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15 pages, 419 KiB  
Article
The Development of a Multi-Modal Cancer Rehabilitation (Including Prehabilitation) Service in Sheffield, UK: Designing the Active Together Service
by Liam Humphreys, Anna Myers, Gabriella Frith, Michael Thelwell, Katie Pickering, Gary H. Mills, Karen Kerr, Patricia Fisher, John Kidder, Carol Keen, Suzanne Hodson, Gail Phillips, Rachel Smith, Laura Evans, Sarah Thornton, Emma Dale, Louise Maxwell, Diana M. Greenfield and Robert Copeland
Healthcare 2024, 12(7), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12070742 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Cancer patients undergoing major interventions face numerous challenges, including the adverse effects of cancer and the side effects of treatment. Cancer rehabilitation is vital in ensuring cancer patients have the support they need to maximise treatment outcomes and minimise treatment-related side effects and [...] Read more.
Cancer patients undergoing major interventions face numerous challenges, including the adverse effects of cancer and the side effects of treatment. Cancer rehabilitation is vital in ensuring cancer patients have the support they need to maximise treatment outcomes and minimise treatment-related side effects and symptoms. The Active Together service is a multi-modal rehabilitation service designed to address critical support gaps for cancer patients. The service is located and provided in Sheffield, UK, an area with higher cancer incidence and mortality rates than the national average. The service aligns with local and regional cancer care objectives and aims to improve the clinical and quality-of-life outcomes of cancer patients by using lifestyle behaviour-change techniques to address their physical, nutritional, and psychological needs. This paper describes the design and initial implementation of the Active Together service, highlighting its potential to support and benefit cancer patients. Full article
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13 pages, 493 KiB  
Article
Sources of Social Support and Trauma Recovery: Evidence for Bidirectional Associations from a Recently Trauma-Exposed Community Sample
by Lauren M. Sippel, Rachel E. Liebman, Sarah K. Sch?fer, Naomi Ennis, Alexandra C. Mattern, David C. Rozek and Candice M. Monson
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040284 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Although the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social support is well documented, few studies have tested the causal pathways explaining this association at several points in the acute post-trauma recovery period or examined whether the association varies for different sources of [...] Read more.
Although the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social support is well documented, few studies have tested the causal pathways explaining this association at several points in the acute post-trauma recovery period or examined whether the association varies for different sources of social support. To address these gaps, 151 community individuals (mean age = 37.20 years, 69.5% women) exposed to trauma within the previous 6 months were recruited to complete measures of PTSD and social support from intimate partners, friends, and relatives four times in 1 year. In line with recent recommendations for research on social support and PTSD symptoms, random intercept cross-lagged panel modeling (RI-CLPM) was used to examine dynamic changes between PTSD severity and social support over time. The pattern of RI-CLPM cross-lagged coefficients indicated that positive deviations from one’s expected stable level of total social support (across all sources) sped up the recovery of PTSD symptoms at the end of the post-trauma year, and more severe PTSD symptoms than expected based on one’s expected stable level of PTSD started eroding social support midway through the assessment year. When specific sources of social support were analyzed separately, the association between within-person increases in social support from friends at any given time point accelerated the recovery from PTSD across the entire year. Among participants with intimate partners (n = 53), intimate partner support did not predict PTSD symptoms, but more severe PTSD symptoms at any given time point predicted less support at the following time point. Results from this longitudinal study provide additional support for the bidirectional relationship between PTSD and social support over time and suggest that perceived social support from friends may be especially helpful during trauma recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trauma, Resilience and Mental Health)
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17 pages, 393 KiB  
Article
Estimating Transcriptome Diversity and Specialization in Capsicum annuum L.
by Neftalí Ochoa-Alejo, M. Humberto Reyes-Valdés and Octavio Martínez
Plants 2024, 13(7), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070983 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Chili pepper fruits of the genus Capsicum represent excellent experimental models to study the growth, development, and ripening processes in a non-climacteric species at the physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. Fruit growth, development, and ripening involve a complex, harmonious, and finely controlled regulation [...] Read more.
