Announcements

23 April 2025
Meet Us at the 21st Annual International Conference of the Metabolomics Society (Metabolomics 2025), 22–26 June 2025, Prague, Czech Republic


Conference:
21st Annual International Conference of the Metabolomics Society (Metabolomics 2025)
Date: 22–26 June 2025
Place: Prague Congress Centre, Prague, Czech Republic

MDPI will be attending the 21st Annual International Conference of the Metabolomics Society (Metabolomics 2025) as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held in Prague, Czech Republic, from 22 to 26 June 2025.

This conference is the official annual meeting of the Metabolomics Society and the largest metabolomics meeting worldwide. The major scientific themes of the conference will include metabolomics in health and disease; metabolomics of plants, food, environment, and microbes; technology advances in metabolomics; and computational metabolomics, statistics, and bioinformatics. Beyond the main topics, the conference will place a particular focus on the increasingly important role that metabolomics plays in fundamental biology research. The scientific program will include plenary and keynote talks, parallel scientific sessions, interactive poster sessions, sponsor lunches, and specially organized workshops.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.metabolomics2025.org/.

17 April 2025
World Hemophilia Day—“Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too”, 17 April 2025


On 17 April 2025, the global bleeding disorders community will come together to celebrate World Hemophilia Day. This year’s theme is “Access for all: Women and girls bleed too”.

Currently, women and girls with bleeding disorders (WGBDs) are still underdiagnosed and underserved. The global bleeding disorders community has the power—and the responsibility—to change this. Through recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and care, the quality of life of women and girls will improve, strengthening the community as a whole.

We would like to recommend some related articles, Special Issues, and MDPI journals as suitable communication platforms and believe that sharing research like this can help raise awareness of Hemophilia Day.

Managing Surgical Risks in Hemophilic Elbow Arthropathy: An In-Depth Case Study and Literature Review
by Gianluigi Pasta, Salvatore Annunziata, Roberta Ruggieri, Dario Abruzzi, Paolo Arrigoni, Eugenio Jannelli, Francesco Benazzo, Luisella Pedrotti, Erika Maria Viola, Emérito Carlos Rodriguez-Merchan and Mario Mosconi
Healthcare 2024, 12(17), 1776; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12171776

Better Communication for Better Management of Persons with Hemophilia: Results from a Patients’-Clinicians’ Project to Address the New Therapeutic Landscape
by Laura Banov, Silvia Linari, Luigi Ambroso, Enrico Ferri Grazzi, Samanta Gallo, Patrizio Pasqualetti and Maria Elisa Mancuso
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(2), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13020568

Six-Year, Real-World Use of Prophylaxis with Recombinant Factor IX–Albumin Fusion Protein (rIX-FP) in Persons with Hemophilia B: A Single-Center Retrospective–Prospective Study
by Antonio Coppola, Gianna Franca Rivolta, Gabriele Quintavalle, Annalisa Matichecchia, Federica Riccardi, Rossana Rossi, Anna Benegiamo, Paola Ranalli, Valeria Coluccio and Annarita Tagliaferri
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(5), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051518

Thalassemia: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Advances in Treatment
by Idris Zubairu Sadiq, Fatima Sadiq Abubakar, Hauwa Salisu Usman, Aliyu Dantani Abdullahi, Bashiru Ibrahim, Babangida Sanusi Kastayal, Maryam Ibrahim and Hassan Aliyu Hassan
Thalass. Rep. 2024, 14(4), 81-102; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep14040010

Haemophilia A: A Review of Clinical Manifestations, Treatment, Mutations, and the Development of Inhibitors
by Sarmiento Doncel, Samuel, Gina Alejandra Díaz Mosquera, Javier Mauricio Cortes, Carol Agudelo Rico, Francisco Javier Meza Cadavid and Ronald Guillermo Peláez
Hematol. Rep. 2023, 15(1), 130-150; https://doi.org/10.3390/hematolrep15010014

Ultrasound Evaluation of Tendinopathy in Hemophiliac Patients for the Purpose of Rehabilitation Indications
by Danilo Donati, Paolo Spinnato, Lelia Valdrè, Lydia Piscitelli, Giuseppina Mariagrazia Farella, Enrico Pagliarulo and Maria Grazia Benedetti
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(13), 4513; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12134513

Safe and Successful Surgical Outcome in Persons with Hemophilia A with and without Inhibitors Treated with Emicizumab: A Large, Single Center, Real-World Experience
by Giancarlo Castaman, Silvia Linari, Lisa Pieri, Christian Carulli, Paolo Prosperi, Paolo Tonelli, Francesco Demartis, Rajmonda Fjerza, Monica Attanasio, Mirella Coppo and Francesca Salvianti
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(6), 2317; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062317

A Retrospective Analysis of the American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network Dataset Describing Outcomes of Dental Extractions in Persons with Hemophilia
by Heather Messenger, Roshni Kulkarni, Michael Recht and Chunla He
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(5), 1839; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12051839

Laboratory Rat Thrombi Lose One-Third of Their Stiffness When Exposed to Large Oscillating Shear Stress Amplitudes: Contrasting Behavior to Human Clots
by Ursula Windberger, Veronika Glanz and Leon Ploszczanski
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2022, 2(3), 332-344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm2030026

Innovative Therapies and Management of Complications in Hemoglobinopathies Hematopathology: Rare Hematological Diseases

Hemophilia: Current Trends and Future Directions Patient Experience and the Quality of Health Care

14 April 2025
World Chagas Disease Day—“Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s Role in Chagas Disease”, 14 April 2025


World Chagas Disease Day 2025 brings global attention to one of the most neglected tropical diseases, reinforcing our collective responsibility to “leave no one behind” in the pursuit of health equity.

