bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Criterial Carbon Assessment of the City
Authors: Sobierajewicz Piotr , Adamczyk Janusz , Dylewski Robert
Published: September 2024

Decision-makers in cities have difficulties in implementing an effective climate policy for their own building resources due to the heterogeneous and dispersed distribution of buildings with low energy classes and different management specifics. Special zones include old towns, pre-war buildings (before 1945), and those built by the end of the 20th century. There is a noticeable shortage of methods for the comprehensive assessment of the emissions of urban complexes, taking into account social, economic, and environmental aspects. Exemplary individual examples of good thermal modernization practices towards low-emission and zero-energy solutions do not solve the problem of the poor-quality urban environment. This article proposes a simple integrated assessment of CO2 emissions of separate urban zones using the example of a medium-sized city in Poland. The adopted ASEET assessment methodology takes into account socio-economic criteria, but above all, the technical and energy criteria of urban development. Sensitive information was collected from users and owners of buildings and gathered in a data matrix. From the inventory data on energy consumption and technical conditions related to socio-economic status, environmental indicators were introduced, which were called critical for their improvement. By analyzing local efficiency indicators Wei of individual development zones, we can influence TWCi, the total indicators for the city. In the case of the studied city of Gubin, the total final energy consumption indicator EKC is 252.68 kWh/m2/year and is 58% lower than the most energy-intensive zone I, for which EKI = 399.6 kWh/m2/year, similar to emission indicators EEj between zones. Therefore, energy efficiency or emission indicators as resultant characteristics of urbanized areas can be treated as sensitive parameters in administrative activities, for example when planning thermal modernization or health risk assessment. The recommended solutions for continuous monitoring of ecological identifiers of urban zones, especially those with the lowest technical status, are to facilitate the creation of own environmental urban policies in the future and directly affect the city’s climate in local and global terms. The environmental data obtained using the ASEET method can be digitized using various IT techniques and then the results can be visualized on a city map in the form of environmental urban mapping with an indication of the GIS system. As a result, simple methodological tools for city managers were indicated. In the authors’ opinion, the ASEET method can serve urban policy, especially energy and climate policy, because the instrument for calculation is a database of indicators from subsequent periods of monitoring one’s own urban development.
Improving Vehicle Warm-Up Performance Using Phase-Change Materials and Thermal Storage Methods
Authors: Lee Juho , Lee Jungkoo , Lee Kihyung
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the enhancement of vehicle warm-up performance using phase-change materials (PCMs) and various thermal storage methods. The primary objective is to utilize the thermal energy lost during engine cooling to improve the cold-start performance, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Thermal storage devices incorporating PCMs were developed and tested by measuring temperature changes and energy transfer over soaking periods of 4, 8, 16, and 24 h. The results show energy transfers of 591, 489, 446, and 315 kJ at 4, 8, 16, and 24 h, respectively. In terms of the warm-up time, the use of thermal storage devices reduced the time required to reach 70 °C by up to 24.45%, with significant reductions observed across all soaking periods. This reduction in the warm-up time directly contributes to faster engine stabilization, leading to proportional improvements in fuel efficiency and a corresponding decrease in exhaust emissions, including CO2. The findings highlight the effectiveness of PCMs in improving the engine warm-up performance and emphasize the importance of optimizing thermal storage systems to balance energy efficiency and practical application considerations. Additionally, the experimental data provide useful benchmark information for computational simulation validation, enabling the further optimization of automotive thermal management systems. Integrating a PCM-based thermal storage device can significantly enhance a vehicle’s warm-up performance, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.
A Review of the Adverse Effects of Neonicotinoids on the Environment
Authors: Mota Zyanya L. , Díaz Itzel A. , Martínez-Ávila Adriana E. , Otero-Olvera M. , Leyva-Ruíz Dania , Aponte-Pineda L. S. , Rangel-Duarte S. G. , Pacheco-Aguilar J. R. , Amaro-Reyes Aldo , Campos-Guillén J. , Montes-Flores L. A. , Ramos-López M. A.
Published: September 2024

Neonicotinoids are a group of insecticides developed in the 1980s, reaching extensive use in agriculture in the 1990s due to their effectiveness against pests in various types of crops. In 2014, their use reached 25% of the global market. In the last decade, studies on their possible effects have been conducted, leading to bans and regulations in several European Union countries. Their persistence in soil and water can result in chronic exposure in aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including pollinator species. The accumulation of these compounds in the environment can disrupt ecosystems and affect the health of humans, plants, and animals. This review presents current knowledge on neonicotinoids, their mechanisms of action, and their transport in ecological spheres. Their presence in water and soil is evidenced, with specific concentrations reported in various regions. Their effects on non-target organisms, including aquatic animals and humans, can be negative, causing direct and indirect neurological and renal problems after exposure. More research is needed on the long-term effects on health and non-target organisms to fully understand the implications of these insecticides.
Biomass Prediction Using Sentinel-2 Imagery and an Artificial Neural Network in the Amazon/Cerrado Transition Region
Authors: Faria Luana Duarte de , Matricardi Eraldo Aparecido Trondoli , Marimon Beatriz Schwantes , Miguel Eder Pereira , Junior Ben Hur Marimon , Oliveira Edmar Almeida de , Prestes Nayane Cristina Candido dos Santos , Carvalho Osmar Luiz Ferreira de
Published: September 2024