Chili pepper fruits of the genus Capsicum represent excellent experimental models to study the growth, development, and ripening processes in a non-climacteric species at the physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. Fruit growth, development, and ripening involve a complex, harmonious, and finely controlled regulation of gene expression. The purpose of this study was to estimate the changes in transcriptome diversity and specialization, as well as gene specificities during fruit development in this crop, and to illustrate the advantages of estimating these parameters. To achieve these aims, we programmed and made publicly available an R package. In this study, we applied these methods to a set of 179 RNA-Seq libraries from a factorial experiment that includes 12 different genotypes at various stages of fruit development. We found that the diversity of the transcriptome decreases linearly from the flower to the mature fruit, while its specialization follows a complex and non-linear behavior during this process. Additionally, by defining sets of genes with different degrees of specialization and applying Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, we identified processes, functions, and components that play a central role in particular fruit development stages. In conclusion, the estimation of diversity, specialization, and specificity summarizes the global properties of the transcriptomes, providing insights that are difficult to achieve by other means. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Omics of Chili Pepper)
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30 pages, 10402 KiB  
Article
Differential Competitive Growth of Transgenic Subclones of Neuroblastoma Cells Expressing Different Levels of Cathepsin D Co-Cultured in 2D and 3D in Response to EGF: Implications in Tumor Heterogeneity and Metastasis
by Eleonora Secomandi, Andrea Esposito, Giulia Camurani, Chiara Vidoni, Amreen Salwa, Chiara Lualdi, Letizia Vallino, Alessandra Ferraresi and Ciro Isidoro
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071343 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonal tumor arising from the sympathetic central nervous system. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a role in NB growth and metastatic behavior. Recently, we have demonstrated that cathepsin D (CD) contrasts EGF-induced NB cell growth in 2D by [...] Read more.
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonal tumor arising from the sympathetic central nervous system. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a role in NB growth and metastatic behavior. Recently, we have demonstrated that cathepsin D (CD) contrasts EGF-induced NB cell growth in 2D by downregulating EGFR/MAPK signaling. Aggressive NB is highly metastatic to the bone and the brain. In the metastatic process, adherent cells detach to form clusters of suspended cells that adhere once they reach the metastatic site and form secondary colonies. Whether CD is involved in the survival of metastatic NB clones is not known. Therefore, in this study, we addressed how CD differentially affects cell growth in suspension versus the adherent condition. To mimic tumor heterogeneity, we co-cultured transgenic clones silenced for or overexpressing CD. We compared the growth kinetics of such mixed clones in 2D and 3D models in response to EGF, and we found that the Over CD clone had an advantage for growth in suspension, while the CD knocked-down clone was favored for the adherent growth in 2D. Interestingly, on switching from 3D to 2D culture conditions, the expression of E-cadherin and of N-cadherin increased in the KD-CD and Over CD clones, respectively. The fact that CD plays a dual role in cancer cell growth in 2D and 3D conditions indicates that during clonal evolution, subclones expressing different level of CD may arise, which confers survival and growth advantages depending on the metastatic step. By searching the TCGA database, we found up to 38 miRNAs capable of downregulating CD. Interestingly, these miRNAs are associated with biological processes controlling cell adhesion and cell migration. The present findings support the view that during NB growth on a substrate or when spreading as floating neurospheres, CD expression is epigenetically modulated to confer survival advantage. Thus, epigenetic targeting of CD could represent an additional strategy to prevent NB metastases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Metastasis)
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11 pages, 4054 KiB  
Article
Whole Blood as a Sample Matrix in Homogeneous Time-Resolved Assay—Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Antibody Detection
by Annika Lintala, Olli Vapalahti, Arttu Nousiainen, Anu Kantele and Jussi Hepojoki
Diagnostics 2024, 14(7), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14070720 - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The protein-L-utilizing Förster resonance energy transfer (LFRET) assay enables mix-and-read antibody detection, as demonstrated for sera from patients with, e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Zika virus, and orthohantavirus infections. In this study, we compared paired serum and whole blood (WB) [...] Read more.
The protein-L-utilizing Förster resonance energy transfer (LFRET) assay enables mix-and-read antibody detection, as demonstrated for sera from patients with, e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Zika virus, and orthohantavirus infections. In this study, we compared paired serum and whole blood (WB) samples of COVID-19 patients and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine recipients. We found that LFRET also detects specific antibodies in WB samples. In 44 serum–WB pairs from patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, LFRET showed a strong correlation between the sample materials. By analyzing 89 additional WB samples, totaling 133 WB samples, we found that LFRET results were moderately correlated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results for samples collected 2 to 14 months after receiving COVID-19 diagnosis. However, the correlation decreased for samples >14 months after receiving a diagnosis. When comparing the WB LFRET results to neutralizing antibody titers, a strong correlation emerged for samples collected 1 to 14 months after receiving a diagnosis. This study also highlights the versatility of LFRET in detecting antibodies directly from WB samples and suggests that it could be employed for rapidly assessing antibody responses to infectious agents or vaccines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Point-of-Care Diagnostics and Devices)
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17 pages, 2527 KiB  
Article
Sensor-Based Quantification of MDS-UPDRS III Subitems in Parkinson’s Disease Using Machine Learning
by Rene Peter Bremm, Lukas Pavelka, Maria Moscardo Garcia, Laurent Mombaerts, Rejko Krüger and Frank Hertel
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2195; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072195 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Wearable sensors could be beneficial for the continuous quantification of upper limb motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This work evaluates the use of two inertial measurement units combined with supervised machine learning models to classify and predict a subset of [...] Read more.
