Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (11,583)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = additive-free

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
20 pages, 2449 KB  
Article
Suppressed Autoxidation, Enhanced Antioxidant Activity, and Improved Cytocompatibility of Epigallocatechin Gallate via Alginate Site-Specific Conjugation with Tunable Substitution Degree
by Nunnarpas Yongvongsoontorn, Maho Kihara, Masaya Inada, Joo Eun Chung and Motoichi Kurisawa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8725; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178725 (registering DOI) - 7 Sep 2025
Abstract
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol in green tea, exhibits strong antioxidant activity but suffers from poor stability due to rapid autoxidation under physiological conditions. In this study, we developed alginate–EGCG conjugates via a site-selective thiol-quinone addition reaction under mild aqueous conditions. The conjugation [...] Read more.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol in green tea, exhibits strong antioxidant activity but suffers from poor stability due to rapid autoxidation under physiological conditions. In this study, we developed alginate–EGCG conjugates via a site-selective thiol-quinone addition reaction under mild aqueous conditions. The conjugation preserved EGCG’s flavanic structure while enabling tunable degrees of substitution (DS). We systematically evaluated the oxidative stability, antioxidant activity, and cytocompatibility of alginate–EGCG conjugates in comparison with free EGCG and a mixture of EGCG and alginate. Alginate–EGCG conjugates significantly suppressed EGCG autoxidation, reduced hydrogen peroxide generation, and improved cytocompatibility in human renal epithelial cells, especially at a low DS. Furthermore, alginate–EGCG conjugates retained or even enhanced superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, with higher DS conjugates exhibiting greater antioxidant effects. In addition, dynamic light scattering analysis revealed DS-dependent particle formation via self-assembly. These findings demonstrate that covalent conjugation with natural polymers is an effective strategy to improve oxidative stability and biological functionality of plant-derived polyphenols, offering a promising approach for developing advanced antioxidant materials for food, cosmetic, and biomedical applications. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

40 pages, 3625 KB  
Review
Graphene-Based Biosensors: Enabling the Next Generation of Diagnostic Technologies—A Review
by John Paolo Ramoso, Manoochehr Rasekh and Wamadeva Balachandran
Biosensors 2025, 15(9), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15090586 (registering DOI) - 6 Sep 2025
Abstract
Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon material with a hexagonal lattice structure, possesses remarkable properties. Exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and high surface area that make it a powerful platform for biosensing applications. Its sp2-hybridised network facilitates efficient electron mobility and enables diverse [...] Read more.
Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon material with a hexagonal lattice structure, possesses remarkable properties. Exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and high surface area that make it a powerful platform for biosensing applications. Its sp2-hybridised network facilitates efficient electron mobility and enables diverse surface functionalisation through bio-interfacing. This review highlights the core detection mechanisms in graphene-based biosensors. Optical sensing techniques, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), benefit significantly from graphene’s strong light–matter interaction, which enhances signal sensitivity. Although graphene itself lacks intrinsic piezoelectricity, its integration with piezoelectric substrates can augment the performance of piezoelectric biosensors. In electrochemical sensing, graphene-based electrodes support rapid electron transfer, enabling fast response times across a range of techniques, including impedance spectroscopy, amperometry, and voltammetry. Graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs), which leverage graphene’s high carrier mobility, offer real-time, label-free, and highly sensitive detection of biomolecules. In addition, the review also explores multiplexed detection strategies vital for point-of-care diagnostics. Graphene’s nanoscale dimensions and tunable surface chemistry facilitate both array-based configurations and the simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers. This adaptability makes graphene an ideal material for compact, scalable, and accurate biosensor platforms. Continued advancements in graphene biofunctionalisation, sensing modalities, and integrated multiplexing are driving the development of next-generation biosensors with superior sensitivity, selectivity, and diagnostic reliability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Graphene-Based Biosensors for Biomedical Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1317 KB  
Article
Purification and Characterization of Enterocins A, B, and a Novel High-Mass Bacteriocin from Enterococcus lactis-67 with Antilisterial Activity
by Ezequiel Hernandez-Mendoza, Miguel Ángel Martínez-Téllez, Humberto González-Ríos, Emmanuel Aispuro-Hernández, María de la Cruz Paredes-Aguilar, Alexa Rubí-Soberanes and Etna Aida Peña-Ramos
Antibiotics 2025, 14(9), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14090903 (registering DOI) - 6 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Listeria monocytogenes is a high-risk pathogen in the food industry involved in several outbreaks. Bacteriocins are natural-origin antimicrobial peptides or proteins that represent a good alternative to synthetic antimicrobials capable of inhibiting the growth of pathogens. This study aimed to purify [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Listeria monocytogenes is a high-risk pathogen in the food industry involved in several outbreaks. Bacteriocins are natural-origin antimicrobial peptides or proteins that represent a good alternative to synthetic antimicrobials capable of inhibiting the growth of pathogens. This study aimed to purify and identify bacteriocins from the cell-free supernatant of Enterococcus lactis-67, which exhibits antagonistic activity against L. monocytogenes. Methods: Protein purification was performed by precipitation with ammonium sulfate, dialysis, and fast protein liquid chromatography. Active protein fractions were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and identified by mass spectrometry. Results: In addition to enterocins A and B, a novel 47 kDa bacteriocin with LysM and NlpC/P60 domains, on the N- and C-terminal regions, respectively, was identified. This enterocin has not been described for Enterococcus before. Conclusions: This study contributes to the identification of new natural and effective strategies for ensuring food safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Activity of Bioactive Peptides and Their Derivatives)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 3410 KB  
Article
Optimization of Gluten-Free Bread Formulation Using Whole Sorghum-Based Flour by Response Surface Methodology
by Melissa Rodríguez-España, Claudia Yuritzi Figueroa-Hernández, Mirna Leonor Suárez-Quiroz, Fátima Canelo-Álvarez, Juan de Dios Figueroa-Cárdenas, Oscar González-Ríos, Patricia Rayas-Duarte and Zorba Josué Hernández-Estrada
Foods 2025, 14(17), 3113; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14173113 (registering DOI) - 5 Sep 2025
Abstract
The growing awareness of celiac disease and gluten sensitivities has generated interest in gluten-free products. Whole sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an excellent source of nutrients and is gluten-free. However, the absence of gluten makes it technologically challenging to produce leavened products. [...] Read more.
The growing awareness of celiac disease and gluten sensitivities has generated interest in gluten-free products. Whole sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an excellent source of nutrients and is gluten-free. However, the absence of gluten makes it technologically challenging to produce leavened products. This research aims to utilize a response surface methodology to optimize the specific loaf volume and crumb firmness of a whole sorghum-based gluten-free bread formulation, evaluating different levels of milk powder, egg white, yeast, sugar, psyllium husk powder, xanthan gum, and soy lecithin. The models fit achieved an R280%. The optimized formulation increased the specific loaf volume from 1.7 to 2.8 cm3 g−1 and decreased crumb firmness from 10.6 to 3.7 N compared to the initial gluten-free bread formulation (C1). Egg white, milk powder, and psyllium contribute to the formation of a gluten-like network, which enables gas retention, dough expansion, and volume increase. In addition, soy lecithin, among hydrocolloids, enhances dough stability and moisture retention, resulting in a softer crumb. Sensory evaluation indicated good consumer acceptability (average score of 7 on a 9-point hedonic scale), particularly for texture and flavor. These findings suggest that optimal formulation of sorghum achieves both technological and sensory properties, supporting its potential as a viable gluten-free bread alternative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods, Gut Microbiota, and Health Benefits)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

24 pages, 603 KB  
Review
Dexamethasone Suppression Testing in Patients with Adrenal Incidentalomas with/Without Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion: Spectrum of Cortisol Cutoffs and Additional Assays (An Updated Analysis)
by Alexandra-Ioana Trandafir and Mara Carsote
Biomedicines 2025, 13(9), 2169; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13092169 - 5 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objective: The overnight 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) represents the conventional/standard tool for endogenous hypercortisolemia screening, typically in relationship with adrenal and pituitary masses. Nevertheless, an associated spectrum of challenges and pitfalls is found in daily practice. This analysis aimed to evaluate: [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: The overnight 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) represents the conventional/standard tool for endogenous hypercortisolemia screening, typically in relationship with adrenal and pituitary masses. Nevertheless, an associated spectrum of challenges and pitfalls is found in daily practice. This analysis aimed to evaluate: (I.) the diagnosis relevance of 1-mg DST in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) with/without mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) exploring different cutoffs of the second-day plasma cortisol after dexamethasone administration (cs-DST) with respect to cardio-metabolic outcomes; (II.) the potential utility of adding other biomarkers to DST [plasma morning adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC), late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)]; and (III.) DST variability in time. Methods: This narrative analysis was based on searching full-text, English articles in PubMed (between January 2023 and April 2025) via using different term combinations: “dexamethasone suppression test” (n = 239), “diagnosis test for autonomous cortisol secretion” (n = 22), “diagnosis test for mild autonomous cortisol secretion” (n = 13) and “diagnosis test for Cushing Syndrome” (n = 61). We manually checked the title and abstract and finally included only the studies that provided hormonal testing results in adults with non-functional adenomas (NFAs) ± MACS. We excluded: reviews, meta-analyses, editorials, conference abstracts, case reports, and case series; non-human research; studies that did not provide clear criteria for distinguishing between Cushing syndrome and MACS; primary aldosteronism. Results: The sample-focused analysis (n = 13 studies) involved various designs: cross-sectional (n = 4), prospective (n = 1), retrospective (n = 7), and cohort (n = 1); a total of 4203 patients (female-to-male ratio = 1.45), mean age of 59.92 years. I. Cs-DST cutoffs varied among the studies (n = 6), specifically, 0.87, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.4 µg/dL in relationship with the cardio-metabolic outcomes. After adjusting for age (n = 1), only the prevalence of cardiovascular disease remained significantly higher in >0.9 µg/dL vs. ≤0.9 group (OR = 2.23). Multivariate analysis (n = 1) found cs-DST between 1.2 and 1.79 µg/dL was independently associated with hypertension (OR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.08–2.23, p = 0.018), diabetes (OR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.01–2.57, p = 0.045), and their combination (OR = 1.96, 95%CI:1.12–3.41, p = 0.018) after adjusting for age, gender, obesity, and dyslipidemia. A higher cs-DST was associated with a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Post-adrenalectomy eGFR improvement was more pronounced in younger individuals, those with lower eGFR before surgery, and with a longer post-operative follow-up. Cs-DST (n = 1) was strongly associated with AIs size and weakly associated with age, body mass index and eGFR. Cortisol level increased by 9% (95% CI: 6–11%) for each 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease in eGFR. A lower cs-DST was associated with a faster post-adrenalectomy function recovery; the co-diagnosis of diabetes reduced the likelihood of this recovery (OR = 24.55, p = 0.036). II. Additional biomarkers assays (n = 5) showed effectiveness only for lower DHEAS to pinpoint MACS amid AIs (n = 2, cutoffs of <49.31 µg/dL, respectively, <75 µg/dL), and lower ACTH (n = 1, <12.6 pmol/L). III. Longitudinal analysis of DST’s results (n = 3): 22% of NFAS switch to MACS after a median of 35.7 months (n = 1), respectively, 29% (n = 1) after 48.6 ± 12.5 months, 11.8% (n = 1) after 40.4 ± 51.17 months. A multifactorial model of prediction showed the lowest risk of switch (2.4%) in individuals < 50 years with unilateral tumor and cs-DST < 0.45 µg/dL. In the subgroup of subjects without cardio-metabolic comorbidities at presentation, 25.6% developed ≥1 comorbidities during surveillance. Conclusions: The importance of exploring the domain of AIs/NFAs/MACS relates to an increasing detection in aging population, hence, the importance of their optimum hormonal characterization and identifying/forestalling cardio-metabolic consequences. The spectrum of additional biomarkers in MACS (other than DST) remains heterogeneous and still controversial, noting the importance of their cost-effectiveness, and availability in daily practice. Cs-DST serves as an independent predictor of cardio-metabolic outcomes, kidney dysfunction, while adrenalectomy may correct them in both MACS and NFAs, especially in younger population. Moreover, it serves as a predictor of switching the NFA into MACS category during surveillance. Changing the hormonal behavior over time implies awareness, since it increases the overall disease burden. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurobiology and Clinical Neuroscience)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 443 KB  
Review
Adolescent Soccer Overuse Injuries: A Review of Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Management
by Adam Ayoub, Maxwell Ranger, Melody Longmire and Karen Bovid
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(9), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091388 - 5 Sep 2025
Abstract
Introduction: Overuse injuries are a growing concern among adolescent soccer players, with the repetitive nature of the sport placing significant physical demands on young athletes. These injuries can have long-term implications for physical development, performance, and overall well-being. This narrative synthesis aimed to [...] Read more.
Introduction: Overuse injuries are a growing concern among adolescent soccer players, with the repetitive nature of the sport placing significant physical demands on young athletes. These injuries can have long-term implications for physical development, performance, and overall well-being. This narrative synthesis aimed to evaluate the existing literature on the epidemiology, risk factors, and management strategies for overuse injuries in adolescent soccer players. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Embase. A total of 123 articles were identified, 27 of which met the inclusion criteria after screening. Studies focusing on overuse injuries in adolescent soccer players aged 10–18 years were included, while those addressing acute injuries, non-soccer populations, or adult athletes were excluded. Relevant quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and evaluated. Due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes, findings were narratively synthesized rather than meta-analyzed. Results: The period around peak height velocity (PHV: 11.5 years in girls, 13.5 years in boys) was consistently identified as a high-risk window, with seven studies demonstrating a significantly increased incidence of overuse injuries. Additional risk factors included leg length asymmetry, truncal weakness, early sport specialization, high ratios of organized-to-free play, and increased body size. Injury burden was greatest for hamstring and groin injuries, often leading to prolonged time lost from play. Preventive interventions such as plyometric training, trunk stabilization, and structured load monitoring demonstrated reductions in injury incidence in several prospective studies, though protocols varied widely. Conclusion: This narrative synthesis highlights PHV as the most consistent risk factor for overuse injuries in adolescent soccer players, alongside modifiable contributors such as training load, sport specialization, and free play balance. Evidence supports neuromuscular training and structured monitoring as promising preventive strategies, but there remains a lack of standardized, evidence-based protocols. Future research should focus on optimizing and validating interventions, integrating growth and load monitoring, and leveraging emerging approaches such as machine learning-based risk prediction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports-Related Injuries in Children and Adolescents)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1074 KB  
Article
Inflammation-Based Prognostication in Advanced-Stage NSCLC: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Carina Golban, Cristina-Miriam Blaga, Norberth-Istvan Varga, Alina Gabriela Negru, Delia Hutanu, Sorin Saftescu and Serban Mircea Negru
Cancers 2025, 17(17), 2910; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17172910 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 231
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a marker of systemic inflammation, has prognostic value in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its longitudinal performance in routine care is unclear. We evaluated baseline and 12-month changes in NLR and hemoglobin in a single-center, Eastern European [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a marker of systemic inflammation, has prognostic value in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its longitudinal performance in routine care is unclear. We evaluated baseline and 12-month changes in NLR and hemoglobin in a single-center, Eastern European cohort. Methods: In this retrospective study, 180 adults with histologically confirmed NSCLC, diagnosed May 2022–April 2024 at a Romanian tertiary center, were followed until 30 April 2025. Baseline demographics, tumor characteristics, molecular profiles, laboratory parameters, and treatments were extracted from electronic health records. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint, overall survival (OS) the secondary, analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models. An additional treatment-start-anchored sensitivity analysis in treated patients was conducted. Results: The cohort (median age 67.8 years, 68.9% stage IV) received chemo-immunotherapy (58.9%), immunotherapy (26.7%), chemotherapy (9.4%), or supportive care (5.0%). Median for PFS was 8.2 months and for OS 14.5 months. A high baseline NLR (≥3, 58.9%) increased progression risk (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.10–2.32, p = 0.014), with a trend for worse OS (HR 1.45, 95% CI 0.99–2.12). A 12-month NLR increase (62.2%) further elevated progression risk (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.05–2.20, p = 0.026). Low hemoglobin (<12 g/dL) had a non-significant effect (HR 1.38, 95% CI 0.97–1.96, p = 0.074). PD-L1 ≥ 50% and chemo-immunotherapy correlated with longer PFS. Findings were consistent in the treatment-start anchored sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest that inexpensive hematologic markers can complement clinical assessment in advanced-stage NSCLC; prospective multi-center validation is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Pathology of Lung Cancer (2nd Edition))
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3161 KB  
Review
Antiviral Activity of Diltiazem HCl Against Pseudorabies Virus Infection In Vitro
by Mengting Zuo, Decai Xiang, Zhen-Xing Zhang, Xi Yang, Yuqing Duan, Juan Li, Bangquan Zeng, Lu Dong, Guoquan Wu, Yi Zhou, Lei Tan and Bofang Duan
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090864 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a highly pathogenic agent that adversely impacts swine populations, leading to considerable economic losses within the Chinese pig industry. Furthermore, the potential for PRV to transmit across species from pigs to other hosts has attracted significant attention. In light [...] Read more.
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a highly pathogenic agent that adversely impacts swine populations, leading to considerable economic losses within the Chinese pig industry. Furthermore, the potential for PRV to transmit across species from pigs to other hosts has attracted significant attention. In light of this, the identification of effective antiviral agents against PRV infection is of paramount importance. In this study, we investigated the antiviral properties of Diltiazem HCl (DTZ) against PRV infection in susceptible cell lines. Our results demonstrated that DTZ significantly inhibited PRV infection in both PK15 and Vero cells. Moreover, this chemical compound exhibited antiviral activity against both variant and classical strains of PRV, as well as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Time-of-addition assays showed that DTZ exerted its inhibitory effect through specific interference with the virus replication process. Subsequent transcriptomic analysis via RNA sequencing indicated that the calcium signaling pathway might be involved in the antiviral properties of DTZ against PRV infection. Specifically, treatment with EGTA or calcium ion (Ca2+)-free medium inhibited PRV infection; this inhibitory effect was substantially mitigated upon the reintroduction of CaCl2. In summary, DTZ effectively suppressed PRV infection in vitro, demonstrating its potential as an antiviral agent against PRV infections. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1705 KB  
Article
Hexanoic Acid Improves Metabolic Health in Mice Fed High-Fat Diet
by Takako Ikeda, Kumika Takii, Yuna Omichi, Yuki Nishimoto, Daisuke Ichikawa, Tomoka Matsunaga, Ami Kawauchi and Ikuo Kimura
Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2868; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172868 - 4 Sep 2025
Viewed by 136
Abstract
Background: Overweight and obesity are currently a worldwide problem, with undesirable health consequences, such as type 2 diabetes. Therefore, much attention has been paid to preventing obesity through diet. Free fatty acids (FFAs) serve as signaling molecules in many biological processes, leading to [...] Read more.
Background: Overweight and obesity are currently a worldwide problem, with undesirable health consequences, such as type 2 diabetes. Therefore, much attention has been paid to preventing obesity through diet. Free fatty acids (FFAs) serve as signaling molecules in many biological processes, leading to increased energy expenditure and insulin secretion. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetic, propionic and butyric acid are bioactive metabolites produced by gut microbes, and their beneficial effects on host metabolism are well studied. However, the effects of hexanoic acid on metabolism are poorly understood. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal chow diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), an HFD containing 5% butyric acid or an HFD containing 5% hexanoic acid for 4 weeks, and the effects of hexanoic acid on their lipid and glucose metabolisms were examined. Results: Dietary supplementation of hexanoic acid or butyric acid for 4 weeks prevented HFD-induced obesity and fat accumulation in the white adipose tissues. Both FFAs also suppressed the elevated plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels and hepatic triglyceride content in the mice fed an HFD. In addition, butyric acid and hexanoic acid decreased the elevated expression of genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis in the white adipose tissues under HFD conditions. Hyperinsulinemia induced by HFD feeding was attenuated by oral intake of butyric acid or hexanoic acid, whereas hyperglycemia under HFD feeding was improved only through oral administration of hexanoic acid. Hexanoic acid increased plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels and the expression of genes associated with gluconeogenesis. The intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and the insulin tolerance test (ITT) revealed that the oral administration of hexanoic acid significantly enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of hexanoic acid in improving lipid and glucose metabolisms. Hexanoic acid, as well as butyric acid, is a remarkable FFA with anti-obesity properties. Furthermore, hexanoic acid is more potent in maintaining glucose homeostasis than butyric acid. Thus, our findings provide insight into the development of functional foods which could prevent obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Association Between Lipid Metabolism and Obesity)
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1843 KB  
Article
QMR® and Patient Blood-Derived Secretome Modulate RPE microRNA Networks Under Oxidative Stress
by Simona Alibrandi, Domenico Mordà, Concetta Scimone, Angela D’ascola, Federica Aliquò, Alessandro Pozzato, Sergio Zaccaria Scalinci, Rosalia D’Angelo, Antonina Sidoti and Luigi Donato
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178614 - 4 Sep 2025
Viewed by 98
Abstract
Oxidative stress destabilizes microRNA homeostasis in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), driving apoptosis and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which contribute to age-related macular degeneration. We investigated whether Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR®) electrostimulation, alone or combined with Patient Blood-Derived (PBD) secretoma, can reprogram [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress destabilizes microRNA homeostasis in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), driving apoptosis and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which contribute to age-related macular degeneration. We investigated whether Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR®) electrostimulation, alone or combined with Patient Blood-Derived (PBD) secretoma, can reprogram the RPE miRNome and mitigate stress-induced damage. Human ARPE-19 cells were exposed to tert-butyl-hydroperoxide and treated with QMR®, PBD secretome, or their combination. The deep sequencing of small RNAs at 24 h and 72 h, followed by differential expression and pathway enrichment analyses, delineated treatment-driven miRNA signatures. Oxidative stress deregulated > 50 miRNAs, enriching pro-apoptotic, fibrotic, and inflammatory pathways. QMR® restored roughly 40% of these miRNAs and upregulated additional cytoprotective species such as miR-590-3p, a known regulator of the NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways according to validated target databases. While these observations suggest the potential involvement of inflammatory and stress-related cascades, functional assays will be required to directly confirm such effects. Secretome treatment preferentially increased anti-inflammatory miR-146a-5p and regenerative miR-204-5p while suppressing pro-fibrotic let-7f-5p. Combined QMR® + secretome triggered the broadest miRNA response, normalizing over two-thirds of stress-altered miRNAs. These changes are predicted to influence antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic pathways, although they did not translate into additional short-term cytoprotection compared with QMR® alone. These data indicate that QMR® and PBD secretome modulate complementary miRNA programs that converge on stress response networks. This broader molecular reprogramming may reflect regulatory complementarity, but functional validation is needed to determine whether it provides benefits beyond those observed with QMR® alone. These findings offer molecular insights into potential non-invasive, cell-free strategies for retinal degeneration, although in vivo validation will be required before any clinical translation to Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unravelling Functional Biology in Retinal Dystrophies and Eye Disease)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4161 KB  
Brief Report
Preventing Frailty Through Healthy Environments: The Slovenian Systemic Pre-Frailty Project
by Anja Jutraž, Nina Pirnat and Branko Gabrovec
Buildings 2025, 15(17), 3182; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15173182 - 4 Sep 2025
Viewed by 135
Abstract
As society ages, there is a growing concern about the comfort and health of elderly people. Although populations around the world, including Slovenia, are rapidly aging, evidence that increasing longevity is being accompanied by an extended period of good health is scarce. An [...] Read more.
As society ages, there is a growing concern about the comfort and health of elderly people. Although populations around the world, including Slovenia, are rapidly aging, evidence that increasing longevity is being accompanied by an extended period of good health is scarce. An increasing number of older adults live with chronic diseases, functional limitations, or frailty. In 2025, Slovenia launched the project Systemic Approach to Frailty with a Focus on Pre-Frailty for Healthy and Hight-Quality Ageing, within the European Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027, aiming to address frailty through multidimensional and community-based interventions. In addition to presenting the project framework, this paper provides an analytical preliminary review of existing literature, critically reflecting on research gaps in the field. The main aim of this paper is to explore the possibilities for creating healthy living environments that support the prevention and management of frailty. The project’s core innovation lies in the integration of public health principles into urban planning and design through a structured, community-based approach and the use of the Living Environmental Assessment (OBO) Tool. This tool enables urban planners, municipalities, and local communities to collaboratively evaluate and co-design living environments (e.g., optimizing walkability, green space access, barrier-free design, and social amenities) to build resilience and independence among older adults. Designing inclusive, accessible, and health-promoting environments can help to prevent frailty and improve well-being across all age groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 10122 KB  
Article
Effect of Copper Alloying on Hydrogen Embrittlement of Fe-28Mn-10Al-1C Austenitic Low-Density Steel
by Jiahao Gu, Sifan Jiang, Yanfei Qi, Xiqiang Ren and Yungang Li
Materials 2025, 18(17), 4139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18174139 - 4 Sep 2025
Viewed by 215
Abstract
This study investigated the hydrogen embrittlement behavior of Fe-28Mn-10Al-1C-(0,3) Cu austenitic low-density steels after hydrogen charging. Electrochemical hydrogen charging and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) were employed to characterize hydrogen desorption behavior and identify hydrogen trap types in cold-rolled (LZ) and annealed (TH) conditions. [...] Read more.
This study investigated the hydrogen embrittlement behavior of Fe-28Mn-10Al-1C-(0,3) Cu austenitic low-density steels after hydrogen charging. Electrochemical hydrogen charging and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) were employed to characterize hydrogen desorption behavior and identify hydrogen trap types in cold-rolled (LZ) and annealed (TH) conditions. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted to obtain mechanical properties and the hydrogen embrittlement index (HEI), enabling quantitative evaluation of hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility. Fracture surface morphology was analyzed to elucidate the underlying embrittlement mechanisms. Results indicate that annealing treatment and Cu addition have negligible effects on the activation energy of reversible hydrogen traps, suggesting similar trap types. The reversible hydrogen content decreased by 0.1 wt.ppm and 0.2 wt.ppm in LZ-3Cu and TH-3Cu, respectively, compared to their Cu-free counterparts, indicating that Cu addition mitigates the accumulation of reversible hydrogen. Annealed specimens exhibited lower HEI values, with the HEI of TH-0Cu decreasing from 21.3% to 13.5% and that of TH-3Cu reaching only 9.6%. Fracture mode transitioned from mixed brittle-ductile to fully ductile with Cu alloying, accompanied by a shift from the coupled the Hydrogen-Enhanced Decohesion (HEDE) and the Hydrogen-Enhanced Localized Plasticity (HELP) mechanism to the HELP-dominated mechanism. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Cu alloying significantly enhances the resistance of austenitic low-density steels to hydrogen embrittlement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 747 KB  
Review
The Remineralizing and Desensitizing Potential of Hydroxyapatite in Dentistry: A Narrative Review of Recent Clinical Evidence
by Jusef Naim and Sinan Sen
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(9), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16090325 - 4 Sep 2025
Viewed by 353
Abstract
Although caries is declining in industrialized countries, early childhood caries and molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH) remain clinically relevant. To meet the demand for effective and well-tolerated preventive strategies, hydroxyapatite (HAp) has gained attention as a biocompatible, fluoride-free agent. A structured narrative review was conducted [...] Read more.
Although caries is declining in industrialized countries, early childhood caries and molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH) remain clinically relevant. To meet the demand for effective and well-tolerated preventive strategies, hydroxyapatite (HAp) has gained attention as a biocompatible, fluoride-free agent. A structured narrative review was conducted to evaluate recent clinical evidence on the use of HAp. A PubMed search identified clinical trials from the past five years that investigated HAp-based products. Studies were included if they reported clinical outcomes related to remineralization, caries prevention, or desensitization. Fifteen clinical studies met the inclusion criteria. HAp seems to be a safe and effective alternative to flouride, especially for children or individuals at risk of overexposure. While both agents show similar efficacy in caries prevention, HAp may offer additional advantages in managing hypersensitivity and MIH. Compared to other remineralizing agents, such as calcium sodium phosphosilicate, HAp demonstrated comparable efficacy. Combination therapies show the most promising results. Future research should explore synergies of active ingredients and include standardized long-term studies to substantiate the clinical relevance of HAp. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydroxyapatite Composites for Biomedical Application)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 5879 KB  
Article
CAD Analysis of 3D Printed Parts for Material Extrusion—Pre-Processing Optimization Method
by Andrei Mario Ivan, Cozmin Adrian Cristoiu and Lidia Florentina Parpala
Technologies 2025, 13(9), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13090398 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 239
Abstract
Free form fabrication (FFF), also known as fused deposition modeling (FDM), is a widespread and accessible method for prototyping. Parts a with lattice structure having functional roles as mechanism elements is becoming more common. In the research field, the mechanical characteristics as well [...] Read more.
Free form fabrication (FFF), also known as fused deposition modeling (FDM), is a widespread and accessible method for prototyping. Parts a with lattice structure having functional roles as mechanism elements is becoming more common. In the research field, the mechanical characteristics as well as optimization methods for manufacturing these parts are major points of interest. One of the major aspects of FFF is part orientation during print, as it has influence over a wide range of variables, from tensile strength to surface quality and material consumption. For parts with a lattice structure, the printing orientation is important not only as a factor that influences the characteristics of the part itself, but also as a factor that determines the support requirements. However, due to the complex lattice structure, removing supports from these parts can be a challenging task. This study focuses on analyzing the reliability of available CAD optimization methods for FFF pre-processing. The analysis is performed using the Design for Additive Manufacturing module included in the Siemens NX software, version NX2406. The efficiency of CAD optimization was observed by taking into account the material consumption, printing times, surface quality, and support requirements. The study methods were based on the comparative analysis approach. The case studies used for the comparative analysis consider two-part inner structures: the solid structure approach with a rectilinear infill and the lattice structure approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Innovations in Materials Science and Materials Processing)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1709 KB  
Article
Clinical Implementation of PSMA-PET Guided Tumor Response-Based Boost Adaptation in Online Adaptive Radiotherapy for High-Risk Prostate Cancer
by Ruiqi Li, Mu-Han Lin, Nghi C. Nguyen, Fan-Chi Su, David Parsons, Erica Salcedo, Elizeva Phillips, Sean Domal, Aurelie Garant, Raquibul Hannan, Daniel Yang, Asim Afaq, MinJae Lee, Orhan K. Oz and Neil Desai
Cancers 2025, 17(17), 2893; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17172893 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
Purpose or Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of integrating sequential PSMA-PET imaging into an offline–online adaptive workflow for response-based dominant intraprostatic lesion (DIL)-boosting high-risk prostate cancer treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). Materials and Methods: As part of a prospective [...] Read more.
Purpose or Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of integrating sequential PSMA-PET imaging into an offline–online adaptive workflow for response-based dominant intraprostatic lesion (DIL)-boosting high-risk prostate cancer treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). Materials and Methods: As part of a prospective trial, patients were treated on MR- or CBCT-guided adaptive radiotherapy (ART) systems with prostate/pelvic node 5-fraction SABR (36.25 Gy/25 Gy) with DIL boost (50 Gy). Whereas traditional DIL boost volumes delineate full pre-therapy imaging-defined disease (GTVinitial), this study serially refined DIL boost volumes based on treatment response defined by PSMA-PET scans after neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (nADT, GTVmb1) and fraction 3 SABR (GTVmb2). DIL delineation employed PET-PSMA fusion to CT/MR simulation and was guided by a rule-based %SUVmax threshold approach. Comparisons of GTV volumes and OAR dosimetry were performed between plans using GTVinitial versus GTVmb1/GTVmb2 for DIL boost, for each of the initial cohorts of five patients from the initially treated cohorts. Results: Five patients treated on MR-Linac (n = 3) or CBCT-based ART (n = 2) were analyzed. Three patients exhibited complete imaging response after nADT, omitting GTVmb boosts. Offline GTVmb refinements based on PSMA-PET were seamlessly integrated into ART workflows without introducing additional treatment time. DIL GTV volumes significantly decreased (p = 0.03) from an initial mean of 11.4 cc (GTVinitial) to 4.1 cc (GTVmb1) and 3.0 cc (GTVmb2). Dosimetric analysis showed meaningful reductions in OAR doses: rectal wall D0.035 cc decreased by up to 12 Gy, while bladder wall D0.035 cc and V18.3 Gy reduced from 52.3 Gy and 52.3 cc (Plan_initial) to 42.9 Gy and 24.9 cc (Plan_mb2), respectively. Urethra doses remained stable, with minor reductions. Sigmoid and femoral head doses remained within acceptable limits. Online adaptation efficiently addressed daily anatomical variations, enabling simulation-free plan re-optimization. Conclusion: PSMA-PET-guided adaptive microboosting for HRPCa SABR is feasible and effective. Standard MR-Linac and CBCT systems offer practical alternatives to BgRT platforms, enabling biology-driven dose personalization and potentially reducing toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Approaches in Radiotherapy for Cancer)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop