Advancing Open Science
A global leader in open access publishing, supporting research
communities and accelerating scientific discovery
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 

Recent Articles  

14 pages, 9191 KB  
Article
Propanoic Acid-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanoparticles with Enhanced Fluorescence for Cellular Imaging
by Van-Thuan Nguyen, Narendhar Chandrasekar, Michael Taeyoung Hwang and Moon-Soo Kim
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(17), 8441; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16178441 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have attracted considerable attention for biomedical applications owing to their excellent biocompatibility, tunable optical properties, and low toxicity. In this study, we report a simple, rapid, and cost-effective one-pot bottom-up synthesis of fluorescent carbon nanoparticles using propanoic acid as a [...] Read more.
Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have attracted considerable attention for biomedical applications owing to their excellent biocompatibility, tunable optical properties, and low toxicity. In this study, we report a simple, rapid, and cost-effective one-pot bottom-up synthesis of fluorescent carbon nanoparticles using propanoic acid as a novel liquid carbon precursor. Unlike conventional approaches that often require high temperatures, lengthy reaction times, or complex procedures, the proposed method enables efficient nanoparticle synthesis under mild thermal conditions. The use of propanoic acid enabled carbonization under relatively mild conditions, yielding nanoparticles with excellent aqueous dispersibility. Following the synthesis of CNPs using propanoic acid as the carbon precursor, the nanoparticles were treated with ethylenediamine (EDA) as a nitrogen source and surface-passivating agent, yielding nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles (NCNPs). The resulting NCNPs exhibited approximately fourfold higher fluorescence intensity than the undoped CNPs. The NCNPs exhibited strong visible photoluminescence with a dominant emission band in the green spectral region (490–540 nm), which is advantageous for cellular imaging due to reduced background interference and improved imaging selectivity. Furthermore, the NCNPs demonstrated high aqueous solubility, cellular permeability, and excellent photostability under the in vitro imaging conditions investigated. The bioimaging capability of the NCNPs was evaluated using human lung fibroblasts and lung cancer cells. Confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed efficient cellular uptake and successful nuclear labeling without observable photobleaching and morphological alterations. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using propanoic acid-derived NCNPs as fluorescent probes for cellular imaging and suggest their potential for future applications in bioimaging, biosensing, and related biomedical research. Further studies are warranted to evaluate their long-term biological safety and performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 21606 KB  
Article
Uncertainty-Weighted Robust Frequency-Scanning AVO Inversion for Fluid Prediction in Marine Low-Permeability Gas-Bearing Sandstones: A Case Study from the Xihu Sag, East China Sea
by Jianxing Wang, Wenji Wang, Junyang Cheng, Yang Zhao, Chenggang Xian, Zhitong Zhang, Fenglin Niu, Laibin Zhang, Zonghao Guo and Xin Yao
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(17), 1566; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14171566 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Marine low-permeability gas-bearing sandstones are commonly characterized by thin sand–mud interbeds, poor reservoir properties, limited seismic bandwidth, and heterogeneous pore structures and fluid distributions, which make stable fluid prediction from conventional prestack seismic attributes difficult. This study proposes an uncertainty-weighted robust frequency-scanning amplitude [...] Read more.
Marine low-permeability gas-bearing sandstones are commonly characterized by thin sand–mud interbeds, poor reservoir properties, limited seismic bandwidth, and heterogeneous pore structures and fluid distributions, which make stable fluid prediction from conventional prestack seismic attributes difficult. This study proposes an uncertainty-weighted robust frequency-scanning amplitude variation with offset (AVO) inversion method, termed URFS-AVO, for gas-bearing sandstone identification in the Xihu Sag, East China Sea. Under a fluid-matrix decoupled AVO framework, a frequency-dependent P-to-P (PP) reflection-coefficient equation related to the fluid bulk modulus is combined with matching-pursuit Wigner–Ville distribution (MP-WVD) spectral decomposition to obtain local time–frequency spectra from prestack angle gathers. Moving narrow frequency windows are then used to estimate local fluid-dispersion attributes within the effective seismic bandwidth. Rather than extracting the maximum response, URFS-AVO fuses multi-window estimates using local inversion uncertainty and frequency-domain consistency. Tests based on the Chapman pore–microcrack model and the generalized propagator matrix show that the proposed attribute is sensitive to gas-bearing variations. Compared with maximum-window frequency-scanning AVO (FS-AVO), URFS-AVO produces a more focused target-layer response and suppresses unstable background fluctuations, especially under noisy conditions. Application to marine prestack seismic data from the Xihu Sag shows that high URFS-AVO responses are generally consistent with gas-bearing intervals interpreted from well logs. The method provides a stable seismic constraint for fluid prediction in marine low-permeability gas-bearing sandstone reservoirs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 6345 KB  
Article
Ectopic Expression of AhDef1 Gene (Peanut Defensin Gene) Reveals Enhanced Fungal Resistance and Aflatoxin Suppression in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
by Nirmala Kumari Gupta, Jaykumar Patel, Gohil Mrunaliniba Yuvrajsinh, Saif Syed, Deepesh Khandwal and Avinash Mishra
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(9), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48090858 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
The aim of the present study is functional characterization of a native plant defensin gene (AhDef1) from Arachis hypogaea (peanut). Further its potential has been evaluated to enhance resistance against Aspergillus flavus infection and reduce aflatoxin accumulation through transgenic intervention. Transgenic [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study is functional characterization of a native plant defensin gene (AhDef1) from Arachis hypogaea (peanut). Further its potential has been evaluated to enhance resistance against Aspergillus flavus infection and reduce aflatoxin accumulation through transgenic intervention. Transgenic peanut lines overexpressing the AhDef1 gene exhibited significantly improved resistance to A. flavus colonization and a marked reduction in aflatoxin B1 content compared to wild-type (WT) plants. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed transgene expression, and aflatoxin accumulation was analyzed by a spectrophotometer which revealed a reduction in aflatoxin levels in the transgenic seeds. Alongside its direct antifungal activity, AhDef1 overexpression also triggered the upregulation of genes which are involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as resveratrol, ferulic acid and butenedioic acid, myoinositol, octadecanoic acid, suggesting an amplified biochemical defense response. Multivariate analysis further suggested that accumulation of these defense-related metabolites was positively correlated with transgenic lines challenged by A. flavus. In conclusion, the AhDef1 gene functionally validated in this study emerges as a promising candidate for engineering fungal disease resistance and aflatoxin mitigation in peanut and potentially other susceptible crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 3194 KB  
Article
Effects of Oligomeric Ultrafine-Nano Hydrogen Water on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Nutrient Composition, and Intestinal and Reproductive Responses in Late-Laying Hens
by Baowei Wang, Guangpeng Chu, Mengxiao Yang, Zhigang Fan, Yuanzhao Wu, Binghan Wang, Wei Lu, Shijie Fan, Ruilei Liu, Guiqin Wu, Mingai Zhang, Wenlei Fan, Tiejun Chen and Jing Wang
