Saved Queries

by Francesca Pampaloni, Bianca Maria Piraccini, Francesca Bruni, Federico Quadrelli, Cosimo Misciali, Luciano Merlini, Alberto Di Martino, Elisa Schena, Vittoria Cenni, Michela Starace and Patrizia Sabatelli

Cells 2026, 15(15), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15151351 (registering DOI) - 28 Jul 2026

Abstract

Collagen VI-related myopathies (COL6-RM) are rare hereditary disorders characterized by skeletal muscle dysfunction and skin manifestations, including keratosis pilaris, hypertrophic scars, and keloids. We recently found that alopecia is a novel and previously unrecognized scalp phenotype in COL6-RM; however, the precise pathogenetic mechanisms underlying hair follicle dysfunction in these patients remain incompletely understood. We performed a comprehensive immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and proteomic characterization of scalp biopsies from six COL6-RM patients presenting with hair loss and scalp itching. We found structural alterations in the hair follicle extracellular matrix architecture, particularly in the inner fibrous sheath surrounding the hair follicle. In addition, the analysis of the perifollicular adipose tissue and derived cell cultures showed changes in lipid droplet size consistent with a tendency toward cell hypertrophy. Strikingly, proteomic profiling of adipokines revealed a pro-inflammatory and extracellular matrix-remodeling signature. Consistent with inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling, CD68 macrophages and MMP2 expression were increased in the dermis of COL6-RM patients, particularly around the perifollicular adipocytes. Overall, these data indicate a complex pathological signature involving ECM and adipose tissue remodeling. In this context, collagen VI emerges as a potential regulator of the hair follicle microenvironment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 629 KB

Open AccessReview

Themes of Reported Rural Healthcare Challenges Related to Non-Communicable Diseases Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

by Takashi Kuwayama and Kazuhiko Kotani

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(8), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23080971 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease, are major causes of death worldwide; addressing NCDs is thus essential. NCDs may contribute to health disparities between rural and urban areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered medical and social environments, and NCD management approaches may have changed accordingly. This scoping review aimed to examine themes of reported rural healthcare challenges related to NCD management before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A literature search of original articles was conducted via PubMed. A thematic analysis was applied to compare the content of studies classified as pre-pandemic and post-pandemic. A total of 23 articles were identified, including 12 studies classified as pre-pandemic and 11 studies classified as post-pandemic. Before the pandemic, commonly reported challenges included low management rates of hypertension and diabetes, instability in pharmaceutical supply, and insufficient training of healthcare personnel. We integrated these into a theme related to “healthcare”. After the pandemic, in addition to the low management rates, studies increasingly addressed mental and nutritional health, multimorbidity, and socioeconomic disparities. We integrated there into a theme related to “society”. Namely, studies classified as pre-pandemic primarily reported healthcare-related aspects, whereas studies classified as post-pandemic more frequently reported broader societal aspects in addition to healthcare-related aspects. These findings may reflect changes in how rural healthcare challenges related to NCDs have been recognized and discussed following the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is needed to clarify the significance and implications of these reported themes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health: Rural Health Services Research—2nd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6118 KB

Open AccessArticle

HPV16 E7-Associated SERPINB3 Suppression and MYC-Related Epithelial Plasticity in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

by Zengchen Liu, Siwei Zhang, Tianyang Liu, Yanjing Li, Rui Li, Huan Liu, Dongcun Wang, Yunyan Tang, Heng Ma, Yuting Zhang, Lanlan Wei and Ming Chu

