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21 pages, 3139 KB  
Article
Mechanochemical Activation of Olanzapine in Mixed Solid Dispersions: Impact of Excipients on Release and Permeation Rates
by Tatyana Volkova, Olga Simonova and German Perlovich
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(4), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18040411 - 27 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background: The key parameters determining the bioavailability of an active pharmaceutical ingredient are its solubility/dissolution rate in physiological fluids and permeability across biological membranes. Highly accurate in vitro prediction of bioavailability is a key issue that typically arises during the development of new [...] Read more.
Background: The key parameters determining the bioavailability of an active pharmaceutical ingredient are its solubility/dissolution rate in physiological fluids and permeability across biological membranes. Highly accurate in vitro prediction of bioavailability is a key issue that typically arises during the development of new drug formulations and the improvement of existing ones. Objectives: The objective of the present work is to study the dissolution/release and permeation of olanzapine (OLZ) from two- and three-component solid dispersions (SDs) with sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) and several pharmaceutical adjuvants as solubilizing agents. Methods: Solid dispersions were prepared by mechanical grinding and characterized with X-ray Phase analysis (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: Raman spectroscopy was shown to be the best for revealing the interactions of OLZ with SBE-β-CD and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the three-component SD. The kinetic dependences of OLZ release and diffusion through the cellulose membrane were thoroughly described by quantitative parameters and classified according to the drug release mechanism. Significant improvement of release rate, OLZ concentration, and permeation with SDs compared to the pure OLZ was demonstrated. Conclusions: It was shown that the selected dispersions were stable when stored under normal conditions but underwent changes upon exposure to elevated temperature and humidity. The nature of these changes was determined by the properties of the components and their mutual interactions. Full article
25 pages, 17922 KB  
Article
Thermal Events and Their Significance in Petroliferous Basin: A Case Study from the Baiyun Deep Water Area, Pearl River Mouth Basin
by Ruiyun Ji and Nansheng Qiu
Energies 2026, 19(7), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19071650 - 27 Mar 2026
Abstract
The thermal history of petroliferous basins controls the thermal evolution of source rocks and the diagenetic evolution of reservoirs. However, although various thermal events are common in such basins, previous studies have largely focused on the outcomes of thermal anomalies rather than systematically [...] Read more.
The thermal history of petroliferous basins controls the thermal evolution of source rocks and the diagenetic evolution of reservoirs. However, although various thermal events are common in such basins, previous studies have largely focused on the outcomes of thermal anomalies rather than systematically evaluating the spatiotemporal extent of their thermal effects. This oversight has impeded accurate assessment of source rock maturation and the timing of hydrocarbon accumulation. This study takes the Baiyun Deep Water Area in the Pearl River Mouth Basin as a case study, aiming to identify types of thermal events and systematically evaluate the extent of their impacts using geologic thermometers, numerical simulations, and measured data. Magmatic activity and hydrocarbon charging are two widely distributed types of thermal events in this area. Apatite fission track (AFT) data reveal two magmatic underplating events in the southern part of the area at 20 Ma and 10 Ma, which led to a rapid increase in vitrinite reflectance (Ro) in the overlying strata. COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 simulations of the B6-1 diapir show that its thermal impact extends laterally up to 10 km, with the Wenchang Formation source rocks within 2 km of the diapir rapidly heating to 310 °C and reaching over-maturity. Abnormally high homogenization temperatures recorded by saline inclusions associated with hydrocarbon inclusions provide evidence of thermal anomalies induced by hydrocarbon charging. By reconstructing the trapping depths of these inclusions, the timing of their formation was determined. Comparison with normal burial-thermal histories indicates that their homogenization temperatures are 20–30 °C higher than the ambient formation temperatures. Current thermal anomalies in the Enping Formation reservoir of Well K18-1, caused by ongoing hydrocarbon charging, were simulated using COMSOL. The results show that hydrocarbon charging only causes mild thermal anomalies confined to the reservoir and adjacent strata, with a temperature increase of about 29 °C. Present-day measured vitrinite reflectance data further confirm that hydrocarbon charging does not lead to an increase in Ro. Clarifying the types and effects of thermal events is essential for accurately reconstructing the thermal evolution of source rocks and the history of hydrocarbon accumulation. This study provides a new methodology for geothermal field research in petroliferous basins. By integrating AFT, Ro, and fluid inclusion analyses, we reveal past thermal events, and through numerical simulation, quantify the spatiotemporal influence of magmatic activity and hydrocarbon charging on the geothermal field. Full article
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21 pages, 12142 KB  
Article
Systematic Mineralogical and Geochemical Analyses of Magnetite in the Xinqiao Cu-S Polymetallic Deposit, Eastern China
by Lei Shi, Yinan Liu, Xiao Xin and Yu Fan
Minerals 2026, 16(4), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16040354 - 27 Mar 2026
Abstract
The Xinqiao Cu-S polymetallic deposit is located in the Tongling ore concentration area of the Middle-Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt. The orebodies consist of skarn orebodies and stratiform sulfide orebodies, but the genetic link between them remains controversial. In this study, magnetite was [...] Read more.
The Xinqiao Cu-S polymetallic deposit is located in the Tongling ore concentration area of the Middle-Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt. The orebodies consist of skarn orebodies and stratiform sulfide orebodies, but the genetic link between them remains controversial. In this study, magnetite was used as a proxy to systematically constrain the hydrothermal evolution from the intrusion to the contact zone and further to the stratiform orebodies. A representative drill hole (E603) was logged, and samples were systematically collected from the Jitou pluton outward to the contact zone. Composite samples from the 8–28 m interval were crushed and prepared as resin mounts for integrated TIMA automated mineralogy, BSE textural observation, and in situ LA-ICP-MS trace element analysis. Five types of magnetite (Mt1 to Mt5) were systematically identified. Mt1 occurs as inclusions within feldspar in the quartz monzodiorite. It exhibits typical magmatic magnetite characteristics and contains grid-like ilmenite exsolution, indicating crystallization during the late magmatic stage. Mt2 is distributed in the interstices of magmatic minerals, commonly showing hematitization and replacement of ilmenite exsolution lamellae by titanite. Its trace element geochemistry displays magmatic–hydrothermal transitional features. Mt3–Mt5 in the skarn and stratiform orebodies are paragenetic with retrograde alteration minerals (e.g., epidote, chlorite, and actinolite) and sulfides, and are characterized by low Ti, Al, and V contents and high Mg, Mn, and Sn contents, indicating a hydrothermal origin. From Mt3 to Mt5, (Ti + V) and (Al + Mn) decrease, while Zn and Mn increase, accompanied by a decrease in the (Si + Al)/(Mg + Mn) ratio. This reflects a trend of decreasing fluid temperature and progressively enhanced wall-rock buffering. The Mg-in-magnetite geothermometer yields relatively consistent results for Mt1–Mt3, but anomalously high temperatures for Mt4–Mt5. This suggests that the elevated Mg activity in the fluid, caused by reaction with carbonate wall rocks, can significantly influence the calculated temperatures. Therefore, this geothermometer should be used cautiously for magnetite in the outer skarn zone and interpreted in combination with other temperature constraints. The textures, paragenetic mineral assemblages, and trace element characteristics of magnetite collectively reveal a continuous mineralization process linking the skarn and stratiform orebodies at Xinqiao, providing robust mineralogical and geochemical evidence for the contribution of Yanshanian magmatic–hydrothermal activity to the stratiform mineralization. Full article
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16 pages, 283 KB  
Review
Contraceptive-Induced Weight Gain—Myth and Reality Review
by Tudor Butureanu, Ana-Maria Apetrei, Raluca Anca Balan, Ana-Maria Haliciu, Ioana Pavaleanu, Demetra Socolov and Razvan Socolov
Life 2026, 16(4), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040553 - 27 Mar 2026
Abstract
The perception that hormonal contraception causes weight gain is a general belief that frequently hinders the initiation and continuation of effective family planning. This narrative review analyses data from Cochrane systematic reviews and recent pharmacogenomic studies to separate patient perception from metabolic reality. [...] Read more.
The perception that hormonal contraception causes weight gain is a general belief that frequently hinders the initiation and continuation of effective family planning. This narrative review analyses data from Cochrane systematic reviews and recent pharmacogenomic studies to separate patient perception from metabolic reality. Analysis of high-quality data, including Cochrane systematic reviews, indicates that the association between Combined Hormonal Contraceptives (CHCs)—including oral pills, the transdermal patch, and the vaginal ring—and weight gain is not supported by consistent high-quality evidence. Placebo-controlled trials demonstrate that these methods are weight-neutral on average. Perceived weight increases in CHC users are likely mediated in part by fluid retention linked to the estrogenic stimulation of the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System (RAAS), rather than adipose tissue accumulation. Conversely, Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) represents a verified clinical risk for weight gain, showing a demonstrated clinical association with significant fat mass accumulation. Hypothesized biological mechanisms for this increase include hypothalamic appetite stimulation and glucocorticoid-like activity. The etonogestrel implant occupies a complex middle ground. While population-level data suggests weight neutrality, recent exploratory pharmacogenomic research has identified a specific variant in the Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) gene. For the minority of women carrying this variant, the implant may trigger clinically significant weight gain, suggesting a biological basis for their subjective experience despite statistical evidence. Ultimately, the persistence of the weight gain concern is fueled by the nocebo effect and the misattribution of natural age-related weight trajectories to contraceptive use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)
16 pages, 2451 KB  
Article
Physiological Stress Signatures of Waterborne Glyphosate Exposure in Apostichopus japonicus: Insights for Aquatic Ecotoxicology
by Jingchun Sun, Shaoping Kuang and Hongsheng Yang
Toxics 2026, 14(4), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14040282 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide with increasing concern regarding its non-target impacts in coastal ecosystems and mariculture species. Here, we profiled acute physiological stress signatures of waterborne glyphosate exposure in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, integrating measured exposure concentrations, tissue residues, [...] Read more.
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide with increasing concern regarding its non-target impacts in coastal ecosystems and mariculture species. Here, we profiled acute physiological stress signatures of waterborne glyphosate exposure in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, integrating measured exposure concentrations, tissue residues, digestive and oxidative/innate immune biomarkers, and gut microbiota. After 24 h exposure, measured waterborne glyphosate confirmed the intended gradient (0.09 ± 0.02, 1.26 ± 0.09, and 4.49 ± 1.12 mg/L for low-, medium-, and high-dose treatments, respectively), and overt stress phenotypes with mortality occurred only at the high dose (36.67%), enabling separation of high-dose survivors (HS) and high-dose dead (HD) for downstream analyses. Tissue measurements showed low/background levels in controls, with compartment-specific distribution: the respiratory tree exhibited higher burdens at the medium dose, whereas coelomic fluid showed the highest burdens in HS at the 24 h endpoint. Functionally, most intestinal digestive enzymes were unchanged, but trypsin activity was consistently suppressed across exposed groups (p < 0.05). In coelomic fluid, oxidative stress responses were evident, with elevated MDA (L and M), reduced CAT (L, M, and HS), and reduced GSH-PX in HS (all p < 0.05), while SOD, GR, and lysozyme showed no significant changes. Gene sequencing of 16S rRNA (n = 3 per group) revealed significant shifts in community diversity/evenness (Shannon p = 0.0497; Simpson p = 0.0484) and beta diversity (PCo1 = 30.08%, PCo2 = 26.30%; PERMANOVA F = 1.816, p = 0.008), with LEfSe indicating discriminative taxa associated with exposure/outcomes. Collectively, these multi-level endpoints define an acute glyphosate stress signature in A. japonicus, linking internal dose distribution to oxidative disruption, impaired intestinal proteolysis, and microbiome restructuring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)
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18 pages, 2720 KB  
Article
A Poly-Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Grafted Silicon-Quantum-Dot-Based Desorption Agent with High Salt Resistance and Its Influence on the Adsorption/Desorption Behavior of CBM in Deep Coal Rock
by Haibo Li, Lei Yue, Hongxing Xu, Yanhong Li, Yining Zhou, Rong Zhang, Kongjie Wang, Hongzhong Zhang, Shuai Luo, Bin Ren, Fei Chen and Yufei Liu
Polymers 2026, 18(7), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18070803 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
Coal-bed gas well production is too low to realize a highly efficient exploitation of the #8 coal seam in the Shanxi formation in the Nalin region. Based on the reservoir characteristics, the designed poly-aromatic-grafted silicon-quantum-dot-based desorption agent (PQS) has been developed. Then, the [...] Read more.
Coal-bed gas well production is too low to realize a highly efficient exploitation of the #8 coal seam in the Shanxi formation in the Nalin region. Based on the reservoir characteristics, the designed poly-aromatic-grafted silicon-quantum-dot-based desorption agent (PQS) has been developed. Then, the adsorption/desorption behavior of CBM on the coal surface under the influence of this active chemical has been studied, and the synergy effect with an anionic–nonionic surfactant to desorption of CBM has also been discussed. The results show that the developed poly-aromatic-grafted silicon quantum dot, with a median size of 4.9 nm and +5.6 mV of zeta potential in neutral condition, has a significant emission peak with 470 nm at the excitation of 380 nm and 150,000 mg/L of salinity resistance, which also generates a strong adsorption capacity on the coal surface. A promoting effect to desorption of CBM for PQS nanofluid is exhibited and the Langmuir pressure is obviously increased. However, when the PQS nanofluid is synergized with an anionic–nonionic surfactant, the desorption of CBM is further improved and the wettability of the coal surface is altered from 78.2° to 84.2°. The desorption rate for this compound system reached 65.3%. It can be found that combining the quantum size, π–π stacking, π–π conjugation, and the synergy effect between PQS nanofluid and surfactant fluid with the traditional intermolecular force has a stronger capacity for promoting desorption of CBM than the conventional desorption agent. This study provides guidance for the molecular design of the desorption agent for deep coal rock and the application of silicon quantum dots. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Polymers in Enhanced Oil Recovery)
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17 pages, 5732 KB  
Article
Numerical Study of the Regulatory Effects of Laser Heating on Thermocapillary-Buoyancy Convection in Two-Layer Fluid System
by Shuwen Yang, Xiaoming Zhou, Yuhang Zheng and Wenhao Duan
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3186; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073186 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
The present study examines the regulatory effects of laser heating parameters (power, position, and spot radius) on hydrothermal wave instability, heat and mass transfer, and interfacial deformation in bilayer thermocapillary systems under normal gravity. It provides theoretical support for the efficient utilization of [...] Read more.
The present study examines the regulatory effects of laser heating parameters (power, position, and spot radius) on hydrothermal wave instability, heat and mass transfer, and interfacial deformation in bilayer thermocapillary systems under normal gravity. It provides theoretical support for the efficient utilization of energy and the optimization of industrial thermal systems, meeting the demands of sustainable development. The results show that increasing laser power induces asymmetric flow bifurcation nears the laser heating point, enhancing hydrothermal waves in the left region while suppressing them in the right region, with oscillation periods decreasing monotonically and amplitudes showing non-monotonic variation. Laser heating position alters convection intensity distribution, in which the convection in the hot zone is weakened as the laser point nears the cold end, while the convection in the cold zone is strengthened as the laser point nears the hot end. Reducing spot radius significantly decreases temperature gradients near the interfacial heat source, while attenuating horizontal velocity amplitude and increasing oscillation period, effectively suppressing oscillatory thermocapillary convection. This study demonstrates that precise control of laser heating parameters can effectively suppress thermocapillary instability and optimize heat transfer without introducing additional mechanical disturbances. It provides a theoretical basis for efficient, low-energy, non-contact thermal flow control technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Fluid Dynamics in Mechanical Engineering)
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17 pages, 6413 KB  
Article
Anomaly in Methane Concentrations on Co To Island (Northern Vietnam): Results from the 2024 Underground Water Research
by Andrei Kholmogorov, Nadezhda Syrbu, Renat Shakirov, Le Duc Anh, Le Dinh Nam, Elena Maltseva, Hitoshi Tomaru, Elena Khazanova, Anastasia Voitovskaya, Irina Isaeva, Ngo Bich Huong, Tran Hoang Yen and Trinh Hoai Thu
Geosciences 2026, 16(4), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16040138 - 26 Mar 2026
Abstract
The northern Vietnam shelf, particularly the area adjacent to the Red River Fault Zone, is characterized by complex geology and active neotectonics. However, the patterns of degassing and the origins of hydrocarbon gases in this region remain poorly understood. In particular, the potential [...] Read more.
The northern Vietnam shelf, particularly the area adjacent to the Red River Fault Zone, is characterized by complex geology and active neotectonics. However, the patterns of degassing and the origins of hydrocarbon gases in this region remain poorly understood. In particular, the potential links between deep-seated fluid migration, fault systems, and gas anomalies in island groundwater systems have not been systematically investigated. This study presents preliminary results of dissolved methane, its homologues (C2–C5), helium, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide measurements in groundwater from Co To Island (Northern Vietnam), with the aim of identifying gas origins and assessing structural controls on fluid migration. A significant methane anomaly was discovered, with concentrations reaching up to 10% by volume in the northwestern part of the island. The hydrocarbon homologous series is traced up to pentane (C5), and CO2 content is also elevated, with a maximum of 5.4%. The average He concentration of 10.8 ppm significantly exceeds atmospheric equilibrium values, with maximum recorded concentrations of 18 ppm for He and 34.5 ppm for H2. Stable carbon isotope analysis of methane (δ13C-CH4 values ranging from −50.2‰ to −49.7‰ VPDB), combined with the presence of a complete C1–C5 hydrocarbon series and elevated mantle/crustal tracers (He, H2), indicates a predominantly thermogenic/metamorphogenic origin for the gases, ruling out a purely biogenic source. The spatial distribution of anomalies is structurally controlled, closely associated with the NE-SW trending Co To Fault system and its intersections with subsidiary faults, as corroborated by recent electrical resistivity tomography data. These findings indicate intensive, focused gas leakage from a deep-seated source, likely related to thermogenic/metamorphic processes and active fault-mediated degassing. The results highlight the significant hydrocarbon potential of the region and underscore the critical role of neotectonic activity in controlling fluid migration pathways in island aquifer systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geochemistry)
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38 pages, 1578 KB  
Review
Disorder, Topology, and Fluid Mechanics: Symmetry Breaking and Mechanical Function in Complex Structures
by Yifan Zhang
Symmetry 2026, 18(4), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18040562 - 25 Mar 2026
Abstract
Fluid mechanics in disordered structures gives rise to rich multiscale dynamics through the interplay of topology, symmetry breaking, and fluid–structure interactions. Heterogeneous networks encode mechanical responses, regulate flow organization, and shape energy dissipation, enabling memory effects and emergent collective behaviors across both natural [...] Read more.
Fluid mechanics in disordered structures gives rise to rich multiscale dynamics through the interplay of topology, symmetry breaking, and fluid–structure interactions. Heterogeneous networks encode mechanical responses, regulate flow organization, and shape energy dissipation, enabling memory effects and emergent collective behaviors across both natural and engineered systems. These principles operate across vast scales: from seamounts with characteristic scales of L103m and Froude numbers Fr102101 generating deep-ocean turbulent mixing, to marine tidal turbines operating at Reynolds numbers Re107108 and Euler numbers Eu101100, where inertial forces dominate flow dynamics. Although the dominant physical forces may vary across scales—for example, planetary rotation and stratification in large-scale oceanic flows versus viscous or interfacial effects in microscale systems—the comparison of dimensionless parameters provides a useful framework for discussing similarities in flow organization and scaling behavior. Empirical observations, network-based descriptions, and multiscale simulations collectively demonstrate how topological features constrain symmetry, organize transport pathways, and support predictive reconstruction and inverse design. These principles underpin applications ranging from engineered systems that exploit broken symmetries to rectify chaotic transport, to biological architectures where flows mediate information transfer, locomotion, and structural self-organization. In this Review, we synthesize recent advances to propose a unifying physical paradigm: fluid flows actively interact with disorder, reorganize dissipation, and convert structural asymmetry into functional mechanical performance across scales. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physics)
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17 pages, 4248 KB  
Article
MRI-Based Synovial Iron Quantification Associates with Bone Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis
by Shuyuan Zhong, Churong Lin, Jianhua Ren, Yuhang Li, Bo Dong, Weihang Zhu, Yutong Jiang, Zetao Liao, Yanli Zhang, Liudan Tu, Minjing Zhao, Dongfang Lin, Ke Hu, Chenyang Lu, Yunfeng Pan and Yan Liu
Biomedicines 2026, 14(4), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14040749 (registering DOI) - 25 Mar 2026
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the utility of synovial iron quantification using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing structural joint damage in the knee of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a two-stage design. In the initial comparative stage, [...] Read more.
Objective: To evaluate the utility of synovial iron quantification using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing structural joint damage in the knee of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a two-stage design. In the initial comparative stage, 6 patients with RA and 5 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) were recruited to compare synovial R2* values, a metric derived from iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation quantitation (IDEAL-IQ) MRI sequences representing synovial iron content. Following this, the RA cohort was expanded to a total of 51 patients to investigate the association between R2* values and clinical parameters, including disease activity and bone erosion. Synovial fluid iron levels were measured with an Iron Assay Kit and synovial iron deposits were semi-quantified via Prussian blue staining. Associations between R2* and clinical and laboratory parameters, including inflammatory factors and joint damage indices, were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Univariate and multivariate ordered logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with bone erosion severity. An R2*-based nomogram was developed and validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and calibration curves. Results: Synovial R2* values were significantly higher in RA patients than those with osteoarthritis (53.66 S−1 vs. 31.38 S−1, p < 0.05), consistent with Prussian blue staining results. While synovial R2* values showed no significant correlation with systemic iron metabolic markers, inflammatory indicators, or the Disease Activity Score 28, they were positively correlated with bone erosion severity (ρ = 0.500, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with the joint space width (ρ = −0.307, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified R2* as an independent indicator linked to bone erosion extent (OR = 2358.336, p < 0.001). The R2*-based nomogram demonstrated good discriminative performance. (AUC = 0.83). Conclusions: The R2* value derived from IDEAL-IQ MRI is a reliable tool for quantifying synovial iron and may represent a promising non-invasive imaging biomarker reflecting bone erosion in RA patients. Full article
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16 pages, 752 KB  
Project Report
Testing a Personalised Dysautonomia Management Protocol in Patients with Orthostatic Intolerance and a Diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Long COVID
by Julia Barr, Lowri Marsden, Theshan Dassanayake, Norah Almutairi, Vikki McKeever, Tarek Gaber, Rachel Tarrant, Belinda Godfrey, Sharon Witton and Manoj Sivan
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(7), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15072510 (registering DOI) - 25 Mar 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID (LC) are complex multisystem conditions with significant functional disability. Many patients experience symptoms of orthostatic intolerance, which can be captured in some cases as Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) or Postural orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID (LC) are complex multisystem conditions with significant functional disability. Many patients experience symptoms of orthostatic intolerance, which can be captured in some cases as Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) or Postural orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) on objective testing. Conservative treatments are recommended for first-line symptom management, but there is a lack of efficacy evidence. This study aims to assess the feasibility of an 8-week clinically supervised, personalised Dysautonomia Management Protocol (DMP) in a cohort of ME/CFS and LC patients with subjective and objective evidence of orthostatic intolerance (dysautonomia). Methods: ME/CFS and LC patients with objective dysautonomia on the 10 min active Lean Test (LT) were recruited to an 8-week DMP, with interventions introduced cumulatively every two weeks. Interventions included increasing daily fluid intake to 3 litres and salt intake to 10 g, pacing to avoid crashes and calf activation. Baseline and weekly data collection included the LT, Composite Autonomic Symptom Score questionnaire (COMPASS-31) and Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale (YRS). Results: Sixteen participants completed the 8-week program, five discontinued during the program, and one was withdrawn following a severe crash. The COMPASS-31 improved by 7.7 points from week 1 to week 8 (p = 0.045), with a medium Cohen’s d effect size of 0.55. For the same period, there was a non-significant (p = 0.16) improvement in the YRS symptom severity score by 2 points. Comparing the final two weeks of the program with the first two weeks, mean heart rate during the LT decreased by 4.8 beats per minute (p = 0.032), with a medium Cohen’s d effect size of 0.44. Adherence to the interventions was highly variable, with none of the patients able to fully employ all four recommendations. Conclusions: The results suggest that targeted conservative interventions could influence autonomic function and symptom reduction. However, the magnitude of change was limited, and statistical significance might not necessarily relate to a clinically significant improvement in symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue POTS, ME/CFS and Long COVID: Recent Advances and Future Direction)
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9 pages, 4462 KB  
Case Report
Parvovirus B19 DNA Detected in Ovarian Teratomatous Tissue in Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis: A Case Report
by Trifon Valkov, Dobroslav Kyurkchiev, Ekaterina Kurteva, Kalina Tumangelova-Yuzeir, Jeliazko Arabadjiev, Vesela Ivanova, Dimitrinka Kisova, Radka Argirova, George Dimitrov and Yordanka Yamakova
Viruses 2026, 18(4), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18040405 - 25 Mar 2026
Viewed by 150
Abstract
Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder frequently associated with ovarian teratomas in young women. Although infectious triggers have been proposed to contribute to immune activation, direct evidence linking viral presence within tumor tissue to disease pathogenesis remains limited. Case Presentation: [...] Read more.
Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder frequently associated with ovarian teratomas in young women. Although infectious triggers have been proposed to contribute to immune activation, direct evidence linking viral presence within tumor tissue to disease pathogenesis remains limited. Case Presentation: An 18-year-old woman presented with acute neuropsychiatric symptoms, fever, gastrointestinal prodrome, and rapidly progressive behavioral disturbance progressing to encephalopathy. Cerebrospinal fluid and blood test results, together with clinical features, supported the diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Imaging identified an ovarian mass, and surgical resection was performed. Histopathology confirmed a mature teratoma containing neuroglial elements. Molecular analysis detected parvovirus B19 DNA within the resected teratomatous tissue. No systemic viremia or active central nervous system viral infection was identified. The patient received immunotherapy combined with tumor removal, with subsequent clinical improvement. Discussion: Ovarian teratomas remain a critical etiologic factor in anti-NMDAR encephalitis and mandate prompt surgical management. Detection of B19 viral DNA within teratomatous neuroglial tissue raises the hypothesis that viral persistence could enhance local immune activation and autoantibody generation. However, in this case polymerase chain reaction positivity does not indicate active infection, and the biological significance of this finding remains uncertain. Conclusions: This case documents rare detection of B19V DNA within an ovarian teratomatous tissue in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The observation is hypothesis-generating rather than causal; established management priorities remain immunotherapy and tumor resection, and viral nucleic acid detection should be interpreted within the broader clinical context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Interplay Between Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases)
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17 pages, 602 KB  
Review
Biomarker-Guided Implant Maintenance (BGIM): A Narrative Review and Protocol Proposal
by Tiziano Testori, Richard Lazzara, Renzo Guarnieri and Massimo Del Fabbro
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(7), 2496; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15072496 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 133
Abstract
Dental implants are a popular clinical procedure for the rehabilitation of fully and partially ede ntulous patients. There is long-term evidence that implant-supported dental prostheses represent a predictable treatment for replacing missing teeth. However, several types of complications may arise, which can compromise [...] Read more.
Dental implants are a popular clinical procedure for the rehabilitation of fully and partially ede ntulous patients. There is long-term evidence that implant-supported dental prostheses represent a predictable treatment for replacing missing teeth. However, several types of complications may arise, which can compromise implant treatment outcome. Peri-implant disease is a growing biological complication, consisting of a progressive loss of supporting bone, associated with microbial biofilm and clinical inflammation. It represents a concern for clinicians and patients, having a negative impact on quality of life. This narrative review aimed at summarize the current knowledge on etiology, epidemiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis of peri-implant disease. It also focused on the diagnostic potential of active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) in peri-implant sulcular fluid for assessing the status of peri-implant tissues and the risk of developing peri-implantitis. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases using search terms like: peri-implantitis, peri-implant biomarkers, aMMP-8, implant maintenance, risk assessment. Clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta-analysis and consensus papers published up to June 2025 were considered. Finally, based on the main factors involved in the onset and progression of peri-implant disease, a new protocol was conceived for determining the optimal implant maintenance scheduling for individual patients. The Biomarker-Guided Implant Maintenance (BGIM) protocol considers a few key parameters, among which aMMP-8 level, and proposes three categories associated with different levels of risk for peri-implantitis. The higher the risk, the more frequently a patient should undergo professional maintenance, to prevent peri-implant disease, with potential favorable effects on implant longevity. The proposed BGIM protocol, that requires prospective validation, represents a structured and clinically applicable biomarker-driven framework for individualizing implant maintenance scheduling by integrating real-time chairside quantification of aMMP-8 with established patient-related risk factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Implant Dentistry)
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18 pages, 19559 KB  
Article
Characterization of Soil CO2 Flux from an Active Volcano Through Visibility Graph Analysis
by Salvatore Scudero, Marco Liuzzo, Antonino D’Alessandro and Giovanni Bruno Giuffrida
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3134; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073134 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 9
Abstract
The comprehension of the complex dynamics of degassing is critical for volcano monitoring and assessing volcanic hazards. In this study, we apply visibility graph analysis (VGA) to a decadal, high-resolution time series of daily soil CO2 flux recorded by a standardized monitoring [...] Read more.
The comprehension of the complex dynamics of degassing is critical for volcano monitoring and assessing volcanic hazards. In this study, we apply visibility graph analysis (VGA) to a decadal, high-resolution time series of daily soil CO2 flux recorded by a standardized monitoring network at Mt. Etna volcano (Italy). By mapping these time series into complex networks, we demonstrate that the connectivity degree distributions follow a power law described by the exponent γ, which reveals a self-similar behavior of gas emissions. We introduce the γ-deviation, namely the variation of the scaling exponent from its long-term site-specific baseline, as a novel proxy for degassing efficiency. The long-term baseline is interpreted as a site-specific measure of flux efficiency, while its variations are attributed to other factors, such as fluctuations in the sources or changes in the efficiency of fluids transport pathways. Our results identify a transition from a period of discordance across the monitoring sites (pre-2016) to a phase of network-wide concordance (after 2016). The striking correlation between topological γ-deviations and the established normalized network signal (Φnorm) validates the methodology, suggesting that VGA is able to capture the same underlying magmatic drivers. This study establishes VGA as a robust and reliable tool for medium- and long-term monitoring, potentially capable of identifying the occurrence of large-scale magmatic processes and refining the characterization of fluid transport dynamics in active volcanic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geophysical Approaches in Volcanic and Geothermal Areas)
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19 pages, 3262 KB  
Article
Gelatin/Ascorbic Acid Scaffolds for Controlled Release of Allantoin: A Fully Natural Approach for Skin Tissue Regeneration Through Pro-Regenerative, Antimicrobial, and Keratinocyte-Supportive Properties
by Marija M. Babić Radić, Marija Vukomanović, Martina Žabčić, Lea Gazvoda, Dubravka Živanović and Simonida Tomić
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(3), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18030391 - 22 Mar 2026
Viewed by 305
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Nature-inspired therapeutic strategies that promote biological regenerative mechanisms and replicate the native structural microenvironment conductive to formation of healthy tissue are increasingly recognized as a promising platform for skin tissue regeneration and wound healing. This study proposes an innovative design of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Nature-inspired therapeutic strategies that promote biological regenerative mechanisms and replicate the native structural microenvironment conductive to formation of healthy tissue are increasingly recognized as a promising platform for skin tissue regeneration and wound healing. This study proposes an innovative design of novel multifunctional scaffolds composed entirely of natural components—gelatin, L-ascorbic (ASA) acid and allantoin—as a bioinspired approach for skin tissue regeneration through pro-regenerative, antimicrobial, and keratinocyte-supportive properties. Methods: The biocompatible, skin-adhesive scaffolds were prepared via a simple and environmentally friendly heat-induced crosslinking of gelatin with varying ASA contents, and by enriching the system with allantoin. The influence of ASA content on scaffold properties was investigated through characterization of their morphology, porosity, swelling behavior, skin tissue adhesion, and allantoin release potential. Biocompatibility was evaluated in vitro using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, while antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Results: The scaffolds revealed a highly porous, interconnected structure with tunable porosity (87.37–92.39%) and soft-tissue-matched mechanical properties (0.81–1.47 MPa). Incorporation of allantoin into the scaffolds enhanced their mechanical performance and swelling capacity. All scaffolds demonstrated antibacterial activity against both tested bacteria, supported keratinocyte viability and provided sustained release of allantoin for up to 76 h, confirming their multifunctional pro-regenerative potential. Conclusions: The novel gelatin/ascorbic acid scaffolds enriched with allantoin combine a porous replicated structure of native extracellular matrix, fluid absorption capacity, soft-tissue-like mechanical properties, stable skin tissue adhesion, cytocompatibility and antibacterial functionality with the pro-regenerative properties of allantoin, thereby representing a multifunctional and biologically inspired platform for advanced skin tissue regeneration and wound-healing applications. Full article
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