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Search Results (17,806)

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19 pages, 7711 KB  
Article
Drip-Fed CO2 Acidifies the Rhizosphere to Liberate Nutrients and Boost Cotton Yield
by Yan Wu, Hong Ren, Xu Zheng, Shiqiang Li, Changcheng Dong, Yulong Yang, Ze Zhang and Jiaping Wang
Agriculture 2026, 16(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16020238 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026
Abstract
Recycling industrial CO2 into agricultural systems offers a dual-purpose strategy for achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing sustainable crop production. Although elevated CO2 is known to influence plant growth, the directed delivery of industrially sourced CO2 via drip irrigation to modulate [...] Read more.
Recycling industrial CO2 into agricultural systems offers a dual-purpose strategy for achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing sustainable crop production. Although elevated CO2 is known to influence plant growth, the directed delivery of industrially sourced CO2 via drip irrigation to modulate rhizosphere processes in arid soils remains underexplored. We conducted a two-year field experiment in a Xinjiang cotton field to evaluate the effects of five concentrations of industrial CO2 solution (0.00–0.16 kg·m−3) on soil properties, nutrient dynamics, and crop performance. The optimal CO2 treatment (0.08 kg·m−3) significantly reduced soil pH by up to 0.3 units and electrical conductivity by up to 27.9%, while enhancing the availability of ammonium-N (51.1%), available P (8.1%), and available K (32.65%). These improved soil conditions subsequently enhanced plant N, P, and K accumulation (56.2%, 41.9%, and 53.2%, respectively), total biomass (31.8%), and seed cotton yield (5.76–6.06%). Our findings demonstrate that CO2-enriched irrigation enhances the rhizosphere microenvironment and nutrient availability, providing a novel pathway for carbon recycling and high-efficiency cotton production in arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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15 pages, 655 KB  
Systematic Review
MRI-Based Prediction of Vestibular Schwannoma: Systematic Review
by Cheng Yang, Daniel Alvarado, Pawan Kishore Ravindran, Max E. Keizer, Koos Hovinga, Martinus P. G. Broen, Henricus P. M. Kunst and Yasin Temel
Cancers 2026, 18(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020289 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background: The vestibular schwannoma (VS) is the most common cerebellopontine angle tumor in adults, exhibiting a highly variable natural history, from stability to rapid growth. Accurate, the non-invasive prediction of tumor behavior is essential to guide personalized management and avoid overtreatment or [...] Read more.
Background: The vestibular schwannoma (VS) is the most common cerebellopontine angle tumor in adults, exhibiting a highly variable natural history, from stability to rapid growth. Accurate, the non-invasive prediction of tumor behavior is essential to guide personalized management and avoid overtreatment or delayed intervention. Objective: To systematically review and synthesize the evidence on MRI-based biomarkers for predicting VS growth and treatment responses. Methods: We conducted a PRISMA-compliant search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies published between 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2025, addressing MRI predictors of VS growth. Cohort studies evaluating texture features, signal intensity ratios, perfusion parameters, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) metrics were included. Study quality was assessed using the NOS (Newcastle–Ottawa Scale) score, GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation), and ROBIS (Risk of Bias in Systematic reviews) tool. Data on diagnostic performance, including the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and p value, were extracted and descriptively analyzed. Results: Ten cohort studies (five retrospective, five prospective, total n = 525 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Texture analysis metrics, such as kurtosis and gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features, yielded AUCs of 0.65–0.99 for predicting volumetric or linear growth thresholds. Signal intensity ratios on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images for tumor/temporalis muscle achieved a 100% sensitivity and 93.75% specificity. Perfusion MRI parameters (Ktrans, ve, ASL, and DSC derived blood-flow metrics) differentiated growing from stable tumors with AUCs up to 0.85. ADC changes post-gamma knife surgery predicted a favorable response, though the baseline ADC had limited value for natural growth prediction. The heterogeneity in growth definitions, MRI protocols, and retrospective designs remains a key limitation. Conclusions: MRI-based biomarkers may provide exploratory signals associated with VS growth and treatment responses. However, substantial heterogeneity in growth definitions and MRI protocols, small single-center cohorts, and the absence of external validation currently limit clinical implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Development and Application of Imaging Biomarkers in Cancer)
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15 pages, 548 KB  
Systematic Review
Vitamin D and Omega-3 Supplementation for Emotional and Behavioral Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review
by Marta Berni, Giulia Mutti, Raffaella Tancredi, Filippo Muratori and Sara Calderoni
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020745 (registering DOI) - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Emotional dysregulation (ED) is emerging as a major contributor to functional impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although effective behavioral interventions exist, pharmacological treatments remain constrained by side effects and variable tolerability. Given their neurobiological roles that include neurotransmission, inflammation, and neuroplasticity, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Emotional dysregulation (ED) is emerging as a major contributor to functional impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although effective behavioral interventions exist, pharmacological treatments remain constrained by side effects and variable tolerability. Given their neurobiological roles that include neurotransmission, inflammation, and neuroplasticity, vitamin D and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been identified as promising candidates for modulating emotional and behavioral dysregulation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation in improving emotional and behavioral regulation in individuals with ASD. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Included studies were English peer-reviewed studies involving participants with ASD that assessed combined vitamin D and omega-3 suppleupplementation with outcomes related to emotional or behavioral dysregulation. The search was restricted to 2015–2025 to ensure inclusion of recent, methodologically consistent studies and to minimize heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria and supplementation protocols. Results: Of 649 records initially screened, 3 studies met inclusion criteria: one randomized controlled trial, one observational study, and one case report, involving participants ranging from early childhood to young adulthood. Across studies, combined supplementation was associated with improvements in irritability, hyperactivity, agitation, and self-injurious behaviors. These clinical effects were accompanied by specific biochemical changes, including reductions in the AA/EPA ratio, increases in serum 25(OH)D and omega-3 indices, and decreased urinary levels of HVA and VMA. Conclusions: This review indicates that co-supplementation with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may exert preliminary beneficial effects on emotional and behavioral dysregulation in individuals with ASD, potentially through anti-inflammatory and neuroregulatory mechanisms. However, the available evidence remains limited due to a small number of studies, their modest sample size, and methodological heterogeneity. Further, biomarker-driven randomized studies are needed to confirm efficacy and delineate optimal dosing strategies for application in clinics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management)
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25 pages, 728 KB  
Review
Microalgae as a Synergistic Enhancer for In Situ and Ex Situ Treatment Technologies in Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture: A Critical Review
by Sheng Dong, Fei Huang, Xianghui Zou, Qiulan Luo and Jiancheng Li
Fishes 2026, 11(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11010060 (registering DOI) - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
The intensification of shrimp aquaculture is crucial for global food security, but poses significant environmental challenges. This review critically assesses the strengths and bottlenecks of two main treatment paradigms: in situ systems, chiefly biofloc technology (BFT), and advanced ex situ systems, such as [...] Read more.
The intensification of shrimp aquaculture is crucial for global food security, but poses significant environmental challenges. This review critically assesses the strengths and bottlenecks of two main treatment paradigms: in situ systems, chiefly biofloc technology (BFT), and advanced ex situ systems, such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs), constructed wetlands (CWs), and membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Although BFT enables nutrient recycling, it suffers from nitrate accumulation and a high energy demand. Likewise, ex situ technologies can achieve a high treatment efficiency, but contend with high costs, large footprints, or membrane fouling. In this review, we propose the strategic integration of microalgae, representing a universal and synergistic solution for overcoming these disparate bottlenecks. We dissect how a microalgal co-culture can simultaneously remove nitrate and reduce the aeration costs in BFT systems. Furthermore, we explore how microalgae-based units can serve as efficient polishing steps for RASs, enhance the performance of CWs, and mitigate fouling in MBRs. This review delves into the fundamental mechanisms of the microalgal–bacterial symbiosis that underpins these enhancements. Finally, we highlight the valorization of the resulting algal biomass as a high-value aquafeed ingredient, which can transform waste management into a value-creation opportunity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for developing next-generation, microalgae-enhanced aquaculture systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Application of Microalgae in Aquaculture)
16 pages, 3155 KB  
Article
Influences of Annealing Treatment on Soft Magnetic Properties, Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Fe24.94Co24.94Ni24.94Al24.94Si0.24 High-Entropy Alloy
by Shiqi Zhang, Pin Jiang, Xuanbo Shi, Xiaohua Tan and Hui Xu
Entropy 2026, 28(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/e28010110 (registering DOI) - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
In order to meet the ever-growing demand in modern power electronics, the advanced soft magnetic materials (SMMs) are required to exhibit both excellent soft magnetic performance and mechanical properties. In this work, the effects of an annealing treatment on the soft magnetic properties, [...] Read more.
