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Background: Polymicrobial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are frequently complicated by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and co-colonizing Gram-negative pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Mupirocin, the clinical gold standard, is limited by rising resistance and an intrinsic “mupirocin gap” against P. aeruginosa. This study evaluates a novel Nigella sativa (NS) seed oil topical formulation as an alternative. Methods: A 4-tier preclinical platform assessed the NS formulation against MRSA, methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), Streptococcus pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa. The pipeline included: (1) in vitro agar diffusion, (2) a gauze biofilm prevention model, (3) an ex vivo porcine ear skin model challenging epidermal lipid barriers, and (4) an in vivo Galleria mellonella model evaluating trans-cuticular systemic protection. Results: The NS formulation produced extensive diffusion zones, completely inhibiting S. pyogenes and outperforming controls against MSSA and P. aeruginosa. In the gauze model, NS achieved complete eradication of MSSA and S. pyogenes, while significantly suppressing MRSA and P. aeruginosa biofilms (p < 0.001). In the ex vivo porcine model, NS yielded >1.5 to >2.5 log reductions across all pathogens at 24 h (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in the in vivo G. mellonella model, topical NS significantly reduced the systemic bioburden of MSSA, S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa (p < 0.001), though MRSA reduction lacked statistical significance. Conclusions: The novel NS formulation demonstrates potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. By effectively bridging the “mupirocin gap” against P. aeruginosa and demonstrating significant efficacy against MRSA in in vitro and ex vivo environments, it represents a promising plant-based pre-clinical candidate that strongly warrants future evaluation in live mammalian wound healing models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)

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16 pages, 6453 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Vegetation Fire on the Mechanical and Electrical Performance of FXBW₄-35/70 Composite Insulator

by Enze Zhou, Lei Wang, Xincheng Quan, Daochun Huang, Shiyan Lin, Chao Chen, Tianhao Peng and Haiwen Xu

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6369; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136369 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

In wildfire environments, high temperatures generated by wildfires may cause thermal aging, deformation, and even burning damage to the silicone rubber sheds of composite insulators, thereby deteriorating their surface hydrophobicity and insulation characteristics. Meanwhile, ash and carbonaceous particles produced by vegetation combustion tend to accumulate on insulator surfaces, forming conductive contamination layers that reduce surface resistance, intensify leakage current activity, and increase the risk of flashover. To investigate these effects, FXBW₄-35/70 composite insulators were selected as the research object. A simulated burning test platform was established to evaluate variations in the mechanical properties of insulator sheds under wildfire conditions. In addition, the feasibility of using simulated ash was assessed. AC flashover tests were conducted on contaminated insulators to quantify the influence of ash deposition on flashover performance. Beyond confirming the thermal aging behavior of silicone rubber under wildfire exposure, this study establishes a quantitative relationship between wildfire ash deposition, equivalent contamination severity, and flashover performance. A correction model for post-fire pollution withstand voltage is further proposed, providing a practical basis for condition assessment and maintenance of transmission line insulators after wildfire events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering)

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11 pages, 10594 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Thermal Runaway Features of Lithium-Ion Batteries with Different Aging Histories for Energy Storage Under Conditions of Overcharging

by Xinhai Li, Wei Lin, Wei Hou and Zhiying Ding

Batteries 2026, 12(7), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries12070227 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the effect of aging on the thermal runaway characteristics of 314 Ah lithium iron phosphate batteries with different cycles (0, 400, and 1000 cycles), with the batteries being overcharged to thermal runaway with a 0.5 C charging rate. The results indicate that aging significantly reduces the severity of thermal runaway for a battery. Fresh batteries exhibited intense jet fires with a peak temperature of 501.4 °C, while aged batteries produced only heavy smoke without obvious flames, with peak temperatures dropping to 401.2 °C. Aging leads to the thickening of the SEI film, increased internal resistance, and an unstable voltage response, extending the thermal runaway trigger time from 1979 s to 4039 s, but with a lower trigger temperature. The negative tab consistently remained the core heat accumulation point, with temperature differences of 10–30 °C compared to other wall surfaces, and the core temperature during thermal runaway exceeded 500 °C. The transition from casing rupture to jet fire occurred within only 2 s, indicating an extremely short safety response window. Through this research, we provide critical insights for the aging assessment and thermal safety management of energy storage batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Battery Health Algorithms and Thermal Safety Modeling)

