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37 pages, 1583 KiB  
Review
Glial Cells and Aging: From the CNS to the Cerebellum
by Gina La Sala and Donatella Farini
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157553 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Among brain regions, the cerebellum (CBL) has traditionally been associated with motor control. However, increasing evidence from connectomics and functional imaging has expanded this view, revealing its involvement in a wide range of cognitive and integrative processes. Despite this emerging relevance, the CBL [...] Read more.
Among brain regions, the cerebellum (CBL) has traditionally been associated with motor control. However, increasing evidence from connectomics and functional imaging has expanded this view, revealing its involvement in a wide range of cognitive and integrative processes. Despite this emerging relevance, the CBL has received comparatively less attention in aging research, which has focused mainly on other central nervous system (CNS) regions such as the neocortex and hippocampus. This review synthesizes the current evidence on glial cell aging across the CNS, emphasizing how cerebellar circuits follow distinct trajectories in terms of cellular remodeling, transcriptional reprogramming, and structural vulnerability. Recent findings highlight that cerebellar astrocytes and microglia exhibit specific signatures related to aging compared to their cortical counterpart, including moderate reactivity, selective immune response, and spatial reorganization. Cerebellar white matter (WM) undergoes structural alteration, suggesting that oligodendroglial cells may undergo region-specific alterations, particularly within WM tracts, although these aspects remain underexplored. Despite the presence of glial remodeling, the CBL maintains a notable degree of structural and functional integrity during aging. This resilience may be the result of the CBL’s ability to maintain synaptic adaptability and homeostatic balance, supported by its highly organized and compartmentalized architecture. A better understanding of the dynamics of cerebellar glial cells in aging may provide new insight into the mechanisms of brain maintenance and identify potential biomarkers for healthy brain aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Biology of Glial Cells)
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12 pages, 1107 KiB  
Article
DHA–Triacylglycerol Accumulation in Tacrolimus-Induced Nephrotoxicity Identified by Lipidomic Profiling
by Sho Nishida, Tamaki Ishima, Daiki Iwami, Ryozo Nagai and Kenichi Aizawa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7549; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157549 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Tacrolimus (TAC)-induced chronic nephrotoxicity (TAC nephrotoxicity) remains a major contributor to late allograft dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients. Although detailed mechanisms remain incompletely understood, our previous metabolomic studies revealed disruptions in carnitine-related and redox pathways, suggesting impaired mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids. To [...] Read more.
Tacrolimus (TAC)-induced chronic nephrotoxicity (TAC nephrotoxicity) remains a major contributor to late allograft dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients. Although detailed mechanisms remain incompletely understood, our previous metabolomic studies revealed disruptions in carnitine-related and redox pathways, suggesting impaired mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids. To further characterize metabolic alterations associated with this condition, we conducted an untargeted lipidomic analysis of renal tissues using a murine model of TAC nephrotoxicity. TAC (1 mg/kg/day) or saline was subcutaneously administered to male ICR mice for 28 days, and kidney tissues were harvested for comprehensive lipidomic profiling. Lipidomic analysis was performed with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (p < 0.05, n = 5/group). Triacylglycerols (TGs) were the predominant lipid class identified. TAC-treated mice exhibited reduced levels of unsaturated TG species with low carbon numbers, whereas TGs with higher carbon numbers and various degrees of unsaturation were increased. All detected TGs containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) showed an increasing trend in TAC-treated kidneys. Although accumulation of polyunsaturated TGs has been previously observed in chronic kidney disease, the preferential increase in DHA-containing TGs appears to be a unique feature of TAC-induced nephrotoxicity. These results suggest that DHA-enriched TGs may serve as a metabolic signature of TAC nephrotoxicity and offer new insights into its pathophysiology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Molecular Trends and Prospects in Kidney Diseases)
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27 pages, 10097 KiB  
Article
Biocrusts Alter the Pore Structure and Water Infiltration in the Top Layer of Rammed Soils at Weiyuan Section of the Great Wall in China
by Xiaoju Yang, Fasi Wu, Long Li, Ruihua Shang, Dandan Li, Lina Xu, Jing Cui and Xueyong Zhao
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080908 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 55
Abstract
The surface of the Great Wall harbors a large number of non-vascular plants dominated by cyanobacteria, lichens and mosses as well as microorganisms, and form biocrusts by cementing with the soils and greatly alters the pore structure of the soil and the ecohydrological [...] Read more.
