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42 pages, 2213 KB  
Review
Coumarin and Curcumin–Metal Complexes as Next-Generation Photosensitizers in Cancer Photodynamic Therapy
by Siu Kan Law, Albert Wing Nang Leung and Chuanshan Xu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(17), 7585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177585 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
To explore the emerging role of natural ligands, specifically coumarin and curcumin, and their coordination with the transition metals ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir) as photosensitizers (PSs) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer. This highlights the integration of natural compounds and transition metals [...] Read more.
To explore the emerging role of natural ligands, specifically coumarin and curcumin, and their coordination with the transition metals ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir) as photosensitizers (PSs) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer. This highlights the integration of natural compounds and transition metals to overcome limitations in photophysical properties, hypoxia tolerance, and clinical translation. Regarding PDT oncology, this examines an immunological effect on Ru/Ir complexes and natural ligand–metal hybrids. They induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, calreticulin exposure, extracellular ATP release, and HMGB1 secretion. These damage-associated molecular patterns act as “danger signals” to recruit dendritic cells, prime CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells, and establish systemic antitumor immunity. This study compares natural ligand–metal complexes with conventional Ru(II)/Ir(III) complexes and clinical PSs to assess their translational potential as immune-activating agents in PDT oncology, as well as focusing on the integration of nanotechnology with natural ligand–metal complexes to enhance delivery, biocompatibility, and clinical translation. A narrative review was conducted of the literature published between 2010 and 2025 across multiple electronic databases, including WanFang Data, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and CNKI, without language restrictions. Studies focusing on coumarin, curcumin, Ru(II), Ir(III), and PDT were analyzed. Extracted data included chemical structures, absorption and emission spectra, singlet oxygen yields, biological activities, and therapeutic outcomes. Comparative evaluation was performed between free natural ligands, their Ru(II)/Ir(III) complexes, and nanodelivery systems to assess efficacy, biocompatibility, and translational potential. Coumarin and curcumin exhibited intrinsic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties but were limited by short absorption/emission ranges, poor photostability, and low singlet oxygen yields, restricting preclinical application. Coordination with Ru(II) and Ir(III) significantly enhanced intersystem crossing, extended absorption into the near-infrared region, and improved singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ up to ~0.78). These complexes demonstrated potent photocytotoxicity under normoxia and hypoxia, achieving IC50 values in the nanomolar range, which indicated organelle-specific targeting (mitochondria, lysosomes, ER), induced ICD, and synergized with checkpoint blockade. Nanocarrier encapsulation further improved solubility and tumor selectivity, and reduced systemic toxicity. Coumarin- and curcumin-based Ru/Ir complexes represent promising next-generation or immune-activating PDT agents by combining natural pharmacological activity with superior photophysical performance. The ability to generate reactive oxygen species under hypoxia and achieve multimodal therapeutic effects positions them as strong candidates for clinical translation. Clinical approval of natural ligand–Ru/Ir complexes depends on rigorous safety, pharmacokinetic, and nanodelivery validation, but these complexes clearly extend PDT beyond local cytotoxicity toward durable immune protection. Future research should prioritize ligand engineering, nanotechnology integration, and translational models to bridge preclinical promise with safe and effective clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Advances in Photodynamic Therapy)
52 pages, 7599 KB  
Review
Recent Advances in Metal Oxide-Coated Anodes for Industrial Electrochemical Applications: Emphasis on RuO2-and IrO2-Based Systems, Failure Mechanisms, and Coating Technologies
by Guan-Ting Pan, Allan Kwang Loon Ang and Aleksandar N. Nikoloski
Inorganics 2026, 14(9), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics14090225 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Anode materials play a pivotal role in a wide range of electrochemical applications, including electrolysis, energy storage, corrosion protection, and industrial oxidation processes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in anode materials, with particular emphasis on their structural characteristics and [...] Read more.
