The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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22 pages, 1643 KiB  
Systematic Review
Precision and Accuracy Limits of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology—Lessons Learned from SARS-CoV-2: A Scoping Review
by Juris Laicans, Brigita Dejus, Sandis Dejus and Talis Juhna
Water 2024, 16(9), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091220 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has become crucial for early microbial outbreak detection and public health surveillance globally, underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite advancements in sampling and analyses, interpreting results and estimating infection rates pose challenges. Enhancements in sewer system engineering, understanding [...] Read more.
Background: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has become crucial for early microbial outbreak detection and public health surveillance globally, underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite advancements in sampling and analyses, interpreting results and estimating infection rates pose challenges. Enhancements in sewer system engineering, understanding the wastewater environment, and addressing the impact of the environment on the accuracy of results are needed. Objective: This scoping review aims to identify engineering knowledge gaps in WBE to guide future study designs. Design: Research on “wastewater-based epidemiology” involving “engineering”, published between 2015 and 2023, was extracted from the Scopus database. Results: This scoping review examines elements influencing WBE’s precision and reliability, especially in identifying and measuring SARS-CoV-2 RNA. It identifies significant effects of engineering, analytical practices, and the wastewater’s composition on WBE performance. Conclusions: This review calls for further investigation into economical evaluation methods of these factors to enhance WBE data normalization and interpretation, utilizing existing wastewater treatment plant data used for treatment control, which could be a cost-effective approach over more expensive population biomarkers. This approach, aside from SARS-CoV-2, holds potential for application to a broader number and types of diseases, as well as population consumption habits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) Research)
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15 pages, 714 KiB  
Article
Successful Aging of Korean Older Adults Engaging in Sports Regularly: Health Beliefs, Exercise Adherence Intention, and Health Promotion Behavior
by Song-Eun Kim, Jun-Su Bae, Eun-Chul Seo, Wi-Young So and Young-Kyun Sim
Healthcare 2024, 12(9), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090890 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The population of older adults is increasing more rapidly in Korea than in any other country, making successful aging a salient need in Korean society. For successful aging, older adults must engage in sports activities regularly. This study determined the relationships among health [...] Read more.
The population of older adults is increasing more rapidly in Korea than in any other country, making successful aging a salient need in Korean society. For successful aging, older adults must engage in sports activities regularly. This study determined the relationships among health beliefs, exercise adherence intention, health promotion behavior, and successful aging among older adults who engage in sports activities regularly. The participants were 287 adults aged 65 years or older who live in Korea and exercise regularly. Data were collected through a survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. The integrated model lacked explanatory power in terms of goodness of fit, but the alternative model had sufficient explanatory power. The alternative model showed that health beliefs, exercise adherence intention, and health promotion behavior are significantly related and that health promotion behavior positively predicts successful aging. It also showed that health beliefs affect successful aging through the mediation of exercise adherence intention and health promotion behavior. This study is meaningful because it verifies the structural and theoretical relationships among health beliefs, exercise adherence intention, health promotion behavior, and successful aging. As a result, it provides information that can improve the welfare of older adults in Korean society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among Older Adults)
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15 pages, 1011 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Characteristics of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Overlap Syndrome
by Michail Fanaridis, Izolde Bouloukaki, Georgios Stathakis, Paschalis Steiropoulos, Nikos Tzanakis, Violeta Moniaki, Eleni Mavroudi, Ioanna Tsiligianni and Sophia Schiza
Life 2024, 14(5), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050547 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Overlap syndrome (OVS) is a distinct clinical entity that seems to result in potential cardiovascular consequences. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for OVS in OSA patients and analyze clinical and PSG characteristics associated with OVS. In this cross-sectional study, [...] Read more.
Overlap syndrome (OVS) is a distinct clinical entity that seems to result in potential cardiovascular consequences. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for OVS in OSA patients and analyze clinical and PSG characteristics associated with OVS. In this cross-sectional study, 2616 patients evaluated for OSA underwent type-1 polysomnography (PSG). They were grouped as pure OSA (AHI > 15/h) and OVS patients. Demographics, PSG data, pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gases (ABGs) were compared between groups after adjustments for confounders. OSA was diagnosed in 2108 out of 2616 patients. Of those, 398 (19%) had OVS. Independent predictors of OVS were older age [OR: 5.386 (4.153–6.987)], current/former smoking [OR: 11.577 (7.232–18.532)], BMI [OR: 2.901 (2.082–4.044)] and ABG measurements [PaCO2 ≥ 45 OR: 4.648 (3.078–7.019), PO2 [OR: 0.934 (0.920–0.949)], HCO3 [OR: 1.196 (1.133–1.263), all p < 0.001]. OVS was also associated with prevalent hypertension [OR: 1.345 (1.030–1.758), p = 0.03] and cardiovascular disease [OR: 1.617 (1.229–2.126), p < 0.001], depressive symptoms [OR: 1.741 (1.230–2.465), p = 0.002] and nocturia [OR: 1.944 (1.378–2.742), p < 0.001], as well as with indices of OSA severity. Disturbances in sleep architecture were more prominent in OVS expressed by lower %N3 and REM% and higher arousal index. Our data suggest that OVS is prevalent among OSA patients, with distinct clinical and PSG characteristics. These characteristics could be utilized as predictive factors for early identification and further evaluation of these patients towards desirable patient-reported outcomes. Full article
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20 pages, 8226 KiB  
Article
Combining Crop and Water Decisions to Manage Groundwater Overdraft over Decadal and Longer Timescales
by Yiqing Yao, Jay R. Lund and Josué Medellín-Azuara
Water 2024, 16(9), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091223 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Coordinating management of groundwater, surface water, and irrigated crops is fundamental economically for many arid and semi-arid regions. This paper examines conjunctive water management for agriculture using hydro-economic optimization modeling. The analysis is integrated across two timescales: a two-stage stochastic decadal model for [...] Read more.
