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11 pages, 3273 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gastrocnemius Echo Intensity Is Associated with Walking Distance and Hemodynamic Improvements After Endovascular Therapy in Lower Extremity Artery Disease

by Satoshi Yuguchi, Yusuke Ochi, Yukari Sagata, Mitsuhiro Idesako, Shino Maeda and Masahito Taniguchi

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8189; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228189 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to validate the associations between the echo intensity (EI) of the gastrocnemius muscle before endovascular therapy (EVT) and post-EVT changes in the 6-min walk distance (6MWD), ankle–brachial index (ABI), and other skeletal muscle indicators in patients with lower [...] Read more.

Background: This study aimed to validate the associations between the echo intensity (EI) of the gastrocnemius muscle before endovascular therapy (EVT) and post-EVT changes in the 6-min walk distance (6MWD), ankle–brachial index (ABI), and other skeletal muscle indicators in patients with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD). Methods: A total of 29 male patients (mean age: 73.5 years) presenting with Fontaine stage II LEAD participated in this research. The EI of the gastrocnemius muscle before EVT was assessed using ultrasonography. Based on the tertiles of EI values, participants were categorized into low (n = 10), mid (n = 10), and high (n = 9) groups. The ABI, gastrocnemius thickness, EI, and 6MWD were examined before EVT, at discharge, and at 6 months after EVT. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons were conducted across the three groups before and after EVT. Results: Before EVT, the high group demonstrated lower gastrocnemius thickness (9.0 vs. 12.7 mm, p < 0.01) and shorter 6MWD (258 vs. 391 m, p < 0.05) than the low group. At 6 months after EVT, the high group demonstrated lower ABI than the low and mid groups. The low (from 391 to 467 m, p < 0.05) and mid (from 375 to 416 m, p < 0.05) groups exhibited improvements in 6MWD. However, the high group did not (from 258 to 312 m, p = 0.1). Conclusions: EI before EVT was associated with improvements in ABI and 6MWD in patients with LEAD after EVT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery)

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26 pages, 2236 KB

Open AccessArticle

Laser Trapping Technique for Measuring Ionization Energy and Identifying Hemoglobin Through Charge Quantification in Blood Samples

by Endris M. Endris, Deresse A. Adem, Horace T. Crogman and Daniel B. Erenso

Biophysica 2025, 5(4), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/biophysica5040056 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

We present a proof-of-concept study using a laser trapping (LT) approach to characterize hemoglobin variants through controlled dielectric breakdown of red blood cell membranes. Using a 1064 nm infrared laser, we analyzed 62 cells from each of four hemoglobin types (Hb AS, Hb [...] Read more.

We present a proof-of-concept study using a laser trapping (LT) approach to characterize hemoglobin variants through controlled dielectric breakdown of red blood cell membranes. Using a 1064 nm infrared laser, we analyzed 62 cells from each of four hemoglobin types (Hb AS, Hb FA, Hb FSC, Hb AC), measuring the ionization time, cell area, and trap displacement to calculate the apparent threshold ionization energy (TIE*) and apparent threshold radiation dose (TRD*). Post-ionization trajectories and radiation intensity measurements provided charge distribution profiles for each variant. Our results indicate variant-specific differences in TRD* and charge-to-volume ratios across adults and infants (p < 0.05), while the TIE* values remained largely consistent. Charge analysis revealed statistically significant variation between some groups, suggesting that TRD* and charge-based parameters may offer sensitive markers of hemoglobin heterogeneity. This work demonstrates the feasibility of laser trapping as a complementary single-cell method for hemoglobin analysis. While limited in sample size, the approach highlights the potential of TIE* and TRD* measurements for differentiating hemoglobin variants and suggests future applications in hemoglobinopathy screening and diagnostic research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biophysical Methods to Study Membrane Models, Cells, and Tissues)

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15 pages, 2020 KB

Open AccessArticle

3D Human Reconstruction from Monocular Vision Based on Neural Fields and Explicit Mesh Optimization

by Kaipeng Wang, Xiaolong Xie, Wei Li, Jie Liu and Zhuo Wang

Electronics 2025, 14(22), 4512; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14224512 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Three-dimensional Human Reconstruction from Monocular Vision is a key technology in Virtual Reality and digital humans. It aims to recover the 3D structure and pose of the human body from 2D images or video. Current methods for dynamic 3D reconstruction of the human [...] Read more.

Three-dimensional Human Reconstruction from Monocular Vision is a key technology in Virtual Reality and digital humans. It aims to recover the 3D structure and pose of the human body from 2D images or video. Current methods for dynamic 3D reconstruction of the human body, which are based on monocular views, have low accuracy and remain a challenging problem. This paper proposes a fast reconstruction method based on Instant Human Model (IHM) generation, which achieves highly realistic 3D reconstruction of the human body in arbitrary poses. First, the efficient dynamic human body reconstruction method, InstantAvatar, is utilized to learn the shape and appearance of the human body in different poses. However, due to its direct use of low-resolution voxels as canonical spatial human representations, it is not possible to achieve satisfactory reconstruction results on a wide range of datasets. Next, a voxel occupancy grid is initialized in the A-pose, and a voxel attention mechanism module is constructed to enhance the reconstruction effect. Finally, the Instant Human Model (IHM) method is employed to define continuous fields on the surface, enabling highly realistic dynamic 3D human reconstruction. Experimental results show that, compared to the representative InstantAvatar method, IHM achieves a 0.1% improvement in SSIM and a 2% improvement in PSNR on the PeopleSnapshot benchmark dataset, demonstrating improvements in both reconstruction quality and detail. Specifically, IHM, through voxel attention mechanisms and Mesh adaptive iterative optimization, achieves highly realistic 3D mesh models of human bodies in various poses while ensuring efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Computer Vision and 3D Reconstruction)

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25 pages, 2921 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Application of a Portable Chestnut-Harvesting Device

by Dezhi Ren, Ruiqiang Wang, Zefei Zhang, Guolong Li, Wanyuan Huang and Wei Wang

Agriculture 2025, 15(22), 2382; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15222382 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

To solve the problems of high resistance, high contents of impurities and high harvest damage rates commonly encountered in chestnut harvesting, a novel lightweight simplified chestnut harvester was proposed that can simultaneously perform picking, soil removal and collection. The key component of the [...] Read more.