Cancers 2026, 18(15), 2420; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18152420 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection defines a distinct subtype of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Although HPV-positive (HPV+) HNSCC generally shows better overall survival than HPV-negative (HPV−) disease, it is frequently associated with cervical lymph node metastasis. However, the epithelial cell states and viral gene-associated mechanisms underlying HPV−related metastatic progression remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to identify metastasis-associated epithelial subpopulations in HPV+ HNSCC and explore the potential role of HPV16 E7 in regulating metastatic programs. Methods: Public single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets from paired primary and metastatic HNSCC samples were integrated and analyzed to characterize malignant epithelial subpopulations. Copy number variation (CNV) inference, clustering, pathway enrichment, stemness scoring, and trajectory analysis were performed to define metastasis-associated epithelial states. TCGA transcriptomic data and tissue-based validation were used to support candidate gene screening. In vitro functional assays were performed using SERPINB3-knockdown and HPV16 early gene-overexpressing CAL27 cell models. Results: Single-cell analysis identified stem-like metastatic epithelial subpopulations in HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC. In HPV+ metastatic lesions, an ALDH2+/LAMB3+ epithelial subpopulation showed elevated epithelial–mesenchymal transition activity and stem-like features. SERPINB3 displayed a dynamic expression pattern during HPV+ metastatic progression. Functional assays showed that SERPINB3 knockdown enhanced CAL27 cell migration and invasion and was associated with activation of MYC- and epithelial–mesenchymal transition-related transcriptional programs. Among HPV16 early genes, E5, E6, E6*, and E7 showed different degrees of SERPINB3 suppression, while E7-expressing cells exhibited distinct transcriptional alterations associated with epithelial plasticity and metastatic-related programs. Conclusions: This study identifies a stem-like metastatic epithelial state in HPV-associated HNSCC and suggests a potential HPV16 early gene-SERPINB3-MYC-related regulatory mechanism involved in metastatic epithelial plasticity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in HPV-Driven Head and Neck Cancer: Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 660 KB

Open AccessArticle

Progressive Metabolic Dysregulation from Prediabetes to Diabetes Revealed by Untargeted Metabolomics

by Maxat Toishimanov, Ivan Voitsekhovskiy, Aksholpan Shokan, Bakyt Kanapiyanov, Nurgul Myrzabayeva and Alma Nurtazina

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(15), 6721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27156721 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes represent a progressive glycemic continuum associated with multi-pathway metabolic deterioration that often precedes clinical diagnosis. Early identification of molecular alterations underlying this transition is critical for prevention strategies. Untargeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis (PCA) was applied to serum samples from 188 participants stratified into Control (n = 48), Prediabetes (n = 113), and Diabetes (n = 27) groups according to ADA/WHO diagnostic criteria. Progressive metabolic alterations were observed across the glycemic continuum. Several amino acid-, lipid-, and organic acid-related features showed nominal differences between the study groups. However, none of the detected metabolomic features remained statistically significant after false discovery rate (FDR) correction, indicating that these findings should be considered exploratory. Diabetes was associated with widespread downregulation of amino acid-related features, long-chain and complex lipid species, and small organic acids relative to both control and prediabetes groups. PCA (PC1 = 35.9%) showed progressive metabolic stratification primarily driven by hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and blood pressure elevation. These exploratory findings suggest that the transition from prediabetes to diabetes may be accompanied by alterations in amino acid, lipid, and energy metabolism. The identified metabolomic features represent candidate metabolites that require validation in larger independent cohorts using targeted metabolomics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism)

27 pages, 2408 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Thrombotic and Metabolic Protective Effects of Ginseng in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Rats: In Vivo Evaluation with In Silico Mechanistic Prediction

by Eun-Jin Lee, Dahye Yoon, Woo-Cheol Shin, Bo-Ram Choi, Dash Oyunbileg, Hye Yoon Do, Sun-Seek Min, Jin Seong Kim, Dae Young Lee and Dae-Yong Song