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19 pages, 5646 KB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Intensive Care Units Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 10-Year Retrospective Study from Türkiye

by Ayşe Çapar, Derya Özyiğitoğlu, Şeyma Başlılar, Mürşide Efil Erdoğan, Beril Balak, Betül Nur Doğan, Öznur Hun Aktaş and Ebru Korkmaz

Antibiotics 2026, 15(7), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15070636 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic coincided with substantial changes in healthcare delivery and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns worldwide, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), where invasive procedures and broad-spectrum antibiotics are commonly used. Data from Türkiye remains limited. Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluated bacterial and fungal isolates from adult ICU patients at a tertiary hospital from 2016 to 2025. Microorganisms were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using standardized methods. Resistance patterns were compared between the pre-pandemic (January 2016–February 2020) and post-pandemic (March 2020–May 2025) periods. Results: A total of 2666 patients and 5433 isolates were analyzed. Gram-negative pathogens showed marked increases in resistance: carbapenem and colistin resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae were significantly higher in the post-pandemic period (69.6% vs. 44.4% and 60.5% vs. 22.5%, respectively; p < 0.001). Resistance rates to multiple antimicrobial agents also increased in Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p < 0.05). Among Gram-positive bacteria, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium increased from 10% to 47.1%. Candida auris emerged only in the post-pandemic period, showing high resistance to fluconazole (75%) and amphotericin B (36.7%). Conclusions: Significant differences in AMR patterns were observed between the pre- and post-pandemic periods in this ICU population. Higher resistance rates were observed among several clinically important bacterial pathogens, and Candida auris emerged exclusively during the post-pandemic period. Given the study’s observational design, these findings should be interpreted as temporal associations rather than evidence of a causal effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued antimicrobial stewardship and infection-control measures remain essential to address the growing burden of AMR. Full article

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13 pages, 4970 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Canonical Binding of Nelfinavir in HIV-1 Protease Variants Reveals Structural Mechanisms of Antiretroviral Resistance

by Christian Cadena-Cruz, Marcio De Avila-Arias, Fabio Guzmán, Mariana Pérez, María Angelica Zuluaga, Elkin Navarro Quiroz, Alejandro Angulo, Luz Elena Prieto Garcerant, Hector Rodríguez Rojas, Dinno Alberto Fernández Chica, Guillermo Cervantes and Jose Luis Villarreal-Camacho

Viruses 2026, 18(7), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18070701 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Antiretroviral resistance-associated mutations, within the broader context of HIV-1 genetic variability, represent a growing challenge for HIV-1 control, highlighting the need for continuous molecular surveillance and mechanistic understanding of drug resistance. This study aimed to characterize mutations in the pol gene associated with resistance to protease inhibitors and to explore their structural implications. Methods: Viral RNA was extracted from plasma samples of HIV-positive patients, and a 266 bp fragment of the HIV-1 pol gene was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced using the Sanger method. Sequences showing ≥98% homology were aligned and analyzed using MEGA v11 and the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database to identify resistance-associated mutations, while viral subtypes were determined using COMET, jpHMM-HIV, and STAR tools. Amino acid sequences were used for structural modeling with AlphaFold, followed by molecular docking with Nelfinavir using the CB-Dock2 server. Results: Four samples exhibited resistance-associated profiles, including high-level, intermediate, and low-level resistance, with one isolate showing high-level resistance to multiple protease inhibitors. Structural analyses revealed that Nelfinavir preferentially binds to alternative hydrophobic cavities rather than the canonical catalytic site, lacking direct interactions with the Asp25/Asp25′ dyad. Conclusions: These findings suggest a structural mechanism of resistance based on non-canonical ligand binding that may impair effective protease inhibition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section General Virology)

