Saved Queries

by Erickson Fabiano Moura Sousa Silva, Anielle Christine Almeida Silva, Vicente Afonso Ventrella, Victor Hugo Martins de Almeida, Ivan Bezerra Allaman, Thaís Marcelo Souza, Eli Jorge da Cruz Júnior and Aparecido Carlos Gonçalves

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2573; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052573 (registering DOI) - 6 Mar 2026

Abstract

The growing demand for environmentally responsible lubricants motivates the use of bio-based base stocks and benign solid additives. This study assesses the tribological performance of two Amazonian vegetable oils, Carapa guianensis (andiroba) and Copaifera spp. (copaiba resin) and a paraffinic mineral oil (PNL30) formulated with different zinc oxide (ZnO) particles, namely nanocrystals and microcrystals, at 0.01, 0.05, and 0.10 wt.%. Reciprocating sliding tests, coupled with 3D profilometry, viscosity, and sedimentation analyses, were used to link dispersion stability with friction and wear responses. A preliminary stability screening constrained the practical loading window to ≤0.10 wt.% for reproducible suspensions. Performance depended on the interplay between particle type and base-oil chemistry. Andiroba exhibited the most pronounced gains, with ZnO microcrystals near 0.05 wt.% delivering the best friction outcomes and the largest wear reductions (up to ~35%). In copaiba resin oil, nanocrystals produced small, sometimes non-significant improvements, whereas microcrystals tended to worsen wear consistent with abrasive third-body effects in a less polar matrix. In PNL30, the overall benefits were modest: nanocrystal additions generally increased wear, whereas microcrystals particularly at the highest loading 0.10 wt.% achieved a 36.4% reduction in SWR, representing a measurable and statistically significant improvement in wear resistance. These results highlight that eco-efficient lubricant design should co-optimize particle characteristics and dosage with base-oil polarity and film-forming tendencies, prioritizing dispersion stability alongside tribological targets. Full article

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17 pages, 1438 KB

Open AccessReview

Mapping High-Level Evidence in Neuroanesthesia: A Scoping Review of Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trials in Anesthesia for Neurosurgery

by Mouad Elganga, Abramo Aziz Rizk and Tumul Chowdhury

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(5), 2012; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15052012 (registering DOI) - 6 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Anesthesia for intracranial neurosurgery presents unique challenges because of the sensitivity of the brain to perioperative physiological disturbances, yet neuroanesthetic practice remains highly variable and supported by a limited high-level evidence base. We conducted a scoping review to map and characterize multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating perioperative management strategies in adults undergoing intracranial neurosurgery. Methods: This scoping review was reported in accordance with the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 25 June 2025. Multicenter RCTs enrolling adults undergoing intracranial neurosurgery and evaluating anesthetic, hemodynamic, ventilatory, or perioperative interventions were included. We prioritized mapping multicenter designs for their greater external validity and implementation potential. Data were extracted in duplicate and summarized descriptively. Results: Of 417 records identified, 13 multicenter trials (≥2 recruiting sites) involving 2765 participants across nine countries from 1997–2025 were included. Most trials evaluated anesthetic maintenance or opioid regimens (7/13), followed by post-craniotomy pain control (3/13), ventilation/brain relaxation strategies (1/13), antiemetic prophylaxis (1/13), and temperature management (1/13). Outcomes were predominantly short-term and process-based (hemodynamics 7/13, opioid use 7/13, emergence metrics 5/13). Patient-centered outcomes were rarely measured (mortality 1/13, functional neurological outcome 1/13, cognitive outcome 1/13; quality of life 0/13). Only one trial assessed outcomes at ≥72 h postoperatively. Over half of the included trials were judged at high risk of bias. Conclusions: Multicenter RCT activity in neuroanesthesia remains sparse and narrowly focused, highlighting the need for larger, methodologically robust trials targeting patient-centered and long-term outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anesthesia and Intensive Care: Clinical Practices and Prospects)

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17 pages, 4802 KB

Open AccessArticle

miR-let-7 Targeting ZcCTL-S1 to Regulate Reproductive Development in Zeugodacus cucurbitae

by Yi-Kun Zhang, Guo-Feng Zhang, Li-Xiang Chen, Yu-Xue Zhang, Shi-Yuan Wang, Ke-Qing Deng, Lai-Wai Tun, Zhong-Shi Zhou and Lu Peng

