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The transition to college can be psychologically demanding. This study examines how a more mature and consolidated academic identity (AI) is related to three types of self-regulation strategies in college students during their first semester: cognitive reappraisal (CR), self-handicapping (SH), and self-affirmation (SA). Two self-related resources, quiet ego (QE)—a compassionate, growth-oriented self-identity—and self-esteem (SE)—an individual’s global self-assessment of self-worth—were theorized as complementary, but also unique, predictors of the relationship between AI and self-regulation strategies. QE reflects a less defensive, growth/balance-oriented self-structure with implications for self-regulation and adaptive development above and beyond SE. A multiple regression model testing only indirect effects was tested using R (lavaan) in a sample of first-semester college students (N = 352). The hypothesized model fit was acceptable (with five of six indirect hypotheses supported), but a model that added a direct path from AI to SH significantly improved fit without altering the indirect effect results. AI was positively related to CR and SA via both QE and SE, with the path via SE being the strongest. AI was related to lower SH both directly and indirectly only via QE. These results support and add to the literature on the benefits of QE and SE as important yet distinct psychosocial resources for college students. Implications for strengthening QE resources in first-year students are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Psychology)

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15 pages, 253 KB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Intelligence-Mediated Reasoning in Higher Education: A Pedagogical Framework from a Preliminary Observational Study

by Alberto Melián Ortiz, Elena Chamorro-Rebollo and Raúl Quintana-Alonso

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16040514 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly incorporated into higher education. However, most empirical studies focus on technological adoption or learner satisfaction rather than on how pedagogical design, perceived learning impact, and student experience interact within AI-mediated learning environments. Understanding these relationships is essential to determine whether AI supports higher-order reasoning processes rather than merely increasing technological engagement. Objective: This preliminary study aimed to develop and evaluate a theory-driven AI-mediated pedagogical framework and examine relationships between pedagogical design, perceived learning impact, and student satisfaction in a university learning context. Methods: An observational educational evaluation was conducted during implementation of an AI-mediated instructional framework in an undergraduate physiotherapy course. The full academic cohort (n = 22) completed a 24-item questionnaire assessing seven pedagogical domains on a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, exploratory regression modeling, and factor analysis were used to examine relationships among domains. Academic performance indicators were summarized descriptively. Results: Students reported high evaluations across all domains (means > 4.5/5). The strongest association with satisfaction was perceived learning impact (r = 0.79, p < 0.001). Moderate correlations were found for usability (r = 0.66), AI content quality (r = 0.61), pedagogical coherence (r = 0.58), critical thinking (r = 0.52), and ethical integration (r = 0.47). Academic pass rates exceeded 90%. Conclusions: Perceived learning impact emerged as the central mechanism linking AI-mediated instructional design to student satisfaction, suggesting that the educational value of AI depends on alignment with cognitively demanding learning processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic AI Trends in Teacher and Student Training)

28 pages, 700 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Toxoplasma gondii and a Cancer Biology Dichotomy: A Systematic Review of Experimental Studies of Its Antitumor and Pro-Tumor Effects

by Saachi Jhandi, Brenda Anissa Vera, Julian Galindo, Jose G. Montoya and Despina G. Contopoulos-Ioannidis

Pathogens 2026, 15(4), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15040351 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular parasite known to modulate host immunity and cellular signaling, raising interest in its potential influence on cancer biology. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate experimental evidence on the antitumor or pro-tumor effects of T. gondii infection and parasite-derived antigens and to categorize the underlying mechanisms. PubMed was searched through 9 September 2024, and 54 eligible experimental studies were included (41 in vivo, 10 in vitro, and three combined). Forty-six studies reported antitumor effects, two pro-tumor effects, one stage-dependent divergent effects (acute infection/antitumor vs. chronic infection/pro-tumor), and five highlighted T. gondii-associated cancer-pertinent signaling pathways. Antitumor effects were observed following acute infection and exposure to parasite antigens, certain recombinant proteins, and exosomal microRNA miR-155-5p. Dominant mechanistic categories included activation of innate and adaptive immunity and reversal of tumor microenvironment immunosuppression (notably Th1-driven IL-12/IFN-γ responses, antitumor M1 macrophage polarization), induction of apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, molecular mimicry and modulation of cancer-pertinent pathways. Conversely, pro-tumor effects were seen with chronic infection and exposure to ROP18 effector protein and miR-21. Future translational research should focus on rigorous evaluation of the safety and efficacy of attenuated non-replicating T. gondii strains and/or select recombinant antigens for potential cancer T. gondii-based immunotherapy. Full article

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22 pages, 3343 KB

Open AccessArticle

Surfactin-Producing Bacillus velezensis A1 Inhibits Lactic Acid Bacteria in Jiang-Flavor Baijiu Fermentation

by Xinyue Li, Menglin She, Lingfeng Yi, Guanyu Zhou, Yafei Lian, Chong Yang, Yaokang Wu, Yanfeng Liu, Ying Han and Jianghua Li

Foods 2026, 15(7), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15071140 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Lactic Acid Bacteria contribute to heightened acidity in the fermentation process of Jiang-flavor Baijiu due to their production of lactic acid. High-temperature Daqu may act as a reservoir for beneficial microorganisms and antimicrobial compounds. In this study, we utilized 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing to identify microbial taxa in high-temperature Daqu that inhibit the primary lactic acid bacterium involved in Jiang-flavor Baijiu fermentation, Acetilactobacillus jinshanensis, followed by the selection of antagonistic strains. The strain exhibiting the strongest antagonistic activity was identified as Bacillus velezensis based on whole-genome sequencing. Genome analysis revealed 12 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, from which one lipopeptide was identified. This lipopeptide was demonstrated to antagonize A. jinshanensis AJS1 by disrupting the cell membrane and inducing leakage of intracellular contents. Collectively, strain A1 and its secondary metabolites exhibit considerable promise as antagonistic agents to mitigate acidity increases triggered by A. jinshanensis AJS1 during the fermentation of Jiang-flavor Baijiu. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brewing Microorganisms in Fermented Foods: Physiological Characteristics, Succession Patterns and Metabolic Functions)

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Graphical abstract

14 pages, 979 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-World Outcomes of First-Line Cetuximab and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Recurrent and/or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multicenter Observational Study and Literature Review

by Zoran Rakušić, Vesna Bišof, Sanja Vušković, Zdenka Kotromanović, Suzana Erić, Jelena Viculin, Ljubica Vazdar, Marin Prpić, Davor Kust and Damir Vučinić

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(4), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33040183 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: The EXTREME regimen (cetuximab with cisplatin/carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil) has long been a standard first-line treatment for recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC), particularly in patients ineligible for immunotherapy. However, real-world evidence remains limited, especially in regions with delayed access to novel therapies. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study of 217 patients with R/M HNSCC treated with cetuximab-based chemotherapy at six Croatian oncology centers between 2016 and 2022, prior to reimbursement of pembrolizumab. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), response rates, and safety. Results: The majority (91%) received the EXTREME regimen. Median OS was 14 months (95% CI, 12–17), and median PFS was 6.2 months (95% CI, 6.0–7.2). Objective response rate was 21%, and disease control rate was 63%. Cetuximab-induced rash correlated with longer PFS. Grade ≥ 3 toxicity occurred in 18.9% of patients. No treatment-related deaths were observed. Conclusion: In routine clinical practice, cetuximab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy remains an effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment for R/M HNSCC, particularly in patients who are ineligible for immunotherapy or with PD-L1–negative tumors. These findings support its continued use in appropriately selected patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Head and Neck Oncology)

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36 pages, 8547 KB

Open AccessArticle

Key Indicator Detection and Authenticity Identification of Beer Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Multi-Task Feature Extraction

by Yongshun Wei, Guiqing Xi, Jinming Liu, Yuhao Lu, Chong Tan, Changan Xu and Weite Li

Molecules 2026, 31(7), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31071083 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

To address traditional beer detection limitations, this study proposes a rapid NIRS-based method for detecting key indicators and verifying authenticity. Designing Single-task (STL) and Multi-task learning (MTL) strategies, it employs Variable Importance in Projection for wavelength selection. Deep spectral features were extracted utilizing a Multi-Head Attention (MHA)-fused Convolutional Neural Network (CNN-MHA), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM-MHA), and hybrid CNN-LSTM-MHA networks. To further enhance model performance, the Bayesian Optimization Algorithm globally optimized network hyperparameters in STL, alongside hyperparameters and multi-task loss weights in MTL. Partial least squares regression, support vector machine regression, and partial least squares discriminant analysis models were established using these features. Results indicate that the MTL-based CNN-LSTM-MHA network effectively learns shared features across multiple tasks, significantly improving model generalization. Specifically, the coefficients of determination (

R^{2}

) for alcohol content and original wort concentration in the validation set were 0.996 and 0.997, respectively, with relative root mean square errors (rRMSE) of 2.024% and 2.515%. In the independent test set, the

R^{2}

were 0.995 and 0.991, with rRMSE of 2.515% and 2.087%, respectively. Furthermore, 100% classification accuracy was achieved across all datasets. This method provides an efficient technical solution for beer market regulation and real-time detection in production processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Chemistry)

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22 pages, 2736 KB

Open AccessArticle

Robustness of Sample Rankings by Fluorimetric Enzyme Activities Against Varied Protocol Conditions in Coarse-Textured Soils

by Kendall Mackin, Sarah L. Strauss, Yang Lin, Diego Arruda Huggins de Sá Leitão, Marcio R. Nunes and Gabriel Maltais-Landry

Soil Syst. 2026, 10(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10040045 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Soil enzyme activities are sensitive biochemical indicators that could benefit soil health assessments, especially in coarse-textured soils. Current protocols are inconsistent for fluorimetric assays and an optimized assay would facilitate comparisons of activities across climates and soils. A factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate how assay conditions affect the activity of three enzymes (acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase) across seven Florida mineral soils (>89% sand) by crossing two temperatures, four pH values, and two reaction termination reagents. Results between microplate fluorimetry and benchtop colorimetry and between air-dried and frozen (−80 °C) soils were also compared. For these soils, a pH of 4.5 with sodium hydroxide termination and a temperature of 25 °C were deemed “optimal” for maximizing activities and maintaining consistent trends. Activities measured with benchtop colorimetry and microplate fluorimetry were related for each enzyme (R² range: 0.58–0.83) and activities from air-dried soils were 50–90% of those from frozen soils (R² range: 0.75–0.91). Enzyme activities were positively correlated with other indicators (total C, nutrients), supporting their use in soil health assessments. As the rankings of soil samples by highest enzyme activities were similar regardless of protocol variations, this suggests that inherent soil properties were the dominant drivers of enzymatic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation: 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 3347 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogeography and Genetic Diversity of Rana kukunoris on the Northeast Qinghai-Xizang Plateau: Insights from Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene

by Fuhao Zhang, Bao Dong, Ying Zhao, Wanting Wang, Yanfeng He and Xuze Zhang

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071013 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Rana kukunoris is an amphibian species endemic to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and adapted to high-elevation environments. To clarify its genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure, mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) sequences from multiple localities across the northeastern plateau were analyzed. The results indicate moderate haplotype diversity coupled with low nucleotide variation, suggesting a demographic history shaped by historical bottlenecks and limited expansion. Furthermore, population genetic analyses reveal restricted gene flow and notable genetic differentiation among geographically separated localities. Phylogenetic reconstruction supports the presence of two major lineages, corresponding to northern and southern groups divided by an elevational boundary at approximately 3200 m. Historical demographic inference further suggests regionally distinct population dynamics rather than a pronounced, synchronous expansion. Overall, these findings demonstrate that plateau topography and Quaternary climatic oscillations have played key roles in shaping the evolutionary history and current genetic structure of R. kukunoris. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

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12 pages, 932 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot and Feasibility Study of an Individualized Telehealth Exercise Program for People with Cystic Fibrosis

by Jordan Saag, Jonathan Bergeron, Julianna Bailey, Kathryn Monroe, Heather Hathorne, George M. Solomon, John D. Lowman, Surya P. Bhatt, Bryan Garcia and Stefanie Krick

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020136 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) recognizes exercise as a critical part of managing cystic fibrosis (CF). This becomes even more important in the era of highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) due to many people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) having decreased symptom burden and a newfound ability to tolerate exercise better. Our single-center pilot study was designed to assess the implementation of a remotely delivered, individualized, and comprehensive exercise program for pwCF. We aimed to determine the feasibility, safety and acceptance of this intervention. Methods: PwCF ≥ 18 years old were recruited and consented at the University of Alabama in Birmingham in 2022 and 2023. Basic fitness was assessed for each participant, and an individualized exercise prescription was prepared for each participant, who was expected to exercise three times weekly on a remote basis with the exercise physiologist for 12 consecutive weeks. Subjects were reassessed at 4 and 7 months for post-exercise evaluation. Patient demographics and clinical parameters, including exacerbation rate, FEV₁ percent predicted, 6-min walk test (6MWT), and modified shuttle test (MST) were collected. Questionnaire data from the CFQ-R, PRAISE, and IPAQ were also recorded. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04680403) and was submitted on 17 December 2020. Results: Our goal was to enroll 12 participants over the 2-year study period. We were able to recruit nine people for the study, with four participants finishing the program. From the 36 sessions offered over the 12-week program, participants completed an average of 15 sessions. Clinical outcome data was observed, including lung function and exacerbation frequency, but not statistically analyzed due to the small sample size. Conclusions: Implementation of an individualized telehealth-based exercise program for pwCF was well received by participants, safe, and appreciated by the participants. Recruitment and adherence were challenging, which was partially due to the ongoing pandemic. Follow-up studies are needed to assess whether improvements in reducing the amount or supervision of weekly exercise sessions and/or extending the total time might help with adherence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Exercise for Health Promotion)

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22 pages, 9765 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Performance of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Tunnel Linings Under Freeze–Thaw Cycles

by Li-Ming Wu, Feng Gao, Zi-Jian Wang, Lan-Shen Li, Hu-Xin-Tong Huang and Wen-Jie Luo

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3178; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073178 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Tunnel lining models were cast at a 1:20 scale using four different materials: plain concrete (PC), steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC), reinforced concrete (RC), and rebar-reinforced steel fiber-reinforced concrete (R/SFRC). Loading tests were performed on these models before and after freeze–thaw cycles to investigate the failure modes, analyze the mechanical behavior, and determine the optimal reinforcement scheme in this study. The results indicated that freeze–thaw cycling reduced the load-bearing capacity of tunnel linings by 12% to 28% compared to non-freeze–thaw linings. Adding steel fibers significantly enhanced the ductility of the lining models. The mechanical performance of linings with an optimal steel fiber content surpassed that of models with either increased rebar alone or steel fibers alone. In this study, an optimal combination of a 0.36% rebar ratio and a 1.5% steel fiber volume fraction effectively improved the tensile performance of the lining while reducing rebar consumption, without compromising the inherent mechanical performance of the tunnel structure. Full article

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20 pages, 8342 KB

Open AccessArticle

The State of Health Prediction of Li-Ion Batteries Based on ISMA-HKELM

by Yao Jiang, Yuanzhao Deng, Yan Ai and Yuesheng Zhu

Energies 2026, 19(7), 1627; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19071627 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Accurately predicting the State of Health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is essential to ensure their long-term stable and safe operation. This paper proposes a novel model, the ISMA-HKELM, which is an Improved Slime Mould Algorithm (ISMA)-optimized Hybrid Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (HKELM), designed for high-precision SOH estimation. We first selected the equal voltage rise time and equal voltage drop time as indirect health indicators, and their validity was rigorously confirmed through Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. Subsequently, the ISMA was utilized to effectively tune the key parameters of the HKELM model. Experimental results demonstrate that the ISMA-HKELM model exhibits superior prediction performance across multiple public datasets, achieving an average

R^{2}

value of more than 0.99. Furthermore, the model shows significantly lower Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Bias Error (MBE), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) compared to other control models. These results fully prove the advancement and validity of the ISMA-HKELM model for LIB SOH estimation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section F5: Artificial Intelligence and Smart Energy)

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14 pages, 2976 KB

Open AccessArticle

HHV-6A Drives Epigenetic Reprogramming via an EZH2–SIRT1 Axis to Sustain Mutant p53 and Reshape Oncogenic Inflammatory Signaling

by Rossella Benedetti, Michele Di Crosta, Alessia Stirparo, George Alexandru Aron, Stefania Mardente, Roberta Santarelli, Roberta Gonnella, Maria Saveria Gilardini Montani and Mara Cirone

Viruses 2026, 18(4), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18040409 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

We previously demonstrated that human herpesvirus 6A infects papillary thyroid cancer cells (BCPAP), inducing molecular changes compatible with a tumor-promoting phenotype, including increased expression of R273H mutant TP53 (mutp53), upregulation of c-Myc, and enhanced secretion of IL-6. To investigate whether and how epigenetic mechanisms contribute to these virus-induced effects, we examined the histone methyltransferase EZH2, a key regulator of chromatin repression frequently altered in cancer. HHV-6A infection reduced EZH2 expression and global H3K27me3 levels. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 using DS-3201 reproduced some of the molecular effects of viral infection, including increased mutp53 stability. Both viral infection and EZH2 inhibition induced delayed upregulation of SIRT1, which mediated deacetylation-dependent stabilization of mutp53 while reducing c-Myc expression. Indeed, the inhibition of SIRT1 with EX-527 reversed mutp53 accumulation but restored c-Myc expression and increased extracellular IL-6 release. This drug also reduced cell survival, suggesting that SIRT1 supports cellular adaptation to oncogenic stress triggered by EZH2 loss. Overall, our findings identify an epigenetic axis in which the HHV-6A-mediated downregulation of EZH2 induces SIRT1, regulating mutp53 stability and c-Myc expression and reshaping inflammatory signaling to maintain cell viability. These results establish a mechanistic link between viral infection, epigenetic remodeling, and oncogenic dependency. They also suggest that targeting IL-6 signaling could represent a therapeutic vulnerability in HHV-6A-associated thyroid cancer, particularly in combination with SIRT1 inhibitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)

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25 pages, 1345 KB

Open AccessArticle

Domain Knowledge-Enhanced Large Language Model Framework for Automated Multiple Choice Question Option Generation in Construction Safety Assessment

by Seung-Hyeon Shin, Min-Koo Kim, Chaemin Lee, Kyung Pyo Hong and Jeong-Hun Won

Buildings 2026, 16(7), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16071307 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Construction sites implement various safety management activities, including toolbox meetings, risk assessments, and safety knowledge assessments, to reduce accidents. Multiple-choice question (MCQ)-based assessments are widely used to evaluate worker safety competencies. However, the effectiveness of MCQ assessments depends critically on distractor quality; incorrect options must be plausible enough to challenge uninformed respondents while remaining clearly distinguishable from knowledgeable ones. Manual distractor creation requires substantial expertise and is prone to inconsistency, whereas large language models (LLMs) often generate options that lack domain relevance. This paper proposes context-aware multipath adaptive safety scoring (CoMPASS), an algorithm that integrates construction safety domain knowledge with LLM capabilities for MCQ distractor generation. CoMPASS operates through two pathways: CoMPASS-H leverages a hierarchical hazard factor ontology for hazard identification questions, whereas CoMPASS-R uses hybrid retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for risk control questions. An evaluation using 50 real construction accident cases with a robotic assessment test (RAT) using frontier LLMs as virtual examinees demonstrated that CoMPASS-R achieved a 90% quality pass rate, whereas all baseline methods failed to meet the composite quality criteria. The proposed framework provides a scalable approach to generating assessment content that supports effective safety management at construction sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)

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17 pages, 6548 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bixafen Induces Programmed Cell Death in Rhizoctonia solani by Damaging Mitochondrial Integrity

by Yuanhang Ren, Ping Huang, Wentao Gu, Ruyi Li, Yongtian Zhao and Lidan Lu

J. Fungi 2026, 12(4), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12040238 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Rice sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most destructive diseases of rice. Bixafen has been proposed as a promising control agent with moderate resistance risk; however, its cellular mode of action remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the antifungal mechanism of bixafen from the perspective of programmed cell death (PCD). Bioassays showed that bixafen strongly inhibited R. solani, with a median effective concentration (EC₅₀) of 1.16 μg/mL. Morphologically, bixafen induced hyphae collapse, vacuolization, chromatin aggregation, and mitochondrial disruption. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that bixafen significantly altered the expression of genes involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and PCD pathways. In addition, bixafen, at the concentration of EC₅₀, triggered ROS accumulation accompanied by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These oxidative effects led to mitochondrial damage, characterized by loss of membrane potential, reduced Tomm20 expression, and decreased Aco-2 activity. Subsequently, bixafen activated apoptosis, as evidenced by induction of the mitochondria-associated inducer of death (AMID), down-regulation of Bcl-2, and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, bixafen also induced autophagy by reducing p62 and increasing Beclin-1 expression, which suggests the clearance of damaged mitochondria. Collectively, these results demonstrated that bixafen induced mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis and autophagy in R. solani, which provided novel insights into its cellular antifungal mechanism and supported its potential as a PCD-targeted fungicide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)

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20 pages, 1457 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Soft Tissue Facial Profile and Dentoskeletal Changes in High-Angle Skeletal Class II Patients After Orthodontic Treatment: A Retrospective Cephalometric Study

by Kay Shuen Chan, Tingting Wei and Zhiyi Shan

Bioengineering 2026, 13(4), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13040379 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026

Abstract

Orthodontic treatment of high-angle skeletal Class II patients often leads to unsatisfactory facial profiles, highlighting the need to understand the relationship between dentoskeletal changes and soft tissue profile alterations. This retrospective study examined female Southern Chinese patients (n = 21, mean age 24.7 ± 4.8) with high-angle skeletal class II. Pre- and post-treatment lateral cephalograms were analysed for linear, angular, and proportional changes. Correlations between facial profile changes and dentoskeletal modifications were assessed using Pearson and Spearman’s coefficients. Results showed moderate correlations between changes in the facial angle with changes to the skeletal facial angle and skeletal Y-axis. A nearly perfect correlation was found between horizontal movements of the skeletal gnathion and changes in the nasolabial angle (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). Horizontal upper lip changes correlated with horizontal movements of upper (r = 0.70, p < 0.01) and lower incisors (r = 0.64, p < 0.01). No significant correlations were found between alterations to the incisors and changes in the facial angle or Y-axis. In conclusion, facial angle, Y-axis, and proportion changes relate closely to skeletal alterations but not to incisor positional changes, while lip changes correspond with incisor movements in high-angle skeletal Class II female patients. These findings are population-specific and require validation in male and other ethnic cohorts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials)

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