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18 pages, 3551 KB

Open AccessArticle

Toward a Simple Design Approach for Soil Slope Reinforcement with Curing Agent

by Wei Wang, Longfei Zhang, Dajun Mao, Xuxiong Zhang, Zeying Li, Yan Dong, Yanbing Zhao, Yan Zhang and Yu Tian

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6005; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126005 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Landslides are the most common geological hazards, and chemical reinforcement is an effective method for enhancing the stability of soil slopes. Based on the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method, finite element analyses were conducted to develop a simple design approach for soil slope reinforcement using [...] Read more.

Landslides are the most common geological hazards, and chemical reinforcement is an effective method for enhancing the stability of soil slopes. Based on the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method, finite element analyses were conducted to develop a simple design approach for soil slope reinforcement using the curing agent. First, the effects of internal friction angle, cohesion, soil unit weight, slope height and angle on the slope stability were systematically quantified through 93 numerical cases. On this basis, an empirical formula was established for the factor of safety (FOS) of soil slope, and a method for determining the failure mode was proposed using a dimensionless parameter and two critical values related to slope angle. Subsequently, the reinforcement performance of the SH curing agent was investigated by varying the reinforcement position and length. The results indicate that the reinforcement of Case I-II-III and Case I-II provide the best performance, and the optimum reinforcement length was determined for different slope conditions. For slope angles ranging from 25° to 65°, the FOS after reinforcement was found to increase by 12.1% to 18.8% compared with that before reinforcement. Based on the FE results, empirical formulae for predicting the FOS of reinforced slope were further developed. Finally, a simple design approach was proposed for soil slope reinforcement with curing agent. The proposed method provides a convenient and effective reference for engineering practice in soil slope reinforcement with curing agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)

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15 pages, 2246 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Preoperative Refractive Status and Postoperative Outcomes Following Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy

by Jiunn-Liang Chen and Kai-Ling Peng

Life 2026, 16(6), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060997 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) offers superior re-epithelialization and visual recovery. This study evaluates the impact of preoperative refractive status on clinical outcomes and identifies prognostic factors across varying myopic severities. This retrospective observational study included 125 eyes [64 patients; age > 20 years; [...] Read more.

Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) offers superior re-epithelialization and visual recovery. This study evaluates the impact of preoperative refractive status on clinical outcomes and identifies prognostic factors across varying myopic severities. This retrospective observational study included 125 eyes [64 patients; age > 20 years; best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 20/25] that underwent Trans-PRK between March and December 2022. Patients were stratified into low myopia (LM: > −5.0 D), moderate-to-high myopia (MHM: −5.0 D to −8.0 D), and extremely high myopia (EHM: ≤ −8.0 D) groups. Analysis focused on preoperative refraction, intraoperative parameters, postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and corneal conditions of superficial punctate keratitis (SPKs) and haze. The mean age was 30.20 ± 6.34 years, with a mean initial manifest sphere (MS) of −6.42 ± 2.27 diopter (D) overall and −3.73 ± 0.15 D, −6.28 ± 0.13 D, and −9.17 ± 0.15 D in the LM, MHM, and EHM groups, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 6.69 ± 3.73 months, the overall mean final manifest spherical equivalent (MSE) was −0.12 ± 0.73 D, and the mean final UCVA was 0.01 [Snellen equivalent (SE), 205/200] ± 0.08 logMAR. Predictability was 94.4%, 88.88%, and 94.3% for the final MS ≤ −1.0 D, final MSE ≤ −1.0 D, and UCVA 0.8, respectively. In the LM and MHM groups, cycloplegic and subjective refractions showed the highest concordance with emmetropia, whereas initial manifest refractions were most accurate for the EHM group. Corneal SPK incidence declined from 32.2% (1 month) to 1.6% (6 months), primarily localized to EHM eyes. Corneal haze peaked at 28.2% at three months before receding to 9.4% by 6 months. Refractive and visual stability were achieved by the third month for the LM and MHM groups, whereas the EHM group (mean MSE: −9.59 ± 0.15 D) required six months to reach both refractive and visual plateaus. Despite transiently higher rates of corneal SPKs and haze in EHM eyes, final visual outcomes remained excellent, achieving a mean UCVA of 18/20. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms and Treatment of Eye and Vision Conditions)

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14 pages, 1954 KB

Open AccessArticle

Disease-Suppressive Activity of Lecithin Against Foliar Infection by Rhizoctonia solani Isolates in Cabbage, Rice, and Brachypodium distachyon

by Tran Xuan Cuong, Misaki Asano, Daiki Honma, Moeko Soeda, Megumi Watanabe, Nanami Sakata, Hidenori Matsui, Kazuhiro Toyoda, Yuki Ichinose, Kentaro Ikeda and Yoshiteru Noutoshi

Life 2026, 16(6), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060998 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Rhizoctonia solani is a necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus that causes disease in various crops. In agriculture, many crops suffer from root or seedling rot caused by this soil-borne pathogen, whereas cabbage and rice develop lesion-like symptoms on aboveground tissues. Diseases caused by R. solani [...] Read more.

Rhizoctonia solani is a necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus that causes disease in various crops. In agriculture, many crops suffer from root or seedling rot caused by this soil-borne pathogen, whereas cabbage and rice develop lesion-like symptoms on aboveground tissues. Diseases caused by R. solani are generally controlled using chemical fungicides; however, environmentally friendly alternatives are needed for sustainable agriculture. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of lecithin, a mixture of phospholipids previously registered in Japan as an agrochemical for controlling cucumber powdery mildew, against Rhizoctonia diseases. In cabbage, foliar spraying of 0.2–1.0% soybean lecithin effectively suppressed leaf symptoms caused by R. solani isolate RhiCa-2, which was identified as AG-1 IB. In rice and Brachypodium distachyon, 0.2–1.0% lecithin significantly suppressed leaf symptoms induced by R. solani AG-1 IA. Hyphal staining of inoculated leaves revealed reduced hyphal density on lecithin-treated leaves. Consistently, hyphal growth of R. solani on cellophane placed on water agar was retarded by lecithin treatment. However, 5.0% lecithin induced phytotoxicity in B. distachyon. Egg yolk-derived lecithin also exhibited disease-suppressive activity in cabbage and B. distachyon, with efficacy comparable to that of soybean lecithin under the conditions tested. These results suggest that lecithin suppresses foliar infection by R. solani, at least in part, through direct inhibitory effects on fungal hyphae, and may serve as a potential alternative material for disease control in sustainable crop production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)