Antioxidants 2026, 15(8), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15080931 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is closely linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis. This study investigated the anti-thrombotic and metabolic effects of KoreaGinseng F Max (KGF), a standardized extract rich in ginsenosides, in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats, and complementary in silico analyses were used to explore putative molecular targets and pathways. The extract was standardized to contain 36.97 mg/g of ginsenosides Rg1, Rb1, and Rf. Male rats were administered KGF (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) orally for six weeks. KGF significantly improved lipid profiles by reducing serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Histological analysis revealed a dose-dependent reduction in hepatic steatosis and adipocyte size. Potential anti-thrombotic activity was evaluated using a FeCl₃-induced carotid artery thrombosis model, with aspirin (30 mg/kg) included as a positive control. KGF200 delayed thrombus formation and produced a carotid blood flow pattern comparable to that observed in the aspirin-treated group, without significant alterations in serum ALT, AST, BUN, or creatinine levels. To further generate mechanistic hypotheses, complementary in silico analyses, including target prediction, GO/KEGG enrichment, network analysis, and molecular docking, were performed using the marker compounds. Eight overlapping genes, including STAT3, PTAFR, VEGFA, FGF2, HPSE, IL2, HSP90AA1, and LGALS3, associated with thrombotic regulation were identified. Pathway analysis suggested that PI3K–Akt signaling, calcium signaling, Th17 cell differentiation, and proteoglycan/ECM-related signaling may represent putative pathway-level mechanisms underlying the observed protective effects. Molecular docking suggested possible interactions between the marker ginsenosides and several predicted hub targets. Collectively, these findings suggest that KGF may have potential for further investigation as a natural product-derived material for improving HFD-associated metabolic and thrombotic dysfunction, while the predicted multi-target and multi-pathway effects require further experimental validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Antioxidants in Functional Foods)

19 pages, 629 KB

Open AccessPerspective

Evolution of the Use of Circulating DNA as a Biomarker in Neoadjuvant Therapy of Breast Cancer

by Jannis Tornikidis, Filip Pazdirek, Alan Stolz and Marek Minarik

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(8), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33080450 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer treatment is often based on multimodal approaches in locally advanced stages typically including neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). There are limited options for the assessment of prognosis and early identification of future non-responders, which has led to the study of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and its tumor-derived subset, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), for potential use as non-invasive markers for prediction of response and prognosis associated with NACT. Methods: We have evaluated the literature on approaches to the use of cfDNA and/or ctDNA as potential biomarkers for NACT. Results: Out of 142 references going back to 2010, we found there were 87 original research reports, 39 reviews, 10 clinical trial reports and six case reports. A detailed analysis revealed several distinctive ways that markers were evaluated in a clinical setting. The original studies have focused on cfDNA, especially cfDNA integrity, whereby increasing integrity levels correlate with tumor shrinkage, reductions in proliferation markers, and hence indicate a better prognosis. Similarly, epigenetic alterations have shown promising results, with methylated ctDNA levels decreasing in responders. Further studies demonstrated the utility of ctDNA persistence through the NACT as strongly associated with shorter disease-free and overall survival. The most recent approaches of longitudinal ctDNA monitoring were found to be valuable for early identification of patients at high risk for post-operative recurrence. Conclusions: It should be noted that while most reports indicate the important role of circulating DNA in the assessment of prognosis and early detection of recurrence, there is currently only a limited utility in the prediction of eventual neoadjuvant therapy outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Breast Cancer)

24 pages, 1891 KB

Open AccessArticle

The LINC02041/SRSF1 Axis Facilitates Aerobic Glycolysis and Stemness Maintenance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

by Mingjiao Cheng, Anqi Cheng, Chenglong Li, Zhibiao Zhang, Tingjiang He, Ludan Zhang, Qianwei Zhao, Jingjing Liu, Weiwei Lin, Jintao Zhang and Fang Xu

