Saved Queries

by Thomas Winkens, Wiebke Neuschulz, Hans-Wolfgang Hoppe, Olga Perkas, Philipp Seifert, Falk Gühne, Julia Greiser, Martin Freesmeyer and Christian Kühnel

Life 2026, 16(3), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16030525 (registering DOI) - 22 Mar 2026

Abstract

Preclinical imaging has recently been expanded through the use of ostrich embryos as an alternative in vivo model. In ovo experiments represent a promising substitute for conventional rodent-based animal testing. For artifact-free dynamic nuclear medicine imaging, reliable immobilization of embryos is essential. Although previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of isoflurane anesthesia, the kinetics and uptake mechanisms of isoflurane in ostrich embryos remain insufficiently characterized. The aim of this study was to characterize gas exchange dynamics in ostrich eggs and to quantify isoflurane uptake using two complementary approaches: indirect consumption measurements in a closed system and direct quantification by serial blood sampling. Fourteen ostrich eggs, including seven fertilized and seven unfertilized specimens, were analyzed at developmental stages up to day 37 of incubation. Gas exchange was assessed in a sealed container using a clinical anesthesia gas monitoring system to measure oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide excretion. Isoflurane uptake was evaluated during exposure to concentrations of 2%, 4%, or 6%. In a separate experimental series, serial blood samples were collected during and after exposure to the same concentrations to determine systemic uptake. Fertilized embryos showed progressive increases in metabolic activity, with a maximal oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide excretion of 116 mL/h/kg and 93 mL/h/kg on day 37. Indirect measurements demonstrated isoflurane uptake rates of up to 1.1 mL/min at 6%, with proportionally lower values at 4% and 2%. Blood analyses confirmed systemic absorption, peak concentrations of 160 µg/mL, and detectable residual levels for up to 120 min after exposure. These findings refine in ovo imaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging)

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20 pages, 22059 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physio-Transcriptomic Mechanism of Antimony Tin Oxide Nanoparticle-Induced Midgut Toxicity in Bombyx mori

by Yang Fang, Xuan Li, Fengchao Zhang, Yang Liu, Liang Ma, Liping Chen and Qijun Xie

Biology 2026, 15(6), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15060508 (registering DOI) - 22 Mar 2026

Abstract

The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an economically important insect that plays a crucial role in agricultural development. Antimony tin oxide, a high-tech multifunctional nanomaterial, is extensively utilized in contemporary industries due to its properties of transparency, conductivity, and stability. Nevertheless, the toxicity and potential adverse effects of antimony tin oxide on living organisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of antimony tin oxide at varying concentrations (0–3.2 μg/μL) on the growth, oxidative stress response, gene expression, and midgut integrity of fifth-instar silkworm larvae. Exposure to high concentrations of antimony tin oxide resulted in a significant reduction in larval weight and severely disrupted the antioxidant defense system. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis identified 239 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were confirmed by qPCR, revealing up-regulated lipid synthesis gene AGPAT5, down-regulated chitin degradation gene Chi, and suppressed glycerolipid hydrolysis gene H9J6N7_BOMMO. Histopathological and ultrastructural examinations revealed severe damage to the structure of midgut epithelial cells. Structural and functional analysis of conserved domains in key DEG-encoded proteins revealed that gene dysregulation disrupted energy metabolism and compromised the physical barrier, ultimately linking molecular abnormalities to observed tissue damage. These findings elucidate the mechanisms by which antimony tin oxide induces midgut toxicity through interference with critical metabolic pathways and functional perturbations at the molecular level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Toxicology)

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16 pages, 1437 KB

Open AccessReview

Environmental Regulation of 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline Biosynthesis in Fragrant Rice: From Metabolic Pathways to Sustainable Quality Management

by Junjun Guo, Junyi Miao, Jin Chen, Deqian Huang, Chuyi Wang and Jiancheng Wen

Genes 2026, 17(3), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17030349 (registering DOI) - 22 Mar 2026

