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37 pages, 2433 KB

Open AccessHypothesis

Towards a Mathematical Structure of Global Phenomenal Consciousness

by Zoe Lee-Youngzie, Naotsugu Tsuchiya, Michael Robinson, Donna Dietz and Martin M. Monti

Entropy 2026, 28(6), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/e28060615 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Recent work in the structural approach to consciousness has shown great promise as a research paradigm for the formal and empirical study of the phenomenal qualities of experience, i.e., qualia. In this paradigm, qualia are characterized by modeling the internal organization of [...] Read more.

Recent work in the structural approach to consciousness has shown great promise as a research paradigm for the formal and empirical study of the phenomenal qualities of experience, i.e., qualia. In this paradigm, qualia are characterized by modeling the internal organization of parts within an experience, or by modeling external relations between instances of experience. A major next step for the structural approach is to integrate these two perspectives into an account of phenomenally unified global experience. In this paper, we describe these two types of structural models and how their category-theoretic formalizations contribute to the task of identifying the physical bases of phenomenal consciousness. We then propose a sheaf-theoretic framework that integrates these two approaches by mapping mereological parts of experience to empirical measures of their qualia. Through an application to the experience of visual space, we demonstrate that this framework enables a formal description of the structure of experience and conditions for phenomenal unity. We discuss how this integrative approach supports an empirical research program for investigating the relationship between local and global phenomenal qualities, and outline directions for future work toward a structural characterization of global phenomenal consciousness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mathematics of Structured Experience: Exploring Dynamics, Topology, and Complexity in the Brain)

29 pages, 3640 KB

Open AccessArticle

Linear and Nonlinear Feature Extraction for Transformer Partial Discharge Severity Classification: A Comparative Study Using Artificial Neural Networks

by Lucas Thobejane and Bonginkosi A. Thango

Energies 2026, 19(11), 2642; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19112642 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Accurate classification of transformer partial discharge (PD) severity is essential for insulation diagnostics yet remains challenging due to nonlinear feature relationships and class imbalance. This study evaluates whether feature extraction improves PD severity classification and compares the effectiveness of linear and nonlinear extraction [...] Read more.

Accurate classification of transformer partial discharge (PD) severity is essential for insulation diagnostics yet remains challenging due to nonlinear feature relationships and class imbalance. This study evaluates whether feature extraction improves PD severity classification and compares the effectiveness of linear and nonlinear extraction methods. A dataset of 294 samples was categorized into four IEC-aligned severity classes. Two raw measurements (discharge magnitude and applied voltage) were expanded into a 15-dimensional feature space. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and a bottleneck Autoencoder (AE) were used for linear and nonlinear feature extraction, respectively. Extracted features were classified using an identical Multilayer Perceptron (MLP). Both feature extraction methods improved classification performance over raw and full-feature baselines (96.6%). PCA+ANN achieved 100.0% accuracy (k = 9), while AE+ANN achieved 98.3% (k = 8). The AE misclassified one minority “Normal” sample due to poor latent boundary representation. Reconstruction analysis showed the highest error for the Normal class, reflecting imbalance-driven optimization bias. Feature extraction enhances PD severity classification, with linear PCA outperforming nonlinear AE in this near-linearly separable dataset. PCA’s deterministic projection preserves minority class boundaries more effectively, whereas AE performance is limited by class imbalance. These findings suggest that nonlinear methods provide advantages only in more complex feature spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Power Transformers)

21 pages, 19534 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sinomenine Regulates PSMB9 to Mediate Therapeutic Effects in Rheumatoid Arthritis

by Cui Zhang, Chonkit Lio, Nana Li, Yang Yu and Jinfang Luo

Cells 2026, 15(11), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15111005 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune-related disease characterized by chronic synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction. However, the molecular mechanisms and diagnostic biomarkers underlying RA remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis of RA and [...] Read more.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune-related disease characterized by chronic synovial inflammation and progressive joint destruction. However, the molecular mechanisms and diagnostic biomarkers underlying RA remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis of RA and to investigate their association with immune infiltration. By integrating differentially expressed genes analysis (DEGs) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified PSMB9 as a hub gene associated with RA. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune infiltration analysis revealed a strong association between RA and macrophage infiltration. Single-cell RNA sequencing datasets also suggest that PSMB9 is not only highly expressed in macrophage but is also present in synovial cells. We employed cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) combined with Western blot to validate the interaction between sinomenine (SIN) and the target protein. CETSA results demonstrated that, compared with the control group, SIN increased the thermal stability of PSMB9, suggesting direct binding between the two. Western blot experiments further confirmed that PSMB9 protein expression was significantly downregulated following SIN treatment. PSMB9 may serve as potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic targets for RA. Moreover, our data suggest SIN may exert anti-inflammatory effects through regulation of PSMB9. This study also provides an additional insight into the underlying mechanisms involved in the progression of RA and discover a new molecular target for SIN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Immune Activity of Natural Products)

20 pages, 1307 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Mg₂Si-YH₂ Composite Additives on the Microstructure and Properties of Silicon Nitride Ceramics

by Zizheng Cai, He Ma, Kun Tian, Feng Sun, Lijuan Zhou and Shuang Li

Ceramics 2026, 9(6), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9060058 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Sintering additives play a decisive role in the densification behavior, mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity of silicon nitride ceramics. In this study, Mg₂Si and YH₂ were used as sintering additives for gas pressure sintering of silicon nitride based on the [...] Read more.