Anode materials play a pivotal role in a wide range of electrochemical applications, including electrolysis, energy storage, corrosion protection, and industrial oxidation processes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in anode materials, with particular emphasis on their structural characteristics and major preparation methods, including thermal decomposition, electrochemical deposition, sol–gel processing, and magnetron sputtering. The degradation behaviour of anodes under electrochemical operating conditions is also critically discussed, together with strategies for improving their durability and overall performance. Particular attention is given to metal oxide-coated anodes, especially those based on ruthenium oxide (RuO2) and iridium oxide (IrO2), which remain the most representative systems in dimensionally stable anode (DSA) research and industrial applications. Emerging coating materials, including Co3O4- and carbon-based catalysts, are also reviewed as promising alternatives for reducing noble metal usage while maintaining acceptable electrochemical performance. In addition, the role of intermediate layers in titanium-based anodes is examined, with emphasis on their contribution to coating adhesion, conductivity, interfacial stability, and long-term electrode performance. This review further discusses the applications of anode materials in chlorine- and oxygen-related electrochemical industries and evaluates the performance of DSAs in relation to substrate selection, coating composition, and operational requirements. Alternative furnace technologies for anode baking are also reviewed, including conventional furnace heating, laser heating, and microwave heating, together with representative industrial furnace systems such as muffle, continuous, and vacuum furnaces. Overall, this review provides an integrated overview of the current progress in anode material research and development, while highlighting the key challenges and future directions for improving anode efficiency, durability, and sustainability in industrial electrochemical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Materials)
17 pages, 5667 KB  
Article
One-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of Ni2P/MIL-53(Fe) and Its Catalytic Performance in the Selective Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols
by Shuangyan Meng, Bin Liu, Jijie Zhao, Kaizhou He, Minglin Xie, Xiangqian Wang, Zhiwang Yang and Xiaoping Gao
Catalysts 2026, 16(9), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16090759 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Developing cost-effective photocatalysts with high activity remains a key challenge in photocatalysis. In this study, a low-cost nickel phosphide (Ni2P) cocatalyst was combined with MIL-53(Fe) to fabricate Ni2P/MIL-53(Fe) nanocomposites via a simple hydrothermal method. The as-prepared composites were systematically [...] Read more.
Developing cost-effective photocatalysts with high activity remains a key challenge in photocatalysis. In this study, a low-cost nickel phosphide (Ni2P) cocatalyst was combined with MIL-53(Fe) to fabricate Ni2P/MIL-53(Fe) nanocomposites via a simple hydrothermal method. The as-prepared composites were systematically characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, UV-vis DRS, PL, and EIS to evaluate their structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical properties. The introduction of Ni2P significantly promoted the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs on the MIL-53(Fe) surface, thereby enabling valence band holes (h+) to participate in alcohol oxidation, as confirmed by photoelectrochemical analysis. Under optimized conditions, the Ni2P/MIL-53(Fe) nanocomposite achieved a significant photocatalytic alcohol conversion rate of 74%, which is 7.4-fold and 2.5-fold higher than those of pristine Ni2P and MIL-53(Fe), respectively. Furthermore, mechanistic studies revealed that valence band holes are primarily responsible for the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Photocatalysis)
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18 pages, 4062 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Formation and Crystallization Behavior of a New Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Crystalline Compound in the CA(CLO3)2·2CO(NH2)2–CH2CLCOOH·(C2H4OH)3N–H2O System
by Ruzimurod Jurayev, Kakhramon Turayev, Bekzod Eshkulov and Akhat Togasharov
Chem. Proc. 2026, 21(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemproc2026021003 (registering DOI) - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Organic–inorganic hybrid crystalline materials formed in multicomponent aqueous systems are of interest because their phase behavior and physicochemical properties can be controlled by composition and crystallization conditions. In this study, the phase equilibria and crystallization behavior of the ternary aqueous Ca(ClO3) [...] Read more.
Organic–inorganic hybrid crystalline materials formed in multicomponent aqueous systems are of interest because their phase behavior and physicochemical properties can be controlled by composition and crystallization conditions. In this study, the phase equilibria and crystallization behavior of the ternary aqueous Ca(ClO3)2·2CO(NH2)2–CH2ClCOOH·(C2H4OH)3N–H2O system were investigated over the temperature range of −24 to 60 °C using the visual-polythermal method. Experimental data obtained for the two boundary binary subsystems and eight internal sections were used to construct the polythermal phase diagram. The diagram revealed distinct crystallization fields corresponding to ice, Ca(ClO3)2·2CO(NH2)2·2H2O, CH2ClCOOH·(C2H4OH)3N, and a separate crystallization region associated with a previously unreported crystalline phase with the proposed composition ClCH2COOH·Ca(ClO3)2·(C2H4OH)3N. The solid phase was isolated from its crystallization region, washed with cold distilled water, dried to constant mass, and characterized by complementary Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), thermogravimetric analysis, derivative thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DTG–DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The experimentally determined Ca2+ and ClO3 contents were reasonably consistent with the proposed composition, while FT-IR spectroscopy revealed characteristic chlorate vibrations and changes in the vibrational environment of the organic component. SEM showed predominantly prismatic and plate-like crystalline morphologies, and EDS confirmed the presence of Ca, Cl, O, C, and N. Thermal analysis demonstrated multistage decomposition, with comparatively good thermal stability below approximately 150 °C. PXRD revealed a diffraction fingerprint distinct from those of the starting components and the corresponding physical mixture. Preliminary indexing of 19 principal reflections was consistent with a tetragonal candidate lattice with a = b = 7.7411(5) Å, c = 24.7182(10) Å, V = 1481.2(5) Å3, and M20 ≈ 23.0. The crystallographic analysis is considered preliminary because the diffraction profile was reconstructed from the available pattern and was not subjected to complete structure refinement. Overall, the combined phase-equilibrium, compositional, spectroscopic, morphological, thermal, and diffraction data support the isolation of a distinct organic–inorganic crystalline phase with the proposed composition. Full article
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19 pages, 3650 KB  
Article
Dual-Function Nitrogen Modification of Phenolic Resin Pyrolytic Carbon: A g-C3N4 Protective Phase and Skeletal Nitrogen Doping for Enhanced Oxidation Resistance
by Pengcheng Jiang, Huidong Tang, Xin Xiong, Wenting Wang, Kang Long, Zhiwen Li, Yongming Kang, Xinwei Ou and Zhi Wu
Materials 2026, 19(17), 3585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19173585 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Phenolic resin pyrolytic carbon is a key matrix phase in carbon-based refractories and carbon/carbon composites; however, its defect-rich glassy carbon structure exhibits poor oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. In this work, we report a facile one-step thermal-treatment strategy using melamine as a nitrogen [...] Read more.
Phenolic resin pyrolytic carbon is a key matrix phase in carbon-based refractories and carbon/carbon composites; however, its defect-rich glassy carbon structure exhibits poor oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. In this work, we report a facile one-step thermal-treatment strategy using melamine as a nitrogen source to prepare nitrogen-modified phenolic resin pyrolytic carbon (NC). The structural evolution and oxidation behavior of samples carbonized at 500–800 °C were systematically investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, Raman, XPS, BET, and TG-DSC. The results reveal that melamine-derived nitrogen exists in two distinct forms: at 500–700 °C, a carbon nitride-rich phase consistent with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) forms sheet- and belt-like structures on the carbon surface and partially fills the internal pores; at 800 °C, its long-range crystalline signature disappears, while pyridinic, pyrrolic, and graphitic nitrogen remain in the carbon framework. From 500 to 800 °C, the relative N 1s fraction of pyridinic N decreases from 72.33% to 44.38%, whereas graphitic N increases from 0.47% to 24.09%. Meanwhile, the pore structure evolves from a mesopore-dominated architecture with a limited accessible surface area at 500–600 °C to a micropore-rich structure at 700–800 °C. Relative to unmodified PR-800, NC-800 exhibits an approximately 30 °C higher onset oxidation temperature and an approximately 40 °C higher complete oxidation temperature, together with a lower maximum mass-loss rate and a delayed, broadened exothermic response. These results show that melamine-derived pore regulation and skeletal nitrogen doping jointly retard oxygen transport and suppress oxidation-active defect sites, providing a simple and potentially scalable route for improving the high-temperature oxidation resistance of phenolic resin pyrolytic carbon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Carbon-Based Materials)
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14 pages, 2882 KB  
Article
Zn Complexes with the 4-Acyl-Pyrazol-5-One Basis and Their Thin Films
by Alexey Gusev, Elena Braga, Alexandra Pismennaia, Valery Vlasenko, Miki Hasegawa, Mikhail Kiskin and Wolfgang Linert
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(17), 7560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177560 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Three zinc(II) complexes based on 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acyl-5-pyrazolone were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy (UV-vis, fluorescence and IR). Crystallographic studies reveal that the complexes have a mononuclear structure in the solid state; however, intermolecular interactions combine the complexes into [...] Read more.
