Saved Queries

by Beatrisa Rimskaya, Ekaterina Kropocheva, Elza Shchukina, Egor Ulashchik, Daria Gelfenbein, Lidiya Lisitskaya, Vadim Shmanai, Svetlana Smirnikhina, Andrey Kulbachinskiy and Ilya Mazunin

Cells 2026, 15(2), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15020127 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

Manipulating the mitochondrial genome remains a significant challenge in genetic engineering, primarily due to the mitochondrial double-membrane structure. While recent advances have expanded the genetic toolkit for nuclear and cytoplasmic targets, precise editing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has remained elusive. Here we report the first successful mitochondrial import of a catalytically active RNA-guided prokaryotic Argonaute protein from the mesophilic bacterium Alteromonas macleodii (AmAgo). By guiding AmAgo to the single-stranded D- or R-loop region of mtDNA using synthetic RNA guides, we observed a nearly threefold reduction in mtDNA copy number in human cell lines. This proof of concept study demonstrates that a bacterial Argonaute can remain active within the mitochondrial environment and influence mtDNA levels. These findings establish a foundational framework for further development of programmable systems for mitochondrial genome manipulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondria at the Crossroad of Health and Disease—Second Edition)

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22 pages, 5690 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cancer Immunomodulatory Effect of Bidens pilosa L. in Mice: Suppression of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Regulatory T Cells

by Meihua Zhu, Jiayan Xiong, Ruyi Zhang, Xingyan Yang, Weiqing Sun, Ziyi Yang, Yuhan Chai, Yang Tao, Yu-Qiang Zhao, Baomin Fan and Guangzhi Zeng

Cells 2026, 15(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15020126 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

Bidens pilosa L., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been used in clinical practice for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer. BPA, an extract derived from the whole herb of B. pilosa L., has been shown to possess potent immunomodulatory properties by regulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in a mouse syngeneic colorectal cancer (CRC) model. RT-PCR and flow cytometry analyses showed that BPA, together with its flavonoid and polyacetylene constituents, effectively suppressed the differentiation of M2-TAMs and Tregs by downregulating Arg-1 and CD25 expression. They had minimal effects on the expression of markers associated with M1-TAMs and promoted the proliferation of CD4⁺ T cells that were inhibited by M2-TAMs and Tregs. In mice, BPA markedly inhibited the growth of syngeneic CRC tumors, accompanied by decreased serum levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 and reduced expression of the proliferative marker Ki67 in tumor tissues. Moreover, BPA downregulated the mRNA expression of markers associated with M2-TAMs and Tregs, while increasing markers associated with M1-TAMs. Western blot analyses of tumor tissues revealed that BPA reduced the expression of marker proteins associated with M2-TAMs and Tregs, while increasing the expression of the immune-stimulatory markers CD80, GITR and CD4. In addition, combined treatment with BPA and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for CRC, notably enhanced the anti-tumor effect in mice. These findings indicate that BPA, an active extract of B. pilosa L., showed antitumor activity in mice by suppressing the differentiation of pro-tumorigenic TAMs and Tregs within the TME. Full article

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27 pages, 1508 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Comparative Experimental Studies on Superior Cognitive Domains: AI Versus Humans

by Raquel Ayala-Carabajo and Joe Llerena-Izquierdo

Technologies 2026, 14(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14010055 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study analyzes the performance of artificial intelligence in processes known as “cognitive” (according to scientific literature) in comparison with the performance of human cognitive processes, analyzing experimental and/or empirical studies. The PRISMA process and bibliometric analysis were used to identify and analyze relevant research. A total of 291 studies were analyzed, which were grouped into five categories corresponding to the identified cognitive processes. The results show that only 10.3% of the studies report accuracy rates between 90% and 100% in their performance. The evidence suggests that AI can perform comparably to humans, but not with absolute efficiency. The experimental studies focus mainly on the “decision-making” process (56%), followed, in order of importance, by the processes of “analysis and evaluation” (25%), “judgment and reasoning” (8.6%), “comprehension and learning” (5.5%), and other “specific processes” (4.8%). The most significant contribution of this study is the comparative relational structure between human cognitive processes versus AI processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Information and Communication Technologies)

35 pages, 2759 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in the Application of Natural Coagulants for Sustainable Water Purification

by Davide Frumento and Ştefan Ţălu

Eng 2026, 7(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7010038 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

Growing pressure from shrinking freshwater supplies and worsening pollution has heightened the demand for more effective water treatment solutions, especially those that promote reuse. This review synthesizes findings from 235 peer-reviewed papers examining plant-, mineral-, and other naturally derived coagulants used in surface water purification. Overall, these materials demonstrate turbidity reduction performance on par with conventional chemical coagulants across a wide range of initial turbidity levels (roughly 50–500 NTU). They are generally inexpensive, biodegradable, low in toxicity, and produce smaller volumes of residual sludge. Most function through mechanisms such as polymer-chain bridging or charge neutralization. However, their deployment at scale is still constrained by limited commercialization pathways, technical integration issues, and uneven public acceptance. Continued cross-disciplinary work is required to refine their performance and broaden their use, particularly in regions with limited resources or rural infrastructure. Full article

17 pages, 977 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Pulsed Electric Field Technology on Whey Protein Concentrate

by Elizabeth L. Ryan and Owen M. McDougal

Molecules 2026, 31(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31020237 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

Whey protein concentrate (WPC-80) was reconstituted to 10% (m/v) and pumped through a pulsed electric field (PEF) system using three treatment conditions. The PEF-treated whey solution was assessed for viscosity, whereas dried whey was resolubilized and tested for protein structure integrity by circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and functionality was assessed by measuring solubility, foamability, emulsification, and particle size. PEF treatment resulted in a reduction in apparent viscosity (from 2.74 cP down to 2.57 cP) and particle size (from 325.9 nm down to 297.6 nm), and increased solubility (from 90.41% up to 92.34%) and emulsification stability (from 1727 min up to 4821 min), while emulsification stability decreased initially (from 1.645 m²/g to 1.283 m²/g) then increased at the high treatment level (1.915 m²/g). The foamability and molecular weight profile did not change with PEF treatment. Exposure to PEF resulted in no statistically significant changes to protein structure based on data obtained from CD, fluorescence, or DSC. This study represents the first instance of a WPC-80 being treated with a commercially available, scalable, continuous flow PEF system at a higher concentration (10% m/v), resulting in favorable changes to the physical and functional properties of the whey solution and dried powder. Full article

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12 pages, 2472 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Short Tandem Target Mimic miR-5110 on Melanogenesis in Melanocytes of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

by Shanshan Yang, Dingxing Jiao, Xuqi Wang, Yangyang Yan, Tao Song, Lili Wang, Ping Rui, Zengjun Ma and Fengsai Li

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010072 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the regulation of melanogenesis and coat color in mammals. Short tandem target mimics (STTMs) have been used to block the functions of small RNA in animals and plants. To investigate the role of miR-5110 in melanogenesis, STTM was used to block the expression of miR-5110 (STTM-miR-5110). Luciferase reporter assay data indicated the miR-5110 regulates SOX10 expression by targeting its 3′-UTR. Overexpression of STTM-miR-5110 in alpaca melanocytes downregulated the expression of miR-5110 (decreased by about 38%, p < 0.05) and upregulated SOX10 mRNA (2.2-fold, p < 0.001) and protein (1.3-fold, p < 0.05) levels. Overexpression of STTM-miR-5110 in alpaca melanocytes increased the mRNA expression of melanogenic genes, including microphthalmia transcription factor (2.0-fold, p < 0.01), tyrosinase (1.6-fold, p < 0.01), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (approximately 3.9-fold, p < 0.001) and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (1.9-fold, p < 0.01). Overexpression of STTM-miR-5110 in alpaca melanocytes increased the protein expression of melanogenic genes, including microphthalmia transcription factor (1.9-fold, p < 0.05), tyrosinase (1.3-fold, p < 0.05), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (1.8-fold, p < 0.001) and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (1.6-fold, p < 0.05). The overexpression of pGL0-STTM-miR-5110 in alpaca melanocytes increased melanin production by approximately 26% (p < 0.05), pheomelanin production by approximately 38% (p < 0.05) and eumelanin production by approximately 56% (p < 0.001). In addition, overexpression of STTM-miR-5110 in alpaca melanocytes increased the TYR activity by 37% (p < 0.01). We also identified melanin granules in alpaca melanocytes transfected with STTM-miR-5110 under Fontana-Masson staining. These results suggest that STTM-miR-5110 upregulates melanogenesis by effectively blocking miR-5110 expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology)

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13 pages, 767 KB

Open AccessArticle

Do Cenobamate Pharmacokinetics Change with Co-Administered Antiseizure Medications? An Exploratory Analysis of Responder Patients with Focal Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

by Bruno Charlier, Viviana Izzo, Giovanni Assenza, Anna Chiara Balsamo, Flavia Cirillo, Albino Coglianese, Carlo Di Bonaventura, Mariana Fernandes, Antonio Gambardella, Emanuele Cerulli Irelli, Claudio Liguori, Sandra Rufolo, Ilaria Sammarra, Amelia Filippelli and Francesca Felicia Operto

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18010092 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Cenobamate (CNB) is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) approved for the treatment of drug-resistant focal epilepsy in adults. Notwithstanding significant proof of efficacy, real-world pharmacokinetics (PK) data are lacking, particularly regarding sex-based variations and the effect of concomitant ASMs. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the PK profile of CNB in responder adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy and assess potential relationship with concomitant ASMs and clinical variables. Methods: We enrolled 17 patients receiving add-on CNB. The concentration-to-dose ratio (C/D), incremental slope (ΔC/ΔD), and dose-to-concentration AUC were calculated. Enrolled individuals were stratified into three exposure clusters (low, medium, and high). Univariate ANOVA was used to explore associations between PK parameters, clinical variables and concomitant ASMs. Results: Sex appeared to be associated with AUC cluster classification (p = 0.026), showing females predominating in the high-exposure group. A nonlinear dose-concentration relationship emerged from the ΔC/ΔD analysis, showing steeper slopes at low doses (12.5–50 mg), great variability at higher doses (100–200 mg), and a negative slope in some individuals. Higher CNB concentrations were observed in patients co-treated with lacosamide, while concomitant topiramate was associated with lower exposure. Carbamazepine and valproate showed non-significant trends consistent with their known enzyme-inducing and inhibiting properties. Conclusions: PK of CNB appears highly variable and seems to be influenced by sex and concomitant ASMs. These findings highlight the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring and individualized titration strategies to optimize efficacy and safety in clinical practice. These results should be regarded as exploratory and hypothesis-generating due to the small and monocentric sample size and need to be confirmed in larger, multicenter cohorts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Drug Therapy: The Role of Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring)

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23 pages, 2629 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Hybrid CNN-SVM Approach for ECG-Based Multi-Class Differential Diagnosis of PTSD, Depression, and Panic Attack

by Parisa Ebrahimpour Moghaddam Tasouj, Gökhan Soysal, Osman Eroğul and Sinan Yetkin

Biosensors 2026, 16(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16010052 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: PTSD diagnosis is challenging. Symptoms overlap with depression and panic attacks. This causes misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Current methods lack objective biomarkers. This study presents a hybrid AI framework. It combines CNNs and SVMs. The system detects PTSD from ECG signals. Methods: ECG data from 79 participants were analyzed. Four groups were included. PTSD patients numbered 20. Depression patients numbered 20. Panic attack patients numbered 19. Healthy controls numbered 20. Wavelet transform created scalograms. Three CNN models were tested. AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and ResNet50 were used. Deep features were extracted. SVMs classified the features. Five-fold validation was performed. Statistical tests confirmed significance. Results: Hybrid models performed robustly. ResNet50 + SVM and AlexNet + SVM achieved statistically equivalent results with accuracies of 97.05% and 97.26%, respectively. AUC reached 1.00 for multi-class tasks. PTSD detection was highly accurate. The system distinguished PTSD from other disorders. Hybrid models beat standalone CNNs. SVM integration improved results significantly. Conclusions: This is the first ECG-based AI for PTSD diagnosis. The hybrid approach achieves clinical-level accuracy. PTSD is distinguished from depression and panic attacks. Objective biomarkers support psychiatric assessment. Early intervention becomes possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biosensors and Healthcare)

25 pages, 4324 KB

Open AccessReview

2000–2025: A Quarter of a Century of Studies on Pet Ownership in the Amazon—Epidemiological Implications for Public Health

by Coline J. Vanderhooft, Eduardo A. Díaz, Carolina Sáenz and Victor Lizana

Pathogens 2026, 15(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15010077 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

Anthropogenic pressures in the Amazon Basin are reshaping human–animal–environment interactions and increasing zoonotic disease risk. Within this One Health context, domestic dogs and cats are underrecognized contributors to pathogen circulation at the human–wildlife interface. We conducted a PRISMA-compliant systematic review of zoonotic pathogens reported in companion animals across Amazonian territories in nine countries, including literature published between 2000 and 2025 in four languages. Zoonotic pathogens showed a heterogeneous yet widespread distribution, with parasitic infections, particularly Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and vector-borne protozoa, being the most frequently reported. A pronounced geographic bias was evident, with studies concentrated in Brazil and selected areas of the western Amazon, while large portions of the Basin remain understudied. Methodological limitations included reliance on cross-sectional designs and heterogeneous diagnostic approaches, often based solely on serology. These findings highlight the need to strengthen One Health-oriented governance frameworks that integrate animal health surveillance into environmental and public health policies. Priority actions include expanding surveillance to underrepresented regions, harmonizing diagnostic protocols, investing in regional laboratory capacity, and promoting community-based monitoring. Strengthened cross-sectoral and transboundary coordination is essential to reduce zoonotic risk and support evidence-based disease prevention in Amazonian ecosystems. Full article

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24 pages, 7954 KB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Maximum Stress in Observation Windows of HOV

by Dewei Li, Zhijie Wang, Zhongjun Ding and Xi An

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(2), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14020151 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

With advances in deep-sea exploration technologies, utilizing human-occupied vehicles (HOV) in marine science has become widespread. The observation window is a critical component, as its structural strength affects submersible safety and performance. Under load, it experiences stress concentration, deformation, cracking, and catastrophic failure. The observation window will experience different stress distributions in high-pressure environments. The maximum principal stress is the most significant phenomenon that determines the most likely failure of materials in windows of HOV. This study proposes an artificial intelligence-based method to predict the maximum principal stress of observation windows in HOV for rapid safety assessment. Samples were designed, while strain data with corresponding maximum principal stress values were collected under different loading conditions. Three machine learning algorithms—transformer–CNN-BiLSTM, CNN-LSTM, and Gaussian process regression (GP)—were employed for analysis. Results show that the transformer–CNN-BiLSTM model achieved the highest accuracy, particularly at the point exhibiting the maximum the principal stress value. Evaluation metrics, including mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and root squared residual (RSR), confirmed its superior performance. The proposed hybrid model incorporates a positional encoding layer to enrich input data with locational information and combines the strengths of bidirectional long short-term memory (LSTM), one-dimensional CNN, and transformer–CNN-BiLSTM encoders. This approach effectively captures local and global stress features, offering a reliable predictive tool for health monitoring of submersible observation windows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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14 pages, 299 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pesticide Exposure and Mucocutaneous Symptoms Among Thai Agricultural Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Warin Intana, Chime Eden and Weeratian Tawanwongsri

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010097 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

Exposure to plant protection products (pesticides) is common among agricultural workers and may represent an underrecognized cause of mucocutaneous disease. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey in agricultural communities in southern Thailand (August–November 2025) to estimate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and dermatology-specific quality-of-life impact of pesticide-attributed symptoms. Agricultural workers with pesticide use or exposure within the preceding 12 months were recruited via convenience sampling; participants provided consent and completed standardized interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing demographics, pesticide exposure history and application practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, self-reported cutaneous and mucosal symptoms (ocular and oral/nasal), and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Of the 354 eligible individuals, 228 participated in the study, and 226 were included in the analyses. The median age was 54 years (interquartile range [IQR], 15), and 82.7% were male. Overall, 14.6% reported pesticide-attributed cutaneous symptoms, 5.3% reported ocular mucosal symptoms, and 0.4% reported oral/nasal mucosal symptoms. Cutaneous manifestations were predominantly symptoms occurring after exposure, with pruritic, erythematous eruptions affecting the arms and hands that typically resolved within 1–7 days after cessation of exposure. Among symptomatic participants, the median DLQI was 0.5 (IQR 3.0); however, DLQI scores were significantly higher among participants who reported pesticide-attributed cutaneous symptoms (p < 0.001) and ocular symptoms (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that pesticide-associated mucocutaneous effects are generally mild yet clinically meaningful, underscoring the need to strengthen PPE training, risk communication, and occupational health surveillance in agricultural settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

18 pages, 2001 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of a 100% Product Utilization Process for LPG Separation Based on Distillation-Membrane Technology

by Peigen Zhou, Tong Jing, Jianlong Dai, Jinzhi Li, Zhuan Yi, Wentao Yan and Yong Zhou

Membranes 2026, 16(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes16010040 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study presents the techno-economic optimization of a hybrid distillation-membrane process for the complete fractionation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), targeting high-purity propane, n-butane, and isobutane recovery. The process employs an initial distillation column to separate propane (99% purity) from a propane-enriched stream, which is subsequently fed to a two-stage membrane system using an MFI zeolite hollow-fiber membrane for n-butane/isobutane separation. Through systematic simulation and sensitivity analysis, different membrane configurations were evaluated. The two-stage process with a partial residue-side reflux configuration demonstrated superior economic performance, achieving a total operating cost of 31.58 USD/h. Key membrane parameters—area, permeance, and separation factor—were optimized to balance separation efficiency with energy consumption and cost. The analysis identified an optimal configuration: a membrane area of 800 m², an n-butane permeance of 0.9 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹, and a separation factor of 40. This setup ensured high n-alkane recovery while effectively minimizing energy use and capital investment. The study concludes that the optimized distillation-membrane hybrid process offers a highly efficient and economically viable strategy for the full utilization of LPG components. Full article

23 pages, 5292 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Rapid 3D Model Reconstruction Based on 3D Gaussian Splatting for Power Scenarios

by Huanruo Qi, Yi Zhou, Chen Chen, Lu Zhang, Peipei He, Xiangyang Yan and Mengqi Zhai

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020726 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

As core infrastructure of power transmission networks, power towers require high-precision 3D models, which are critical for intelligent inspection and digital twin applications of power transmission lines. Traditional reconstruction methods, such as LiDAR scanning and oblique photogrammetry, suffer from issues including high operational risks, low modeling efficiency, and loss of fine details. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS)-based method for power tower 3D reconstruction to enhance reconstruction efficiency and detail preservation capability. First, a multi-view data acquisition scheme combining “unmanned aerial vehicle + oblique photogrammetry” was designed to capture RGB images acquired by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms, which are used as the primary input for 3D reconstruction. Second, a sparse point cloud was generated via Structure from Motion. Finally, based on 3DGS, Gaussian model initialization, differentiable rendering, and adaptive density control were performed to produce high-precision 3D models of power towers. Taking two typical power tower types as experimental subjects, comparisons were made with the oblique photogrammetry + ContextCapture method. Experimental results demonstrate that 3DGS not only achieves high model completeness (with the reconstructed model nearly indistinguishable from the original images) but also excels in preserving fine details such as angle steels and cables. Additionally, the final modeling time is reduced by over 70% compared to traditional oblique photogrammetry. 3DGS enables efficient and high-precision reconstruction of power tower 3D models, providing a reliable technical foundation for digital twin applications in power transmission lines. By significantly improving reconstruction efficiency and reducing operational costs, the proposed method supports sustainable power infrastructure inspection, asset lifecycle management, and energy-efficient digital twin applications. Full article

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20 pages, 3883 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Responses of Kalibaus (Labeo calbasu) to Temperature Changes: Metabolic, Haemato-Biochemical, Hormonal and Immune Effects

by Masuda Sultana Mimi, Simon Kumar Das, Mohammad Lutfar Rahman, Mohammad Abdus Salam, Md. Nushur Islam, Tamanna Rahman, Sumi Rani Das, Mohammad Nazmol Hasan and Sabuj Kanti Mazumder

Fishes 2026, 11(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11010046 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

A global interest in the cultivation of Kalibaus (Labeo calbasu) has emerged due to decreasing natural stocks and a consistent rise in market value and demand. Given these concerns, understanding the species’ physiological responses to environmental changes is crucial. The present research aimed to assess the effect of varying environmental temperatures on metabolism, haemato-biochemical indices, hormonal concentrations and immune responses in L. calbasu. This study was conducted in triplicate using 100 L glass aquariums at four different temperatures: 22, 26, 30, and 34 °C. The highest weight and length gain were observed at 30 °C, while the lowest occurred at 22 °C. Notably, the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.51 ± 0.03 was also recorded at 30 °C. Although haematological and biochemical parameters remained within normal ranges, they varied with temperature changes. Indicators of cold and heat stress were evident through lower hematocrit levels and higher white blood cell (WBC) counts. Biochemical indicators such as serum albumin (1.84 ± 0.05 g dL⁻¹), serum globulin (1.64 ± 0.06 gdL⁻¹), HCO₃ (30.93 ± 0.62), Na⁺ (115.60 ± 3.72 mmolL⁻¹), alkaline phosphatase (93.33 ± 9.39 AP, IUL⁻¹), and AST/SGOT (21.00 ± 4.55 UL⁻¹) were significantly higher at 30 °C. Regarding hormonal responses, peak levels of growth hormone (GH), triiodothyronine (T3) (1.44 ± 0.07 ngmL⁻¹), and thyroxine (T4) were recorded at 30 °C. Meanwhile, serum cortisol (1.62 ± 0.06 µgdL⁻¹) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (18.01 ± 3.26 pgmL⁻¹) were highest at 34 °C. Immune responses were strongest between 26 and 30 °C. In conclusion, the results suggest that L. calbasu should ideally be cultured between 26 and 30 °C for optimum growth and health, making it ideal for commercial farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Fish Nutrition Research for Sustainable Aquaculture)

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15 pages, 1263 KB

Open AccessReview

Hereditary Spherocytosis: Linking Ion Transport Defects to Osmotic Gradient Ektacytometry Profiles—A Review

by Joan Lluís Vives-Corrons and Elena Krishnevskaya

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020721 (registering DOI) - 10 Jan 2026

Abstract

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is the most common inherited red blood cell (RBC) membrane disorder and has traditionally been attributed to defects in cytoskeletal proteins such as spectrin, ankyrin, band 3, and protein 4.2. Growing evidence, however, shows that disturbances in ion transport also contribute to HS pathophysiology. This review summarizes current understanding of HS by integrating membrane structural defects with abnormalities in ion homeostasis and highlights the diagnostic value of osmotic gradient ektacytometry (OGE). Beyond membrane instability, HS erythrocytes exhibit increased cation permeability with abnormal Na⁺ influx and K⁺ loss, leading to cellular dehydration, elevated mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and reduced deformability. Dysregulation of mechanosensitive and Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels (PIEZO1, KCNN4) may modulate disease expression. OGE—now the reference functional test for RBC deformability—identifies reproducible phenotypes reflecting hydration status, including dehydrated (HS1) and partially hydrated (HS2) HS profiles. When combined with next-generation sequencing (NGS), OGE improves differentiation between HS and overlapping membranopathies such as hereditary xerocytosis or stomatocytosis. In conclusion, HS is a multifactorial disorder resulting from the interplay between cytoskeletal fragility, oxidative stress, and dysregulated ion transport. Integrated diagnostic strategies that combine hematologic indices, OGE, and targeted NGS enhance diagnostic accuracy, support genotype–phenotype interpretation, and guide individualized clinical management. Future efforts should focus on ion-channel modulation and wider adoption of functional assays in precision hematology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hemolytic Anemia: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Exploitation)

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