MDPI - Publisher of Open Access Journals

16 pages, 586 KiB

Open AccessReview

Iatrogenic Dementia: Providing Insight into Transmissible Subtype of Alzheimer’s Disease, Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease and Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

by Stella Karatzetzou, Serafeim Ioannidis, Eleni Konstantinopoulou, Dimitrios Parisis, Theodora Afrantou and Panagiotis Ioannidis

Biomolecules 2025, 15(4), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15040522 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Within the phenotypic spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), dementia that is attributed to iatrogenic transmission has increasingly gained scientific attention recently. Newly recognized, this treatment-induced form of dementia may result from exposure to certain medical [...] Read more.

Within the phenotypic spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), dementia that is attributed to iatrogenic transmission has increasingly gained scientific attention recently. Newly recognized, this treatment-induced form of dementia may result from exposure to certain medical or surgical procedures. The present review aims to explore the distinct features of acquired dementia encompassing a history of potential exposure and relatively early age of onset, highlighting transmission potential with a rather prion-like pattern. Having reviewed all available relevant literature, dementia of iatrogenic etiology represents a new disease entity that requires an individualized investigation process and poses a great clinical challenge as far as patients with AD, CJD and CAA are concerned. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology of these rare forms of dementia may significantly enhance awareness within clinical field of neurodegenerative diseases and facilitate their prompt management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular and Genetic Basis of Neurodegenerative Diseases)

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16 pages, 3075 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neural Network Optimization of Mechanical Properties of ABS-like Photopolymer Utilizing Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing

by Abdulkader Ali Abdulkader Kadauw

J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2025, 9(4), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp9040116 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

The optimization of mechanical properties in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-like (ABS-like) photopolymer utilizing neural network techniques presents a promising methodology for enhancing the performance and strength of components fabricated through stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. This approach uses machine learning algorithms to analyze and predict [...] Read more.

The optimization of mechanical properties in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-like (ABS-like) photopolymer utilizing neural network techniques presents a promising methodology for enhancing the performance and strength of components fabricated through stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. This approach uses machine learning algorithms to analyze and predict the relationships between various printing parameters and the resulting mechanical properties, thereby allowing the engineering of better materials specifically designed for targeted applications. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) can model complex, nonlinear relationships between process parameters and material properties better than traditional methods. This research constructed four ANN models to predict critical mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, yield strength, shore D hardness, and surface roughness, based on SLA 3D printer parameters. The parameters used were orientation, lifting speed, lifting distance, and exposure time. The constructed models showed good predictive capabilities, with correlation coefficients of 0.98798 for tensile strength, 0.9879 for yield strength, 0.9823 for Shore D hardness, and 0.98689 for surface roughness. These high correlation values revealed the effectiveness of ANNs in capturing the intricate dependencies within the SLA process. Also, multi-objective optimization was conducted using these models to find the SLA printer’s optimum parameter combination to achieve optimal mechanical properties. The optimization results showed that the best combination is Edge orientation, lifting speed of 90.6962 mm/min, lifting distance of 4.8483 mm, and exposure time of 4.8152 s, resulting in a tensile strength of 40.4479 MPa, yield strength of 32.2998 MPa, Shore D hardness of 66.4146, and Ra roughness of 0.8994. This study highlights the scientific novelty of applying ANN to SLA 3D printing, offering a robust framework for enhancing mechanical strength and dimensional accuracy, thus marking a significant benefit of using ANN tools rather than traditional methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Optimization of Additive Manufacturing Processes)

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4 pages, 554 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Beyond the Surface: The Peculiar World of Benthic Biodiversity, from Microbes to Multicellular Life and Their Ecosystem Roles

by Mayya Gogina and Judith Piontek

Biology 2025, 14(4), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040368 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Below the water column depths, marine sediments harbor a vibrant tapestry of life that underpins a variety of ecological balances [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benthic Biodiversity from Microbes to Multicellular Organisms and Its Functional Interplays)

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11 pages, 2521 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effect of Multiplication and Charge Layers on the Gain in InGaAsSb/AlGaAs Avalanche Photodiodes at Room Temperature

by Tetiana Manyk, Jarosław Rutkowski, Krzysztof Kłos, Nathan Gajowski, Sanjay Krishna and Piotr Martyniuk

Sensors 2025, 25(7), 2255; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25072255 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of npBp infrared (IR) barrier avalanche photodiode (APD) performance operating at 300 K based on a quaternary compound made of A^IIIB^V—InGaAsSb, lattice-matched to the GaSb substrate with a p-type barrier made of [...] Read more.