Cells 2026, 15(15), 1350; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15151350 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies worldwide, with high rates of metastasis and recurrence contributing to its poor prognosis. There is an urgent need to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving HCC progression and to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Metabolic reprogramming, especially aerobic glycolysis known as the Warburg effect, is a well-established hallmark of cancer. Concurrently, cancer stem cells (CSCs) play crucial roles in tumor initiation, therapy resistance, and recurrence. However, the involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in linking metabolic alterations and stemness remains poorly understood. In this investigation, we identified LINC02041 as a significantly upregulated lncRNA in HCC tissues and demonstrated its oncogenic role in promoting cell proliferation. We found that STAT3 transcriptionally activates LINC02041 expression. Mechanistically, LINC02041 enhances the stability of SRSF1 protein by suppressing its ubiquitin-mediated degradation, thereby facilitating HCC cell proliferation, migration, glycolytic metabolism, and acquisition of stem-like properties. Our findings delineate a novel STAT3/LINC02041/SRSF1 regulatory axis that coordinately modulates glycolytic reprogramming and stemness maintenance in hepatocarcinogenesis. This study not only advances our understanding of HCC pathophysiology but also identifies LINC02041 as a promising prognostic biomarker and a compelling therapeutic target for novel therapeutic strategies against this aggressive malignancy. Full article

31 pages, 2896 KB

Open AccessReview

Prevalence and Clinical Implications of Somatic and Germline EGFR Mutations in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

by Jingyao Zhang, Linjun Zha, Ruqiang Liang and Tianhong Li

Cancers 2026, 18(15), 2417; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18152417 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy represents one of the earliest and most established examples of precision oncology in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with more than 10 approved agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, bispecific antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates. Over the past two decades, the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of EGFR-mutant NSCLC has evolved from empiric treatment to mutation subtype-guided strategies, from advanced disease to earlier-stage interventions, and from monotherapy to rational combination regimens. Somatic EGFR mutations remain key predictive biomarkers guiding treatment selection, therapeutic intensification, resistance mechanism-directed treatment, and disease monitoring through plasma circulating tumor DNA burden. In parallel, germline EGFR alterations are increasingly recognized as contributors to inherited lung cancer susceptibility, particularly among never-smokers and familial clusters. Germline EGFR T790M is the best-characterized pathogenic variant, creating a permissive background for multifocal lung nodules and lung adenocarcinoma development, often following acquisition of a second somatic EGFR driver mutation. Recent familial, regional, and paired tumor–normal sequencing studies have expanded the evidence beyond isolated case reports and support an emerging hereditary lung cancer predisposition phenotype. Clinically, germline EGFR should be suspected when EGFR T790M is detected prior to TKI exposure, particularly at variant allele fractions near 50%, or in patients with multifocal ground-glass nodules, multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas, early-onset disease, never/light smoking history, or family history of lung cancer. Confirmation requires germline testing and genetic counseling. This review highlights the current knowledge, recent advances, and future directions in somatic and germline EGFR-mutant NSCLC, emphasizing translational relevance for clinicians and researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Precision Medicine: Targeting Known and Emerging Oncogenic Targets in Lung Cancer (2nd Edition))

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 6396 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Destructive Detection of Mycotoxin Contamination in Maize Silage Based on Machine Vision

by Xinglu Zheng, Haiqing Tian, Kai Zhao, Lina Guo, Daqian Wan, Yang Yu, Chunxiang Zhuo and Shengli Wang

Agriculture 2026, 16(15), 1602; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16151602 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Mycotoxin contamination by aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and deoxynivalenol (DON) in maize silage threatens feed safety, requiring rapid, non-destructive monitoring tools. This study developed a visible-light machine vision approach combined with machine learning to quantify AFB₁ and DON and classify contamination levels. A total of 210 silage samples were imaged, and 111 RGB-based color and texture features were extracted, followed by correlation analysis and model-based feature selection. Using the 10 selected features, support vector regression (SVR) achieved the best quantitative performance for AFB₁ (R² = 0.9945, RMSE = 3.18 µg·kg⁻¹), while XGBoost performed best for DON (R² = 0.9816, RMSE = 45.50 µg·kg⁻¹). For classification, random forest and XGBoost correctly identified AFB₁ contamination levels with an Accuracy of 90.48%, whereas SVM achieved 97.62% Accuracy for DON. Comparison of correlation-based and model-based feature importance confirmed the complementary value of statistically significant and nonlinearly predictive features. Biological interpretation suggested that color and texture responses may reflect fungal pigmentation/browning and multiscale surface-structure alterations, respectively, with selected texture descriptors changing earlier than color descriptors during aerobic exposure. The proposed low-cost RGB imaging strategy, coupled with multi-feature fusion, offers a promising approach for high-throughput preliminary mycotoxin screening in feed production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence and Digital Agriculture)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1761 KB

