Learn More
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 

Recent Articles  

12 pages, 1177 KB  
Perspective
Current Developments in the Use of FDM 3D-Printed Materials for Efficient Heat Transfer Applications
by Paweł Madejski and Ali Raza
Materials 2026, 19(13), 2836; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19132836 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
This work investigates the potential of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for prototyping and developing functional components in thermal systems, with particular emphasis on thermal and mechanical performance. The study focuses on two complementary prototyping strategies: (i) the use of metal-filled polymer filaments in [...] Read more.
This work investigates the potential of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for prototyping and developing functional components in thermal systems, with particular emphasis on thermal and mechanical performance. The study focuses on two complementary prototyping strategies: (i) the use of metal-filled polymer filaments in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), also known as Material Extrusion (MEX) according to ISO/ASTM 52900:2022, and (ii) a hybrid approach combining polymer 3D printing with conductive coating and electrochemical copper deposition. While metal-filled filaments provide a rapid and low-cost solution for early-stage prototyping, their mechanical properties remain similar to those of the polymer matrix, limiting their applicability in load-bearing structures. In contrast, the hybrid method enables the fabrication of hollow metallic geometries with improved thermal and electrical conductivity. This approach is more time-consuming and process-intensive and is therefore considered a subsequent stage in the prototyping workflow following initial MEX-based design iterations. Compared with conventional polymer-based MEX, several AM approaches enable the development and fabrication of fully metallic or metal-functional structures, including Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and hybrid polymer–metal methods based on electroplating. Furthermore, understanding mechanical properties such as tensile strength is essential for assessing the applicability of AM materials in energy system components. The results contribute to bridging the gap between rapid prototyping and the implementation of advanced AM technologies in thermal-related applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Application of Additive Manufacturing: 4th Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 2323 KB  
Article
Dynamic Social Risk Assessment for Inland Waterway Lock Reservation Scheduling: A Stakeholder-Informed Dynamic Weighting and Two-Dimensional Cloud Model
by Rong Li, Qing Liu, Xifei He and Lei Wang
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6651; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136651 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Inland waterway locks are critical navigation infrastructures in waterborne transport systems, and their operational reliability is closely associated with the resilience and service capacity of regional inland waterway networks. As lockage demand continues to increase, reservation scheduling has emerged as an important institutional [...] Read more.
Inland waterway locks are critical navigation infrastructures in waterborne transport systems, and their operational reliability is closely associated with the resilience and service capacity of regional inland waterway networks. As lockage demand continues to increase, reservation scheduling has emerged as an important institutional and operational instrument for improving traffic organization, alleviating congestion, and enhancing the adaptive capacity of lock operations. However, the implementation of reservation-based rules may reshape lockage resource allocation, priority mechanisms, vessel arrival patterns, and stakeholder benefit structures, thereby generating social risks that cannot be adequately captured by conventional engineering safety assessment methods. To address this issue, this study develops a stakeholder-informed dynamic social risk assessment framework for inland waterway lock reservation scheduling. First, a hybrid scheduling mode combining priority reservation and declaration-based queuing is conceptualized, and its operational process is characterized through lockage resource allocation, vessel reservation/declaration, coordinated water-area control, anchorage and safety inspection, and sequenced vessel lockage. Second, drawing on the social amplification of risk framework, a social risk assessment indicator system is constructed from four dimensions: legality, rationality, feasibility, and controllability. Third, a Dynamic Weighting Model is introduced to adaptively update indicator weights according to changes in scheduling rules and operational states, while a Two-Dimensional Cloud Model is developed to jointly represent risk probability and risk consequence under uncertainty. The proposed approach is validated using the reservation scheduling scenario of the Three Gorges locks. The results indicate that the overall social risk is classified as level 2, corresponding to a moderately low risk level, suggesting that the reservation scheduling mode is generally compatible with lock operation and navigation management requirements. Among the four dimensions, controllability exhibits the highest relative risk, indicating that greater attention should be paid to safety management, reservation compliance, public opinion guidance, and emergency response. The proposed framework provides a systematic and visual decision-support tool for risk identification, risk grading, and scheme optimization in inland waterway lock reservation scheduling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Transportation and Future Mobility)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2900 KB  
Article
Associations Between Land Use, Climate, and Pathogen Prevalence in Honey Bee Colonies
by Sabri Ala Eddine Zaidat, Raied Abou Kubaa, Giuseppe Cavallo, Andrea Depalma, Fabio Silvestre, Aymen Moghli, Antonio Petragallo, Maria Saponari, Khaled Djelouah and Giovanni Tamburini
Agriculture 2026, 16(13), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16131459 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are key pollinators in agricultural ecosystems that face increasing pressure from pathogens and environmental change. However, how these environmental factors interact remains incompletely understood. To assess associations between climate, landscape composition, and pathogen occurrence in real agroecosystems, [...] Read more.
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are key pollinators in agricultural ecosystems that face increasing pressure from pathogens and environmental change. However, how these environmental factors interact remains incompletely understood. To assess associations between climate, landscape composition, and pathogen occurrence in real agroecosystems, we monitored honey bee colonies across 30 apiaries in southern Italy over two years, in summer and autumn. Molecular screening revealed widespread multi-pathogen exposure, with two viruses, Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV) and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), and gut trypanosomatid parasite (Lotmaria passim) being the most frequently detected. In contrast, Nosema ceranae, along with Bee Macula-like Virus (BeeMLV) and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV), occurred at lower but still notable frequencies. Infections were generally more frequent in adult foragers than in in-hive bees and larvae, and overall pathogen occurrence tended to be higher in summer than in autumn. Higher humidity was associated with higher overall pathogen occurrence and coinfection levels, whereas higher temperature showed a weaker association with these outcomes. Associations between landscape composition and pathogen occurrence differed across pathogens: a higher proportion of semi-natural habitats was associated with lower viral occurrence, particularly BQCV and DWV; however, N. ceranae was more frequently detected under the same landscape conditions. In contrast, L. passim showed context-dependent responses, with landscape effects emerging only through interactions with humidity and temperature. Pathogen coinfections were more occurrent under warm, humid conditions, although this pattern was partially buffered in landscapes richer in semi-natural habitats. Together, these results indicate that, within the studied apiaries, honey bee pathogen occurrence was associated with climate, season, and land use. These findings suggest that environmental context should be considered when interpreting honey bee health monitoring data in heterogeneous agricultural landscapes, with potential implications for apiary management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Honey Bee Health and Sustainable Honey Production)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1553 KB  
Article
Transition from Oncologist- to Therapist-Led MRI-Guided Ultra-Hypofractionated Adaptive Prostate Radiation Therapy: Evaluation of Early Clinical Outcomes
by Amanda Moreira, Tara Rosewall, Jennifer Dang, Aran Kim, Anna T. Santiago, Aruz Mesci, Enrique Gutierrez, Andrew Bayley, Andrew McPartlin, Rachel M. Glicksman, Alejandro Berlin, Jeff Winter, Winnie Li and Peter Chung
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(7), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33070398 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
MR-guided adaptive radiotherapy (ART) enables daily plan optimization for prostate cancer but is resource-intensive. This study evaluated dosimetric and clinical outcomes following transition from radiation oncologist (RO)-led to radiation therapist (RTT)-led MR-guided ART. All prostate cancer patients treated with MR-guided ART on a [...] Read more.
MR-guided adaptive radiotherapy (ART) enables daily plan optimization for prostate cancer but is resource-intensive. This study evaluated dosimetric and clinical outcomes following transition from radiation oncologist (RO)-led to radiation therapist (RTT)-led MR-guided ART. All prostate cancer patients treated with MR-guided ART on a 1.5T MR-linac were retrospectively reviewed. Consecutive RO-led (September 2019–November 2021) and RTT-led (April 2022–October 2023) cohorts were compared, excluding the actual transition period. Toxicities (CTCAE v5.0), dose–volume metrics from daily adapted plans, target volume variation, and biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) were analyzed. A total of 166 patients were included (78 RO-led, 88 RTT-led; median follow-up 40 and 35 months). Dosimetric differences between the cohorts were statistically small (<1%). Rates of G2+ GI adverse events were similar across all timepoints. An increase in on-treatment GU events was observed in the RTT-led cohort (G2+ 27% vs. 9%, G3 incidence n = 2 vs. n = 0), likely reflecting higher baseline urinary dysfunction; no post-treatment differences persisted. Early biochemical outcomes were comparable, with 36-month BRFS of 93.5% (RO-led) and 95.0% (RTT-led). RTT-led MR-guided ART achieved comparable dosimetric quality and early biochemical outcomes to RO-led workflows with adverse advents that resolved in the long term. With structured training and a mature practice setting, RTT-led ART represents a scalable model to support future adaptive radiotherapy practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Emerging Evidence and Clinical Practice)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 12962 KB  
Article
An Analysis of the Sources of Ultrafine Particles During Severe Haze Pollution Periods in China
by Jingkun Zhou, Long Sun and Yunkai Zhou
Toxics 2026, 14(7), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14070588 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Haze Pollution in China arises from the rapid enlargement of ultrafine particles into light-absorbing fine particulate matter through adsorption processes under atmospheric stagnation conditions. This study focuses on the sources of ultrafine particles (UFPs), the most critical component of haze pollutants during severe [...] Read more.
Haze Pollution in China arises from the rapid enlargement of ultrafine particles into light-absorbing fine particulate matter through adsorption processes under atmospheric stagnation conditions. This study focuses on the sources of ultrafine particles (UFPs), the most critical component of haze pollutants during severe pollution periods in China. Utilizing methods including the spatial Durbin model and statistical data for the 28 cities (the “2 + 26” cities) within the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei air pollution transmission channel—suffering the most severe haze pollution—it investigates the impact of pollution-intensive industries on haze pollution. This study reveals several key findings regarding China’s haze pollution. First, the principal source of ultrafine particles within China’s haze stems from the desulfurization, denitrification, and dust removal processes of pollution-intensive industries (the direct effect of these industries on haze is 0.028 * according to the SDM regression results). Crucially, the specific operational factors driving the abrupt increase in atmospheric UFPs during severe haze periods in China are identified as extensive management practices in desulfurization, the progressive tightening and annual escalation of denitrification emission standards, and the reliance on electrostatic precipitation which is ineffective against ultrafine particles. Second, haze pollution predominantly occurs in regions characterized by concentrations of pollution-intensive industries coupled with weak atmospheric environmental self-purification capacity (this carrying capacity for pollution-intensive industries exerts a significant negative impact on haze, demonstrated by a direct effect of −0.020 **; further analysis reveals that this is caused by regional differences in atmospheric self-purification capacity). Third, regional air transport acts as a contributing source, introducing UFPs from neighboring areas into local haze pollution, reflected by an indirect effect of pollution-intensive industries of 0.151 ** stemming from such spatial spillovers. Based on these conclusions, the study proposes a set of policy recommendations: relocate pollution-intensive industries using a gradient approach based on atmospheric self-purification capacity differences; systematically upgrade wet flue gas desulfurization technologies for industrial emissions; effectively promote technological innovation in denitrification processes; implement scientific controls on ammonia emissions; strengthen R&D in core technologies for UFP removal; innovate dust removal technologies to enhance overall system efficiency; reinforce regional coordinated governance; implement targeted training programs and select qualified management personnel; systematically enhance the environmental management capabilities of staff; and effectively mitigate the spillover effects of haze pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air Pollution and Health)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 21445 KB  
Article
Diffusion-Driven Relative Radiometric Normalization with Spatial–Spectral Attention Residual Network for Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Imagery
by Liyao Song, Chunyan Liu, Jiaqi Ma, Haiwei Li, Long Ma and Ruofeng Wang
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(13), 2156; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18132156 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Relative radiometric normalization (RRN) is fundamental to multi-temporal remote sensing analysis; however, conventional techniques often struggle with nonlinear distortions, outlier contamination, and heterogeneous land-cover conditions. To address these challenges, we propose a diffusion-based probabilistic framework that models radiometric inconsistency as a combination of [...] Read more.
Relative radiometric normalization (RRN) is fundamental to multi-temporal remote sensing analysis; however, conventional techniques often struggle with nonlinear distortions, outlier contamination, and heterogeneous land-cover conditions. To address these challenges, we propose a diffusion-based probabilistic framework that models radiometric inconsistency as a combination of deterministic residuals and stochastic perturbations. In this framework, the forward process injects structured noise and stochastic perturbations, while the reverse process restores radiometric consistency through a dual-objective variational formulation. At the core of this framework is a spatial–spectral attention residual network (SSARN), which integrates residual learning with dual attention mechanisms to capture cross-band dependencies and multi-scale spatial context. A preprocessing stage guided by the structural similarity index (SSIM) further enhances robustness by automatically selecting stable pseudo-invariant regions for model training. Comprehensive experiments on multi-temporal Sentinel-2 datasets demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms existing approaches, achieving higher accuracy and enhanced spectral fidelity. Moreover, the framework ensures greater consistency of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and preserves fine-grained textural details, underscoring its potential as a scalable and resilient solution for large-scale RRN in remote sensing applications. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3184 KB  
Review
Focal Fibrocartilaginous Dysplasia: Site-Specific Patterns of Presentation and Management—A Narrative Review
by Viola Sbampato, Ahmer Ahmad Khan, Elio Paris, Andreas Tsoupras, Wassim Ben Abdennebi, Ardit Ademi, Oscar Vazquez, Giacomo De Marco and Dimitri Ceroni
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 5200; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15135200 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia (FFCD) is a rare, benign developmental disorder of the growing skeleton first described 40 years ago. It is characterised by a fibrocartilaginous tether adjacent to the physis, which disrupts symmetrical growth and leads to progressive angular deformity. The [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia (FFCD) is a rare, benign developmental disorder of the growing skeleton first described 40 years ago. It is characterised by a fibrocartilaginous tether adjacent to the physis, which disrupts symmetrical growth and leads to progressive angular deformity. The aim of this review was to define site-specific clinical patterns and management principles for FFCD to optimise patient outcomes. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of more than four decades of published literature on FFCD. All identified English-language case reports, case series, and review articles were analysed to synthesise evidence on clinical presentation, anatomical location, natural history and treatment strategies. Results: To date, 169 cases have been reported, with approximately two-thirds involving the proximal tibia. Tibial lesions typically present in toddlers as unilateral genu varum and, in most cases, demonstrate spontaneous remodelling and complete resolution. In contrast, femoral and upper-limb lesions rarely resolve spontaneously and often progress, thereby warranting earlier and more invasive management. Radiographic findings are highly characteristic, most commonly showing a cortically based metaphyseal lucency with a sclerotic rim. These features are generally considered sufficient for diagnosis, usually eliminating the need for biopsy. Management has evolved towards a tailored approach, consisting of observation for tibial lesions with potential for spontaneous resolution and timely surgical intervention for femoral or upper-limb lesions at risk of progression or joint compromise. Conclusions: Despite the advances made in recent decades, FFCD remains a distinctive yet heterogeneous condition in paediatric orthopaedics. This narrative review summarises more than four decades of published literature, including case reports, case series, and review articles, with particular attention to site-specific clinical patterns and their implications for optimising management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2266 KB  
Review
Promoting Bone Health in Layer Chickens from the Perspective of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Osteoclasts
by Zhiyu Su, Shuo Tian, Ruilong Song, Zongping Liu and Xishuai Tong
Animals 2026, 16(13), 2046; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16132046 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Layer chickens have dual physiological demands for rapid growth and continuous egg production. The maintenance of skeletal homeostasis in layer chickens relies on the precise coordination among OCs, osteoblasts (OBs), and osteocytes. The imbalances in the supply of nutrients such as calcium (Ca) [...] Read more.
Layer chickens have dual physiological demands for rapid growth and continuous egg production. The maintenance of skeletal homeostasis in layer chickens relies on the precise coordination among OCs, osteoblasts (OBs), and osteocytes. The imbalances in the supply of nutrients such as calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), as well as dysfunction of the “gut–bone” axis, can disrupt normal bone development in layer chickens, leading to bone diseases such as tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) and osteoporosis (OP), seriously damaging the production performance of layer chickens. This review systematically summarizes the knowledge background of the metabolic reprogramming of OCs in layer chickens, especially mitochondria-mediated biological processes, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), glycolysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, mitophagy, etc. Notably, the co-culture system of OCs derived from the bone marrow cavity of embryos in vitro has been established in laying chickens. However, there are few reports on the study of mitochondrial metabolism of OCs using this model. Therefore, this review particular focuses on the bone metabolism mediated by OCs in layer chickens and proposes future research priorities, including the application of gene editing and multi-omics methods to ultimately achieve targeted nutritional or pharmacological interventions for optimizing mitochondrial function and promoting bone health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management and Nutritional Regulation of Livestock Nutritional Metabolic Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2044 KB  
Review
The Sphingolipid Balance and Endothelial Dysfunction in Lysosomal Storage Diseases: Shared Mechanisms in Gaucher, Niemann–Pick and Fabry Disease
by Anastasiia Nekrasova, Sergey Kutsev and Alexander Shestopalov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(13), 5972; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27135972 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction underlies many cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Lysosomal storage disorders, particularly sphingolipidoses, cause intracellular accumulation of specific sphingolipids due to inherited enzyme defects. This review focuses on Gaucher, Niemann–Pick (types A, B, A/B) and Fabry diseases, selected because they exhibit clinically significant [...] Read more.
Endothelial dysfunction underlies many cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Lysosomal storage disorders, particularly sphingolipidoses, cause intracellular accumulation of specific sphingolipids due to inherited enzyme defects. This review focuses on Gaucher, Niemann–Pick (types A, B, A/B) and Fabry diseases, selected because they exhibit clinically significant cardiovascular manifestations and each accumulates a distinct sphingolipid—glucocerebroside, sphingomyelin, or globotriaosylceramide—allowing comparative analysis of how different metabolic defects converge on similar endothelial phenotypes. We summarize current knowledge on how substrate accumulation disrupts the ceramide/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) rheostat, affecting NO synthase, vascular permeability, inflammation, angiogenesis, autophagy and cell death. Common and disease-specific changes in endothelial morphology and barrier function are discussed. Importantly, direct experimental evidence for endothelial involvement in Gaucher and Niemann–Pick diseases remains scarce; most mechanistic insights derive from non-endothelial cell models, highlighting a significant gap that underscores the need for targeted endothelial studies. Deficiencies of GBA1, SMPD1, and GLA each modulate S1P and ceramide production through distinct pathways, yet all three conditions share similar functional endothelial alterations driven by disrupted sphingolipid homeostasis. Understanding these common mechanisms opens new perspectives for diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring sphingolipid balance in the endothelium, though further research is required to validate these findings in endothelial-specific contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sphingolipids in Infections, Disorders and Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 670 KB  
Systematic Review
Nursing-Led Interventions for Preventing Falls in Hospitalized Patients: A Systematic Literature Review
by José Moreira, Patrícia Fialho, Sílvia Alexandrino, Marisa Mendes, Lina Granadeiro, Helga Martins and Susana Miguel
Nurs. Rep. 2026, 16(7), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16070232 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background: In-hospital falls are common adverse events associated with injuries, functional decline, prolonged length of stay, and increased healthcare costs, which require effective and sustained nursing interventions. Objective: To identify, through a Systematic Literature Review, which nursing care interventions are effective in reducing [...] Read more.
Background: In-hospital falls are common adverse events associated with injuries, functional decline, prolonged length of stay, and increased healthcare costs, which require effective and sustained nursing interventions. Objective: To identify, through a Systematic Literature Review, which nursing care interventions are effective in reducing the incidence/rate of falls among inpatients in hospital settings. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using the JBI methodology. The review was guided by the PICO framework (P: inpatients; I: nursing care interventions; C: usual care; O: incidence of accidental falls). A comprehensive search was performed in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus databases. Studies were included if they evaluated nursing-led or nursing-related interventions aimed at fall prevention and reported fall-related results. Eligible study designs included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, observational studies, and quality improvement initiatives. Study selection, data extraction, and critical appraisal were conducted according to JBI recommendations. Results: Six studies were included (quasi-experimental, cohort, prospective/observational, and quality improvement projects). Two main themes emerged: (1) structured multifactorial and educational interventions and (2) technology-based interventions. Multifactorial approaches that combine risk assessment, education, communication, and environmental measures have been shown to improve adherence and reduce falls. Technology-based interventions, especially video monitoring, showed the most consistent reductions in fall rates, including fewer nighttime falls and decreased need for one-to-one observation. The included studies were methodologically heterogeneous in design, clinical setting, and outcome definitions, which precluded statistical pooling and warrants caution in the interpretation of the findings. Conclusions: Structured, standardized, multifactorial, and nursing-led approaches can contribute to reducing inpatient falls. However, more robust and comparable studies are required to consolidate practice-relevant recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nursing Care for Older People)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

9 pages, 266 KB  
Review
Wakefield Acceleration in Gamma-Ray Bursts
by Jahanvi Jahanvi, Alessandro Armando Vigliano and Francesco Longo
Condens. Matter 2026, 11(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat11030025 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) represent the most powerful explosions in the Universe, releasing extreme fluxes of non-thermal radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. A central enigma in GRB physics remains the mechanism responsible for accelerating electrons, positrons, and hadrons to the required ultra-relativistic energies. Conventional [...] Read more.
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) represent the most powerful explosions in the Universe, releasing extreme fluxes of non-thermal radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. A central enigma in GRB physics remains the mechanism responsible for accelerating electrons, positrons, and hadrons to the required ultra-relativistic energies. Conventional theories primarily invoke diffusive shock acceleration (DSA), magnetic reconnection, and relativistic turbulence. This short review first examines these canonical acceleration methods, then discusses the principles and successes of plasma wakefield acceleration as a powerful future technique for ground-based applications. Finally, we critically analyze the feasibility of applying this mechanism to the cosmological environment of GRBs, exploring why the terrestrial success of wakefield acceleration has not yet been definitively confirmed “on the sky”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Universe Observed With Particle Detectors: Celebrating the Scientific Legacy of Prof. Guido Barbiellini Amidei)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 17578 KB  
Article
Mechanical-Enhanced Porous Silk-Based Cryogenic Microneedles for Cell Thawing/Revival in the Gastric Wall
by Zhiwei Yin, Limin Zhang, Rui Shi, Xin Xia, Zhaoxin Wang, Ling Li and Zhuo Chen
Polymers 2026, 18(13), 1654; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18131654 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Cell therapies for gastric disorders lack minimally invasive delivery platforms that preserve cell viability during storage and enable effective tissue penetration, owing to the high toughness and harsh environment of the gastric wall. Herein, we developed a mechanically reinforced, porous silk-based cryogenic microneedle [...] Read more.
Cell therapies for gastric disorders lack minimally invasive delivery platforms that preserve cell viability during storage and enable effective tissue penetration, owing to the high toughness and harsh environment of the gastric wall. Herein, we developed a mechanically reinforced, porous silk-based cryogenic microneedle (silk-cryoMN) platform for in situ cell delivery to the gastric wall. The optimized 1.5% (w/v) silk scaffolds exhibited interconnected pores (24.4 ± 7.9 μm, ~81% porosity), a compressive strength (422.8 ± 73.4 MPa), and a 3.4-fold increase in β-sheet content. The silk-cryoMNs showed greater thermal stability than H2O-cryoMNs, maintaining structural integrity for over 60 s at room temperature. With a cryopreservation medium containing 100 mM sucrose and 2% DMSO, post-thaw cell viability exceeded 80% after 11 days of freezing, and most cells were released within 1 h. Furthermore, ex vivo studies confirmed penetration of porcine gastric tissue to depths of 422–448 μm within 30 s. These results suggest that the platform may address several translational barriers, including tissue penetration, handling stability, and cell viability preservation. Further in vivo studies and long-term safety evaluations are needed before clinical translation can be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cellular Polymeric Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 608 KB  
Review
The Complex Interplay of Malaria and EBV in Burkitt Lymphoma
by Rosemary Rochford and Sam M. Mbulaiteye
Cancers 2026, 18(13), 2146; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18132146 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma endemic in children in regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where its incidence geographically overlaps holoendemic Plasmodium falciparum malaria and poorly controlled childhood Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Despite decades of research, the precise mechanistic synergy between these [...] Read more.
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma endemic in children in regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where its incidence geographically overlaps holoendemic Plasmodium falciparum malaria and poorly controlled childhood Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Despite decades of research, the precise mechanistic synergy between these two pathogens remains incompletely defined. This review synthesizes current epidemiological, immunological, and molecular evidence to propose an integrated model for the etiology of endemic BL. We outline a paradoxical, dual-edged relationship wherein EBV infection during infancy may provide a short-term child survival advantage against severe malaria while simultaneously increasing the long-term oncogenic risk in B-cells infected by EBV. P. falciparum infection triggers polyclonal B-cell activation, increasing the probability of an activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID)-mediated c-MYC translocation in proportion to the recurrent parasite burden. Concurrently, EBV expands within this B-cell pool and modulates the host immune response, potentially through viral interleukin-10 (vIL-10), to prevent lethal malarial inflammation. At the cellular level, EBV provides a critical “second hit” when it establishes latency I infection that rescues c-MYC-translocated B-cells from apoptosis. This framework explains why BL manifests as a “tumor of malaria survivors,” peaking in incidence years after the highest-risk period for malaria mortality. Ultimately, this model underscores that malaria control is a critical form of cancer control and highlights key future directions for validating these pathways in prospective clinical studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Burkitt Lymphoma: From Pathogenesis to Current Treatments: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

6 pages, 243 KB  
Communication
Signatures of an Entangled Graviton Duet
by Preston Jones, Logan Finke and Joseph Ribaudo
Universe 2026, 12(7), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe12070198 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
With the detection of the Higgs boson, the standard model is an almost complete theory. Missing from the model is a massless spin-two boson, the graviton. We might reasonably expect that detection of gravitational radiation would include the observation of the graviton as [...] Read more.
With the detection of the Higgs boson, the standard model is an almost complete theory. Missing from the model is a massless spin-two boson, the graviton. We might reasonably expect that detection of gravitational radiation would include the observation of the graviton as the quanta of the radiation. However, the connection between gravitational radiation observations and the theoretical graviton has yet to be realized due to the physical limitations on single-graviton detections. A more promising approach to the demonstration of the non-classical nature of gravitational radiation is to look at quantum entanglement in bipartite detections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 3rd International Online Conference on Universe (IOCU 2026))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 487 KB  
Review
Lipid Metabolism, Body Composition, and Diet in Acne Vulgaris: A Narrative Review
by Olivia Jakubowicz-Zalewska, Angelika Biełach-Bazyluk, Hanna Myśliwiec, Mateusz Matwiejuk and Iwona Flisiak
Metabolites 2026, 16(7), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16070466 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that is increasingly recognized as a condition linked to systemic metabolic disturbances. Growing evidence suggests that alterations in lipid metabolism, both in sebum composition and circulating lipid profiles, may play a [...] Read more.
Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that is increasingly recognized as a condition linked to systemic metabolic disturbances. Growing evidence suggests that alterations in lipid metabolism, both in sebum composition and circulating lipid profiles, may play a key role in acne pathogenesis. This narrative review aims to summarize current knowledge on the relationships between lipid metabolism, body composition, diet, and acne. Acne vulgaris should be considered not only a dermatological condition but also a disorder with metabolic components. A deeper understanding of lipid-related mechanisms may support the development of more personalized and metabolically targeted therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Diet on the Metabolism and Body Composition of Patients with Skin Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 1526 KB  
Article
Task Scheduling of Joint Node Selection and Path Planning in Computing Power Network
by Chengyong Yang, Xuanlong Ruan and Jianlin Cheng
Telecom 2026, 7(4), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/telecom7040085 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Cloud computing and mobile edge computing address the growing demand for computing power driven by the rise in data-intensive applications, but they are prone to creating computing silos, resulting in unbalanced resource utilization. To address this issue, the computing power network (CPN) has [...] Read more.
Cloud computing and mobile edge computing address the growing demand for computing power driven by the rise in data-intensive applications, but they are prone to creating computing silos, resulting in unbalanced resource utilization. To address this issue, the computing power network (CPN) has been introduced to enable the centralized management and scheduling of resources across the entire network. However, task scheduling in the CPN requires joint selection of computation nodes and routing paths, which greatly increases the complexity of the scheduling problem. In existing studies, heuristic methods are difficult to satisfy real-time requirements, whereas deep reinforcement learning methods ignore the collaborative optimization of network resources, making them difficult to adapt to complex CPN scenarios. To this end, we propose a task scheduling method for the CPN, called TS-DQNF. First, the method uses the Deep Q-Network (DQN) to determine the computation node for the computation task. Then, it introduces a dynamic congestion-aware mechanism to determine a low-cost routing path. Finally, it gradually obtains an effective task scheduling scheme through multiple rounds of alternating iterations. Simulation results show that the TS-DQNF improves the task success rate by 2.47–60.71% and reduces the average processing delay by 1.92–16.94% compared with other methods, while demonstrating good convergence performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Future Trends in 6G and Next-Generation Wireless Communication Networks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 17383 KB  
Article
Urban Land Expansion and Ecological Response in Astana (2000–2030): SVM-Based Remote Sensing Classification and Scenario Simulation Using the CA–Markov Model
by Aidyn Altay, Yernar Kanagat, Shaoliang Zhang and Nurzhan Tursynbayev
Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6746; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136746 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Urbanization is a major driver of land-use change and ecological shifts, especially in semi-arid regions with high environmental sensitivity. This study examined urban land growth and its ecological impacts in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 2000 to 2020 and forecasted trends for 2030. Landsat imagery [...] Read more.
Urbanization is a major driver of land-use change and ecological shifts, especially in semi-arid regions with high environmental sensitivity. This study examined urban land growth and its ecological impacts in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 2000 to 2020 and forecasted trends for 2030. Landsat imagery was classified using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) approach, and ecological conditions were assessed through spectral indices, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), land surface temperature (LST), a Tasseled Cap Wetness index (Wet), and a Normalized Difference Bare-Soil and Built-up Index (NDBSI). The Future Land Use Simulation (CA–Markov) model simulated land use under Business-as-Usual (BAU) and Ecological Priority (EP) scenarios. The results showed a significant increase in built-up land, mainly at the expense of cropland and grassland, with increased landscape fragmentation and rising LST, indicating intensifying urban heat. Ecological indices showed spatially varied responses, with localized greening in protected areas and overall environmental pressure in expanding zones. Scenario simulations suggest that policy interventions under the EP scenario can mitigate cropland loss, limit fragmentation, and enhance ecological connectivity compared with BAU. Overall, the findings show that integrating remote sensing, machine learning, and scenario modeling offers an effective framework for assessing urban–ecological dynamics and supports evidence-based planning for sustainable urban development in semi-arid cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Ecological and Environmental Sustainability Based on Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 11561 KB  
Article
6β-Acetoxysandaracopimaradien-1α,9α-diol Attenuates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury: Association with Alterations in Src, MAPK, and Akt/GSK-3β Signalling
by Nassareen Supaweera, Wanatsanan Chulrik, Chutima Jansakun, Aman Tedasen, Chuchard Punsawad, Porawan Pratumwan, Rungruedee Kimseng, Ratchanaporn Chokchaisiri, Apichart Suksamrarn and Warangkana Chunglok
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(13), 5969; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27135969 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Experimental acute lung injury (ALI) models are widely used to investigate pulmonary inflammation and evaluate therapeutic strategies for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Kaempferia marginata is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat fever and has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties in [...] Read more.
Experimental acute lung injury (ALI) models are widely used to investigate pulmonary inflammation and evaluate therapeutic strategies for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Kaempferia marginata is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat fever and has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. 6β-Acetoxysandaracopimaradien-1α,9α-diol (ASPD), a major isopimarane-type diterpenoid isolated from this plant, has not previously been investigated for its effects on ALI. This study employed an integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation strategy to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of ASPD against LPS-induced ALI. Network pharmacology analysis identified several inflammation-related hub targets associated with Src, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt signalling. In LPS-stimulated MLE-12 cells, ASPD reduced inflammatory cytokine production and inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK1/2, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, Akt, and GSK-3β. In mice with LPS-induced ALI, ASPD alleviated histopathological lung injury, pulmonary oedema, and inflammatory cell infiltration while reducing IL-6, TNF-α, and myeloperoxidase activity without apparent toxicity. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated reduced Src and ERK1/2 expression in lung tissue. Molecular docking analysis predicted favourable binding affinities between ASPD and selected Src- and MAPK-related signalling proteins. These findings suggest that ASPD attenuates LPS-induced ALI and is associated with alterations in Src-, MAPK-, and Akt/GSK-3β-related signalling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts and Natural Products: Molecular Insights into the Biofunctional Properties)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 6027 KB  
Article
Evidence for a Constrained Mutational Pathway to High-Level Spectinomycin Resistance in Neisseria: RpsE Loop 2 Mutations and Associated Growth Costs
by Dmitry V. Kravtsov, Dmitry A. Gryadunov, Anastasia A. Anashkina and Boris L. Shaskolskiy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(13), 5971; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27135971 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global concern. Spectinomycin is unusual in that resistance can emerge rapidly during localized outbreaks yet often disappears from clinical populations after drug withdrawal, suggesting an associated growth cost. To investigate evolutionary routes to spectinomycin resistance, we [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global concern. Spectinomycin is unusual in that resistance can emerge rapidly during localized outbreaks yet often disappears from clinical populations after drug withdrawal, suggesting an associated growth cost. To investigate evolutionary routes to spectinomycin resistance, we performed in vitro selection on two N. gonorrhoeae strains and two commensal Neisseria species. Derived cell lines were characterized by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, whole-genome sequencing, growth-kinetics analysis, and molecular modelling of the RpsE (ribosomal protein S5) interface with the ribosome. All high-level resistant isolates (MIC > 2048 mg/L) acquired substitutions or deletions in loop 2 of RpsE. Modelling showed that these mutations perturb the conserved network of stabilizing contacts between RpsE residues Lys25 (Lys23 in E. coli numbering) and Lys28 (Lys26), as well as helix 34 nucleotides G922, A923, and C1069 of 16S rRNA, potentially altering the architecture of the spectinomycin-binding site. These mutations were associated with high-level resistance but reduced growth rates, with the resulting growth costs depending on the specific pattern of contact rearrangements. Convergent evolution towards loop 2 mutations supports the existence of a constrained mutational pathway to high-level spectinomycin resistance in the strains and species examined here. This constraint may help explain the rapid decline of resistant variants in the absence of drug pressure and underscores the importance of genomic surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Strategies in Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5075 KB  
Article
Seasonal Expansion and Spatial Concentration in Arctic Shipping: A Data-Driven Analysis Using the Arctic Traffic Intensity Framework
by Pedro Coelho Terossi, Yuri Alexandre Meyer and Rafael Henrique de Oliveira
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(13), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14131236 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
The rapid cryospheric transformation of the Arctic presents complex challenges for global supply chains, necessitating data-driven decision-making frameworks to optimize route planning and resource allocation. Standard aggregate statistics fail to capture the structural nuances required for operational research models in this evolving landscape. [...] Read more.
The rapid cryospheric transformation of the Arctic presents complex challenges for global supply chains, necessitating data-driven decision-making frameworks to optimize route planning and resource allocation. Standard aggregate statistics fail to capture the structural nuances required for operational research models in this evolving landscape. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal dynamics of Arctic navigation intensity to determine the extent of the operational window expansion and the spatial displacement of shipping routes. We deployed the Arctic Traffic Intensity Framework (ATIF) to generate a high-resolution spatiotemporal dataset spanning 2012–2024. To address variance instability and inform strategic forecasting, a log-linear regression model was applied to calculate the Annual Percentage Change, allowing for a dual analysis of absolute linear trends (volume) versus relative growth (proportional intensity) across heterogeneous baselines. A bilateral expansion of the high-intensity window to nearly five months (June–October) was observed, driven by earlier spring break-up and delayed autumn freeze-up. Spatially, the geometric navigational centroid has shifted southwestward, highlighting a concentration of activity in the Barents and Kara Seas rather than a uniform Transpolar dispersion. It can be concluded that the Arctic shipping system has transitioned from a seasonally restricted frontier to a standardized resource extraction corridor. However, the traffic is heavily clustered in the western sector, creating high-density logistic bottlenecks rather than a homogenized international transit route. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 12251 KB  
Article
Dual-Branch Multi-View Learning with Dual-Contrastive Information Bottleneck
by Hongzhi He, Zichen Kang, Zixi Kang, Shide Du and Renjie Lin
Technologies 2026, 14(7), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14070407 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Multi-view learning can effectively exploit the consistency and complementarity among multiple data sources and has become a major research direction in semi-supervised classification. However, the existing methods commonly suffer from several limitations, including the loss of view-specific information caused by premature feature fusion, [...] Read more.
Multi-view learning can effectively exploit the consistency and complementarity among multiple data sources and has become a major research direction in semi-supervised classification. However, the existing methods commonly suffer from several limitations, including the loss of view-specific information caused by premature feature fusion, interference from redundant inter-view noise, and the limited discriminative capability of consensus representation. These issues severely restrict classification performance under low-label settings. To address these limitations, this paper proposes Dual-branch Multi-view Learning with Dual-contrastive Information Bottleneck. The proposed framework constructs a decoupled dual-branch graph convolutional architecture to explicitly separate view-specific representations from cross-view consensus representation, thereby alleviating feature homogenization at the structural level. Furthermore, we design a dual-contrastive information bottleneck optimization mechanism, where the CLUB constraint minimizes redundant mutual information across views to suppress noise, while the InfoNCE constraint maximizes the mutual information between consensus representation and labels to enhance discriminative capability. Additionally, we employ an adaptive attention fusion module to dynamically integrate the dual-branch representations, further refining task-relevant features. The experiments conducted on nine public datasets demonstrate that the proposed method achieves favorable performance improvements over most of the selected comparison methods in semi-supervised classification tasks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Information-Theoretic Foundations for Modern AI: From Information Bottleneck to Learning Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 13281 KB  
Article
MIGA-Net: A Graph Interaction and Gated Context Network for High-Resolution Remote Sensing Change Detection
by Jingtong Yang, Xiaorong Xue, Yishuo Tian, Wen Zhang, Bingyan Lu, Xin Zhao and Wancheng Wang
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(13), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18132155 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Remote sensing change detection (CD) aims to localize land-surface changes from bi-temporal imagery and plays an important role in applications such as urban monitoring, disaster assessment, and environmental analysis. In high-resolution scenarios, CD performance is often degraded by cross-temporal appearance inconsistency, large variations [...] Read more.
Remote sensing change detection (CD) aims to localize land-surface changes from bi-temporal imagery and plays an important role in applications such as urban monitoring, disaster assessment, and environmental analysis. In high-resolution scenarios, CD performance is often degraded by cross-temporal appearance inconsistency, large variations in target scale, and boundary ambiguity introduced during multi-level decoding. To address these challenges, we propose MIGA-Net, an end-to-end framework that jointly models spatio-temporal interaction, adaptive multi-scale context aggregation, and hierarchical boundary refinement. Specifically, the Spatio-Temporal Graph Interaction Module (ST-GIM) combines interactive attention and graph reasoning to suppress pseudo-changes caused by illumination or seasonal shifts; the Adaptive Gated Context Pyramid Module (AGCP) performs content-driven scale selection and regulates context injection through a gated residual mechanism to reduce noise amplification; and the Hierarchical Boundary-Aware Refinement Module (HBAR) integrates semantic channel filtering and explicit boundary attention for progressive contour recovery. Experiments on LEVIR-CD, WHU-CD, and SYSU-CD demonstrate that MIGA-Net achieves F1 scores of 91.84%, 92.52%, and 82.92%, and IoU scores of 84.91%, 86.08%, and 70.83%, respectively. The proposed method yields consistent improvements in both quantitative metrics and structural boundary quality, indicating its effectiveness for robust pseudo-change suppression and structurally faithful prediction in high-resolution remote sensing CD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Image Change Detection and Feature Enhancement Based on Deep Learning)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 4915 KB  
Article
Gas–Solid Interaction Mechanisms in Bulk Material Discharge Through Horizontal Orifices: Arch Stability and Flow Regime Transitions
by Saule Kazhikenova and Sandugash Akhmetova
Processes 2026, 14(13), 2169; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14132169 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Reliable discharge of bulk granular materials is essential for the efficient operation of shaft furnaces, pneumatic conveying systems, and industrial dosing equipment, where uncontrolled arch formation can lead to flow instability and blockage. This study investigates the effect of gas velocity, direction, and [...] Read more.
Reliable discharge of bulk granular materials is essential for the efficient operation of shaft furnaces, pneumatic conveying systems, and industrial dosing equipment, where uncontrolled arch formation can lead to flow instability and blockage. This study investigates the effect of gas velocity, direction, and configuration on arch formation and collapse during bulk granular material discharge through horizontal orifices. Experiments were conducted using cold quasi-2D (250 × 50 × 5 mm) and hot scale models (cylindrical shaft, D = 300 mm, H = 500 mm) with high-speed imaging (2000 fps, 1280 × 1024) across various materials. Uniform gas flow stabilizes arches, reducing the normalized mass flow rate Wt/W0 to 0.20 ± 0.03 at critical gas velocity ratios V1/V2≤20 and area ratios L1/L2≥0.37. Conversely, localized gas jets increase Wt/W0 to 1.45 ± 0.05. The scientific novelty lies in the development of a unified torque-balance model that, for the first time, predicts critical counter-current gas velocities Vkr across different operating configurations with an error not exceeding ±28.9% (n = 3, p < 0.05). Three characteristic discharge regimes—continuous flow, pulsating discharge, and blockage-dominated flow—were identified and related to the stability of dynamically unstable arch structures. These findings provide a quantitative basis for the design and optimization of industrial systems such as shaft furnaces, pneumatic conveyors, and dosing units. Future work will focus on industrial-scale validation, extension to humid or cohesive materials, and investigation of more complex flow geometries to further improve gas-assisted flow control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Particle Processes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 638 KB  
Article
Cardiovascular Risk and Bone Mineral Density in Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever: The Role of Disease Severity and Genetic Mutations
by Emrah Çığrı, Funda Çatan İnan, Sedat Gülten, Fethiye Yildiz, Mehmet Akif Bildirici, Hilmi Onur Kabukçu, Eren Yildiz, Metin Asileren, Ayşe Ece Gökkaya, Elif Aksu and Eren Er
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(13), 5970; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27135970 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
In the present study, cardiovascular risk indices (Atherogenic Index of Plasma [AIP], Atherogenic Coefficient [AC], Castelli Risk Index-1 [CRI-1], and Castelli Risk Index-2 [CRI-2]) and bone mineral density (BMD SDS) were evaluated in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), and the association of [...] Read more.
In the present study, cardiovascular risk indices (Atherogenic Index of Plasma [AIP], Atherogenic Coefficient [AC], Castelli Risk Index-1 [CRI-1], and Castelli Risk Index-2 [CRI-2]) and bone mineral density (BMD SDS) were evaluated in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), and the association of these parameters with disease severity and MEFV gene mutations was investigated. A total of 126 participants (96 FMF patients and 30 healthy controls) were included in the study. FMF patients were classified as mild, moderate, or severe according to the PRAS severity score. Cardiovascular risk indices, biochemical parameters of bone metabolism, and BMD SDS values were compared among the groups. The relationship between BMD SDS and atherogenic indices was assessed by Spearman correlation analysis. The results were also analyzed according to MEFV gene mutations. No significant difference was detected among the groups in terms of sex or age (p > 0.05). FMF patients were found to have substantially higher cardiovascular risk indices than the control group, and these indices increased in parallel with disease severity (p < 0.05). The BMD SDS value of the severe FMF group was significantly lower than that of the other groups (p = 0.025). No difference was detected among the groups with respect to bone metabolism parameters (p > 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between BMD SDS and cardiovascular risk indices (p > 0.05). M694V was the most frequently detected mutation, and the BMD SDS value was lower in patients carrying mutations other than M694V (p = 0.011). The increased cardiovascular risk in FMF patients is associated with disease severity. Severe disease is accompanied by a reduction in bone mineral density. The lack of an association between cardiovascular risk and bone mineral density suggests that these systems may be affected through different mechanisms. It is important that FMF patients are monitored with respect to cardiovascular and bone health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3142 KB  
Article
Fabrication of Sodium Alginate/Inulin Synbiotic Beads for Protection and Delivery of Lactobacillus plantarum in Storage and Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions
by Weifeng Chen, Xin Li, Richao Hao, Kunpeng Zhao, Jiaxiang Zang, Xiaomin Wei and Wei Xu
Gels 2026, 12(7), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12070593 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
In this study, sodium alginate/inulin (SA/IN) composite beads were fabricated using the calcium ion cross-linking method, which encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum to provide it with resistance in a gastrointestinal environment. The results showed that the SA/IN solution functioned as a kind of pseudoplastic fluid, [...] Read more.
In this study, sodium alginate/inulin (SA/IN) composite beads were fabricated using the calcium ion cross-linking method, which encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum to provide it with resistance in a gastrointestinal environment. The results showed that the SA/IN solution functioned as a kind of pseudoplastic fluid, and the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) values exhibited a trend of frequency dependence. The diameter, water content, swelling rate, water holding capacity (WHC), and hardness of the composite beads were regulated by IN concentration, with IN making the beads rougher at first and then giving them a more regular shape as the concentration increased. The highest Lactobacillus plantarum encapsulation efficiency reached 92.8 ± 4.14%, and SA/IN beads improved the stability of Lactobacillus plantarum under 4 °C storage and heat treatment. The quantity of Lactobacillus plantarum reached 1.3 ± 0.01 CFU/g, which is close to the quantity observed before digestion. This study confirmed that SA/IN composite beads can serve as a protective carrier of Lactobacillus plantarum with prebiotic activity and can be used in functional food ingredients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Soft Gels in the Food Industry and Technology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2921 KB  
Article
A Potential Approach to Bridge the Diagnostic Gap and Propose a Referral Pathway for Suspected ATTR-CA Based on Incidental Cardiac Uptake in 99mTc-MDP Bone Scans: A Pilot Descriptive Study
by Afnan M. F. Darwesh, Leen Albalbeesi, Arwa S. Bahlas, Jana Y. Al-Khambashi, Wiam Algeraigri, Nouf Malibari, Rawan Abdeen and Fahad F. Almutairi
Diagnostics 2026, 16(13), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16132084 (registering DOI) - 3 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is crucial to improve patient outcomes. Although 99mTc-MDP is less sensitive than other bone-avid tracers for detecting ATTR-CA, it is widely used for routine bone imaging in this region. Incidental cardiac uptake on 99mTc-MDP bone [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is crucial to improve patient outcomes. Although 99mTc-MDP is less sensitive than other bone-avid tracers for detecting ATTR-CA, it is widely used for routine bone imaging in this region. Incidental cardiac uptake on 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy may therefore offer a practical opportunity for identifying suspected ATTR-CA in resource-limited settings. To evaluate incidental cardiac uptake, warranting further evaluation for ATTR-CA on routine 99mTc-MDP bone scans as an incidental flag method for patients who require further evaluation and to propose a referral pathway in resource-limited settings. Methods: A retrospective review of 229 patients was performed. The assessment of myocardial uptake was performed using the Perugini visual score and H/CL ratio analysis. Patients’ medical records were reviewed, and available cardiac imaging reports were evaluated for further assessment of cardiac involvement. Results: Nine patients demonstrated a Perugini score = 2; of these, five underwent echocardiography, demonstrating abnormalities that may indicate amyloid involvement. No patient had confirmatory ATTR-CA testing, AL-CA exclusion testing, (CMR), biopsy, or amyloid typing. In patients without prior cardiac disease, echocardiographic abnormalities may potentially represent subclinical disease, such as cardiac amyloidosis, though this requires further confirmation. In patients with HTN or diabetes, the echocardiographic changes may be attributed to the underlying conditions. Echocardiographic characteristics suggestive, but not specific, for cardiac amyloidosis were observed in patients selected based on positive 99mTc-MDP uptake. Conclusions: Incidental cardiac uptake with a Perugini score ≥ 2 can highlight patients for ATTR-CA investigation. These results provide preliminary evidence that incidental 99mTc-MDP cardiac uptake can flag patients who require further evaluation for ATTR-CA and support the implementation of a referral pathway from local evaluation to a specialized center. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

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

2 July 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO’s Letter #36 – Basel Anniversary Summit, 2025 Impact Factors & CiteScores, CSAL Partnership & ncRNA2026
2 July 2026
MDPI Acquires Swiss Journals in Healthcare Portfolio Expansion
24 June 2026
MDPI Joins LIBER 2026 as Midnight Sun Sponsor
More News & Announcements...

Blog Posts

More From Our Blog...

Topics

More Topics...
loading...

Selected Special Issues

Selected Collections

Back to TopTop