Saved Queries

by Jiaqi Yang, Youran Shao, Ying Wang, Ming Gong, Bing Li, Hongyu Chen, Caizhen Wang, Yan Li, Xiang Zhou and Gen Zou

J. Fungi 2026, 12(4), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12040276 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

Cold-active cellulases are highly desirable for temperature-sensitive biomass valorization and food processing, yet they remain scarce in conventional industrial fungal platforms. In this study, a novel cold-induced cellobiohydrolase, VvCBHI-II, was mined from the mushroom Volvariella volvacea and successfully engineered into the industrial workhorse Trichoderma reesei via site-specific homologous replacement. Structural homology modeling revealed that the substitution of the flexible B3 loop with a β-sheet creates a more open substrate-binding cleft in VvCBHI-II. Consequently, the purified VvCBHI-II exhibited robust endoglucanase-like characteristics with superior catalytic efficiency on amorphous cellulose. At 10 °C, the engineered cellulase complex demonstrated an 8.1-fold increase in filter paper activity compared to the wild-type strain. Mechanistic structural analyses indicated that the open cleft architecture elongates and weakens the hydrogen-bonding network with the cellobiose product, facilitating rapid product dissociation and alleviating severe cold-induced product inhibition. In practical applications, the engineered cold-active enzyme complex exhibited an exceptional saccharification capacity on natural pear pomace at 10 °C. Furthermore, when applied to simulated fruit juice processing, it significantly maximized the extraction yield, elevated the sweetness response, and substantially mitigated undesirable bitterness and astringency. This study elucidates the structural-functional paradigm of cold-adapted cellobiohydrolases and provides a promising strategy for formulating highly efficient, energy-saving biocatalysts for the food and biorefinery industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Application of Fungal Enzymes)

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17 pages, 2152 KB

Open AccessArticle

Presence and Identification of Microplastics in Commercial Fish from Two RAMSAR Sites in Northwestern Mexico

by Martín Armando Román Vega, Apolinar Santamaría-Miranda, Juan Pablo Apún Molina, Iván Guadalupe Martínez Álvarez, Ricardo de Jesús Aguilar Romero, Karime Anahí Valdez Chávez, Máximo García-Marciano, Mauro Espinoza Ortíz and Luis Parmenio Suescún Bolívar

Microplastics 2026, 5(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics5020070 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

The presence of microplastics (<5 mm) has become a major threat to marine ecosystems and the organisms inhabiting them. This issue affects a wide range of animals, including commercially important marine fish, whose ingestion of microplastics can cause mechanical and metabolic damage. This study aimed to characterize the main types of microplastic-like particles ingested by Centropomus viridis, Cynoscion othonopterus, Pomadasys macracanthus, Diapterus peruvianus, Lutjanus colorado, and Scomberomorus sierra, important commercial fish species in northwestern Mexico. Four sampling events were conducted over an annual cycle (November to August) in the lagoon and insular systems of Navachiste and Ohuira, Sinaloa, Mexico (RAMSAR sites 1826 and 2025). A total of 556 individuals were captured, and their stomach contents were analyzed using stereoscopic microscopy. Systematic sediment sampling was also performed at each capture site (El Coloradito, El Caracol, El Huitussi, El Aparecido, El Cerro Cabezón, Topolobampo, El Cerro Partido, and El Tortugo) by examining the upper 30 cm of sediment to ensure representativeness of the particle inventory. Four of the six analyzed species (C. viridis, C. othonopterus, P. macracanthus, and D. peruvianus) contained microplastic-like particles (MP-p), totaling 163 items, with an average ingestion rate of 0.29 items individual⁻¹. The omnivorous species D. peruvianus showed the highest ingestion (0.52 items individual⁻¹; 0.0029 items g⁻¹ wet weight). Five categories of MP-p were distinguished based on morphology and fluorescence; however, their polymeric identity cannot be confirmed without spectroscopic analyses. Sediment results showed that most microplastic-like fragments occurred at site 2025 during autumn, spring, and summer, while levels at site 1826 did not differ significantly. This study provides the first evidence of microplastic contamination in these fish species and in this region of northwestern Mexico. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Microplastics Across Ecosystems: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Sources, Sinks and Health Sustainable Solutions)

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15 pages, 247 KB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiology, Associated Factors and Implications for Effective Control of Pediculosis Among Primary Schoolgirls in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Manachai Yingklang, Patchana Hengboriboonpong Jaidee, Penchom Janwan, Wanchai Maleewong, Na T. D. Tran and Tongjit Thanchomnang

Insects 2026, 17(4), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040413 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

Pediculosis remains a public health problem among primary schoolchildren worldwide, including in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pediculosis and identify associated determinants among primary schoolgirls from different socio-geographic regions of Thailand to inform effective control strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 494 schoolgirls from eastern, northeastern, and southern provinces. Data on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, personal hygiene practices, parental knowledge and attitudes toward head lice, and school health policies were collected using questionnaires and interviews with school administrators. Univariable analyses and a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with school as a random effect were used to account for clustering. The overall prevalence of pediculosis was 50.81% (95% CI: 46.31–55.20), with significant variation across provinces. In univariable analysis, several factors were associated with infestation. However, after accounting for clustering, only class level (adjusted OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.31–7.29) and self-performed hair washing (adjusted OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.57–5.49) remained significantly associated with pediculosis, while other associations were attenuated. Parental knowledge was moderate, and commonly held beliefs regarding prevention and treatment varied. None of the participating schools had routine head lice screening policies. These findings indicate that pediculosis is likely influenced by both individual and school-level factors. Control efforts may benefit from coordinated school-based approaches, alongside improved access to effective treatment and targeted health education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Other Arthropods and General Topics)

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19 pages, 4645 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spectroscopic Investigation of the Interaction Between a Spermine-Functionalized Porphyrin and TERRA G-Quadruplexes

by Gabriele Travagliante, Massimiliano Gaeta, Giorgio Campanella, Liliya A. Yatsunyk and Alessandro D’Urso

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3424; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083424 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are noncanonical nucleic acid structures involved in gene regulation and genome stability. Among them, the telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) forms biologically relevant RNA G4s (rG4s) that participate in telomere maintenance and genome stability. Although many ligands targeting DNA G4s have been reported, the recognition and modulation of RNA G4 topologies remain less explored. In this work, we investigated the interaction between TERRA and the spermine-functionalized Zn(II) porphyrin, ZnTCPPSpm4, using UV–vis absorption, fluorescence, resonance light scattering (RLS), and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. In K⁺, where TERRA adopts a parallel G4 conformation, ZnTCPPSpm4 binds through a stepwise mechanism involving external end-stacking, forming discrete supramolecular complexes without altering the native topology. In contrast, under Na⁺ conditions, ZnTCPPSpm4 induces a gradual conformational rearrangement of TERRA from the antiparallel to a parallel-like G4 topology. A CD melting study showed that ZnTCPPSpm4 stabilizes the parallel RNA G4, while slightly destabilizing the antiparallel topology. Overall, our results demonstrate that ZnTCPPSpm4 is not a simple G4 binder, but a topology-selective ligand capable of remodeling TERRA G4 structures, highlighting the potential of metalloporphyrins as RNA G4-targeting scaffolds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in ‘Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics’: Fourth Edition)

18 pages, 3377 KB

Open AccessArticle

Age-Specific Ex Vivo Modulation of Gut–Brain Axis-Associated Metabolites by Galacto-Oligosaccharides and Nutrient Blends in Early Childhood

by Laurent Ferrier, Shaillay Kumar Dogra, Lam Dai Vu, Alexandros K. Kanellopoulos, Jonas Poppe, Laurence Biehl, Aurélien Baudot and Pieter Van den Abbeele

Metabolites 2026, 16(4), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16040255 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Gut microbiome-derived metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and tryptophan derivatives, are central mediators of the gut–brain axis. This ex vivo study assessed how nutritional interventions impact such metabolites during early life, a critical period for neurodevelopment. Methods: The effects of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), nutrient blends (vitamins, minerals and amino acids) and their combinations were evaluated in the gut microbiomes of infants (2–4 months, n = 6) and young children (2–3 years old, n = 6) using the ex vivo SIFR^® technology. Results: Baseline microbiome composition was age-dependent, with infants displaying lower α-diversity and greater interpersonal variability. After ex vivo incubation, nutrient blends increased the propionate/butyrate ratio and branched-chain fatty acids in young children and elevated several B-vitamins and amino acid-derived metabolites, including indole-3-carboxaldehyde, imidazoleacetic acid and pipecolinic acid. Combining nutrient blends with GOS exhibited potential synergistic effects on propionate (infants) and 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA, both age groups). GOS strongly stimulated Bifidobacteriaceae and increased metabolites linked to bifidobacterial metabolism like acetate, HICA, N-acetylated amino acids, aromatic lactic acids and acetylagmatine; in young children, butyrate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) also increased. Conclusions: Combinations of GOS with nutrient blends impacted microbiome-derived metabolites associated with the gut–brain axis, with potential synergistic increases of metabolites with emerging roles in neurodevelopment, including GABA, acetylagmatine and HICA. Despite shared bifidogenic effects, differences between age groups indicate that microbiome maturity may influence responses to nutritional intervention. Future clinical studies are needed to determine whether these metabolite changes translate into neurodevelopmental benefits in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuronutrition: Metabolomic Insights and Perspectives)

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10 pages, 6900 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Data-Centric Approach to Urban Building Footprint Extraction Using Graph Neural Networks and Assessed OpenStreetMap Data

by Anouar Adel, Meziane Iftene and Mohammed El Amin Larabi

Eng. Proc. 2026, 124(1), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026124105 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

The accurate and timely identification of urban building footprints is critical for sustainable urban planning and disaster management. Traditional remote sensing methods for this task often face limitations in scalability, accuracy, and adaptability to complex urban morphologies. This paper addresses these challenges by developing and evaluating a novel data-centric framework that synergistically integrates Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) with zero-shot superpixel segmentation derived from the Segment Anything Model (SAM) applied to Sentinel-2 imagery. A cornerstone of our methodology is a rigorous assessment of OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, refined through temporal NDVI stability analysis to generate high-quality ground truth. We propose an optimized UrbanGraphSAGE model, enhanced with spectral data augmentation and trained using a robust loss function with label smoothing to mitigate label noise. In the complex urban landscape of Algiers, Algeria, our approach achieves a Test F1-Score of 0.7131, demonstrating highly competitive performance with standard pixel-based baselines like U-Net while offering significant topological and computational advantages. Specifically, our model operates with merely 19,585 parameters—orders of magnitude fewer than pixel-based CNNs. A rigorous Gold Standard evaluation against manually labeled imagery confirms the model’s high recall (0.8484) and reliability for automated urban monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 6th International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences)

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26 pages, 1413 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Hybrid Quantum Circuit for Integer Factorization: End-to-End Evaluation in Simulation and Real Quantum Hardware

by Jesse Van Griensven Thé, Victor Oliveira Santos and Bahram Gharabaghi

J. Cybersecur. Priv. 2026, 6(2), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcp6020071 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

The literature indicates that the qubit requirements for factoring RSA-2048 remain on the order of 1 million, under commonly assumed architectures and error-correction models, leaving a substantial gap between current resource estimates and near-term practical feasibility. Reducing this requirement to the low-thousand-qubit regime therefore remains an important open research objective. This work proposes a hybrid classical–quantum algorithm that uses a classical modular exponentiation subroutine with a Quantum Number Theoretic Transform (QNTT) circuit to increase the speed and reduce the required quantum resources relative to Shor’s algorithm for integer factorization, which underpins cryptographic systems like RSA and ECC. We evaluate multiple coprime numbers, the result of multiplication of two primes, in both simulation and real quantum hardware, using IBM’s reference Shor implementation as the baseline. Because Shor and proposed Jesse–Victor–Gharabaghi (JVG) use different register sizes for the same coprime N, the reported gate/depth reductions should be interpreted as end-to-end quantum-resource budgets for factoring the same N, rather than a per-qubit or transform-only efficiency claim. In simulation, the JVG algorithm achieved substantial practical reductions in computational resources, decreasing runtime from 174.1 s to 5.4 s, memory usage from 12.5 GB to 0.27 GB, and quantum gate counts by approximately 99%. On quantum hardware, JVG reduced the required runtime from 67.8 s to 2 s, and the quantum gate counts by over 98%. We showed that the proposed algorithm can address the relevant RSA-1024 case scenario, establishing that this method can provide validation for large-scale situations. Furthermore, extrapolation to RSA-2048 indicates that the JVG algorithm significantly outperforms Shor’s approach, requiring a projected quantum runtime of 29 h for ten thousand runs for factorization under identical scaling assumptions. Overall, these results support JVG as a more hardware-compatible and robust noise-tolerant substitute for Shor’s framework, offering a viable research direction toward practical quantum integer factorization on near-term Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cryptography and Cryptology)

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13 pages, 3427 KB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Ti-Enhanced Plasma Nitriding (PNTi)/Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) Composite Coating with Strong Adhesion Strength and Excellent Wear Resistance

by Longchen Zhao, Jiqiang Wu, Lin Qi, Jing Hu, Xulong An, Xilang Liu, Dandan Wang, Xiangkui Liu and Kunxia Wei

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040457 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

To improve the adhesion and tribological performance of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings on steel substrate, a Ti-enhanced plasma nitriding (PNTi) layer was formed on the surface of 38CrMoAl steel, followed by deposition of a Cr-based interlayer (mainly CrN) and then a W interlayer. Finally, a DLC coating was deposited, resulting in a novel PNTi/DLC coating. For comparison, a conventional PN/DLC coating was prepared under the same processing conditions. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, hardness tests, and tribological experiments were performed to systematically investigate the effect of TiN-enriched PNTi supporting layer on the performances of the PNTi/DLC composite coating. The results show that comparing with PN/DLC composite coating, the critical load (Lc₂) of the PNTi/DLC coating was increased from 28.89 N to 43.25 N—about a 50% enhancement. The microhardness was increased from 2650 HV_0.05 to 4400 HV_0.05 (corresponding to 28.2 GPa to 44.1 GPa). The friction coefficient was decreased from 0.28 to 0.11, about a 60% reduction, and the wear rate declined more than 40%, from 4.81 × 10⁻⁶ to 2.90 × 10⁻⁶ mm³·N⁻¹·m⁻¹. The introduction of Ti promoted the in situ formation of TiN phase in the nitrided layer, which significantly improved the compactness of the nitrided layer and the adhesion at the film–substrate interface. Consequently, the PNTi/DLC composite coating exhibited excellent wear resistance and friction stability under high-load and severe tribological conditions. This study provides a promising perspective for engineering applications of steel-based DLC coatings in harsh service environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancement in Heat Treatment and Surface Modification for Metals, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 10467 KB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into GPB Zones Evolution and S’ Phase Formation in Al-Cu-Mg Alloy

by Vu Ngoc Hai, Abrar Ahmed, Tran Sy Quan, Seungwon Lee, Taiki Tsuchiya, Tetsuya Katsumi, Kazuhiko Kita and Kenji Matsuda

J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2026, 10(4), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp10040129 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

The precipitation behavior of an Al-Cu-Mg alloy during high-temperature aging was systematically examined, with particular emphasis on the evolution of Guinier–Preston–Bagaryatsky (GPB) zones and their role in the formation of the S’ phase. Aging at 250 °C led to a progressive evolution of the precipitate state, as revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. At a short-term aging of 0.5 h, only GPB zones were observed as fine rod-like features preferentially formed on the {012} Al planes. With increased aging time, these zones gradually diminished, while S’ precipitates became predominant after approximately 2 h. Crystallographic analysis indicates that the growth direction of GPB zones is parallel to the g-(012) Al vector, corresponding to the habit plane of S’ phase. This crystallographic continuity suggests that GPB zones act as an effective precursor for S’ precipitation, contributing to not only nucleation but also to subsequent precipitate thickening. The present results provide new insight into the phase transformation pathway and precipitation mechanism governing high-temperature aging in Al-Cu-Mg alloys. Full article

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13 pages, 5353 KB

Open AccessArticle

Abiotic Factors Exert a Predominant Influence on the Annual Aboveground Biomass Dynamics of Chinese Abies Mill. Forests Relative to Biotic Factors

by Zichun Gao, Huayong Zhang and Yanan Wei

Forests 2026, 17(4), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17040466 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

The mean annual change in aboveground biomass (ΔAGB) is a pivotal indicator for assessing forest carbon cycle dynamics. This study analyzed 791 independent Abies Mill. forest patches across China to elucidate their driving mechanisms by integrating abiotic, anthropogenic, and biotic factors. We employed a spatially explicit framework, including spatial error regression and structural equation modeling (SEM), to account for significant spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I = 0.375, p < 0.001). Our results show that abiotic factors predominantly dictate ΔAGB, with soil fertility (pH and Total Nitrogen), elevation (DEM), and soil physical properties (Coarse Fragments and Thickness) explaining the majority of deterministic variance. This relatively low explanatory variance (marginal R² = 0.09) likely reflects the high environmental stochasticity inherent in alpine ecosystems. Specifically, soil fertility exerted the strongest positive influence (Std. Estimate = 0.33), while elevation and soil physical constraints were the primary limiting factors. Biotic factors (Stand Age, Height, and Tree Cover) played a subordinate role, contributing only a marginal 2% gain in explained variance (increasing marginal R² from 0.07 to 0.09). Path analysis revealed an “environmental filtering” hierarchy where abiotic factors shape stand structure, which in turn has limited impact on growth dynamics. These findings underscore that carbon management in alpine forests should prioritize habitat quality conservation over simple biotic structural manipulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Vegetation Dynamics and Environmental Monitoring Using GIS and Remote Sensing)

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29 pages, 2099 KB

Open AccessReview

Downstream Purification Strategies for Virus-like Particles: A Systematic Review of Structure Preservation, Impurity Control, and Viral Safety

by Jingchao Zhang and Chen Chen

Microorganisms 2026, 14(4), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14040858 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

Virus-like particles (VLPs), nanoscale self-assembled structures lacking viral genetic material, have emerged as a versatile platform for vaccines, targeted delivery systems, and gene-editing applications owing to their strong immunogenicity, favorable biosafety profile, and high engineerability. However, the complex architecture of VLPs, their significant size heterogeneity, and the diversity of process- and product-related impurities generated in different expression systems make downstream purification a major bottleneck limiting product quality, yield, and manufacturability. This review systematically discusses advanced downstream purification strategies for VLPs from the perspective of three major objectives: preservation of structure and biological activity, control of product heterogeneity, and assurance of viral safety. First, strategies for maintaining VLP integrity and function are examined, including optimization of solution conditions, adoption of gentle yet efficient separation operations, and integration of process analytical technology (PAT) to reduce process-induced damage. Second, the review summarizes multi-step purification approaches—spanning clarification, ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), chromatography, and disassembly/reassembly—to remove host cell proteins, host cell DNA, and product-related impurities while improving particle homogeneity and stability. Third, viral safety is discussed primarily from the perspective of downstream virus clearance under host-dependent risk, with particular attention to orthogonal clearance steps tailored to VLP properties and expression systems such as CHO cells and insect cell–baculovirus platforms. Overall, this review provides a CQA-oriented framework and practical guidance for the development of robust, scalable, and GMP-compliant downstream purification processes for VLP-based products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Virology)

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25 pages, 28367 KB

Open AccessArticle

Berberine Attenuates Glucocorticoid-Induced Bone Loss in Mice: Associated with the Gut Microbiota–Glycerophospholipid Metabolic Axis

by Suzhen Chao, Shengyuan Li, Jimin Zhong, Xinyi Peng, Yang Li, Min Shi, Xing Hu and Bo Liu

Foods 2026, 15(8), 1325; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15081325 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

Dietary supplementation with functional nutrients is a safe strategy to improve bone health. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of Berberine (BBR) on dexamethasone-induced bone loss in mice and its potential mechanisms. Micro-CT, histological staining, ELISA and Western blot were employed to evaluate BBR’s skeletal benefits; 16S rRNA sequencing, serum metabolomics and correlation analysis were used to explore its regulatory mechanisms. In vivo experiments showed that BBR improved bone mineral density and trabecular microarchitecture, and upregulated osteogenic markers (COL1 and BMP2). Intestinal bacterial sequencing showed that BBR altered gut bacterial composition, increasing the abundance of Desulfovibrio and Bacteroides while decreasing opportunistic pathogens. BBR also modulated bacterial richness, evenness, and community stability. Serum metabolomics identified 107 BBR-reversed differential metabolites; of these, 33.64% were lipids and lipid-like molecules, which were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism. Further correlation analysis revealed that BBR-enriched Desulfovibrio was linked to pathway R04864, producing a key glycerophospholipid metabolite positively correlated with bone mass parameters. Overall, these findings suggest that the attenuation of bone loss by BBR may be associated with alterations in the gut microbiota–glycerophospholipid metabolic axis, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient for bone health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)

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19 pages, 4348 KB

Open AccessArticle

Emodin Promoted Intestinal Secretion of GLP-1 and Limited Cognitive Deficits in Young Bilateral Ovariectomized Rats

by Xin-Yuan Liu, Chao-Yuan Ye, Yuan-Cheng Liu, Meng-Ying Zhao, Ya-Nan Li, Li Lin, Yan-Jun Du, Ying-Yan Fang and Qing Tian

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3414; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083414 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

Estrogen deficiency is an established risk factor for menopausal brain dysfunctions in women. Urgent exploration of drugs is needed to improve estrogen deficiency-related brain dysfunctions without the side effects of estrogen supplements. Three-month-old rats had bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) performed and were treated with emodin (EMO, 80 mg/kg/day) and 17 β-estradiol (EST, 0.5 mg/kg/day). Brain functions were evaluated by cognition and emotion-related behavioral tests. Levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and estrogen in blood, mRNA levels of estrogen receptor (ER) α, ERβ, GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) and proglucagon (proGCG) in intestinal segments, and brain ERα and GLP-1R levels were evaluated. Contractions of isolated intestinal segments were recorded. Additionally, an ERβ antagonist, PHTPP (200 μg/kg/day), was used to clarify the role of ERβ. EST and EMO significantly ameliorated cognition deficit and depressive behaviors in OVX rats, and reduced neuronal loss and synaptic abnormalities in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The blood GLP-1 levels of sham operation rats (sham, 3.09 pg/mL), EMO-treated (2.57 pg/mL) and EST-treated OVX rats (2.64 pg/mL), were higher than that of OVX rats (1.03 pg/mL). EMO had no effect on the blood estrogen level. Furthermore, EMO up-regulated mRNA levels of ERβ in ileum, colon, and cerebral GLP-1R level, while EST increased mRNA levels of ERβ in colon and cerebral ERα level. In vitro intestinal segment spontaneous contraction tests revealed that EMO reduced contraction amplitudes in isolated intestinal segments from OVX rats, with the ileum and proximal colon showing greater sensitivity to EMO. The ileum and colon segments from OVX rats were less sensitive to EST as compared to those of normal rats. Upon PHTPP intervention, the up-regulated intestinal mRNA levels of ERβ, PCSK1, proGCG, blood GLP-1 level by EMO, and the beneficial effects of EMO in abnormal behaviors of OVX rats were significantly inhibited. Overall, it was found that EMO up-regulated blood GLP-1 level via intestinal Erβ-dependent mechanism and increased brain GLP-1R level, which may be involved in the neuroprotection of EMO in OVX animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of IJMS: Advances in Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism)

25 pages, 3389 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimisation-Based Tuning of a Triple-Loop Vehicle Controller to Mimic Professional Driver Performance in a DiL Simulator

by Vincenzo Palermo, Marco Gabiccini, Eugeniu Grabovic, Massimo Guiggiani, Matteo Pergoli and Luca Bergianti

Vehicles 2026, 8(4), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/vehicles8040087 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation-based methodology for automated tuning of a triple-loop controller (steering, throttle, and braking) for a Dallara single-seater race car. The approach targets on-track driving at handling limits, where strong nonlinearities and coupled dynamics dominate, treating the vehicle as a black box. Five controller gains are optimized via derivative-free pattern search, using reference trajectories from a professional driver in a Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulator. Human-likeness is promoted by penalty terms on state and control trajectories while maximizing distance over a fixed horizon as a proxy for lap-time reduction. The application uses a high-fidelity multibody vehicle model with realistic tire, suspension, and actuator dynamics in the DiL environment, rather than simplified single-track representations. Contributions are: (i) effective application of derivative-free optimization to complex, high-dimensional, black-box vehicle systems; and (ii) a systematic, reproducible procedure for automatic tuning of controller parameters with a predetermined architecture to reproduce a professional driver’s performance and embed human-likeness. Optimization required approximately 2.4 h. Results show that the optimized controller improves track coverage by 63.6 m (1.1% increase) compared to manual tuning while maintaining a realistic driving style, offering a more systematic and reliable solution than manual, trial-and-error calibration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control Strategies for Vehicle Dynamics and Aerodynamics)

27 pages, 1145 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring The Sensory and Aroma Characteristics of Rakı Through Check-All-That-Apply and Consumer Preference Approaches

by Merve Darıcı

Foods 2026, 15(8), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15081321 - 10 Apr 2026

Abstract

Rakı, a traditional distilled beverage produced from grapes, holds significant economic importance in Türkiye; however, comprehensive consumer-focused sensory research remains limited. This study aims to determine the aroma profile, sensory characteristics, and consumer preferences of commercial rakı to guide producers in aligning product characteristics with consumer expectations. Nine commercial rakı samples were evaluated. The aroma composition was analyzed using SBSE-GC-MS. Sensory attributes were assessed by a trained panel through descriptive analysis (DA) and by 100 consumers utilizing the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) method alongside a liking test. Eighty-one aroma compounds were identified, predominantly the phenylpropanoids trans-anethole and estragole, with monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes dominating the secondary profile. Integrating instrumental data with DA evaluations suggests that anethole and sesquiterpenes likely contribute to the attributes related to visual coating, body, creamy, mastic, persistency, and complexity. Consumer profiling revealed two distinct preference groups. Older, frequent consumers preferred complex, high-alcohol profiles with trigeminal harshness and visual glass coating, whereas younger, casual consumers preferred smoother rakı with a traditional white appearance, reacting negatively to “boiled aniseed” flavors and the yellowish tint of oak-aged versions. The CATA technique effectively distinguished these profiles. To enhance overall product quality, producers should eliminate “boiled” defects and adjust sensory profiles: complex products for experienced consumers and visually traditional, smooth profiles for younger consumers. According to current knowledge, this is the first study to employ the CATA method alongside consumer profiling and preference mapping in the sensory evaluation of rakı. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Analysis of Flavors and Fragrances: Chemistry, Properties and Applications in Food Quality Improvement, 2nd Edition)

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