Saved Queries

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is a promising strategy for reducing emissions and promoting sustainable mobility. The increasing adoption of EVs has created a demand for efficient and sustainable charging infrastructure. The integration of rooftop solar-powered EV charging stations into distribution networks is a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions and improving grid efficiency. This integration also introduces challenges, such as power quality issues, grid instability, and the impact of environmental factors on solar generation. This study proposes a novel system that integrates a smart control algorithm for a central battery management system (CBMS) with advanced bidirectional DC-DC converters for optimised power distribution. Unlike existing systems that focus on individual components, this study combines real-time environmental monitoring with adaptive power management algorithms to handle variations in generation owing to solar irradiance, temperature, and shading, and ensure maximum power harvesting. This study also presents the role of the DC-to-DC converter integrated with a smart charging control and CBMS in smart grid-enabled EV charging station. The proposed system was validated using MATLAB 2025b Simulink simulations. This study demonstrates an improvement in overall grid stability and highlights the potential of DC-DC converter technologies for smart grid applications and decarbonisation efforts. Full article

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2593 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Hop LoRaWAN Protocol with Efficient Placement of the Relay Nodes

by Konstantina Spathi, Anastasios Valkanis, Georgia Beletsioti, Konstantinos Kantelis, Georgios Papadimitriou and Petros Nicopolitidis

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 2698; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16062698 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Multi-hop networks’ performance strongly depends on relay node placement, which affects delay, throughput, and coverage. This work introduces a dual-layer protocol combining Slotted ALOHA for node-to-relay communication and TDMA for relay-to-gateway transmission. Using a Java-based simulator, we evaluate three relay placement strategies—random, square grid, and hexagonal grid—considering metrics such as delay, throughput, packet collisions, and coverage. Results show that the hexagonal grid offers superior performance, reducing collisions, minimizing delay, and expanding coverage. A fallback mechanism for out-of-range nodes and sensitivity analysis of different backoff values are also included. The study quantifies the benefits of structured relay placement for LoRaWAN and wireless sensor networks, while also identifying challenges for realistic deployments. These findings provide guidelines for designing scalable and reliable IoT networks and highlight directions for future work involving irregular placements and dynamic routing. The simulation results are intended to provide comparative, trend-based insights under conservative modeling assumptions, rather than absolute performance predictions. Full article

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 9366 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tackling Scale Variation and Annotation Scarcity in Semi-Supervised Small Pest Detection with Image Slicing and Pseudo-Label Refinement

by Cheng Li, Qingqing Wen, Fengya Xu, Ruikang Luo, Zengjie Du, Zhongbin Liu and Dasheng Wu

Forests 2026, 17(3), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17030355 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Small pest detection in ultra-high-resolution forestry images is challenging due to extreme scale variation, complex backgrounds, and limited annotated data. To address these issues, we propose SSFPDet (Semi-Supervised Forest Pest Detector), a semi-supervised object detection framework designed for low-annotation settings. Built upon the Soft Teacher paradigm, SSFPDet integrates a YOLO-T-based overlapping slicing strategy, a Top-K pseudo-label selection mechanism, and a Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence-based distribution alignment constraint. The slicing strategy enhances small-object representation without modifying the detector backbone, while the Top-K and KL modules improve pseudo-label reliability and semantic consistency during training. Under the 20% labeled setting, SSFPDet achieves an mAP@0.5:0.95 of 46.6, outperforming the baseline by 0.7 points. Notably, small-object detection performance (AP_S) improves by 6.6 percentage points. Ablation studies confirm the complementary contributions of spatial slicing and semantic alignment. Overall, SSFPDet provides a practical and scalable solution for high-resolution forestry pest monitoring under limited supervision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)

31 pages, 1406 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Hyperglycemic and Antioxidant Effects of Sclerocarya birrea Leaf Crude Extract and Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles In Vitro