To solve the problems of high resistance, high contents of impurities and high harvest damage rates commonly encountered in chestnut harvesting, a novel lightweight simplified chestnut harvester was proposed that can simultaneously perform picking, soil removal and collection. The key component of the harvester is the pickup drum device, which is mainly composed of a pickup claw and drum. Compared with traditional claw harvesters, the picking and impurity removal functions are combined into one. As the pickup drum device is very important in chestnut harvesters, its key components were designed and optimized in this study. According to the structure and working principle of the pickup, a mechanical simulation model based on the discrete element method (DEM) and RecurDyn 2023 was established. Through theoretical calculations and single- and multi-factor simulation tests, the optimal combination of the working parameters of the pickup drum device was obtained. The results showed that the optimal speed of the chestnut pickup drum was 45 rpm, the optimal forward speed of the chassis was 0.4 m/s, and the optimal claw length was 55 cm. A field verification test was carried out according to the optimal parameter combination. The results showed that the picking efficiency of chestnut picking device was 88.44%, and the error between this value and the simulation results (91.42%) was 1.95%—less than 3%—which verifies the correctness of the simulation model. This study provides a theoretical reference for the design and optimization of chestnut harvesters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Equipment and Automation Technology in Farmland Production)

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13 pages, 5588 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Threshold Voltage Drift for SiC MOSFET Under Avalanche Stress

by Haitao Zhang, Lin Cai, Chen Fan, Huipeng Liu, Su Yan, Rikang Zhao and Pengpeng Yuan

Electronics 2025, 14(22), 4511; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14224511 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

In this article, a dedicated testing system is developed to realize low-delay threshold voltage (V_TH) characteristic testing of silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET devices after an avalanche stress. The developed low-delay testing system enables V_TH detection within milliseconds after the avalanche, [...] Read more.

In this article, a dedicated testing system is developed to realize low-delay threshold voltage (V_TH) characteristic testing of silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET devices after an avalanche stress. The developed low-delay testing system enables V_TH detection within milliseconds after the avalanche, facilitating the study of V_TH drift behavior under different gate-source turn-off voltages (V_GS-OFF) and repeated avalanche events. Experimental results of 1200 V commercial devices indicate that after a single avalanche stress, V_TH drifts positively by about 0.11 V when V_GS-OFF is 0 V. However, if the avalanche stress is monitored at a negative bias of V_GS-OFF, V_TH exhibits a negative drift. The drift increases as a more negative gate bias is applied. When V_GS-OFF reaches 6 V, the V_TH drift saturates at approximately −0.226 V. After repeated avalanche cycles, the threshold drift does not saturate until V_GS-OFF is −10 V. Furthermore, verification shows that the V_TH drift is minimized when V_GS-OFF is −3 V. The absolute value of V_TH drift shows a non-monotonic variation with avalanche cycles: it starts to increase with the number of avalanche cycles, reaching a peak at approximately 1000 cycles, and further increasing the avalanche cycles. The magnitude of the drift gradually decreases after reaching a peak. TCAD simulations reveal that this phenomenon could be attributed to the ionization of donor/acceptor traps at the SiC/SiO₂ interface and the consequent modulation of channel hole concentration. After excitation by electric fields of varying intensities, the ionization of acceptor and donor traps undergoes differential changes, consequently leading to a non-monotonic drift in threshold voltage. Full article

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15 pages, 835 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Pulmonary Edema in COVID-19: Clinical Predictors, Long-Term Pulmonary Sequelae, and Mortality in a Romanian Cohort Study

by Diana-Maria Mateescu, Dragos-Mihai Gavrilescu, Andrei Marginean, Ioana-Georgiana Cotet, Elena-Cristina Guse, Camelia-Oana Muresan, Ana-Olivia Toma, Stela Iurciuc, Adrian-Cosmin Ilie and Alexandra Enache

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8188; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228188 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Acute pulmonary edema (APE) has emerged as an overlooked but life-threatening manifestation of COVID-19, reflecting the intersection of inflammatory, endothelial, and cardiac injury pathways. This study aimed to determine the incidence, independent predictors, and long-term pulmonary sequelae of APE in hospitalized COVID-19 [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Acute pulmonary edema (APE) has emerged as an overlooked but life-threatening manifestation of COVID-19, reflecting the intersection of inflammatory, endothelial, and cardiac injury pathways. This study aimed to determine the incidence, independent predictors, and long-term pulmonary sequelae of APE in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 127 consecutively admitted adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at a tertiary-care center in Romania. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, and imaging data were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of APE and in-hospital mortality, while three-month follow-up assessed pulmonary recovery and biomarker dynamics. Results: APE occurred in 36.2% of patients and was associated with a four-fold increase in in-hospital mortality (43.5% vs. 12.3%, p < 0.001). Elevated NT-proBNP, troponin I, and IL-6 levels independently predicted both APE occurrence and mortality. APE patients required more frequent ICU admission (52.2% vs. 18.5%, p < 0.001) and had longer hospital stays. At three months, 39% of APE survivors exhibited fibrotic CT changes, and 37% had restrictive ventilatory defects, correlating with persistently increased NT-proBNP and IL-6 concentrations. Conclusions: Acute pulmonary edema delineates a distinct cardio-inflammatory phenotype of COVID-19, driven by endothelial dysfunction and biomarker-elevated cardiac stress. Early biomarker-guided fluid management and structured multidisciplinary follow-up may mitigate both acute mortality and chronic pulmonary sequelae in post-COVID populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sequelae of COVID-19: Clinical to Prognostic Follow-Up)

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17 pages, 3901 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Shear Capacity of Horizontal Joints in Prefabricated Shear Walls

by Xuhong Shen, Jinhao Wang, Peng Liu, Jian Feng and Jianguo Cai

Buildings 2025, 15(22), 4160; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15224160 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the shear behavior of horizontal joints in prefabricated monolithic short-limb shear walls under static and low-cycle reversed cyclic loading, supported by finite-element simulations. Four specimens were tested to evaluate the influence of the bundled shear reinforcement ratio, initial reinforcement stress [...] Read more.

