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Recent Articles  

22 pages, 2624 KB  
Article
Lens Antenna Arrays for THz Superconducting HEB Mixers: A Review and a Metasurface Coupling Approach
by Yuner Gan, Ruiguang Peng, Shijia Feng, Maimai Mu and Qian Wang
Sensors 2026, 26(10), 3258; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26103258 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Terahertz hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixers, which offer the highest sensitivity in the frequency range above 1.5 THz, are equipped on space observatories to detect the terahertz radiation emitted from the interstellar medium within galaxies. To increase the mapping speed, it is essential [...] Read more.
Terahertz hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixers, which offer the highest sensitivity in the frequency range above 1.5 THz, are equipped on space observatories to detect the terahertz radiation emitted from the interstellar medium within galaxies. To increase the mapping speed, it is essential to develop large HEB mixer arrays. However, conventional quasi-optical coupling methods, including single large silicon lens approaches and silicon lens array approaches, suffer from the conflict of achieving high filling factor and uniform illumination on the HEB mixer array. This paper reviews the research progress on quasi-optical coupled HEB mixer arrays and proposes an innovative array coupling scheme to overcome the existing limitation. We designed a metasurface beam shaper based on the Gerchberg–Saxton algorithm and COMSOL simulation to transform an incoming Gaussian beam into a flattop beam in the focal plane, thereby forming uniform illumination for an antenna-coupled HEB mixer array. The metasurface is intended primarily for uniform local oscillator (LO) distribution across the array. The simulation of the metasurface beam shaper at 0.6 THz demonstrates a flattop beam with a flat region approximately 3 mm wide, and the intensity across this region varies by only 4.2%. The same simulation is also performed at 1.6 THz, and the flat region is 1.5 mm wide with a 5.5% intensity variation. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using a metasurface to convert a Gaussian beam into a flattop beam at terahertz frequencies as well as a pathway for array-level coupling schemes for HEB mixer arrays with high filling factor and uniform illumination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Sensors)
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15 pages, 643 KB  
Article
Predictive Value of the CALLY Index for Interventional Management in Vaginal Cuff Hematoma Following Hysterectomy
by Candost Hanedan, Ayşe Nur İnal, Ayşe Yiğit, Oğuz Kaan Köksal, Şahin Kaan Baydemir, Neslihan Öztürk, Hande Nur Öncü, Gökçen Ege, Aysu Yeşim Tezcan, Tuba Zengin Aksel, Vakkas Korkmaz and Çağanay Soysal
Diagnostics 2026, 16(10), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16101561 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Vaginal cuff hematoma is a recognized complication following hysterectomy, with a subset of patients requiring invasive intervention. No reliable bedside biomarker currently exists to identify at admission patients likely to fail conservative management. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and clinical [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Vaginal cuff hematoma is a recognized complication following hysterectomy, with a subset of patients requiring invasive intervention. No reliable bedside biomarker currently exists to identify at admission patients likely to fail conservative management. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics of symptomatic vaginal cuff hematoma across all hysterectomy approaches, and to assess the predictive performance of the CALLY index (CRP-albumin-lymphocyte index), a composite marker of inflammatory burden, immune function, and nutritional status, alongside the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) for identifying patients requiring interventional management. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 61 patients with symptomatic vaginal cuff hematoma following hysterectomy in a major tertiary referral center (November 2022–July 2025). Patients were divided into conservative (n = 38) and interventional (n = 23) management groups. The CALLY index was calculated as [Albumin (g/dL) × Lymphocyte (×109/L)] ÷ [CRP (mg/L) × 10−2]. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with the DeLong method was used to compare predictive performance. Results: The overall incidence of symptomatic vaginal cuff hematoma was 1.9% (73/3852 hysterectomies), with the highest rate following vaginal hysterectomy (3.32%) and the lowest after robotic hysterectomy (0.74%). Interventional management was required in 37.7% of patients. The interventional group had significantly higher CRP (192 vs. 62 mg/L, p < 0.001), NLR (7.53 vs. 4.17, p < 0.001), and SII (2308 vs. 1207, p < 0.001), and significantly lower CALLY index values (2.00 vs. 9.80, p < 0.001). The CALLY index demonstrated the highest predictive performance (AUC = 0.863, 95% CI: 0.762–0.964), outperforming SII (AUC = 0.801), NLR (AUC = 0.789), and PLR (AUC = 0.654). At the optimal cutoff of ≤2.89, the CALLY index yielded a sensitivity of 65.2% and a specificity of 92.1%. Conclusions: The CALLY index is a simple, routinely available composite biomarker that may help identify patients at higher risk for interventional management in symptomatic vaginal cuff hematoma. Its incorporation into postoperative assessment may improve risk stratification and support timely clinical decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Prognosis of Gynecological and Obstetric Diseases)
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14 pages, 966 KB  
Article
Sexual Dimorphism in the Growth and Morphometric Allometry of the Santandereana Creole Goat Breed in Colombia
by Arcesio Salamanca-Carreño, Pere M. Parés-Casanova, Daniel L. Cala Delgado, Jorge L. García Arévalo, Anthony Valverde, Raúl Jáuregui and Mauricio Vélez-Terranova
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(5), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13050501 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Animal growth involves changes in size with age and is associated with environmental factors. The aim was to conduct a study of a representative group of the Santandereana Creole goat breed to evaluate morphometric allometry according to sex. A sample of 23 males [...] Read more.
Animal growth involves changes in size with age and is associated with environmental factors. The aim was to conduct a study of a representative group of the Santandereana Creole goat breed to evaluate morphometric allometry according to sex. A sample of 23 males and 76 females, ranged 8–72 and 8–84 months of age respectively, was studied. Morphometric allometry was evaluated using 30 linear characters. A Mann–Whitney test assessed right- and left-side differences in horns (length and perimeter) and ears (length and width). A one-way PERMANOVA, using Gower distances, assessed sex differences. Principal component analysis (PCA) using a var-covar matrix identified the most discriminating traits. A one-way ANCOVA, using loadings at PC1, was performed to compare allometric trends between sexes. Differences between sexes were observed in linear traits (p = 0.0101) and indices (p = 0.0364). No differences were observed between the right and left sides in horns and ears. Differences were observed in size, with body weight, body length, thoracic perimeter, and horn length (right/left) being the most discriminating values reflecting sexual dimorphism of size. The indexes corroborated the larger size of males, especially in relation to skull width, rump length, chest depth, and body weight. Detected differences may reflect variations in the development of skeletal maturity. The indexes confirm that the Santandereana Creole goat is an animal with a tendency for meat production, with larger males and brachycephalic features due to the shape of the head. Discriminatory measures can be considered as parameters of interest for preserving the breed and establishing genetic improvement programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comparative Morphology and Histological Adaptations in Domestic and Wild Animals)
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23 pages, 2336 KB  
Article
Extended State Observer-Based Design of a Bilateral Dual-Kernel Fuzzy Control Algorithm
by Chuqiang Liu, Lujun Chen, Zhulin Wang and Qunpo Liu
Mathematics 2026, 14(10), 1765; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14101765 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
For nonlinear problems in robotic systems, such as parametric uncertainties and external disturbances, this paper proposes a control method based on bilateral dual-kernel fuzzy control. To address the issue that joint angular velocities cannot be directly measured, an extended state observer (ESO) is [...] Read more.
