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24 pages, 1615 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Frequency Induction Drive Analysis for Common Mode and Differential Mode Impedance Characteristics

by Kashif Imdad, Humayun Salahuddin, Zeeshan Ahmad Arfeen, Ghulam Amjad Hussain, Zeeshan Rashid, Nusrat Husain and Muhammad Salman Saeed

Eng 2026, 7(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7010022 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

The parasitic currents issue arises in induction machines operating at higher frequencies. The parasitic current flow is the main cause of premature degradation of winding insulation deterioration and bearing damage. The effect of electromagnetic interference (EMI) requires investigating an equivalent per-phase model of [...] Read more.

The parasitic currents issue arises in induction machines operating at higher frequencies. The parasitic current flow is the main cause of premature degradation of winding insulation deterioration and bearing damage. The effect of electromagnetic interference (EMI) requires investigating an equivalent per-phase model of an induction motor (IM) at higher frequencies. The per-phase induction motor mathematical model of the IM drive for common mode (CM) configuration is developed to perform high-frequency analysis for drive operation. The high-frequency per-phase induction motor model MATLAB (2021b) is developed to generate the transfer function of IM drive and generate bode plots for both CM and differential mode (DM) impedance configuration at higher frequency. Initially, the IM typical frequency response without considerations of stray and parasitic effects is presented for normal behavior of the IM. In order to verify the simulated impedance parameters of 0.3 kW and 38 kW IMs with stray and parasitic components, a high-frequency response for magnitude and phase response is generated and compared to analyze per-phase induction motor model performance before and after resonance frequencies. The comparison of CM and DM bode plots validates the dominance of inductance and parasitic capacitance before and after the occurrence of resonance frequency, respectively. The analysis suggests that 38 kW IM resonance occurs in MHz range which exhibits much better performance compared to the 0.3 kW IM model. Full article

18 pages, 2967 KB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Process of Chlorination Roasting and Acid Leaching of Lead and Silver from Lead Cake

by Biserka Lucheva, Peter Iliev and Nadezhda Kazakova

Materials 2026, 19(1), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19010170 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study evaluates an integrated approach for recovering lead and silver from lead cake through chlorination roasting followed by acid leaching. The lead cake originates from sulfuric acid leaching of zinc ferrite residues obtained during the hydrometallurgical processing of zinc calcine. The effects [...] Read more.

This study evaluates an integrated approach for recovering lead and silver from lead cake through chlorination roasting followed by acid leaching. The lead cake originates from sulfuric acid leaching of zinc ferrite residues obtained during the hydrometallurgical processing of zinc calcine. The effects of roasting temperature, lead cake-to-NaCl mass ratio, and roasting duration on metal recovery were systematically examined to determine optimal process conditions. Based on the experimental results, roasting at 550 °C for 1.5 h with a lead cake-to-NaCl mass ratio of 1:3, followed by leaching in 1 M HCl, was selected as a representative and sufficiently effective condition for the combined process. Under these conditions, nearly complete dissolution of Pb and Ag was achieved, reducing their contents in the final solid residue to 0.90% and 0.0027%, respectively. Compared to direct chloride leaching, the combined process provided higher extraction efficiencies (Pb 98.67%, Ag 98.09%) and a lower final residue mass (34% vs. 45%). The roasting step enables the solid-state conversion of PbSO₄ into highly soluble chloride phases (PbCl₂ and Pb(OH)Cl), while ZnFe₂O₄, Fe₂O₃ and SiO₂ remain stable and form the inert matrix of the residue. Acid leaching at a lower solid-to-liquid ratio (1:10) ensures near-complete dissolution of Pb and Ag, whereas aqueous leaching at a high ratio (1:100) results in incomplete Pb removal. The compliance leaching test (EN 12457-2) confirmed that the residue produced after the optimized two-step treatment meets the EU criteria for inert waste. Overall, the proposed combined process enhances Pb and Ag recovery, minimizes environmental risk, and offers a technically robust and sustainable route for treating lead-containing industrial residues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)

16 pages, 290 KB

Open AccessArticle

Community Pharmacists’ Perspectives on Antibiotic Misuse and Antimicrobial Resistance in Cyprus: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis

by Mark J. M. Sullman and Timo J. Lajunen

Antibiotics 2026, 15(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15010045 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, and Cyprus reports one of the highest levels of community antibiotic consumption in the EU. Despite their central role in antibiotic access and counselling, the stewardship practices and perspectives of community pharmacists in [...] Read more.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, and Cyprus reports one of the highest levels of community antibiotic consumption in the EU. Despite their central role in antibiotic access and counselling, the stewardship practices and perspectives of community pharmacists in this regulated setting are not well documented. Methods: We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 community pharmacists to explore their perspectives on antibiotic use and AMR. Results: We analysed the data using reflexive thematic analysis, revealing five key themes: regulation and control of dispensing; pharmacist–patient interaction and misuse; antimicrobial stewardship and public education; safety and professional responsibility; and systemic barriers. Pharmacists reported strict adherence to prescription-only rules, and described regulation and e-prescribing as a practical ‘shield’ that legitimised refusals and redirected some misuse from overt non-prescription requests towards attempts to reuse, extend, or ‘top up’ prior prescriptions and household leftovers. They described managing frequent patient demands for antibiotics for self-limiting conditions and using brief counselling scripts, written aids, and symptomatic alternatives to promote appropriate use. Participants emphasised the risks of antibiotic-related harms, including AMR and other health consequences, while also highlighting workload, access constraints, and communication difficulties as barriers to effective counselling. Overall, the findings indicate that community pharmacists in Cyprus function as front-line antimicrobial stewards. Conclusions: These accounts position community pharmacists in Cyprus as front-line antimicrobial stewards. Policy should consider supporting this function by providing enhanced communication tools, improving access pathways for timely prescriber review (including outside routine hours), and strengthening links between community pharmacy and national AMR action plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Use in the Communities—2nd Edition)

21 pages, 7371 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Risk Perception and Information Communication: An Evidence-Based Design of Flood Hazard Map Interfaces

by Jia-Xin Guo, Szu-Chi Chen and Meng-Cong Zheng

Smart Cities 2026, 9(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities9010008 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Floods are among the most destructive natural disasters, posing major challenges to human safety, property, and urban resilience. Effective communication of flood risk is therefore crucial for disaster preparedness and the sustainable management of smart cities. This study explores how interface design elements [...] Read more.

Floods are among the most destructive natural disasters, posing major challenges to human safety, property, and urban resilience. Effective communication of flood risk is therefore crucial for disaster preparedness and the sustainable management of smart cities. This study explores how interface design elements of flood hazard maps, including interaction modes and legend color schemes, influence users’ risk perception, decision support, and usability. An online questionnaire survey (N = 776) and a controlled 2 × 2 experiment (N = 40) were conducted to assess user comprehension, cognitive load, and behavioral responses when interacting with different visualization formats. Results show that slider-based interaction significantly reduces task completion and map-reading times compared with drop-down menus, enhancing usability and information efficiency. Multicolor legends, although requiring higher cognitive effort, improve users’ risk perception, engagement, and memory of flood-related information. These findings suggest that integrating cognitive principles into interactive design can enhance the effectiveness of digital disaster communication tools. By combining human–computer interaction, visual cognition, and smart governance, this study provides evidence-based design strategies for developing intelligent and user-centered flood hazard mapping systems. The proposed framework contributes to the advancement of smart urban resilience and supports the broader goal of building safer and more sustainable cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Smart Urban Energies and Integrated Systems)

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14 pages, 1475 KB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery of IR700 Fluorescence After Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy: Discovery and Mechanistic Insights

by Hideki Tanaka, Shuhei Okuyama, Ken Shirota, Mayumi Sugahara, Akiko Banba, Akihiro Ishikawa, Nobuhisa Minakata, Hirobumi Fuchigami, Masahiro Yasunaga and Tomonori Yano

Cancers 2026, 18(1), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18010162 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a molecularly targeted cancer therapy that employs antibody–photoabsorber conjugates (APCs) comprising the photosensitizer IRDye700DX (IR700) and tumor-specific antibodies. Following near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, IR700 undergoes structural modification, inducing selective and rapid necrotic cell death. In mouse tumor [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a molecularly targeted cancer therapy that employs antibody–photoabsorber conjugates (APCs) comprising the photosensitizer IRDye700DX (IR700) and tumor-specific antibodies. Following near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, IR700 undergoes structural modification, inducing selective and rapid necrotic cell death. In mouse tumor models, we observed that IR700 fluorescence decreased during irradiation but recovered immediately afterward. This study aimed to characterize this novel phenomenon, named “early fluorescence recovery,” and explore its therapeutic implications. Methods: Cetuximab-IR700 (Cet-IR700) was synthesized and administered to A431 and FaDu-Luc2 xenograft female BALB/c-nu/nu mouse models. In vivo fluorescence imaging was conducted using LIGHTVISION during and after NIR irradiation (690 nm, 50 J/cm²). Reactive oxygen species involvement was examined via intraperitoneal administration of L-sodium ascorbate. Tumor blood flow changes were assessed via indocyanine green (ICG) imaging, and therapeutic efficacy was compared between single and divided irradiation protocols. Results: Tumor fluorescence markedly decreased during NIR-PIT but rapidly recovered within 10 min after irradiation. This recovery was significantly inhibited by L-sodium ascorbate (p < 0.01) and accompanied by increased ICG fluorescence (p < 0.01), suggesting enhanced tumor perfusion. Divided irradiation performed after fluorescence recovery tended to yield greater tumor suppression than did single irradiation, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Early fluorescence recovery after NIR-PIT reflects transient reactivation of photoactive APCs through oxygen-dependent molecular and vascular mechanisms. Exploiting this brief recovery window with divided irradiation may improve therapeutic efficacy and guide optimization of NIR-PIT protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Therapy)

16 pages, 1852 KB

Open AccessArticle

Emergence of OXA-48-like Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli in Baranya County, Hungary

by Fatma A. Mohamed, Mohamed Al-Bulushi, Szilvia Melegh, Bálint Timmer, Réka Meszéna, Csongor Freytag, Levente Laczkó, László Miló, Péter Urbán, Renáta Bőkényné-Tóth, Attila Gyenesei, Gábor Kardos, Adrienn Nyul, Edit Urbán, Tibor Pál and Ágnes Sonnevend

Antibiotics 2026, 15(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15010044 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) producing OXA-48-like carbapenemase was first detected in Hungary in 2022. The aim of the present study was to characterize such strains isolated in 2022–2025 in Baranya County, Hungary. Methods: Antibiotic susceptibility and the whole-genome sequence (WGS) [...] Read more.

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) producing OXA-48-like carbapenemase was first detected in Hungary in 2022. The aim of the present study was to characterize such strains isolated in 2022–2025 in Baranya County, Hungary. Methods: Antibiotic susceptibility and the whole-genome sequence (WGS) of E. coli isolates, identified as OXA-48-like carbapenemase producers using the CARBA-5 NG test, were established. The transferability of bla_OXA-48-like plasmids was tested by conjugation. Results: Of the 6722 non-repeat E. coli isolates, 6 produced an OXA-48-like carbapenemase. They exhibited variable resistance to ertapenem and were susceptible to imipenem and meropenem. WGS revealed that all OXA-48-like producer E. coli belonged to high-risk clones: two clonally related OXA-181-producer E. coli ST405 were isolated in Hospital A, three OXA-244-producing E. coli ST38 (two identical via cgMLST from Hospital B), and an OXA-48-producing E. coli ST69. The bla_OXA-48 and bla_OXA-244 genes were chromosomally located, while bla_OXA-181 was on a non-conjugative IncFIB-IncFIC plasmid. So far, the bla_OXA-181-bearing plasmid of this incompatibility type has only been described in Ghana, but all bla_OXA-48-like gene-carrying transposons in this study have already been identified in Europe and other continents. The E. coli ST38 isolates, showing close association based on core genome SNP distances to European and Qatari strains, belonged to Cluster A and harbored bla_CTX-M-27. All but the E. coli ST69 isolate had cephalosporinase gene(s). Conclusions: This study describes small-scale intra-hospital transfers of OXA-48-like carbapenemase-producer E. coli. Interestingly, E. coli ST405 of Hungary carried bla_OXA-181 on an IncFIB-IncFIC plasmid, which has only been reported from Africa so far. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genetic and Biochemical Studies of Antibiotic Activity and Resistance)

28 pages, 362 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Human Rights-Based Perspective on the Integration Experiences and Vulnerabilities of Zimbabwean Migrants Living in Johannesburg, South Africa

by Mutsa Murenje and Sipho Sibanda

Genealogy 2026, 10(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy10010008 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

The integration experiences and vulnerabilities of migrants in host states are a critical area of study. This qualitative research, grounded in a human rights and social justice framework, investigates the systemic injustices and integration challenges faced by Zimbabwean migrants in Johannesburg, South Africa. [...] Read more.

