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Against the backdrop of China’s dual-carbon goals—peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060—capacity optimization in the steel industry can no longer rely solely on aggregate output reduction. Instead, governance must shift toward a multidimensional approach that combines scale control, structural adjustment, and coordinated regional allocation. This study develops a quantifiable and interpretable assessment model for capacity-adjustment pressure. Monthly provincial crude steel output is used as a high-frequency proxy for capacity utilization and production adjustment. Additive time-series decomposition is applied to extract three components from monthly output—trend, residual, and volatility—which respectively represent structural evolution, short-term deviations, and exposure to shocks. The model further incorporates multidimensional variables, including downstream steel demand, resource and transport constraints, scrap steel ratio, and policy constraints. On this basis, a two-stage hybrid assessment framework is developed. In the first stage, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) is used to learn nonlinear relationships and derive data-driven feature importance. In the second stage, a composite pressure index is constructed and transformed into a standardized 0–100 score through a robust rank-based mapping mechanism. Dual thresholds are then used to generate three policy recommendations: maintaining current capacity, structural optimization, and capacity reduction. The results show that production trends and volatility intensity are the primary drivers of capacity-adjustment pressure, while pronounced spatial heterogeneity requires highly localized strategies. The classification assigns 25 provinces to maintaining current capacity, 3 to structural optimization, and 3 to targeted capacity reduction. Finally, integrating SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) enhances model interpretability and provides a quantitative basis for shifting from indiscriminate capacity suppression toward differentiated, region-specific capacity governance, thereby supporting the sustainable low-carbon development of the global steel industry. Full article

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15 pages, 893 KB

Open AccessPerspective

Primitive-Reflex Profiling After Sport-Related Concussion: An Athlete-Centered Framework for Testing a Candidate Behavioral State Marker

by Erzsébet Stephens-Sarlós, Patrick Stephens and Attila Szabo

Brain Sci. 2026, 16(9), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16090968 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Direct prospective evidence that primitive-reflex expression changes after sport-related concussion (SRC) is currently very limited. This Perspective therefore proposes a deliberately restricted context of use: standardized primitive-reflex profiling as an experimental, low-cost candidate behavioral state marker to be tested within athletes across recovery, not as an established diagnostic biomarker or a return-to-sport criterion. The standardized 18-reflex protocol underlying this framework demonstrated excellent inter-rater (κ = 0.912–1.000) and intra-rater (κ = 0.912–0.983) reproducibility in the reported 565-participant validation sample; however, athlete-specific reliability, responsiveness to SRC, construct validity, prognostic utility, and treatment sensitivity remain unestablished. We distinguish three testable candidate mechanisms—fronto-subcortical stopping-network dysfunction, altered sensorimotor/afferent gating, and vestibular–reticulospinal dysregulation—and specify findings that would support or weaken each account. A staged research program begins with sport-specific reliability and feasibility, proceeds to prospective within-athlete change beyond measurement error, and only then evaluates mechanistic convergence, incremental prognostic value, and intervention sensitivity. The full 18-reflex profile (30 bilateral or non-lateralized measurements) should remain the primary level of analysis. A summed primitive-reflex burden is retained only as a descriptive summary and must not substitute for reflex-specific analysis. Palmar grasp and Babkin-related responses provide a focused, falsifiable test case for relating lateralized reflex expression to premotor and supplementary motor hemodynamics during force-matched grasping. Progression between stages requires prespecified success criteria, independent replication, and explicit stopping rules. Until those conditions are met, primitive-reflex profiling should remain an experimental outcome embedded within guideline-concordant concussion care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Treatment of Brain Injury)

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34 pages, 5438 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolutionary Game Analysis and Capability Reconstruction of Coal Mine Disaster Emergency Governance Oriented Toward Collaborative Resilience

by Yisheng Fu, Shengsheng Zhang, Yajie Jin, Shuai Dong, Junxiao Hou, Guocai Yan and Menglong Wu

Systems 2026, 14(9), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14091142 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Coal mine disaster emergency governance requires sustained coordination among regulators, mining enterprises, and professional rescue forces. This study develops a budget-closed tripartite evolutionary game in which subsidy/support outflows and penalty-revenue incidence are represented explicitly. Replicator dynamics is interpreted as a mean-field approximation of repeated organizational learning, and a cross-product extension is used to examine higher-order synergy. Dynamic stability is assessed as local asymptotic stability rather than classical evolutionary stability. Resilience is quantified using measure-conditioned basin stability P_H(ν), direction-conditioned critical disturbance magnitude Δ_crit(d), and conditional recovery time T_rec. The open form is retained only as a mechanism-isolation benchmark. Under full fiscal closure, the original high-incentive parameter set shifts the stable outcome to E₇ = (0, 1, 1), indicating that enterprise and rescue coordination may persist while strengthened regulation is not self-sustaining. An illustrative closure-consistent parameterization restores E₁/E₈ bistability and yields P_H(U([0, 1]³)) = 0.889, Δ_crit(1, 1, 1) = 0.738, and T_rec = 13.95 under the stated experiment. No locally asymptotically stable interior state arises in either the additive benchmark or the cross-product extension. Sensitivity checks further show that the numerical resilience values vary with the initial-state measure and disturbance direction. The findings suggest that collaborative resilience depends jointly on policy intensity, fiscal incidence, initial coordination conditions, and shock structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)

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19 pages, 5610 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic Profiling of Laser Capture Microdissected FFPE Esophageal Tissues Identifies Candidate Genes and Pathways Associated with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

by Md Sazzad Hassan, Matthew Guggenbiller, Annie Ritter, Elizabeth Heffernan, Jun Li, Min Yan, Niranjan Awasthi and Urs von Holzen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(18), 8164; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27188164 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) incidence has increased markedly in the United States and other Western countries over recent decades. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause Barrett’s esophagus, which is strongly associated with the development of AC. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AC remain poorly elucidated. In this exploratory pilot study, we performed transcriptomic profiling by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on six normal esophagus (WT), four Barrett’s esophagus with low-grade dysplasia (BL), and six esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) samples using RNA extracted via laser capture microdissection (LCM) of histologically confirmed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) esophageal biopsies. Differential gene expression analysis demonstrated partial separation according to histological group, with overlap between BL and AC. BL and AC groups displayed a multitude of differentially expressed genes relative to WT samples; however, fewer differentially expressed genes were found when comparing BL and AC groups. We identified 3062 differentially expressed genes across comparisons (2289 WT vs. AC; 1854 WT vs. BL; 130 BL vs. AC). Using KEGG pathway analysis and functional annotation, candidate genes and pathways were identified. Genes related to the extracellular matrix, focal adhesion, and PI3K-AKT pathways were upregulated in BL and AC versus WT, while genes relating to keratinization, Ras/Rap1, and Hippo signaling were downregulated in BL and AC versus WT. A small set of genes (e.g., ANPEP, REG4, MEP1A) distinguished BL from AC and represent differentially expressed candidates for further investigation. This exploratory transcriptomic profiling provides insights into gene expression changes associated with AC pathogenesis and identifies candidate genes and pathways that warrant independent validation by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and functional studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Molecular Landscape of Gastroesophageal Cancer: Pathways to Novel Therapies)

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19 pages, 11689 KB

Open AccessArticle

Early-Life Stress Programs a Vulnerable Renal Phenotype Under Metabolic Challenge in a Murine Model

by Jhonatan Duque-Colorado and Bélgica Vásquez

Biomolecules 2026, 16(9), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16091332 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Early-life stress and post-weaning exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) have been independently associated with renal abnormalities; however, little is known about how these stressors interact to increase renal susceptibility to subsequent metabolic challenges. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of early-life stress induced by maternal separation (MS) and post-weaning HFD on renal structure and function in male C57BL/6 mice. Animals were subjected to MS or remained unmanipulated (UM) and were subsequently fed a control diet (CD) or HFD until postnatal day 133, generating four experimental groups: UM-CD, UM-HFD, MS-CD, and MS-HFD. Renal structure was assessed by renal mass, histological analysis of the renal corpuscle, stereological quantification of glomerular numerical density (Nv) and individual glomerular volume (IGV), whereas renal function was evaluated by diuresis. MS and HFD independently increased renal mass, altered diuresis, reduced glomerular Nv, and promoted glomerular hypertrophy. Histological analysis revealed mesangial expansion, narrowing of the capsular space, focal capillary obliteration, and glomeruloparietal synechiae, which were pronounced in the MS-HFD group. Two-way ANOVA showed independent effects on Nv and a significant interaction for IGV. Reduced Nv correlated with increased IGV and diuresis. These findings indicate that early-life stress and post-weaning HFD promote complementary mechanisms of glomerular remodeling, increasing susceptibility to metabolically induced renal injury. Full article

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18 pages, 3881 KB

Open AccessReview

Context-Dependent Roles of the Plexin-B Family Across Neurological, Oncological, Immune and Cardiovascular Disorders: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

by Jianli Xu, Nannan Wang, Jun Lao and Renwen Zhang

Life 2026, 16(9), 1523; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16091523 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Plexin-B1, Plexin-B2, and Plexin-B3 are members of the Plexin-B receptor family, which engage distinct class IV semaphorins as major ligands: Plexin-B1 binds SEMA4D, Plexin-B2 interacts with SEMA4C and SEMA4B, and Plexin-B3 has been reported to bind HSPA5, while all three may participate in non-redundant ligand–receptor networks. Researchers have found receptors associated with neurological and malignant, immune-mediated, and cardiovascular diseases. However, this study strives to provide a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary synthesis of the context-specific functions of Plexin-B family members and to critically evaluate their emerging therapeutic potential across multiple disease domains. In a tumor- and context-dependent manner, Plexin-B1 and Plexin-B2 promote metastasis in glioblastoma, colorectal cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) through RhoA/Rac1-dependent signaling, while Plexin-B3 exhibits dual roles, acting as a tumor suppressor in TNBC under hypoxic conditions yet promoting motility in pancreatic cancer. Plexin-B regulates neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease and T-cell regulation in asthma and other cardiovascular diseases via signals. This review positions the Plexin-B family as a promising yet functionally complex target for future precision medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Science)

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18 pages, 5311 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Flexible Peripheral Segments Modulate the Catalytic Activity of the FAD-Containing Monooxygenase EthA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

by Dafeng Liu, Xieping Sun, Feng Yu, Hongying Song, Wenshuang Yao, Huashui Deng and Daoqi Song

Biomolecules 2026, 16(9), 1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16091333 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a major global health concern, particularly due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. FAD-containing monooxygenase EthA activates the antitubercular prodrug ethionamide (ETH) in Mtb. However, the structural and functional mechanisms of Mtb EthA are not fully understood. Here, we report an AlphaFold2-predicted structural model of Mtb EthA, validated using Ramachandran analysis (91.7% residues in favored regions) and a ProSA Z-score of −10.96. Based on the results of molecular docking, site-directed mutagenesis was conducted. We found that R207 is required for EthA activity. Alanine substitutions at T186, S208, and T210 resulted in 5.8- to 7.2-fold reductions in activity. Conversely, deletion of three peripheral segments (residues 137–176, 315–336, and 419–460) enhanced activity by 1.9-, 1.5-, and 1.2-fold, respectively. These results provide a structural framework for EthA function and suggest that flexible peripheral regions may constrain catalytic activity, offering insights into ETH activation and potential mechanisms of drug resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomacromolecules: Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates)

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24 pages, 5120 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microemulsions of Essential Oils: Characterization and Phase Behavior

by Dilek Gazolu-Rusanova, Zlatina Mitrinova, Ivan Lesov and Slavka Tcholakova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(18), 8165; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27188165 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Essential oils are a key ingredient in foods, beverages, and personal- and home-care products due to their flavors, scents, and various biological activities. This study investigates the capacity of polysorbate 60 (PS60) micelles to solubilize eight essential oils classified into two groups based on their composition. The first group (tea tree, rose, lavender, and melissa oils) contains more than 40% polar aliphatic or alicyclic alcohols or aldehydes, whereas the oils from the second group (chamomile, yarrow, lemon, and orange oils) contain less than 20% of these compounds. The efficient solubilization of the studied essential oils within PS60 micelles is proposed to occur via a mechanism involving two steps: (1) the formation of mixed micelles between PS60 molecules and the polar alcohol or aldehyde constituents of the essential oils, and (2) the dehydration of PS60 ethoxy groups in the presence of highly water-soluble additives (such as citric acid and sodium citrate), which is suggested to decrease the hydrophilic barrier of the micellar corona, thereby facilitating the mass transfer of hydrophobic oil molecules into the micellar core. Stable, transparent microemulsions form only with the first group of essential oils in a certain concentration range. The second step in the proposed mechanism leads to the unexpected finding that reducing the concentration of water-soluble additives, such as citric acid and sodium citrate, impairs solubilization by allowing the micellar corona to rehydrate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances on Solubility and Diffusivity in Water-Based Systems and in Biological Media)

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31 pages, 472 KB

Open AccessArticle

Building the Wings and Flying Too Close to the Sun? A Daedalus–Icarus Framework for GenAI, Trust, and Sustainable Marketing

by Gheorghe Epuran

Sustainability 2026, 18(18), 9397; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18189397 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is reshaping digital marketing by expanding opportunities for personalization, content generation, automation, and consumer interaction, while simultaneously raising concerns about intrusion, manipulation, authenticity, autonomy, and trust. This conceptual study examines how GenAI-enabled marketing can create value without undermining the relational conditions required for sustainable consumer–brand relationships. Drawing on the Daedalus–Icarus myth as a theoretical lens for technological ambivalence, the study conceptually integrates research on GenAI marketing, responsible AI, responsible communication, and consumer trust to develop the Daedalus–Icarus Framework for Sustainable AI-Driven Marketing. The resulting framework explains how the same technological capabilities may follow a Daedalian trajectory of responsible technological empowerment or an Icarian trajectory toward perceived technological overreach. It distinguishes the organization-defined Responsible AI Boundary from the consumer-perceived Icarus Threshold and identifies Boundary–Threshold Alignment as the central mechanism connecting responsible GenAI use with consumer acceptability. Responsible communication is positioned as supporting this alignment, while consumer trust functions as a relational sustainability mechanism. The study concludes that sustainable AI-driven marketing depends not on maximizing technological capability, but on continuously calibrating GenAI use across technological possibilities, organizational responsibility, and consumer-perceived acceptability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Digital Marketing: Emerging Technologies, Consumer Trust, and Responsible Communication)

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22 pages, 11532 KB

Open AccessArticle

REDD1 Silencing Aggravates Aortic Dissection and Promotes VSMC Apoptosis with Autophagy-Related Changes

by Bolai Shen, Xiaoping Xie, Qinyu Chen, Yang Zhou, Jiangxiong Wu, Bowen Li and Zhiwei Wang

Biomedicines 2026, 14(9), 2061; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14092061 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening vascular disease with high mortality, yet its molecular pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. This study investigated the role of regulated in development and DNA damage responses 1 (REDD1) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing data from GSE222318 were analyzed to investigate the expression levels of REDD1 in VSMCs and its role in inducing apoptosis and autophagy. The target gene was silenced in C57BL/6J mice via tail-vein injection of Adeno-associated virus.β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) was used for AD induction. Western blotting was used to assess REDD1, LC3B, p62, BAX, BCL-2 in aortic tissues. Aortic histopathological alterations were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Elastica van Gieson (EVG), and Masson’s trichrome staining. Immunofluorescence was performed to examine REDD1 expression and its localization in α-SMA-positive vascular smooth muscle cells. REDD1, LC3B, p62, BAX, BCL-2, mTOR, and p-mTOR were also examined by Western blotting in cultured cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated by JC-1 staining, and apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Results: REDD1 expression levels were significantly increased in human AD tissues and localized predominantly to medial VSMCs. REDD1 levels were positively correlated with BAX and LC3B and negatively correlated with BCL-2 and p62. Knockdown of REDD1 in AD mice was associated with increased levels of BAX and p62 and decreased levels of BCL-2 and LC3B in aortic tissues, accompanied by more severe pathological manifestations. REDD1 silencing in VSMCs increased BAX, p62 and p-mTOR while reducing BCL-2 and LC3B, accompanied by increased apoptosis and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, whereas rapamycin reduced apoptosis and alleviated mitochondrial injury. Conclusions: REDD1 appears to play a protective, compensatory role in AD. Increased REDD1 expression may help preserve mitochondrial membrane potential and attenuate VSMC apoptosis under pathological stress, accompanied by changes in static autophagy-related markers that suggest a possible association with increased autophagic activity. Loss of REDD1 activity promotes mitochondrial injury and VSMC apoptosis, thereby aggravating AD. Targeting REDD1 may therefore represent a potential therapeutic strategy for AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Cardiovascular Diseases: Pathological Mechanisms, Novel Diagnostic Approaches and Therapeutic Interventions)

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21 pages, 2172 KB

Open AccessReview

Advances in KRAS-Targeted Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer

by Supriya Peshin, Afra Zahid, Ehab Takrori, Zahra Hamedi and Shafia Rahman

Cancers 2026, 18(18), 2961; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18182961 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

The incidence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is increasing globally, and PDAC remains one of the deadliest malignancies, primarily because of late-stage presentation at diagnosis and limited effective therapies. KRAS mutations are present in approximately 88–92% of PDAC cases, making KRAS an important therapeutic target in PDAC, despite its long-standing historical classification as being “undruggable.” This review comprehensively examines the role of KRAS in pancreatic cancer and summarizes both indirect and direct KRAS-targeted therapeutic strategies, including downstream pathway inhibition, metabolic targeting, and emerging direct KRAS inhibitors. The ongoing clinical trials are essential for establishing the efficacy of these emerging therapies, which are poised to gradually transition into clinical practice and ultimately improve patient outcomes. A major challenge with KRAS-targeted therapy is drug resistance, which occurs through both on-target and bypass mechanisms, but emerging combination strategies targeting parallel pathways show promise. Combination approaches involving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, PRMT5 inhibition, and tumor microenvironment targeting are being actively studied to overcome resistance. Overall, KRAS-directed therapies represent a significant and evolving advancement with the potential to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches in Pancreatic Cancer)

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15 pages, 276 KB

Open AccessArticle

Peer Victimization and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Chinese Adolescents: Moderating Roles of Teacher Emotional Support and Parent–Child Cohesion

by Ning Liu, Anyan Li, Qingxiu Xie and Mengge Yue

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16091637 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a highly prevalent maladaptive psychological behavior among adolescents and a significant public health concern. Drawing upon ecological systems theory, this cross-sectional study of 4128 adolescents (M = 12.78, SD = 0.96; 51.6% male) aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms and protective roles of peer victimization, sleep quality, parent–child cohesion, and teacher emotional support in relation to NSSI. Hierarchical regression analyses and PROCESS macro were used to test the proposed mediating and moderating effects. Peer victimization was significantly correlated with NSSI, and this relationship was mediated by sleep quality. In separate models, the interaction terms of peer victimization × parent–child cohesion, sleep quality × parent–child cohesion, and sleep quality × teacher emotional support were each significantly associated with NSSI. However, when both moderators were examined simultaneously, only teacher emotional support remained a significant moderator of the sleep quality–NSSI pathway. These findings highlight the complex pathways linking peer victimization to NSSI, clarify the differentiated moderating roles of family and school support, and provide empirical support for ecological systems theory and school-based interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Psychology)

29 pages, 8293 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Modification Strategies, Functional Properties, and Applications of Starch-Based Biodegradable Films for Food Packaging: A Systematic Review

by Luz A. Castillo-Cifuentes, Miguel Casallas-Ojeda, Luis E. Díaz, Manuel F. Valero, Xiomar Gómez, Paola Acevedo and Iván O. Cabeza

Environments 2026, 13(9), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13090506 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

The increasing environmental impact of conventional plastics and the low recycling rates of single-use packaging have intensified the search for biodegradable alternatives, particularly starch-based films for food packaging. Although starch is renewable, widely available, and biodegradable, its limited mechanical strength, high water sensitivity, and poor barrier performance require targeted modification to meet packaging requirements. This study presents a systematic and bibliometric review of starch-based biodegradable films, analyzing 164 research articles published between 2015 and January 2026 and indexed in Scopus^® and Web of Science^® (WoS), following PRISMA^® guidelines. The review examines research trends, starch sources, processing methods, modification strategies, characterization practices, and application areas, with an emphasis on plasticizers, organic acid additives, polymer blends, fillers, and chemical modifications. The results show that solution casting remains the dominant preparation method, accounting for 82% of the reviewed studies, while filler-based strategies have become the main recent trend, representing 51 of 96 studies published between 2023 and 2026. Glycerol remains the most frequently used plasticizer, appearing in 83% of plasticized formulations. The use of agro-industrial residues as starch sources or functional additives also reflects the growing relevance of circular economy approaches in this field. However, despite advances in mechanical, thermal, barrier, antimicrobial, and antioxidant performance, critical gaps persist for commercial implementation. Migration testing, techno-economic analyses, and life cycle assessments (LCAs) are reported in only 4.3%, 1.8%, and 1.8% of studies, respectively. Future research should move beyond formulation-centered studies toward integrated approaches that combine functional performance, food-contact safety, regulatory compliance, scalability, and end-of-life assessment to accelerate commercially viable starch-based packaging materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Monitoring and Management)

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19 pages, 1796 KB

Open AccessReview

Z-Nucleic Acid-Binding Protein (ZBP)1 (DAI/DLM1) Regulation in Antiviral Cell Death Pathways

by Edward S. Mocarski and Hongyan Guo

Pathogens 2026, 15(9), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15090972 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Metazoan organisms employ an array of overlapping innate and adaptive immune mechanisms to defend against infection and prevent disease. Z-nucleic acid-binding protein (ZBP)1 (also denoted DAI or DLM1) has emerged as a key nucleic acid (NA) sensor within mammalian cells responding to stress, infection or inflammation. Once engaged and activated by Z-nucleic acid, ZBP1 recruits receptor-interacting protein (RIP) kinase (RIPK)3 through RIP homotypic interaction motif (RHIM)-mediated interactions to promote regulated cell death and inflammatory signaling, with necroptosis representing a particularly important antiviral defense mechanism. DNA viruses have coevolved with their hosts to encode diverse inhibitors that suppress ZBP1-RIPK3 signaling as well as other cell death pathways, highlighting the strong selective pressure imposed by necroptosis on viral replication. In contrast, RNA viruses lack inhibitors and activate multiple interconnected death pathways, including necroptosis, apoptosis, and pyroptosis. Increasing evidence indicates that both viral and cellular RNA transcripts adopt Z-conformation and activate ZBP1. Recent studies further implicate stress-induced transcriptional read-through, called disruption of transcription termination, of endogenous retroviral elements as important endogenous sources of Z-RNAs. These findings establish ZBP1 as a central sensor linking aberrant nucleic acid structures to RIPK3-dependent cell death and inflammation during viral infection and cellular stress of disease processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Isolation of Human Cytomegalovirus: Where Are We Now and What Are the Future Challenges)

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21 pages, 14956 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Interlayer Structure Under the Combined Effect of Temperature and Pressure on the Permeability Law of Shale

by Kefan Mu, Weijie Miao, Lei Zhou and Rui Chen

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(18), 9100; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16189100 (registering DOI) - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

The laminated structure in shale rock plays a crucial role in fluid migration during shale gas exploitation. This study investigated the evolution patterns and mechanisms of shale permeability under the influence of laminae through multiple permeability experiments, including steady-state flow tests, confined pressure permeability tests, thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled permeability tests, fracture permeability tests, and fracturing fluid damage experiments. The results show that the permeability of the shale is significantly controlled by the laminated structure. Pores and micro-cracks develop along the laminated structure direction, which is conducive to the formation of seepage channels in vertical laminated specimens, while parallel laminated specimens are affected by multiple laminated structures, resulting in lower permeability. Increasing confining pressure leads to a rapid decrease in permeability, indicating that the closure of fractures is the key factor controlling the permeability characteristics of shale. Increasing temperature causes shale to further increase permeability under the effects of thermal stress, but the enhancement effect is weakened under high confining pressure. Artificial fractures significantly enhance the permeability of shale under low confining pressure, but the closure of artificial fractures reduces the permeability effect under high confining pressure. The effect of fracturing fluid leads to a decrease in shale permeability, and the damage to shale is more significant under high confining pressure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and Applications, 2nd Edition)

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