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Rapeseed (Brassica napus) honey is a popular monofloral honey produced in Poland and is often suspected of pesticide-residue contamination due to the extensive use of pesticides in oilseed rape cultivation. Moreover, because of the presence of fatty acids, it can absorb hydrophobic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that occur as environmental pollutants. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the safety of rapeseed honey in terms of pesticide residues and PAHs contamination in relation to its functional properties, including antioxidant properties, polyphenol profile, protein content, and enzymatic activity. Local honey samples originating from Lublin (five) and Podkarpackie (five) Voivodeships were compared with five samples purchased from commercial sources. None of 58 pesticides, including carbamates, organophosphorus, organochlorines, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids, were detected in the tested honey samples. All samples were also completely free of four major harmful PAHs legally limited in food (benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene). Among other PAH compounds, seven were detected accidentally in samples of various origins. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity determined by DPPH^•, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays were relatively uniform among the groups studied. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) revealed characteristic fingerprints including kaempferol, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid, providing a specific profile that can be considered a marker of rapeseed honey authenticity and used to detect adulteration. Protein content ranged from 18 to 85 mg/100 g, remaining within the range typical for light honeys, while α-glucosidase activity was significantly reduced in commercial products, reflecting the effects of processing and storage. The study confirmed the high functional value and safety of rapeseed honey offered on the South-Eastern Poland market, which confirm the cleanliness of the bees’ habitat in terms of pesticide residues and PAHs pollution. Nevertheless, regular monitoring of pesticide residues and PAHs in honeys from agricultural areas remains advisable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The World of Bees: Diversity, Ecology and Conservation)

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11 pages, 4365 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spherical Trihedral Metallo-Borospherene with Asymmetric Triangles in Boron Framework

by Qin Xie, Weiyi Wang, Qiang Liu, Shufa Li and Lijuan Yan

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(22), 1728; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15221728 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025

Abstract

The recent discovery of spherical trihedral metallo-borospherenes Ln₃B₁₈⁻ (Ln = La, Tb) represents the onset of an unprecedented class of boron-metal binary nanomaterials, where heterogeneous La or Tb atoms, alongside B atoms, constitute integral components of the outer cage surface. Here, C_3v A₁-Sc₃B₁₆⁺ is theoretically predicted as the global minimum by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and its B₁₆-framework comprises unequal B₆ and B₇ triangles, connected by three B atoms between the vertexes of the B₆ triangle and the interval edges of the B₇ triangle. This arrangement forms three equivalent η⁷-B₇ rings, each centered with a Sc atom. The cage surface of the second low-lying A₂ isomer features an asymmetric triangle of B₃ and B₇, along with three B₂-linked units. This configuration gives rise to three equivalent octacoordinated Sc atoms, each centered within η⁸-B₈ rings. These two cationic isomers have been proven to be very stable in kinetics and thermodynamics. Our findings regarding unequal boron triangles and smaller odd-coordinated rings in the B-framework enrich the geometric patterns of trihedral metallo-borospherenes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical Calculation Study of Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)

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32 pages, 5347 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous Reversible Data Hiding and Quality Enhancement for VQ-Compressed Images via Quality Improvement Codes

by Chun-Hsiu Yeh, Chung-Wei Kuo, Xian-Zhong Lin, Wei-Cheng Shen and Chin-Wei Liao

Electronics 2025, 14(22), 4463; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14224463 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025

Abstract

With the rapid proliferation of digital multimedia in resource-constrained Internet of Things (IoT) environments, there is growing demand for efficient image compression combined with secure data embedding. Existing Vector Quantization (VQ)-based Reversible Data Hiding (RDH) methods prioritize embedding capacity while neglecting reconstruction fidelity, often introducing noticeable quality degradation in edge regions—unacceptable for high-fidelity applications such as medical imaging and forensic analysis. This paper proposes a lightweight RDH framework with a once-offline trained VQ codebook that simultaneously performs secure data embedding and visual quality enhancement for VQ-compressed images. Quality Improvement Codes (QIC) are generated from pixel-wise residuals between original and VQ-decompressed images and embedded into the VQ index table using a novel Recoding Index Value (RIV) mechanism without additional transmission overhead. Sobel edge detection identifies perceptually sensitive blocks for targeted enhancement. Comprehensive experiments on ten standard test images across multiple resolutions (256 × 256, 512 × 512) and codebook sizes (64–1024) demonstrate Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) gains of +4 to +5.39 dB and Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) improvements of +4.12% to +9.86%, with embedding capacities approaching 100 Kbits. The proposed approach consistently outperforms existing methods in both image quality and payload capacity while eliminating computational overhead of deep learning models, making it highly suitable for resource-constrained edge devices and real-time multimedia security applications. Full article