Wearable sensors could be beneficial for the continuous quantification of upper limb motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This work evaluates the use of two inertial measurement units combined with supervised machine learning models to classify and predict a subset of MDS-UPDRS III subitems in PD. We attached the two compact wearable sensors on the dorsal part of each hand of 33 people with PD and 12 controls. Each participant performed six clinical movement tasks in parallel with an assessment of the MDS-UPDRS III. Random forest (RF) models were trained on the sensor data and motor scores. An overall accuracy of 94% was achieved in classifying the movement tasks. When employed for classifying the motor scores, the averaged area under the receiver operating characteristic values ranged from 68% to 92%. Motor scores were additionally predicted using an RF regression model. In a comparative analysis, trained support vector machine models outperformed the RF models for specific tasks. Furthermore, our results surpass the literature in certain cases. The methods developed in this work serve as a base for future studies, where home-based assessments of pharmacological effects on motor function could complement regular clinical assessments. Full article
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18 pages, 4923 KiB  
Article
Chlorpromazine–Polypyrrole Drug Delivery System Tailored for Neurological Application
by Sara Krawczyk, Sylwia Golba, Cristina Neves and Jo?o Tedim
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071531 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Nowadays, drug delivery systems (DDSs) are gaining more and more attention. Conducting polymers (CPs) are efficiently used for DDS construction as such systems can be used in therapy. In this research, a well-known CP, polypyrrole (PPy), was synthesized in the presence of the [...] Read more.
Nowadays, drug delivery systems (DDSs) are gaining more and more attention. Conducting polymers (CPs) are efficiently used for DDS construction as such systems can be used in therapy. In this research, a well-known CP, polypyrrole (PPy), was synthesized in the presence of the polysaccharide heparin (HEP) and chlorpromazine (CPZ) using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as electrolyte on a steel substrate. The obtained results demonstrate the successful incorporation of CPZ and HEP into the polymer matrix, with the deposited films maintaining stable electrochemical parameters across multiple doping/dedoping cycles. Surface roughness, estimated via AFM analysis, revealed a correlation with layer thickness—decreasing for thinner layers and increasing for thicker ones. Moreover, SEM images revealed a change in the morphology of PPy films when PPy is electropolymerized in the presence of CPZ and HEP, while FTIR confirmed the presence of CPZ and HEP within PPy. Due to its lower molecular mass compared to HEP, CPZ was readily integrated into the thin polymer matrix during deposition, with diffusion being unimpeded, as opposed to films with greater thickness. Finally, the resulting system exhibited the ability to release CPZ, enabling a dosing range of 10 mg to 20 mg per day, effectively covering the therapeutic concentration range. Full article
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15 pages, 6349 KiB  
Review
The Value of the Electrocardiogram in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
by William A. Schiavone and David S. Majdalany
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(4), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14040367 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The electrocardiogram is the first test that is undertaken when evaluating a patient’s heart. Diagnosing congenital heart disease in an adult (ACHD) can be facilitated by knowing the classical electrocardiographic (EKG) findings. These EKG findings often result from the congenital defect that prevents [...] Read more.
The electrocardiogram is the first test that is undertaken when evaluating a patient’s heart. Diagnosing congenital heart disease in an adult (ACHD) can be facilitated by knowing the classical electrocardiographic (EKG) findings. These EKG findings often result from the congenital defect that prevents a part of the cardiac conduction system from occupying its normal anatomic position. When these classical EKG findings are not present, the clinician should consider alternate diagnoses. As the patient with congenital heart disease ages, with native anatomy or after surgical or device repair, the EKG can be used to assess the patient’s status and to decide if and when treatment requires adjustment. This is because the electrocardiogram (EKG) can diagnose the hypertrophy or enlargement in a cardiac chamber that results from the congenital defect or anomaly and can diagnose an arrhythmia that might compromise an otherwise stable anatomy. While ACHD often involves intracardiac shunting, in many cases the abnormality only involves cardiac electrical conduction block or ventricular repolarization. These life-threatening diseases can be diagnosed with an EKG. This review will demonstrate and explain how the EKG can be used to diagnose and follow adults with congenital heart disease. When coupled with history and physical examination, the value of the EKG in ACHD will be apparent. A diagnosis can then be made or a differential diagnosis proposed, before an imaging study is ordered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Methodology, Drug and Device Discovery)
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11 pages, 3299 KiB  
Article
Applying Self-Supervised Learning to Image Quality Assessment in Chest CT Imaging
by Eléonore Pouget and Véronique Dedieu
Bioengineering 2024, 11(4), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11040335 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Many new reconstruction techniques have been deployed to allow low-dose CT examinations. Such reconstruction techniques exhibit nonlinear properties, which strengthen the need for a task-based measure of image quality. The Hotelling observer (HO) is the optimal linear observer and provides a lower bound [...] Read more.
