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20 pages, 1960 KB

Open AccessArticle

Early Detection of Rice Blast Disease Using Satellite Imagery and Machine Learning on Large Intrafield Datasets

by Alba Agenjos-Moreno, Rubén Simeón, Constanza Rubio, Antonio Uris, Beatriz Ricarte, Belén Franch and Alberto San Bautista

Agriculture 2025, 15(24), 2560; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15242560 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study explores the use of remote sensing and machine learning (ML) for early detection of Pyricularia oryzae (rice blast) in ‘Bomba’ rice. Conducted in Spain’s Albufera Natural Park over four seasons (2021–2024), 94 fields were monitored using Sentinel-2 imagery and Topcon Yield [...] Read more.

This study explores the use of remote sensing and machine learning (ML) for early detection of Pyricularia oryzae (rice blast) in ‘Bomba’ rice. Conducted in Spain’s Albufera Natural Park over four seasons (2021–2024), 94 fields were monitored using Sentinel-2 imagery and Topcon Yield Trakk data. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified key spectral bands (B03, B04, B05, B07, B08, B11) at early stages (35 and 55 DAS). Three ML classifiers—K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs)—were tested to categorize fields by yield-based infection levels. RF achieved the best performance (up to 94% Accuracy), showing high robustness across band combinations and dates. KNN was more input-sensitive, and SVM performed weakest. Integrating multispectral and multitemporal data enhanced accuracy. Overall, RF and remote sensing proved reliable tools for early disease detection, supporting Precision Agriculture and real-time pest management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Practical Use of Crop, Pest and Diseases Models in Sustainable Agriculture)

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7 pages, 187 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Wilson Disease Hiding in Plain Sight: A Case Report of Psychosis and Catatonia Revealing Underlying Liver Dysfunction

by Adela Georgiana Buciuc, Vanessa Padilla, Dante Durand and Espinel Zelde

Reports 2025, 8(4), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8040261 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: Wilson disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism that can initially present with psychiatric symptoms, leading to delays in accurate diagnosis and treatment. Adult-onset cases may be misdiagnosed as primary psychiatric disorders, particularly when hepatic [...] Read more.

Background and Clinical Significance: Wilson disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism that can initially present with psychiatric symptoms, leading to delays in accurate diagnosis and treatment. Adult-onset cases may be misdiagnosed as primary psychiatric disorders, particularly when hepatic signs are subtle or absent. Early recognition is critical to prevent irreversible neurological and hepatic damage. Case Presentation: A 48-year-old Hispanic male developed persecutory delusions, cognitive decline, and ultimately catatonia over a three-year period. He was initially diagnosed with a primary psychiatric disorder and treated with antipsychotics, which caused severe extrapyramidal side effects. Further evaluation revealed markedly abnormal liver function tests, low serum ceruloplasmin, and elevated 24 h urinary copper excretion. Brain MRI showed characteristic findings of Wilson disease, and liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was started on trientine and zinc sulfate, but progressive hepatic dysfunction necessitated liver transplantation. Following a successful transplant, the patient experienced significant neurological and psychiatric recovery. Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of considering Wilson disease in patients presenting with atypical or treatment-resistant psychiatric symptoms, particularly when accompanied by abnormal liver function or intolerance to antipsychotics. Timely, multidisciplinary evaluation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. Early intervention can significantly improve both psychiatric and medical outcomes in Wilson disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health)

23 pages, 2767 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Economic Viability and Reliability of Advanced Truck Powertrains: A California Freight Case Study

by Charbel Mansour, Amarendra Kancharla, Julien Bou Gebrael, Michel Alhajjar, Olcay Sahin, Natalia Zuniga-Garcia, Hoseinali Borhan, Sylvain Pagerit and Vincent Freyermuth

World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(12), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16120668 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Heavy-duty trucking is central to the U.S. economy, and improving its long-term sustainability requires cost-effective, energy-efficient, and reliable operations. Emerging technologies—advanced powertrains, batteries, and alternative fuels—offer potential solutions, but their economic and operational viability remains uncertain. This study evaluates the performance of Class [...] Read more.

Heavy-duty trucking is central to the U.S. economy, and improving its long-term sustainability requires cost-effective, energy-efficient, and reliable operations. Emerging technologies—advanced powertrains, batteries, and alternative fuels—offer potential solutions, but their economic and operational viability remains uncertain. This study evaluates the performance of Class 8 battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), fuel cell electric (FCEV), and diesel trucks in terms of energy use and the levelized cost of driving (LCOD) to determine when these technologies become competitive without compromising operational reliability. The analysis explores how evolving fuel prices and vehicle technology improvements in 2023, 2035, and 2050 influence the cost competitiveness of each powertrain. By comparing the results at both the technology level and the fleet level, the study demonstrates that powertrains that appear cost-effective on individual routes may not always scale to fleet-wide viability, and vice versa. The analysis is based on real-world data from over 15,700 Class 8 truck trips recorded in California in 2022, capturing diverse driving scenarios, payload conditions, and operational constraints. The results show that BEV250 can deliver cost-effective performance in short-haul operations (0–250 miles) under depot electricity prices below USD 0.34/kWh and maintain this advantage through 2050 as battery costs decline. In the 250–500-mile segment, the technology-level analysis indicates that BEV500 often achieves the lowest LCOD on individual tours, particularly under low electricity prices, while the fleet-level results show that FCEVs provide a more consistent cost performance across all tours, especially when the route variability is high. For long-haul operations (>500 miles), where BEVs are assumed to operate without en-route charging, FCEVs emerge as the most cost-effective non-diesel option by 2050, provided hydrogen prices fall below USD 6/kg. PHEVs show a limited long-term competitiveness and are mainly viable under transitional fuel price conditions. Overall, the findings underscore that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Powertrain adoption must be range-aware, infrastructure-sensitive, and fleet-structured. By integrating technology-level and fleet-level perspectives, this study provides actionable insights for fleet operators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking to balance cost, reliability, and sustainability in heavy-duty freight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Vehicle and Transportation Systems)

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14 pages, 3962 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Layered Nanoclays on the Cellular Structure, Dynamic–Mechanical–Thermal Properties and Fire Behavior of Flame-Retardant ABS Foams

by Marcelo Antunes, Farnaz Ghonjizade-Samani and Vera Realinho

Polymers 2025, 17(24), 3285; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17243285 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

The present work deals with the preparation and characterization of fire-retardant acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) foams incorporating 25 wt% of a phosphorus flame-retardant (PFR) system formed by 50% of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and 50% of aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi). To further enhance performance, 5 wt% of [...] Read more.

The present work deals with the preparation and characterization of fire-retardant acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) foams incorporating 25 wt% of a phosphorus flame-retardant (PFR) system formed by 50% of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and 50% of aluminum diethylphosphinate (AlPi). To further enhance performance, 5 wt% of the PFR was replaced by either montmorillonite (MMT) or layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles, maintaining the overall FR content constant. The formulations were prepared by melt blending, and foams were produced using a one-step supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) dissolution foaming process. The incorporation of the PFR, alone or partially replaced by nanoclays, resulted in foams with smaller cell sizes and higher cell nucleation densities compared to pure ABS, with cell sizes reducing from 60 μm to as low as 40 μm and cell densities reaching values > 10⁷ cells/cm³. The presence of LDH notably modified the thermal decomposition of ABS–PFR, increasing the temperature at 5% mass loss (T_5%) by more than 10 °C and the amount of formed residue by more than 15%. The ABS–PFR/LDH foam also showed a higher glass transition temperature (3 °C increase) and a higher specific storage modulus (920 MPa·cm³/g, a more than 40% increase). Cone calorimetry revealed a very significant reduction in the peak of the heat release rate (PHRR) and increased residue formation for ABS–PFR compared to ABS (from 1672 kW·m⁻² to as low as 483 kW·m⁻²). LDH nanoparticles further decreased HRR during the early quasi-static combustion stage of foams, indicating a more effective condensed-phase flame-retardant action than MMT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Developments in Flame-Retardant Polymeric Materials)

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29 pages, 4365 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Multidisciplinary Bibliometric Analysis of Differences and Commonalities Between GenAI in Science

by Kacper Sieciński and Marian Oliński

Publications 2025, 13(4), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040067 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly permeating research practices, yet knowledge about its use and topical profile remains fragmented across tools and disciplines. In this study, we present a cross-disciplinary map of GenAI research based on the Web of Science Core Collection (as [...] Read more.

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly permeating research practices, yet knowledge about its use and topical profile remains fragmented across tools and disciplines. In this study, we present a cross-disciplinary map of GenAI research based on the Web of Science Core Collection (as of 4 November 2025) for the ten tool lines with the largest number of publications. We employed a transparent query protocol in the Title (TI) and Topic (TS) fields, using Boolean and proximity operators together with brand-specific exclusion lists. Thematic similarity was estimated with the Jaccard index for the Top–50, Top–100, and Top–200 sets. In parallel, we computed volume and citation metrics using Python and reconstructed a country-level co-authorship network. The corpus comprises 14,418 deduplicated publications. A strong concentration is evident around ChatGPT, which accounts for approximately 80.6% of the total. The year 2025 shows a marked increase in output across all lines. The Jaccard matrices reveal two stable clusters: general-purpose tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot) and open-source/developer-led lines (LLaMA, Mistral, Qwen, DeepSeek). Perplexity serves as a bridge between the clusters, while Grok remains the most distinct. The co-authorship network exhibits a dual-core structure anchored in the United States and China. The study contributes to bibliometric research on GenAI by presenting a perspective that combines publication dynamics, citation structures, thematic profiles, and similarity matrices based on the Jaccard algorithm for different tool lines. In practice, it proposes a comparative framework that can help researchers and institutions match GenAI tools to disciplinary contexts and develop transparent, repeatable assessments of their use in scientific activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI in Academic Metrics and Impact Analysis)

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9 pages, 965 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Humidity Incubation Improves Post-Microinjection Viability and Larval Performance of CRISPR/Cas9-Edited Helicoverpa armigera Embryos

by Jingyun Zhu, Hongran Li, Yan Peng, Minghui Jin, Kaikai Mao and Yutao Xiao

Insects 2025, 16(12), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121257 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Gene editing technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the study of insect gene functions. Appropriate incubation humidity helps improve the hatching rate of insect eggs. However, to date, no study has evaluated the impact of humidity on the hatching rate of [...] Read more.

Gene editing technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the study of insect gene functions. Appropriate incubation humidity helps improve the hatching rate of insect eggs. However, to date, no study has evaluated the impact of humidity on the hatching rate of gene-edited eggs or the subsequent development of the larvae. Using the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as a model, we investigated the weight and hatching rate of microinjected eggs under different humidity conditions. We determined the larval development time and pupal weight and calculated the larval gene editing efficiency. The results showed that post-microinjection incubation under high humidity (RH = 95%) had a significant influence on CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited eggs. The key research results indicate that, compared with the incubation environment with RH ≤ 80%, after 48 h of incubation under 95% RH, the hatching rate of H. armigera eggs increased by more than 27.5%, with higher egg saturation and greater egg weight; meanwhile, the larval developmental duration was shorter and the pupal weight was also greater. These results establish a humidity-regulated developmental recovery protocol for gene-edited insects, which provides theoretical and practical support for optimizing post-microinjection recovery processes in gene-edited insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Insect Molecular Biology)

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25 pages, 3592 KB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Computations on Mobile Devices: Optimization and Numerical Efficiency

by Maya Saade, Rafic Younes and Pascal Lafon

Algorithms 2025, 18(12), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/a18120782 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Smartphones have become increasingly powerful and widespread, enabling complex numerical computations that were once limited to desktop systems. However, implementing high-precision Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on mobile devices remains challenging due to constraints in memory, processing speed, and energy efficiency. This paper presents [...] Read more.

Smartphones have become increasingly powerful and widespread, enabling complex numerical computations that were once limited to desktop systems. However, implementing high-precision Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on mobile devices remains challenging due to constraints in memory, processing speed, and energy efficiency. This paper presents an optimized algorithmic framework for performing FEA on mobile platforms, focusing on the adaptation of meshing and iterative solver strategies to resource-limited environments. Several iterative solvers for large sparse linear systems are compared, and predefined refined meshing techniques are implemented to balance computational cost and accuracy. A two-dimensional bridge model is used to validate the proposed methods and demonstrate their numerical stability and computational efficiency on smartphones. The results confirm the feasibility of executing reliable FEA directly on mobile hardware, highlighting the potential of portable, low-cost devices as platforms for computational mechanics and algorithmic simulation in engineering and education. Full article

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19 pages, 3122 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Deep Learning-Based Iceberg Detection in Land-Fast Arctic Sea Ice Using YOLOv8 and SAR Imagery

by Johnson Bailey and John Stott

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(24), 3998; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17243998 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Iceberg detection in Arctic sea-ice environments is essential for navigation safety and climate monitoring, yet remains challenging due to observational and environmental constraints. The scarcity of labelled data, limited optical coverage caused by cloud and polar night conditions, and the small, irregular signatures [...] Read more.

Iceberg detection in Arctic sea-ice environments is essential for navigation safety and climate monitoring, yet remains challenging due to observational and environmental constraints. The scarcity of labelled data, limited optical coverage caused by cloud and polar night conditions, and the small, irregular signatures of icebergs in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery make automated detection difficult. This study evaluates the environmental feasibility of applying a modern deep learning model for iceberg detection within land-fast sea ice. We adapt a YOLOv8 convolutional neural network within the Dual Polarisation Intensity Ratio Anomaly Detector (iDPolRAD) framework using dual-polarised Sentinel-1 SAR imagery from the Franz Josef Land region, validated against Sentinel-2 optical data. A total of 2344 icebergs were manually labelled to generate the training dataset. Results demonstrate that the network is capable of detecting icebergs embedded in fast ice with promising precision under highly constrained data conditions (precision = 0.81; recall = 0.68; F1 = 0.74; mAP = 0.78). These findings indicate that deep learning can function effectively within the physical and observational limitations of current Arctic monitoring, establishing a foundation for future large-scale applications once broader datasets become available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of SAR for Environment Observation Analysis)

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17 pages, 1869 KB

Open AccessReview

Head and Neck Radiotherapy and Dentomaxillofacial Diagnostic Imaging: Biological Interactions and Protective Approaches

by Cyro Daniel Hikaro Fuziama, Ana Cristina Borges-Oliveira, Lana Ferreira Santos, Sérgio Lúcio Pereira de Castro Lopes and Andre Luiz Ferreira Costa

Biomedicines 2025, 13(12), 3046; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13123046 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Radiotherapy is a fundamental component in the management of head and neck malignancies, but its non-selective effects on surrounding normal tissues can result in significant oral complications. The oral cavity and oropharynx contain several radiosensitive structures, including mucosa, salivary glands, and alveolar bone, [...] Read more.

Radiotherapy is a fundamental component in the management of head and neck malignancies, but its non-selective effects on surrounding normal tissues can result in significant oral complications. The oral cavity and oropharynx contain several radiosensitive structures, including mucosa, salivary glands, and alveolar bone, which are susceptible to both acute and late toxicities resulting in mucositis, xerostomia, and osteoradionecrosis. Although dentomaxillofacial diagnostic imaging, such as intraoral radiography, panoramic imaging and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), delivers radiation doses several orders of magnitude lower than therapeutic exposures, its biological impact on previously irradiated tissues remains underexplored. Even low-dose X-rays may act as secondary stressors, reactivating oxidative and inflammatory pathways in tissues with compromised repair capacity. In this review, we examine the radiobiological and dosimetric implications of using diagnostic ionizing imaging in patients undergoing or recently having completed head and neck radiotherapy. We summarize current evidence on potential additive effects of low-dose imaging, emphasizing the importance of justification, timing, and protocol optimization. Finally, we discuss radioprotective strategies (e.g., dose modulation, field limitation, and integration of modern low-dose imaging technologies) designed to reduce unnecessary exposure, thus enhancing tissue preservation and ensuring diagnostic safety in this vulnerable patient population Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Radiotherapy: Bridging Radiobiology and Oncology)

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14 pages, 1523 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the Reducing Agent on the Cytotoxicity and Selectivity Index of Silver Nanoparticles in Leukemia and Healthy Cells

by Jovani Guadalupe Aguirre-León, Belkis Sulbarán-Rangel, Edsaúl Emilio Pérez-Guerrero, Antonio Topete-Camacho, Trinidad García-Iglesias, Pedro Ernesto Sánchez-Hernández, Moisés Ramos-Solano and Andrea Carolina Machado-Sulbaran

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(24), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15241858 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely studied in oncological nanomedicine, although concerns persist regarding their toxicity, elimination, and tissue accumulation. The biological properties of AgNPs depend on the synthesis method and the reducing agent used, which may influence cytotoxicity and cellular metabolism. This study [...] Read more.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely studied in oncological nanomedicine, although concerns persist regarding their toxicity, elimination, and tissue accumulation. The biological properties of AgNPs depend on the synthesis method and the reducing agent used, which may influence cytotoxicity and cellular metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the reducing agent on the cytotoxicity of AgNPs in leukemia (JURKAT) cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). AgNPs were synthesized via chemical reduction using glucose (GLU) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as reducing agents. Nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, DLS, zeta potential, and TEM. Cell viability was assessed using trypan blue exclusion, and cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay. UV-Vis analysis showed distinct surface plasmon resonance profiles, and FTIR confirmed characteristic functional groups on the nanoparticle surface. DLS and zeta potential values indicated colloidal stability, with PVP-AgNPs presenting a more negative surface charge. TEM revealed greater size heterogeneity in GLU-AgNPs. GLU-AgNPs induced lower cytotoxicity and higher cell viability in JURKAT and PBMCs compared to PVP-AgNPs (p < 0.05). Leukemia cells were more susceptible to both nanoparticle types than PBMCs, showing a favorable selectivity index for GLU-AgNPs (SI = 2.44). These findings suggest that biocompatible reducing agents may improve the safety profile of AgNPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Application of Nanomaterials and Nanobiotechnology in Cancer)

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6 pages, 346 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Structured Approach to History and Physical Examination in Oncology for Medical Learners

by Leenah Abojaib, Aashvi Patel and Beatrice T. B. Preti

Int. Med. Educ. 2025, 4(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/ime4040054 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

In oncology, traditional H&P templates centered on a single chief complaint often fail to address the longitudinal care needs and emotional complexities of cancer patients, leaving learners unprepared for sensitive conversations such as breaking bad news or discussing treatment goals. To address this, [...] Read more.

In oncology, traditional H&P templates centered on a single chief complaint often fail to address the longitudinal care needs and emotional complexities of cancer patients, leaving learners unprepared for sensitive conversations such as breaking bad news or discussing treatment goals. To address this, we conducted a literature review of specialty-focused H&P tools in child psychiatry and gynecology and, drawing on our experiences as two first-year medical students in an outpatient oncology clinic, developed an oncology H&P template to guide novice clinicians. The guide incorporates structured prompts for rapport-building; detailed oncologic and family cancer history; functional independence assessments; treatment goals; emotional wellbeing; support networks; and responding to emotion. After initial pilot testing by the two developers under supervisor guidance, the template was distributed to five then ten additional students and disseminated via the ASCO online forum and Twitter. Feedback from ten oncologists and oncology trainees highlighted the template’s value in gathering review of systems, past treatment details, functional status, and cancer history. Our findings suggest that this oncology-tailored tool enhances interview flow, promotes comprehensive data collection, and supports empathetic patient engagement. Integration into routine oncology training is planned, with future adaptations for specific oncological subspecialties and potential use in other medical specialties. Full article

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15 pages, 1990 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enriched Acoustic Environment Therapy (EAE): A Cost-Effective and Feasible Alternative to Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

by Marta Fernández-Ledesma, Ricardo Sanz-Fernández, María Cuesta and Pedro Cobo

Healthcare 2025, 13(24), 3248; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13243248 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Tinnitus affects approximately 15% of the population and lacks a universally effective treatment. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is widely used but requires 6–8 h of daily sound exposure for 1–2 years, limiting accessibility and adherence. This study evaluated the clinical feasibility and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Tinnitus affects approximately 15% of the population and lacks a universally effective treatment. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is widely used but requires 6–8 h of daily sound exposure for 1–2 years, limiting accessibility and adherence. This study evaluated the clinical feasibility and therapeutic effectiveness of Enriched Acoustic Environment therapy (EAE), a streamlined alternative using individualized sound stimulation with a markedly reduced treatment burden, and compared its time efficiency with published TRT outcomes. Methods: 82 adults with chronic tinnitus received standardized counseling and completed one of two EAE protocols (continuous or sequential). Participants listened to their personalized stimulus for 1 h/day over four months. Tinnitus severity (THI, TFI) and time-efficiency metrics (improvement per 10 listening hours) were assessed and compared with TRT studies reporting baseline and post-treatment THI. Results: EAE produced clinically relevant and statistically significant improvements, with 51.6% THI and 49.8% TFI reduction (p < 0.001). Both stimuli achieved similar outcomes with high responder rates. EAE yielded ~2.3 THI-point improvement per 10 h (~4.3% relative gain), demonstrating substantially greater time efficiency—approximately 20 times higher than values reported for standard TRT protocols. Conclusions: EAE achieved robust symptom reduction with dramatically lower treatment burden, high adherence, and strong clinical feasibility. These findings support EAE as an accessible, time-efficient alternative to TRT. Controlled long-term studies are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Music Therapy and Physical Activity in Neurological Diseases)

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36 pages, 2303 KB

Open AccessArticle

Season-Aware Ensemble Forecasting with Improved Arctic Puffin Optimization for Robust Daily Runoff Prediction Across Multiple Climate Zones

by Wenchuan Wang, Xutong Zhang, Qiqi Zeng and Dongmei Xu

Water 2025, 17(24), 3504; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17243504 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Accurate daily runoff forecasting is essential for flood control and water resource management, yet existing models struggle with the seasonal non-stationarity and inter-basin variability of runoff sequences. This paper proposes a Season-Aware Ensemble Forecasting (SAEF) method that integrates SVM, LSSVM, LSTM, and BiLSTM [...] Read more.

Accurate daily runoff forecasting is essential for flood control and water resource management, yet existing models struggle with the seasonal non-stationarity and inter-basin variability of runoff sequences. This paper proposes a Season-Aware Ensemble Forecasting (SAEF) method that integrates SVM, LSSVM, LSTM, and BiLSTM models to leverage their complementary strengths in capturing nonlinear and non-stationary hydrological dynamics. SAEF employs a seasonal segmentation mechanism to divide annual runoff data into four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter), enhancing model responsiveness to seasonal hydrological drivers. An Improved Arctic Puffin Optimization (IAPO) algorithm optimizes the model weights, improving prediction accuracy. Beyond numerical gains, the framework also reflects seasonal runoff generation processes—such as rapid rainfall–runoff in wet seasons and baseflow contributions in dry periods—providing a physically interpretable perspective on runoff dynamics. The effectiveness of SAEF was validated through case studies in the Dongjiang Hydrological Station (China), the Elbe River (Germany), and the Quinebaug River basin (USA), using four performance metrics (MAE, RMSE, NSEC, KGE). Results indicate that SAEF achieves average Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency Coefficient (NSEC) and Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) coefficients of over 0.92, and 0.90, respectively, significantly outperforming individual models (SVM, LSSVM, LSTM, BiLSTM) with RMSE reductions of up to 58.54%, 55.62%, 51.99%, and 48.14%. Overall, SAEF not only strengthens predictive accuracy across diverse climates but also advances hydrological understanding by linking data-driven ensembles with seasonal process mechanisms, thereby contributing a robust and interpretable tool for runoff forecasting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydrology)

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23 pages, 1890 KB

Open AccessReview

Cell-Mediated and Peptide-Based Delivery Systems: Emerging Frontiers in Targeted Therapeutics

by Eszter Erdei, Ruth Deme, Balázs Balogh and István M. Mándity

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(12), 1597; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17121597 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cell-mediated and peptide-assisted delivery systems have emerged as powerful platforms at the intersection of chemistry, nanotechnology, and molecular medicine. By leveraging the intrinsic targeting, transport, and signaling capacities of living cells and bioinspired peptides, these systems facilitate the delivery of therapeutic agents [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Cell-mediated and peptide-assisted delivery systems have emerged as powerful platforms at the intersection of chemistry, nanotechnology, and molecular medicine. By leveraging the intrinsic targeting, transport, and signaling capacities of living cells and bioinspired peptides, these systems facilitate the delivery of therapeutic agents across otherwise restrictive biological barriers such as the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to summarize recent advances in engineered cell carriers, peptide vectors, and hybrid nanostructures designed for enhanced intracellular and tissue-specific delivery. Methods: We surveyed recent literature covering molecular design principles, mechanistic studies, and in vitro/in vivo evaluations of cell-mediated and peptide-enabled delivery platforms. Emphasis was placed on neuro-oncology, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine, with particular focus on uptake pathways, endosomal escape mechanisms, and structure–function relationships. Results: Analysis of current strategies reveals significant progress in optimizing cell-based transport systems, peptide conjugates, and multifunctional nanostructures for the targeted delivery of drugs, nucleic acids, and immunomodulatory agents. Key innovations include improved BBB penetration, enhanced tumor homing, and more efficient cytosolic delivery enabled by advanced peptide designs and engineered cellular carriers. Several platforms have progressed toward clinical translation, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Conclusions: Cell-mediated and peptide-assisted delivery technologies represent a rapidly evolving frontier with broad relevance to next-generation therapeutics. Despite notable advances, challenges remain in scalability, manufacturing, safety, and regulatory approval. Continued integration of chemical design, molecular engineering, and translational research will be essential to fully realize the clinical impact of these delivery systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Disease Treatment and Diagnosis)

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25 pages, 5490 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment and Optimization of Wetland Ecosystem Services in the Jianghan Lake Cluster

by Yanpeng Ma, Yuting Wang, Lefan Jia, Wenjie Zhang and Danzi Wu

Land 2025, 14(12), 2400; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122400 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Anthropogenic disturbances and morphological constraints pose significant threats to lake–wetland functions. However, conventional assessments often overlook the influence of wetland morphology on the spatial realization of ecosystem services, which limits effective ecological restoration. This study presents a multidimensional framework coupled with the InVEST [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic disturbances and morphological constraints pose significant threats to lake–wetland functions. However, conventional assessments often overlook the influence of wetland morphology on the spatial realization of ecosystem services, which limits effective ecological restoration. This study presents a multidimensional framework coupled with the InVEST model to evaluate the Integrated Ecosystem Service Capacity (IESC) in the Jianghan Lake Cluster. The assessment focuses on key ecosystem services, such as habitat quality, carbon storage, and water purification. The results reveal significant morphology-driven heterogeneity in IESC. Zonal optimization strategies, including ecological water replenishment, buffer-strip construction, and polder-to-lake conversion, significantly enhance IESC across conservation, regulation, and restoration zones. Model simulations indicate that these targeted interventions can reduce non-point source pollution by approximately 35%, and increase carbon sequestration and biodiversity indices by 15–20% and 30%, respectively. This study elucidates the coupling mechanisms between lake morphology and ecosystem service capacity and provides a spatial framework for restoring “lake–river–polder” composite wetland systems. Full article

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15 pages, 997 KB

Open AccessArticle

Body Roundness Index Outperforms Body Mass Index in Predicting Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity Among Chinese Adults

by Ningchang Tang, Yuenan Ni and Fengming Luo

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8764; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248764 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a key factor in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), though Body Mass Index (BMI) may not fully capture this risk as it ignores visceral fat distribution. The Body Roundness Index (BRI), which uses waist circumference and height to better reflect [...] Read more.

Background: Obesity is a key factor in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), though Body Mass Index (BMI) may not fully capture this risk as it ignores visceral fat distribution. The Body Roundness Index (BRI), which uses waist circumference and height to better reflect visceral adiposity, has not been widely validated for OSA screening. This study assesses a BRI-based model for predicting severe OSA. Methods: Patients undergoing polysomnography (PSG) were retrospectively enrolled from January 2022 to March 2025 and prospectively enrolled from March 2025 to June 2025. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to identify optimal predictors of severe OSA. A predictive model for severe OSA (Apnea–Hypopnea Index [AHI] ≥ 30 events/h) was developed using BRI and other relevant factors. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex and age. Results: A total of 7579 patients were included in the final analysis, of whom 3864 (51%) were diagnosed with severe OSA. Univariable logistic regression revealed that each unit increase in BRI was associated with a significantly elevated risk of severe OSA (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.93–2.10; p < 0.001). The predictive severe OSA model incorporating BRI yielded higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values (Training: 0.762 vs. 0.747; Test: 0.820 vs. 0.803; DeLong test p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses by sex and age revealed higher AUCs across all groups, with the most pronounced improvements in sensitivity observed in women (84.3% vs. 73.0%) and individuals aged ≤ 50 years (75.6% vs. 60.2%). Conclusions: BRI is more strongly correlated with severe OSA than BMI and may enhance screening efficacy in Chinese adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Respiratory Medicine)

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10 pages, 2311 KB

Open AccessArticle

CVD-Grown Carbon Nanofibers on Knitted Carbon Fabric for Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance

by Xiaojing Jia, Jiangsan Wang and Jing Dang

Crystals 2025, 15(12), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15121049 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

The escalating demand for high-performance energy storage devices has driven extensive research into flexible electrode materials for supercapacitors. Integrating structured carbon nanomaterials with flexible substrates to construct binder-free electrode architectures represents a promising strategy for improving supercapacitor capacitance and rate capability. However, achieving [...] Read more.

The escalating demand for high-performance energy storage devices has driven extensive research into flexible electrode materials for supercapacitors. Integrating structured carbon nanomaterials with flexible substrates to construct binder-free electrode architectures represents a promising strategy for improving supercapacitor capacitance and rate capability. However, achieving stable, binder-free integration of structure-controlled nanostructured carbon materials with flexible substrates remains a critical challenge. In this study, we report a direct synthesis approach for one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on commercial flexible carbon fabric (CF) via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The resulting CNFs exhibit two typical average diameters—approximately 25 nm and 50 nm—depending on the growth temperature, with both displaying highly graphitized structures. Electrochemical characterization of the CNFs/CF composites in 1 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte revealed typical electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) behavior. Notably, the 25 nm-CNFs/CF electrode achieves a high specific capacitance of 87.5 F/g, significantly outperforming the 50 nm-CNFs/CF electrode, which reaches 50.2 F/g. Compared with previously reported carbon nanotube CNTs/CF electrodes, the 25 nm-CNFs/CF electrode exhibits superior capacitance and lower resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalytic Materials in Energy and Environment)

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15 pages, 503 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of EUCAST Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Gram-Negative ESKAPEEc Pathogens in Blood Cultures, with a Focus on Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a University Hospital in Palermo, Italy

by Sara Cannella, Luca Pipitò, Martina Piazza, Domenico Graceffa, Rita Immordino, Roberta Virruso, Giovanni Maurizio Giammanco, Antonio Cascio and Celestino Bonura

Antibiotics 2025, 14(12), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14121251 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (RAST) allows early detection of resistance directly from positive blood cultures, potentially improving outcomes in bloodstream infections (BSIs). We evaluated the performance of EUCAST RAST for Gram-negative ESKAPEEc pathogens and characterized carbapenemase genes in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae [...] Read more.

Background: Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (RAST) allows early detection of resistance directly from positive blood cultures, potentially improving outcomes in bloodstream infections (BSIs). We evaluated the performance of EUCAST RAST for Gram-negative ESKAPEEc pathogens and characterized carbapenemase genes in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Methods: A total of 354 positive blood cultures were screened, including 51 monomicrobial Gram-negative ESKAPEEc isolates. RAST results at 4, 6, 8, and 16–20 h were compared with standard antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) obtained using the BD Phoenix™ system. Categorical agreement (CA) and error frequency were calculated. Multiplex PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed on 15 CRKP isolates to identify carbapenemase genes and allelic variants. Results: 51 Gram-negative ESKAPEEc isolates met the inclusion criteria for RAST (15 E. coli, 19 K. pneumoniae, 11 A. baumannii, and 6 P. aeruginosa). Overall performance varied markedly by species and antibiotic. E. coli showed frequent unreadable or ATU zones at early timepoints and wide CA variability (50–100%), with high very major error (VME) rates for AMP, TZP, and CAZ, particularly at 6–8 h. K. pneumoniae displayed consistently high CA (mostly 100%) for carbapenems, CAZ, and TZP. A. baumannii demonstrated excellent agreement (100% for most agents), except for GEN at 6–8 h. P. aeruginosa could be evaluated only at 16–20 h, showing high CA for AMK, CAZ, and CIP; lower CA for MEM (83%); non-calculable CA for IMI due to universal ATU readings; and a CA value of 0% for TZP due to the predominance of the ATU results. VMEs ranged from 0% to 26.1% across species and reading times, but carbapenems did not generate VMEs. Molecular analysis revealed bla_KPC in 66.7%, bla_NDM in 46.7%, and bla_OXA-48 in 33.3% of isolates, with co-occurrence in several strains. Sequencing identified bla_KPC-2 and bla_NDM-1 as the predominant variants, with one isolate harboring bla_NDM-5. Conclusions: EUCAST RAST markedly accelerates susceptibility reporting from positive blood cultures, but its accuracy is species- and time-dependent. Performance was excellent for K. pneumoniae (including CRKP) and A. baumannii and acceptable for P. aeruginosa at 16–20 h. In contrast, E. coli showed frequent ATU results at early timepoints and high ME/VME rates, making readings before 8 h unreliable for clinical decisions. Overall, RAST can effectively support rapid antimicrobial stewardship when species-specific limitations are recognized, and early-timepoint results are interpreted with caution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Resistance in Hospital-Acquired Infections)

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21 pages, 1570 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Applying Differential Learning During Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Basketball Single-Case Study

by Jorge Arede, Rui Zhou, Harjiv Singh and Wolfgang I. Schollhörn

Healthcare 2025, 13(24), 3247; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13243247 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Differential learning (DL) amplifies natural fluctuations in movement execution and, in its more extreme forms, facilitates repetition-free training with minimal external feedback. While increasingly recognized in the field of skill acquisition, its application in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation remains underexplored. [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Differential learning (DL) amplifies natural fluctuations in movement execution and, in its more extreme forms, facilitates repetition-free training with minimal external feedback. While increasingly recognized in the field of skill acquisition, its application in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation remains underexplored. Methods: This study examined the application of DL in the rehabilitation of an 18-year-old trained basketball player following left-ACL reconstruction. The athlete completed a 42-week rehabilitation program in which DL principles were incorporated throughout the pre-operative, early, mid-, and late phases, culminating in return to sport. Training included differential mobility work, motor control, plyometric exercises, and sport-specific drills. Functional recovery was evaluated using single-leg hop tests, change-of-direction tasks, and sprint performance, while self-reported knee function was monitored via the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire. Results: Results indicated substantial improvements in both functional performance and psychological readiness. The IKDC score increased from 13.8% at baseline to 95.4% postoperatively, reaching the normal functional range. An ACL-RSI score of 85.2%, and inter-limb asymmetries were reduced to below 10%. Strength, agility, and sprint performance exceeded pre-injury levels. Conclusions: DL again shows potential as an effective approach to facilitating recovery and return to sport after ACL reconstruction, but larger controlled studies are needed for validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Physical Activity and Well-Being in Children and Adolescents)

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13 pages, 1974 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cryoelectrospun Elastin-Alginate Scaffolds Support In Vitro 3D Epithelial-Stromal Cocultures for Salivary Tissue Engineering

by Pujhitha Ramesh, James Castracane, Melinda Larsen, Deirdre A. Nelson, Susan T. Sharfstein and Yubing Xie

Gels 2025, 11(12), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11120998 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Bioengineered functional salivary tissues can advance regenerative therapies, preclinical drug testing, and the fundamental understanding of salivary gland dysfunction. Current salivary tissue models are typically Matrigel-based, hydrogel-based or scaffold-free organoid systems, with limited physiological relevance or mimicry of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) [...] Read more.

Bioengineered functional salivary tissues can advance regenerative therapies, preclinical drug testing, and the fundamental understanding of salivary gland dysfunction. Current salivary tissue models are typically Matrigel-based, hydrogel-based or scaffold-free organoid systems, with limited physiological relevance or mimicry of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. We previously developed elastin-alginate cryoelectrospun scaffolds (CES) that resemble the topography and viscoelastic properties of healthy salivary ECM, and validated their potential for stromal cell culture, delivery, and in vitro fibrosis modeling. Here, we evaluated the utility of CES to support 3D cocultures of salivary gland epithelial and mesenchymal cells in vitro. We compared CES with honeycomb-like topography (CES-H) to densely packed electrospun nanofibers (NFs) and CES with fibrous topography (CES-F) for their ability to support SIMS epithelial cell attachment, morphology, 3D clustering, phenotype and organization into distinct clusters when cocultured with stromal cells. Both CES-F and CES-H supported epithelial cell attachment and clustering; in particular, CES-H most effectively supported the self-organization of epithelial and stromal cells into distinct 3D clusters resembling the structure of native salivary tissue. Stromal cells were essential for maintaining the phenotype of epithelial cells cultured on CES-H, laying the foundation for the development of in vitro tissue models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery (2nd Edition))

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Graphical abstract

20 pages, 7531 KB

Open AccessReview

Synthesis, Applications, and Inhibition Mechanisms of Carbon Dots as Corrosion Inhibitors: A Review

by Yin Hu, Tianyao Hong, Sheng Zhou, Yangrui Wang, Shiyu Sheng, Jie Hong, Shifang Wang, Chang Liu, Chuang He, Haijie He and Minjie Xu

Processes 2025, 13(12), 4002; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13124002 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) have recently emerged as a novel class of eco-friendly and multifunctional corrosion inhibitors owing to their nanoscale dimensions, tunable surface functionalities, and sustainable synthesis pathways. This review summarizes the latest progress in CD-based inhibitors, focusing on synthesis methods, applications, and [...] Read more.

Carbon dots (CDs) have recently emerged as a novel class of eco-friendly and multifunctional corrosion inhibitors owing to their nanoscale dimensions, tunable surface functionalities, and sustainable synthesis pathways. This review summarizes the latest progress in CD-based inhibitors, focusing on synthesis methods, applications, and inhibition mechanisms. Various strategies—including hydrothermal/solvothermal treatment, microwave irradiation, pyrolysis, electrochemical synthesis, and chemical oxidation—have been employed to obtain CDs with tailored size, heteroatom doping, and surface groups, thereby enhancing their inhibition efficiency. CDs have demonstrated remarkable applicability across diverse corrosive environments, including acidic, neutral chloride, CO₂-saturated, microbiologically influenced, and alkaline systems, often achieving inhibition efficiencies exceeding 90%. Mechanistically, their performance arises from strong adsorption and compact film formation, heteroatom-induced electronic modulation, suppression of anodic and cathodic reactions, and synergistic effects of particle size and structural configuration. Compared with conventional inhibitors, CDs offer higher efficiency, environmental compatibility, and multifunctionality. Despite significant progress, challenges remain regarding precise structural control, scalability of synthesis, and deeper mechanistic understanding. The effectiveness of CDs inhibitors is highly dependent on factors such as pH, temperature, inhibitor concentration, and exposure time, which should be tailored for specific applications to maximize performance. Future research should focus on integrating sustainable synthesis with rational heteroatom engineering and advanced characterization to achieve long-term, cost-effective, and environmentally benign corrosion protection solutions. Compared to earlier reviews, this review discusses the emerging trends in the field of CDs as corrosion inhibitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)

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22 pages, 5865 KB

Open AccessArticle

Contrasting La Crosse Virus Lineage III Vector Competency in Two Geographical Populations of Aedes triseriatus and Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes

by Lindsey R. Faw, Philip M. Armstrong, Sally L. Paulson and Gillian Eastwood

Biology 2025, 14(12), 1771; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121771 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

La Crosse virus (LACV) is a mosquito-borne virus (family Peribunyaviridae) that can result in severe human infection in children under sixteen. Historically, LACV comprised two lineages, predominantly in the Midwest and Appalachian regions of the US. In 2005, a virus of a [...] Read more.

La Crosse virus (LACV) is a mosquito-borne virus (family Peribunyaviridae) that can result in severe human infection in children under sixteen. Historically, LACV comprised two lineages, predominantly in the Midwest and Appalachian regions of the US. In 2005, a virus of a third lineage was detected in the Northeast; however, this and subsequently isolated strains of lineage III have not, to date, been implicated in human disease. One hypothesis for this discrepancy is that vector mosquitoes have a reduced vector competency for LACV lineage III, thus preventing horizontal transmission and clinical cases. Here, we utilized two mosquito species, Aedes triseriatus, the native vector, and Aedes albopictus, an invasive potential vector, each from both a historic LACV range (Virginia) and from the region of lineage III (Connecticut). Utilizing oral feeding and intrathoracic inoculation methods of viral exposure, rates of LACV infection, dissemination, and transmission (proxied via salivary secretion) and capability for vertical transmission (proxied via virus-positive ovaries) were determined by harvesting mosquito bodies, legs, saliva, and ovaries, respectively. Overall, we did not detect consistent differences in transmission between any lineage, species, or state of origin, at day 14 post-infection. However, we highlight the transmission potential of LACV lineage III in all mosquito populations tested here, representing the first evidence of lineage III competency in Aedes triseriatus and Aedes albopictus, indicating the potential for human disease. We thus suggest that the absence of human cases of LACV lineage III is not modulated by a lack of vector competency in mosquitoes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropods as Vectors of Human and Animal Pathogens: Vector Ecology and Disease Transmission)

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Graphical abstract

16 pages, 3284 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Agronomic Parameters and Aboveground Biomass Production of Cannabis sativa Cultivated During Early and Late Planting Seasons in Bela-Bela, South Africa

by Tumisho Ntsoane, Ndivho Nemukondeni and Lufuno Ethel Nemadodzi

Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2844; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122844 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Inadequate livestock production among smallholder farmers is mostly linked to insufficient supply and poor feed quality. To enhance livestock production, improving both the quantity and quality of feed supplements is important. Therefore, alternative fodder resources, such as Cannabis sativa, should be evaluated [...] Read more.

Inadequate livestock production among smallholder farmers is mostly linked to insufficient supply and poor feed quality. To enhance livestock production, improving both the quantity and quality of feed supplements is important. Therefore, alternative fodder resources, such as Cannabis sativa, should be evaluated as a feed supplement for ruminants such as Dorper sheep. Cannabis sativa is an herbaceous crop commonly grown for industrial and medicinal purposes. This plant is reported to have an excellent nutritional profile and biomass production. The current study aimed to determine the agronomic parameters and biomass production of C. sativa. The experiment was conducted at the Towoomba Research Station, in Bela-Bela Municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa. The trial’s experimental design was a split-plot within a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and it was replicated three times. The findings of the study showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the agronomic parameters during the early (December 2023–April 2024) and late planting seasons (April 2024–July 2024). Plant height (77.3 cm), number of leaves (144 leaves), leaf area (60.18 cm²), canopy cover (31.65 cm), number of branches (25), and biomass production (5, 48 t h⁻¹) were higher at maturity in the early planting season whilst chlorophyll content was higher (38.62 nm) during early planting season at flowering stage. The study suggests that smallholder farmers should plant C. sativa during the early planting season to ensure high biomass production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

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14 pages, 1834 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Adding Astragali Radix and Inulae Radix on Fermentation Quality, Nutrient Preservation, and Microbial Community in Barley Silage

by Ying Yun, Ying Ying, Juanjuan Sun, Jinmei Zhao, Wenxi Wang and Boyang Kang

Microorganisms 2025, 13(12), 2822; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13122822 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) residues represent a promising and sustainable category of silage additives, with the potential to modulate fermentation and enhance nutrient preservation. This study investigated the effects of two CHMs, Astragalus membranaceus L. (Astragali Radix, AR) and Inula helenium L. (Inulae [...] Read more.

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) residues represent a promising and sustainable category of silage additives, with the potential to modulate fermentation and enhance nutrient preservation. This study investigated the effects of two CHMs, Astragalus membranaceus L. (Astragali Radix, AR) and Inula helenium L. (Inulae Radix, IR), on the fermentation profile, nutritional composition, and bacterial community structure in barley silage. The forage was ensiled without additive (control, CK), or with 1% or 2% (w/w) of AR or IR for 75 days. The results showed that all additive treatments significantly improved fermentation quality, as evidenced by lower pH and reduced ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N) content compared to CK. The 2% IR treatment was most effective in promoting homolactic fermentation, yielding the highest lactic acid content and lactic acid-to-acetic acid ratio. Nutritionally, additives significantly increased dry matter, starch, and water-soluble carbohydrates, while decreasing neutral and acid detergent fiber contents. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that both herbal additives profoundly reshaped the microbial community. They suppressed undesirable bacteria and significantly enriched beneficial Lactobacillus species. Principal component analysis confirmed a distinct separation in microbial community structure between control and treated silages. These findings underscore the potential of these herbal residues as natural modulators of the silage microbiome for improved forage conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms in Silage)

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24 pages, 1137 KB

Open AccessReview

Nanomedicine for Cancer and Autoimmune Immunotherapy

by Ashi Ramavat, Priya Antil, Soniya Kaushik, Baby Kataria and Ramendra Pati Pandey

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 11941; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262411941 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Nanomedicine has now become a transformative platform that enhances the precision and efficacy of immunotherapy approaches and allows customizations like never before when it comes to cancer, as well as autoimmune conditions. Using platforms based on nanoscale, researchers have been able to manipulate [...] Read more.

Nanomedicine has now become a transformative platform that enhances the precision and efficacy of immunotherapy approaches and allows customizations like never before when it comes to cancer, as well as autoimmune conditions. Using platforms based on nanoscale, researchers have been able to manipulate immune responses operating across spatial and temporal scales to address key limitations of conventional immunotherapy associated with working with immune response such as immune evasion, systemic toxicity, and poor pharmacokinetics. Sophisticated nanoparticles (such as stimuli-sensitive ones, exosome-mimetic vesicle nanoparticles, and nanoparticles with CRISPR) allow directed immunomodulators, antigens, and gene-editing systems to reach one or more particular immune compartments. The innovations allow reprogramming of immune cells, immune tolerance rejuvenation, and expansion of antitumor immunity without significant off-target effects. Finding applications in integrating the artificial intelligence as well as multi-omics techniques, the process leads to personalization of the nano-immunotherapies based on patient-specific immuno-signatures. The chapter discusses the mechanistic rationale, therapeutic advancement, and the translational opportunities of nanotechnology-based immunotherapies that define them as part of a foundation of future generations of clinical approaches to precision immune modulation in oncology and autoimmune diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Nanoscience)

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22 pages, 4536 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Seismic Performance of K-Shaped Eccentrically Braced Steel Frame Considering Aftershocks, Link and Beam-Column Joint Damage

by Zhengao Ma, Haifeng Yu, Yifan Zhu, Zhihui Liu, Qizhi Wang, Cuixia Wei, Tianjiao Jin and Hongzhi Zhang

Buildings 2025, 15(24), 4476; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15244476 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Damage to structural members or joints can change the load transfer path of the structure. Additionally, structures may experience severe damage or even collapse due to the impact of aftershocks. To investigate the effects of beam-column joint damage, link damage, and aftershocks on [...] Read more.

Damage to structural members or joints can change the load transfer path of the structure. Additionally, structures may experience severe damage or even collapse due to the impact of aftershocks. To investigate the effects of beam-column joint damage, link damage, and aftershocks on the seismic performance of K-shaped eccentrically braced steel frame (K-EBF) structures, incremental dynamic analysis, fragility analysis, and collapse resistance evaluation were conducted using examples of 12-story and 18-story K-EBF structures. The results showed that considering beam-column joint damage, link damage, and aftershocks compared to not considering them, and the maximum inter-story drift ratio (θ_max) of the 12-story and 18-story K-EBF structures increased by 11.1% and 20.1%, respectively, under fortification earthquakes, and by 30.0% and 56.7%, respectively, under rare earthquakes. The failure probability of the severe damage limit state of the 12-story and 18-story K-EBF structures increased by 1.0% and 3.0%, respectively, under fortification earthquakes, and by 15.3% and 24.0%, respectively, under rare earthquakes. Additionally, the minimum collapse margin ratios (CMR_{P = 10%}) of the two structures decrease by 27.8% and 32.3%, respectively. The influence of aftershocks on the structural seismic response tends to intensify as the intensity of ground motion increases, and the beam-column joint damage and link damage further increases the failure probability of different damage limit states, leading to a decrease in the minimum collapse resistance coefficient of the structure. Therefore, in the seismic performance analysis of K-EBF structures, the effects of beam-column joint damage, link damage, and aftershocks should be fully considered to accurately reflect the response of structures under seismic actions. Overall, the impact of link damage, as well as aftershocks, on the structural collapse resistance is greater than that of beam-column joint damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

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