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9 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
Virtual Reality-Based Assessment for Rehabilitation of the Upper Limb in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
by Luciano Bissolotti, Justo Artiles-Sánchez, José Luís Alonso-Pérez, Josué Fernández-Carnero, Vanesa Abuín-Porras, Pierluigi Sinatti and Jorge Hugo Villafa?e
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040555 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the responsiveness and concurrent validity of a serious game and its correlation between the use of serious games and upper limbs (UL) performance in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four consecutive [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the responsiveness and concurrent validity of a serious game and its correlation between the use of serious games and upper limbs (UL) performance in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four consecutive upper limbs (14 males, 8 females, age: 55–83 years) of PD patients were assessed. The clinical assessment included: the Box and Block test (BBT), Nine-Hole Peg test (9HPT), and sub-scores of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating-Scale Motor section (UPDRS-M) to assess UL disability. Performance scores obtained in two different tests (Ex. A and Ex. B, respectively, the Trolley test and Mushrooms test) based on leap motion (LM) sensors were used to study the correlations with clinical scores. Results: The subjective fatigue experienced during LM tests was measured by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE, 0–10); the BBT and 9HPT showed the highest correlation coefficients with UPDRS-M scores (ICCs: −0.652 and 0.712, p < 0.05). Exercise A (Trolley test) correlated with UPDRS-M (ICC: 0.31, p < 0.05), but not with the 9HPT and BBT tests (ICCs: −0.447 and 0.390, p < 0.05), while Exercise B (Mushroom test) correlated with UPDRS-M (ICC: −0.40, p < 0.05), as did these last two tests (ICCs: −0.225 and 0.272, p < 0.05). The mean RPE during LM tests was 3.4 ± 3.2. The evaluation of upper limb performance is feasible and does not induce relevant fatigue. Conclusions: The analysis of the ICC supports the use of Test B to evaluate UL disability and performance in PD patients, while Test A is mostly correlated with disability. Specifically designed serious games on LM can serve as a method of impairment in the PD population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurology)
9 pages, 843 KiB  
Article
Dosing Regimen for Cefotaxime Should Be Adapted to the Stage of Renal Dysfunction in Critically Ill Adult Patients—A Retrospective Study
by Théo Dillies, Sophie Perinel-Ragey, Patricia Correia, Jér?me Morel, Guillaume Thiery and Manon Launay
Antibiotics 2024, 13(4), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13040313 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Cefotaxime administration is recommended in doses of 3–12 g/day in adults with a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) > 5 mL/min. This study aimed to assess the impact of renal function and obesity on cefotaxime concentrations in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. A retrospective [...] Read more.
Cefotaxime administration is recommended in doses of 3–12 g/day in adults with a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) > 5 mL/min. This study aimed to assess the impact of renal function and obesity on cefotaxime concentrations in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on consecutive ICU patients receiving continuous cefotaxime infusion between 2020 and 2022 [IRBN992021/CHUSTE]. Doses were not constant; consequently, a concentration-to-dose ratio (C/D) was considered. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationship between cefotaxime concentrations, renal function, and obesity. A total of 70 patients, median age 61 years, were included, with no significant difference in cefotaxime concentrations between obese and non-obese patients. However, concentrations varied significantly by GFR, with underdosing prevalent in patients with normal to increased renal function and overdosing in those with severely impaired renal function. Adjustment of cefotaxime dosing according to GFR was associated with improved target attainment. Cefotaxime dosing in critically ill patients should consider renal function, with higher initial doses required in patients with normal to increased GFR and lower doses in those with severely impaired renal function. Therapeutic drug monitoring may aid in optimising dosing regimens. Prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and inform clinical practice. Full article
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11 pages, 8995 KiB  
Article
Influence of Zn Addition on the Aging Precipitate Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Al-Cu-Li Alloy
by Meiqi Wang, Lizhen Yan, Xiwu Li, Yongan Zhang, Zhihui Li, Kai Wen, Hongwei Liu and Baiqing Xiong
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071562 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In the present work, the effect of Zn on the aging precipitates and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Li alloys was investigated by Vickers hardness, tensile tests, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated that the addition of Zn reduced [...] Read more.
In the present work, the effect of Zn on the aging precipitates and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Li alloys was investigated by Vickers hardness, tensile tests, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated that the addition of Zn reduced the activation energy of the T1 phase and makes it easier to precipitate. The activation energy of the T1 phase, which was 107.02 ± 1.8 KJ/mol, 94.33 ± 1.7 KJ/mol, 90.33 ± 1.7 KJ/mol and 90.28 ± 1.6 KJ/mol for 0Zn, 0.4Zn, 0.8Zn and 1.2Zn alloy, respectively. The area number density of the T1 precipitate ranged from 97.0 ± 4.4 pcs/μm2 to 118.2 ± 2.8 pcs/μm2 as the Zn content increased from 0 to 1.2 wt.%. Consequently, the addition of Zn promoted the precipitation of the T1 phase. Therefore, the peak hardness and tensile strength of the alloy also increased with the increase in the Zn content, and the hardness of the alloy with Zn content of 1.2 wt.% increased by 16.5 ± 1.4 HV; meanwhile, the ultimate tensile strength increased by 46.5 ± 2.5 MPa. Therefore, the area number density of precipitates increased and improved the strength of the Zn-containing alloy. Full article
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5 pages, 172 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue “Molecular Mechanism in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Fibrosis”
by Margherita Sisto and Sabrina Lisi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073808 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fundamental for accurate development during embryogenesis, is involved in several pathological mechanisms, such as severe fibrosis and cancer [...] Full article
17 pages, 1035 KiB  
Article
Modification and Validation of the Soil–Snow Module in the INM RAS Climate Model
by Alexey Chernenkov, Evgeny Volodin, Sergey Kostrykin, Maria Tarasevich and Vasilisa Vorobyeva
Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040422 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper describes the modification of a simple land snow cover module of the INM RAS climate model. The possible liquid water and refreezing of meltwater in the snow layer are taken into account by the proposed parameterization. This is particularly important for [...] Read more.
This paper describes the modification of a simple land snow cover module of the INM RAS climate model. The possible liquid water and refreezing of meltwater in the snow layer are taken into account by the proposed parameterization. This is particularly important for modelling the transition season, as this phenomenon is mainly observed during the formation and melting of the snow cover when the surface temperature fluctuates around 0 °C. The snow density evolution simulation is also added. This parameterization is implemented in the INM-CM snow module and verified on observation data using the ESM-SnowMIP-like protocol. As a result, the INM-CM mean climate snow melt periods are refined, particularly in middle and high latitudes. The snow-covered area according to the model is also improved. In the future, a modified version of the land snow module can be used, coupled with a snow albedo model that takes into account snow metamorphism. This module can also be applied to sea ice snow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Atmospheric Techniques, Instruments, and Modeling)
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10 pages, 2703 KiB  
Article
Body Weight as a Preferred Method for Normalizing the Computed Tomography-Derived Liver Volume in Dogs without Hepatic Disease
by Kosuke Kinoshita, George Moore and Masahiro Murakami
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(4), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11040153 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The assessment of liver size is usually performed using radiography in dogs. However, due to wide variations in patients’ sizes and body conformations, accurate diagnosis of hepatomegaly or microhepatia is difficult. Computed tomographic (CT) volumetry can quantitatively and accurately measure liver volume. However, [...] Read more.
The assessment of liver size is usually performed using radiography in dogs. However, due to wide variations in patients’ sizes and body conformations, accurate diagnosis of hepatomegaly or microhepatia is difficult. Computed tomographic (CT) volumetry can quantitatively and accurately measure liver volume. However, a reliable method for the standardization or normalization of volume in dogs without hepatic disease using CT has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to assess seven different anatomic measures for normalizing liver volume in dogs and determine the tentative range of liver volume in dogs without hepatic disease. We retrospectively searched medical records from 1 January 2017 through to 1 June 2020 and included dogs with abdominal computed tomography without hepatic disease. The liver volume, lengths of four vertebrae (T11, T12, L2, L3), diameter of the abdominal aorta, body weight, and body condition scores (BCSs) of the dogs were recorded. Forty-one client-owned dogs without evidence of hepatic disease were included. The CT-derived liver volume was 813.8 ± 326.5 cm3 (mean ± SD). Body weight was determined to be the most reliable single-variable method for normalizing liver volume, with a raw CT-derived liver-volume-to-body-weight ratio of 22.1 cm3/kg (95% CI: 12.9–31.3 cm3/kg) and regression prediction model of volume = 19 × BWkg + 97. However, a better normalizing factor would likely be provided by the fat-free mass if it can be accurately measured. Full article
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19 pages, 5552 KiB  
Article
Soil Nitrogen and Flooding Intensity Determine the Trade-Off between Leaf and Root Traits of Riparian Plant Species
by Hang Zou, Wanyu Wang, Jinxia Huang, Xiaohong Li, Maohua Ma, Shengjun Wu and Cunfeng Zhao
Plants 2024, 13(7), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070978 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The investigation into trade-offs among plant functional traits sheds light on how plants strategically balance growth and survival when facing environmental stress. This study sought to evaluate whether trade-offs observed at both community and individual species levels could indicate adaptive fitness across an [...] Read more.
The investigation into trade-offs among plant functional traits sheds light on how plants strategically balance growth and survival when facing environmental stress. This study sought to evaluate whether trade-offs observed at both community and individual species levels could indicate adaptive fitness across an intensity of flooding intensity. The study was conducted at 25 sampling sites spanning approximately 600 km along the riparian zone in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, China. The findings revealed that, along the flooding gradient, the overall riparian community did not exhibit significant trade-offs between leaf and root traits. Examining three broadly distributed dominant species (Cynodon dactylon, Xanthium strumarium, and Abutilon theophrasti), perennial plants showed pronounced trade-offs under low flooding intensity, while annuals exhibited trade-offs under moderate and low flooding intensity. The trade-offs were evident in traits related to nitrogen-carbon resources, such as specific leaf area, root tissue density, and photosynthetic rate. However, under strong flooding intensity, the relationship between leaf and root traits of the species studied was decoupled. Furthermore, the study identified a significant correlation between soil nitrogen and the trade-off traits under moderate and low flooding intensity. Integrating results from the CSR (Competitors, Stress-tolerators, Ruderals) strategy model, species niche breath analysis, and nitrogen-regulated trade-off, the study revealed that, in the face of high flooding intensity, perennial species (C. dactylon) adopts an S-strategy, demonstrating tolerance through a conservative resource allocation that decouples leaf-root coordination. Annual species (X. strumarium and A. theophrasti), on the other hand, exhibit niche specialization along the flooding gradient, employing distinct strategies (R- and C-strategy). As flooding stress diminishes and soil nitrogen level decreases, plant strategies tend to shift towards an R-strategy with a competition for reduced N resources. In conclusion, the study highlighted the pivotal roles of soil nitrogen and flooding intensity acting as the dual determinants of species growth and tolerance. These dynamics of growth-tolerance balance were evident in the diverse trade-offs between leaf and root traits of individual plant species with different life histories, underscoring the array of adaptive strategies employed by riparian plants across the flooding intensity gradient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)
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21 pages, 331 KiB  
Article
All or Nothing: Polemicizing God and the Buddhist Void in the Jesuit Mission to East Asia
by James Matthew Baskind
Religions 2024, 15(4), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15040424 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The Jesuit mission to East Asia highlights the polemical difficulties inherent in the process of introducing, translating, and creating a new theological paradigm within a host culture without a common religious worldview. Both Matteo Ricci in China and Ricci’s erstwhile teacher, Alessandro Valignano, [...] Read more.
The Jesuit mission to East Asia highlights the polemical difficulties inherent in the process of introducing, translating, and creating a new theological paradigm within a host culture without a common religious worldview. Both Matteo Ricci in China and Ricci’s erstwhile teacher, Alessandro Valignano, in Japan, both inveighed against Buddhism for positing a “void” as the Absolute rather than God. The East Asian Jesuit mission had an incomplete understanding of what emptiness/nothingness/void referred to until the native Japanese convert and former Zen monk, Fukansai Habian, took up the mantle as the Jesuit polemicist against native systems of thought, in particular, Buddhism. Whereas Ricci and Valignano attacked the “void” within the context of a negation of “something”, Habian correctly understood the void as akin to the pleroma, the fullness of possibility, and the creative principle, but used his more nuanced understanding as a polemical expedient to deny or negate all Buddhist doctrines as expressing nothingness (which he erroneously equates with the void), even such form-affirming schools as the Pure Land school with its clearly defined goal of a physical post-mortem Pure Land. The polemical paradigm engendered by this encounter also served as the starting point for Buddhism’s appearance in the Western imagination. This paper will make a comparative investigation of the polemical discourse between the Jesuits and Buddhists regarding the Absolute and demonstrate how this historical instance would have far-reaching consequences that have ongoing relevance regarding the interplay of Christian and Buddhist teachings. Full article
8 pages, 8123 KiB  
Case Report
Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in a Dog Infected by a Highly Pathogenic Avian A/H5N1 Virus
by Olga Szalu?-Jordanow, Anna Golke, Tomasz Dzieci?tkowski, Micha? Czopowicz, Micha? Kardas, Marcin Mickiewicz, Agata Moroz-Fik, Andrzej ?obaczewski, Iwona Markowska-Daniel and Tadeusz Frymus
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040689 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In summer 2023, during an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cats in Poland, a 16-year-old dog was presented to the veterinary clinic with persistent, debilitating, dry cough, submandibular lymphadenomegaly, mild serous nasal discharge, and left apical heart murmur. A preliminary [...] Read more.
In summer 2023, during an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in cats in Poland, a 16-year-old dog was presented to the veterinary clinic with persistent, debilitating, dry cough, submandibular lymphadenomegaly, mild serous nasal discharge, and left apical heart murmur. A preliminary diagnosis of kennel cough was made and the treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and dexamethasone was initiated. Due to the lack of improvement within 2 days, a blood check-up, thoracic radiography and ultrasonography, and echocardiography were performed. Moreover, a rapid test for orthomyxovirus type A antigen in a throat swab was carried out and proved positive. The result was verified using RT-qPCR, which yielded a positive result for A/H5N1 influenza virus and negative results for A/H1N1, A/H3N2, type B influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. This case indicates that HPAI should be considered as a differential diagnosis not only in cats, but also in dogs with upper respiratory tract disease, particularly in regions experiencing A/H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Viral Zoonoses, Second Edition)
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24 pages, 2113 KiB  
Article
Moderating the Effect of the Multidimensional Poverty Index on the Relationship between Sustainable Governance Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators
by Abraham Puente De La Vega Caceres, Estela Quispe Ramos and Carlos Samuel Ramos Meza
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2855; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072855 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This research comprehensively addresses the complexity of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). The research objective is to understand the moderating effect of the MPI on the relationship between Sustainable Governance Indicators (SGIs) and World Governance Indicators (WGIs) in the context of 41 countries [...] Read more.
This research comprehensively addresses the complexity of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). The research objective is to understand the moderating effect of the MPI on the relationship between Sustainable Governance Indicators (SGIs) and World Governance Indicators (WGIs) in the context of 41 countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) while also analyzing the validity and reliability of the indicators. The applied methodology involves using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), and data from 41 OECD countries were analyzed. Data on SGIs, WGIs, and the MPI were extracted from the SGI-2022, WGI-2022, and SGI-MPI (2022) databases. Moderating the interaction between the MPI and SGIs reveals a significant overall negative effect (−0.184) on the relationship between SGIs and WGIs (total effect = 0.474); this implies that elevated levels of the MPI negatively impact sustainable governance between SGIs and WGIs, whereas lower levels of the MPI lead to a stronger relationship between SGIs and WGIs, enhancing sustainable governance. The validity of the structural model is affected by low Average Variance Extraction (AVE) in key variables, such as Economic Policy-EP (0.470) and MPI (0.439), indicating potential limitations in their measurement. Full article
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15 pages, 6745 KiB  
Article
Synergism with Shikimic Acid Restores β-Lactam Antibiotic Activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
by Limin Hou, Minqi Ye, Xiaoyu Wang, Yifan Zhu, Xueyan Sun, Ruiheng Gu, Liangzhu Chen and Binghu Fang
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1528; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071528 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has evolved into a dangerous pathogen resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics (BLAs) and has become a worrisome superbug. In this study, a strategy in which shikimic acid (SA), which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, is combined with BLAs to restart [...] Read more.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has evolved into a dangerous pathogen resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics (BLAs) and has become a worrisome superbug. In this study, a strategy in which shikimic acid (SA), which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, is combined with BLAs to restart BLA activity was proposed for MRSA treatment. The synergistic effects of oxacillin combined with SA against oxacillin resistance in vitro and in vivo were investigated. The excellent synergistic effect of the oxacillin and SA combination was confirmed by performing the checkerboard assay, time-killing assay, live/dead bacterial cell viability assay, and assessing protein leakage. SEM showed that the cells in the control group had a regular, smooth, and intact surface. In contrast, oxacillin and SA or the combination treatment group exhibited different degrees of surface collapse. q-PCR indicated that the combination treatment group significantly inhibited the expression of the mecA gene. In vivo, we showed that the combination treatment increased the survival rate and decreased the bacterial load in mice. These results suggest that the combination of oxacillin with SA is considered an effective treatment option for MRSA, and the combination of SA with oxacillin in the treatment of MRSA is a novel strategy. Full article
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9 pages, 204 KiB  
Article
Navigating Uncertain Waters: First-Trimester Screening’s Role in Identifying Neonatal Complications
by Grzegorz Swiercz, Anna Zmelonek-Znamirowska, Karol Szwabowicz, Justyna Armanska, Karolina Detka, Marta Mlodawska and Jakub Mlodawski
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13071982 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: Contemporary diagnostic methods aimed at assessing neonatal outcomes predominantly rely on the medical history of pregnant women. Ideally, universal biomarkers indicating an increased risk of delivering infants in poor clinical condition, with a heightened likelihood of requiring hospitalization in a Neonatal [...] Read more.
Background: Contemporary diagnostic methods aimed at assessing neonatal outcomes predominantly rely on the medical history of pregnant women. Ideally, universal biomarkers indicating an increased risk of delivering infants in poor clinical condition, with a heightened likelihood of requiring hospitalization in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), would be beneficial for appropriately stratifying pregnant women into a high-risk category. Our study evaluated whether biochemical and ultrasonographical markers universally used in first-trimester screenings for non-heritable chromosomal aberrations could serve this purpose. Methods: This study encompassed 1164 patients who underwent first-trimester screening, including patient history, ultrasound examinations, and biochemical tests for pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and the free beta-HCG subunit (fbHCG), from January 2019 to December 2021. The research concentrated on the correlation between these prenatal test results and neonatal outcomes, particularly Apgar scores, umbilical blood pH levels, and the necessity for NICU admission. Results: In our cohort, neonates scoring lower than 8 on the Apgar scale at birth exhibited lower concentrations of PAPP-A in the first trimester, both in raw and normalized values (PAPP-A MoM 0.93 vs. 1.027, p = 0.032). We also observed a higher pulsatility index in the venous duct in the first trimester in full-term neonates born with <8 points on the Apgar scale. Additionally, newborns born with an umbilical blood pH < 7.2 had lower normalized first-trimester PAPP-A concentrations (0.69 vs. 1.01 MoM, p = 0.04). We also noted that neonates requiring NICU hospitalization post-delivery had lower first-trimester bHCG concentrations (0.93 MoM vs. 1.11 MoM, p = 0.03). However, none of the correlations in our study translated into a robust prognostic ability for predicting dichotomous outcomes. All areas under the curve achieved a value < 0.7. Conclusions: Low concentrations of PAPP-A and free bHCG subunit in the first trimester may be associated with poorer clinical and biochemical conditions in neonates post-delivery. However, the relationship is weak and has limited predictive capability. Further research evaluating these relationships is necessary for the appropriate stratification of pregnant women into high-risk categories for neonatological complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Outcomes in Maternal–Fetal Medicine)
13 pages, 1080 KiB  
Review
Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Alcohol Use Disorder with Non-Coding RNAs and Gut Microbiota for the Development of Superior Therapeutic Application
by Moeka Nakashima, Naoko Suga, Sayuri Yoshikawa, Yuka Ikeda and Satoru Matsuda
Genes 2024, 15(4), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15040431 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Many investigations have evaluated the expression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as well as their related molecular functions and biological machineries in individuals with alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence may be one of the most prevailing psychological disorders globally, and its pathogenesis is intricate and [...] Read more.
Many investigations have evaluated the expression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as well as their related molecular functions and biological machineries in individuals with alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence may be one of the most prevailing psychological disorders globally, and its pathogenesis is intricate and inadequately comprehended. There is substantial evidence indicating significant links between multiple genetic factors and the development of alcohol dependence. In particular, the critical roles of ncRNAs have been emphasized in the pathology of mental illnesses, probably including alcohol dependence. In the comprehension of the action of ncRNAs and their machineries of modification, furthermore, they have emerged as therapeutic targets for a variety of psychiatric illnesses, including alcohol dependence. It is worth mentioning that the dysregulated expression of ncRNAs has been regularly detected in individuals with alcohol dependence. An in-depth knowledge of the roles of ncRNAs and m6A modification may be valuable for the development of a novel treatment against alcohol dependence. In general, a more profound understanding of the practical roles of ncRNAs might make important contributions to the precise diagnosis and/or actual management of alcohol dependence. Here, in this review, we mostly focused on up-to-date knowledge regarding alterations and/or modifications in the expression of ncRNAs in individuals with alcohol dependence. Then, we present prospects for future research and therapeutic applications with a novel concept of the engram system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNAs in Human Health and Disease)
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18 pages, 7799 KiB  
Article
Sustained Retinal Defocus Increases the Effect of Induced Myopia on the Retinal Astrocyte Template
by Carol R. Lin, Abduqodir Toychiev, Reynolds K. Ablordeppey, Miduturu Srinivas and Alexandra Benavente-Perez
Cells 2024, 13(7), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13070595 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The aim of this article is to describe sustained myopic eye growth’s effect on astrocyte cellular distribution and its association with inner retinal layer thicknesses. Astrocyte density and distribution, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer (IPL) thicknesses [...] Read more.
The aim of this article is to describe sustained myopic eye growth’s effect on astrocyte cellular distribution and its association with inner retinal layer thicknesses. Astrocyte density and distribution, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer (IPL) thicknesses were assessed using immunochemistry and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography on seventeen common marmoset retinas (Callithrix jacchus): six induced with myopia from 2 to 6 months of age (6-month-old myopes), three induced with myopia from 2 to 12 months of age (12-month-old myopes), five age-matched 6-month-old controls, and three age-matched 12-month-old controls. Untreated marmoset eyes grew normally, and both RNFL and IPL thicknesses did not change with age, with astrocyte numbers correlating to RNFL and IPL thicknesses in both control age groups. Myopic marmosets did not follow this trend and, instead, exhibited decreased astrocyte density, increased GFAP+ spatial coverage, and thinner RNFL and IPL, all of which worsened over time. Myopic changes in astrocyte density, GFAP+ spatial coverage and inner retinal layer thicknesses suggest astrocyte template reorganization during myopia development and progression which increased over time. Whether or not these changes are constructive or destructive to the retina still remains to be assessed. Full article
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16 pages, 6044 KiB  
Article
Reducing State Conflicts between Network Motifs Synergistically Enhances Cancer Drug Effects and Overcomes Adaptive Resistance
by Yunseong Kim, Sea Rom Choi and Kwang-Hyun Cho
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071337 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Inducing apoptosis in cancer cells is a primary goal in anti-cancer therapy, but curing cancer with a single drug is unattainable due to drug resistance. The complex molecular network in cancer cells causes heterogeneous responses to single-target drugs, thereby inducing an adaptive drug [...] Read more.
Inducing apoptosis in cancer cells is a primary goal in anti-cancer therapy, but curing cancer with a single drug is unattainable due to drug resistance. The complex molecular network in cancer cells causes heterogeneous responses to single-target drugs, thereby inducing an adaptive drug response. Here, we showed that targeted drug perturbations can trigger state conflicts between multi-stable motifs within a molecular regulatory network, resulting in heterogeneous drug responses. However, we revealed that properly regulating an interconnecting molecule between these motifs can synergistically minimize the heterogeneous responses and overcome drug resistance. We extracted the essential cellular response dynamics of the Boolean network driven by the target node perturbation and developed an algorithm to identify a synergistic combinatorial target that can reduce heterogeneous drug responses. We validated the proposed approach using exemplary network models and a gastric cancer model from a previous study by showing that the targets identified with our algorithm can better drive the networks to desired states than those with other control theories. Of note, our approach suggests a new synergistic pair of control targets that can increase cancer drug efficacy to overcome adaptive drug resistance. Full article
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14 pages, 4903 KiB  
Article
Ensemble Forecasts of Extreme Flood Events with Weather Forecasts, Land Surface Modeling and Deep Learning
by Yuxiu Liu, Xing Yuan, Yang Jiao, Peng Ji, Chaoqun Li and Xindai An
Water 2024, 16(7), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16070990 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Integrating numerical weather forecasts that provide ensemble precipitation forecasts, land surface hydrological modeling that resolves surface and subsurface hydrological processes, and artificial intelligence techniques that correct the forecast bias, known as the “meteo-hydro-AI” approach, has emerged as a popular flood forecast method. However, [...] Read more.
Integrating numerical weather forecasts that provide ensemble precipitation forecasts, land surface hydrological modeling that resolves surface and subsurface hydrological processes, and artificial intelligence techniques that correct the forecast bias, known as the “meteo-hydro-AI” approach, has emerged as a popular flood forecast method. However, its performance during extreme flood events across different interval basins has received less attention. Here, we evaluated the meteo-hydro-AI approach for forecasting extreme flood events from headwater to downstream sub-basins in the Luo River basin during 2010–2017, with forecast lead times up to 7 days. The proposed meteo-hydro approach based on ECMWF weather forecasts and the Conjunctive Surface-Subsurface Process version 2 land surface model with a spatial resolution of 1 km captured the flood hydrographs quite well. Compared with the ensemble streamflow prediction (ESP) approach based on initial conditions, the meteo-hydro approach increased the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of streamflow forecasts at the three outlet stations by 0.27–0.82, decreased the root-mean-squared-error by 22–49%, and performed better in reliability and discrimination. The meteo-hydro-AI approach showed marginal improvement, which suggested further evaluations with larger samples of extreme flood events should be carried out. This study demonstrated the potential of the integrated meteo-hydro-AI approach for ensemble forecasting of extreme flood events. Full article
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19 pages, 6650 KiB  
Article
Stability Analysis in a Direct-Current Shipboard Power System with Parallel Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators and Supercapacitor Integration
by Qinsheng Yun, Xiangjun Wang, Shenghan Wang, Wei Zhuang and Wanlu Zhu
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(4), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12040578 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper investigates the small-signal stability of a DC shipboard power system (SPS) with the integration of a supercapacitor. As an efficient energy storage solution, supercapacitors can not only provide rapid energy response to sudden power demand spikes, effectively mitigating load fluctuations, but [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the small-signal stability of a DC shipboard power system (SPS) with the integration of a supercapacitor. As an efficient energy storage solution, supercapacitors can not only provide rapid energy response to sudden power demand spikes, effectively mitigating load fluctuations, but also enhance the system’s resilience to disturbances. In the context of the parallel operation of two Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSGs), the inclusion of supercapacitors may alter the system’s dynamic behaviors, thereby affecting its small-signal stability. This paper develops the small-signal model of SPS and explores the small-signal model under various power distribution strategies in the parallel operation of diesel generator sets. Through the calculation of eigenvalues and influence factors, the system’s oscillation modes are analyzed, and key parameters affecting the stability of the DC distribution system are identified. Furthermore, this paper meticulously examines the specific impacts of electrical and control parameter variations on the system’s small-signal stability. Simulation experiments validate the accuracy of the small-signal stability analysis after supercapacitor integration into SPS. Full article
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12 pages, 971 KiB  
Article
Comparison of SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf/Pan and Acro Malaria P.f./P.v./Pan with Microscopy and Real Time PCR for the Diagnosis of Human Plasmodium Species
by Marylin Madamet, Isabelle Fonta, Joel Mosnier, Nicolas Benoit, Rémy Amalvict, Sébastien Briolant, French National Reference Centre for Imported Malaria Study Group and Bruno Pradines
Diagnostics 2024, 14(7), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14070721 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The early diagnosis of malaria is crucial to controlling morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends diagnosing malaria either using light microscopy or a malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Most RDTs use antibodies to detect two P. falciparum histidine-rich proteins named [...] Read more.
The early diagnosis of malaria is crucial to controlling morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends diagnosing malaria either using light microscopy or a malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Most RDTs use antibodies to detect two P. falciparum histidine-rich proteins named PfHRP2 and PfHRP3. However, false-negative results are known to occur due to the poor performance of RDTs depending on the species and the deletion of the Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 genes. This study evaluated new malaria RDTs for the detection of the human Plasmodium species. The Acro Malaria P.f./P.v./Pan Rapid Test Cassette allows the qualitative detection of parasite antigens, such as PfHRP2 specific to Plasmodium falciparum, PvLDH specific to Plasmodium vivax, and/or panLDH Plasmodium genus lactate dehydrogenase, in the blood of infected individuals. This RDT was assessed against 229 samples collected from imported malaria cases, mainly from Africa. The samples were previously diagnosed using light microscopy and RDT (SD Malaria Ag P.f./Pan, SD Bioline Alere Abbott), then confirmed using real time PCR. The two RDTs were evaluated using a comparison with real time PCR as the reference method, and their performances were compared with each other. Compared to SD RDT, the Acro RDT showed a better sensitivity to P. falciparum (96.8% vs. 89.8%), P. vivax (78.6% vs. 64.3%), P. ovale (73.7% vs. 5.3%), and P. malariae (20.0% vs. 0%). The respective specificities of the Acro RDT and SD RDT are 90.7% vs. 95.3% to P. falciparum, 100% to P. vivax, and 100% vs. 100% to Plasmodium genus. Therefore, Acro RDT showed better performance in the identification of P. ovale and low parasitaemia of P. falciparum. In addition, Acro RDT has the advantage of detecting PvLDH-specific antigens. The Acro Malaria RDT presents the benefits of detecting a P. falciparum antigen (PfHRP2) and a P. vivax antigen (PvLDH) with high sensitivity (96.8% and 73.7%, respectively) and specificity (90.7% and 100%, respectively). Acro Malaria P.f./P.v./Pan rapid diagnostic tests could be effectively used in endemic areas, especially when microscopic examination cannot be performed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Laboratory Diagnosis in Microbial Diseases)
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13 pages, 2676 KiB  
Article
Rapid Determination of Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rubber Content Using a Pyrolyzer Hyphenated with a Miniaturized Mass Spectrometer
by Shunkai Gao, Minmin Guo, Jiaqi Gao, Zejian Huang, Min Gan, Jichuan Zhang and Yiyang Dong
Separations 2024, 11(4), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11040103 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), a rubber-producing plant with excellent potential, emerges as a viable substitute for rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). While natural rubber is a desirable material, conventional techniques for assessing rubber content have faced challenges in meeting practical production requirements. To [...] Read more.
Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), a rubber-producing plant with excellent potential, emerges as a viable substitute for rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). While natural rubber is a desirable material, conventional techniques for assessing rubber content have faced challenges in meeting practical production requirements. To address this issue, we have developed a pyrolysis–mass spectrometry (PY-MS) instrument for the quantitative evaluation of natural rubber (NR) content in rubber-producing plants. The derived standard curve equation, established for the detection of TKS dry weight through external standard calibration, demonstrates a correlation coefficient (R2) surpassing 0.99. The method exhibits commendable recovery rates (93.27–107.83%), relative standard deviations (RSD ≤ 3.93%), and a swift analysis time of merely 10 min per sample, thereby enabling accurate and efficient quantification of NR dry weight. Additionally, the PY-MS system we designed can be modified for vehicular use, enabling on-site, in situ analysis, and it provides substantial support for TKS breeding and propagation efforts. This approach possesses significant potential for extensive utilization in the assessment of rubber content in rubber-producing plants other than TKS. The integration of pyrolysis–mass spectrometry for the identification of polymers with high molecular weight offers a valuable pathway for the examination of diverse polymers. Full article
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17 pages, 2998 KiB  
Article
Elucidating the Etiology and Temporal Progress of Rust on Physic Nut Genotypes and Their Relationship with Environmental Conditions in Ecuador
by Anthony Omar Donoso-Alvarado, Carmen Cruz Flores-Anchundia, Alma Mendoza, Ernesto A. Moya-Elizondo, Diego Portalanza, Freddy Zambrano-Gavilanes and Felipe R. Garcés-Fiallos
Agronomy 2024, 14(4), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14040712 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) has emerged as a promising fruit crop in Ecuador, but the recent identification of rust poses a potential threat to its productive development. This study focused on elucidating the morphological aspects of the basidiomycete and assessing rust [...] Read more.
Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) has emerged as a promising fruit crop in Ecuador, but the recent identification of rust poses a potential threat to its productive development. This study focused on elucidating the morphological aspects of the basidiomycete and assessing rust intensity across different canopy levels of physic nut hybrids and genotypes under field and semi-controlled conditions in Manabí, Ecuador. For the first time, this study confirms that Phakopsora arthuriana should be responsible for rust on physic nut in Ecuador based on the characteristics of the fungal structures. Rust incidence was 100% across all canopy layers, with the lower and middle canopies exhibiting higher severity and lesion numbers than the upper canopy. Using the Weibull nonlinear distribution model, we epidemiologically modeled disease progression, revealing that hybrid JAT 001100 displayed the highest temporal progress, recording 15% severity and an area under the disease progression curve of 3228.9 units. Promising genotypes CP-041 and CP-052 demonstrated lower rust intensity. Environmental parameters, including dew point, temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity, were correlated with rust severity and lesion numbers. In greenhouse assays, hybrid JAT 001165 showed higher severity, whereas JAT 001103 and JAT 001164 had more lesions than other genotypes. In contrast, promising genotypes CP-041 and CP-052 consistently exhibited lower rust intensity in both field and greenhouse environments. This study demonstrated that P. arthuriana could be epidemiologically modeled with the Weibull model, providing crucial insights into the dynamic interplay between rust infection and physic nut hybrids and genotypes under diverse conditions in the Manabí region of Ecuador. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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16 pages, 12981 KiB  
Article
Identification of Four Mouse FcRn Splice Variants and FcRn-Specific Vesicles
by George Haddad and Judith Blaine
Cells 2024, 13(7), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13070594 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Research into the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) has increased dramatically ever since Simister and Mostov first purified a rat version of the receptor. Over the years, FcRn has been shown to function not only as a receptor that transfers immunity from mother to [...] Read more.
Research into the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) has increased dramatically ever since Simister and Mostov first purified a rat version of the receptor. Over the years, FcRn has been shown to function not only as a receptor that transfers immunity from mother to fetus but also performs an array of different functions that include transport and recycling of immunoglobulins and albumin in the adult. Due to its important cellular roles, several clinical trials have been designed to either inhibit/enhance FcRn function or develop of non-invasive therapeutic delivery system such as fusion of drugs to IgG Fc or albumin to enhance delivery inside the cells. Here, we report the accidental identification of several FcRn alternatively spliced variants in both mouse and human cells. The four new mouse splice variants are capable of binding immunoglobulins’ Fc and Fab portions. In addition, we have identified FcRn-specific vesicles in which immunoglobulins and albumin can be stored and that are involved in the endosomal–lysosomal system. The complexity of FcRn functions offers significant potential to design and develop novel and targeted therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Immunology)
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17 pages, 873 KiB  
Review
Low-Volume Metastases in Apparent Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: Prevalence, Clinical Significance, and Future Perspectives
by Diletta Fumagalli, Luigi A. De Vitis, Giuseppe Caruso, Tommaso Occhiali, Emilia Palmieri, Benedetto E. Guillot, Giulia Pappalettera, Carrie L. Langstraat, Gretchen E. Glaser, Evelyn A. Reynolds, Robert Fruscio, Fabio Landoni, Andrea Mariani and Tommaso Grassi
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071338 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most diagnosed gynecologic malignancy, and its incidence and mortality are increasing. The prognosis is highly dependent on the disease spread. Surgical staging includes retroperitoneal evaluation to detect potential lymph node metastases. In recent years, systematic lymphadenectomy has been [...] Read more.
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most diagnosed gynecologic malignancy, and its incidence and mortality are increasing. The prognosis is highly dependent on the disease spread. Surgical staging includes retroperitoneal evaluation to detect potential lymph node metastases. In recent years, systematic lymphadenectomy has been replaced by sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and ultrastaging, allowing for the detection of macrometastases, micrometastases, and isolated tumor cells (ITCs). Micrometastases and ITCs have been grouped as low-volume metastases (LVM). The reported prevalence of LVM in studies enrolling more than one thousand patients with apparent early-stage EC ranges from 1.9% to 10.2%. Different rates of LVM are observed when patients are stratified according to disease characteristics and their risk of recurrence. Patients with EC at low risk for recurrence have low rates of LVM, while intermediate- and high-risk patients have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with nodal metastases, including LVM. Macro- and micrometastases increase the risk of recurrence and cause upstaging, while the clinical significance of ITCs is still uncertain. A recent meta-analysis found that patients with LVM have a higher relative risk of recurrence [1.34 (95% CI: 1.07–1.67)], regardless of adjuvant treatment. In a retrospective study on patients with low-risk EC and no adjuvant treatment, those with ITCs had worse recurrence-free survival compared to node-negative patients (85.1%; CI 95% 73.8–98.2 versus 90.2%; CI 95% 84.9–95.8). However, a difference was no longer observed after the exclusion of cases with lymphovascular space invasion. There is no consensus on adjuvant treatment in ITC patients at otherwise low risk, and their recurrence rate is low. Multi-institutional, prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical significance of ITCs in low-risk patients. Further stratification of patients, considering histopathological and molecular features of the disease, may clarify the role of LVM and especially ITCs in specific contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lymph Node Dissection for Gynecologic Cancers)
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21 pages, 7005 KiB  
Article
An Estimation of the Energy Savings of a Mainline Diesel Locomotive Equipped with an Energy Storage Device
by Ievgen Riabov, Sergey Goolak and Larysa Neduzha
Vehicles 2024, 6(2), 611-631; https://doi.org/10.3390/vehicles6020028 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The method of improving a two-section mainline diesel locomotive by using energy storage in the traction system is considered. A mathematical model was developed to study the movement of a diesel locomotive based on the recommendations and provisions of the theory of locomotive [...] Read more.
The method of improving a two-section mainline diesel locomotive by using energy storage in the traction system is considered. A mathematical model was developed to study the movement of a diesel locomotive based on the recommendations and provisions of the theory of locomotive traction. For this purpose, the movement of a diesel locomotive as part of a train along a given section of a track was studied. It was determined that the use of an energy storage device on a diesel locomotive will allow up to 64% of the energy spent on train traction to accumulate. The use of energy storage in the accumulator during electrodynamic braking ensured a reduction in fuel consumption by about 50%, regardless of the options for equipping the traction system of the diesel locomotive with an energy accumulator. It is established that regardless of the options for equipping the traction system of the diesel locomotive with an energy storage device, the indicators characterizing the degree of use of the diesel engine do not change. These research results can be used in works devoted to the improvement of the control system of energy exchange between the accumulator and traction engines of diesel locomotives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Railway Vehicles and Infrastructure)
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