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10 pages, 689 KB  
Article
Sex Differences in Foot Arch Structure Affect Postural Control and Energy Flow During Dynamic Tasks
by Xuan Liu, Shu Zhou, Yan Pan, Lei Li and Ye Liu
Life 2025, 15(10), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101550 (registering DOI) - 3 Oct 2025
Abstract
Background: This study investigated sex differences in foot arch structure and function, and their impact on postural control and energy flow during dynamic tasks. Findings aim to inform sex-specific training, movement assessment, and injury prevention strategies. Methods: A total of 108 participants (53 [...] Read more.
Background: This study investigated sex differences in foot arch structure and function, and their impact on postural control and energy flow during dynamic tasks. Findings aim to inform sex-specific training, movement assessment, and injury prevention strategies. Methods: A total of 108 participants (53 males and 55 females) underwent foot arch morphological assessments and performed a sit-to-stand (STS). Motion data were collected using an infrared motion capture system, three-dimensional force plates, and wireless surface electromyography. A rigid body model was constructed in Visual3D, and joint forces, segmental angular and linear velocities, center of pressure (COP), and center of mass (COM) were calculated using MATLAB. Segmental net energy was integrated to determine energy flow across different phases of the STS. Results: Arch stiffness was significantly higher in males. In terms of postural control, males exhibited significantly lower mediolateral COP frequency and anteroposterior COM peak velocity during the pre-seat-off phase, and lower COM displacement, peak velocity, and sample entropy during the post-seat-off phase compared to females. Conversely, males showed higher anteroposterior COM velocity before seat-off, and greater anteroposterior and vertical momentum after seat-off (p < 0.05). Regarding energy flow, males exhibited higher thigh muscle power, segmental net power during both phases, and greater shank joint power before seat-off. In contrast, females showed higher thigh joint power before seat-off and greater shank joint power after seat-off (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Significant sex differences in foot arch function influence postural control and energy transfer during STS. Compared to males, females rely on more frequent postural adjustments to compensate for lower arch stiffness, which may increase mechanical loading on the knee and ankle and elevate injury risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance: 2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 1380 KB  
Article
Impact of a Contextualized AI and Entrepreneurship-Based Training Program on Teacher Learning in the Ecuadorian Amazon
by Luis Quishpe-Quishpe, Irene Acosta-Vargas, Lorena Rodríguez-Rojas, Jessica Medina-Arias, Daniel Antonio Coronel-Navarro, Roldán Torres-Gutiérrez and Patricia Acosta-Vargas
Sustainability 2025, 17(19), 8850; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198850 (registering DOI) - 3 Oct 2025
Abstract
The integration of emerging technologies is reshaping the teaching skills required in the 21st century, yet little evidence exists on how contextualized training supports rural teachers in adopting active methodologies and critically incorporating AI into entrepreneurship education. This study evaluated the impact of [...] Read more.
The integration of emerging technologies is reshaping the teaching skills required in the 21st century, yet little evidence exists on how contextualized training supports rural teachers in adopting active methodologies and critically incorporating AI into entrepreneurship education. This study evaluated the impact of a 40-h professional development program implemented in Educational District 15D01 in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Thirty-nine secondary school teachers participated (mean age = 43.1 years); 36% lacked prior entrepreneurship training, and 44% had not recently mentored student projects. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. The quantitative phase employed a 22-item questionnaire that addressed four dimensions: entrepreneurial knowledge, competencies, methodological strategies, and AI integration. Significant pre–post improvements were found (p < 0.001), with large effects for knowledge (d = 1.43), methodologies (d = 1.39), and AI integration (d = 1.30), and a moderate effect for competences (d = 0.66). The qualitative phase analyzed 312 open-ended responses, highlighting greater openness to innovation, enhanced teacher agency, and favorable perceptions of AI as a resource for ideation, prototyping, and evaluation. Overall, the findings suggest that situated, contextually aligned training can strengthen digital equity policies, foster pedagogical innovation, and empower educators in underserved rural communities, contributing to sustainable pathways for teacher professional development. Full article
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18 pages, 8074 KB  
Article
Auranofin Ameliorates Gouty Inflammation by Suppressing NLRP3 Activation and Neutrophil Migration via the IL-33/ST2–CXCL1 Axis
by Hyeyeon Yoo, Ahyoung Choi, Minjun Kim, Yongseok Gye, Hyeonju Jo, Seung-Ki Kwok, Youngjae Park and Jennifer Jooha Lee
Cells 2025, 14(19), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14191541 - 2 Oct 2025
Abstract
Gout is a form of sterile inflammatory arthritis in which monosodium urate (MSU) crystals deposit and provoke a neutrophil-predominant response, primarily driven by activation of the NACHT, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Here, we show that auranofin, a Food [...] Read more.
Gout is a form of sterile inflammatory arthritis in which monosodium urate (MSU) crystals deposit and provoke a neutrophil-predominant response, primarily driven by activation of the NACHT, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Here, we show that auranofin, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-rheumatic agent, exerts anti-inflammatory effects in both in vitro and in vivo models of gout. Auranofin inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human THP-1 cells and murine macrophages, leading to reduced cleavage of caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). In MSU crystal-induced mouse models, auranofin treatment reduced paw swelling, serum cytokine levels, and tissue inflammation. Notably, auranofin suppressed neutrophil migration and decreased expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) in inflamed foot tissue and air-pouch exudates. Mechanistically, auranofin disrupted the interleukin-33 (IL-33)/suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) axis, a key signaling pathway promoting neutrophil recruitment. Overexpression of IL-33 abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of auranofin, highlighting the central role of IL-33 in gout pathogenesis. Together, our findings suggest that auranofin alleviates MSU-induced inflammation by concurrently inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-33-mediated neutrophil recruitment, supporting its potential as a dual-action therapeutic candidate for gout. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Immunology)
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17 pages, 3120 KB  
Article
Pre-Treatment PET Radiomics for Prediction of Disease-Free Survival in Cervical Cancer
by Fereshteh Yousefirizi, Ghasem Hajianfar, Maziar Sabouri, Caroline Holloway, Pete Tonseth, Abraham Alexander, Tahir I. Yusufaly, Loren K. Mell, Sara Harsini, François Bénard, Habib Zaidi, Carlos Uribe and Arman Rahmim
Cancers 2025, 17(19), 3218; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17193218 - 2 Oct 2025
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer remains a major global health concern, with high recurrence rates in advanced stages. [18F]FDG PET/CT provides prognostic biomarkers such as SUV, MTV, and TLG, though these are not routinely integrated into clinical protocols. Radiomics offers quantitative analysis of [...] Read more.
Background: Cervical cancer remains a major global health concern, with high recurrence rates in advanced stages. [18F]FDG PET/CT provides prognostic biomarkers such as SUV, MTV, and TLG, though these are not routinely integrated into clinical protocols. Radiomics offers quantitative analysis of tumor heterogeneity, supporting risk stratification. Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic value of clinical and radiomic features for disease-free survival (DFS) in locoregionally advanced cervical cancer using machine learning (ML). Methods: Sixty-three patients (mean age 47.9 ± 14.5 years) were diagnosed between 2015 and 2020. Radiomic features were extracted from pre-treatment PET/CT (IBSI-compliant PyRadiomics). Clinical variables included age, T-stage, Dmax, lymph node involvement, SUVmax, and TMTV. Forty-two models were built by combining six feature-selection techniques (UCI, MD, MI, VH, VH.VIMP, IBMA) with seven ML algorithms (CoxPH, CB, GLMN, GLMB, RSF, ST, EV) using nested 3-fold cross-validation with bootstrap resampling. External validation was performed on 95 patients (mean age 50.6 years, FIGO IIB–IIIB) from an independent cohort with different preprocessing protocols. Results: Recurrence occurred in 31.7% (n = 20). SUVmax of lymph nodes, lymph node involvement, and TMTV were the most predictive individual features (C-index ≤ 0.77). The highest performance was achieved by UCI + EV/GLMB on combined clinical + radiomic features (C-index = 0.80, p < 0.05). For single feature sets, IBMA + RSF performed best for clinical (C-index = 0.72), and VH.VIMP + GLMN for radiomics (C-index = 0.71). External validation confirmed moderate generalizability (best C-index = 0.64). Conclusions: UCI-based feature selection with GLMB or EV yielded the best predictive accuracy, while VH.VIMP + GLMN offered superior external generalizability for radiomics-only models. These findings support the feasibility of integrating radiomics and ML for individualized DFS risk stratification in cervical cancer. Full article
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13 pages, 264 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation Signatures Linking Prenatal Exposure to the Chinese Great Famine and Blood Lipids in Late Adulthood: The Genomic Research of the Chinese Famine (GRECF) Study
by Huan Wang, Luqi Shen, Tingting Liu, Ruiyuan Zhang, Zhenghe Wang, Jingkai Wei, Ye Shen, Jinzhen Guo, Toni Miles, Changwei Li and Zhiyong Zou
Nutrients 2025, 17(19), 3147; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193147 - 2 Oct 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Prenatal exposure to famine can lead to lasting health effects through changes in DNA methylation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of prenatal exposure to the Chinses Great Famine (1959–1961) on human epigenome and the subsequent influence on blood lipids. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Prenatal exposure to famine can lead to lasting health effects through changes in DNA methylation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of prenatal exposure to the Chinses Great Famine (1959–1961) on human epigenome and the subsequent influence on blood lipids. Methods: We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of peripheral blood-based DNA methylation and prenatal exposure to the Chinese Great Famine as well as blood lipids among eight participants exposed to famine and eight sex-matched participants (born ≤ 3 years after the famine). Genome-wide DNA methylation sites were profiled using the Illumina EPIC BeadChip, which covers 850K methylation positions. Results: After EWAS analyses, seven probes in genes C8orf31, ELAVL1, U6, GBA2, SHOX2, SLC1A4, and NPHP4 reached p < 1 × 10−5. Of these, famine exposure was associated with decreased methylation levels of a GBA2 exonic probe cg08258661 (p = 4.9 × 10−6). After false discovery rate (FDR) correction, pathway enrichment analyses for genes harboring nominally significant (p < 0.05) probes identified 44 significant pathways (q < 0.05), and 5 pathways were related to lipid metabolism. After FDR correction in each pathway, probes cg02622866 (5’UTR of ATF2, p = 1.09 × 10−3), cg07316730 (body of GRB2, p = 1.32 × 10−3), and cg01105385 (body of PIK3R1, p = 1.94 × 10−3) in the PI2K-Akt signaling pathway were associated with blood LDL-C (q ≤ 0.04); probes cg09180702 (3’UTR of PIGQ, p = 9.21 × 10−5, and q = 0.04) and cg01421548 (body of HS3ST4, p = 5.23 × 10−5, and q = 0.01) in the metabolism pathway were associated with blood LDL-C and HDL-C, respectively; In addition, probe cg08460387 (5’UTR of MAN1C1, p = 1.09 × 10−4, and q = 0.02) in the vesicle-mediated transport pathway was associated with log-transformed blood triglycerides. Conclusions: Through an epigenetic study of the Chinese Great Famine, we identified six novel genes involved in lipid metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics)
14 pages, 479 KB  
Article
Should Topical Ice Slush Be Used Routinely in Cardiac Surgery? Topical Ice Slush in Cardiac Surgery
by Osman Fehmi Beyazal, Suleyman Yazici, Zeki Temizturk, Cemalettin Aydin, Hasan Tezcan, Selman Sadi Citak, Nihan Kayalar and Mehmed Yanartas
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6980; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196980 - 2 Oct 2025
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of topical ice slush on cardiac protection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to analyze its potential side effects. Methods: Between 2023 and 2024, 890 patients who underwent cardiac surgery were evaluated. [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of topical ice slush on cardiac protection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to analyze its potential side effects. Methods: Between 2023 and 2024, 890 patients who underwent cardiac surgery were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 549), assigned ice slush(+), and Group B (n = 341), assigned ice slush(−). Echocardiographic findings, laboratory parameters, arterial blood gas findings, inotrope requirements, and postoperative outcomes were compared. Patients with a left internal thoracic artery were excluded from this study, and new subgroups were created as follows: Group C (n = 235), assigned ice slush(+), and Group D (n = 111), assigned ice slush(−). Chest radiography and diaphragm elevations (DEs) were compared at the 12-month follow-up. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and operative data. The postoperative echocardiographic findings and ABG findings were similar. The inotrope requirement was higher in Group A. Postoperative day 1 Troponin T was higher in Group A than in Group B (median: 561–473 ng/mL, p = 0.01). The postoperative outcomes were similar between the groups, except that the intubation duration was longer in Group A. In the 1st postoperative week, 199 (36.2%) patients in Group A and 127 (37.2%) patients in Group B had DE. In the 12th month postoperation, 20 (3.6%) patients in Group A and 12 (3.5) patients in Group B had DE. Although not statistically significant, the incidence of DE was higher in Group C than in Group D in the early postoperative period only. Conclusions: We found no additional cardioprotective benefit from the use of topical ice slush in cardiac surgery. The intubation time was longer in patients with topical ice slush than in patients without it. Our results suggest that the routine use of topical ice slush in cardiac surgery is not necessary and that it has potential adverse effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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38 pages, 10647 KB  
Article
History and Overview of the Unique Architecture of Pipe Organs in St. Mary Magdalene’s Church in Wrocław (Poland) from the Middle Ages to the Present Day
by Karol Czajka-Giełdon and Krystyna Kirschke
Arts 2025, 14(5), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14050121 - 2 Oct 2025
Abstract
The historical pipe organ, an instrument of vast scale and complex construction, has a significant connection to liturgical celebration and to the history of European churches. It is also one of the few musical instruments considered to be a work of architecture. The [...] Read more.
The historical pipe organ, an instrument of vast scale and complex construction, has a significant connection to liturgical celebration and to the history of European churches. It is also one of the few musical instruments considered to be a work of architecture. The evolution of organ building, especially in the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, required deep knowledge of musical culture and technology. The significance of this relationship is illustrated by the example of the former and present organs of the church of St. Mary Magdalene in Wroclaw (Breslau). The first church organs appeared here in the Middle Ages, and as will be shown, in subsequent eras, their location, form, and décor were changed according to evolving cultural and liturgical mandates as well as changes to the structure of the church architecture. The history of the specific organs of the church of St. Mary Magdalene is the product of a rich history of monumental construction, reconstruction, conservation, and restoration, and it is poised to offer a continuation of this tradition in the present and future of the parish and in music history with proposed restorations and renovations of their historic space and instruments. Full article
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17 pages, 1914 KB  
Article
The Role of Delayed Interval Debulking Surgery (DIDS) in the Surgical Treatment of Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort from an ESGO-Certified Center
by Dimitrios Zouzoulas, Iliana Sofianou, Panagiotis Tzitzis, Vasilis Theodoulidis, Kimon Chatzistamatiou, Eleni Timotheadou, Grigoris Grimbizis and Dimitrios Tsolakidis
Med. Sci. 2025, 13(4), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13040217 - 2 Oct 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Patients with advanced ovarian cancer with a high tumor burden typically undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery. The optimal number of NACT cycles remains undefined: although three to four cycles are considered gold-standard, in real-world practice, five or [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Patients with advanced ovarian cancer with a high tumor burden typically undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery. The optimal number of NACT cycles remains undefined: although three to four cycles are considered gold-standard, in real-world practice, five or more cycles are frequently administrated. This study aims to evaluate the impact of delayed interval debulking surgery (DIDS) after ≥5 cycles of NACT on the survival rates. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of women with advanced ovarian cancer that underwent surgery in the 1st Department of Obstetrics–Gynecology Clinic from 2012 to 2022. Patient characteristics, oncological, and follow-up information were collected. Results: A total of 125 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups: Group A (77 patients) received 3–4 of NACT cycles, and Group B (48 patients) ≥5 cycles. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups concerning age, BMI, comorbidities, Aletti score, FIGO stage, pre-operative CA-125 values, surgery duration, rate of postoperative complications, hospital stay, ICU admittance, and complete gross resection (RD = 0). However, patients undergoing DIDS experienced significantly greater intraoperative blood loss. Progression-free survival did not differ between groups (IDS: 17 vs. DIDS: 18 months, p = 0.561), whereas overall survival was significantly lower in the DIDS group (IDS: 52 vs. DIDS: 36 months, p = 0.00873). This statistical significance persisted after controlling for residual disease, but was lost after adjusting for FIGO stage. Conclusions: DIDS may be considered for advanced ovarian cancer patients with a high tumor burden, when complete gross resection (RD = 0) cannot be achieved during IDS. Further prospective randomized trials are necessary to evaluate its oncological safety and morbidity. Full article
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17 pages, 658 KB  
Article
Learning Through Cooperation in the Activities of 1st-Grade Pupils (7 Years Old) Using the Lesson Study Methodology: The Case of One Lithuanian School
by Daiva Jakavonytė-Staškuvienė and Renata Bernotienė
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15101303 - 2 Oct 2025
Abstract
The aim of the study is to describe the behavior of 1st-grade pupils (7 years old) when they work together in small groups of 3, based on data from teacher observation protocols. This article aims to reveal the characteristics of cooperative learning among [...] Read more.
The aim of the study is to describe the behavior of 1st-grade pupils (7 years old) when they work together in small groups of 3, based on data from teacher observation protocols. This article aims to reveal the characteristics of cooperative learning among 1st-grade primary school pupils. Teachers in 1st grade often avoid doing this, arguing that pupils are too young and unable to work and learn together with others. In order to reveal the deeper aspects of cooperative learning, a Lesson study methodology was chosen, and elements of cooperative learning were developed in three different 1st-grade mathematics classes at the same school, teaching the same content. The participants were all first-grade pupils in the school (82 pupils in 1st grade in total) and their 3 teachers. The research data was collected by teachers filling out protocols for observing pupils’ cooperation. The empirical part presents a qualitative content analysis of the observation sheets filled in by the teachers, revealing the experiences of cooperative learning in all three episodes of the Lesson study. The results show that 7-year-olds were able to work smoothly in cooperative groups of three because they were able to get along and help each other. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Teacher Education)
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13 pages, 248 KB  
Article
Implementation of an Alzheimer’s Disease Blood Test: Adoption Experience by Memory Care Specialists in a Multi-Center Study
by Mark Monane, Robert M. Carlile, Kim G. Johnson, Darren R. Gitelman, Lawren A. VandeVrede, Demetrius M. Maraganore, David A. Merrill, Leslie Jacobs, Justine Coppinger, Philip B. Verghese, Tim West and Joel B. Braunstein
J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(10), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15100469 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: A high-performing blood biomarker (BBM) test for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents an accurate, accessible, and scalable tool to aid healthcare professionals (HCPs) evaluating patients presenting with signs or symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. However, implementation of AD blood tests [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: A high-performing blood biomarker (BBM) test for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents an accurate, accessible, and scalable tool to aid healthcare professionals (HCPs) evaluating patients presenting with signs or symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. However, implementation of AD blood tests into clinical practice has not been extensively evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess the implementation of the multi-analyte PrecivityAD2™ blood test (C2N Diagnostics, LLC, St. Louis, MO, USA) into the clinical workflow of memory care clinics. Methods: A total of 8 HCPs (neurologists, geriatricians, geriatric psychiatrists) who served as site directors from 8 outpatient sites that evaluated 203 cognitively symptomatic patients were included in this sub-study of the real-world QUIP II Study (NCT06025877). Implementation of this blood test was assessed through surveying these HCPs using published frameworks including the Technology Acceptance Model, net promoter score, and forced choice preference questions. These assessments were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Fisher’s Exact test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, respectively. Results: HCPs reported acceptance scores that averaged 9.6 out of 10 (p < 0.0001, effect size 0.840): the test’s contribution to clinical decision-making as well as the ease of understanding test results received the highest ratings. The net promoter score was 75 (p < 0.0001), exceeding the typical benchmark of 30 reported as good levels of satisfaction in healthcare settings. The APS2 results and individual blood analyte results were rated with similar preference around their roles in HCP clinical decision-making. Conclusions: The results indicate early evidence of user acceptance and recognition by HCPs that this AD blood test can personalize the clinical care pathway for evaluating cognitively symptomatic patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Treatment of Neurological Diseases)
15 pages, 682 KB  
Review
Presepsin as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker of Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Scoping Review of Clinical Evidence
by Edmilson Leal Bastos de Moura, Dilson Palhares Ferreira and Rinaldo Wellerson Pereira
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6970; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196970 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
Sepsis is a complex clinical syndrome associated with high morbidity and mortality and organ dysfunction, most notably acute kidney injury. Early recognition determines crucial clinical decisions for septic individuals. This rapid diagnosis depends on the accuracy of biomarkers in the context of coexisting [...] Read more.
Sepsis is a complex clinical syndrome associated with high morbidity and mortality and organ dysfunction, most notably acute kidney injury. Early recognition determines crucial clinical decisions for septic individuals. This rapid diagnosis depends on the accuracy of biomarkers in the context of coexisting renal dysfunction. In this context, the value of presepsin has been investigated and challenged for a decade, with no definitive answers. This scoping review aims to evaluate the existing evidence regarding the accuracy of presepsin as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI). We obtained 130 articles by searching for references in databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus) following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Sequential selection by three independent readers resulted in nine references retained for full analysis. Presepsin demonstrated good diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in patients with AKI, based on observations in small patient groups; however, it requires specific cutoff values, whose determination depends on new controlled and randomized studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sepsis: Current Updates and Perspectives)
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18 pages, 1779 KB  
Article
Genomic Characterization of a Rare K30-ST198 Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Clone with Distinctive Virulence Features
by Domingo Fernández Vecilla, Jorge Rodríguez Grande, Nuria Fraile Valcárcel, Mary Paz Roche Matheus, Gotzon Iglesias Hidalgo, Cristina Aspichueta Vivanco, José Luis Díaz de Tuesta del Arco, Sergio García-Fernández, María Siller Ruiz, Zaira Moure, Daniela Vallejo Iriarte, Athanasia Varsaki, Jorge Calvo Montes, María Pía Roiz Mesones, María Carmen Fariñas and Alain A. Ocampo-Sosa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199601 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) has emerged as a significant public health concern, yet rare sublineages remain poorly characterized. Here, we described a K30-ST198 hvKp sublineage identified in four isolates from two patients, including three sequential strains (K30B1, K30B2, K30B3) recovered over eight months [...] Read more.
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) has emerged as a significant public health concern, yet rare sublineages remain poorly characterized. Here, we described a K30-ST198 hvKp sublineage identified in four isolates from two patients, including three sequential strains (K30B1, K30B2, K30B3) recovered over eight months from recurrent liver abscesses and one strain (K30-HUMV1) from a urinary tract infection. All isolates exhibited a yYpermucoviscous phenotype and resistance restricted to ampicillin and amoxicillin. Screening with the eazyplex hvKp assay detected ybt and rmpA in all strains, yielding a virulence score of 1. Biofilm production was strong in K30B1, K30B2, moderate in K30-HUMV1, but weak in K30B3. In the Galleria mellonella infection model, K30B1 showed higher virulence than the other isolates. Whole-genome sequencing identified the ICEKp1 carrying hypervirulence-associated genes (ybt, pagO, rmpAC, iroBCDN) together with additional virulence factors (fim, mrkD, uge, ureA, wabG, wcaJ, mliC), while antibiotic resistance genes were limited to fosA and blaSHV-77. Protein structures and their functional domains were predicted using AlphaFold v3.0.1 and ColabFold v1.5.5, based on pLDDT scores, providing further insights into gene functionality. This work represents one of the first detailed characterizations of K30-ST198 hvKp, underscoring the need for integrated genomic, phenotypic, and structural approaches in hvKp surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Microbial Virulence Factors)
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13 pages, 2422 KB  
Article
Co-Targeting PD-1 and IL-33/ST2 Pathways for Enhanced Acquired Anti-Tumor Immunity in Breast Cancer
by Marina Z. Jovanović, Milena Jurišević, Milan Jovanović, Nevena Gajović, Miodrag Jocić, Marina M. Jovanović, Boško Milev, Krstina Doklestić Vasiljev and Ivan Jovanović
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199600 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
Despite advances in immunotherapy, the treatment of breast cancer still remains a major global problem. In a previous study, we showed that co-blockade of Interleukin-33/ST2 and Programmed death-1/Programmed death-ligand (PD-1/PD-L) signaling pathways strongly slows progression by enhancing the antitumor capacity of natural killer [...] Read more.
Despite advances in immunotherapy, the treatment of breast cancer still remains a major global problem. In a previous study, we showed that co-blockade of Interleukin-33/ST2 and Programmed death-1/Programmed death-ligand (PD-1/PD-L) signaling pathways strongly slows progression by enhancing the antitumor capacity of natural killer (NK) cells. The main aim of this study is to elucidate the exact effect of co-blockade on the T lymphocyte and macrophage effector cells. 4T1 cells were used to induct breast cancer in female BALB/C and BALB/C ST2−/− mice. The mice, both BALB/C and BALB/C ST2−/−, were treated with anti-PD-1 antibody on certain days. After the mice were sacrificed, T cells and macrophages were analyzed using flow cytometry; dual co-blockade increased significantly the percentage of M1 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment, followed by an increase in expression of CD86+ and TNFα+. T cell accumulation was significantly higher in the spleen and within the tumor microenvironment, with elevation in activation markers such as Interleukin-17, CD69, NKG2D, and FasL and a decrease in Interleukin-10 and FoxP3 expression. Co-blockade of the PD-1/PD-L axes and IL-33/ST2 axes shows promising results in reestablishing an effective immune response and offers a new perspective on improving immune response to breast carcinoma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
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33 pages, 7835 KB  
Article
PyGEE-ST-MEDALUS: AI Spatiotemporal Framework Integrating MODIS and Sentinel-1/-2 Data for Desertification Risk Assessment in Northeastern Algeria
by Zakaria Khaldi, Jingnong Weng, Franz Pablo Antezana Lopez, Guanhua Zhou, Ilyes Ghedjatti and Aamir Ali
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(19), 3350; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17193350 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
Desertification threatens the sustainability of dryland ecosystems, yet many existing monitoring frameworks rely on static maps, coarse spatial resolution, or lack temporal forecasting capacity. To address these limitations, this study introduces PyGEE-ST-MEDALUS, a novel spatiotemporal framework combining the full MEDALUS desertification model with [...] Read more.
Desertification threatens the sustainability of dryland ecosystems, yet many existing monitoring frameworks rely on static maps, coarse spatial resolution, or lack temporal forecasting capacity. To address these limitations, this study introduces PyGEE-ST-MEDALUS, a novel spatiotemporal framework combining the full MEDALUS desertification model with deep learning (CNN, LSTM, DeepMLP) and machine learning (RF, XGBoost, SVM) techniques on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Applied across Tebessa Province, Algeria (2001–2028), the framework integrates MODIS and Sentinel-1/-2 data to compute four core indices—climatic, soil, vegetation, and land management quality—and create the Desertification Sensitivity Index (DSI). Unlike prior studies that focus on static or spatial-only MEDALUS implementations, PyGEE-ST-MEDALUS introduces scalable, time-series forecasting, yielding superior predictive performance (R2 ≈ 0.96; RMSE < 0.03). Over 71% of the region was classified as having high to very high sensitivity, driven by declining vegetation and thermal stress. Comparative analysis confirms that this study advances the state-of-the-art by integrating interpretable AI, near-real-time satellite analytics, and full MEDALUS indicators into one cloud-based pipeline. These contributions make PyGEE-ST-MEDALUS a transferable, efficient decision-support tool for identifying degradation hotspots, supporting early warning systems, and enabling evidence-based land management in dryland regions. Full article
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12 pages, 1673 KB  
Article
Impact of Tissue Decay on Drying Kinetics, Moisture Diffusivity, and Microstructure of Bell Pepper and Strawberry
by Sindy Palma-Salgado, Luis Vargas, Taha M. Rababah and Hao Feng
Foods 2025, 14(19), 3401; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14193401 - 1 Oct 2025
Abstract
This study investigates the potential to transform plant-based waste into a sustainable resource for animal feed through dehydration. Currently, research on the drying performance of decayed plant tissues remains scarce. To address this gap, we explored the use of a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) [...] Read more.
This study investigates the potential to transform plant-based waste into a sustainable resource for animal feed through dehydration. Currently, research on the drying performance of decayed plant tissues remains scarce. To address this gap, we explored the use of a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) as a precisely controlled convective drying method to evaluate the drying performance of decayed strawberries (ST) and bell peppers (BP), as models for high- and low-porous structures, respectively. Drying curves, moisture diffusivity, yeast and mold load, and microstructure of decayed plant tissues were evaluated. Our results showed that decayed BP and ST tissues dried up to 22% faster than fresh tissues, with a higher effective moisture diffusivity. Significantly higher yeast and mold counts (log CFU/g) were detected in decayed tissues, resulting in softening and deterioration of the plant tissues. Significant differences were found in the effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of bell pepper (BP) and strawberry (ST), with ST tissues exhibiting a greater degree of decay. The microstructural changes in the cell wall caused by decay influenced drying performance and mass transport kinetics, indicating that drying decayed plant tissues is less time-consuming than drying fresh food. These findings offer critical insights for designing drying processes that enhance the value of food waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Food Processing: 2nd Edition)
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