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22 pages, 2027 KB

Open AccessArticle

Kefiran as a Multifunctional Biopolymer: Green Extraction, Structural Characterization and Application in Phenolic-Loaded Complex Coacervates

by Paul K. Agyei, Yemane H. Gebremeskal, Anastasia A. Mentova, Tatyana F. Chernykh, Tarek N. Soliman, Hassan Barakat, Khalid A. Alsaleem, Tamer M. El-Messery and Mohamed S. Boulkrane

Foods 2026, 15(12), 2138; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15122138 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examined Kefiran, an exopolysaccharide derived from milk kefir grains, as a novel biopolymer for encapsulating phenolic extracts from sunflower cake and its antimicrobial properties in the development of natural and functional food ingredients. Kefiran was obtained from kefir grains using three [...] Read more.

This study examined Kefiran, an exopolysaccharide derived from milk kefir grains, as a novel biopolymer for encapsulating phenolic extracts from sunflower cake and its antimicrobial properties in the development of natural and functional food ingredients. Kefiran was obtained from kefir grains using three extraction protocols: hot water (M1), hot water with 30% trichloroacetic acid (M2), and mild heat combined with ultrasound at 60 °C (M3). The ultrasound-assisted method produced the highest carbohydrate concentration. Spectrophotometric assays (phenol–sulfuric and Bradford), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and water-holding capacity were employed to characterize the composition, structure, and morphology of the extracts, revealing well-preserved polysaccharide fingerprints and a highly porous microstructure, consistent with their potential application in food systems. Kefiran was then evaluated as an encapsulating agent in complex coacervation at pH 3.75, using three Kefiran-based wall formulations (M1, M2, and M3) with gum arabic and whey protein isolate (WPI) as co-wall materials, and their performance was compared with gum arabic and WPI controls. Across formulations, coacervate microcapsules achieved high encapsulation efficiencies (83–93%), tunable particle sizes, and predominantly negative zeta potentials, indicative of good colloidal stability. The Kefiran extract and coacervate microcapsules demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 250 to 1000 µg/mL. The findings support ultrasound-extracted Kefiran as a multifunctional biopolymer suitable for bioactive delivery and as a natural antimicrobial component in advanced functional food formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production and Functional Evaluation of Food-Derived Polysaccharides and Oligosaccharides)

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18 pages, 1688 KB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Morphological Adaptation and Wear in Restorations Performed Using the Stamp Technique with Different Viscosity Composite Resins

by İlknur Akay Dede, Ayşenur Yazım and Cemile Kedici Alp

Biomimetics 2026, 11(6), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11060420 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

The stamp technique is a biomimetic approach that enables accurate reproduction of preoperative occlusal morphology in direct composite restorations; however, the rheological properties of restorative materials may influence both morphological adaptation and wear behavior. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the morphological [...] Read more.

The stamp technique is a biomimetic approach that enables accurate reproduction of preoperative occlusal morphology in direct composite restorations; however, the rheological properties of restorative materials may influence both morphological adaptation and wear behavior. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the morphological accuracy of different composite resins applied using the stamp technique and to quantify volumetric changes after toothbrushing simulation using three-dimensional analysis. Sixty standardized mandibular first molar model teeth were assigned to four groups (n = 15): Filtek Z250, Filtek One Bulk Fill, SonicFill 3, and G-ænial Universal Injectable. Digital scans were obtained at baseline, after restoration, and after brushing, and analyzed using OraCheck software to calculate volumetric gain (T0–T1) and volumetric loss (T1–T2). Significant differences were observed among groups for both outcomes (p < 0.001). G-ænial Universal Injectable showed the highest morphological accuracy but also the greatest wear, whereas SonicFill demonstrated lower morphological accuracy with superior wear resistance. No significant correlation was found across all groups; however, within each group, restorations with lower morphological accuracy tended to exhibit greater wear. These findings indicate that morphological accuracy and wear resistance are material-dependent and suggest that achieving a balance between accurate reproduction and long-term preservation of occlusal morphology remains a challenge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomimetics of Materials and Structures)

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26 pages, 1298 KB

Open AccessArticle

Financial Knowledge or Managerial Competence? Disentangling Financial Literacy and Liquidity Constraints for Processing Continuity and Food Security in the Turkish Tea Industry

by Musa Gün and Mustafa Savcı

Foods 2026, 15(12), 2139; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15122139 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

The economic resilience of agricultural enterprises is increasingly relevant for maintaining processing continuity and food quality in highly perishable agro-food chains. This study examines the associations between financial knowledge, financial management competency, business liquidity, and operational food-processing continuity in Türkiye’s tea sector. A [...] Read more.

The economic resilience of agricultural enterprises is increasingly relevant for maintaining processing continuity and food quality in highly perishable agro-food chains. This study examines the associations between financial knowledge, financial management competency, business liquidity, and operational food-processing continuity in Türkiye’s tea sector. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, using structured survey data from 203 senior managers across 86 public and private tea-processing firms in Rize Province. The data were analysed using Ordinary Least Squares regression, mediation analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and robustness checks in accordance with OECD/INFE guidelines. Results indicate a significant deficit in theoretical financial knowledge (mean score: 4.47/10) alongside widespread overconfidence among 85% of managers. Applied financial management competency is positively associated with perceived business liquidity (β = 0.336, p < 0.001), suggesting that practical budgeting, cash-flow planning, and financial decision-making capabilities are relevant to maintaining operational funding capacity. In contrast, cash-flow difficulties are not significantly explained by firm-level financial knowledge, managerial competency, liquidity, or ownership structure (R² = 0.014, p = 0.722), indicating that these difficulties may reflect broader seasonal and sector-wide financing constraints. The findings challenge the assumption of a linear relationship between theoretical financial knowledge and managerial outcomes. They suggest a dual policy approach that combines applied financial management training with structural financing mechanisms to ensure the continuity of fresh leaf procurement and processing. While the study does not directly measure food safety, post-harvest losses, or SDG outcomes, the results have potential implications for reducing processing disruptions and supporting more resilient agro-food processing systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Security and Sustainability)

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24 pages, 4952 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Evaluation Method for Reservoir Fracability and Fracturing Applicability Based on Multiple Influencing Factors

by Fuchun Tian, Liyong Yang, Xiaonan Ma, Xuewei Liu, Qi Chen, Yingxi Zhang, Shuzhao Guo, Yuwei Li and Genbo Peng

Processes 2026, 14(12), 1935; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121935 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing is the core technology for stimulation and reform of low-permeability and unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. Reservoir fracability directly determines fracture morphology, complexity, and stimulated reservoir volume. To address the shortcomings of existing fracability evaluation models, such as poor applicability, subjective [...] Read more.

