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21 pages, 4751 KB

Open AccessArticle

Active Fault-Tolerant Cooperative Control for Multi-QUAVs Using Relative Measurement Information

by Yujiang Zhong, Xi Chen, Ping Li, Pinfan Hou, Zhen Wang and Kunlin Nie

Drones 2025, 9(10), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9100699 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

This paper investigates actuator fault-tolerant cooperative control of multiple quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (multi-QUAVs) under restricted communication conditions, where only relative output measurements are available. By appropriately transforming and scaling the control inputs and outputs of the multi-QUAVs, an observable subsystem is constructed. [...] Read more.

This paper investigates actuator fault-tolerant cooperative control of multiple quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (multi-QUAVs) under restricted communication conditions, where only relative output measurements are available. By appropriately transforming and scaling the control inputs and outputs of the multi-QUAVs, an observable subsystem is constructed. A decoupled fault estimation observer is then designed for this subsystem to estimate actuator faults and the leader’s input signal. Based on the fault estimation information and relative measurement information among QUAVs, a node-based active fault-tolerant cooperative control law is developed. This approach enables multi-QUAVs to achieve consensus-based formation solely relying on relative output information, even in the presence of actuator faults. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed active fault-tolerant cooperative control method is verified by simulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence in Drones (AID))

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19 pages, 5197 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nanoliter-Fabricated Paper-Based Colorimetric Lateral Flow Strip for Urea Detection

by Supatinee Kongkaew, Suparat Cotchim and Warakorn Limbut

Biosensors 2025, 15(10), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15100688 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

A nanoliter-scale fabrication method was applied to construct a colorimetric lateral flow strip for urea detection (Urea-CLFS). The device involves two main papers: a nitrocellulose membrane (NC-Mb) for urease enzyme immobilization and chromatography paper (CH-PP) containing a phenol red indicator. Urea-CLFS is a [...] Read more.

A nanoliter-scale fabrication method was applied to construct a colorimetric lateral flow strip for urea detection (Urea-CLFS). The device involves two main papers: a nitrocellulose membrane (NC-Mb) for urease enzyme immobilization and chromatography paper (CH-PP) containing a phenol red indicator. Urea-CLFS is a tool for detecting urea that is based on enzyme catalysis and the change in color of phenol red when urea is present. The Urea-CLFS fabrication was made possible by the minimal amount of nanoliters used in reagent consumption. The use of small arrays of phenol red dots provides a higher response result compared to single dots applied on CH-PP. To find the most effective design, it analyzed how urease was aligned on NC-Mb horizontally and vertically. According to our findings, the vertical alignment of the urease enzyme on NC-Mb leads to a prolonged reaction time, which leads to higher product production. The optimization process included optimizing various parameters, including the layer number of phenol red on CH-PP, phenol red concentration, urease concentration, reaction time, and sample volume. Under optimal conditions, the Urea-CLFS provided a linear range of 0.25–8.0 mmol L⁻¹ with an LOD of 0.34 mmol L⁻¹, which is sufficient for human health diagnostics. The accuracy of the Urea-CLFS was demonstrated by the recovery of the human urine sample between 95 ± 3% and 103 ± 3% (n = 3). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Paper-Based Biosensing Technologies: From Design to Application)

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21 pages, 12150 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Registration Method for ULS-MLS Data in High-Canopy-Density Forests Based on Feature Deviation Metric

by Houyu Liang, Xiang Zhou, Tingting Lv, Qingwang Liu, Zui Tao and Hongming Zhang

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(20), 3403; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17203403 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

The integration of unmanned aerial vehicle-based laser scanning (ULS) and mobile laser scanning (MLS) enables the detection of forest three-dimensional structure in high-density canopy areas and has become an important tool for monitoring and managing forest ecosystems. However, MLS faces difficulties in positioning [...] Read more.

The integration of unmanned aerial vehicle-based laser scanning (ULS) and mobile laser scanning (MLS) enables the detection of forest three-dimensional structure in high-density canopy areas and has become an important tool for monitoring and managing forest ecosystems. However, MLS faces difficulties in positioning due to canopy occlusion, making integration challenging. Due to the variations in observation platforms, ULS and MLS point clouds exhibit significant structural discrepancies and limited overlapping areas, necessitating effective methods for feature extraction and correspondence establishment between these features to achieve high-precision registration and integration. Therefore, we propose a registration algorithm that introduces a Feature Deviation Metric to enable feature extraction and correspondence construction for forest point clouds in complex regional environments. The algorithm first extracts surface point clouds using the hidden point algorithm. Then, it applies the proposed dual-threshold method to cluster individual tree features in ULS, using cylindrical detection to construct a Feature Deviation Metric from the feature points and surface point clouds. Finally, an optimization algorithm is employed to match the optimal Feature Deviation Metric for registration. Experiments were conducted in 8 stratified mixed tropical rainforest plots with complex mixed-species canopies in Malaysia and 6 structurally simple, high-canopy-density pure forest plots in anorthern China. Our algorithm achieved an average RMSE of 0.17 m in eight tropical rainforest plots with an average canopy density of 0.93, and an RMSE of 0.05 m in six northern forest plots in China with an average canopy density of 0.75, demonstrating high registration capability. Additionally, we also conducted comparative and adaptability analyses, and the results indicate that the proposed model exhibits high accuracy, efficiency, and stability in high-canopy-density forest areas. Moreover, it shows promise for high-precision ULS-MLS registration in a wider range of forest types in the future. Full article

14 pages, 6629 KB

Open AccessArticle

Near-Zero Thermal Expansion and High Strength in Multi-Phase La_0.6Ce_0.4(Fe_0.91Co_0.09)_11.9Si_1.1/Ag Compounds Produced Through Spark Plasma Sintering

by Yuyu Wang, Kai Xu, Hanyang Qian, Rui Cai, Xiang Lu and Jian Liu

Metals 2025, 15(10), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15101131 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

The significant negative thermal expansion (NTE) that occurs in La(Fe,Si)₁₃-based alloys during magnetic transition make them promising to combine with positive thermal expansion (PTE) materials to obtain near-zero thermal expansion (NZTE) materials. However, La(Fe,Si)₁₃-based alloys with NTE generally show [...] Read more.

