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16 pages, 260 KB  
Article
The Effect of Outdoor Activity Intention on Depressive Mood: The Mediating Role of Outdoor Activity Frequency
by Fuxiang Yu, Chuntian Lu and Zhengbing Guo
Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3047; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233047 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background: With rapid urbanization, mental health challenges such as depression and emotional distress are becoming increasingly common. Contact with natural environments has been shown to improve mental health, yet most studies focus on direct associations between environmental exposure and mental health. The behavioral [...] Read more.
Background: With rapid urbanization, mental health challenges such as depression and emotional distress are becoming increasingly common. Contact with natural environments has been shown to improve mental health, yet most studies focus on direct associations between environmental exposure and mental health. The behavioral mechanisms underlying these benefits remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate whether outdoor activity frequency mediates the relationship between individuals’ intention to engage in outdoor activities and depressive mood. Methods: We used data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and supported by Stress Recovery Theory (SRT) and Attention Restoration Theory (ART), we constructed a mediation model. Ordinary Least Squares regression, ordered logistic regression, and mediation analysis were applied to assess the relationships among outdoor activity intention, activity frequency, and depressive mood. Results: The analyses revealed three main findings. First, outdoor activity intention alone did not directly reduce depressive mood. Second, outdoor activity frequency significantly alleviated depressive mood, suggesting that actual behavioral engagement with nature is critical. Third, the effect of outdoor activity intention on depressive mood was fully mediated by activity frequency. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the mental health benefits of natural environments are not automatically derived from intention or preference but require active and frequent engagement. These findings provide empirical support for behavior-based interventions in urban mental health strategies and establish a theoretical foundation for future research on the pathways linking nature and mental health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Effects of Exercise Behavior and Amount of Exercise on Public Health: How to Overcome Barriers to Increase Adherence)
18 pages, 4830 KB  
Article
Experimental Investigation on the Shear Behavior of Different Faults in Depleted Gas Storage Reservoirs
by Mingnan Xu, Yintong Guo, Haijun Mao, Yuxiang Jing, Guozhou Qiu and Zhenhui Bi
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(23), 12489; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312489 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Gas storage in depleted gas reservoirs has become a core facility for ensuring energy security and a key means of guaranteeing a safe and stable supply of energy. Steep pressure rise and fall cyclic fluctuations caused by strong injection and production are likely [...] Read more.
Gas storage in depleted gas reservoirs has become a core facility for ensuring energy security and a key means of guaranteeing a safe and stable supply of energy. Steep pressure rise and fall cyclic fluctuations caused by strong injection and production are likely to lead to the destabilization of the geological structure of the gas storage reservoir. Among the geological formations, fault activation is a serious threat to the safety of gas storage reservoirs. In this study, faults with different filling types were depicted by real downhole cores. Through a series of shear tests, the effects of normal stress, filling thickness and fault angles on the lithology of rocks on both sides were investigated. (1) A novel testing method was developed for finely engraving faults on downhole cores, allowing for the simulation of real reservoir conditions. (2) An increase in normal stress results in enhanced shear strength, which in turn elevates the critical initiation stress of the fault. (3) Shear strength decreases with an increasing amount of fault mud, indicating that the critical initiation stress in faults filled with minor amounts of fault mud is higher than that in faults filled with significant amounts of fault mud. (4) For equal amounts of fault mud, the shear strength of fault specimens at a 40° angle exceeds that of specimens at a 10° angle. This implies that a greater degree of fault undulation corresponds to a higher critical slip initiation stress, reducing the likelihood of fault slip and enhancing stability. (5) The shear strength of fault specimens composed of sandstone-mudstone combinations is lower than that of specimens containing sandstone-sandstone combinations, suggesting that the critical slip initiation stress for sandstone-mudstone combination faults is comparatively lower. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Science and Technology)
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20 pages, 1741 KB  
Article
GCN-MHA Method for Encrypted Malicious Traffic Detection and Classification
by Yanan Liu, Suhao Wang, Zheng Zhang, Tianhao Hou, Jipeng Shen, Pengfei Wang, Shuo Qiu and Lejun Ma
Electronics 2025, 14(23), 4627; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14234627 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Modern network attacks are becoming stealthier and smarter. Attackers use encryption to cover up malicious traffic, which makes it really hard to detect. To solve this problem, this paper introduces a new model called Graph Convolutional Network with Multi-Head Attention (GCN-MHA). The goal [...] Read more.
Modern network attacks are becoming stealthier and smarter. Attackers use encryption to cover up malicious traffic, which makes it really hard to detect. To solve this problem, this paper introduces a new model called Graph Convolutional Network with Multi-Head Attention (GCN-MHA). The goal of this model is to improve how we find and sort encrypted malicious traffic. First, we turn network traffic into a “graph”—this helps capture its structural and time-related features. Then, our GCN-MHA framework uses graph convolutional layers to learn spatial information. A multi-head attention mechanism helps it focus on the most important features. When tested on the ISCX-VPN2016 dataset, the model achieved an overall high accuracy of 98.79% and a recall rate of 99.24% under six categories of malicious traffic. We also performed cross-validation on two other datasets: USTC-TFC2016 and CIC-Darknet2020. These tests showed that the model has strong generalization ability on different data. Full article
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12 pages, 376 KB  
Article
AMH as a Predictor of Follicle Turnover, Embryo Quality, and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis
by Fatma Kılıç Hamzaoğlu, Serdar Dilbaz, Runa Özelçi, Onur Kaya and Emine Utlu Özen
Biomedicines 2025, 13(12), 2875; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13122875 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Infertility affects ~10–15% of couples of reproductive age, and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) increasingly rely on biomarkers to individualize care. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes in patients [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Infertility affects ~10–15% of couples of reproductive age, and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) increasingly rely on biomarkers to individualize care. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). We specifically evaluated whether AMH predicts embryo competence and clinical pregnancy beyond its established role in ovarian reserve assessment. Methods: This retrospective study included 1990 women undergoing ICSI between 2010 and 2023, categorized into three groups (G1–G3) based on antral follicle count (AFC). Embryo morphology was graded using ASEBIR criteria with prospectively maintained lab SOPs. Clinical, embryological, and pregnancy parameters were compared using non-parametric tests, ROC analysis, and logistic regression. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy; biochemical pregnancy was recorded; live birth was not available and is acknowledged as a limitation. Results: Higher AMH levels correlated with increased AFC and oocyte yield (all p < 0.001) but showed no clinically meaningful association with high-grade embryos (Grade 1–2) or pregnancy. ROC analyses demonstrated limited discrimination for AMH (AUC ≈ 0.49); by contrast, age and FSH showed modest discrimination (AUC 0.56 and 0.55, respectively), and embryo-level features (pronuclear count, Grade 1 and Grade 3 counts) were statistically significant yet of limited clinical utility (AUCs near 0.5) Conclusions: AMH is robust for ovarian reserve and response prediction but is a weak predictor of embryo morphology and clinical pregnancy. Outcome prediction in ART should integrate age, FSH, and embryo morphology (and, where available, sperm quality) rather than AMH alone. Prospective, multicenter studies with live birth as the primary endpoint are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)
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15 pages, 259 KB  
Article
Who Thrives in Medical School? Intrinsic Motivation, Resilience, and Satisfaction Among Medical Students
by Julia Terech, Pola Sarnowska, Klaudia Bikowska, Mateusz Guziak and Maciej Walkiewicz
Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3049; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233049 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background: Medical education is highly demanding and often entails stress, pressure, and competition. Understanding what drives students’ satisfaction is essential to support learning and well-being. This study aims to identify factors associated with satisfaction with medical education among Polish medical students, focusing on [...] Read more.
