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23 pages, 11687 KB  
Article
Sanguinarine Alleviates the Adverse Effects of Excessive Dietary Histamine on Growth and Intestinal and Hepatic Health in Juvenile American Eels (Anguilla rostrata)
by Yichuang Xu, Runan Chen, Xinyu Hu, Yuqin Yan, Jinyue Yang and Shaowei Zhai
Animals 2026, 16(10), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16101556 - 20 May 2026
Abstract
Histamine is a significant risk factor in brown fishmeal and negatively affects histamine-sensitive fish species. The present study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of dietary sanguinarine supplementation against the adverse impacts of excessive dietary histamine on growth and intestinal and hepatic [...] Read more.
Histamine is a significant risk factor in brown fishmeal and negatively affects histamine-sensitive fish species. The present study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of dietary sanguinarine supplementation against the adverse impacts of excessive dietary histamine on growth and intestinal and hepatic health in American eels. Four experimental diets were formulated: the basal diet (control diet), the basal diet supplemented with 500 mg kg−1 of histamine (HH diet), and the HH diet supplemented with 100 mg kg−1 and 200 mg kg−1 of sanguinarine (HH+SAN100 and HH+SAN200 diets, respectively). After a 10-week feeding trial, both sanguinarine supplementation diets alleviated HH-diet-induced growth retardation, reduced feed utilization, serum dyslipidemia, and hepatic and intestinal structural damage; decreased hepatic and intestinal antioxidant capacity; increased intestinal and hepatic malondialdehyde levels; inhibited intestinal lipase activities; elevated intestinal pro-inflammatory-related gene abundance; and lowered intestinal anti-inflammatory-related gene expression. Furthermore, the HH+SAN100 diet partially ameliorated HH-diet-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal metabolic disturbances. Collectively, these findings identify sanguinarine as a functional dietary additive that mitigates histamine-associated growth suppression and intestinal and hepatic injury in American eels, promoting the sustainable utilization of brown fishmeal in American eel culture. Full article
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38 pages, 18858 KB  
Review
Hydrogels for Healing Radiation-Injured Tissues and Organs
by David Pawłowski, Kinga Słomska, Jakub Telszewski, Marcel Hubert Pilarski, Kamil Klimkowski, Julia Witkowska and Elżbieta Jankowska
Gels 2026, 12(5), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12050450 - 20 May 2026
Abstract
Radiotherapy remains one of the main pillars of cancer treatment and is used in more than half of all oncological patients. Despite continuous technological improvements, ionizing radiation inevitably causes damage to surrounding healthy tissues, leading to acute and chronic complications affecting multiple organs, [...] Read more.
Radiotherapy remains one of the main pillars of cancer treatment and is used in more than half of all oncological patients. Despite continuous technological improvements, ionizing radiation inevitably causes damage to surrounding healthy tissues, leading to acute and chronic complications affecting multiple organs, including the skin, mucosa, heart, lungs, bones and gastrointestinal tract. Radiation-induced injuries significantly impair patients’ quality of life, limit therapeutic doses, and represent a major unmet clinical challenge. Hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials for managing radiation-induced damage due to their high content of water, tunable mechanics, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. Recent innovations have introduced functional systems, including stimuli-responsive, injectable, and bioactive hydrogels, capable of delivering antioxidants, growth factors, or living cells. Unlike traditional material-based reviews, this work proposes a novel classification framework based on the hydrogel’s mechanism of action within the pathophysiology of radiation injury. We evaluate how specific designs, such as ROS-scavenging matrices, barrier-forming injectable shields, and bioactive delivery vehicles, address distinct phases of inflammation and fibrosis. By providing a comprehensive overview of radiation-induced injuries across different organs, this review summarizes current hydrogel-based strategies for both prevention and therapy. We highlight the potential of these mechanistically aligned systems to protect healthy tissues, suppress chronic inflammation, and promote effective tissue regeneration. Full article
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21 pages, 9685 KB  
Article
Non-Erythropoietic EPO (EPO-R76E) Protects RPE Cells from Ferroptosis by Modulating the Labile Iron Pool and NRF2-GPX4 Axis
by Sundaramoorthy Gopi, George T. Prodanoff, Christopher L. Passaglia, Mark S. Kindy, Vijaykumar Sutariya, Ganesh V. Halade, Alfred S. Lewin and Manas R. Biswal
Antioxidants 2026, 15(5), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15050647 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2026
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration remains a formidable challenge in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research, primarily due to the toxic interplay between iron overload and ferroptosis. We investigated whether EPO-R76E, a non-erythropoietic modified variant of erythropoietin, could effectively interrupt this destructive cycle. [...] Read more.
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration remains a formidable challenge in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research, primarily due to the toxic interplay between iron overload and ferroptosis. We investigated whether EPO-R76E, a non-erythropoietic modified variant of erythropoietin, could effectively interrupt this destructive cycle. Using ARPE-19 cells challenged with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) to model iron-induced toxicity, we show that EPO-R76E confers protection against ferroptosis. Our results demonstrate that this variant significantly reduces the intracellular labile iron pool, directly quenching the lipid peroxidation that drives ferroptotic cell death. This resilience is fueled by a robust upregulation of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and the broad transcriptional activation of the NRF2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) NRF2 antioxidant axis. Furthermore, we found that EPO-R76E enhances autophagic flux, ensuring that cells maintain essential proteostasis and “housekeeping” functions even under metabolic crisis. By integrating iron sequestration with reinforced antioxidant signaling and cellular clearing mechanisms, EPO-R76E stands out as a potent candidate for preserving RPE health. These findings uncover a novel molecular framework for protecting the retina against iron-mediated injury, positioning EPO-R76E as a versatile and targeted gene-based therapeutic for addressing the fundamental causes of retinal degeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Antioxidant Mechanisms for Health and Diseases, 2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 5946 KB  
Article
Intelligent Recognition and Restoration of Mural Damage Based on DeepLabv3 and Stable Diffusion
by Chong Rong, Dashuai Yang, Wenkai Tian, Yi Tao, Qiuwei Wang and Peng Wang
Buildings 2026, 16(10), 2012; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16102012 - 20 May 2026
Abstract
Murals are not merely independent visual artworks. Rather, they are an integral part of architectural heritage, directly attached to buildings’ structural elements, such as brick walls and vaults. However, murals are susceptible to various building-related types of damage, including structural cracks and moisture-induced [...] Read more.
Murals are not merely independent visual artworks. Rather, they are an integral part of architectural heritage, directly attached to buildings’ structural elements, such as brick walls and vaults. However, murals are susceptible to various building-related types of damage, including structural cracks and moisture-induced peeling, due to long-term exposure to environmental factors and geological changes. As the progressive deterioration of these murals hastens the loss of mural value, professional assessment and restoration are urgently required. To tackle the issues of low efficiency in traditional structural damage detection and the absence of predictable repair plans, this paper presents a semi-automatic building-mural protection solution that integrates morphological assessment of mural deterioration with computer vision technology. This study establishes an image prediction system that integrates intelligent damage identification with virtual restoration. First, employing the PaddleSeg deep learning framework and the DeepLabv3 semantic segmentation model, this study used existing mural damage datasets to build a recognition model. The model allows for intelligent identification and labeling of multiple damage types. Subsequently, relying on the ComfyUI platform, Stable Diffusion was used to construct a virtual restoration model. LoRA (low-rank adaptation) technology was introduced to fine-tune the model specifically for the mural style, thus enhancing the directivity and accuracy of virtual restoration. Finally, by applying the results of the recognition model to the virtual restoration model, this study built an integrated system for mural damage diagnosis and virtual restoration. The results show that the damage recognition model achieved a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 47.8% and a pixel accuracy of 77.97% on the test set, validating the feasibility of using semantic segmentation for mural damage detection. This study presents an integrated workflow framework integrating automatic damage identification and intelligent repair. As an expert-assisted tool, this framework shows application potential for preliminary exploration of mural disease diagnosis and virtual restoration plans, providing technical references for the digital protection of cultural heritage. Full article
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31 pages, 8172 KB  
Article
Research on Structural Optimization and Process Parameter Response Surface Optimization of Vacuum Low-Temperature Fish Meal Dryer
by Xuchu Chen, Wei Wang, Wuwei Feng, Danyu Li and Rongsheng Lin
Processes 2026, 14(10), 1653; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14101653 - 20 May 2026
Abstract
To address the industry pain points of domestic traditional fish meal processing equipment, such as low protein retention, low drying efficiency, and poor operational reliability, this study focuses on high-moisture, heat-sensitive cod meal as the test material to investigate the structural improvement and [...] Read more.
To address the industry pain points of domestic traditional fish meal processing equipment, such as low protein retention, low drying efficiency, and poor operational reliability, this study focuses on high-moisture, heat-sensitive cod meal as the test material to investigate the structural improvement and synergistic optimization of process parameters for vacuum low-temperature fish meal dryers. The conventional uniform-pitch heating coil was optimized into a three-section differentiated structure, with a wear-resistant protective structure additionally incorporated to fundamentally resolve issues including insufficient heat transfer at the feed end, coking at the discharge end, and coil wear-induced leakage. Verification via COMSOL Multiphysics simulation revealed that the axial temperature gradient of the optimized equipment decreased from 8.6 °C/m to 6.2 °C/m, while the thermal fatigue life of the coil was extended from 2–3 years to over 10 years. A three-factor, three-level response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to design the experiments, with the heating temperature, vacuum degree, and drying time as independent variables and the fish meal protein content as the response variable. A total of 17 experimental runs were constructed, including 12 factorial points and 5 central points; each run was replicated three times in parallel, and data were reported as mean values. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that the regression model was highly statistically significant (p < 0.0001), with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.2464% and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9944, indicating excellent fitting accuracy. The determined optimal process parameters were as follows: a drying temperature of 65 °C, vacuum degree of 0.08 MPa, and drying time of 75 min. Compared with the traditional process, the optimized process shortened the drying cycle by 37.5%, reduced unit energy consumption by 29.2%, and increased the fish meal protein content by 6.6%. This research provides a reliable technical solution for the localized processing of high-end fish meal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Process Engineering)
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22 pages, 9616 KB  
Article
Predicting Yield in Tomato Infected with Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) Using Regression Models Based on Physiological Traits
by Jeong-Eun Sim, Yun-Ha Lee, Min-Seok Gang, Ju-Yeon Ahn, Han-Kyeol Park, Jae-Kyung Kim, Won-Kyung Lee, Si-Hong Kim and Ho-Min Kang
Agriculture 2026, 16(10), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16101115 - 20 May 2026
Abstract
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is one of the most destructive viral diseases causing severe yield losses in tomato production worldwide. This study investigated the effects of TYLCV infection on plant growth, photosynthetic physiological responses, and yield formation in greenhouse-grown tomatoes and [...] Read more.
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is one of the most destructive viral diseases causing severe yield losses in tomato production worldwide. This study investigated the effects of TYLCV infection on plant growth, photosynthetic physiological responses, and yield formation in greenhouse-grown tomatoes and evaluated the applicability of physiological trait-based yield prediction models. Two large-fruited tomato cultivars widely cultivated in Korean protected horticulture systems, ‘Daphnis’ and ‘Pink Star’, were inoculated with TYLCV under greenhouse conditions, and their growth, physiological responses, and yield characteristics were compared under high- and low-temperature growing seasons. TYLCV infection significantly reduced leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area index (LAI), and decreased both flowering truss number and fruit-setting truss number, resulting in reduced total yield. Physiological analyses showed that infected plants exhibited decreases in the OJIP fluorescence rise curve and Fv/Fm values, indicating a reduced photochemical efficiency in photosystem II. In addition, ACi response curve analysis revealed a reduction in net photosynthetic rate, suggesting limited carbon assimilation capacity. Total yield showed significant positive correlations with maximum net photosynthetic rate (Amax), Fv/Fm, and Ci300. GGE and GT biplot analyses further indicated that yield was closely associated with photosynthetic performance and canopy development traits. A multiple regression model based on physiological traits and virus infection status explained a significant proportion of the variation in tomato yield (R2 = 0.367), indicating that TYLCV infection acts as a key limiting factor for yield reduction. These findings demonstrate that TYLCV infection restricts tomato productivity through reduced photosynthetic efficiency and altered canopy structure. Moreover, physiological trait-based yield prediction approaches may provide a useful framework for evaluating productivity under viral infection conditions and for developing data-driven crop management strategies in greenhouse tomato production systems. Full article
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23 pages, 123514 KB  
Article
Microglial Nrf2 Activation Orchestrates Ferroptosis Inhibition and α-Synuclein Clearance in Parkinson’s Disease
by Feifan Chen, Yingneng Liang, Wen Li, Yaxin Guo, Hongchun Liu, Meiyu Geng, Ming Liu and Yu Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(10), 4579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27104579 - 20 May 2026
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is pathologically characterized by the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein and the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, with microglia-mediated neuroinflammation acting as a pivotal driver of pathogenesis. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, significantly contributes to PD progression. However, [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is pathologically characterized by the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein and the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, with microglia-mediated neuroinflammation acting as a pivotal driver of pathogenesis. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, significantly contributes to PD progression. However, the precise mechanisms governing microglial ferroptosis under α-synuclein pathology, particularly the regulatory role of the master antioxidant transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), remain elusive. Here, we employed an in vitro BV2 microglial model and an in vivo A53T transgenic mouse model to elucidate the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of Nrf2 on ferroptosis-associated phenotypes induced by α-synuclein pre-formed fibrils (PFFs). In vitro, PFF treatment significantly downregulated microglial Nrf2 expression, triggering ferroptosis-associated phenotypes characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, ferrous iron (Fe2+) overload, and elevated lipid peroxidation. Genetic knockdown of Nrf2 exacerbated these ferroptosis-associated phenotypes and accelerated α-synuclein aggregation. Conversely, Nrf2 overexpression or pharmacological activation via dimethyl fumarate (DMF) profoundly suppressed α-synuclein pathology and mitigated ferroptosis-associated signatures. In vivo, microglial activation in the substantia nigra of PD mice was accompanied by marked Nrf2 downregulation. Strikingly, microglia-specific Nrf2 overexpression significantly reversed motor and non-motor deficits (including olfactory and locomotor impairments), demonstrating the sufficiency of microglial protection. Furthermore, systemic administration of the Nrf2 activator DMF not only ameliorated motor dysfunction but also concurrently rescued nigral dopaminergic neurons and reduced striatal α-synuclein aggregation. Taken together, our findings identify Nrf2 downregulation-driven microglial ferroptosis-associated phenotypes as a critical pathogenic mechanism, and demonstrate that targeting this pathway in vivo ameliorates motor and non-motor deficits while preserving dopaminergic neurons in PD mice. These findings support further research on Nrf2 activation and DMF as potential therapeutic strategies for PD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights in Neurodegeneration)
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14 pages, 1003 KB  
Article
Risk Factors for Catheter-Related Thrombosis
by Leyla La Cava, Davide Giustivi, Arianna Bartoli, Alessia Meschia, Federica Cirigliano, Teresa Lanzi, Beatrice Tramalloni, Maria Calloni, Paolo Zappa, Alba Taino, Giacomo Ronzoni, Antonella Foschi, Igor Giarretta, Marco Gemma, Adam Fabiani, Chiara Cogliati and Antonio Gidaro
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3932; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103932 - 20 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Although guidelines emphasize proper insertion techniques and tip positioning, catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) remains a common and clinically significant complication of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and midline catheters (MCs). In this context, the use of pharmacological prophylaxis is still debated. This study [...] Read more.
Background: Although guidelines emphasize proper insertion techniques and tip positioning, catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) remains a common and clinically significant complication of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and midline catheters (MCs). In this context, the use of pharmacological prophylaxis is still debated. This study aims to assess the incidence of CRT in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy (therapeutic or prophylactic) and antiplatelet therapy. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital and included adult patients from March 2021 to May 2023. Six potential confounders were analyzed: anticoagulation status (none, prophylaxis, therapeutic), antiplatelet therapy, tip position (PICCs vs. MCs), number of lumens, CRT risk factors, and drug infusion requiring central access. CRT was diagnosed in symptomatic patients using compression ultrasonography. Propensity score weighting and logistic regression were employed to estimate odds ratios (OR) and average treatment effects. Results: A total of 1431 patients were enrolled. PICCs and therapeutic anticoagulant therapy were highly protective against CRT (OR 0.068 [95% CI 0.013–0.2] and OR 0.007 [95% CI 0.001–0.046], respectively). Prophylactic anticoagulant therapy (OR 0.328 [95% CI 0.200–0.519]) and antiplatelet therapy (OR 0.342 [95% CI 0.182–0.595]) also showed protective effects. At the same time, neither the number of lumens, the presence of risk factors, nor the infusion of irritating drugs was independently associated with CRT. Conclusions: The use of anticoagulant drugs (both prophylactic and therapeutic), antiplatelet therapy, and PICC use significantly lowered the risk of CRT. The findings support personalized prevention strategies and underscore the need for a well-designed randomized controlled trial to validate these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Research in Vascular Access Devices)
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27 pages, 38361 KB  
Article
Protecting RC Plate Subjected to Combined Effect of Blast and Fragments with ECC
by Tianming He, Xiaojuan Wang and Hongyuan Zhou
Buildings 2026, 16(10), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16102005 - 20 May 2026
Abstract
To improve the resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) plates against combined blast and fragment loading, the effectiveness of engineered cementitious composite (ECC) protective layers was investigated. Existing studies have mainly focused on single loading conditions, while the coupled effects and the influence of [...] Read more.
To improve the resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) plates against combined blast and fragment loading, the effectiveness of engineered cementitious composite (ECC) protective layers was investigated. Existing studies have mainly focused on single loading conditions, while the coupled effects and the influence of key ECC design parameters remain insufficiently understood. In this study, validated numerical models were developed to examine the effects of ECC thickness, compressive strength, and protective configuration on the structural response. The results show that ECC protection significantly mitigated damage and deformation, identifying thickness as the dominant factor. As the ECC thickness increased, the cratering area decreased from approximately 650,000 mm2 to nearly zero, and the central displacement was reduced from 32.2 mm to 18.7 mm (≈42% reduction). In contrast, increasing compressive strength from C30 to C70 resulted in only a limited reduction in displacement (26.6 mm to 23.9 mm). Regarding configuration, double-sided protection further reduced displacement to 19.7 mm (≈39% reduction) and effectively suppressed damage on both surfaces. Overall, the protective performance of ECC layers is governed primarily by thickness and configuration rather than compressive strength. These findings provide quantitative guidance for the design of ECC-strengthened RC structures under combined blast and fragment loading. Full article
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13 pages, 420 KB  
Article
Hemodynamic and Thrombotic Vulnerability in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension at High Altitude: Multivariable Predictors of Mortality
by Rafael Conde-Camacho, Eduardo Tuta-Quintero, Angelica Mora-Barrero, Alirio Bastidas-Goyes and Luis F. Giraldo-Cadavid
Medicina 2026, 62(5), 996; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62050996 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains associated with substantial mortality despite advances in treatment. Although prognostic factors have been widely described at sea level, their behavior in populations living at high altitude remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to identify factors [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains associated with substantial mortality despite advances in treatment. Although prognostic factors have been widely described at sea level, their behavior in populations living at high altitude remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to identify factors associated with mortality during follow-up in patients with Group 1 PH residing at high altitude. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including patients with confirmed Group I PH diagnosed by right heart catheterization and treated between 2017 and 2022. Clinical, functional, and hemodynamic variables were analyzed. A penalized logistic regression model using Elastic Net methodology was applied to identify variables associated with five-year mortality. Results: A total of 165 patients were included, with a mean age of 41 years (SD 13.93), and 84.2% were women. Among PH etiologies, congenital heart disease was the most frequent cause (50.3%), followed by idiopathic PH (33.3%) and connective tissue disease-associated PH (12.7%). Five-year mortality was 13.3% (22/165). Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension was significantly more frequent among deceased patients compared to survivors (13/22 [59.1%] vs. 42/143 [29.4%], p = 0.025). Mortality was associated with acute pulmonary embolism, greater smoking burden, worse functional class, and adverse hemodynamic parameters. In multivariable analysis, acute pulmonary embolism (coefficient 0.196; OR 1.216; 95% CI 1.16–1.27; p < 0.001), ESC/ERS risk stratification (coefficient 0.158; OR 1.171; 95% CI 1.08–1.26; p < 0.001), pulmonary vascular resistance > 25 wood units (coefficient 0.180; OR 1.198; 95% CI 1.13–1.26; p < 0.001), and age ≥ 65 years (coefficient 0.171; OR 1.187; 95% CI 1.10–1.27; p < 0.001) were identified as risk factors, while female sex showed a protective effect (coefficient −1.041; OR 0.353; 95% CI 0.33–0.37; p < 0.001). Conclusions: In patients with Group 1 PH living at high altitude, several clinical, functional, and hemodynamic variables were associated with increased mortality, including acute pulmonary embolism, elevated pulmonary vascular resistance, advanced age, and intermediate-high risk stratification. Female sex was associated with lower mortality. Full article
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13 pages, 426 KB  
Review
Multidimensional Determinants of Food and Nutritional Insecurity Among Older Adults: A Scoping Review
by Pedro Lima, Eliane Rezende, Carmem Piagge, Estefanía Canedo and Maria Lucia Robazzi
Healthcare 2026, 14(10), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101396 - 20 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Food and nutritional insecurity (FNI) is a major social determinant of health that disproportionately affects older adults, with significant implications for their health, nutrition, and well-being. In this context, this scoping review aims to map and synthesize the available scientific evidence [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Food and nutritional insecurity (FNI) is a major social determinant of health that disproportionately affects older adults, with significant implications for their health, nutrition, and well-being. In this context, this scoping review aims to map and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the main determinants of FNI among older adults, considering socioeconomic, health-related, functional, psychosocial, and structural factors. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed across eight databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, LILACS, ProQuest, and Google Scholar), up to November 2024. Original studies addressing FNI in individuals aged ≥60 years were included. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Results: Of 5897 records identified, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. FNI in older adults was described as a multifactorial phenomenon associated with low income, limited education, social isolation, widowhood, chronic diseases, functional limitations, depressive symptoms, and poor housing conditions. Structural determinants, including institutional racism, gaps in social protection systems, and barriers to accessing food assistance programs, were also reported. Considerable heterogeneity in measurement instruments highlights the complexity of assessing FNI in this population. Conclusions: Addressing FNI in older adults requires moving beyond isolated interventions toward integrated, intersectoral strategies that tackle its underlying social and structural drivers. Strengthening social protection systems, reducing access barriers, and promoting equity-oriented policies are essential to ensure adequate nutrition and support healthy and dignified aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Illness, Diversity, and Cultural Competence)
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17 pages, 1724 KB  
Article
Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Predictors of Fatal Outcomes and Prolonged Hospitalization of Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Cases in Basrah, Iraq
by Mohammed H. Al-Maliki, Celine Tabche, Alaa K. Mousa, Ali R. Hashim, Zeenah Atwan, Hassan A. Farid, Maitham G. Yousif, David Rawaf, Nazik Haikaz Hasrat, Murtadha Almusafer, Anees K. Nile, Riyadh Al-Hilfi, Azeem Majeed, Alessandra Scagliarini, Salman Rawaf, Roaa Khafaji, Juan Carlos de la Torre and Haydar Witwit
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2026, 18(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr18030049 - 19 May 2026
Abstract
Background: The impact of climate change on birds’ migration and ticks’ reservoir habits is contributing to the spread of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV), to new continents and countries. CCHF is endemic to the Eastern Mediterranean Region, including Iraq, [...] Read more.
Background: The impact of climate change on birds’ migration and ticks’ reservoir habits is contributing to the spread of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV), to new continents and countries. CCHF is endemic to the Eastern Mediterranean Region, including Iraq, and is witnessing a substantial surge in confirmed cases with considerable disparity and gaps in managing CCHF cases. The increasing CCHF spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe, including Spain and Turkey, highlights the danger of its expansion. Developing high-confidence diagnostic criteria, identifying risk factors, and accurate predictors of CCHF outcomes are critical to managing suspected and confirmed cases of CCHF and to reducing the current case fatality rate of CCHF, which is the goal of this study. Methods: We completed a retrospective evaluation of 61 confirmed cases of CCHF in Basrah (Iraq). The cases were screened according to the clinical presentation, and CCHF cases were identified by ELISA and validated by PCR. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. T-tests, chi-square/Fisher exact tests, and Pearson’s correlation were used, with significance set at p < 0.05 and high significance at p < 0.01. Results: We found that repeated exposure to animals during animal slaughtering was a significant risk factor. In addition, 5% of the patients with confirmed CCHF, mainly from rural areas, reported exposure to rats. Clinical presentations included fever, headache, gastrointestinal problems, eye and orbital symptoms, and hemorrhagic complications. Predictors of death included advanced age, decreased platelet counts, and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as delusions and confusion. Conclusions: Our findings identify clinical and laboratory features of CCHF cases in Iraq, which will help to implement the most effective interventions to manage CCHF cases and protect the public in all Iraqi governorates. In summary, this study highlights a recent and significant rise in CCHF cases in Basrah Governorate, Iraq. Notably, 5% of confirmed cases reported contact with rats. The paper also proposes diagnostic criteria and identifies key predictors of mortality to support improved clinical management of CCHF. These findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened public health interventions, including enhanced infection prevention and control measures, increased awareness, and improved surveillance systems. The findings have important implications for improving control procedures, guiding therapeutic development, informing vaccine strategies, and supporting evidence-based policy alongside future research efforts. Full article
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17 pages, 496 KB  
Article
Bullying, Victimization, Resilience, and Emotional Intelligence Among Primary School Students
by Tatiani Gkatsa and Spyridoula Rachioti
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16050797 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026
Abstract
There is a lack of comprehensive studies investigating the combined effect of resilience and emotional intelligence on the experience of bullying. Students’ well-being is based on skills such as psychological resilience and emotional intelligence. Thanks to these skills, problems like bullying are reduced, [...] Read more.
There is a lack of comprehensive studies investigating the combined effect of resilience and emotional intelligence on the experience of bullying. Students’ well-being is based on skills such as psychological resilience and emotional intelligence. Thanks to these skills, problems like bullying are reduced, and students thrive. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between school bullying/victimization, psychological resilience, and emotional intelligence in primary school students, within the context of psychosocial factors related to school inclusion. In the present cross-sectional study, 121 primary school students (54 boys, 67 girls), aged 8–12 years, were surveyed using a self-report questionnaire to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence, psychological resilience, and school bullying/victimization. A moderate positive correlation was found between victimization and bullying (ρ(119) = 0.34, p < 0.001), while victimization was moderately and negatively associated with resilience (ρ(119) = −0.35, p < 0.001). Emotional intelligence showed weak and non-significant associations with victimization and resilience, whereas its correlation with bullying was positive but small in magnitude (ρ(119) = 0.18, p = 0.048). Overall, resilience appears to be inversely related to victimization, while emotional intelligence demonstrated limited explanatory value in this sample. These findings highlight the potential protective role of resilience against victimization and underscore the importance of resilience-focused interventions within school settings. Emotional intelligence, although theoretically relevant, demonstrated limited explanatory value in this sample. Full article
16 pages, 2233 KB  
Article
Effects of Row Spacing and Nozzle Type on Spray Penetration Inside Soybean Canopy Under Various Wind Velocities
by Jose Theodoro, Heping Zhu, Hongyoung Jeon and Erdal Ozkan
Agronomy 2026, 16(10), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16100997 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026
Abstract
Adequate spray deposition and penetration of pesticides into the lower part of the soybean canopy can increase the chances of successfully protecting plants from diseases and insects. Only a small number of comprehensive studies have examined how spray application parameters (nozzle types, travel [...] Read more.
Adequate spray deposition and penetration of pesticides into the lower part of the soybean canopy can increase the chances of successfully protecting plants from diseases and insects. Only a small number of comprehensive studies have examined how spray application parameters (nozzle types, travel speed, droplet size, application rate, application equipment) affect droplet penetration into the inner and lower parts of the soybean canopy. However, the data obtained from replicated plots in these field experiments showed significant variability due to uneven soybean canopy characteristics and unpredictable wind speed and direction. To minimize variability in field studies, this study used a new methodology: conducting the experiment under controlled conditions in a wind tunnel. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing the distance between soybean rows on the spray coverage and deposition of different droplet size classes from various nozzles, delivering spray to the lower canopy in a wind tunnel. Four commercially available spray nozzles with droplet size classification from medium to extremely coarse were mounted on a spray boom with a spray controller to spray an application rate of 150 L ha−1 under laminar wind speeds of 0, 2.4, and 5.1 m s−1. Rectangular pots containing fully grown soybeans were placed in the test section of the tunnel at center-to-center distances of 0.38 and 0.76 m to replicate narrow and wide row spacings, respectively, commonly used by soybean growers. Eight points in each soybean row were selected to collect spray deposition and coverage with water-sensitive papers (WSPs) and acrylic plates (APs), respectively, at the top, middle, and lower layers of the canopy. Results showed that the top of the soybean canopy consistently received the highest amount of spray, regardless of application conditions, as expected, while the middle and lower layers of the canopy did not receive much spray. Nozzle types and wind speeds were not significant factors in increasing spray penetration into the middle to lower layers of soybean plants. Although wider row spacing improved the spray deposition in the lower part of the canopy, this improvement was not statistically significant. The main conclusions derived from this study indicate that even using wider row spacing configurations, spray penetration into the lower parts of the soybean canopy was limited due to denser canopy conditions and the effects of high wind speeds. Therefore, other advanced spray techniques, such as air-assisted spraying or using other mechanisms to expose lower parts of the canopy to the nozzles, may be needed to effectively overcome these limitations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)
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20 pages, 434 KB  
Article
Measuring Social Attachment to Urban Greening: Validation of the Urban Green Attachment Scale for Project-Level Sustainability Evaluation
by Jiri Remr
Sustainability 2026, 18(10), 5112; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18105112 - 19 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Although urban greening interventions are increasingly implemented to improve livability, environmental quality, and adaptation capacity in cities, their evaluation still predominantly relies on physical outputs rather than validated, resident-centered outcomes. This study examined whether the five-item attachment dimension of the Urban Green [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Although urban greening interventions are increasingly implemented to improve livability, environmental quality, and adaptation capacity in cities, their evaluation still predominantly relies on physical outputs rather than validated, resident-centered outcomes. This study examined whether the five-item attachment dimension of the Urban Green Attachment Scale (UGAS) can reliably indicate the social integration of newly introduced greenery in an SDG 11-oriented evaluation context. The present adaptation of the UGAS captures the perceived importance of the planting, its contribution to well-being, anticipated loss, willingness to protect it, and aesthetic appreciation. Methods: Data were collected through two independent face-to-face surveys conducted among residents of the same housing estate shortly after a greening intervention in May 2025 (n = 150) and September 2025 (n = 191). The first sample was used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the second for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω; inter-item associations were estimated using Kendall’s tau-b; and construct validity was examined through known-groups comparisons with theoretically relevant appraisals and stewardship-related indicators. Results: The adapted UGAS demonstrated high internal consistency, low floor and ceiling effects, and moderate to strong inter-item associations. Exploratory factor analysis supported a unidimensional solution with high loadings and 65.7% explained variance, and confirmatory factor analysis corroborated this structure after minor, theory-guided localized refinements. Higher UGAS scores were consistently observed among residents who reported stronger calming and home-related effects, perceived healthier local conditions, expressed willingness to help care for the plants, and demonstrated a readiness to cooperate in improving the area. Conclusions: The results support the five-item UGAS attachment score as a compact, psychometrically adequate measure of residents’ attachment to newly planted urban greenery. Rather than replacing official SDG indicators, the UGAS can complement them at the project level by determining if urban greening becomes socially meaningful and accepted and if it supports stewardship. In this sense, UGAS offers municipalities a practical tool for linking physical greening outputs with resident-centered outcomes relevant to inclusive public spaces, participatory urban development, and the long-term social durability of urban greening interventions. Full article
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