In order to meet the ever-growing demand in modern power electronics, the advanced soft magnetic materials (SMMs) are required to exhibit both excellent soft magnetic performance and mechanical properties. In this work, the effects of an annealing treatment on the soft magnetic properties, mechanical properties and microstructure of the Fe24.94Co24.94Ni24.94Al24.94Si0.24 high-entropy alloy (HEA) are investigated. The as-cast HEA consists of a body-centered cubic (BCC) matrix phase and spherical B2 nanoprecipitates with a diameter of approximately 5 nm, where a coherent relationship is established between the B2 phase and the BCC matrix. After annealing at 873 K, the alloy retains both the BCC and B2 phases, with their coherent relationship preserved; besides the spherical B2 nanoprecipitates, rod-shaped B2 nanoprecipitates are also observed. After the annealing treatment, the saturation magnetization (Ms) of the alloy varies slightly within the range of 103–113 Am2/kg, which may be induced by the precipitation of this rod-shaped nanoprecipitate phase in the alloy. The increase in the coercivity (Hc) of annealed HEA is due to the inhomogeneous grain distribution, increased lattice misfit and high dislocation density induced by the annealing. The nanoindentation result reveals that the hardness after annealing at 873 K exhibits a 25% improvement compared with the hardness of as-cast HEA, which is mainly due to dislocation strengthening and precipitation strengthening. This research finding can provide guidance for the development of novel ferromagnetic HEAs, so as to meet the demands for materials with excellent soft magnetic properties and superior mechanical properties in the field of sustainable electrical energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in High Entropy Alloys)
26 pages, 5913 KB  
Article
Differential Regulatory Effects of Cannabinoids and Vitamin E Analogs on Cellular Lipid Homeostasis and Inflammation in Human Macrophages
by Mengrui Li, Sapna Deo, Sylvia Daunert and Jean-Marc Zingg
Antioxidants 2026, 15(1), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15010119 (registering DOI) - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Cannabinoids can bind to several cannabinoid receptors and modulate cellular signaling and gene expression relevant to inflammation and lipid homeostasis. Likewise, several vitamin E analogs can modulate inflammatory signaling and foam cell formation in macrophages by antioxidant and non-antioxidant mechanisms. We analyzed the [...] Read more.
Cannabinoids can bind to several cannabinoid receptors and modulate cellular signaling and gene expression relevant to inflammation and lipid homeostasis. Likewise, several vitamin E analogs can modulate inflammatory signaling and foam cell formation in macrophages by antioxidant and non-antioxidant mechanisms. We analyzed the regulatory effects on the expression of genes involved in cellular lipid homeostasis (e.g., CD36/FAT cluster of differentiation/fatty acid transporter and scavenger receptor SR-B1) and inflammation (e.g., inflammatory cytokines, TNFα, IL1β) by cannabinoids (cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) in human THP-1 macrophages with/without co-treatment with natural alpha-tocopherol (RRR-αT), natural RRR-αTA (αTAn), and synthetic racemic all-rac-αTA (αTAr). In general, αTAr inhibited both lipid accumulation and the inflammatory response (TNFα, IL6, IL1β) more efficiently compared to αTAn. Our results suggest that induction of CD36/FAT mRNA expression after treatment with THC can be prevented, albeit incompletely, by αTA (either αTAn or αTAr) or CBD. A similar response pattern was observed with genes involved in lipid efflux (ABCA1, less with SR-B1), suggesting an imbalance between uptake, metabolism, and efflux of lipids/αTA, increasing macrophage foam cell formation. THC increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and co-treatment with αTAn or αTAr only partially prevented this. To study the mechanisms by which inflammatory and lipid-related genes are modulated, HEK293 cells overexpressing cannabinoid receptors (CB1 or TRPV-1) were transfected with luciferase reporter plasmids containing the human CD36 promoter or response elements for transcription factors involved in its regulation (e.g., LXR and NFκB). In cells overexpressing CB1, we observed activation of NFκB by THC that was inhibited by αTAr. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Implications of Vitamin E and Its Analogues and Metabolites)
14 pages, 3162 KB  
Article
Novel Ultrafast Synthesis of Perovskites via Commercial Laser Engraving
by Pedro Piza-Ruiz, Griselda Mendoza-Gómez, Maria Luisa Camacho-Rios, Guillermo Manuel Herrera-Perez, Luis Carlos Rodriguez Pacheco, Kevin Isaac Contreras-Vargas, Daniel Lardizábal-Gutiérrez, Antonio Ramírez-DelaCruz and Caleb Carreno-Gallardo
Processes 2026, 14(2), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14020327 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
We present a rapid, energy-efficient, and ecofriendly route for the synthesis of alkaline earth titanate perovskites—CaTiO3, SrTiO3, and BaTiO3—using an affordable, commercially available CO2 laser engraver, commonly found in makerspaces and small-scale workshops. The method involves [...] Read more.