The significant negative thermal expansion (NTE) that occurs in La(Fe,Si)₁₃-based alloys during magnetic transition make them promising to combine with positive thermal expansion (PTE) materials to obtain near-zero thermal expansion (NZTE) materials. However, La(Fe,Si)₁₃-based alloys with NTE generally show intrinsic poor mechanical properties. Here, thermal expansion properties are optimized by adding Ag in La_0.6Ce_0.4(Fe_0.91Co_0.09)_11.9Si_1.1 to form a multi-phase structure exhibiting enhanced compressive strength. Through spark plasma sintering (SPS) and annealing, the samples consisted of α-Fe(Co,Si), NaZn₁₃-type, and LaAg₂ phases. When the annealing temperature reaches 1323 K, LaAg₂ disappears and is replaced by La₂O₃. The LaAg₂ phase and α-Fe(Co,Si) phase contribute as PTE materials to compensate for the NTE of the NaZn₁₃-type phase. Near-zero thermal expansion was achieved in the temperature range of 240–294 K, with a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 3.5 ppm/K at a 9.581 at.% Ag content. Benefiting from the uniform phase distribution and coordinated deformation, the samples obtained high mechanical strengths, with fracture stresses of 1481.1 MPa for the 15 wt.% Ag sample. This work provides a promising route for high-strength and near-zero thermal expansion Ag/La(Fe,Si)₁₃ composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metallic Functional Materials)

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17 pages, 164411 KB

Open AccessArticle

DocCPLNet: Document Image Rectification via Control Point and Illumination Correction

by Hongyin Ni, Jiayu Han, Chiyuan Wang, Shuo Zhang and Ruiqi Li

Sensors 2025, 25(20), 6304; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25206304 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

With the widespread adoption of mobile devices in daily life, efficiently capturing and digitizing documentation has emerged as a critical research question. The acquisition of documents via mobile devices is often compromised by shadow interference and geometric distortions, which degrade image quality and [...] Read more.

With the widespread adoption of mobile devices in daily life, efficiently capturing and digitizing documentation has emerged as a critical research question. The acquisition of documents via mobile devices is often compromised by shadow interference and geometric distortions, which degrade image quality and adversely affect both OCR accuracy and readability. To address this, we propose a novel method that utilizes control points and illumination prediction to effectively rectify distortions and eliminate shadows in captured document images. Spatial attention is employed to guide the interpolation between control points and reference points, effectively eliminating geometric distortions in the captured document images. Following geometric unwarping, an illumination correction model is applied to remove shadows and enhance surface clarity, improving both human readability and OCR accuracy. Our method demonstrates robust performance in effectively rectifying document distortions across diverse scenarios. Evaluation on the DocUNet benchmark dataset shows that our approach achieves competitive results compared with state-of-the-art techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Visual Sensors and Machine Learning Techniques for Handwritten Text and Document Recognition)

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18 pages, 1528 KB

Open AccessArticle

Single-Image Dehazing of High-Voltage Power Transmission Line Based on Unsupervised Iterative Learning of Knowledge Transfer

by Xiaoyi Cuan, Kai Xie, Wei Yang, Hao Sun and Keping Wang

Mathematics 2025, 13(20), 3256; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13203256 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Single-image dehazing of high-voltage power transmission lines (HPTLs) using deep learning methods confronts two critical challenges: the non-homogeneous haze distribution in HPTL images and the unavailability of paired clear images for supervised training. To overcome these issues, this paper proposes a novel dehaze [...] Read more.

Single-image dehazing of high-voltage power transmission lines (HPTLs) using deep learning methods confronts two critical challenges: the non-homogeneous haze distribution in HPTL images and the unavailability of paired clear images for supervised training. To overcome these issues, this paper proposes a novel dehaze neural network, named FIF-RSCT-Net, that employs a hybrid supervised-to-unsupervised iterative learning approach according to the characteristic of HPTL single images. The FIF-RSCT-Net incorporates the Spatial–Channel Feature Intersection modules and Residual Separable Convolution Transformers to enhance the feature representation capability. Crucially, this novel architecture could learn more generalized dehazing knowledge that can be transferred from the original image domain to HPTL scenarios. In the dehazing knowledge transformation, an unsupervised iterative learning mechanism based on the Line Segment Detector is designed to optimize the restoration of power transmission lines. The effectiveness of FIF-RSCT-Net on the original image domain is demonstrated in the comparative experiments of the I-Haze, O-Haze, NH-Haze, and SOTS datasets. Our methodology achieves the best average PSNR of 24.647 dB and SSIM of 0.8512. And the qualitative evaluation of unsupervised iterative learning results shows that the missed line segments are exhibited during progressive training iterations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning and Adaptive Control, 3rd Edition)

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48 pages, 2689 KB

Open AccessReview

Inkjet Printing for Batteries and Supercapacitors: State-of-the-Art Developments and Outlook

by Juan C. Rubio and Martin Bolduc

Energies 2025, 18(20), 5348; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205348 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Inkjet printing enables contactless deposition onto fragile substrates for printed energy-storage devices and supports flexible batteries and supercapacitors with reduced material use. This review examines multilayer and interdigital architectures and analyzes how ink rheology, droplet formation, colloidal interactions, and the printability window govern [...] Read more.

Inkjet printing enables contactless deposition onto fragile substrates for printed energy-storage devices and supports flexible batteries and supercapacitors with reduced material use. This review examines multilayer and interdigital architectures and analyzes how ink rheology, droplet formation, colloidal interactions, and the printability window govern performance. For batteries, reported inkjet-printed electrodes commonly deliver capacities of ~110–150 mAh g⁻¹ for oxide cathodes at C/2–1 C, with coulombic efficiency ≥98% and stability over 10²–10³ cycles; silicon anodes reach ~1.0–2.0 Ah g⁻¹ with efficiency approaching 99% under stepwise formation. Typical current densities are ~0.5–5 mA cm⁻² depending on areal loading, and multilayer designs with optimized drying and parameter tuning can yield rate and discharge behavior comparable to cast films. For supercapacitors, inkjet-printed microdevices report volumetric capacitances in the mid-hundreds of F cm⁻³, translating to ~9–34 mWh cm⁻³ and ~0.25–0.41 W cm⁻³, with 80–95% retention after 10,000 cycles and coulombic efficiency near 99%. In solid-state configurations, stability is enhanced, although often accompanied by reduced areal capacitance. Although solids loading is lower than in screen printing, precise material placement together with thermal or photonic sintering enables competitive capacity, rate capability, and cycle life while minimizing waste. The review consolidates practical guidance on ink formulation, printability, and defect control and outlines opportunities in greener chemistries, oxidation-resistant metallic systems, and scalable high-throughput printing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power Electronics Technology and Application)

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27 pages, 19519 KB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Carbon Climate-Resilient Retrofit Pilot: Construction Report

by Hamish Pope, Mark Carver and Jeff Armstrong

Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3666; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203666 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Deep retrofits are one of the few pathways to decarbonize the existing building stock while simultaneously improving climate resilience. These retrofits improve insulation, airtightness, and mechanical equipment efficiency. NRCan’s Prefabricated Exterior Energy Retrofit (PEER) project developed prefabricated building envelope retrofit solutions to enable [...] Read more.

Deep retrofits are one of the few pathways to decarbonize the existing building stock while simultaneously improving climate resilience. These retrofits improve insulation, airtightness, and mechanical equipment efficiency. NRCan’s Prefabricated Exterior Energy Retrofit (PEER) project developed prefabricated building envelope retrofit solutions to enable net-zero performance. The PEER process was demonstrated on two different pilot projects completed between 2017 and 2023. In 2024, in partnership with industry partners, NRCan developed new low-carbon retrofit panel designs and completed a pilot project to evaluate their performance and better understand resiliency and occupant comfort post-retrofit. The Low-Carbon Climate-Resilient (LCCR) Living Lab pilot retrofit was completed in 2024 in Ottawa, Canada, using low-carbon PEER panels. This paper outlines the design and construction for the pilot, including panel designs, the retrofitting process, and post-retrofit building and envelope commissioning. The retrofitting process included the design and installation of new prefabricated exterior retrofitted panels for the walls and the roof. These panels were insulated with cellulose, wood fibre, hemp, and chopped straw. During construction, blower door testing and infrared imaging were conducted to identify air leakage paths and thermal bridges in the enclosure. The retrofit envelope thermal resistance is RSI 7.0 walls, RSI 10.5 roof, and an RSI 3.5 floor with 0.80 W/m²·K U-factor high-gain windows. The measured normalized leakage area @10Pa was 0.074 cm²/m². The net carbon stored during retrofitting was over 1480 kg CO₂. Monitoring equipment was placed within the LCCR to enable the validation of hygrothermal models for heat, air, and moisture transport, and energy, comfort, and climate resilience models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Climate-Responsive Building Design: Advancing Resilience and Sustainability in the Built Environment)

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19 pages, 1320 KB

Open AccessArticle

Oral L-Dopa Disrupts Behavioral Self-Control in Male Fighting Fish (Betta splendens)

by Andrew Velkey, Kate Watson, Nathan White, Abigail Agi, Grace Doebler-Alligood, Isabella Tilmont, Brook Williams Sweeten and Kaitlyn Kinslow

Fishes 2025, 10(10), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10100518 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

In their natural habitat, male Betta splendens are territorial resource defenders, whereas females are non-territorial opportunistic foragers. This ecological difference suggests that males may be more capable of delaying gratification for food rewards. The present study examined impulsive choice in Betta splendens through [...] Read more.

In their natural habitat, male Betta splendens are territorial resource defenders, whereas females are non-territorial opportunistic foragers. This ecological difference suggests that males may be more capable of delaying gratification for food rewards. The present study examined impulsive choice in Betta splendens through two experiments comparing subjects’ choices between a Smaller-Sooner (SS) reward (1 pellet immediately) and a Larger-Later (LL) reward (3 pellets after 15 s). In Experiment I, the choice distributions of males were more likely to stabilize on the LL option over the SS option, whereas females’ choice distributions were equally likely to stabilize on either option. These findings indicate that most males demonstrated spontaneous behavioral self-control without specialized training, while females were collectively indifferent. Experiment II investigated whether dopamine modulates this behavior by administering oral L-Dopa (60 mg/kg) to males before trials. Using the same procedures, only 30% of L-Dopa-treated males’ choice distributions stabilized on the LL reward, while 70% of experimental males’ choice distributions stabilized on the SS option; the choice distributions of control males were equally likely to stabilize on either reward. These results suggest that elevated dopaminergic activity increases impulsive choice in male Betta splendens. Future studies should examine dopamine agonists and antagonists, as well as female responses, to further clarify dopamine’s role in reward valuation and behavioral self-control in Betta splendens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Biochemistry)

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15 pages, 8493 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phase-Retrieval Algorithm for Hololens Resolution Analysis in a Sustainable Photopolymer

by Tomás Lloret, Víctor Navarro-Fuster, Marta Morales-Vidal and Inmaculada Pascual

Polymers 2025, 17(20), 2732; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17202732 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

In this paper, the iterative Gerchberg–Saxton (GS) phase-retrieval algorithm is employed to reconstruct the amplitude spread function (ASF) of hololenses (HLs) recorded on a sustainable PVA/acrylate-based photopolymer, Biophotopol, when working with a CCD sensor. The main objective of this work is [...] Read more.

In this paper, the iterative Gerchberg–Saxton (GS) phase-retrieval algorithm is employed to reconstruct the amplitude spread function (ASF) of hololenses (HLs) recorded on a sustainable PVA/acrylate-based photopolymer, Biophotopol, when working with a CCD sensor. The main objective of this work is to characterize the spatial resolution of HLs, which are key components in a wide range of optical systems, including augmented reality (AR) glasses, combined information displays, and holographic solar concentrators. The GS algorithm, known for its efficiency in phase retrieval without prior knowledge of the phase of the optical system, is used to reconstruct the ASF, which is critical for mitigating information loss during imaging. Spatial resolution is quantified by convolving the ASFs obtained with two resolution tests (objective and subjective) and analyzing the resulting image using a CCD sensor. The convolution process allows an accurate assessment of lens performance, highlighting the resolution limits of manufactured lenses. The results show that the iterative GS algorithm provides a reliable method to improve image quality by recovering phase and amplitude information that might otherwise be lost, especially when using CCD or CMOS sensors. In addition, the recorded hololenses exhibit a spatial resolution of 8.9 lp/mm when evaluated with the objective Siemens star chart, and 30 cycles/degree when evaluated with the subjective Random E visual acuity test, underscoring the ability of Biophotopol-based HLs to meet the performance requirements of advanced optical applications. This work contributes to the development of sustainable high-resolution holographic lenses for modern imaging technologies, offering a promising alternative for future optical systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photopolymer Materials: Holographic Applications)

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15 pages, 2736 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Hyperspectral Response of Quercetin in Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. Using Standard Fingerprints and Band-Specific Feature Analysis

by Ziyuan Liu, Haoyuan Ding, Sijia Zhao, Hongzhen Wang and Yiqing Xu

Plants 2025, 14(20), 3141; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203141 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Quercetin, a key flavonoid in Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl., plays an important role in determining the pharmacological value of this medicinal herb. However, traditional methods for quercetin quantification are destructive and time-consuming, limiting their application in real-time quality monitoring. This study investigates the [...] Read more.

Quercetin, a key flavonoid in Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl., plays an important role in determining the pharmacological value of this medicinal herb. However, traditional methods for quercetin quantification are destructive and time-consuming, limiting their application in real-time quality monitoring. This study investigates the hyperspectral response characteristics of quercetin using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging and establishes a feature-based model to explore its detectability in A. roxburghii leaves. We scanned standard quercetin solutions of known concentration under the same imaging conditions as the leaves to produce a dilution series. Feature-selection methods used included the successive projections algorithm (SPA), Pearson correlation, and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS). A 1D convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) trained on SPA-selected wavelengths yielded the best prediction performance. These key wavelengths—particularly the 923 nm band—showed strong theoretical and statistical relevance to quercetin’s molecular absorption. When applied to plant leaf spectra, the standard-trained model produced continuous predicted quercetin values that effectively distinguished cultivars with varying flavonoid contents. PCA visualization and ROC-based classification confirmed spectral transferability and potential for functional evaluation. This study demonstrates a non-destructive, spatially resolved, and biochemically interpretable strategy for identifying bioactive markers in plant tissues, offering a methodological basis for future hyperspectral inversion studies and intelligent quality assessment in herbal medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Technology in Plant Research)

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21 pages, 1078 KB

Open AccessArticle

sTREM-1, HMGB1, CRP, PCT, sCD14-ST, IL-6, IL-10, sHLA-G, and Vitamin D in Relation to Clinical Scores and Survival in SIRS/Sepsis

by Michaela Kopcova, Anna Dobisova, Magda Suchankova, Elena Tibenska, Kinga Szaboova, Juraj Koutun and Maria Bucova

Biomedicines 2025, 13(10), 2481; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13102481 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection and remains a major cause of mortality in intensive care units. Methods: We analyzed plasma levels of sTREM-1, CRP, PCT, sCD14-ST, HMGB1, IL-6, IL-10, vitamin D (VD), [...] Read more.

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection and remains a major cause of mortality in intensive care units. Methods: We analyzed plasma levels of sTREM-1, CRP, PCT, sCD14-ST, HMGB1, IL-6, IL-10, vitamin D (VD), and sHLA-G in patients with SIRS/sepsis, and assessed their relationships with APACHE II, SOFA scores, and survival. Results: Septic patients showed significantly elevated sTREM-1, CRP, PCT, sCD14-ST, and higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, while VD levels were markedly reduced. Logistic regression identified CRP and PCT as the strongest univariate predictors of sepsis, but after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities, CRP lost significance, whereas VD and sCD14-ST remained independent predictors. Prognostically, higher IL-10 levels significantly correlated with 7- and 28-day mortality and with SOFA scores, while higher VD concentrations predicted better survival. Conclusion: CRP, PCT, and sCD14-ST are reliable diagnostic biomarkers of sepsis, with sTREM-1 providing additional value for disease monitoring. After adjustment for clinical covariates, VD emerged as an independent protective factor, whereas elevated IL-10 significantly predicted 7- and 28-day mortality. These findings underscore the utility of combining inflammatory and immunoregulatory biomarkers to improve sepsis diagnostics and prognostication, warranting validation in larger multicenter cohorts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Cytokines in Health and Disease: 3rd Edition)

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35 pages, 2416 KB

Open AccessReview

Adenosine Receptors in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration

by Veronica Salmaso, Silvia Menin, Stefano Moro, Giampiero Spalluto and Stephanie Federico

Cells 2025, 14(20), 1585; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14201585 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Adenosine plays a crucial role in various pathophysiological conditions, including neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Neuroinflammation can be either beneficial or detrimental to the central nervous system, depending on the intensity and duration of the inflammatory response. Across a wide range of brain disorders, neuroinflammation [...] Read more.

Adenosine plays a crucial role in various pathophysiological conditions, including neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Neuroinflammation can be either beneficial or detrimental to the central nervous system, depending on the intensity and duration of the inflammatory response. Across a wide range of brain disorders, neuroinflammation contributes to both the onset and progression of disease. Notably, neuroinflammation is not limited to conditions primarily classified as neuroinflammatory but is also a key factor in other neurological disorders, including life-threatening neurodegenerative diseases. All four adenosine receptor subtypes (A₁, A_2A, A_2B, and A₃) are implicated, to varying degrees, in these conditions. This review aims to summarize the roles of individual adenosine receptor subtypes in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing their therapeutic potential. While some therapeutic applications are well-established with clinically approved drugs, others warrant further investigation due to their promising potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adenosine and Purinergic Receptors: Regulation and Essential Role in Human Disease)

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28 pages, 6949 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimentally Validated Modelling of a Base-Excited Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester Connected to a Full Wave Rectified Load

by Philip Bonello and Maher Alalwan

Sensors 2025, 25(20), 6305; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25206305 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Practical applications of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting systems are required to produce a stable DC output through the nonlinear process of AC-DC rectification. In most simulation studies of such systems, the diodes have been idealised as switches, an assumption that is valid only [...] Read more.

Practical applications of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting systems are required to produce a stable DC output through the nonlinear process of AC-DC rectification. In most simulation studies of such systems, the diodes have been idealised as switches, an assumption that is valid only if the vibration-induced voltage is high enough, which is frequently not the case in practice. This paper presents an experimentally validated simulation of a base excited vibration energy harvester connected to a full wave rectified load, combining the analytical modal transformation of the Euler–Bernoulli model of a piezoelectric beam with the nonlinear current-voltage characteristic of a real (non-ideal) diode. Three types of diodes with significantly different model parameters sourced from industry-standard datasets are considered. Discrepancies between simulated and measured resonant voltage levels are found to be less than 10% on average, and the discrepancy in resonant frequency is less than 1%, demonstrating the reliability of the Shockley diode model despite its omission of the dynamic behaviour of the diode. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensors Development)

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18 pages, 1555 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unlocking Antioxidant Potential: Interactions Between Cyanidin-3-Glucoside and Corbicula fluminea Protein

by Sifan Guo, Xuemei Liu, Fei Wang, Yong Jiang, Lili Chen, Meilan Yuan, Li Zhao and Chunqing Bai

Biology 2025, 14(10), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14101392 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Corbicula fluminea protein (CFP) and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) are natural nutrient fortifiers. During consumption or processing, they may interact with each other, inducing alternations in their structural and functional properties. However, nothing was known about the mechanism of their interaction and their synergistic antioxidant [...] Read more.

Corbicula fluminea protein (CFP) and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) are natural nutrient fortifiers. During consumption or processing, they may interact with each other, inducing alternations in their structural and functional properties. However, nothing was known about the mechanism of their interaction and their synergistic antioxidant effect. In this research, C3G was physically mixed with CFP to simulate practical scenarios. The impact of the presence of C3G on the multispectral characteristics, antioxidant activity, and particle properties of CFP was examined and compared to chemically fabricated C3G-CFP covalent conjugates. The results indicate that C3G tended to spontaneously bind to CFP and formed compact non-covalent complex, with hydrophobic forces predominantly governing the interaction. This binding resulted in the statically quenched intrinsic fluorescence of CFP, accompanied by a dynamic model. Moreover, C3G preferentially induced Trp residue in CFP exposed to a more polar microenvironment, yet it exerted nearly no effects on CFP when analyzed using ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS). Additionally, although the formed non-covalent complex demonstrated strengthened antioxidant capacity, C3G displayed an antagonistic effect with CFP, whereas lower C3G concentrations led to synergistic effects in covalent conjugates. These findings provide new insights into the effective application of C3G and CFP as nutritional antioxidants. Full article

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20 pages, 966 KB

Open AccessReview

Unraveling the Genome Diversity of Leishmania Parasites Using Next-Generation DNA Sequencing Strategies

by Alejandro Llanes, Carlos M. Restrepo and Ricardo Lleonart

Life 2025, 15(10), 1590; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101590 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Parasites of the Leishmania genus are globally distributed and cause various clinical presentations in animals and humans, collectively known as leishmaniasis. The genomes of Leishmania and other trypanosomatids exhibit remarkable plasticity, shaped by several distinctive genetic features. Although these features can hinder the [...] Read more.

Parasites of the Leishmania genus are globally distributed and cause various clinical presentations in animals and humans, collectively known as leishmaniasis. The genomes of Leishmania and other trypanosomatids exhibit remarkable plasticity, shaped by several distinctive genetic features. Although these features can hinder the application of next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) technologies, NGS data have been successfully used to characterize the whole-genome diversity of circulating Leishmania strains. The results complement and are broadly aligned with previous findings obtained with more traditional methods, offering greater resolution when working with geographically closer strains. In this review, we summarize advances over the past two decades in characterizing the genome diversity of Leishmania parasites using NGS strategies. We also discuss the application of these strategies to elucidate other aspects relevant to the epidemiology of these parasites, including their population structure and mode of reproduction. The vast majority of the studies to date have focused on species within the L. donovani/infantum complex or the L. (Viannia) subgenus, highlighting the need to incorporate other relevant underrepresented species and regions from both the Old and New World. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights Into Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease: Focus on Diagnosis and Genetic Characterization of Parasites: 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 2514 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Immunoassays of IgG and CA125 Based on Glucose Oxidase-Catalyzed Signal Amplification with Gold Staining

by Long Chao, Zhisong Wu, Shiqiang Qi, Aigui Xu, Zhao Huang and Dexuan Yan

Biosensors 2025, 15(10), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15100689 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Herein, we propose an ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor based on glucose oxidase labeling and enzyme-catalyzed Au staining. In brief, the primary antibody (Ab₁), bovine serum albumin, an antigen and then a bionanocomposite that contains a second antibody (Ab₂), poly(3-anilineboronic acid) [...] Read more.

Herein, we propose an ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor based on glucose oxidase labeling and enzyme-catalyzed Au staining. In brief, the primary antibody (Ab₁), bovine serum albumin, an antigen and then a bionanocomposite that contains a second antibody (Ab₂), poly(3-anilineboronic acid) (PABA), Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and glucose oxidase (GOx) are modified on a glassy carbon electrode coated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes, yielding a corresponding sandwich-type immunoelectrode. In the presence of glucose, a chemical reduction of NaAuCl₄ by enzymatically generated H₂O₂ can precipitate a lot of gold on the Ab₂-PABA-AuNPs-GOx immobilized immunoelectrode. In situ anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) detection of gold in 8 μL 1.0 M aqueous HBr-Br₂ is conducted for the antigen assay, and the ASV detection process takes approximately 6 min. This method is employed for the assay of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and human carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), which demonstrates exceptional sensitivity, high selectivity and fewer required reagents/samples. The achieved limits of detection (S/N = 3) by the method are 0.25 fg mL⁻¹ for IgG (approximately equivalent to containing 1 IgG molecule in the 1 microlitre of the analytical solution) and 0.1 nU mL⁻¹ for CA125, which outperforms many previously reported results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials and Techniques for Bioanalysis and Biosensing—2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 1110 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Therapy Utilization and Morbidity Outcomes After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Longitudinal Analysis of Three Combined Cohorts

by Ifat Klein, Danit R. Shahar, Michael Friger, Irena Rosenberg, Daphna Barsuk, Merav A. Ben-David and Sergio Susmallian

Cancers 2025, 17(20), 3296; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17203296 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Upper-extremity morbidity after breast cancer surgery—including pain, lymphedema, and restricted shoulder range of motion—often develops gradually, emerging months after treatment and limiting daily activities. We aimed to characterize morbidity trajectories, physical therapy utilization, and predictors of physical therapy use. Methods: A retrospective [...] Read more.

Background: Upper-extremity morbidity after breast cancer surgery—including pain, lymphedema, and restricted shoulder range of motion—often develops gradually, emerging months after treatment and limiting daily activities. We aimed to characterize morbidity trajectories, physical therapy utilization, and predictors of physical therapy use. Methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort included 1602 women treated with breast surgery 0–36 months earlier. Patient-reported outcomes included Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), pain, range of motion limitation, axillary web syndrome, and lymphedema. Clinical variables included surgery type and nodal procedure. Outcomes were summarized across four postoperative windows (0–6, 7–12, 13–24, 25–36 months). Logistic and multinomial regression identified predictors of physical therapy uptake and timing (early, ≤3 months vs. late, >3 months; No physical therapy). Results: Anxiety declined across postoperative windows (p < 0.001), and axillary web syndrome decreased from early to later periods (p < 0.001). In contrast, range of motion restriction and decreased function remained common without significant differences between windows (p = 0.145 and p = 0.273). Pain was generally low-to-moderate by median [interquartile range], with a modest rise at 7–12 months (p < 0.001). In adjusted multinomial models (reference: Early physical therapy ≤ 3 months), higher pain was associated with No physical therapy and Late physical therapy (both p < 0.05); lymphedema with No PT and Late physical therapy (both p < 0.05); and axillary web syndrome with Late physical therapy (p = 0.001). Other symptoms (range of motion, function level, anxiety and physical activity) were not independently associated with physical therapy timing. Conclusions: Long-term postoperative morbidity is common. Early assessment and structured follow-up can mitigate its impact and should be embedded as core elements of survivorship health-promotion policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Cancer and Risk Factors: Pushing Boundaries in Public Health Research and Policy)

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17 pages, 10849 KB

Open AccessArticle

Isorhamnetin Exhibits Hypoglycemic Activity and Targets PI3K/AKT and COX-2 Pathways in Type 1 Diabetes

by Lijia Li, Jia Li, Jie Ren and Jengyuan Yao

Nutrients 2025, 17(20), 3201; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17203201 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Isorhamnetin (ISO), a dietary O-methylated flavonol, was evaluated for hypoglycemic activity and mechanism in a streptozotocin (STZ) model of type 1 diabetes. Methods: We conducted untargeted plasma metabolomics (ESI±), network integration and docking, and measured pancreatic PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, and COX-2; INS-1 [...] Read more.

Background: Isorhamnetin (ISO), a dietary O-methylated flavonol, was evaluated for hypoglycemic activity and mechanism in a streptozotocin (STZ) model of type 1 diabetes. Methods: We conducted untargeted plasma metabolomics (ESI±), network integration and docking, and measured pancreatic PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, and COX-2; INS-1 β cells challenged with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 were used to assess viability, intracellular ROS, and PI3K phosphorylation. Results: ISO lowered fasting glycemia, increased circulating insulin, improved dyslipidemia by reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and preserved islet architecture. Untargeted plasma metabolomics (ESI±) indicated broad remodeling with enrichment of arachidonic-, linoleic-, starch/sucrose- and glycerophospholipid pathways. Network integration and docking prioritized targets converging on PI3K/AKT and COX-2/eicosanoid signaling. Consistently, in pancreatic tissue, ISO increased PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, and reduced COX-2. In INS-1 beta cells challenged with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, ISO improved viability, decreased intracellular ROS, and partially restored PI3K phosphorylation at 4 µM. Conclusions: Together, these data indicate that ISO exerts hypoglycemic effects while supporting β-cell integrity through activation of PI3K/AKT and tempering of COX-2–linked lipid-mediator pathways. ISO therefore emerges as a food-derived adjunct candidate for autoimmune diabetes, and the work motivates targeted lipidomics and in vivo pathway interrogation in future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hypoglycemic Properties and Pathways of Natural Substances)

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36 pages, 7996 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Cannabinoid CB₁ Receptor Inverse Agonist/Antagonist SR141716A Activates the Adenylate Cyclase/PKA Signaling Pathway Among Other Intracellular Emetic Signals to Evoke Vomiting in Least Shrews (Cryptotis parva)

by Yina Sun, Louiza Belkacemi, Weixia Zhong, Zollie Daily and Nissar A. Darmani

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(20), 9884; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209884 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Intracellular emetic signals involved in the cannabinoid CB₁ receptor inverse agonist/antagonist SR141716A were investigated. SR141716A (20 mg/kg, i.p.)-evoked vomiting occurred via both the central and peripheral mechanisms. This was accompanied by robust emesis-associated increases in the following: (i) c-fos- and [...] Read more.

Intracellular emetic signals involved in the cannabinoid CB₁ receptor inverse agonist/antagonist SR141716A were investigated. SR141716A (20 mg/kg, i.p.)-evoked vomiting occurred via both the central and peripheral mechanisms. This was accompanied by robust emesis-associated increases in the following: (i) c-fos- and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3α/β (p-GSK-3αβ)-expression in the shrew’s dorsal vagal complex (DVC), (ii) phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (p-ERK_1/2) expression in both the DVC and jejunal enteric nervous system, and (iii) time-dependent upregulation of cAMP levels and phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase B (Akt), GSK-3α/β, ERK_1/2, and protein kinase C αβII (PKCαβII) in the brainstem. SR141716A-evoked emetic parameters were attenuated by diverse inhibitors of the following: PKA, ERK_1/2, GSK-3, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway, phospholipase C (PLC), PKC, Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), L-type Ca²⁺ channel (LTCC), store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), ryanodine receptor (RyRs), both 5-HT₃-, and D_2/3-receptor antagonists, and the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1R) agonist. SR141716A appears to evoke vomiting via inverse agonist activity involving emesis-associated kinases, including cAMP/PKA, ERK_1/2, PI3K/Akt/GSK-3, PLC/PKCαβII, and CaMKII, which depend upon Ca²⁺ mobilization linking extracellular Ca²⁺ entry via plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels (LTCC, SOCE, TRIPV1R) and intracellular Ca²⁺ release via IP3Rs and RyRs. The 5-HT₃, NK₁, and D_2/3 receptors also contribute to SR141716A-mediated vomiting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue G Protein-Coupled Receptors)

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34 pages, 2661 KB

Open AccessArticle

Electric Aircraft Airport Electric Utility Sizing Study Based on Multi-Layer Optimization Models

by Yu Wang, Xisheng Li, Jiannan Chi, Cong Zhang and Jiahui Liu

Aerospace 2025, 12(10), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12100917 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

As the potential of e-aircraft in short-range routes becomes more prominent, the question of how to rationally plan airport electric infrastructure and efficiently produce it has become a key issue in the aviation industry’s efforts to move towards electrification. In this paper, we [...] Read more.

As the potential of e-aircraft in short-range routes becomes more prominent, the question of how to rationally plan airport electric infrastructure and efficiently produce it has become a key issue in the aviation industry’s efforts to move towards electrification. In this paper, we propose and construct a three-layer optimization model for determining the size of airport electric infrastructure, which is solved collaboratively at the three levels of strategic, tactical, and operational layers, in order to construct an optimization algorithm to minimize the construction and operation costs of electric infrastructure, and at the same time to ensure that flights are not delayed by the influence of electric power supply. Specifically, Stage-1 considers infrastructure sizes; Stage-2 assigns a binary charge–swap decision per turnaround under no-delay policy; Stage-3 schedules power under time-of-use tariffs and outputs a feasible day plan and daily cost. In order to verify the effectiveness of this paper’s algorithm, this paper conducts case studies and algorithm validation on actual flight data. The results show that the proposed model can significantly reduce the overall airport operating costs while ensuring normal flight operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air Traffic and Transportation)

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18 pages, 929 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-World and Clinical Implications of Patient Education, Lifestyle and Treatment Adherence in Romanian Diabetes Care: An Observational Study

by Ozana-Andreea Măriuț, Ana Flavia Burlec, Irina Macovei, Cornelia Mircea, Mădălina Elena Datcu, Monica Hăncianu and Andreia Corciovă

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(20), 7171; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207171 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a major global health concern requiring both preventive strategies and patient-centered clinical management. This study evaluated knowledge, lifestyle behaviors, treatment adherence and the use of digital tools among Romanian patients with diabetes in a real-world setting. Methods: A cross-sectional [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a major global health concern requiring both preventive strategies and patient-centered clinical management. This study evaluated knowledge, lifestyle behaviors, treatment adherence and the use of digital tools among Romanian patients with diabetes in a real-world setting. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 patients recruited from community pharmacies in Iași, Romania. Data were collected using a structured 27-item questionnaire addressing demographics, disease management, adherence, lifestyle factors, and complications. Results: Most participants had type 2 diabetes. Engagement in healthy behaviors was suboptimal, with low levels of daily physical activity and limited routine glucose monitoring. Complications and treatment-related side effects were frequent, reflecting a high disease burden. Treatment adherence was significantly higher among younger patients, those with type 1 diabetes and individuals who had set long-term health goals. The use of digital technologies was low overall but more common in younger participants. Conclusions: This study identifies critical gaps in lifestyle practices, adherence and technology uptake among Romanian patients with diabetes. These findings carry important clinical implications, as poor adherence and limited self-management are closely linked to complications and higher healthcare spending. The findings suggest that patient education, integrating validated digital tools and enhancing the role of community healthcare providers could support better adherence and reduce long-term complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology & Metabolism)

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31 pages, 3416 KB

Open AccessArticle

Accurate Estimation of Forest Canopy Height Based on GEDI Transmitted Deconvolution Waveforms

by Longtao Cai, Jun Wu, Inthasone Somsack, Xuemei Zhao and Jiasheng He

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(20), 3412; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17203412 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Accurate estimation of the forest canopy height is crucial in monitoring the global carbon cycle and evaluating progress toward carbon neutrality goals. The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission provides an important data source for canopy height estimation at a global scale. However, [...] Read more.

Accurate estimation of the forest canopy height is crucial in monitoring the global carbon cycle and evaluating progress toward carbon neutrality goals. The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission provides an important data source for canopy height estimation at a global scale. However, the non-zero half-width of the transmitted laser pulses (NHWTLP) and the influence of terrain slope can cause waveform broadening and overlap between canopy returns and ground returns in GEDI waveforms, thereby reducing the estimation accuracy. To address these limitations, we propose a canopy height retrieval method that combines the deconvolution of GEDI’s transmitted waveforms with terrain slope constraints on the ground response function. The method consists of two main components. The first is performing deconvolution on GEDI’s effective return waveforms using their corresponding transmitted waveforms to obtain the true ground response function within each GEDI footprint, thereby mitigating waveform broadening and overlap induced by NHWTLP. This process includes constructing a convolution convergence function for GEDI waveforms, denoising GEDI waveform data, transforming one-dimensional ground response functions into two dimensions, and applying amplitude difference regularization between the convolved and observed waveforms. The second is incorporating terrain slope parameters derived from a digital terrain model (DTM) as constraints in the canopy height estimation model to alleviate waveform broadening and overlap in ground response functions caused by topographic effects. The proposed approach enhances the precision of forest canopy height estimation from GEDI data, particularly in areas with complex terrain. The results demonstrate that, under various conditions—including GEDI full-power beams and coverage beams, different terrain slopes, varying canopy closures, and multiple study areas—the retrieved height (rh) model constructed from ground response functions derived via the inverse deconvolution of the transmitted waveforms (IDTW) outperforms the RH (the official height from GEDI L2A) model constructed using RH parameters from GEDI L2A data files in forest canopy height estimation. Specifically, without incorporating terrain slope, the rh model for canopy height estimation using full-power beams achieved a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.58 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.23 m, compared to the RH model, which had an R² of 0.58 and an RMSE of 5.54 m. After incorporating terrain slope, the rh_g model for full-power beams in canopy height estimation yielded an R² of 0.61 and an RMSE of 5.21 m, while the RH_g model attained an R² of 0.60 and an RMSE of 5.45 m. These findings indicate that the proposed method effectively mitigates waveform broadening and overlap in GEDI waveforms, thereby enhancing the precision of forest canopy height estimation, particularly in areas with complex terrain. This approach provides robust technical support for global-scale forest resource assessment and contributes to the accurate monitoring of carbon dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Paper Special Issue on Forest Remote Sensing)

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12 pages, 1461 KB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Impact of LAG3 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism in DLBCL Treated with CAR-T Cell Therapy

by Katja Seipel, Sophia Maria Spahr, Inna Shaforostova, Ulrike Bacher, Henning Nilius and Thomas Pabst

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(20), 9905; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209905 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) is an immune checkpoint receptor and inhibitory regulator of T-cells. Here, we analyzed the prevalence of LAG3 rs870849 in B-cell lymphoma patients and the treatment outcomes according to the LAG3 genetic background and discovered that LAG3 germline [...] Read more.

Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) is an immune checkpoint receptor and inhibitory regulator of T-cells. Here, we analyzed the prevalence of LAG3 rs870849 in B-cell lymphoma patients and the treatment outcomes according to the LAG3 genetic background and discovered that LAG3 germline variants may affect the risk of developing lymphoma and also affect the treatment outcome of DLBCL patients in the current CD19 CAR-T cell therapies. The LAG3 rs870849 was prevalent at high frequency in DLBCL patients. Significant differences in treatment outcomes to CAR-T cell therapy emerged in LAG3 I455hom versus I455Thet and T455hom carriers. The overall and complete response rates to CAR-T cell therapy were lower in the I455hom genetic subgroup with median PFS in the I455hom of 2 versus 20 months in the T455hom and I455Thet subgroups (p = 0.025). Median OS was 6 months in the LAG3 I455hom versus 41 months in the T455hom and I455Thet subgroups (p = 0.007). LAG3 rs870849 may affect treatment outcome in CAR-T cell therapy, with favorable outcomes in T455 carriers. Specific combinations of CTLA4 and LAG3 germline variants may cooperate to affect the response to CAR-T cell therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immune Cell Therapy and Genome Engineering)

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19 pages, 13272 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The MADS-Box Transcription Factor BoAGL8 Is Involved in Regulating Flowering in Broccoli

by Yuanyuan Li, Hanbing Yang, Peini Jia, Zairong Li, Yan Wang, Yajie Jiang, Xia He, Boyue Wen, Chensi Huo, Wei Zhang, Wenchen Chai, Shijiang Yan and Jing Zhang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(10), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11101227 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) is a biennial or annual herbaceous plant belonging to the species Brassica oleracea in the genus Brassica of the Cruciferae family. The green flower curd serves as the primary edible organ, with its development and [...] Read more.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) is a biennial or annual herbaceous plant belonging to the species Brassica oleracea in the genus Brassica of the Cruciferae family. The green flower curd serves as the primary edible organ, with its development and preservation critically determining broccoli yield and quality. Given that these processes are regulated by flowering time, understanding the mechanisms underlying floral transition is essential for enhancing broccoli yield and quality. This study aimed to identify the MADS-box family in broccoli and to investigate the function of the BoAGL8 gene in floral induction. We identified a total of 176 MADS-box genes, of which 54 genes were up-regulated and 50 genes were down-regulated under low-temperature treatment. Notably, the expression of BoAGL8 was up-regulated by 6.70-fold under low-temperature induction, prompting us to select and clone this gene for further analysis. Tissue-specific expression profiling further revealed that BoAGL8 is expressed at relatively high level in both mature and young leaves. After 15 days of low-temperature treatment, BoAGL8 expression in shoot tip was significantly upregulated compared to untreated controls. Subcellular localization analysis showed that BoAGL8 protein was located to the nucleus. Ectopic over-expression of BoAGL8 in Arabidopsis exhibited accelerated bolting and flowering, reduced rosette leaf number, and increased seed yield per plant compared to wild-type plants. Furthermore, compared to wild-type controls, transgenic lines exhibited upregulated expression of AtFT, AtAP1 and AtSEP3, alongside downregulation of SVP expression. The above results indicate that BoAGL8 may play a key regulatory role in the process of floral organ development in broccoli, providing an important theoretical basis for future research on flowering time regulation and breeding in broccoli. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Genetic Breeding and Biotechnology of Garden Plants)

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13 pages, 451 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Sustainability in the Post-Soviet Republics: Cross-Country Evidence from a Composite Index

by Tommaso Filì, Enrico Ivaldi, Enrico Musso and Tiziano Pavanini

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9018; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209018 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the environmental dimension of sustainable development across fifteen post-Soviet republics in 2022. While sustainability is generally understood as a triadic construct—economic, social, and environmental—this paper isolates the ecological pillar to highlight cross-country differences shaped by industrial legacies, institutional capacity, and [...] Read more.

This study investigates the environmental dimension of sustainable development across fifteen post-Soviet republics in 2022. While sustainability is generally understood as a triadic construct—economic, social, and environmental—this paper isolates the ecological pillar to highlight cross-country differences shaped by industrial legacies, institutional capacity, and governance models. A composite Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is developed using the Mazziotta–Pareto Index (MPI), which captures both average performance and internal consistency across three SDG-related domains: SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The study adds to existing literature as it includes a non-compensatory composite index and cluster analysis, and in policy terms, it provides a benchmarking system for facilitating ecological transition in the post-Soviet context. The results reveal strong divergence across the region: Baltic countries and Moldova achieve higher scores, reflecting policy convergence with the European Union and stronger environmental institutions, while Central Asian republics lag due to resource dependence, water scarcity, and weaker governance. Geographic cluster analysis corroborates these differences, showing clear spatial patterns of environmental convergence and divergence. Correlation analysis further demonstrates that environmental sustainability is positively associated with GDP per capita, HDI, and life expectancy, while negatively linked with inequality and fertility rates. These findings stress the need for context-sensitive and evidence-based policies, intra-regional cooperation, and integrated governance mechanisms to advance ecological transition in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Full article

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20 pages, 2608 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Multi-Stage Slope Displacement and Internal Force of Supporting Structure of Frame Prestressed Anchor Cable Support

by Jingbang Li, Yanpeng Zhu, Shuaihua Ye, Nianxiang Li and Bo Liu

Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3668; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203668 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Relying on an engineering case, this study establishes an analysis model using PLAXIS 3D and GeoStudio, and compares and analyzes the slope deformation and internal force of the supporting structure with different slope grades and different platform widths at the same height. The [...] Read more.

Relying on an engineering case, this study establishes an analysis model using PLAXIS 3D and GeoStudio, and compares and analyzes the slope deformation and internal force of the supporting structure with different slope grades and different platform widths at the same height. The results show that the greatest displacement manifests in the lower segments of the slope, which is 12.99 mm, and the maximum anchoring force manifests in the mid-level and lower segments of the slope, which is 288.1 kN. A close correlation is observed between the simulated horizontal displacement of the slope, the maximum axial force of the anchor cable, and the corresponding field measurement results, indicating that the model parameters are satisfactory and that the resulting calculations are reliable. In consideration of the comprehensive stability of the slope, the stability coefficient increased by approximately 1.42% with two-stage slope support and by about 3.48% with four-stage slope support. The axial force of anchor cables was reduced by around 9.5% under two-stage grading, while four-stage grading decreased the maximum axial force of the middle–lower anchors by nearly 27%. The distance between the entrance and exit of the overall sliding surface and the slope surface also decreases with the increase in slope grading and platform width. This study systematically evaluates the combined effects of slope grading, platform width, and frame prestressed anchors. When site conditions permit, slope grading should be prioritized over simply widening the platform, as grading more effectively enhances slope stability and reduces anchor cable loads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

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