For nonlinear problems in robotic systems, such as parametric uncertainties and external disturbances, this paper proposes a control method based on bilateral dual-kernel fuzzy control. To address the issue that joint angular velocities cannot be directly measured, an extended state observer (ESO) is introduced to simultaneously estimate the joint positions, velocities, and system nonlinearities, thereby achieving effective reconstruction of the system states. In terms of controller design, a dual-kernel function is adopted instead of the conventional single-kernel function. By exploiting its enhanced feature representation capability and fast response characteristics, the proposed approach improves the system dynamic response speed and reduces the settling time. For nonlinear residuals, the bilateral parallel control strategy further improves the approximation accuracy of the control system. Multiple dual-kernel fuzzy sub-controllers are integrated in a bilateral parallel manner, and the weighting parameters of both the fuzzy system and the bilateral structure are updated in real time based on the approximation error. This enables accurate approximation and compensation of the residuals estimated by the extended state observer. The stability of the closed-loop system is rigorously proved based on Lyapunov theory. Finally, simulations on the MATLAB R2022b platform and experiments on a robotic experimental platform are conducted to verify that the proposed bilateral dual-kernel fuzzy controller achieves significantly improved control accuracy for a two-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator system compared with conventional controllers, thereby demonstrating the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Adaptive Control Theory and Applications for Nonlinear Systems)
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13 pages, 266 KB  
Article
Effectiveness of Combined Face-to-Face and Mobile-Based Motivational Interviewing on Oral Hygiene Status and Behavior Among Adolescents in Gorontalo, Indonesia: A Quasi-Experimental Study
by Deliyana Imelda Katili, Ayub Irmadani Anwar, Ichlas Nanang Afandi, Irfan Sugianto, A. Arsunan Arsin, Indra Fajarwati Ibnu, Nurlindah Hamrun and Irwan Irwan
Dent. J. 2026, 14(5), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14050316 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Oral health problems among adolescents in Indonesia remain high, particularly in Gorontalo City. Conventional education approaches are often insufficient to promote sustained behavioral change. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined face-to-face and mobile-based Motivational Interviewing (MI) on oral hygiene [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Oral health problems among adolescents in Indonesia remain high, particularly in Gorontalo City. Conventional education approaches are often insufficient to promote sustained behavioral change. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined face-to-face and mobile-based Motivational Interviewing (MI) on oral hygiene status (OHI-S), knowledge, and toothbrushing behavior among adolescents. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a non-randomized control group and repeated measurements was conducted among 100 adolescents aged 15–18 years in Gorontalo, Indonesia. Participants were allocated into a combined MI group (face-to-face plus mobile application) and a face-to-face MI group. Knowledge was assessed using a validated 15-item questionnaire, and toothbrushing behavior was measured using a 24-item questionnaire; both instruments used dichotomous scoring and demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82 and 0.85, respectively). Oral hygiene status was evaluated clinically using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) by a calibrated examiner (κ = 0.82). Outcomes were measured at baseline and at three follow-up points over three months. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann–Whitney U test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Within-group analyses showed improvements across all outcomes in both groups (p < 0.05). The combined MI group demonstrated greater improvements compared to the face-to-face group, with median knowledge scores increasing from 4 to 8 versus 5 to 7 (between-group p = 0.002), toothbrushing behavior from 10 to 15 versus 12 to 13 (p = 0.001), and OHI-S scores decreasing from 3.2 to 1.4 versus 2.8 to 2.0 (p < 0.001). These findings indicate a greater magnitude of change in the combined intervention group. Conclusions: The combined face-to-face and mobile-based MI approach was associated with greater improvements in oral hygiene status, knowledge, and toothbrushing behavior among adolescents compared to face-to-face MI alone. However, due to the non-randomized design, the findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Public Health and Prevention in Oral Health)
33 pages, 8557 KB  
Article
A Novel Hybrid Stacking Ensemble Classifier for the LegUp Robot Used in Lower Limb Rehabilitation
by Anca-Elena Iordan, Florin Covaciu, Calin Vaida, Iuliu Nadas, Alexandru Banica, Bogdan Gherman, Ionut Ulinici, Jose Machado, Paul Tucan and Doina Pisla
AI 2026, 7(5), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai7050177 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Robust exercise recognition is essential for robot-assisted lower-limb rehabilitation, where misclassifications of sensor-derived movements can degrade therapy execution and supervision. This study proposes a novel hybrid weighted stacking ensemble to increase the efficiency of the intelligent module of the LegUp parallel robotic system [...] Read more.
Robust exercise recognition is essential for robot-assisted lower-limb rehabilitation, where misclassifications of sensor-derived movements can degrade therapy execution and supervision. This study proposes a novel hybrid weighted stacking ensemble to increase the efficiency of the intelligent module of the LegUp parallel robotic system for lower limb rehabilitation. The approach combines a Residual Multilayer Perceptron (ResMLP) and an optimized Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM), where model hyperparameters are tuned using Optuna and the base-model probability outputs are fused through optimized weighting and a meta-learner. Experiments were conducted on a five-class dataset built from nine IMU orientation features acquired from three sensors placed on the healthy limb. Four meta-learners were evaluated (Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and AdaBoost), with AdaBoost providing the best overall performance. To further assess the robustness and generalization capability of the proposed approach, a 5-fold cross-validation procedure was performed for the ResMLP, KELM, and the hybrid ensemble models. The proposed stacking hybrid ensemble consistently surpassed the performance of the strongest individual classifiers as well as the original LegUp Multilayer Perceptron model. These results indicate that combining residual learning with kernel-based classification in a weighted stacking framework yields a stable and high-performing solution for multi-class rehabilitation exercise recognition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical & Healthcare AI)
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24 pages, 6719 KB  
Article
Design and Initial Evaluation of a Low-Cost Microprocessor-Controlled Ankle Prosthesis
by Zhanar Bigaliyeva, Abu-Alim Ayazbay, Sayat Akhmejanov, Nursultan Zhetenbayev, Aidos Sultan, Yerkebulan Nurgizat, Abu Jazar Ussam, Gulzhamal Tursunbayeva, Arman Uzbekbayev, Kassymbek Ozhikenov, Gani Sergazin and Yelubayeva Lazzat
Sensors 2026, 26(10), 3257; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26103257 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Lower-limb amputation remains a significant clinical and socio-economic challenge, while the high cost of microprocessor-controlled prostheses (MPKs) limits their widespread accessibility. This paper presents the design and preliminary laboratory-scale evaluation of a low-cost microprocessor-controlled ankle prosthesis intended as a feasibility-oriented alternative platform for [...] Read more.