We present a rapid, energy-efficient, and ecofriendly route for the synthesis of alkaline earth titanate perovskites—CaTiO3, SrTiO3, and BaTiO3—using an affordable, commercially available CO2 laser engraver, commonly found in makerspaces and small-scale workshops. The method involves direct laser irradiation of compacted pellets composed of low-cost, abundant, and non-toxic precursors: TiO2 and alkaline earth carbonates (CaCO3, SrCO3, BaCO3). CaTiO3 and BaTiO3 were synthesized with phase purities exceeding 97%, eliminating the need for conventional high-temperature furnaces or prolonged thermal treatments. X-ray diffraction (XRD) coupled with Rietveld refinement confirmed the formation of orthorhombic CaTiO3 (Pbnm), cubic SrTiO3 (Pm3m), and tetragonal BaTiO3 (P4mm). Raman spectroscopy independently corroborated the perovskite structures, revealing vibrational fingerprints consistent with the expected crystal symmetries and Ti–O bonding environments. All samples contained only small amounts of unreacted anatase TiO2, while BaTiO3 exhibited a partially amorphous fraction, attributed to the sluggish crystallization kinetics of the Ba–Ti system and the rapid quenching inherent to laser processing. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed nanoparticles with average sizes of 50–150 nm, indicative of localized melting followed by ultrafast solidification. This solvent-free, low-energy, and highly accessible approach, enabled by widely available desktop laser systems, demonstrates exceptional simplicity, scalability, and sustainability. It offers a compelling alternative to conventional ceramic processing, with broad potential for the fabrication of functional oxides in applications ranging from electronics to photocatalysis. Full article
34 pages, 3921 KB  
Review
Nanobiosensors: A Potential Tool to Decipher the Nexus Between SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Gut Dysbiosis
by Atul Kumar Tiwari, Munesh Kumar Gupta, Siddhartha Kumar Mishra, Ramovatar Meena, Fernando Patolsky and Roger J. Narayan
Sensors 2026, 26(2), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020616 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 posed a great global threat and emphasized the urgent need for diagnostic tools that are rapid, reliable, sensitive and capable of real-time monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Recent investigations have identified a potential connection between SARS-CoV-2 infection and gut dysbiosis, [...] Read more.
