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21 pages, 4398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Beam Steering Vector Tracking GNSS Software-Defined Receiver for Robust Positioning

by Scott Burchfield, Charles Givhan and Scott Martin

Sensors 2025, 25(6), 1951; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25061951 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Global navigation satellite systems are the best means of navigation for dynamic platforms. However, interference, line-of-sight blockages, and multipath are destructive to receiver operations. Advanced receiver architectures like vector tracking loops have been shown to be more resilient in tracking during degraded signal [...] Read more.

Global navigation satellite systems are the best means of navigation for dynamic platforms. However, interference, line-of-sight blockages, and multipath are destructive to receiver operations. Advanced receiver architectures like vector tracking loops have been shown to be more resilient in tracking during degraded signal environments and dynamic scenarios. Additionally, controlled reception pattern antennas can be used to steer the effective antenna gain pattern to resist interference. This work introduces algorithms for a software-defined radio that combines vector tracking loops with a phased antenna array to digitally steer beams for the amplification of signals of interest so that the effects of signal degradation and multipath can be reduced. The proposed receiver design was tested on dynamic live sky data in multipath-rich environments and compared against traditional scalar receivers with and without beamforming as well as robust commercial receivers. The results showed that beam steering receivers were obtaining the expected amplification and that the vector tracking with beam steering was able to provide better positioning and signal tracking performance than the other implemented software receivers and provide continuous measurements where the commercial receiver failed to track degraded signals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue INS/GNSS Integrated Navigation Systems)

13 pages, 4096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Coconut Husk Biochar and Inter-Electrode Distance on the No-Load Voltage of the Cymbopogan citratus Microbial Plant Fuel Cell in a Pot

by Epiphane Zingbe, Damgou Mani Kongnine, Bienvenu M. Agbomahena, Pali Kpelou and Essowè Mouzou

Electrochem 2025, 6(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/electrochem6010009 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

In a plant microbial fuel cell (P-MFC), the plant provides the fuel in the form of exudates secreted by the roots, which are oxidised by electroactive bacteria. The immature plant is hampered by low energy yields. Several factors may explain this situation, including [...] Read more.

In a plant microbial fuel cell (P-MFC), the plant provides the fuel in the form of exudates secreted by the roots, which are oxidised by electroactive bacteria. The immature plant is hampered by low energy yields. Several factors may explain this situation, including the low open-circuit voltage of the plant cell. This is a function of the development of the biofilm formed by the electroactive bacteria on the surface of the anode, in relation to the availability of the exudates produced by the roots. In order to exploit the fertilising role of biochars, a plant cell was developed from C. citratus and grown in a medium to which 5% by mass of coconut shell biochar had been added. Its effect was studied as well as the distance between the electrodes. The potential of Cymbopogon citratus was also evaluated. Three samples without biochar, with inter-electrode distances of 2, 5 and 7 cm, respectively, identified as SCS2, SCS5 and SCS7, and three with the addition of 5 % biochar, with the same inter-electrode distance values, identified as S2, S5 and S7, were prepared. Open-circuit voltage (OCV) measurements were taken at 6 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. The results showed that all the samples had high open-circuit voltage values at 1 p.m. Samples containing 5% biochar had open-circuit voltages increased by 16 %, 8.94% and 5.78%, respectively, for inter-electrode distances of 2, 5 and 7 cm compared with those containing no biochar. Furthermore, the highest open-circuit voltage values were obtained for all samples with C. citratus at an inter-electrode distance of 5 cm. The maximum power output of the PMFC with C. citratus in this study was 75.8 mW/m², which is much higher than the power output of PMFCs in recent studies. Full article

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28 pages, 2241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Employing Binary Logistic Regression in Modeling the Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension in Clove Farming: Facts and Findings from Sidrap Regency, Indonesia

by Hasim Hasim, Muslim Salam, Andi Amran Sulaiman, Muhammad Hatta Jamil, Hari Iswoyo, Pipi Diansari, Ariady Arsal, Andi Nixia Tenriawaru, Akhsan Akhsan and Ahmad Imam Muslim

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062786 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

The research objective was to examine the factors influencing the effectiveness of agricultural extension in clove farming in Sidrap Regency. Primary data were collected using structured interviews with 140 selected clove farmers to achieve this objective. The binary logistic regression model was employed [...] Read more.

The research objective was to examine the factors influencing the effectiveness of agricultural extension in clove farming in Sidrap Regency. Primary data were collected using structured interviews with 140 selected clove farmers to achieve this objective. The binary logistic regression model was employed to test the influence of fourteen independent variables on the dependent variable. The research results indicated that the variables of family size, mass communication approach, electronic media, and clove cultivation material significantly and positively impacted the effectiveness of agricultural extension in clove farming. Meanwhile, the variables of educational attainment, farming experiences, farmers’ cosmopolitanism, print media, and land area had a negative significant effect, and the other variables had no significant effect. These findings are important indicators and valuable insights in promoting and encouraging the effectiveness of extension in clove farming. The findings emphasize the significant role of family characteristics, agricultural extension approaches, and communication delivery methods in the diffusion of agricultural technology and enhancing the effectiveness of agricultural extension. Based on the research results, policy recommendations are proposed to enhance extension effectiveness in clove farming, specifically, augmented farmer education on clove cultivation and the intensification and extensification of mass extension methods, as well as using electronic media in extension activities. Full article

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11 pages, 446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Menstrual Cycle Phase on Cortisol Responses to Maximum Exercise in Women with and Without Premenstrual Syndrome

by Raul Cosme Ramos Prado, Tamires Nunes Oliveira, Bryan Saunders, Roberta Foster, Zsuzsanna Ilona Katalin de Jármy Di Bella, Marcus W. Kilpatrick, Ricardo Yukio Asano, Anthony C. Hackney and Monica Yuri Takito

Endocrines 2025, 6(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/endocrines6010014 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of the menstrual cycle phases on cortisol levels before and after a maximal incremental exercise test in women with and without premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods: Nineteen healthy, active and eumenorrheic women completed five maximal incremental [...] Read more.

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of the menstrual cycle phases on cortisol levels before and after a maximal incremental exercise test in women with and without premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods: Nineteen healthy, active and eumenorrheic women completed five maximal incremental exercise tests; three of those were performed at specific phases of the menstrual cycle (i.e., menses, follicular, and luteal). The participants were allocated into two groups according to the presence of PMS (n = 11) or absence of PMS (NO-PMS, n = 8). Samples of blood were collected before and after each experimental test. A three-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the differences between menstrual cycle phases (i.e., menses, follicular, and luteal), time (before and after) and groups (PMS and NO-PMS). Results: The results demonstrated an alteration of cortisol across the menstrual cycle, with cortisol levels significantly (p < 0.05) higher during the follicular phase (mean = 11.0 µg/dL, CI95% = 9.1, 12.9) compared to the luteal phase (mean = 8.6 µg/dL, CI95% = 7.2, 10.4) in the PMS and NO-PMS groups. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in cortisol levels for groups or time. Conclusions: This study observed significant cortisol fluctuations across the menstrual cycle phases in women with and without PMS. Future studies should consider alternative maximal incremental test protocols and incorporate a more comprehensive hormonal profile to provide a deeper physiological understanding of this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Exercise Endocrinology)

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13 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Differences in Enjoyment, Exercise Commitment, and Intention to Continue Participation Among Age Groups of Adult Amateur Golfers

by Hye Jin Yang, Ji-Hye Yang, Chulhwan Choi and Chul-Ho Bum

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030398 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Golf is one of the leisure sports that offers various benefits and has become a popular public sport with participation from people of various age groups. A total of 262 questionnaires were distributed online, with 240 valid responses collected after excluding 22 with [...] Read more.

Golf is one of the leisure sports that offers various benefits and has become a popular public sport with participation from people of various age groups. A total of 262 questionnaires were distributed online, with 240 valid responses collected after excluding 22 with non-responses or partial answers. The results showed statistically significant differences in enjoyment by age group, except for recognition from others. Regarding physical health, those in their 60s and above had higher mean scores than other age groups, and those in their 50s scored higher than those in their 30s. Stress relief was greater among those in their 50s than among those in their 20s and 30s, while socialization was higher among those in their 50s than in their 20s. However, for skill improvement, participants in their 20s scored higher than those in their 50s and 60s and above. Exercise commitment and intention to continue participation also varied significantly by age group, with older participants generally scoring higher. In conclusion, the results of this study revealed significant differences in psychological factors among the age groups. Specifically, amateur golfers aged 50 and above showed higher mean scores in all variables compared to younger groups. Full article

18 pages, 3751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Photocatalytic Oxidation and Reductive Activation of Peroxymonosulfate by Bi-Based Heterojunction for Highly Efficient Organic Pollutant Degradation

by Xiaopeng Zhao, Yang Wang, Fangning Liu, Xiaobin Ye, Shangxiong Wei, Yilin Sun and Jinghui He

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(6), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15060471 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Organic pollutants present a substantial risk to both ecological systems and human well-being. Activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) have emerged as an effective strategy for the degradation of organic pollutants. Bi-based heterojunction is commonly used as a photocatalyst for reductively activating PMS, but single-component [...] Read more.

Organic pollutants present a substantial risk to both ecological systems and human well-being. Activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) have emerged as an effective strategy for the degradation of organic pollutants. Bi-based heterojunction is commonly used as a photocatalyst for reductively activating PMS, but single-component Bi-based heterojunction frequently underperforms due to its restricted absorption spectrum and rapid combination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Herein, BiVO₄ was selected as the oxidative semiconductor to form an S-type heterojunction with CuBi₂O₄—x-CuBi₂O₄/BiVO₄ (x = 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8) for PMS photoactivation. The built-in electric field (BEF) in x-CuBi₂O₄/BiVO₄ promoted electron transfer to effectively activate PMS. The x-CuBi₂O₄/BiVO₄ heterojunctions also demonstrate stronger adsorption of the polar PMS than pure CuBi₂O₄ or BiVO₄. In addition, the BEF prompts photoelectrons able to reduce O₂ to •O₂⁻ and photogenerated holes in the valence band of BiVO₄ able to oxidize H₂O to generate •OH. Therefore, under visible light irradiation, 95.1% of ciprofloxacin (CIP) can be degraded. The 0.5-CuBi₂O₄/BiVO₄ demonstrated the best degradation efficiency and excellent stability in cyclic tests, as well as a broad applicability in degrading other common pollutants. The present work demonstrates the high-efficiency S-type heterojunctions in the coupled photocatalytic and PMS activation technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Enabled Materials for Clean Water and Energy Generation)

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20 pages, 3029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Parameter-Optimized Recursive Sliding Variational Mode Decomposition Algorithm and Its Application in Sensor Signal Processing

by Yunyi Liu, Wenjun He, Tao Pan, Shuxian Qin, Zhaokai Ruan and Xiangcheng Li

Sensors 2025, 25(6), 1944; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25061944 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

In industrial polishing, the sensor on the polishing motor needs to extract accurate signals in real time. Due to the insufficient real-time performance of Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) for signal extraction, some studies have proposed the Recursive Sliding Variational Mode Decomposition (RSVMD) algorithm [...] Read more.

