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18 pages, 549 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Perception of Others’ Status on Prosocial Behavior Prestige and Domination in Trust

by Edwin Oswaldo Gil-Mateus, Milton Samuel Camelo-Rincón and Jaime Edison Rojas-Mora

Societies 2025, 15(11), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15110311 (registering DOI) - 11 Nov 2025

This study examines the link between how people perceive others’ social status and prosocial behavior, viewing the latter as a key aspect of social and cooperative interactions. Due to conflicting findings in previous research, this study investigates how status acquisition strategies—such as prestige [...] Read more.

This study examines the link between how people perceive others’ social status and prosocial behavior, viewing the latter as a key aspect of social and cooperative interactions. Due to conflicting findings in previous research, this study investigates how status acquisition strategies—such as prestige or dominance—impact prosocial choices, particularly when perceptions of others’ status vary. To achieve this, a pre-experimental study was conducted with 261 university students, who participated in a modified trust game where they decided whether to give and expect money back from individuals they perceived as higher, equal, or lower in status. The study also measured perceptions of dominance, prestige, and exposure to life shocks. The main result shows that, unexpectedly, prestige does not directly predict prosocial behavior, while dominance does when interacting with lower-status individuals. Additionally, external shocks have mixed effects on prosocial behavior. These findings suggest that prosocial behavior is not solely determined by status but also depends on strategic perceptions, relational context, and past experiences, which have important implications for understanding leadership, cooperation, and social cohesion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Environmental Factors of anti/Prosocial Behaviour Development: Current Knowledge and Future Challenges)

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14 pages, 563 KB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns of Management of Positive Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer Patients After the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 Trial: A Retrospective Study

by Mohamad Hadi El Charif, Malak Ghezzawi, Nour Kalot, Joelle Allam, Rasha Kakati, Jaber Abbas, Hazem Assi and Eman Sbaity

Cancers 2025, 17(22), 3621; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17223621 (registering DOI) - 11 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has emerged as an alternative to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), with the ACOSOG Z0011 trial demonstrating that SLNB alone yields [...] Read more.

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has emerged as an alternative to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), with the ACOSOG Z0011 trial demonstrating that SLNB alone yields equivalent oncologic outcomes to ALND for patients with 1–2 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Objective: This study evaluates the adoption of Z0011 recommendations at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) and their impact on oncologic outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study includes female patients with early-stage breast cancer (T1–T2, N0, M0) who underwent breast-conserving surgery with SLNB at AUBMC, between January 2011 and December 2016. Data were extracted from the institutional breast cancer database, including demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical management, and follow-up outcomes. Results: SLNB alone was adopted, following publication of the Z0011 trial, in 93.4% of patients, with 6.6% undergoing ALND. Among patients with 1–2 positive SLNs, 27.1% underwent completion ALND. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved increased from two to four over the study period. The most common molecular subtypes observed were luminal A (54.1%), characterized by a predominant stage T1 presentation and small tumor sizes (median tumor size, 1.4 cm). Among patients with 1–2 positive SLNs who underwent ALND, no recurrences or metastatic events were reported. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 95.9% and 93.4%, respectively. No notable differences in OS and DFS were observed between the SLNB alone and ALND groups. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that SLNB alone provides comparable oncologic outcomes to ALND, supporting its safety and effectiveness as an alternative for early-stage breast cancer patients with 1–2 positive SLNs. These findings extend the Z0011 trial’s applicability to diverse populations, reinforcing SLNB as a less invasive, safe alternative to ALND. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life)

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17 pages, 1229 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Oxidative Stress and Postoperative Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

by Miguel Angel Cuevas-Budhart, María Sánchez-Garre, Alba Sánchez-Bermúdez, Aurora Sobrino-Rodríguez, María Mastel Arniella-Blanco, Alina Renghea, Almudena Crespo-Cañizares, Iván Cavero-Redondo, Juan Manuel Gallardo and Mercedes Gómez del Pulgar

Antioxidants 2025, 14(11), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14111349 (registering DOI) - 11 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) is a key biological mechanism influencing surgical recovery, contributing to impaired healing, infectious complications, cardiovascular events, and mortality. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses exclusively focused on the relationship between validated oxidative stress [...] Read more.

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) is a key biological mechanism influencing surgical recovery, contributing to impaired healing, infectious complications, cardiovascular events, and mortality. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses exclusively focused on the relationship between validated oxidative stress biomarkers and postoperative outcomes. Narrative and non-systematic reviews were excluded. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted on 15 March 2024 and updated on 12 December 2024 to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses including adult surgical patients, validated oxidative stress biomarkers, and clinical outcomes. Methodological quality was evaluated with AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS. The SANRA checklist was used only to verify that narrative or bibliometric reviews did not meet the inclusion criteria. These non-systematic reviews were excluded from the synthesis and cited solely as contextual references. Findings: From 527 records, ten systematic reviews of moderate to high methodological quality were included, encompassing approximately 230 primary studies. The most frequently reported biomarkers were total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Lower TAC, GSH, and SOD levels were consistently associated with poor recovery and multiorgan dysfunction, whereas elevated MDA and 8-OHdG levels correlated with infectious complications, delayed healing, cardiovascular events, persistent pain, and mortality. Antioxidant-based interventions such as vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, and propofol showed heterogeneous but promising effects, particularly in high-risk surgical populations. The main limitations were the heterogeneity of biomarkers, variability in perioperative protocols, and partial overlap of primary evidence across reviews. Interpretation: The findings were organized into three main clinical domains: (1) infectious complications and impaired healing; (2) cardiovascular and systemic complications; and (3) predictive and prognostic value of OS biomarkers for perioperative risk assessment. This thematic synthesis integrates evidence across different surgical specialties, highlighting consistent mechanistic patterns and key research gaps to inform future investigations and clinical decision-making. Full article

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

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18 pages, 4490 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Layer Configuration on the Mechanical, Tribological and Corrosion Performance of Ti/TiN Multilayer Coatings

by Zarina Aringozhina, Nurtoleu Magazov, Bauyrzhan Rakhadilov, Yelaman Batanov, Ainur Serikbaikyzy and Arystanbek Kussainov

Coatings 2025, 15(11), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15111313 (registering DOI) - 11 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of multilayer architecture on the mechanical, corrosion, and tribological properties of Ti/TiN coatings deposited on biomedical Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Nine multilayer configurations were prepared by DC/RF magnetron sputtering using metallic Ti and ceramic TiN targets, with a fixed TiN/Ti [...] Read more.