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects over 7 million people worldwide—primarily among poor and underserved communities in Latin America, but with increasing prevalence in non-endemic regions due to migration and globalization. Often progressing without symptoms in its early stages, Chagas is known as a “silent and silenced disease”, leading to potentially fatal cardiac and digestive complications if left untreated. Despite its growing global impact, awareness and access to diagnosis and treatment remain limited.

To change the trajectory of Chagas disease, we must foster multidisciplinary collaboration across research, clinical practice, and public policy. From early detection and vector control to treatment access and patient-centered care, every stakeholder has a role to play. Health systems must adapt to address not only the biological and clinical dimensions of the disease but also the social and economic determinants that perpetuate its neglect.

In recognition of World Chagas Disease Day 2025, we invite you to explore a curated collection of articles and Special Issues from selected MDPI journals, including Insects, Pathogens, Microorganisms, Parasitologia, Diseases, Healthcare, and TropicalMed. These resources offer vital perspectives on the epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Chagas disease, while also encouraging cross-sector collaboration. Through scientific engagement and public awareness, we can work together toward the goal: early detection, equitable care, and the eventual elimination of Chagas disease.

 

 Development and Characterization of Innovative Nifurtimox Formulations as Therapeutic Alternative for Chagas Disease
by Ana Lia Mazzeti, Karolina Ribeiro Gonçalves, Patrícia Ferreira Boasquivis, Maria Terezinha Bahia and Vanessa Carla Furtado Mosqueira
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10020050

Molecular Characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi from Triatomine Species in São Paulo State, an Area Free of Vector-Borne Chagas Disease
by Eliana Ferreira Monteiro, Rubens Antonio da Silva, Arlei Marcili and Karin Kirchgatter
Insects 2025, 16(2), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020161

The Impact of Environmental and Housing Factors on the Distribution of Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in an Endemic Area of Chagas Disease in Puebla, Mexico
by Miguel Ortega-Caballero, Maria Cristina Gonzalez-Vazquez, Miguel Angel Hernández-Espinosa, Alejandro Carabarin-Lima and Alia Mendez-Albores
Diseases 2024, 12(10), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12100238

Zoonotic Cycle of American Trypanosomiasis in an Endemic Region of the Argentine Chaco, Factors That Influenced a Paradigm Shift
by Andrea Gómez-Bravo, Sebastián Cirignoli, Diana Wehrendt, Alejandro Schijman, Cielo M. León, María Flores-Chaves, Javier Nieto, Troy J. Kieran, Marcelo Abril and Felipe Guhl
Insects 2024, 15(7), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070471

Mapping the Silent Threat: A Comprehensive Analysis of Chagas Disease Occurrence in Riverside Communities in the Western Amazon
by Daniela da Silva Paixão, Fernanda Portela Madeira, Adila Costa de Jesus, Hêmilly Caroline da Silva Paixão, Juliana de Souza Almeida Aranha Camargo, Mariane Albuquerque Lima Ribeiro, Leandro José Ramos, Jader de Oliveira, João Aristeu da Rosa, Paulo Sérgio Bernarde et al.
Pathogens 2024, 13(2), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13020176

Chagas Disease in Europe
by Marta Gonzalez-Sanz, Clara Crespillo-Andújar, Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro, Begoña Monge-Maillo, Jose A. Perez-Molina and Francesca F. Norman
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(12), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8120513

Impact of Laboratory-Adapted Intracellular Trypanosoma cruzi Strains on the Activity Profiles of Compounds with Anti-T. cruzi Activity
by Melissa L. Sykes, Emily K. Kennedy and Vicky M. Avery
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020476

A Review on the Immunological Response against Trypanosoma cruzi
by Martje Van Neste, Annick Bogaerts, Nina Nauwelaerts, Julia Macente, Anne Smits, Pieter Annaert and Karel Allegaert
Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020282

 Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease: Focus on Latin American Context Advances in Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease: Biology, Epidemiology, Treatment and Control

7 April 2025
World Health Day—“Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, 7 April 2025


World Health Day aims to draw global attention to pressing health challenges, reinforcing our commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” highlights the importance of maternal and infant health. Current estimates show that a woman dies every two minutes from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Urgent action is needed to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritize women’s long-term health and well-being.

To provide high-quality care before, during, and after childbirth, we must engage in critical discussions and foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. Health systems must evolve to address the full spectrum of maternal and newborn health issues—from obstetric complications to mental health conditions, noncommunicable diseases, and family planning.

In recognition of World Health Day 2025, we invite you to explore a curated selection of articles, journals, and Special Issues spanning multiple disciplines. These resources offer valuable insights into the complexities of maternal and infant health and outline actionable steps toward lasting, positive change.

Together, we can build a world where every mother and child have the opportunity for a healthy, hopeful future.

Medicine & Pharmacology

Public Health & Healthcare

Biology & Life Sciences

Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities

Maternal Health
Relationship Between Plasma Acid Sphingomyelinase and Alteration in Taste and Smell as Indicator of Long COVID in Pregnant Women
by Federico Fiorani, Giulia Moretti, Laura Cerquiglini, Chiara Gizzi, Giulia Gizzi, Paola Signorelli, Samuela Cataldi, Tommaso Beccari, Elisa Delvecchio, Claudia Mazzeschi et al.
Reports 2024, 7(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports7040104
  
Pregnant Women’s Perception of Gestational Anemia and Iron Supplements in Oman
by Zalikha Khamis Al-Marzouqi, Nawal Said Alsereahi and Safiya Khalfan Al Maqbali
J. Oman Med. Assoc. 2024, 1(1), 10–22; https://doi.org/10.3390/joma1010003

The Sri Lanka Mother and Newborn Growth (S-MaNGro) Cohort: Protocol of a Nationwide Prospective Study
by Malshani Lakshika Pathirathna, Megumi Haruna, Satoshi Sasaki, Kaori Yonezawa, Yuriko Usui and Yasuhiro Hagiwara
Methods Protoc. 2024, 7(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps7040061

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Complete versus Partial Hydatidiform Moles
by Jeffrey Gonzalez, Meagan Popp, Stephanie Ocejo, Alvaro Abreu, Hisham F. Bahmad and Robert Poppiti
Diseases 2024, 12(7), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12070159

Evaluating Thromboprophylaxis Strategies for High-Risk Pregnancy: A Current Perspective
by Lucia Stančiaková, Kristína Brisudová, Ingrid Škorňová, Tomáš Bolek, Matej Samoš, Kamil Biringer, Ján Staško and Juraj Sokol
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(6), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060773

Caring for Pregnant Patients with Cancer: A Framework for Ethical and Patient-Centred Care
by Alma Linkeviciute, Rita Canario, Fedro Alessandro Peccatori and Kris Dierickx
Cancers 2024, 16(2), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16020455

Histopathological Clues of Enhanced Inflammation in the Placental Tissue of Women with Chronic Venous Disease in Lower Limbs during Pregnancy
by María Asunción Sánchez-Gil, Oscar Fraile-Martinez, Cielo García-Montero, María Del Val Toledo, Luis G. Guijarro, Juan A. De León-Luis, Coral Bravo, Raúl Díaz-Pedrero, Laura López-Gonzalez, Miguel A. Saez et al.
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14010087

Challenges Related to Acquisition of Physiological Data for Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Models in Postpartum, Lactating Women and Breastfed Infants—A Contribution from the ConcePTION Project
by Martje Van Neste, Annick Bogaerts, Nina Nauwelaerts, Julia Macente, Anne Smits, Pieter Annaert and Karel Allegaert
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(11), 2618; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15112618

Umbilical Cord Diseases Affecting Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes
by Gabriele Tonni, Mario Lituania, Alessandro Cecchi, Elisa Carboni, Serena Resta, Maria Paola Bonasoni and Rodrigo Ruano
Healthcare 2023, 11(19), 2634; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11192634

Scientists’ Warning: Remove the Barriers to Contraception Access, for Health of Women and the Planet
by Jan Greguš and John Guillebaud
World 2023, 4(3), 589–597; https://doi.org/10.3390/world4030036

Trauma-Informed Care and Equity in Group Pregnancy Care for Women of Refugee Background: Reflections from the Workforce
by Fran Hearn, Laura Biggs, Stephanie J. Brown, Ann Krastev, Josef Szwarc and Elisha Riggs
Trauma Care 2023, 3(3), 161–176; https://doi.org/10.3390/traumacare3030016

Smoking Cessation Rates among Pregnant Women and Their Relapse Rates in the Postpartum Period in Samsun
by Bektas Murat Yalcin, Tugba Kertmen and Muge Ustaoglu
J. Respir. 2023, 3(3), 118–129; https://doi.org/10.3390/jor3030012

Effects of COVID-19 on Kenya’s Healthcare System: Healthcare Providers’ Experiences with Maternal Health Services Utilization in Coastal Kenya
by Stephen Okumu Ombere and Agnetta Adiedo Nyabundi
World 2023, 4(1), 140152; https://doi.org/10.3390/world4010010

Infant and Child Health
Clinical Insight into Congenital Hypothyroidism Among Children
by Hüseyin Anıl Korkmaz
Children 2025, 12(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010055

Child and Adolescent Mental Health in a Period of Fewer COVID-19-Related Restrictions in an Urban Population in Germany
by Anna Konopka, Amand Führer, Mascha Binder, Sophie Diexer, Thomas Frese, Michael Gekle, Matthias Girndt, Cornelia Gottschick, Jessica Hoell, Bianca Klee et al.
Psychiatry Int. 2024, 5(4), 718–737; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint5040050

Differences in Farmers’ Market Patronage among Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
by Renata Blumberg, Emily Fowler, Gabrielle Guerrero, Yeon Bai, Meena Mahadevan and Pankaj Lal
Dietetics 2024, 3(2), 179–190; https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics3020015

Maternal Depressive Symptoms in the First Year after Childbirth Predict Long-Term Developmental Risks in Sons and Daughters
by Linda S. Pagani, Kianoush Harandian, Beatrice Necsa, Marie-Josée Harbec and George M. Tarabulsy
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(3), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21030264

Inflammatory Biomarker Profiles in Very Preterm Infants within the Context of Preeclampsia, Chorioamnionitis, and Clinically Diagnosed Postnatal Infection
by Jordan T. Ewald, Baiba Steinbrekera, Jennifer R. Bermick, Donna A. Santillan, Tarah T. Colaizy, Mark K. Santillan and Robert D. Roghair
Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(3), 483–493; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15030044

A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating a Regenerative Epithelial Suspension for Medium-Size Partial-Thickness Burns in Children: The BRACS Trial
by Anjana Bairagi, Zephanie Tyack, Roy Kimble, Dimitrios Vagenas, Steven M. McPhail and Bronwyn Griffin
Eur. Burn J. 2023, 4(1), 121–141; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4010012

The Impact of the Early COVID-19 Global Pandemic on Children Undergoing Active Cancer Treatment and Their Parents
by Andrew Tran, Sharon H. J. Hou, Caitlin Forbes, Sara Cho, Victoria J. Forster, Mehak Stokoe, Claire E. Wakefield, Lori Wiener, Lauren C. Heathcote, Gisela Michel et al.
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(2), 2441–2456; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30020186

Feature Advancements in Section “Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology”

Global Neonatal Screening: Expanding Horizons in Diagnostic Technologies

Healthy Lifestyle for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Advanced Pediatric Drug Formulation Strategies

 

 

 

2 April 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #21 - Annual Report, Swiss Consortium, IWD, ICARS, Serbia

Welcome to the MDPI Insights: The CEO's Letter.

In these monthly letters, I will showcase two key aspects of our work at MDPI: our commitment to empowering researchers and our determination to facilitating open scientific exchange.


Opening Thoughts

MDPI Releases 2024 Annual Achievements Report

I’m pleased to share the release of MDPI’s 2024 Annual Achievements Report, which reflects our commitment to efficiency, transparency, and excellence in scholarly communication. The report showcases key themes related to our growth (highlighting our workforce expansion, new offices, journal milestones), excellence (editorial and publishing advancements), people (talent development and training), and community (partnerships, conferences, and outreach).

MDPI continues to build connections and drive scientific progress

Our mission remains clear: to support researchers worldwide by delivering an efficient, high-quality publishing experience while strengthening the global Open Access (OA) movement.

Advancing Open Access: A Global Knowledge Hub

In 2024, we published 238,000 peer-reviewed OA articles, reaching over 25 million downloads. This reinforces MDPI’s role as a global knowledge hub, breaking down barriers to access and ensuring that high-quality research is freely available to everyone. As part of the OA movement, we are actively democratizing knowledge, making scientific advancements accessible to researchers, policymakers, educators, and the public, without the restrictions of traditional paywalls.

Expanding our Workforce and Strengthening Research Integrity

Our global presence grew in 2024 with the opening of a new Seoul office, and our workforce expanded to 6,650 staff across 21 offices. This reflects our continued growth mindset and investment in global accessibility. We also continued to take a proactive stance on our commitment to research integrity, tripling our team in this area and joining STM’s Integrity Hub and United2Act. This means more rigorous quality control, stronger safeguards, and collaboration with global initiatives to detect and combat unethical publishing practices at an industry level. Our growth is about reinforcing our role as a trusted, ethical, and accessible publishing platform for researchers worldwide.

Growing Partnerships and Impact in Scholarly Communication

MDPI’s partnerships continue to thrive, with over 900 institutional collaborations, including a landmark agreement with ZB MED in Germany, covering more than 100 universities. Additionally, more than 90% of evaluated MDPI journals have been accepted into Web of Science, including 60 new acceptances in 2024, with nearly 300 journals expected to receive a Journal Impact Factor in 2025. In the same period, 37 MDPI journals were accepted into Scopus, bringing our total indexed titles to 306. Most importantly, 95% of authors rate their experience with MDPI as excellent or good – an achievement that underscores our dedication to serving the research community.

I encourage you to read through our Annual Report, which highlights these milestones and our vision for the future. Thank you for being part of MDPI’s journey in advancing open science.

Impactful Research

MDPI Renews Partnership with CSAL to Support Swiss Universities

I am pleased to announce the renewal of our partnership with the Consortium of Swiss Academic Libraries (CSAL) for 2025. This extension reinforces MDPI's dedication to advancing open science through transparency, efficiency, and collaboration.

Our renewed agreement with CSAL strengthens support for Swiss universities, ensuring that gold open access publishing remains both accessible and affordable for researchers across Switzerland. Among the institutions participating in this agreement are ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, along with 20 other leading institutions, further expanding the reach and impact of our collaborative efforts.

To date, over 3.9 million researchers have published their findings in MDPI journals, a testament to our role in enhancing Switzerland's position as a hub for university education and research.

Inside MDPI

Celebrating International Women's Day: Accelerating Action

In honour of International Women's Day, MDPI embraced the theme “Accelerate Action,” a global call to advance women's progress by implementing effective strategies and resources. As part of our commitment, we highlighted how open access publishing empowers female voices in research and academia.

Throughout March, we featured original blogs authored by MDPI’s female contributors, showcasing the successes of our journals and employees, and addressing pressing topics such as women's health.

“Open Access supports women in education”

Women Accelerating Action Outside of MDPI

MDPI employee Ana Zdravkovic is accelerating action outside of her MDPI role as a Production Assistant. Working with like-minded women at the award-winning Belgrade-based organization UZOR OsnaŽene (meaning ‘empowered women’), they identify serious flaws in cybersecurity, and help protect women and children against online predators by providing evidence to improve legislation and laws around cyber-attacks.

In this article, we interview Ana, celebrating the important and inspiring work that she and the organisation do.

How Open Access Supports Women in Education

Every day, women and girls face barriers in education or career progression. This is caused by a range of factors, including social expectations, poverty, and poor infrastructure.

Quality opportunities and participation in the education system by women is essential to achieving equality and fulfilling their human rights.

Here, we examine how Open Access supports women in education by removing barriers and ensuring that vital research is accessible.

Recent Advancements in Research on Endometriosis

March is Endometriosis Action Month. Endometriosis is a medical condition affecting women and young girls of reproductive age, often causing symptoms such as severe pelvic pain, irregular periods, and infertility.

More research on endometriosis is still urgently needed.

This research will help develop efficient diagnoses and better treatment for those struggling with the condition.

In this article, we explore what endometriosis is and discuss the latest research advancements on the disease.

We also curated a selection of MDPI journals, articles, and Special Issues focusing on gender equity, women in the workplace, and women’s health.​ Find out more about these by visiting our IWD – Accelerate Action landing page.

As I reflect on the month of March and International Women’s Day, I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank all of the incredible women at MDPI for your dedication to democratizing knowledge and shaping open access. Your contributions are invaluable, and they continue to shape the future of MDPI.

Coming Together for Science

The International Conference on Advanced Remote Sensing (ICARS 2025)

The International Conference on Advanced Remote Sensing (ICARS 2025) took place from 26–28 March 2025, in Barcelona, Spain. It was chaired by Prof. Dr. Fabio Tosti from the Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing (UK), Prof. Dr. Andrea Benedetto from University Roma Tre (Italy), and Prof. Dr. Luis Ángel Ruiz from Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV, Spain).

Over three days, the conference explored innovations in Earth and environmental sciences, engineering advancements, and practical applications in biological and agricultural fields.

I am pleased to share that the 1st edition of ICARS 2025 was a great success, with 133 attendees out of 146 registrations. The event featured 43 short talks, 64 posters, and 103 accepted abstracts, along with nine keynote speakers and a major panel with five expert panellists.

Over 60 attendees joined the conference dinner, and the event received outstanding feedback.

The main goal of ICARS2025 was to cover how advanced remote sensing technologies are transforming our approach to global challenges.

Awards

Four awards were presented at the conclusion of the conference, sponsored by the journal Remote Sensing: Best Poster Award (€400), Best Oral Presentation Award (€400), and two Early Career Researcher Awards (1st prize: €600 and 2nd prize: €200).

Thank you to our Partnering Societies

We are grateful for the support of our four partnering societies and nine media partners, who played an important role in promoting the conference. Special thanks to our partnering societies: the European Federation of Geologists (EFG), Geoscience Energy Society of Great Britain (GESGB), Asociación Española de Teledetección (AET) – the Spanish Association of Remote Sensing, and the International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE).

Upcoming In-Person Event

31 March–2 April 2025
Plants 2025: From Seeds to Food Security
Location: Barcelona, Spain

This event will gather plant scientists to discuss the latest research on how to feed a growing population while maintaining a sustainable agro-ecosystem.

Find more upcoming MDPI events here.

Closing Thoughts

MDPI Serbia Salon 2025: A Gathering of Academic Excellence

On Tuesday, 18 March, we successfully concluded our first MDPI Serbia Salon in Belgrade. This event provided a great opportunity to showcase MDPI’s achievements, strengthen connections with the Serbian academic community, and highlight our role as the largest publisher in Serbia. We were honoured to welcome Prof. Dr. Sergej M. Ostojić, Editor-in-Chief of MDPI journal Clinical Bioenergetics, as a guest speaker.

Over the past five years, MDPI has experienced continuous growth in Serbia, with an increasing number of publications, an expansion of Editorial Board memberships, and a greater number of active peer reviewers. The Salon allowed us to express our thanks to the Serbian research community while gathering feedback from attendees representing several major universities.

Discussion topics

As part of the event, I delivered an opening speech highlighting MDPI’s achievements and direction.

The event featured presentations from MDPI colleagues, including discussions on open science, publishing ethics, and our achievements in Serbia.

A special thank-you to all our MDPI presenters, panellists, and organizers who made his event a success. I hope the MDPI Serbia Salon becomes a tradition for years to come, creating connections within the Serbian research community.

Visit to the Science Fund of Serbia and The Ministry of Science

During my visit to Belgrade, I had the opportunity to join my colleagues Emir Ramadani (Operations Manager) and Nevena Blagojev (Journal Relations Manager) in meetings with the Science Fund of Serbia and the Ministry of Science, where we received strong support for our work in Serbia.

Both organizations highly value our presence in and commitment to Serbia, where we employ over 640 staff across our two offices in Belgrade and Novi Sad. We take great pride in creating job opportunities and supporting the community in Serbia.

“There’s a lot of exciting activity happening in MDPI Serbia”

Speaking with our Serbian Colleagues

Finally, I had the opportunity to speak with our Serbian colleagues about our initiatives to expand and to improve our marketing & communication and public relations activities.

It was great to have an open discussion with colleagues – both in person and with the hundreds who joined online.

This visit to Belgrade had been a long time coming for me. Serbia is our largest operation in Europe and there’s a lot of exciting activity happening in MDPI Serbia, including the launch of a new office floor in Novi Sad and the growth and expansion of our teams.

I look forward to returning soon and continuing to support our colleagues across our Serbian offices.

Stefan Tochev
Chief Executive Officer
MDPI AG

28 March 2025
World Autism Awareness Day—“Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, 2 April 2025


Autistic individuals contribute uniquely to society, bringing diverse perspectives, creativity, and innovation. Recognizing and valuing neurodiversity fosters more inclusive communities where individuals with autism can thrive. However, many face challenges in accessing education, employment, healthcare, and social support due to systemic barriers and misconceptions. By strengthening inclusive policies, support networks, and awareness efforts, we can create environments that empower autistic individuals to reach their full potential while ensuring their rights, dignity, and well-being. 

In recognition of the International Day of Autism Awareness, observed annually on 2 April, we celebrate the contributions of autistic individuals and reaffirm our commitment to promoting inclusion and acceptance. The theme for this year’s World Autism Awareness Day, Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, emphasizes the importance of integrating neurodiversity into global development efforts, ensuring that autistic individuals are included in the pursuit of the SDGs. We highlight a selection of relevant articles, Special Issues, and journals spanning disciplines such as psychology, education, public health, and social sciences. Through the dissemination of research, we aim to deepen understanding, promote acceptance, and encourage practical solutions that enhance the lives of autistic individuals. By fostering awareness and advocacy, we can work toward a more inclusive, supportive, and neurodiverse society.

Public Health & Healthcare Biology & Life Sciences

 

Medicine & Pharmacology

Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities

 

 Invited speakers:

Prof. Dr. Marios Adamou, University of Huddersfield, UK
Presentation: “Enhancing Adult Autism Diagnostic Pathways: The Role of Clinical Triage in Efficient Service Provision”

Dr. Andrey Vyshedskiy, Boston University, USA
Presentaion: “Fostering Syntactic Language Acquisition in Children with Autism”

Dr. Roberto Canitano, Univeristy of L’Aquila, Italy
Presentation: “Experimental Treatments in ASD”

Feel free to register for this webinar here. 

Cognitive and Emotional Resilience in Parents with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder During COVID-19: The Role of Promoting Variables
by Aziz Sarhani-Robles, Maria Guillot-Valdes, Maria Auxiliadora Robles-Bello and David Sanchez-Teruel
J. Intell. 2025, 13(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence13010006 

International Perspectives on Assistive Technologies for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities: Findings from a Delphi Study
by Paulina Tsvetkova, Carla Sousa, Daniel Beiderbeck, Aneta M. Kochanowciz, Branislav Gerazov, May Agius, Tomasz Przybyla, Merita Hoxha and Alan H. Tkacyz
Disabilities 2024, 4(4), 1138-1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4040071 

Validity of the Greek Knowledge About Childhood Autism Among Health Workers (KCAHW) Questionnaire
by Vasiliki Zarokanellou, Alexandros Gyparis, Evridiki Papagiannopoulou and Vassiliki Siafaka
Psychiatry. Int. 2024, 5(4), 962-974; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint5040066 

The Feasibility of Whole-Body Vibration Training as an Approach to Improve Health in Autistic Adults
by Amy Allnutt, Sara Pappa and Michael Nordvall
Disabilities 2024, 4(3), 429-443; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4030027 

The Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Precocious Puberty: Considering Effect Modification by Sex and Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities
by Yi-Chun Liu, Yin-To Liao, Mei-Hong Wan, Vincent Chin-Huang Chen and Yi-Lung Chen
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060632 

Epidemiological Study of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Greece for 2021: Nationwide Prevalence in 2–17-Year-Old Children and Regional Disparities
by Raissa Kouznetsov, Panagiotis Angelopoulos, Spyridon Moulinos, Ioannis Dimakos, Philippos Gourzis and Eleni Jelastopuly
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(7), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072510

 

“Mental Health, Innovative Therapies and Assessment in Adolescents and Young Adults and Related Contexts
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. David Sánchez-Teruel and Prof. Dr. Mª Auxiliadora Robles-Bello
Submission Deadline: 30 September 2025

27 March 2025
Meet Us at the TERMIS EU Congress 2025, 20–23 May 2025, Freiburg, Germany


Conference:
TERMIS EU Congress 2025
Date: 20–23 May 2025
Location: Freiburg, Germany

MDPI will be attending the TERMIS EU Congress 2025 as an exhibitor, which will be held from 20 to 23 May 2025, and we welcome researchers from diverse backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

TERMIS EU 2025 spans multiple fields of science and explores interdisciplinary diversity to find common mechanisms in inflammation, mechanisms of regeneration, and tissue engineering strategies; it combines basic science and clinical science as a multi-scale science (from molecules to patients). The main aim of this conference is to share the newest information in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. With “innovation”, “translation”, and “digitalization”, TERMIS 2025 is going to “shape the future by connecting scientific diversity”.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

  • Biomedicines;
  • Bioengineering;
  • Biomimetics;
  • Diseases;
  • Emergency Care and Medicine;
  • Hematology Reports;
  • Neurology International.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please do not hesitate to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at the booth and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://eu2025.termis.org/.

24 March 2025
World Tuberculosis Day 2025—“Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”, 24 March 2025


Tuberculosis is a disease that is both preventable and treatable, significantly affecting people’s health and quality of life worldwide. Every year, we commemorate World Tuberculosis Day to raise public awareness of the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to intensify efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date signifies the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacterium responsible for TB, which paved the way for diagnosing and curing this disease. We hope that established journals in the fields of Biology Life Sciences and Medicine & Pharmacology at MDPI, including Pathogens, Microorganisms, Reports, Medical Sciences, Healthcare and Diagnostics will continue to serve as a communication platform for innovative ideas regarding prevention and treatment.

Medicine & Pharmacology Biology Life Sciences
Public Health & Healthcare

 

 

Impact of Severity of COVID-19 in TB Disease Patients: Experience from an Italian Infectious Disease Referral Hospital
by Virginia Di Bari, Carlotta Cerva, Raffaella Libertone, Serena Maria Carli, Maria Musso, Delia Goletti, Alessandra Aiello, Antonio Mazzarelli, Angela Cannas, Giulia Matusali, Fabrizio Palmieri, Gina Gualano and on behalf of the TB-INMI Working Group
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17010011 

Cigarette Smoking as a Risk Factor for Tuberculosis in Adults: Epidemiology and Aspects of Disease Pathogenesis
by Charles Feldman, Annette J. Theron, Moloko C. Cholo and Ronald Anderson
Pathogens 2024, 13(2), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13020151 

Situation Analysis of Early Implementation of Programmatic Management of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment among Household Contacts of Pulmonary TB Patients in Delhi, India
by Yasir Alvi, Sairu Philip, Tanu Anand, Palanivel Chinnakali, Farzana Islam, Neeta Singla, Pruthu Thekkur, Ashwani Khanna and BK Vashishat
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9010024 

HLA-DPB1*05:01 and HLA-A*11:01 Is Associated with Adverse Drug Reactions to Isoniazid and Rifampin for Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in South Korea
by Bomi Kim, Jungok Kim, Sun-Young Yoon, Hae Suk Cheong, Min-Jung Kwon, Joon-Sup Yeom, Han-Na Kim and Eun-Jeong Joo
Clin. Med. 2024, 13(12), 3563; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13123563 

Pharmacists’ Role in Global TB Elimination: Practices, Pitfalls, and Potential
by Alina Cernasev, Jonathan Stillo, Jolie Black, Mythili Batchu, Elaina Bell and Cynthia A. Tschampl
Healthcare 2024, 12(11), 1137; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12111137 

Metabolic Rewiring of Mycobacterium tuberculosis upon Drug Treatment and Antibiotics Resistance
by Biplab Singha, Sumit Murmu, Tripti Nair, Rahul Singh Rawat, Aditya Kumar Sharma and Vijay Soni
Metabolites 2024, 14(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14010063 

Exploring the Impact of Silicosis Incidence on Tuberculosis Mortality and Morbidity: A Multi-Country Study
by Muayad Albadrani
Med. Sci. 2023, 11(4), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci11040063

Prevention, Treatment and Diagnosis of Tuberculosis, 2nd Edition
Guest Editor: Dr. Rogelio Hernández Pando
Submission deadline: 30 June 2025

Tuberculosis in Special Populations: Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Interventions
Guest Editors: Dr. Masoud Dara and Dr. Dominik Zenner
Submission deadline: 31 July 2025

The Old and New Faces of Epidemiology: From the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases to Social Epidemiology
Guest Editor: Dr. Jerzy Słowiński
Submission deadline: 31 July 2025

21 March 2025
World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March 2025


This year, World Down Syndrome Day will be celebrated on 21 March 2025. Each year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with this chromosome disorder. In 2025, we call for people around the world to “end the stereotypes”.

Aiming at improving the quality of life of people with Down syndrome and propelling the scientific development in this field, we would like to recommend some related articles, Special Issues, and journals in MDPI as suitable communication platforms for you. We believe that sharing research like this can help raise awareness of Down syndrome.

“When Language Is Not Enough: How to Explain ToM Abilities of Individuals with Williams Syndrome and Down Syndrome”
by Claire Touchet, Régis Pochon and Laure Ibernon
Disabilities 2025, 5(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities5010004

“Assessing Uveitis Risk following Pediatric Down Syndrome Diagnosis: A TriNetX Database Study”
by Alan Y. Hsu, Yu-Hsun Wang, Chun-Ju Lin, You-Ling Li, Ning-Yi Hsia, Chun-Ting Lai, Hou-Ting Kuo, Huan-Sheng Chen, Yi-Yu Tsai and James Cheng-Chung Wei
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050710

“Impact of Resistance Training on Body Composition and Physical Function in Individuals with Down Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis”
by Hou-Ting Kuo, Ting-Hsu Lee, Li-An Su, Li-Yun Wu, Ping-Yan Mao and Ciao-Ci Yang
Diagnostics
2024, 14(23), 2620; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232620

“The Role of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome”
by Ann-Charlotte Granholm and Eric D. Hamlett
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(5), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051338

“Astrocytic Alterations and Dysfunction in Down Syndrome: Focus on Neurogenesis, Synaptogenesis, and Neural Circuits Formation”
by Beatrice Uguagliati and Mariagrazia Grilli
Cells 2024, 13(24), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13242037

“Lipid Profile, Eating Habit, and Physical Activity in Children with Down Syndrome: A Prospective Study”
by Luca Pecoraro, Melissa Zadra, Francesco Cavallin, Silvana Lauriola, Giorgio Piacentini and Angelo Pietrobelli
Diseases 2024, 12(4), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12040068

“Impact of Physical Activity on Autonomy and Quality of Life in Individuals with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review”
by Antonio Muñoz-Llerena, Laura Ladrón-de-Guevara, Daniel Medina-Rebollo and Virginia Alcaraz-Rodríguez
Healthcare 2024, 12(2), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12020181

“Health Checks for People with Down Syndrome: A Pooled Analysis of Three Randomized Controlled Trials”
by Robert S. Ware, Catherine Franklin, Lyn McPherson and Nicholas G. Lennox
Disabilities 2024, 4(1), 101-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4010007

DNMT3B rs2424913 as a Risk Factor for Congenital Heart Defects in Down Syndrome
by Dijana Majstorović, Anita Barišić, Ivana Babić Božović, Iva Bilić Čače, Neven Čače, Mauro Štifanić and Jadranka Vraneković
Genes 2023, 14(3), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14030576

“Stress Responses in Down Syndrome Neurodegeneration: State of the Art and Therapeutic Molecules”
by Lanzillotta, Chiara, and Fabio Di Domenico
Biomolecules 2021, 11(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11020266

“Role of 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase in the Regulation of Proliferation and Cellular Bioenergetics in Human Down Syndrome Fibroblasts”
by Panagaki, Theodora, Elisa B. Randi, and Csaba Szabo
Biomolecules 2020, 10(4), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10040653

The Care Economy and Disability Inclusion Fragile X Syndrome and Fragile X Premutation Associated Conditions
Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport in People with Disabilities: Strategies for Health Promotion  Cellular and Molecular Alterations in the Down Syndrome Brain: A Starting Point for the Design of Therapeutic Approaches

10 March 2025
Welcoming New Editorial Board Members of Diseases


We are pleased to announce that three new scholars have been appointed as Editorial Board Members (EBMs) of Diseases (ISSN: 2079-9721), joining recently. We wish our new members success in both their research and their efforts to develop the journal.

Name: Dr.  Michele Malaguarnera
Affiliations: 1. Psychobiology Department, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; 2. Nursing Department, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
Interests: endocrine and metabolic diseases

Name: Dr. Andrea Cabrera-Pastor
Affiliations: 1. Pharmacology Department, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; 2. Fundación de Investigación del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia (INCLIVA), 46010 Valencia, Spain
Interests: extracellular vesicles; neurodegenerative diseases; endocrine and metabolic disorders

Name: Prof. Dr. Emilio Jirillo
Affiliation: Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy
Interests: immune regulation; nutritional immunology; intestinal microbiota; microbial immunity; neuroimmunology

Diseases is recruiting scholars from around the world to join our Editorial Board. To apply for membership, recommend potential candidates, or request further information, please contact the Diseases Editorial Office and provide the following files:

  • A full academic CV;
  • A short cover letter detailing your interest in the position.

Further details about the Editorial Board of Diseases can be found by clicking the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/diseases/editors.

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