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of npBp infrared (IR) barrier avalanche photodiode (APD) performance operating at 300 K based on a quaternary compound made of A^IIIB^V—InGaAsSb, lattice-matched to the GaSb substrate with a p-type barrier made of a ternary compound AlGaSb. Impact ionization in the multiplication layer of InGaAsSb separate absorption, grading, charge, and multiplication avalanche photodiodes (SAGCM APDs) was studied using the Crosslight Software simulation package APSYS. The band structure of the avalanche detector and the electric field distribution for the multiplication and absorption layers were determined. The influence of the multiplication and charge layer parameters on the impact multiplication gain and the excess noise factor was analyzed. It has been shown that with the decrease in the charge layer doping level, the gain and the breakdown voltage increase, but the punch-through voltage decreases, and the linear range of the APD operating voltages widens. The multiplication layer doping level slightly affects the detector parameters, while increasing its width, the photocurrent and the breakdown voltage also increase. The detector structure proposed in this work allows us to obtain a comparable gain and lower dark currents to the APD detectors made of InGaAsSb previously presented in the literature. The performed simulations confirmed the possibility of obtaining APDs with high performance at room temperatures made of InGaAsSb for the SWIR range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electronic Sensors)

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18 pages, 2984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Domain Adaptation Meta-Relation Network for Knowledge Transfer from Human-Induced Faults to Natural Faults in Bearing Fault Diagnosis

by Dong Sun, Xudong Yang and Hai Yang

Sensors 2025, 25(7), 2254; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25072254 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Intelligent fault diagnosis of bearings is crucial to the safe operation and productivity of mechanical equipment, but it still faces the challenge of difficulty in acquiring real fault data in practical applications. Therefore, this paper proposes a domain adaptive meta-relation network (DAMRN) to [...] Read more.

Intelligent fault diagnosis of bearings is crucial to the safe operation and productivity of mechanical equipment, but it still faces the challenge of difficulty in acquiring real fault data in practical applications. Therefore, this paper proposes a domain adaptive meta-relation network (DAMRN) to achieve diagnostic knowledge transfer from laboratory-simulated faults (human-induced faults) to real scenario faults (natural faults) by fusing meta-learning and domain adaptation techniques. Specifically, firstly, through meta-task scenario training, DAMRN captures task-independent generic features from human-induced fault samples, which gives the model the ability to adapt quickly to the target domain tasks. Secondly, a domain adaptation strategy that complements each other with explicit alignment and implicit confrontation is set up to effectively reduce the domain discrepancy between human-induced faults and natural faults. Finally, this paper experimentally validates DAMRN in two cases (same-machine and cross-machine) of a human-induced fault to a natural fault, and DAMRN outperforms other methods with average accuracies as high as 99.62% and 96.38%, respectively. The success of DAMRN provides a viable solution for practical industrial applications of bearing fault diagnosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial-Intelligence-Driven Intelligent Fault Prediction and Health Management Techniques in Manufacturing Systems: 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 2025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunogenicity of Trypanosoma cruzi Multi-Epitope Recombinant Protein as an Antigen Candidate for Chagas Disease Vaccine in Humans

by Christian F. Teh-Poot, Andrea Alfaro-Chacón, Landy M. Pech-Pisté, Miguel E. Rosado-Vallado, Oluwatoyin Ajibola Asojo, Liliana E. Villanueva-Lizama, Eric Dumonteil and Julio Vladimir Cruz-Chan

Pathogens 2025, 14(4), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040342 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is the most significant neglected tropical disease affecting individuals in the Americas. Currently, available drugs, such as nifurtimox and benznidazole (BZN), are both toxic and ineffective in the chronic phase of [...] Read more.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is the most significant neglected tropical disease affecting individuals in the Americas. Currently, available drugs, such as nifurtimox and benznidazole (BZN), are both toxic and ineffective in the chronic phase of the disease. A promising alternative is the development of a Chagas disease vaccine, although this effort is hampered by the complexity of the parasite and HLA polymorphisms. In addition, the activation of epitope-specific CD8⁺ T cells is critical to conferring a robust cell-mediated immune response and protection by producing IFN-γ and perforin. Thus, the antigen (s) for the development of a Chagas vaccine or immunotherapy must include CD8⁺ T cell epitopes. In this study, we aimed to develop a multi-epitope recombinant protein as a novel human vaccine for Chagas disease. Sixteen database programs were used to predict de novo 40 potential epitopes for the HLA-A*02:01 allele. Nine out of the 40 predicted epitopes were able to elicit IFN-γ production in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from Chagas patients. Molecular docking revealed a good binding affinity among the epitopes with diverse HLA molecules. Therefore, a recombinant multi-epitope protein including these nine T. cruzi CD8⁺ epitopes was expressed and demonstrated to recall an antigen-specific immune response in ex-vivo assays using PBMCs from Chagas patients with the HLA-A*02 allele. These findings support the development of this multi-epitope protein as a promising candidate human vaccine against Chagas disease. Full article

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19 pages, 500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Abrahamic Family or Start-Up Nation?: Competing Messages of Common Identity and Their Effects on Intergroup Prejudice

by Tsafrir Goldberg and Laila Abo Elhija Sliman

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040460 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Just as Israel brands itself as a progressive “Start-Up Nation”, Israeli citizens increasingly identify as religious. Religion plays an increasing role in intergroup tensions in Israel. Negative effects of religion and its public representations on intergroup attitudes are well researched, but little is [...] Read more.

