bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Influence of Energy Group Structure on Iron Shielding Calculation
Authors: Wu Jun , Zhang Bin , Chen Yixue
Published: April 2023

The energy group structure of a multi-group cross section library matched with a deterministic method has a significant influence on shielding calculation. The complex resonance cross section of Fe-56 has a significant influence on accuracy with different energy group structures when processing multi-group cross section data. In this study, in order to more accurately test the influence of the iron resonance phenomenon on shielding calculations, this group structure is modified by the 199-group with 69 points interpolated into its group boundaries at an energy range from 1.1 keV to 3.1164 MeV. The new 269-group library is then tested with selected SINBAD iron sphere benchmarks and compared with the results of 199-group, 299-group, and 172-group libraries and measurements. Upon analysis, it is shown that the resonance of Fe-56 has a great influence on the accuracy of the calculated leakage. Further, it is noted that the finer the energy group division, the greater the calculated leakage fluctuation, and the deeper the neutron passes through the iron sphere, the larger the calculated leakage fluctuation. This study and its leakage results may provide a good reference for the development of new multi-group structures for present and future shielding design.
The Role of Hydrogen and H2 Mobility on the Green Transition of Islands: The Case of Anafi (Greece)
Authors: Dimou Andreas , Moustakas Konstantinos , Vakalis Stergios
Published: April 2023

The holistic green energy transition of non-interconnected islands faces several challenges if all the energy sectors are included, i.e., electricity, heating/cooling, and mobility. On the one hand, the penetration of renewable energy systems (RES) is limited due to design restrictions with respect to the peak demand. On the other hand, energy-intensive heating and mobility sectors pose significant challenges and may be difficult to electrify. The focus of this study is on implementing a hybrid Wind–PV system on the non-interconnected island of Anafi (Greece) that utilizes surplus renewable energy production for both building heating through heat pumps and hydrogen generation. This comprehensive study aims to achieve a holistic green transition by addressing all three main sectors—electricity, heating, and transportation. The produced hydrogen is utilized to address the energy needs of the mobility sector (H2 mobility), focusing primarily on public transportation vehicles (buses) and secondarily on private vehicles. The overall RES production was modeled to be 91,724 MWh with a RES penetration of 84.68%. More than 40% of the produced electricity from RES was in the form of excess electricity that could be utilized for hydrogen generation. The modeled generated hydrogen was simulated to be more than 40 kg H2/day, which could cover all four bus routes of the island and approximately 200 cars for moderate use, i.e., traveled distances of less than 25 km/day for each vehicle.
Mitigating Market Power and Promoting Competition in Electricity Markets through a Preventive Approach: The Role of Forward Contracts
Authors: Hakam Dzikri Firmansyah
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a novel approach to optimizing the structure of the electricity market by mitigating market power through the use of forward contracts. The IEEE 30 node test system is used as a case study for the paper, which employs nodal pricing and a Cournot model with recursive optimization. The findings show that forward contracts can reduce market power and lead to a more competitive market structure with fewer participants. The study emphasizes the importance of successor companies having a well-balanced mix of generation technology. Six players with a different generational mix are optimal in the constrained nodal pricing scenario, while five players with slightly different mixes are optimal in the Cournot case study. These findings have important implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of efficient electricity markets. Market power can be reduced by using forward contracts and establishing an appropriate number of market participants, resulting in more efficient and sustainable electricity markets. Overall, this study provides useful insights for improving electricity market structures and increasing competition in the electricity sector.
The Influence Mechanism of Neutron Kinetics of the Accelerator-Driven Subcritical Reactor Based on the Fast/Thermal Neutron Spectra by Monte Carlo Homogenization Method
Authors: Deng Nianbiao , Xie Chao , Hou Cheng , Li Zhulun , Xie Jinsen , Yu Tao
Published: April 2023

For the sake of understanding the mechanism of deep subcriticality and high heterogeneity of neutron fluence rate in time–space on the neutron kinetics of the Accelerator-driven Subcritical Reactor Subcritical Reactor (ADSR) under varied beam transients and neutron spectra. A Monte Carlo homogenization approach for the neutron time–space kinetics of the ADSR is proposed in this study, and the influence mechanism on the kinetic parameters of the ADSR under varied neutron spectra, subcriticality, and beam transients is examined. The results show that the Monte Carlo homogenization for the α eigenvalue mode is more adaptable to the subcriticality characteristics under varied subcriticality; under beam transients, the relative differences in the kinetic parameters of the different modes of the ADSR with fast/thermal spectra increase with the depth of subcriticality, and the differences in neutron generation time for varied modes are larger than those of effective fraction of delayed neutron. Thus, it is recommended to use a more adaptable Monte Carlo homogenization method for the time–space kinetics of ADSR, and the effects of the high heterogeneity of neutron fluence rate and deep subcriticality in time–space on the neutron generation time should be considered.
A Review on Mass Transfer in Multiscale Porous Media in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Mechanism, Modeling, and Parameter Identification
Authors: Yang Fan , Xu Xiaoming , Li Yuehua , Chen Dongfang , Hu Song , He Ziwen , Du Yi
Published: April 2023