Many new reconstruction techniques have been deployed to allow low-dose CT examinations. Such reconstruction techniques exhibit nonlinear properties, which strengthen the need for a task-based measure of image quality. The Hotelling observer (HO) is the optimal linear observer and provides a lower bound of the Bayesian ideal observer detection performance. However, its computational complexity impedes its widespread practical usage. To address this issue, we proposed a self-supervised learning (SSL)-based model observer to provide accurate estimates of HO performance in very low-dose chest CT images. Our approach involved a two-stage model combining a convolutional denoising auto-encoder (CDAE) for feature extraction and dimensionality reduction and a support vector machine for classification. To evaluate this approach, we conducted signal detection tasks employing chest CT images with different noise structures generated by computer-based simulations. We compared this approach with two supervised learning-based methods: a single-layer neural network (SLNN) and a convolutional neural network (CNN). The results showed that the CDAE-based model was able to achieve similar detection performance to the HO. In addition, it outperformed both SLNN and CNN when a reduced number of training images was considered. The proposed approach holds promise for optimizing low-dose CT protocols across scanner platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advance of Machine Learning in Biomedical Image Analysis)
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16 pages, 1244 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Pilates vs. Zumba Dancing on Functional Performance, Mood and Health-Related Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women
by Fatma Ben Waer, Mariam Lahiani, Cristina Ioana Alexe, Dana Badau, Mihail Petru Onoi, Dan Iulian Alexe and Sonia Sahli
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2886; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072886 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the effects of Zumba and Pilates training on functional performance, mood, and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women. Fifty-four postmenopausal women, aged 55–65, were randomly allocated to a control group (CG), a Pilates group (PG), or a [...] Read more.
This study aimed to compare the effects of Zumba and Pilates training on functional performance, mood, and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women. Fifty-four postmenopausal women, aged 55–65, were randomly allocated to a control group (CG), a Pilates group (PG), or a Zumba group (ZG). Functional performance factors, in terms of walking speed, lower body muscle strength, dynamic balance, and functional mobility, as well as mood and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), were assessed before and after the intervention period. As results, both training modalities significantly improved the walking speed (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), strength (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.05)), dynamic balance (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), and functional mobility (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), as well as mood (PG (p < 0.01)/ZG (p < 0.001)). Additionally, both intervention programs significantly improved their HRQol [physical function (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)) domain and SF36 total scores (PG (p < 0.01)/ZG (p < 0.001))] with better performance following Zumba training. However, the domains of social function (p < 0.001), mental health (p < 0.001), and role limitation due to emotional problems (p < 0.05) significantly enhanced only for the ZG. In conclusion, Pilates or Zumba training appears to be an ideal exercise for promoting functional performance, mood, and HRQoL in postmenopausal women. However, Zumba training seems to be more effective, resulting in optimal scores. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise, Fitness, Human Performance and Health)
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15 pages, 1223 KiB  
Article
Implementing a New Algorithm for Reinterpretation of Ambiguous Variants in Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
by Alexandra Pérez-Serra, Rocío Toro, Estefanía Martinez-Barrios, Anna Iglesias, Anna Fernandez-Falgueras, Mireia Alcalde, Mónica Coll, Marta Puigmulé, Bernat del Olmo, Ferran Picó, Laura Lopez, Elena Arbelo, Sergi Cesar, Coloma Tiron de Llano, Alipio Mangas, Josep Brugada, Georgia Sarquella-Brugada, Ramon Brugada and Oscar Campuzano
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3807; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073807 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heterogeneous entity that leads to heart failure and malignant arrhythmias. Nearly 50% of cases are inherited; therefore, genetic analysis is crucial to unravel the cause and for the early identification of carriers at risk. A large number of variants [...] Read more.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heterogeneous entity that leads to heart failure and malignant arrhythmias. Nearly 50% of cases are inherited; therefore, genetic analysis is crucial to unravel the cause and for the early identification of carriers at risk. A large number of variants remain classified as ambiguous, impeding an actionable clinical translation. Our goal was to perform a comprehensive update of variants previously classified with an ambiguous role, applying a new algorithm of already available tools. In a cohort of 65 cases diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a total of 125 genetic variants were classified as ambiguous. Our reanalysis resulted in the reclassification of 12% of variants from an unknown to likely benign or likely pathogenic role, due to improved population frequencies. For all the remaining ambiguous variants, we used our algorithm; 60.9% showed a potential but not confirmed deleterious role, and 24.5% showed a potential benign role. Periodically updating the population frequencies is a cheap and fast action, making it possible to clarify the role of ambiguous variants. Here, we perform a comprehensive reanalysis to help to clarify the role of most of ambiguous variants. Our specific algorithms facilitate genetic interpretation in dilated cardiomyopathy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Human Hereditary Diseases: Genetics and Genomics Research)
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16 pages, 2999 KiB  
Article
A Study of Thermal Runaway Mechanisms in Lithium-Ion Batteries and Predictive Numerical Modeling Techniques
by Alexander Sorensen, Vivek Utgikar and Jeffrey Belt
Batteries 2024, 10(4), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10040116 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
While thermal runaway characterization and prediction is an important aspect of lithium-ion battery engineering and development, it is a requirement to ensure that a battery system can be safe under normal operations and during failure events. This study investigated the current existing literature [...] Read more.
While thermal runaway characterization and prediction is an important aspect of lithium-ion battery engineering and development, it is a requirement to ensure that a battery system can be safe under normal operations and during failure events. This study investigated the current existing literature regarding lithium-ion battery thermal runaway characterization and predictive modeling methods. A thermal model for thermal runaway prediction was adapted from the literature and is presented in this paper along with a comparison of empirical data and predicted data using the model. Empirical data were collected from a Samsung 30Q 18650 cylindrical cell and from a large 20 Ah pouch cell format using accelerated rate calorimetry. The predictive model was executed in a macro-enabled Microsoft Excel workbook for simplicity and accessibility for the public. The primary purpose of using more primitive modeling software was to provide an accurate model that was generally accessible without the purchase of or training in a specific modeling software package. The modes of heat transfer during the thermal runaway event were studied and are reported in this work, along with insights on thermal management during a thermal runaway failure event. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Recent Advances in Battery Management Systems)
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22 pages, 930 KiB  
Article
Contextual and Individual Determinants of Sustainable Careers: A Serial Indirect Effect Model through Career Crafting and Person-Career Fit
by Eren Kilic and Hakan Kitapci
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072865 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The evolving nature of contemporary careers has sparked an interest in the sustainability of individual careers, which encompasses the pursuit of careers in a manner that promotes health, productivity, and overall happiness. Although previous studies have provided valuable perspectives on sustainable careers, there [...] Read more.
The evolving nature of contemporary careers has sparked an interest in the sustainability of individual careers, which encompasses the pursuit of careers in a manner that promotes health, productivity, and overall happiness. Although previous studies have provided valuable perspectives on sustainable careers, there remains a notable lack of evidence regarding the interplay between individual and contextual determinants in crafting sustainable careers. Therefore, integrating the framework of sustainable careers with the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study proposes a serial indirect effect mechanism that examines the relationship between contextual determinants (i.e., work/family demands and resources) and career sustainability indicators (i.e., work-family balance, employability, work engagement, and work strain) sequentially through career crafting and person-career fit. A two-wave time-lagged survey was conducted with 412 employees from Turkey. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to test the proposed model, while Process Macro analyses were conducted to examine the serial indirect effects. Results showed that contextual demands and resources were positively associated with career crafting and such career initiatives were related to optimized person-career fit and career sustainability indicators. Notably, contextual determinants were indirectly related to employability and work engagement serially via career crafting and person-career fit. Highlighting the importance of a whole-life perspective in career development, which involves work and family contexts, this study reveals the integral role of career proactivity and its interplay with contextual determinants in building sustainable careers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health, Well-Being and Sustainability)
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22 pages, 4671 KiB  
Review
The Impact of Nanomaterials on Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Mechanisms in Gramineae Plants: Research Progress and Future Prospects
by Ping Li, Yunfei Xia, Kai Song and Duo Liu
Plants 2024, 13(7), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070984 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
As global food security faces challenges, enhancing crop yield and stress resistance becomes imperative. This study comprehensively explores the impact of nanomaterials (NMs) on Gramineae plants, with a focus on the effects of various types of nanoparticles, such as iron-based, titanium-containing, zinc, and [...] Read more.
As global food security faces challenges, enhancing crop yield and stress resistance becomes imperative. This study comprehensively explores the impact of nanomaterials (NMs) on Gramineae plants, with a focus on the effects of various types of nanoparticles, such as iron-based, titanium-containing, zinc, and copper nanoparticles, on plant photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. We found that the effects of nanoparticles largely depend on their chemical properties, particle size, concentration, and the species and developmental stage of the plant. Under appropriate conditions, specific NMs can promote the root development of Gramineae plants, enhance photosynthesis, and increase chlorophyll content. Notably, iron-based and titanium-containing nanoparticles show significant effects in promoting chlorophyll synthesis and plant growth. However, the impact of nanoparticles on oxidative stress is complex. Under certain conditions, nanoparticles can enhance plants’ antioxidant enzyme activity, improving their ability to withstand environmental stresses; excessive or inappropriate NMs may cause oxidative stress, affecting plant growth and development. Copper nanoparticles, in particular, exhibit this dual nature, being beneficial at low concentrations but potentially harmful at high concentrations. This study provides a theoretical basis for the future development of nanofertilizers aimed at precisely targeting Gramineae plants to enhance their antioxidant stress capacity and improve photosynthesis efficiency. We emphasize the importance of balancing the agricultural advantages of nanotechnology with environmental safety in practical applications. Future research should focus on a deeper understanding of the interaction mechanisms between more NMs and plants and explore strategies to reduce potential environmental impacts to ensure the health and sustainability of the ecosystem while enhancing the yield and quality of Gramineae crops. Full article
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21 pages, 4764 KiB  
Article
Impact of Traffic Flow Rate on the Accuracy of Short-Term Prediction of Origin-Destination Matrix in Urban Transportation Networks
by Renata ?ochowska and Teresa Pamu?a
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(7), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16071202 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Information about spatial distribution (OD flows) is a key element in traffic management systems in urban transport networks that enables efficient traffic control and decisions to redirect traffic to less congested sections of the network in emergencies. With the development of modern techniques [...] Read more.
