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18 pages, 3062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emergence of a Novel Dengue Virus Serotype-2 Genotype IV Lineage III Strain and Displacement of Dengue Virus Serotype-1 in Central India (2019–2023)

by Ashish Kumar Yadav, Rashmi Chowdhary, Arshi Siddiqui, Anvita Gupta Malhotra, Jagat R. Kanwar, Ashok Kumar, Debasis Biswas, Sagar Khadanga, Rajnish Joshi, Abhijit Pakhare and Sudhir Kumar Goel

Viruses 2025, 17(2), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17020144 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Dengue fever remains a significant public health concern in tropical regions, including Central India, where outbreaks are frequent and associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the dynamics of dengue virus transmission and evolution in Central India from 2019 to 2023, [...] Read more.

Dengue fever remains a significant public health concern in tropical regions, including Central India, where outbreaks are frequent and associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the dynamics of dengue virus transmission and evolution in Central India from 2019 to 2023, focusing on the emergence of new strains and their impact on outbreak patterns. For this, 40 mosquito pools and 300 patient samples were recruited for the study. Phylogenetic and Bayesian evolutionary analyses performed on CPrM region and whole genome sequences generated by Sanger and Illumina sequencing, respectively, revealed the emergence and predominance of a novel DENV-2 genotype IV lineage III strain in the 2019 and 2023 outbreaks, which displaced the previously circulating DENV-1 genotype responsible for the 2016–2017 outbreak. Despite pre-existing DENV-1 neutralizing antibodies in the community (67 healthy volunteers), the novel DENV-2 strain exhibited higher viral loads and a greater reproduction number (R0), contributing to rapid disease spread. Molecular clock and Shannon entropy analyses suggest that DENV evolution occurred within the mosquito vector, driven by natural selection. Our findings highlight the importance of continuous DENV surveillance, including genetic characterization in both vectors and hosts, to understand viral evolution and predict future outbreaks. Rapid urbanization and inadequate sanitation in densely populated regions like India create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, facilitating the introduction and establishment of novel DENV strains. Interrupting the vector–DENV–host cycle through targeted interventions is crucial for effective dengue control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)

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11 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anterior Petrosectomy vs. Retrosigmoid Approach—Surgical Anatomy and Navigation-Augmented Morphometric Analysis: A Comparative Study in Cadaveric Laboratory Setting

by Stefano Signoretti, Francesco Signorelli, Alessandro Pesce, Alberto Delitala and Massimiliano Visocchi

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(2), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020104 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background: Different lateral and postero-lateral cranial approaches to the petroclival region and to the mid-upper brain stem have been described so far, some of which require extensive osseous demolition and possible damage of neurovascular structures. Neuronavigational systems are now extensively available for preoperative [...] Read more.

Background: Different lateral and postero-lateral cranial approaches to the petroclival region and to the mid-upper brain stem have been described so far, some of which require extensive osseous demolition and possible damage of neurovascular structures. Neuronavigational systems are now extensively available for preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation to assist the surgeons in choosing the optimally invasive approach for each pathology. Herein, we describe a detailed navigation-augmented morphometric analysis to bring insight into the usefulness of an anterior petrosectomy (AP) to handle lesions in the petroclival region. Methods: Eight cadaveric, silicone injected heads were used. A total of 14 approaches (AP, n = 8; retrosigmoid, RS, n = 6) using a standard microsurgical dissection technique were performed. All specimens had preoperative CT and MRI scans, as well as a post-dissection CT. The neuronavigational system was used for distance measurements, craniotomy sizes and surgical corridor volumes, for each approach. Results: The distance from the skull surface to the petrous apex was significantly shorter in the AP approach when compared with the RS (46.0 ± 1.9 mm versus 71.3 ± 1.8 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). Although the craniotomy size was not different, the volume of the surgical corridor was significantly larger with the AP approach (21.31 ± 1.91 cm³ vs. 13.39 ± 1.8 cm³). The AP approach increased the length of the basilar artery exposure from 6.9 ± 1.5 mm (obtained with a standard subtemporal approach) to 22.1 ± 1.7 mm (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The surgical corridor to the petroclival region achieved by virtue of an AP was significantly larger and featured shorter working distances, resulting in a higher degree of surgical freedom. Although significant individual anatomical variations of fundamental neurovascular and bony structures were found, these difficulties were overcome by careful pre- and intraoperative use of neuronavigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research in Neurosurgery)

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10 pages, 5500 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Influence of Process Aids on Solid–Liquid Interfacial Properties of Three-Component Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene Propellants

by Xulong Zhang, Zitong Deng, Wenlong Xu, Liping Jiang, Huixiang Xu, Qiufan Tang, Qilong Zheng and Jizhen Li

Polymers 2025, 17(3), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030286 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

The effect of the process aid “OPS” on the rheological properties of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene propellant was investigated by formulating different components of high-solid-content slurry, and the change in slurry viscosity with shear rate, surface morphology of solid-phase particles, and contact angle of the [...] Read more.

The effect of the process aid “OPS” on the rheological properties of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene propellant was investigated by formulating different components of high-solid-content slurry, and the change in slurry viscosity with shear rate, surface morphology of solid-phase particles, and contact angle of the relevant interfaces were characterized. The results showed that the polyalkene polyamine surfactant OPS could significantly reduce the apparent viscosity and enhance the rheological properties of the slurry, to up to a 30% reduction, and the effect was achieved by adjusting the interfacial properties of the aluminum powder and the binder system. With the addition of 0.1% OPS, the contact angle of the interface between the aluminum powder and the binder was obviously reduced, from 97° to 30°, and the wetting was significantly enhanced, so it was judged that the OPS was suitable for HTPB-based composite propellants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Physics and Theory)

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24 pages, 1973 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integrin and Its Associated Proteins as a Mediator for Mechano-Signal Transduction

by Kazuo Katoh

Biomolecules 2025, 15(2), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15020166 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Mechano-signal transduction is a process in which cells perceive extracellular mechanical signals, convert them into intracellular biochemical signals, and produce a response. Integrins are cell surface receptors that sense the extracellular mechanical cues and bind to the extracellular matrix (ECM). This binding induces [...] Read more.

Mechano-signal transduction is a process in which cells perceive extracellular mechanical signals, convert them into intracellular biochemical signals, and produce a response. Integrins are cell surface receptors that sense the extracellular mechanical cues and bind to the extracellular matrix (ECM). This binding induces integrin clustering and activation. Cytoplasmic tails of activated integrins interact and induce cytoskeleton tensions via several adaptor proteins. Integrins monitor extracellular stiffness via cytoskeleton tensions and modulate ECM stiffness via downstream signaling pathways regulating the expression of genes of ECM components. Integrin-mediated mechano-transduction is very crucial for the cell as it regulates the cell physiology both in normal and diseased conditions according to extracellular mechanical cues. It regulates cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Abnormal mechanical cues such as extreme and prolonged mechanical stress result in pathological conditions including fibrosis, cancers, skin, and autoimmune disorders. This paper aims to explore the role of integrins and their associated proteins in mechano-signal transduction. It highlights the integrins and their associated proteins as targets for therapy development. Furthermore, it also presents the challenges to the targeted drug development, which can be drug resistance and cytotoxicity. It is concluded in this paper that research on integrin-mediated mechano-signal transduction and its relationship with cell physiology and pathologies will be an important step towards the development of effective therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Integrins)

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16 pages, 1608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Variation in Faunistic Parameters of Mosquitoes (Culicidae: Diptera) Across Different Forest Gradients in the Tijuca National Park Area, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

by Nilton Henrique Fonseca do Nascimento, Paulo José Leite, Júlia dos Santos Silva, Hélcio Reinaldo Gil-Santana, Roger Pimentel Barbosa, Cecilia Ferreira de Mello and Jeronimo Alencar

Diversity 2025, 17(2), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17020081 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

The assessment of mosquito diversity in remnants of the Atlantic Forest, which are considered biodiversity hotspots, is crucial for studying patterns of behavior and adaptation, performing environmental monitoring, and public health. These studies provide valuable insights into the ecology and biology of these [...] Read more.

The assessment of mosquito diversity in remnants of the Atlantic Forest, which are considered biodiversity hotspots, is crucial for studying patterns of behavior and adaptation, performing environmental monitoring, and public health. These studies provide valuable insights into the ecology and biology of these insects, contributing to a better understanding of forest ecosystems and the interactions among the species that inhabit them. The present study aimed to assess the variation in faunistic parameters of abundance, richness, diversity, and evenness along an environmental gradient. This gradient extends from the edge toward the interior of the fragment. The research tested the hypothesis that edge effects influence the distribution of mosquito species in the Tijuca National Park. Sampling was carried out from May 2022 to December 2023, occurring monthly over two consecutive days within the park area. Three different sampling points within the conservation unit were selected: sampling point 1, forest edge; sampling point 2, 35 m from the edge; and sampling point 3, 500 m from the edge, representing different distance gradients. Mosquitoes were captured using CDC light traps with CO₂, Shannon traps, and human-protected attraction; the combination of these traps provided a representative sampling of the diversity of adult mosquitoes present in the study area. An active search for immatures was performed in larval habitats using pipettes and entomological scoops. During the sampling period, a total of 1004 specimens were collected, comprising 320 immatures and 684 adults, representing 27 species. Statistical analyses showed that abundance and richness along the established gradient were not uniform among the sampling points. The Kruskal–Wallis test identified two distinct sampling points: the forest edge (point 1) and a location 35 m from the edge (point 2). The sampling point at the forest edge exhibited the highest levels of species richness, diversity, and evenness. However, given the brief duration of this study, it is crucial to expand the sampling efforts by increasing both the number and frequency of traps and collections. Such enhancements are essential to achieve a more thorough understanding of the ecological patterns and processes at play. Full article

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14 pages, 1561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chrysin Attenuates Gentamicin-Induced Renal Injury in Rats Through Modulation of Oxidative Damage and Inflammation via Regulation of Nrf2/AKT and NF-kB/KIM-1 Pathways

by Talat A. Albukhari, Rehab M. Bagadood, Bayan T. Bokhari, Waheed A. Filimban, Hatem Sembawa, Nani Nasreldin, Hossam E. Gadalla and Mohamed E. El-Boshy

Biomedicines 2025, 13(2), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13020271 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background: Gentamicin (GM) is extensively used as an antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines are implicated in GM-induced renal damage. Chrysin (CH), also known as 5,7-dihydroxyflavone, has been used in traditional medicine to treat [...] Read more.

Background: Gentamicin (GM) is extensively used as an antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines are implicated in GM-induced renal damage. Chrysin (CH), also known as 5,7-dihydroxyflavone, has been used in traditional medicine to treat various kidney disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of CH against nephrotoxicity induced by GM. Methods: Male rats were separated into four equal groups: a negative control group (NC), a CH-treated group (100 mg/kg/day per os), a group treated with GM (100 mg/kg/day IM), and a group treated with both GM and CH (100 mg/kg/day), for 10 days. Blood and urine renal markers were investigated. Results: GM caused increases in the serum creatinine and urea levels and decreases in creatinine clearance, urine flow, and urine volume in the GM-treated rats. Moreover, there were increases in the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18, and MDA in the renal tissues, with an augmented expression of NF-κB/KIM-1, as well as decreases in antioxidant marker (GSH, GPx, CAT, and SOD) activities and decreased expressions of the anti-inflammatory transcription factors Nrf2 and AKT. The simultaneous treatment with CH in the GM-treated group protected renal tissues against the nephrotoxicity induced by GM, as demonstrated by the normalization of renal markers and improvement in histopathological damage. Conclusions: This study reveals that CH may attenuate GM-induced renal toxicity in rats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Kidney Injury/Failure: Molecular Mechanisms and Clues for Intervention)

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15 pages, 4650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Arginine-Enhanced Termitomyces Mycelia: Improvement in Growth and Lignocellulose Degradation Capabilities

by Wenhui Yi, Jingfei Zhou, Qiwei Xiao, Wujie Zhong and Xuefeng Xu

Foods 2025, 14(3), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14030361 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Termitomyces mushrooms, known for their symbiotic relationship with termites and their high nutritional and medicinal value, are challenging to cultivate artificially due to their specific growth requirements. This study investigates the impact of arginine on the mycelial growth, development, and lignocellulolytic capabilities of [...] Read more.

