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11 pages, 1240 KB

Open AccessArticle

Recurrent Malignant Pericardial Effusion Management: The Pericardio-Peritoneal Window

by Antonio Mazzella, Giovanni Caffarena, Claudia Bardoni, Giuseppe Nicolosi, Patrick Maisonneuve, Giorgia Cerretani, Giulia Sedda, Luca Bertolaccini, Giorgio Lo Iacono, Monica Casiraghi and Lorenzo Spaggiari

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010083 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Malignant pericardial effusion (MPE) represents a relatively rare complication in various types of solid tumors. Its management is often challenging. One solution can be represented by surgical approaches, including a pericardio-peritoneal window (PPW), which allows draining the fluid into the abdominal [...] Read more.

Introduction: Malignant pericardial effusion (MPE) represents a relatively rare complication in various types of solid tumors. Its management is often challenging. One solution can be represented by surgical approaches, including a pericardio-peritoneal window (PPW), which allows draining the fluid into the abdominal cavity. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of the PPW procedure as a definitive therapeutic strategy for MPE. Materials and methods: We retrospectively and prospectively observed pre-, peri-, and postoperative data of patients undergoing pericardio-peritoneal window creation from 2010 to December 2023 at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO), including the surgical procedures needed, total and specific postoperative complications, 30-day mortality rate, relapse rate, and the treatment of possible relapses. Results: A total of 44 consecutive patients underwent a pericardio-peritoneal window. In 28 patients (63.8%) PPW was associated with mono or bilateral videothoracoscopy for pleural biopsies/talc poudrage. In 23 cases, pre-operative percutaneous pericardial drainage (usually 1–2 days before surgery) was performed. No intraoperative deaths were observed. The 30-day mortality was 9% (four patients). We observed pericardial effusion recurrence in three patients at two months and in five patients at six months. In only two cases we treated this condition because of a pre-tamponade condition, treated by percutaneous pericardial drainage. The success rate of the PPW regarding pericardial relapse requiring further procedures was 95.5%. Conclusions: Patients presenting with a favorable short-term prognosis benefit from the pericardio-peritoneal window as a safe and effective method for resolving malignant pericardial effusion. Conversely, pericardial drainage is recommended as the most appropriate therapy for those with a less favorable prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Thoracic Surgery: 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 8452 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Ground State Energy Estimation of LiCoO₂ Using the FMO-VQE Hybrid Quantum Algorithm

by Yoonho Choe, Doyeon Kim, Doha Kim and Younghun Kwon

Mathematics 2026, 14(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14010044 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

The Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) is a quantum algorithm for estimating ground-state energies, with promising applications in material science, drug discovery, and battery research. A key challenge is the limited number of qubits available on current quantum devices, which restricts the size of [...] Read more.

The Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) is a quantum algorithm for estimating ground-state energies, with promising applications in material science, drug discovery, and battery research. A key challenge is the limited number of qubits available on current quantum devices, which restricts the size of molecular systems that can be studied. To address this limitation, we apply the Fragment Molecular Orbital (FMO) method in combination with VQE, referred to as FMO-VQE. This approach divides a system into smaller fragments, making the quantum calculations more tractable. While earlier studies demonstrated this method only for hydrogen clusters, we extend the application to lithium cobalt oxide, a widely used cathode material in lithium-ion batteries. Using FMO-VQE, we estimate the ground-state energy of this complex system while reducing the number of required qubits from 24 to 14, without significant loss of accuracy compared to classical methods. This reduction highlights the potential of FMO-VQE to overcome hardware limitations and make quantum simulations of larger molecules feasible. The results suggest a practical path for applying near-term quantum computers to real-world challenges, opening opportunities for advancements in the battery industry and drug design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Quantum Optimization)

17 pages, 283 KB

Open AccessArticle

Serpentine Sisters: Re-Visioning the Snake Woman Myth in Anglophone Chinese Women’s Speculative Fiction

by Qianyi Ma

Literature 2026, 6(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/literature6010001 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

This essay examines how contemporary Anglophone Chinese women writers rewrite the imagery of Chinese snake women through speculative retellings that foreground sisterhood, queer desire, and diasporic identity. Drawing on queer diaspora studies and feminist criticism, I argue that Larissa Lai’s Salt Fish Girl [...] Read more.

This essay examines how contemporary Anglophone Chinese women writers rewrite the imagery of Chinese snake women through speculative retellings that foreground sisterhood, queer desire, and diasporic identity. Drawing on queer diaspora studies and feminist criticism, I argue that Larissa Lai’s Salt Fish Girl (2002) and Amanda Lee Koe’s Sister Snake (2024) revise the figure of the Chinese snake woman to imagine forms of female intimacy and kinship that transcend heteronormative and patriarchal frameworks. In these works, sisterhood operates both as a familial bond and as an intimate, queer relation charged with affective, physical, and occasionally erotic intensity. The original White Snake legend—one of China’s Four Great Folktales—has long invited queer readings, especially through the complex relationship between White Snake and her companion Green Snake. In dialogue with the Chinese snake myth, Lai and Koe relocate the snake woman into speculative worlds shaped by queer desire, racial marginalization, and transnational migration. In Salt Fish Girl, Lai reimagines the reincarnations of the half-snake Chinese mother goddess Nu Wa across colonial South China and near-future bio-capitalist Canada, portraying a cross-temporal lesbian love between the protagonist and the titular Salt Fish Girl. In Sister Snake, Koe’s protagonists—serpent sisters Su and Emerald, separated between Singapore and New York—disrupt normative family scripts while forging a fragmented but enduring affective bond. Through the motif of the Chinese snake woman, these works construct imaginative spaces in which intimate sisterhood subverts patriarchal and national containment, advancing a queer vision of female togetherness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Defiant Asymmetries: Asian American Literature Without Borders)

30 pages, 4351 KB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Enhancement of Secure Image Transmission Over ACO-OFDM VLC Systems Through Chaos Encryption and PAPR Reduction

by Elhadi Mehallel, Abdelhalim Rabehi, Ghadjati Mohamed, Abdelaziz Rabehi, Imad Eddine Tibermacine and Mustapha Habib

Electronics 2026, 15(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15010043 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems commonly employ optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (O-OFDM) to achieve high data rates, benefiting from its robustness against multipath effects and intersymbol interference (ISI). However, a key limitation of asymmetrically clipped direct current biased optical–OFDM (ACO-OFDM) systems lies [...] Read more.

Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems commonly employ optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (O-OFDM) to achieve high data rates, benefiting from its robustness against multipath effects and intersymbol interference (ISI). However, a key limitation of asymmetrically clipped direct current biased optical–OFDM (ACO-OFDM) systems lies in their inherently high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), which significantly affects signal quality and system performance. This paper proposes a joint chaotic encryption and modified μ-non-linear logarithmic companding (μ-MLCT) scheme for ACO-OFDM–based VLC systems to simultaneously enhance security and reduce PAPR. First, image data is encrypted at the upper layer using a hybrid chaotic system (HCS) combined with Arnold’s cat map (ACM), mapped to quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) symbols and further encrypted through chaos-based symbol scrambling to strengthen security. A μ-MLCT transformation is then applied to mitigate PAPR and enhance both peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and bit-error-ratio (BER) performance. A mathematical model of the proposed secured ACO-OFDM system is developed, and the corresponding BER expression is derived and validated through simulation. Simulation results and security analyses confirm the effectiveness of the proposed solution, showing gains of approximately 13 dB improvement in PSNR, 2 dB in BER performance, and a PAPR reduction of about 9.2 dB. The secured μ-MLCT-ACO-OFDM not only enhances transmission security but also effectively reduces PAPR without degrading PSNR and BER. As a result, it offers a robust and efficient solution for secure image transmission with low PAPR, making it well-suitable for emerging wireless networks such as cognitive and 5G/6G systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microwave and Wireless Communications)

26 pages, 2551 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bacillus mojavensis dxk33 Modulates Rhizosphere Microbiome and Suppresses Root Rot in Cunninghamia lanceolata

by Xiaokang Dai, Pengfei Yang, Chuan Zhou, Zebang Chen, Shuying Li and Tianhui Zhu

Microorganisms 2026, 14(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14010034 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Soil-borne pathogens cause devastating root rot diseases in forest ecosystems, often by inducing dysbiosis in the rhizosphere microbiome. While antagonistic bacteria can suppress disease, their effects frequently extend beyond direct inhibition to include ecological restructuring of resident microbial communities. However, the causal relationships [...] Read more.

Soil-borne pathogens cause devastating root rot diseases in forest ecosystems, often by inducing dysbiosis in the rhizosphere microbiome. While antagonistic bacteria can suppress disease, their effects frequently extend beyond direct inhibition to include ecological restructuring of resident microbial communities. However, the causal relationships between such microbiome restructuring and disease suppression in tree species remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the antagonistic bacterium B. mojavensis dxk33 effectively suppresses F. solani-induced root rot in C. lanceolata, and that this disease suppression coincides with a partial reversal of pathogen-associated dysbiosis in the rhizosphere. Inoculation with dxk33 significantly promoted plant growth and reduced the disease index by 72.19%, while concurrently enhancing soil nutrient availability and key C-, N- and P-cycling enzyme activities. High-throughput sequencing revealed that dxk33 inoculation substantially reshaped the rhizosphere microbiome, counteracting the pathogen’s negative impact on microbial diversity and coinciding with a shift toward a more stable community structure. Under pathogen stress, dxk33 enriched beneficial bacterial taxa such as Pseudomonas and Sphingomonas and suppressed pathogenic fungi while promoting beneficial fungi such as Mortierella. Linear discriminant analysis and functional prediction further indicated that dxk33 remodeled ecological guilds enriched for mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi, and reactivated bacterial metabolic pathways and signaling networks that were suppressed by the pathogen. Taken together, our findings are consistent with a multi-tiered mode of action in which direct antagonism by B. mojavensis dxk33 operates alongside associated changes in the rhizosphere microbiome that resemble a disease-suppressive state, although the present experimental design does not allow a strictly causal role for microbiome reconfiguration in disease suppression to be established. This study provides a mechanistic framework for understanding how microbiome engineering may mitigate soil-borne diseases in perennial trees and highlights the potential of targeted microbial interventions for sustainable forest management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Microbe Interactions)

14 pages, 1885 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chelating, Reducing, and Adsorbing Agents in Geopolymers for Heavy Metals Stabilization from Galvanic Sludge

by Francesco Genua, Mattia Giovini, Cristina Leonelli and Isabella Lancellotti

Polymers 2026, 18(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010028 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Hazardous galvanic sludge waste (GSW) from the electroplating industry, produced at 100,000–150,000 tonnes/year in the EU and containing high concentrations of Cr and Ni was successfully treated using metakaolin-based geopolymers via Stabilization/Solidification (S/S). The experimental design incorporated chelating (sodium diethyl dithio carbamate, C [...] Read more.

Hazardous galvanic sludge waste (GSW) from the electroplating industry, produced at 100,000–150,000 tonnes/year in the EU and containing high concentrations of Cr and Ni was successfully treated using metakaolin-based geopolymers via Stabilization/Solidification (S/S). The experimental design incorporated chelating (sodium diethyl dithio carbamate, C₅H₁₀NS₂Na, DTC), reducing (sodium sulfide, Na₂S), and adsorbing (hydroxyapatite, Ca₅(PO₄)₃(OH), Hap) agents separately to improve heavy metal immobilization. The results demonstrated that Na₂S drastically decreased Cr release by −98.7% by reducing mobile Cr(VI) to insoluble Cr(III). DTC reduced Ni leaching by −93.4%, forming sparingly soluble Ni(II)(DTC)₂ complexes that precipitated within the matrix. Hap enhanced Ni retention by 55.5% via cation exchange but was ineffective for Cr due to electrostatic repulsion with the anion Cr(VI)O₄²⁻ at the geopolymer’s high pH. This work is the first to apply geopolymerization coupled with these chemical agents for S/S of as-received galvanic waste, offering a highly efficient, low-carbon strategy to manage this hazardous industrial residue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Chemistry)

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17 pages, 1454 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Application of Innovative Anti-Leakage Tubing String for Low-Pressure Wax-Containing Wells

by Enwei Wang, Li Li, Lu Chen, Hu Zhang, Jianying Shi, Yonghong Yang, Junying Liao, Xuliang Zhao and Fulin Qiu

Processes 2026, 14(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14010049 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

During the mid-to-late stages of oilfield development, reservoir energy depletion and declining formation pressure coefficients are prevalent challenges. To address the issues of severe fluid loss and extended post-workover fluid recovery periods during conventional operations such as thermal wax removal and pump inspection [...] Read more.

During the mid-to-late stages of oilfield development, reservoir energy depletion and declining formation pressure coefficients are prevalent challenges. To address the issues of severe fluid loss and extended post-workover fluid recovery periods during conventional operations such as thermal wax removal and pump inspection in low-pressure, waxy wells within a specific block of the Xinjiang Oilfield, a dynamic loss analysis model for workover fluids was developed. Additionally, a wash pressure control valve was engineered to meet the requirements for squeeze killing under abnormal conditions, and an integrated anti-leakage tubing string was designed. This system effectively isolates the workover fluid from the reservoir during interventions, thereby significantly reducing fluid loss and enhancing operational safety. Field applications demonstrate that this technology reduces workover fluid loss by 96% during thermal wax removal and shortens the average post-workover fluid recovery period by 8.7 days after pump inspection. This technology enables rapid restoration of well productivity, lowers operational costs for thermal wax removal and pump inspection, and provides an effective solution for maintaining low-pressure, waxy wells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oil and Gas Well Engineering: Experimental and Numerical Investigation)

17 pages, 1042 KB

Open AccessReview

The Need for a Systems Biology Approach in Cancer Explained

by Hehuan Zhu, Xi Zhang, Ehsan Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad, Jessica Roelands, Lizzie D. A. N. de Muynck, Cor J. Ravensbergen, Rachel Hoorntje, Imke Stouten, Marianne Hokland, Alexander L. Vahrmeijer, Rob A. E. M. Tollenaar, Edwin Koster and Peter J. K. Kuppen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010141 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Traditionally, scientists tend to approach cancer research in a reductionistic way: aiming at uncovering underlying, separate components in malignant processes. And indeed, great progress has been made by reducing the development of a tumor to single, specific genes and mutations. For instance, familial [...] Read more.

Traditionally, scientists tend to approach cancer research in a reductionistic way: aiming at uncovering underlying, separate components in malignant processes. And indeed, great progress has been made by reducing the development of a tumor to single, specific genes and mutations. For instance, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) could be reduced to a germline mutation in the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene. The escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance could be reduced to the tumor expression of immune checkpoints, resulting in new approaches in tumor therapy by applying immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, a germline mutation in APC is not 1:1 related to colorectal cancer (CRC), and only some patients respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The point here is that biological systems, also comprising cancer, have properties that cannot be reduced to single components. The cooperation of the single components results in new, emergent properties. The outcome of an interaction in a complex network, like the immune system, depends on the many cell types involved and the numerous molecules that interact and activate or inhibit pathways. The way the composing elements are organized is a causal factor in itself for any emergent property. The rise of genomic analysis at the end of the previous century, enabling us to sequence a full genome at the DNA and RNA levels, has initiated an awareness of the need for ‘systems biology’: to consider a full system and how it is organized, in all of its aspects, to understand biological pathways and their outcomes. In this review, we outline the prospects and limitations of systems biology in cancer research and propose a causal framework that integrates upward and downward causation and multiple realizability to understand the emergent properties of tumors that determine the dynamics of tumor development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of IJMS: Updates and Advances in Molecular Oncology)

18 pages, 3506 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Tire Wear Particle (TWP)-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) on Soil Properties and Heavy Metal Mobility

by Shaojun Jiang, Hao Xiao, Xue Xiao, Churong Liu, Xurong Huang, Qianxin Xiao, Junqi Wu, Xinsheng Xiao and Huayi Chen

Agronomy 2026, 16(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16010038 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of tire wear particles (TWPs) and their dissolved organic matter (DOM) on soil DOM dynamics and heavy metal behavior. Through short-term incubation experiments under simulated natural conditions with TWPs of varying particle sizes, we analyzed ecological changes in [...] Read more.

This study investigates the impact of tire wear particles (TWPs) and their dissolved organic matter (DOM) on soil DOM dynamics and heavy metal behavior. Through short-term incubation experiments under simulated natural conditions with TWPs of varying particle sizes, we analyzed ecological changes in soil. Using three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix (3D-EEM) spectroscopy coupled with parallel factor analysis, we monitored the photochemical properties and compositional evolution of soil dissolved organic matter. Results demonstrate that TWP amendment substantially alters soil DOM molecular characteristics, inducing a sharp decrease in protein-, carbohydrate-, and lipid-like components, the degradation of low-aromaticity unstable dissolved organic matter, and an overall increase in aromaticity. Furthermore, TWP input directly modified soil properties, triggering the transformation of soil aggregates: the proportion of large aggregates significantly decreased while that of small aggregates increased, thereby reducing overall aggregate stability. The bioaccessibility of heavy metals (HMs) (Cd, Cu, and Zn) extracted by CaCl₂ increased, primarily due to the release of endogenous metals from TWPs, compounded by the disruption of soil aggregates. In contrast, Pb tended to transform into more stable fractions under TWP stress, reducing its bioaccessibility. Further correlation analysis indicated that TWPs indirectly affected HM (Cd, Cu, and Zn) fractionation by influencing the soil dissolved organic matter properties and soil properties. This study provides a new perspective for elucidating the interplay between dissolved organic matter and HMs in urban soils, as mediated by tire wear particles (TWPs). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Pollution: Toxicology and Remediation Strategies)

22 pages, 1930 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reconfiguration with Low Hardware Cost and High Receiving-Excitation Area Ratio for Wireless Charging System of Drones Based on D3-Type Transmitter

by Han Liu, Lin Wang, Jie Wang, Dengjie Huang and Rong Wang

Drones 2026, 10(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones10010003 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Wireless charging for drones is significant for solving problems such as the frequent manual plugging and unplugging of cables. A large number of densely packed transmitting coils and fully independent on-off control can precisely track the receiver with random access location. To balance [...] Read more.

Wireless charging for drones is significant for solving problems such as the frequent manual plugging and unplugging of cables. A large number of densely packed transmitting coils and fully independent on-off control can precisely track the receiver with random access location. To balance the excitation area of the transmitter, additional hardware cost, and receiving voltage fluctuation, the wireless charging system of drones based on a D3-type transmitter is proposed in this article. The circuit model considering states of multiple switches is developed for three excitation modes. The dual-coil excitation mode is selected after comparative analysis. The transmitter reconfiguration method with low hardware cost and high receiving-excitation area ratio is proposed based on one detection sensor of DC current and one relay furtherly. Finally, an experimental prototype is built to verify the theoretical analysis and proposed method. When the output voltage fluctuation is limited to ±10%, the ratios of the maximum misalignment value in the x-axis and y-axis directions to the side length of the receiver reach 66.7% and 46.7%, respectively. The receiving-excitation area ratio of 37.5% is achieved, significantly reducing the excitation area not covered by the receiver. The maximum receiving power is 289.44 W, while the DC-DC efficiency exceeds 87.05%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Drone Communications)

34 pages, 19508 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research and Application of a Model Selection Forecasting System for Wind Speed and Theoretical Power Generation

by Ming Zeng, Qianqian Jia, Zhenming Wen, Fang Mao, Haotao Huang and Jingyuan Pan

Future Internet 2026, 18(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi18010007 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Accurate short-term wind speed forecasting is essential for mitigating wind power variability and supporting stable grid operation. This study proposes a model selection forecasting system (MSFS) that dynamically integrates six deep learning models to enhance predictive accuracy and robustness. Using multi-turbine data from [...] Read more.

Accurate short-term wind speed forecasting is essential for mitigating wind power variability and supporting stable grid operation. This study proposes a model selection forecasting system (MSFS) that dynamically integrates six deep learning models to enhance predictive accuracy and robustness. Using multi-turbine data from a wind farm in northwest China, the framework identifies the optimal model at each time step through iterative evaluation and retrains the selected models to further improve performance. The Kruskal–Wallis test shows that all forecasting models, including MSFS, maintain statistical consistency with the real wind speed distribution at the 95% confidence level. Uncertainty analysis demonstrates that MSFS more reliable forecasting interval. By coupling MSFS-derived wind speed forecasts with turbine-specific power curves, the system enables reliable theoretical power estimation, offering critical reference information for dispatch planning, reserve allocation, and distinguishing resource-driven variability from turbine performance deviations. The slightly conservative yet highly stable forecasting behavior of MSFS reduces overestimation risks and enhances decision reliability. Overall, the proposed MSFS framework provides a robust, interpretable, and operationally valuable solution for short-term wind energy forecasting, with strong potential for wind farm operation and power system management. Full article

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23 pages, 5883 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

An Examination of the Role of CX3CR1 in the Pathobiology of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Evidence from Human and Mouse Tissue

by Wen Ru Yu, Spyridon K. Karadimas, James Hong, Sarah Sadat, Sydney Brockie, Pia M. Vidal, Tim-Rasmus Kiehl, Noah Poulin, Aikaterini K. Andreopoulou, Joannis K. Kallitsis and Michael G. Fehlings

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010082 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The molecular cascades involved in the induction and maintenance of neuroinflammation resulting from chronic compression of the cervical spinal cord in the setting of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) have yet to be defined. Here, we determined the role of the fractalkine [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The molecular cascades involved in the induction and maintenance of neuroinflammation resulting from chronic compression of the cervical spinal cord in the setting of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) have yet to be defined. Here, we determined the role of the fractalkine receptor, CX3CR1, during the neuroinflammatory response in a novel mouse model of DCM and demonstrated the relevance of this mechanism with human DCM tissue. Methods: Using our murine DCM model alongside the CX3CR1-knockout mice and a neutralizing antibody of CX3CR1 in wild-type mice, we examined protein, neurobehavioural and immunohistochemical readouts. The animal data were then complemented with immunohistochemical results from human post-mortem spinal cord tissue from individuals with DCM. Results: Humans and mice with DCM exhibited an up-regulation of CX3CR1 as well as markers of activated microglia/macrophages in the cervical spinal cord. Knockout and neutralization of CX3CR1 hindered microglia/macrophage activation and accumulation at the site of spinal cord compression. DCM mice exhibited decreased body speed and increased stance phase duration, which mirrors human DCM gait deficits. Strikingly, both CX3CR1 deficiency and CX3CR1 neutralization alleviated these gait deficits in DCM mice. Conclusions: Collectively, these data provide strong evidence that CX3CR1 plays a critical role in the secondary injury of neural structures in the setting of DCM. Further, targeting of CX3CR1 represents a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance neurological outcomes in DCM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Recent Advances and Future Directions)

18 pages, 760 KB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Coordination Mechanisms and Team Resilience: An Event System Perspective on Leaders’ Pacing Styles

by Kai Yao, Xinyue Yan and Chen Li

Systems 2026, 14(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14010013 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Modern organizations operate in dynamic environments where temporal alignment is critical for adaptive capacity and team resilience. Grounded in Event System Theory (EST) and Temporal Coordination Theory (TCT), this study examines how leaders’ pacing styles function as critical temporal regulation mechanisms that influence [...] Read more.

Modern organizations operate in dynamic environments where temporal alignment is critical for adaptive capacity and team resilience. Grounded in Event System Theory (EST) and Temporal Coordination Theory (TCT), this study examines how leaders’ pacing styles function as critical temporal regulation mechanisms that influence team resilience via shared temporal cognition. Using multisource data from 82 team leaders and 384 members in Chinese technology enterprises listed on the STAR Market, we find that steady pacing, characterized by a balanced and predictable temporal rhythm, enhances team resilience through the emergent property of shared temporal cognition. However, the positive effect of steady pacing on shared temporal cognition weakens when teams perceive high crisis event strength, suggesting that external temporal shocks critically attenuate the efficacy of routine temporal regulation. The study extends EST and TCT by revealing steady pacing as a temporal buffer strategy that fosters resilience against external shocks, and highlights the need for Temporal Calibration practices when event intensity is high. Practical implications for managing team rhythms under varying crisis intensities are discussed. Full article

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33 pages, 4813 KB

Open AccessReview

Structural and Computational Insights into the Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor: Advances in Antagonist Design and Implications for Hypertension Therapy (2020–2024)

by Filippos Panteleimon Chatzipieris, Errikos Petsas, George Lambrinidis, John M. Matsoukas and Thomas Mavromoustakos

Biomolecules 2026, 16(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16010020 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is essential for controlling blood pressure and maintaining fluid balance, driving significant structural changes throughout the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels. As a result, the RAAS is a key therapeutic target for various chronic cardiovascular diseases, [...] Read more.

The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is essential for controlling blood pressure and maintaining fluid balance, driving significant structural changes throughout the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels. As a result, the RAAS is a key therapeutic target for various chronic cardiovascular diseases, ranging from arterial hypertension (AH) to heart failure (HF). In this review, one of our objectives is to describe the new evidence over the last 4 years regarding the RAAS. Moreover, we pay attention to the structure and function of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and its role in hypertension, as well as define its active site. Later, we discuss the most potent, selective inhibitors of AT1 receptors, based on in vitro and in vivo experiments, from 2020 to 2024. Large peptide molecules, small non-peptide-like molecules, and sartan derivatives are analyzed. The low IC₅₀ values of the entities that do not resemble sartans showcase the vast chemical space that can be explored for the creation of more potent antihypertensive medications. We have also employed computational chemistry tools in order to identify key molecular interactions between the compounds of the literature studied in order to elucidate the underlying reasons why these different molecules exhibit variations in their binding energies and overall potency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioinformatics and Systems Biology)

21 pages, 14979 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mitogenomic Characterization, Genetic Diversity, and Matrilineal Phylogenetic Insights of the Marbled Goby (Oxyeleotris marmorata) from Its Native Range in Indonesia

by Sarifah Aini, Angkasa Putra, Hye-Eun Kang, Mira Maulita, Sang Van Vu, Hyun-Woo Kim, Kyoungmi Kang and Shantanu Kundu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010140 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Butidae is a family of teleost fishes with diverse morphological and ecological adaptations, including the marbled goby (Oxyeleotris marmorata), a large species of high economic value in Southeast and East Asia. The previous mitogenomic studies on cultured populations of O. marmorata [...] Read more.

Butidae is a family of teleost fishes with diverse morphological and ecological adaptations, including the marbled goby (Oxyeleotris marmorata), a large species of high economic value in Southeast and East Asia. The previous mitogenomic studies on cultured populations of O. marmorata from non-native habitats have provided limited insights into genetic divergence, structural variation, and evolutionary relationships. Hence, this study presented the complete mitochondrial genome of O. marmorata from its native habitat in Indonesia, providing structural characterization, assessment of genetic diversity, and matrilineal phylogenetic analysis. The circular mitogenome was 16,525 bp, comprising 37 genes and a non-coding control region (CR). The gene organization and strand distribution were conserved among Oxyeleotris species, with 28 genes on the heavy strand and nine on the light strand, and a pronounced A+T compositional bias. The comparative analyses of O. marmorata (from both native and cultured habitats) and Oxyeleotris lineolata mitogenomes revealed minor variations in intergenic spacers, gene overlaps, protein-coding gene (PCGs) lengths, and codon usage patterns. Conversely, the nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution ratios observed in species of the family Butidae and its closest related family (Eleotridae) indicate strong purifying selection in the present dataset. Notably, the ATG was the predominant start codon, whereas the COI gene utilized GTG, and amino acid composition analysis demonstrated high frequencies of arginine, leucine, and serine. Most transfer RNAs retained the canonical cloverleaf secondary structure except for trnS1, which lacked a functional dihydrouridine arm, whereas the CR contained four conserved sequence blocks with variable nucleotide motifs and no detectable tandem repeats. The haplotype analysis of native (Indonesia) and introduced populations (China) highlighted three haplotypes with high diversity (Hd = 1.0000) and substantial nucleotide variation (π = 0.6667). The genetic divergence across 13 PCGs was gene-specific, with COI and ND5 showing the highest variation, while ND4L and ATP8 were highly conserved. The phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated 13 PCGs using both Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood methods revealed that Oxyeleotris forms a monophyletic clade and is closely related to Bostrychus sinensis. In addition, the broader phylogenetic framework inferred the matrilineal relationships within the family Butidae and its closest related family, Eleotridae. This study also recommends expanding analyses to include the mitogenomes of the remaining 17 Oxyeleotris species, together with comprehensive genomic data, to further elucidate their genetic architecture, evolutionary history, and ecological adaptability across diverse aquatic ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Zoology)

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29 pages, 1131 KB

Open AccessReview

Bisphenol F and Steatotic Liver Disease: Resolving the PXR Paradox Through Stress Pathway Mechanisms

by Enwar Abdalkarim AbdalHussin, Zariyantey Abd Hamid, Muhd Hanis Md Idris, Maizatul Hasyima Omar and Izatus Shima Taib

Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010030 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) represents a major global health burden, with environmental toxicants emerging as critical contributors alongside metabolic dysfunction. Bisphenol F (BPF), an increasingly prevalent replacement for bisphenol A, is widely detected in human biological samples and environment, yet its hepatotoxic mechanisms [...] Read more.

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) represents a major global health burden, with environmental toxicants emerging as critical contributors alongside metabolic dysfunction. Bisphenol F (BPF), an increasingly prevalent replacement for bisphenol A, is widely detected in human biological samples and environment, yet its hepatotoxic mechanisms remain incompletely characterized. This review synthesizes current evidence on BPF-induced SLD, with a particular focus on resolving the “pregnane X receptor (PXR) paradox”, the mismatch between BPF’s weak direct activation of PXR and the PXR-like metabolic effects observed in vivo. Comprehensive analysis of mechanistic pathways reveals that BPF-induced SLD develops predominantly through PXR-independent mechanisms involving oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission, NLRP3/NF-κB-driven inflammation, dysregulated post-translational modifications, and epigenetic remodelling. These converging pathways collectively disrupt hepatic lipid metabolism, promote triglyceride accumulation, and establish a self-perpetuating cycle of metabolic dysfunction. Notably, weak indirect PXR modulation via oxidative stress represents a secondary, non-causal mechanism unsupported by functional validation. This framework distinguishes toxicant-induced steatosis from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease while highlighting critical evidence gaps—particularly the absence of causal PXR validation studies and human epidemiological data. Therapeutic opportunities exist at validated convergence points including mitochondrial dynamics (Drp1), inflammatory signalling (NLRP3/NF-κB), and energy metabolism (AMPK-mTOR), though combination strategies targeting multiple pathways will likely be required for durable disease reversal. These findings necessitate the expansion of regulatory screening paradigms to incorporate cellular stress pathway biomarkers alongside traditional nuclear receptor endpoints, ensuring comprehensive hepatotoxic risk assessment of emerging BPA substitutes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Metabolic Syndrome (2nd Edition))

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18 pages, 1410 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Recycling of a Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide 6 in 3D Printing: Effects on Mechanical Properties

by Marco Zanelli, Giulia Ronconi, Nicola Pritoni, Andrea D’Iorio, Monica Bertoldo, Francesco Mollica and Valentina Mazzanti

Polymers 2026, 18(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010027 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Mechanical recycling of Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing materials is very attractive for the circular economy. In this paper, the tensile properties of a virgin and a one-time-recycled short carbon fiber reinforced polyamide, coming from 3D printing scrap and failed parts, were evaluated. [...] Read more.

Mechanical recycling of Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing materials is very attractive for the circular economy. In this paper, the tensile properties of a virgin and a one-time-recycled short carbon fiber reinforced polyamide, coming from 3D printing scrap and failed parts, were evaluated. Anisotropy was taken into account properly by using characterization methods that are typical of composites. Rheological properties were obtained with a parallel plate rheometer in oscillatory mode, and thermal properties were investigated based on thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. A decrease in the average molecular weight of the recycled material, indicated by the rheological measurements, induced brittleness. Nevertheless, the stiffness and yield strength of the 3D printed parts made with the recycled material were higher than those made with the virgin one. Since this behavior could not be explained based on an increase in crystallinity or a relevant decrease in the void content, a feasible explanation is proposed with an increase of the interlayer and intralayer adhesion quality. In any case, the recycled polyamide filament can be successfully reused in Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing, even when significant mechanical properties are required, but attention must be paid to a certain decrease in ductility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Processing and Engineering)

23 pages, 2051 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Locking Velocity Constraints and Influencing Factors of Folding Wings Based on Locking Mechanisms

by Guangqing Zhai, Hong Xiao, Wenlong Li, Runchao Zhao, Xiaowei Ma, Hao Zou and Jiefu Chen

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010140 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

The rapid deployment of folding wings is characterized by high-energy impacts, which require an immediate and effective response from the locking mechanism. This locking process involves complex interactions, such as collisions and rebounds, and the effectiveness of the locking mechanism directly influences the [...] Read more.

The rapid deployment of folding wings is characterized by high-energy impacts, which require an immediate and effective response from the locking mechanism. This locking process involves complex interactions, such as collisions and rebounds, and the effectiveness of the locking mechanism directly influences the reliability of the folding wing’s performance. However, current research lacks a theoretical exploration of the relationship between the locking mechanism and the locking velocity of folding wings, leading to occasional failures. This study aims to establish a theoretical model that connects the locking mechanism to the locking velocity of folding wings, thereby enhancing locking reliability. By analyzing the relative motion between the folding wing and the locking mechanism, a constraint model for the maximum locking velocity is developed. The study examines the effects of various parameters and the installation position of the locking mechanism on the locking velocity of folding wings. Simulations and prototype experiments validate the model, introducing a novel investigation into the issue of high-velocity rebounds in folding wings, which can cause the locking pin to retract. The study identifies the velocity range for reliable locking of high-velocity folding wings, revealing that both spring preload and the installation position of the locking mechanism significantly affect maximum locking velocity. Based on these findings, design recommendations are proposed to enhance the reliability of high-velocity folding wing locking, providing valuable insights for engineering applications and advancing theoretical research on high-velocity mechanism locking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Structural Mechanics and Vibration)

30 pages, 2137 KB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Flavonoids as Cross-System Modulators of Hypertension and Intestinal Permeability

by Jessica P. Danh, Andrew T. Gewirtz and Rafaela G. Feresin

Molecules 2026, 31(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31010048 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Hypertension (HTN) and intestinal permeability (IP) are increasingly recognized as interrelated processes driven by shared oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms. This review synthesizes evidence linking HTN-induced vascular dysfunction to alterations in intestinal barrier integrity and explores the potential of dietary flavonoids as modulators of [...] Read more.

Hypertension (HTN) and intestinal permeability (IP) are increasingly recognized as interrelated processes driven by shared oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms. This review synthesizes evidence linking HTN-induced vascular dysfunction to alterations in intestinal barrier integrity and explores the potential of dietary flavonoids as modulators of these pathologies. A narrative approach was used to synthesize findings from cellular, animal, and human studies that specifically address how flavonoids influence the molecular pathway connecting HTN and IP. Emerging evidence suggests that HTN-driven vascular injury, which is characterized by reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, increased reactive oxygen species, and pro-inflammatory signaling, contributes to tight junction disruption and increased IP. Mechanistic evidence indicates that flavonoids exert both direct antioxidant effects and indirect actions via the modulation of key cellular pathways. Preclinical and clinical data demonstrate that flavonoid-rich foods and isolated compounds can lower blood pressure, enhance endothelial function, and preserve intestinal barrier integrity by stabilizing tight junction proteins and attenuating pro-inflammatory signaling. Together, these findings highlight flavonoids as cross-system modulators that may mitigate HTN-associated increases in IP. Further research addressing sex, race, and age differences, as well as flavonoid bioavailability and dose optimization, is needed to clarify their translational potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Compounds for Disease and Health, 3rd Edition)

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16 pages, 29903 KB

Open AccessArticle

Air Conditioning Load Data Generation Method Based on DTW Clustering and Physically Constrained TimeGAN

by Yu Li, Xiaoyu Yang, Dongli Jia, Wanxing Sheng, Keyan Liu and Rongheng Lin

Sensors 2026, 26(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26010084 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Generating air-conditioning system load data is crucial for tasks such as power grid scheduling and intelligent energy management. Air-conditioning load data exhibit strong non-stationarity. Their load curves are influenced by seasonal variations and highly correlated with outdoor meteorological conditions, indoor activity patterns, and [...] Read more.

Generating air-conditioning system load data is crucial for tasks such as power grid scheduling and intelligent energy management. Air-conditioning load data exhibit strong non-stationarity. Their load curves are influenced by seasonal variations and highly correlated with outdoor meteorological conditions, indoor activity patterns, and equipment operational strategies. These characteristics lead to pronounced periodicity, sudden shifts, and diverse data patterns. Existing load generation models tend to produce averaged distributions, which often leads to the loss of specific temporal patterns inherent in air-conditioning loads. Moreover, as purely data-driven models, they lack explicit physical constraints, resulting in generated data with limited physical interpretability. To address these issues, this paper proposes a hybrid generation framework that integrates the DTW clustering algorithm, a physically-constrained TimeGAN model, and an LSTM-based model selection mechanism. Specifically, DTW clustering is first employed to achieve structured data partitioning, thereby enhancing the model’s ability to recognize and model diverse temporal patterns. Subsequently, to overcome the dependency on detailed building parameters and extensive sensor networks, a parameter-free physical constraint mechanism based on intrinsic temperature-load correlations is incorporated into the TimeGAN supervised loss. This design ensures thermodynamic consistency even in sensor-scarce environments where only basic operational data is available. Finally, to address adaptability challenges in long-term sequence generation, an LSTM-based selection mechanism is designed to evaluate and select from clustered submodels dynamically. This approach facilitates adaptive temporal fusion within the generation strategy. Extensive experiments on air-conditioning load datasets from Southeast China demonstrate that the framework achieves a local similarity score of 0.98, outperforming the state-of-the-art model and the original TimeGAN by 11.4% and 13.3%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Sensors)

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30 pages, 1626 KB

Open AccessReview

Rethinking Celiac Disease Management: Treatment Approaches Beyond the Gluten-Free Diet

by Dimitris Kounatidis, Argyro Pavlou, Apostolos Evangelopoulos, Maria Psaroudaki, Evangelia Kotsi, Ioanna Petrakou, Panagiotis Paraskevopoulos, Vasileios Stamatopoulos, Eleni Mylona and Natalia G. Vallianou

Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010029 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic, immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible individuals, with environmental and epigenetic factors also contributing to its pathogenesis. Once considered a rare pediatric malabsorptive disorder, CeD is now recognized as a systemic condition that can [...] Read more.

Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic, immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by dietary gluten in genetically susceptible individuals, with environmental and epigenetic factors also contributing to its pathogenesis. Once considered a rare pediatric malabsorptive disorder, CeD is now recognized as a systemic condition that can manifest with both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms across the lifespan. Although strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) remains the cornerstone of treatment, up to 30–40% of patients experience persistent symptoms and/or ongoing mucosal injury despite reported compliance. This therapeutic gap, combined with advances in molecular understanding of disease mechanisms, has driven the development of novel strategies targeting key pathogenic pathways. Intraluminal interventions include gluten-degrading enzymes and gluten-sequestering agents, while other approaches target tissue transglutaminase 2, induce antigen-specific immune tolerance, or modulate cytokine-driven inflammation, with particular emphasis on interleukin-15 (IL-15) signaling. Additional strategies aim to inhibit lymphocyte trafficking to the intestinal mucosa and enhance intestinal barrier function through zonulin modulation. Adjunctive therapies under investigation include nutraceuticals, microbiota-targeted interventions, and vaccine-based approaches. More recently, advanced experimental and computational platforms, such as human intestinal organoids, organ-on-chip systems, and machine learning–driven analytics, are being leveraged in efforts to accelerate translational research and support the rational design of precision medicine approaches. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence for therapies beyond the GFD, examines challenges in clinical implementation, and discusses how technological innovations may reshape the future therapeutic landscape of CeD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Metabolism Research)

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36 pages, 2404 KB

Open AccessReview

Digitalization for Sustainable Heat Pump Operation: Review on Smart Control and Optimization Strategies

by Konstantinos Sittas, Effrosyni Giama and Giorgos Panaras

Energies 2026, 19(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010066 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of advanced control strategies and operational optimization of energy systems, focusing on heat pumps, with an emphasis on their role in enhancing energy efficiency and operational flexibility. The study concentrates on methods supported by artificial intelligence algorithms, [...] Read more.

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of advanced control strategies and operational optimization of energy systems, focusing on heat pumps, with an emphasis on their role in enhancing energy efficiency and operational flexibility. The study concentrates on methods supported by artificial intelligence algorithms, highlighting Model Predictive Control (MPC), Reinforcement Learning (RL), and hybrid approaches that combine the advantages of both. These methods aim to optimize both the operation of heat pumps and their interaction with thermal energy storage (TES) systems, renewable energy sources, and power grids, thereby enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the systems under real operating conditions. Through a systematic analysis of the existing literature, 95 studies published after 2019 were examined to identify research trends, key challenges such as computational requirements and algorithm interpretability, and future opportunities. Furthermore, significant benefits of applying advanced control compared to conventional practices were highlighted, such as reduced operational costs and lower CO₂ emissions, emphasizing the importance of heat pumps in the energy transition. Thus, the analysis highlights the need for digital solutions, robust and adaptive control frameworks, and holistic techno-economic evaluation methods in order to fully exploit the potential of heat pumps and accelerate the transition to sustainable and flexible energy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Energy Consumption, Energy Management, and Energy Efficiency in Smart Buildings)

24 pages, 8776 KB

Open AccessArticle

Embroidered Silk Fibroin Scaffolds for ACL Tissue Engineering

by Yasir Majeed, Clemens Gögele, Cindy Elschner, Christian Werner, Tobias Braun, Judith Hahn, Ricardo Bernhardt, Udo Krause, Bernd Minnich and Gundula Schulze-Tanzil

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010137 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture causes joint instability and increases the risk of osteoarthritis due to the ligament’s limited healing capacity. Silk, particularly from Bombyx mori, combines high cytocompatibility with robust biomechanical properties. Its main components are fibroin and sericin, with the [...] Read more.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture causes joint instability and increases the risk of osteoarthritis due to the ligament’s limited healing capacity. Silk, particularly from Bombyx mori, combines high cytocompatibility with robust biomechanical properties. Its main components are fibroin and sericin, with the latter usually being removed to reduce immunogenicity and improve biocompatibility. Silk threads were processed either as raw silk (designated as “untreated”) or subjected to a patented degumming procedure (DE102021118652A1) to obtain purified silk. Both variants were used alone or in combination with poly(L-lactic acid-co-caprolactone) (P(LA-CL)) fibers, yielding four scaffold groups: untreated silk, purified silk, untreated silk/P(LA-CL), and purified silk/P(LA-CL). Three-layer scaffolds were fabricated using a zigzag embroidery pattern. Structural analysis revealed scaffold porosity of ≈38% for silk, ≈46% for purified silk, and up to ≈70% for scaffolds containing P(LA-CL). Uniaxial tensile testing showed that purified silk scaffolds achieved the highest maximum force at break (≈684 N), whereas elongation at maximum force was limited in the hybrid scaffolds—silk/P(LA-CL) ≈28% and p-silk/P(LA-CL) ≈32%—despite the high intrinsic extensibility of P(LA-CL). All scaffolds supported cell adhesion and showed no cytotoxicity. P-silk and p-silk/P(LA-CL) scaffolds exhibited the highest fibroblast adherence and pronounced paxillin expression, indicating strong cell–material interactions. Gene expression of ligament-related ECM components and connexin 43 was maintained across all groups. These results demonstrate that embroidered silk fibroin scaffolds provide a reproducible architecture with tunable porosity and mechanical properties, supporting fibroblast colonization and ligament-specific ECM expression. Such scaffolds represent promising candidates for ACL tissue engineering and future graft development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ligament/Tendon and Cartilage Tissue Engineering and Reconstruction)

33 pages, 5612 KB

Open AccessArticle

Semantic-Vertex-Based Topological Detection for Automatic Dimension Generation in Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)

by Jaeho Cho

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010139 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

In this study, a topological matching algorithm is introduced for semantic vertex detection to automate dimension generation in a building information modeling (BIM) environment based on the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard. Conventional IFC-based quantity take-off (QTO) methods provide only standardized attributes, such [...] Read more.

In this study, a topological matching algorithm is introduced for semantic vertex detection to automate dimension generation in a building information modeling (BIM) environment based on the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard. Conventional IFC-based quantity take-off (QTO) methods provide only standardized attributes, such as height, length, width, and area; therefore, user-defined custom dimensions—such as net opening sizes or parameter lengths—must be calculated manually. This study proposes a method for fully automating the dimensions required by users by automatically tagging and visualizing semantic vertices for geometrically identical IFC objects. These semantic vertices correspond to representative topological feature points (e.g., left–bottom–origin, left–top–front, left–bottom–back, and right–bottom–front). Based on these defined semantic vertices, the method automatically establishes vertex correspondence among objects to generate dimensions. The proposed workflow comprises four main stages: (1) geometry normalization of IFC objects, (2) semantic vertex definition, (3) automatic detection of semantic vertices, and (4) dimension generation and visualization. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach successfully enables the computation of dimensions for geometrically identical objects, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of QTO processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Information Modeling (BIM): Advanced Technology and Application)

20 pages, 5133 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Peptide C248 of PRDX4 Ameliorates the Function of Testicular Leydig Cells via Mitochondrial Protection

by Nini Wei, Shuning Yuan, Li Gao, Bei Zhang, Zhengjie Yan, Chao Gao, Yan Meng and Yugui Cui

Antioxidants 2026, 15(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15010021 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: The senescence of testicular Leydig cells (LCs) is a key cause of age-related testosterone deficiency, in which oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondrial dysfunction are critical driving mechanisms. We explore whether the bioactive peptide C248 of PRDX4, an intracellular antioxidant, exerts mitochondrial protection [...] Read more.

Background: The senescence of testicular Leydig cells (LCs) is a key cause of age-related testosterone deficiency, in which oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondrial dysfunction are critical driving mechanisms. We explore whether the bioactive peptide C248 of PRDX4, an intracellular antioxidant, exerts mitochondrial protection to ameliorate LCs’ function. Methods: Based on the antioxidant domains of the PRDX4 protein, small molecular peptides were designed, and bioactive peptide C248 stood out from the crowd. An OS-induced senescence model of LCs was constructed by treating the MLTC-1 cell line with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). C248 peptide or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), as the positive control, was administered in the culture medium. The cellular function-related indicators, including DPPH free radical scavenging rate, cell viability, testosterone level, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) level, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) level, were evaluated. The mitochondrial function and structural indicators, such as mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP production, mitochondrial morphology, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, were subsequently tested. Results: In vitro experiments confirmed that C248 could scavenge DPPH free radicals in a dose-dependent manner, reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species, and increase antioxidant enzyme activity in LCs (p < 0.01). Both C248 and NMN increased testosterone secretion and improved cell viability (p < 0.01). Both C248 and NMN increased mitochondrial morphology and quantity, mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.01), ATP production (p < 0.01), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number (p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study reveals that the small molecular C248, a bioactive peptide of PRDX4, is a new candidate molecule for intervening in LC senescence and confirms that mitochondrial protection is a key strategy for improving age-related testicular dysfunction. Full article

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

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46 pages, 2822 KB

Open AccessArticle

Making Creative Thinking Visible: Learner and Teacher Experiences of Boundary Objects as Epistemic Tools in Adolescent Classrooms

by Shafina Vohra and Peter Childs

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16010013 (registering DOI) - 22 Dec 2025

Abstract

Creative thinking has become more important in education globally due to industry demand and a fast-paced world. In this study, boundary objects that can be tangible and digital objects are investigated to understand their role in facilitating creative thinking across five subject areas [...] Read more.

Creative thinking has become more important in education globally due to industry demand and a fast-paced world. In this study, boundary objects that can be tangible and digital objects are investigated to understand their role in facilitating creative thinking across five subject areas for teenagers aged 13–18 and their teachers, in their natural learning environment. A multiple case study method is used to investigate learners’ and their teachers’ experience in using boundary objects, to enable communication and understanding between individuals or groups in learning. Participants from an inner London secondary school comprised case groups: 8 Teachers and 16 Learners (8 from the lower school, aged 13–15 years, and 8 from the upper school, aged 16–18 years). Participants were invited through email and a short presentation. Consented participants were organised into male and female across teachers and students and were approached in lessons where boundary objects were being used. Data was collected through interviews and comprised photos of tool use, analysed through Reflexive Thematic Analysis for data analysis. The resulting five themes for teacher and student themes showed that boundary objects were perceived to facilitate creative thinking across all case groups within the studied context, with important insights such as iterative design, which develops real-world skills; metacognition, which is critical in learning and enables students to actively question their own thinking; memory, which is very important in enabling students to remember what they learned and how; and individual liberty, suggesting that learning need not be linear nor prescribed but that there must be freedom to learn in ways that are enjoyable and challenging too, amongst others. This study’s interpretive results indicate that when participants experience the use of boundary objects in a natural classroom or learning setting, the learning process is perceived to bring benefits that allow the process of creative thinking to occur. Full article

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