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22 pages, 3350 KB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges in the Legal and Technical Integration of Photovoltaics in Multi-Family Buildings in the Polish Energy Grid

by Robert Kowalak, Daniel Kowalak, Konrad Seklecki and Leszek S. Litzbarski

Energies 2026, 19(2), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19020474 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

This article analyzes the case of a typical modern residential area, which was built following current legal regulations in Poland. For the purposes of the calculations, a housing estate consisting of 32 houses was assumed, with a connection power of 36 kW each. [...] Read more.

This article analyzes the case of a typical modern residential area, which was built following current legal regulations in Poland. For the purposes of the calculations, a housing estate consisting of 32 houses was assumed, with a connection power of 36 kW each. The three variants evaluate power consumption and photovoltaic system operation: Variant I assumes no PV installations and fluctuating consumer power demands; Variant II involves PV installations in all estate buildings with a total capacity matching the building’s 36 kW connection power and minimal consumption; and Variant III increases installed PV capacity per building to 50 kW, aligning with apartment connection powers, also with minimal consumption. The simulations performed indicated that there may be problems with voltage levels and current overloads of network elements. Although in case I the transformer worked properly, after connecting the PV installation in an extreme case, it was overloaded by about 117% (Variant II) or even about 180% (Variant III). The described case illustrates the impact of changes in regulations on the stability of the electricity distribution network. A potential solution to this problem is to oversize the distribution network elements, introduce power restrictions for PV installations or to oblige prosumers to install energy storage facilities. Full article

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16 pages, 6489 KB

Open AccessArticle

LIF-VSR: A Lightweight Framework for Video Super-Resolution with Implicit Alignment and Attentional Fusion

by Songyi Zhang, Hailin Zhang, Xiaolin Wang, Kailei Song, Zhizhuo Han, Zhitao Zhang and Wenchi Cheng

Sensors 2026, 26(2), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020637 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Video super-resolution (VSR) has advanced rapidly in enhancing video quality and restoring compressed content, yet leading methods often remain too costly for real-world use. We present LIF-VSR, a lightweight, near-real-time framework built with an efficiency-first philosophy, comprising economical temporal propagation, a new neighboring-frame [...] Read more.

Video super-resolution (VSR) has advanced rapidly in enhancing video quality and restoring compressed content, yet leading methods often remain too costly for real-world use. We present LIF-VSR, a lightweight, near-real-time framework built with an efficiency-first philosophy, comprising economical temporal propagation, a new neighboring-frame fusion strategy, and three streamlined core modules. For temporal propagation, a uni-directional recurrent architecture transfers context through a compact inter-frame memory unit, avoiding the heavy compute and memory of multi-frame parallel inputs. For fusion and alignment, we discard 3D convolutions and optical flow, instead using (i) a deformable convolution module for implicit feature-space alignment, and (ii) a sparse attention fusion module that aggregates adjacent-frame information via learned sparse key sampling points, sidestepping dense global computation. For feature enhancement, a cross-attention mechanism selectively calibrates temporal features at far lower cost than global self-attention. Across public benchmarks, LIF-VSR achieves competitive results with only 3.06 M parameters and a very low computational footprint, reaching 27.65 dB on Vid4 and 31.61 dB on SPMCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Intelligent Sensors)

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31 pages, 8880 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Distributed Electric Vehicles Charging System Powered by Photovoltaic Solar Energy with Enhanced Voltage and Frequency Control in Isolated Microgrids

by Pedro Baltazar, João Dionísio Barros and Luís Gomes

Electronics 2026, 15(2), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15020418 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study presents a photovoltaic (PV)-based electric vehicle (EV) charging system designed to optimize energy use and support isolated microgrid operations. The system integrates PV panels, DC/AC, AC/DC, and DC/DC converters, voltage and frequency droop control, and two energy management algorithms: Power Sharing [...] Read more.

This study presents a photovoltaic (PV)-based electric vehicle (EV) charging system designed to optimize energy use and support isolated microgrid operations. The system integrates PV panels, DC/AC, AC/DC, and DC/DC converters, voltage and frequency droop control, and two energy management algorithms: Power Sharing and SEWP (Spread Energy with Priority). The DC/AC converter demonstrated high efficiency, with stable AC output and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) limited to 1%. The MPPT algorithm ensured optimal energy extraction under both gradual and abrupt irradiance variations. The DC/DC converter operated in constant current mode followed by constant voltage regulation, enabling stable power delivery and preserving battery integrity. The Power Sharing algorithm, which distributes PV energy equally, favored vehicles with a higher initial state of charge (SOC), while leaving low-SOC vehicles at modest levels, reducing satisfaction under limited irradiance. In contrast, SEWP prioritized low-SOC EVs, enabling them to achieve higher SOC values compared to the Power Sharing algorithm, reducing SOC dispersion and enhancing fairness. The integration of voltage and frequency droop controls allowed the station to support microgrid stability by limiting reactive power injection to 30% of apparent power and adjusting charging current in response to frequency deviation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Control and Optimization in Microgrids)

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20 pages, 890 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Genetic Basis of Fetal Loss in Cows and Heifers Through a Genome-Wide Association Analysis

by Ousseini Issaka Salia, Emaly M. Suarez, Brenda M. Murdoch, Victoria C. Kelson, Allison L. Herrick, Jennifer N. Kiser and Holly L. Neibergs

Animals 2026, 16(2), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020293 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Fetal loss, the spontaneous termination of pregnancy between day 42 and 260 of gestation, is poorly understood. Impacts of fetal loss include loss of production, increased health risk, and economic loss. The aims of this study were to identify loci associated with fetal [...] Read more.

Fetal loss, the spontaneous termination of pregnancy between day 42 and 260 of gestation, is poorly understood. Impacts of fetal loss include loss of production, increased health risk, and economic loss. The aims of this study were to identify loci associated with fetal loss in Holstein heifers and primiparous cows to facilitate the selection of reproductively efficient cattle and identify the genetic causes of fetal loss. A genome-wide association analysis (GWAA) compared 5714 heifers that calved at term (controls) to 416 heifers that experienced fetal loss (cases), and for primiparous cows, 2519 controls were compared to 273 cases. The efficient mixed-model association eXpedited approach in the SNP and Variation Suite (v 9.1) statistical software was used with additive, dominant, and recessive inheritance models for the GWAA. In heifers, 16 loci were associated (FDR < 0.05) with fetal loss in the recessive model. In primiparous cows, there were 44 loci associated (FDR < 0.05) with fetal loss in the recessive model. No loci associated with fetal loss were shared between cows and heifers or in the additive and dominant models. These results improve the characterization of genetic factors contributing to fetal loss in Holstein heifers and primiparous cows and provide targets for genomic selection. Full article

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

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16 pages, 3126 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Bivalent Vaccine for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A Simulation-Based Study in Beijing, China

by Mengyao Li, Ying Shen, Yonghong Liu, Hui Yao, Zhuowei Luo, Da Huo, Xiang Xu, Wenhui Zhu, Shuaibing Dong, Lei Jia, Renqing Li, Bingyi Yang and Xiaoli Wang

Vaccines 2026, 14(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14010091 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) remains a major public-health concern in China. While the monovalent EV-A71 vaccine has effectively reduced EV-A71–associated cases, it offers no protection against CV-A16. The introduction of a bivalent EV-A71/CV-A16 vaccine may offer broader protection, but its [...] Read more.

Background: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) remains a major public-health concern in China. While the monovalent EV-A71 vaccine has effectively reduced EV-A71–associated cases, it offers no protection against CV-A16. The introduction of a bivalent EV-A71/CV-A16 vaccine may offer broader protection, but its economic viability under different immunization strategies remains uncertain. Methods: We developed a dynamic transmission model integrated with cost-effectiveness analysis to assess the epidemiological and economic impact of a hypothetical bivalent EV-A71/CV-A16 vaccine in China. Based on the immunization program policy, seven vaccination strategies, vaccine effectiveness (VE) levels ranging from 50–95% against EV-A71/CV-A16, and coverage levels from 0–95% were evaluated. The threshold vaccine price (TVP) was derived based on incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) calculations. Cost-effectiveness was assessed using willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds defined as 1–3 times the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Results: The mean cost of two doses of the monovalent EV-A71 vaccine was USD133.0 (95% CI: 126.9–139.1). Strategy 2, which targeted individuals unvaccinated with the monovalent EV-A71 vaccine, demonstrated the most favorable cost-effectiveness. At 45% coverage and 85% vaccine effectiveness, the estimated threshold price per dose was USD 107.7 (95% CI: 103.4–112.0), with threshold vaccine prices increasing as coverage declined. When vaccination coverage exceeded 80%, the threshold vaccine price decreased substantially, falling below USD 45.9 (95% CI: 43.5–48.3) per dose. Conclusions: Large-scale inclusion in the national immunization program may not be economically justified at current cost levels. Targeted voluntary vaccination of unvaccinated, susceptible populations represents a more cost-effective and practical strategy during the early stage of vaccine introduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Efficacy and Disease Burden Evaluation)

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19 pages, 311 KB

Open AccessArticle

Migrant-Led Community Organisations: Mobilising Ethnic Capital to Support Refugees and Asylum Seekers in England

by Samson Maekele Tsegay and Zewdi Amanuel Dagnew

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16010136 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Refugees and asylum seekers (RASs) are among the most marginalised, vulnerable, and economically disadvantaged groups worldwide. As a result, many government and non-government organizations, including migrant-led community organizations (MLCOs), support RASs to improve their lives in their host countries. However, there is a [...] Read more.

Refugees and asylum seekers (RASs) are among the most marginalised, vulnerable, and economically disadvantaged groups worldwide. As a result, many government and non-government organizations, including migrant-led community organizations (MLCOs), support RASs to improve their lives in their host countries. However, there is a lack of research on the role and challenges of MLCOs supporting RASs. Therefore, informed by the concepts of grassroots humanitarianism and ethnic capital, and based on data collected through focus group discussions, this article explores the rationale, activities, and challenges of Eritrean MLCOs in England. The findings indicate that MLCOs help fill some gaps left by government agencies by providing RASs with strong advocacy and support systems to protect their rights and meet their needs. Although volunteers with limited funding run these organizations, they utilise ethnic capital to provide knowledge, raise awareness, and deliver culturally sensitive services to RASs in their own language. This article advances understanding of MLCOs’ work and improves their services to better meet the needs of RASs. It also contributes to knowledge by highlighting MLCOs’ role as sites of learning and education. Full article

23 pages, 4062 KB

Open AccessReview

Nanoscale Microstructure and Microbially Mediated Mineralization Mechanisms of Deep-Sea Cobalt-Rich Crusts

by Kehui Zhang, Xuelian You, Chao Li, Haojia Wang, Jingwei Wu, Yuan Dang, Qing Guan and Xiaowei Huang

Minerals 2026, 16(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010091 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

As a potential strategic resource of critical metals, deep-sea cobalt-rich crusts represent one of the most promising metal reservoirs within oceanic seamount systems, and their metallogenic mechanism constitutes a frontier topic in deep-sea geoscience research. This review focuses on the cobalt-rich crusts from [...] Read more.

As a potential strategic resource of critical metals, deep-sea cobalt-rich crusts represent one of the most promising metal reservoirs within oceanic seamount systems, and their metallogenic mechanism constitutes a frontier topic in deep-sea geoscience research. This review focuses on the cobalt-rich crusts from the Magellan Seamount region in the northwestern Pacific and synthesizes existing geological, mineralogical, and geochemical studies to systematically elucidate their mineralization processes and metal enrichment mechanisms from a microstructural perspective, with particular emphasis on cobalt enrichment and its controlling factors. Based on published observations and experimental evidence, the formation of cobalt-rich crusts is divided into three stages: (1) Mn/Fe colloid formation—At the chemical interface between oxygen-rich bottom water and the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), Mn²⁺ and Fe²⁺ are oxidized to form hydrated oxide colloids such as δ-MnO₂ and Fe(OH)₃. (2) Key metal adsorption—Colloidal particles adsorb metal ions such as Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cu²⁺ through surface complexation and oxidation–substitution reactions, among which Co²⁺ is further oxidized to Co³⁺ and stably incorporated into MnO₆ octahedral vacancies. (3) Colloid deposition and mineralization—Mn–Fe colloids aggregate, dehydrate, and cement on the exposed seamount bedrock surface to form layered cobalt-rich crusts. This process is dominated by the Fe/Mn redox cycle, representing a continuous evolution from colloidal reactions to solid-phase mineral formation. Biological processes play a crucial catalytic role in the microstructural evolution of the crusts. Mn-oxidizing bacteria and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) accelerate Mn oxidation, regulate mineral-oriented growth, and enhance particle cementation, thereby significantly improving the oxidation and adsorption efficiency of metal ions. Tectonic and paleoceanographic evolution, seamount topography, and the circulation of Antarctic Bottom Water jointly control the metallogenic environment and metal sources, while crystal defects, redox gradients, and biological activity collectively drive metal enrichment. This review establishes a conceptual framework of a multi-level metallogenic model linking macroscopic oceanic circulation and geological evolution with microscopic chemical and biological processes, providing a theoretical basis for the exploration, prediction, and sustainable development of potential cobalt-rich crust deposits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Polymetallic Deep-Sea Deposits)

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17 pages, 1272 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Technoeconomic and Life Cycle Analysis of a Novel Catalyzed Process for Producing Ethylene from Waste Plastic

by Xiaoyan Wang, Md. Emdadul Haque, Chunlin Luo, Jianli Hu and Srinivas Palanki

Processes 2026, 14(2), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14020333 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Polyethylene is the most used plastic in the world, and over 90% of this plastic is ultimately disposed of in landfills or released into the environment, leading to severe ecological implications. In this research, the technoeconomic feasibility of upcycling low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to [...] Read more.

Polyethylene is the most used plastic in the world, and over 90% of this plastic is ultimately disposed of in landfills or released into the environment, leading to severe ecological implications. In this research, the technoeconomic feasibility of upcycling low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to produce ethylene is studied. The catalytic conversion of LDPE to ethylene is considered in microwave heating mode and Joule heating mode. Experimental data is obtained under conditions where most of the upcycled products are in the gas phase. A flowsheet is developed that produces industrial quantities of ethylene for both heating modes. A technoeconomic analysis and a life cycle analysis are conducted and compared with the traditional ethane cracking process for producing ethylene. Simulation results indicate that the upcycling system exhibits a lower capital expenditure and a comparable operating expenditure relative to conventional ethane steam cracking while generating additional valuable co-products, such as propylene and aromatic hydrocarbons, leading to a higher net present value potential. Sensitivity analyses reveal that the electricity price has the most significant impact on both the net present value and levelized cost of production, followed by the low-density polyethylene feedstock cost. Life-cycle assessment reveals a substantial reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions in the upcycled process compared to the fossil-based ethane steam-cracking route, primarily due to the use of renewable electricity, the lower reaction temperature that reduces utility demand, and the use of plastic waste as the feedstock. Overall, the proposed process demonstrates strong potential for the sustainable production of ethylene from waste LDPE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)

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20 pages, 8035 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Combined Glutaraldehyde and Denitrifying Bacteria Strategy for Enhanced Control of SRB-Induced Corrosion in Shale Gas Infrastructure

by Yu Guo, Chongrong Wen, Ming Duan and Guihong Lan

Processes 2026, 14(2), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14020334 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Microbiologically influenced corrosion induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) poses a significant threat to shale gas pipeline integrity. This study investigates an integrated control strategy combining the biocide glutaraldehyde with denitrifying bacteria (DNB) to synergistically inhibit SRB activity and corrosion. The efficacy and mechanisms [...] Read more.

Microbiologically influenced corrosion induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) poses a significant threat to shale gas pipeline integrity. This study investigates an integrated control strategy combining the biocide glutaraldehyde with denitrifying bacteria (DNB) to synergistically inhibit SRB activity and corrosion. The efficacy and mechanisms were systematically evaluated using electrochemical measurements (EIS, LPR), weight-loss analysis, surface characterization (SEM, maximum pit depth), and microbial community profiling (16S rDNA sequencing). Compared to the SRB-inoculated system, the combined treatment reduced the average corrosion rate of L245 steel by 44.2% (to 0.01608 mm/a) and the maximum pit depth by 84.3% (to 1.53 μm). EIS results further confirmed the superior inhibition effect, showing the largest capacitive arc diameter and the highest polarization resistance in the combined system. Microbial community analysis indicated a substantial decline in SRB abundance from 62.7% (day 1) to 11.9% (day 14). This synergistic strategy presents an effective and more sustainable approach by reducing chemical dosage and leveraging the bio-competitive exclusion by DNB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Process Control and Monitoring)

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14 pages, 615 KB

Open AccessReview

Artificial Intelligence Applied to Electrocardiograms Recorded in Sinus Rhythm for Detection and Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation: A Scoping Review

by Ziga Mrak, Franjo Husam Naji and Dejan Dinevski

Medicina 2026, 62(1), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010199 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Subclinical paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is often undetected by conventional screening strategies, until complications emerge. Artificial intelligence (AI) applied to sinus rhythm electrocardiograms has emerged as a promising tool to identify individuals with occult AF and to predict the risk [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Subclinical paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is often undetected by conventional screening strategies, until complications emerge. Artificial intelligence (AI) applied to sinus rhythm electrocardiograms has emerged as a promising tool to identify individuals with occult AF and to predict the risk of future incident AF. This scoping review synthesizes evidence from original studies evaluating AI models trained on sinus rhythm ECGs for AF detection or AF prediction. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore was conducted to identify peer-reviewed studies from inception to November 2025. Eligible studies included original investigations in which the model input was a sinus rhythm ECG and the outcome was either paroxysmal AF or new-onset AF. Extracted variables included cohort characteristics, ECG acquisition parameters, AI architecture, model predictive performance, AF prediction horizon, clinical outcomes, and validation strategy. Risk of bias was assessed using PROBAST. Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Retrospective datasets ranging from several thousand to over one million ECGs and convolutional or deep neural network AI architectures were used in most studies. AI-ECG models demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for detecting subclinical AF (ten studies; AUROC 0.75–0.90) and for predicting long-term new-onset AF (six studies; AUROC 0.69–0.85) from a single sinus rhythm ECG. Robust external validation was reported in eleven studies. Combining AI-ECG models with clinical risk factors improved AF predictive performance in several reports. Key limitations across studies included retrospective design, patient selection, limited calibration reporting, and sparse prospective impact data. Conclusions: AI-based analysis of sinus rhythm ECGs can detect occult AF and stratify future AF risk with moderate-to-high accuracy across multiple populations and healthcare systems. However, rigorous prospective trials, evaluating clinical benefit, cost-effectiveness, calibration across demographic groups, and real-world implementation, are required before broad adoption in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Emerging Therapies)

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26 pages, 2939 KB

Open AccessArticle

Secure Implementation of RISC-V’s Scalar Cryptography Extension Set

by Asmaa Kassimi, Abdullah Aljuffri, Christian Larmann, Said Hamdioui and Mottaqiallah Taouil

Cryptography 2026, 10(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryptography10010006 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) extensions, particularly scalar cryptography extensions (Zk), combine the performance advantages of hardware with the adaptability of software, enabling the direct and efficient execution of cryptographic functions within the processor pipeline. This integration eliminates the need to communicate with external [...] Read more.

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) extensions, particularly scalar cryptography extensions (Zk), combine the performance advantages of hardware with the adaptability of software, enabling the direct and efficient execution of cryptographic functions within the processor pipeline. This integration eliminates the need to communicate with external cores, substantially reducing latency, power consumption, and hardware overhead, making it especially suitable for embedded systems with constrained resources. However, current scalar cryptography extension implementations remain vulnerable to physical threats, notably power side-channel attacks (PSCAs). These attacks allow adversaries to extract confidential information, such as secret keys, by analyzing the power consumption patterns of the hardware during operation. This paper presents an optimized and secure implementation of the RISC-V scalar Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) extension (Zkne/Zknd) using Domain-Oriented Masking (DOM) to mitigate first-order PSCAs. Our approach features optimized assembly implementations for partial rounds and key scheduling alongside pipeline-aware microarchitecture optimizations. We evaluated the security and performance of the proposed design using the Xilinx Artix7 FPGA platform. The results indicate that our design is side-channel-resistant while adding a very low area overhead of 0.39% to the full 32-bit CV32E40S RISC-V processor. Moreover, the performance overhead is zero when the extension-related instructions are properly scheduled. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Security, Privacy, and Trust)

28 pages, 6020 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Morpho-Functional Profiling of Peruvian Andean Capsicum pubescens Germplasm Reveals Promising Accessions with High Agronomic and Nutraceutical Value

by Erick Leao Salas-Zeta, Katherine Lisbeth Bernal-Canales, Andrea Delgado-Lazo, Gonzalo Pacheco-Lizárraga, Marián Hermoza-Gutiérrez, Hector Cántaro-Segura, Elizabeth Fernandez-Huaytalla, Dina L. Gutiérrez-Reynoso, Fredy Quispe-Jacobo and Karina Ccapa-Ramirez

Plants 2026, 15(2), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15020288 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Capsicum pubescens (rocoto) is an Andean domesticate with notable agronomic and nutraceutical potential, yet it remains underrepresented in chili pepper breeding programs. In this study, 78 accessions from the Peruvian Andes were evaluated in a single field environment during the 2024 growing season [...] Read more.

Capsicum pubescens (rocoto) is an Andean domesticate with notable agronomic and nutraceutical potential, yet it remains underrepresented in chili pepper breeding programs. In this study, 78 accessions from the Peruvian Andes were evaluated in a single field environment during the 2024 growing season for 28 variables spanning plant architecture, phenology and yield, color (CIELAB), weight, fruit morphology, physicochemical variables, and functional phytochemicals, including total phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, capsaicinoids, and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS). Descriptive analyses revealed broad phenotypic diversity in key variables such as yield and bioactive compounds. Spearman correlations uncovered a clear modular structure, with strong within-domain associations across morphological, chromatic, and biochemical variables, and statistically significant but low-magnitude cross-domain associations (e.g., fruit length with pungency, redness with total phenolics). Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering resolved three differentiated phenotypic profiles: (i) low-pungency accessions with high soluble solids and varied fruit colors; (ii) highly pungent materials with elevated antioxidant capacity; and (iii) large, red-fruited accessions with considerable carotenoid content and high moisture. This multivariate architecture revealed weak cross-block correlations among agronomic, color, and functional traits, enabling selection of promising accessions combining desirable agronomic attributes and favorable bioactive profiles in specific accessions. These results provide a quantitative foundation for future breeding strategies in C. pubescens, opening concrete opportunities to develop improved cultivars that simultaneously meet productivity and functional quality criteria. Full article

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25 pages, 13440 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal and Interannual Variation in Martian Gravity Waves at Different Altitudes from the Mars Climate Sounder

by Jing Li, Bo Chen, Tao Li, Zhaopeng Wu and Weiguo Zong

Remote Sens. 2026, 18(2), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18020319 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Gravity waves (GWs) are an important dynamic process in the planetary atmosphere. They are typically excited by convection, topography, or other sources from the lower atmosphere and propagate upwards. The GWs have a significant effect on the global atmospheric circulation on Mars. However, [...] Read more.

Gravity waves (GWs) are an important dynamic process in the planetary atmosphere. They are typically excited by convection, topography, or other sources from the lower atmosphere and propagate upwards. The GWs have a significant effect on the global atmospheric circulation on Mars. However, the lack of high-resolution data from previous observations has resulted in an insufficient understanding of GWs in the Martian atmosphere, particularly in terms of its global distribution and long-term evolution characteristics at different altitudes. Based on multiple years of Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) limb observations on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), we conducted a detailed study of the global distribution, seasonal and interannual variations in Martian atmospheric GWs with vertical wavelengths ranging from 9 to 15 km at three different altitude ranges, i.e., the low-altitude range of 200–20 Pa (Lp, ~10–30 km), the mid-altitude range of 20–2 Pa (Mp, ~30–50 km), and the high-altitude range of 2–0.2 Pa (Hp, ~50–70 km). The results indicate complex regional and north–south differences, as well as night–day variations, in the spatial distribution of GWs. Particularly, a three-wave structure of the GW activity is observed over mountainous regions in the mid-to-low latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. The peak longitude range of this structure closely matches the mountainous terrain. In addition, our results reveal the presence of bands of GW aggregations in the mid- to-high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere in the Mp and Hp layers, which may be caused by the instability of the polar jet. There are also obvious seasonal and interannual variations in GW activities, which are related to topography, polar jets, and large dust storms. The interannual variations in GWs imply that, in addition to the well-known large seasonal dust storms, complex interannual variations in atmospheric activity over the polar jets and in the complex topography at mid-to-low latitudes on Mars may also exist, which deserve further studies in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Exploring the Moon, Mars, and Asteroids Based on In-Situ and Remote Sensing Measurements)

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16 pages, 398 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometrics of Drawmetrics: An Expressive–Semantic Framework for Personality Assessment

by Larry R. Price

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16010135 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study examines whether Drawmetrics (DM), an expressive–semantic personality system, can be linked with the Five-Factor Model (Big Five) through an embedding-based mapping approach and network psychometric methods. A total of 185 participants completed both the DM assessment and the IPIP-NEO 120 Big [...] Read more.

This study examines whether Drawmetrics (DM), an expressive–semantic personality system, can be linked with the Five-Factor Model (Big Five) through an embedding-based mapping approach and network psychometric methods. A total of 185 participants completed both the DM assessment and the IPIP-NEO 120 Big Five inventory. DM term outputs were embedded using a miniLM sentence-transformer and aggregated into 30 facet composites, with six composites per domain. Big Five facet composites were extracted from standardized reports and harmonized to canonical facet names. Analyses focused on the overlap sample (N = 148) with valid scores on both instruments. DM composites demonstrated strong internal structure and high stability indices. Substantial semantic-space alignment was observed between DM term language and Big Five facet language, supporting interpretable linking. However, person-level correlations between DM and Big Five domains were modest (mean |r| ≈ 0.07; Spearman similar), with the largest facet-level association at |r| ≈ 0.26. DM appears to represent a coherent expressive–semantic trait space that is related to, but not isomorphic with, Big Five traits. These findings support a linking rather than equivalence interpretation and highlight the need for future research on scaling, reliability, range restriction, and criterion validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Personality, Emotions, and Emotional Intelligence Assessments: New Applications and Instruments)

22 pages, 8535 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study and THM Coupling Analysis of Slope Instability in Seasonally Frozen Ground

by Xiangshen Chen, Chao Li, Feng Ding and Yongju Shao

GeoHazards 2026, 7(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7010013 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) are a prevalent weathering process that threatens the stability of canal slopes in seasonally frozen regions. This study combines direct shear tests under multiple F-T cycles with coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical numerical modeling to investigate the failure mechanisms of slopes with different [...] Read more.

Freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) are a prevalent weathering process that threatens the stability of canal slopes in seasonally frozen regions. This study combines direct shear tests under multiple F-T cycles with coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical numerical modeling to investigate the failure mechanisms of slopes with different moisture contents (18%, 22%, 26%). The test results quantify a marked strength degradation, where the cohesion decreases to approximately 50% of its initial value and the internal friction angle is weakened by about 10% after 10 freeze–thaw cycles. The simulation reveals that temperature gradient-driven moisture migration is the core process, leading to a dynamic stress–strain concentration zone that propagates from the upper slope to the toe. The safety factors of the three soil specimens with different moisture contents fell below the critical threshold of 1.3. They registered values of 1.02, 0.99, and 0.78 within 44, 44, and 46 days, which subsequently induced shallow failure. The failure mechanism elucidated in this study enhances the understanding of freeze–thaw-induced slope instability in seasonally frozen regions. Full article

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13 pages, 816 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Reduced Versus Full-Dose Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Long-Term Management of Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review

by Manar Al Arifi, Walaa A. Alshahrani, Abdulmajeed M. Alshehri and Majed S. Al Yami

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 770; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020770 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is still a serious clinical problem because many patients still have a significant chance of having it happen again after their first course of anticoagulation is over. In recent years, reduced-dose direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been investigated as [...] Read more.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is still a serious clinical problem because many patients still have a significant chance of having it happen again after their first course of anticoagulation is over. In recent years, reduced-dose direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been investigated as a means to ensure prolonged protection while diminishing the risk of bleeding complications. This systematic review aims to summarize the available evidence comparing reduced-dose and full-dose DOAC regimens during the extended phase of VTE treatment. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library (January 2010–November 2025) identified randomized trials and one ambispective cohort study evaluating reduced-dose apixaban (2.5 mg BID), rivaroxaban (10 mg OD), dabigatran (110 mg BID), or edoxaban (30 mg OD). Methodological quality was assessed using RoB-2 for trials and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational data. Because of differences in study designs and outcome definitions, a narrative synthesis was applied. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Across trials, reduced-dose DOACs maintained consistently low rates of recurrent VTE: 1.7% in AMPLIFY-EXT versus 8.8% with placebo; 1.2–1.5% in EINSTEIN CHOICE versus 4.4% with aspirin; 2.2% in RENOVE versus 1.8% with full-dose therapy; and 1.3% in HI-PRO versus 10% with placebo. Real-world data from Valeriani et al. showed only a single recurrence (0.7%) over nearly three years. Major bleeding remained uncommon, ranging from 0.1 to 0.5% in randomized trials and 2.1–2.9% in longer-term observational cohorts. Conclusions: In summary, reduced-dose DOACs appear to offer a favorable balance of safety and efficacy, providing durable protection against recurrence with a lower bleeding burden. These findings support their role as a practical extended-treatment strategy in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Vascular Medicine)

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33 pages, 4093 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association of TIGIT and CD155 with KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and AKT Gene Mutations, MSI Status, and Cytokine Profiles in Colorectal Cancer

by Błażej Ochman, Piotr Limanówka, Sylwia Mielcarska, Agnieszka Kula, Miriam Dawidowicz, Dorota Hudy, Monika Szrot, Jerzy Piecuch, Zenon Czuba, Dariusz Waniczek and Elżbieta Świętochowska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020937 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

TIGIT and its ligand CD155 (PVR) are emerging immune checkpoints in colorectal cancer (CRC), but their associations with mutational subtypes and the tumor immune milieu remain unclear. We quantified TIGIT and CD155 proteins by ELISA in paired CRC tumors and matched surgical margins [...] Read more.

TIGIT and its ligand CD155 (PVR) are emerging immune checkpoints in colorectal cancer (CRC), but their associations with mutational subtypes and the tumor immune milieu remain unclear. We quantified TIGIT and CD155 proteins by ELISA in paired CRC tumors and matched surgical margins (n = 131) and evaluated associations with clinicopathological features, MSI status, and KRAS/NRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations (n = 104). Both TIGIT and CD155 were significantly elevated in tumor tissue versus margins (p < 0.0001) and showed no association with TNM stage, clinical stage, grade, or tumor location. TIGIT levels were higher in MSI than MSS tumors and in BRAF-mutant compared to BRAF wild-type tumors, while CD155 expression showed no consistent MSI- or mutation-dependent differences. Cytokine profiling identified IFN-g as the only shared positive associate of TIGIT and CD155; CD155 additionally associated with TRAIL, IL-1Ra, M-CSF, and PDGF-bb. In external transcriptomic validation (TCGA-CRC), GSEA indicated enrichment of interferon/inflammatory programs in TIGIT-high tumors, while CD155-high tumors preferentially showed proliferation-related MYC/E2F/G2M signatures. Together, these findings support tumor-wide upregulation of the TIGIT/CD155 axis in CRC and suggest that TIGIT, more than CD155, tracks with MSI/BRAF-associated immune activation, providing a rationale for patient stratification in checkpoint-directed immunotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies of Colorectal Cancer)

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31 pages, 4193 KB

Open AccessReview

Challenges and Practices in Perishable Food Supply Chain Management in Remote Indigenous Communities: A Scoping Review and Conceptual Framework for Enhancing Food Access

by Behnaz Gharakhani Dehsorkhi, Karima Afif and Maurice Doyon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010118 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Remote Indigenous communities experience persistent inequities in access to fresh and nutritious foods due to the fragility of perishable food supply chains (PFSCs). Disruptions across procurement, transportation, storage, retail, and limited local production restrict access to perishable foods, contributing to food insecurity and [...] Read more.

Remote Indigenous communities experience persistent inequities in access to fresh and nutritious foods due to the fragility of perishable food supply chains (PFSCs). Disruptions across procurement, transportation, storage, retail, and limited local production restrict access to perishable foods, contributing to food insecurity and diet-related health risks. This scoping literature review synthesizes evidence from 84 peer-reviewed, grey, and unpublished sources across fourteen countries to map PFSC management (PFSCM) challenges affecting food access in remote Indigenous communities worldwide and to synthesize reported practices implemented to address these challenges. PFSCM challenges were identified across all supply chain levels, and five categories of reported practices emerged: PFSC redesign strategies, forecasting and decision-support models, technological innovations, collaboration and coordination mechanisms, and targeted investments. These findings informed the development of a multi-scalar conceptual framework comprising seven interconnected PFSCM clusters that organize how reported practices are associated with multiple food access dimensions, including quantity, affordability, quality, safety, variety, and cultural acceptability. This review contributes an integrative, system-oriented synthesis of PFSCM research and provides a conceptual basis to support future scholarly inquiry, comparative inquiry, and policy-relevant discussion of food access and health equity in remote Indigenous communities. Full article

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21 pages, 11557 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Dupilumab in Elderly Patients with Atopic Dermatitis—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Przemysław Hałubiec, Natalia Gołąbek, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Jacek Cezary Szepietowski and Andrzej Kazimierz Jaworek

Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010204 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritic eczematous lesions that significantly alter quality of life of patients. Dupilumab, a new biologic agent, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in the general adult population with AD. However, evidence on [...] Read more.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritic eczematous lesions that significantly alter quality of life of patients. Dupilumab, a new biologic agent, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in the general adult population with AD. However, evidence on its use in elderly patients is limited. Objectives: The objective of this work was to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in patients aged ≥60 years with AD, based on published data. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PICO(S) framework. Articles written in English and published before 31 December 2024 that investigated patients ≥ 60 years with AD treated with dupilumab were included. Meta-analysis of the observational studies was performed using a random-effects model with subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Results: Twenty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. After 16 weeks of treatment, dupilumab significantly reduced disease severity (EASI: 21.8; 95% CI: 18.3–25.2), intensity of pruritus (P-NRS: 5.8; 95% CI: 4.2–7.3), and quality of life impairment (DLQI: 11.3; 95% CI: 6.1–16.5); all p < 0.001. Meta-regression revealed previous treatment with cyclosporin A as a predictor of a poorer response to treatment. The generalized-prurigo phenotype was associated with worse control of pruritus. The most common adverse events were conjunctivitis, injection site reactions, and facial flushing. Conclusions: Dupilumab appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for AD in elderly patients. More research is warranted to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and safety in this age group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dermatology: From Fundamental to Clinical Research)

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38 pages, 10428 KB

Open AccessArticle

Conversational AI-Enabled Precision Oncology Reveals Context-Dependent MAPK Pathway Alterations in Hispanic/Latino and Non-Hispanic White Colorectal Cancer Stratified by Age and FOLFOX Exposure

by Fernando C. Diaz, Brigette Waldrup, Francisco G. Carranza, Sophia Manjarrez and Enrique Velazquez-Villarreal

Cancers 2026, 18(2), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020293 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) demonstrates substantial clinical and biological diversity across age groups, ancestral backgrounds, and treatment settings, alongside a rising incidence of early-onset disease (EOCRC). The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a major driver of CRC development and therapy response; however, [...] Read more.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) demonstrates substantial clinical and biological diversity across age groups, ancestral backgrounds, and treatment settings, alongside a rising incidence of early-onset disease (EOCRC). The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a major driver of CRC development and therapy response; however, the distribution and prognostic value of MAPK alterations across distinct patient subgroups remain unclear. Methods: We analyzed 2515 CRC tumors with harmonized demographic, clinical, genomic, and treatment metadata. Patients were stratified by ancestry (Hispanic/Latino [H/L] vs. non-Hispanic White [NHW]), age at diagnosis (early-onset [EO] vs. late-onset [LO]), and FOLFOX chemotherapy exposure. MAPK pathway alterations were identified using a curated gene set encompassing canonical EGFR-RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling components and regulatory nodes. Conversational artificial intelligence (AI-HOPE and AI-HOPE-MAPK) enabled natural language-driven cohort construction and exploratory analytics; findings were validated using Fisher’s exact testing, chi-square analyses, and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates. Results: MAPK pathway disruption demonstrated marked heterogeneity across ancestry and treatment contexts. Among EO H/L patients, FGFR3, NF1, and RPS6KA6 mutations were significantly enriched in tumors not receiving FOLFOX, whereas PDGFRB alterations were more frequent in FOLFOX-treated EO H/L tumors relative to EO NHW counterparts. In late-onset H/L disease, NTRK2 and PDGFRB mutations were more common in non-FOLFOX tumors. Distinct MAPK-associated alterations were also observed among NHW patients, particularly in non-FOLFOX settings, including AKT3, FGF4, RRAS2, CRKL, DUSP4, JUN, MAPK1, RRAS, and SOS1. Survival analyses provided borderline evidence that MAPK alterations may be linked to improved overall survival in treated EO NHW patients. Conversational AI markedly accelerated analytic throughput and multi-parameter discovery. Conclusions: Although MAPK alterations are pervasive in CRC, their distribution varies meaningfully by ancestry, age, and treatment exposure. These findings highlight NF1, MAPK3, RPS6KA4, and PDGFRB as potential biomarkers in EOCRC and H/L patients, supporting the need for ancestry-aware precision oncology approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Addressing Disparities in Cancer)

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40 pages, 1078 KB

Open AccessReview

Therapeutic Potential of Bovine Colostrum- and Milk-Derived Exosomes in Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Future Perspectives

by Yusuf Serhat Karakülah, Yalçın Mert Yalçıntaş, Mikhael Bechelany and Sercan Karav

Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(1), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19010168 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Due to their therapeutic potential and effects on cells, exosomes derived from bovine colostrum (BCE) and milk (BME) are molecules that have been at the center of recent studies. Their properties include the ability to cross biological barriers, their natural biocompatibility, and their [...] Read more.

Due to their therapeutic potential and effects on cells, exosomes derived from bovine colostrum (BCE) and milk (BME) are molecules that have been at the center of recent studies. Their properties include the ability to cross biological barriers, their natural biocompatibility, and their structure, which enable them to act as stable nanocarriers. Exosomes derived from milk and colostrum stand out in cancer prevention and treatment due to these properties. BMEs can be enriched with bioactive peptides, lipids, and nucleic acids. The targeted drug delivery capacity of BMEs can be made more efficient through these enrichment processes. For example, BME enriched with an iRGD peptide and developed using hypoxia-sensitive lipids selectively transported drugs and reduced the survival rate of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. ARV-825-CME formulations increased antitumor activity in some cancer types. The anticancer effects of exosomes are supported by these examples. In addition to their anticancer activities, exosomes also exhibit effects that maintain immune balance. BME and BCE can regulate inflammatory responses with their miRNA and protein loads. These effects of BMEs have been demonstrated in studies on colon, breast, liver, and lung cancers. The findings support the safety and scalability of these effects. However, significant challenges remain in terms of their large-scale isolation, load heterogeneity, and regulatory standardization. Consequently, BMEs represent a new generation of biogenic nanoplatforms at the intersection of nutrition, immunology, and oncology, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products for Anticancer, Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Therapies)

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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 3462 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multiphysics Simulation for Efficient and Reliable Systems for Low-Temperature Plasma Treatment of Metals

by Nina Yankova Penkova, Boncho Edward Varhoshkov, Valery Todorov, Hristo Antchev, Kalin Krumov and Vesselin Iliev

Materials 2026, 19(2), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19020382 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Plasma nitriding is an advanced method to increase the hardness and wear resistance of different metal parts with complex shapes and geometries. The modelling is an appropriate approach for better understanding and improving such technologies based on multi-physical processes. Mathematical models of the [...] Read more.

Plasma nitriding is an advanced method to increase the hardness and wear resistance of different metal parts with complex shapes and geometries. The modelling is an appropriate approach for better understanding and improving such technologies based on multi-physical processes. Mathematical models of the coupled electromagnetic, fluid flow, and thermal processes in vacuum chambers for the low-temperature plasma treatment of metal parts have been developed. They were solved numerically via ANSYS/CFX software for a discretized solid and gas space of a plasma nitriding chamber. The specific electrical conductivity of the gas mixture, containing plasma, has been calibrated on the basis of an electrical model of the chamber and in situ measurements. The three-dimensional fields of pressure, temperature, velocity, turbulent characteristics, electric current density, and voltage in the chamber have been simulated and analysed. Methods for further development and application of the models and for technological and constructive enhancement of the plasma treatment technologies are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plasma Treatment of Materials)

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14 pages, 466 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Endpoint Definitions on Predictors of Progression in Active Surveillance for Early Prostate Cancer

by Kieran Sandhu, Artitaya Lophatananon and Vincent J. Gnanapragasam

Cancers 2026, 18(2), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020292 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: There is conflicting data on which factors predict progression events in active surveillance for early prostate cancer. Here, we explored the value of different clinicopathological variables and whether progression endpoint definitions impact predictive utility. Methods: Clinicopathological variables were extracted from [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: There is conflicting data on which factors predict progression events in active surveillance for early prostate cancer. Here, we explored the value of different clinicopathological variables and whether progression endpoint definitions impact predictive utility. Methods: Clinicopathological variables were extracted from the STRATified CANcer Surveillance (STRATCANs) prospective AS database and included biopsy features (core positivity, cancer core length, and percentage core involvement) and MRI features (Likert score, lesion size, and location), as well as baseline PSA density [PSAd] and Cambridge Prognostic Group (CPG). These were tested against AS endpoint definitions of (1) progression to ≥CPG3, (2) any pathological progression and two definitions from the literature, (3) ≥GG3 or change to treatment, and (4) ≥GG4, metastasis or cancer-related mortality. Predictors were assessed using regression analysis. Results: Data from 296 men were included (median age, 66; follow-up, 5 years). Progression per definition (1–4) occurred in 46 (15.5%), 54 (18.2%), 84 (28.4%), and 10 (3.4%) men. In univariate analysis using Definition 1, no biopsy parameter was independently predictive of progression, while the MRI Likert score (p = 0.02) was the only significant imaging parameter. For Definition 2, core positivity (p = 0.003) and MRI Likert score (p = 0.01) were significant predictors in univariate analyses, while for Definition 3, tumour core length (p = 0.005), core positivity (p = 0.002), and MRI Likert score (p = 0.003) were all predictive in univariate analyses. In multivariate analysis, however, the only consistent independent predictor was PSAd, regardless of endpoint definition. No variables predicted Definition 4 progression. Conclusions: AS endpoint selection appears to define which variables predict progression. Using progression to ≥CPG 3 as an unambiguous AS endpoint, neither biopsy nor MRI variables added incremental value in predicting progression. PSAd, however, appears to be a robust and independent generalisable progression predictor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention)

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17 pages, 2179 KB

Open AccessArticle

Truncated Equinine B Variants Reveal the Sequence Determinants of Antimicrobial Selectivity

by Mariele Staropoli, Theresa Schwaiger, Jasmina Tuzlak, Renata Biba, Lukas Petrowitsch, Johannes Fessler, Marin Roje, Matteo Cammarata, Nermina Malanović and Andreja Jakas

Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24010046 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

Equinin B (GQCQRKCLGHCSKKCPKHPQCRKRCIRRCFGYCL), a marine peptide from Actinia equina exhibits antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. To identify a smaller active region and explore tunable properties, three peptide fragments were synthesized: GQCQRKCLGHCS (EB1), KKCPKHPQCRK (EB2), and RCIRRCFGYCL [...] Read more.

Equinin B (GQCQRKCLGHCSKKCPKHPQCRKRCIRRCFGYCL), a marine peptide from Actinia equina exhibits antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. To identify a smaller active region and explore tunable properties, three peptide fragments were synthesized: GQCQRKCLGHCS (EB1), KKCPKHPQCRK (EB2), and RCIRRCFGYCL (EB3), yielding peptides with key AMP-like properties, including the most positively charged and most hydrophobic regions. Only the 11-residue C-terminal fragment showed selective activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus hirae, while remaining inactive against Escherichia coli. Peptide modifications, achieved by replacing cysteine residues with arginine, generally did not enhance activity, but in the C-terminal fragment EB3 they reduced hemolytic activity and increased bacterial specificity. Membrane depolarization assays confirmed that the unmodified fragment EB3 strongly disrupts bacterial membranes, whereas the modified variant showed minimal depolarization, highlighting its markedly reduced membrane-disruptive potential. In silico modelling revealed that the EB3 can adopt multiple membrane-disruption modes, from transient shallow pores to carpet-like mechanisms, while the cysteine-to-arginine variant interacts mainly via partial insertion anchored by arginine residues. Phenylalanine appears to interact with the membrane, and reducing hydrophobicity by its removal abolished antibacterial activity. These findings highlight the 11-residue C-terminal fragment as a tunable, membrane-targeting motif with mechanistic novelty, offering a blueprint for developing safer, selective antimicrobial peptides with reduced cytotoxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Pharmacology)

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Graphical abstract

25 pages, 2848 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Hazardous Mitigation and Resource Recovery from Oil-Based Drill Cuttings Through Slow Pyrolysis: A Kinetic and Product Analysis

by Andres Reyes-Urrutia, Anabel Fernandez, Rodrigo Torres-Sciancalepore, Daniela Zalazar-García, César Venier, César Rozas-Formandoy, Gastón Fouga, Rosa Rodriguez and Germán Mazza

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020969 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

The expansion of unconventional hydrocarbon extraction in the Vaca Muerta Formation (Argentina) has increased the generation of oil-based drill cuttings (OBDCs), a hazardous waste containing up to 20 wt% total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and trace metals. These characteristics pose risks to soil and [...] Read more.

The expansion of unconventional hydrocarbon extraction in the Vaca Muerta Formation (Argentina) has increased the generation of oil-based drill cuttings (OBDCs), a hazardous waste containing up to 20 wt% total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and trace metals. These characteristics pose risks to soil and groundwater, highlighting the need for sustainable treatment technologies that minimize environmental impacts and enable resource recovery. This study evaluates slow pyrolysis as a thermochemical route for OBDC stabilization and valorization. Representative samples were characterized through proximate, ultimate, and metal analyses, confirming a complex hydrocarbon–mineral matrix with 78.1 wt% ash, 15.9 wt% volatile matter, and 12.5 wt% TPH. Thermogravimetric analysis (10–20 °C min⁻¹), combined with isoconversional methods, identified three pseudo-components with activation energies ranging from 41.9 to 104.5 kJ mol⁻¹. Slow pyrolysis experiments in a fixed bed (400–650 °C) reduced residual TPH to below 1 wt% at temperatures ≥ 400 °C, meeting Argentine criteria for non-hazardous solids. The process also produced a condensed liquid organic fraction, supporting its potential within circular-economy strategies. Overall, the results show that slow pyrolysis is a viable and sustainable technology for reducing environmental risks from OBDC while enabling resource and energy recovery, contributing to a broader understanding of their thermochemical treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

28 pages, 18551 KB

Open AccessArticle

Addressing the Advance and Delay in the Onset of the Rainy Seasons in the Tropical Andes Using Harmonic Analysis and Climate Change Indices

by Sheila Serrano-Vincenti, Jonathan González-Chuqui, Mariana Luna-Cadena and León A. Escobar

Atmosphere 2026, 17(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos17010098 (registering DOI) - 17 Jan 2026

Abstract

The advance and delay of the rainy season is among the most frequently cited effects of climate change in the central Ecuadorian Andes. However, its assessment is not feasible using the indicators recommended by the standardized indices of the Expert Team on Climate [...] Read more.

The advance and delay of the rainy season is among the most frequently cited effects of climate change in the central Ecuadorian Andes. However, its assessment is not feasible using the indicators recommended by the standardized indices of the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI), designed to detect changes in intensity, frequency, or duration of intense events. This study aims to analyze such advances and delays through harmonic analysis in Tungurahua, a predominantly agricultural province in the Tropical Central Andes, where in situ data are scarce. Daily in situ data from five meteorological stations were used, including precipitation, maximum, and minimum temperature records spanning 39 to 68 years. The study involved an analysis of the region’s climatology, climate change indices, and harmonic analysis using Cross-Wavelet Transform (XWT) and Wavelet Coherence Transform (WCT) to identify seasonal patterns and their variability (advance or delay) by comparing historical and recent time series, and Krigging for regionalization. The year 2000 was used as a study point for comparing past and present trends. Results show a generalized increase in both minimum and maximum temperatures. In the case of extreme rainfall events, no significant changes were detected. Harmonic analysis was found to be sensitive to missing data. Furthermore, the observed advances and delays in seasonality were not statistically significant and appeared to be more closely related to the geographic location of the stations than to temporal shifts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrometeorological Simulation and Prediction in a Changing Climate)

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