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22 pages, 13908 KB  
Article
Integrated Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Effect of Anthocyanins on Flower Color Variation in Michelia odora
by Yuan Xie, Pengbo Yan, Li Liu, Jun Ni and Shinan Liu
Biology 2026, 15(14), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15141217 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
The flower color of Michelia odora, an important landscape tree plant, shows significant ornamental value, but its regulatory mechanisms remain to be further explored. The present work integrated metabolomic with transcriptomic analyses for elucidating the anthocyanin biosynthesis mechanisms in light pink and [...] Read more.
The flower color of Michelia odora, an important landscape tree plant, shows significant ornamental value, but its regulatory mechanisms remain to be further explored. The present work integrated metabolomic with transcriptomic analyses for elucidating the anthocyanin biosynthesis mechanisms in light pink and deep pink M. odora flowers. Our metabolomic analysis identified 13 differentially expressed anthocyanins, 11 of which, especially cyanidins, were significantly accumulated within deep pink petals versus light pink ones. As revealed by our transcriptomic analysis, 33 differential genes were related to flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Further, transcription factor genes, encompassing three MoMYB alongside two MobHLH genes, were likely the hub genes that modulated anthocyanin biosynthesis. Quantitative real-time PCR validation indicated that certain genes, like MoPAL, MoC4H, Mo4CL, MoCHS, MoCHI, MoUGT75C1, MoMYB3, MobHLH1, and MobHLH3, displayed concurrent expression with anthocyanin accumulation within deep pink petals. Collectively, these results indicate the role of anthocyanin accumulation in deep pink color, and the effect of upregulated genes on increasing anthocyanin levels. Our results shed novel light on color change mechanisms underlying M. odora, and provide a theoretical basis for flower breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)
17 pages, 10486 KB  
Article
Phenotype-Oriented Characterization of NSC828786 Identifies Convergent HPN-AMACR-Associated Transcriptomic Signatures in Prostate Adenocarcinoma and Broad-Spectrum Antiproliferative Activity
by Ya-Ting Wen, Rosario Trijuliamos Manalu, Han-Lin Hsu, Yu-Cheng Kuo, Ruey-Shyang Soong, Feng-Cheng Liu, Maryam Rachmawati Sumitra, Sheng-Liang Huang, Shih-Yu Lee, Sung-Ling Tang, I-Chuan Yen, Hong-Jaan Wang, Bashir Lawal, Alexander T. H. Wu and Hsu-Shan Huang
Cells 2026, 15(14), 1314; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15141314 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
Prostate cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality, and new therapeutic strategies are needed for advanced disease. Niclosamide and related salicylanilide compounds have emerged as multitarget anticancer agents, but the molecular contexts associated with their activity remain incompletely understood. Here, we applied [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality, and new therapeutic strategies are needed for advanced disease. Niclosamide and related salicylanilide compounds have emerged as multitarget anticancer agents, but the molecular contexts associated with their activity remain incompletely understood. Here, we applied a phenotype-oriented integrative framework to characterize the molecular context and phenotypic activity of NSC828786, a niclosamide-like salicylanilide derivative. Cross-cohort transcriptomic analyses identified AMACR (alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase) and HPN (hepsin) as consistently upregulated genes in independent prostate adenocarcinoma cohorts. NCI-60 profiling demonstrated broad-spectrum low-micromolar antiproliferative activity, including AR-negative prostate cancer and breast cancer cell lines spanning multiple receptor subtypes; however, quantitative ranking did not support preferential receptor subtype selectivity. CellMiner COMPARE analysis showed no significant correlation between baseline AMACR or HPN expression and NSC828786 sensitivity. Structure-based analyses supported computational compatibility of NSC828786 with predicted HPN- and AMACR-associated binding regions, while zebrafish assays showed no overt developmental abnormalities at concentrations ≤ 5 μM. These findings identify NSC828786 as a phenotypically active salicylanilide derivative and position HPN and AMACR as exploratory candidate molecular associations warranting further mechanistic and target engagement studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Tumor Microenvironment: Interaction and Metabolism)
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20 pages, 5080 KB  
Article
Ce-Modified MnCo2O4 Flower-like Nanosheet Electrodes via PVP-Assisted Assembly for MnCo2O4//Carbon-Supported Iron Oxide Asymmetric Supercapacitors
by Wei Xu, Changxu Qu, Mingzhao Xing, Tingting Hao, Jian Hao, Zheng Zhao and Jing Wang
Micromachines 2026, 17(7), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17070870 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
Ce-modified MnCo2O4 flower-like nanosheet electrodes were prepared on nickel foam by a hydrothermal-calcination route and sequentially optimized with respect to reaction time, nominal Ce content, and PVP addition. Comparative SEM, XRD, XPS, and N2-sorption analyses identify MnCo2 [...] Read more.
Ce-modified MnCo2O4 flower-like nanosheet electrodes were prepared on nickel foam by a hydrothermal-calcination route and sequentially optimized with respect to reaction time, nominal Ce content, and PVP addition. Comparative SEM, XRD, XPS, and N2-sorption analyses identify MnCo2O4-9 h-3%Ce-PVP as the optimized electrode, with an open hierarchical nanosheet network and a BET surface area of 210.0 m2 g−1. The direct XRD/XPS control comparison distinguishes Ce-associated lattice and surface-state changes from PVP-associated synthesis effects without treating either trend as proof of substitutional Ce occupancy or quantitatively established oxygen vacancies. Likewise, PVP is treated as a morphology-directing additive whose transient adsorption or bridging role remains a synthesis hypothesis rather than a directly verified molecular mechanism. The optimized positive electrode delivers 2008 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, retains 1227 F g−1 at 20 A g−1, and shows 99.0% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles at 5 A g−1. A carbon-supported iron oxide negative electrode, designated C/Fe2O3 only as a sample label because its exact oxide phase was not independently resolved by XRD or Raman spectroscopy, provides 443 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. The resulting charge-balanced asymmetric device operates over 0–1.6 V and delivers 34.6 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, corresponding to 12.30 Wh kg−1 at 0.8 kW kg−1. At 10 A g−1, it retains 29.8 F g−1 and delivers 10.60 Wh kg−1 at 8.0 kW kg−1, equivalent to 86.1% capacitance retention over a tenfold increase in current density. All device-level gravimetric values are calculated using the total active mass of both electrodes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Energy Storage Techniques: Chemistry, Materials and Devices)
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53 pages, 20152 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Dynamics and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) from Central Plateau of Moldova, Romania
by Maria-Virginia Tanasa (Acretei), Ticuta Negreanu-Pirjol, Verginica Schröder, Laura Adriana Bucur, Bogdan-Stefan Negreanu-Pirjol, Florentina Nicoleta Roncea, Antoanela Popescu, Ioana Cristina Marinas, Diana-Madalina Gaboreanu, Dan Razvan Popoviciu, Simona Margareta Coman and Natalia Rosoiu
Molecules 2026, 31(14), 2549; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31142549 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
The therapeutic use of Taraxacum officinale L. remains a challenge due to its chemical profile shifting dramatically, markedly with seasonal variation and processing techniques. To address this, the paper evaluated how the plant organ, harvest season, and extraction technique as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) [...] Read more.
The therapeutic use of Taraxacum officinale L. remains a challenge due to its chemical profile shifting dramatically, markedly with seasonal variation and processing techniques. To address this, the paper evaluated how the plant organ, harvest season, and extraction technique as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and solid–liquid extraction in a Soxhlet system (both using hydroalcoholic solvent concentrations of 70:30 (v/v) ethanol) and conventional cold maceration, at solvent concentration 50:50 (v/v) ethanol, respectively 70:30 (v/v) ethanol, could have impact both metabolite yield and biological activity. The findings show that a single, uniform extraction protocol is inefficient; instead, the data support a dual-harvest approach of vegetal product. Autumn harvests are ideal for extracting tannins and anthocyanins, while spring harvests maximize flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. In terms of methodology, UAE, with 70:30 (v/v) ethanol, consistently outperforms other approaches because it prevents thermal degradation of Soxhlet extraction and improves the recovery of intermediate-polarity compounds. As a result, UAE extracts showed the strongest antimicrobial action, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, and notable effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, brine shrimp lethality screening confirmed the safety of all extracts (LC50 > 1000 µg/mL). Notably, the root extracts induced a specific, non-lethal delay in larval development, likely tied to their unique bitter principles. This research provides a practical framework for tailoring harvest and extraction parameters to target specific compounds for clinical and nutraceutical use. Full article
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23 pages, 12557 KB  
Article
Antibacterial Mechanisms and Skin-Protective Activities of Syzygium nervosum Leaf Extracts from Different Geographical Origins
by Krissana Khoothiam, Pantira Tachit, Natthaphon Thatsanasuwan, Orada Chumphukam, Saranya Chaiwaree, Nittiya Suwannasom, Thida Kaewkod, Aussara Panya, Ratchanaporn Chokchaisiri and Chutamas Thepmalee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(14), 6515; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27146515 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
Human skin is continuously exposed to microbial invasion and oxidative stress, highlighting the need for safe and effective natural skin-protective agents. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-tyrosinase activities of methanolic leaf extracts of Syzygium nervosum collected from Chiang Mai [...] Read more.
