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16 pages, 2003 KB  
Article
Therapeutic Anti-Fibrotic Effects of a Dual Hyaluronic Acid Hybrid Complex in Bleomycin-Induced Dermal Fibrosis and UVB-Irradiated Human Skin
by Hyojin Roh, Ngoc Ha Nguyen, Jinyoung Jung, Jewan Kaiser Hwang, Young In Lee, Yujin Baek, Inhee Jung, Jihee Kim and Ju Hee Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3038; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073038 (registering DOI) - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Cutaneous fibrosis is characterized by aberrant wound healing with excessive extracellular matrix deposition, sustained inflammation, and oxidative stress, while currently available therapies show limited efficacy and safety. A Dual Hyaluronic Acid Compound (DHC), consisting of high-molecular-weight, low-molecular-weight, and minimally cross-linked hyaluronic acid, has [...] Read more.
Cutaneous fibrosis is characterized by aberrant wound healing with excessive extracellular matrix deposition, sustained inflammation, and oxidative stress, while currently available therapies show limited efficacy and safety. A Dual Hyaluronic Acid Compound (DHC), consisting of high-molecular-weight, low-molecular-weight, and minimally cross-linked hyaluronic acid, has demonstrated regenerative and antioxidant properties, but its anti-fibrotic effects have not been fully explored. This study investigated the anti-fibrotic potential of DHC using a bleomycin-induced murine dermal fibrosis model and a UVB-irradiated ex vivo human skin model. In C57BL/6 mice, dermal fibrosis was induced by daily bleomycin injections for three weeks, followed by intradermal DHC administration. Histological and biomechanical analyses showed that DHC significantly reduced dermal thickness, collagen deposition, and skin hardness compared with untreated fibrotic controls. DHC decreased α-SMA expression and increased MMP1 levels, indicating attenuation of myofibroblast activation and enhanced matrix remodeling. It also reduced macrophage markers (CD68, CD163) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α). Furthermore, DHC restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and upregulated NRF2, HO-1, and NQO1 expression in the in vivo model. Similarly, DHC upregulated SOD and CAT activity and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) in the ex vivo human skin model. These findings suggest that DHC exerts multimodal anti-fibrotic effects through coordinated regulation of fibroblast activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress, supporting its potential as a therapeutic approach for cutaneous fibrosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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16 pages, 2451 KB  
Article
Physiological Stress Signatures of Waterborne Glyphosate Exposure in Apostichopus japonicus: Insights for Aquatic Ecotoxicology
by Jingchun Sun, Shaoping Kuang and Hongsheng Yang
Toxics 2026, 14(4), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14040282 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide with increasing concern regarding its non-target impacts in coastal ecosystems and mariculture species. Here, we profiled acute physiological stress signatures of waterborne glyphosate exposure in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, integrating measured exposure concentrations, tissue residues, [...] Read more.
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide with increasing concern regarding its non-target impacts in coastal ecosystems and mariculture species. Here, we profiled acute physiological stress signatures of waterborne glyphosate exposure in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, integrating measured exposure concentrations, tissue residues, digestive and oxidative/innate immune biomarkers, and gut microbiota. After 24 h exposure, measured waterborne glyphosate confirmed the intended gradient (0.09 ± 0.02, 1.26 ± 0.09, and 4.49 ± 1.12 mg/L for low-, medium-, and high-dose treatments, respectively), and overt stress phenotypes with mortality occurred only at the high dose (36.67%), enabling separation of high-dose survivors (HS) and high-dose dead (HD) for downstream analyses. Tissue measurements showed low/background levels in controls, with compartment-specific distribution: the respiratory tree exhibited higher burdens at the medium dose, whereas coelomic fluid showed the highest burdens in HS at the 24 h endpoint. Functionally, most intestinal digestive enzymes were unchanged, but trypsin activity was consistently suppressed across exposed groups (p < 0.05). In coelomic fluid, oxidative stress responses were evident, with elevated MDA (L and M), reduced CAT (L, M, and HS), and reduced GSH-PX in HS (all p < 0.05), while SOD, GR, and lysozyme showed no significant changes. Gene sequencing of 16S rRNA (n = 3 per group) revealed significant shifts in community diversity/evenness (Shannon p = 0.0497; Simpson p = 0.0484) and beta diversity (PCo1 = 30.08%, PCo2 = 26.30%; PERMANOVA F = 1.816, p = 0.008), with LEfSe indicating discriminative taxa associated with exposure/outcomes. Collectively, these multi-level endpoints define an acute glyphosate stress signature in A. japonicus, linking internal dose distribution to oxidative disruption, impaired intestinal proteolysis, and microbiome restructuring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)
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19 pages, 4290 KB  
Article
Allelopathic Effects of Aqueous Extracts from Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Zinnia elegans
by Lei Liu, Hao Sui, Jiajia Zuo, Tingting Fang, Zhiyong Wang, Yindan Yuan and Shiyao Liu
Horticulturae 2026, 12(4), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12040413 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
As a global environmental problem, biological invasion poses a serious threat to natural ecosystems. To explore the influence mechanism of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb on the growth and development of landscape plants, this study systematically analyzed the effects of extracts from different organs [...] Read more.
As a global environmental problem, biological invasion poses a serious threat to natural ecosystems. To explore the influence mechanism of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb on the growth and development of landscape plants, this study systematically analyzed the effects of extracts from different organs (stems, leaves, and roots) of A. philoxeroides on the seed germination and seedling growth of Zinnia elegans Jacq. by combining the Petri dish filter paper method with a pot experiment to reveal the potential mechanism of allelopathy. The results showed that the aqueous extract of A. philoxeroides inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth of Z. elegans. The high concentration (100 mg·mL−1) of stem and leaf extracts significantly reduced the germination rate (by 99.10% and 90.65%) and seedling morphological parameters. The allelopathic inhibition increased with an increase in concentration, and the inhibitory effect of stem and leaf extracts was significantly stronger than that of root extracts. Aqueous extracts from the roots, stems, and leaves of A. philoxeroides at three concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg·mL−1) induced oxidative stress in seedlings, as evidenced by the elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content and dysregulated activities of antioxidant enzymes. Specifically, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities exhibited a concentration-dependent trend of initial induction followed by subsequent inhibition, while root activity was significantly suppressed (p < 0.05), ultimately impairing seedling growth. The aqueous extracts of A. philoxeroides showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the seed germination and seedling growth of Z. elegans. High concentrations of stem and leaf extracts exerted a significant inhibitory effect on seedling growth, and this growth suppression was attributed to the induction of oxidative stress by the extracts. This study elucidated the phytotoxicity degree and physiological response mechanisms underlying the biochemical allelopathy of A. philoxeroides on Z. elegans. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for the selection of horticultural plant cultivars resistant to allelopathic stress and the development of management strategies for invasive plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Propagation and Seeds)
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17 pages, 3154 KB  
Article
Unveiling Key Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriasis Through Explainable Artificial Intelligence
by Hasan Ucuzal and Mehmet Kıvrak
Biology 2026, 15(7), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15070532 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Psoriasis patients face a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), necessitating early and accurate risk prediction tools. This study developed and validated a machine learning model to predict CVD risk in psoriasis patients using clinical and biochemical data from 2685 individuals. After [...] Read more.
Psoriasis patients face a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), necessitating early and accurate risk prediction tools. This study developed and validated a machine learning model to predict CVD risk in psoriasis patients using clinical and biochemical data from 2685 individuals. After preprocessing and addressing class imbalance with SMOTE-NC, six machine learning models (Logistic Regression as baseline, XGBoost, LightGBM, CatBoost, GradientBoosting, AdaBoost) were evaluated using a completely leak-free nested cross-validation framework (outer k = 10, inner k = 3) with randomized hyperparameter search (n_iter = 50). Feature selection via the Boruta algorithm was performed separately within each training fold to prevent data leakage. The Boruta algorithm identified 21 key predictors, including age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), apolipoprotein B (apoB), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and complement C1q. CatBoost emerged as the top-performing model (OOF ROC-AUC = 0.908, 95% CI [0.892–0.924]; PR-AUC = 0.509, 95% CI [0.448–0.578]; F1 = 0.540; MCC = 0.498; Brier = 0.078), while the Logistic Regression baseline achieved ROC-AUC = 0.909 but was eliminated due to poor calibration (Brier = 0.114 > 0.10). All metrics were evaluated with 95% bootstrap confidence intervals (n = 1000 iterations). Explainable AI techniques (SHAP, LIME, Anchors) revealed that older age, elevated SBP, and metabolic dysregulation (e.g., high apoB, FBG) were the strongest CVD predictors. Local explanations were provided for five representative patients (high-risk, low-risk, and randomly selected), rather than a single instance, to better characterize model stability. Limitations include the single-center, retrospective design and lack of external validation. Future work should incorporate multi-ethnic cohorts and advanced biomarkers (e.g., genetic, imaging data) to enhance generalizability. This study demonstrates the potential of explainable AI to improve CVD risk stratification in psoriasis patients, offering a scalable tool for preventive cardiology. Full article
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17 pages, 2485 KB  
Article
Renoprotective Potential of Nateglinide in an Acute Kidney Injury Model
by Senanur Ilıkça, Samet Öz, Güldeniz Şekerci, Aslı Taşlıdere and Suat Tekin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3021; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073021 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Nateglinide (Nat) is an oral antidiabetic agent of the meglitinide class that has been reported to exert protective effects beyond glycemic control, particularly against oxidative stress and inflammation. Since oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the pathogenesis of acute kidney [...] Read more.
Nateglinide (Nat) is an oral antidiabetic agent of the meglitinide class that has been reported to exert protective effects beyond glycemic control, particularly against oxidative stress and inflammation. Since oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI), especially following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), this study aimed to evaluate the potential renoprotective effects of Nat in a rat model of I/R-induced AKI. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10): Control, I/R, I/R + Nat (50 mg/kg), and I/R + Nat (100 mg/kg). Bilateral renal ischemia was induced by clamping renal arteries for 45 min, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Nat was administered orally 1 h before ischemia. Renal levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) were assessed. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were also measured, and histopathological analyses were performed. Nat significantly increased renal antioxidant parameters and reduced TBARS levels. Moreover, Nat markedly decreased serum BUN, creatinine, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels compared with the I/R group (p < 0.05). Histopathology confirmed attenuated renal damage in Nat-treated groups (p < 0.0001). These results indicate that Nat confers significant renoprotection against renal I/R injury via suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Animal Models of Human Disease 3.0)
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15 pages, 1317 KB  
Article
Mycological Survey of Fungal Carriage in Cats and Their Owners: Analysis of Species Diversity and Antifungal Susceptibility
by Kittima Siripit, Naris Thengchaisri, Orawan Limsivilai, Sara Niae, Panpicha Sattasathuchana and Chompoonek Yurayart
J. Fungi 2026, 12(4), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12040245 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Healthy and asymptomatic cats may serve as reservoirs of fungal pathogens, facilitating transmission through direct contact or environmental contamination, and they may represent an underrecognized source of subclinical fungal infection in humans, particularly among cat owners and veterinarians. We evaluated the prevalence of [...] Read more.
Healthy and asymptomatic cats may serve as reservoirs of fungal pathogens, facilitating transmission through direct contact or environmental contamination, and they may represent an underrecognized source of subclinical fungal infection in humans, particularly among cat owners and veterinarians. We evaluated the prevalence of fungal species in healthy cats and their owners, assessed potential cat–human transmission, identified feline lifestyle factors associated with Microsporum canis carriage, and evaluated antifungal susceptibility of the most prevalent isolated fungi. We collected 59 cat facial hair and 59 owner nail samples for fungal isolation and identification. Five fungal species were identified, M. canis, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. fumigatus, and A. terreus, which were found in both cats and humans. Aspergillus spp. were the most frequently detected fungi in both groups. Significant associations between cats and owners were observed for M. canis (p = 0.010) and A. niger (p = 0.050). Long-haired cats showed a significantly higher prevalence of carrying M. canis (p = 0.024), while other lifestyle factors were not associated with fungal carriage. The antifungal susceptibility profiles of the tested fungi were broadly similar between feline and human isolates; however, resistance to itraconazole and amphotericin B was detected among Aspergillus spp. Healthy cats and their owners frequently share fungal species, especially M. canis, which suggests possible household zoonotic transmission. Long-haired cats are at higher risk of M. canis carriage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Human and Zoonotic Dermatophytoses,2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 4773 KB  
Article
Pectin of Olecranon Honey Peach Effects on Intestinal Health and the Mechanisms Involved in Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀)
by Jinhui Wu, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Qinguo Song, Feifei Huang, Tinghua Li, Zhendong Qin, Li Lin, Fei Shi, Huifan Liu and Cuiyun Zou
Fishes 2026, 11(4), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11040197 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Water-soluble pectin (WSP) is a soluble dietary fiber with a high esterification degree and certain viscosity and emulsifying properties. It has diverse bioactivities—including antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant mechanisms of water-soluble pectin, and the [...] Read more.
Water-soluble pectin (WSP) is a soluble dietary fiber with a high esterification degree and certain viscosity and emulsifying properties. It has diverse bioactivities—including antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant mechanisms of water-soluble pectin, and the in vivo effects of intestinal antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota composition in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀). In an experiment involving feeding fish with WSP added to the diet, the addition of 600 mg/kg WSP promoted the activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px in the grouper intestinal tract, thereby enhancing the antioxidant properties. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Actinomycetes and Armatimonadetes decreased significantly. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Vibrio and Subdoligranulum increased significantly. In addition, antioxidant genes, inflammatory factor genes, immune genes, apoptosis genes, and genes of specific transmembrane proteins may participate in the regulation and improvement of the hybrid grouper intestinal tract. (CAT, MnSOD, and GPX), (TNF-α, IL-β, IL-6, and TGF-β), (MHC2, TLR3, KEAP1, and IKK-α), (C3, C8, C9, and P53), and (Claudin-3a, Occludin, ZO-1, and ZO-3) may regulate the intestinal function of hybrid grouper. Therefore, adding an appropriate volume of WSP to the diet is beneficial for the intestinal health of hybrid groupers. Full article
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15 pages, 4025 KB  
Article
Toxicity Effects and Mechanism of Chemical Stress on Pomacea canaliculata
by Huayang Zhou, Meiling Zou, Zhixiong Zhou and Chuanren Li
Biology 2026, 15(7), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15070529 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Pomacea canaliculata, as a significant invasive alien species, poses severe threats to agricultural development. Currently, chemical applications demonstrate notable efficacy in controlling this pest. However, metaldehyde exhibits overly singular toxicity towards P. canaliculata; niclosamide sulfate is not a molluscicide; and fentin [...] Read more.
Pomacea canaliculata, as a significant invasive alien species, poses severe threats to agricultural development. Currently, chemical applications demonstrate notable efficacy in controlling this pest. However, metaldehyde exhibits overly singular toxicity towards P. canaliculata; niclosamide sulfate is not a molluscicide; and fentin acetate is a fungicide. Currently, these findings fail to elucidate the physiological and biochemical effects of the compounds after they enter the P. canaliculata’s body. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of metaldehyde (ME), niclosamide sulfate (NS), and fentin acetate (FA) against P. canaliculata and analyzed the morphological and physiological changes in response to chemical stress. The results indicated that three chemicals exhibited potent molluscicidal activity, especially in the NS treatment group. After 12 h exposure to LC50 concentrations (48 h LC50), the surface area of livers was reduced significantly by 12.1%, 13.9%, and 2.8% compared to the control group, while the kidneys expanded significantly by 6.4%, 3.2%, and 16.7%, respectively. The heart showed marked enlargement by 152.1% and 44.2% under niclosamide sulfate and metaldehyde treatments. The pulmonary sac significantly contracted by 23.6% under niclosamide sulfate stress but expanded by 6.1% under fentin acetate exposure. The stomach enlarged significantly after niclosamide sulfate treatment, whereas it shrank by 2.1% and 5.7% under metaldehyde and fentin acetate treatments, respectively. Metabolomic analysis of liver tissues revealed 553, 99, and 585 differential metabolites compared to the control group, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the metabolism pathway, lysine degradation, and bile secretion are likely related to the response to chemical stress in P. canaliculata. Further examination showed a significant decrease in total protein content and the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) under chemical stress. These findings enhance our understanding of the targeted mechanisms of molluscicides against P. canaliculata. Metaldehyde may exert neurotoxic effects on the P. canaliculata, while niclosamide sulfate may interfere with its respiratory system. Additionally, both chemicals affect metabolic pathways in the snail’s liver, including lipid metabolism and metabolic pathways associated with energy metabolism. These findings provide valuable insights for designing a novel snail control agent and formulating scientific management strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic and Stress Responses in Aquatic Animals (2nd Edition))
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12 pages, 527 KB  
Review
Photobiomodulation Therapy in Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications
by Venera Berisha-Muharremi and Alberta Humolli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073007 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT), a common autoimmune thyroid disorder, is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient regions and is characterized by thyroid autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and progressive structural thyroid changes. Although levothyroxine (LT4) restores biochemical euthyroidism, it does not directly address the [...] Read more.
Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT), a common autoimmune thyroid disorder, is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient regions and is characterized by thyroid autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and progressive structural thyroid changes. Although levothyroxine (LT4) restores biochemical euthyroidism, it does not directly address the underlying autoimmune process, highlighting the need for adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has been proposed as a non-invasive intervention with potential immunomodulatory and tissue-level effects. A systematic narrative review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting principles. PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and additional databases were searched for original human clinical studies evaluating PBM/LLLT in CAT, including studies using the term Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), and reporting thyroid-related outcomes. Due to heterogeneity in study designs and PBM protocols, findings were synthesized narratively. Six eligible clinical studies published between 2010 and 2025 were identified. Across studies, PBM was associated with reductions in thyroid autoantibodies, improvements in thyroid hormone indices, and decreases in LT4 dose requirements. Longer follow-up studies reported ultrasonographic changes, while one sham-controlled trial demonstrated improvements in oxidative stress markers and quality of life (QoL) without short-term endocrine changes. However, current evidence is limited by the small number of human studies, heterogeneous PBM protocols, and the frequent use of concomitant interventions such as selenium or vitamin D. Overall, PBM may represent a promising adjunctive approach in CAT, although randomized sham-controlled trials are required before clinical implementation. Full article
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14 pages, 852 KB  
Article
Comparison of the Effectiveness of the DNIPRO Gen 2 and SICH Tourniquets Versus the CAT Gen 7 and SOFTT-W Gen 4 Tourniquets
by Jakub Zachaj, Katarzyna Moorthi, Łukasz Kręglicki, Kateryna Bielka, Hanna Formina, Liliia Kryveshko, Robert Gałązkowski, Marcin Podgórski and Patryk Rzońca
Medicina 2026, 62(4), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62040627 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Massive extremity haemorrhage remains the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield and among trauma victims in civilian settings. Tourniquets are an effective, low-cost tool used to rapidly control bleeding. However, the availability of certified tourniquet models during [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Massive extremity haemorrhage remains the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield and among trauma victims in civilian settings. Tourniquets are an effective, low-cost tool used to rapidly control bleeding. However, the availability of certified tourniquet models during a full-scale armed conflict can be significantly limited. This favours the emergence of locally manufactured devices. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the DNIPRO Gen 2 and SICH tourniquets with the CAT Gen 7 and SOFTT W Gen 4 tourniquets recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care. Materials and Methods: The study included 51 Ukrainian medics experienced in prehospital care. Application speed was measured with a stopwatch, and occlusion success was confirmed by Doppler ultrasound. Pain was measured using the NRS, and participants were also able to provide subjective comments regarding the ergonomics and design of the tourniquets. Results: The four tourniquets tested demonstrated different occlusion success rates in arm and leg application. In upper extremity application, the SICH had the highest success rate (98.0%) and was associated with higher odds of successful application compared with the SOFTT-W Gen 4 (OR 25.14). In lower extremity application, the CAT Gen 7 had the highest rate of success (94.1%) and was 7.5 times more likely to achieve occlusion than the SOFTT-W Gen 4 (OR 7.54). The DNIPRO Gen 2 was rated most painful (Median 6), with significantly lower pain levels reported for the SICH (Median 4), the CAT Gen 7 (Median 5), and the SOFTT-W Gen 4 (Median 4). Conclusions: The DNIPRO Gen 2 and SICH tourniquets demonstrated high occlusion success rates, comparable to the CAT Gen 7 and superior to the SOFTT-W Gen 4. These findings suggest that Ukrainian-manufactured tourniquets may demonstrate comparable performance to CoTCCC-recommended tourniquets in a simulated prehospital setting. Full article
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16 pages, 930 KB  
Article
Antioxidant Response of Yarrowia lipolytica Cells: Functional Analysis of Genes Encoding Catalases
by Clara A. Quiñones-González, Maricela Villarreal-García, Miranda Campos-González, Paulette Rascon-Godard and Eduardo Campos-Góngora
J. Fungi 2026, 12(4), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12040240 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) is generated by the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalases, superoxide dismutases, and glutathione peroxidases. In the Y. lipolytica genome, three genes encoding catalases (CAT1, CAT2, and CAT3) have [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress (OS) is generated by the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme activities, such as catalases, superoxide dismutases, and glutathione peroxidases. In the Y. lipolytica genome, three genes encoding catalases (CAT1, CAT2, and CAT3) have been identified; all three genes are transcriptionally active in cells grown under OS conditions. This study aimed to analyze whether the CAT1 and CAT2 genes exhibit a compensatory function that allows maintaining the functionality of the antioxidant response in Y. lipolytica cells lacking the CAT3 gene. The construction of the mutant strain (Ylcat3-Δ) was performed using Double-Joint PCR. OS was induced by the addition of H2O2 [5 mM], ROS production was quantified by fluorescence using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), and gene expression was analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR in both parental (P01a) and mutant (Ylcat3-Δ) strains exposed or not to oxidative conditions. ROS production was lower in P01a cells than in Ylcat3-Δ cells when exposed to H2O2 [5 mM]. Also, under OS conditions, CAT1 gene expression levels decreased in both strains, whereas CAT2 gene expression increased in both types of cells. Under OS, both parental and Ylcat3-Δ strains showed similar growth rate, sensitivity to oxidative conditions and gene expression patterns, and it can be concluded that CAT3 gene deletion does not alter the transcriptional activity of CAT1 and CAT2 genes, suggesting that the compensatory function among the CAT genes of Y. lipolytica may not be limited to the presence/absence of CAT3 gene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Development and Interactions Under Hostile Environments)
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23 pages, 5640 KB  
Article
Protective Effects Assessment of Combined Extracts from Periplaneta americana Residues and Cybister chinensis Motschulsky on Feline Renal Cells: In Vitro Evidence Related to Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Fibrosis
by Yue Sun, Canhui Hong, Yang Li, Zhengze Zhang, Futing Tan, Zhihuan Li, Wangling Qian, Yihao Che and Zhibin Yang
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(4), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13040317 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
With the rising prevalence of feline kidney diseases, effective preventive and therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. This study evaluated the effects of Cybister chinensis extracts (CCME) and Periplaneta americana residue extracts (PAE) on inflammation-associated, oxidative stress-related, and fibrosis-related responses in Crandell-Rees Feline Kidney [...] Read more.
With the rising prevalence of feline kidney diseases, effective preventive and therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. This study evaluated the effects of Cybister chinensis extracts (CCME) and Periplaneta americana residue extracts (PAE) on inflammation-associated, oxidative stress-related, and fibrosis-related responses in Crandell-Rees Feline Kidney (CRFK) cells. Using MTT assays, flow cytometry, and qPCR, we assessed cytoprotection in models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-, and palmitic acid (PA)-induced injury. Preliminary HPLC fingerprint analysis of three batches of a combined extract from Periplaneta americana residues and Cybister chinensis Motschulsky (CPCE) revealed similar chromatographic profiles, indicating good batch-to-batch consistency. Within non-cytotoxic ranges, CPCE increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis in injured CRFK cells. Anti-inflammatory effects were evidenced by significant downregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA. Potential antioxidant-related effects were suggested by decreased expression of oxidative stress–responsive genes SOD1, CAT, and GSTP1. In the PA model, anti-fibrotic potential was supported by reduced TGFB1 expression, accompanied by improvements in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and by decreased levels of fibrosis-associated markers α-SMA, COL I, and HCB III. These findings suggest that CPCE exerts cytoprotective effects in vitro, potentially through modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases in Veterinary Medicine)
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19 pages, 2208 KB  
Article
Predictive Modeling of Aggregate Polished Stone Value from Mineralogical and Chemical Composition
by Khedoudja Soudani, Yazid Bounefla, Veronique Cerezo and Smail Haddadi
Eng 2026, 7(4), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7040149 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
The polished stone value (PSV) is a key parameter for assessing the resistance of aggregates to polishing in the laboratory. It is included in technical specifications and serves as both a regulatory and contractual criterion for selecting aggregates for wearing courses. Its determination [...] Read more.
The polished stone value (PSV) is a key parameter for assessing the resistance of aggregates to polishing in the laboratory. It is included in technical specifications and serves as both a regulatory and contractual criterion for selecting aggregates for wearing courses. Its determination requires non-negligible amounts of material, long testing durations, and skilled operators. This study aims to develop a predictive modeling approach to estimate the polished stone value (PSV) from the mineralogical and chemical composition of aggregates. A curated database was compiled from the peer-reviewed literature, and compositional data were transformed using Isometric Log-Ratio (ILR) to generate physically interpretable balances and avoid constant-sum artifacts. Machine learning algorithms, including Gradient Boosting, CatBoost, and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), were trained and evaluated using repeated 10 × 2 K-Fold cross-validation with preprocessing embedded within the loop. CatBoost achieved the highest accuracy, with 90.4% of predictions within ±20% of the measured PSV. Model interpretability using permutation feature importance and SHAP analysis identified meaningful drivers, highlighting the roles of CO2/SO3 versus the major-oxide framework, and silica-rich oxides versus CaO/MgO, consistent with petrographic expectations. The proposed workflow provides a practical and interpretable approach for predicting PSV from compositional data. It offers a time- and resource-efficient alternative to conventional laboratory tests, while also providing insight into the material factors that control aggregate polishing resistance. Limitations related to dataset size and inter-source variability are discussed. Full article
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22 pages, 4755 KB  
Article
Comparative Assessment of Supervised Machine Learning Models for Predicting Water Uptake in Sorption-Based Thermal Energy Storage
by Milad Tajik Jamalabad, Elham Abohamzeh, Daud Mustafa Minhas, Seongbhin Kim, Dohyun Kim, Aejung Yoon and Georg Frey
Energies 2026, 19(7), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19071619 - 25 Mar 2026
Abstract
In this study, supervised machine learning (ML) regression models are employed to predict water uptake during the sorption process in a sorption reactor for thermal energy storage applications. Two main methods are used to study sorption storage systems: experimental studies and numerical simulations. [...] Read more.
In this study, supervised machine learning (ML) regression models are employed to predict water uptake during the sorption process in a sorption reactor for thermal energy storage applications. Two main methods are used to study sorption storage systems: experimental studies and numerical simulations. Experimental studies involve physical testing and measurements but are often costly and time-consuming. Numerical simulations are more flexible and cost-effective, though they can require significant computational resources for large or complex systems. To address these challenges, researchers are increasingly employing various machine learning techniques, which offer strong potential for data analysis and predictive modeling. In this study, CFD-based sorption simulations are integrated with machine learning models to predict the spatiotemporal evolution of water uptake. Several ML techniques including support vector regression (SVR), Random Forest, XGBoost, CatBoost (gradient boosting decision trees), and multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLPs) are evaluated and compared. A fixed-bed reactor equipped with fins and tubes is considered within a closed adsorption thermal storage system. Numerical simulations are conducted for three different fin lengths (10 mm, 25 mm, and 35 mm) to generate a comprehensive dataset for training the ML models and capturing the complex temporal evolution of water uptake, thereby enabling predictions for unseen fin geometries. The results indicate that neural network-based models achieve superior predictive performance compared to the other methods. For water uptake training, the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination R2 are approximately 2.83, 4.37, and 0.91, respectively. The predicted water uptake shows close agreement with the numerical simulation results. For the prediction cases, the MAE, MSE, and R2 values are approximately 1.13, 1.2, and 0.8, respectively. Overall, the study demonstrates that machine learning models can accurately predict water uptake beyond the training dataset, indicating strong generalization capability and significant potential for improving thermal management system design. Additionally, the proposed approach reduces simulation time and computational cost while providing an efficient and reliable framework for modeling complex sorption processes in thermal energy storage systems. Full article
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24 pages, 4058 KB  
Article
Physiological Effects of Natural and Artificial Aging of Desert Short-Lived Forage Species and Restoration by Gibberellic Acid Priming
by Jing Zhao, Yi Ding, Sumera Anwar, Xuheng Zhao, Min Zhou, Zhihua Sun and Hongsu He
Plants 2026, 15(7), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15071008 - 25 Mar 2026
Abstract
Seed aging is a major constraint for plant establishment in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, where poor seed vigor directly limits species persistence and restoration success. Desert species are particularly vulnerable to storage- and stress-induced deterioration, yet practical strategies to recover germination capacity in [...] Read more.
Seed aging is a major constraint for plant establishment in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, where poor seed vigor directly limits species persistence and restoration success. Desert species are particularly vulnerable to storage- and stress-induced deterioration, yet practical strategies to recover germination capacity in aged seeds remain limited. This study aimed to quantify aging-induced losses in germination performance and to evaluate whether exogenous gibberellic acid (GA3) can partially restore seed vigor through physiological, biochemical, and hormonal regulation. Fresh seeds (FS), naturally aged (NA), and artificially aged (AA) seeds of four desert species (Salsola affinis C.A.Mey., Trigonella arcuata C.A.Mey., Ceratocarpus arenarius L., and Alyssum desertorum Stapf) were exposed to graded GA3 concentrations (0–500 mg L−1). Germination indices (GP, GR, GI, VI), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT), lipid peroxidation (MDA), phytohormones (IAA, ABA, cytokinins), and multivariate trait relationships were assessed. Without GA3, NA reduced germination potential by 22.8–33.6%, while AA caused more severe losses of 42.4–67.8%, depending on species. Germination rate declined by 15.7–32.5% under NA and 36.4–65.2% under AA. GA3 application improved all germination indices up to 200 mg L−1 (GA200), which increased GP by 22.8–32.0% and vitality index by 17.0–28.5% compared with GA0, whereas GA500 showed diminishing returns. Aging suppressed antioxidant enzymes by 15–20% (NA) and 30–45% (AA) and increased MDA by up to 50%, while GA200 enhanced SOD, POD, and CAT and reduced MDA by 8–18%. Aging also reduced IAA and cytokinins (~28–50%) and increased ABA (27.7–77.4%), with GA200 partially restoring hormonal balance. In conclusion, GA3 at an optimal dose (200 mg L−1) partially reverses aging-induced physiological and hormonal constraints, improving germination and vigor, although recovery remains limited under advanced deterioration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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