Insects 2026, 17(3), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030286 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), is recognized as a globally significant quarantine pest, and it ranks among the most destructive insect species infesting cucurbit and solanaceous crops. However, the molecular mechanisms governing reproductive regulation in female Z. cucurbitae remain poorly characterized, particularly those underlying the reproductive processes mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs). In this study, we firstly identified the ovary-specific gene ZcCTL-S1 in Z. cucurbitae via transcriptomic analysis, and subsequently predicted its targeted miRNAs using bioinformatics approaches. Among these miRNAs, overexpression or inhibition of miR-971-1 and miR-let-7 led to corresponding inverse changes in the transcriptional level of ZcCTL-S1. Notably, only miR-let-7 displayed markedly elevated expression levels in Z. cucurbitae ovaries. Further analyses confirmed that miR-let-7 exhibited a direct targeting relationship with ZcCTL-S1, via a combinatorial approach involving in vivo RNA immunoprecipitation, in vitro dual-luciferase reporter assays, and site-directed mutagenesis techniques. Phenotypic analyses showed that both knockdown of ZcCTL-S1 and overexpression of miR-let-7 significantly inhibited egg hatchability, ultimately compromising the female reproductive capacity of Z. cucurbitae. Collectively, these findings identify a novel miRNA-gene regulatory module in the reproductive development of Z. cucurbitae, and provide novel insights for the development of gene- or miRNA-based pest control strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Molecular Biology and Genomics)

17 pages, 1795 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Nutraceutical Approach for Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial of Grape Pomace Extract and L-Arginine

by Federico Abate, Elisabetta Schiano, Mariano Stornaiuolo, Fabrizia Guerra, Anna Terracciano, Gaetano Piccinocchi, Eugenio Caradonna, Fulvio Ferrara, Gian Carlo Tenore and Ettore Novellino

Antioxidants 2026, 15(3), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15030329 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Hypertension remains a major global health challenge, and pharmacological therapy is often constrained by tolerability issues. Adjunctive approaches targeting the nitric oxide synthase and soluble guanylate cyclase–cyclic guanosine monophosphate (sGC–cGMP) pathway may offer additional benefits. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of a nutraceutical formulation combining grape pomace extract (Taurisolo^®) and L-arginine in patients with grade 1 and grade 2 hypertension. The formulation was designed to enhance nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and support sGC–cGMP signaling. Taurisolo^®, a polyphenol-rich extract, is known for its antioxidant and endothelial-protective properties, while L-arginine serves as the physiological substrate for endothelial NO synthase. Clinical outcomes included blood pressure changes, renal function parameters, and health-related quality of life assessed through the SF-12 questionnaire. Supplementation with Taurisolo^® plus L-arginine resulted in significant and sustained reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with renal function remaining stable throughout the study. Participants also reported meaningful improvements in perceived health, emotional well-being, vitality, and social functioning. The intervention was well tolerated, with no major adverse effects. These findings support the potential of Taurisolo^® combined with L-arginine as a safe and effective adjunctive strategy to conventional antihypertensive therapy, warranting further mechanistic investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring New Frontiers in Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Research: From Model Organisms to Human Disease)

15 pages, 1092 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quality-of-Life Assessment in Children and Adolescents with a Chronic Somatic Disorder Compared with Children with a Chronic Mental Disorder

by Mihaela Moise, Lucia-Emanuela Andrei, Ilinca Mihailescu, Alexandra-Mariana Buică, Elma-Maria Mînecan, Ilinca Olteanu, Anca Colita, Iuliana Dobrescu and Florina Rad

Psychiatry Int. 2026, 7(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7020058 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the parent-reported quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents diagnosed with a chronic mental health disorder to that of those with a chronic somatic disorder. Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted between two clinical groups: one comprising patients with psychiatric diagnoses and the other with somatic diagnoses. QoL was assessed using the CHIP-CE/PRF questionnaire completed by caregivers. Statistical analyses evaluated differences across domains such as well-being, self-esteem, peer relationships, family engagement, and academic performance. Results: Parents of children with somatic conditions reported significantly higher scores in the domains of health and well-being (U = 799.50, p = 0.002), peer relations (U = 872.50, p = 0.009), and academic performance (U = 445.50, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in emotional and somatic symptoms or behavior at home. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, from a parental perspective, psychiatric disorders are associated with lower perceived quality of life in several key areas of functioning. These results emphasize the need for targeted support strategies and coordinated care for families of children with mental health conditions. Full article

