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17 pages, 941 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ultrasound Imaging of Ankle Retinacula: A Comprehensive Review

by Carmelo Pirri, Nina Pirri, Veronica Macchi, Andrea Porzionato, Raffaele De Caro and Carla Stecco

Tomography 2024, 10(8), 1277-1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10080095 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

The retinacula of the ankle are specialized anatomical structures characterized by localized thickenings of the crural fascia that envelop the deep components of the lower leg, ankle and foot. The ankle retinacula include the extensor retinacula, the peroneal retinacula and flexor retinaculum. Despite [...] Read more.

The retinacula of the ankle are specialized anatomical structures characterized by localized thickenings of the crural fascia that envelop the deep components of the lower leg, ankle and foot. The ankle retinacula include the extensor retinacula, the peroneal retinacula and flexor retinaculum. Despite their potential to explain persistent and unexplained pain following an injury, these structures are often overlooked or incorrectly diagnosed. Hence, this comprehensive review was performed aiming to investigate the use and the methodology of US imaging to assess ankle retinacula. The search was performed on PubMed and Web of Science databases from inception to May 2024. The MeSH keywords used were as follows: “Ankle Retinacula”, “Foot Retinacula”, “Superior extensor retinaculum”, “Inferior extensor retinaculum”, “peroneal retinaculum”, “superior peroneal retinaculum”, “inferior peroneal retinaculum”, “flexor retinaculum”, “Ultrasound Imaging”, “Ultrasound”, “Ultrasonography” and “Ultrasound examination”. In total, 257 records underwent screening, resulting in 22 studies meeting the criteria for inclusion after the process of revision. Data heterogeneity prevents synthesis and consistent conclusions. The results showed that advanced US imaging holds promise as a crucial tool to perform an US examination of ankle retinacula, offering static and dynamic insights into ankle retinacula pathology. Understanding normal anatomy and US imaging is essential for accurately identifying injuries. Future research should focus on clinical trials to validate parameters and ensure their reliability in clinical practice. Full article

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10 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Utility of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Traumatic Brain Injury Screening among Women Veterans: Recommendations for Expansion to Include Interpersonal Violence

by Michelle M. Pebole, Katherine M. Iverson, Caitlin M. Bolduc, Julie M. Joyce, Caroline A. Sablone and Catherine B. Fortier

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(8), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14080814 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Women veterans (WVs) are more likely than men veterans to experience traumatic brain injury (TBI) from causes unrelated to deployment. Yet, current Veterans Health Administration (VHA) TBI screening focuses on deployment. This study examines the utility of the VHA TBI screening tool for [...] Read more.

Women veterans (WVs) are more likely than men veterans to experience traumatic brain injury (TBI) from causes unrelated to deployment. Yet, current Veterans Health Administration (VHA) TBI screening focuses on deployment. This study examines the utility of the VHA TBI screening tool for WVs. Using the Boston Assessment for TBI-Lifetime (BAT-L) as the gold standard, sensitivity and specificity of the VHA screen were identified for deployment and non-deployment injuries. Injuries missed by the screen were thematically described. Sensitivity and specificity were compared by context (research, clinical). Ninety WVs were included; fifty-three (60.9%) met TBI criteria per the BAT-L. For TBIs occurring during deployment, sensitivity was higher in research (89.1%) compared to clinics (61.7%); specificity was lower in research (60.7%) compared to clinics (93.0%). The BAT-L identified 27 non-deployment TBIs not captured by the VHA screen, most frequently from physical assault or sports. The VHA screen does not include non-deployment events; thus, non-deployment sensitivity and specificity could not be calculated. For lifetime TBIs (deployment + non-deployment etiologies), sensitivity was higher in research (73.5%) compared to clinics (48.9%). Specificity was lower in research (60.0%) compared to clinics (100.0%). Findings can inform improvements to TBI screening among WVs, including expansion for interpersonal violence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shedding Light on the Hidden Epidemic of Violence and Brain Injury)

10 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Management Decision-Making Model: Case Study on Foreign Language Learning Curriculums

by Kuen-Suan Chen, Chun-Min Yu, Chun-Hung Yu and Yen-Po Chen

Information 2024, 15(8), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15080481 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Foreign language learning courses can be regarded as a service operation system, and a complete foreign language learning course performance evaluation model can help improve the effectiveness of student learning. The performance evaluation matrix (PEM) is an excellent tool for evaluation and resource [...] Read more.

Foreign language learning courses can be regarded as a service operation system, and a complete foreign language learning course performance evaluation model can help improve the effectiveness of student learning. The performance evaluation matrix (PEM) is an excellent tool for evaluation and resource management decision making, and the administrator uses the satisfaction and the importance indices to establish evaluation coordinate points based on the rules of statistical testing. The coordinate points of all service items are plotted into the PEM to grasp the full picture and to make decisions on what to improve or to consider resource transfers so as to elevate the overall satisfaction of the entire service. However, plotting all the coordinate points on the PEM can only be performed by programming, which will lead to limitations in practice. Therefore, instead of the above evaluation rules, this article uses the confidence intervals of decision-making indicators to form a validity evaluation table, to decide which teaching service items should be improved, maintained, or transferred to improve the satisfaction of the entire service system. This form of performance evaluation can be completed using any commonly used word-processing software, so it is easy to apply and promote. Finally, this article provides an applied example to illustrate the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Applications in Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis II)

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13 pages, 4544 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prospective Study: Utility of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography to Identify Predictive Factors of Recurrence in Pterygium Surgery

by Marina Aguilar-González, Enrique España-Gregori, Isabel Pascual-Camps, Luis Gómez-Lechón-Quirós and Cristina Peris-Martínez