10 pages, 914 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Toxic Shock Syndrome in a 45-Year-Old Woman Possibly Associated with Tampon Use: A Case Report of Multiorgan Failure Due to Streptococcus agalactiae

by Tina Zavidić, Ema Dejhalla and David Zahirović

Diseases 2025, 13(11), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13110376 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially fatal condition most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. However, other streptococcal species, including Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus (GBS)), can also cause TSS, sometimes leading to severe complications, such as multiorgan failure. Case Description: We report the case of a 45-year-old woman who developed TSS associated with tampon use. She presented with fever, chills, hypotension, and leg pain, progressing rapidly to septic shock and multiorgan failure. Blood and urine cultures revealed S. agalactiae group B, while a gynecological examination identified Ureaplasma urealyticum and S. agalactiae. Imaging demonstrated bilateral pneumonic infiltrates and pleural effusion. The patient required intensive care, vasopressor support, and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, leading to full clinical recovery. Discussion: Despite advances in tampon design, menstrual TSS remains a significant clinical concern. Early symptoms may be nonspecific, but rapid progression highlights the need for timely recognition and intervention. Although S. agalactiae is an uncommon cause of TSS, it should be considered in relevant clinical scenarios. Prompt empirical antibiotic therapy, followed by targeted treatment based on culture results, along with supportive intensive care, is essential to improve outcomes. Conclusions: Menstrual TSS continues to pose a serious health risk. Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in tampon users presenting with fever, rash, and shock. Early diagnosis and rapid initiation of appropriate therapy are crucial to reducing morbidity and mortality. Full article

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16 pages, 1521 KB

Open AccessArticle

Endosymbiotic Bacteria Spiroplasma and Wolbachia in a Laboratory-Reared Insect Collection

by Roman Bykov, Elena Shatalova, Irina Andreeva, Alevtina Khodakova, Artem Ryabinin, Mary Demenkova and Yury Ilinsky

Insects 2025, 16(11), 1168; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111168 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025

Abstract

Many insect and other arthropod species are maintained as non-model laboratory stocks and are used for fundamental and applied studies. Their biology may be affected by symbionts, such as Wolbachia and Spiroplasma. Thirty stocks of different insect species that are maintained at the Laboratory of biological control of phytophagous and phytopathogens in the Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies were screened to find Spiroplasma/Wolbachia–host associations. We used 16S rDNA and fusA loci for Spiroplasma characterization and five MLST genes for Wolbachia. Seven out of thirty stocks harbored symbionts. Five stocks were infected with only Wolbachia, one with only Spiroplasma, and one with both symbionts. Two stocks were occasionally characterized by false-positive signals of Spiroplasma infection that were explained by contamination from food sources, viz. infected insects. Five Wolbachia isolates belonged to supergroup B and one to supergroup A. Only the MLST haplotype of Nabis ferus was previously known (ST-522), while the other haplotypes contained new alleles. One Spiroplasma isolate was clustered in the Ixodetis clade and another was basal to the Apis clade. We noted the importance of non-model insects for fundamental studies of host–symbiont interactions and their significance for applied research and practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Behavior and Pathology)

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13 pages, 2133 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Blocking ELISA for Detection of Serum Neutralizing Antibodies Against Duck Adenovirus Type 3

by Mei Tang, Xiaona Shi, Yifei Xiong, Chunxiu Yuan, Qinmin Zhu, Minfan Huang, Bangfeng Xu, Qinfang Liu, Xue Pan, Zhifei Zhang, Qiaoyang Teng, Minghao Yan, Dawei Yan and Zejun Li