Information about spatial distribution (OD flows) is a key element in traffic management systems in urban transport networks that enables efficient traffic control and decisions to redirect traffic to less congested sections of the network in emergencies. With the development of modern techniques of remote sensing, more and more advanced methods are used to measure traffic and determine OD flows. However, they may produce results with different levels of errors caused by various factors. The article examines the impact of traffic volume and its variability on the error values of short-term prediction of the OD matrix in the urban network. The OD flows were determined using a deep learning network based on data obtained from video remote sensing devices. These data were recorded at earlier intervals concerning the forecasting time. The extent to which there is a correlation between the size of OD flows and the prediction error was examined. The most frequently used measure of prediction accuracy, i.e., MAPE (mean absolute percentage error), was considered. The analysis carried out made it possible to determine the ranges of traffic flow rate for which the MAPE stabilizes at the level of approximately 6%. A set of video remote sensing devices was used to collect spatiotemporal data. They were located at the entrances and exits from the study area on important roads of a medium-sized city in Poland. The conclusions obtained may be helpful in further research on improving methods to determine OD matrices and estimate their reliability. This, in turn, involves the development of more precise methods that allow for reliable traffic forecasting and improve the efficiency of traffic management in urban areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Advances in Urban Traffic Monitoring)
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12 pages, 2646 KiB  
Article
Difference between Keratinized- and Non-Keratinized-Originating Epithelium in the Process of Immune Escape of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
by Yoshiaki Kitsukawa, Chonji Fukumoto, Toshiki Hyodo, Yuske Komiyama, Ryo Shiraishi, Aya Koike, Shuma Yagisawa, Yosuke Kunitomi, Tomonori Hasegawa, Wataru Kotani, Kazuyuki Ishida, Takahiro Wakui and Hitoshi Kawamata
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3821; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073821 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies, are significantly changing treatment strategies for human malignant diseases, including oral cancer. Cancer cells usually escape from the immune system and acquire proliferative capacity and invasive/metastatic potential. We have focused [...] Read more.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies, are significantly changing treatment strategies for human malignant diseases, including oral cancer. Cancer cells usually escape from the immune system and acquire proliferative capacity and invasive/metastatic potential. We have focused on the two immune checkpoints, PD-1/PD-L1 and CD47/SIRPα, in the tumor microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), performed a retrospective analysis of the expression of seven immune-related factors (PD-L1, PD-1, CD4, CD8, CD47, CD56 and CD11c), and examined their correlation with clinicopathological status. As a result, there were no significant findings relating to seven immune-related factors and several clinicopathological statuses. However, the immune checkpoint-related factors (PD-1, PD-L1, CD47) were highly expressed in non-keratinized epithelium-originated tumors when compared to those in keratinized epithelium-originated tumors. It is of interest that immunoediting via immune checkpoint-related factors was facilitated in non-keratinized sites. Several researchers reported that the keratinization of oral mucosal epithelia affected the immune response, but our present finding is the first study to show a difference in tumor immunity in the originating epithelium of OSCC, keratinized or non-keratinized. Tumor immunity, an immune escape status of OSCC, might be different in the originating epithelium, keratinized or non-keratinized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Cancers: Molecular Basis and Treatment Targets)
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21 pages, 4189 KiB  
Article
Integrated Active and Reactive Power Control Methods for Distributed Energy Resources in Distribution Systems for Enhancing Hosting Capacity
by Phi-Hai Trinh and Il-Yop Chung
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1642; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071642 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Recently, there has been a significant increase in the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as small-scale photovoltaic systems and wind turbines in power distribution systems. When the aggregated outputs of DERs are combined, excessive reverse current may occur in distribution lines, [...] Read more.
