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37 pages, 1319 KB  
Review
Late-Onset Depression in an Aging World: A Multidimensional Perspective on Risks, Mechanisms, and Treatment
by Antonio Maria D’Onofrio, Gaspare Filippo Ferrajoli, Lodovico Maria Balzoni, Marco Massetti, Andrea Zanzarri, Giuseppe Marano, Marianna Mazza, Alexia Koukopoulos, Georgios D. Kotzalidis, Lorenzo Moccia, Alessio Simonetti, Delfina Janiri, Marco Di Nicola, Gabriele Sani and Giovanni Camardese
Geriatrics 2026, 11(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics11010013 - 26 Jan 2026
Viewed by 500
Abstract
Background: Late-onset depression (LOD) represents a distinct clinical and biological phenotype emerging in the context of global population ageing. This study aims to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, mechanistic pathways, and therapeutic approaches of LOD, integrating biological, psychological, and social [...] Read more.
Background: Late-onset depression (LOD) represents a distinct clinical and biological phenotype emerging in the context of global population ageing. This study aims to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, mechanistic pathways, and therapeutic approaches of LOD, integrating biological, psychological, and social dimensions. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence across epidemiology, clinical symptomatology, neurobiology, and treatment. Where conceptually appropriate or empirically overlapping, we incorporate findings from the broader late-life depression (LLD) literature. Results: LOD emerges (as a distinct clinical and biological entity in later life) as a clinically and biologically meaningful presentation of depression in later life, representing a minority of depressive cases. It is defined by prominent apathy, psychomotor slowing, and cognitive impairment, and is closely linked to frailty, medical comorbidity, and heightened dementia risk. Pathophysiological mechanisms converge on vascular, inflammatory, oxidative, and neuroplasticity pathways, while psychosocial adversity further shapes onset and course. Treatment prioritizes efficacy and tolerability amid multiple morbidity; SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line, with pro-dopaminergic or dual-action agents addressing anhedonia and apathy, and neuromodulation or augmentation strategies reserved for resistance. Integrative approaches combining pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions are essential to optimize outcomes in aging populations. Conclusions: Late-onset depression (is a distinct, biologically and psychosocially driven disorder) represents a biologically and psychosocially enriched subtype in its own within the spectrum of late-life depression, requiring integrated, personalized care. Addressing neurovascular mechanisms, psychosocial adversity, and prevention through coordinated geriatric and psychiatric strategies may improve outcomes in aging populations. Full article
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14 pages, 3368 KB  
Article
Short Femoral Stem Performance in Femoral Hip Fracture: Clinical and Radiological Evaluation and Comparative Study of Patients Older than 65 Years
by Daniel Godoy-Monzon, Jose Manuel Pascual Espinosa and Patricio Telesca
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010126 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 339
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Short femoral stems are increasingly used in total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet evidence regarding their performance in elderly femoral neck fracture (FNF) patients is limited. In this study, we compared clinical and radiographic outcomes of the use of a [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Short femoral stems are increasingly used in total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet evidence regarding their performance in elderly femoral neck fracture (FNF) patients is limited. In this study, we compared clinical and radiographic outcomes of the use of a short femoral stem (SFS) versus a conventional standard stem (CSS) in cementless THA. Materials and Methods: This prospective, single-center case–control study (1:2) included patients ≥ 65 years of age with displaced FNF (Garden 3–4) treated with cementless THA. Follow-up lasted a minimum of 2 years. Clinical evaluations included the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Roles and Maudsley satisfaction score, and thigh pain assessment. Radiographic evaluations assessed cup position, osseointegration (Moore signs), radiolucencies (DeLee–Charnley and Gruen zones), subsidence, leg length discrepancy (LLD), and heterotopic ossification. Results: A total of 114 patients were analyzed (38 with SFS versus 76 with CSS). The final follow-up HHS was 87 ± 2.7 (SFS) and 88 ± 2.5 (CSS) (p = 0.231), and satisfaction was excellent in nearly all patients in both groups. Thigh pain was rare and resolved by final follow-up in all SFS patients, and no radiographic loosening was observed. Early subsidence (≤3 mm) occurred in two SFSs and three CSSs without progression, while LLD < 1 cm was present in three SFS and eight CSS cases. No implant-related revisions occurred, and complication rates were low and comparable. Conclusions: Short femoral stems provided clinical and radiographic outcomes equivalent to those of conventional stems in elderly FNF patients treated with cementless THA. Short stems appear to be a safe and effective option in this population, and further studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm their durability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Hip Fractures)
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51 pages, 4344 KB  
Review
Mechanistic Pathways and Product Selectivity in Pyrolysis of PE, PP and PVC: A Foundation for Applied Chemistry in Europe
by Tim Tetičkovič, Dušan Klinar, Klavdija Rižnar and Darja Pečar
Molecules 2026, 31(2), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31020202 - 6 Jan 2026
Viewed by 899
Abstract
Plastic streams dominated by polyethylene (PE) including PE HD/MD (High Density/Medium Density) and PE LD/LLD (Low Density/Linear Low Density), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) across Europe demand a design framework that links synthesis with end of life reactivity, supporting circular economic goals [...] Read more.
