Announcements

Metabolites (ISSN: 2218-1989) held an online meeting with the Section Editor-in-Chief Dr. Leonardo Tenori regarding the “Advances in Metabolomics” Section on 20 December 2024. Dr. Tenori has always supported the work of the journal, and we are grateful for his significant contributions. We would like to invite everyone to review our summary of this meeting.

The meeting began with a presentation on the development of the Section “Advances in Metabolomics”.

The following topics were discussed:

1. The Section’s publication statistics and an analysis of the author distribution (2020–2024);
2. An overview of Section EBMs, their journal-related activites, and section development statistics;
3. The performance of our Special Issues;
4. The publication of relevant field and marketing analyses;
5. Hot topics and related marketing analyses.

To further promote the development of the “Advances in Metabolomics” Section, the following topics were discussed at this online meeting:

• Development Strategy for the “Advances in Metabolomics” Section: The importance of Environmental Metabolomics was emphasized. The key role that Guest Editors play in the success of Special Issues was highlighted, and focusing on impactful topics while considering the competitive academic landscape was advised. We also discussed recruiting new Editorial Board Members and motivating inactive members with the benefits provided by the journal. Opportunities to meet Editorial Board Members in person were emphasized.
• Improving the Journal’s Reputation and Attracting High-Quality Papers: Concerns were raised about the perception of MDPI in certain scientific communities. Suggestions were made to focus on increasing the journal’s impact factor, enhancing the paper quality, and establishing connections with scientific societies to attract more submissions. Collaboration with scientific societies was discussed as a potential strategy, as it could improve the journal’s credibility and visibility. Participants were encouraged to share suggestions for potential society collaborations.

We sincerely thank the Section Editor-in-Chief for his active participation. Owing to your participation, we have been able to make significant achievements from face-to-face communication. We look forward to more Editorial Board Members joining us to discuss the development of our journal in the future and provide valuable opinions. This will help move the journal towards a higher level of development.

Join us as we engage with our Metabolites Exceptional Reviewer 2024, Dr. Shuang Zhao, to discuss his scholarly insights and journey as a reviewer for Metabolites (ISSN: 2218-1989).

Name: Dr. Shuang Zhao
Affiliation: The Metabolomics Innovation Centre (TMIC), Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
Interests: metabolomics; lipidomics; mass spectrometry; liquid chromatography; analytical chemistry; biomarker discovery; multi-omics 

The following is an interview with Dr. Shuang Zhao: 

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and the main content of your current research?
I am a lifelong learner with a passion for developing innovative metabolomics solutions and advancing both population and personalized health through cutting-edge technologies. Currently, I serve as a senior research scientist and node manager at The Metabolomics Innovation Centre in Canada. My research is centered on developing advanced LC-MS-based metabolomics methodologies to provide an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the metabolome.
Beyond method development, a key focus of my work is making these unique and innovative technologies accessible to the broader community by translating them into robust and user-friendly assays. Looking ahead, I am particularly interested in applying these technologies to population-based studies, with the aim of driving health advancements through biomarker discovery and precision health.

2. What interdisciplinary research trends are there in your field? What impact do you think these trends have on metabolomics research?
The metabolomics field is inherently interdisciplinary, and this trend is becoming even more pronounced. From a methodological perspective, metabolomics stands at the intersection of chemistry, biomedicine, bioinformatics, and other disciplines. This fusion makes the field dynamic and filled with both exciting challenges and uncertainties. The process of integrating novel technologies and approaches from diverse disciplines into metabolomics is not only thrilling but also crucial for advancing the field.
What I find particularly fascinating is the application of these innovative technologies in various research areas. Metabolomics has become a powerful interdisciplinary tool, providing insights across domains. These applications also feed back into methodology development, driving the creation of more user-friendly tools that lower the expertise barrier, allowing broader accessibility to metabolomics for researchers from different fields.
Additionally, the rise of multi-omics integration is significantly expanding the scope and impact of metabolomics. This trend not only enhances our ability to uncover biomarkers and pathways but also strengthens the role of metabolomics in precision medicine and other emerging areas of research.

