Advancing Open Science
for more than 25 years
Supporting academic communities
since 1996
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 

Recent Articles  

7 pages, 3687 KiB  
Case Report
Unmasking an Intracardiac Shunt in a Case of Persistent Unexplained Hypoxia: A Case Report
by Sanjay Sivalokanathan, Usman Saeedullah, Auston Locke and Maria Giovanna Trivieri
Reports 2025, 8(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8010016 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by an increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. It is frequently encountered in patients with significant intracardiac shunts, often necessitating the implementation of a closure device or surgical correction. [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by an increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. It is frequently encountered in patients with significant intracardiac shunts, often necessitating the implementation of a closure device or surgical correction. Nevertheless, the occurrence of a concomitant atrial septal defect (ASD) with a right-to-left shunt inducing left ventricular dysfunction is a rare phenomenon. Case Presentation: A 69-year-old female patient with a history of heart failure (with preserved ejection fraction) and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presented to an outside facility, with syncope and hypoxia. She was recently diagnosed with severe pulmonary hypertension (measuring 86 mmHg). Right heart catheterization (RHC) revealed precapillary pulmonary hypertension (88/37/54 mmHg), prompting the initiation of intravenous epoprostenol. Nevertheless, the patient was persistently hypoxic, raising the possibility of a concomitant diagnosis. Upon review of the prior echocardiogram, which included a bubble study, an intracardiac shunt was identified. It was hypothesized that a combination of right ventricular failure and the right-to-left shunt resulting from the ASD contributed to the persistent hypoxemia. In light of this, prostacyclin therapy was continued alongside adjunctive vasopressors, resulting in clinical stabilization. The patient was eventually discharged with a treatment regimen that included subcutaneous Treprostinil. Conclusions: It is important to recognize that the consequences of PH are extensive, and that a rare yet significant etiology for persistent hypoxemia may be attributed to right-to-left shunting. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 15337 KiB  
Article
Mesoporous Ce-Ti Catalysts Modified by Phosphotungstic Acid and Chitosan for the Synergistic Catalysis of CVOCs and NOx
by Mingyang Ma, Ruhan Zhang, Yanan Shen, Xin Zhou, Yumeng Zhai, Yumeng Han, Dan Wang, Longjin Zhang, Xinru Song, De Fang and Pijun Gong
Catalysts 2025, 15(2), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15020119 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are major environmental pollutants, posing severe risks to human health and ecosystems. Traditional single-component catalysts often fail to remove both pollutants efficiently, making synergistic catalytic technologies a critical research focus. In this study, a [...] Read more.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are major environmental pollutants, posing severe risks to human health and ecosystems. Traditional single-component catalysts often fail to remove both pollutants efficiently, making synergistic catalytic technologies a critical research focus. In this study, a mesoporous HPW-CS-Ce-Ti oxide catalyst, modified with H3PW12O40 (HPW) and chitosan (CS), was synthesized via self-assembly. The optimized 10HPW-CS-Ce0.3-Ti catalyst achieved nearly 100% NO conversion at 167–288 °C and a T90 of 291 °C for CVOC conversion, demonstrating superior dual-pollutant removal. HPW and chitosan facilitated mesoporous structure formation, enhancing mass transfer and active site availability. HPW doping also modulated the Ce4+/Ce3+ ratio, boosting redox capacity and surface-active oxygen species, while increasing acidity to promote NH3 and CVOC adsorption. This study presents a novel catalyst and synthesis method with significant potential for environmental protection and human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Advanced Porous Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1529 KiB  
Article
Grid-Forming: A Control Approach to Go Further Offshore?
by Rui Alves, Thyge Knuppel and Agustí Egea-Àlvarez
Electricity 2025, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/electricity6010004 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Offshore wind farms are increasingly being commissioned farther from shore, and high voltage alternating current (HVAC) transmission systems are preferred because of their maturity and reliability. However, as cable length increases, ensuring system stability becomes more challenging, making it essential to investigate shunt [...] Read more.
Offshore wind farms are increasingly being commissioned farther from shore, and high voltage alternating current (HVAC) transmission systems are preferred because of their maturity and reliability. However, as cable length increases, ensuring system stability becomes more challenging, making it essential to investigate shunt reactor compensation configurations and converter control strategies. This study examines three different shunt reactor compensation arrangements and two control strategies, grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL), across three cable lengths (80 km, 120 km, and 150 km). The systems were evaluated based on small-signal stability using disk margins for different active power operating points, and later for different short-circuit ratios (SCR) and X/R. The results demonstrate that the GFM is preferable for longer cables and enhanced stability. The most robust configuration includes a shunt reactor placed in the mid-cable with additional reactors at both ends of the cable, followed by an arrangement with reactors at the beginning and end. The GFM converter control maintained stability across all operating points, cable lengths, and configurations, whereas the stability of the GFL unit was highly dependent on active power injection and struggled under weaker grid conditions. Thus, for longer HVAC cables, it is necessary to employ GFM control units, and it is recommended to use shunt reactors at the cable start and end, as well as at mid-cable, for optimal stability. Full article
21 pages, 2977 KiB  
Article
Fluoride-Mediated Immune Damage Through Cytokine Network Regulation of Tregs
by Bingshu Liu, Siqi Zhu, Qiong Zhang, Fengyu Xie, Dan Wei, Guiyu Fu, Liu Yang, Yanhui Gao and Wei Wei
Toxics 2025, 13(2), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13020095 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Long-term fluoride exposure can induce inflammatory responses in various tissues of the body, thereby affecting the inflammatory microenvironment. To explore how fluoride induces changes in immune function within this microenvironment, this study collected baseline information and biological samples from participants in areas with [...] Read more.
Long-term fluoride exposure can induce inflammatory responses in various tissues of the body, thereby affecting the inflammatory microenvironment. To explore how fluoride induces changes in immune function within this microenvironment, this study collected baseline information and biological samples from participants in areas with the drinking water type of fluorosis, and simultaneously established Wistar rat models with a 12-week and 24-week fluoride exposure, as well as a 12-week fluoride exposure followed by 12-week pure water feeding regimen. Luminex multiplex assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to measure cytokine expression levels. Subsequently, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, and mediation analysis were employed to explore the long-term effects induced by the complex cytokine network during fluoride exposure. The population survey results indicated that fluoride suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-12 (IL-12), Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory factors such as Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-13 (IL-13), and Interleukin-37 (IL-37), while promoting an increase in the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood. Among these, IL-2 and IFN-γ mediated the fluoride-induced peripheral Tregs expansion. Animal experiments indicate that the proportion of Tregs in peripheral blood and immune organs increases in a time-dependent manner with fluoride exposure. After reducing the fluoride concentration in the drinking water of rats, the number of Tregs remained significantly elevated. The changes in Treg numbers in the 12-week fluoride feeding group, 24-week fluoride feeding group, and 12-week fluoride feeding followed by 12-week water improvement group were related to the cytokine levels. Therefore, the impact of fluoride on the immune homeostasis has cumulative and long-term effects, and may be related to the accumulation and migration of Tregs induced by fluoride in an inflammatory environment, mediated by cytokines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Caused from Environmental Fluoride and Arsenic Exposures)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 880 KiB  
Review
Diagnosis and Management of Hypertensive Heart Disease: Incorporating 2023 European Society of Hypertension and 2024 European Society of Cardiology Guideline Updates
by Brian Xiangzhi Wang
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12020046 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) continues to be a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the evolution of evidence-based management strategies. This literature review examines the most recent updates from the 2023 and 2024 hypertension guidelines issued by the European Society [...] Read more.
Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) continues to be a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the evolution of evidence-based management strategies. This literature review examines the most recent updates from the 2023 and 2024 hypertension guidelines issued by the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). These guidelines are compared with previous key recommendations, such as the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines and the 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines. The updated recommendations reflect a paradigm shift in the approach to hypertension diagnosis and management, including a stricter systolic blood pressure (BP) target of 120–129 mmHg, which underscores the importance of early and precise BP control. The difference between the classification of “elevated BP” and hypertension in the ESC versus ESH guidelines, particularly, regarding their implications for early detection and prevention of HHD, are critically examined, highlighting areas of clinical and academic debate. The introduction of a new “elevated BP” category (120–139/70–89 mmHg) highlights a proactive strategy aimed at identifying at-risk individuals earlier in the disease course to prevent progression to HHD. Additionally, the divergent roles of hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD), including HHD, in risk stratification as recommended by the ESC and ESH are discussed, emphasising their significance in tailoring management approaches. For patients with resistant hypertension, the 2023 and 2024 updates also endorse innovative therapies, such as renal denervation, an interventional procedure that has demonstrated significant promise in managing treatment-resistant cases. This review synthesises these updates, focusing on their implications for clinical practice in diagnosing and managing HHD. By emphasising aggressive intervention and the integration of novel treatment modalities, the review aims to bridge existing gaps in earlier approaches to hypertension management. The critical evaluation of guideline discrepancies and evolving evidence seeks to provide clinicians with a nuanced understanding to optimise outcomes for patients with HHD, particularly considering emerging therapeutic possibilities and more stringent BP control targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Diagnosis and Management of Hypertensive Heart Disease)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5790 KiB  
Article
Cytological Characterization of vrnp 1, a Pollen-Free Male Sterile Mutant in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata)
by Yuxin Cheng, Tianjiao Lan, Kunpeng Deng, Minghai Wang, Shuying Bao, Dan Han, Yapeng Xu, Han Wang, Ning Xu and Zhongxiao Guo
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020312 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Mung bean (Vigna radiata) plays a significant role in agricultural trade, food processing and utilization, and cropping structure adjustment due to its abundant nutritional components, medicine-food homology, capacity for nitrogen fixation, and soil improvement. The low yield level is a crucial [...] Read more.
Mung bean (Vigna radiata) plays a significant role in agricultural trade, food processing and utilization, and cropping structure adjustment due to its abundant nutritional components, medicine-food homology, capacity for nitrogen fixation, and soil improvement. The low yield level is a crucial limitation factor in the mung bean industry, while heterosis is an efficient path for increasing crop yields. The flexible utilization of male sterile mung bean materials may solve this pressing demand in the industry. This study identified a completely male-sterile mutant, vrnp 1, in the EMS-mutagenized mung bean cultivar Jilv 10 population, which is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. Furthermore, we employed a series of microscopical and histological techniques and observed that the tapetal cells in the vrnp 1 mutant did not perform as expected when reaching stage 8 of anther development, notably exhibiting a delay in entering PCD. This was accompanied by a failure to deposit cell wall components onto the pollen wall, culminating in a complete absence of mature pollen and the manifestation of male sterility. In conclusion, the vrnp 1 mutant could potentially serve as a promising candidate for male sterility in exploiting hybrid vigor in mung bean. Our research may elucidate how the delayed initiation of programmed cell death in tapetal cells contributes to a factor implicated in mung bean male sterility. Furthermore, the phenotypic data collected during pivotal developmental phases may have contributed to a better grasp of mung bean microspores and anther development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1744 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Sustainable Supply Chain Finance Factors
by Neringa Slavinskaitė, Kristina Čižiūnienė and Vytautė Bundonytė
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031002 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
In a scientific context, the main focus of sustainable supply chain management is on the creation and optimization of product and information flows; however, the management of financial flows receives insufficient attention. All effectively developed supply chain activities may collapse as a result [...] Read more.
In a scientific context, the main focus of sustainable supply chain management is on the creation and optimization of product and information flows; however, the management of financial flows receives insufficient attention. All effectively developed supply chain activities may collapse as a result of inadequate management of sustainable supply chain financial processes. In order to successfully develop systematically functioning processes of the international supply chain, it is necessary to analyze how to apply financing instruments in a targeted and effective manner. Adequate financing of the sustainable supply chain is the effect of great prospects and competitive advantage not only on a national scale but also in international markets. The aim of this research was to assess the importance of financing instruments used in international sustainable supply chain finance. Correlation-regression analysis was chosen for the research, which was designed to assess the factors of financial instruments of the dairy industry sustainable supply chain using the example of a company. The results showed that the key factor in the supply chain processes of the dairy products production company was the turnover ratio of buyers’ debts; therefore, in order for the company to improve the indicators of the sustainable supply chain, it should allocate more financing specifically to the turnover ratio of buyers’ debts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Integration and Supply Chain Governance: A Circular Economy Perspective)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 888 KiB  
Review
Machine Learning in Pediatric Healthcare: Current Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions
by Hammad A. Ganatra
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030807 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming healthcare by enabling predictive, diagnostic, and therapeutic advancements. Pediatric healthcare presents unique challenges, including limited data availability, developmental variability, and ethical considerations. This narrative review explores the current trends, applications, challenges, and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming healthcare by enabling predictive, diagnostic, and therapeutic advancements. Pediatric healthcare presents unique challenges, including limited data availability, developmental variability, and ethical considerations. This narrative review explores the current trends, applications, challenges, and future directions of ML in pediatric healthcare. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed database was conducted using the query: (“artificial intelligence” OR “machine learning”) AND (“pediatric” OR “paediatric”). Studies were reviewed to identify key themes, methodologies, applications, and challenges. Gaps in the research and ethical considerations were also analyzed to propose future research directions. Results: ML has demonstrated promise in diagnostic support, prognostic modeling, and therapeutic planning for pediatric patients. Applications include the early detection of conditions like sepsis, improved diagnostic imaging, and personalized treatment strategies for chronic conditions such as epilepsy and Crohn’s disease. However, challenges such as data limitations, ethical concerns, and lack of model generalizability remain significant barriers. Emerging techniques, including federated learning and explainable AI (XAI), offer potential solutions. Despite these advancements, research gaps persist in data diversity, model interpretability, and ethical frameworks. Conclusions: ML offers transformative potential in pediatric healthcare by addressing diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic challenges. While advancements highlight its promise, overcoming barriers such as data limitations, ethical concerns, and model trustworthiness is essential for its broader adoption. Future efforts should focus on enhancing data diversity, developing standardized ethical guidelines, and improving model transparency to ensure equitable and effective implementation in pediatric care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Pediatrics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