In industrial polishing, the sensor on the polishing motor needs to extract accurate signals in real time. Due to the insufficient real-time performance of Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) for signal extraction, some studies have proposed the Recursive Sliding Variational Mode Decomposition (RSVMD) algorithm to address this limitation. However, RSVMD can exhibit unstable performance in strong-interference scenarios. To suppress this phenomenon, a Parameter-Optimized Recursive Sliding Variational Mode Decomposition (PO-RSVMD) algorithm is proposed. The PO-RSVMD algorithm optimizes RSVMD in the following two ways: First, an iterative termination condition based on modal component error mutation judgment is introduced to prevent over-decomposition. Second, a rate learning factor is introduced to automatically adjust the initial center frequency of the current window to reduce errors. Through simulation experiments with signals with different signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), it is found that as the SNR increases from 0 dB to 17 dB, the PO-RSVMD algorithm accelerates the iteration time by at least 53% compared to VMD and RSVMD; the number of iterations decreases by at least 57%; and the RMSE is reduced by 35% compared to the other two algorithms. Furthermore, when applying the PO-RSVMD algorithm and the RSVMD algorithm to the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for measuring signal extraction performance under strong interference conditions after the polishing motor starts, the average iteration time and number of iterations of PO-RSVMD are significantly lower than those of RSVMD, demonstrating its capability for rapid signal extraction. Moreover, the average RMSE values of the two algorithms are very close, verifying the high real-time performance and stability of PO-RSVMD in practical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Industrial Sensors)

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22 pages, 7153 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using 14 Years of Satellite Data to Describe the Hydrodynamic Circulation of the Patras and Corinth Gulfs

by Basile Caterina and Aurélia Hubert-Ferrari

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030623 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

In the absence of in situ data, remote sensing becomes one of the most effective methods for analyzing the hydrodynamics of a basin. In the Gulf of Corinth, the lack of in situ information was addressed using 14 years of satellite data from [...] Read more.

In the absence of in situ data, remote sensing becomes one of the most effective methods for analyzing the hydrodynamics of a basin. In the Gulf of Corinth, the lack of in situ information was addressed using 14 years of satellite data from the Copernicus database to investigate the water circulation dynamics of the Gulfs of Patras and Corinth. The combination of satellite observations and Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Function (DINEOF) methods produced comprehensive maps detailing the hydrodynamic patterns in both gulfs. Despite the paucity of some parts of the datasets, the remaining data revealed key hydrodynamic features through their observations. From the western Patras Gulf to the eastern Corinth Gulf, gyres were the dominant features. The Patras Gulf is primarily characterized by a cyclonic gyre, while the Rio–Antirio Strait, which connects the two gulfs, exhibits unique dynamics due to internal wave activity and upwelling events. Currents generated near the strait flow toward the Corinth Gulf, where they are mostly trapped in an anticyclonic gyre near Itea Bay and a cyclonic gyre near Antikyra Bay. Our analysis highlights the unique dynamics of enclosed gulfs connected to the open sea via a strait. In this case, the Corinth Gulf acts as a smaller-scale analog to the Mediterranean Sea, offering insights into similar hydrodynamic behaviors. The updated hydrodynamic data also improve our understanding of sediment transport pathways and the chlorophyll distribution under present and past conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Oceanography)

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23 pages, 15664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination and Sensitivity Analysis of Urban Waterlogging Driving Factors Based on Spatial Analysis Method

by Haiyan Yang, Wang Ning, Zhe Wang and Xiaobo Sun

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2785; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062785 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

The identification of waterlogging driving factors and the assessment of associated risks are of utmost importance to enable cities to sustain their development. Initially, this paper utilizes the kernel density estimation (KDE) technique to visually display the spatial distribution features of waterlogging points [...] Read more.

The identification of waterlogging driving factors and the assessment of associated risks are of utmost importance to enable cities to sustain their development. Initially, this paper utilizes the kernel density estimation (KDE) technique to visually display the spatial distribution features of waterlogging points within the downtown region of City B. Employing a spatial analysis method, the examination through the application of Global Moran’s I reveals that the central urban area of City B exhibits a spatial clustering distribution. Moreover, nine influencing factors, including terrain characteristics, land cover features, and infrastructure construction aspects, are chosen as the elements that drive the continual occurrences of waterlogging due to rainstorms incidents. By applying the geographic detector (GD) and random forest regression (RF) models, an in-depth exploration into the agents leading to rainstorm waterlogging is conducted. The outcomes demonstrate that the surface impervious rate stands out as the primary factor. Additionally, under the geographic detector model, it has been verified that the integrated effect of two factors is more significant than that of a solitary factor, with the interaction between the surface impervious rate and community density having the most prominent influence on waterlogging situations within the investigated area. Finally, through the utilization of the random forest model, the sensitive areas inclined to experience waterlogging in the investigated area are demarcated. The findings of this research can offer valuable references for the management of urban rainstorm waterlogging as well as the sustainable development of cities. Full article

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12 pages, 2532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Deep Dilated Convolutional Neural Network for Non-Flat Rough Surface

by Chien-Ching Chiu, Yang-Han Lee, Wei Chien, Po-Hsiang Chen and Eng Hock Lim

Electronics 2025, 14(6), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14061236 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel deep dilated convolutional neural network (DDCNN) architecture to reconstruct periodic rough surfaces, including their periodic length, dielectric constant, and shape. Historically, rough surface problems were addressed through optimization algorithms. However, these algorithms are computationally intensive, making [...] Read more.

In this paper, we propose a novel deep dilated convolutional neural network (DDCNN) architecture to reconstruct periodic rough surfaces, including their periodic length, dielectric constant, and shape. Historically, rough surface problems were addressed through optimization algorithms. However, these algorithms are computationally intensive, making the process very time-consuming. To resolve this issue, we provide measured scattered fields as training data for the DDCNN to reconstruct the periodic length, dielectric constant, and shape. The numerical results demonstrate that DDCNN can accurately reconstruct rough surface images under high noise levels. In addition, we also discuss the impacts of the periodic length and dielectric constant of the rough surface on the shape reconstruction. Notably, our method achieves excellent reconstruction results compared to DCNN even when the period and dielectric coefficient are unknown. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the trained network model completes the reconstruction process in less than one second, realizing efficient real-time imaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Machine Learning Technologies and Their Applications in Intelligent Imaging and Image Processing)

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12 pages, 4122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Planting Cash Crops on the Diversity of Soil Phosphorus-Functional Microbial Structure in Moso Plantations

by Ronghui Li, Wenyan Yang, Kunyang Zhang, Liqun Ding, Zhengqian Ye, Xudong Wang and Dan Liu

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2784; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062784 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

In order to explore the effects of planting two economic crops in Moso plantations on the composition of soil phosphorus-functional microbial community, this study collected soil samples of Persimmon and Tea-oil plantations cultivated on the original bamboo soil for 3 years for comparison. [...] Read more.

In order to explore the effects of planting two economic crops in Moso plantations on the composition of soil phosphorus-functional microbial community, this study collected soil samples of Persimmon and Tea-oil plantations cultivated on the original bamboo soil for 3 years for comparison. Soil physical and chemical measurements and metagenomic sequencing were used to evaluate the effects of crop cultivation on the diversity of soil phosphorus-functional microorganisms. Results show that (1) Moso forests are converted to different crops after the soil pH values decline, and other physical and chemical properties of soil and microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) content rise. (2) Soil microbial community structure changed with crop planting. The number of phosphorus-functional bacteria in Persimmon soil was higher than Tea-oil and Moso soils, with the total number of phosphorus-functional bacteria and unique phosphorus-functional bacteria in Persimmon soil being the highest. (3) The relative abundance of phoU, phoR, ugpA, ugpB, gcd and ppaC genes was significantly increased, while the abundance of pstA, pstB and pstC genes was decreased by crop replanting. (4) The dominant phosphorus-functional microorganisms under different crop cultivation were closely related to basic soil properties. Bradyrhizobium and Camellia abundances were significantly positively correlated with soil total phosphorus (TP), while Sphingomonas was significantly negatively correlated with soil TP. Soil electrical conductivity (EC), soil total nitrogen (TN) and soil MBP were positively correlated with the ppx–gppA gene. AP, EC and TN were positively correlated with the phoB gene, while TN and MBP were negatively correlated with the phoP gene. These results suggested that land use patterns could directly change soil environmental conditions, thereby affecting phosphorus-functional microbial communities. In conclusion, the conversion of Moso plantations to commercial crops is beneficial for the optimization of the soil system, promoting the activation and release of soil phosphorus to maintain the dynamic balance of soil microbial community. Full article

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13 pages, 426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with the Conservative Schroth Method: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Vanja Dimitrijević, Bojan Rašković, Miroslav P. Popović, Dejan Viduka, Siniša Nikolić, Nikola Jevtić, Samra Pjanić and Borislav Obradović

Healthcare 2025, 13(6), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13060688 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the conservative Schroth method in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: A total of 34 respondents, 24 male and 10 female, aged between 11 and 16 years, participated in the research. [...] Read more.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the conservative Schroth method in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: A total of 34 respondents, 24 male and 10 female, aged between 11 and 16 years, participated in the research. The study was a single-blind randomized trial, in which subjects were divided into control and experimental groups by stratified randomization according to the stratum of the Cobb angle. The control group performed the Schroth method at home without the supervision of Schroth therapists, while the experimental group performed the Schroth method under the supervision of Schroth therapists three times a week for 90 min over eight weeks. Initial and final outcome measurements were performed: Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation, vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, the percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second in forced vital capacity, and chest expansion. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in all measured outcomes in the experimental group, while no statistically significant changes were recorded in the control group. The Cobb angle decreased by 2.12°, while ATR decreased by 2.88°; VC increased by 0.15 L, FVC by 0.13 L, FEV1 by 0.1 L, and CE increased by 0.78 cm. Conclusions: The application of an eight-week therapy program using Schroth method by subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis had statistically significant changes in all measured outcomes in the group that was supervised by Schroth’s therapists, while there was no statistically significant improvement in the group that applied therapy at home without supervision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section School Health)

22 pages, 550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Influence of Borrowing on Household Consumption Expenditures: A Layered Comparison from the Perspective of Alleviating Relative Poverty

by Lan Ma, Ao Li and Shikai Zhou

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2782; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062782 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

This study investigates how borrowing influences household consumption patterns in low-income and formerly impoverished regions of China, with implications for sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as poverty reduction (SDG 1), inclusive economic growth (SDG 8), and reducing inequalities (SDG 10). Using four rounds [...] Read more.

This study investigates how borrowing influences household consumption patterns in low-income and formerly impoverished regions of China, with implications for sustainable development goals (SDGs) such as poverty reduction (SDG 1), inclusive economic growth (SDG 8), and reducing inequalities (SDG 10). Using four rounds of 7516 households of balanced panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a fixed-effects model was employed to analyze the impact of borrowing on total and categorized household consumption. Instrumental variable and treatment-effects models were applied to address endogeneity issues. Results reveal that a 1% increase in borrowing boosts total household consumption by 0.026%, with stronger effects on developmental and investment-oriented consumption, particularly among low-income households. Formerly impoverished areas experienced greater consumption growth, especially in education and training, indicating higher domestic demand potential and faster human capital accumulation. The study concludes that improving financial markets, aligning credit with specific needs, and leveraging local resources are essential for upgrading consumption structures and alleviating relative poverty. Full article

21 pages, 2589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Additive Manufacturing for Remedying Supply Chain Disruptions and Building Resilient and Sustainable Logistics Support Systems

by M. Hakan Keskin, Murat Koray, Ercan Kaya, Mehmet Maşuk Fidan and Mehmet Ziya Söğüt

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2783; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062783 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Leading industries have implemented various strategic initiatives to enhance the resilience and sustainability of their logistics support systems in response to series of unforeseen disruptions that have significantly impacted supply chains (SCs) and incurred substantial costs over the past few decades. It is [...] Read more.

Leading industries have implemented various strategic initiatives to enhance the resilience and sustainability of their logistics support systems in response to series of unforeseen disruptions that have significantly impacted supply chains (SCs) and incurred substantial costs over the past few decades. It is essential to assess whether incorporating additive manufacturing (AM) technologies into logistics support processes—either as a complementary solution or in conjunction with existing strategies—can effectively reduce vulnerabilities to disruptions in modern, complex SCs. AM technologies that enable the use of business models that use distributed manufacturing, as opposed to centralized manufacturing, have the potential to create significant change in traditional SCs by bringing parts and products closer to the customer. The supply of raw materials necessary for AM production is lower than that of traditional methods. While this provides a cost benefit in the current structure, there are still challenges, such as in testing and final adjustments of printing parameters. AM technologies enable shorter delivery times compared to traditional manufacturing methods while also reducing distribution costs. This not only enhances service levels, but also lowers inventory costs across all stages of the SC. Additionally, AM technologies can help businesses comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations introduced in recent decades. Both AM-based production and the logistics processes that support it have smaller ecological footprints compared to traditional manufacturing, making it a more sustainable alternative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Logistics and Intelligent Transportation)

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19 pages, 4986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Schmidt Hammer Rebound Hardness Test and Concrete Strength Tests for Limestone Aggregate Concrete Based on Experimental and Statistical Study

by Esra Tugrul Tunc

Materials 2025, 18(6), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18061388 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the mechanical properties of concrete specimens produced with a limestone aggregate through laboratory testing. Destructive tests, specifically concrete compressive strength and splitting tensile strength tests, were conducted. Additionally, the Schmidt hammer rebound hardness test, a non-destructive method, was performed on [...] Read more.

This study investigated the mechanical properties of concrete specimens produced with a limestone aggregate through laboratory testing. Destructive tests, specifically concrete compressive strength and splitting tensile strength tests, were conducted. Additionally, the Schmidt hammer rebound hardness test, a non-destructive method, was performed on the same specimens. The experimental results, obtained from varying water-to-cement and limestone aggregate-to-cement ratios, yielded the following ranges: compressive strength from 23.6 to 42.6 MPa, splitting tensile strength from 3.2 to 5.1 MPa, and Schmidt hammer rebound values from 18 to 43 N. The correlation between the non-destructive and destructive test results was analyzed experimentally and statistically. Utilizing the experimental data, statistical models were developed, resulting in equations with a high determination coefficient (R² > 0.95) for accurately predicting concrete compressive and splitting tensile strengths. This approach offers the potential for significant labor and time savings in the production of sustainable conventional concrete that meets relevant standards. Furthermore, it aims to facilitate the estimation of concrete strength in existing structures. Full article

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

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18 pages, 1103 KiB

Open AccessReview

Extracellular Vesicles in the Mesenchymal Stem Cell/Macrophage Axis: Potential Targets for Inflammatory Treatment

by Zhen Che, Wenbin Yan and Qun Zhao

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2827; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062827 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely used for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases due to their pluripotent differentiation potential and immunomodulatory function. Macrophage (Mφ) polarization also acts an essential and central role in regulating inflammation, basically the dynamic balance of [...] Read more.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely used for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases due to their pluripotent differentiation potential and immunomodulatory function. Macrophage (Mφ) polarization also acts an essential and central role in regulating inflammation, basically the dynamic balance of pro-inflammatory M1-like (M1φ) and anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages (M2φ), affecting the occurrence and progression of inflammatory diseases. Since a pivotal molecular crosstalk between MSCs and Mφ has been elucidated using in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, we presume that the mesenchymal stem cell/macrophages axis (MSC/Mφ axis) acts an important role in pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammatory diseases and should be the potential therapeutic target. However, the crucial effects of EVs as intercellular communicators and therapeutic agents in the MSC/Mφ axis remains explorable. Therefore, this review elaborated on the mechanisms of EVs mediating the MSC/Mφ axis regulating inflammation in-depth, hoping to provide more references for related research in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Inflammatory Diseases)

19 pages, 724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pumpkin Oil and Its Effect on the Quality of Naples-Style Salami Produced from Buffalo Meat

by Francesca Coppola, Filomena Nazzaro, Florinda Fratianni, Silvia Jane Lombardi, Luigi Grazia, Raffaele Coppola and Patrizio Tremonte

Foods 2025, 14(6), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14061077 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

The use of buffalo meat in fermented sausage production represents a sustainable and innovative approach to enhancing the value of underutilized meat cuts. However, its high heme content and specific fatty acid composition makes the meat particularly sensitive to lactic fermentation with lipid [...] Read more.

The use of buffalo meat in fermented sausage production represents a sustainable and innovative approach to enhancing the value of underutilized meat cuts. However, its high heme content and specific fatty acid composition makes the meat particularly sensitive to lactic fermentation with lipid oxidation phenomena and sensory character decay. Therefore, buffalo meat requires tailored fermentation strategies to ensure product stability. The aim of this study was to optimize fermentation strategies by exploring milder acidification processes and the fortification of buffalo meat with vegetable oils to reduce oxidation while maintaining microbiological quality. In particular, the effect of adding or omitting glucose and fortifying with pumpkin seed oil in Napoli-style buffalo salami was studied and the impact on the main quality parameters was evaluated. Pumpkin seed oil (0.5%) was selected for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and evaluated for its interaction with starter cultures through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) tests and predictive microbiology models. Based on the findings, its use was validated in Napoli-style salami, produced with and without glucose. Microbial dynamics, physicochemical changes over time, oxidation indices, and sensory attributes were assessed. Results indicated that the sugar-free formulations combined with pumpkin seed oil achieved optimal sensory and safety attributes. The addition of glucose facilitated rapid lactic acid bacterial growth (about 2.5 ∆ log CFU/g), enabling pH reduction to safe levels (<5.2) and the effective inhibition of Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms. However, acidification in the control batch, as demonstrated by multiple variable regression analyses, induced pre-oxidative conditions, increasing lipid oxidation markers (TBARSs > 0.7 mg MAD/Kg), which negatively impacted flavor and color stability. The use of pumpkin seed oil confirmed its antimicrobial and antioxidant potential, making it a promising fortifying ingredient for producing slow-fermented, mildly acidified (pH > 5.4) buffalo meat salami, offering a novel strategy for improving the nutritional, sensorial, and safety quality of dry fermented meat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Meat Microbiology, Meat Quality and Meat Safety—Volume II)

16 pages, 604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Modal Machine Learning for Evaluating the Predictive Value of Pelvimetric Measurements (Pelvimetry) for Anastomotic Leakage After Restorative Low Anterior Resection

by Ritch T. J. Geitenbeek, Simon C. Baltus, Mark Broekman, Sander N. Barendsen, Maike C. Frieben, Ilias Asaggau, Elina Thibeau-Sutre, Jelmer M. Wolterink, Matthijs C. Vermeulen, Can O. Tan, Ivo A. M. J. Broeders and Esther C. J. Consten

Cancers 2025, 17(6), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17061051 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains a major complication after restorative rectal cancer surgery, with accurate preoperative risk stratification posing a significant challenge. Pelvic measurements derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been proposed as potential predictors of AL, but their clinical utility [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains a major complication after restorative rectal cancer surgery, with accurate preoperative risk stratification posing a significant challenge. Pelvic measurements derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been proposed as potential predictors of AL, but their clinical utility remains uncertain. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter cohort study analyzed rectal cancer patients undergoing restorative surgery between 2013 and 2021. Pelvic dimensions were assessed using MRI-based pelvimetry. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses identified independent risk factors for AL. Subsequently, machine Learning (ML) models—logistic regression, random forest classifier, and XGBoost—were developed to predict AL using preoperative clinical data alone and in combination with pelvimetry. Model performance was evaluated using F1 scores, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC-AUC) and precision–recall curves (AUC-PR) as primary metrics. Results: Among 487 patients, the overall AL rate was 14%. Multivariate regression analysis identified distance to the anorectal junction, pelvic inlet width, and interspinous distance as independent risk factors for AL (p < 0.05). The logistic regression model incorporating pelvimetry achieved the highest predictive performance, with a mean ROC-AUC of 0.70 ± 0.09 and AUC-PR of 0.32 ± 0.10. Although predictive models that included pelvic measurements demonstrated higher ROC-AUCs compared to those without pelvimetry, the improvement was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Pelvic dimensions, specifically pelvic inlet and interspinous distance, were independently associated with an increased risk of AL. While ML models incorporating pelvimetry showed only moderate predictive performance, these measurements should be considered in developing clinical prediction tools for AL to enhance preoperative risk stratification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence in Cancer)

16 pages, 1154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Large Database of Italian Bridge Bearings: Preliminary Analysis of Collected Data and Typical Defects

by Angelo Masi, Giuseppe Santarsiero, Marco Savoia, Enrico Cardillo, Beatrice Belletti, Ruggero Macaluso, Maurizio Orlando, Giovanni Menichini, Giacomo Morano, Giuseppe Carlo Marano, Fabrizio Palmisano, Anna Saetta, Luisa Berto, Maria Rosaria Pecce, Antonio Bilotta, Pier Paolo Rossi, Andrea Floridia, Mauro Sassu, Marco Zucca, Eugenio Chioccarelli, Alberto Meda, Daniele Losanno, Marco Di Prisco, Giorgio Serino, Paolo Riva, Nicola Nisticò, Sergio Lagomarsino, Stefania Degli Abbati, Giuseppe Maddaloni, Gennaro Magliulo, Mattia Calò, Fabio Biondini, Francesca da Porto, Daniele Zonta and Maria Pina Limongelli Show full author list Hide full author list

Infrastructures 2025, 10(3), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10030069 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

This paper presents the development and analysis of a bridge bearing database consistent with the 2020 Italian Guidelines (LG2020), currently enforced by the Italian law for risk classification and management of existing bridges. The database was developed by putting together the contribution of [...] Read more.

This paper presents the development and analysis of a bridge bearing database consistent with the 2020 Italian Guidelines (LG2020), currently enforced by the Italian law for risk classification and management of existing bridges. The database was developed by putting together the contribution of 24 research teams from 18 Italian universities in the framework of a research project foreseen by the agreement between the High Council of Public Works (CSLP, part of the Italian Ministry of Transportation) and the research consortium ReLUIS (Network of Italian Earthquake and Structural Engineering University Laboratories). This research project aimed to apply LG2020 to a set of about 600 bridges distributed across the Italian country, in order to find possible issues and propose modifications and integrations. The database includes almost 12,000 bearing defect forms related to a portfolio of 255 existing bridges located across the entire country. This paper reports a preliminary analysis of the dataset to provide an overview of the bearings installed in a significant bridge portfolio, referring to major highways and state roads. After a brief state of the art about the main bearing types installed on the bridges, along with inspection procedures, the paper describes the database structure, showing preliminary analyses related to bearing types and defects. The results show the prevalence of elastomeric pads, representing more than 55% of the inspected bearings. The remaining bearings are pot, low-friction with steel–Teflon surfaces and older-type steel devices. Lastly, the study provides information about typical defects for each type of bearing, while also underscoring some issues related to the current version of the LG2020 bearing inspection form. Full article

14 pages, 2768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Landmark-Based Wing Morphometrics for Three Holotrichia Beetle Species (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea)

by Pengliang Pan, Shibao Guo, Fangmei Zhang and Zhou Zhou

Biology 2025, 14(3), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14030317 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

The scarab beetle is an herbivorous pest that causes considerable damage to various agricultural crops. The characteristics of the hind wings have rarely been utilized as indicators for species identification, particularly within the genus Holotrichia. To evaluate the potential of hind wing [...] Read more.

The scarab beetle is an herbivorous pest that causes considerable damage to various agricultural crops. The characteristics of the hind wings have rarely been utilized as indicators for species identification, particularly within the genus Holotrichia. To evaluate the potential of hind wing traits in species identification and gender differentiation, we extracted 25 landmarks from 125 samples of three beetle species (Holotrichia diomphalia, H. titanis, and H. oblita) using TPSDig2 v2.31, with each hind wing image analyzed three times. These landmarks were employed to analyze variations in wing size and shape among species and sexes, and a cross-validation test was conducted in MorphoJ v1.06 to assess classification accuracy. The results demonstrate that both female and male samples exhibit significant differences in wing size and shape variations across species, but not between sexes. Allometry accounts for 16.92% and 25.35% of total shape variation in females and males, separately. After correcting for allometric effects, classification accuracy improves for these beetles. From further analysis, it can be observed that female wings exhibit a wider and shorter morphology in comparison to the more slender and elongated wings of males. In terms of interspecific differences, H. oblita females displayed narrow and elongated wings, whereas H. diomphalia females had a more rectangular wing shape. Among males, the degree of wing narrowness decreased in the order of H. oblita, H. titanis, and H. diomphalia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Zoology)

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13 pages, 1647 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Efficacy and Safety of Perioperative Immunotherapy for Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

by Zhijuan Du, Siyuan Chen, Yuhui Qin, Yahui Lv, Xiangyu Du, Heying Yu and Zhefeng Liu

Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(3), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32030184 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study is to indirectly compare the efficacy and safety of all currently available neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy and perioperative chemoimmunotherapy in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to identify optimal treatment regimens. Methods: [...] Read more.

Background: The objective of this study is to indirectly compare the efficacy and safety of all currently available neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy and perioperative chemoimmunotherapy in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to identify optimal treatment regimens. Methods: Eligible studies evaluating neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy and perioperative chemoimmunotherapy-based regimens in resectable NSCLC patients were included. Clinical outcomes were extracted for event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS), as well as the incidence of pathological complete response (pCR), major pathological response (MPR), any-grade adverse events (AEs), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in the Bayesian framework. A subgroup analysis of EFS was conducted according to PD-L1 expression, histological type and reaching pCR or not. Results: We selected eight RCTs involving 3113 patients. Our analysis found no significant differences between perioperative immunotherapy and neoadjuvant immunotherapy in terms of MPR (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.39 –1.3), pCR (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.24–2.3), EFS (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.56–1.7), and OS (HR 95% CI 3.9–4.2). Subgroup analyses revealed that neoadjuvant immunotherapy demonstrated superiority in the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) high-expression cohort, the non-squamous cell carcinoma cohort, and the non-smoking cohort. Conversely, perioperative immunotherapy ranked first in the PD-L1 low-expression cohort, squamous cell carcinoma cohort, and non-pCR cohort. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that neoadjuvant immunotherapy and perioperative immunotherapy exhibit comparable efficacy in patients with NSCLC. These results provide valuable evidence for guiding the treatment of patients with resectable NSCLC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Thoracic Oncology)

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18 pages, 5814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fluoride Risk Prognostication: A Pioneering Ensemble Machine Learning Approach for Groundwater Contamination Prediction in Parts of the East Coast of India

by Alok Kumar Pati, Alok Ranjan Tripathy, Debabrata Nandi, Rakesh Ranjan Thakur, Bojan Ðurin, Dragana Dogančić and Osman Fetoshi

Water 2025, 17(6), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17060909 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Groundwater fluoride levels have begun to be a global concern, posing significant challenges to the safe utilization of water resources and mitigating potential impacts on human health. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of naturally occurring fluoride in groundwater affects millions worldwide. Prolonged exposure [...] Read more.

Groundwater fluoride levels have begun to be a global concern, posing significant challenges to the safe utilization of water resources and mitigating potential impacts on human health. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of naturally occurring fluoride in groundwater affects millions worldwide. Prolonged exposure can lead to health issues such as dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a maximum fluoride concentration guideline of 1.5 mg/L for drinking water. However, groundwater quality is not regularly tested in many regions, leaving communities unaware if water sources, such as wells and springs, contain harmful fluoride levels. In the Balasore area, Odisha, India, rising fluoride concentrations and spatial variability necessitate accurate predictions for effective groundwater management. This article proposes four predictive models, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Stacking Regressor (SR), to estimate fluoride concentrations using physicochemical parameters and sampling depth as predictor variables. The performance of these models is assessed using the coefficient of determination (accuracy), mean square error (MSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). This article compared fluoride concentrations of machine learning models, including SR, RF, XGBoost, and SVR, in groundwater in Balasore, Odisha. Based on predictive performance, an SR model yielded the lowest MSE and MAE scores at 0.01817 and 0.10327, respectively. These findings underscore the superiority of ensemble learning approaches in addressing complex datasets and provide a robust framework for effective groundwater fluoride management. This article highlights the potential of advanced machine learning in improving public health outcomes in fluoride-affected regions. Finally, the recommendations for decreasing the fluoride concentrations and the guidelines for future research will be proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Qualitative and Quantitative Management of Groundwater Resources in Urban Areas)

18 pages, 2635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dark Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Juice Phenolics Rich in Anthocyanins Exhibit Potential to Inhibit Drug Resistance Mechanisms in 4T1 Breast Cancer Cells via the Drug Metabolism Pathway

by Ana Nava-Ochoa, Susanne U. Mertens-Talcott, Stephen T. Talcott and Giuliana D. Noratto

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(3), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47030213 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Anthocyanins (ACNs) from dark sweet cherries (DSCs) have shown efficacy against breast cancer (BC) cells, particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, without affecting normal breast cells. This study investigated the impact of ACNs on TNBC cells, focusing on drug resistance mechanisms involving drug [...] Read more.

Anthocyanins (ACNs) from dark sweet cherries (DSCs) have shown efficacy against breast cancer (BC) cells, particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, without affecting normal breast cells. This study investigated the impact of ACNs on TNBC cells, focusing on drug resistance mechanisms involving drug metabolism and transport enzymes. Specifically, it was examined whether ACNs influenced Doxorubicin (DOX) metabolism by targeting drug metabolism enzymes (phase I metabolism) and drug transport enzymes (phase III metabolism) in TNBC cells. 4T1 TNBC cells were treated with ACNs, DOX, and the combination of both (ACN-DOX). Results showed a synergistic inhibition of cell viability by ACNs and DOX. In addition, the modulation of phase I drug-metabolizing enzymes was exerted by ACNs, reducing the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes induced by DOX. A reduction of drug efflux by ACNs was shown by decreasing P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity, leading to a higher intracellular accumulation of DOX. These effects were confirmed using CYP and P-gp inducers and inhibitors, showing their impact on cell viability. In conclusion, the combination of ACNs with DOX has the potential to lower DOX doses, enhance its efficacy, and possibly reduce side effects, offering a promising approach for TNBC treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemicals in Cancer Chemoprevention and Treatment: 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection-Aided Ordering for LMMSE-ISIC in MIMO Systems

by Sangjoon Park

Electronics 2025, 14(6), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14061235 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

In this paper, the detection-aided ordering schemes are proposed for linear minimum mean-squared-error (LMMSE) iterative soft interference cancellation (ISIC) in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Unlike the conventional LMMSE-ISIC ordering schemes that utilize the channel state information (CSI) only, the proposed ordering schemes utilize [...] Read more.

In this paper, the detection-aided ordering schemes are proposed for linear minimum mean-squared-error (LMMSE) iterative soft interference cancellation (ISIC) in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Unlike the conventional LMMSE-ISIC ordering schemes that utilize the channel state information (CSI) only, the proposed ordering schemes utilize the receive signal vector and CSI for the ordering procedure. Then, for each candidate symbol, the sum of the likelihoods except the largest likelihood is calculated to estimate the reliability of the candidate symbol, where the likelihoods are calculated by the LMMSE or LMMSE-ISIC detection-aided ordering procedure. Thus, the proposed ordering schemes can provide a significantly more accurate ordering result than the conventional ordering schemes. As the detection-aided ordering schemes, non-iterative and iterative ordering schemes are proposed, and the constrained iterative ordering scheme is also proposed to resolve the high computational complexity of the original iterative ordering scheme. Numerical simulation results verify that the proposed detection-aided ordering schemes outperform the conventional ordering schemes in terms of convergence speed and error performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Signal Processing: Communications, Sensing and Imaging)

21 pages, 3314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Injectable Magnetic-Nanozyme Based Thermosensitive Hydrogel for Multimodal DLBCL Therapy

by Min Yan, Jingcui Peng, Haoan Wu, Ming Ma and Yu Zhang

Gels 2025, 11(3), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11030218 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), accounting for 31% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, remains recalcitrant to conventional therapies due to chemoresistance, metastatic progression, and immunosuppressive microenvironments. We report a novel injectable Fe₃O₄@DMSA@Pt@PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel system integrating magnetothermal therapy (MHT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), [...] Read more.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), accounting for 31% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, remains recalcitrant to conventional therapies due to chemoresistance, metastatic progression, and immunosuppressive microenvironments. We report a novel injectable Fe₃O₄@DMSA@Pt@PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel system integrating magnetothermal therapy (MHT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), and immunomodulation. Under alternating magnetic fields (AMF), the system achieves rapid therapeutic hyperthermia (50 °C within 7 min) while activating pH/temperature-dual responsive peroxidase (POD) -like activity in Fe₃O₄@DMSA@Pt nanoparticles. Catalytic efficiency under tumor-mimetic conditions was significantly higher than Fe₃O₄@DMSA controls, generating elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Flow cytometry revealed 75.9% apoptotic cell death in A20 lymphoma cells at 50 °C, significantly surpassing CDT alone (24.5%). Importantly, this dual mechanism induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) characterized by 4.1-fold CRT externalization, 68% HMGB1 nuclear depletion, and 40.74 nM ATP secretion. This triggered robust dendritic cell maturation (92% CD86⁺/CD80⁺ DCs comparable to LPS controls) and T cell activation (16.9% CD25⁺/CD69⁺ ratio, 130-fold baseline). Our findings validate the therapeutic potential of magnetothermal-chemodynamic synergy for DLBCL treatment, paving the way for innovative multi-mechanism therapeutic strategies against DLBCL with potential clinical translation prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Gels Engineering for Drug Delivery (2nd Edition))

16 pages, 4723 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Emerging Perspective on the Role of Fascia in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Narrative Review

by Carmelo Pirri, Nina Pirri, Lucia Petrelli, Caterina Fede, Raffaele De Caro and Carla Stecco

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2826; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062826 (registering DOI) - 20 Mar 2025

Abstract

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating pain disorder involving chronic inflammation, neural sensitization and autonomic dysfunction. Fascia, a highly innervated connective tissue, is increasingly recognized for its role in pain modulation, yet its contribution to CRPS remains underexplored. This narrative review [...] Read more.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating pain disorder involving chronic inflammation, neural sensitization and autonomic dysfunction. Fascia, a highly innervated connective tissue, is increasingly recognized for its role in pain modulation, yet its contribution to CRPS remains underexplored. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on fascia’s involvement in CRPS pathophysiology and potential therapeutic strategies. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, selecting studies on fascia, CRPS, inflammation, oxidative stress and autonomic dysfunction, with emphasis on recent experimental, anatomical and clinical research. Fascia contributes to CRPS through neuroinflammation, fibrosis and autonomic dysregulation. Its rich innervation facilitates peripheral and central sensitization, while inflammatory mediators drive fibrosis, reducing elasticity and exacerbating pain. Autonomic dysfunction worsens hypoxia and oxidative stress, fueling chronic dysfunction. Advances in sonoelastography provide new insights, while fascial manipulation and targeted therapies show promise in early studies. Fascia plays a key role in CRPS pathophysiology, yet its clinical relevance remains underexplored. Future research integrating imaging, molecular profiling and clinical trials is needed to develop evidence-based fascia-targeted interventions, potentially improving CRPS diagnosis and treatment. Full article

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

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