3. When and how did you first become aware of the Metabolites journal? What attracts you most about this journal?
I first became aware of Metabolites when I began my Ph.D. program in 2014. As I was starting my academic journey in metabolomics, I explored journals dedicated to this field and was fortunate to come across Metabolites. Over the years, both my colleagues and I have had the opportunity to publish our research in this journal, deepening my appreciation for its scientific impact and rigorous editorial standards.
What attracts me most to Metabolites is its open access model and its fast yet thorough review process. The journal’s commitment to making published research freely available ensures that new scientific discoveries can reach a wider audience, particularly those with limited access to academic resources. This fosters greater collaboration, drives innovation across disciplines, and promotes academic equity. Additionally, the journal’s efficient peer-review and publication process—thanks to the dedication of its editors and reviewers—helps accelerate the dissemination of high-quality research, making it an excellent platform for advancing metabolomics knowledge. 

4. From the reviewer’s perspective, what specific writing skill suggestions do you have for authors when writing papers?
I would encourage authors to structure and present their manuscripts in a logical and engaging manner, incorporating both clarity and a storytelling approach. A well-organized manuscript enhances readability, making it easier for readers to follow the research flow while also strengthening its scientific impact.
A storytelling approach, when used appropriately, can make the manuscript more compelling and accessible, especially for readers who may not be experts in the exact same field. This helps broaden the reach and impact of the work.
Additionally, from a more detailed perspective, I recommend conveying information concisely and clearly. Precision in writing ensures that key messages are effectively communicated without unnecessary complexity. By combining strong structural organization with clear and concise writing, authors can produce high-quality manuscripts that effectively convey their scientific contributions.

5. Have you had any international cooperation experience in your research process? What benefits do you think international cooperation has for metabolomics research?
Yes, as a national metabolomics facility in Canada, we have had the privilege of collaborating with researchers from around the world. These collaborations allow us to develop tailored methodologies that address specific research needs while also working together to analyze data and deliver meaningful results. International cooperation, both in method development and application, brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, making the research process not only productive but also intellectually stimulating.
For instance, through collaborations with outstanding researchers in Europe, we are working to unravel the metabolic complexities of ALS, a rare neurodegenerative disease. Our joint efforts aim to enhance the understanding of its metabolic underpinnings, ultimately improving diagnosis and treatment strategies. Achieving such progress would be significantly more challenging without international collaboration, as it allows us to pool expertise, share resources, and accelerate discoveries that have global impact.

6. What is your view on the transformation and application of metabolomics research results? What challenges and opportunities do you think exist in the transformation of results at present?
Metabolomics has been widely applied across various domains, particularly in biomedical research, which is both promising and encouraging. However, despite its advancements, several challenges remain in translating metabolomics research into real-world applications.
One key challenge is the limited integration of metabolomics findings into clinical practice, particularly for disease diagnosis. While metabolomics has shown great potential for biomarker discovery, its clinical utility requires extensive validation in large, diverse population-based studies to ensure robustness and reproducibility. On the other hand, emerging technologies in high-throughput and comprehensive metabolomics analysis offer significant opportunities. These advancements are making large-scale population studies more feasible, which in turn strengthens the reliability and applicability of metabolomics discoveries. As the field continues to evolve, I believe that these innovations will accelerate the successful translation of metabolomics research into practical applications, ultimately benefiting precision medicine, diagnostics, and other fields.

MDPI, a pioneer in scholarly open access publishing, and the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), Singapore, proudly announce the successful conclusion of the first edition the MDPI Early Career Researcher Awards. The awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to medical and biomedical research, were presented to six exceptional researchers during an awards ceremony held at LKCMedicine HQ Building on 28 November 2024.

Honoring Excellence in Research

The awards recognize exceptional postdoctoral researchers and Ph.D. students who have demonstrated outstanding originality, innovation, and impact in their respective fields. We are honored to announce the winners of the 2024 edition:

Early Career Researcher (Postdoc) Award:

• Dr. Theresia Handayani Mina, “Adiposity and Metabolic Health in Asian Populations: An Epidemiological Study Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Singapore”;
• Dr. Erfan Rezvani Ghomi, “Wound Healing Improvement by Novel Aligned Antimicrobial Nanofibrous 3D Scaffolds”;
• Dr. Yadollah Ranjbar Slamloo, “Functional Alterations of The Prefrontal Circuit Underlying Cognitive Aging in Mice”.

Early Career Researcher (Ph.D.) Award:

• Pritisha Rozario, “Mechanistic Basis for Potassium Efflux-Driven Activation of the Human NLRP1 Inflammasome”;

• Michelle Law Cheok Yien, “Chikungunya Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 is a Versatile RNA Capping and Decapping Enzyme”;
• Yin Ruoyu, “The Use of Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Tools in Older Adults: A Mixed Method Study”.

Our collaboration highlights a shared commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and research within the academic community, addressing today’s healthcare challenges, and inspiring continued innovation.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Building on the success of the first edition, MDPI and LKCMedicine are excited to announce that the 2025 MDPI Early Researcher Awards will continue to celebrate excellence and innovation in medical research. The next edition promises to expand its scope, introducing new categories and providing even greater recognition for impactful research.

Further details on the 2025 awards, including nomination criteria and timelines, will be shared in the coming months. We remain committed to fostering a culture of research excellence and collaboration within the global scientific community.

The meeting started with a presentation about the development of the Section “Bioinformatics and Data Analysis”. The following topics were discussed:

• Section status, publication and Special Issue statistics (2020–2024);
• Section marketing overview;
• Section EBM overview.

The discussion with Section Editor-in-Chief Dr. Hunter N. B. Moseley encapsulated several key insights, plans and topics for improving editorial practices and promoting collection.

Firstly, Dr. Moseley cautioned against over-reliance on COVID-era data, emphasizing the importance of including pre-COVID data to ensure a balanced analysis. He acknowledged improvements in the editorial workflow but highlighted challenges faced by reviewers due to a lack of expertise, which he mitigates by supplementing reviews.

Additionally, Dr. Moseley noted the difficulty of maintaining an engaged Editorial Board, with some prominent members often unresponsive due to professional commitments. To address these challenges, he suggested encouraging inactive board members to be more active through targeted outreach and setting a minimum expectation of one editorial decision per year. He also proposed considering early career researchers who review well for board membership. The editorial staff also made a suggestion that Dr. Moseley could contact some EBMs to try to encourage them to be more active.

The editorial staff introduced the idea of using webinars to promote the collection “Metabolome Mining”, with Dr. Moseley expressing openness to chairing a session and assisting in finding speakers. However, he emphasized the need for careful planning, considering different time zones and avoiding conflicts with other academic events.

Regarding his research, Dr. Moseley discussed his lab’s novel work in predicting metabolic pathways through new annotations for metabolite features, leading to impactful publications in metabolomics. He emphasized the importance of clearly defined Special Issue descriptions to attract quality submissions and mentioned submitting papers to the collection “Metabolome Mining” in the future.

Overall, the discussion painted a picture of an evolving editorial landscape, balancing challenges with ongoing improvements and planning for future directions.

Metabolites Editorial Office

Cancer impacts millions of lives worldwide, yet each person’s journey with the disease is uniquely their own. World Cancer Day reminds us that while the disease impacts individuals differently, our shared strength, innovation, and focus on holistic care bring us closer to a future where cancer no longer dictates lives. Every experience, challenge, and success story contribute to the broader fight against cancer, demonstrating the resilience and hope that unite us all. As we continue to make strides through innovative research, treatment advancements, and global collaboration, it is essential to recognize both the diversity of stories and our common goal of overcoming cancer together.

In observance of this day, we invite you to explore the following resources that delve into the field of cancer and the cutting-edge advancements shaping its care. By prioritizing people-centered treatment where patients’ voices and needs guide care, we can ensure personalized attention for all. It is our hope to foster a deeper understanding of the impact of cancer and encourage meaningful action to support patients, caregivers, and researchers in their pursuit of a world free from cancer’s hold. Together, we can inspire action and work toward a cancer-free future.

“Rare Variants of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: Clinical, Histologic, and Molecular Features and Diagnostic Pitfalls”
by Celestine M. Trinidad, Sintawat Wangsiricharoen, Victor G. Prieto and Phyu P. Aung
Dermatopathology 2023, 10(1), 54–62; https://doi.org/10.3390/dermatopathology10010008

“Nitrogen Containing Heterocycles as Anticancer Agents: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective”
by Adarsh Kumar, Ankit Kumar Singh, Harshwardhan Singh, Veena Vijayan, Deepak Kumar, Jashwanth Naik, Suresh Thareja, Jagat Pal Yadav, Prateek Pathak, Maria Grishina et al.
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16(2), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16020299

“Artificial Intelligence in Brain Tumor Imaging: A Step toward Personalized Medicine”
by Maurizio Cè, Giovanni Irmici, Chiara Foschini, Giulia Maria Danesini, Lydia Viviana Falsitta, Maria Lina Serio, Andrea Fontana, Carlo Martinenghi, Giancarlo Oliva and Michaela Cellina
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(3), 2673–2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30030203

“Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment Options and Limitations: Future Outlook”
by Onyinyechi Obidiro, Gantumur Battogtokh and Emmanuel O. Akala
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(7), 1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15071796

“Biomarkers in Breast Cancer: An Old Story with a New End”
by Lyvia Neves Rebello Alves, Débora Dummer Meira, Luiza Poppe Merigueti, Matheus Correia Casotti, Diego do Prado Ventorim, Jucimara Ferreira Figueiredo Almeida, Valdemir Pereira de Sousa, Marllon Cindra Sant’Ana, Rahna Gonçalves Coutinho da Cruz, Luana Santos Louro et al.
Genes 2023, 14(7), 1364; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14071364

“Could Microbiome Be the Common Co-Denominator between Type 2 Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer?”
by Marin Golčić and Andrej Belančić
Diabetology 2023, 4(4), 553–559; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology4040049

“Targeting Solute Carrier Transporters (SLCs) as a Therapeutic Target in Different Cancers”
by Ravi Bharadwaj, Swati Jaiswal, Erandi E. Velarde de la Cruz and Ritesh P. Thakare
Diseases 2024, 12(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12030063

“Significance of TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4 and KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer”
by Dimitrios Stefanoudakis, Maximos Frountzas, Dimitrios Schizas, Nikolaos V. Michalopoulos, Alexandra Drakaki and Konstantinos G. Toutouzas
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(4), 2827–2844; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46040177

“Metformin: From Diabetes to Cancer—Unveiling Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies”
by Emilia Amengual-Cladera, Pere Miquel Morla-Barcelo, Andrea Morán-Costoya, Jorge Sastre-Serra, Daniel Gabriel Pons, Adamo Valle, Pilar Roca and Mercedes Nadal-Serrano
Biology 2024, 13(5), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13050302

“Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Fundamental Mechanisms, Current Status and Future Directions”
by Abdullah Younis and John Gribben
Immuno 2024, 4(3), 186–210; https://doi.org/10.3390/immuno4030013

“Breast Cancer Screening among African Immigrants in the United States: An Integrative Review of Barriers, Facilitators, and Interventions”
by Julian I. Rauch, Joseph Daniels, Alyssa Robillard and Rodney P. Joseph
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081004

“Predicting Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Interpretable Machine Learning: A Retrospective Analysis”
by Salem Shamsul Alam, Saif Ahmed, Taseef Hasan Farook and James Dudley
Oral 2024, 4(3), 386–404; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral4030032

Metabolites (ISSN: 2218-1989) held an online meeting with Section Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Chi Chen regarding the “Animal Metabolism” Section on 20 November 2024. We are extremely grateful for the strong support from our Section Editor-in-Chief. We would like to invite everyone to jointly review the content of this meeting.

The meeting began with a presentation about the development of the Section “Animal Metabolism”. The following topics were discussed:

• The Section’s publication statistics, and analysis of authors’ distribution (2020–2024);
• Hot topics, relevant affiliations, and marketing analyses;
• Marketing activities-webinar;
• Section EBM overview, decision-making statistics, and Section development statistics.

To promote the development of the “Animal Metabolism” Section, the following topics were discussed at this online meeting:

• Strategies for maintaining and improving paper quality control: Emphasizing the importance of securing high-quality reviewers from diverse countries. Ensuring that reviewers had expertise closely related to submitted manuscripts. Fostering a culture of high-quality publications;
• Development plans for the “Animal Metabolism” Section: Motivating Editorial Board members and providing annual recognition to top performers, identifying and recruiting researchers who are active in relevant fields. Engaging both experienced and emerging scientists in Special Issues on hot topics;
• Promotion and other suggestions: Prof. Dr. Chen suggests holding webinars that are relevant to the scholars’ research interests and with broader applicability. Will share the new conferences, and build a clear communication system, with strategic recruitment, and ongoing quality control with the editorial office.

We sincerely thank the Section Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Chi Chen for his active participation. Thanks to his participation, we could exchange views face-to-face and receive timely feedback. We hope that more members will join us in the future, and we look forward to your valuable suggestions, as they push us to work together, continue to move towards a higher level of development, and make greater progress.

Metabolites Editorial Office

On 31 May 2021, the World Health Assembly (WHA) recognized 30 January as World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day. This decision formalized 30 January as a day to create better awareness on the devastating impact of NTDs on the poorest populations around the world. The day is also an opportunity to call on everyone to support the growing momentum for the control, elimination and eradication of these diseases.

We would like to recommend some related articles, Special Issues, and journals in the field of medicine & pharmacology as suitable communication platforms for you. We believe that sharing research like this can help raise awareness of NTDs.

“A Fatal Case of Presumptive Diagnosis of Leptospirosis Involving the Central Nervous System”
by Christina Alexopoulou, Athanasia Proklou, Sofia Kokkini, Maria Raissaki, Ioannis Konstantinou and Eumorfia Kondili
Healthcare 2024, 12(5), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12050568

“Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Tool and a Universal Low-Cost Robotized Microscope for the Automated Diagnosis of Malaria”
by Carles Rubio Maturana, Allisson Dantas de Oliveira, Francesc Zarzuela, Alejandro Mediavilla, Patricia Martínez-Vallejo, Aroa Silgado, Lidia Goterris, Marc Muixí, Alberto Abelló, Anna Veiga et al.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010047

“Chagas Disease in the Non-Endemic Area of Rome, Italy: Ten Years of Experience and a Brief Overview”
by Maria Letizia Giancola, Andrea Angheben, Laura Scorzolini, Stefania Carrara, Ada Petrone, Antonella Vulcano, Raffaella Lionetti, Angela Corpolongo, Rosalia Marrone, Francesca Faraglia et al.
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2024, 16(4), 650-663; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr16040050

“Uptake and Effectiveness of Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine during Pregnancy in Africa: A Scoping Review”
by Gifty Osei Berchie, Patience Fakornam Doe, Theodora Dedo Azu, Joyce Agyeiwaa, Gifty Owusu, Christian Makafui Boso, Naomi Kyeremaa Yeboa, Dorcas Frempomaa Agyare, Irene Korkoi Aboh, Bernard Nabe et al.
Diseases 2024, 12(9), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12090203

“Laparoscopic Management of Multiple Liver, Omental, Mesenteric, Peritoneal, and Round Ligament Hydatid Cysts—A Rare Report of a Case and a Systematic Literature Review”
by Alin Mihetiu, Dan Georgian Bratu, Ciprian Tanasescu, Bogdan Ioan Vintilă, Alexandra Sandu, Mariana Sandu, Dragos Serban, Dan Sabau and Adrian Hasegan
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(2), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14020205

“False-Positive Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test Likely Due to African Tick Bite Fever: A Case Report”
by Rahel T. Zewude, Syed Zain Ahmad, Tom Joseph and Andrea K. Boggild
Reports 2024, 7(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports7040100

“Increasing Risk of Tick-Borne Disease through Growth Stages in Ticks”
by Makoto Kondo, Yoshiaki Matsushima, Takehisa Nakanishi, Shohei Iida, Habe Koji and Keiichi Yamanaka
Clin. Pract. 2023, 13(1), 246-250; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract13010022

“Oral Chagas Disease in Colombia—Confirmed and Suspected Routes of Transmission”
by Norman L. Beatty, Catalina Arango-Ferreira, Lídia Gual-Gonzalez, Sara Zuluaga, Melissa S. Nolan and Omar Cantillo-Barraza
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9010014

“Global Patterns of Trends in Incidence and Mortality of Dengue, 1990–2019: An Analysis Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study”
by Irena Ilic and Milena Ilic
Medicina 2024, 60(3), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60030425

“DengueFog: A Fog Computing-Enabled Weighted Random Forest-Based Smart Health Monitoring System for Automatic Dengue Prediction”
by Ashima Kukkar, Yugal Kumar, Jasminder Kaur Sandhu, Manjit Kaur, Tarandeep Singh Walia and Mohammed Amoon
Diagnostics 2024, 14(6), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14060624

“Global Fight against Malaria: Goals and Achievements 1900–2022”
by Marc Thellier, Ayawovi Arlene Jessicka Gemegah and Ilhame Tantaoui
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(19), 5680; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195680

“Oropouche Virus Exposure in Febrile Patients during Chikungunya Virus Introduction in the State of Amapá, Amazon Region, Brazil”
by Raquel Curtinhas de Lima, Helver Gonçalves Dias, Thiara Manuele Alves de Souza, Débora Familiar-Macedo, Edcelha D’Athaide Ribeiro, Valmir Corrêa e Corrêa, Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa, Elzinandes Leal de Azeredo and Flávia Barreto dos Santos
Pathogens 2024, 13(6), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13060469

“Adenovirus-Mediated Expression of Dengue Virus 2 Envelope Ferritin Nanoparticles Induced Virus-Specific Immune Responses in BALB/c Mice”
by M.S.B.W.T.M. Nipuna Sudaraka Tennakoon, Ji-Hoon Ryu, Yong-Sam Jung, Yingjuan Qian and Hyun-Jin Shin
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1913-1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030128

“Evolution of the Quinoline Scaffold for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis: A Structural Perspective”
by Carlos F. M.Silva, Diana C. G. A. Pinto, Pedro A. Fernandes and Artur M. S. Silva
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17030285

“Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites, Protozoans and Soil-Transmitted Helminths, in Children from Communities of Northern Argentina after the Interruption of Deworming”
by Ernesto Candela, Rubén O. Cimino, Leonardo Sandon, Carla Muñoz-Antoli and María Victoria Periago
Parasitologia 2024, 4(2), 172-183; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia4020015

“Global Lipidomics Reveals the Lipid Composition Heterogeneity of Extracellular Vesicles from Drug-Resistant Leishmania”
by Sehyeon (Erica) Kim, Ana Victoria Ibarra-Meneses, Christopher Fernandez-Prada and Tao Huan
Metabolites 2024, 14(12), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14120658

We are delighted to share some highly cited papers on gut microbiota research that were published in our journal Metabolites (ISSN: 2218-1989) in 2023. In addition, a number of Special Issues relating to this topic are currently open for submission.

The following is a list of articles and Special Issues that we believe will be of interest to you:

1. “Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut Microbiota: A Novel Regulatory Axis Integrating the Microbiome, Immunity, and Cancer”
by Yingjian Hou, Jing Li and Shuhuan Ying
Metabolites 2023, 13(11), 1166; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13111166
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/11/1166

2. “Are Microplastics Toxic? A Review from Eco-Toxicity to Effects on the Gut Microbiota”
by Huixia Niu, Shaojie Liu, Yujie Jiang, Yang Hu, Yahui Li, Luyang He, Mingluan Xing, Xueqing Li, Lizhi Wu, Zhijian Chen et al.
Metabolites 2023, 13(6), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13060739
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/6/739

3. “The Interplay between Gut Microbiota and Oral Medications and Its Impact on Advancing Precision Medicine”
by Sara Mousa, Muhammad Sarfraz and Walaa K. Mousa
Metabolites 2023, 13(5), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13050674
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/5/674

4. “Gut Microbiota and Coronary Artery Disease: Current Therapeutic Perspectives”
by Themistoklis Katsimichas, Panagiotis Theofilis, Konstantinos Tsioufis and Dimitris Tousoulis
Metabolites 2023, 13(2), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13020256
Available online: hhttps://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/2/256

5. “Hepatic Mitochondria-Gut Microbiota Interactions in Metabolism-Associated Fatty Liver Disease”
by Francesco Bellanti, Aurelio Lo Buglio and Gianluigi Vendemiale
Metabolites 2023, 13(3), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13030322
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/3/322

6. “Impact of Cesarean Delivery and Breastfeeding on Secretory Immunoglobulin A in the Infant Gut Is Mediated by Gut Microbiota and Metabolites”
by Yuan Yao Chen, Hein M. Tun, Catherine J. Field, Piushkumar J. Mandhane, Theo J. Moraes, Elinor Simons, Stuart E. Turvey, Padmaja Subbarao, James A. Scott and Anita L. Kozyrskyj
Metabolites 2023, 13(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13020148
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/2/148

7. “Epigenetic Modifications Induced by the Gut Microbiota May Result from What We Eat: Should We Talk about Precision Diet in Health and Disease?”
by Katerina Reva, João Laranjinha and Bárbara S. Rocha
Metabolites 2023, 13(3), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13030375
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/3/375

8. “Effects of Perfluorooctanoic Acid on Gut Microbiota and Microbial Metabolites in C57BL/6J Mice”
by Bei Gao, Lixia Chen, Weichen Xu, Jinjun Shan, Weishou Shen and Nan Gao
Metabolites 2023, 13(6), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13060707
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/6/707

9. “Dietary Patterns, Gut Microbiota Remodeling, and Cardiometabolic Disease”
by Letizia Guiducci, Giuseppina Nicolini and Francesca Forini
Metabolites 2023, 13(6), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13060760
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/6/760

10. “Crosstalk between Breast Milk N-Acetylneuraminic Acid and Infant Growth in a Gut Microbiota-Dependent Manner”
by Runze Ouyang, Sijia Zheng, Xiaolin Wang, Qi Li, Juan Ding, Xiao Ma, Zhihong Zhuo, Zhen Li, Qi Xin, Xin Lu et al.
Metabolites 2023, 13(7), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13070846
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/7/846

11. “The Influence of Probiotic Supplementation on the Severity of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms; Function and Composition of Gut Microbiota; and Metabolic, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Depression—A Study Protocol”
by Anna Skowrońska, Oliwia Gawlik-Kotelnicka, Aleksandra Margulska and Dominik Strzelecki
Metabolites 2023, 13(2), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13020182
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/2/182

12. “Corinthian Currants Supplementation Restores Serum Polar Phenolic Compounds, Reduces IL-1beta, and Exerts Beneficial Effects on Gut Microbiota in the Streptozotocin-Induced Type-1 Diabetic Rat”
by Vasiliki Kompoura, Ioanna Prapa, Paraskevi B. Vasilakopoulou, Gregoria Mitropoulou, Grigorios Nelios, Evangelos Balafas, Nikolaos Kostomitsopoulos, Antonia Chiou, Vaios T. Karathanos, Eugenia Bezirtzoglou et al.
Metabolites 2023, 13(3), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13030415
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/3/415

13.“Identification of Cancer Driver Genes by Integrating Multiomics Data with Graph Neural Networks”
by Swati Sagarika Panda, Akankshya Nayak, Srishti Shah and Palok Aich
Metabolites 2023, 13(4), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13040488 
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/4/488

14. “Association of Plasma Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein Concentration with Dietary Factors, Gut Microbiota, and Health Status in the Japanese General Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study”
by Nobuo Fuke, Takahiro Yamashita, Sunao Shimizu, Mai Matsumoto, Kaori Sawada, Songee Jung, Itoyo Tokuda, Mina Misawa, Shigenori Suzuki, Yusuke Ushida et al.
Metabolites 2023, 13(2), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13020250
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/2/250

15. “Seasonal Changes in the Structure and Function of Gut Microbiota in the Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)”
by Fengcheng Song, Yishu Xu, Peng Peng, Hongxu Li, Ranxi Zheng, Haolin Zhang, Yingying Han, Qiang Weng and Zhengrong Yuan
Metabolites 2023, 13(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13020248
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/2/248

Special Issues:

1. “Modulating Gut Microbiota and Host Interactions: The Role of Diet, Probiotics, and Circadian Rhythms”
Guest Editors: Dr. Miri Park and Dr. Jeehwan Choe
Submission Deadline: 20 September 2025

2. “Food Additives in Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health”
Guest Editors: Dr. Ran An, Dr. Jing Zhang and Dr. Heng Wang
Submission Deadline: 15 April 2025

3. “Metabolic Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Dietary Bioactive Compounds: Lipids, Carbohydrates, and Phytochemicals”
Guest Editor: Dr. Han Peng
Submission Deadline: 28 February 2025

4. “Metabolomics and Bioinformatics Approaches to Studying Human Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites”
Guest Editors: Dr. Zhiwei Zho, Dr. Shipei Xing and Dr. Xiaotao Shen
Submission Deadline: 15 March 2025

5. “Diet, Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health”
Guest Editors: Dr. Hui Han and Prof. Dr. Jing Wang
Submission Deadline: 21 July 2025

6. “Gut Microbiota and Nutrient Metabolism Interactions in Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity”
Guest Editors: Dr. Jean Debédat and Dr. Yen Chin Koay
Submission Deadline: 31 March 2025

Join us as we engage with our Metabolites Exceptional Reviewer 2024, Dr. Federico Maria Rubino, to discuss his scholarly insights and journey as a reviewer for Metabolites (ISSN: 2218-1989).

Name: Dr. Federico Maria Rubino
Affiliation: Analytical Toxicology and Metabonomics Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine of Università degli Studi di Milano at Ospedale San Paolo, 20142 Milan, Italy
Interests: analytical chemistry; mass spectrometry; toxicology; heavy metals; redox biomarkers; workplace contaminants

The following is an interview with Dr. Federico Maria Rubino:

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and the main content of your current research? Additionally, could you share some emerging research directions in this field?
I am a scientific professional in my mid-sixties, with forty years of experience in academic and applied research, mainly in the health sciences. My lasting research interest is the application of mass spectrometry to wide-ranging issues of biomedical research and its application to workers’ protection from occupational hazards. The technical opportunities that I have had the chance to witness in my professional life are astounding, and faster, deeper, and more extensive applications are far more possible than we might imagine.

2. When and how did you first become aware of the Metabolites journal? What attracts you most about this journal?
I came to know the MDPI Metabolites journal through the network of MDPI scholarly journals, by receiving requests to review submitted draft articles. MDPI journals, and, among them, Metabolites, are an emerging platform for dissemination of experiences and discovery in most fields of fundamental and applied science. Publishers only supply the virtual space, the salon is all for us: editors, authors, and those of us who double as authors and reviewers, depending on the circumstances. The MDPI editorial staff are among the kindest I have had the chance to collaborate with, as an author and reviewer. We, as practicing scientists in all fields, should take this opportunity to improve the intellectual and ethical quality of scientific work and its communication through the facilities that MDPI offers.

3. Which qualities do you think reviewers need?
Being invited to review drafts of submitted scientific articles is a burdening honor, full of responsibilities and devoid of privileges. There is no obligation to fulfill this role, unless one is prepared to do one’s best in terms of the ethical and professional sides of this task. A reviewer has in their hands the work of many persons, colleagues somewhere in the world, which reflects their professional and personal pride and their human relationships within a collaborating group of professionals. Kindness is the main quality. Even the sloppiest of manuscripts is the result of professional work that should not be shamed, poor as it may be. The authors are not virtual unknowns, just names on the first page. They are persons, hitherto unknown professional colleagues, the work of whom needs to be managed respectfully, as one would do with that of those one might meet at the coffee machine and the canteen tables. Competence in specific fields is a quality that can be built over time, according to needs, and has intellectual humility as its pre-requisite.

4. What are the key factors and aspects that you consider most when reviewing a manuscript?
I am there to understand, learn, and only then, later, offer my comments. No reviewer is ever able to be as learned on the topic as the professionals who actually did the job. I fully trust the authenticity of reported data. It is none of my business looking for “plagiarism” or false claims. Any flaw, if any, indeed, is within the remit of the personal and professional conscience of the authors, not mine. I read drafts as I would read published literature: what will an interested (or, even, a casual) reader grasp from it? Is there anything that can be improved? Can the data and results be useful, to the point that they can be re-elaborated into new knowledge? May I share with these colleagues an original point of view on their work? How can I convey my comments in the kindest (first!), clearest, most useful way? Is there a way to encourage the authors to carry out further revision efforts? I try to put myself in the authors’ shoes: which words would I accept as constructive? What would I not accept, but see as disruptive comments?

5. Based on your rich reviewing experience, could you please share the common problems that authors face?
As both an author and reviewer, I know that no scientific research develops in the Parnassian world of perfectly equipped, functioning laboratories, with fair, enthusiatic collaborating colleagues, supervisors, and staff. Research, fundamental or applied, is developed in the real world of existing facilities, of real-life professional and personal relationships, of budgeted time and resources, and most often, of strain and fatigue. Publishable articles are the product of research, and as all finished goods of craftsmanship and manufacturing, they are the best compromise of demands, tasks, resources, and available time in specific situations. Conveying a “positive” sense of a task being accomplished, results are the intended aim of scientific publishing, and no failure is allowed. It is not we, the scientific professionals, who set the rules. We do our best under rules, implicit and declared, that none of us are ever able to modify. No literature survey is ever complete, no experiment can be replied to or expanded on, after the allotted grant, time, and resources are expired, and people often move away to their next professional commitment. Data elaboration and result presentation rely on authors’ available resources, skills, and available time. The time used for drafting, developing, and revising in in conflict with the excessive burden of numerous professional tasks. Increasingly limited time is allotted for improving drafts, which is achieved by taking advantage of useful reviewers’ comments, and yet, “the paper must come off in time”.

6. Do you have anything to say/share with early career researchers?
Conducting research is a professional job, not a volunteer mission. Professionals strive for fair recognition, and persons for pride. The task of reviewing will demonstrate personal character and helps us recognize personal biases and improve. As one of my early mentors, a gentleman and a scientist, once said to me: “What's the point of doing research if it doesn't make us better men?” Issuing responsible judgment, that is, reviewing, is a fundamental piece in building one’s mosaic of character over a professional and personal lifetime. It is a desirable by-product of contemporary research, the expansion of article numbers, that recruits increasingly younger and more diverse professionals into this task. An advantage is that younger researchers may put themselves more easily in the authors’ shoes than seniors can. Thus, they can avoid the worst pitfalls in the reviewing task: complacency, arrogance, shallow judgment, self-aggrandizing comments, and laziness. At some future time, which is in the reach of their professional lifetimes, they will witness deep changes in the task of reviewing, to the point that open-platform discussion will be the standard of scientific communication. Emerging publishers will likely be at the forefront of this movement, by offering to our category of intellectual workers more opportunity to be agents of change in an increasingly difficult world.