Plastic streams dominated by polyethylene (PE) including PE HD/MD (High Density/Medium Density) and PE LD/LLD (Low Density/Linear Low Density), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) across Europe demand a design framework that links synthesis with end of life reactivity, supporting circular economic goals and European Union waste management targets. This work integrates polymerization derived chain architecture and depolymerization mechanisms to guide selective valorization of commercial plastic wastes in the European context. Catalytic topologies such as Bronsted or Lewis acidity, framework aluminum siting, micro and mesoporosity, initiators, and strategies for process termination are evaluated under relevant variables including temperature, heating rate, vapor residence time, and pressure as encountered in industrial practice throughout Europe. The analysis demonstrates that polymer chain architecture constrains reaction pathways and attainable product profiles, while additives, catalyst residues, and contaminants in real waste streams can shift radical populations and observed selectivity under otherwise similar operating windows. For example, strong Bronsted acidity and shape selective micropores favor the formation of C2 to C4 olefins and Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene (BTX) aromatics, while weaker acidity and hierarchical porosity help preserve chain length, resulting in paraffinic oils and waxes. Increasing mesopore content shortens contact times and limits undesired secondary cracking. The use of suitable initiators lowers the energy threshold and broadens processing options, whereas diffusion management and surface passivation help reduce catalyst deactivation. In the case of PVC, continuous hydrogen chloride removal and the use of basic or redox co catalysts or ionic liquids reduce the dehydrochlorination temperature and improve fraction purity. Staged dechlorination followed by subsequent residue cracking is essential to obtain high quality output and prevent the release of harmful by products within European Union approved processes. Framing process design as a sequence that connects chain architecture, degradation chemistry, and operating windows supports mechanistically informed selection of catalysts, severity, and residence time, while recognizing that reported selectivity varies strongly with reactor configuration and feed heterogeneity and that focused comparative studies are required to validate quantitative structure to selectivity links. In European post consumer sorting chains, PS and PC are frequently handled as separate fractions or appear in residues with distinct processing routes, therefore they are not included in the polymer set analyzed here. Polystyrene and polycarbonate are outside the scope of this review because they are commonly handled as separate fractions and are typically optimized toward different product slates than the gas, oil, and wax focused pathways emphasized here. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Europe, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 1601 KB  
Article
MAKO Robotic-Arm-Assisted Versus Conventional Dual-Incision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Propensity-Score-Matched Retrospective Study
by Le Wan, Chan-Young Lee and Kyung-Soon Park
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020405 - 6 Jan 2026
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Background: This propensity-score-matched retrospective study compared radiographic accuracy and short-term functional outcomes between MAKO robotic-arm-assisted and conventional dual-incision minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA). It was hypothesized that robotic assistance would provide superior radiographic accuracy, primarily smaller absolute deviations from the planned acetabular [...] Read more.
