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26 pages, 1635 KB

Open AccessReview

Broad-Spectrum Effects of Lactoferrin as a Potential Therapeutic Regimen for the Treatment of Various Human Diseases

by Shefiat O. Arekemase, Ibrahim Abdulwaliyu, Razaq A. Mustapha, Ummi I. Hassan, Owolabi S. Olusina, Inyeneh E. Udom, Ayotunde A. Sunday and Suleiman Bala

J. Mind Med. Sci. 2026, 13(3), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmms13030016 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Sickness is a universal human problem. A significant proportion of the world’s population suffers from one disease or another, while some individuals have two or more chronic diseases simultaneously. The development of one disease, if not properly managed, can often lead to other [...] Read more.

Sickness is a universal human problem. A significant proportion of the world’s population suffers from one disease or another, while some individuals have two or more chronic diseases simultaneously. The development of one disease, if not properly managed, can often lead to other coexisting health challenges, a condition known as comorbidity. Unfortunately, treating comorbidity is difficult due to overlapping symptoms and the risk of drug interactions. To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to identify active principles with broad-spectrum therapeutic properties. Therefore, this study provides an overview of the multifunctional role of lactoferrin against various human diseases. Information regarding the role of lactoferrin in combating various human diseases was gathered through a systematic literature search. Findings from a retrospective pilot study indicated that lactoferrin has the potential to alleviate symptoms of interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome. Additionally, lactoferrin has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial properties. It could be beneficial in addressing issues related to microbial drug resistance. The anti-inflammatory effects of lactoferrin are linked to the reduction in cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-1β; inhibition of Inhibitory kappa B kinase beta (IKK-β) activity; and suppression of Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Furthermore, lactoferrin may provide protection against liver, kidney, and cardiac injuries. Lactoferrin’s wide-ranging benefits indicate that it may be used in conjunction with current medications to help treat multiple health issues simultaneously. Full article

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24 pages, 1240 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Trust Risk in AI-Enabled Platform Government: A Comparative Systems Analysis of Privacy and Cybersecurity Policy Models in South Korea, Estonia, and Taiwan

by Sohyun Park and Seunghwan Myeong

Systems 2026, 14(7), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14070865 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

South Korea has achieved internationally recognized digital government capacity and platform-based service integration, yet recent privacy and cybersecurity incidents reveal growing risks to digital trust. This article examines how national governance models shape digital trust risk under conditions of platform dependency, large-scale data [...] Read more.

South Korea has achieved internationally recognized digital government capacity and platform-based service integration, yet recent privacy and cybersecurity incidents reveal growing risks to digital trust. This article examines how national governance models shape digital trust risk under conditions of platform dependency, large-scale data breaches, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cybersecurity threats. Drawing on a comparative socio-technical systems perspective, the study analyzes three digitally advanced but institutionally distinct cases: South Korea, Estonia, and Taiwan. South Korea is examined as a reactive platform-accountability model, Estonia as an architecture-based data-auditability model, and Taiwan as a civic-resilience and joint-defense model. Rather than applying a formal quantum-probability model, the article uses the QP-Gov framework as a bounded analytical lens for interpreting context sensitivity, latent trust, accountability visibility, and abrupt trust-risk shifts. Methodologically, the study adopts a most-different systems design and combines structured profile analysis, case tracing, and an evidence matrix. The comparison focuses on five dimensions: digital density, data concentration, accountability visibility, incident responsiveness, and AI-era readiness. The findings show that digital trust depends not simply on technological sophistication, but on whether citizens can observe how data are accessed, how breaches are handled, how responsibility is allocated, and whether institutions learn from incidents before trust damage becomes systemic. The analysis suggests that Korea’s reactive model demonstrates strong post-incident investigative and regulatory capacity but remains vulnerable when accountability becomes visible only after major breaches. By contrast, Estonia and Taiwan illustrate alternative mechanisms of preventive auditability and resilience-based preparedness. The article concludes by proposing a sequenced policy pathway for South Korea, including citizen-facing data-access logs, systemic platform duties, breach-consequence dashboards, AI-agent audit trails, zero-trust infrastructure, and independent digital trust oversight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Approaches: Digital Maturity Models Across Industries, Countries, and Organizational Systems)

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29 pages, 7858 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Aggregate Mass Fractal Dimension on Creep Behavior and Damage Mechanisms of Cemented Coal Gangue Backfill

by Yongjin Zhang, Cheng Li, Kangsheng Xue, Hui Yang and Zhen Lu

Materials 2026, 19(14), 3110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19143110 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Cemented coal gangue backfill (CCGB) is an important material for the resource utilization of mining solid waste, and its long-term stability is strongly affected by aggregate gradation. In this study, aggregate mass fractal dimension was used to characterize the particle size distribution of [...] Read more.

Cemented coal gangue backfill (CCGB) is an important material for the resource utilization of mining solid waste, and its long-term stability is strongly affected by aggregate gradation. In this study, aggregate mass fractal dimension was used to characterize the particle size distribution of coal gangue, and four gradation schemes with different fractal dimensions were designed. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests, stepwise accelerated creep tests, acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations were conducted to investigate strength, creep behavior, crack evolution, and damage mechanisms. The results show that P-wave velocity and UCS exhibit generally non-monotonic variations with fractal dimension, with relatively high values in the intermediate fractal-dimension range. The empirical long-term strengths for

D = 2.20

, 2.41, 2.59, and 2.79 are 6.62, 8.83, 7.34, and 7.07 MPa, respectively. AE results indicate that shear cracking first decreases and then increases with fractal dimension, reaching the lowest proportion of 41.8% at

D = 2.41

. SEM observations show that an intermediate fractal dimension improves skeleton continuity and interfacial integrity, thereby suppressing shear-related damage and delaying creep instability. These findings demonstrate that aggregate mass fractal dimension is an effective structural parameter for linking gradation characteristics, creep resistance, and damage evolution of CCGB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)

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25 pages, 4075 KB

Open AccessArticle

Data-Driven Manufacturing: Reduced Models and Optimization in Glass Fiber Processes

by Ashreet Mishra, Alex Lohse, Steve D. C. Pham, Ravi Arora and Bruno A. Purnode

Processes 2026, 14(14), 2345; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14142345 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Joule-heated electric glass melters are highly energy-intensive and operate under stringent throughput, quality, and refractory-protection constraints, yet existing optimization approaches either rely on offline high-fidelity CFD—which is too slow for day-to-day operating decisions—or on purely data-driven energy models that do not enforce physics-based [...] Read more.

