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17 pages, 5540 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Mechanical Properties and Friction Coefficient of Cr/CrTiAl and Cr/(CrTiAl)N/CrTiAl PVD Coatings Deposited on 42CrMo4 QT Steel

by Yavor Sofronov, Boyan Dochev, Valentin Mishev, Antonio Nikolov, Krum Petrov, Rayna Dimitrova, Milko Yordanov, Milko Angelov, Georgi Todorov and Krassimir Marchev

Metals 2026, 16(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16020231 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Test specimens fabricated from 42CrMo4 steel were subjected to heat treatment comprising quenching followed by high-temperature tempering. This treatment is commonly referred to as hardening, and the result is a tempered sorbite microstructure that provides a balanced combination of strength and plasticity. In [...] Read more.

Test specimens fabricated from 42CrMo4 steel were subjected to heat treatment comprising quenching followed by high-temperature tempering. This treatment is commonly referred to as hardening, and the result is a tempered sorbite microstructure that provides a balanced combination of strength and plasticity. In order to improve the hardness and wear resistance of the contact surfaces, two types of physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings were deposited onto the specimens: the first was a two-component architecture Cr/CrTiAl and the second was a multilayer Cr/(CrTiAl)N/CrTiAl. In both configurations, an intermediate chromium adhesion layer was initially deposited to enhance interfacial bonding with the substrate. The adhesion strength of the deposited coatings to the steel substrates was evaluated using a standardized adhesion test. The adhesion quality was classified as HF1 (the highest adhesion class in the HF1–HF6 scale, defined in EN ISO 26443), indicating excellent interfacial bonding. The hardness and modulus of elasticity of both coatings were determined through nanoindentation. According to the measured hardness values of the two coatings, 27.3 GPa (Cr/CrTiAl) and 37.5 GPa (Cr/(CrTiAl)N/CrTiAl), they can be classified as hard coatings (hardness greater than 20 GPa). Despite the difference in hardness, the two coatings have comparable elastic modulus values: Eit = 353 GPa for the two-component architecture coating and Eit = 349 GPa for the three-component architecture coating. Tribological characterization was performed using the ball-on-disc method under dry sliding conditions over a total sliding distance of 59 m, whereby the friction coefficient (µ) was recorded. Additionally, the wear rate of the applied coatings was calculated from the measured wear volumes or profiles. The two coatings have comparable friction coefficient values (Cr/CrTiAl–μ = 0.362, Cr/(CrTiAl)N/CrTiAl–μ = 0.325), but the three-component architecture coating Cr/(CrTiAl)N/CrTiAl has a lower wear rate (k = 1.64 × 10⁻⁴) compared to the two-component architecture coating Cr/CrTiAl, which has a wear rate of k = 7.6 × 10⁻⁴. The investigated coatings have hardness, modulus of elasticity and friction coefficient values competitive with those of nitride coatings (two-component architecture and three-component architecture), and their wear rate also corresponds to generally accepted values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Surface Modification of Metallic Materials)

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19 pages, 1643 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stefin B and Cystatin C Deficiency Suppresses Tumor Growth and Alters Tumor Microenvironment in a Breast Cancer Model

by Petra Matjan Štefin, Janja Završnik, Miha Butinar, Georgy Mikhaylov, Boris Turk and Olga Vasiljeva

Cells 2026, 15(4), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15040360 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cysteine cathepsins and their endogenous inhibitors have been shown to possess context-dependent functions in cancer progression, including the regulation of tumor metabolic pathways. Stefin B and cystatin C, intracellular and extracellular protease inhibitors, respectively, can modulate tumor biology through protease-dependent and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Cysteine cathepsins and their endogenous inhibitors have been shown to possess context-dependent functions in cancer progression, including the regulation of tumor metabolic pathways. Stefin B and cystatin C, intracellular and extracellular protease inhibitors, respectively, can modulate tumor biology through protease-dependent and protease-independent mechanisms. This study investigated their combined functions and potential roles as tumor promoters in breast cancer in a spontaneous breast cancer mouse model (PyMT mice). Methods: We generated PyMT transgenic mice lacking both stefin B and cystatin C (double-knockout, DKO) and compared their tumor growth kinetics, proliferation, apoptosis, and metastatic burden with those of wild-type control mice. Immunohistochemistry was performed to characterize tumor macrophage infiltration and polarization. Results: DKO mice demonstrated delayed tumor onset, significantly slower tumor growth, reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and fewer lung metastases compared to wild-type controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed enhanced macrophage infiltration of the tumors, accompanied by a pronounced shift toward antitumorigenic M1 (CD86⁺) polarization, while M2 (CD206⁺) populations remained unchanged, indicating an immunological reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment toward a pro-inflammatory, tumor-suppressive state. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated a potential function of stefin B and cystatin C as tumor promoters in breast cancer through complementary mechanisms. Simultaneous depletion of both inhibitors revealed synergistic effects and remodeled the immune microenvironment to favor tumor suppression. These results suggest previously unknown roles for stefin B and cystatin C in tumor development and progression, which encourage further investigation of the cancer metabolic mechanisms underlying tumor behavior and their dynamic interplay with the microenvironment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Overview of Cancer Metabolism)

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35 pages, 3478 KB

Open AccessArticle

Casimiroa edulis Leaf Extract–Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: Untargeted Phytochemical Profiling and Wound-Healing-Oriented Antioxidant/Occlusive Characterization

by Clara Luisa Domínguez-Delgado, Mariana Montserrat Guadarrama-López, Yair Cruz-Narváez, Rafael Iván Puente-Lee, Sergio Arturo Ojeda-Piedra and María de la Luz Zambrano-Zaragoza

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18020249 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: Nanoparticles are a promise for wound-healing therapies. However, its lack of efficacy/safety represents a real challenge for therapeutic use. Objectives: To overcome these problems, the ethanolic extract of Casimiroa edulis leaves, previously reported for its anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antioxidant activities, was characterized [...] Read more.

Background: Nanoparticles are a promise for wound-healing therapies. However, its lack of efficacy/safety represents a real challenge for therapeutic use. Objectives: To overcome these problems, the ethanolic extract of Casimiroa edulis leaves, previously reported for its anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antioxidant activities, was characterized by FIA-ESI-FTICR-MS and encapsulated in biodegradable nanoparticles for potential wound-healing therapies. Methods:Casimiroa edulis-loaded nanoparticles (CE-NP) were prepared using the rapid emulsion-diffusion method and characterized by their particle size distribution, molecular interactions, charge, morphology, pH, physical stability, and antioxidant and occlusive effects. Results: A total of 40/34 ions in positive/negative electrospray ionization modes were obtained from the extract exploration analysis and were putatively annotated by accurate mass against databases with an error tolerance ≤10 mDa. The most abundant compounds showed the following order: tetramethylscutellarein > rutin > S-usnate > lactose > eugenol derivative > rotenone. While polyphenols predominated, carbohydrates, depsidones/other phenolics, etc., were also detected. The solid/spherical nanoparticles observed by TEM were obtained with a blend of acetone:methyl ethyl ketone (75:25) as the organic phase, producing a unimodal particle size (169.30 ± 1.30 nm; PdI = 0.08 ± 0.03). The encapsulation/loading percentages were 57 ± 0.74/1.62 ± 0.02%, ensuring an entrapment of half the extract, as observed in the FTIR studies. The light backscatter profiles show minimal differences, indicating physical stability correlated with the Z potential (−9.45 ± 1.73 mV). The antioxidant activity of the extract/nanoparticles at 40 µg/mL was 17.27 ± 2.86/16.73 ± 1.28 μg/mL, two-fold higher than that previously reported for sapote seeds. Conclusions: Biodegradable CE-NP with suitable characteristics were obtained for the first time, representing a preliminary proposal for wound healing. Efficacy studies are required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Skin Disorders)

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25 pages, 1248 KB

Open AccessGuidelines

Romanian Consensus Statement for Hormone Receptor-Positive and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer (HR+/HER2– mBC) and Triple-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer (mTNBC)

by Mircea Dragoș Median, Nicoleta Zenovia Antone, Simona Volovăț, Laura Mazilu, Șerban Mircea Negru, Răzvan Ovidiu Curcă, Amedeia Niță, Raluca Ileana Pătru, Andrei Ungureanu, Vlad Lupu and Cristina Marinela Oprean

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(2), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33020120 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant disease in women in Romania, with incidence and mortality rates among the highest in Europe. This consensus statement aims to ensure equitable access to care for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic BC (HR+/HER2– [...] Read more.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant disease in women in Romania, with incidence and mortality rates among the highest in Europe. This consensus statement aims to ensure equitable access to care for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic BC (HR+/HER2– mBC) and triple-negative mBC (mTNBC) in Romania. Between December 2024 and June 2025, a scientific board of 11 oncologists, in collaboration with the Romanian National Society for Medical Oncology (SNOMR), developed national recommendations based on ESMO/NCCN/ABC guidelines, clinical expertise, and local conditions. A modified Delphi survey was conducted among medical oncologists to evaluate acceptance of recommendations with greatest clinical impact. Key recommendations included: mandatory biopsy at metastasis with ER/PgR/HER2 retesting, HER2-low assessment, and molecular profiling (BRCA, PIK3CA, AKT1/PTEN, ESR1, plus PD-L1 testing in mTNBC); for HR+/HER2– mBC, first-line endocrine therapy plus CDK4/6 inhibitor, followed by targeted agents, chemotherapy, or antibody–drug conjugates based on progression and visceral crisis; for mTNBC, first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor plus chemotherapy in PD-L1-positive, PARP inhibitors in BRCA-positive patients, and sacituzumab-govitecan or trastuzumab-deruxtecan later; systematic toxicity monitoring; and integrated supportive and palliative care. Sixty-one oncologists completed the survey, with >90% overall agreement, suggesting broad acceptance of recommendations as Romania’s national standard for mBC care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Breast Cancer)

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14 pages, 667 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Year Phenotypic Assessment and Genetic Selection in Progeny Trials of Liriodendron Hybrids

by Yanghui Fang, Fuhui Liu, Tong Wang, Liang Fang, Jie Guo, Shunde Su, Xiaochou Chen, Libin Zhuang, Jie Sun, Daiquan Ye, Zhou Wang and Xuemei Wang

Plants 2026, 15(4), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15040638 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

The conservation and genetic improvement of rare and endangered tree species are crucial for sustainable forest management. Liriodendron chinense, a relict species with limited distribution in China, exhibits high cross-compatibility with Liriodendron tulipifera, providing opportunities for interspecific hybrid breeding. In this [...] Read more.

The conservation and genetic improvement of rare and endangered tree species are crucial for sustainable forest management. Liriodendron chinense, a relict species with limited distribution in China, exhibits high cross-compatibility with Liriodendron tulipifera, providing opportunities for interspecific hybrid breeding. In this study, 29 Liriodendron hybrids were established in a progeny trial plantation in Fujian Province, China, and subjected to multi-year evaluation of tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and individual stem volume. Significant differences (p < 0.01) among hybrids and hybrid × replicate interactions were detected for all traits across all assessment years, with individual stem volume showing the highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (35.30–40.56%). The mean annual increment in tree height increased during the early years, peaking at 1.50 m in the fourth year. Broad-sense and narrow-sense heritabilities for growth traits were consistently high (0.4073–0.7253 and 0.3410–0.6501, respectively), and the ratio of narrow-sense to broad-sense heritability ranged from 0.64 to 0.99, supporting the feasibility of early hybrid and individual selection. At a 10% selection intensity, hybrids No. 39, No. 59, and No. 74 were identified as elite, with selection based on individual stem volume providing the highest predictive accuracy and genetic gain (26.54–34.69%). Individual selection at a 1% intensity yielded genetic gains of 95.55–107.12% for stem volume. These results demonstrate substantial potential for early and efficient genetic improvement in Liriodendron hybrids, providing a theoretical foundation for the selection and deployment of elite hybrids and individuals in subtropical forest plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dendrological Research: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Dendrology Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry)

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22 pages, 3366 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Four-Component Borehole Strain Response to Rock Fracture

by Yifan Li, Yongxing Shen and Zengchao Feng

Sensors 2026, 26(4), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26041302 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Rock fracture monitoring is crucial for the stability of rock engineering. Based on the four-component borehole strain (FCBS) theory, this study analyzes the response characteristics of FCBS through numerical simulations of large-scale local rock fracture. Drawing on linear elastic mechanics theory and combined [...] Read more.

Rock fracture monitoring is crucial for the stability of rock engineering. Based on the four-component borehole strain (FCBS) theory, this study analyzes the response characteristics of FCBS through numerical simulations of large-scale local rock fracture. Drawing on linear elastic mechanics theory and combined with the Gaussian white noise model, three strain response indices (areal strain index p^a_j and shear strain indices p¹³_j, p²⁴_j) are proposed to quantitatively characterize rock fracture events. A criterion is defined that if any of these indices is greater than 1, the rock fracture event can be reflected, and the larger the index, the better the effect of this index in reflecting rock fracture. The effects of the installation angle of the four-component borehole strain gauge (FCBSG), the distance between the borehole and the fracture zone, and the orientation of the borehole on these three indices are systematically investigated. The results show that for the same borehole, the areal strain index remains constant for different installation angles of the FCBSG, while the two shear strain indices exhibit a complementary variation trend—one shear strain index is always greater than or equal to the characteristic value of the borehole shear strain index, and the other is less than or equal to it; the larger values of the areal strain index and shear strain index decrease with the increase in the distance between the borehole and the fracture zone, following the variation law of the function y = ax^b with a negative exponent; there are significant differences in the larger values of the areal strain index and shear strain index among different orientation of the borehole, while those in the same orientation of the borehole relative to the fault fractured zone show a certain degree of complementarity, and the combined use of shear strain indices and areal strain index can better reflect rock fracture events; within the range of orientation of the borehole β = 0° to β = 90°, the minimum range of rock fracture that can be reflected by the three strain response indices is 55 m, the maximum range is 65 m, and the average range is 60.7 m. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Industrial Sensors)

30 pages, 3189 KB

Open AccessReview

Practice and Feasibility of Energy Harvesting Technologies in Civil Infrastructure: A Comparative Review

by Muhammad Rauf Shaker, Purnachandra Rao Eluri, Frezer Ayele and Byungik Chang

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2055; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042055 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Energy harvesting is an emerging approach that supports the generation of renewable and clean energy, while also augmenting the durability and stability of infrastructure. The paper aims to review applicable energy harvesting systems deployed in various types of infrastructure, including roads and bridges, [...] Read more.

Energy harvesting is an emerging approach that supports the generation of renewable and clean energy, while also augmenting the durability and stability of infrastructure. The paper aims to review applicable energy harvesting systems deployed in various types of infrastructure, including roads and bridges, for applications such as photovoltaic noise barriers, photovoltaic cells, piezoelectric devices, and thermoelectric units. The harvested energy can be utilized to generate electricity, power wireless sensors, melt ice, and provide heating or cooling, while also assisting in monitoring structural conditions. Each energy harvesting technology is described in detail, covering operational principles, application scenarios, prototype development, and key findings from the literature. Economic feasibility studies are also examined to allow for a comparative assessment of energy output, production costs, and cost-effectiveness. This review provides a comparative feasibility framework integrating energy performance, levelized cost of electricity, payback period, and technology readiness levels for infrastructure-based energy harvesting systems. Full article

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20 pages, 7466 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Cracking Failure Analysis of Stainless Steel Threaded Joint in Rotary Steerable Tool

by Yuhong Jiang, Hualin Zheng, Jiancheng Luo, Ke Zhang, Zhengpeng Du, Wei Liu, Zhiming Yu and Dezhi Zeng

Processes 2026, 14(4), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14040684 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Axial cracking in threaded joints of rotary steerable tools is a critical but under-investigated failure mode that can severely disrupt shale gas drilling operations. Understanding its root cause is essential for prevention. This study aims to determine the cause of an axial cracking [...] Read more.

Axial cracking in threaded joints of rotary steerable tools is a critical but under-investigated failure mode that can severely disrupt shale gas drilling operations. Understanding its root cause is essential for prevention. This study aims to determine the cause of an axial cracking failure in an S35150 austenitic stainless steel threaded joint from a field operation. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, integrating physicochemical characterization of the failed joint. The stress corrosion behavior of the threaded joint in a simulated corrosive environment was evaluated via four-point bend (FPB) and double cantilever beam (DCB) stress corrosion tests. The results showed that the material exhibited high susceptibility factors: a hardness of 38.5 HRC, a yield-to-tensile ratio near 1, and a P content exceeding the standard. Fracture surface analysis revealed an intergranular morphology with substantial chlorine (0.78%) and sulfur (0.93%) contents, indicative of stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The laboratory tests results demonstrated that the threaded joint had poor crack resistance: the fracture toughness value of the specimen measured by the DCB test was 24.14 MPa·m^0.5, and all specimens fractured during the FPB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oil and Gas Well Engineering: Experimental and Numerical Investigation)

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23 pages, 597 KB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Hyperphosphatemia on Mineral and Bone Metabolism: Implications for Bone and Vascular Health

by Nerea González-García, Angie Hospital-Sastre, Sara Fernández-Villabrille, Paula Calvó-García, María Piedad Ruiz-Torres, Carlos Gómez-Alonso, Cristina Alonso-Montes, Manuel Naves-Díaz, Sara Panizo and Natalia Carrillo-López

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1931; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041931 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Phosphorus is an essential mineral involved in bone mineralization, energy metabolism, and cellular signaling, whose serum concentration is tightly regulated by an endocrine network including fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D and Klotho. Disruption of this balance, particularly in [...] Read more.

Phosphorus is an essential mineral involved in bone mineralization, energy metabolism, and cellular signaling, whose serum concentration is tightly regulated by an endocrine network including fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D and Klotho. Disruption of this balance, particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD), leads to hyperphosphatemia, which is strongly associated with bone fragility, vascular calcification, and increased mortality. In CKD, impaired phosphorus homeostasis triggers endocrine dysregulation characterized by elevated PTH and FGF23 levels, Klotho deficiency, and altered vitamin D metabolism, resulting in major skeletal and vascular consequences. Experimental and clinical evidence indicates that phosphorus overload contributes directly to skeletal deterioration and early vascular remodeling, even prior to clinically detectable renal impairment. Moreover, high dietary phosphorus intake under conditions of normal renal function reproduces several molecular and structural alterations typically observed in CKD, supporting a pathogenic role for chronic phosphorus excess. The dietary source of phosphorus has gained increasing relevance, as inorganic phosphate additives exhibit high intestinal bioavailability and impose a greater systemic phosphorus burden. Current management strategies rely on dietary restriction, phosphate binders, modulation of intestinal phosphorus transport and optimization of mineral-regulating hormones, although evidence for improved clinical outcomes remains limited. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms linking phosphorus overload to bone and vascular pathology may facilitate the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism)

11 pages, 457 KB

Open AccessArticle

Virtual Non-Iodine Coronary Calcium Scoring on Photon-Counting CT: Patient- and Plaque-Level Analysis

by Müjgan Orman, Deniz Alis, Mehmet Onur Önal, Mustafa Ege Seker, Ahmet Akyol, Cem Alhan and Ercan Karaarslan

Diagnostics 2026, 16(4), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16040599 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Whether PCCT-derived virtual non-iodine (VNI) images can replace true non-contrast (TNC) for coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) remains uncertain, particularly for small, low-density plaques. We aimed to evaluate agreement between VNI and TNC for CACS at the patient and lesion levels [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Whether PCCT-derived virtual non-iodine (VNI) images can replace true non-contrast (TNC) for coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) remains uncertain, particularly for small, low-density plaques. We aimed to evaluate agreement between VNI and TNC for CACS at the patient and lesion levels and to quantify risk-category reclassification. Methods: In this retrospective single-center sample (May 2024–May 2025), 211 patients without prior coronary intervention and with nonzero CAC on TNC underwent PCCT. VNI (55 keV, QIR 1; 60 keV, QIR 4; PureCalcium) and TNC were reconstructed with matched section thickness/increment and kernel. Agatston and total calcified volume were recorded. Paired comparisons used Wilcoxon tests; reclassification across CAC categories (0, 1–99, 100–399, ≥400) and lesion-level false negatives (FNs) were assessed with TNC as the reference. Results: Low-keV VNIs (55–60 keV) underestimated CAC versus TNC. The median Agatston score decreased from 35.9 (IQR, 10.3–121.2) on TNC to 23.6 at 55 keV (p = 0.0006) and 22.2 at 60 keV (p = 0.0003); the total volume declined from 37.8 mm³ to 20.2 mm³ (p = 0.001) and 18.3 mm³ (p < 0.0001), respectively. More than half of patients were reassigned to a lower CAC category; despite no patient being CAC = 0 on TNC, 46.9% (55 keV) and 47.4% (60 keV) were labeled CAC = 0 on VNI. Because this study deliberately included only patients with nonzero CAC on the TNC reference, these CAC = 0 rates on VNI represent misclassification within a CAC-positive sample and should not be interpreted as population-level prevalence. At the lesion level, 95% of patients had ≥1 FN plaques (430 FN plaques total), typically small (median 8 mm³) and of low density (median Agatston 6). Conclusions: In this single-center sample with relatively low-burden calcification, low-keV VNI (55–60 keV) significantly underestimates CAC and down-classifies patients, with frequent “false-zero” assignments (defined as CAC_VNI = 0 despite CAC_TNC > 0) driven predominantly by small, low-density plaques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cardiovascular Diseases: Diagnosis and Management)

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11 pages, 472 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Medical Cannabis Use and Substance Use Disorder in Patients with Dysuria: A Propensity-Score Matched Cohort Study Using Federated Network of Global Real-World Data

by Muhammed A. M. Hammad, Laith E. Baqain, Mohammed Shahait and Gamal M. Ghoniem

Soc. Int. Urol. J. 2026, 7(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/siuj7010013 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To evaluate whether medical cannabis (MC) use following dysuria diagnosis is associated with increased risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD), given rising cannabis prescriptions for urologic symptoms and concerns about long-term consequences. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: To evaluate whether medical cannabis (MC) use following dysuria diagnosis is associated with increased risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD), given rising cannabis prescriptions for urologic symptoms and concerns about long-term consequences. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX Research Network, a federated electronic health record database with over 120 million patients. Adult patients newly diagnosed with dysuria between 2003 and 2024 were identified and stratified by subsequent cannabis exposure. MC users were defined by a cannabis-related diagnostic code within 90 days of dysuria diagnosis. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed 1:1 by age, sex, and race. The primary outcome was a new diagnosis of SUD (cannabis, opioid, or cocaine use disorders) within 12 months. Secondary analysis included Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival estimates over 5 years. Risk ratios (RR), odds ratios (OR), and hazard ratios (HR) were calculated. OR and RR estimated the likelihood of SUD within 12 months, and HR reflected relative hazard over 5 years. Results: After excluding patients with prior SUD, the final sample included 60,544 MC patients and 98,715 general dysuria (GD) patients. The MC group had a significantly higher incidence of new SUD diagnoses (11.13%) than the GD group (2.28%), yielding a risk difference of −8.85% (95% CI: −9.11 to −8.58; p < 0.0001), relative risk 0.205, and OR 0.186. KM analysis showed lower SUD-free survival in MC (80.96%) versus GD (96.35%; log-rank p < 0.0001). MC exposure was associated with nearly fivefold increased odds of SUD within 12 months (OR = 0.186) and sixfold higher hazard over 5 years (HR = 0.163). Conclusions: Medical cannabis use after dysuria is linked to markedly increased risk and earlier onset of SUD. Careful patient selection, counseling, and monitoring are essential when prescribing MC for urologic symptoms. Full article

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15 pages, 2053 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Protects Against Light-Induced Retinal Damage in Association with the Suppression of c-Fos Signalling

by Hinata Ozawa, Eriko Sugano, Kitako Tabata, Taira Kakizaki, Akimune Sato, Yoshihiro Takai, Kohei Sone, Miwako Shidomi, Yuki Ishii, Akito Saito, Kentaro Totuka, Taku Ozaki, Tomokazu Fukuda, Lanlan Bai and Hiroshi Tomita

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1929; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041929 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal disorder characterised by oxidative stress and inflammation. Although pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects, its specific efficacy in in vivo models of AMD pathophysiology has not yet been elucidated. In this [...] Read more.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal disorder characterised by oxidative stress and inflammation. Although pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects, its specific efficacy in in vivo models of AMD pathophysiology has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of PQQ against all-trans-retinal (ATR)-induced cytotoxicity in ARPE-19 cells and light-induced photoreceptor degeneration in rats. Pretreatment of ARPE-19 cells with PQQ dose-dependently mitigated ATR-induced cytotoxicity. In the in vivo model, rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of PQQ (2 or 5 mg/kg) 1 h prior to 1000-lux light exposure. Retinal function and morphology were evaluated by electroretinography and haematoxylin–eosin staining, respectively. The 5 mg/kg PQQ group retained significantly greater retinal function than the vehicle group at 3 days postexposure and demonstrated significant preservation of the outer nuclear layer at 7 days postexposure, indicating the suppression of photoreceptor cell death. Western blot analysis detected the dose-dependent suppression of light-induced c-Fos upregulation following PQQ treatment. These findings suggest that the protective effect of PQQ against phototoxic damage is associated with the suppression of c-Fos signalling, thus lending support to the further investigation of PQQ as a potential therapeutic agent for AMD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress-Activated Molecular Remodeling: Lipids, Chaperones, and the Cytoskeleton)

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33 pages, 1624 KB

Open AccessArticle

IoT-Enabled Quality-Triggered Markdown Pricing for Perishable Food: Equity and Waste Implications

by Elkafi Hassini, Mohamed Ben-Daya and Zied Bahroun

Foods 2026, 15(4), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15040742 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Inequitable access to affordable, nutritious food is partly sustained because markdowns on perishable products are often delayed until quality deterioration becomes visible, through which affordability gains are limited and waste is increased. In this study, the extent to which Internet of Things (IoT) [...] Read more.

Inequitable access to affordable, nutritious food is partly sustained because markdowns on perishable products are often delayed until quality deterioration becomes visible, through which affordability gains are limited and waste is increased. In this study, the extent to which Internet of Things (IoT) real-time quality monitoring enables quality-triggered markdowns that reduce waste while improving food equity is examined. An analytical pricing and markdown model for perishables with quality-sensitive demand is developed, and optimal decisions under IoT-enabled quality observability and under a baseline setting without IoT are compared. Convexity is established for the retailer’s problem, and closed-form solutions are derived for the optimal regular price, markdown timing, and markdown depth. Under continuous quality visibility, earlier markdown initiation within the selling horizon is shown to be optimal while product quality remains acceptable, and a deeper markdown than in the non-IoT setting is shown to be optimal. Through numerical experiments, increased sell-through before products become unsalable is demonstrated, waste reduction is quantified, and an expanded time window is shown in which price-sensitive consumers can purchase acceptable-quality food at a lower price. Overall, improved food equity is supported by proactive, quality-aligned pricing policies without retailer profitability being sacrificed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Waste to Systems Change: Governance, Innovation and Integration for Sustainable Food Futures)

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21 pages, 452 KB

Open AccessArticle

Aminoglycoside Resistance Among Clinical Bacterial Isolates in Sétif, Algeria: Epidemiology, Multidrug Resistance, and Virulence Features

by Anfal Kara, Chiara Massaro, Naouel Boussoualim, Giovanni M. Giammanco, Rosa Alduina, Zineb Daoudi, Noussaiba Douadi, Fatma Gridi, Mohammad Raish, Byong-Hun Jeon, Hyun-Jo Ahn and Yacine Benguerba

Antibiotics 2026, 15(2), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15020222 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background. Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health challenge, complicating the management of infections. Aminoglycosides are increasingly associated with resistance, raising the risk of clinical complications and mortality in severe infections. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile of 135 aminoglycoside-resistant [...] Read more.

Background. Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health challenge, complicating the management of infections. Aminoglycosides are increasingly associated with resistance, raising the risk of clinical complications and mortality in severe infections. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile of 135 aminoglycoside-resistant clinical strains collected in Setif between 2021 and 2023. Methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed according to EUCAST guidelines, and phenotypic assays were conducted to assess key virulence traits, including biofilm formation and enzyme production. Results. Aminoglycoside resistance was more frequently observed in female patients (55.6%) and was found to be predominant among adults (68.1%). Urinary tract infections represented the main clinical presentation (76.3%), with Escherichia coli being the most common isolate (40.7%). High resistance rates were detected for amoxicillin (83%), amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (80%), cephalexin (74.8%), cefixime (71.1%), trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (74.8%), and gentamicin (72.6%). Conversely, chloramphenicol (53.3%), imipenem (47.4%), amikacin (47.4%), and piperacillin–tazobactam (31.1%) remained comparatively more effective. Multidrug resistance involving seven antibiotics occurred in 25.6% of isolates, with notable cross-resistance patterns between gentamicin and β-lactam antibiotics (5 out of 22). Genotypic analysis showed that 43% of isolates carried at least one β-lactamase gene, whereas 9.6% harbored a qnr determinant. Regarding virulence factors, isolates with low biofilm-forming ability were found to be the most common (62.96%). Conclusion. In conclusion, this study revealed substantial variations in aminoglycoside resistance in Setif, shaped by demographic, clinical, and bacteriological factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mechanism and Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance)

18 pages, 3423 KB

Open AccessArticle

Responses of Biofilm-Forming Halophilic Calothrix and Coelastrella Strains to Environmental Stressors Associated with Climate Change

by Gabrielle Zammit, Kristina Fenech and Emmanuel Sinagra

Microorganisms 2026, 14(2), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14020487 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Research into the effects of environmental stressors associated with global climate change (GCC) on cyanobacteria and microalgae is scarce, with bloom-forming planktonic cyanobacteria being the exception. This study aimed to address the issue by assessing morphological and biochemical changes in cyanobacterial and microalgal [...] Read more.

Research into the effects of environmental stressors associated with global climate change (GCC) on cyanobacteria and microalgae is scarce, with bloom-forming planktonic cyanobacteria being the exception. This study aimed to address the issue by assessing morphological and biochemical changes in cyanobacterial and microalgal cells exposed to an increased temperature (T), ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration. The strains selected were Calothrix sp. SLM0211 and Coelastrella sp. SLM0503, which were isolated from a coastal environment in the central Mediterranean island of Malta. Elevated UVR had a pronounced effect on Calothrix sp. filaments, which produced screening compounds and resorted to trichome coiling to enhance self-shading. Enhanced growth was observed in cultures of Calothrix sp. grown at an increased CO₂ concentration, which produced significantly high amounts of biomass, chlorophylls and carotenoids. An increased T resulted in stunted growth and low biomass accumulation in both strains. Each strain exhibited a unique response to T and UVR stressors, which stimulated the production of exopolymeric substances (EPS) and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in cultures of Calothrix sp. and lipid production in Coelastrella sp. cells. Our findings indicate that the effects of stressors related to GCC on cyanobacterial and microalgal cells are strain-specific, making changes at community and ecosystem levels difficult to predict. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms: Climate Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems)

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16 pages, 929 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological and Yield Productivity Responses of Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) to Exogenous Cytokinin and Girdling Treatments

by Khristopher Ogass, Cesar Acevedo-Opazo and Yerko Moreno-Simunovic

Agronomy 2026, 16(4), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16040467 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) productivity may be constrained by source–sink imbalances. However, field-based evidence under commercial orchard conditions on the use of branch girdling and cytokinin sprays in hazelnut remains limited. This two-season study conducted in a commercial orchard evaluated the effects [...] Read more.

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) productivity may be constrained by source–sink imbalances. However, field-based evidence under commercial orchard conditions on the use of branch girdling and cytokinin sprays in hazelnut remains limited. This two-season study conducted in a commercial orchard evaluated the effects of branch girdling (30 mm in October; 3 mm in November) and foliar 6-benzyladenine (6-BA; 30 or 60 mg L⁻¹) applications on the physiology, yield, and nut quality of ‘Tonda di Giffoni’ under Mediterranean conditions. Treatments were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (eight trees per treatment) using linear mixed models. Neither girdling nor 6-BA significantly improved fruit set or estimated yield (p > 0.18) and branch productivity was primarily determined by the initial floral load. However, intense October girdling markedly reduced return bloom (p < 0.001) and impaired gas exchange. In contrast, late-season or split 6-BA applications (T7–T9) consistently increased kernel yield (%), although sometimes at the expense of fruit size and weight. These findings suggest that while the total yield remained unchanged, specific treatments modulated physiological and quality traits, with late 6-BA enhancing kernel fill and early girdling posing risks to subsequent reproductive performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fruit Development and Quality: Genetic, Environmental, and Agronomic Insights)

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27 pages, 1784 KB

Open AccessReview

From Waste to Resource: Critical Mineral Recovery and Environmental Impact Mitigation in Copper Smelting Slag

by Aleksandar N. Nikoloski, Pritam Singh and Tina Chanda Phiri

Minerals 2026, 16(2), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16020206 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Copper and cobalt are critically important metals for the transition to renewable energy and various aspects of modern life. Their production from primary sources, ores, necessitates metallurgical separation from the unwanted host materials, resulting in the generation of a huge amount of waste. [...] Read more.

Copper and cobalt are critically important metals for the transition to renewable energy and various aspects of modern life. Their production from primary sources, ores, necessitates metallurgical separation from the unwanted host materials, resulting in the generation of a huge amount of waste. Copper smelting slag is one of these metallurgical wastes, with 39 million tonnes of slag generated and discarded globally each year. These massive amounts of slag occupy a considerable and growing land footprint, often close to residential areas, and present a hazard that potentially releases contaminants into the environment. On the other hand, they also represent a material that often contains a significant residual amount of valuable copper and cobalt. To better understand and address the challenge of reducing the adverse impacts of the waste, as well as the possible commercial opportunity the contained critical metals present, this study reviews global smelting slag production over the last 25 years, its composition, and technical reprocessing options. A summary of the chemical and mineralogical characterization of the copper slag from diverse research is thus provided, as well as a comprehensive overview of the processing strategies for metal recovery from copper slag, such as flotation, pyrometallurgy, and hydrometallurgy. The study demonstrates that a huge amount of smelting slag has been produced, with great variation and complexity, which represents a major potential resource for cobalt and copper metals. The chemical and mineralogical composition of smelting slag varies from location to location, depending on the properties of the feed concentrate, type of fluxes, furnace type, and cooling rates employed during and after the smelting processes. The overview of the production trends and reprocessing techniques shows that while some notable effective options exist or are emerging, further research is needed into the reprocessing of smelting slag waste in order to create economic value, improve energy efficiency in metal production, increase critical metal supply, and reduce negative environmental impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Valorization: Recycling and Recovery of Critical and Strategic Metals)

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15 pages, 1675 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pyrolysis of Cellulose with Gallium/HZSM-5 Catalysts via Py/GC-MS

by Hessam Jahangiri, Kamran Keynejad, Mukesh Goel, Khaled Alrashidi, Ali Mubarak Al-Qahtani and Omid Doustdar

Environments 2026, 13(2), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13020113 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Cellulose has received significant attention, given its high demand for the transition to sustainable fuels and renewable energy, addressing the environmental challenges of fossil fuels. Fast pyrolysis is a process that can transform cellulose into bio-oil. Although the bio-oils produced contain considerable amounts [...] Read more.

Cellulose has received significant attention, given its high demand for the transition to sustainable fuels and renewable energy, addressing the environmental challenges of fossil fuels. Fast pyrolysis is a process that can transform cellulose into bio-oil. Although the bio-oils produced contain considerable amounts of oxygen and water, they are highly corrosive and highly viscous, which limits their utility as biofuels. Pyrolysis bio-oils require upgrading to remove oxygen and corrosive components, thereby enhancing their stability for use as biofuels and their environmental sustainability. This study investigates the catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose without a catalyst and with Ga/HZSM-5 catalysts with various gallium loadings (0.3, 3 and 9 wt%) and bulk Ga₂O₃ catalysts using pyrolysis/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py/GC-MS). The catalytic influence of different gallium loadings on HZSM-5 in cellulose pyrolysis reactions is discussed using a range of characterisation techniques, including ICP, XRD, N₂ porosimetry, DRIFTS, and TPRS. The main production of oxygenated compounds (furan, sugar, ketone and phenol) and hydrocarbon products, including total aromatic and monocyclic and polycyclic aromatics, as well as benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) and naphthalene compounds, using a family of Ga-doped HZSM-5 catalysts for cellulose pyrolysis is investigated for making sustainable cellulose-derived fuel. Ga(3)/HZSM-5 formed the highest amount of aromatics, displaying that aromatic yield depends on the Brønsted-to-Lewis acid balance (2.3 ratio) and total acidity (1.03 mmol·g⁻¹), rather than on gallium loading alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Balancing Energy and Environmental Sustainability: Innovations, Impacts, and Pathways)

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20 pages, 6660 KB

Open AccessReview

Roles of Guanidines in Recent Cycloaddition Reactions

by Petar Štrbac, Davor Margetić and Anamarija Briš

Reactions 2026, 7(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions7010014 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Guanidines are structurally unique, highly basic, nitrogen-containing organic compounds with strong hydrogen-bonding ability and biological activity, providing valuable functionality in medicinal chemistry, organocatalysis, and materials science. Among modern strategies for assembling guanidine-containing molecules, cycloaddition reactions have emerged as powerful tools due to their [...] Read more.

Guanidines are structurally unique, highly basic, nitrogen-containing organic compounds with strong hydrogen-bonding ability and biological activity, providing valuable functionality in medicinal chemistry, organocatalysis, and materials science. Among modern strategies for assembling guanidine-containing molecules, cycloaddition reactions have emerged as powerful tools due to their efficiency, stereoselectivity, and ability to rapidly build molecular complexity. Recent innovations have expanded cycloaddition methodologies for generating guanidine functionalities, incorporating guanidine-containing substrates, and using guanidine-based catalysts. This review summarizes these advances and highlights the current trends in guanidine-related cycloaddition chemistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cycloaddition Reactions at the Beginning of the Third Millennium, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 2155 KB

Open AccessReview

Cobalamin Metabolism Is a Key Process of Breast Cancer Cells That Offers New Ways for Diagnosis and Treatment

by Jorge L. Gutierrez-Pajares, Isabel Gómez-Betancur and Francisco León

Sci. Pharm. 2026, 94(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm94010018 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Cobalamin, also known as vitamin B12, is an essential cofactor involved in one-carbon metabolism, mitochondrial function, and epigenetic regulation. As humans rely entirely on dietary intake of cobalamin paired with a highly coordinated absorption and transportation system, disruptions to this metabolic process can [...] Read more.

Cobalamin, also known as vitamin B12, is an essential cofactor involved in one-carbon metabolism, mitochondrial function, and epigenetic regulation. As humans rely entirely on dietary intake of cobalamin paired with a highly coordinated absorption and transportation system, disruptions to this metabolic process can have profound health consequences. Breast cancer, the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide, exhibits distinct metabolic adaptations, including altered cobalamin uptake and dependency on B12-driven biochemical pathways. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms governing cobalamin metabolism, with a focus on absorption, transport, and intracellular processes relevant to breast cancer biology. We then examine how breast cancer cells reprogram these pathways. Finally, we evaluate emerging pharmaceutical strategies that target cobalamin metabolism, including B12-based imaging probes, cobalamin-conjugated drug delivery systems, and inhibitors of B12-dependent enzymes. Although these approaches show promise, further research is needed to define subtype-specific metabolic signatures, optimize cobalamin-mediated drug targeting, and clarify how systemic B12 status influences therapeutic response. By integrating biochemical, epidemiological, and translational perspectives, this review outlines how cobalamin-centered strategies may contribute to more precise diagnostic and therapeutic options for breast cancer. Full article

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21 pages, 376 KB

Open AccessArticle

Frontiers Forged and Colonized: Feminist Storytelling in Digital Narrative

by R. Lyle Skains

Humanities 2026, 15(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/h15020033 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Truly impactful innovations are developed by outsiders out of a sense of need; those that rise to mainstream recognition and acceptance, however, are colonized by dominant hegemonies. This paper traces cycles of innovation and colonization in literature, publishing, and computing as ancestral domains [...] Read more.

Truly impactful innovations are developed by outsiders out of a sense of need; those that rise to mainstream recognition and acceptance, however, are colonized by dominant hegemonies. This paper traces cycles of innovation and colonization in literature, publishing, and computing as ancestral domains to electronic literature, which has been subject to the same gendered and othered frontier-colonization cycles that dominated its forebears. Elit was a new frontier for writing and publishing, a strong site of marginalized creativity, until it was codified and colonized into publishing and academia by the dominant class: women could create, but men had the actual and cultural capital to create and develop the structures to platform their work into the dominant discourse. This paper analyzes how feminist and marginalized digital writers resist colonization of their innovations and erasure of their innovations by hacking platforms, subverting narrative conventions, and amplifying hidden voices. The paper examines elements of innovation-colonization cycles in elit and adjacent practices (indie games, fanfic), showcases Lillian-Yvonne Bertram’s algorithmically-generated epoetry as a site of subversion, and presents fanfic community Archive of Our own as a preliminary model of value-sensitive and inclusive community design. It argues for the development of feminist-first platforms—digital spaces that actively resist the structural colonization of marginalized storytelling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Literature and Game Narratives)

8 pages, 466 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative IgG-IgM Western Blot in the Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis: A Valid Diagnostic Tool

by Alice Bonetti, Ambra Vola, Daniele Lilleri, Lucrezia Lo Grasso, Milena Furione, Alessia Arossa, Alessandra Ricciardi, Claudia Viganò, Alessia Bressan, Claudia Pavia, Annalisa De Silvestri, Giulia Gambini, Fausto Baldanti and Valeria Meroni

Pathogens 2026, 15(2), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15020225 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) results from vertical transmission of Toxoplasma gondii during maternal infection in pregnancy. Early diagnosis in newborns is crucial to initiate timely therapy and prevent long-term sequelae. The IgM Immunosorbent Agglutination Assay (ISAGA) has historically been considered an important diagnostic tool [...] Read more.

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) results from vertical transmission of Toxoplasma gondii during maternal infection in pregnancy. Early diagnosis in newborns is crucial to initiate timely therapy and prevent long-term sequelae. The IgM Immunosorbent Agglutination Assay (ISAGA) has historically been considered an important diagnostic tool for CT; however, its recent market withdrawal necessitates alternative approaches. We conducted a retrospective observational study at Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy, including 44 newborns born to mothers with confirmed toxoplasmosis between 2019 and 2022. Newborns were classified as CT (n = 19) or non-CT (n = 25) based on serological follow-up, comparative Western blot (CWB) and Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA). Sensitivity and specificity of CWB, IgM Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA), and IgM ISAGA were assessed at birth and at one month. At birth, CWB demonstrated 88.9% sensitivity, significantly higher than IgM CLIA (52.6%) and IgM ISAGA (57.9%). Specificity was 100% at birth and 92% at one month. CWB retained high sensitivity at one month (81.8%). IGRA complemented CWB in confirming or excluding infection in cases with equivocal or false-negative serology. Comparative Western blot thus represents a robust diagnostic alternative for CT, ensuring early detection and timely treatment, particularly in the absence of IgM ISAGA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxoplasmosis in Immunocompromised and Immunocompetent Host: Recent Updates About the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Clinical Manifestations and Management)

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22 pages, 3781 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mowing Enhances Insect Resistance in Glycyrrhiza uralensis by Reprogramming Volatile Profiles and Inducing Flavonoid Accumulation

by Zhenghui Guan, Wenjia Gao, Hui Duan and Xiushuang Wang

Insects 2026, 17(2), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17020211 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Mowing is a widely used agricultural management practice, yet its role in shaping plant–insect interactions remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated how mowing influences resistance of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) to the whitefly Bemisia tabaci by integrating behavioral assays with [...] Read more.

Mowing is a widely used agricultural management practice, yet its role in shaping plant–insect interactions remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated how mowing influences resistance of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) to the whitefly Bemisia tabaci by integrating behavioral assays with volatile analysis, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. Feeding preference assays showed that adult whiteflies strongly preferred new plants over mowed plants. Developmental assays further revealed that whiteflies exhibited a prolonged egg stage and extended egg-to-adult developmental duration on mowed plants, while adult longevity was not significantly affected. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified 31 volatile compounds in licorice, with alcohols dominating the volatile profile of new plants and terpenoids dominating that of mowed plants. Whitefly infestation significantly increased ester compounds in both plant types. Differential volatile analysis highlighted cis-3-hexen-1-ol and trans-3-hexen-1-ol as dominant compounds in new plants, whereas 3-carene and β-pinene were predominant in mowed plants. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that mowing primarily affected genes associated with primary metabolism and ribosome-related pathways, whereas whitefly infestation induced extensive transcriptional reprogramming, including activation of flavonoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, MAPK signaling, and plant circadian rhythm pathways. Metabolomic profiling identified substantial accumulation of flavonoids, flavonols, and isoflavonoids following whitefly feeding. Integrated multi-omics analysis identified flavonol biosynthesis as a core pathway underlying licorice defense against B. tabaci. Overall, this study demonstrates that mowing primes G. uralensis for enhanced resistance to whitefly infestation by reshaping volatile emissions, activating secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and inducing coordinated defense signaling networks. These findings provide new insights into plant–insect interactions and highlight mowing as a potential component of sustainable pest management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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27 pages, 2612 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biomechanical Evaluation of Head Acceleration and Kinematics in Boxing: The Role of Gloves and Helmets—A Pilot Study

by Monika Ratajczak, Dariusz Leśnik, Rafał Kubacki, Claudia Sbriglio and Mariusz Ptak

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041999 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Head injuries remain one of the major health concerns in contact sports such as boxing. Despite the widespread use of protective gloves and helmets, their biomechanical effectiveness in mitigating head acceleration and reducing brain injury risk remains uncertain. This study aims to biomechanically [...] Read more.

Head injuries remain one of the major health concerns in contact sports such as boxing. Despite the widespread use of protective gloves and helmets, their biomechanical effectiveness in mitigating head acceleration and reducing brain injury risk remains uncertain. This study aims to biomechanically assess available boxing equipment solutions and identify the brain–skull system’s response to physical forces from a boxing punch. A dedicated experimental setup was developed using mini triaxial accelerometers and a high-speed camera to measure head accelerations in a Primus unbreakable dummy. Tests were performed using gloves of different masses (0 oz, 10 oz, and 16 oz) and three head protection configurations: no helmet, rugby helmet, and boxing helmet. The resultant accelerations were analyzed and compared across test conditions. Peak wrist accelerations ranged from 195.00 to 271.77 m/s², while head accelerations did not exceed biomechanical injury thresholds. The boxing helmet, composed of multilayer polyurethane foam, did not consistently decrease acceleration; in some cases, it produced higher overloads due to increased head mass and moment of inertia. A rugby helmet made of open-cell EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam with lower density exhibited more favorable energy-dissipation characteristics under low-impact conditions. Glove mass also influenced acceleration differently between male and female participants, likely due to variations in punch velocity and force generation. This work is a pilot study using two trained adult volunteers to validate the combined IMU–video measurement framework. The results serve as hypothesis-generating mechanistic observations rather than population-level effect estimates. Protective effectiveness in boxing depends on a complex interaction between material properties, geometry, and user biomechanics. Optimal equipment design should balance energy absorption and mass to minimize both linear and rotational accelerations. Future studies should integrate advanced material modeling and finite element simulations to support the development of adaptive, lightweight protective systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology and Biomechanical Monitoring in Sport)

19 pages, 523 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Impact of the Climate Crisis on Mental Health: A Systematic Literature Review

by Benjamin Miranda Tabak and Laís Almeida da Conceição

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2049; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042049 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: Climate change, marked by extreme events such as droughts and floods, profoundly affects mental health, leading to climate anxiety, characterized by fear and worry about its effects, which can also adversely impact sustainability. Objective: To explore the socioeconomic and psychological factors influencing [...] Read more.

Background: Climate change, marked by extreme events such as droughts and floods, profoundly affects mental health, leading to climate anxiety, characterized by fear and worry about its effects, which can also adversely impact sustainability. Objective: To explore the socioeconomic and psychological factors influencing the levels of climate anxiety measured by the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS). Methodology: Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing studies from various regions, focusing on empirical data using CCAS and other complementary instruments. Results: Young individuals and those with greater exposure to climate change report higher levels of anxiety, often associated with symptoms of depression and stress. Although anxiety can drive pro-environmental and sustainable behaviors, it can also lead to ecoparalysis in some individuals. Conclusions: The CCAS is an effective tool to measure climate anxiety and has the potential to identify vulnerable groups facing the climate crisis. This study highlights the importance of specific interventions to address the psychological impacts of climate change, and promote public policies focusing on sustainability issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Global Mental Health Trends)

19 pages, 3003 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Transient Two−Phase Productivity Forecasting Method in Fractured Nanoporous Shale Gas Reservoirs

by Ruihan Zhang, Siliang He, Qianwen Zhang, Hongsha Xiao and Liehui Zhang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040264 (registering DOI) - 17 Feb 2026

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing is a critical technology for developing shale gas reservoirs, which are typical natural nanoporous media. However, the complex two−phase flow induced by fracturing fluid retention and the strong interference among hydraulic fractures introduce significant uncertainties to productivity forecasting. To address these [...] Read more.

Hydraulic fracturing is a critical technology for developing shale gas reservoirs, which are typical natural nanoporous media. However, the complex two−phase flow induced by fracturing fluid retention and the strong interference among hydraulic fractures introduce significant uncertainties to productivity forecasting. To address these challenges, this study proposes a transient productivity forecasting method to characterize fluid transport in fractured nanoporous media. This method introduces a gas−water two−phase pseudo−pressure function to reconstruct the flow equations, utilizing micro−segment discretization and the principle of superposition to accurately characterize pressure drop interference among fractures, enabling rapid dynamic productivity forecasting under realistic well trajectory conditions. The investigation reveals that while increasing fracture count, half−length, and permeability enhances productivity, these improvements exhibit significant diminishing marginal returns, indicating the existence of optimal economic thresholds for these engineering parameters. Conversely, elevated water saturation, skin factor, and stress sensitivity lead to a decline in productivity. Analysis of flow interference demonstrates that fractures at the wellbore extremities contribute significantly higher production than those in the central section due to reduced interference, while deviations in the wellbore trajectory further exacerbate production heterogeneity. Field application confirms that the proposed method achieves reliable production history matching under realistic well trajectories and accurately captures the typical three−stage production characteristics of shale gas wells, providing a robust basis for Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) assessment and fracturing design optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental Analysis and Numerical Simulations of Porous Media or Fluid Flowing at Nanoscale)

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