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Automatic detection of retinal lesions is an important component of diabetic retinopathy screening. While classical image processing and machine learning approaches can achieve good performance on specific datasets, their ability to generalize across datasets with different characteristics remains limited. This paper develops on top of our previous research baseline for retinal lesion detection using support vector machines and further evaluates its performance on multiple public diabetic retinopathy datasets. The results demonstrate performance degradation when the method is applied to datasets that differ from the one used during development, highlighting generalization as a key challenge. In addition, the paper discusses several directions inspired by recent literature to improve robustness and cross-dataset generalization, aiming to support reliable automated screening systems. Full article

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14 pages, 1909 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determining the Authenticity of Ghanaian Honeys Using Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis (SIRA)

by Lebene Kpattah, Zala Sel, Marjeta Mencin, Dennis Kpakpo Adotey and Nives Ogrinc

Molecules 2026, 31(14), 2401; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31142401 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Honey is a high-value food product that is vulnerable to adulteration with exogenous sugars, posing challenges for food authenticity and consumer protection. This study applied Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis (SIRA) to assess the authenticity of honey collected from three major honey-producing regions of Ghana (Volta, Bono and Bono East). A total of 28 honey samples were analysed by elemental analysis–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS) to obtain carbon (δ¹³C), nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) and sulphur (δ³⁴S) isotope composition. Honey authenticity was evaluated according to AOAC Official Method 998.12 by comparing δ¹³C values of bulk honey and the corresponding protein fraction. The δ¹⁵N and δ³⁴S values in honey protein were used to investigate environmental and regional variability. Samples without detectable C4 adulteration exhibited δ¹³C_protein values consistent with C3 floral sources, whereas several samples showed Δδ¹³C values more negative than −1.0‰, indicating the presence of C4-derived sugars above the AOAC adulteration threshold. Calculated C4 sugar contents ranged from 8 to 12% in moderately adulterated samples to as high as 78–79% in severely adulterated samples, confirming substantial dilution with C4 sugars. Nitrogen and sulphur isotope ratios provide additional information on environmental and regional variability among the sampled regions. Principal Component Analysis revealed that the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) accounted for 83.8% of the total variance 83.8% of the total variance and showed separation between samples with detectable C4 adulteration and those without, while highlighting regional isotopic differences. These results demonstrate that stable isotope analysis is an effective tool for detecting C4 sugar adulteration in honey and that the combined use of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotopes can provide additional information on environmental and regional variability. These findings provide preliminary isotopic data on honey collected from three major honey-producing regions of Ghana and support the application of the stable isotope approach for honey authenticity assessment and quality control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stable Isotope Techniques Across Chemistry: Methods, Applications, and Perspectives)

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23 pages, 3098 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mitotic Hub Gene Network in Colorectal Cancer: Integrated Transcriptomic, Protein-Level, and Clinical-Genomic Characterization of a Ten-Gene Signature

by Ebtihal Kamal, Ehssan Moglad, Samah O. Mohager, Mehad Ahmed, Mobarak Mahfod Aldoseri, Barakat A. Al Suwayyid, Azizah Salim Bawadood, Hamdan Z. Hamdan and Mikail Akbulut

Genes 2026, 17(7), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17070783 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a heterogeneous disease, and improved biomarkers are needed to support prognostic assessment. This study aimed to characterize hub genes in CRC and evaluate whether a gene signature provides biologically meaningful and prognostic information in clinical–genomic models. Methods [...] Read more.

p < 0.05

and

∣ {l o g}_{2} F C ∣ > 1

. Hub genes and protein expression were identified through protein–protein interaction network analysis using maximal clique centrality and Human Protein Atlas, respectively. Prognostic relevance was evaluated in TCGA-COAD/READ using Kaplan–Meier analysis, multivariable Cox regression, Cox-derived prognostic indices, time-dependent ROC analysis, and regression-based machine learning for internal robustness. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to derive a standardized PC1-based score from the 10-hub gene signature. Results: A ten-gene mitotic hub signature (TPX2, UBE2C, AURKA, NEK2, PRC1, CCNB1, CDK1, CEP55, FOXM1, and RRM2) was consistently upregulated across the three datasets and enriched for cell-cycle and mitotic pathways. Protein-level and survival analyses supported the biological relevance of several hub genes. In TCGA-COAD/READ, the signature showed limited standalone prognostic value and did not retain independent significance after adjustment for clinical variables, although it contributed modestly in integrated clinical–genomic models. PCA showed a one-dimensional signature, with PC1 capturing the dominant shared expression pattern. Gradient Boosting Regressor (R² = 0.8035, MSE = 0.0473) supported the internal robustness of the DEG-based expression pattern. Conclusions: The ten-gene mitotic hub signature represents a coherent CRC-related proliferative program with limited value as an isolated prognostic marker, but it may still be useful as part of integrated risk models that require external validation. Full article

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

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20 pages, 4172 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies QTNs and Candidate Genes Conferring Resistance to Soybean Frogeye Leaf Spot Race 7

by Yanzuo Liu, Bo Hu, Tianqi Xing, Pengfei Xu, Shuzhen Zhang, Wen-Xia Li and Hailong Ning

Plants 2026, 15(14), 2106; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15142106 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max) is a major economic and food crop whose yield is severely affected by frogeye leaf spot (FLS), caused by Cercospora sojina. Current knowledge of resistance genes remains insufficient for effective molecular breeding. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between the resistant parent, Henong 60 (H60), and the susceptible parent, Dongnong L13 (DN L13), was evaluated under field conditions in Acheng (AC) and Xiangyang (XY). Plants were artificially inoculated with physiological race 7 of C. sojina, and disease severity at the R3 growth stage was recorded. Genotyping using the SoySNP660K chip yielded 54,836 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using the 3VmrMLM model by integrating dual-environment phenotypic data, and four quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) significantly associated with resistance to FLS were identified on chromosomes 8 (1), 17 (1), and 20 (2). By the analysis of genomic annotation, functional enrichment, metabolic pathway analyses, haplotype–phenotype association and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Glyma.20G155700 and Glyma.17G070500 are intended to be candidate genes related to soybean resistance to race 7 of FLS. The findings of this study provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying resistance to FLS in soybean. The identified molecular markers and candidate genes may provide useful resources for marker-assisted breeding and the development of disease-resistant germplasm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Big Data Mining in Plant Stress Resistance Evolution and Germplasm Innovation)

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21 pages, 3200 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Valorization of Coal Gasification Slag via Low-Temperature Alkaline Activation for Efficient Cd²⁺ Removal: Performance, Mechanism, and Life Cycle Assessment

by Haicheng Zhao, Lihui Gao, Xinmeng Jiang and Yijing Zhang

Separations 2026, 13(7), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13070198 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Coal gasification slag (CGS), a massive industrial solid waste, possesses inherent adsorptive potential that remains underutilized due to pore blockage by amorphous siliceous phases. Conventional modification strategies typically rely on energy-intensive high-temperature processes. Herein, we report a facile, low-temperature alkaline activation approach to transform CGS into a high-efficiency adsorbent (denoted NCGS) for Cd²⁺ removal. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution was employed under mild conditions (90 °C) to selectively etch siliceous species, thereby generating a porous architecture and enriching surface oxygen-containing functionalities. Orthogonal experimental design identified optimal synthesis parameters (1 mol/L NaOH, solid–liquid ratio of 1:30 g/mL, 12 h), yielding NCGS with significantly enhanced textural properties. The adsorption isotherm was well described by the Langmuir model, with a maximum capacity of 87.06 mg/g at pH 6.0, while kinetic studies indicated the adsorption process could be described by pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Comprehensive characterization via SEM-EDS, FTIR, and XPS elucidated a multi-mechanistic adsorption pathway mainly involving ion exchange (Na⁺/Cd²⁺) and coordination complexation. Life cycle assessment analysis revealed that NCGS production generates 11.23 kg CO₂ eq emissions, with transportation accounting for 88%. This study presents an energy-saving and environmentally friendly strategy to unlock the adsorptive potential of CGS, providing a highly promising waste-based adsorption material for the remediation of Cd²⁺-contaminated water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid Waste Recycling and Strategic Metal Extraction)

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21 pages, 4981 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Films with Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste: Biodegradation, Biogas Yields, and Metabolomic Analysis

by Nicolò Montegiove, Debora Puglia, Roberto Maria Pellegrino, Franco Dominici, Eleonora Calzoni and Daniela Pezzolla

Agronomy 2026, 16(14), 1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16141303 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

The increasing use of bioplastics in packaging applications necessitates rigorous evaluation of their fate in real waste management systems. While bioplastics are often marketed as biodegradable, their actual behavior under mesophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) is frequently insufficiently understood and often overestimated in commercial claims. Polylactic acid (PLA), one of the most widely produced bio-based polymers, has been widely characterized under these conditions, but little is known about the metabolomic changes associated with its biodegradation under mesophilic anaerobic conditions. This study investigates the mesophilic AD (37 °C for more than 3 months) of PLA films (2.5 × 2.5 cm) co-digested with the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Biogas production and energy yield evaluation were assessed for AD, along with chemical parameters and metabolomic analyses. PLA biodegradation, calculated according to ISO 15985:2014, reached values close to 100% after more than 3 months, highlighting a prolonged lag phase under mesophilic AD conditions. The biogas production yielded about 380 Nm³ per t of volatile solids. Metabolomic profiling during AD revealed that the onset of PLA biodegradation, highlighted also by biogas emission, coincides with the appearance of key metabolites associated with PLA hydrolysis. These findings demonstrate that the mesophilic anaerobic co-digestion of PLA films with OFMSW did not cause any inhibition effect on biogas production. The results demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating PLA into existing organic waste treatment systems, thereby supporting both energy recovery and sustainable waste management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Path for Circular Economy in Agriculture: From Organic Waste to Sustainable Energy and Soil Fertility)

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26 pages, 14749 KB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Construction and Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of a 180 °C-Resistant Non-Sulfonated Water-Based Drilling Fluid System

by Xiao-Ming Su, Da Yin, Peng Liu, Zhen Zhang, Shao-Jun Zhang, Ming Tian, Rui-Xue Wang, Peng Xu and Jingwei Liu

Processes 2026, 14(14), 2226; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14142226 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Aiming at the industrial problems of traditional sulfonated drilling fluids in high-temperature drilling of deep oil and gas reservoirs at 180°C, including high-temperature degradation, poor environmental protection, and severe reservoir damage, this paper adopts a function-oriented research idea to construct a set of non-sulfonated water-based drilling fluid systems with excellent comprehensive performance and temperature resistance up to 180 °C. Strict screening criteria for single agents were established, and six core non-sulfonated treatment agents were selected from 18 candidate agents in four categories: viscosifiers, fluid loss reducers, inhibitors, and high-temperature stabilizers. The compounding synergistic effects of cross-category treatment agents were studied, and four core action mechanisms were revealed. The optimal formula was obtained through optimization. Tests show that after hot rolling at 180 °C for 16 h, the system has an apparent viscosity retention rate of ≥81%, a yield point retention rate of ≥76%, and a high-temperature and high-pressure filtration loss of ≤12.8 mL. It can resist 15% salt, 1.0% calcium, and 15% drill cuttings, and maintains stable performance under composite pollution. At 180 °C, the shale linear expansion rate is only 8.6%, and the cuttings rolling recovery rate reaches 92.4%. The core permeability recovery value is ≥90.2%, the biotoxicity EC₅₀ value is 42,600 mg/L, and the 28-day biodegradation rate is 68.3%. This system can replace traditional sulfonated drilling fluids and provide a green and feasible technical solution for safe and efficient drilling in deep high-temperature formations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Petroleum and Low-Carbon Energy Process Engineering)

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8 pages, 1027 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Massive Delayed Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage After Cervical Spinal Tumor Resection: A Case Report

by In-Suk Bae and Hyoung-Joon Chun

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(14), 5321; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15145321 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Cervical dumbbell-shaped neurogenic tumors occurring at two noncontiguous levels are rare, and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection causing cord compression is an uncommon but serious complication after intradural tumor resection. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of progressive gait disturbance. Neurological examination revealed grade 3 paraparesis with upper motor neuron signs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated two discrete dumbbell-shaped neurogenic tumors located at the C1-2 and C7-T1 levels. The lesions were simultaneously resected. Complete removal of the C1-2 tumor required total sacrifice of the left C2 nerve root, while the C7-T1 lesion was excised through a T-shaped dural incision. The dura was closed primarily with watertight sutures reinforced with dural sealant, and no CSF leakage was observed during intraoperative Valsalva testing. Two months postoperatively, the patient developed worsening upper back and trapezial pain with severe scapular swelling. MRI revealed a large CSF collection extending from C6 to T5, causing moderate cord compression. Urgent revision surgery was performed. Controlled drainage was attempted to prevent intracranial hypotension, but significant CSF egress occurred. The dural defect was repaired using an autologous muscle plug reinforced with fibrin glue. The patient recovered uneventfully after revision surgery and was discharged without recurrence or complications. Conclusions: This case highlights that delayed, extensive postoperative CSF collection can occur despite apparently watertight primary closure and negative intraoperative Valsalva testing. Clinical vigilance for this complication is essential when patients present with new axial pain or localized swelling following cervical intradural surgery, even in the absence of classic low-pressure headaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics)

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20 pages, 1737 KB

Open AccessArticle

Altered Iron Metabolism in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Cardiac Disease

by Carolina Frizzo-Ramos, Pavlos Doulidis, Ursula S. Kolm, Iwan A. Burgener, Franziska Roth-Walter and Nicole Luckschander-Zeller

Biomolecules 2026, 16(7), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16070997 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Cardiac disease represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. In human cardiology, iron deficiency is a highly prevalent and clinically relevant comorbidity, contributing to exercise intolerance, symptom burden, and impaired quality of life independently of anemia, while correction with intravenous iron improves function and reduces hospitalization. Iron metabolism in dogs remains poorly characterized and typically considered only in the context of anemia. This study investigated iron metabolism and its regulatory pathways in dogs with cardiac disease, assessing whether alterations in iron handling and availability consistent with an iron-restricted phenotype are present. Hematologic indices, serum iron, total and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (TIBC, UIBC), ferritin, hepcidin, ceruloplasmin, C-reactive protein, and albumin were evaluated in 61 dogs comprising healthy controls, and dogs either with compensated cardiac disease (CCD group) or presenting acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADCHF group). Dogs with cardiac disease exhibited evidence of systemic inflammation, reduced hematocrit, increased red blood cell distribution width, and decreased circulating iron. Both cardiac groups showed reduced TIBC and UIBC, suggesting decreased transferrin availability and reduced iron transport capacity, whereas ferritin concentrations did not differ between groups. Hepcidin concentrations were lower in CCD and not increased in ADCHF patients, suggesting complex and non-uniform regulation of iron homeostasis rather than a classic hepcidin-driven inflammatory pattern. In dogs with ADCHF, iron-binding capacity was independently associated with indices of cardiac remodeling, and additional correlation between inflammatory markers and iron-related parameters supported an interaction between inflammation, iron handling, and disease severity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Immunity and Inflammation: Decoding Mechanisms for Therapeutic Advancement)

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16 pages, 2559 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Stability of the Most Common Inflammatory Markers in Cows

by Marko Cincović, Nikolina Milošević, Nada Plavša, Jovan Spasojević and Mira Majkić

Ruminants 2026, 6(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants6030054 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Assessment of the stability of inflammatory parameters in bovine blood samples is important because it enables evaluation of the impact of preanalytical factors on biomarker preservation, standardization of sample processing and storage conditions, as well as reliable and consistent interpretation of results in diagnostic and research studies. The aim of the work was to evaluate the stability of the most common inflammatory markers in the blood of cows in early lactation. The influence of the serum–clot contacts duration and the storage of the separated serum in 24 cows, at 25 °C and 4 °C, in intervals of 0–24 h, was examined. Concentrations of interleukin 1 and 6 (IL-1, IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interferon γ (IFN-γ), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA) and extracellular heat shock protein 70 (eHsp70) were determined by ELISA method, stability was assessed by ANOVA analysis and maximum permissible instability method. Stability was determined over a range of 2–15 h for IL-1, 8–24 h for IL-6, 9–13 h for TNF-α, 10–20 h for IFN-γ, 20–24 h for Hp, 15–24 h for SAA, and 9–12 h for eHsp70. The stability was strongly dependent on temperature and sample type, with storage at 4 °C providing the highest stability in most cases, while differences between serum and serum–clot samples were analyte-specific and less consistent compared to the effect of temperature. Full article

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11 pages, 1251 KB

Open AccessArticle

Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Insights from a Mexican Cohort

by Cynthia Villarreal-Garza, César Octavio Lara-Torres, Jesus Edgardo Hernandez-Hernandez, Daniela Vázquez Juárez, Gabriela Sofía Gómez-Macías, Paula Cabrera-Galeana, Fany Iris Porras-Reyes, Víctor Manuel Pérez-Sánchez, Antonio Nateras-Pérez, Gabriela Lugo-Martinez, Alejandro Aranda-Gutierrez and Alejandro Mohar

Cancers 2026, 18(14), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142182 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Pembrolizumab-containing regimens have become the standard of care across the spectrum of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). While their use in the neoadjuvant setting is independent of biomarker status, their application in metastatic disease remains strictly contingent upon PD-L1 expression. Given that PD-L1 prevalence can vary significantly by ethnicity and geography, the lack of specific data for the Mexican population creates a challenge for optimizing treatment in the metastatic setting. This study sought to characterize PD-L1 positivity rates in a Mexican TNBC cohort to better define the local molecular landscape. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study across two cancer centers in Mexico to assess PD-L1 positivity in a cohort of women with TNBC (stages I–IV) diagnosed between 2006 and 2021. PD-L1 expression was assessed and evaluated centrally using the 22C3 pharmDx assay, with a Combined Positive Score (CPS) of ≥1 considered positive. We explored the association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological features. Results: Of the 298 TNBC patients identified, 285 (96%) had sufficient tissue for CPS evaluation and thus were included in the analysis. PD-L1 positivity was observed in 29.1% of the cohort, and 13.3% of patients had a CPS ≥ 10. PD-L1 positivity was associated with higher histological grades (91.3% vs. 78.5%, p = 0.035) and TILs ≥ 30% (22.2% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.007). Additionally, pre-treatment surgical specimens were more frequently PD-L1 positive than tumor biopsies (56.6% vs. 30.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study characterizes the PD-L1 landscape in Mexican women with TNBC, reporting a 29.1% prevalence of CPS ≥ 1. The strong association between PD-L1 positivity and high TILs/histological grade highlights the role of the immune microenvironment in these aggressive phenotypes. Given the significant variability observed between specimens (biopsy vs. surgical), clinicians should consider the dynamic nature of PD-L1 expression when choosing treatment strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Cancer Biology)

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32 pages, 3117 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Service Touchpoint to Governance Interface: Anthropomorphic AI, Complaint Severity, and Trust in C2C Platform Complaint Handling

by Cong Sun, Xinyu Li and Xing Meng

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(7), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21070215 (registering DOI) - 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Unlike B2C service failures, where firms respond to their own failures within a dyadic firm–customer relationship, C2C platform complaints often originate from third-party sellers. In such triadic platform–seller–consumer interactions, AI customer service agents become front-end governance interfaces through which consumers judge platform fairness, rule enforcement, and institutional reliability. This study examines anthropomorphic AI as a task-contingent governance cue in C2C platform complaint handling. Across two scenario-based experiments, we test how AI role framing, anthropomorphism, and complaint severity jointly shape consumer evaluations. Study 1 shows that high anthropomorphism increases service recovery satisfaction when AI is framed as a relational representative, but not when framed as a rule-based arbitrator. Study 2 reveals significant three-way interactions among complaint severity, role framing, and anthropomorphism for satisfaction, platform trust, and continuance intention. Under low severity, high anthropomorphism benefits both roles; under high severity, its benefit remains mainly for the relational representative and weakens for the rule-based arbitrator. Mechanism analyses show that social presence explains responses under low severity, whereas both social presence and procedural justice shape evaluations under high severity. Together, these findings identify governance-task fit as a key condition for the value of anthropomorphic AI in platform complaint handling, showing when human-like AI builds trust and when it may undermine governance credibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Marketing in Practice: Platforms, AI, Trust and Market Solutions)

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21 pages, 12858 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association of KRTAP24-1 Gene Polymorphisms with Wool Traits in Tibetan Sheep (Ovis aries)

by Hongjie Zhao, Shike Ma, Wu Sun, Yujie Lu and Xiayang Jin

Animals 2026, 16(13), 2111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16132111 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2026

Abstract

KRTAP24-1 belongs to the high-sulphur KAP family and has been associated with cashmere fibre diameter in goats, but its role in ovine wool traits remains unclear. This study assessed KRTAP24-1 tissue expression by RT-qPCR and investigated genetic variation and associations with wool traits in 277 Tibetan sheep. Polymorphisms in the coding region were identified by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing, and genotyping was performed using PARMS. A linear mixed model (LMM) incorporating a genomic relationship matrix (GRM) was used to evaluate associations between SNPs, haplotypes, and 12 wool traits. Bioinformatic analyses were restricted to the five haplotypes observed in the study population and were used as preliminary in silico assessments. Three missense SNPs were identified: c.191C>T (p.L64P), c.527G>A (p.G176D), and c.656C>T (p.A219V). The c.191C>T variant was associated with mean fibre length (MFL), single fibre tenacity (SFT), and scoured yield (SY), whereas c.656C>T was associated with lock length (LL) and clean fleece yield (CFY). Several haplotype combinations were also associated with LL, elongation at break (EB), and CFY. KRTAP24-1 showed high expression in skin. The observed haplotypes showed only minor differences in predicted mRNA secondary structure and mainly local changes in predicted protein features. These findings suggest that KRTAP24-1 may provide a preliminary basis for marker-assisted selection in Tibetan sheep breeding, but its functional role requires further validation in independent populations and experimental systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 2545 KB

Open AccessArticle

Agave Bagasse as an Eco-Friendly Template for the Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of C@TiO₂ Photoelectrodes

by Patricia M. Olmos-Moya, Esmeralda Vences-Alvarez, Juan Matos, Marisol Aguilar, Sergio Velazquez-Martinez, Carlos Pineda-Arellano, Angel G. Rodríguez, Rene Rangel-Mendez and Luis F. Chazaro-Ruiz

Molecules 2026, 31(13), 2399; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31132399 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2026

Abstract

This work reports, for the first time, the use of agave bagasse from “Tequila Weber Var” as an efficient and eco-friendly template for the microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of C@TiO₂ photoelectrodes. The characterization of the C@TiO₂ materials was performed using composition and elemental analysis, diffuse reflectance/UV-visible spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherms, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and variations of the open-circuit potential in a conventional electrochemical cell. Three 1:1, 4:1, and 8:1 agave:Ti volume ratios were used to explore the influence of carbon content upon the optical and photoelectric properties of TiO₂. The composite with a 1:1 ratio showed a charge transfer kinetic capacity of 0.86 C·cm⁻²·s⁻¹ with the highest current density flow of 2.2 mA·cm⁻², and the lowest optical band gap (E_bg) value of 2.92 eV, boosting the optoelectronic behavior of TiO₂. The photoanode composed of FTO/C@TiO₂ with the hybrid material with a 1:1 ratio was preliminarily evaluated in a photovoltaic solar cell, showing a light-to-electricity conversion efficiency higher than the other two composites and up to 12.5 times higher than the photoanode only composed of neat TiO₂. The present results contribute to the state-of-the-art of eco-friendly organic–inorganic thin film photoelectrodes for the sustainable synthesis of third-generation solar cells using bagasse-derived waste as an efficient carbon source for the synthesis of hybrid photoactive semiconductors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Composites for Waste Valorization and Pollutant Degradation)

16 pages, 4049 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Implementation of TREC/KREC Newborn Screening in a High-Birth-Rate Population: A Pilot Study of 5000 Neonates in South Kazakhstan

by Gulzada Abdushukurova, Alken Auyelova, Banu Kadyrbayeva, Ardak Ayazbekov, Dina Mussayeva, Ainash Oshibayeva, Kumissay Babayeva, Liliya Khairullina, Karlygash Sadykova and Gulnaz Nuskabaeva

Int. J. Neonatal Screen. 2026, 12(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijns12030051 (registering DOI) - 7 Jul 2026

Abstract

The early detection of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) prevents fatal outcomes. This study presents the first pilot TREC/KREC newborn screening (NBS) program in southern Kazakhstan, a high-birth-rate region, to establish local reference ranges and assess operational viability. A multiplex real-time PCR assay was used to quantify T-cell (TREC) and kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs) from dried blood spots of 5000 unselected neonates. Biomarkers were normalized to copies per

10^{6}

cells using albumin as a diploid reference gene. Regional 0.5th percentile cut-offs were established (TREC < 3165 copies/

10^{6} c e l l s

and KREC < 2554 copies/

10^{6}

cells), and gender and gestational age did not significantly impact biomarker levels. While a low birth weight (≤2500 g) significantly reduced KREC levels, the extreme lower distribution tails remained unaffected, validating the use of universal, unstratified thresholds. Applying these cut-offs yielded an optimal 1.0% initial recall rate. Consistent with global incidence rates, no true positive cases were identified. The established assay and universal percentile cut-offs demonstrate high levels of analytical reliability and demographic stability. This pilot confirms the regional pediatric healthcare infrastructure’s readiness for a routine, population-based NBS program without the need for complex algorithms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Newborn Screening Developing Programs in Asia)

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