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11 pages, 839 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantification of Thoracic Volume and Spinal Length of Pediatric Scoliosis Patients on Chest MRI Using a 3D U-Net Segmentation

by Romy E. Buijs, Dingina M. Cornelissen, Dimo Devetzis, Peter P. G. Lafranca, Daniel Le, Jiaxin Zhang, Mitko Veta, Koen L. Vincken and Tom P. C. Schlösser

Healthcare 2025, 13(18), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13182327 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can lead to significant chest deformations. The quantification of chest deformity and spinal length could provide additional insights for monitoring during follow-up and treatment. This study proposes a 3D U-Net convolutional neural network (CNN) for automatic thoracic and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can lead to significant chest deformations. The quantification of chest deformity and spinal length could provide additional insights for monitoring during follow-up and treatment. This study proposes a 3D U-Net convolutional neural network (CNN) for automatic thoracic and spinal segmentations of chest MRI scans. Methods: In this proof-of-concept study, axial chest MRI scans from 19 girls aged 8–10 years at risk for AIS development and 19 asymptomatic young adults were acquired (n = 38). The thoracic volume and spine were manually segmented as the ground truth (GT). A 3D U-Net CNN was trained on 31 MRI scans. The seven remaining MRI scans were used for validation, reported by the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), the Hausdorff distance (HD), precision, and recall. From these segmentations, the thoracic volume and 3D spinal length were calculated. Results: Automatic chest segmentation was possible for all chest MRIs. For the chest volume segmentations, the average DSC was 0.91, HD was 51.89, precision was 0.90, and recall 0.99. For the spinal segmentation, the average DSC was 0.85, HD was 25.98, precision was 0.74, and recall 0.99. Chest volumes and 3D spinal lengths differed by on average 11% and 12% between automatic and GT, respectively. Qualitative analysis showed agreement between the automatic and manual segmentations in most cases. Conclusions: The proposed 3D U-Net CNN shows a high accuracy and good predictions in terms of HD, DSC, precision, and recall. This suggested 3D U-Net CNN could potentially be used to monitor the progression of chest deformation in scoliosis patients in a radiation-free manner. Improvement can be made by training the 3D U-net with more data and improving the GT data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scoliosis Deformity—Etiological Aspects, Management and Rehabilitation)

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11 pages, 228 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Real-World Experience with Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine in HIV Patients with Unsuppressed Viral Load

by Marcello Trizzino, Luca Pipitò, Pierluigi Francesco Salvo, Federica Zimmerhofer, Andrea Cicero, Gianmaria Baldin, Claudia Conti, Claudia Gioè, Simona Di Giambenedetto and Antonio Cascio

Viruses 2025, 17(9), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17091254 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Long-acting injectable cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV-LA) is currently approved as a maintenance therapy for people with HIV (PWH) who are virologically suppressed. However, growing real-world evidence highlights its potential role in more complex viremic populations traditionally considered ineligible. We present a case series of eight [...] Read more.

Long-acting injectable cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV-LA) is currently approved as a maintenance therapy for people with HIV (PWH) who are virologically suppressed. However, growing real-world evidence highlights its potential role in more complex viremic populations traditionally considered ineligible. We present a case series of eight PWH treated at two tertiary centers in Italy, all of whom faced persistent viremia, adherence difficulties, malabsorption syndromes, or psychosocial barriers. Following the switch to CAB/RPV-LA, all patients, despite heterogeneous clinical profiles and baseline virological status, achieved and maintained virologic suppression, demonstrated improved adherence, and experienced no serious adverse events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)

15 pages, 6465 KB

Open AccessArticle

Valemetostat–SAHA-Driven Acetylation of p53 via SET/TAF-Iβ Displacement and p300 Activation Modulates Cell Cycle Regulators in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

by Michele Di Crosta, Francesca Chiara Ragone, Rossella Benedetti, Gabriella D’Orazi, Roberta Santarelli, Maria Saveria Gilardini Montani and Mara Cirone

Biomedicines 2025, 13(9), 2279; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13092279 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background/Objective: Aberrant acetylation and methylation of histone and non-histone proteins contribute to carcinogenesis. Among non-histone proteins, wild-type (wt) p53 is particularly notable for the critical role that acetylation and methylation play in regulating its stability and function. Although with opposite outcomes, these post-translational [...] Read more.

Background/Objective: Aberrant acetylation and methylation of histone and non-histone proteins contribute to carcinogenesis. Among non-histone proteins, wild-type (wt) p53 is particularly notable for the critical role that acetylation and methylation play in regulating its stability and function. Although with opposite outcomes, these post-translational modifications (PTMs) can also affect mutant forms of p53 (mutp53), which are frequently detected in cancers. These proteins may acquire oncogenic properties, activating signaling pathways that promote carcinogenesis. Acetylation activates wtp53, while this PTM has been shown to destabilize mutp53, reducing cancer aggressiveness and improving the efficacy of anticancer therapies. In this study, we investigated the possibility of targeting mutp53 in pancreatic cancer cells by using a combination of EZH2 and HDAC inhibitors. Methods: Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and ChIP experiments were performed to address this question. Results: We found that the EZH2 inhibitor Valemetostat (DS) in combination with the histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA displaced the SET/TAF-Iβ oncoprotein from mutp53 and increased its interaction with the acetyltransferase p300, which was responsible for p53 acetylation. Moreover, mutp53 was downregulated, p21 was upregulated, and CHK1 was reduced, increasing DNA damage and leading to a stronger impairment of pancreatic cancer cell survival compared with single-agent treatments. Conclusions: Our results reveal that combining epigenetic drugs such as Valemetostat and SAHA could be exploited to target mutp53 and improve the outcome of treatments for aggressive tumors harboring it, such as in pancreatic cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cell Biology and Pathology)

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14 pages, 2902 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Paget’s Disease of Bone and Normocalcemic Variant of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in an Osteoporotic Male: Exceptional Coexistence

by Ana-Maria Gheorghe, Oana Petronela Ionescu, Mihai Costachescu, Oana-Claudia Sima and Mara Carsote

Reports 2025, 8(3), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8030180 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background and clinical significance: Paget’s disease of bone involves anomalies of the bone metabolism; however, the presence of tumor-derivate abnormal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels does not represent one of these disturbances. To our best knowledge, the association with normocalcemic variant of primary [...] Read more.

Background and clinical significance: Paget’s disease of bone involves anomalies of the bone metabolism; however, the presence of tumor-derivate abnormal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels does not represent one of these disturbances. To our best knowledge, the association with normocalcemic variant of primary hyperparathyroidism has been limitedly reported, and here we introduce such an unusual overlap in a male suffering from osteoporosis. Case presentation: A 71-year-old, non-smoker man was hospitalized for mild, nonspecific dysphagia, asthenia, decreased appetite, and mild weight loss during the latest 2 months. His medical history included cardiovascular conditions and an abnormal PTH level with normal serum calcium under daily cholecalciferol supplements (tested twice during latest 12 months). The lab findings pointed out a normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (PTH of maximum 163 pg/mL, and total calcium of 9.3 mg/dL) caused by a right parathyroid tumor of 1.2 cm, as confirmed by computed tomography (CT). Additionally, CT showed a left humerus lesion suggestive of Paget’s disease of bone, a confirmation that also came from the whole-body bone scintigraphy. The subject presented increased P1NP and osteocalcin, CrossLaps as bone formation, and resorption markers, with normal total alkaline phosphatase. CT scan also detected multiple vertebral fractures and small kidney stones. Zoledronate i.v. (3 mg, adjusted for creatinine clearance) was administered, taking into consideration all three bone ailments (Paget’s disease, high PTH/calcium, and osteoporosis) with further follow-up. Conclusions: This case highlights the following technical notes based on a real-life setting: 1. Despite the mentioned bone diseases, no bone pain was present. Loss of appetite, dysphagia, and asthenia may be a consequence of mineral metabolism disturbances. 2. The panel of blood bone turnover markers levels might be related to both hyperparathyroidism and Paget’s disease; notably, rare cases of Paget’s disease with normal alkaline phosphatase were prior reported. 3. A meticulous differentiation between secondary and primary hyperparathyroidism is required. In this instance, lack of hypocalcaemia and vitamin D deficiency was suggestive of the diagnosis of a primary variant. 4. Kidney stones, osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fractures may be correlated with both conditions, as well, while a dual perspective of the therapy, since the patient was not a parathyroid surgery candidate, included a first dose of zoledronate with consecutive long-term follow-up. To our best knowledge, the co-presence of normocalcemic variant of primary hyperparathyroidism represents an exceptional finding in a patient synchronously diagnosed with Pagetic lesions and osteoporosis complicated with vertebral fractures. Full article

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24 pages, 428 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Reviews Impact Airbnb’s Prices? A Hedonic Approach

by António Almeida, António Pedro Nunes and Luiz Pinto Machado

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(4), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6040181 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

The travel accommodation sector within the sharing economy relies heavily on user-generated reviews. Drawing on data from insideairbnb.com for the Porto district from 2016 to 2020, this study examines the influence of online reviews from the standpoint of the sentiment expressed on accommodation [...] Read more.

The travel accommodation sector within the sharing economy relies heavily on user-generated reviews. Drawing on data from insideairbnb.com for the Porto district from 2016 to 2020, this study examines the influence of online reviews from the standpoint of the sentiment expressed on accommodation prices, alongside other determinants such as locational attributes. The primary objective is to assess a broad set of factors affecting listing prices, with a particular focus on the degree and nature of sentiment expressed in online reviews. The dataset, comprising more than 250,000 reviews, was enriched with spatial and geographical variables, including key amenities, accessibility to public services, host characteristics, and locational indicators. A hedonic spatial regression model was employed to account for spatial dependencies. The findings reveal that sentiments expressed in user reviews exert a stronger influence on pricing than purely quantitative review metrics. Furthermore, host and listing characteristics, as well as geographical factors, play a substantial role in determining prices. The main contribution and novelty of this study lies in the joint analysis of sentiment and geographical attributes as drivers of accommodation pricing. Another contribution of this paper lies in the analysis of a broad geographical area encompassing both a historic city that is popular among European destinations and predominantly rural regions. Full article

26 pages, 4906 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Sequential Adaptive Bin Packing Based on Second-Order Dual Pointer Adversarial Network: A Symmetry-Driven Approach for Balanced Container Loading

by Zibao Zhou, Enliang Wang and Xuejian Zhao

Symmetry 2025, 17(9), 1554; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17091554 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Modern logistics operations require real-time adaptive solutions for three-dimensional bin packing that maintain spatial symmetry and load balance. This paper introduces a time-series-based online 3D packing problem with dual unknown sequences, where containers and items arrive dynamically. The challenge lies in achieving symmetric [...] Read more.

Modern logistics operations require real-time adaptive solutions for three-dimensional bin packing that maintain spatial symmetry and load balance. This paper introduces a time-series-based online 3D packing problem with dual unknown sequences, where containers and items arrive dynamically. The challenge lies in achieving symmetric distribution for stability and optimal space utilization. We propose the Second-Order Dual Pointer Adversarial Network (So-DPAN), a deep reinforcement learning architecture that leverages symmetry principles to decompose spatiotemporal optimization into sequence matching and spatial arrangement sub-problems. The dual pointer mechanism enables efficient item-container pairing, while the second-order structure captures temporal dependencies by maintaining symmetric packing patterns. Our approach considers geometric symmetry for spatial arrangement and temporal symmetry for sequence matching. The Actor-Critic framework uses symmetry-based reward functions to guide learning toward balanced configurations. Experiments demonstrate that So-DPAN outperforms DQN, DDPG, and traditional heuristics in solution quality and efficiency while maintaining superior symmetry metrics in center-of-gravity positioning and load distribution. The algorithm exploits inherent symmetries in packing structure, advancing theoretical understanding through symmetry-aware optimization while providing a deployable framework for Industry 4.0 smart logistics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mathematics)

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16 pages, 1616 KB

Open AccessReview

Decoding Molecular Network Dynamics in Cells: Advances in Multiplexed Live Imaging of Fluorescent Biosensors

by Qiaowen Chen, Yichu Xu, Jhen-Wei Wu, Jr-Ming Yang and Chuan-Hsiang Huang

Biosensors 2025, 15(9), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15090614 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Genetically encoded fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors have revolutionized cell biology research by enabling real-time monitoring of molecular activities in live cells with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution. Multiplexed biosensing advances this capability by allowing the simultaneous tracking of multiple signaling pathways to uncover [...] Read more.

Genetically encoded fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors have revolutionized cell biology research by enabling real-time monitoring of molecular activities in live cells with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution. Multiplexed biosensing advances this capability by allowing the simultaneous tracking of multiple signaling pathways to uncover network interactions and dynamic coordination. However, challenges in spectral overlap limit broader implementation. Innovative strategies have been devised to address these challenges, including spectral separation through FP palette expansion and novel biosensor designs, temporal differentiation using photochromic or reversibly switching FPs, and spatial segregation of biosensors to specific subcellular regions or through cell barcoding techniques. Combining multiplexed biosensors with artificial intelligence-driven analysis holds great potential for uncovering cellular decision-making processes. Continued innovation in this field will deepen our understanding of molecular networks in cells, with implications for both fundamental biology and therapeutic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell-Based Biosensors for Rapid Detection and Monitoring (2nd Edition))

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17 pages, 470 KB

Open AccessArticle

Elevated Sirtuin 1 Levels in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease, Including on Peritoneal Dialysis: Associations with Cardiovascular Risk and Peritoneal Fibrosis

by Angelika Bielach-Bazyluk, Katarzyna Czajkowska, Ewa Koc-Zorawska, Tomasz Hryszko and Edyta Zbroch

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(18), 9033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26189033 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is implicated in oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis—processes central to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular complications. Increased serum levels of SIRT1 have been reported in dialysis patients, and its role in peritoneal fibrosis, a leading cause of peritoneal dialysis [...] Read more.

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is implicated in oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis—processes central to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular complications. Increased serum levels of SIRT1 have been reported in dialysis patients, and its role in peritoneal fibrosis, a leading cause of peritoneal dialysis failure, is well established. This study evaluated serum SIRT1 levels in 165 participants: peritoneally dialyzed patients (CAPD), conservatively treated CKD patients (CT), and healthy controls. Serum SIRT1 was measured by ELISA and analyzed alongside clinical factors. SIRT1 concentrations were markedly elevated in CAPD patients compared to both CT patients and controls. In CAPD patients, SIRT1 levels were not influenced by age, sex, dialysis adequacy, residual renal function, or comorbidities, but were higher in those with impaired left ventricular relaxation. Pharmacotherapy affected SIRT1 levels. Multivariate analysis identified phosphate and cholesterol as independent predictors of SIRT1. Our study suggests that serum SIRT1 levels may reflect diverse pathophysiological processes in CKD patients, including those on peritoneal dialysis. Elevated SIRT1 may indicate compensatory mechanisms related to renal dysfunction and cardiovascular stress. Future research on larger, pharmacologically homogeneous groups is warranted to clarify SIRT1’s role in peritoneal fibrosis and its potential as a biomarker of cardiovascular and renal complications in CKD. Full article

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

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23 pages, 5028 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lifetime Changes in Gut Microbiota and Metabolite Composition in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Apolipoprotein A-IV Gene Knockout Mice

by Natalia Zeber-Lubecka, Maria Kulecka, Aneta Balabas, Pawel Czarnowski, Kazimiera Pyśniak, Michalina Dąbrowska, Jerzy Ostrowski and Ewa E. Hennig

Biology 2025, 14(9), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14091278 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) has been implicated in modulating the gut microbiota. However, chronic high-fat diet (HFD) consumption impairs ApoA-IV signaling and disrupts gut microbial balance, contributing to obesity and insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the role of ApoA-IV in shaping the [...] Read more.

Apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) has been implicated in modulating the gut microbiota. However, chronic high-fat diet (HFD) consumption impairs ApoA-IV signaling and disrupts gut microbial balance, contributing to obesity and insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the role of ApoA-IV in shaping the gut microbiota and associated metabolic profiles throughout the lifespan of mice exposed to an HFD. Fecal samples were collected from ApoA-IV knockout (KO) and wild-type mice at five time points for microbiota and metabolite profiling using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. Lifespan was longest in ApoA-IV-KO mice on a normal diet, while the HFD reduced survival across genotypes. Microbiota analysis revealed diet- and age-dependent shifts, including an elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio, altered abundance of Akkermansia and reduced Monoglobus in ApoA-IV-KO mice on the HFD. Metabolic profiling showed a stronger impact of diet than genotype, with early and persistent increases in branched-chain amino acids and reductions in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). ApoA-IV deficiency modulated lifespan microbial and metabolic changes and shaped distinct responses to dietary stress. Despite age-related convergence in microbiota structure, genotype-specific differences in metabolite profiles and SCFA-producing bacteria correlations persisted into old age, demonstrating the lasting impact of ApoA-IV on host metabolic adaptation. Full article

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20 pages, 4581 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Fracture Propagation Behavior of Coal Masses Under Various Waveforms, Amplitudes, and Frequencies of Water Hammer Pulsating Pressure: Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation

by Jun Nian, Jingchi Zhu, Xiaobo Lv and Jinqi Fu

Water 2025, 17(18), 2743; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17182743 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Deep coal seams have low permeability and poor wettability, making gas extraction difficult. This study presents a zero-energy consumption pulsating water hammer fracturing technique that uses the gravitational potential energy of high-elevation water and the pulsating pressure waves from the water hammer effect [...] Read more.

Deep coal seams have low permeability and poor wettability, making gas extraction difficult. This study presents a zero-energy consumption pulsating water hammer fracturing technique that uses the gravitational potential energy of high-elevation water and the pulsating pressure waves from the water hammer effect to induce fatigue damage in coal, creating an interconnected network of cracks. The research included experiments on water hammer pressure waves, multi-physics field coupling simulations at different flow rates, and discrete element simulations to analyze the fracture behavior of underwater hammer pressure. Results showed that initial flow velocity impacts the water hammer pressure’s intensity, range, and duration. Pressure shock waves propagate as expansion and compression waves, with peaks rising from 4.99 to 19.91 MPa within a 2–12 m/s flow rate range. Water hammer pressure reduced fracture initiation pressure by 23% compared to static pressure loading and increased fracture numbers by 13.4%. With pressure amplitudes between 2–18 MPa, fractures tripled, and the damaged area grew from 2.2 to 11%. A variable frequency combination loading strategy, starting with low frequency and then high frequency, was more effective for fracture propagation. This study offers a theoretical foundation for applying this technology to enhance coal seam permeability and gas pumping efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydraulics and Hydrodynamics)

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21 pages, 4033 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Performance Study of a Novel Double-Phase Cooling Strategy in Electric Vehicle Battery Systems

by Federico Sacchelli, Luca Cattani and Fabio Bozzoli

Energies 2025, 18(18), 4937; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18184937 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

In recent years, interest in lithium-ion batteries has grown significantly due to their dominance in electric mobility, driven by their high energy density. However, their performance and longevity are strongly influenced by the effectiveness of heat dissipation and thermal management. The literature indicates [...] Read more.

In recent years, interest in lithium-ion batteries has grown significantly due to their dominance in electric mobility, driven by their high energy density. However, their performance and longevity are strongly influenced by the effectiveness of heat dissipation and thermal management. The literature indicates that battery temperature should be maintained within the optimal range of 20–40 °C, while also ensuring minimal temperature gradients within the battery pack. In this study, a thermal management system for electric vehicle batteries which combines two different cooling approaches (i.e., direct immersion cooling and pulsating heat pipes) is presented. In particular, the battery pack is placed inside a PVC case and completely submerged by a low-boiling dielectric fluid (T_bp = 33.4 °C at 1 atm) to take advantage of the excellent thermal properties of the liquid and of the latent heat during phase change. The evaporator section of the pulsating heat pipe is positioned in the vapor phase region of the dielectric fluid, while the condenser section is located outside the PVC box and cooled by an airflow in natural convection. This setup is a completely passive system. To evaluate the cooling performance of the dual two-phase cooling system, tests were conducted on the battery pack at three different discharge C-rates 0.5C, 1C, and 2C that reproduce the working conditions of a real-world battery. To evaluate the effectiveness of the new setup, its performance was compared with cooling based on natural convection and direct immersion cooling alone. These approaches were assessed under two controlled ambient temperatures—5 °C and 20 °C—to compare their performance in varying conditions. The results show that the hybrid system performs particularly well, especially because it can operate passively without requiring external power or active control mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Two-Phase Heat and Mass Transfer for Efficient Energy Systems)

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6 pages, 159 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES2024)

by Russell Richards and Oz Sahin

Sustainability 2025, 17(18), 8322; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188322 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Since the first conference on the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems (SDEWES) was held in Dubrovnik in 2002, this conference series has been providing a global forum for scientists and other stakeholders interested in sustainability to share their research and [...] Read more.

Since the first conference on the Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems (SDEWES) was held in Dubrovnik in 2002, this conference series has been providing a global forum for scientists and other stakeholders interested in sustainability to share their research and contribute towards meeting the grand challenges that we face both in the present and the future [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2024))

23 pages, 3082 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Performance Assessment Method for the Entire Service Life Cycle of Telescopic Cranes Based on Digital Twins

by Xuyang Cao, Shaozhang Cheng, Qingtao Ma and Kai Lin

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(18), 10121; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151810121 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

To address the health monitoring and safety assessment challenges of telescopic cranes, this study proposes a comprehensive, online structural performance assessment method based on digital twins, applicable throughout the entire service life cycle of telescopic cranes. The modeling of the telescopic boom and [...] Read more.

To address the health monitoring and safety assessment challenges of telescopic cranes, this study proposes a comprehensive, online structural performance assessment method based on digital twins, applicable throughout the entire service life cycle of telescopic cranes. The modeling of the telescopic boom and turntable, key components of the target telescopic crane, was carried out using ANSYS Workbench. Working condition sample points were generated through a hierarchical Latin hypercube sampling method, and finite element analysis was conducted to construct a simulation stress database. The fatigue life of the target telescopic crane was analyzed using ANSYS nCode DesignLife to estimate its expected fatigue life. The BayeFsian optimization algorithm was employed to optimize the hyperparameters of BO-LightGBM, which serves as the surrogate model for stress calculations. A digital twin system for the structural performance assessment of telescopic cranes was developed, with a structural performance assessment module at its core. The research findings provide valuable insights for crane structural performance assessments based on digital twin technology. Full article

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13 pages, 1951 KB

Open AccessReview

Cutaneous and Lymphangitic Infection Caused by Purpureocillium lilacinum in Immunocompromised Patients: A Case Report with a Narrative Review of the Literature

by Tommaso Lupia, Cristina Sarda, Francesca Canta, Marco Casarotto, Guido Accardo, Gabriele Roccuzzo, Nicole Macagno, Federica Gelato, Rebecca Senetta, Antonio Ottobrelli, Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa, Silvia Corcione, Simone Ribero, Pietro Quaglino and Paolo Fava

Life 2025, 15(9), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15091453 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background: Purpureocillium lilacinum (P. lilacinum) is an emerging filamentous fungus known to cause opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Formerly known as Paecilomyces lilacinus, this pathogen is widespread in the environment and can lead to a range of infections, from [...] Read more.

Background: Purpureocillium lilacinum (P. lilacinum) is an emerging filamentous fungus known to cause opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Formerly known as Paecilomyces lilacinus, this pathogen is widespread in the environment and can lead to a range of infections, from superficial skin lesions to invasive diseases. This article presents a case of deep cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis caused by P. lilacinum in a liver transplant patient, followed by a review of the literature focusing on new antifungal agents. Methods: We reported a brief case description followed by a narrative review of the literature regarding P. lilacinum cutaneous and lymphangitic infections in immunocompromised patients. Results: We conducted a review of the literature over the past 20 years, focusing on the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic outcomes of cutaneous and lymphangitic P. lilacinum infections in immunocompromised hosts. Conclusions: This review highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis through the analysis of biopsy samples using standard microbiological and histological techniques, complemented by innovative molecular biology methods. We also emphasise the role of appropriate antifungal treatment, despite the absence of an established standard of care, particularly in high-risk patients. Furthermore, we review and discuss the current lack of a standardised therapeutic regimen and the potential of novel antifungal agents as promising treatment options for P. lilacinum infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)

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14 pages, 782 KB

Open AccessArticle

Imaging and Microorganism Analyses of the Effects of Oral Bifidobacterium breve Intake on Facial Skin in Females: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

by Yuriko Nishikawa, Chendong Xu, Shin Yoshimoto, Noriko Katsumata, Noriyuki Iwabuchi, Naotake Yanagisawa, Shigeo Koido, Miyuki Tanaka, Jin-Zhong Xiao, Daisuke Asaoka, Toshifumi Ohkusa and Nobuhiro Sato

Nutrients 2025, 17(18), 2976; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17182976 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background: Oral probiotic intake is suggested to have positive effects on skin. We aimed to elucidate the effects of oral Bifidobacterium breve M-16V intake on skin by analyzing facial images, the skin myco/microbiota, and the gut microbiota. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, [...] Read more.

Background: Oral probiotic intake is suggested to have positive effects on skin. We aimed to elucidate the effects of oral Bifidobacterium breve M-16V intake on skin by analyzing facial images, the skin myco/microbiota, and the gut microbiota. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Japan. Healthy women aged over 30 years were randomly allocated to either the B. breve (1 × 1010 colony-forming units (CFU)/sachet, two sachets daily) or the placebo group and consumed the corresponding study food for 12 weeks. Facial images were taken at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 using VISIA evolution. Stool and skin samples were collected at weeks 0 and 12. The primary outcome was the change in the total VISIA score from baseline. Results: A total of 120 females aged 30–79 years were assigned to the B. breve (n = 59) or placebo (n = 61) group. The total VISIA score worsened in the placebo group at week 8 (p = 0.029) but not in the B. breve group. Compared with that of the placebo group, the VISIA brown spot score of the B. breve group improved at weeks 4 (p = 0.013) and 8 (p = 0.041). The VISIA pore score improved at weeks 4 (p = 0.013), 8 (p = 0.041), and 12 (p = 0.004) within the B. breve group. Genus-level analysis of the gut microbiota revealed a significant increase in Blautia abundance in the B. breve group. The frequency of adverse events was not different between the groups. Conclusions: Oral B. breve M-16V administration may suppress skin deterioration, including the appearance of brown spots, on the faces of adult females. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women)

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22 pages, 3509 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Quantile Mapping and Spatial Clustering for Robust Bias Correction of Satellite Precipitation in Data-Sparse Regions

by Ghazi Al-Rawas, Mohammad Reza Nikoo, Nasim Sadra and Farid Mousavi

Sustainability 2025, 17(18), 8321; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17188321 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Precipitation estimation is one of the main inputs of hydrological applications, agriculture, and disaster management, but satellite-based precipitation datasets often present biases and discrepancies compared to ground measurements, particularly for data-scarce regions. The present work discusses the development of a novel methodology that [...] Read more.

Precipitation estimation is one of the main inputs of hydrological applications, agriculture, and disaster management, but satellite-based precipitation datasets often present biases and discrepancies compared to ground measurements, particularly for data-scarce regions. The present work discusses the development of a novel methodology that merges quantile mapping with machine learning-based spatial clustering, aiming at enhancing the accuracy and reliability of satellite precipitation data. Results showed that quantile mapping, by aligning the distributional properties of satellite data with in situ measurements, reduced systematic biases. On the other hand, quantile mapping could not capture the extremes in precipitation merely by relying on a simple model complexity–performance trade-off. While increasing the number of clusters enhanced capturing spatial heterogeneity and extreme precipitation events, the benefit from using more clusters was really realized up to a point, as continued improvement in metrics beyond 10 clusters was marginal. Conversely, the extra clusters further did not provide any significant reductions in RMSE or Bias. This showed that the effect of further refinement in model performance showed diminishing returns. This hybrid quantile mapping and clustering framework provides a robust tool that can be adapted for enhancing satellite-based precipitation estimates and therefore has implications for data-poor areas where accurate precipitation information is key to sustainable water resource management, climate-resilient agricultural production, and proactive disaster preparedness that supports long-term environmental and socio-economic sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change, Hydrological Uncertainty and Sustainable Water Management)

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33 pages, 3390 KB

Open AccessArticle

Correlation Analysis and Dynamic Evolution Research on Safety Risks of TBM Construction in Hydraulic Tunnels

by Xiangtian Nie, Hui Yu, Jilan Lu, Peisheng Zhang and Tianyu Fan

Buildings 2025, 15(18), 3359; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15183359 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

To enhance the safety risk management and control capabilities for TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) construction in hydraulic tunnels, this study conducts a correlation analysis and dynamic evolution study of safety risks. Data were collected through multiple channels, including a literature review, on-site records, [...] Read more.

To enhance the safety risk management and control capabilities for TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) construction in hydraulic tunnels, this study conducts a correlation analysis and dynamic evolution study of safety risks. Data were collected through multiple channels, including a literature review, on-site records, and expert interviews. Grounded theory was employed for three-level coding to initially identify risk factors, and gray relational analysis was used for indicator optimization, ultimately establishing a safety risk system comprising 5 categories and 21 indicators. A multi-level hierarchical structure of risk correlation was established using fuzzy DEMATEL and ISM, which was then mapped into a Bayesian network (BN). The degree of correlation was quantified based on probabilistic information, leading to the construction of a risk correlation analysis model based on fuzzy DEMATEL–ISM–BN. Furthermore, considering the risk correlations, a safety risk evolution model for TBM construction in hydraulic tunnels was developed based on system dynamics. The validity of the model was verified using the AY project as a case study. The results indicate that the safety risk correlation structure for TBM construction in hydraulic tunnels consists of 7 levels, with the closest correlation found between “inadequate management systems” and “failure to implement safety training and technical disclosure”. As the number of interacting risk factors increases, the trend of risk level evolution also rises, with the interrelations within the management subsystem being the key targets for prevention and control. The most sensitive factors within each subsystem were further identified as adverse geological conditions, improper construction parameter settings, inappropriate equipment selection and configuration, weak safety awareness, and inadequate management systems. The control measures proposed based on these findings can provide a basis for project risk prevention and control. The main limitations of this study are that some probability parameters rely on expert experience, which could be optimized in the future by incorporating more actual monitoring data. Additionally, the applicability of the established model under extreme geological conditions requires further verification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Building Materials)

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16 pages, 260 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Homomorphic Encryption Schemes for Privacy and Security in Healthcare Data Management

by Henrique Jorge, Cristina Wanzeller and João Henriques

J. Cybersecur. Priv. 2025, 5(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcp5030074 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Ensuring data privacy and security in sensitive domains such as healthcare remains a critical challenge. Homomorphic Encryption (HE) offers a promising approach by enabling computations directly on encrypted data, but the diversity of available schemes requires careful evaluation before practical adoption. This work [...] Read more.

Ensuring data privacy and security in sensitive domains such as healthcare remains a critical challenge. Homomorphic Encryption (HE) offers a promising approach by enabling computations directly on encrypted data, but the diversity of available schemes requires careful evaluation before practical adoption. This work conducts a comparative study of six representative HE schemes: BGV, TFHE, Paillier, RSA without padding, BFV, and CKKS. It is adopted a five-step strategy, encompassing preprocessing, cryptographic setup, encryption, homomorphic execution, and decryption, applied to a healthcare dataset. Overall, the comparative analysis underscores that no single scheme is universally optimal. The choice of an HE scheme must be guided by the nature of the required operations, acceptable precision levels, and computational constraints of the target healthcare scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cryptography and Cryptology)

18 pages, 2524 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptional Consequences of MeCP2 Knockdown and Overexpression in Mouse Primary Cortical Neurons

by Mostafa Rezapour, Joshua Bowser, Christine Richardson and Metin Nafi Gurcan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(18), 9032; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26189032 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Rett syndrome (RTT) and MECP2 duplication syndrome, a subtype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are neurodevelopmental disorders caused by MeCP2 loss and gain of function, respectively. While MeCP2 is known to regulate transcription through its interaction with methylated DNA and chromatin-associated factors such [...] Read more.

Rett syndrome (RTT) and MECP2 duplication syndrome, a subtype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are neurodevelopmental disorders caused by MeCP2 loss and gain of function, respectively. While MeCP2 is known to regulate transcription through its interaction with methylated DNA and chromatin-associated factors such as topoisomerase IIβ (TOP2β), the downstream transcriptional consequences of MeCP2 dosage imbalance remain partially characterized. Here, we present a transcriptome-centered analysis of mouse primary cortical neurons subjected to MeCP2 knockdown (KD) or overexpression (OE), which model RTT and ASD-like conditions in parallel. Using a robust computational pipeline integrating generalized linear models with quasi-likelihood F-tests and Magnitude–Altitude Scoring (GLMQL-MAS), we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KD and OE relative to wild-type (WT) neurons. This study represents a computational analysis of secondary transcriptomic data aimed at nominating candidate genes for future experimental validation. Gene Ontology enrichment revealed both shared and condition-specific biological processes, with KD uniquely affecting neurodevelopmental and stress-response pathways, and OE perturbing extracellular matrix, calcium signaling, and neuroinflammatory processes. To prioritize robust and disease-relevant targets, we applied Cross-MAS and further filtered DEGs by correlation with MeCP2 expression and regulation directional consistency. This yielded 16 high-confidence dosage-sensitive genes that were capable of classifying WT, KD, and OE samples with 100% accuracy using PCA and logistic regression. Among these, RTT-associated candidates such as Plcb1, Gpr161, Mknk2, Rgcc, and Abhd6 were linked to disrupted synaptic signaling and neurogenesis, while ASD-associated genes, including Aim2, Mcm6, Pcdhb9, and Cbs, implicated neuroinflammation and metabolic stress. These findings establish a compact and mechanistically informative set of MeCP2-responsive genes, which enhance our understanding of transcriptional dysregulation in RTT and ASD and nominate molecular markers for future functional validation and therapeutic exploration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genes and Human Diseases: 3rd Edition)

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25 pages, 4796 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vision-Language Guided Semantic Diffusion Sampling for Small Object Detection in Remote Sensing Imagery

by Jian Ma, Mingming Bian, Fan Fan, Hui Kuang, Lei Liu, Zhibing Wang, Ting Li and Running Zhang

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(18), 3203; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17183203 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR), with its all-weather and all-day active imaging capability, has become indispensable for geoscientific analysis and socio-economic applications. Despite advances in deep learning–based object detection, the rapid and accurate detection of small objects in SAR imagery remains a major challenge [...] Read more.

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR), with its all-weather and all-day active imaging capability, has become indispensable for geoscientific analysis and socio-economic applications. Despite advances in deep learning–based object detection, the rapid and accurate detection of small objects in SAR imagery remains a major challenge due to their extremely limited pixel representation, blurred boundaries in dense distributions, and the imbalance of positive–negative samples during training. Recently, vision–language models such as Contrastive Language-Image Pre-Training (CLIP) have attracted widespread research interest for their powerful cross-modal semantic modeling capabilities. Nevertheless, their potential to guide precise localization and detection of small objects in SAR imagery has not yet been fully exploited. To overcome these limitations, we propose the CLIP-Driven Adaptive Tiny Object Detection Diffusion Network (CDATOD-Diff). This framework introduces a CLIP image–text encoding-guided dynamic sampling strategy that leverages cross-modal semantic priors to alleviate the scarcity of effective positive samples. Furthermore, a generative diffusion-based module reformulates the sampling process through iterative denoising, enhancing contextual awareness. To address regression instability, we design a Balanced Corner–IoU (BC-IoU) loss, which decouples corner localization from scale variation and reduces sensitivity to minor positional errors, thereby stabilizing bounding box predictions. Extensive experiments conducted on multiple SAR and optical remote sensing datasets demonstrate that CDATOD-Diff achieves state-of-the-art performance, delivering significant improvements in detection robustness and localization accuracy under challenging small-object scenarios with complex backgrounds and dense distributions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Object Detection in Remote Sensing Images Based on Artificial Intelligence)

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23 pages, 699 KB

Open AccessReview

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Metastasis to the Female Genital Tract: A Systematic Search and Review of Case Reports and Case Series

by Nektarios I. Koufopoulos, Abraham Pouliakis, Menelaos G. Samaras, Kostantinos Skarentzos, Theofanis Nastos, Ioannis Boutas, Adamantia Kontogeorgi, Magda Zanelli, Andrea Palicelli, Maurizio Zizzo, Giuseppe Broggi, Rosario Caltabiano, Serena Salzano, Dimitrios Goutas, Ioannis S. Pateras, John Syrios, Amanda Psyrri, Nikolaos Arkadopoulos and Ioannis G. Panayiotides

Diagnostics 2025, 15(18), 2356; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15182356 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the most common special type of breast carcinoma, accounting for 5–15% of all breast carcinoma cases. Its metastatic pattern differs from that of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type, with ILC metastases to the peritoneum, gastrointestinal tract, [...] Read more.

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the most common special type of breast carcinoma, accounting for 5–15% of all breast carcinoma cases. Its metastatic pattern differs from that of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type, with ILC metastases to the peritoneum, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract being more frequent. This literature review focuses on ILC cases with metastasis to the female genital tract (FGT). Searches were conducted in medical databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using specific keywords. Inclusion criteria centered on studies presenting one or more cases of patients with ILC metastasis to the FGT and English language publications. Exclusion criteria included articles that did not present original research findings, studies with insufficient data, and publications in languages other than English. A thorough analysis of 154 results from PubMed, 56 from Scopus, and 173 from Web of Science after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in the inclusion of 54 manuscripts describing 61 cases. The demographic, clinicopathological, and therapeutic aspects of ILC metastases to the FGT were reviewed and the differential diagnosis and prognosis for each anatomic location in the FGT were discussed separately. Our analysis of the data showed that the restricted mean survival time was 186 ± 30.7 months and that a negative ER on a secondary tumor was found to be linked to worse patient survival rates. Also of note is the fact that in 37.7% of cases there was involvement of multiple FGT anatomic locations and in 36% of cases there were metastases in organs or anatomic locations other than the FGT. To our knowledge, our study is the only one to describe the features of patients with secondary FGT involvement from ILC. Full article

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

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28 pages, 1206 KB

Open AccessReview

How Is Artificial Intelligence Transforming the Intersection of Pediatric and Special Care Dentistry? A Scoping Review of Current Applications and Ethical Considerations

by Ali A. Assiry, Rawan S. Alrehaili, Abdulaziz Mahnashi, Hadia Alkam, Roaa Mahdi, Razan Hakami, Reem Alshammakhy, Walaa Almallahi, Yomna Alhawsah and Ahmed S. Khalil

Prosthesis 2025, 7(5), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7050119 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing pediatric dentistry by supporting diagnostic accuracy, optimizing treatment planning, and improving patient care, especially for children with special needs. Previous studies explored various aspects of AI in pediatric dentistry and special care dentistry, predominantly focusing on clinical [...] Read more.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing pediatric dentistry by supporting diagnostic accuracy, optimizing treatment planning, and improving patient care, especially for children with special needs. Previous studies explored various aspects of AI in pediatric dentistry and special care dentistry, predominantly focusing on clinical implementation or technical advancements. However, no prior review has specifically addressed its application at the intersection of pediatric dentistry and special care dentistry, particularly with respect to ethical and environmental perspectives. Objective: This scoping review provides a comprehensive synthesis of AI technologies in pediatric dentistry with a dedicated focus on children with special health care needs. It aims to critically evaluate current applications and examine the clinical, ethical, and environmental implementation challenges unique to these populations. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to August 2025, using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible studies investigated AI applications in pediatric dental care or special needs contexts. Studies were synthesized narratively according to thematic domains. Results: Sixty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis identified nine domains of AI application: (1) diagnostic imaging and caries detection, (2) three-dimensional imaging, (3) interceptive and preventive orthodontics, (4) chatbots and teledentistry, (5) decision support, patient engagement and predictive analytics, (6) pain assessment and discomfort monitoring, (7) behavior management, (8) behavior modeling, and (9) ethical considerations and challenges. The majority of studies were conducted in general pediatric populations, with relatively few specifically addressing children with special health care needs. Conclusions: AI in pediatric dentistry is most developed in diagnostic imaging and caries detection, while applications in teledentistry and predictive analytics remain emerging, and areas such as pain assessment, behavior management, and behavior modelling are still exploratory. Evidence for children with special health care needs is limited and seldom validated, highlighting the need for focused research in this group. Ethical deployment of AI in pediatric dentistry requires safeguarding data privacy, minimizing algorithmic bias, preventing overtreatment, and reducing the carbon footprint of cloud-based technologies. Full article

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12 pages, 374 KB

Open AccessArticle

Neck Pain in Dental Education: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Neck Strength Differences

by Manuel B. Almeida, Marion Moreira, Paula Moleirinho-Alves and Raúl Oliveira

Muscles 2025, 4(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles4030040 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate if there are differences in neck strength between dental students in their fourth and fifth years, with and without neck pain. Neck muscle strength was assessed in flexion, extension, and lateral flexion to both sides using a handheld [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate if there are differences in neck strength between dental students in their fourth and fifth years, with and without neck pain. Neck muscle strength was assessed in flexion, extension, and lateral flexion to both sides using a handheld dynamometer while participants performed maximum voluntary isometric contractions with a make test procedure. Differences between groups were evaluated through a one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc comparison. Forty-three students (twenty-one fourth-year and twenty-two fifth-year students) participated in the study. Fifth-year students with neck pain (P5) (n = 14) showed less strength (p = 0.018) compared to the no-pain group (NP) (n = 15) in neck flexion and lateral flexion for both sides (p < 0.001). The fourth-year symptomatic students (P4) (n = 14) showed reduced right lateral flexion strength compared to the NP group (p = 0.035). No significant differences were observed in neck extension across all groups (p = 0.085). Our research indicates a progressive decline in neck muscle strength in flexion and lateral flexion among students with neck pain over their training years. Our findings suggest that this may be linked to the increasing mechanical demands of clinical practice during training, potentially affecting muscle balance and cervical function. This pain could be associated with changes in motor behavior and reduced cervical muscle strength. Full article

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15 pages, 692 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reputation and Guest Experience in Bali’s Spa Hotels: A Big Data Perspective

by Neila Aisha, Angellie Williady and Hak-Seon Kim

Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(4), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6040180 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study examines how psycholinguistic features of online reviews relate to guest satisfaction in Bali’s spa hotel market. Using LIWC-22 category rates from Google Maps reviews, a corpus of 15,560 quality-filtered reviews from ten leading spa hotels was analyzed. Exploratory factor analysis yielded [...] Read more.

This study examines how psycholinguistic features of online reviews relate to guest satisfaction in Bali’s spa hotel market. Using LIWC-22 category rates from Google Maps reviews, a corpus of 15,560 quality-filtered reviews from ten leading spa hotels was analyzed. Exploratory factor analysis yielded four interpretable dimensions—Social, Health and Wellness, Emotional Tone, and Lifestyle. In regressions predicting review star ratings (satisfaction), Social (β = 0.028) and Health and Wellness (β = 0.023) showed small but statistically detectable positive associations, whereas Emotional Tone (β = 0.006, t = 0.727) and Lifestyle (β = 0.004, t = 0.476) were not significant. The model’s explained variance is negligible (R² = 0.001; F = 5.283, p < 0.05), reflecting the many influences on ratings beyond review language; findings are interpreted as directional associations rather than predictive effects. Practically, the results point to prioritizing interpersonal service cues and wellness/treatment assurances, with tone monitoring being used for service-recovery signals. The design favors interpretability (validated, word-based categories; full-history snapshot) over black-box complexity, and transferability is Bali-specific and conditional on comparable market features. Future work should add contextual covariates (e.g., price and location), apply explicit temporal segmentation, extend to multilingual corpora, and triangulate text analytics with brief questionnaires and qualitative inquiry to strengthen validity and explanatory power. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science)

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10 pages, 483 KB

Open AccessArticle

Retinal and Choroidal Morphological Features Influencing Contrast Sensitivity in Retinitis Pigmentosa

by Francisco de Asís Bartol-Puyal, Beatriz Cordón Ciordia, Elisa Viladés Palomar, Carlos Santana Plata, Silvia Méndez-Martínez and Luis Pablo Júlvez

Medicina 2025, 61(9), 1681; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61091681 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: To find morphological features on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA) influencing contrast sensitivity (CS) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study enrolling 18 eyes of 18 patients with RP. They were examined [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: To find morphological features on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA) influencing contrast sensitivity (CS) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study enrolling 18 eyes of 18 patients with RP. They were examined with CSV1000-E (VectorVision) under mesopic conditions (logarithmic scale), spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT, Spectralis), swept-source OCT (SS-OCT, Triton), and OCTA (Triton). Automatic thickness measurements of every retinal layer were obtained in grids of 8 × 8 and 10 × 10 cubes. Foveal avascular zone and vascular densities (VD) were also analyzed. Statistical analysis included multiple lineal regression analyses, and a correlation analysis between age, axial length, and intraocular pressure, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Results: Mean age was 47.34 ± 13.77 years. Mean CS with 3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles/degree (c/d) was 1.48 ± 0.37, 1.51 ± 0.39, 1.00 ± 0.42, and 0.44 ± 0.39, respectively. The most related variables to 3 c/d frequency were nasal RFNL thickness (R² = 0.54) and central outer plexiform layer (OPL) (R² = 0.33). In case of 6 c/d frequency, it was central VD in deep plexus (R² = 0.66), and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) (R² = 0.22). As for 12 c/d frequency, it was central RNFL (R² = 0.50), and central VD in deep plexus (R² = 0.26). Regarding 18 c/d frequency, it was central RNFL (R² = 0.70). Conclusions: Central and nasal RNFL thickness seem to be main predictors of CS in patients with RP, as well as VD in deep retinal plexus. Others with limited influence might be central and nasal OPL thickness, and central RPE thickness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diagnosis and Therapies of Ocular Diseases)

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13 pages, 2720 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effect of Explant Physiology and Media Composition on Callogenesis of Vitellaria paradoxa Leaf Explants

by Moses Okao, Rohit Bharati and Eloy Fernández-Cusimamani

Horticulturae 2025, 11(9), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091127 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Vitellaria paradoxa (shea tree) is an economically and medicinally important species indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. Although the species holds substantial value, domestication efforts have been constrained, primarily due to the absence of efficient propagation alternatives, especially for the East African subspecies (V. [...] Read more.

Vitellaria paradoxa (shea tree) is an economically and medicinally important species indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. Although the species holds substantial value, domestication efforts have been constrained, primarily due to the absence of efficient propagation alternatives, especially for the East African subspecies (V. paradoxa subsp. nilotica) which remains understudied in tissue culture research. This study investigated the influence of leaf explant developmental stage and media composition on callogenesis and embryogenic potential in V. paradoxa subsp. nilotica. Thus, leaf explants from six distinct growth stages were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with various concentrations of 2,4-D, TDZ, NAA, and BAP. Callogenesis was significantly influenced by explant age, media strength, and specific PGR combinations. Results revealed that explants from Stage III (11–15 days) and Stage IV (16–20 days) exhibited the highest callus induction rates (up to 100%), particularly on half-strength MS media containing 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.5–1.0 mg/L TDZ. Histological analysis suggests that varying responses at the different stages relate to chloroplast distribution, trichome density/orientation, and vascular tissue maturity. Pro-embryogenic structures were successfully induced, representing a developmental milestone with strong prospects for advanced stages of differentiation. The findings also emphasize the importance of explant physiology and media formulation in developing regeneration protocols for V. paradoxa from leaf explants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Application of Tissue Culture to Horticulture)

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