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Hyperspectral–multispectral (HSI–MSI) image fusion aims to reconstruct high-spatial-resolution hyperspectral images (HR-HSIs) by combining the spectral fidelity of low-resolution HSIs (LR-HSIs) with the spatial details of high-resolution MSIs (HR-MSIs). A key challenge is preserving spectral–spatial consistency under cross-modal resolution mismatch, where inadequate long-range dependency modeling and unstable inter-modality interaction may induce spectral distortion and structural discontinuities. This paper proposes DSIR-Net (DSIR), a dual-stream state-space fusion architecture equipped with an implicit neural representation (INR) module. DSIR decouples spectral and spatial representation learning into two coordinated streams and leverages state-space modeling to aggregate global context efficiently during progressive fusion. Moreover, INR-based coordinate-conditioned refinement provides continuous sub-pixel compensation, enhancing high-frequency detail recovery while suppressing fusion-induced artifacts. Across four commonly used benchmark datasets, DSIR shows consistent advantages over the competing methods in both numerical metrics and visual reconstruction quality. In addition to sharper structural details, DSIR preserves spectral information more faithfully. Using the best result among the baselines on each dataset as reference, the PSNR improvements are 0.040 dB (Houston), 0.204 dB (PaviaU), 0.093 dB (Botswana), and 0.163 dB (Chikusei). Full article

28 pages, 5016 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanism and Control of Roadway Instability in Thick Oil Shale Roofs with “Weak Friction-Strong Cementation” Characteristics

by Hongsheng Wang, Lei Jia and Lei Li

Processes 2026, 14(5), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14050839 (registering DOI) - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Thick oil shale roofs in the Zichang mining area frequently suffer from delamination and sudden brittle fracture, compromising support stability. Using the 50117 return-air roadway as a case study, this paper integrates microstructural characterization (SEM-EDS/XRD), mechanical testing, theoretical interpretation, and FLAC3D simulation to elucidate the instability mechanism. Results indicate that the preferred orientation of clay minerals along bedding yields a “weak friction” signature, facilitating delamination. Simultaneously, the rigid quartz framework enables rapid energy storage, yet constrained bending dissipation triggers instantaneous fracture. This “weak friction-strong cementation” property drives the “delamination-brittle fracture” mechanism. Notably, the roof exhibits low principal stress concentration but extreme sensitivity to deviatoric stress, typifying a “low-stress environment and weak structural damage” behavior. Accordingly, a synergistic control technology featuring “high-prestress normal clamping and dowel shear resistance” was proposed. Field application confirmed its effectiveness in suppressing delamination and reducing rib convergence, thereby ensuring long-term roadway stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation for Engineering Safety: Applications in Engineering Field)

31 pages, 5082 KB

Open AccessArticle

Accuracy in Additively Manufactured Impeller Patterns: An Experimental Study of Dimensional Fidelity and Surface Integrity

by Margi Shah, Dhiren Patel, Sarang Pande, Fahad Alasim and Kuldeep A. Mahajan

Processes 2026, 14(5), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14050835 (registering DOI) - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Impellers are critical components in industrial applications, requiring smooth surfaces and precise dimensions. Traditional investment casting methods are often time-consuming and costly. Fused filament fabrication (FFF), an additive manufacturing (AM) technology, offers a faster, more cost-effective alternative. FFF produces 3D-printed sacrificial patterns directly from a CAD file, making it ideal for low-volume and complex patterns. Unlike wax patterns, which can shrink or distort, 3D-printed patterns offer precise tolerances and allow for thin-walled geometries. FFF also eliminates the need for tooling, reducing capital investment. However, achieving the desired surface finish and accuracy remains a challenge. In this study, a semi-open, single-shrouded centrifugal pump impeller was fabricated using FFF with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). A Taguchi L9 (3³) design of experiments was employed to investigate the influence of layer thickness (0.08–0.24 mm), extrusion temperature (260–280 °C), and infill density (30–70%) on dimensional accuracy and surface roughness. Dimensional deviations were evaluated for critical features, including outer diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID), blade thickness (BT), shroud thickness (ST), and blade height (BH). Results show that small and thin features (BT, ST, BH) exhibited deviations with standard deviations below 0.08 mm, whereas OD was the most affected feature with a maximum standard deviation of 0.362 mm due to dominant shrinkage effects. The optimal parameter combination for minimum dimensional deviation was identified as 0.08 mm layer thickness, 280 °C extrusion temperature, and 70% infill density. Surface roughness analysis revealed that layer thickness was the most significant factor, with Ra values ranging from 4 to 7 µm, which falls within acceptable limits for investment casting. Surfaces parallel to the XY plane demonstrated superior surface quality compared with XZ/YZ planes, highlighting the feasibility of FFF-printed ABS patterns for investment casting of complex impellers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing of Materials: Process and Applications)

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24 pages, 3147 KB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin D Receptor Signaling and Ligand Modulation: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

by Tram Thi-Ngoc Nguyen, Kouki Nojiri, Tomohiro Kurokawa, Takahiro Sawada, Yoshiaki Kanemoto and Shigeaki Kato

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052396 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin functioning as a hormone via the vitamin D receptor (VDR), is critical for calcium homeostasis and bone health. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to nutritional rickets, osteomalacia, and increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. While serum 25(OH)D₃ is used to assess vitamin D status, its active form, 1α,25(OH)₂D₃, exerts context-dependent effects on calcium metabolism. Nonetheless, the therapeutic utility of native vitamin D is limited in certain pathologies. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), the renal conversion of 25(OH)D₃ to active 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ is compromised, necessitating the use of active synthetic analogs to bypass this metabolic defect. Furthermore, for dermatological and oncological disorders requiring supraphysiological dosing, synthetic analogs have been designed to dissociate beneficial anti-proliferative effects from the severe hypercalcemia induced by high-dose 1α,25(OH)₂D₃. VDR mediates transcriptional responses, modulated by co-regulators and chromatin remodeling complexes. Recent discoveries include non-genomic VDR pathways and SCAP (SREBP cleavage-activating protein)-dependent signaling that modulate lipid metabolism. Despite promising preclinical results, most synthetic VDR agonists fail to show efficacy in cancer therapy due to calcemic toxicity. However, compounds like eldecalcitol are effective in osteoporosis, especially in low-calcium-intake populations. Selective VDR modulators, akin to SERMs, exhibit tissue-specific effects. Moreover, novel VDR antagonists such as ZK168281 demonstrate potential to suppress hypercalcemia and vitamin D toxicity by inhibiting transcriptional activity and altering VDR localization. These agents may enable anti-inflammatory or anti-proliferative actions without calcemic risks. Understanding the nuanced biology of vitamin D and its analogs offers new avenues for therapeutic intervention beyond bone metabolism, including managing hyperparathyroidism, granulomatous diseases, and inflammation-associated disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Research of Nuclear Receptors in Disease)

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35 pages, 1375 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Cyclophosphamide-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Nephroprotection in Rodent Models: A Systematic Review and Random-Effects Meta-Analysis (2010–2025)

by Denis Oberiukhtin, Anton Chernitskiy, Desheng Hu and Alexey Sarapultsev

J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16020048 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is extensively used in oncology and as an immunosuppressant, but dose-limiting renal injury remains a major constraint. We systematically reviewed in vivo rodent models of CP nephrotoxicity (2010–2025) and meta-analysed core outcomes while separating the model effect (CP vs. control) from the treatment effect (intervention + CP vs. CP-only). Fifty-four studies met eligibility criteria, and random-effects syntheses were feasible for serum creatinine, serum urea, and renal oxidative stress markers. CP produced a marked functional deterioration, increasing serum creatinine by 1.059 mg/dL (95% CI 0.517–1.601; k = 9) and serum urea by 39.852 mg/dL (95% CI 6.557–73.148; k = 9). Across intervention studies, protective effects were most consistently expressed in oxidative endpoints (MDA/TBARS reduction and glutathione preservation), whereas functional recovery estimates were more variable and frequently limited by incomplete reporting and between-study heterogeneity. Overall, the evidence base supports CP as a robust preclinical model of combined functional and redox-mediated renal injury and indicates that multiple mechanistic classes of interventions can partially mitigate injury, but current reporting and design heterogeneity preclude reliable ranking of candidate agents. The protocol was registered on OSF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Xenobiotics and Kidney Health: Emerging Challenges in Toxicology and Therapeutics)

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19 pages, 1510 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of HVAC Load and Driving Conditions on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Efficiency Under Seasonal Temperature

by Zarina Omarova, Seongyong Eom, Yeseul Park and Gyungmin Choi

Energies 2026, 19(5), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19051295 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Hydrogen fuel cell buses (HFCBs) offer a promising zero-emission solution for sustainable public transportation. However, the high energy consumption of auxiliary systems, particularly heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), significantly impacts overall vehicle efficiency by increasing hydrogen consumption. This study investigates the influence of the HVAC load on the energy efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell buses under different driving conditions and seasonal ambient temperatures. Using a MATAB/Simulink-based simulation framework, the interaction between the fuel cell system, battery dynamics, and HVAC operation is modeled to quantify energy consumption under urban, highway and mixed driving conditions. Simulation was conducted at 7 °C and 35 °C with varying HVAC load levels of 50% and 100% to represent harsh winter and summer conditions. Results demonstrated that HVAC operation can account for a substantial portion of total energy consumption, reducing the vehicle range and fuel cell efficiency. Full article

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23 pages, 1079 KB

Open AccessReview

From Brain Organoids to Translational Neurology: Exploring Neuroprotective Targets and Molecular Approaches in Perinatal Brain Injury

by Anja Harej Hrkać, Ana Pelčić, Silvestar Mežnarić, Jasenka Mršić-Pelčić and Kristina Pilipović

Cells 2026, 15(5), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15050462 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Perinatal brain injury (PBI) is a leading cause of long-term neurological deficits in newborns, yet effective therapies are limited. At the cellular level, PBI involves hypoxic–ischemic stress, neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, excitotoxicity, and disrupted neurovascular and glial development. Traditional animal models and 2D cultures cannot fully capture the spatiotemporal complexity of the developing human brain, highlighting the need for more physiologically relevant systems. Human brain organoids have emerged as advanced three-dimensional models that recapitulate region-specific cytoarchitecture, neuronal and glial differentiation, and early circuit formation. They enable modeling of hypoxic–ischemic and inflammatory insults, allowing for the study of injury-induced changes in neurogenesis, gliogenesis, synaptic development, and cell interactions. Organoids facilitate identification of molecular pathways involved in injury and repair, supporting therapeutic target discovery. Using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, organoids also allow personalized pharmacogenomic studies to assess genotype-dependent drug responses and toxicity. Despite limitations such as variability, lack of vascularization and immune components, and ethical considerations, brain organoids offer a promising platform to bridge developmental neurobiology and translational therapeutics, paving the way for targeted and individualized interventions in PBI. Full article

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19 pages, 3893 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enzyme-Targeted Antiproliferative Effects of Novel Indole–Acrylamide Xenobiotics Acting on Cyclooxygenase Pathways

by Mohammed Hawash, Benay Mahmutoğlu, Murad Abualhasan, Deniz Cansen Kahraman and Sultan Nacak Baytas

J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16020047 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

The indole scaffold is common in natural products and bioactive compounds, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory medicines. In this work, a series of indole-acrylamide derivatives was synthesized, and their antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated on COX enzymes and against a panel of cancer cell lines. All the final compounds were characterized via HRMS and (¹H & ¹³C)-NMR. Anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using standard biomedical techniques by SRB, MTS, and COX kit assays. Additionally, the molecular docking analysis was conducted using the AutoDock Vina tool. The results demonstrated that the produced compounds displayed significant inhibitory effects on the COX-2 enzyme, with IC₅₀ values of 128 nM to 1.04 µM. 6a demonstrated significant COX-2 selectivity with an IC₅₀ of 128 nM and an SI of 352, highlighting its preference for COX-2 over COX-1. 6c exhibited potent COX-2 inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 0.215 µM and an SI of 10.6. The assessed compounds exhibited substantial cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, especially against liver cancer cell lines (Huh7, HepG2, Mahlavu, and SNU475), and breast cancer (MCF-7). 6d compound was the most COX-1 selective inhibitor, which observed potent activity against hepatocellular carcinoma, with IC₅₀ values as low as 3.5 µM, and was highly effective against MCF-7. Additionally, COX-2 selective inhibitors, 6a and 6b, exhibited strong antiproliferative effects against both breast cancer (MCF-7) and melanoma (B16F1), with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.75 to 15.4 µM. Furthermore, the molecular docking of 6a demonstrated a strong affinity for the COX-2 enzyme, with energy scores (S) of −8.392 kcal/mol, comparable to celecoxib’s score of −10.96 kcal/mol. The findings suggest a possible correlation between COX-2 inhibition and anticancer efficacy, especially for compounds 6a and 6c, which demonstrate excellent COX-2 selectivity and notable antiproliferative effects, positioning them as prospective candidates for further advancement in cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Drug Therapeutics)

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28 pages, 2382 KB

Open AccessReview

Once-Monthly and Extended-Interval Incretin-, Amylin-, and THRβ-Targeting Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: Clinical Evidence and Development Pipelines

by Héctor Iván Saldívar-Cerón

Sci. Pharm. 2026, 94(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm94010021 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Once-monthly injectable therapies targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and adjacent metabolic pathways are moving from a conceptual goal to a plausible next step for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. The most clinically advanced program is maridebart cafraglutide (MariTide), a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist conjugated to an Fc-containing scaffold that also mediates sustained GIP receptor antagonism. Across phase 2 trials, once-monthly maridebart has produced clinically meaningful weight loss (~12–16% in adults without diabetes; ~8–12% in those with T2D), together with HbA1c reductions of ~1.2–1.6 percentage points, with a safety profile broadly consistent with GLP-1-based therapy. An exploratory every-8-weeks regimen showed attenuated efficacy, suggesting that monthly dosing may represent a practical lower boundary for maintaining therapeutic exposure and metabolic effect in this format. Beyond maridebart, a rapidly expanding pipeline—including ultra-long-acting GLP-1 analogs, dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, long-acting GIPR antagonists, amylin receptor agonists, and emerging thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) agonists—is actively testing monthly regimens or induction-to-monthly maintenance strategies; however, most readouts remain early and are frequently limited to conference presentations or sponsor communications. Accordingly, much of the pipeline evidence should be interpreted as early-phase and non-peer-reviewed, and therefore hypothesis-generating. Key uncertainties include long-term durability, cardiometabolic outcomes, immunogenicity, and interindividual variability in response, which will ultimately determine how once-monthly regimens integrate with established weekly standards in routine care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research in Pharmacological Therapies, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 311 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unlocking Scientific Literacy: The Role of E-Modules and Learning Applications in South African Grade 11 Life Sciences Classrooms

by Mahlogonolo Innocentia Thobejane, Moses Sibusiso Mtshali and Mmapake Florence Masha

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16030395 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study examined the role of e-modules and learning applications in enhancing scientific literacy among Grade 11 Life Sciences learners in a South African secondary school. Grounded in constructivist and connectivist learning theories, the research responded to persistent challenges in learners’ conceptual understanding, scientific reasoning, and application of scientific knowledge. A mixed-methods case study design was employed, combining quantitative pre- and post-test data with qualitative classroom observations and semi-structured learner interviews. Thirty learners participated in a technology-enhanced instructional intervention using curriculum-aligned e-modules delivered through Binogi and Google Classroom. Quantitative findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in scientific literacy following the intervention. Learners’ mean scores increased from 39.20% (pre-test) to 63.07% (post-test), representing a gain of 23.87 percentage points. A paired-samples t-test confirmed that this improvement was extremely significant (t (29) = 11.58, p < 0.0001), with a very large effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.11). Qualitative findings indicated that learners experienced enhanced engagement, improved conceptual clarity, and greater motivation when using digital learning tools, particularly through visualisations, animations, and self-paced learning. However, persistent difficulties with graph interpretation were also identified. The study concludes that the intentional integration of e-modules and learning applications can substantially enhance scientific literacy in Life Sciences by supporting conceptual understanding, reasoning, and learner engagement. These findings highlight the importance of pedagogically guided digital integration and teacher professional development to strengthen science learning outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section STEM Education)

23 pages, 9498 KB

Open AccessArticle

Interdisciplinary Analysis of Water UBH: The Palombaro Purgatorio Vecchio Infrastructure in Matera

by Daniele Altamura, Giandamiano Fiore, Angelarosa Manicone, Enrico Lamacchia, Arcangelo Priore, Nicola Masini, Ruggero Ermini, Antonella Guida and Graziella Bernardo

Heritage 2026, 9(3), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9030102 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Historical water management infrastructures, often comprising underground environments, represent a significant example of the interplay between built heritage and the natural substrate. This study proposes an interdisciplinary, integrated and multi-scalar investigative methodology for such structures. Through the analysis of the case study of Palombaro Purgatoro Vecchio, a large historical public water cistern located in Matera in Italy, this paper presents a rigorous methodology replicable in different contexts. Bibliographic and archival research establish the knowledge base regarding the structure’s historical evolution; territorial and hydromorphic analyses, supported by GIS, highlight the dynamics of the surrounding watersheds. Meanwhile, a digital survey integrating SLAM and photogrammetry provides geometric-dimensional data, serving as the foundation for analysing construction techniques and materials. The selection of accessible and manageable technologies promotes a practical, replicable investigative methodology aimed at the protection, comprehension, enhancement and dissemination of water UBH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Underground Built Heritage)

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21 pages, 6272 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Molecular and Functional Characterization of Cervical Small-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Using a 3D Organoid Model

by Hasibul Islam Sohel, Umme Farzana Zahan, Masako Ishikawa, Kosuke Kanno, Hitomi Yamashita, Kentaro Nakayama and Satoru Kyo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2393; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052393 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Cervical small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) is a rare cervical cancer with high metastatic potential and is frequently associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Because of its low incidence, SCNEC remains understudied and treatment options are limited, posing major therapeutic challenges. This study aimed to characterize SCNEC at the molecular and functional levels to support more informed therapeutic strategies. Organoids and spheroids were generated from a cervical SCNEC biopsy, and a matched organoid-derived xenograft was established in immunodeficient mice. Model fidelity was evaluated by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. HPV status was assessed by p16 immunostaining and HPV18 PCR, and viral–host integration sites were inferred using whole-exome sequencing (WES) junction reads. WES was also used to compare shared somatic variants and copy-number alterations across the patient tumor, organoid, and xenograft. Drug responses were assessed in organoids and spheroids following exposure to a panel of chemotherapeutic agents and a targeted inhibitor. Organoids exhibited robust growth, morphologic maturation, and efficient recovery after cryopreservation. The organoids and matched xenografts faithfully recapitulated SCNEC, with preserved neuroendocrine differentiation (CD56, synaptophysin, and NSE positivity), a high Ki-67 proliferative index (>80%), and strong p16 expression. HPV18 status was conserved across the primary tumor, organoids, and xenografts, with an integration site at chr8 (8q24.21) associated with increased MYC expression. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed strong cross-model concordance, including 26 shared somatic variants with a canonical PIK3CA hotspot mutation (p.E542K) and conserved oncogenic copy-number gains of PIK3CA, TERT, and MYC, as well as copy number loss of TP53. Functional assays showed dose-dependent loss of viability following exposure to conventional cytotoxic agents or an mTOR pathway inhibitor. This study presents the first integrated molecular and functional analyses of patient tumors and matched organoid and xenograft models in cervical SCNEC. These models offer robust resources for mechanistic studies and may enable precision therapeutic strategies for this rare malignancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics and Proteomics of Cancer)

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18 pages, 2059 KB

Open AccessArticle

Network Pharmacology and Zebrafish Model Elucidate the Hypoglycemic Mechanism of Major Compounds in Cyclocarya paliurus

by Yuwei Du, Lin Su, Jinhua Chen, Yajie Zheng and Ying Lu

Foods 2026, 15(5), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15050881 (registering DOI) - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder, primarily characterized by persistent high blood sugar levels, and it is becoming increasingly prevalent with numerous associated complications. The leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskja, traditionally prepared as a tea beverage in China, is frequently used in folk medicine for managing metabolic syndromes, particularly diabetes and hyperlipidemia. However, the main active components responsible for its hypoglycemic effect and their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study aimed to clarify the main chemical components of the aqueous extract of C. paliurus leaves and to explore their mechanisms of action. The primary constituents from the aqueous extract of C. paliurus leaves were isolated and identified using macroporous adsorption resin, preparative liquid chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance technology. The contents of these identified compounds in the leaves were quantified using HPLC. An integrated approach combining network pharmacology and molecular docking was initially used to predict the potential molecular targets and associated signaling pathways responsible for the hypoglycemic activity of the compounds, with subsequent experimental validation performed in a hyperglycemic zebrafish model. From the aqueous extract, a total of seven compounds were obtained and subsequently identified as Chlorogenic Acid (CA), Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (Q3GA), Astragalin, 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid (3,4-DCA), Afzelin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol. Their contents in C. paliurus leaves, as determined by HPLC, were 24.88 mg/g, 30.87 mg/g, 1.21 mg/g, 1.19 mg/g, 5.24 mg/g, 2.43 mg/g, and 1.34 mg/g, respectively. Network pharmacology analysis identified AKT1, TNF, and IL1B as key targets for the hypoglycemic effects of both the aqueous extract and the seven individual compounds. These findings were further supported by RT-PCR experiments in a zebrafish model, which showed that blood glucose regulation occurs through the downregulation of TNF and IL1B and the upregulation of AKT1 protein. The aqueous extract is rich in Chlorogenic Acid, Quercetin, and their derivatives, all of which display significant hypoglycemic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)

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24 pages, 3737 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Method of 3D Target Localization Based on Multi-View Airborne-Distributed SAR

by Xuyang Ge, Xingdong Liang, Xiangwei Dang, Zhiyu Jiang, Jiashuo Wei and Xiangxi Bu

Electronics 2026, 15(5), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15051079 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

With the increasing demand for three-dimensional positioning in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems, multi-view SAR technology is rapidly evolving. Airborne-distributed SAR systems, benefiting from multi-platform collaborative observation, flexible baseline configuration, and synchronous imaging, have become an ideal solution for realizing this technology. However, the flight paths of these platforms are not optimal, and the airborne navigation equipment also suffers from measurement errors, which severely deteriorates the multi-view SAR target positioning accuracy of the airborne-distributed platforms. Currently, research on this issue remains scarce. This paper is based on the multi-view normalized Range Doppler positioning model, introducing platform position errors to derive the Cramér-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB). A detailed positioning accuracy analysis is conducted for different flight paths and various sources of errors, demonstrating that platform position errors are a primary factor affecting target positioning accuracy. To address this, a target positioning method based on inter-platform ranging information is proposed, which imposes constraints on the position of the airborne-distributed platform using inter-platform ranging data, thereby reducing the dependence of target positioning accuracy on platform position errors and enhancing the robustness of three-dimensional positioning for multi-view SAR targets. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified using measured data, which reduces the 3D positioning error of the target by nearly 60%. Full article

40 pages, 11475 KB

Open AccessArticle

Next-Generation Minimally Invasive Anti-Aging Therapy: Incorporation of Resveratrol-Nicotinamide Cerosomes into PLGA Microneedles for Enhanced Skin Permeation

by Sammar Fathy Elhabal, Mai S. Shoela, Fatma E. Hassan, Suzan Awad AbdelGhany Morsy, Amal M. Elsharkawy, Amany Ali Khalil Nawar, Mona Mohamed Ahmed, Shady Allam, Marwa A. Fouad, Amal Anwar Taha, Ahmed Mohsen Faheem, Hanan Mohamed Abd Elmoneim and Ahmed Mohsen Elsaid Hamdan

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(3), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18030326 - 4 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Skin aging and wrinkle formation are primarily driven by ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Resveratrol (RSV) and nicotinamide (NCT) possess potent anti-aging properties but suffer from poor skin penetration. This study aimed to develop an advanced transdermal delivery system incorporating RSV/NCT-loaded cerosomes within poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microneedles to enhance skin permeation and anti-aging performance. Methods: RSV/NCT-loaded cerosomes were formulated using thin-film hydration of phosphatidylcholine, ceramides (III, IIIB, and VI), and poloxamer surfactants, subsequently optimized via a D-optimal mixture design. PLGA microneedles with optimized cerosomes were tested for their mechanical strength, penetration, drug loading, and release. Ex vivo permeation and in vivo evaluations were performed using a UVA-induced skin wrinkling model. Results: Optimized cerosomes exhibited high entrapment efficiency for RSV and NCT (91 ± 0.56% and 85 ± 0.56%, respectively), nanoscale size (195 ± 0.78 nm), low polydispersity (0.23 ± 0.01), and a negative zeta potential (−22 ± 0.45 mV). PLGA microneedles exhibited sufficient mechanical integrity and effective penetrability through Parafilm^® layers. Microneedle-loaded cerosomes enabled sustained drug release (approximately 65–70% over 48 h) and enhanced ex vivo permeation, approximately for NCT and RSV (1450 μg/cm² and 1000 μg/cm², respectively). In vivo investigations revealed improved skin appearance, restoration of epidermal thickness and collagen architecture, reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NLRP3), reduced oxidative stress biomarkers (GSH, GPx, MDA, SOD), and genetic upregulation of VEGF, TGF-β1, and β-Catenin. Conclusions: The RSV/NCT cerosome-encapsulated PLGA microneedle system offers a promising, minimally invasive approach with superior transdermal delivery, sustained efficacy, and significant anti-aging benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Drug Delivery Through Microneedle-Based Systems)

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