Three zinc(II) complexes based on 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-acyl-5-pyrazolone were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy (UV-vis, fluorescence and IR). Crystallographic studies reveal that the complexes have a mononuclear structure in the solid state; however, intermolecular interactions combine the complexes into a 1D polymer chain. The complexes exhibit weak luminescence in the polycrystalline state and moderate emission in solutions and thin amorphous films. Thin films of the studied compounds were deposited on a glass substrate using thermal vacuum spraying, spin coating, and Langmuir-Blodgett technology and were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)
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13 pages, 694 KB  
Article
The Impact of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors on Immune-Related Adverse Events and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Metastatic NSCLC
by Noa Shani Shrem, Samer Abu-Rafe, Abed Agbarya, Ashraf Abu Jama, Asmah Miari, Ronen Brenner, Yulia Dudnik, Adan Khalaily, Alexander Yakobson, Samer Hussany, Raya Bdair, Keren Rouvinov, Nashat Abu Yasin, Natalie Maimon Rabinovich and Walid Shalata
Biomedicines 2026, 14(9), 1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14091882 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Background: The integration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has transformed metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy. However, the immunomodulatory influence of concurrent medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), remains poorly defined in real-world practice. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 452 patients [...] Read more.
Background: The integration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has transformed metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy. However, the immunomodulatory influence of concurrent medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), remains poorly defined in real-world practice. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 452 patients with metastatic NSCLC treated with first-line ICI-based therapy (ICI monotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy) between 2017 and 2025. Patients were stratified according to chronic ACEI exposure, defined as administration for >2 years. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Results: Among 452 patients, 71 (15.7%) were chronic ACEI users. ACEI use was associated with significantly longer median OS in univariable analysis (17.0 vs. 14.0 months; HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.61–0.99; p = 0.047) and a favorable trend toward improved PFS (14.0 vs. 11.0 months; HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.64–1.02; p = 0.066). ACEI users had higher rates of cutaneous rash (25.4% vs. 13.1%; p = 0.011) and transaminase elevation (29.6% vs. 8.9%; p < 0.001). Severe grade 3–5 irAEs remained uncommon and did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Chronic ACEI use was associated with longer OS in univariable analysis, but this association was not statistically significant after multivariable adjustment. ACEI use was also associated with increased low-grade cutaneous and hepatic toxicities without a significant increase in severe irAEs. Prospective studies are warranted to clarify the clinical significance of these associations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Biology and Oncology)
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16 pages, 3730 KB  
Article
Four-Channel CIEL*a*b*-Infrared Image Representation for CNN-Based Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunch Ripeness Classification
by Mohd Ikmal Hafizi Azaman, Kuan-Huei Ng, Chin-Peng Tan, Waldo Udos, Mohd Ramdhan Khalid, Nur Saiful Azmi Nor Azhar, Aminulrashid Mohamed, Mohd Azwan Mohd Bakri and Kok-Sing Lim
Electronics 2026, 15(17), 3777; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15173777 - 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) ripeness classification is essential for improving the oil extraction rate, oil quality, and mill processing efficiency. However, RGB-based classification is often limited by insufficient colour information from dark unripe fruitlets and shadowed regions of the bunch surface. [...] Read more.
Oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) ripeness classification is essential for improving the oil extraction rate, oil quality, and mill processing efficiency. However, RGB-based classification is often limited by insufficient colour information from dark unripe fruitlets and shadowed regions of the bunch surface. This study evaluated the effect of image input representation on convolutional neural network (CNN)-based FFB ripeness classification. Four models with the same CNN architecture were compared using RGB, RGB + infrared (IR), CIEL*a*b*, and CIEL*a*b* + IR inputs. RGB and IR images were acquired using a dual-camera setup positioned 3 m from the FFB sample. The CIEL*a*b* + IR model achieved the best overall performance, with weighted-average precision, recall, and F1-score values of 0.84, 0.81, and 0.81, respectively, compared with 0.79, 0.76, and 0.76 for RGB-only. The addition of IR improved model performance by providing complementary near-infrared reflectance information, while CIEL*a*b* colour-space transformation provided a more discriminative colour representation. Class activation heat maps showed that the models focused mainly on fruitlet regions, with the CIEL*a*b* + IR model producing more distinct activation over ripeness-relevant areas. These findings demonstrate that the proposed four-channel CIEL*a*b* + IR image representation improves CNN-based FFB ripeness classification by combining lightness-separated colour information with near-infrared reflectance features, although underripe FFB remains challenging, where it produced the highest rate of false positives because of its transitional and heterogeneous characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Challenges in Integrated Photonics)
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22 pages, 3401 KB  
Article
Physiological Responses in the Hepatopancreas of Litopenaeus vannamei to Carbonate Alkalinity Stress and Subsequent Recovery: Integration of Antioxidant, Immune, and Metabolic Profiles
by Ruijie Zhu, Meng Xiao, Falin Zhou, Zhe Pan, Jianhua Huang and Yafei Duan
Antioxidants 2026, 15(9), 1052; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15091052 - 23 Aug 2026
Abstract
High carbonate alkalinity (CA) is a major constraint on shrimp culture in saline–alkaline waters. The hepatopancreas is central to shrimp immunity and metabolic regulation. Litopenaeus vannamei underwent a 7-day exposure period to 5 mmol/L CA, followed by a subsequent 7-day recovery phase after [...] Read more.