Joule-heated electric glass melters are highly energy-intensive and operate under stringent throughput, quality, and refractory-protection constraints, yet existing optimization approaches either rely on offline high-fidelity CFD—which is too slow for day-to-day operating decisions—or on purely data-driven energy models that do not enforce physics-based glass-quality constraints. This work presents a simulation-informed supervisory optimization framework that closes this gap by integrating (i) a high-fidelity CFD design of experiments on a cold-top electric glass melter, (ii) interpretable linear reduced-order models (ROMs) for furnace temperatures and glass-process indices (residence time, sand dissolution, mixing, and melting indices), and (iii) a convex linear-program supervisory optimizer that minimizes electrical power subject to throughput, glass-quality, and refractory-protection constraints. Sixteen CFD operating points spanning power inputs of 900–1671 kW, pull rates of 0.12–0.36 kg/s, and cullet fractions of 0–30% are used to fit and cross-validate the ROMs. The novelty of this contribution is the unification of CFD-derived multi-KPI quality constraints with a fast, interpretable supervisory optimizer suitable for advisory deployment on industrial electric melters. For a representative 1350 kW baseline, the optimizer recommends a reduced operating power of 1256 kW (~7% reduction) while satisfying all quality, throughput, and refractory constraints—demonstrating a practical ROM-enabled digital-twin pathway for energy-efficient electric glass melting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Composite Modeling and Process System Engineering for Sustainable High-Performance Manufacturing)

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25 pages, 489 KB

Open AccessArticle

by Radosław B. Walczak, Raluca Sassu, Hadar Nesher Shoshan and Maria Latusek-Mierzwa

Brain Sci. 2026, 16(7), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16070761 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Previous research has documented generational differences in life satisfaction and work-related attitudes, but less is known about how work and life satisfaction differ within parent–child dyads. This preregistered study examined work satisfaction, life satisfaction, core self-evaluations, personal values, and financial situation among [...] Read more.

Background: Previous research has documented generational differences in life satisfaction and work-related attitudes, but less is known about how work and life satisfaction differ within parent–child dyads. This preregistered study examined work satisfaction, life satisfaction, core self-evaluations, personal values, and financial situation among working young adults and their working parents in Poland. Methods: The study used a preregistered, cross-sectional, observational parent–child dyadic design. The final analytic sample consisted of 87 complete dyads, corresponding to 174 individual participants. Parent–child responses were linked using anonymised self-generated codes. Group differences in work satisfaction, life satisfaction, and core self-evaluations were tested using paired Yuen’s trimmed t-tests. Preregistered predictors of work satisfaction and life satisfaction were tested using linear mixed-effects models with dyads as a random intercept. Results: Parents reported higher work satisfaction and higher core self-evaluations than their young-adult children, whereas the expected group difference in life satisfaction was not supported. Core self-evaluations positively predicted work satisfaction, whereas the preregistered financial situation composite and achievement value did not. A supplementary component-level analysis showed heterogeneous associations among the individual financial indicators. Work satisfaction was positively associated with life satisfaction, whereas the preregistered Schwartz values were not significantly associated with life satisfaction. Conclusions: The findings suggest that parent–child differences in satisfaction-related outcomes are more visible in work satisfaction and core self-evaluations than in global life satisfaction. Core self-evaluations emerged as the most consistent psychological predictor of work satisfaction. The value-based hypotheses were not supported, although these null findings warrant caution because several brief PVQ scales had low reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Mental Health and Mental Illness in Adolescents (2nd Edition))

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43 pages, 5585 KB

Open AccessReview

Reactive Oxygen Species in Crop Plants: Production, Detoxification, Signaling, and Molecular Cross-Talk

by Edappayil Janeeshma, Susmita Das, Sarah Bouzroud, Mohammad Sarraf, Nosheen Akhtar, Hesam Mousavi, Ulkar Ibrahimova, Masayuki Fujita and Mirza Hasanuzzaman

Plants 2026, 15(14), 2212; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15142212 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Although excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is harmful for plants, at mild concentrations, they are able to positively regulate the metabolic pathway and signaling cascades of the cell. The mechanisms functional under the ROS-induced stress tolerance need to be decoded for [...] Read more.

Although excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is harmful for plants, at mild concentrations, they are able to positively regulate the metabolic pathway and signaling cascades of the cell. The mechanisms functional under the ROS-induced stress tolerance need to be decoded for the development of new abiotic stress-tolerant crop varieties with a clear vision. This study details ROS generation, roles of enzymatic antioxidants as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants, and ROS-induced cellular events. Emphasis is given to crucial topics such as cyclin-dependent kinases and mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling mechanisms, calcium-mediated cellular cross-talk, and activation or inactivation of various transcription factors. Introduction of different genetic and molecular approaches to manipulate the ROS pathway helps to find out novel recombinant plant varieties. Selection of specific biotechnological tools, appropriate omics analysis and implementation of CRISPR/Cas 9 in crop plants assist the designing of mutants. This review highlights the beneficial roles of oxidative stress, spotlighting the molecular mechanisms that support the physiological, morphological and biochemical modifications of plant cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature paper in Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)

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40 pages, 24654 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Context and Target Features in a Top-Down Saliency Model for Object Detection

by Ibrahim M. H. Rahman, Osama Rehman, Aisha Ajmal and Simon Jigwan Park

AI 2026, 7(7), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai7070269 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Top-down visual attention models are essential for task-driven object detection; however, many existing approaches do not effectively integrate multiple sources of high-level guidance such as scene context and target-specific information. This paper proposes a computational framework that combines contextual information and target object [...] Read more.

Top-down visual attention models are essential for task-driven object detection; however, many existing approaches do not effectively integrate multiple sources of high-level guidance such as scene context and target-specific information. This paper proposes a computational framework that combines contextual information and target object features to dynamically modulate low-level visual features for improved attentional selection. The proposed model consists of three key components: (i) a contextual weighting module that learns feature weights optimised using Particle Swarm Optimisation and predicted through a hetero-associative neural network; (ii) a target-aware attention module that estimates feature importance based on target-specific characteristics derived from low-level feature distributions; and (iii) a recognition module that performs region classification using a Naïve Bayes classifier. Experiments conducted on seven challenging datasets with diverse objects and cluttered backgrounds demonstrate that integrating contextual and target-specific information improves detection performance compared to using either source independently. The primary objective of this work is to investigate the complementary and synergistic effects of combining contextual information and target object knowledge within a bottom-up saliency framework. The goal is not to propose or claim a state-of-the-art top-down visual attention model, but rather to demonstrate that integrating multiple sources of guidance can enhance saliency-based target detection under varied visual conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section AI in Autonomous Systems)

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23 pages, 666 KB

Open AccessArticle

Some Applications of Fractional Integral for Mittag-Leffler Function on Strong Differential Sandwich Results

by Shaymaa Y. Alkufi, Abbas Kareem Wanas and Alina Alb Lupas

Symmetry 2026, 18(7), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18071227 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce new geometric properties of analytic functions by utilizing the fractional integral operator associated with the Mittag-Leffler function. Specifically, we establish several framework criteria under which strong differential subordination as well as superordination hold across the product domain [...] Read more.

In this paper, we introduce new geometric properties of analytic functions by utilizing the fractional integral operator associated with the Mittag-Leffler function. Specifically, we establish several framework criteria under which strong differential subordination as well as superordination hold across the product domain

U \times \bar{U}

, wherein the coefficients are holomorphic functions in

U

. For each investigated relation, the corresponding best dominant and best subordinant are explicitly determined. Utilizing these foundational outcomes, we subsequently derive novel strong sandwich-type theorems that bridge these dual concepts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry and Its Applications in Complex Analysis by the Means of Special Functions)

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16 pages, 5285 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Predicting the Potential Distribution of Eleutherococcus nodiflorus in China Under Future Climate Scenarios Using MaxEnt Modeling

by Yunan Cao, Tangyi Peng and Qingshan Yang

Forests 2026, 17(7), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17070854 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Climate change and intensified forest destruction are severely threatening the habitats of numerous wildlife species and plants. Known for its roots, Eleutherococcus nodiflorus (Araliaceae) is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, which contains diverse active compounds with significant medicinal value. [...] Read more.

Climate change and intensified forest destruction are severely threatening the habitats of numerous wildlife species and plants. Known for its roots, Eleutherococcus nodiflorus (Araliaceae) is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, which contains diverse active compounds with significant medicinal value. However, studies indicate its wild populations are undergoing an accelerating decline due to combined pressures from climate change and human activities. To elucidate the climate change response of E. nodiflorus habitat suitability, we used the ENMeval package to develop an optimized MaxEnt model, incorporating 184 occurrence records and 12 environmental factors. Under the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios, we simulated and projected the potential distribution of this species across China for the current period and four future time intervals (2021–2040, 2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100). The results indicate that key environmental factors governing the distribution of E. nodiflorus include November precipitation, January minimum temperature, temperature seasonality, and June minimum temperature. Currently, the suitable habitat for E. nodiflorus spans approximately 1.38 × 10⁶ km² and is predominantly located in central, eastern, and southern China. The high-suitability habitats are concentrated in Hunan Province, southern Anhui, and eastern Zhejiang. According to model projections under both climate scenarios, the suitable habitat of E. nodiflorus will first expand and then contract, while its distribution centroid moves generally toward higher latitudes. Under the trend of ongoing global warming, this study provides valuable references for formulating effective climate change adaptation plans and protecting biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling of Forest Dynamics and Species Distribution)

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17 pages, 579 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Short-Form Video Addiction on Sleep Quality: The Mediating Roles of Emotional, Cognitive, and Executive Components

by Shiying Yang, Tao Dong, Xiaoyan Wang, Shaobo Lyu and Bo Song

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16071232 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

With the rapid growth in the number of short-form video users, short-form video addiction (SVA) has drawn increasing attention due to its significant impact on individuals’ daily lives. This study examines the relationship between short-form video addiction and sleep quality, as well as [...] Read more.

With the rapid growth in the number of short-form video users, short-form video addiction (SVA) has drawn increasing attention due to its significant impact on individuals’ daily lives. This study examines the relationship between short-form video addiction and sleep quality, as well as the mediating mechanisms of social anxiety and self-control. Using the College Student Short-Form Video Addiction Scale, the Interaction Anxiousness Scale, the Brief Self-Control Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, we surveyed 677 Chinese college students. Correlation and mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS and the PROCESS macro. The findings revealed that SVA was negatively associated with sleep quality both directly and indirectly, with higher social anxiety and lower self-control mediating the indirect effect. By showing that addictive behavior is linked to its risk factors through affective, cognitive, and executive pathways, this study provides preliminarily elucidates how addictive behavior feeds back to reinforce its own risk factors proposed in the Interaction of Person–Affect–Cognition–Execution (I-PACE) model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)

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39 pages, 612 KB

Open AccessReview

Muscle–Tumor Crosstalk in Exercise Oncology: Exercise-Induced Myokines and Cancer Cachexia

by Amirhossein Ahmadi Hekmatikar, Francesco Bettariga, Álvaro López Llorente, Diego Fernández-Lázaro, Katsuhiko Suzuki and D. Maryama Awang Daud

Cancers 2026, 18(14), 2343; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142343 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Exercise-induced myokines, such as IL-6, irisin, and myostatin, play crucial roles in mediating systemic adaptations and modulating tumor progression. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on how regular moderate-intensity exercise affects the myokine network within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors. Results from [...] Read more.

Exercise-induced myokines, such as IL-6, irisin, and myostatin, play crucial roles in mediating systemic adaptations and modulating tumor progression. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on how regular moderate-intensity exercise affects the myokine network within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors. Results from the 86 included studies indicate that structured training (aerobic: 45–65% VO₂ max; resistance: 45–70% 1RM) enhances the expression of beneficial myokines that support immune surveillance, reduce inflammation, and improve muscle–tumor cross-talk. IL-6 demonstrates a dual modulatory effect on inflammation and immunity; irisin contributes to tumor apoptosis, while myostatin downregulation supports muscle integrity and metabolic balance. Evidence suggests that exercise-induced alterations in these factors may influence tumor angiogenesis and immune infiltration, offering potential therapeutic implications. Overall, tailored exercise regimens represent a promising non-pharmacological strategy to optimize myokine signaling in cancer management. Further human studies are needed to confirm these mechanistic effects and define optimal exercise protocols. While existing data suggest that structured exercise may beneficially modulate myokine profiles and thereby influence tumor biology, these conclusions are based on limited qualitative evidence rather than quantitative synthesis. Further well-controlled clinical studies are required to confirm causality and define optimal exercise prescriptions for oncology settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Cancer Treatment: The Clinical Application of Exercise Oncology)

20 pages, 23705 KB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Study on the Na Storage Mechanism in Carbon Anodes Based on Bilayer Graphene Nanoribbons with Zigzag and Armchair Edges

by Sinan Li, Wei Dong, Shiyi Chen, Fudong Liu, Xiangran Meng and Jingming Zhao

Coatings 2026, 16(7), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16070869 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Hard carbon (HC) is one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Yet its sodiation mechanism—particularly the origin of the sloping and plateau regions in the voltage–capacity curve—remains debated. In this work, first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed [...] Read more.

Hard carbon (HC) is one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Yet its sodiation mechanism—particularly the origin of the sloping and plateau regions in the voltage–capacity curve—remains debated. In this work, first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to systematically investigate the sodium storage mechanism at the edges and within the interlayer ultramicropores of bilayer graphene nanoribbons (BGNRs) with zigzag (BGNRs-Z) and armchair (BGNRs-A) terminations. A series of edge models, including hydrogenated, dehydrogenated (dangling bond), monovacancy (MV), and divacancy (DV) defects, were constructed to elucidate the effects of edge type and defect species on Na adsorption and intercalation. Our results demonstrate that Na ions preferentially adsorb at the edges rather than in the interior interlayer regions. The zigzag edge exhibits stronger binding affinity toward Na than the armchair edge. Progressive Na intercalation gradually opens the edge interlayer spacing. It reduces the interlayer angle toward a parallel configuration and accompanies a stacking transition from AB to AA at higher Na concentrations. Edge dangling bonds significantly enhance Na binding and drive the initial separation of edge carbon layers, whereas surface MV and DV defects contribute to Na adsorption at lower binding strengths. The calculated voltage–capacity relationships reveal that the first sloping region (>1.0 V) is primarily associated with Na adsorption at zigzag and defective edges, the second sloping region (0.1–1.0 V) can be rationalized by combined surface defect adsorption and interlayer intercalation, and the low-voltage plateau (<0.1 V) is thermodynamically linked to Na filling of narrow slit pores with optimized interlayer distances (~4.0 Å for zigzag and ~4.3–5.8 Å for armchair edges). These findings establish a direct structure–property correlation between carbon microstructure (edge type, defect architecture, and pore geometry) and the electrochemical voltage profile, offering atomic-level insights for the rational design of high-performance carbon-based anodes for SIBs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)

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24 pages, 795 KB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Features and 1-Year Prognosis of Patients with Suspected Sepsis and Positive Blood Cultures in the Emergency Department: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

by Pietro Pozzessere, Maria Pascali, Vincenzo Brescia, Valeria Carrieri, Antonio Saracino, Giulia Vitariello, Roberto Lovero, Giuseppe Troiano, Marica Colella and Angela Pia Cazzolla

Medicina 2026, 62(7), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62071405 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. Blood cultures (BCs) remain the gold standard for diagnosing bloodstream infections, yet their positivity rate is limited and culture-negative sepsis remains poorly [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. Blood cultures (BCs) remain the gold standard for diagnosing bloodstream infections, yet their positivity rate is limited and culture-negative sepsis remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to identify clinical and laboratory predictors of BC positivity in patients with suspected sepsis and to evaluate the prognostic implications of BC results on 28-, 90-, and 365-day survival. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed adult patients admitted to the Emergency Department of Policlinico di Bari (March 2023–December 2025) with sepsis or septic shock (Sepsis-3 criteria). After excluding contaminated cultures, 912 patients were included (602 culture-positive; 310 culture-negative) with a 1-year follow up. Predictors of BC positivity were assessed using logistic regression and ROC analysis; survival was evaluated with Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox models adjusted for age and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. We also evaluated time-to-positivity (TTP) for all blood culture isolates. Results: Culture-positive patients presented with greater initial severity, including higher rates of septic shock, elevated procalcitonin, CRP, lactate, and SOFA scores, and more frequent thrombocytopenia. Procalcitonin showed good discriminatory ability (AUC (area under the ROC curve) 0.785; cutoff 0.85 ng/mL; sensitivity 59.8%; specificity 83.8%). Key laboratory thresholds included a procalcitonin cutoff of 0.85 ng/mL, while CRP and platelet count did not show meaningful discriminatory cutoffs beyond their significant differences between culture-positive and culture-negative patients. Survival was consistently lower in culture-positive patients at 28 days (72.9% vs. 85.9%), 90 days (57.5% vs. 71.8%), and 365 days (44.3% vs. 61.2%). However, in adjusted Cox regression, BC positivity was not independently associated with 1-year mortality (HR 1.46; p = 0.092), whereas age and SOFA score remained significant predictors. Conclusions: Blood culture positivity identifies patients with greater initial severity, explaining their poorer unadjusted survival. However, culture positivity itself is not an independent predictor of long-term mortality, as age and organ dysfunction remain the main determinants of outcome. Procalcitonin showed solid discriminatory ability for true bacteremia. Full article

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21 pages, 2940 KB

Open AccessReview

Mapping the Clinical Competencies Required for Nurses to Use Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Scoping Review

by João Henrique Ribeiro Machado Silva, Jennifer Midiani Gonella, Marília Tomé Maia, Priscilla Roberta Silva Rocha and Fernanda Raphael Escobar Gimenes

Healthcare 2026, 14(14), 2196; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14142196 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) has been increasingly incorporated into nursing practice across diverse clinical settings. However, the absence of a clear, nursing-specific conceptualization of the clinical competencies required for its use continues to limit its safe and effective integration. This scoping review [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) has been increasingly incorporated into nursing practice across diverse clinical settings. However, the absence of a clear, nursing-specific conceptualization of the clinical competencies required for its use continues to limit its safe and effective integration. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the clinical competencies required for nurses to use PoCUS and to examine how these competencies have been described and assessed in the literature. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the JBI Collaboration methodology and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guideline. The protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework. Searches were conducted on 9 April 2025 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, and were complemented by gray literature searches in Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. Data synthesis was guided by Miller’s Pyramid of clinical competence. Results: A total of 2481 records were identified. After removal of 540 duplicates, 1941 records were screened. Of these, 128 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 28 studies were included in the final synthesis. Technical and procedural competencies predominated, particularly those related to image acquisition and ultrasound-guided interventions. By contrast, competencies associated with clinical reasoning, interpretive judgment, and autonomous decision-making were described inconsistently. Conclusions: Although PoCUS use by nurses is expanding, clinical competence development remains uneven and predominantly focused on technical proficiency. Nursing-specific frameworks, competency-based education, and validated assessment tools are essential to ensure the safe, ethical, and effective integration of PoCUS into clinical practice. Full article

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21 pages, 2503 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-State, Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Including Rabies Monoclonal Antibody Among Physicians Across India

by Ravish Haradanahalli Shankaraiah, Navyashree N. S., Divya Bharathi G., Trayambak Dutta and Manish Mahajan

Vaccines 2026, 14(7), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14070635 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Rabies remains a lethal vaccine-preventable disease in India, and physicians managing animal-bite cases are central to effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). With the increasing use of rabies monoclonal antibodies (RmAbs) as alternatives to conventional rabies immunoglobulins, this study assessed physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Rabies remains a lethal vaccine-preventable disease in India, and physicians managing animal-bite cases are central to effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). With the increasing use of rabies monoclonal antibodies (RmAbs) as alternatives to conventional rabies immunoglobulins, this study assessed physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding rabies PEP, including RmAb awareness and acceptance. Methods: This multi-state, cross-sectional retrospective KAP survey was conducted among 208 physicians across ten Indian states using a structured, self-administered Google Form. The 33-item questionnaire assessed Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice domains, with 11 items each, scored binarily according to NCDC guidelines. Descriptive statistics, Shapiro–Wilk normality testing, Kruskal–Wallis tests with post hoc corrections, and Spearman rank-order correlations were performed. Results: Mean domain scores were 8.00/11 for Knowledge (72.7%), 7.22/11 for Attitude (65.6%), and 8.64/11 for Practice (78.5%). Key gaps were identified in the intramuscular pre-exposure prophylaxis schedule, management of excess RIG/RmAb after wound infiltration, exposure categorization of animal contact, and vaccine administration site in young children. The Knowledge–Practice correlation was moderately strong and statistically significant (r = 0.520, p < 0.001). Acceptance of RmAbs was high, with 88.5% recognizing them as effective replacements for RIGs and 84.6% considering them safer than RIGs. Practice scores showed the most consistent improvement, Knowledge scores improved on most items but declined sharply for the pre-exposure prophylaxis schedule, and Attitude scores showed a mixed pattern of gains and losses compared with the 2013 benchmark survey. Conclusions: Overall KAP scores were adequate, with Practice scoring highest. Targeted continuing medical education focused on NCDC guidelines and practical PEP scenarios is needed among physicians managing rabies exposures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rabies: Prevention, Vaccines, and One Health)

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17 pages, 2350 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Measurement of Genotoxicity of Antimicrobial Dextrin–Polyvinyl Alcohol–Iodine Complex

by Tamara Bukeyeva, Seitzhan Turganbay, Ardak Jumagaziyeva, Zhanar Iskakbayeva, Saltanat Jumabayeva, Anar Seysembekova, Jingcheng Hao, Dana Askarova, Alina Sabdanbekova, Dokturbek Adambekov, Amir Azembayev and Gaukhar Askhatkyzy

Polymers 2026, 18(14), 1771; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18141771 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Iodine-based antimicrobial materials are widely considered for biomedical applications due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; however, their potential genotoxicity requires systematic evaluation prior to clinical use. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxic potential of a dextrin–polyvinyl alcohol–iodine (D/PVA/I-1) complex [...] Read more.

Iodine-based antimicrobial materials are widely considered for biomedical applications due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; however, their potential genotoxicity requires systematic evaluation prior to clinical use. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxic potential of a dextrin–polyvinyl alcohol–iodine (D/PVA/I-1) complex in accordance with OECD guidelines. Genotoxicity was evaluated in vitro using two complementary assays: the mammalian cell micronucleus test (OECD TG 487) in L5178Y TK^+/− cells and the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test, OECD TG 471) using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537 and Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA, both in the presence and absence of metabolic activation (S9). In the micronucleus assay, no statistically significant increase in micronucleus frequency was observed at concentrations ranging from 0.039 to 0.625 mg/mL compared with the negative control. In the Ames test, no increase in revertant colony numbers was detected in any tested bacterial strain at concentrations up to 1250 μg/plate. At higher concentrations, pronounced cytotoxic and bactericidal effects were observed without evidence of mutagenic activity. Overall, the results demonstrate that the D/PVA/I-1 complex does not exhibit genotoxic or mutagenic potential under the tested in vitro conditions, indicating a favorable genetic safety profile and supporting further preclinical evaluation for potential biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)

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15 pages, 1064 KB

Open AccessArticle

Balancing Mass Fraction and Performance of Corn Husk/PLA Biocomposites for Moderate-Load Furniture Applications

by Fangmin Yuan, S. Siti Suhaily and Yuqing Wang

Polymers 2026, 18(14), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18141772 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Corn husk is widely available as an agricultural by-product, yet its use in higher-value composite materials is still limited. This study examined how corn husk mass fraction affects the performance balance of corn husk/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites (CHB) intended for moderate-load furniture board [...] Read more.

Corn husk is widely available as an agricultural by-product, yet its use in higher-value composite materials is still limited. This study examined how corn husk mass fraction affects the performance balance of corn husk/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites (CHB) intended for moderate-load furniture board components. CHB containing 10 wt% and 30 wt% corn husk was prepared by hot pressing at 200 °C, 10 MPa, and 5 min. Density, water absorption, tensile, compressive, and flexural strength, Shore D hardness, and screw withdrawal resistance were evaluated. Increasing corn husk content from 10 wt% to 30 wt% reduced tensile strength, Shore D hardness, and screw withdrawal resistance. However, flexural strength increased from 22.8 ± 0.5 to 39.8 ± 1.1 MPa, while density decreased from 1.30 ± 0.03 to 1.09 ± 0.05 g/cm³. By contrast, 10 wt% CHB showed higher Shore D hardness and screw withdrawal resistance, reaching 84.1 ± 1.4 and 528.9 ± 22.9 N, respectively. The results indicate that 30 wt% CHB is more suitable for lightweight board components where flexural load-bearing is prioritized, whereas 10 wt% CHB is preferable for parts requiring higher surface hardness and screw connection reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers)

13 pages, 753 KB

Open AccessArticle

Altered Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis in Sarcoidosis: A Case–Control Study

by Esma Andac Uzdogan, Zeynep Hande Kocaer, Salim Neselioglu, Ayşegul Karalezli and Ozcan Erel

Medicina 2026, 62(7), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62071404 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder associated with significant oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH)-a systemic redox status indicator-in patients with sarcoidosis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 58 sarcoidosis patients (diagnosed [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder associated with significant oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH)-a systemic redox status indicator-in patients with sarcoidosis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 58 sarcoidosis patients (diagnosed via ATS/ERS/WASOG criteria) and 53 healthy controls. Concentrations of native thiol (NT) and total thiol (TT) were determined utilizing an automated spectrophotometric technique. Disulfide (DS) levels and proportional indices were calculated, and the association of TDH parameters with the presence of sarcoidosis (patients vs. healthy controls) was examined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Cohen’s d analysis. Results: Patients exhibited significantly reduced serum NT and TT levels compared to the control group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009, respectively), whereas DS and the DS/NT ratio were elevated (p = 0.011 and p < 0.001). All parameters showed medium effect sizes. ROC analysis indicated that TDH parameters demonstrate an association with the presence of sarcoidosis, with AUC values ranging from 0.625 to 0.664. Among these, the DS/NT ratio showed the highest observed association with the disease group (AUC = 0.664), yielding 75.8% sensitivity and 60.3% specificity at a 5.7% cut-off. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that TDH is significantly altered in sarcoidosis, reflecting a systemic shift toward an oxidative state. These parameters appear to be exploratory biochemical indicators of systemic redox imbalance. To better understand their involvement in disease pathophysiology, future large-scale, prospective clinical trials might provide further insights. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pulmonology)

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17 pages, 1926 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Phase Adaptive Snow Goose Algorithm-Driven Frequency-Enhanced Residual Networks for Bearing Fault Diagnosis

by Zhongcheng Lei, Bo Ren, Junqing Wang, Zhou Li, Chengxiang Liu and Zhuoyan Zhong

Electronics 2026, 15(14), 3181; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15143181 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

To address the problems of low diagnostic accuracy and weak robustness in bearing fault diagnosis, this paper establishes a theoretical framework for frequency-domain-enhanced residual network diagnosis driven by a multi-stage adaptive snow goose algorithm (SGA), breaking through the fundamental bottleneck of structural rigidity [...] Read more.

To address the problems of low diagnostic accuracy and weak robustness in bearing fault diagnosis, this paper establishes a theoretical framework for frequency-domain-enhanced residual network diagnosis driven by a multi-stage adaptive snow goose algorithm (SGA), breaking through the fundamental bottleneck of structural rigidity in traditional methods. The dual-flexible residual network achieves adaptive matching between network topology and fault characteristics through variable convolutional layers and dynamic skip connections. The frequency-domain attention module, based on Fourier transform and magnitude-phase separation techniques, provides in-depth analysis of the frequency-domain discrimination mechanism in vibration signals. The improved snow goose algorithm integrates multi-stage adaptation, opposition-based learning, elite memory management strategies, and cooperative foraging mechanisms, enhancing the optimization performance of SGA. Validation on the Jiangnan University and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) bearing fault datasets demonstrates that the proposed method achieves diagnostic accuracies of 99.81% and 99.78%, respectively, representing improvements of 4.62%, 6.41%, and 8.76% over mainstream methods such as ResNet, WDCNN, and Transformer. Furthermore, when faced with changes in data structure, the proposed method exhibits a performance degradation of only 0.43%, which is significantly better than other methods, demonstrating excellent robustness and cross-domain generalization capability, and it has certain practical significance. Full article

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15 pages, 12542 KB

Open AccessArticle

Suitable Habitats of Two Tea Pests for Management Guidance in China Under Climate Change

by Zhengxue Zhao, Xueli Feng, Jing Zhou, Maoyuan Yao, Jianxin Chen and Xiudong Huang

Insects 2026, 17(7), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070740 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Driven by the human demand for tea beverages, tea production has expanded worldwide. Tea production in China, the world’s largest tea producer, is constrained by Dendrothrips minowai and Matsumurasca (Matsumurasca) onukii. Various management measures for controlling these pests have been developed, but [...] Read more.

Driven by the human demand for tea beverages, tea production has expanded worldwide. Tea production in China, the world’s largest tea producer, is constrained by Dendrothrips minowai and Matsumurasca (Matsumurasca) onukii. Various management measures for controlling these pests have been developed, but their implementation requires knowledge of the pest distribution, which is currently insufficient. Therefore, precise management of these pests is a major challenge. Using optimized MaxEnt models for the distributions of the two pests across the current and future timeframes, we predicted the overlap of their suitable habitats. The central and southern provinces of China were identified as the primary suitable habitats of both pests at the current time. The suitable habitats will diverge in the future, with D. minowai habitats declining by 29.70–61.90% and M. onukii habitats increasing by 8.05–43.62%. These results demonstrate species-specific responses to climate change. Despite a decrease in overlap areas, the current and future overlap areas consistently coincide with some major tea-growing areas such as Guizhou, Yunnan, Hunan, and Fujian. The predicted overlap areas can aid the identification of priority areas, optimization of resource allocation, and dynamic adjustment of management measures, improving the precision and efficiency of managing the two pests. Full article

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

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33 pages, 7743 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Electrochemical Performance Investigation of Nano-Silicon-Enhanced Graphite Materials Based on Mechanical Grinding Process

by Limeng Lei, Jian Yang, Dongran Song, Runxin Chen and Liqing Liao

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(14), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16140889 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in digital, power and energy storage fields due to their high capacity and high cycle life advantages. This paper systematically screens the formulation system and designs a high-efficiency production line that can effectively improve production efficiency, reduce production [...] Read more.

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in digital, power and energy storage fields due to their high capacity and high cycle life advantages. This paper systematically screens the formulation system and designs a high-efficiency production line that can effectively improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, and lower energy consumption per unit product. The produced nano-silicon-enhanced graphite anode material has excellent performance. The selection of silicon raw materials, types of solvents, types of dispersants, and grinding processes is studied to investigate the influence of these four factors on the wet grinding process for preparing nano-silicon. Finally, metal silicon obtained by air flow pulverization is selected as the raw material, isopropanol is used as the solvent, FA01 (carboxylic acid type) is used as the dispersant, and a two-stage wet grinding process is adopted to prepare the nano-silicon dispersion solution. Zirconia beads of 0.5 mm and 0.2 mm size are used as the grinding media for the first and second stages, respectively, with filling rates of 80% and 90%, respectively. The final prepared nano-silicon dispersion is stable in dispersion and has a narrow particle size distribution. The nano-silicon dispersion solution and the multi-walled carbon nanotube dispersion solution are mechanically ground and mixed using a sand mill. At the same time, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes are coated with the nano-silicon. Then, artificial graphite is added for compounding. Finally, through spray drying, the Si@MWCNTs@graphite (SMG) nano-silicon-enhanced graphite negative electrode material is prepared. The SMG nano-silicon-enhanced graphite negative electrode material with a silicon content of 2% has a first Coulomb efficiency of up to 84.32%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section 2D and Carbon Nanomaterials)

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6 pages, 196 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Processing Agri-Food and Aquatic By-Products and Residues for New Food Product Development

by Alcina M. M. B. Morais and Rui M. S. C. Morais

Foods 2026, 15(14), 2556; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15142556 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Food systems frequently generate huge quantities of by-products and residues at each stage of the production chain, from agricultural harvesting and aquatic processing to fermentation and industrial refining [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Processing Agri-Food and Aquatic By-Products and Residues for New Food Product Development)

27 pages, 19771 KB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring Spatiotemporal Forest Fragmentation in Urban Landscapes: An Improved Urban Fringe Mapping Approach Using Time-Series Remote Sensing Data

by Lin Chen and Xuguang Tang

Remote Sens. 2026, 18(14), 2405; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18142405 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Urban fringe forests deliver critical ecosystem services yet face irreversible loss and complex degradation under urbanization, while their fragmentation dynamics relative to core forests remain largely unquantified owing to the lack of a spatiotemporally consistent mapping approach. To address this gap, a multi-source [...] Read more.

Urban fringe forests deliver critical ecosystem services yet face irreversible loss and complex degradation under urbanization, while their fragmentation dynamics relative to core forests remain largely unquantified owing to the lack of a spatiotemporally consistent mapping approach. To address this gap, a multi-source remote sensing framework integrating land cover, population, nightlight, and land surface temperature data was developed to delineate urban fringe boundaries and quantify forest dynamics in Zhejiang Province via area-weighted centroids and landscape metrics, where high forest cover and a polycentric urban structure create a highly heterogeneous and dynamic fringe environment, enabling separate quantification of spatiotemporal fragmentation patterns for urban fringe and core forests from 2004 to 2024. The results are as follows: (1) The four dimensions (land, population, economy, and environment) produced spatiotemporally distinct boundaries, with multi-dimensional integration outperforming any single indicator and nighttime light being the best. Meanwhile, the total fringe area grew from 2989.04 to 3990.66 km² over two decades, with the fastest growth in 2004–2014 and the most rapid boundary shifts in 2014–2019. (2) The fringe forest proportion dropped from 24.72% to 18.37%, with the largest decline in southwestern high-forest cities. Meanwhile, Hangzhou and Ningbo fringe forests increasingly assumed the main ecological carrier role formerly held by core forests, with their centroids moved southwestward most markedly in 2009–2014 and displaying a more consistent direction than core forests. (3) Fragmentation metrics showed a higher patch density and splitting index but lower connectivity in the fringe than in the core, with intensification peaking in Zhoushan and coinciding with intensive edge expansion in 2009–2014, followed by later responses in the core. This study provides a transferable multi-dimensional remote sensing methodology for urban fringe mapping indicating that fringe forests may serve as early-warning signals of urbanization-induced forest degradation, enabling spatially targeted forest management across varied urban contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Applied in Urban Environment Monitoring)

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20 pages, 16074 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Learning-Based Virtual Screening Identifies Potential Small-Molecule Inhibitors of ASK1: Natural Product Lead Discovery for MASH

by Ruiqi Zhao, Jiahua Yang, Mengyao Han, Shiqi Tang, Hui Hu, Jiesheng Guo, Mengqing Ma, Jialing Sun and Xiaozhou Zhou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(14), 6438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27146438 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) represents a critical therapeutic target for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Natural products, owing to their unique chemical diversity, constitute a rich reservoir for discovering novel ASK1 inhibitors. The emergence of artificial intelligence-assisted drug discovery (AIDD) has opened new [...] Read more.

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) represents a critical therapeutic target for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Natural products, owing to their unique chemical diversity, constitute a rich reservoir for discovering novel ASK1 inhibitors. The emergence of artificial intelligence-assisted drug discovery (AIDD) has opened new avenues for exploring small-molecule inhibitors. Through virtual screening, molecular docking, interaction profiling, molecular dynamics simulations, and MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations, we systematically evaluated the binding mode, stability, and key residue contributions of the CMNPD10921–ASK1 complex. CMNPD10921 stably occupied the ASK1 active pocket, forming hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds with multiple key amino acid residues. MM-GBSA analysis yielded a total computed binding free energy of −31.15 kcal/mol, suggesting a computationally favorable interaction, with van der Waals forces serving as the dominant energetic driver of complex stabilization. Residue energy decomposition further identified ILE324, THR288, and THR639 as major contributors to ligand binding. Integrating deep learning, molecular simulation, and quantum chemical calculations, this study successfully identified CMNPD10921 from a vast natural product library as a putative lead compound candidate targeting the ASK1 central regulatory region, offering a novel candidate molecule for anti-MASH drug development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence Advancing Computer-Aided Drug Discovery)

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14 pages, 2281 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Preoperative Teriparatide Use on Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Prevention in Osteopenic/Osteoporotic Patients Undergoing Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Study

by Jun-Seok Oh, Jin-Sung Park, Dong-Ho Kang, Seungjae Park, Tae Soo Shin and Se-Jun Park

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(14), 5682; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15145682 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Poor bone quality significantly increases the risk of mechanical complications after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery, including proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF). Although teriparatide enhances bone quality, its effectiveness in preventing junctional complications after extensive correction remains [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Poor bone quality significantly increases the risk of mechanical complications after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery, including proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF). Although teriparatide enhances bone quality, its effectiveness in preventing junctional complications after extensive correction remains unclear. This study investigated whether preoperative teriparatide administration reduces the incidence of PJK and PJF in patients with compromised bone quality undergoing ASD surgery. Methods: This retrospective cohort study reviewed 292 patients (T-score < −1.0) who underwent ASD surgery between 2015 and 2023. Patients were divided into teriparatide (n = 59) and non-teriparatide (n = 233) groups. Propensity score matching (1:2 ratio) was performed using six covariates: age, preoperative pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis, preoperative T1 pelvic angle, upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) cementing, UIV screw angle, and fusion length, yielding 153 matched patients (52 teriparatide, 101 non-teriparatide). Results: After matching, all baseline characteristics were statistically similar, with no significant differences. The incidence of PJK and PJF did not differ significantly between the teriparatide and non-teriparatide groups (44.2% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.426; 9.6% vs. 9.9%, p = 1.000), nor did PJK subtype distribution (bony vs. soft-tissue). Multivariate analysis identified older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.058), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (OR = 2.603, p = 0.002), UIV at the thoracolumbar junction (OR = 2.786), and greater postoperative thoracic kyphosis (OR = 1.044) as independent risk factors for PJK. Teriparatide use was not an independent predictor (OR = 0.872). Conclusions: Preoperative teriparatide did not significantly reduce the incidence of PJK or PJF after long-segment fusion for ASD. These findings suggest that improving bone quality alone is insufficient to prevent junctional complications, which are driven by complex biomechanical and patient-related factors inherent to extensive deformity correction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spinal Deformity: Current Challenges and Future Directions)

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26 pages, 8500 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Influence on the Yield and Chemical Composition of Biofuels Derived from Raceway-Grown Microalgae

by Ailin Rasaie, Indira Tobío, David Bolonio, Blanca Castells, Magín Lapuerta and Laureano Canoira

Energies 2026, 19(14), 3418; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19143418 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study evaluates the influence of seasonal harvesting conditions on biomass productivity, oil yield, and biodiesel-related FAME composition of native microalgae—predominantly Chlorella sp., with minor populations of Scenedesmus and Ankistrodesmus—cultivated in an open raceway pond integrated into a pig-slurry biogas plant in [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the influence of seasonal harvesting conditions on biomass productivity, oil yield, and biodiesel-related FAME composition of native microalgae—predominantly Chlorella sp., with minor populations of Scenedesmus and Ankistrodesmus—cultivated in an open raceway pond integrated into a pig-slurry biogas plant in Soria, Spain. Processing biomass harvested across four seasons showed that oven drying at 45 °C yields stable seasonal biomass concentrations around 7.80–8.80 g/L, while extended outdoor air-drying during spring and summer reduces yields to 2.86 and 4.33 g/L due to the absence of active growth conditions. Lipids extracted via the Soxhlet method using a dichloromethane: methanol mixture (9:1 v/v) exhibited a wide range of 2.5–18.9 g oil per 100 g dry biomass. Marked seasonal variations were observed: winter samples demonstrated an outstanding lipid accumulation capability, yielding the highest oil production (18.9 g/100 g biomass and 1.47 g/L) and a crude ester content reaching 60.75% FAMEs, which reached a maximum of 93.3 wt.% after purification via column chromatography. Conversely, spring, summer, and autumn samples suffered from limited lipid accumulation, with dry-basis oil yields remaining below 4.2 g/100 g biomass. Extensive characterization confirmed that the residual biomass has limited application as a solid fuel because of its low higher heating values (<10 MJ/kg⁻¹) and exceptionally high ash contents, which climbed from 15.98–60.02% to 41.14–51.91% after extraction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiesel: Production, Sources and Environmental Impact—2nd Edition)

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