Background: This propensity-score-matched retrospective study compared radiographic accuracy and short-term functional outcomes between MAKO robotic-arm-assisted and conventional dual-incision minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA). It was hypothesized that robotic assistance would provide superior radiographic accuracy, primarily smaller absolute deviations from the planned acetabular inclination and anteversion and a higher proportion of cups within the Lewinnek safe zone, without improving early functional outcomes. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent dual-incision total hip arthroplasty were retrospectively analyzed at two affiliated institutions between March 2023 and March 2025. The study included 52 robotic-arm-assisted cases. The dual-incision technique used an anterolateral incision for acetabular preparation and cup implantation and a posterolateral incision for femoral preparation and stem implantation. Propensity score matching (1:1) generated 52 balanced pairs for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), preoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS), ASA class, and diagnosis. Operative time, blood loss, radiographic accuracy (acetabular anteversion, inclination, leg-length discrepancy [LLD], femoral and combined offsets, and stem subsidence), and functional outcomes (HHS, Oxford Hip Score [OHS], Forgotten Joint Score-12 [FJS-12]) were compared. Results: The robotic group achieved smaller deviations from the planned anteversion (1.15° vs. 3.0°, p < 0.001) and inclination (1.33° vs. 4.5°, p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of cups within the Lewinnek safe zone (98.1% vs. 82.7%, p = 0.016). Significant improvements were also seen in femoral stem subsidence (p = 0.006) and offset restoration, although the reduction in leg-length discrepancy did not reach statistical significance. Operative time was longer (77.8 vs. 65.0 min, p = 0.001), while blood loss and 6-month functional scores were comparable (HHS, p = 0.144; OHS, p = 0.328). Multivariable regression confirmed that greater deviations in acetabular orientation, higher LLD, and increased subsidence were independent predictors of poorer functional outcomes. Conclusions: MAKO robotic-arm assistance was associated with improved radiographic accuracy and biomechanical restoration in dual-incision THA, but no direct short-term functional advantage was observed. Greater radiographic precision was independently associated with better patient-reported outcomes, suggesting that technical precision is a key factor in optimizing early postoperative outcomes, highlighting the importance of technical accuracy in total hip arthroplasty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics)
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24 pages, 677 KB  
Article
Prospective Analysis of Perioperative Stress Response in Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Hepatitis B-Related Liver Disease
by Adem Tuncer, Sami Akbulut, Tevfik Tolga Sahin, Basri Satilmis, Zeki Ogut, Yasin Dalda and Sezai Yilmaz
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8970; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248970 - 18 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 558
Abstract
Background: Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver disease, yet the immunological consequences of surgical trauma in these patients are not fully understood. The liver plays a central role in immune regulation, and its dysfunction in HBV-related chronic [...] Read more.
Background: Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver disease, yet the immunological consequences of surgical trauma in these patients are not fully understood. The liver plays a central role in immune regulation, and its dysfunction in HBV-related chronic liver disease may alter the systemic stress response to surgery. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the stress response to surgical trauma of patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for HBV-related chronic liver disease in comparison to living liver donors (LLDs). Methods: This prospective study included 20 LDLT recipients with HBV infection and 20 LLDs who underwent living donor hepatectomy between August 2020 and February 2021. Specific biochemical markers (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-22, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β, GM-CSF, GLDH, and GalactB) were measured at designated intervals: preoperative day 0 (Preop), immediately after incision (Incision), post-hepatectomy (Hepatectomy), postoperative day 0 (POD0), POD1, and POD3 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Routine hematological and biochemical parameters (WBC, HGB, PLT, RDW, MPV, PDW, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, albumin, total bilirubin, plateletcrit, phosphorus, fibrinogen, and INR) were measured regularly at five predetermined times: Preop, POD0, POD1, POD2, and POD3. Results: Prior to LDLT, LDLT recipients had significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ) compared to LLDs (p < 0.05). However, following liver implantation, these cytokine levels increased significantly at POD0, POD1, and POD3 (p < 0.001). Specifically, IL-1 levels elevated from 0 in the preop period to 21.5 (97.5) in POD3, and IL-6 elevated from 0 in the preop period to 28.3 at POD3 (p = 0.056). Similarly, TNF-α and IFN-γ levels exhibited significant upward trends (p < 0.05). In contrast, cytokine levels in LLDs remained stable throughout the perioperative period, revealing no statistically significant variations (p > 0.05). Routine hematological and biochemical parameters demonstrated significant postoperative fluctuations in LDLT recipients, reflecting the metabolic and immune restoration process. Conclusions: These findings indicate that patients with HBV-related chronic liver disease exhibit a diminished stress response to trauma due to underlying immune dysregulation caused by chronic hepatic dysfunction. However, after LDLT, the stress response gradually normalizes, suggesting that liver transplantation not only restores hepatic function but also reestablishes immune homeostasis, potentially reducing infection risks and improving postoperative recovery. These findings emphasize the crucial role of the liver in regulating the body’s stress response to trauma and highlight the immunological benefits of LDLT in restoring immune homeostasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine)
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18 pages, 1042 KB  
Communication
Interlaboratory Concordance of a Multiplex ELISA for Lyme and Lyme-like Illness Using Australian Samples and Commercial Reference Panels: A Proof-of-Concept Study
by Kunal Garg, Fausto Villavicencio-Aguilar, Flora Solano-Rivera and Leona Gilbert
Pathogens 2025, 14(12), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14121281 - 12 Dec 2025
Viewed by 682
Abstract
Tick bites acquired in the northern or southern hemisphere can transmit microbes that may cause illness. The most prevalent infection is Lyme borreliosis (LB), with all proven cases to date having been acquired in the northern hemisphere. The existence of endemic LB in [...] Read more.
