MDPI - Publisher of Open Access Journals

14 pages, 1126 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Postoperative Patient-Reported Quality of Life After Endoscopic Surgery for Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

by Marcelina Niemiec-Urbańczyk, Maria Humeniuk-Arasiewicz, Karolina Goroszkiewicz, Grażyna Stryjewska-Makuch and Joanna Glück

Medicina 2026, 62(8), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62081567 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign yet locally aggressive tumour associated with a clinically relevant risk of recurrence and malignant transformation. While surgical outcomes are well documented, data on long-term patient-reported quality of life (QoL) remain limited and [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign yet locally aggressive tumour associated with a clinically relevant risk of recurrence and malignant transformation. While surgical outcomes are well documented, data on long-term patient-reported quality of life (QoL) remain limited and are often based on short-term or single time-point assessments using disease-specific instruments alone. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-centre observational cohort study of adults with histologically confirmed IP treated endoscopically. Patients were followed in a university-affiliated otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic and completed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) at each visit; from 2022 onwards, the generic WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was additionally administered. Longitudinal SNOT-22 trajectories were analysed using generalised additive models and linear mixed-effects models. In a subgroup of patients, retrospectively recalled preoperative SNOT-22 and WHOQOL-BREF scores were used only for exploratory paired pre–post comparisons. Results: Sixty-nine patients were included. Mean follow-up was 63.1 ± 27.8 months, and recurrence occurred in 21 of 69 patients (30%). A total of 461 postoperative SNOT-22 assessments with complete follow-up time data were included in the longitudinal analysis, with a median of six assessments per patient. Mean postoperative SNOT-22 score was 25.4 ± 19.8, and longitudinal postoperative trajectories showed a largely stable course over time. In the paired exploratory subgroup (n = 34), retrospectively recalled preoperative SNOT-22 scores were higher than postoperative scores, although these exploratory findings should be interpreted cautiously because baseline PROMs were not collected prospectively. Exploratory paired comparisons of WHOQOL-BREF showed higher postoperative scores in the physical, psychological and environmental domains. Conclusions: Patients with sinonasal IP treated endoscopically can achieve favourable and largely stable long-term disease-specific and generic QoL. No single baseline clinical factor showed a clear association with postoperative SNOT-22 scores in the longitudinal models. Combining disease-specific and generic patient-reported outcome measures with longitudinal modelling may support more informed postoperative counselling in this rare, recurrent condition, while structured surveillance remains essential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surgery)

35 pages, 4580 KB

Open AccessReview

Immune-Competent Tumor Organoid Models: Construction Strategies and Their Application in Predicting Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response

by Qi Zhang, Hong Zeng, Xueying Wan and Lei Lang

Cancers 2026, 18(16), 2639; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18162639 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

The immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has changed the way many solid tumors are treated; yet, only a minority of patients respond durably. The biomarkers that guide therapy (the PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite status) read only fixed molecular features and miss [...] Read more.

The immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has changed the way many solid tumors are treated; yet, only a minority of patients respond durably. The biomarkers that guide therapy (the PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite status) read only fixed molecular features and miss the shifting tumor–immune exchange. Patient-derived tumor organoids reproduce the tumor epithelium and predict the chemotherapy responses, but, in their usual form, they omit the immune compartment on which the ICB acts. This review asks how immune-competent organoids can close that gap, and how well they predict the response. One idea organizes the field: how a model is built determines what it can predict. Two complementary construction routes have been developed. One preserves endogenous immunity through an air–liquid interface culture; the other rebuilds it by a co-culture with defined effector populations. Both now incorporate microenvironmental reconstruction and quantitative functional readouts. The most developed examples are in colorectal cancer, with breast cancer applications only beginning to appear. Evidence for the ICB response prediction, graded on a four-level scale, remains at the proof-of-concept stage. Organoid functional assays complement rather than replace molecular biomarkers. Their clinical translation requires progress on four fronts: standardized protocols, longer immune cell viability, spatial and multi-omic integration, and prospective paired validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy)

43 pages, 6876 KB

Open AccessReview

Integrated Biosorption, Membrane Separation, and Advanced Oxidation Processes for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment: Mechanisms, Hybrid Systems, and Future Perspectives

by Aminur Rahman, Muhammad Muhitur Rahman, Aftab Ahmad Khan, Sonia Abid Bhatti and Sayeed Rushd

Processes 2026, 14(16), 2603; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14162603 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Increased contamination and complexity of wastewater due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and new contaminants have highlighted the limitations of conventional treatment technologies. The treatment of complex wastewater matrices containing heavy metals, refractory organic contaminants, pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nutrients, and pathogens [...] Read more.

Increased contamination and complexity of wastewater due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and new contaminants have highlighted the limitations of conventional treatment technologies. The treatment of complex wastewater matrices containing heavy metals, refractory organic contaminants, pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nutrients, and pathogens requires an integrated treatment approach with complementary removal mechanisms. This review critically analyzes the principles, recent developments, and engineering applications of biosorption, membrane separation, and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), and highlights their possible combination in hybrid wastewater treatment systems. Recent advances in engineered biosorbents, multifunctional membranes, and catalytic materials, including their mechanisms, material innovations, operational benefits, and limitations, are critically evaluated. Special focus is placed on the mechanistic synergy among the different technologies, showing how contaminant load reduction, membrane fouling mitigation, selective concentration, and oxidative degradation collectively improve treatment efficiency with reduction in energy and chemical consumption. This article also introduces a framework for process-engineered integrated hybrid treatment systems. Comparative analyses of hybrid configurations, engineering challenges, research gaps, and a decision support framework are provided to aid the selection of the technologies based on the wastewater characteristics and treatment objectives. New opportunities for artificial intelligence, digital process control, multifunctional materials, and circular resource recovery are also addressed. Overall, this review emphasizes that intelligently engineered hybrid systems integrating biosorption, membrane separation, and AOPs can be a promising pathway toward efficient contaminant removal, water reuse, resource recovery, and sustainable wastewater management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Biosorption, Membrane Separation, and Advanced Oxidation Processes for Sustainable Water and Wastewater Treatment)

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19 pages, 1681 KB

Open AccessArticle

Selective Plasma Mode Modulation in HfO₂ Charge Trap Layers via RP/DP/RP Atomic Layer Deposition for Enhanced Memory Performance and Interface Quality

by Byungwook Kim, Yongwoon Jang, Hyeonwu Nam, Changyun Hong, Minkyun Kang, Wookyung Lee and Changbun Yoon

Micromachines 2026, 17(8), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17080965 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Hafnium oxide (HfO₂) has emerged as a promising charge trap layer (CTL) for nonvolatile memory devices; however, its long-term reliability remains challenging due to leakage current through grain boundary pathways and interface defect formation. Within plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), direct [...] Read more.

Hafnium oxide (HfO₂) has emerged as a promising charge trap layer (CTL) for nonvolatile memory devices; however, its long-term reliability remains challenging due to leakage current through grain boundary pathways and interface defect formation. Within plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), direct plasma ALD (DPALD) forms crystalline HfO₂ with deeper trap sites, while its ion-assisted nature may contribute to interface damage, resulting in a lower net trap density than remote plasma ALD (RPALD), which better preserves interfacial quality. We propose an interface–bulk–interface (RP/DP/RP) process design that places RPALD at the interfaces and DPALD in the bulk, aiming to combine bulk trap sites with interfacial protection. Charge trap memory (CTM) devices were fabricated across RP/DP/RP thickness combinations. Within the tested range, the optimized structure exhibited the widest memory window and the highest effective trapped charge density among the measured devices, improving upon DPALD and comparable to RPALD, together with the lowest near-interface trap density at the Si/Al₂O₃ interface. The device also maintained a stable memory window up to 10⁴ program/erase cycles, and short-term retention data suggest potentially stable program and erase states, requiring longer-term validation. These results indicate that spatial modulation of plasma modes offers a process-level strategy for improving HfO₂-based CTM devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing and Application of Advanced Thin-Film-Based Device, Second Edition)

26 pages, 4242 KB

Open AccessArticle

MTC-Net: Leveraging Multi-Temporal Consistency and Multi-View Synergistic Contrastive Learning for Remote Sensing Scene Classification

by Xiao Xiao, Han Zhang, Kenan Cheng, Junzheng Wu, Weiping Ni and Qiang Liu

Remote Sens. 2026, 18(16), 2764; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18162764 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

The remote sensing scene classification (RSSC) task plays a pivotal role in Earth observation missions, yet its progress remains constrained by the scarcity of high-quality labeled imagery. This article introduces a self-supervised learning (SSL) paradigm to address this challenge. First, for pseudo-label construction, [...] Read more.

The remote sensing scene classification (RSSC) task plays a pivotal role in Earth observation missions, yet its progress remains constrained by the scarcity of high-quality labeled imagery. This article introduces a self-supervised learning (SSL) paradigm to address this challenge. First, for pseudo-label construction, a large set of long-interval satellite revisit imagery is collected and processed with pixel-level registration. The SIFT inliers retained during registration serve as saliency priors to guide asymmetric masking across views. This produces positive pairs that preserve global scene consistency while introducing controlled object-level ambiguities. Second, we propose a progressive layer-wise contrastive learning framework (MTC-Net) that couples the pseudo-label with the network’s representational hierarchy, forming a curriculum from local texture robustness to global semantic invariance. A dual-attention module with spatial–channel branches is further embedded to recalibrate intermediate features. The learning paradigm encourages the model to perform cross-view contextual reasoning rather than relying on pixel-wise correspondences. Experiments on three widely used datasets demonstrate that MTC-Net achieves competitive classification accuracy under limited-label settings, while ablation and visualization studies validate the effectiveness of establishing scene-level invariance through multi-temporal contrastive alignment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Emerging Trends and Applications of Big Data and Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Remote Sensing II)

15 pages, 5394 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomics Analysis of Different Varieties of Pouteria caimito Fruit Based on UHPLC-MS/MS

by Haijie Huang, Li Zhao, Zhikai Wang, Yang Qiao, Huidong Deng, Yingjun Ye, Kaili Ding, Xuejie Feng and Yijun Liu

Foods 2026, 15(16), 2855; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15162855 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

To investigate the differences in pulp metabolites among four varieties of Pouteria caimito fruit (JZL1, JZL3, JZL5, and JZL6), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was employed for the separation and identification of metabolites. A total of 1285 metabolites were identified, including [...] Read more.

To investigate the differences in pulp metabolites among four varieties of Pouteria caimito fruit (JZL1, JZL3, JZL5, and JZL6), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was employed for the separation and identification of metabolites. A total of 1285 metabolites were identified, including 648 in positive ion mode and 637 in negative ion mode. At the class level, carboxylic acids and derivatives (14.32%) and organooxygen compounds (11.83%) accounted for the highest proportions; at the subclass level, amino acids, peptides, and analogues (12.53%) as well as carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates (9.49%) were the main categories. PLS-DA analysis revealed significant differences in metabolite profiles among the four varieties, with numerous up-regulated and down-regulated metabolites in each comparison group, and some metabolites showed fold changes > 10 or <0.1. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis further indicated that differential metabolites were primarily enriched in pathways such as ABC transporters, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), starch and sucrose metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism. This study provides an important metabolomic basis for variety identification, nutritional quality evaluation, and functional component development of Pouteria caimito fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)

7 pages, 819 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Review of the Electrical Conductivity Inside Mars Calculated Beneath the InSight Landing Site

by Victor Corchete

Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080336 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

The first electrical conductivity model determined beneath the InSight landing site is revisited in this study by performing a careful selection of magnetic records from the IFG dataset. This conductivity model is recalculated for the crust and the uppermost mantle (0–182 km depth), [...] Read more.

The first electrical conductivity model determined beneath the InSight landing site is revisited in this study by performing a careful selection of magnetic records from the IFG dataset. This conductivity model is recalculated for the crust and the uppermost mantle (0–182 km depth), considering the data provided by this careful selection. In general, the present model shows a good agreement with synthetic models and other models calculated from magnetic data. In the present model, the conductivity of the crust is 0.0007 S/m, and the conductivity for the uppermost mantle coincides with that determined in the former paper. The crustal conductivity has been calculated for the first time beneath the InSight landing site. Better knowledge can be achieved when more accurate magnetic data are available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Planetary Science and Astrobiology)

26 pages, 5939 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genesis of the Giant Aynak Copper Deposit, Afghanistan: Constraints from Sulphide Geochemistry (ICP-MS) and Fluid Inclusions

by Hamidullah Waizy, Norman R. Moles and Martin P. Smith

Minerals 2026, 16(8), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16080844 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Located 30 km south–southeast of Kabul in Logar province, Aynak is the largest and best-known copper orebody in Afghanistan. The deposit is hosted by the Loy Khwar Formation, a Neoproterozoic–Cambrian metasedimentary sequence of dolomite marble, carbonaceous quartz schist and quartz–biotite–dolomite schist. The primary [...] Read more.

Located 30 km south–southeast of Kabul in Logar province, Aynak is the largest and best-known copper orebody in Afghanistan. The deposit is hosted by the Loy Khwar Formation, a Neoproterozoic–Cambrian metasedimentary sequence of dolomite marble, carbonaceous quartz schist and quartz–biotite–dolomite schist. The primary ore minerals are chalcopyrite and bornite, with less abundant pyrite and minor cobaltite, chalcocite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite and molybdenite. Sulphides occur as bedded laminae and disseminations, in metamorphic segregations, and in syn- to post-metamorphic cross-cutting veins. Building on the mineralogical, lithogeochemical and sulphur isotope framework established by Waizy et al. (2020), ICP-MS analyses of sulphide-rich separates from Central and Western Aynak (n = 31) were undertaken to characterise trace-element distributions, evaluate possible metal sources, and further constrain the genetic model of the deposit. Co and As enrichment in chalcopyrite-dominant samples is consistent with cobaltite, whereas Co enrichment in the absence of arsenic suggests the possible presence of carrollite. Fluid inclusion analyses of secondary quartz-hosted inclusions indicate interaction between the Aynak deposits and saline aqueous fluids (32 to 47 equivalent wt% NaCl) at minimum P-T conditions of ~100–200 MPa and 300 °C. It is uncertain whether these fluid parameters relate to primary copper transport and deposition, or to remobilisation during metamorphism. Nevertheless, comparison with analogous sediment-hosted copper deposits suggests that highly saline basinal brines played an important role in the formation and evolution of the deposit. Occurrences of scapolite provide additional evidence for a model of brine-related mineralisation. Together with previously published mineralogical, lithogeochemical and sulphur isotope evidence, these findings support a sedimentary–diagenetic origin for the Aynak copper deposit that is broadly comparable with sediment-hosted stratiform copper systems of the Central African Copperbelt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Formation and Characteristics of Sediment-Hosted Ore Deposits)

8 pages, 450 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preoperative Heart Rate Variability and Parasympathetic Modulation in Newborns with Transposition of the Great Arteries Undergoing Arterial Switch Operation

by Dilek Yavuzcan Öztürk, Demet Oğuz, Şenay Çoban and Erkut Öztürk

Children 2026, 13(8), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13081085 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Introduction: We retrospectively assessed preoperative cardiac autonomic regulation in neonates with TGA who subsequently underwent arterial switch operation. Materials and Methods: Neonates treated between 1 January and 31 December 2024 were studied. Heart rate variability was derived from continuous ECG recordings, with low-frequency [...] Read more.

Introduction: We retrospectively assessed preoperative cardiac autonomic regulation in neonates with TGA who subsequently underwent arterial switch operation. Materials and Methods: Neonates treated between 1 January and 31 December 2024 were studied. Heart rate variability was derived from continuous ECG recordings, with low-frequency and high-frequency spectral components calculated from RR intervals. Longitudinal associations between HRV indices and the interval to surgery were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models with adjustment for relevant clinical covariates. Results: Twenty neonates were included. The median age at ASO was 7 days (IQR 5–9), median weight was 3100 g (IQR 2900–3400), and median preoperative oxygen saturation was 76% (IQR 70–82%). Balloon atrial septostomy had been performed in 10 patients. HRV data represented 150 patient-days of monitoring. In unadjusted analyses, both LF and HF power declined as surgery was delayed, with the strongest association observed for HF power. In the adjusted mixed-effects model, longer time to surgery remained independently associated with lower HF power (β = −0.07, 95% CI −0.129 to −0.011, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Serial HF measurements may reflect progressive changes in autonomic regulation during the preoperative period in neonates with TGA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Neonatology)

17 pages, 796 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acute and Recurrent Pancreatitis in Children: Insights into Etiology and Clinical Course from a Retrospective Single-Center Study

by Alexandra Mititelu, Alina Grama, Gabriel Bența, Alexandru-Ștefan Niculae and Tudor Lucian Pop

Children 2026, 13(8), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13081084 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Pediatric acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasingly recognized as a clinically significant disease, yet Central and Eastern European cohort data remain limited. Acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) affects a substantial proportion of these children and may reflect distinct underlying etiologies. This study aimed to [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Pediatric acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasingly recognized as a clinically significant disease, yet Central and Eastern European cohort data remain limited. Acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) affects a substantial proportion of these children and may reflect distinct underlying etiologies. This study aimed to characterize the etiological spectrum, disease severity, and hospitalization outcomes of AP and ARP in a pediatric tertiary referral population, and to identify early clinical predictors of severity. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 63 children hospitalized between 2018 and 2025 with 77 documented episodes of AP. Diagnosis followed INSPPIRE criteria, and severity was graded using the 2017 NASPGHAN classification. Etiologies, clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, imaging findings, and hospitalization length were compared between AP and ARP groups, across severity and etiological complexity categories using appropriate non-parametric and permutation-based methods. Results: Genetic etiologies predominated in ARP (37.0%), whereas idiopathic and infectious causes were more common in first-episode AP (24.0% and 14.0%, respectively; overall p < 0.001). Severity distribution did not differ between AP and ARP, with mild disease accounting for the majority of episodes in both groups. Serum albumin was significantly lower in moderate/severe episodes (p = 0.030). Within the single-episode subgroup, etiological complexity emerged as a significant predictor of prolonged hospitalization, with complex multifactorial or systemic etiologies associated with markedly longer stays than idiopathic or single-factor disease (Welch ANOVA p = 0.007). Conclusions: In this Romanian pediatric cohort, genetic causes dominate ARP, while idiopathic and infectious etiologies characterize first-episode AP, supporting a stepwise approach in which comprehensive etiological work-up, including genetic testing, is prioritized after recurrence. The predominance of genetic causes in ARP should be interpreted with caution, as genetic testing was applied selectively, predominantly after recurrence. Recurrence status alone does not predict severity, whereas etiological complexity at first presentation and hypoalbuminemia represent practical, accessible early markers for clinically assessing more severe disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition)

47 pages, 6862 KB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Micromixers, Microdroplet Generators and Their Integration

by Wang He, Ling Zhang, Lei Wu, Yushan Chen and Tingting Chen

Micromachines 2026, 17(8), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17080963 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

High-efficiency mixing and precise droplet generation are essential for the broad application of microfluidic chips in biology, chemistry, and medicine, with integrated micromixer and microdroplet generator systems playing an increasingly important role in diagnostics and drug detection. This review offers a comprehensive and [...] Read more.

High-efficiency mixing and precise droplet generation are essential for the broad application of microfluidic chips in biology, chemistry, and medicine, with integrated micromixer and microdroplet generator systems playing an increasingly important role in diagnostics and drug detection. This review offers a comprehensive and systematic overview of micromixers and microdroplet generators, covering their classification, working principles, performance characterization, and integration strategies. Passive and active micromixers, the latter employing pressure, electric, acoustic, magnetic, and thermal fields to enhance mixing, are summarized with a critical discussion of their advantages, limitations, and structural optimization. Various droplet generation methods, including crossflow, flow focusing, coflow, step emulsification, and active techniques, are examined alongside key parameters affecting droplet size, monodispersity, and generation frequency. Performance characterization metrics for both components, including mixing efficiency, mixing time, pressure drop, droplet size distribution, generation frequency, and stability, are also discussed. The review then focuses on integration, emphasizing two primary architectural strategies: mixing reagents before encapsulation and inducing mixing within droplets after formation. Synergistic applications in single cell analysis, materials synthesis, and drug screening are presented. Notably, unlike previous reviews that treat micromixers or droplet generators separately, this review uniquely emphasizes architectural integration and critically evaluates the associated trade-offs. Current challenges and future directions, including material selection, fabrication techniques, and practical application-oriented considerations, are also addressed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biosensors: Nanomaterials, Micro/Nano Devices and Applications)

34 pages, 5870 KB

Open AccessArticle

Difference-Gated Interaction and Change-Aware Cross-Temporal Fusion Network for Remote Sensing Image Change Detection

by Lele Li, Panpan Zheng, Liejun Wang and Yuqing Zhou

Remote Sens. 2026, 18(16), 2763; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18162763 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Remote sensing (RS) image change detection (CD) is crucial for environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster assessment. Despite recent advances, existing methods struggle to effectively exploit bitemporal difference information, leading to false alarms caused by illumination or seasonal variations. Furthermore, they often fail [...] Read more.

Remote sensing (RS) image change detection (CD) is crucial for environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster assessment. Despite recent advances, existing methods struggle to effectively exploit bitemporal difference information, leading to false alarms caused by illumination or seasonal variations. Furthermore, they often fail to fully leverage coarse predictions as explicit semantic priors, restricting their capability to detect small-scale change regions. To address these issues, we propose a Difference-Gated Interaction and Change-Aware Cross-Temporal Fusion Network (DCAFNet) within a unified coarse-to-fine framework. Specifically, a Difference-Gated Feature Interaction (DGFI) module generates change correlation gates based on difference magnitudes to suppress pseudo-changes while preserving genuine change signals, and a Change-Aware Cross-Temporal Fusion (CCTF) module leverages coarse predictions as semantic guidance for feature recalibration and employs cross-temporal attention with learnable adaptive fusion to recover subtle change regions. Extensive experiments on four benchmark datasets (LEVIR-CD, WHU-CD, CDD, and SYSU-CD) demonstrate that DCAFNet consistently outperforms ten state-of-the-art methods, with additional ablation studies confirming the effectiveness of each component. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Remote Sensing Image Processing)

27 pages, 4150 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Multi-Scenario Simulation of Photovoltaic Expansion at the Township Scale: A Case Study of Xintai, China

by Yi Chen, Yao Meng, Tao Liu, Dekai Tao, Yong Lei, Wenjuan Huang and Hailan Tan

Land 2026, 15(8), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15081481 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Rapid growth in photovoltaic (PV) development has intensified competition between renewable energy expansion and land resources, highlighting the importance of integrating PV growth with spatial planning toward carbon neutrality. This study addresses the lack of township-level evidence by integrating spatio-temporal analysis, the Optimal [...] Read more.

Rapid growth in photovoltaic (PV) development has intensified competition between renewable energy expansion and land resources, highlighting the importance of integrating PV growth with spatial planning toward carbon neutrality. This study addresses the lack of township-level evidence by integrating spatio-temporal analysis, the Optimal Parameter Geodetector (OPGD), and the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model to investigate the evolution, driving mechanisms, and future spatial patterns of PV development. Taking Xintai City as a case study, this research examines PV development from 2010 to 2022 and simulates future spatial patterns under natural development (ND) and carbon neutrality (CN) scenarios. Results show that PV development entered a rapid expansion stage after 2015, characterized by leapfrog growth and increasing spatial agglomeration. The centroid of PV patches shifted eastward, whereas the centroid of PV area migrated westward, indicating differentiated spatial evolution between the number and scale of PV facilities. PV development was jointly shaped by climatic conditions, socioeconomic factors, and land availability, with interactions among multiple factors substantially enhancing spatial heterogeneity. Scenario simulations revealed that PV development continued under both scenarios, while the CN scenario promoted more concentrated expansion in coal subsidence areas and inefficient industrial and mining lands, thereby helping alleviate potential conflicts with cultivated land protection. These findings highlight the importance of prioritizing low-conflict land resources and strengthening spatial coordination between renewable energy development and land management to support sustainable low-carbon development in resource-based cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Built Environment)

25 pages, 6175 KB

Open AccessArticle

Portable NIR Prediction of Soluble Solids Content in Cherry Tomato Using Region-Guided Wavelength Selection and Sparse Bayesian Learning

by Quanqing Liao, Zijun Han, Hengnian Qi and Chu Zhang

Agronomy 2026, 16(16), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16161571 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Soluble solids content (SSC) is an important indicator of sweetness-related quality, maturity, and postharvest grading in cherry tomato. Destructive physicochemical measurements remain accurate but are labor-intensive and unsuitable for rapid batch assessment. This study developed an RGSW-SBL framework for predicting SSC in Zheyingfen [...] Read more.

Soluble solids content (SSC) is an important indicator of sweetness-related quality, maturity, and postharvest grading in cherry tomato. Destructive physicochemical measurements remain accurate but are labor-intensive and unsuitable for rapid batch assessment. This study developed an RGSW-SBL framework for predicting SSC in Zheyingfen cherry tomato using portable near-infrared (NIR) spectra. In this framework, region-guided stable wavelength selection (RGSW) was used to select informative wavelengths, whereas sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) served as the quantitative regression model for SSC prediction. RGSW integrates adaptive candidate waveband estimation with robust competitive wavelength screening, thereby retaining continuous spectral regions while reducing redundant and unstable variables. The prediction performance of SBL was compared with that of partial least squares (PLS) regression under full-spectrum and different wavelength-selection conditions. Model performance was evaluated using R² and RMSE, with the principal test-set results reported in terms of R² and RMSE. Under the training–validation–test evaluation protocol, RGSW-SBL achieved the numerically best internal-test result among the reported SBL combinations, with a test-set R² of 0.847 and an RMSE of 0.369 °Brix using 157 selected wavelengths. The selected and high-contribution wavelengths were concentrated in chemically meaningful NIR regions related to C-H and O-H overtone absorption, sugar responses, and water-related tissue information. These results support RGSW-SBL as an interpretable framework for controlled-condition SSC prediction in cherry tomato, although multi-season, multi-cultivar, and multi-instrument validation remains necessary before deployment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Technologies for Pre- and Postharvest Quality Assessment of Fruits)

16 pages, 2394 KB

Open AccessArticle

Laser-Enhanced Machine Vision for Edge Profile Measurement of Thin Film Printed Electronics

by Mothana A. Hassan and Ali Abdulkhaleq Alwahib

Micromachines 2026, 17(8), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17080964 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Thin film printed electronics, such as flexible circuits and sensor sheets, require non-contact inspection to detect defects and edge degradation. The present paper presents a laser-enhanced machine vision framework for detecting and analyzing the edges of printed conductive tracks using Canny edge detection [...] Read more.

Thin film printed electronics, such as flexible circuits and sensor sheets, require non-contact inspection to detect defects and edge degradation. The present paper presents a laser-enhanced machine vision framework for detecting and analyzing the edges of printed conductive tracks using Canny edge detection and Otsu thresholding. Using a coherent laser source, Otsu’s method enhances contrast at the ink–substrate interface, enabling robust segmentation of edge lines. Canny operator is applied to thresholded images to extract precise edge profiles. Multiple printed tracks are analyzed to calculate four lateral edge roughness values (Ra). As a result, the values are 40.43 µm, 40.09 µm, 50.26 µm and 40.94 µm. The results show that the suggested method can detect and qualify variations in edge parameters. Printed electronics are produced using an inline inspection and quality control system based on non-contact, high-resolution, and scalable technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section A2: Surfaces and Interfaces)

20 pages, 3504 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Chlorogenic Acid Attenuates Liver Injury, Lipid Metabolic Disturbance, and Inflammatory Responses in Broilers Under High Stocking Density

by Dongying Bai, Yi Zhang, Bo Zheng, Fangshen Guo, Wenrui Zhen, Ziyue Zhao, Keyuan Lei, Chenjie Zhang, Cai Zhang, Yushu Zhang, Bingkun Zhang and Yanbo Ma

Animals 2026, 16(16), 2552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16162552 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study evaluated whether chlorogenic acid (CGA) attenuates hepatic injury in broilers under high stocking density (HSD). A total of 216 experimental male Arbor Acres broilers were assigned to normal density without CGA (ND; 14 birds/m²), high density without CGA (HD; [...] Read more.

This study evaluated whether chlorogenic acid (CGA) attenuates hepatic injury in broilers under high stocking density (HSD). A total of 216 experimental male Arbor Acres broilers were assigned to normal density without CGA (ND; 14 birds/m²), high density without CGA (HD; 22 birds/m²), normal density with 0.1% CGA (NDCGA), or high density with 0.1% CGA (HDCGA) groups, with six cages per treatment. CGA was supplied from day 7 to 42. At 42 d, live-weight densities were 35.00, 50.25, 34.48, and 49.38 kg/m², respectively. Compared with their corresponding normal-density groups, the high-density groups had lower body weights at 21, 28, 35, and 42 d, and lower average daily gain (ADG) during days 21–42 (p < 0.05), whereas CGA did not significantly alter body weight or ADG within either stocking density (p > 0.05). At 35 and 42 d, the HD group had lower hepatic T-AOC, SOD, and CAT activities and higher MDA content than the ND group (p < 0.05). Compared with the HD group, the HDCGA group had higher T-AOC and CAT activities and lower MDA content at both ages, and higher SOD activity at 42 d (p < 0.05). Qualitative histological and transcript-level alterations were evident at 28 d. Compared with HD, the HDCGA group showed treatment-associated shifts in AMPK, SREBP1, ACACA, PLA2G4A, COX-2, ALOX5, and NOX5 mRNA abundance (p < 0.05). Under the experimental conditions, 0.1% CGA was associated with partial attenuation of HSD-related hepatic oxidative, lipid-metabolic, and inflammatory disturbances without a significant growth response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Natural Compounds and Their Application in Animal Health)

18 pages, 4630 KB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Modulation of Capacitation-Associated Responses in Boar Spermatozoa by in Vitro Capacitation Media: A Kinetic Study

by Eduardo de Mercado, Irene Ortega, Adrián Martín-San Juan, Helena Nieto-Cristóbal, María José Martinez-Alborcia, Miguel Ángel Silvestre and Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez

Animals 2026, 16(16), 2553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16162553 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

In vitro capacitation of boar spermatozoa remains highly variable among laboratories due to differences in media composition, incubation conditions, and previous semen handling. Since capacitation is a dynamic process, identifying how different media modulate specific sperm responses over time is crucial to improving [...] Read more.

In vitro capacitation of boar spermatozoa remains highly variable among laboratories due to differences in media composition, incubation conditions, and previous semen handling. Since capacitation is a dynamic process, identifying how different media modulate specific sperm responses over time is crucial to improving the standardization of porcine in vitro fertilization protocols. This study evaluated the temporal dynamics of membrane lipid disorder, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial activity, and motility patterns in response to different media. Commercial boar semen doses were centrifuged and resuspended in a non-capacitating control solution or in three capacitation media differing mainly in bicarbonate, caffeine, and energy substrate composition, and evaluated every 15 min using flow cytometry and computer-assisted semen analysis at 38 °C for up to 2 h. Media containing higher bicarbonate and caffeine concentrations induced rapid membrane lipid destabilization and increased acrosomal exocytosis during the initial incubation period. Subsequently, these changes were accompanied by a more rapid decline in cell viability over time. In contrast, the medium containing lower bicarbonate together with lactate and pyruvate preserved higher viability, mitochondrial activity, and a more sustained, linear movement pattern (higher linearity and straightness). Interestingly, training-associated responses were detected immediately at time 0, suggesting that semen storage conditions may prime spermatozoa before incubation. Overall, medium composition and pre-treatment handling conditions should both be considered when standardizing porcine reproductive technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sperm Quality in Domestic Animals: Second Edition)

21 pages, 3302 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Preliminary Technical Validation of an Interactive, Surgeon-Oriented Framework for Digital Surgical Occlusion Planning in Orthognathic Surgery

by Ylenia Gugliotta, Elena Carlotta Olivetti, Giorgia Bruno, Gabriele Maria Galasso, Fabio Roccia, Fabrizio Ferretti, Sandro Moos, Enrico Vezzetti, Federica Marcolin and Guglielmo Ramieri

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(16), 6322; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15166322 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Objectives: To develop and validate a fully digital, surgeon-oriented interactive framework for final dental occlusion alignment in orthognathic patients. Methods: A digital framework integrating automatic alignment, using a two-dimensional Iterative Closest Point (2D ICP) algorithm with geometric corrections and optimization-based refinement, [...] Read more.

Objectives: To develop and validate a fully digital, surgeon-oriented interactive framework for final dental occlusion alignment in orthognathic patients. Methods: A digital framework integrating automatic alignment, using a two-dimensional Iterative Closest Point (2D ICP) algorithm with geometric corrections and optimization-based refinement, and an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) for standardized manual refinement were implemented in MATLAB. Validation was performed on preoperative digital models from 21 orthognathic patients. Obtained digital occlusions were compared with manually articulated physical models, considered the reference standard. Translational and rotational discrepancies were assessed before and after manual refinement. Results: Twenty-one patients were included. Manual refinement reduced the greatest translational directional bias along the Y-axis (MV: −2.26 ± 2.1 to −1.17 ± 0.92 mm) and significantly decreased the magnitude of corresponding error (MAV: 2.54 ± 1.73 to 1.26 ± 0.78 mm; p = 0.002). Error magnitude also decreased along the X-axis (1.12 ± 0.84 to 0.38 ± 0.31 mm; p = 0.002), whereas a small increase was observed along the Z-axis (0.93 to 1.21 mm; p = 0.02). Overall translational RMSE improved significantly (1.83 ± 0.91 to 1.09 ± 0.39 mm; p = 0.001). Among rotational components, yaw showed the greatest reduction in error magnitude (MAV: 2.61 ± 1.91° to 0.83 ± 0.71°; p = 0.001), while no statistically significant changes were detected for pitch (p = 0.09) or roll (p = 0.13). Rotational RMSE decreased from 2.00 ± 1.01° to 1.35 ± 0.25° (p = 0.01). Conclusions: The proposed pipeline was completed for all cases. Automatic alignment provided a reliable starting point, but standardized manual refinement remained essential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspective of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1480 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variants in HSP70 Family and BAG Co-Chaperone Genes: Associations with Coronary Artery Disease Risk and Potential Regulatory Effects

by Olga Polshvedkina, Ksenia Kobzeva, Yuriy L. Orlov and Olga Bushueva

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(16), 7299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27167299 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Heat shock proteins of the HSP70 family and their BAG co-chaperones regulate responses to oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and ischemia, all central to coronary artery disease (CAD) pathogenesis. The contribution of genetic variants within HSP70-family and BAG co-chaperone genes to CAD susceptibility remains [...] Read more.

Heat shock proteins of the HSP70 family and their BAG co-chaperones regulate responses to oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and ischemia, all central to coronary artery disease (CAD) pathogenesis. The contribution of genetic variants within HSP70-family and BAG co-chaperone genes to CAD susceptibility remains unclear. Thus, we sought to evaluate associations of HSP70- and BAG-related SNPs with CAD risk and to characterize their potential regulatory effects using comprehensive bioinformatic analyses. A case–control cohort of 834 CAD patients and 1328 controls of Russian ethnicity was genotyped for 13 SNPs. Associations with CAD susceptibility and traits were tested using log-additive regression with adaptive permutation. Loci underwent functional annotation. The C allele of BAG1 rs706121 was associated with increased CAD risk overall (OR = 1.24, p_perm = 0.019), in males (OR = 1.39, p_perm = 0.002), and in smokers (OR = 1.39, p_perm = 0.020). BAG3 rs196329 was associated with lower risk in males (A allele: OR = 0.82, p_perm = 0.040), whereas HSPA6 rs753856 was associated with reduced risk in physically active individuals (G allele: OR = 0.61, p_perm = 0.008). Additional associations involved clinical or biochemical traits. Functional annotation identified potential regulatory effects, including eQTL associations, overlap with histone marks, and allele-dependent changes in transcription factor binding. HSP70 and BAG variants may contribute to CAD susceptibility and support sex- and lifestyle-informed risk assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Technologies Driving New Insights into the Multi-Omic Understanding of Human Disease)

20 pages, 730 KB

Open AccessReview

Plant-Based Nutrition and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Prevention, Risk, Metabolic Health and the Role of Legumes, Dietary Fiber, and Red Meat

by Fabio Frigo, Peter Fasching and Helmut Brath

Nutrients 2026, 18(16), 2672; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18162672 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 589 million adults in 2024, with projections rising to 853 million by 2050. Dietary modification is a cornerstone of both T2D prevention and management. Among [...] Read more.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 589 million adults in 2024, with projections rising to 853 million by 2050. Dietary modification is a cornerstone of both T2D prevention and management. Among the various dietary approaches, plant-based dietary patterns have gained increasing attention; however, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal dietary composition and the contribution of specific food groups. Methods: This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on plant-based dietary patterns and their association with T2D prevention and metabolic control, with a particular focus on legumes, dietary fiber, and red and processed meat. Evidence from prospective cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses was evaluated. Results: Higher adherence to healthy plant-based dietary patterns was consistently associated with up to a 30% lower risk of developing T2D, improved insulin sensitivity, and approximately a 0.30–0.47 percentage-point reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c). Greater consumption of legumes and dietary fiber was linked to improved glycemic control, enhanced but heterogeneous modulation of gut microbiota composition, reduced low-grade inflammation, and beneficial effects on body weight and lipid metabolism. In contrast, higher intake of processed meat and unprocessed red meat was consistently associated with an increased risk of T2D. Importantly, unhealthy plant-based diets characterized by refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, and highly processed foods provided little metabolic benefit and may even increase diabetes risk by up to 13%. The interpretation of the available evidence is limited by the predominance of observational studies, heterogeneous definitions of plant-based dietary patterns, self-reported dietary assessments, and the limited availability of long-term randomized controlled trials. Conclusions: Current evidence supports healthy plant-based dietary patterns as an effective strategy for the prevention and management of T2D. Dietary patterns emphasizing whole plant foods, including legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while limiting processed and excessive red meat intake, are associated with improved metabolic health. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized dietary definitions are needed to further define the optimal composition of plant-based diets for diabetes prevention and treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Nutritional Strategies and Dietary Interventions for Type 2 Diabetes and Its Complications)

16 pages, 3885 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Unsteady Heat and Mass Transfer Processes in Shaping Air Conditions in Large-Section Blind-End Chambers

by Lev Levin, Mikhail Semin, Stanislav Maltsev, Ivan Panteleev, Maria Bartolomei, Sergey Bublik, Ilya Lozhkin and Oleg Plekhov

Mining 2026, 6(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining6030063 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of unsteady heat and mass transfer processes on the formation of gas composition and thermal conditions in a large cross-section (132 m²) blind-end chamber of a gypsum mine during the operation of diesel-powered mining equipment, including [...] Read more.

This study investigates the influence of unsteady heat and mass transfer processes on the formation of gas composition and thermal conditions in a large cross-section (132 m²) blind-end chamber of a gypsum mine during the operation of diesel-powered mining equipment, including a front-end loader representing the LHD class and a dump truck. The modeled system considers a chamber where the LHD operates continuously, while the dump truck enters periodically to perform haulage cycles. Ventilation is provided from an adjacent panel haulage drift using a booster fan. Numerical simulations were carried out using ANSYS Fluent within the RANS framework, employing the realizable k-ε turbulence model, with consideration of thermal and gas convection. A dynamic mesh approach was applied to explicitly represent the motion of the dump truck. Both steady-state scenarios, corresponding to extreme equipment positions, and a fully transient case involving dump truck entry into the chamber followed by idling were analyzed. The results demonstrate that the movement of the dump truck generates a pronounced piston effect, which alters the jet flow structure and temporarily increases the supply of fresh air to the working face. It is shown that steady-state assumptions based on prolonged equipment presence near the face overestimate the total NO_x concentration within the large chamber and may not adequately reflect actual gas conditions over typical loading cycle durations. The analysis of unsteady processes using the dynamic mesh approach reveals significant inertia in contaminant accumulation within the chamber. This finding enables a more accurate estimation of the required airflow rate, reducing excessive safety margins compared to calculations based on the assumption of continuous equipment operation near the face. Full article

23 pages, 20110 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Temperature Rise Detection for Switched Reluctance Motor Drive Systems in Electrical Transportation

by Xiangsu Wang, Zhijie Zhang, Qing Wang and Yongqing Deng

Machines 2026, 14(8), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines14080941 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

In this paper, a fault diagnosis method based on temperature rise detection is proposed for power converters in switched reluctance motor drive systems used in electrical transportation equipment. First, the total power losses of all power devices are calculated and recorded under different [...] Read more.

In this paper, a fault diagnosis method based on temperature rise detection is proposed for power converters in switched reluctance motor drive systems used in electrical transportation equipment. First, the total power losses of all power devices are calculated and recorded under different operating conditions in both healthy and faulty states. A finite-element electrothermal model is then established to characterize the relationship between fault-induced power-loss redistribution and variations in the temperature rise of the converter devices. Based on the power-loss analysis, temperature rise is used as a key characteristic, and a corresponding fault diagnosis method is proposed. To account for the influence of operating conditions on the diagnostic criterion, three independent backpropagation neural network (BPNN) models are developed to predict fault-specific temperature-rise thresholds using rotor speed, load torque, and ambient temperature as inputs. During diagnosis, the real-time temperature evolution of the power diodes is compared with the selected thresholds to detect power converter faults. Finally, experimental results demonstrate the validity of the proposed fault diagnosis method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Machines Testing and Maintenance)

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13 pages, 262 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life, Active Ageing, Social Support and Loneliness in Older Adults Attending Day Centres: A Descriptive Analysis

by Julia Sánchez-Galloso, Andrés Arana-Rodríguez, José-Luis Sánchez-Ramos, Almudena Garrido-Fernández, Rocío Romero-Serrano and Francisca María García-Padilla

Healthcare 2026, 14(16), 2559; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14162559 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Population ageing has increased the importance of promoting wellbeing and healthy ageing. Gerontological day centres may support the wellbeing of older adults. This study aimed to examine quality of life, active ageing, perceived social support, and loneliness in older adults attending [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Population ageing has increased the importance of promoting wellbeing and healthy ageing. Gerontological day centres may support the wellbeing of older adults. This study aimed to examine quality of life, active ageing, perceived social support, and loneliness in older adults attending gerontological day centres and to identify the factors associated with quality of life. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 109 participants aged 60–98 years recruited from gerontological day centres in Huelva and Seville, Spain. Data were collected using the WHOQOL-BREF, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the ESTE II Loneliness Scale, and the Active Ageing Scale. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed, followed by multiple linear regression to identify factors associated with quality of life. Results: Mean scores were 14.46 (SD = 1.83) for quality of life, 3.06 (SD = 0.36) for active ageing, 10.14 (SD = 3.00) for social loneliness, and 5.62 (SD = 0.93) for perceived social support. The multiple linear regression model accounted for 30.8% of the variance in quality of life (adjusted R² = 0.288), leaving approximately 69.2% of the variance unexplained by these factors. In this model, active ageing (β = 0.395; p < 0.001), social loneliness (β = −0.246; p = 0.004), and perceived social support (β = 0.188; p = 0.027) were independent predictors of quality of life. Bivariate analyses should be interpreted with caution as they were strictly exploratory. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that active ageing, low social loneliness, and solid perceived social support are the core multivariable predictors of quality of life among older adults in day centres. Secondary exploratory trends suggested minor baseline links with sleep duration, marital status, and employment status. Interventions should prioritize promoting active ageing and strengthening social networks, while future research needs to explore additional covariates to account for the remaining unexplained variance in well-being. Full article

43 pages, 14355 KB

Open AccessReview

Confined Catalysis of Enzymes: Enhancement Strategies, Materials, and Biosensor Applications

by Lijiao Zhang, Junyi Lu, Chenjie Yan, Wenjing Wang and Dajing Chen

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(8), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17080407 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Confined catalysis enhances enzyme activity, stability, and selectivity by encapsulating enzymes in well-defined micro- or nanoscale environments. Unlike conventional immobilization strategies, which primarily stabilize enzymes, this approach actively regulates enzyme behavior, substrate transport, and product removal, addressing challenges in real-world biosensing. In this [...] Read more.

Confined catalysis enhances enzyme activity, stability, and selectivity by encapsulating enzymes in well-defined micro- or nanoscale environments. Unlike conventional immobilization strategies, which primarily stabilize enzymes, this approach actively regulates enzyme behavior, substrate transport, and product removal, addressing challenges in real-world biosensing. In this work, we connect confined catalysis principles with biosensor design requirements, emphasizing tailored microenvironments, hierarchical pore architectures, and cascade reaction optimization to improve sensitivity, selectivity, and operational stability. The review also highlights advanced strategies such as molecular imprinting, aptamer recognition, and DNA scaffold-guided co-localization, which enable precise substrate discrimination and efficient signal amplification. By integrating these confinement strategies with emerging materials, including biological macromolecular materials, amorphous porous materials, and crystalline framework materials, this work outlines pathways to next-generation biosensors with enhanced performance and practical applicability, addressing limitations overlooked in previous studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials and Devices for Healthcare Applications)

22 pages, 10204 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biopharmaceutical Characterization of Grapiprant Within the BCS Framework Under Canine-Relevant Conditions: Solubility and Caco-2 Permeability Assessment

by Zeyu Wen, Xilu Sun, Sumeng Chen, Jinyan Meng, Runlin Yu, Shuyan Guo and Xingyuan Cao

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(8), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18081010 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) classifies drug substances according to their aqueous solubility and intestinal permeability; however, its application to veterinary drugs should account for species-specific gastrointestinal physiology. Grapiprant is a selective prostaglandin E₂ receptor subtype 4 (EP4) antagonist approved [...] Read more.

Background: The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) classifies drug substances according to their aqueous solubility and intestinal permeability; however, its application to veterinary drugs should account for species-specific gastrointestinal physiology. Grapiprant is a selective prostaglandin E₂ receptor subtype 4 (EP4) antagonist approved as an oral tablet to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs, but its properties within the BCS framework remain unclear. Methods: This study evaluated the equilibrium solubility of grapiprant across pH conditions relevant to the canine gastrointestinal tract and calculated the dose number (D₀) based on different gastric fluid volumes. A Caco-2 cell monolayer model was used to assess grapiprant intestinal permeability and the effects of time, concentration, pH, and efflux transporter inhibitors on its transepithelial transport. Results: Grapiprant showed relatively small changes in solubility across the tested pH range. D₀ varied with pH and gastric fluid volume and approached or fell below 1 at larger fluid volumes. In the Caco-2 model, grapiprant showed generally limited apparent absorptive permeability, with permeability varying with pH. Efflux ratios were greater than 1, and verapamil reduced the efflux ratio, suggesting possible P-glycoprotein (P-gp) involvement. Conclusions: These findings suggest that both solubility and apparent intestinal permeability may limit the oral absorption of grapiprant under certain canine-relevant conditions. Accordingly, this study provides a biopharmaceutical characterization of grapiprant within the BCS framework rather than a definitive canine BCS classification, highlighting the importance of considering canine gastrointestinal conditions when interpreting its solubility and permeability. The results may support future optimization of dosing conditions and oral formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biopharmaceutics)

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24 pages, 1026 KB

Open AccessReview

Rare Earth Elements in Testicular Function: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

by Alessandra Santillo, Sara Falvo, Massimo Venditti, Maria Maddalena Di Fiore, Giulia Grillo and Gabriella Chieffi Baccari

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(16), 7298; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27167298 (registering DOI) - 15 Aug 2026

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly recognized as modulators of male reproductive health. This review presents the first comprehensive and critical analysis of the detrimental and potentially beneficial effects of REEs on male vertebrate reproductive function. In vivo and in vitro studies show [...] Read more.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly recognized as modulators of male reproductive health. This review presents the first comprehensive and critical analysis of the detrimental and potentially beneficial effects of REEs on male vertebrate reproductive function. In vivo and in vitro studies show that elements, particularly Gadolinium, Lanthanum, and Yttrium, share a toxicological profile characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, endocrine disruption, and impairment of the blood–testis barrier. These mechanisms converge on both somatic and germ cell populations, ultimately compromising spermatogenesis and hormonal balance. Limited epidemiological data in humans are consistent with experimental findings, indicating inverse associations between seminal REE levels and sperm quality. CeO₂ nanoparticles represent an exception, showing dose-dependent duality: although some murine studies describe toxic effects, a broader and more consistent body of evidence indicates their protective action by restoring testicular homeostasis in diabetic models, in rats exposed to pesticides, pharmacological agents or irradiation, and in in vitro-treated spermatozoa. Preliminary data on Yttrium (YO) and Gadolinium (GdVO₄) nanoparticles similarly point to protective effects under pathological conditions, whereas Neodymium and Samarium show reproductive toxicity, including hormonal disruption and impaired sperm quality. Overall, REEs cannot be considered a homogeneous class: some pose reproductive hazards, others show potential biomedical utility. A systematic, mechanistic research framework is needed to resolve these dualities. It should contextualise reproductive risks in relation to the growing environmental and occupational exposure to REEs, while simultaneously exploring the biomedical potential of those elements that exhibit protective profiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Contaminants and Health: Biological Effects, Molecular Mechanisms, and Protective Strategies)

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