Saved Queries

by Laurie Fortin, Julie Girouard, Yassine Oufqir, Alexis Paquin, Francis Cloutier, Isabelle Plante, Gervais Bérubé and Carlos Reyes-Moreno

Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3284; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153284 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Macrophage-mediated inflammation is known to be involved in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of various types of cancer. This makes macrophage-derived inflammatory factors prime targets for the development of new treatments. This study uncovers the therapeutic potential and action mechanism of DAB-2-28, a small-molecule derived from para-aminobenzoic acid, in the treatment of breast cancer. The luminal MCF-7 and the triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines used in this study represent, respectively, breast cancers in which the differentiation states are related to the epithelial phenotype of the mammary gland and breast cancers expressing a highly aggressive mesenchymal phenotype. In MCF-7 cells, soluble factors from macrophage-conditioned media (CM-MØ) induce a characteristic morphology of mesenchymal cells with an upregulated expression of Snail1, a mesenchymal marker, as opposed to a decrease in the expression of E-cadherin, an epithelial marker. DAB-2-28 does not affect the differential expression of Snail1 and E-cadherin in response to CM-MØ, but negatively impacts other hallmarks of EMT by decreasing invasion and migration capacities, in addition to MMP9 expression and gelatinase activity, in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, DAB-2-28 inhibits the phosphorylation of key pro-EMT transcriptional factors, such as NFκB, STAT3, SMAD2, CREB, and/or AKT proteins, in breast cancer cells exposed to different EMT inducers. Overall, our study provides evidence suggesting that inhibition of EMT initiation or maintenance is a key mechanism by which DAB-2-28 can exert anti-tumoral effects in breast cancer cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Development of Small Molecules to Fight Cancer—2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 1610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unraveling the Systemic and Local Immune Response of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to the Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemic Virus

by Mariana Vaz, Gonçalo Espregueira Themudo, Felipe Bolgenhagen Schöninger, Inês Carvalho, Carolina Tafalla, Patricia Díaz-Rosales, Lourenço Ramos-Pinto, Benjamín Costas and Marina Machado

Biology 2025, 14(8), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081003 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Viral outbreaks have caused significant mortality and economic losses in aquaculture, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapies and a deeper understanding of antiviral and immune mechanisms in key species. This study investigates the constitutive and virus-induced antiviral responses in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following infection with viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV). Trout (30 g) were infected by immersion with VHSV (TCID₅₀ = 10⁵ mL⁻¹) for two hours. Samples were collected at 24, 72, and 120 h post-infection to assess hematology, innate immunity, viral load, and transcriptomic response. At 24 h post-infection, no immune response or increase in viral load was detected, suggesting the host had not yet recognized the virus and was still in the incubation phase. By 72 h, viral replication peaked, with high viral loads observed in mucosal tissues (skin and gills) and immune organs (kidney, spleen, liver), alongside strong up-regulation of antiviral genes, such as viperin. This gene maintained high expression through the final sampling point, indicating its key role in the antiviral response. At this stage, reduced immune competence was observed, marked by elevated nitric oxide and circulating thrombocytes. At 120 h, modest increases in peripheral monocyte, plasma lysozyme, and peroxidase activity were detected; however, these responses were insufficient to reduce viral load, suggesting the resolution phase had not yet begun. In summary, while a limited immune response was observed by the end of the trial, the consistent antiviral activity of viperin from peak infection to 120 h post-infection underscores its importance in the defence against VHSV in rainbow trout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Immunology)

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11 pages, 680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Assessment of Protocols for Microplastic Quantification in Wastewater

by Rubén Rodríguez-Alegre, Sergi Durán-Videra, David Carmona-Fernández, Laura Pérez Megías, Carlos Andecochea Saiz and Xialei You

Microplastics 2025, 4(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4030049 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Microplastics are an increasing concern due to their widespread occurrence in aquatic environments worldwide. The lack of a harmonised protocol for their reliable quantification remains a major challenge in current scientific efforts. This study presents a comparative evaluation of three protocols for the detection and quantification of microplastics in aqueous samples. The protocols were assessed based on quantification efficiency, risk of particle degradation, staining performance, operational complexity, and cost per sample. Protocol A combined Rhodamine B and ethanol staining with NaCl-based density separation, demonstrating strong isolation performance while maintaining minimal chemical hazards and moderate cost (2.45€ per sample) that could be further reduced to 0.45€ per sample by substituting reagent-grade NaCl with table salt. Protocol B offered moderate isolation capacity and presented the highest risk of particle fragmentation, likely due to the use of acetone and high-temperature digestion. Protocol C, based on the combined use of Nile Red and ZnCl₂, also presented a risk of particle fragmentation, resulting in the highest MP count for small and hydrophobic particles. In addition, its high cost (15.23€ per sample) limits its suitability for routine application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Paper in Microplastics)

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43 pages, 1183 KiB

Open AccessReview

Harnessing Legume Productivity in Tropical Farming Systems by Addressing Challenges Posed by Legume Diseases

by Catherine Hazel Aguilar, David Pires, Cris Cortaga, Reynaldo Peja, Maria Angela Cruz, Joanne Langres, Mark Christian Felipe Redillas, Leny Galvez and Mark Angelo Balendres

Nitrogen 2025, 6(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6030065 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Legumes are among the most important crops globally, serving as a major food source for protein and oil. In tropical regions, the cultivation of legumes has expanded significantly due to the increasing demand for food, plant-based products, and sustainable agriculture practices. However, tropical environments pose unique challenges, including high temperatures, erratic rainfall, soil infertility, and a high incidence of pests and diseases. Indeed, legumes are vulnerable to infections caused by bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, viruses, and nematodes. This review highlights the importance of legumes in tropical farming and discusses major diseases affecting productivity and their impact on the economy, environment, and lives of smallholder legume farmers. We emphasize the use of legume genetic resources and breeding, and biotechnology innovations to foster resistance and address the challenges posed by pathogens in legumes. However, an integrated approach that includes other cultivation techniques (e.g., crop rotation, rational fertilization, deep plowing) remains important for the prevention and control of diseases in legume crops. Finally, we highlight the contributions of plant genetic resources to smallholder resilience and food security. Full article

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18 pages, 1899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MALAT1 Expression Is Deregulated in miR-34a Knockout Cell Lines

by Andrea Corsi, Tonia De Simone, Angela Valentino, Elisa Orlandi, Chiara Stefani, Cristina Patuzzo, Stefania Fochi, Maria Giusy Bruno, Elisabetta Trabetti, John Charles Rotondo, Chiara Mazziotta, Maria Teresa Valenti, Alessandra Ruggiero, Donato Zipeto, Cristina Bombieri and Maria Grazia Romanelli

Non-Coding RNA 2025, 11(4), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/ncrna11040060 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Non-coding microRNA-34a (miR-34a) regulates the expression of key factors involved in several cellular processes, such as differentiation, apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle, and senescence. Deregulation of the expression of these factors is implicated in the onset and progression of several human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and pathologies associated with viral infections and inflammation. Despite numerous studies, the molecular mechanisms regulated by miR-34a remain to be fully understood. The present study aimed to generate miR-34a knockout cell lines to identify novel genes potentially regulated by its expression. Methods: We employed the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system to knock out the hsa-miR-34a gene in HeLa and 293T cell lines, two widely used models for studying molecular and cellular mechanisms. We compared proliferation rates and gene expression profiles via RNA-seq and qPCR analyses between the wild-type and miR-34a KO cell lines. Results: Knockout of miR-34a resulted in a decreased proliferation rate in both cell lines. Noteworthy, the ablation of miR-34a resulted in increased expression of the long non-coding RNA MALAT1. Additionally, miR-34a-5p silencing in the A375 melanoma cell line led to MALAT1 overexpression. Conclusions: Our findings support the role of the miR-34a/MALAT1 axis in regulating proliferation processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Long Non-Coding RNA)

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15 pages, 1507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Fumonisins B1 and B2 in Food Matrices: Optimisation of a Liquid Chromatographic Method with Fluorescence Detection

by Óscar Cebadero-Domínguez, Santiago Ruiz-Moyano, Alberto Martín and Elisabet Martín-Tornero

Toxins 2025, 17(8), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17080391 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Fumonisins, primarily produced by Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus section nigri, are common contaminants in maize, cereal grains, and other processed and derived products, representing a significant risk to food safety and public health. This study presents the development and optimisation of a high-performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) for the quantification of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) in various food matrices. In contrast with conventional protocols employing potassium phosphate buffers as the mobile phase, the proposed method utilises formic acid, offering enhanced compatibility with liquid chromatography systems. An automated online precolumn derivatisation with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) was optimised through experimental design and response surface methodology, enabling baseline separation of FB1 and FB2 derivatives in less than 20 min. The method demonstrated high sensitivity, with limits of detection of 0.006 µg mL⁻¹ for FB1 and 0.012 µg mL⁻¹ for FB2, and excellent repeatability (intraday RSD values of 0.85% and 0.83%, respectively). Several solid-phase extraction (SPE) strategies were evaluated to enhance sample clean-up using a variety of food samples, including dried figs, raisins, dates, corn, cornmeal, wheat flour, and rice. FumoniStar Inmunoaffinity columns were the only clean-up method that provided optimal recoveries (70–120%) across all tested food matrices. However, the MultiSep™ 211 column yielded good recoveries for both fumonisins in dried figs and raisins. Additionally, the C18 cartridge achieved acceptable recoveries for both fumonisins in dried figs and wheat flour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mycotoxins)

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59 pages, 1178 KiB

Open AccessReview

Precision Medicine for Cancer and Health Equity in Latin America: Generating Understanding for Policy and Health System Shaping

by Ana Rita González, Lizbeth Alexandra Acuña Merchán, Jorge A. Alatorre Alexander, Diego Kaen, Catalina Lopez-Correa, Claudio Martin, Allira Attwill, Teresa Marinetti, João Victor Rocha and Carlos Barrios

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081220 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study presents and discusses evidence on the value of biomarker testing and precision medicine in Latin America through a health equity lens. It is essential to explore how to harness the benefits of precision medicine to narrow the health equity gap, ensuring all patients have access to the best cancer treatment. The methodology employed to develop this document consists of a non-systematic literature review, followed by a process of validation and feedback with a group of experts in relevant fields. Precision medicine could help reduce health inequities in Latin America by providing better diagnosis and treatment for everyone with cancer. However, its success in achieving this depends on the implementation of policies that promote equitable access. Findings indicate that the current policy landscape in the Latin American region is not conducive to improving access, reach, quality, or outcome-related problems in cancer care, nor to realizing the full potential of precision medicine. The study explores how precision medicine can advance health equity, concluding with an analysis of the challenges and recommendations for overcoming them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health and Health Equity in Latin America)

14 pages, 4144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis and Application of UV-LED Photoreactors for Phenol Removal

by Betsabé Ildefonso-Ojeda, Macaria Hernández-Chávez, Mayra A. Álvarez-Lemus, Rosendo López-González, José R. Contreras-Bárbara, Karen Roa-Tort, Josué D. Rivera-Fernández and Diego A. Fabila-Bustos

Catalysts 2025, 15(8), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15080748 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

The development of three types of UV radiation-based photoreactors using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is presented. In this work, three pattern irradiation arrangements, direct radiation, internal radiation, and external radiation, were tested for deactivation of a typical model contaminant in wastewater under the same conditions. All photoreactors allow the adjustment of optical power and irradiation time and include a sensor for temperature monitoring in the solution. In this case, phenol was used as a model contaminant with TiO₂ as a photocatalyst in a batch-type reactor at pH 7. The results showed that the highest degradation efficiency was achieved after 120 min, reaching 97.79% for the internal-radiation photoreactor, followed by 90.17% when the direct-radiation photoreactor was used, and 85.24% for the external-radiation photoreactor. Phenol degradation served as the basis for validating reactor performance, given its persistence and relevance as an indicator in advanced oxidation processes. It was concluded that the arrangement of LEDs in each photoreactor significantly influences phenol degradation under the same reaction conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remediation of Natural Waters by Photocatalysis)

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17 pages, 545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Concordance Index-Based Comparison of Inflammatory and Classical Prognostic Markers in Untreated Hepatocellular Carcinoma

by Natalia Afonso-Luis, Inés Monescillo-Martín, Joaquín Marchena-Gómez, Pau Plá-Sánchez, Francisco Cruz-Benavides and Carmen Rosa Hernández-Socorro

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5514; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155514 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Inflammation-based markers have emerged as potential prognostic tools in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but comparative data with classical prognostic factors in untreated HCC are limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the prognostic performance of inflammatory and conventional markers using Harrell’s concordance index (C-index). Methods: This retrospective study included 250 patients with untreated HCC. Prognostic variables included age, BCLC stage, Child–Pugh classification, Milan criteria, MELD score, AFP, albumin, Charlson comorbidity index, and the inflammation-based markers neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), and Systemic Immune-inflammation Index (SIII). Survival was analyzed using Cox regression. Predictive performance was assessed using the C-index, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and likelihood ratio tests. Results: Among the classical markers, BCLC showed the highest predictive performance (C-index: 0.717), while NLR ranked highest among the inflammatory markers (C-index: 0.640), above the MELD score and Milan criteria. In multivariate analysis, NLR ≥ 2.3 remained an independent predictor of overall survival (HR: 1.787; 95% CI: 1.264–2.527; p < 0.001), along with BCLC stage, albumin, Charlson index, and Milan criteria. Including NLR in the model modestly improved the C-index (from 0.781 to 0.794) but significantly improved model fit (Δ–2LL = 10.75; p = 0.001; lower AIC). Conclusions: NLR is an accessible, cost-effective, and independent prognostic marker for overall survival in untreated HCC. It shows discriminative power comparable to or greater than most conventional predictors and may complement classical stratification tools for HCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section General Surgery)

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19 pages, 1976 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Eudragit^® S 100 Coating of Lipid Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery of RNA

by Md. Anamul Haque, Archana Shrestha and George Mattheolabakis

Processes 2025, 13(8), 2477; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082477 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based delivery systems are promising tools for advancing RNA-based therapies. However, there are underlying challenges for the oral delivery of LNPs. In this study, we optimized an LNP formulation, which we encapsulated in a pH-sensitive Eudragit^® S 100 (Eu) coating. LNPs were prepared using the DLin-MC3-DMA ionizable lipid, cholesterol, DMG-PEG, and DSPC at a molar ratio of 50:38.5:10:1.5. LNPs were coated with 1% Eu solution via nanoprecipitation using 0.25% acetic acid to get Eu-coated LNPs (Eu-LNPs). Particle characteristics of LNPs were determined by using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Ribogreen and agarose gel retardation assays were used to evaluate nucleic acid entrapment and stability. LNPs and Eu-LNPs were ~120 nm and 4.5 μm in size, respectively. Eu-LNPs decrease to an average size of ~191 ± 22.9 nm at a pH of 8. Phosphate buffer (PB)-treated and untreated Eu-LNPs and uncoated LNPs were transfected in HEK-293 cells. PB-treated Eu-LNPs showed significant transfection capability compared to their non-PB-treated counterparts. Eu-LNPs protected their nucleic acid payloads in the presence of a simulated gastric fluid (SGF) with pepsin and maintained transfection capacity following SGF or simulated intestinal fluid. Hence, Eu coating is a potentially promising approach for the oral administration of LNPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Carriers Production Processes for Innovative Human Applications (2nd Edition))

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25 pages, 956 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sexual Health Education in Nursing: A Scoping Review Based on the Dialectical Structural Approach to Care in Spain

by Mónica Raquel Pereira-Afonso, Raquel Fernandez-Cézar, Victoria Lopezosa-Villajos, Miriam Hermida-Mota, Maria Angélica de Almeida Peres and Sagrario Gómez-Cantarino

Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1911; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151911 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Sexual health constitutes a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, with direct implications for individual development and the broader social and economic progress of communities. Promoting environments that ensure sexual experiences free from coercion, discrimination, and violence is a key public health priority. Sexuality, in this regard, should be understood as an inherent dimension of human experience, shaped by biological, cultural, cognitive, and ideological factors. Accordingly, sexual health education requires a holistic and multidimensional approach that integrates sociocultural, biographical, and professional perspectives. This study aims to examine the level of knowledge and training in sexual health among nursing students and healthcare professionals, as well as to assess the extent to which sexual health content is incorporated into nursing curricula at Spanish universities. A scoping review was conducted using the Dialectical Structural Model of Care (DSMC) as the theoretical framework. The findings indicate a significant lack of knowledge regarding sexual health among both nursing students and healthcare professionals, largely due to educational and structural limitations. Furthermore, sexual health education remains underrepresented in nursing curricula and is frequently addressed from a narrow, fragmented biomedical perspective. These results highlight the urgent need for the comprehensive integration of sexual health content into nursing education. Strengthening curricular inclusion is essential to ensure the preparation of competent professionals capable of delivering holistic, inclusive, and empowering care in this critical area of health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sexual and Reproductive Health)

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23 pages, 1391 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Dual-Task Training Interventions for Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Effects on Postural Balance and Walking Speed

by Irene Cortés-Pérez, María de los Ángeles Castillo-Pintor, Rocío Barrionuevo-Berzosa, Marina Piñar-Lara, Esteban Obrero-Gaitán and Héctor García-López

Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081415 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Dual-task training (DTT) is an innovative therapeutic approach that involves the simultaneous application of two tasks, which can be motor, cognitive, or a combination of both. Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often exhibit impairments in balance, motor skills, and gait, conditions that may be amenable to improvement through DTT. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of DTT in enhancing balance, walking speed, and gross motor function-related balance in children with CP. Materials and Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive systematic review with meta-analysis (SRMA) was conducted. Electronic databases like PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PEDro were searched up to March 2025, with no language or publication date restrictions. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness of DTT on balance, gross motor function, and walking speed in children with CP were included. The methodological quality and risk of bias of the included RCTs were assessed using the PEDro scale. Pooled effects were calculated using Cohen’s standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) within random-effects models. Results: Eight RCTs, providing data from 216 children, were included. Meta-analyses suggested that DTT was more effective than conventional therapies for increasing functional (SMD = 0.65; 95% CI 0.18 to 1.13), dynamic (SMD = 0.61; 95% CI 0.15 to 1.1), and static balance (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.9), as well as standing (SMD = 0.75; 95% CI 0.31 to 1.18; p = 0.001) and locomotion dimensions (SMD = 0.65; 95% CI 0.22 to 1.08) of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and walking speed (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.87). Subgroup analyses revealed that a motor–cognitive dual task is better than a motor single task for functional, dynamic, and static balance and standing and locomotion dimensions for the GMFM. Conclusions: This SRMA, including the major number of RCTs to date, suggests that DTT is effective in increasing balance, walking and gross motor function-related balance in children with CP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Neurodevelopmental Biology and Disorders)

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14 pages, 1669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Guinea Pig X Virus Is a Gammaherpesvirus

by Vy Ngoc Yen Truong, Robert Ellis and Brent A. Stanfield

Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081084 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

The Guinea Pig X Virus (GPXV), a newly identified gammaherpesvirus, provides an opportunity to study viral evolution and host–virus dynamics. This study characterizes the GPXV genome and investigates its phylogenetic relationships and divergence from related viruses through comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses. Virus propagation was conducted in Vero cells, followed by genomic DNA extraction and pan-herpesvirus nested PCR. Sanger sequencing filled gaps in the initial genome assembly, and whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Phylogenetic analyses focused on ORF8 (glycoprotein B), ORF9 (DNA polymerase catalytic subunit), ORF50 (RTA: replication and transcription activator), and ORF73 (LANA: latency-associated nuclear antigen). Results showed that GPXV ORFs showed variable evolutionary relationships with other gammaherpesviruses, including divergence from primate-associated viruses and clustering with bovine and rodent viruses. In addition to phylogenetics, a comprehensive comparative analysis of protein-coding genes between GPXV and the previously described Guinea Pig Herpes-Like Virus (GPHLV) revealed divergence. Twenty-four non-ORF genomic features were unique to GPXV, while 62 shared ORFs exhibited low to high sequence divergence. These findings highlight GPXV’s distinct evolutionary trajectory and its potential role as a model for studying host-specific adaptations and gammaherpesvirus diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Herpesvirus 2025)

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Graphical abstract

23 pages, 4178 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taxonomic Biomarkers of Gut Microbiota with Potential Clinical Utility in Mexican Adults with Obesity and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms

by María Alejandra Samudio-Cruz, Daniel Cerqueda-García, Elizabeth Cabrera-Ruiz, Alexandra Luna-Angulo, Samuel Canizales-Quinteros, Carlos Landa-Solis, Gabriela Angélica Martínez-Nava, Paul Carrillo-Mora, Edgar Rangel-López, Juan Ríos-Martínez, Blanca López-Contreras, Jesús Fernando Valencia-León and Laura Sánchez-Chapul

Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1828; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081828 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

While the gut microbiota of obese children in Mexico has been studied, its relationship with depressive and anxiety symptoms in obese adults remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to describe the gut microbiota profile of Mexican adults with obesity and its association with depression and anxiety. We sequenced the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from stool samples of obese adults categorized into four groups: control (OCG), with depressive symptoms (OD), with anxiety symptoms (OAx), or with both (ODAx). Alpha diversity was assessed using t-tests, beta diversity was assessed with PERMANOVA, and taxonomic differences was assessed with LEfSe. Associations between bacterial genera and clinical variables were analyzed using the Maaslin2 library. Bacteroidota was the most prevalent phylum, and Prevotella was the dominant enterotype across all groups. Although overall diversity did not differ significantly, 30 distinct taxonomic biomarkers were identified among groups as follows: 4 in OCG (Firmicutes), 5 in OD (Firmicutes, Bacteroidota), 13 in OAx (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteroidota, Proteobacteria), and 8 in ODAx (Firmicutes). This is the first study to identify distinct gut microbiota profiles in obese Mexican adults with depressive and anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest important microbial biomarkers for improving the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota: Influences and Impacts on Human Health)

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17 pages, 5314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Settlement Ratio and Settled Area: Novel Indicators for Analyzing Land Use in Relation to Road Network Functions and Performance

by Giulia Del Serrone, Giuseppe Cantisani and Paolo Peluso

Eng 2025, 6(8), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6080188 - 5 Aug 2025

Abstract

Land use significantly influences mobility dynamics, affecting both travel behavior and mode choice. Traditional indicators such as the Floor Area Ratio, Land-Use Mix Index, and Built-up Area Ratio are widely used to describe settlement patterns; yet, they often fail to capture their functional impacts on road networks. This study introduces two complementary indicators—Settlement Ratio (SR) and Settled Area (SA)—developed through a spatial analysis framework integrating GIS data and MATLAB processing. SR offers a continuous typological profile of built-up functions along the road axis, while SA measures the percentage of anthropized land within fixed analysis windows. Applied to two Italian state roads, SS14 and SS309, in the Veneto Region, the dual-indicator approach reveals how the intensity (SR) and extent (SA) of settlement vary across different territorial contexts. In suburban segments, SR values exceeding 15–20, together with SA levels between 10% and 15%, highlight the significant spatial impact of isolated development clusters—often not evident from macro-scale observations. These findings demonstrate that the SR–SA framework provides a robust tool for analyzing land use in relation to road function. Although the study focuses on spatial structure and indicator design, future developments will explore correlations with traffic flow, speed, and crash data to support road safety analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Insights in Engineering Research)

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