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16 pages, 986 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mitochondrial Resilience in Glaucoma: Targeting NAD⁺ Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration with Nicotinamide Riboside and Berberine: Preliminary Clinical Evidence

by Federico Visalli, Francesco Cappellani, Giuseppe Gagliano, Alfonso Spinello, Alessandro Avitabile, Ludovica Cannizzaro, Matteo Capobianco, Caterina Gagliano and Marco Zeppieri

Diseases 2026, 14(2), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases14020056 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective vulnerability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), in which mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance, and impaired bioenergetic signaling play central pathogenetic roles. Mitochondrial homeostasis in RGCs critically depends on maintaining intracellular NAD⁺ pools, [...] Read more.

Background: Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective vulnerability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), in which mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance, and impaired bioenergetic signaling play central pathogenetic roles. Mitochondrial homeostasis in RGCs critically depends on maintaining intracellular NAD⁺ pools, which support oxidative phosphorylation, sirtuin-mediated deacetylation, and antioxidant gene expression. Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a potent NAD⁺ precursor, and berberine (BBR), an AMPK activator derived from Berberis aristata, have recently emerged as synergistic modulators of mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative stress resistance. Methods: This study retrospectively assessed clinical outcomes associated with combined nutraceutical supplementation of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and berberine (BBR) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma undergoing stable topical hypotensive therapy. We have included a narrative review in the current literature regarding NAD⁺ biology, AMPK–sirtuin signaling, and oxidative stress responses in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. Due to the absence of comparator groups receiving only NR or only berberine in this retrospective cohort, the combined supplementation has been regarded as a biologically complementary strategy, and the potential for synergistic efficacy remains a subject for further investigation. Results: Translationally, a retrospective clinical cohort receiving combined NR and BBR supplementation showed functional stabilization of the visual field and structural preservation of the retinal nerve fiber layer over a six-month follow-up, in line with the proposed mitochondrial protective mechanisms. Conclusions: The clinical trends identified in this retrospective cohort have substantiated the translational significance of NR + BBR supplementation as a potential adjunctive approach in glaucoma management. NAD⁺ repletion and engagement of the AMPK–SIRT–NRF2 pathway may enhance mitochondrial resilience in RGCs. Collectively, these findings offer initial clinical evidence advocating for additional controlled studies on NR + berberine supplementation, while mechanistic interpretations have been derived from the existing literature and are hypothesis-generating. Full article

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24 pages, 3348 KB

Open AccessArticle

Body-Wide Glycolytic Shift, Oxidative Stress, and Sex-Specific Effect of Caloric Restriction in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

by Myroslava V. Vatashchuk, Viktoriia V. Hurza, Kuang Pan, Maria M. Bayliak, Dmytro V. Gospodaryov, Volodymyr I. Lushchak and Olga Garaschuk

Antioxidants 2026, 15(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15020191 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is regarded as a disease of the brain. Cumulative evidence increasingly supports a full-body view on this disorder, with the liver and kidneys playing an important role in amyloid clearance. The latter is likely potentiated by caloric restriction (CR), whose [...] Read more.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is regarded as a disease of the brain. Cumulative evidence increasingly supports a full-body view on this disorder, with the liver and kidneys playing an important role in amyloid clearance. The latter is likely potentiated by caloric restriction (CR), whose impact on the metabolism of amyloid-handling tissues is poorly understood. We studied the sex-specific effects of amyloidosis and CR on oxidative and metabolic processes in APPPS1 mice that express amyloidogenic proteins. Wild-type (WT) and APPPS1 mice were either fed ad libitum (AL) or received 70% of their AL caloric intake (CR). Compared to age-matched WT controls, the brain, liver, and kidney of 9-month-old AL APPPS1 mice exhibited higher levels of oxidative stress markers, higher superoxide dismutase, and lower catalase activities. These differences were sex- and tissue-specific, with kidneys showing the largest AD-induced differences between sexes. In addition, APPPS1 mice possessed higher pyruvate kinase activity than WT mice in all organs and higher hexokinase and phosphofructokinase activities in the brain, with stronger effects in males. CR intensified the accumulation of lipid peroxides in the liver and the female brain but decreased it in the female kidney. CR potentiated glycolysis, predominantly in females and modulated glutathione-dependent enzymes, in a sex-dependent manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress)

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27 pages, 7007 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Developed YOLOv8 Model for the Rapid Detection of Surface Defects in Underground Structures

by Chao Ma, Xingyu Nie, Ping Fan and Guosheng Wang

Buildings 2026, 16(3), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16030610 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

The YOLOv8 model has been shown to offer several advantages in detecting defects on concrete surfaces. However, it is ineffective at achieving multiscale feature extraction and accurate detection of underground structures under complex background conditions. Therefore, this study developed a YOLOv8-PSN model to [...] Read more.

The YOLOv8 model has been shown to offer several advantages in detecting defects on concrete surfaces. However, it is ineffective at achieving multiscale feature extraction and accurate detection of underground structures under complex background conditions. Therefore, this study developed a YOLOv8-PSN model to detect surface defects in underground structures more rapidly and accurately. The model uses PSA (Pyramid Squeeze Attention) and Slim-neck to improve the original YOLOv8. The PSA module is adopted in the backbone and neck network to improve the model’s perception of multiscale features. Meanwhile, a Slim-neck structure is introduced into the Neck part to improve computational efficiency and feature fusion. Then, a dataset comprising six concrete surface defect categories, including cracks and spalling, is built and used to evaluate the performance of the developed YOLOv8-PSN. Experimental results show that, compared with the original YOLOv8, YOLOv10, YOLOv11, SSD, and faster R-CNN, the mAP@50 of YOLOV8-PSN increases by 4.48%, 5.32%, 3.47%,20.03%, and 20.93%, respectively, while still maintaining a high-speed, real-time detection speed of up to 99 FPS. Therefore, the developed model has good robustness and practicality in a complex environment and can effectively and rapidly detect surface defects in underground structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation)

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25 pages, 1443 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Artistic Interventions as Urban Planning Tools: A Systematic Review of Community-Based Cultural Tourism in Cities

by Pichamon Hanchotiphan and Kittichai Kasemsarn

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(2), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10020079 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Urban planners increasingly recognize artistic interventions as strategic tools for cultural tourism development and city revitalization. However, systematic understanding of their function as planning instruments remains limited. This systematic review examines how community-led artistic interventions facilitate authentic cultural heritage tourism and aims to [...] Read more.

Urban planners increasingly recognize artistic interventions as strategic tools for cultural tourism development and city revitalization. However, systematic understanding of their function as planning instruments remains limited. This systematic review examines how community-led artistic interventions facilitate authentic cultural heritage tourism and aims to develop a framework for sustainable development. Following PRISMA guidelines, this research analyzed 75 peer-reviewed articles (2015–2025) from Scopus and ScienceDirect. Bibliometric analysis identified eight thematic clusters that highlight the need to integrate urban spatial contexts, community networks, and participatory governance. Synthesizing these findings, the study proposes the Arts-led Cultural Interaction and Sustainable Community Development framework. This framework operationalizes the relationship between urban planning processes and community participation, establishing artistic interventions as essential instruments for fostering community ownership and resilience. The results provide evidence-based guidelines for municipal strategies to leverage creative practices for sustainable tourism without compromising cultural authenticity or increasing gentrification pressures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage and Urban Resilience: Integrating Sustainable Conservation)

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16 pages, 3600 KB

Open AccessArticle

Freeze–Thaw Effects on the Mechanical Behavior of the Ice–Soil Interface in Cultivated Black Soils of Northeast China

by Shiyu Hou, Zengbi Yue, Jun Wang and Bin Wang

Water 2026, 18(3), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18030378 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Seasonal freeze–thaw cycles profoundly alter soil physical properties in cold-region agroecosystems, yet their effects on the mechanical behavior of the ice–soil interface remain poorly quantified. This interface plays a critical role in governing soil structural stability, detachment resistance, and subsequent erosion processes during [...] Read more.

Seasonal freeze–thaw cycles profoundly alter soil physical properties in cold-region agroecosystems, yet their effects on the mechanical behavior of the ice–soil interface remain poorly quantified. This interface plays a critical role in governing soil structural stability, detachment resistance, and subsequent erosion processes during thaw periods, particularly in the black soil region of Northeast China. In this study, controlled laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the evolution of ice–soil interface mechanical properties under varying freeze–thaw conditions using cultivated black soils. Key parameters, including interface shear strength and bonding characteristics, were quantified across different freeze–thaw cycles. The results demonstrate that freeze–thaw action significantly weakens the mechanical integrity of the ice–soil interface, with pronounced reductions in shear strength observed after repeated cycles. This degradation is attributed to ice lens formation, pore structure disruption, and the redistribution of interfacial water films during freezing and thawing. Notably, the rate and magnitude of strength loss exhibit strong sensitivity to freeze–thaw frequency, highlighting the cumulative nature of freeze-induced damage at the interface scale. These findings provide mechanistic insights into how freeze–thaw processes modulate soil resistance to external forces during early thaw periods, offering an improved physical basis for understanding soil erosion vulnerability in cold agricultural regions. The results have direct implications for soil conservation strategies and erosion modeling under ongoing climate warming, which is expected to intensify freeze–thaw dynamics in seasonally frozen farmlands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Water)

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14 pages, 2366 KB

Open AccessArticle

Validating the Performance of VR Headset Eye-Tracking Using Gold Standard Eye-Tracker and MoCap System

by Russell Nathan Todd, Jian Gong, Amy Catherine Banic and Qin Zhu

Information 2026, 17(2), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/info17020143 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

The integration of eye-tracking into consumer-grade virtual reality (VR) headsets presents a transformative opportunity for assessing user mental states within simulated, immersive environments. However, the validity of this built-in technology must be established against gold-standard real-world eye-tracking systems. This study employs a novel [...] Read more.

The integration of eye-tracking into consumer-grade virtual reality (VR) headsets presents a transformative opportunity for assessing user mental states within simulated, immersive environments. However, the validity of this built-in technology must be established against gold-standard real-world eye-tracking systems. This study employs a novel paradigm using a physically moving object to evaluate the accuracy of dynamic smooth pursuit, a key oculomotor function in mental state assessment. We rigorously validated the performance of the HTC Vive Pro Eye’s integrated eye-tracker against the Tobii Pro Glasses 3 using a high-precision OptiTrack motion capture system as ground-truth for object position. Eight participants completed both 2D and 3D gaze-tracking tasks. In the 2D condition, they tracked a dot on a screen, while in the 3D condition, they tracked a physically moving object. The real-world object trajectories captured by OptiTrack were replicated within a VR environment. Gaze data from both the VR headset and the Tobii glasses were recorded simultaneously and compared to the OptiTrack baseline using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to quantify accuracy. Results revealed a task-dependent performance. In the 2D task, the Tobii glasses demonstrated significantly lower DTW distances, indicating superior accuracy. Conversely, in the 3D task, the VR headset significantly outperformed the glasses, showing a closer match to the real object trajectory. This suggests that while traditional eye-trackers excel in constrained 2D contexts, integrated VR eye-tracking is more accurate for naturalistic 3D gaze pursuit. We conclude that VR headset eye-tracking is not only a reliable but also a cost-effective tool for research, particularly offering enhanced performance for studies conducted within immersive 3D simulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Motion Perception for Intelligent Systems Awareness and Robotic Control)

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22 pages, 3203 KB

Open AccessReview

Carbon Dots and Mitochondria—Advances in Targeting, Imaging, and Therapeutics

by Aasia Bibi, Daniela De Benedictis, Giuseppe Capitanio, Alessandra Gabriele, Amer Ahmed, Mariapompea Cutroneo, Lorenzo Torrisi, Daniela Manno, Antonio Serra, Domenico De Rasmo and Anna Signorile

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1469; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031469 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs), a class of fluorescent nanomaterials, have emerged as powerful tools for biological applications, particularly in the targeting, imaging, and therapeutic modulation of mitochondria. Due to their small size, simplicity of synthesis, biocompatibility, and tunable optical properties, CDs can be engineered [...] Read more.

Carbon dots (CDs), a class of fluorescent nanomaterials, have emerged as powerful tools for biological applications, particularly in the targeting, imaging, and therapeutic modulation of mitochondria. Due to their small size, simplicity of synthesis, biocompatibility, and tunable optical properties, CDs can be engineered to selectively accumulate in mitochondria, enabling real-time imaging of mitochondrial function and dynamics in live cells. Moreover, their ability to carry therapeutic agents, such as antioxidants, drugs, and gene delivery vectors, offers potential in treating mitochondrial dysfunction, which is central to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and metabolic diseases. Recent advancements in surface functionalization have enhanced mitochondrial targeting and specificity, while ongoing research aims to optimize the safety, efficiency, and clinical translation of CDs for therapeutic applications. This review highlights the latest developments in the use of carbon dots for mitochondrial imaging, therapeutic delivery, and disease intervention, offering promising avenues for future research and clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)

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14 pages, 2406 KB

Open AccessArticle

Electromechanical Impedance Sensing Under Humid Conditions: Experimental Insights and Compensation Using Machine Learning

by Mads Kofod Dahl, Jaamac Hassan Hire, Milad Zamani, Alexandru Luca and Farshad Moradi

Sensors 2026, 26(3), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26030943 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

This work investigates the effect of ambient humidity on the Electromechanical Impedance (EMI) signatures of steel-reinforced concrete (RC) for structural health monitoring (SHM). The influence of varying relative humidity (%RH) is quantified using three RC blocks containing piezoelectric sensors bonded to the steel [...] Read more.

This work investigates the effect of ambient humidity on the Electromechanical Impedance (EMI) signatures of steel-reinforced concrete (RC) for structural health monitoring (SHM). The influence of varying relative humidity (%RH) is quantified using three RC blocks containing piezoelectric sensors bonded to the steel reinforcements of the RC blocks. We show that the the Root Mean Squared Deviation (RMSD) score is strongly affected by humidity, highlighting the need to address humidity effects to achieve robust damage detection using EMI. Using the reactive component of the EMI (X) in the range of 20 kHz and 120 kHz, a three-layer one-dimensional convolution neural network (1D-CNN) was able to estimate ambient %RH between 20% and 80%, with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 2.14%RH. The results highlight the significant impact of humidity on EMI-based SHM and suggests that the imaginary part of the EMI signature can be used to detect the effect of humidity. This work provides a foundation for more robust SHM systems in humidity-varying environments applicable to a wide range of concrete infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensor-Based Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Infrastructure)

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17 pages, 722 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trade-Offs in Kubernetes Security and Energy Consumption

by Ioannis Dermentzis, Georgios Koukis and Vassilis Tsaoussidis

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(2), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10020081 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

As the threat landscape advances and pressure to reduce the energy footprint grows, it is crucial to understand how security mechanisms affect the power consumption of cloud-native platforms. Although several studies in this domain have investigated the performance impact of security practices or [...] Read more.

As the threat landscape advances and pressure to reduce the energy footprint grows, it is crucial to understand how security mechanisms affect the power consumption of cloud-native platforms. Although several studies in this domain have investigated the performance impact of security practices or the energy characteristics of containerized applications, their combined effect remains largely underexplored. This study examines how common Kubernetes (K8s) safeguards influence cluster energy use across varying security configurations and workload conditions. By employing runtime and network monitoring, encryption, and vulnerability scanning tools under diverse workloads (idle, stressed, and realistic application), we compare the baseline system behavior against the energy consumption introduced by each security configuration. Our findings reveal that always-on security mechanisms impose a persistent energy cost—occasionally making an idle protected cluster comparable to a heavily loaded unprotected one—while security under load results in substantial incremental overhead. In particular, service meshes and full-tunnel encryption show the largest sustained overhead, while Extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF)-based telemetry, network security monitoring, and vulnerability scanning add modest or short-lived costs. These findings provide useful security–energy insights and trade-offs for configuring K8s in resource-constrained settings, including Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city deployments. Full article

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17 pages, 483 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Sectional Associations Between Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Physical Activity, Satisfaction with Physical Education, and Bicycle Use Among Primary School Children

by Guillermo Moreno-Rosa, Silvia San Román-Mata, Carmen África del Pino-Morales and Manuel Castro-Sánchez

Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030497 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This descriptive cross-sectional study examined adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) among primary school students and its associations with out-of-school physical activity, bicycle availability and use, and satisfaction with physical education (PE). The MD is regarded as an ideal dietary pattern for [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This descriptive cross-sectional study examined adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) among primary school students and its associations with out-of-school physical activity, bicycle availability and use, and satisfaction with physical education (PE). The MD is regarded as an ideal dietary pattern for promoting health during childhood and adolescence. Its well-established benefits support its integration into nutrition and health education within the PE curriculum. However, the connection between adherence to the MD and factors such as satisfaction with PE, bicycle availability and use, and out-of-school physical activity during primary education remains insufficiently explored. Methods: The study included 347 primary school students (53.6% girls; M_age = 10.55, SD = 0.97). Data were collected using an ad hoc questionnaire including sociodemographic information, out-of-school physical activity, and bicycle availability and use. MD adherence was evaluated using the KIDMED index, while satisfaction with PE was measured with the Spanish version of the Physical Activity Class Satisfaction Questionnaire (PACSQ). Results: No significant associations were found between MD adherence and out-of-school physical activity (χ² = 0.882; p = 0.663) or bicycle use (χ² = 4.767; p = 0.092). In contrast, a significant association was observed between MD adherence and satisfaction with PE (p < 0.002), including most of its dimensions. Conclusions: Overall, the findings indicate an association between satisfaction with PE and MD adherence, which should be interpreted as exploratory and non-causal in nature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Nutrition)

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9 pages, 635 KB

Open AccessArticle

CD11c⁺ Cells Control Platelet Homeostasis in a Murine Bone Marrow Chimeric Atherosclerosis Model

by Manuela Sauter, Serena Gregori, Harald F. Langer and Reinhard J. Sauter

Biomedicines 2026, 14(2), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14020342 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Dendritic cells (DCs) are key regulators of immune responses in cardiovascular disease, yet their role in platelet homeostasis and thrombopoiesis remains incompletely understood. We previously demonstrated that chronic depletion of CD11c⁺ cells accelerates atherosclerotic plaque development. The objective of this study [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Dendritic cells (DCs) are key regulators of immune responses in cardiovascular disease, yet their role in platelet homeostasis and thrombopoiesis remains incompletely understood. We previously demonstrated that chronic depletion of CD11c⁺ cells accelerates atherosclerotic plaque development. The objective of this study was to determine whether sustained loss of CD11c⁺ cells alters platelet production and systemic inflammatory signaling under atherogenic conditions. Methods: CD11c-DTR bone marrow chimeric mice on ApoE⁻/⁻ background were generated and fed a high-cholesterol diet. CD11c⁺ cells were depleted by repeated diphtheria toxin administration over six weeks. Circulating platelet counts were quantified by automated hematology analysis. Systemic inflammatory changes were assessed using serum cytokine and chemokine profiling, and serum thrombopoietin (TPO) levels were measured by ELISA. Results: Chronic CD11c⁺ cell depletion resulted in a significant increase in circulating platelet counts in ApoE⁻/⁻ mice. Serum cytokine profiling revealed broad inflammatory remodeling, including increased levels of cytokines associated with megakaryopoiesis and platelet activation, such as IL-4, MCP-1, CXCL9, IL-16, and IL-1α. In parallel, serum TPO levels were significantly elevated following CD11c⁺ cell depletion. Conclusions: In the specific context of hyperlipidemic CD11c-DTR bone marrow chimeric mice, these findings demonstrate that loss of CD11c⁺ cells is associated with a pro-thrombopoietic shift, elevated platelet counts, and systemic inflammatory changes. Our data identify a CD11c⁺ cell–TPO–platelet axis linking immune regulation to platelet homeostasis and thrombo-inflammatory signaling under these specific atherogenic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)

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16 pages, 3918 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rethinking Manuscript Reuse: Sino-Khotanese Scrolls from Dunhuang

by Imre Galambos

Religions 2026, 17(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17020179 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Several dozen Chinese scrolls from Dunhuang contain Khotanese writings on the verso. The contents of the Khotanese side are relatively diverse, including drafts letters and reports addressed to the Khotanese court, accounts and contracts, writing exercises, narrative works such as the Rāmāyaṇa and [...] Read more.

Several dozen Chinese scrolls from Dunhuang contain Khotanese writings on the verso. The contents of the Khotanese side are relatively diverse, including drafts letters and reports addressed to the Khotanese court, accounts and contracts, writing exercises, narrative works such as the Rāmāyaṇa and Sudhanāvadāna, lyrical poetry, medical treatises and Buddhist texts. By contrast, the Chinese side is significantly more uniform in content and appearance, comprising popular Mahāyāna scriptures copied in an even script, adhering to a regular layout. Although the Chinese sūtras were for the most part copied during the Sui-Tang era or the subsequent period of Tibetan rule over Dunhuang, the Khotanese writings seem to have been added significantly later, during the long tenth century. The reuse of Chinese Buddhist scrolls to write unrelated content—in Chinese and other languages—has typically been explained as the practice of recycling discarded manuscripts. Such explanations essentially see the Chinese sūtras on the recto as waste that was no longer wanted. This paper argues that the repurposing of Chinese scrolls could not have been exclusively motivated by paper shortage and the desire to cut costs. The paper situates this phenomenon within a broader range of reuse practices attested in Buddhist communities across Asia. The central argument advanced here is that reuse often involved a deliberate engagement with earlier textual layers, which retained aspects of their meaning even as new texts were added to the manuscript. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treasures of Khotan: Multidisciplinary Studies on Khotan as a Hub for Religious and Cultural Exchanges)

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20 pages, 4315 KB

Open AccessArticle

SCAT: A Spectral-Convolutional Anomaly Transformer for Multivariate Time Series Anomaly Detection

by Shuqin Zhang, Shaoqiang Chen and Jun Li

Electronics 2026, 15(3), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15030628 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Time series anomaly detection plays a vital role in the supervision of complex systems, including spacecraft operations, industrial production lines, and Internet of Things infrastructures. However, the existing methods face two key challenges: (1) fixed-threshold frequency filters fail to adapt to non-stationary noise, [...] Read more.

Time series anomaly detection plays a vital role in the supervision of complex systems, including spacecraft operations, industrial production lines, and Internet of Things infrastructures. However, the existing methods face two key challenges: (1) fixed-threshold frequency filters fail to adapt to non-stationary noise, often leading to the loss of critical anomaly signals; and (2) deep models struggle to balance local feature extraction and global temporal dependency, resulting in limited robustness and generalization. To address these problems, we propose the Spectral-Convolutional Anomaly Transformer (SCAT), a unified framework integrating spectral domain adaptive filtering and spatio-temporal gated learning. Specifically, the Spectral Energy Gating Unit (SEGU) dynamically suppresses noise through learnable frequency masking, while Spatio-Temporal Gated Fusion (ST-Gate) combines multi-scale causal convolution and ConvGRU to harmonize local and long-term patterns. A joint optimization strategy further enhances the discrimination between normal and anomalous sequences. Our experiments on five public benchmarks (SMAP, MSL, PSM, SMD, SWaT) showed that SCAT attained an average improvement of 2.46 percentage points on the F1-score relative to leading baseline approaches, demonstrating strong adaptability and robustness in complex noisy environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence)

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7 pages, 872 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Percutaneous Retrieval of an Embolized Catheter Fragment in Right Heart Chambers in Pinch-Off Syndrome and Subsequent Reimplantation: Nurse’s Role in Interventional Cardiology—A Case Report

by Alessandro Faraci, Salvatore Evola, Daniele Adorno, Giuseppe Vadalà, Cristina Madaudo, Giulia Mingoia, Giuseppe Astuti, Vincenzo Sucato and Alfredo Ruggero Galassi

Hearts 2026, 7(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/hearts7010006 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

“Pinch-Off Syndrome,” first described by Hinke, is a mechanical complication of totally implantable central venous catheters inserted via subclavian venous access. It occurs when the catheter is compressed between the clavicle and the first rib. Compression can cause transient catheter obstruction and may [...] Read more.

“Pinch-Off Syndrome,” first described by Hinke, is a mechanical complication of totally implantable central venous catheters inserted via subclavian venous access. It occurs when the catheter is compressed between the clavicle and the first rib. Compression can cause transient catheter obstruction and may result in rupture or even complete resection and embolization of the catheter. In this case report, we describe our experience of percutaneous transvenous removal of an embolized port-a-cath fragment within the right heart chambers following a rupture. We used the “retrieval snare” technique and subsequent reimplantation through internal jugular access. The intervention occurred in the same session and involved a multidisciplinary team for a 55-year-old man in need of adjuvant chemotherapy. Full article

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9 pages, 169 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Models for Forecasting, Optimization, and Control in Smart Energy Systems

by Grzegorz Dudek and Marcin Blachnik

Energies 2026, 19(3), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030768 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

The global energy sector is undergoing a profound and multidimensional transformation driven by decarbonization policies, increasing electrification, large-scale integration of renewable energy sources, and the growing digitalization of energy infrastructures [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications in Smart Energy Systems)

17 pages, 2761 KB

Open AccessArticle

SIRT3, NF-κB/TNF-α and PI3K/Akt Pathways Mediate the Hepatoprotective Activity of Gossypin Against Concanavalin A-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis

by Hani M. Alrawili, Mahmoud Elshal, Marwa S. Serrya and Dina S. El-Agamy

Toxins 2026, 18(2), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins18020074 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Chronic liver damage usually results in a pathological state of excessive deposition of extracellular matrix that is known as liver fibrosis. This study was designed to examine the potential preventive effect of the pentahydroxyglucosyl flavone, gossypin (GPN), against concanavalin A (Con A)-induced liver [...] Read more.

Chronic liver damage usually results in a pathological state of excessive deposition of extracellular matrix that is known as liver fibrosis. This study was designed to examine the potential preventive effect of the pentahydroxyglucosyl flavone, gossypin (GPN), against concanavalin A (Con A)-induced liver fibrosis in BALB/c albino mice. Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced by intravenous (IV) injection of Con A (10 mg/kg) once weekly for 4 weeks. GPN (10 and 20 mg/kg) was administered orally three times weekly for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, serum and liver tissue were obtained and used for different biochemical, histological, histochemical and molecular assessments. GPN (10 and 20 mg/kg) considerably ameliorated liver fibrosis induced by Con A. A marked decrease in serum levels of ALT, AST and LDH was observed upon GPN treatment, confirmed by histopathological analysis by H&E. GPN markedly reduced collagen deposition as confirmed by MT staining, reduced hepatic levels of Col-1 and TGF-β as well as inhibited α-SMA immunostaining. The hepatic oxidative stress biomarker, MDA, was markedly reduced, whereas hepatic antioxidant defense, TAC, was significantly enhanced. Furthermore, GPN effectively enhanced gene and protein expression of SIRT3. GPN downregulated hepatic proinflammatory biomarkers, NF-κB and TNF-α. Additionally, GPN caused a noticeable increase in the hepatic levels and expression of PI3K and Akt. GPN effectively attenuated Con A-induced liver fibrosis via reducing liver damage and collagen deposition majorly by lessening inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis. GPN modulated SIRT3, NF-κB/TNF-α and PI3K/Akt pathways. Full article

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11 pages, 842 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reference Glycaemic and Beta-Cell Profiles in Response to a Standardised Meal Challenge in Adults Across the Glycaemic Spectrum

by Gareth J. Dunseath, David R. Owens and Stephen D. Luzio

Diabetology 2026, 7(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology7020030 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: The pancreatic beta-cell hormone insulin regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, as well as fats and protein. While the insulin response to a carbohydrate challenge is well defined in normoglycaemic as well as dysglycaemic (prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2DM)) individuals, the response [...] Read more.

Background: The pancreatic beta-cell hormone insulin regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, as well as fats and protein. While the insulin response to a carbohydrate challenge is well defined in normoglycaemic as well as dysglycaemic (prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2DM)) individuals, the response of co-secreted beta-cell products (C-peptide, proinsulin and proinsulin intermediates) is less well defined. This analysis aimed to establish the expected glycaemic and pancreatic beta-cell responses to a standardised mixed meal in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and T2DM alongside reference ranges established in normoglycaemic individuals (NGT). Methods: A total of 743 adults (104 NGT, 85 IGT and 554 T2DM) were included, none of whom were on any anti-diabetic medication at the time of initial testing. All attended following a 10 h fast, before consuming a 500 kcal solid mixed meal (calorie contribution: 58% carbohydrates, 22% fat and 20% protein). Blood samples were collected every 30 min for the 4.5 h duration of the test for the determination of plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide and intact and total proinsulin. Median profiles with corresponding 2.5th and 97.5th percentile lines to display the expected range were calculated and plotted for the three participant groups. Results: Median profiles with ranges over a 4.5 h meal period have been created for glucose, insulin, C-peptide and intact and total proinsulin, along with respective fasting and post-meal intervals in the three participant groups with differing glycaemic status. Conclusions: The resulting profiles and ranges allow for comparison in responses to a carbohydrate challenge in individuals across the glycaemic spectrum. Full article

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13 pages, 1241 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Exploratory Study of Serum Differential Scanning Calorimetry in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Reveals Preliminary Outcome-Related Proteome-Level Thermodynamic Patterns

by Dénes Lőrinczy and Peter Csecsei

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(3), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15031139 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) induces complex systemic inflammatory and metabolic responses that may influence clinical outcome. DSC provides an integrative biophysical readout of proteome-level thermodynamic behavior rather than protein-specific identification or quantification; however, its applicability in neurocritical conditions remains largely unexplored. This [...] Read more.

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) induces complex systemic inflammatory and metabolic responses that may influence clinical outcome. DSC provides an integrative biophysical readout of proteome-level thermodynamic behavior rather than protein-specific identification or quantification; however, its applicability in neurocritical conditions remains largely unexplored. This pilot study aimed to explore whether serum DSC profiles show preliminary associations with clinical severity and neurological outcomes after aSAH. Methods: Serum samples collected on day 1 after aSAH were analyzed by DSC and compared with healthy control samples. A small patient cohort was stratified according to clinical severity and neurological outcome. Thermograms were evaluated based on melting temperatures (Tm), calorimetric enthalpy (ΔHcal), heat capacity changes (ΔCp), and the relative contributions of major serum protein components. Results: Healthy controls exhibited characteristic DSC profiles dominated by a cooperative albumin transition at approximately 65–66 °C. In this limited cohort, patients with severe clinical conditions and unfavorable outcomes displayed marked thermogram reorganization, including increased albumin Tm, reduced unfolding cooperativity, decreased ΔCp, and enhanced high-temperature immunoglobulin-related contributions. Patients with mild condition and favorable outcome showed profiles more similar to those of the controls. Notably, patients with severe conditions but favorable outcomes demonstrated heterogeneous albumin-related thermal domains, which may reflect individual-level variability and suggesting dynamic proteomic heterogeneity at the early post-ictus phase. Given the small group sizes, these patterns should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Conclusions: This pilot exploratory study suggests that serum DSC may capture preliminary thermoanalytical patterns associated with clinical outcomes after aSAH. While the findings indicate the potential of DSC as a systems-level tool in neurocritical care, larger, well-powered studies are required to validate these observations and assess their robustness and generalizability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Neurology)

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28 pages, 12082 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation-Based Heat Transfer Optimization for Mass Concrete in Nuclear Power Station Construction: A Case Study

by Jie Xiong, Degui Wang, Liping Xie, Zhu Fan and Zhongli Yao

Buildings 2026, 16(3), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16030606 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

The construction of mass concrete foundations for nuclear power plants faces significant challenges in controlling hydration heat and preventing early-age thermal cracking. This study develops an integrated framework combining high-fidelity thermal–mechanical simulation, real-time temperature monitoring, and construction process optimization to address these issues. [...] Read more.

The construction of mass concrete foundations for nuclear power plants faces significant challenges in controlling hydration heat and preventing early-age thermal cracking. This study develops an integrated framework combining high-fidelity thermal–mechanical simulation, real-time temperature monitoring, and construction process optimization to address these issues. Focusing on the VVER-1200 reactor raft foundation in the Xudapu NPP Phase II Project, an innovative center-to-periphery synchronous pouring method is proposed, departing from conventional inclined or layered pouring by strategically utilizing stage time lags to moderate the radial temperature gradient. Numerical simulations demonstrate that this method significantly reduces the peak temperature and thermal stress. Field validation shows that the maximum core-to-surface temperature difference is controlled within 19.8 °C, well below the critical threshold of 25 °C, and the peak concrete temperature remains at 66.7 °C, safely below the risk level for delayed ettringite formation (82–85 °C). The cracking risk coefficient K remains below 0.65, indicating a low probability of thermal cracking. Post-construction inspection confirms the absence of thermal cracks in the 5240 m³ monolithic pour. The proposed methodology offers a reliable, science-based approach for thermal crack mitigation and serves as a valuable reference for similar large-scale mass concrete structures in nuclear and other critical infrastructure projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Digital Innovation Framework for Construction Management and Built Environment)

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11 pages, 1630 KB

Open AccessArticle

N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Generation of Homoenolates: Efficient Asymmetric Synthesis of Dispirocyclopentanones by Direct Annulation of Enals and Isoindigos

by Zhiwei Jiang, Martial Toffano, Régis Guillot, Chloée Bournaud and Giang Vo-Thanh

Catalysts 2026, 16(2), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16020138 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

A highly efficient asymmetric (3+2) annulation between enals and isoindigos was achieved via the N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed addition of homoenolates to activated tetrasubstituted C=C double bonds. The protocol provided straightforward access to enantiomerically enriched dispirocyclopentanone bisoxindoles (up to 97% ee) with three [...] Read more.

A highly efficient asymmetric (3+2) annulation between enals and isoindigos was achieved via the N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed addition of homoenolates to activated tetrasubstituted C=C double bonds. The protocol provided straightforward access to enantiomerically enriched dispirocyclopentanone bisoxindoles (up to 97% ee) with three contiguous stereocenters, two of which are highly congested vicinal all-carbon quaternary centers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Asymmetric Organocatalysis)

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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 4625 KB

Open AccessArticle

Loss of Hepatocyte FOXA3 Improves MASH and Atherosclerosis in Hyperlipidemic Ldlr-Deficient Mice

by Hui Wang, Shuwei Hu, Jiayou Wang, Raja Gopoju, Li Lin, Lakshitha Gunawardana, Xinwen Wang, Liya Yin and Yanqiao Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031468 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), also known as hepatocyte nuclear factor 3g (HNF3g), is a member of the FOX family of transcription factors and regulates lipid and glucose metabolism and liver regeneration. Hepatic FOXA3 is reduced in obesity and patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated [...] Read more.

Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), also known as hepatocyte nuclear factor 3g (HNF3g), is a member of the FOX family of transcription factors and regulates lipid and glucose metabolism and liver regeneration. Hepatic FOXA3 is reduced in obesity and patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). So far, it remains unknown whether hepatic FOXA3 is essential for regulating lipid metabolism or metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD). In this study, we first investigated whether genetic inactivation of hepatocyte Foxa3 affected the development of MASLD/MASH in C57BL/6 mice and then explored whether loss of hepatocyte Foxa3 regulated atherosclerosis development in Ldlr-deficient mice. Inactivation of Foxa3 in hepatocytes did not affect the development of Western diet-induced MASLD/MASH in C57BL/6 mice but attenuated MASH development in Western diet-fed Ldlr-deficient mice. Moreover, genetic loss of hepatocyte Foxa3 ameliorated hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in Ldlr-deficient mice. In Ldlr-deficient mice, loss of hepatocyte Foxa3 resulted in reduced expression of lipogenic, pro-inflammatory, or fibrogenic genes in the liver and reduced cholic acid levels in plasma and bile. Thus, hepatocyte FOXA3 loss confers protection against the development of MASH and atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic Ldlr-deficient mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular and Translational Research in Cardiovascular Endocrinology, Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic Diseases and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): 3rd Edition)

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Graphical abstract

19 pages, 4367 KB

Open AccessArticle

Artemisiaherba alba Outperforms Indomethacin with Multitarget Efficacy and Safety in CFA Arthritic Model

by Hicham Wahnou, Martin Ndayambaje, Imane Nait Irahal, Zaynab Ouadghiri, Wafaa Taha, Asmaa Mazti, Riad El Kebbaj, Youness Limami and Mounia Oudghiri

Antioxidants 2026, 15(2), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15020190 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis remains a major clinical challenge requiring safer and more effective alternatives to conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This pioneering study evaluated the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and safety effects of Artemisia herba alba extract in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. [...] Read more.

Rheumatoid arthritis remains a major clinical challenge requiring safer and more effective alternatives to conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This pioneering study evaluated the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and safety effects of Artemisia herba alba extract in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. Animals received oral Artemisia herba alba (250 or 500 mg/kg), indomethacin (3 mg/kg), or saline for 15 days. CFA induced marked joint inflammation, mechanical allodynia, locomotor impairment, and oxidative stress. Treatment with Artemisia herba alba 500 mg/kg significantly reduced paw swelling, improved mobility in the open-field test, and markedly attenuated pain hypersensitivity. In parallel, biochemical analyses showed restoration of total antioxidant capacity, prevention of lipid peroxidation, and normalization of creatinine levels. Unlike indomethacin, which induced hepatotoxicity (elevated ASAT (Aspartate Aminotransférase)/ALAT (Alanine Aminotransférase)) and pronounced oxidative stress, Artemisia herba alba preserved liver and kidney function and did not produce histopathological alterations. Histological findings further indicated reduced inflammatory infiltrate and cartilage protection, particularly at 500 mg/kg. Taken together, these results suggest that Artemisia herba alba displays a multitarget effect with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic activity, along with a superior safety profile compared with indomethacin, consistent with reports from other phenolic-rich natural products. However, findings should be interpreted in light of the small sample size and preclinical study design, and further mechanistic and clinical investigations are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Components of the Diet)

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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 1048 KB

Open AccessArticle

Antifungal Susceptibility Trends Among Filamentous Fungi: An Epidemiological Evaluation on Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., and Scedosporium spp. from Southern Italy

by Maddalena Calvo, Marta Caccamo, Dalila Maria Cammarata and Laura Trovato

Antibiotics 2026, 15(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15020146 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Antifungal resistance among filamentous fungi is an increasing global concern with significant implications for clinical management. Herein, we propose a study aiming to investigate in vitro susceptibility patterns and epidemiology of filamentous fungi in Southern Italy, focusing on MIC distributions and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Antifungal resistance among filamentous fungi is an increasing global concern with significant implications for clinical management. Herein, we propose a study aiming to investigate in vitro susceptibility patterns and epidemiology of filamentous fungi in Southern Italy, focusing on MIC distributions and resistance trends. Methods: We reported susceptibility results from Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., and Scedosporium/Lomentospora spp. clinical isolates, which underwent azoles, echinocandins, and amphotericin B in vitro testing. Results: Aspergillus fumigatus was the most frequently isolated species, showing an alarming increase in reduced susceptibility to amphotericin B (9.1%). The highest MIC ranges for this antifungal drug emerged in the case of A. fumigatus (1–4 mg/L) and A. terreus (2–8 mg/L), while A. flavus (0.5–4 mg/L) and A. niger (0.25–4 mg/L) showed lower values. As regarding azoles, all the Aspergillus spp. strains exhibited variable MIC values, reporting a 0.06–16 mg/L MIC range for itraconazole, 0.125–1 mg/L for voriconazole, and 0.03–1 mg/L for posaconazole. Fusarium solani exhibited high MICs for azoles (8 mg/L) and amphotericin B (2–4 mg/L), while F. oxysporum and F. proliferatum showed lower MICs (0.25–2 mg/L for amphotericin B and a MIC range of 0.5–8 mg/L for posaconazole). Lomentospora prolificans and Scedosporium apiospermum demonstrated multidrug resistance across all tested antifungals, reporting MIC ranges of 4–8 mg/L for amphotericin B, 0.25–16 mg/L for posaconazole, 0.25–8 mg/L for voriconazole, and 0.125–8 for itraconazole. Conclusions: Our data highlight the critical emergence of reduced antifungal susceptibility among filamentous fungi in Southern Italy, underlining the importance of epidemiological surveillance, precise species identification, and optimized susceptibility testing in the case of mould etiology for invasive fungal infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance in the Community Setting: The Other Side of the Coin)

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23 pages, 4461 KB

Open AccessArticle

Direct and Residual Effects of Integrated Biological Amendments and Mineral Fertilization on Maize Productivity in the Eastern DR Congo

by Mulinganya Noel, Nabahungu Nsharwasi Léon, Faki Oyédekpo Chabi, Ahanchede Adam, Kouélo-Alladassi Felix, Adeniyi Gideon, Masimane Jules, Cirhuza Jackson Mirali, Bashagaluke Janvier, Dagbenonbakin Gustave and Aliou Saïdou

Agrochemicals 2026, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/agrochemicals5010006 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Maize is vital for food systems and rural livelihoods in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Continuous cultivation depletes soil nutrients, reducing maize production. Inorganic (or mineral) fertilizers provide nutrients rapidly, but their cost and sustainability concerns have prompted interest in alternatives. Biological [...] Read more.

Maize is vital for food systems and rural livelihoods in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Continuous cultivation depletes soil nutrients, reducing maize production. Inorganic (or mineral) fertilizers provide nutrients rapidly, but their cost and sustainability concerns have prompted interest in alternatives. Biological amendments improve nutrient uptake and soil structure and boost crop resistance, potentially cutting mineral fertilizer use. The present study aims to investigate the direct and residual effects of biological amendments (BAs) on maize productivity in the Eastern DRC, both when applied alone or combined with inorganic fertilizer, with trials conducted in the Kabare, Kalehe, and Ruzizi Plain regions from October 2022 to June 2024. Two trials across four seasons gathered data using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatments and three replicates: Control, without fertilizer application; farmer practice; inorganic fertilizer (NPK 17-17-17 and urea); BA_1: Lactobacillus; BA_2: fish serum; BA_3: black soldier fly (BSF) compost; BA_1 + inorganic fertilizer; BA_2 + inorganic fertilizer; and BA_3 + inorganic fertilizer. The results identified three categories: integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers, single applications, and inconsistent uses. The best outcomes emerged from treatments combining Lactobacillus, fish serum, and BSF compost with inorganic fertilizer, positively impacting maize yield parameters. The study confirms that combining biological amendments and mineral fertilizers significantly (p < 0.001) enhances maize productivity in the Eastern DRC. Performance differences across locations emphasize the influence of local soil characteristics and targeted nutrient strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fertilizers and Soil Improvement Agents)

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14 pages, 924 KB

Open AccessReview

Refining Bioequivalence Assessment of Topical Drug Products for Local Action: A Comparative Analysis of Tape Stripping Methodologies

by Seeprarani Rath and Isadore Kanfer

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18020194 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Tape stripping (TS) is a minimally invasive technique that enables in vivo assessment of drug uptake in the skin of human subjects. Whilst appropriate for evaluating the bioequivalence (BE) of topical formulations, methodological variations persist, especially regarding the inclusion of clearance time measurements. [...] Read more.

Tape stripping (TS) is a minimally invasive technique that enables in vivo assessment of drug uptake in the skin of human subjects. Whilst appropriate for evaluating the bioequivalence (BE) of topical formulations, methodological variations persist, especially regarding the inclusion of clearance time measurements. This manuscript compares the TS protocols described in several publications, including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Japanese guidance, containing information relating to the evaluation of utility, practicality, and scientific validity. Evidence suggests that for drugs acting locally in the skin, clearance measurements that require time-consuming practical manipulation and subsequent complex data processing offer limited value, whereas single time point uptake studies, which are more convenient and expedient, may suffice for regulatory BE assessments. This discussion offers practical guidance for BE assessment of topical dermatological products and a more expedient approach using a single time point uptake study protocol, obviating the need for clearance time assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioavailability and Bioequivalence Assessment of Topical Drug Products Intended for Local Action)

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14 pages, 339 KB

Open AccessArticle

Abundance of Indigenous Soybean-Nodulating Rhizobia in Relation to Soil Properties and Cropping Patterns in a Midland Agro-Ecology of Southern Ethiopia

by Haimanot Beruk and Tewodros Ayalew

Nitrogen 2026, 7(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen7010019 (registering DOI) - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

Estimating indigenous rhizobial populations is crucial for understanding soil rhizobia abundance, determining the potential need for inoculation, and evaluating the performance of introduced inoculant strains. However, in southern Ethiopia, information on the population abundance of soybean-nodulating rhizobia is limited. To address this gap, [...] Read more.

Estimating indigenous rhizobial populations is crucial for understanding soil rhizobia abundance, determining the potential need for inoculation, and evaluating the performance of introduced inoculant strains. However, in southern Ethiopia, information on the population abundance of soybean-nodulating rhizobia is limited. To address this gap, the present study was conducted to evaluate the population abundance of indigenous soybean-nodulating rhizobia and to assess the influence of cropping history and soil properties on rhizobial abundance. The study was conducted across five sites suitable for soybean cultivation in southern Ethiopia: Arsi-Negelle, Boricha, Dore, Hawassa, and Wondo Genet. The study sites represented a range of cropping systems, including sole maize, sole tobacco, sole haricot bean, maize–potato intercropping, and crop rotation. Composite soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–20 cm, and rhizobial abundance was determined using the most probable number (MPN) technique. Indigenous rhizobial populations ranged from 0 to 1.7 × 10¹ cells g⁻¹ of dry soil. Overall, the population levels were low, suggesting that inoculation with effective rhizobial strains would likely improve nodulation and biological nitrogen fixation. Relatively higher rhizobial population densities were observed at Arsi-Negelle under haricot bean cropping history. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between rhizobial abundance and cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, and organic matter. In general, native rhizobial populations across all study locations were below levels considered sufficient to support effective soybean nodulation and nitrogen fixation, indicating the need for inoculation to enhance soybean productivity in the study areas. Full article

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