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13 pages, 2744 KiB  
Article
An Embedded Electromyogram Signal Acquisition Device
by Changjia Lu, Xin Xu, Yingjie Liu, Dan Li, Yue Wang, Wenhao Xian, Changbing Chen, Baichun Wei and Jin Tian
Sensors 2024, 24(13), 4106; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24134106 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
In this study, we design an embedded surface EMG acquisition device to conveniently collect human surface EMG signals, pursue more intelligent human–computer interactions in exoskeleton robots, and enable exoskeleton robots to synchronize with or even respond to user actions in advance. The device [...] Read more.
In this study, we design an embedded surface EMG acquisition device to conveniently collect human surface EMG signals, pursue more intelligent human–computer interactions in exoskeleton robots, and enable exoskeleton robots to synchronize with or even respond to user actions in advance. The device has the characteristics of low cost, miniaturization, and strong compatibility, and it can acquire eight-channel surface EMG signals in real time while retaining the possibility of expanding the channel. This paper introduces the design and function of the embedded EMG acquisition device in detail, which includes the use of wired transmission to adapt to complex electromagnetic environments, light signals to indicate signal strength, and an embedded processing chip to reduce signal noise and perform filtering. The test results show that the device can effectively collect the original EMG signal, which provides a scheme for improving the level of human–computer interactions and enhancing the robustness and intelligence of exoskeleton equipment. The development of this device provides a new possibility for the intellectualization of exoskeleton systems and reductions in their cost. Full article
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19 pages, 3546 KiB  
Article
Impact Assessment of Nematode Infestation on Soybean Crop Production Using Aerial Multispectral Imagery and Machine Learning
by Pius Jjagwe, Abhilash K. Chandel and David B. Langston
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5482; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135482 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Accurate and prompt estimation of geospatial soybean yield (SY) is critical for the producers to determine key factors influencing crop growth for improved precision management decisions. This study aims to quantify the impacts of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) infestation on soybean production and [...] Read more.
Accurate and prompt estimation of geospatial soybean yield (SY) is critical for the producers to determine key factors influencing crop growth for improved precision management decisions. This study aims to quantify the impacts of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) infestation on soybean production and the yield of susceptible and resistant seed varieties. Susceptible varieties showed lower yield and crop vigor recovery, and high SCN population (20 to 1080) compared to resistant varieties (SCN populations: 0 to 340). High-resolution (1.3 cm/pixel) aerial multispectral imagery showed the blue band reflectance (r = 0.58) and Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI, r = −0.6) have the best correlation with the SCN populations. While GDNVI, Green Chlorophyll Index (GCI), and Normalized Difference Red Edge Index (NDRE) were the best differentiators of plant vigor and had the highest correlation with SY (r = 0.59–0.75). Reflectance (REF) and VIs were then used for SY estimation using two statistical and four machine learning (ML) models at 10 different train–test data split ratios (50:50–95:5). The ML models and train–test data split ratio had significant impacts on SY estimation accuracy. Random forest (RF) was the best and consistently performing model (r: 0.84–0.97, rRMSE: 8.72–20%), while a higher train–test split ratio lowered the performances of the ML models. The 95:5 train–test ratio showed the best performance across all the models, which may be a suitable ratio for modeling over smaller or medium-sized datasets. Such insights derived using high spatial resolution data can be utilized to implement precision crop protective operations for enhanced soybean yield and productivity. Full article
17 pages, 1413 KiB  
Article
Copolymer-Coated Gold Nanoparticles: Enhanced Stability and Customizable Functionalization for Biological Assays
by Dario Brambilla, Federica Panico, Lorenzo Zarini, Alessandro Mussida, Anna M. Ferretti, Mete Aslan, M. Selim Ünlü and Marcella Chiari
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070319 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) play a vital role in biotechnology, medicine, and diagnostics due to their unique optical properties. Their conjugation with antibodies, antigens, proteins, or nucleic acids enables precise targeting and enhances biosensing capabilities. Functionalized AuNPs, however, may experience reduced stability, leading to [...] Read more.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) play a vital role in biotechnology, medicine, and diagnostics due to their unique optical properties. Their conjugation with antibodies, antigens, proteins, or nucleic acids enables precise targeting and enhances biosensing capabilities. Functionalized AuNPs, however, may experience reduced stability, leading to aggregation or loss of functionality, especially in complex biological environments. Additionally, they can show non-specific binding to unintended targets, impairing assay specificity. Within this work, citrate-stabilized and silica-coated AuNPs (GNPs and SiGNPs, respectively) have been coated using N,N-dimethylacrylamide-based copolymers to increase their stability and enable their functionalization with biomolecules. AuNP stability after modification has been assessed by a combination of techniques including spectrophotometric characterization, nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and functional microarray tests. Two different copolymers were identified to provide a stable coating of AuNPs while enabling further modification through click chemistry reactions, due to the presence of azide groups in the polymers. Following this experimental design, AuNPs decorated with ssDNA and streptavidin were synthesized and successfully used in a biological assay. In conclusion, a functionalization scheme for AuNPs has been developed that offers ease of modification, often requiring single steps and short incubation time. The obtained functionalized AuNPs offer considerable flexibility, as the functionalization protocol can be personalized to match requirements of multiple assays. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology-Enabled Biosensors)
9 pages, 609 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Outcome of Surgery for Perianal Crohn’s Fistula
by Marie Schaad, Alain Schoepfer, Jean-Benoît Rossel, Mamadou Pathé Barry, Gerhard Rogler and Dieter Hahnloser
Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1035; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071035 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Patients with perianal Crohn’s (CD) fistula often need repetitive surgeries and none of the established techniques was shown to be superior or preferable. Furthermore, the long-term outcome of fistula Seton drainage is not well described. The aims of this [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Patients with perianal Crohn’s (CD) fistula often need repetitive surgeries and none of the established techniques was shown to be superior or preferable. Furthermore, the long-term outcome of fistula Seton drainage is not well described. The aims of this study were to analyze the long-term healing and recurrence rate of CD perianal fistulas in a large patient cohort. Materials and Methods: Database analysis of the Swiss IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) cohort study. Results: 365 perianal fistula patients with 576 surgical interventions and a median follow-up of 7.5 years (0–12.6) were analyzed. 39.7% of patients required more than one procedure. The first surgical interventions were fistulectomies ± mucosal sliding flap (59.2%), Seton drainage (29.6%), fistula plugs or fibrin glue installations (2.5%) and combined procedures (8.8%). Fistulectomy patients required no more surgery in 69%, one additional surgery in 25% and more than one additional surgery in 6%, with closure rates at 7.5 years follow-up of 77.1%, 74.1% and 66.7%, respectively. In patients with Seton drainage as index surgery, 52% required no more surgery, and over 75% achieved fistula closure after 10 years. Conclusions: First-line fistulectomies, when feasible, achieved the highest healing rates, but one-third of patients required additional surgeries, and one-fourth of patients will remain with a fistula at 10 years. Initial Seton drainage and concurrent medical therapy can achieve fistula closure in 75%. However, in 50% of patients, more surgeries are needed, and fistula closure is achieved in only two-thirds of patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorectal Surgery: Clinical Advances and Challenges)
13 pages, 421 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Chocolate Consumption and the Severity of Acne Lesions−A Crossover Study
by Magdalena Daszkiewicz, Dorota Różańska and Bożena Regulska-Ilow
Foods 2024, 13(13), 1993; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13131993 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the daily consumption of 50 g of chocolate with 85% cocoa content and the severity of acne lesions. Methods: The study involved 92 participants with acne who were divided into two groups, [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the daily consumption of 50 g of chocolate with 85% cocoa content and the severity of acne lesions. Methods: The study involved 92 participants with acne who were divided into two groups, A (n = 51) and B (n = 41). In the first week, both groups had to follow an anti-inflammatory diet (AID), then for the next 4 weeks, group A continued on with the AID, and group B followed an AID with chocolate. After this time, group B started a 4-week AID without chocolate, and group A started a 4-week AID with chocolate. The severity of acne lesions was assessed using the Investigator’s Static Global Assessment scale, where zero points indicated no lesions and five points indicated severe acne. Results: As a result of the consumption of 50 g of chocolate, a statistically significant intensification of acne lesions was observed in both groups. After 4 weeks of following the chocolate diet, the severity of acne lesions increased from 2.5 ± 0.7 to 3.4 ± 0.8 points (p < 0.0001) in group A, and from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 3.5 ± 0.6 points (p < 0.0001) in group B. Overall, chocolate intake contributed to the exacerbation of acne lesions by one point in 65 participants, by two points in 13 participants and by three points in one participant. Conclusions: The obtained results suggest that daily consumption of 50 g of chocolate with 85% cocoa content, even with an anti-inflammatory diet, may intensify acne lesions in this study group. However, it remains unclear which chocolate components may lead to the exacerbation of acne. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Aspects: From Prevention to Diet-Related Diseases)
11 pages, 1244 KiB  
Article
Application of Biplot Techniques to Evaluate the Potential of Trichoderma spp. as a Biological Control of Moniliasis in Ecuadorian Cacao
by Fabricio Guevara-Viejó, Juan Diego Valenzuela-Cobos, Delia Noriega-Verdugo, María Fernanda Garcés-Moncayo and Roberto Basurto Quilligana
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5481; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135481 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Cocoa, a crop with great socioeconomic impact in Ecuador, faces continuous challenges that undermine the quality and yield of the crops. Moniliasis, a phytosanitary problem that is difficult to control, is the main limiting factor in cocoa production. This disease is caused by [...] Read more.
Cocoa, a crop with great socioeconomic impact in Ecuador, faces continuous challenges that undermine the quality and yield of the crops. Moniliasis, a phytosanitary problem that is difficult to control, is the main limiting factor in cocoa production. This disease is caused by the phytopathogen Moniliophthora roreri, which causes premature maturation and necrosis of the ears. In this study, 50 strains of Trichoderma spp. in two-culture media, PDA and MEA, were used to evaluate the mycelial characteristics and antagonistic capacity of the strains in individual situations and in circumstances of confrontation against the phytopathogens Moniliophthora roreri (MRCP) and Moniliophtora roreri (MMCA). The data from the parameters obtained in the in vitro experimental practice were subjected to the multivariate PCA biplot method; the results indicated that five strains exhibited a notable antagonism capacity against the two specific strains of M. roreri: strain E22 grown on PDA medium, and the other four (E25, E29, E30, E39) cultivated on MEA medium. The open field trial showed that all treatments based on Trichoderma spp. improved productive performance compared to control plantations to which no biopreparation was applied. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were reported for all treatments. The efficiency of the biopreparations ranged between 51.26% and 72.46% with yields of 677.86 kg/ha to 976.90 kg/ha, respectively. The Trichoderma strain E29 showed the greatest potential for the biological control of M. roreri under field conditions. The findings validate the effect of diversified Trichoderma biopreparations in the biological control of moniliasis, providing concrete data on the efficacy of the biopreparation under real cultivation conditions and supporting its practical viability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering)
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18 pages, 2501 KiB  
Article
Enriching Laser Powder Bed Fusion Part Data Using Category Theory
by Yuchu Qin, Shubhavardhan Ramadurga Narasimharaju, Qunfen Qi, Shan Lou, Wenhan Zeng, Paul J. Scott and Xiangqian Jiang
J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2024, 8(4), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp8040130 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a promising metal additive manufacturing technology for producing functional components. However, there are still a lot of obstacles to overcome before this technology is considered mature and trustworthy for wider industrial applications. One of the biggest obstacles [...] Read more.
Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a promising metal additive manufacturing technology for producing functional components. However, there are still a lot of obstacles to overcome before this technology is considered mature and trustworthy for wider industrial applications. One of the biggest obstacles is the difficulty in ensuring the repeatability of process and the reproducibility of products. To tackle this challenge, a prerequisite is to represent and communicate the data from the part realisation process in an unambiguous and rigorous manner. In this paper, a semantically enriched LPBF part data model is developed using a category theory-based modelling approach. Firstly, a set of objects and morphisms are created to construct categories for design, process planning, part build, post-processing, and qualification. Twenty functors are then established to communicate these categories. Finally, an application of the developed model is illustrated via the realisation of an LPBF truncheon. Full article
18 pages, 4296 KiB  
Article
Methyl-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP) Analysis Provides Insights into the DNA Methylation Changes Underlying Adaptation to Low Temperature of Brassica rapa L.
by Lijun Liu, Wanpeng Wang, Xiaoming Lu, Tianyu Zhang, Junyan Wu, Yan Fang, Li Ma, Yuanyuan Pu, Gang Yang, Wangtian Wang and Wancang Sun
Plants 2024, 13(13), 1748; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131748 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: DNA methylation can change rapidly to regulate the expression of stress-responsive genes. Previous studies have shown that there are significant differences in the cold resistance of winter rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) after being domesticated in different selection environments; however, little is [...] Read more.
Background: DNA methylation can change rapidly to regulate the expression of stress-responsive genes. Previous studies have shown that there are significant differences in the cold resistance of winter rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) after being domesticated in different selection environments; however, little is known about the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of its cold resistance formation. Methods: Four winter rapeseed materials (‘CT-2360’, ‘MXW-1’, ‘2018-FJT’, and ‘DT-7’) domesticated in different environments were selected to analyze the DNA methylation level and pattern changes under low temperature using methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism technology with 60 primer pairs. Results: A total of 18 pairs of primers with good polymorphism were screened, and 1426 clear bands were amplified, with 594 methylation sites, accounting for 41.65% of the total amplified bands. The total methylation ratios of the four materials were reduced after low-temperature treatment, in which the DNA methylation level of ‘CT-2360’ was higher than that of the other three materials; the analysis of methylation patterns revealed that the degree of demethylation was higher than that of methylation in ‘MXW-1’, ‘2018-FJT’, and ‘DT-7’, which were 22.99%, 19.77%, and 24.35%, respectively, and that the methylation events in ‘CT-2360’ were predominantly dominant at 22.95%. Fifty-three polymorphic methylated DNA fragments were randomly selected and further analyzed, and twenty-nine of the cloned fragments were homologous to genes with known functions. The candidate genes VQ22 and LOC103871127 verified the existence of different expressive patterns before and after low-temperature treatment. Conclusions: Our work implies the critical role of DNA methylation in the formation of cold resistance in winter rapeseed. These results provide a comprehensive insight into the adaptation epigenetic regulatory mechanism of Brassica rapa L. to low temperature, and the identified differentially methylated genes can also be used as important genetic resources for the multilateral breeding of winter-resistant varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic Stress Responses in Plants)
12 pages, 715 KiB  
Article
The Volatile Compounds Change during Fermentation of Saccharina japonica Seedling
by Jingni Gong, Xiaolin Wang, Hui Ni and Yonghua Wang
Foods 2024, 13(13), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13131992 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
It is important to eliminate the fishy odor and improve the aroma quality of seafood. In this study, the Saccharina japonica (S. japonica) seedling, which is a new food material, was investigated for the effects of fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae ( [...] Read more.
It is important to eliminate the fishy odor and improve the aroma quality of seafood. In this study, the Saccharina japonica (S. japonica) seedling, which is a new food material, was investigated for the effects of fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) through sensory evaluation, GC–MS, and odor activity value (OAV) analysis. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of 43 volatile compounds in the unfermented S. japonica seedling, with 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, and trans-2,4-decadienal identified as the main contributors to its fishy odor. After fermentation with S. cerevisiae, 26 volatile compounds were identified in the S. japonica seedling. Notably, the major malodorous fish compounds, including 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal and trans-2,4-decadienal, were no longer present. The results indicate that fermentation with S. cerevisiae is an effective method for removing fishy malodor compounds and enhancing the volatile components with fruity, sweet, green, and floral notes in the Saccharina japonica seedling. This process facilitates the elimination of fishy malodor and enhance the fruity, sweet, green, and floral notes of S. japonica seeding and other seaweeds. Full article
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9 pages, 1843 KiB  
Article
Clinical Significance of the Inferomedial Orbital Strut in Orbital Blowout Fractures: Incidence of Symptomatic Diplopia in a Fractured vs. Intact Strut
by Steffani Krista Someda, Hidetaka Miyazaki, Hirohiko Kakizaki and Yasuhiro Takahashi
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(13), 3682; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133682 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aims to compare the clinical findings, particularly symptomatic diplopia, associated with an inferomedial orbital strut fracture versus intact strut and to determine the clinical significance of the inferomedial orbital strut in patients with orbital floor and medial orbital wall [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aims to compare the clinical findings, particularly symptomatic diplopia, associated with an inferomedial orbital strut fracture versus intact strut and to determine the clinical significance of the inferomedial orbital strut in patients with orbital floor and medial orbital wall fractures. Methods: A 10-year retrospective observational study involving orbital blowout fracture cases was conducted in our institution. Patients with fractures of the orbital floor medial to the infraorbital groove and medial orbital wall, as seen on computed tomography (CT) scans, were included in this