This study investigates the influence of multilayer architecture on the mechanical, corrosion, and tribological properties of Ti/TiN coatings deposited on biomedical Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Nine multilayer configurations were prepared by DC/RF magnetron sputtering using metallic Ti and ceramic TiN targets, with a fixed TiN/Ti ratio of 3:1 and varying total numbers of layers (3, 5, and 7) and deposition times (30, 60, and 120 min). A strict application of the 10% indentation depth rule was implemented to eliminate substrate effects, which revealed significantly higher intrinsic hardness values (540–740 HV) and indentation moduli (124–143 GPa) compared to the substrate (353 HV; 114 GPa). In contrast, conventional higher-load testing underestimated coating performance due to substrate dominance. Among the investigated architectures, the Ti/TiN-7 configuration exhibited the best balance of properties, combining high hardness (~690 HV), modulus (~137 GPa), improved corrosion resistance (Ecorr up to −0.13 V, Icorr reduced by an order of magnitude), and stable abrasive wear behavior. These findings demonstrate that both bilayer number and deposition time critically determine the mechanical and functional response of Ti/TiN multilayers. The results provide practical guidelines for the reliable characterization and design of multilayer coatings for biomedical and aerospace applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tribology)

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18 pages, 1938 KB

Open AccessReview

Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research on Sugarcane Production and Its Effects on Biodiversity: Trends, Critical Points, and Knowledge Gaps

by Eduardo Rodrigues dos Santos, William Douglas Carvalho and Karen Mustin

Conservation 2025, 5(4), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation5040067 (registering DOI) - 11 Nov 2025

Abstract

The rising global demand for renewable energy and the urgency of mitigating climate change have positioned biofuels, particularly sugarcane ethanol, at the forefront of sustainability and conservation debates. Although promoted as a renewable alternative, sugarcane cultivation can cause habitat loss, biodiversity decline, soil [...] Read more.

The rising global demand for renewable energy and the urgency of mitigating climate change have positioned biofuels, particularly sugarcane ethanol, at the forefront of sustainability and conservation debates. Although promoted as a renewable alternative, sugarcane cultivation can cause habitat loss, biodiversity decline, soil degradation, and water contamination. This study presents a bibliometric assessment of 217 publications addressing the biodiversity impacts of sugarcane production, based on searches in the Web of Science Core Collection for papers published between 1998 and 2023. Using the bibliometrix package in R, we identified key publication trends, collaboration networks, and thematic structures. Between 1998 and 2006, no studies were returned by our searches, after which research activity increased substantially, peaking in 2021. Brazil, the world’s largest sugarcane producer, was the most frequent contributor to scientific output, while other major sugarcane producers, such as Thailand and India, showed limited engagement. Thematic mapping of the studies returned by our searches revealed three clusters: (1) cross-cutting themes linking sugarcane, biodiversity, and sustainability; (2) niche themes on pest and soil dynamics; and (3) emerging themes on the ecological role of bats in sugarcane landscapes. Overall, the findings highlight the growing academic engagement in reconciling bioenergy development with biodiversity conservation. Full article

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21 pages, 10117 KB

Open AccessArticle

Screen Façade Pattern Design Driven by Generative Adversarial Networks and Machine Learning Classification for the Evaluation of a Daylight Environment

by Hyunjae Nam and Dong Yoon Park

Buildings 2025, 15(22), 4056; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15224056 (registering DOI) - 11 Nov 2025

Abstract

This research seeks to identify optimised screen façade patterns and ratios for the effective management of daylight ingress and glare effects. It employs generative adversarial networks (GANs) to generate pattern variations and further evaluates the resultant variations through daylight simulations for application in [...] Read more.

This research seeks to identify optimised screen façade patterns and ratios for the effective management of daylight ingress and glare effects. It employs generative adversarial networks (GANs) to generate pattern variations and further evaluates the resultant variations through daylight simulations for application in screen façades. The generated pattern data were classified by hierarchical clustering to distinguish distinct feature groups, and they were subsequently utilised as façade configurations. The pattern data were assessed through daylight performance metrics: spatial daylight autonomy (sDA), annual sunlight exposure (ASE), and daylight glare probability (DGP). The results of the annual-based simulations indicate that façade patterns with frame ratios in the range of 50–65% are useful in reducing the areas exposed to intensive glare on the façade side while maintaining the minimum required lighting conditions. The overall influence of screen façades on interior daylighting in a large space (e.g., 10 m × 10 m) was found to be limited. Their performance is notable in reducing glare discomfort areas within approximately 2.5 m of south-facing façades. This study supports an application strategy in which screen façades are used to manage the extent of areas exposed to daylight ingress within an interior space. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Architecture and Interior Design)

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23 pages, 7124 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Characterization of Yeast Protein–Polysaccharide Bioink Blends for 3D Printing

by Or Peleg-Evron, Noy Hen, Maya Davidovich-Pinhas, Shulamit Levenberg and Havazelet Bianco-Peled

Polysaccharides 2025, 6(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides6040101 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Yeast protein (YP) offers nutritional and sustainable benefits; however, its poor gelation properties limit its use in soft material formulations. This study investigates the rheological behavior and the formation of crosslinked networks using YP–polysaccharide mixtures for extrusion-based 3D printing. Binary bioink blends with [...] Read more.

Yeast protein (YP) offers nutritional and sustainable benefits; however, its poor gelation properties limit its use in soft material formulations. This study investigates the rheological behavior and the formation of crosslinked networks using YP–polysaccharide mixtures for extrusion-based 3D printing. Binary bioink blends with alginate (Alg) or xanthan gum (XG) showed enhanced viscosity and exhibited shear-thinning properties. However, a high concentration of Alg negatively affected the material’s thixotropic recovery. On the other hand, YP–XG bioink displayed more pronounced elastic behavior and demonstrated thixotropic recovery, though they lacked the capacity for ionic crosslinking. A triple bioink formulation consisting of 8% (w/v) YP, 2% (w/v) Alg, and 0.5% (w/v) XG effectively combined the advantages of both polysaccharides. Alg provided structural stability through calcium crosslinking, while XG offered rheological flexibility. These bioinks were successfully printed using embedded 3D printing and maintained their shape fidelity after printing. The crosslinked triple hydrogel exhibited good mechanical strength, volume retention after crosslinking, structural integrity under compression of up to 70%, and recovery after deformation that indicates high structural stability. This research presents an effective strategy to enhance the application of yeast-derived proteins in sustainable, animal-free 3D printed food products and other soft biomaterials. Full article

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Graphical abstract

21 pages, 7201 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Real-Time Condition Monitoring Methods for Wind Tunnels Based on POD and BPNN

by Yisheng Yang, Cheng Zhang, Ming Li, Hanwei Wang, Xiqiang Yan, Miao Xian, Hongqiang Xiong and Sijie Yan

Symmetry 2025, 17(11), 1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17111923 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

To address challenges in holistic real-time condition monitoring of conventional wind tunnels—caused by large structural dimensions and complex parameter monitoring—this study proposes a wind tunnel condition monitoring surrogate model (POD-BPNN) integrating Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) for data dimensionality reduction with Back Propagation Neural [...] Read more.

To address challenges in holistic real-time condition monitoring of conventional wind tunnels—caused by large structural dimensions and complex parameter monitoring—this study proposes a wind tunnel condition monitoring surrogate model (POD-BPNN) integrating Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) for data dimensionality reduction with Back Propagation Neural Networks (BPNNs). By implementing POD-based order reduction, the computational load for neural network training is significantly reduced while maintaining predictive accuracy through reduced-order data utilization. When applied to reconstruct stress/displacement fields in a wind tunnel test section and the flow field in its fan section, the POD-BPNN model demonstrated prediction errors below 5% when validated against finite element and computational fluid dynamics simulations, with three orders of magnitude improvement in computational efficiency. This methodology satisfies precision and real-time requirements for structural/fluid field monitoring in wind tunnels. When deployed with an existing health management system, online monitoring and predictive maintenance of the digital twin for the wind tunnel will be achievable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Computing Algorithms and Applications)

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19 pages, 2427 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Deep Learning Model-Based Architectures for Lung Tumor Mutation Profiling: A Systematic Review

by Samanta Ortuño-Miquel, Reyes Roca, Cristina Alenda, Francisco Aranda, Natividad Martínez-Banaclocha, Sandra Amador and David Gil

Cancers 2025, 17(22), 3619; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17223619 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancers, exhibits marked heterogeneity that complicates molecular characterization and treatment selection. Recent advances in deep learning (DL) have enabled the extraction of genomic-related morphological features directly from routine Hematoxylin and Eosin [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancers, exhibits marked heterogeneity that complicates molecular characterization and treatment selection. Recent advances in deep learning (DL) have enabled the extraction of genomic-related morphological features directly from routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) histopathology, offering a potential complement to Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for precision oncology. This review aimed to evaluate how DL models have been applied to predict molecular alterations in NSCLC using H&E-stained slides. Methods: A systematic search following PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies published up to March 2025 that used DL models for mutation prediction in NSCLC. Eligible studies were screened, and data on model architectures, datasets, and performance metrics were extracted. Results: Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. Most employed convolutional neural networks trained on publicly available datasets such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to infer key mutations including EGFR, KRAS, and TP53. Reported areas under the curve ranged from 0.65 to 0.95, demonstrating variable but promising predictive capability. Conclusions: DL-based histopathology shows strong potential for linking tissue morphology to molecular signatures in NSCLC. However, methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and limited external validation constrain reproducibility and generalizability. Standardized protocols, larger multicenter cohorts, and transparent validation are needed before these models can be translated into clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Based Applications in Cancers)

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24 pages, 7943 KB

Open AccessArticle

Clofazimine Treatment Modulates Key Non-Coding RNAs Associated with Tumor Progression and Drug Resistance in Lethal Prostate Cancer

by Sarah Batten, Harish Kumar, Jeremiah Pfitzer, Daniel Chinedu Nweze, Suman Mazumder, Robert D. Arnold, Panagiotis Mistriotis, Taraswi Mitra Ghosh and Amit Kumar Mitra

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 10892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262210892 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer/PCa (mCRPC) is a clinically advanced form of PCa that is associated with increased aggressiveness, cancer stemness, morbidity, and the risk of developing resistance to taxanes, currently the first-line chemotherapy for mCRPC. Clofazimine (CLF) is a potential immunomodulator drug that [...] Read more.

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer/PCa (mCRPC) is a clinically advanced form of PCa that is associated with increased aggressiveness, cancer stemness, morbidity, and the risk of developing resistance to taxanes, currently the first-line chemotherapy for mCRPC. Clofazimine (CLF) is a potential immunomodulator drug that is FDA-approved for the treatment of leprosy. Recently, using in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models, we established the efficacy of CLF in chronic myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma. Here, we demonstrate that CLF is effective as a single agent and in combination with taxanes in a panel of cell lines representing the diversity of CRPC patients. Using a microfluidic assay, we showed the impact of CLF on cancer cell migration and metastatic potential. Further, we also found that CLF reduces ALDH activity—a marker for cancer ‘stem-like’ cells (CSCs), a subtype of cancer cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transdifferentiation/EMT). Bulk and single-cell RNAseq followed by functional validation and in silico analysis showed that CLF treatment is associated with apoptosis, ER stress, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Most importantly, CLF modulates the expression of several non-coding RNAs, including MALAT1 and NEAT1, that are linked to tumor cell proliferation, cell migration, and drug resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer)

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30 pages, 8375 KB

Open AccessArticle

MC-H-Geo: A Multi-Scale Contextual Hierarchical Framework for Fine-Grained Lithology Classification

by Lang Liu, Yanlin Shao, Yaxiong Shao, Peijin Li, Qingqing Yang and Rui Zeng

Sensors 2025, 25(22), 6859; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25226859 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

High-resolution lithological mapping of outcrops is fundamental for reservoir characterization and petroleum geology, yet distinguishing lithologies with subtle petrophysical contrasts remains a major challenge. This study proposes MC-H-Geo, a multi-scale contextual hierarchical framework for automated lithology classification from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point [...] Read more.

High-resolution lithological mapping of outcrops is fundamental for reservoir characterization and petroleum geology, yet distinguishing lithologies with subtle petrophysical contrasts remains a major challenge. This study proposes MC-H-Geo, a multi-scale contextual hierarchical framework for automated lithology classification from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds. The framework integrates three modules: (i) a multi-scale contextual feature engine that extracts spectral, geometric, and textural descriptors across local and stratigraphic contexts, enhanced by cross-scale differentials to capture stratigraphic variability; (ii) a gated expert classifier with task-adaptive feature subsets for hierarchical vegetation–rock and intra-rock discrimination; and (iii) a two-step geological post-processing procedure that enforces stratigraphic continuity through Z-axis correction and neighborhood smoothing. Experiments on the Qianwangjiahe outcrop (Ordos Basin, China) demonstrate state-of-the-art performance (OA = 94.3%, Macro F1 = 0.944), outperforming PointNet++ (77.1%), SG-RFGeo (74.2%), and XGBoost (61.7%). Error analysis reveals that residual sandstone–vegetation confusion results from feature aliasing in weathered zones, highlighting the intrinsic limitations of TLS-only data. Overall, MC-H-Geo establishes an advanced framework for fine-grained lithological mapping and identifies multi-sensor data fusion as a promising pathway toward robust, geologically consistent outcrop interpretation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of LiDAR Remote Sensing and Mapping)

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16 pages, 1853 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Minimally Invasive Versus Open Pyloromyotomy for Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis: Insights from an Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Amani N. Al-Ansari, Sagar Ahammed, Ahmed A. Sofy and Somaya Shokry Tawfik

Pediatr. Rep. 2025, 17(6), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric17060124 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis represents one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders in infants. It presents with severe persistent vomiting and electrolyte imbalance. Pyloromyotomy is the gold standard approach in the management of pyloric stenosis. The laparoscopic approach provides a reliable and [...] Read more.

Background: Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis represents one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders in infants. It presents with severe persistent vomiting and electrolyte imbalance. Pyloromyotomy is the gold standard approach in the management of pyloric stenosis. The laparoscopic approach provides a reliable and safe alternative to the open technique. We aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of both approaches and determine which approach is superior to the other. Methods: We searched for relevant articles by searching Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library until January 2025. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was utilized to assess the quality of the clinical trials, whereas the ROBINS-I tool was used in the observational studies. Our primary outcomes were operation time, length of hospital stay, time needed for full feeding, incidence of incomplete pyloromyotomy, mucosal perforation, wound infection, postoperative vomiting, postoperative incisional hernia, postoperative seroma or hematoma formation, need for reoperation, and rate of conversion to P in the laparoscopic group. Results: We included 12 eligible articles that compared laparoscopic pyloromyotomy with open pyloromyotomy in infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Our analysis revealed comparable results for both procedures in terms of operation time (p = 0.83), hospitalization duration (p = 0.06), mucosal perforation (p = 0.49), postoperative complications such as vomiting (p = 0.10), incisional hernia (p = 0.60), seroma (p = 0.52), and reoperation rates (p = 0.17). Patients who underwent LP achieved full feeding in less time (p = 0.007) and had fewer wound infections (p = 0.01) compared to OP. However, the incidence of incomplete pyloromyotomy was lower in the OP group than in the LP group (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Both open and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy are effective for treating hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The laparoscopic approach offers the advantages of a faster return to full feeding and lower wound infection rates but increases the risk of incomplete pyloromyotomy compared to the open technique. Surgeon preference and experience play crucial roles in surgical outcomes, provided that there is a thorough understanding of the benefits and limitations of both techniques. Full article

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18 pages, 2640 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term LULC Monitoring in El Jadida, Morocco (1985–2020): A Machine Learning-Based Comparative Analysis

by Ikram El Mjiri, Abdelmejid Rahimi, Abdelkrim Bouasria, Mohammed Bounif and Wardia Boulanouar

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2025, 14(11), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi14110445 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Recent advancements in remote sensing and geospatial processing tools have ushered in a new era of mapping and monitoring landscape changes across various scales. This progress is critical for understanding and anticipating the underlying drivers of environmental change. In particular, large-scale Land Use [...] Read more.

Recent advancements in remote sensing and geospatial processing tools have ushered in a new era of mapping and monitoring landscape changes across various scales. This progress is critical for understanding and anticipating the underlying drivers of environmental change. In particular, large-scale Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) mapping has become an indispensable tool for territorial planning and monitoring. This study aims to map and evaluate LULC changes in the El Jadida region of Morocco between 1985 and 2020. Utilizing multispectral Landsat imagery, we applied and compared three supervised machine learning classification algorithms: Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Neural Network (NNET). Model performance was assessed using statistical metrics, including overall accuracy, the Kappa coefficient, and the F1 score. The results indicate that the RF algorithm was the most effective, achieving an overall accuracy of 90.3% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.859, outperforming both NNET (81.3%; Kappa = 0.722) and SVM (80.2%; Kappa = 0.703). Analysis of explanatory variables underscored the decisive contribution of the NDWI, NDBI, and SWIR and thermal bands in discriminating land cover classes. The spatio-temporal analysis reveals significant urban expansion, primarily at the expense of agricultural land, while forested areas and water bodies remained relatively stable. This trend highlights the growing influence of anthropogenic pressure on landscape structure and underscores its implications for sustainable resource management and land use planning. The findings demonstrate the high efficacy of machine learning, particularly the RF algorithm, for accurate LULC mapping and change detection in the El Jadida region. This study provides a critical evidence base for regional planners to address the ongoing loss of agricultural land to urban expansion. Full article

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25 pages, 5973 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Attention-Residual Convolutional Network for Real-Time Seizure Classification on Edge Devices

by Peter A. Akor, Godwin Enemali, Usman Muhammad, Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Hadi Larijani

Sensors 2025, 25(22), 6855; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25226855 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Epilepsy affects over 50 million people globally, with accurate seizure type classification directly influencing treatment selection as different seizure types respond to specific antiepileptic medications. Manual electroencephalogram (EEG) interpretation remains time-intensive and requires specialized expertise, creating clinical workflow bottlenecks. This work presents EEG-ARCNet, [...] Read more.

Epilepsy affects over 50 million people globally, with accurate seizure type classification directly influencing treatment selection as different seizure types respond to specific antiepileptic medications. Manual electroencephalogram (EEG) interpretation remains time-intensive and requires specialized expertise, creating clinical workflow bottlenecks. This work presents EEG-ARCNet, an attention-residual convolutional network integrating residual connections with channel attention mechanisms to extract discriminative temporal and spectral features from multi-channel EEG recordings. The model combines nine statistical temporal features with five frequency-band power measures through Welch’s spectral decomposition, processed through attention-enhanced convolutional pathways. Evaluated on the Temple University Hospital Seizure Corpus, EEG-ARCNet achieved 99.65% accuracy with 99.59% macro-averaged F1-score across five seizure types (absence, focal non-specific, simple partial, tonic-clonic, and tonic). To validate practical deployment, the model was implemented on Raspberry Pi 4, achieving a 2.06 ms average inference time per 10 s segment with 35.4% CPU utilization and 499.4 MB memory consumption. The combination of high classification accuracy and efficient edge deployment demonstrates technical feasibility for resource-constrained seizure-monitoring applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue EEG-Based Brain–Computer Interface: Trends, Challenges and Advancements)

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18 pages, 2278 KB

Open AccessArticle

Osteoporosis in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kazakhstan

by Aigul Abduldayeva, Gulnur Doszhanova, Saule Iskakova, Zhanar Bukeyeva, Saule Tarjibayeva, Yerkezhan Tolegenova, Ainagul Kazbekova, Olzhas Kozhamkulov, Aigerm Baimagambetova and Gulnaz Dosmyrzayeva

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(11), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22111694 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess bone health in individuals over 60 years of age in Kazakhstan, focusing on the relationship between osteoporosis, body mass index (BMI), body composition, and nutritional factors. This study included 1961 participants, consisting of 1620 women [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to assess bone health in individuals over 60 years of age in Kazakhstan, focusing on the relationship between osteoporosis, body mass index (BMI), body composition, and nutritional factors. This study included 1961 participants, consisting of 1620 women and 341 men, aged 60 to 89. Bone strength was assessed using quantitative ultrasound of the calcaneus, while fracture risk was assessed with the FRAX tool. Osteoporosis was detected in 20.2% of women and 15.2% of men, and osteopenia affected 59.8% of women and 58.4% of men. A total of 73.7% of the participants were overweight, 38.2% were pre-obese, and 35.5% were obese. The results of the study emphasise that, in addition to classic nutrients (calcium, vitamin D, protein), a number of trace elements and vitamins (selenium, iodine, zinc, vitamin B6, phytosterols) also play a significant, possibly indirect, role in bone metabolism. An inverse correlation was observed between BMI and osteoporosis prevalence; with a decrease in BMI, the incidence of osteoporosis increased (women: χ² = 26.0, df = 2, p < 0.001; men: χ² = 4.29, df = 2, p < 0.014; total sample: χ² = 32.3, df = 2, p < 0.001), thus confirming that excess body fat exerts a protective effect on bone health. Significant risk factors for osteoporosis included age, height, and weight. A link was found between the age of first osteoporosis onset and BMI (from 65 to 72.14 years). This confirms the value of FRAX for accurately assessing fracture risk and developing personalised recommendations based on anthropometric and dietary characteristics. Future longitudinal research is warranted to validate these results and further elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including the predictive power of novel anthropometric parameters such as the Body Roundness Index and Body Shape Index. Full article

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13 pages, 925 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Exergy Flow and CCUS Carbon Reduction Potential in Coal Gasification Hydrogen Production Technology in China

by Lixing Zheng, Xuhui Jiang, Song Wang, Jiajun He, Yuhao Wang, Linbin Hu, Kaiji Xie and Peng Wang

Energies 2025, 18(22), 5906; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18225906 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Coal constitutes China’s most significant resource endowment at present. Utilizing coal resources for hydrogen production represents an early-stage pathway for China’s hydrogen production industry. The analysis of energy quality and carbon emissions in coal gasification-based hydrogen production holds practical significance. This paper integrates [...] Read more.

Coal constitutes China’s most significant resource endowment at present. Utilizing coal resources for hydrogen production represents an early-stage pathway for China’s hydrogen production industry. The analysis of energy quality and carbon emissions in coal gasification-based hydrogen production holds practical significance. This paper integrates the exergy analysis methodology into the traditional LCA framework to evaluate the exergy and carbon emission scales of coal gasification-based hydrogen production in China, considering the technical conditions of CCUS. This paper found that the life cycle exergic efficiency of the whole chain of gasification-based hydrogen production in China is accounted to be 38.8%. By analyzing the causes of exergic loss and energy varieties, it was found that the temperature difference between the reaction of coal gasification and CO conversion unit and the pressure difference due to the compressor driven by the electricity consumption of the compression process in the variable pressure adsorption unit are the main causes of exergic loss. Corresponding countermeasures were suggested. Regarding decarbonization strategies, the CCUS process can reduce CO₂ emissions across the life cycle of coal gasification-based hydrogen production by 48%. This study provides an academic basis for medium-to-long-term forecasting and roadmap design of China’s hydrogen production structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Hydrogen Energy)

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14 pages, 1626 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Learning-Based Prediction of Individual Cell α-Dispersion Capacitance from Morphological Features

by Tae Young Kang, Soojung Kim, Yoon-Hwae Hwang and Kyujung Kim

Biosensors 2025, 15(11), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15110753 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

The biophysical characteristics of cellular membranes, particularly their electrical properties in the

α

-dispersion frequency domain, offer valuable insights into cellular states and are increasingly important for cancer diagnostics through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression analysis. However, a critical limitation in these [...] Read more.

The biophysical characteristics of cellular membranes, particularly their electrical properties in the

α

-dispersion frequency domain, offer valuable insights into cellular states and are increasingly important for cancer diagnostics through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression analysis. However, a critical limitation in these electrical measurements is the confounding effect of morphological changes that inevitably occur during prolonged observation periods. These shape alterations significantly impact measured capacitance values, potentially masking true biological responses to epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation that are essential for cancer detection. In this study, we attempted to address this fundamental challenge by developing a deep learning method that establishes a direct computational relationship between cellular morphology and electrical properties. We combined optical trapping technology and capacitance measurements to generate a comprehensive dataset of HeLa cells under two different experimental conditions: (i) DPBS treatment and (ii) EGF stimulation. Our convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture accurately predicts 401-point capacitance spectra (0.1–2 kHz) from binary morphological images at low frequencies (0.1–0.8 kHz, < 10% error rate). This capability allows for the identification and subtraction of morphology-dependent components from measured capacitance changes, effectively isolating true biological responses from morphological artefacts. The model demonstrates remarkable prediction performance across diverse cell morphologies in both experimental conditions, validating the robust relationship between cellular shape and electrical characteristics. Our method significantly improves the precision and reliability of EGFR-based cancer diagnostics by providing a computational framework for a morphology-induced measurement error correction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Cell-Analyzing Technologies and Their Biosensing Applications)

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28 pages, 4842 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cooling Effects of Roof Greenings at Residential Buildings—Consideration of a Hydraulic Connection to the Interior

by Andreas Ratka, Wolfgang Ernst and Matthias Wörlein

CivilEng 2025, 6(4), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/civileng6040060 (registering DOI) - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Within the scope of this article is the presentation of a modelling and measurement approach for the effects of roof greenings and the application of the approach to evaluate the influence of roof greenings upon the thermal conditions inside a typical residential building. [...] Read more.

Within the scope of this article is the presentation of a modelling and measurement approach for the effects of roof greenings and the application of the approach to evaluate the influence of roof greenings upon the thermal conditions inside a typical residential building. It is shown that overheating in summer can be reduced, and thermal comfort for inhabitants can be increased. The cooling is caused by the transpiration of plants and by the evaporation of water from the substrate. Other relevant physical effects are the shading of plants and the increase in the heat capacity of the building. In state-of-the-art buildings, a layer with a high insulating effect is incorporated into the envelope. This leads to the effect that a huge fraction of the cooling power is taken from the outside of the building and only a smaller part is taken from the inside. In order to mitigate this decoupling, a hydraulic connection between the greening and the interior of the building is introduced. To evaluate the effect of the inside cooling, the difference in the number of yearly hours with overheating in residential buildings is estimated. In addition, the reduction in energy demand for the climatisation of a typical residential building is calculated. The used methods are as follows: (1) Performance of laboratory and free field measurements. (2) Simulation of a typical residential building, using a validated approach. In summary, it can be said that green roofs, in particular with hydraulic connections, can significantly increase the interior thermal comfort and potentially reduce the energy required for air conditioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Systems in Buildings and Occupant Comfort)

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14 pages, 2088 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Characterization of the Delta-12 Fatty Acid Desaturase from Euglena gracilis

by Raj Kumar Thapa, Bijaya Kumar Uprety, R. J. Neil Emery and Scott C. Farrow

Bioresour. Bioprod. 2025, 1(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioresourbioprod1020008 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Fatty acid desaturase 12 (FAD12) is a key enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis, responsible for converting oleic acid to linoleic acid through desaturase activity. Euglena gracilis (Euglena) is an emerging platform for the industrial production of various metabolites, including lipids. However, a comprehensive [...] Read more.

Fatty acid desaturase 12 (FAD12) is a key enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis, responsible for converting oleic acid to linoleic acid through desaturase activity. Euglena gracilis (Euglena) is an emerging platform for the industrial production of various metabolites, including lipids. However, a comprehensive understanding of Euglena’s fatty acid biosynthesis pathways remains incomplete, posing a significant barrier to the commercialization of Euglena bioproducts. To address this gap, we employed a bioinformatics approach to identify a Euglena gracilis FAD12 (Eg FAD12). We analyzed the evolutionary relationship of Eg FAD12 with its homologs from other organisms and revealed that the three canonical histidine box motifs are conserved among FAD12s. To characterize EgFAD12, we cloned it into the pEAQ-hyperstrans vector and overexpressed it in Nicotiana benthamiana to take advantage of its endogenous fatty acid pool, which could act as a substrate. The heterologous expression of FAD12 in N. benthamiana led to an increased linoleic acid content, demonstrating the suspected desaturase activity. To further confirm the function of Eg FAD12, we performed CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of Eg FAD12 in Euglena, which resulted in a drastic reduction in linoleic acid (C18:2) without compromising biomass yield or lipid content. This work advances our understanding of fatty acid biosynthesis in Euglena and will aid in its adoption as a platform for producing customized lipids. Full article

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16 pages, 2507 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Resolution Melting (HRM) Analysis for Screening Edited Lines: A Case Study in Vitis spp.

by Katia Spinella, Lorenza Dalla Costa, Davide La Rocca, Sara Ciuffa, Daniela Verginelli, Umar Shahbaz, Pierre Videau, Olivier Zekri and Ugo Marchesi

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040126 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

In recent years, CRISPR-Cas9 technology has become a powerful and indispensable tool for targeted mutagenesis in plants, including applications such as gene knockout, prime-editing, multiplex gene editing, and regulation of gene transcription. As the number of potential genome editing approaches expands at a [...] Read more.

In recent years, CRISPR-Cas9 technology has become a powerful and indispensable tool for targeted mutagenesis in plants, including applications such as gene knockout, prime-editing, multiplex gene editing, and regulation of gene transcription. As the number of potential genome editing approaches expands at a very fast pace, rapid, efficient, and cost-effective analytical strategies are needed to screen large numbers of mutants, including the detection of off-target events. In this study, we reported a detection method based on High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis to discriminate between wild-type (wt) and edited lines of different varieties of Vitis vinifera and grapevine rootstocks. Those edited lines were obtained through Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation of embryogenic calli using the CRISPR/SpCas9 system and targeting VviEPFL9-1 and VviEPFL9-2, two paralogous genes involved in stomata cell fate induction. The method clearly distinguished between the wt allele and the mutated one and was partially effective in distinguishing different types of mutation. Moreover, HRM data elaboration based on a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allowed one to group populations of lines which originated from the same transformation event. Our study demonstrates the reliability of HRM as a fast and cost-effective diagnostic tool for the screening of edited lines and the evaluation of off-target events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Biochemistry and Genetics)

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16 pages, 740 KB

Open AccessReview

Microplastics in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: A Literature Review

by Evelyn McQueen and Eric L. Sparks

Microplastics 2025, 4(4), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/microplastics4040087 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Plastics have become a ubiquitous feature of modern life, with their presence continually increasing. This widespread use has led to the global proliferation of plastics, including contamination of aquatic environments. This review focuses on microplastics—plastic particles less than 5 mm in size—in the [...] Read more.

Plastics have become a ubiquitous feature of modern life, with their presence continually increasing. This widespread use has led to the global proliferation of plastics, including contamination of aquatic environments. This review focuses on microplastics—plastic particles less than 5 mm in size—in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The central objective was to evaluate the abundance and potential impacts of microplastics in the region. Findings appear to indicate that microplastic concentrations in the water are below global averages, while concentrations in shoreline sediments are slightly above average. Although it appears fewer biological specimens contain microplastics in this region, the number of plastic particles per specimen appears higher compared to global observations. Microplastics significantly delay the transition of dissolved organic matter to particulate organic matter (by more than 200%), bioaccumulate in organisms, serve as adsorption surfaces for toxins and pollutants, and cause a range of biological effects. Further research is necessary to accurately quantify microplastic pollution and evaluate its ecological and environmental impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Microplastics)

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18 pages, 25745 KB

Open AccessArticle

Clinicopathological Implications of Maspin, CD8, and PD-L1 Expression in Liposarcomas

by Andrei-Ionuț Patrichi, Ioan Jung and Simona Gurzu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(11), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47110935 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Liposarcomas, the most common subtype of soft tissue sarcomas, show variable biological behavior and therapeutic response. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte marker CD8 have been implicated in tumor immune evasion and prognosis in various malignancies, while Maspin, a tumor suppressor, [...] Read more.

Liposarcomas, the most common subtype of soft tissue sarcomas, show variable biological behavior and therapeutic response. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte marker CD8 have been implicated in tumor immune evasion and prognosis in various malignancies, while Maspin, a tumor suppressor, has shown a negative prognostic impact in sarcomas. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological significance of PD-L1, CD8, and Maspin expression in liposarcomas. A retrospective analysis of 42 liposarcoma cases diagnosed between 2016 and 2023 was conducted. Immunohistochemical staining for PD-L1 (using DAKO 22C3 and 28-8 clones), CD8, and Maspin was performed. PD-L1 expression was assessed using the tumor proportion score (TPS) and tumor cell score (TC). CD8 expression was evaluated using an H-score, and Maspin positivity was assessed based on subcellular localization. Correlations with clinicopathological parameters were statistically analyzed using chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. Most liposarcomas exhibited low PD-L1 expression (<10%), but increased PD-L1 levels correlated with poor differentiation (G3), higher CD8 infiltration (H-score > 10%), and cytoplasmic Maspin positivity. Statistically significant associations were found between high PD-L1 expression and high CD8 infiltration (p = 0.007 for 22C3; p = 0.0331 for 28-8) and between PD-L1 positivity and Maspin expression (p = 0.003 for 22C3; p = 0.0113 for 28-8). CD8 infiltration was generally low across cases, and PD-L1 expression in inflammatory cells was noted predominantly in tumors with higher PD-L1 TPS/TC scores. High PD-L1 expression in liposarcomas is associated with poor tumor differentiation, increased CD8 infiltration, and Maspin positivity, suggesting an immune-evasive phenotype. Despite low overall expression rates, PD-L1 could serve as a prognostic biomarker and a potential target for immunotherapeutic strategies in liposarcomas. Further studies are necessary to standardize PD-L1 assessment and explore effective immunotherapy approaches for these tumors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Challenges of Targeted Therapy of Cancers: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 7638 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ethyl Acetate Extract of Cynanchi Auriculati Radix Inhibits LPS-Induced M1 Polarization of RAW264.7 Macrophages and Prolongs the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans by Regulating NF-κB and PMK-1/SKN-1 Signaling Pathways

by Jiawei Fan, Ya Su, Yi Xing, Kun Hu, Jie Ren and Jia Yang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(11), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47110934 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Extracts of Cynanchi Auriculati Radix (RCA), derived from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight. (CA), have been documented to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the molecular mechanisms of their anti-aging action remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the [...] Read more.

Extracts of Cynanchi Auriculati Radix (RCA), derived from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight. (CA), have been documented to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the molecular mechanisms of their anti-aging action remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the potential anti-aging components and mechanisms of RCA. LC-MS/MS and network pharmacology were used to identify components and targets. In vitro, LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages were used to assess anti-inflammatory effects. In vivo, Caenorhabditis elegans models were employed to evaluate lifespan and stress resistance. Five bioactive components were identified. The ethyl acetate extract of RCA (RCAEA) inhibited LPS-induced M1 macrophage polarization by suppressing the expression of NO, PGE2, IL-1β, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 via the NF-κB pathway. In C. elegans, RCAEA extended lifespan and enhanced oxidative and heat stress resistance, without affecting reproduction. These benefits were mediated by the PMK-1/SKN-1 pathway, as confirmed using mutant strains. RCAEA is a promising anti-aging and anti-inflammatory agent, acting through NF-κB and PMK-1/SKN-1 signaling pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology)

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26 pages, 4642 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acylpyruvates and Their Heterocyclic Derivatives as Growth Regulators in Chlorella vulgaris

by Anastasia D. Novokshonova, Pavel V. Khramtsov, Maksim V. Dmitriev and Ekaterina E. Khramtsova

BioTech 2025, 14(4), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech14040090 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Acylpyruvate derivatives represent a promising yet underexplored class of compounds for modulating microalgal growth and metabolism. Inspired by the metabolic role of pyruvate and the diverse bioactivity of its acylated analogs, this study investigates the structure–activity relationship of a diverse library of 55 [...] Read more.

Acylpyruvate derivatives represent a promising yet underexplored class of compounds for modulating microalgal growth and metabolism. Inspired by the metabolic role of pyruvate and the diverse bioactivity of its acylated analogs, this study investigates the structure–activity relationship of a diverse library of 55 acylpyruvate-derived compounds for stimulation of the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris. The library, encompassing 12 chemotypes including acylpyruvic acids, their esters, and various heterocyclic derivatives, was screened for effects on C. vulgaris growth. Six compounds were identified as active ones that enhanced biomass production in a preliminary microassay. Notably, four of these active compounds were direct acylpyruvate derivatives, highlighting this scaffold as the most promising one. Conversely, a specific subclass, 1,4-benzoxazin-2-ones, exhibited potent, dose-dependent algicidal activity. Detailed assessment of the active compounds under scaled-up culture conditions revealed that while their effect on overall cell density was limited, several compounds significantly enhanced the intracellular content of valuable metabolites: one increased chlorophyll content by 17%, another elevated carotenoids by 40%, and a third boosted neutral lipid accumulation by 44%. Furthermore, control experiments confirmed that the bioactivity of p-ethoxybenzoylpyruvates, which showed the best biological activity, is inherent in the intact framework and is not mediated by their hydrolysis products. Our findings underscore the potential of acylpyruvates as versatile tools for the enhancement of metabolite production in microalgae and as potent candidates for the development of algicides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable Approach to Macroalgae and Microalgae: From Cultivation to Compound Recovery and Biotechnological Applications)

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14 pages, 4251 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Yield and Fiber Yield of Cotton Cultivars Under Water Regimes in the Tropical Dry Season

by Alisson Silva Costa Custódio, Tonny José Araújo Da Silva, Sérgio Plens Andrade, Edna Maria Bonfim-Silva, Patrícia Ferreira Da Silva, Ivis Andrei Campos e Silva, Luana Aparecida Menegaz Meneghetti, Niclene Ponce Rodrigues De Oliveira, Thiago Franco Duarte, Alessana Franciele Schlichting, Salomão Lima Guimarães, Rosana Andreia Da Silva Rocha and Jholian Maicon Ribeiro Santos

Crops 2025, 5(6), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5060082 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study pioneers the integration of the water sensitivity coefficient (Ky) with cotton yield performance under varying water regimes in the Brazilian Cerrado. The objective was to evaluate the productive performance and fiber yield of cotton cultivars under different water regimes during the [...] Read more.

This study pioneers the integration of the water sensitivity coefficient (Ky) with cotton yield performance under varying water regimes in the Brazilian Cerrado. The objective was to evaluate the productive performance and fiber yield of cotton cultivars under different water regimes during the tropical dry season. The experiment followed a randomized block design in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme with four replications, totaling 80 plots. Treatments consisted of five irrigation levels based on crop evapotranspiration (25%, 50%, 75%, 100% and 125% of ETc) and four cultivars (TMG44B2RF, FM944GL, IMA5801B2RF and IMA709B2RF). Increasing water supply enhanced cotton lint yield, reaching 3209.4 kg ha⁻¹ at the highest regime. Water regimes between 25 and 125% of the ETc significantly improved yield components, leading to an increase of up to 221% in lint yield. Fiber quality remained stable across irrigation levels and was mainly genotype-dependent. Among the cultivars, FM944GL showed high productivity and fiber yield, while IMA5801B2RF demonstrated greater water resilience (Ky = 0.73), making it suitable for water-limited environments. The findings reflect the specific conditions of the evaluated growing season. Thus, long-term studies under diverse environmental conditions are recommended to confirm these trends and enhance understanding of cotton responses to water regimes in the Cerrado. Full article

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24 pages, 983 KB

Open AccessReview

Games and Playful Activities to Learn About the Nature of Science

by Gregorio Jiménez-Valverde, Noëlle Fabre-Mitjans and Gerard Guimerà-Ballesta

Encyclopedia 2025, 5(4), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia5040193 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

A growing international consensus holds that science education must advance beyond content coverage to cultivate robust understanding of the Nature of Science (NoS)—how scientific knowledge is generated, justified, revised, and socially negotiated. Yet naïve conceptions persist among students and teachers, and effective, scalable [...] Read more.

A growing international consensus holds that science education must advance beyond content coverage to cultivate robust understanding of the Nature of Science (NoS)—how scientific knowledge is generated, justified, revised, and socially negotiated. Yet naïve conceptions persist among students and teachers, and effective, scalable classroom strategies remain contested. This narrative review synthesizes research and practice on games and playful activities that make epistemic features of science visible and discussable. We organize the repertoire into six families—(i) observation–inference and discrepant-event tasks; (ii) pattern discovery and rule-finding puzzles; (iii) black-box and model-based inquiry; (iv) activities that dramatize tentativeness and anomaly management; (v) deliberately underdetermined mysteries that cultivate warrant-based explanations; and (vi) moderately contextualized games. Across these designs, we analyze how specific mechanics afford core NoS dimensions (e.g., observation vs. inference, creativity, plurality of methods, theory-ladenness and subjectivity, tentativeness) and what scaffolds transform playful engagement into explicit, reflective learning. We conclude with pragmatic guidance for teacher education and curriculum design, highlighting the importance of language supports, structured debriefs, and calibrated contextualization, and outline priorities for future research on equity, assessment, and digital extensions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Sciences)

17 pages, 999 KB

Open AccessReview

Achilles and the Tortoise: Rethinking Evidence Generation in Cardiovascular Surgery and Interventional Cardiology

by Marco Cirillo

Hearts 2025, 6(4), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/hearts6040028 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the foundation of evidence-based medicine. However, the rapid pace of technological innovation in cardiovascular surgery and interventional cardiology challenges the traditional RCT framework. Observational studies may hold renewed value in fields where device evolution outpaces the time [...] Read more.

Background: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the foundation of evidence-based medicine. However, the rapid pace of technological innovation in cardiovascular surgery and interventional cardiology challenges the traditional RCT framework. Observational studies may hold renewed value in fields where device evolution outpaces the time required to validate clinical outcomes. Methods: This analysis evaluates 270 randomized and non-randomized studies in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), one of the most rapidly evolving areas in cardiovascular medicine. The investigation follows two lines: first, mapping the timeline of major RCTs against the introduction of new prosthetic models; second, comparing the prevalence, duration, and role of randomized (R) versus non-randomized (NR) studies. Results: The timeline reveals a persistent misalignment between innovation and validation. New prosthetic models frequently enter the market while RCTs for prior generations are still ongoing. For example, the Sapien 3 valve was approved, while trials on Sapien XT were still enrolling. Similarly, newer Evolut and Acurate models were introduced during ongoing studies of earlier versions, often prompting new studies before existing ones concluded. This leapfrogging effect fragments the evidence base and delays definitive comparisons. In parallel, randomized trials have increased in number and tend to be shorter in duration, reflecting a maturing field. However, non-randomized studies remain crucial for early testing and post-market surveillance. Conclusions: In a field with rapid technological evolution a sort of Zeno’s paradox occurs: long-term validation cannot keep pace with fast innovation, resetting the evidence base with each new model. To overcome this paradox, a paradigm shift in evidence generation is desirable. Future strategies must augment adaptive trial designs, leverage real-world data and use higher-level, advanced analyses to incorporate subjective variables and phenotypic diversity, to reduce confounding factors and speed up data access. Higher-level, integrative evidence analytics could help Achilles walk alongside the tortoise. Full article

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