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18 pages, 769 KiB  
Review
Synthetic Cathinones: Epidemiology, Toxicity, Potential for Abuse, and Current Public Health Perspective
by Shanshan Chen, Wenhua Zhou and Miaojun Lai
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(4), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14040334 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, derived from cathinone found in the plant Catha edulis, represent the second largest and most frequently seized group of new psychoactive substances. They are considered as β-keto analogs of amphetamine, sharing pharmacological effects with amphetamine and cocaine. This review describes the [...] Read more.
Synthetic cathinones, derived from cathinone found in the plant Catha edulis, represent the second largest and most frequently seized group of new psychoactive substances. They are considered as β-keto analogs of amphetamine, sharing pharmacological effects with amphetamine and cocaine. This review describes the neurotoxic properties of synthetic cathinones, encompassing their capacity to induce neuroinflammation, dysregulate neurotransmitter systems, and alter monoamine transporters and receptors. Additionally, it discusses the rewarding and abuse potential of synthetic cathinones drawing from findings obtained through various preclinical animal models, contextualized with other classical psychostimulants. The review also offers an overview of current abuse trends of synthetic cathinones on the illicit drug market, specifying the aspects covered, and underscores the risks they pose to public health. Finally, the review discusses public health initiatives and efforts to reduce the hazards of synthetic cathinones, including harm reduction methods, education, and current clinical management strategies. Full article
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13 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture and Bone Mineral Density in Young Women, including Selected Hormonal Parameters
by El?bieta Sowińska-Przepiera, Mariola Krzy?cin, Igor Syrenicz, Adrianna ?wiertnia, Adrianna Orlińska, Dorota ?wiek, Dorota Branecka-Wo?niak, Aneta Cymbaluk-P?oska, ?ana Bumbulien? and Anhelli Syrenicz
Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040758 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The absence of non-invasive methods for assessing bone material and structural changes is a significant diagnostic challenge. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) testing is the gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis. BMD and the trabecular bone score (TBS) have facilitated targeted [...] Read more.
The absence of non-invasive methods for assessing bone material and structural changes is a significant diagnostic challenge. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) testing is the gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis. BMD and the trabecular bone score (TBS) have facilitated targeted osteoporosis prevention and treatment in clinical settings. The findings from this study indicate that BMD modulation in young women is influenced by various hormones, potentially compromising the diagnostic precision of BMD for subclinical bone demineralization. A total of 205 women aged 19 to 37 underwent anthropometric measurements and hormonal tests. BMD was determined using DXA, and TBS values were computed from the lumbar spine L1–L4 segment. The multivariate analysis findings suggest that BMD might not be determined by hormones. The relationship between TBS and TSH was statistically significant in the univariate analysis, which indicates the efficacy of further studies to determine the link between TBS and specific hormones. Analyzing the strength of the correlation between TBS and hormones in the univariate analysis shows which factors are worth considering in further analyses. This makes it possible to create better techniques that will help identify young women who are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Full article
14 pages, 1212 KiB  
Article
Gene Dosage of F5 c.3481C>T Stop-Codon (p.R1161Ter) Switches the Clinical Phenotype from Severe Thrombosis to Recurrent Haemorrhage: Novel Hypotheses for Readthrough Strategy
by Donato Gemmati, Elisabetta D’Aversa, Bianca Antonica, Miriana Grisafi, Francesca Salvatori, Stefano Pizzicotti, Patrizia Pellegatti, Nadia Ciccone, Stefano Moratelli, Maria Luisa Serino and Veronica Tisato
Genes 2024, 15(4), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15040432 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Inherited defects in the genes of blood coagulation essentially express the severity of the clinical phenotype that is directly correlated to the number of mutated alleles of the candidate leader gene (e.g., heterozygote vs. homozygote) and of possible additional coinherited traits. The F5 [...] Read more.