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(16), 4769; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164769 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to determine, by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), the anatomical characteristics, both preoperatively and postoperatively, that correlate with a higher rate of pterygium recurrence after surgery with exeresis and conjunctival autograft with biological glue. [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to determine, by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), the anatomical characteristics, both preoperatively and postoperatively, that correlate with a higher rate of pterygium recurrence after surgery with exeresis and conjunctival autograft with biological glue. Methods: A total of 50 eyes which were listed for primary pterygium surgery at an ophthalmology tertiary centre were treated with standard pterygium excision and a conjunctival autograft with tissue glue. Ten variables were measured with AS-OCT (Casia 2; Tomey Corp., Nagoya, Japan) during six control visits with all patients. Finally, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (SPSS stadistics^®, IBM^®, version 21.0.0.0) for descriptive variables and R-project (The R foundation©, version 3.0.2) for the rest of the analyses, including a descriptive analysis and an inferential analysis studying prognostic factors of recurrence and their predictive capacity. Results: Among the 50 patients who underwent surgery, recurrence was detected in 8 cases (rate 16%; 95% CI: 5.8–26.2%). Most cases (n = 6) were detected 3 months after surgery. The pattern of recurrences was atrophic in two thirds of the cases; none required reintervention. Preoperative total conjunctival thickness at 3 mm was significantly increased in patients who developed recurrence. One week after surgery, epithelial and stromal thickness at 1 mm and total thickness at 3 mm proved to be useful for predicting recurrence. Both models have significant discriminant capacity. Conclusions: By imaging the graft with AS-OCT preoperatively and 7 days after surgery, the risk of future recurrence can be predicted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)

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10 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Military Imagery as an Exhortation for Ecclesial Unity in 1 Clement 37 and 2 Timothy 2:3–4

by Kangil Kim

Religions 2024, 15(8), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15080985 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

The problem of schism is one of the major issues in 1 Clement. To resolve this problem, the author of 1 Clement exhorts the Corinthian believers to submit to their leaders by using military imagery. While the use of military imagery is often [...] Read more.

The problem of schism is one of the major issues in 1 Clement. To resolve this problem, the author of 1 Clement exhorts the Corinthian believers to submit to their leaders by using military imagery. While the use of military imagery is often understood in reference to the author’s emphasis on peace and concord, what remains to be explored is the way in which the militaristic imagery in 1 Clement 37 can be read alongside 2 Timothy 2:3–4. Although there is no clear evidence of whether Clement draws on 2 Timothy or vice versa, I suggest that the militaristic imagery in 2 Timothy 2:3–4 offers a helpful analog for understanding the meaning of the use of military imagery in 1 Clement 37. Full article

15 pages, 4272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fast-Activated Minimal Gated Unit: Lightweight Processing and Feature Recognition for Multiple Mechanical Impact Signals

by Wenrui Wang, Dong Han, Xinyi Duan, Yaxin Yong, Zhengqing Wu, Xiang Ma, He Zhang and Keren Dai

Sensors 2024, 24(16), 5245; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24165245 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Multiple dynamic impact signals are widely used in a variety of engineering scenarios and are difficult to identify accurately and quickly due to the signal adhesion phenomenon caused by nonlinear interference. To address this problem, an intelligent algorithm combining wavelet transforms with lightweight [...] Read more.

Multiple dynamic impact signals are widely used in a variety of engineering scenarios and are difficult to identify accurately and quickly due to the signal adhesion phenomenon caused by nonlinear interference. To address this problem, an intelligent algorithm combining wavelet transforms with lightweight neural networks is proposed. First, the features of multiple impact signals are analyzed by establishing a transfer model for multiple impacts in multibody dynamical systems, and interference is suppressed using wavelet transformation. Second, a lightweight neural network, i.e., fast-activated minimal gated unit (FMGU), is elaborated for multiple impact signals, which can reduce computational complexity and improve real-time performance. Third, the experimental results show that the proposed method maintains excellent feature recognition results compared to gate recurrent unit (GRU) and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks under all test datasets with varying impact speeds, while its metrics for computational complexity are 50% lower than those of the GRU and LSTM. Therefore, the proposed method is of great practical value for weak hardware application platforms that require the accurate identification of multiple dynamic impact signals in real time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensor Networks)

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13 pages, 11823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Hematophagous Bat-Mediated Rabies Outbreaks in Remote Amazon Communities: Lessons from a Pilot for Public Health Policy

by Felipe Rocha, Alexander Vargas, Elke Maria Nogueira de Abreu, Julio Cesar Augusto Pompei, Marco Antonio Natal Vigilato, Daniel Magalhães Lima, Raphael Schneider Vianna, Ottorino Cosivi, Sergio E. Recuenco, Wagner Augusto Costa, Luciana Hardt, Karin Correa Scheffer Ferreira, Rene dos Santos Cunha Neto, Luciana Botelho Chaves, Andrea de Cassia Rodrigues da Silva, Alberto Lopes Begot, Jorge Alberto Azevedo Andrade, Weber Marcos, Silene Manrique Rocha, Francisco Edilson Ferreira Lima Junior and Marcelo Yoshito Wada Show full author list Hide full author list

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(8), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9080179 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

In 2018, an outbreak of human rabies caused by the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus hit the Brazilian Amazon Basin community of Melgaço, Brazil, resulting in the death of 10 people, 9 of them children. The incidence of rabies has been on the rise [...] Read more.