The ecotone zone, located between the Cerrado and Amazon biomes, has been under intensive anthropogenic pressures due to the expansion of commodity agriculture and extensive cattle ranching. This has led to habitat loss, reducing biodiversity, depleting biomass, and increasing CO2 emissions. In this study, we employed an artificial neural network, field data, and remote sensing techniques to develop a model for estimating biomass in the remaining native vegetation within an 18,864 km2 ecotone region between the Amazon and Cerrado biomes in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. We utilized field data from a plant ecology laboratory and vegetation indices from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and trained artificial neural networks to estimate aboveground biomass (AGB) in the study area. The optimal network was chosen based on graphical analysis, mean estimation errors, and correlation coefficients. We validated our chosen network using both a Student’s t-test and the aggregated difference. Our results using an artificial neural network, in combination with vegetation indices such as AFRI (Aerosol Free Vegetation Index), EVI (Enhanced Vegetation Index), and GNDVI (Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), which show an accurate estimation of aboveground forest biomass (Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 15.92%), can bolster efforts to assess biomass and carbon stocks. Our study results can support the definition of environmental conservation priorities and help set parameters for payment for ecosystem services in environmentally sensitive tropical regions.
Optimizing Wood Composite Drilling with Artificial Neural Network and Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Bedelean Bogdan , Ispas Mihai , Răcășan Sergiu
Published: September 2024

Many factors (material properties, drill bit type and size, drill bit wear, drilling parameters used, and machine-tool characteristics) affect the efficiency of the drilling process, which could be quantified through the delamination factor, thrust force, and drilling torque. To find the optimal combination among the factors that affect the desired responses during drilling of wood-based composites, various modelling techniques could be applied. In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied to predict and optimize the delamination factor at the inlet and outlet, thrust force, and drilling torque during drilling of prelaminated particleboards, medium- density fiberboard (MDF), and plywood. The artificial neural networks were used to design four models—one for each analyzed response. The coefficient of determination (R2) during the validation phase of designed ANN models was among 0.39 and 0.96. The response surface methodology was involved to reveal the individual influence of analyzed factors on the drilling process and also to figure out the optimum combination of factors. The regression equations obtained an R2 among 0.88 and 0.99. The material type affects mostly the delamination factor. The thrust force is mostly influenced by the drill type. The chipload has a significant effect on the drilling torque. A twist drill with a tip angle equal to 30° and a chipload of 0.1 mm/rev. could be used to efficiently drill the analyzed wood-based composites.
Time-Efficient Neural-Network-Based Dynamic Area Optimization Algorithm for High-Altitude Platform Station Mobile Communications
Authors: Takabatake Wataru , Shibata Yohei , Hoshino Kenji , Ohtsuki Tomoaki
Published: September 2024

There is a growing interest in high-altitude platform stations (HAPSs) as potential telecommunication infrastructures in the stratosphere, providing direct communication services to ground-based smartphones. Enhanced coverage and capacity can be realized in HAPSs by adopting multicell configurations. To improve the communication quality, previous studies have investigated methods based on search algorithms, such as genetic algorithms (GAs), which dynamically optimize antenna parameters. However, these methods face hurdles in swiftly adapting to sudden distribution shifts from natural disasters or major events due to their high computational requirements. Moreover, they do not utilize the previous optimization results, which require calculations each time. This study introduces a novel optimization approach based on a neural network (NN) model that is trained on GA solutions. The simple model is easy to implement and allows for instantaneous adaptation to unexpected distribution changes. However, the NN faces the difficulty of capturing the dependencies among neighboring cells. To address the problem, a classifier chain (CC), which chains multiple classifiers to learn output relationships, is integrated into the NN. However, the performance of the CC depends on the output sequence. Therefore, we employ an ensemble approach to integrate the CCs with different sequences and select the best solution. The results of simulations based on distributions in Japan indicate that the proposed method achieves a total throughput whose cumulative distribution function (CDF) is close to that obtained by the GA solutions. In addition, the results show that the proposed method is more time-efficient than GA in terms of the total time required to optimize each user distribution.
Development of Edible Coatings Based on Pineapple Peel (Ananas Comosus L.) and Yam Starch (Dioscorea alata) for Application in Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC)
Authors: Galvão Maria Brígida Fonseca , Stamford Thayza Christina Montenegro , de Melo Flávia Alexsandra Belarmino Rolim , de Lima Gerlane Souza , de Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Vasconcelos , de Oliveira Ingrid Luana Nicácio , Bidô Rita de Cássia de Araújo , Pintado Maria Manuela Estevez , de Oliveira Maria Elieidy Gomes , Stamford Tania Lucia Montenegro
Published: September 2024

Acerola fruit has great nutritional and economic relevance; however, its rapid degradation hinders commercialization. The use of coatings reduces post-harvest biochemical modifications and provides physical and biological protection for vegetables such as acerola. This study developed and characterized an edible coating made from pearl pineapple peel flour (PPPF) and yam starch (YS) to preserve the quality standards of acerola fruits during storage at room temperature and under refrigeration. The edible coating, composed of 4 g of PPPF, 3 g of starch, and 10% glycerol, presented excellent moisture content (11%), light tone (L* 83.68), and opacity (45%), resistance to traction of 27.77 Mpa, elastic modulus of 1.38 Mpa, and elongation percentage of 20%. The total phenolic content of the coating was 278.68 ± 0.45 mg GAE/g and the antioxidant activity by DPPH was 28.85 ± 0.27%. The quality parameters of acerolas were evaluated with three treatments: T1—uncoated fruits; T2—fruits coated with 1% glycerol; and T3—fruits coated with PPPF-YS. The T3 treatment reduced the weight loss of stored acerolas, maintaining the light and bright color of the fruits, and delayed the decrease in soluble solids, especially in refrigerated fruits. Therefore, edible coatings based on pineapple flour and yam starch are effective technologies for controlling the physical and physicochemical parameters of acerolas during storage, benefiting the post-harvest quality of this fruit.
Effects of Cultivar Factors on Fermentation Characteristics and Volatile Organic Components of Strawberry Wine
Authors: Lan Wei , Zhang Mei , Xie Xinyu , Li Ruilong , Cheng Wei , Ma Tingting , Zhou Yibin
Published: September 2024

Strawberry wine production is a considerable approach to solve the problem of the Chinese concentrated harvesting period and the short shelf life of strawberries, but the appropriative strawberry cultivars for fermentation are still undecided. In this study, the strawberry juice and wines of four typical strawberry cultivars named Akihime (ZJ), Sweet Charlie (TCL), Snow White (BX), and Tongzhougongzhu (TZ) were thoroughly characterized for their physicochemical indicators, bioactive compounds, and volatile organic components (VOCs) to determine the optimal strawberry cultivars for winemaking. The results showed that there were significant differences in the total sugar content, pH, total acid, and other physicochemical indexes in the strawberry juice of different cultivars, which further affected the physicochemical indexes of fermented strawberry wine. Moreover, the content of polyphenols, total flavonoids, vitamin C, and color varied among the four strawberry cultivars. A total of 42 VOCs were detected in the strawberry juice and wines using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), and 3-methyl-1-butanol, linalool, trans-2-pinanol, hexanoic acid, and hexanoic acid ethyl ester were the differential VOCs to identify the strawberry wine samples of different cultivars. Overall, strawberry cultivar ZJ had a relatively high VOC and bioactive compound content, indicating that it is the most suitable cultivar for strawberry wine fermentation. In addition to determining the relatively superior fermentation characteristics of cultivar ZJ, the results may provide a theoretical basis for the raw material quality control and quality improvement of strawberry wine.
Chloropropanols and Their Esters in Food: An Updated Review
Authors: Ozluk Gizem , González-Curbelo Miguel Ángel , Kabak Bulent
Published: September 2024

Chloropropanols, their fatty acid esters, and glycidol and its fatty acid esters (GEs) are process contaminants in foods that pose potential health risks. These contaminants typically arise during the deodorization process of vegetable oils, particularly in high concentrations within oils like palm oil and products derived from them, such as margarine, baked goods, pastries, and infant formula. Chloropropanol esters and GE can hydrolyze under the influence of lipases, forming chloropropanols. Elevated temperatures during food production can lead to the release of free 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) or free 2-chloro-1,3-propanediol (2-MCPD) in products containing both fat and salt. The exposure to these contaminants, especially for infants and young children, raises concerns about potential health hazards. While extensive research has focused on 3-MCPD, 2-MCPD, and GE, knowledge regarding other chloropropanols such as 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP), 2,3-dichloro-1-propanol (2,3-DCP), and their fatty acid esters remains limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview encompassing formation mechanisms, analysis methods, toxicological implications, occurrence patterns, exposure levels, mitigation strategies, and legislative considerations concerning these contaminants.
Mass Transfer Resistance and Reaction Rate Kinetics for Carbohydrate Digestion with Cell Wall Degradation by Cellulase
Authors: Sun Yongmei , Cheng Shu , Cheng Jingying , Langrish Timothy A. G.
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces an enzymatic approach to estimate internal mass-transfer resistances during food digestion studies. Cellulase has been used to degrade starch cell walls (where cellulose is a significant component) and reduce the internal mass-transfer resistance, so that the starch granules are released and hydrolysed by amylase, increasing the starch hydrolysis rates, as a technique for measuring the internal mass-transfer resistance of cell walls. The estimated internal mass-transfer resistances for granular starch hydrolysis in a beaker and stirrer system for simulating the food digestion range from 2.2 × 107 m−1 s at a stirrer speed of 100 rpm to 6.6 × 107 m−1 s at 200 rpm. The reaction rate constants for cellulase-treated starch are about three to eight times as great as those for starch powder. The beaker and stirrer system provides an in vitro model to quantitatively understand external mass-transfer resistance and compare mass-transfer and reaction rate kinetics in starch hydrolysis during food digestion. Particle size analysis indicates that starch cell wall degradation reduces starch granule adhesion (compared with soaked starch samples), though the primary particle sizes are similar, and increases the interfacial surface area, reducing internal mass-transfer resistance and overall mass-transfer resistance. Dimensional analysis (such as the Damköhler numbers, Da, 0.3–0.5) from this in vitro system shows that mass-transfer rates are greater than reaction rates. At the same time, SEM (scanning electron microscopy) images of starch particles indicate significant morphology changes due to the cell wall degradation.
An 8D Hyperchaotic System of Fractional-Order Systems Using the Memory Effect of Grünwald–Letnikov Derivatives
Authors: Sarfraz Muhammad , Zhou Jiang , Ali Fateh
Published: September 2024

We utilize Lyapunov exponents to quantitatively assess the hyperchaos and categorize the limit sets of complex dynamical systems. While there are numerous methods for computing Lyapunov exponents in integer-order systems, these methods are not suitable for fractional-order systems because of the nonlocal characteristics of fractional-order derivatives. This paper introduces innovative eight-dimensional chaotic systems that investigate fractional-order dynamics. These systems exploit the memory effect inherent in the Grünwald–Letnikov (G-L) derivative. This approach enhances the system’s applicability and compatibility with traditional integer-order systems. An 8D Chen’s fractional-order system is utilized to showcase the effectiveness of the presented methodology for hyperchaotic systems. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing algorithms in both accuracy and precision. Moreover, the study utilizes the 0–1 Test for Chaos, Kolmogorov–Sinai (KS) entropy, the Kaplan–Yorke dimension, and the Perron Effect to analyze the proposed eight-dimensional fractional-order system. These additional metrics offer a thorough insight into the system’s chaotic behavior and stability characteristics.
Advancements in the Application of CO2 Capture and Utilization Technologies—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Nwabueze Queendarlyn Adaobi , Leggett Smith
Published: September 2024

Addressing escalating energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas industry has driven extensive efforts in carbon capture and utilization (CCU), focusing on power plants and industrial facilities. However, utilizing CO2 as a raw material to produce valuable chemicals, materials, and fuels for transportation may offer a more sustainable and long-term solution than sequestration alone. This approach also presents promising alternatives to traditional chemical feedstock in industries such as fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and polymers. This review comprehensively outlines the current state of CO2 capture technologies, exploring the associated challenges and opportunities regarding their efficiency and economic feasibility. Specifically, it examines the potential of technologies such as chemical looping, membrane separation, and adsorption processes, which are advancing the frontiers of CO2 capture by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Additionally, it explores the various methods of CO2 utilization, highlighting the potential benefits and applications. These methods hold potential for producing high-value chemicals and materials, offering new pathways for industries to reduce their carbon footprint. The integration of CO2 capture and utilization is also examined, emphasizing its potential as a cost-effective and efficient approach that mitigates climate change while converting CO2 into a valuable resource. Finally, the review outlines the challenges in designing, developing, and scaling up CO2 capture and utilization processes, providing a comprehensive perspective on the technical and economic challenges that need to be addressed. It provides a roadmap for technologies, suggesting that their successful deployment could result in significant environmental benefits and encourage innovation in sustainable practices within the energy and chemical sectors.
Embracing Connection: A Review of First-Ever Clinical Guidelines on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults
Authors: Hoang Peter M. , Conn David
Published: September 2024

Social isolation and loneliness are major public health concerns and are associated with morbidity and mortality. As this is an increasing issue in older adults, guidance for healthcare providers is a priority. The Canadian Coalition for Senior’s Mental Health (CCSMH) has developed the first Canadian social isolation and loneliness guidelines to help providers recognize, assess, and manage social isolation and loneliness among older adults. We review and summarize these guidelines to support healthcare and social service providers to apply best practices and evidence-based care for older adults experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
Hitchhiking and the Production of Haptic Knowledge
Authors: Purkis Jonathan , Laviolette Patrick
Published: September 2024

Overall, the cultural and artistic practices that continue to surround hitchhiking subcultures are largely untapped by serious scholastic research. This paper, deliberately non-linear, explores the haptic dimensions of hitchhiking. We use this mode of travel to make certain observations about our late-modern, or cosmopolitan age, as well as about some of the subcultures surrounding adventurous, competitive, and alternative transport. The piece is grounded in a form of duo-auto-ethnography, inspired by the experiences of two authors who are well-versed in this practice, but who have still not met in person. The paper argues that one of the main lessons to arise from the era of mass hitchhiking during the mid-twentieth century is that the types of sensory knowledge acquired and passed on by hitchhikers themselves are unique in their spatio-temporal potential for being imaginatively transformed into tools for shaping wider socio-political projects.
Sleep Quality and Urinary Incontinence in Prostate Cancer Patients: A Data Analytics Approach with the ASCAPE Dataset
Authors: Manolitsis Ioannis , Feretzakis Georgios , Tzelves Lazaros , Anastasiou Athanasios , Koumpouros Yiannis , Verykios Vassilios S. , Katsimperis Stamatios , Bellos Themistoklis , Lazarou Lazaros , Varkarakis Ioannis
Published: September 2024

Background: The ASCAPE project aims to improve the health-related quality of life of cancer patients using artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions. The current study employs a comprehensive dataset to evaluate sleep and urinary incontinence, thus enabling the development of personalized interventions. Methods: This study focuses on prostate cancer patients eligible for curative treatment with surgery. Forty-two participants were enrolled following their diagnosis and were followed up at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgical treatment. The data collection process involved a combination of standardized questionnaires and wearable devices, providing a holistic view of patients’ QoL and health outcomes. The dataset is systematically organized and stored in a centralized database, with advanced statistical and AI techniques being employed to reveal correlations, patterns, and predictive markers that can ultimately lead to implementing personalized intervention strategies, ultimately enhancing patient QoL outcomes. Results: The correlation analysis between sleep quality and urinary symptoms post-surgery revealed a moderate positive correlation between baseline insomnia and baseline urinary symptoms (r = 0.407, p = 0.011), a positive correlation between baseline insomnia and urinary symptoms at 3 months (r = 0.321, p = 0.049), and significant correlations between insomnia at 12 months and urinary symptoms at 3 months (r = 0.396, p = 0.014) and at 6 months (r = 0.384, p = 0.017). Furthermore, modeling the relationship between baseline insomnia and baseline urinary symptoms showed that baseline insomnia is significantly associated with baseline urinary symptoms (coef = 0.222, p = 0.036). Conclusions: The investigation of sleep quality and urinary incontinence via data analysis through the ASCAPE project suggests that better sleep quality could improve urinary disorders.
Advances and Challenges in Orthopedic Implant-Associated Infections
Authors: Galasso Olimpio , Crinisio Alessandro , Bartoli Alessandro , Moretti Biagio
Published: September 2024

The number for orthopedic implants and reconstructive joint replacements, including knee and hip implants, underwent a considerable increase, driven by the aging population and increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders [...]
Estimation of the Cognitive Functioning of the Elderly by AI Agents: A Comparative Analysis of the Effects of the Psychological Burden of Intervention
Authors: Igarashi Toshiharu , Iijima Katsuya , Nitta Kunio , Chen Yu
Published: September 2024

In recent years, an increasing number of studies have begun to use conversational data in spontaneous speech to estimate cognitive function in older people. The targets of spontaneous speech with older people used to be physicians and licensed psychologists, but it is now possible to have conversations with fully automatic AI agents. However, it has not yet been clarified what difference there is in conversational communication with older people when the examiner is a human or an AI agent. This study explored the psychological burden experienced by elderly participants during cognitive function assessments, comparing interactions with human and AI conversational partners. Thirty-four participants, averaging 78.71 years of age, were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The objective was to assess the psychological impact of different conversational formats on the participants. The results indicated that the mental strain, as measured by VAS and STAI scores, was significantly higher during the MMSE sessions compared to other conversational interactions (p < 0.01). Notably, there was no significant difference in the mental burden between conversations with humans and AI agents, suggesting that AI-based systems could be as effective as human interaction in cognitive assessments.
A Multidisciplinary Study for the Recognition of Fault-Induced Instability Conditions on Cultural Heritage: The Case of Paternò (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Ristuccia Gloria Maria , Bonfanti Pietro , Caruso Orazio , Giammanco Salvatore
Published: September 2024

The 16th century AD St. Barbara’s Church in Paternò, a town located at the SW foot of Mt. Etna volcano (Sicily, Italy), has since 2009 showed evident signs of structural instability and collapse. This is causing great concern among the local population and poses a growing hazard to the attendees to the masses. After precautionary closure of the church, we carried out geological, seismic, geophysical and geochemical surveys in order to shed light on the possible causes of the phenomenon. From the results of all surveys above, the presence of a hidden fault was hypothesized. The fault would prove to cross the west side of the church, parallel to its front portal, and continue both to the north and to the south of the edifice. It is part of a more complex system of faults that crosses the whole town of Paternò and is likely a result of the complex dynamics of Mt. Etna. This fault seems to also be a pathway for the upward flow of saline hydrothermal fluids, similar in composition to those emitted in nearby areas and whose corrosive action possibly contributed to the weakening of the rocks beneath the church. Temporal monitoring of several hydrological parameters (water temperature, water level and CO2 content) in some sites in and around the church allowed a better understanding both of the fault dynamics and of the extent of hydrothermal influence in the studied area.
Extracellular Fragmented Self-DNA Displays Biostimulation of Lettuce in Soilless Culture
Authors: Cunha-Chiamolera Tatiana P. L. , Urrestarazu Miguel , Carbajal-Valenzuela Ireri A. , Ramos José Barroso , Ortega Raúl , Miralles Isabel , Guevara-González Ramón Gerardo
Published: September 2024