Sintering additives play a decisive role in the densification behavior, mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity of silicon nitride ceramics. In this study, Mg₂Si and YH₂ were used as sintering additives for gas pressure sintering of silicon nitride based on the synergistic mechanism of “silicide silicon extraction-hydride dehydrogenation”. The regulation rules of the additives on ceramic densification, mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity were systematically investigated. Two optimization strategies were proposed for the technical route of replacing traditional oxide additives with non-oxide systems. (i) Rare-earth hydride YH₂ was used to replace traditional rare-earth oxides. It reacts with SiO₂ to achieve strong deoxidation and precisely regulate the liquid phase composition. (ii) Metal silicide Mg₂Si was used to replace metal oxides. It promotes the preferred growth of β-Si₃N₄ grains, consumes oxygen in the system, and reduces lattice defects. Mg₂Si introduces Si into the liquid phase, increasing the Si/O ratio, which lowers lattice oxygen content and supports higher thermal conductivity. YH₂ consumes SiO₂ on the Si₃N₄ surface, which reduces liquid phase oxygen content and inhibits lattice oxygen incorporation, promoting a liquid phase with a high N/O ratio. Compared with traditional Y₂O₃, YH₂ increases the Y₂O₃/SiO₂ ratio in the liquid phase. It promotes grain growth, reduces SiO₂ activity, and further improves the thermal conductivity of ceramics. Silicon nitride ceramics prepared by gas pressure sintering at 1750 °C with 3 wt.% Mg₂Si and 4 wt.% YH₂ composite additives exhibit the highest thermal conductivity of 87 W/(m·K), with a Vickers hardness of 14.36 GPa and a flexural strength of 643.15 MPa. This study provides an innovative idea for the preparation of high-performance silicon nitride heat dissipation substrates. Full article

21 pages, 1064 KB

Open AccessArticle

Implicit Integration of Modified Cam-Clay Model Considering Lode Angle Effect

by Maozhu Peng, Zhongkai Huang, Yiqun Wu and Wei Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5441; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115441 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

This paper proves that existing implicit integration schemes for the modified cam-clay (MCC) cannot handle the dependency of critical state stress ratio on Lode angle, because the coaxiality between the deviatoric strain rate tensor and the deviatoric stress tensor, on which these algorithms [...] Read more.

This paper proves that existing implicit integration schemes for the modified cam-clay (MCC) cannot handle the dependency of critical state stress ratio on Lode angle, because the coaxiality between the deviatoric strain rate tensor and the deviatoric stress tensor, on which these algorithms are built, no longer holds when the Lode angle effect is considered. A more appropriate algorithm is proposed based on closet point return mapping, and a consistent tangent modulus is calculated. After detailed mathematical derivations, the proposed method is examined via four computational examples. The first example includes a series of numerical triaxial tests, for demonstrating the appropriateness of the employed constitutive equations. The second and third examples are convergence tests at the material (integration point) level and finite element (FE) level, respectively. The resulting quadratic converging rate proves that the Jacobian matrix for return mapping and the consistent tangent modulus for finite element implementation are correctly computed. The last example concerns drained penetration of a surface footing. The proposed method is demonstrated to be more efficient and robust in this case than the Abaqus built-in MCC model, which aborted halfway when simulating the same problem. Full article

23 pages, 892 KB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Information Pathways Related to Brucellosis Among Adults in Najran City, Saudi Arabia: A Stratified Time–Location Cross-Sectional Study

by Abdullateef Abdullah Alshehri, Mohammad Y. Alqahtani, Osman AE. Elnoubi, Mohsen A. Qahtani, Dehiyyan E. Alyami, Meshal M. Alabbas, Mosa M. Bahnass, Abdullah Alshehari, Mohammed A. Alshehri and Mohammed A. Alshahrani

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(6), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11060149 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Brucellosis remains an important zoonotic disease in southern Saudi Arabia; however, community-level knowledge, risk-related practices, and information pathways in Najran City are insufficiently characterized. This study assessed brucellosis-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and information pathways among adults in Najran City to inform locally relevant [...] Read more.

Brucellosis remains an important zoonotic disease in southern Saudi Arabia; however, community-level knowledge, risk-related practices, and information pathways in Najran City are insufficiently characterized. This study assessed brucellosis-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and information pathways among adults in Najran City to inform locally relevant One Health interventions. In this cross-sectional survey, adults were recruited using stratified time–location (venue-based) sampling across community and exposure-relevant sites in Najran City. A total of 608 adults completed a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Composite scores were calculated for knowledge (0–21), attitude (0–22), practice (0–64), and information-source breadth (0–6). Descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlation analyses, and multivariable linear regressions were performed. The findings suggest that participants more commonly relied on interpersonal social networks, especially family and friends, for information related to brucellosis (53.9%), whereas formal sources were less commonly reported, including health professionals (7.9%), media (4.6%), internet sources (3.3%), educational institutions (2.0%), and agricultural or veterinary organizations (1.3%). Mean knowledge scores were moderate (10.7/21), attitudes were generally favorable (19.5/22), and practice scores were moderate (36.6/64). Exposure-related behaviors remained common, particularly the consumption of unpasteurized milk or dairy products (56.6%). The breadth of information sources showed a moderate positive correlation with knowledge (rho = 0.561), whereas attitude showed only small positive correlations with knowledge and practice. Finally, knowledge was weakly and inversely correlated with practice. Among adults recruited in this venue-based sample, favorable attitudes did not consistently correspond to safer practices. These findings support practical One Health interventions, including coordinated veterinary–public health messaging on animal abortion events, safe-dairy guidance at points of sale and community venues, workplace-based training for livestock-contact groups, and referral pathways linking suspected animal cases with veterinary services and human care-seeking. Because recruitment was venue-based and non-probability, the results should be interpreted as descriptive and hypothesis-generating rather than population-representative; however, they still identify practical communication and service-delivery priorities for future intervention studies in Najran. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Brucella Infections)

23 pages, 4044 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Profiles of AhLOG Gene Family in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

by Boyang Zhang, Maoning Zhang, Guoquan Chen, Yue Wu, Pei Du, Suoyi Han, Tianlun Zhao, Liuyang Fu and Shuijin Zhu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(11), 4958; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114958 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally vital oilseed and cash crop. The LONELY GUY (LOG) gene family acts as a core regulator of cytokinin activation, governing plant meristem maintenance, growth, development, and stress responses. However, the genome-wide characteristics, evolutionary dynamics, and [...] Read more.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally vital oilseed and cash crop. The LONELY GUY (LOG) gene family acts as a core regulator of cytokinin activation, governing plant meristem maintenance, growth, development, and stress responses. However, the genome-wide characteristics, evolutionary dynamics, and biological functions remain largely uncharacterized in peanut. In this study, 24 AhLOG genes were identified from the cultivated peanut Tifrunner. Phylogenetic analysis, gene structure characterization, and conserved motifs validated the high evolutionary conservation of the AhLOG gene family, and subcellular localization prediction indicated most AhLOG proteins were distributed in the cytoplasm. Promoter cis-element analysis revealed abundant hormone-responsive and stress-responsive cis-elements in the promoter regions of the AhLOG genes. Synteny analysis uncovered highly conserved collinear relationships between cultivated peanut and its diploid progenitors (A. duranensis, A. ipaensis) as well as the wild tetraploid relative (A. monticola), while numerous conserved orthologous syntenic pairs were detected between peanut and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Tissue expression profiles revealed remarkable functional divergence among members: AhLOG3 and AhLOG16 were widely involved in both vegetative and reproductive development, while several other AhLOG genes exhibited strict tissue-specific expression. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that AhLOG genes were significantly induced by abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), drought and salt treatments, with distinct expression patterns under these abiotic stress conditions. Collectively, this work provides a systematic understanding of the AhLOG gene family and offers key candidate genes along with theoretical support for further functional investigation and molecular breeding of stress-resistant peanut. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Gene, Genomics, and Molecular Breeding in Cruciferae Plants (3rd Edition))

