Saved Queries

by Cristina Hidalgo, Santiago Ruiz-Moyano, Alicia Rodríguez, María G. Cordoba, Margarita López-Corrales and Manuel J. Serradilla

Toxins 2026, 18(3), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins18030140 (registering DOI) - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the preharvest application of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), melatonin (MT), and oxalic acid (OA), at different concentrations and application frequencies, on the physicochemical and microbiological quality of dried figs (cv. Calabacita) at commercial harvest and after 3 and 6 months of refrigerated storage. A further aim was to determine their impact on fungal populations and mycotoxin production. The results showed that untreated dried figs had a higher frequency of Aspergillus welwitschiae, A. tubingensis, and Aspergillus section Flavi, whereas elicitor-treated figs exhibited a lower incidence of toxigenic fungi. A. welwitschiae was the main ochratoxin A (OTA)-associated species detected, although the proportion of OTA-positive figs was lower in elicitor-treated samples than in the control. Aflatoxins (AFs) were detected only sporadically in 2 mM OA treatments, consistent with the limited activity of A. flavus at low storage temperatures. Conversely, Penicillium spp. were widespread but were associated with citrinin (CIT) production only under 2 mM OA treatments. Among the Alternaria toxins, alternariol (AOH) was detected solely in dried figs treated with 1 mM OA. Notably, all investigated mycotoxins were below the limit of detection (<LOD) in dried figs treated with 0.5 mM MT. Moderate elicitor concentrations (e.g., 0.5 mM MT and 50 mM GABA) and multiple preharvest applications generally provided the best balance between fungal suppression and fruit quality, significantly reducing Aspergillus spp. occurrence without promoting the growth of undesirable species. Overall, elicitor treatments decreased the incidence of toxigenic fungi, most likely through direct antifungal effects in senescent dried fruit rather than by inducing host defences. The combined use of preharvest elicitors with appropriate drying and storage conditions is a promising strategy to control fungal contamination and mycotoxin accumulation in dried figs while maintaining quality from preharvest storage. Further research is needed to optimise elicitor concentrations and application timing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mycotoxins)

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23 pages, 3027 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Access to Cancer Diagnostics with Drone Delivery of PET Isotopes: The Significance of Weather and Clinical Workflows

by Karl Arne Johannessen, Paul G. Royall, Anders Mjøs, Thor Audun Saga and Mona-Elisabeth R. Revheim

Drones 2026, 10(3), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones10030202 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

The short half-life of positron emission tomography (PET) radioisotopes makes transport time a critical factor in medical logistics. While drones have demonstrated advantages in short-range medical deliveries, the feasibility and benefits of long-distance drone transport remain largely unexplored. In a comparative simulation-based modelling framework, this study explores whether long-range drone transport (117–376 km) can improve delivery performance of fluorodeoxyglucose-18 ([¹⁸F]FDG) PET isotopes compared with two existing ground-only routes (146 km and 348 km) and two combined car–airplane routes (532 km and 546 km). Simulated transport times, radioactive decay losses, and economic implications were estimated using drone speeds of 150, 200, and 250 km/h. Hourly weather data from 2023–2024 were incorporated to model flight feasibility and weather-related no-fly conditions. Time savings were translated into preserved radioactive activity and analyzed together with break-even transport costs. A drone speed of 150 km/h provided limited benefit, whereas speeds of 200–250 km/h preserved activity corresponding to a reduction from the current total use of 118 GBq to 72 and 65 GBq, respectively. Weather constraints reduced feasible winter flights by up to 30%. Estimated break-even drone costs ranged from EUR 3–18/km and increased to EUR 14–20/km when accounting for preserved isotopes, corresponding to annual economic gains of EUR 1.0–1.7 million. These results suggest that long-range drone transport could reduce isotope losses and improve diagnostic capacity, although feasibility depends on drone costs, weather resilience, and integration into clinical logistics systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Drone Applications for Last-Mile Delivery Operations)

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11 pages, 5650 KB

Open AccessArticle

Measurement of Elastic Scattering Angular Distributions for Proton-Rich Nuclei ^21,22Na on Double-Magic Nucleus ⁴⁰Ca

by Yuwen Chen, Wei Nan, Bing Guo, Chengjian Lin, Bing Tang, Danyang Pang, Lei Yang, Dongxi Wang, Guo Yang, Yangping Shen, Qiwen Fan, Yiwen Bao, Lei Cao, Lihua Chen, Baoqun Cui, Yueming Hu, Qinghua Huang, Huiming Jia, Chaoxin Kan, Kangning Li, Yaoqian Li, Yunju Li, Zhihong Li, Gang Lian, Junhui Liao, Zhenwei Liu, Tianpeng Luo, Nanru Ma, Ruigang Ma, Xie Ma, Yingjun Ma, Guofang Song, Lei Wang, Xiaofei Wang, Youbao Wang, Yuheng Wang, Peiwei Wen, Shengquan Yan, Feng Yang, Sheng Zeng, Yifan Zhang, Tianjue Zhang and Weiping Liu Show full author list Hide full author list

Particles 2026, 9(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/particles9010026 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Present and future rare isotope accelerator facilities provide new opportunities to explore the structure of unstable nuclei. We report the measurements of the elastic scattering angular distributions of ²¹Na and ²²Na on the doubly magic ⁴⁰Ca above the Coulomb barrier energies, using high-purity post-accelerated ISOL beams from Beijing Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (BRIF). Angular distributions were measured with a silicon detector telescope array, and relative cross sections were determined with a CaF₂ target on Au backing. The data were well reproduced by optical model calculations with Woods–Saxon and USNP potentials, the latter giving better agreement. These results confirm the stable operation and performance of the BRIF ISOL production and post-acceleration system, demonstrate its capability to provide radioactive beams of useful intensity and purity for future investigations of reaction dynamics and astrophysically relevant processes involving proton-rich nuclei, and simultaneously extend proton-rich elastic scattering studies to heavier systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the International Symposium Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Halo Nuclei)

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14 pages, 266 KB

Open AccessReview

Head CT in Adult Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Global Review of Indications and Decision Rules

by Boris Đurović, Petar Vuleković, Veljko Pantelić and Jagoš Golubović

Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2026, 10(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn10010008 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in adults is extremely common worldwide, but only a small fraction of these patients harbor clinically significant intracranial injuries. Computed tomography (CT) of the head is the standard diagnostic tool to detect traumatic brain hemorrhages or lesions, yet indiscriminate CT scanning of all mTBI patients is inefficient, costly, and exposes patients to ionizing radiation. To optimize patient care, numerous clinical decision rules and guidelines have been developed internationally to identify which adult patients with mTBI should undergo head CT. This review provides a global perspective on the indications for head CT in adult mTBI, comparing key decision rules including the Canadian CT Head Rule, New Orleans Criteria, UK NICE Head Injury Guidelines, and others. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of major international guidelines and decision rules for head CT in adult mTBI, focusing on their inclusion criteria, risk factors, and diagnostic performance. Results: All the examined rules prioritize near-100% sensitivity for identifying patients who need neurosurgical intervention, but they differ greatly in specificity and recommended CT utilization rates. North American rules such as the New Orleans Criteria tend to favor higher sensitivity, scanning almost all patients with any symptom, whereas the Canadian CT Head Rule and certain European guidelines (NICE, Scandinavian) are more selective, significantly reducing CT usage while maintaining safety. Discussion: We discuss how these variations reflect different healthcare settings and risk tolerances, and we examine the implications for neurosurgical practice. We also highlight challenges in guideline implementation, the impact on global CT utilization, and emerging approaches (such as biomarker-assisted triage) that may further refine decision-making. In conclusion, appropriate use of clinical decision rules for head CT in mTBI can safely minimize unnecessary imaging, but local adaptation and clinician judgment remain crucial to ensure that no significant injuries are missed while avoiding over-scanning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neurosurgery)

11 pages, 1333 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biodegradability of Binder System Waste from Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene Propellant and Pretreatment for Biodegradation

by Kai Wu, Tao Chai, Fei Hu, Zhengmao Ding and Chao Wang

Polymers 2026, 18(6), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18060706 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Large amounts of binder system waste are produced upon the recovery of energetic components in scrapped hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellant. This study investigated the biodegradability of the binder system waste using a microbial enrichment solution as the biodegradation medium. We measured the binder system weight loss and performed Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses of the binder system after 60 days of biodegradation. The results show the binder system film weight decreased by approximately 43% and stabilized after 50 days. The FT-IR analysis shows a reduction in C=O and C-O bond signals, whereas N-H, C-N, and C=C bond signals remain nearly unchanged. The TG analysis shows that the difference between the DOA weight in the initial film and that of the thermal decomposition was almost equal to the weight loss of the binder system film after biodegradation. The SEM analysis shows irregular pits on the film. The binder system has a certain biodegradability, which is mainly caused by its plasticizer component, i.e., DOA. HTPB-based polyurethane, the other major component, is difficult to degrade by microorganisms. As such, the binder system was pretreated with sodium methoxide-methanol solution as a depolymerization reagent, and the pretreated product yielded higher biodegradability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers)

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17 pages, 1880 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Two-Stage Hybrid Bioleaching Process for Selective Copper Extraction from Low-Grade, High-Arsenic Enargite Concentrates

by Jiehua Hu, Guidi Yang, Yue Qiu, Wenbin Xu, Binze Shao, Jiao Li, Yuhan Wang, Yixuan Cheng and Haibin He

Processes 2026, 14(6), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14060923 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study addresses the dual challenges of low copper recovery and persistent arsenic pollution in the bioleaching of low-grade, high-arsenic copper ores containing enargite (Cu₃AsS₄). Through integrated electrochemical, chemical, and biological investigations, a selective and environmentally sustainable two-stage hybrid leaching process was developed. Electrochemical analysis identified a critical oxidation threshold of ~750 mV governing enargite dissolution. Chemical leaching and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed a temperature-dependent sulfur transformation pathway, enabling a staged thermal strategy: flotation below 40 °C to maximize hydrophobic elemental sulfur (S⁰) formation, and bioleaching at 40–55 °C to promote complete sulfur oxidation to sulfate. Optimization produced a two-stage process comprising 10-day chemical pre-leaching with FeSO₄ (10.0 g/L Fe²⁺) followed by bioleaching, achieving 78.3% copper extraction while suppressing arsenic dissolution to approximately 10%. The use of FeSO₄ instead of Fe₂(SO₄)₃ reduces reagent costs by ~70%, saving an estimated CNY 47,250 daily at 1000 t/d scale. Leaching toxicity tests confirm residue As < 0.10 mg/L, meeting non-hazardous waste standards (GB5085.3-2007). This work provides the first integrated demonstration of electrochemical threshold control combined with temperature-dependent sulfur speciation for selective copper extraction from arsenic-bearing enargite ores, offering a scalable, reagent-economical, and environmentally sustainable metallurgical route. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Green Processes)

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22 pages, 10587 KB

Open AccessArticle

Accelerating Optimal Building Control Through Reinforcement Learning with Surrogate Building Models

by Andres Sebastian Cespedes Cubides, Christian Friborg Laursen and Muhyiddine Jradi

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 2790; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16062790 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Buildings account for a substantial share of global energy use, yet the adoption of advanced optimal control strategies remains limited due to high computational costs and the difficulty of safe deployment. This paper presents a fully Python-based, data-driven deep reinforcement learning (DRL) supervisory control framework that leverages gray box surrogate modeling and Imitation Learning to overcome these barriers. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of an ontology-based Twin4Build surrogate model with Imitation Learning and Deep Reinforcement Learning, enabling efficient training of building control policies in a low-cost environment before transfer to a high-fidelity BOPTEST emulator. Results demonstrate that the trade-off of using a lower-accuracy surrogate accelerates training by a factor of 11 compared to high-fidelity models. Furthermore, the RL agent successfully learned load-shifting and peak-shaving strategies, eliminating start-up power spikes and achieving energy savings of up to 28.9%. Beyond substantial energy reductions, this pipeline yields a calibrated digital twin suitable for ongoing building services like anomaly detection, presenting a scalable path for real-world smart building optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing Sustainable Energy Systems: Challenges, Models and Opportunities for the Long-Term Energy Transition)

25 pages, 5535 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pro-Tumorigenic Signaling Between Small Extracellular Vesicles of Cancer Cells and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells—An In Vitro Study

by Jyothi Attem, Ram Mukka Raju Jogula, Swathi Kaliki and Geeta K. Vemuganti

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062654 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is an intraocular tumor caused by genetic alterations in the RB1 and MYCN genes within developing retinal cells. Chemoresistance and metastasis are major challenges for treatment, with the bone marrow (BM) representing the most common metastatic site. We investigated the effect of tumor-derived sEVs (TDsEVs) on the crosstalk between metastatic site cells (BM-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC)) and tumor cells, and characterized them according to MISEV guidelines. The uptake of sEVs and the associated phenotypic changes in the BM-MSCs were analyzed with confocal microcopy. The functional effects were assessed through MTT assays for viability, scratch and Transwell assays for migration, and colony- and sphere-formation assays to evaluate clonogenicity and self-renewal, while stemness marker expression was examined by immunoblotting. Secretome changes following sEV exposure were analyzed using dot blot assays. sEVs were taken up by both cells. TD-sEVs significantly enhanced BM-MSC migration and induced differentiation into a myofibroblast-like phenotype without affecting cell viability. Conversely, BM-MSC-derived sEVs promoted tumor cell viability, migration, and stemness marker expression. Both the BM-MSCs and tumor cells exhibited altered secretory profiles after sEV treatment. The in vitro findings provide cumulative evidence that sEV-mediated interactions contribute to a tumor-supportive milieu or premetastatic niche at the BM in Rb. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in Cancer Progression and Metastasis: Molecular Insights and Clinical Outlook)

20 pages, 1221 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Criteria Decision Framework to Support Managerial Choices in IT-Enabled Waste Reduction and Sustainability in Tourism

by Željko Grujčić, Brankica Pažun, Magdalena Nikolić, Zlatko Langović, Ana Langović Milićević, Dragan Ugrinov, Milena Cvjetković and Ana Jurčić

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 2787; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16062787 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Sustainable tourism is essential for preserving natural habitats and represents a vital component of sustainable development. This study addresses a business decision-making problem related to natural resource conservation and habitat protection through waste management and IT applications in the Serbian hotel sector. Tourism in Serbia and the Western Balkans represents a sensitive issue concerning the balance between economic development and environmental protection. Therefore, the multi-criteria optimization methods Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) are applied to address this problem. To achieve this goal, a hierarchical model was developed that considers nine criteria and four alternatives. The alternatives considered are: service user satisfaction, service cost, waste minimization, and service quality. The developed model was analyzed using a hybrid AHP–TOPSIS approach to identify the optimal alternative. The results indicate that environmental waste prevention ranks highest among all considered alternatives and plays a significant role in the development of sustainable tourism in Serbia. Full article

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32 pages, 1909 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Forests Influence Farmer Access to Healthy Diets: The Roles of Cost and Environmental Quality

by Lingying Li, Huiyu Peng and Wenmei Liao

Forests 2026, 17(3), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17030362 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Forests are important food granaries. The accessibility of a healthy diet is the key factor in food and health equity. However, there is a lack of research focusing on its influence on locals at different levels of development. China’s population comprises various groups of farmers, allowing for the comparison of influence pathways across different economic levels of farmers. This research explores the topic with an empirical study conducted in Jiangxi Province, China, using data from 1939 valid responses collected across 216 villages. The analysis was performed using a mixed-effects ordered logistic model and a mediation effect model. The results of the baseline and mediation effect analyses reveal that there are four influence pathways. First, farmers’ forest resource endowments play a significant role in improving farmers’ perception of healthy diet accessibility (direct access type). Second, farmers’ forest resource endowments increase the accessibility of healthy diets by reducing the perceived costs of healthy diets (cost-relieving type). Third, farmers’ forest resource endowments increase the accessibility of a healthy diet by enhancing the perceived quality of the natural environment (quality scarcity type). Fourth, farmers’ forest resource endowments increase the perceived environmental quality, decrease the perceived costs of healthy diets, and affect the perception of healthy diets’ accessibility (cost-reducing type). The results of heterogeneity analysis based on the independent variables (health-related information, age, education level, disposable income, household size, communication and transportation convenience) reveal that for disadvantaged groups, the effect type tends to be the “direct access type” and “cost-relieving type”, and for advantaged groups, the effect type tends to be the “quality scarcity type”. Through empirical analysis, this study explains how forest resource endowments of different farmer groups influence their access to healthy diets, which lays a foundation for better understanding the association and formulating relevant policies. Decision makers should recognize the distinct influence of forest resource endowments on different farmer groups and develop policies related to forest resource management and healthy diets for farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forestry Economy Sustainability and Ecosystem Governance)

25 pages, 1025 KB

Open AccessReview

Shear-Calibrated High-Intensity Interval Training to Promote Endothelial Autophagy and Delay Vascular Senescence: A Biomarker-Guided Approach

by Amelia Tero-Vescan, Ylenia Pastorello and Mark Slevin

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062653 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Vascular ageing is a complex process marked by progressive endothelial dysfunction, chronic low-grade inflammation (“inflammageing”), and reduced regenerative capacity, driven in part by an imbalance between protective endothelial autophagy and cellular senescence characterized by a proinflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Disruption of this autophagy–senescence axis accelerates vascular inflammation, arterial stiffening, and atherogenesis. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), consisting of repeated bouts of near-maximal anaerobic effort with recovery periods, is widely used by both elite and recreational athletes and is increasingly recognized as an effective nonpharmacological strategy to enhance endothelial function, arterial elasticity, and mitochondrial biogenesis. However, excessively intense or poorly structured HIIT, particularly in the absence of adequate recovery or in individuals with underlying cardiometabolic or vascular vulnerability, may induce endothelial stress and promote maladaptive vascular remodelling, including calcification and plaque instability. These considerations underscore the need for refined individualized exercise prescription strategies that balance performance benefits with endothelial protection. Based on these observations, here, we introduce a novel conceptual framework, “shear dose–calibrated HIIT,” designed to understand and define an optimal shear dose capable of maximizing autophagic flux while minimizing SASP activation. Experimental and clinical evidence of HIIT-induced effects on flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and redox biomarkers is presented, followed by the proposal of a biomarker panel for assessing autophagic flux and cellular senescence in peripheral samples (peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), extracellular vehicles (EVs), and plasma). This integrative approach, which combines vascular mechanotransduction, redox biology, and autophagic signalling, provides a novel translational perspective on how individually calibrated HIIT can promote vascular longevity and reduce cardiometabolic risk associated with aging and metabolic syndrome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Sensing and Adaptive Stress Responses in Aging and Chronic Disease)

12 pages, 878 KB

Open AccessArticle

Serological Evidence of Flavivirus Exposure and Limited Avian Influenza Exposure in Urban House Martins from Southwestern Spain

by Irene Hernandez-Caballero, Luz García-Longoria, Carlos Mora-Rubio, Sergio Magallanes, João T. Cruz, Alazne Díez-Fernández, Wendy Flores-Saavedra and Alfonso Marzal

Animals 2026, 16(6), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16060913 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Zoonotic diseases account for approximately one billion cases of illness and millions of deaths globally each year. Increasing contact between humans and competent wildlife hosts elevates the risk of zoonotic spillover. Synanthropic bird species are key players in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including flaviviruses such as West Nile virus (WNV) and influenza A viruses like Avian Influenza Virus (AIV). Active surveillance of sentinel birds inhabiting urban areas allows for early detection of emerging pathogens before they cause zoonotic outbreaks. Despite nesting in close proximity to humans, the role of the house martin (Delichon urbicum) in the circulation of flaviviruses and AIV remains poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the presence of antibodies against flaviviruses and AIV in a colony of house martins from southwestern Spain. In addition, we aimed to detect amplicons of the matrix and nucleoprotein genes of AIV using RT-qPCR. While none of the samples tested positive for AIV by RT-qPCR, we observed an AIV seroprevalence of 2.13% based on non-subtyped ELISA. Notably, this is the first report of AIV-seropositive D. urbicum individuals captured in Spain. Moreover, we detected a flavivirus-group seroprevalence of 24.34%, similar to rates reported in the same house martin population between 2018 and 2020, suggesting widespread circulation of flaviviruses within this synanthropic species. These results support the hypothesis that house martins may participate in the transmission of these viruses between wild bird populations and humans in urban environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Diseases: Etiology, Diagnosis, Surveillance and Epidemiology: Second Edition)

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27 pages, 902 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a 6-Week Supervised Multimodal Exercise Program on Cancer-Related Fatigue, Quality of Life and Physical Function During Active Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Arturo Cano-Uceda, Paloma Pareja-García, Esther Sánchez-Rodríguez, David Fraguas-Ramos, Laura Martín-Álvarez, Rebeca Asencio-Vicente, Amaya Rivero-de la Villa, María del Mar Pérez-Pérez, Berta María Obispo-Portero, Laura Morales-Ruiz, Rosalía de Dios-Álvarez, Lara Sanchez-Barroso, Luis De Sousa-De Sousa, José Luis Maté-Muñoz and Pablo García-Fernández