Hydraulic fracturing is the core technology for stimulation and reform of low-permeability and unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. Reservoir fracability directly determines fracture morphology, complexity, and stimulated reservoir volume. To address the shortcomings of existing fracability evaluation models, such as poor applicability, subjective weighting and insufficient accuracy, five key indicators are selected, including brittleness index, brittle mineral index, stress difference coefficient, minimum horizontal principal stress and porosity. First, the three-dimensional discrete lattice method is used to clarify the influence of each parameter on fracture complexity. Then, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Entropy Weight Method (EWM) are combined to determine the indicator weights, a continuous fracability evaluation model is constructed, and a classification standard for fracturing applicability is established. The results show that the brittleness index has the greatest influence on fracture complexity with a weight of 0.3559, followed by brittle mineral index (0.2986), minimum principal stress (0.1994), stress difference coefficient (0.0993) and porosity (0.0467). The reservoir fracability indices of 0.37 and 0.59 are the mutation points of fracture complexity. Based on microseismic evaluation of stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) using an envelope surface method, it is found that reservoirs with low fracability are more suitable for fracturing designs characterized by large cluster spacing, fewer clusters, and smaller stage spacing. In contrast, reservoirs with medium and high fracability can develop more complex fracture networks by reducing cluster spacing, increasing the number of clusters, and adopting higher pumping rates. The research results can provide theoretical basis and technical support for hydraulic fracturing operation design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oil and Gas Well Engineering: Experimental and Numerical Investigation, 2nd Edition)

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41 pages, 7538 KB

Open AccessReview

Focus on the Interactive Cooperation Among Mechanotransduction and Biochemical Processes in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Development and Possible Adjuvant Role of Retinoic Acid for Its Treatment: A Narrative Review

by Sirio Fiorino, Wandong Hong, Dario de Biase, Laura Mastrangelo, Francesca Maccioni, Alfonso Grottesi, Francesca Ambrosi, Luca Pincigher, Federico Lari, Christian Bergamini, Elio Jovine and Maddalena Zippi

Cancers 2026, 18(12), 1932; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18121932 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) belongs to the group of killer human cancers. Its ferocity is sustained by an unusual mix of genetic changes—primarily in KRAS and TP53—a hypoxic as well as desmoplastic tumor microenvironment, plus metabolic and redox adaptations that allow [...] Read more.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) belongs to the group of killer human cancers. Its ferocity is sustained by an unusual mix of genetic changes—primarily in KRAS and TP53—a hypoxic as well as desmoplastic tumor microenvironment, plus metabolic and redox adaptations that allow tumor life amidst intense stress situations. Content: This paper will discuss the molecular networks of wild-type and mutant p53, wild-type and mutant KRAS, PUMA, TIGAR, PRMT5, NRF2, oxygen tension, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxidative stress pathways that contribute to pancreatic cancer. It will describe how these factors help set the tumor’s redox state and control apoptosis and therapeutic resistance. This shall therefore specifically discuss what role oxygen gradients play in pancreatic tissues, as well as retinoic acid, together with redox-targeted therapies that are specific to vulnerabilities within such types of networks. Summary and Outlook: An understanding of the crosstalk of these molecular pathways will be critical in designing rational therapeutic strategies. Genetics, metabolism, and microenvironmental integration may open a path toward combinatorial therapies that would resensitize PDAC to apoptosis and overcome resistance to current treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Diagnosis and Treatment 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1037 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optical Interband Transitions in Fully Strained Ge_1−xSn_x Alloys

by Ping Tao, Shaohan Li and Lijuan Wang

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6004; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126004 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

The optical transition characteristics of fully strained Ge_1−xSn_x films grown on Ge substrate were investigated by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The results showed Sn composition-dependent nonlinear behaviors in interband transition energies. The influence of strain on [...] Read more.

The optical transition characteristics of fully strained Ge_1−xSn_x films grown on Ge substrate were investigated by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The results showed Sn composition-dependent nonlinear behaviors in interband transition energies. The influence of strain on nonlinear behaviors was identified by the ratio of bowing parameters. Optical transition energies are largely tuned due to the strain-induced band structure. The strain in GeSn alloys may be responsible for the fluctuation of interband transition energies. The effect of full strain appears to result in an opposite trend in the direct and indirect band gap energies. The transition from indirect-to-direct band gap semiconductor in the present work is determined to be x = 0.103 at 300 K. These results contribute to further exploration into band gap engineering for mid-infrared optoelectronic materials. Full article

25 pages, 3844 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reverse Agroclimatology: Growing Degree Days at Actual Olive Grove and Vineyard Locations Across Europe

by Ioannis Charalampopoulos, Nikolaos Kotsidis and Fotoula Droulia

Agronomy 2026, 16(12), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16121162 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Climate change is progressively altering the thermal environment of European agriculture, with direct consequences for high-value perennial crops such as olive (Olea europaea L.) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). Although the Growing Degree Days (GDD) index is widely applied to characterize [...] Read more.