Coordinating management of groundwater, surface water, and irrigated crops is fundamental economically for many arid and semi-arid regions. This paper examines conjunctive water management for agriculture using hydro-economic optimization modeling. The analysis is integrated across two timescales: a two-stage stochastic decadal model for managing annual and perennial crops spanning dry and wet years and a far-horizon dynamic program embedding the decadal model into a longer groundwater policy setting. The modeling loosely represents California’s San Joaquin Valley and has insights for many irrigated arid and semi-arid regions relying on groundwater with variable annual hydrology. Results show how conjunctive water management can stabilize crop decisions and improve agricultural profitability across different water years by pumping more in dry years and increasing recharging groundwater in wetter years. Using groundwater as a buffer for droughts allows growing more higher-value perennial crops, which maximizes profit even with water-scarce conditions. Nevertheless, ending overdraft in basins with declining groundwater for profit-maximizing farming reduces annual crops to maintain more profitable perennial crops through droughts. Results are affected by economic discount rates and future climates. Operating and opportunity costs from forgone annual crops can reduce aquifer recharge early in regulatory periods. Full article
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16 pages, 6937 KiB  
Article
Benefits of Puerarin on Metabolic Syndrome and Its Associated Cardiovascular Diseases in Rats Fed a High-Fat/High-Sucrose Diet
by Yu Mu, Yalin Yang, Shuang Jiang, Chilu Liu, Yanxing Han, Jiandong Jiang and Yuhong Wang
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091273 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) that has become a global public health problem. Puerarin (PUE), the principal active compound of Pueraria lobata, has the effects of regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and protecting against cardiovascular [...] Read more.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) that has become a global public health problem. Puerarin (PUE), the principal active compound of Pueraria lobata, has the effects of regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and protecting against cardiovascular damage. This study aimed to investigate whether dietary supplementation with PUE could ameliorate MetS and its associated cardiovascular damage. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: the normal diet group (NC), the high-fat/high-sucrose diet group (HFHS), and the HFHS plus PUE diet group (HFHS-PUE). The results showed that PUE-supplemented rats exhibited enhanced glucose tolerance, improved lipid parameters, and reduced blood pressure compared to those on the HFHS diet alone. Additionally, PUE reversed the HFHS-induced elevations in the atherogenic index (AI) and the activities of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). Ultrasonic evaluations indicated that PUE significantly ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Histopathological assessments further confirmed that PUE significantly mitigated cardiac remodeling, arterial remodeling, and neuronal damage in the brain. Moreover, PUE lowered systemic inflammatory indices including C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PUE effectively moderated metabolic disorders, attenuated systemic inflammation, and minimized cardiovascular damage in rats with MetS induced by an HFHS diet. These results provide novel insights into the potential benefits of dietary PUE supplementation for the prevention and management of MetS and its related CVDs. Full article
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22 pages, 1376 KiB  
Review
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Male Infertility: Established Methodologies and Future Perspectives
by Filomena Mottola, Ilaria Palmieri, Maria Carannante, Angela Barretta, Shubhadeep Roychoudhury and Lucia Rocco
Genes 2024, 15(5), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050539 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Male fertility can be affected by oxidative stress (OS), which occurs when an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to neutralize them arises. OS can damage cells and influence sperm production. High levels of lipid peroxidation [...] Read more.
