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by Canan Satır Özel, Yaşar Sertbaş, Şeyma Taştekin, Asya Tancer Özçelik, Meltem Sertbaş, Özge Kınlı Yıldız and Abdulkadir Turgut

Medicina 2025, 61(11), 2046; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61112046 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between thyroid function and renal parameters during the third trimester of pregnancy in euthyroid women, a physiological interaction that remains poorly characterized. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective, single-center cross-sectional study, 820 euthyroid pregnant women (≥28 weeks of gestation) were evaluated. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed using tertile-based comparisons, correlation tests, and linear regression analysis. Results: Higher TSH levels were associated with slightly higher serum creatinine (p = 0.011) and a weak negative correlation with eGFR (r = −0.079, p = 0.023). Conversely, fT3 levels were positively correlated with eGFR (r = 0.106, p = 0.002) and inversely correlated with creatinine (r = −0.074, p = 0.035), while fT4 showed weaker associations. Regression analysis confirmed that fT3 (β = 0.099, p = 0.005) and fT4 (β = 0.083, p = 0.019) were independent positive predictors of eGFR. Conclusions: The correlations observed were statistically significant but clinically modest. Regression analysis confirmed that FT3 and FT4 were independent positive predictors of GFR, suggesting that subtle variations in thyroid activity may reflect physiological rather than pathological renal adaptations in late pregnancy. Monitoring TSH and fT3 may enhance understanding of maternal endocrine and renal interplay, though the clinical utility of such associations remains limited and warrants confirmation in prospective studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine)

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24 pages, 3294 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasound-Assisted Fibril Formation Enhances Complexation of Oat Globulin with Quercetin: Mechanism, Structure Evolution, Delivery Performance

by Jinzhao Xu, Xiao Zhao and Qingfeng Ban

Foods 2025, 14(22), 3916; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14223916 (registering DOI) - 16 Nov 2025

Abstract

Amyloid fibrillization represents an effective strategy for extending and enhancing protein function, particularly for the delivery of hydrophobic active substances. In this study, oat globulin (OG) and its fibrils were complexed with quercetin (Que) to construct the delivery system, and ultrasonic pretreatment was applied during fibril preparation to explore the promoter of complex formation. The results demonstrated that complexation with Que induced a dose-dependent static quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of the protein/fibrils, with hydrophobic interactions and tryptophan residues being the primary interaction forces and the main fluorescence quenching groups, respectively. In comparison, OG fibrils prepared with ultrasound pretreatment (UOGF) exhibited the strongest encapsulation and loading capacity for Que, ranging from 97.16% at a mass ratio of 200:1 to 42.48% at a ratio of 25:1. Subsequently, complexes were prepared with a ratio of 50:1. Structural analysis revealed that Que primarily interacts with the protein/fibril carriers through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, inducing structural changes and ultimately being encapsulated in an amorphous form within the composite material. Additionally, Que promoted the mutual aggregation and cross-linking of protein/fibril units, leading to increased hydrodynamic diameter and zeta-potential. Moreover, UOGF-Que showed the greatest improvement in the thermal stability and the photostability of Que, and enhancing the bioaccessibility. These findings provide valuable insights into using ultrasound as an auxiliary measure for fibril self-assembly to enhance the application potential of fibrils, especially the delivery of hydrophobic functional substances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of the Application of Novel Processes to Food Proteins on Structure, Physicochemical Properties and Modifications)

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20 pages, 407 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Association of Unhealthy Eating Behaviors with Sleep Quality Outcomes Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Maha Al-Jawarneh, Shalini Chauhan, Ildikó Csölle and Szimonetta Lohner

Nutrients 2025, 17(22), 3580; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17223580 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: This study examined the association between specific unhealthy eating behaviors and sleep quality among university students. Understanding how dietary habits affect sleep during significant lifestyle transitions associated with university experience can inform health promotion strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed using a self-reported questionnaire to assess eating behaviors, timing of meals, and sleep-related behavior among a sample of international university students. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) tool. Statistical analyses were used to assess the relationship between eating patterns, overall sleep quality, and its components. Results: More than half of the students had poor sleep quality (51.7%). Daytime dysfunction was significantly more common in females than in males (27.9% vs. 8.3%, respectively; p < 0.001). Conversely, poor sleep efficiency was more prevalent among males than females (27.5% vs. 15.8%; p = 0.008). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that, compared to students who did not frequently consume heavy evening meals, those who did were more likely to experience poor sleep quality (OR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.575–4.731). Similarly, those who frequently substitute snacks for main meals were more likely to experience poor sleep quality than those who did not (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.465–4.895). Finally, students who ate within three hours of bedtime had higher odds of poor sleep quality compared to those who had their last meal more than three hours before bedtime (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.173–3.629). Conclusions: Unhealthy dietary habits, such as consuming heavy evening meals, substituting snacks for main meals, and having a short meal-to-bedtime interval, were significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Interventions promoting healthier dietary patterns and appropriate meal timing could help improve sleep in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)

29 pages, 5878 KB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Laminar Burning Velocity of Ammonia Flames

by Xiao Yang, Zhijian Xiao, Rui Hu and Dongdong Feng

Energies 2025, 18(22), 6000; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18226000 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

As a zero-carbon fuel, ammonia holds significant potential for achieving the “dual carbon” strategic goals. However, its extremely low laminar burning velocity (LBV) limits its direct application in combustion systems. This work systematically reviews the research progress on the LBV of ammonia flames, focusing on three key aspects: measurement methods, effects of combustion conditions, and reaction kinetic models. In terms of measurement methods, the principles, applicability, and limitations of the spherical outwardly propagating flame method, Bunsen-burner method, counter-flow flame method, and heat flux method are discussed in detail. It is pointed out that the heat flux method and counter-flow flame method are more suitable for the accurate measurement of ammonia flame LBV due to their low stretch rate and high stability. Regarding the effects of combustion conditions, the LBV characteristics of pure ammonia flames under ambient temperature and pressure are summarized. The influence patterns of three factors on LBV are analyzed systematically: blending high-reactivity fuels (e.g., hydrogen and methane), oxygen-enriched conditions, and variations in temperature and pressure. This analysis reveals effective approaches to improve ammonia combustion performance. Furthermore, the promoting effect of high-reactivity fuel blending on liquid ammonia combustion was also summarized. For reaction kinetic models, various chemical reaction mechanisms applicable to pure ammonia and ammonia-blended fuels (ammonia/hydrogen, ammonia/methane, etc.) are sorted out. The performance and discrepancies of each model in predicting LBV are evaluated. It is noted that current models still have significant uncertainties under specific conditions, such as high pressure and moderate blending ratios. This review aims to provide theoretical references and data support for the fundamental research and engineering application of ammonia combustion, promoting the development and application of ammonia as a clean fuel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Combustion and Application of Carbon Neutral Fuel in Internal Combustion Engine)

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28 pages, 3628 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

HRformer: A Hybrid Relational Transformer for Stock Time Series Forecasting

by Haijiao Xu, Hongyang Wan, Yilin Wu, Jiankai Zheng and Liang Xie

Electronics 2025, 14(22), 4459; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14224459 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Stock trend prediction is a complex and crucial task due to the dynamic and nonlinear nature of stock price movements. Traditional models struggle to capture the non-stationary and volatile characteristics of financial time series. To address this challenge, we propose the Hybrid Relational Transformer (HRformer), which specifically decomposes time series into multiple components, enabling more accurate modeling of both short-term and long-term dependencies in stock data. The HRformer mainly comprises three key modules: the Multi-Component Decomposition Layer, the Component-wise Temporal Encoder (CTE), and the Inter-Stock Correlation Attention (ISCA). Our approach first employs the Multi-Component Decomposition Layer to decompose the stock sequence into trend, cyclic, and volatility components, each of which is independently modeled by the CTE to capture distinct temporal dynamics. These component representations are then adaptively integrated through the Adaptive Multi-Component Integration (AMCI) mechanism, which dynamically fuses their information. The fused output is subsequently refined by the ISCA module to incorporate inter-stock correlations, leading to more accurate and robust predictions. Extensive experiments on the NASDAQ100 and CSI300 datasets demonstrate that HRformer consistently outperforms state-of-the-art methods, e.g., achieving about 0.83% higher Accuracy and 1.78% higher F1-score than TDformer on NASDAQ100, with Sharpe Ratios of 1.5354 on NASDAQ100 and 0.5398 on CSI300, especially in volatile market conditions. Backtesting results validate its practical utility in real-world trading scenarios, showing its potential to enhance investment decisions and portfolio performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence)

21 pages, 277 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Satisfaction to AI Integration: Stakeholder Perceptions of Student Classification and Progress Monitoring in Qatar’s Schools

by Ali Alodat, Maha Al-Hendawi and Nawaf Al-Zyoud

Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15111541 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study examined stakeholders’ satisfaction with current student classification and progress monitoring systems and explored their perceptions of the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing these processes. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 313 stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, decision-makers, and educational service providers. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and group comparisons were employed to examine satisfaction levels, predictors of satisfaction, and expectations regarding AI integration. Despite high satisfaction with the current systems (85%), nearly 80% of stakeholders rated AI integration as essential. The most frequently expected functions of an AI-enabled system were predicting student challenges (33.2%), generating detailed analyses and reports (32.9%), customizing individual learning plans (22.7%), and providing immediate feedback (11.2%). Anticipated challenges focused on acceptance and adaptation by teachers and students (40.9%) and concerns about privacy and system integration. Regression analysis revealed that perceptions of classification practices (β = 0.473, p < 0.001) were a stronger predictor of satisfaction than perceptions of progress monitoring practices (β = 0.315, p < 0.001). Demographic analyses revealed greater dissatisfaction among non-teaching staff, females, and mid-career professionals. The findings show that stakeholders are broadly satisfied with existing systems while simultaneously demanding AI-driven innovation, suggesting satisfaction reflects acceptance rather than alignment with stakeholders’ needs and expectations. Full article

14 pages, 2292 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Acellular Hepatic Scaffolds Through a Low-Cost Gravity-Assisted Perfusion Decellularization Method

by María Fernanda Duarte-Ortega, Luis Bernardo Enríquez-Sánchez, Manuel David Pérez-Ruiz, Alfredo Nevárez-Rascón, María Alejandra Favila-Pérez, Alva Rocío Castillo-González, Celia María Quiñonez-Flores, Luis Carlos Hinojos-Gallardo, Víctor Adolfo Ríos-Barrera and Carlos Arzate-Quintana

Biomimetics 2025, 10(11), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10110777 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Developing reliable and cost-effective decellularization methods is critical for advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, particularly in regions with limited access to specialized perfusion systems. Methods: This study standardized a gravity-assisted perfusion protocol for rat liver decellularization, designed to operate without pumps or pressurized equipment. Adult Wistar rat livers were processed through a gravity-driven vascular flushing method and compared with a conventional immersion-based protocol. The resulting scaffolds were evaluated by macroscopic inspection, histological staining (Masson’s trichrome), and residual DNA quantification. Results: The gravity-assisted perfusion method achieved more efficient cellular removal and superior preservation of extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity compared with immersion. Residual DNA levels were 3.7 ng/mg in perfused samples, 209.47 ng/mg in immersed samples, and 331.97 ng/mg in controls, confirming a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05). Only the perfused group met the accepted threshold for effective decellularization (<50 ng/mg dry tissue). Histological analysis corroborated these findings, showing the absence of nuclei and the preservation of collagen architecture characteristic of a structurally intact ECM. Conclusions: This low-cost, reproducible, and technically simple system enables the generation of high-quality acellular hepatic scaffolds without mechanical pumps. Its accessibility and scalability make it suitable for laboratories with limited infrastructure and educational settings. Moreover, this gravity-assisted approach provides a foundation for future recellularization and preclinical studies aimed at developing bioengineered liver constructs for regenerative and transplant applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomimetic Processing and Molecular Biomimetics)

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21 pages, 4270 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Formation of a Novel Intergeneric Hybrid Fish Derived from Megalobrama amblycephala (♀) × Culter dabryi (♂)

by Zhifeng Zhou, Xinge Ouyang, Chang Wu, Siyu Fan, Faxian Yu, Liran Zhang, Xinxin Yu, Zhong Tang, Lang Qin, Yi Zhou, Shengnan Li, Ming Wen, Yuequn Wang, Min Tao and Shaojun Liu

Animals 2025, 15(22), 3302; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223302 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Distant hybridization in fish serves to integrate the genetic material from two distinct, distantly related species. In this study, we successfully produced a new hybrid fish (BG) through the intergeneric hybridization of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala, BSB, 2n = 48, ♀) and green tip culter (Culter dabryi, GTC, 2n = 48, ♂). The objective of this research was to characterize the genetic, morphological, reproductive, and nutritional features of the hybrid compared with its parents. The DNA content and chromosomal number analysis revealed that BG was a diploid hybrid fish with 48 chromosomes. Integrated analysis of 5S rDNA, mitochondrial DNA, and Sox9 gene sequences revealed that BG predominantly inherited its genetic traits from BSB. Notably, certain gene fragments (376 bp segment of 5S rDNA class II and 718 bp segment of BG Sox9-II) originated from the paternal GTC, demonstrating biparental genomic integration. The growth performance analysis revealed that BG exhibited enhanced growth, achieving a body weight significantly greater than that of BSB and 1.81-fold that of GTC (both p < 0.05). The reproductive analysis indicated that BG possessed bisexual fertility, with testicular histology revealing accelerated spermatogenesis relative to BSB. Additionally, the nutritional analysis of BG muscle revealed elevated levels of crude protein (18.13%) and umami amino acids (5.45%) compared to those in its parents. BG showed higher growth, bisexual fertility, and improved muscle nutritional composition. This hybrid represents a promising resource for cyprinid breeding and aquaculture diversification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Breeding, and Farming of Aquatic Animals)

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16 pages, 501 KB

Open AccessReview

The Rising Global Cesarean Section Rates and Their Impact on Maternal and Child Health: A Scoping Review

by Sofia Thomaidi, Antigoni Sarantaki, Maria Tzitiridou Chatzopoulou, Eirini Orovou, Vaidas Jotautis and Dimitrios Papoutsis

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8102; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228102 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: A cesarean section (CS) is a method of childbirth involving a surgical cut made in the abdominal and uterine wall to deliver the infant. But while it saves the lives of women and infants, it has been implicated in several immediate and long-term complications and adverse consequences as a result of its ineffective use. This study attempts to address the major public health issue of the inappropriate use of CS by exploring its impact on maternal, neonatal, and child health. More specifically, the study aims to investigate the immediate and long-term health impacts on the mother, including her physical and mental health, as well as the immediate and long-term psychosomatic consequences on the neonate’s, infant’s, and child’s health as a result of the inappropriate use of CS. Methods: A scoping review was conducted spanning from 2015 to 2025 according to the PRISMA criteria and checklist. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria comprised original articles with clear exposure and outcome written in English, and studies that did not involve reviews of any kind or letters to the editors. Results: The review identified 42 relevant studies. The results showed several immediate and long-term complications of CS in mothers, neonates, infants, and children, while its ineffective use carries equally high risks, such as high levels of morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: This scoping review presents the problems that arise in the immediate and long-term health of mother and child from the improper use of cesarean section and underlines the need for immediate action and measures to be taken by health policy makers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Risks and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnancy and Childbirth: 2nd Edition)

12 pages, 4571 KB

Open AccessArticle

Micro-Raman Study of Chinese Iron-Based Brown Wares Produced During Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE): Probing Crystals in the Glazes

by Tian Wang, Zilong He, Senwei Xia, Philippe Sciau, Anding Shao, Zhao Ren, Fen Wang, Jianfeng Zhu, Ying Wang, Qiang Li and Hongjie Luo

Heritage 2025, 8(11), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8110480 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Brown glazed wares, as some of the famous Song wares, attract significant attention nowadays due to the glaze containing a large amount of metastable ε-Fe₂O₃, a promising multiple-functional electromagnetic material. In this work, typical fragments were systematically analyzed by micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy as well as X-ray fluorescence. Abundant ε-Fe₂O₃ crystals were observed in the glaze surfaces, with the exception of numerous hematite crystals detected in the surfaces of fragments excavated in Hunyuan kilns (Shanxi province). The correlative analyses of Raman and XRF data indicate that relatively high SiO₂ and low CaO contents in the system may benefit ε-Fe₂O₃ precipitation, and the crystallization temperature may range from 1150 to 1200 °C. In addition, various crystals were detected in the glazes, including magnetite, magnesioferrite, zircon, anatase, pseudobrookite, rutile, cordierite, cristobalite, quartz, and mullite. Full article

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28 pages, 49938 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geothermal Reservoir Parameter Identification by Wellbore–Reservoir Integrated Fluid and Heat Transport Modeling

by Fengyu Li, Xia Guo, Zhenxiang Xing, Haitao Cui and Xi Zhang

Water 2025, 17(22), 3269; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223269 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Efficient development of karst geothermal resources relies on the accurate identification of thermophysical and hydrogeological parameters. In this paper, the integrated wellbore–reservoir model of fluid and heat transport is applied to identify hydrothermal parameters of the karst geothermal system in Tianjin, China, based on multi-type field test data. A natural state model is conducted by fitting steady-state borehole temperature measurement results to identify formation thermal conductivity, while reservoir permeability is determined via the Gauss–Marquardt–Levenberg optimization algorithm based on dynamic temperature and pressure data from pumping tests. The parameter identification results indicate a reservoir permeability of 5.25 × 10⁻¹⁴ m² and a corrected bottom-hole temperature of 109 °C. Subsequently, productivity optimization for actual heating demands (1.33 × 10⁵ m²) yields an optimal heat extraction efficiency of 6.17 MW, with a flow rate of 80 m³/h, an injection well perforated length of 388 m, and an injection temperature of 30 °C. Additionally, addressing reservoir heterogeneity, the study finds that high-permeability zones between wells significantly shorten the safe operation duration of geothermal doublets, and reducing flow rate can mitigate thermal breakthrough risk to a certain extent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydrogeology)

39 pages, 2839 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Neuro-Symbolic Multi-Agent Architecture for Digital Transformation of Psychological Support Systems via Artificial Neurotransmitters and Archetypal Reasoning

by Gerardo Iovane, Iana Fominska and Raffaella Di Pasquale

Algorithms 2025, 18(11), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/a18110721 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

The digital transformation in the treatment of mental health and emotional disharmony requires artificial intelligence architectures that overcome the limitations of purely neural approaches, such as temporal inconsistency, opacity, and lack of theoretical foundations. Assuming the existence and use of generalist LLMs currently used in clinical settings and considering the appropriate limitations indicated by experts, this article aims to offer clinicians an alternative Neuro-symbolic-Psychological multi-agent architecture (NSPA-AI), which integrates archetypal symbolic reasoning with neurobiological modelling, based on our established framework of artificial neurotransmitters for the modelling and analysis of affective-emotional stimuli to enable interpretable AI-assisted psychological intervention. The system implements a hub-and-spoke topology that coordinates five specialized agents (symbolic, psychological, neurofunctional, decision fusion, learning) that process heterogeneous information via SPADE protocols. Seven archetypal constructs from Jungian psychology and narrative identity theory provide stable symbolic frameworks for longitudinal therapeutic consistency. An empirical study of 156 university students demonstrated significant improvements in depression (Cohen’s d = 1.03), stress (d = 0.89), and narrative identity integration (d = 0.75), which were maintained at a 12-week follow-up and superior to GPT-4 controls (d = 0.34). Neurofunctional correlations—downregulation of cortisol (r = 0.71 with stress reduction), increase in serotonin (r = −0.68 with depression improvement)—validated the neurobiological basis of the entropy-energy framework. Qualitative analysis revealed the following four mechanisms of improvement: symbolic emotional support (93%), increased self-awareness through neurotransmitter visualization (84%), non-judgmental AI interaction (98%), and archetypal narrative organization (87%). The results establish that neuro-symbolic architectures are viable alternatives to large language models for digital mental health, providing the interpretability and clinical validity essential for adoption in the healthcare sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algorithms in Multi-Sensor Imaging and Fusion)

16 pages, 3306 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Physician Height and Experience on Eye Lens Dose in Interventional Cardiology: An Initial Study

by Kodai Sagehashi, Yoshihiro Haga, Toshiki Kato, Saki Takahira, Masahiro Sota, Yuji Kaga, Mitsuya Abe, Norio Tada and Koichi Chida

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12137; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212137 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

In 2011, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended reducing the annual equivalent dose limit to the eye lens. This study investigated the effects of physician height and years of experience on lens radiation exposure in a clinical setting. The lens dose was measured using the DOSIRIS dosimeter, which quantified Hp(3) while accounting for the shielding effect of lead glasses, and a neck dosimeter for Hp(0.07). A significant negative correlation was found between physician height and both Hp(0.07) (R = −0.642) and Hp(3) (R = −0.728), suggesting that taller physicians received lower lens doses because of their greater distance from the scatter source. A positive correlation was observed between years of experience and Hp(0.07) (R = 0.650). Two-group comparisons showed that physicians shorter than 170 cm had a 2.77-fold higher median Hp(3) than those ≥170 cm (p < 0.05). As experienced physicians may be exposed to higher radiation levels, regular review of protective practices and continued radiation safety education are essential, regardless of clinical experience. This is the first clinical study to simultaneously evaluate the effects of physician height and experience on lens dose in interventional cardiology. Regular review of protective practices remains essential regardless of operator height or experience. Full article

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12 pages, 743 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Raman Spectroscopy of Cell-Free Cervicovaginal Lavage for HPV Lesion Diagnosis: A Pilot Study

by Elena Rimskaya, Alexey Gorevoy, Anastasia Devyatkina, Niso Nazarova, Natalia Starodubtseva, Patimat Abakarova, Anna Mgeryan, Sergey Kudryashov, Vera Prilepskaya and Gennady Sukhikh

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211064 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading etiological factor in cervical cancer, creating a pressing need for less invasive and more objective diagnostic tools. This pilot study pioneers the application of Raman spectroscopy to cell-free cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) for distinguishing between low-grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL and HSIL) in HPV-positive patients. Raman spectra were acquired at 532-nm excitation from cell-free CVL samples of 20 patients with histologically confirmed LSIL (n = 9) or HSIL (n = 11). Comparative analysis of Raman bands revealed a significant biochemical shift in HSIL, presumably characterized by reduced glycogen and lactate/lactic acid levels alongside substantially elevated heme proteins. A diagnostic model based on key spectral intensity ratios achieved differentiation between LSIL and HSIL with 80% sensitivity and 86% specificity. These findings demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy of cell-free CVL effectively captures profound metabolic and microvascular alterations characteristic of neoplastic progression, showcasing its strong potential as a rapid, cost-effective, non-invasive, and objective tool for cervical lesion risk stratification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectroscopic Techniques in Molecular Sciences)

14 pages, 261 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hepatic Steatosis and Diet in Adult Celiac Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Míra Zsófia Peresztegi, Zsolt Szakács, Nelli Farkas, Gábor Szekeres, Nándor Faluhelyi, Krisztina Hagymási, Gyula Pásztor, Zsófia Vereczkei, Petra Fülöp, Szilvia Lada, Sarolta Dakó, Eszter Dakó and Judit Bajor

Nutrients 2025, 17(22), 3577; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17223577 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy that is treated exclusively with a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD). Hepatic involvement, including hepatic steatosis (HS), is common in both newly diagnosed and long-term GFD-treated CD patients. Limited data exist regarding HS prevalence and risk factors in CD, and the effects of dietary patterns, including GFD and the Mediterranean diet (MD), remain unclear. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence and severity of HS in newly diagnosed, pre-GFD and GFD-treated CD patients compared to non-celiac control subjects, while assessing the influence of dietary adherence. Methods: In a nested cross-sectional study within the ARCTIC trial (NCT05530070), 290 Hungarian adults were enrolled (60 pre-GFD CD, 156 CD on GFD, and 74 control subjects). HS was assessed by ultrasonography, and dietary adherence was evaluated using the Standardized Dietitian Evaluation and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Binary regression models were applied to identify predictors of HS. Results: HS was diagnosed in 34% of participants, most frequently in pre-GFD CD patients. BMI was the strongest predictor of HS both overall and within the CD cohort (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.42; p < 0.001). Neither adherence to GFD nor overall MD adherence significantly influenced the prevalence of HS. Severity of HS correlated with higher BMI, older age, and diabetes prevalence, while individual MD components, including olive oil consumption, were associated with milder HS. Conclusions: HS is more prevalent in CD patients, particularly pre-GFD patients, and is strongly associated with BMI. While overall dietary patterns did not significantly impact HS, certain diet components may modulate severity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns, Lipid Metabolism and Fatty Liver Disease)

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