Cancers 2026, 18(6), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18060947 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Reduced quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, and functional impairment are common during and after oncologic treatment. Although therapeutic exercise is effective, evidence on brief, supervised programs of moderate to vigorous intensity remains limited, despite their greater clinical feasibility. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a six-week multimodal Therapeutic Exercise Program (TEP) in patients with cancer. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial (NCT05816187) was conducted with 110 patients with cancer (stages I–III), assigned to either an intervention group (supervised TEP, three sessions per week for six weeks) or a control group (usual care). The program included cardiorespiratory and strength training with intensity monitored using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), as well as stretching exercises. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), fatigue using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale (FACIT-F), functional capacity using the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and muscle strength using the 30 Second Sit to Stand Test (30s-STST) and handgrip dynamometry (HGT). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), responder analyses based on the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), and effect sizes (ηp²) were performed. Results: The intervention group showed significant and clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue (FACIT-F: +4.53; p < 0.001; ηp² = 0.135), global QoL (+9.22; p = 0.006), physical function, functional capacity (+24.16 m in the 6MWT; p = 0.006), and muscle strength (30s-STST: +2.71 repetitions; handgrip: +3.32 kg; p < 0.001). A total of 63.3% of participants were responders for fatigue compared with 13.3% in the control group (NNT = 2.00). Functional improvements showed moderate correlations with fatigue and global health status. Among symptoms, only insomnia demonstrated a significant reduction. Conclusions: A brief, supervised, multimodal TEP of moderate to vigorous intensity appears to be an effective, safe, and clinically relevant intervention to improve fatigue, QoL, and functional capacity in patients with cancer, with potential applicability in multidisciplinary oncologic care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Interventions for People Living with Cancer: Advances in Knowledge and Implementation)

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20 pages, 2684 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Detection of Long-Chain Aldehydes by Peptide-Based Biosensors Through Counter-Ion Exchange

by Tomasz Wasilewski, Damian Neubauer, Elisabete Fernandes, Rafał Kiejzik, Bartosz Szulczyński, Jacek Gębicki, Wojciech Kamysz and Marek Wojciechowski

Biosensors 2026, 16(3), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16030162 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

Long-chain aldehydes, particularly nonanal, are recognized as potential volatile biomarkers of lung cancer in exhaled breath. This study investigates the influence of peptide counter-ions on the performance of QCM-based biosensors using two odorant-binding protein-derived peptides (OBPP4 and OBPP4 GSGSGS) for the selective gas-phase detection of these aldehydes. Exchanging the counter-ion from trifluoroacetate to chloride improves biosensor sensitivity and lowers the limit of detection within the set of biosensors investigated in this study. The OBPP4 GSGSGS with chloride exhibited the highest sensitivity to nonanal (0.153 Hz/ppm) and the lowest LOD (9.8 ppm), with excellent selectivity over other groups of volatiles. The novelty of this work lies in demonstrating, for the first time, that simple counter-ion exchange in synthetic peptides can significantly enhance the gas-phase binding of volatile aldehydes, classified as lung cancer biomarkers, without altering the peptide sequence, offering a straightforward and effective optimization strategy for peptide-based piezoelectric biosensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Sensitive and Rapid Detection)

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16 pages, 2610 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Flow Characteristics and Energy Dissipation of Side Inlet/Outlet Structures

by Hai-Yan Lv, Ming-Jiang Liu, Qiang Long, Wang-Ru Wei and Jun Deng

Water 2026, 18(6), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18060678 - 13 Mar 2026

Abstract

As a critical hydraulic component of pumped storage power stations, the side inlet/outlet directly affects unit efficiency, flow stability, and system safety. This study investigates the side inlet/outlet of a pumped storage power station using three-dimensional numerical simulations, focusing on the influence of the diffuser length L on hydraulic performance, and further analyzes the underlying mechanisms of energy loss based on entropy production theory. The results indicate that, with increasing diffuser length L, the flow rates in individual channels gradually deviate from the design values, leading to an aggravated imbalance in flow distribution. In contrast, the velocity non-uniformity coefficient C_V at the trash rack decreases, accompanied by a pronounced attenuation of recirculation and local flow separation, resulting in a more uniform and stable flow field. Moreover, increasing L improves the streamwise velocity uniformity within each channel, while the extent and intensity of the top recirculation zone are reduced, suppressing local flow separation. Quantitative analysis shows that when L increases from 65 m to 85 m, the total turbulent dissipation entropy production rate in the diffuser section increases linearly from 2732.32 W/K to 2842.32 W/K, whereas the direct dissipation entropy production rate increases from 0.41 W/K to 0.59 W/K. This indicates that turbulent dissipation entropy production plays a dominant role in the overall energy loss. Shorter diffusers tend to induce high-intensity local dissipation, whereas longer diffusers reduce local peak dissipation but increase the overall entropy production within the diffuser, reflecting a trade-off between local optimization and global energy loss. This study reveals the sensitivity and governing effects of diffuser length on the hydraulic characteristics of side inlet/outlets, providing a reference for geometry optimization and engineering design of similar hydraulic components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydraulics and Hydrodynamics)

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