Research is advancing regarding techniques that are based on natural products developed using the plants. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is a potential alternative that can be used as active material in agronomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of self-eDNA using fertigation in lettuce plants as a biostimulant. Five fertigation treatments were used: 0 (control), 0.025, 0.25, 2.5 and 25 mg self-eDNA per plant. Fertigation was monitored through drainage fraction, pH and EC. The benefits of fertigation were evaluated using water, nitrate and potassium uptake, and growth. There was a significant correlation between fertigation uptake and growth. The highest correlation (R2 = 0.96) occurred between water uptake and growth. There was a quadratic fit between uptake and production parameters and the dose of self-eDNA applied. Mean drainage values showed no significant differences between treatments for EC and pH. The highest values of fertigation uptake (water, nitrate and potassium) and growth were observed at doses of 0.25 and 2.5 mg self-eDNA. Doses lower than 0.25 decreased by 21.3%, while doses higher than 2.5 decreased by 16.4%. Self-eDNA had beneficial effects as a biostimulant and potentially had an appropriate cost–benefit ratio.
Challenge Dose Titration in a Mycobacterium bovis Infection Model in Goats
Authors: Liebler-Tenorio Elisabeth M. , Wedlich Nadine , Figl Julia , Köhler Heike , Ulrich Reiner , Schröder Charlotte , Rissmann Melanie , Grode Leander , Kaufmann Stefan H. E. , Menge Christian
Published: September 2024

Goats are natural hosts of Mycobacterium (M.) bovis, and affected herds can be the cause of significant economic losses. Similarites in disease course and lesions of M. bovis infections in goats and M. tuberculosis in humans make goats good models for human tuberculosis. The aim of this investigation was to characterize M. bovis challenge models in goats. For this, goats were endobronchially inoculated with three doses of M. bovis or culture medium. Clinical signs, shedding, and immune responses were monitored until 146 days post inoculation (dpi). At necropsy, lesions were examined by computed tomography, histology, and bacteriological culture. Infected goats did not develop clinical signs. M. bovis was cultured from feces, but never from nasal swabs. IGRAs were positive from 28 dpi onwards, antibodies at 140 dpi, and SICCT at 146 dpi. The increase in CD25+, IFN-γ+, and IFN-γ-releasing T-cell subpopulations was time-related, but not dose-dependent. All infected goats developed paucibacillary granulomas in the lungs and regional lymph nodes. M. bovis was regularly cultured. Dose-dependent effects included the size of pulmonary lesions, caverns, intestinal lesions, and early generalization in the high-dose group. In summary, reproducible challenge models with dose-dependent differences in lesions were established, which may serve for testing vaccines for veterinary or medical use.
Prenanthes purpurea and 3,5-DiCQA Alleviate Cellular Stress in H2O2-Induced Neurotoxicity: An In Vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Mihaylova Rositsa , Zheleva-Dimitrova Dimitrina , Elincheva Viktoria , Gevrenova Reneta , Momekov Georgi , Simeonova Rumyana
Published: September 2024

Oxidative stress exerts multiple disruptive effects on cellular morphology and function and is a major detriment to age-related and pathological neurodegenerative processes. The present study introduces an evaluative and comparative investigation of the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of a Prenanthes purpurea extract and its major constituent 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (DiCQA) in an in vitro model of H2O2-induced neurotoxicity. Using validated in vitro and in silico approaches, we established the presence and concentration dynamics of cellular protection in a 24 h pretreatment regimen with the natural products. The conducted cytotoxicity studies and the automated Chou–Talalay analysis for studying drug interactions demonstrated a strong antagonistic effect of the tested substances against oxidative stimuli in an “on demand” manner, prevailing at the higher end of the concentration range. These findings were further supported by the proteomic characterization of the treatment samples, accounting for a more distinct neuroprotection provided by the pure polyphenol 3,5-DiCQA.
Differential Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Electrostimulation in a Standardized Setting
Authors: Di Pietro Biagio , Villata Simona , Dal Monego Simeone , Degasperi Margherita , Ghini Veronica , Guarnieri Tiziana , Plaksienko Anna , Liu Yuanhua , Pecchioli Valentina , Manni Luigi , Tenori Leonardo , Licastro Danilo , Angelini Claudia , Napione Lucia , Frascella Francesca , Nardini Christine
Published: September 2024

The therapeutic usage of physical stimuli is framed in a highly heterogeneous research area, with variable levels of maturity and of translatability into clinical application. In particular, electrostimulation is deeply studied for its application on the autonomous nervous system, but less is known about the anti- inflammatory effects of such stimuli beyond the inflammatory reflex. Further, reproducibility and meta-analyses are extremely challenging, owing to the limited rationale on dosage and experimental standardization. It is specifically to address the fundamental question on the anti-inflammatory effects of electricity on biological systems, that we propose a series of controlled experiments on the effects of direct and alternate current delivered on a standardized 3D bioconstruct constituted by fibroblasts and keratinocytes in a collagen matrix, in the presence or absence of TNF-α as conventional inflammation inducer. This selected but systematic exploration, with transcriptomics backed by metabolomics at specific time points allows to obtain the first systemic overview of the biological functions at stake, highlighting the differential anti-inflammatory potential of such approaches, with promising results for 5 V direct current stimuli, correlating with the wound healing process. With our results, we wish to set the base for a rigorous systematic approach to the problem, fundamental towards future elucidations of the detailed mechanisms at stake, highlighting both the healing and damaging potential of such approaches.
Effect of UV Radiation and Temperature on Radical Scavenging Activity of Hippophaë rhamnoides L. and Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Fruit Extracts
Authors: Michalak Monika , Pilawa Barbara , Ramos Paweł , Glinka Ryszard
Published: September 2024

New active ingredients, including those of plant origin, which could protect the skin against various harmful factors, such as UV radiation and free radicals responsible for skin ageing, are still being sought. The present study was focused on the antioxidant activity of Hippophaë rhamnoides L. and Vaccinium oxycoccos L. fruit glycolic extracts. Investigations were also carried out to evaluate the effect of UVA radiation and the storage of the sea buckthorn and European cranberry extracts at an elevated temperature of 50 °C on their interactions with free radicals. The kinetics of the interactions of the extracts with DPPH were assessed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The sea buckthorn and European cranberry extracts quench the EPR signal of DPPH free radicals, which indicates their antioxidant potential. The EPR method further showed that a mixture of sea buckthorn and cranberry extracts in a volume ratio of 2:1 was more potent in quenching free radicals compared to a mixture of these extracts in a ratio of 1:2. Our findings demonstrate that long-term UVA radiation exposure reduces the ability of sea buckthorn and cranberry extracts to interact with free radicals. Moreover, storage at elevated temperatures does not affect the interaction of sea buckthorn extract with free radicals, while it alters the ability of cranberry extract to interact with free radicals. This study has demonstrated that an important factor in maintaining the ability to scavenge radicals is the storage of raw materials under appropriate conditions. H. rhamnoides and V. oxycoccos extracts can be used as valuable raw materials with antioxidant properties in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Non-Cytotoxic Graphene Nanoplatelets Upregulate Cell Proliferation and Self-Renewal Genes of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Nicoletti Natália Fontana , Marinowic Daniel Rodrigo , Perondi Daniele , Budelon Gonçalves João Ismael , Piazza Diego , da Costa Jaderson Costa , Falavigna Asdrubal
Published: September 2024

Graphene nanoplatelets (UGZ–1004) are emerging as a promising biomaterial in regenerative medicine. This study comprehensively evaluates UGZ–1004, focusing on its physical properties, cytotoxicity, intracellular interactions, and, notably, its effects on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). UGZ–1004 was characterized by lateral dimensions and layer counts consistent with ISO standards and demonstrated a high carbon purity of 0.08%. Cytotoxicity assessments revealed that UGZ–1004 is non-toxic to various cell lines, including 3T3 fibroblasts, VERO kidney epithelial cells, BV–2 microglia, and MSCs, in accordance with ISO 10993–5:2020/2023 guidelines. The study focused on MSCs and revealed that UGZ–1004 supports their gene expression alterations related to self-renewal and proliferation. MSCs exposed to UGZ–1004 maintained their characteristic surface markers. Importantly, UGZ–1004 promoted significant upregulation of genes crucial for cell cycle regulation and DNA repair, such as CDK1, CDK2, and MDM2. This gene expression profile suggests that UGZ–1004 can enhance MSC self-renewal capabilities, ensuring robust cellular function and longevity. Moreover, UGZ–1004 exposure led to the downregulation of genes associated with tumor development, including CCND1 and TFDP1, mitigating potential tumorigenic risks. These findings underscore the potential of UGZ–1004 to not only bolster MSC proliferation but also enhance their self-renewal processes, which are critical for effective regenerative therapies. The study highlights the need for continued research into the long-term impacts of graphene nanoplatelets and their application in MSC-based regenerative medicine.
Adipokines in Neuroendocrine Tumors: An Evaluation of the Serum Levels of Ghrelin and Leptin
Authors: Strzelczyk Janusz , Bocian-Jastrzębska Agnes , Strzelczyk Joanna Katarzyna , Wójcik-Giertuga Monika , Biernacki Krzysztof , Kajdaniuk Dariusz , Kos-Kudła Beata
Published: September 2024

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors that are characteristically different from other malignancies. The difference is not only in the prognosis, which is usually more favorable in such patients, but also in the high clinical progression of the disease, where NET patients do not experience the cachexia typical of other malignancies. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the ghrelin and leptin levels in a group of patients diagnosed with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumors (BP-NETs) and to analyze the relationship between the body mass index (BMI), cachexia and selected NET markers. The study group comprised 52 patients with GEP-NETs and BP-NETs, while the controls comprised 67 healthy volunteers. The ghrelin and leptin concentrations were determined in both groups. The concentrations of chromogranin A, serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were determined in the study group. Characteristics of the study group and of the controls were defined by age, sex and BMI, and the effects of these factors on the ghrelin and leptin concentrations were assessed. The data obtained were subject to statistical analysis. The study cohort showed higher levels of ghrelin as compared to the controls (142.31 ± 26.00 vs. 121.49 ± 35.45, p = 0.016), and no statistical difference in the levels of leptin (11.15 ± 9.6 vs. 12.94 ± 20.30, p = 0.439) were observed. Significantly lower levels of leptin were found in patients with the small intestine primary location, as compared to individuals with primary locations in the lungs and the pancreas (4.9 ± 6.49 vs. 16.97 ± 15.76, p = 0.045, and 4.9 ± 6.49 vs. 12.89 ± 8.56, p = 0.016, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between the leptin levels and the BMIs in both the study group (rS = 0.33, p = 0.016) and the controls (rS = 0.41, p = 0.001). The study group showed a negative correlation between the leptin levels and 5-HIAA (rS = −0.32, p = 0.026) and a negative correlation between the leptin levels and Ki-67 (rS = −0.33, p = 0.018). The control group showed negative correlations between the ghrelin and the volunteer age (rS = −0.41, p = 0.008), the leptin and the volunteer age (rS = −0.44, p < 0.001), the leptin and total cholesterol (rS = −0.24, p < 0.049) as well as the leptin and triglycerides (rS = −0.33, p < 0.006). The current study emphasized the importance of the markers’ determination, where ghrelin appears as a valuable diagnostic biomarker in NETs, probably responsible for maintaining a normal BMI, despite the progression of the disease.
Diallyl Trisulfide and Cardiovascular Health: Evidence and Potential Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Novakovic Jovana , Muric Maja , Bradic Jovana , Ramenskaya Galina , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Jeremic Nevena
Published: September 2024

Traditionally, garlic has a valuable role in preventing and reducing the incidence of many diseases and pathophysiological disorders. Consequently, some researchers have focused on the beneficial cardiovascular properties of diallyl trisulfide (DATS), the most potent polysulfide isolated from garlic. Therefore, in this review, we collected the available data on DATS, its biochemical synthesis, metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and gathered the current knowledge and the role of DATS in cardiovascular diseases. Overall, this review summarizes the cardioprotective effects of DATS and brings together all previous findings on its protective molecular mechanisms, which are mainly based on the potent anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential of this polysulfide. Our review is an important cornerstone for further basic and clinical research on DATS as a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of numerous heart diseases.
Exploring Multifunctional Markers of Biological Age in Farmed Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata): A Transcriptomic and Epigenetic Interplay for an Improved Fish Welfare Assessment Approach
Authors: Belenguer Álvaro , Naya-Català Fernando , Calduch-Giner Josep Àlvar , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume
Published: September 2024

DNA methylation clocks provide information not only about chronological but also biological age, offering a high-resolution and precise understanding of age-related pathology and physiology. Attempts based on transcriptomic and epigenetic approaches arise as integrative biomarkers linking the quantification of stress responses with specific fitness traits and may help identify biological age markers, which are also considered welfare indicators. In gilthead sea bream, targeted gene expression and DNA methylation analyses in white skeletal muscle proved sirt1 as a reliable marker of age-mediated changes in energy metabolism. To complete the list of welfare auditing biomarkers, wide analyses of gene expression and DNA methylation in one- and three-year-old fish were combined. After discriminant analysis, 668 differentially expressed transcripts were matched with those containing differentially methylated (DM) regions (14,366), and 172 were overlapping. Through enrichment analyses and selection, two sets of genes were retained: 33 showing an opposite trend for DNA methylation and expression, and 57 down-regulated and hypo-methylated. The first set displayed an apparently more reproducible and reliable pattern and 10 multifunctional genes with DM CpG in regulatory regions (sirt1, smad1, ramp1, psmd2—up-regulated; col5a1, calcrl, bmp1, thrb, spred2, atp1a2—down-regulated) were deemed candidate biological age markers for improved welfare auditing in gilthead sea bream.
Deep Intraclonal Analysis for the Development of Vaccines against Drug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Lineages
Authors: Tajuelo Ana , Gato Eva , Oteo-Iglesias Jesús , Pérez-Vázquez María , McConnell Michael J. , Martín-Galiano Antonio J. , Pérez Astrid
Published: September 2024

Despite its medical relevance, there is no commercial vaccine that protects the population at risk from multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. The availability of massive omic data and novel algorithms may improve antigen selection to develop effective prophylactic strategies. Up to 133 exposed proteins in the core proteomes, between 516 and 8666 genome samples, of the six most relevant MDR clonal groups (CGs) carried conserved B-cell epitopes, suggesting minimized future evasion if utilized for vaccination. Antigens showed a range of epitopicity, functional constraints, and potential side effects. Eleven antigens, including three sugar porins, were represented in all MDR-CGs, constitutively expressed, and showed limited reactivity with gut microbiota. Some of these antigens had important interactomic interactions and may elicit adhesion-neutralizing antibodies. Synergistic bivalent to pentavalent combinations that address expression conditions, interactome location, virulence activities, and clone-specific proteins may overcome the limiting protection of univalent vaccines. The combination of five central antigens accounted for 41% of all non-redundant interacting partners of the antigen dataset. Specific antigen mixtures represented in a few or just one MDR-CG further reduced the chance of microbiota interference. Rational antigen selection schemes facilitate the design of high-coverage and “magic bullet” multivalent vaccines against recalcitrant K. pneumoniae lineages.