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27 pages, 8359 KiB  
Review
The Tumor Stroma of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Complex Environment That Fuels Cancer Progression
by Alexandra Buruiană, Bogdan-Alexandru Gheban, Ioana-Andreea Gheban-Roșca, Carmen Georgiu, Doința Crișan and Maria Crișan
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1727; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091727 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex assembly of cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, plays a crucial role in driving tumor progression, shaping treatment responses, and influencing metastasis. This narrative review focuses on the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumor stroma, highlighting its [...] Read more.
The tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex assembly of cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, plays a crucial role in driving tumor progression, shaping treatment responses, and influencing metastasis. This narrative review focuses on the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumor stroma, highlighting its key constituents and their dynamic contributions. We examine how significant changes within the cSCC ECM—specifically, alterations in fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, laminins, proteoglycans, and collagens—promote cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The cellular composition of the cSCC TME is also explored, detailing the intricate interplay of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial cells, pericytes, adipocytes, and various immune cell populations. These diverse players modulate tumor development, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Finally, we emphasize the TME’s potential as a therapeutic target. Emerging strategies discussed in this review include harnessing the immune system (adoptive cell transfer, checkpoint blockade), hindering tumor angiogenesis, disrupting CAF activity, and manipulating ECM components. These approaches underscore the vital role that deciphering TME interactions plays in advancing cSCC therapy. Further research illuminating these complex relationships will uncover new avenues for developing more effective treatments for cSCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor-Associated Microenvironments and Inflammation)
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14 pages, 2338 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of a Novel Zero-Dimensional Heat Rejection Model for High-Efficiency Engines
by Francesca Furia, Vittorio Ravaglioli, Alberto Cerofolini and Carlo Bussi
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2116; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092116 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
In recent years, the trend towards the performance maximization of modern internal combustion engines has led to the creation of accurate simulation models to optimize the engine design and operating conditions. Temperature management is crucial to achieve the performance goals of an internal [...] Read more.
In recent years, the trend towards the performance maximization of modern internal combustion engines has led to the creation of accurate simulation models to optimize the engine design and operating conditions. Temperature management is crucial to achieve the performance goals of an internal combustion engine without affecting the component’s reliability. Formula 1 mandates that only a limited number of experimental tests can be performed, which leads to the necessity of simulators capable of substituting empirical tests. Furthermore, the requirement of adapting the vehicle setup before each race weekend to maximize the performance on each circuit layout necessitates short computational time. To address this, the development of a zero-dimensional model of the thermal flows within an engine is presented in this paper. This model allows to precisely compute the dynamic variations of all the heat flows inside the combustion engine, excluding only the radiative ones and the engine components’ temperatures. The new simulation approach has been developed and validated on a Formula 1 engine and shown to be precise and fast. The results demonstrate the value of the proposed model with an average engine fluid temperature error of less than 1 °C for a computational cost comparable with on-board applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internal Combustion Engine: Research and Application—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2686 KiB  
Review
Ocular Drug Delivery into the Eyes Using Drug-Releasing Soft Contact Lens
by Toshihiko Tashima
Future Pharmacol. 2024, 4(2), 336-351; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol4020019 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The impact of visual impairment, such as blindness, on quality of life is immeasurable. However, effective ocular drug delivery into the eyes has not yet been established, primarily due to the impermeability imposed by the blood–retinal barrier (BRB) based on the tight junctions [...] Read more.
The impact of visual impairment, such as blindness, on quality of life is immeasurable. However, effective ocular drug delivery into the eyes has not yet been established, primarily due to the impermeability imposed by the blood–retinal barrier (BRB) based on the tight junctions and efflux transporters at the endothelium or the epithelium in oral or intravenous administration, as well as the dilution with tear fluid and excretion through the nasolacrimal duct in eye drop administration. Furthermore, intravitreous injections induce pain and fear in patients. Unmet medical needs persist in ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, innovative non-invasive administration methods should be developed. Drug-releasing soft contact lenses (DR-SCLs) affixed to the eye’s surface can continuously and locally deliver their loaded drugs to the eyes. The use of DR-SCLs is expected to greatly enhance the bioavailability and patient adherence to the drug regimen. It is known that several solute carrier (SLC) transporters are expressed in various parts of the eyes, including the cornea, the ciliary body, and the bulbar conjunctiva. Carrier-mediated transport through SLC transporters may occur in addition to passive diffusion. Moreover, nanoparticles can be loaded into DR-SCLs, offering various intelligent approaches based on modifications to induce receptor-mediated endocytosis/transcytosis or to control the loaded drug release within this delivery system. In this perspective review, I discuss the implementation and potential of DR-SCL-mediated ocular drug delivery, particularly focusing on low-molecular-weight compounds because of their fine distribution in living body, ease of handling, and ease of manufacturing. Full article
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21 pages, 1077 KiB  
Article
Pre-Service Teachers’ GenAI Anxiety, Technology Self-Efficacy, and TPACK: Their Structural Relations with Behavioral Intention to Design GenAI-Assisted Teaching
by Kai Wang, Qianqian Ruan, Xiaoxuan Zhang, Chunhua Fu and Boyuan Duan
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050373 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has taken educational settings by storm in the past year due to its transformative ability to impact school education. It is crucial to investigate pre-service teachers’ viewpoints to effectively incorporate GenAI tools into their instructional practices. Data gathered from [...] Read more.
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has taken educational settings by storm in the past year due to its transformative ability to impact school education. It is crucial to investigate pre-service teachers’ viewpoints to effectively incorporate GenAI tools into their instructional practices. Data gathered from 606 pre-service teachers were analyzed to explore the predictors of behavioral intention to design Gen AI-assisted teaching. Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, this research integrates multiple variables such as Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), GenAI anxiety, and technology self-efficacy. Our findings revealed that GenAI anxiety, social influence, and performance expectancy significantly predicted pre-service teachers’ behavioral intention to design GenAI-assisted teaching. However, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions were not statistically associated with pre-service teachers’ behavioral intentions. These findings offer significant insights into the intricate relationships between predictors that influence pre-service teachers’ perspectives and intentions regarding GenAI technology. Full article
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17 pages, 8091 KiB  
Article
Hot Corrosion Behavior of Plasma-Sprayed Gd2Zr2O7/YSZ Functionally Graded Thermal Barrier Coatings
by Rajasekaramoorthy Manogaran, Karthikeyan Alagu, Anderson Arul, Anandh Jesuraj, Dinesh Kumar Devarajan, Govindhasamy Murugadoss and Kamalan Kirubaharan Amirtharaj Mosas
Ceramics 2024, 7(2), 579-595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics7020038 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The development of advanced thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials with better hot corrosion resistance, phase stability, and residual stresses is an emerging research area in the aerospace industry. In the present study, four kinds of TBCs, namely, single-layer yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), single-layer gadolinium [...] Read more.
The development of advanced thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials with better hot corrosion resistance, phase stability, and residual stresses is an emerging research area in the aerospace industry. In the present study, four kinds of TBCs, namely, single-layer yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), single-layer gadolinium zirconate (GZ), bilayer gadolinium zirconate/yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ/GZ), and a multilayer functionally graded coating (FGC) of YSZ and GZ, were deposited on NiCrAlY bond-coated nickel-based superalloy (Inconel 718) substrates using the atmospheric plasma spray technique. The hot corrosion behavior of the coatings was tested by applying a mixture of Na2SO4 and V2O5 onto the surface of TBC, followed by isothermal heat treatment at 1273 K for 50 h. The characterization of the corroded samples was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to identify physical and chemical changes in the coatings. GIXRD was used to analyze the residual stresses of the coatings. Residual stress in the FGC coating was found to be −15.2 ± 10.6 MPa. The wear resistance of TBCs is studied using a linear reciprocating tribometer, and the results indicate that gadolinium zirconate-based TBCs showed better performance when deposited in bilayer and multilayered functionally graded TBC systems. The wear rate of as-coated FGC coatings was determined to be 2.90 × 10−4 mm3/Nm, which is lower than the conventional YSZ coating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress in Ceramic Coatings)
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18 pages, 790 KiB  
Article
Multiplex Detection of Seven Staphylococcal Enterotoxins Using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Combined with a Novel Capture Molecule
by Jing Lv, Tingting Liu, Xinyu Fang, Songyang Han, Lina Dong, Jiaxin Li, Jing Wang, Jinglin Wang, Shan Gao, Lin Kang and Wenwen Xin
Separations 2024, 11(5), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11050136 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Food poisoning caused by Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) is prevalent globally, making efficient detection of these toxins very important. Traditionally, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry required immunosorbent enrichment by magnetic bead-coupled antibodies obtained by animal-specific immunization. However, this method is time-consuming and costly. In this study, [...] Read more.
Food poisoning caused by Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) is prevalent globally, making efficient detection of these toxins very important. Traditionally, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry required immunosorbent enrichment by magnetic bead-coupled antibodies obtained by animal-specific immunization. However, this method is time-consuming and costly. In this study, two recombinant protein capture molecules were designed based on the principle of toxins binding to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHCII) and T cell receptor (TCR) molecules. The two capture molecules are called MHCII and MHCII-D10. The design of the MHCII and TCR-D10 was achieved through searching for the binding site protein sequence of Staphylococcal enterotoxins in the relevant literature, and MHCII-D10 was to link MHCII sequence with TCR-D10 sequence using linker (G4S)3 linking peptide. These capture molecules were shown to effectively bind to seven types of toxins and to capture SEs in various matrices. The digestion time, ratio, and temperature were further optimized, reducing the overall digestion time to just 2 h. The specificity, linearity, sensitivity, precision (RSD%), and recovery of the two methods were verified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. When the MHCII and MHCII-D10 captured the toxins, the limit of quantification (LOD) in the 1 × PBS, plasma, and milk matrices ranged from 1.5625 to 100 fmol/µL, with the recovery rate ranging from 18.4% to 96%. The design of these capture molecules eliminates the need for animal-specific immunization, simplifying the pre-detection process and avoiding ethical concerns. This development holds significant promise for clinical diagnosis and reference. Full article
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26 pages, 1918 KiB  
Article
Deciphering the Prognostic Efficacy of MRI Radiomics in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis
by Chih-Keng Wang, Ting-Wei Wang, Chia-Fung Lu, Yu-Te Wu and Man-Wei Hua
Diagnostics 2024, 14(9), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14090924 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This meta-analysis investigates the prognostic value of MRI-based radiomics in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment outcomes, specifically focusing on overall survival (OS) variability. The study protocol was registered with INPLASY (INPLASY202420101). Initially, a systematic review identified 15 relevant studies involving 6243 patients through a comprehensive [...] Read more.
This meta-analysis investigates the prognostic value of MRI-based radiomics in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment outcomes, specifically focusing on overall survival (OS) variability. The study protocol was registered with INPLASY (INPLASY202420101). Initially, a systematic review identified 15 relevant studies involving 6243 patients through a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool and the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS), highlighting a low risk of bias in most domains. Our analysis revealed a significant average concordance index (c-index) of 72% across studies, indicating the potential of radiomics in clinical prognostication. However, moderate heterogeneity was observed, particularly in OS predictions. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression identified validation methods and radiomics software as significant heterogeneity moderators. Notably, the number of features in the prognosis model correlated positively with its performance. These findings suggest radiomics’ promising role in enhancing cancer treatment strategies, though the observed heterogeneity and potential biases call for cautious interpretation and standardization in future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics)
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16 pages, 2738 KiB  
Review
Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration: Insights and Therapeutic Strategies for Parkinson’s Disease
by Erjola Bej, Patrizia Cesare, Anna Rita Volpe, Michele d’Angelo and Vanessa Castelli
Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(3), 502-517; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16030037 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition marked by the gradual deterioration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Oxidative stress has been identified as a key player in the development of PD in recent studies. In the first part, we [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition marked by the gradual deterioration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Oxidative stress has been identified as a key player in the development of PD in recent studies. In the first part, we discuss the sources of oxidative stress in PD, including mitochondrial dysfunction, dopamine metabolism, and neuroinflammation. This paper delves into the possibility of mitigating oxidative stress as a potential treatment approach for PD. In addition, we examine the hurdles and potential of antioxidant therapy, including the challenge of delivering antioxidants to the brain and the requirement for biomarkers to track oxidative stress in PD patients. However, even if antioxidant therapy holds promise, further investigation is needed to determine its efficacy and safety in PD treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Neurodegenerative Diseases)
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22 pages, 2298 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Efficacy of Learning Techniques in Model Extraction Attacks on Image Classifiers: A Comparative Study
by Dong Han, Reza Babaei, Shangqing Zhao and Samuel Cheng
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3785; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093785 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, model extraction attacks pose a significant challenge, undermining the integrity of machine learning models by enabling adversaries to replicate proprietary algorithms without direct access. This paper presents a comprehensive study on model extraction attacks towards image [...] Read more.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, model extraction attacks pose a significant challenge, undermining the integrity of machine learning models by enabling adversaries to replicate proprietary algorithms without direct access. This paper presents a comprehensive study on model extraction attacks towards image classification models, focusing on the efficacy of various Deep Q-network (DQN) extensions for enhancing the performance of surrogate models. The goal is to identify the most efficient approaches for choosing images that optimize adversarial benefits. Additionally, we explore synthetic data generation techniques, including the Jacobian-based method, Linf-projected Gradient Descent (LinfPGD), and Fast Gradient Sign Method (FGSM) aiming to facilitate the training of adversary models with enhanced performance. Our investigation also extends to the realm of data-free model extraction attacks, examining their feasibility and performance under constrained query budgets. Our investigation extends to the comparison of these methods under constrained query budgets, where the Prioritized Experience Replay (PER) technique emerges as the most effective, outperforming other DQN extensions and synthetic data generation methods. Through rigorous experimentation, including multiple trials to ensure statistical significance, this work provides valuable insights into optimizing model extraction attacks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Protection for Machine Learning-Based Network Intrusion)
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17 pages, 1755 KiB  
Article
Dietary Tryptophan Plays a Role as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Juveniles during Chronic Inflammation
by Rita Azeredo, Diogo Peixoto, Paulo Santos, Inês Duarte, Ana Ricardo, Cláudia Aragão, Marina Machado and Benjamín Costas
Biology 2024, 13(5), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13050309 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Where teleost fish are concerned, studies in tryptophan immunomodulation generally point to immunosuppressive properties, thus presenting a potential anti-inflammatory dietary strategy. The goal of the present work was to evaluate the effects of tryptophan dietary supplementation on immune and neuroendocrine responses of the [...] Read more.
Where teleost fish are concerned, studies in tryptophan immunomodulation generally point to immunosuppressive properties, thus presenting a potential anti-inflammatory dietary strategy. The goal of the present work was to evaluate the effects of tryptophan dietary supplementation on immune and neuroendocrine responses of the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, undergoing chronic inflammation. Juvenile European seabass were intraperitoneally injected with either Freund’s Incomplete Adjuvant (FIA, inflamed group) or a saline solution (control group). Within each group, fish were fed a control (CTRL) and a CTRL-based diet supplemented with tryptophan (0.3% DM basis; TRP) for 4 weeks. Different tissues were sampled every week for the assessment of immune-related parameters. When TRP was provided to FIA-injected fish, mcsfr gene expression increased from 1 to 2 weeks and remained high until the end of the experiment. The same fish showed a concurrent increase in peripheral monocyte counts. Moreover, il34 expression at 1 week post-FIA injection was higher in TRP-fed than in CTRL-fed fish. After one week, molecular patterns of anti-inflammatory processes seemed to be favoured by TRP (mcsfr, gr1, il34 and tgfβ). Altogether, the results show that the feeding period seems to be critical where tryptophan supplementation is concerned since at later inflammatory stages—and longer feeding periods—fish fed TRP displayed a molecular profile similar to that of the CTRL group. In contrast, shorter administration periods might accelerate immune regulatory pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic and Stress Responses in Aquatic Animals)
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16 pages, 1222 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dried Tea Residues of Different Processing Techniques on the Nutritional Parameters, Fermentation Quality, and Bacterial Structure of Silaged Alfalfa
by Xingcheng Lei, Binbin Na, Tong Zhou, Yuangan Qian, Yixiao Xie, Yulong Zheng, Qiming Cheng, Ping Li, Chao Chen and Hong Sun
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050889 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The effects of dried tea residues on the nutritional parameters and fermentation quality, microbial community, and in vitro digestibility of alfalfa silage were investigated. In this study, dried tea residues generated from five different processing techniques (green tea, G; black tea, B; white [...] Read more.
The effects of dried tea residues on the nutritional parameters and fermentation quality, microbial community, and in vitro digestibility of alfalfa silage were investigated. In this study, dried tea residues generated from five different processing techniques (green tea, G; black tea, B; white tea, W; Pu’er raw tea, Z; Pu’er ripe tea, D) were added at two addition levels (5% and 10% fresh weight (FW)) to alfalfa and fermented for 90 days. The results showed that the tea residues increased the crude protein (CP) content (Z10: 23.85%), true protein nitrogen (TPN) content, DPPH, and ABST radical scavenging capacity, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the alfalfa silage. Moreover, the pH, ammonia-N (NH3-N) content, and acetic acid (AA) content decreased (p < 0.05). The effects of tea residues were promoted on these indicators with increasing tea residue addition. In addition, this study revealed that the influence of dried tea residues on the nutritional quality of alfalfa silage was greater than that on fermentation quality. Based on the nutrient composition, the addition of B or G to alfalfa silage can improve its silage quality, and these tea byproducts have the potential to be used as silage additives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Biotechnology)
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13 pages, 245 KiB  
Article
Feasibility of Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation of Pediatric Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases
by Da Yeong Kim, Young Hoon Mo, Kun Woo Kim, Sae Mi Hong, Arum Park, Baek Hee Jang, Seung Hak Lee, Joon Hee Lee, Jisun Yoon, Jinho Yu and Eun Jae Ko
Children 2024, 11(5), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050534 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background and objective: Chronic respiratory diseases in children deteriorate their daily life due to dyspnea and reduced lung function. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in pediatric chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: This prospective, single-arm, cohort study included children with [...] Read more.
Background and objective: Chronic respiratory diseases in children deteriorate their daily life due to dyspnea and reduced lung function. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in pediatric chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: This prospective, single-arm, cohort study included children with chronic lung disease. They were instructed to perform home-based pulmonary rehabilitation 30 min/session, three sessions/week for three months. Pulmonary function test (PFT) using spirometry, respiratory muscle strength (RMT), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), 6 min walk test (6MWT), dyspnea questionnaires, speech evaluation, and pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) were assessed pre- and post-pulmonary rehabilitation. Compliance and satisfaction of the program were also evaluated. Results: Twenty children (mean age: 11.2 ± 3.1 years) with chronic respiratory diseases without cardiopulmonary instability participated. The overall compliance was 71.1% with no related adverse events. After pulmonary rehabilitation, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), RMT, 6MWT, dyspnea questionnaire, speech rate, and PedsQL (child) significantly improved (p < 0.05), particularly better in the FEV1 < 60% group than in the FEV1 ≥ 60% group and in the high-compliance group (compliance ≥ 50%) than in the low-compliance group (compliance < 50%). Conclusions: Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation for children with chronic lung disease was feasible with high compliance and effective in terms of objective functions, subjective dyspnea symptom, and quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Children)
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38 pages, 1229 KiB  
Review
Sustainable Development versus Extractivist Deforestation in Tropical, Subtropical, and Boreal Forest Ecosystems: Repercussions and Controversies about the Mother Tree and the Mycorrhizal Network Hypothesis
by Tomas Gabriel Bas, Mario Luis Sáez and Nicolas Sáez
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091231 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This research reviews the phenomenon of extractive deforestation as a possible trigger for cascade reactions that could affect part of the forest ecosystem and its biodiversity (surface, aerial, and underground) in tropical, subtropical, and boreal forests. The controversy and disparities in criteria generated [...] Read more.
This research reviews the phenomenon of extractive deforestation as a possible trigger for cascade reactions that could affect part of the forest ecosystem and its biodiversity (surface, aerial, and underground) in tropical, subtropical, and boreal forests. The controversy and disparities in criteria generated in the international scientific community around the hypothesis of a possible link between “mother trees” and mycorrhizal networks in coopetition for nutrients, nitrogen, and carbon are analyzed. The objective is to promote awareness to generate more scientific knowledge about the eventual impacts of forest extraction. Public policies are emphasized as crucial mediators for balanced sustainable development. Currently, the effects of extractive deforestation on forest ecosystems are poorly understood, which requires caution and forest protection. Continued research to increase our knowledge in molecular biology is advocated to understand the adaptation of biological organisms to the new conditions of the ecosystem both in the face of extractive deforestation and reforestation. The environmental impacts of extractive deforestation, such as the loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, altered water cycles, and the contribution of climate change, remain largely unknown. Long-term and high-quality research is essential to ensure forest sustainability and the preservation of biodiversity for future generations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on New World Tropical Forests)
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17 pages, 6048 KiB  
Article
Two Lineages of Papillomaviruses Identified from Caracals (Caracal caracal) in South Africa
by Simona Kraberger, Laurel E. K. Serieys, Gabriella R. M. Leighton, Matthew D. De Koch, John S. Munday, Jacqueline M. Bishop and Arvind Varsani
Viruses 2024, 16(5), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050701 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Papillomaviruses (PV) infect epithelial cells and can cause hyperplastic or neoplastic lesions. In felids, most described PVs are from domestic cats (Felis catus; n = 7 types), with one type identified in each of the five wild felid species studied to [...] Read more.
Papillomaviruses (PV) infect epithelial cells and can cause hyperplastic or neoplastic lesions. In felids, most described PVs are from domestic cats (Felis catus; n = 7 types), with one type identified in each of the five wild felid species studied to date (Panthera uncia, Puma concolor, Leopardus wiedii, Panthera leo persica and Lynx rufus). PVs from domestic cats are highly diverse and are currently classified into three genera (Lambdapapillomavirus, Dyothetapapillomavirus, and Taupapillomavirus), whereas those from wild felids, although diverse, are all classified into the Lambdapapillomavirus genus. In this study, we used a metagenomic approach to identify ten novel PV genomes from rectal swabs of five deceased caracals (Caracal caracal) living in the greater Cape Town area, South Africa. These are the first PVs to be described from caracals, and represent six new PV types, i.e., Caracal caracal papillomavirus (CcarPV) 1–6. These CcarPV fall into two phylogenetically distinct genera: Lambdapapillomavirus, and Treisetapapillomavirus. Two or more PV types were identified in a single individual for three of the five caracals, and four caracals shared at least one of the same PV types with another caracal. This study broadens our understanding of wild felid PVs and provides evidence that there may be several wild felid PV lineages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Virus Discovery and Genetic Diversity)
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14 pages, 5682 KiB  
Article
Strip Casting of Sm2TM17-Type Alloys for Production of the Metastable SmTM7 Phase
by Richard Sheridan, Joseph Gresle-Farthing, Alice Appleby and Mangaliso Brown
Metals 2024, 14(5), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050517 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Conventional book casting of Sm2TM17-type alloys (where TM = Co, Fe, Cu, Zr) leads to a coarse, highly segregated microstructure, predominantly due to the slow, variable cooling rate from the mould surface towards the centre of the ingot. These [...] Read more.
Conventional book casting of Sm2TM17-type alloys (where TM = Co, Fe, Cu, Zr) leads to a coarse, highly segregated microstructure, predominantly due to the slow, variable cooling rate from the mould surface towards the centre of the ingot. These cast alloys require a long homogenisation treatment to remove this segregation and develop a super-saturated, metastable SmTM7-type hexagonal phase. This SmTM7 phase is a vital precursor phase required during magnet production to develop the complex cellular structure responsible for high magnetic properties. In this work, strip casting was employed to facilitate rapid solidification to develop thin flakes (<0.5 mm thick) with a columnar grain structure. Rapid cooling has the potential to produce a homogenous microstructure consisting predominantly of the metastable SmTM7 phase. This could remove or significantly reduce the need for the energy-intensive homogenisation treatment usually required in conventional magnet manufacture. This paper investigates the effect of wheel speed (and hence cooling rate) on flake thickness, microstructure, and phase balance of the cast alloys. It was shown that for wheel speeds between 1.1 and 3.0 m/s, the microstructure showed large variation; however, in all cases, evidence of the columnar SmTM7 phase was presented. The adhesion between the melt and the wheel was deemed to be critical for the nucleation and subsequent columnar growth of SmTM7 grains, where the wheel speed controlled both the flow of the alloy onto the wheel and the thickness of the resultant flake. It was determined that in order to achieve a homogenous columnar SmTM7 structure, the maximum flake thickness should be limited to 270 μm to avoid the formation of equiaxed Sm2TM17 grains through insufficient cooling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solidification and Casting of Metals and Alloys)
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