Male fertility can be affected by oxidative stress (OS), which occurs when an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to neutralize them arises. OS can damage cells and influence sperm production. High levels of lipid peroxidation have been linked to reduced sperm motility and decreased fertilization ability. This literature review discusses the most commonly used biomarkers to measure sperm damage caused by ROS, such as the high level of OS in seminal plasma as an indicator of imbalance in antioxidant activity. The investigated biomarkers include 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine acid (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA damage caused by ROS, and F2 isoprostanoids (8-isoprostanes) produced by lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, this review focuses on recent methodologies including the NGS polymorphisms and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, as well as the epigenetic mechanisms linked to ROS during spermatogenesis along with new methodologies developed to evaluate OS biomarkers. Finally, this review addresses a valuable insight into the mechanisms of male infertility provided by these advances and how they have led to new treatment possibilities. Overall, the use of biomarkers to evaluate OS in male infertility has supplied innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, enhancing our understanding of male infertility mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cytogenomics)
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15 pages, 2654 KiB  
Article
Protective Effects of Long-Term Escitalopram Administration on Memory and Hippocampal BDNF and BCL-2 Gene Expressions in Rats Exposed to Predictable and Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress
by Vajihe Saedi Marghmaleki, Maryam Radahmadi, Hojjatallah Alaei and Hossein Khanahmad
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(5), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14050420 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Stress and escitalopram (an anti-stress medication) can affect brain functions and related gene expression. This study investigated the protective effects of long-term escitalopram administration on memory, as well as on hippocampal BDNF and BCL-2 gene expressions in rats exposed to predictable and unpredictable [...] Read more.
Stress and escitalopram (an anti-stress medication) can affect brain functions and related gene expression. This study investigated the protective effects of long-term escitalopram administration on memory, as well as on hippocampal BDNF and BCL-2 gene expressions in rats exposed to predictable and unpredictable chronic mild stress (PCMS and UCMS, respectively). Male rats were randomly assigned to different groups: control (Co), sham (Sh), predictable and unpredictable stress (PSt and USt, respectively; 2 h/day for 21 consecutive days), escitalopram (Esc; 10 mg/kg for 21 days), and predictable and unpredictable stress with escitalopram (PSt-Esc and USt-Esc, respectively). The passive avoidance test was used to assess behavioral variables. The expressions of the BDNF and BCL-2 genes were assessed using real-time quantitative PCR. Latency significantly decreased in the PSt and USt groups. Additionally, latency showed significant improvement in the PSt-Esc group compared to the PSt group. The expression of the BDNF gene significantly decreased only in the USt group. BDNF gene expression significantly increased in the PSt-Esc and USt-Esc groups compared to their respective stress-related groups, whereas the expression of the BCL-2 gene did not change significantly in both PSt-Esc and USt-Esc groups. PCMS and UCMS had devastating effects on memory. Escitalopram improved memory only under PCMS conditions. PCMS and UCMS exhibited fundamental differences in hippocampal BDNF and BCL-2 gene expressions. Furthermore, escitalopram increased hippocampal BDNF gene expression in the PCMS and UCMS subjects. Hence, neurogenesis occurred more significantly than anti-apoptosis under both PCMS and UCMS conditions with escitalopram. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Models of Neurological Disorders)
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21 pages, 7128 KiB  
Article
Mineral Mimetic Material Sr-Exchanged Sitinakite of Different Crystallinity: Phase Transformations during Heat Treatment and the Strength of SR Fixation in a Ceramic Matrix
by Igor A. Perovskiy, Dmitry A. Shushkov, Alexey V. Ponaryadov, Galina O. Kalashnikova, Ayya V. Bazai, Vladimir N. Bocharov and Taras L. Panikorovskii
Materials 2024, 17(9), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17091991 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
A simple method for the direct transformation of Sr-exchanged titanosilicate with the sitinakite structure (IONSIV) into ceramic material through cold pressing and subsequent sintering at 1100 °C for 4 h is presented. The temperature transformation of Sr-exchanged sitinakite showed the stages of recrystallization [...] Read more.
A simple method for the direct transformation of Sr-exchanged titanosilicate with the sitinakite structure (IONSIV) into ceramic material through cold pressing and subsequent sintering at 1100 °C for 4 h is presented. The temperature transformation of Sr-exchanged sitinakite showed the stages of recrystallization of the material with the formation of Sr-Ti phases matsubaraite (Sr4Ti5[Si2O7]2O8), jeppeite (SrTi6O13), tausonite (SrTiO3), and rutile. Leaching experiments showed the efficiency of fixation of Sr cations in a ceramic matrix; extraction into water does not exceed 0.01% and desorption in 1 M HNO3 solution is only 0.19% within three days. The leaching rates of immobilized Sr demonstrate the structural integrity of the formed phases in the ceramic (2.8 × 10−5–1.0 × 10−5 g/(m2·day). The decrease in the crystallinity of the initial Na-sitinakite, which is achieved by reducing the synthesis temperature from 250 to 210 °C, does not affect the sorption capacity and the fixation of cations in the ceramic matrix. The obtained results confirm the prospect of using inexpensive precursors, titanium ore enrichment waste, for the synthesis of sorption materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Porous Materials)
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22 pages, 7113 KiB  
Article
The Formation of 2D Holograms of a Noise Source and Bearing Estimation by a Vector Scalar Receiver in the High-Frequency Band
by Sergey Pereselkov, Venedikt Kuz’kin, Matthias Ehrhardt, Yurii Matvienko, Sergey Tkachenko and Pavel Rybyanets
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050704 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The holographic signal-processing method for a single vector scalar receiver (VSR) in the high-frequency band in shallow water is developed in the paper. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the theoretical analysis, numerical modeling, and experimental verification of [...] Read more.
The holographic signal-processing method for a single vector scalar receiver (VSR) in the high-frequency band in shallow water is developed in the paper. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the theoretical analysis, numerical modeling, and experimental verification of holographic signal processing for a noise source by the VSR. The developed method is based on the formation of the 2D interferogram and 2D hologram of a noise source in a shallow-water waveguide. The 2D interferograms and 2D holograms for different channels of the VSR (P sound pressure and VX and VY vibration velocity components) are considered. It is shown that the 2D interferogram consists of parallel interference fingers in the presence of a moving noise source. As a result, the 2D hologram contains focal points located on a straight line, and the angular distribution of the holograms has the main extreme value. It is shown in the paper that the holographic signal-processing method allows detecting the source, estimating the source bearing, and filtering the useful signal from the noise. The results of the source detection, source bearing estimation, and noise filtering are presented within the framework of experimental data processing and numerical modeling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underwater Acoustics and Digital Signal Processing)
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22 pages, 1881 KiB  
Review
Cytokine Profile in Predicting the Effectiveness of Advanced Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis: A Narrative Review
by Hiroki Kurumi, Yoshihiro Yokoyama, Takehiro Hirano, Kotaro Akita, Yuki Hayashi, Tomoe Kazama, Hajime Isomoto and Hiroshi Nakase
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12050952 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cytokine-targeted therapies have shown efficacy in treating patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), but responses to these advanced therapies can vary. This variability may be due to differences in cytokine profiles among patients with UC. While the etiology of UC is not fully understood, [...] Read more.
Cytokine-targeted therapies have shown efficacy in treating patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), but responses to these advanced therapies can vary. This variability may be due to differences in cytokine profiles among patients with UC. While the etiology of UC is not fully understood, abnormalities of the cytokine profiles are deeply involved in its pathophysiology. Therefore, an approach focused on the cytokine profile of individual patients with UC is ideal. Recent studies have demonstrated that molecular analysis of cytokine profiles in UC can predict response to each advanced therapy. This narrative review summarizes the molecules involved in the efficacy of various advanced therapies for UC. Understanding these associations may be helpful in selecting optimal therapeutic agents. Full article
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13 pages, 3523 KiB  
Article
Direct Infusion Mass Spectrometry to Rapidly Map Metabolic Flux of Substrates Labeled with Stable Isotopes
by Nils W. F. Meijer, Susan Zwakenberg, Johan Gerrits, Denise Westland, Arif I. Ardisasmita, Sabine A. Fuchs, Nanda M. Verhoeven-Duif, Judith J. M. Jans and Fried J. T. Zwartkruis
Metabolites 2024, 14(5), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14050246 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Direct infusion–high-resolution mass spectrometry (DI-HRMS) allows for rapid profiling of complex mixtures of metabolites in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, tissue samples and cultured cells. Here, we present a DI-HRMS method suitable for the rapid determination of metabolic fluxes of isotopically labeled substrates in cultured [...] Read more.
Direct infusion–high-resolution mass spectrometry (DI-HRMS) allows for rapid profiling of complex mixtures of metabolites in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, tissue samples and cultured cells. Here, we present a DI-HRMS method suitable for the rapid determination of metabolic fluxes of isotopically labeled substrates in cultured cells and organoids. We adapted an automated annotation pipeline by selecting labeled adducts that best represent the majority of 13C and/or 15N-labeled glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates as well as a number of their derivatives. Furthermore, valine, leucine and several of their degradation products were included. We show that DI-HRMS can determine anticipated and unanticipated alterations in metabolic fluxes along these pathways that result from the genetic alteration of single metabolic enzymes, including pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDHA1) and glutaminase (GLS). In addition, it can precisely pinpoint metabolic adaptations to the loss of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase in patient-derived liver organoids. Our results highlight the power of DI-HRMS in combination with stable isotopically labeled compounds as an efficient screening method for fluxomics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metabolic Profiling of Biological Samples 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Overcoming Barriers in Hospital-Based Health Technology Assessment (HB-HTA): International Expert Panel Consensus
by Iga Lipska, Rossella Di Bidino, Maciej Niewada, Bertalan Nemeth, Tomasz Bochenek, Monika Kukla, Barbara Więckowska, Alicja Sobczak, Katarzyna Iłowiecka, Antal Zemplenyi, Nicolas Martelli, Tess Martin, Olena Filiniuk, Kostyantyn Kosyachenko, Rabia Sucu, Oresta Piniazhko, Olha Zaliska, Andrey Avdeyev, Nasrulla Shanazarov, Marina von Pinoci and Rok Hrenadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Healthcare 2024, 12(9), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090889 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to investigate the common facilitators and barriers associated with the implementation of hospital-based health technology assessment (HB-HTA) across diverse hospital settings in seven countries. Through a two-round Delphi study, insights were gathered from a panel of 15 [...] Read more.