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26 pages, 11368 KB

Open AccessArticle

Induction of Barley Resistance to Fusarium graminearum by Application of Bacterial Consortium with Agronomic Traits

by Yelena Brazhnikova, Lyudmila Ignatova, Natalya Vedyashkina, Saule Kenzhebayeva, Ekaterina Moskvina, Susana Muradova, Alla Goncharova, Tatyana Karpenyuk, Madina Alexyuk, Andrey Bogoyavlenskiy, Aizhamal Usmanova, Nariman Abilman and Ilya Digel

Sci 2026, 8(7), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci8070144 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop and comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of an innovative formulation of a biological preparation consisting of a bacterial consortium (Serratia proteamaculans B5, Pseudomonas putida D7 and Lysinibacillus sp. S1), embedded in a pullulan polysaccharide matrix, as an agent for inducing systemic resistance in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to phytopathogenic stress caused by Fusarium graminearum. To optimize the product’s protective efficacy and minimize the pesticide load on the agroecosystem, a reduced dose of Fundazol (50% of the standard rate) was incorporated into the formulation. The constituent strains exhibited high indole-3-acetic acid production (53.29–69.2 μg·mL⁻¹) and strong antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi, with inhibition zones reaching up to 32.5 mm. Pot and field trials were conducted to comprehensively assess the effect of the biological product on the stress tolerance of barley plants. Pre-sowing seed treatment reduced proline accumulation (by up to 2.3-fold), maintained photosynthetic pigment levels, and increased field germination to 79%. Under infectious field conditions, treatment with the biopreparation contributed to the stabilization of yield structure parameters (treated plants exhibited increases in height and biomass of 9–21%) and the improvement of grain quality indicators. Overall, the results obtained demonstrate the potential of the developed biopreparation as a component of comprehensive protection strategies and as an inducer of plant priming mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biology Research and Life Sciences)

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24 pages, 2245 KB

Open AccessReview

Reprogramming Mitochondrial Adaptation: LONP1 at the Crossroads of Proteostasis, Metabolism, and Disease

by Hsu-Hung Chang, Phebe Ting Syuan Chang, Chung-Che Tsai and Chan-Yen Kuo

Antioxidants 2026, 15(7), 793; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15070793 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

Mitochondrial Lon peptidase 1 (LONP1) is an ATP-dependent AAA⁺ (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) protease that has emerged as a key regulator of mitochondrial proteostasis, with functions extending beyond protein quality control. In addition to degrading misfolded and oxidized proteins, LONP1 coordinates mitochondrial DNA maintenance, metabolic remodeling, and stress-responsive signaling. Recent structural and functional advances have expanded the biological significance of LONP1 beyond protein quality control, highlighting its roles in mitochondrial metabolism, genome maintenance, and stress responses. LONP1 dysregulation is increasingly implicated in cancer, metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and aging, where it exerts context-dependent effects on cell survival and disease progression. In cancer, LONP1 supports metabolic plasticity, redox adaptation, and therapeutic resistance, whereas in degenerative conditions, its decline contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction and tissue damage. Here, we synthesize recent insights into the structure, mechanisms, and biological functions of LONP1 and discuss their implications for human disease. We further discuss emerging therapeutic strategies and key challenges for targeting LONP1 in human disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mitochondrial Redox Biology—Second Edition)

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21 pages, 13929 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Parameter Identification Algorithm for Tree-Contact Single-Phase-to-Ground Fault in Distribution Networks

by Zexi Chen, Pu Wang, Zijin Li, Yanxia Chen, Hongtao Li, Kaiwen Hu, Feng Su, Yaqi Yang and Heqi Wang

Energies 2026, 19(13), 2986; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19132986 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

The tree-contact single-phase-to-ground fault (TSF) in 10 kV distribution networks has high transition resistance, weak fault currents, and nonlinear steady-state waveforms. As existing high-impedance fault models cannot accurately describe its complete physical evolution, this paper proposes a novel modeling and parameter identification algorithm for TSF. First, based on recorded data from full-scale experiments, the initiation and development processes of TSF are studied, revealing the main factors affecting fault electrical characteristics—such as moisture evaporation, pyrolysis carbonization, air gap breakdown, and tree body current dissipation. Then, a dynamic resistance series model for TSF is constructed, with parameters identified and calibrated using experimental data, objective functions, and physical constraints. Finally, a 10 kV TSF simulation model is built and verified. Furthermore, a cross-condition predictive validation is performed using different voltage and geometric boundaries. Results demonstrate that the proposed physics-constrained model can effectively reproduce the RMS fault current envelope with asymmetric moisture evaporation characteristics. It also accurately predicts steady-state nonlinear waveform features without parameter re-tuning, providing more physically consistent data support for future TSF identification studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Power System Modeling and Control, 3rd Edition)

