse treatment. However, little is known about its efficacy in dually diagnosed patients with psychosis and in inpatient settings. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of CM for dually diagnosed patients with psychosis in an inpatient setting. Furthermore, we investigate the effect of the nature of the reward used (cash vs. prize) on the efficacy of CM. We made use of an 8-week fish-bowl CM intervention by means of a within-subject reversal design with three treatment phases (baseline—intervention—follow-up). Sixty-seven patients were included in this study, of whom thirty-four completed the protocol. The results show no effect of CM on abstinence nor an interaction with clinical or demographic variables. Cash money is as effective as prizes. Future research should further investigate the effect of psychosis and treatment setting on the efficacy of CM, with special attention for Patient Report Experience and Outcome Measures (PREM/PROM). Full article
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25 pages, 2566 KiB  
Review
Use of Statins in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Current Evidence and Perspectives
by Artem Ovchinnikov, Alexandra Potekhina, Tatiana Arefieva, Anastasiia Filatova, Fail Ageev and Evgeny Belyavskiy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4958; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094958 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Systemic inflammation and coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction are essential pathophysiological factors in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that support the use of statins. The pleiotropic properties of statins, such as anti-inflammatory, antihypertrophic, antifibrotic, and antioxidant effects, are generally accepted and [...] Read more.
Systemic inflammation and coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction are essential pathophysiological factors in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that support the use of statins. The pleiotropic properties of statins, such as anti-inflammatory, antihypertrophic, antifibrotic, and antioxidant effects, are generally accepted and may be beneficial in HF, especially in HFpEF. Numerous observational clinical trials have consistently shown a beneficial prognostic effect of statins in patients with HFpEF, while the results of two larger trials in patients with HFrEF have been controversial. Such differences may be related to a more pronounced impact of the pleiotropic properties of statins on the pathophysiology of HFpEF and pro-inflammatory comorbidities (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic kidney disease) that are more common in HFpEF. This review discusses the potential mechanisms of statin action that may be beneficial for patients with HFpEF, as well as clinical trials that have evaluated the statin effects on left ventricular diastolic function and clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapy)
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17 pages, 846 KiB  
Review
SGLT2 Inhibitors in Kidney Diseases—A Narrative Review
by Agata Gajewska, Jakub Wasiak, Natalia Sapeda, Ewelina Młynarska, Jacek Rysz and Beata Franczyk
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4959; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094959 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Some of the most common conditions affecting people are kidney diseases. Among them, we distinguish chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Both entities pose serious health risks, so new drugs are still being sought to treat and prevent them. In recent years, [...] Read more.
Some of the most common conditions affecting people are kidney diseases. Among them, we distinguish chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Both entities pose serious health risks, so new drugs are still being sought to treat and prevent them. In recent years, such a role has begun to be assigned to sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. They increase the amount of glucose excreted in the urine. For this reason, they are currently used as a first-line drug in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Due to their demonstrated cardioprotective effect, they are also used in heart failure treatment. As for the renal effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, they reduce intraglomerular pressure and decrease albuminuria. This results in a slower decline in glomelular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with kidney disease. In addition, these drugs have anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. In the following article, we review the evidence for the effectiveness of this group of drugs in kidney disease and their nephroprotective effect. Further research is still needed, but meta-analyses indicate SGLT2 inhibitors' efficacy in kidney disease, especially the one caused by diabetes. Development of new drugs and clinical trials on specific patient subgroups will further refine their nephroprotective effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Kidney Diseases)
24 pages, 2543 KiB  
Article
Induction of Superior Systemic and Mucosal Protective Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 by Nasal Administration of a VSV–ΔG–Spike Vaccine
by Yfat Yahalom-Ronen, Sharon Melamed, Boaz Politi, Noam Erez, Hadas Tamir, Liat Bar-On, Julia Ryvkin, Dena Leshkowitz, Ofir Israeli, Shay Weiss, Amir Ben-Shmuel, Moria Barlev-Gross, Lilach Cherry Mimran, Hagit Achdout, Nir Paran and Tomer Israely
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050491 (registering DOI) - 01 May 2024
Abstract
The emergence of rapidly spreading variants of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a major challenge to vaccines’ protective efficacy. Intramuscular (IM) vaccine administration induces short-lived immunity but does not prevent infection and transmission. New vaccination strategies are needed to extend [...] Read more.
The emergence of rapidly spreading variants of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a major challenge to vaccines’ protective efficacy. Intramuscular (IM) vaccine administration induces short-lived immunity but does not prevent infection and transmission. New vaccination strategies are needed to extend the longevity of vaccine protection, induce mucosal and systemic immunity and prevent viral transmission. The intranasal (IN) administration of the VSV–ΔG–spike vaccine candidate directly to mucosal surfaces yielded superior mucosal and systemic immunity at lower vaccine doses. Compared to IM vaccination in the K18–hACE2 model, IN vaccination preferentially induced mucosal IgA and T-cells, reduced the viral load at the site of infection, and ameliorated disease-associated brain gene expression. IN vaccination was protective even one year after administration. As most of the world population has been vaccinated by IM injection, we demonstrate the potential of a heterologous IM + IN vaccination regimen to induce mucosal immunity while maintaining systemic immunity. Furthermore, the IM + IN regimen prevented virus transmission in a golden Syrian hamster co-caging model. Taken together, we show that IN vaccination with VSV–ΔG–spike, either as a homologous IN + IN regimen or as a boost following IM vaccination, has a favorable potential over IM vaccination in inducing efficient mucosal immunity, long-term protection and preventing virus transmission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Vaccines, and Immune Responses)
12 pages, 1646 KiB  
Article
Geographical Variations in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer in the United States between 2001 and 2020
by Yazan Abboud, Madison Fraser, Imran Qureshi, Shivani Srivastava, Ibrahim Abboud, Benjamin Richter, Fouad Jaber, Saqr Alsakarneh, Ahmed Al-Khazraji and Kaveh Hajifathalian
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1765; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091765 (registering DOI) - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. As early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) becomes more prevalent in the US, research attention has shifted towards identifying at-risk populations. Previous studies have highlighted the rising rate of early-onset adenocarcinoma [...] Read more.
Background: Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. As early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) becomes more prevalent in the US, research attention has shifted towards identifying at-risk populations. Previous studies have highlighted the rising rate of early-onset adenocarcinoma (ADC) and neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in the US. However, data on geographical variations of EO-CRC are scarce. Hence, our study aims to analyze time trends in EO-CRC incidence rates across various US regions and to assess these trends by sex and histopathological subtypes (ADC and NET). Methods: We analyze data spanning from 2001 to 2020 from the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database, covering nearly 98% of the US population. Using SEER*Stat software version (8.4.2, NCI), we calculated EO-CRC incidence rates among adults aged 20–54 years, adjusting for the age standard 2000 US population. The rates were categorized by sex and US geographical regions into west, midwest, northeast, and south. Time trends, reported as annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC), were generated via Joinpoint Regression software (v.5.0.2, NCI) utilizing the weighted Bayesian Information Criteria “BIC” method to generate the best-fit trends with a two-sided p-value cutoff at 0.05. The rates were also stratified by histopathology into ADC and NET. Results: Between 2001 and 2020, a total of 514,875 individuals were diagnosed with early-onset CRC in the US, with 54.78% being men. Incidence rates and trends varied across geographical regions. In the western region (comprising 106,685 patients, 54.85% men), incidence rates significantly increased in both women (AAPC = 1.37, p < 0.001) and men (AAPC = 1.34, p < 0.001). Similarly, in the midwestern region (with 110,380 patients, 55.46% men), there were significant increases in incidence rates among women (AAPC = 1.06, p < 0.001) and men (AAPC = 1.35, p < 0.001). The northeastern region (with 94,758 patients, 54.53% men) also witnessed significant increases in incidence rates for both women (AAPC = 0.71, p < 0.001) and men (AAPC = 0.84, p < 0.001). In contrast, the southern region (with 203,052 patients, 54.48% men) experienced slower increases in incidence rates among both women and men (AAPC = 0.25, p < 0.05 in women; AAPC = 0.66, p < 0.05 in men). When stratified by histopathology, incidence rates for adenocarcinomas (ADC) increased in all regions, most notably in the west (AAPC = 1.45, p < 0.05), and least in the south (AAPC = 0.46, p < 0.05). Conversely, for neuroendocrine tumors (NET), while incidence rates increased similarly across all regions, the pace was notably faster compared to ADC, particularly in the west (AAPC = 3.26, p < 0.05) and slower in the south (AAPC = 2.24, p < 0.05) Discussion: Our analysis of nationwide US data spanning two decades and encompassing over half a million early-onset CRC patients, representing nearly 98% of the US population, highlights significant temporal variation in incidence rates across various geographical regions. The most substantial increases in incidence rates were observed in the west, while the least pronounced changes were noted in the south, affecting both men and women. These trends persisted across the main CRC histopathological subtypes, with NET exhibiting a notably swifter pace of increase compared with ADC. These findings hold important implications for public health strategies and underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the rising burden of early-onset CRC across different regions in the US. Full article
13 pages, 809 KiB  
Article
Heat-Induced Gelation of Chickpea and Faba Bean Flour Ingredients
by Anna Mengozzi, Emma Chiavaro, Davide Barbanti and Francesca Bot
Gels 2024, 10(5), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10050309 (registering DOI) - 01 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the gelling behavior of faba bean (FB) and chickpea (CP) flour between 10 and 20% (w/w) concentration at pH 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0. Both sources formed at pH 3.0 and 5.0 self-standing gels with 12% ( [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the gelling behavior of faba bean (FB) and chickpea (CP) flour between 10 and 20% (w/w) concentration at pH 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0. Both sources formed at pH 3.0 and 5.0 self-standing gels with 12% (w/w) of flour, while 16% (w/w) of flour was required to obtain a gel at pH 7.0. During gelling between 40 and 70 °C, a sharp increase of the elastic modulus G’ was observed in both flours, mainly due to water absorption and swelling of the starch, one of the major constituents in the ingredients. Increasing the temperature at 95 °C, G’ increased due to the denaturation of globulins and therefore the exposure of their internal part, which allowed more hydrophobic interactions and the formation of the gel. After cooling, both FB and CP gels displayed a solid-like behavior (tan δ ranging between 0.11 and 0.18) with G’ values at pH 3.0 and 5.0 significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those at pH 7.0, due to the lower electrostatic repulsions at pHs far from the isoelectric point. The rheological properties were supported by the water binding capacity values, confirming the better gels’ strength described by rheological analysis. These results will enhance our understanding of the role of legume flours in formulating innovative and sustainable food products as alternatives to animal ones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Food Gels)
23 pages, 8319 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Confined Space Size on the Temperature Distribution Characteristics of Internal Window Plume from Well-Ventilated Compartment Fires
by Qiwei Dong, Yanfeng Li, Junmei Li, Fei Xie, Desheng Xu and Zhihe Su
Fire 2024, 7(5), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050158 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
In this research, the influence of confined space size on the temperature distribution characteristics of internal window plumes from well-ventilated compartment fires was studied. Theoretical analysis was firstly used to establish a mathematical model for the smoke after ejecting from the window in [...] Read more.
In this research, the influence of confined space size on the temperature distribution characteristics of internal window plumes from well-ventilated compartment fires was studied. Theoretical analysis was firstly used to establish a mathematical model for the smoke after ejecting from the window in the space. The study considered fire heat release rate and vertical height as dependent variables. Numerical simulations and experimental methods were carried out to study the temperature variations. A critical distance L2 was obtained. Results show that when the space D between the vertical retaining wall and the building façade is greater than L2, the variation of D has little influence on radial temperature. Once D is less than L2, the radial temperature distribution inside the confined space will tend to be consistent, and the temperature in the confined space sharply increases as D decreases. In addition, a dimensionless model was derived to quantify the relationship between temperature rise and vertical height. The experimental and numerical simulation results were processed, which are in good agreement with the model. The study can provide a framework for managing building safety. Full article
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11 pages, 2756 KiB  
Article
A Mechanical Model for Stress Relaxation of Polylactic Acid/Thermoplastic Polyurethane Blends
by Yi-Sheng Jhao, Hao Ouyang, Chien-Chao Huang, Fuqian Yang and Sanboh Lee
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(5), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8050169 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) is considered a promising biodegradable polymer alternative. Due to its high brittleness, composite materials made by melt blending thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with PLA can enhance the toughness of PLA. To understand the forced aging caused by stress relaxation in polymer [...] Read more.