Tick bites acquired in the northern or southern hemisphere can transmit microbes that may cause illness. The most prevalent infection is Lyme borreliosis (LB), with all proven cases to date having been acquired in the northern hemisphere. The existence of endemic LB in Australia has not been proven explicitly, and there is uncertainty concerning the cause of “Lyme-like” disease (LLD) in Australia. As many tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are diagnosed by serology, validated assays for use in both the northern and southern hemispheres are required. Using a multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TICKPLEX®), two independent laboratories tested a total of 53 well-characterized reference sera that consisted of 33 samples from northern hemisphere patients with confirmed tick-borne disease (TBD) and 20 randomly selected sera from Australian patients with suspected TBDs, presenting with or without LLD. Antibody responses to multiple microbial antigens from causative agents of TBDs were found. High concordance between laboratories was demonstrated on this small set of samples. The results obtained provide the basis for further evaluation of TICKPLEX® on a larger number of samples from Australian patients with suspected TBDs. These findings should be considered preliminary, providing proof-of-concept evidence that warrants validation in larger, clinically diverse cohorts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in a Changing World)
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20 pages, 824 KB  
Article
MAGTF-Net: Dynamic Speech Emotion Recognition with Multi-Scale Graph Attention and LLD Feature Fusion
by Shiyin Zhu, Yinggang Xie and Zhiliang Wang
Sensors 2025, 25(23), 7378; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25237378 - 4 Dec 2025
Viewed by 559
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a novel speech emotion recognition model, named MAGTF-Net (Multi-scale Attention Graph Transformer Fusion Network), which addresses the challenges faced by traditional hand-crafted feature-based approaches in modeling complex emotional nuances and dynamic contextual dependencies. Although existing state-of-the-art methods have [...] Read more.
In this paper, we propose a novel speech emotion recognition model, named MAGTF-Net (Multi-scale Attention Graph Transformer Fusion Network), which addresses the challenges faced by traditional hand-crafted feature-based approaches in modeling complex emotional nuances and dynamic contextual dependencies. Although existing state-of-the-art methods have achieved improvements in recognition performance, they often fail to simultaneously capture both local acoustic features and global temporal structures, and they lack adaptability to variable-length speech utterances, thereby limiting their accuracy and robustness in recognizing complex emotional expressions. To tackle these challenges, we design a log-Mel spectrogram feature extraction branch that combines a Multi-scale Attention Graph (MAG) structure with a Transformer encoder, where the Transformer module adaptively performs dynamic modeling of speech sequences with varying lengths. In addition, a low-level descriptor (LLD) feature branch is introduced, where a multilayer perceptron (MLP) is employed for complementary feature modeling. The two feature branches are fused and subsequently classified through a fully connected layer, further enhancing the expressive capability of emotional representations. Moreover, a label-smoothing-enhanced cross-entropy loss function is adopted to improve the model’s recognition performance on difficult-to-classify emotional categories. Experiments conducted on the IEMOCAP dataset demonstrate that MAGTF-Net achieves weighted accuracy (WA) and unweighted accuracy (UA) scores of 69.15% and 70.86%, respectively, outperforming several baseline models. Further ablation studies validate the significant contributions of each module in the Mel-spectrogram branch and the LLD feature branch to the overall performance improvement. The proposed method effectively integrates local, global, and multi-source feature information, significantly enhancing the recognition of complex emotional expressions and providing new theoretical and practical insights for the field of speech emotion recognition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Intelligent Sensors)
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19 pages, 2755 KB  
Article
Low-Protein-Fed Chickens Benefit from Probiotic L. salivarius and L. johnsonii on Performance and Microbiota
by Xiaomei Dong, Xufeng Dou, Hao Tang, Yuanyuan Huang, Guiling Wu, Wei Dong, Hui’e Wang, Haihong Jiao, Yuxia Mei and Min Ren
Animals 2025, 15(22), 3346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223346 - 20 Nov 2025
Viewed by 617
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus salivarius TRM58163 and Lactobacillus johnsonii TRM59525—originally isolated from human infant feces (aged 0–6 months)—on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, liver function, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in 100-day-old Baicheng You chickens [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus salivarius TRM58163 and Lactobacillus johnsonii TRM59525—originally isolated from human infant feces (aged 0–6 months)—on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, liver function, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in 100-day-old Baicheng You chickens fed a low-protein diet. Ten strains isolated from infant feces were initially screened, and eight were assessed in vitro for safety, gastrointestinal tolerance, and antimicrobial activity. TRM58163 and TRM59525 showed the best probiotic potential. A total of 240 Baicheng You chickens (100 days old) were randomly assigned to two groups: The control group was fed a low-protein diet (CLD), while the experimental group had Lactobacillus salivarius TRM58163 and Lactobacillus johnsoni TRM59525 added to the low-protein diet (LLD, ≥1 × 109 CFU/g feed). Each treatment included four replicates of 30 chickens over 42 days. Probiotic supplementation significantly improved average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). It also enhanced antioxidant status, with increased plasma superoxide dismutase activity and reduced malondialdehyde levels. Lower total bilirubin levels indicated improved liver function. The LLD group showed increased ileal villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed greater microbial diversity, increased beneficial genera (e.g., Akkermansia, Bacteroides), and decreased harmful taxa (e.g., Sutterella). These microbial shifts were associated with improved growth and metabolic profiles. In conclusion, L. salivarius TRM58163 and L. johnsonii TRM59525 supplementation improved performance, gut health, and microbial composition, supporting their use as functional probiotics in low-protein poultry diets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Poultry)
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15 pages, 912 KB  
Article
Exploratory Behavioral Study of the Production and Processing of French Categorical Liaisons in Children with Expressive DLD
by Elisabeth Cesari, Bernard Laks and Frédéric Isel
NeuroSci 2025, 6(4), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci6040112 - 6 Nov 2025
Viewed by 844
Abstract
Categorical liaison—defined as the obligatory pronunciation of a latent word in the form of a final consonant when followed by a vowel as the initial word or a word beginning with a silent “h” (e.g., des‿ours [dezuʁs])—is a robust phonological phenomenon in French [...] Read more.
Categorical liaison—defined as the obligatory pronunciation of a latent word in the form of a final consonant when followed by a vowel as the initial word or a word beginning with a silent “h” (e.g., des‿ours [dezuʁs])—is a robust phonological phenomenon in French and an informative window into morphophonological development. This exploratory behavioral study investigates the dissociation between perception and production of categorical liaisons among 24 French-speaking children aged 6–10 years diagnosed with expressive Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). A battery of nine ad hoc tasks assessed perception and production across words, pseudowords, noun phrases, and sentences. Results showed that children with DLD performed comparably to typically developing peers in perceiving unrealized categorical liaisons but exhibited significantly more omissions in production, regardless of context or age. Production deficits correlated with reduced working memory and inhibitory control. These preliminary findings provide descriptive data that can inform the development of standardized assessment tools and generate hypotheses about the cognitive mechanisms underlying categorical liaison difficulties in DLD. Full article
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36 pages, 2758 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic Insights into Late-Life Depression and the Role of Environmental Drinking Water Composition: A Study on 18-Month-Old Mice
by João Pedro Costa-Nunes, Kseniia Sitdikova, Evgeniy Svirin, Johannes de Munter, Gabor Somlyai, Anna Gorlova, Alexandr Litavrin, Gohar M. Arajyan, Zlata Nefedova, Alexei Lyundup, Sergey Morozov, Aleksei Umriukhin, Sofia Iliynskaya, Anton Chernopiatko and Tatyana Strekalova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110626 - 31 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1246
Abstract
The study of molecular mechanisms underlying late-life depression (LLD) is increasingly important in light of population aging. To date, LLD-related molecular brain changes remain poorly understood. Furthermore, environmental factors such as climate change and geography contribute to LDD risks. One overlooked factor might [...] Read more.
The study of molecular mechanisms underlying late-life depression (LLD) is increasingly important in light of population aging. To date, LLD-related molecular brain changes remain poorly understood. Furthermore, environmental factors such as climate change and geography contribute to LDD risks. One overlooked factor might be deuterium—a stable hydrogen isotope—whose concentration in drinking water can vary geographically (~90–155 ppm) and alter the incidence of mood disorders. Conversely, potential effects of natural variations in deuterium content in drinking water on LLD symptoms and brain gene expression remain unknown. We conducted Illumina gene expression profiling in the hippocampi and prefrontal cortexes of 18-month-old C57BL/6J mice, a model of LLD-like behaviors, compared to 3-month-old controls. Separately, aged mice were allowed to consume deuterium-depleted (DDW, ~90 ppm) or control (~140 ppm) water for 21 days and were studied for LLD-like behaviors and Illumina gene expression of the brain. Naïve old mice displayed ≥2-fold significant changes of 35 genes. Housing on DDW increased their hedonic sensitivity and novelty exploration, reduced helplessness, improved memory, and significantly altered brain expression of Egr1, Per2, Homer1, Gadd45a, and Prdx4, among others. These genes revealed significant alterations in several GO-BP and KEGG pathways implicated in inflammation, cellular stress, synaptic plasticity, emotionality, and regeneration. Additionally, we found that incubation of primary neuronal cultures in DDW-containing buffer ameliorated Ca2+ influx and mitochondrial potential in a toxicity model, suggesting the involvement of mitochondrial mechanisms in the effects of decreased deuterium levels. Thus, aging induced profound brain molecular changes that may at least in part contribute to LLD pathophysiology. Reduced deuterium intake exerted modest but significant effects on LLD-related behaviors in aged mice, which can be attributed to, but not limited by ameliorated mitochondrial function and changes in brain gene expression. Full article
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11 pages, 1114 KB  
Article
Gait Recovery After Total Hip Arthroplasty with Subtrochanteric Osteotomy in Highly Dislocated Hips: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study
by Chan-Jin Park, Gun-Woo Lee, Chan Young Lee and Kyung-Soon Park
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(20), 7446; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207446 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 785
Abstract
Background: We aimed to analyze various gait parameters before and after THA for patients with a highly dislocated hip to examine gait recovery and whether it is continued. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study. We enrolled 10 patients with a [...] Read more.
Background: We aimed to analyze various gait parameters before and after THA for patients with a highly dislocated hip to examine gait recovery and whether it is continued. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study. We enrolled 10 patients with a highly dislocated hip (10 hips) due to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) or sequelae of septic arthritis of the hip (SSH). A spatio-temporal gait analysis was performed before THA with subtrochanteric osteotomy and one year after surgery for all patients, and 5 of them had a complete follow-up gait analysis at five years postoperatively. Demographics, clinical outcome, and radiological data were collected. Results: At one year postoperatively, the terminal double support (TDS) increased from 8.6% (4.3–12.6) to 11.3% (5.8–14.0) of the gait cycle (p = 0.02). The vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) increased from 0.96 N/BW (0.69–1.30) to 1.11 N/BW (0.95–1.31) for the first peak (p = 0.045) and from 0.87 N/BW (0.59–1.12) to 1.10 N/BW (1.00–1.30) for the second peak (p = 0.001). However, there was no improvement in any gait parameters at five years postoperatively compared to one year postoperatively. The mean HHS was 57.2 (43–67) before surgery and 79.6 (61–88) at the last follow-up (p = 0.001). The preoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD), which was 43.6 mm (18.2–71.6), and improved to 9.8 mm (2.1–22.1) after surgery. Conclusions: Improvements in stance-phase stability (TDS) and vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) enhanced gait after THA in patients with highly dislocated hips; however, these gains were only observed until 1 year postoperatively, with no further improvement thereafter. Notably, the magnitude of improvement in TDS and vGRF may exceed that typically reported after THA for primary osteoarthritis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics)
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12 pages, 757 KB  
Opinion
On the Trail of Stubborn Bacterial Yellowing Diseases
by Moshe Bar-Joseph
Microorganisms 2025, 13(10), 2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102296 - 3 Oct 2025
Viewed by 800
Abstract
This retrospective review traces personal encounters along the complex path of plant yellowing diseases—graft-transmissible disorders historically attributed to elusive viruses, but later linked to phloem-invading, wall-less bacteria known as Mollicutes. These include two plant-infecting genera: the cultivable Spiroplasma and the non-cultivable ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’. [...] Read more.
This retrospective review traces personal encounters along the complex path of plant yellowing diseases—graft-transmissible disorders historically attributed to elusive viruses, but later linked to phloem-invading, wall-less bacteria known as Mollicutes. These include two plant-infecting genera: the cultivable Spiroplasma and the non-cultivable ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’. A third group—the walled, psyllid-transmitted Candidatus Liberibacter—was later implicated in closely similar syndromes. This shift in understanding marked a major turning point in plant pathology, offering new insights into yellowing diseases characterized by stunting, decline, and poor or deformed growth. The review focuses on key syndromes: citrus little leaf disease (LLD), or citrus stubborn disease (CSD), caused by Spiroplasma citri; and several Mollicute -related disorders, including safflower phyllody, Bermuda grass yellowing, and papaya dieback (PDD) (Nivun Haamir), the latter linked to ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense’. Despite differing causes and vectors, citrus LLD-CSD and PPD share an erratic, unpredictable pattern of natural outbreaks—sometimes a decade apart—hindering grower engagement and sustained control efforts. While scientific understanding has deepened, practical management remains limited. The recent global spread of Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter species, underscores the urgent need for improved strategies to manage this resilient group of phloem-limited bacterial pathogens. Full article
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12 pages, 1242 KB  
Brief Report
Functional HER1/HER2-Expressing Murine Tumor Models for Preclinical Evaluation of Targeted Therapies
by Talia Fundora-Barrios, Amanda R. Hechavarría-Bajuelo, Lisset Chao García, Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Cruz, Najara Gonzalez-Suarez, Gretchen Bergado-Baez and Belinda Sánchez-Ramírez
Receptors 2025, 4(4), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/receptors4040018 - 24 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1005
Abstract
Background: HER1 and HER2 are critical receptors involved in tumorigenesis and the development of targeted therapies for various carcinomas. However, most antibodies and drugs currently in development do not recognize murine orthologs, which restricts their evaluation in immunocompetent models. Methods: We generated nine [...] Read more.
Background: HER1 and HER2 are critical receptors involved in tumorigenesis and the development of targeted therapies for various carcinomas. However, most antibodies and drugs currently in development do not recognize murine orthologs, which restricts their evaluation in immunocompetent models. Methods: We generated nine tumor models through the lentiviral transduction of murine prostate (RM1), lung (3LL-D122), and breast (4T1) carcinoma cell lines, subsequently validating them in immunocompetent BALB/c and C57BL/6 hosts. Receptor expression and functionality were characterized using flow cytometry, immunoblotting, proliferation assays, and therapeutic sensitivity testing. Results: Transduced cells exhibited stable membrane expression of HER1/HER2 and ligand-induced phosphorylation, confirming receptor functionality. In all three tumor models generated, the expression of HER1 and/or HER2 significantly enhanced cell proliferation compared to parental lines. Furthermore, treatment with specific monoclonal antibodies and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor markedly reduced the viability of cells expressing HER1 and/or HER2, without affecting negative controls. Conclusions: These models provide a robust and reproducible platform for the preclinical evaluation of HER1/HER2-targeted therapies in immunocompetent hosts. Although the current model relies on subcutaneous implantation and does not fully replicate the native tumor microenvironment, it represents a crucial first step toward the development of orthotopic and immunologically relevant models for translational cancer research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Receptors: Exceptional Scientists and Their Expert Opinions)
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18 pages, 2876 KB  
Article
Theoretical Approach of Stability and Mechanical Properties in (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x (AB = NbTa, NbMo, MoTa) Refractory High-Entropy Alloys
by Heng Luo, Yuanyuan Zhang, Zixiong Ruan, Touwen Fan, Te Hu and Hongge Yan
Coatings 2025, 15(9), 1092; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15091092 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 883
Abstract
The stability and mechanical properties of (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x (AB = NbTa, NbMo, MoTa) refractory high-entropy alloys have been investigated by combining the first-principles with special quasi-random structure (SQS) method. It is found that with the increase in solute concentration x, [...] Read more.
