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33 pages, 2582 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Traditional Village Preservation Framework Based on the Ecovillage Concept for Quality of Life: Case Study of Miao Ethnic Village in Langde, China

by Ying Han, Nik Hazwani Nik Hashim and Nur Aulia Rosni

Sustainability 2026, 18(16), 8394; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18168394 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in China has intensified ecological degradation, loss of architectural and cultural heritage, and declining well-being in traditional villages. Existing conservation approaches often address ecological, economic, or physical heritage issues in isolation, while insufficiently incorporating residents’ quality of life (QoL) as a [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization in China has intensified ecological degradation, loss of architectural and cultural heritage, and declining well-being in traditional villages. Existing conservation approaches often address ecological, economic, or physical heritage issues in isolation, while insufficiently incorporating residents’ quality of life (QoL) as a central criterion of sustainability. This study develops a human-centred traditional village preservation framework grounded in the ecovillage concept and a QoL-oriented sustainability paradigm, using Langde Miao Village in Guizhou Province as a representative ethnic heritage settlement. A mixed-methods approach combining systematic literature review, Delphi expert consultation, household surveys, and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to examine the interrelationships among ecological, cultural, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable built heritage. Based on valid responses, the empirical results indicate that the ecological dimension exerts the strongest direct effect on residents’ quality of life, followed by the cultural and economic dimensions, while the social dimension shows a comparatively weaker effect. The proposed framework provides a community-centred model for sustainable architectural heritage conservation and rural revitalization in traditional villages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Construction Engineering—2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 3302 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relative Localization of a Floating Recovery Target in an Unmanned Surface Platform-Assisted UAV–ROV Search-and-Recovery System Under High Sea States

by Hongkun Zhou, Yunfei Ding, Hanlin Gao, Gang Wang, Tong Ge and Ying Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(16), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14161518 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study addresses target-to-ROV relative localization in an unmanned surface platform-assisted UAV–ROV search-and-recovery system. Because the submerged ROV is not assumed to be visible from the air, the UAV observes the floating target and a GNSS-equipped ROV-associated surface buoy in the same image. [...] Read more.

This study addresses target-to-ROV relative localization in an unmanned surface platform-assisted UAV–ROV search-and-recovery system. Because the submerged ROV is not assumed to be visible from the air, the UAV observes the floating target and a GNSS-equipped ROV-associated surface buoy in the same image. The buoy position and target-to-buoy image displacement are combined to construct a world-frame target-position measurement, whose covariance accounts for buoy GNSS uncertainty and correlated image-projection errors. An upward-looking ROV imaging sonar provides range–bearing measurements. A delay-aware extended Kalman filter fuses the asynchronous observations using sea-state- and confidence-dependent covariance adaptation and normalized-innovation gating. ROV acoustic/inertial navigation uncertainty is propagated into the sonar measurement covariance and the reported relative-state covariance, avoiding duplication of the same navigation error in the aerial channel. The method is evaluated using a JONSWAP-based temporal disturbance model, Monte Carlo simulations, and single-factor and joint sea-state–occlusion–delay sensitivity tests. Under the nominal sea-state-5 condition, the proposed method achieves a mean ROV-frame relative RMSE of 0.992 m, compared with 1.083 m for ROV-only localization and 1.054 m for fixed-covariance fusion, with no run exceeding the 5 m divergence threshold. The results demonstrate improved relative-localization robustness within the simulated environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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1 pages, 122 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Statement of Peer Review

by Isabel María García Sánchez

Proceedings 2026, 140(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2026140010 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

In submitting conference proceedings to Proceedings, the volume editors of the proceedings certify to the publisher that all papers published in this volume have been subjected to peer review administered by the volume editors [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Administrative Sciences (IOCAS 2026))

19 pages, 12825 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Stability Evaluation of Oleogel-in-Water Emulsions Using Whey Protein Isolate–Ferulic Acid Nanoparticles for Ganoderma Lucidum Spore Oil Encapsulation

by Wenjia Yan, Yuting Bao, Hao Wang, Shanshan Xu, Chengfang He, Zhuochen Wang and Jian Jiang

Gels 2026, 12(8), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12080735 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

This work evaluated how ferulic acid (FA) impacted the conformational properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) and altered the environmental tolerance of oleogel/water (Og/W) emulsions formulated with Ganoderma lucidum spore oil (GLSO). Molecular dynamics simulation analyses revealed that FA interacted with α-lactalbumin via [...] Read more.

This work evaluated how ferulic acid (FA) impacted the conformational properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) and altered the environmental tolerance of oleogel/water (Og/W) emulsions formulated with Ganoderma lucidum spore oil (GLSO). Molecular dynamics simulation analyses revealed that FA interacted with α-lactalbumin via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, whereas it bound into the hydrophobic cavity of β-lactoglobulin through a “lock-and-key” mode driven primarily by hydrophobic forces. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis verified that such non-covalent forces triggered the dissociation and structural extension of WPI, which was manifested as a significant loss of α-helix and β-sheet architectures along with a corresponding rise in random coils. FA addition increased the positive charge, mean droplet size, interfacial contact angle and antioxidant stability of WPI-FA nanoparticles when the WPI-to-FA ratio exceeded 1:2 (i.e., WPI was in excess relative to FA). The GLSO-based Og/W emulsions exhibited a weak gel structure with predominantly elastic characteristics. Furthermore, WPI-FA nanoparticles fabricated at a 2:1 ratio minimized emulsion droplet size and imparted optimal stability to the Og/W emulsions, demonstrating superior freeze–thaw and salt resistance, alongside suppressed GLSO flavor release. This work provides critical insights into tailoring protein-polyphenol interactions to stabilize GLSO-based Og/W emulsion delivery systems for food applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Generation Food Colloids: Protein-Based to Emulsion-Based Gel Systems)

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18 pages, 11272 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ginkgo biloba Extract Inhibits Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury-to-Chronic Kidney Disease Through Downregulating Apoptosis Mediated by the HIF-1α/Phosphatidylinositol Pathway

by Weimin Xu, Ju Huang, Shasha Chen, Yufang Yang, Peiyuan Wan, Xingqing Chen, Xiang Ye and Songqing Huang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(8), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48080834 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBe) attenuates the transition of cisplatin (CDDP)-induced acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease (AKI-to-CKD). Purpose: This study aimed to reveal the mechanism by which GBe inhibits CDDP-induced AKI-to-CKD. The potential targets of GBe in alleviating CDDP-induced renal interstitial fibrosis [...] Read more.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBe) attenuates the transition of cisplatin (CDDP)-induced acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease (AKI-to-CKD). Purpose: This study aimed to reveal the mechanism by which GBe inhibits CDDP-induced AKI-to-CKD. The potential targets of GBe in alleviating CDDP-induced renal interstitial fibrosis (Cis-RIF) were predicted through network pharmacology. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and metabolites (DEMs) in renal tissues from Cis-RIF rats. Integrated multi-omics analysis was performed to determine the potential mechanism underlying GBe inhibiting AKI-to-CKD, and experimental verification was conducted in vivo, in vitro, and using siRNA. We identified 100 targets of GBe that could inhibit Cis-RIF using network pharmacology, and these targets were enriched in 194 signaling pathways. Transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed 8907 DEGs (enriched in 51 pathways) and 424 DEMs (enriched in 16 pathways), respectively. Collectively, the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway was a co-enriched pathway, which may be the key pathway through which GBe inhibits AKI-to-CKD. This was verified experimentally. The related apoptosis and fibrosis indicators, and the key targets of the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway (PLC, PKC, PIP2, IP3, DAG, Ca²⁺), in rat renal tissues and renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) with CDDP-induced AKI-to-CKD were significantly increased. Inhibition of HIF-1α and knockdown of HIF-1α in RTECs reversed the changes the phosphatidylinositol pathway targets. Moreover, both GBe and the HIF-1α inhibitor could inhibit HIF-1α and the phosphatidylinositol pathway targets, as well as the apoptosis and EMT of RTECs. Conclusion: This study reveals for the first time that GBe may inhibit AKI-to-CKD by downregulating apoptosis and EMT in RTECs through the HIF-1α/phosphatidylinositol signaling axis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pharmacology)

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33 pages, 13279 KB

Open AccessArticle

SVM-Guided Improved Love Evolution Algorithm for Global Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Arrays Under Partial Shading and Temperature Disturbances

by Yanna Cao, Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri and Yushaizad Yusof

Electronics 2026, 15(16), 3658; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15163658 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

In a PV array, mismatch among modules changes the shape of the P–V curve and may create several power peaks. This makes maximum power point tracking (MPPT) more difficult, especially when the tracker needs to distinguish the global maximum power point (GMPP) from [...] Read more.

In a PV array, mismatch among modules changes the shape of the P–V curve and may create several power peaks. This makes maximum power point tracking (MPPT) more difficult, especially when the tracker needs to distinguish the global maximum power point (GMPP) from local peaks. This paper studies this problem with SVM-ILEA, a hybrid MPPT method that combines support vector machine (SVM) regression and an improved love evolution algorithm (ILEA). The SVM model takes module irradiance and temperature as inputs and predicts a voltage close to the GMPP. ILEA uses this voltage as the search center and avoids scanning the full voltage range. The modified convergence factor and adaptive distance factor further adjust the voltage movement during iteration, giving wider search steps at the early stage and smaller corrections near the optimum to reduce steady-state power oscillations. The simulation setup in MATLAB/Simulink R2019b includes standard test conditions (STC) and static partial shading with non-uniform irradiance and temperature distributions, as well as dynamic operating conditions. Across the four static conditions, SVM-ILEA achieves mean tracking times of 0.0233–0.0303 s and mean steady-state power fluctuations of 0.0111–0.0500 W. Across the three dynamic tests, the mean MPPT efficiency ranges from 97.9057% to 98.2991%. The results obtained demonstrate fast GMPP tracking, small power fluctuation, and stable re-tracking under complex PV operating conditions. Full article

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27 pages, 2257 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on 3D Path Planning Method for UAV Based on TSDF-IPSO Fusion

by Qingqi Zhang, Jing He and Peiran Li

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(16), 8173; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16168173 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Addressing the challenges of low environmental modeling accuracy and inadequate obstacle avoidance precision in complex obstacle scenarios in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 3D path planning, this study proposes a UAV 3D path planning method that integrates the truncated signed distance field (TSDF) with [...] Read more.

Addressing the challenges of low environmental modeling accuracy and inadequate obstacle avoidance precision in complex obstacle scenarios in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 3D path planning, this study proposes a UAV 3D path planning method that integrates the truncated signed distance field (TSDF) with an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm (IPSO). A unified planning space integrating a voxel occupancy grid with a truncated signed distance field is constructed offline: the Euclidean distance to obstacle surfaces is truncated and confined within an effective band, whose extent is coordinated with the UAV safety distance threshold determined by physical dimensions and task requirements, thereby preserving the continuous geometric information needed for safety assessment. On this basis, the continuous distance and gradient information provided by the truncated distance field are utilized to formulate a piecewise continuous, distance-based threat cost function, replacing traditional binary collision detection; the distance and gradient are further embedded into the initialization, fitness evaluation, and velocity update procedures of the particle swarm. Moreover, an adaptive inertia weight and a Lévy escape mechanism are introduced to improve search efficiency and global exploration capability. Experimental results demonstrate that under dense discrete safety verification, the proposed method achieves a 100% success rate in complex unstructured environments and that the safety distance threshold can be flexibly adjusted according to task requirements while consistently satisfying the specified safety requirement. The resulting paths achieve a favorable balance among length, smoothness, and controllable safety margin, validating the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

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19 pages, 28226 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesizing a Calcium Lignosulfonate Composite Water Retention Agent and Evaluating Its Regulatory Effect on Water Evaporation and Crack Evolution in Saline–Alkali Soil

by Xiaojing Chen, Baichuan Li, Zhiping Yang, Ke Wang, Xiaodi Guo and Hua Li

Gels 2026, 12(8), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12080734 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

In this study, we synthesized a lignin-based superabsorbent hydrogel (LWR) to relieve severe evaporation and structural degradation in inland saline–alkali soils. The LWR was prepared via free-radical graft copolymerization of calcium lignosulfonate (CL) and acrylic acid (AA), with its swelling performance optimized systematically. [...] Read more.

In this study, we synthesized a lignin-based superabsorbent hydrogel (LWR) to relieve severe evaporation and structural degradation in inland saline–alkali soils. The LWR was prepared via free-radical graft copolymerization of calcium lignosulfonate (CL) and acrylic acid (AA), with its swelling performance optimized systematically. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize its chemical and microscopic structure, and the soil column was exposed to three drying–wetting cycles to explore the effects of hydrogel dosage on soil evaporation and crack evolution. CL may graft into polyacrylic acid under optimal conditions (60% AA neutralization, 4% CL, 1% initiator, and 0.03% crosslinker) to form a porous hydrophilic 3D network. Consequently, the optimized LWR achieved swelling capacities of 1480 g/g and 122 g/g in deionized water and a 0.9% NaCl solution, respectively, showing high water absorbency and salt resistance. During cyclic drying and wetting, soil evaporation was first dominated by the hydrogel’s water retention capabilities; then, it was controlled physically by soil surface cracks. A moderate LWR dosage of 0.3% was used to maintain stable water retention in soil and the intact soil structure, which likely occurred due to its strong water absorption and hypothesized calcium ion bridging anti-cracking interactions. This work overturns the traditional view that a higher hydrogel dosage yields better water retention. Instead, it highlights the importance of conducting a long-term joint evaluation of the hydrogel’s water retention capacity and its resistance to soil dry–wet deformation stress, thereby offering theoretical support for eco-friendly water retention agent design and saline–alkali land remediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gel Analysis and Characterization)

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18 pages, 573 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transient Corneal Response After Goldmann Three-Mirror Gonioscopy and Its Limited Effect on Optical Biometry and Calculated Intraocular Lens Power: A Prospective Within-Subject Controlled Observational Study

by Ahmet Taner Uysal, Ahmet Mehmet Somuncu and Adem Türk

Medicina 2026, 62(8), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62081576 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Contact gonioscopy and optical biometry often happen at the same preoperative visit, with no defined interval between them. We asked whether uncomplicated Goldmann three-mirror gonioscopy was followed by short-term changes in optical biometry and calculated intraocular lens (IOL) power [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Contact gonioscopy and optical biometry often happen at the same preoperative visit, with no defined interval between them. We asked whether uncomplicated Goldmann three-mirror gonioscopy was followed by short-term changes in optical biometry and calculated intraocular lens (IOL) power and whether any mean change could be positively affirmed as small enough not to matter clinically. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four cataract patients (128 eyes) underwent NIDEK AL-Scan biometry at baseline and 5, 15 and 30 min after unilateral Goldmann three-mirror gonioscopy in this prospective repeated-measures study (2015–2016). The untreated fellow eye served as an internal control. Our primary analysis was a within-patient paired difference-in-differences (DiD) comparison, which modeled the paired-eye structure directly; nested patient/eye mixed-effects models followed as a sensitivity analysis. We recomputed IOL power as a continuous variable for four formulas, SRK/T, Haigis, Hoffer Q and Holladay 1, using the published constants for the implanted lens. Equivalence within ±0.25 D was tested by two one-sided tests (TOSTs), with Holm adjustment across the twelve tests performed. Results: Central corneal thickness (CCT) rose by 3.14 µm at 5 min (95% CI, 1.94 to 4.35; p < 0.001) and by 1.66 µm at 15 min (p = 0.015), returning to baseline by 30 min. That signal sat inside the ±6.2 µm short-term repeatability seen in untreated control eyes. Keratometry moved by no more than 0.11 D, and all four IOL formulas behaved almost identically, the largest mean difference being −0.18 D at 15 min. Equivalence within ±0.25 D was confirmed in unadjusted testing at 5 and 30 min for all four formulas and at 15 min for SRK/T; after Holm adjustment only the four 30 min conclusions and the 5 min conclusion for SRK/T were retained. The selected 0.5 D lens power changed in 33–47% of study eyes and in a comparable 31–52% of untreated control eyes. Conclusions: Procedure-related differences in calculated IOL power were small throughout. The largest was −0.18 D, inside the ±0.25 D margin and well below the 0.5 D interval on which lenses are supplied. Demonstrated equivalence was a narrower claim. After adjustment for multiplicity, it held at 30 min for all four formulas and at 5 min for SRK/T, and at 15 min it was not demonstrated for Haigis, Hoffer Q or Holladay 1. These data therefore do not establish that biometry is unaffected across the whole first half hour, and we make no recommendation about deferring it. The transient CCT signal fell within device repeatability. Step-level changes in selected lens power were as common in eyes that never underwent gonioscopy. All analyses were exploratory and limited to a partial-coherence-class biometer of the study period and to the four formulas tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery)

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13 pages, 936 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Systemic Connection in Dental Erosion: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Interrelationship Between General Health Status and Alimentation Patterns

by Simona Iacob, Mădălina Bălaj, Radu Chisnoiu, Andrea Maria Chisnoiu, Adina Iosa, Mihaela Păstrav, Smaranda Buduru and Andreea Kui

Medicina 2026, 62(8), 1575; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62081575 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of dental erosion using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index in an adult cohort, exploring its associations with systemic health, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dietary habits. Materials and Methods: [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of dental erosion using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index in an adult cohort, exploring its associations with systemic health, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dietary habits. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 170 adult patients at a university clinic in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, between January and June 2026. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire detailing general characteristics, diet, systemic conditions, and symptoms. Dental erosion was clinically recorded via the highest BEWE score per sextant. Chairside tests evaluated unstimulated salivary pH and buffering capacity. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regression. Results: Most patients exhibited low BEWE risk. Bivariate analyses revealed significant associations between elevated BEWE risk and advanced age, GERD, eating disorders, and carbonated beverage consumption. However, in the adjusted ordinal logistic regression model, only advanced age, GERD, digestive symptoms (difficulty swallowing, digestive burns), and specific medications (anti-asthma drugs, aspirin) remained independent predictors of increased erosive wear risk. Conclusions: Dental erosion is a multifactorial condition strongly shaped by advanced age, GERD, eating disorders, and carbonated beverage intake. A comprehensive risk-based approach incorporating medical histories, symptom screening, and dietary counseling is essential for early clinical identification and prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Oral Care)

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30 pages, 1808 KB

Open AccessReview

MicroRNAs: A Social Network in Diabetic Retinopathy

by Sheila Ngumbi, Mohamed S. Gad, Kara Ye, Sarah Ye, Christie Taylor, Mostafa Mahrous and Manuela Bartoli

Biomolecules 2026, 16(8), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16081199 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

In recent years, the role of non-coding RNAs in human physiology and pathology has emerged as an essential avenue of investigation. Among others, studies identifying the biological role of microRNAs (miRNAs) have paved the way for future inquiries on the importance and biological [...] Read more.

In recent years, the role of non-coding RNAs in human physiology and pathology has emerged as an essential avenue of investigation. Among others, studies identifying the biological role of microRNAs (miRNAs) have paved the way for future inquiries on the importance and biological significance of non-coding RNAs. In this review, we provide an overview of miRNAs’ biology and their contribution to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This complication of diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults, affecting more than 4 million people in the US alone and over 103 million people worldwide. Despite the tremendous efforts of the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry, the development of new, more effective therapeutic and diagnostic tools for DR to date remains an unmet need. More than a decade from the initial work assessing miRNA expression profiles in diabetic patients, we have learned the impact of these signaling molecules in DR and garnered knowledge of their complexity and their potential as new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for this potentially blinding condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)

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14 pages, 248 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Question of “Home Wisdom”: A Contextual Study of Luke 15:11–32

by Alexander G. K. Salakpi

Religions 2026, 17(8), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17080969 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

It has become taboo for a parent today to say “no” to a child. Children grow in this “supposed” freedom and child rights, and then some assume an attitude of always having their own way, a character devoid of “home wisdom”, also called [...] Read more.

It has become taboo for a parent today to say “no” to a child. Children grow in this “supposed” freedom and child rights, and then some assume an attitude of always having their own way, a character devoid of “home wisdom”, also called “common sense”. It is only their way that matters; others must bow to them. They become arrogant, proud, selfish, insensitive, irresponsible, and lack initiative; simply put, they mold themselves into “beasts”. It is only when this beast of a child turns on their parents that they realize something went wrong and needs to be corrected, which is often too late. This adage has already applied: “it is easier to bend a tender tree than an old one”. In this sacred text, Luke 15:11–32, a father displayed an attitude, which causes the mind to inquire why he consented. Why did the father allow the son to have his way, knowing quite well that the son’s reasoning was wrong? Unfortunately, this is becoming the norm of the day. In the text, the son returned, but today, many children are so consumed in pride, self-righteousness, and arrogance that even when confronted, they will not agree that they are wrong. Others, who realize their abject situation, fail to make amends for fear of being laughed at, which is pride, and they perish in the process. This paper uses narrative criticism within the context of African biblical hermeneutics to explore the reason behind the father’s attitude and the wisdom behind the son’s final acceptance of his situation that motivates him to return. These reasons, this paper hopes, will help serve as a remedy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Religions and Theologies)

22 pages, 10690 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Physiological and Transcriptomic Analyses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Under Syringaldehyde Stress

by Xiufeng Long, Xinru Li, Xuemei Zhao, Yupeng Du, Fuxing Niu and Yi Yi

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161410 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Syringaldehyde is a major lignin-derived inhibitor in lignocellulosic hydrolysates that affects growth, metabolism, and ethanol fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; however, the mechanisms underlying its toxicity and cellular adaptation remain poorly understood. In this study, fermentation analysis, physiological characterization, and transcriptomic profiling were [...] Read more.

Syringaldehyde is a major lignin-derived inhibitor in lignocellulosic hydrolysates that affects growth, metabolism, and ethanol fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; however, the mechanisms underlying its toxicity and cellular adaptation remain poorly understood. In this study, fermentation analysis, physiological characterization, and transcriptomic profiling were integrated to investigate the response of S. cerevisiae to syringaldehyde stress. Syringaldehyde inhibited yeast growth and ethanol fermentation in a concentration-dependent manner. At 1.4 g/L, it caused only a minor decrease in final optical density at 560 nm (OD₅₆₀) (2.35%) but markedly decreased ethanol production and total sugar fermentation efficiency (18.65% and 17.64%, respectively), accompanied by delayed early-stage sugar utilization. Physiological analyses demonstrated that syringaldehyde induced cell-envelope alterations and induced membrane lipid peroxidation, whereas intracellular glycerol accumulation occurred only after prolonged exposure, indicating a delayed adaptive response. Transcriptome analysis identified 496 differentially expressed genes, with repression of ribosome biogenesis and cofactor biosynthesis and activation of the pentose phosphate pathway and aromatic aldehyde detoxification. Notably, ADH7, GND2, and TKL2 were strongly induced, suggesting enhanced NADPH-dependent detoxification. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that syringaldehyde induces coordinated physiological stress responses and metabolic reprogramming, including alterations in cell-envelope integrity, oxidative imbalance, and changes in fermentation-associated pathways, providing mechanistic insights into yeast adaptation to lignin-derived aromatic aldehyde stress and identifying potential targets for engineering more robust industrial yeast strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

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17 pages, 3265 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Visibility of Power-Line Bird-Collision Warning Devices Using an Avian Spectral-Response Weighting Model

by Mengxuan Li, Wenbin Li, Geng Huang, Yanjun Kuang, Zhi Yang, Jing Hu and Yifei Jia

Animals 2026, 16(16), 2562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16162562 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Collisions with overhead power lines are an important source of avian mortality, particularly for migratory and large-bodied birds. Although warning devices are widely installed to increase line visibility, their image-based visibility across viewing distances and directions remains poorly quantified. We evaluated eight power-line [...] Read more.

Collisions with overhead power lines are an important source of avian mortality, particularly for migratory and large-bodied birds. Although warning devices are widely installed to increase line visibility, their image-based visibility across viewing distances and directions remains poorly quantified. We evaluated eight power-line bird-collision warning devices using UAV-based multispectral imaging and an avian spectral-response weighting model. Images were acquired at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 m under upward-looking, horizontal, and downward-looking viewing geometries. A composite visibility score quantified target–background separation within the multispectral images. Raw mean visibility increased from 0.351 at 5 m to 0.484 at 50 m; however, the distance effect was not significant after accounting for viewing angle and heterogeneous residual variance. Viewing angle was the dominant source of variation at 20–50 m, with substantially higher visibility under downward-looking views than under horizontal and upward-looking views. A significant distance × viewing-angle interaction further showed that distance-response patterns differed among viewing geometries: visibility increased with distance under downward-looking views but remained consistently low under horizontal and upward-looking views. The relative performance of the tested devices also changed under low-visibility conditions, with the self-luminous tag and circular tag B attaining the highest condition-standardized mean scores. These findings identify viewing geometry as a critical determinant of warning-device visibility and demonstrate that averages pooled across observation conditions can obscure important performance differences. Evaluation and deployment should therefore prioritize device visibility from below and during near-horizontal viewing, particularly for overhead ground or shield wires at medium and long distances. This condition-specific framework provides a quantitative basis for improving the design and placement of power-line bird-collision warning devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Birds)

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20 pages, 1787 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fish Assemblages Distinguish Eco-Friendly from Conventional Rice Paddies Through Abundance and Biomass Rather than Diversity

by Byung-Mo Lee, Myung-Hyun Kim, Soon-kun Choi, Jinu Eo and Sang-Min Jun

Biology 2026, 15(16), 1411; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15161411 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Although rice paddies are agricultural land, they also serve as artificial wetlands that deliver essential ecosystem services. Yet how farming systems affect their fish communities—and which metrics best capture those effects—remains poorly quantified in Asia. We compared fish assemblages between eco-friendly and conventional [...] Read more.

Although rice paddies are agricultural land, they also serve as artificial wetlands that deliver essential ecosystem services. Yet how farming systems affect their fish communities—and which metrics best capture those effects—remains poorly quantified in Asia. We compared fish assemblages between eco-friendly and conventional rice paddies in South Korea across the 2015 rice growing season (May–September), sampling 94 events by fyke net in Dangjin City (2704 individuals; 13 species) and analyzing the data with generalized linear mixed models and multivariate methods. Eco-friendly paddies supported 2.3-fold higher abundance and 2.6-fold higher biomass; differences were negligible in May (Cohen’s d ≈ 0) but large from June onward (d > 1.0), with a moderate-to-large pooled effect (d = 0.76–0.89). Community composition differed significantly (PERMANOVA), and eco-friendly assemblages were more consistent among fields (PERMDISP). Carassius auratus and Misgurnus anguillicaudatus were 10.8- and 2.7-fold more abundant under eco-friendly management, whereas α-diversity indices (richness, Shannon, Simpson, evenness) showed no differences, as three taxa comprised over 90% of the catch. In these species-poor, dominance-skewed systems, abundance-based and species-specific metrics detected management effects more sensitively than α-diversity indices, complementing rather than replacing them. Because these results derive from a single growing season in one region, however, they should be regarded as specific to comparable systems and require multi-year, multi-region validation before their use in biomonitoring and eco-friendly agricultural policy can be generalized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecology)

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16 pages, 8112 KB

Open AccessArticle

Scenario-Based Productivity and Potential Long-Term Carbon Retention for Mesophotic Kelp Habitats in the Southwestern Atlantic

by Antônio Batista Anderson, Lidiane P. Gouvêa, André Vassoler, Gabriel Carvalho Coppo, Paulo A. Horta, Layza Roxanne Santana de Lima and Angelo Fraga Bernardino

Coasts 2026, 6(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts6030035 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Mesophotic kelp habitats may contribute to marine carbon cycling, yet their productivity and long-term carbon retention remain poorly constrained. We assessed a depth-constrained analytical support domain for the endemic and endangered Brazilian kelp Laminaria abyssalis across 45–70 m on the southwestern Atlantic shelf [...] Read more.

Mesophotic kelp habitats may contribute to marine carbon cycling, yet their productivity and long-term carbon retention remain poorly constrained. We assessed a depth-constrained analytical support domain for the endemic and endangered Brazilian kelp Laminaria abyssalis across 45–70 m on the southwestern Atlantic shelf using a published species distribution model, high-resolution bathymetry, biomass observations, and literature-based productivity scenarios. Accounting for within-cell bathymetric variation yielded 12,514.60 km² of depth-constrained analytical support within non-NA SDM coverage. The biomass dataset contained 23 observations aggregated into 19 raster cells. Leave-one-out validation showed that inverse distance weighting did not outperform a non-spatial mean (RMSE = 75.25 vs. 74.02 kg km⁻²; r = −0.389, p = 0.100); therefore, no regional biomass or biomass-derived productivity surface was produced. Using the only depth-overlapping Laminaria productivity analog (22.32 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹), the full-occupancy area-integrated NPP scenario was 279,326 t C yr⁻¹, with an empirical transferability envelope of 4242–1,074,367 t C yr⁻¹. At a long-term retention fraction of 0.11, the retained-carbon equivalent ranged from 467 to 118,180 t C yr⁻¹. These values are assumption-dependent screening estimates, not measurements of export, burial, sequestration, or carbon-credit potential. Field measurements of occupancy, local productivity, transport, burial, and permanence are required before carbon-accounting claims can be supported. Full article

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14 pages, 2353 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coordinate Decoupling and Gain-Scheduled Control for a Magnetically Levitated Oil-Free Scroll Compressor

by Ce Shi, Feng Sun, Jiale Yu, Xin Li, Chuan Zhao, Ran Zhou, Junjie Jin, Fangchao Xu, Rutong Dou and Li Ke

Actuators 2026, 15(8), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/act15080449 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

A magnetic-levitation direct-drive oil-free scroll compressor (MLDD-OFSC) eliminates the anti-rotation mechanism to achieve oil-free operation. Still, its large-stroke planar motion introduces strong sensor–DOF coupling and air-gap-dependent stiffness variation that degrade fixed-gain PID performance. This paper proposes a control strategy integrating acceleration feedback linearization, [...] Read more.

A magnetic-levitation direct-drive oil-free scroll compressor (MLDD-OFSC) eliminates the anti-rotation mechanism to achieve oil-free operation. Still, its large-stroke planar motion introduces strong sensor–DOF coupling and air-gap-dependent stiffness variation that degrade fixed-gain PID performance. This paper proposes a control strategy integrating acceleration feedback linearization, gain-scheduled PID, and coordinate decoupling. An inverse electromagnetic force model is derived to compensate for the nonlinear force–air-gap relationship, linearizing the suspension dynamics. A phase-adaptive gain scheduling law is developed, where gains vary with trajectory phase via a cosine-based mapping. A homogeneous transformation matrix decouples raw sensor signals into independent X, Y, and yaw DOFs. Frequency-domain analysis at three air-gap positions confirms closed-loop stability. Simulations show that the proposed acceleration-linearized gain-scheduled PID (AL_GS_PID) outperforms traditional PID and fixed-gain AL_PID in tracking accuracy. Experiments demonstrate progressive improvement across four configurations—decentralized PID, decoupled PID, fixed-gain AL_PID, and AL_GS_PID—with the full scheme reducing peak errors to 0.043 mm in X and 0.04 mm in Y, corresponding to 74.7% and 33.3% reductions over decentralized PID. These results demonstrate that the proposed strategy effectively addresses coupling and stiffness variation in large-stroke maglev systems under no-load and light-load conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision Actuators)

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22 pages, 11693 KB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Exact Solutions of the Duffing Equation: Stability Analysis and Application to Real Non-Linear Deformation Tests

by Arseniy D. Berezner, Victor A. Fedorov, Nikolai S. Perov and Gregory V. Grigoriev

Appl. Mech. 2026, 7(3), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech7030069 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

In this study, novel exact solutions of the Duffing equation with their phase portraits are proposed and reasoned. It is shown that phase trajectories are initially elliptical and become distorted in the unstable area with the growth of the variable parameter in the [...] Read more.

In this study, novel exact solutions of the Duffing equation with their phase portraits are proposed and reasoned. It is shown that phase trajectories are initially elliptical and become distorted in the unstable area with the growth of the variable parameter in the damped case. The instability criteria of the identified solutions have been determined together with the Fourier series transformation up to the first and high harmonics in the sense of the physical interpretation. An explicit form for the

A x = d x / d t = {(x + M)}^{2} \cdot N

non-linear differential operator corresponding to the considered functions has been derived, and its main functional spectrum has been evaluated. Non-isothermal creep tests of different materials were completely described using the Duffing equation via noted solutions up to the fracture as processes with a personal deformation response. We successfully examined the relationship between the thermal and magnetic properties of the ferromagnetic amorphous alloy under its non-linear deformation, using the critical exponents equal to α₁ = 2 and α₂ = 1. With high linear correlation coefficients (0.9 and above) between our model and experiments (within ±0.01 mm of residual error), the behavior of organic and metallic systems is well predicted under the same thermomechanical testing conditions on the mesoscale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Fracture, Fatigue, and Wear)

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19 pages, 32151 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acquired Resistance to the PRMT5 Inhibitor Confers Collateral Sensitivity to MEK Inhibition in MTAP-Null Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

by Rongjie Fu, Yalong Wang, Ishita Rehman, Ella Bedford, Sana Sharif, Nghi D. Nguyen, Reid T. Powell, Andrew Adams, Weijun Liu, Shuyue Wang, Wei He, Yue Lu, Bin Liu, Pooja Anil Shah, Jordi Rodon Ahnert, Taiping Chen, Weiyi Peng, Clifford C. Stephan, Xinli Liu, Mark T. Bedford and Han Xu Show full author list Hide full author list

Biomolecules 2026, 16(8), 1198; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16081198 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is a synthetic lethal target in methylthioadenosine phosphorylase-deleted (MTAP-null) cancers. Second-generation methylthioadenosine (MTA)-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitors preferentially target MTAP-null cells while largely sparing MTAP-wildtype (MTAP-WT) cells, thereby improving tumor selectivity over first-generation PRMT5 [...] Read more.

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is a synthetic lethal target in methylthioadenosine phosphorylase-deleted (MTAP-null) cancers. Second-generation methylthioadenosine (MTA)-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitors preferentially target MTAP-null cells while largely sparing MTAP-wildtype (MTAP-WT) cells, thereby improving tumor selectivity over first-generation PRMT5 inhibitors. Despite encouraging efficacy and safety signals in early clinical studies, the modest objective response rates (ORRs) observed with these inhibitors suggest that intrinsic or acquired resistance may limit their clinical benefit. Here, we investigated acquired resistance to the MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor BMS-986504/MRTX1719 in MTAP-null non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and sought to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities that emerge upon resistance. Using multiple in vitro-derived resistant models, we found that acquired resistance was accompanied by cross-resistance to mechanistically distinct PRMT5 inhibitors. Notably, this phenotype was not fully explained by altered PRMT5 activity or changes in MTA levels. High-throughput drug screening of paired sensitive and resistant cells revealed increased sensitivity to MEK inhibitors following acquisition of MRTX1719 resistance in KRAS-wildtype NSCLC cells. Consistently, resistant cells exhibited rewired MAPK-related transcriptional programs. Together, these findings identify MEK inhibition as a reproducible collateral vulnerability associated with acquired MRTX1719 resistance in MTAP-null NSCLC models and support further evaluation of MEK inhibition as a potential treatment-switching strategy following resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Protein Arginine Methylation: Functions, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications)

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23 pages, 6185 KB

Open AccessArticle

Antibiofilm Substantivity of AgNPs in Clinical Oral Biofilms from Patients with Motor and Intellectual Disabilities: An In Vitro and Exploratory Study

by Carolina Holguín-Meraz, Rita Elizabeth Martínez-Martínez, Erasto Armando Zaragoza-Contreras, Rubén Abraham Domínguez-Pérez, Karla Lizette Tovar-Carrillo, Alejandro Donohue-Cornejo, Juan Carlos Cuevas-González, Simón Yobanny Reyes-López, Erika de Lourdes Silva-Benítez, María Verónica Cuevas-González and León Francisco Espinosa-Cristóbal

Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(8), 1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19081299 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: Motor and intellectual disabilities (MIDs) belong to a restricted and vulnerable social group with health restrictions for maintaining and preserving adequate oral health. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have appeared as an encouraging therapy due to their excellent antimicrobial effects; however, scientific information [...] Read more.

Background: Motor and intellectual disabilities (MIDs) belong to a restricted and vulnerable social group with health restrictions for maintaining and preserving adequate oral health. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have appeared as an encouraging therapy due to their excellent antimicrobial effects; however, scientific information on the antimicrobial effectiveness of AgNPs against bacteria in patients with MIDs remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial substantivity of AgNPs in oral bacteria from patients with and without MIDs. Methods: Fifty-four oral biofilm samples were obtained from 26 participants with MIDs and 28 participants without MIDs. The microbial inhibition activity and the antimicrobial substantivity of AgNPs were determined. The antibiofilm activity of the AgNPs was explored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The AgNPs displayed uniform size distributions (9.8 ± 1.7 nm) and electrical charges in surface particles that limit particle clustering (−39.8 ± 3.3 mV). The AgNPs were more effective than chlorhexidine (CHX) in eliminating bacteria from oral biofilms derived from both MID and non-MID patients (p < 0.05); therefore, the antimicrobial substantivity of the AgNPs was statistically better than deionized water but lower than CHX at specific exposure times (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial effectiveness of AgNPs at even low concentrations was associated with the type of oral biofilm, the type of antimicrobial solution, and, in some cases, gender. SEM images indicate a clear alteration in oral biofilm structure when AgNPs were applied. Conclusions: AgNPs exhibited significant potential to limit oral bacterial proliferation from microbial biofilms while contributing to the maintenance of oral condition in individuals with MIDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress and Drug Intervention Strategies for Oral Health-Related Diseases)

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15 pages, 2856 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Psychological Inflexibility in the Relationship Between Social Appearance Anxiety and Problematic Social Media Use Among Adolescents

by Canan Bal, Eyüp Çelik and Elife Nur Saydam

Children 2026, 13(8), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13081091 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Problematic social media use (PSMU) has become an increasingly important mental health concern among adolescents and young adults. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological inflexibility (PI) in the relationship between social appearance anxiety (SAA) and problematic social [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Problematic social media use (PSMU) has become an increasingly important mental health concern among adolescents and young adults. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological inflexibility (PI) in the relationship between social appearance anxiety (SAA) and problematic social media use (PSMU) among adolescents. Methods: Data were collected from 491 high school students (334 girls, 68%; 157 boys, 32%) in the city of Sakarya, Turkey, who were enrolled in different grade levels and selected on a voluntary basis. The Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth–8 (AFQ-Y8), and the Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents (SMSA) were used to collect the data. The relationships among PSMU, SAA, and PI were analyzed using structural equation modeling with AMOS 24. Results: Significant positive relationships were found among PSMU, SAA, and PI. Mediation analysis indicated that psychological inflexibility partially mediated the relationship between SAA and PSMU. Moreover, psychological inflexibility was significantly associated with problematic social media use. SAA showed both direct and indirect associations with problematic social media use through psychological inflexibility. Conclusions: These findings suggest that psychological inflexibility may partially explain the association between SAA and PSMU and highlight its potential as a target for future prevention and intervention efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Media Risks and Psychological Adjustment in Child and Adolescence: Cyberbullying, Problematic Use, and Mental Health)

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17 pages, 2938 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Removal of Tartrazine from Aqueous Solutions Using Eco-Friendly Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPSs)

by Andrés Felipe Chamorro, Jhon César Escobar Grueso and Yhors Ciro

Water 2026, 18(16), 2009; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18162009 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Synthetic dyes are widely used in industry; however, their release into the environment without adequate treatment poses serious risks because of their toxicity and adverse effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems. Although conventional methods are effective, they are often costly and have [...] Read more.

Synthetic dyes are widely used in industry; however, their release into the environment without adequate treatment poses serious risks because of their toxicity and adverse effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems. Although conventional methods are effective, they are often costly and have limited sustainability. In this context, ATPSs are proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative aligned with the principles of green chemistry, offering an efficient and cost-effective route. In this study, Tartrazine (Tart), an azo model dye, was used to evaluate the efficiency of an ATPS formed by PEG + salt + H₂O. The effects of the cation and anion nature, PEG molar mass, and pH on Tart partitioning were investigated by determining the partition coefficient of Tart (K_Tart) and the Gibbs free energy of transfer (Δ_trG°). The PEG 1500 + Na₂SO₄ + H₂O ATPS at pH 3.0 exhibited the best performance among the systems evaluated, with a spontaneous transfer process evidenced by Δ_trG° values as low as −21.62 kJ mol⁻¹. The extraction efficiency exceeded 99%, and the ATPS was successfully applied to the removal of Tart from river water and wastewater samples, demonstrating high performance and considerable potential as an alternative technology for the removal of this dye from industrial aqueous solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Wastewater Treatment for Sustainable Pollution Control)

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20 pages, 10078 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strategic Optimization of Agricultural Supply Chains Based on the Integration of GIS and Multimodal Infrastructure Capacity in Kazakhstan

by Aisha Mussabekova, Vladislav Galyandin, Saltanat Massakova and Gulnara Ayazbayeva

Logistics 2026, 10(8), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics10080189 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: Managing agrologistics supply chains under infrastructure scarcity requires integrative, spatially explicit decision-support tools. This study develops a macro-level digital twin of the multimodal agricultural supply chain in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region to optimize freight allocation and guide strategic investment planning. Methods: [...] Read more.

Background: Managing agrologistics supply chains under infrastructure scarcity requires integrative, spatially explicit decision-support tools. This study develops a macro-level digital twin of the multimodal agricultural supply chain in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region to optimize freight allocation and guide strategic investment planning. Methods: Our methodology integrates Earth observation data (ESA WorldCover 10 m) with a large-scale multimodal road–rail graph network (1.39 million nodes) to identify 135 crop production clusters. Using linear programming in MATLAB, we optimize the regional distribution of 322.2 thousand tons of seasonal maize, wheat, and soybeans while localizing new storage silos using Green Field Analysis. Results: The baseline simulation reveals a critical storage capacity deficit, yielding a Capacity Coverage Ratio of only 23.8%. However, implementing optimal multimodal rail-road routing mathematically reduces the Logistics Cost Index from 8,642,195 to 4,716,175 units, achieving overall cost savings of 45.4%. Conclusions: The proposed digital twin and its performance metrics provide a scientifically grounded, data-driven toolkit for public–private partnerships, ensuring robust infrastructure investment localization and facilitating the transition toward the Agriculture 4.0 paradigm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Technological Solutions, Research Methods, Simulation and Analytical Models That Support the Development of Modern Transport Systems, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 1221 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Health Literacy Profiles: A Cluster Analysis of Digital Health Application Users

by Nejc Bernik, Polona Šprajc, Miha Rupar and Eva Jereb

Systems 2026, 14(8), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14081005 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

The digital transformation of healthcare systems increasingly depends on the successful adoption and use of digital health technologies (DHTs) by healthcare users. In this context, digital health literacy (DHL) has emerged as a key factor influencing the effective use of digital health applications. [...] Read more.

The digital transformation of healthcare systems increasingly depends on the successful adoption and use of digital health technologies (DHTs) by healthcare users. In this context, digital health literacy (DHL) has emerged as a key factor influencing the effective use of digital health applications. Despite growing interest in DHL, limited research has focused on identifying distinct user profiles in the context of digital health applications. This study aims to identify DHL profiles among users of digital health applications in the Slovenian healthcare system. Data were collected from 247 respondents using the eHealth Literacy and Use Scale (eHLUS), which captures three dimensions: Autonomous Use and Technical Access, Digital Health Engagement, and DHL. Hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward’s method, Euclidean distance) was applied to identify user groups. The analysis revealed four distinct DHL profiles: Digitally Empowered Users, Digitally Vulnerable Users, Passive Digital Users, and Motivated Developing Users. The findings indicate substantial heterogeneity among users in their use of digital health applications across the dimensions of DHL. This study represents one of the first applications of the eHLUS instrument outside its original context and contributes to a better understanding of user diversity within digital healthcare systems. The findings offer a foundation for the development of targeted educational interventions, the reduction in digital inequalities, and the design of user-centered digital health applications that support the ongoing digital transformation of healthcare systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence and Digital Systems Engineering)

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27 pages, 3628 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Regulatory Element in the Intrinsically Disordered C-Terminal Region of LMTK3 Modulates Its Kinase Domain Interactions and Breast Cancer Phenotypes

by Andrea Lauer Betrán, Alessandro Agnarelli, Mark Samuels, Viviana Vella, Reza Shirazi Nia, Daniel De Vega, Niloufar Poudine, Daniela Carter-Lopez, Angeliki Ditsiou, Murat Eravci, Chrisostomos Prodromou, Erika J. Mancini and Georgios Giamas

Cells 2026, 15(16), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15161473 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Lemur tail kinase 3 (LMTK3) is an oncogenic Ser/Thr kinase implicated in breast cancer (BC) progression, therapy resistance, and poor clinical outcomes, yet the molecular mechanisms governing its regulation remain poorly understood, particularly the role of its C-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Given [...] Read more.

Lemur tail kinase 3 (LMTK3) is an oncogenic Ser/Thr kinase implicated in breast cancer (BC) progression, therapy resistance, and poor clinical outcomes, yet the molecular mechanisms governing its regulation remain poorly understood, particularly the role of its C-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Given that IDRs frequently harbour hidden structural motifs that control protein dynamics, we combined computational, biophysical, and biochemical approaches to systematically map regulatory elements within the LMTK3 C-terminus, identifying two regions (residues 688–1095 and 1181–1486) that interact with the LMTK3 kinase domain (LMTK3-KD). Characterisation of these interactions revealed that LMTK3^1181–1486 displays preferential binding to inactive wild-type LMTK3-KD over a constitutively active mutant (LMTK3-KD^L313R), a behaviour consistent with a potential autoinhibitory interaction. Guided by AlphaFold3 modelling, we localised this interaction primarily to a short α-helical motif (α-helix 2; residues 1247–1258) within the C-terminal IDR and subsequently identified Ser1258 within this motif as a candidate regulatory phosphorylation site, using [γ-³²P]-ATP kinase assays and mass spectrometry. Phosphorylation at Ser1258 altered interactions between α-helix 2 and the kinase domain, reducing binding to wild-type LMTK3-KD while increasing affinity for LMTK3-KD^L313R. Functionally, phospho-null mutation of Ser1258 impaired oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) upregulation, proliferation, migration, and clonogenicity in ER-positive BC cell lines, and reduced tumour growth in female BALB/c nude mice bearing orthotopic MCF7 xenografts. Together, these findings identify a previously uncharacterised regulatory element within the LMTK3 C-terminus and support a model in which Ser1258 phosphorylation modulates kinase domain interactions and LMTK3-driven oncogenic functions in BC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cell Signaling)

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25 pages, 4632 KB

Open AccessArticle

TSPO Regulates TLR4-Mediated Inflammation Through Calcium Homeostasis and Immunometabolic Adaptation

by Xiaoqin Wu, Yaru Zhu, Bo Liu, Xiaoni Liu and Xiangjun Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(16), 7336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27167336 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2026

Abstract

Bacterial infection triggered excessive inflammatory responses, yet the mechanisms linking inflammatory activation to immunometabolic adaptation remained incompletely understood. The mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) has been implicated in inflammatory activation and cellular metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the role of TSPO in inflammation [...] Read more.

Bacterial infection triggered excessive inflammatory responses, yet the mechanisms linking inflammatory activation to immunometabolic adaptation remained incompletely understood. The mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) has been implicated in inflammatory activation and cellular metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the role of TSPO in inflammation mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Herein, we integrated transcriptomic data from the human peripheral blood dataset GSE72829, and single-cell transcriptomic profiles from the CELLxGENE platform with cellular mechanistic experiments in BV2 microglia and RAW264.7 macrophages. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that TSPO expression was markedly upregulated in patients with bacterial infection (n = 52) and exhibited diagnostic potential to distinguish bacterial infection from healthy controls (HCs, n = 16) and viral infection (n = 92). TSPO-correlated genes were enriched in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, inflammatory response, and immunometabolic pathways. Mechanistically, TSPO interacted with TLR4 and selectively modulated TLR4-driven inflammatory activation. TSPO deficiency augmented lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF-α) and interleukin‑6 (IL-6) secretion, accompanied by disrupted Ca²⁺ homeostasis, impaired cholesterol balance, and compensatory metabolic remodeling characterized by elevated L-lactate and sustained Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. Collectively, these findings identify TSPO as an immunometabolic regulator bridging TLR4 signaling and metabolic adaptation during inflammatory activation. TSPO represented a promising biomarker and therapeutic target to limit exaggerated inflammatory responses. Full article

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

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