This study investigates the shear behavior of horizontal joints in prefabricated monolithic short-limb shear walls under static and low-cycle reversed cyclic loading, supported by finite-element simulations. Four specimens were tested to evaluate the influence of the bundled shear reinforcement ratio, initial reinforcement stress level, and loading protocol on shear capacity. The results show that increasing the bundled shear reinforcement ratio significantly enhanced both the yield and peak loads, with increases observed in the yield, peak, and failure loads. Conversely, a higher initial stress level in the reinforcement weakened the shear-friction mechanism, leading to a reduction in the load-carrying capacity. Compared to monotonic loading, low-cycle reversed cyclic loading accelerated crack propagation and cumulative damage, leading to a significant reduction in load-carrying and deformation capacities. Finite-element simulations, using the Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) model, were in good agreement with experimental results, although the simulations slightly overestimated the ultimate capacity, confirming the model’s validity. Parametric analysis indicated that increasing axial tension progressively reduced the yield and peak loads, with the reduction in peak load being more pronounced, while the cracking load remained unchanged. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the shear design and seismic performance evaluation of horizontal joints in prefabricated shear walls, offering valuable insights for future design improvements and modeling strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformable and Modular Building Systems: Mechanics, Design, and Applications Innovations)

17 pages, 1027 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Genomics of Two Newly Sequenced Rodent-Derived and One Previously Reported Tick-Derived Borrelia garinii Strains from South Korea Reveals Plasmid Variation and Virulence Gene Diversity

by Hyungsuk Kang, Yeon-Joo Choi, Ji-Young Park, Kwangjun Lee and Won-Jong Jang

Pathogens 2025, 14(11), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14111182 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Borrelia garinii is a spirochete associated with Lyme borreliosis and is widely distributed across Eurasia. Although its genomic features have been well characterized in Europe, genomic data from East Asian isolates remain limited. Two B. garinii strains, HN13 and HN18, were isolated from [...] Read more.

Borrelia garinii is a spirochete associated with Lyme borreliosis and is widely distributed across Eurasia. Although its genomic features have been well characterized in Europe, genomic data from East Asian isolates remain limited. Two B. garinii strains, HN13 and HN18, were isolated from a wild rodent (Apodemus agrarius) in South Korea and subjected to whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis. Their genomic features were compared with those of a tick-derived Korean strain 935 and additional global reference genomes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that B. garinii strain HN18 clustered closely with French strains CIP103362 and 20047, whereas B. garinii strain HN13 showed high chromosomal similarity to the Korean strain 935. Both rodent-derived strains harbored plasmids carrying virulence-associated genes, including vlsE and vls silent cassettes, which were absent in B. garinii strain 935. This study provides new genomic insights into B. garinii circulating in East Asia and reveals host-associated plasmid variation linked to virulent potential. This study also suggests possible trans-Eurasian gene flow and underscores the need for continued genomic surveillance to better understand the evolution and epidemiology of Borrelia species. Full article

29 pages, 1729 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Synthesis of Novel Candidate CK1δ Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs)

by Malte Arnold, Temi Thompson, Lorraine Glennie, Mattes Hollnagel, Gopal Sapkota and Christian Peifer

Molecules 2025, 30(22), 4452; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30224452 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

The dysregulation of CK1 isoforms is linked to various types of diseases, including neurodegeneration and different types of neoplasia such as colon, pancreatic, breast, and ovarian cancer. For CK1 isoforms, a plethora of effective small molecule inhibitors are available. However, only a few [...] Read more.

The dysregulation of CK1 isoforms is linked to various types of diseases, including neurodegeneration and different types of neoplasia such as colon, pancreatic, breast, and ovarian cancer. For CK1 isoforms, a plethora of effective small molecule inhibitors are available. However, only a few degraders of CK1α and, more recently, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for CK1δ/CK1ε have been reported. In this study, we applied the PROTAC concept by harnessing molecular modelling to design and synthesize a series of candidate CK1δ-targeting PROTACs based on a highly specific and potent benzothiazole-based CK1δ inhibitor that we previously developed in our lab. In the present study, we established a modular synthetic platform to systematically generate a set of PROTAC degrader candidates consisting of the CK1δ-specific inhibitor scaffold, alkyl and PEG linker motifs with various lengths, and Cereblon (CRBN)-engaging pomalidomide and thalidomide derivatives as E3 ligase binders. We demonstrate that several PROTACs degrade CK1δ/ε in various cells. The most potent PROTAC P1d inhibits the phosphorylation of downstream substrates through CK1δ/ε degradation. We establish the requirement of CUL4A^CRBN and the proteasome for the P1d-mediated degradation of CK1δ/ε. Full article

35 pages, 4769 KB

Open AccessArticle

Intersectoral Labour Mobility in Europe as a Driver of Resilience and Innovation: Evidence from Granularity and Spatio-Temporal Modelling

by Cristina Lincaru, Camelia Speranta Pirciog, Adriana Grigorescu and Luise Mladen-Macovei

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10333; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210333 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Intersectoral labour mobility is a key driver of economic resilience and innovation in Europe. The redistribution of workers across sectors and regions enables economies to adapt to shocks, create flexibility and increase the rate of structural change. However, the dynamics of mobility have [...] Read more.

Intersectoral labour mobility is a key driver of economic resilience and innovation in Europe. The redistribution of workers across sectors and regions enables economies to adapt to shocks, create flexibility and increase the rate of structural change. However, the dynamics of mobility have not been adequately investigated across varying scales of sectoral granularity and spatio-temporal dimensions. This paper applies the Intersectoral Mobility Index (MI) to all European NUTS-2 areas from 2008 to 2020, utilising Eurostat Structural Business Statistics. Two levels of sectoral aggregation (NACE Rev. 2, 1-digit and 2-digit) are employed to compute MI, capturing both broad and fine-grained reallocations. Classical indices of structural change (NAV, Krugman, Shorrocks) are combined with spatio-temporal modelling in ArcGIS Pro, employing Space–Time Cubes, time-series exponential smoothing forecasts, time-series clustering and emerging hot spot analysis. Results indicate that MI distributions are positively skewed and heavy-tailed, with peaks coinciding with systemic crises (2009–2011, 2020). At the 2-digit level, MI values are significantly higher, revealing intra-sectoral changes obscured in aggregated data. A statistically significant downward trend in mobility suggests an increasing structural rigidity following the global financial crisis. Regional clustering highlights heterogeneity: a small number of regions, such as Bremen, Madeira and the Southern Great Plain, have sustained high or unstable mobility, while most exhibit convergent mobility and low reallocation. This paper contributes to the conceptualisation of MI as a dual measure of resilience and innovation preparedness. It underscores the importance of multi-scalar and spatio-temporal methods in monitoring labour market flexibility. The findings have policy implications, including the design of targeted reskilling programmes, proactive labour market policies and just transition plans to maintain regional resilience during the EU’s green and digital transitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Do Businesses Increase Their Value by Adopting Innovative Sustainability Practices?)

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21 pages, 3953 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Evaluation of a Compact IoT-Enabled Microfarm for Decentralized Urban Agriculture Applied to the Cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushroom)

by Marlon O. A. Foffano, Ricardo C. Michel, Denise M. G. Freire and Elisa D. C. Cavalcanti

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10332; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210332 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

We developed and evaluated a compact mushroom fruiting chamber equipped with Internet of Things technologies, designed to support decentralized urban agriculture. The system was constructed from a retrofitted glass-door refrigerator and integrated with Internet-connected sensors and a custom microcontroller to monitor and regulate [...] Read more.

We developed and evaluated a compact mushroom fruiting chamber equipped with Internet of Things technologies, designed to support decentralized urban agriculture. The system was constructed from a retrofitted glass-door refrigerator and integrated with Internet-connected sensors and a custom microcontroller to monitor and regulate temperature and humidity continuously. The control unit managed key variables, including temperature and relative humidity, during the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms. Experimental trials assessed the effectiveness of the IoT-based system in maintaining optimal growth conditions by dynamically adjusting parameters tailored to the fungus’s specific physiological requirements during fruiting. The prototype successfully maintained a stable cultivation environment, achieving an average temperature of 25.0 °C (±0.7 °C) and relative humidity of 90% (±8%). Under optimized conditions (18 °C, with the cultivation block plastic cover preserved), mushroom yield reached 230 ± 2 g per block, corresponding to a biological efficiency of 44% and an estimated productivity of up to 612.04 kg m⁻² per year. Furthermore, the system achieved a water footprint of only 4.39 L kg⁻¹ of fresh mushrooms, significantly lower than that typically reported for conventional cultivation methods. These results demonstrate the feasibility of an efficient, compact, and water-saving controlled environment for mushroom cultivation, enabled by IoT-based technologies and organic residue substrates. Remote monitoring and control capabilities support urban food security, reduce transport-related emissions, optimize water use, and promote sustainable practices within a circular economy framework. The system’s adaptability suggests potential scalability to other crops and urban agricultural contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Renewable Resources for the Production of Biobased Products Through the Implementation of Circular Bioeconomy Principles: Second Edition)

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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1865 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Development and Characterization of 169 gSSR Markers in the Invasive Plant Xanthium strumarium L.

by Junshuang Yin, Qingyao Bai, Yiting Mao, Hui Min, Chunsha Zhang, Yibo Sun, Xiaojia Zhang and Yulong Feng

Plants 2025, 14(22), 3522; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223522 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Xanthium strumarium L. is a plant species native to North America; however, it has become a serious invasive threat in northern China due to its great environmental adaptability in the colonized regions. Therefore, elucidating its genetic traits is crucial to understanding its adaptive [...] Read more.

Xanthium strumarium L. is a plant species native to North America; however, it has become a serious invasive threat in northern China due to its great environmental adaptability in the colonized regions. Therefore, elucidating its genetic traits is crucial to understanding its adaptive success. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) comprise 1–6 nucleotides within plant genomes, which are available for evaluating the level of plant genetic diversity. However, the comprehensive analysis of high-coverage SSR markers in Xanthium is limited. This study identified 450,847 SSR loci in the X. strumarium genome. The number of SSR loci decreased with increasing SSR length within the range of 10–100 bp. Dinucleotide repeats constituted the majority (49.81%), totaling 221,154, with AT/TA motifs being the most frequent (66.62%). We developed 169 gSSR markers covering all X. strumarium chromosomes, with 5–15 markers per chromosome. Moreover, the number of different alleles (Na), number of effective alleles (Ne), Shannon’s information index (I), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), and polymorphism information content (PIC) were varied from 1.2 to 3.3, 1.077 to 2.385, 0.087 to 0.903, 0 to 1, 0.056 to 0.558, and 0.161 to 0.853, respectively. This marks the first systematic development of high-coverage SSR markers in the genus Xanthium, which increases the number of available SSR markers and reveals the molecular foundation of adaptation to invasion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)

22 pages, 1771 KB

Open AccessReview

Review of Numerical Modeling Methods of Transpiration Cooling Within Aerospace Applications

by Waziri Yasir Abdullahi, Jiancheng Zhao, Guobin Zhao, Wenxiong Xi and Jian Liu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12257; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212257 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Among the various active cooling methods, transpiration cooling currently attracts significant attention because of its efficient cooling effect and less coolant consumption, in applications such as the combustion chamber of the rockets, turbine blades, leading edges of a hypersonic vehicle, etc. With the [...] Read more.

Among the various active cooling methods, transpiration cooling currently attracts significant attention because of its efficient cooling effect and less coolant consumption, in applications such as the combustion chamber of the rockets, turbine blades, leading edges of a hypersonic vehicle, etc. With the development of advanced manufacturing technology and extremely high thermal protection demand, transpiration cooling has become more promising in the future thermal management of aerospace high-temperature components. Compared with other CFD simulations, the calculation of transpiration cooling is more complex, which couples heat transfer and fluid flow in porous media, phase change, etc. This work reviews the mathematical modeling of transpiration cooling in aerospace applications, which mainly includes four aspects: structural modeling of porous media, heat transfer modeling, turbulence modeling, and phase change modeling. For each aspect, the modeling details are provided and the advantage and limitations of each modeling method is summarized. Finally, this paper analyzes the current challenges and future research directions for transpiration cooling. Full article

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

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22 pages, 1098 KB

Open AccessReview

Circulating microRNAs and Plasma Gelsolin as Biomarkers of Sepsis: Molecular Insights and Prospects for Precision Medicine

by Mircea Stoian, Leonard Azamfirei, Sergio Rares Bandila, Adina Stoian, Dragoș-Florin Babă and Claudia Bănescu

Biomolecules 2025, 15(11), 1621; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15111621 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Sepsis is a major medical emergency, characterized by a dysfunctional immune response to infection, which often progresses to multiple organ failure and death. Early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation present significant challenges due to limitations in the specificity and sensitivity of traditional biomarkers. This [...] Read more.

Sepsis is a major medical emergency, characterized by a dysfunctional immune response to infection, which often progresses to multiple organ failure and death. Early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation present significant challenges due to limitations in the specificity and sensitivity of traditional biomarkers. This narrative review summarizes recent evidence on the potential of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) such as miR-150, miR-146a, miR-223, miR-155, miR-122, and miR-4772-5p and plasma gelsolin (pGSN) as diagnostic and prognostic markers in sepsis. We discuss mechanisms involved and their potential for integration with artificial intelligence (AI) in personalized medicine. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature. Original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses focused on the diagnostic or prognostic value of circulating miRNAs or pGSN in sepsis were included; opinion papers and case reports were excluded. Altered expression of certain circulating microRNAs correlates with disease severity and mortality. Among circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-122 and miR-150 have become the most consistently validated biomarkers in clinical studies, associated with sepsis severity and death rates. Additionally, other miRNAs such as miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-223 play roles in modulating immune and endothelial responses, highlighting the complex regulation of sepsis pathophysiology. Low pGSN concentrations at admission are associated with severe sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and serve as an independent predictor of mortality. Preclinical studies suggest that supplementation with exogenous pGSN could increase survival. AI algorithms show promising results for early sepsis detection and optimization of therapeutic decisions. However, combining circulating miRNAs and plasma gelsolin (pGSN) into AI-based models is still an exploratory idea that needs prospective validation, assay standardization, and multicenter studies before it can be used clinically. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of RNA Regulation in Inflammation)

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21 pages, 1396 KB

Open AccessArticle

Two-Stage Hybrid Optimization of Topology and Infill Density in Polymer Extrusion Additive Manufacturing for Lightweight High-Integrity Structures

by Kedarnath Rane, Andrew Bjonnes, Dickon Walker and Sampan Seth

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12258; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212258 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Material Extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing offers a versatile platform for producing lightweight, structurally optimized components. This study investigates the simultaneous optimization of topology and infill density using three polymer composite materials, PPA-CF, PAHT-CF, and ABS, selected for their mechanical performance, cost efficiency, and [...] Read more.

Material Extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing offers a versatile platform for producing lightweight, structurally optimized components. This study investigates the simultaneous optimization of topology and infill density using three polymer composite materials, PPA-CF, PAHT-CF, and ABS, selected for their mechanical performance, cost efficiency, and printability. Cylindrical specimens were fabricated with nine mass retention levels (100% to 33%) by systematically varying topology and infill parameters. Compression testing was conducted to assess stiffness, deformation behavior, and structural integrity under simulated operational loads. Results show that combining topology optimization with variable infill density can significantly reduce material usage and manufacturing time while maintaining mechanical reliability across all three materials. PAHT-CF demonstrated the highest strength-to-weight performance, while ABS offered cost-effective alternatives for less demanding applications. The study establishes clear relationships between design strategies and material behavior, enabling the production of net-shape satellite support structures with fewer design iterations and improved throughput. These findings support the adoption of resource-efficient manufacturing practices and provide a framework for sustainable, low- to mid-volume production in high-value manufacturing industries. Overall, the integration of design and material optimization advances the potential of additive manufacturing for scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious aerospace solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Systems and Tools for Optimal Design in Mechanical Engineering and Their Practical Applications)

33 pages, 2772 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Evaluating the Clinical Efficacy of Membrane-Assisted Regenerative Therapy in Peri-Implantitis Management: A Comprehensive Review Incorporating Systematic Review Evidence

by Young Joon Cho, Yong Tak Jeong, Hyun Nyun Woo, Hyun Woo Cho, Min Gu Kang, Sung-Min Hwang and Jae-Mok Lee

Materials 2025, 18(22), 5227; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225227 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Peri-implantitis (PI) is characterized by inflammatory tissue destruction and alveolar bone loss surrounding dental implants, posing clinical challenges. To promote bone regeneration, clinicians often use resorbable or non-resorbable membranes in combination with bone grafts or biologic agents. Despite their widespread application in PI [...] Read more.

Peri-implantitis (PI) is characterized by inflammatory tissue destruction and alveolar bone loss surrounding dental implants, posing clinical challenges. To promote bone regeneration, clinicians often use resorbable or non-resorbable membranes in combination with bone grafts or biologic agents. Despite their widespread application in PI management, the clinical efficacy of these approaches remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the role of membrane-assisted regenerative therapy in the management of PI. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, with the protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251089276). Sixty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcomes assessed were bone-fill gain and reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD). Although some studies reported improved bone-fill and PPD reduction with membrane-assisted regenerative therapy, the findings were not consistently significant. Future research should validate the clinical efficacy of membranes through well-designed randomized trials and develop advanced decontamination techniques and implant surface modifications that could enhance treatment predictability and patient outcomes. Overall, while membranes show potential clinical value in regenerative therapy, their necessity remains uncertain owing to variability in the current evidence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Oral Application (3rd Edition))

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20 pages, 3959 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Marble Waste-Modified Rigid Pavement Material

by Ifeyinwa Ijeoma Obianyo, Maurice Simon Nwaforcha, Kudu Yusuf, Abdulganiyu Sanusi, Abubakar Dayyabu, Musa Umar Kolo and Azikiwe Peter Onwualu

Buildings 2025, 15(22), 4159; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15224159 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

One of the environmental concerns today is the increasing amount of waste generated from marble quarrying and processing. This study evaluates the mechanical and durability properties of marble waste-modified rigid pavement material. A series of laboratory tests was conducted to obtain the properties [...] Read more.

One of the environmental concerns today is the increasing amount of waste generated from marble quarrying and processing. This study evaluates the mechanical and durability properties of marble waste-modified rigid pavement material. A series of laboratory tests was conducted to obtain the properties of marble waste-modified rigid pavement material. The slump value decreases as the percentage of marble waste increases. As the percentage of marble waste increases, the dry density gradually decreases from 2770 kg/m³ to 2590 kg/m³. Comparison of the 7-day and 28-day compressive strength indicates that replacing the gravel with marble waste resulted in early strength gain, making it suitable for use in conditions that require early strength gain. The scanning electron microscopy results indicated higher calcium content for the 10% marble waste sample, which is responsible for the cementation and supports the higher compressive strength obtained for the sample at 7 days of curing, due to early strength gain. The study is the first to show the synergistic effect of marble waste on early strength and durability in rigid pavements. These findings showed that marble waste can be used as a modifier in rigid pavement materials. The study contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 11. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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13 pages, 852 KB

Open AccessArticle

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Disruption of Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Integrity by Dioxin Isomers

by Hideki Kakutani and Teruyuki Nakao

Toxics 2025, 13(11), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13110993 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

The intestinal epithelium constitutes a critical barrier that protects the host from luminal toxins. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, are ubiquitous aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands. However, their effects on intestinal barrier integrity remain poorly understood. We examined [...] Read more.

The intestinal epithelium constitutes a critical barrier that protects the host from luminal toxins. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, are ubiquitous aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands. However, their effects on intestinal barrier integrity remain poorly understood. We examined representative POPs in vitro (using human Caco-2 monolayers) and in vivo (using a mouse jejunal loop model). Measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance, fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran permeability, and cytotoxicity revealed that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) impaired barrier function at non-cytotoxic concentrations. This effect was accompanied by increased ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity and subsequently reversed by the AhR antagonist CH223191, indicating AhR dependence. Mechanistically, TCDD suppressed claudin-1, claudin-4, and zonula occludens-1 expression while upregulating the transcription factor Slug, consistent with junctional remodeling. In vivo, TCDD enhanced systemic dextran leakage and reduced claudin-4 expression in jejunal epithelia. These findings identify intestinal barrier disruption as a sensitive toxicological endpoint of POP exposure and provide mechanistic insight into the link between environmental pollutants and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Hazards and Challenges)

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23 pages, 1337 KB

Open AccessArticle

Siberian Tarragon: A Promising Source of Flavone O-Glycosides and Methylated Flavanone Aglycones in North Asian Accessions of Artemisia dracunculus

by Daniil N. Olennikov, Nina I. Kashchenko and Nadezhda K. Chirikova

Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111393 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Artemisia dracunculus L., commonly known as tarragon, is a popular culinary herb and a valuable source of bioactive extracts and phytocompounds. Its wide distribution across regions of the Northern Hemisphere demonstrates the species’ high adaptability to diverse growing conditions and has led [...] Read more.

Artemisia dracunculus L., commonly known as tarragon, is a popular culinary herb and a valuable source of bioactive extracts and phytocompounds. Its wide distribution across regions of the Northern Hemisphere demonstrates the species’ high adaptability to diverse growing conditions and has led to the development of chemoraces that differ in chemical composition. North Asian populations of A. dracunculus remain poorly studied, and plants growing in Siberia have not yet been examined. Given the vast areas occupied by tarragon, the species is a promising candidate for industrial use. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) profiling identified 80 compounds in Siberian tarragon samples, including hydroxycinnamates (HCys), coumarins, flavonoid aglycones (FlAs), and glycosides (FlGs). Among these, 62 phenolics were reported for the first time as A. dracunculus metabolites, highlighting the uniqueness of the North Asian accessions, particularly in their diversity of flavone O-glycosides and methylated flavanone aglycones. The highest levels of HCy, FlA, and FlG were 21.84, 52.53, and 54.44 mg/g, respectively, yielding a total phenolic content of 128.81 mg/g in the dry plant material—a high value. The concentrations of certain compounds exceeded 1%, making tarragon a noteworthy source of rare metabolites, including naringenin 7-O-methyl ester, thermopsoside, tilianin, and naringenin 7,4′-di-O-methyl ester. Thus, the existing knowledge of the chemical profile of tarragon has been expanded by new data on phenolic compounds from the North Asian populations of the species, which may be used to develop new A. dracunculus varieties with improved metabolic profiles and bioactive properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Phytochemical Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Horticultural Crops)

19 pages, 1473 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biochemical Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation of Four Medicinal Plant Species Grown in Northwestern Tunisia

by Monia Bouzazi, Houcine Selmi, Fatma Tajini, Mourad Jridi, Selim Jallouli, Abid Ouerghui and Hichem Sebai

Molecules 2025, 30(22), 4451; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30224451 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study assesses the phytochemicals and bioactivity of four plant species: Polypodium vulgare, Chamaemelum nobile, Ocimum forsskaolii Benth, and Lavandula stoechas. Plant chemical composition was determined. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, and HPLC identified key phenolic compounds. [...] Read more.

This study assesses the phytochemicals and bioactivity of four plant species: Polypodium vulgare, Chamaemelum nobile, Ocimum forsskaolii Benth, and Lavandula stoechas. Plant chemical composition was determined. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, and HPLC identified key phenolic compounds. In vitro ruminal fermentation trials evaluated gas production, metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMd), and the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which were subsequently identified using GC–MS. Significant variations (p ≤ 0.05) were observed among species. C. nobile and O. forsskaolii exhibited the highest total nitrogen contents (3.39 ± 0.42% and 3.20 ± 0.69%, respectively). All species contained high levels of insoluble dietary fiber, with L. stoechas showing the highest neutral detergent fiber (62.39%). C. nobile also recorded the highest polyphenol and flavonoid levels (73.88 ± 0.79 mg GAE/g DW and 27.85 ± 0.54 mg QE/g DW, respectively), along with strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.38 mg/mL). HPLC identified catechol in P. vulgare, ferulic acid in C. nobile, chlorogenic acid in O. forsskaolii, and apigenin in L. stoechas as major compounds. For in vitro fermentation, the highest gas production was recorded at D20, accompanied by increases in ME, OMd, and VFA production. GC-MS analysis revealed that the distribution of total VFAs among acetate, propionate, butyrate, and branched-chain fatty acids varied in a clear dose-dependent manner, closely associated with the acetate-to-propionate (A/P) ratio, which in turn influenced CH₄ production. These findings highlight the potential of plant extracts rich in dietary fiber and bioactive compounds to offer a sustainable alternative to conventional feed additives, enhancing ruminal fermentation, energy efficiency, and livestock performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Roots, Stems, Leaves, Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds: 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 4037 KB

Open AccessArticle

Foot-to-Forearm Tactile Feedback for Lower-Limb Exoskeleton Control: A Pilot Benchmarking Study in Healthy Adults

by Mafalda Aguiar, Carla Pais-Vieira, Demétrio Matos, André Perrotta, Peter Kreynin and Miguel Pais-Vieira

Sensors 2025, 25(22), 7050; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25227050 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Real-time tactile feedback has been applied in exoskeleton-based neurorehabilitation, particularly in spinal cord injury, through Foot-to-Forearm Feedback (FFF) at ground contact. Its effects on healthy individuals across varied terrains remain less understood. This pilot study investigated seven healthy participants controlling a lower-limb exoskeleton [...] Read more.

Real-time tactile feedback has been applied in exoskeleton-based neurorehabilitation, particularly in spinal cord injury, through Foot-to-Forearm Feedback (FFF) at ground contact. Its effects on healthy individuals across varied terrains remain less understood. This pilot study investigated seven healthy participants controlling a lower-limb exoskeleton under two conditions (with and without FFF) across five scenarios: Flat, M-Shape, A-Shape, V-Shape, and Random. Objective measures included step count, sacroiliac joint (SIJ) segment length, and SIJ angle. Subjective experience was assessed by overall preference and a Global Experience Index (GEI) derived from questionnaire ratings. Analyses showed no consistent differences in step count, SIJ length, or SIJ angle between Control and FFF. In three runs, technical issues occurred (e.g., a loose cable). Subjective data showed that five of seven participants (71.4%) preferred FFF, one reported no difference, and one preferred the Control condition. Scenario-specific analyses indicated a preference for FFF in Flat (5/7 = 71.4%), but a lower preference in Random (2/6 = 33.3%). GEI scores decreased under A-Shape and Random conditions, though FFF partially mitigated the reduction in A-Shape. These preliminary findings suggest that FFF may influence subjective experience in healthy users, but confirmation will require larger samples and further investigation across scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wearables)

18 pages, 1859 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Structural Sediment Connectivity in a Dryland Catchment of the Pamir Mountains

by Haniyeh Asadi, Roy C. Sidle and Arnaud Caiserman

Water 2025, 17(22), 3302; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223302 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Sediment connectivity constitutes a valuable metric to assess the most likely areas of sediment transport, providing a preliminary estimate of the areas to be prioritized for sediment control interventions. Assessment spatio-temporal variability in sediment connectivity can help decrease uncertainties in interpreting sediment transport [...] Read more.

Sediment connectivity constitutes a valuable metric to assess the most likely areas of sediment transport, providing a preliminary estimate of the areas to be prioritized for sediment control interventions. Assessment spatio-temporal variability in sediment connectivity can help decrease uncertainties in interpreting sediment transport and sediment yield within a catchment. In this regard, we evaluated variations in the index of sediment connectivity (IC) based on a well-established approach in the Gunt River catchment. To achieve a more effective assessment of the temporal variations in IC, we considered changes in surface soil moisture (SSM) along with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from July 2015 and 2024. Also, to better represent and more accurately assess IC within this large catchment (13,700 km²), we applied weighted mean IC values (as a novel metric) based on iso-IC lines. Our results indicate that among the environmental factors affecting IC, including SSM, slope gradient, elevation, and NDVI, SSM is the most influential in such cold, dry mountainous catchments. Also, the findings demonstrated a 38.5% increase in the extent of the medium-high and high categories of IC from 2015 to 2024. Temporal monitoring of IC revealed pronounced variations in the western (close to the outlet) and eastern portions of the catchment, likely associated with the effects of climate warming on sediment connectivity. These results emphasize that SSM is a key parameter for assessing IC in the snow- and ice-melt-dominated dry mountainous catchment associated with climate warming challenges. Accordingly, temporal and spatial monitoring of SSM can allow implementation of more effective measures for reducing sediment transfer at the catchment scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flow Dynamics and Sediment Transport in Rivers and Coasts)

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17 pages, 2359 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preventive Effects of Eclipta prostrata and Hordeum vulgare Extract Complex on Precocious Puberty in Danazol- and High-Fat Diet-Induced Rat Models

by Young-Sik Kim, Taekil Eom, Yongbin Kim, Jinhui Rhee and Hongjun Kim

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211158 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Precocious puberty, characterized by the abnormally early onset of secondary sexual development, has been increasing in prevalence worldwide. Current pharmacological treatments, including GnRH agonists, are effective but associated with adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. In this study, we investigated the [...] Read more.

Precocious puberty, characterized by the abnormally early onset of secondary sexual development, has been increasing in prevalence worldwide. Current pharmacological treatments, including GnRH agonists, are effective but associated with adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of an herbal extract complex composed of Eclipta prostrata and Hordeum vulgare (EHEC) on precocious puberty induced by danazol administration and a high-fat diet (HFD) in rat models. EHEC delayed vaginal opening (VO) and reduced ovarian maturation in both models. Furthermore, EHEC attenuated the elevation in hypothalamic GnRH mRNA expression observed in both models, without affecting body weight. These findings suggest that EHEC modulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and may serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for the prevention of precocious puberty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Natural Products in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy: 2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 1989 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Different AI-Based Wave Phase-Resolved Prediction Methods

by Shunli Cao, Dezheng Yang, Hangyu Chen, Xuewen Ma and Mao Li

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(11), 2196; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13112196 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Ensuring the safe operation of marine structures requires accurate phase-resolved wave prediction. However, current studies mostly focus on single-model verification and lack a systematic comparison of mainstream architectures under multiple environmental factors on a unified experimental benchmark, thus offering limited guidance for engineering [...] Read more.

Ensuring the safe operation of marine structures requires accurate phase-resolved wave prediction. However, current studies mostly focus on single-model verification and lack a systematic comparison of mainstream architectures under multiple environmental factors on a unified experimental benchmark, thus offering limited guidance for engineering practice. To fill this gap, we conducted a systematic wave-tank evaluation that quantifies how sea state levels, directional spectrum, prediction distance and lead time jointly affect model accuracy. Four architectures—RNN, LSTM, GRU, and TCN—were trained on 7 × 7 probe matrices acquired under sea states levels (4–7), two directional spreading coefficients (n = 2 and 6), five prediction distances (6.7–33.3 m), and lead times of 1–30Δt. Root-mean-square error (RMSE) served as the quantitative metric. Among recurrent architectures, RNN-WP achieved the lowest high-frequency error under mild sea states (SS4, RMSE = 0.28 m), LSTM-WP delivered the best overall accuracy (SS4–5, RMSE ≤ 0.37 m), and GRU-WP excelled in the medium to high frequency band (SS4–5, RMSE ≤ 0.31 m), whereas TCN-WP remained most robust at long horizons and severe sea states (SS7, RMSE = 0.42 m). Increasing sea-state severity raised RMSE by 40–90%, while a narrower directional distribution amplified errors under extreme conditions. Prediction distance and lead time altered model ranking, confirming that nonlinearity, directional spreading, distance and temporal horizon are the dominant controlling factors for deep learning phase resolved wave prediction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence and Its Applications in Intelligent Ship Navigation)

17 pages, 2333 KB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemical Simulation of 25B-NBOMe Phase I Metabolism and Metabolite Profiling by HPLC-QTOF-MS

by Agata Kot-Wasik, Agnieszka Potęga, Justyna Aszyk-Woźniak, Dorota Garwolińska, Marek Wiergowski and Andrzej Wasik

Molecules 2025, 30(22), 4450; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30224450 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

This is the first report on the electrochemical simulation of phase I metabolism of 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine (25B-NBOMe), a relatively new psychoactive substance available on the illicit drug market. The electrochemical approach enables fast generation and characterization of potential in vivo metabolites, and thus, can [...] Read more.

This is the first report on the electrochemical simulation of phase I metabolism of 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine (25B-NBOMe), a relatively new psychoactive substance available on the illicit drug market. The electrochemical approach enables fast generation and characterization of potential in vivo metabolites, and thus, can assist in the preliminary assessment of xenobiotic activity and toxicity profiles in humans. Phase I oxidation reactions of 25B-NBOMe were simulated in a three-electrode thin-layer electrochemical flow cell. Electrochemically generated products were directly analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry. To verify relevance to human metabolism, they were compared with those detected in biological samples taken from individuals severely intoxicated with 25B-NBOMe. The electrochemical conversion of 25B-NBOMe yielded key phase I metabolites—hydroxylated and N-desalkylated—along with their corresponding dehydrogenated products. O-Desmethylated and bis-O,O-desmethylated drug derivatives were also formed electrochemically, though in lower amounts. The former was confirmed in gastric contents, blood, and urine samples. Furthermore, phase II metabolites, such as O-desmethyl-25B-NBOMe glucuronide and sulfonate, were detected exclusively in some biological specimens, highlighting the complementary role of in vivo analysis. Our findings demonstrate that the electrochemical method provides a promising platform for the rapid and straightforward evaluation of 25B-NBOMe phase I metabolism. The partial overlap with authentic human metabolites supports its relevance as a screening and hypothesis-generating tool. The electrochemical approach, although not fully consistent with data from biological samples, can complement conventional in vitro and in vivo models, aiding in the identification of potential biomarkers and the evaluation of toxicological risk associated with novel psychoactive substances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Trends and Solutions in Analytical Chemistry in Poland)

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25 pages, 4801 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Gem to Glass: Liuli’s Long Transformation and the Remaking of Chinese Decorative Arts

by Yanyan Zheng and Guikun Guo

Arts 2025, 14(6), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14060147 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

This article traces the long transformation of liuli 琉璃 (Sanskrit vaiḍūrya) in China—from imported blue-green gemstones (typified by beryl) to man-made glass and, after the Song, to glazed architectural ceramics. Combining archaeological finds, textual and Buddhist sources, and mineralogical data, it argues [...] Read more.

This article traces the long transformation of liuli 琉璃 (Sanskrit vaiḍūrya) in China—from imported blue-green gemstones (typified by beryl) to man-made glass and, after the Song, to glazed architectural ceramics. Combining archaeological finds, textual and Buddhist sources, and mineralogical data, it argues that: (1) the wide circulation of Roman–South Asian glass imitations drove a dual shift in China, moving liuli from a natural gem to artificial glass; (2) Buddhist ritual and donation practices “sacralized” glass, integrating it into jewelry, vessels, and sacred spaces; and (3) this shift profoundly reshaped Chinese decorative arts, recasting color-and-light aesthetics and the material toolkit—from Han–Jin beadwork and containers, through Sui–Tang elite display, to the post-Song architectural palette epitomized by liuli tiles. The millennial journey of liuli shows how materials acquire new meanings through global exchange and local reinterpretation, and how man-made glass helped redefine Chinese decorative practice over the course of two thousand years. Full article

27 pages, 4782 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Pasture Ecosystems in Central Kazakhstan Using Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis

by Aigul Tokbergenova, Damira Kaliyeva, Kanat Zulpykharov, Omirzhan Taukebayev, Ruslan Salmurzauly, Aisara Assanbayeva, Ulan Mukhtarov, Bekzat Bilalov and Dias Tokkozhayev

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10331; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210331 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate the impact of climate change on pasture ecosystems in Central Kazakhstan, particularly within the Karaganda and Ulytau regions. The assessment combines remote sensing indicators (NDVI, LST) with long-term climatic datasets (CRU TS v4.09 and national meteorological records) for [...] Read more.

The study aims to evaluate the impact of climate change on pasture ecosystems in Central Kazakhstan, particularly within the Karaganda and Ulytau regions. The assessment combines remote sensing indicators (NDVI, LST) with long-term climatic datasets (CRU TS v4.09 and national meteorological records) for the period 2000–2024. Non-parametric statistical methods, including the Mann–Kendall trend test, Sen’s slope estimator, and Pettitt’s test, were applied to identify the direction, intensity, and structural shifts in temperature and precipitation trends. The results indicate significant regional warming, especially during summer and spring, alongside spatially inconsistent precipitation changes. The southern and southwestern areas (Zhezkazgan and Satpayev) show intensified aridization, manifested in rising land surface temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and declining vegetation productivity and exacerbated by anthropogenic pressures. Conversely, the eastern and northeastern regions exhibit stable or increasing NDVI values and moderate precipitation growth, suggesting potential for natural recovery. The study concludes that pasture degradation in Central Kazakhstan is driven by combined climatic and human factors, with pronounced spatial heterogeneity. The integrated approach enhances the reliability of climate impact assessments and provides a scientific basis for developing adaptive and region-specific strategies for sustainable pasture management under ongoing climate change. Full article

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