40 pages, 16257 KiB  
Review
Synthesis, Characterization, and Roles of Vacancy Defects in Polymer and Graphitized Carbon Nitride Photocatalysts: A Comprehensive Review
by Arul Pundi and Chi-Jung Chang
Polymers 2025, 17(3), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030334 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Vacancy defect graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and conjugated polyimide (PI) polymer photocatalysts have become increasingly recognized as metal-free photocatalysts featuring an appropriate bandgap. The narrow absorption spectrum of visible light and the rapid recombination rate of the photoexcited charge [...] Read more.
Vacancy defect graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and conjugated polyimide (PI) polymer photocatalysts have become increasingly recognized as metal-free photocatalysts featuring an appropriate bandgap. The narrow absorption spectrum of visible light and the rapid recombination rate of the photoexcited charge carriers in PI polymers and g-C3N4 impede its photocatalytic performance. The presence of oxygen vacancies (OVs) in PI polymer photocatalysts, as well as nitrogen vacancies (NVs) and carbon vacancies (CVs) in g-C3N4, can significantly enhance the migration of photogenerated electrons. Adding vacancies to improve the electronic structure and band gap width can greatly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of PI polymers and g-C3N4. Defect engineering is important for increasing the photocatalytic ability of PI-polymer and g-C3N4. There remains a notable absence of thorough review papers covering the synthesis, characterization, and applications of vacancy-rich PI-polymer and g-C3N4 in photocatalysis. This review paper examines the roles of OVs in PI-polymer, NVs, and CVs in g-C3N4 and thoroughly summarizes the preparation approaches employed before and after, as well as during polymerization. This review scrutinizes spectroscopic characterization techniques, such as EPR, XPS, PAS, XRD, FTIR, and NMR, for vacancy defect analysis. We also reviewed the role of vacancies, which include light absorption, photogenerated charge carrier separation, and transfer dynamics. This review could serve as a comprehensive understanding, a vacancy-engineered design framework, and a practical guide for synthesizing and characterizing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers: Interaction, Surface, Processing and Applications: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

41 pages, 18661 KiB  
Review
High-Frequency and Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound in Dermatologic Diseases and Aesthetic Medicine
by Giulio Argalia, Alfonso Reginelli, Elisa Molinelli, Anna Russo, Alessandra Michelucci, Andrea Sechi, Angelo Valerio Marzano, Stella Desyatnikova, Marco Fogante, Vittorio Patanè, Giammarco Granieri, Corrado Tagliati, Giulio Rizzetto, Edoardo De Simoni, Marco Matteucci, Matteo Candelora, Cecilia Lanza, Claudio Ventura, Nicola Carboni, Roberto Esposito, Stefano Esposito, Massimiliano Paolinelli, Elisabetta Esposto, Giuseppe Lanni, Gabriella Lucidi Pressanti, Chiara Giorgi, Fabiola Principi, Alberto Rebonato, Sylwia Patrycja Malinowska, Robert Krzysztof Mlosek, Gian Marco Giuseppetti, Valentina Dini, Marco Romanelli, Annamaria Offidani, Salvatore Cappabianca, Ximena Wortsman and Oriana Simonettiadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Medicina 2025, 61(2), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020220 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Dermatologic ultrasonography applications are rapidly growing in all skin fields. Thanks to very high spatial resolution, high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency ultrasound can evaluate smaller structures, allowing us to improve diagnosis accuracy and disease activity. Moreover, they can guide treatment, such as drug injection, and [...] Read more.
Dermatologic ultrasonography applications are rapidly growing in all skin fields. Thanks to very high spatial resolution, high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency ultrasound can evaluate smaller structures, allowing us to improve diagnosis accuracy and disease activity. Moreover, they can guide treatment, such as drug injection, and assess therapy efficacy and complications. In this narrative review, we evaluated high-frequency ultrasound and ultra-high-frequency ultrasound in infections, inflammatory dermatoses, metabolic and genetic disorders, specific cutaneous structure skin disorders, vascular and external-agent-associated disorders, neoplastic diseases, and aesthetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dermatology)
16 pages, 796 KiB  
Article
Association Between Riboflavin Intake and Suicidal Ideation: A Nationwide Study in Korea
by Hyejin Tae and Jeong-Ho Chae
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030449 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In recent years, there has been an increased interest in reducing suicide rates through dietary modification; however, the relationship between riboflavin intake and suicide risk remains unclear. This study aims to examine the association between dietary riboflavin and suicidal ideation. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In recent years, there has been an increased interest in reducing suicide rates through dietary modification; however, the relationship between riboflavin intake and suicide risk remains unclear. This study aims to examine the association between dietary riboflavin and suicidal ideation. Methods: A total of 17,320 participants from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2014–2020 were included. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the ninth item of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Riboflavin intake was evaluated through dietary assessments. Multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and interaction tests were conducted to explore the relationship between riboflavin intake and suicidal ideation. Results: There was a statistically significant association between riboflavin intake and suicidal ideation [OR (95%CI): 0.83 (0.77, 0.91), p < 0.001], after full adjustment for covariates. The linear trend test, using Q1 as the reference, showed ORs (95% CI) for Q2 and Q3 of 0.96 (0.81, 1.15) and 1.06 (0.80, 1.42), respectively. The RCS analysis revealed a non-linear pattern in the relationship between riboflavin intake and suicidal thoughts. This association was particularly significant among women and individuals younger than 60 years. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests indicated that the associations remained consistent across subgroups and were not influenced by factors other than anaerobic exercise. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a non-linear inverse relationship between riboflavin intake and suicidal ideation, with notable variations by sex and age. Modifying dietary riboflavin intake may be a crucial strategy for reducing suicide risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional & Lifestyle Psychiatry: The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle in the Onset, Prevention and Management of Mental Disorders)
23 pages, 5393 KiB  
Article
A SAC-Bi-RRT Two-Layer Real-Time Motion Planning Approach for Robot Assembly Tasks in Unstructured Environments
by Qinglei Zhang, Siyao Hu, Jianguo Duan, Jiyun Qin and Ying Zhou
Actuators 2025, 14(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14020059 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Due to the uncertainty and complexity of the assembly process, the trajectory planning of a robot needs to consider the real-time obstacle avoidance problem when it completes the assembly in the unstructured workspace. To realize the safe assembly of assembly robots in dynamic [...] Read more.
Due to the uncertainty and complexity of the assembly process, the trajectory planning of a robot needs to consider the real-time obstacle avoidance problem when it completes the assembly in the unstructured workspace. To realize the safe assembly of assembly robots in dynamic and complex environments, a dynamic obstacle avoidance trajectory planning method for robots combining traditional planning algorithms and deep reinforcement learning algorithms is proposed to improve the robot’s agent and obstacle avoidance ability in dynamic and complex environments. The Bidirectional Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (Bi-RRT) method is utilized as a global planner to plan the global optimal path quickly; considering the real-time nature of the assembly process, the Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) is used as a local obstacle avoider to avoid obstacles more accurately and to find the nearest node generated by the Bi-RRT during the planning process, which is regarded as the goal during the local obstacle avoidance to reduce the model’s complexity. By training and testing in the simulation engine and comparing with SAC, DDPG and DQN algorithms, the method can avoid obstacles in dynamic and complex environments more efficiently, which verifies that the proposed hybrid method can accomplish the high-precision planning task with a high success rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Actuators for Robotics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 6106 KiB  
Article
Interfacial Shear Fracture Behavior of C18150Cu/1060Al/C18150Cu Trilayered Composite at Different Temperatures
by Huisheng Cai, Siqi Yang, Qudong Wang, Yuchao Zhao, Qixiang Jia, Mahmoud Ebrahimi, Liang Liu, Feng Guo and Zhengping Shang
Materials 2025, 18(3), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030559 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Interfacial shear fracture behavior of C18150Cu/1060Al/C18150Cu trilayered composite at different temperatures, which was fabricated by high-temperature oxygen-free hot rolling technology. The interfacial microstructure, interfacial shear strength, interfacial shear fracture morphology, and microstructure near the shear fracture were systematically investigated. The results reveal that [...] Read more.