The surface of the Great Wall harbors a large number of non-vascular plants dominated by cyanobacteria, lichens and mosses as well as microorganisms, and form biocrusts by cementing with the soils and greatly alters the pore structure of the soil and the ecohydrological processes associated with the soil pore space, and thus influences the soil resistance to erosion. However, the microscopic role of the biocrusts in influencing the pore structure of the surface of the Great Wall is not clear. This study chose the Warring States Qin Great Wall in Weiyuan, Gansu Province, China, as research site to quantify thepore structure characteristics of the three-dimensional of bare soil, cyanobacterial-lichen crusts, and moss crusts at the depth of 0–50 mm, by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray computed tomography and image analysis, and the precipitation infiltration process. The results showed that the moss crust layer was dominated by large pores with long extension and good connectivity, which provided preferential seepage channels for precipitation infiltration, while the connectivity between the cyanobacterial-lichen crust voids was poor; The porosity of the cyanobacterial-lichen crust and the moss crust was 500% and 903.27% higher than that of the bare soil, respectively. The porosity of the subsurface layer of cyanobacterial-lichen crust and moss crust was significantly lower than that of the biocrusts layer by 92.54% and 97.96%, respectively, and the porosity of the moss crust was significantly higher than that of the cyanobacterial-lichen crust in the same layer; Cyanobacterial-lichen crusts increased the degree of anisotropy, mean tortuosity, moss crust reduced the degree of anisotropy, mean tortuosity. Biocrusts increased the fractal dimension and Euler number of pores. Compared with bare soil, moss crust and cyanobacterial-lichen crust increased the isolated porosity by 2555% and 4085%, respectively; Biocrusts increased the complexity of the pore network models; The initial infiltration rate, stable infiltration rate, average infiltration rate, and the total amount of infiltration of moss crusted soil was 2.26 and 3.12 times, 1.07 and 1.63 times, respectively, higher than that of the cyanobacterial-lichen crusts and the bare soil, by 1.53 and 2.33 times, and 1.13 and 2.08 times, respectively; CT porosity and clay content are significantly positively correlated with initial soil infiltration rate (|r| ≥ 0.85), while soil type and organic matter content are negatively correlated with initial soil infiltration rate. The soil type and bulk density are directly positively and negatively correlated with CT porosity, respectively (|r| ≥ 0.52). There is a significant negative correlation between soil clay content and porosity (|r| = 0.15, p < 0.001). Biocrusts alter the erosion resistance of rammed earth walls by affecting the soil microstructure of the earth’s great wall, altering precipitation infiltration, and promoting vascular plant colonisation, which in turn alters the erosion resistance of the wall. The research results have important reference for the development of disposal plans for biocrusts on the surface of archaeological sites. Full article
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27 pages, 6094 KiB  
Article
National Multi-Scenario Simulation of Low-Carbon Land Use to Achieve the Carbon-Neutrality Target in China
by Junjun Zhi, Chenxu Han, Qiuchen Yan, Wangbing Liu, Likang Zhang, Zuyuan Wang, Xinwu Fu and Haoshan Zhao
Earth 2025, 6(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6030085 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 142
Abstract
Refining the land use structure can boost land utilization efficiency and curtail regional carbon emissions. Nevertheless, prior research has predominantly concentrated on static linear planning analysis. It has failed to account for how future dynamic alterations in driving factors (such as GDP and [...] Read more.
Refining the land use structure can boost land utilization efficiency and curtail regional carbon emissions. Nevertheless, prior research has predominantly concentrated on static linear planning analysis. It has failed to account for how future dynamic alterations in driving factors (such as GDP and population) affect simulation outcomes and how the land use spatial configuration impacts the attainment of the carbon-neutrality goal. In this research, 1 km spatial resolution LULC products were employed to meticulously simulate multiple land use scenarios across China at the national level from 2030 to 2060. This was performed by taking into account the dynamic changes in driving factors. Subsequently, an analysis was carried out on the low-carbon land use spatial structure required to reach the carbon-neutrality target. The findings are as follows: (1) When employing the PLUS (Patch—based Land Use Simulation) model to conduct simulations of various land use scenarios in China by taking into account the dynamic alterations in driving factors, a high degree of precision was attained across diverse scenarios. The sustainable development scenario demonstrated the best performance, with kappa, OA, and FoM values of 0.9101, 93.15%, and 0.3895, respectively. This implies that the simulation approach based on dynamic factors is highly suitable for national-scale applications. (2) The simulation accuracy of the PLUS and GeoSOS-FLUS (Systems for Geographical Modeling and Optimization, Simulation of Future Land Utilization) models was validated for six scenarios by extrapolating the trends of influencing factors. Moreover, a set of scenarios was added to each model as a control group without extrapolation. The present research demonstrated that projecting the trends of factors having an impact notably improved the simulation precision of both the PLUS and GeoSOS-FLUS models. When contrasted with the GeoSOS-FLUS model, the PLUS model attained superior simulation accuracy across all six scenarios. The highest precision indicators were observed in the sustainable development scenario, with kappa, OA, and FoM values reaching 0.9101, 93.15%, and 0.3895, respectively. The precise simulation method of the PLUS model, which considers the dynamic changes in influencing factors, is highly applicable at the national scale. (3) Under the sustainable development scenario, it is anticipated that China’s land use carbon emissions will reach their peak in 2030 and achieve the carbon-neutrality target by 2060. Net carbon emissions are expected to decline by 14.36% compared to the 2020 levels. From the perspective of dynamic changes in influencing factors, the PLUS model was used to accurately simulate China’s future land use. Based on these simulations, multi-scenario predictions of future carbon emissions were made, and the results uncover the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of China’s carbon emissions. This study aims to offer a solid scientific basis for policy-making related to China’s low-carbon economy and high-quality development. It also intends to present Chinese solutions and key paths for achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Full article
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16 pages, 1219 KiB  
Article
Salicylic Acid with NaCl Acts as a Stressor and Alters Root Traits and the Estimated Root Surface Area of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Genotypes in Hydroponic Culture
by Jannatul Afrin, Nikunjo Chakroborty, Rebeka Sultana, Jobadatun Naher and Arif Hasan Khan Robin
Stresses 2025, 5(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5030048 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 83
Abstract
Understanding the alterations to the shoot and root traits of rapeseed (Brassica napus) in response to salt stress is vital for improving its ability to thrive in saline-prone regions. This research aims to evaluate the responses of shoot and root traits [...] Read more.
Understanding the alterations to the shoot and root traits of rapeseed (Brassica napus) in response to salt stress is vital for improving its ability to thrive in saline-prone regions. This research aims to evaluate the responses of shoot and root traits of rapeseed at the vegetative stage under salt- and salicylic acid-induced stress in hydroponic culture. Five parents and ten F3 segregants of rapeseed were subjected to three treatments: T1: control, T2: 8 dSm−1 salt, and T3: 8 dSm−1 salt + 0.1 mM salicylic acid at 21 days of age. Salinity stress significantly reduced the estimated root surface area by 54% compared to control, highlighting the plasticity of roots under stress. The simultaneous application of salt and SA did not alleviate the salinity stress, but rather reinforced the degree of stress and decreased the number of leaves, diameter of the main axis, chlorophyll content, and estimated root surface area by 18.5%, 15.4%, 38.8%, and 23%, respectively, compared to T2. The parental genotype M-245 followed by F3 genotype M-232×M-223 accounted for the higher overall estimated root surface area. These results provide novel insights into the responses of root traits in rapeseed breeding lines under dual treatment, which hold promising implications for future rapeseed breeding efforts focused on sustainable rapeseed production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)
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14 pages, 4802 KiB  
Article
Curcumin Attenuates Zearalenone-Induced Reproductive Damage in Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbe–Testis Axis
by Bangwang Peng, Shuaiju Guo, Junlong Niu, Yongpeng Guo, Zhixiang Wang and Wei Zhang
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2703; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152703 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 218
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN), a mycotoxin commonly found in cereal crops and foods, induces testicular damage and disrupts gut microbial composition. Curcumin (CUR), a bioactive compound derived from turmeric, is known to enhance intestinal microbial balance and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate [...] Read more.
Zearalenone (ZEN), a mycotoxin commonly found in cereal crops and foods, induces testicular damage and disrupts gut microbial composition. Curcumin (CUR), a bioactive compound derived from turmeric, is known to enhance intestinal microbial balance and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which CUR alleviates ZEN-induced reductions in sperm quality through the modulation of the gut microbiota–testis axis. Forty-eight 6-week-old Balb/c male mice were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: control (CON), CUR (200 mg/kg body weight CUR), ZEN (40 mg/kg body weight ZEN), and ZEN + CUR (200 mg/kg CUR + 40 mg/kg ZEN). The degree of sperm damage was quantified by assessing both the survival rate and the morphological integrity of the spermatozoa. CUR was found to mitigate ZEN-induced reductions in the testosterone levels, testicular structural damage, and disrupted spermatogenesis. Exposure to ZEN markedly perturbed the gut microbiota, characterized by increased relative abundances of Prevotella and Bacteroides and a concomitant reduction in Lactobacillus. These alterations were accompanied by pronounced activation of the IL-17A–TNF-α signaling axis, as demonstrated by elevated transcriptional and translational expression of pathway-associated genes and proteins. Co-administration of CUR effectively reinstated microbial homeostasis and mitigated ZEN-induced IL-17A pathway activation. In conclusion, ZEN induces testicular inflammation and reduced sperm quality by lowering testosterone levels and disrupting gut microbial balance, which drives the testicular IL-17A signaling pathway. CUR alleviates ZEN-induced testicular inflammation and sperm quality reduction by restoring beneficial gut microbes and testosterone levels. Full article
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14 pages, 3668 KiB  
Article
Infrasound-Altered Pollination in a Common Western North American Plant: Evidence from Wind Turbines and Railways
by Lusha M. Tronstad, Madison Mazur, Lauren Thelen-Wade, Delina Dority, Alexis Lester, Michelle Weschler and Michael E. Dillon
Environments 2025, 12(8), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12080266 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 236
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise can have diverse effects on natural ecosystems, but less is known about the degree to which noise can alter organisms in comparison to other disturbances. A variety of frequencies are produced by man-made objects, ranging from high to low frequencies, and [...] Read more.
Anthropogenic noise can have diverse effects on natural ecosystems, but less is known about the degree to which noise can alter organisms in comparison to other disturbances. A variety of frequencies are produced by man-made objects, ranging from high to low frequencies, and we studied infrasound (<20 Hz) produced by wind turbines and trains. We estimated the number, mass and viability of seeds produced by flowers of Plains pricklypear (Opuntia polyacantha Haw.) that were left open to pollinators, hand-pollinated or bagged to exclude pollinators. Each pollination treatment was applied to plants at varying distances from wind turbines and railways (≤25 km). Self-pollinated Opuntia polyacantha and plants within the wind facility produced ≥1.6 times more seeds in the bagged treatments compared to more distant sites. Seed mass and the percent of viable seeds decreased with distance from infrasound. Viability of seeds was >70% for most treatments and sites. If wind facilities, railways and other man-made structures produce infrasound that increases self-pollination, crops and native plants near sources may produce heavier seeds with higher viability in the absence of pollinators, but genetic diversity of plants may decline due to decreased cross-pollination. Full article
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21 pages, 2593 KiB  
Article
Climate Change Impacts on Grey Water Footprint of Agricultural Total Nitrogen in the Yangtze River Basin Based on SSP–InVEST Coupling
by Na Li, Hongliang Wu and Feng Yan
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1844; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081844 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
With climate change, the spatial and temporal patterns of precipitation are altered to a certain degree, which potentially affects the grey water footprint (GWF) of total nitrogen (TN) in agriculture, thereby threatening water security in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), the largest river [...] Read more.
With climate change, the spatial and temporal patterns of precipitation are altered to a certain degree, which potentially affects the grey water footprint (GWF) of total nitrogen (TN) in agriculture, thereby threatening water security in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), the largest river in China. The current study constructs an assessment framework for climate change impacts on the GWF of agricultural TN by coupling Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) with the InVEST model. The framework consists of four components: (i) data collection and processing, (ii) simulating the two critical indicators (LTN and W) in the GWF model based on the InVEST model, (iii) calculating the GWF and GWF index (GI) of TN, and (iv) calculating climate change impact index on GWF of agricultural TN (CI) under two SSPs. It is applied to the YRB, and the results show the following: (i) GWFs are 959.7 and 961.4 billion m3 under the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios in 2030, respectively, which are both lower than that in 2020 (1067.1 billion m3). (ii) The GI values for TN in 2030 under SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 remain at “High” grade, with the values of 0.95 and 1.03, respectively. Regionally, the water pollution level of Taihu Lake is the highest, while that of Wujiang River is the lowest. (iii) The CI values of the YRB in 2030 under SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios are 0.507 and 0.527, respectively. And the CI values of the five regions in the YRB are greater than 0, indicating that the negative effects of climate change on GWFs increase. (iv) Compared with 2020, LTN and W in YRB in 2030 under the two SSPs decrease, while the GI of TN in YRB rises from SSP1-2.6 to SSP5-8.5. The assessment framework can provide strategic recommendations for sustainable water resource management in the YRB and other regions globally under climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agroecology Innovation: Achieving System Resilience)
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15 pages, 1922 KiB  
Article
Idiopathic Syringomyelia: Diagnostic Value of Cranial Morphometric Parameters
by Birol Özkal and Hakan Özçelik
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(8), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15080811 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 172
Abstract
Background: Identifying the etiological factors of syringomyelia, which can cause progressive neurological deficits in the spinal cord, is critically important for both diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to assess the cranial morphometric features of patients with idiopathic syringomyelia by conducting comparative analyses [...] Read more.
Background: Identifying the etiological factors of syringomyelia, which can cause progressive neurological deficits in the spinal cord, is critically important for both diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to assess the cranial morphometric features of patients with idiopathic syringomyelia by conducting comparative analyses with individuals diagnosed with Chiari Type I, Chiari Type I accompanied by syringomyelia, and healthy controls, in order to elucidate the potential structural contributors to the pathogenesis of idiopathic syringomyelia. Methods: In this retrospective and comparative study, a total of 172 patients diagnosed with Chiari Type I and/or syringomyelia between 2016 and 2024, along with 156 radiologically normal individuals, were included. The participants were categorized into four groups: healthy controls, Chiari Type I, Chiari Type I with syringomyelia, and idiopathic syringomyelia (defined as syringomyelia without an identifiable cause). Midline sagittal T1-weighted MR images were used to obtain quantitative measurements of the posterior fossa, cerebellum, intracranial area, and foramen magnum. All measurements were stratified and statistically analyzed by sex. Results: In cases with idiopathic syringomyelia, both the posterior fossa area and the cerebellum/posterior fossa ratio differed significantly from those of healthy controls. In male patients, the foramen magnum diameter was significantly larger in the Chiari + syringomyelia group compared with the idiopathic group. A significant correlation was found between the degree of tonsillar descent and selected morphometric parameters in female subjects, whereas no such correlation was observed in males. Both Chiari groups exhibited significantly smaller posterior fossa dimensions compared with the healthy and idiopathic groups, indicating greater neural crowding. Additionally, in Chiari Type I patients, increasing degrees of tonsillar descent were associated with a decreased incidence of syringomyelia. Conclusions: Anatomical variations such as a reduced posterior fossa area or altered foramen magnum diameter may contribute to the pathogenesis of idiopathic syringomyelia. Cranial morphometric analysis appears to offer diagnostic value in these cases. Further prospective, multicenter studies incorporating advanced neuroimaging modalities, particularly those assessing cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, are warranted to better understand the mechanisms underlying syringomyelia of unknown etiology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research in Neurosurgery)
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26 pages, 1943 KiB  
Review
Alternative Solvents for Pectin Extraction: Effects of Extraction Agents on Pectin Structural Characteristics and Functional Properties
by Alisa Pattarapisitporn and Seiji Noma
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2644; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152644 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Pectin is a multifunctional polysaccharide whose structural attributes, including degree of esterification (DE), molecular weight (MW), and branching, directly affect its gelling, emulsifying, and bioactive properties. Conventional pectin extraction relies on acid- or alkali-based methods that degrade the pectin structure, generate chemical waste, [...] Read more.
Pectin is a multifunctional polysaccharide whose structural attributes, including degree of esterification (DE), molecular weight (MW), and branching, directly affect its gelling, emulsifying, and bioactive properties. Conventional pectin extraction relies on acid- or alkali-based methods that degrade the pectin structure, generate chemical waste, and alter its physicochemical and functional properties. Although novel methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) are recognized as environmentally friendly alternatives, they frequently use acids or alkalis as solvents. This review focuses on pectin extraction methods that do not involve acidic or alkaline solvents such as chelating agents, super/subcritical water, and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) composed of neutral components. This review also discusses how these alternative extraction methods can preserve or modify the key structural features of pectin, thereby influencing its monosaccharide composition, molecular conformation, and interactions with other biopolymers. Furthermore, the influence of these structural variations on the rheological properties, gelling behaviors, and potential applications of pectin in the food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields are discussed. This review provides insights into alternative strategies for obtaining structurally intact and functionally diverse pectin by examining the relationship between the extraction conditions and pectin functionality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Physics and (Bio)Chemistry)
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19 pages, 967 KiB  
Article
Clinical–Biological Assessment of Prosthetic Field Following Pre-Prosthetic Phase Related to Prosthetic Treatment Solutions
by Petruţa Siminiuc, Doriana Agop-Forna, Cristina Dascălu and Norina Forna
Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(8), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15080140 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 141
Abstract
Background. Extensive partial edentulism alters the biological and functional balance of the stomatognathic system, requiring targeted pre-prosthetic procedures to optimize treatment outcomes. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of improvement in the clinical–biological scores of the [...] Read more.
Background. Extensive partial edentulism alters the biological and functional balance of the stomatognathic system, requiring targeted pre-prosthetic procedures to optimize treatment outcomes. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of improvement in the clinical–biological scores of the prosthetic field in patients with extensive edentulism, following pre-prosthetic interventions. Materials and Method. This prospective, cross-sectional study investigated 194 subjects with extensive partial edentulism. Clinical–biological scores, initially and following the pre-prosthetic phase, were recorded using a scoring system that evaluated dental and periodontal status, bone and mucosal support, occlusion, and mandibulo-cranial relationships. Statistical comparisons of clinical–biological scores were related to the type of prosthetic therapy. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value < 0.05. Results. There was an overall significant improvement in the clinical–biological scores initially (mean value 20.2) and after pre-prosthetic procedures (mean value 23.22) (p < 0.001). When treatment groups were divided, the implant-assisted prosthesis group showed the best improvement in all domains, followed by the conventional fixed-prostheses group (p < 0.01). Dental support improved significantly in those with semi-rigid composite prostheses (p = 0.014), while periodontal support was improved in both fixed- and hybrid-implant groups. Mucosal and bone support improved mostly in the fixed-implant groups (p = 0.014). Conclusions. Pre-prosthetic procedures significantly enhance the biological and functional readiness of the prosthetic field, with the degree of improvement influenced by the complexity and type of planned prosthetic rehabilitation. The findings underscore the value of individualized pre-prosthetic protocols as an essential component of prosthetic treatment planning. Full article
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29 pages, 1209 KiB  
Review
The Oral–Gut Microbiota Axis as a Mediator of Frailty and Sarcopenia
by Domenico Azzolino, Margherita Carnevale-Schianca, Lucrezia Bottalico, Marica Colella, Alessia Felicetti, Simone Perna, Leonardo Terranova, Franklin Garcia-Godoy, Mariangela Rondanelli, Pier Carmine Passarelli and Tiziano Lucchi
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2408; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152408 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 576
Abstract
Traditionally studied in isolation, the oral and gut microbiota are now being recognized as interconnected through anatomical and physiological pathways forming a dynamic “oral–gut microbiota axis”. Both oral and gut microbiota undergo changes with aging, characterized by a decline in microbial diversity and [...] Read more.
Traditionally studied in isolation, the oral and gut microbiota are now being recognized as interconnected through anatomical and physiological pathways forming a dynamic “oral–gut microbiota axis”. Both oral and gut microbiota undergo changes with aging, characterized by a decline in microbial diversity and a shift toward potentially harmful species. The aim of this review is, therefore, to provide an overview of oral–gut communications in mediating frailty and sarcopenia. PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles. We limited our search to manuscripts published in the English language. Interactions between oral and gut microbiota occur mainly through three pathways namely the enteral, the bloodstream and the fecal-oral routes. Alterations in the oral–gut microbiota axis contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation (i.e., “inflamm-ageing”) and mitochondrial dysfunction, key mechanisms underlying frailty and sarcopenia. Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and modified bile acids, appear to play an emerging role in influencing microbial homeostasis and muscle metabolism. Furthermore, poor oral health associated with microbial dysbiosis may contribute to altered eating patterns that negatively impact gut microbiota eubiosis, further exacerbating muscle decline and the degree of frailty. Strategies aimed at modulating the microbiota, such as healthy dietary patterns with reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates and alcohol, ensuring an adequate protein intake combined with physical exercise, as well as supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are increasingly recognized as promising interventions to improve both oral and gut microbiota health, with beneficial effects on frailty and sarcopenia. A better understanding of the oral–gut microbiota axis offers promising insights into nutritional interventions and therapeutic strategies for the age-related muscle decline, frailty and systemic health maintenance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Addressing Malnutrition in the Aging Population)
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24 pages, 10199 KiB  
Article
How Does Eco-Migration Influence Habitat Fragmentation in Resettlement Areas? Evidence from the Shule River Resettlement Project
by Lucang Wang, Ting Liao and Jing Gao
Land 2025, 14(8), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081514 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Eco-migration (EM) constitutes a specialized form of migration aimed at enhancing living environments and alleviating ecological pressure. Nevertheless, large-scale external migration has intensified habitat fragmentation (HF) in resettlement areas. This paper takes the Shule River Resettlement Project (SRRP) as a case, based on [...] Read more.
Eco-migration (EM) constitutes a specialized form of migration aimed at enhancing living environments and alleviating ecological pressure. Nevertheless, large-scale external migration has intensified habitat fragmentation (HF) in resettlement areas. This paper takes the Shule River Resettlement Project (SRRP) as a case, based on the China Land Cover Dataset (CLCD) data of the resettlement area from 1996 to 2020, using the Landscape Pattern Index (LPI) and the land use transfer matrix (LTM) to clearly define the stages of migration and the types of resettlement areas and to quantitative explore how EM affects HF. The results show that (1) EM accelerates the transformation of natural habitats (NHs) to artificial habitats (AHs) and shows the characteristics of sudden changes in the initial stage (1996–2002), with stability in the middle stage (2002–2006) and late stage (2007–2010) and dramatic changes in the post-migration stage (2011–2020). In IS, MS, LS, and PS, AH increased by 26.145 km2, 21.573 km2, 22.656 km2, and 16.983 km2, respectively, while NH changed by 73.116 km2, −21.575 km2, −22.655 km2, −121.82 km2, and −213.454 km2, respectively. The more dispersed the resettlement areas are the more obvious the expansion of AH will be, indicating that the resettlement methods for migrants have a significant effect on habitat changes. (2) During the resettlement process, the total number of plaques (NP), edge density (ED), diversity (SHDI), and dominance index (SHEI) all continued to increase, while the contagion index (C) and aggregation index (AI) continued to decline, indicating that the habitat is transforming towards fragmentation, diversification, and complexity. Compared with large-scale migration bases (LMBs), both small-scale migration bases (SMBs), and scattered migration settlement points (SMSPs) exhibit a higher degree of HF, which reflects how the scale of migration influences the extent of habitat fragmentation. While NHs are experiencing increasing fragmentation, AHs tend to show a decreasing trend in fragmentation. Ecological migrants play a dual role: they contribute to the alteration and fragmentation of natural habitat patterns, while simultaneously promoting the formation and continuity of artificial habitat structures. This study offers valuable practical insights and cautionary lessons for the resettlement of ecological migrants. Full article
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21 pages, 3984 KiB  
Article
Organic Acid Leaching of Black Mass with an LFP and NMC Mixed Chemistry
by Marc Simon Henderson, Chau Chun Beh, Elsayed Oraby and Jacques Eksteen
Recycling 2025, 10(4), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10040145 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 387
Abstract
There is an increasing demand for the development of efficient and sustainable battery recycling processes. Currently, many recycling processes rely on toxic inorganic acids to recover materials from high-value battery chemistries such as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMCs) and lithium cobalt oxide [...] Read more.
There is an increasing demand for the development of efficient and sustainable battery recycling processes. Currently, many recycling processes rely on toxic inorganic acids to recover materials from high-value battery chemistries such as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMCs) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCOs). However, as cell manufacturers seek more cost-effective battery chemistries, the value of the spent battery value chain is increasingly diluted by chemistries such as lithium iron phosphate (LFPs). These cheaper alternatives present a difficulty when recycling, as current recycling processes are geared towards dealing with high-value chemistries; thus, the current processes become less economical. To date, much research is focused on treating a single battery chemistry; however, often, the feed material entering a battery recycling facility is contaminated with other battery chemistries, e.g., LFP feed contaminated with NMC, LCO, or LMOs. This research aims to selectively leach various battery chemistries out of a mixed feed material with the aid of a green organic acid, namely oxalic acid. When operating at the optimal conditions (2% solids, 0.25 M oxalic acid, natural pH around 1.15, 25 °C, 60 min), this research has proven that oxalic acid can be used to selectively dissolve 95.58% and 93.57% of Li and P, respectively, from a mixed LFP-NMC mixed feed, all while only extracting 12.83% of Fe and 8.43% of Mn, with no Co and Ni being detected in solution. Along with the high degree of selectivity, this research has also demonstrated, through varying the pH, that the selectivity of the leaching system can be altered. It was determined that at pH 0.5 the system dissolved both the NMC and LFP chemistries; at a pH of 1.15, the LFP chemistry (Li and P) was selectively targeted. Finally, at a pH of 4, the NMC chemistry (Ni, Co and Mn) was selectively dissolved. Full article
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16 pages, 1980 KiB  
Review
Analyzing the Blueprint: Exploring the Molecular Profile of Metastasis and Therapeutic Resistance
by Guadalupe Avalos-Navarro, Martha Patricia Gallegos-Arreola, Emmanuel Reyes-Uribe, Luis Felipe Jave Suárez, Gildardo Rivera-Sánchez, Héctor Rangel-Villalobos, Ana Luisa Madriz-Elisondo, Itzae Adonai Gutiérrez Hurtado, Juan José Varela-Hernández and Ramiro Ramírez-Patiño
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6954; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146954 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 383
Abstract
Metastases are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The spread of neoplasms involves multiple mechanisms, with metastatic tumors exhibiting molecular behaviors distinct from their primary counterparts. The key hallmarks of metastatic lesions include chromosomal instability, copy number alterations (CNAs), and a reduced degree [...] Read more.
Metastases are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The spread of neoplasms involves multiple mechanisms, with metastatic tumors exhibiting molecular behaviors distinct from their primary counterparts. The key hallmarks of metastatic lesions include chromosomal instability, copy number alterations (CNAs), and a reduced degree of subclonality. Furthermore, metabolic adaptations such as enhanced glycogen synthesis and storage, as well as increased fatty acid oxidation (FAO), play a critical role in sustaining energy supply in metastases and contributing to chemoresistance. FAO promotes the infiltration of macrophages into the tumor, where they polarize to the M2 phenotype, which is associated with immune suppression and tissue remodeling. Additionally, the tumor microbiome and the action of cytotoxic drugs trigger neutrophil extravasation through inflammatory pathways. Chemoresistant neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment can suppress effector lymphocyte activation and facilitate the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are linked to drug resistance. This article examines the genomic features of metastatic tumors, along with the metabolic and immunological dynamics within the metastatic tumor microenvironment, and their contribution to drug resistance. It also discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in the treatment of metastatic cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breast Cancer: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapies)
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