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23 pages, 19346 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Evaluation of Natural Zeolite-Modified Cementitious Materials: Rheology, Exothermic Hydration, Strength, and Microstructure

by Aigerim Tolegenova, Elmira Kurmanbekova, Džigita Nagrockienė, Kenzhebek Akmalaiuly, Adlet Zhagifarov, Alikhan Abzal, Ilia Teshev, Nazerke Berdikul and Yerlan Khamza

J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(7), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10070334 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

The growing demand for low-carbon cementitious materials has increased interest in natural zeolite as a supplementary cementitious material capable of reducing clinker consumption while modifying cement system performance. This study presents an integrated experimental evaluation of natural zeolite-modified cementitious materials by combining rheological behavior, hydration, compressive strength, density, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) within a single experimental framework. Natural zeolite was used as a partial replacement for cement at dosages of 5–12.5 wt.%. The results showed that zeolite significantly affected both fresh-state and hardened-state properties. Zeolite increased the rheological resistance of fresh mixtures, shifted the exothermic hydration peak from 12 h to 8–10 h, and reduced the maximum hydration temperature by approximately 8–12%. Among the investigated compositions, the mixture containing 7.5% zeolite exhibited the highest compressive strength (44.9 MPa at 28 days) together with increased hardened density, suggesting more efficient particle packing and matrix development than the reference mixture. SEM observations indicated a more uniform distribution of hydration products in mixtures containing moderate zeolite dosages, while XRD analysis confirmed changes in the crystalline phase assemblage associated with zeolite incorporation. The results demonstrate that moderate natural zeolite replacement, particularly at 7.5%, provides an effective balance between rheological behavior, hydration characteristics, mechanical performance, and microstructural development, highlighting its potential as a sustainable supplementary cementitious material for low-carbon cement-based composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Composites Modelling and Characterization)

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16 pages, 2939 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Cross-Hole Resistivity Tomography in the Detailed Detection of Water Accumulation in Thin Interlayered Goafs in Coal Mines—Qinhua Coal Mine, China

by Haifeng Zhu, Xiaolin Xu, Bo Tian, Honggang Li, Chao Gao, Tianyu Ma, Fengkai Zhang, Yang Yang and Zhengyu Liu

Geotechnics 2026, 6(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics6030058 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

“Interbedded water in thin coal seams” is characterized by its high degree of concealment and complex hydraulic connections. However, due to the confined space of underground mine tunnels and severe electromagnetic interference from metal structures, traditional geophysical methods struggle to accurately delineate the boundaries of water accumulation, making this a major and challenging water hazard in coal mines. Taking the Qinhua Coal Mine in Xinjiang, China, as the engineering context, this paper investigates the detection of water accumulation in interbedded coal seams within goaf areas using the cross-hole resistivity method. It proposes a cross-hole resistivity tomography scanning approach characterized by “progressive depth penetration and layer-by-layer traversal,” and employs an inversion method based on inequality constraints to obtain relatively detailed and reliable imaging results. Through resistivity imaging analysis, low-resistivity water accumulation anomalies were successfully delineated, and water accumulation dead zones were identified. Based on the detection results, effective drainage was carried out beneath the water-filled zones. Subsequent follow-up surveys confirmed the disappearance of the low-resistivity anomalies, thereby validating the reliability and engineering practicality of the cross-hole resistivity tomography method for precisely detecting water body boundaries under complex geological conditions in coal seams. Full article

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13 pages, 1936 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Anti-Corrosion Properties of Hydrophobic Geopolymer Coatings

by Yuanxu Kuang, Zhu Zhang, Ai Yang, Mao Wang and Xin Chen

Coatings 2026, 16(7), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16070752 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