Interfacial shear fracture behavior of C18150Cu/1060Al/C18150Cu trilayered composite at different temperatures, which was fabricated by high-temperature oxygen-free hot rolling technology. The interfacial microstructure, interfacial shear strength, interfacial shear fracture morphology, and microstructure near the shear fracture were systematically investigated. The results reveal that the composite exhibits a metallurgical and mechanical bonding interface, along with mechanical interlocking between the copper and aluminum. As the testing temperature increases, the interfacial shear strength decreases. At temperatures below 150 °C, the strength remains stable, but it sharply decreases at temperatures above 150 °C. Specifically, the interfacial shear strength is 56.8 MPa at room temperature and 20.9 MPa at 350 °C. When the testing temperature is below 100 °C, the interfacial shear fracture predominantly occurs at the interface between the copper alloy and intermetallics. Also, aluminum is attached to the copper surface of the shear fracture, and the size and quantity of attached aluminum increase with the increase in temperature. When the testing temperature exceeds 100 °C, curled aluminum appears on the copper layer, and a large number of intermetallics are attached to the aluminum surface. This indicates that the bonding strength between intermetallics and aluminum is higher than that between intermetallics and copper. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2862 KiB  
Article
Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Applied over the Primary Motor Cortex on the Offset Analgesia Phenomenon
by Elisa Antoniazzi, Camilla Cavigioli, Vanessa Tang, Clara Zoccola, Massimiliano Todisco, Cristina Tassorelli and Giuseppe Cosentino
Life 2025, 15(2), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15020182 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied over the left upper limb primary motor cortex (M1) on the offset analgesia (OA) phenomenon, a measure of endogenous pain modulation. In particular, we aim to determine whether [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigate the effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied over the left upper limb primary motor cortex (M1) on the offset analgesia (OA) phenomenon, a measure of endogenous pain modulation. In particular, we aim to determine whether rTMS influences OA differently in the forearm region, corresponding to the stimulated cortical area, compared to the trigeminal region. Twenty-two healthy volunteers underwent three experimental sessions: a baseline session without stimulation, an active rTMS session, and a sham rTMS session. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) paradigms, including warm and cold detection thresholds, heat pain threshold corresponding to a visual analogue scale (VAS) score of approximately 50–60 out of 100 (Pain50–60), and constant and offset trials, were assessed in both the forearm and trigeminal regions. The results revealed that active rTMS significantly enhanced the OA phenomenon in the forearm during the late phase, while no significant effects were observed in the trigeminal region. These findings suggest that rTMS may modulate central pain mechanisms in a body region-specific manner, potentially linked to the somatotopic organization of M1. This study points to possible mechanisms of action of rTMS for pain relief, highlighting the importance of region-specific effects in chronic pain treatment. Further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms and clinical applicability of rTMS in patients with chronic pain conditions, especially when OA is compromised. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pain and Therapy: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1753 KiB  
Review
Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity of Copper(II) Complexes with Fluorine-Functionalized Schiff Bases: A Mini-Review
by María Esther Moreno-Narváez, Lucero González-Sebastián, Raúl Colorado-Peralta, Viviana Reyes-Márquez, Luz Ofelia Franco-Sandoval, Adriana Romo-Pérez, Jesús Antonio Cruz-Navarro, Ivone Vanessa Mañozca-Dosman, Alberto Aragón-Muriel and David Morales-Morales
Inorganics 2025, 13(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13020038 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
In recent years, metallodrugs have emerged as captivating and promising compounds in the fields of cancer therapy and antimicrobial agents. While noble metals have shown remarkable biological activity, increasing interest lies in utilizing more abundant and cost-effective metals in medicinal chemistry. This is [...] Read more.
In recent years, metallodrugs have emerged as captivating and promising compounds in the fields of cancer therapy and antimicrobial agents. While noble metals have shown remarkable biological activity, increasing interest lies in utilizing more abundant and cost-effective metals in medicinal chemistry. This is primarily due to their pivotal role in biological processes and their lower cost compared to precious metals. Among these, copper(II) complexes have emerged with promising applications in medicine. Notably, copper compounds bearing Schiff bases stand out as innovative metallodrugs. They exhibit intriguing cytotoxic properties against a wide range of cancer cell lines, while also demonstrating inhibitory effects on prevalent bacterial and fungal strains. Nevertheless, research into Cu(II) complexes with Schiff bases remains of paramount interest. One strategic avenue to bolster their biological activity involves the introduction of fluorine groups into the ligands. This approach has demonstrated a significant augmentation in efficacy and selectivity, particularly in targeting cancer cells and microbial pathogens, because fluorine incorporation can improve metabolic stability and cellular uptake. This further reinforces the therapeutic potential of these metallodrugs. Thanks to these promising outcomes, research into the development of Cu(II) complexes with fluorinated Schiff bases is advancing significantly. This holds immense potential for progressing the field of medicinal chemistry, with the aim of addressing unmet clinical needs in both cancer therapy and antimicrobial treatment. This review comprehensively explores the latest advancements in Cu(II) complexes bearing fluorinated Schiff bases, encompassing diverse coordination modes. It delves into their scope and applications in cytotoxic evaluations, as well as their efficacy as antimicrobial and antifungal agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Coordination and Bioinorganic Chemistry)
27 pages, 4619 KiB  
Article
Application of Novel Biochar Derived from Experimental Sewage Sludge Gasification as an Adsorbent for Heavy Metals Removal
by Domagoj Nakić, Hana Posavčić, Katarina Licht and Dražen Vouk
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030997 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
The growing amounts of sewage sludge (SS) and water pollution caused by heavy metals are major environmental concerns. This study addresses both issues by investigating the potential of biochar derived from SS gasification at an experimental plant as an effective adsorbent for the [...] Read more.
The growing amounts of sewage sludge (SS) and water pollution caused by heavy metals are major environmental concerns. This study addresses both issues by investigating the potential of biochar derived from SS gasification at an experimental plant as an effective adsorbent for the removal of selected heavy metals, cadmium, chromium, copper, and lead, from synthetic wastewater. A Box–Behnken design was used to determine the influence of the biochar mass, initial heavy metal concentration, pH, and time on the heavy metal removal. For the statistical analysis, 104 experiments were performed. The pristine SS biochar demonstrated an adsorption capacity reaching up to 46.64 mg/g for Cd, 43.89 mg/g for Cr, 42.42 mg/g for Cu, and 72.66 mg/g for Pb from single-component synthetic solutions in acidic-to-neutral conditions, with an over 99% removal efficiency for all four heavy metals under optimal conditions. The removal of all the tested metals followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, with Cd fitting the Langmuir model and Pb, Cr, and Cu fitting the Freundlich model. This paper also provides suggestions for further research focused on the multiple uses of biochar as an adsorbent and later as a substitute material in the construction industry, aiming to achieve an integrated approach and maximizing the overall sustainability of wastewater treatment and waste management by utilizing waste as a resource. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Treatment Technology Under Sustainable Environmental Monitoring)
18 pages, 6788 KiB  
Article
A Double Extended Kalman Filter Algorithm for Weakening Non-Line-of-Sight Errors in Complex Indoor Environments Based on Ultra-Wideband Technology
by Sheng Xu, Qianyun Liu, Min Lin, Qing Wang and Kaile Chen
Sensors 2025, 25(3), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25030740 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
In complex indoor environments, target tracking performance is impacted by non-line-of sight (NLOS) noises and other measurement errors. In order to fix NLOS errors, a double extended Kalman filter (DEKF) algorithm is proposed, which refers to a kind of cascaded structure composed of [...] Read more.
In complex indoor environments, target tracking performance is impacted by non-line-of sight (NLOS) noises and other measurement errors. In order to fix NLOS errors, a double extended Kalman filter (DEKF) algorithm is proposed, which refers to a kind of cascaded structure composed of two Kalman filters. In the proposed algorithm, the first filter is a classic Kalman filter (KF) and the second is an extended Kalman filter (EKF). Time of arrival (TOA) measurements collected by multiple stationary ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors are used. The residual errors between the measured TOA and that of the first KF are predicted, and the covariance of the first KF is adjusted correspondingly. Then, we use the estimated distance state of the first KF as a measurement vector for the second EKF in order to obtain a smoother observation. One of the advantages of the proposed algorithm is that it is able to perform target tracking with good accuracy even without or with only one LOS TOA measurement for a period of time without prior information about the NLOS noise, which may be difficult to obtain in practical applications. Another advantage is that the accuracy does not greatly decrease when NLOS noises exist for a long period of time. Finally, the proposed DEKF can maintain the high-precision positioning characteristics in both the constant velocity (CV) model and the constant acceleration (CA) model in the LOS/NLOS environment. Our simulation and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm performs much better than other algorithms in SOTA, particularly in severe mixed LOS/NLOS environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Navigation and Positioning)
25 pages, 353 KiB  
Review
Conventional and Innovative Drying/Roasting Technologies: Effect on Bioactive and Sensorial Profiles in Nuts and Nut-Based Products
by Giacomo Pedron, Yassine Jaouhari and Matteo Bordiga
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031258 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Nuts are widely recognized for their exceptional nutritional value, being rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. This review focuses on the effects of roasting technologies, specifically of pistachios, hazelnuts, and almonds, evaluating [...] Read more.
Nuts are widely recognized for their exceptional nutritional value, being rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. This review focuses on the effects of roasting technologies, specifically of pistachios, hazelnuts, and almonds, evaluating the changes in polyphenol contents, lipid profiles, and the release of volatile organic compounds through the Maillard reaction. Roasting, a common processing technique, enhances the sensory attributes of nuts, including flavor, aroma, and texture, while simultaneously influencing their nutritional and chemical profiles. The Maillard reaction, triggered during roasting, plays a crucial role in developing the characteristic flavors of roasted nuts, but can also lead to the formation of acrylamide under certain conditions. Understanding the balance between enhancing sensory quality and retaining nutritional properties is essential for optimizing roasting conditions. Innovative technologies offer sustainable and efficient alternatives to traditional methods. By focusing on these three major nut varieties, this review provides valuable insights into the changes that occur before and after roasting, highlighting strategies to balance sensory qualities and nutritional preservation. Further research is essential to refine these techniques, enabling the production of high-quality nuts that deliver superior health benefits while meeting consumer expectations. Full article
14 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
An Extension of a Formula of F. S. Rofe-Beketov
by Fritz Gesztesy and Roger Nichols
Mathematics 2025, 13(3), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13030408 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
We address the following problem in this study: given a nontrivial solution, y1, of a four-coefficient Sturm–Liouville eigenvalue differential equation, construct a second solution, y2, linearly independent of y1. In the process of describing the solution of [...] Read more.
We address the following problem in this study: given a nontrivial solution, y1, of a four-coefficient Sturm–Liouville eigenvalue differential equation, construct a second solution, y2, linearly independent of y1. In the process of describing the solution of this problem, we review the approaches by d’Alembert and Rofe-Beketov in the case of three-coefficient Sturm–Liouville eigenvalue differential equations. Full article
24 pages, 1497 KiB  
Review
Electrochemical Corrosion Properties and Protective Performance of Coatings Electrodeposited from Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Electrolytes: A Review
by Vyacheslav S. Protsenko
Materials 2025, 18(3), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030558 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
The application of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an innovative class of environmentally friendly liquid media represents a significant advancement in materials science, especially for the development and enhancement of structural materials. Among the promising applications, DESs are particularly attractive for the electrodeposition [...] Read more.
The application of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an innovative class of environmentally friendly liquid media represents a significant advancement in materials science, especially for the development and enhancement of structural materials. Among the promising applications, DESs are particularly attractive for the electrodeposition of corrosion-resistant coatings. It is established that corrosion-resistant and protective coatings, including those based on metals, alloys, and composite materials, can be synthesized using both traditional aqueous electrolytes and non-aqueous systems, such as organic solvents and ionic liquids. The integration of DESs in electroplating introduces a unique capacity for precise control over microstructure, chemical composition, and morphology, thereby improving the electrochemical corrosion resistance and protective performance of coatings. This review focuses on the electrodeposition of corrosion-resistant and protective coatings from DES-based electrolytes, emphasizing their environmental, technological, and economic benefits relative to traditional aqueous and organic solvent systems. Detailed descriptions are provided for the electrodeposition processes of coatings based on zinc, nickel, and chromium from DES-based baths. The corrosion–electrochemical behavior and protective characteristics of the resulting coatings are thoroughly analyzed, highlighting the potential and future directions for developing anti-corrosion and protective coatings using DES-assisted electroplating techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corrosion, Fatigue and Corrosion Protection of Metals and Their Alloys in Various Environments)
21 pages, 804 KiB  
Article
Labeling Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) Rules with MITRE ATT&CK Techniques: Machine Learning vs. Large Language Models
by Nir Daniel, Florian Klaus Kaiser, Shay Giladi, Sapir Sharabi, Raz Moyal, Shalev Shpolyansky, Andres Murillo, Aviad Elyashar and Rami Puzis
Big Data Cogn. Comput. 2025, 9(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/bdcc9020023 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Analysts in Security Operations Centers (SOCs) are often occupied with time-consuming investigations of alerts from Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDSs). Many NIDS rules lack clear explanations and associations with attack techniques, complicating the alert triage and the generation of attack hypotheses. Large Language [...] Read more.
Analysts in Security Operations Centers (SOCs) are often occupied with time-consuming investigations of alerts from Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDSs). Many NIDS rules lack clear explanations and associations with attack techniques, complicating the alert triage and the generation of attack hypotheses. Large Language Models (LLMs) may be a promising technology to reduce the alert explainability gap by associating rules with attack techniques. In this paper, we investigate the ability of three prominent LLMs (ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini) to reason about NIDS rules while labeling them with MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques. We discuss prompt design and present experiments performed with 973 Snort rules. Our results indicate that while LLMs provide explainable, scalable, and efficient initial mappings, traditional machine learning (ML) models consistently outperform them in accuracy, achieving higher precision, recall, and F1-scores. These results highlight the potential for hybrid LLM-ML approaches to enhance SOC operations and better address the evolving threat landscape. By utilizing automation, the presented methods will enhance the analysis efficiency of SOC alerts, and decrease workloads for analysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Generative AI and Large Language Models)
16 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
Spring Fever in The Netherlands: Framing Child Sexuality in Sex Education and Its Controversies
by Willemijn Krebbekx
Youth 2025, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/youth5010006 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
In spring 2023, controversy arose over Spring Fever, an annual campaign to promote sexual and relationship education in primary schools in The Netherlands. This led to parliamentary questions and even death threats against employees of Rutgers, The Netherlands Center on Sexuality, which developed [...] Read more.
In spring 2023, controversy arose over Spring Fever, an annual campaign to promote sexual and relationship education in primary schools in The Netherlands. This led to parliamentary questions and even death threats against employees of Rutgers, The Netherlands Center on Sexuality, which developed the program. This article examines how child sexuality was framed both in the Spring Fever project and in the resulting controversy. The analysis is based on newspaper articles from March to June 2023. One premise of Spring Fever is that children are seen as sexual agents able to develop their sexuality safely through age-appropriate education, which aims for children’s healthy development, including negotiating consent and experiencing pleasure. During the 2023 controversy, discourses of childhood innocence emerged in response to this, alongside accusations of focusing too much on “woke” themes, such as gender diversity. This paper concludes that, due to global anti-gender movements and local right-wing politics, the Dutch model of sex education—pragmatic, comprehensive, and evidence-based, as seen in Spring Fever—no longer maintains its depoliticizing effect. Additionally, the Spring Fever controversy signals a shift in the politics of sexual nationalism in The Netherlands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexuality: Health, Education and Rights)
18 pages, 8528 KiB  
Article
Agricultural Machinery Path Tracking with Varying Curvatures Based on an Improved Pure-Pursuit Method
by Jiawei Zhou, Junhao Wen, Liwen Yao, Zidong Yang, Lijun Xu and Lijian Yao
Agriculture 2025, 15(3), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15030266 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
The current research on path tracking primarily focuses on improving control algorithms, such as adaptive and predictive models, to enhance tracking accuracy and stability. To address the issue of low tracking accuracy caused by variable-curvature paths in automatic navigation within agricultural environments, this [...] Read more.
The current research on path tracking primarily focuses on improving control algorithms, such as adaptive and predictive models, to enhance tracking accuracy and stability. To address the issue of low tracking accuracy caused by variable-curvature paths in automatic navigation within agricultural environments, this study proposes a fuzzy control-based path-tracking method. Firstly, a pure-pursuit model and a kinematic model were established based on a Four-Wheel Independent Steering and Four-Wheel Independent Driving (4WIS-4WID) structure. Secondly, a fuzzy controller with three inputs and one output was designed, using the lateral deviation, de; heading deviation, θe; and bending degree, c, of the look-ahead path as the input variables. Through multiple simulations and adjustments, 75 control rules were developed. The look-ahead distance, Ld, was obtained through fuzzification, fuzzy inference, and defuzzification processes. Next, a speed-control function was constructed based on the agricultural machinery’s pose deviations and the bending degree of the look-ahead path to achieve variable speed control. Finally, field tests were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed path-tracking method. The tracking experiment results for the two types of paths indicate that under the variable-speed dynamic look-ahead distance strategy, the average lateral deviations for the variable-curvature paths were 1.8 cm and 3.3 cm while the maximum lateral deviations were 10.1 cm and 10.5 cm, respectively. Compared to the constant-speed fixed look-ahead pure-pursuit model, the average lateral deviation was reduced by 56.1% and the maximum lateral deviation by 50.4% on the U-shaped path. On the S-shaped path, the average lateral deviation was reduced by 56.0% and the maximum lateral deviation by 58.9%. The proposed method effectively improves the path-tracking accuracy of agricultural machinery on variable-curvature paths, meeting the production requirements for curved operations in agricultural environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1880 KiB  
Article
Urinary Dopamine Levels Can Predict the Avidity of Post-Therapy [131I]MIBG Scintigraphy in Unresectable or Metastatic Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas: A Preliminary Clinical Study
by Junki Takenaka, Shiro Watanabe, Takashige Abe, Satoshi Takeuchi, Kenji Hirata, Rina Kimura, Hiroshi Ishii, Naoto Wakabayashi, Mungunkhuyag Majigsuren and Kohsuke Kudo
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020165 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that produce catecholamines. Unresectable or metastatic PPGLs are treated with [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), but MIBG avidity is often heterogeneous. Identifying predictive factors for non-avid lesions on scintigraphy is clinically important. The primary [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that produce catecholamines. Unresectable or metastatic PPGLs are treated with [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), but MIBG avidity is often heterogeneous. Identifying predictive factors for non-avid lesions on scintigraphy is clinically important. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between MIBG avidity and catecholamine secretion patterns in patients with unresectable or metastatic PPGLs. Methods: This retrospective study included 27 patients treated with [131I]MIBG for unresectable/metastatic PPGLs between 2001 and 2024. Patients received a single intravenous dose of [131I]MIBG (5.5–7.4 GBq), with post-therapy scintigraphy performed 3–7 days later. Non-avid lesions were assessed by imaging and confirmed using CT, MRI, and FDG-PET. Clinical factors, including age, sex, prior treatments, metastasis sites, and urine catecholamines, were evaluated using univariate logistic analysis. Predictive factors were assessed via receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Non-avid lesions were found in nine patients (33.3%). These patients were younger (median age 38 vs. 62.5 years) and had higher urine dopamine levels (median 1510 vs. 779 μg/day) than those without non-avid lesions. Younger age (odds ratio: 0.892, p < 0.01) and higher urinary dopamine levels (odds ratio: 1.003, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with non-avid lesions. All patients > 45 years with urinary dopamine < 1190 μg/day had no non-avid lesions, whereas patients < 45 years with urinary dopamine > 1190 μg/day had non-avid lesions. Conclusions: Age and urinary dopamine levels may predict non-avid lesions in unresectable/metastatic PPGLs, aiding treatment decisions for [131I]MIBG therapy. This article is a revised and expanded version of a paper entitled “Urine dopamine level and age can predict non-avid lesion on scintigraphy after I-131 MIBG treatment for unresectable/metastatic PPGL”, which was presented at SNMMI 2024, Toronto, from 8 June to 11 June 2024. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nuclear Medicine)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2882 KiB  
Article
Metabolome Alterations Associated with Three-Month Sitting-Time Reduction Among Sedentary Postmenopausal Latinas with Cardiometabolic Disease Risk
by Jeffrey S. Patterson, Paniz Jasbi, Yan Jin, Haiwei Gu, Matthew A. Allison, Chase Reuter, Brinda K. Rana, Loki Natarajan and Dorothy D. Sears
Metabolites 2025, 15(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15020075 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background: Incidence of cardiometabolic disease among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos is higher than in non-Hispanic Whites. Prolonged sitting duration is prevalent in older adults, and compounded with menopause, greatly increases cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women. Metabolomic analyses of interventions to reduce sitting are lacking and [...] Read more.
Background: Incidence of cardiometabolic disease among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos is higher than in non-Hispanic Whites. Prolonged sitting duration is prevalent in older adults, and compounded with menopause, greatly increases cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women. Metabolomic analyses of interventions to reduce sitting are lacking and mechanistic understanding of health-promoting behavior change in postmenopausal Latinas is needed. Methods: To address this knowledge gap, an exploratory analysis investigated the plasma metabolome impact of a 12-week increased standing intervention among sedentary postmenopausal Latinas with overweight or obesity. From a parent-randomized controlled trial, a subset of Best Responders (n = 43) was selected using parameters of highest mean change in sitting bout duration and total sitting time; baseline variable-Matched Controls (n = 43) were selected using random forest modeling. Targeted LC-MS/MS analysis of archived baseline and 12-week plasma samples was conducted. Metabolite change was determined using a covariate-controlled general linear model and multivariate testing was performed. A false discovery rate correction was applied to all analyses. Results: Best Responders significantly changed time sitting (−110.0 ± 11.0 min; −21%), standing (104.6 ± 10.1 min; 40%), and sitting in bouts >30 min (−102.3 ± 13.9 min; −35%) compared to Matched Controls (7.1 ± 9.8 min, −7.8 ± 9.0 min, and −4.6 ± 12.7 min, respectively; all p < 0.001). Twelve-week metabolite change was significantly different between the two groups for 24 metabolites (FDR < 0.05). These were primarily related to amino acid metabolism, improved blood flow, and ATP production. Enzyme enrichment analysis predicted significant changes regulating glutamate, histidine, phenylalanine, and mitochondrial short-chain fatty acid catabolism. Pathway analysis showed significant intervention effects on glutamate metabolism and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, potentially indicating reduced cardiometabolic disease risk. Conclusions: Replacing nearly two hours of daily sitting time with standing and reduced prolonged sitting bouts significantly improved metabolomic profiles associated with cardiometabolic risk among postmenopausal Latinas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Emerging Role of Metabolomics in Epidemiological Studies of Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 240 KiB  
Article
Changes and New Religious Orientations Among Practicing Catholics?
by Maria Teresa Moscato, Michele Caputo and Giorgia Pinelli
Religions 2025, 16(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16020142 (registering DOI) - 26 Jan 2025
Abstract
This essay takes its cue from a re-examination of a previous research report. In particular, this paper aims to present some additional reflections, which have also been shaped by discussions with recent research on lived religiosity. The 2017 study involved 2675 individuals of [...] Read more.
This essay takes its cue from a re-examination of a previous research report. In particular, this paper aims to present some additional reflections, which have also been shaped by discussions with recent research on lived religiosity. The 2017 study involved 2675 individuals of Catholic faith who completed a detailed questionnaire, representing an opportunistic sample, and another 372 people who formed the comparison group. The objective was to investigate the languages, forms, and structures of religious experience and religiosity. In this new interpretation, we instead focus on those elements of the 2017 study that suggest new shared attitudes or possible historical transformations of religiosity among the subjects initially consulted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Examining Religion's Influence in Non-formal and Informal Educational Contexts: Beliefs, Practices and Narratives)
More Articles...

Open Access Journals

► Browse by Indexing ► Browse by Subject ► Selected Journals
Explore All Journals...

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

More Books and Reprints...

News

22 January 2025
MDPI and Jisc Consortium Extend Open Access Agreement for 2025
22 January 2025
Prof. Dr. Eugenia (Éva) Valsami-Jones Appointed Editor-in-Chief of Nanomaterials
21 January 2025
MDPI’s Newly Launched Journals in December 2024
More News & Announcements...

Blog Posts

More From Our Blog...

Topics

More Topics...
loading...

Selected Special Issues

Selected Collections

Back to TopTop