Climate change is progressively altering the thermal environment of European agriculture, with direct consequences for high-value perennial crops such as olive (Olea europaea L.) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). Although the Growing Degree Days (GDD) index is widely applied to characterize crop thermal requirements, no systematic evidence exists on the actual GDD values accumulated at the locations where these crops are currently grown across Europe. This study introduces a “reverse agroclimatology” approach that anchors GDD calculations exclusively to olive grove and vineyard areas identified in the Corine Land Cover (CLC) dataset for five reference years (1990, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018), using ERA5-Land reanalysis daily temperature data as the climatological input. For each CLC reference year, GDD was computed for olive cultivation (T_base = 7 °C, January–May) and viticulture (T_base = 10 °C, April–October) exclusively over registered cultivation pixels, and per-country means were subjected to linear regression trend analysis (p < 0.05). For olive cultivation across 11 Mediterranean countries, statistically significant positive GDD trends were detected in 7 countries, with long-term (1985–2023) country means ranging from 476.2 GDD in France to 1214.3 in Cyprus, indicating that we can revise the known GDD thresholds. The first appearance of olive cultivation in Slovenia’s 2012 CLC dataset, with a median of 546.5 GDD, provides land use-mapped evidence of a spatial displacement of cultivation boundaries. For vineyard cultivation across 22 European countries, significant positive trends were identified in 18 countries, with warming rates reaching 19.25 GDD yr⁻¹ in Turkey, 15.83 GDD yr⁻¹ in Albania, and 14.89 GDD yr⁻¹ in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mediterranean and Balkan vineyards already exceed the classical 2000 GDD threshold of viticultural suitability across all reference years. In contrast, central and northern European registered vineyards operate below it, though their warmest sites are increasingly approaching or crossing it in the most recent periods. The cultivation-anchored GDD framework, built on openly available data and a fully reproducible R-based pipeline, provides a practical and updatable tool for monitoring the evolving thermal conditions of European olive and wine production under ongoing climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Vineyards and Olive Orchards Under Climate Change)

41 pages, 4930 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Hierarchical and Multiscale Framework for Characterizing Mouse Sleep–Wake Dynamics from 14-Day Continuous EEG: Validation of Age- and Sex-Dependent Remodeling

by Andrey Kostin, Anton Saevskiy, Md Aftab Alam, Yiqun Jiang, Natalia Suntsova and Md Noor Alam

Cells 2026, 15(12), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15121075 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Aging disrupts sleep, but how these changes are structured across circadian time, vigilance states, and sex remains poorly understood, because most prior studies used single-sex cohorts and few days of recordings. We continuously recorded 14 days of EEG/EMG in 24 C57BL/6J mice using [...] Read more.

Aging disrupts sleep, but how these changes are structured across circadian time, vigilance states, and sex remains poorly understood, because most prior studies used single-sex cohorts and few days of recordings. We continuously recorded 14 days of EEG/EMG in 24 C57BL/6J mice using a balanced 2 × 2 design (young vs. old; male vs. female; n = 6/group). A comprehensive multiscale analysis of the extended dataset enabled detailed reconstruction of 24 h sleep–wake architecture, better characterization of natural day-to-day variability including across multiple estrous cycles, and detection of rare bouts and transition events. Across seven levels of analysis, from circadian profiles to EEG spectral parameterization, the strongest aging effect was a dark-phase-specific 17–18% loss of theta-dominant active wake (TDW) in both sexes, with reciprocal increases in quiet wake (nTDW) and NREM sleep. We also identified a recurring N-shaped structural motif at the dark-to-light transition, where age-related and several sex-associated differences were most apparent. Broadly, old mice exhibited (i) shorter TDW bouts; (ii) a shift in NREM exit kinetics toward wakefulness; (iii) more brief and poorly consolidated “out-block” NREM episodes; and (iv) a slowing of waking theta and higher low-frequency TDW power. Variance decomposition indicated that statistical power depends more on sample size than on recording length. Together, aging reflects a coordinated, circadian-phase-specific reorganization of sleep–wake architecture. Sex-related and interaction findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating pending larger cohorts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Inflammaging to Dementia: Cellular and Molecular Drivers of Cognitive Decline)

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14 pages, 1298 KB

Open AccessReview

Threats and Opportunities When Using Chickens as a Model for Host–Microbiota Studies

by Ivan Rychlik

Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061330 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Millions of chicks are hatched daily in commercial hatcheries and due to ease of access and the large availability of chicks produced daily, such chicks have been accepted as a reference and control. Unfortunately, this is not a correct assumption. Chickens evolved to [...] Read more.

Millions of chicks are hatched daily in commercial hatcheries and due to ease of access and the large availability of chicks produced daily, such chicks have been accepted as a reference and control. Unfortunately, this is not a correct assumption. Chickens evolved to be hatched in nests and to remain in close contact with adult hens, which is important for the transfer of chicken-adapted microbiota from hens to offspring. In the absence of adult hens, chicks from hatcheries are colonised by microbiota of environmental origin. Forgetting this fact has led to many confounding conclusions, including a dogma on the age-dependent development of gut microbiota. In this sense, chicks from hatcheries represent a threat. However, if correctly perceived, the same chicks represent a unique opportunity for host–microbiota studies since there is no alternative animal model in which offspring free of any paternal influence are that readily available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gut Microbiota)

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6 pages, 149 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Tourist Satisfaction, Sustainability, and Sustainable Tourism Development

by Erdogan Koc

Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 6096; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18126096 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Sustainability has become one of the most influential paradigms shaping contemporary tourism research and practice [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourist Satisfaction, Sustainability, and Sustainable Tourism Development: Second Edition)

17 pages, 3124 KB

Open AccessArticle

Innate Pathway Selection Modulates Antibody and T-Cell Responses to Mosaic Influenza Nucleoprotein in Cattle

by Clara Cole, Thomas Cleven, Marlee Henige, Keith Poulsen, Mike Maroney, Lautaro Rostoll-Cangiano, Doerte Doepfer and Marulasiddappa Suresh

Viruses 2026, 18(6), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18060670 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a lethal disease of poultry that has recently spilled over into mammals, including dairy cattle and humans, heightening concerns for livestock health, food security, and pandemic emergence. While vaccines that induce neutralizing antibodies against hemagglutinin and neuraminidase [...] Read more.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a lethal disease of poultry that has recently spilled over into mammals, including dairy cattle and humans, heightening concerns for livestock health, food security, and pandemic emergence. While vaccines that induce neutralizing antibodies against hemagglutinin and neuraminidase provide strain-specific protection, durable cross-subtype immunity requires T-cell responses targeting conserved internal antigens such as nucleoprotein (NP). To leverage these conserved targets, we utilized a previously engineered mosaic nucleoprotein (MNP) incorporating T-cell epitopes from thousands of influenza A virus (IAV) strains, conferring broad protection against epidemic (H3N2) and pandemic (H1N1) IAV in mice. Here, we tested whether precision adjuvancy could differentially imprint adaptive immunity to MNP in cattle. Combination formulations paired the carbomer-based nano-emulsion Adjuplex (ADJ) with either a STING agonist (cyclic dinucleotides; CdN) or a TLR4 agonist (glucopyranosyl lipid A; GLA) to program distinct inflammatory milieus. Both formulations elicited circulating IFN-γ–producing T cell responses and NP-specific antibodies in serum and milk. However, STING activation via CdN generated more potent and consistent cellular and humoral immunity than TLR4 engagement. These data demonstrate that selective activation of innate sensing pathways functionally imprints adaptive immune magnitude and quality in a large animal host. By advancing a broadly protective, T-cell-focused vaccine strategy in cattle, this work supports a One Health framework to mitigate H5N1 transmission risk at the human–animal interface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Adjuvants in Viral Vaccines and Vaccination)

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14 pages, 4057 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence, Clinical and Functional Determinants of Chronic Hypoxemia and Respiratory Failure in Patients with Stable COPD

by Giacobbe Marco Giuseppe Ricco, Dejan Radovanovic, Matteo Pecchiari, Marina Saad, Juan Camilo Signorello, Francesca Mandurino Mirizzi, Michele Mondoni, Massimo Guerriero and Pierachille Santus

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(12), 4605; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15124605 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background and objective: Hypoxemia and respiratory failure (RF) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with exacerbations, comorbidities and increased mortality. However, the prevalence of hypoxemia and RF in stable COPD is unknown. We aimed at investigating the prevalence and determining [...] Read more.

Background and objective: Hypoxemia and respiratory failure (RF) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with exacerbations, comorbidities and increased mortality. However, the prevalence of hypoxemia and RF in stable COPD is unknown. We aimed at investigating the prevalence and determining predictive factors for chronic gas exchange abnormalities in COPD patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study that enrolled clinically stable COPD patients referring to a pulmonary outpatient clinic. Anthropometrics, clinical characteristics, blood gas analysis and lung function were analyzed. Patients were grouped according to hypoxemia (PaO₂ <80 and ≥60 mmHg), type 1 (PaO₂ < 60 mmHg) or type II (PaO₂ < 60 and PaCO₂ > 45 mmHg) RF. A sensitivity analysis adopting an age-adjusted definition of hypoxemia was performed. Predictive factors for hypoxemia or RF were assessed with multifactorial analysis. Results: We analyzed data from 515 patients. Fixed-ratio hypoxemia, RF type 1 and type 2 were observed in 352 (68.3%), 27 (5.2%) and 43 (8.3%) patients, respectively. Risk of hypoxemia was associated with preserved alveolar volume, residual volume/total lung capacity, and lung diffusion capacity. Heart failure, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and metabolic syndrome were predictive factors for RF. Patients with age-adjusted hypoxemia (n = 321 patients, 62.3%) showed no difference in terms of anthropometrics, lung function, and clinical characteristics as compared with fixed-threshold hypoxemia. Conclusions: Hypoxemia is frequent in stable COPD. Lung function parameters and comorbidities can support the identification of patients at risk of RF. Blood gas analysis should be always performed in patients with COPD to allow for personalized therapy and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Respiratory Medicine)

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22 pages, 1310 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cardioprotective Effects of 1,3 Butanediol in MASLD via Reversal of Cardiac Lipid Accumulation and Suppression of Cardiac Fibrosis

by Olufunto O. Badmus, Landon D. Parrow, Karis E. McGowen, LaBrenda Bell, Jennifer R. Greer, Marcela de Carvalho Cruz, Terry D. Hinds, Jr. and David E. Stec

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5354; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125354 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is highly associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the mechanisms responsible are currently unknown. We have developed a model of MASLD due to the loss of hepatocyte peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα^HEPKO). [...] Read more.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is highly associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the mechanisms responsible are currently unknown. We have developed a model of MASLD due to the loss of hepatocyte peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα^HEPKO). We found that plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHOB) levels were significantly reduced in PPARα^HEPKO mice and aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of restoring BHOB levels in the development of CVD in these mice. Thirty-week-old PPARα^HEPKO and control PPARα^FL/FL mice were randomized to receive 1,3 butanediol (1,3-BDO), a precursor of BHOB, in drinking water for 6 weeks. 1,3-BDO treatment resulted in a significant increase in plasma BHOB levels, a significant decrease in mean arterial blood pressure, improvement in systolic and diastolic function, a decrease in vascular stiffness, and improved exercise performance in PPARα^HEPKO mice. 1,3-BDO treatment did not alleviate hepatic steatosis in PPARα^HEPKO mice; however, it improved plasma cholesterol levels and decreased cardiac lipid accumulation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. 1,3-BDO treatment also resulted in a significant increase in cardiac AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels. Increasing plasma BHOB levels reverses CVD in our mouse model of MASLD. A similar approach could be an effective strategy for preventing the development of CVD in patients with human MASLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pharmacology)

24 pages, 5874 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Cyclic Triaxial Tests with Constant and Variable Cell Pressure

by Carmine P. Polito

J 2026, 9(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/j9020018 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Cyclic triaxial tests are often used to evaluate the behavior of soils under seismic loads. The stress conditions imposed on a soil specimen during a cyclic triaxial test, however, are very different than those acting on an element of soil during an earthquake. [...] Read more.

Cyclic triaxial tests are often used to evaluate the behavior of soils under seismic loads. The stress conditions imposed on a soil specimen during a cyclic triaxial test, however, are very different than those acting on an element of soil during an earthquake. One major difference is that the element in the field is subjected to a change in total confining stress, whereas in a conventional cyclic triaxial test the total confining stress (as applied through the cell pressure) is held constant. This use of constant cell pressure is usually justified by the assumption that in a saturated specimen the change in total stress is offset by a change in pore pressure, thus resulting in no change in the effective confining stress or liquefaction susceptibility. A laboratory study using cyclic triaxial tests was conducted on several soils to assess the validity of this assumption. For each soil, two series of stress-controlled cyclic triaxial tests were run: one set with a constant cell pressure, and thus a constant total confining stress, and a second set with a variable total stress/cell pressure. These tests were then compared in terms of both the resulting cyclic resistance curves and the amount of energy dissipated to trigger liquefaction. It was found that the two conditions of confining stress yielded results that were not statistically different. Therefore, the assumption that the change in pore pressure caused by the variation in total stress is offset by the change in pore pressure and thus results in no change in effective stress or liquefaction susceptibility appears valid. Based on these findings, cyclic triaxial tests performed with constant cell pressure, and thus a constant total confining stress, provide valid results for liquefaction analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Engineering)

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45 pages, 7103 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Numerical Beach Position Effects on the Hydrodynamics of a Submerged Horizontal Plate Device Under Sea State Conditions

by Gabrielle Ücker Thum, Vitor Eduardo Motta, Elizaldo Domingues dos Santos, Luiz Alberto Oliveira Rocha, Bianca Neves Machado and Liércio André Isoldi

Processes 2026, 14(12), 1934; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121934 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Employing the WaveMIMO methodology, the present numerical study evaluates a submerged horizontal plate (SHP) device under the incidence of representative regular and realistic irregular waves associated with the sea state off the coast of Rio Grande, Brazil. The dual functionality of the SHP [...] Read more.

