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20 pages, 1009 KB

Open AccessArticle

Early Screening of Sleep-Disordered Breathing Using a Smartphone-Based Portable System in Stroke Patients and Its Relevance for Rehabilitation: A Prospective Observational Study

by Sergiu Albu, Yolanda Castillo-Escario, Alicia Romero Marquez, Mónica López Andurell, Raimon Jané and Hatice Kumru

Sensors 2026, 26(3), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26030794 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common after stroke and may negatively influence recovery, yet it is frequently underdiagnosed. Portable respiratory monitoring devices could facilitate early SDB screening in these patients. We estimated the prevalence of sleep apnea (SA) using a smartphone-based monitoring system in [...] Read more.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common after stroke and may negatively influence recovery, yet it is frequently underdiagnosed. Portable respiratory monitoring devices could facilitate early SDB screening in these patients. We estimated the prevalence of sleep apnea (SA) using a smartphone-based monitoring system in post-stroke patients and examined associations between respiratory indices, stroke severity and disability (NIHSS, mRS), and rehabilitation outcomes (motor and cognitive Functional Independence Measure; FIM). Consecutive patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation within three months after a stroke underwent an overnight assessment with a smartphone-based respiratory monitoring device, which estimated the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), mean and minimum SpO₂, time with SpO₂ < 94% and <90%, and hourly oxygen desaturation events (≥3% and ≥4%). Of the 104 screened patients, 59 were recruited, while 56 had valid recordings. Most patients (89%) had previously undiagnosed SA: 11% mild (AHI ≥ 5 and <15), 38% moderate (AHI ≥ 15 and <30), and 41% severe (AHI ≥ 30). Greater event burden and nocturnal hypoxemia were associated with older age, worse baseline disability (mRS), lower admission motor FIMs, and poorer rehabilitation metrics. Smartphone-based portable monitoring is an accessible, easy-to-use approach that may enable earlier identification of SA, particularly in individuals with substantial hypoxemia or respiratory event burden. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Science to Recovery: Bridging Sensing Technology and Neurology for a Better Future)

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20 pages, 17958 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mesh-Agnostic Model for the Prediction of Transonic Flow Field of Supercritical Airfoils

by Runze Li, Yue Fu, Yufei Zhang and Haixin Chen

Aerospace 2026, 13(2), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace13020117 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Mesh-agnostic models have advantages in processing flow field data with various topologies and densities, and they can easily incorporate partial differential equations. Beyond physics-informed neural networks, mesh-agnostic models have been studied for data-driven predictions of simple flows. In this study, a data-driven mesh-agnostic [...] Read more.

Mesh-agnostic models have advantages in processing flow field data with various topologies and densities, and they can easily incorporate partial differential equations. Beyond physics-informed neural networks, mesh-agnostic models have been studied for data-driven predictions of simple flows. In this study, a data-driven mesh-agnostic model is proposed to predict the transonic flow field of various supercritical airfoils. The model consists of two subnetworks, i.e., ShapeNet and HyperNet. ShapeNet is an implicit neural representation used to predict spatial bases of the flow field. HyperNet is a simple neural network that determines the weights of these bases. The input of ShapeNet is extended to ensure accurate prediction for different airfoil geometries. To reduce overfitting while capturing shock waves and boundary layers, a multi-resolution ShapeNet combining two activation functions is proposed. Additionally, a physics-guided loss function is proposed to enhance accuracy. The proposed model is trained and tested on various supercritical airfoils under different free-stream conditions. Results show that the model can effectively utilize airfoil samples with different grid sizes and distributions, and it can accurately predict the shock wave and boundary layer velocity profile. The proposed mesh-agnostic model can be used as a decoder in any conventional models, contributing to their application in complex and three-dimensional geometries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning for Aerodynamic Analysis and Optimization)

38 pages, 9992 KB

Open AccessArticle

Learning-Based Multi-Objective Optimization of Parametric Stadium-Type Tiered-Seating Configurations

by Metin Arel and Fikret Bademci

Mathematics 2026, 14(3), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14030410 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Parametric tiered-seating design can be framed as a constrained multi-objective optimization problem in which a low-dimensional decision vector is evaluated by a deterministic operator with sequential feasibility rejection and visibility constraints. This study introduces an oracle-preserving, learning-assisted screening workflow, where a multi-output multilayer [...] Read more.

Parametric tiered-seating design can be framed as a constrained multi-objective optimization problem in which a low-dimensional decision vector is evaluated by a deterministic operator with sequential feasibility rejection and visibility constraints. This study introduces an oracle-preserving, learning-assisted screening workflow, where a multi-output multilayer perceptron (MLP) is used only to prioritize candidates for evaluation. Here, multi-output denotes a single network trained to predict the full objective vector jointly. Candidates are sampled within bounded decision ranges and evaluated by an operator that propagates section-coupled geometric state and enforces hard clearance thresholds through a Vertical Sightline System (VSS), i.e., a deterministic row-wise sightline/clearance evaluator that enforces hard clearance thresholds. The oracle-evaluated set is reduced to its mixed-direction Pareto-efficient subset and filtered by feature-space proximity to a fixed validation reference using nearest-neighbor distances in standardized 11-dimensional features, yielding a robustness-oriented pool. A compact shortlist is derived via TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution; used here strictly as a post-Pareto decision-support ranking rule), and preference uncertainty is assessed by Monte Carlo weight sampling from a symmetric Dirichlet distribution. In an archived run under a fixed oracle budget, 1235 feasible designs are evaluated, producing 934 evaluated Pareto solutions; proximity filtering retains 187 robust candidates and TOPSIS reports a traceable top-30 shortlist. Stability is supported by concentrated top-k frequencies under weight perturbations and by audits under single-feature-drop ablations and tested rounding precisions. Overall, the workflow enables reproducible multi-objective screening and reporting for feasibility-dominated seating design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven or AI-Driven Optimization Algorithms and Their Applications)

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36 pages, 12414 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Replication-Competent Flavivirus Genome with a Stable GFP Insertion at the NS1-NS2A Junction

by Pavel Tarlykov, Bakytkali Ingirbay, Dana Auganova, Tolganay Kulatay, Viktoriya Keyer, Sabina Atavliyeva, Maral Zhumabekova, Arman Abeev and Alexandr V. Shustov

Biology 2026, 15(3), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15030220 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

The flavivirus NS1 protein is a component of the viral replication complex and plays diverse, yet poorly understood, roles in the viral life cycle. To enable real-time visualization of the developing replication organelle and biochemical analysis of tagged NS1 and its interacting partners, [...] Read more.