17 pages, 1238 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Anthropogenic Pollen Signals in Anatolian Lake Records During the Beyşehir Occupation Phase

by Hülya Caner and Gülan Güngör

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111689 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Understanding the extent to which anthropogenic activity shapes vegetation dynamics is a central challenge in palaeoecology. In the Eastern Mediterranean, pollen-based studies have traditionally identified human impact through qualitative interpretations of anthropogenic indicators, particularly within the framework of the Beyşehir Occupation Phase (BOP). [...] Read more.

Understanding the extent to which anthropogenic activity shapes vegetation dynamics is a central challenge in palaeoecology. In the Eastern Mediterranean, pollen-based studies have traditionally identified human impact through qualitative interpretations of anthropogenic indicators, particularly within the framework of the Beyşehir Occupation Phase (BOP). However, proxy-based quantitative comparison of anthropogenic signals across multiple sites remains limited. This study compiles pollen datasets from multiple lacustrine records across Anatolia (Türkiye) to construct a regional multi-site dataset and evaluates anthropogenic influence using a quantitative BOP period anthropogenic taxa integrated with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The relative representation of pollen indicators enabling the determination of anthropogenic effect was evaluated using a composite pollen index based on Olea, Juglans, Plantago lanceolata-type, Cerealia and Rumex acetosa-type taxa. The results reveal substantial spatial variability in anthropogenic signals, with combined pollen percentages ranging from less than 1% to 16% among lakes. PCA results show clear inter-site differentiation, with the first two components explaining 42.94% and 21.95% of the total variance, respectively. In particular, Olea emerges as the most influential indicator, strongly contributing to the primary ecological gradient. These findings provide a proxy-based quantitative extension of the traditionally qualitative BOP concept and show that selected anthropogenic pollen indicators are spatially heterogeneous across Anatolian lake records. By integrating a composite anthropogenic index with multivariate analysis, this study offers a robust and transferable framework for comparing human–environment interactions across different regions and ecological settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Systematics, Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Classification)

19 pages, 8012 KB

Open AccessArticle

Machining-Induced Surface Deformation Layer and the Impact on Tensile Plasticity of 316L Stainless Steel

by Bokai Lou, Jing Ni, Jinghui Zhou, Lihua He, Zhenbing Cai and Zefei Zhu

J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2026, 10(6), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp10060191 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

316L stainless steel is widely used in aerospace components because of its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Standard tensile specimens are commonly used to evaluate material behavior, yet their measured tensile response can be affected by the final turning process. This study investigated [...] Read more.

316L stainless steel is widely used in aerospace components because of its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Standard tensile specimens are commonly used to evaluate material behavior, yet their measured tensile response can be affected by the final turning process. This study investigated the effects of cutting speed and depth of cut on the surface integrity and tensile properties of small standard 316L tensile specimens. Cutting-temperature measurement, optical surface characterization, EBSD analysis, fracture observation, and quasi-static tensile testing were combined to evaluate the machined specimens. A cutting speed of 45 m/min produced the most stable thermal response after repeated tool–workpiece contacts, with a temperature variation of 40.3%. Lower cutting speeds suppressed vibration-induced micro-pits and improved the morphology consistency between Area I and Area II. At the maximum depth of cut, increasing the cutting speed from 15 m/min to 60 m/min reduced the tensile strength from 1136.02 MPa to 1082.75 MPa and the tensile elongation from 56.6% to 53.5%. These results show that the tensile properties of turned specimens are governed by the combined effects of thermal response, surface morphology, deformation-layer microstructure, and fracture behavior. Among the tested conditions, V_c = 15 m/min, a_p = 0.4 mm, and f = 0.1 mm/rev are recommended when tensile properties are the main requirement Full article

24 pages, 2728 KB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Near-Field Hydrodynamic Response and Suspended Sediment Transport Characteristics Around the Caofeidian Port Breakwaters

by Yong-Qiang Zhang, Zhe Feng, Cong-Bo Xiong, Wan-Qing Chi and Wan-Jun Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(11), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14111018 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Breakwater construction at meso-tidal ports fundamentally alters near-field hydrodynamics and drives harbor sedimentation, yet the three-dimensional mechanisms linking entrance geometry to sediment flux remain poorly quantified. Here, we apply a validated Delft3D tidal–sediment coupled model to Caofeidian Port, Bohai Bay, comparing pre-construction baseline [...] Read more.

Breakwater construction at meso-tidal ports fundamentally alters near-field hydrodynamics and drives harbor sedimentation, yet the three-dimensional mechanisms linking entrance geometry to sediment flux remain poorly quantified. Here, we apply a validated Delft3D tidal–sediment coupled model to Caofeidian Port, Bohai Bay, comparing pre-construction baseline conditions against four entrance width scenarios (400, 300, 250, and 200 m). Breakwater enclosure reduces depth-averaged harbor velocities by 61.9–63.2% during spring tides, while generating tip-jet velocities of 1.41–1.53 m s⁻¹ at the eastern breakwater head—exceeding pre-construction maxima by 14–18%. The eastern tip produces an ebb vortex (radius ~230 m; peak vorticity 0.034 s⁻¹) approximately 34% larger and 62% more intense than its flood counterpart, driving vortex-assisted sediment recirculation toward the harbor interior despite ebb-dominant background velocities. Reynolds flux decomposition confirms that the eastern tip-vortex sector contributes ~39% of net sediment import (advective component: −0.7%), directly quantifying vortex-assisted recirculation as an independent transport mechanism. Bed shear stress falls below the critical erosion threshold (

τ_{c e}

= 0.22 Pa) across 76.8% of the harbor area during spring tides (robust lower bound ~60% under wave-coupling correction), creating a structurally stable depositional interior, while the near-entrance zone sustains persistent tidal-cycle resuspension. Asymmetric tidal pumping—flood-phase open-sea SSC of 0.088 kg m⁻³ versus ebb-phase harbor SSC of 0.032–0.041 kg m⁻³—drives net spring-tide sediment import of 14.8 × 10⁶ kg per cycle (wave-coupled upper bound: 17.8–19.2 × 10⁶ kg per cycle). Entrance width reduction from 400 to 300 m achieves a favorable sedimentation-to-water exchange trade-off (marginal efficiency ratio 1.23), whereas further reduction to 200 m indicates onset of hydraulic choking. The marginal efficiency ratio declines sharply from 1.23 (400 → 300 m) to 1.03 (300 → 250 m) to 1.01 (250 → 200 m), indicating a hydraulic transition within the 250–300 m range that warrants targeted refinement in future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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30 pages, 846 KB

Open AccessReview

The Hidden Link Between Intestinal Helminthiasis, Gut Microbiome Alterations, and Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review

by Dieketseng Palesa Shemfe, Nontobeko Eunice Mvubu, Pragalathan Naidoo, Jennifer Giandhari, Doratha A. Byrd, Sayed Shakeel Kader and Zilungile L. Mkhize-Kwitshana

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(11), 4957; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114957 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an increasing health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in Africa, driven by dietary shifts, urbanisation, infections, and limited treatment access. The gut microbiome plays a central role in CRC, while soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) exert complex effects [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an increasing health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in Africa, driven by dietary shifts, urbanisation, infections, and limited treatment access. The gut microbiome plays a central role in CRC, while soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) exert complex effects that can promote or mitigate risk depending on species, infection intensity, and host context. This systematic review synthesised 17 human studies (2000–2026) examining helminth impacts on gut microbial diversity, revealing a dualistic pattern. Several studies reported that chronic or moderate helminth infections, such as Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura, were associated with increased bacterial richness and the expansion of beneficial taxa, including Paraprevotellaceae, Parabacteroides, Agathobacter, Ruminococcaceae, and Lactobacillus. These taxa are associated with the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), protection of the epithelial barrier, and regulation of the immune system, suggesting a potential buffering effect against inflammation-driven carcinogenesis. On the contrary, other studies demonstrated helminth-associated dysbiosis characterised by reduced diversity and enrichment of pro-inflammatory and oncogenic taxa. T. trichiura and Strongyloides stercoralis infections were associated with the expansion of Treponema succinifaciens, Streptococcus gallolyticus, Enterobacteriaceae, and Ruminococcus torques, which are linked to reduced gut microbiome diversity, pro-inflammatory states, and oncogenic processes. Furthermore, A. lumbricoides infections altered the host microbiome at the phylum level, with increased Proteobacteria and reduced Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, alongside metabolome shifts in amino acid and lipid pathways that have been associated with tumourigenic processes. Collectively, the evidence shows that helminthiasis may either enrich potentially protective microbes or be associated with pro-tumourigenic dysbiosis, with outcomes shaped by species, infection intensity, and host context. Notably, none of the included studies directly assessed CRC, underscoring the fact that current evidence is indirect and mechanistic. Overall, helminths are associated with gut microbiome shifts in both potentially protective and potentially harmful directions. This systematic synthesis of human evidence provides an integrated understanding of how helminth-associated microbiome shifts may influence colorectal carcinogenesis and highlights the need for longitudinal mechanistic studies to clarify causality and inform biomarker discovery and prevention in endemic regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Gut Microbiota—Its Role and Molecular Mechanisms in Nutritional Health)

24 pages, 7456 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Oral Artesunate-Chitosan Oligosaccharide–Retinoic Acid Copolymer Micelles for Attenuating Hepatic Fibrosis

by Shiyuan Lin, Feixian Lu, Qiao Li, Kefeng Zhang, Wei Zhang, Hui Chen and Jianxin Wang

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(6), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060682 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by the abnormal activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix. Currently, effective clinical therapeutic strategies remain limited. Modulating ferroptosis-related pathways in activated HSCs has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for hepatic [...] Read more.

Background: Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by the abnormal activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix. Currently, effective clinical therapeutic strategies remain limited. Modulating ferroptosis-related pathways in activated HSCs has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis treatment. Methods: An amphiphilic copolymer was synthesized by conjugating COS with ART, which spontaneously self-assembled into micelles; subsequent modification with retinoic acid (RA) yielded RA-functionalized ART–COS copolymer micelles. Curcumin was selected as a model drug to evaluate the potential of the micelles in enhancing intestinal epithelial transport, oral absorption and bioavailability. Meanwhile, in vitro targeting ability, capacity to modulate ferroptosis in HSCs and in vivo therapeutic efficacy were systematically investigated. Results: The RA-functionalized ART–COS micelles significantly enhanced intestinal epithelial drug transport, oral absorption, and bioavailability. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the micelles preferentially accumulate in activated HSCs, inhibit GPX4 expression, and induce excessive ROS production and ferroptosis, thereby effectively attenuating hepatic fibrosis. In vivo studies confirmed that the micelles regulated extracellular matrix metabolism, reduced collagen deposition, suppressed the activation and proliferation of HSCs, and ultimately helped attenuate hepatic fibrosis progression. Conclusions: This study successfully developed RA-functionalized ART–COS copolymer micelles. The micelles improve the accumulation of artesunate in liver tissue and yield favorable anti-fibrotic effects, thereby providing a promising translational strategy for anti-fibrotic therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Drug Targeting and Design)

24 pages, 674 KB

Open AccessReview

Free Radical Formation in the Reactions of Redox-Active Drugs and Xenobiotics with Mitochondrial Flavoenzymes

by Narimantas Čėnas

Biomolecules 2026, 16(6), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16060810 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

The single-electron reduction of redox-active drugs and xenobiotics (quinones, aromatic nitrocompounds, and N-oxides) by flavoenzymes, which initiates redox cycling and oxidative stress, is an important factor in their therapeutic/toxic effects. This review summarizes information on the action of mitochondrial flavoenzymes from various [...] Read more.

The single-electron reduction of redox-active drugs and xenobiotics (quinones, aromatic nitrocompounds, and N-oxides) by flavoenzymes, which initiates redox cycling and oxidative stress, is an important factor in their therapeutic/toxic effects. This review summarizes information on the action of mitochondrial flavoenzymes from various organisms in these processes, emphasizing the kinetic and mechanistic aspects. The flavoenzymes discussed also include those of which only a fraction is localized in mitochondria. According to kinetic data, the most effective generator of free radicals of xenobiotics is respiratory Complex I. However, it is unclear to what extent these reactions can compete with the rapid reduction of ubiquinone in normally functioning mitochondria. In specific cases, a very active free radical generator can be the NADPH:adrenodoxin reductase–adrenodoxin complex. The properties of other dehydrogenases–electrontransferases (succinate:ubiquinone reductase, fatty acid oxidation system) are less well characterized. Due to its high catalytic capacity, a potential but poorly studied source of free radicals of xenobiotics may be NADH:cytochrome b₅ reductase and its complex with cytochrome b₅. Flavoenzyme disulfide reductases, with the possible exception of Plasmodium falciparum thioredoxin reductase, are less active free radical generators. Importantly, in most cases, flavoenzymes perform the mixed single- and two-electron reduction of xenobiotics. According to the available data, the reactivity of redox cyclers depends mostly on their standard single-electron reduction potential and is little influenced by their structure. Therefore, in order to intensify these processes or achieve some structural specificity, it is necessary to focus on the selective accumulation of compounds in mitochondria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial ROS in Health and Disease: 2nd Edition)

16 pages, 1004 KB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Ramie Key Phenotypic Traits Based on UAV Remote Sensing

by Hongyu Fu, Wei Wang, Jihao Nie, Guoxian Cui, Wei She and Tao Xue

Agriculture 2026, 16(11), 1210; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16111210 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

UAV-based phenotyping enables efficient high-throughput measurement of field crops. Phenotypic monitoring of ramie is critical for its cultivation management and variety breeding. However, ramie exhibits characteristics including multiple annual harvests, short growth cycles and rapid dynamic growth change, all of which increase the [...] Read more.

UAV-based phenotyping enables efficient high-throughput measurement of field crops. Phenotypic monitoring of ramie is critical for its cultivation management and variety breeding. However, ramie exhibits characteristics including multiple annual harvests, short growth cycles and rapid dynamic growth change, all of which increase the difficulty of growth monitoring and yield estimation. This study aims to utilize UAV-based multispectral remote sensing to estimate ramie plant height (PH), leaf area index (LAI), and above-ground biomass (AGB) over multiple time series, and to assess the influence of seasonal effects and different data processing strategies on the accuracy of ramie digital phenotyping. Over three ramie growth cycles, a total of 15 UAV flights were conducted over an experimental field consisting of 72 plots. The structure from motion (SfM) algorithm was applied to estimate PH. Remote sensing features derived from UAV imagery were used with background segmentation and machine learning to estimate LAI. The AGB was estimated by combining remote sensing-derived PH, LAI, and climate data. The results showed that the estimated and measured phenotypes were highly correlated, with optimal coefficients of determination of 0.961 for PH and 0.873 for LAI. Background segmentation improved LAI accuracy. Integrating climate data, remote sensing-derived PH and LAI significantly enhanced the accuracy of AGB estimation. In conclusion, this study provides a feasible method for extracting ramie phenotypes from UAV remote sensing imagery, providing methodological support for large-scale management of the crop industry and intelligent, precise monitoring of crop growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Digital Agriculture, Smart Farming and Crop Monitoring)

15 pages, 560 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strength Training Adaptations in Breast Cancer Survivors Across Recovery Phases: A Longitudinal Quasi-Experimental Study

by Diego Hernán Villarejo-García, Aaron Gómez-Parra, José Pino-Ortega, Adrián Moreno-Villanueva, Carlos Navarro-Martínez and Josep Pastor Cano

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5440; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115440 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Breast cancer survival has increased substantially in recent years, leading to a growing need to address long-term physical sequelae and functional impairments. Strength training is recognized as an effective intervention for improving physical function in this population; however, the influence of recovery phase [...] Read more.

Breast cancer survival has increased substantially in recent years, leading to a growing need to address long-term physical sequelae and functional impairments. Strength training is recognized as an effective intervention for improving physical function in this population; however, the influence of recovery phase on training outcomes re-mains unclear. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal changes in handgrip strength following an 8-week supervised strength training program and to determine whether these observed variations follow an exploratory association according to the time elapsed since surgery. A quasi-experimental, longitudinal, and prospective design was conducted with 30 breast cancer survivors stratified into three recovery phases (≤6 months, 7–12 months, ≥13 months). Participants completed an 8-week supervised strength training program, and handgrip strength was assessed before and after the intervention. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the effects of time, hand condition, and recovery phase using maximum trial values. Significant improvements in handgrip strength were observed across all cohorts, with greater absolute adaptations in the late recovery phase (+3.80 kg, p < 0.001) compared to the intermediate (+2.87 kg, p < 0.001) and early (+2.25 kg, p = 0.015) phases. A persistent inter-limb strength deficit was present on the operated side. These preliminary findings suggest that resistance training induces strength modifications across all recovery strata, though absolute adaptations vary by time elapsed since surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Sports Injuries and Physical Rehabilitation)

16 pages, 8937 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strong, Biodegradable Lignocellulosic Films as Potential Bioplastics

by Zhenzhen Zhang, Ziyu Duan, Juan Wang, Jungang Jiang, Zhishun Wei, Silong Wu and Jan-Michael Albina

Polymers 2026, 18(11), 1359; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18111359 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Lignocellulosic films (LCFs) derived from biomass have attracted increasing attention owing to their abundant availability, recyclability, and biodegradability, making them promising candidates for replacing non-biodegradable plastics. Notably, the mechanical properties and wet stability of these materials play a crucial role in their practical [...] Read more.

Lignocellulosic films (LCFs) derived from biomass have attracted increasing attention owing to their abundant availability, recyclability, and biodegradability, making them promising candidates for replacing non-biodegradable plastics. Notably, the mechanical properties and wet stability of these materials play a crucial role in their practical applications. In this paper, we employ an eco-friendly and straightforward approach to synthesizing high-strength LCF by mixing nanocellulose with lignin. The incorporation of lignin enhances the mechanical strength for LCF, achieving a yield strength of 157.12 MPa at a lignin content of 15 wt% while simultaneously imparting excellent water absorption properties. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and contact angle measurements confirmed the structural integrity and hydrophilicity of the composite films. Excessive lignin content led to reduced mechanical performance, emphasizing the importance of optimizing the lignin-to-cellulose ratio. Therefore, this paper demonstrates the significant potential of LCF in developing environmentally friendly materials for applications in water treatment, packaging, flexible electronics, energy storage, and agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Composites Manufacturing and Plastics Processing, 2nd Volume)

21 pages, 1741 KB

Open AccessReview

Stress-Dependent NF-κB Signaling in Acute Kidney Injury: Linking Inflammation, Autophagy, and Apoptosis

by Dev Kumar

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(11), 4960; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114960 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a critical regulator of inflammation and stress response signaling in acute kidney injury (AKI). Increasing evidence demonstrates that NF-κB signaling is directly related to oxidative stress, autophagy, mitochondrial malfunction, and apoptosis in the process of AKI. Injury-related stimuli, including [...] Read more.

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a critical regulator of inflammation and stress response signaling in acute kidney injury (AKI). Increasing evidence demonstrates that NF-κB signaling is directly related to oxidative stress, autophagy, mitochondrial malfunction, and apoptosis in the process of AKI. Injury-related stimuli, including ischemia–reperfusion, sepsis, nephrotoxins, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), activate canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways, resulting in renal inflammation and tubular injury. Recent investigations have shown that TLR4/NF-κB signaling, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, defective autophagy, and mitochondrial dysfunction mediate inflammatory and pro-apoptotic responses in AKI. On the other hand, autophagy-associated proteins such as microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B) and Beclin-1 may play renoprotective roles through the regulation of NF-κB signaling. This review tries to cover the knowledge regarding NF-κB signaling in AKI and to emphasize the possible function of NF-κB signaling in the control of inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis. It also seeks to provide some insight into future research directions that may guide the development of more effective therapies for AKI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of IJMS: Advances in Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism)

22 pages, 1691 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Valorization of Waste Textiles: Assessing Separation Efficiency of Cotton–PET Blends via Alkaline and Enzymatic Hydrolysis

by Pablo Kählig, Wolfgang Ipsmiller, Andreas Bartl and Jakob Lederer

Recycling 2026, 11(6), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling11060100 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Recycling cotton–PET textile blends using alkaline solutions has gained increasing attention, with studies showing promising treatment pathways with diverse process setups. However, these separation processes use various input materials and focus on a small number of treatment parameter values which render the comparison [...] Read more.

Recycling cotton–PET textile blends using alkaline solutions has gained increasing attention, with studies showing promising treatment pathways with diverse process setups. However, these separation processes use various input materials and focus on a small number of treatment parameter values which render the comparison of results over a large parameter range difficult. This study presents the feasibility of recovering cotton or PET at fabric level from cotton–PET blends across a wide range of temperatures (from −30 °C to 95 °C) and alkaline concentrations (from 0 to 40% (w/w)). The focus of this study is centered on the share of separation and recoverable fiber mass after hydrolyzing one component using alkaline hydrolysis or alkaline pre-treatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. A comparison of purity and material loss of the recovered polymers for all parameter sets is given. Experiments were performed on two distinct textiles while process parameters were selected in a straightforward manner, excluding catalysts, co-solvents and defibration. The results map temperature and alkaline concentration areas where these cotton–PET separation processes are feasible regarding recoverable fiber mass. Based on these results, separation efficiency could be optimized to design economic and environmentally friendlier process conditions. Full article

18 pages, 6337 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exposure-Aware Training for Low-Light Object Detection Without Target-Domain Data

by Yawen Su and Min Lu

J. Imaging 2026, 12(6), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging12060245 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Low-light object detection remains challenging because insufficient illumination obscures visual features and increases the discrepancy between training and testing conditions. Existing approaches often rely on detector redesign, image enhancement, or target-domain data, which may introduce additional complexity during training or inference. This paper [...] Read more.

Low-light object detection remains challenging because insufficient illumination obscures visual features and increases the discrepancy between training and testing conditions. Existing approaches often rely on detector redesign, image enhancement, or target-domain data, which may introduce additional complexity during training or inference. This paper presents Exposure-Aware Training (EAT), a lightweight degradation-based training strategy that applies illumination attenuation and additive Gaussian noise to normal-light images during training. The degradation parameters are estimated from real low-light image pairs, while the detector architecture remains unchanged. Our experimental results show that moderate degradation consistently improves low-light detection performance, whereas excessively strong degradation may damage semantic information, especially for small objects. Under both cross-domain and mixed-training settings, EAT achieves stable improvements on YOLOv8 and Faster R-CNN, with more noticeable gains for illumination-sensitive categories. These results indicate that exposing detectors to task-oriented illumination degradation during training can effectively improve low-light detection performance without additional inference overhead. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition)

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20 pages, 3775 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustained CREB Phosphorylation Is Associated with Neuritogenic Prostanoid Signaling in NSC-34 Cells

by Koume Nagayama, Hiroshi Nango, Komugi Tsuruta, Hiroko Miyagishi and Yasuhiro Kosuge

Cells 2026, 15(11), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15111004 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Neuritogenesis is essential for neuronal development and circuit formation. Although cAMP signaling downstream of Gs-coupled receptors is considered pro-neuritogenic, activation of these Gs-coupled receptors can produce divergent cellular outcomes. We previously showed that prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) induces neurite outgrowth in [...] Read more.

Neuritogenesis is essential for neuronal development and circuit formation. Although cAMP signaling downstream of Gs-coupled receptors is considered pro-neuritogenic, activation of these Gs-coupled receptors can produce divergent cellular outcomes. We previously showed that prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) induces neurite outgrowth in NSC-34 motor neuron-like cells predominantly through Gs-coupled E-prostanoid receptor 2 (EP2) signaling. The I-prostanoid receptor (IP) is also Gs-coupled, but whether its ligand PGI₂ elicits neuritogenesis remains unclear. Here, we compare the neuritogenic and signaling responses to PGE₂ and PGI₂ in NSC-34 cells. PGE₂ and the EP2 agonist butaprost increased the proportion of neurite-bearing cells, whereas PGI₂ and the IP agonist beraprost had no effect. PGI₂ and PGE₂ induced comparable cAMP accumulation and protein kinase A substrate phosphorylation, and elicited peak cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation at 1 h. However, only PGE₂ maintained significant CREB phosphorylation at 3–6 h. RNA sequencing at 4 h revealed broadly concordant transcriptional responses, while direct comparison identified Fst as the only gene expressed at higher levels under PGE₂ than under PGI₂. These findings suggest that the temporal profile of CREB phosphorylation, rather than the magnitude of early cAMP-PKA signaling, may be associated with differences in neuritogenic outcomes of Gs-coupled prostanoid signaling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into cAMP/PKA Pathway Regulation in Health and Disease)

15 pages, 1610 KB

Open AccessArticle

TyG–BMI as a Marker of Metabolic Status and Its Association with Bone Quality and Mineral Metabolism: A Sex-Specific Analysis

by Assel Anarbayeva, Karlygash Sadykova, Gulnaz Nuskabayeva, Nursultan Nurdinov, Nurgul Zholdassova, Dilfuza Mamraimova, Gulzira Baimakhanova, Dinara Azizkhojayeva, Sirozhiddin Irismetov, Shoira Isanova and Ugilzhan Tatykayeva

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(11), 4226; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15114226 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a major pathogenic factor in metabolic syndrome and related diseases. It is challenging to accurately measure IR due to high cost and technical complexity. TyG-derived indices have been proposed as simple and reliable surrogates for assessing insulin resistance. [...] Read more.

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a major pathogenic factor in metabolic syndrome and related diseases. It is challenging to accurately measure IR due to high cost and technical complexity. TyG-derived indices have been proposed as simple and reliable surrogates for assessing insulin resistance. The present study aimed to investigate the association between TyG-derived indices and indicators of mineral metabolism and bone quality and to examine sex-specific differences. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 330 adults aged 18–65 years. Age-adjusted partial correlation analyses and multivariable linear regression models were performed to examine the associations between TyG indices and several metabolic parameters, minerals, and QUS bone indices. Results: TyG–BMI was strongly correlated with triglycerides (females: r = 0.51; males: r = 0.54, both p < 0.001), glucose (females: r = 0.54, p < 0.001), and hip circumference (females: r = 0.77; males: r = 0.58, both p < 0.001). HDL showed inverse associations (females: r = −0.41, p < 0.001). In females, TyG–BMI demonstrated modest positive correlations with bone parameters, including BQI (r = 0.21, p = 0.002), T-score and Z-score (r = 0.21, p = 0.002 for both), SOS (r = 0.19, p = 0.007), and BUA (r = 0.18, p = 0.010), whereas no significant associations were observed in males. In multivariable models, TyG–BMI in females remained independently associated with glucose (β = 9.77, p < 0.001), waist circumference (β = 2.94, p < 0.001), and HDL (β = −26.6, p < 0.001), but not with mineral or bone parameters. Conclusions: The TyG-derived indices, most notably TyG–BMI, are useful indicators of metabolic status that correlate with bone quality yet exhibit sex-specific associations. These findings support the role of TyG-derived indices as accessible surrogate markers of metabolic status and demonstrate sex-specific associations with bone quality parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology & Metabolism)

24 pages, 35299 KB

Open AccessArticle

Advanced Numerical Methods for a First-Kind Fredholm Integral Equation in Potential Field Continuation

by Dinara Tamabay, Nurlan Temirbekov, Ayauzhan Seitova and Aruzhan Seitova

Appl. Syst. Innov. 2026, 9(6), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi9060114 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

In this research, surface Au concentration measurements are considered as a spatially correlated geochemical field associated with deep occurrences of disturbing masses using real geological exploration data from the Novo-Khairuzovsky gold deposit in East Kazakhstan. The approach is based on the relationship between [...] Read more.

In this research, surface Au concentration measurements are considered as a spatially correlated geochemical field associated with deep occurrences of disturbing masses using real geological exploration data from the Novo-Khairuzovsky gold deposit in East Kazakhstan. The approach is based on the relationship between potential-field continuation problems and reconstruction of subsurface geological anomalies from surface observations. The considered approaches include Tikhonov and Lavrentiev regularization, SVD, and TSVD. Special attention is given to regularization parameter selection using the L-curve method, Morozov discrepancy principle, and GCV. Comparative computational analysis is performed to evaluate the accuracy, stability, and efficiency of these methods in solving first-kind Fredholm integral equations. Results are assessed using error metrics and spatial visualization of reconstructed fields within a Geographic Information System (ArcGIS), enabling consistent geospatial interpretation. Results show that Lavrentiev regularization with L-curve criterion provides the most stable and reliable reconstruction across all depths, achieving high correlations (

R = 0.8876

at 100 m and

R = 0.8049

at 200 m) with low reconstruction errors. Tikhonov regularization performs acceptably at 100 m but becomes less stable at greater depths. Among spectral methods, TSVD improves stability compared with classical SVD, while standard SVD shows weak correlations and larger reconstruction errors due to high noise sensitivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Applied Mathematics)

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13 pages, 718 KB

Open AccessArticle

dsABCC1 and dsABCC3 Enhance the Insecticidal Activity of Chlorantraniliprole in Rice Stem Borer Chilo suppressalis

by Qiwen Pu, Xin Mao, Yichi Zhang, Ali Hasnain, Moxian Chen and Chunqing Zhao

Agronomy 2026, 16(11), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16111080 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

The rice stem borer (RSB), Chilo suppressalis, is one of the most destructive rice pests in China and chlorantraniliprole has been extensively used for its control over the past decade. However, the continuous and intensive application of chlorantraniliprole has accelerated the development [...] Read more.

The rice stem borer (RSB), Chilo suppressalis, is one of the most destructive rice pests in China and chlorantraniliprole has been extensively used for its control over the past decade. However, the continuous and intensive application of chlorantraniliprole has accelerated the development of resistant RSB populations in field, thereby threatening sustainable rice production. In this study, a field resistant strain of RSB exhibited a 181.76-fold resistance level to chlorantraniliprole compared to a susceptible strain. To explore the potential involvement of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in chlorantraniliprole resistance, four candidate ABC transporter genes (CsABCC1, CsABCC3, CsABCA3 and CsABCD2) were analyzed in resistant and susceptible strains. Compared to the susceptible strain, the expressional levels of CsABCC1 and CsABCC3 were significantly upregulated by 1.58- and 1.38-fold, respectively, whereas of CsABCA3 and CsABCD2 showed non-significant differences in the resistant strain. RNA interference assays demonstrated that naked dsRNA induced only limited gene silencing, while chitosan-mediated dsRNA delivery significantly improved RNAi efficiency. Following feeding with chitosan-coated dsCsABCC1 and dsCsABCC3, the expression levels of both genes were reduced by 44.63% and 38.49%, respectively, relative to the control and the larval mortality increased following chlorantraniliprole treatment to 63.33% and 56.67%, respectively. In addition, silencing CsABCC1 caused a greater reduction in larval weight after insecticide treatment. These findings indicated that CsABCC1 and CsABCC3 are involved in chlorantraniliprole detoxification and may contribute to resistance. Overall, this study provides evidence for the functional involvement of ABC transporters in chlorantraniliprole resistance and highlights chitosan-mediated RNAi as a promising complementary approach for resistance management within integrated pest management programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: Biopesticides and the Biological Control for Pest Management)

19 pages, 11396 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adjuvant-Enabled Halving of Florpyrauxifen-Benzyl Dose Maintains Paddy Weed Control and Enhances Soil Health and Rice Yield

by Yuan Gao, Huifeng Wang, Jiapeng Fang, Guohui Yuan, Zhihui Tian and Lirong Wang

Plants 2026, 15(11), 1688; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15111688 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

Reducing herbicide input in paddy fields is essential for sustainable rice production and long-term soil health. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl effectively controls the dominant paddy weed barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), yet excessive application poses environmental risks. Here, we investigated whether the compound adjuvant Sijiling, containing [...] Read more.

Reducing herbicide input in paddy fields is essential for sustainable rice production and long-term soil health. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl effectively controls the dominant paddy weed barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), yet excessive application poses environmental risks. Here, we investigated whether the compound adjuvant Sijiling, containing nonionic and anionic surfactants, could enable significant dose reduction in florpyrauxifen-benzyl while maintaining weed control efficacy and improving soil–plant system functions. Greenhouse dose–response assays and two-year field trials conducted in 2021 and 2022 demonstrated that the adjuvant permitted a 50% reduction in herbicide application without compromising control of barnyardgrass or other paddy weeds. Mechanistically, Sijiling disrupted the leaf cuticular wax barrier and amplified ethylene and ABA biosynthesis over two-fold. The reduced herbicide rate lowered residues in rice and soil, increased soil organic carbon and available potassium, and enhanced microbial diversity, particularly enriching beneficial Acidobacteria. Grain yield increased significantly under the reduced-input strategy, with Mantel analysis linking yield gains to improved soil available potassium and organic carbon. Our findings demonstrate that adjuvant-enabled herbicide dose reduction is an effective and sustainable weed management strategy for paddy rice, maintaining robust weed suppression while delivering measurable co-benefits for soil health and crop productivity, thereby supporting the sustainable intensification of rice-based cropping systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Management and Control in Paddy Fields)

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13 pages, 839 KB

Open AccessArticle

Serofast Syphilis Is Associated with Phospholipid-Dependent Coagulation Abnormalities and B-Cell Activation Following Treatment

by Martyna Kiolbasa, Konrad Kaminiow, Damian Kadylak and Maciej Pastuszczak

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(11), 4954; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114954 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026

Abstract

A substantial proportion of patients treated for early syphilis fail to achieve the expected ≥4-fold decline in non-treponemal titers despite appropriate therapy. This serofast state remains a common clinical dilemma, and repeated antibiotic therapy is often ineffective. We hypothesized that persistent seroreactivity may [...] Read more.

A substantial proportion of patients treated for early syphilis fail to achieve the expected ≥4-fold decline in non-treponemal titers despite appropriate therapy. This serofast state remains a common clinical dilemma, and repeated antibiotic therapy is often ineffective. We hypothesized that persistent seroreactivity may reflect infection-associated immune dysregulation rather than ongoing infection. In this prospective study, 36 adults with early syphilis were treated with benzathine penicillin. At 6 months, 11 patients with inadequate serological response underwent cerebrospinal fluid evaluation; 3 with neurosyphilis were excluded. The remaining 33 patients were classified as serofast (n = 8) or serologically cured (n = 25). Eleven healthy individuals served as controls. Serofast patients demonstrated prolonged phospholipid-dependent coagulation assays compared with serologically cured individuals (all qBH < 0.01; δ = 0.75–0.83). They also exhibited higher BAFF levels and B-cell counts at baseline and follow-up. Posttreatment VDRL titers strongly correlated with BAFF levels, B-cell counts, and coagulation parameters. After exclusion of neurosyphilis, persistent non-treponemal seroreactivity was associated with coordinated B-cell activation and phospholipid-dependent coagulation abnormalities, suggesting an infection-triggered immune phenotype rather than ongoing Treponema pallidum infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)

21 pages, 845 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Ultraviolet Modification on the Performance of Polyamide Fiber-Reinforced Cement Mortars: Optimization and Characterization Using Response Surface Methodology

by Aliye Akarsu Özenç, Ali Mardani, Fatih Özenç and Semiha Eren

Polymers 2026, 18(11), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18111358 - 29 May 2026

Abstract

In this study, a UV surface modification method was applied to polyamide (PA) fibers, and its effect on certain fresh and hardened properties of fiber-reinforced cementitious systems was investigated. Within the scope of the study, the individual and interactive effects of fiber volume [...] Read more.

In this study, a UV surface modification method was applied to polyamide (PA) fibers, and its effect on certain fresh and hardened properties of fiber-reinforced cementitious systems was investigated. Within the scope of the study, the individual and interactive effects of fiber volume fraction and UV surface modification time were optimized using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Central Composite Design (CCD). The optimal performance parameters with CCD were identified at 0.50% fiber content and 18 min of UV exposure. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized to analyze the fibers and examine the impacts of surface modification. Three different sample groups were prepared to test the effect of UV treatment after optimization: a control cement mortar without fibers, a polyamide fiber-reinforced mortar without UV treatment, and a polyamide fiber-reinforced mortar with UV surface modification. The tensile, flexural, and compressive strength values of the specimens were determined. The results indicated that UV surface modification led to changes in fiber roughness and an increase in oxygen-containing functional groups on the fiber surface. The data revealed that the mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced composites subjected to surface modification improved (with a 27.4% increase in flexural strength and an 11.3% increase in compressive strength compared to the control samples). The findings indicate that UV surface modification improves the fiber–matrix bond in cement-based systems reinforced with polyamide fibers. UV surface modification emerges as an effective and environmentally friendly method for enhancing the performance properties of fiber-reinforced cement-based systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Composite Materials: Polymers and Fibers Inclusion)

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