Just as Israel brands itself as a progressive “Start-Up Nation”, Israeli citizens increasingly identify as religious. Religion plays an increasing role in intergroup tensions in Israel. Negative effects of religion and its public representations on intergroup attitudes are well researched, but little is known of its positive effects. We ask whether religion can also play a role in improving intergroup attitudes. This study explores the effects of three different public and media representations of shared identity and tolerance on interreligious prejudice among Israeli Muslim adolescents and young adults. The interventions included an interfaith similarities-based common ingroup identity (focusing on shared aspects of Judaism and Islam), a modern national universalistic approach (focusing on religious tolerance), and a modern academic technological identity (highlighting Israel as a “Start-Up Nation”). Findings indicate that the interfaith similarities-based intervention had the most substantial impact in reducing prejudice, specifically by decreasing stereotypes and increasing willingness for social encounters. In contrast, the national universalistic and technological identity interventions were less effective, and in some cases even increased perceived threat or failed to mitigate stereotypes. These findings highlight the potential for leveraging interfaith commonalities as a foundation for intergroup prejudice reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Communication Strategies and Practices in Conflicts)

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14 pages, 1045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Neuroticism and Daydreaming in the Link Between Attachment and Suicide Risk in Emerging Adults

by Danilo Calaresi, Valeria Saladino, Fiorenza Giordano and Valeria Verrastro

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2025, 15(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15040052 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Insecure attachment styles (AS) are related to increased emotional distress, leading individuals to employ unhealthy coping mechanisms. These maladaptive strategies are often linked to impaired functioning, feelings of hopelessness, and isolation, all of which are recognized as risk factors for suicide. This study [...] Read more.

Insecure attachment styles (AS) are related to increased emotional distress, leading individuals to employ unhealthy coping mechanisms. These maladaptive strategies are often linked to impaired functioning, feelings of hopelessness, and isolation, all of which are recognized as risk factors for suicide. This study aimed to examine whether neuroticism and maladaptive daydreaming (MD) sequentially mediate the relationship between AS and suicide risk (SR). A total of 1152 emerging adults (50% female) between the ages of 18 and 25 completed self-report questionnaires. The results revealed that secure attachment (SA) did not show any direct relationship with MD, but it was linked to SR through the mediating influence of neuroticism. Dismissing attachment (DA) did not demonstrate any connections with the other variables. The path among preoccupied attachment (PA) and SR was fully mediated by neuroticism and MD, while the path among fearful attachment (FA) and (SR) was partially mediated by these factors. These findings suggest that addressing neuroticism and MD could be crucial in reducing SR, especially among individuals with specific AS. Additionally, the results underscore the importance of personalized approaches, as interventions may need to be tailored to individuals’ specific AS. Full article

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15 pages, 3115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of the Effects of a Non-Insect Artificial Diet on the Nutritional Development of Harmonia axyridis

by Tingting Zhang, Yinchen Yu, Jianyu Li, Li Zheng, Shiwei Chen and Jianjun Mao

Insects 2025, 16(4), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040380 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Artificial diets applied in the mass-rearing propagation of H. axyridis can improve reproductive ability by optimizing the feeding formula. This study used transcriptome data to investigate the effects of various artificial diets on the growth and development of H. axyridis. Results indicate [...] Read more.

Artificial diets applied in the mass-rearing propagation of H. axyridis can improve reproductive ability by optimizing the feeding formula. This study used transcriptome data to investigate the effects of various artificial diets on the growth and development of H. axyridis. Results indicate that spawning increased with the low-fat and JH III-supplemented artificial diet (Diet 3). Furthermore, the highest glycogen content found in Diet 3 was significantly different from the other two groups. Triglyceride content decreased as adult feeding time increased in the three artificial diet groups, with the fastest decrease observed in the low-fat diet (Diet 2). Protein content increased gradually in the high-fat diet (Diet 1) group compared to the other treatment groups. The adults reared on low-fat artificial diets, when compared to those on artificial diets supplemented with juvenile hormones at the transcriptome level, were found to have upregulated genes enriched in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, ribosome biogenesis, and the hedgehog signaling pathway. In contrast, the genes upregulated in the latter group were enriched in oxidative phosphorylation, amino acid biosynthesis, and the metabolism of other amino acids. The results suggest that nutritional status significantly affects the growth and development of H. axyridis and has practical implications for the artificial feeding of natural pest enemies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)

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12 pages, 1505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cerebral Hemodynamic Alterations in Dialysis COVID-19 Survivors: A Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Study on Intracranial Pressure Dynamics

by José Lapeña-Motilva, Daniel Fouz-Ruiz, Mariano Ruiz-Ortiz, Eduardo Sanpedro-Murillo, Sara Gómez-Enjuto, Inés Hernando-Jimenez, Aida Frias-González, Andrea Soledad Suso, Evangelina Merida-Herrero and Julián Benito-León

Kidney Dial. 2025, 5(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/kidneydial5020012 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: We observed a COVID-19 survivor with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt who developed increased intracranial pressure during hemodialysis. We hypothesized that post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients may have altered cerebral perfusion pressure regulation in response to intracranial pressure changes. Methods: From April to July 2021, we [...] Read more.

