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16 pages, 2030 KiB  
Article
Myocardial Strain Measurements Obtained with Fast-Strain-Encoded Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Risk Prediction and Early Detection of Chemotherapy-Related Cardiotoxicity Compared to Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
by Daniel Lenihan, James Whayne, Farouk Osman, Rafael Rivero, Moritz Montenbruck, Arne Kristian Schwarz, Sebastian Kelle, Pia Wülfing, Susan Dent, Florian Andre, Norbert Frey, Grigorios Korosoglou and Henning Steen
Diagnostics 2025, 15(15), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15151948 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Breast and hematological cancer treatments, especially with anthracyclines, have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity (CTX). An accurate prediction of cardiotoxicity risk and early detection of myocardial injury may allow for effective cardioprotection to be instituted and [...] Read more.
Background: Breast and hematological cancer treatments, especially with anthracyclines, have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity (CTX). An accurate prediction of cardiotoxicity risk and early detection of myocardial injury may allow for effective cardioprotection to be instituted and tailored to reverse cardiac dysfunction and prevent the discontinuation of essential cancer treatments. Objectives: The PRoactive Evaluation of Function to Evade Cardio Toxicity (PREFECT) study sought to evaluate the ability of fast-strain-encoded (F-SENC) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and 2D echocardiography (2D Echo) to stratify patients at risk of CTX prior to initiating cancer treatment, detect early signs of cardiac dysfunction, including subclinical CTX (sub-CTX) and CTX, and monitor for recovery (REC) during cardioprotective therapy. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with breast cancer or lymphoma were prospectively monitored for CTX with F-SENC CMR and 2D Echo over at least 1 year for evidence of cardiac dysfunction during anthracycline based chemotherapy. F-SENC CMR also monitored myocardial deformation in 37 left ventricular (LV) segments to obtain a MyoHealth risk score based on both longitudinal and circumferential strain. Sub-CTX and CTX were classified based on pre-specified cardiotoxicity definitions. Results: CTX was observed in 9/59 (15%) and sub-CTX in 24/59 (41%) patients undergoing chemotherapy. F-SENC CMR parameters at baseline predicted CTX with a lower LVEF (57 ± 5% vs. 61 ± 5% for all, p = 0.05), as well as a lower MyoHealth (70 ± 9 vs. 79 ± 11 for all, p = 0.004) and a worse global circumferential strain (GCS) (−18 ± 1 vs. −20 ± 1 for all, p < 0.001). Pre-chemotherapy MyoHealth had a higher accuracy in predicting the development of CTX compared to CMR LVEF and 2D Echo LVEF (AUC = 0.85, 0.69, and 0.57, respectively). The 2D Echo parameters on baseline imaging did not stratify CTX risk. F-SENC CMR obtained good or excellent images in 320/322 (99.4%) scans. During cancer treatment, MyoHealth had a high accuracy of detecting sub-CTX or CTX (AUC = 0.950), and the highest log likelihood ratio (indicating a higher probability of detecting CTX) followed by F-SENC GLS and F-SENC GCS. CMR LVEF and CMR LV stroke volume index (LVSVI) also significantly worsened in patients developing CTX during cancer treatment. Conclusions: F-SENC CMR provided a reliable and accurate assessment of myocardial function during anthracycline-based chemotherapy, and demonstrated accurate early detection of CTX. In addition, MyoHealth allows for the robust identification of patients at risk for CTX prior to treatment with higher accuracy than LVEF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives in Cardiac Imaging)
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21 pages, 4289 KiB  
Article
H2 Transport in Sedimentary Basin
by Luisa Nicoletti, Juan Carlos Hidalgo, Dariusz Strąpoć and Isabelle Moretti
Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080298 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Natural hydrogen is generated by fairly deep processes and/or in low-permeability rocks. In such contexts, fluids circulate mainly through the network of faults and fractures. However, hydrogen flows from these hydrogen-generating layers can reach sedimentary rocks with more typical permeability and porosity, allowing [...] Read more.