The purpose of this article is to investigate the common facilitators and barriers associated with the implementation of hospital-based health technology assessment (HB-HTA) across diverse hospital settings in seven countries. Through a two-round Delphi study, insights were gathered from a panel of 15 HTA specialists from France, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland, Switzerland, and Ukraine. Experts initially conducted a comprehensive review of the HB-HTA implementation in their respective countries, identifying the barriers and facilitators through descriptive analysis. Subsequently, panel experts ranked these identified barriers and facilitators on a seven-point Likert scale. A median agreement score ≥ 6 and interquartile range (IQR) ≤ 1 was accepted as reaching a consensus. Out of the 12 statements categorized as external and internal barriers and facilitators, the expert panel reached consensus on six statements (two barriers and four facilitators). The external barrier, which achieved consensus, was the lack of the formal recognition of the role of HB-HTA in national or regional legislations. The internal barrier reaching consensus was the limited availability of human resources dedicated to HB-HTA. This qualitative study indicates that HB-HTA still has progress to make before being formally accepted and integrated across most countries, although by building on the facilitating factors we identified there may be an opportunity for the implementation of internationally developed strategies to strengthen HB-HTA practices. Full article
24 pages, 600 KiB  
Article
Goethe’s Early Historical Dramas
by Marc Jeremias Schweissinger
Humanities 2024, 13(3), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/h13030067 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this essay, Goethe’s early historical plays, Götz von Berlichingen, published in 1773, and Egmont, published only in 1787, are compared. So far, scholarly work has not recognized enough of the differences between both works. Goethe’s intellectual development from the young [...] Read more.
In this essay, Goethe’s early historical plays, Götz von Berlichingen, published in 1773, and Egmont, published only in 1787, are compared. So far, scholarly work has not recognized enough of the differences between both works. Goethe’s intellectual development from the young Storm and Stress writer of Götz to the publication of Egmont fourteen years later has not been considered sufficiently. Goethe’s development is clearly reflected in his protagonists’ deeds and intentions. Goethe’s Götz fights predominantly for his own rights and his family. Egmont aims higher; he is more concerned with the welfare state of society and reflects on political issues Götz is unable to consider. Moreover, Goethe takes, in both cases, poetic license to create a different picture of his protagonists’ failures than historical sources provide. This finally leads to the introduction of the term preclassic to differentiate between Götz and Egmont. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Literature in the Humanities)
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11 pages, 10290 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Critical Saturation Response Characteristics of Simple and Sandwich Cylindrical Shells under Long-Duration Blast Loading
by Mao Yang, Jun Zhang, Yunfei Mu, Hanjun Huang, Bin Han and Yongjian Mao
Materials 2024, 17(9), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17091990 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Experimental research and numerical simulations of the structural response to shock waves with pulse durations of hundreds of milliseconds, or even seconds, are extremely challenging. This paper takes typical single-layer and sandwich cylindrical shells as the research objects. The response rules of cylindrical [...] Read more.
Experimental research and numerical simulations of the structural response to shock waves with pulse durations of hundreds of milliseconds, or even seconds, are extremely challenging. This paper takes typical single-layer and sandwich cylindrical shells as the research objects. The response rules of cylindrical shells under long-duration blast loadings were studied. The results show that when the pulse duration is greater than or equal to 4~5 times the first-order period of the structure, the maximum response of the structure tends to be consistent, that is, the maximum response of the cylindrical shells with different vibration shapes shows a saturation effect as the pulse duration increases. This study established the relationship between the saturation loading time and the inherent characteristics of the structure. It was found that the saturation effect was applicable under the following conditions, including different load waveforms, elastic–plastic deformation of the structure, and the loading object being a sandwich shell. This will help transform the long-duration explosion wave problem into a finite pulse-duration shock wave problem that can be realized by both experiments and numerical simulations. Full article
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20 pages, 5837 KiB  
Article
A Weighted Feature Fusion Model for Unsteady Aerodynamic Modeling at High Angles of Attack
by Wenzhao Dong, Xiaoguang Wang, Qi Lin, Chuan Cheng and Liangcong Zhu
Aerospace 2024, 11(5), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11050339 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Unsteady aerodynamic prediction at high angles of attack is of great importance to the design and development of advanced fighters. In this paper, a weighted feature fusion model (WFFM) that combines the state-space model and neural networks is proposed to build an unsteady [...] Read more.
Unsteady aerodynamic prediction at high angles of attack is of great importance to the design and development of advanced fighters. In this paper, a weighted feature fusion model (WFFM) that combines the state-space model and neural networks is proposed to build an unsteady aerodynamic model for the precise simulation and control of post-stall maneuvers. In the proposed model, the influences of the physical model on neural networks are considered and adjusted by introducing a standardization layer and a new weighting method. A long short-term memory (LSTM) network is used to fuse two mappings: one from flight states to aerodynamic loads, and the other from low-fidelity data to high-fidelity data. Data from wind tunnel oscillation experiments at high angles of attack using a new kind of wire-driven parallel robot and the traditional tail support are used for verifying the proposed aerodynamic model. The output of the WFFM is also compared with predictions from other models, such as the state-space model, single LSTM model, and feature fusion model not including a feature weighting layer. Results demonstrate improved accuracy of the proposed model in the interpolation and extrapolation tests. Furthermore, the WFFM is applied to the flight simulation of F-16 with different control inputs. Compared with conventional models, the WFFM shows improved accuracy and better generalization capability. Full article
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17 pages, 1764 KiB  
Article
Effect of Fractionation Columns on the Elution of Rare Earth Elements Recovered from Acid Mine Drainage
by Gabriela Cordeiro Silva, Clauson Souza, Pedro Augusto Possa Vicente Sacramento Ferreira, Liliani Pacheco Tavares Nazareth and Ana Claudia Queiroz Ladeira
Minerals 2024, 14(5), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14050451 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REE) can be found in expressive contents in different secondary sources, such as acid mine drainage (AMD). This work evaluated separation of light and heavy rare earth elements (REE) from an acid mine drainage (AMD) generated in a former uranium [...] Read more.
Rare earth elements (REE) can be found in expressive contents in different secondary sources, such as acid mine drainage (AMD). This work evaluated separation of light and heavy rare earth elements (REE) from an acid mine drainage (AMD) generated in a former uranium mine in Brazil by using ion exchange. This AMD presents pH 3.50, total REE content of 97 mg L−1 and 1.3 g L−1 of sulfate and was used in the REE loading experiments. Loading experiments were carried out in columns using a commercial strong acid cation (SAC) exchange resin. Elution was performed with 0.01 mol L−1 NH4EDTA in systems with one, two and three columns. Regarding the loading step, the resin presented a total loading capacity of 0.58 mmol g−1. The resin proved to be more selective for light REE with adsorption efficiency of 78% and 48% for heavy REE. Regarding elution, high efficiencies between 90 and 100% were achieved for REE. The final REE solution is approximately 10 times more concentrated in the liquor related to the acid mine water. Better fractionation results were achieved for the system with three columns. Although the complete separation of the REE into pure elements was not possible, two distinct fractions of heavy and light REE could be obtained, and La was completely separated from the other REE. In order to improve fractionation and separate the REE into individual ones, the concentrated fractions can proceed to subsequent ion exchange systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Management of Mine Waters)
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19 pages, 3962 KiB  
Review
Pleurotus ostreatus Mushroom: A Promising Feed Supplement in Poultry Farming
by Gréta Törős, Hassan El-Ramady, Áron Béni, Ferenc Peles, Gabriella Gulyás, Levente Czeglédi, Mahendra Rai and József Prokisch
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050663 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm mushrooms are cultivated on diverse by-products based on substrates that hold promise for mitigating antibiotic usage in the poultry industry and reducing environmental pollution. By incorporating agricultural by-products into mushroom cultivation, the functionality of the mushroom [...] Read more.
Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm mushrooms are cultivated on diverse by-products based on substrates that hold promise for mitigating antibiotic usage in the poultry industry and reducing environmental pollution. By incorporating agricultural by-products into mushroom cultivation, the functionality of the mushroom products can be increased, then the final product can be a more effective feed supplement. After mushroom cultivation, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can be valorized, due to the presence of huge amounts of bioactive compounds like β-glucan, chitin, polyphenols, and flavonoids related to mycelia. As a prebiotic and antimicrobial feed supplement, these mushrooms positively influence gut microbiota, intestinal morphology, and thus overall poultry well-being. This article underscores the potential of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to enhance the bioactivity of oyster mushrooms and their derivatives, offering a cost-effective and efficient strategy for transforming unconventional feeding materials. Moreover, it emphasizes broader implications, including the reduction of antibiotic dependence in poultry farming, highlighting the promising integration of oyster mushrooms and their derivatives for sustainable and environmentally conscious poultry production. Full article
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13 pages, 245 KiB  
Article
Are We Always Right? Evaluation of the Performance and Knowledge of the Passive Leg Raise Test in Detecting Volume Responsiveness in Critical Care Patients: A National German Survey
by Eric Hotz, Tisa van Gemmern and Marc Kriege
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2518; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092518 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: In hemodynamically unstable patients, the passive leg raise (PLR) test is recommended for use as a self-fluid challenge for predicting preload responsiveness. However, to interpret the hemodynamic effects and reliability of the PLR, the method of performing it is of the utmost [...] Read more.
Background: In hemodynamically unstable patients, the passive leg raise (PLR) test is recommended for use as a self-fluid challenge for predicting preload responsiveness. However, to interpret the hemodynamic effects and reliability of the PLR, the method of performing it is of the utmost importance. Our aim was to determine the current practice of the correct application and interpretation of the PLR in intensive care patients. Methods: After ethical approval, we designed a cross-sectional online survey with a short user-friendly online questionnaire. Using a random sample of 1903 hospitals in Germany, 182 hospitals with different levels of care were invited via an email containing a link to the questionnaire. The online survey was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022. All critical care physicians from different medical disciplines were surveyed. We evaluated the correct points of concern for the PLR, including indication, contraindication, choice of initial position, how to interpret and apply the changes in cardiac output, and the limitations of the PLR. Results: A total of 292 respondents participated in the online survey, and 283/292 (97%) of the respondents completed the full survey. In addition, 132/283 (47%) were consultants and 119/283 (42%) worked at a university medical center. The question about the performance of the PLR was answered correctly by 72/283 (25%) of the participants. The limitations of the PLR, such as intra-abdominal hypertension, were correctly selected by 150/283 (53%) of the participants. The correct effect size (increase in stroke volume ≥ 10%) was correctly identified by 217/283 (77%) of the participants. Conclusions: Our results suggest a considerable disparity between the contemporary practice of the correct application and interpretation of the PLR and the practice recommendations from recently published data at German ICUs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Intensive Care)
15 pages, 2097 KiB  
Article
The Real-World Effectiveness, Persistence, Adherence, and Safety of Janus Kinase Inhibitor Baricitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Long-Term Study
by Alberto Calvo-Garcia, Esther Ramírez Herráiz, Irene María Llorente Cubas, Blanca Varas De Dios, Juana Benedí González, Alberto Morell Baladrón and Rosario García-Vicuña
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2517; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092517 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background/Aim: Baricitinib (BAR) is the first oral selective Janus kinase inhibitor approved in Europe for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Real-world data are still needed to clarify its long-term benefits/risk profile. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, persistence, adherence, and safety of BAR [...] Read more.
Background/Aim: Baricitinib (BAR) is the first oral selective Janus kinase inhibitor approved in Europe for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Real-world data are still needed to clarify its long-term benefits/risk profile. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, persistence, adherence, and safety of BAR in a real-world setting. Methods: An ambispective study was conducted between October 2017 and December 2021 in RA patients starting BAR. The effectiveness was evaluated, assessing changes from the baseline of the Disease Activity Score using 28-joint counts-C reactive protein (DAS28CRP), and the achievement of low disease activity/remission. Drug persistence was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Adherence was estimated using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and the 5-item Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology. Safety was assessed determining global incidence proportion and adverse event adjusted incidence rates. Results: In total, 61/64 recruited patients were finally analyzed, 83.6% were female, 78.7% were seropositive, the mean age was 58.1 (15.4) years, and the disease duration was 13.9 (8.3) years. A total of 32.8% of patients were naïve to biologics and 16.4% received BAR as monotherapy. The median exposure to BAR was 12.4 (6.6–31.2) months (range 3.1–51.4). A significant change in DAS28CRP was observed after treatment (difference −1.2, p = 0.000). 70.5% and 60.7% of patients achieved low disease activity or remission, respectively, and 50.8% (31/61) remained on BAR throughout the follow-up, with a median persistence of 31.2 (9.3–53.1) months. The average MPR was 0.96 (0.08) and all patients exhibited “good adherence” according to the questionnaire. In total, 21.3% of patients discontinued baricitinib due to toxicity. Conclusions: In our real-world practice, BAR demonstrated effectiveness, large persistence, high adherence to treatment, and an acceptable safety profile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Status and Future Challenges)
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12 pages, 1326 KiB  
Article
Salivary Tryptophan as a Metabolic Marker of HER2-Negative Molecular Subtypes of Breast Cancer
by Elena A. Sarf, Elena I. Dyachenko and Lyudmila V. Bel’skaya
Metabolites 2024, 14(5), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14050247 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Changes in the concentration of tryptophan (Trp) indicate a serious metabolic restructuring, which is both a cause and a consequence of many diseases. This work examines the upward change in salivary Trp concentrations among patients with breast cancer. This study involved volunteers divided [...] Read more.