Animals 2026, 16(17), 2658; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16172658 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of oligomeric ultrafine-nano hydrogen water (OUHW) on production performance, egg quality, egg nutrient deposition, systemic metabolism, intestinal barrier function, and reproductive status in late-laying hens. Unlike conventional hydrogen-rich water, which primarily delivers molecular hydrogen dissolved in water, OUHW [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of oligomeric ultrafine-nano hydrogen water (OUHW) on production performance, egg quality, egg nutrient deposition, systemic metabolism, intestinal barrier function, and reproductive status in late-laying hens. Unlike conventional hydrogen-rich water, which primarily delivers molecular hydrogen dissolved in water, OUHW integrates oligomeric water with ultrafine-nano-sized hydrogen bubbles, providing a distinct physicochemical form of hydrogen-water intervention. A total of 288 healthy 67-week-old Jingfen No. 8 laying hens were assigned to 2 treatments with 6 independent replicates per treatment (24 hens per replicate) and provided with either tap water or OUHW for 11 weeks. Compared with the control, OUHW reduced the feed conversion ratio and the rates of manure-spotting while increasing the laying rate, qualified egg rate, and total egg number during weeks 5–8 (p < 0.05). These productive and egg quality improvements were phase-specific effects observed in the late laying stage during the 11-week trial. At week 4, OUHW significantly increased egg weight (p < 0.05). At week 8, OUHW also improved eggshell compressive elastic deformation, eggshell thickness, albumen height, and Haugh unit (p < 0.05). At week 6, eggs from OUHW-treated hens had higher concentrations of glutamate, glycine, alanine, C18:0, C18:1n9c, C20:4n6, and C22:6n3 (p < 0.05). Serum metabolomics showed that 25 differential metabolites from the OUHW treatment group were predominantly enriched in glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, branched-chain amino acid, histidine, and tryptophan metabolism. In the cecum, OUHW decreased p-cresol and increased isovaleric acid and acetic acid (p < 0.05). Notably, the overall community structures of the cecal and oviductal microbiota exhibited no significant treatment-related alterations, indicating limited structural changes in the microbial communities in response to the OUHW intervention. OUHW also reduced interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α, increased interleukin-10 in the jejunum and oviductal isthmus (p < 0.05), and upregulated the mRNA expression of ovarian steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and intestinal Occludin, Claudin-1, and Mucin-2 (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that OUHW improved laying performance, egg quality, and egg nutrient deposition, possibly through modulation of the metabolism, intestinal barrier function, ovarian function, and oviductal inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Immunity and Immunopathology of Poultry Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2477 KB  
Article
Extending the Indications for Full Revascularization with Robotic-Assisted Coronary Artery Bypass
by Gökhan Arslanhan, Murat Bastopcu, Anıl Karaağaç, Halim Ulugöl, Muharrem Koçyiğit, Sena Sert Şekerci, Aleks Değirmencioğlu, Şahin Şenay and Cem Alhan
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2026, 13(9), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13090411 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Coronary artery bypass grafting via median sternotomy carries considerable morbidity, and minimally invasive robotic approaches have been increasingly performed for surgical revascularization of coronary arteries. We report our institutional experience in robotic-assisted minimally invasive coronary revascularization in a broad patient population with complex [...] Read more.
Coronary artery bypass grafting via median sternotomy carries considerable morbidity, and minimally invasive robotic approaches have been increasingly performed for surgical revascularization of coronary arteries. We report our institutional experience in robotic-assisted minimally invasive coronary revascularization in a broad patient population with complex multivessel disease. We retrospectively reviewed robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (RA-MIDCAB) procedures performed at our center between January 2022 and June 2026. Patient demographics, additional procedures and in-hospital outcomes were recorded. A total of 242 patients were included (mean age 63.4 ± 9.7 years; 31 (12.8%) female). Single-vessel bypass was performed in 25 (10.3%) patients; 212 (87.6%) patients underwent an operation on the arrested heart (mean cross-clamp time 66.9 ± 21.7 min) and 15 (6.2%) received an off-pump operation (mean CPB time in on-pump patients 155.7 ± 46.0 min). Full arterial revascularization was achieved in 42 (17.4%) patients; a bilateral internal mammary artery configuration was used in 9 (3.7%) patients. Coronary endarterectomy was performed in 16 (6.6%) patients and concomitant left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion was performed in three (1.2%) patients. Epiaortic ultrasonography-guided clamp placement was performed in 27 (11.2%) patients with ascending-aortic plaque. In-hospital mortality occurred in two (0.8%) patients; no patient sustained a major neurological deficit, and the transfusion rate was 9.9%. Mean ventilation time was 4.0 (3.0–6.0) hours and mean intensive care unit stay was 22.6 ± 11.2 h. With careful planning and accumulated experience, the indications for robotic-assisted minimally invasive revascularization can be extended to include patients who require full-arterial revascularization, have ascending aortic plaques, complex coronary disease requiring endarterectomy, or atrial fibrillation where concomitant left atrial appendage occlusion is indicated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Minimally Invasive Coronary Revascularization: State of the Art)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4644 KB  
Article
Robust Hybrid Computing-in-Memory System Based on 2T-2C and 4T-2C FRAM Cells
by Chengyu He, Jianjun Li, Wei Li, Yuandong Yuan, Jing Wang, Tao Du, Qiquan Li, Zhiang Xie and Heping Luo
Electronics 2026, 15(17), 3802; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15173802 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
The conventional von Neumann architecture, constrained by the memory and power walls arising from the separation of storage and computation, faces significant limitations in computational efficiency and energy consumption. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a computing-in-memory (CiM) architecture based on a [...] Read more.
The conventional von Neumann architecture, constrained by the memory and power walls arising from the separation of storage and computation, faces significant limitations in computational efficiency and energy consumption. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a computing-in-memory (CiM) architecture based on a hybrid 2T-2C/4T-2C ferroelectric random-access memory (FRAM) array. The proposed architecture performs majority-based bitwise computation by simultaneously activating multiple word lines, enabling AND and OR operations in conventional 2T-2C FRAM cells. Selectively embedded 4T-2C FRAM cells further provide in-array inversion, extending the supported functions to NOT and functionally complete Boolean logic. The architecture also supports full-adder operations and stores input operands, intermediate data, and output results within the same FRAM subarray, thereby reducing data movement. Moreover, the architecture provides ADC-free bitwise computing with binary inputs and outputs, reducing peripheral-circuit overhead and power consumption. The internal computation, nevertheless, relies on analog charge sharing and differential sense-amplifier resolution. HSPICE simulations indicate PVT-evaluated sensing stability and computational efficiency under the evaluated conditions. The bit-line voltage difference reaches 337 mV under triple-row activation and 214 mV under quintuple-row activation, with the former being 5.2 times that of the reported DRAM implementation used for comparison. At 3.3 V, process–voltage–temperature (PVT) simulations show that the maximum deviation of ΔV from its mean value remains below 4.62% across the evaluated process corners and temperatures from −40 °C to 125 °C. Simulations of the 8 × 8 FRAM CiM compute-array circuit model yield an energy consumption of 1.94–3.46 pJ/bit and a calculation latency of 0.599–1.167 ns for the supported bitwise operations, corresponding to a 4.86×–5.90× reduction in energy consumption compared with the reported DDR3-based design. The architecture also supports parallel processing and mitigates data loss associated with destructive FRAM readout through an in-array replication mechanism. Finally, an 8 × 8 hybrid FRAM CiM prototype was fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS process as a physical implementation of the proposed hybrid architecture, and its basic array functionality was verified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Applications of Semiconductor Materials and Devices)
20 pages, 2438 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification of the LdARF Gene Family in Lilium davidii var. unicolor and Transient Functional Analysis of LdARF17 in Bulblet Regeneration
by Ying Tang, Yiqing Wang, Shuxin Gong, Wenjie Guo, Shuting Zhang, Shaozhong Fang, Xiaoping Xu, Chenglong Yang and Zhongxiong Lai
Plants 2026, 15(17), 2581; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15172581 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Auxin response factors (ARFs) are key transcriptional regulators of the auxin signaling pathway and play important roles in plant organogenesis and regeneration. However, the functions of ARF family genes in lily scale-derived bulblet regeneration remain largely unclear. In this study, 24 LdARF genes [...] Read more.
