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16 pages, 1054 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Bacillus subtilis Supplementation Levels on Fecal Microbiota and Metabolites in Goats

by Anmiao Chen, Hu Liu, Jiancheng Han, Donghong Zhu, Shiyang Huang, Mao Li, Xiaoyan Deng, Ke Wang, Qun Wu, Yuanting Yang, Weishi Peng, Meng Zeng, Wenji Wang, Xiaosong Zhang and Hanlin Zhou

Microorganisms 2025, 13(12), 2740; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13122740 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) supplementation on microbiota and metabolites in the feces of Leizhou goats. Eight Leizhou goats were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design according to their gender (nanny goats [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) supplementation on microbiota and metabolites in the feces of Leizhou goats. Eight Leizhou goats were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design according to their gender (nanny goats and billy goats) with a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments that included four B. subtilis additive doses (control [0 g/d; NC, BC], low [2.5 g/d, NL, BL], medium [5 g/d, NM, BM], and high [7.5 g/d, NH, BH]) and 28 d periods (n = 4 per group), each consisting of 27 d adaption and 1 d sample collection. After collecting 32 fecal samples, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC-MS were performed to analyze microbial composition and metabolites, respectively. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was significantly higher (p< 0.05) in the NM group than in the NC group. The relative abundance of Treponema sp. was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the NM group than in the NC group. In billy goats, the relative abundances of UCG-005 and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group were significantly higher (p< 0.05) in the BH group than in the BC group. The relative abundance of Treponema sp. was significantly lower (p< 0.05) in the BL, BM, and BH groups than in the BC group. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis revealed that B. subtilis significantly altered the concentrations of glucose metabolism modulators (1-deoxynojirimycin, 1-DNJ) and certain bioactive peptides. Many amino acid metabolic pathways were also enriched. Correlation analysis demonstrated close connections between differential metabolites and the top 10 bacterial genera in fecal samples. These results provide new insights into the impact of B. subtilis on the microbial community and metabolic profile of the feces of Leizhou goats. In this experiment, the appropriate doses of B. subtilis for nanny goats and billy goats were 5 g/d and 7.5 g/d, respectively, but the optimal doses still need to be verified based on performance-based feeding tests in the next study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary and Animal Gut Microbiota)

26 pages, 3362 KB

Open AccessArticle

UAS-Based Spectral and Phenological Modeling for Sustainable Mechanization and Nutrient Management in Horticultural Crops

by Alexis Suero, Emmanuel Torres-Quezada, Lorena López, Mark Reiter, Andre Biscaia and Fernando Fuentes-Peñailillo

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1451; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121451 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Potatoes are an economically important crop in Virginia, USA, where growers must balance planting dates, nitrogen (N) management, and variable crop prices. Early planting exposes crops to low temperatures that limit growth, whereas late planting increases pest pressure and nutrient inefficiency. This study [...] Read more.

Potatoes are an economically important crop in Virginia, USA, where growers must balance planting dates, nitrogen (N) management, and variable crop prices. Early planting exposes crops to low temperatures that limit growth, whereas late planting increases pest pressure and nutrient inefficiency. This study evaluated the effects of planting dates, N rates, and application timing on potato growth, yield, and pest incidence. We also assessed whether soil physicochemical properties could predict the presence of wireworms and plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) using complementary on-farm samples collected across Eastern Virginia between March and July 2023. Three planting dates (early-March, late-March, and early-April) were combined with five N rates (0, 146, 180, 213, and 247 kg N·ha⁻¹) under early- and late-application regimes. We collected data on plant emergence, flowering time, soil nitrate, biomass, tuber yield, pest damage, and UAS-derived metrics. Results showed that late-March planting with 180 kg N·ha⁻¹ achieved the highest gross profit while maintaining competitive yields (25.06 Mg·ha⁻¹), representing 24% and 6% improvements over traditional practices, respectively. Early-April planting produced the largest tubers, with a mean tuber weight 19% higher than the other planting dates. The Normalized Difference Red Edge Index (NDRE) was strongly correlated with N content in plant tissue (R² = 0.81; r ≈ 0.90), and UAS-derived plant area accurately predicted tuber yield 4–6 weeks before harvest (R² = 0.75). Wireworm damage was significantly higher in early-March plantings due to delayed insecticide application, while soil nitrate concentration and percent H saturation were identified as key predictors of wireworm presence. Although less effectively modeled due to limited sample size, PPN occurrence was influenced by potassium saturation and soil pH. Aligning planting dates and nitrogen applications with crop phenology, using growing degree days (GDD), enhanced nitrogen management, and yield prediction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of the Mechanization of Works for Horticultural Crops)

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14 pages, 751 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Combined Effect of Late Pruning and Apical Defoliation After Veraison on Kékfrankos (Vitis vinifera L.)

by Szabolcs Villangó, Katalin Patonay, Marietta Korózs and Zsolt Zsófi

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1450; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121450 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of late pruning and late apical leaf removal on grapevine phenology, fruit composition, yield parameters, xylem sap carbohydrate content, and grape skin polyphenol levels over two consecutive vintages (2022 and 2023). As expected, delayed pruning shifted the phenological [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of late pruning and late apical leaf removal on grapevine phenology, fruit composition, yield parameters, xylem sap carbohydrate content, and grape skin polyphenol levels over two consecutive vintages (2022 and 2023). As expected, delayed pruning shifted the phenological stages, with more pronounced delays observed in 2022 than in 2023. However, by August, all the treatments had reached the berry-softening stage, indicating a convergence in ripening. The grape juice composition showed no significant differences in sugar content in 2022; however, in 2023, the °Brix was notably reduced in control vines subjected to late apical defoliation. The titratable acidity and pH remained stable across treatments and years, while the malic acid concentrations were consistently higher in the late-pruned treatments, particularly LP2 (late pruning 2 was performed when the control vines had reached the eight-leaves-folded development stage). Late pruning significantly reduced the yield and bunch size, especially for the 2023 LP2 treatment. In contrast, late apical defoliation had minimal impact on the yield components. Vegetative growth, as assessed by cane diameter and weight, also declined under late pruning. Despite this, the xylem sap analysis revealed no significant changes in the glucose, fructose, or myo-inositol levels, suggesting that the carbohydrate reserves remained unaffected. Notably, LP2 consistently resulted in the highest total polyphenol content in the grape skins across both years, indicating enhanced phenolic maturity. Although the polyphenol concentrations were generally higher in 2023, the treatment effects varied more widely, likely due to the differing environmental conditions. These findings suggest that late pruning—particularly LP2—can be a valuable tool for improving grape phenolic quality, albeit at the cost of reduced yield and vine vigor. This study highlights the importance of site- and season-specific canopy management strategies in balancing fruit quality with productivity under variable climatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Viticulture)

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16 pages, 5755 KB

Open AccessArticle

Properties and Microstructure of TiSiC- and TiSiCN-Based Coatings Produced by RPS

by Lazat S. Baimoldanova and Bauyrzhan K. Rakhadilov

Crystals 2025, 15(12), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15121029 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This work presents a comparative study of TiSiC and TiSiCN composite coatings deposited on stainless steel by reactive plasma spraying using mechanically activated powders. Microstructure, phase composition, and hardness were assessed by SEM/EDS, XRD, and Vickers indentation, while corrosion, erosion, and high-temperature tribological [...] Read more.

This work presents a comparative study of TiSiC and TiSiCN composite coatings deposited on stainless steel by reactive plasma spraying using mechanically activated powders. Microstructure, phase composition, and hardness were assessed by SEM/EDS, XRD, and Vickers indentation, while corrosion, erosion, and high-temperature tribological behavior were systematically evaluated. The TiCN + SiC + Si system forms a stable TiC_xN₁₋_x solid solution with amorphous Si₃N₄ grain-boundary phases, leading to densification and enhanced chemical stability. Compared with TiSiC, TiSiCN coatings exhibit higher hardness (2599 N/mm², ≈324 HV), lower erosion loss (<1 mg), and stable friction coefficients (0.45–0.50 at 600 °C) due to protective oxide/nitride tribofilms. Electrochemical tests in 3.5 wt.% NaCl show a >6-fold reduction in corrosion rate (from 0.0506 to 0.008 mm·year⁻¹) relative to bare steel. Overall, TiSiCN coatings deposited at 500–600 A provide an optimal balance of hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance, indicating strong potential for gas-turbine and power-generation components operating in aggressive environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crystal Engineering)

27 pages, 13224 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spectral Prototype Attention Domain Adaptation for Hyperspectral Image Classification

by Weina Zhang, Runshan Hu, Jierui Wang, Lanlan Zhang and Chenyang Zhu

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(23), 3901; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17233901 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is often challenged by cross-scene domain shifts and limited target annotations. Existing approaches relying on class-agnostic moment matching or confidence-based pseudo-labeling tend to blur decision boundaries, propagate noise, and struggle with spectral overlap and class imbalance. We propose Spectral [...] Read more.

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is often challenged by cross-scene domain shifts and limited target annotations. Existing approaches relying on class-agnostic moment matching or confidence-based pseudo-labeling tend to blur decision boundaries, propagate noise, and struggle with spectral overlap and class imbalance. We propose Spectral Prototype Attention Domain Adaptation (SPADA), a framework that integrates an attention-guided spectral–spatial backbone with dual prototype banks and distance-based posterior modeling. SPADA performs global and class-conditional alignment through source supervision, kernel-based distribution matching, and prototype coupling, followed by diversity-aware active adaptation and confidence-calibrated refinement via prior-adjusted self-training. Across multiple cross-scene benchmarks in urban and inter-city scenarios, SPADA consistently outperforms strong baselines in overall accuracy, average accuracy, and Cohen’s

κ

, achieving clear gains on classes affected by spectral overlap or imbalance and maintaining low variance across runs, demonstrating robust and stable domain transfer. Full article

25 pages, 3674 KB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution and Risk Assessment of Copper Content in Soil and Tea of Tieguanyin Plantations in Anxi County, China

by Qiyu Zeng, Yuanyuan Zhan, Changwu Tao, Kaijun Feng, Jingya Zheng, Huogui Su and Yuede Wu

Toxics 2025, 13(12), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13121042 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Cu in tea leaves can be easily leached into the tea broth during brewing and ingested by humans; therefore, excessive accumulation of Cu in tea leaves may pose potential health risks. In this study, the relationship between soil Cu and Cu content in [...] Read more.

Cu in tea leaves can be easily leached into the tea broth during brewing and ingested by humans; therefore, excessive accumulation of Cu in tea leaves may pose potential health risks. In this study, the relationship between soil Cu and Cu content in tea plantations was investigated by analyzing 106 surface soil samples (0–20 cm) and their corresponding tea samples from Anxi County. The distribution of Cu, ecological risk, and early warning indicators were analyzed in both tea and soil samples. Research indicates that soil Cu content is classified into five grades in accordance with the Specifications for Geochemical Evaluation of Land Quality: Grade I (>29 mg/kg, accounting for 7.55%), Grade II (24~29 mg/kg, accounting for 2.83%), Grade III (21~24 mg/kg, accounting for 3.77%), Grade IV (16~21 mg/kg, accounting for 8.49%), and Grade V (≤16 mg/kg, accounting for 77.36%). The mean soil Cu content varied with the underlying rock type, following the order: sedimentary rocks > metamorphic rocks > magmatic rocks. The spatial distribution of soil Cu content was higher in the north and lower in the southeast and northwest, whereas tea Cu content was higher in the southeast and northwest and lower in the central region. Soil-forming parent materials, traffic emissions, and agricultural activities were identified as the main sources of soil Cu, while tea Cu content was mainly affected by soil Cu and agricultural activities. Importantly, soil Cu posed no significant ecological risks, and all tea samples had Cu contents within safe limits without significant toxicity or health hazards. This study innovatively integrates Cu source identification, spatial analysis, and dual-dimensional (soil–tea) risk assessment in a typical tea-producing area, providing a targeted scientific basis for the precise monitoring and management of soil Cu in tea plantations and ensuring compliance of soil and tea products with national safety standards. Full article

26 pages, 1154 KB

Open AccessReview

The Effect of Silver Nanoparticle Addition on the Antimicrobial Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Used for Fabrication of Dental Appliances: A Systematic Review

by Kacper Galant, Maja Podziewska, Maciej Chęciński, Kamila Chęcińska, Natalia Turosz, Dariusz Chlubek, Tomasz Korcz and Maciej Sikora

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311633 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used in modern dentistry, particularly in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery. To improve the properties of PMMA, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incorporated to enhance the antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects of this material. This study aims to evaluate [...] Read more.

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used in modern dentistry, particularly in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery. To improve the properties of PMMA, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incorporated to enhance the antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects of this material. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs as an additive to PMMA. Medical databases covered by the ACM, BASE, PubMed, and Scopus engines were searched. Of the 670 identified records, 23 studies were included that assessed the antibacterial and antifungal properties gained by incorporating AgNPs into PMMA. All of the studies included also contained a control group—PMMA without additives. Studies that evaluated nanoparticles other than AgNPs or materials other than PMMA were excluded. The data collected from the articles included the size and concentration of the nanoparticles, the method of sample preparation, sample size, information on the effect of nanoparticles on antimicrobial properties, and the contact time between the sample and the test tube containing fungi or bacteria. The data were presented in tables and graphs. The analysis indicated that increasing the weight percent concentration of AgNPs or extending the incubation time increases the antifungal efficacy. The result of Tau Kendall correlation showed that the pairs of data, concentration/incubation time and outcomes, are inversely proportional for fungi (p < 0.01). The results of the study are not entirely conclusive. Some limitations suggest the need for more standardized studies, which ideally should be conducted on human research groups and followed by a study of these properties and their effects on the human body. This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The protocol was submitted to the Open Science Framework Registries (1 December 2024). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine: 2nd Edition)

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6 pages, 674 KB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Venturing out of Overwinter Refuge: A Case of Winter Predation on Podarcis tauricus (Georgi, 1801) (Squamata: Lacertidae) by Lanius excubitor Linnaeus, 1758 (Aves: Laniidae) in Greece

by Apostolos Christopoulos, Christos Kotselis and Yiannis G. Zevgolis

Diversity 2025, 17(12), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120829 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Shrikes (Lanius spp.) are predatory passerines with a diverse diet that often includes lizards, yet their feeding ecology in Greece remains poorly documented. Here, we report the first case of the great grey shrike Lanius excubitor Linnaeus, 1758 preying on the Balkan [...] Read more.

Shrikes (Lanius spp.) are predatory passerines with a diverse diet that often includes lizards, yet their feeding ecology in Greece remains poorly documented. Here, we report the first case of the great grey shrike Lanius excubitor Linnaeus, 1758 preying on the Balkan wall lizard Podarcis tauricus (Georgi, 1801) in Greece. The observation was made in January 2023 in Central Macedonia under unusually mild winter conditions (~20 °C). The shrike captured and impaled an adult female lizard on a thorn. This record extends the known prey spectrum of the species and underscores the influence of climatic anomalies on predator–prey interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

18 pages, 2198 KB

Open AccessArticle

Air and Water Temperature Relationships in Major Polish Rivers and Their Long-Term Changes

by Mariusz Ptak, Mariusz Sojka, Katarzyna Szyga-Pluta and Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10737; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310737 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Large rivers are crucial for the functioning of individual regions and entire countries. However, despite their importance, relevant data allowing for a full assessment of the processes and phenomena occurring within them are often lacking. In the contemporary context, climate change has become [...] Read more.

Large rivers are crucial for the functioning of individual regions and entire countries. However, despite their importance, relevant data allowing for a full assessment of the processes and phenomena occurring within them are often lacking. In the contemporary context, climate change has become a key factor affecting river ecosystems, leading to transformations in one of their fundamental characteristics—thermal conditions. This study analyzes the relationships between air temperature and water temperature in the four largest rivers in Poland, using a diversified methodological approach (wavelet analysis, lag non-linear models, copula), which broadens the current understanding of rivers in Central Europe. All three analytical paths confirmed a strong relationship between the two media, forming a basis for further research aimed at addressing data gaps and determining the direction and rate of changes over the period 1965–2024. All cases showed a statistically significant positive trend, with rates varying slightly from 0.32 to 0.38 °C · decade⁻¹ (an average increase of 0.35 °C · decade⁻¹). The ongoing transformation of the thermal regime—its scale and rate—should be taken into account in interdisciplinary studies of river ecosystems, as well as by agencies responsible for water resource management. This issue is particularly important in the context of sustainable development, where the economic use and ecological condition of river systems are closely linked to water temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)

31 pages, 4044 KB

Open AccessArticle

Extended Necessary Conditions for Multi-Arc Aerospace Trajectory Optimization

by Mauro Pontani

Aerospace 2025, 12(12), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12121073 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

A variety of aerospace trajectory optimization problems are subject to either discontinuities or constraints at intermediate times, which define multiple arcs with distinctive governing equations. This work addresses multi-arc optimal control problems, with special interest regarding aerospace trajectories, and specifically focuses on the [...] Read more.

A variety of aerospace trajectory optimization problems are subject to either discontinuities or constraints at intermediate times, which define multiple arcs with distinctive governing equations. This work addresses multi-arc optimal control problems, with special interest regarding aerospace trajectories, and specifically focuses on the multipoint corner conditions that belong to the complete set of necessary conditions for an extremal, in the context of a general formulation. This includes intermediate times and states in the objective functional, together with unknown time-independent parameters. This study shows that 16 cases can occur for the multipoint corner conditions and groups them into three classes. Explicit, closed-form solutions of the multipoint corner relations are identified in each class, if certain conditions are met. In an indirect solution approach, these explicit expressions can be employed sequentially, thus reducing the number of unknowns of multi-arc problems to the same number of single-arc optimal control problems. This is extremely useful in the presence of a large number of arcs. Two challenging aerospace trajectory optimization problems are analyzed as illustrative examples, i.e., (i) the minimum-fuel ascent path of a multistage launch vehicle and (ii) minimum-time low-thrust orbit transfers with eclipse constraints on the available thrust. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimal Control in Astrodynamics)

19 pages, 1303 KB

Open AccessArticle

Path Optimization Algorithm for Airborne TSN Using Augmented Lagrangian and Bayesian Reliability Modelling

by Zhiming Zheng, Jizhou Lai, Jianfeng Miao, Chun Cheng, Chen Chen and Bo Gao

Aerospace 2025, 12(12), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12121074 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

With the rapid development of the civil aviation industry, the reliability and real-time performance of airborne data transmission are becoming increasingly important. The traditional airborne network cannot meet the future flight requirements of the aircraft. To ensure the reliable and real-time transmission of [...] Read more.

With the rapid development of the civil aviation industry, the reliability and real-time performance of airborne data transmission are becoming increasingly important. The traditional airborne network cannot meet the future flight requirements of the aircraft. To ensure the reliable and real-time transmission of data, the time-sensitive network introduces the Frame Replication and Elimination for Reliability (FRER) mechanism. The standard FRER mechanism defines the methods of frame replication and elimination of redundant frames. However, the description of how the replicated frames are transmitted is not in-depth. The frame replication and elimination function at the source and destination nodes will also reduce the reliability and real-time performance of the network. In order to realize the application of the time-sensitive network in the airborne network, this article independently builds an airborne time-sensitive network test simulation platform. It carries out in-depth research on improving the reliability of the network. It puts forward a path-finding algorithm based on a time-sensitive network with the FRER mechanism in response to the problem of low reliability of the selected data transmission paths in the airborne network. The algorithm integrates the constraints of transmission link delay and packet loss rate. It performs link reliability calculation before selecting redundant paths to obtain non-overlapping data transmission paths. The experimental results show that, compared with the dynamic link redundancy selection algorithm, the path delay is reduced by 21.51%. Compared with the multilevel P-cycle cascading algorithm, the path delay is reduced by 19.70%. At a 120 Mbps data transmission rate, the packet loss rate is reduced by 18.67% compared with the dynamic link redundancy selection algorithm. It is also reduced by 24.00% compared with the multilevel P-cycle cascading algorithm. These results show that the proposed method improves the reliability of data transmission in the airborne network. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aeronautics)

24 pages, 4017 KB

Open AccessArticle

Resilience Assessment and Governance Strategies for a Complex Watershed System: A Case Study of the Erhai Basin, China

by Biao Liu, Jinman Wang, Mengru Liu and Yutong Jiang

Land 2025, 14(12), 2354; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122354 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Ecological resilience serves as a critical foundation for regional ecological management. As a fundamental unit of ecological governance, a watershed integrates natural, economic, and social subsystems into a complex composite system. However, the mechanisms linking human activities, management behaviors, and natural processes to [...] Read more.

Ecological resilience serves as a critical foundation for regional ecological management. As a fundamental unit of ecological governance, a watershed integrates natural, economic, and social subsystems into a complex composite system. However, the mechanisms linking human activities, management behaviors, and natural processes to ecological resilience at the watershed scale remain poorly understood. To address this gap, this study takes China’s Erhai watershed as a representative case and develops an integrated evaluation framework for assessing the resilience of a watershed-scale natural–economic–social composite system. The framework combines resilience measurement, coupling coordination analysis, and scenario simulation using the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) method. The results indicate that the overall resilience of the Erhai watershed increased steadily from 2005 to 2020, with the average value rising from 0.23 to 0.42. However, spatial disparities in resilience widened, reflecting challenges of uncoordinated regional development. Fiscal revenue was identified as a key driver of resilience enhancement, as higher fiscal capacity promotes greater investment in ecological protection and environmental governance. Scenario simulations further revealed that the conservation-priority policy scenario achieved the highest resilience, characterized by stronger infrastructure development, improved environmental management, and increased investment in social security and health, supported by sustainable tourism. These findings provide theoretical and practical insights for promoting coordinated and resilient watershed governance in China and similar regions worldwide. Full article

17 pages, 1649 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Snow Albedo Simulation Considering Water Content

by Fengyu Li and Kun Wu

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(23), 3899; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17233899 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

By combining the Maxwell–Garnett mixing rule, Mie scattering, and the four-stream discrete ordinates adding method, a snow albedo model with explicit consideration of water content was constructed, and the influence of snow water content on snow albedo simulation was systematically analyzed. The results [...] Read more.

By combining the Maxwell–Garnett mixing rule, Mie scattering, and the four-stream discrete ordinates adding method, a snow albedo model with explicit consideration of water content was constructed, and the influence of snow water content on snow albedo simulation was systematically analyzed. The results indicate that liquid water content is the key factor contributing to significant changes in albedo in the near-infrared band. The albedo of snow with small particle sizes is more sensitive to water content. The water content in the surface layer of snow has a more pronounced effect on reducing albedo. The actual measurement cases at the stations on the Tibetan Plateau, Xinjiang, and Northeast China show that the model established here provides a good simulation of albedo accuracy, with a bias of −0.0069 and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.0583 compared to the observations. This indicates that the model has a strong ability to express physical mechanisms and performs stably in complex environments, thereby demonstrating good regional applicability. This model can also be applied to wet snow containing impurities in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Modelling and Measuring Snow Cover and Snow Albedo)

24 pages, 5207 KB

Open AccessArticle

Graph Neural Networks vs. Traditional QSAR: A Comprehensive Comparison for Multi-Label Molecular Odor Prediction

by Tengteng Wen, Xianfa Cai and Jincheng Li

Molecules 2025, 30(23), 4605; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30234605 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Molecular odor prediction represents a fundamental challenge in computational chemistry with significant applications in fragrance design, food science, and chemical safety assessment. While traditional Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) methods rely on hand-crafted molecular descriptors, recent advances in graph neural networks (GNNs) enable direct [...] Read more.

Molecular odor prediction represents a fundamental challenge in computational chemistry with significant applications in fragrance design, food science, and chemical safety assessment. While traditional Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) methods rely on hand-crafted molecular descriptors, recent advances in graph neural networks (GNNs) enable direct end-to-end learning from molecular graph structures. However, systematic comparison between these approaches for multi-label odor prediction remains limited. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of traditional QSAR methods compared with modern GNN approaches for multi-label molecular odor prediction. Using the GoodScent dataset containing 3304 molecules with six high-frequency odor types (fruity, green, sweet, floral, woody, herbal), we systematically evaluate 23 model configurations across traditional machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, SVM, GBDT, MLP, XGBoost, LightGBM) with three feature-processing strategies and three GNN architectures (GCN, GAT, NNConv). The results demonstrate that GNN models achieve significantly superior performance, with GCN achieving the highest macro F1-score of 0.5193 compared to 0.4766 for the best traditional method (MLP with basic preprocessing), representing a 24.1% relative improvement. Critically, we discover that threshold optimization is essential for multi-label chemical classification. These findings establish GNNs as the preferred approach for molecular property prediction tasks and provide crucial insights for handling class imbalance in chemical informatics applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Natural Volatile Organic Compounds (NVOCs))

20 pages, 7167 KB

Open AccessArticle

Friction and Wear Performances of Stainless Steel Archwires After Corrosion in Oral Care Products

by Cong Zhang, Minghui Hao, Shiqi Cheng and Pengfei Wang

Lubricants 2025, 13(12), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13120525 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

To elucidate the corrosion mechanism of orthodontic archwire in fluoride-containing environments, the friction and wear behavior of archwires following corrosion in fluoride-containing oral care products was investigated. Stainless steel archwires were soaked in solutions of fluoride-free toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste, fluoride-free mouthwash, fluoride mouthwash, [...] Read more.

To elucidate the corrosion mechanism of orthodontic archwire in fluoride-containing environments, the friction and wear behavior of archwires following corrosion in fluoride-containing oral care products was investigated. Stainless steel archwires were soaked in solutions of fluoride-free toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste, fluoride-free mouthwash, fluoride mouthwash, and sodium monofluorophosphate, followed by friction testing against brackets. The average friction coefficient of the archwire–bracket tribopair increased gradually from 0.17 to 0.28 with prolonged immersion time in the fluoride-containing solution, accompanied by a progressive increase in the wear scar area on the archwire surface. In the fluoride toothpaste solution, the archwire exhibited a corrosion potential and current density of –301.8 mV and 0.348 μA/cm², respectively, indicating a higher susceptibility to corrosion. Analysis of wear debris revealed significant enrichment of fluorine and oxygen elements on the archwire surface after exposure to fluoride-containing solutions, consistent with pronounced corrosion damage. Integration of friction results and surface characterization elucidated the corrosion mechanism in fluoride-containing environments. It was proposed that fluoride ions facilitated the formation of micro-batteries, while active fluoride species accelerated the dissolution of nickel from the archwire surface and promoted oxygen accumulation, thus driving sustained electrochemical corrosion. This progressive surface degradation ultimately exacerbated the friction and wear of the archwire–bracket tribopair. Full article

26 pages, 2426 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Prediction and Early Warning of Water Environmental Carrying Capacity Based on Kernel Density Estimation Method and Markov Chain Model

by Weijun He, Liang Zhao, Yang Kong, Qingling Peng, Liang Yuan, Thomas Stephen Ramsey, Dagmawi Mulugeta Degefu and Xuexue Wu

Water 2025, 17(23), 3414; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17233414 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Water environmental carrying capacity (WECC) is an important support for social and economic development and is closely related to regional production and consumption patterns. Exploring the level of WECC and its evolution trend is very urgent for the scientific formulation of targeted early [...] Read more.

Water environmental carrying capacity (WECC) is an important support for social and economic development and is closely related to regional production and consumption patterns. Exploring the level of WECC and its evolution trend is very urgent for the scientific formulation of targeted early warning control strategies. Therefore, this study first constructs the index system of WECC with a DPSIR model, and conducts the quantitative evaluation by combining the Kantiray Weighting method and the TOPSIS method. Then, the Kernel Density Estimation method and the Markov Chain model are applied to explore the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of WECC and predict its evolution trend. Finally, a case study of 17 municipal administrative regions in Hubei Province is carried out. The main findings are as follows: (1) The WECC status in Hubei Province during 2013–2022 was generally satisfactory and showed a trend of fluctuating improvement. (2) The spatial agglomeration effect of WECC in Hubei Province was significant, showing a distribution pattern of “high-high” agglomeration and “low-low” agglomeration. The improvement of the WECC in eastern Hubei was obvious, while that in central Hubei was slower, and the cities with a lower level of WECC had a more significant improvement effect. (3) Overall, the WECC of cities in Hubei Province tends to shift to a higher level. In a short period of time, the grade improvement of urban WECC in Hubei Province is more likely to occur between adjacent grades. With the increase in time span, the probability of this transition rises gradually. This study has proposed a set of methods for the evaluation and prediction of WECC status, which can provide important decision-making guidance for the early warning and regulation of regional differentiated WECC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources, Economic Development and Environment Carrying Capacity)

24 pages, 8048 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Design of a CubeSat-Compatible X-Ray Photovoltaic Payload Using Timepix3 Sensors

by Ashraf Farahat, Juan Carlos Martinez Oliveros and Stuart D. Bale

Aerospace 2025, 12(12), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12121072 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the use of Si and CdTe-based Timepix3 detectors for photovoltaic energy conversion using solar X-rays and other high-energy electromagnetic radiation in space. As space missions increasingly rely on miniaturized platforms like CubeSats, power generation in compact and radiation-prone environments remains [...] Read more.

This study investigates the use of Si and CdTe-based Timepix3 detectors for photovoltaic energy conversion using solar X-rays and other high-energy electromagnetic radiation in space. As space missions increasingly rely on miniaturized platforms like CubeSats, power generation in compact and radiation-prone environments remains a critical challenge. Conventional solar panels are limited by size and spectral sensitivity, prompting the need for alternative energy harvesting solutions—particularly in the high-energy X-ray domain. A novel CubeSat-compatible payload design incorporates a UV-visible filter to isolate incoming X-rays, which are then absorbed by semiconductor detectors to generate electric current through ionization. Laboratory calibration was performed using Fe-55, Ba-133, and Am-241 sources to compare spectral response and clustering behaviour. CdTe consistently outperformed Si in detection efficiency, spectral resolution, and cluster density due to its higher atomic number and material density. Equalization techniques further improved pixel threshold uniformity, enhancing spectroscopic reliability. In addition to experimental validation, simulations were conducted to quantify the expected energy conversion performance under orbital conditions. Under quiet-Sun conditions at 500 km LEO, CdTe absorbed up to 1.59 µW/cm² compared to 0.69 µW/cm² for Si, with spectral power density peaking between 10 and 20 keV. The photon absorption efficiency curves confirmed CdTe’s superior stopping power across the 1–100 keV range. Under solar flare conditions, absorbed power increased dramatically, up to 159 µW/cm² for X-class and 15.9 µW/cm² for C-class flares with CdTe sensors. A time-based energy model showed that a 10 min X-class flare could yield nearly 1 mJ/cm² of harvested energy. These results validate the concept of a compact photovoltaic payload capable of converting high-energy solar radiation into electrical power, with dual-use potential for both energy harvesting and radiation monitoring aboard small satellite platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Small Satellite Missions (2nd Edition))

16 pages, 1245 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Immune Landscape of Canine Soft Tissue Sarcomas as a Model for Human Soft Tissue Sarcomas

by Regina Hayburn, Dongjun Chung, Arkobato Gupta, Shane Sills, Jennifer Wu, Andy Ambrus, Weiqing Jing, Juliana Ng, Pablo Penaloza-MacMaster, Aubrie Selmek, Seth M. Pollack and Shay Bracha

Cancers 2025, 17(23), 3860; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17233860 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) remain a therapeutic challenge due to their limited response to radiation and conventional chemotherapies. While recent advances in immunotherapy have improved outcomes in several cancers, these strategies have been largely disappointing in STS patients. Naturally occurring STS in [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) remain a therapeutic challenge due to their limited response to radiation and conventional chemotherapies. While recent advances in immunotherapy have improved outcomes in several cancers, these strategies have been largely disappointing in STS patients. Naturally occurring STS in dogs have been suggested as a spontaneous, immunocompetent model of human STS, but further characterization of its tumor immune microenvironment is needed to validate its relevance. This study aimed to identify the shared immune-related components of canine and human STS and to determine how these factors influence the tumor biology, progression, and prognosis. Results: Data from 75 dogs with STS was analyzed. In addition, we characterized the tumor immune microenvironment using immunohistochemistry and compared gene expression between canine and human STS. Progression-free survival and time to metastasis was significantly longer in castrated males in comparison to females. In addition, dogs with appendicular tumors had better progression- and recurrence-free survival, whereas tumor recurrence following surgical excision was associated with a shorter time to metastasis. Immunohistochemistry revealed infiltration of CD204⁺ cells in most of the tumors examined, and disease-free intervals were shorter in dogs with tumors exhibiting FOXP3⁺ cell infiltration. Gene expression profiling demonstrated similarities between canine STS and human undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas, with MYC dysregulation emerging as a poor prognostic indicator for dogs. Conclusion: The comparative analysis between the human and canine STS microenvironment offers a valuable insight into the clinical behavior and immune landscape of canine STS, underscoring its potential as a relevant preclinical model for the translation and development of future immunotherapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tumor Microenvironment)

17 pages, 3257 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Provenance of Tremolite Jade Artifacts from the Fangjiagang Cemetery of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Hubei, China

by Qian Zhong, Qifang Xiang, Xing Xu, Jun Shu, Ping Li, Xiang Zhang and Yungui Liu

Minerals 2025, 15(12), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15121273 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Hubei Province is a significant center for cultural and trade exchange in Central China. However, since no nephrite deposit has been discovered in Hubei, nephrite artifacts excavated within its jurisdiction must have been obtained from other regions. Tracing their provenance can contribute to [...] Read more.

Hubei Province is a significant center for cultural and trade exchange in Central China. However, since no nephrite deposit has been discovered in Hubei, nephrite artifacts excavated within its jurisdiction must have been obtained from other regions. Tracing their provenance can contribute to our understanding of the trade exchange between ancient Hubei and other regions. In this study, the appearance, spectroscopy, and chemical compositions of nephrite artifacts excavated from the Fangjiagang Cemetery of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Hubei Province, were systematically studied, and their provenance was discussed. The characteristics of a weathered layer of raw nephrite material retained in one of the jade artifacts (M22:5) indicate it should be made from the placer nephrite of Hetian, Xinjiang. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirms that both the whitened and unwhitened areas in the samples are composed of tremolite, indicating that the whitening mechanism should be attributed to the etched structures caused by weathering rather than a change in the major mineral composition caused by high temperature. When no obvious appearance-based characteristics remain, chemical compositions become a crucial tool for discussing the provenance of jade artifacts. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns for the samples suggest that their formation is associated with granite intrusion, implying that the placer nephrite of Hetian, Xinjiang; Xiuyan nephrite, Liaoning; Golmud nephrite, Qinghai; Xiaomeiling nephrite, Jiangsu; Vitim nephrite, Russia; and Chuncheon nephrite, South Korea, are potential sources. However, the trace element spider diagrams for the samples show a better match with those of the placer nephrite of Hetian. The placer nephrite of Hetian was used in Fangjiagang Cemetery, indicating that the trade exchange between the Eastern Zhou dynasty and the Hetian area had already been established. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gems Under the Microscope: New Insights into Mineral Structures and Properties)

20 pages, 996 KB

Open AccessReview

SGLT2 Inhibitors Confer Cardiovascular Protection via the Gut-Kidney-Heart Axis: Mechanisms and Translational Perspectives

by Yimei Tao, Ning Zhang, Zhaoxiang Wang, Ying Pan, Shao Zhong and Hongying Liu

J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(12), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12120471 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated significant cardiovascular and renal benefits beyond glycemic control, yet their integrated mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Emerging evidence highlights the gut-kidney-heart axis as a pivotal pathological network, wherein gut dysbiosis, toxic metabolite accumulation, intestinal barrier disruption, and [...] Read more.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated significant cardiovascular and renal benefits beyond glycemic control, yet their integrated mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Emerging evidence highlights the gut-kidney-heart axis as a pivotal pathological network, wherein gut dysbiosis, toxic metabolite accumulation, intestinal barrier disruption, and systemic inflammation synergistically drive cardiorenal injury. This review systematically elucidates how SGLT2i modulate this axis through multi-level interventions: reshaping gut microbiota composition, enriching short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, suppressing trimethylamine and other toxin-generating microbes, restoring tight junction integrity, and regulating bile acid metabolism. These upstream effects reduce systemic inflammatory and metabolic stress, interrupt kidney-derived toxin amplification, and mitigate myocardial remodeling. Unlike previous reviews focusing on single-organ pathways, this work integrates microecological regulation, metabolite reprogramming, and cross-organ protection into a unified “three-axis convergence to the heart” framework. We also highlight potential species-specific microbiota regulatory profiles among different SGLT2i and propose future directions, including fecal microbiota transplantation and microbiota-targeted co-therapies, to clarify causal relationships and optimize therapeutic strategies. By positioning the gut as a modifiable upstream driver, this framework provides novel mechanistic insight and translational potential for expanding SGLT2i applications in metabolic cardiovascular disease, including in non-diabetic populations. Full article

28 pages, 1897 KB

Open AccessReview

From Synaptic Plasticity to Neurotoxicity: Endocannabinoid Influence on Addiction and Neurodegeneration

by Balapal S. Basavarajappa and Shivakumar Subbanna

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11632; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311632 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (eCBS) is a versatile neuromodulatory network that orchestrates synaptic plasticity, reward processing, and neuronal homeostasis. Increasing evidence implicates eCBS dysregulation in both addiction and neurodegenerative (ND) disorders, suggesting overlapping molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these conditions. This review synthesizes recent [...] Read more.

The endocannabinoid system (eCBS) is a versatile neuromodulatory network that orchestrates synaptic plasticity, reward processing, and neuronal homeostasis. Increasing evidence implicates eCBS dysregulation in both addiction and neurodegenerative (ND) disorders, suggesting overlapping molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these conditions. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding how eCBS components—cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), and their metabolic enzymes—modulate dopaminergic and glutamatergic signaling within reward and reinforcement circuits. Chronic exposure to drugs of abuse, including alcohol, opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine, perturbs eCBS homeostasis, promoting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein aggregation—pathological features common to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These overlapping mechanisms disrupt neuronal integrity and contribute to progressive neurotoxicity, highlighting shared pathogenic pathways between addiction and neurodegeneration. Despite these advances, critical gaps remain in delineating how substance-induced eCBS alterations precipitate neurodegenerative cascades. Addressing these gaps will be essential for harnessing the eCBS as a therapeutic target to mitigate addiction-driven neurotoxicity and age-related cognitive decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Synapse to Substance Use: Endocannabinoids and Cannabinoid Receptors in Brain Plasticity and Addiction Circuits)

28 pages, 2476 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gene Polymorphisms Determining Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Levels and Endometriosis Risk

by Tatiana Ponomareva, Oxana Altukhova, Maria Churnosova, Inna Aristova, Evgeny Reshetnikov, Mikhail Churnosov and Irina Ponomarenko

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11630; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311630 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent disease, in the pathophysiology of which sex hormones (androgens, estrogens, etc.) are involved. The level of bioactive androgens/estrogens (in the free state) in the organism largely depends on sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds/transports a significant portion of the [...] Read more.

Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent disease, in the pathophysiology of which sex hormones (androgens, estrogens, etc.) are involved. The level of bioactive androgens/estrogens (in the free state) in the organism largely depends on sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds/transports a significant portion of the androgens/estrogens of the body and, due to this, changes the amount of these hormones in a free state (bioactive), which may be important in the development of endometriosis. The study was devoted to identifying the link between the genetic determinants (single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) of SHBG (according to predating genome-wide associative studies [GWAS]) and the risk of endometriosis in the Caucasian women of Russia. The study was accomplished on a total sample of 1368 women (395 endometriosis; 973 endometriosis free [controls]). Nine loci with an impact on SHBG level in predating GWAS have been examined. The search for associations of these loci with endometriosis was carried out: both their independent effects and interlocus interactions with an in silico interpretation of the functionality/pathways in which endometriosis-related loci and strongly linked SNPs were involved have been evaluated. Polymorphic locus rs440837 (A > G) ZBTB10 correlated with endometriosis development (recessive genetic model): the SHBG-raising genotype GG rs440837 (A > G) ZBTB10 serves as a risk factor for the disease formation; its presence in the genotype almost doubles the risk of endometriosis (OR = 1.91; 95%CI = 1.13–2.98; p_perm = 0.024; power = 81.13%). The SHBG-impacts of 7 SNPs from 9 analyzed loci such as rs17496332 (A > G) PRMT6, rs780093 (C > T) GCKR, rs10454142 (T > C) PPP1R21, rs3779195 (T > A) BAIAP2L1, rs440837 (A > G) ZBTB10, rs7910927 (G > T) JMJD1C, and rs8023580 (T > C) NR2F2 interacting with each other have been endometriosis-associated. Endometriosis-causal SNP rs440837 (A > G) ZBTB10 and 5 proxy SNPs determine the DNA interaction in the region of 3 genes (RP11-48B3.3, RP11-48B3.4, ZBTB10) with 22 transcription factors and, due to this, affect the processes of development of the endocrine system, gene transcription regulation, TGF-beta signaling pathway, regulation of cell proliferation/differentiation, etc. In conclusion, the results of this study showed the endometriosis risk effect of the SHBG-impact polymorphic variants. Full article

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

19 pages, 1850 KB

Open AccessArticle

PET-Driven Fluorescence Modulation in Halochromic Styryl Hemicyanine Dyes Targeting DNA Minor Groove

by Teodora Aleksandrova, Aleksandar Pashev, Sonia Ilieva, Raimundo Gargallo, Diana Cheshmedzhieva and Aleksey Vasilev

Molecules 2025, 30(23), 4607; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30234607 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

A new series of styryl hemicyanine dyes featuring substituted N-phenylpiperazine end groups was synthesized using an environmentally friendly procedure. The photophysical properties of the dyes were systematically investigated in organic solvents of varying polarity and when bound to DNA, using a combination [...] Read more.

A new series of styryl hemicyanine dyes featuring substituted N-phenylpiperazine end groups was synthesized using an environmentally friendly procedure. The photophysical properties of the dyes were systematically investigated in organic solvents of varying polarity and when bound to DNA, using a combination of spectroscopic techniques. The dyes show strong negative solvatochromism and exhibit fluorescence quenching upon DNA binding. The dyes are definitely halochromic, exhibiting pronounced fluorescent acidochromism, accompanied by a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) effect. Titration with acid of the dye–DNA complexes restores fluorescence, indicating suppression of the PET and, at the same time, rigidizing of the chemical structure. UV/VIS and fluorescence titration, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and molecular docking methods were used to investigate the interaction mode between the dyes and DNA. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) quantum chemical calculations were employed in deciphering the observed spectroscopic behavior and PET-related effects. The obtained results suggest the dyes’ potential as pH-responsive fluorescent probes for nucleic acid environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterocyclic Compounds: Synthesis, Application and Theoretical Study)

12 pages, 283 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transient Hepatitis B Surface Antigenemia Following Immunization with the Adjuvanted Hepatitis B Vaccine Fendrix^®

by Virginia Fernández Espinilla, Paula Ardura Agudín, Daniel Leonardo Sánchez-Carmona, Sandra Sanz Ballesteros, Kenia Piedad Cobo Campuzano, Cristina Hernán García, José Javier Castrodeza Sanz and María del Camino Prada García

Vaccines 2025, 13(12), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13121216 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Serological screening for HBV is standard in hemodialysis, and vaccination is recommended for non-immune patients. Objective: To determine the cause of positive HBsAg detected shortly after vaccination. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary hemodialysis unit. Patients with HBsAg reactivity [...] Read more.

Background: Serological screening for HBV is standard in hemodialysis, and vaccination is recommended for non-immune patients. Objective: To determine the cause of positive HBsAg detected shortly after vaccination. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary hemodialysis unit. Patients with HBsAg reactivity after receiving the adjuvanted HBV vaccine (Fendrix^®) were followed with serial serology until HBsAg clearance. Results: Forty-four patients were monitored; seven (15.9%) tested HBsAg-positive 1–7 days post-vaccination, with no evidence of acute hepatitis, prior HBV infection, transplantation, or chronic immunosuppression. Six cleared HBsAg on repeat testing; one remained positive until day 19, with HBsAg as the only marker. Conclusions: Vaccine-related transient HBsAg antigenemia can occur shortly after immunization. Recognizing this phenomenon and timing routine serology appropriately can prevent misinterpretation and unnecessary workups in CKD patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hepatitis Virus Vaccines)

14 pages, 2694 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prenatal Diagnosis and Postnatal Outcomes of Fetal ADPKD: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

by Suhra Kim, Ju-hee Yoon, Yun Ji Jung, Hayan Kwon, JoonHo Lee, Ja-Young Kwon and Young-Han Kim

Medicina 2025, 61(12), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122145 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary renal disorder; it is typically diagnosed in adulthood, but occasionally presents antenatally as very-early onset ADPKD. Despite advances in prenatal ultrasonography, knowledge regarding the postnatal course of fetal ADPKD remains limited, [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary renal disorder; it is typically diagnosed in adulthood, but occasionally presents antenatally as very-early onset ADPKD. Despite advances in prenatal ultrasonography, knowledge regarding the postnatal course of fetal ADPKD remains limited, restricting reliable prognostic assessment and prenatal counselling. This study aimed to evaluate the prenatal sonographic features of fetal ADPKD and their correlation with postnatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 20 cases of prenatally suspected ADPKD diagnosed at a single tertiary referral center between 2006 and 2024. Prenatal ultrasonographic findings including renal size, cortical echogenicity, corticomedullary differentiation (CMD), and cortical cysts were analyzed and correlated with postnatal clinical and genetic outcomes. Postnatal follow-up data, including renal function and progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD), were collected with a median follow-up of 93.6 months. Results: The most consistent prenatal ultrasonographic findings were increased cortical echogenicity (85%), increased CMD (75%), and renal enlargement (35%), with cortical cysts detected in 45% of cases. Amniotic fluid volume was preserved in most cases (80%). Postnatally, most infants maintained normal or near-normal renal function, although two progressed to CKD. Both CKD cases demonstrated absent CMD on prenatal imaging. Sonographic features resembling autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) were associated with adverse outcomes. Although CMD severity showed no correlation with short-term neonatal outcomes, loss of CMD may still serve as a potential early indicator of long-term renal dysfunction. Conclusions: Fetal ADPKD was associated with heterogeneous postnatal outcomes. Loss of CMD and ARPKD-like sonographic appearances may be associated with adverse prognosis, whereas most infants maintained preserved renal function. Early recognition of ADPKD is crucial for accurate counselling, appropriate perinatal management, and long-term surveillance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Diseases During Pregnancy: Third Edition)

23 pages, 7505 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Organ Toxicity of Combined PFOS/PS Exposure and Its Application in Network Toxicology

by Qi Liu, Xianghui Ma, Jiaming Liu and Yan Liu

Biology 2025, 14(12), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121714 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has been widely utilized in products such as cotton textiles, hydraulic oils, coatings, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. Now it is widely distributed in various environmental media, wildlife, and human bodies. Polystyrene (PS) as a kind of plastics, their products under the [...] Read more.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has been widely utilized in products such as cotton textiles, hydraulic oils, coatings, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. Now it is widely distributed in various environmental media, wildlife, and human bodies. Polystyrene (PS) as a kind of plastics, their products under the physical, chemical, and biological decomposition in the environment are widely distributed in the air, soil, oceans, surface water, and sediments. However, PS and PFOS often coexist in the environment, making the study of their combined exposure mechanisms more aligned with actual conditions. This research integrates network toxicology and molecular biology techniques to predict the toxicity and common differentially expressed gene enrichment pathways of PFOS and PS. This study investigates the toxic effects of combined exposure to PFOS and PS on the mouse growth and development, immune functions, and other aspects. Additionally, it delves into the expression differences in various genes in mice after stimulation by PFOS and PS, the pathological changes in multiple organs, and the toxic effects on organs such as the liver, kidneys, and intestines. The results reveal that combined exposure to PFOS and PS does not significantly damage the kidney but leads to morphological damage in the liver and intestinal tissues, reduced antioxidant capacity, and the occurrence of inflammation. Based on the network toxicology findings, it is hypothesized that during combined exposure to PFOS and PS, the exacerbation of inflammatory responses further mediates the reduction in antioxidant capacity and the intensification of oxidative stress, ultimately resulting in tissue damage. This study provides innovative theoretical and research directions for the detection and prevention of combined exposure to PFOS and PS, offering a new paradigm for toxicological research, with significant theoretical and practical implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Toxicology)

14 pages, 1749 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Dominance of Attentional Focus in Sitting Postural Control Among Patients with Stroke and the Characteristics of the Disconnectome

by Shun Sawai, Shin Murata, Ken Ito, Shoya Fujikawa, Ryosuke Yamamoto, Yusuke Shizuka, Naoki Shimizu, Takato Nishida and Hideki Nakano

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(23), 8515; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14238515 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Attentional focus, wherein motor performance differs between internal focus (IF), which directs attention to body parts, and external focus (EF), which directs attention to the external environment, has exhibited a dominance that enhances performance in healthy participants, whereby IF-dominant and EF-dominant [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Attentional focus, wherein motor performance differs between internal focus (IF), which directs attention to body parts, and external focus (EF), which directs attention to the external environment, has exhibited a dominance that enhances performance in healthy participants, whereby IF-dominant and EF-dominant groups show higher performance under IF and EF conditions, respectively. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to verify the dominance of attentional focus in sitting postural control among patients with stroke and explored the involvement of the disconnectome in the dominance of attentional focus. Methods: Stroke survivors performed sitting postural control tasks under IF and EF conditions to evaluate attentional focus dominance. The severity of white matter disconnection was calculated using brain imaging analysis and compared between the IF-dominant and EF-dominant groups. Results: The results showed a dominance of attentional focus in sitting postural control in patients with stroke. Performance in the IF condition influenced the dominance of attentional focus. The EF-dominant group exhibited a higher disconnection severity in the corticostriatal tract (posterior). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of customized interventions based on the dominance of attentional focus to improve sitting postural control abilities in patients with stroke. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Neurology)

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