Inherited defects in the genes of blood coagulation essentially express the severity of the clinical phenotype that is directly correlated to the number of mutated alleles of the candidate leader gene (e.g., heterozygote vs. homozygote) and of possible additional coinherited traits. The F5 gene, which codes for coagulation factor V (FV), plays a two-faced role in the coagulation cascade, exhibiting both procoagulant and anticoagulant functions. Thus, defects in this gene can be predisposed to either bleeding or thrombosis. A Sanger sequence analysis detected a premature stop-codon in exon 13 of the F5 gene (c.3481C>T; p.R1161Ter) in several members of a family characterised by low circulating FV levels and contrasting clinical phenotypes. The propositus, a 29 y.o. male affected by recurrent haemorrhages, was homozygous for the F5 stop-codon and for the F5 c.1691G>A (p.R506Q; FV-Leiden) inherited from the heterozygous parents, which is suggestive of combined cis-segregation. The homozygous condition of the stop-codon completely abolished the F5 gene expression in the propositus (FV:Ag < 1%; FV:C < 1%; assessed by ELISA and PT-based one-stage clotting assay respectively), removing, in turn, any chance for FV-Leiden to act as a prothrombotic molecule. His father (57 y.o.), characterised by severe recurrent venous thromboses, underwent a complete molecular thrombophilic screening, revealing a heterozygous F2 G20210A defect, while his mother (56 y.o.), who was negative for further common coagulation defects, reported fully asymptomatic anamnesis. To dissect these conflicting phenotypes, we performed the ProC®Global (Siemens Helthineers) coagulation test aimed at assessing the global pro- and anticoagulant balance of each family member, investigating the responses to the activated protein C (APC) by means of an APC-sensitivity ratio (APC-sr). The propositus had an unexpectedly poor response to APC (APC-sr: 1.09; n.v. > 2.25), and his father and mother had an APC-sr of 1.5 and 2.0, respectively. Although ProC®Global prevalently detects the anticoagulant side of FV, the exceptionally low APC-sr of the propositus and his discordant severe–moderate haemorrhagic phenotype could suggest a residual expression of mutated FV p.506QQ through a natural readthrough or possible alternative splicing mechanisms. The coagulation pathway may be physiologically rebalanced through natural and induced strategies, and the described insights might be able to track the design of novel treatment approaches and rebalancing molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases 2023)
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14 pages, 19042 KiB  
Article
Precision Landing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle under Wind Disturbance Using Derivative Sliding Mode Nonlinear Disturbance Observer-Based Control Method
by Sunghun Jung
Aerospace 2024, 11(4), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11040265 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are extensively employed in civilian and military applications because of their excellent maneuverability. Achieving fully autonomous quadrotor flight and precision landing on a wireless charging station in the presence of wind disturbance has become a crucial research topic. This [...] Read more.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are extensively employed in civilian and military applications because of their excellent maneuverability. Achieving fully autonomous quadrotor flight and precision landing on a wireless charging station in the presence of wind disturbance has become a crucial research topic. This paper presents a composite control technique for UAV altitude and attitude tracking in harsh environments, i.e., wind disturbance. A composite controller was developed based on nonlinear disturbance observer (NDOB) control theory to allow the UAV to land in the presence of random external wind disturbances and ground effects. The NDOB estimated the unknown wind disturbance, and the estimation was fed into the derivative sliding mode nonlinear disturbance observer-based control (DSMNDOBC), allowing the UAV to perform autonomous precision landing. Two loop designs were applied: the inner loop for stabilization and the outer loop for altitude tracking. The quadrotor model dynamics and the proposed controller, DSMNDOBC, were simulated employing MATLAB/Simulink®, and the results were compared with the one obtained by the proportional derivative (PD) controller and the sliding mode controller (SMC). The simulation results indicated that the DSMNDOBC has superior altitude and attitude control compared to the PD and SMC controllers and better disturbance estimation and attenuation performance. Full article
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25 pages, 2894 KiB  
Review
NDRGs in Breast Cancer: A Review and In Silico Analysis
by Emilly S. Villodre, Anh P. N. Nguyen and Bisrat G. Debeb
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071342 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The N-myc downstream regulated gene family (NDRGs) includes four members: NDRG1, NDRG2, NDRG3, and NDRG4. These members exhibit 53–65% amino acid identity. The role of NDRGs in tumor growth and metastasis appears to be tumor- and context-dependent. While many [...] Read more.
The N-myc downstream regulated gene family (NDRGs) includes four members: NDRG1, NDRG2, NDRG3, and NDRG4. These members exhibit 53–65% amino acid identity. The role of NDRGs in tumor growth and metastasis appears to be tumor- and context-dependent. While many studies have reported that these family members have tumor suppressive roles, recent studies have demonstrated that NDRGs, particularly NDRG1 and NDRG2, function as oncogenes, promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, NDRGs are involved in regulating different signaling pathways and exhibit diverse cellular functions in breast cancers. In this review, we comprehensively outline the oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles of the NDRG family members in breast cancer, examining evidence from in vitro and in vivo breast cancer models as well as tumor tissues from breast cancer patients. We also present analyses of publicly available genomic and transcriptomic data from multiple independent cohorts of breast cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncogenomic and Multi-Omic Data Science and Data Engineering)
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13 pages, 2359 KiB  
Article
Locating Electrified Aircraft Service to Reduce Urban Congestion
by Raj Bridgelall
Information 2024, 15(4), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15040186 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The relentless expansion of urban populations and the surge in e-commerce have increased the demand for rapid delivery services, leading to an increase in truck traffic that contributes to urban congestion, environmental pollution, and economic inefficiencies. The critical challenge this poses is not [...] Read more.
The relentless expansion of urban populations and the surge in e-commerce have increased the demand for rapid delivery services, leading to an increase in truck traffic that contributes to urban congestion, environmental pollution, and economic inefficiencies. The critical challenge this poses is not only in managing urban spaces efficiently but also in aligning with global sustainability goals. This study addresses the pressing need for innovative solutions to reduce reliance on truck transportation in congested urban areas without compromising the efficiency of freight delivery systems. This study contributes a novel approach that leverages electrified and autonomous aircraft (EAA) cargo shuttles to shift the bulk of air transportable freight from road to air, specifically targeting underutilized airports and establishing vertiports in remote locations. By applying data mining techniques to analyze freight flow data, this research identifies key commodity categories and metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) where the implementation of EAA services could significantly mitigate truck-induced congestion. The findings reveal that targeting a select few commodities and MSAs can potentially decrease truck traffic, with electronics emerging as the dominant commodity category, and cities like Los Angeles and Chicago as prime candidates for initial EAA service deployment. Stakeholders in urban planning, transportation logistics, and environmental policy will find this study’s insights beneficial. This work lays a foundation for future innovations in sustainable urban mobility and logistics. Full article
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18 pages, 17759 KiB  
Article
Long-Lasting Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized with Tagetes erecta and Their Antibacterial Activity against Erwinia amylovora, a Serious Rosaceous Pathogen
by Johana Zarate-Escobedo, Hilda Araceli Zavaleta-Mancera, Ramón Marcos Soto-Hernández, Paulino Pérez-Rodríguez, Alfredo Rafael Vilchis-Nestor, Hilda Victoria Silva-Rojas and Libia Iris Trejo-Téllez
Plants 2024, 13(7), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070981 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
A rapid, eco-friendly, and simple method for the synthesis of long-lasting (2 years) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is reported using aqueous leaf and petal extracts of Tagetes erecta L. The particles were characterized using UV-Visible spectrophotometry and the analytical and crystallographic techniques of transmission [...] Read more.
A rapid, eco-friendly, and simple method for the synthesis of long-lasting (2 years) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is reported using aqueous leaf and petal extracts of Tagetes erecta L. The particles were characterized using UV-Visible spectrophotometry and the analytical and crystallographic techniques of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The longevity of the AgNPs was studied using UV-Vis and high-resolution TEM. The antibacterial activity of the particles against Erwinia amylovora was evaluated using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Both the leaf and petal extracts produced AgNPs, but the leaf extract (1 mL) was long-lasting and quasi-spherical (17.64 ± 8.87 nm), with an absorbance of UV-Vis λmax 433 and a crystalline structure (fcc, 111). Phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids which are associated with -OH, C=O, and C=C were identified in the extracts and could act as reducing and stabilizing agents. The best antibacterial activity was obtained with a nanoparticle concentration of 50 mg AgNPs L−1. The main contribution of the present research is to present a sustainable method for producing nanoparticles which are stable for 2 years and with antibacterial activity against E. amylovora, one of most threatening pathogens to pear and apple productions. Full article
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12 pages, 258 KiB  
Article
Early Modern Imperial Philologies: Ahmad al-Hajarî and the Lead Books of Granada
by Oumelbanine Zhiri
Religions 2024, 15(4), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15040428 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The Morisco polymath Ahmad ibn Qâsim al-Hajarî (c.1569–c.1640) was a diplomat, a writer and translator. His engagement with philology, i.e., the edition, annotation and translation of texts, especially the Lead Books of Granada, is an important part of his work. This article examines [...] Read more.
The Morisco polymath Ahmad ibn Qâsim al-Hajarî (c.1569–c.1640) was a diplomat, a writer and translator. His engagement with philology, i.e., the edition, annotation and translation of texts, especially the Lead Books of Granada, is an important part of his work. This article examines his philological practices and how he deployed them in order to defend Islam and Islamic power and to counter the hegemonic claims of the Spanish Catholic Empire. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theology and Aesthetics in the Spanish and Portuguese Empires)
10 pages, 5543 KiB  
Review
From Galls to Cecidological Herbaria: The Role of Gall Collections in Modern Life Sciences
by Mauro Mandrioli, Luca Tonetti, Tiziana Beltrame and Elena Canadelli
Life 2024, 14(4), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14040452 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Galls (also known as cecidia) have been studied by botanists, zoologists and microbiologists over the last century. Indeed, galls can be induced by different animals, bacteria, viruses and fungi, so that their presence simultaneously attested the presence of specific host plants and gall-inducing [...] Read more.
Galls (also known as cecidia) have been studied by botanists, zoologists and microbiologists over the last century. Indeed, galls can be induced by different animals, bacteria, viruses and fungi, so that their presence simultaneously attested the presence of specific host plants and gall-inducing species. Consequently, gall collections, also known as cecidological herbaria or cecidological collections, can be interesting to study biodiversity changes over time. This review describes the main cecidological collections currently available in different European museums in order to stimulate their future study. The present analysis suggests that well-organized and preserved cecidological collections have great potential to guide research in taxonomy and systematics. Furthermore, this review aims to encourage future research on the conservation and digitisation standards of gall specimens in order to make cecidological data more accessible to researchers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Forensic Analysis of Animal and Plant Samples)
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15 pages, 3351 KiB  
Article
The Role of Acyl-CoA Synthetase 1 in Bioactive Lipid Accumulation and the Development of Hepatic Insulin Resistance
by Piotr Zabielski, Monika Imierska, Kamila Roszczyc-Owsiejczuk, Mariusz Ku?micki, Pawe? Rogalski, Jaros?aw Daniluk and Agnieszka U. B?achnio-Zabielska
Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071003 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The liver plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. Obesity and a diet rich in fats (HFD) contribute to the accumulation of intracellular lipids. The aim of the study was to explore the involvement of acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) in bioactive lipid accumulation [...] Read more.
The liver plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. Obesity and a diet rich in fats (HFD) contribute to the accumulation of intracellular lipids. The aim of the study was to explore the involvement of acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) in bioactive lipid accumulation and the induction of liver insulin resistance (InsR) in animals fed an HFD. The experiments were performed on male C57BL/6 mice divided into the following experimental groups: 1. Animals fed a control diet; 2. animals fed HFD; and 3. HFD-fed animals with the hepatic ACSL1 gene silenced through a hydrodynamic gene delivery technique. Long-chain acyl-CoAs, sphingolipids, and diacylglycerols were measured by LC/MS/MS. Glycogen was measured by means of a commercially available kit. The protein expression and phosphorylation state of the insulin pathway was estimated by Western blot. HFD-fed mice developed InsR, manifested as an increase in fasting blood glucose levels (202.5 mg/dL vs. 130.5 mg/dL in the control group) and inhibition of the insulin pathway, which resulted in an increase in the rate of gluconeogenesis (0.420 vs. 0.208 in the control group) and a decrease in the hepatic glycogen content (1.17 μg/mg vs. 2.32 μg/mg in the control group). Hepatic ACSL1 silencing resulted in decreased lipid content and improved insulin sensitivity, accounting for the decreased rate of gluconeogenesis (0.348 vs. 0.420 in HFD(+/+)) and the increased glycogen content (4.3 μg/mg vs. 1.17 μg/mg in HFD(+/+)). The elevation of gluconeogenesis and the decrease in glycogenesis in the hepatic tissue of HFD-fed mice resulted from cellular lipid accumulation. Inhibition of lipid synthesis through silencing ACSL1 alleviated HFD-induced hepatic InsR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)
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17 pages, 4598 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Silk Fibroin/Poly(Acrylic Acid) Interactions in Aqueous Solution
by Jelena ?krbi?, Ljiljana Spasojevi?, Altynay Sharipova, Saule Aidarova, Alpamys Babayev, Raziya Sarsembekova, Ljiljana Popovi?, Sandra Bu?ko, Jelena Milinkovi? Budin?i?, Jadranka Fraj, Lidija Petrovi? and Jaroslav Katona
Polymers 2024, 16(7), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16070936 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Silk fibroin (SF) is a protein with many outstanding properties (superior biocompatibility, mechanical strength, etc.) and is often used in many advanced applications (epidermal sensors, tissue engineering, etc.). The properties of SF-based biomaterials may additionally be tuned by SF interactions with other (bio)polymers. [...] Read more.
Silk fibroin (SF) is a protein with many outstanding properties (superior biocompatibility, mechanical strength, etc.) and is often used in many advanced applications (epidermal sensors, tissue engineering, etc.). The properties of SF-based biomaterials may additionally be tuned by SF interactions with other (bio)polymers. Being a weak amphoteric polyelectrolyte, SF may form polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) with other polyelectrolytes of opposite charge, such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). PAA is a widely used, biocompatible, synthetic polyanion. Here, we investigate PEC formation between SF and PAA of two different molecular weights (MWs), low and high, using various techniques (turbidimetry, zeta potential measurements, capillary viscometry, and tensiometry). The colloidal properties of SF isolated from Bombyx mori and of PAAs (MW, overlap concentration, the influence of pH on zeta potential, adsorption at air/water interface) were determined to identify conditions for the SF-PAA electrostatic interaction. It was shown that SF-PAA PEC formation takes place at different SF:PAA ratios, at pH 3, for both high and low MW PAA. SF-PAA PEC’s properties (phase separation, charge, and surface activity) are influenced by the SF:PAA mass ratio and/or the MW of PAA. The findings on the interactions contribute to the future development of SP-PAA PEC-based films and bioadhesives with tailored properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyelectrolytes and Polyelectrolyte Complexes)
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19 pages, 1711 KiB  
Review
The Role of Endocrine Disruption Chemical-Regulated Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activity in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Diseases and Cancer
by Kyounghyun Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3818; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073818 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) serves as a ligand-activated transcription factor crucial for regulating fundamental cellular and molecular processes, such as xenobiotic metabolism, immune responses, and cancer development. Notably, a spectrum of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) act as agonists or antagonists of AHR, leading [...] Read more.
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) serves as a ligand-activated transcription factor crucial for regulating fundamental cellular and molecular processes, such as xenobiotic metabolism, immune responses, and cancer development. Notably, a spectrum of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) act as agonists or antagonists of AHR, leading to the dysregulation of pivotal cellular and molecular processes and endocrine system disruption. Accumulating evidence suggests a correlation between EDC exposure and the onset of diverse pancreatic diseases, including diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Despite this association, the mechanistic role of AHR as a linchpin molecule in EDC exposure-related pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases and cancer remains unexplored. This review comprehensively examines the involvement of AHR in EDC exposure-mediated regulation of pancreatic pathogenesis, emphasizing AHR as a potential therapeutic target for the pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases and cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrine Disruption and Human Diseases 2.0)
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5 pages, 3101 KiB  
Interesting Images
Arterial Calcification Disappearance in Breast Imaging: A Key Indicator for Transition to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
by Arisa Sato, Tomoyuki Fujioka, Iichiroh Onishi, Emi Yamaga, Leona Katsuta, Kazunori Kubota, Yuichi Kumaki, Toshiyuki Ishiba, Goshi Oda and Ukihide Tateishi
Diagnostics 2024, 14(7), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14070727 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
A woman in her 70s, initially suspected of having fibroadenoma due to a well-defined mass in her breast, underwent regular mammography and ultrasound screenings. Over several years, no appreciable alterations in the mass were observed, maintaining the fibroadenoma diagnosis. However, in the fourth [...] Read more.
A woman in her 70s, initially suspected of having fibroadenoma due to a well-defined mass in her breast, underwent regular mammography and ultrasound screenings. Over several years, no appreciable alterations in the mass were observed, maintaining the fibroadenoma diagnosis. However, in the fourth year, an ultrasound indicated slight enlargement and peripheral irregularities in the mass, even though the mammography images at that time showed no alterations. Interestingly, mammography images over time showed the gradual disappearance of previously observed arterial calcification around the mass. Pathological examination eventually identified the mass as invasive ductal carcinoma. Although the patient had breast tissue arterial calcification typical of atherosclerosis, none was present around the tumor-associated arteries. This case highlights the importance of monitoring arterial calcification changes in mammography, suggesting that they are crucial indicators in breast cancer diagnosis, beyond observing size and shape alterations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)
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13 pages, 10309 KiB  
Article
Pathogenicity of Aeromonas veronii Isolated from Diseased Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Host Immune-Related Gene Expression Profiles
by Xiaojian Gao, Zhen Chen, Zirui Zhang, Qieqi Qian, Anting Chen, Lijie Qin, Xinzhe Tang, Qun Jiang and Xiaojun Zhang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040694 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Aeromonas veronii is widespread in aquatic environments and is responsible for infecting various aquatic animals. In this study, a dominant strain was isolated from the hepatopancreas of diseased Macrobrachium rosenbergii and was named JDM1-1. According to its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and [...] Read more.
Aeromonas veronii is widespread in aquatic environments and is responsible for infecting various aquatic animals. In this study, a dominant strain was isolated from the hepatopancreas of diseased Macrobrachium rosenbergii and was named JDM1-1. According to its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and molecular identification, isolate JDM1-1 was identified as A. veronii. The results of artificial challenge showed isolate JDM1-1 had high pathogenicity to M. rosenbergii with an LD50 value of 8.35 × 105 CFU/mL during the challenge test. Histopathological analysis revealed severe damage in the hepatopancreas and gills of the diseased prawns, characterized by the enlargement of the hepatic tubule lumen and gaps between the tubules as well as clubbing and degeneration observed at the distal end of the gill filament. Eight virulence-related genes, namely aer, ompA, lip, tapA, hlyA, flgA, flgM, and flgN, were screened by PCR assay. In addition, virulence factor detection showed that the JDM1-1 isolate produced lipase, lecithinase, gelatinase, and hemolysin. Furthermore, the mRNA expression profiles of immune-related genes of M. rosenbergii following A. veronii infection, including ALF1, ALF2, Crustin, C-lectin, and Lysozyme, were assessed, and the results revealed a significant upregulation in the hepatopancreas and intestines at different hours post infection. This study demonstrates that A. veronii is a causative agent associated with massive die-offs of M. rosenbergii and contributes valuable insights into the pathogenesis and host defense mechanisms of A. veronii invasion. Full article
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16 pages, 20102 KiB  
Article
Joint Estimation of SOC and SOH for Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Dual Adaptive Central Difference H-Infinity Filter
by Bingyu Sang, Zaijun Wu, Bo Yang, Junjie Wei and Youhong Wan
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1640; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071640 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The accurate estimation of the state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries is crucial for the safe and reliable operation of battery systems. In order to overcome the practical problems of low accuracy, slow convergence and insufficient robustness in the existing joint [...] Read more.
The accurate estimation of the state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries is crucial for the safe and reliable operation of battery systems. In order to overcome the practical problems of low accuracy, slow convergence and insufficient robustness in the existing joint estimation algorithms of SOC and SOH, a Dual Adaptive Central Difference H-Infinity Filter algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the Forgetting Factor Recursive Least Squares (FFRLS) algorithm is employed for parameter identification, and an inner loop with multiple updates of the parameter estimation vector is added to improve the accuracy of parameter identification. Secondly, the capacity is selected as the characterization of SOH, and the open circuit voltage and capacity are used as the state variables for capacity estimation to improve its convergence speed. Meanwhile, considering the interaction between SOC and SOH, the state space equations of SOC and SOH estimation are established. Moreover, the proposed algorithm introduces a robust discrete H-infinity filter equation to improve the measurement update on the basis of the central differential Kalman filter with good accuracy, and combines the Sage–Husa adaptive filter to achieve the joint estimation of SOC and SOH. Finally, under Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) and Highway Fuel Economy Test (HWFET) conditions, the SOC estimation errors are 0.5% and 0.63%, and the SOH maximum estimation errors are 0.73% and 0.86%, indicating that the proposed algorithm has higher accuracy compared to the traditional algorithm. The experimental results at different initial values of capacity and SOC demonstrate that the proposed algorithm showcases enhanced convergence speed and robustness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems)
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4 pages, 176 KiB  
Editorial
Mechanotransduction Circuits in Human Pathobiology
by Antonios N. Gargalionis, Kostas A. Papavassiliou and Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073816 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that mechanical forces exerted throughout the human body are critical for cellular and tissue homeostasis [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanosignaling in Physiology and Disease)
22 pages, 1059 KiB  
Systematic Review
Cervical Cancer Associated with Pregnancy: Current Challenges and Future Strategies
by Jennifer Le Guévelou, Lise Selleret, Enora Laas, Fabrice Lecuru and Manon Kissel
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071341 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Cancer during pregnancy is defined as a tumor diagnosed in a pregnant woman or up to 1-year post-partum. While being a rare disease, cervical cancer is probably one of the most challenging medical conditions, with the dual stake of treating the cancer without [...] Read more.
Cancer during pregnancy is defined as a tumor diagnosed in a pregnant woman or up to 1-year post-partum. While being a rare disease, cervical cancer is probably one of the most challenging medical conditions, with the dual stake of treating the cancer without compromising its chances for cure, while preserving the pregnancy and the health of the fetus and child. To date, guidelines for gynecological cancers are provided through international consensus meetings with expert panels, giving insights on both diagnosis, treatment, and obstetrical care. However, these expert guidelines do not discuss the various approaches than can be found within the literature, such as alternative staging modalities or innovative surgical approaches. Also, the obstetrical care of women diagnosed with cervical cancer during pregnancy requires specific considerations that are not provided within our current standard of care. This systematic review aims to fill the gap on current issues with regards to the management of cervical cancer during pregnancy and provide future directions within this evolving landscape. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cervical Cancer: Screening and Treatment in 2024)
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20 pages, 7774 KiB  
Article
Automatic Martian Polar Ice Cap Extraction Algorithm for Remote Sensing Data and Analysis of Their Spatiotemporal Variation Characteristics
by Weiye Xu, Zhulin Chen, Huifang Zhang, Kun Jia, Degyi Yangzom, Xiang Zhao, Yunjun Yao and Xiaotong Zhang
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(7), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16071201 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The detection of Martian polar ice cap change patterns is important for understanding their effects on driving Mars’s global water cycle and for regulating atmospheric circulation. However, current Martian ice cap identification using optical remote sensing data mainly relies on visual interpretation, which [...] Read more.
The detection of Martian polar ice cap change patterns is important for understanding their effects on driving Mars’s global water cycle and for regulating atmospheric circulation. However, current Martian ice cap identification using optical remote sensing data mainly relies on visual interpretation, which makes it difficult to quickly extract ice caps from multiple images and analyze their fine-scale spatiotemporal variation characteristics. Therefore, this study proposes an automatic Martian polar ice cap extraction algorithm for remote sensing data and analyzes the dynamic change characteristics of the Martian North Pole ice cap using time-series data. First, the automatic Martian ice cap segmentation algorithm was developed based on the ice cap features of high reflectance in the blue band and low saturation in the RGB band. Second, the Martian North Pole ice cap was extracted for the three Martian years MY25, 26, and 28 using Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) Mars Daily Global Maps (MDGMs) data, which had better spatiotemporal continuity to analyze its variation characteristics. Lastly, the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of the ice cap and the driving factors of ice cap ablation were explored for the three aforementioned Martian years. The results indicated that the proposed automatic ice cap extraction algorithm had good performance, and the classification accuracy exceeded 93%. The ice cap ablation boundary retreat rates and spatiotemporal distributions were similar for the three years, with approximately 105 km2 of ice cap ablation for every one degree of areocentric longitude of the Sun (Ls). The main driving factor of ice cap ablation was solar radiation, which was mainly related to Ls. In addition, elevation had a different effect on ice cap ablation at different Ls in the same latitude area near the ablation boundary of the ice cap. Full article
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16 pages, 6827 KiB  
Article
Comparative Genomic Analysis of PEBP Genes in Cucurbits Explores the Interactors of Cucumber CsPEBPs Related to Flowering Time
by Lianxue Fan, Ziyi Zhu, Xiaoru Lin, Xia Shen, Tianjiao Yang, Haixin Wang and Xiuyan Zhou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3815; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073815 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The family of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBPs) participates in various plant biological processes, mainly flowering regulation and seed germination. In cucurbit crops, several PEBP genes have been recognized to be responsible for flowering time. However, the investigation of PEBP family members across the genomes [...] Read more.
The family of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBPs) participates in various plant biological processes, mainly flowering regulation and seed germination. In cucurbit crops, several PEBP genes have been recognized to be responsible for flowering time. However, the investigation of PEBP family members across the genomes of cucurbit species has not been reported, and their conservation and divergence in structure and function remain largely unclear. Herein, PEBP genes were identified from seven cucurbit crops and were used to perform a comparative genomics analysis. The cucurbit PEBP proteins could be classified into MFT, FT, TFL, and PEBP clades, and further, the TFL clade was divided into BFT-like, CEN-like, and TFL1-like subclades. The MFT-like, FT-like, and TFL-like proteins were clearly distinguished by a critical amino acid residue at the 85th position of the Arabidopsis FT protein. In gene expression analysis, CsaPEBP1 was highly expressed in flowers, and its expression levels in females and males were 70.5 and 89.2 times higher, respectively, than those in leaves. CsaPEBP5, CsaPEBP6, and CsaPEBP7 were specifically expressed in male flowers, with expression levels 58.1, 17.3, and 15.7 times higher, respectively, than those of leaves. At least five CsaPEBP genes exhibited the highest expression during the later stages of corolla opening. Through clustering of time-series-based RNA-seq data, several potential transcription factors (TFs) interacting with four CsaPEBPs were identified during cucumber corolla opening. Because of the tandem repeats of binding sites in promoters, NF-YB (Csa4G037610) and GATA (Csa7G64580) TFs appeared to be better able to regulate the CsaPEBP2 and CsaPEBP5 genes, respectively. This study would provide helpful information for further investigating the roles of PEBP genes and their interacting TFs in growth and development processes, such as flowering time regulation in cucurbit crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
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12 pages, 1624 KiB  
Article
Rice Stripe Virus Infection Facilitates the Reproductive Potential of Laodelphax striatellus
by Yuanyuan Zhang, Youxin Yu, Meiqi Xu, Jingyan Liao, Chenjia Shao, Liran Fu, Mingshi Qian, Gang Xu and Guoqing Yang
Agronomy 2024, 14(4), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14040714 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The rice stripe virus (RSV) is transmitted by the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus in a persistent and circulative–propagative manner. During the last few decades, RSV has caused serious disease outbreaks in rice fields in China. The results of long-term coevolution have led [...] Read more.
The rice stripe virus (RSV) is transmitted by the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus in a persistent and circulative–propagative manner. During the last few decades, RSV has caused serious disease outbreaks in rice fields in China. The results of long-term coevolution have led to complex and diverse relationships between viruses and vector insects, and understanding these interactions is critical for the management of diseases and vector organisms. In this study, three groups of comparative experiments were performed to investigate the effects of RSV infection on the reproductive parameters, vitellogenin (Vg), and Vg receptor (VgR) expressions of L. striatellus. The results showed that RSV infection promoted the fecundity, hatchability, and Vg and VgR expressions of L. striatellus but had no effect on the preoviposition period and oviposition period. Furthermore, the RNA interference of the nucleocapsid protein (CP) gene and the injection of the CP antibody in RSV-viruliferous L. striatellus reduced the fecundity, hatchability, and Vg and VgR expressions, further strengthening the hypothesis that RSV may manipulate the reproductive behavior of insect vectors to promote its own transmission. The results of this study can further reveal the interaction mechanism of virus–vector insects in reproduction and virus transmission, and provide new insights for the control of insect-borne viruses. Full article
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10 pages, 1400 KiB  
Article
The Role of Climatic, Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors in the Natural Movement of Urban Populations in Kazakhstan, 2012–2020: An Analysis from a Middle-Income Country in Central Asia
by Nurlan Smagulov, Olzhas Zhamantayev, Aiman Konkabayeva, Ainur Adilbekova, Gulmira Zhanalina, Nurzhamal Shintayeva and Dinara Aubakirova
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040416 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: This study addresses the importance of identifying key characteristics influencing demographic indicators for urban populations, emphasizing the need to consider regional climatic features and ecological factors. The research utilized data from ten main regional cities across the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methods: This [...] Read more.
Background: This study addresses the importance of identifying key characteristics influencing demographic indicators for urban populations, emphasizing the need to consider regional climatic features and ecological factors. The research utilized data from ten main regional cities across the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methods: This study involved a retrospective analysis based on secondary data from official sources spanning 2012–2020. We employed correlation analysis and multidimensional regression models. Results: Noteworthy predictors for crude birth rate included the influence of effective temperature (β = 0.842, p < 0.0001), marriage rate (β = 0.780, p < 0.0001), Gini coefficient (β = −27.342, p = 0.020) and divorce rate (β = −2.060, p < 0.0001), with overall strong model performance (R2 = 0.940). The degree of atmospheric pollution (β = −0.949, p = 0.044), effective temperature (β = −0.294, p < 0.0001) and Gini coefficient (β = 19.923, p = 0.015) were the predictors for crude mortality rate, with a high model fit (R2 = 0.796). Conclusions: The study unveils significant relationships between demographic indicators (crude birth rate, mortality rate) and variables like effective temperature, marriage rate, divorce rate, Gini coefficient, physician density and others. This analysis of climatic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors influencing demographic indicators may help in promoting specific measures to address public health issues in Kazakhstan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)
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14 pages, 2348 KiB  
Article
Jitter Measurements of 1 cm2 LGADs for Space Experiments
by Ashish Bisht, Leo Cavazzini, Matteo Centis Vignali, Fabiola Caso, Omar Hammad Ali, Francesco Ficorella, Maurizio Boscardin and Giovanni Paternoster
Instruments 2024, 8(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8020027 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This work explores the possibility of using Low Gain Avalanche Diodes (LGADs) for tracker-based experiments studying Charged Cosmic Rays (CCRs) in space. While conventional silicon microstrip sensors provide only spatial information about the charged particle passing through the tracker, LGADs have the potential [...] Read more.
This work explores the possibility of using Low Gain Avalanche Diodes (LGADs) for tracker-based experiments studying Charged Cosmic Rays (CCRs) in space. While conventional silicon microstrip sensors provide only spatial information about the charged particle passing through the tracker, LGADs have the potential to provide additional timing information with a resolution in the order of tens of picoseconds. For the first time, it has been demonstrated that an LGAD with an active area of approximately 1 cm2 can achieve a jitter of less than 40 ps. A comparison of design and gain layers is carried out to understand which provides the best time resolution. For this purpose, laboratory measurements of sensors’ electrical properties and gain using LED and an Infrared laser, as well as their jitter, were performed. Full article
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17 pages, 1987 KiB  
Review
ORAI Ca2+ Channels in Cancers and Therapeutic Interventions
by Qian Zhang, Chen Wang and Lian He
Biomolecules 2024, 14(4), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14040417 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The ORAI proteins serve as crucial pore-forming subunits of calcium-release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels, pivotal in regulating downstream calcium-related signaling pathways. Dysregulated calcium homeostasis arising from mutations and post-translational modifications in ORAI can lead to immune disorders, myopathy, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancers. Small [...] Read more.
The ORAI proteins serve as crucial pore-forming subunits of calcium-release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels, pivotal in regulating downstream calcium-related signaling pathways. Dysregulated calcium homeostasis arising from mutations and post-translational modifications in ORAI can lead to immune disorders, myopathy, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancers. Small molecules targeting ORAI present an approach for calcium signaling modulation. Moreover, emerging techniques like optogenetics and optochemistry aim to offer more precise regulation of ORAI. This review focuses on the role of ORAI in cancers, providing a concise overview of their significance in the initiation and progression of cancers. Additionally, it highlights state-of-the-art techniques for ORAI channel modulation, including advanced optical tools, potent pharmacological inhibitors, and antibodies. These novel strategies offer promising avenues for the functional regulation of ORAI in research and may inspire innovative approaches to cancer therapy targeting ORAI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of STIM and Orai in Calcium Signaling)
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