The flavivirus NS1 protein is a component of the viral replication complex and plays diverse, yet poorly understood, roles in the viral life cycle. To enable real-time visualization of the developing replication organelle and biochemical analysis of tagged NS1 and its interacting partners, we engineered a replication-competent yellow fever virus (YFV) replicon encoding a C-terminal fusion of NS1 with green fluorescent protein (NS1–GFP). The initial variant was non-viable in the absence of trans-complementation with wild-type NS1; however, viability was partially restored through the introduction of co-adaptive mutations in GFP (Q204R/A206V) and NS4A (M108L). Subsequent cell culture adaptation generated a 17-nucleotide frameshift within the NS1–GFP linker, resulting in a more flexible and less hydrophobic linker sequence. The optimized genome, in the form of a replicon, replicates in packaging cells that produce YFV structural proteins, as well as in naive BHK-21 cells. In the packaging cells, the adapted NS1–GFP replicon produces titers of infectious particles of approximately 10^6 FFU/mL and is genetically stable over five passages. The expressed NS1–GFP fusion protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and co-fractionates with detergent-resistant heavy membranes, a hallmark of flavivirus replication organelles. This NS1–GFP replicon provides a novel platform for studying NS1 functions and can be further adapted for proximity-labeling strategies aimed at identifying the still-unknown protease responsible for NS1–NS2A cleavage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Ultrastructural Analysis: Integrating Morphology with Multidisciplinary Research)

21 pages, 16932 KB

Open AccessReview

Alternative Splicing Responses to Plant–Biotic Interactions and Abiotic Stresses in Plants

by Yuxia Yao, Bo Wang, Yuna Pan, Yushi Lu, Wenjin Yu and Changxia Li

Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030298 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Alternative splicing (AS) is a crucial post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes. Plants can cope with complex environmental changes through AS. In this paper, we found that AS plays an important role in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. First, we note that [...] Read more.

Alternative splicing (AS) is a crucial post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes. Plants can cope with complex environmental changes through AS. In this paper, we found that AS plays an important role in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. First, we note that under biotic stress (e.g., disease, insects), AS regulates the expression of immune-related genes and produces splice variants with different functions to regulate plant disease resistance. Second, under abiotic stress (e.g., drought, cold, heat, salt), plants generate functional splice variants via different AS events and change the original function of the gene. At the same time, we also found that splicing factors and regulatory elements, such as serine/arginine-rich proteins associated with AS, are also involved in the regulation of the expression of related resistance genes to improve plant stress resistance. Therefore, this review summarizes the recent progress on the main types of AS events, the functions of related splicing factors, and the action routes and regulatory mechanisms of splice variants. We hope to provide a reference for further understanding of the stress response mechanism of plant AS and provide a theoretical basis for the breeding of resistant varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Under the Abiotic Stress)

19 pages, 1900 KB

Open AccessProtocol

Workflow for Gene Overexpression and Phenotypic Characterisation in Taraxacum kok-saghyz

by Loredana Lopez, Michele Antonio Savoia, Loretta Daddiego, Paolo Facella, Elio Fantini, Linda Bianco, Simone Maci and Francesco Panara

Methods Protoc. 2026, 9(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps9010017 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Tks) is a promising plant species for natural rubber (NR) production and represents a model for studying NR biosynthesis in the Asteraceae family. The generation of transgenic plants overexpressing a gene of interest is a well-established strategy to investigate gene function [...] Read more.

Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Tks) is a promising plant species for natural rubber (NR) production and represents a model for studying NR biosynthesis in the Asteraceae family. The generation of transgenic plants overexpressing a gene of interest is a well-established strategy to investigate gene function and potential interactions. Here, we present a comprehensive workflow—from the construction of an overexpression vector to the generation, identification, and propagation of stable transgenic Tks lines. In addition, we describe a rapid and reliable method for quantifying NR content in transformed plants, providing essential phenotypic characterisation in this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Cellular Biology)

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21 pages, 4856 KB

Open AccessArticle

Event-Based State Estimator Design for Fractional-Order Memristive Neural Networks with Random Gain Fluctuations

by Qifeng Niu, Yanjuan Lu, Xiaoguang Shao, Chengguang Zhang, Yibo Zhao and Jie Zhang

Fractal Fract. 2026, 10(2), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract10020081 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study addresses the issue of nonfragile state estimation for fractional-order memristive neural networks with time-varying delays under an adaptive event-triggered mechanism. Possible gain perturbations of the estimator are considered. A Bernoulli-distributed random variable is introduced to model the stochastic nature of gain [...] Read more.

This study addresses the issue of nonfragile state estimation for fractional-order memristive neural networks with time-varying delays under an adaptive event-triggered mechanism. Possible gain perturbations of the estimator are considered. A Bernoulli-distributed random variable is introduced to model the stochastic nature of gain fluctuations. The primary objective is to develop a nonfragile estimator that accurately estimates the network states. By means of Lyapunov functionals and fractional-order Lyapunov methods, two delay and order-dependent sufficient criteria are established to guarantee the mean-square stability of the augmented system. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed estimation scheme is demonstrated through two simulation examples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis and Modeling of Fractional-Order Dynamical Networks)

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38 pages, 2523 KB

Open AccessArticle

Methods for GIS-Driven Airspace Management: Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs), Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and Crewed Aircraft in the NAS

by Ryan P. Case and Joseph P. Hupy

Drones 2026, 10(2), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones10020082 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

The rapid growth of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) presents significant integration and safety challenges for the National Airspace System (NAS), often relying on disconnected Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) practices that contribute [...] Read more.

The rapid growth of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) presents significant integration and safety challenges for the National Airspace System (NAS), often relying on disconnected Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) practices that contribute to airspace incidents. This study evaluates Geographic Information Systems (GISs) as a unified, data-driven framework to enhance shared airspace safety and efficiency. A comprehensive, multi-phase methodology was developed using GIS (specifically Esri ArcGIS Pro) to integrate heterogeneous aviation data, including FAA aeronautical data, Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) for crewed aircraft, and UAS Flight Records, necessitating detailed spatial–temporal data preprocessing for harmonization. The effectiveness of this GIS-based approach was demonstrated through a case study analyzing a critical interaction between a University UAS (Da-Jiang Innovations (DJI) M300) and a crewed Piper PA-28-181 near Purdue University Airport (KLAF). The resulting two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) models successfully enabled the visualization, quantitative measurement, and analysis of aircraft trajectories, confirming a minimum separation of approximately 459 feet laterally and 339 feet vertically. The findings confirm that a GIS offers a centralized, scalable platform for collating, analyzing, modeling, and visualizing air traffic operations, directly addressing ATM/UTM integration deficiencies. This GIS framework, especially when combined with advancements in sensor technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for anomaly detection, is critical for modernizing NAS oversight, improving situational awareness, and establishing a foundation for real-time risk prediction and dynamic airspace management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Air Mobility Solutions: UAVs for Smarter Cities)

23 pages, 2628 KB

Open AccessArticle

Scattering-Based Self-Supervised Learning for Label-Efficient Cardiac Image Segmentation

by Serdar Alasu and Muhammed Fatih Talu

Electronics 2026, 15(3), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15030506 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Deep learning models based on supervised learning rely heavily on large annotated datasets and particularly in the context of medical image segmentation, the requirement for pixel-level annotations makes the labeling process labor-intensive, time-consuming and expensive. To overcome these limitations, self-supervised learning (SSL) has [...] Read more.

Deep learning models based on supervised learning rely heavily on large annotated datasets and particularly in the context of medical image segmentation, the requirement for pixel-level annotations makes the labeling process labor-intensive, time-consuming and expensive. To overcome these limitations, self-supervised learning (SSL) has emerged as a promising alternative that learns generalizable representations from unlabeled data; however, existing SSL frameworks often employ highly parameterized encoders that are computationally expensive and may lack robustness in label-scarce settings. In this work, we propose a scattering-based SSL framework that integrates Wavelet Scattering Networks (WSNs) and Parametric Scattering Networks (PSNs) into a Bootstrap Your Own Latent (BYOL) pretraining pipeline. By replacing the initial stages of the BYOL encoder with fixed or learnable scattering-based front-ends, the proposed method reduces the number of learnable parameters while embedding translation-invariant and small deformation-stable representations into the SSL pipeline. The pretrained encoders are transferred to a U-Net and fine-tuned for cardiac image segmentation on two datasets with different imaging modalities, namely, cardiac cine MRI (ACDC) and cardiac CT (CHD), under varying amounts of labeled data. Experimental results show that scattering-based SSL pretraining consistently improves segmentation performance over random initialization and ImageNet pretraining in low-label regimes, with particularly pronounced gains when only a few labeled patients are available. Notably, the PSN variant achieves improvements of 4.66% and 2.11% in average Dice score over standard BYOL with only 5 and 10 labeled patients, respectively, on the ACDC dataset. These results demonstrate that integrating mathematically grounded scattering representations into SSL pipelines provides a robust and data-efficient initialization strategy for cardiac image segmentation, particularly under limited annotation and domain shift. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence)

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19 pages, 10092 KB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term Degradation of Aquatic Vegetation Induced by Demolition of Enclosure Aquaculture Revealed by Remote Sensing

by Sheng Xu, Ying Xu, Guanxi Chen and Juhua Luo

Remote Sens. 2026, 18(3), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18030400 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Aquatic vegetation (AV) forms the structural and functional basis of lake ecosystems, providing irreplaceable ecological functions such as water self-purification and the sustenance of biodiversity. Under the “Yangtze River’s Great Protection Strategy”, the action of returning nets to the lake has significantly improved [...] Read more.

Aquatic vegetation (AV) forms the structural and functional basis of lake ecosystems, providing irreplaceable ecological functions such as water self-purification and the sustenance of biodiversity. Under the “Yangtze River’s Great Protection Strategy”, the action of returning nets to the lake has significantly improved water-quality in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLRYR) basin. However, its ecological benefits for key biotic components, particularly AV communities, remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, this study utilized Landsat and Sentinel-1 satellite imagery to analyze the dynamic evolution of enclosure aquaculture (EA) and AV in 25 lakes (>10 km²) within the MLRYR basin from 1989 to 2023. A U-Net deep learning model was employed to extract EA data (2016–2023), and a vegetation and bloom extraction algorithm was applied to map different AV groups (1989–2023). Results indicate that by 2023, 88% (22/25) of the lakes had completed EA removal. Over the 34-year period, floating/emergent aquatic vegetation (FEAV) exhibited fluctuating trends, while submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) demonstrated a significant decline, particularly during the EA demolition phase (2016–2023), when its area sharply decreased from 804.8 km² to 247.3 km²—a reduction of 69.3%. Spatial comparative analysis further confirmed that SAV degradation was substantially more severe in EA removal areas than in EA retention areas. This study demonstrates that EA demolition, while beneficial for improving water quality, exerts significant short-term negative impacts on AV. These findings highlight the urgent need for lake governance policies to shift from single-objective management toward integrated strategies that equally prioritize water-quality improvement and ecological restoration. Future efforts should enhance targeted restoration in EA removal areas through active vegetation recovery and habitat reconstruction, thereby preventing catastrophic regime shifts to phytoplankton-dominated turbid-water states in lake ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Quality Monitoring and Quantitative Analysis in Marine and Inland Areas Utilizing Remote Sensing Techniques)

10 pages, 241 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Based Clinical Outcomes Following Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale

by Giulia Santagostino Baldi, Sebastiano Gili, Giovanni Teruzzi, Giuseppe Calligaris, Piero Montorsi and Daniela Trabattoni

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(3), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15030957 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Objectives: Although sex differences have been emphasized in stroke and congenital heart disease, there has been limited investigation into their role in patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for secondary prevention of stroke. We aimed to explore differences by sex in baseline profiles, procedural [...] Read more.