Auxin response factors (ARFs) are key transcriptional regulators of the auxin signaling pathway and play important roles in plant organogenesis and regeneration. However, the functions of ARF family genes in lily scale-derived bulblet regeneration remain largely unclear. In this study, 24 LdARF genes were identified from the genome of Lilium davidii var. unicolor. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LdARF proteins showed evolutionary conservation with ARF homologs from other monocot species. Genome-wide identification, phylogenetic analysis, and expression profiling revealed functional divergence among LdARF genes during scale-derived bulblet regeneration. Among them, LdARF17 exhibited a distinct regeneration-associated expression pattern, characterized by rapid induction after scale excision and sustained high expression during subsequent bulblet initiation and formation. Subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that LdARF17 is localized in the nucleus. Transient overexpression of LdARF17 significantly promoted bulblet regeneration and was associated with increased expression of auxin-responsive and regeneration-related genes, including IAA14, LBD16, and LBD29. These findings suggest that LdARF17 acts as a positive regulator of lily scale regeneration and may influence auxin-responsive transcriptional processes associated with early cell proliferation, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying vegetative regeneration in lilies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 1191 KB  
Review
Applications of Substrate Materials for Interdigital Transducers (IDTs): A Review
by Ziping Wang, Haitao Zhang, Chengxu Wang, Xilin Wang, Alfredo Güemes and Nataša R. Trišović
Symmetry 2026, 18(9), 1423; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18091423 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Structural health monitoring (SHM) based on ultrasonic-guided waves has been widely investigated for aerospace, transportation, marine engineering, petrochemical equipment and large-scale civil infrastructure. As the core component for guided-wave excitation and signal reception, the transducer directly affects electromechanical conversion efficiency, modal selectivity and [...] Read more.
Structural health monitoring (SHM) based on ultrasonic-guided waves has been widely investigated for aerospace, transportation, marine engineering, petrochemical equipment and large-scale civil infrastructure. As the core component for guided-wave excitation and signal reception, the transducer directly affects electromechanical conversion efficiency, modal selectivity and service stability. Interdigital transducers (IDTs) are characterized by a lightweight structure, designable wavelength, tunable operating frequency and good array compatibility, and therefore show considerable potential for curved structures, composite components and large-area online monitoring. The periodically repeated interdigital electrode pattern represents a basic form of structural symmetry in IDTs, providing the geometric basis for wavelength matching and frequency-selective response, while substrate properties govern the electromechanical conversion efficiency and stability of the device. This review focuses on the research progress of substrate materials for flexible IDTs. The material characteristics and application status of inorganic piezoelectric materials, piezoelectric polymers, piezoelectric composites and heterogeneous integrated substrates are summarized. The differences among typical substrate systems are compared in terms of electromechanical coupling, flexible conformability, thermal stability, acoustic loss and integration process. Recent applications of IDTs in guided-wave damage detection, flexible sensing, high-temperature monitoring and on-chip acoustic devices are also discussed. The main challenges and future directions of IDT substrate materials are analyzed to provide guidance for material selection, device design and SHM applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section F: Engineering and Materials)
18 pages, 346 KB  
Review
Mental Health Across the Atrial Fibrillation Continuum: Mechanisms, Outcomes, and Clinical Implications
by Aikaterini-Eleftheria Karanikola, Dimitrios Tsiachris, Georgia Balta, Panagiotis Alexandrou, Athanasios Dedousis, Fotis Tatakis, Michail Botis, Athanasios Kordalis and Konstantinos Tsioufis
Life 2026, 16(9), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16091399 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia in adults, with a rising prevalence and a significant impact on quality of life and major cardiovascular outcomes. While atrial structural and electrical remodeling have long been central to AF pathophysiology, increasing evidence highlights [...] Read more.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia in adults, with a rising prevalence and a significant impact on quality of life and major cardiovascular outcomes. While atrial structural and electrical remodeling have long been central to AF pathophysiology, increasing evidence highlights the importance of psychological and mental health factors throughout the disease course. Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress are highly prevalent among individuals with AF and are associated with increased symptom burden, impaired quality of life (QoL), reduced treatment adherence, lower utilization of evidence-based therapies, and adverse clinical outcomes. Conversely, the diagnosis of AF itself may contribute to psychological distress, highlighting a complex bidirectional relationship between mental health and AF. This review summarizes current evidence on this interplay, with a focus on underlying mechanisms, including autonomic dysfunction and inflammation. Furthermore, the influence of mental health on outcomes and therapeutic strategies, and the clinical relevance of a multidisciplinary approach in contemporary AF management, are also examined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Cardiovascular Interventions: From Imaging to Precision Therapies)
19 pages, 7063 KB  
Article
Zinc Fertilization Mitigates Boron Toxicity in Citrus: Plant Growth, Tissue Mineral Composition and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity
by Xiongjie Lin, Hanqing Hu, Yanfang Zhang, Shouxing Wen, Jiali Zou, Xiaowei Zhao, Ling-Yuan Zhang, Guocheng Fan, Jiahui Xu and Jing-Hao Huang
Plants 2026, 15(17), 2580; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15172580 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Boron (B) toxicity severely restricts Citrus growth and productivity in high-B soil and irrigation water environments. Although exogenous Zinc (Zn) has been reported to mitigate B toxicity in plants, the underlying physiological regulation mechanisms—particularly in Citrus—remain incompletely understood. In this study, seedlings of [...] Read more.
Boron (B) toxicity severely restricts Citrus growth and productivity in high-B soil and irrigation water environments. Although exogenous Zinc (Zn) has been reported to mitigate B toxicity in plants, the underlying physiological regulation mechanisms—particularly in Citrus—remain incompletely understood. In this study, seedlings of two Citrus species differing markedly in B tolerance—Citrus sinensis (sweet orange, B-tolerant) and C. grandis (sour pomelo, B-sensitive)—were subjected to three boric acid treatments (10, 200, and 400 μM) and five ZnSO4 treatments (0.002, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.25 mM) in a fully factorial design over 15 weeks. Comprehensive physiological assessments—including growth parameters, photosynthetic performance, mineral-nutrient profiling (in leaves and roots), and antioxidant enzyme activity—were conducted to decipher the mechanistic basis of Zn-mediated B detoxification. Results showed that 400 μM BA alone triggered severe B toxicity symptoms in the older leaves of C. grandis, whereas 0.25 mM Zn independently led to chlorosis symptoms similar to Fe deficiency in the apical leaves of both Citrus species. Either B or Zn toxicity affected photosynthesis in matured leaves. Exogenous Zn at 0.05–0.20 mM alleviated B toxicity symptoms in B-sensitive C. grandis, yet consistent alleviation of Zn toxicity by excess B was not observed across all measured variables. Severe B toxicity caused a significant reduction in Fe, N, P and Ca contents and a significant increase in Cu and Mn contents in C. grandis roots, yet it only led to a significant reduction in Mn, N, P and Ca contents in C. grandis leaves. Unlike this, B toxic treatments in C. sinensis resulted in a significant reduction in merely Fe content and a significant increase in Cu, Mn, N and K contents in roots, and a significant reduction in Mn and Ca contents in the leaves. Under basal B supply, 0.05–0.20 mM Zn supplementation dose-dependently increased root Zn, Cu and Mn contents as well as leaf Zn and Cu contents in both Citrus species, but concurrently decreased root Fe content and leaf Fe and Ca contents—additionally, in C. grandis, leaf N, P, K and Mg contents were further reduced. Regarding antioxidant responses in C. grandis, B toxicity significantly suppressed leaf CAT activity while enhancing APX and GPX activities. Under B toxicity conditions, 0.2 mM Zn supplement significantly restored CAT activity and suppressed APX and GPX activities. These antioxidant modulations were highly dependent on species identity and treatment combination, and were markedly more pronounced in B-sensitive C. grandis. Collectively, this work clarifies the physiological interplay between Zn and B in Citrus, uncovers divergent adaptive strategies employed by contrasting citrus species under combined B–Zn stress, and provides a mechanistic foundation for optimizing exogenous Zn application to mitigate B toxicity in citrus production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management on Soil Microbiome Dynamics and Plant Health—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 7219 KB  