Background: Medical education is highly demanding and often entails stress, pressure, and competition. Understanding what drives students’ satisfaction is essential to support learning and well-being. This study aims to identify factors associated with satisfaction with medical education among Polish medical students, focusing on motivation, personal circumstances, resilience, and the long-term impact of COVID-19. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey, 334 students from years one, four, and six completed measures of satisfaction with medical studies (nineteen items), motivation (ten items), resilience (using the Brief Resilience Scale), self-rated health, financial situation, global life satisfaction, and study-related stress, plus eight items on COVID-19 impact. Associations were assessed using Spearman correlations and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: Higher satisfaction was associated with intrinsic motivation (e.g., personal decision to study medicine or interest in medicine), more favorable personal circumstances (better health, financial situation, higher global life satisfaction, and lower stress), and greater individual resilience. Students reporting pandemic-related setbacks (knowledge gaps, reduced confidence, curtailed clinical exposure, and interpersonal skills) showed lower satisfaction with overall experience, relationships, theoretical and practical classes, and perceived future competence. Conclusions: Intrinsic motivation, resilience, and supportive personal circumstances were linked to higher satisfaction, whereas enduring pandemic disruptions coincided with lower satisfaction across domains. Targeted strategies that cultivate intrinsic motivation and resilience and address financial/health stressors and COVID-19 learning gaps may enhance student satisfaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Technologies to Promote Psychosocial and Occupational Well-Being in University Students and Healthcare Workers: Innovation and Public Health Challenges)
30 pages, 7391 KB  
Article
Partitioned Nonlinearity Soil–Structure Interaction Analysis for Nuclear Power Plant Structures with Pile Foundations
by Lei Gao and Shaolin Chen
Buildings 2025, 15(23), 4250; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15234250 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Accurate seismic safety assessment of nuclear power plant (NPP) structures with pile foundations on soft soil sites requires consideration of soil nonlinearity and pile–soil–structure interaction (PSSI). This study develops an efficient partitioned SSI framework, where the nonlinear soil response is simulated using the [...] Read more.
Accurate seismic safety assessment of nuclear power plant (NPP) structures with pile foundations on soft soil sites requires consideration of soil nonlinearity and pile–soil–structure interaction (PSSI). This study develops an efficient partitioned SSI framework, where the nonlinear soil response is simulated using the Davidenkov skeleton curve combined with a modified Masing rule and solved by an explicit time integration scheme, while the structural dynamics are evaluated using the modal superposition method. The framework is applied to a pile-supported CAP1400 NPP model on deep soft soil, with both piles and the superstructure modeled as elastic. Two computational schemes are examined: (a) explicit integration of the soil while treating the piles and structure as an integrated system analyzed via modal superposition; and (b) explicit integration of both soil and piles, with the structure analyzed using modal superposition. Under pulse excitation, both schemes yield comparable dynamic responses, whereas scheme (b) improves computational efficiency by over threefold (88 h vs. 293 h). Results using scheme (b) under RG1.60 excitation show that soil nonlinearity reduces and delays structural responses but increases pile bending moments and stress concentration, demonstrating the framework’s effectiveness and practicality for nonlinear SSI analysis of NPP structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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10 pages, 987 KB  
Brief Report
Oral Cannabidiol for Acute Post-Extraction Pain: A Randomized Pilot Study
by Ammaar H. Abidi, Modar Kassan and Karen Derefinko
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(12), 1792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18121792 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Introduction/Objective: Dental extractions are among the most common oral surgical procedures worldwide, with postoperative pain representing a significant clinical concern. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, has recently gained attention as a potential adjunct for managing acute dental [...] Read more.
Introduction/Objective: Dental extractions are among the most common oral surgical procedures worldwide, with postoperative pain representing a significant clinical concern. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, has recently gained attention as a potential adjunct for managing acute dental pain. To explore its clinical utility to generate preliminary feasibility, we conducted the Simple Tooth Extraction with Analgesic Phytocannabinoid (SWAP) pilot trial to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of oral CBD at two concentrations (17 mg/mL and 37 mg/mL) compared with placebo and standard ibuprofen/acetaminophen therapy following simple extractions. Materials and Methods: Eight adults were randomized equally to four arms (n = 2 per arm) CBD 17 mg/mL, CBD 37 mg/mL, placebo, or treatment-as-usual (TAU; ibuprofen/acetaminophen). CBD/placebo groups received 0.5 mL every 4–6 h as needed for 7 days, while TAU followed the non-opioid regimen. The primary endpoint was pain intensity (0–10 Numeric Rating Scale) captured via ecological momentary assessment (EMA) over 72 h. Secondary endpoints included worst pain, rescue medication use, adherence, tolerability, and qualitative feedback. Results: All participants completed follow-up with >75% EMA adherence. Because of the very small sample (n = 8), results are descriptive only. Baseline imbalance was observed; the CBD 17 mg/mL group reported substantially lower pre-extraction pain than other groups, limiting interpretability. Pain trajectories diverged by group: CBD 37 mg/mL showed the lowest ratings, paralleling TAU; CBD 17 mg/mL and placebo showed limited efficacy. Conclusions: This pilot suggests that higher-concentration CBD (37 mg/mL) may provide analgesia comparable to standard non-opioid therapy. Within this small feasibility cohort, higher-concentration CBD (37 mg/mL) appeared to produce pain patterns qualitatively similar to standard non-opioid therapy. Findings should be interpreted as exploratory only. A fully powered randomized trial incorporating biomarker endpoints and a taste-matched placebo is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol)
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16 pages, 238 KB  
Article
The New Orleans Food System and COVID-19: A Case Study in Strengthening Food System Resiliency to Facilitate Healthy Eating
by Brandi Stein, Megan Knapp, Elisa Muñoz and Donald Rose
Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3689; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233689 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Policies to promote healthy eating often work through local food systems, which link food supply chains and food environments to individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in national and global supply chains and emphasized the importance of local food systems in meeting [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Policies to promote healthy eating often work through local food systems, which link food supply chains and food environments to individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in national and global supply chains and emphasized the importance of local food systems in meeting community and individual needs. Unfortunately, we know too little about how to shape local food systems. This case study reports the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the New Orleans food system and the subsequent response from the community and local government to strengthen it through city and state policy changes, public–private collaborations, and grassroots citizens’ efforts. Methods: This study uses a participant–observer approach in which observations from an online 2020 survey of local food organizations (n = 56) were fielded by the New Orleans Food Policy Action Council (FPAC), a local coalition of food and agriculture groups. The authors, who worked with or were a part of FPAC, analyzed survey data for recurrent themes and then synthesized this with archived written materials and the authors’ own observations. Results: Key themes from this survey are detailed, along with an exploration of related efforts within the community, including: (1) Greaux the Good, a campaign developed by local food system stakeholders to successfully advocate for increased food assistance funds from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; (2) policy change related to food vendor permitting; and (3) establishment of two positions within the local government: a City Food Specialist to increase collaboration between organizations in the food system and an Urban Agriculture Liaison to support local food production. Lastly, innovative programs of grassroots citizens’ organizations are detailed due to their positive impact on food access for community members. Conclusions: The cumulative impacts of these efforts added to the resiliency of the local food system and may protect it against the effects of future disasters as well as strengthen its ability to promote healthy eating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Policies of Promoting Healthy Eating)
23 pages, 3777 KB  
Article
Quantum Down-Sampling Filter for Variational Autoencoder
by Farina Riaz, Fakhar Zaman, Hajime Suzuki, Alsharif Abuadbba and David Nguyen
Electronics 2025, 14(23), 4626; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14234626 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) are fundamental for generative modeling and image reconstruction, yet their performance often struggles to maintain high fidelity in reconstructions. This study introduces a hybrid model, Quantum Variational Autoencoder (Q-VAE), which integrates quantum encoding within the encoder while utilizing fully connected [...] Read more.
Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) are fundamental for generative modeling and image reconstruction, yet their performance often struggles to maintain high fidelity in reconstructions. This study introduces a hybrid model, Quantum Variational Autoencoder (Q-VAE), which integrates quantum encoding within the encoder while utilizing fully connected layers to extract meaningful representations. The decoder uses transposed convolution layers for up-sampling. The Q-VAE is evaluated against the classical VAE and the classical direct-passing VAE, which utilizes windowed pooling filters. Results on the MNIST and USPS datasets demonstrate that Q-VAE consistently outperforms classical approaches, achieving lower Fréchet Inception Distance scores, thereby indicating superior image fidelity and enhanced reconstruction quality. These findings highlight the potential of Q-VAE for high-quality synthetic data generation and improved image reconstruction in generative models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Second Quantum Revolution: Sensing, Computing, and Transmitting)
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18 pages, 1417 KB  
Review
The Aho-Corasick Paradigm in Modern Antivirus Engines: A Cornerstone of Signature-Based Malware Detection
by Paul A. Gagniuc, Ionel-Bujorel Păvăloiu and Maria-Iuliana Dascălu
Algorithms 2025, 18(12), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/a18120742 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
The Aho-Corasick (AC) algorithm remains one of the most influential developments in deterministic multi-pattern matching due to its ability to recognize multiple strings in linear time within a single data stream. Originally conceived for bibliographic text retrieval, the structure of the algorithm is [...] Read more.
The Aho-Corasick (AC) algorithm remains one of the most influential developments in deterministic multi-pattern matching due to its ability to recognize multiple strings in linear time within a single data stream. Originally conceived for bibliographic text retrieval, the structure of the algorithm is based on a trie augmented with failure links and output functions, which has proven to be remarkably adaptable across computational domains. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of the AC algorithm, with details on its theoretical foundations, formal automaton structure, and operational principles, as well as tracing its historical evolution from text-search systems to large-scale malware detection. This work further explores the integration of Aho-Corasick automata within modern antivirus architectures, describing mechanisms of signature compilation, real-time scanning pipelines, and large-scale deployment in contemporary cybersecurity systems. The deterministic structure of the Aho-Corasick automaton provides linear-time pattern recognition relative to input size, while practical performance characteristics reflect memory and architecture constraints in large signature sets. This linear-time property enables predictable and efficient malware detection, where each byte of input induces a constant computational cost. Such deterministic efficiency makes the algorithm ideally suited for real-time antivirus scanning and signature-based threat identification. Thus, nearly fifty years after its inception, AC continues to bridge formal automata theory and modern cybersecurity practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Algorithms for Multidisciplinary Applications)
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16 pages, 3396 KB  
Article
Spatial Distribution of Breast Cancer in Morocco and the Impact of Travel Distance and Rural Residence on Cancer Stage
by Chaimaa Elattabi, Jeroen Berden, Najoua Lamchabbek, Ilhame Bourais, Karima Bendahhou, Saber Boutayeb, Najia Mane, Siham Mrah, Inge Huybrechts, Elodie Faure and Mohamed Khalis
Epidemiologia 2025, 6(4), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia6040080 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and its prognosis can be influenced by various factors, including geographic accessibility of healthcare services. This study describes the geographic distribution of breast cancer cases in the Casablanca-Settat region and evaluates the [...] Read more.
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and its prognosis can be influenced by various factors, including geographic accessibility of healthcare services. This study describes the geographic distribution of breast cancer cases in the Casablanca-Settat region and evaluates the association between breast cancer stage at diagnosis, rural residence, and travel distance to healthcare facilities in the Casablanca-Settatregion. Methods: A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted on 2161 women diagnosed with breast cancer and admitted to Ibn Rochd University Hospital between December 2018 and January 2022. Patient residential addresses and healthcare facility locations were geocoded using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and a straight-line distance was calculated from patients’ residences to the nearest Primary Healthcare Center (PHCC), Provincial Hospital Center (PHC), Regional Hospital Center (RHC), and University Hospital Center (UHC). Statistical analysis assessed associations between stage at diagnosis, rural/urban residence, and travel distance. Results: The overall mean distance to the UHC was 32.5 km (range: 0.19–164 km); 8.3 km (range: 0.02–83 km) to PHCs; and 1.25 km (range: 0.01–12.1 km) to PHCCs. Rural patients had longer distances to all facility types compared to urban patients. However, no significant association was found between cancer stage at diagnosis and rural residence or long travel distance to healthcare facilities (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The stage of breast cancer at diagnosis appears not to be influenced by travel distance to healthcare facilities or by rural residence. Full article
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16 pages, 309 KB  
Review
Recent Developments in Monoclonal-Antibody-Based Biologic Therapy for Severe Refractory Eosinophilic Asthma
by Garry M. Walsh
Antibodies 2025, 14(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib14040101 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background: Asthma exhibits marked heterogeneity both clinically and at the molecular phenotypic level, requiring specifically targeted treatments to block the key pathways of the disease. Monoclonal-antibody-based biologics targeted at critical inflammatory pathways of T2 inflammation such as IL-5, IL-5R, IL-4, and IL-13 are [...] Read more.
Background: Asthma exhibits marked heterogeneity both clinically and at the molecular phenotypic level, requiring specifically targeted treatments to block the key pathways of the disease. Monoclonal-antibody-based biologics targeted at critical inflammatory pathways of T2 inflammation such as IL-5, IL-5R, IL-4, and IL-13 are increasingly regarded as effective treatments for severe refractory eosinophilic asthma. Methods: This review provides an update on the potential of straightforward and reproducible biomarkers to aid in the selection of the biologic-based therapy most likely to be effective in patients with severe or refractory eosinophilic asthma based on English-language original articles in PubMed or MedLine. Results: Monoclonal-antibody-based biologic therapies have revolutionised severe asthma management, enabling reductions in symptoms that include exacerbations, discontinuation of oral corticosteroids, improved lung function, and enhanced quality of life. Significant clinical effects with anti-IL-5 or -IL-4/13 monoclonal antibodies are more likely to be seen when simple predictive biomarkers such as serum periostin, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), or blood eosinophil counts are used to aid in the identification of those patients with severe refractory eosinophilic asthma who are most likely to benefit from biologic therapies. Conclusions: Biologic-based therapy aimed at T2 inflammation benefits patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, particularly when guided by biomarkers that do not require direct sampling of the airways to target therapy, who are most likely to benefit from these treatments, with good safety profiles for these therapies. Full article
21 pages, 4493 KB  
Article
Risks of Spruce Wood Dust in the Work Environment
by Eva Mračková, Richard Kminiak and Lukáš Adamčík
Forests 2025, 16(12), 1771; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16121771 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
This study investigated spruce wood (Picea abies Karst. L.) dust generated during sanding in a woodworking company, focusing on its health, explosion, and fire hazards. Microscopic analyses revealed that dust particles ranged from 2.38 μm × 1.69 μm to 499.71 μm × [...] Read more.
This study investigated spruce wood (Picea abies Karst. L.) dust generated during sanding in a woodworking company, focusing on its health, explosion, and fire hazards. Microscopic analyses revealed that dust particles ranged from 2.38 μm × 1.69 μm to 499.71 μm × 403.30 μm, with an average size of 73.2 μm × 37.98 μm. Smaller particles exhibited a spherical morphology, while larger ones were elongated and fibrous. Sieve analysis confirmed that particles sized 63–75 μm formed the largest fraction (46.74%), with 71% of the total dust being airborne (<100 μm), including 5% PM10 and 1% PM2.5. Explosion tests identified a lower explosion limit (LEL) of 80 g·m−3, with dust classified as highly explosive (ST 2). Smaller particles were found to significantly reduce the LEL, increasing explosion susceptibility. These findings highlight the dual risk of inhalation exposure and explosion potential. Practical safety recommendations include ensuring efficient local dust extraction, mandatory use of respiratory protection, and restricted worker movement near sanders. Furthermore, organizational measures aligned with ATEX standards—such as daily cleaning, removal of settled dust layers, use of explosion-safe industrial vacuum cleaners, and installation of automatic explosion suppression systems in extraction units—are essential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wood Science and Forest Products)
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19 pages, 2195 KB  
Article
Thermal Drying in the Recycling Process of Lithium-Ion Batteries—Kinetics and Selectivity Aspects for the Evaporation of Electrolyte–Solvent Mixtures
by Lukas Lödige, Thilo Heckmann, Philip Scharfer and Wilhelm Schabel
Batteries 2025, 11(12), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11120436 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
The removal of the electrolyte solvents in an early-stage thermal drying step is crucial for safe and efficient recycling processes for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. A comprehensive understanding of the governing influences on the solvent volatilization during the drying step enables optimized processes. The [...] Read more.
The removal of the electrolyte solvents in an early-stage thermal drying step is crucial for safe and efficient recycling processes for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. A comprehensive understanding of the governing influences on the solvent volatilization during the drying step enables optimized processes. The initial phase of this process is of particular interest because, due to the high spatial accessibility of the solvent, drying is determined by the mass transport in the surrounding gas phase, which can be precisely controlled through the process boundary conditions. In this study, the evaporation of representative binary and ternary electrolyte–solvent mixtures containing linear and cyclic organic carbonates is investigated under defined boundary conditions. The evaporation kinetics and selectivity are assessed by time-discrete measurement of the amount of solvent and its composition during the evaporation experiments. At the conditions applied, the vapor pressure of the solvents governs the evaporation selectivity, with the evaporation kinetics dictated by the mass transport of the solvent vapor in the gas phase. Hence, the evaporation of highly mobile but low volatile solvents, such as ethylene carbonate (EC), is the constraining aspect within this process. Moreover, molecular interactions within mixtures can further hinder the volatilization of EC. The developed simulation model describes the evaporation behavior with high accuracy and thus allows the prediction of minimum drying times. It establishes a solid foundation for designing and scaling the drying processes of end-of-life batteries, which involve complex material interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Recycling Processes for Battery Production)
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22 pages, 1137 KB  
Systematic Review
A New Direction in Endometrial Cancer Therapy—PD-1 and PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors—Where Will It Take Us?
by Natalia Mielnicka, Martyna Dutka, Krzysztof Kułak, Anna Kułak and Rafał Tarkowski
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(23), 8366; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14238366 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) remains a significant therapeutic challenge due to its rising incidence and a five-year survival rate of only 16% in cases of metastases or advanced disease when using classical therapy methods. For this reason, more effective methods of treatment [...] Read more.
Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) remains a significant therapeutic challenge due to its rising incidence and a five-year survival rate of only 16% in cases of metastases or advanced disease when using classical therapy methods. For this reason, more effective methods of treatment are still sought, which currently focus on immunotherapy with the use of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors (ICI), which is the subject of our article. Methods: Articles published in the databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov in the years 2019–2024 were analyzed. Results: ICIs can be used in monotherapy as well as in combination therapy, but it is the latter option that significantly prolongs the median PFS, especially the combination of ICI with PARP inhibitors. Among the available ICIs, pembrolizumab stands out with a large advantage in clinical trials, which is characterized by the lowest mortality resulting from therapy and a small number of grade 3 adverse events. Other inhibitors such as atezolizumab, dostarlimab, durvalumab, nivolumab and avelumab also demonstrate high clinical efficacy, as they prolong median PFS compared to the control group, but more studies are needed in much larger study groups to assess their safety and efficacy in different age groups. Conclusions: Future studies should focus on the efficacy of ICIs in younger groups of patients with EC, as well as on drugs from this group that are used less frequently in clinical trials than pembrolizumab, which would allow for a thorough comparison of the efficacy of drugs with each other and the selection of the drug individually to the patient’s needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
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17 pages, 11145 KB  
Article
A High-Efficiency Environmentally Friendly Polishing Slurry for K9 Glass Utilizing Cerium-Based Compounds
by Shaoping Li, Rui Ye, Zhemin Zou, Zhaobo He, Kai Feng, Huidong Cui, Ruan Chi, Yukun Chen and Yue Luo
Molecules 2025, 30(23), 4546; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30234546 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Owing to the rapid advancements in optical and microsystem technologies, K9 glass is extensively utilized in the fabrication of high-precision optical components. Nevertheless, the intrinsic brittleness and elevated hardness of K9 glass, combined with the stringent demands of high-end optical systems for exceptional [...] Read more.
Owing to the rapid advancements in optical and microsystem technologies, K9 glass is extensively utilized in the fabrication of high-precision optical components. Nevertheless, the intrinsic brittleness and elevated hardness of K9 glass, combined with the stringent demands of high-end optical systems for exceptional surface precision and minimal subsurface damage, present significant challenges for its chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process. To overcome this challenge, we formulated a novel environmentally friendly and high-performance polishing slurry comprising cerium oxide (CeO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), guanidine carbonate (GC), and sodium laureth-6 carboxylate (SL-6C). The incorporation of a minor proportion of high-hardness Al2O3 abrasive particles significantly enhanced the mechanical friction within the polishing slurry, thereby markedly increasing the MRR. The judicious addition of GC facilitated the formation of a hydration layer on the glass substrate. The surfactant SL-6C modulated the surface charge of the abrasive particles through electrostatic and coordination interactions, which improved particle dispersion and mitigated agglomeration. This effect minimized the risk of surface scratching and enhanced interfacial lubrication, consequently reducing the energy required for the detachment of the reaction layer. CMP findings demonstrated that utilizing an optimized slurry formulation comprising 1 wt% CeO2, 0.05 wt% Al2O3, 0.2 wt% GC, and 0.2 wt% SL-6C yielded a surface roughness of K9 glass as low as 0.11 nm. Additionally, the MRR value reached 521.71 nm/min. Compared with the polishing slurry containing only CeO2, the MRR increased by 7 times. The observed synergistic interactions among Al2O3, GC, SL-6C, and CeO2 offered valuable insights for the advancement of high-performance CMP slurries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Chemistry in Asia)
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13 pages, 4480 KB  
Article
Optimization of Fracture Parameters and Turning Angle of Temporary Plugging Refracturing in the Triassic Chang 6 Reservoir
by Zengli Xiao, Ziang Zhu, Yifan Cao and Hao Tan
Processes 2025, 13(12), 3805; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13123805 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
The Triassic Chang 6 reservoir in the Suijing Oilfield is characterized by poor reservoir quality, pronounced heterogeneity, well-developed fractures, and suboptimal well pattern configuration, which collectively impede the establishment of an efficient displacement system. During the initial development phase, low production rates and [...] Read more.
The Triassic Chang 6 reservoir in the Suijing Oilfield is characterized by poor reservoir quality, pronounced heterogeneity, well-developed fractures, and suboptimal well pattern configuration, which collectively impede the establishment of an efficient displacement system. During the initial development phase, low production rates and delayed lateral response were observed, prompting a tight-spacing infill drilling pilot in the central low-productivity zone. However, conventional fracturing with upscaled stimulation volumes yielded limited fluid production uplift, rapid water cut escalation, and marginal incremental oil recovery. To address these challenges, a dual strategy integrating legacy fracture modification and new fracture generation was developed. Key fracturing parameters influencing reservoir drainage efficiency were systematically investigated, and an orthogonal experimental design was employed to optimize these parameters. The following conclusions were drawn: Stimulation timing should be postponed until water cut stabilizes below 20% in high-productivity zones; the optimal fracture half-length was determined to be 190 m; post-fracturing conductivity was optimized to 30 μm2·cm; and the turning angle for corner wells was set at 23°. For low-productivity zones with impaired reservoir properties that lead to retarded waterfront advancement, refracturing is recommended to be deferred until the water cut reaches 20–40%. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing on-site refracturing processes and offer valuable guidance for addressing the optimization of fracturing parameters in low-permeability tight sandstone reservoirs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
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15 pages, 1632 KB  
Article
Physiological and Putative Organic Cation Transporter Expression Response to Alizarin Dye Exposure in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
by Naomi R. Kennel and Matthew F. Rouhier
Insects 2025, 16(12), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121196 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
There remains an urgent need for knowledge regarding the molecular and genetic mechanisms in Aedes aegypti to support the fight against mosquito-borne illness, one of these areas being xenobiotic transport. If xenobiotic transport is disrupted, the accumulation of foreign molecules can reach toxic [...] Read more.
There remains an urgent need for knowledge regarding the molecular and genetic mechanisms in Aedes aegypti to support the fight against mosquito-borne illness, one of these areas being xenobiotic transport. If xenobiotic transport is disrupted, the accumulation of foreign molecules can reach toxic levels, leading to mortality. Therefore, transport by transmembrane proteins is an important consideration in the processes that govern mosquito metabolism and survival. We have identified six genes we speculate to be novel organic cation transporters (OCTNs) or organic cation transporters (OCTs) in Ae. aegypti. To measure the potential function of these transporters, female Ae. aegypti were injected with a blood meal size bolus of saline containing the xenobiotics Alizarin Yellow GG, Alizarin Yellow R, and Olsalazine and then clearance was quantified. mRNA expressions were analyzed 2 h and 24 h post injections in relation to xenobiotic exposure. Our findings demonstrate that xenobiotics had limited effect on the putative transporter expression profiles, but the molecular structure of the xenobiotics dramatically modified the volume and composition of the excreted materials, as well as changing the mortality. Overall, the mechanisms and key players underlying Ae. aegypti xenobiotic transport remain largely uncharacterized, but the results of this study are an important step in expanding knowledge of OCT(N)s in mosquitoes and understanding mosquito physiology. Targeting these proteins may offer new avenues for mosquito control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Mosquito Surveillance and Control)
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18 pages, 2187 KB  
Article
Acute Amanita muscaria Toxicity: A Literature Review and Two Case Reports in Elderly Spouses Following Home Preparation
by Stanila Stoeva-Grigorova, Ivanesa Yarabanova, Maya Radeva-Ilieva, Diana Ivanova, Snezha Zlateva and Petko Marinov
Toxins 2025, 17(12), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17120570 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam., commonly known as fly agaric, remains an uncommon yet clinically important cause of acute mushroom intoxication. Although typically associated with mild to moderate neuropsychiatric disturbances, the mushroom’s toxic profile is highly variable and continues to attract scientific, toxicological, [...] Read more.
Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam., commonly known as fly agaric, remains an uncommon yet clinically important cause of acute mushroom intoxication. Although typically associated with mild to moderate neuropsychiatric disturbances, the mushroom’s toxic profile is highly variable and continues to attract scientific, toxicological, and public health interest. This work provides an integrative review of the biochemical composition, toxicodynamics, and clinical manifestations associated with A. muscaria exposure, with particular emphasis on the pharmacological actions of its principal constituents, ibotenic acid and muscimol. The review is complemented by two contemporaneous cases of severe intoxication in elderly individuals, illustrating the real-world clinical expression of the toxidrome and the challenges in diagnosis and management. Both cases presented with rapid-onset gastrointestinal symptoms, profound central nervous system depression, and cholinergic features, requiring intensive supportive therapy, atropine infusion, and continuous monitoring. Full recovery was achieved in both patients. These clinical observations contextualize the broader toxicological framework discussed in the review and underscore the need for increased clinical vigilance, improved public education, and strengthened diagnostic and therapeutic preparedness regarding psychoactive wild mushroom exposures. Full article
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24 pages, 15012 KB  
Article
A New Way to Engineer Cell Sheets for Articular Cartilage Regeneration
by Ta-Lun Tan, Yuan Tseng, Jia-Wei Li, Cheng-Tse Yang, Hsuan-Yu Chen, Her-I Lee, Jun-Jen Liu, Yi-Yuan Yang and How Tseng
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(12), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16120437 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Background: Articular cartilage has limited self-repair capacity. While thermoresponsive poly N-isopropyl acrylamide (pNIPAAm)-based Cell Sheet Engineering (CSE) is a promising scaffold-free strategy, its inherent material properties pose limitations. This study developed and validated a novel, non-thermoresponsive CSE platform for functional cartilage regeneration. [...] Read more.
Background: Articular cartilage has limited self-repair capacity. While thermoresponsive poly N-isopropyl acrylamide (pNIPAAm)-based Cell Sheet Engineering (CSE) is a promising scaffold-free strategy, its inherent material properties pose limitations. This study developed and validated a novel, non-thermoresponsive CSE platform for functional cartilage regeneration. Methods: A culture platform was fabricated by grafting the biocompatible polymer poly gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) and a disulfide-containing amino acid onto porous PET membranes. This design enables intact cell sheet detachment with its native extracellular matrix (ECM) via specific cleavage of the disulfide bonds by a mild reducing agent. Results: The hydrated substrate exhibited a biomimetic stiffness (~16.2 MPa) that closely mimics native cartilage. The platform showed superior biocompatibility and supported the cultivation of multi-layered rabbit chondrocyte sheets rich in Collagen II and Glycosaminoglycans. Critically, in a rabbit full-thickness defect model, transplanted autologous cell sheets successfully regenerated integrated, hyaline-like cartilage at 12 weeks, as confirmed by MRI, CT, and histological analyses. Conclusions: This novel CSE platform, featuring highly biomimetic stiffness and a gentle, chemically specific detachment mechanism, represents a highly promising clinical strategy for repairing articular cartilage defects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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24 pages, 589 KB  
Article
Beyond Production-Based Accounting: A Comparative SWOT Analysis of GHG Inventory Frameworks and Their Policy Implications
by Rodrigo Gil, Carlos Morillas, Jose Traub, Jacobo Ferrer, Sara Martinez and Sergio Alvarez
Climate 2025, 13(12), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli13120240 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
The methodology used to attribute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to nations profoundly influences perceived climate action burdens, raising critical questions about equity in global climate governance. This study systematically evaluates current production-based accounting (PBA) by comparing it with three alternative frameworks: consumption-based accounting [...] Read more.
The methodology used to attribute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to nations profoundly influences perceived climate action burdens, raising critical questions about equity in global climate governance. This study systematically evaluates current production-based accounting (PBA) by comparing it with three alternative frameworks: consumption-based accounting (CBA), historical cumulative-based accounting (HBA), and per capita-based accounting (PCBA). We conducted a comprehensive SWOT analysis using multi-stream evidence synthesis, analyzing 23 major emitting countries representing over 80% of global emissions. Data sources included UNFCCC documents, historical emission datasets, consumption-based emission data, and World Bank population estimates. Results reveal dramatic redistributions of national positioning across frameworks, with countries experiencing extreme ranking volatility—India dropped 19 places from 4th under PBA to 23rd under PCBA, while Saudi Arabia rose from 11th to 1st. Our analysis demonstrates that while accounting frameworks provide factual measurements of different emissions dimensions, their selection for policy purposes constitutes a normative choice with distributional consequences. We explicitly map each framework to the responsibility principles it operationalizes, revealing that current over-reliance on PBA creates systematic blind spots in the policy context and climate governance. Full article
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21 pages, 5907 KB  
Article
Attenuation Impact on Acoustic Emission Signal Parameters in Damage Mechanisms Characterization of Composite Rebars
by Paweł Zielonka, Michał Smolnicki, Szymon Duda and Grzegorz Lesiuk
Polymers 2025, 17(23), 3128; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233128 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Composite materials have been extensively used across numerous industries due to their exceptional specific strength and corrosive resistance. However, ensuring their mechanical performance and structural integrity remains a critical challenge. This study provides an in-depth investigation into the damage mechanisms occurring in composite [...] Read more.
Composite materials have been extensively used across numerous industries due to their exceptional specific strength and corrosive resistance. However, ensuring their mechanical performance and structural integrity remains a critical challenge. This study provides an in-depth investigation into the damage mechanisms occurring in composite rebars manufactured via a modified pultrusion process, with a special emphasis on carbon, glass, and hybrid continuous fiber-reinforced polymers with epoxy resin matrix subjected to static tensile loading. To reveal the damage development, the acoustic emission (AE) technique was employed. Given the inherent complexity of composite microstructures, multiple failure modes can occur simultaneously, often masked by background noise and attenuation effects. Therefore, the core objective of this research is to evaluate and quantify the influence of acoustic attenuation on damage assessment in composite materials. This study introduces an optimization approach to minimize discrepancies between signals captured by different sensors, thereby enhancing the reliability of AE data interpretation. Results reveal that attenuation is strongly dependent on signal travel distance, frequency spectrum, and sensor type. Importantly, a data correction methodology is proposed to mitigate these effects, improving the accuracy of damage detection. Among the analyzed AE parameters, the initial frequency emerged as the most reliable feature for identifying the origin of acoustic events within hybrid composite structures. This finding represents a significant step toward more precise, attenuation-compensated acoustic emission monitoring, offering improved insight into failure mechanisms and contributing to the development of smarter diagnostic tools for composite materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers and Polymer Composite Structures for Energy Absorption)
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13 pages, 2044 KB  
Article
Physician Feedback Reduces Antibiotic Prescribing for Uncomplicated Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in the Emergency Department
by Huiling Guo, Seema Aithal, Hwee Pin Phua, Win Sen Kuan, Eillyne Seow, Yanyi Weng, Hoon Chin Lim, Li Lee Peng, Hann Yee Tan and Angela Chow
Antibiotics 2025, 14(12), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14121196 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Objectives: Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) is a significant problem in emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. In this study, we separately evaluated the effectiveness of physician feedback and patient education in reducing antibiotic prescribing for URTIs in the ED [...] Read more.
Objectives: Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) is a significant problem in emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. In this study, we separately evaluated the effectiveness of physician feedback and patient education in reducing antibiotic prescribing for URTIs in the ED setting. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study across four large adult EDs in Singapore from January 2021 to December 2023. After a baseline period (18 months), two EDs were randomly assigned to either implement physician feedback or patient education for six months (intervention period 1), and all EDs subsequently implemented both interventions in the next six months (intervention period 2). Hierarchical segmented logistic regression was used to assess the effectiveness of the interventions in reducing weekly antibiotic prescribing for URTIs. Results: In the two EDs that implemented physician feedback first, there was a significant decrease in the trend of weekly antibiotics prescribed (AOR 0.981 [95% CI (0.964, 0.998)]) compared to the last 6 months of the pre-intervention period. Adding patient education in the next phase (intervention period 2) did not further reduce the trend of weekly antibiotics prescribed. For the second group of two EDs that implemented patient education first, there was no significant reduction in the weekly antibiotic prescribing trend during intervention period 1. With the addition of physician feedback, a significant decline in the trend of weekly antibiotics prescribed was observed in intervention period 2 (AOR 0.921 [95% CI (0.903,0.940)]). Conclusions: Physician feedback alone can reduce antibiotic prescribing for URTIs in EDs. Further research is warranted to assess the effectiveness of patient education involving multi-modal educational channels co-created with patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antibiotics Use and Antimicrobial Stewardship)
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15 pages, 2177 KB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Liner to Prevent the Migration of Oil Pollutant
by Jong-Yoon Lee, Jung-Geun Han, Jeongjun Park, Yongnam Jo, Gigwon Hong and Kicheol Lee
Materials 2025, 18(23), 5311; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18235311 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Oil contamination in subsurface soils caused by leaks from underground storage tanks (USTs) and industrial facilities has become a significant geo-environmental concern. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) migrate through the ground and are difficult to remediate once dispersed; thus, prevention of migration is critical. [...] Read more.
Oil contamination in subsurface soils caused by leaks from underground storage tanks (USTs) and industrial facilities has become a significant geo-environmental concern. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) migrate through the ground and are difficult to remediate once dispersed; thus, prevention of migration is critical. This study experimentally investigated a hybrid liner system combining three barrier mechanisms—physical, reactive, and absorptive—to prevent TPH migration in the subsurface. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted using a soil box simulating groundwater flow, in which Type A (100% polynorbornene powder) and Type B (mixed bentonite–sand–polyolefin–polynorbornene) liners were embedded under different soil types and spill distances. Results showed that permeability decreased rapidly after oil contact, reaching the transition zone within 120 H. Type A responded more quickly and achieved lower permeability, while Type B provided comparable but slower reduction owing to its mixed composition. These findings demonstrate that hybrid liners effectively block oil migration without hindering groundwater flow and that soil condition and spill location should be considered when selecting liner type for field applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Advanced Materials and Technology for Green and Sustainable Environmental Remediation)
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11 pages, 1850 KB  
Article
Egg Hatching, Peptide Pheromones, and Endoproteinases in Barnacles
by Desa Bolger, Joshua Osterberg, Beatriz Orihuela, Arthur Moseley and Daniel Rittschof
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11393; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311393 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
The striped barnacle, Amphibalanus amphitrite, is a simultaneous hermaphrodite crustacean that broods eggs. The eggs are physically and enzymatically cleaned in the mantle by the barnacle to manage biofouling during incubation. There is no physiological connection between the embryos and the adult. [...] Read more.
The striped barnacle, Amphibalanus amphitrite, is a simultaneous hermaphrodite crustacean that broods eggs. The eggs are physically and enzymatically cleaned in the mantle by the barnacle to manage biofouling during incubation. There is no physiological connection between the embryos and the adult. Instead, barnacles use enzyme products as pheromones to coordinate behavioral, physiological, and biochemical processes involved in egg hatching and larval release. Known larval release pheromones are peptides generated by exogenous trypsins that act on proteins. We characterized barnacle brooding endoproteinases using a proteomic analysis of peptides generated from the hydrolysis of pure proteins that were identified by high-resolution LC electrospray MS/MS. Utilizing pure proteins permitted us to completely identify sequences around proteolytic cleavage sites. Enzyme activity was 2.22 to 2.79 times greater in barnacle and barnacle microbiome samples compared to seawater samples. Distinct enzyme patterns emerged, with higher proline- and asparagine-cutting enzymes in barnacle samples and greater proportions of elastase in seawater. There are at least 13 endoproteinases based on the C-terminus amino acids of peptides, with major contributions from serine proteases. This approach has the potential to provide exceptionally detailed information on endoproteinases in any microbiome assemblage. With a little thought, this technique can be expanded to include exoproteinases as well. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unveiling the Functional Microbiomes of the Ocean: From Genes to Ecosystem Services)
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17 pages, 3581 KB  
Article
β-Cyclodextrin-Grafted Polypyrrole–Rhodamine B Nanoplatforms for Drug Delivery and Image-Guided Photothermal Therapy In Vitro
by Shasha Hong, Yuan Jiao, Ruyu Li, Peng Lei, Chuan Dong, Shang Guo and Shaomin Shuang
Materials 2025, 18(23), 5313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18235313 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
Synergetic therapeutic study using multifunctional nanoplatforms has been developed as an innovative modality for effective cancer treatment to improve the clinical efficiency of anticancer drugs and reduce severe off-target side effects. Herein, an artificial nanoplatform (denoted as PPy-RhB-PDA-CD-LA) was prepared by grafting β-cyclodextrin [...] Read more.
Synergetic therapeutic study using multifunctional nanoplatforms has been developed as an innovative modality for effective cancer treatment to improve the clinical efficiency of anticancer drugs and reduce severe off-target side effects. Herein, an artificial nanoplatform (denoted as PPy-RhB-PDA-CD-LA) was prepared by grafting β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivatives and lactobionic acid (LA) on the surface of rhodamine B (RhB)-doped polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy-RhB NPs) using polydopamine (PDA) as the intermediate linker. Doxorubicin (DOX) was selected and successfully loaded onto the nanoplatforms with a high loading content of 327 mg/g. Furthermore, significant NIR light-triggered release of DOX was observed in a weak acidic tumor microenvironment. The nanoplatform exhibited superior photostability with a high photothermal effect of 51.7% under irradiation by a 808 nm laser and a competent temperature sensitivity (SR is 1.44% °C−1) under a single wavelength excitation. MTT assay against SMMC-7721 cells clearly illustrated that the nanoplatform had low cytotoxicity at a high level (200 μg/mL) after 24 h and high therapeutic efficacy of chemo-phototherapy. Thus, it is highly promising for use in biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry and Nanomaterials: Applications in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Engineering)
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16 pages, 4980 KB  
Article
Effects of Manganese Sand Proportion on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal Performance and Microbial Community in Constructed Wetlands
by Yue Peng, Ke Zhou and Lei Huang
Processes 2025, 13(12), 3804; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13123804 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2025
Abstract
The optimal utilization of manganese sand as a substrate is crucial for enhancing the performance of constructed wetlands (CWs) in the advanced treatment of secondary effluent. This study systematically investigated the effects of manganese sand mass ratios (0%, 20%, and 60%) on nutrient [...] Read more.
The optimal utilization of manganese sand as a substrate is crucial for enhancing the performance of constructed wetlands (CWs) in the advanced treatment of secondary effluent. This study systematically investigated the effects of manganese sand mass ratios (0%, 20%, and 60%) on nutrient removal and microbial community in vertical flow CWs planted with Acorus calamus L. and Canna indica L. The results showed that ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) removal was highly efficient (94.5–96.0%) and unaffected by the manganese sand proportion. In contrast, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) removal were significantly enhanced at the 20% ratio, synchronously reaching optimum levels (TN: 25.3%; TP: 97%). A unique coral-like porous structure was observed on the manganese sand at this proportion. Microbial analysis indicated the 20% unit supported the highest microbial diversity (Shannon index = 9.24) and was enriched with key functional genera like the denitrifying bacterium Pseudomonas. These studies confirm that a 20% manganese sand proportion enhances nutrient removal by optimizing the substrate microstructure and shaping a beneficial microbial community, providing a scientific basis for the parameter optimization of manganese sand-enhanced CWs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biological Processes and Systems)
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