Background: We observed a COVID-19 survivor with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt who developed increased intracranial pressure during hemodialysis. We hypothesized that post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients may have altered cerebral perfusion pressure regulation in response to intracranial pressure changes. Methods: From April to July 2021, we recruited dialysis patients with prior COVID-19 from two Madrid nephrology departments. We also recruited age- and sex-matched dialysis patients without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to measure the middle cerebral artery velocity before dialysis and 30, 60, and 90 min after the initiation of dialysis. Results: The final sample included 37 patients (16 post-COVID-19 and 21 without). The COVID-19 survivors showed a significant pulsatility index increase between 30 and 60 min compared to those without COVID-19. They also had lower heart rates. Conclusions: We propose two mechanisms: an increase in intracranial pressure or a decreased arterial elasticity. A lower heart rate was also observed in the COVID-19 survivors. This study highlights SARS-CoV-2’s multifaceted effects, including potential long-term vascular and cerebral repercussions. Full article

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17 pages, 4116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Different Substrate and Microorganism Concentrations on Butyric Acid-Derived Biohydrogen Production

by Gizem Karakaya and Serpil Özmihçi

Processes 2025, 13(4), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041068 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study examines the effect of inoculum (0.5–3 g/L) and substrate concentration (40–200 g/L) on butyric acid and biohydrogen production by batch dark fermentation at 37 °C. Clostridium pasteurianum DSM525 and Cheese Whey Powder (CWP) were used in the experiments. The results showed [...] Read more.

This study examines the effect of inoculum (0.5–3 g/L) and substrate concentration (40–200 g/L) on butyric acid and biohydrogen production by batch dark fermentation at 37 °C. Clostridium pasteurianum DSM525 and Cheese Whey Powder (CWP) were used in the experiments. The results showed that biohydrogen and butyric acid production increased with a 1.5 g/L microorganism concentration and 80 g/L CWP. A Cumulative Hydrogen Formation (CHF) of 458 mL, butyric acid (BA) of 1.523 g/L, butyric acid to acetic acid (BA/AA) ratio of 3.07 g BA/g AA, hydrogen production yield (Y_H2/TS) of 1278.63 mL H₂/g TS, and butyric acid production yield (Y_BA/TS) of 0.37 g BA/g TS at 1.5 g/L inoculum concentration was achieved. The hydrogen (HPR) and butyric acid production rates (BAPR) were similarly the highest at 1.5 g/L. The maximum specific hydrogen (SHPR) and butyric acid rates (SBAPR) were obtained at 2 g/L and 1 g/L organism concentrations, respectively. In variations of substrate concentrations, 651.1 mL of CHF, 1.1 g/L of BA, 3.23 g BA/g AA of BA/AA ratio, 576 mL H2/g TS of YH2/TS, and 27.4 g BA/g TS of Y_BA/TS were accomplished. HPR and SHPR were the highest at 80 g/L CWP due to no substrate inhibition. The BAPR was at its maximum at 100 g/L, BA accumulation was faster, and the SBAPR was at maximum 40 g/L CWP. The results showed a good adaptation of C. pasteurianum to the butyric acid-derived hydrogen production pathway. This strategy could build a renewable and sustainable process with dual valuable outputs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biological Processes and Systems)

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9 pages, 851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Ship-Based QKD Under the Influence of Sea-Surface Atmospheric Turbulence

by Gui-Ying Jiang, Ya-Ping Li, Xiao-Han Li, Wei-Dong Zhang, Zi-Ao Wan, Qi-Ming Zhu, Peng-Fei Gong and Song Zhang

Photonics 2025, 12(4), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12040340 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

There are numerous studies on the effects of ocean turbulence on wireless optical communications and on satellite–ground quantum key distribution (QKD); however, there are few studies on the impact of near sea-surface turbulence on ship-based QKD performance. This study investigates the influence of [...] Read more.

There are numerous studies on the effects of ocean turbulence on wireless optical communications and on satellite–ground quantum key distribution (QKD); however, there are few studies on the impact of near sea-surface turbulence on ship-based QKD performance. This study investigates the influence of sea-surface atmospheric turbulence on laser beam propagation, atmospheric scintillation, and aiming error. It focuses on the impact of sea-surface turbulence on the performance of satellite-to-ship QKD and ship-to-ship QKD systems. The results show that strong turbulence severely degrades QKD system performance; horizontal transmission distances change from 32 km (weak turbulence) to 3 km (strong turbulence) in ship-to-ship QKD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Quantum Photonics and Technologies)

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14 pages, 1939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Marital Status-Specific Associations Between Multidomain Leisure Activities and Cognitive Reserve in Clinically Unimpaired Older Adults: Based on a National Chinese Cohort

by Cheng Cai, Junyi Wang, Dan Liu, Jing Liu, Juan Zhou, Xiaochang Liu, Dan Song, Shiyue Li, Yuyang Cui, Qianqian Nie, Feifei Hu, Xinyan Xie, Guirong Cheng and Yan Zeng

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(4), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15040371 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: It is unclear how marital status moderates the association between multidomain leisure activities and the progression of cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with up to 10 years of follow-up were used. The [...] Read more.

Background: It is unclear how marital status moderates the association between multidomain leisure activities and the progression of cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with up to 10 years of follow-up were used. The study included participants aged ≥65 years without cognitive impairment at baseline. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the modifying effect of marriage on leisure activities (multiple types, frequency, and single type) and cognitive decline. Results: A total of 5286 participants (aged 79.01 ± 9.54 years, 50.0% women, and 61.4% rural residents) were enrolled. The results indicated that marital status moderates the relationship between leisure activities and cognitive decline. In the unmarried group, multi-type and high-frequency leisure activities were more strongly associated with slower cognitive decline. Specific activities such as gardening, reading, performing household chores, and playing cards were found to significantly contribute to cognitive protection exclusively within the unmarried group, with no such effect observed in the married group. Conclusions: Marital status affects the relationship between participation in multiple leisure activities and cognitive decline in cognitively intact elderly people. For unmarried older adults, regular participation in leisure activities may be an effective intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience)