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are a promising clean power source that can be used in a variety of applications such as automobiles, stationary power plants, and portable power devices. The application problem of PEM fuel cells is a multiscale application process involving porous media, consisting of a series of mass, momentum, and energy transfers through gas channels, current transfers through membrane electrode assemblies, and electrochemical reactions at three-phase boundaries. In this paper, the recent research progress of PEMFC in multiscale porous-media mass transfer processes is reviewed, the research progress of fuel cell parameter identification is reviewed, and the future development direction is summarized and analyzed. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of proton exchange membrane fuel cell mass transfer and parameter identification to reference researchers and engineers in the field of fuel cell systems.
Age Estimation of Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f. on Socotra Island: A Direct Method to Determine Its Lifespan
Authors: Bauerová Lucie , Maděra Petr , Šenfeldr Martin , Habrová Hana
Published: April 2023

Background: Dracaena cinnabari is a monocot species that does not form annual tree rings; thus, its age can only be estimated. This species is threatened by low natural regeneration, with an evident absence of younger individuals most likely caused by overgrazing; therefore, knowing trees’ ages is important for possible conservation strategies; Methods: Data collection was conducted on the Firmihin Plateau on Socotra Island (Yemen) in 2021, and the diameter at breast height (DBH) of 1077 individuals was measured, the same as those established on monitoring plots 10 years before the current measurement. The 10-year radial stem increment and DBH obtained in 2011 served as a basis for the linear model from which the equations for the age calculation were derived. Results and Conclusions: A direct model of age estimation for D. cinnabari was developed. According to the fit model, the age in the first (10.1–15 cm) DBH class was estimated to be 111 years, while that in the last DBH class (90.1–95 cm) was estimated to be 672 years. The results revealed that the previously used indirect methods for D. cinnabari age estimation were accurate.
Modelling of Catechin Extraction from Red Grape Solids under Conditions That Simulate Red Wine Fermentation
Authors: Unterkofler Judith , Jeffery David W. , Setford Patrick C. , Macintyre Jean , Muhlack Richard A.
Published: April 2023

Digital control systems are well established in many industries and could find application in the wine sector. Of critical importance to red wine quality, the efficient and targeted extraction of polyphenols from red grape solids during alcoholic fermentation could be a focus for automation. Smart technologies such as model predictive control (MPC) or fuzzy logic appear ideal for application in a complex process such as wine polyphenol extraction, but require mathematical models that accurately describe the system. The aim of this study was to derive and validate a model describing the extraction of catechin (a representative polyphenol) from red grape solids under simulated fermentation conditions. The impact of ethanol, fermentable sugar, and temperature on extraction rate was determined, with factor conditions chosen to emulate those present in industry practice. A first-order approach was used to generate an extraction model based on mass conservation that incorporated temperature and sugar dependency. Coefficients of determination (R2) for all test scenarios exceeded 0.94, indicating a good fit to the experimental data. Sensitivity analysis for the extraction rate and internal cross-validation showed the model to be robust, with a small standard error in cross-validation (SECV) of 0.11 and a high residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 17.68. The model that was developed is well suited to digital technologies where low computational overheads are desirable, and industrial application scenarios are presented for future implementation of the work.
Obstacle Impacts on Methane-Air Flame Propagation Properties in Straight Pipes
Authors: Shirzaei Mohammadreza , Zanganeh Jafar , Moghtaderi Behdad
Published: April 2023

Accidental flame initiation to propagation in pipes carrying flammable gases is a significant safety concern that can potentially result in loss of life and substantial damage to property. The understanding of flame propagation characteristics caused by methane–air mixtures within various extractive and associated process industries such as coal mining is critical in developing effective and safe fire prevention and mitigation countermeasures. The aim of this study is to investigate and visualise the fire and explosion properties of a methane–air mixture in a straight pipe with and without obstacles. The experimental setup included modular starting pipes, an array of sensors (flame, temperature, and pressure), a gas injection system, a gas analyser, data acquisition and a control system. The resulting observations indicated that the presence of obstacles within a straight pipe eventuated an increase in flame propagation speed and deflagration overpressure as well as a reduction in the elapsed time of flame propagation. The maximum flame propagation speed in the presence of an orifice with a 70% blockage ratio at multiple spots was increased around 1.7 times when compared to the pipe without obstacles for 10% methane concentration. The findings of this study will augment the body of scientific knowledge and assist extractive and associated process industries, including stakeholders in coal mining to develop better strategies for preventing or reducing the incidence of methane–air flame propagation caused by accidental fires.
Development of a Functional Dark Chocolate with Baobab Pulp
Authors: Monteiro Sara , Dias João , Lourenço Vanda , Partidário Ana , Lageiro Manuela , Lampreia Célia , Fernandes Jaime , Lidon Fernando , Reboredo Fernando , Alvarenga Nuno
Published: April 2023

In recent years, cocoa and dark chocolate have attracted the interest of consumers not only for their sensory characteristics but also for their nutritional properties and positive impact on health. The baobab is a fruit of African origin with a sour and slightly sweet flavour, widely consumed by local communities due to its unique nutritional features. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of the concentration of baobab flour in the development of functional dark chocolate, including physical, chemical, nutritional and sensory evaluations. The results presented a positive correlation between the incorporation of baobab flour and the antioxidant activity (up to 2297 mmol TE/100 g), vitamin C content (up to 49.7 mg/100 g), calcium (up to 1052 mg/kg), potassium (up to 10,175 mg/kg), phosphorus (up to 795.9 mg/kg), chlorine (up to 235.4 mg/kg) and sulphur (up to 1158 mg/kg). The sensory evaluation of dark chocolate with 3% baobab presented the highest evaluation on the parameters “texture” and “overall flavour”, while the parameter “overall flavour” presented the lowest evaluation on chocolate with 9% baobab. No influence was observed on fatty acid profile, protein, fat and hardness.
Effect of Dietary Casein Phosphopeptide Addition on the Egg Production Performance, Egg Quality, and Eggshell Ultrastructure of Late Laying Hens
Authors: Liu Wenpei , Lin Jun , Zhang Chenyue , Yang Zhi , Shan Haoshu , Jiang Jiasen , Wan Xiaoli , Wang Zhiyue
Published: April 2023

(1) Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary casein phosphopeptide (CPP) supplementation on the egg production performance of late laying hens and the resulting egg quality and eggshell ultrastructure. (2) Methods: A total of 800 laying hens aged 58 weeks were randomly assigned into 5 groups with 8 replicates of 20 hens each. The hens were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control, T1), 0.5 (T2), 1.0 (T3), 1.5 (T4), and 2.0 (T5) g/kg CPP for 9 weeks. (3) Results: Dietary CPP supplementation was found to be beneficial for improving eggshell quality. The spoiled egg rate of the experimental groups was lower than that of the control group (linear and quadratic effect, p < 0.05). The yolk color in the T2, T3, and T4 groups was higher than that in the T1 group (quadratic effect, p < 0.05). The shell thickness in the T4 group was higher than that in the T1 and T2 groups (linear effect, p < 0.05). The shell color in the experimental groups was higher than that in the control group (linear and quadratic effect, p < 0.05). The effective thickness in the T3–T5 groups (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) and the number of papillary nodes in the T2 and T3 groups were higher than those in the T1 group (quadratic, p < 0.05). The calcium content in the T2 and T3 groups was higher than that in the T1 group (quadratic effect, p < 0.05). The iron content in the T2 and T3 groups was higher than that in the T1 group (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusion: In summary, 0.5–1.0 g/kg CPP supplementation reduced the spoiled egg rate, enhanced the yolk and eggshell colors, increased the thickness of the effective layer, and the calcium and iron contents in the eggshell.
Compact Difference Schemes with Temporal Uniform/Non-Uniform Meshes for Time-Fractional Black–Scholes Equation
Authors: Gu Jie , Nong Lijuan , Yi Qian , Chen An
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we are interested in the effective numerical schemes of the time-fractional Black–Scholes equation. We convert the original equation into an equivalent integral-differential equation and then discretize the time-integral term in the equivalent form using the piecewise linear interpolation, while the compact difference formula is applied in the spatial direction. Thus, we derive a fully discrete compact difference scheme with second-order accuracy in time and fourth-order accuracy in space. Rigorous proofs of the corresponding stability and convergence are given. Furthermore, in order to deal effectively with the non-smooth solution, we extend the obtained results to the case of temporal non-uniform meshes and obtain a temporal non-uniform mesh-based compact difference scheme as well as the numerical theory. Finally, extensive numerical examples are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed compact difference schemes.
Input-Output Finite-Time Stability of Fractional-Order Switched Singular Systems with D-Perturbation
Authors: Yu Qiang , Xue Na
Published: April 2023

The objective of this paper focuses on the stability analysis of the input-output finite-time for a class of fractional-order switched singular systems (FOSSS) with D-perturbation. By using the Φ-dependent average dwell time (ΦDADT) approach together with the multiple Lyapunov functions method, some sufficient conditions are derived for the considered system to ensure its input-output finite-time stability in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Then, the output feedback controller is designed to ensure the closed-loop system is input-output finite-time stable. Finally, a numerical example illustrates the superiority of the proposed method.
Distance Learning in Nursing Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Psychosocial Impact for the Greek Nursing Students—A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Kartsoni Evangelia , Bakalis Nikolaos , Markakis George , Zografakis-Sfakianakis Michail , Patelarou Evridiki , Patelarou Athina
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major threat to global health and on the educational field. The purpose of this study is to identify and illustrate the psychosocial adaptation of nursing students to the sudden and exclusive application of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Methods: A qualitative interview research has been designed. Two focus groups of seven members each and six individual interviews were conducted in a sample of undergraduate nursing students in Greece from 3 March 2021, to 9 April 2021.; (3) Results: A qualitative thematic analysis of the data identified six themes: 1. Challenges; 2. Concerns; 3. Social changes; 4. Negative Emotions; 5. Evaluation; and 6. Teaching strategies.; (4) Conclusions: During its implementation, it identified gaps and weaknesses in the entire academic community. The study of the psychosocial adaptation of the academic community is considered crucial, as it can highlight the individual difficulties in distance learning and contribute to the improvement of the methods of its the improvement of its methods.
Quantifying Housekeeping Challenge and Conservation Need
Authors: Lloyd Helen
Published: April 2023

