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14 pages, 2519 KB  
Article
An Integrated Study Based on UPLC-QTOF/MS Network Pharmacology and In Vivo Validation of the Anti-Obesity Effects of the 60% Ethanol-Eluted Fraction from Rheum tanguticum
by Ming Wang, Xiaoli Wu, Yajun Li, Xinruo Wei, Chuan Luo and Chen Chen
Plants 2026, 15(12), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15121858 (registering DOI) - 16 Jun 2026
Abstract
Obesity has emerged as a significant global public health challenge, yet the clinical utility of existing anti-obesity drugs is often constrained by limited efficacy and adverse safety profiles. Rheum tanguticum Maxim. ex Balf., a traditional medicinal plant, has shown potential in modulating glucose [...] Read more.
Obesity has emerged as a significant global public health challenge, yet the clinical utility of existing anti-obesity drugs is often constrained by limited efficacy and adverse safety profiles. Rheum tanguticum Maxim. ex Balf., a traditional medicinal plant, has shown potential in modulating glucose and lipid metabolism; however, its specific anti-obesity mechanisms remain poorly characterized. In this study, the chemical profile of the 60% ethanol-eluted fraction of R. tanguticum (RTE) was characterized via UPLC-QTOF/MS, followed by network pharmacology analysis to predict regulatory targets and enriched pathways. Subsequently, a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model was established to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of RTE by monitoring body weight, Lee’s index, fat-to-body weight ratio, serum lipid profiles, and liver histopathological changes. A total of 14 major compounds, primarily anthraquinone glycosides, were identified. Integrated network analysis identified 10 hub targets, including TNF, EGFR, and TP53. In vivo experiments demonstrated that RTE significantly attenuated body weight gain and reduced Lee’s index, fat-to-body ratios, and serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C. Furthermore, RTE treatment markedly alleviated hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration in obese mice. These findings suggest that RTE exerts potent anti-obesity effects through a multi-target and multi-pathway mechanism that regulates lipid metabolism and suppresses inflammation. This study improves our understanding of the pharmacological value of R. tanguticum and provides a scientific basis for its development as a functional food ingredient or therapeutic agent against obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Medicinal Plant Phytochemistry and Phytotherapy)
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26 pages, 1462 KB  
Review
Strategies for Reducing Antimicrobial Use in Cattle Through Gut Microbiome Modulation: A Systematic Review of Alternatives to Antibiotics
by Zanoxolo Ntsongota, Olusegun Oyebade Ikusika, Mthunzi Mndela and Ishmeal Festus Jaja
Animals 2026, 16(12), 1850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121850 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
The escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified efforts to identify safe, effective, and sustainable alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in livestock production. The bovine gastrointestinal microbiome plays a central role in host immunity, nutrient utilization, and disease resilience, positioning microbiome-modulating interventions [...] Read more.
The escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified efforts to identify safe, effective, and sustainable alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in livestock production. The bovine gastrointestinal microbiome plays a central role in host immunity, nutrient utilization, and disease resilience, positioning microbiome-modulating interventions as promising candidates for antimicrobial stewardship. Despite growing experimental interest, a systematic synthesis of the available evidence in cattle is lacking. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of microbiome-modulating interventions, including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, phytogenic feed additives, essential oils, organic acids, and native rumen microbial supplements, as strategies to reduce antimicrobial use in cattle, and to characterize their effects on gut microbial diversity, fermentation characteristics, and host health and performance outcomes. A systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost (including Academic Search Ultimate, MEDLINE with full text, and CAB Abstracts with Full text) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were eligible if they used cattle (dairy cattle, beef cattle, calves, or mixed production systems), employed a microbiome-modulating intervention, and reported at least one microbiological or host outcome. Seventeen peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025 were included after full-text screening. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted SYRCLE tool, which identified moderate overall study quality; the majority of included studies were randomized controlled trials or controlled experiments, though reporting of allocation concealment and blinding was inconsistent across studies. Across the 17 included studies, five broad categories of interventions were evaluated: probiotics (n = 5 studies), prebiotics (n = 2), postbiotics and organic acids (n = 4), phytogenic additives and essential oils (n = 4), and native rumen microbial supplements (n = 2). Animals spanned neonatal dairy calves, weaned Holstein calves, dairy heifers, lactating dairy cows, and Bos indicus feedlot beef cattle. Probiotics and organic acids most consistently improved growth performance: benzoic acid supplementation increased average daily gain by 8.4% (p < 0.05) and fructo-oligosaccharide prebiotics elevated body weight at weaning by 6.7% (p < 0.01). Native rumen microbial supplements improved energy-corrected milk yield by up to 3.1% without increasing dry matter intake. Polyphenols and bile acids demonstrated the strongest immunological and disease-preventive effects, reducing calf mortality by approximately 40% and disease severity by approximately 35%, respectively. Microbiome analyses revealed intervention-dependent increases in microbial diversity and shifts toward taxa associated with improved fermentation efficiency, including enrichment of propionate-producing Prevotellaceae, butyrate-associated Ruminococcus, and hindgut Bifidobacterium. Rumen fermentation outcomes included reductions in the acetate:propionate ratio and ammonia-N concentrations and improvements in fiber digestibility of 3.6–4.4 percentage units in dairy cows. Phytogenic additives preserved microbial diversity without inducing broad-spectrum suppression, functioning primarily as microbiome stabilizers rather than direct antimicrobial replacements. This systematic review provides evidence that gut microbiome modulation may enhance growth performance, improve fermentation efficiency, and reduce disease susceptibility in cattle, thereby supporting antimicrobial use reduction across dairy, beef, and mixed production systems. Effect magnitudes varied substantially across intervention categories and production contexts, and study quality was moderate, underscoring the need for larger, pre-registered trials with standardized outcome reporting and direct antibiotic comparator arms. Probiotics, prebiotics, and bile acid metabolites showed the greatest potential as components of integrated antimicrobial stewardship strategies in cattle production. Full article
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22 pages, 3085 KB  
Article
Molecular Modeling of Weakly Caking Coal and the CO2 Inhibition Mechanism of Coal–Oxygen Complexation
by Xiaoyue Zhao, Xihua Zhou and Wenqing Wang
Molecules 2026, 31(12), 2108; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31122108 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
To elucidate the molecular structural characteristics of weakly caking coal and the microscopic mechanism by which CO2 inhibits coal–oxygen complexation, a weakly caking coal sample from the Dahaize coal mine in Shaanxi, China, was investigated using proximate and ultimate analyses, FTIR, XPS, [...] Read more.
To elucidate the molecular structural characteristics of weakly caking coal and the microscopic mechanism by which CO2 inhibits coal–oxygen complexation, a weakly caking coal sample from the Dahaize coal mine in Shaanxi, China, was investigated using proximate and ultimate analyses, FTIR, XPS, and 13C NMR. On this basis, a representative coal macromolecular model was constructed and further analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations. The molecular formula of the representative weakly caking coal from the Dahaize mine (RNM) unit was determined as C176H156N2O19S2. The aromatic carbon fraction was 65.41%, and the bridge carbon/peripheral carbon ratio was 0.25, indicating a certain degree of aromatic condensation but a limited content of highly fused aromatic structures. DFT calculations revealed that the reactive sites were mainly located around edge oxygen-containing functional groups and bridging structures, with a maximum Fukui index of approximately 0.024. Adsorption simulations showed that O2 and CO2 adsorption on RNM followed Langmuir-type behavior over 303.15–363.15 K: adsorption capacity increased with pressure and decreased with temperature. At 8000 kPa, the CO2 uptake was approximately 1.6 times that of O2. In the binary O2-CO2 system, CO2 preferentially occupied pore surfaces and high-energy adsorption sites, reducing the local enrichment of O2. These results provide a molecular-level explanation for the inhibition of coal–oxygen complexation by CO2 through competitive adsorption, site shielding, and decreased oxidation probability at active sites. Full article
10 pages, 352 KB  
Article
Preliminary Comparison of a Modified cfDNA Extraction Protocol for Y-Chromosome Marker Detection in Maternal Plasma
by Tugba Elgun, Yasemin Musteri Oltulu, Burcin Erkal Cam, Halil Ibrahim Arslan, Fulya Ozkal Molla, Pınar Ata and Asiye Gok Yurttas
Diagnostics 2026, 16(12), 1849; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16121849 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
Objectives: Noninvasive prenatal testing relies on the analysis of total cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal plasma, where fetal-derived DNA constitutes only a minor fraction. This study aimed to preliminarily compare a modified TPY cfDNA extraction protocol with two commercial extraction kits for [...] Read more.
Objectives: Noninvasive prenatal testing relies on the analysis of total cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal plasma, where fetal-derived DNA constitutes only a minor fraction. This study aimed to preliminarily compare a modified TPY cfDNA extraction protocol with two commercial extraction kits for the downstream detection of Y-chromosome-specific markers in pregnancies carrying male fetuses. Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from 52 singleton pregnancies between 10 and 30 weeks of gestation with male fetal sex confirmed by ultrasonography. Total cfDNA was extracted from aliquots of the same maternal plasma samples using the modified TPY protocol, the QIAamp DSP Virus Kit, and the MagMAX™ Cell-Free DNA Isolation Kit. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed for the Y-chromosome-specific markers SRY and DYS14. At the same time, GLO was used as a reference marker to reflect the total cfDNA background. Extraction performance was assessed primarily using total cfDNA concentration and Ct values obtained from amplification of fetal-specific Y-chromosome markers. Results: Total cfDNA concentrations varied among the extraction methods, with the commercial kits yielding higher total cfDNA concentrations than the modified TPY protocol. In contrast, the TPY protocol yielded slightly lower mean Ct values for SRY and DYS14 than the commercial kits. SRY and DYS14 amplification was detected in 90.4% and 94.2% of samples, respectively. However, these Ct differences should be interpreted cautiously because fetal fraction, maternal DNA contamination, extraction recovery, and fragment size distribution were not directly measured. Conclusions: The modified TPY protocol showed preliminary technical feasibility for extracting total cfDNA from maternal plasma and enabling downstream amplification of Y-chromosome-specific markers in male pregnancies. Nevertheless, the observed lower Ct values do not establish selective fetal DNA enrichment, reduced maternal DNA contamination, or clinical superiority over commercial methods. Further analytical validation using standardized fetal fraction measurement, recovery efficiency testing, fragment size analysis, fetal-to-maternal DNA ratio assessment, and larger cohorts including both male and female pregnancies is required before broader clinical applicability can be determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics)
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32 pages, 8370 KB  
Article
Numerical Investigation of the Joule–Thomson Effect in Hydrogen-Enriched Natural Gas Based on Environmental Parameters and Hydrogen Blending Ratios
by Zile Jia, Zixuan Wang, Meng Zhao, Pan Sun, Yifei Wang and Jiayuan Tian
Energies 2026, 19(12), 2841; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19122841 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
Gas blending with hydrogen represents a core research direction for present and future energy transport systems. The throttling of natural gas and hydrogen mixtures through pressure-regulating valves inevitably induces thermodynamic temperature variations. Theoretical analyses and simulated thermal profiles demonstrate that hydrogen blending effectively [...] Read more.
Gas blending with hydrogen represents a core research direction for present and future energy transport systems. The throttling of natural gas and hydrogen mixtures through pressure-regulating valves inevitably induces thermodynamic temperature variations. Theoretical analyses and simulated thermal profiles demonstrate that hydrogen blending effectively counteracts the extreme expansion temperature drop post-throttling. This thermodynamic shift alleviates the localized microclimatic thermal conditions favorable to ice-plugging, validating the feasibility of hydrogen injection as a systematic thermal mitigation strategy for high-pressure pipeline networks. This study utilizes computational fluid dynamics software to model the flow field variations in pure hydrogen and gas–hydrogen mixtures under the influence of pressure-regulating valves. Employing a real gas equation of state across varying operational temperatures and pressure conditions, this research calculates and analyzes the flow field variations driven by the Joule–Thomson effect for pure hydrogen and mixtures with varying hydrogen blending ratios. The objective is to inform temperature regulation strategies for long-distance hydrogen–natural gas pipeline networks and to establish an empirical temperature fitting relationship for pure hydrogen. The numerical evaluation indicates a maximum relative error of 6.02% and a maximum absolute error of 0.06877 K. Furthermore, guided by the localized temperature variation patterns, the temperature rise results from 75 pure hydrogen simulation cases were extracted. A Multilayer Perceptron artificial intelligence algorithm was utilized to perform inverse calculation iterations on the thermal data and regulation results. Through the stochastic selection of initial parameters and repeated training iterations referencing the fitting formula, an optimized regulation sequence was obtained. This process drives the fluid temperature to approach the practical regulation target. Following the network training phase, the maximum absolute error between the calculated temperature regulation result and the target regulation temperature is recorded at 0.0556 K, providing a methodological reference for subsequent high-pressure hydrogen applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A5: Hydrogen Energy)
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20 pages, 2078 KB  
Article
Structural Characteristics Analysis of Pinus taiwanensis Plantation in Climate Transition Zone
by Mengli Zhou, Jianbo Shen, Peilin Pang, Fang Guo and Dongfeng Yan
Plants 2026, 15(12), 1842; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15121842 (registering DOI) - 14 Jun 2026
Abstract
Understanding the structural characteristics of Pinus taiwanensis plantations in climatically transitional regions is essential for developing science-based management strategies under global change. This study investigated 23 plots in Huangbai Mountain Forest Farm, Henan Province, China, classified into low-, medium-, and high-density stands ( [...] Read more.
Understanding the structural characteristics of Pinus taiwanensis plantations in climatically transitional regions is essential for developing science-based management strategies under global change. This study investigated 23 plots in Huangbai Mountain Forest Farm, Henan Province, China, classified into low-, medium-, and high-density stands (n = 9, 9, and 5, respectively). Diameter distributions were fitted using six probability functions, and four spatial structure parameters—mixing degree (Mc), size ratio (U), uniform angle index (W), and forest layer index (S)—were quantified. In addition, five comprehensive spatial structure indices—average superiority coefficient index (SPV), spatial structure comprehensive index (Q), stand spatial structure distance index (FSI), Comprehensive Distance Evaluation (CDEV), and Comprehensive Assessment of Proximity Vector (CAPV)—were constructed using a combined analytic hierarchy process and entropy weight method. Given the unbalanced sample sizes, non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests were employed for comparisons, and bootstrap resampling (1000 iterations) was performed to assess the reliability of mean estimates. The results showed that both the Gamma and Weibull distributions were equally suitable for describing diameter distribution under different stand densities, as their AIC differences were below 2 for all density classes. Correlation analysis indicated that the relative importance of spatial parameters followed the order S > U > Mc > W. Medium-density stands exhibited the most optimal spatial structure, whereas low-density stands showed the poorest performance. These findings suggest that both overly dense and sparse stands negatively affect spatial organization. Appropriate management practices, such as thinning or enrichment planting, are recommended to optimize stand structure and enhance ecological resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Driven Machine Vision Technologies in Plant Science)
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21 pages, 25947 KB  
Article
Low-Molecular-Weight Fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida Mitigates Salmonella-Induced Injury Through Gut Microbiota and Immune Regulation
by Lu Wang, Zhixiu Xiao, Jiaxin Yang, Chunyan Lu, Xiaomeng Ren, Shuang Song, Jinchi Jiang and Chunqing Ai
Foods 2026, 15(12), 2135; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15122135 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Viewed by 162
Abstract
Salmonella primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing local and systemic symptoms. Fucoidan exhibits therapeutic potential against Salmonella-induced pathology; however, the influence of its molecular weight on efficacy remains poorly understood. In this study, low-molecular-weight fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida (LUPF) was prepared and [...] Read more.
Salmonella primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, causing local and systemic symptoms. Fucoidan exhibits therapeutic potential against Salmonella-induced pathology; however, the influence of its molecular weight on efficacy remains poorly understood. In this study, low-molecular-weight fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida (LUPF) was prepared and characterized, and its protective effects against Salmonella infection were evaluated in a mouse model. LUPF effectively mitigated Salmonella-induced multiple organ damage by preserving mucin secretion and tight junction protein expression. Metabolomics analysis further demonstrated that LUPF normalized Salmonella-induced metabolic disturbances, thereby reducing systemic dysfunction. Mechanistically, LUPF suppressed inflammation by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways, while alleviating oxidative stress through activation of the Nrf2 pathway. In addition, LUPF restored gut microbiota homeostasis by reducing Proteobacteria levels, improving the Bacteroidota/Firmicutes ratio, enriching beneficial taxa, and enhancing short-chain fatty acid production. In vitro experiments further revealed that LUPF attenuated Salmonella-induced inflammation by modulating macrophage polarization. Collectively, these results suggest that LUPF has promising potential as a prebiotic candidate for reducing the risk of Salmonella-associated diseases. Full article
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22 pages, 6825 KB  
Article
Clinical Prognostic Modeling and Paired Blood–CSF Metabolomic Profiling for Outcome Prediction in Isolated Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for Neurocritical Care Management
by Zhuoying Du, Qifang Chen, Yuzhuo Wang, Pengfei Fu, Jin Hu, Gang Wu and Weijian Yang
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(12), 4592; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15124592 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Viewed by 55
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to develop a prognostic model for isolated moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] ≤ 12) using readily available variables and to explore paired blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolomic signatures. Methods: Consecutive TBI patients admitted between January 2019 [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to develop a prognostic model for isolated moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] ≤ 12) using readily available variables and to explore paired blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolomic signatures. Methods: Consecutive TBI patients admitted between January 2019 and June 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression with bootstrap internal validation identified predictors of 6-month unfavorable outcome and in-hospital mortality. Untargeted metabolomics was performed on paired blood and CSF samples from 30 matched male patients. Results: Among 405 patients, 266 (65.7%) had unfavorable outcomes and 54 (13.3%) died in hospital. Rotterdam CT Score (odds ratio [OR] 10.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.19–18.14), initial lactate (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.38–2.36), and blood glucose (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.21–1.64) predicted unfavorable outcome (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.97). GCS motor score (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.37–0.66), initial lactate (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.31–1.91), and follow-up lactate (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.34–1.88) predicted mortality (AUC 0.96). Blood metabolomics revealed enrichment in energy and lipid metabolism pathways. CSF metabolomics highlighted neurotransmitter pathway dysregulation and neuroinflammatory markers, with depleted kynurenic acid in both biofluids. Conclusions: Readily available admission variables enable early bedside risk stratification in TBI. Metabolomic profiling links unfavorable outcomes to systemic energy–lipid dysregulation and central neuroinflammatory–neurotransmitter disturbances, with the tryptophan–kynurenine axis as a potential therapeutic target for neuroprotective strategies. Full article
12 pages, 7625 KB  
Article
Troponin T, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, and Tricuspid Regurgitation Velocity for Biomarker- and Echocardiography-Based Risk Stratification in Critically Ill Patients with Heart Failure
by Hasan Burak Isleyen, Sevil Tugrul Yavuz, Sercan Bulut, Fatih Kizkapan, Cevahir Alioglu, Ali Arda Sozen and Mahsa Khanmohammadi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125339 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Viewed by 105
Abstract
Troponin T is a molecular marker of cardiomyocyte injury, whereas left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) reflect downstream ventricular and cardiopulmonary measures. This study evaluated whether synchronized troponin T and echocardiographic data can identify mortality risk in critically ill [...] Read more.
Troponin T is a molecular marker of cardiomyocyte injury, whereas left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) reflect downstream ventricular and cardiopulmonary measures. This study evaluated whether synchronized troponin T and echocardiographic data can identify mortality risk in critically ill patients with heart failure, while separating statistical association from clinically meaningful incremental discrimination. Adult intensive care unit admissions with heart failure diagnoses were identified from MIMIC-IV and MIMIC-IV-ECHO. The primary endpoint was 28-day all-cause mortality; one-year mortality was secondary. Multivariable Cox models were adjusted for demographics, comorbidity, illness severity, organ support, and laboratory covariates. Restricted cubic splines, proportional hazards diagnostics, variance inflation factors, prespecified subgroup interaction tests, complete-case analyses, and multiple imputation sensitivity analyses were performed. The final cohort included 4362 patients, and 1072 patients (24.6%) died within 28 days. In the primary complete-case Cox model (n = 2087; 659 deaths), higher log-transformed troponin T was associated with higher 28-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.15; p = 0.003), and higher LVEF was associated with lower mortality (HR per percentage point, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.99–1.00; p = 0.004). After severity and organ-support covariates were entered, troponin T and LVEF produced statistically detectable but very small C-statistic gains. Measurable TRV was available in 1546 patients and was associated with mortality in that subset (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08–1.52; p = 0.005). Troponin T, LVEF, and TRV were associated with mortality in ICU heart failure. Their contribution was best interpreted as risk enrichment within a clinical severity framework rather than a stand-alone decision rule. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Cardiovascular Disease)
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19 pages, 12260 KB  
Article
Bioactive Coatings on Ti–Zr–Nb Alloy: Synthesis, Characterization and Implantology Potential
by Kseniia Kovalenko, Kostiantyn Sukhyi, Marcel Fedak, Miroslav Rimar, Oleh Kalinichenko, Oleksandr Yeromin, Olesia Shmychkova, Andrii Kulikov, Stanislav Kovalyov and Mykhailo Sukhyi
Materials 2026, 19(12), 2534; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19122534 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 187
Abstract
This research reports on the properties of oxide-ceramic coatings produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation in novel electrolyte solutions for implantology applications. A series of bioactive calcium-phosphate coatings was synthesized on medical-grade Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy using the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) method. Novel electrolytes enriched [...] Read more.
This research reports on the properties of oxide-ceramic coatings produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation in novel electrolyte solutions for implantology applications. A series of bioactive calcium-phosphate coatings was synthesized on medical-grade Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy using the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) method. Novel electrolytes enriched with calcium and phosphorus were developed, enabling the formation of coatings with tailored physicochemical and structural characteristics. A correlation was established between the electrolyte composition and the phase composition, thickness, morphology, porosity, and microhardness of the resulting coatings. The optimum coatings exhibited a Ca/P ratio close to that of natural human bone tissue, homogeneity, a well-developed porous surface topography, and controlled resorption behavior. For the first time, a mechanism of calcium-phosphate coating resorption in a biologically active environment has been proposed. It involves partial dissolution, the formation of apatite-like surface structures, and the subsequent controlled release of Ca and P ions. In vitro testing in simulated body fluid indicated the potential bioactivity of the synthesized coatings. The proposed calcium-phosphate coatings may be considered promising candidates for future implant surface modification. The results obtained are significant for the development of advanced orthopedic and dental implants, including those fabricated using additive manufacturing technologies. Full article
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28 pages, 7966 KB  
Article
Metagenomic Insights into Gut Microbiota Alterations Following Dendrobium huoshanense Water Extract Intervention in Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetic Rats
by Hai-Jun Xu, Qing-Le Liu, Ya-Fei Zhang, Shu-Nan Cuan, Zhe Jia and Deliang Qiao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5308; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125308 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 166
Abstract
Dendrobium huoshanense water extract (DHWE) exhibits hypoglycemic effects in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic (STZ-T1D) rats. However, its regulatory impact on the gut microbiota of T1D rats remains largely unclear. In this study, metagenomic sequencing was employed to characterize alterations in the gut microbiota [...] Read more.
Dendrobium huoshanense water extract (DHWE) exhibits hypoglycemic effects in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic (STZ-T1D) rats. However, its regulatory impact on the gut microbiota of T1D rats remains largely unclear. In this study, metagenomic sequencing was employed to characterize alterations in the gut microbiota of STZ-T1D rats following DHWE intervention, aiming to explore associations between DHWE-mediated gut microbial changes and T1D-related phenotypes. The results showed that 1300 mg/kg·BW/day DHWE did not significantly affect gut microbial α-diversity (p > 0.05), but drove the β-diversity structure toward that of normal rats. Meanwhile, DHWE significantly reduced the Bacteroidota/Bacillota ratio (p < 0.05), Megamonas (p < 0.01), Megamonas funiformis (p < 0.01), and notably increased the relative abundances of Adlercreutzia (p < 0.01), Adlercreutzia equolifaciens (p < 0.01) in STZ-T1D rats. Furthermore, functional annotation revealed that DHWE enriched multiple metabolic pathways, including streptomycin biosynthesis, ansamycins biosynthesis, galactose metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, and caprolactam degradation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that DHWE reshapes gut microbiota composition and function in STZ-T1D rats, offering new clues regarding how gut microbial changes may contribute to the modulatory effects of Dendrobium huoshanense in T1D conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Omics Approaches in Chronic Metabolic Diseases)
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18 pages, 12465 KB  
Article
Age and Growth of Phoxinus grumi Berg, an Endemic Fish in the Turpan Basin
by Xiaoqiang Li, Minghui Gao, Zhiyuan Luo, Xin Wang and Wei Guo
Animals 2026, 16(12), 1806; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121806 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 171
Abstract
P. grumi Berg, an endemic species of the Turpan Basin, constitutes an important component of the local aquatic biodiversity. This study aimed to identify the growth model that best describes the growth characteristics of P. grumi Berg and provide baseline biological information on [...] Read more.
P. grumi Berg, an endemic species of the Turpan Basin, constitutes an important component of the local aquatic biodiversity. This study aimed to identify the growth model that best describes the growth characteristics of P. grumi Berg and provide baseline biological information on this poorly studied species in Turpan. The research was conducted in the Turpan Basin in November 2024 and March 2025. A total of 527 specimens were collected, with body lengths ranging from 39.0 to 96.0 mm and body weights ranging from 0.69 to 16.00 g. The female-to-male sex ratio was 3.6:1. Age determination based on otolith analysis indicated that individuals ranged from 1 to 5 years old, with age groups 2–3 years predominating in the population, with age groups 2–3 years predominating in the population. The length–weight relationship for females was W = 4.0674 × 10−5L2.7695 (R2 = 0.8028), for males was W = 1.2645 × 10−5L3.02 (R2 = 0.9103), and for the combined population was W = 1.9513 × 10−5L2.9321 (R2 = 0.8221). The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as follows: L = 102.25 mm, k = 0.331, t0 = −0.7548, Φ = 2.3297, ti = 3.5392; L = 105.82 mm, k = 0.2157, t0 = −0.6737, Φ = 4.4503, ti = 3.3829. The results suggest that the P. grumi Berg population may currently exhibit an increasing population trend; however, the age structure was dominated by younger individuals, indicating a relatively unstable population structure. These findings enrich the basic biological information available for P. grumi Berg and provide an important scientific basis for future conservation and management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Fish Population Dynamics)
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28 pages, 64460 KB  
Article
Sediment-Routing Reorganization and Associated Sedimentary Responses Across the Es3–Es2 Syn-Rift Stage Transition in the Qinan Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
by Yibo Zhao, Shengli Li, Shunli Li, Jianxun Qin, Bo Han, Chengpeng Tan, Chao Fu and Yun Luo
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060624 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 118
Abstract
Transitions within the syn-rift stage provide a key window for examining sediment-routing changes and associated sedimentary responses in lacustrine rift basins. In the Bohai Bay Basin, the interval from the third member (Es3) to the second member (Es2) of the Eocene Shahejie Formation [...] Read more.
Transitions within the syn-rift stage provide a key window for examining sediment-routing changes and associated sedimentary responses in lacustrine rift basins. In the Bohai Bay Basin, the interval from the third member (Es3) to the second member (Es2) of the Eocene Shahejie Formation records a transition from early strong rifting toward relatively stable rifting. The Qinan Sag, a secondary sag along the Qikou Sag margin, was sensitive to this transition. Using cores, well logs, three-dimensional (3D) seismic data, and heavy-mineral data, this study reconstructs the source configuration, palaeogeomorphology, depositional-system evolution, and Es3–Es2 source-related sediment-dispersal domains. The results show that the supply pattern shifted from coeval supply by a southern regional source and northern and western local sources during Es3 to southern regional-source dominance during Es2. Accordingly, Es3 contains strongly differentiated braided-delta, fan-delta, and subaqueous-fan assemblages. Es2 contains weakly differentiated shallow-water delta and beach-bar assemblages. Three source-related sediment-dispersal domains coexisted during Es3. During Es2, the northern domain was no longer identified, and the western gentle-slope belt evolved into a high-sand-ratio beach-bar belt. This reorganization was mainly controlled by the combined effects of source-configuration changes, geomorphic segmentation, and contrasting slope–A/S conditions (A/S = accommodation/sediment supply). Supply-pattern simplification and weakened geomorphic segmentation shifted sediment routing after basin entry from multiple, dispersed pathways to dominant-source-controlled focused routing. Moderate-to-steep slopes and higher relative A/S proxy values during Es3 favoured discrete, segmented sandy-deposit preservation; gentle slopes and lower relative A/S proxy values during Es2 promoted focused routing and preservation of sandy deposits along the dominant direction, with local shallow-water enrichment. Across the Es3–Es2 syn-rift stage transition, regional-source-related sediment routing showed stronger persistence; local-source-related routing more often weakened or terminated, with corresponding areas tending to show shallow-water redistribution and enrichment signals. Full article
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13 pages, 2248 KB  
Article
Detection of Genital Pathogens and Co-Infections by Multiplex RT-QPCR: Associations with HIV Positivity and Demographic Factors
by Murat Yaman, Gizem Nigdelioglu and Arzu Ilki
Diagnostics 2026, 16(12), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16121793 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 122
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the genital pathogen profile and co-infection dynamics using multiplex RT-qPCR, specifically evaluating the independent associations with age, sex, and HIV status. Methods: Data from 1217 patients who underwent a sexually transmitted infection (STI) panel study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the genital pathogen profile and co-infection dynamics using multiplex RT-qPCR, specifically evaluating the independent associations with age, sex, and HIV status. Methods: Data from 1217 patients who underwent a sexually transmitted infection (STI) panel study at the Microbiology Laboratory of Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital between January 2024 and December 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. Pathogen detection was performed using a commercial kit (Bioeksen, Istanbul, Türkiye) with the multiplex RT-qPCR method. The independent effects of HIV positivity, age, and sex on pathogen frequency and co-infection were analyzed using logistic regression models; results were evaluated using adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Any-pathogen positivity was detected in 57.8% of patients, with Ureaplasma spp. (36.9%) and Gardnerella vaginalis (32.5%) being the most prevalent. While overall pathogen positivity did not differ significantly by HIV status (p = 0.158), HIV-positive patients exhibited distinct microbiological architectures. Higher positivity rates were observed in women in both groups, and a strong correlation was found between sex and the presence of infection (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that HIV positivity was independently associated with an over fivefold increase in HSV-2 detection (aOR = 5.09, 95% CI: 1.47–17.65; p = 0.010). Furthermore, HIV-positive individuals were significantly enriched for complex polymicrobial patterns involving three or more pathogens (p = 0.008). Conversely, male sex was independently associated with a substantially lower risk of co-infection (aOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.12–0.22; p < 0.001), and increasing age showed an inverse relationship with co-infection frequency (aOR = 0.98 per year, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99; p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study adds to current epidemiological evidence by showing that genital pathogen distribution is shaped by age- and sex-related heterogeneity, with flora-associated co-infections predominating in women and more classical STI-related agents occurring more often in men. Our findings suggest that multiplex RT-qPCR provides value not only for broad pathogen detection but also for identifying demographic- and HIV-associated co-infection patterns that may support stratified screening and targeted clinical management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease)
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21 pages, 4761 KB  
Article
Multicriteria Ranking of Water Quality Vulnerability at Five Sampling Sites in Shanzai Reservoir Using PROMETHEE/GAIA: A Case Study in Fujian Province, China
by Jehangir Ijaz, Bojan Đurin, Yuping Su, Muhammad Zahir, Mobeen Jamshed Khattak and Sheraz Akhtar Gil
Hydrology 2026, 13(6), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13060150 - 8 Jun 2026
Viewed by 470
Abstract
Freshwater reservoirs face increasing threats from eutrophication and anthropogenic nutrient enrichment, yet practical multicriteria tools for ranking site-specific vulnerability remain underutilized. This study applies the PROMETHEE/GAIA multicriteria decision analysis framework to rank water quality vulnerability at five sampling sites (L1–L5) in Shanzai Reservoir, [...] Read more.
Freshwater reservoirs face increasing threats from eutrophication and anthropogenic nutrient enrichment, yet practical multicriteria tools for ranking site-specific vulnerability remain underutilized. This study applies the PROMETHEE/GAIA multicriteria decision analysis framework to rank water quality vulnerability at five sampling sites (L1–L5) in Shanzai Reservoir, Fujian Province, China, using ten water quality parameters (TN, TP, COD, DO, Chl-a, pH, temperature, N:P ratio, transparency, and carbon ratio) measured monthly from April 2023 to April 2024. The PROMETHEE II complete ranking and the GAIA biplot together provide both a spatial vulnerability ranking and parameter-level diagnostic visualization. The Reservoir Centre (L5) ranked first (Φ = +0.32), exhibiting the most favorable water quality, while the River Channel (L3) ranked last (Φ = −0.44), with mean TN (1.15 mg/L) and TP (0.088 mg/L) exceeding Chinese Class III standards and Chl-a (35.89 µg/L) surpassing eutrophication thresholds. Intermediate rankings: L4 (Φ = +0.20), L1 (Φ = 0.00), L2 (Φ = −0.04). Spatial vulnerability followed a clear zone-level gradient: the riverine zone (L1, L3) was most vulnerable, the transitional zone (L4) showed intermediate performance, and the lacustrine zone (L2, L5) was most favorable, consistent with reservoir hydrodynamic theory. The GAIA biplot revealed that nutrient criteria (TN, TP, Chl-a) were the primary drivers separating site vulnerability classes. A sensitivity analysis across eight weighting scenarios confirmed that L3 ranked last in all scenarios (Φ = −0.450 to −0.694), demonstrating the robustness of the recommendation to prioritize intervention at the river channel inflow zone. These findings offer a practical, reproducible decision-support framework for water quality management prioritization in subtropical freshwater reservoirs, subject to confirmation through multi-year monitoring programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Resources and Risk Management)
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