Open AccessReview

Epilepsy-Linked Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Signatures in Acquired Epilepsy: The Focus on Short-Chain Fatty Acid and Tryptophan Metabolism

by Teresa Ravizza, Rossella Di Sapia, Akash Bera, Claudia Fracasso, Jacopo Lucchetti, Marco Gobbi and Annamaria Vezzani

Biomolecules 2026, 16(8), 1098; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16081098 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Epilepsy is increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder involving complex interactions between the brain and peripheral systems. Among these, the gut microbiota has emerged as a key regulator of host metabolism and immune homeostasis through the production of bioactive metabolites that mediate the communication between gut and brain. In recent years, growing evidence has linked gut dysbiosis to epilepsy, particularly in drug-resistant forms, and interventional studies targeting the gut microbiota in animal models suggest that microbiota-driven metabolic alterations may contribute to seizure generation and recurrence, as well as the associated neuropathology and cognitive deficits. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the role of the gut microbiota–metabolome axis in acquired epilepsy, with a particular focus on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and tryptophan-derived pathways. SCFAs represent major microbial products involved in energy metabolism, inflammation, blood–brain barrier integrity, neurotransmission and epigenetic mechanisms. In parallel, microbiota-dependent tryptophan metabolism represents a central hub linking intestinal microbial activity to brain function through serotonin, kynurenine, and indole pathways. Dysregulation of these pathways may influence neuronal excitability and contribute to seizures. Converging evidence supports the concept that epilepsy is associated with a coordinated alteration of gut microbial composition and host–microbiota metabolic interactions. However, further research is needed to elucidate the mutual communication between the gut and its microbiota and the metabolic flux, and their influence on brain function in neurological conditions. A better understanding of the underlying pathways and mechanisms may highlight novel therapeutic strategies and discover novel biomarkers of disease trajectory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Pathophysiology of Epilepsy: Metabolic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential)

22 pages, 7719 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Omics Analysis of the Effect of Litsea cubeba Essential Oil on the Flavor of Fermented Sausages

by Qi Wang, Can Yuan, Liran Yang, Bin Jiang and Kunyi Liu

Fermentation 2026, 12(8), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12080347 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Traditional fermented sausages are widely consumed in China but often face quality and safety risks due to contamination by spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms during natural fermentation. This study investigated the effect of Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) on the microbial community structure and volatile flavor compounds (VFCs) of fermented sausages using multi-omics approaches, including 16S/ITS amplicon sequencing and HS-SPME-GC-MS. The results showed that LCEO significantly altered the microbial community, increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus from 4.65% to 76.22% and Debaryomyces from 11.95% to 22.35%, while reducing Staphylococcus and Aspergillus by 47.01% to 4.55% and 37.28% to 17.09%, respectively. A total of 695 VFCs were identified, with terpenoids and hydrocarbons being the most abundant. A differential analysis revealed that LCEO enhanced the relative content of key aroma-active compounds, including ethyl esters and aldehydes, with odor activity values exceeding 1 for fruity-related compounds such as decanoic acid, ethyl ester and nonanoic acid, methyl ester. Strikingly, the elevated levels of these fruity esters translated into significantly higher sensory scores for odor (p < 0.05) in LCEO-treated sausages, as panelists consistently perceived a pronounced fruity and fresh aroma profile, ultimately leading to a superior overall acceptability compared to the control. A correlation analysis indicated strong positive associations between Lactobacillus, Debaryomyces, and major flavor-contributing esters. In conclusion, LCEO potentially reduces the microbial risks and improves the flavor profile of fermented sausages, making it a promising natural additive for meat fermentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fermented Foods in a Sustainable Future: Safety, Quality and Innovation)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1740 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Coated Sodium Butyrate on Growth Performance and Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota of White King Pigeon at Weaning Transition

by Zhen Liu, Ying Bao, Tiantian Gu, Li Chen, Tao Zeng, Lizhi Lu and Zhizhong Lin

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(8), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13080744 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

The current study aims to assess the effects of coated sodium butyrate (CSB) on the weaning transition of White King pigeons. A total of 336 1-month-old White King pigeons were assigned randomly to four groups, including the Control group fed basal health sandand without CSB and test groups fed the basal health sand with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% CSB, respectively. The results showed that, compared with the Control group, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) was significantly increased in the 0.1% and 0.2% CSB groups (p < 0.05). The 0.1% CSB group exhibited a higher immune organ index (IOI) than the Control group (p < 0.05). The total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) levels in the 0.1% CSB and 0.4% CSB groups significantly increased compared with the Control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the 0.2% CSB group exhibited lower serum ALB, TP, and total cholesterol (TC) levels; TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were reduced compared with the other groups (p < 0.05), and the 0.4% CSB group showed significantly increased serum TNF-α, IL-6, and D-lactic acid levels (p < 0.05). The ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) of the jejunum (p < 0.05) was significantly increased in the 0.2% CSB group. In addition, the CD and VH/CD of the ileum were significantly increased in the 0.1% CSB group (p < 0.05). Firmicutes was the predominant phylum across all treatment groups, while Bacteroidota showed a more sensitive response to CSB supplementation. The 0.1% CSB group showed a significant enrichment of Oscillospiraceae and Muribaculaceae, fiber-fermenting, SCFA-producing taxa, Enterobacterales and Klebsiella, suggesting CSB-mediated alterations in luminal oxygen tension that favor the coexistence of facultative and obligate anaerobic taxa. Collectively, these data revealed that CSB supplementation efficiently improves growth performance and intestinal health of weaning pigeons by ameliorating the intestinal environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Poultry Nutrition: Nutritional Regulation for Health Improvement, Efficient Production and Low-Carbon Sustainable Farming)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 1376 KB

Open AccessReview

Intestinal Flora and Myocarditis: Potential Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies Affecting Disease Progression and Cardiac Function

by Qianyi Liu, Dan Huang, Kun Huang and Zhaohui Wang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(15), 6706; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27156706 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Myocarditis is a clinically challenging form of inflammatory heart disease with heterogeneous etiologies, limited diagnostic tools, no targeted therapies, and a substantial risk of progression to heart failure or sudden cardiac death, particularly in young adults. Emerging evidence has increasingly associated myocarditis with gut microbiota dysbiosis. This review explores the gut–myocarditis axis, highlighting key mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Significant alterations in gut microbial composition are observed in myocarditis patients and animal models. Gut microbiota influences disease development through multiple pathways: compromised intestinal barrier integrity leading to bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation via MAMP/PRR signaling (e.g., TLRs, NLRs); production of metabolites—including pro-inflammatory trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and immunomodulatory bile acids—that regulate host inflammatory responses, immune cell differentiation, oxidative stress, and fibrotic remodeling; and molecular mimicry, where microbial peptides (e.g., from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron) trigger cross-reactive autoimmune responses against cardiac proteins. Regarding therapeutic strategies, this review discusses fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), probiotics, prebiotics, dietary modulation, and emerging approaches including engineered bacteria and oral nanomedicines. Although these strategies hold promise, their efficacy and safety remain to be validated in large-scale clinical trials, and further investigation is warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Microbiology)

23 pages, 8453 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Imipenem on Cognitive Function, Anxiety-like Behaviour, Neurogenesis, and Astrogliosis in Pentylenetetrazol-Kindled Rats

by Leonardo Araújo-Andrade, Pedro Nogueira, Bárbara Caetano-Mota, Nuno Lima, Ana Silva, Pedro A. Pereira, M. D. Madeira and Armando Cardoso

Antibiotics 2026, 15(8), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15080728 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Adverse neurological events caused by imipenem are usually more frequent in patients with epilepsy. This study investigates the effects of imipenem on hippocampal neurogenesis, astroglial activation, and behaviour in animals with pro-epileptogenic alterations. Methods: Five-month-old Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (CT), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), imipenem-treated group (IM), and imipenem after PTZ-kindling (IM-PTZ). Epileptogenesis was induced by PTZ-kindling for 28 days, followed by 10 days of imipenem (40 mg/kg) or saline injections. Rats underwent memory and anxiety tests followed by immunohistochemical analyses of doublecortin (DCX) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the hippocampus. Results: Both kindled groups displayed comparable impairments in spatial learning and working memory, while imipenem alone did not alter behaviour. The IM-PTZ group failed to reach control-level performance only in the final Morris Water Maze acquisition trials, suggesting a deficit in memory consolidation rather than a total loss of retention, as the probe trial remained comparable across all groups. Although PTZ increased anxiety-like behaviour, no locomotor differences were observed in open-field test, confirming cognitive impairments were not due to motor deficits. These behavioural changes mirrored distinct cellular alterations: while PTZ alone triggered a compensatory increase in DCX neuronal density and astrocytic branching, imipenem co-administration suppressed this neurogenic response, bringing DCX to baseline. Furthermore, combined treatment induced an uncoupling of astrocytic response, marked by increased astrocyte density and reduced process complexity in dentate hilus and Cornus Ammonis 3 (CA3). Conclusions: These results suggest that imipenem modulates the cellular substrate of the pre-sensitized brain, interfering with hippocampal plasticity and glial compensatory mechanisms, rather than directly driving further behavioural deterioration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Drugs)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 479 KB

Open AccessPerspective

Business Process Reengineering in the Age of Generative and Agentic AI: Translation, Persistence, and Renewed Relevance

by Dag Øivind Madsen and Kåre Slåtten

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16080364 - 27 Jul 2026

Abstract

Business process reengineering (BPR) is usually remembered as one of the most visible management fashions of the 1990s. It rose rapidly, promised radical redesign and major performance gains, and later lost legitimacy as many implementations failed to match the rhetoric and became associated with disruption, downsizing, and managerial overreach. Yet the organizational problem to which BPR responded never disappeared: how should organizations redesign processes when new technologies alter what is possible? This paper revisits BPR in light of recent developments in generative and agentic artificial intelligence. This perspective article develops a conceptual interpretation rather than a systematic review or empirical test. Its purpose is to clarify an emerging pattern in management discourse and process-management research: the possible reactivation of BPR-style redesign logic under new technological and discursive conditions. Using management fashion theory as the main lens, it suggests that AI may be creating conditions under which elements of BPR’s underlying redesign logic become newly relevant. The argument is not that the BPR label has simply returned. Rather, aspects of its core ambition appear to be rearticulated through adjacent and more legitimate vocabularies such as business process management, AI-augmented business process management systems, Large Process Models, and agentic BPM. To capture this pattern, the paper introduces the concept of translated resurgence, referring to the renewed relevance of an older management idea through relabeling, reinterpretation, and mutation. The paper further argues that AI may alter the technical feasibility of radical process redesign while leaving many classic BPR risks intact. The result is best understood not as a simple revival, but as an emerging and still unsettled phase in the longer afterlife of a once-prominent management idea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Process Management and Innovation: From Theory to Practice)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

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 1588.

Go to page 1 2 3 4 5

Search Results (79,390)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI