Saved Queries

by Shucheng Yang, Jiahao Liu, Shuwen Guo, Jing Zhang, Huaikun Zhu, Zhenjie Ren, Yanting Pan, Lida Che, Zhanfang Wu, Xiangyang Li and Dianchun Ju

Metals 2026, 16(5), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16050469 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

The corrosion behavior of high-entropy alloys under cyclic wet–dry conditions simulating the salt-lake atmosphere was investigated. The composition, morphology, and electrochemical properties of the corrosion products formed on the alloy surface after corrosion were systematically analyzed. The results show that in a chloride-containing environment with alternating temperature and humidity, the Cr-containing oxide passive film formed on the alloy surface effectively inhibits the corrosion process in the early stages. In addition, electrochemical results show that the charge transfer resistance in the MgCl₂ system reaches 4.96 × 10⁵ Ω·cm² at prolonged exposure, which is significantly higher than that in the NaCl system, indicating a lower corrosion rate. However, over time, the passive film undergoes localized rupture due to chloride ion attack and stress, leading to pitting corrosion and expansion toward the substrate. This study reveals the corrosion mechanism of high-entropy alloys in high-altitude salt-lake atmospheric environments and provides crucial insights for material design and performance optimization for their engineering applications in salt-lake scenarios. Full article

20 pages, 6122 KB

Open AccessArticle

Automated Detection and Classification of Lunar Linear Tectonic Features Using a Deep Learning Method

by Xiaoyang Liu, Yang Luo, Jianhui Wang, Denggao Qiu, Jianguo Yan, Wensong Zhang and Yaowen Luo

Remote Sens. 2026, 18(9), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18091330 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

On the lunar surface, wrinkle ridges, grabens, and lobate scarps represent key tectonic landforms that reflect the evolution of the Moon’s stress field and its tectonic processes. However, these linear structures often exhibit weak textures, low contrast, and large scale variations, making manual interpretation inefficient and subjective. To address this issue, this study introduces an improved YOLOv8 model, termed HL-YOLOv8, for the automated detection of lunar linear features. The model incorporates a multiscale lightweight channel attention (C2f_MLCA) module into the backbone network to enhance the extraction of fine-grained and weak-texture features and integrates a multihead self-attention (C2f_MHSA) module in the feature fusion stage to improve the modelling of long-range spatial dependencies. In addition, the combination of a dual focal loss and a diversified data augmentation strategy effectively mitigates the detection difficulties caused by class imbalance and weak-feature samples. The experimental results obtained using the global LROC-WAC image dataset demonstrate that HL-YOLOv8 significantly outperforms the baseline YOLOv8 and other comparative models in terms of precision, recall, and mAP@0.5. Specifically, the proposed model achieved an average precision of 73.5%, an average recall of 73.1%, and an average mAP@0.5 of 74.6% on the evaluation dataset, showing particularly strong performance in detecting elongated grabens and boundary-blurred lobate scarps. The global distribution maps derived from the model predictions indicate that HL-YOLOv8 can be applied to comprehensively reconstruct the spatial patterns of the three types of linear structures and identify potential new features in high-latitude and geologically complex regions, demonstrating excellent generalizability and robustness. This study provides an efficient and reliable framework for the automated identification and global mapping of lunar linear features and offers a transferable methodological reference for the tectonic interpretation of terrestrial planets. Full article

23 pages, 6849 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Analysis of the PR1 Gene Family in Pinus massoniana Under Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Stress

by Haiyu Zhou, Qingyang Chen, Shan Hu, Zhichun Zhou, Kai Gao, Bin Liu and Qinghua Liu

Plants 2026, 15(9), 1325; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15091325 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1) plays important roles in plant responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses; however, its role in mediating defense against pine wood nematode in Pinus massoniana remains unclear. In this study, a total of 63 PR1 family members were identified in P. massoniana using bioinformatics approaches and were named PmPR1-1 to PmPR1-63 based on their phylogenetic relationships. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these members were distributed among four of the six subfamilies. Most of the encoded proteins were hydrophilic, with lengths ranging from 131 to 406 amino acids. Their promoter regions contained multiple cis-acting elements associated with phytohormone signaling and stress responses, and some members formed gene clusters on chromosomes 2, 5, and 9. qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) analysis showed that the clustered genes PmPR1-46, PmPR1-55, PmPR1-56, and PmPR1-61 were significantly upregulated in the early stage of pine wood nematode inoculation in both resistant and susceptible P. massoniana plants, with higher expression levels in resistant plants. Transient overexpression of PmPR1-61 increased SOD and PPO activities as well as proline content while decreasing CAT activity. These results suggest that the PmPR1 family may be involved in the defense response of P. massoniana against pine wood nematode. Among them, PmPR1-55, PmPR1-56, and PmPR1-61 represent candidate resistance genes worthy of further investigation and provide valuable gene resources for elucidating resistance mechanisms and supporting molecular breeding in P. massoniana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)

23 pages, 3168 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Evaluation of Wedge-Type Anchorage Systems for Smooth-Surfaced NiTi SMA Bars

by Moustafa Basha, Anas Issa and Ahmed Bediwy

Buildings 2026, 16(9), 1708; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16091708 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

SMA bars, particularly those based on NiTi, exhibit superelastic and self-centering properties, providing damage-resistant, self-centering structural systems. However, their natural smoothness and low machinability pose a significant challenge to adequate mechanical anchorage. This paper experimentally measures the efficiency of two feasible wedge-type anchorage systems, wedge-and-barrel (WB) and spring anchor (SA), which are typically used in post-tensioning systems, and assesses their applicability for anchoring smooth-surfaced NiTi SMA bars. A total of 24 testing configurations were examined in this study. A complete monotonic tensile test regime was performed at steady loads with desired strain levels. The findings validate that both wedge-type anchorage systems were able to effectively anchor the SMA bars, although some performance differences were observed. The WB anchorage system showed increased stress capacity, improved load transfer efficiency, and less scatter across repeated tests, which can be attributed to its greater mechanical confinement and frictional interlock, exhibiting an increase of approximately 27% in stress capacity compared to the SA anchorage system. On the other hand, the SA system exhibited good anchorage performance. It showed a slightly lower stress response and greater variation at higher levels of deformation due to the spring’s compression mechanism. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using wedge-type anchorage systems to anchor SMA rebars for seismic applications and provide guidance for future anchorage design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Composite Materials)

21 pages, 9783 KB

Open AccessArticle

Leucine-Rich Repeat Extension 7 Gene Confers Cotton Resistance to Verticillium Wilt

by Xue Du, Yanfang Li, Wankui Gong, Zhen Wei, Qiankun Liu, Aiming Zhang, Yuting Ge, Yangyang Wei, Yuling Liu, Quanwei Lu, Xianghui Xiao, Pengtao Li, Juwu Gong and Renhai Peng

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093852 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Leucine-rich repeat extensins (LRXs) are essential regulators of plant development, cell wall integrity, and stress responses. However, genome-wide LRX studies in cotton are limited. Analysis of four Gossypium species identified 29, 28, 16, and 16 LRX genes in G. hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. arboreum, and G. raimondii, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis resolved these 89 genes into four subfamilies (I–IV). Structural annotation revealed that cotton LRX family members exhibit conserved domain architectures. This finding was corroborated by motif analysis, which revealed notable conservation in the motif compositions of most cotton LRX proteins, suggesting functional conservation across evolutionary lineages. Distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns were uncovered between G. hirsutum and G. barbadense. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures induced widespread down-regulation of most GhLRX genes, whereas genes in subgroup IV were significantly up-regulated under salt and drought stress conditions, respectively. Notably, GhLRX7 showed a more proactive responding profile to Verticillium wilt (VW) infection, which was therefore selected for functional validation employing virus-induced gene silencing in the cotton cultivars MBI9626 and CCRI36. Phenotypic analysis of silenced plants revealed exacerbated disease symptoms compared to wild-type controls, providing direct evidence implicating GhLRX7 as a key contributor to defense against VW. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)

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16 pages, 2240 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Environmental Adaptation Mechanism of Plants in Hanzhong Tiankeng

by Shuang Li and Jiankuo Du

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4242; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094242 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Tiankeng ecosystems are characterized by strong microenvironmental gradients that influence plant adaptation; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to altitudinal variation remain poorly understood. In this study, transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were conducted to investigate the environmental adaptation mechanisms of three representative plant species (Hydrangea strigosa Rehder, Pilea martini, and Pilea sinofasciata) distributed along the vertical gradient of the Hanzhong Tiankeng in Shaanxi Province, China. Differential gene expression and functional enrichment analyses were performed to explore transcriptional responses under different altitude conditions. The results showed that flower coloration in Hydrangea strigosa Rehder was associated with the activation of sugar metabolism and triterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, suggesting potential indirect roles in modulating cellular metabolism and physiological conditions linked to flower coloration, while poor growth at the tiankeng bottom was associated with enhanced cellular respiration under low-light conditions, suggesting a potential link between energy metabolism and growth performance. In contrast, Pilea martini and Pilea sinofasciata exhibited better growth in the pit-bottom environment. Pilea martini promoted growth through enhanced carbohydrate metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, whereas Pilea sinofasciata responded to environmental stress through hormone signaling, triterpenoid biosynthesis, and light signaling pathways. These findings reveal species-specific molecular strategies for plant adaptation to altitude-related environmental gradients in tiankeng ecosystems and provide insights into plant survival mechanisms in karst habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Science and Technology)

35 pages, 1821 KB

Open AccessReview

From Supplements to Therapeutics: Repurposing Antioxidant Compounds in the Management of NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)

by Rafailia-Eirini Theodorou, Nikiforos Vrettos and Panagiotis Theodosis-Nobelos

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4239; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094239 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. Its main contributors are obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Liver pathogenesis exacerbates when oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid accumulation, and attenuated autophagy signals coexist together with the main determinants of the liver disease. These findings may indicate that the suppression of the disease requires multi-targeting compounds to alleviate more than one factor, resulting in improved histopathological outcomes. This review studies natural compounds, given as supplements, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The compounds included are vitamins, carotenoids, low-molecular-weight thiol-containing compounds, fatty acids and others that have been investigated for their pleiotropic activity alone or in combination. They act at different pathways and signals, and at gene expression control, modulating oxidative stress and inflammation, such as collagen, TNF-α, NF-κB, Nrf2 and PPARs genes. Their mechanism of action and characteristics may be encouraging treatment options as multi-targeting compounds for NAFLD and other diseases whose pathophysiology is closely related to metabolic syndrome. However, extensive study on their safety, toxicity, mechanisms of action and dosage regimen is needed before their final establishment as potential treatment options. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioorganic Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry)

20 pages, 1104 KB

Open AccessReview

Do Perfluorinated Chemicals Enhance the Toxicity of Other Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms? A Review

by Eliana Maira Agostini Valle, Emma Ivantsova, Maria Luisa Pracchia, Calvin Quessada Cabello, Hueder Paulo Moisés de Oliveira, Lucia Codognoto and Christopher J. Martyniuk

Toxics 2026, 14(5), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14050373 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Environmental contaminants pose threats to exposed organisms and negatively impact the nervous, cardiovascular, immune, and reproductive systems. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are ubiquitous in the environment. Given that mixtures of environmental contaminants have the potential to exacerbate toxicity, we reviewed the current literature on pesticides, microplastics, or metal exposure in combination with PFAS on aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates. The objectives were to evaluate the toxicological effects of mixtures of the selected contaminants with PFAS on aquatic organisms to better understand biological responses in animals. Based on our review, data suggest that PFAS can modify the toxicity of co-occurring pollutants. For example, synergistic effects on toxicity include chlorpyrifos + perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), which increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulated neurotoxicity-related genes in zebrafish, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) + atrazine, which increased the presence of malformations and oxidative stress. However, antagonistic interactions were also observed, for example, reduced herbicide toxicity in PFOA + 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) mixtures. PFAS combined with microplastics often intensified oxidative stress and developmental or reproductive effects, though polyethylene microplastics attenuated perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)-induced immunotoxicity in fish like seabass. Interactions with metals also varied, with copper and cadmium enhancing oxidative stress while mercury mixtures with PFAS showed antagonism, underscoring the complexity of mixture effects in real environments. A computational approach demonstrated that PFOS can engage in intermolecular interactions with pesticides, microplastic monomers, and metals, suggesting chemical-level effects that could modify toxicity or bioavailability. Future studies should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying these complex interactions, investigating effects at different trophic levels and in a broader range of species, and should consider environmentally relevant mixtures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Emerging Contaminants)

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30 pages, 1337 KB

Open AccessReview

5/6 Nephrectomy as an Experimental Model for Chronic Kidney Disease: New Vasoactive and Antioxidant Therapeutic Targets

by Regina Souza Aires, Maria da Conceição Correia Silva, Filipe de Melo Barbosa, Mirelly Cunha da Silva, Silvia Maria de Luna Alves, Alice Valença Araújo and Thyago Moreira de Queiroz

Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(5), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19050676 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder characterized by declining renal function and increased cardiovascular risk. Experimental models are essential for investigating these mechanisms, and the 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) model is widely used to reproduce cardiorenal alterations observed in CKD. This review aims to critically evaluate how effectively the 5/6 Nx model reproduces vasoactive and redox mechanisms relevant for pharmacological testing. A narrative synthesis of experimental studies using the 5/6 Nx model in rodents was performed, focusing on vascular, inflammatory, and oxidative pathways. The 5/6 Nx model reproduces major CKD features, including hypertension, proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, and cardiovascular remodeling. Early activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, endothelin signaling, and sympathetic pathways contributes to vascular dysfunction. Sustained oxidative stress reduces nitric oxide bioavailability and promotes endothelial dysfunction. Dysregulation of natriuretic peptides and increased 20-HETE signaling further contribute to vascular imbalance and remodeling. These alterations occur in a well-defined temporal progression, supporting the use of this model for mechanistic and pharmacological studies. The 5/6 Nx model remains a robust and translationally informative platform for investigating CKD progression, provided that pathway-specific reproducibility and experimental variables are carefully considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Vasoactive and Anti-Inflammatory Agents: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Applications)

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28 pages, 3117 KB

Open AccessReview

Nanotechnology for Drought Mitigation and Water Conservation: Opportunities and Limitations

by Hassan El-Ramady, Daniella Sári, Tamer Elsakhawy, Neama Abdalla, Howaida I. Abd-Alla and József Prokisch

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(9), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16090523 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly critical global challenge, driven by climate change, rapid population growth, pollution, and unsustainable water use. Drought further intensifies this crisis by reducing water availability across agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic systems. In this context, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool for improving water management and enhancing drought resilience. This review examines the role of nanotechnology in drought mitigation and water conservation through multiple pathways, including the enhancement of plant drought tolerance, improvement in soil water retention, the development of smart irrigation and nano-sensing systems, and the expansion of water resources through purification, desalination, and wastewater reuse. In addition, the broader drought–water nexus is discussed to position nano-enabled approaches within existing water management strategies. While numerous studies report improvements in water-use efficiency, stress tolerance, and treatment performance under controlled conditions, significant limitations remain. These include concerns related to environmental safety, nanotoxicity, scalability, cost, and the gap between laboratory findings and field-level applications. Overall, nanotechnology should be considered a complementary approach rather than a stand-alone solution for addressing water scarcity under drought conditions. Future research should focus on long-term environmental impacts, techno-economic feasibility, and large-scale field validation to support the safe and effective integration of nanotechnology into sustainable water management systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiotechnology for Agricultural Stress Tolerance and Environmental Remediation)

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19 pages, 7920 KB

Open AccessArticle

Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Straw Incorporation by Shallow Tillage as an Alternative Allelopathic Strategy for Natural Controlling Weeds in Transplanting Rice Fields

by Qingyi Cao, Siyu Yang, Rong Yang, Jinwen Zhu, Shuying Li, Mengcen Wang and Wenjun Gui

Agronomy 2026, 16(9), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16090876 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Effective weed control is essential for sustainable and safe rice production, particularly under the long-term and widespread use of chemical herbicides. Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops worldwide, and the oilseed rape–rice rotation system is widely practiced in China. It has been reported to exhibit strong allelopathy on various plants, but the feasibility of using its straw incorporation for weed control in transplanted rice fields remains unclear. In this study, a natural weed management strategy based on shallow tillage of oilseed rape straw (ORS) was evaluated through laboratory bioassays, greenhouse experiments, and field trials. The results indicated that soil decomposition liquids (SDLs) of ORS exhibited strong dose- and decomposition time-dependent allelopathic effects on seven paddy weed species, while rice showed markedly lower sensitivity. ORS incorporated at 700–1100 g/m² generally exhibited high integrated allelopathic inhibition (in lab) and population control effects (in greenhouse) on paddy weeds, especially Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees, Cyperus iria L., and Cyperus difformis L. Among the growth parameters of ORS allelopathic stress, root growth was the most sensitive indicator, followed by shoot growth and seed germination. Greenhouse experiments displayed variety-dependent impact on the transplanted rice seedlings, with Xiushui134 and Yongyou1540 showing relatively high tolerance. Field trials revealed that ORS incorporation at 1100 g/m² for 10 d achieved a satisfactory control of population (77.7–84.9%) and fresh weight (80.7–95.6%) across Gramineae, Cyperaceae and Broadleaf weeds, without adverse impact on the growth of transplanted rice seedlings (Yongyou1540). This treatment also significantly promoted theoretical grain yield by 13.4–19.4%. Overall, shallow tillage of oilseed rape straw provides a feasible and environmentally friendly weed control strategy for transplanted rice systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Weed Science and Weed Management)

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17 pages, 4283 KB

Open AccessArticle

Celastrol Ameliorates Renal Injury in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats by Activating the Nrf2/Ho-1 Signaling Pathway to Alleviate Oxidative Stress

by Yijie Deng, Jichun Wang, Xiping Liu, Xiuwen Wang, Hua Li, Bo Gu, Min Zhang, Renjun Wang and Yi Yang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093849 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Celastrol (CSL), a natural triterpenoid extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii, demonstrates a wide range of biological activities. In this study, we explored whether CSL alleviates kidney damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) through the modulation of the Nrf2/Ho-1 pathway, a crucial target in renal injury models. A total of 40 male SHRs, aged 6–8 weeks, were randomly allocated to four groups: the control group (CON, serving as the healthy control), the spontaneously hypertensive rat group (SHR), the SHR group treated with low-dose CSL (L-CSL + SHR, 0.5 mg/kg/d), and the SHR group treated with high-dose CSL (H-CSL + SHR, 1 mg/kg/d). All drugs were formulated using physiological saline as the solvent and administered via intraperitoneal injection. The control group received an equivalent volume of physiological saline via intraperitoneal injection, and all groups underwent continuous daily administration for 6 weeks. The results indicated that, in comparison with the control group, the serum levels of angiotensin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and aldosterone in the SHR group were relatively high, and CSL treatment further downregulated these indices. Simultaneously, CSL downregulated pro-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) and upregulated interleukin-6. Regarding renal function-related indicators, CSL reduced malondialdehyde levels and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. Moreover, CSL inhibited the overexpression of Keap1. Significantly, the mRNA levels of Nrf2, Nqo1, and Ho-1 in the CSL-treated groups were notably higher than those in the SHR group. These findings suggest that CSL mitigates renal pathological damage in SHR by activating the Nrf2/Ho-1 pathway, offering a potential therapeutic approach for hypertension-induced renal injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Active Substance and Natural Products)

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21 pages, 1486 KB

Open AccessReview

The Effect of Metabolic Syndrome on Alzheimer’s Disease: Physical Activity as a Preventive and Therapeutic Measure

by Eleazar Ramírez Hernández, Citlalli Netzahualcoyotzi, Gabriela Hurtado-Alvarado, José Luis Sánchez, Ali Pereyra Morales, David Arredondo-Zamarripa, Luis Fernando Hernández-Zimbrón, Dulce Papy-Garcia, Jorge Guevara, Natalia Gutiérrez Ponce, Wilton Gomez-Henao, Yonathan Garfias, Gustavo Ortiz Chavez and Edgar Zenteno

Brain Sci. 2026, 16(5), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16050465 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Epidemiological and clinical research on neurodegenerative diseases has shown that metabolic dysregulations increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Many metabolic changes can be grouped into metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is defined as the presence of three or more risk factors, including insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hypertension, central obesity, and dyslipidemia. These changes cause systemic effects that are crucial in triggering neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, key factors in AD development. All these factors impair energy metabolism in peripheral tissues and the brain by decreasing glucose utilization, leading to alterations in O-GlcNAcylation, glycosylation, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, synaptic dysfunction, autophagy impairment, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. However, these factors are modified and largely influenced by lifestyle choices. A newer perspective emphasizes that regular exercise is vital for maintaining brain metabolism as we age. Current evidence suggests that engaging in physical activity for individuals with metabolic syndrome reduces their risk of Alzheimer’s disease, enhances prognosis, and improves cognitive abilities. This review explores how metabolic syndrome relates to Alzheimer’s and highlights possible strategies for prevention and treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural–Immune Interactions: Understanding the Bidirectional Relationship between the Brain and Immune Cells)

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22 pages, 11122 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Macro–Meso Shear Characteristics of Geogrid–Silty Clay Interface

by Liang Wang, Zhice Zhao, Zhaoyun Sun, Jincheng Wei and Hongxing Li

Coatings 2026, 16(5), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16050522 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the macro–meso shear characteristics of the geogrid–silty clay interface under cyclic loading through a combination of laboratory cyclic direct shear tests and numerical simulations. The effects of geogrid roughness, soil moisture content, shear displacement amplitude, and normal stress on the interface behavior are systematically analyzed. The results show that the interface shear strength and shear stiffness exhibit a three-stage evolution with increasing cycle numbers. This evolution is characterized by rapid attenuation in the early stage, gradual change in the middle stage, and stabilization in the later stage. The main degradation occurs within the first 1–10 cycles, while the interface response tends to stabilize after approximately 25 cycles. Increasing geogrid roughness and normal stress significantly enhances the interface shear strength and restrains cyclic degradation. In contrast, the shear strength reaches a maximum at the optimum moisture content level of 13%. The damping ratio shows an opposite trend to stiffness, increasing with cycle number and gradually approaching stability. Numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data, with relative errors within 5%. At the mesoscopic level, shear stress is mainly concentrated at the intersections of geogrid ribs, and the soil zone within 0–20 mm above the interface is identified as the primary region of shear deformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Aspects in Colloid and Interface Science)

19 pages, 5374 KB

Open AccessArticle

Model Test Study on the Effect of Quasi-Rectangular Shield Tunnel Excavation on Adjacent Pile Foundation in Sand

by Hongguo Diao, Zhiwei Zhou, Gang Wei, Ye Tian, Haibo Hu, Xinquan Wang and Qiang Li

Buildings 2026, 16(9), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16091704 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2026

Abstract

Tunneling activity inevitably induces soil stress redistribution and ground deformation, which may affect adjacent existing pile foundations. Since many previous studies have mainly focused on circular tunnels, the effects of quasi-rectangular shield (QRS) tunneling on adjacent existing pile foundations are not well investigated and understood. In this study, a series of physical model tests were carried out to investigate the response of a single pile and pile group subjected to newly QRS tunneling beneath an existing circular tunnel in dry sand. Two distinct underpass cases were considered: an orthogonal underpass (QRS tunnel axis perpendicular to the circular tunnel axis) and an overlapping underpass (QRS tunnel axis aligned with the circular tunnel axis). The test results indicate that QRS tunneling-induced ground surface settlement and single-pile settlement in the overlapping underpass case were 3.6 and 1.2 times that in the orthogonal underpass case, respectively, with a narrower settlement trough. The axial force distribution along the single pile remained qualitatively consistent in both underpass cases, consistently exhibiting a downward load-transfer mechanism, and further leading to a monotonic growth pattern in axial force with progressive QRS tunnel excavation. The additional stress of the single pile was consistently higher in the overlapping underpass case, which had maximum axial force, negative bending moment, and maximum positive bending moment increases of 20%, 13%, and 6%, respectively, relative to the orthogonal underpass case. The front pile in the pile group exerted a pronounced shielding effect on the rear pile, while the restraining action of the pile cap also contributed measurably to the overall pile responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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