Recently, there has been a significant increase in the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as small-scale photovoltaic systems and wind turbines in power distribution systems. When the aggregated outputs of DERs are combined, excessive reverse current may occur in distribution lines, leading to overvoltage issues and exceeding thermal limits of the distribution lines. To address these issues, it is necessary to limit the output of DERs to a certain level, which results in constraining the hosting capacity of DERs in the distribution system. In this paper, coordination control methodologies of DERs are developed and executed to mitigate the overvoltage and overcurrent induced by DERs, thereby increasing the hosting capacity for DERs of the distribution system. This paper proposes three coordinated approaches of active and reactive power control of DERs, namely Var Precedence, Watt Precedence, and Integrated Watt and Var Control. The Var and Watt Precedence prioritizes reactive power for voltage (Q–V) and active power for current (P–I) to address network congestion, thereby enhancing hosting capacity. Conversely, the Integrated Var and Watt Precedence propose a novel algorithm that combines four control indices (Q–V, P–V, Q–I, and P–I) to solve network problems while maximizing hosting capacity. The three proposed methods are based on the sensitivity analysis of voltage and current to the active and reactive power outputs at the DER installation locations on the distribution lines, aiming to minimize DER active power curtailment. Each sensitivity is derived from linearized power equations at the operating points of the distribution system. To minimize the computation burden of iterative computation, each proposed method decouples active and reactive power and proceeds with sequential control in its own unique way, iteratively determining the precise output control of distributed power sources to reduce linearization errors. The three proposed algorithms are verified via case studies, evaluating their performance compared to conventional approaches. The case studies exhibit superior control effectiveness of the proposed DER power control methods compared to conventional methods when issues such as overvoltage and overcurrent occur simultaneously in the distribution line so that the DER hosting capacity of the system can be improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research and Practice of Smart Electric Power Systems)
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12 pages, 2673 KiB  
Article
Schwartz Symmetry Condition for Coherent Diffraction Imaging Patterns
by Eduardo X. Miqueles, Tiago Kalile and Yuri R. Tonin
Symmetry 2024, 16(4), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16040399 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
We demonstrate a symmetry condition for the mixed partial derivatives of measured data when performing a coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) experiment for differentiable samples under scientific investigation. The proposed condition can be used as a physical restriction to improve real data measurements and [...] Read more.
We demonstrate a symmetry condition for the mixed partial derivatives of measured data when performing a coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) experiment for differentiable samples under scientific investigation. The proposed condition can be used as a physical restriction to improve real data measurements and has been used within the most celebrated phase-retrieval inversion algorithms as an ad hoc constraint without proof. The symmetry relies on John’s ultrahyperbolic equation for the X-ray transform, which is also demonstrated to be valid in the imaging regime for CDI. The obtained conditions are easy to implement and can be used as a constraint by computational imaging methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Symmetry and Complex Systems)
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29 pages, 5793 KiB  
Article
Transcriptome-Wide N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Methylation Analyses in a Compatible Wheat–Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Interaction
by Elif Naz Cerav, Nan Wu and Mahinur S. Akkaya
Plants 2024, 13(7), 982; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070982 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA, tRNA, miRNA, and long non-coding RNA. It is also known for its role in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, a comprehensive m6A transcriptome-wide map [...] Read more.
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA, tRNA, miRNA, and long non-coding RNA. It is also known for its role in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, a comprehensive m6A transcriptome-wide map for Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) infections in wheat (Triticum aestivum) is currently unavailable. Our study is the first to profile m6A modifications in wheat infected with a virulent Pst race. Analysis of RNA-seq and MeRIP-seq data revealed that the majority of differentially expressed genes are up-regulated and hyper-methylated. Some of these genes are enriched in the plant–pathogen interaction pathway. Notably, genes related to photosynthesis showed significant down-regulation and hypo-methylation, suggesting a potential mechanism facilitating successful Pst invasion by impairing photosynthetic function. The crucial genes, epitomizing the core molecular constituents that fortify plants against pathogenic assaults, were detected with varying expression and methylation levels, together with a newly identified methylation motif. Additionally, m6A regulator genes were also influenced by m6A modification, and their expression patterns varied at different time points of post-inoculation, with lower expression at early stages of infection. This study provides insights into the role of m6A modification regulation in wheat’s response to Pst infection, establishing a foundation for understanding the potential function of m6A RNA methylation in plant resistance or susceptibility to pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology and Genomics of Plant-Pathogen Interactions)
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12 pages, 3488 KiB  
Article
Identification of Black Spot Resistance in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) Germplasm Resources
by Quan Zhang, Ferdinando Branca, Ning Li, Ning Liu and Yunhua Ding
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2883; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072883 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Black spot disease, caused by Alternaria alternata, results in enormous losses in broccoli production. The current measures to prevent black spot disease mainly rely on seed disinfection and chemical control, but excellent disease-resistance resources are relatively scarce. In this study, we screened [...] Read more.
Black spot disease, caused by Alternaria alternata, results in enormous losses in broccoli production. The current measures to prevent black spot disease mainly rely on seed disinfection and chemical control, but excellent disease-resistance resources are relatively scarce. In this study, we screened primers for black spot disease identification and conducted black spot disease resistance identification of 173 lines, including 70 hybrid lines and 103 inbred lines. Based on the phenotype, we have set five grades to present different symptoms of illness: high disease resistance, disease resistance, disease tolerance, susceptibility, and high susceptibility (the disease resistance gradually weakens). According to our phenotypic evaluations, 3, 55, 65, 45, and 5 lines were classified into high disease resistance, disease resistance, disease tolerance, susceptible, and high susceptibility, respectively. By comparing the proportion of resistant lines between hybrid and inbred lines, we noticed that the frequency of hybrid varieties with high disease resistance and disease resistance (28.57%) was lower than that in inbred lines (36.89%), indicating that the resistance resources have not yet been effectively utilized in hybrid broccoli breeding. Therefore, our results identified the resistance resources to black spot disease in broccoli, which lays the foundation for the exploration of disease resistance genes as well as the analysis of disease resistance mechanisms in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Broccoli)
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16 pages, 3918 KiB  
Review
Advances in the Study of Techniques to Determine the Lithium-Ion Battery’s State of Charge
by Xinyue Liu, Yang Gao, Kyamra Marma, Yu Miao and Lin Liu
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071643 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study explores the challenges and advances in the estimation of the state of charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which are crucial to optimizing their performance and lifespan. This review focuses on four main techniques of SOC estimation: experimental measurement, modeling approach, [...] Read more.
This study explores the challenges and advances in the estimation of the state of charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which are crucial to optimizing their performance and lifespan. This review focuses on four main techniques of SOC estimation: experimental measurement, modeling approach, data-driven approach, and joint estimation approach, highlighting the limitations and potential inaccuracies of each method. This study suggests a combined approach, incorporating correction parameters and closed-loop feedback, to improve measurement accuracy. It introduces a multi-physics model that considers temperature, charging rate, and aging effects and proposes the integration of models and algorithms for optimal estimation of SOC. This research emphasizes the importance of considering temperature and aging factors in data-driven approaches. It suggests that the fusion of different methods could lead to more accurate SOC predictions, an important area for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section D: Energy Storage and Application)
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22 pages, 6346 KiB  
Systematic Review
Pituitary Suppression with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Prior to Artificial Endometrial Preparation in Frozen–Thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Different Protocols and Infertile Populations
by Nguyen-Tuong Ho, Dang Khanh Ngan Ho, Xuan Hong Tomai, Nam Nhat Nguyen, Hung Song Nguyen, Yu-Ming Hu, Shu-Huei Kao and Chii-Ruey Tzeng
Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040760 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of GnRHa pretreatment on pregnancy outcomes in artificial endometrial preparation for frozen–thawed embryo transfer (AC-FET) cycles. A systematic review of English language studies published before 1 September 2022, was conducted, excluding conference papers and preprints. Forty-one studies involving [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effect of GnRHa pretreatment on pregnancy outcomes in artificial endometrial preparation for frozen–thawed embryo transfer (AC-FET) cycles. A systematic review of English language studies published before 1 September 2022, was conducted, excluding conference papers and preprints. Forty-one studies involving 43,021 participants were analyzed using meta-analysis, with a sensitivity analysis ensuring result robustness. The study found that GnRHa pretreatment generally improved the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR), and live birth rate (LBR). However, discrepancies existed between randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies; RCTs showed no significant differences in outcomes for GnRHa-treated cycles. Depot GnRHa protocols outperformed daily regimens in LBR. Extended GnRHa pretreatment (two to five cycles) significantly improved CPR and IR compared to shorter treatment. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) saw substantial benefits from GnRHa pretreatment, including improved CPR and LBR and reduced miscarriage rates. In contrast, no significant benefits were observed in women with regular menstruation. More rigorous research is needed to solidify these findings. Full article
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12 pages, 721 KiB  
Article
Lipid Profile, Eating Habit, and Physical Activity in Children with Down Syndrome: A Prospective Study
by Luca Pecoraro, Melissa Zadra, Francesco Cavallin, Silvana Lauriola, Giorgio Piacentini and Angelo Pietrobelli
Diseases 2024, 12(4), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12040068 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Children with Down Syndrome (DS) frequently undergo health challenges, including a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity. We aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary and physical advice provided by a specialized pediatrician over two years. In this prospective study, 44 children with [...] Read more.
Children with Down Syndrome (DS) frequently undergo health challenges, including a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity. We aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary and physical advice provided by a specialized pediatrician over two years. In this prospective study, 44 children with DS, aged 2 to 17, underwent outpatient follow-up visits every six months between December 2020 and May 2023. Dietary habits, physical activities, anthropometric data, and laboratory results were recorded at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity were investigated using the ‘KIDMED’ and ‘Godin–Shepard Leisure-Time’ questionnaires, respectively, completed by the parents of the children. Venous blood samples were taken to determine the lipid profile. A significant reduction in BMI z-scores (p = 0.006) and an improvement in Godin–Shepard questionnaire scores (p = 0.0004) were observed. On the other hand, the lipid profile worsened, with an increase in LDL-c (p = 0.04) and a decrease in HDL-c (p = 0.03). Children with DS may benefit from an educational program on nutrition and physical activity to optimize weight control. Different interventions should target the lipid profile. Preventive intervention and follow-up by the pediatrician are essential for DS, which should continue into adulthood. Full article
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