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12 pages, 2162 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Cone–Rod Dystrophy PCARE-Associated Retinopathy

by Maria Sopena-Pinilla, Maria Arruebo-Muñio, Marta Arias-Alvarez, Maria Arcas-Carbonell, Pablo Tejada-González, Carmen Lahuerta-Pueyo, Diana Pérez García and Isabel Pinilla

Diagnostics 2026, 16(13), 1945; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16131945 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: Biallelic pathogenic variants in the PCARE gene (photoreceptor cilium actin regulator), also known as C2orf71 (chromosome 2 open reading frame 71), are typically associated with retinitis pigmentosa type 54 (RP54) and, less frequently, with [...] Read more.

Background and Clinical Significance: Biallelic pathogenic variants in the PCARE gene (photoreceptor cilium actin regulator), also known as C2orf71 (chromosome 2 open reading frame 71), are typically associated with retinitis pigmentosa type 54 (RP54) and, less frequently, with cone–rod dystrophy (CORD23). Case Presentation: A 52-year-old man presented with an eight-year history of progressive visual loss, without photophobia or nyctalopia. He underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation, including multimodal retinal imaging, automated perimetry, and full electrophysiological testing, in accordance with International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV)’s standards. Genetic testing was performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) with an inherited retinal dystrophy gene panel, and findings were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Clinical examination revealed bilateral macular atrophy with minimal foveal sparing and a central scotoma. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed disruption of the outer retinal layers and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) demonstrated central hypoautofluorescence surrounded by a hyperautofluorescent ring. Electrophysiological testing revealed severely reduced rod- and cone- mediated responses on full-field electroretinography (ERG), absent pattern ERG responses, and markedly reduced multifocal ERG responses, indicating widespread retinal dysfunction with significant macular involvement. Genetic analysis identified a homozygous pathogenic nonsense variant in PCARE [c.3289C>T; p.(Gln1097*)], confirming the diagnosis of an autosomal recessive inherited retinal dystrophy. Conclusions: Biallelic PCARE variants can cause late-onset severe retinal dystrophy, with predominant macular involvement and cone–rod dysfunction. Given its phenotypic overlap with other inherited retinal diseases, accurate diagnosis requires the integration of multimodal retinal imaging, electrophysiological testing, and comprehensive genetic analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)

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20 pages, 3159 KB

Open AccessArticle

Laccase–Biochar Synergy for Efficient Removal of Trimethoprim, Clindamycin, and Fipronil from Wastewater

by Roukaya Al Haj Ishak Al Ali, Boris Armel Olou, François Lestremau, Monica Brienza, Serge Chiron and Andrés Sauvêtre

Water 2026, 18(13), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18131531 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

The presence of organic micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides in aquatic systems poses risks to environmental and public health, as conventional wastewater treatment plants are often ineffective at removing them, highlighting the need for alternative solutions. This study evaluates the combined use [...] Read more.

The presence of organic micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides in aquatic systems poses risks to environmental and public health, as conventional wastewater treatment plants are often ineffective at removing them, highlighting the need for alternative solutions. This study evaluates the combined use of biochar and laccase to remove trimethoprim, clindamycin, and fipronil, selected for their ubiquity, persistence, and physicochemical properties. Commercial wood-derived biochar was used, and removal performance was assessed through adsorption isotherms, time-dependent evaluation of removal efficiency, and quantification by UPLC-MS/MS. Toxicity after treatment was evaluated using bacterial growth assays with Escherichia coli and Rhodococcus erythropolis. Adsorption of trimethoprim and clindamycin followed the Langmuir model (Qmax 2.27 and 1.49 mg/g), while that of fipronil followed the Temkin model (Qmax 0.98 mg/g). The combined biochar–laccase system enabled up to 99% removal of trimethoprim and clindamycin within one hour, demonstrating synergy between adsorption and enzymatic removal. Enhanced removal was also observed for clindamycin and fipronil in mixtures. Bacterial assays showed partial restoration of growth after treatment, suggesting reduced antibacterial activity of transformation products, although effects remained species-dependent. Overall, the biochar–laccase system shows promise for micropollutant removal, supporting green remediation strategies, but further work is required to characterize transformation products and assess ecological impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Photocatalysis in Water and Wastewater Treatment)

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24 pages, 13396 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fault Diagnosis of DC Microgrids Based on State Observer

by Jinming Luo, Hongtao Wang, Lingshang Kong, Fujia Chen and Huijie Liu

Electronics 2026, 15(13), 2749; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15132749 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Due to the low inertia and small internal resistance of the DC line, the short-circuit fault is more harmful to the DC microgrid than the AC microgrid. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of faults in DC microgrids plays an important role in ensuring [...] Read more.

Due to the low inertia and small internal resistance of the DC line, the short-circuit fault is more harmful to the DC microgrid than the AC microgrid. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of faults in DC microgrids plays an important role in ensuring the stable operation of DC microgrids. In this paper, the residual generator is designed based on the state observer, and the fault diagnosis of the DC microgrid is achieved by analyzing and processing the residual signal. Firstly, a mathematical model is established for a single line, and the corresponding residual generator is designed by using the unknown input observer to achieve the fault detection of a single key protection line. Secondly, considering the high cost of fault detection for each line alone, a residual generator is established for the entire DC microgrid to achieve fault detection of the entire DC microgrid, which effectively reduces the cost of fault detection. Finally, the radial DC microgrid and the ring DC microgrid are simulated and verified respectively to ensure that the designed fault diagnosis method is applicable to both topologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Power Electronics)

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21 pages, 26676 KB

Open AccessArticle

Personalized Pathogenicity Assessment of RPE65 Gene Mutations Using Patient-Specific hiPSC-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium Model

by Ke Ye, Suai Zhang, Ping Xu, Xiaojing Song, Yuan Wang and Xiufeng Zhong

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(13), 5643; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27135643 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

RPE65, an isomerohydrolase expressed in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), is critical for the visual cycle. More than 115 missense variants of the RPE65 gene have been associated with Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA), a severe childhood retinal dystrophy. Due to high genetic heterogeneity, [...] Read more.

RPE65, an isomerohydrolase expressed in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), is critical for the visual cycle. More than 115 missense variants of the RPE65 gene have been associated with Leber’s congenital amaurosis (LCA), a severe childhood retinal dystrophy. Due to high genetic heterogeneity, the variant-specific pathogenic mechanisms remain largely uncharacterized. In this study we focus on an LCA patient carrying compound heterozygous RPE65 variants (c.200T > G, c.430T > C), aiming to dissect the mechanistic/functional basis of mutated protein-driven retinal degeneration and evaluate gene therapy-mediated restoration using patient-specific hiPSCs-RPE (iRPE). Transient overexpression of wild-type/mutant RPE65 in HEK293T cells showed both variants markedly destabilize the RPE65 protein through the autophagosome–lysosome degradation pathway and its isomerohydrolase activity required for the retinoid visual cycle. We further established a patient-specific iRPE platform suitable for enzymatic activity analysis. Characterization of patient-specific iRPE cells revealed those compound heterozygous variants did not compromise iRPE morphology, most gene expression, or core canonical physiological features of iRPE. However, they significantly downregulate endogenous RPE65 protein abundance and dampen enzymatic function. Subsequently, we delivered RPE65 via adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors driven by either the ubiquitous CMV promoter or RPE-specific VMD2 promoter into patient iRPE to validate therapeutic potency, and verified that exogenous RPE65 supplementation effectively restores deficient isomerohydrolase activity in this disease model. Collectively, this work elucidates the variant-specific pathogenesis of RPE65-associated LCA and preliminarily assesses the efficacy of gene augmentation, providing preclinical experimental evidence to support the referral of this patient for clinical RPE65 gene replacement therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)

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14 pages, 894 KB

Open AccessArticle

Radiological Assessment of Sarcopenia and Its Association with Metabolic Markers in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

by Sedat Çiçek, Hasan Duyu, Selman Çetin, Abdulvahap Hohluoğlu, Furkan Kırsoy, Jehat Kılıç, Abdullah Mübin Özercan, Hakan Artaş, Mehmet Yalnız and İbrahim Halil Bahçecioğlu

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 4854; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15134854 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease often associated with sarcopenia. Vitamin D and IGF-1 alterations may contribute to muscle loss and disease progression. This study evaluated their relationship in cirrhotic patients. Methods: A total of 90 patients with liver cirrhosis [...] Read more.

Background: Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease often associated with sarcopenia. Vitamin D and IGF-1 alterations may contribute to muscle loss and disease progression. This study evaluated their relationship in cirrhotic patients. Methods: A total of 90 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in this retrospective observational study. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, and disease severity was assessed using Child–Pugh and MELD-Na scores. Sarcopenia was evaluated using CT-based skeletal muscle index at the L3 level with sex-specific cut-offs. Patients with malignancy, acute liver failure, recent surgery, or muscle-affecting conditions were excluded. Vitamin D and IGF-1 levels were classified using standard and age-adjusted reference ranges. Results: A total of 90 patients were included, of whom 42 were alive, and 48 died during follow-up. Gender distribution was similar between groups (p = 0.388). Skeletal muscle area was significantly lower in non-survivors (110 vs. 140 cm², p = 0.002), while body mass index did not differ (p = 0.570). Vitamin D levels were significantly lower (10.0 vs. 17.9 ng/mL, p < 0.001), and hemoglobin levels were reduced in the non-survivor group (10.76 ± 2.13 vs. 12.87 ± 2.57 g/dL, p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.046, p = 0.032), MELD-Na score (OR 1.200, p = 0.001), and vitamin D level (OR 0.920, p = 0.024) were independently associated with mortality. Conclusions: CT-based sarcopenia assessment is a useful adjunct in cirrhosis when interpreted with disease severity. Radiological muscle depletion is common and associated with worse outcomes, while vitamin D deficiency independently associated with mortality, highlighting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cirrhosis and Its Complications: Prognosis and Clinical Management)

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17 pages, 5113 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Derecho and Management Disturbances on Ground-Dwelling Arthropods

by Jillian E. Wilson and Jordan M. Marshall

Biology 2026, 15(13), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15130984 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Disturbance events and subsequent management practices significantly shape the ecological legacies of affected sites. This study evaluated the impacts of a 2022 derecho and the subsequent forest management on forest structure and arthropod diversity by comparing affected forests at Fogwell Forest Nature Preserve [...] Read more.

Disturbance events and subsequent management practices significantly shape the ecological legacies of affected sites. This study evaluated the impacts of a 2022 derecho and the subsequent forest management on forest structure and arthropod diversity by comparing affected forests at Fogwell Forest Nature Preserve and Fox Island County Park with control forests at Blue Cast Springs and Hammer Wald Nature Preserves. Arthropod communities were sampled using pitfall traps, while forest structure was assessed through detailed surveys of understory, midstory, and overstory vegetation. Results indicated a decrease in overall arthropod diversity across all sites since 2016, variably attributed to forest maturation, climatic variability, and the 2022 disturbance, with some taxa showing declines, such as Formicidae and Curculionidae. Fogwell exhibited a significant decline in arthropod diversity, likely linked to the derecho, while Fox Island’s diversity aligned more closely with undisturbed control sites. Notable midstory reductions were observed across sites over time, especially at Fox Island, due to harvest and storm impacts. Meanwhile, overstory diversity varied between properties. Regression modeling revealed that forest management practices at Fox Island may have mitigated the disturbance’s effects, aiding arthropod recovery. All in all, these findings highlight the importance of forest management strategies in influencing biodiversity and ecological recovery post-disturbance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecology)

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18 pages, 3759 KB

Open AccessArticle

Screening of Aphid-Resistant Faba Bean Germplasm and Identification of Key Physiological and Biochemical Indicators Associated with Aphid Resistance

by Taijun Fang, Changcai Teng, Ziyan Wen, Luchao Bai and Yujiao Liu

Agronomy 2026, 16(13), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16131214 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Aphis craccivora is a major piercing–sucking insect pest in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production and severely restricts yield and quality. To identify aphid-resistant genetic resources and clarify the key physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying resistance and susceptibility, 937 faba bean germplasm [...] Read more.

Aphis craccivora is a major piercing–sucking insect pest in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production and severely restricts yield and quality. To identify aphid-resistant genetic resources and clarify the key physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying resistance and susceptibility, 937 faba bean germplasm accessions were evaluated using a stepwise strategy comprising natural field screening, precise net-house re-screening, laboratory validation based on aphid life-table parameters, and physiological and biochemical characterization of representative resistant and susceptible accessions. After final laboratory validation, three resistant and three susceptible accessions were selected and subjected to aphid feeding for 0 h (CK), 36 h, and 72 h. Eleven physiological and biochemical traits were dynamically analyzed, including the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), as well as the contents of soluble protein, soluble sugar, free amino acids, tannins, total phenolics, flavonoids, and lignin. Three stable aphid-resistant accessions were ultimately identified. Laboratory life-table analysis showed that the net reproductive rate of aphids on resistant accessions was significantly lower than that on susceptible accessions, with R₀ decreasing from 53.63 to 25.08, representing a reduction of 53.2%. The intrinsic rate of increase decreased by 26.7%, whereas the mean generation time increased by 10.7%, confirming the reliability of the screening results. Physiological and biochemical analyses showed that aphid feeding induced significant and time-dependent increases in SOD, POD, CAT, and PAL activities and in tannin, total phenolic, flavonoid, and lignin contents in resistant accessions, whereas these defense responses were weak in susceptible accessions. In contrast, susceptible accessions showed abnormal accumulation of soluble sugars and free amino acids, whereas resistant accessions maintained these nutrients at low levels. Lignin exhibited both constitutive and inducible defense characteristics in resistant accessions and emerged as a prominent candidate indicator for aphid resistance in faba bean. This study establishes an effective technical pipeline for screening aphid-resistant faba bean germplasm and reveals a coordinated defense network involving antioxidant enzymes, phenylpropanoid metabolism, secondary metabolites, and physical barriers. These findings provide elite parental germplasm and theoretical support for aphid-resistance breeding in faba bean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Strategies for Managing Insecticide Resistance in Crop Pests)

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18 pages, 4353 KB

Open AccessReview

Prostate Cancer Treatment: Cryoablation in Context

by Thomas Lilieholm, Michael C. Risk, David Jarrard and Erica Knavel Koepsel

Cancers 2026, 18(13), 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18132025 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

One of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in men worldwide, prostate cancer (PCa) is the subject of much study across various treatment approaches and medical specialties. Currently, 5-year survival rates exceed 90%, and research efforts have increasingly shifted towards approaches that improve quality [...] Read more.

One of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in men worldwide, prostate cancer (PCa) is the subject of much study across various treatment approaches and medical specialties. Currently, 5-year survival rates exceed 90%, and research efforts have increasingly shifted towards approaches that improve quality of life, minimizing the likelihood and severity of morbidities associated with treatment. Focal cryoablation is an approach that has been steadily gaining traction in recent years, both for its reduced risk of morbidity and greater potential for salvage therapy, relative to standard treatment. The goal of this work is to discuss the safety and efficacy of focal cryoablation for prostate cancers and define it in context among other treatment approaches. Publications describing approaches to, results from, and the science behind PCa cryoablation were reviewed and collated, describing the current landscape. Additional comparisons were made against analogous approaches, including radiation, surgical resection, hormone therapy, and other ablation modalities. Currently available literature characterizes prostate cryoablation as an effective and well-tolerated approach for treating primary and recurrent PCa, although the data are limited by heterogeneous evidence, lack of standardized endpoints, and an absence of robust randomized comparisons. Cryoablation for prostate cancer continues to evolve, offering a minimally invasive treatment option for both primary and salvage prostate cancer patients, although additional long-term studies are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Minimally Invasive Therapies in Urologic Cancers)

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28 pages, 2443 KB

Open AccessReview

A Comprehensive Review of the Gut–Microbiota–Brain Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease: From Pathophysiology to Potential Therapies

by Mairi Ziaka

Pathogens 2026, 15(7), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15070659 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

The gut–microbiota–brain axis (GMBA), an intricate network connecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the brain, plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and influencing disease processes. The human gut microbiota, comprising over 3000 bacterial species, regulates immune responses, hormonal signals, and metabolite [...] Read more.

The gut–microbiota–brain axis (GMBA), an intricate network connecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the brain, plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and influencing disease processes. The human gut microbiota, comprising over 3000 bacterial species, regulates immune responses, hormonal signals, and metabolite production, maintaining homeostasis under normal conditions. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, has been linked to various central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the growing interest in this topic and the limited effectiveness of current therapeutic strategies for managing patients with AD, the purpose of the current narrative review is to analyze the pathophysiological role of the GMBA in the pathogenesis of AD and assess potential therapeutic strategies targeting the GMBA, particularly the microbiome and its metabolites. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify clinical studies, experimental research, and review articles examining the GMBA in health and AD, as well as related therapeutic strategies. The search terms included “Alzheimer’s disease”, “neuroinflammation”, “amyloid-beta”, “tau”, “gut–brain axis”, “microbiome”, “short-chain fatty acids”, “probiotics”, “prebiotics”, and “fecal microbiota transplantation”. In AD, altered gut microbiota composition is associated with neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and exacerbation of disease progression. Probiotics have shown potential in enhancing cognitive function and reducing neuroinflammation by modulating microbiota composition and influencing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Prebiotics, through their impact on gut microbiota and metabolite production, also offer therapeutic promise by improving cognitive function and mitigating neuroinflammation. With its historical and modern applications, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may represent a potential strategy for addressing dysbiosis and its neurological implications. This manuscript focuses on GMBA and its effects on neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and CNS health while emphasizing the need for further research into microbiome-based therapies and the gut–brain relationship in patients with AD. Full article

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23 pages, 4883 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Genetic Fuzzy Control of Fiber-Reinforced Magnetorheological Elastomer Vibration Isolators for Low-Frequency Vibration of Marine Hydraulic Pipelines

by Xin Ma, Chunsheng Song, Youliang Jiang and Yang Jiang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(13), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14131147 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

To address the critical challenge of 0–100 Hz low-frequency vibration control for marine hydraulic pipelines, this paper proposes a dedicated fiber-reinforced magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) isolator and a genetic algorithm-optimized fuzzy control strategy utilizing the magnetically tunable properties of MREs. An upper-lower split-type isolator [...] Read more.

To address the critical challenge of 0–100 Hz low-frequency vibration control for marine hydraulic pipelines, this paper proposes a dedicated fiber-reinforced magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) isolator and a genetic algorithm-optimized fuzzy control strategy utilizing the magnetically tunable properties of MREs. An upper-lower split-type isolator is designed to suppress axial and radial vibrations through the shear and Compression Modes of MRE, respectively, and a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) dynamic model is established to analyze the effects of mass ratio and natural frequency ratio on the system’s amplitude magnification factor. A Mamdani-type fuzzy controller, with acceleration error and its rate of change as inputs and control voltage as output, is optimized via a genetic algorithm. Simulation and experimental results show that 31–56.5% amplitude attenuation is achieved under 25–35 Hz single-frequency excitation; 12 dB isolation in the 5–23 Hz band at the input end and a maximum 15 dB isolation in multiple bands for the suspended pipeline section are obtained without external forced excitation; and efficient 0–100 Hz full-band isolation is realized at an applied current of 1.5 A. This work verifies the effectiveness of the proposed scheme for low-frequency vibration control of marine hydraulic pipelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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17 pages, 913 KB

Open AccessArticle

Composition and Characterization of the Different Lipoproteins in Overweight/Obese Children vs. Normal-Weight Children

by Jose Cuenca-Alcocel, Lorena Villalba-Heredia, Daiana Ibarretxe, Jose A. Casajús, Jose M. Arbonés-Mainar and Pilar Calmarza

Biomolecules 2026, 16(7), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16070927 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity and overweight have increased considerably in recent years, representing a major global public health problem. This was a comparative study between a group of overweight or obese children and a group of normal-weight children, within an observational setting, performed in [...] Read more.

Background: Childhood obesity and overweight have increased considerably in recent years, representing a major global public health problem. This was a comparative study between a group of overweight or obese children and a group of normal-weight children, within an observational setting, performed in a previously studied cohort in which, in the present work, the objective was specifically to evaluate lipoprotein subclasses, particle size, particle number and lipid composition. Methods: We studied the different lipoprotein particles using the Liposcale test. The number of particles of each lipoprotein subclass was quantified by ¹H-NMR. This method measures the signals emitted by the protons of the terminal methyl group of the four types of lipids present in the lipoprotein particles. Results: It was found that the concentrations of VLDL-C, VLDL-TG, IDL-TG, and HDL-TG, as well as the number of VLDL-Ps and all their subclasses, were statistically higher in the overweight/obese children group. REM-C was also higher in overweight/obese children, and they had a smaller mean LDL-Z. Conclusions: These results support the presence, already in prepubertal childhood, of early metabolic alterations, associated with excess weight, and show that advanced lipoprotein profiling may provide additional information beyond the conventional lipid profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in "Molecular Biology" Section 2026)

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19 pages, 402 KB

Open AccessArticle

Religionizing and De-Religionizing Confucianism—Joseph Levenson’s Conceptual Framing in Confucian China and Its Modern Fate: A Trilogy

by Zhenhao Zhong and Chaoyong Zhao

Religions 2026, 17(7), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17070747 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

This article reconsiders Joseph Levenson’s Confucian China and Its Modern Fate: A Trilogy (hereafter Trilogy) as a modern site for the classification of Confucianism within, against, and alongside the category of religion. Rather than revisiting the question of whether Confucianism “is” a [...] Read more.

This article reconsiders Joseph Levenson’s Confucian China and Its Modern Fate: A Trilogy (hereafter Trilogy) as a modern site for the classification of Confucianism within, against, and alongside the category of religion. Rather than revisiting the question of whether Confucianism “is” a religion, we ask how Levenson’s account makes Confucianism legible through a double movement of de-religionization and partial religionization. On the one hand, Levenson presents Confucianism as an ethical, political, and civilizational order rather than a religion in the doctrinal or ecclesiastical sense; on the other hand, his analysis repeatedly invokes forms of sacralized authority, symbolic centrality, and moral transcendence that complicate any simple secularization of the Confucian tradition. Through a close reading of Levenson’s conceptual vocabulary and historical framing, this article argues that his interpretation does not merely deny Confucianism religious status; it reveals the instability of the modern classificatory boundary between moral philosophy, civil religion, and religious formation. By treating Levenson not simply as an interpreter of Confucian China but also as a producer of modern categories, the article contributes to current debates on rujia (Confucian “school”, 儒家) and rujiao (Confucian “religion”, 儒教) and reflects more broadly on what becomes visible, and what is distorted, when Confucianism is examined through the conceptual toolkit of religious studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religionizing Confucianism: Ritual, Transcendence, and Social Formations in East Asia)

23 pages, 2532 KB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Domain Serial Cranial Ultrasound Phenotypes and Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants with Severe Brain Injury: A Single-Center Cohort Study

by Noemí Núñez-Enamorado, Ana Camacho-Salas, María López-Maestro, María Carmen Gallego-Herrero, Ana Martínez de Aragón, Sara Vila-Bedmar, Sara Vázquez-Román, Berta Zamora-Crespo, Carmen Rosa Pallás-Alonso and María Teresa Moral-Pumarega

Children 2026, 13(7), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13070844 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Severe brain injury (SBI) in very preterm infants includes heterogeneous lesions with distinct timing, burden and outcomes. We used cranial ultrasound (CUS) to describe SBI entity, documented timing, three-domain burden, deaths following documented withdrawal, withholding or non-escalation of life-sustaining treatment for poor [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Severe brain injury (SBI) in very preterm infants includes heterogeneous lesions with distinct timing, burden and outcomes. We used cranial ultrasound (CUS) to describe SBI entity, documented timing, three-domain burden, deaths following documented withdrawal, withholding or non-escalation of life-sustaining treatment for poor neurological prognosis (neuro-WWLST), and survivor outcomes. Methods: Retrospective single-center cohort (1991–2020) of 2841 very preterm infants (<32 weeks’ gestation and/or birth weight ≤ 1500 g) with complete CUS within 48 h after birth. CUS was summarized by four windows, three domains—parenchymal lesion, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and ventriculomegaly—and three mutually exclusive entities: periventricular hemorrhagic infarction (PVHI), cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL and grade 3 IVH without PVHI/cPVL (IVH3 entity). Cross-outcome analyses used common maximal-burden CUS. Results: SBI occurred in 286/2841 infants (10.1%) and neuro-WWLST death in 45/2841 infants (1.6%); 43/45 occurred within SBI, and 43/89 SBI deaths (48.3%) followed documented neuro-WWLST. Using common maximal-burden CUS, severe three-domain involvement was more frequent among neuro-WWLST deaths than survivors (37.2% vs. 8.6%). Among SBI survivors with follow-up, cerebral palsy (CP) occurred in 87/176 (49.4%) and clinically classified school-age cognitive sequelae in 50/155 (32.3%). Outcomes varied by entity, with mainly ambulatory unilateral CP after PVHI, more frequent non-ambulatory bilateral CP after cPVL, and a heterogeneous IVH3 profile. Severe three-domain involvement identified a small subgroup with higher outcome burden, but outcomes were not deterministic. Conclusions: A structured, descriptive CUS approach separating lesion entity, documented timing and multidomain burden may support transparent cohort-level description of SBI trajectories, documented neuro-WWLST deaths and survivor outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neonatal Brain Injury and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: Prediction, Assessment, and Interventions)

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15 pages, 983 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Total Neoadjuvant Treatment Using Short-Course MRI-Guided Radiotherapy with an Integrated Boost in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study

by Koen Kortbeek, Amy De Haar-Holleman, Jacques Bodenstein Bezuidenhout, Ellen Van Eetvelde, Sven Van Laere, Thierry Gevaert, Alexandra Sermeus, Benjamin Vanspeybroeck, Guy Soete and Mark De Ridder

Cancers 2026, 18(13), 2024; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18132024 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: The RAPIDO trial demonstrated that short-course radiotherapy (5 × 5 Gy) followed by chemotherapy and surgery decreased disease-related treatment failure compared to long-course chemoradiotherapy. However, at 5-year follow-up, an increase in locoregional recurrence was observed. A strategy to improve local control [...] Read more.

Background: The RAPIDO trial demonstrated that short-course radiotherapy (5 × 5 Gy) followed by chemotherapy and surgery decreased disease-related treatment failure compared to long-course chemoradiotherapy. However, at 5-year follow-up, an increase in locoregional recurrence was observed. A strategy to improve local control is to increase radiotherapy dose. We present a retrospective analysis of a patient cohort treated with intensified MRI-guided radiotherapy. Methods: Between November 2021 and January 2024, 28 patients with cT3-4 N0-2 rectal cancer were included. Treatment consisted of adaptive MRI-guided external beam radiotherapy 5 × 5 Gy on the mesorectum with a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) of 5 × 6 Gy on the gross tumor volume (GTV) followed by chemotherapy consisting of 18 weeks of CAPOX or FOLFOX. In case of a complete clinical response (cCR) following neoadjuvant treatment, a watchful-waiting approach was considered. The primary outcome was local and distant recurrence. Results: 27 patients were included in the analysis, with a median follow-up of 39 months. One patient was excluded due to loss to follow-up. Six patients had a pathological complete response (pCR) on surgery, and seven in the watch-and-wait protocol had persistent cCR. Locoregional failure was observed in one patient and four patients developed distant metastasis, leading to death in one patient. Conclusions: Total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) in locally advanced rectal cancer using an MRI-guided integrated boost on the GTV is tolerable and resulted in a high rate of pCR (22%) and persistent cCR (26%), with limited locoregional failure (4%) and distant relapse (15%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection New Treatment for Colorectal Cancer)

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9 pages, 4175 KB

Open AccessReview

Common Arterial Trunk with Intact Ventricular Septum: Morphologic and Developmental Considerations

by Rohit S. Loomba, Diane E. Spicer and Robert H. Anderson

J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2026, 13(7), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13070288 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: It is rare in clinical practice to encounter a common arterial trunk when the ventricular septum is intact. In this setting, other clinical diagnoses, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome with aortic atresia, may be mistaken for a common arterial trunk. Data [...] Read more.

Background: It is rare in clinical practice to encounter a common arterial trunk when the ventricular septum is intact. In this setting, other clinical diagnoses, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome with aortic atresia, may be mistaken for a common arterial trunk. Data for this combination is largely limited to case reports and small case series. We have conducted a systematic review of reported cases, performing cluster analyses to provide an objective grouping of the cases. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify cases of a common arterial trunk with an intact ventricular septum. Cases for which individual data were available were included in the final analyses. Cluster analysis using K-means clustering was conducted to provide an objective grouping of the hearts based on morphologic findings. Results: K-means clustering identified three distinct groups among hearts with a common arterial trunk with intact ventricular septum. The commitment of the common ventriculo-arterial junction to the left, right, or both ventricles was the defining feature of each group. Hearts with a common trunk committed to one of the ventricles demonstrated significant hypoplasia or atresia of structures related to the other ventricle. Conclusions: Distinct patterns can be identified when a common arterial trunk is found with an intact ventricular septum. They depend on the ventricle or ventricles, which support the common ventriculo-arterial junction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease)

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21 pages, 3566 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development of an Online Digital Twin for Real-Time Monitoring of Manufacturing Processes Using OPC UA

by Jana Kronová, Miriam Pekarčíková, Marek Kliment and Peter Trebuňa

Processes 2026, 14(13), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14132030 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

The integration of online Digital Twin (DT) technologies with industrial control systems represents an important step toward real-time monitoring and synchronization of manufacturing processes within Industry 4.0 environments. However, reproducible approaches for connecting simulation environments with real industrial control hardware using standardized communication [...] Read more.

The integration of online Digital Twin (DT) technologies with industrial control systems represents an important step toward real-time monitoring and synchronization of manufacturing processes within Industry 4.0 environments. However, reproducible approaches for connecting simulation environments with real industrial control hardware using standardized communication protocols remain insufficiently described in the existing literature. This study presents the development of an online Digital Twin for real-time monitoring of manufacturing processes using OPC UA communication and programmable logic controller (PLC) data exchange. The proposed approach combines discrete-event simulation with real-time industrial data acquisition to enable synchronization between a physical manufacturing system and its virtual representation. The implementation was experimentally validated in a laboratory-scale cyber–physical production system using Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, Siemens S7-1200 PLC, and KEPServerEX middleware. The developed architecture enables real-time process state monitoring, event-driven synchronization, and verification of selected control and safety functions within the simulation environment. The results demonstrate stable synchronization between the physical and digital systems with response times ranging from 50 to 200 ms, confirming the feasibility of near-real-time integration. The implemented light barrier scenario further demonstrated the capability of the online DT to reflect safety-related events occurring in the physical system. The main contribution of this study lies in the implementation and experimental verification of an OPC UA-based online Digital Twin architecture for manufacturing process monitoring in a laboratory environment. The presented approach provides a foundation for future extensions toward predictive analytics, scenario-based simulation, and advanced manufacturing optimization applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence: An Innovative Solution to the Optimization and Discovery of Functional Materials)

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16 pages, 1004 KB

Open AccessArticle

Retrospective Evaluation of Recombinant Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide Therapy for Decompensated Right Heart Failure Across Pulmonary Hypertension Groups

by Lixing Hu, Qing Zhao, Zhihui Zhao, Qin Luo, Li Deng and Zhihong Liu

Medicina 2026, 62(7), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62071213 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Right heart failure is a life-threatening complication of pulmonary hypertension (PH), with limited treatment options. Although recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) is widely used in left heart failure, its effectiveness in right heart failure associated with varying groups [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Right heart failure is a life-threatening complication of pulmonary hypertension (PH), with limited treatment options. Although recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) is widely used in left heart failure, its effectiveness in right heart failure associated with varying groups of PH (Groups 1, 2, and 4) is unknown. Materials and Methods: 763 patients with varying groups of PH (PH Groups 1, 2, and 4) were enrolled and received both conventional therapy and rhBNP treatment. Therapeutic efficacy and adverse event incidence were evaluated among the PH groups. Results: Significant reductions in variables reflecting cardiac congestion, including NT-proBNP, total bilirubin, and body weight, were observed in all PH subgroups (all p < 0.001). The median percentage changes were −47% (IQR −76 to −24), −21% (IQR −33 to −1), and −3% (IQR −7 to −1), respectively. Alanine transaminase levels presented a decreasing trend (p < 0.001), whereas creatinine levels remained unchanged (p > 0.05), with consistent trends across PH subgroups. The hemodynamic response was heterogeneous, with marked decreases in the mean arterial pressure in Groups 1 and 4 (p < 0.001) but not in Group 2. Improvement in dyspnea and edema of the lower limbs was observed in 49.9% and 66.6% of cases, respectively. The overall incidence of adverse events was 0.66%, with 0.26% (2/763) being serious, all of which were in Group 1 PH. Conclusions: Findings from this exploratory analysis indicated that rhBNP treatment was associated with favorable changes in congestive status and clinical symptoms across different PH subgroups, as well as stable end-organ function. Of note, all patients received comprehensive conventional background therapy; thus, these improvements cannot be exclusively attributed to rhBNP alone. Given the observed hemodynamic fluctuations, close blood pressure monitoring should be considered throughout the treatment course, particularly for patients in Groups 1 and 4, and most notably for high-risk PAH patients (Group 1 PH). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)

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22 pages, 5411 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Parkinson’s Disease from Gait Biomechanics Using a Participant-Level Machine Learning Analysis Pipeline

by Li Jin

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6296; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136296 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor control, balance, and gait impairments that significantly elevate fall risk. Traditional gait analysis focuses on spatiotemporal parameters, while gait variability, asymmetry, and balance measures offer more sensitive indicators of PD-related motor deficits. [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor control, balance, and gait impairments that significantly elevate fall risk. Traditional gait analysis focuses on spatiotemporal parameters, while gait variability, asymmetry, and balance measures offer more sensitive indicators of PD-related motor deficits. Machine learning studies using wearable gait data frequently report high classification accuracy but lack biomechanical interpretability and methodological rigor. Using the PhysioNet Gait in Parkinson’s Disease database, 93 individuals with PD and 72 healthy controls were analyzed during level-ground walking. Key biomechanical differences were identified: stride time coefficient of variation was significantly higher in PD bilaterally (left p = 0.001; right p = 0.003); swing-phase time was significantly reduced in both limbs (left p = 0.003; right p = 0.001); anterior–posterior center of pressure (COP) variability was significantly lower in PD for both limbs (p < 0.001); and COP path symmetry index was the most prominent asymmetry marker, significantly elevated in PD relative to controls (p = 0.003). A machine-learning analysis pipeline identified HistGradientBoosting as the best-performing classifier (AUC = 0.992; accuracy = 97.6%), but leave-one-study-out evaluation exposed substantial cross-protocol heterogeneity (AUC: 0.500–1.000), indicating that the model relied partly on dataset-specific patterns and may not generalize to independent acquisition protocols. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis showed classification was driven by a multimodal combination of clinical severity measures and biomechanical gait features rather than wearable metrics alone. A pre-specified gait-only sensitivity analysis that excluded clinical severity variables (UPDRS, UPDRSM, Hoehn and Yahr) confirmed that biomechanical features alone retained moderate, but substantially reduced, discriminative ability (gait-only holdout AUC = 0.844), supporting the interpretation that the headline performance reflects multimodal clinical separation rather than a stand-alone wearable-gait biomarker. These findings indicate that Parkinsonian gait impairment is characterized by timing instability and constrained forward COP progression. The combination of biomechanical analysis with interpretable predictive modeling represents a structured analysis pipeline for gait-based PD assessment; however, external validation in independent cohorts and prospective testing across acquisition protocols are required before such a pipeline can be deployed as a clinically generalizable digital biomarker. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Driven Health and Wellbeing: Self-Monitoring, Early Detection, and Multi-Criteria Personalized Decision Support)

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18 pages, 734 KB

Open AccessReview

Nasal Septal Deviation Classifications, Including the Mladina System, and Their Craniofacial Correlates: A Scoping Review

by Rafał Nowak, Filip Bliźniak, Karolina Lubecka, Joanna Wołoszyn, Mateusz Kęska, Wojciech Macek, Maciej Chęciński and Maciej Sikora

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 4853; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15134853 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is a common anatomical condition that may influence nasal airflow and has been proposed as a potential factor associated with craniofacial growth and morphology. However, available studies use heterogeneous classifications and measurement methods, including the Mladina classification, angular [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is a common anatomical condition that may influence nasal airflow and has been proposed as a potential factor associated with craniofacial growth and morphology. However, available studies use heterogeneous classifications and measurement methods, including the Mladina classification, angular parameters, volumetric assessment, CT, CBCT, and cephalometric analyses. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available evidence on the relationship between NSD classifications, including the Mladina system, and craniofacial morphological correlates. Methods: This scoping review was conducted according to Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The protocol was prospectively registered in the Open Science Framework. A broad literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, BASE, and Google Scholar, without restrictions on publication date or language. Eligible studies included clinical or academic investigations assessing NSD using a defined classification or quantitative parameters and relating it to craniofacial, maxillary, mandibular, dentofacial, or asymmetry-related outcomes. Results: From 715 identified records, 387 remained after deduplication, and 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies varied substantially in sample size, imaging modality, NSD assessment method, and outcome domains. The most consistent findings suggested associations between NSD and localized or transverse nasomaxillary changes, particularly involving the palate, maxilla, nasal floor, and dentoalveolar region. Evidence regarding global facial asymmetry, basic maxillomandibular dimensions, and malocclusion was limited and inconsistent. Studies using the Mladina classification did not provide uniform conclusions across outcome domains. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support NSD as a uniform marker of global craniofacial morphology abnormalities. NSD appears more plausibly associated with selected local and transverse nasomaxillary features than with overall facial asymmetry. Future studies should combine standardized NSD classifications, especially the Mladina system, with precise three-dimensional craniofacial assessment in homogeneous populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine)

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19 pages, 774 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acceleration of Biohydrogen Production During Dark Fermentation Using Microbial Immobilised Biochar–Alginate Beads

by Jessica Quintana-Najera, Jaime E. Borbolla-Gaxiola and Andrew B. Ross

Energies 2026, 19(13), 2948; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19132948 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy requires scalable and sustainable hydrogen production technologies. Dark fermentation (DF) can generate biohydrogen from diverse biomass feedstock, but its efficiency remains limited. Immobilising anaerobic consortia offers a route to improve performance. This study reports on the immobilisation of [...] Read more.

The transition to renewable energy requires scalable and sustainable hydrogen production technologies. Dark fermentation (DF) can generate biohydrogen from diverse biomass feedstock, but its efficiency remains limited. Immobilising anaerobic consortia offers a route to improve performance. This study reports on the immobilisation of whole cells in hybrid biochar–alginate beads (BAB) compared with control alginate beads (CAB) during DF. Biochar from oakwood and water hyacinth, pyrolysed at 450 and 600/650 °C, were incorporated into BAB. BAB increased biohydrogen production rates by 1.4–2.6-fold relative to CAB, driven by enhanced microbial attachment, synergistic interactions, and improved mass transfer. High-temperature biochar generated the strongest effects, raising hydrogen yield by up to 23% and shortening the lag phase by 94%. Biochar properties, including porosity, surface area, inorganic content, electrical conductivity and buffering capacity, likely support these effects. These results establish hybrid biochar-alginate support as a promising platform to accelerate DF and advance biohydrogen as a sustainable biofuel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Bioenergy and Biofuel)

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23 pages, 854 KB

Open AccessReview

Avian Influenza at the Wild Bird–Poultry Interface: An Asia-Focused Review with Ecological Risk Scenarios for China

by Keyu Mo, Tingting Jiang, Peng Zeng, Yanli Zhong, Diqi Yang and Tingting Yu

Animals 2026, 16(13), 1937; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16131937 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Avian influenza remains a major threat to poultry production, wildlife conservation, and public health in Asia, where migratory birds, wetlands, rice paddies, domestic ducks, and live poultry trade often intersect. This Asia-focused review synthesizes ecological, epidemiological, surveillance, tracking, phylogenetic, and environmental evidence from [...] Read more.

Avian influenza remains a major threat to poultry production, wildlife conservation, and public health in Asia, where migratory birds, wetlands, rice paddies, domestic ducks, and live poultry trade often intersect. This Asia-focused review synthesizes ecological, epidemiological, surveillance, tracking, phylogenetic, and environmental evidence from 1996 to 2025, with particular emphasis on China, to clarify how risk develops at the wild bird–domestic poultry interface. The reviewed evidence suggests three broad epidemic phases: early Goose/Guangdong-lineage H5N1 outbreaks before 2014, recurrent clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx expansions during 2014–2019, and the widespread clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 period since 2020. Spatial risk is concentrated around major stopover wetlands and rice-paddy–duck landscapes, including Qinghai Lake, Poyang Lake, Sanmenxia, the Sanjiang Plain, and peri-urban market belts. Wetlands and paddies can maintain viruses environmentally, free-grazing ducks and bridge hosts can facilitate introduction, and live poultry markets and trade networks can amplify and export risk. By organizing these processes through an Interface–Amplifier–Conduit evidence-mapping approach, this review highlights setting-specific priorities, including seasonal wetland surveillance, closed farm-water systems, improved market hygiene, and better integration of ecological and genomic data for early warning and control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wildlife)

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24 pages, 7790 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Performance and Water Stability of Gobi Soil Reinforced with Polypropylene Fibers for Photovoltaic Power Station Foundations

by Xiaoyang Liu, Jiayu Wang, Ziyang Zhang, Jin Wu and Di Wu

Buildings 2026, 16(13), 2473; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16132473 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

The poor engineering properties of Gobi soil, such as low strength and poor water stability, pose challenges for foundations in arid regions, especially large photovoltaic plants. This study examines the effect of polypropylene (PP) fiber reinforcement on Gobi soil from Dabancheng, Xinjiang. Laboratory [...] Read more.

The poor engineering properties of Gobi soil, such as low strength and poor water stability, pose challenges for foundations in arid regions, especially large photovoltaic plants. This study examines the effect of polypropylene (PP) fiber reinforcement on Gobi soil from Dabancheng, Xinjiang. Laboratory tests including unconfined compressive strength, direct shear (orthogonal experimental design), slake durability, and scanning electron microscopy were performed to investigate the influences of fiber length (6, 9, 12 mm), fiber content (0.3–1.1% by dry soil mass), and water content (4–12.5%). Results indicate that PP fibers change the failure mode from brittle to ductile. The optimal combination (9 mm fiber length, 0.7% content, and Proctor optimum water content of 10.5% corresponding to maximum dry density) improves cohesion by 122% (reinforcement coefficient K = 2.22). Moreover, fibers alter the disintegration behavior from complete to stable partial disintegration; the 12 h disintegration ratio decreases from 100% to 13% under optimal conditions. Microstructural analysis shows that an appropriate fiber content creates a uniform three-dimensional reinforcing network, enhancing mechanical interlocking and fiber bridging, whereas excessive fiber leads to agglomeration and increased pore connectivity, degrading overall performance. This study provides a low-carbon, sustainable soil stabilization method and practical design parameters for Gobi desert infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifecycle Approaches to Sustainable Building Materials: Recycling and Performance Optimization)

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19 pages, 2052 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Urban Smellscapes: A GIS-Based Spatial Analysis of Street Morphology and Sensory Environments: Evidence from Biskra (Algeria)

by Latoui Bensmina, Fatima Zohra Lebbal and Kate McLean

Architecture 2026, 6(3), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture6030097 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Urban environments are shaped by multisensory experiences in which olfaction plays an important yet often overlooked role. This study investigates the relationship between street morphology and urban smellscape in the city centre of Biskra, Algeria, providing the first empirical smellmapping study conducted in [...] Read more.

Urban environments are shaped by multisensory experiences in which olfaction plays an important yet often overlooked role. This study investigates the relationship between street morphology and urban smellscape in the city centre of Biskra, Algeria, providing the first empirical smellmapping study conducted in the country. The methodology combines smellwalking with a structured questionnaire to document odour types, perceived intensity, and pleasantness. The collected data were georeferenced and analysed using GIS tools, including point-based olfactory mapping and Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation to explore spatial patterns of smell perception. The results reveal that specific odour typologies and levels of pleasantness are closely associated with street configuration and building morphology. Streets with continuous façades and active ground-floor uses exhibit distinctive olfactory identities, whereas traffic-dominated streets tend to generate less pleasant smell environments. These findings highlight the relevance of smellscape analysis for informing urban design and improving sensory qualities of public spaces. Full article

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16 pages, 1624 KB

Open AccessReview

Finerenone Beyond Diabetic Kidney Disease: Emerging Evidence and Potential Systemic Implications

by Mohanad Almaimani and Sadin Ayman Alamri

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 4852; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15134852 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) overactivation is a key driver of inflammation, fibrosis, and organ cross-talk across cardiorenal disease. Finerenone, a selective non-steroidal MR antagonist, has demonstrated robust renoprotective and cardioprotective benefits in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes in large [...] Read more.

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) overactivation is a key driver of inflammation, fibrosis, and organ cross-talk across cardiorenal disease. Finerenone, a selective non-steroidal MR antagonist, has demonstrated robust renoprotective and cardioprotective benefits in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes in large randomized clinical trials. Beyond its established role in diabetic kidney disease, emerging preclinical and clinical data suggest potential systemic effects through the attenuation of MR-driven inflammatory and fibrotic pathways. These include signals related to heart failure outcomes, atrial remodeling, pulmonary vascular biology, retinal microvascular integrity, and metabolic dysfunction. However, much of the evidence beyond established cardiorenal indications remains exploratory, based on preclinical studies, subgroup analyses, and post hoc evaluations. This review provides a critical synthesis of the established clinical evidence supporting finerenone in CKD and cardiovascular disease. It examines emerging, hypothesis-generating data regarding its potential systemic effects beyond diabetic kidney disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology & Metabolism)

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11 pages, 1327 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long Non-Coding RNA Expression in B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Analysis of LINC-PINT, MEG3, BALR6, and ZEB1-AS1

by Gabriel Mata Moreno, Edgar A. Turrubiartes Martínez, Lourdes Cecilia Correa González, Eduardo Roberto Caballero Lugo, Óscar Pérez Ramírez, Perla Niño Moreno and Esther Layseca Espinosa

Life 2026, 16(7), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16071042 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In the present study, we proposed the analysis of four lncRNAs as a diagnostic support candidate for the follow-up of leukemia patients. The aim of this study [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In the present study, we proposed the analysis of four lncRNAs as a diagnostic support candidate for the follow-up of leukemia patients. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of BALR6, LINC-PINT, MEG3, and ZEB1-AS1 in patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) at diagnosis and at the end of remission induction therapy. Methods: B-ALL diagnosis and MRD assessment were performed by flow cytometry, while lncRNA expression levels were quantified using TaqMan probe-based assays. Results: Fifteen pediatric patients with B-ALL were followed longitudinally. MRD evaluation identified seven refractory and eight remitted patients. Significant expression changes were observed for MEG3 in remitted patients and for BALR6 and LINC-PINT in refractory patients. No statistically significant differences were detected for ZEB1-AS1. Conclusions: Changes in MEG3, LINC-PINT, and BALR6 lncRNA expression are associated with treatment response and MRD status in pediatric B-ALL, supporting their potential role as complementary biomarkers to conventional MRD monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genomics and Proteomics)

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20 pages, 12435 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid Photovoltaic System Applying IoT–Machine Learning for Intelligent Management

by Christian Ovalle, Johan Johao Palma Ortiz and Ruddy Joel Guia Zarate

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6295; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136295 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Solar energy has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels for mitigating climate change; however, efficient photovoltaic (PV) operation requires continuous monitoring and accurate energy forecasting. This study proposes an intelligent IoT-based photovoltaic monitoring and short-term energy prediction system integrating real-time sensing, [...] Read more.

Solar energy has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels for mitigating climate change; however, efficient photovoltaic (PV) operation requires continuous monitoring and accurate energy forecasting. This study proposes an intelligent IoT-based photovoltaic monitoring and short-term energy prediction system integrating real-time sensing, solar tracking, and machine learning techniques. A small-scale experimental prototype based on a 10 W photovoltaic panel was implemented to collect real-time data, including voltage, current, temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, and dust accumulation during a 30-day monitoring period under outdoor conditions. The acquired data were transmitted through an IoT architecture based on the Arduino Uno and ESP32, programmed using Arduino IDE, and integrated with the Blynk cloud platform for real-time monitoring and analysis. To evaluate predictive performance, Random Forest, XGBoost, and LSTM models were trained and compared for photovoltaic energy forecasting. Experimental results showed that XGBoost achieved the best predictive performance, obtaining the lowest error values (MAE = 0.00077, RMSE = 0.001103) and the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 0.918), outperforming the other evaluated models. In addition, the proposed system enabled effective remote monitoring and degradation analysis associated with environmental conditions. The results demonstrate the potential of integrating IoT and machine learning for accurate short-term photovoltaic energy forecasting in small-scale experimental environments. Nevertheless, further long-term and large-scale validation is required to evaluate system robustness under operating conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering)

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