Article
Experimental Method to Identify Viable Mixture Proportions and Printing Parameters for Additive Manufacturing Using Calcined Clay-Based Cementitious Inks
by Bintul Zehra, Bryan Magee and William Rodgers
Buildings 2026, 16(17), 3378; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16173378 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Proposed in this paper is a systematic methodology to identify cementitious paste mix design and printing parameters suitable for yielding dimensionally accurate 3D-printed specimens. Using a Box–Behnken surface response experimental design approach, the first work phase generated mathematical models to predict ink flow [...] Read more.
Proposed in this paper is a systematic methodology to identify cementitious paste mix design and printing parameters suitable for yielding dimensionally accurate 3D-printed specimens. Using a Box–Behnken surface response experimental design approach, the first work phase generated mathematical models to predict ink flow based on the paste water–binder ratio and dosage of superplasticising and viscosity-modifying admixtures. In the second work phase, favourable mixes were investigated further, again using a Box–Behnken surface response experimental design and corresponding mathematical models to predict printing accuracy in relation to printing parameters including ranges of print speed, extrusion multipliers and layer height. Confirmed by parallel preliminary print trials, favourable ink mix designs were efficiently identified for inks comprising either Portland cement only, or ternary blends of calcined clay, silica fume and Portland cement. For the Portland cement binder, the favourable mix design comprised a water–binder ratio of 0.26 and superplasticising and viscosity-modifying admixture dosages of 1.12% and 1.10% by mass of the binder respectively. Corresponding values for the calcined clay/silica fume/Portland cement binder ink were 0.27, 1.1% and 1.1% respectively. For both binder types, corresponding favourable values of the above listed print parameters were identified as 5 mm/s, 1.1% and 1.0 mm respectively. In the final work phase, the outputs from phases one and two were validated via print trials of hollow cube, beam, hexagonal and circular elements enabling measurements of the dimensional accuracy and buildability. With deviations in element height and width ranging from only ±0.3 to 2.6% from corresponding CAD designs, the appropriateness of the methodology was established. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geopolymers and Low Carbon Building Materials for Infrastructures)
28 pages, 2074 KB  
Article
Pyrometallurgical Recovery of Neodymium from Nd–Fe–B Magnets in End-of-Life Electric Vehicle Motors Using Non-Ferrous Smelting Slag Flux
by Chang-Jeong Kim, Yeon-Jun Chung and Jei-Pil Wang
Metals 2026, 16(9), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16090942 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
The increasing use of electric vehicles has led to a growing demand for rare-earth elements, particularly neodymium (Nd), which is a critical component of Nd–Fe–B permanent magnets used in traction motors. End-of-life electric vehicle motors are therefore considered promising secondary resources for Nd [...] Read more.
The increasing use of electric vehicles has led to a growing demand for rare-earth elements, particularly neodymium (Nd), which is a critical component of Nd–Fe–B permanent magnets used in traction motors. End-of-life electric vehicle motors are therefore considered promising secondary resources for Nd recovery. In this study, a pyrometallurgical process using non-ferrous smelting slag as a flux was proposed for recovering Nd from Nd–Fe–B magnets contained in waste electric vehicle motors. Steel and magnet fractions obtained from a dismantled motor were melted at approximately 1600 °C under an air atmosphere, and Fe2O3 was added as an oxidizing agent to promote the selective oxidation of Nd. The oxidized Nd was subsequently partitioned into the slag phase as Nd2O3 through metal–slag separation. The effects of the slag flux addition ratio, Fe2O3 content, slag flux type, and crucible material on Nd recovery behavior were systematically investigated. Increasing the fayalite-based slag flux addition enhanced Nd transfer into the slag phase, and the highest Nd recovery of approximately 80% was obtained at a slag flux addition ratio of 30 wt%. The addition of 2 wt% Fe2O3 was found to be suitable for promoting stable Nd oxidation and efficient slag–metal separation. The non-ferrous smelting slag exhibited chemical and phase characteristics comparable to those of synthetic fayalite slag flux, resulting in similar Nd recovery performance. In addition, the crucible material significantly affected the process stability and Nd recovery behavior. Although a carbon crucible showed relatively high Nd recovery, severe slag foaming and crucible erosion occurred during melting. In contrast, alumina and MgO crucibles provided stable process conditions with comparable Nd recovery behavior, whereas zirconia crucibles caused relatively higher Nd loss. These results demonstrate that non-ferrous smelting slag can be effectively used as a flux for the pyrometallurgical recovery of Nd from end-of-life electric vehicle motors, offering a potential route for sustainable rare-earth recycling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Extractive Metallurgy (2nd Edition))
28 pages, 3389 KB  
Article
Physics-Informed Attention-Enhanced Reinforcement Learning for Safe and Explainable Fast Charging of Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Marran Al Qwaid, Gobbi Ramasamy and Md Sabbir Hossen
Batteries 2026, 12(9), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries12090323 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Fast charging of lithium-ion batteries requires balancing charging efficiency with electrochemical safety to minimize degradation and lithium plating. Conventional charging strategies and existing reinforcement learning approaches often lack physical consistency and model interpretability, limiting their applicability in safety-critical battery management systems. This paper [...] Read more.
Fast charging of lithium-ion batteries requires balancing charging efficiency with electrochemical safety to minimize degradation and lithium plating. Conventional charging strategies and existing reinforcement learning approaches often lack physical consistency and model interpretability, limiting their applicability in safety-critical battery management systems. This paper proposes a physics-informed Attention-Proximal Policy Optimization (Attention-PPO) framework for intelligent battery fast charging by integrating the Single Particle Model with Electrolyte (SPMe) with a transformer-based attention mechanism. SPMe provides physically meaningful battery state transitions, while the attention-enhanced PPO dynamically learns informative electrochemical representations for charging control. To improve transparency, a monotonic XGBoost surrogate model is employed for lithium-plating risk estimation, and the learned policy is further distilled into an interpretable decision tree. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed Attention-PPO achieves substantially faster and more stable policy convergence than the baseline PPO, reaching convergence at episode 37 compared with episode 82 for PPO, corresponding to a 54.9% reduction in training episodes. The reward standard deviation is also reduced from 0.132 to 0.041, indicating 68.9% lower reward variability. In terms of electrochemical safety, Attention-PPO achieves a mean plating overpotential of +0.023 V compared with −0.015 V for PPO, providing a 38 mV improvement and a positive safety margin against lithium plating. Compared with conventional CC-CV and CC-COP controllers, the proposed framework requires a longer charging duration because it prioritizes electrochemical safety; however, it consistently maintains positive plating overpotential while achieving reliable charging performance. Compared with conventional CC-CV, CC-COP, and standard PPO controllers, the proposed framework provides a larger electrochemical safety margin while preserving reliable charging performance. Transformer attention analysis and policy distillation provide interpretable representations of the learned charging policy, while SHAP analysis characterizes feature contributions within the auxiliary plating-risk estimator. The proposed framework provides an effective and explainable physics-informed reinforcement learning solution for safe lithium-ion battery fast charging, offering a promising approach for next-generation intelligent battery management systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Electric Vehicles Smart Charging: Strategies, Technologies, and Challenges-2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 8705 KB  
Article
Assessing the Erosion Regulation Service Provided by European Forests
by Stefanos P. Stefanidis and Nikolaos D. Proutsos
Forests 2026, 17(9), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17091009 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Forests reduce water-driven soil erosion, yet their protective contribution has not been assessed consistently across the European Union (EU) in a framework that separates per-area service intensity from aggregate service flow. We quantified erosion regulation service (ERS) as RUSLE-based avoided sheet and rill [...] Read more.
Forests reduce water-driven soil erosion, yet their protective contribution has not been assessed consistently across the European Union (EU) in a framework that separates per-area service intensity from aggregate service flow. We quantified erosion regulation service (ERS) as RUSLE-based avoided sheet and rill erosion: the difference between structural soil-loss potential (C = P = 1) and loss under forest conditions. Spatially aligned European RUSLE factors were combined with the CORINE Land Cover 2018 forest mask and summarised by country, biogeographical region and elevation. Across 134.10 Mha, ERS totalled 6806.15 Mt yr−1 (mean 50.75; median 12.36 t ha−1 yr−1), revealing strong spatial concentration. Slovenia had the highest mean intensity (257.45 t ha−1 yr−1) across 1.13 Mha of mapped forest, whereas Italy provided the largest national total (1437.05 Mt yr−1) across 7.83 Mha of mapped forest. Alpine and Mediterranean forests supplied 64.0% of total ERS in the 27 EU Member States (EU27) while occupying 27.7% of mapped forest area. Mean intensity increased from 9.70 t ha−1 yr−1 below 200 m to 248.53 t ha−1 yr−1 at ≥2000 m, but total service peaked at 500–1000 m. This intensity–area trade-off distinguishes priority locations from major national contributions and provides a spatially consistent baseline for multifunctional forest management, soil protection and ecosystem restoration. ERS represents modelled avoided hillslope erosion, not sediment yield or a deforestation scenario. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Soil)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1066 KB  
Article
Whole-Body MRI Versus 18F-FDG-PET/CT for the Detection of Nodal and Distant Metastases in Pediatric Patients with Solid Tumors
by André Lollert, Maximilian Wittmann, Fabio Souschek, Markus Schepers, Matthias Miederer, Mathias Schreckenberger, Alexandra Russo, Tobias Bäuerle and Gundula Staatz
Cancers 2026, 18(17), 2749; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18172749 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Pediatric patients with solid tumors (non-lymphoma) require adequate staging prior to and during therapy. 18F-FDG-PET/CT is commonly used for the detection of tumorous lesions, with the drawback of exposure to ionizing radiation. Whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) can be considered as a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Pediatric patients with solid tumors (non-lymphoma) require adequate staging prior to and during therapy. 18F-FDG-PET/CT is commonly used for the detection of tumorous lesions, with the drawback of exposure to ionizing radiation. Whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) can be considered as a complementary method according to clinical guidelines. The main objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the aforementioned methods for the detection of metastases, both separately and in combination. Methods: We retrospectively assessed sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG-PET/CT, WB-MRI, and the combination of both methods for the detection of lymph node and distant metastases in pediatric patients with solid tumors. Results: A total of 21 patients who underwent both 18F-FDG-PET/CT and WB-MRI were included in this study. We found 109 confirmed metastatic lesions in 1322 body regions. Sensitivity and specificity for the whole collective were 63.4%/99.3% for 18F-FDG-PET/CT, 91.3%/98.6% for WB-MRI, and 100%/98.2% for the combination of both methods. In 11 therapy-naïve patients, both 18F-FDG-PET/CT and WB-MRI exhibited a sensitivity of 84.7%, while specificity was 98.8% for 18F-FDG-PET/CT and 98.5% for WB-MRI. The combination of both methods led to a significant increase in sensitivity to 100% in both therapy-naïve patients and patients under chemotherapy (both p < 0.001), while specificity remained high (97.7%/98.7%). Conclusions: 18F-FDG-PET/CT in combination with WB-MRI showed a higher sensitivity for the detection of metastases in solid malignant pediatric tumors than either of the methods alone. Thus, the combination allows for the most accurate staging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CT/MRI/PET in Cancer)
42 pages, 2213 KB  
Review
Coumarin and Curcumin–Metal Complexes as Next-Generation Photosensitizers in Cancer Photodynamic Therapy
by Siu Kan Law, Albert Wing Nang Leung and Chuanshan Xu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(17), 7585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177585 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
To explore the emerging role of natural ligands, specifically coumarin and curcumin, and their coordination with the transition metals ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir) as photosensitizers (PSs) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer. This highlights the integration of natural compounds and transition metals [...] Read more.
To explore the emerging role of natural ligands, specifically coumarin and curcumin, and their coordination with the transition metals ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir) as photosensitizers (PSs) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer. This highlights the integration of natural compounds and transition metals to overcome limitations in photophysical properties, hypoxia tolerance, and clinical translation. Regarding PDT oncology, this examines an immunological effect on Ru/Ir complexes and natural ligand–metal hybrids. They induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, calreticulin exposure, extracellular ATP release, and HMGB1 secretion. These damage-associated molecular patterns act as “danger signals” to recruit dendritic cells, prime CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells, and establish systemic antitumor immunity. This study compares natural ligand–metal complexes with conventional Ru(II)/Ir(III) complexes and clinical PSs to assess their translational potential as immune-activating agents in PDT oncology, as well as focusing on the integration of nanotechnology with natural ligand–metal complexes to enhance delivery, biocompatibility, and clinical translation. A narrative review was conducted of the literature published between 2010 and 2025 across multiple electronic databases, including WanFang Data, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and CNKI, without language restrictions. Studies focusing on coumarin, curcumin, Ru(II), Ir(III), and PDT were analyzed. Extracted data included chemical structures, absorption and emission spectra, singlet oxygen yields, biological activities, and therapeutic outcomes. Comparative evaluation was performed between free natural ligands, their Ru(II)/Ir(III) complexes, and nanodelivery systems to assess efficacy, biocompatibility, and translational potential. Coumarin and curcumin exhibited intrinsic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties but were limited by short absorption/emission ranges, poor photostability, and low singlet oxygen yields, restricting preclinical application. Coordination with Ru(II) and Ir(III) significantly enhanced intersystem crossing, extended absorption into the near-infrared region, and improved singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ up to ~0.78). These complexes demonstrated potent photocytotoxicity under normoxia and hypoxia, achieving IC50 values in the nanomolar range, which indicated organelle-specific targeting (mitochondria, lysosomes, ER), induced ICD, and synergized with checkpoint blockade. Nanocarrier encapsulation further improved solubility and tumor selectivity, and reduced systemic toxicity. Coumarin- and curcumin-based Ru/Ir complexes represent promising next-generation or immune-activating PDT agents by combining natural pharmacological activity with superior photophysical performance. The ability to generate reactive oxygen species under hypoxia and achieve multimodal therapeutic effects positions them as strong candidates for clinical translation. Clinical approval of natural ligand–Ru/Ir complexes depends on rigorous safety, pharmacokinetic, and nanodelivery validation, but these complexes clearly extend PDT beyond local cytotoxicity toward durable immune protection. Future research should prioritize ligand engineering, nanotechnology integration, and translational models to bridge preclinical promise with safe and effective clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Advances in Photodynamic Therapy)
20 pages, 3752 KB  
Article
The Evolutionary Significance of Leaf Nodulation: Evidence from Ardisia and Its Relatives (Primulaceae: Myrsinoideae)
by Dan Wei, Tong-Jian Liu, Xiao-Kai Yan, Xing-Feng Wang, Ge-Han Huang, Yuan Xu, Xing Wu, Xue-Jun Ge, Gang Hao and Hai-Fei Yan
Biology 2026, 15(17), 1451; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15171451 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Interactions between plants and microorganisms have long been a central topic in biological research. Bacterial symbiosis on leaf surfaces represents a distinctive and mutually beneficial system within the phyllosphere microbiome. Leaf nodules are the visible manifestation of the symbiosis and confer ecological advantages [...] Read more.