Natural hydrogen is generated by fairly deep processes and/or in low-permeability rocks. In such contexts, fluids circulate mainly through the network of faults and fractures. However, hydrogen flows from these hydrogen-generating layers can reach sedimentary rocks with more typical permeability and porosity, allowing H2 flows to spread out rather than be concentrated in fractures. In that case, three different H2 transport modes exist: advection (displacement of water carrying dissolved gas), diffusion, and free gas Darcy flow. Numerical models have been run to compare the efficiency of these different modes and the pathway they imply for the H2 in a sedimentary basin with active aquifers. The results show the key roles of these aquifers but also the competition between free gas flow and the dissolved gas displacement which can go in opposite directions. Even with a conservative hypothesis on the H2 charge, a gaseous phase exists at few kilometers deep as well as free gas accumulation. Gaseous phase displacement could be the faster and diffusion is neglectable. The modeling also allows us to predict where H2 is expected in the soil: in fault zones, eventually above accumulations, and, more likely, due to exsolution, above shallow aquifers. Full article
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21 pages, 632 KiB  
Review
DNA Methylation in Bladder Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Perspectives—A Narrative Review
by Dragoş Puia, Marius Ivănuță and Cătălin Pricop
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7507; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157507 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Bladder cancer pathogenesis is closely linked to epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation and demethylation processes. Environmental carcinogens and persistent inflammatory stimuli—such as recurrent urinary tract infections—can induce aberrant DNA methylation, altering gene expression profiles and contributing to malignant transformation. This review synthesizes current [...] Read more.
Bladder cancer pathogenesis is closely linked to epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation and demethylation processes. Environmental carcinogens and persistent inflammatory stimuli—such as recurrent urinary tract infections—can induce aberrant DNA methylation, altering gene expression profiles and contributing to malignant transformation. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b) and the hypermethylation of key tumour suppressor genes, including A2BP1, NPTX2, SOX11, PENK, NKX6-2, DBC1, MYO3A, and CA10, in bladder cancer. It also evaluates the therapeutic application of DNA-demethylating agents such as 5-azacytidine and highlights the impact of chronic inflammation on epigenetic regulation. Promoter hypermethylation of tumour suppressor genes leads to transcriptional silencing and unchecked cell proliferation. Urine-based DNA methylation assays provide a sensitive and specific method for non-invasive early detection, with single-target approaches offering high diagnostic precision. Animal models are increasingly employed to validate these findings, allowing the study of methylation dynamics and gene–environment interactions in vivo. DNA methylation represents a key epigenetic mechanism in bladder cancer, with significant diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. Integration of human and experimental data supports the use of methylation-based biomarkers for early detection and targeted treatment, paving the way for personalized approaches in bladder cancer management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
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36 pages, 3231 KiB  
Review
CRISPR-Cas Gene Editing Technology in Potato
by Zagipa Sapakhova, Rakhim Kanat, Khanylbek Choi, Dias Daurov, Ainash Daurova, Kabyl Zhambakin and Malika Shamekova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7496; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157496 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world, ranking fourth after rice, maize, and wheat. Potatoes are exposed to biotic and abiotic environmental factors, which lead to economic losses and increase the possibility of food [...] Read more.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world, ranking fourth after rice, maize, and wheat. Potatoes are exposed to biotic and abiotic environmental factors, which lead to economic losses and increase the possibility of food security threats in many countries. Traditional potato breeding faces several challenges, primarily due to its genetic complexity and the time-consuming nature of the process. Therefore, gene editing—CRISPR-Cas technology—allows for more precise and rapid changes to the potato genome, which can speed up the breeding process and lead to more effective varieties. In this review, we consider CRISPR-Cas technology as a potential tool for plant breeding strategies to ensure global food security. This review summarizes in detail current and potential technological breakthroughs that open new opportunities for the use of CRISPR-Cas technology for potato breeding, as well as for increasing resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and improving potato tuber quality. In addition, the review discusses the challenges and future perspectives of the CRISPR-Cas system in the prospects of the development of potato production and the regulation of gene-edited crops in different countries around the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)
24 pages, 2838 KiB  
Review
Utility of Multicellular Spheroids for Investigating Mechanisms of Chemoresistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
by Keith N. Ncube, Iman van den Bout, Clarissa Willers, Chrisna Gouws and Werner Cordier
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7503; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157503 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a major challenge in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Multicellular spheroids are an attractive platform for investigating chemoresistance in TNBC, as they replicate the cues of the tumour microenvironment in vivo. We conducted a comprehensive literature search to summarise [...] Read more.