High carbonate alkalinity (CA) is a major constraint on shrimp culture in saline–alkaline waters. The hepatopancreas is central to shrimp immunity and metabolic regulation. Litopenaeus vannamei underwent a 7-day exposure period to 5 mmol/L CA, followed by a subsequent 7-day recovery phase after removal of the stressor. The physiological regulatory mechanism of the hepatopancreas during CA stress and recovery was investigated by integrating multiple biological levels including histomorphology, antioxidant and immune indices, energy metabolism, and metabolite profiles. Results showed that CA stress induced structural changes in the hepatopancreas and triggered stress responses. Specifically, a significant upregulation was observed in genes involved in antioxidation (romo1, nrf2, gpx, hsp70), apoptosis (casp-9, casp-3), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ire1, xbp1), immune defense (alf, crus, pen-3, lys, propo), and detoxification (cyp450). CA stress also increased osmoregulatory genes (ccp, nhe, ca, aqp, vatp, nka-β, nka-α), whereas clc and tip4 were suppressed. CA stress reduced the levels of energy-metabolism-related biochemical indicators, including glucose (GLU), pyruvic acid (PYR), lactic acid (LAC) and triglycerides (TG), while markedly inducing the expression of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism (ldh, pdh, hk, pk), lipid metabolism (ampk, srebp, fas), the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (mdh, cs, idh, odh, sdh, fh), and the electron transport chain (ETC) (ndh, cytc, coi, cco, atph). Moreover, the hepatopancreatic metabolic profile was remodeled, especially “phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis” and the metabolism of β-alanine, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and sphingolipids being substantially altered during both the stress and recovery phases. Several functional metabolites linked to stress responses were further pinpointed. Following stress relief, some physiological parameters partially recovered, yet overall function failed to return to normal. Collectively, CA stress compromised hepatopancreatic homeostasis by damaging morphological integrity, eliciting stress and immune responses, and perturbing energy metabolism and metabolite homeostasis; these adverse effects were not readily reversible in the short term. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defenses in Aquatic Animals)
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22 pages, 13338 KB  
Article
Synthetic Preimplantation Factor (sPIF)* Improves Survival and GI Function in Acute Lethal Radiation Syndrome in a Clinically Relevant Murine Model
by Roberto Calix, Jean H. Wilson, Martin Mueller, Peter M. Glazer, Daniel Zelterman, Michelle Deveaux, Caroline Zeiss, Arumugam R. Jayakumar, Eytan R. Barnea and Michael J. Paidas
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(17), 7548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27177548 - 23 Aug 2026
Abstract
Ionizing radiation (IR) damage, whether intentional, accidental, or therapeutic, reverberates throughout the body. The FDA has approved the use of palliative care and leukocyte growth factors for hematologic depletion (H-ARS), but no treatments have been approved for gastrointestinal damage (GI-ARS). Synthetic PIF (sPIF) [...] Read more.