Objectives: Although sex differences have been emphasized in stroke and congenital heart disease, there has been limited investigation into their role in patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for secondary prevention of stroke. We aimed to explore differences by sex in baseline profiles, procedural characteristics, and short-term outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter PFO closure. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 458 consecutive patients (265 women and 193 men) treated with PFO closure at Centro Cardiologico Monzino in Milan between 2006 and 2011. Baseline information included demographic characteristics, medical history, diagnostic and procedural information, and periprocedural complications. Post-closure outcomes were assessed at index hospitalization and during the first follow-up. Results: The indications for PFO closure were as follows: cryptogenic stroke/TIA in 78% of women vs. 88% of men (p = 0.04). Positive thrombophilic screening was observed in 16% of women vs. 19% of men (non-significant). We observed age-matched (mean age 44 ± 12 years) patients without sex-related differences in baseline and procedural characteristics, with the exception of greater arterial hypertension in women. The mean follow-up time was 13 years for both groups. Recurrent stroke was observed in 0.1% and TIA observed in 0.4% of the ‘cryptogenic stroke/TIA’ group; in the ‘other indications’ group, 1.4% experienced stroke and no TIA was reported. No significant differences were present between sexes. Conclusions: There were no differences in procedural and short-term outcomes between males and females undergoing transcatheter PFO closure, but significant baseline differences in risk factors were identified. There is a critical need for long-term, systematic studies to understand sex and gender differences in the PFO population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Congenital Heart Disease)

24 pages, 940 KB

Open AccessReview

A Comprehensive Review of Bump-Feeding Strategies During Late Gestation: Nutritional and Behavioral Implications for Farrowing Performance and Reproductive Outcomes

by Ahsan Mehtab, Hong-Seok Mun, Eddiemar B. Lagua, Md Sharifuzzaman, Md Kamrul Hasan, Young-Hwa Kim and Chul-Ju Yang

Agriculture 2026, 16(3), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16030302 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Bump feeding is a nutritional management strategy in swine production that involves increasing feed allowance and/or dietary nutrient density during the final weeks of gestation, usually from day 90 to farrowing, to support rapid fetal growth and prepare sows for lactation. This strategy [...] Read more.

Bump feeding is a nutritional management strategy in swine production that involves increasing feed allowance and/or dietary nutrient density during the final weeks of gestation, usually from day 90 to farrowing, to support rapid fetal growth and prepare sows for lactation. This strategy is widely applied to improve piglet birth weight, neonatal viability, and subsequent reproductive performance. This review synthesizes current evidence on the effects of increased maternal feed intake during late gestation on sow body condition and feeding-related behavioral responses, and farrowing outcomes. Available studies suggest that increasing feed allowance during late gestation can influence litter characteristics, piglet survival at birth, and sow energy reserves, as reflected by changes in backfat thickness (BFT) and body condition score (BCS). The nutritional composition of bump-feeding diets, including dietary energy and amino acid balance, is critically evaluated in relation to pregnancy maintenance, farrowing duration, and early lactation performance. In addition, the roles of parity and feeding behavior during late gestation are examined, with particular emphasis on their associations with sow activity patterns, restlessness around parturition, and farrowing efficiency. Despite these reported effects, findings across studies remain inconsistent, particularly regarding the balance between improved reproductive outcomes and the risk of excessive fat deposition in sows. This review highlights key knowledge gaps and underscores the need for optimized, parity-specific bump-feeding strategies that integrate nutritional management with feeding behavior to enhance farrowing performance, piglet survival, sow welfare, and economic sustainability in modern pig production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)

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17 pages, 1426 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spherical vs. Plane Lenses for Enhanced DUV-LED Performance and Wine Aging

by Jichen Shen, Tianqi Wu, Jun Zou, Peng Wu and Yitao Liao

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031222 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

The strategic selection of lens geometry—spherical versus plane—decisively shapes the opto-thermal performance boundary of deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs), thereby governing their efficacy in application-specific photochemical processes. This study demonstrates that spherical lenses, by virtue of their superior light-collecting geometry, significantly enhance optical [...] Read more.

The strategic selection of lens geometry—spherical versus plane—decisively shapes the opto-thermal performance boundary of deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs), thereby governing their efficacy in application-specific photochemical processes. This study demonstrates that spherical lenses, by virtue of their superior light-collecting geometry, significantly enhance optical extraction efficiency and thermal management performance compared to conventional plane lenses. These engineered performance characteristics translate directly into divergent functional outcomes: spherical lenses enable rapid, high-intensity processing, while plane lenses are better suited for controlled, sustained operation. The findings establish a fundamental principle for DUV-LED packaging design: lens geometry can be tailored to optimize efficiency for distinct photochemical tasks, providing a clear pathway from device engineering to application-driven performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Photonics and Optical Communication)

21 pages, 1612 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Phasic CECT Peritumoral Radiomics Predict Treatment Response to Bevacizumab-Based Chemotherapy in RAS-Mutated Colorectal Liver Metastases

by Feiyan Jiao, Yiming Liu, Zhongshun Tang, Shuai Han, Tian Li, Yuanpeng Zhang, Peihua Liu, Guodong Huang, Hao Li, Yongping Zheng, Zhou Li and Sai-Kit Lam

Bioengineering 2026, 13(2), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13020137 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the predictive value of pre-treatment multi-phasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) radiomic features for treatment resistance in patients with rat sarcoma virus (RAS)-mutated colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) receiving bevacizumab-based chemotherapy. Seventy-three samples with RAS-mutated CRLMs receiving bevacizumab-combined chemotherapy regimens [...] Read more.

This study aims to investigate the predictive value of pre-treatment multi-phasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) radiomic features for treatment resistance in patients with rat sarcoma virus (RAS)-mutated colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) receiving bevacizumab-based chemotherapy. Seventy-three samples with RAS-mutated CRLMs receiving bevacizumab-combined chemotherapy regimens were evaluated. Radiomic features were extracted from arterial phase (AP), portal venous phase (PVP), AP-PVP subtraction image, and Delta phase (DeltaP, calculated as AP-to-PVP ratio) images. Three groups of radiomics features were extracted for each phase, including peritumor, core tumor, and whole-tumor regions. For each of the four phases, a two-sided independent Mann–Whitney U test with the Bonferroni correction and K-means clustering was applied to the remnant features for each phase. Subsequently, the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm was then applied for further feature selection. Six machine learning algorithms were then used for model development and validated on the independent testing cohort. Results showed peritumoral radiomic features and features derived from Laplacian of Gaussian (LoG) filtered images were dominant in all the compared machine learning algorithms; NB models yielded the best-performing prediction (Avg. training AUC: 0.731, Avg. testing AUC: 0.717) when combining all features from different phases of CECT images. This study demonstrates that peritumoral radiomic features and LoG-filtered pre-treatment multi-phasic CECT images were more predictive of treatment response to bevacizumab-based chemotherapy in RAS-mutated CRLMs compared to core tumor features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence for Computer-Aided Detection in Biomedical Applications, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 10020 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chitosan/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Nanocomposites Prepared via Electrolyte Gelation–Spray Drying for Controlled Ampicillin Delivery and Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

by Anh Dzung Nguyen, Vinh Nghi Nguyen, Vu Hoa Tran, Huu Hung Dinh, Dinh Sy Nguyen, Thi Huyen Nguyen, Van Bon Nguyen and San Lang Wang

Polymers 2026, 18(3), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18030319 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study reports the fabrication of chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose (C/M) nanocomposites by electrolyte gelation–spray drying and the evaluation of their antibacterial performance as carriers for the antibiotic ampicillin. Chitosan (C), a cationic biopolymer derived from chitin, was combined with the anionic polysaccharide carboxymethyl cellulose [...] Read more.

This study reports the fabrication of chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose (C/M) nanocomposites by electrolyte gelation–spray drying and the evaluation of their antibacterial performance as carriers for the antibiotic ampicillin. Chitosan (C), a cationic biopolymer derived from chitin, was combined with the anionic polysaccharide carboxymethyl cellulose (M) at different mass ratios to form stable nanocomposites via electrostatic interactions and then collected in a spray dryer. The resulting particles exhibited mean diameters ranging from 800 to 1500 nm and zeta potentials varying from +90 to −40 mV, depending on the C/M ratio. The optimal formulation (C/M = 2:1 ratio) achieved a high recovery yield (71.1%), lower PDI (0.52), and ampicillin encapsulation efficiency EE (82.4%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions among C/M, and ampicillin within the nanocomposite matrix. The nanocomposites demonstrated controlled ampicillin release and pronounced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 3.2 µg/mL and 5.3 µg/mL, respectively, which were lower than those of free ampicillin. These results indicate that the chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposites are promising, eco-friendly carriers for antibiotic delivery and antibacterial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Biopolymer from Renewable Biomass, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 1243 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Computational Analysis of 1,4-Naphthoquinone Derivatives as Inhibitors of the Sodium-Dependent NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase (NQR) in Vibrio cholerae

by Zachary J. Liveris, Ming Yuan, Yuyao Hu, Jennifer M. Sorescu, Karina Tuz, Oscar X. Juárez and Daniel P. Becker

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031198 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

The therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics has been significant in extending human life expectancy by combating virulent bacterial infections. Nevertheless, multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms remain a global crisis as these bacteria have developed resistance to conventional antibacterial agents. An unexplored antibiotic target found exclusively in [...] Read more.

The therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics has been significant in extending human life expectancy by combating virulent bacterial infections. Nevertheless, multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms remain a global crisis as these bacteria have developed resistance to conventional antibacterial agents. An unexplored antibiotic target found exclusively in bacteria is the Na⁺-translocating NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (NQR), which is an indispensable membrane-bound bacterial enzyme complex that enables cellular functionality and is present in many infectious bacterial species, including Vibrio cholerae and H. influenzae. NQR serves as an essential complex in the bacterial electron transport chain (ETC) and operates as a highly conserved primary Na⁺ pump that drives many bioenergetic functions. This six-subunit protein shuttles electrons from NADH to ubiquinone, which drives the translocation of Na⁺ ions and creates a gradient that provides the driving force for various cellular processes. We have synthesized and evaluated a series of 1,4-naphthoquinones that exhibit high potency against NQR with minimal cytotoxicity and potential to serve as new, NQR-targeting antibacterial agents for use against V. cholerae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enzymes and Enzyme Inhibitors in Drug Research)

26 pages, 1779 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Ecological Suitability and Development Priorities for Coastal Spatial Optimization: A Case Study of Xiamen Bay, China

by Yanhong Lin, Chao Liu, Shuo Wang, Faming Huang, Xin Zhao and Wenjia Hu

Land 2026, 15(2), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15020208 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Balancing protection and development is essential for mitigating anthropogenic threats and achieving sustainable development in coastal regions. However, integrated spatial planning that links marine protected areas (MPAs) with developed spaces and incorporates land–sea coordination remains insufficiently explored—despite global frameworks such as the “Post-2020 [...] Read more.

Balancing protection and development is essential for mitigating anthropogenic threats and achieving sustainable development in coastal regions. However, integrated spatial planning that links marine protected areas (MPAs) with developed spaces and incorporates land–sea coordination remains insufficiently explored—despite global frameworks such as the “Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework” advocating for such integration. In this study, we used Xiamen, a typical bay city in China, as an example, assessed its habitat suitability through the MaxEnt model, and determined its key development areas through hotspot analysis, aiming to coordinate protection and development, as well as land and marine utilization in coastal areas. The results indicate the following: (1) existing protected areas require adjustments; (2) multiple development hotspots overlap, while several cold spots with limited potential for functional development were identified; (3) prioritizing MPAs in decision-making led to an approximate 42.8% increase in MPA coverage in Xiamen. Overall, this study produced a comprehensive plan that integrates both ecological and social objectives. Full article

15 pages, 296 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Logical–Computational Framework for Discovering Three-Player Games with Unique Pure Nash Equilibrium Payoffs

by Jiajia Yang, Zhongtao Xie, Hongbo Hu and Xiang Du

Mathematics 2026, 14(3), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14030409 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

The Nash equilibrium is a central concept in game theory, widely used across economics, social sciences, computer science, and artificial intelligence. However, computing Nash equilibria, especially in multi-player games, is a complex and computationally challenging task. Among the various types of Nash equilibria, [...] Read more.

The Nash equilibrium is a central concept in game theory, widely used across economics, social sciences, computer science, and artificial intelligence. However, computing Nash equilibria, especially in multi-player games, is a complex and computationally challenging task. Among the various types of Nash equilibria, the unique pure-strategy Nash equilibrium payoffs possess particularly desirable properties that make them suitable for deeper analysis and application. In this paper, we propose a first-order logical framework for three-player finite games, inspired by the notion of Pareto optimality, to identify a class of games with unique pure-strategy Nash equilibrium payoffs. By utilizing a SAT solver and the finite verifiability of ternary clauses, we automatically discover several families of three-player games that exhibit unique pure-strategy Nash equilibrium payoffs. This approach provides new insights into the computational aspects of game theory and offers an automated method for discovering novel game-theoretic structures. Full article

39 pages, 3901 KB

Open AccessReview

Safety of Zero-Emission Transportation Systems: A Bibliometric Review and Future Research Perspective

by Donghun Lee, Hyunjoon Nam, Yiliu Liu, Kevin Koosup Yum, Sooyeon Kwon and Hyungju Kim

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031221 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

As the global transportation sector accelerates toward net-zero targets, the rapid deployment of alternative fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and batteries introduces complex and novel safety challenges. This study systematically maps the intellectual structure of safety and risk research on zero-emission transportation systems to [...] Read more.

As the global transportation sector accelerates toward net-zero targets, the rapid deployment of alternative fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and batteries introduces complex and novel safety challenges. This study systematically maps the intellectual structure of safety and risk research on zero-emission transportation systems to evaluate field maturity and identify critical knowledge gaps. We conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 151 core publications retrieved from the Web of Science from 2000 to 2025. By integrating quantitative performance analysis with qualitative science mapping techniques, the results identify that the domain is nascent and rapidly expanding, and a distinct inflection in publication occurred in 2020. However, science mapping reveals a fragmented intellectual structure. Among the four identified research clusters, two dominant streams emerge as the primary drivers of the field. The first is a “motor theme” focused on lithium-ion battery reliability and thermal runaway, while the second is a “basic theme” focused on hydrogen dispersion and toxicity risks. The analysis exposes a blind spot regarding the lack of cross-modal research addressing the physical safety interactions between different fuel systems operating in the shared infrastructure. Finally, this study proposes a future research agenda focusing on gathering real-world accident data and using system-theoretic approaches to manage integrated alternative fuel risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Safety of Maritime Transportation: 2nd Edition)

19 pages, 728 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Growth Substrate on Yield and Chemical Composition of Pot-Grown Portulaca oleracea

by Nikolaos Polyzos, Antonios Chrysargyris, Nikolaos Tzortzakis and Spyridon A. Petropoulos

Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030297 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

The use of manure as a growing medium for horticultural crop cultivation is a sustainable practice that may allow a reduction in the production costs and the environmental burden of bulky waste management. For this purpose, the current study investigated the partial substitution [...] Read more.

The use of manure as a growing medium for horticultural crop cultivation is a sustainable practice that may allow a reduction in the production costs and the environmental burden of bulky waste management. For this purpose, the current study investigated the partial substitution of peat with manure at various rates (0% (GS1), 100% (GS2), 80% (GS3), 60% (GS4), 40% (GS5), and 20% (GS6)) in pot-cultivated purslane. Our results indicate that the substitution of peat with manure may increase crop yield by 60% to 80%. Moreover, the nutritional value was improved for specific manure rates; for example, the ash and carbohydrate contents in leaves increased at 60% and 20%, respectively, while the fat and carbohydrate contents in shoots increased at 80% and 20%, respectively. P content increased in both leaves and shoots when manure was added to the growing medium, while application at low rates (e.g., 20%) resulted in decreased N and K content. Finally, regarding leaf total phenol and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, values increased when manure was added at 40% to 60%; in shoots, increased values were observed for these parameters when manure was applied at 0% or 100%. In conclusion, our results suggest that peat substitution with manure is a viable, sustainable practice in purslane cultivation in pots without compromising the yield and quality parameters of plants. However, more species and different types of manure must be tested to design tailor-made growing media for horticultural crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)

20 pages, 1792 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Heat Shock Transcription Factor Gene Family in Flammulina filiformis and Its Response to CO₂-Mediated Fruit Body Development

by Xinlian Duan, Xing Han, Ruixiang Zhao, Ying Gan, Jie Chen, Renyun Miao, Junbin Lin, Rencai Feng, Zongjun Tong, Bingcheng Gan and Junjie Yan

Horticulturae 2026, 12(2), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12020132 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Flammulina filiformis is the key industrial edible fungus that requires elevated CO₂ to promote the growth of long stipe and small pileus fruiting bodies. Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play vital roles in stress response and development regulation; yet the HSF gene [...] Read more.

Flammulina filiformis is the key industrial edible fungus that requires elevated CO₂ to promote the growth of long stipe and small pileus fruiting bodies. Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play vital roles in stress response and development regulation; yet the HSF gene family and its expression dynamics during fruiting body development in F. filiformis remain uncharacterized. This study aims to identify and characterize the HSF gene family in F. filiformis and to investigate their expression patterns during fruiting body development and in response to CO₂ treatments. In this study, 7 FfHSFs were identified, and their structures, sequence features, and phylogenetics were further analyzed. Expression patterns under CO₂ regulation were examined via qRT-PCR. The FfHSFs exhibited CDS lengths of 618–2298 bp, encoding 301–765 hydrophilic amino acids, with molecular weights ranging from 23.4 to 83.8 kDa and theoretical pI values between 4.75 and 9.15. All were predicted to be nuclear-localized. Cis-element analysis revealed motifs associated with growth regulation and stress responses such as low temperature, drought, and hypoxia. Phylogenetically, fungal HSFs were grouped into five clusters, with FfHSFs distributed across four. In this study, we examined the expression levels at four time points (0 h, 2 h, 12 h, and 36 h), under three different carbon dioxide concentrations (0.1%, 5%, and 20%) and in two types of tissues (pileus and stipe) for each six biological replicates. CO₂ treatments showed that 5% CO₂ significantly suppressed pileus expansion but not stipe elongation, while 20% CO₂ inhibited both. Under 20% CO₂ treatment, the pileus diameter decreased by approximately 40%, and simultaneously, the expression level of FfHSF1 decreased by about 70%. qRT-PCR indicated that FfHSF1 decreased with pileus expansion, whereas FfHSF4 increased. All FfHSFs were highly expressed in the stipe elongation zone. Elevated CO₂ down-regulated FfHSF1 in pileus and FfHSF6 in stipes. Based on these findings, it could be proposed that FfHSF1 and FfHSF6 might be candidate regulators in CO₂-mediated morphogenesis, providing insights into hormonal and environmental control of fruiting body development in F. filiformis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible Mushrooms: Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding)

17 pages, 5262 KB

Open AccessArticle

Valorisation of Industrial Wastes in Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cements for Extrusion-Based 3D Printing

by Pilar Padilla-Encinas, Jose Fernando Corani, Jaime Cuevas, Ana Guerrero and Raúl Fernández

Minerals 2026, 16(2), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16020127 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study examines magnesium potassium phosphate cements (MKPCs) modified with industrial wastes for extrusion-based 3D concrete printing, evaluating the rheological properties (workability, setting time), mechanical performance and printability of formulations incorporating secondary materials: Mg dross waste (up to 20 wt.%, replacing MgO), calcined [...] Read more.

This study examines magnesium potassium phosphate cements (MKPCs) modified with industrial wastes for extrusion-based 3D concrete printing, evaluating the rheological properties (workability, setting time), mechanical performance and printability of formulations incorporating secondary materials: Mg dross waste (up to 20 wt.%, replacing MgO), calcined sewage sludge (up to 10 wt.%, replacing KH₂PO₄), alternative fillers such as glass from municipal solid waste glass and from construction and demolition waste and ground blast furnace slag, benchmarked against volcanic ash. The baseline MKPC exhibited initial/final setting times of 34/109 min, good workability and compressive strengths of 29 MPa (1 day)/28 MPa (28 days). Optimal low-waste mixes (e.g., using municipal glass or 20 wt.% Mg dross) shortened the initial setting to 19–25 min (decreasing 24–42%), reduced the slump by 9–18% yet remained printable at laboratory-scale and achieved 1-day strengths > 23 MPa/28-day > 31 MPa (comparable or superior). Glass from municipal waste proved most promising, due to superior workability, lighter aesthetics and strength gains, supporting circular economy goals while substantially reducing material costs; higher waste levels compromised fluidity and buildability. Mineralogical analyses confirmed K-struvite formation alongside residual periclase, validating these formulations for upscaling sustainable 3D printing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clays and Engineered Mineral Materials)

16 pages, 1317 KB

Open AccessArticle

Iron Deficiency Inhibits the Proliferation of Intestinal Stem Cells and Induces Their Differentiation to Enterocytes

by Yecheng Xu, Jing Zhao, Shouchuan Jiang, Yu Han, Yi Zheng, Xi Qiao, Xin Wen, Yuanyuan Zhang, Yunqin Li, Jingxia Kong and Huahua Du

Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030392 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Objectives: Iron deficiency impairs intestinal mucosal structure and function, yet its impact on intestinal stem cells (ISCs) remains unclear. This study was therefore designed to examine how iron deficiency affects the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs. Methods: Iron-deficient mouse and enteroid models were [...] Read more.

Objectives: Iron deficiency impairs intestinal mucosal structure and function, yet its impact on intestinal stem cells (ISCs) remains unclear. This study was therefore designed to examine how iron deficiency affects the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs. Methods: Iron-deficient mouse and enteroid models were established. Expression of key cell markers was analyzed using Western blot, qPCR, and immunofluorescence. Results: Iron deficiency led to structural impairment of the intestinal mucosa, characterized by decreased small intestinal villus height. In iron-deficient mice, expression of ChrA (enteroendocrine cell marker), Lyz (Paneth cell marker), and Muc2 (goblet cell marker) was significantly downregulated across duodenum, jejunum and ileum, whereas Vil1 (enterocyte marker) expression increased. Moreover, both Lgr5 (an ISC marker) expression and the number of Ki67-positive proliferating cells were significantly reduced, along with a decrease in Ki67 transcriptional levels under iron-deficient conditions. Similarly, deferoxamine (DFO)-treated enteroids showed fewer Lgr5-positive ISCs, downregulation of Lgr5, Lyz and Muc2, and upregulation of Vil1. RNA-seq further confirmed that iron deficiency skews ISC differentiation toward absorptive lineage. This shift was associated with modulation of the Notch signaling pathway: upregulation of the ligand Dll1, receptors Notch2 and Notch3, and the protease ADAM10, alongside downregulation of the negative regulator Atoh1. These findings indicate that Notch pathway activation promotes enterocyte differentiation under iron deprivation. Conclusions: Iron deficiency suppressed the proliferation of ISCs and induced their differentiation toward enterocytes, which is associated with the modulation of the Notch signaling pathway, providing a mechanistic insights for impaired intestinal repair and the potential for nutrient-targeted therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Iron Supplements and Intestinal Health)

12 pages, 578 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Predictors of Difficult-to-Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Real-World Taiwanese Cohort

by Shun-Wen Hsiao, Pei-Yuan Su, Chen-Ta Yang, Yang-Yuan Chen and Hsu-Heng Yen

Life 2026, 16(2), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020197 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

A subset of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains refractory to treatment despite multiple lines of advanced therapies. These patients are often categorized as having difficult-to-treat (DTT) IBD. We retrospectively analyzed 354 patients with IBD (including 112 with Crohn’s disease [CD] and [...] Read more.

A subset of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains refractory to treatment despite multiple lines of advanced therapies. These patients are often categorized as having difficult-to-treat (DTT) IBD. We retrospectively analyzed 354 patients with IBD (including 112 with Crohn’s disease [CD] and 242 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) from a real-world cohort. Baseline demographic and disease characteristics, treatment history, and outcomes were compared between the DTT-IBD and non-DTT-IBD groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with DTT-IBD in CD and UC cohorts. Approximately 10.6% of the patients exposed to advanced therapy fulfilled the definition of DTT-IBD (CD: 9.8%, UC: 11.4%). Compared with patients with non-DTT-IBD, those with DTT-IBD exhibited a significantly higher exposure to multiple biologic classes, including antitumor necrosis factor (94.1% vs. 59.0%), anti-integrin (94.1% vs. 47.2%), anti-interleukin-12/23 (88.2% vs. 19.4%), and Janus kinase inhibitors (35.3% vs. 0.7%). The DTT-IBD group had a significantly lower clinical remission rate at the last follow-up than the non-DTT-IBD group (52.9% vs. 85.4%, p = 0.001). A longer interval from diagnosis to the initiation of advanced therapy was independently associated with DTT-IBD in CD (OR: 1.014 per month, 95% CI: 1.001–1.026, p = 0.026). No significant predictors for UC were identified. In conclusion, DTT-IBD, characterized by extensive biologic exposure and suboptimal long-term remission rates, accounts for approximately 10% of patients with IBD receiving advanced therapy. In CD, delayed initiation of advanced therapy may contribute to refractoriness. These findings emphasize the unmet need for earlier therapeutic intervention, better predictive markers of treatment response, and novel therapeutic mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapies for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases and Autoimmune Diseases)

12 pages, 1517 KB

Open AccessArticle

High Volumetric Capacity Lithium Primary Battery via CuO and FeS₂ All-Active-Material Cathodes

by Chen Cai, Byeongcheol Min and Gary M. Koenig, Jr.

Energies 2026, 19(3), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030615 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Low-voltage primary batteries broadly power small electronics used in health, biomedical, and wearable applications. These devices are generally more sensitive to volumetric capacity than gravimetric capacity. The current state-of-the-art button battery is Zn-Ag₂O, where contributors that limit volumetric capacity include the [...] Read more.

Low-voltage primary batteries broadly power small electronics used in health, biomedical, and wearable applications. These devices are generally more sensitive to volumetric capacity than gravimetric capacity. The current state-of-the-art button battery is Zn-Ag₂O, where contributors that limit volumetric capacity include the incorporation of inactive materials in the electrode microstructure such as gelling agents, binders, and conductive additives. Herein, cathode materials of CuO and FeS₂ will be described for small form factor coin/button cells. When paired with Li metal anodes, the operating voltage is similar to Zn-Ag₂O. The key innovation is that they will be processed into all-active-material (AAM) electrode architectures, where the electrodes will comprise only electroactive materials and pores that are filled with electrolyte during cell fabrication. The AAM architecture significantly enhanced electroactive material volume utilization, and thus volumetric capacity. FeS₂ and CuO were processed into AAM electrodes under various processing conditions, and Li-FeS₂ and Li-CuO primary batteries were fabricated and evaluated. At the cell level, volumetric capacity of 1300 mAh cm⁻³ was achieved, and in a button cell form factor 395/927, nearly 100 mAh was delivered, which compares favorably with commercially available options, which typically range from 27 to 55 mAh. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Lithium Batteries: Prospects, Theories and Key Technologies)

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19 pages, 665 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of 10-Year Selection for Virus Resistance in a Mass Breeding Program

by Emma Bossuyt, Marleen Brunain, Lina De Smet, Ellen Danneels and Dirk C. de Graaf

Insects 2026, 17(2), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17020137 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026

Abstract

Viral infections pose a major threat to honey bee health. While viruses are typically controlled indirectly through efforts of attaining Varroa resistance, the heritable trait suppressed in ovo virus infection (SOV) provides a direct avenue for selecting virus resistance. This study evaluated the [...] Read more.

Viral infections pose a major threat to honey bee health. While viruses are typically controlled indirectly through efforts of attaining Varroa resistance, the heritable trait suppressed in ovo virus infection (SOV) provides a direct avenue for selecting virus resistance. This study evaluated the potential of this trait using data collected within an established mass breeding selection program. Drone egg samples collected from honey bee colonies in Flanders (2015–2024) were screened for four viruses to determine the queen’s SOV status. Queens are classified as SOV-positive if no viral particles are detected in their sample, and as SOV-negative if genomic material from at least one of these viruses is present. The proportion of SOV-positive queens significantly increased over time, regardless of maternal background, and targeted breeding from SOV-positive maternal lines enhanced the likelihood of producing SOV-positive offspring. Simultaneously, the prevalence and viral load values of several viruses decreased over time. These findings demonstrate that selective breeding for SOV-positivity can improve virus resistance in managed honey bee populations. There is even a potential to raise the SOV trait occurrence by incorporating targeted mating within selection programs. Therefore, future research should focus on the combined selection for SOV through targeted breeding and mating, alongside Varroa-resistant traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Insects and Apiculture)

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