by Sphamandla Hlatshwayo, Yamkela Ngxata, Mandisa Mathenjwa, Nokukhanya Thembane, Siboniso Percival Sithole, Sanele Nobleman Mhlungu, Bhekumuzi Prince Gumbi, Suresh Babu Naidu Krishna, Nceba Gqaleni and Mlungisi Ngcobo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2584; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062584 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Postprandial hyperglycemia represents a critical therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), requiring interventions that simultaneously address glycemic dysregulation and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of Sclerocarya birrea leaf crude extract (CE) and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Phytochemical screening, nanoparticle characterization (UV–Vis, XRD, TEM, SEM, DLS, FTIR), enzyme inhibition assays (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, DPP-IV), glucose dynamics in Caco-2 cells, and antioxidant assays (DPPH, total antioxidant capacity, H₂O₂ cytoprotection) were performed. Phytochemical analysis identified flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids as major constituents of Sclerocarya birrea leaf extract. AgNPs exhibited spherical morphology (36.8 ± 8.6 nm, n = 100 particles analyzed), face-centered cubic crystallinity (crystallite size: 32.1 nm), and characteristic surface plasmon resonance at 451 nm. Both formulations inhibited α-amylase (CE IC₅₀: 14 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 14.07 µg/mL, n = 3) and α-glucosidase (CE IC₅₀: 15.96 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 15.82 µg/mL, n = 3), showing substantial inhibition, though less potent than acarbose. Uniquely, AgNPs demonstrated selective DPP-IV inhibition (IC₅₀: 220.5 µg/mL, n = 3, p < 0.001 vs. CE), completely absent in CE. In antioxidant assays, DPPH scavenging potency was comparable between formulations (CE IC₅₀: 23.45 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 22.26 µg/mL, n = 3), while CE achieved higher maximal scavenging at the tested concentrations. Conversely, AgNPs provided superior intracellular cytoprotection against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in kidney cells (80.2 ± 2.1% viability at 76 µg/mL vs. CE 69.8 ± 3.4% at 190 µg/mL, n = 3, p < 0.001), representing a 2.5-fold dose advantage. Neither formulation significantly altered glucose uptake or SGLT1 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (p > 0.05, two-way ANOVA, n = 3). These findings establish S. birrea-based formulations, particularly AgNPs, as promising multifunctional candidates for managing postprandial hyperglycemia and oxidative complications in T2DM. They also highlight nanotechnology-enhanced phytomedicine as an innovative therapeutic strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Therapeutic Approaches to Endocrine Disorders)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1156 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Sheet Electron Beam Quadrupole Permanent Magnet Focusing System for Terahertz Vacuum Devices

by Siming Su, Kangcheng Zhou, Yingzhou Liu, Pan Pan and Jinjun Feng

Electronics 2026, 15(6), 1174; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15061174 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Practical development of terahertz technology requires higher power radiation sources. The sheet electron beam vacuum device is an effective solution of increasing the output power of terahertz radiation sources, but faces the difficulty of stable transmission of the beam. In this paper, a compact quadrupole permanent magnet (QPM) focusing system for terahertz sheet beam devices is designed, and a practical focusing system is constructed into a prototype for beam transmission verification. In the experiment, 16 pieces of high-performance NdFeB permanent magnets were adopted with a total weight of about 10 kg. The magnetic field test of the system was carried out and the results show that the system can provide a uniform high-intensity magnetic field of over 0.95 T within an axial length of 20 mm. With the tested QPM magnetic field configuration, PIC simulation of the sheet beam transmission was implemented, indicating that a sheet electron beam with a 20 kV voltage and 15 mA current can travel through a beam tunnel of a cross-section 0.1 mm × 0.05 mm, with a transmission ratio of 98.5%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microelectronics)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5315 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogical and Diagenetic Controls on Reservoir Quality in Mixed Sedimentary Systems: Neogene Youshashan Formation, Western Qaidam Basin

by Siyuan Yang, Jiongfan Wei and Qi Li

Minerals 2026, 16(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030296 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Reservoir quality in shallow lacustrine-mixed siliciclastic–carbonate systems is commonly governed by mineral assemblages and diagenetic modification. Here we investigate the Neogene Youshashan Formation (Oil Groups III–V) in the Nanyishan area, western Qaidam Basin, to quantify mineralogical and diagenetic controls on pore systems and flow. We integrate whole-rock XRD and log-derived mineral profiles with thin-section/SEM petrography, NMR T2 spectra, mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP), and a water-drop test. Dissolution-related pores and dolomitization-related intercrystalline pores dominate the pore space, whereas cementation and clay-related filling/coating locally restrict pore throats and connectivity. Algal limestones (average porosity 23.17% and permeability 54.3 mD; MICP r50 = 0.085 μm) show better reservoir quality than dolomitic rocks (average porosity 17.24% and permeability 15.13 mD; MICP r50 = 0.039 μm), consistent with more effective pore throat networks. In Oil Group III (Well NQ2-6-2), higher dolomite content is generally associated with higher porosity but shows no systematic relationship with permeability, highlighting the primacy of connected pore throats. Water-drop behaviors (beading, semi-beading, infiltration) provide a rapid, semi-quantitative screening indicator when interpreted together with pore throat metrics, and support a four-class reservoir-typing scheme (Types I–III and non-reservoir) for sweet-spot identification in mixed lacustrine reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Sedimentary Geology of Lacustrine Basins, 2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 6918 KB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Differences in Visitor Numbers and Overnight Stays in Slovakia in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Maksym Mykhei, Kristína Pramuková, Ľubomír Štrba, Marcela Taušová and Nikola Kottferová

Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 2753; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18062753 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive regional analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on tourism in Slovakia during 2018–2024, employing rigorous statistical methods to quantify sectoral transformations. Based on extensive data on visitor arrivals, revenues, and accommodation facility utilisation across eight NUTS III regions, the analysis identifies four distinct regional tourism clusters characterised by differentiated recovery trajectories. Paired t-tests confirmed statistically significant changes in international tourist arrival indices across seven regions (p < 0.05), validating fundamental structural reorientation in tourism demand. The findings reveal pronounced heterogeneity in recovery patterns: while the Bratislava Region and the Žilina Region achieved substantial revenue growth (46.04% and 146.54%, respectively), domestically oriented regions (Banská Bystrica, Košice, Nitra, Prešov, and Trenčín) demonstrated minimal recovery (8.19% aggregate growth). Critical findings include the persistence of passive tourism dominance (94.09% of national revenues), declining international competitiveness from traditional Western European source markets, and compensatory expansion from emerging markets (USA +398.73%, Oman +234.68%, and Poland +226.55%). The ANOVA analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between regional indices in 2024 (p = 0.362), indicating market stabilisation despite differentiated trajectories. The study emphasises the necessity of regionally calibrated sustainable strategic interventions to diversify experiential tourism, activate the domestic market, and enhance technological infrastructure to build sectoral resilience against future exogenous shocks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilience and Recovery of Tourism from the Perspective of Sustainability)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3042 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Design Method of Optimal Plugging Agent Dosage for High-Water-Cut Reservoirs with Composite Permeation Characteristics

by Jiangfei Sun, Tongjing Liu, Yanyu Sun, Jingting Wu, Jie Wei, Jinju Liu, Liwu Jiang and Yifan He

Energies 2026, 19(6), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19061416 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Addressing the long-standing ambiguity in the design of plugging agent dosage for high-water-cut reservoirs—constrained by factors such as insufficient understanding of channeling pathways—this study leverages seepage mechanics theory and well test interpretation data. By investigating the synergistic mechanism between reservoir heterogeneity and plugging agent dosage, we clarified the synergistic control mechanism of the “dual resistance zones” between injection and production wells, and proposed a synergistic target framework: “reservoir heterogeneity—pressure and pressure gradient distribution—profile control to reconstruct the displacement system—dosage of particle and gel plugging agents.” On this basis, the determination criterion for the reasonable profile control radius was provided by systematically analyzing the relationship between the reasonable profile control radius and the development radius of advantage channel. We established dosage calculation models for plugging agents: the equivalent volume method (for particles) and the modified volume method (for gels), and developed a matching relationship between particle size (for particle plugging agents) and fracture aperture. Ultimately, a multi-dimensional synergistic design method for reasonable plugging agent dosage was proposed. Field application and subsequent follow-up evaluation studies have demonstrated that the plugging agent dosage designed by this method for target wells is 0.21~3.53 t/well for particles and 93.51~2399 m³/well for gels. After the implementation of profile control and water plugging measures, the pressure rise was reasonable, and the injection proceeded smoothly. The consistency between well test interpretation results and construction performance reached over 90%, achieving remarkable water control and oil stabilization effects. The research results provide technical support for water control and oil stabilization in high-water-cut reservoirs, and can improve the feasibility of profile control and water plugging design schemes for similar reservoirs by more than 30%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section H1: Petroleum Engineering)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