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 posed a great global threat and emphasized the urgent need for diagnostic tools that are rapid, reliable, sensitive and capable of real-time monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Recent investigations have identified a potential connection between SARS-CoV-2 infection and gut dysbiosis, highlighting the sophisticated interplay between the virus and the host microbiome. This review article discusses the eminence of nanobiosensors, as state-of-the-art tools, to investigate and clarify the connection between SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and gut microbiome imbalance. Nanobiosensors are uniquely advantageous owing to their sensitivity, selectivity, specificity, and reliable monitoring capabilities, making them well-suited for identifying both viral particles and microbial markers in biological samples. We explored a range of nanobiosensor platforms and their potential use for concurrently monitoring the gut dysbiosis induced by different pathological conditions. Additionally, we explore how advanced sensing technologies can shed light on the mechanisms driving virus-induced dysbiosis, and the implications for disease progression and patient outcomes. The integration of nanobiosensors with microfluidic devices and artificial intelligence algorithms has also been explored, highlighting the potential of developing point-of-care diagnostic tools that provide comprehensive insights into both viral infection and gut health. Utilizing nanotechnology, scientists and healthcare professionals may gain a more profound insight into the complex interaction dynamics between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the gut microenvironment. This could pave the way for enhanced diagnostic and prognostic approaches, treatment courses, and patient care for COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in the Biomedical Sensors Section)
24 pages, 43005 KB  
Article
Accurate Estimation of Spring Maize Aboveground Biomass in Arid Regions Based on Integrated UAV Remote Sensing Feature Selection
by Fengxiu Li, Yanzhao Guo, Yingjie Ma, Ning Lv, Zhijian Gao, Guodong Wang, Zhitao Zhang, Lei Shi and Chongqi Zhao
Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020219 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Maize is one of the top three crops globally, ranking only behind rice and wheat, making it an important crop of interest. Aboveground biomass is a key indicator for assessing maize growth and its yield potential. This study developed an efficient and stable [...] Read more.
Maize is one of the top three crops globally, ranking only behind rice and wheat, making it an important crop of interest. Aboveground biomass is a key indicator for assessing maize growth and its yield potential. This study developed an efficient and stable biomass prediction model to estimate the aboveground biomass (AGB) of spring maize (Zea mays L.) under subsurface drip irrigation in arid regions, based on UAV multispectral remote sensing and machine learning techniques. Focusing on typical subsurface drip-irrigated spring maize in arid Xinjiang, multispectral images and field-measured AGB data were collected from 96 sample points (selected via stratified random sampling across 24 plots) over four key phenological stages in 2024 and 2025. Sixteen vegetation indices were calculated and 40 texture features were extracted using the gray-level co-occurrence matrix method, while an integrated feature-selection strategy combining Elastic Net and Random Forest was employed to effectively screen key predictor variables. Based on the selected features, six machine learning models were constructed, including Elastic Net Regression (ENR), Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). Results showed that the fused feature set comprised four vegetation indices (GRDVI, RERVI, GRVI, NDVI) and five texture features (R_Corr, NIR_Mean, NIR_Vari, B_Mean, B_Corr), thereby retaining red-edge and visible-light texture information highly sensitive to AGB. The GPR model based on the fused features exhibited the best performance (test set R2 = 0.852, RMSE = 2890.74 kg ha−1, MAE = 1676.70 kg ha−1), demonstrating high fitting accuracy and stable predictive ability across both the training and test sets. Spatial inversions over the two growing seasons of 2024 and 2025, derived from the fused-feature GPR optimal model at four key phenological stages, revealed pronounced spatiotemporal heterogeneity and stage-dependent dynamics of spring maize AGB: the biomass accumulates rapidly from jointing to grain filling, slows thereafter, and peaks at maturity. At a constant planting density, AGB increased markedly with nitrogen inputs from N0 to N3 (420 kg N ha−1), with the high-nitrogen N3 treatment producing the greatest biomass; this successfully captured the regulatory effect of the nitrogen gradient on maize growth, provided reliable data for variable-rate fertilization, and is highly relevant for optimizing water–fertilizer coordination in subsurface drip irrigation systems. Future research may extend this integrated feature selection and modeling framework to monitor the growth and estimate the yield of other crops, such as rice and cotton, thereby validating its generalizability and robustness in diverse agricultural scenarios. Full article
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21 pages, 5725 KB  
Article
The Synergistic Effects of rhArg with Bcl-2 Inhibitors or Metformin Co-Treatment in Multiple Cancer Cell Models
by Lai-Pan Sze, Vicky Mei-Ki Ho, Wing-Ki Fung, Kin-Ho Law, Yifan Tu, Yik-Hing So, Sai-Fung Chung, Wing-Leung Wong, Zhen Liu, Alisa Sau-Wun Shum, Leo Man-Yuen Lee and Yun-Chung Leung
Cells 2026, 15(2), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15020164 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background: Recombinant human arginase (rhArg) has been proven to exhibit an anticancer effect via arginine starvation. To further improve the efficacy of rhArg, we examined the feasibility of a combination strategy with Bcl-2 inhibitors (ABT263 and ABT199) or an antidiabetic drug (metformin) and [...] Read more.
Background: Recombinant human arginase (rhArg) has been proven to exhibit an anticancer effect via arginine starvation. To further improve the efficacy of rhArg, we examined the feasibility of a combination strategy with Bcl-2 inhibitors (ABT263 and ABT199) or an antidiabetic drug (metformin) and investigated the mechanistic basis for these strategies. Methods: The combination effects were evaluated in a panel of human cancer cell lines modeling pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), colorectal cancer (CRC) and glioblastoma (GBM). Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the expression of apoptotic and cell cycle markers. MTT assay was used to evaluate the combination efficacy. Flow cytometric assays were used to investigate the apoptotic and cell cycle effects. Results: The combination of rhArg with sublethal doses of ABT263 significantly induced dose-dependent apoptosis, with elevated expression of apoptotic markers and a CI of 0.47 in U251. The combination inhibited CDK2 and cyclin A expression, indicating that the observed synergy also resulted from cell cycle arrest. We also found that rhArg + metformin was synergistic in a time-dependent manner. Compared to other amino acid depletion agents, rhArg + ABT263 was the most favorable combination pair. Conclusions: The combination of rhArg and ABT263 enhanced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, demonstrating a potential broad-spectrum antitumor strategy. Full article
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20 pages, 2354 KB  
Article
Combined Effects of Vegetable Oil-, Micronutrient-, and Activated Flavonoid-Based Biostimulants on Photosynthesis, Nematode Suppression, and Fruit Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
by Georgia Ouzounidou, Niki-Sophia Antaraki, Antonios Anagnostou, George Daskas and Ioannis-Dimosthenis Adamakis
Plants 2026, 15(2), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15020274 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
The agricultural industry faces increasing environmental degradation due to the intensive use of conventional chemical fertilizers, leading to water pollution and alterations in soil composition. In addition, root-knot and cyst nematodes are major constraints to cucumber production, causing severe root damage and yield [...] Read more.
The agricultural industry faces increasing environmental degradation due to the intensive use of conventional chemical fertilizers, leading to water pollution and alterations in soil composition. In addition, root-knot and cyst nematodes are major constraints to cucumber production, causing severe root damage and yield losses worldwide, underscoring the need for sustainable alternatives to conventional fertilization and pest management. Under greenhouse conditions, a four-month cultivation trial evaluated vegetable oil-, micronutrient-, and activated flavonoid-based biostimulants, applying Key Eco Oil® (Miami, USA) via soil drench (every 15 days) combined with foliar sprays of CropBioLife® (Victoria, Australia) and KeyPlex 120® (Miami, USA) (every 7 days). Results showed reduced parasitic nematodes by 66% in soil and decreased gall formation by 41% in roots. Chlorophyll fluorescence and infrared gas analysis revealed higher oxygen-evolving complex efficiency (38%), increased PSII electron transport, improved the fluorescence decrease ratio, also known as the vitality index (Rfd), and higher CO2 assimilation compared to conventional treatments. Processed cucumbers showed higher sugar and nearly double ascorbic acid content, with improved flesh consistency and color. Therefore, the application of these bioactive products significantly reduced nematode infestation while enhancing plant growth and physiological performance, underscoring their potential as sustainable tools for crop cultivation and protection. These results provide evidence that sustainable bioactive biostimulants improve plant resilience, productivity, and nutritional quality, offering also an environmentally sound approach to pest management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants 2025—from Seeds to Food Security)
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13 pages, 1048 KB  
Article
Heterogeneity in the Association Between Pneumococcal Vaccination and the Risk of Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Elderly Inpatients: A Causal Forest Analysis
by Yunhua Lan, Ziyi Xin, Zhuochen Lin, Jialing Li, Xin Xie, Ying Xiong and Dingmei Zhang
Vaccines 2026, 14(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14010090 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. While pneumococcal vaccination is a core preventive measure, it remains unclear whether its association with severe CAP is uniform across all elderly subgroups. Our study aimed to evaluate [...] Read more.
Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. While pneumococcal vaccination is a core preventive measure, it remains unclear whether its association with severe CAP is uniform across all elderly subgroups. Our study aimed to evaluate the overall association of pneumococcal vaccination with the risk of severe CAP in hospitalized patients aged ≥ 65 years and to explore potential heterogeneity in this association using a causal forest model. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients discharged between January 2023 and June 2025, aged ≥ 65 years, with a primary diagnosis of CAP. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the average association and a causal forest model to explore heterogeneous patterns in the conditional average treatment effect (CATE). Results: Among 1906 included patients (severe CAP: 924; non-severe CAP: 982), PPSV23 vaccination was independently associated with reduced odds of all-cause severe CAP (adjusted OR = 0.610, 95% CI: 0.401–0.930). The causal forest model yielded an average treatment effect (ATE) estimate of −0.112 (95% CI: −0.200 to −0.023), corresponding to an 11.2 percentage-point reduction in absolute risk. Exploratory analysis suggested potential heterogeneity: the association appeared most pronounced in patients aged 65–74 years (CATE = −0.122) and showed an attenuating trend in older groups. Age was the primary variable associated with heterogeneity, followed by hypertension, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and sex. Conclusions: In this observational cohort study, PPSV23 vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of severe CAP in elderly inpatients under strong assumptions of no unmeasured confounding. Exploratory analyses suggested potential heterogeneity in this association, which appeared to attenuate with advancing age and may be influenced by comorbidities. These hypothesis-generating findings indicate that further investigation is needed to determine whether prevention strategies should be tailored for the very old and those with specific chronic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vaccine Advancement, Efficacy and Safety)
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17 pages, 858 KB  
Article
Integrated PSA Hydrogen Purification, Amine CO2 Capture, and Underground Storage: Mass–Energy Balance and Cost Analysis
by Ersin Üresin
Processes 2026, 14(2), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14020319 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Although technologies used in non-fossil methane and fossil resources to produce blue hydrogen are relatively mature, a system-integrated approach to reference system (RS)-based purification of H2, CO2 capture and storage, and UHS is relatively unexplored and requires research to fill [...] Read more.
Although technologies used in non-fossil methane and fossil resources to produce blue hydrogen are relatively mature, a system-integrated approach to reference system (RS)-based purification of H2, CO2 capture and storage, and UHS is relatively unexplored and requires research to fill gaps in the literature regarding balanced permutations and geological viability for net-zero requirements. This research proposes a system-integrated process for H2 production through a PSA-based purification technique coupled with amine-based CO2 capture and underground hydrogen storage (UHS). The intellectual novelty of the research is its first quantitative treatment of synergistic effects such as heat recovery and pressure-matching across units. Additionally, a site separation technique is applied, where H2 and CO2 reservoirs are selected based on the permeability of rock formations and fluids. On a research methodology front, a base case of a steam methane reforming process with the production of 99.99% pure H2 at a production rate of 5932 kg/h is modeled and simulated using Aspen Plus™ to create a balanced permutation of mass and energy across units. As per the CO2 capture requirements of this research, a capture of 90% of CO2 is accomplished from the production of 755 t/d CO2 within the model. The compressed CO2 is permanently stored at specifically identified rock strata separated from storage reservoirs of H2 to avoid empirically identified hazards of rock–fluid interaction at high temperatures and pressures. The lean amine cooling of CO2 to 60 °C and elimination of tail-gas recompression simultaneously provides 5.4 MWth of recovered heat. The integrated design achieves a net primary energy penalty of 18% of hydrogen’s LHV, down from ~25% in a standalone configuration. This corresponds to an energy saving of 8–12 MW, or approximately 15–18% of the primary energy demand. The research computes a production cost of H2 of 0.98 USD per kg of H2 within a production atmosphere of a commercialized WGS and non-fossil methane-based production of H2. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis of ±23% of the energy requirements of the reference system shows no marked sensitivity within a production atmosphere of a commercially available WGS process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogen–Carbon Storage Technology and Optimization)
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19 pages, 1529 KB  
Review
Marrow Microenvironmental Pathobiology and Therapeutic Opportunities for TP53-Mutated Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia
by Cameron J. Hunter, Annie P. Im and Rory M. Shallis
Cancers 2026, 18(2), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020275 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Mutations in TP53 inhibit p53 protective behaviors including cell cycle arrest, DNA damage repair protein recruitment, and apoptosis. The ubiquity of p53 in genome-stabilizing functions leads to an aberrant tumor microenvironment in TP53-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Profound [...] Read more.
Mutations in TP53 inhibit p53 protective behaviors including cell cycle arrest, DNA damage repair protein recruitment, and apoptosis. The ubiquity of p53 in genome-stabilizing functions leads to an aberrant tumor microenvironment in TP53-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Profound immunosuppression mediated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells, the upregulation of cytokines and cell-surface receptors on leukemic cells, the suppression of native immune regulator cells, and metabolic aberrations in the bone marrow are features of the TP53-mutated AML/MDS marrow microenvironment. These localized changes in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME) explain why traditional therapies for MDS/AML, including chemotherapeutics and hypomethylating agents, are not as effective in TP53-mutated myeloid neoplasms and demonstrate the dire need for new treatments in this patient population. The unique pathophysiology of TP53-mutated disease also provides new therapeutic approaches which are being studied, including intracellular targets (MDM2, p53), cell-surface protein biologics (immune checkpoint inhibitors, BiTE therapy, and antibody–drug conjugates), cell therapies (CAR-T, NK-cell), signal transduction pathways (Hedgehog, Wnt, NF-κB, CCRL2, and HIF-1α), and co-opted biologic pathways (cholesterol synthesis and glycolysis). In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiologic anomalies of the tumor microenvironment in TP53-mutant MDS/AML, the hypothesized mechanisms of chemoresistance it imparts, and how novel therapies are leveraging diverse therapeutic targets to address this critical area of need. Full article
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18 pages, 3332 KB  
Article
Calpain-2 Regulates Kinesin and Dynein Dysfunction in Neurotoxin-Induced Motoneuron Injury
by Vandana Zaman, Camille Green, Kayce Sitgreaves, Amy Gathings, Kelsey P. Drasites, Noah Coleman, Jessica Huell, Townsend McDonald, Narendra L. Banik and Azizul Haque
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16010092 - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Neurodegenerative diseases are driven by multiple interconnected pathological mechanisms involving both intrinsic and extrinsic molecular and cellular processes. Efficient bidirectional intracellular transport is essential for neuronal survival and function, enabling the movement of organelles, proteins, and vesicles between the neuronal soma and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Neurodegenerative diseases are driven by multiple interconnected pathological mechanisms involving both intrinsic and extrinsic molecular and cellular processes. Efficient bidirectional intracellular transport is essential for neuronal survival and function, enabling the movement of organelles, proteins, and vesicles between the neuronal soma and distal compartments. This process is primarily mediated by kinesin-dependent anterograde transport and dynein-dependent retrograde transport. Disruption of either motor protein compromises endosome–lysosome recycling, leading to cellular dysfunction and neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms underlying motor protein impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remain incompletely understood. Methods: We investigated the involvement of kinesin and dynein in intracellular transport dysfunction using both in vitro and in vivo models of PD. Cultured neuronal cells were exposed to MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) to model PD-associated neurotoxicity, and motor protein function, vesicular trafficking, and endosomal recycling were assessed. In parallel, an MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)-induced mouse model of PD was used to evaluate dynein-positive fiber density in the spinal cord. The role of calpain-2 was examined by co-treatment with the selective calpain-2 inhibitor zLLYCH2F in both experimental systems. Results: MPP+ exposure disrupted kinesin- and dynein-mediated transport in neuronal cytoplasm, resulting in impaired vesicular trafficking and defective endosome–lysosome recycling. These alterations led to abnormal accumulation of vesicles in both perinuclear regions and at the cell periphery. Pharmacological inhibition of calpain-2 with zLLYCH2F restored motor protein function and normalized vesicle distribution in MPP+-treated cells. Consistent with in vitro findings, MPTP-treated mice exhibited a significant reduction in dynein-positive fiber density within the spinal cord, which was prevented by co-treatment with zLLYCH2F. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that calpain-2 activation contributes to kinesin and dynein dysfunction following MPP+/MPTP exposure, leading to impaired intracellular transport and vesicle recycling in PD models. Inhibition of calpain-2 preserves motor protein function, maintains cytoskeletal integrity, and supports normal intracellular trafficking. These results identify calpain-2 as a critical regulator of motor protein stability and suggest that targeting calpain-2 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating intracellular transport defects in Parkinson’s disease. Full article
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