Abstract

The market value of fragrant rice is largely defined by the presence and intensity of its aroma, which is primarily attributed to volatile compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP). The biosynthesis of 2-AP is chiefly governed by recessive alleles of the badh2 gene. Nevertheless, 2-AP accumulation is also profoundly shaped by environmental factors and agronomic management. Field practices—such as balanced nitrogen and potassium fertilization, supplementation with trace elements, and application of plant growth regulators like methyl jasmonate—promote 2-AP synthesis by increasing precursor availability and enhancing the activity of key enzymes. Additionally, tillage systems, alternate wetting and drying irrigation, optimal planting density, and harvest timing significantly affect aroma quality. Abiotic stresses, including moderate drought, salinity, optimal temperatures around 25 °C, and low light during grain filling, can also stimulate 2-AP accumulation, often through shifts in proline metabolism and activation of stress-responsive pathways involving GABA and methylglyoxal. Despite the promise of these strategies, several challenges persist, such as the common trade-off between yield and aroma intensity, complex genotype-by-environment interactions, and incomplete elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved. Moving forward, integrating multi-omics analyses with smart agriculture technologies will be essential to unravel the regulatory networks underlying aroma formation and to advance the breeding of high-yielding fragrant rice varieties with stable aroma traits under changing climate scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genes & Environments)

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8 pages, 2933 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Configurational Setup for Fully Robotic Distal Pancreatectomy with Splenectomy Using Hugo™ RAS and Ligasure™ RAS Maryland: First Case Report (With Video)

by Orlin Belyaev, Hussein Salama, Tim Fahlbusch and Waldemar Uhl

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(6), 2423; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15062423 (registering DOI) - 22 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Fully robotic pancreatic resections using the Hugo™ RAS platform have not yet been described in the literature. Methods: A 72-year-old male with a cystic lesion in the pancreatic tail underwent a fully robotic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy using the Hugo RAS platform and the newly introduced robotic vessel sealer LigaSure RAS. The proposed configurational setup and technical details are described. Results: The procedure was completed safely without complications: blood loss was <50 mL, total duration of surgery was 305 min, and console time was 195 min. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 7. Conclusions: Distal pancreatectomy with the Hugo RAS platform may be feasible and safe in selected cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Opportunities in Application of Laparoscopic, Robotic and Other Technological Advances in Gastrointestinal Surgery)

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11 pages, 285 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Efficacy of Carbonyl Sulfide Against Phosphine-Resistant and Phosphine-Susceptible Strains of the Rice Weevil Sitophilus oryzae

by Bong-Su Kim, Ji-Eun Choi, Jae-Ho Ban, Soo-Jung Suh and Jun-Ran Kim

Insects 2026, 17(3), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030347 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Recently, the occurrence of phosphine-resistant pests has been increasingly reported in many countries. In this study, the efficacy of carbonyl sulfide (COS) on phosphine-resistant and phosphine-susceptible strains of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, was evaluated to determine the applicability of COS as a fumigant to control phosphine resistance. S. oryzae at the egg, larval and adult stages was treated with phosphine and COS to determine the 50 and 99% lethal concentration time (LCt₅₀ and LCt₉₉, respectively) values. The LCt₅₀ values of phosphine for phosphine-susceptible S. oryzae at the egg, larval and adult stages were 1.44, 0.63, and 0.66 mg h/L, respectively, and those for phosphine-resistant S. oryzae were 30.65, 17.60, and 8.37 mg h/L, respectively. In contrast, the LCt₅₀ values of COS for phosphine-susceptible S. oryzae at the egg, larval, and adult stages were 284.19, 171.11 and 212.55 mg h/L, respectively, and those for phosphine-resistant S. oryzae were 289.78, 149.87 and 229.06 mg h/L, respectively. The COS-resistance ratios were 1.02, 0.88, and 1.08 for S. oryzae at the egg, larval, and adult stages, respectively. These results indicate that the efficacy of COS is similar for phosphine-susceptible and phosphine-resistant pests, suggesting that COS can be used to control phosphine-resistant grain pests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Pest Management in Stored Products)

17 pages, 5623 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Facile Nanocarrier for Paclitaxel Delivery Based on Carboxymethyl Chitosan Encapsulated 6-Deoxy-6-Mercapto-β-Cyclodextrin Grafted Concave Cubic Gold

by Hao Li, Lin Zhang, You Long, Chao Shen, Song Zhang, Fang Chen, Nan Chen and Chenghong Huang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060378 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Paclitaxel is a first-line anticancer drug, but its low water solubility impedes bioavailability The purpose of this study is to estalish a delivery strategy via carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)-encapsulated 6-deoxy-6-mercapto-β-cyclodextrins (dmβCDs)-modified concave cubic gold (CCGs) to achieve PTX release. CCGs were initially synthesized by the one-pot method and further modified by dmβCDs, the dmβCDs can effectively capture PTX molecules, followed by encapsulation with CMCS, and then prepare pH-responsive CMCS/dmβCDs/CCGs nanocarriers after lyophilization. Results indicated that desirable hexagonal CCGs with 50 ± 5 nm size can be obtained by adjusting H₂O₂ and HClO concentration. FT-IR, Raman and XRD spectra had confirmed dmβCDs successfully grafted to the surface of CCGs. Drug loading experiments demonstrated that the nanocarrier encapsulated PTX in amorphous powder or molecular form have a capacity of 55.05 µg/mL. Drug release experiments revealed PTX release from CMCS/dmβCDs/CCGs nanocarriers carrying a typical pH-responsive profile and indicating earlier release in an acidic environment than in a neutral or alkaline environment. The proposed method can be utilized to effectually achieve high-efficiency solubilization and targeted release inside tumor cells of PTX. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery Using Inorganic Nanoparticles)

22 pages, 7771 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Analysis of the Special Peel Color Segregation Ratio Coregulated by Anthocyanin and Chlorophyll Pathway Genes in Eggplant

by Lisha Fan, Meng Li, Qian You, Tao Li, Yanwei Hao and Baojuan Sun

Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030391 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

In the study of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), a cross between the green peel line 19143 and the white peel line 19147 produced E4957 F₁ hybrids with a purple–brown peel. Self-fertilization of the F₁ hybrids yielded E4957 F₂ offspring with a segregation ratio of 27:9:21:7 among individuals with purple–brown, purple–red, green, and white peel colors, respectively, which was consistent with a genetic model controlled by reciprocal recessive epistasis between D and P, and Gv1 likely acting as a modifying factor. The green peel line 19143 exhibited higher chlorophyll but lower anthocyanin levels than the white peel line 19147, which contained low levels of both pigments, while the E4957 F₁ hybrids had elevated levels of both pigments. Two epistatic genes, D and P, associated with anthocyanin synthesis, were mapped on chromosomes 10 and 8, respectively. The putative modifying locus Gf, involved in chlorophyll accumulation in the flesh, was mapped on chromosome 8, and the localization interval was close to the previously reported Gv1 locus associated with chlorophyll synthesis in the peel. DNA markers (InDel22522, InDel5531, InDel-APRR2) were developed to genotype 237 F₂ individuals and correlate genotypes with phenotypes. Sequence analysis revealed a 6 bp deletion in the SmMYB1 (D) gene and a large deletion in the SmAPRR2-Like (Gv1) gene in the white peel line 19147, as well as a T to A mutation in the SmANS (P) gene in the green line 19143. This study provided evidence for inheritance between loci involved in anthocyanin and chlorophyll pathways contributing to eggplant peel color variation and provides molecular markers that may facilitate the breeding of eggplant varieties with diverse peel colors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology of Solanaceous Crops)

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16 pages, 711 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy, Bleeding, and Clinical Outcomes After Rotational Atherectomy: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

by Jaeyun Lee, Jin Jung, Sang-Suk Choi, Sung-Ho Her, Kyusup Lee, Ki-Dong Yoo, Keon-Woong Moon, Donggyu Moon, Su-Nam Lee, Won-Young Jang, Ik-Jun Choi, Jae-Hwan Lee, Jang-Hoon Lee, Sang-Rok Lee, Seung-Whan Lee, Kyeong-Ho Yun and Hyun-Jong Lee

Medicina 2026, 62(3), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62030597 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with severe coronary calcification and increased procedural risks. We aimed to evaluate the impact of CKD on contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), bleeding, and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing rotational atherectomy (RA). Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 652 patients who underwent RA for calcified coronary lesions from the multicenter ROCK registry and a single-center extension between 2010 and 2025. Patients were classified into CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², n = 66) and non-CKD (n = 586) groups, excluding those on dialysis. The primary endpoint was a composite of CIN and in-hospital bleeding. Secondary endpoints included 3-year target vessel failure (TVF), myocardial infarction (MI), and total bleeding. Results: The primary composite outcome occurred more frequently in the CKD group (16.7% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.001). Specifically, CIN was significantly higher in CKD patients (15.2% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001), while in-hospital bleeding did not differ significantly. In multivariate analysis, CKD was an independent predictor of the primary outcome (adjusted OR 3.02; 95% CI 1.36–6.69; p = 0.006). At 3-year follow-up, total bleeding (10.6% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.008) and MI (6.1% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.024) were higher in the CKD group, whereas TVF and cardiac death showed no significant difference. Conclusions: CKD is a robust independent risk factor for CIN and long-term bleeding in patients undergoing RA. However, comparable clinical efficacy outcomes suggest that RA remains a feasible strategy in CKD patients when early complications are carefully managed with contrast-minimizing strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coronary Artery Disease from Acute Manifestation to Long Term Consequences)

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Graphical abstract

20 pages, 5867 KB

Open AccessArticle

Salinity-Induced Inhibition of Lettuce Seed Germination in Association with Altered Catalase and Endo-β-Mannanase Activities

by Nezar H. Samarah, Nisreen A. AL-Quraan, Ruleen I. M. AlZyout and Ahmed Salah Elrys

Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030390 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Salinity is a major constraint on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production and is known to inhibit seed germination. However, the physiological and biochemical processes underlying this sensitivity remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how salinity affects seed germination in two lettuce cultivars, ‘Susan’ (a highly salt-sensitive cultivar) and ‘Yafa’ (a low salt-sensitive cultivar), with particular emphasis on the roles of catalase and endo-β-mannanase enzyme activities. Seeds were subjected to both low salinity (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 mM NaCl) and high salinity (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 mM NaCl) under standard germination conditions to evaluate germination percentage, mean germination time, and enzyme activity. Seedling emergence was also assessed in different growing media, including perlite, sand, peatmoss, and cocopeat. The results showed that salinity significantly reduced germination percentage and seedling length and increased mean germination time, with inhibition occurring at ≥0.1 mM NaCl in ‘Susan’ and ≥40 mM NaCl in ‘Yafa’; both cultivars failed to germinate at 320 mM. The ’Yafa’ had a high seedling emergence in all growing media, but ’Susan‘ seeds only emerged in perlite, which had the lowest salinity. Catalase activity increased markedly under salt stress, particularly in ‘Susan,’ indicating elevated oxidative burden, while endo-β-mannanase activity declined with increasing salinity, especially in the highly salt-sensitive cultivar of ‘Susan’. Correlation analysis showed that germination percentage had a significant and positive correlation with endo-β-mannanase activity and had a significant and negative correlation with catalase activity across salinity levels. In conclusion, salinity-induced inhibition of lettuce seed germination appears to be associated with changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced endosperm weakening capacity, as reflected by altered catalase and endo-β-mannanase activities, thereby contributing to cultivar-dependent differences in salt sensitivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

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17 pages, 4165 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Biomimetic Test Zones in Paper-Based Nucleic Acid Assays—Comparing Vertical and Lateral Flow Formats

by Jennifer Marfà, Anaixis del Valle, Maria Del Pilar Taboada Sotomayor and María Isabel Pividori

Biosensors 2026, 16(3), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16030175 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

The development of rapid and sensitive point-of-care nucleic acid tests benefits from robust synthetic recognition elements. Here, a biotin-specific molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized using an optimized protocol and integrated as a biomimetic test zone into two paper-based formats: nucleic acid vertical flow (NAVF) and nucleic acid lateral flow (NALF). Both platforms were evaluated for the detection of double-tagged PCR amplicons from Escherichia coli. NAVF enabled a 3 min visual readout with an LOD of 1.00 × 10⁻² ng mL⁻¹. NALF provided a total assay time of <15 min and achieved a visual LOD of 3.17 × 10⁻² ng mL⁻¹. Overall, the results demonstrate the versatility of biotin-MIPs as stable synthetic receptors for rapid, low-cost paper-based nucleic acid assays, with NAVF prioritizing speed and design flexibility and NALF prioritizing higher analytical sensitivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Molecularly Imprinted-Polymer-Based Biosensors)

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23 pages, 743 KB

Open AccessReview

Molecular Mechanisms of APOL1-Associated Kidney Disease

by Charlotte Delrue, Reinhart Speeckaert and Marijn M. Speeckaert

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2863; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062863 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

The discovery of apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk polymorphisms has significantly changed our knowledge of kidney disease susceptibility and development in African American populations. Several non-diabetic kidney disorders, such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), collapsing glomerulopathy, HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), and accelerated chronic kidney disease (CKD) development, are significantly more likely to occur in people with two coding variations, G1 and G2. The significance of context-dependent pathogenic processes is highlighted by the poor penetrance and remarkable phenotypic variety of APOL1-associated kidney disease, despite its substantial impact. This review synthesizes current knowledge of APOL1 biology through a molecular framework, emphasizing gain-of-toxic-function effects of risk variants in podocytes, dysregulated ion fluxes, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired proteostasis, and activation of innate immune and inflammatory signaling pathways. We describe how the well-recognized “second-hit” paradigm has a biological basis, driven by strong inducibility by interferons and immunological activation, as well as strict basal regulation of APOL1 expression. Lastly, we explore future approaches to precision nephrology and highlight translational advancements, such as APOL1 gene-silencing techniques. This review provides a mechanistic roadmap for translating APOL1 biology into targeted therapeutic strategies by integrating genetics, cell biology, immunology, and systems-level approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights and Novel Therapeutics in Chronic Kidney Disease)

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25 pages, 3484 KB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Variation in the Essential Oil Production of Piper aduncum L.: Influence of Circadian Rhythms and Insights into Dillapiole Production Dynamics

by Jeferson A. S. Assunção, Camila G. Oliveira, Jessica S. Felisberto, Daniel B. Machado, Ygor Jesse Ramos and Davyson de Lima Moreira

Plants 2026, 15(6), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15060976 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) is a neotropical species widely recognized for its bioactive essential oils (EOs), which exhibit antifungal, insecticidal, larvicidal, and antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the influence of circadian rhythms on the chemical composition and yield of P. aduncum EOs cultivated under agroecological conditions in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Fresh leaves were collected every three hours over a 24 h cycle during both dry (July 2023) and rainy (February 2024) seasons. EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS and GC-FID. A total of 20 compounds were identified in the dry season, while 10 were detected in the rainy season. Dillapiole was the predominant constituent in both periods, ranging from 75.78% to 88.27% (dry) and 75.90% to 90.86% (rainy). The highest EO yield was observed at 3:00 p.m. (0.73%) in the dry season and at 12:00 p.m. (0.61%) in the rainy season. Despite seasonal variations in chemical diversity, dillapiole content remained stable, reinforcing its biotechnological potential. The results highlight the importance of optimized harvesting times to maximize EO yield and composition, contributing to the sustainable exploitation of P. aduncum for medicinal and agricultural applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circadian Regulation of Growth, Development and Metabolism in Plants/Microorganisms)

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17 pages, 6264 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanism of the EICP Centrifugal Cementation Method for Short-Term Brick Crack Rehabilitation

by Zhongyuan Chen, Xiaolong Xu, Jianping Wei, Xueyan Guo and Xinyi Ke

Buildings 2026, 16(6), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16061251 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Traditional enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) technology for brick crack rehabilitation is commonly plagued by solution clogging and low repair efficiency. To overcome these technical limitations, a novel centrifugal cementation method was proposed in this study, with its core innovation lying in decoupling the EICP reaction from the masonry reinforcement process. After the complete reaction of urease with the cementation solution, a high-concentration calcium carbonate colloid was extracted via centrifugation, which was then mixed with fine sand to prepare a repair mortar for direct injection into brick cracks. The experimental results, based on a single-factor design with a fixed soybean powder concentration (180 g/L, peak urease activity), showed that the maximum flexural strength of the repaired bricks reached 2.31 MPa, recovering as much as 122.9% of that of the cracked unrepaired bricks. Furthermore, the flexural strength of the repaired bricks exhibited a significant positive correlation with the calcium carbonate content (20–100%) and curing time (3–28 days). Phase analysis indicated that the repair mortar was primarily composed of calcite and quartz. The high shear force generated by centrifugation triggered explosive nucleation of calcium carbonate, and spherical calcite particles were formed through Ostwald ripening, exhibiting a distinct characteristic of decoupling between the spherical morphology and calcite crystal phase. The centrifugal cementation method proposed in this study achieves excellent short-term repair effects for masonry structures under laboratory conditions, thus providing a novel technical approach for the crack rehabilitation of masonry structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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21 pages, 2194 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adherence and Metabolic Outcomes of Early and Late Time-Restricted Eating with Energy Restriction vs. Energy Restriction Alone: A 6-Month Follow-Up

by Tanja Črešnovar, Bernarda Habe, Nina Mohorko, Saša Kenig, Zala Jenko Pražnikar and Ana Petelin

Nutrients 2026, 18(6), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18061004 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Long-term weight maintenance remains challenging with conventional dietary strategies due to various barriers. Time-restricted eating (TRE) has recently attracted attention as a potential approach to improve adherence, but evidence on long-term maintenance is limited. We investigated the 6-month follow-up (6FU) of early time-restricted eating with energy restriction (eTRE + ER), late time-restricted eating with energy restriction (lTRE + ER) and energy restriction alone (ER). Methods: This 6FU included 69 of 93 participants from a previously conducted 3-month intervention (3INT). After the intervention, participants returned to free-living conditions without dietary guidance. Outcomes included adherence, perceived barriers, body composition, blood pressure, cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic hormones, subjective appetite, and dietary intake. Results: Adherence of at least ≥5 days per week was low: 7.7% (eTRE + ER), 18.2% (lTRE + ER), and 9.5% (ER). Reduced adherence during the 6FU was associated with a partial reversal of improvements in body mass, body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic hormones, and subjective appetite observed during the 3INT. Analysis of perceived barriers showed that environmental and psychosocial barriers were significant predictors of changes in body mass during the 6FU, while environmental and behavioral barriers were associated with extension of the eating window. These associations were most pronounced in the eTRE + ER group. Conclusions: During the 6FU, differences between dietary strategies gradually diminished, although some remained clinically meaningful. Long-term adherence was low across all three dietary strategies, with psychosocial, environmental, and behavioral barriers particularly evident in the eTRE + ER group. Further research is needed to confirm long-term adherence before TRE + ER interventions can be widely applied in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Obesity)

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13 pages, 246 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seroepidemiology and Reactivation Rates of Cytomegalovirus in HIV-Positive Patients in Istanbul: A Retrospective Analysis

by Derya Sevimli Saydan, Murat Hakan Kir, Muammer Osman Köksal, Kutay Sarsar, Arat Hulikyan, Atahan Cagatay, Mehmet Demirci, Pınar Soguksu, Eray Yurtseven, Serra Zeynep Akkoyunlu, Sevim Meşe, Ali Agacfidan and Hayriye Kirkoyun Uysal

Viruses 2026, 18(3), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18030394 (registering DOI) - 21 Mar 2026

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major opportunistic pathogen in individuals with HIV. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and reactivation rates of CMV among HIV-positive individuals. A total of 300 people with HIV presenting to the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine were enrolled. Serological assessments were performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while molecular analyses were conducted through PCR-based methods. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were also evaluated. Of the participants, 90% were male, with an age range of 18–76 years. Serological testing demonstrated CMV IgG positivity in 292 patients (97.3%) and CMV IgM positivity in 11 patients (4.07%). CMV DNA was detected in 91 patients (30.3%) by molecular assays, with viral loads ranging from <150 to 2,404,678 copies/mL. CMV DNA positivity was significantly more frequent in older patients (p < 0.05) and was associated with lower CD4+ T lymphocyte counts. CMV disease was identified in 50 patients (16.7%), with organ involvement (64%) representing the most common clinical manifestation. CMV seropositivity is remarkably high in HIV-positive individuals, and reactivation rates are increased, particularly in older patients and those with advanced immunosuppression. These findings underscore the clinical relevance of routine CMV surveillance in the management of HIV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)

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