Microorganisms 2025, 13(11), 2607; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112607 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025

Abstract

In 2014, Duck Adenovirus type 3 (DAdV-3) emerged in Muscovy ducks and has since spread rapidly across China, causing significant economic losses to the duck industry. Given this situation, the development of reliable diagnostic tools is crucial for effective disease control. In this study, a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2F12 specific to DAdV-3 was generated, which showed a blocking rate of over 70% and a neutralization titer of up to 1:794. A blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (b-ELISA) was further developed based on mAb 2F12 to efficiently detect neutralizing antibodies against DAdV-3. The cut-off values of percent inhibition (PI) were set based on testing 84 negative duck serum samples, with a value below 16.79% (mean (

\bar{X}

) + 2 standard deviations (SD)) for negative sera and over 21.62% (

\bar{X}

+ 3SD) for positive sera. The b-ELISA exhibited a high specificity, reacting exclusively with DAdV-3 positive serum and showing no cross-reactivity with other representative positive sera tested. Additionally, the b-ELISA showed significantly higher sensitivity than the serum neutralization test (SNT), detecting antibodies 16-fold greater than the endpoint dilution of the SNT. The established b-ELISA, validated with 90 field serum samples from six duck farms, was well-suited for clinical detection of DAdV-3 antibodies and for monitoring post-vaccination antibody levels, representing a significant advancement in DAdV-3 detection and prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Immunity of Avian Viruses)

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14 pages, 4953 KB

Open AccessArticle

Micro- and Nano-Integration in the Production of GaAs and Ga₂O₃ Nanowire Arrays by Top-Down Design

by Elena I. Monaico, Eduard V. Monaico, Veaceslav V. Ursaki and Ion M. Tiginyanu

J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2025, 9(11), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp9110376 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025

Abstract

In this paper, a strategy is proposed based on the microstructuring of GaAs substrates by photolithography combined with nanostructuring by electrochemical etching for the purposes of obtaining GaAs nanowire domains in selected regions of the substrate. The micropatterning is based on previously obtained knowledge about the mechanisms of pore growth in GaAs substrates during anodization. According to previous findings, crystallographically oriented pores, or “crysto pores,” grow along specific crystallographic directions within the GaAs substrates, with preferential propagation along the <111>B direction. Taking advantage of this feature, it is proposed to pattern the (111)B surface by photolithography and to, subsequently, apply anodization in an HNO₃ electrolyte. It is shown that the areas of the GaAs substrate under the photoresist mask are protected against porosification due to the growth of pores perpendicular to the surface of the substrates in such a configuration. Pores overlapping under adjusted electrochemical etching conditions results in the formation of GaAs nanowire arrays in the substrate regions not covered by photoresist. Thermal annealing conditions in an argon atmosphere with a low oxygen concentration were developed for the selective oxidation of GaAs nanowires, thus producing a wide-bandgap Ga₂O₃ nanowire pattern on the GaAs substrate. It is shown that the morphology of nanowires can be controlled by adjusting the electrochemical parameters. Smooth-walled nanowire arrays were obtained under specific conditions, while perforated and wall-modulated nanowires were formed when crystallographic pores intersected at a higher applied anodizing potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Materials Processing for Modern Applications: Advancements and Challenges)

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16 pages, 1370 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Immune Response Dynamics: Analyzing the Parameters of Complete Blood Count (CBC) in Experimental Borreliosis

by Diana Mihaela Alexandru, Diana Larisa Ancuţa and Cristin Coman

Life 2025, 15(11), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15111758 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025

Abstract

The spirochete Borrelia is responsible for Lyme disease, a multisystemic infection and growing public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate host response dynamics to Borrelia bavariensis by analyzing hematological parameters as potential immuno-inflammatory markers in a murine model. Forty C3He/HeNCrl mice were inoculated intradermally with B. bavariensis (5 × 10⁵ spirochetes/100 µL/mouse) and monitored for 90 days. Samples were collected at defined intervals for microbiological examination, hematology, and qPCR. Microbiological and qPCR testing revealed infection between days 7–21; results were negative on days 28–42. At later stages (days 60 and 90), Borrelia was only detectable by qPCR, highlighting differences in diagnostic sensitivity. Hematological analysis showed that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immuno-inflammatory index (SII) peaked on day 7 (p < 0.0001), followed by gradual normalization until day 35. These markers reflected the intensity of the inflammatory response and defined three distinct phases of host reaction. Overall, results demonstrate the complexity of immune responses in B. bavariensis infection and underscore the value of monitoring hematological indices for understanding host–pathogen interactions. This approach supports the potential use of simple blood markers in diagnostic strategies with translational relevance for clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Animal Models to Clinical Innovations: Translating Research into Medicine)

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22 pages, 772 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Advertising Image Types on Consumer Purchasing Behavior of Fresh Agricultural Products

by Fan Huang, Yumeng Gu, Zhonghu Bai and Yani Dong

Foods 2025, 14(22), 3915; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14223915 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Advertising images constitute an important factor influencing consumer purchase intentions in commercial settings. Drawing on the perspective of self-conscious emotions, this study examines the impact of advertising image types for fresh agricultural products on consumer purchase intentions and explores the underlying mechanisms. Advertising images are classified into three categories: meat-typical, animal-typical, and composite. Evidence from two randomized experiments reveals the following findings: (a) The effectiveness of the three advertising image types in promoting purchase intentions follows the order of meat-typical > animal-typical > composite; (b) guilt mediates the relationship between advertising image types and purchase intentions, such that composite images evoke greater guilt than meat-typical and animal-typical images, thereby reducing consumer willingness to purchase; and (c) self-construal partially moderates the mediating effect of guilt, in that interdependent self-construal consumers exposed to composite advertising images are more likely to experience heightened guilt and consequently exhibit lower purchase intentions. This study extends the application of animal-related classifications in advertising and marketing research and provides new empirical evidence and practical insights for the design of advertising strategies for fresh agricultural products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumer Behavior and Food Choice—4th Edition)

18 pages, 2535 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Exploited Stock and Management Implications of Kingfish (Scomberomorus commerson) in the Omani Waters

by Usama Aladawi, Samroz Majeed, Ibrahim Al-Anboori and S. M. Nurul Amin

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110589 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

The high demand and economic value of kingfish (Scomberomorus commerson) have led to intensive fishing of this species in the Omani waters. The increased fishing pressure has made the fishery vulnerable; hence, information on the current stock status is essential for the sustainability of the kingfish stock. Three length-based stock assessment approaches (TropFishR, spawning potential ratio, and Bayesian biomass method) were used to estimate growth, mortality, exploitation, spawning potential capacity, and relative biomass in relation to maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Asymptotic length (L_∞) was 186.31 cm, and the growth coefficient (K) was 0.15 yr⁻¹ for S. commerson. Fishing mortality was 0.45 yr⁻¹, which was higher than natural mortality (M = 0.18 yr⁻¹) and optimal fishing mortalities (F40% = 0.15 yr⁻¹). The exploitation rate (E) was found to be 0.71 yr⁻¹, higher than the optimum exploitation (E = 0.50), indicating a total overfishing of 42% of the S. commerson in Oman waters. The current length at first capture (Lc50 = 74.38 cm) was significantly smaller than the length at first maturity (Lm50 = 91.25 cm), indicating growth overfishing. The current spawning potential ratio (SPR) was 10%, which was significantly below the reference point (SPR = 20%), indicating that the stock was severely overfished. Biomass was critically low (B/Bo = 0.17), and lower than the reference point of 0.20. Additionally, the current biomass was 44% of Bmsy (B/Bmsy = 0.44), which is significantly lower than the reference point of 1, indicating that the stock biomass was below the maximum sustainable yield level, suggesting recruitment overfishing. Stock indicators revealed that the fishery was primarily targeting immature/juvenile fish, as well as older and larger fish, which indicated stocks were both growth- and recruitment-overfished. Therefore, carrying out commercial fishing for an optimum size range (118 to 144 cm) and reducing fishing pressure to a sustainable level (F = M, 0.18 ^yr−1) would sustain a healthy stock biomass of kingfish in Omani waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Small-Scale and Data-Limited Fisheries: Diagnosis and Strategies)

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20 pages, 3852 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Biochar Application and Nitrogen Fertilization on Soil Aggregates and Aggregate Organic Carbon in Irrigated Areas of Northern Xinjiang

by Weijun Yang, Zi Wang, Liyue Zhang, Jinshan Zhang, Lining Zhao, Mei Yang and Pengying Li

Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2626; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112626 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of applying biochar alongside nitrogen fertilizer on soil aggregates and aggregate-associated carbon through a two-year experiment under irrigated conditions in North Xinjiang. In 2021, a randomized block design established 36 experimental plots. The experiment employed a factorial design with three levels of nitrogen fertilizer and four levels of biochar. Measurements of soil aggregates and aggregate-associated organic carbon were taken in 2022. This study’s objectives were to quantify biochar’s effect on soil aggregation and stability and to determine the distribution of SOC across different aggregate sizes. The results indicated that macroaggregates (> 2 mm and 0.25–2 mm) were most common (N2B1, N2B2, and N2B3), making up 75.57–78.46% of all aggregates. In treatments with reduced nitrogen and biochar (N2B1, N2B2, and N2B3), soil aggregate refractory organic carbon content was significantly higher compared to other treatments. Generally, applying reduced nitrogen with moderate biochar (N2B2) significantly increased soil organic carbon and refractory organic carbon levels, aiding carbon fixation and improving soil carbon storage. Thus, biochar application effectively enhances carbon storage in agricultural soils, offering valuable insights for improving soil fertility in irrigated regions of northern Xinjiang. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

24 pages, 4646 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Analysis of Granular Flow Behavior for Sustainable Landslide Risk Management and Community Resilience

by Daniel Camilo Roman Quintero, Mauricio Alberto Tapias Camacho and Gustavo Chio Cho

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10236; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210236 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Sustainable landslide risk management is critical for achieving resilient communities and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in vulnerable mountainous regions of developing countries. This study presents experimental evidence supporting dimensionless analysis approaches for characterizing granular flow behavior, contributing to cost-effective landslide hazard assessment frameworks. We designed a 4 m experimental flume to investigate the influence of particle characteristics on flow velocity and runout distance, using two materials with contrasting shapes but similar density (~460 kg/m³) and nominal size (~5 mm): uniform crystal beads (φ = 25.2°) and non-uniform crushed granite particles (φ = 36.9°). High-resolution imaging (30 fps, 2336 × 1752 pixels) captured 30 flow experiments from initiation to deposition. Results demonstrate significant differences in flow behavior: crystal beads achieved 50% longer runout distances and 46% higher maximum velocities (380 cm/s vs. 260 cm/s) compared to granite particles. The Savage number (

N_{s a v}

) effectively captured fundamental flow-regime differences, with granite particles exhibiting values seven times lower than crystal beads (3.69 vs. 23.91, p < 0.001), indicating greater frictional energy dissipation relative to collisional energy transfer. The Bagnold number confirmed inertially dominated regimes (

N_{B a g}

> 10⁶) with negligible viscous effects in both materials. These findings demonstrate that accessible material characterization using standard triaxial testing and dimensionless analysis can significantly improve landslide runout prediction accuracy, supporting evidence-based decision-making for sustainable territorial planning and community protection. This research supports the development of practical risk assessment methodologies implementable in resource-limited settings, promoting sustainable development through improved natural hazard management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

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29 pages, 5436 KB

Open AccessArticle

MicroRNAs Let-7b-5p and miR-24-3p as Potential Therapeutic Agents Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells

by Maricela Medrano-Silva, Eric Genaro Salmerón-Bárcenas, Elena Arechaga-Ocampo, Nicolas Villegas-Sepúlveda, Leopoldo Santos-Argumedo, Sonia Mayra Pérez-Tapia, Mayte Lizeth Padilla-Cristerna, Georgina Hernández-Montes, Gabriela Hernández-Galicia, Ana Beatriz Sánchez-Argáez, Paola Briseño-Díaz, Carmen Sánchez-Torres, Arturo Aguilar-Rojas, Andrea Martínez-Zayas, Miguel Vargas and Rosaura Hernández-Rivas

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11066; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211066 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer poses a major clinical challenge due to its aggressiveness, frequent recurrence, and limited response to current chemotherapeutic approaches. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), particularly pancreatic CSCs (PCSCs), are key drivers of tumor initiation, therapeutic resistance, and disease relapse. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of CSC biology and influence self-renewal, pluripotency, and drug resistance through key signaling pathways. To identify PCSC-specific miRNAs, we enriched these cells using the pancreosphere culture method and isolated PCSC+ and PCSC− populations using FACS based on their expression of CD44, CD24, and CD133 surface markers. MicroRNA microarray analysis revealed 31 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), of which 10 downregulated miRNAs were involved in pathways regulating pluripotency, including the Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Then, 2 of these 10 DEmiRNAs, let-7b-5p and miR-24-3p, were selected for experimental validation. Their overexpression in PCSC+ cells inhibited these pathways, downregulated pluripotency factors, and induced differentiation into endocrine and exocrine phenotypes, as confirmed by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and RNA-seq. Functionally, each miRNA reduced sphere formation, increased gemcitabine sensitivity, and suppressed tumorigenicity in vivo, highlighting their potential as therapeutic candidates. Restoring tumor-suppressive miRNA expression may offer a novel strategy to overcome chemoresistance and improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNAs in Physiology and Pathophysiology)

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19 pages, 2206 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Genomic and Phenotypic Analysis of Bacillus safensis LG01 Highlights Its Prospects in Biotechnology and Biocontrol

by Lijuan Yang, Yan Shuai, Jie Ren, Yiqin Yang, Zhou Jiang, Yongjun Lu and Zhenhuang Ge

Microorganisms 2025, 13(11), 2605; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112605 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Bacillus safensis strains have emerged as versatile microbial platforms for bioproduction, combining the benefits of probiotic utility and biocontrol. In this study, we describe the isolation and in-depth characterization of a previously unreported B. safensis strain, LG01. The genome of this strain comprises a circular chromosome encoding 13 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, 144 carbohydrate-active enzymes, 2 antibiotic resistance loci, and 1 prophage region, indicative of strong antimicrobial and metabolic capacity. Its protein secretion systems support nutrient acquisition, colonization, quorum sensing, and antibiotic synthesis. Our phenotypic assays confirmed the antifungal and antibacterial activity, proteolytic and cellulolytic functions, and robust biofilm formation of the strain. By performing a comparative genomic analysis, we identified 78 strain-specific genes enriched in the bacteriocin immunity and sporulation pathways. Signals of positive selection in the membrane and transcriptional regulator genes further reflect the adaptive evolution underlying the strain’s ecological fitness. Together, these findings advance our understanding of the genomic features of B. safensis LG01 and highlight its promise as a candidate for biocontrol and probiotic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Biotechnology)

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27 pages, 1712 KB

Open AccessReview

Host Immunity Mechanisms Against Bacterial and Viral Infections in Bombyx mori

by Sadaf Ayaz, Wei-Wei Kong, Jie Wang, Shi-Huo Liu and Jia-Ping Xu

Insects 2025, 16(11), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111167 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

The domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, is a highly valued biodiversity and economic asset, acclaimed for its silk production, besides making important contributions to various scientific disciplines. However, the sericulture industry faces ongoing threats from bacterial and viral infections, which severely impact silkworm health and silk yield. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the innate immune response of B. mori against bacterial and viral pathogens, emphasizing the fundamental molecular and cellular defense mechanisms. We explore the humoral and cellular immune response using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP), and glucan recognition protein (GRP), which activate canonical signaling pathways. The review further highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying the silkworm’s defense against viruses, incorporating RNA interference (RNAi), apoptosis, and distinct signaling pathways such as Toll and Imd, JAK/STAT, and STING. We also discussed the viral suppression strategies and modulation of host metabolism during infection. Furthermore, the review explores the recent use of CRISPR-Cas gene editing to enhance disease resistance, presenting a promising avenue for mitigating pathogen-induced losses in sericulture. By elucidating these mechanisms, the work provides a synthesis that is critical in terms of developing particular interventions and developing more resistant silkworm strains to ensure that the industry of sericulture becomes viable and productive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Molecular Mechanism of Insect–Virus Interaction)

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