To lower the water absorption capacity and enhance the anti-corrosion performance of geopolymer coatings, methyltrimethoxysilane (MTOS) was adopted as a hydrophobic modifier to synthesize hydrophobic geopolymer coatings, and their anti-corrosion behaviors were systematically investigated. The results reveal that increasing MTOS content gradually improves the fluidity and setting time of fresh coatings while reducing their bonding strength. MTOS effectively strengthens the surface hydrophobicity of the coatings, decreases the water absorption of coated concrete substrates, and remarkably boosts chloride ion penetration resistance. The modified coatings achieve the optimal anti-corrosion performance at an MTOS dosage of 8 wt.%. Under this optimal condition, the surface water contact angle reaches 135.1°. After 28 days of chloride ion erosion, the chloride ion concentration is 45.0% lower than that of the unmodified counterpart. Meanwhile, the coating exhibits the minimum water absorption rate of 2.06% and the lowest average chloride penetration rate of 0.41 × 10⁻³ mg/(cm²·d), which accounts for only 41% of the standard threshold value. This study demonstrates that MTOS-based hydrophobic modification can significantly upgrade the anti-corrosion capability of geopolymer coatings, which provides a valuable theoretical basis and practical guidance for improving the durability of concrete structures. Full article

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15 pages, 7994 KB

Open AccessArticle

c-MET Overexpression Drives AKT Activation, and Combined Inhibition Synergistically Enhances Therapeutic Sensitivity in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

by Pratheesh Kumar Poyil, Rafia Begum, Saravanan Thangavel, Khadija Al-Obaisi and Abdul K. Siraj

Cells 2026, 15(13), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15131155 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

Aberrant activation of c-MET signaling contributes to tumor progression and resistance to therapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet its therapeutic significance remains incompletely understood. In this study, we evaluated c-MET expression and its association with AKT activation and clinical outcomes using a tissue microarray cohort and publicly available datasets. c-MET overexpression was significantly associated with increased p-AKT expression and showed a trend toward poorer overall survival in the tissue microarray cohort, while analysis of the TCGA LUAD dataset confirmed a significant association with reduced survival (log-rank p = 0.0223; HR = 1.234, 95% CI: 1.029–1.480). Functional studies demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of c-MET suppressed cell proliferation and induced caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines. Mechanistically, c-MET inhibition resulted in AKT inactivation, identifying AKT as a key downstream mediator of c-MET signaling. Notably, combined inhibition of c-MET (PHA665752) and AKT (MK2206) exhibited strong synergistic effects, significantly enhancing apoptosis and reducing cell viability compared to single-agent treatments. These findings were further validated in vivo, where combination therapy markedly delayed tumor growth without significant toxicity. Collectively, our results highlight c-MET-driven AKT activation as a key oncogenic mechanism and support dual c-MET/AKT targeting as a promising therapeutic strategy for NSCLC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MET: Signaling, Regulation, and Biological Roles)

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20 pages, 8785 KB

Open AccessArticle

Extracellular Vesicles from Kluyveromyces marxianus as Potential Postbiotics Against Candida albicans Vaginal Infections

by Marianna Imparato, Annalisa Buonanno, Angela Maione, Monica Matuozzo, Chiara D’Ambrosio, Andrea Scaloni, Marco Guida, Emilia Galdiero and Elisabetta de Alteriis

Pathogens 2026, 15(7), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15070667 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study describes extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from the culture supernatant of a Kluyveromyces marxianus strain deriving from an artisanal sourdough. Previous work had clearly shown the probiotic properties of the yeast isolate and its antagonistic activities against clinical fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains. Characterization of the isolated EVs by nanotracking particle analysis showed they had a mean diameter of 157.7 nm. Proteomic characterization of the purified EVs identified a complex array of 100 proteins. Both C. albicans planktonic growth and biofilm formation were inhibited by K. marxianus EVs, as well as adhesion and invasion of Candida cells in the vaginal epithelial A-431 cells. In the same cell model, K. marxianus EVs exerted an immunomodulatory effect affecting the secretion of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Further, the expression of C. albicans SAP2 and SAP6 genes, coding for two aspartyl proteases involved in the invasion and damage of the epithelial mucosa, was affected by the presence of the yeast EVs. Overall, the results of this study show that K. marxianus EVs retain, at least in part, the beneficial features of the live microorganism, representing a postbiotic cell-free alternative preparation potentially useful for the management of C. albicans vaginal infections. Full article

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12 pages, 2280 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Immediately Before Versus Immediately After Resistance Training Sessions in Trained Young Healthy Adults

by Scott D. Mills, Darren G. Candow, Flavia Rusterholz, Jessica Lewgood, Scott C. Forbes and Cameron S. Mang

Nutraceuticals 2026, 6(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals6030042 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Resistance training increases lean mass, muscle accretion and performance. These adaptations from resistance training can be further increased with 5 g of creatine monohydrate supplementation (CrM). In addition to dose, it has been proposed that the timing of CrM may be an important factor to consider to help improve these adaptations. However, whether the strategic ingestion of CrM during a resistance training program influences lean mass, muscle accretion and performance in trained young healthy adults compared to a placebo is unknown. Therefore, this study examined whether consuming CrM immediately before or after resistance training sessions for 16 weeks differentially affected body composition, limb muscle thickness or muscle performance in trained young healthy adults. Twenty-seven participants were randomized into one of three groups: Creatine Before (n = 10; 24 ± 6 years of age; 5 g CrM immediately before resistance training sessions and placebo immediately after training), Creatine After (n = 9; 26 ± 7 years of age, 5 g of CrM immediately after resistance training sessions and placebo immediately before training) or the Placebo (n = 8; 25 ± 6 years of age; placebo immediately before and after training). Body composition, limb muscle thickness and muscle performance was assessed before and following 16 weeks. Results showed that the strategic ingestion of CrM (before or after resistance training sessions compared to a placebo) had no effect on measures of body composition, limb muscle thickness or muscle performance (p > 0.05). In conclusion, 5 g of CrM (independent of the timing of ingestion) on resistance training days (or 280 g of CrM in total) was ineffective at augmenting muscle growth and performance in a small group of trained young healthy adults (18–39 years of age). Full article

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28 pages, 12949 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermo-Hydraulic and Thermodynamic Analysis of Rotational–Perforated Static Mixer

by Hongrui Wei, Xuefang Gao, Dewu Wang, Yan Liu, Ruojin Wang, Zixuan Guo, Lei Wang, Meng Tang and Shaofeng Zhang

Processes 2026, 14(13), 2060; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14132060 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026

Abstract

To clarify the thermo-hydraulic performance and thermodynamic characteristics of rotational–perforated static mixer (RPSM) for laminar heat transfer enhancement in circular tubes, a three-dimensional steady laminar flow model was developed for inlet Reynolds numbers from 200 to 1000. The heat transfer enhancement, resistance increase, and irreversible losses of RPSM with two installation modes and Kenics were comparatively analyzed. The results show that RPSM (forward) exhibits the strongest practical heat transfer performance. Its convective heat transfer coefficient is on average 39.8% higher than that of Kenics, while its thermal effectiveness and number of transfer units are increased by 21.3% and 32.8%, respectively. However, the heat transfer enhancement of RPSM is accompanied by a significant increase in flow resistance. The Z-factors of RPSM (forward) and RPSM (backward) are approximately 3.4 and 6.2 times that of Kenics, respectively. Second law analysis shows that the Bejan numbers of all configurations are close to unity, indicating that total entropy generation is mainly dominated by heat transfer entropy generation. Although RPSM (forward) has a higher exergy destruction rate, its second law efficiency is on average 20.1% higher than that of Kenics. Flow–heat transfer coupling visualization shows that RPSM (forward) can maintain relatively continuous swirling and secondary flow structures, thereby promoting radial energy transport and temperature field uniformity. In contrast, RPSM (backward) induces stronger local recirculation and pressure loss, resulting in higher pumping power demand. Overall, for the specific RPSM geometry and Reynolds number range investigated in this study, RPSM (forward) shows advantages in heat transfer capacity and thermal exergy utilization, but these advantages are accompanied by a substantial flow resistance penalty. Therefore, further structural optimization should focus on retaining radial transport while reducing local pressure loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)

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