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While increasingly popular for their aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, reflective materials may also create harsh glare, disorientation, and psychological strain. Despite their prevalence in modern architectural design, the impact of these facades on mental well-being remains underexplored. Drawing from environmental psychology and perceptual science, this study assesses how different reflective materials influence both visual perception and psychological response, particularly among residents and students in Leicester. Two contrasting case studies, the reflective metal Highcross centre facade and the reflective glass Mattioli Woods PLC facade, served as focal points. Using a structured online questionnaire incorporating visual stimuli and Likert-scale questions, responses from 30 participants were analysed using descriptive and statistical analysis (i.e., one-way ANOVA) to determine differences in visual discomfort (due to brightness, glare, or shine), visual attractiveness, visual disorientation, and perception of the surroundings, as well as the associated physiological responses such as stress, tension, and mood. Results show that the Highcross Centre facade was consistently perceived as more visually discomforting and disorienting than the Mattioli Woods facade, with statistically significant differences. However, both facades were rated similarly high for visual interest, suggesting that aesthetic value can coexist with discomfort. Finally, the analysis shows that buildings’ reflective facades evoke only low levels of perceived stress, tension, or unease, with median scores remaining low overall. These findings highlight the importance of human-centred facade design, suggesting that, as cities adapt to climate change, architects and urban planners consider not only environmental performance but also perceptual and psychological effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Architectural Responses to Climate Change)

18 pages, 1585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling the Sensory Characteristics of Japanese Sake Using the Sake Metabolome Analysis Method

by Takuji Kobayashi, Yuko Komatsu-Hata, Ryota Saito, Hisashi Yazawa, Masayuki Takahashi, Ken Oda and Kazuhiro Iwashita

Metabolites 2025, 15(8), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15080559 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The components of food and beverages are important elements that determine their palatability. Although the components of sake, a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage, have been studied for many years, their correlation with sensory characteristics is unclear. Methods: We investigate the correlation with the sake metabolome analysis method developed by our group using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. We constructed orthogonal projections to latent structure models to predict sensory evaluation data obtained through the quantitative descriptive analysis method from the sake metabolome data. Results: For two years of study, 8 sensory evaluation models of the 2016 brewing year and 11 sensory evaluation models of the 2017 brewing year, including color, ethyl hexanoate, Hine-ka, Nama hine-ka, ethyl acetate, grainy/sweet aroma, sweetness, sourness, body, astringency, harsh taste/acrid taste, aftertaste, and overall quality, demonstrated a predictive performance with Q² > 0.5. Liquid chromatography-based analytical data indicated that it is possible to predict not only taste but also aroma. Additionally, the generalization performance of the prediction models for sensory evaluation attributes common to both years was verified. Conclusions: These results provide a new option for explaining the sensory characteristics of sake from its components and contribute to a deeper understanding of them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Food Sciences: Metabolomics to Unravel the Complexity of Food Metabolites)

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13 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Breastfeeding and Sociodemographic Determinants: Evidence from the “MAMI-MED” Cohort

by Giuliana Favara, Andrea Maugeri, Martina Barchitta, Roberta Magnano San Lio, Maria Clara La Rosa, Claudia La Mastra, Erminia Di Liberto, Fabiola Galvani, Elisa Pappalardo, Carla Ettore, Giuseppe Ettore and Antonella Agodi

Nutrients 2025, 17(16), 2702; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17162702 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Breastfeeding is key to maternal and child health, but adherence to WHO recommendations varies worldwide and is influenced by several maternal and paternal factors. In this study, we aim to describe the prevalence of breastfeeding practices and adherence to WHO guidelines among women, and to explore the maternal and paternal characteristics associated with these practices. Methods: Data were obtained from the “MAMI-MED” cohort, which included women enrolled during the first trimester of pregnancy at ARNAS Garibaldi Nesima in Catania (Italy). Breastfeeding practices and parental characteristics were assessed through interviews conducted at 12- and 24-month follow-ups. Results: The analyses involved 1312 women enrolled between December 2020 and October 2023. Mothers who breastfed, particularly those who exclusively breastfed for the first six months, showed a more favorable socioeconomic profile. Women with a medium (OR = 1.781; 95% CI: 1.258–2.521; p = 0.001) and high level of education (OR = 3.892; 95% CI: 2.255–6.718; p < 0.001), as well as those who had a spontaneous delivery (OR = 1.461; 95% CI: 1.090–1.958; p = 0.011), were more likely to breastfeed. Similarly, adherence to WHO recommendations was higher among women with a medium (OR = 2.144; 95% CI: 1.339–3.433; p = 0.002) and high education levels (OR = 2.611; 95% CI: 1.489–4.580; p < 0.001), non-smokers (OR = 2.256; 95% CI: 1.158–4.395; p = 0.017), and those with adequate gestational weight gain (OR = 1.506; 95% CI: 1.035–2.189; p = 0.032). Conclusions: Sociodemographic and behavioral factors, particularly maternal education, smoking status, mode of delivery, and gestational weight gain, significantly influence breastfeeding practices and adherence to WHO recommendations. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to support breastfeeding, especially among women with less favorable socioeconomic profiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal Nutrition: Developmental Origins of Health and Disease)

24 pages, 5043 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Design of Technological Parameters for Vibrocompression of Gypsum Concrete

by Leonid Dvorkin, Vadim Zhitkovsky and Yuri Ribakov

Materials 2025, 18(16), 3902; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163902 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

This paper deals with a method for producing gypsum concrete by vibropressing ultra-stiff concrete mixtures with a water–gypsum ratio (W/G) of 0.25–0.35 (stiffness 50–55 s according to Vebe), as well as the method of designing the composition of such concrete. The research was carried out using mathematical experimental design. Experimental and statistical polynomial models of strength and average density dependences on technological factors such as moisture content in the gypsum concrete mixture, aggregate consumption, and vibropressing parameters (dynamic punch pressure during vibration and process duration) were obtained. Models of the aggregate quantity and granulometric composition influence on the gypsum concrete strength at constant compaction parameters and changes in the mixture moisture content were obtained. Based on the obtained models, a method for designing the composition of vibropressed gypsum concrete on dense aggregate was developed. According to the proposed method, the aggregate-to-gypsum ratio (A/G) is first found, taking into account the given strength and quality of the materials. Next, the optimal W/G ratio, which ensures maximum compaction, is calculated and, after that, the residual air volume and the component consumption are obtained. The method allows determining the composition of gypsum concrete on dense aggregate, compacted by vibropressing of superhard mixtures according to a given compressive strength after 1 day of hardening in the range from 15 to 44 MPa. It also allows you to take into account the operating parameters of the molding plant, the aggregate grain composition, and determine the optimal moisture content of the gypsum concrete mixture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling and the Development of New Building Materials and Products—Third Edition)

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10 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reflecting on Uncertainty Tolerance in Student Pharmacists Following an Inpatient Rounding Simulation: A Pilot Mixed-Methods Study

by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson and Collin M. Clark

Pharmacy 2025, 13(4), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy13040111 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: With increasing involvement of pharmacists in clinical situations and expanding scope of practice, the expectation and management of uncertainty is a desirable component of pharmacy education, leading to improved uncertainty tolerance (UT) as pharmacists. Methods: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether an inpatient rounding simulation (IRS) that exposes student pharmacists to a level of uncertainty leads to changes in tolerance of ambiguity scale (TAS) scores and self-reflection comments. A pre-/post-observational, pilot survey study was conducted, including student pharmacists in their second professional year at the United States School of Pharmacy who were enrolled in an associated lab-based course in Spring 2024. Student teams completed a mock IRS and responded to clinical questions in a timed environment. Students completed pre-/post-simulation TAS and self-reflection on uncertainty/UT within the simulation. Pre-/post-simulation TAS scores were analyzed with a paired t-test. Qualitative analysis was used to identify themes in self-reflection. Results: 59 students responded (48% response rate). TAS was not different pre-/post-IRS (63.2 vs. 62.6, p = 0.63). When individual subscales were compared, a statistically significant difference was found in the insolubility subscale (10.5 vs. 9.5; p = 0.02). Themes of uncertainty that emerged during qualitative analysis of pre-simulation included the clinical question posed to the team. Student pharmacists overcame uncertainty pre-simulation by working with their team and relying on the availability of resources. Themes of uncertainty emerging during qualitative analysis of post-simulation included discerning the best answer. Student pharmacists overcame uncertainty post-simulation by working with their team and cited working with their team as a positive aspect of the IRS experience. Conclusions: In this pilot study, student pharmacists had high TAS scores both pre- and post-simulation. Students utilized their teams and cited this as a positive in an uncertain environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacy Education and Student/Practitioner Training)

21 pages, 414 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diagnosis of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: A Narrative Review

by Claudia Vitturini, Matteo Cerquetella, Andrea Spaterna, Marilena Bazzano and Andrea Marchegiani

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(8), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12080781 (registering DOI) - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

Many recent progresses in the overall quality of life have allowed for an increase in life expectancy, both in humans and in dogs. In addition, long-lived individuals may develop neurodegenerative disorders, and one of the most important in human medicine is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In veterinary medicine, the AD counterpart is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS), which, generally, affects elderly dogs from 8 years of age. These cognitive disorders are becoming frequently encountered conditions and, despite researchers’ attention towards pathogenesis, treatment and diagnosis, more efforts are required to outline which clinical and laboratory evaluations must be carried out to reach a presumptive antemortem diagnosis of CCDS. The biggest need is the establishment of standardized protocols and guidelines for a correct clinical and diagnostic approach towards dogs with clinical signs referrable to CCDS. In this narrative review, we examined the up-to-date scientific literature on the topic, focusing our attention on sensitive and reliable markers for clinical antemortem CCDS diagnosis. Even if some parameters analyzed are interesting and promising, more investigations are needed to confirm the results obtained so far. This is crucial because a correct diagnosis is fundamental to determine the best treatment and, thus, to guarantee animals’ health and welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Internal Medicine)

45 pages, 1479 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insects as Sentinels of Oxidative Stress Induced by Environmental Contaminants: Biomarkers and Analytical Approaches

by Marcello Messi, Roberta Giorgione and Maria Luisa Astolfi

Toxics 2025, 13(8), 698; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080698 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

Despite their crucial biological role as metabolites, reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) can have a negative effect on organisms when their cellular contents overwhelm the normal equilibrium provided by antioxidant defenses. Important biomolecules, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids (i.e., DNA), can be damaged by their oxidative effects, resulting in malfunction or a shorter lifespan of cells and, eventually, of the whole organism. Oxidative stress can be defined as the consequence of an imbalance of pro-oxidants and antioxidants due to external stress sources (e.g., exposure to xenobiotics, UV radiation, or thermic stress). It can be evaluated by monitoring specific biomarkers to determine the state of health of breathing organisms. Assessments of ROS, RNS, specific degenerative oxidative reaction products, and antioxidant system efficiency (antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant compound contents) have been extensively performed for this purpose. A wide variety of analytical methods for measuring these biomarkers exist in the literature; most of these methods involve indirect determination via spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric techniques. This review reports a collection of studies from the last decade regarding contaminant-induced oxidative stress in insects, with a brief description of the analytical methods utilized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)

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22 pages, 2638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Bioactive Compounds in Warburgia salutaris Leaf Extracts and Their Pro-Apoptotic Effects on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

by Lebogang Valentia Monama, Daniel Lefa Tswaledi, Tshisikhawe Masala Hadzhi, Makgwale Sharon Mphahlele, Mopeledi Blandina Madihlaba, Matlou Phineas Mokgotho, Leshweni Jeremia Shai and Emelinah Hluphekile Mathe

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8065; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168065 (registering DOI) - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

The apoptotic mechanism is complex and involves many pathways. Defects can occur at any time along these pathways, resulting in malignant cell transformation and resistance to anticancer drugs. Collective efforts have made great progress in the implementation of natural products in clinical use and in discovering new therapeutic opportunities. This study aimed to screen volatile compounds of Warburgia salutaris leaf extracts and investigate their pro-apoptotic effects on MCF-7 cells. The approach was mainly based on determining cell viability using MTT and scratch assays, and DNA synthesis and damage using BrdU and comet assays, respectively. DAPI/PI stains were used for morphological analysis and expression was determined by RT-PCR and human apoptotic proteome profiler. Warburgia salutaris extracts exhibited antiproliferative effects on MCF-7 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Acetone and methanol extracts exhibited low IC₅₀ at 24, 48 and 72 h. Furthermore, the scratch test revealed that MCF-7 does not metastasise when treated with IC₅₀. Expression showed upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins and executioner caspases. Taken together, these findings suggest that leaves can promote apoptosis through the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, as observed by upregulation of the Bax and caspase 3 proteins. This paper provides new insights into the mechanisms of action of W. salutaris leaf extracts in the development of anticancer drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Agents and Novel Drugs Use for the Oncological Diseases Treatment)

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23 pages, 2120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved WOA-DBSCAN Online Clustering Algorithm for Radar Signal Data Streams

by Haidong Wan, Cheng Lu and Yongpeng Cui

Sensors 2025, 25(16), 5184; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25165184 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

For the pulsed data streams emitted by multiple signal sources that generate aliasing, traditional density clustering algorithms have the problems of poor clustering effect, heavy reliance on manual experience to set the parameters, and the need to carry out density clustering every time new data are input, resulting in a huge amount of computation. Therefore, an online density clustering algorithm based on the improved golden sine whale optimization is proposed. First, by adding new parameters to the density clustering algorithm, the neighborhood is changed from a single parameter Eps to a joint decision of the parameters Eps and θ, which avoids cross-cluster expansion by more flexibly delimiting the neighborhood range. The improved golden sine whale optimization algorithm is then used to obtain the optimal parameter solution of the DBSCAN algorithm. Finally, the idea of flow clustering is introduced to determine whether a pulse belongs to a valid library, an outlier library, or an inactive library by comparing the distance between the input pulse and each cluster center, effectively reducing the number of pulses required for analysis. The experiment proves that the algorithm improves the sorting accuracy by 57.7% compared to the DBSCAN algorithm and 37.8% compared to the WOA-DBSCAN algorithm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Radar Sensors)

12 pages, 960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Survival After Living Donor Liver Transplantation and Recipient Systemic Inflammation and Body Composition

by Jae Hwan Kim, Yeon Ju Kim, Hye-Mee Kwon, Kyung-Won Kim, Jin YanZhen, Sa-Jin Kang, In-Gu Jun, Jun-Gol Song and Gyu-Sam Hwang

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(16), 5889; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165889 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Preoperative sarcopenia in liver transplantation (LT) recipients is an important prognostic factor of LT outcomes. Systemic inflammatory status (SIS) has been proposed as a unifying mechanism for skeletal muscle loss; thus, considering SIS and sarcopenia together may enhance prognosis assessment in patients undergoing LT. Herein, we aimed to describe the relationship between the SIS and skeletal muscle index (SMI) with short-term and long-term mortality post-living donor LT (LDLT). Methods: In total, 3387 consecutive adult LDLT recipients were retrospectively evaluated. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR, using a cut-off of 3) was utilized as an SIS. SMI was calculated using computed tomography scans, measured at the third lumbar vertebra; sex-specific cut-offs were determined from contemporary donors. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed. Results: Decreasing SMI was associated with increasing NLR. Increasing NLR and decreasing SMI both showed dose-dependent relationships with a risk of 90-day mortality. Within sarcopenic patients, NLR > 3 (vs. NLR ≤ 3) was associated with higher 90-day (9.3% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.049) and overall mortality (28.4% vs. 19.1%, p = 0.045). Sarcopenia and NLR > 3 (vs. neither) were independent predictors of 90-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.48 [1.40–4.40], p = 0.002) and overall mortality (HR, 1.81 [1.37–2.38], p < 0.001) after multivariable adjustment. When stratified by age, sex, and MELD score, the association between sarcopenia and overall mortality persisted in all subgroups, with the highest risk observed in women (HR 3.43, 95% CI 1.83–6.43). Conclusions: Sarcopenia, with the systemic inflammatory response, nearly doubled the risk of 90-day and overall mortality post-LT, proposing that these readily available biomarkers are a practical index for predicting survival post-LT. Considering that these are potentially modifiable factors, our result may provide a new therapeutic target to improve survival post-LT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Anesthesiology)

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29 pages, 1397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Proposed Reverse Logistics Network for End-of-Life Electric Vehicle Battery Management in the Jakarta Greater Area: A MILP Approach

by Ibrahim Zaki Bafadal, Romadhani Ardi and Nabila Yuraisyah Salsabila

World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(8), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16080476 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Jakarta Greater Area is expected to significantly increase the volume of end-of-life (EoL) batteries, necessitating an efficient and sustainable waste management system. This study designs a reverse logistics network that includes Collection Centers (CCs), a combined Remanufacturing and Recycling Center (RMC), and a Waste Disposal Center (WDC). Dealer clusters are identified using K-means clustering to determine the optimal CC locations. A deterministic mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is developed to minimize total costs. It comprises acquisition, transportation, processing, facility, and carbon tax components. The model yields a minimum total cost of IDR 1,236,435,000,187, with processing costs contributing the largest share (56.68%), followed by transportation (29.30%). The selected facilities include five CCs (CCA-1, CCE-2, CCK-3, CCM-4, and CCR-5), one RMC (RMC-1), and one WDC (WDC-1). Based on battery health, the batteries are classified into three categories: L1 (>80% health, suitable for remanufacturing), L2 (60–80%, suitable for recycling), and L3 (<60%, directed to disposal). L1 and L2 batteries are directed to RMC-1, while L3 batteries and solid waste are routed to WDC-1, totaling 1.029 tons. The results emphasize the need for improving processing efficiency and strategic facility placement to enhance the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of EoL battery management in urban EV ecosystems. Full article

20 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phantom Dark Energy Behavior in Weyl Type f(Q,T) Gravity Models with Observational Constraints

by Anirudh Pradhan, Mohammad Zeyauddin, Archana Dixit and Kamal Ghaderi

Universe 2025, 11(8), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11080279 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study explores the behavior of phantom dark energy within the framework of Weyl-type

f (Q, T)

gravity, considering a spatially flat FLRW universe under observational constraints. The field equations are analytically solved for a dust-like fluid source. To determine [...] Read more.

This study explores the behavior of phantom dark energy within the framework of Weyl-type

f (Q, T)

gravity, considering a spatially flat FLRW universe under observational constraints. The field equations are analytically solved for a dust-like fluid source. To determine the present values of the model parameters, we utilize observational data from the Hubble parameter measurements via cosmic chronometers (CC) and the apparent magnitude data from the Pantheon compilation of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). With these obtained parameter values, we analyze the model’s physical characteristics by evaluating the effective and dark energy equation of state parameters

ω_{e f f}

and

ω_{d e}

, the deceleration parameter

q (z)

, and energy conditions. Additionally, we conduct the

O_{m}

diagnostic test for the model. We estimate the transition redshift

z_{t} \leq 0.5342, 0.6334

and the present age of the universe

t_{0} = 13.46, 13.49

Gyrs with

H_{0} = 67.4 \pm 3.6, 68.8 \pm 1.9

Km/s/Mpc,

Ω_{m 0} = {0.41}_{- 0.24}^{+ 0.13}, {0.299}_{- 0.077}^{+ 0.042}

, and

ω_{e f f} = - 0.6447, - 0.696

ω_{d e} = - 1.0347, - 1.0284

. We find a transit phase accelerating and physically acceptable phantom dark energy model of the universe. Full article

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12 pages, 528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chlamydia trachomatis-Specific Antibodies and In Vitro Fertilization Outcome

by Natasa Djordjevic, Ana Todorovic, Predrag Sazdanovic, Maja Sazdanovic, Marija Sorak, Aleksandra Gavrilovic, Aida Parandilovic, Eliana Garalejic, Marija Vujovic, Sanja Matic, Suzana Popović and Dejan Baskic

Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 2032; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13082032 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

Objectives: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection affects female fertility. The purpose of our study was to assess the association between serological and follicular fluid markers of CT infection and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. Methods: This prospective multicenter cohort study included female patients undergoing an IVF procedure in Serbia. The IVF procedure was performed according to the standard protocol. Serum and follicular fluid samples were collected during IVF, and anti-major outer membrane protein (anti-MOMP) IgG and IgA were determined by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. Results: A significantly higher embryo implantation rate was detected among patients negative for antibodies in follicular fluid (OR (95% CI): 5.254 (1.055; 26.152)). There was a trend toward increased risk of IVF failure in patients positive for either IgG or IgA in follicular fluid, or positive for IgG in serum. Older age was associated with lower odds for successful implantation (OR (95% CI): 0.888 (0.820; 0.962)), biochemical pregnancy (OR (95% CI): 0.890 (0.817; 0.969)), and live birth (OR (95% CI): 0.906 (0.833; 0.985)). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the presence of chlamydial anti-MOMP IgG and IgA in the serum and follicular fluid of infertile women could be indicative of lower IVF success rate, and that advanced maternal age is associated with higher risk of IVF failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Art of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies))

30 pages, 3152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Intestinal Barrier State and Immunoglobulin-Bound Fraction of Stool Microbiota in Advanced Melanoma Patients Undergoing Anti-PD-1 Therapy

by Bernadeta Drymel, Katarzyna Tomela, Łukasz Galus, Agnieszka Olejnik-Schmidt, Jacek Mackiewicz, Mariusz Kaczmarek, Andrzej Mackiewicz and Marcin Schmidt

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168063 (registering DOI) - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

The gut microbiota is recognized as one of the extrinsic factors that modulate the clinical outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as inhibitors targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), in cancer patients. However, the link between intestinal barrier, which mutually interacts with the gut microbiota, and therapeutic effects has not been extensively studied so far. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between intestinal barrier functionality and clinical outcomes of anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with advanced melanoma. Fecal samples were collected from 64 patients before and during anti-PD-1 therapy. The levels of zonulin, calprotectin, and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), which reflect intestinal permeability, inflammation, and immunity, respectively, were measured in fecal samples (n = 115) using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Moreover, the composition of the immunoglobulin (Ig)-bound (n = 108) and total stool microbiota (n = 117) was determined by the V3–V4 region of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ELISA indicated a higher baseline concentration of fecal SIgA in patients with favorable clinical outcomes than those with unfavorable ones. Moreover, high baseline concentrations of intestinal barrier state biomarkers correlated with survival outcomes. In the cases of fecal zonulin and fecal SIgA, there was a positive correlation, while in the case of fecal calprotectin, there was a negative correlation. Furthermore, there were differences in the microbial profiles of the Ig-bound stool microbiota between patients with favorable and unfavorable clinical outcomes and their changes during treatment. Collectively, these findings indicate an association between intestinal barrier functionality and clinical outcomes of anti-PD-1 therapy in advanced melanoma patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Basis and Treatment of Skin Diseases and Their Associated Complications (2nd Edition))

27 pages, 1989 KiB

Open AccessReview

Wild Edible Fungi in the Catalan Linguistic Area: A Scoping Review Linking Nutritional Value to Ethnomycology

by Canòlich Álvarez-Puig, Joan Casamartina, Teresa Garnatje, Manel Niell, Airy Gras and Joan Vallès

Foods 2025, 14(16), 2897; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162897 - 20 Aug 2025

Abstract

The Catalan Linguistic Area (CLA) is a mycophile region where interest in the nutritional properties of traditional edible fungi is steadily growing, driven by their gastronomic appeal. The present study undertakes a scoping review with two main objectives. First, to compile a list of edible fungi taxa identified in the CLA, and second, to determine whether their nutritional values have already been published. Data were collected through books from different library catalogues and archives, expert consultations, a specialized database, and a search in three academic databases: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. As a result, we obtained a list of 643 culinary fungi taxa, of which 35.46% have reported nutritional values. Moreover, among the most cited CLA culinary fungi, Hygrophorus latitabundus Britzelm. and Hypomyces lateritius (Fr.) Tul. & C. Tul. have no nutritional values reported in the literature. Additionally, an ethnomycoticity index (EMI) and ethnomyconymic diversity index are proposed as adaptations to ethnomycology of two commonly used ethnobotanical indices. To conclude, wild edible fungi (WEF) are widely used in the CLA, but nutritional values for the majority of macromycetes are still lacking. Further studies need to be carried out regarding ethnomycology, enhancing their nutritional values, since data recorded are disperse and difficult to standardise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ethnobiology of Wild Foods: 2nd Edition)

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