The stability and mechanical properties of (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x (AB = NbTa, NbMo, MoTa) refractory high-entropy alloys have been investigated by combining the first-principles with special quasi-random structure (SQS) method. It is found that with the increase in solute concentration x, the ΔHmix of (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x (AB = NbMo, MoTa) linearly decreases, whereas both ΔHmix and ΔSmix of (TiZrHf)1−x(NbTa)x increase initially and subsequently decrease, with the crossover occurring at x = 0.56. The ΔHmix of (TiZrHf)1−x(NbTa)x and (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x (AB = NbMo, MoTa) alloys are larger and lower than that of TiZrHf, respectively, while the ΔSmix of all (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x is larger than that of TiZrHf. The formation possibility parameter Ω of all (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x (AB = NbMo, MoTa) first decreases sharply, followed by a gradual decrease. And the local lattice distortion (LLD) parameter δ remains relatively stable around x = 0.56 for all cases, after which it decreases sharply until x = 0.89. The δ value of (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x is higher than that of TiZrHf for x < 0.56 but becomes lower beyond this composition. The valence electron concentration (VEC), a possible indicator for a single-phase solution, of (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x increases nearly linearly, while the formation energy ΔHf of (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x shows the opposite tendency, except for (TiZrHf)0.67(NbTa)0.33. Furthermore, the VEC of all (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x alloys increases, whereas their ΔHf decreases compared to that of TiZrHf. The ideal strength σp of (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x increases linearly, reaching approximately 2.12 GPa. The bulk modulus (B), elastic modulus (E), and shear modulus (G) also exhibit linear increases, and their values in all (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x alloys are higher than those of TiZrHf, with some exceptions. The Cauchy pressure (C12C44) and Pugh’s ratio G/B of all (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x alloys increase, whereas the Poisson’s ratio ν exhibits the opposite trend. Moreover, the C12C44 and G/B ratio of TiZrHf are lower and higher, respectively, than those of (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x, and the ν of TiZrHf is lower than that of (TiZrHf)1−x(AB)x. This study provides valuable insights for the design of high-performance TiZrHf-based refractory high-entropy alloys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations, Applications and Advances of High-Entropy Alloy Coatings)
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10 pages, 919 KB  
Article
Understanding Weightbearing Symmetries During Crawling in Typically Developing Infants and Infants with Limb Loss
by Mark D. Geil, Jill Cannoy, Emma Stockwell, Colleen Coulter, Megan Knapp, Lyle Blackwelder, Lucas Northway and Austin Brown
Symmetry 2025, 17(9), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17091558 - 17 Sep 2025
Viewed by 2152
Abstract
Crawling is an almost universal stage of locomotor development in infants; however, it is difficult to quantify using typical motion analysis techniques. The crawling stage therefore has underutilized potential to assess development and detect deviations or abnormalities. This study measured longitudinal weightbearing asymmetries [...] Read more.
Crawling is an almost universal stage of locomotor development in infants; however, it is difficult to quantify using typical motion analysis techniques. The crawling stage therefore has underutilized potential to assess development and detect deviations or abnormalities. This study measured longitudinal weightbearing asymmetries in typically developing (TD) crawling children and compared this population to children with limb loss or limb differences (LLD) using a pressure-sensing mat. The LLD group bore significantly more weight using their arms vs. their legs than the TD group (p < 0.001), but even in cases of unilateral limb loss, bilateral weightbearing symmetry was similar to TD, controlling for body mass and age (p = 0.570). As children in the TD group developed and gained body mass, their weight shifted significantly to their left side (η2 = 0.050) and away from their arms and toward their legs (η2 = 0.255). The results provide insight into the biomechanical development of TD infant crawling, and the ways in which an atypically developing population manages weightbearing during crawling. The establishment of symmetry data will be useful, as crawling can serve as an opportunity for earlier detection of neuromotor conditions such as cerebral palsy. Furthermore, insight into the crawling patterns of children with limb loss and limb difference can inform prosthetic prescription and the need to consider a missing weight shift toward the legs as children develop. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry and Asymmetry in Biomechanics and Gait Mechanics)
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