Ionizing radiation (IR) damage, whether intentional, accidental, or therapeutic, reverberates throughout the body. The FDA has approved the use of palliative care and leukocyte growth factors for hematologic depletion (H-ARS), but no treatments have been approved for gastrointestinal damage (GI-ARS). Synthetic PIF (sPIF) safely replicates endogenous PIF’s preventative, reparatory, and regenerative effects. Specifically relevant for radiation-induced damage, sPIF reduces oxidative stress. Subcutaneous (SC) sPIF prevents LD100/30 mortality at 2 w post-treatment and restores GI function post-6Gy exposure (in mice). Daily SC sPIF for 14 d, starting 24 h post-LD85/40 (7.17 Gy) total-body ɣ-irradiation (TBI), increases survival 2.76-fold (14.7% (5/34) to 40.7% (24/59); p = 0.0036) by 4 w post-therapy. All sPIF-treated mice survived for the first 10 d, while only 80% survived in the sham group (p = 0.0034). The sPIF-treated group reached 50% survival at 23 di, while this figure was reached at 19 d in the sham-treated group, with a 21% delay. Importantly, sPIF delays weight loss for up to 25 d, increasing weight by ~12% above baseline and improving colon architecture; in the sham, both weight and colon recovery failed. sPIF partially prevents declines in hemoglobin and platelets, with no bleeding/sepsis observed, while WBC counts declined. sPIF’s safety and lack of deleterious drug-to-drug interaction were documented in a First-in-Human, FDA-approved clinical trial for autoimmune disease. Chronic FDA-guided toxicology/toxicokinetic studies demonstrated NOAEL and the highest safety margin. Collectively, sPIF safely and significantly increases survival, weight gain, and colon crypt scale, directly supporting its suitability for FDA-ARS animal-rule approval. Full article
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17 pages, 1758 KB  
Article
Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Infertility in Women with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study at a Tertiary Referral Medical Center in Qatar
by Tahani Ibrahim Alotoum, Husam Qush, Rafea Muftah AlGhanem and Ayman El-Menyar
Healthcare 2026, 14(17), 2677; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14172677 - 22 Aug 2026
Abstract
Background: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age and represents a major cause of infertility worldwide. It is associated with hormonal imbalance, ovulatory dysfunction, [...] Read more.
Background: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age and represents a major cause of infertility worldwide. It is associated with hormonal imbalance, ovulatory dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances, all of which can significantly impair reproductive outcomes and quality of life. We aimed to investigate the metabolic and hormonal markers in infertile women who had PMOS in one of the rapidly developing Middle Eastern countries. Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study conducted at the Military Medical Specialist Center in Qatar (2019–2024). Data were extracted from patient medical records, including demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, hormonal profiles, metabolic parameters, and details of fertility treatment. Women aged 18–40 years diagnosed with PMOS according to the Rotterdam criteria were included. Correlation coefficient analysis was performed to assess the associations between PMOS-related factors. Patients were categorized by BMI (normal, overweight, and obese). Results: The mean age of patients was 31.9 ± 5.3 years, and 43.8% of patients were obese. Primary infertility was more frequent than secondary infertility (61.8% vs. 38.2%). Women with secondary infertility were significantly older and had higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). Insulin resistance was prominent (mean Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] of 4.04) and increased significantly with the increase in BMI (p = 0.01). BMI showed positive correlations with serum levels of glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and testosterone. Hormonal parameters were largely comparable between infertility groups, except for lower FSH levels in secondary infertility (p = 0.04). The proportion of PMOS based on the HOMA-IR category was 5.6% (HOMA-IR < 1.0), 23.4% (HOMA-IR 1–1.99), 20.2% (HOMA-IR 2–2.99), and 50.8% (HOMA-IR > 3.00). In PMOS patients, there was a significant association between obesity and HOMA-IR, with each 1-unit increase in HOMA-IR associated with a 14% increase in odds (crude odds ratio 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.28, p = 0.02). Also, obesity was associated with low LH/FSH (crude odds ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.45–0.99; p = 0.04). Results: The mean age of patients was 31.9 ± 5.3 years, and 43.8% of patients were obese. Primary infertility was more frequent than secondary infertility (61.8% vs. 38.2%). Insulin resistance was prominent (mean HOMA-IR 4.04) and increased significantly across BMI categories (3.0 in normal-weight vs. 4.8 in obese women, p = 0.01). BMI was positively correlated with HOMA-IR (r = 0.17, p = 0.02) and testosterone levels (r = 0.18, p = 0.01). Secondary infertility became more frequent with increasing BMI (p = 0.02). Each 1-unit increase in HOMA-IR was associated with a 14% increase in the odds of obesity (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.28, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Among infertile women with PMOS, obesity and insulin resistance were prominent metabolic characteristics. These findings support routine screening for insulin resistance, particularly in overweight and obese women, together with weight management and individualized fertility treatment based on BMI and metabolic profiles. Full article
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23 pages, 1738 KB  
Article
Sustainable Valorization of Tomato Processing Industry Waste: Enhancing Oxidative Stability of Common Vegetable Seed Oils
by Dimitrios Kalompatsios, Ioannis Deligiannis, Athina Ntouniadaki, Vassilis Athanasiadis and Stavros I. Lalas
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(17), 8362; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16178362 - 22 Aug 2026
Abstract
The valorization of food industry by-products is a promising strategy for developing natural additives to increase food quality. This study examined the efficiency of tomato processing industry waste (TPIW), which is a significant agro-industrial by-product, in enhancing the oxidative stability of three common [...] Read more.