This simple model, developed by conservators, assists in the challenge of making preventive conservation, housekeeping, and care of historic interiors and collections, physically and economically sustainable, in historic houses welcoming increasing volumes of visitors (a primary source of dust). It introduces objectivity into conservation advice and management decisions: how many collections care staff should each historic house ideally employ, and how large an annual budget is required to fund the non-wage costs of routine preventive and interventive conservation? Are staffing structures rational and consistent, and tailored to the individual and developing circumstances of multiple properties? Eight qualitative and quantitative criteria are each given a score from 1–4 in relation to their data ranges. The total scores for each property are converted to percentages, correlated with staffing structures, and used to estimate the requirements for daily, weekly and annual housekeeping and conservation cleaning. Selected data are used to measure housekeeping performance against weekly targets, and to rationalize the distribution of financial resources for preventive conservation and maintenance. The model can be adapted for use in any museum or heritage building which needs to assess and quantify the routine care of interiors and collections on open display to visitors.
AquaCrop Model Performance in Yield, Biomass, and Water Requirement Simulations of Common Bean Grown under Different Irrigation Treatments and Sowing Periods
Authors: Stričević Ružica , Lipovac Aleksa , Djurović Nevenka , Sotonica Dunja , Ćosić Marija
Published: April 2023

The application of crop growth simulation and water management models will become increasingly important in the future. They can be used to predict yield reductions due to water scarcity and allocate water to ensure profitable crop production. The objective of this research was to calibrate the AquaCrop model for common bean (Faseolus vulgaris L.) grown in temperate climates and to test whether the model can be used for different irrigation strategies to achieve high yield productivity. The model was calibrated using data obtained from two years of experimental research in the Serbian territory of the Syrmia region. There were three sowing periods/plots: I—mid April, II—end of May/beginning of June, and III—third decade of June/beginning of July; and three levels of irrigation/subplots: full irrigation (F) providing 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), mild deficit irrigation (R) at 80% of ETc, and moderate deficit irrigation (S) at 60% of ETc. The results show that the AquaCrop model accurately predicts common bean yield, biomass, canopy cover, and water requirements. The statistical indices of the calibrated dataset, coefficient of determination (R2), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), mean bias error (MBE), and Willmott agreement index (d) for yield and biomass were: 0.91, 0.99; 6.9%, 11.4%; −0.046, 1.186 and 0.9, 0.89, respectively. When testing three irrigation strategies, the model accurately predicted irrigation requirements for the full and two deficit irrigation strategies, with only 29 mm, 32 mm, and 34 mm more water than was applied for the Fs, Rs, and Ss irrigation strategy, respectively. The AquaCrop model performed well in predicting irrigated yield and can be used to estimate the yield of common bean for different sowing periods and irrigation strategies.
Fish—To Eat or Not to Eat? A Mixed-Methods Investigation of the Conundrum of Fish Consumption in the Context of Marine Pollution in Indonesia
Authors: Anyanwu Oyedolapo A. , Folta Sara C. , Zhang Fang Fang , Chui Kenneth , Chomitz Virginia R. , Kartasurya Martha I. , Naumova Elena N.
Published: April 2023

Background: The Indonesian government faces a dilemma of promoting fish consumption for its health benefits and to ease food insecurity, while at the same time seeking effective approaches to reduce the high levels of marine pollution. However, the factors associated with fish consumption in the face of persistent high levels of marine pollution are not well elucidated in the literature. Objectives: This was an explorative study to investigate the sociodemographic factors related to fish consumption and to understand the perspectives of expert informants on marine pollution and its impact on fish quality and availability in Indonesia. Methods: We characterized fish consumption among respondents aged 15 years and older in the fifth wave of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (n = 31,032), based on their sociodemographic profiles, and developed multinomial regression models to assess the relationship between respondents’ sociodemographic profiles and quintiles of fish consumption. We also conducted in-depth interviews on fish consumption and marine pollution with key informants from Indonesia (n = 27). We then used a convergent mixed-methods design to synthesize the results of both datasets. Results: Fish was the most frequently consumed animal-source food reported by survey respondents: 2.8 (±2.6) days/week. More younger respondents (15–19 years) reported relatively lower consumption of fish (9.3% in Q1 versus 5.9% in Q5) compared to respondents 50 years and older (37% in Q1 versus 39.9% in Q5; p < 0.01). When classified by region, more respondents from the Java region reported lower consumption of fish (86.5% in Q1 versus 53% in Q5; p < 0.01). Key-informants’ perspectives corroborated the survey results by indicating that the younger generation tends not to want to consume fish; informants expanded the survey results by suggesting that fish is scarce in the Java region due to high levels of marine pollution. Informants further implied that there is low awareness about the impact of marine pollution on fish quality among most of the Indonesian population. Conclusion: Evidence from both data sources converge on differential preference for fish consumption by age group. Informants’ perspectives also link marine pollution to fish scarcity, which poses a threat to food security among low-income Indonesians and to human health globally. More studies are needed to corroborate our findings and inform policy guidelines to reduce marine pollution while promoting fish consumption in Indonesia.
Description of Trends over the Week in Alcohol-Related Ambulance Attendance Data
Authors: Coomber Kerri , Miller Peter G. , Killian Jessica J. , Ogeil Rowan P. , Beard Naomi , Lubman Dan I. , Baldwin Ryan , Smith Karen , Scott Debbie
Published: April 2023

Alcohol harms are often determined using a proxy measure based on temporal patterns during the week when harms are most likely to occur. This study utilised coded Australian ambulance data from the Victorian arm of the National Ambulance Surveillance System (NASS) to investigate temporal patterns across the week for alcohol-related ambulance attendances in 2019. These patterns were examined by season, regionality, gender, and age group. We found clear temporal peaks: from Friday 6:00 p.m. to Saturday 3:59 a.m. for both alcohol-involved and alcohol-intoxication-related attendance, from Saturday 6:00 p.m. to Sunday 4:59 a.m. for alcohol-involved attendances, and from Saturday 5:00 p.m. to Sunday 4:49 a.m. for alcohol-intoxication-related attendances. However, these temporal trends varied across age groups. Additionally, hours during Thursday and Sunday evenings also demonstrated peaks in attendances. There were no substantive differences between genders. Younger age groups (18–24 and 25–29 years) had a peak of alcohol-related attendances from 7:00 p.m. to 7:59 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, whereas the peak in attendances for 50–59 and 60+ years was from 5:00 p.m. to 2:59 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. These findings further the understanding of the impacts of alcohol during different times throughout the week, which can guide targeted policy responses regarding alcohol use and health service capacity planning.
Thermal Contaminants in Coffee Induced by Roasting: A Review
Authors: da Costa David Silva , Albuquerque Tânia Gonçalves , Costa Helena Soares , Bragotto Adriana Pavesi Arisseto
Published: April 2023

Roasting is responsible for imparting the main characteristics to coffee, but the high temperatures used in the process can lead to the formation of several potentially toxic substances. Among them, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, acrylamide, furan and its derivative compounds, α-dicarbonyls and advanced glycation end products, 4-methylimidazole, and chloropropanols stand out. The objective of this review is to present a current and comprehensive overview of the chemical contaminants formed during coffee roasting, including a discussion of mitigation strategies reported in the literature to decrease the concentration of these toxicants. Although the formation of the contaminants occurs during the roasting step, knowledge of the coffee production chain as a whole is important to understand the main variables that will impact their concentrations in the different coffee products. The precursors and routes of formation are generally different for each contaminant, and the formed concentrations can be quite high for some substances. In addition, the study highlights several mitigation strategies related to decreasing the concentration of precursors, modifying process conditions and eliminating/degrading the formed contaminant. Many of these strategies show promising results, but there are still challenges to be overcome, since little information is available about advantages and disadvantages in relation to aspects such as costs, potential for application on an industrial scale and impacts on sensory properties.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Alcohol-Attributed Deaths in the United States, 1999–2020
Authors: Karaye Ibraheem M. , Maleki Nasim , Yunusa Ismaeel
Published: April 2023

The disparities in alcohol-attributed death rates among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States (US) have received limited research attention. Our study aimed to examine the burden and trends in alcohol-attributed mortality rates in the US by race and ethnicity from 1999 to 2020. We used national mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database and employed the ICD-10 coding system to identify alcohol-related deaths. Disparity rate ratios were calculated using the Taylor series, and Joinpoint regression was used to analyze temporal trends and calculate annual and average annual percentage changes (APCs and AAPCs, respectively) in mortality rates. Between 1999 and 2020, 605,948 individuals died from alcohol-related causes in the US. The highest age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) was observed among American Indian/Alaska Natives, who were 3.6 times more likely to die from alcohol-related causes than Non-Hispanic Whites (95% CI: 3.57, 3.67). An examination of trends revealed that recent rates have leveled among American Indians/Alaska Natives (APC = 17.9; 95% CI: −0.3, 39.3) while increasing among Non-Hispanic Whites (APC = 14.3; 95% CI: 9.1, 19.9), Non-Hispanic Blacks (APC = 17.0; 95% CI: 7.3, 27.5), Asians/Pacific Islanders (APC = 9.5; 95% CI: 3.6, 15.6), and Hispanics (APC = 12.6; 95% CI: 1.3, 25.1). However, when the data were disaggregated by age, sex, census region, and cause, varying trends were observed. This study underscores the disparities in alcohol-related deaths among different racial and ethnic groups in the US, with American Indian/Alaska Natives experiencing the highest burden. Although the rates have plateaued among this group, they have been increasing among all other subgroups. To address these disparities and promote equitable alcohol-related health outcomes for all populations, further research is necessary to gain a better understanding of the underlying factors and develop culturally sensitive interventions.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Air Pollutants in the Province of Ferrara, Northern Italy: An Ecological Study
Authors: Antonioni Annibale , Govoni Vittorio , Brancaleoni Lisa , Donà Alessandro , Granieri Enrico , Bergamini Mauro , Gerdol Renato , Pugliatti Maura
Published: April 2023

The etiopathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is still largely unknown, but likely depends on gene–environment interactions. Among the putative sources of environmental exposure are air pollutants and especially heavy metals. We aimed to investigate the relationship between ALS density and the concentration of air pollution heavy metals in Ferrara, northern Italy. An ecological study was designed to correlate the map of ALS distribution and that of air pollutants. All ALS cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 (Ferrara University Hospital administrative data) were plotted by residency in 100 sub-areas, and grouped in 4 sectors: urban, rural, northwestern and along the motorway. The concentrations of silver, aluminium, cadmium, chrome, copper, iron, manganese, lead, and selenium in moss and lichens were measured and monitored in 2006 and 2011. Based on 62 ALS patients, a strong and direct correlation of ALS density was observed only with copper concentrations in all sectors and in both sexes (Pearson coefficient (ρ) = 0.758; p = 0.000002). The correlation was higher in the urban sector (ρ = 0.767; p = 0.000128), in women for the overall population (ρ = 0.782, p = 0.000028) and in the urban (ρ = 0.872, p = 0.000047) population, and for the older cohort of diagnosed patients (2000–2009) the assessment correlated with the first assessment of air pollutants in 2006 (ρ = 0.724, p = 0.008). Our data is, in part, consistent with a hypothesis linking copper pollution to ALS.
Characterization of PcSTT3B as a Key Oligosaccharyltransferase Subunit Involved in N-glycosylation and Its Role in Development and Pathogenicity of Phytophthora capsici
Authors: Cui Tongshan , Ma Quanhe , Zhang Fan , Chen Shanshan , Zhang Can , Hao Jianjun , Liu Xili
Published: April 2023

Asparagine (Asn, N)-linked glycosylation is a conserved process and an essential post-translational modification that occurs on the NXT/S motif of the nascent polypeptides in endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The mechanism of N-glycosylation and biological functions of key catalytic enzymes involved in this process are rarely documented for oomycetes. In this study, an N-glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin (TM) hampered the mycelial growth, sporangial release, and zoospore production of Phytophthora capsici, indicating that N-glycosylation was crucial for oomycete growth development. Among the key catalytic enzymes involved in N-glycosylation, the PcSTT3B gene was characterized by its functions in P. capsici. As a core subunit of the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex, the staurosporine and temperature sensive 3B (STT3B) subunit were critical for the catalytic activity of OST. The PcSTT3B gene has catalytic activity and is highly conservative in P. capsici. By using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene replacement system to delete the PcSTT3B gene, the transformants impaired mycelial growth, sporangial release, zoospore production, and virulence. The PcSTT3B-deleted transformants were more sensitive to an ER stress inducer TM and display low glycoprotein content in the mycelia, suggesting that PcSTT3B was associated with ER stress responses and N-glycosylation. Therefore, PcSTT3B was involved in the development, pathogenicity, and N-glycosylation of P. capsici.
A Lifelong Impact on Endometriosis: Pathophysiology and Pharmacological Treatment
Authors: Chen Liang-Hsuan , Lo Wei-Che , Huang Hong-Yuan , Wu Hsien-Ming
Published: April 2023

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with bothersome symptoms in premenopausal women and is complicated with long-term systemic impacts in the post-menopausal stage. It is generally defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, which causes menstrual disorders, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Endometriotic lesions can also spread and grow in extra-pelvic sites; the chronic inflammatory status can cause systemic effects, including metabolic disorder, immune dysregulation, and cardiovascular diseases. The uncertain etiologies of endometriosis and their diverse presentations limit the treatment efficacy. High recurrence risk and intolerable side effects result in poor compliance. Current studies for endometriosis have paid attention to the advances in hormonal, neurological, and immunological approaches to the pathophysiology and their potential pharmacological intervention. Here we provide an overview of the lifelong impacts of endometriosis and summarize the updated consensus on therapeutic strategies.
Antiviral Activity of Quercetin Hydrate against Zika Virus
Authors: Saivish Marielena Vogel , Menezes Gabriela de Lima , da Silva Roosevelt Alves , Fontoura Marina Alves , Shimizu Jacqueline Farinha , da Silva Gislaine Celestino Dutra , Teixeira Igor da Silva , Mistrão Natalia Franco Bueno , Hernandes Victor Miranda , Rahal Paula , Sacchetto Lívia , Pacca Carolina Colombelli , Marques Rafael Elias , Nogueira Maurício Lacerda
Published: April 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) has re-emerged in recent decades, leading to outbreaks of Zika fever in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Despite its drastic re-emergence and clinical impact, no vaccines or antiviral compounds are available to prevent or control ZIKV infection. This study evaluated the potential antiviral activity of quercetin hydrate against ZIKV infection and demonstrated that this substance inhibits virus particle production in A549 and Vero cells under different treatment conditions. In vitro antiviral activity was long-lasting (still observed 72 h post-infection), suggesting that quercetin hydrate affects multiple rounds of ZIKV replication. Molecular docking indicates that quercetin hydrate can efficiently interact with the specific allosteric binding site cavity of the NS2B-NS3 proteases and NS1-dimer. These results identify quercetin as a potential compound to combat ZIKV infection in vitro.
Clinical-Grade Patches as a Medium for Enrichment of Sweat-Extracellular Vesicles and Facilitating Their Metabolic Analysis
Authors: Rahat Syeda Tayyiba , Mäkelä Mira , Nasserinejad Maryam , Ikäheimo Tiina M. , Hyrkäs-Palmu Henna , Valtonen Rasmus I. P. , Röning Juha , Sebert Sylvain , Nieminen Anni I. , Ali Nsrein , Vainio Seppo
Published: April 2023

Cell-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs), carrying components such as RNA, DNA, proteins, and metabolites, serve as candidates for developing non-invasive solutions for monitoring health and disease, owing to their capacity to cross various biological barriers and to become integrated into human sweat. However, the evidence for sweat-associated EVs providing clinically relevant information to use in disease diagnostics has not been reported. Developing cost-effective, easy, and reliable methodologies to investigate EVs’ molecular load and composition in the sweat may help to validate their relevance in clinical diagnosis. We used clinical-grade dressing patches, with the aim being to accumulate, purify and characterize sweat EVs from healthy participants exposed to transient heat. The skin patch-based protocol described in this paper enables the enrichment of sweat EVs that express EV markers, such as CD63. A targeted metabolomics study of the sweat EVs identified 24 components. These are associated with amino acids, glutamate, glutathione, fatty acids, TCA, and glycolysis pathways. Furthermore, as a proof-of-concept, when comparing the metabolites’ levels in sweat EVs isolated from healthy individuals with those of participants with Type 2 diabetes following heat exposure, our findings revealed that the metabolic patterns of sweat EVs may be linked with metabolic changes. Moreover, the concentration of these metabolites may reflect correlations with blood glucose and BMI. Together our data revealed that sweat EVs can be purified using routinely used clinical patches, setting the foundations for larger-scale clinical cohort work. Furthermore, the metabolites identified in sweat EVs also offer a realistic means to identify relevant disease biomarkers. This study thus provides a proof-of-concept towards a novel methodology that will focus on the use of the sweat EVs and their metabolites as a non-invasive approach, in order to monitor wellbeing and changes in diseases.
Renal Disturbances during and after Radioligand Therapy of Neuroendocrine Tumors—Extended Analysis of Potential Acute and Chronic Complications
Authors: Saracyn Marek , Durma Adam Daniel , Bober Barbara , Lubas Arkadiusz , Kołodziej Maciej , Kapusta Waldemar , Dmochowska Beata , Kamiński Grzegorz
Published: April 2023

Neuroendocrine tumors (NEN) are a group of neoplasms that arise from hormonal and neural cells. Despite a common origin, their clinical symptoms and outcomes are varied. They are most commonly localized in the gastrointestinal tract. Targeted radioligand therapy (RLT) is a treatment option which has proven to be successful in recent studies. However, the possible outcomes and true safety profile of the treatment need to be fully determined, especially by new, more sensitive methods. Our study aimed to present an extended analysis of acute and chronic renal complications during and after radioligand therapy using, for the first time in the literature, innovative and complex renal parameters. Forty patients with neuroendocrine tumors underwent four courses of radioligand therapy with [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE or [177Lu]Lu/[90Y]Y-DOTATATE. Radioisotopes were administrated in intervals of 8–12 weeks, with concurrent intravenous nephroprotection. New detailed and sensitive renal parameters were used to determine the renal safety profile during and after radioisotope therapy for standard treatment of NEN. During the first and fourth courses of RLT, no change in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was observed. However, long-term observations one year after the treatment showed a 10% reduction in the GFR. During the first course of treatment, the fractional urea and calcium excretions increased, while the fractional potassium concentration decreased. The fractional calcium excretion remained highly increased in long-term observations. Decreases in urine IL-18, KIM-1 and albumin concentrations were observed during RLT. The concentrations of IL-18 and KIM-1 remained low even a year after therapy. The ultrasound parameters of renal perfusion changed during treatment, before partially returning to the baseline one year after therapy, and were correlated with the biochemical parameters of renal function. A permanent increase in diastolic blood pressure was correlated with the decrease in the GFR observed during the study. In this innovative and complex renal assessment during and after RLT, we found a permanent 10% per year decrease in the GFR and noticeable disturbances in renal tubule function. The diastolic blood pressure also increased.
Molecular Mechanism of Action of Cycloxaprid, An Oxabridged cis-Nitromethylene Neonicotinoid
Authors: Zhang Yixi , Xu Xiaoyong , Wang Jingting , Shao Xusheng , Liu Zewen , Li Zhong
Published: April 2023

Cycloxaprid, an oxabridged cis-nitromethylene neonicotinoid, showed high insecticidal activity in Hemipteran insect pests. In this study, the action of cycloxaprid was characterized by recombinant receptor Nlα1/rβ2 and cockroach neurons. On Nlα1/β2 in Xenopus oocytes, cycloxaprid acted as a full agonist. The imidacloprid resistance-associated mutation Y151S reduced the Imax of cycloxaprid by 37.0% and increased EC50 values by 1.9-fold, while the Imax of imidacloprid was reduced by 72.0%, and EC50 values increased by 2.3-fold. On cockroach neurons, the maximum currents elicited by cycloxaprid were only 55% of that of acetylcholine, a full agonist, but with close EC50 values of that of trans-neonicotinoids. In addition, cycloxaprid inhibited acetylcholine-evoked currents on insect neurons in a concentration-dependent manner when co-applied with acetylcholine. Cycloxaprid at low concentrations significantly inhibited the activation of nAChRs by acetylcholine, and its inhibition potency at 1 µM was higher than its activation potency on insect neurons. Two action potencies, activation, and inhibition, by cycloxaprid on insect neurons provided an explanation for its high toxicity to insect pests. In summary, as a cis-nitromethylene neonicotinoid, cycloxaprid showed high potency on both recombinant nAChR Nlα1/β2 and cockroach neurons, which guaranteed its high control effects on a variety of insect pests.
Not All Quiet on the Atherosclerosis Front
Authors: Schäfer Katrin
Published: April 2023

In recent decades, research has identified the key cellular processes that take place during atherosclerotic plaque development and progression, including endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and lipoprotein oxidation, which result in macrophage and mural cell activation, death and necrotic core formation [...]
Are Voltage Sensors Really Embedded in Muscarinic Receptors?
Authors: Cohen-Armon Malka
Published: April 2023

Unexpectedly, the affinity of the seven-transmembrane muscarinic acetylcholine receptors for their agonists is modulated by membrane depolarization. Recent reports attribute this characteristic to an embedded charge movement in the muscarinic receptor, acting as a voltage sensor. However, this explanation is inconsistent with the results of experiments measuring acetylcholine binding to muscarinic receptors in brain synaptoneurosomes. According to these results, the gating of the voltage-dependent sodium channel (VDSC) acts as the voltage sensor, generating activation of Go-proteins in response to membrane depolarization, and this modulates the affinity of muscarinic receptors for their cholinergic agonists.
Understanding the Golgi Apparatus and Intracellular Transport Pathways
Authors: Mironov Alexander A.
Published: April 2023

Today, the future paradigm of intracellular transport could be based on four competing models, namely the vesicular model, the cisterna maturation–progression model, the diffusion model, and the kiss-and-run model [...]
Muscle Atrophy: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Taillandier Daniel
Published: April 2023

The loss of muscle mass is a common adaptation to some physiological situations (e [...]
Circulating microRNA Biomarker for Detecting Breast Cancer in High-Risk Benign Breast Tumors
Authors: Khadka Vedbar S. , Nasu Masaki , Deng Youping , Jijiwa Mayumi
Published: April 2023

High-risk benign breast tumors are known to develop breast cancer at high rates. However, it is still controversial whether they should be removed during diagnosis or followed up until cancer development becomes evident. Therefore, this study sought to identify circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) that could serve as detection markers of cancers arising from high-risk benign tumors. Small RNA-seq was performed using plasma samples collected from patients with early-stage breast cancer (CA) and high-risk (HB), moderate-risk (MB), and no-risk (Be) benign breast tumors. Proteomic profiling of CA and HB plasma was performed to investigate the underlying functions of the identified miRNAs. Our findings revealed that four miRNAs, hsa-mir-128-3p, hsa-mir-421, hsa-mir-130b-5p, and hsa-mir-28-5p, were differentially expressed in CA vs. HB and had diagnostic power to discriminate CA from HB with AUC scores greater than 0.7. Enriched pathways based on the target genes of these miRNAs indicated their association with IGF-1. Furthermore, the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis performed on the proteomic data revealed that the IGF-1 signaling pathway was significantly enriched in CA vs. HB. In conclusion, these findings suggest that these miRNAs could potentially serve as biomarkers for detecting early-stage breast cancer from high-risk benign tumors by monitoring IGF signaling-induced malignant transformation.
Prebiotics and Probiotics: Healthy Biotools for Molecular Integrative and Modulation Approaches
Authors: Aguilera Margarita , Daddaoua Abdelali
Published: April 2023

The scope of this Special Issue is to highlight and expand our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of prebiotics and probiotics, as well as to offer a broad overview of current advancements and future directions in this research field [...]