Employing the WaveMIMO methodology, the present numerical study evaluates a submerged horizontal plate (SHP) device under the incidence of representative regular and realistic irregular waves associated with the sea state off the coast of Rio Grande, Brazil. The dual functionality of the SHP device is investigated, considering its operation as a breakwater (BW) and as a wave energy converter (WEC). The main focus of this study is to investigate the effects of numerical beach (NB) positioning on the hydrodynamic response of the SHP. The governing equations for mass, momentum, and volume fraction are solved using the finite volume method (FVM), while the water–air interaction is modeled through the volume of fluid (VOF) approach. The analysis assessed the influence of SHP length (L_p) using five different values. For the tested Rio Grande sea state, SHP geometry, two-dimensional numerical model, and adopted hydrodynamic indicators, the results show that the exclusive use of representative regular waves was not sufficient to reproduce the hydrodynamic trends obtained under realistic irregular waves. The SHP demonstrates its highest BW performance in reducing the significant wave height at 3L_p for representative regular waves and realistic irregular waves. As a WEC, it achieves its highest axial velocity at 3L_p for representative regular waves and 1.5L_p and 2L_p for realistic irregular waves. The performance of the SHP as BW-WEC is the highest at 3L_p for regular waves and 2.5L_p for realistic irregular waves. In contrast to previous work, in which the NB was kept at a fixed position, the present study indicates that the downstream computational-domain configuration, including the relative positioning between the SHP and the NB, is an important factor affecting the monitored hydrodynamic response and should be carefully defined in CFD wave-flume simulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Modeling, Optimization and Control of Renewable Energy Systems)

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27 pages, 2404 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physics-Informed Conditional GAN with Bi-Dimensional Attention for Residential Customer Baseline Load Estimation

by Liang Zhu, Aichao Yang, Xiaohui You, Jingyi Wang and Yinxiao Li

Energies 2026, 19(12), 2830; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19122830 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Accurate customer baseline load (CBL) estimation is crucial for incentive allocation and flexibility potential assessment in demand response (DR) programs. However, residential electricity consumption is highly stochastic, and long-duration DR events often result in missing critical load segments, making it difficult for traditional [...] Read more.

Accurate customer baseline load (CBL) estimation is crucial for incentive allocation and flexibility potential assessment in demand response (DR) programs. However, residential electricity consumption is highly stochastic, and long-duration DR events often result in missing critical load segments, making it difficult for traditional regression-based and daily load-profile clustering methods to accurately capture the counterfactual baseline pattern. To address this issue, this paper proposes a CBL estimation method that integrates a physics-/domain-informed response-consistency constraint with a conditional generative adversarial network. In the proposed framework, deep soft clustering is employed to extract weekly scale load modes, while mutual information (MI) and autocorrelation coefficient (ACC) are quantified as user-specific conditioning fingerprints to characterize intrinsic consumption behaviors. Comparative experiments on a publicly available real-world dataset demonstrate that the proposed method provides strong event-period accuracy among the recurrent and attention-based benchmark models considered in the main comparison. Under matched response-consistency budgets, PI-ICGAN achieves the lowest constrained DR-period MAE at the tested NRR targets, and the ablation results show that the attention, fingerprint, response-consistency, and GradNorm components contribute to different aspects of the accuracy–consistency trade-off. Full article

16 pages, 1900 KB

Open AccessArticle

Descriptive Profiles of Milk Titratable Acidity and Its Within-Species Associations with Milk Composition and Quality Parameters Across Eight Dairy Animal Species

by Qiaoyan Ye, Nan Zheng, Huimin Liu, Li Min, Lu Meng, Xinyu Hao, Yangdong Zhang, Shengguo Zhao, Yaxin Yang, Yong Chen, Changjiang Zang and Jiaqi Wang

Agriculture 2026, 16(12), 1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16121310 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Milk titratable acidity is a key indicator of raw milk freshness and quality, but its variation across different dairy animal species remains incompletely characterized. Based on 16,984 raw milk samples from eight dairy animal species (Holstein cow, goat, buffalo, camel, sheep, yak, donkey, [...] Read more.

Milk titratable acidity is a key indicator of raw milk freshness and quality, but its variation across different dairy animal species remains incompletely characterized. Based on 16,984 raw milk samples from eight dairy animal species (Holstein cow, goat, buffalo, camel, sheep, yak, donkey, and horse) collected within a retrospective raw milk quality monitoring framework in China from 2016 to 2024, this study provides a large-scale descriptive comparison of milk titratable acidity across species. Distinct titratable acidity profiles were observed among species, with camel and yak milk showing relatively high values, sheep, Holstein, and buffalo milk exhibiting intermediate values, and donkey and horse milk presenting markedly low values. Calendar-season-associated patterns also differed among species. Correlations between titratable acidity and milk components varied by species, with relatively stronger positive associations with protein and solids-not-fat (SNF) in several ruminant milks, suggesting that milk composition may contribute to differences in titratable acidity. However, because this study was based on an unbalanced observational dataset with limited animal-level, farm-level, feeding, management, physiological, and environmental metadata, these observations should be interpreted as descriptive and exploratory patterns rather than causal biological mechanisms. This dataset provides preliminary reference information for future studies on species-associated variation in raw milk titratable acidity and for discussions on species-specific raw milk quality evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dairy Animal Nutrition and Milk Quality)

14 pages, 384 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Predictors of Iron Deficiency at Hospital Discharge in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants: A Prospective Single-Center Observational Study Using RET-He and Serum Ferritin

by Pacharapan Surapolchai, Phakatip Sinlapamongkolkul, Sariya Prachukthum, Tasama Pusongchai, Wallee Satayasai and Sudatip Kositamongkol

Children 2026, 13(6), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13060817 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency is common in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants because of limited iron stores, rapid postnatal growth and repeated phlebotomy. Early detection is essential to prevent anaemia and neurodevelopmental impairment. This study investigated the prevalence of, and factors associated with, iron deficiency [...] Read more.

Background: Iron deficiency is common in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants because of limited iron stores, rapid postnatal growth and repeated phlebotomy. Early detection is essential to prevent anaemia and neurodevelopmental impairment. This study investigated the prevalence of, and factors associated with, iron deficiency at hospital discharge using serum ferritin and the reticulocyte haemoglobin equivalent (RET-He). Methods: In this prospective cohort study, iron status was evaluated in 68 VLBW infants admitted between April 2022 and March 2024 at 36 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA) or at discharge. Iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin below 75 ng/mL or RET-He below 28 pg. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to explore clinical factors associated with iron deficiency. Iron status and anaemia were reassessed at 6–12 months of age. Results: At 36 weeks PMA or discharge, 39.7% of the infants were iron deficient, whereas only 1.5% were anaemic. Higher gestational age (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.07–3.06) and lower haemoglobin at birth (aOR 0.63, 95% CI 0.42–0.96) were independently associated with iron deficiency. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed a possible association (aOR 14.02, 95% CI 1.23–160.34), though this estimate should be interpreted cautiously. At 6–12 months, 18.8% of the patients had anaemia and 50% had iron deficiency, with no significant associated factors identified, likely reflecting the limited sample availability. Conclusions: Iron deficiency is common in VLBW infants and often precedes anaemia. Assessment of iron status beyond haemoglobin before discharge may be clinically justified to guide early supplementation, though further prospective multicentre studies are needed to confirm whether routine dual-biomarker screening is warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neonatal Hematology and Hemostasis)

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25 pages, 20399 KB

Open AccessArticle

The In Vivo Existence Forms of Engeletin and Their Anti-Hyperuricemia Activity

by Yang Lv, Jing Zhang, Shao-Jing Chen, Jing Zhang, Xing Han, Ming-Ying Shang, Guang-Xue Liu, Xuan Wang, Shao-Qing Cai and Feng Xu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125353 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used for hyperuricemia. Engeletin, one of its major flavonoids, exhibits various pharmacological activities, but its in vivo uric acid-lowering activity and metabolic processes remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the in vivo existence [...] Read more.

Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used for hyperuricemia. Engeletin, one of its major flavonoids, exhibits various pharmacological activities, but its in vivo uric acid-lowering activity and metabolic processes remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the in vivo existence forms of engeletin and the pharmacological basis underlying its uric acid-lowering effects. The in vivo metabolites of engeletin were identified by using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity was investigated using in vitro enzymatic assays. The in vivo uric acid-lowering effect was evaluated in hyperuricemic mice. A total of 11, 34, 7, 6, and 5 compounds were detected in urine, feces, serum, liver, and kidney samples, respectively. After removing duplicates, 52 compounds were preliminarily identified as in vivo existence forms of engeletin. The main metabolic reaction types were glucuronidation, sulfation, and hydrolysis. Engeletin exhibited no xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity in vitro but possessed uric acid-lowering activity in vivo. Neoisoastilbin and naringenin were metabolites with both xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity and uric acid-lowering activity. The in vivo uric acid-lowering activity of engeletin may be attributable to its two metabolites rather than itself. This study elucidated the pharmacological basis of engeletin and laid the foundation for developing potential therapeutics for hyperuricemia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Specialized Metabolites from Medicinal Plants)

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19 pages, 11999 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Health Assessment of Crassostrea belcheri from Breeding and Farming Sites in Thailand: Histopathological, Apoptotic, and Molecular Evidence

by Supatcha Chooseangjaew, Suwat Tanyaros, Narit Thaochan, Sirilak Dusitsittipon, Natthawut Charoenphon, Gen Kaneko, Supapong Imsonpang, Nabhasbhichayabha Daewang, Kitipong Angsujinda, Kitiya Kongthong and Sinlapachai Senarat

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5351; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125351 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Oyster health is important for aquaculture productivity and sustainability. In Thailand, the white scar oyster, Crassostrea belcheri, is being promoted for cultivation, yet its health status has not been compared between research breeding and community farming sites. This study evaluated histopathological features, [...] Read more.

Oyster health is important for aquaculture productivity and sustainability. In Thailand, the white scar oyster, Crassostrea belcheri, is being promoted for cultivation, yet its health status has not been compared between research breeding and community farming sites. This study evaluated histopathological features, ultrastructure, apoptosis, and defender against apoptotic death 1 (dad1) gene expression in sexually mature C. belcheri collected from these two sites. Gill tissues were examined by histology, transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL assay, and gene expression analysis, while organ condition was assessed using a Health Assessment Index (HAI). The proportion of TUNEL-positive cells in the gills and mantle differed significantly between sites (p < 0.05), with higher levels in oysters from the farming site. In contrast, TUNEL-positive cells in the digestive gland did not differ significantly between sites, although brown cells were observed only in the digestive gland of oysters from the breeding site, suggesting possible physiological stress. To assess the expression level of dad1 in oysters cultured under different conditions, RT-qPCR revealed no significant difference between the two sites. The breeding site also had lower temperature and salinity than the farming site. Overall, these findings suggest that site-specific environmental conditions may influence gill health and stress-related responses in C. belcheri, providing baseline information for oyster health assessment and aquaculture management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research on Aquatic Organisms)

27 pages, 18729 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wolffia globosa Ethanolic Extract Protects Against Bisphenol A-Induced Osteoblast Dysfunction via Antioxidant Defense, Apoptosis Inhibition, and β-Catenin Modulation

by Benjawan Wudtiwai, Pornsiri Pitchakarn, Piya Temviriyanukul, Pattaralawan Sittiju, Woorawee Inthachat, Jirarat Karinchai, Nuttida Phunsanit, Prachya Kongtawelert and Peraphan Pothacharoen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5352; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125352 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

The prevalent endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with aging-related conditions, including metabolic disorders. It has been shown that BPA promotes bone fragility through oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and impaired osteoblast differentiation. The identification of sustainable bioactive substances that alleviate BPA-induced bone toxicity [...] Read more.

The prevalent endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with aging-related conditions, including metabolic disorders. It has been shown that BPA promotes bone fragility through oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and impaired osteoblast differentiation. The identification of sustainable bioactive substances that alleviate BPA-induced bone toxicity is thus of biomedical and environmental significance. Wolffia globosa (WG), the world’s smallest flowering aquatic plant, has recently gained attention as a high-protein, antioxidant-rich nutraceutical, yet its impact on BPA-induced osteoblast dysfunction has not been systematically investigated. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of WG ethanolic extract (WGE) in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, incorporating thorough phytochemical characterization, acute high-dose and chronic low-dose BPA exposure models, and multi-faceted mechanistic analysis. LC-MS/MS profiling identified luteolin (116.17 ± 0.69 µg/g), rosmarinic acid (54.80 ± 2.12 µg/g), and apigenin (48.77 ± 0.61 µg/g) as the predominant bioactive compounds. WGE exhibited potent antioxidant capacity across DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, complemented by high ORAC and FRAP values, reflecting broad-spectrum antioxidant mechanisms. Treatment with WGE (25 and 50 µg/mL) resulted in significant alleviation of BPA-induced cytotoxicity, decreased intracellular ROS levels, and inhibited apoptosis. WGE (12.5 µg/mL) also modulated autophagy-related markers (LC3-II, Beclin-1, and p62), suggesting potential autophagic participation, although flux verification was not conducted. Treatment with WGE (12.5 µg/mL) also restored BPA-suppressed osteogenesis under chronic exposure, as evidenced by enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, and increased both mineralization and upregulation of osteogenic genes including runt-related transcription factor2 (Runx2), collagen type I alpha 1 (Colla1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin (OCN). These effects were accompanied by partial reactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This study is the first to demonstrate that WGE protects osteoblasts from BPA toxicity by concurrently strengthening antioxidant defenses, limiting apoptosis, modulating autophagy-related markers, and supporting β-catenin-mediated osteogenesis, highlighting WG as a promising sustainable nutraceutical candidate for the prevention of environmental toxin-related bone fragility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Metabolic Bone Disorders)

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28 pages, 1426 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multiplication Semigroups in Variable Exponent Lebesgue Spaces

by Mostafa Bachar and Huda Alrashdi

Mathematics 2026, 14(12), 2119; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14122119 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

This paper studies multiplication operators and their associated strongly continuous semigroups acting on variable exponent Lebesgue spaces. We study the abstract Cauchy problem

\dot{u} (t) = A u (t)

,

u (0) = u_{0}

, [...] Read more.

This paper studies multiplication operators and their associated strongly continuous semigroups acting on variable exponent Lebesgue spaces. We study the abstract Cauchy problem

\dot{u} (t) = A u (t)

,

u (0) = u_{0}

, in the space

L^{p (x)} (0, ℓ)

with

ℓ > 0

, where the generator A is given by the multiplication operator

A = M_{q}

. Using the modular

ρ_{p (\cdot)} (u) = \int_{0}^{ℓ} {| u (x) |}^{p (x)} d x

, we establish the fundamental properties of

M_{q}

, including

ρ_{p (\cdot)}

-closedness, density of its domain, and boundedness criteria in terms of the essential range of q.We show that

M_{q}

generates a strongly continuous semigroup

{(S (t))}_{t \geq 0}

given explicitly by

S (t) = e^{t A} = M_{e^{t q}}

, and we derive modular growth estimates for the semigroup. We also obtain a complete characterization of the spectrum and resolvent of A, showing that

σ (A) = q_{ess} (0, ℓ)

and

R (λ, A) = {(λ I - A)}^{- 1} = M_{1 / (λ - q)}

for

λ \notin σ (A)

. The spectral mapping behavior of the associated semigroup is also analyzed, highlighting the validity of the weak spectral mapping theorem and the possible failure of the full spectral identity. As an application, we present a concrete example on

(0, 4)

involving a singular initial datum that does not belong to

L^{2} (0, 4)

but lies in

L^{p (x)} (0, 4)

due to a suitable spatial variation of the exponent. The corresponding evolution is explicitly given by

u (t, x) = e^{t q (x)} f (x)

and remains well posed in

L^{p (x)} (0, 4)

for all

t \geq 0

. This shows that the variable exponent framework can accommodate singular behavior while preserving semigroup dynamics. These results show that multiplication operators provide an explicit model for semigroup theory in variable exponent spaces, connecting modular analysis with pointwise evolution equations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nonlinear Analysis and Applications)

27 pages, 16934 KB

Open AccessArticle

Baseflow Ratio in Catchments with Regolith-Dominated Groundwater Circulation of Different Lithology—Comparison of Kille’s, Rambert’s and Hydrograph Separation Methods

by Rudolf Dugovič, Peter Malík, Martin Zatlakovič and Natália Bahnová

Hydrology 2026, 13(6), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13060154 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026

Abstract

Baseflow separation was performed for 42 small catchments completely built up of either crystalline rocks or folded/unfolded Paleogene flysch rocks. Three different methods were applied—Local minimum (BFI), Kille’s and Rambert’s. Mean total annual runoff in individual catchments varied from 179 to 1132 mm, [...] Read more.

Baseflow separation was performed for 42 small catchments completely built up of either crystalline rocks or folded/unfolded Paleogene flysch rocks. Three different methods were applied—Local minimum (BFI), Kille’s and Rambert’s. Mean total annual runoff in individual catchments varied from 179 to 1132 mm, with an average of 498 mm. Taking into account results for the whole dataset, baseflow participated in 45% ± 15% ratio of the total runoff. Local minimum and Kille’s method results were quite similar: both showed average baseflow participating on 39%/40% of total runoff in unfolded Paleogene catchments, on 29%/29% in folded flysch and 44%/45% in catchments with crystalline basement. Rambert’s method results were 10% to 12% higher from the previous two, reaching 50% in unfolded flysch Paleogene catchments, 41% in folded flysch and 56% in crystalline catchments. Differences might be caused by the nature of Rambert’s method, which is based on recession curves analyses, while the previous two result from discharge statistics. Still, usually only less than 50% of unevaporated precipitation is able to infiltrate and recharge groundwater resources in crystalline rocks and flysch sediments, and folded flysch rocks are sometimes able to absorb only 10–20% of unevaporated precipitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Waters and Groundwaters)

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