The integration experiences and vulnerabilities of migrants in host states are a critical area of study. This qualitative research, grounded in a human rights and social justice framework, investigates the systemic injustices and integration challenges faced by Zimbabwean migrants in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through in-depth interviews with 16 participants and six key informants, the study employs thematic analysis to uncover the socio-cultural, economic, and political barriers that impede successful integration. The findings reveal pervasive issues such as prejudice, discrimination, xenophobia, and language barriers, which exacerbate the migrants’ vulnerabilities and make it difficult to support their families. They, at times, fail to buy food and pay school fees for their children. Despite these challenges, the resilience and creativity of Zimbabwean migrants are evident. The study’s unique contribution lies in its widening of the genealogy of theories of migration by incorporating African-centred migration perspectives, which are grounded in social justice perspectives. This critiques the Global North-dominated narratives that have historically sidelined the lived experiences of migrants from the Global South. The study offers a comprehensive examination of the interplay between systemic barriers and migrant resilience, offering new insights into how migration involves and affects families. This research calls for the development and implementation of rights-based integration frameworks to address systemic issues and enhance the well-being of migrants so that they can better support their families and kinsmen. Full article

11 pages, 918 KB

Open AccessArticle

Decreasing Tacrolimus Concentrations in Routine Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Data Indicate Adherence to Updated Therapeutic Goals

by Anders Larsson, Johan Saldeen, Jonathan Cedernaes, Mats B. Eriksson, Mathias Karlsson and Anna-Karin Hamberg

Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010094 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Tacrolimus is a key immunosuppressive drug used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation. Its narrow therapeutic window and high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability make therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) essential. This study aimed to (1) characterize long-term trends in tacrolimus concentrations; (2) assess potential [...] Read more.

Background: Tacrolimus is a key immunosuppressive drug used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation. Its narrow therapeutic window and high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability make therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) essential. This study aimed to (1) characterize long-term trends in tacrolimus concentrations; (2) assess potential seasonal variation; and (3) evaluate the suitability of patient medians as a tool for laboratory quality monitoring. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 113,735 tacrolimus whole-blood results obtained between 2006 and 2024 at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden. Samples were analyzed using immunoassays on the Hitachi 912 (Microgenics) until 2008, the Abbott Architect until 2021, and the Roche Cobas Pro e 801 thereafter. Annual patient medians and percentiles (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th) were calculated. Seasonal variation was assessed by comparing monthly test volumes and concentration distributions. Results: The annual number of tacrolimus results increased from 5616 in 2006 to 7320 in 2024, comprising 67,133 male and 46,602 female patient results. All distribution metrics declined steadily over the study period, with median tacrolimus concentrations decreasing by 20–30%. The July test volume was approximately 15% lower than in other months, but no meaningful seasonal variation in tacrolimus concentrations was observed; monthly medians and percentiles remained stable throughout the year. Conclusions: Tacrolimus concentrations at the population level have decreased consistently over nearly two decades. These findings likely reflect evolving clinical practice, including dose minimization strategies to reduce toxicity. Patient medians proved robust over time and may serve as a useful adjunct to conventional quality control, particularly when commercial control materials do not fully mimic patient sample behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations and Perspectives in Kidney Transplantation)

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24 pages, 18607 KB

Open AccessArticle

Robust Object Detection in Adverse Weather Conditions: ECL-YOLOv11 for Automotive Vision Systems

by Zhaohui Liu, Jiaxu Zhang, Xiaojun Zhang and Hongle Song

Sensors 2026, 26(1), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26010304 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

The rapid development of intelligent transportation systems and autonomous driving technologies has made visual perception a key component in ensuring safety and improving efficiency in complex traffic environments. As a core task in visual perception, object detection directly affects the reliability of downstream [...] Read more.

The rapid development of intelligent transportation systems and autonomous driving technologies has made visual perception a key component in ensuring safety and improving efficiency in complex traffic environments. As a core task in visual perception, object detection directly affects the reliability of downstream modules such as path planning and decision control. However, adverse weather conditions (e.g., fog, rain, and snow) significantly degrade image quality—causing texture blurring, reduced contrast, and increased noise—which in turn weakens the robustness of traditional detection models and raises potential traffic safety risks. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an enhanced object detection framework, ECL-YOLOv11 (Edge-enhanced, Context-guided, and Lightweight YOLOv11), designed to improve detection accuracy and real-time performance under adverse weather conditions, thereby providing a reliable solution for in-vehicle perception systems. The ECL-YOLOv11 architecture integrates three key modules: (1) a Convolutional Edge-enhancement (CE) module that fuses edge features extracted by Sobel operators with convolutional features to explicitly retain boundary and contour information, thereby alleviating feature degradation and improving localization accuracy under low-visibility conditions; (2) a Context-guided Multi-scale Fusion Network (AENet) that enhances perception of small and distant objects through multi-scale feature integration and context modeling, improving semantic consistency and detection stability in complex scenes; and (3) a Lightweight Shared Convolutional Detection Head (LDHead) that adopts shared convolutions and GroupNorm normalization to optimize computational efficiency, reduce inference latency, and satisfy the real-time requirements of on-board systems. Experimental results show that ECL-YOLOv11 achieves mAP@50 and mAP@50–95 values of 62.7% and 40.5%, respectively, representing improvements of 1.3% and 0.8% over the baseline YOLOv11, while the Precision reaches 73.1%. The model achieves a balanced trade-off between accuracy and inference speed, operating at 237.8 FPS on standard hardware. Ablation studies confirm the independent effectiveness of each proposed module in feature enhancement, multi-scale fusion, and lightweight detection, while their integration further improves overall performance. Qualitative visualizations demonstrate that ECL-YOLOv11 maintains high-confidence detections across varying motion states and adverse weather conditions, avoiding category confusion and missed detections. These results indicate that the proposed framework provides a reliable and adaptable foundation for all-weather perception in autonomous driving systems, ensuring both operational safety and real-time responsiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensing and Imaging)

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15 pages, 2180 KB

Open AccessArticle

Is Dexamethasone Helpful in Reducing Perihematoma Edema and for the Outcome of Intracerebral Hemorrhage?

by Jayantee Kalita, Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Dhiraj Kumar, Firoz M. Nizami, Prakash C. Pandey, Roopali Mahajan and Vivek Singh

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(1), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010352 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: In primary supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (PSICH), dexamethasone (Dexa) may be effective in reducing perihematoma edema (PHE). We compare the changes in the PHE, hematoma edema complex (HEC), and midline shift (MLS) in patients with PSICH in the Dexa and Non-Dexa groups. Methods: [...] Read more.

Background: In primary supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (PSICH), dexamethasone (Dexa) may be effective in reducing perihematoma edema (PHE). We compare the changes in the PHE, hematoma edema complex (HEC), and midline shift (MLS) in patients with PSICH in the Dexa and Non-Dexa groups. Methods: The CT-proven PSICHs were included, and their stroke risk factors, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were noted. Thirty-one patients received intravenous dexamethasone from day 4 to day 7 of stroke in a dose of 24 mg, 12 mg, and 8 mg daily for 3 days each. Thirty-three patients did not receive dexamethasone. The primary outcome was the change in PHE, HEC, and MLS at 15 days compared to the pre-Dexa CT scan, and the secondary outcomes were death and disability at 3 months and side effects. Results: The Dexa group had a higher volume of ICH, HEC, and PHE, and MLS compared to the Non-Dexa group, although their age, NIHSS and GCS scores were comparable at admission and just before intervention. The Dexa group had a larger reduction in HEC (p = 0.03) and MLS (p < 0.01) compared to the Non-Dexa group. The change in PHE volume was also insignificantly higher in the Dexa group (p = 0.36). At 3 months, the patients with medium (p < 0.001) and large-size hematomas (p < 0.001) in the Dexa group had a good outcome, but this benefit was not observed in small hematomas. Conclusions: In PSICH, dexamethasone after 3 days reduces the HEC and MLS and may have survival and disability benefits especially in medium and large hematomas. A multicentric–randomized–controlled trial may confirm these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intracranial Hemorrhage: Advances in Diagnosis, Management and Treatment)

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19 pages, 8801 KB

Open AccessArticle

Permeability of the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) to Nanoparticles, Bacteria and Phages Studied in BBB Organoids Under Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions In Vitro

by Kathrin Kostka-Wirtz, Nataniel Białas, Ivanna Kostina and Matthias Epple

Organoids 2026, 5(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/organoids5010001 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Organoids consisting of primary human cells, i.e., astrocytes, pericytes, and endothelial cells, form a functional blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro. The ability of FITC-dextran (70 kDa), calcium phosphate nanoparticles (100 nm), Escherichia coli bacteria (2 µm), and MS2 coliphages (27 nm, a model [...] Read more.

Organoids consisting of primary human cells, i.e., astrocytes, pericytes, and endothelial cells, form a functional blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro. The ability of FITC-dextran (70 kDa), calcium phosphate nanoparticles (100 nm), Escherichia coli bacteria (2 µm), and MS2 coliphages (27 nm, a model for viruses) to penetrate the BBB under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (2.5% oxygen) for up to 12 days was assessed by fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. All agents were fluorescently labeled to trace them inside the organoids. Under normoxia, FITC-dextran, calcium phosphate nanoparticles, E. coli bacteria and MS2 coliphages did not penetrate the BBB. However, oxygen deficiency (hypoxia) triggered the penetration of the BBB by FITC-dextran and E. coli cells. This was underscored by a strong hypoxic center inside the organoids that developed in the presence of E. coli bacteria. Full article

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22 pages, 5599 KB

Open AccessArticle

Residential Satisfaction in Urban Regeneration Areas: A Multilevel Approach to Individual- and Neighborhood-Level Factors

by Eun Jung Kim and Hyemin Sim

Buildings 2026, 16(1), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010213 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study aims to identify how individual-level and neighborhood-level factors are associated with residential satisfaction in urban regeneration areas. We conducted a survey of 281 adult residents recruited on-site at six urban regeneration community facilities (URCFs) that had been in operation for at [...] Read more.

This study aims to identify how individual-level and neighborhood-level factors are associated with residential satisfaction in urban regeneration areas. We conducted a survey of 281 adult residents recruited on-site at six urban regeneration community facilities (URCFs) that had been in operation for at least one year in Daegu, South Korea, and constructed neighborhood-level built environment factors using GIS. Multilevel regression analysis was applied to simultaneously examine how individual-level (level 1) and neighborhood-level (level 2) factors are associated with residential satisfaction. The results indicated that residents who participated more actively in urban regeneration activities reported higher levels of residential satisfaction, and that age integration was also significantly associated with greater satisfaction. Among neighborhood-level built environment factors, a lower proportion of old housing and higher levels of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and water area were related to higher residential satisfaction. These findings indicate that residential satisfaction in urban regeneration areas can be better understood when individual-level characteristics and neighborhood-level built environmental conditions are considered together, highlighting the importance of a multilevel approach that accounts for both levels simultaneously. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Wellbeing: The Impact of Spatial Parameters—2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 6006 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Analysis of Traditional House with Patios in Hot Summer and Warm Winter Zone of Southern China

by Xueyan Zhang, Kaibiao Wang, Bin Chen, Jiayi Zhao, Shibo Wang and Xiaoming Song

Buildings 2026, 16(1), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010212 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

A comfortable and livable living environment can be created through the design of patios in traditional southern rural Chinese dwellings. By connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, patios enable the comprehensive functions of ventilation and shading. To investigate the effects of patios on the [...] Read more.

A comfortable and livable living environment can be created through the design of patios in traditional southern rural Chinese dwellings. By connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, patios enable the comprehensive functions of ventilation and shading. To investigate the effects of patios on the building environment and energy conservation, the field parameters of the Wu Family Mansion in Cuijiao Village, Fujian Province, southern China, were measured in August 2016. The results indicate that patios located at the center of dwellings can effectively mitigate the impact of outdoor climate on the indoor environment. Furthermore, a reasonable depth-to-width ratio of the patio is conducive to natural ventilation and energy utilization. Through discussions and simulations using CFD and EcoTECT, it is determined that the reasonable depth-to-width ratio should not be less than 0.06, and a depth of 1.6 m is the most appropriate for patio design to achieve adequate ventilation and illumination. With the Adaptive Predicted Mean Vote (APMV) value ranging from 0 to 1.41, the indoor environment of this rural building falls within the adaptive comfort zone. Compared with air-conditioned rooms, the energy-saving rate achieved by natural ventilation is approximately 26.2%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Architecture and Healthy Environment)

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13 pages, 9612 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Lanthanide-Doped Cs₂ZrCl₆ Perovskite Nanocrystals for Multimode Anti-Counterfeiting Application

by Longbin You, Qixin Wang, Yuting Liao, Xiaotian Zhu, Keyuan Ding and Xian Chen

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16010068 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

The escalating prevalence of counterfeiting and forgery has imposed unprecedented demands on advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies. Traditional luminescent materials, relying on single-mode or static emission, are inherently vulnerable to replication using commercially available phosphors or simple spectral blending. Multimode luminescent materials exhibiting excitation wavelength-dependent [...] Read more.

The escalating prevalence of counterfeiting and forgery has imposed unprecedented demands on advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies. Traditional luminescent materials, relying on single-mode or static emission, are inherently vulnerable to replication using commercially available phosphors or simple spectral blending. Multimode luminescent materials exhibiting excitation wavelength-dependent emission offer significantly higher encoding capacity and forgery resistance. Herein, we report the colloidal synthesis of lanthanide-doped Cs₂ZrCl₆ nanocrystals (Ln³⁺ = Tb, Eu, Pr, Sm, Dy, Ho) via a robust hot-injection route. These nanocrystals universally exhibit efficient host-to-guest energy transfer from self-trapped excitons (STEs) under 254 nm, yielding sharp characteristic Ln³⁺ f–f emission alongside the intrinsic broadband STE luminescence. Critically, Tb³⁺ enables direct 4f → 5d excitation at ~275 nm, while Eu³⁺ introduces a low-energy Eu³⁺ ← Cl⁻ LMCT band at ~305 nm, completely bypassing STE emission. Due to their multimode luminescent characteristics, we fabricate a triple-mode anti-counterfeiting label displaying different colors under different types of excitation. These findings establish a breakthrough excitation-encoded multimode platform, offering potential applications for next-generation photonic security labels, scintillation detectors, and solid-state lighting applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lanthanide-Doped Luminescent Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Optical Properties and Applications: 2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 1948 KB

Open AccessReview

Reviving Forgotten Foods: From Traditional Knowledge to Innovative and Safe Mediterranean Food Design

by Manica Balant, Judit Català-Altés, Teresa Garnatje, Fuencisla Cáceres, Clara Blasco-Moreno, Anna Fernández-Arévalo, Clàudia Knudsen, Valeria De Luca, Jana Peters, Ignacio Sanz-Benito, Marc Casabosch, Marc Talavera, Esther López-Viñallonga, Carla Cárdenas Samsó, Natàlia Cuberos-Sánchez, Anabel Cepas-Gil, Joan Vallès and Airy Gras

Foods 2026, 15(1), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15010150 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Global food security and dietary diversity depend on identifying novel and sustainable food sources. Wild edible plants (WEPs) traditionally used in Mediterranean regions offer considerable potential due to their rich history of use. Here, ethnobotanical knowledge was systematically compiled for the fruits and [...] Read more.

Global food security and dietary diversity depend on identifying novel and sustainable food sources. Wild edible plants (WEPs) traditionally used in Mediterranean regions offer considerable potential due to their rich history of use. Here, ethnobotanical knowledge was systematically compiled for the fruits and cones of five taxa (Arbutus unedo, Prunus spinosa, Quercus spp., Pinus spp. and Rosa spp.), documenting alimentary uses, preparation and conservation methods across diverse food categories. Analysis of over 2800 traditional use reports identified 54 distinct alimentary uses from 16 categories, with raw consumption and sweet preserves being the most prevalent. Rosa spp. exhibited the highest diversity of uses (36), whereas the family Pinaceae showed the lowest (19). Statistically significant associations between individual fruits and specific food preparations were also observed, offering guidance for innovative product development. Information on processing methods that preserve nutritional components, along with documentation of potential harmful effects and the methods to mitigate them, was collected, providing essential guidance for developing safe and functional alimentary products. Together, traditional knowledge, regulatory adherence, and sustainable practices create new opportunities to develop innovative, safe, culturally grounded, and sustainable food products that enrich diets and preserve cultural and ecological heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Trends in Plant-Based Foods)

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12 pages, 299 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Zinc Content in Food Supplements

by Anna Puścion-Jakubik, Katarzyna Kolenda, Katarzyna Socha and Renata Markiewicz-Żukowska

Foods 2026, 15(1), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15010151 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that plays a key role as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in metabolic processes, protein synthesis, and gene expression regulation. Zn supplementation is used in the prevention and treatment of infectious, dermatological, and reproductive [...] Read more.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that plays a key role as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in metabolic processes, protein synthesis, and gene expression regulation. Zn supplementation is used in the prevention and treatment of infectious, dermatological, and reproductive system diseases. Legal regulations allow for a relatively wide range of mineral content in this product category (from −20% to +45% of the declared value). The study aimed to analyze the quality of food supplements containing Zn—compliance with declared Zn content was assessed. The study included 80 preparations. The preparations varied in terms of declared Zn content, pharmaceutical form, chemical form of Zn, composition, and primary mode of action. Zn content was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after prior mineralization of the samples in concentrated nitric acid in a closed microwave system. It was estimated that 70% of food supplements contained Zn within the acceptable range. It should be emphasized that 23.75% of the preparations contained more Zn than the permissible range of Zn content, and 6.25% contained less—both of these groups of preparations may be associated with a health risk. From a regulatory perspective, these results highlight the need for continuous surveillance of the food supplement market to improve consumer safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fortification of Food with Micronutrients: Production, Determination, Bioaccessibility and Health Benefits)

50 pages, 1400 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sword or Futility? Blockchain-Based Competition in Refurbished Market Considering Consumer Reference Behaviors

by Deqing Ma, Haoyu Yin, Jinsong Hu and Wei Li

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010472 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

In addition to competition from independent refurbishers, consumer distrust of refurbished product quality is a major bottleneck for brand manufacturers when selling refurbished products. This paper focuses on a duopoly competition consisting of a brand manufacturer and an independent refurbisher. Considering the direct [...] Read more.

In addition to competition from independent refurbishers, consumer distrust of refurbished product quality is a major bottleneck for brand manufacturers when selling refurbished products. This paper focuses on a duopoly competition consisting of a brand manufacturer and an independent refurbisher. Considering the direct and indirect reference quality effects triggered by consumers’ reference quality behavior in such an environment and their interaction with consumers’ prevalent reference price behavior, this paper explores the effectiveness of manufacturers’ responses to quality disclosure using blockchain and its impact on the competition in the refurbished market. The results show that when the market competitiveness increased by blockchain is high enough, it increases competition in the quality dimension by facilitating the brand manufacturer to improve the quality of the original product but reduces competition in the price dimension through the brand premium effect. When the degree of refurbishment by the brand manufacturer is high and the direct reference quality effect is large, the implementation of the blockchain manifests itself as an advertising effect that expands the market size but fails to combat the independent refurbisher. Conversely, when the brand manufacturer has a low degree of refurbishment and the direct reference quality effect is dominant, the adoption of blockchain can be used as a competitive tool for the brand manufacturer to combat the independent refurbisher in the refurbishment market. For consumers, the application of blockchain may not necessarily result in a more cost-effective refurbished product. Furthermore, whether consumer surplus and social welfare can be improved after the implementation of blockchain depends on the degree of refurbishment by the brand manufacturer and the reference quality effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Logistics: Transforming the Supply Chain Toward a Low-Carbon Future)

13 pages, 1560 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nine-Year Surveillance of Candida Bloodstream Infections in a Southern Italian Tertiary Hospital: Species Distribution, Antifungal Resistance, and Stewardship Implications

by Anna Maria Spera, Veronica Folliero, Chiara D’Amore, Biagio Santella, Flora Salzano, Tiziana Ascione, Federica Dell’Annunziata, Enrica Serretiello, Gianluigi Franci and Pasquale Pagliano

J. Pers. Med. 2026, 16(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm16010017 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Purpose: Candida bloodstream infections remain a major global health challenge, with mortality rates approaching 40%. Beyond classical immunocompromised status, recent evidence highlights additional risk factors, including iatrogenic immunosuppression, advanced age, prolonged hospitalization, exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, and total parenteral nutrition. While Candida [...] Read more.

Purpose: Candida bloodstream infections remain a major global health challenge, with mortality rates approaching 40%. Beyond classical immunocompromised status, recent evidence highlights additional risk factors, including iatrogenic immunosuppression, advanced age, prolonged hospitalization, exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, and total parenteral nutrition. While Candida albicans (C. albicans) remains the most common species in Europe and the USA, non-albicans species, particularly Nakaseomyces glabratus (N. glabratus), Candida tropicalis (C. tropicalis), and Candida parapsilosis (C. parapsilosis), are emerging worldwide. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at the University Hospital “San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona” in Salerno, Italy, from January 2015 to December 2024. It included all patients with at least one positive blood culture for Candida species. Demographic data, hospital ward of admission, and antifungal susceptibility profiles were collected and analyzed using SPSS software (IBM SPSS Statistics for Mac, version 30 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA)). Results: The incidence rate is 48.7 new isolates per one thousand patient-days, with a trend of increasing episodes over time among a total of 364 patients. Most cases occurred in medical wards (59.5%), where patients were older (median age 76 (17). C. albicans accounted for 57.9% of isolates, and a significant association was found between species distribution and hospital unit (p < 0.05). Resistance to fluconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B increased among C. albicans, with similar trends in N. glabratus and C. parapsilosis. Conclusions: This large single-center cohort highlights both the persistent dominance of C. albicans and the worrisome rise in resistance among C. parapsilosis. Given the aging patient population and increasing antifungal resistance, local epidemiological data are crucial to guide empirical therapy. Our findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary antifungal stewardship programs to optimize personalized treatment strategies and contain the emergence of resistant strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Personalized Preventive Medicine)

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12 pages, 4704 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Study on Anti-Interference Performance Degradation of GIS UHF Sensors Based on Substation White Noise Reconstruction

by Lujia Wang, Yongze Yang, Zixi Zhu, Haitao Yang, Jie Wu, Xingwang Wu and Yiming Xie

Sensors 2026, 26(1), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26010303 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

The ultra-high frequency (UHF)-based partial discharge (PD) detection technology for gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) has achieved large-scale applications due to its high sensitivity and real-time monitoring capabilities. However, long-term service-induced antenna corrosion in UHF sensors may lead to degraded reception characteristics. To ensure the [...] Read more.

The ultra-high frequency (UHF)-based partial discharge (PD) detection technology for gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) has achieved large-scale applications due to its high sensitivity and real-time monitoring capabilities. However, long-term service-induced antenna corrosion in UHF sensors may lead to degraded reception characteristics. To ensure the credibility of monitoring data, on-site sensor calibration under ambient noise conditions is required. This study first analyzes the time–frequency domain characteristics of white noise received by UHF sensors in GIS environments. Leveraging the transceiver reciprocity principle of sensors, a noise reconstruction method based on external sensors is proposed to simulate on-site white noise. Subsequently, CST simulation models are established for both standard and degraded sensors, quantifying the impact of factors like antenna corrosion on performance parameters such as echo impedance S11 and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). Finally, the two sensor models are coupled into GIS handholes for comparative simulation analysis. Results show that antenna corrosion causes resonant frequency shifts in sensors, reducing PD signal power by 55.27% and increasing noise power by 64.11%. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) decreases from −9.70 dB to −15.34 dB, with evident waveform distortion in the double-exponential PD pulses. These conclusions provide theoretical references for on-site UHF sensor calibration in noisy environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Electromagnetic Modeling and Simulation for Multidisciplinary Engineering Systems)

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12 pages, 475 KB

Open AccessArticle

Absolutely Selective Single-Phase Ground-Fault Protection Systems for Bunched Cable Lines

by Aleksandr Novozhilov, Zhanat Issabekov, Timofey Novozhilov, Bibigul Issabekova and Lyazzat Tyulyugenova

Electricity 2026, 7(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/electricity7010002 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Electrical energy in urban and industrial power supply networks is mainly transmitted through 6–10-kV cable networks with an isolated neutral, where most lines are made as bunches of cables. Up to 75–90% of electrical faults in these cable networks belong to single-phase ground [...] Read more.

Electrical energy in urban and industrial power supply networks is mainly transmitted through 6–10-kV cable networks with an isolated neutral, where most lines are made as bunches of cables. Up to 75–90% of electrical faults in these cable networks belong to single-phase ground faults (SGFs), which can cause more severe accidents accompanied by significant economic damage. Widely known simple and directional protections against SGFs are relatively selective and, hence, often incapable of properly responding to SGFs in a network with such lines and detecting a cable with SGFs in the bunch of a damaged line. These disadvantages can be eliminated by using new, simple, and inexpensive, absolutely selective protections capable of detecting a cable with SGFs in a damaged line. We suggest the techniques and devices based on zero-sequence current transformers and ring measuring converters for building up such protection systems. The methods for calculating zero-sequence currents in cables of a bunched cable line, depending on the SGF point and the currents in the responding elements, are developed, as well as a procedure for determining a damaged cable and methods for estimating the responding element thresholds and the length of the protection dead zone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Power Science and Technology, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 4122 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Enabled Diagnosis Using YOLOv9: Leveraging X-Ray Image Analysis in Dentistry

by Dhiaa Musleh, Atta Rahman, Haya Almossaeed, Fay Balhareth, Ghadah Alqahtani, Norah Alobaidan, Jana Altalag, May Issa Aldossary and Fahd Alhaidari

Big Data Cogn. Comput. 2026, 10(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/bdcc10010016 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled diagnosis has emerged as a promising avenue for revolutionizing medical image analysis, such as X-ray analysis, across a wide range of healthcare disciplines, including dentistry, consequently offering swift, efficient, and accurate solutions for identifying various dental conditions. In this study, [...] Read more.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled diagnosis has emerged as a promising avenue for revolutionizing medical image analysis, such as X-ray analysis, across a wide range of healthcare disciplines, including dentistry, consequently offering swift, efficient, and accurate solutions for identifying various dental conditions. In this study, we investigated the application of the YOLOv9 model, a cutting-edge object detection algorithm, to automate the diagnosis of dental diseases from X-ray images. The proposed methodology encompasses a comprehensive analysis of dental datasets, as well as preprocessing and model training. Through rigorous experimentation, remarkable accuracy, precision, recall, mAP@50, and an F1-score of 84.89%, 89.2%, 86.9%, 89.2%, and 88%, respectively, are achieved. With significant improvements over the baseline model of 17.9%, 15.8%, 18.5%, and 16.81% in precision, recall, mAP@50, and F1-score, respectively, with 7.9 ms inference time. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach in accurately identifying dental conditions. Additionally, we discuss the challenges in automated diagnosis of dental diseases and outline future research directions to address knowledge gaps in this domain. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on AI in dentistry, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning and Image Processing: Applications and Challenges)

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21 pages, 1595 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Cellsway Microfluidic CTC Enrichment and Identification Platform for CTC Detection in Metastatic NSCLC

by Ebru Özgür, Ayça Çırçır, Begüm Şen Doğan, Şebnem Şahin, Gizem Karayalçın, Mehmet Alper Demir, Başak Erkek, Enes Demirtaş, Özge Zorlu, Furkan Ceylan, Haluk Külah, Nuri Karadurmuş, Mehmet Ali Nahit Şendur and Saadettin Kılıçkap

Biosensors 2026, 16(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16010034 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority of cases. Standard tissue biopsies are invasive and unsuitable for repeated monitoring. Liquid biopsy technologies, particularly circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis, offer a minimally [...] Read more.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority of cases. Standard tissue biopsies are invasive and unsuitable for repeated monitoring. Liquid biopsy technologies, particularly circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis, offer a minimally invasive alternative for real-time disease tracking. To address the need for efficient and reproducible CTC isolation, we developed the Cellsway microfluidic CTC enrichment and identification platform, which employs inertial hydrodynamics in a spiral-shaped microfluidic channel comprising hydrofoil-shaped pillars to enable high-throughput, label-free enrichment of CTCs while preserving cell integrity, followed by an optimized CTC identification assay. Analytical performance assessed through spiking experiments using NSCLC cell lines demonstrated recovery rates of 91.9% for H1975 cells and 78.3% for A549 cells. Clinical validation was performed on blood samples from 51 stage IV NSCLC patients. A 7.5 mL volume of peripheral blood was processed with the SwayBox platform, and enriched CTCs were identified through an optimized multiplex immunofluorescence protocol. CTCs were detected in 47% of NSCLC patients, with counts ranging from 0 to 72 cells per 7.5 mL of blood. At a cutoff of 1 CTC per 7.5 mL, the assay achieved a specificity of 95%. Patient-derived CTCs exhibited smaller mean diameters compared to cultured NSCLC cell lines, yet were effectively enriched through hydro-dynamic tuning. These findings demonstrate that the Cellsway platform enables efficient and re-producible CTC isolation with high specificity, supporting its potential utility for clinical monitoring and precision oncology in NSCLC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nano- and Micro-Technologies in Biosensors)

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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2331 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Obesity and Malnutrition with In-Hospital Mortality and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Receiving Maintenance Dialysis: A National Database Study

by Wannasit Wathanavasin, Wisit Kaewput, Charat Thongprayoon, Supawit Tangpanithandee, Supawadee Suppadungsuk and Wisit Cheungpasitporn

Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010157 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The study aimed to investigate whether malnutrition influences the obesity paradox and to explore the relationship between obesity with/without malnutrition and in-hospital outcomes among hospitalized ESKD patients. Methods: The study used the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2021. [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The study aimed to investigate whether malnutrition influences the obesity paradox and to explore the relationship between obesity with/without malnutrition and in-hospital outcomes among hospitalized ESKD patients. Methods: The study used the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2021. Hospitalized ESKD patients were included and categorized into three groups: non-obese, obese without malnutrition, and obese with malnutrition. The association between obesity with/without malnutrition and in-hospital outcomes, compared to non-obese patients, were analyzed. Results: Of 674,367 hospitalized ESKD patients included, 125,978 (18.7%) had obesity. Obese ESKD patients without malnutrition were associated with a decreased risk of mortality (odd ratio [OR] 0.87, 95% CI 0.84–0.91), whereas obese patients with malnutrition were associated with an increased risk of mortality (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.90–2.27), compared to non-obese patients. Furthermore, obesity, with or without malnutrition, was linked to higher infection-related complications and resource utilization, especially when malnutrition was present. Conclusions: Our findings show that obesity is significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality among ESKD patients without malnutrition. However, when malnutrition coexists, this survival advantage is reversed, underscoring the importance of detecting malnutrition in obese ESKD patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Nutrition)

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16 pages, 2789 KB

Open AccessReview

Experimental Models of Acute Lung Injury to Study Inflammation and Pathophysiology: A Narrative Review

by Akinori Cardozo Nagato, Pedro Alves Machado-Junior, Samuel Santos Valenca, Remo Castro Russo and Frank Silva Bezerra

Antioxidants 2026, 15(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15010063 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by acute respiratory insufficiency, including tachypnea, cyanosis refractory to oxygen, decreased lung compliance, and diffuse alveolar infiltrates, which is a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality that usually results in the development of multiple organ dysfunction. [...] Read more.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by acute respiratory insufficiency, including tachypnea, cyanosis refractory to oxygen, decreased lung compliance, and diffuse alveolar infiltrates, which is a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality that usually results in the development of multiple organ dysfunction. Acute lung injury in humans is histopathologically characterized by neutrophilic alveolitis, injury of the alveolar epithelium and endothelium, hyaline membrane formation, and microvascular thrombi. Different animal models of experimental lung injury have been used to investigate mechanisms of lung injury, such as LPS-induced ALI, hyperoxia-induced ALI, and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Here we will show selected preclinical mice models used as proof of concept to test new drugs in vivo with anti-inflammatory properties, discussing their particularities and clarifying the context of use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The OxInflammation Process and Tissue Repair)

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14 pages, 576 KB

Open AccessArticle

Associations Between Triglycerides and Walking Capacity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

by Chiraphat Kloypan, Tichanon Promsrisuk, Boonsita Suwannakul, Chonticha Kaewjoho and Arunrat Srithawong

Diseases 2026, 14(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases14010018 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with reduced physical function in older adults, but the relative contributions of metabolic components, physiological responses, and functional performance to walking capacity remain unclear. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 116 [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with reduced physical function in older adults, but the relative contributions of metabolic components, physiological responses, and functional performance to walking capacity remain unclear. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 116 community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years (mean age 68.5 ± 5.5 years; 65.5% female). Walking capacity was evaluated using the six-minute walk test (6MWT) with associated physiological responses. Functional performance was assessed using the five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSST), timed-up-and-go (TUG), and handgrip strength. Associations with six-minute walk distance (6MWD) were examined using hierarchical regression analyses, and discriminatory performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: Participants with MetS demonstrated shorter 6MWD, slower FTSST and TUG performance, and higher dyspnea ratings compared to those without MetS (p < 0.05). Triglycerides were inversely associated with 6MWD in intermediate models (β = −0.33, p < 0.001), but after full adjustment, only ΔSBP (β = 0.76, p = 0.008) and FTSST (β = −24.45, p < 0.001) remained significant. The FTSST and TUG demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability, with AUC values of 0.956 (cut-off ≥ 15.5 s) and 0.925 (cut-off ≥ 13.7 s), respectively, whereas triglycerides showed moderate accuracy (AUC = 0.709) with a cut-off of ≥143 mg/dL. Conclusions: Walking capacity was more strongly associated with physiological and functional measures than with metabolic biomarkers. The FTSST and TUG showed strong discriminatory performance for low walking capacity, whereas metabolic markers provided complementary contextual information. Full article

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19 pages, 1682 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Hybrid Decision-Making Framework for Autonomous Vehicles in Urban Environments Based on Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning with Explainable AI

by Ameni Ellouze, Mohamed Karray and Mohamed Ksantini

Vehicles 2026, 8(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/vehicles8010008 (registering DOI) - 2 Jan 2026

Abstract

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are expected to operate safely and efficiently in complex urban environments characterized by dynamic and uncertain elements such as pedestrians, cyclists and adverse weather. Although current neural network-based decision-making algorithms, fuzzy logic and reinforcement learning have shown promise, they often [...] Read more.

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are expected to operate safely and efficiently in complex urban environments characterized by dynamic and uncertain elements such as pedestrians, cyclists and adverse weather. Although current neural network-based decision-making algorithms, fuzzy logic and reinforcement learning have shown promise, they often struggle to handle ambiguous situations, such as partially hidden road signs or unpredictable human behavior. This paper proposes a new hybrid decision-making framework combining multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to improve robustness, adaptability and transparency. Each agent of the MARL architecture is specialized in a specific sub-task (e.g., obstacle avoidance, trajectory planning, intention prediction), enabling modular and cooperative learning. XAI techniques are integrated to provide interpretable rationales for decisions, facilitating human understanding and regulatory compliance. The proposed system will be validated using CARLA simulator, combined with reference data, to demonstrate improved performance in safety-critical and ambiguous driving scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Empowered Assisted and Autonomous Driving)

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