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On a Generic Fractional Derivative Associated with the Riemann–Liouville Fractional Integral
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Native Compared to Citrated Whole Blood for Coagulation Testing in Horses
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Egg Consumption and 4-Year Change in Cognitive Function in Older Men and Women
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Can the UK Deliver Zero Carbon Ready Homes by 2050?
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Stealth Metasomatism in Granulites from Ivrea (NW Italy): Hydration of the (Variscan) Lower Crust by Melt Flow

Recent Articles

11 pages, 9716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scanning Micromirror Calibration Method Based on PSO-LSSVM Algorithm Prediction

by Yan Liu, Xiang Cheng, Tingting Zhang, Yu Xu, Weijia Cai and Fengtian Han

Micromachines 2024, 15(12), 1413; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15121413 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Scanning micromirrors represent a crucial component in micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS), with a broad range of applications across diverse fields. However, in practical applications, several factors inherent to the fabrication process and the surrounding usage environment exert a considerable influence on the accuracy of measurements obtained with the micromirror. Therefore, it is essential to calibrate the scanning micromirror and its measurement system. This paper presents a novel scanning micromirror calibration method based on the prediction of a particle swarm optimization-least squares support vector machine (PSO-LSSVM). The objective is to establish a correspondence between the actual deflection angle of the micromirror and the output of the measurement system employing a regression algorithm, thereby enabling the prediction of the tilt angle of the micromirror. The decision factor (

R^{2}

) for this model at the x-axis reaches a value of 0.9947. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Optical MEMS: Design, Fabrication, Control, Modeling and Developments)

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25 pages, 1036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solution for Time-Fractional Coupled Burgers Equations by Generalized-Laplace Transform Methods

by Hassan Eltayeb and Said Mesloub

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(12), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8120692 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

In this work, nonlinear time-fractional coupled Burgers equations are solved utilizing a computational method, which is called the double and triple generalized-Laplace transform and decomposition method. We discuss the proof of triple generalized-Laplace transform for a Caputo fractional derivative. We have given four examples to show the precision and adequacy of the suggested approach. The results show that this method is easy and accurate when compared to the A domain decomposition method (ADM), homotopy perturbation method (HPM), and generalized differential transform method (GDTM). Finally, we have sketched the graphics for all these examples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fractional Elliptic and Parabolic Equations: Analysis and Related Topics)

16 pages, 1561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Tetanus Vaccination Is Associated with Reduced Occurrence and Slower Progression of Parkinson’s Disease—A Retrospective Study

by Ariel Israel, Eli Magen, Eytan Ruppin, Eugene Merzon, Shlomo Vinker and Nir Giladi

Biomedicines 2024, 12(12), 2687; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12122687 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively damages the autonomic and central nervous systems, leading to hallmark symptoms such as resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. Despite extensive research, the underlying cause of PD remains unclear, and current treatments are unable to halt the progression of the disease. In this retrospective study, based on historical electronic health records (EHR) from a national health provider covering the period from 2003 to 2023, we investigated the impact of vaccination and medication purchases on PD occurrence and severity. Methods: Using a case–control design, we compared the vaccination histories of 1446 PD patients with 7230 matched controls to assess the association between vaccination and PD onset. Additionally, we explored statistical associations between vaccination, medication purchases, and PD severity over an average of 9 years of follow-up, utilizing a machine learning algorithm to quantify disease severity based on annual antiparkinsonian medication purchases.Results: Our analysis revealed a significant reduction in PD occurrence following tetanus–diphtheria (Td) vaccination, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.17 (95% CI [0.04, 0.70]) for PD onset within 5 years post-vaccination. Furthermore, a time-dependent relationship was identified between the duration since vaccination and both the rate of PD onset and disease progression. Notably, we observed that antimicrobial treatments significantly influenced disease severity, consistent with the antibiotic sensitivity profile of Clostridium tetani. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that tetanus vaccination and/or C. tetani eradication may reduce PD occurrence and slow its progression, suggesting promising directions for future research in PD prevention and treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbiology in Human Health and Disease)

15 pages, 5520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Phyllosphere Microbial Community Structure of Three Camellia Species upon Anthracnose

by Xiaojie Peng, Haonan Wang and Xudong Zhou

Forests 2024, 15(12), 2080; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15122080 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

Anthracnose of Camellia plants is caused by the Colletotrichum species. The fungal pathogens mainly infect the leaves of plants and lead to serious economic losses. However, knowledge of Camellia phyllosphere microbial community after Colletotrichum infection has not been explored which limited our understanding of the relationship between the Camellia anthracnose outbreak and interacting microorganisms. In this study, three economically and ecologically important Camellia species with anthracnose symptoms were collected and subjected to bacterial and fungal composition analysis, diversity, co-occurrence characteristics, isolation of key strains, and tie-back pathogenicity test. The results indicated that Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium were the dominant bacterial genera over the three Camellia species and Pallidocercospora, Colletotrichum, and Pichia were the dominant fungal genera. The co-occurrence analysis showed that Methylobacterium, Sphingomonas, Massilia, and Allorhizobium were the key bacterial taxa and Colletotrichum, Pallidocercospora, Pichia, Septophoma, and Septoria were the key fungal taxa over the three infected plants. The hub taxa, including the species significantly associated with the Colletotrichum abundance, were mostly beneficial bacteria over the three Camellia species. Further co-culture and tie-back pathogenicity tests verified that the hub taxa associated with pathogenic Colletotrichum in the microbial networks may play promoting/inhibiting roles on Colletotrichum infection. The results highlight the importance of phytopathological conditions for the interactions between microbial members of foliar fungal and bacterial communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)

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17 pages, 869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computed Tomographic Findings in Dogs with Hepatic Bacterial Parenchymal Infection and Abscessation

by Luis Maté de Haro, Andrea Vila, Andrea Di Bella, Claudia Mallol, Carlo Anselmi, Jose-Daniel Barreiro-Vazquez, Danica Pollard, Raquel Salgüero, Ella Fitzgerald and Beatriz Moreno-Aguado

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3399; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233399 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

Bacterial liver parenchymal infections in dogs are rarely documented, and their imaging characteristics are scarce in the veterinary literature, especially in Computed Tomography (CT). This retrospective multicentric study aimed to describe the CT characteristics of parenchymal bacterial liver infection and abscessation in dogs and compare them with the human literature. Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria. All dogs, except one, showed discrete hepatic lesions consistent with pyogenic liver abscess (19/20). A single case showed diffuse liver changes, which was diagnosed with granulomatous bacterial hepatitis (1/20). Multifocal lesions were associated with the presence of abdominal pain (p = 0.023). CT characteristics of pyogenic liver abscesses in our study resemble those described in the human literature, with multifocal (14/19) or single (5/19), round or ovoid (19/19), hypoattenuating hepatic lesions, which are better visualised in post-contrast images. Pyogenic liver abscesses can also show features such as the “cluster sign” (8/19), transient arterial segmental enhancement (6/10), rim enhancement (6/19), and intralesional gas (4/19). Additional CT findings, such as local lymphadenomegaly (18/20), peritoneal fat stranding (14/20), and peritoneal fluid (13/20), are also commonly observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diseases of the Small and Large Intestine, Liver and Pancreas in Small Animals: Second Edition)

18 pages, 3890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dissolution Behavior of M5 Cladding in Hydrofluoric–Nitric Mixed Acid

by Ying Chen, Yandong Sun, Yang Bai, Ziqian Zhao, Zheng Wei, Fang Liu, Zhongwei Yuan, Taihong Yan and Weifang Zheng

Materials 2024, 17(23), 5771; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235771 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

M5 cladding has emerged as a prominent fuel cladding material due to its excellent corrosion resistance. The dissolution behavior of M5 cladding is critical in both the initial cleaning stage and the reprocessing of spent fuel cladding. This study investigated the dissolution of M5 cladding in hydrofluoric–nitric (HF-HNO₃) mixed acid at varying concentrations. When the HF concentration exceeds 0.5 mol/L, the addition of strong oxidizing HNO₃ significantly reduces the dissolution rate. Moreover, HNO₃ effectively inhibits the HF-induced corrosion pitting, lowering surface roughness to 0.812 μm at a 1:5 ratio of HF:HNO₃. In addition, a surface structural analysis reveals the dissolution mechanism of M5 cladding. The β-Nb precipitated in the mixed acid was oxidized to stable Nb₂O₅ by HNO₃ while the M5 matrix surface was continuously oxidized to ZrO₂. This passivation layer inhibits further dissolution, slowing the process and enhancing the uniformity of M5 cladding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)

23 pages, 10915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

10 MW FOWT Semi-Submersible Multi-Objective Optimization: A Comparative Study of PSO, SA, and ACO

by Souleymane Drabo, Siqi Lai, Hongwei Liu and Xiangheng Feng

Energies 2024, 17(23), 5914; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235914 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

The present study aims to carry out a comparative Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) of a 10 MW FOWT semi-submersible using three different metaheuristic optimization techniques and a sophisticated approach for optimizing a floating platform. This novel framework enables highly efficient 3D plots, an optimization loop, and the automatic and comparative output of solutions. Python, the main interface, integrated PyMAPDL and Pymoo for intricate modeling and simulation tasks. For this case study, the ZJUS10 Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) platform, developed by the state key laboratory of mechatronics and fluid power at Zhejiang University, was employed as the basis. Key criteria such as platform stability, overall structural mass, and stress were pivotal in formulating the objective functions. Based on a preliminary study, the three metaheuristic optimization algorithms chosen for optimization were Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Simulated Annealing (SA), and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). Then, the solutions were evaluated based on Pareto dominance, leading to a Pareto front, a curve that represents the best possible trade-offs among the objectives. Each algorithm’s convergence was meticulously evaluated, leading to the selection of the optimal design solution. The results evaluated in simulations elucidate the strengths and limitations of each optimization method, providing valuable insights into their efficacy for complex engineering design challenges. In the post-processing phase, the performances of the optimized FOWT platforms were thoroughly compared both among themselves and with the original model, resulting in validation. Finally, the ACO algorithm delivered a highly effective solution within the framework, achieving reductions of 19.8% in weight, 40.1% in pitch, and 12.7% in stress relative to the original model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section K: State-of-the-Art Energy Related Technologies)

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20 pages, 1620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contextual Attribution Maps-Guided Transferable Adversarial Attack for 3D Object Detection

by Mumuxin Cai, Xupeng Wang, Ferdous Sohel and Hang Lei

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(23), 4409; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16234409 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

The study of LiDAR-based 3D object detection and its robustness under adversarial attacks has achieved great progress. However, existing adversarial attack methods mainly focus on the targeted object, which destroys the integrity of the object and makes the attack easy to perceive. In this work, we propose a novel adversarial attack against deep 3D object detection models named the contextual attribution maps-guided attack (CAMGA). Based on the combinations of subregions in the context area and their impact on the prediction results, contextual attribution maps can be generated. An attribution map exposes the influence of individual subregions in the context area on the detection results and narrows down the scope of the adversarial attack. Subsequently, perturbations are generated under the guidance of a dual loss, which is proposed to suppress the detection results and maintain visual imperception simultaneously. The experimental results proved that the CAMGA method achieved an attack success rate of over 68% on three large-scale datasets and 83% on the KITTI dataset. Meanwhile, the CAMGA has a transfer attack success rate of at least 50% against all four victim detectors, as they all overly rely on contextual information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence-Based Sensor Data Processing for Remote Sensing)

17 pages, 354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Servant Leadership and Teachers’ Emotional Exhaustion—The Mediation Role of Hindrance Stress and Depersonalization

by Hongchao Wu, Jun Zhao, Shaoping Qiu and Xiuhong Li

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14121129 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

This study aims to explore the impact of school servant leadership on teacher emotional exhaustion in the context of Chinese education, and analyze the mediating effects of teacher hindrance stress and depersonalization. Based on the Job Demand-Control-Support (JDCS) model and servant leadership theory, the research constructs a model for the influence mechanism of school servant leadership on teacher emotional exhaustion and validates it using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A total of 3751 primary and secondary school teachers from eight provinces in China participated in this study. The results indicate servant leadership demonstrates a strong negative relationship with emotional exhaustion, with hindrance stress and depersonalization serving as a sequential mediation between servant leadership and emotional exhaustion. This study offers a new perspective on how servant leadership can alleviate emotional exhaustion among teachers, and provides practical insights for optimizing educational management models and enhancing teacher mental well-being. Full article

28 pages, 4811 KiB

Open AccessReview

From Mine Waste to Construction Materials: A Bibliometric Analysis of Mining Waste Recovery and Tailing Utilization in Construction

by Vicente Zetola, Brian F. Keith, Elizabeth J. Lam, Ítalo L. Montofré, Rodrigo J. Rojas, Juan Marín and Mathias Becerra

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10314; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310314 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive scientometric analysis of mining waste valorization, focusing on tailings utilization in construction materials from 2010 to 2024. Through examination of 1096 Web of Science publications and utilizing CiteSpace mapping and network analyses, we analyze the intellectual structure of this field. Subject category analysis reveals materials science, construction technology, and environmental engineering as the dominant disciplines, interconnected through 168 links across 64 thematic nodes. Our co-citation analysis identifies 12 major research clusters, with materials science and environmental engineering serving as primary disciplinary pillars. Keyword co-occurrence analysis of 532 nodes connected by 1181 links highlights the field’s emphasis on fly ash, concrete applications, and mechanical properties. Recent citation bursts indicate growing research focus on thermal stability, heavy metal treatment, and innovative processing methods. Through synthesizing these scientometric indicators, this review provides strategic insights for advancing sustainable construction practices through mining waste utilization. Research gaps identified include long-term durability assessment, standardization needs, and scalability challenges. By synthesizing these diverse scientometric indicators, this review provides strategic insights for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers, contributing to the advancement of sustainable construction practices through mining waste utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Waste and Recycling)

21 pages, 6247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Existing Air Emissions Detection Methods for Stationary Pollution Sources Monitoring

by Alexandr Neftissov, Andrii Biloshchytskyi, Ilyas Kazambayev, Lalita Kirichenko, Ultuar Zhalmagambetova and Svitlana Biloshchytska

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 10934; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142310934 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

The application of coal technologies for energy generation leads to high pollutant emissions. Thus, governmental and international organizations have created new programs and laws for monitoring emissions. Recently, the government of Kazakhstan has introduced regulations for the measurement of emissions produced by factories and power plants. However, the requirements and Corecommendations for the monitoring methods have not been defined. Therefore, this article addresses the problem and focuses on determining the measurement errors made by optical SGK510 and electrochemical POLAR devices used for coal power plants. The hypothesis is based on the fact that there are currently no systems for monitoring probe drying, and its implementation is expensive. The main methods are analyzed, namely their operation, taking into account the presence of water particles in samples, and the possibility of using adjustment coefficients is considered. The main pollutants chosen for analysis are CO, NO, NO₂, NO_x, SO₂, and O₂. Using the Broich–Pagan test, homoscedasticity was determined, and the Fisher test showed the possibility of using tuning coefficients. The data for the optical method were compared to measurements taken using Inspector 500. The error for SO₂ determination was 7.19% for NO, 44.0985% for NO₂, 733.26% for NO_x, 7.39% for O₂, 2.75% for CO, 60.81%. The comparison between SGK510 and POLAR demonstrated the following errors: for CO—1.5%, for NO_x—82.4405%, for SO₂—41.17%, for O₂—11.61%. According to the Fisher criteria analysis of the optical method, only SO₂ and CO values measured by SGK510 in comparison to Inspector 500 had close similarity, while others demonstrated high deviations. The significance tests were carried out by Fisher’s, t-test, and ANOVA methods. For the electrochemical measurement, only CO values had close similarity. In the future, methods will be proposed to improve the accuracy of the system while reducing maintenance costs, as well as cleaning sampling systems. The multicomponent analysis application for accuracy improvement with the exhaust gas humidity, temperature, and flow consideration was recommended as a possible solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecology Science and Engineering)

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31 pages, 1834 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Use of Calcium Phosphate Bioceramics for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis

by Cláudia Suellen Ferro Oliveira, Irina Negut and Bogdan Bita

Ceramics 2024, 7(4), 1779-1809; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics7040113 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

Bone infections, particularly osteomyelitis, present significant clinical challenges due to their resistance to treatment and risk of progressing to chronic disease. Conventional therapies, including systemic antibiotics and surgical debridement, often prove insufficient, especially in cases where biofilms form or infection sites are difficult to access. As an alternative, calcium phosphate bioceramics have emerged as a promising strategy for treating bone infections. These materials offer key advantages such as biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and the ability to be engineered for controlled drug delivery. Calcium phosphate bioceramics can serve as scaffolds for bone regeneration while simultaneously delivering antibiotics locally, thus addressing the limitations of systemic therapies and reducing infection recurrence. This review provides an overview of osteomyelitis, including its pathogenesis and conventional treatment approaches, while exploring the diverse therapeutic possibilities presented by calcium phosphate bioceramics. Special attention is given to hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, and their composites, with a focus on their therapeutic potential in the treatment of bone infections. The discussion highlights their mechanisms of action, integration with antimicrobial agents, and clinical efficacy. The dual capacity of calcium phosphate bioceramics to promote both bone healing and infection management is critically evaluated, highlighting opportunities for future research to address current challenges and enhance their clinical application in orthopedics and dentistry. Future research directions should focus on developing calcium phosphate bioceramic composites with enhanced antibacterial properties, optimizing drug-loading capacities, and advancing minimally invasive delivery methods to improve clinical outcomes. Further in vivo studies are essential to validate the long-term efficacy and safety of calcium phosphate bioceramic applications, with an emphasis on patient-specific formulations and rapid prototyping technologies that can personalize treatment for diverse osteomyelitis cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 2nd Edition)

13 pages, 471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Mycotoxin Detection in Table Olives: The Role of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Method Optimization

by Alessandro Cammerata, Viviana Del Frate, Tiziana Monforte, Antonio Scarfone and Elio Romano

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 10936; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142310936 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

The issue of mycotoxin contamination in food is particularly important for consumer safety. The consumption of these fungi can cause genetic mutations or lead to the formation of cancer cells. For years, foods have been studied for this problem, but for table olives, there is currently a significant lack of scientific literature. This study aimed to point out the possible application of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method for the detection of mycotoxins in table olives, assessing the presence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A. Different tests were carried out on commercial and inoculated olives to assess the efficacy of the method by comparison with the conventional one, based on Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Initial unsatisfactory results led us to refine the extraction method via the substitution of the chemical extractant 70% methanol with dichloromethane; this procedure allowed for improving the recovery of inoculated mycotoxins. The results show the effectiveness of the ELISA test, especially in mycotoxin recovery, after the modification of the extraction method. The recoveries increased for aflatoxins from 55% to over 70% and for ochratoxin A from 40% to over 55%. When samples were analyzed with commercial kits, the results showed some false positives, especially for the first sample of ochratoxin A, but the reliability of the ELISA method test was largely verified in the rest of the samples. The validity, the reduced cost, and the speed of application of the ELISA test make this method suitable as a control program for mycotoxin detection in table olives, which can be supported by LC-MS/MS analysis in case of positive results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Analyses of Hazards and Risks in Food Safety)

16 pages, 2473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro and In Vivo Digestibility of Putative Nutraceutical Common-Bean-Derived Alpha-Amylase Inhibitors

by Krisztina Takács, András Nagy, Anna Jánosi, István Dalmadi and Anita Maczó

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 10935; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142310935 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

The inhibition of the alpha-amylase digestive enzyme impedes starch digestion by blocking access to the active site of the enzyme, thereby playing a role in the prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Plant-derived alpha-amylase inhibitors (αAIs) are promising nonpharmacological alternatives for the prevention of these diseases. Alpha-amylase inhibitor-1 (αAI-1) present in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is derived from a precursor protein. In this study, the effect of digestion on the digestibility, immune reactivity, and bioactivity of αAI-1 was assessed from four varieties of Hungarian common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), with special regard to the precursor protein. For this purpose, αAI-1 was tested in both matrix (native flour and cooked flour) and purified forms under in vitro and acute rat in vivo digestion experiments. The effect of digestion on αAI-1s was monitored by lab-on-a-chip (LOC) electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE/immunoblot, and inhibitory activity analyses by native PAGE. After both in vitro and in vivo digestion, we established that αAI-1 was not degraded even after 60 min gastric digestion and showed immune-reactive properties as well. Although the activity of the purified αAI-1 was lost, that of αAI-1 in the flour matrix (noncooked and cooked) was retained in the stomach. Presumably, in the beans, αAI-1 polypeptides became active due to the pepsin digestion of the precursor protein. The latter samples were also tested in vivo in the small intestine and their resistance and immune reactivity were observed, but αAI-1 did not show activity, as αAI-1 polypeptides were probably complexed by pancreatic amylases. From these results, we can assume that the αAI-1-rich bean protein preparation can affect the carbohydrate metabolism; thus, it could be a promising ingredient for weight loss purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Food Metabolomics)

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Abstract

Background: Endometrial cancer is currently the sixth most frequent cancer in women, and scientific research is focusing on the search for particular features of the endometrium that may explain a further predisposition to the onset of endometrial cancer, aimed at improving knowledge of the pathogenetic factors of this disease. The aim of our review is to analyze in detail the results of the literature on the endometrial microbiota in patients with endometrial cancer and to investigate its role. Methods: We performed our research on the Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. We searched up to December 2023 and considered manuscripts published from 2000. Only articles in English were included in the search. We excluded studies in which the endometrial microbiota were collected through the vagina or cervical canal. Results: We included in our review a total of five manuscripts at the end of the screening process, and the total number of patients involved was 190. Four studies considered only post-menopausal patients, while one study considered both pre- and post-menopausal patients. In all studies, the microbiota analysis was derived from a post-hysterectomy biopsy. From our review, it emerged that Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria are the most represented bacteria in patients with endometrial cancer. These are both Gram-positive and Gram-negative, but predominantly anaerobic bacteria. Conclusions: The reduced microbial diversity and the presence of specific bacteria is often associated with endometrial cancer. Further work on larger population samples, and on healthy women and those affected by endometrial carcinoma, is needed to understand how the endometrial microbiota changes and influences the development of the tumor and whether intervening in the changes in the microbiota will have a therapeutic impact on endometrial carcinoma Full article

28 pages, 1328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Probiotic Potential and Functional Properties of Lactobacillus Strains Isolated from Dhan, Traditional Algerian Goat Milk Butter

by Mohamed Cherif Bentahar, Djilali Benabdelmoumene, Véronique Robert, Said Dahmouni, Wasim S. M. Qadi, Zineb Bengharbi, Philippe Langella, Bouasria Benbouziane, Ebtesam Al-Olayan, Esraa Adnan Dawoud Dawoud and Ahmed Mediani

Foods 2024, 13(23), 3781; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233781 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

Goat milk butter, locally known as “Dhan,” from the Sfisfa region of Algeria, holds significant cultural and economic value. This study investigates the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) present in Dhan, focusing particularly on Lactobacillus strains. Molecular identification using 16S rRNA revealed a dominance of Levilactobacillus brevis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, forming a substantial part of the bacterial profile. Three LAB isolates (DC01-A, DC04, and DC06) were selected from fresh samples, and rigorous analyses were performed to evaluate their probiotic properties. Safety assessments confirmed the absence of gelatinase, DNase, and haemolytic activities in all isolates. The isolates demonstrated high tolerance to bile salts and acidic conditions, along with the ability to survive simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Notably, strain DC06 exhibited exceptional survival at low pH (1.5) and high bile salt concentrations (0.15–0.3%). All isolates showed substantial growth in MRS medium with 2% phenol, although growth was significantly decreased at 5% phenol. Furthermore, our strains exhibited high adhesion rates to various solvents, demonstrating their potential for strong interaction with cell membranes. Specifically, adhesion to chloroform was observed at 98.26% for DC01-A, 99.30% for DC04, and 99.20% for DC06. With xylene, the adhesion rates were 75.94% for DC01-A, 61.13% for DC04, and 76.52% for DC06. The LAB strains demonstrated impressive growth in ethanol concentrations up to 12%, but their tolerance did not exceed this concentration. They also exhibited robust growth across temperatures from 10 °C to 37 °C, with strains DC04 and DC06 able to proliferate at 45 °C, though none survived at 50 °C. Additionally, the isolates showed significant resistance to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and displayed medium to high autolytic activity, with rates of 50.86%, 37.53%, and 33.42% for DC01-A, DC04, and DC06, respectively. The cell-free supernatant derived from strain DC04 exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens, while strain DC06 demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity with the highest DPPH scavenging rate at 68.56%, compared to the probiotic reference strain LGG at 61.28%. These collective findings not only suggest the probiotic viability of LAB strains found in Dhan but also highlight the importance of traditional food practises in contributing to health and nutrition. Consequently, this study supports the potential of traditional Dhan butter as a functional food and encourages further exploration of its health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Microbiology)

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