Changes in the concentration of tryptophan (Trp) indicate a serious metabolic restructuring, which is both a cause and a consequence of many diseases. This work examines the upward change in salivary Trp concentrations among patients with breast cancer. This study involved volunteers divided into three groups: breast cancer (n = 104), non-malignant breast pathologies (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 20). In all participants, before treatment, the quantitative content of Trp in saliva was determined by capillary electrophoresis. In 20 patients with breast cancer, Trp was re-tested four weeks after surgical removal of the tumor. An increase in the Trp content in saliva in breast cancer has been shown, which statistically significantly decreases after surgical removal of the tumor. A direct correlation was found between increased Trp levels with the degree of malignancy and aggressive molecular subtypes of breast cancer, namely triple negative and luminal B-like HER2-negative. These conclusions were based on an increase in Ki-67 and an increase in Trp in HER2-negative and progesterone-negative subtypes. Factors under which an increase in Trp concentration in saliva was observed were identified: advanced stage of breast cancer, the presence of regional metastasis, low tumor differentiation, a lack of expression of HER2, estrogen and progesterone receptors and the high proliferative activity of the tumor. Thus, the determination of salivary Trp may be a valuable tool in the study of metabolic changes associated with cancer, particularly breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Salivary Metabolomics for Oral and Systemic Diseases)
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15 pages, 1889 KiB  
Article
Investment Decision for Long-Term Battery Energy Storage System Using Least Squares Monte Carlo
by Kyungcheol Shin and Jinyeong Lee
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2019; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092019 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The use of renewable energy sources to achieve carbon neutrality is increasing. However, the uncertainty and volatility of renewable resources are causing problems in power systems. Flexible and low-carbon resources such as Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) are essential for solving the problems of [...] Read more.
The use of renewable energy sources to achieve carbon neutrality is increasing. However, the uncertainty and volatility of renewable resources are causing problems in power systems. Flexible and low-carbon resources such as Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) are essential for solving the problems of power systems and achieving greenhouse gas reduction goals. However, ESSs are not being installed because of Korea’s fuel-based electricity market. To address this issue, this paper presents a method for determining the optimal investment timing of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) using the Least Squares Monte Carlo (LSMC) method. A case study is conducted considering the System Marginal Price (SMP) and Capacity Payment (CP), which are electricity rates in Korea. Revenue is calculated through the arbitrage of a 10 MW/40 MWh lithium-ion BESS, and linear programming optimization is performed for ESS scheduling to maximize revenue. The ESS revenue with uncertainty is modeled as a stochastic process using Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM), and the optimal time to invest in an ESS is determined using an LSMC simulation considering investment costs. The proposed method can be used as a decision-making tool for ESS investors to provide information on facility investments in arbitrage situations. Full article
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18 pages, 2871 KiB  
Article
Median Absolute Deviation for BGP Anomaly Detection
by Maria Andrea Romo-Chavero, Jose Antonio Cantoral-Ceballos, Jesus Arturo Pérez-Díaz and Carlos Martinez-Cagnazzo
Future Internet 2024, 16(5), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi16050146 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The stability and reliability of the global Internet infrastructure heavily rely on the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), a crucial protocol that facilitates the exchange of routing information among various Autonomous Systems, ensuring seamless connectivity worldwide. However, BGP inherently possesses a susceptibility to abnormal [...] Read more.
The stability and reliability of the global Internet infrastructure heavily rely on the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), a crucial protocol that facilitates the exchange of routing information among various Autonomous Systems, ensuring seamless connectivity worldwide. However, BGP inherently possesses a susceptibility to abnormal routing behaviors, potentially leading to significant connectivity disruptions. Despite extensive efforts, accurately detecting and effectively mitigating such abnormalities persist as tough challenges. To tackle these, this article proposes a novel statistical approach employing the median absolute deviation under certain constraints to proactively detect anomalies in BGP. By applying advanced analysis techniques, this research offers a robust method for the early detection of anomalies, such as Internet worms, configuration errors, and link failures. This innovative approach has been empirically validated, achieving an accuracy rate of 90% and a precision of 95% in identifying these disruptions. This high level of precision and accuracy not only confirms the effectiveness of the statistical method employed but also marks a significant step forward for enhancing the stability and reliability of the global Internet infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Information and Future Internet Security, Trust and Privacy II)
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16 pages, 9725 KiB  
Communication
Biological Sunglasses in a Deep-Sea Squid: Pigment Migration in the Retina of Gonatus onyx
by Ryan B. Howard, Jessica Kniller, Kathrin S. R. Bolstad and Monica L. Acosta
Vision 2024, 8(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/vision8020026 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The outward migration of ommin pigment granules from the bases to the tips of the photoreceptors in response to light has been reported in the retina of several (mostly coastal) squid species. Following exposure to light and then dark conditions, we collected and [...] Read more.
The outward migration of ommin pigment granules from the bases to the tips of the photoreceptors in response to light has been reported in the retina of several (mostly coastal) squid species. Following exposure to light and then dark conditions, we collected and processed retinal tissue from juvenile specimens of a deep-sea oegopsid squid, Gonatus onyx. We aimed to determine whether the ommin pigment returns to baseline, and to investigate the presence of glutamate neurotransmitter signaling under both dark and light conditions. We confirmed the presence of ommin granules but observed variability in the return of pigment to the basal layer in dark conditions, as well as changes in glutamate distribution. These findings provide support for the migration of retinal ommin pigment granules as a mechanism for regulating incoming light. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vision in Aquatic Environment—Volume II)
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