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Review

30 June 2025

The Immunopathogenesis of Autoimmune Encephalitis-Related Psychosis, A Comprehensive Review of Humoral and Cellular Mechanisms

Autoimmune encephalitis has reshaped the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders by highlighting the role of autoantibodies in psychosis symptoms, which often mimic primary psychosis conditions. This review synthesizes recent research on autoimmune encephalitis-related psychosis, broadening the focus from humoral immunity to T cell autoimmunity and the communication between the peripheral and central nervous systems. We discuss the identification of neuronal antigen targets, particularly the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and their involvement in disease pathogenesis. Current treatments, such as plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin, primarily target the pathogenicity of autoantibodies. However, emerging evidence suggests a crucial role for T cells, glia cell, and B cell in the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune encephalitis-related psychosis diseases. Autoimmune factors, including T and B cells, can either infiltrate the brain from the periphery or propagate via interacting with other cells, like glia, within the brain itself. This review advocates for a comprehensive approach to studying and treating these conditions, integrating both humoral and cellular mechanisms.

Keywords: Autoimmunity; Encephalitis; Psychiatric; Psychosis; NMDAR
Immune Discov.
2025,
1
(2), 10008; 
Open Access

Article

30 June 2025

Hydrodynamic Analysis of Offshore Floating Photovoltaic Structure with Elastic Connection

Offshore Floating Photovoltaic structure (OFPV) represents a promising solar energy technology characterized by high conversion efficiency and suitability for large-scale deployment. However, the safety and economic synergy problems of floating structures restrict the industrialization and large-scale development of OFPV. We propose a novel OFPV with elastic connection and modularizable HDPE float blocks. The numerical wave tank is established by the turbulence model in FLOE-3D, based on the Navier-Stokes equations. Hydrodynamic analysis of the OFPV is conducted by using the Generalized Mode-Order (GMO) approach. Furthermore, the dynamic responses and mooring loads of the OFPV with elastic and rigid connections are compared. The results show that the average pressure of the photovoltaic support structure with the elastic connection is positively correlated with the wave height. The tension value of the elastic cable is higher at the outermost peak tension. The OFPV with the elastic connection structure has more obvious advantages in extreme wave state conditions than the rigid connection. This study provides theoretical support for the design and engineering application of OFPV.

Keywords: OFPV; Elastic connection; Rigid connection; Hydrodynamic performance analysis
Mar. Energy Res.
2025,
2
(2), 10011; 
Open Access

Article

30 June 2025

Review of Cyprinodontiform Fishes in the Upper Congo Drainage with Descriptions of Four New Species of Seasonal Nothobranchius (Nothobranchiidae) and a New Species of ‘Lacustricola’ Lampeye (Procatopodidae) in South-Eastern DR Congo

The cyprinodontiform fish fauna of the Bangweulu–Mweru and Upper Lualaba freshwater ecoregions, situated in the uppermost Congo River drainage, has been reviewed. This study introduces four newly described species of seasonal Nothobranchius killifish and a novel species of lampeye belonging to the genus ‘Lacustricola’. Nothobranchius iridescens, new species, from the Kafila system in the Lufira drainage, is characterized in male colouration by anal fin with irregular red-brown spots and stripes, creating two irregular submedial and medial bands and with broad yellow subdistal band; and a caudal fin with a slender light blue subdistal band, densely marked with irregular red spots, and narrow dark brown distinct distal margin. Nothobranchius katemomandai, new species, from the Kay system in the upper Lualaba drainage, is characterized in male colouration by an anal fin with narrow brown submedial band, followed by a slender yellow band, a slender red-brown band and a slender dark brown distal band; and a caudal fin with brown spots proximally and medially, and with slender white to light blue subdistal band and a narrow dark grey distal band. Nothobranchius marmoreus, new species, from the Lufukwe system in the Lake Mweru basin, is characterized in male colouration by a body with irregular red-brown patches and stripes, forming a marble-like mottled pattern; and anal and caudal fins with slender yellow to amber subdistal band and broad dark brown distal band. Nothobranchius dubieensis, new species, from the Lubule system in the Luvua drainage, is characterized in male colouration by an anal fin with narrow dark brown submedial band, narrow yellow and orange medial bands, narrow white subdistal band, and slender dark brown distal band; and a caudal fin with irregular red-brown spots and stripes proximally and medially, followed by an irregular narrow red-brown subdistal band and slender white distal band, and with interrupted red-brown fin tips. ‘Lacustricolagemma, new species, from the Kay system in the upper Lualaba drainage, is characterized by a pattern of iridescent, diamond-shaped, light blue spots in scale centres below mid-longitudinal series on posteroventral portion of flank; median fins yellow to hyaline, with dark grey stripes perpendicular to fin rays; dorsal fin with light blue distinct margin; anal fin with dark grey margin. Analysis of mitochondrial COI gene sequences revealed that the five new species represent phylogenetically distinct lineages. These findings not only underscore their genetic uniqueness but also confirm their placement within the Nothobranchius brieni species group and the genus ‘Lacustricola’. Species of the genus Nothobranchius complete their seasonal life cycle in ephemeral natural habitats within freshwater wetlands, while ‘Lacustricola’ species migrate to breed in flooded areas of shallow, typically seasonal wetland habitats at the onset of the rainy season. These wetlands are highly vulnerable to a variety of human-induced stressors and threats, including agricultural cultivation, water extraction, urban expansion resulting in land-use pressure, and increased pollution, particularly from industrial activities such as mining. Therefore, it is essential to protect the integrity of these unique aquatic habitats throughout all the seasons of the year to maintain healthy wetland ecosystems and safeguard the distinctive seasonal freshwater biodiversity they support.

Keywords: Bangweulu–Mweru freshwater ecoregion; Barcoding; Conservation; Killifish; Upper Lualaba freshwater ecoregion
Ecol. Divers.
2025,
2
(2), 10006; 
Open Access

Review

27 June 2025

Fibroblast Migration in Fibrosis

Fibroblast migration is a critical factor in wound healing, but also plays a fundamental role in fibrosis. For a fibroblast to migrate, the cell must be able to assemble factors that help it crawl across the extracellular matrix. Most of this movement is facilitated through the assembly and stability of the cytoskeleton that connects focal adhesion engagement with the extracellular matrix to intracellular stress fibers that wrap around the nucleus. These intracellular stress fibers help to polarize the fibroblast and orient the nucleus in the direction it is traveling. Changes in intracellular signaling for the fibroblast to move are also required, and this is necessitated by downstream signaling mediated by sonic hedgehog, WNT/β-catenin, ROCK/Rho, and PI3K/AKT. These changes regulate the stability of the cytoskeleton and, in addition, increase the expression of genes involved in cell migration. This review assimilates what is known about the function of the cytoskeleton in migration and the role of intracellular signaling pathways in fibrosis.

Keywords: Fibroblast migration; Fibrosis; Focal adhesions; Cytoskeleton; ROCK/Rho; WNT/β-catenin
Fibrosis
2025,
3
(2), 10009; 
Open Access

Article

27 June 2025

Non-Invasive Evaluation by the HEMOTAGTM Recording Device to Tailor Treatment of Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure

This study evaluated the clinical utility of the HEMOTAG™ recording device—A non-invasive, wearable system that measures cardiac time intervals (CTIs)—in managing patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The prospective, single-center study enrolled 105 patients, including those hospitalized with ADHF and a control group with non-HF-related conditions. Daily measurements of isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT), a key CTI marker, were collected using the HEMOTAG device and compared with NT-proBNP levels obtained on admission and day 3. Among ADHF patients, IVCT decreased in parallel with NT-proBNP levels, indicating volume status improvement with therapy. In contrast, the control group showed no significant change in IVCT or NT-proBNP. An IVCT ≥ 40 ms demonstrated strong sensitivity and specificity to detect ADHF (NT-proBNP ≥ 1800 pg/mL). These findings suggest that IVCT trends measured by HEMOTAG correlate with short-term treatment response in ADHF and could offer a non-invasive method to guide heart failure management. The technology demonstrated feasibility, safety, and clinical relevance, supporting its potential role in future remote management strategies.

Keywords: Heart failure; Acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF); Isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT); NT-proBNP; Cardiac time intervals (CTIs); Remote management; Wearable device; Non-invasive monitoring; Congestion
Cardiovasc. Sci.
2025,
2
(3), 10007; 
Open Access

Review

27 June 2025

Study of Self-Sensitization of Wide-Gap Oxides Photocatalysts

The self-sensitization of wide-gap oxide photocatalysts to the region beyond the long-wave edge by changing the stoichiometry is discussed. The results of in situ investigations in three phases: gas—adsorbate—surface obtained by a variety of complementary experimental methods are analyzed. Dielectrics (MgO, Al2O3, BeO) were sensitized by creating colored F- and V- type photocatalysis centers via the thermal reduction of oxides in a vacuum. For semiconductors, the 2D structures of ZnO/ZnO1−x and TiO2/TiO2−x were formed through surface photo-reduction. In all self-sensitization cases, enhanced photosorption activity was observed. The quantum yields in the model POIE (photo-induced oxygen isotope exchange) redox reaction under VIS illumination of 2D structures and resonant exciton illumination of a layered 2D structure ZnO/ZnO1−x/O are 5–7 times higher than those of the initial samples. Both 2D structures showed stable activity in the redox reaction  $$\mathrm{CO+NO}\overset{\mathrm{hv}}{\operatorname*{\rightarrow}}1/2\mathrm{N}_{2}\uparrow+\mathrm{CO}_{2\mathrm{ads}}$$ with quantum yields 5–7 times higher than those of the initial oxides in their intrinsic absorption region.

Keywords: Oxide photocatalysts; Self-sensitization; Active centers; 2D heterostructures; Exciton; POIE; Photocatalytic reaction; TOF
Photocatal. Res. Potential
2025,
2
(3), 10013; 
Open Access

Review

27 June 2025

Targeting Collagen Secretion as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy to Modulate Fibrosis

Fibrotic diseases are driven by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly collagens, leading to progressive tissue stiffness and organ dysfunction. While many factors contribute to fibrosis—including cytokine signaling, integrin-mediated mechanotransduction, and altered ECM degradation—the synthesis and secretion of collagen remain central bottlenecks. Collagen biosynthesis is a complex process involving extensive post-translational modification and intracellular trafficking. The export of procollagen from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) requires Transport and Golgi Organisation 1 (TANGO1), a transmembrane organizer of ER exit sites that coordinates cargo selection, membrane remodeling, and connectivity between the ER and the ER-Golgi-Intermediate-Comaprtment (ERGIC). By assembling into ring-like structures at ER exit sites, TANGO1 builds a secretory route for bulky cargoes that bypasses conventional vesicle constraints. Loss of TANGO1 disrupts collagen secretion and causes developmental defects across various species. In fibrotic tissues, TANGO1 expression is upregulated, linking secretory machinery to pathological matrix deposition. Recent work has identified specific interfaces within the complex of TANGO1 with its vertebrate paralogue Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-associated antigen 5 (cTAGE5) as targets for cell-permeant peptide inhibitors. Inhibitors that selectively and specifically block TANGO1 complex formation reduce collagen secretion in fibroblasts and scar formation in vivo, offering a new strategy to modulate fibrotic processes.

Keywords: TANGO1; Extracellular matrix; Scleroderma; Large cargo; Endoplasmic reticulum; Peptide
Open Access

Article

27 June 2025

Dynamic Oxidation Behavior and Exceptional High-Temperature Resistance of Nano Particle-Strengthened Superalloy (MA 754) under Cyclic Temperature Conditions

The degradation of industrial components due to high-temperature oxidation poses a significant challenge. This study highlights the excellent oxidation resistance of the MA 754 superalloy under cyclic high-temperature conditions at 1100 °C. The weight change during thermal cycles was measured to assess the kinetics of oxidation. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to characterize the oxide scales microstructure, morphology, phases, and composition. The results revealed that the MA 754 superalloy demonstrated excellent resistance to oxidation, with a mean net mass change of 0.032 mg/cm2 over the oxidation time. The oxidation products identified were NiO and NiCr2O4. A small peak suggests the possible formation of Al2O3. The oxide scales morphology changed from pyramidal to granular type during the oxidation test. The oxidation steps of the MA 754 superalloy were determined by comparing the microstructures of the alloy surface next to the oxide layer.

Keywords: Cyclic oxidation; Nickel-based superalloy; MA 754; Oxide pyramids
Adv. Mat. Sustain. Manuf.
2025,
2
(2), 10009; 
Open Access

Article

26 June 2025

Analysis of Rainfall Trend in Australia

Australia is renowned for its highly variable rainfall patterns, which make it a continent marked by both droughts and flooding rains. With global warming driving atmospheric warming and altering weather systems, this variability is projected to intensify. Despite this, the specific trends and extent of rainfall changes across the country remain uncertain. Within this context, in this study, the temporal variability of rainfall in Australia was examined at annual, seasonal, and monthly scales using rainfall data spanning 1920 to 2020. Specifically, non-parametric tests were employed to assess the magnitude and significance of rainfall trends across 505 rainfall series within the Australian region. Results showed a widespread increase in rainfall in summer and spring throughout the study area. By contrast, autumn and winter showed a marked decrease in rainfall, with the greatest evidence along the Queensland coast and in southern Western Australia. If these trends are confirmed in the coming years, these deficits could limit water resources, affecting agricultural areas, the conservation of natural areas, and national parks. In addition, these changes in rainfall could increase the risk of droughts and wildfires, which could also have socio-economic impacts.

Keywords: Rainfall; Trend; Non-parametric tests; Australia
Hydroecol. Eng.
2025,
2
(2), 10008; 
Open Access

Article

26 June 2025

Law and Governance of Carbon Border Adjustments

Measured against the legally binding international climate targets, climate policy must be massively accelerated on a worldwide scale. In the absence of effective global policy instruments, a central role can be played by combinations of regional quantity governance systems, such as the EU Emissions Trading System, and additional border adjustments, such as the newly established EU Carbon Border Adjustments (CBAM). This is to avoid mere emissions shifting to other states, to encourage these states also to pursue ambitious climate protection, and to avoid competitive disadvantages for domestic industries. This paper analyzes the ecological effectiveness of the CBAM—measured against the Paris climate targets—and its compatibility with world trade law. It combines a qualitative governance analysis with methods of legal interpretation. It is demonstrated that the CBAM does not raise any concerns under WTO law and can be classified as an ecologically effective measure supporting ambitious climate protection. However, the faster and more consistent introduction of the CBAM would be ecologically more effective.

Keywords: Border adjustments; Carbon border adjustments; Climate; Law; Governance; WTO; Paris Agreement
Ecol. Civiliz.
2025,
2
(4), 10010; 
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