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23 pages, 3337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Direct Medical Costs of Colorectal Cancer in Antigua and Barbuda: A Prevalence-Based Cost-of-Illness Study

by Andre A. N. Bovell, Jabulani Ncayiyana and Themba G. Ginindza

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040552 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Colorectal cancer burden is a threat to health systems in several countries. As the cost of diagnosing, treating, and managing this cancer is unknown in Antigua and Barbuda, this study aimed to estimate its direct medical cost in this country. We used the [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer burden is a threat to health systems in several countries. As the cost of diagnosing, treating, and managing this cancer is unknown in Antigua and Barbuda, this study aimed to estimate its direct medical cost in this country. We used the prevalence-based cost-of-illness methodology to study data on patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2017 and 2021. Data record abstraction was carried out to determine the five-year prevalence, and a top-down and bottom-up approach was employed to estimate the direct medical costs for colorectal cancer care components. All costs were computed at 2021 price levels and are reported in United States dollars. The total annual direct medical costs for colorectal cancer were estimated at USD 1.14 million (ranging between USD 0.85 million and USD 1.42 million). Major cost drivers were treatment (USD 613,650.01) and post-treatment side-effects care (USD 402,234.50). The overall estimated direct medical unit costs were USD 139,295.58, with the main drivers being surgery (USD 43,467.10), other complications of treatment (USD 28,469.21), and immunotherapy (USD 19,200.00). This study provides evidence of the economic burden of colorectal cancer in Antigua and Barbuda. The estimates of annual direct medical costs are substantial. Our findings could help in the development of health policy and aid in resource allocation related to local colorectal cancer management. Full article

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17 pages, 3070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Magnetic Field on ROS Generation in Cu-g-C₃N₄ Against E. coli Disinfection Process

by Elkin Darío C. Castrillon, Santiago Correa and Yenny P. Ávila-Torres

Magnetochemistry 2025, 11(4), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/magnetochemistry11040028 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

The antibacterial activity of g-C₃N₄ and Cu-g-C₃N₄ was evaluated against E. coli, with their disinfection capabilities influenced by structural characteristics, photocatalytic properties, and modulation under a static magnetic field. The incorporation of Cu²⁺ does not [...] Read more.

The antibacterial activity of g-C₃N₄ and Cu-g-C₃N₄ was evaluated against E. coli, with their disinfection capabilities influenced by structural characteristics, photocatalytic properties, and modulation under a static magnetic field. The incorporation of Cu²⁺ does not significantly affect the (210) reflection in XRD analysis, indicating that the alignment of aromatic layers remains stable. However, the presence of copper enables complete disinfection, in contrast to graphitic carbon nitride, which achieves only partial disinfection. Cu²⁺ is likely positioned at N-aliphatic sites and coexists with hydroxylated species, which may influence photocatalytic performance by modifying reactant adsorption and ROS generation. SEM-EDS analysis confirmed that Cu²⁺ modification did not significantly alter the material’s morphology, although a 3% copper content was detected, suggesting a heterogeneous surface distribution. Thermodynamic analysis showed that exposure to a magnetic field increased the Gibbs free energy of adsorption from 6.34 J/m² to 10.52 J/m², reducing interactions with key reactants essential for ROS formation. As a result, both disinfection and photodegradation efficiency were significantly diminished. Additionally, the presence of a magnetic field was found to modify the surface properties of the material, affecting its photocatalytic performance. In Cu-C₃N₄ materials, a decrease in the contact angle suggests enhanced hydrophilicity, while an increase in surface tension may influence the adsorption of water and hydroxyl radicals. This study underscores the effect of a magnetic field on the photocatalytic behavior of materials deposited on polymeric substrates with intrinsic electronic properties, ultimately impacting overall disinfection efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Magnetic Field Effect on Catalysts)

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11 pages, 840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex Difference in the Associations of Socioeconomic Status, Cognitive Function, and Brain Volume with Dementia in Old Adults: Findings from the OASIS Study

by Sophia Z. Liu, Ghazaal Tahmasebi, Ying Sheng, Ivo D. Dinov, Dennis Tsilimingras and Xuefeng Liu

J. Dement. Alzheimer's Dis. 2025, 2(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad2020009 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Sex differences in the association of cognitive function and imaging measures with dementia have not been fully investigated. Understanding sex differences in the dementia-related socioeconomic, cognitive, and imaging measurements is crucial for uncovering sex-related pathways to dementia and facilitating early diagnosis, [...] Read more.

Background: Sex differences in the association of cognitive function and imaging measures with dementia have not been fully investigated. Understanding sex differences in the dementia-related socioeconomic, cognitive, and imaging measurements is crucial for uncovering sex-related pathways to dementia and facilitating early diagnosis, family planning, and cost control. Methods: We selected data from the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies, with longitudinal measurements of brain volumes, on 150 individuals aged 60 to 96 years. Dementia status was determined using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, and Alzheimer’s disease was diagnosed as a CDR of ≥0.5. Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate the associations of socioeconomic, cognitive, and imaging factors with dementia in men and women. Results: The study sample consisted of 88 women (58.7%) and 62 men (41.3%), and the average age of the subjects was 75.4 years at the initial visit. A lower socioeconomic status was associated with a reduced estimated total intracranial volume in men, but not in women. Ageing and lower MMSE scores were associated with a reduced nWBV in both men and women. Lower education affected dementia more in women than in men. Age, education, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and normalized whole-brain volume (nWBV) were associated with dementia in women, while only MMSE and nWBV were associated with dementia in men. Conclusions: The association between education and the prevalence of dementia differs in men and women. Women may have more risk factors for dementia than men. Full article

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22 pages, 9907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Modular Honeycombs with Biomimetic Density Gradients for Superior Energy Dissipation

by Yong Dong, Jie He, Dongtao Wang, Dazhi Luo, Yanghui Zeng, Haixia Feng, Xizhen You and Lumin Shen

Biomimetics 2025, 10(4), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10040221 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

The honeycomb configuration has been widely adopted in numerous sectors owing to its superior strength-to-weight ratio, rigidity, and outstanding energy absorption properties, attracting substantial academic attention and research interest. This study introduces a biomimetic modular honeycomb configuration inspired by the variable-density biological enhancement [...] Read more.

The honeycomb configuration has been widely adopted in numerous sectors owing to its superior strength-to-weight ratio, rigidity, and outstanding energy absorption properties, attracting substantial academic attention and research interest. This study introduces a biomimetic modular honeycomb configuration inspired by the variable-density biological enhancement characteristics of tree stem tissues. This study examined the out-of-plane compressive behavior and mechanical characteristics of modular honeycomb structures. A numerical model of the modular honeycomb was constructed utilizing finite element technology, enabling simulation studies at varying impact velocities. The improved weight-bearing and impact-absorbing properties of modular honeycomb structures are investigated using theoretical analysis and computer simulations. It also scrutinizes the effects of boundary and matching conditions on the honeycomb’s performance. The results indicate that adjusting the thickness of the walls in both the matrix honeycomb and sub-honeycomb structures can substantially improve their resistance to low-velocity out-of-plane compression impacts. Furthermore, the energy absorption capacity of modular honeycombs during high-velocity impacts is significantly influenced by multiple factors: the impact velocity, the density of the honeycomb structure, and the distribution of wall thickness within the sub-honeycomb and the primary honeycomb matrix. Notably, the modular honeycomb with an optimally designed structure demonstrates superior high-speed impact resistance compared to conventional honeycombs of equivalent density. These insights underscore the potential for advanced honeycomb designs to further advance material performance in structural applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Energy-Absorbing Materials or Structures)

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17 pages, 4201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distributed Photovoltaic Short-Term Power Prediction Based on Personalized Federated Multi-Task Learning

by Wenxiang Luo, Yang Shen, Zewen Li and Fangming Deng

Energies 2025, 18(7), 1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071796 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

In a distributed photovoltaic system, photovoltaic data are affected by heterogeneity, which leads to the problems of low adaptability and poor accuracy of photovoltaic power prediction models. This paper proposes a distributed photovoltaic power prediction scheme based on Personalized Federated Multi-Task Learning (PFL). [...] Read more.

In a distributed photovoltaic system, photovoltaic data are affected by heterogeneity, which leads to the problems of low adaptability and poor accuracy of photovoltaic power prediction models. This paper proposes a distributed photovoltaic power prediction scheme based on Personalized Federated Multi-Task Learning (PFL). The federal learning framework is used to enhance the privacy of photovoltaic data and improve the model’s performance in a distributed environment. A multi-task module is added to PFL to solve the problem that an FL single global model cannot improve the prediction accuracy of all photovoltaic power stations. A cbam-itcn prediction algorithm was designed. By improving the parallel pooling structure of a time series convolution network (TCN), an improved time series convolution network (iTCN) prediction model was established, and the channel attention mechanism CBAMANet was added to highlight the key meteorological characteristics’ information and improve the feature extraction ability of time series data in photovoltaic power prediction. The experimental analysis shows that CBAM-iTCN is 45.06% and 42.16% lower than a traditional LSTM, Mae, and RMSE. Compared with FL, the MAPE of the PFL proposed in this paper is reduced by 9.79%, and for photovoltaic power plants with large data feature deviation, the MAPE experiences an 18.07% reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI Facilitated Cyber–Physical Energy Systems—Planning, Operation, and Markets)

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20 pages, 3343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industrial-Grade CNN-Based System for the Discrimination of Music Versus Non-Music in Radio Broadcast Audio

by Valerio Cesarini, Vincenzo Addati and Giovanni Costantini

Information 2025, 16(4), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16040288 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of distinguishing commercially played songs from non-music audio in radio broadcasts, where automatic song identification systems are commonly employed for reporting purposes. Service call costs increase because these systems need to remain continuously active, even when music is [...] Read more.

This paper addresses the issue of distinguishing commercially played songs from non-music audio in radio broadcasts, where automatic song identification systems are commonly employed for reporting purposes. Service call costs increase because these systems need to remain continuously active, even when music is not being broadcast. Our solution serves as a preliminary filter to determine whether an audio segment constitutes “music” and thus warrants a subsequent service call to an identifier. We collected 139 h of non-consecutive 5 s audio samples from various radio broadcasts, labeling segments from talk shows or advertisements as “non-music”. We implemented multiple data augmentation strategies, including FM-like pre-processing, trained a custom Convolutional Neural Network, and then built a live inference platform capable of continuously monitoring web radio streams. This platform was validated using 1360 newly collected audio samples, evaluating performance on both 5 s chunks and 15 s buffers. The system demonstrated consistently high performance on previously unseen stations, achieving an average accuracy of 96% and a maximum of 98.23%. The intensive pre-processing contributed to these performances with the benefit of making the system inherently suitable for FM radio. This solution has been incorporated into a commercial product currently utilized by Italian clients for royalty calculation and reporting purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Signal Processing and Machine Learning, 2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 4349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Wind Power Grid Integration Power Fluctuation Smoothing Control Strategy Based on Energy Storage Battery Health Prediction

by Bin Cheng, Jiahui Wu, Guancheng Lv and Zhongbo Li

Energies 2025, 18(7), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071795 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Due to the volatility and uncertainty of wind power generation, energy storage can help mitigate the fluctuations in wind power grid integration. During its use, the health of the energy storage system, defined as the ratio of the current available capacity to the [...] Read more.

Due to the volatility and uncertainty of wind power generation, energy storage can help mitigate the fluctuations in wind power grid integration. During its use, the health of the energy storage system, defined as the ratio of the current available capacity to the initial capacity, deteriorates, leading to a reduction in the available margin for power fluctuation smoothing. Therefore, it is necessary to predict the state of health (SOH) and adjust its charge/discharge control strategy based on the predicted SOH results. This study first adopts a Genetic Algorithm-Optimized Support Vector Regression (GA-SVR) model to predict the SOH of the energy storage system. Secondly, based on the health prediction results, a control strategy based on the model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is proposed to manage the energy storage system’s charge/discharge process, ensuring that the power meets grid integration requirements while minimizing energy storage lifespan loss. Further, since the lifespan loss caused by smoothing the same fluctuation differs at different health levels, a fuzzy adaptive control strategy is used to adjust the parameters of the MPC algorithm’s objective function under varying health conditions, thereby optimizing energy storage power and achieving the smooth control of the wind farm grid integration power at different energy storage health levels. Finally, a simulation is conducted in MATLAB for a 50 MW wind farm grid integration system, with experimental parameters adjusted accordingly. The experimental results show that the GA-SVR algorithm can accurately predict the health of the energy storage system, and the MPC-based control strategy derived from health predictions can improve grid power stability while adaptively adjusting energy storage output according to different health levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section A3: Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy)

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21 pages, 3292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency-Regulated Repeated Micro-Vibration Promotes Osteoblast Differentiation Through BMP Signaling in MC3T3-E1 Cells

by Ayumu Matsushita, Tada-aki Kudo, Kanako Tominami, Yohei Hayashi, Takuya Noguchi, Takakuni Tanaka, Satoshi Izumi, Keiko Gengyo-Ando, Atsushi Matsuzawa, Guang Hong and Junichi Nakai

Life 2025, 15(4), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15040588 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Physical stimulation, which is a key factor affecting the metabolism of osteoblasts and their precursor cells, plays an important role in bone remodeling; however, the role of micro-vibrations in osteoblast differentiation is unclear. In the present study, we determined the effects of frequency-regulated [...] Read more.

Physical stimulation, which is a key factor affecting the metabolism of osteoblasts and their precursor cells, plays an important role in bone remodeling; however, the role of micro-vibrations in osteoblast differentiation is unclear. In the present study, we determined the effects of frequency-regulated repeated micro-vibration (FRMV) on cell proliferation and established a method to induce osteoblast differentiation through FRMV using the mouse pre-osteoblast-like cell line MC3T3-E1, which is widely used in bone metabolism research. The results indicated that FRMV significantly influenced the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells in a normal growth medium. FRMV at 42.2 Hz significantly promoted proliferation, whereas FRMV at 92.1 Hz showed no effect on the proliferation rate. Moreover, FRMV at 42.2 Hz significantly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity and ALP gene expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. Treatment with LDN193189, a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling inhibitor, revealed that the FRMV-induced upregulation in ALP enzyme activity and ALP gene expression were significantly suppressed in MC3T3-E1 cells. The results suggest that the FRMV protocol developed in the present study induces osteoblast differentiation through the BMP signaling pathway. Thus, FRMV may contribute to the development of effective bone regeneration technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bone Remodeling)

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20 pages, 274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Confession Is Good for the Soul?” Charismatics and Confession in Conversation

by Andrew P. Rogers

Religions 2025, 16(4), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16040461 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Scripture speaks of confessing our sins to God and to one another (e.g., Ps 32:5; Jas 5:16; 1 Jn 1:9). For a tradition that has been strong on sin and the Bible, how do evangelicals deal with confession? In this article, I explore [...] Read more.

Scripture speaks of confessing our sins to God and to one another (e.g., Ps 32:5; Jas 5:16; 1 Jn 1:9). For a tradition that has been strong on sin and the Bible, how do evangelicals deal with confession? In this article, I explore practices of confession in UK charismatic networks based on interviews with five national leaders using a critical conversation methodology. These networks have largely adopted an informal and spontaneous ‘liturgy’ since they began in the 1970s, so this is also a case study of what shape practices take when traditional Christian practices have been put aside. As a semi-indigenous researcher, I offer an account of the ‘what’ of charismatic confession practice from a leader’s perspective: as a network, in public worship, in small groups, and individually. I conclude that these confession practices can be characterised as relational, DIY, and ‘as and when’. I then proceed to offer some ‘whys’ for these practices, including pendulum swings of recent tradition, the relation of confession to charismatic sung worship, and both emic and etic deformations. Finally, I ask, ‘Whither charismatic confession?’ and answer this through posing three questions for reflection around the Bible and confession, the retrieval of practices, and the formative power of practices. This leads into a response to the Special Issue question of how God’s own action is disclosed through these conversations about confession with charismatics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disclosing God in Action: Contemporary British Evangelical Practices)

12 pages, 8504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Altered Lactylation Myocardial Tissue May Contribute to a More Severe Energy-Deprived State of the Tissue and Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction in HOCM

by Ruoxuan Li, Jing Wang, Jia Zhao, Jiao Liu, Yuze Qin, Yue Wang, Yiming Yuan, Nan Kang, Lu Yao, Fan Yang, Ke Feng, Lanlan Zhang, Shengjun Ta, Bo Wang and Liwen Liu

Bioengineering 2025, 12(4), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12040379 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common hereditary cardiovascular disease. In general, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is more closely related to severe clinical symptoms and adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the possible causes of HOCM, which may help physicians [...] Read more.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common hereditary cardiovascular disease. In general, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is more closely related to severe clinical symptoms and adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the possible causes of HOCM, which may help physicians better understand the disease and effectively control and manage the progression of the disease. In recent years, the discovery of lactylation has provided scholars with a new direction to explore the occurrence of diseases. In cardiovascular diseases, this post-translational modification can exacerbate cardiac dysfunction, and it can also promote the cardiac repair process after myocardial infarction. In this study, we used the myocardial tissue of mice carrying the Myh7 V878A gene mutation site for protein lactylation detection. Through a further analysis of the enriched pathways using KEGG enrichment, GO enrichment, and Wiki Pathways enrichment, we found that the enriched pathways with lactylation modifications in the HOCM mice mainly included the fatty acid oxidation pathway, the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway, the adrenergic signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes, and the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy pathway. Among the above pathways, significant changes in lactylation occurred in proteins including Acads, Acaa2, Mdh2, Myl2, and Myl3. We used the COIP experiment to verify the omics results and the ELISA assay to verify the function of the enzymes. We found that a decrease in lactylation modifications also led to a decrease in enzyme function. The abnormalities of these proteins not only lead to abnormalities in energy metabolism in the myocardial tissue of HOCM but also may affect myocardial contractility, resulting in the impaired contractile function of HOCM. The results of this study lay a preliminary theoretical foundation for further exploring the pathogenesis of HOCM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering)

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11 pages, 269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Fractional Dirac System with Eigenparameter-Dependent and Transmission Conditions

by Abdullah Kablan and Fulya Şahantürk

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(4), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9040227 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

This work investigates the fractional Dirac system that has transmission conditions, and its boundary condition contains an eigenparameter. Defining a convenient inner product space and a new operator that has the same eigenvalues as the considered problem, we demonstrate that the fractional Dirac [...] Read more.

This work investigates the fractional Dirac system that has transmission conditions, and its boundary condition contains an eigenparameter. Defining a convenient inner product space and a new operator that has the same eigenvalues as the considered problem, we demonstrate that the fractional Dirac system is symmetric in this space. Thus, we have reached some remarkable results for the spectral characteristics of the operator. Furthermore, in the next section of the study, the existence of solutions was examined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fractional Initial and Boundary Value Problems)

20 pages, 1878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“I Want to Be Born with That Pronunciation”: Metalinguistic Comments About K-Pop Idols’ Inner Circle Accents

by Jihye Kim and Luoxiangyu Zhang

Languages 2025, 10(4), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages10040075 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

The Korean popular music (K-pop) industry, with its global popularity and increasing multilingual orientation, serves as a suitable context for exploring language perceptions. This research examines the metalinguistic commentary on K-pop idols’ English accents on YouTube. Specifically, we investigate how online users evaluate [...] Read more.

The Korean popular music (K-pop) industry, with its global popularity and increasing multilingual orientation, serves as a suitable context for exploring language perceptions. This research examines the metalinguistic commentary on K-pop idols’ English accents on YouTube. Specifically, we investigate how online users evaluate the idols’ English accents and how their metalinguistic comments communicate linguistic ideologies that favor a “native” way of speaking. Our dataset consists of 602 metalinguistic comments drawn from four popular YouTube videos featuring the evaluation of K-pop idols’ accents. We employ content analysis to first categorize comments into positive, negative, and neutral evaluations, then focus on aspects being evaluated in the users’ comments (e.g., social attractiveness and (non-)nativeness). The results indicate that a vast majority of comments (88.1%) convey positive evaluations, largely associating the idols’ accents with social appeal and native-like accents. Although a few neutral and negative evaluations exist, our result shows a dominant preference for inner circle accents and complex attitudes toward accented speech in digital spaces. We conclude by highlighting the influence of digital platforms in shaping language perceptions and the implications for linguistic stereotyping in the context of K-pop culture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue L2 Speech Perception and Production in the Globalized World)

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