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22 pages, 1669 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Socioeconomic Determinants of Solar Pump Adoption Among Respondents in Bangladesh: A Firth’s Penalized Likelihood Logistic Regression Approach

by Anika Tahsin Mou, Kentaka Aruga and Md. Monirul Islam

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2562; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052562 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study examines the socioeconomic and behavioral determinants, together with spatial heterogeneity, influencing the adoption of solar irrigation pumps in Bangladesh. Five study regions of Bangladesh were sampled using stratified random sampling to collect 257 respondents, who were familiar with both solar and diesel pumps, to justify the energy transition, ensuring sample equity throughout the regions. Income inequality among respondents was assessed using the Lorenz curve, revealing that the bottom 50% of respondents only earned 20% of total income, while a Gini coefficient of 0.46 indicated moderate to high income disparity. To determine whether socioeconomic factors and spatial heterogeneity significantly influence adoption decisions, a Firth’s penalized likelihood logistic regression model was employed, complemented by predictive and average marginal effects for regional categories. The results identified that training, social influence, large household size and income are the prominent drivers for solar pump adoption. Based on the significant spatial heterogeneity, we further recorded a five-point Likert scale response to design region-wise policy recommendations for the fast diffusion of solar pumps. Financial incentives emerged as the most critical policy lever, with 89.10% of respondents expressing strong agreement and a mean score of 4.83. Overall, these findings highlight the central role of socioeconomic and spatial factors in shaping adoption behavior and suggest that policy interventions should prioritize targeted financial and technical support to promote the equitable and rapid diffusion of solar irrigation technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

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22 pages, 1098 KB

Open AccessReview

Chemokine Networks in Blood–Brain Barrier Regulation: Bidirectional Mechanisms, Clinical Translation, and Precision Therapeutic Prospects

by Qiang Wu, Zhengjie Miao, Wen Lei, Xuewen Wu, Jingjing Zhao and Jun Sun

Biomolecules 2026, 16(3), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16030395 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

The blood–brain barrier (BBB), a core component of the neurovascular unit (NVU), meticulously regulates material exchange between the blood and brain parenchyma, serving as a critical barrier for maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Neuroinflammation, a pivotal response of the CNS to injury and disease, can disrupt NVU homeostasis when excessive or persistent, acting as a core pathogenic driver of various intractable neurological disorders. Chemokines, as key signaling molecules guiding the directional migration of immune cells, form the central hub mediating the dynamic regulation of neuroinflammation and the BBB. However, existing studies mostly focus on single disease systems or chemokine families, neglecting the bidirectional heterogeneity of different chemokine axes in BBB regulation and the common regulatory rules across diseases, while lacking systematic exploration of clinical translation challenges caused by the redundancy and spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the chemokine network. This review systematically clarifies the bidirectional regulatory effects of the core axes of the three major chemokine families (e.g., CCL2/CCR2, CXCL12/CXCR4, CX3CL1/CX3CR1) on the BBB. For the first time, we integrate a multi-dimensional regulatory model based on concentration, location, and time to analyze their molecular mechanisms and regulatory heterogeneity in promoting BBB disruption under pathological conditions versus mediating barrier repair and neuroprotection under specific spatiotemporal conditions. Combined with advancements in cutting-edge models such as microfluidic chips, we discuss the clinical translation progress of chemokine research, including potential biomarkers and targeted therapeutic strategies, and propose precise breakthrough paths for the two core challenges of network redundancy and spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Finally, we construct a complete research framework for chemokine-mediated regulation of NVU homeostasis, providing novel insights and directions for restoring BBB function and treating intractable neurological diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Molecular Regulation in Brain Injury Research: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Rehabilitation)

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31 pages, 1035 KB

Open AccessReview

The Role of the Vaginal Microbiome in Gynecological Diseases: Mechanistic Insights and Emerging Interventions

by Yiming Zhang, Tiantian Wei, Changying Zhao and Lei Zhang

Biology 2026, 15(5), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15050432 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

The vaginal microbiome (VM), a complex and dynamic microbial ecosystem, is now recognized as a central determinant of female reproductive and gynecologic health. Under homeostatic conditions, a Lactobacillus-dominant ecosystem maintains vaginal acidity, provides colonization resistance, and modulates mucosal immunity. Conversely, vaginal dysbiosis—characterized by Lactobacillus depletion and anaerobic or aerobic overgrowth—is associated with infectious vaginitis, increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, and non-infectious conditions such as genitourinary syndrome of menopause. This review provides an integrated overview of the composition, functional characteristics, and host interactions of the VM across health and disease. We highlight major mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis contributes to disease pathogenesis, including biofilm formation, altered microbial metabolism, and immune dysregulation. In addition, we discuss the translational potential of the VM as a source of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and as a target for emerging microbiome-dependent therapeutic strategies. Collectively, current evidence supports the view that vaginal dysbiosis is a heterogeneous and context-dependent state driven by distinct pathogen- and host-related mechanisms, underscoring the importance of prioritizing microbiome restoration rather than pathogen eradication alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbiology)

29 pages, 646 KB

Open AccessReview

Structural Modification of Selected Essential Oil Components for Potential Anticancer Applications: A Review

by Vuyolwethu Khwaza and Vuyani Maqanda

Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(3), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030427 (registering DOI) - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Monoterpenes (thymol, carvacrol, menthol) and phenylpropanoids (eugenol and cinnamaldehyde) and their related derivatives are naturally occurring bioactive compounds found in essential oils (EOs) and have attracted considerable interest as anticancer agents; however, their direct therapeutic use in cancer treatment is often limited by factors such as low bioavailability, moderate potency, and lack of target specificity. Recent studies have demonstrated that rational structural modification of these EO scaffolds can substantially enhance their anticancer potential. This review critically evaluates the different structural modification strategies applied to EO components, including pharmacophore hybridization, heterocycle incorporation (e.g., triazoles, oxadiazoles, chalcones), esterification, halogenation, metal complexation, and nanoparticle conjugation. The review compares these approaches across the selected EO components, highlighting their impact on anticancer potency, and mechanistic relevance. However, the current evidence base is heterogeneous, with considerable variability in experimental conditions, selectivity assessments, and reliance on in vitro or in silico findings, which limits direct cross-study comparisons and translational interpretation. Overall, structural modification of EO components represents a promising strategy for generating novel anticancer lead compounds, but future progress will depend on standardized biological evaluation, rigorous in vivo validation, and comprehensive pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiling to realistically define their clinical potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products for Therapeutic Potential)

22 pages, 10876 KB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning-Based Prediction and Optimization of Heavy Metal Adsorption Performance of Biochar

by Xin Huang, Xiaopeng Bai, Yifei Yang, Wenbin Li and Daochun Xu

Forests 2026, 17(3), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17030326 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Biochar has been extensively employed in wastewater treatment owing to its effectiveness in removing heavy metal ions. However, the relationships among biomass feedstock composition, pyrolysis conditions, and adsorption performance are highly nonlinear and difficult to quantify systematically across heterogeneous experimental studies. Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR), and XGBoost (XGB) algorithms were employed to predict and optimize biochar yield, adsorption-related physicochemical properties, and adsorption capacity (q_e). The models were developed using two literature-derived datasets comprising 431 samples for physicochemical property and yield prediction (Data 1) and 452 samples for adsorption capacity modeling (Data 2). Results indicated that XGB exhibits superior overall predictive performance across most tasks. Specifically, the single-target XGB models achieved coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.89–0.92 and root mean square errors (RMSE) of 0.02–0.07 on the test set, while the multi-target model attained an R² of 0.83 with an RMSE of 0.05. Further analysis reveals that pyrolysis conditions exert a dominant influence on biochar yield, with pyrolysis temperature identified as the most critical factor. In contrast, the physicochemical properties of biochar and its adsorption performance are primarily governed by feedstock composition, particularly carbon and ash contents. Higher ash content impairs surface functionality and reduces adsorption capacity (q_e), whereas increased carbon content and appropriately optimized pyrolysis conditions contribute to enhanced adsorption capacity. In addition to intrinsic biochar properties, the initial concentration of heavy metal ions in solution constitutes an important external factor influencing adsorption behavior. Feature importance analysis, SHAP analysis, and correlation analysis collectively elucidate the key factors affecting biochar characteristics and adsorption performance, as well as the interactions among these factors. These findings provide a data-driven basis for optimizing biochar production parameters and guiding experimental design for efficient Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ removal from wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion and High-Value Utilization of Agroforestry Biomass)

31 pages, 3164 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Objective Optimization of Mechanical and Geometric Properties of 3D-Printed PLA Porous Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications

by Alejandro González González, Patricia C. Zambrano-Robledo, Deivis Avila, Marcelino Rivas and Ramón Quiza

Materials 2026, 19(5), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19051008 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Porous scaffolds fabricated via fused deposition modeling (FDM) are promising for bone tissue engineering, but their mechanical performance and geometric fidelity are governed by complex interactions between process parameters and architectural design. This study presents a multi-objective optimization framework for poly (lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds based on three triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) topologies—Gyroid, Primitive, and Diamond. A Box–Behnken design combined with response surface methodology was used to model compressive strength, elastic modulus, yield strength, energy absorption density, and discrepancies in volume and porosity as functions of layer thickness (0.05–0.15 mm), extrusion temperature (210–220 °C), and target porosity (50–70%). The resulting quadratic models exhibited strong predictive capability (R² > 77%, with most >90%) and were validated experimentally at extreme parameter combinations, yielding relative errors below 10% for 83% of measurements. Multi-objective optimization using NSGA-II, coupled with principal component analysis and correlation-based objective reduction, revealed that the six original objectives collapse to topology-specific essential pairs: absorbed energy density and porosity discrepancy for Gyroid; Young’s modulus and volume discrepancy for Primitive; and Young’s modulus and porosity discrepancy for Diamond. The generated Pareto fronts quantify the inherent trade-off between mechanical performance and geometric fidelity for each topology, providing designers with explicit decision maps. This framework enables rational, application-driven selection of printing parameters and scaffold architecture, advancing the clinical translation of patient-specific FDM-printed bone scaffolds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Synthesis and Multiscale Characterization of Functional Polymeric Materials)

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17 pages, 1118 KB

Open AccessReview

Novel Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Mechanisms and Clinical Advances

by Xuantao Xia, Ziwei Xia and Lili Yu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(3), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48030282 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Prostate cancer frequently progresses to lethal, drug-resistant castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), where conventional therapies often fail due to intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms. This resistance creates a critical therapeutic impasse, leaving patients with limited options and poor prognoses. Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy to harness the immune system against these treatment-refractory tumors, offering a potential avenue to overcome the immunosuppressive barriers that underlie CRPC drug resistance. This review synthesizes findings from a structured search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase (2020–2025), revealing significant clinical progress: 4 vaccine trials, 5 immune checkpoint inhibitor trials, 18 combination therapy trials (≥2 agents), and 6 targeted drug trials have been conducted. Preliminary efficacy was observed in novel approaches like bispecific antibodies (e.g., Xaluritamig achieving 59% PSA50 response), PSMA-CAR-T (P-PSMA-101), and oncolytic viruses (Ad5 PSA/MUC-1/brachyury). Basic research identified four targeted resistance mechanisms (e.g., AR-LLT1, Pygo2, and HnRNP L) and one nanoparticle-mediated triple-combination therapy (CM-AMS@AD NPs integrating photothermal, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy), which enhanced cytotoxic T-cell infiltration and suppressed CRPC growth preclinically. These collective findings suggest the potential of immunotherapy for CRPC in overcoming resistance barriers and improving patient outcomes, with bispecific T cell engagers (Xaluritamig, 59% PSA50) and PSMA-directed CAR-T therapy (P-PSMA-101, >50% PSA reduction) emerging as the most promising near-term candidates and biomarker-stratified combinations (nivolumab plus rucaparib, 84.6% PSA50, in HRR-deficient patients) illustrating the transformative power of precision patient selection; however, these findings require validation in larger, biomarker-stratified trials before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Translating this potential into clinical reality requires optimized patient selection through predictive biomarkers and rigorously validated Phase III trials to confirm durable clinical responses and long-term survival benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)

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16 pages, 2739 KB

Open AccessArticle

Target and Non-Target Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Emerging Aromatic Contaminants in Outdoor Dust from a Petrochemical-Impacted Residential Area

by Yimeng Si, Siyuan Li, Yu Wang, Hao Chen, Yanlong Zhang, Shaoping Kuang and Hongwen Sun

Toxics 2026, 14(3), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14030223 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

The complex contamination characteristics and potential health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives remain poorly understood. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of 16 parent PAHs and 34 derivatives was conducted in outdoor dust samples collected from a residential area constructed on an abandoned petrochemical site. The results showed that the total concentrations of PAHs, oxidized PAHs, nitro-PAHs, brominated PAHs, and chlorinated PAHs were in the ranges of 75.3–991 ng/g, 9.27–142 ng/g, 1.68–265 ng/g, 15.2–100 ng/g, and 1.23–14.8 ng/g, respectively. Additionally, the non-target screening analysis identified 29 potential aromatic compounds in dust samples. Toxicity assessment indicated that several PAH derivatives and newly identified compounds exhibited stronger acute toxicity than PAHs (ECOSAR model prediction). Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values of target compounds ranged from 1.54 × 10⁻⁷ to 2.95 × 10⁻⁶ for adults and from 5.08 × 10⁻⁸ to 9.75 × 10⁻⁷ for children. Oral ingestion was identified as the dominant exposure pathway, accounting for 83.5% of total exposure, followed by dermal contact (16.5%). Overall, these findings highlight the complexity of human exposure to PAHs and related aromatic contaminants in petrochemical-impacted residential areas and underscore the need for continued attention to their associated environmental and health risks. Full article

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18 pages, 1743 KB

Open AccessReview

Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels: From Swelling–Deswelling Mechanisms to Biomedical Applications

by Meyoung-Kon Kim, Junghan Lee and A-Ram Kang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(5), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16050329 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, also referred to as “smart” hydrogels, have emerged as versatile platforms for a wide range of biological and biomedical applications owing to their tunable physical, chemical, and biocompatible properties. Their adaptability arises from both their ability to undergo reversible swelling–deswelling and volume phase transitions in response to specific physicochemical or biological stimuli and the diversity of synthesis strategies that enable precise tailoring of material properties to meet distinct biomedical demands. Recent advances have led to the development of novel hydrogel designs with improved swelling–deswelling behavior, enhanced stimulus sensitivity, and superior biocompatibility, thereby expanding their applicability in complex biological environments. Despite this progress, challenges such as precise control over hydrogel size and relatively slow response kinetics remain critical barriers to broader biomedical and clinical translation. Addressing these limitations requires strategies, including reducing hydrogel particle dimensions to accelerate response rates and engineering heterogeneous or highly porous gel architectures to increase functional surface area. This review provides a comprehensive classification of stimuli-responsive hydrogels based on their physical properties and response mechanisms, and summarizes recent innovations in their design, synthesis, and biomedical applications. Furthermore, it discusses emerging approaches to enhance the clinical applicability of smart hydrogels in controlled drug release, targeted gene delivery, biosensor development, and tissue engineering. Overall, continued optimization of swelling–deswelling characteristics and material design will be essential to fully realize the potential of stimuli-responsive hydrogels in precision medicine and advanced therapeutic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug and Gene Delivery)

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21 pages, 3308 KB

Open AccessArticle

NILM-Based Feedback for Demand Response: A Reproducible Binary State-Detection Algorithm Using Active Power

by Yuriy Zhukovskiy, Pavel Suslikov and Daniil Rasputin

Electricity 2026, 7(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/electricity7010023 - 5 Mar 2026

Abstract

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) can provide actionable feedback for demand response (DR) when direct measurements of device states are unavailable. We propose a reproducible, engineering-oriented pipeline for detecting ON/OFF states of end-use load groups from an aggregated active power time series. The method uses robust hysteresis-based labeling with adaptive thresholds derived from the median and median absolute deviation, followed by compact feature engineering restricted to global active power (GAP). After removing collinear features (|r| > 0.98), permutation importance is used to retain informative predictors. Probabilistic binary classifiers (LGBM, Histogram-based Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, and CatBoost) are trained for each target load, and the decision threshold is optimized via F_β to balance missed events and false alarms. A post-processing stage stabilizes predictions by smoothing probabilities and suppressing spurious triggers. Model quality is assessed with both sample-wise metrics and event-based metrics that credit the correct detection of switching intervals within a time tolerance. Experiments on the open “Individual Household Electric Power Consumption” dataset (1-min resolution, 2007–2010) demonstrate that lightweight gradient boosting models, particularly LGBM, deliver reliable and interpretable state estimates suitable for practical DR integration and edge deployment. Full article

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