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The accelerating pace of digital transformation has positioned the digital economy as a key driver in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the mechanisms through which digitalization influences sustainability remain underexplored. This study examines the extent to which digital progress, captured through the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), impacts sustainable development outcomes across EU member states, measured by the Sustainable Development Goals Index (SDGi). Utilizing data spanning the period 2017–2022, the analysis applies a multi-method approach—combining exploratory factor analysis, multiple regression, artificial neural networks, and predictive modeling—to identify structural relationships and forecast future trends. The findings reveal strong linkages between human capital development, digital technology integration, and SDG performance, while also highlighting significant heterogeneity among EU countries. Forecasts indicate that digitalization is likely to accelerate in the coming years. Still, its contribution to sustainability will depend on the degree to which policy frameworks succeed in fostering inclusive and context-sensitive digital transitions. By integrating empirical precision with predictive insight, this study offers a robust framework for aligning digital transformation with long-term sustainability objectives in a diverse European context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Business Models and Digital Transformation)

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17 pages, 531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can the Chinese Cultural Consumption Pilot Policy Facilitate Sustainable Development in the Agritourism Economy?

by Hanlian Lin, Haibo Chen, Hua Tang and Mo Chen

Agriculture 2025, 15(11), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15111117 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

The growing importance of cultural consumption in driving tourism development is reflected in its expanding scale and the simultaneous transformation and upgrading of the cultural industry. This study adopts a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model to leverage the quasi-natural experiment created by China’s national cultural consumption pilot policy. Using panel data from 30 provinces spanning the period from 2011 to 2024, we quantitatively assess the policy’s impact on sustainable development within the agritourism economy. Specifically, the study aims to isolate and identify the net effect of the pilot policy on improving the quality and sustainability of agritourism outcomes. Empirical results demonstrate that the implementation of the national cultural consumption pilot policy significantly promotes the development of sustainable agritourism products. Moreover, the policy exerts a notable positive influence on the broader sustainable development of the agritourism economy. These effects are particularly pronounced in the eastern and central regions, while the western region exhibits comparatively weaker impacts. Heterogeneity analysis suggests that the limited effectiveness observed in the western and parts of the central regions may be attributed to constraints such as lower levels of economic development and weaker performance of control variables in promoting sustainability. Overall, this study provides robust empirical evidence supporting the wider implementation and promotion of cultural consumption pilot policies at the national level. The findings offer valuable policy implications for advancing sustainability in the agritourism sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ecological Protection and Modern Agricultural Development)

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20 pages, 932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting the Damage of Urban Fires with Grammatical Evolution

by Constantina Kopitsa, Ioannis G. Tsoulos, Andreas Miltiadous and Vasileios Charilogis

Big Data Cogn. Comput. 2025, 9(6), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/bdcc9060142 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Fire, whether wild or urban, depends on the triad of oxygen, fuel, and heat. Urban fires, although smaller in scale, have devastating impacts, as evidenced by the 2018 wildfire in Mati, Attica (Greece), which claimed 104 lives. The elderly and children are the most vulnerable due to mobility and cognitive limitations. This study applies Grammatical Evolution (GE), a machine learning method that generates interpretable classification rules to predict the consequences of urban fires. Using historical data (casualties, containment time, and meteorological/demographic parameters), GE produces classification rules in human-readable form. The rules achieve over 85% accuracy, revealing critical correlations. For example, high temperatures (>35 °C) combined with irregular building layouts exponentially increase fatality risks, while firefighter response time proves more critical than fire intensity itself. Applications include dynamic evacuation strategies (real-time adaptation), preventive urban planning (fire-resistant materials and green buffer zones), and targeted awareness campaigns for at-risk groups. Unlike “black-box” machine learning techniques, GE offers transparent human-readable rules, enabling firefighters and authorities to make rapid informed decisions. Future advancements could integrate real-time data (IoT sensors and satellites) and extend the methodology to other natural disasters. Protecting urban centers from fires is not only a technological challenge but also a moral imperative to safeguard human lives and societal cohesion. Full article

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20 pages, 1199 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Impact of Duodenal Stump Reinforcement in Preventing Duodenal Stump Fistula/Leakage After Distal or Total Gastrectomy for Malignant Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

by Maurizio Zizzo, Andrea Morini, Magda Zanelli, Giuseppe Broggi, Francesca Sanguedolce, Nektarios I. Koufopoulos, Andrea Palicelli, Lucia Mangone, Massimiliano Fabozzi, Mario Giuffrida, Candida Bonelli and Federico Marchesi

Cancers 2025, 17(11), 1735; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17111735 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Duodenal stump fistula (DSF) is one of the most feared postoperative complications in gastric cancer surgery. It has a 1.6–5% incidence rate and correlates with potentially high rates of morbidity (75%) and mortality (16–20%). The absence of duodenal stump reinforcement is considered one of the main risk factors. Our meta-analysis aimed to provide updated evidence by comparing DSF rates among patients who underwent distal or total gastrectomy for malignant gastric disease with or without reinforcement of the duodenal stump. Methods: We performed a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were used to identify articles of interest. Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan Version 5.4. Results: The six included comparative studies (19,527 patients: 11,545 reinforcement group versus 7982 control group) covered an approximately 20-year study period (2005–2023). All the studies included were observational in nature. Meta-analysis of pooled results showed that, compared to the control group, the reinforcement group recorded a statistically significant lower DSF rate (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.60, p = 0.0004). Considering secondary outcomes, no statistically significant differences were identified between the two groups in terms of operative time, EBL, overall postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. Just major postoperative complications were considerably lower in the reinforcement group compared to the control group (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.99, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Duodenal stump reinforcement appears to reduce the rate of DSF after distal or total gastrectomy for malignant gastric disease. Given the significant biases among meta-analyzed studies, our results require careful interpretation. Further randomized, possibly multicenter trials may turn out to be of paramount importance in confirming our results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Research on Gastric Cancer Surgery)

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32 pages, 4650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Additively Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel: Hydrogen Embrittlement Susceptibility and Electrochemical Gas Production

by Reham Reda, Sabbah Ataya, Mohamed Ayman, Khaled Saad, Shimaa Mostafa, Gehad Elnady, Rashid Khan and Yousef G. Y. Elshaghoul

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 5824; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15115824 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Interest in hydrogen is rapidly growing due to rising greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of fossil fuel reserves. Additive manufacturing (AM) is extensively employed to produce high-quality components, with a strong focus on enhancing mechanical properties. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of AM have further increased interest in its application to manufacturing components capable of withstanding demanding conditions, such as those encountered in hydrogen technology. In this study, 316L stainless steel specimens were fabricated using AM via the selective laser melting (SLM) technique. The specimens then underwent various post-processing heat treatments (PPHT). A subset of these specimens, measuring 50 × 50 × 3 mm³, was tested as electrodes in a water electrolysis cell for oxyhydrogen (HHO) gas production. The HHO gas flow rate and electrolyzer efficiency were evaluated at 60 °C under varying currents. The remaining AM specimens were evaluated for their susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement under various hydrogen storage conditions, including testing at both room and cryogenic temperatures. Tensile and Charpy impact specimens were fabricated and tested before and after hydrogen charging. The fracture surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess the influence of hydrogen on fracture characteristics. Additionally, as-rolled stainless-steel specimens were examined for comparison with AM and PPHT 316L stainless steel. The primary objective of this study is to determine the most efficient alloy processing condition for optimal performance in each application. Results indicate that PPHT 316L stainless steel exhibits superior performance both as electrodes for HHO gas production and as a material for hydrogen storage vessels, demonstrating high resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Additive Manufacturing Technologies)

19 pages, 6577 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Risk Assessment of the 2022 Nigerian Flood Event Using Remote Sensing Products and Climate Data

by Itohan-Osa Abu and Chibuike Chiedozie Ibebuchi

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(11), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17111814 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Hydrological extremes, particularly floods, are becoming prevalent in parts of Nigeria. During the 2022 rainy season, Nigeria experienced a devastating riverine flood with severe societal impacts. However, the principal factors contributing to riverine flooding in Nigeria remain debatable, necessitating data-driven and policy-relevant studies to quantify the primary causes of riverine floods in Nigeria. In this study, we applied remote sensing techniques and climate data to characterize the 2022 flood event in Nigeria by quantifying the flooded areas, the number of people affected per state, and riverine flood risk assessment. We investigated rainfall and soil moisture anomalies during the flood event and inferred the contribution of the opening of the Lagdo Dam, in Cameroon, to the severity of the flood event. Our results show that large parts of Cameroon and northern Nigeria experienced above-average rainfall during the 2022 rainy season, contributing to soil saturation. About 50,000 ha of land were flooded in Nigeria between July and August; however, following the opening of the Lagdo Dam in September, the flood extent spiked to 200,000 ha (i.e., about 300% increase), suggesting that excess water from the Lagdo Dam, coupled with inadequate drainage infrastructure, amplified the flood extent in Nigeria. Flooded areas were more extensive in northern Nigeria than in southern regions; however, due to denser settlements in flood-prone areas, Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria was the most affected in terms of people impacted. Therefore, besides rainfall changes and inadequate drainage infrastructures leading to the inundation of the major rivers in Nigeria and their tributaries, we also ranked poor town planning against the population density per square meter as a critical factor that amplifies the societal impacts of flooding in Nigeria. Finally, based on the 2022 conditions and the available pre-flood population data, an estimated number of 105,000 people are at critical risk of riverine flooding in Nigeria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrometeorological Modelling Based on Remotely Sensed Data)

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8 pages, 198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Fluticasone Nasal Spray on Patients with Chronic Rhinitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

by Zheng-Yan Dai, Yu-Ting Li, Jin-Yi Lin, Chien-Lin Liu, Yung-An Tsou, Chia-Der Lin, Chih-Jaan Tai and Liang-Chun Shih

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(11), 3637; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113637 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Background: Although upper and lower respiratory tract diseases coexist, studies discussing the relationship between chronic rhinitis (CR) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are limited. Fluticasone nasal sprays are common treatment options for patients with rhinitis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of fluticasone nasal spray on patients with both CR and COPD. Methods: A retrospective review was performed using data from former smokers with CR and COPD at China Medical University Hospital (CMUH). Based on their medication history, patients were allocated into Group A, who had received treatment with fluticasone nasal spray, and Group B, who had never received this treatment. Pulmonary function test results, including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), were collected for both groups before treatment and one year after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of fluticasone nasal spray treatment on pulmonary function. Results: A total of 123 former smokers were included, with 62 patients in Group A and 61 patients in Group B. At baseline, there was no significant difference in age, sex, and pulmonary function between the two groups. After one year of treatment, Group A showed an upward trend in pulmonary function, with the FEV1 increasing from 1.613 ± 0.554 to 1.708 ± 0.675 (p < 0.05) and the FVC increasing from 2.540 ± 0.694 to 2.670 ± 0.839 (p < 0.05). On the other hand, Group B exhibited a downward trend in pulmonary function after one year, with the FEV1 decreasing from 1.609 ± 0.554 to 1.544 ± 0.517 (p < 0.05) and the FVC decreasing from 2.586 ± 0.665 to 2.495 ± 0.679 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This retrospective study suggests that the combined use of fluticasone nasal spray may be associated with improved pulmonary function in former smokers with both CR and COPD. This finding supports the concept of “united airway disease”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Otolaryngology)

17 pages, 990 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Combination of Drugs in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression Study

by João Vitor Guimarães Mandaji, Maria Olivia Pozzolo Pedro, Kae Leopoldo, João Pini Alemar, Julio Torales, Antonio Ventriglio and João Mauricio Castaldelli-Maia

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(6), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060542 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Background: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent among substance use disorders worldwide and is characterized by a multifactorial pathophysiology. AUD treatment is mostly based on combined pharmacotherapy and multidisciplinary clinical approaches. Nonetheless, meta-analytical studies assessing the efficacy of combination therapy are scarcely available. Methods: We searched for randomized clinical trials through PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and Google Scholar databases. Original clinical trials published in English and Portuguese were selected. Data collection followed the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines and was assessed using the Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2). Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q test. Meta-regression was conducted using Egger’s regression method. Twelve articles were finally included in the analysis, and random-effects models were applied on aggregate trial results. Results: The meta-analysis found that combination therapies led to an average 4.045% increase in abstinence rates (95% CI: 0.415% to 7.675%) compared to monotherapies. Meta-regression showed a strong positive association between the use of naltrexone, acamprosate, and sertraline—either alone or in combination—and treatment success in AUD. The meta-regression also highlighted the impact of patients’ variables, such as gender, age, country, and psychiatric comorbidities, on their treatment outcomes. These findings may identify a potential therapeutic pathway promoting alcohol abstinence, further supported by a Number Needed to Treat (NNT) of 25, as an acceptable value for substance use disorder treatments. Conclusions: Combined pharmacotherapies are more effective than monotherapy in enhancing abstinence rates in AUD treatment, with naltrexone, acamprosate, and sertraline emerging as key adjunctive agents promoting these outcomes. These findings underscore the complexity of AUD as a multifactorial psychiatric condition and highlight the potential of combined pharmacotherapy as a promising strategy for achieving better treatment outcomes, particularly in terms of abstinence rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neuropsychiatry)

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18 pages, 4364 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Near-Infrared Transparent Sealants for Occlusal Sealing: An In Vitro Study

by Camille Litzler, Lydia Vazquez, Clara Isabel Anton Y Otero, Ivo Krejci, Isaline Rossier and Marwa Abdelaziz

Materials 2025, 18(11), 2421; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112421 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to analyze and compare the translucency and marginal adaptation of five resin-based materials used as occlusal sealants, both before and after simultaneous fatigue and thermocycling. Two null hypotheses were tested: (1) All tested materials allow the transillumination of sealed occlusal carious lesions. (2) There are no differences in marginal adaptation before and after simultaneous fatigue and thermocycling. Methods: Forty extracted human molars with early occlusal caries lesions were randomly divided into five equal groups. Near-infrared transillumination images of cleaned occlusal surfaces were captured before and after applying the following sealants: (I) OptiBond FL (adhesive alone), (II) OptiBond FL (primer and adhesive) (Kerr Corp., Brea, CA, USA), (III) Scotchbond Universal (3M, St. Paul, MN, USA) combined with OptiBond FL adhesive, (IV) Fissurit (VOCO GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany), (V) Helioseal Clear (Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein). A scanning electron microscope was used to assess marginal adaptation before and after simultaneous fatigue and thermocycling. The percentages of continuous margins (CMs) were quantified before and after the fatigue test and statistically compared (Shapiro–Wilk Normality test, two-way ANOVA with Fisher’s post hoc test). Results: Helioseal Clear and Fissurit were fully transparent under near-infrared transillumination. The percentage of closed margins significantly decreased after loading in one group: OptiBond FL primer application before adhesive application significantly reduced marginal adaptation. Conclusion: OptiBond FL (adhesive), Scotchbond Universal with OptiBond FL (adhesive), Fissurit, and Helioseal Clear provided excellent marginal adaptation. However, using OptiBond FL primer on enamel negatively impacted adaptation. Helioseal Clear and Fissurit, as transparent sealants, may allow lesion monitoring using an 850 nm transillumination camera. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials and Techniques in Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Orthodontics (Second Edition))

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23 pages, 12621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does the Location of Power Plants Impact Air Quality in the Urban Area of Bucharest?

by Doina Nicolae, Camelia Talianu, Jeni Vasilescu, Alexandru Marius Dandocsi, Livio Belegante, Anca Nemuc, Florica Toanca, Alexandru Ilie, Andrei Valentin Dandocsi, Stefan Marius Nicolae, Gabriela Ciocan, Viorel Vulturescu and Ovidiu Gelu Tudose

Atmosphere 2025, 16(6), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16060636 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of a thermal power plant site on air quality in Bucharest, Romania. It emphasizes the importance of accurate air pollutant inmission measurements in urban areas by utilizing mobile measurements of low-cost sensors, Copernicus’ Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS), and satellite retrieval to better understand climate change drivers and their potential impact on near- surface concentrations and column densities of

${NO}_{2}$ , CO, and PM (particulate matter). It focuses the attention on the need of considering the placement of power plants in relation to metropolitan areas while making this assessment. The research highlights the limits of typical mesoscale air quality models in effectively capturing pollution dispersion and distribution using LUR (Land Use Regressions) retrievals. The authors investigate a variety of ways to better understand air pollution in metropolitan areas, including satellite observations, mobile measurements, and land use regression models. The study focuses largely on Bucharest, the capital of Romania, which has air pollution issues caused by vehicle traffic, industrial activity, heating systems, and power plants. The results indicate how the placement of a power plant may affects air quality in the nearby residential areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Atmospheric Optics: From Advanced Instrumentation and Techniques to Applications in Aerosol Monitoring)

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22 pages, 965 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integrating Proteomics into Personalized Medicine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease—Reality or Challenge?

by Horia Minea, Ana-Maria Singeap, Manuela Minea, Simona Juncu, Stefan Andrei Chiriac, Catalin Victor Sfarti, Carol Stanciu and Anca Trifan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 4993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26114993 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) represent chronic conditions with etiopathogenic mechanisms incompletely elucidated despite extensive research efforts. Therefore, it is essential for clinical monitoring of the implementation of personalized medicine, enabling risk stratification and the selection of therapies with the highest likelihood of a favorable response. Multi-omics approaches have emerged as an excellent opportunity for the prevention, clinical phenotype differentiation, and prediction of IBD development. Proteomics has gained significant enthusiasm in medical practice, primarily due to its focus on studying the composition and dynamic expression of various cellular and tissue structures. This approach provides critical insights into their impact on signaling pathways, post-translational modifications, and the development of sequence variations. Hence, it could provide the foundation for developing biomarkers with the potential to assess mucosal healing and predict prognostic variability among patients, facilitating the implementation of a personalized therapeutic approach. This review focuses on the recent research regarding the possibility of implementing proteomics technologies into clinical practice, given the challenges and limitations, and the advantages of increasing the quality of life in patients with IBD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Research on Anti-Inflammatory Molecules in Diseases)

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35 pages, 16910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Simplified Model Validation for the Energy Assessment of Opaque Adaptive Façades with Variable Thermal Resistance

by Ismael Palacios Mackay, Laura Marín-Restrepo and Alexis Pérez-Fargallo

Energies 2025, 18(11), 2682; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18112682 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Adaptive façades, also known as climate-adaptive building shells (CABSs), could make a significant contribution towards reducing the energy consumption of buildings and their environmental impacts. There is extensive research on glazed adaptive façades, mainly due to the available technology for glass materials. The technological development of opaque adaptive façades has focused on variable-thermal-resistance envelopes, and the simulation of this type of façade is a challenging task that has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this study was to configure and validate a simplified office model that could be used for simulating an adaptive façade with variable thermal resistance via adaptive insulation thickness in its opaque part. Software-to-software model comparison based on the results of an EnergyPlus Building Energy Simulation Test 900 (BesTest 900)-validated model was used. Cooling and heating annual energy demand (kWh), peak cooling and heating (kW), and maximum, minimum, and average annual hourly zone temperature variables were compared for both the Adaptive and non-adaptive validated model. An Adaptive EnergyPlus model based on the BesTest 900 model, which uses the EnergyPlus SurfaceControl:MovableInsulation class list, was successfully validated and could be used for studying office buildings with a variable-thermal-resistance adaptive façade wall configuration, equivalent to a heavyweight mass wall construction with an External Insulation Finishing System (EIFS). An example of the Adaptive model in the Denver location is included in this paper. Annual savings of up to 26% in total energy demand (heating + cooling) was achieved and could reach up to 54% when electro-chromic (EC) glass commanded by a rule-based algorithm was added to the glazed part of the variable-thermal-resistance adaptive façade. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Building Materials for Energy Saving—2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Potential Role of Vitamin D in the Pterygium Pathophysiology—A Possible New Therapeutic Perspective and Narrative Review

by Martina Paradzik Simunovic, Marina Degoricija, Robert Stanic, Janos Terzic and Marko Simunovic

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(11), 3640; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113640 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Vitamin D plays a vital role in human physiology, including a crucial role in regulating bone metabolism and various extra-skeletal effects. Calcitriol exerts anti-inflammatory effects on monocytes and macrophages by increasing IL-10 production and decreasing the production of proinflammatory IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, calcitriol also exerts important effects on adaptive immunity by downregulating MHC-II class and co-stimulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells, but it also directly affects T lymphocytes. In multiple studies, the influence of vitamin D on eye diseases, including corneal diseases, has been demonstrated. Adequate vitamin D supplementation in patients with dry eye significantly improves tear quality and consequently heals the epithelial cells of the ocular surface. Pterygium is a fibrovascular growth of conjunctival tissue that histologically consists of superficial conjunctival epithelium and an underlying fibrovascular layer. The prevalence of pterygium depends on the region. In zones closer to the equator—“pterygium zone”, it is up to 22%, and outside of them it can be even less than 2%. While UV radiation is recognized as a primary risk factor, other factors, including vitamin D, may influence its development. This review aims to summarize the effects of vitamin D on the pathophysiological mechanism of pterygium and its possible therapeutic impact. Current research suggests that vitamin D is protective through its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, there is still insufficient evidence of the therapeutic benefit of vitamin D in pterygium, and future large-scale randomized controlled studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of vitamin D in pterygium onset and recurrence as well as its potential therapeutic benefit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress in the Treatment of Cornea and Ocular Surface Diseases)

23 pages, 7395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Performance of Sustainable RPET/PA-11/Joncryl^® Nanocomposites Reinforced with Halloysite Nanotubes

by Zahid Iqbal Khan, Mohammed E. Ali Mohsin, Unsia Habib, Suleiman Mousa, SK Safdar Hossain, Syed Sadiq Ali, Zurina Mohamad and Norhayani Othman

Polymers 2025, 17(11), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17111433 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

The rapid advancement of sustainable materials has driven the need for high-performance polymer nanocomposites with superior mechanical, thermal, and structural properties. In this study, a novel RPET/PA-11/Joncryl^® nanocomposite reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) is developed for the first time, marking a significant breakthrough in polymer engineering. Six different proportions of HNT (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 phr) are introduced to the blend of rPET/PA-11/Joncryl^® through a twin-screw extruder and injection moulding machine. The incorporation of HNTs into the RPET/PA-11 matrix, coupled with Joncryl^® as a compatibilizer, results in a synergistic enhancement of material properties through improved interfacial adhesion, load transfer efficiency, and nanoscale reinforcement. Comprehensive characterization reveals that the optimal formulation with 2 phr HNT (NCS-H2) achieves remarkable improvements in tensile strength (56.14 MPa), flexural strength (68.34 MPa), and Young’s modulus (895 MPa), far exceeding conventional polymer blends. Impact resistance reaches 243.46 J/m, demonstrating exceptional energy absorption and fracture toughness. Thermal analysis confirms enhanced stability, with an onset degradation temperature of 370 °C, attributing the improvement to effective matrix–filler interactions and restricted chain mobility. Morphological analysis through FESEM validates uniform HNT dispersion at optimal loading, eliminating agglomeration-induced stress concentrators and reinforcing the polymer network. The pioneering integration of HNT into RPET/PA-11/Joncryl^® nanocomposites not only bridges a critical gap in sustainable polymers but also establishes a new benchmark for polymer nanocomposites. This work presents an eco-friendly solution for engineering applications, offering mechanical robustness, thermal stability, and recyclability. The results form the basis for next-generation high-performance materials for industrial use in automotive, aerospace, and high-strength structural applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Polymer Blends and Composites: Chemistry and Technology)

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13 pages, 1378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discovery and Genomic Characterisation of Novel Papillomaviruses in Australian Wild Birds

by Subir Sarker, Vasilli Kasimov, Md. Mizanur Rahaman, Babu Kanti Nath and Martina Jelocnik

Pathogens 2025, 14(6), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14060514 (registering DOI) - 22 May 2025

Abstract

Papillomaviruses are small, circular DNA viruses that infect epithelial and mucosal cells, which have co-evolved with their hosts over time. While certain mammalian papillomaviruses—especially those linked to disease—are well studied, there is limited knowledge about papillomaviruses associated with avian species. In this study, we identified two avian papillomaviruses from eye/choana swabs of the sacred kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) and the little corella (Cacatua sanguinea), collected in Queensland, Australia. The genomes of these viruses, designated as todiramphus sanctus papillomavirus 1 (TsPV1) and cacatua sanguinea papillomavirus 1 (CsPV1), were found to be 7883 and 7825 base pairs in length, respectively. The TsPV1 and CsPV1 genomes exhibited the highest nucleotide sequence identity (>56%) with papillomavirus genomes previously sequenced from mallards or wild ducks in the United States, followed by those from black-legged kittiwakes and Atlantic puffins (>54%) in Newfoundland, Canada. Both TsPV1 and CsPV1 share approximately a 65% nucleotide sequence identity in the L1 gene with anas platyrhynchos papillomavirus 3 (AplaPV3), indicating that they represent novel avian papillomaviruses. Notably, the two genomes in this study were nearly identical (99.69%), and their L1 proteins shared 100% sequence identity. Phylogenetic analysis positioned TsPV1 and CsPV1 within a clade of avian papillomaviruses associated with closely related avian hosts, including the mallard, African grey parrot, common chaffinch, and Atlantic canary. These findings underscore the importance of further research on studying additional Australian bird species longitudinally, which will help to establish potential disease associations and ecological impacts of previously unrecognised and novel papillomaviruses in Australian wild birds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in Veterinary Virology)

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