Chemoresistance is a major challenge in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Multicellular spheroids are an attractive platform for investigating chemoresistance in TNBC, as they replicate the cues of the tumour microenvironment in vivo. We conducted a comprehensive literature search to summarise the multifactorial and interlinked mechanisms driving chemoresistance in TNBC spheroids. These mechanisms include spatial heterogeneity, hypoxia, extracellular matrix remodelling, tumour–stroma crosstalk, drug efflux, apoptotic resistance, and cancer stem cell signalling. Strategies for overcoming chemoresistance in TNBC spheroids include nanocarrier systems to overcome spatial diffusion limitations, pathway inhibition, and targeting tumour–microenvironment interactions. Despite their advantages, some spheroid models face challenges such as low reproducibility, a lack of heterogeneity, variability in size and shape, limited vascularisation, and constraints in long-term culture. Advanced culturing platforms such as clinostat bioreactors allow for extended culture periods, enabling mature spheroid drug testing. Furthermore, advanced analytical techniques provide spatially resolved spheroid data. These multifactorial and interlinked mechanisms reflect the tumour microenvironment in vivo that spheroids recapitulate, rendering them valuable models for studying chemoresistance. The incorporation of stromal components and advanced analytical workflows will enhance the utility and translational relevance of spheroids as reliable preclinical models for drug discovery in TNBC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in 3D Tumor Models for Cancer Research)
12 pages, 2862 KiB  
Article
Development of a Three-Dimensional Nanostructure SnO2-Based Gas Sensor for Room-Temperature Hydrogen Detection
by Zhilong Song, Yi Tian, Yue Kang and Jia Yan
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4784; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154784 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
The development of gas sensors with high sensitivity and low operating temperatures is essential for practical applications in environmental monitoring and industrial safety. SnO2-based gas sensors, despite their widespread use, often suffer from high working temperatures and limited sensitivity to H [...] Read more.
The development of gas sensors with high sensitivity and low operating temperatures is essential for practical applications in environmental monitoring and industrial safety. SnO2-based gas sensors, despite their widespread use, often suffer from high working temperatures and limited sensitivity to H2 gas, which presents significant challenges for their performance and application. This study addresses these issues by introducing a novel SnO2-based sensor featuring a three-dimensional (3D) nanostructure, designed to enhance sensitivity and allow for room-temperature operation. This work lies in the use of a 3D anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template to deposit SnO2 nanoparticles through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, followed by modification with platinum (Pt) nanoparticles to further enhance the sensor’s response. The as-prepared sensors were extensively characterized, and their H2 sensing performance was evaluated. The results show that the 3D nanostructure provides a uniform and dense distribution of SnO2 nanoparticles, which significantly improves the sensor’s sensitivity and repeatability, especially in H2 detection at room temperature. This work demonstrates the potential of utilizing 3D nanostructures to overcome the traditional limitations of SnO2-based sensors. Full article
29 pages, 9514 KiB  
Article
Kennaugh Elements Allow Early Detection of Bark Beetle Infestation in Temperate Forests Using Sentinel-1 Data
by Christine Hechtl, Sarah Hauser, Andreas Schmitt, Marco Heurich and Anna Wendleder
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081272 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Climate change is generally having a negative impact on forest health by inducing drought stress and favouring the spread of pest species, such as bark beetles. The terrestrial monitoring of bark beetle infestation is very time-consuming, especially in the early stages, and therefore [...] Read more.
Climate change is generally having a negative impact on forest health by inducing drought stress and favouring the spread of pest species, such as bark beetles. The terrestrial monitoring of bark beetle infestation is very time-consuming, especially in the early stages, and therefore not feasible for extensive areas, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach based on remote sensing. Although numerous studies have researched the use of optical data for this task, radar data remains comparatively underexplored. Therefore, this study uses the weekly and cloud-free acquisitions of Sentinel-1 in the Bavarian Forest National Park. Time series analysis within a Multi-SAR framework using Random Forest enables the monitoring of moisture content loss and, consequently, the assessment of tree vitality, which is crucial for the detection of stress conditions conducive to bark beetle outbreaks. High accuracies are achieved in predicting future bark beetle infestation (R2 of 0.83–0.89). These results demonstrate that forest vitality trends ranging from healthy to bark beetle-affected states can be mapped, supporting early intervention strategies. The standard deviation of 0.44 to 0.76 years indicates that the model deviates on average by half a year, mainly due to the uncertainty in the reference data. This temporal uncertainty is acceptable, as half a year provides a sufficient window to identify stressed forest areas and implement targeted management actions before bark beetle damage occurs. The successful application of this technique to extensive test sites in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia proves its transferability. For the first time, the results clearly demonstrate the expected relationship between radar backscatter expressed in the Kennaugh elements K0 and K1 and bark beetle infestation, thereby providing an opportunity for the continuous and cost-effective monitoring of forest health from space. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)
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27 pages, 2226 KiB  
Review
Uncovering Plaque Erosion: A Distinct Pathway in Acute Coronary Syndromes and a Gateway to Personalized Therapy
by Angela Buonpane, Alberto Ranieri De Caterina, Giancarlo Trimarchi, Fausto Pizzino, Marco Ciardetti, Michele Alessandro Coceani, Augusto Esposito, Luigi Emilio Pastormerlo, Angelo Monteleone, Alberto Clemente, Umberto Paradossi, Sergio Berti, Antonio Maria Leone, Carlo Trani, Giovanna Liuzzo, Francesco Burzotta and Filippo Crea
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5456; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155456 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Plaque erosion (PE) is now recognized as a common and clinically significant cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs), accounting for up to 40% of cases. Unlike plaque rupture (PR), PE involves superficial endothelial loss over an intact fibrous cap and occurs in a [...] Read more.
Plaque erosion (PE) is now recognized as a common and clinically significant cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs), accounting for up to 40% of cases. Unlike plaque rupture (PR), PE involves superficial endothelial loss over an intact fibrous cap and occurs in a low-inflammatory setting, typically affecting younger patients, women, and smokers with fewer traditional risk factors. The growing recognition of PE has been driven by high-resolution intracoronary imaging, particularly optical coherence tomography (OCT), which enables in vivo differentiation from PR. Identifying PE with OCT has opened the door to personalized treatment strategies, as explored in recent trials evaluating the safety of deferring stent implantation in selected cases in favor of intensive medical therapy. Given its unexpectedly high prevalence, PE is now recognized as a common pathophysiological mechanism in ACS, rather than a rare exception. This growing awareness underscores the importance of its accurate identification through OCT in clinical practice. Early recognition and a deeper understanding of PE are essential steps toward the implementation of precision medicine, allowing clinicians to move beyond “one-size-fits-all” models toward “mechanism-based” therapeutic strategies. This narrative review aims to offer an integrated overview of PE, tracing its epidemiology, elucidating the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms involved, outlining its clinical presentations, and placing particular emphasis on diagnostic strategies with OCT, while also discussing emerging therapeutic approaches and future directions for personalized cardiovascular care. Full article
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22 pages, 1504 KiB  
Article
Production of Bioadsorbents via Low-Temperature Pyrolysis of Exhausted Olive Pomace for the Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Media
by Safae Chafi, Manuel Cuevas-Aranda, Mª Lourdes Martínez-Cartas and Sebastián Sánchez
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3254; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153254 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
In this work, biochars were produced by pyrolysis of exhausted olive pomace and evaluated as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The biochar obtained at 400 °C for 1 h, which exhibited the best adsorption performance, was [...] Read more.
In this work, biochars were produced by pyrolysis of exhausted olive pomace and evaluated as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The biochar obtained at 400 °C for 1 h, which exhibited the best adsorption performance, was characterized by FTIR, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, SEM-EDX, and proximate analysis, revealing a mesoporous structure with a relatively low specific surface area but enriched in surface functional groups, likely due to the partial degradation of lignocellulosic components. Adsorption experiments were conducted to optimize operational parameters such as solid particle size (2–3 mm), agitation speed (75 rpm), and bioadsorbent dosage (1 g per 0.05 L of MB solution), which allowed for dye removal efficiencies close to 100%. Kinetic studies showed that MB adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model, while equilibrium data at 30 °C were best described by the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.999; SE = 4.25%), suggesting monolayer coverage and strong adsorbate–adsorbent affinity. Desorption trials using water, ethanol, and their mixtures resulted in low MB recovery, whereas the addition of 10% acetic acid significantly improved desorption performance. Under optimal conditions, up to 52% of the retained dye was recovered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomass Chemicals: Transformation and Valorization)
10 pages, 1003 KiB  
Article
Removal of Octinoxate, aUVFilter Compound from Aquatic Environment Using Polydimethylsiloxane Sponge
by Péter Szabó, Zoltán Németh, Ruben Szabó, István Lázár, Zsolt Pirger and Attila Gáspár
Water 2025, 17(15), 2306; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152306 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
This work demonstrates the potential of polydimethylsiloxane sponges for removing organic UV filter compounds such as octinoxate from aqueous solutions. The sponges were fabricated using simple templates made of hydrophilic fused or pressed particles (sugar or NaCl salt) with an approximate particle size [...] Read more.
This work demonstrates the potential of polydimethylsiloxane sponges for removing organic UV filter compounds such as octinoxate from aqueous solutions. The sponges were fabricated using simple templates made of hydrophilic fused or pressed particles (sugar or NaCl salt) with an approximate particle size of 0.4 mm. Among the prepared sponges, those templated with sugar cubes or coarse salt exhibited the highest adsorption capacity, effectively adsorbing up to 0.6% of their own mass in octinoxate. The PDMS sponges were fully regenerable, allowing for the complete removal of octinoxate without any detectable changes in their adsorption properties or dry weight. Due to their simple fabrication, ease of handling, ability to float, and reusability, PDMS sponges present an environmentally friendly and low-maintenance alternative to conventional filtration systems for the removal of octinoxate and potentially other UV filter compounds from environmental surface waters and recreational water bodies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Quality and Contamination)
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27 pages, 1888 KiB  
Review
China’s Carbon Emissions Trading Market: Current Situation, Impact Assessment, Challenges, and Suggestions
by Qidi Wang, Jinyan Zhan, Hailin Zhang, Yuhan Cao, Zheng Yang, Quanlong Wu and Ali Raza Otho
Land 2025, 14(8), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081582 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
As the world’s largest developing and carbon-emitting country, China is accelerating its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction process, and it is of vital importance in achieving the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. This paper examines the historical development and current operation [...] Read more.
As the world’s largest developing and carbon-emitting country, China is accelerating its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction process, and it is of vital importance in achieving the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. This paper examines the historical development and current operation of China’s carbon emissions trading market (CETM). The current progress of research on the implementation of carbon emissions trading policy (CETP) is described in four dimensions: environment, economy, innovation, and society. The results show that CETP generates clear environmental and social benefits but exhibits mixed economic and innovation effects. Furthermore, this paper analyses the challenges of China’s carbon market, including the green paradox, the low carbon price, the imperfections in cap setting and allocation of allowances, the small scope of coverage, and the weakness of the legal supervision system. Ultimately, this paper proposes recommendations for fostering China’s CETM with the anticipation of offering a comprehensive outlook for future research. Full article
16 pages, 3158 KiB  
Article
Comparative Metabolomics Analysis of Four Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr) Varieties with Different Fruit Quality
by Ping Zheng, Jiahao Wu, Denglin Li, Shiyu Xie, Xinkai Cai, Qiang Xiao, Jing Wang, Qinglong Yao, Shengzhen Chen, Ruoyu Liu, Yuqin Liang, Yangmei Zhang, Biao Deng, Yuan Qin and Xiaomei Wang
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2400; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152400 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Understanding the metabolic characteristics of pineapple varieties is crucial for market expansion and diversity. This study performed comparative metabolomic analysis on the “Comte de Paris” (BL) and three Taiwan-introduced varieties: “Tainong No. 11” (XS), “Tainong No. 23” (MG), and “Tainong No. 13” (DM). [...] Read more.
Understanding the metabolic characteristics of pineapple varieties is crucial for market expansion and diversity. This study performed comparative metabolomic analysis on the “Comte de Paris” (BL) and three Taiwan-introduced varieties: “Tainong No. 11” (XS), “Tainong No. 23” (MG), and “Tainong No. 13” (DM). A total of 551 metabolites were identified across the four varieties, with 231 metabolites exhibiting no significant differences between all varieties. This included major sugars such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose, as well as key acids like citric, malic, and quinic acids, indicating that the in-season maturing fruits of different pineapple varieties can all achieve good sugar–acid accumulation under suitable conditions. The differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) that were identified among the four varieties all primarily belonged to several major subclasses, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids and derivatives, and alkaloids, but the preferentially accumulated metabolites in each variety varied greatly. Specifically, branched-chain amino acids (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine) and many DAMs in the flavonoid, phenolic acid, lignan, and coumarin categories were most abundant in MG, which might contribute to its distinct and enriched flavor and nutritional value. XS, meanwhile, exhibited a notable accumulation of aromatic amino acids (L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan), various phenolic acids, and many lignans and coumarins, which may be related to its unique flavor profile. In DM, the dominant accumulation of jasmonic acid might contribute to its greater adaptability to low temperatures during autumn and winter, allowing off-season fruits to maintain good quality. The main cultivar BL exhibited the highest accumulation of L-ascorbic acid and many relatively abundant flavonoids, making it a good choice for antioxidant benefits. These findings offer valuable insights for promoting different varieties and advancing metabolome-based pineapple improvement programs. Full article
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15 pages, 19662 KiB  
Review
Partial Cystectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
by Peter S. Palencia, Nethusan Sivanesan, Syed Rahman, Fady Ghali, David Hesse, John Colberg, Ashwin Sridhar, John D. Kelly, Byron H. Lee, Ashish M. Kamat and Wei-Shen Tan
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2562; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152562 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Partial cystectomy is a surgical bladder-sparing option for selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), urachal adenocarcinoma and diverticular bladder tumors. Partial cystectomy hold several advantages. It allows for definite pathology and accurate staging while avoiding side effects from radiation therapy and preserves [...] Read more.
Partial cystectomy is a surgical bladder-sparing option for selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), urachal adenocarcinoma and diverticular bladder tumors. Partial cystectomy hold several advantages. It allows for definite pathology and accurate staging while avoiding side effects from radiation therapy and preserves the option for salvage radical therapy (radical cystectomy or radical radiotherapy). Patients should have a CT urogram, prostatic urethral biopsy and mapping biopsies or blue light cystoscopy to rule out multifocal disease or CIS. Small solitary MIBC patients without carcinoma in situ in an area of the bladder where resection can be performed with negative margin would be the ideal candidates for partial cystectomy. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy is recommended for patients undergoing partial cystectomy. Partial cystectomy can be performed either by open or robotic approaches. When compared to radical cystectomy, partial cystectomy affords a lower complication rate and length of stay and better quality of life. Recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival at 5 years is 39–67%, 62–84% and 45–70%, respectively. Following partial cystectomy, patients should have three monthly cystoscopy and urinary cytology for the first 24 months followed by 6-monthly cystoscopy for year 3 and 4 and then yearly for life. Cross-sectional imaging should be performed every 3–6 months for the first 2–3 years and then annually for 5 years. Full article
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24 pages, 1052 KiB  
Article
Consensus-Based Automatic Group Decision-Making Method with Reliability and Subjectivity Measures Based on Sentiment Analysis
by Johnny Bajaña-Zajía, José Ramón Trillo, Francisco Javier Cabrerizo and Juan Antonio Morente-Molinera
Algorithms 2025, 18(8), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/a18080477 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
The use of informal language on social media and the sheer volume of information make it difficult for a computer system to analyse it automatically. The aim of this work is to design a new group decision-making method that applies two new consensus [...] Read more.
The use of informal language on social media and the sheer volume of information make it difficult for a computer system to analyse it automatically. The aim of this work is to design a new group decision-making method that applies two new consensus methods based on sentiment analysis. This method is designed for application in the analysis of texts on social media. To test the method, we will use posts from the so called social network X. The proposed model differs from previous work in this field by defining a new degree of subjectivity and a new degree of reliability associated with user opinions. This work also presents two new consensus measures, one focused on measuring the number of words classified as positive and negative and the other on analysing the percentage of occurrence of those words. Our method allows us to automatically extract preferences from the transcription of the texts used in the debate, avoiding the need for users to explicitly indicate their preferences. The application to a real case of public investment demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach in collaborative contexts that used natural language. Full article
21 pages, 4252 KiB  
Article
AnimalAI: An Open-Source Web Platform for Automated Animal Activity Index Calculation Using Interactive Deep Learning Segmentation
by Mahtab Saeidifar, Guoming Li, Lakshmish Macheeri Ramaswamy, Chongxiao Chen and Ehsan Asali
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152269 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Monitoring the activity index of animals is crucial for assessing their welfare and behavior patterns. However, traditional methods for calculating the activity index, such as pixel intensity differencing of entire frames, are found to suffer from significant interference and noise, leading to inaccurate [...] Read more.
Monitoring the activity index of animals is crucial for assessing their welfare and behavior patterns. However, traditional methods for calculating the activity index, such as pixel intensity differencing of entire frames, are found to suffer from significant interference and noise, leading to inaccurate results. These classical approaches also do not support group or individual tracking in a user-friendly way, and no open-access platform exists for non-technical researchers. This study introduces an open-source web-based platform that allows researchers to calculate the activity index from top-view videos by selecting individual or group animals. It integrates Segment Anything Model2 (SAM2), a promptable deep learning segmentation model, to track animals without additional training or annotation. The platform accurately tracked Cobb 500 male broilers from weeks 1 to 7 with a 100% success rate, IoU of 92.21% ± 0.012, precision of 93.87% ± 0.019, recall of 98.15% ± 0.011, and F1 score of 95.94% ± 0.006, based on 1157 chickens. Statistical analysis showed that tracking 80% of birds in week 1, 60% in week 4, and 40% in week 7 was sufficient (r ≥ 0.90; p ≤ 0.048) to represent the group activity in respective ages. This platform offers a practical, accessible solution for activity tracking, supporting animal behavior analytics with minimal effort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)
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