In 2018, an outbreak of human rabies caused by the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus hit the Brazilian Amazon Basin community of Melgaço, Brazil, resulting in the death of 10 people, 9 of them children. The incidence of rabies has been on the rise among populations in conditions of vulnerability in this ecosystem due to human expansion into sylvatic environments and limited access to public health services. To address this issue, in September 2019, a collaborative effort from national, local, and international institutions promoted and executed a pilot for pre-exposure prophylaxis of a population in high-risk areas for hematophagous bat-mediated rabies. This measure is usually only implemented in response to outbreaks. The pilot was conducted in Portel, in a nearby location to the previous outbreak, with the use of fluvial transportation, and 2987 individuals in 411 dwellings were successfully vaccinated. It established a methodology for pre-exposure prophylaxis for populations in conditions of vulnerability, identifying logistics and costs, as well as characterizing the target riverine population regarding risk factors associated with bites by hematophagous bats. This approach offers a proactive measure to prevent future outbreaks and provides valuable insights into how to address the issue of rabies in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment and Risk Assessment of Rabies)

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18 pages, 4179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydroxyl Radical-Induced Oxidation on the Properties of Cathepsin H and Its Influence in Myofibrillar Proteins Degradation of Coregonus peled In Vitro

by Xuemei Fan, Mengjie Ma, Pingping Liu, Xiaorong Deng and Jian Zhang

Foods 2024, 13(16), 2531; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162531 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

The most frequently occurring protein modification in fish postmortem is oxidization, which further affects meat quality through multiple biochemical pathways. To investigate how hydroxyl radicals affect the structure of cathepsin H and its ability to break down myofibrillar proteins in Coregonus peled, [...] Read more.

The most frequently occurring protein modification in fish postmortem is oxidization, which further affects meat quality through multiple biochemical pathways. To investigate how hydroxyl radicals affect the structure of cathepsin H and its ability to break down myofibrillar proteins in Coregonus peled, cathepsin H was oxidized with 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 mM H₂O₂ and subsequently incubated with isolated myofibrillar proteins. The results showed that as the H₂O₂ concentration increased, the carbonyl and sulfhydryl contents of cathepsin H significantly increased and decreased, respectively. There were noticeable changes in the α-helix structures and a gradual reduction in UV absorbance and fluorescence intensity, indicating that oxidation can induce the cross-linking and aggregation of cathepsin H. These structural changes further reduced the activity of cathepsin H, reaching its lowest at 10 mM H₂O₂, which was 53.63% of the activity at 0 mM H₂O₂. Moreover, desmin and troponin-T all degraded at faster rates when cathepsin H and myofibrillar proteins were oxidized concurrently as opposed to when cathepsin H was oxidized alone. These findings provide vital insights into the interaction mechanism between oxidation, cathepsin H, as well as myofibrillar protein degradation, laying a groundwork for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying changes in fish meat quality after slaughter and during processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Proteins: Structural, Physicochemical, Functional and Nutritional Properties)

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12 pages, 970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Testing the Effectiveness of Computerized Cognitive Training on an At-Risk Student Population

by Eugene H. Wong, Kevin P. Rosales and Lisa Looney

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14080711 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Core constructs such as working memory, task switching, and processing speed in cognitive psychology research have prominent predictive roles in K12 students’ academic performance. Specifically, considerable empirical work shows that variability in such capabilities is linked to differences in numerous academic outcomes. Moreover, [...] Read more.

Core constructs such as working memory, task switching, and processing speed in cognitive psychology research have prominent predictive roles in K12 students’ academic performance. Specifically, considerable empirical work shows that variability in such capabilities is linked to differences in numerous academic outcomes. Moreover, there is an increasing awareness and acceptance of the malleability of cognitive abilities. Thus, an emerging strand of research focuses on the use of computerized cognitive training to improve cognitive skills. This project addresses this issue with high-risk students attending community day schools. An in-school cognitive training program implemented (for 30 min per day) at each school site resulted in improvements for working memory, task switching, and processing speed after six total hours of participation. The current results provide evidence for the changeability of what were once thought to be static skills. Equally important, this study highlights the effectiveness of computerized cognitive training and critically extends intervention-based work to a student group that has received little attention. Implications of this work for cognitive research and educational support programs are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cognition)

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20 pages, 779 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Epigenetic Alterations in Metabolic Diseases

by Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky and Jin-Rong Zhou

Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080985 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Gut dysbiosis, resulting from an imbalance in the gut microbiome, can induce excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to inflammation, DNA damage, activation of the immune system, and epigenetic alterations of critical genes involved in the metabolic pathways. Gut dysbiosis-induced inflammation [...] Read more.

Gut dysbiosis, resulting from an imbalance in the gut microbiome, can induce excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to inflammation, DNA damage, activation of the immune system, and epigenetic alterations of critical genes involved in the metabolic pathways. Gut dysbiosis-induced inflammation can also disrupt the gut barrier integrity and increase intestinal permeability, which allows gut-derived toxic products to enter the liver and systemic circulation, further triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic alterations associated with metabolic diseases. However, specific gut-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactate, and vitamins, can modulate oxidative stress and the immune system through epigenetic mechanisms, thereby improving metabolic function. Gut microbiota and diet-induced metabolic diseases, such as obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, can transfer to the next generation, involving epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we will introduce the key epigenetic alterations that, along with gut dysbiosis and ROS, are engaged in developing metabolic diseases. Finally, we will discuss potential therapeutic interventions such as dietary modifications, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, which may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome by altering gut microbiota and epigenetic alterations. In summary, this review highlights the crucial role of gut microbiota dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, with a particular focus on epigenetic alterations (including histone modifications, DNA methylomics, and RNA interference) and potential interventions that may prevent or improve metabolic diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Metabolic Syndrome: The Role of Gut Microbiota)

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16 pages, 17219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation on the Impact of Sand Particle Size on the Jet Pump Wall Surface Erosion

by Heng Qian, Jian Liu, Maosen Xu, Chuanhao Fan and Zhenhua Duan

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(8), 1390; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12081390 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Silt removal is crucial for maintaining navigable waterways in harbors. Jet pumps, without moving parts, are highly suitable for underwater operations such as channel dredging in port environments. Despite their structural advantages in slurry handling, the prolonged transport of solid–liquid two-phase flows can [...] Read more.

Silt removal is crucial for maintaining navigable waterways in harbors. Jet pumps, without moving parts, are highly suitable for underwater operations such as channel dredging in port environments. Despite their structural advantages in slurry handling, the prolonged transport of solid–liquid two-phase flows can lead to wear on the wall materials, resulting in decreased efficiency and potential pump failure. The wear characteristics of the jet pump walls due to sand particles of varying grain sizes were experimentally investigated. The characteristic of the sands having a higher distribution above the axis as they enter the jet pump was captured by a high-speed camera. The experiment recorded the variations in mass loss at different sections of the jet pump over a period of 120 h, identifying that backflow within the throat region is a significant contributor to wall wear. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to examine the microstructure of the abraded pump surfaces. It was found that there are noticeable differences in the surface wear microstructure across various pump areas, and that particles of different grain sizes result in distinct wear patterns on the pump surfaces. The underlying causes of this phenomenon were discussed from the perspective of particle motion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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17 pages, 1181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Switched Approach for Smartphone-Based Pedestrian Navigation

by Shenglun Yi, Mattia Zorzi, Xuebo Jin and Tingli Su

Sensors 2024, 24(16), 5247; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24165247 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel switched approach to perform smartphone-based pedestrian navigation tasks even in scenarios where GNSS signals are unavailable. Specifically, when GNSS signals are available, the proposed approach estimates both the position and the average bias affecting the measurements [...] Read more.

In this paper, we propose a novel switched approach to perform smartphone-based pedestrian navigation tasks even in scenarios where GNSS signals are unavailable. Specifically, when GNSS signals are available, the proposed approach estimates both the position and the average bias affecting the measurements from the accelerometers. This average bias is then utilized to denoise the accelerometer data when GNSS signals are unavailable. We test the effectiveness of denoising the acceleration measurements through the estimated average bias by a synthetic example. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is then validated through a real experiment which is conducted along a pre-planned 150 m path. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue INS/GNSS Integrated Navigation Systems)

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9 pages, 2475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Flowable Hemostatic Agent ActiClot: Efficacy and Safety Assessment in Rat and Porcine Models

by Hee-Jung Kim, Su-Kyoung Lee, Yun-Jeh Ko, Soo-Hyeon Jeon, Eun-Jin Kim, Oh-Hyeong Kwon and Yang-Hyun Cho

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(16), 4770; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164770 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the hemostatic performance and safety of ActiClot (ATC), a new flowable hemostatic agent, through in vivo tests. Methods: ATC was compared with the commercially available FLOSEAL^®. ATC consists of carboxymethyl starch, thrombin, and sorbitol powders [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the hemostatic performance and safety of ActiClot (ATC), a new flowable hemostatic agent, through in vivo tests. Methods: ATC was compared with the commercially available FLOSEAL^®. ATC consists of carboxymethyl starch, thrombin, and sorbitol powders in Syringe I, and a calcium chloride solution in Syringe II. In vivo evaluation used rat liver bleeding and porcine heart bleeding models. Safety was assessed using a rat subcutaneous implantation model. Results: ATC significantly reduced hemostasis time (70.00 ± 7.35 s) compared to gauze control (240.63 ± 32.31 s) in the rat liver model, showing a 70% reduction. There was no significant difference between ATC and FLOSEAL^® (58.75 ± 13.42 s). In the porcine heart model, both agents achieved 100% hemostasis within 3 min, with no significant difference in success rates within 2 min (ATC 87.5%, FLOSEAL^® 75%). The gauze control group failed in all tests. The rat subcutaneous implantation model showed no visual ATC observation after 48 h, indicating biocompatibility, with no inflammation observed. Conclusions: ATC demonstrated effective hemostatic performance similar to FLOSEAL^® in two in vivo models, with faster hemostasis in the rat liver model. It also showed excellent safety and biocompatibility, indicating its potential for surgical and emergency bleeding control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section General Surgery)

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16 pages, 308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Consumer-Centric Approach for a Sustainable Honey Supply Chain: The Case of Strawberry Tree Honey

by Ioannis Papachristos, Foivos Anastasiadis, Maria Kontopanou and Giannis T. Tsoulfas

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6957; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166957 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

The consumption of honey has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. It is important to understand the role of consumers in the honey supply chain, as their preferences have a substantial impact on industry practices. Consumer demand [...] Read more.

The consumption of honey has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. It is important to understand the role of consumers in the honey supply chain, as their preferences have a substantial impact on industry practices. Consumer demand for high-quality, safe, and sustainable honey encourages producers to improve transparency and sustainability in their operations. This consumer-centric approach is essential for creating strong connections between supply chain stakeholders and end-users, promoting a more sustainable food system. This study centres on strawberry tree honey, which is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and antimicrobial activities. It explores the key factors driving consumer choices in strawberry tree honey and evaluates their impact across the entire supply chain. A survey examined consumer preferences for conventional honey and organic strawberry tree honey, revealing a clear trend toward sustainable options. The findings highlighted the significant impact of consumer behaviour on driving sustainable practices within the honey supply chain. This study also shed light on consumers’ perceptions of organic strawberry tree honey and their connection to the entire supply chain. These findings support previous studies on organic products, demonstrating the crucial link between consumer choices for organic honey and the sustainability of the supply chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Innovation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 2nd Edition)

15 pages, 2249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation of Antagonistic Endophytic Fungi from Postharvest Chestnuts and Their Biocontrol on Host Fungal Pathogens

by Yunmin Wen, Meng Li, Shuzhen Yang, Litao Peng, Gang Fan and Huilin Kang

J. Fungi 2024, 10(8), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10080573 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

In this study, antagonistic endophytic fungi were isolated from postharvest chestnut fruits; endophytic antagonistic fungi and their combination of inhibitory effects on the fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum were evaluated. A total of 612 endophytic fungi were isolated from 300 healthy chestnut kernels, and [...] Read more.

In this study, antagonistic endophytic fungi were isolated from postharvest chestnut fruits; endophytic antagonistic fungi and their combination of inhibitory effects on the fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum were evaluated. A total of 612 endophytic fungi were isolated from 300 healthy chestnut kernels, and 6 strains out of them including NS-3, NS-11, NS-38, NS-43, NS-56, and NS-58 were confirmed as antagonistic endophytic fungi against Neofusicoccum parvum; these were separately identified as Penicillium chermesinum, Penicillium italicum, Penicillium decaturense, Penicillium oxalicum, Talarmyces siamensis, and Penicillium guanacastense. Some mixed antagonistic endophytic fungi, such as NS-3-38, NS-11-38, NS-43-56, and NS-56-58-38, exhibited a much stronger antifungal activity against N. parvum than that applied individually. Among them, the mixture of NS-3-38 showed the highest antifungal activity, and the inhibition rate was up to 86.67%. The fermentation broth of NS-3, NS-38, and their combinations exhibited an obvious antifungal activity against N. parvum, and the ethyl acetate phase extract of NS-3-38 had the strongest antifungal activity, for which the inhibitory rate was up to 90.19%. The NS-3-38 fermentation broth combined with a chitosan coating significantly reduced N. parvum incidence in chestnuts from 100% to 19%. Furthermore, the fruit decay and weight loss of chestnuts during storage were significantly decreased by the NS-3-38 fermentation broth mixture along with a chitosan coating. Therefore, a mixture of P. chermesinum and P. decaturense could be used as a potential complex biocontrol agent to control postharvest fruit decay in chestnuts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control of Postharvest Fungal Diseases)

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27 pages, 3770 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements in Nanoporous Materials for Biomedical Imaging and Diagnostics

by Nargish Parvin, Vineet Kumar, Tapas Kumar Mandal and Sang Woo Joo

J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(8), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15080226 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

This review explores the latest advancements in nanoporous materials and their applications in biomedical imaging and diagnostics. Nanoporous materials possess unique structural features, including high surface area, tunable pore size, and versatile surface chemistry, making them highly promising platforms for a range of [...] Read more.

This review explores the latest advancements in nanoporous materials and their applications in biomedical imaging and diagnostics. Nanoporous materials possess unique structural features, including high surface area, tunable pore size, and versatile surface chemistry, making them highly promising platforms for a range of biomedical applications. This review begins by providing an overview of the various types of nanoporous materials, including mesoporous silica nanoparticles, metal–organic frameworks, carbon-based materials, and nanoporous gold. The synthesis method for each material, their current research trends, and prospects are discussed in detail. Furthermore, this review delves into the functionalization and surface modification techniques employed to tailor nanoporous materials for specific biomedical imaging applications. This section covers chemical functionalization, bioconjugation strategies, and surface coating and encapsulation methods. Additionally, this review examines the diverse biomedical imaging techniques enabled by nanoporous materials, such as fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) imaging, ultrasound imaging, and multimodal imaging. The mechanisms underlying these imaging techniques, their diagnostic applications, and their efficacy in clinical settings are thoroughly explored. Through an extensive analysis of recent research findings and emerging trends, this review underscores the transformative potential of nanoporous materials in advancing biomedical imaging and diagnostics. The integration of interdisciplinary approaches, innovative synthesis techniques, and functionalization strategies offers promising avenues for the development of next-generation imaging agents and diagnostic tools with enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and biocompatibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials and Devices for Healthcare Applications)

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11 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Māori and Ancient near Eastern Pantheons in the Context of Genesis 1 in te reo Māori

by Lyndon Drake

Religions 2024, 15(8), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15080984 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

The recent test translation of Te Paipera Tapu (the Bible in the Māori language) has aroused considerable debate for its use in Genesis 1 of the names of atua Māori (Māori divine beings). These names of atua have been used instead of names [...] Read more.

The recent test translation of Te Paipera Tapu (the Bible in the Māori language) has aroused considerable debate for its use in Genesis 1 of the names of atua Māori (Māori divine beings). These names of atua have been used instead of names of features of the natural world, which stands in contrast to the use of other kupu Māori (Māori words) in the earlier translation and its revisions. In this paper, I outline relevant members of the Māori pantheon and of some ancient Near Eastern pantheons, which are not identical. I then discuss the Hebrew text of Genesis 1 in its ancient literary context, making proposals about the use of the names of atua Māori in translations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intercultural Hermeneutics of the Bible in Aotearoa-New Zealand)

9 pages, 238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Oral Mucosal Diseases Using the Indonesian Version of the Chronic Oral Mucosal Disease Questionnaire-15 (COMDQ-15)

by Febrina Rahmayanti, Ratna K. Indrastiti, Yuniardini S. Wimardhani, Sherlyana Jozerizal, Dovian Emely Suteja, Rani Handayani and Paswach Wiriyakijja

Dent. J. 2024, 12(8), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12080258 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic oral mucosal diseases (COMDs) can significantly impair the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. Monitoring the overall disease’s impact and the efficacy of treatments requires the use of the Chronic Oral Mucosal Diseases Questionnaire-15 (COMDQ-15) as a standardized instrument for [...] Read more.

Introduction: Chronic oral mucosal diseases (COMDs) can significantly impair the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. Monitoring the overall disease’s impact and the efficacy of treatments requires the use of the Chronic Oral Mucosal Diseases Questionnaire-15 (COMDQ-15) as a standardized instrument for measuring QoL in these patients. Objective: This study aimed to assess QoL in patients with COMDs using an Indonesian version of the COMDQ-15. Methods: Seventy patients diagnosed with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), oral lichen planus, autoimmune blistering diseases (ABD), and cheilitis were included. Levels of QoL among different groups of disease were compared. Various potential factors influencing QoL were evaluated. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with overall and specific aspects of QoL. Results: The mean total COMDQ-15 score was 20.83 ± 10.07. The highest scores were in the physical discomfort domain (8.76 ± 4.65), while the lowest was in the medication and treatment domain (2.13 ± 1.99). Physical discomfort was significantly associated with gender, major RAS, and cheilitis. Social and emotional aspects were significantly associated with age and ABD, while patient support was linked to employment status, RAS types, and cheilitis. Conclusions: The Indonesian version of the COMDQ-15 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing QoL in patients with COMDs. Full article

22 pages, 6337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Targeting of DTYMK and PARP1 as a Potential Therapeutic Approach in Uveal Melanoma

by Sylwia Oziębło, Jakub Mizera, Agata Górska, Mateusz Krzyziński, Paweł Karpiński, Anna Markiewicz, Maria Małgorzata Sąsiadek, Bożena Romanowska-Dixon, Przemysław Biecek, Mai P. Hoang, Antonina J. Mazur and Piotr Donizy

Cells 2024, 13(16), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13161348 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults, with no standardized treatment for advanced disease. Based on preliminary bioinformatical analyses DTYMK and PARP1 were selected as potential therapeutic targets. High levels of both proteins were detected in uveal melanoma [...] Read more.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults, with no standardized treatment for advanced disease. Based on preliminary bioinformatical analyses DTYMK and PARP1 were selected as potential therapeutic targets. High levels of both proteins were detected in uveal melanoma cells and correlated with increased tumor growth and poor prognosis. In vitro tests on MP41 (BAP1 positive) and MP46 (BAP1 negative) cancer cell lines using inhibitors pamiparib (PARP1) and Ymu1 (DTYMK) demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects. Combined treatment had synergistic effects in MP41 and additive in MP46 cell lines, reducing cell proliferation and inhibiting the mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, the applied inhibitors in combination decreased cell motility and migration speed, especially for BAP1-negative cell lines. Our hypothesis of the double hit into tumoral DNA metabolism as a possible therapeutic option in uveal melanoma was confirmed since combined targeting of DTYMK and PARP1 affected all tested cytophysiological parameters with the highest efficiency. Our in vitro findings provide insights into novel therapeutic avenues for managing uveal melanoma, warranting further exploration in preclinical and clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)

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DTYMK and PARP1 RNA expression in UM. (A) Kaplan–Meier estimates of survival probability for UM patients on days from cancer diagnostics grouped by optimal cut point of DTYMK RNA expression level. (B) Kaplan–Meier estimates of survival probability for UM patients on days from cancer diagnostics grouped by optimal cut point of PARP1 RNA expression level. (C) UMAP visualization of MLANA, SOX10, BAP1, DTYMK, and PARP1 expression in UVM tumor tissues (GSE139829). (D) Dot plot summarizing DTYMK expression in 11 UM samples included in GSE139829 dataset. Dot radius represents percent of tumors expressing given gene. Color intensity of dots reflects level of expression of given gene. (E) Dot plot summarizing PARP1 expression in 11 UM samples included in GSE139829 dataset. Dot radius represents percent of tumors expressing given gene. Color intensity of dots reflects level of expression of given gene.

Full article ">p-value 0.013). (F) Dependency between DTYMK H-score and BAP1 box plots show the distribution of DTYMK H-score separated by BAP1 immunostaining. Wilcoxon rank-sum test (p-value = 0.23) shows no significant difference between values of DTYMK for patients with loss of nuclear expression and those with retained nuclear expression of BAP1 (F). (G) Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a negative impact of enhanced expression of DTYMK as a single marker and (H) in combination with PARP1 on shorter overall survival of uveal melanoma patients. Patients with overexpression of both proteins were characterized by the worst long-term prognosis.

Full article ">p ≤ 0.01 (**) and p ≤ 0.0001 (****).

Full article ">p ≤ 0.05 (*), p ≤ 0.01 (**), p ≤ 0.001 (***), and p ≤ 0.0001 (****). (C,D) Synergy scores’ interpretation: a score less than −10 indicates antagonistic interaction, a score between −10 and 10 implies additive interaction, and scores larger than 10 are typical for synergistic interactions. Analysis was performed using SynergyFinder software [27].

Full article ">p ≤ 0.05 (*), p ≤ 0.01 (**), p ≤ 0.001 (***) and p ≤ 0.0001 (****). (C,D) A total of 15 µg of proteins was loaded onto a single lane. Cells were incubated with indicated concentrations of inhibitors for 24 or 48 h. The same amount of DMSO was used for the vehicle control, which was present when cells were treated with 25 µM pamiparib (P) and 15 µM Ymu1 (Y). Membranes were probed with specific antibodies to total and phosphorylated forms of S6. Representative replicates are shown.

Full article ">Figure S3). Based on the trajectories, distance, velocity, and directionality of motile cells were assessed (n = 3). The same amount of DMSO was used for the vehicle control, which was present when cells were treated with 25 µM pamiparib (P) and 15 µM Ymu1 (Y). Results are presented as mean ± SD. Asterisks above the bars express significance vs. vehicle control; p ≤ 0.05 (*), p ≤ 0.01 (**), p ≤ 0.001 (***) p ≤ 0.0001 (****).

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16 pages, 3935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploration of the Synergistic Regulation Mechanism in Cerebral Ganglion and Heart of Eriocheir sinensis on Energy Metabolism and Antioxidant Homeostasis Maintenance under Alkalinity Stress

by Meiyao Wang, Jun Zhou, Gangchun Xu and Yongkai Tang

Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 986; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080986 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

(1) The development and utilization of the vast saline–alkali land worldwide is an important way to solve the worsening food crisis. Eriocheir sinensis, due to its strong osmotic regulation capability and its characteristics of being suitable for culturing in alkaline water, has [...] Read more.

(1) The development and utilization of the vast saline–alkali land worldwide is an important way to solve the worsening food crisis. Eriocheir sinensis, due to its strong osmotic regulation capability and its characteristics of being suitable for culturing in alkaline water, has become a potential aquaculture species in saline–alkali water. The brain and heart are the key tissues for signal transduction and energy supply under environmental stress. (2) This study is the first to explore the synergistic regulatory molecular mechanism by integrated analysis on cerebral ganglion proteomics and heart metabolomics of Eriocheir sinensis under alkalinity stress. (3) The results indicate that the cerebral ganglion and heart of E. sinensis were closely related in response to acute alkalinity stress. The differential regulatory pathways mainly involved regulation of energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and homeostasis maintenance. Importantly, alkalinity stress induced the regulation of antioxidants and further adjusted longevity and rhythm in the cerebral ganglion and heart, reflecting that the cerebral ganglion and heart may be the key tissues for the survival of Eriocheir sinensis under an alkalinity environment. (4) This study provides a theoretical reference for research on the regulation mechanism of E. sinensis under alkalinity condition and contributes to the development of aquaculture in saline–alkali water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Response in Aquatic Animals)

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E. sinensis induced by alkalinity stress. (A). Heatmap of DEPs after alkalinity stress. CN1-CN3 represents the control group, EN1-EN3 represents the alkalinity-stressed group. Rows represented DEPs. (B). Volcano plot of DEPs after alkalinity stress. (C). TOP30 GO enrichment analysis on DEPs after alkalinity stress. (D). Top20 KEGG enrichment analysis on DEPs after alkalinity stress. “A–D” represents four functional categories that the pathways can be classified into: A, signal transduction; B, amino acid metabolism; C, energy metabolism; D; organismal system.

Full article ">E. sinensis induced by alkalinity stress. (A). Heatmap of DEPs after alkalinity stress. CN1-CN3 represents the control group, EN1-EN3 represents the alkalinity-stressed group. Rows represented DEPs. (B). Volcano plot of DEPs after alkalinity stress. (C). TOP30 GO enrichment analysis on DEPs after alkalinity stress. (D). Top20 KEGG enrichment analysis on DEPs after alkalinity stress. “A–D” represents four functional categories that the pathways can be classified into: A, signal transduction; B, amino acid metabolism; C, energy metabolism; D; organismal system.

Full article ">E. sinensis under alkalinity stress. (A). Analysis of PLS-DA, CH represents the control group, EH represents the experimental group. (B). Permutation test of PLS-DA. (C). Heatmap of DEMs after alkalinity stress. CH1–CH5 represents the control group, EH1-EH5 represents the experimental group. Each row represents one differentially expressed metabolites. (D). Top20 KEGG enrichment analysis on DEMs after alkalinity stress. Letters “A–C” represent three functional categories that the pathways can be divided into: A, energy metabolism; B, signal transduction; C, homeostasis maintenance. “+” indicates upregulated pathways, “−” represents downregulated pathways, “±” indicates the pathways that enriched upregulated and downregulated DEMs.

Full article ">E. sinensis under alkalinity stress. The right column indicates co-regulatory pathways. The left column shows the corresponding DEPs/DEMs. “A–C” represents three functional categories that the co-regulatory pathways can be divided into. A, energy metabolism; B, amino acid metabolism; C, homeostasis maintenance.

Full article ">

18 pages, 8632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RobotSDF: Implicit Morphology Modeling for the Robotic Arm

by Yusheng Yang, Jiajia Liu, Hongpeng Zhou, Afimbo Reuben Kwabena, Yuqiao Zhong and Yangmin Xie

Sensors 2024, 24(16), 5248; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24165248 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

The expression of robot arm morphology is a critical foundation for achieving effective motion planning and collision avoidance in robotic systems. Traditional geometry-based approaches usually suffer from the contradiction between the high demand for computing resources for fine expression and the insufficient detail [...] Read more.

The expression of robot arm morphology is a critical foundation for achieving effective motion planning and collision avoidance in robotic systems. Traditional geometry-based approaches usually suffer from the contradiction between the high demand for computing resources for fine expression and the insufficient detail expression caused by the pursuit of efficiency. The signed distance function addresses these drawbacks due to its ability to handle complex and arbitrary shapes and lower computational requirements. However, conventional robotic morphology methods based on the signed distance function often face challenges when the robot moves dynamically, since robots with different postures are modeled as independent individuals but the postures of robots are infinite. In this paper, we introduce RobotSDF, an implicit morphology modeling approach that can express the robot shape of arbitrary posture precisely. Instead of depicting a whole model of the robot arm, RobotSDF models the robot morphology as integrated implicit joint models driven by joint configurations. In this approach, the dynamic shape change process of the robot is converted into the coordinate transformations of query points within each joint’s coordinate system. Experimental results with the Elfin robot demonstrate that RobotSDF can accurately depict robot shapes across different postures up to the millimeter level, which exhibits

38.65 %

and

66.24 %

improvement over the Neural-JSDF and configuration space distance field algorithms, respectively, in representing robot morphology. We further verified the efficiency of RobotSDF through collision avoidance in both simulation and actual human–robot collaboration experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensors and Robotics)

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13 pages, 7557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Control of a Road Wheel Actuation Module in Steer-by-Wire System

by Insu Chung, Jungdai Choi and Kanghyun Nam

Actuators 2024, 13(8), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13080311 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Since the steer-by-wire system removes the mechanical connection and uses electrical signals to drive the system, it has the disadvantage of being less stable in the failure of parts or systems. Therefore, in this paper, we present a methodology for developing a digital [...] Read more.

Since the steer-by-wire system removes the mechanical connection and uses electrical signals to drive the system, it has the disadvantage of being less stable in the failure of parts or systems. Therefore, in this paper, we present a methodology for developing a digital model of the road wheel actuator of the steer-by-wire system. First, the detailed dynamics of the road wheel actuator are analyzed and simplified, and the friction model is estimated and compensated to obtain the equilibrium inertia and damping coefficient of the motor and the road wheel actuator. And to verify the accuracy of the digital model developed based on these parameters, the outputs are compared by giving the same inputs under open-loop control. Furthermore, to solve the problem caused by nonlinear disturbance and model uncertainty, a disturbance observer-based position controller is proposed. The validity of the proposed controller and the validity of the digital model development methodology are confirmed by the results of the position control experiment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Control for Chassis Devices in Electric Vehicles)

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18 pages, 5213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing Thermal Environment Contributions and Driving Factors of LST Heterogeneity in Different UrbanDevelopment Zones

by Youshui Zhang, Carlos Alberto Silva and Mengdi Chen

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(16), 2973; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16162973 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Analyzing the impacts of urban landscape patterns on the thermal environment has become one of the key research areas in addressing urban heat islands (UHIs) and improving the living environment. A case study was carried out in Fuzhou, Fujian Province of China, and [...] Read more.

Analyzing the impacts of urban landscape patterns on the thermal environment has become one of the key research areas in addressing urban heat islands (UHIs) and improving the living environment. A case study was carried out in Fuzhou, Fujian Province of China, and bi-temporal Landsat imagery was selected to calculate land surface temperature (LST), percent impervious surface area (ISA), and fractional vegetation cover (FVC). The urban area was further divided into three concentric urban zones, ranging from the city center to the urban periphery, based on urban development densities. The spatial pattern of LST and its variance were analyzed and compared between different zones and different dates. The thermal environment contribution of different zones was also quantified to indicate the change in urban landscape patterns resulting from urban expansion in different zones. Furthermore, Geodetector was used to explore the single factors and interaction factors controlling the spatial patterns of LST in each zone. The results showed that (i) urban expansion primarily increased in Zone 2 and Zone 3, and the areal proportion of high and sub-high LST areas increased from 56.11% and 21.08% to 62.03% and 32.49% in Zone 2 and Zone 3, respectively, from 2004 to 2021; (ii) the heat effect contribution of Zones 2 and 3 reached from 75.16% in 2004 to 89.40% in 2021, indicating that the increase in ISA with >LST_mean was more pronounced in Zone 3 and Zone 2 during the period; (iii) the driving factors of LST spatial distribution were regionally different because of the different landscape patterns, and the explanatory power for the heterogeneity of LST in Zone 1 was weaker than in Zone 2 and Zone 3 in the study area; (iv) the interaction of different factors had a higher explanatory power in the spatial distribution of LST than a single factor in each zone because the distributions of land cover types are heterogeneous in urban areas. The results of this study can be used to improve urban planning for urban ecology and UHI mitigation. Full article

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28 pages, 2008 KiB

Open AccessReview

Oxidative Stress and Erectile Dysfunction: Pathophysiology, Impacts, and Potential Treatments

by Aris Kaltsas, Athanasios Zikopoulos, Fotios Dimitriadis, Danja Sheshi, Magdalena Politis, Efthalia Moustakli, Evangelos N. Symeonidis, Michael Chrisofos, Nikolaos Sofikitis and Athanasios Zachariou

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(8), 8807-8834; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46080521 (registering DOI) - 14 Aug 2024

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition affecting men’s sexual health, with oxidative stress (OS) having recently been identified as a significant contributing causative factor. This narrative review aims to elucidate the role of OS in the pathophysiology of ED, focusing on impact, [...] Read more.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition affecting men’s sexual health, with oxidative stress (OS) having recently been identified as a significant contributing causative factor. This narrative review aims to elucidate the role of OS in the pathophysiology of ED, focusing on impact, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic interventions. Key findings indicate that OS disrupts endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO) signaling, crucial for erectile function. Various sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their detrimental effects on penile tissue are discussed, including aging, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, psychological stress, hyperhomocysteinemia, chronic kidney disease, and sickle cell disease. Major sources of ROS, such as NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase, uncoupled endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and mitochondrial electron transport, are identified. NO is scavenged by these ROS, leading to endothelial dysfunction characterized by reduced NO availability, impaired vasodilation, increased vascular tone, and inflammation. This ultimately results in ED due to decreased blood flow to penile tissue and the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Furthermore, ROS impact the transmission of nitrergic neurotransmitters by causing the death of nitrergic neurons and reducing the signaling of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), exacerbating ED. Therapeutic approaches targeting OS, including antioxidants and lifestyle modifications, show promise in ameliorating ED symptoms. The review underscores the need for further research to develop effective treatments, emphasizing the interplay between OS and vascular health in ED. Integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies could enhance clinical outcomes for ED patients, advocating for OS management in ED treatment protocols to improve patient quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research on Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress)

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