Interactions between plants and microorganisms have long been a central topic in biological research. Bacterial symbiosis on leaf surfaces represents a distinctive and mutually beneficial system within the phyllosphere microbiome. Leaf nodules are the visible manifestation of the symbiosis and confer ecological advantages to host plants by enhancing host resistance against pathogens and herbivores. It has been hypothesized that these advantages promote higher diversification rates in host lineages, but this remains uncertain. Ardisia subg. Crispardisia and its close relatives (Amblyanthopsis and Amblyanthus) within Primulaceae are typical plant groups with leaf nodule symbiosis, making them an ideal system for testing this hypothesis. In this study, we conducted extensive sampling of “Ardisioids” (Ardisia and its allies) and reconstructed their phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history using plastid genomes and nuclear datasets (i.e., nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)). We clarified the phylogenetic positions of several “Ardisioids” genera (e.g., Sadiria, Tapeinosperma, Amblyanthus, and Amblyanthopsis) and multiple subgenera within Ardisia. We further detected a rapid radiation during the middle Miocene in Ardisia and its allies. Notably, we found that the leaf-nodulated clade appears to have originated during this period, approximately 11–8 Ma. BAMM (Bayesian Analysis of Macroevolutionary Mixtures) analyses revealed elevated diversification rates in leaf-nodulated lineages, while HiSSE (Hidden State Speciation and Extinction) analyses indicated that leaf nodule symbiosis might have increased speciation rates without significantly affecting extinction rates. These results provide strong evidence that leaf nodule symbiosis, together with other abiotic and biotic factors, represents a key evolutionary innovation that has promoted diversification in Ardisia and its close relatives. Full article
23 pages, 5406 KB  
Article
Unified Multi-Weather Image Restoration with Intra-Task Difficulty and Inter-Task Contribution
by Shengjie Lei, Zhiyong Wei and Ziqi Wu
Symmetry 2026, 18(9), 1422; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18091422 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Recent studies have witnessed significant advances in unified multi-weather image restoration, which aims to handle diverse weather degradations within a single model. In this work, we observe that rain, haze, and snow restoration exhibit substantial differences in both degradation characteristics and learning dynamics, [...] Read more.
Recent studies have witnessed significant advances in unified multi-weather image restoration, which aims to handle diverse weather degradations within a single model. In this work, we observe that rain, haze, and snow restoration exhibit substantial differences in both degradation characteristics and learning dynamics, making straightforward joint optimization prone to performance imbalance and ineffective knowledge transfer. To this end, we propose UMWIR-Net, a unified multi-weather image restoration network equipped with an Asymmetric Task Collaborative Learning strategy. ATCL consists of Intra-Task Difficulty Optimization and Inter-Task Contribution Scheduling. Specifically, Intra-Task Difficulty Optimization jointly models the remaining restoration error and recent learning progress to dynamically estimate the optimization difficulty of each weather task, thereby assigning larger weights to slowly converging and under-optimized tasks. Inter-Task Contribution Scheduling measures the directional influence of a source-task update on the validation objective of a target task, constructs an asymmetric task-contribution matrix, and accordingly promotes tasks that provide stronger transferable knowledge while compensating those that benefit less from collaborative learning. In this manner, different weather restoration tasks collaborate selectively and asymmetrically, allowing the model to exploit complementary knowledge across tasks and improve overall restoration performance. Furthermore, UMWIR-Net adopts a wavelet-based Transformer backbone to capture low- and high-frequency information, enabling effective modeling of both global structures and local details for diverse weather restoration. Extensive experiments on multi-weather image restoration datasets show that UMWIR-Net achieves state-of-the-art performance and delivers more balanced restoration quality across rain, haze, and snow removal. Full article
17 pages, 6098 KB  
Article
A Mechanism-Oriented Multiphysics Study of Scratch-Width-Dependent Galvanic Protection Loss in Mechanically Damaged Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Enclosures
by Junqi Mai, Wenkai Xiao, Feiyang Yu, Huijiu Wang, Junwen Wang, Limin Yang, Xiaozhuan Zhang, Lin Gui, Xin Lin, Shijing Wu and Xian Zhai
Materials 2026, 19(17), 3600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19173600 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Mechanical scratches that penetrate the protective layers expose the steel substrate and establish a zinc–steel galvanic couple beneath an electrolyte film. This study develops a mechanism-oriented multiphysics model of scratch-width-dependent galvanic protection loss in hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel enclosures. The model couples Butler–Volmer [...] Read more.
Mechanical scratches that penetrate the protective layers expose the steel substrate and establish a zinc–steel galvanic couple beneath an electrolyte film. This study develops a mechanism-oriented multiphysics model of scratch-width-dependent galvanic protection loss in hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel enclosures. The model couples Butler–Volmer interfacial kinetics with equilibrium potentials related through the Nernst framework, Nernst–Planck transport of Zn2+, OH−, Na+, Cl−, and dissolved O2, electrolyte charge conservation, reaction-derived boundary fluxes, a simplified corrosion-product deposition and transport-resistance treatment, and level-set tracking of interface evolution. Numerical field cases at scratch widths of 1, 3, and 5 mm show that widening the scratch increases the exposed-steel cathodic demand and lengthens the ionic-current path from the zinc edges to the scratch center. The resulting ohmic drop reduces the protective current and permits local iron dissolution when the center can no longer be maintained at a sufficiently negative potential. NSS morphology, cross-sectional SEM/EDS, corrosion-depth trends, and XRD observations show qualitative consistency with this mechanism. Under the investigated NSS conditions, a marked descriptive change occurs between the experimentally sampled widths of 2 and 3 mm, with 3 mm representing the first sampled condition showing pronounced protection loss. Because replicate-level corrosion-depth data and independent electrochemical measurements are unavailable, no statistical significance or quantitative model validation is claimed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging Scales: From Metals and Alloys to 2D Materials in Tribology and Corrosion)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 1037 KB  
Article
Better Together: Technology-Use Gaps and Loneliness in Older Adults
by Ortal Cohen Elimelech, Naor Demeter and Sara Rosenblum
Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16091473 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Loneliness is a growing public health concern among older adults, underscoring the need to better understand the complex interplay of factors associated with it. Although technology can enhance social connectedness, limited attention has been given to discrepancies between desired and actual technology use [...] Read more.
Loneliness is a growing public health concern among older adults, underscoring the need to better understand the complex interplay of factors associated with it. Although technology can enhance social connectedness, limited attention has been given to discrepancies between desired and actual technology use in daily life. This study examined loneliness, focusing on perceived technology-use gaps alongside health-related factors, including depressive symptoms, sleep quality, functional cognition, and sensorimotor abilities. Participants included 211 adults aged 65 to 87, who completed the de Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Daily Living Questionnaire, selected items from the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning-Enhanced, and the Daily Technology-Use Gap questionnaire. Spearman correlations and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted. Loneliness was significantly associated with all variables (r = −0.64 to −0.32, p < 0.01–0.001). The SEM demonstrated good fit (comparative fit index = 0.986, root mean square error of approximation = 0.068). Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with loneliness, whereas technology-use gaps were identified as significant mediators in the proposed SEM, linking health-related factors and loneliness. These findings highlight a shift from focusing on technology access to understanding the quality and satisfaction of technology use in daily life. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

32 pages, 3306 KB  
Review
Photodynamic Therapy in Cancer: Mechanisms, Photosensitizer Technology, Vitamin Modulation, and Rational Combination Design
by Ilaf Naser, Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher, Barbara Smolak, Klaudia Dynarowicz, Edward Kowalczyk, Wiesław Guz, David Aebisher and Gabriela Henrykowska
Biomedicines 2026, 14(9), 1889; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14091889 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive anticancer modality based on the interaction of a photosensitizer, light of an appropriate wavelength, and molecular oxygen, resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated tumor injury. This review discusses PDT as a mechanism-dependent therapeutic platform and evaluates [...] Read more.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive anticancer modality based on the interaction of a photosensitizer, light of an appropriate wavelength, and molecular oxygen, resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated tumor injury. This review discusses PDT as a mechanism-dependent therapeutic platform and evaluates how photosensitizers, vitamin A, vitamin D, nanotechnology, and combination strategies may influence its efficacy. The article synthesizes mechanistic and translational evidence concerning photosensitizer activation, ROS generation, tumor cell death, vascular shutdown, immunogenic cell death, and clinically relevant PDT applications. Particular attention is given to the divergent roles of vitamin A and vitamin D. Mechanistic and limited experimental evidence indicates that the effects of vitamin A-related compounds on PDT are heterogeneous and context-dependent. Selected compounds may attenuate PDT through antioxidant or cytoprotective mechanisms, whereas enhancement has also been reported for specific retinoid–photosensitizer combinations; however, clinical evidence remains limited. In contrast, vitamin D may enhance ALA/MAL-PDT by increasing intracellular protoporphyrin IX accumulation through modulation of the heme biosynthetic pathway, especially in non-melanoma skin cancer contexts. Nanocarriers, targeted photosensitizers, oxygen-modulating platforms, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy may further improve PDT when selected according to mechanistic compatibility. Overall, PDT combination design should be guided by whether adjunctive agents support or undermine photosensitizer accumulation, oxygen availability, ROS-mediated cytotoxicity, and immune activation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photodynamic Therapy (4th Edition))
12 pages, 1115 KB  
Article
Label-Free Urinary Proteomics Uncovers Immune-Related Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Primary Biliary Cholangitis
by Xiong Pei, Ting Lei, Wei Jiang, Qingmin Zeng, Hong Tang, Taoyou Zhou and Dongbo Wu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(17), 7584; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177584 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) currently depends on invasive liver biopsy or serum markers with inadequate diagnostic performance. This study aimed to identify non-invasive urinary protein biomarkers for PBC detection. Urine specimens from biopsy-verified PBC patients and healthy controls were processed through [...] Read more.
Diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) currently depends on invasive liver biopsy or serum markers with inadequate diagnostic performance. This study aimed to identify non-invasive urinary protein biomarkers for PBC detection. Urine specimens from biopsy-verified PBC patients and healthy controls were processed through ultracentrifugation-based protein extraction, enzymatic digestion, and HPLC-ESI-IT/MS proteomic profiling; protein quantification was completed using Spectronaut v14.8. We identified 194 differentially expressed urinary proteins (109 upregulated, 85 downregulated) and screened 10 immune-related candidates through GO and KEGG enrichment. Pearson correlation further filtered three core proteins, osteopontin (SPP1/OPN), RAMP3 and S100A8, that correlated significantly with key PBC biochemical indices (ALP, GGT, AST, ALT, IgM, p < 0.05). Elevated urinary concentrations of OPN, RAMP3 and S100A8 were validated by ELISA in an independent cohort containing 30 PBC patients and 20 healthy volunteers. In summary, urinary OPN, RAMP3 and S100A8 are markedly increased in PBC patients and hold promise as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for PBC; however, their diagnostic specificity against other cholestatic and autoimmune liver diseases remains to be evaluated, and further confirmation in larger multicenter cohorts with disease control groups is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathological Changes and Pathogenic Mechanisms of Chronic Liver Disease)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 4976 KB  
Review
A Proposed Microneedle–Small Extracellular Vesicle System for Localized Adjunctive Treatment of Established Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review and Preclinical Development Perspective
by Hai He, Zishuai Chen, Hengxiang Liu, Xiaohua Zhang, Zhiqiang Li, Heqiang Yang, Xiaoyong Chen, Yufei Yang and Zifan Wang
Cells 2026, 15(17), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15171527 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Established oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains constrained by local recurrence, inadequate lesion exposure, systemic toxicity, and therapy resistance. This narrative review evaluates a proposed microneedle–small extracellular vesicle (sEV) system for localized adjunctive treatment in three preclinical contexts: postoperative residual-disease control, local immunomodulation/checkpoint [...] Read more.
Established oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains constrained by local recurrence, inadequate lesion exposure, systemic toxicity, and therapy resistance. This narrative review evaluates a proposed microneedle–small extracellular vesicle (sEV) system for localized adjunctive treatment in three preclinical contexts: postoperative residual-disease control, local immunomodulation/checkpoint combination, and chemoradiotherapy sensitization. Direct evidence for the combined microneedle–sEV system in OSCC is not yet available; the analysis therefore integrates OSCC-specific sEV mechanisms with oral-mucosal microneedle and cross-disease engineering studies. We focus on whether the proposed microneedle–sEV system can preserve sEV potency, achieve reproducible local delivery, and meet oncologic-safety, manufacturing, and repeated-dose oral-safety requirements. The review provides a preclinical decision framework and comparator-based development criteria rather than a claim of clinical readiness. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4203 KB  
Article
Mobility Network Analysis of the Poultry Sector in Morocco: A Tool for the Surveillance and Prevention of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
by Fadoua Boudouma, Yahya Farhi, Mohamed Dehhaoui, Hicham Hajji, Oumayma Arbani, Kenza Aitelkadi and Siham Fellahi
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(9), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13090858 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Background: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses a critical global threat to both the poultry industry and public health. Although Morocco currently maintains HPAI-free status, the country faces substantial risk due to its location along major migratory flyways and its extensive commercial trade [...] Read more.
Background: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses a critical global threat to both the poultry industry and public health. Although Morocco currently maintains HPAI-free status, the country faces substantial risk due to its location along major migratory flyways and its extensive commercial trade networks within the poultry sector. Available data indicate that the links between live bird markets, production farms, and related facilities in the poultry sector constitute a pivotal determinant of disease epidemiology. This study aimed to analyze these movements and determine how they can influence the spread of the disease and to guide policymakers in developing effective risk-based surveillance and control strategies tailored to the local context.: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted across the Casablanca-Settat region, including nine provinces and 138 municipalities, to investigate the movement patterns within the poultry sector in this region. Social network analysis (SNA) was employed to construct a movement network, and findings were spatially visualized using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and analyzed through network analysis in R.: A total of 945 transport routes were recorded in 126 municipalities. Centrality measures identified three predominant network nodes exhibiting high degree and betweenness centrality values. Our findings indicate that although the network has a low density, the transmission of IAHP remains critical due to frequent bidirectional links and a heterogeneous network structure. The high concentration of movements by a few “hub” municipalities leads to an early emergence and rapid dissemination.: The identification of highly influential nodes allows veterinary authorities to prioritize and target surveillance activities toward municipalities with the greatest likelihood of disease introduction or persistence. The network’s structural connectivity suggests a theoretical potential for rapid HPAI spread, underscoring the importance of the frequent bidirectional links identified between municipalities. This protects both Morocco’s poultry industry and public health. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1279 KB  
Article
Automated Drought-Stress Assessment in Lettuce: A Detection-Guided Segmentation Approach for Multi-Plant RGB Imagery
by Ali Asgher Syed, Zühal Wagner and Stefan Streif
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(17), 8439; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16178439 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Accurate and non-destructive assessment of drought stress is important for improving lettuce production and supporting timely crop management. This study presents a detection-guided deep learning framework for plant-level drought-stress assessment in hydroponically grown lettuce using bird’s-eye-view RGB images. The study further investigates whether [...] Read more.
Accurate and non-destructive assessment of drought stress is important for improving lettuce production and supporting timely crop management. This study presents a detection-guided deep learning framework for plant-level drought-stress assessment in hydroponically grown lettuce using bird’s-eye-view RGB images. The study further investigates whether canopy segmentation can improve classification performance by reducing irrelevant background information. The framework was evaluated using 2190 images collected across three independent cultivation cycles in which drought stress was induced by isolating the plant root zones from the nutrient solution. In the first stage, YOLO-based object detection was used to localize individual plants, with YOLO26m achieving the highest detection performance of 99.4% mAP@0.5. The detected regions were subsequently used as spatial prompts for zero-shot canopy segmentation using the Segment Anything Model (SAM), with SAM ViT-B achieving a mean IoU of 0.9864. Six convolutional, transformer-based, and hybrid classification architectures were then evaluated independently using YOLO-cropped and SAM-segmented plant images. Segmented inputs consistently improved classification performance, with MaxViT-S achieving the highest binary test accuracy of 96.3%. The framework further distinguished time-defined pre-stress, early-stress, and late-stress periods with an accuracy of 92.4%. Plant-level generalization was further assessed using six-fold leave-one-plant-out cross-validation, resulting in a mean test accuracy of 90.25 ± 1.78% on unseen plants. These findings demonstrate that RGB-based plant-level analysis can support non-destructive drought-stress assessment and that canopy segmentation improves classification by reducing background influence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Science and Technology)
22 pages, 7180 KB  
Article
Pan-Genomic Dissection of GH1 β-Glucosidases in Brassica rapa Identifies BrBGLU10 as an Important Regulator of Pollen Development
by Ying Huang, Shanxin Zhong, Tianci Hu, Xingbo Chen, Meng Jiang and Xiangshu Dong
Plants 2026, 15(17), 2579; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15172579 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1) β-glucosidases (BGLUs) play diverse roles in plant development and stress responses. However, a comprehensive pan-genomic characterization of this gene family across diverse Brassica rapa accessions is still lacking. Here, we conducted a pan-genome-wide analysis of BGLU genes across [...] Read more.
Glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1) β-glucosidases (BGLUs) play diverse roles in plant development and stress responses. However, a comprehensive pan-genomic characterization of this gene family across diverse Brassica rapa accessions is still lacking. Here, we conducted a pan-genome-wide analysis of BGLU genes across 21 B. rapa accessions. A total of 1840 BGLU genes were identified and clustered into 57 orthologous gene groups (OGGs), comprising 22 core, 19 dispensable, and 16 private groups. Phylogenetic reconstruction assigned these OGGs to five subgroups, and duplication analysis revealed whole-genome duplication as the predominant driver of family expansion, accounting for 47.51% of duplicated genes. Expression profiling identified two core genes, BrBGLU10 and BrBGLU56, as specifically expressed in fertile floral buds and differentially regulated between fertile and sterile lines. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of BrBGLU10 resulted in approximately 36% pollen abortion and drastically reduced seed set upon self-pollination, supporting its important role in pollen development. Collectively, these findings establish BrBGLU10 as an important regulator of pollen development and a potential target for fertility-related applications via gene editing in B. rapa and related Brassica crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics, Genomics and Biotechnology)
More Articles...

Open Access Journals

► Browse by Indexing ► Browse by Subject ► Selected Journals
Explore All Journals...

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

More Books and Reprints...

News

24 August 2026
MDPI Reaches 2 Million Published Articles
14 August 2026
Current Oncology | Interview with the Chair of REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance—Dr. Mita Manna
5 August 2026
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO’s Letter #37 – Canada Summit, Sciforum Relaunch, 30 Years of Impactful Research & ISPRS 2026
More News & Announcements...

Blog Posts

More From Our Blog...

Topics

More Topics...
loading...

Selected Special Issues

Selected Collections

Back to TopTop