study. Patients with concomitant orbital rim fracture and those with old orbital fractures were excluded. Fracture of the inferomedial orbital strut was diagnosed via coronal CT images and patients were classified into those with an inferomedial orbital strut fracture and those without. Results: A total of 231 orbits from 230 patients was included in the study (fractured strut on 78 sides and intact strut on 153 sides). Approximately 2/3 of patients in both groups had the field of binocular single vision in primary position upon first examination (p = 0.717). Patients with strut fractures demonstrated only comminuted or open fractures, while those without strut fractures showed diverse fracture patterns (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Inferomedial orbital strut fracture does not automatically result in diplopia in patients with orbital blowout fractures. The integrity of the orbital periosteum plays a more essential role in hampering extraocular muscle displacement, thereby preventing symptomatic diplopia in these patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Orbital, Oculoplastic and Lacrimal Surgery)
8 pages, 294 KiB  
Opinion
Charting the Course: Towards a Comprehensive Newborn Screening Program in India
by Seema Kapoor, Amit Kumar Gupta and B. K. Thelma
Int. J. Neonatal Screen. 2024, 10(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijns10030043 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Integrating health interventions in a growing economy like India, with a birth cohort of 27 million/year, one-fifth of all childbirths, and approximately one-third of neonatal deaths globally, is a challenge. While mortality statistics are vital, intact survival and early preventive healthcare, such as [...] Read more.
Integrating health interventions in a growing economy like India, with a birth cohort of 27 million/year, one-fifth of all childbirths, and approximately one-third of neonatal deaths globally, is a challenge. While mortality statistics are vital, intact survival and early preventive healthcare, such as newborn screening (NBS), are paramount. The appalling lack of information about the precise burden of metabolic errors at the state/national level or a mandated program encouraged a feasibility study of NBS in a prospective newborn cohort recruited in Delhi State (November 2014–April 2017) using a public–private partnership mode. The major determinants for effective implementation of universal NBS at the national level and limitations encountered are discussed in this report. Data to generate the ‘core’ panel for screening, sustained training of healthcare personnel, dissemination of the power of NBS to ensure neonatal/societal health to the public, and a ‘national policy’ emerge as priorities in a developing country. Full article
26 pages, 877 KiB  
Review
Proof of Concept of Natural and Synthetic Antifouling Agents in Coatings
by Daniela Pereira, Joana R. Almeida, Honorina Cidade and Marta Correia-da-Silva
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(7), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22070291 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Marine biofouling, caused by the deposition and accumulation of marine organisms on submerged surfaces, represents a huge concern for the maritime industries and also contributes to environmental pollution and health concerns. The most effective way to prevent this phenomenon is the use of [...] Read more.
Marine biofouling, caused by the deposition and accumulation of marine organisms on submerged surfaces, represents a huge concern for the maritime industries and also contributes to environmental pollution and health concerns. The most effective way to prevent this phenomenon is the use of biocide-based coatings which have proven to cause serious damage to marine ecosystems. Several research groups have focused on the search for new environmentally friendly antifoulants, including marine and terrestrial natural products and synthetic analogues. Some of these compounds have been incorporated into marine coatings and display interesting antifouling activities caused by the interference with the biofilm-forming species as well as by the inhibition of the settlement of macroorganisms. This review highlights the proof-of-concept studies of emerging natural or synthetic antifouling compounds in coatings, from lab-made to commercial ones, performed between 2019 and 2023 and their results in the field or in in vivo laboratorial tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Anti-biofilm Compounds from Natural to Synthetic Compounds)
10 pages, 649 KiB  
Article
Seroprevalence and Association of Toxoplasma gondii with Bone Health in a Cohort of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis Patients
by Indulekha Karunakaran, Jayagopi Surendar, Pia Ransmann, Marius Brühl, Silvia Kowalski, Victoria Frische, Jamil Hmida, Sabine Nachtsheim, Achim Hoerauf, Dieter C. Wirtz, Marc P. Hübner, Andreas C. Strauss and Frank A. Schildberg
Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1400; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071400 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Considering the fact that Toxoplasma is a common parasite of humans and Toxoplasma bradyzoites can reside in skeletal muscle, T. gondii-mediated immune responses may modulate the progression and pathophysiology of another musculoskeletal disorder, osteoporosis. In the current study, we investigated the association [...] Read more.
Considering the fact that Toxoplasma is a common parasite of humans and Toxoplasma bradyzoites can reside in skeletal muscle, T. gondii-mediated immune responses may modulate the progression and pathophysiology of another musculoskeletal disorder, osteoporosis. In the current study, we investigated the association of bone health and Toxoplasma gondii infection status. A total of 138 patients living in Germany with either osteopenia or osteoporosis were included in the study, and they were categorized into two groups, T. gondii uninfected (n = 74) and infected (n = 64), based on the presence of T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies. The demographic and clinical details of the study subjects were collected from the medical records. Logistic regression analysis was performed to delineate the association of bone health parameters with the infection status. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis was 46.4% in the study participants. The infected individuals with osteopenia and osteoporosis showed higher levels of mean spine and femoral T score, Z score, and bone mineral density (BMD), indicating improved bone health compared to the uninfected group. Logistic regression analysis showed that subjects with T. gondii infection displayed increased odds of having a higher mean femur T score, femur BMD, and femur Z score even after adjusting for age, creatinine, and urea levels. However, when the duration of drug intake for osteoporosis was taken into account, the association lost statistical significance. In summary, in this study, an improvement in osteopenia and osteoporosis was observed in Toxoplasma-infected patients, which may be partly due to the longer duration of drug intake for osteoporosis in the infected patient group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Muscle and Bone Diseases)
12 pages, 6263 KiB  
Article
Zigzag Barbed Polydioxanone Thread Implantation and Evaluation Using Polydimethylsiloxane Model to Simulate Thread Migration in Tissue
by Chia-Hsien Hsieh, Yi-Xin Liu, Pei-Yu Chen and Hsu-Wei Fang
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1785; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131785 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
Facial lifting with polydioxanone barbed threads has been widely used in aesthetic treatment for years. However, gravity resists the thread and continuously pulls the face downward. This study aims to determine methods to lift the skin more efficiently with longer longevity. The quality [...] Read more.
Facial lifting with polydioxanone barbed threads has been widely used in aesthetic treatment for years. However, gravity resists the thread and continuously pulls the face downward. This study aims to determine methods to lift the skin more efficiently with longer longevity. The quality of the thread is important and is defined by the pulling and pullout strengths. Moreover, the method of using threads is also important. We compared five thread-implantation techniques and six angles for the V-shaped implantation methods using a polydimethylsiloxane model to simulate thread migration in tissues. The results of the simulated thread-lift techniques can provide valuable information for physicians, enabling a more precise design of facelift surgery techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials II)
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13 pages, 1469 KiB  
Article
Chemical Characterization of Sauvignon Blanc Wines from Three Cold-Climate-Growing Areas of Chile
by Javiera Rojas, Claudia Viacava, Cristina Ubeda, Álvaro Peña-Neira, Italo F. Cuneo, Nathalie Kuhn and Alejandro Cáceres-Mella
Foods 2024, 13(13), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13131991 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
The influence of the geographical location on the chemical composition of commercial Sauvignon Blanc wines was investigated. The assay was carried out on Sauvignon Blanc wines from three cold-climate valleys in Central Chile, Casablanca, Leyda, and San Antonio. The analyses revealed clear variations [...] Read more.
The influence of the geographical location on the chemical composition of commercial Sauvignon Blanc wines was investigated. The assay was carried out on Sauvignon Blanc wines from three cold-climate valleys in Central Chile, Casablanca, Leyda, and San Antonio. The analyses revealed clear variations in some chemical parameters, especially in titratable acidity, which was higher in the geographical areas closest to the Pacific Ocean, such as the Leyda and San Antonio valleys. Regarding the composition of low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds, 17 compounds were found, and the results show that the Casablanca valley exhibits a greater abundance of monomeric flavanols, such as (+)-catechin, whereas the Leyda valley shows a higher abundance in flavonols and phenolic acids esterified with tartaric acid. Concerning the aromatic compound profile, the wines from the Casablanca valley showed a greater abundance of esters, C13 norisoprenoids, and some terpenes. The PLS-DA analysis revealed some differences, especially between wines from Casablanca and Leyda, demonstrating that the difference in the chemical composition of the wines was influenced by the geographical area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)
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