Termitomyces mushrooms, known for their symbiotic relationship with termites and their high nutritional and medicinal value, are challenging to cultivate artificially due to their specific growth requirements. This study investigates the impact of arginine on the mycelial growth, development, and lignocellulolytic capabilities of Termitomyces. We found that arginine significantly promoted conidia formation, altered mycelial morphology, and enhanced biomass and polysaccharide content. The addition of arginine also upregulated the expression of the enzymes related to lignocellulose decomposition, leading to increased activities of cellulase, hemicellulase, and laccase, which accelerated the decomposition and utilization of corn straw. A transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression patterns of carbohydrate-active enzyme genes in arginine-supplemented Termitomyces mycelia, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these enhancements. The GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis highlighted the role of arginine in transmembrane transport, fatty acid oxidation, and carbohydrate metabolism. This study offers a molecular basis for the observed phenotypic changes and valuable insights for developing optimal culture strategies for Termitomyces, potentially enhancing its artificial cultivation and application in the bioconversion of lignocellulosic waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Biotechnology)

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Graphical abstract

17 pages, 5299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Tomato Leaf Pesticide Residues Based on Fluorescence Spectrum and Hyper-Spectrum

by Jiayu Gao, Xuhui Yang, Simo Liu, Yufeng Liu and Xiaofeng Ning

Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020121 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

In order to rapidly and nondestructively detect pesticide residues on tomato leaves, fluorescence spectroscopy and hyperspectral techniques were used to study the nondestructive detection of three different concentrations of benzyl-pyrazolyl esters on the surface of tomato leaves, respectively. In this study, fluorescence spectrum [...] Read more.

In order to rapidly and nondestructively detect pesticide residues on tomato leaves, fluorescence spectroscopy and hyperspectral techniques were used to study the nondestructive detection of three different concentrations of benzyl-pyrazolyl esters on the surface of tomato leaves, respectively. In this study, fluorescence spectrum acquisition and hyperspectral imaging processing of tomato leaf samples with and without pesticides were conducted, and spectral data from regions of interest of hyperspectral images were extracted. The data in the spectral raw bands were optimized using convolutional smoothing (S-G), standard normal variable transformation (SNV), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), and baseline calibration (baseline) algorithms, respectively. In order to improve the operating rate of discrimination, a continuous projection algorithm (SPA) was used to extract the characteristic wavelengths of the fluorescence spectra and hyperspectral data of pesticide residues, and algorithms such as the least-squares support vector machine (LSSVM) algorithm and least partial squares regression (PLSR) were used to build a quantitative model, while algorithms such as the convolutional neural network (BPNN) algorithm and decision tree algorithm (CART) were used to build a qualitative model. According to the results, R² of the model of hyperspectral data after SG-SNV preprocessing and PLSR modeling reached 0.9974, RMSEC reached 0.0221, and RMSEP reached 0.0565. R² of the model of fluorescence spectral data after SG-MSC preprocessing and SVM modeling reached 0.9986, RMSEC reached 0.2496, and RMSEP reached 0.4193. Qualitative analysis was established based on the characteristic wavelengths of hyper-spectrum and fluorescence spectrum extracted by the SPA algorithm, and the accuracy of the training sets of the optimal qualitative model reached 94.9% and 95.7%, respectively, and the accuracy of the test sets both reached 100%. After comparison, the quantitative model of data based on fluorescence spectrum for pesticide residue detection in tomato leaves proved to have a better effect, and the qualitative model showed higher accuracy in discrimination. Therefore, the fluorescence spectral and hyperspectral imaging techniques applied to tomato leaf pesticide detection enjoy a promising application prospect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Vegetable Production Systems)

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19 pages, 23704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Four Anaerobic Ciliates (Protista, Ciliophora, Armophorea), with Report of a New Species and a Unique Arrangement Pattern of Dikinetids in Family Metopidae

by Song Li, Wenbao Zhuang, Xiaochen Feng, Alan Warren and Jun Gong

Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020240 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

The diversity of anaerobic ciliates is greatly underestimated owing to the limitation in sampling and cultivation when compared with their aerobic counterparts. In this study, four anaerobic ciliates, viz. Brachonella abnormalis sp. nov., Brachonella contorta (Levander, 1894) Jankowski, 1964, Metopus contortus (Quennerstedt, 1867) [...] Read more.

The diversity of anaerobic ciliates is greatly underestimated owing to the limitation in sampling and cultivation when compared with their aerobic counterparts. In this study, four anaerobic ciliates, viz. Brachonella abnormalis sp. nov., Brachonella contorta (Levander, 1894) Jankowski, 1964, Metopus contortus (Quennerstedt, 1867) Kahl, 1932, and Metopus major Kahl, 1932, were investigated by live observation, protargol staining and 18S rRNA gene sequencing. B. abnormalis sp. nov. can be separated from its congeners by a combination of the following features: bullet-shaped cell with a life size of about 130–190 × 90–120 μm, dikinetids distributed along dorsal dome kineties, highly developed adoral zone comprised of 87–107 polykinetids, making about 450° spiralization around the long axis. The present work demonstrates that two known species, M. contortus and M. major, have a special trait never previously reported, viz. short, regularly arranged preoral dome dikinetids. Species with short, regularly arranged dome dikinetids appear in divergent clades in SSU rRNA gene trees, which may infer that this trait evolved several times. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA gene sequence data also support the monophyly of the genus Brachonella and the paraphyly of the order Metopida, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Food Webs)

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12 pages, 1529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of OTOGL-Associated Hearing Loss Identified in a Cohort of 7065 Japanese Patients with Hearing Loss

by Karuna Maekawa, Shin-ya Nishio, Kotaro Ishikawa, Masahiro Takahashi, Kozo Kumakawa, Mayuri Okami, Hidekane Yoshimura, Jun Nakayama, Masato Teraoka and Shin-ichi Usami

Genes 2025, 16(2), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16020123 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hearing loss is one of the most common sensorineural impairments, and approximately 60% of early-onset cases are due to genetic variations. The otogelin-like protein, encoded by the OTOGL gene, is a component of the acellular membranes of the inner ear, such as [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Hearing loss is one of the most common sensorineural impairments, and approximately 60% of early-onset cases are due to genetic variations. The otogelin-like protein, encoded by the OTOGL gene, is a component of the acellular membranes of the inner ear, such as the tectorial membrane, and is thought to play an important role in cochlear amplification. OTOGL gene variants are a rare cause of hearing loss such as DFNB84B, a mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss presenting in early childhood with autosomal recessive inheritance. In this study, we aim to enhance our comprehension of the phenotypes of hearing loss caused by OTOGL variants. Methods: A total of 7056 Japanese patients with hearing loss were recruited, and based on massively parallel DNA sequencing on 158 target genes, we selected patients with biallelic OTOGL variants. Results: Ten affected individuals with OTOGL gene variants were detected, the largest group of patients yet to be reported, and eight of the eleven variants were novel. Our results showed that variations in this gene led to mild-to-moderate non-progressive hearing loss, and the accompanying symptoms, mainly vestibular symptoms, were speculated to present in adulthood. Conclusions: Determination of the phenotypes of genes causative of hearing loss is expected to greatly benefit patients with hearing loss as it can assist in predicting outcomes and lead to appropriate intervention, which, in OTOGL-associated hearing loss cases, is based around the fact that the patients need not be concerned with deterioration in hearing, but require careful follow-up for vestibular symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases)

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33 pages, 2804 KiB

Open AccessReview

Preclinical Insights into the Role of Kir4.1 in Chronic Pain and Depression: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

by Tingfeng Zha, Xinyi Fang, Jiamin Wan, Xiaoyan Chen, Jiu Lin and Qianming Chen

Biomolecules 2025, 15(2), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15020165 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Chronic pain and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, frequently co-occur and share underlying mechanisms involving neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. The inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1), predominantly expressed in glial cells, is crucial for maintaining extracellular potassium and glutamate [...] Read more.

Chronic pain and mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, frequently co-occur and share underlying mechanisms involving neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. The inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1), predominantly expressed in glial cells, is crucial for maintaining extracellular potassium and glutamate homeostasis. Dysregulation of Kir4.1 leads to altered neuronal activity, contributing to both chronic pain and mental health disorders. In chronic pain, downregulation of Kir4.1 impairs potassium buffering and glutamate clearance, increasing neuronal excitability and enhancing pain signaling through peripheral and central sensitization. In mental health disorders, impaired Kir4.1 function disrupts neurotrophic factor secretion and neuroinflammatory pathways, leading to mood disturbances. This review primarily summarizes findings from preclinical studies to examine the relationship between Kir4.1 and the pathogenesis of chronic pain and mental health disorders, discussing its molecular structure, expression patterns, and functional roles. Furthermore, we explore therapeutic strategies targeting Kir4.1, including pharmacological modulators and gene therapy approaches, emphasizing its potential as a novel therapeutic target. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biological Factors)

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12 pages, 908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immune Response and Breakthrough Infection Risk After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Patients with Hemoglobinopathy: A Single Center Experience

by Andrea Duminuco, Anna Bulla, Rosamaria Rosso, Maria Anna Romeo, Daniela Cambria, Enrico La Spina, Benedetta Ximenes, Cesarina Giallongo, Daniele Tibullo, Alessandra Romano, Francesco Di Raimondo and Giuseppe A. Palumbo

Vaccines 2025, 13(2), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13020111 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background: Immune system impairment is frequently reported in patients affected by hemoglobinopathies due to various mechanisms, including iron accumulation, antigenic stimulation due to numerous transfusions, chronic hemolysis, and a general hyperinflammatory state. For these reasons, the antigenic immune response after a vaccine risks [...] Read more.

Background: Immune system impairment is frequently reported in patients affected by hemoglobinopathies due to various mechanisms, including iron accumulation, antigenic stimulation due to numerous transfusions, chronic hemolysis, and a general hyperinflammatory state. For these reasons, the antigenic immune response after a vaccine risks being ineffective. Methods: We evaluated the anti-spike IgG production after two doses of vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 in patients affected by hemoglobinopathies. Results: All 114 enrolled patients (100%) developed adequate antibody production, with a median value of serum IgG of 2184.4 BAU/mL (IQR 1127.4–3502.9). The amount of antibody was unrelated to any other clinical characteristics evaluated, including transfusion dependence or non-transfusion dependence, age, gender, disease type, ferritin, blood count, spleen status, and therapy with hydroxyurea or iron chelators (in all the cases p > 0.05). Moreover, 47 (41.2%) patients developed breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first 2 years of follow-up after vaccination, all with a mildly symptomatic course, without requiring hospitalization or experiencing a significative drop in hemoglobin values, allowing for a slight delay in their transfusion regimen. Conclusion: Vaccination against COVID-19 is safe and effective for patients affected by hemoglobinopathies, ensuring adequate protection from severe infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)

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21 pages, 7174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination Method of Optimal Decomposition Level of Discrete Wavelet Based on Joint Jarque–Bera Test and Combination Weighting Method

by Zhanpeng Zhang, Changjian Liu, Min Wang, Shuang Sun and Zhao Zhan

Entropy 2025, 27(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/e27020108 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

To overcome the limitations of traditional evaluation indicators in determining the optimal wavelet decomposition level, this paper proposes an adaptive method for selecting the best decomposition level by combining the Jarque–Bera test and a composite weighting approach. Firstly, in the noise extraction stage, [...] Read more.

To overcome the limitations of traditional evaluation indicators in determining the optimal wavelet decomposition level, this paper proposes an adaptive method for selecting the best decomposition level by combining the Jarque–Bera test and a composite weighting approach. Firstly, in the noise extraction stage, the Jarque–Bera test is employed to ensure that the extracted noise follows Gaussian white noise characteristics, thereby avoiding issues of insufficient denoising or signal distortion. Secondly, in the evaluation stage of the denoised signal, a comprehensive consideration of the geometric and physical meanings of various evaluation metrics, as well as the Pearson correlation coefficients between them, is undertaken. The RMSE and smoothness are selected as evaluation indicators for the denoising performance. Since these two metrics describe signal characteristics from different dimensions, a weighted combination approach is used to generate a single composite evaluation index. Additionally, to overcome the limitations of using a single weighting method, a composite weighting strategy is proposed by combining the entropy weight method and the coefficient of variation method. The composite coefficient between these two weighting methods is calculated using the variance coefficient method, yielding a new composite evaluation metric. A smaller value of this metric indicates better denoising performance, and the corresponding optimal decomposition level is more accurately determined. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed comprehensive evaluation method can accurately determine the optimal wavelet decomposition level in both known and unknown truth-value cases, exhibiting a high accuracy and good applicability. Furthermore, the experimental results show that using the optimal decomposition level determined by the proposed method for wavelet denoising leads to smoother peak regions, more stable waveforms and significantly improved denoising performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entropy and Time–Frequency Signal Processing)

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17 pages, 1013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mind Under Pressure: What Roles Does Education Play in the Relationship Between Chronic Stress and Cognitive Ability?

by Maximilian Seitz and Diana Steger

J. Intell. 2025, 13(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13020013 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Chronic stress is an important predictor of mental and physical health, but little is known about its association with cognitive abilities and education during the lifespan. We hypothesized that chronic stress would be negatively correlated with cognitive abilities, particularly crystallized intelligence, and that [...] Read more.

Chronic stress is an important predictor of mental and physical health, but little is known about its association with cognitive abilities and education during the lifespan. We hypothesized that chronic stress would be negatively correlated with cognitive abilities, particularly crystallized intelligence, and that this association would be stronger among individuals with lower educational attainment due to limited stress-coping resources. We used cross-sectional data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS SC6), comprising 10,416 adults aged 29 to 71 years (50.80% female; 49.20% male). Fluid and crystallized intelligence were assessed with a reasoning test and a vocabulary test, respectively; chronic stress was assessed with a questionnaire on social stress and anxiety. The tests and the questionnaire were conceptualized for a heterogeneous and large-scale sample. Our results show small negative associations between chronic stress and both fluid and crystallized cognitive abilities, which persist after controlling for demographic variables. However, there were no significant differences between educational groups. Although the study does not address longitudinal patterns, it highlights the complex interaction between stress and cognition, and it underscores the need for further research to explore how educational resources may mitigate the impact of chronic stress on cognitive health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Diversity, Educational Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence, Coping, and Other Factors That Influence Psychological Health and Well-Being)

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34 pages, 4610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Solutions in Tourism as a Way to Boost Sustainable Development: Evidence from a Transition Economy

by Anna Polukhina, Marina Sheresheva, Dmitry Napolskikh and Vladimir Lezhnin

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030877 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

This paper examines the role of digital economy tools, including big data, mobile applications, e-commerce, and sharing economy platforms, in the sustainable development of the tourism sector. The focus is on studying how the digital economy tools can contribute to more efficient and [...] Read more.

This paper examines the role of digital economy tools, including big data, mobile applications, e-commerce, and sharing economy platforms, in the sustainable development of the tourism sector. The focus is on studying how the digital economy tools can contribute to more efficient and sustainable tourism services, to service quality improvement, to reducing the negative environmental impact, and thus increase the availability of tourism resources in local destinations. Using the example of the successful use of digital technologies in Russian regions, this paper discusses the introduction of online platforms for booking services, the use of mobile applications for navigation and obtaining information about tourist sites, as well as the use of digital tools for predicting consumer preferences. A systematic approach to the analysis of tourism services digitalization, based on a set of technical and functional–digital indicators, allowed us to evaluate the impact of the digitalization level on the local destination’s sustainable development in transition economy conditions. The proposed methodology for assessing and applying tourism services digitalization tools in Russian regions takes into account the transition economy specifics and aims to promote more sustainable practices. This study will add to the existing literature by defining both technical and functional criteria for the implementation of digital technologies as tools for the creation of new business models in tourism, and the development of a tourism services digitalization model, based on the assessment of the regional digitalization level, to ensure the movement towards achieving sustainable development goals in local destinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Economy and Sustainable Development)

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25 pages, 7981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retinoids as Alternative Antifungal Agents Against Candida albicans: In Vitro and In Silico Evidence

by Terenzio Cosio, Alice Romeo, Enrico Salvatore Pistoia, Francesca Pica, Claudia Freni, Federico Iacovelli, Augusto Orlandi, Mattia Falconi, Elena Campione and Roberta Gaziano

Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020237 (registering DOI) - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most common pathogen responsible for a wide spectrum of human infections ranging from superficial mucocutaneous mycoses to systemic life-threatening diseases. Its main virulence factors are the morphological transition between yeast and hyphal forms and the [...] Read more.

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most common pathogen responsible for a wide spectrum of human infections ranging from superficial mucocutaneous mycoses to systemic life-threatening diseases. Its main virulence factors are the morphological transition between yeast and hyphal forms and the ability to produce biofilm. Novel antifungal strategies are required given the severity of systemic candidiasis, especially in immunocompromised patients, and the lack of effective anti-biofilm treatments. We previously demonstrated that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), an active metabolite of vitamin A, exerted an inhibitory effect on Candida growth, yeast–hyphal transition and biofilm formation. Here, we further investigated the possible anti-Candida potential of trifarotene and tazarotene, which are the other two molecules belonging to the retinoid family, compared to ATRA. The results indicate that both drugs were able to suppress Candida growth, germination and biofilm production, although trifarotene was proven to be more effective than tazarotene, showing effectiveness comparable to ATRA. In silico studies suggest that all three retinoids may exert antifungal activity through their molecular interactions with the heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 and 14α-demethylase of C. albicans. Moreover, interactions between retinoids and ergosterol have been observed, suggesting that those compounds have great potential against C. albicans infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbe–Host Interactions in Human Infections)

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10 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finite-Time Stability Analysis for Delayed Fuzzy Hadamard Fractional-Order Systems

by Hamdi Gassara, Mehdi Tlija, Lassaad Mchiri and Abdellatif Ben Makhlouf

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(2), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9020063 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

This paper focuses on the Finite-Time Stability Analysis (FTSA) problem for a Hadamard fractional-order system with time delay represented by a Delayed Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Model (DTSFM). Based on the Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) approach, we propose two methods for FTSA. The first procedure [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the Finite-Time Stability Analysis (FTSA) problem for a Hadamard fractional-order system with time delay represented by a Delayed Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Model (DTSFM). Based on the Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) approach, we propose two methods for FTSA. The first procedure is accomplished in two steps, while the second one is provided in only one step. The proposed results are extended to the case of DTSFM with uncertainties. An example is proposed to validate these results and to demonstrate the advantages of the one-step results compared to the two-step procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Engineering)

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12 pages, 415 KiB

Open AccessReview

Management of High Urogenital Sinus in Adults: A Scoping Review

by Muhammed A. Moukhtar Hammad, Nardeen Magdy Samaan and Gamal Ghoniem

Medicina 2025, 61(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020191 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Persistent urogenital sinus (PUGS) is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from disruptions in urogenital development during embryogenesis. Characterized by the confluence of the vaginal canal and urethra into a single channel, it poses diagnostic and management challenges, particularly in adult [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Persistent urogenital sinus (PUGS) is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from disruptions in urogenital development during embryogenesis. Characterized by the confluence of the vaginal canal and urethra into a single channel, it poses diagnostic and management challenges, particularly in adult patients. Surgical correction remains the primary treatment at an early age, yet there are no universally accepted guidelines regarding treatment at later stages in life. We explored current evidence on the management of high urogenital sinus (HUGS) in adults, focusing on surgical techniques, outcomes, perioperative care, and follow-up. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, including studies published up to August 2024. Search terms included “high urogenital sinus”, “adult patients”, and related conditions. Articles were included if they addressed clinical, diagnostic, or therapeutic data on HUGS in adult populations. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers, and a PRISMA-ScR flow diagram was used to outline the study selection process. Results: Nine studies met inclusion criteria, with data on surgical techniques, perioperative care, and long-term outcomes extracted for analysis. The included studies highlighted diverse surgical approaches, such as feminizing genitoplasty, buccal mucosa vaginoplasty, posterior prone techniques, and robotic-assisted urogenital sinus mobilization. Complications like vaginal stenosis, urethrovaginal fistula, and urinary incontinence were reported. Long-term outcomes were under-reported, with limited data on sexual function and patient satisfaction. Hormonal therapies, including glucocorticoids, played critical roles in managing cases associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Conclusions: The management of HUGS requires a multidisciplinary approach integrating advanced surgical techniques and individualized perioperative care. While short-term outcomes are generally favorable, long-term data on sexual function and quality of life remain scarce. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to address these gaps, aiming to optimize surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and psychosocial well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urology & Nephrology)

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17 pages, 2417 KiB

Open AccessReview

Applications of Elastin in Cosmetics: Prospects and Challenges

by Ting Lei, Lin Ye, Yunlin Pei, Huaiqing Sun and Chaowan Guo

Cosmetics 2025, 12(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12010018 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Elastin is a crucial component of the extracellular matrix that plays a significant role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Within the dermis, elastin works in collaboration with collagen to form supportive structures that contribute to the overall health and appearance of the [...] Read more.

Elastin is a crucial component of the extracellular matrix that plays a significant role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Within the dermis, elastin works in collaboration with collagen to form supportive structures that contribute to the overall health and appearance of the skin. As individuals age, the rate of elastin synthesis gradually declines, resulting in the degradation of skin elastic fibers, which subsequently leads to skin laxity and the formation of wrinkles. Furthermore, environmental factors, particularly ultraviolet radiation, can exacerbate the degradation of elastin and accelerate the aging process of the skin. Elasticity is regarded as a fundamental aspect of skin health; thus, maintaining adequate levels of elastin is essential for delaying the signs of skin aging and preserving the normal physiological functions of the skin. Currently, elastin has become an important ingredient in anti-aging products, demonstrating significant market potential and application prospects. This review focuses on the structural characteristics, physiological functions, and applications of elastin in cosmetics. Additionally, it discusses novel preparation techniques, future development opportunities, and challenges associated with elastin, with the objective of providing a robust theoretical framework for its application and advancement within the cosmetics industry. Full article

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Graphical abstract

22 pages, 675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Validation of the Perinatal Post-Traumatic Questionnaire in the Italian Population: Risk and Protective Factors

by Odette Nardozza, Ilenia Passaquindici, Melba Emilia Persico, Antea D’Andrea, Chiara Suttora, Mirco Fasolo and Maria Spinelli

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030704 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background: Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (P-PTSD) symptoms develop after experiencing childbirth as traumatic. Several individual and environmental factors influence the childbirth experience. However, in Italy, this phenomenon remains unexplored due to the lack of screening tools. This project aims to validate the Italian [...] Read more.

Background: Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (P-PTSD) symptoms develop after experiencing childbirth as traumatic. Several individual and environmental factors influence the childbirth experience. However, in Italy, this phenomenon remains unexplored due to the lack of screening tools. This project aims to validate the Italian version of the Perinatal PTSD Questionnaire (PPQ-II) and to identify maternal, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum risk and protective factors associated with P-PTSD. Methods: A total of 702 women (6–24 months postpartum) participated in an online cross-sectional study. They completed the PPQ-II, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10), and a questionnaire to assess sociodemographic and perinatal factors. Factor structure was estimated with an exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency of the scale, convergent and divergent analyses were computed. Associations between perinatal factors and P-PTSD were also investigated. Results: The EFA revealed a two-factor structure: “Arousal and Mood alteration” and “Avoidance and Intrusion”. CFA supported the factor structure, showing a good fit of the data. The validity was confirmed by a significant association between the PPQ-II and the DASS-21 and a lower correlation with the BFI-10. Significant associations were found between P-PTSD symptoms and factors across the maternal, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. Conclusions: The Italian PPQ-II is a valid screening tool to include in maternity care protocols for the early identification of P-PTSD. This study also contributes to identifying perinatal factors for symptom detection and the promotion of maternal well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal Peripartum Mental Health: Integrating Psychiatric Care into Obstetric Medicine)

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17 pages, 1600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Complete Pipeline to Extract Temperature from Thermal Images of Pigs

by Rodania Bekhit and Inonge Reimert

Sensors 2025, 25(3), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25030643 (registering DOI) - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Using deep learning or artificial intelligence (AI) in research with animals is a new interdisciplinary area of research. In this study, we have explored the potential of thermal imaging and AI in pig research. Thermal cameras play a vital role in obtaining and [...] Read more.

Using deep learning or artificial intelligence (AI) in research with animals is a new interdisciplinary area of research. In this study, we have explored the potential of thermal imaging and AI in pig research. Thermal cameras play a vital role in obtaining and collecting a large amount of data, and AI has the capabilities of processing and extracting valuable information from these data. The amount of data collected using thermal imaging is huge, and automation techniques are therefore crucial to find a meaningful interpretation of the changes in temperature. In this paper, we present a complete pipeline to extract temperature automatically from a selected Region of Interest (ROI). This system consists of three stages: the first one checks whether the ROI is completely visible to observe the thermal temperature, and then the second stage uses an encoder–decoder structure of a convolution neural network to segment the ROI, if the condition was met at stage one. In the last stage, the maximum temperature is extracted and saved in an external file. The segmentation model showed good performance, with a mean Pixel Class accuracy of 92.3%, and a mean Intersection over Union of 87.1%. The extracted temperature observed by the model entirely matched the manually observed temperature. The system showed reliable results to be used independently without human intervention to determine the temperature in the selected ROI in pigs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Animal Health Monitoring and Precision Livestock Farming—2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 8870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Casing Collapse Mechanism in Salt Formations in Deepwater Fields in Brazil

by Chunwei Gu, Ming Xiang, Mengbo Li, Haifeng Zhu, Qinyue Zhang, Zixiao Xing, Mingchun Wang, Zhe Zhang and Chuanliang Yan

Processes 2025, 13(2), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13020301 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Salt formations are commonly encountered during oil and gas drilling. Due to the rheological properties of salt rocks, casing collapse accidents happen frequently. Under action of nonuniform geostress, casing failure has become an important influencing factor that restricts the exploration and development benefits [...] Read more.

Salt formations are commonly encountered during oil and gas drilling. Due to the rheological properties of salt rocks, casing collapse accidents happen frequently. Under action of nonuniform geostress, casing failure has become an important influencing factor that restricts the exploration and development benefits of deep and ultra-deep wells. Casing stress in a period after well cementation in the salt formation of Brazilian deepwater fields was analyzed. Results show that the nonuniform geostress is instantaneously applied on the cement sheath when well cementation is completed in the salt formation and then transferred to the casing. Stress on the inner wall grows with an increase in the angle with the direction of the maximum horizontal principal stress and it reaches the maximum in the direction of the minimum horizontal principal stress. As the creep continues, stress on the inner wall of casings gradually enlarges and the circumferential stress in inner rings tends to be uniform, which means that creep of the formation weakens the nonuniformity of casing deformation. The collapse pressure on the outer wall of casings tends to increase at first and then decrease as the angle with the direction of maximum horizontal principal stress enlarges. Stress on the inner wall of casings in the salt formation reduces with the increasing thickness of casings selected, and the casing strength is improved as the wall thickness increases. The research results provide certain theoretical guidance for the strength check of casings in well cementation engineering in salt formations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)

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20 pages, 470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Forecasting the Probability of Crypto-Exchange Closures: A Forecast Combination Approach

by Said Magomedov and Dean Fantazzini

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18020048 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

The popularity of cryptocurrency exchanges has surged in recent years, accompanied by the proliferation of new digital platforms and tokens. However, the issue of credit risk and the reliability of crypto exchanges remain critical, highlighting the need for indicators to assess the safety [...] Read more.

The popularity of cryptocurrency exchanges has surged in recent years, accompanied by the proliferation of new digital platforms and tokens. However, the issue of credit risk and the reliability of crypto exchanges remain critical, highlighting the need for indicators to assess the safety of investing through these platforms. This study examines a unique, hand-collected dataset of 228 cryptocurrency exchanges operating between April 2011 and May 2024. Using various machine learning algorithms, we identify the key factors contributing to exchange shutdowns, with trading volume, exchange lifespan, and cybersecurity scores emerging as the most significant predictors. Since individual machine learning models often capture distinct data characteristics and exhibit varying error patterns, we employ a forecast combination approach by aggregating multiple predictive distributions. Specifically, we evaluate several specifications of the generalized linear pool (GLP), beta-transformed linear pool (BLP), and beta-mixture combination (BMC). Our findings reveal that the beta-transformed linear pool and the beta-mixture combination achieve the best performances, improving forecast accuracy by approximately 4.1% based on a robust H-measure, which effectively addresses the challenges of misclassification in imbalanced datasets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning Based Risk Management in Finance and Insurance)

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35 pages, 1267 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of GPCR Signaling in Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity

by Nimish Biswal, Ritika Harish, Minahil Roshan, Sathvik Samudrala, Xuanmao Jiao, Richard G. Pestell and Anthony W. Ashton

Cells 2025, 14(3), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14030169 (registering DOI) - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Anthracyclines are a class of chemotherapeutics commonly used to treat a range of cancers. Despite success in improving cancer survival rates, anthracyclines have dose-limiting cardiotoxicity that prevents more widespread clinical utility. Currently, the therapeutic options for these patients are limited to the iron-chelating [...] Read more.

Anthracyclines are a class of chemotherapeutics commonly used to treat a range of cancers. Despite success in improving cancer survival rates, anthracyclines have dose-limiting cardiotoxicity that prevents more widespread clinical utility. Currently, the therapeutic options for these patients are limited to the iron-chelating agent dexrazoxane, the only FDA-approved drug for anthracycline cardiotoxicity. However, the clinical use of dexrazoxane has failed to replicate expectations from preclinical studies. A limited list of GPCRs have been identified as pathogenic in anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, including receptors (frizzled, adrenoreceptors, angiotensin II receptors) previously implicated in cardiac remodeling in other pathologies. The RNA sequencing of iPSC-derived cardiac myocytes from patients has increased our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms driving cardiotoxicity. These data identified changes in the expression of novel GPCRs, heterotrimeric G proteins, and the regulatory pathways that govern downstream signaling. This review will capitalize on insights from these experiments to explain aspects of disease pathogenesis and cardiac remodeling. These data provide a cornucopia of possible unexplored potential pathways by which we can reduce the cardiotoxic side effects, without compromising the anti-cancer effects, of doxorubicin and provide new therapeutic options to improve the recovery and quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cell Signaling)

24 pages, 4775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensitive Detection of Kynurenic Acid from Biological Fluids Using a Flexible Electrochemical Platform Based on Gold Nanoparticles and Reduced Graphene Oxide

by Diana-Gabriela Macovei, Mihaela Tertis, Diana Bogdan, Maria Suciu, Lucian Barbu-Tudoran and Cecilia Cristea

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030913 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Kynurenic acid (KA), a key metabolite of tryptophan (TRP) via the kynurenine pathway, plays a significant role in various physiological and pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, depression, and schizophrenia. This study aims to develop a flexible and sensitive electrochemical sensor platform for the [...] Read more.

Kynurenic acid (KA), a key metabolite of tryptophan (TRP) via the kynurenine pathway, plays a significant role in various physiological and pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, depression, and schizophrenia. This study aims to develop a flexible and sensitive electrochemical sensor platform for the direct detection of KA in biological fluids. Custom carbon-based electrodes were fabricated using specialized inks and a flexible plastic substrate, followed by functionalization with a composite film of gold nanoparticles, graphene oxide (GO), and polyethyleneimine (PEI). The GO was electrochemically reduced to enhance conductivity and sensitivity for the target analyte. The sensor platform was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). An optimized differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method was employed for KA detection. The developed sensor demonstrated a detection limit of 0.3 nM and was effective across a concentration range of 1 nM to 500 µM. These findings highlight the potential of this electrochemical sensor as a reliable, rapid, and cost-effective tool for KA detection in various biological samples, offering significant advantages over traditional methods in terms of sensitivity and simplicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applicability of Graphene-Based Materials in the Pharmaceutical, Biological and Biomedical Sectors)

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20 pages, 7926 KiB

Open AccessReview

Excited-State Proton Transfer for Biomarker Detection

by Debosreeta Bose and Agnishwar Girigoswami

Photochem 2025, 5(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/photochem5010002 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Biomarker detection is imperative in the realms of modern medicine, biology, and environmental science, owing to the numerous avenues for its application. The recent scientific upsurge in the development of molecules, materials, and mechanisms for such scientific development has garnered considerable attention among [...] Read more.

Biomarker detection is imperative in the realms of modern medicine, biology, and environmental science, owing to the numerous avenues for its application. The recent scientific upsurge in the development of molecules, materials, and mechanisms for such scientific development has garnered considerable attention among scientists. In this connection, excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) properties of photoluminescent compounds provide considerable insights into the designing, development, and detection of biomarkers. ESIPT molecules significantly show a Stokes-shifted emission due to their sensitive nature and unique photophysical properties. Leveraging this photophysical property and tunable nature, several fluorescent probes of this genre can be designed and synthesized for a plethora of application spheres. Schiff bases encompass one such category of functional molecules displaying ESIPT properties, which can be mitigated by adding several other functionalities and desired optical characteristics. The current review article spans the basics of ESIPT properties of certain photoluminescent molecules and also envisages biosensing applications of recently developed imine–functionalized Schiff base molecules with such properties as the prima-foci, along with other applications. Full article

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