Polylactic acid (PLA) is considered a promising biodegradable polymer alternative. Due to its high brittleness, composite materials made by melt blending thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with PLA can enhance the toughness of PLA. To understand the forced aging caused by stress relaxation in polymer materials, this study explains the stress relaxation experiments of PLA/TPU blends with different mass ratios under applied strain through mechanical model simulations. The Kelvin representation of the standard linear solid model (SLSM) is used to analyze the stress relaxation data of TPU/PLA blends, successfully explaining that the Young’s moduli (E1 and E2) of springs decrease with increasing temperature and TPU content. The viscosity coefficient of the PLA/TPU blends decreases with increasing temperature, and its reciprocal follows the Arrhenius law. For TPU/PLA blends with increased concentration of TPU, the activation energy for stress relaxation shows a linear decrease, confirmed by the glass transition point measured by DMA, indicating that it does not involve chemical reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Polymer Composites, Volume III)
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19 pages, 8914 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Analysis and Field-Programmable Gate Array Implementation of a 5D Fractional-Order Memristive Hyperchaotic System with Multiple Coexisting Attractors
by Fei Yu, Wuxiong Zhang, Xiaoli Xiao, Wei Yao, Shuo Cai, Jin Zhang, Chunhua Wang and Yi Li
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(5), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8050271 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
On the basis of the chaotic system proposed by Wang et al. in 2023, this paper constructs a 5D fractional-order memristive hyperchaotic system (FOMHS) with multiple coexisting attractors through coupling of magnetic control memristors and dimension expansion. Firstly, the divergence, Kaplan–Yorke dimension, and [...] Read more.
On the basis of the chaotic system proposed by Wang et al. in 2023, this paper constructs a 5D fractional-order memristive hyperchaotic system (FOMHS) with multiple coexisting attractors through coupling of magnetic control memristors and dimension expansion. Firstly, the divergence, Kaplan–Yorke dimension, and equilibrium stability of the chaotic model are studied. Subsequently, we explore the construction of the 5D FOMHS, introducing the definitions of the Caputo differential operator and the Riemann–Liouville integral operator and employing the Adomian resolving approach to decompose the linears, the nonlinears, and the constants of the system. The complex dynamic characteristics of the system are analyzed by phase diagrams, Lyapunov exponent spectra, time-domain diagrams, etc. Finally, the hardware circuit of the proposed 5D FOMHS is performed by FPGA, and its randomness is verified using the NIST tool. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fractional-Order Chaotic and Complex Systems)
15 pages, 653 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of an LC-MS/MS Method for the Determination of Plasma and Red Blood Cell Omega Fatty Acids: A Useful Diagnostic Tool
by Lénárd Farczádi, Minodora Dobreanu, Adina Huțanu and Silvia Imre
Separations 2024, 11(5), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11050140 - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Background: LC-MS is an ever-increasingly used methodology for clinical applications. Due to the superior selectivity and sensitivity, in certain situations, it can offer an advantage or be the only option for diagnostics and biomonitoring applications. Methods: A high selectivity sensitive LC-MS/MS method was [...] Read more.
Background: LC-MS is an ever-increasingly used methodology for clinical applications. Due to the superior selectivity and sensitivity, in certain situations, it can offer an advantage or be the only option for diagnostics and biomonitoring applications. Methods: A high selectivity sensitive LC-MS/MS method was developed for direct quantification of free plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as conjugated membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids, using isocratic reverse phase elution. A quick and simple sample purification method was used in order to ensure high-throughput analysis of biological samples. The method was validated with regard to selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, carryover, and recovery, as well as other relevant parameters. Results and Conclusions: The method was developed and validated with respect to all relevant parameters and was successfully used in a number of clinical diagnostics and biomonitoring applications. The simple sample purification process allowed for an easy learning curve for analysts and other users, while ensuring a low chance of systematic or random errors and thus reliable results usable in a clinical setting. Full article
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