Novel Foods, Food-Grade Materials, and Environmentally Friendly Compounds from Food Waste
Symmetry Application in Motor Control in Sports and Rehabilitation
Selected Papers from the 3rd Ellisras Longitudinal Study and Other Non-communicable Diseases Studies International Conference
Proteomic Studies for the Identification and Characterization of Marine Bioactive Molecules
Assessing Complexity in Physiological Systems through Biomedical Signals Analysis II
Application of Membrane Materials in Bioseparation and Downstream Processing
Connections Between Diabetes Mellitus, Other Metabolic and Endocrine Dysfunctions and Cardiovascular Pathologies
Body Image and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies and Vaccine Development
Dietary Supplements in Human Health and Disease
This Reprint brings together a curated selection of recent studies investigating the role of dietary supplements and naturally derived bioactive compounds in supporting human health. The contributions examine both potential benefits and safety considerations, with particular attention to mechanisms of action, interactions with physiological and pathological processes, and implications for clinical or functional applications. The articles encompass a broad spectrum of topics, including plant extracts with estrogen-like activity for the management of menopausal symptoms; myo-inositol supplementation for anxiety; epigenetic alterations induced by high-fat diets, highlighting EZH2 as a potential pharmacological target in metabolic dysfunction; and a comprehensive evaluation of the composition, bioaccessibility, pharmacokinetic interactions, and cellular effects of berberine-containing botanicals. Additional studies explore the therapeutic potential of purple corn extract in dry eye disease and the antiadipogenic activity of Euscaphis japonica fruit extract in models of adipocyte differentiation. Two further contributions investigate the impact of natural compounds in humans, examining the effect of mulberry fruit extract on postprandial glycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes and the influence of lutein supplementation-both in free and esterified forms-on visual outcomes in healthy subjects. Together, these studies offer an integrated perspective on the opportunities and limitations of dietary supplements, underscoring the need for rigorous experimental and clinical approaches to assess their efficacy safety in human health.
Brain Functional Connectivity
This reprint captures how functional connectivity research is revolutionizing brain science. The featured papers bridge fundamental discovery with tangible applications, uncovering the neural architecture of decision-making, social cognition, and clinical disorders. Integrating methods from electrophysiology to artificial intelligence, the contributions advance beyond correlation toward predictive modeling and mechanistic insight. This collection affirms that mapping brain networks is a foundational tool for progress in healthcare, neurotechnology, and our core understanding of the human mind.
Diagnosis, Classification, and Monitoring of Pulmonary Diseases
This Special Issue (SI) aims to inform, inspire, and guide researchers in the field of lung diseases. The focus is on the dynamics of change and the latest advancements, including the development of new methods and approaches in lung disease research. Key topics of interest include innovative imaging techniques that enhance diagnosis and treatment, and recent strategies for identifying causal biological pathways and clinically relevant biomarkers. Recent progress in lung disease research, particularly over the past year, has been remarkable and is a testament to the significant achievements of scientists and researchers. The heightened interest in lung health, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the need to deepen our understanding of disease triggers and natural history.This SI emphasizes the evolution of research methods, technological innovations, and conceptual frameworks that have driven new discoveries and shaped modern approaches to studying lung diseases.
Erectus
Erectus is a philosophical and scientific investigation into the possibility that the human species which endured was not the one best suited for long-term survival. Drawing on evolutionary biology, paleoanthropology, cognitive neuroscience, and existential philosophy, Felipe Heemann examines the profound disparity between our extraordinary technical efficacy and our catastrophic evolutionary effectiveness.Where Homo erectus persisted for more than a million years in relative ecological equilibrium, Homo sapiens developed a hypertrophied cortex and a recursive, symbolic language that allowed us to inhabit psychological pasts and imagined futures-temporalities that generate chronic anxiety, depression, and existential dread. These forms of suffering are not civilizational malfunctions to be corrected, but structural consequences of our neurocognitive architecture.Rejecting romantic primitivism and human exceptionalism alike, Erectus confronts the brutal naturalistic possibility that our survival was an accident whose costs we are only beginning to understand. Without consolation or optimism, the book invites the reader to face the mirror of our lineage with clarity, rigor, and a rare existential honesty.
Adenovirus Cell and Immune Interactions
Ever since their discovery in the early 1950s, human adenoviruses (HAdVs), the cause of respiratory diseases of young children, have been the subject of intense basic research as well as efforts to engineer HAdV vectors to ameliorate human diseases. Although much information has been gleaned over the past 67 years from laboratory and clinical investigations, we still have an incomplete picture of the critical associations of HAdV with host cells and specific components of the immune system. An ability to uncover additional information will likely influence the future success (or failure) for exploiting HAdV vectors for gene and vaccine therapies.Each contribution in this series will highlight the efforts and progress made to acquire basic knowledge of adenovirus host interactions and will indicate particular areas that remain to be uncovered. Topics in this new series include key steps in HAdV-host cell interactions as well as structure-based investigations of virus and virus capsid protein associations with cell receptors and innate immune molecules. These topics will culminate with discussions on examples of HAdV vector design and how these approaches are influenced by the accumulation of knowledge of host-vector interactions.
Pests, Pesticides, Pollinators and Sustainable Farming
Modern agriculture faces the dual challenge of ensuring food production while preserving biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Crop pests remain a major threat to global food security, yet heavy reliance on synthetic pesticides has led to pest resistance, loss of beneficial organisms, pollinator decline, and environmental contamination. Addressing these issues requires sustainable pest management strategies that minimize chemical inputs, enhance ecosystem services, and protect pollinators-the cornerstone of agricultural productivity.This Special Issue, "Pests, Pesticides, Pollinators and Sustainable Farming," presents thirteen multidisciplinary papers advancing ecologically compatible crop protection. The studies span field ecology, biocontrol, precision agriculture, and pollinator-friendly management, offering a roadmap toward sustainable production aligned with the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy.Contributions highlight the value of habitat diversification and pollinator conservation, the potential of essential oils, microbial agents, and entomopathogenic fungi as biopesticides, and the use of unmanned aerial systems, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence for precision pest detection.
Cellular Redox Mechanisms in Inflammation and Programmed Cell Death
Redox reactions play an important role in the regulation of various physiological processes, resulting in the diversity of articles featured in this Special Issue (SI), from works studying mechanisms of antioxidant activity to a prospective randomized study of the effects of hypoxia-hyperoxia exposures on metabolic products of the intestinal microbiome in patients. In vitro, microbiota metabolites formed under inflammation and sepsis inhibit cyclooxygenase peroxidase activity. Macrophages are the most persistent cells at inflammatory sites, with phenotypes differing not only in cytokine secretion but also in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Neuronal dysfunction and pain may be caused by an imbalance in ROS/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and antioxidant defense; thus, compounds with antioxidant properties can be promising therapeutic agents to mitigate oxidative stress and alleviate pathological conditions. An example of this is manganese porphyrins, which target key pathways involved in neuropathic pain. In this SI, flavonoids, polyphenols, and selenium compounds are studied for their protective ability against inflammation and oxidative injury. Pre-treatment with ferroptosis inhibitors or maintenance of mitochondrial functions enables the safe rewarming of cooled cells. In contrast, excess glutamate triggers a cascade of oxidative and metabolic disorders causing neuronal ferroptosis, with mitochondria playing a central role in this vulnerability. While diverse in biological models, the articles in this SI all demonstrate that ROS/RNS disorder is both a driver of pathology and a target for therapeutic intervention.
Sustainable Feed Ingredients in Freshwater Aquaculture
The cost of aquafeeds represents about 50-70% of the total production cost in intensive and semi-intensive freshwater aquaculture systems, and this has implications for the sustainable development of aquaculture. The decreasing proportion of fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeeds has coincided with an increase in the introduction of alternative protein meals and oils from a variety of sources, including plant, animal, microalgae, and insect sources. There is growing interest in incorporating agro-industrial by-products, agri-food waste, or products from circular economic chains into aquafeeds. However, these new resources cause several adverse effects on the physiology and metabolism of fish. On the other hand, some benefits can be obtained if we consider, for example, the increased digestibility or the presence of several bioactive compounds in these new resources.This Collection provides an overview of the nutritional studies of freshwater fish, including the following: (1) The influence of diet on fish performance and nutrient utilization.(2) The influence of diet on the antioxidant defense system of fish.(3) The relationship and interaction between dietary ingredients and gut microbiota.
Cadmium and Trace Elements Toxicity
This Reprint, entitled "Cadmium and Trace Elements Toxicity," brings together ten high-quality research articles that advance our understanding of the sources, mechanisms, and health impacts of cadmium and trace element exposure. The contributions span multiple disciplines, from molecular toxicology and environmental monitoring to plant science and risk assessment, providing a comprehensive overview of current research in this critical field. The articles address key topics including novel toxicity mechanisms, biomonitoring approaches, protective strategies, and environmental quality criteria.
Cerebrovascular Diseases
This Special Issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology explored the current knowledge and innovative concepts regarding preclinical and clinical research into stroke mechanisms, prevention, and treatment and provided a critical overview of the underlying factors involved in stroke-related brain injury, especially the role of cell signaling in excitotoxicity, inflammation, apoptosis, and the newly described types of cell death such as ferroptosis and their potential treatment. Gene and protein expression profiles after stroke and neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and neuroplasticity are other important features in stroke and should lead to the better understanding of the pathophysiology of acute stroke.
Wild Flowers
Wild flowers presents a reflective exploration of the connections that shape the lives of plants and the insects that interact with them, offering an interpretation that blends observation with an appreciation for the subtle strategies that guide survival. The book introduces the idea that flowers function as active participants in their environments, developing colors, forms, and behaviors that support ongoing cycles of growth and renewal. Instead of focusing on specific events or characters, the narrative underscores how these organisms adapt to ensure continuation, forming partnerships that reveal the complexity of natural systems. The introductory section highlights the author's intention to examine hundreds of species through an accessible structure, using color as an organizing guide to help readers recognize patterns in nature. As the work unfolds, it emphasizes cooperation, interdependence, and the quiet intelligence displayed in the natural world. Through its careful observations, the book encourages a deeper appreciation of how small interactions contribute to broader ecological balance and how each flower participates in an ongoing dialogue between form, function, and the environment.
The Formation Of Vegetable Mould Through The Action Of Worms
The formation of vegetable mould through the action of worms examines the critical role of earthworms in transforming soil and creating fertile top layers essential for plant growth. The opening establishes the importance of studying these seemingly humble creatures, emphasizing how their behaviors influence broader ecological systems and agricultural productivity. Observations detail how worms feed, burrow, and produce castings, highlighting the instinctual actions that contribute to soil aeration and nutrient enrichment. Early sections present controlled experiments demonstrating the cumulative impact of these processes over time, showing how small, repetitive activities can lead to significant environmental change. The narrative underscores the interconnectedness of living organisms and their habitats, revealing how understanding minute natural processes provides insight into ecosystem dynamics. By focusing on detailed observation and scientific analysis, the work illustrates that even simple creatures play a foundational role in maintaining soil health, shaping landscapes, and supporting life, offering a careful and methodical study of natural contribution to fertility and ecological balance.
On The Reception Of The 'Origin Of Species'
On the reception of the origin of species offers an examination of how a ground breaking scientific work initially faced resistance before gradually altering the way life and its development were understood. The discussion begins with the atmosphere surrounding the introduction of a new explanation for biological change, one that challenged longstanding assumptions and prompted reactions shaped by tradition, belief, and limited familiarity with emerging scientific methods. Early responses included confusion, dismissal, and sharp criticism from various groups who struggled to reconcile established views with evidence-based reasoning. The narrative emphasizes how misunderstandings and deeply rooted expectations created barriers that slowed acceptance, even as growing scientific observations supported the ideas being introduced. Over time, the work highlights the shift from opposition to recognition as researchers and thinkers increasingly engaged with the concepts on their own merit. This transition illustrates the broader process through which scientific progress often moves from conflict to integration, reshaping perspectives across multiple fields. The text ultimately underscores the importance of evaluating knowledge through careful inquiry, encouraging openness to explanations grounded in observation and analysis rather than inherited assumptions.
Luck
Luck or cunning as the main means of organic modification presents an argument that reconsiders how living beings change over generations by linking inherited traits to the persistence of memory. The work questions the idea that evolution operates solely through random variation, suggesting instead that the continuity between generations may be shaped by purposeful patterns that resemble remembered experience. The discussion highlights how organic development can be understood through a blend of observation, reasoning, and careful examination of biological processes. Early in the book, the narrator shifts from a general interest in classification to a closer look at evolutionary theory, emphasizing that understanding descent requires taking intention and structured influence into account. The text proposes that instinct should be viewed as memory carried forward, shaped not by chance alone but by influences that echo through successive generations. By exploring these ideas, the book invites readers to consider evolution as a process that blends adaptation, continuity, and an underlying sense of design, offering a perspective that moves beyond conventional interpretations.
The Variation Of Animals And Plants Under Domestication
The variation of animals and plants under domestication Volume II presents an examination of how living organisms change when shaped by human influence, focusing on the forces that drive alteration across generations. The work begins by clarifying that the goal is not to list every domesticated form but to highlight evidence that reveals how selection, environment, and inherited differences interact to produce noticeable shifts in structure and behavior. Through examples drawn from familiar species, the discussion shows how accumulated variations can become pronounced under sustained human guidance, emphasizing the roles of controlled breeding, altered surroundings, and natural variability. The opening chapters introduce foundational ideas about inheritance and the plasticity of life, suggesting that even small changes can build into significant transformations over time. The study encourages readers to consider the dynamic relationship between humans and the organisms they cultivate, presenting domestication as a process that uncovers deeper principles about adaptability and the ongoing modification of nature.
Phytochemicals
This Reprint, entitled "Phytochemicals: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, Biological Activities, and Applications in the Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries," comprises original research articles and critical reviews on increasing the value of compounds derived from plants. Interest in natural plant extracts has grown in areas related to food and beverage formulation, food technology enhancement, and their potential use in the prevention and management of a variety of diseases. The salutary attributes conferred by diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains result not only from fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but also from a myriad of phytochemicals. Among those, phenolic compounds represent major classes of plant secondary metabolites with biological antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. These make phenolics of special relevance to the prevention of diseases, health maintenance, and the development of functional ingredients in nutraceutical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. This Reprint compiles recent advances in phytochemical chemistry, extraction techniques, analytical methods, and biological activity characterization. It also emphasizes studies that interpret molecular mechanisms of action using established and advanced bioanalytical approaches. Researchers have contributed both original investigations and comprehensive reviews, offering updated insights into the role of phytochemicals in health and industry applications.
Advanced Therapy in Companion Animals
Following the success of the first edition, the second edition of the Reprint "Advanced Therapy in Companion Animals" continues to showcase significant advances in veterinary medicine, with a particular focus on innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at improving the health, welfare, and quality of life of companion animals. This Reprint brings together high-quality contributions addressing emerging approaches such as regenerative medicine, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and precision medicine, reflecting the rapid evolution of treatment options for both chronic and acute conditions in small animal practice. Building on the momentum established previously, the articles included in this Reprint highlight notable progress in diagnostic techniques, personalized treatment strategies, and minimally invasive and image-guided procedures. Special attention is given to the integration of advanced technologies and interdisciplinary perspectives, emphasizing collaboration among veterinarians, researchers, and biotechnologists as a driving force for innovation in companion animal therapy. Through original research articles, clinical studies, case-based analyses, and comprehensive reviews, this Reprint provides a valuable overview of state-of-the-art therapeutic developments and their practical implications. Collectively, the contributions offer an informative resource for veterinary professionals and researchers seeking to remain at the forefront of advanced therapeutic approaches in companion animal medicine.
New Insights into the Genetic Regulation and Quality Improvement of Grapes
Grapevines are among the earliest domesticated plants and are also one of the most widely cultivated and commercially important fruit trees worldwide. Grapes can not only be consumed as fresh fruits but can also be used for industrial processing to produce goods such as wine, dried fruits, and fruit juice. Grapevines are characterized by abundant germplasm resources, which are reflected in significant differences in fruit quality (berry weight, sugar, acid, anthocyanin, and aroma) and resistance mechanisms (to biotic and abiotic stress). Therefore, analyzing the genetic characteristics of different resources and optimizing cultivation can provide a more solid theoretical basis for high-quality grapevine production. This reprint collects the latest research achievements of researchers in the field of grapevine genetic regulation mechanisms and quality improvement, aiming to promote the sustainable development and high-quality and efficient production of the grape industry.
Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture
Modern agriculture is a significant contributor to climate change and environmental degradation, and various environmental stressors-significantly exacerbated by climate change-affect cropping systems, decreasing yields and product quality. Therefore, it is imperative to identify innovative, biobased approaches to improve the sustainability of cropping systems, reduce their contribution to climate change, and make agriculture more resilient and productive. In this context, the valorization of agro-industrial waste represents a strategic and relevant way to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and increase its productivity. Some recent studies have focused on producing biostimulants and biofertilizers from agro-industrial wastes, thereby advancing a circular economy paradigm. Furthermore, within the scope of promoting third-generation biorefinery, following pretreatment for the extraction/production of valuable substances, this kind of biomass can be utilized for anaerobic digestion for energy production and finally converted into (bio)fertilizers.This Special Issue provides an overview of innovative and cutting-edge research on the potentialities of biomass, including the research on obtaining biostimulants, biofertilizers, and composting from natural resources and waste. The studies also focused on producing biogas or biomethane from agro-industrial waste for energy production.
Feed Additives in Pig Feeding
Dear colleagues, We are pleased to present a series of 14 articles published in the Special Issue of Animals entitled "Feed Additives in Pig Nutrition: Second Edition". The aim of this Special Issue was to present nutritional strategies that can reduce the impact of intensive pig production on climate change, the natural environment, as well as on the pigs themselves. You will find here nine original research articles and five review papers related to this topic. The authors demonstrate how the use of various nutritional strategies such as feed additives, including probiotics, bioactive substances, minerals, vitamins, or sweeteners, can effectively reduce the negative impact of pig production.
Effect of Dietary Antioxidants in Chronic Disease Prevention
It is well accepted that a high intake of dietary antioxidants is associated with a decreased chronic disease risk. According to in vitro and in vivo studies, dietary phytochemicals possess therapeutic potential for chronic diseases by modulating different signaling pathways and/or reshaping the gut microbiota. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these activities are not quite clear yet, and further studies are needed to discover the cross-connection in signaling pathway networks between oxidative stress and disease prevention.This Reprint comprises a total of 11 articles, encompassing one Editorial, two clinical cohort studies, three in vivo experimental studies, three in vitro experimental studies, and two reviews. These studies collectively demonstrate the significant potential of dietary antioxidants in mitigating chronic diseases through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which highlight the importance of targeted nutritional interventions in chronic disease prevention and management. Future research should focus on elucidating the deeper mechanisms and conducting larger-scale clinical trials to further validate these promising results and optimize dietary recommendations.
Antimicrobial and Anti-Infective Activity of Natural Products, 2nd Edition
The second edition of this Special Issue, entitled "Antimicrobial and Anti-Infective Activity of Natural Products", contains 12 research and 2 review articles. They present recent advancements in the discovery of bioactive compounds from plants, essential oils, and microbial metabolites. These contributions discuss the mechanisms of action, highlighting anti-virulence strategies, biofilm inhibition, and immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, this collection explores synergistic associations with conventional antibiotics and integrates in silico, in vitro, and in vivo evidence. This volume provides critical insights into the clinical prospects of natural products in combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders
This Reprint, entitled "The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders", compiles recent studies on this topic. It examines the roles of diet on Alzheimer's disease, retinal disease, and rare neurological disorders. The collection also addresses how the follow-up period affects findings regarding the role of vitamin D status on incidence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, how ashwagandha supplementation improves cognitive function and mood, and how heavy metals affect cognitive function. It also includes a paper on how modifying the gut microbiome can affect autism presentation, as well as one on how obesity affects the risk of multiple sclerosis in overweight patients.
Nanoparticle-Mediated Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
In drug research and development, delivering drugs to the target sites is crucial to avoid serious off-target side effects and ensure effective medical treatment. Specifically, certain anti-cancer drugs exhibit their activity not only on cancer cells but also on normal cells, causing side effects such as nausea, skin disorders, or hair loss. Central nervous system drug candidates face challenges in penetrating the brain due to the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, incorrect drug distribution can often lead to adverse events in terms of other diseases. Therefore, precision drug delivery should be enhanced and eventually established. The modification of nanoparticles is relatively straightforward. Consequently, a variety of useful nanoparticles can be produced for drug-controlled release, barrier permeation, including cell membranes, and/or targeting. Additionally, nanoparticles protect their cargos from degradation by enzymes and inhibit their unsuitable activity expression, reducing the risk of off-target side effects. Multiple strategies can be integrated into nanoparticles. Currently, pharmaceutical researchers and healthcare workers are increasingly interested in nanoparticle-mediated targeted drug delivery systems. Drug-loaded nanoparticles are employed differently based on the purpose and target area. Drug delivery systems utilizing nanoparticles as carriers represent promising strategies for achieving intelligent drug distribution.
Effects of Environmental Exposure on Host and Microbial Metabolism
Trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, reside in our gastrointestinal tract and play an essential role in human health and disease. The gut microbiota can be disrupted by various factors, including environmental exposure. Disruptions of the gut microbiota by environmental exposure may exert adverse effects on human health by affecting host metabolism, intrinsic microbial metabolism, and gut microbiota-host co-metabolism. This Reprint investigates a wide spectrum of these influences, from emerging environmental pollutants like microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and bisphenol S to traditional contaminants such as fluoride and epoxiconazole fungicide. It also evaluates the role of dietary factors, including non-caloric sweeteners, probiotics, prebiotics, and natural compounds. The research compiled here marks a significant advance in deciphering the complex relationship between our environment, our metabolism, and our microbial inhabitants. These findings are crucial in unraveling the intricate metabolic processes that shape both human health and the dynamics of our microbial partners. While these findings are pivotal, they also underscore the need for further research to establish the causal roles of the gut microbiota in disease development and progression. A deeper understanding of these interdependencies is essential to guide the development of precise and effective strategies for disease prevention and treatment.