Human skin is continuously exposed to microbial invasion and oxidative stress, highlighting the need for safe and effective natural skin-protective agents. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-tyrosinase activities of methanolic leaf extracts of Syzygium nervosum collected from Chiang Mai (SNLM-CM) and Phayao (SNLM-PY), Thailand. LC–QTOF–MS analysis revealed distinct phytochemical profiles between the extracts, suggesting that geographical origin influenced their biological activities. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli was evaluated, together with studies of bacterial membrane integrity. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC assays, while anti-tyrosinase activity and cytotoxicity toward normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) were determined by MTT assay. Both extracts exhibited potent antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) likely through membrane disruption, as evidenced by propidium iodide uptake, intracellular DNA and protein leakage, and scanning electron microscopy observations. SNLM-CM showed stronger antioxidant activity, whereas SNLM-PY demonstrated greater anti-tyrosinase activity. The extracts maintained high NHDF viability at concentrations below 100 µg/mL and retained antibacterial efficacy when incorporated into a cleansing gel formulation. Overall, S. nervosum leaf extracts exhibit promising antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-tyrosinase activities, warranting further investigation to optimize their safety and efficacy for dermatological and cosmetic use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)
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18 pages, 10980 KB  
Article
A Dual–Mode Nanozyme Assay Based on Photoactivated Mn–Doped Carbon Nanosheets for Rapid Evaluation of Antioxidant Responses in Tea Beverages and Dairy Tea Matrices
by Qiongmeng Lu, Qiuju He, Xiling Fang, Zheng Wei, Qi Zhang, Yaxiong Song, Shijie Li and Shuo Wang
Foods 2026, 15(14), 2572; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15142572 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
Rapid and matrix–aware evaluation of antioxidant responses in dairy–containing tea beverages remains challenging because milk components may interfere with the detectable activity of tea polyphenols. In this study, a photoactivated Mn–doped carbon nanosheet (Mn–CNS)–based dual–mode nanozyme assay was developed for the rapid evaluation [...] Read more.
Rapid and matrix–aware evaluation of antioxidant responses in dairy–containing tea beverages remains challenging because milk components may interfere with the detectable activity of tea polyphenols. In this study, a photoactivated Mn–doped carbon nanosheet (Mn–CNS)–based dual–mode nanozyme assay was developed for the rapid evaluation of antioxidant responses in tea beverages and dairy tea matrices. The Mn–CNSs exhibited light–triggered oxidase–like activity toward 3,3′,5,5′–tetramethylbenzidine, enabling synchronized colorimetric and fluorescence readouts within 1 min. Using epigallocatechin gallate as a model antioxidant, the assay showed limits of detection of 0.22 and 0.29 μg/mL in the colorimetric and fluorescence modes, respectively, together with good selectivity and applicability to tea infusions. When applied to milk tea systems, the measurable antioxidant response decreased to 56.9–72.2% of that in corresponding tea infusions, indicating a pronounced matrix–dependent attenuation. Matrix–matched calibration and dual–indicator recovery analysis further distinguished tea infusion recovery from antioxidant response recovery, while molecular docking suggested that β–lactoglobulin–EGCG interactions contributed to the reduced detectable response. These results demonstrate that the proposed dual–mode assay is a rapid tool for antioxidant–response evaluation and highlight the importance of matrix–aware interpretation in complex dairy tea beverages. Full article
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17 pages, 1414 KB  
Article
A Fusarium Isolate from a Salt Marsh Improves the Salinity Tolerance of a Commercial Cultivar of Festuca rubra via Enhanced Root K+ Homeostasis
by Liping Wang, Sasirekha Munikumar, Junjie Yi, Marten Staal, Jan Henk Venema and Theo Elzenga
Microorganisms 2026, 14(7), 1598; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14071598 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
Salinity poses a major threat to sustainable agriculture and coastal ecosystems, resulting in a substantial loss of plant productivity and biodiversity. Although some coastal grass species exhibit natural adaptation to saline conditions, the physiological mechanisms underlying salt tolerance remain incompletely understood, particularly regarding [...] Read more.
Salinity poses a major threat to sustainable agriculture and coastal ecosystems, resulting in a substantial loss of plant productivity and biodiversity. Although some coastal grass species exhibit natural adaptation to saline conditions, the physiological mechanisms underlying salt tolerance remain incompletely understood, particularly regarding the contribution of plant-associated microorganisms. In a previous study, a commercial cultivar of red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. rubra cv. Rafael) was shown to be salt sensitive when grown hydroponically, whereas wild populations of F. rubra commonly occur in coastal salt marshes (possibly ssp. litoralis). We hypothesized that this difference in salt tolerance is partly associated with beneficial fungal plant interactions. To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether inoculation with a fungal isolate designated Fusarium sp. 1 and isolated from F. rubra growing on a salt marsh along the Dutch Wadden Sea coast could improve the salinity tolerance of the commercial cultivar. The results showed that inoculation with Fusarium sp. 1 alleviated the salt-induced growth inhibition. At 100 mM NaCl, shoot and root biomass were partially restored relative to non-inoculated controls, accompanied by a significant increase in the shoot-to-root ratio. To investigate the physiological basis of this response, we applied the Microelectrode Ion Flux Estimation (MIFE) technique to quantify Na+ -induced K+ efflux in roots. Inoculated plants exhibited improved K+ homeostasis, characterized by a reduced instantaneous Na+-induced K+ efflux and a faster recovery of root fluxes. Moreover, inoculated plants grown at 50 and 100 mM NaCl displayed 333% and 397% greater net K+ influx, respectively, compared with non-inoculated controls. Our results indicated that inoculation with Fusarium sp. 1 improves the salinity tolerance of F. rubra, likely through enhanced root K+ retention. These findings suggest that commercial F. rubra cultivars remain responsive to beneficial microbial associations and highlight the potential of exploring plant–microbe interactions from naturally salt-adapted environments to improve salinity resilience in grasses and potentially other crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms in Agriculture, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 709 KB  
Article
Longitudinal Trajectories of Resting Energy Expenditure, Cortisol and IGF-1, and Disease Severity in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Pilot Study
by Dimitrios Karayiannis, Anna Elena Yatsulava, Dimitra Katsigianni, Georgios Poupouzas, Charikleia S. Vrettou, Vasileios Issaris, Efthymia Botoula, Marinella Tzanela, Dimitra A. Vassiliadi, Alice G. Vassiliou and Ioanna Dimopoulou
Nutrients 2026, 18(14), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18142391 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Resting energy expenditure (REE) rises during critical illness, but its determinants and prognostic relevance remain incompletely characterized. Identifying a circulating signal that tracks REE could provide a bedside surrogate for metabolic demand where indirect calorimetry is unavailable. This prospective pilot study described [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Resting energy expenditure (REE) rises during critical illness, but its determinants and prognostic relevance remain incompletely characterized. Identifying a circulating signal that tracks REE could provide a bedside surrogate for metabolic demand where indirect calorimetry is unavailable. This prospective pilot study described longitudinal trajectories of indirect calorimetry-measured REE, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, serum cortisol and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) over two weeks in the intensive care unit (ICU), examined whether the REE trajectory was attenuated by adjustment for these variables, and generated preliminary effect-size and variance estimates for mortality. Methods: This single-center pilot study enrolled 39 critically ill adults at Evangelismos General Hospital (Athens, Greece); sample size was pragmatic, not based on an a priori power calculation. REE (Q-NRG metabolic monitor), cortisol and IGF-1 were measured at admission and days 5–7, 10–11 and 13–14, alongside SOFA. Trajectories were modeled with linear mixed-effects models using all available repeated measures. Confounding was assessed by adding SOFA, cortisol and IGF-1 as covariates and evaluating attenuation of the time effect; no formal mediation analysis was performed. Causes of missing data were quantified and a completers-only sensitivity analysis was undertaken. Mortality was analyzed by Cox regression with ICU length of stay as the time variable. Estimation was emphasized throughout; point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported in preference to significance testing. Results: Mean age was 54.6 ± 18.1 years; 69.2% were male; median admission SOFA was 6 (IQR 3–9). ICU and 28-day mortality were 20.5% (8/39) and 10.3% (4/39). REE/kg rose from 25.3 ± 3.7 to a peak of 27.2 ± 4.2 kcal/kg/day by days 10–11 (likelihood-ratio χ2 = 17.2, p = 0.0006). Attrition was driven predominantly by discharge alive (18 of 23 patients missing at days 13–14) rather than death (n = 2), and the trajectory was preserved in a completers-only sensitivity analysis (χ2 = 9.13, p = 0.028). Cortisol declined (21.1 to 13.4 μg/dL) and IGF-1 rose (80.0 to 105.4 ng/mL); SOFA was essentially unchanged. REE did not correlate with SOFA, cortisol or IGF-1 at any time-point, and the time effect was not attenuated by adjustment for them. Admission REE was not associated with ICU mortality (HR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00–1.00). Higher admission REE was associated with a longer ICU stay, and this persisted after adjustment for body mass index (p = 0.026) and fat-free mass (p = 0.001). Age (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.09) and admission SOFA (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.98–1.44) were the covariates most associated with ICU mortality. Conclusions: REE rose progressively over the first 10–11 days of critical illness. Its trajectory was not attenuated by adjustment for SOFA, cortisol or IGF-1, which is compatible with—but does not establish—independence from the adrenal and somatotropic markers measured here. Neither REE nor these hormones were associated with mortality; age and disease severity remained the dominant prognostic factors, supporting a larger confirmatory study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Support for Critically Ill Patients)
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24 pages, 3689 KB  
Review
Helicobacter pylori Vacuolating Cytotoxin A: Structure, Biological Functions, Genetic Polymorphisms, and Therapeutic Perspectives
by Xiaona Song, Xiaoqiong Tang, Alfred Tay, Mohammed Benghezal, Barry J. Marshall, Hong Tang and Hong Li
Biomolecules 2026, 16(7), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16071068 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
VacA (vacuolating cytotoxin A) is a key virulence factor in Helicobacter pylori infection, contributing to chronic gastritis and gastric adenocarcinoma. It induces vacuolation, disrupts cellular functions, and modulates immune responses, aiding bacterial survival in the harsh gastric environment. Genetic diversity in the vacA [...] Read more.
VacA (vacuolating cytotoxin A) is a key virulence factor in Helicobacter pylori infection, contributing to chronic gastritis and gastric adenocarcinoma. It induces vacuolation, disrupts cellular functions, and modulates immune responses, aiding bacterial survival in the harsh gastric environment. Genetic diversity in the vacA gene, particularly alleles like s1 and m1, is associated with more severe clinical outcomes. Recent advances in structural biology, especially cryo-electron microscopy, have revealed VacA’s oligomeric structure and its ability to form anion-selective channels in host cell membranes, providing important insights into its cytotoxic mechanisms. Understanding VacA’s structure and function is essential for unraveling its role in immune evasion and cellular damage. These findings also pave the way for targeted therapeutic strategies, such as subunit vaccines designed to neutralize VacA’s immunosuppressive effects, potentially leading to more effective control of H. pylori infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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11 pages, 405 KB  
Article
The Relationship Between Postoperative Pain and Subcutaneous Tissue Thickness Following Cesarean Section
by Mustafa Bakırcı, Çağlayan Ateş, Hüseyin Karakaya and Ece Ermin
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(14), 5731; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15145731 - 22 Jul 2026
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to identify clinical and obstetric factors associated with acute postoperative pain in pregnant women undergoing primary elective cesarean section and, in particular, to investigate the relationship between intraoperative subcutaneous tissue thickness and the severity of postoperative [...] Read more.
Objective: The aim of this study is to identify clinical and obstetric factors associated with acute postoperative pain in pregnant women undergoing primary elective cesarean section and, in particular, to investigate the relationship between intraoperative subcutaneous tissue thickness and the severity of postoperative pain. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 82 pregnant women who underwent primary elective cesarean section between August 2025 and April 2026. All patients underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia by the same surgeon using a Pfannenstiel incision and received the clinic’s standard postoperative analgesia protocol. Subcutaneous tissue thickness was measured along the Pfannenstiel incision line during cesarean section using a sterile millimeter ruler. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h. Relationships between variables were examined using Spearman’s correlation analysis. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed for the 12th- and 24th-hour VAS scores to evaluate the independent predictors of postoperative pain. Results: The participants’ mean age was 26.1 ± 4.6 years, and their mean BMI was 30.4 ± 5.1 kg/m2. The median subcutaneous tissue thickness was 20 mm (interquartile range (IQR): 15–25). No significant association was found between subcutaneous tissue thickness and postoperative pain scores or changes in hemoglobin levels (all p > 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was observed between subcutaneous tissue thickness and BMI (r = 0.501, p < 0.001) and fetal weight (r = 0.428, p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analyses, subcutaneous tissue thickness, age, BMI, fetal weight, gestational age, hemoglobin change, and parity were found not to be independent predictors of VAS scores at 12 or 24 h (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Subcutaneous tissue thickness was not found to be associated with the severity of postoperative pain in patients undergoing primary elective cesarean section. Furthermore, none of the clinical and obstetric variables evaluated were shown to be independent predictors of acute postoperative pain. These findings suggest that local anatomical measurements alone may not be sufficient to explain postoperative pain following cesarean delivery and that postoperative pain is likely influenced by multiple non-anatomical factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
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22 pages, 15654 KB  
Article
A Method for Detecting Cattle Behaviors Based on RGB-Depth Dual-Modal Information Fusion
by Zihao Chen, Jiaxing Xie, Liang Mao, Qiuxia Chen and Linlin Wang
Animals 2026, 16(14), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16142259 - 21 Jul 2026
Abstract
In large-scale cattle farming, accurate behavior recognition is central to achieving intensive health monitoring and animal welfare assessment. To address challenges such as background interference from fences, feed troughs, and stains in real-world barns, and overlapping of cattle coupled with the inability of [...] Read more.
In large-scale cattle farming, accurate behavior recognition is central to achieving intensive health monitoring and animal welfare assessment. To address challenges such as background interference from fences, feed troughs, and stains in real-world barns, and overlapping of cattle coupled with the inability of single-RGB modalities to capture physical spatial structure, which leads to issues like blurred detection boundaries and significant noise interference—we propose a cattle behavior detection method based on RGB-Depth dual-modal information fusion. This approach jointly models the texture information from RGB images and the spatial structural information from depth images. Within this framework, this paper constructs three collaborative optimization modules: first, the CDSAM module is developed, which evaluates neuron importance through a parameter-free attention mechanism and combines dynamic convolutions to adapt to the cattle’s variable postures, effectively suppressing complex background noise. Second, we propose the C2BRA module based on a two-layer routed attention mechanism. By adopting a two-stage modeling approach of “region-level routing—intra-region fine-grained attention,” it adapts to changes in target scale and enhances the model’s ability to represent spatial context for multi-scale semantic information. Finally, in the prediction stage, a lightweight shared convolutional detection head (LSCD) is introduced. By sharing convolutional parameters across scales and decoupling the classification and regression architectures, it reduces computational overhead while maintaining accuracy. Experimental results show that the improved model achieves a mAP@0.5 of 90.3% on our self-built cattle behavior dataset, representing a 4.3 percentage point increase compared to the baseline model, while reducing GFLOPs from 11.0 G to 9.6 G, a decrease of 12.7%; Visualization results indicate that the improved model can focus more accurately on cattle body contours and key behavioral regions, thereby reducing false negatives and enhancing detection accuracy. Concurrently, the model achieves an optimal balance between detection performance and computational complexity, providing robust technical support for automated cattle behavior monitoring on smart farms. Full article
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20 pages, 9657 KB  
Article
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Marine Peptide, WPN-15, from Walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) Tail By-Products and Its Therapeutic Effects Against Atopic Dermatitis
by Sung-Gyu Lee, Jin-Woo Hwang and Hyun Kang
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(7), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18070895 - 21 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disorder in which epidermal barrier disruption and dysregulated immune responses drive persistent cutaneous inflammation. Owing to their broad spectrum of biological activities, marine-derived peptides have attracted increasing attention as potential therapeutic agents capable [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disorder in which epidermal barrier disruption and dysregulated immune responses drive persistent cutaneous inflammation. Owing to their broad spectrum of biological activities, marine-derived peptides have attracted increasing attention as potential therapeutic agents capable of modulating inflammatory and immune pathways. Methods: In this study, a novel peptide, WPN-15 (NGAIADQQPQRPNIV), was isolated from enzymatic hydrolysates of walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) tail by-products using an activity-guided purification process consisting of dialysis, fast protein liquid chromatography-gel permeation chromatography (FPLC-GPC), reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The anti-inflammatory activity of WPN-15 was first examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and subsequently validated in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis model using six-week-old male BALB/c mice. Results: WPN-15 significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated macrophages without causing cytotoxic effects. Topical administration of WPN-15 markedly alleviated DNCB-induced AD-like kin lesions, significantly reduced dermatitis severity scores, and decreased serum interleukin (IL)-6 levels. Histological evaluation further demonstrated that WPN-15 attenuated epidermal hyperplasia, dermal thickening, and mast cell infiltration. Furthermore, WPN-15 significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-6 and inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation in skin tissues, indicating that its protective effects are mediated, at least in part, through the suppression of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Conclusions: WPN-15 effectively attenuated inflammatory responses and pathological features associated with experimental AD. These findings demonstrate that walleye pollock tail by-products represent a valuable and sustainable source of bioactive peptides and support the potential application of WPN-15 as a marine-derived therapeutic candidate for the management of AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Drug Targeting and Design)
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23 pages, 2800 KB  
Article
A Topology-Aware Lane Instance Segmentation Network Based on Dynamic Snake Convolution and High-Resolution Feature Pyramid
by Sen Wang, Baohua Guo, Weifan Gu, Xiaoyu Zhang, Anthony Sigama and David Bassir
Electronics 2026, 15(14), 3213; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15143213 - 21 Jul 2026
Abstract
Accurate lane detection is essential for autonomous driving, but the elongated geometry of lane markings and the information loss caused by perspective projection still make continuous lane perception challenging. Existing Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) methods are limited by fixed receptive fields and repeated [...] Read more.
Accurate lane detection is essential for autonomous driving, but the elongated geometry of lane markings and the information loss caused by perspective projection still make continuous lane perception challenging. Existing Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) methods are limited by fixed receptive fields and repeated downsampling, which can weaken narrow curvilinear structures and distant lane details. To address these issues, this paper proposes an enhanced single-stage lane instance segmentation framework based on YOLOv11. Dynamic Snake Convolution (DSConv) is integrated into the feature extraction network as an adaptive sampling operator for finite-width lane-mask representations, enabling local sampling trajectories to better follow narrow curved lane structures. A high-resolution P2 branch (Stride = 4) is further constructed in the Feature Pyramid Network (FPN) to compensate for fine-grained spatial details lost in deep feature maps. A reproducible point-to-mask training and mask-to-point evaluation pipeline is also established for the sparse TuSimple annotations. Experiments on the TuSimple benchmark, which mainly represents structured daytime highway scenes, show that the proposed method improves mask Precision, Recall, and mAP50 by 8.5, 9.0, and 6.8 percentage points, respectively, compared with YOLOv11-seg, while reaching 103.09 FPS under the reported testing configuration. Qualitative results on a newly constructed CULane subset further indicate improved lane continuity under reflections, illumination changes, night scenes, and complex urban backgrounds, while failure cases reveal remaining sensitivity to lane-like linear structures and weak lane visibility. The results suggest a practical accuracy–efficiency trade-off within the YOLO-style segmentation framework, although robustness in broader real-world scenarios still requires further verification. Full article
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18 pages, 2287 KB  
Article
Antisense Oligonucleotides as a Gene-Silencing Strategy Regulating Cytosolic G6PDH in Hordeum vulgare
by Antonella Aquilone, Maryanna Martina Perrotta, Simone Landi and Sergio Esposito
Plants 2026, 15(14), 2223; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15142223 - 21 Jul 2026
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short, synthetic DNA fragments able to modulate gene expression. In this work, the cytosolic isoform of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Cyt-G6PDH) was selected as a target for ASOs to induce transient gene silencing in barley (Hordeum vulgare). G6PDH is [...] Read more.
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short, synthetic DNA fragments able to modulate gene expression. In this work, the cytosolic isoform of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Cyt-G6PDH) was selected as a target for ASOs to induce transient gene silencing in barley (Hordeum vulgare). G6PDH is the most important enzyme of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP), supplying NADPH and regulating the entire cycle. Different ASOs were tested at different concentrations on the leaf surface. Their effects were evaluated by measuring enzymatic activity, gene expression, and protein abundance. Treatment with 30 µM ASOs for 6 h represented the optimal condition, inducing a 40–60% reduction in G6PDH total activity in barley leaves, with a specific decrease in the cytosolic isoform, as determined by DTT-sensitive enzymatic assays. ASOs designed on the main regulator of cyt-G6PDH, the shaggy-like kinase (SK11), led to an analogous effect in terms of G6PDH activity, confirming the involvement of HvSK11 in the regulation of cyt-G6PDH in barley. Consistently, qRT-PCR analyses showed that ASO treatment simulates an abiotic stress condition obtained by the down-regulation of Cyt-G6PDH. These results support the use of ASOs as a rapid and efficient method for the functional analysis of key metabolic regulators in plants to overcome complications in recalcitrant organisms or lethal genes. Full article
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56 pages, 5180 KB  
Review
Ultracold Neutrons: From Production and Storage to Precision Tests of Fundamental Physics
by Abdurakhman Aldiyarov, Yevgeniy Korshikov, Ali Makhalov and Darkhan Yerezhep
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7298; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147298 - 21 Jul 2026
Abstract
Ultracold neutrons (UCNs) are free neutrons with kinetic energies so low that their equivalent thermal temperature lies below 3.5 mK (below 3 × 10−7 eV). At these extreme energies, neutrons exhibit de Broglie wavelengths on the order of hundreds of angstroms and [...] Read more.
Ultracold neutrons (UCNs) are free neutrons with kinetic energies so low that their equivalent thermal temperature lies below 3.5 mK (below 3 × 10−7 eV). At these extreme energies, neutrons exhibit de Broglie wavelengths on the order of hundreds of angstroms and move slowly enough to be confined in material, magnetic, and gravitational traps through total internal reflection. For context, this is about three orders of magnitude colder than the 1 K regime used in superfluid helium UCN sources, which underscores why these neutrons are called “ultracold”: their equivalent thermal energy is comparable to millikelvin physics, even though UCN sources themselves typically operate at 0.8–5 K and produce UCN through superthermal downscattering rather than thermal equilibrium. Over the past several decades, substantial progress in ultracold-neutron source technology has been achieved through the transition from mechanical neutron turbines to superthermal converters based on solid deuterium and superfluid helium. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of modern reactor-based (ILL, PNPI, TRIGA) and spallation-driven (PSI, TRIUMF, SNS, ESS) UCN sources, together with next-generation facilities targeting UCN densities of 103–104 cm−3. Particular attention is devoted to anomalous neutron losses during storage. It is shown that hydrogen-containing surface contaminants, inelastic scattering processes, and wall-induced depolarization contribute significantly to losses beyond those predicted for ideal materials. Current approaches for loss reduction are discussed, including diamond-like carbon coatings, magnetron sputtering techniques, optimization of the ortho–para ratio in neutron converters, and purification of superfluid 4He from trace concentrations of 3He impurities. The review further examines key precision experiments that drive advances in UCN technology, including investigations of the neutron lifetime discrepancy and searches for the neutron electric dipole moment at sensitivities approaching 10−27–10−28 e·cm as probes of CP violation and baryon asymmetry of the Universe. Finally, future directions for increasing UCN density, extending storage times, and enhancing the sensitivity of fundamental physics experiments are discussed. Full article
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