The valorization of food industry by-products is a promising strategy for developing natural additives to increase food quality. This study examined the efficiency of tomato processing industry waste (TPIW), which is a significant agro-industrial by-product, in enhancing the oxidative stability of three common edible vegetable seed oils (i.e., sunflower, soybean, and corn oils) under accelerated storage conditions. A custom response surface methodology (RSM) approach was employed to design and optimize the experiments, also using butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a potent synthetic antioxidant (i.e., oil type, TPIW and/or BHT enrichment). Oils were incubated under controlled conditions at 60 °C for 28 d (Schall oven test), wherein both darkness and light exposure were employed. Untreated (control), TPIW-enriched, and BHT-fortified (positive control) oils were examined in this study. The oxidative stability and shelf-life of oils was thoroughly evaluated using standard oxidative indices for both primary and secondary oxidation by-products, antioxidant capacity (DPPH radical scavenging activity), total carotenoid content, chromatic coordinates (CIE 1976 L*a*b*), and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy to monitor structural changes. The results revealed that enrichment with TPIW significantly (p < 0.05) reduced both primary and secondary oxidation products compared to untreated oils, approaching the protective efficiency of BHT in some assays. Specifically, it was observed that the combination of soybean oil enriched with both BHT and TPIW was the most preferable to enhance oxidation stability. Results from FT-IR supported these findings; slower formation of oxidative derivatives was revealed. Light exposure did not show a significant impact on the oxidation process regardless of the oil sample when compared to the temperature parameter. The results of this study confirm that TPIW could assist shelf-life prolongation of edible vegetable oils and promote a circular economy strategy by valorizing food by-products as a viable alternative to synthetic antioxidants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Trends in the Valorization of Natural Products and Food Wastes)
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22 pages, 3636 KB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of the Structural and Digestibility Properties of Starches from Ten Common Coarse Grains
by Zulipiya Maimaiti, Hong-Yan Mao, Hong-Nan Sun, Li Yue, Jiamin Wang, Tingting Zhang, Yueren Xu, Ming Yu and Tai-Hua Mu
Foods 2026, 15(17), 2946; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15172946 - 22 Aug 2026
Abstract
Coarse-grain starches are promising raw materials for developing diversified functional food ingredients, particularly low-glycemic products. However, the systematic structure–function relationships among multiple coarse-grain varieties remain poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the structural, processing, and digestive properties of ten coarse-grain starches [...] Read more.
Coarse-grain starches are promising raw materials for developing diversified functional food ingredients, particularly low-glycemic products. However, the systematic structure–function relationships among multiple coarse-grain varieties remain poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the structural, processing, and digestive properties of ten coarse-grain starches to provide a fundamental basis for their targeted industrial utilization. Multiple analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rapid visco analysis (RVA), and in vitro simulated digestion, were employed to characterize the structural, thermal, rheological, pasting, and digestive properties of the starches. The tested starches were classified into two crystalline types, and significant differences were observed among samples in short-range molecular order, gelatinization behavior, gel rheological properties, pasting characteristics, and the distribution of three digestion fractions. Pearson correlation analysis revealed structure–function correlations, showing that crystalline ordering plays an important role in starch gelatinization behavior, whereas molecular packing is closely associated with pasting performance and in vitro digestibility. The distinct differences in starch properties, together with the identified structure–function relationships, provide a basis for targeted raw material selection in food processing and the development of functional foods with tailored digestibility characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Grain)
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13 pages, 729 KB  
Article
Surface Activation of Zirconia Orthodontic Brackets by Multi-Gas Atmospheric Plasma: Effects on Shear Bond Strength
by Ryota Okubo, Peng Chen, Taiki Osawa, Akitoshi Okino and Hiroyasu Kanetaka
Materials 2026, 19(17), 3564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19173564 - 22 Aug 2026
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Abstract
Zirconia orthodontic brackets exhibit favorable mechanical and esthetic properties; however, their chemically inert surfaces can limit adhesion to resin cements. This study evaluated the effect of multi-gas atmospheric plasma irradiation on the shear bond strength (SBS) of zirconia brackets. Zirconia brackets were treated [...] Read more.
Zirconia orthodontic brackets exhibit favorable mechanical and esthetic properties; however, their chemically inert surfaces can limit adhesion to resin cements. This study evaluated the effect of multi-gas atmospheric plasma irradiation on the shear bond strength (SBS) of zirconia brackets. Zirconia brackets were treated with nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar), or air plasma for 3 and 10 s and compared with untreated controls and conventional alumina-sandblasted specimens. Surface wettability was assessed by contact angle measurements, and surface chemical changes were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. After 10 s of plasma treatment, the water-contact angle decreased from 64.3° ± 8.4° in the untreated group to 17.9° ± 6.4°, 18.8° ± 2.7°, and 16.8° ± 5.3° with Ar, N2, and air, respectively. For SBS testing, zirconia brackets were bonded to bovine enamel, stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h, and subsequently tested (n = 12–15 per group). The mean SBS was 20.99 ± 2.87 MPa for the untreated group, 25.50 ± 2.40 MPa for the sandblasted group, and 23.63 ± 3.33, 23.99 ± 3.26, and 23.98 ± 3.58 MPa after 10-s Ar, N2, and air plasma treatment, respectively. FT-IR revealed no new absorption peaks. Within the limitations of this study, multi-gas atmospheric plasma treatment markedly reduced the apparent water-contact angle measured on flat zirconia specimens, whereas its effect on SBS relative to the untreated group was not statistically significant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)
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12 pages, 1440 KB  
Article
Design and Characterization of New Glyceryl Ether- and Monoalcohol Ether-Based Surfactants for Tunable Surface Tension, Wettability, and Optical Transmittance Properties
by Changmin Lee, Mahendra Godi, Jimin Chun, Yonghwan Cho, Kiho Lee, Hayoon Lee and Jongwook Park
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(17), 8352; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16178352 - 22 Aug 2026
Viewed by 43
Abstract
As interface control technology has become crucial for preventing pattern collapse caused by the miniaturization of display and semiconductor devices, surfactants are essential in core manufacturing processes, including electroluminescence. Therefore, high-performance surfactants capable of achieving efficient liquid penetration and wettability control in high-aspect-ratio [...] Read more.
As interface control technology has become crucial for preventing pattern collapse caused by the miniaturization of display and semiconductor devices, surfactants are essential in core manufacturing processes, including electroluminescence. Therefore, high-performance surfactants capable of achieving efficient liquid penetration and wettability control in high-aspect-ratio architectures are urgently needed. To address this need, this study suggested two glyceryl ether derivatives, 3-(hexyloxy)propane-1,2-diol (Hex-PD) and 3-((2-ethylhexyl)oxy)propane-1,2-diol (Oct-PD), alongside a monoalcohol ether derivative, 1-methoxy-3-(pentyloxy)propan-2-ol (Pen-PMO), and systematically investigated the effects of structural variation on optical transmittance, molecular polarity, and interfacial behavior. The target compounds were successfully obtained, as confirmed by 1H NMR and FT-IR analyses. At 0.01 wt%, all three compounds showed relatively high transmittance at 248 nm. Surface tension measurements at 0.1 wt% revealed values of 38, 35, and 31 mN/m for Hex-PD, Oct-PD, and Pen-PMO, respectively, and their corresponding water contact angles were 45.5°, 44.3°, and 47.8°. Overall, Pen-PMO exhibited favorable transmittance and wettability, as well as the lowest surface tension, indicating the highest interfacial activity among the three compounds. These results demonstrate that optical properties, molecular polarity, and interfacial properties can be controlled by tuning hydrophobic tail topology and hydroxy functionality across glyceryl and monoalcohol ether architectures. Full article
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