55 pages, 6225 KB

Open AccessReview

The Evolution of Visualization Technologies in Healthcare: A Bibliometric Analysis of Studies Published from 1994 to 2025

by Fangzhong Cheng, Chun Yang and Rong Deng

Information 2026, 17(3), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/info17030281 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Healthcare visualization has become a crucial approach for interpreting complex medical data, supporting informed clinical decision-making, and enhancing public health management. However, existing reviews tend to focus on specific technologies or application scenarios, offering limited insight into the field’s overall knowledge structure, developmental trajectory, and interdisciplinary integration. To address this gap, this study systematically reviews 1121 publications from 1994 to 2025 indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. By combining bibliometric analysis with qualitative assessment, it maps the field’s evolution and underlying research paradigms. The findings reveal a clear shift from early innovation in technical tools toward the realization of clinical value, giving rise to an integrated research system that connects technology, data, clinical practice, and public health. Recent research has progressed beyond initial explorations of medical imaging, standalone devices, and isolated techniques, moving instead toward core domains such as immersive medical visualization, medical data visualization and analytics, health information systems and decision support, AI-assisted epidemic prediction and diagnosis, and integrated IoT-based healthcare frameworks. Looking ahead, an assessment of future trends suggests that, among other directions, the deep integration of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) with visualization analysis, the development of IoT-driven real-time interactive systems, and the extension of visualization-enabled services from clinical applications toward inclusive population-level health coverage represent core driving forces for the future development of this field. These insights offer strategic guidance for future research, inform the design principles of next-generation visualization systems, and provide new models of interdisciplinary collaboration. The results also offer evidence-based support for health resource planning, technological innovation, and policy formulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Data Visualization)

31 pages, 8223 KB

Open AccessArticle

X-ViTCNN: A Novel Network-Level Fusion of Transfer Learning and Customized Vision Transformer for Multi-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease Prediction Using MRI Scans

by Armughan Ali, Hooria Shahbaz, Shahid Mohammad Ganie and Manahil Mohammed Alfuraydan

Diagnostics 2026, 16(6), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16060835 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, is characterized by an overall decline in cognitive functioning and represents a major public health crisis. It remains critical to be able to accurately and quickly diagnose patients with AD; however, recent deep learning approaches using MRI data do not provide sample generalization, have high computational requirements, and offer little interpretability. Methods: In this study, we present a new framework called eXplorative ViT-CNN (X-ViTCNN) that combines a customized Vision Transformer model with two previously trained CNNs (DenseNet201 and MobileNetV2). With our proposed preprocessing approach using contrast-enhanced preprocessing to highlight neuroanatomical features as well as Bayesian Optimization to tune hyperparameters, we fuse local structural features originating from the CNNs with global representations from the transformer and feed the final result to fully connected dense layers for multi-stage classification. We also use Grad-CAM visualizations to provide insight into how our model arrived at its classification. Results: Experiments conducted on ADNI and OASIS datasets demonstrate the superiority of X-ViTCNN, achieving accuracies of 97.98% and 94.52%, respectively. The model outperformed individual baselines and other pre-trained architectures, showing balanced sensitivity and specificity across all AD stages. Conclusions: The proposed X-ViTCNN framework is a powerful, interpretable method for predicting the development of multi-stage Alzheimer’s disease using MRI scans. The combination of complementary feature learning, automatic hyperparameter optimization and interpretability through visualization make it an excellent potential tool for clinicians to support their decision making in the early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning in Biomedical Image and Signal Processing: Recent Advancements and Applications)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 1847 KB

Open AccessReview

Hydrochar for Soil Management Within a Waste-to-Resource Framework: From Characteristics to Agri-Environmental Implications

by Laís Helena Sousa Vieira, Francisca Gleiciane da Silva, Laís Gomes Fregolente, Ícaro Vasconcelos do Nascimento, Rafaela Batista Magalhães, Francisco Luan Almeida Barbosa, Gilvanete da Silva Henrique, Maria Vitória Ricarte Gonçalves, Bruno Eduardo Lopes Sousa, Eduardo Custódio Vilas Boas, Amauri Jardim de Paula, Helon Hébano de Freitas Sousa, Arthur Prudêncio de Araujo Pereira, Jaedson Cláudio Anunciato Mota, Mirian Cristina Gomes Costa and Odair Pastor Ferreira

AgriEngineering 2026, 8(3), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering8030108 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable soil management strategies has intensified interest in hydrochar (HC), a waste-derived amendment produced via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). This review synthesizes recent advances in HC production, characterization, and agri-environmental applications within a waste-to-resource framework. It covers studies conducted mainly over the last decade, encompassing a wide range of feedstocks, including agricultural residues, sewage sludge, animal manures, and food waste. HTC is typically performed at 130–280 °C under autogenous pressure (2–15 MPa), generating HCs with low intrinsic surface area (<50 m²g⁻¹) and oxygen-containing functional groups that govern nutrient dynamics and soil interactions. Reported application rates vary broadly between 10 and 60 t ha⁻¹, with most experiments conducted under greenhouse conditions. Positive effects on soil pH, cation exchange capacity, water retention, and phosphorus availability are frequently observed. However, plant responses vary according to the type of stimulation promoted by HC, as well as its processing conditions, application rates, and the soil characteristics in which it is applied. Advanced molecular-level analyses (e.g., FT-ICR-MS, GC-MS, and ¹³C-NMR) have provided mechanistic insights into carbon stability, nutrient release, and interaction with soil organic matter. Reusing HTC process water offers an additional pathway for nutrient recovery, although concerns about phytotoxic compounds remain. Despite promising short-term results, long-term field evaluations and standardized assessment protocols are still limited. This review integrates structural, functional and agri-environmental perspectives to identify critical knowledge gaps and guide the optimized and context specific use of hydrochar in sustainable agricultural systems. At the same time, it emphasizes its role in advancing carbon sequestration and in operationalizing resource-circular strategies, thereby underscoring its broader practical and strategic relevance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Bioresource and Bioprocess Engineering)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 789 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pre–Post Changes in Dental Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills, and Oral Hygiene Behaviors After a Five-Week Community Health Worker Intervention

by Tracy L. Finlayson, Martin Riegels, Padideh Asgari, Nannette Stamm, Ana Palomo-Zerfas and Arcela Nunez-Alvarez

Oral 2026, 6(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral6020031 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the pre–post changes in dental knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors following a community health worker (CHW)-led intervention. Methods: Adult caregivers from migrant worker families living near the United States–Mexico border participated in the five-week, in-person, CHW-led intervention program. The two-hour once/week interactive sessions were held in Spanish and included oral health education, skill-building, and goal-setting. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys about dental knowledge, attitudes, skills, and oral hygiene behaviors (N = 117). Participants self-reported frequency of brushing and flossing in the prior week, which was dichotomized to reflect meeting the American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines of brushing twice/day and flossing once/day. Mean group comparisons and paired t-tests were conducted to assess pre- and post-intervention differences. Intervention feedback was also evaluated. Results: Pre-intervention, most adults met hygiene guidelines, and in the overall sample, there were no significant differences post-intervention. However, there were meaningful behavior change differences observed among subgroups not meeting ADA guidelines at baseline. Among the 32% of adults who did not meet ADA brushing guidelines and the 61% that did not meet ADA flossing guidelines at baseline, there were significant improvements post-intervention and increased weekly frequency for brushing (p < 0.001) and flossing (p < 0.001). Pre-intervention, 30% reported not being taught to properly brush or floss; post-intervention, only 3% reported not being taught this skill (p < 0.001). Knowledge (p < 0.001) and some attitudes, including self-efficacy (p < 0.001), significantly increased post-intervention. Program feedback from participants and CHWs was positive, and 81% of participants shared materials. Conclusions: After the CHW-led intervention, there were increases in the adults’ self-reported dental knowledge, some attitudes, and hygiene skills. Toothbrushing and flossing frequency increased post-intervention among the subgroups of adults that were not already meeting ADA guidelines at baseline. Full article

27 pages, 3876 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Biofunctionality Assessment of Lignin and Lignin/Chitosan Nanoparticles: Impact of Chitosan Co-Assembly on Cytotoxicity, Cytocompatibility, Radical-Scavenging Activity, and Antimicrobial Performance

by Tsvetelina Zagorcheva, Boika Andonova-Lilova, Denitsa Georgieva, Silviya Hristova, Zhani Yanev, Nikolina Rusenova, Georgi Beev, Kamelia Petkova-Parlapanska, Galina Nikolova, Yanka Karamalakova and Zvezdelina Yaneva