Lower-limb amputation remains a significant clinical and socio-economic challenge, while the high cost of microprocessor-controlled prostheses (MPKs) limits their widespread accessibility. This paper presents the design and preliminary laboratory-scale evaluation of a low-cost microprocessor-controlled ankle prosthesis intended as a feasibility-oriented alternative platform for future active prosthetic system development. Building upon the previously developed V1 mechanical architecture, an updated CAD model was created in the SolidWorks 2024 environment, and the kinematic configuration was refined using a ball-screw transmission (SFU1204-300) driven by a NEMA 17 stepper motor. The electronic control system integrates an ESP32 microcontroller, an MPU9250 inertial measurement unit (IMU), a limit switch for initial-position detection, and a WiFi-based REST API interface for communication and control. Laboratory no-load experiments demonstrated controlled positional behavior, repeatable angular response, and successful operation of the homing procedure within a motion range of 0–4200 motor steps. The prototype actively generated dorsiflexion–plantar flexion motion in the sagittal plane, while a passive inversion–eversion mechanism was incorporated and intended to improve structural adaptability. IMU-based measurements enabled preliminary monitoring of angular displacement and positional behavior during the experiments. The presented prototype represents an initial engineering feasibility study of a low-cost active ankle actuation architecture and provides a foundation for future investigations involving load-bearing experiments, biomechanical gait analysis, and closed-loop control implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensors and Robotics)
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13 pages, 2587 KB  
Article
Distinct CMR Phenotype in Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy: Greater Myocardial Fibrosis and Right Ventricular Dysfunction Compared with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
by Víctor Vallejo-García, Manuel Barreiro-Pérez, David González-Calle, María del Carmen León del Pino, Victoria Jacas-Osborn, Carlos Barrios and Óscar Fabregat-Andrés
Diagnostics 2026, 16(10), 1560; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16101560 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a major preventable cause of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), yet its specific cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) remains incompletely defined. We aimed to characterize the CMR features of ACM, focusing on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) subpatterns and biventricular [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a major preventable cause of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), yet its specific cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) remains incompletely defined. We aimed to characterize the CMR features of ACM, focusing on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) subpatterns and biventricular function and to compare them with idiopathic DCM. Methods: In total, 148 consecutive patients (ACM n = 20, idiopathic DCM n = 128) referred for CMR at a single center were retrospectively analyzed. Sequential logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was used to identify independent association with LGE presence. Results: LVEF did not differ between groups (32.5% vs. 35.0%, p = 0.293). ACM patients showed significantly worse RVEF (40.5% vs. 52.0%, p = 0.010) and larger indexed right ventricle (RV) volumes. Any LGE was present in 70% vs. 40% (p = 0.015); when the non-specific RV insertion point pattern (non-RV-IP) was excluded, non-RV-IP LGE was 45% vs. 22.7% (p = 0.051), with a specific midwall linear pattern (25% vs. 8%, p = 0.033). ACM was independently associated with LGE across all models with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.06 [95% CI 1.05–8.95], p = 0.041, and RV dysfunction (RVEF < 45%) (OR 4.79 [95% CI 1.60–14.32], p = 0.005). No differences in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were observed at 24 months (log-rank p = 0.697). Conclusions: ACM has a distinct CMR phenotype characterized by midwall linear LGE fibrosis and more severe RV involvement, independent of left ventricle (LV) systolic function. These exploratory findings suggest that CMR may provide clinically relevant phenotypic information in ACM beyond LVEF, warranting confirmation in prospective studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging in Cardiomyopathy)
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14 pages, 237 KB  
Article
The Intersections and Complexities of African Traditional Religion and Christianity: An Inquiry Through the African Philosophy of Community
by Jacob Mokhutso
Religions 2026, 17(5), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17050621 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Africans are widely recognised for their deeply rooted communal orientation. This ethos is intricately embedded in cultural practices such as burial rites, matrimonial customs, ritual observances, and broader conceptions of kinship. Within many African societies, the notion of family transcends the boundaries of [...] Read more.
Africans are widely recognised for their deeply rooted communal orientation. This ethos is intricately embedded in cultural practices such as burial rites, matrimonial customs, ritual observances, and broader conceptions of kinship. Within many African societies, the notion of family transcends the boundaries of the living, encompassing ancestors often conceptualised as the “living-dead” as well as extended familial networks. Despite the historical introduction and sustained influence of missionary and colonial religions, particularly Christianity, African Traditional Religion (ATR) continues to shape the beliefs and practices of many South Africans. Although Christianity remains a dominant religious tradition in South Africa, the persistence of ATR generates both points of convergence and sites of tension within the lived religious experiences of adherents. Against this backdrop, the present study critically examines the intersections and complexities between ATR and Christianity in South Africa, with particular emphasis on the African philosophy of community. Employing a qualitative research design informed by social cognitive theory and utilising a self-selection sampling strategy, data were collected through interviews with young adults (aged 25–40) affiliated with three mainline churches in Mamelodi, Pretoria, South Africa. The findings indicate that, while notable convergences exist between ATR and Christianity, significant complexities persist, particularly when interpreted through the lens of African communal philosophy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Religions and Theologies)
16 pages, 879 KB  
Review
Nurses’ Roles, Challenges, and Reported Outcomes in Rural and Remote Healthcare: A JBI-Aligned Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR)
by Muteb Aljuhani, Hanadi Dakhilallah, Norah M. Alyahya, Bandar S. Alharbi, Albandari Almutairi, Waleed M. Alshehri, Thurayya Eid and Abdulaziz M. Alodhailah
Healthcare 2026, 14(10), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101412 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Rural and remote health systems are diverse; while many of these settings face persistent workforce shortages and access gaps, not all are underserved. Nurses play a critical role in improving access, continuity, and quality of care in these contexts. However, evidence on [...] Read more.
Background: Rural and remote health systems are diverse; while many of these settings face persistent workforce shortages and access gaps, not all are underserved. Nurses play a critical role in improving access, continuity, and quality of care in these contexts. However, evidence on their roles, the challenges they face, and the outcomes associated with their contributions remains fragmented. Objective: To map the roles, challenges, and reported outcomes of nurses working in rural and remote healthcare settings, and to examine the quality and scope of the available evidence. Design: This study employed JBI scoping review methodology and is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Methods: Eligible studies involved registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) providing care in rural or remote settings and reporting at least one outcome related to patients, services, or health systems. Six bibliographic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) plus Google Scholar for supplementary grey literature retrieval and targeted grey literature were searched (from 1 January 2000 to 30 September 2025). The lead author conducted screening and data extraction, supported by a 10% calibration pilot and structured peer debriefing. Design-specific critical appraisal was undertaken descriptively to inform interpretation but did not determine inclusion. Results: From 22 primary empirical studies (plus 2 contextual-only entries; 24 total, nurses’ roles clustered into direct clinical care, care coordination/navigation, telehealth facilitation, and health promotion. Reported outcomes were predominantly in access/utilization (e.g., time-to-care), quality and safety indicators, and patient-reported outcomes/experiences; clinical endpoints were less common. Conclusions: Nurses in rural and remote settings enact broad, adaptive roles that appear to support healthcare access and service continuity. The evidence base is predominantly descriptive, and causal claims about effectiveness cannot be drawn from the available studies. Standardized outcome frameworks, multi-reviewer methodologies, and effectiveness-focused primary research are needed to advance this field. Full article
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9 pages, 831 KB  
Article
Simulation Enhances Resident Preparedness Using Skin Cell Suspension Autograft
by Joshua P. Kronenfeld, Louis R. Pizano, Ray I. Gonzalez, Joyce I. Kaufman, Shevonne Satahoo and Carl I. Schulman
Eur. Burn J. 2026, 7(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj7020031 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Objective: Surgical simulation has been shown to improve efficiency, performance, and time to mastery for complicated procedures, but simulation training is not always considered when introducing new devices or products. As part of a performance improvement project, we sought to design and evaluate [...] Read more.
Objective: Surgical simulation has been shown to improve efficiency, performance, and time to mastery for complicated procedures, but simulation training is not always considered when introducing new devices or products. As part of a performance improvement project, we sought to design and evaluate simulation training for the skin cell suspension autograft (SCSA) with surgery residents during their Burn rotation. Methods: Residents were asked to read instructional materials and watch training videos before coming into the simulation lab for the training session supervised by a Burn surgeon. A qualitative survey was designed and administered after completion of the rotation. Results: Twelve residents have completed the training thus far. Their feedback from the training session was rated on a five-point Likert scale and indicated that the simulation activity was an appropriate length (4.6/5.0), was thorough (4.8/5.0), and led to more confidence (4.4/5.0) and less apprehension (4.4/5.0) when performing the procedure on live patients. This was followed by their use of the product in the operating room with complete success. Conclusions: The novel SCSA training shows great promise for improving the confidence and performance of surgical residents. This could allow for a shorter time for residents to become independent in its use, thereby allowing for increased operative efficiency with the opportunity to significantly improve trainee expertise. Full article
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19 pages, 443 KB  
Perspective
Orofacial Motricity: From the Emergence of a Field to the Path Toward Global Terminology Standardization
by Lucas Ferreira, Roberta Lopes de Castro Martinelli, Gislaine Aparecida Folha, Gabriele Ramos de Luccas, Giorvan Ânderson dos Santos Alves, Diana Grandi, Adriano Rockland Siqueira Campos, Eliana Elizabeth Rivera-Capacho, Norma Chiavaro, Mónica Castillo, Felipe Inostroza-Allende, David Parra-Reyes, Liz Ojeda Peña, Ana Ilse Arraga Moreno, Katrina Rogers, Anna Rita Beghetto, Linda D’Onofrio, Hilton Justino da Silva and Giédre Berretin-Felix
Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2026, 52(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijom52010006 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Background: The consolidation of specialized fields in health care requires not only scientific evidence and clinical refinement, but also clearly defined scope, competencies, and language, since terminological ambiguity increases overlap and hinders communication, comparability, education, and the organization of care. In this context, [...] Read more.
Background: The consolidation of specialized fields in health care requires not only scientific evidence and clinical refinement, but also clearly defined scope, competencies, and language, since terminological ambiguity increases overlap and hinders communication, comparability, education, and the organization of care. In this context, Orofacial Motricity was first recognized in Brazil as a field of practice, supported by institutional milestones that have defined its scope, standardized its terminology, and updated professional competencies. Furthermore, it has been consistently adopted in Latin American and European countries (e.g., Peru, Chile, and Portugal). In English-speaking countries, professionals working with Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) are often organized under the designation Orofacial Myology, within diverse institutional and educational frameworks. Methods: This manuscript was developed as a non-institutional position paper based on structured reports from international collaborators, a documentary review of institutional and regulatory sources, and an exploratory terminological survey of databases. Results: Heterogeneity was observed in the use and conceptual level of these designations across countries and institutions, with more frequent convergence at the level of clinical condition and intervention (OMDs/OMT) than at the level of field or area. Conclusion: Clarifying the distinction among field/area, clinical condition, and therapeutic intervention may reduce ambiguities and foster scientific and educational comparability in the international context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 50 Years of the IJOM: Perspectives and Future Directions in Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy)
23 pages, 312 KB  
Article
Managerial Overconfidence and ESG Performance: Financial Policy Channels in an Emerging Market
by Melvien Deisie Christin Welang, Juli Hendri and Sung Suk Kim
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2026, 19(5), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm19050374 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between managerial overconfidence and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance through firm-level financial policy channels in an emerging-market context. Using panel data from non-financial firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2015–2024, this study adopts a multidimensional [...] Read more.
This study examines the relationship between managerial overconfidence and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance through firm-level financial policy channels in an emerging-market context. Using panel data from non-financial firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2015–2024, this study adopts a multidimensional channel-based perspective in which managerial overconfidence is indirectly reflected through financing, liquidity, and investment decisions. Fixed-effects estimation with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors is employed as the baseline approach and complemented by lagged specifications, system GMM estimation, alternative measurements, and quantile regressions to assess robustness. The findings suggest that managerial overconfidence does not exert a direct and uniform influence on ESG performance but operates indirectly through heterogeneous financial policy behavior. The financing channel provides weak and unstable evidence, whereas the liquidity channel shows a relatively stronger positive association with ESG performance. The investment channel appears most sensitive to measurement and model specification, indicating that different operationalizations may capture distinct dimensions of managerial overconfidence. This study contributes to the behavioral corporate finance and ESG literature by showing that managerial overconfidence influences sustainability outcomes indirectly through heterogeneous financial policy mechanisms in an emerging market setting while highlighting the importance of temporal dynamics, endogeneity, and measurement sensitivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Finance and ESG: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Business)
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17 pages, 2126 KB  
Article
Matrix-Driven Modulation of Phenolic Profiles from Euterpe oleracea and Oenocarpus bacaba Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents
by Saulo Victor e Silva, María Celeste Gallia, Cristian Sillagana Verdezoto, Leonardo Bajda, Ana Ferrari, Gabriel Araujo-Silva, Jefferson Romáryo Duarte da Luz, Maria das Graças Almeida and Luisa Quesada Romero
Molecules 2026, 31(10), 1762; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31101762 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of solvent composition on the extraction efficiency and selectivity of phenolic compounds from the Amazonian fruits açaí (Euterpe oleracea) and bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba). Six choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES), combined with different [...] Read more.
This study investigated the influence of solvent composition on the extraction efficiency and selectivity of phenolic compounds from the Amazonian fruits açaí (Euterpe oleracea) and bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba). Six choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES), combined with different hydrogen bond donors (glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, citric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, and urea), were compared with acidified methanol. Extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity using FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC assays. In açaí, methanol exhibited the highest TPC and reducing capacity, whereas acid-based NaDESs enhanced phenolic recovery in a matrix-dependent manner. In bacaba, choline chloride–citric acid enhanced total phenolic recovery compared to methanol, highlighting matrix-dependent solvent performance. Differences among FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC responses reflected variations in phenolic composition rather than total concentration alone. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed solvent-selective enrichment of anthocyanins, chlorogenic acid, flavan-3-ols, and rutin, particularly with acid-based NaDES formulations. Molecular docking provided complementary mechanistic insight by indicating favorable interactions between major phenolics and polyphenol oxidase. Overall, the results indicate that choline chloride-based NaDESs can function as tunable extraction systems capable of modulating phenolic profiles in a matrix-dependent manner, representing promising alternatives to conventional organic solvents for phenolic recovery from Amazonian fruits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Phytochemicals from Plants: Pharmacological and Therapeutic Applications)
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21 pages, 2448 KB  
Article
Biocompatibility and Cell Death Mechanisms Induced by PMMA-Based Dental Materials in Gingival Fibroblasts and OECM-1 Tumor Cells
by Florentina Rus, Radu Radulescu, Alexandra Popa, Bianca Voicu-Balasea, Monica Musteanu, Melis Izet, Corina Muscurel, Lucian Toma Ciocan, Sebastian-Andrei Bancu, Ana Cernega, Alexandra Ripszky and Silviu-Mirel Pituru
Dent. J. 2026, 14(5), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14050315 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The present study aims to test three different types of PMMA (Fotodent Guide—3D printed (M1), Aidite Temp—milled (M2), Duracryl—self-polymerized (M3) on HFIB-G and on OECM-1. Methods: The two cell types (HFIB-G and OECM-1) were kept in contact with the materials, Fotodent Guide, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The present study aims to test three different types of PMMA (Fotodent Guide—3D printed (M1), Aidite Temp—milled (M2), Duracryl—self-polymerized (M3) on HFIB-G and on OECM-1. Methods: The two cell types (HFIB-G and OECM-1) were kept in contact with the materials, Fotodent Guide, Aidite Temp, and Duracryl (n = 6), for 24 and 48 h, and subsequently subjected to the following tests: MTT, LDH, NO (according to ISO 10993-5:2009), and immunofluorescent detection of proteins associated with autophagy and apoptosis (mitochondria and caspases 3/7; detection of autophagosomes). Statistical interpretation was made using t-test and ANOVA (* p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001). Results: The MTT assay revealed a reduction in cell viability for all tested materials on gingival fibroblasts compared to control cells, with the most pronounced decrease observed for the 3D-printed material (M1 viability 66.77% for 24 and 52.45% 48 h—p < 0.001), while the self-polymerizing resin (M3 viability 85.92% for 24 h and 85.63% for 48 h) showed the highest level of cellular tolerance (p < 0.001 at 24 h and p < 0.01 at 48 h). Regarding OECM-1 cells, all materials reduced cell viability, particularly M3 after 48 h of incubation (viability 61.79%—p < 0.001). LDH levels generally indicated low membrane damage for all materials. Statistically significant increases in NO levels were recorded for both cell types, suggesting a mild proinflammatory response, especially for M2 OECM-1 48 h—p < 0.05 and M3 (HFIB-G 48 h—p < 0.05, OECM-1 48 h p < 0.05). For both 24 and 48 h, fluorescence analysis demonstrated a significant increase in mitochondrial activity in gingival fibroblasts (p < 0.001), whereas tumor cells exhibited a significantly decreased mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001), particularly for the 3D-printed material M1 (p < 0.001). Caspase-3/7 expression increased in gingival fibroblasts incubated with materials for 24 and 48 h (p < 0.001), while tumor cells showed reduced caspase activity both after 24 and 48 h (p < 0.001). Autophagosome formation decreased initially in fibroblasts at 24 h (p < 0.001) but increased significantly after 48 h (p < 0.001), while tumor cells generally showed enhanced autophagic activity under most experimental conditions (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that all three PMMA-based materials exhibit acceptable biocompatibility profiles, of more than 70%, according to ISO 10993-5:2009, although cellular responses vary depending on the manufacturing technique and the cellular model used. In our study conditions, self-polymerized resin (M3) was the most compatible with gingival fibroblasts, while the 3D-printed and CAD/CAM milled materials (M1 and M2) had a more pronounced impact on cells’ viability and metabolic activity. Full article
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13 pages, 233 KB  
Article
Wearable-Measured Physical Activity Goal Adherence and Body Composition Change in a 12-Month mHealth Weight Loss Trial
by Zhadyra Bizhanova, Lora E. Burke, Maria M. Brooks, Bonny Rockette-Wagner, Jacob K. Kariuki and Susan M. Sereika
Sensors 2026, 26(10), 3256; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26103256 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Wearable activity trackers are commonly used in mHealth weight loss interventions, but evidence linking adherence to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) goals with changes in body composition is limited. We examined associations between adherence to study-prescribed MVPA goals and changes in percent body [...] Read more.
Background: Wearable activity trackers are commonly used in mHealth weight loss interventions, but evidence linking adherence to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) goals with changes in body composition is limited. We examined associations between adherence to study-prescribed MVPA goals and changes in percent body fat and sex-specific waist circumference (WC) over 12 months in the SMARTER trial. Methods: Participants (N = 502, 79.5% female; mean age 45 years; mean BMI 33.7 kg/m2) were randomized to self-monitoring of diet, PA, and weight (SM) or SM plus daily tailored feedback messages (SM + FB). Weekly adherence to ≥300 min/week of MVPA was quantified using Fitbit-derived equivalents. Associations between MVPA adherence and changes in percent body fat and sex-specific WC over 12 months were examined using linear mixed models. Results: Among the full sample, greater MVPA adherence was associated with reductions in body fat (b = −0.01; 95% CI: −0.02, −0.005), but not in WC (women: b = −0.01; −0.03, 0.01; men: b = −0.03; −0.05, 0.0002). Among the completers, higher adherence was associated with decreases in body fat (b = −0.01; −0.02, −0.004) and WC (women: b = −0.02; −0.04, −0.004; men: b = −0.04; −0.08, −0.003). Conclusions: Higher MVPA adherence was associated with favorable changes in adiposity over 12 months, supporting the use of wearable-derived PA measures in long-term mHealth behavioral interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Sensors and Signal Processing Technology for Digital Health Applications)
11 pages, 459 KB  
Article
Appropriate Listening Environment and Speaking Style for Individuals with Listening Difficulties Compared with Those with Normal Hearing and Hearing Loss
by Chie Obuchi, Yuka Sasame and Yayoi Yamamoto
J. Otorhinolaryngol. Hear. Balance Med. 2026, 7(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/ohbm7010018 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Individuals with listening difficulties (LiD) report problems understanding speech despite normal hearing sensitivity. This study investigated how speech characteristics (clarity, speaking rate, and loudness) influence subjective speech understanding in adults with LiD under quiet and noisy conditions, compared with individuals with normal [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Individuals with listening difficulties (LiD) report problems understanding speech despite normal hearing sensitivity. This study investigated how speech characteristics (clarity, speaking rate, and loudness) influence subjective speech understanding in adults with LiD under quiet and noisy conditions, compared with individuals with normal hearing (NH) and those who are hard of hearing (HH). Methods: A questionnaire-based survey assessed perceived speech intelligibility across 12 listening conditions created by combining two environments (quiet and noisy) and six speaking styles. Participants included 77 adults with LiD (50 LiD without developmental disorders [DD] and 27 LiD and DD), 30 adults with NH, and 26 individuals with HH. Ratings were analyzed using analysis of variance and correlation analyses. Results: Both the LiD and HH groups demonstrated significantly reduced speech understanding in noisy environments when the speaking style was suboptimal, compared with the NH group. In contrast, the LiD group uniquely reported difficulties even under quiet conditions with clear, slow, and loud speech. Loud speech in quiet conditions was not consistently beneficial, particularly in the LiD and DD group, possibly reflecting auditory hypersensitivity. Conclusions: Listening difficulties in the LiD group are influenced by environmental and speaker-related factors and cannot be addressed solely by conventional strategies used for hearing loss. Although individualized communication approaches may be required, further investigation, including experimental studies, is necessary to validate this interpretation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Otology and Neurotology)
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23 pages, 2602 KB  
Review
Gut Microbiota in Schizophrenia: Taxonomic Shifts, Beta- Diversity Alterations, and Biomarker Potential: A Systematic Review
by Andreea-Mihaela Militaru, Arina Cipriana Pietreanu, Simona Trifu and Gabriela Loredana Popa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(10), 4606; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27104606 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Emerging evidence implicates the gut–brain axis in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, yet literature regarding specific microbiome alterations remains inconsistent. This study aims to synthesize evidence on gut microbiota diversity and taxonomic composition in individuals with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. Unlike prior meta-analyses, [...] Read more.
Emerging evidence implicates the gut–brain axis in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, yet literature regarding specific microbiome alterations remains inconsistent. This study aims to synthesize evidence on gut microbiota diversity and taxonomic composition in individuals with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. Unlike prior meta-analyses, this study integrates quantitative alpha diversity synthesis with cross-taxonomic qualitative analysis and contextualizes findings within functional frameworks of the gut–brain axis, highlighting the methodological heterogeneity that limits biological interpretation. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, MDPI) were searched for observational studies published between 2017 and 2025. Forty-eight studies met inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, with 14 providing sufficient data for random-effects meta-analyses of alpha diversity. Meta-analyses revealed no statistically significant differences in alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, ACE, Observed) between patients and controls, despite high heterogeneity. Conversely, beta diversity analyses generally demonstrated significant differences in microbial community composition. Taxonomic synthesis identified recurrent but heterogeneous dysbiotic patterns characterized by the depletion of short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Lachnospiraceae) and enrichment of pro-inflammatory taxa (e.g., Proteobacteria, Fusobacterium). Schizophrenia is associated with evidence of compositional alterations and functional shifts rather than a global loss of microbial richness. These findings highlight candidate taxa that may warrant further investigation in biomarker-focused studies and microbiome-based therapeutics. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to substantial heterogeneity and limited control for key confounders such as antipsychotic medication, diet, and life-style factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbiomes in Human Health and Disease)
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41 pages, 1111 KB  
Article
Within-Venue Monitoring of BTC/USDT Liquidity and Resiliency on Binance: A Queueing-Theoretic Framework
by Samir Varma
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2026, 19(5), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm19050372 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
This paper develops a queueing-organized framework for within-venue monitoring of BTC/USDT liquidity, signed-flow pressure, and resiliency on Binance. The model treats latent buy and sell pressure as occupancy processes and organizes three empirical diagnostics: the variance-per-BTC liquidity measure Rr, the mean-reversion [...] Read more.
This paper develops a queueing-organized framework for within-venue monitoring of BTC/USDT liquidity, signed-flow pressure, and resiliency on Binance. The model treats latent buy and sell pressure as occupancy processes and organizes three empirical diagnostics: the variance-per-BTC liquidity measure Rr, the mean-reversion rate θeff, and the companion signed-flow proxy βeffproxy. Using Binance trade data from 2020–2025, the empirical results show a pooled first-order variance–volume regularity away from the highest-volume tail, material rolling variation in liquidity and resiliency, and stronger next-day risk sorting from rolling Rr than from Amihud illiquidity or a Kyle-style minute-impact benchmark. In overlapping 30-day windows, θeff is positive by point estimate in roughly two-thirds of windows but clearly positive in only about two-fifths under a simple uncertainty buffer, implying that local recovery is often fragile or ambiguous. The one-hour symmetric benchmark is useful as a coarse center benchmark, but the heaviest tails require a Student-t VaR overlay. The framework is intended for risk managers, execution desks, market makers, and exchange surveillance teams that need indicators of thinning liquidity, weakening recovery, and one-sided signed flow. Queueing is useful because it turns those signals into one monitoring dashboard for market quality and short-horizon risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Market Microstructure and Digital Disruption)
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23 pages, 332 KB  
Article
Value Innovation in Church Administration: A Theological-Orthodox Reading of the “Blue Ocean” and the ERSC Matrix
by Doru Negricea
Religions 2026, 17(5), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17050620 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
This study proposes a theological-orthodox reinterpretation of contemporary management concepts—particularly “value innovation,” the “blue ocean strategy,” and the E.R.S.C. matrix—within the framework of church administration. Starting from the premise that such concepts cannot be directly imported into the ecclesial context without distortion, the [...] Read more.
This study proposes a theological-orthodox reinterpretation of contemporary management concepts—particularly “value innovation,” the “blue ocean strategy,” and the E.R.S.C. matrix—within the framework of church administration. Starting from the premise that such concepts cannot be directly imported into the ecclesial context without distortion, the paper argues for their “theological translation,” whereby their underlying logic is reoriented toward the service of the person, communion, and oikonomia. The analysis demonstrates that church administration cannot be understood as a neutral technical system, but as a form of diakonia, intrinsically linked to the ecclesial nature of the Church as the Body of Christ. Consequently, “value” is redefined not in utilitarian or economic terms, but as concrete good: the protection of human dignity, the strengthening of communion, the accessibility of liturgical and pastoral life, and the responsible use of resources. Within this framework, innovation is understood as a Christ-centered renewal of administrative practices, while differentiation (“blue ocean”) becomes a form of service rather than competition. The E.R.S.C. matrix is reinterpreted as an ascetical discipline of discernment, guiding administrative decisions through criteria rooted in theological anthropology and ecclesial ethics. Furthermore, the study addresses the ethical meaning of surplus, the role of transparency, the integration of virtue and competence in organizational culture, and the transformation of communication from image management into truthful witness. Ultimately, the paper argues that authentic church administration is not defined by procedural efficiency alone, but by its capacity to manifest, through structures and decisions, the love of Christ in concrete institutional life. Full article
12 pages, 2140 KB  
Article
Histologic Heterogeneity of Metastases in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma with Sarcomatoid Differentiation
by Kaitlin Berry, William Paul Skelton IV, Madison Karabinus, Steven Monda, Raina Tandon, Henry Frierson and Allison M. May
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3959; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103959 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sarcomatoid or rhabdoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC) represents an aggressive dedifferentiated phenotype of RCC associated with high metastatic potential. The histologic composition of metastatic lesions arising from clear cell RCC with sarcomatoid/rhabdoid differentiation (ccRCC/sRCC) and its relationship to the primary tumor [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Sarcomatoid or rhabdoid renal cell carcinoma (sRCC) represents an aggressive dedifferentiated phenotype of RCC associated with high metastatic potential. The histologic composition of metastatic lesions arising from clear cell RCC with sarcomatoid/rhabdoid differentiation (ccRCC/sRCC) and its relationship to the primary tumor remain incompletely characterized. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing nephrectomy for ccRCC/sRCC who had at least one resected metastatic lesion between 2013 and 2025 at a single institution. Primary and metastatic lesions were characterized by the percentage of clear cell versus sarcomatoid/rhabdoid histology. Associations between sarcomatoid/rhabdoid percentage in the primary tumor, metastatic histology, metastatic location, and overall survival were examined. Results: Twenty-six patients with 63 metastases were included. Metastatic histology demonstrated substantial heterogeneity, with 27 lesions (43%) showing pure clear cell histology, 21 (33%) mixed, and 15 (24%) pure sarcomatoid/rhabdoid. Some patients had multiple metastases with differing histology. Increasing sarcomatoid/rhabdoid percentage in the primary was associated with a higher likelihood of sarcomatoid/rhabdoid in metastases (p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated primary tumor sarcomatoid/rhabdoid percentage predicted sarcomatoid/rhabdoid differentiation in metastases (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.73–0.95). An optimal cutoff of 10% sarcomatoid/rhabdoid differentiation predicted sarcomatoid/rhabdoid features in metastases. Metastatic histology varied by site, with lymph node metastases more frequently demonstrating clear cell morphology and visceral metastases more commonly exhibiting sarcomatoid/rhabdoid features. Conclusions: Metastases arising from ccRCC with sarcomatoid/rhabdoid differentiation exhibit marked histologic heterogeneity. These findings highlight the complex biology of ccRCC/sRCC metastasis and underscore the need for studies examining molecular drivers of metastatic heterogeneity, as well as the relationship between metastatic histology and therapeutic response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Kidney Cancer: From Diagnostic to Therapy)
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16 pages, 243 KB  
Review
Objective Audiovestibular Assessment After Traumatic Brain Injury in Medico-Legal Contexts: A Narrative Expert Review and Practical Cross-Check Framework
by Simona C. Ionescu, Sebastian R. Cozma, Irina S. Manoilescu, Eugen C. Ionescu and Alexandra C. Neagu
Forensic Sci. 2026, 6(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci6020042 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Post-traumatic auditory and vestibular complaints are frequent after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and temporal bone trauma. They create particular difficulty in medico-legal practice because the evaluator must distinguish diagnosis, functional impact, plausibility of traumatic causation, and the credibility of reported deficits and/or symptoms. [...] Read more.
Post-traumatic auditory and vestibular complaints are frequent after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and temporal bone trauma. They create particular difficulty in medico-legal practice because the evaluator must distinguish diagnosis, functional impact, plausibility of traumatic causation, and the credibility of reported deficits and/or symptoms. This manuscript is a narrative expert review, not a systematic review or a validated forensic prediction rule. It aims to synthesize clinically relevant evidence and propose a practical cross-check framework for structured audio-vestibular assessment in post-traumatic and medico-legal contexts. Pure-tone audiometry remains the functional entry point, but it should be interpreted in conjunction with speech audiometry, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes, transient-evoked and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem responses, and auditory steady-state responses. Vestibular evaluation should combine videonystagmography, video head impulse testing, cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and computerized dynamic posturography, recognizing that each method interrogates different physiological domains and frequencies. Particular emphasis is placed on the separation between clinical diagnosis, physiological localization, functional impairment, and medico-legal attribution. The article also discusses safeguards against false-positive attribution of malingering, the time course after TBI, inter-rater variability, and the role of specialist expertise in medico-legal reporting. The proposed framework does not eliminate uncertainty; rather, it is intended to make expert reasoning transparent, cautious, internally consistent, and defensible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Interdisciplinary Frontiers in Forensic Sciences: Innovations, Ethical Principles and Collaborative Approaches)
17 pages, 16470 KB  
Article
The Effect of Material Microstructures on Tool Edge Preparation of PCBN Cutting Tools
by Zhiping Huang, Xian Wu, Chao Zhang and Yanxin Zhai
Micromachines 2026, 17(5), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17050630 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
PCBN tools are widely used in the machining of ferrous metals. Tool edge preparation is a crucial procedure in the tool preparation process that directly affects tool performance. In this paper, tool chamfer grinding and edge blunting were conducted on the PCBN tool [...] Read more.
PCBN tools are widely used in the machining of ferrous metals. Tool edge preparation is a crucial procedure in the tool preparation process that directly affects tool performance. In this paper, tool chamfer grinding and edge blunting were conducted on the PCBN tool to investigate the effect of material microstructures. In tool chamfer grinding, the PCBN tool with larger particles exhibits a larger chamfer width error and roughness than that of smaller particles, and the PCBN tool with higher Al content exhibits a larger chamfer width error and roughness than that with lower Al content. The optimal tool chamfer grinding speed is 24 m/s for the PCBN tool with larger particles, and 27 m/s for smaller particles. The optimal feed rate is 70 mm/min for both PCBN materials. In edge blunting, PCBN tools with larger particles or lower Al content are more difficult to passivate, and the optimal blunting time is about 30 s for an edge radius of 30 μm. The PCBN tools were prepared using the obtained machining parameters and used in the turning of brake pads. It is found that the PCBN tool with smaller particles exhibits longer life than that of larger particles. Although it exhibits the same wear characteristics, the tool life of the PCBN tool with lower Al content is longer than that of the tool with higher Al content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro/Nanomanufacturing and Cross-Scale Fabrication: Methods, Systems, and Applications)
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14 pages, 484 KB  
Article
Interdisciplinary Theoretical Model for Research Evaluation in the Social Sciences Based on the Categories of Subject, Society and Culture
by Roelvis Ortiz-Núñez and Jazmín Sugey Santa-Álvarez
Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(5), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15050335 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
This article develops a conceptual interdisciplinary model for research evaluation in the Social Sciences based on three core categories: Subject, Society, and Culture. It argues that conventional evaluation systems rely too heavily on quantitative metrics and, as a result, fail to capture the [...] Read more.
This article develops a conceptual interdisciplinary model for research evaluation in the Social Sciences based on three core categories: Subject, Society, and Culture. It argues that conventional evaluation systems rely too heavily on quantitative metrics and, as a result, fail to capture the contextual, social, and epistemic complexity of knowledge production in this field. Drawing on an interdisciplinary analysis informed by complex thought and postcolonial theory, the article proposes a framework in which Subject refers to situated reflexivity and the role of relevant actors, Society emphasizes social relevance and public embeddedness, and Culture highlights epistemic plurality, local knowledge, and contextual legitimacy. The model is represented as a dynamic spiral, which underscores the revisable and context-sensitive character of evaluation. As a theoretical-conceptual contribution, the framework offers an alternative basis for broadening research assessment in the Social Sciences beyond productivity-driven and citation-based approaches. Full article
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12 pages, 1460 KB  
Article
ITS-Supported Species Discrimination and ISSR-Based Genetic Diversity and Population Differentiation of Lumnitzera littorea in Southern Vietnam
by Duc-Hoan Huynh, The-Kiet Bui-Nguyen, Huu-Nghia Nguyen, Thanh-Cong Nguyen and Hoang-Dung Tran
Plants 2026, 15(10), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101569 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Lumnitzera littorea is a rare, conservation-relevant mangrove tree with discontinuous records in southern Vietnam, but population-level genetic evidence remains limited. This study combined nuclear rDNA ITS and ISSR markers to distinguish species-level support from population-level comparisons. Can Gio was treated as the focal [...] Read more.
Lumnitzera littorea is a rare, conservation-relevant mangrove tree with discontinuous records in southern Vietnam, but population-level genetic evidence remains limited. This study combined nuclear rDNA ITS and ISSR markers to distinguish species-level support from population-level comparisons. Can Gio was treated as the focal population, while Dong Nai, Phu Quoc, and Con Dao were used as comparison populations. The 16 study-generated ITS sequences, deposited as PZ348213–PZ348228, supported species-level separation between L. littorea and L. racemosa, with a between-species p-distance of 0.0459 and 32 fixed diagnostic sites across the 697 bp core. The ISSR matrix comprised 115 individuals and 81 loci, and population analyses were restricted to 110 L. littorea individuals. Within this dataset, Dong Nai and Can Gio showed higher ISSR diversity than Con Dao and Phu Quoc. AMOVA indicated significant differentiation among populations (Phi_PT = 0.255, p = 0.001), with 74.5% of variation retained within populations; a mainland–island grouping was also significant (Phi_PT = 0.242, p = 0.001). Repeated n = 20 subsampling retained the relative diversity pattern. The results provide a regional ISSR baseline for conservation-genetics interpretation and support broad representation of local source trees when collecting conservation material; however, they do not define formal management units, official seed-transfer zones, or deep phylogeographic history. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources: From Wild Species to Traditional Landraces)
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16 pages, 1036 KB  
Review
Interleukin-17A (IL-17A): Molecular Mechanisms and Its Roles in Immune and Neuroimmune Systems
by Sae Sanaka, Asumi Kubo, Sara Kamiya, Kenyu Nakamura and Tetsuya Sasaki
Receptors 2026, 5(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/receptors5020016 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2026
Abstract
Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a pivotal role in immune responses and tissue homeostasis. Its expression is strictly regulated by transcription factors including RORγt, and it is mainly produced by Th17 cells, γδ T cells, and innate lymphoid cells. IL-17A [...] Read more.
Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a pivotal role in immune responses and tissue homeostasis. Its expression is strictly regulated by transcription factors including RORγt, and it is mainly produced by Th17 cells, γδ T cells, and innate lymphoid cells. IL-17A signals through a heterodimeric receptor complex consisting of IL-17RA and IL-17RC, activating NF-κB, MAPK, and C/EBP pathways via the adaptor protein Act1. IL-17 signaling is counterbalanced by negative regulators including A20 and Regnase-1. Beyond its classical roles in antimicrobial defense and autoimmune inflammation, recent studies have highlighted its functions in the central nervous system, with associations to multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease. The development of IL-17A inhibitors, including the dual IL-17A/F antagonist bimekizumab, has advanced markedly, with demonstrated efficacy in immune-mediated diseases such as psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge of IL-17A, from its molecular characteristics to clinical applications. Full article
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