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10 pages, 205 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Quality of AI-Generated CABG Counseling: A Blinded Comparison of Two Language Models

by Alper Özbakkaloğlu, Ömer Faruk Rahman, Ercan Keleş, Ahmet Daylan, Dağlar Cansu and Şahin Bozok

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3896; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103896 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Objectives: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains a fundamental surgical treatment for advanced coronary artery disease. With the increasing use of large language models to obtain health information, patients are increasingly turning to these systems to understand surgical options. However, their performance in [...] Read more.

Objectives: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains a fundamental surgical treatment for advanced coronary artery disease. With the increasing use of large language models to obtain health information, patients are increasingly turning to these systems to understand surgical options. However, their performance in generating patient-oriented CABG information has not been sufficiently evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the responses generated by ChatGPT and DeepSeek-R1 to patient questions about CABG in terms of scientific accuracy, comprehensibility, and level of unnecessary detail. Methods: Forty patient-oriented questions were developed based on online sources and clinical experience. Responses were obtained from ChatGPT and DeepSeek under standardized conditions. A blinded panel of four cardiovascular surgeons evaluated the responses using a five-point Likert scale across three domains. Statistical analyses were performed using paired tests. Results: DeepSeek generated significantly longer responses than ChatGPT (212.88 ± 48.13 vs. 188.7 ± 50.34 words; p < 0.001). Accuracy scores were higher for DeepSeek (median 4.5 vs. 4.25; p = 0.004), whereas comprehensibility and unnecessary detail scores were similar between the models. Overall scores were high for both models (4.32 ± 0.28 vs. 4.27 ± 0.30; p = 0.34). Conclusions: The responses generated by both models were generally evaluated favorably by the expert panel, with only limited differences observed between them. DeepSeek demonstrated higher accuracy, whereas ChatGPT tended to produce shorter and more concise responses. However, given the variability observed at the individual-question level, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Large language models may support patient information delivery but should not be considered reliable stand-alone sources for clinical decision-making or patient counseling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coronary Artery Disease in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Clinical Insights and Therapeutic Challenges)

41 pages, 1646 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Acquisition of Syntactic Structures in Typical and Atypical Language Development: Insights from Growing Trees and Syntactic Cartography in a New Sentence Repetition Task

by Elena Casadei and Adriana Belletti

Languages 2026, 11(5), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages11050106 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

This study presents a newly developed Sentence Repetition Task/SRT as a tool designed to investigate the acquisition of different syntactic structures in children with typical development (TD) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). The tool is grounded in the Growing Trees (GT, henceforth) approach, [...] Read more.

This study presents a newly developed Sentence Repetition Task/SRT as a tool designed to investigate the acquisition of different syntactic structures in children with typical development (TD) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). The tool is grounded in the Growing Trees (GT, henceforth) approach, which assumes that developmental progression reflects the hierarchical growth of the syntactic tree, as described in cartographic analyses of clause structure. The SRT Protocol was constructed following the three developmental stages identified by GT: VP/TP, lower zone of the Left Periphery (LP henceforth), and higher LP zone. A preliminary pilot version was administered to 27 TD and 28 DLD children, followed by a revised second version with improved item design and broader syntactic coverage, administered to 28 TD and 21 DLD children. Descriptive and inferential analyses demonstrate a clear hierarchy in the acquisition of Italian morphosyntax, fully consistent with the three-stage developmental progression predicted by the model. Children with DLD follow the same path but with delayed acquisition and slower consolidation of certain structures. These findings provide developmentally grounded benchmarks for identifying morphosyntactic delays and show that the SRT Protocol is a reliable tool for profiling early syntactic development. Crucially, the protocol supports diagnosis and clinical practice by helping clinicians ensuring interventions that are both theoretically informed and aligned with syntactic growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morpho(phono)logy/Syntax Interface)

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19 pages, 7845 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Impact Resistance of Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced UHPC Thin Panels

by Vincenzo Romanazzi, Francesco Micelli, Sandro Moro, Pedro Serna Ros and Maria Antonietta Aiello

Fibers 2026, 14(5), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib14050063 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

In recent years, Ultra High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concretes (UHPFRCs) have gained significant attention for their applications in structural components, particularly for improving impact resistance and post-cracking behavior. This study explores the behavior of thin Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) panels reinforced with synthetic fibers, focusing [...] Read more.

In recent years, Ultra High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concretes (UHPFRCs) have gained significant attention for their applications in structural components, particularly for improving impact resistance and post-cracking behavior. This study explores the behavior of thin Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) panels reinforced with synthetic fibers, focusing on the potential use of these materials for building façades. Three different synthetic fiber-reinforced mixes were developed, utilizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microfibers, polypropylene (PP) macrofibers, and a hybrid combination of both. These thin, unreinforced panels were subjected to impact testing using a free-falling steel ball to evaluate their mechanical response. The results were analyzed in terms of crack patterns, crack openings, and overall impact resistance. Additionally, numerical analysis was implemented by using the ABAQUS^TM finite element code, in order to predict the panels’ performance under impact, providing a comparison between experimental results and numerical simulations. This investigation highlights the significant contribution of synthetic fibers in enhancing the toughness and impact resistance of UHPC panels, demonstrating their viability for structural applications requiring enhanced durability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete and Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Materials: Innovative Solutions in Construction Engineering)

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14 pages, 268 KB

Open AccessReview

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: An Update Narrative Review of the Therapeutic Potential of Combining Probiotics and Metformin

by Syifa Mustika, Sri Utami, Nur Estu Wijayanti Saputri, Levrita Nindya Poetri, Putu Ijiya Danta Awatara, Achmad Rudijanto, Hery Djagat Purnomo, Cosmas Rinaldi A. Lesmana and Ahmad Taufiq

Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051147 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has replaced older exclusion-based terminology as the preferred term for steatotic liver disease associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. MASLD is now among the most common causes of chronic liver disease and may progress from simple steatosis to [...] Read more.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has replaced older exclusion-based terminology as the preferred term for steatotic liver disease associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. MASLD is now among the most common causes of chronic liver disease and may progress from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This updated rigorous narrative review synthesizes current evidence on MASLD diagnosis and management, with emphasis on the gut–liver axis and the therapeutic potential of combining probiotics with metformin. A structured narrative search was conducted in PubMed, PMC, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar using the keywords “MASLD”, “MAFLD”, “NAFLD”, “MASH”, “probiotics”, “synbiotics”, “metformin”, and “gut-liver axis”. The review was designed as a narrative synthesis rather than a systematic review. Current guidance supports stepwise risk stratification using serum fibrosis scores followed by elastography or advanced imaging when indicated. Ultrasonography remains accessible but has limited sensitivity for mild steatosis, is operator-dependent, and is not sufficient for comprehensive assessment of fibrosis or disease activity. Metformin is appropriate for type 2 diabetes mellitus and improves insulin resistance, but current guidelines do not recommend it as a targeted treatment for MASH because histological benefit has not been consistently demonstrated. Probiotics and synbiotics may improve aminotransferases, inflammatory markers, lipid parameters, intestinal barrier function, and gut dysbiosis; however, findings vary by strain, formulation, dose, treatment duration, population, and endpoint. The combination of probiotics and metformin is mechanistically plausible because it targets both metabolic dysfunction and intestinal dysbiosis, but human evidence remains limited. Larger, strain-specific, adequately powered trials using standardized MASLD criteria and clinically meaningful endpoints are required before routine clinical recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)

4 pages, 164 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Biomarkers and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for Mycobacterial Diseases

by Arshad Rizvi and Yash Gupta

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(5), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11050139 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Mycobacterial diseases, particularly tuberculosis (TB), continue to impose a substantial global health burden, disproportionately affecting populations in low- and middle-income countries [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarkers, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Approaches for Mycobacterial Diseases)

15 pages, 1914 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Study on SF₆ Circuit Breaker Arc-Extinguishing Chamber Based on Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM)

by Ran Zang, Bowen Xu, Chen Cao, Huancheng Zou and Yihua Zhang

Energies 2026, 19(10), 2432; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19102432 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

The SF₆ circuit breaker is an essential piece of high-voltage equipment in ensuring the safe operation of the power grid. Regarding the arc-extinguishing chamber, as the most essential component, its performance is directly related to the breaking capacity of the circuit breaker. [...] Read more.

The SF₆ circuit breaker is an essential piece of high-voltage equipment in ensuring the safe operation of the power grid. Regarding the arc-extinguishing chamber, as the most essential component, its performance is directly related to the breaking capacity of the circuit breaker. This study applies the Double Distribution Function Lattice Boltzmann Method (DDF-LBM), combined with the Smagorinsky sub-grid scale (SGS) model, to systematically simulate the dynamic breaking process of a 252 kV SF₆ arc-extinguishing chamber under 50 kA breaking current conditions. Two independent distribution functions are employed to describe the fluid field and the temperature field, respectively, thereby simulating the physical flow–heat coupling process. A dynamic simulation framework is constructed using the D2Q9 model to describe the mechanical motion of the contacts and the fluid flow. The description of contact movement is achieved by dynamically updating the geometric mesh, thereby realizing fluid–solid transformation. The research results indicate that the proposed method can simulate the pressure variation of the fluid field during the breaking process. The value of the Smagorinsky constant (C_s) exhibits a non-negligible influence on the pressure field predictions. The optimal value of C_s = 0.10 is determined through analysis, and the peak pressures at the upstream and throat measurement points reach 1.11 MPa and 1.37 MPa, respectively. Numerical simulations are conducted on the dynamic breaking process of the arc-extinguishing chamber, revealing the evolution of the pressure field upstream of the nozzle and at the throat regions. This study provides new numerical simulation methods for the investigation of SF₆ arc-extinguishing chambers and establishes a foundation for the application of the Lattice Boltzmann Method in the field of high-voltage electrical appliances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence and Its Application in Condition Monitoring and Evaluation of Power Equipment)

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16 pages, 1733 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Caffeine on Various Forms of Synaptic Plasticity in the CA1 Region of Mouse Hippocampal Slices

by Margarita A. Novikova, Irina A. Korneeva, Rodion V. Kondratenko, Georgii M. Nikolaev, Olga A. Averina, Irina N. Sharonova and Alexander V. Latanov

Biomolecules 2026, 16(5), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16050740 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive compound. In the brain, caffeine acts as a competitive, non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist of A₁ and A_2A, both known to modulate long-term potentiation (LTP), the cellular basis of learning and memory. But the [...] Read more.

Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive compound. In the brain, caffeine acts as a competitive, non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist of A₁ and A_2A, both known to modulate long-term potentiation (LTP), the cellular basis of learning and memory. But the effects of caffeine on synaptic function and plasticity cannot be reduced to a single inhibitory or facilitatory action. In the CA1 area of the hippocampus, low-micromolar caffeine has been reported to attenuate LTP, yet it remains unclear whether this action extends equally to other plasticity-related responses, including EPSP–spike coupling and paired-pulse responses. Here, we studied the effect of 30 μM caffeine on the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) and LTP evoked by Schaffer collateral stimulation in the CA1 region in mouse hippocampal slices. We compared theta-burst-induced long-term fEPSP potentiation, EPSP–spike (E-S) potentiation, input–output relationships, and paired-pulse responses after short (three burst-TBS3) and long (ten burst-TBS10) theta-burst stimulation. Caffeine attenuated long-term fEPSP potentiation induced by the longer theta-burst protocol and reduced the accompanying increase in population spike amplitude. In contrast, E-S potentiation induced by the shorter theta-burst protocol was preserved under caffeine exposure. Input–output analysis further showed that caffeine prevented the increase in population spike amplitude accompanying the development of long-term fEPSP potentiation, but did not prevent the population spike response changes associated with E-S potentiation. Caffeine also reduced paired-pulse deviations from 100%, most clearly for population spike amplitude, and this effect persisted after both the theta-burst protocols. Thus, 30 μM caffeine did not simply suppress CA1 plasticity-related responses, but distinguished TBS10-induced synaptic fEPSP potentiation from TBS3-induced EPSP–spike potentiation. These findings identify EPSP–spike coupling as a caffeine-preserved CA1 plasticity-related response and provide a basis for future receptor-selective and behavioral testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Biochemistry)

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22 pages, 4265 KB

Open AccessArticle

Renal Accumulation and Hemocyte-Mediated Internalization After Acute Exposure to Injected Polyethylene Terephthalate Nanoplastics (PET-NPs) in the Freshwater Gastropod Pomacea canaliculata

by Anita Ferri, Sandro Sacchi, Chiara Losi, Martina Amico, Nicola Franchi and Davide Malagoli

J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(3), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16030088 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

The increasing fragmentation of plastic debris into nanosized particles represents a threat to freshwater ecosystems, yet the biological effects of nanoplastics (NPs) on freshwater invertebrates remain poorly understood. This study investigated tissue distribution, cellular effects and immune responses following acute exposure to polyethylene [...] Read more.

The increasing fragmentation of plastic debris into nanosized particles represents a threat to freshwater ecosystems, yet the biological effects of nanoplastics (NPs) on freshwater invertebrates remain poorly understood. This study investigated tissue distribution, cellular effects and immune responses following acute exposure to polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics (PET-NPs) in the freshwater gastropod Pomacea canaliculata, a species of high ecological relevance and physiological resilience. Adult snails were injected with PET-NPs at 5 or 10 mg/L and sampled after 24 and 72 h. PET-NPs accumulation in the anterior and posterior kidneys was assessed by fluorescence imaging and tissue morphology was evaluated. Stress- and inflammation-related genes (Pc-Heat Shock Protein (HSP)70, Pc-HSP90 and Pc-Allograft inflammatory factor 1) expression was quantified by RT-qPCR. PET-NPs uptake and phagocytic activity were analyzed in circulating hemocytes in vivo and ex vivo. PET-NPs were accumulated in renal tissues, persisting up to 72 h without histopathological alterations. Gene expression analyses revealed non-linear and dose/time-dependent responses. Hemocytes of different morphologies internalized PET-NPs in a dose-dependent manner and showed intercellular particle transfer. Overall, acute PET-NP exposure determines rapid immune handling and tissue sequestration with limited short-term physiological impact, underscoring the potential involvement of immune processes in NPs fate and highlighting the need for chronic exposure studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Xenobiotics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Fate, Toxicity, and Sustainable Remediation)

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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 278 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Weight of the Invisible: Max Scheler and Mullā Ṣadrā on Non-Objectual Experience

by Tareq Ayoub

Religions 2026, 17(5), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17050609 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

This article argues that suffering exemplifies a distinctive mode of objectless yet meaningful experience that challenges the assumption that intuition must be grounded in the presence of a determinate object. Drawing on phenomenological and metaphysical resources, it brings Max Scheler’s phenomenology of feeling [...] Read more.

This article argues that suffering exemplifies a distinctive mode of objectless yet meaningful experience that challenges the assumption that intuition must be grounded in the presence of a determinate object. Drawing on phenomenological and metaphysical resources, it brings Max Scheler’s phenomenology of feeling into dialogue with Mullā Ṣadrā’s ontology of graded existence to reconceptualize the epistemic and ontological status of pain. Against views that treat non-objectual experiences as merely subjective or epistemically deficient, the paper contends that suffering discloses a structured form of meaning that operates before and beyond object-based cognition. Scheler’s account of emotional intentionality is shown to illuminate how suffering reveals value and orientation without presenting an identifiable object, disclosing instead an invisible dimension of life as inhibited, fractured, or diminished. This non-objectual disclosure, while irreducible to sensory intuition, nevertheless grounds judgment and meaningful comportment toward the world. Ṣadrā’s metaphysics of tashkīk al-wujūd deepens this account by situating suffering within an ontology in which experience corresponds to graded intensities of being. On this view, suffering indexes a real ontological deficiency or limitation—neither sheer non-being nor objectifiable presence—that is known indirectly through its experiential effects. By integrating Scheler’s phenomenology with Ṣadrā’s doctrine of the primacy and gradation of existence, the article shows that suffering functions as an experiential access point to the invisible, where epistemology and ontology converge. The limits of intuition thus appear not as boundaries of knowledge, but as sites where non-objectual disclosure enables meaningful judgment about being itself. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experience and Non-Objects: The Limits of Intuition)

11 pages, 309 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Use of DPP4 Inhibitors Alone or Combined with SGLT2 Inhibitors on HbA1c, Apolipoproteins and Renal Function of Children, Adolescents and Young People with DM1: A Cohort Study

by Eduardo Federighi Baisi Chagas, Nicole Simone de Lima Coelho, Henrique Villa Chagas, Maria Eduarda Costa Tâmega, Sandra Maria Barbalho and Jesselina Francisco dos Santos Haber

Endocrines 2026, 7(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/endocrines7020021 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune condition often managed exclusively with insulin. However, the search for adjuvant therapies has gained attention, including dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), despite limited evidence in pediatric populations. To [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune condition often managed exclusively with insulin. However, the search for adjuvant therapies has gained attention, including dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), despite limited evidence in pediatric populations. To evaluate the impact of DPP4i, alone or combined with SGLT2i, on glycemic control (HbA1c), lipid profile (ApoB and ApoA-I), and renal function (eGFR and albuminuria) in children, adolescents, and young adults with T1DM, this study was conducted. Methods: This cohort study analyzed data from 76 patients with T1DM aged under 25, followed for 4 to 20 months. Patients were grouped based on exposure to DPP4i alone, DPP4i + SGLT2i, or no additional therapy. Glycemic, lipid, and renal parameters were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Results: A significant reduction in HbA1c was observed in the overall sample (p < 0.001), regardless of treatment group, suggesting a positive effect of interdisciplinary care. There were no statistically significant differences in HbA1c variation among the groups. ApoB decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001), and ApoA-I levels were initially higher in the DPP4i + SGLT2i group. A significant reduction in albuminuria was identified in the DPP4i-only group compared to controls (p = 0.029), indicating a potential renoprotective effect. No significant changes in eGFR were observed. The use of DPP4i, with or without SGLT2i, was not associated with significant improvements in glycemic or lipid outcomes compared to standard therapy. However, DPP4i monotherapy was associated with a reduction in albuminuria, suggesting a possible benefit for renal protection. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for larger, randomized studies to confirm the therapeutic role of these agents in young individuals with T1DM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Type 1 Diabetes)

26 pages, 5397 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nonlinear Dynamics of Automotive Brake-Induced Shimmy Under the Coupling Effect of the Steering Mechanism Clearance Joints

by Guo Li, Qingyun Ye, Xuze Wu, Muyang Wu, Wen Liu and Hang Wang

Vibration 2026, 9(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration9020035 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Brake-induced steering wheel shimmy is a critical nonlinear dynamic phenomenon that severely compromises vehicle handling stability and driving safety. While clearances in steering mechanism kinematic pairs are widely recognized as a primary cause of shimmy instability, the coupling effect of multiple concurrent clearances [...] Read more.

Brake-induced steering wheel shimmy is a critical nonlinear dynamic phenomenon that severely compromises vehicle handling stability and driving safety. While clearances in steering mechanism kinematic pairs are widely recognized as a primary cause of shimmy instability, the coupling effect of multiple concurrent clearances remains poorly characterized, particularly under transient braking conditions. In this work, a 5-degree-of-freedom non-autonomous dynamic model of brake-induced shimmy is developed using Lagrange’s equations. The model comprehensively incorporates the non-smooth contact behavior of multiple clearance joints, transient braking axle load transfer, and the longitudinal–lateral coupling nonlinearity of tires. The nonlinear dynamic evolution of the system is investigated through phase portraits, Poincaré sections, and continuous wavelet transform analysis. Numerical results demonstrate that multi-clearance coupling increases the peak shimmy angle by more than 40% compared to the single-clearance case. As the clearance magnitude increases from 0.05 mm to 0.40 mm, the system undergoes a transition from stable periodic motion to high-dimensional chaos, accompanied by a 67% reduction in vibration energy concentration at the 0.4 mm clearance level. This study elucidates the nonlinear mechanism underlying clearance-induced brake shimmy, providing a robust theoretical foundation for steering system parameter optimization and shimmy mitigation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Vibration: Modeling, Analysis, Optimization and Engineering Applications)

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10 pages, 2257 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Multimodal Endovascular Treatment of Post-Dissection Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Using Adjunctive Advanced Endovascular Techniques Combined to Branched Repair: Case Report

by Pietro Dioni, Francesco Colamaria, Alessandro Grandi, Gabriele Piffaretti, Stefano Bonardelli and Luca Bertoglio

Reports 2026, 9(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9020155 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: Treatment options for chronic type B aortic dissections (TBADs) remain a topic of ongoing debate. Patients with post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAAs) are typically younger than those with degenerative TAAAs, and their aortas undergo continuous remodeling over their [...] Read more.

Background and Clinical Significance: Treatment options for chronic type B aortic dissections (TBADs) remain a topic of ongoing debate. Patients with post-dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAAs) are typically younger than those with degenerative TAAAs, and their aortas undergo continuous remodeling over their lifetime. Fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B-EVAR) has shown promising results, but it can be challenged by the presence of a narrow true lumen, which hinders navigation and deployment of bridging components. Moreover, the presence of patent segmental arteries originating from the false lumen may prevent aneurysm shrinkage due to persistent flow, which may also result in insufficient spinal cord protection strategies and an increased risk of spinal cord ischemia. Consequently, multiple endovascular interventions are often necessary to address the persistent anatomical changes in these patients. Case Presentation: We present the case of a patient affected by a post-dissecting TAAA who underwent multiple open and endovascular treatment attempts. The presence of prior multiple laparotomies discouraged a new open surgical repair, while the hypertrophic segmental arteries and the presence of a narrow true lumen made standard F/B-EVAR unfeasible. The patient was successfully treated using a combination of different adjunctive advanced endovascular techniques, including minimally invasive segmental artery coil embolization (MiSACE) as a spinal cord preconditioning strategy and prevention of type II endoleak. Moreover, transcatheter electrosurgical septotomy (TES) was used to create a single aortic channel in the presence of a narrow true lumen, which allowed the deployment of a multifeatured, custom-made branched endograft. Conclusions: Endovascular repair of post-dissection TAAAs requires a thorough understanding of advanced endovascular adjuncts, which are often combined to overcome the complex anatomical challenges inherent to this disease. Although encouraging results have been reported, both segmental artery embolization for the indications described here and TES warrant further evaluation in prospective multicenter studies to confirm their safety and efficacy. Full article

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17 pages, 529 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Recovery Pathway and Postoperative Ileus After Elective Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery

by Codruta Craciun, Jenel Marian Patrascu, Jr., Danut Dejeu, Ana-Maria Davidoiu-Salavastru, Adrian Cosmin Ilie, Patricia Octavia Mazilu, Lavinia Craciun and Stelian Pantea

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3895; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103895 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Postoperative ileus (POI) remains a leading driver of delayed recovery and prolonged length of stay (LOS) after colorectal surgery. Although ERAS is well established, less is known about how pathway adherence and implementation fidelity relate to bowel recovery in pragmatic minimally invasive [...] Read more.

Background: Postoperative ileus (POI) remains a leading driver of delayed recovery and prolonged length of stay (LOS) after colorectal surgery. Although ERAS is well established, less is known about how pathway adherence and implementation fidelity relate to bowel recovery in pragmatic minimally invasive practice. Objectives: To evaluate whether a structured ERAS pathway, delivered in routine care, was associated with lower POI and improved early recovery compared with contemporaneous standard care after elective minimally invasive colorectal surgery. Methods: In a prospective, non-randomized pragmatic comparative study conducted from January 2022 to September 2024, 123 adults undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection were managed with either an ERAS pathway (n = 62) or standard care (n = 61). POI was operationalized prospectively using predefined clinical criteria and daily team assessment. Primary outcome was POI. Secondary outcomes included time to flatus, LOS, 48 h opioid use (morphine milligram equivalents, MME), complications (Clavien–Dindo), 30-day readmission, and Quality of Recovery (QoR-15). Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score–adjusted sensitivity analyses were performed to address baseline imbalance. Results: POI occurred in 7/62 (11.3%) in ERAS vs. 22/61 (36.1%) in standard care (p = 0.002). ERAS patients had earlier flatus (38.6 ± 15.2 h vs. 60.0 ± 20.1 h, p < 0.001), shorter LOS (4.2 [3.4–5.0] vs. 5.4 [4.5–6.8] days, p < 0.001), lower 48 h opioids (35.4 [25.2–47.8] vs. 61.1 [41.5–88.6] MME, p < 0.001), and higher QoR-15 at POD2 (113.9 ± 14.9 vs. 104.8 ± 15.5, p = 0.001). In the primary multivariable model, ERAS was independently associated with lower POI odds (adjusted OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1–0.7; p = 0.013); the association remained directionally similar in propensity-adjusted sensitivity analysis (adjusted OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.12–0.79; p = 0.015). Higher adherence was associated with lower POI and lower opioid exposure. Conclusions: In this prospective cohort, ERAS implementation was associated with lower POI incidence and faster early recovery; however, findings should be interpreted as observational and hypothesis-generating rather than causal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine)

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11 pages, 544 KB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Duration of FLOT Infusion Change the Outcome of Perioperative Treatment for Gastric Cancer? Comparing 24- and 48-h Infusions

by Hacer Demir, Canan Yıldız, Yusuf İlhan, Murat Araz, Ali Fuat Gürbüz, Semiha Urvay, Muslih Urun, Berrak Mermit Ercek, Onur Yazdan Balçık, Beyza Ünlü, Sena Ece Davarcı, Ramazan Cosar, Meltem Baykara and Ismail Beypinar

Medicina 2026, 62(5), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62050987 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: FLOT is a highly effective first-line treatment for metastatic gastric cancer and offers a favorable safety profile. Clinical studies investigating the FLOT regimen have reported varying outcomes depending on the infusion duration and have highlighted possible differences in complication rates [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: FLOT is a highly effective first-line treatment for metastatic gastric cancer and offers a favorable safety profile. Clinical studies investigating the FLOT regimen have reported varying outcomes depending on the infusion duration and have highlighted possible differences in complication rates and the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy. The choice between 24 h or 48 h infusion durations for fluorouracil can be influenced by several factors, such as the patient’s overall health status, their tolerance to treatment, and the specific treatment protocol determined by the medical team. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different infusion durations (24 and 48 h) on clinical response, toxicity, and survival in patients with gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included 113 patients with gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who received neoadjuvant FLOT chemotherapy (24 h infusion: n = 28; 48 h infusion: n = 85). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance baseline characteristics, yielding a matched cohort of 90 patients. The primary endpoints were the pathologic complete response (pCR) and toxicity. Secondary endpoints included disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Significant baseline imbalances existed (cT stage p < 0.001). After PSM, the balance improved (cT stage p = 0.009). In the matched cohort, pCR 11.1% (24 h) vs. 12.1% (48 h), p > 0.99. The median DFS was 27.4 mo (24 h) vs. NR (48 h), p = 0.847. The median OS was 32.8 mo in both, p = 0.797. Multivariate analysis (baseline variables) indicates that infusion duration is not prognostic (DFS HR = 0.77, p = 0.453; OS HR = 0.72, p = 0.328). Power was ~10% for a 1% pCR difference. Conclusions: The 24 h infusion protocol was associated with similar outcomes to the 48 h protocol after PSM adjustment. However, residual confounding persists (cT stage p = 0.009 despite PSM), and the combination of this study’s retrospective design and severe underpowering (~10%) precludes definitive conclusions. As a result, the findings are hypothesis-generating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prophylaxis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies of Gastric Cancer)

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28 pages, 925 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzability and Multiverbal Constructions in Diachrony: The Case of Latin i nunc et V_imp

by Laura Cabré Lunas and Esther Artigas Álvarez

Languages 2026, 11(5), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages11050105 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

This article examines the Latin construction i nunc et V_imp from the perspective of diachronic analyzability. The expression consists of two imperative forms with identical morphological marking—the first a motion verb (V1), the second a lexical verb—linked by the conjunction et. [...] Read more.

This article examines the Latin construction i nunc et V_imp from the perspective of diachronic analyzability. The expression consists of two imperative forms with identical morphological marking—the first a motion verb (V1), the second a lexical verb—linked by the conjunction et. Rather than encoding a literal directive sequence, the construction conveys a rhetorical exhortative value that systematically guides discourse interpretation in a direction different from that suggested by its surface form. Although attested from the Imperial period onward, the construction is analyzed against the background of serial imperatives with a motion verb in initial position and verbal pseudocoordination, patterns documented not only in Archaic Latin but also in other historical Indo-European languages. On the basis of an exhaustive corpus, the study assesses the contribution of each constituent in order to account for the construction’s global value. The analysis shows that i nunc et V_imp displays an uneven degree of analyzability: while its components remain formally and syntactically transparent, its semantic and pragmatic analyzability is reduced, as the elements do not contribute compositionally to propositional content but function as a pragmatically unitized block. Overall, the article highlights the central role of analyzability in diachronic change, including processes of unitization and constructional de/recategorization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Romance Historical Syntax: Special Issue on Syntactic Analyzability in Diachrony)

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25 pages, 1769 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Design Science Approach to Predicting ESG Performance Using Ensemble Machine Learning

by Yara Ibrahim, Khaled Hussainey and Taghred Mokhtar Sayed Moawad

Int. J. Financial Stud. 2026, 14(5), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs14050133 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics have become a cornerstone to sustainable finance, yet their measurement and predictability remain constrained by data heterogeneity, methodological divergence, and disclosure bias. This study develops a comprehensive ESG prediction framework grounded in the Design Science Research paradigm, [...] Read more.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics have become a cornerstone to sustainable finance, yet their measurement and predictability remain constrained by data heterogeneity, methodological divergence, and disclosure bias. This study develops a comprehensive ESG prediction framework grounded in the Design Science Research paradigm, integrating advanced machine learning techniques with rigorous data preprocessing, feature selection, and temporal validation. Using firm-level data from Refinitiv and Bloomberg, the analysis distinguishes between ESG composite performance and disclosure-based robustness, addressing a critical gap in the literature. Ensemble learning models, including Random Forest and XGBoost, are evaluated alongside deep learning architectures using multiple sampling strategies and rolling-window validation. The results demonstrate that ESG performance is moderately forecastable, with ensemble methods consistently outperforming neural networks in structured datasets. In contrast, disclosure robustness exhibits lower predictability, reflecting its dependence on discretionary strategic reporting and institutional factors. The findings highlight the importance of data quality, model selection, and validation design in ESG analytics, while emphasizing the limitations of deep learning in tabular financial contexts. The integration of explainable artificial intelligence further enhances interpretability by identifying key predictors of ESG outcomes. Overall, the study contributes to the literature by providing a robust, interpretable, and methodologically rigorous framework for ESG prediction, with implications for investors, regulators, and corporate decision-making. Full article

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16 pages, 1702 KB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiology and Molecular Profiles of ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Urinary Tract Infections Across Jordanian Hospitals

by Ayman Alsheikh, Raghad Shanabla, Ahmad Badawi, Hafez Al-Momani, Mohammed Nasser-Ali, Yaqeen Rjoub, Mohammad A. A. Al-Najjar, Montasir Al-Mansi, Iman Aolymat, Lana Al-Shoubaki and Nawal Al-Zaa’q

Microorganisms 2026, 14(5), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14051142 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen associated with both community-acquired and nosocomial infections. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains are increasingly implicated in urinary tract infections (UTIs), traveller’s diarrhoea, bacteraemia, and sepsis. β-lactam antibiotics are commonly used for treatment; however, antimicrobial resistance has emerged largely due [...] Read more.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen associated with both community-acquired and nosocomial infections. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains are increasingly implicated in urinary tract infections (UTIs), traveller’s diarrhoea, bacteraemia, and sepsis. β-lactam antibiotics are commonly used for treatment; however, antimicrobial resistance has emerged largely due to the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), which confer resistance mainly to penicillins, oxyimino-cephalosporins, and monobactams, while cephamycins and carbapenems usually remain stable to ESBL-mediated hydrolysis and compromise therapeutic efficacy. ESBL-producing strains represent a major cause of severe Gram-negative infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae among UTI patients in Jordanian hospitals (Al Mafraq, Ma’an, and Islamic Hospitals), evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and detect antimicrobial resistance genes at the molecular level. A total of 450 urine isolates of K. pneumoniae were collected from UTI patients between November 2023 and May 2024. Isolates were identified in hospital laboratories using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed, and molecular characterisation of ESBL-associated genes was conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of 450 K. pneumoniae isolates collected from UTI patients across three Jordanian regions, 72 (16%) were confirmed as ESBL producers. Among the 72 ESBL-positive K. pneumoniae isolates, 34 (47.2%) were recovered from the Central region, 20 (27.8%) from the North, and 18 (25.0%) from the South. Molecular analysis revealed that 41.7% of ESBL-producing isolates carried the blaCTX-M gene, while 33.3% harboured the blaOXA gene. All ESBL-producing isolates demonstrated antimicrobial resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. A significantly higher proportion of ESBL-producing isolates was identified in female patients (84.7%) compared with males (15.3%). A significant association was observed between blaOXA gene distribution and geographic region (p = 0.016), whereas blaCTX-M gene distribution showed no significant regional association. ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae accounted for a substantial proportion of UTI isolates in Jordan, with blaCTX-M identified as the predominant resistance gene. The higher burden observed in the Central region and among female patients highlights notable distribution patterns in this cohort. These findings emphasise the necessity for sustained molecular surveillance and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship strategies to limit the dissemination of ESBL-producing strains in Jordanian healthcare settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Microbiology)

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12 pages, 243 KB

Open AccessReview

Social Context Considerations for Future HIV Vaccine Introduction and Implementation

by Nivedita L. Bhushan, Rafael Gonzalez and Brian G. Southwell

Vaccines 2026, 14(5), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14050450 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Background: The development of an efficacious preventive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine remains a central goal of global HIV elimination efforts, yet biological performance alone will not determine a future vaccine’s public health impact. Method: This review draws on behavioral science, communication research, [...] Read more.

Background: The development of an efficacious preventive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine remains a central goal of global HIV elimination efforts, yet biological performance alone will not determine a future vaccine’s public health impact. Method: This review draws on behavioral science, communication research, vaccine implementation, and HIV prevention literature to identify cognitive, social, and structural challenges that are likely to shape public acceptance and uptake of a future HIV vaccine, as well as to outline evidence-based opportunities for addressing them. Results: Based on the available literature, mental models of both HIV and vaccination will be a critical determinant of how communities consider a future vaccine, particularly given that emerging mRNA and adjuvanted platforms may generate side effects that could be easily misinterpreted and that highly effective long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options already exist and will shape how individuals evaluate a vaccine’s relative value. HIV-related stigma further complicates this landscape by making vaccination a socially interpreted behavior, unlike some other vaccination efforts. Together, these factors suggest that hesitancy and misalignment between public understanding and scientific evidence are predictable and should be anticipated rather than addressed reactively. At the same time, decades of HIV prevention implementation research have established an evidence base for vaccine communication, and existing community engagement infrastructure offers a foundation upon which future rollout efforts can build. We highlight three evidence-based strategies as particularly promising levers for encouraging acceptance and adoption. Conclusions: We conclude with recommendations for HIV vaccine researchers and healthcare professionals to invest in formative research, build community partnerships in advance of vaccine availability, and pilot integrated delivery models within existing HIV prevention services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Need for an HIV Vaccine in the Era of Highly Effective PrEP)

28 pages, 2480 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ball Milling Controls Particle Descriptors and Diffusion-Limited Leaching in a Wet Particulate System

by Rogério E. Andrade, Eduarda M. Cavalcante, Leonardo Batista, Janaina M. Lima, Ana M. Sarinho, Maria Eduarda Costa, Renata Duarte Almeida, Matheus Augusto de Bittencourt Pasquali and Hugo M. Lisboa

Processes 2026, 14(10), 1633; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14101633 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Ball milling can improve protein recovery from defatted rice bran, but the links among milling conditions, particle attributes, and extraction transport remain insufficiently defined. This study evaluated the effects of milling time (30–90 min) and rotational speed (30–120 rpm) on powder properties and [...] Read more.

Ball milling can improve protein recovery from defatted rice bran, but the links among milling conditions, particle attributes, and extraction transport remain insufficiently defined. This study evaluated the effects of milling time (30–90 min) and rotational speed (30–120 rpm) on powder properties and alkaline protein extraction at pH 11 for 30–180 min at 24, 37, and 50 °C. Powders were characterized by laser diffraction, SEM image analysis, X-ray diffraction, and extraction-relevant indices describing the interfacial area and diffusion time scale. Extraction curves were fitted to first-order, pseudo-second-order, Peleg, and apparent Fick diffusion models. Milling reduced median particle size from 145 to 61 µm, increased fines (<45 µm) from 1.86% to 32.09%, and raised surface area proxies by about 30- to 40-fold. Compared with the control sample, milled samples generally showed faster extraction and higher protein recovery, with maximum endpoint recoveries of 89.91 mg g⁻¹ at 24 °C, 90.06 mg g⁻¹ at 37 °C, and 86.10 mg g⁻¹ at 50 °C. Late-stage extraction data collapsed onto a Fickian master curve, indicating diffusion-limited behavior, and apparent effective diffusivity increased with temperature. At 37 °C, the radius–shape–circularity model explained nearly all the between-powder variation in

\ln D_{e} (R^{2} = 0.998; adjusted R^{2} = 0.996)

, and the shape factor remained significant after accounting for particle radius

(p= 0.0179)

. Overall, ball milling improved extraction primarily by reducing diffusion length and altering particle morphology, providing practical guidance for optimizing rice bran protein recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction and Applications of High-Added-Value Ingredients in the Food Industry)

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18 pages, 3484 KB

Open AccessArticle

Oil Separation Performance of Transformer Accident Oil Under Different Degreasing Methods

by Han Shi, Lijuan Yao, Jun Wang, Baozhong Song, Jun Zhou, Wenquan Sun and Yongjun Sun

Water 2026, 18(10), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18101222 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the separation performance of transformer oil–water mixtures using gravity separation and chemical demulsification. The synthetic emulsion had an initial oil concentration (C₀) of approximately 246,000 mg/L. For gravity separation, the effects of compartment volume ratio, influent flow [...] Read more.

This study investigates the separation performance of transformer oil–water mixtures using gravity separation and chemical demulsification. The synthetic emulsion had an initial oil concentration (C₀) of approximately 246,000 mg/L. For gravity separation, the effects of compartment volume ratio, influent flow rate, initial water level, and oil discharge strategy were systematically evaluated. Under optimal conditions (volume ratio 2:1:1, flow rate 0.0055 L/s, initial water level 5 cm), the effluent oil concentration was reduced to as low as 0.020 mg/L, corresponding to a removal efficiency higher than 99.99%. For chemical demulsification, polyaluminum chloride (PAC), polyferric sulfate (PFS), polyacrylamide (PAM), and an organosilicon polyether demulsifier (MCL-D) were tested. The effects of pH, dosage, and temperature on demulsification efficiency (DE) and dehydration rate (DR) were investigated. Under optimal conditions (pH 3–5, dosage 300 mg/L, temperature 50 °C), MCL-D achieved the best performance, with a DE of 95.09% and a DR of 99.50%. Overall, gravity separation is effective for removing free and dispersed oil with low operational cost, whereas chemical demulsification is more suitable for treating stable emulsified oil. The combination of these two methods provides an efficient strategy for the treatment of transformer oil-containing wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)

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18 pages, 377 KB

Open AccessArticle

Social Media and Hong Kong Christian Communities: Diversity and Equality

by Ann Gillian Chu and Rachel Siow Robertson

Religions 2026, 17(5), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17050608 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Social media in Hong Kong Christian communities has been viewed in terms of social equalization, allowing laity to shape theology and community practices. But how is social media an equalizer for religious communities, and along which social dimensions? Drawing on Heidi A. Campbell’s [...] Read more.

Social media in Hong Kong Christian communities has been viewed in terms of social equalization, allowing laity to shape theology and community practices. But how is social media an equalizer for religious communities, and along which social dimensions? Drawing on Heidi A. Campbell’s “layers” and Pauline Hope Cheong’s “logics” of power, we offer a framework for examining how social media affects leadership roles, community practices, ideology and identity, and approaches to religious texts, in terms of whether these impacts are continuous with and complementary to existing power structures, displace traditional authority, or involve a dialectic between the two. Through case studies of Hong Kong Christian Key Opinion Leaders (KOL), we show displacements of official roles by lay leaders interacting with an underlying logic of continuity along traditional lines such as gender, social class, and sexual orientation. Online structures of community practice complement existing power structures, reinforcing traditional hierarchies of identity, ideology, and religious texts. We conclude by considering how theological approaches to dispossession may help Hong Kong Christian communities to enter a dialectic of challenges and opportunities for equality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformations in East Asia Religious Diversity: Technology, Hybridity, Equality)

20 pages, 571 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Collective Practices for Sustainable Water Management: A Systematic Review of Community-Based Practices

by Yeismy Amanda Castiblanco Venegas, Carlos Andrés Rincón-Arias, Martha Yadira Murcia and Daniel Ricardo Delgado

Sustainability 2026, 18(10), 5098; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18105098 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Global water scarcity constitutes a critical sustainability challenge, particularly in agricultural and rural contexts exposed to climate variability. Beyond technical and infrastructural solutions, collective and community-based water management practices have gained increasing relevance as sustainable alternatives grounded in local and ancestral knowledge. This [...] Read more.

Global water scarcity constitutes a critical sustainability challenge, particularly in agricultural and rural contexts exposed to climate variability. Beyond technical and infrastructural solutions, collective and community-based water management practices have gained increasing relevance as sustainable alternatives grounded in local and ancestral knowledge. This study presents a systematic qualitative review of collective practices for alternative water management implemented worldwide between 2018 and 2023, following the PRISMA methodology, and based on a screening of the Scopus database, 31 peer-reviewed studies were selected and analysed through thematic synthesis. The systematic review identified five interconnected dimensions: (1) water management and governance, (2) conservation and storage, (3) hydrological restoration, (4) efficient water use, and (5) recognition of local knowledge. The results show that collective water management practices contribute to water security, ecological resilience, and adaptive capacity in rural territories, particularly when aligned with local socio-environmental conditions. The study highlights the importance of integrating scientific and community-based knowledge to advance context-specific and sustainable water management strategies, contributing to ongoing debates on sustainability, rural development, and adaptive water governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Water Management)

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12 pages, 1682 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sex Differences in Exercise-Induced Arteriolar Remodeling of Skeletal Muscle

by Tobias Hainzl, György L. Nádasy, Emese Róza Márka, Kamilla Nagy, Anna-Mária Tőkés, Attila Oláh, Tamás Radovits, Béla Merkely, Nándor Ács, Szabolcs Várbíró, Attila Jósvai and Marianna Török

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(10), 5041; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16105041 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Chronic exercise induces functional adaptations in skeletal muscle microcirculation, but whether these are accompanied by sex-specific histological remodeling of arterioles remains unclear. This study examined gracilis muscle arterioles in trained (Ex) and sedentary (Se) female (F) and male (M) Wistar rats after a [...] Read more.

Chronic exercise induces functional adaptations in skeletal muscle microcirculation, but whether these are accompanied by sex-specific histological remodeling of arterioles remains unclear. This study examined gracilis muscle arterioles in trained (Ex) and sedentary (Se) female (F) and male (M) Wistar rats after a 12-week intensive swimming program (Mex = 6, FEx = 6; MSed = 6, FSed = 5). Histological remodeling was assessed by quantitative colorimetry analysis of resorcin-fuchsin (elastica; n = 661) and SMA-DAB (smooth muscle actin; n = 692) staining, focusing on elastic fiber density, internal elastic lamina (IEL) characteristics, and smooth muscle density in intramuscular and intermuscular vessels. Elastic fiber density and IEL thickness were generally greater in female animals than in males (p < 0.05). IEL staining intensity showed significant effects of sex (p = 0.043), exercise (p = 0.021), and a significant sex-by-exercise interaction (p = 0.037), with exercised females exhibiting the highest IEL staining intensity. Smooth muscle density did not differ significantly by sex or training status, although it was higher in intermuscular than intramuscular arterioles (p < 0.001), and increased with vessel diameter primarily in the intermuscular group. These findings demonstrate exercise-induced, sex-specific histological remodeling of skeletal muscle arterioles, primarily affecting elastic components, with more pronounced elastic adaptation in females. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Insights into Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses to Exercise)

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24 pages, 1517 KB

Open AccessArticle

Shear Interface Capacity of GFRP-Reinforced Concrete Joints

by Mostafa M. Ahmed, Mohammed G. El-Gendy and Ehab F. El-Salakawy

Fibers 2026, 14(5), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib14050062 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Interface shear transfer (IST) is a critical mechanism governing composite action in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. While the IST behavior in steel-RC is well established, its application to glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)-RC remains uncertain due to the scatter of experimental data and the [...] Read more.

Interface shear transfer (IST) is a critical mechanism governing composite action in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. While the IST behavior in steel-RC is well established, its application to glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP)-RC remains uncertain due to the scatter of experimental data and the absence of a unified design model. This study assesses the accuracy of current IST design provisions and analytical models for GFRP-RC using a database of 107 push-off tests from the literature, including 56 specimens with an as-cast interface, 20 specimens with an intentionally roughened interface, 26 specimens with a monolithic interface, and five specimens with a smooth interface. Predictions of available models were compared with experimental peak loads. The results show that current provisions in design codes and standards either significantly underestimate or overestimate the IST capacity. The proposed analytical strain-based models in the literature improved predictions but exhibited inconsistencies across different interface conditions. Accordingly, a modified IST model is proposed based on regression analysis, incorporating a cohesion parameter as a function of the concrete strength with a GFRP strain limit of 0.003. The proposed model provides accurate, yet conservative, predictions across different interface conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete and Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Materials: Innovative Solutions in Construction Engineering)

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19 pages, 33867 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of Thoracic Impedance-Based End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Estimate in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Rat Study

by Pengfei Zhao, Shuai Ma, Zifan Du and Bin Fan

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(10), 5040; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16105040 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Thoracic impedance (TI) correlates with end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) in large animals. This pilot study in Sprague-Dawley rats investigated whether TI can estimate ETCO₂ and dynamically guide compression depth. A dataset of TI and ETCO₂ measurements in rats was [...] Read more.

Thoracic impedance (TI) correlates with end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) in large animals. This pilot study in Sprague-Dawley rats investigated whether TI can estimate ETCO₂ and dynamically guide compression depth. A dataset of TI and ETCO₂ measurements in rats was established to analyze the correlation between the two and construct a regression model. TI peak was strongly and positively correlated with ETCO₂ (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) and exhibited a progressive decay during prolonged compression. This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of using TI-estimated ETCO₂ to guide compression depth in a rat model. The TI-guided strategy maintained ETCO₂ closer to the target value of 20 mmHg; however, no significant differences were observed between groups in ROSC rates, survival rates, blood gas parameters, or histopathological damage. Larger-scale studies are needed to evaluate clinical efficacy. Full article

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10 pages, 2121 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Cultivation Methods on Yield and Quality of Greenhouse-Grown Tomatoes in the Gobi Desert

by Wenlong Zhang, Yan Ma, Xia Liu, Letian Wu, Jiameng Luo, Haitao Wang and Ping Zou

Agronomy 2026, 16(10), 994; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16100994 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026

Abstract

Optimizing cultivation methods is crucial for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of protected agriculture in water-limited regions. This study systematically evaluated the effects of three cultivation methods—bucket, non-woven bag, and underground trough cultivation—on the root-zone environment, growth, yield, and quality of greenhouse-grown tomatoes [...] Read more.

Optimizing cultivation methods is crucial for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of protected agriculture in water-limited regions. This study systematically evaluated the effects of three cultivation methods—bucket, non-woven bag, and underground trough cultivation—on the root-zone environment, growth, yield, and quality of greenhouse-grown tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘Provence’) in a Gobi Desert facility. Key root-zone parameters (substrate temperature, moisture, and electrical conductivity) and plant agronomic traits (plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and SPAD) were monitored throughout the growth cycle. Final yield and fruit quality indicators (lycopene, soluble sugars, and vitamin C) were analyzed. The results demonstrated that bucket and underground trough cultivation created a more stable root-zone environment, with better moisture retention and temperature regulation than bag cultivation. These methods significantly improved plant growth, with yield per plant increasing by 23.18% and 18.18% under bucket and underground trough cultivation, respectively, alongside enhanced fruit quality metrics. In conclusion, bucket and underground trough cultivation effectively optimize the root-zone environment, leading to superior tomato growth, yield, and quality compared to traditional non-woven bag cultivation. These methods show significant potential for application in arid and semi-arid regions to support sustainable and efficient greenhouse production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Precision Water and Fertilizer Management Technologies and Equipment for Sustainable Agriculture)

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