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(3), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18030350 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic in vitro assessment of the biofunctionalities of newly synthesized lignin (LNPs) and lignin–chitosan nanoparticles (LCNPs) via a comparative in vitro estimation of their cytotoxicity, cytocompatability potential, radical-scavenging activity, and antimicrobial performance, thereby establishing a benchmark for their sustainable design and biomedical applications. Methods: LNPs and LCNPs were synthesized via “green” self-assembly and co-assembly methods. Results: In vitro cytotoxicity studies on L929 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes demonstrated higher long-term viability for LCNPs (half-maximal inhibitory concentration IC₅₀ = 3.05 mg/mL at 72 h) compared with LNPs (IC₅₀ = 1.37 mg/mL), while both formulations maintained >76% viability at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and spectrophotometric antioxidant assays displayed strong radical scavenging activity, with LNPs excelling in ^●OH, NO, and ABTS scavenging and LCNPs exhibiting enhanced lipid peroxidation and superoxide inhibition potential. Antimicrobial testing revealed minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) reductions of the nanoparticles up to 8–13-fold compared to lignin solutions, with LCNPs showing higher activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbial strains. Conclusions: These results highlight LCNPs as biocompatible, antioxidant, and antimicrobial nanoplatforms with potential for regenerative medicine, oxidative stress mitigation, and infection control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress on the Anticancer and Controlled Release of Plant Active Components in Pharmaceutics)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

40 pages, 4187 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Aptamer-Based Applications in Cardiology

by Aleksandra Kosinova, Tatiana Zamay, Yury Glazyrin, Olga Kolovskaya, Natalia Luzan, Ulyana Beloshedova, Marina Petrova, Yury Grinshtein, Maxim Berezovski and Anna Kichkailo

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2580; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062580 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Aptamers, short single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, are emerging as transformative tools in cardiology for the diagnosis, treatment, and theranostics of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review highlights their dual utility. In diagnostics, aptamers enable the construction of highly sensitive biosensors for key cardiac biomarkers (e.g., troponins, myoglobin, C-reactive protein, natriuretic peptides), outperforming conventional assays and enabling early detection and point-of-care testing. Therapeutically, aptamers offer targeted, controllable, and reversible anticoagulation, as demonstrated by clinical-stage candidates like BT200 (anti-vWF) and NU172 (anti-thrombin), whose action can be rapidly reversed with antidote oligonucleotides. Furthermore, aptamers serve as precision delivery vehicles (e.g., Gint4.T, RNA-Apt30) for transporting therapeutic peptides or nucleic acids specifically to cardiomyocytes. Recent integration with nanomaterials (quantum dots, graphene, liposomes, DNA origami) has led to advanced biosensing and drug delivery platforms. Despite challenges like stability and the polyethylene glycol (PEG) immunogenicity, ongoing clinical trials underscore the significant potential of aptamer technology to bridge precise diagnostics and targeted therapy, paving the way for innovative, personalized CVD interventions.) Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)

14 pages, 995 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Acute Pancreatitis in Childhood Acute Leukemia

by Kamonluk Thepuatrakul, Atchariya Chanpong, Natsaruth Songthawee, Pornpun Sripornsawan, Sirinthip Kittivisuit, Hansa Sriphongphankul and Thirachit Chotsampancharoen

Cancers 2026, 18(6), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18060910 - 11 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/objectives: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an uncommon but serious complication in children undergoing treatment for acute leukemia. We aimed to determine the prevalence of AP in pediatric patients with acute leukemia, identify its risk factors, and evaluate their impact on treatment outcomes and overall survival. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children with acute leukemia who developed acute abdominal pain suggestive of AP at Songklanagarind Hospital between 2004 and 2024. Demographic data, including leukemia subtypes, treatment protocols, and clinical outcomes, were compared between the patients with and without AP. Results: Of the 618 patients with leukemia, 70 children with abdominal pain were identified, and 17 were diagnosed with AP. The prevalence of AP was 2.8%. Most children with acute leukemia and AP had T-cell subtypes (50.0%) and received high- to very-high-risk treatment protocols (76.5%). Patients with AP experienced a shorter duration of abdominal pain before diagnosis and required imaging more frequently than the non-AP patients did (100% vs. 56.6%). They required a prolonged fasting period and greater intravenous fluid volume within 48 h. The overall mortality rate (all-cause during follow-up) was significantly higher in the AP group. Using high- to very-high-risk chemotherapy protocols was a risk factor for AP, and the accumulative L-asparaginase dose of ≥55,200 IU/m² could increase AP risk. Conclusions: AP is significantly associated with increased overall mortality in children with acute leukemia. Careful monitoring of L-asparaginase dosing may be required. Larger studies are needed to better identify the risk factors and preventive strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia)

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Displaying article 1-50 on page 1 of 2000.

Go to page 1 2 3 4 5

Search Results (116,139)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI