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21 pages, 5199 KB  
Article
Real-Time Trajectory Replanning and Tracking Control of Cable-Driven Continuum Robots in Uncertain Environments
by Yanan Qin and Qi Chen
Actuators 2026, 15(2), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/act15020083 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
To address trajectory tracking of cable-driven continuum robots (CDCRs) in the presence of obstacles, this paper proposes an integrated control framework that combines online trajectory replanning, obstacle avoidance, and tracking control. The control system consists of two modules. The first is a trajectory [...] Read more.
To address trajectory tracking of cable-driven continuum robots (CDCRs) in the presence of obstacles, this paper proposes an integrated control framework that combines online trajectory replanning, obstacle avoidance, and tracking control. The control system consists of two modules. The first is a trajectory replanning controller developed on an improved model predictive control (IMPC) framework. The second is a trajectory-tracking controller that integrates an adaptive disturbance observer with a fast non-singular terminal sliding mode control (ADO-FNTSMC) strategy. The IMPC trajectory replanning controller updates the trajectory of the CDCRs to avoid collisions with obstacles. In the ADO-FNTSMC strategy, the adaptive disturbance observer (ADO) compensates for uncertain dynamic factors, including parametric uncertainties, unmodeled dynamics, and external disturbances, thereby enhancing the system’s robustness and improving trajectory tracking accuracy. Meanwhile, the fast non-singular terminal sliding mode control (FNTSMC) guarantees fast, stable, and accurate trajectory tracking. The average tracking errors for IMPC-ADO-FNTSMC, MPC-FNTSMC, and MPC-SMC are 1.185 cm, 1.540 cm, and 1.855 cm, with corresponding standard deviations of 0.035 cm, 0.057 cm, and 0.078 cm in the experimental results. Compared with MPC-FNTSMC and MPC-SMC, the IMPC-ADO-FNTSMC controller reduces average tracking errors by 29.96% and 56.54%. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the designed two-module controller (IMPC-ADO-FNTSMC) achieves fast, stable, and accurate trajectory tracking in the presence of obstacles and uncertain dynamic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Control Systems)
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21 pages, 4757 KB  
Article
Estimation of County-Level Winter Wheat Yield in China Using a Feature Conflict-Resolving TB-LSTM Model
by Bin Zhao, Bo Liu, Xu Wang, Zhengchao Chen and Bing Zhang
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(3), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18030447 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Timely and accurate estimation of regional winter wheat yield is of great significance for safeguarding food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development. In recent years, deep learning has been widely applied in crop yield estimation due to its powerful capability in mining complex [...] Read more.
Timely and accurate estimation of regional winter wheat yield is of great significance for safeguarding food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development. In recent years, deep learning has been widely applied in crop yield estimation due to its powerful capability in mining complex relationships. However, the irregular shapes of administrative regions pose challenges for integrating spatial data such as remote sensing into deep learning models. To address this issue, this study employed mean-based aggregation and histogram-based dimensionality reduction techniques to preprocess spatial data, including remote sensing and meteorological data, thereby generating sample sets suitable for deep learning models. This study identified the phenomenon of feature conflict when processing heterogeneous features in conventional Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models and proposed a TB-LSTM (Two-Branch LSTM) model to mitigate such conflicts. The impact of different input feature combinations on estimation accuracy was analyzed, and the model’s capability for early yield prediction was further evaluated. The results show that: (1) The proposed TB-LSTM model achieved superior performance (R2: 0.853, RMSE: 516.619 kg/ha) compared to the baseline LSTM (R2: 0.353–0.732; RMSE: 735.378–1126.062 kg/ha), confirming its efficiency in resolving feature conflict and better exploiting the yield estimation potential of remote sensing and meteorological data. (2) The integration of meteorological data, spectral reflectance, and vegetation indices proved essential for achieving optimal yield estimation accuracy. Meteorological data provided the most significant contribution, while spectral reflectance and vegetation indices offered complementary information that improved model robustness. When all three data types were utilized simultaneously, the TB-LSTM model achieved peak estimation accuracy (R2: 0.853; RMSE: 514.013 kg/ha; MAE: 380.563 kg/ha). (3) The TB-LSTM model demonstrated robust early prediction capability. Using data from the first 27 time phases (covering growth stages up to heading), it successfully predicted winter wheat yields 48 days before harvest with optimal precision (R2: 0.868; RMSE: 487.327 kg/ha; MAE: 361.353 kg/ha). This capability supports proactive decision-making and resource allocation in agricultural management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing and Machine Learning in Vegetation Biophysical Parameters Estimation (Second Edition))
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14 pages, 261 KB  
Article
Reducing Polypharmacy-Related Adverse Outcomes in Older Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study of a Digitally Mediated Pharmacist Intervention
by Keren Dopelt, Ori Mayer, Adir Dagan, Guy Melamed, Aviva Ben-Baruch, Inbal Yifrach-Damari and Tamar Ritte
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(3), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15031128 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are particularly vulnerable to polypharmacy-related adverse outcomes due to altered pharmacokinetics, multimorbidity, and increased susceptibility to medication-related harm. Polypharmacy in CKD is associated with falls, hospitalizations, and functional decline. Clinical pharmacist-led medication reviews may [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are particularly vulnerable to polypharmacy-related adverse outcomes due to altered pharmacokinetics, multimorbidity, and increased susceptibility to medication-related harm. Polypharmacy in CKD is associated with falls, hospitalizations, and functional decline. Clinical pharmacist-led medication reviews may mitigate these risks; however, access barriers limit their implementation in routine care. To evaluate the clinical impact of a digitally mediated pharmacist consultation service on medication burden, fall risk, healthcare utilization, and resource use among older adults with CKD and polypharmacy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using anonymized electronic medical records from a large integrated healthcare organization. Adults aged ≥ 65 years with CKD and polypharmacy (≥8 chronic medications) were included. Patients receiving a structured digital medication review by a clinical pharmacist, delivered via the primary care physician, were compared with a comparable control group of eligible patients who did not receive the intervention during the study period. Outcomes included changes in medication use, fall risk, renal function, and healthcare utilization. Results: Among 6124 eligible patients (1226 intervention; 4898 control), pharmacist consultation was associated with a modest but clinically meaningful reduction in medication burden and a higher likelihood of fall-risk reduction compared with controls. Decreases in outpatient healthcare utilization were also observed following the intervention. Renal function decline was similar between groups. Conclusions: A digitally mediated, physician-integrated pharmacist consultation may reduce polypharmacy-related risks and adverse outcomes in older adults with CKD. This model offers a scalable approach to improving medication safety in a high-risk CKD population while minimizing reliance on patient digital engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Kidney Disease: Current Challenges and Adverse Outcomes)
12 pages, 1619 KB  
Article
Simplified Knee MRI ‘Sagittal Tibial Epi-Physis (STEP)’ Shorthand for Skeletal Age Assessment in Pediatric Patients with ACL Injury
by Alberto Grassi, Claudio Rossi, Luca Ambrosini, Yuta Nakanishi, Emre Anil Ozbek, Amir Assaf, Hikaru Kayano, Mohammad Ibra Alhalalmeh, Kyle Borque and Stefano Zaffagnini
Diagnostics 2026, 16(3), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16030442 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Objectives: To develop a simplified MRI-based shorthand assessment method, referred to as the Sagittal Tibial Epi-Physis (STEP) Shorthand, for skeletal age assessment in skeletally immature patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. This study aimed to elaborate a single-plane MRI-based skeletal age estimation [...] Read more.
Objectives: To develop a simplified MRI-based shorthand assessment method, referred to as the Sagittal Tibial Epi-Physis (STEP) Shorthand, for skeletal age assessment in skeletally immature patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. This study aimed to elaborate a single-plane MRI-based skeletal age estimation tool and to explore its feasibility and inter-rater reliability in comparison with existing MRI-based shorthands. Methods: This prospective study included 130 knee MRIs (79% males) from 97 skeletally immature patients (overall average age of 14.0 ± 2.1 years) with ACL injuries treated between February 2022 and January 2025. A new shorthand assessment method was developed based on sagittal T1-weighted MRI evaluation of the proximal tibial epiphysis. A validation cohort of 74 MRIs was independently evaluated by four raters with different levels of expertise using the STEP, Meza, and Politzer shorthand atlases. Inter-rater reliability (ICC), intra-rater agreement (Cohen’s kappa), and association with chronological age (Spearman rho) were calculated. Results: The STEP Shorthand tool demonstrated a strong association with chronological age (rho = 0.890, p < 0.001) with consistent associations across sex subgroups. Inter-rater reliability was high and comparable to established MRI-based shorthands. The use of a focused sagittal T1-weighted evaluation allowed for a simplified and reproducible assessment across raters with varying experience levels. Conclusions: The STEP Shorthand represents a pragmatic and reliable tool for MRI-based skeletal age assessment in pediatric and adolescent patients with ACL injuries. The STEP Shorthand can support timely decision-making in surgical planning and enhance standardization across different levels of clinical expertise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Sports Injuries)
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23 pages, 8188 KB  
Article
Enhanced Pix2pixGAN with Spatial-Channel Attention for Underground Medium Inversion from GPR
by Sicheng Yang, Liangshuai Guo, Yahan Yang and Hongxia Ye
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(3), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18030448 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) data inversion, especially in parallel-layered homogeneous media with multiple subsurface targets, still faces challenges in accurately reconstructing geometric structures due to weak reflections and complex target–medium interactions. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel multi-scale inversion framework [...] Read more.
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) data inversion, especially in parallel-layered homogeneous media with multiple subsurface targets, still faces challenges in accurately reconstructing geometric structures due to weak reflections and complex target–medium interactions. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel multi-scale inversion framework named GPRGAN-SCSE (Ground Penetrating Radar Generative Adversarial Network with Spatial-Channel Squeeze and Excitation). Built upon the Pix2Pix Generative Adversarial Network (Pix2PixGAN), the proposed model incorporates a Spatial-Channel Squeeze and Excitation (SCSE) module into a residual U-Net generator to adaptively enhance target features embedded in layered media. Furthermore, a tri-scale discriminator ensemble is designed to enforce structural consistency and suppress layer-induced artifacts. The network is optimized using a composite loss integrating adversarial loss, L1 loss, and gradient difference loss to jointly improve structural continuity and boundary sharpness. Experiments conducted on a simulation dataset of parallel-layered homogeneous media with multiple targets demonstrate that GPRGAN-SCSE substantially outperforms existing inversion networks. The proposed method reduces the MAE by 63.8% and achieves a Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) of 99.96%, effectively improving the clarity of subsurface edges and the fidelity of geometric contours. These results confirm that the proposed framework provides a robust and high-precision solution for non-destructive subsurface imaging under layered media conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Techniques and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 4397 KB  
Article
Transformer-Based Foundation Learning for Robust and Data-Efficient Skin Disease Imaging
by Inzamam Mashood Nasir, Hend Alshaya, Sara Tehsin and Wided Bouchelligua
Diagnostics 2026, 16(3), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16030440 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Accurate and reliable automated dermoscopic lesion classification remains challenging. This is due to pronounced dataset bias, limited expert-annotated data, and poor cross-dataset generalization of conventional supervised deep learning models. In clinical dermatology, these limitations restrict the deployment of data-driven diagnostic systems across [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Accurate and reliable automated dermoscopic lesion classification remains challenging. This is due to pronounced dataset bias, limited expert-annotated data, and poor cross-dataset generalization of conventional supervised deep learning models. In clinical dermatology, these limitations restrict the deployment of data-driven diagnostic systems across diverse acquisition settings and patient populations. Methods: Motivated by these challenges, this study proposes a transformer-based, dermatology-specific foundation model. The model learns transferable visual representations from large collections of unlabeled dermoscopic images via self-supervised pretraining. It integrates large-scale dermatology-oriented self-supervised learning with a hierarchical vision transformer backbone. This enables effective capture of both fine-grained lesion textures and global morphological patterns. The evaluation is conducted across three publicly available dermoscopic datasets: ISIC 2018, HAM10000, and PH2. The study assesses in-dataset, cross-dataset, limited-label, ablation, and computational-efficiency settings. Results: The proposed approach achieves in-dataset classification accuracies of 94.87%, 97.32%, and 98.17% on ISIC 2018, HAM10000, and PH2, respectively. It outperforms strong transformer and hybrid baselines. Cross-dataset transfer experiments show consistent performance gains of 3.5–5.8% over supervised counterparts. This indicates improved robustness to domain shift. Furthermore, when fine-tuned with only 10% of the labeled training data, the model achieves performance comparable to fully supervised baselines. Conclusions: This highlights strong data efficiency. These results demonstrate that dermatology-specific foundation learning offers a principled and practical solution for robust dermoscopic lesion classification under realistic clinical constraints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management of Skin Diseases)
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11 pages, 915 KB  
Article
Primary Adrenal Gland Lymphoma: Report of 13 Cases—A Retrospective Multicenter Polish Lymphoma Research Group Analysis
by Magdalena Witkowska, Kacper Kościelny, Agnieszka Giza, Ryszard Swoboda, Joanna Drozd-Sokołowska and Dariusz Wołowiec
Life 2026, 16(2), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020230 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Introduction: The existence of primary adrenal gland lymphoma (PAGL) has been debated due to lack of lymphoid tissue in the adrenal glands. PAGL is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all types of lymphomas. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.
Introduction: The existence of primary adrenal gland lymphoma (PAGL) has been debated due to lack of lymphoid tissue in the adrenal glands. PAGL is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all types of lymphomas. The aim of this study was to analyze patients with PAGL in Polish population. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 13 adult patients with PAGL diagnosed in Polish Hematological Centers. Results: A total of 13 patients (5 women and 8 men) with PAGL were included into the study. The median age at the diagnosis was 69.1 years (range: 31–85). The most common histological type was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)-12 patients, the remaining one was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). In 7 patients (54%), the left adrenal gland was involved; in 3 patients (23.5%), the right adrenal gland was involved; and 3 patients (23.5%) had bilateral lymphoma. Systemic symptoms (B symptoms) were observed in 11 out of 13 patients (85%). Two patients (15%) were treated with chemotherapy alone and the remaining eleven patients (85%) with immune and chemotherapy together (85%). During the follow-up period, 11 patients died, 8 had relapsed or refractory disease (62%), and 3 patients (23%) had relapse in central nervous system (CNS). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 14.63 months, while the median overall survival (OS) was 20.30 months. Adrenalectomy of the involved adrenal gland was associated with shorter PFS (p = 0.0165), with trend of shorter OS. Achieving complete remission (CR) after front line treatment was associated with significantly longer OS (p = 0.0239) and PFS (p = 0.0152). Conclusions: Adrenal glands are extremely rare as primary locations of extranodal lymphoma. The prognosis of PAGL is generally poor. In this study, we described demographic, clinical, and pathological characteristics as well as factors that may affect survival among these groups. So far, it is the largest polish multicenter experience describing patients with PAGL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Lymphomas)
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20 pages, 3919 KB  
Article
Dendrimer-Conjugated Glutamine Antagonist, D-TTM020, Ameliorates Brain Immune Dysregulation and Improves Neurobehavioral Deficits in the Mecp2-Deficient Mouse Model
by Preeti Vyas, Elizabeth Smith Khoury, Nirnath Sah, Anjali Sharma, Javier Allende Labastida, Elizabeth L. Wilkinson, Kathleen Lac, Nerketa N. L. Damiba, Amanda Fowler, Jinhuan Liu, Ashley Bedner, Pavel Majer, Tomás Tichý, Ajit G. Thomas, Rana Rais, Barbara S. Slusher, Rangaramanujam M. Kannan and Sujatha Kannan
Cells 2026, 15(3), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15030272 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by mutations in the MeCP2 gene, predominantly affecting females. Recent work with MeCP2-deficient mouse models showed a significant role in glutamatergic transmission, specifically microglia-produced glutamate and glutaminase upregulation, in RTT pathology. The glutamine antagonist 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine [...] Read more.
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by mutations in the MeCP2 gene, predominantly affecting females. Recent work with MeCP2-deficient mouse models showed a significant role in glutamatergic transmission, specifically microglia-produced glutamate and glutaminase upregulation, in RTT pathology. The glutamine antagonist 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) is a potent glutaminase inhibitor; however, its use is limited due to systemic toxicities arising from its non-specific inhibition of glutamine-utilizing reactions. In this work, we determined whether dendrimer conjugation of a DON analog, TTM020 (or D-TTM020), results in targeted microglial glutaminase inhibition and behavioral changes in Mecp2 KO and heterozygous mice upon systemic administration. D-TTM020 at 1 mg/kg (drug basis) selectively and significantly inhibits glutaminase enzyme activity in the microglia of Mecp2 KO mice. Biweekly systemic treatment with 1 mg/kg of D-TTM020 improved the neurobehavioral phenotype in symptomatic Mecp2 KO and het mice. D-TTM020 also restored long-term retrieval of conditioned fear memory and improved cue responses during fear extinction after 8 weeks of treatment in symptomatic Mecp2 het mice. Our data indicate that selectively targeting glutamine metabolism in dysregulated glia using dendrimers represents a promising strategy that may offer a therapeutic approach for addressing glutamate dysregulation in RTT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Neuroscience)
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12 pages, 12941 KB  
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“Dry Tap” Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy as a Diagnostic Clue in Cyst-like Juvenile Jaw Lesions Mimicking Dentigerous Cysts on Panoramic Radiography and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
by Kamil Nelke, Klaudiusz Łuczak, Ömer Uranbey, Büşra Ekinci, Angela Rosa Caso, Michał Gontarz, Maciej Janeczek, Zygmunt Stopa, Piotr Kuropka and Maciej Dobrzyński
Diagnostics 2026, 16(3), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16030439 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Pediatric odontogenic tumors are rare but are frequently overlooked because they often mimic simple cysts on routine radiographic examinations. The radiographic appearance on panoramic imaging and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) frequently does not correlate with the true biological nature of these lesions. On [...] Read more.
Pediatric odontogenic tumors are rare but are frequently overlooked because they often mimic simple cysts on routine radiographic examinations. The radiographic appearance on panoramic imaging and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) frequently does not correlate with the true biological nature of these lesions. On CBCT, classic odontogenic tumors often demonstrate mixed radiolucent–radiopaque patterns with ill-defined borders, internal calcifications, septations, or other structural features. The diagnostic challenge arises when an odontogenic tumor mimics a unilateral, well-defined radiolucent area or a cystic lesion with clear borders and no associated tooth displacement, erosion, root resorption, or cortical bone dehiscence. Panoramic radiography has inherent diagnostic limitations but remains widely used for routine dental screening. CBCT provides enhanced three-dimensional assessment and improves diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of jaw lesions. A marked increase in dental follicle diameter necessitates differentiation between cystic transformation, inflammatory processes, and other odontogenic pathologies. Cortical swelling and bone asymmetry warrant careful evaluation. In this context, an atypical cyst-like lesion detected on routine panoramic radiography prompted a needle aspiration biopsy, which revealed a dry tap and suggested a solid lesion. This prompted CBCT evaluation. Two juvenile cases are presented in which clinical findings, panoramic radiography, and CBCT provided discordant diagnostic impressions of cystic-appearing lesions with well-defined borders and bone expansion. These cases illustrate a diagnostic pathway in which imaging demonstrates a cyst-like appearance with benign radiological features, fine-needle aspiration biopsy reveals the absence of cystic fluid, and histopathology confirms that radiology alone cannot reliably distinguish true cysts from solid odontogenic tumors in pediatric patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology and Diagnosis of Head and Neck Diseases)
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13 pages, 1759 KB  
Article
The Highly Selective 5-HT2B Receptor Antagonist MW073 Mitigates Aggressive Behavior in an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model
by Erica Acquarone, Saktimayee M. Roy, Agnieszka Staniszewski, Daniel Martin Watterson and Ottavio Arancio
Cells 2026, 15(3), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15030273 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Progressive synaptic dysfunction underlies declines in cognition, daily functioning, and the development of neuropsychiatric syndromes. Neuropsychiatric syndromes that include agitation and aggression affect 40–60% of patients and [...] Read more.
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Progressive synaptic dysfunction underlies declines in cognition, daily functioning, and the development of neuropsychiatric syndromes. Neuropsychiatric syndromes that include agitation and aggression affect 40–60% of patients and represent a major source of caregiver burden. Serotonin 5-HT2B receptor levels are increased in the AD patient brain, and thus, treatment of AD animal models with the selective 5-HT2B receptor antagonist MW073 in prevention or disease stage paradigms attenuates Aβ- or tau-induced dysfunction. Methods: We investigated the effects of MW073 treatment on the aggressive behavior of Tg2576 mice in a resident–intruder assay. Results: MW073 treatment significantly reduced aggressive behavior in male Tg2576 mice. Conclusions: MW073 efficacy in treating aggression in Tg2576 mice implicates 5-HT2B receptor-mediated signaling in AD neuropsychiatric symptoms as well as cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Understanding of Neuropsychiatric Illnesses)
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20 pages, 2118 KB  
Article
Phenotype-Specific Mitochondrial Responses to Mediterranean Diet and Exercise in Elderly Obesity
by Paloma Carrillo-Fernández, María Ángeles Silva-Soto, Rocío Gallego-Durán, Elena Medina-Jimenez, Alberto Vilches-Pérez, Juan Francisco Mogaburo-Alba, Tania E. Saez-Lancellotti, Ana Navarro-Sanz, Nuria Prieto-Lain, Ana Isabel Gómez-Hernández, Sergio Jansen-Chaparro, Douglas Maya-Miles, Manuel Romero-Gomez, Ricardo Gómez-Huelgas and María Rosa Bernal-Lopez
Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030475 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: While excessive body fat is commonly linked to metabolic disorders (metabolically unhealthy obesity, MUO), a subset of individuals remain metabolic healthy despite obesity (metabolically healthy obesity, MHO). This work aims to determine how these phenotypes influence responses to lifestyle modification (LSM) in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: While excessive body fat is commonly linked to metabolic disorders (metabolically unhealthy obesity, MUO), a subset of individuals remain metabolic healthy despite obesity (metabolically healthy obesity, MHO). This work aims to determine how these phenotypes influence responses to lifestyle modification (LSM) in older adults. Methods: A 12-month lifestyle modification (LSM) intervention based on the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and regular physical activity (PA) was conducted in 43 older adults (70% women) classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria as MHO (22 subjects) or MUO (21 subjects). Clinical, dietary, and PA parameters were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed for mitochondrial fusion (OPA1, MFN2), mitophagy (PINK1), biogenesis (TFAM), and the respiratory chain (COX IV) using Western blot and RT-qPCR techniques. Results: At baseline, MUO showed significant lower OPA1-L, MFN2, and TFAM along with MFN2 degradation products and PINK1 accumulation. After 12 months of LSM, MUO participants exhibited greater metabolic profile improvements, such as significantly reduced MFN2 degradation products and higher COX IV. Changes in mitochondrial proteins were associated with nutrient intake and PA and clinical parameters with phenotype-specific patterns. In MUO, protein and cholesterol intake improved MFN2 fusion (rho = 0.446, p = 0.043; rho = 0.581, p = 0.006), while carbohydrates were negatively associated with OPA1 in MHO (rho = −0.596, p = 0.025). PA was positively related to fusion proteins in both phenotypes. Clinically, significant improvements in BMI, waist circumference, and HDL were found in MUO but not in MHO. Conclusions: Older adults with obesity show phenotype-specific mitochondrial impairments that shape distinct responses to LSM, highlighting the relevance of tailoring LSM interventions by metabolic phenotype. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Metabolic Biomarkers in Obesity)
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19 pages, 4373 KB  
Article
Exploring Problem-Solving Strategies in Gifted and Regular Students: Education Insights from Eye-Tracking Analysis
by Po-Lei Lee, Shih-Ting Hung, Pao-Hsin Chang, Chun-Yen Chang, Lei Bao, Ting-Kuang Yeh and Li-Ching Lee
Appl. Syst. Innov. 2026, 9(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi9020038 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
This study investigated how gifted and regular high school students employ different cognitive strategies and integrate information during scientific problem solving, using eye-tracking techniques. Eighteen multiple-choice items were selected from the Investigating Scientific Thinking and Reasoning (iSTAR) assessment developed at The Ohio State [...] Read more.
This study investigated how gifted and regular high school students employ different cognitive strategies and integrate information during scientific problem solving, using eye-tracking techniques. Eighteen multiple-choice items were selected from the Investigating Scientific Thinking and Reasoning (iSTAR) assessment developed at The Ohio State University, including nine text-only questions (tMCQs) and nine picture-embedded questions (pMCQs). The items were chosen to ensure clear spatial separation among text, image, and answer areas, allowing reliable region-based eye-movement analysis. Eye-tracking data were analyzed using two indices: fixation time ratio (FTR), reflecting relative attention allocation, and saccade count ratio (SCR), capturing cross-region information integration. The results revealed clear group differences. Gifted students devoted a larger proportion of attention to pictorial information (0.38 vs. 0.32) and showed more frequent transitions between picture and answer regions (0.15 vs. 0.12), indicating more integrative processing and mental model construction. In contrast, regular students spent more time focusing on textual regions and exhibited higher within-text saccade activity, consistent with a direct translation strategy. Furthermore, SCR-based machine learning classification using a Random Forest model demonstrated meaningful discriminative capability between the two groups, particularly for picture-embedded questions, achieving an accuracy of 77.5%. Overall, the findings provide empirical evidence that question format influences students’ cognitive strategies during scientific reasoning. Methodologically, this study combines a validated reasoning assessment, a carefully defined ROI-based eye-tracking design, and interpretable behavioral indicators, offering practical implications for differentiated science instruction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Biomedical Engineering, Healthcare and Sustainability, 2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 9334 KB  
Article
Feasibility Study of a Pre-Swelling Microwave-Assisted Recycling Method for GFRP Waste
by Yixue Zhang, Stefanie Verschuere, Joachim Eliat-Eliat and Jan Ivens
J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(2), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10020071 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
The growing volume of decommissioned wind turbine blades, primarily made of glass fibre-reinforced polymers (GFRP), poses major recycling challenges. This study explores a microwave (MW)-assisted thermochemical recycling to recover high-quality fibres from GFRP waste. Two routes were evaluated: (i) a dry route using [...] Read more.
The growing volume of decommissioned wind turbine blades, primarily made of glass fibre-reinforced polymers (GFRP), poses major recycling challenges. This study explores a microwave (MW)-assisted thermochemical recycling to recover high-quality fibres from GFRP waste. Two routes were evaluated: (i) a dry route using direct MW heating, and (ii) a semi-wet route involving solvent pre-swelling followed by microwave pyrolysis. The dry route suffered from poor heating due to GFRP’s inherently low dielectric loss, whereas the semi-wet route enabled more effective resin degradation. Five swelling agents were tested: acetic acid (AcOH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an AcOH/H2O2 mixture, dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Among these, DMSO achieved 92% resin removal in 9 min at 350 °C. Recycled fibres retained 1.48 ± 0.41 GPa strength (81% of virgin). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of pyrolysis oils revealed predominantly phenolic products with limited bisphenol A (BPA) retention. To demonstrate practical relevance, the semi-wet method was applied to real wind blade waste, where recovered fibres retained 72% of their tensile strength versus virgin fibres. These results indicate that the process remains effective for industrially aged GFRP. This study confirms the feasibility of MW-based semi-wet recycling and offers insights to support future process refinement, which will ultimately contribute to more sustainable end-of-life solutions for GFRP waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Polymer Composites: Waste Reutilization and Valorization)
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15 pages, 2116 KB  
Article
Wound-Rotor Synchronous Motor with Toroidal Windings for UAV Propulsion Systems
by Se-Eun Kim and Yong-Min You
Actuators 2026, 15(2), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/act15020082 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Recently, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based on electric propulsion systems are being increasingly adopted in various fields, including industrial and military applications. Outer-rotor surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPMSMs) are predominantly applied in UAV propulsion systems. However, these motors are vulnerable to the [...] Read more.
Recently, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based on electric propulsion systems are being increasingly adopted in various fields, including industrial and military applications. Outer-rotor surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (SPMSMs) are predominantly applied in UAV propulsion systems. However, these motors are vulnerable to the price fluctuations of rare-earth materials and supply chain instability. In addition, the magnets in these motors are prone to detachment at high rotational speeds, and demagnetization under high-temperature conditions may reduce output performance. To address these limitations, research is being actively conducted on non-permanent magnet motors, among which, wound-rotor synchronous motors (WRSMs) offer the advantage of controllable field excitation at high speeds. Furthermore, WRSMs can use both magnetic and reluctance torques, thereby increasing power density relative to other non-permanent magnet motors. However, the adoption of an additional field winding increases copper loss, thus reducing motor efficiency. This study investigates the application of the toroidal winding structure, which is already widely applied in permanent magnet and brushless direct current machines, to WRSMs. The performance of these motors is compared with that of motors using conventional tooth-coil windings. The toroidal windings are circumferentially distributed along both the inner and outer stator yoke paths, effectively reducing the end-turn length relative to that of conventional tooth-coil windings. Two WRSMs, one with tooth-coil and another with toroidal windings, are designed using identical specifications to compare performances via finite element analysis. The armature copper loss in the proposed model decreased by approximately 28% because the toroidal winding structure reduced the end-turn length. As a result, the efficiency increased by about 1.9% due to the reductions in copper, core, and eddy current losses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Modeling, and Control of UAV Systems)
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15 pages, 493 KB  
Article
Longitudinal Effects of Adolescent Digital Media Use on Mental Health in Young Adulthood
by Caroline S. Watson, Christopher C. Henrich, Dustin M. Long and Aaron D. Fobian
Children 2026, 13(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13020215 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Research on the relationship between digital media use in adolescence and mental health outcomes in young adulthood remains unclear. This study aims to (1) assess how trajectories of digital media use from adolescence to young adulthood predict mental health outcomes and (2) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Research on the relationship between digital media use in adolescence and mental health outcomes in young adulthood remains unclear. This study aims to (1) assess how trajectories of digital media use from adolescence to young adulthood predict mental health outcomes and (2) identify factors in adolescence that contribute to digital media use trajectories. Methods: Participants (Mage = 15.53 years; 56.86% female; 66.89% White) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health database provided digital media use data across Waves I–IV. At Wave I, participants self-reported parental support, family connectedness, face-to-face interactions with peers, and self-esteem. At Wave IV, participants self-reported anxiety and depression diagnoses, depressive symptomology, suicidal ideation and attempts, and short-term and working memory. General linear and logistic regression models assessed the relationships. Results: Four trajectory groups emerged: Group 1 “increase” (9.97%), Group 2 “low” (73.36%), Group 3 “decrease” (13.94%), and Group 4 “high” (2.73%). Individuals in Group 4 experienced decreased short-term memory compared to individuals in Group 2. The odds of a suicide attempt in the past 12 months were significantly higher for individuals in Groups 3 and 4 compared to Group 2. Conclusions: Patterns of digital media use from adolescence to young adulthood may contribute to suicide attempts and short-term memory in young adulthood, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce screen time. Non-significant findings highlight the need for additional research aimed at clarifying these relationships and identifying factors in early adolescence that may contribute to digital media use trajectories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Mental Health)
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27 pages, 15299 KB  
Review
Challenges and Prospects of Using Novel Nonlinear Effects in Multimode Optical Fibers for Multiphoton Endomicroscopy
by Lidiya V. Boldyreva, Denis S. Kharenko, Kirill V. Serebrennikov, Anna A. Evtushenko, Viktor V. Shloma, Daba A. Radnatarov, Alexandr V. Dostovalov, Zhibzema E. Munkueva, Oleg S. Sidelnikov, Igor S. Chekhovskoy, Kirill S. Raspopin, Mikhail D. Gervaziev and Stefan Wabnitz
Diagnostics 2026, 16(3), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16030438 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Multiphoton endomicroscopy (MPEM) has recently become a key development in optical biomedical diagnostics, providing histologically relevant in vivo images that are eliminating both the need for tissue damage during biopsy sampling and the need for dye injections. Due to its ability to visualize [...] Read more.
Multiphoton endomicroscopy (MPEM) has recently become a key development in optical biomedical diagnostics, providing histologically relevant in vivo images that are eliminating both the need for tissue damage during biopsy sampling and the need for dye injections. Due to its ability to visualize structures at the epithelial, extracellular matrix, and subcellular levels, MPEM offers a promising diagnostic method for precancerous conditions and early forms of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. The high specificity of multiphoton signals—the two-photon fluorescence response of endogenous fluorophores (NADH, FAD), the second-harmonic generation signal from collagen, and others—makes this method a promising alternative to both traditional histology and confocal endoscopy, enabling real-time assessment of metabolic status, intestinal epithelial cell status, and stromal remodeling. Despite the promising prospects of multiphoton microscopy, its practical implementation is progressing extremely slowly. The main factors here include the difficulty of delivering ultrashort pulses with high peak power, which is necessary for multiphoton excitation (MPE), and obtaining these pulses at the required wavelengths to activate the autofluorescence mechanism. One of the most promising solutions is the use of specialized multimode optical fibers that can both induce beam self-cleaning (BSC), which allows for the formation of a stable beam profile close to the fundamental mode, and significantly broaden the optical spectrum, which can ultimately cover the entire region of interest. This review presents the biophysical foundations of multiphoton microscopy of GI tissue, existing endoscopic architectures for MPE, and an analysis of the potential for using novel nonlinear effects in multimode optical fibers, such as the BSC effect and supercontinuum generation. It is concluded that the use of optical fibers in which the listed effects are realized in the tracts of multiphoton endomicroscopes can become a key step in the creation of a new generation of high-resolution instruments for the early detection of malignant neoplasms of the GI tract. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Optics)
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21 pages, 4522 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic Exploration of Muscle Development and Fat Deposition Trait Diversity in Selected Indian Sheep Breeds: Implications for Meat Quality and Yield
by Navya Pothireddy, Mangalathu Rajan Vishnuraj, Kappala Vijaya Rachel, Peddapuram Baswa Reddy, Prashantha Chowdadenahalli Nagaraja, Ajay Ganesan, Shiva Shankar Kanneboyina, Krishnachaithanya Indiradevi and Sukhadeo Baliram Barbuddhe
Animals 2026, 16(3), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16030452 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Sheep’s meat production and quality are influenced by genetic and physiological factors that affect muscle development, growth, and fat deposition metabolism. However, the breed-specific transcriptional landscapes driving these traits in Indian sheep breeds, especially in Nellore (meat-type) and Deccani (wool-meat type) breeds are [...] Read more.
Sheep’s meat production and quality are influenced by genetic and physiological factors that affect muscle development, growth, and fat deposition metabolism. However, the breed-specific transcriptional landscapes driving these traits in Indian sheep breeds, especially in Nellore (meat-type) and Deccani (wool-meat type) breeds are remain unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the differences in muscle growth and fat deposition between Nellore and Deccani breeds by integrating transcriptomic profiling, carcass characteristics, and histological analysis of longissimus dorsi muscle and liver tissues. Carcass assessment revealed higher Hot Carcass Weight (HCW), Cold Carcass Weight (CCW), Hot Carcass Yield (HCY) and Cold Carcass Yield (CCY), and larger myofibrillar cross-sectional area (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced musculature, which was observed in Nellore. Deccani showed elevated Intramuscular Fat (IMF) deposition (p < 0.05), indicating improved meat flavour/juiciness. Transcriptomic profiling revealed several Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) associated with meat quality and quantity traits. In Nellore, the genes WFIKKN2, FGFRL1, FKBP4, and IRF1 were upregulated, while the gene TAS1R2 was downregulated, leading to enhanced muscle development, superior carcass traits, thermotolerance, and immunity. While Deccani showed higher expression of lipid metabolism genes PLA2G4F, ACSL1, ACOX1, CPT1A, and PLIN1, which are linked to higher IMF content. Functional enrichment analysis revealed 46 significantly enriched GO terms for the DEGs (p < 0.05), including oxidoreductase activity, muscle development, etc. These outcomes demonstrate novel genetic markers and key biological insights into the regulation of muscle development, thermotolerance, immunity, and IMF for future validation in Indian sheep breeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transcriptomics in Livestock: Unveiling Genetic Insights for Enhanced Productivity and Health)
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20 pages, 4296 KB  
Article
Occlusion-Aware Multi-Object Tracking in Vineyards via SAM-Based Visibility Modeling
by Yanan Wang, Hagsong Kim, Muhammad Fayaz, Lien Minh Dang, Hyeonjoon Moon and Kang-Won Lee
Electronics 2026, 15(3), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15030621 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Multi-object tracking (MOT) in vineyard environments remains challenging due to frequent and long-term occlusions caused by dense foliage, overlapping grape clusters, and complex plant structures. These characteristics often result in identity switches and fragmented trajectories when using conventional tracking methods. This paper proposes [...] Read more.
Multi-object tracking (MOT) in vineyard environments remains challenging due to frequent and long-term occlusions caused by dense foliage, overlapping grape clusters, and complex plant structures. These characteristics often result in identity switches and fragmented trajectories when using conventional tracking methods. This paper proposes OATSAM-Track, an occlusion-aware multi-object tracking framework designed for vineyard fruit monitoring. The framework integrates lightweight MobileSAM-assisted instance segmentation to estimate target visibility and occlusion severity. Occlusion-state reasoning is further incorporated into temporal association, appearance memory updating, and identity recovery. An adaptive temporal memory mechanism selectively updates appearance features according to predicted occlusion states, reducing identity drift under partial and severe occlusions. To facilitate occlusion-aware evaluation, an extended vineyard multi-object tracking dataset (GrapeOcclusionMOTS) with SAM-refined instance masks and fine-grained occlusion annotations is constructed. The experimental results demonstrate that OATSAM-Track improves identity consistency and tracking robustness compared to representative baseline trackers, particularly under medium and severe occlusion scenarios. These results indicate that explicit occlusion modeling is beneficial for reliable fruit monitoring in precision agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Learning for Computer Vision: Few-Shot, Weakly Supervised and Unsupervised Approaches)
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14 pages, 926 KB  
Article
Genetic Structures of Crassostrea ariakensis Generations Based on Partial Mitochondrial cox1 and rrnL Indicated a High Breeding Potential After Four-Years Successive Selections
by Ming Yan, Peizhen Ma, Zhihong Liu, Zhuanzhuan Li, Xianglun Li, Tao Yu, Weijun Wang, Chengwu Wang, Xiujun Sun, Liqing Zhou and Biao Wu
Animals 2026, 16(3), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16030451 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
With the rapid development of oyster farming and the emergence of new varieties, the identification and evaluation of genetic resources have become fundamental to the effective utilization of oyster germplasm resources. To evaluate the impact of selective breeding on the germplasm of Crassostrea [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of oyster farming and the emergence of new varieties, the identification and evaluation of genetic resources have become fundamental to the effective utilization of oyster germplasm resources. To evaluate the impact of selective breeding on the germplasm of Crassostrea ariakensis, this study conducted genetic structure analysis on five successive generations including four generations selected (F1 to F4) focusing on both fast growth and high glycogen content and one base population (F0) based on partial mitochondrial cox1 and rrnL gene sequences. Results showed that the 649 bp cox1 and 488 bp rrnL sequences exhibited (A+T)-biased composition and showed positive AT skew. A total of 12 haplotypes were found for the cox1 sequences, while only three haplotypes were detected for the rrnL sequences. However, among the F1 to F4 populations, only three cox1 haplotypes and two rrnL haplotypes were observed. Based on cox1 sequences, the values of the haplotype diversity index, average number of nucleotide differences, and nucleotide diversity index all decreased progressively from F1 to F4, indicating a reduction in genetic variation due to selective breeding. All populations exhibited a low level of nucleotide diversity (<0.05). In addition, the intra-population genetic distance declined from F0 to F4, with significant genetic differentiation between F0 and F1, as well as between F0 and F4 (p < 0.05). In contrast, only the F0 and F4 population had multiple rrnL haplotypes, and no statistically significant genetic differentiations were observed based on rrnL fragments (p > 0.05). The AMOVA results showed that intra-population genetic variation exceeded inter-population variation, regardless of whether it was assessed using the cox1 gene or the rrnL gene, indicating that substantial genetic diversity persists within populations despite multiple generations of selection, and complete genetic differentiation across generations has not been achieved. These findings indicate that the selectively bred lines retain considerable genetic potential and can serve as a valuable resource for future breeding programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Selection and Breeding for Improved Traits in Aquaculture Animals)
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14 pages, 602 KB  
Article
Comparative Effects of Weighted Vest and Whole-Body Vibration Training on Bone and Muscle Health in Osteopenia
by Jidapa Tantanasest, Apiwan Manimmanakorn, Orathai Tunkamnerdthai, Chiraphorn Khaengkhan, Peeraporn Nithisup, Suphawijak Youdprang, Nuttaset Manimmanakorn and Michael John Hamlin
Life 2026, 16(2), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020229 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Background: The growing elderly population faces health problems like osteoporosis, but novel exercises like weighted vests (WV) and whole-body vibration (WBV) may help prevent bone loss. Methods: Thirty-one women aged 60–79 years with osteopenia or osteoporosis (T-score −2.15 ± 0.9) were randomly assigned [...] Read more.
Background: The growing elderly population faces health problems like osteoporosis, but novel exercises like weighted vests (WV) and whole-body vibration (WBV) may help prevent bone loss. Methods: Thirty-one women aged 60–79 years with osteopenia or osteoporosis (T-score −2.15 ± 0.9) were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group performed exercise only; a whole-body vibration group performed the exercise on a 40 Hz, 2 mm vibration platform; and a weighted vest group performed the exercise while wearing a weighted vest. T-score, bone mineral density (BMD), muscle mass, and physical performance were assessed before and after 8 weeks. Results: The WV showed a greater T-score increase than the CT and WBV groups (WV: 0.08 ± 0.03; CT: −0.18 ± 0.04; WBV: −0.11 ± 0.16; p = 0.01, 95%CI). Leg BMD increased in the WV group (1.75 ± 0.13 to 1.79 ± 0.16 g/cm2; p = 0.02). Leg lean mass also increased in the WV (1.28 ± 0.91 kg) compared to WBV (0.17 ± 0.14 kg) and CT (0.06 ± 0.79 kg, p = 0.01, 95%CI). The WV group showed greater physical performance improvements (5TSTS and 6-MWT). The WBV group showed improved total lean mass compared to the CT group (WBV: 0.32 ± 0.17; CT = −1.20 ± 1.86, p = 0.006, 95%CI). Conclusions: WV exercise improved bone density, leg lean mass, and physical performance in older women. WBV exercise increased total lean mass and skeletal muscle index while reducing fat mass. WV exercise provides an additive effect beyond exercise alone or WBV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Pain and Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment and Management)
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23 pages, 2079 KB  
Article
Sustainable Intensification of Functional Compounds Recovery from Cocoa Bean Shells Using Flash Extraction
by Carlotta Valle, Silvia Tabasso, Luisa Boffa, Roberto Solarino and Giancarlo Cravotto
Processes 2026, 14(3), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14030504 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Cocoa bean shells (CBS) represent a significant by-product of the transformation of cocoa beans, constituting approximately 15% of the total cocoa bean weight. Recently, interest in exploring the potential of these shells as a sustainable source of functional ingredients for use in cosmetics [...] Read more.
Cocoa bean shells (CBS) represent a significant by-product of the transformation of cocoa beans, constituting approximately 15% of the total cocoa bean weight. Recently, interest in exploring the potential of these shells as a sustainable source of functional ingredients for use in cosmetics and nutraceuticals has grown. The present study investigates microwave-assisted subcritical water extraction (MASWE) as a green and fast technique to recover bioactive compounds from CBS. A flash extraction (five minutes) at 170 °C yielded a maximum of 45.78 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of CBS, which was higher than that obtained using conventional conditions (25.73 mg GAE/g CBS with 50% acetone solution). Additionally, the HPLC profile of the extract from MASWE revealed a significant increase in hydroxybenzoic acids and catechin, compared to the conventional extract. Following the optimization of the extraction process, seven distinct resins were examined to isolate a bioactive-enriched fraction: Sepabeads SP700 was found to be the most effective resin for concentrating such compounds, increasing both methylxanthines and TPC selectivity up to 4.2-fold. This valorization approach, integrating MASWE and downstream optimization, offers an innovative strategy to recover added-value products from CBS in line with green extraction and nutraceutical innovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resource Utilization of Food Industry Byproducts)
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33 pages, 963 KB  
Review
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonian Syndromes: A Narrative Expert Review
by Mariagiovanna Cantone, Manuela Pennisi, Rita Bella, Raffaele Ferri, Francesco Fisicaro, Giuseppe Lanza, Maria P. Mogavero, Aurora Palmigiano, Angelica Quercia and Mario Zappia
Life 2026, 16(2), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020233 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation tool for investigating the neurophysiology of different neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other parkinsonian syndromes and movement disorders. Briefly, TMS enables targeted stimulation of specific cortical regions through externally applied [...] Read more.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation tool for investigating the neurophysiology of different neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other parkinsonian syndromes and movement disorders. Briefly, TMS enables targeted stimulation of specific cortical regions through externally applied magnetic pulses, avoiding surgical intervention (as it occurs in deep brain stimulation) and making it a safe, repeatable, and well-tolerated approach. Over the past two decades, extensive research has explored the clinical utility of TMS in PD, with particular emphasis on motor cortex excitability, synaptic plasticity, and functional connectivity, which are central contributors to both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients. In addition, repetitive TMS and related stimulation paradigms have been shown to positively modulate cortical plasticity, i.e., the brain’s capacity to reorganize neural circuits, suggesting potential benefits for longer-term non-pharmacological management and rehabilitation protocols. More recently, studies have also investigated the role of TMS in atypical and secondary parkinsonisms, indicating that it may help characterize distinct neurophysiological abnormalities and provide symptomatic improvement in selected patients. This narrative expert review provides a comprehensive summary of TMS applications across the wide spectrum of parkinsonian syndromes, highlighting not only clinical potential, but also methodological limitations and future research directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation)
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31 pages, 2539 KB  
Review
Metallogels as Hybrid Metal-Organic Soft Materials: Classification, Fabrication Pathways and Functional Applications
by Maciej Grabowski, Tomasz Grygier and Anna Trusek
Gels 2026, 12(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12020124 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
Metallogels constitute a rapidly expanding class of hybrid soft materials in which metal ions, metal complexes, or metal-containing nanoparticles play a decisive structural and functional role within a three-dimensional gel network. Their unique combination of supramolecular assembly, metal-ligand coordination, and dynamic network behaviour [...] Read more.
Metallogels constitute a rapidly expanding class of hybrid soft materials in which metal ions, metal complexes, or metal-containing nanoparticles play a decisive structural and functional role within a three-dimensional gel network. Their unique combination of supramolecular assembly, metal-ligand coordination, and dynamic network behaviour provides tunable mechanical, optical, electrical, redox, and catalytic properties that are not accessible in conventional hydrogels or organogels. This review systematically summarises current knowledge on metallogels, beginning with a classification based on matrix type, dominant metal interaction and functional output, spanning metallohydrogels, metal-organic gels, metal-phenolic gels, nanoparticle-based gels, polymer-based metallogels and low-molecular-weight metallogels. Key synthesis pathways are discussed, including coordination-chemistry-driven formation, metal-ligand self-assembly, in situ reduction, diffusion-mediated strategies, sol-gel-like polymerisation, enzyme-assisted routes, and bio-derived fabrication. Particular emphasis is placed on structure-function relationships that enable the development of catalytic, conductive, luminescent, antimicrobial, and biomedical metallogels. The examples compiled here highlight the versatility and transformative potential of metallogels in next-generation soft technologies, including sensing, energy conversion, wound healing, drug delivery, and emerging applications such as soft electronics and on-skin catalytic or bioactive patches. By mapping current progress and emerging design principles, this review aims to support the rational engineering of metallogels for advanced technological and biomedical applications Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Hydrogels for Biomedical Application (2nd Edition))
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14 pages, 6484 KB  
Article
Short-Term Electricity Price Forecasting via a Reinforcement Learning-Based Dynamic Soft Ensemble Strategy
by Yan Wang, Yongxi Zhao, Kun Liang and Hong Fan
Energies 2026, 19(3), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030761 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
To address the high volatility of spot market prices and the feature extraction limitations of single models, a short-term electricity price forecasting method based on a reinforcement learning dynamic soft ensemble strategy is proposed. First, a complementary dual-branch architecture is constructed: the CNN-LSTM-Attention [...] Read more.
To address the high volatility of spot market prices and the feature extraction limitations of single models, a short-term electricity price forecasting method based on a reinforcement learning dynamic soft ensemble strategy is proposed. First, a complementary dual-branch architecture is constructed: the CNN-LSTM-Attention branch mines local temporal features, while the Transformer branch captures long-range global dependencies. Second, the Q-learning algorithm is introduced to model weight optimization as a Markov Decision Process. An intelligent agent perceives fluctuation states to adaptively allocate weights, overcoming the rigidity of traditional ensembles. Case studies on PJM market data demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms advanced benchmarks in MAE and RMSE metrics. Notably, prediction accuracy is significantly improved during price spikes and negative price periods. The results verify that the strategy effectively copes with market concept drift, supporting reliable bidding and risk mitigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy, Electrical and Power Engineering: 5th Edition)
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15 pages, 2965 KB  
Article
High-Sensitivity Plasmonic Temperature Sensor Based on a MIM Waveguide-Coupled TDSC Resonator
by Yuanyuan Gao, Shubin Yan, Hui Cai, Zhenyang Xu, Chen Chen, Guang Liu and Taiquan Wu
Micromachines 2026, 17(2), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17020198 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
This paper presents a nanoscale sensor based on a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide coupled with a composite resonant cavity, where the ring resonator is embedded with triangular, semicircular, and rectangular structural elements. The transmission characteristics and sensing performance of the structure were systematically analyzed [...] Read more.
This paper presents a nanoscale sensor based on a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide coupled with a composite resonant cavity, where the ring resonator is embedded with triangular, semicircular, and rectangular structural elements. The transmission characteristics and sensing performance of the structure were systematically analyzed using the finite element method. The results indicate that the interference between the continuous mode in the waveguide and the discrete mode in the resonant cavity generates a distinct asymmetric Fano resonance. The optimized sensor achieves a sensitivity of 2960 nm/RIU and a figure of merit (FOM) of 59.79. Experimental verification confirms that the structure exhibits high responsiveness in temperature sensing, providing an effective solution for integrated photonic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MEMS and NEMS Sensors: Innovations, Applications, and Future Directions in Micro/Nano Technologies)
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18 pages, 1940 KB  
Article
Association of Variants in CDC10 (Septin 7) Gene with Growth-Related Traits in Qinchuan Cattle
by Zixuan Cheng, Yongli Yue, Yilin Wang, Peinuo Zhou, Xinyue An, Jianyu Xu, Takahisa Yamada, Gong Cheng, Hugejiletu Bao, Linsen Zan and Bin Tong
Animals 2026, 16(3), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16030447 (registering DOI) - 1 Feb 2026
Abstract
As one of the five major indigenous yellow cattle breeds in China, Qinchuan cattle are characterized by stable genetic performance and desirable meat quality. However, compared with imported commercial breeds, Qinchuan cattle have a relatively slow growth rate. Therefore, improving the growth rate [...] Read more.
As one of the five major indigenous yellow cattle breeds in China, Qinchuan cattle are characterized by stable genetic performance and desirable meat quality. However, compared with imported commercial breeds, Qinchuan cattle have a relatively slow growth rate. Therefore, improving the growth rate of Qinchuan cattle has become a top priority in Qinchuan cattle breeding. The CDC10 (Septin 7) gene, an important member of the Septin family, participates in various cellular physiological processes including intracellular substance transport, cell division, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Studies have repeatedly mapped the CDC10 gene to quantitative trait loci influencing growth-related traits, such as body weight and carcass weight in many beef cattle breeds. Previous study has also demonstrated the high expression of CDC10 in JB cattle with high performance for carcass weight, however, the association between CDC10 and growth-related traits in Qinchuan cattle remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we selected five individuals each from Chinese Simmental, Mongolian cattle, Luxi cattle, and Qinchuan cattle for direct sequencing, aiming to identify mutations within the CDC10 gene of native Chinese yellow cattle. Subsequently, we performed genotyping of 367 Qinchuan cattle using the MassARRAY technology, followed by genetic diversity analysis of the identified mutations and association analysis between these sites and growth-related traits of Qinchuan cattle. This study demonstrated high expression of the CDC10 gene in Qinchuan cattle with high performance for carcass weight. Furthermore, we identified the g.61303052G>C and c.225A>G SNPs in the promoter and exon regions, respectively, as being significantly associated with multiple growth-related traits in Qinchuan cattle. The c.225A>G SNP was also found to alter the secondary structure of the CDC10 protein. These findings provide reliable molecular markers for enhancing the growth rate of Qinchuan cattle and establish a solid theoretical foundation for the development of the beef cattle industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cattle Genetics and Breeding)
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