bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Predictive Control with Three-Vector Modulation Connected to the Power Grid
Authors: Lunardi Angelo , Conde D. Eliomar , Monaro Renato , Fernandes Darlan , Sguarezi Filho Alfeu
Published: March 2022

Robust predictive control is presented in this article using a three-vector modulation for a grid-connected three-phase inverter. The aims of this article are proposing a robust controller that is able to deal with some variations of parameters that occur in practical systems and demonstrating the performance of the controller with experimental tests that change the inductance and consequently the parasitic resistance of the plant; the same controller can predictive the changes to obtain the optimal performance. The article also presents mathematical modeling for plants and controllers and a modulation method to solve the variable frequency problem. Experimental tests corroborate the expected results and validate the controller’s efficiency according to the control system analysis requirements and the IEEE 1547.2-2008 standard.
Thermal and Economic Analysis of Heat Exchangers as Part of a Geothermal District Heating Scheme in the Cheshire Basin, UK
Authors: Brown Christopher S. , Cassidy Nigel J. , Egan Stuart S. , Griffiths Dan
Published: March 2022

Heat exchangers are vital to any geothermal system looking to use direct heat supplied via a district heat network. Attention on geothermal schemes in the UK has been growing, with minimal attention on the performance of heat exchangers. In this study, different types of heat exchangers are analysed for the Cheshire Basin as a case study, specifically the Crewe area, to establish their effectiveness and optimal heat transfer area. The results indicate that counter-current flow heat exchangers have a higher effectiveness than co-current heat exchangers. Optimisation of the heat exchange area can produce total savings of £43.06 million and £71.5 million, over a 25-year lifetime, in comparison with a fossil-fuelled district heat network using geothermal fluid input temperatures of 67 °C and 86 °C, respectively.
Review, Classification and Loss Comparison of Modular Multilevel Converter Submodules for HVDC Applications
Authors: Tian Yumeng , Wickramasinghe Harith R. , Li Zixin , Pou Josep , Konstantinou Georgios
Published: March 2022

The circuit topology of a submodule (SM) in an modular multilevel converter (MMC) defines many of the functionalities of the complete power electronics conversion system and the specific applications that a specific MMC configuration can support. Most prominent among all applications for the MMC is its use in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems and multiterminal dc grids. The aim of the paper is to provide a comprehensive review and classification of the many different SM circuit topologies that have been proposed for the MMC up to date. Using an 800-MVA, point-to-point MMC-based HVDC transmission system as a benchmark, the presented analysis identifies the limitations and drawbacks of certain SM configurations that limit their broader adoption as MMC SMs. A hybrid model of an MMC arm and appropriate implementations of voltage-balancing algorithms are used for detailed loss comparison of all SMs and to quantify differences among multiple SMs. The review also provides a comprehensive benchmark among all SM configurations, broad recommendations for the benefits and limitations of different SM topologies which can be further expanded based on the requirements of a specific application, and identifies future opportunities.
Does Energy Demand Security Affect International Competitiveness? Case of Selected Energy-Exporting OECD Countries
Authors: Nyga-Łukaszewska Honorata , Napiórkowski Tomasz M.
Published: March 2022

International competitiveness and energy security are important topics on the energy policy agenda of energy-exporting and -importing nations. High dependence on energy rents challenges exporters’ economies and influences their ability to compete on international markets. The goal of this study is to investigate how energy demand security affects the international competitiveness of developed energy exporters. This research employs an econometric approach aimed at modeling the Heckscher–Ohlin and Ricardo international trade hypotheses. Introduced modifications allow for the measurement of international competitiveness on a country level, not per industry, and includes a series of energy variables in addition to relative resource endowment and productivity differentials. This study (based on Norway, the Netherlands, Canada and the USA over the period of 1997–2017) proves that energy security does not play a role in the shaping of international competitiveness of high-income energy-exporting countries.
Review and Analysis of Models for a European Digital Building Logbook
Authors: Gómez-Gil Marta , Espinosa-Fernández Almudena , López-Mesa Belinda
Published: March 2022

The concept of a Digital Building Logbook (DBL) was first introduced with the European strategy ‘Renovation Wave’. It is considered as one of two fundamental parts of which the Building Renovation Passport is composed: the DBL and a Renovation Roadmap. As the implementation of the DBL is a European priority, this paper reviews the existing literature and analyses the most developed European Digital Building Logbook models. The analysis includes iBRoad, ALDREN, X-tendo, and the Study on the Development of a European Union Framework for Buildings’ Digital Logbook, from the perspective of seven key aspects: References used as a starting point for the model definition; Identification of the relevant stakeholders in the DBL; Identified potential user needs; Proposed structure of indicators; Data sources; Potential functionalities; and Operation and use. The results show that important advancement has been made, although there is still no consensus about crucial subjects, such as the indicators to be collected or how to collect and use them. This is probably due to the fact that the final functionalities (objective and scope) that the logbook should provide are not fully clear.
Green Solution for Insulation System of a Medium Frequency High Voltage Transformer for an Offshore Wind Farm
Authors: Kharezy Mohammad , Mirzaei Hassan Reza , Thiringer Torbjörn , Serdyuk Yuriy V.
Published: March 2022

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission represents the most efficient way for transporting produced electrical energy from remotely located offshore wind farms to the shore. Such systems are implemented today using very expensive and large power transformers and converter stations placed on dedicated platforms. The present study aims at elaborating a compact solution for an energy collections system. The solution allows for a minimum of total transformer weight in the wind turbine nacelle reducing or even eliminating the need for a sea-based platform(s). The heart of the project is a Medium Frequency Transformer (MFT) that has a high DC voltage insulation towards ground. The transformer is employed in a DC/DC converter that delivers the energy into a serial array without additional conversion units. The insulation design methodology of an environmentally friendly HV insulation system for an MFT, based on pressboard and biodegradable oil, is introduced. The measurement method and results of the measurements of electrical conductivities of the transformer oil and Oil Impregnated Pressboard (OIP) are reported. The measurements show that the biodegradable ester oil/OIP conductivities are generally higher than the mineral oil/OIP conductivities. Numerical simulations reveal that the performance of the insulation system is slightly better when ester oil is used. Additionally, a lower temperature dependency for ester oil/OIP conductivities is observed, with the result that the transformer filled with ester oil is less sensitive to temperature variations.
2020–2022: Pivotal Years for European Energy Infrastructure
Authors: Careri Francesco , Efthimiadis Tilemahos , Masera Marcelo
Published: March 2022

The development of energy infrastructure is crucial for the fulfilment of multifaceted European Union (EU) policy objectives in the energy field. The EU’s support to projects is financial, technical, and political, and explicated through a series of legislative acts. This opinion aims to provide an overview of the main energy policy initiatives introduced in recent years (or soon to be introduced) and their impact on European energy infrastructure development. Examples include the revision of the Trans-European Networks for Energy, funding mechanisms to foster sustainable investments in renewable energies, and the EU taxonomy on sustainable activities. We also discuss possible future improvements of EU policy and regulatory frameworks on energy with the aim of supporting an efficient achievement of the European Green Deal objectives.
Smart Grid, Demand Response and Optimization: A Critical Review of Computational Methods
Authors: Assad Ussama , Hassan Muhammad Arshad Shehzad , Farooq Umar , Kabir Asif , Khan Muhammad Zeeshan , Bukhari S. Sabahat H. , Jaffri Zain ul Abidin , Oláh Judit , Popp József
Published: March 2022

In view of scarcity of traditional energy resources and environmental issues, renewable energy resources (RERs) are introduced to fulfill the electricity requirement of growing world. Moreover, the effective utilization of RERs to fulfill the varying electricity demands of customers can be achieved via demand response (DR). Furthermore, control techniques, decision variables and offered motivations are the ways to introduce DR into distribution network (DN). This categorization needs to be optimized to balance the supply and demand in DN. Therefore, intelligent algorithms are employed to achieve optimized DR. However, these algorithms are computationally restrained to handle the parametric load of uncertainty involved with RERs and power system. Henceforth, this paper focuses on the limitations of intelligent algorithms for DR. Furthermore, a comparative study of different intelligent algorithms for DR is discussed. Based on conclusions, quantum algorithms are recommended to optimize the computational burden for DR in future smart grid.
Far-Field Radiation Characteristics of Folded Monopole Antennas over a Conducting Ground Plane
Authors: Maxworth Ashanthi
Published: March 2022

Folded monopole structures have been used for many applications, including low-frequency electromagnetic wave transmission and reception. However, the literature on these antenna types is quite limited. Folded monopole antennas are mathematically complex compared to conventional monopole or dipole antennas since every fold introduces a new set of design parameters. This work studied the far-field radiation characteristics of multi-folded monopole antennas operating at 75 MHz in terms of their radiated power concerning the frequency, the far-field directivity of the electric field, and the effect of each design parameter on the far-field radiation power. According to the results, folding a monopole antenna multiple times increases its effective length, making this antenna a suitable candidate for applications where the antenna height is restricted. Additionally, the ground-to-wire separation has the biggest effect on radiated power. In both single-fold and two-fold cases, doubling the ground-to-wire separation increased the radiated power by 0.2 W compared to the other models with the same number of folds. As for the challenges, the impedance mismatch between the source and antenna causes a significant amount of power reflection; hence, suitable impedance matching is required to reduce reflected power.
Climate Effects on Black Spruce and Trembling Aspen Productivity in Natural Origin Mixed Stands
Authors: Sharma Mahadev
Published: March 2022

Forest managers need site productivity estimates for tree species growing in mixed stands. Models developed in the past are generally for pure stands and don’t factor in the effects of climate change on site productivity. Therefore, site index (SI) models were developed for black spruce (Picea mariana Mill. B.S.P.) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) trees grown in natural origin mixed stands. For this, 186 trees (93 black spruce and trembling aspen each) were sampled from 31 even-aged natural mixed stands (sites) (3 trees/species/site) across Ontario, Canada. Stand height growth models were developed by incorporating climate variables during growth for each species. Stem analysis data collected from sampled trees were used to develop these models. A mixed effects modelling approach was used to fit the models. The relationship between SIs of black spruce and trembling aspen grown in mixed stands was analyzed by calculating correlation coefficients and plotting black spruce SIs against those of trembling aspen. Climate effects on site productivity were evaluated by predicting stand heights for 4 geographic areas of Ontario for the period 2021 to 2080. Three emissions scenarios reflecting different amounts of heat at the end of the century (i.e., 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 watts m−2) were used in the stand height growth models developed here for evaluation. Climate effects were more pronounced for trembling aspen than black spruce only in the far west. The relationship between SIs of black spruce and trembling aspen trees grown in natural origin mixed stands could not be described using a linear/nonlinear mathematical function. The models developed here can be used to estimate stand height and SI of black spruce and trembling aspen trees grown in natural origin mixed stands in a changing climate. In the absence of climate data, models fitted without climate variables can be used to estimate SI of both species.
High-Speed Imaging of Water Hammer Cavitation in Oil–Hydraulic Pipe Flow
Authors: Jansson Marcus , Andersson Magnus , Karlsson Matts
Published: March 2022

A pipe water hammer with column separation was studied in a range of flow rates (Re=465 to 2239) in a test rig with an acrylic glass observation section. Pressure transients were measured with piezoresistive pressure sensors, while the gas evaporation and condensation were captured by high-speed recording with a Photron SA-Z at a frame rate of 75,000 fps. Separation lengths were estimated by a threshold value in the images. The results did not show a sharp gas–oil interface but consisted of small, dispersed bubbles mixed with larger vapor structures, where the bubbles seemed to become smaller after each collapse. These findings differ from the transient cavitating characteristics commonly reported in nonhydraulic piping systems governed by different fluid properties and time scales. Good repeatability, both in terms of pressure transients and bubble distribution, was observed. The column separation was quantified as a metric of separation length, which was consistent between the tests. Combined with pressure measurements, these results may assist in obtaining a better understanding of the transient cavitation dynamics within oil–hydraulic systems as well as be used to improve modelling strategies towards more accurate cavitation erosion predictions.
Adsorption of Quercetin on Brown Rice and Almond Protein Matrices: Effect of Quercetin Concentration
Authors: Kopjar Mirela , Buljeta Ivana , Ćorković Ina , Pichler Anita , Šimunović Josip
Published: March 2022

Plant-based proteins are very often used as carriers of different phenolic compounds. For that purpose, complexation of quercetin with almond and brown rice protein matrices was investigated. The amount of protein matrices was constant, while the concentration of quercetin varied (1 mM, 2 mM or 5 mM) during complexation. Dried complexes were investigated for quercetin amount (HPLC analysis) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC methods). Additionally, complexation was proven by DSC and FTIR-ATR screening. An increase in the concentration of quercetin in the initial complexation mixture resulted in the increase in the adsorption of quercetin onto protein matrices. For the brown rice protein matrices, this increase was proportional to the initial quercetin concentration. Adsorption of quercetin caused the change in thermal stability of microparticles in comparison to corresponding protein matrices that have been proven by DSC. FTIR-ATR analysis revealed structural changes on microparticles upon adsorption of quercetin.
Squeezing in Gravitational Wave Detectors
Authors: Dwyer Sheila E. , Mansell Georgia L. , McCuller Lee
Published: March 2022

Injecting optical squeezed states of light, a technique known as squeezing, is now a tool for gravitational wave detection. Its ability to reduce quantum noise is helping to reveal more gravitational wave transients, expanding the catalog of observations in the last observing run. This review introduces squeezing and its history in the context of gravitational-wave detectors. It overviews the benefits, limitations and methods of incorporating squeezing into advanced interferometers, emphasizing the most relevant details for astrophysics instrumentation.
Cardiovascular Care of Turner Syndrome Women in Germany: Where Do We Stand?—Results from an Online Patient Survey
Authors: Bačová Martina , Li Pengzhu , Arnold Leonie , Dalla-Pozza Robert , Haas Nikolaus Alexander , Oberhoffer Felix Sebastian
Published: March 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether the cardiovascular care of Turner Syndrome (TS) women in Germany is in accordance with the latest clinical practice guidelines established by the 2016 Cincinnati international TS meeting. Methods: An anonymous online questionnaire was created to ask TS subjects about existing cardiovascular conditions and cardiovascular care received. Depending on cardiovascular morbidity and type of medical care received, the fulfillment of the latest clinical practice guidelines for the care of TS women was assessed. Results: 120 TS patients were included in this study. The mean age of TS subjects was 36.79 years. Only 80% of subjects received annual blood pressure measurements within the TS cohort, and only 60% received cardiac imaging according to international clinical practice guidelines. More than 55% of TS women did not feel well informed about TS-specific cardiovascular risk factors by their treating physician. Conclusions: A potential lack of cardiovascular care might be present in TS women in Germany as the results of this online patient survey suggest. The cardiovascular care of TS patients, particularly cardiac imaging and patient education, needs to receive more attention.
The COMPASS-COVID-19-ICU Study: Identification of Factors to Predict the Risk of Intubation and Mortality in Patients with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Gerotziafas Grigoris T. , Van Dreden Patrick , Fraser Douglas D. , Voiriot Guillaume , Patel Maitray A. , Daley Mark , Elabbadi Alexandre , Rousseau Aurélie , Prassas Yannis , Turpin Matthieu , Marchetti Marina , Papageorgiou Loula , Terpos Evangelos , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Falanga Anna , Fareed Jawed , Fartoukh Muriel , Elalamy Ismail
Published: March 2022

In some patients, SARS-CoV-2 infection induces cytokine storm, hypercoagulability and endothelial cell activation leading to worsening of COVID-19, intubation and death. Prompt identification of patients at risk of intubation is an urgent need. Objectives. To derive a prognostic score for the risk of intubation or death in patients with COVID-19 admitted in intensive care unit (ICU), by assessing biomarkers of hypercoagulability, endothelial cell activation and inflammation and a large panel of clinical analytes. Design, Setting and Participants. A prospective, observational study enrolled 118 patients with COVID-19 admitted in the ICU. On the first day of ICU admission, all patients were assessed for biomarkers (protein C, protein S, antithrombin, D-Dimer, fibrin monomers, FVIIa, FV, FXII, FXII, FVIII, FvW antigen, fibrinogen, procoagulant phospholipid dependent clotting time, TFPI, thrombomodulin, P-selectin, heparinase, microparticles exposing TF, IL-6, complement C3a, C5a, thrombin generation, PT, aPTT, hemogram, platelet count) and clinical predictors. Main Outcomes and Measures. The clinical outcomes were intubation and mortality during hospitalization in ICU. Results: The intubation and mortality rates were 70% and 18%, respectively. The COMPASS-COVID-19-ICU score composed of P-Selectin, D-Dimer, free TFPI, TF activity, IL-6 and FXII, age and duration of hospitalization predicted the risk of intubation or death with high sensitivity and specificity (0.90 and 0.92, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance. COVID-19 is related to severe endothelial cell activation and hypercoagulability orchestrated in the context of inflammation. The COMPASS-COVID-19-ICU risk assessment model is accurate for the evaluation of the risk of mechanical ventilation and death in patients with critical COVID-19. The COMPASS-COVID-19-ICU score is feasible in tertiary hospitals and could be placed in the diagnostic procedure of personalized medical management and prompt therapeutic intervention.
Susceptibility Analysis of Geohazards in the Longmen Mountain Region after the Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Li Shuai , Ni Zhongyun , Zhao Yinbing , Hu Wei , Long Zhenrui , Ma Haiyu , Zhou Guoli , Luo Yuhao , Geng Chuntao
Published: March 2022

Multitemporal geohazard susceptibility analysis can not only provide reliable results but can also help identify the differences in the mechanisms of different elements under different temporal and spatial backgrounds, so as to better accurately prevent and control geohazards. Here, we studied the 12 counties (cities) that were severely affected by the Wenchuan earthquake of 12 May 2008. Our study was divided into four time periods: 2008, 2009–2012, 2013, and 2014–2017. Common geohazards in the study area, such as landslides, collapses and debris flows, were taken into account. We constructed a geohazard susceptibility index evaluation system that included topography, geology, land cover, meteorology, hydrology, and human activities. Then we used a random forest model to study the changes in geohazard susceptibility during the Wenchuan earthquake, the following ten years, and its driving mechanisms. We had four main findings. (1) The susceptibility of geohazards from 2008 to 2017 gradually increased and their spatial distribution was significantly correlated with the main faults and rivers. (2) The Yingxiu-Beichuan Fault, the western section of the Jiangyou-Dujiangyan Fault, and the Minjiang and Fujiang rivers were highly susceptible to geohazards, and changes in geohazard susceptibility mainly occurred along the Pingwu-Qingchuan Fault, the eastern section of the Jiangyou-Dujiangyan Fault, and the riparian areas of the Mianyuan River, Zagunao River, Tongkou River, Baicao River, and other secondary rivers. (3) The relative contribution of topographic factors to geohazards in the four different periods was stable, geological factors slowly decreased, and meteorological and hydrological factors increased. In addition, the impact of land cover in 2008 was more significant than during other periods, and the impact of human activities had an upward trend from 2008 to 2017. (4) Elevation and slope had significant topographical effects, coupled with the geological environmental effects of engineering rock groups and faults, and river-derived effects, which resulted in a spatial aggregation of geohazard susceptibility. We attributed the dynamic changes in the areas that were highly susceptible to geohazards around the faults and rivers to the changes in the intensity of earthquakes and precipitation in different periods.
Effectiveness of Telematic Behavioral Techniques to Manage Anxiety, Stress and Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cuenca-Martínez Ferran , Suso-Martí Luis , Herranz-Gómez Aida , Varangot-Reille Clovis , Calatayud Joaquín , Romero-Palau Mario , Blanco-Díaz María , Salar-Andreu Cristina , Casaña Jose
Published: March 2022

Anxiety, depressive symptoms and stress have a significant influence on chronic musculoskeletal pain. Behavioral modification techniques have proven to be effective to manage these variables; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for an alternative to face-to-face treatment. We conducted a search of PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, APA PsychInfo, and Psychological and Behavioural Collections. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of telematic behavioral modification techniques (e-BMT) on psychological variables in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain through a systematic review with meta-analysis. We used a conventional pairwise meta-analysis and a random-effects model. We calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Forty-one randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 5018 participants. We found a statistically significant small effect size in favor of e-BMT in depressive symptoms (n = 3531; SMD = −0.35; 95% CI −0.46, −0.24) and anxiety (n = 2578; SMD = −0.32; 95% CI −0.42, −0.21) with low to moderate strength of evidence. However, there was no statistically significant effect on stress symptoms with moderate strength of evidence. In conclusion, e-BMT is an effective option for the management of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, it does not seem effective to improve stress symptoms.
Older People’s Help-Seeking Behaviors in Rural Contexts: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ohta Ryuichi , Ryu Yoshinori , Sano Chiaki
Published: March 2022

Help-seeking behavior (HSB) is vital for older people to sustain their health. As people in aging societies increasingly demand management of their multiple symptoms, communities should encourage HSBs. In rural communities, insufficient healthcare and human resources influence older people’s health. However, no related comprehensive evidence exists so far. This study investigates the present condition of older people’s HSBs in rural contexts in aging societies. We conducted a systematic review by searching six databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, and Web of Science) for original studies regarding HSBs of older people in rural contexts published until January 2022. Extracted articles were analyzed based on participants, settings, HSB causes and contents, and older people’s HSB outcomes in rural contexts. Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review: seven investigated the associations between HSBs and participants’ backgrounds, and three the quality of life. Six studies investigated HSB perception, diagnosis, clarifying HSB contents, professional care trend, self-rated health, and mortality. Unlike few studies investigating the association between HSBs and health-related outcomes, this systematic review explains the current evidence regarding rural older people’s HSBs. Due to insufficient evidence from longitudinal studies in clarifying interventions for effective HSBs, future studies should use observational and interventional designs.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Food Security in High Income Countries: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kent Katherine , Alston Laura , Murray Sandra , Honeychurch Bonnie , Visentin Denis
Published: March 2022

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, rural-dwelling people in high-income countries were known to have greater challenges accessing healthy food than their urban counterparts. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted food supplies across the world, and public health restrictions have changed the way people shop for food, potentially exacerbating food insecurity. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aspects of food insecurity in rural populations residing in high-income countries. Five electronic databases were searched, identifying 22 articles that assessed food insecurity prevalence or data on food availability, access, utilization and the stability of the food supply in rural populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ten studies examined the prevalence of food insecurity in rural populations, with the reported prevalence ranging from 15% to 95%. Where rural/urban comparisons were presented, most studies (n = 5; 71%) reported that food insecurity was significantly higher in rural regions. Five studies examined the availability of food and eight studies examined access to food, identifying that rural populations often had lower food availability and access to food during the pandemic. In contrast, two studies identified positive effects such as more gardening and increased online access to food. Rural populations experienced multiple changes to food utilization, such as reduced diet quality and food safety observed in eight studies, but this was not shown to be different from urban populations. Additionally, the food supply in rural regions was perceived to be affected in two studies. The results of this review may be used to inform region-specific mitigation strategies to decrease the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic and future global events on food security. However, the lack of consistency in study outcomes in research on rural populations limits the identification of priority areas for intervention at a global-scale.
The Well-Being of the German Adult Population Measured with the WHO-5 over Different Phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis within the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring Study (COSMO)
Authors: Tsai Fang-Yi , Schillok Hannah , Coenen Michaela , Merkel Christina , Jung-Sievers Caroline ,   on behalf of the COSMO Study Group
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to evaluate factors associated with the subjective well-being (SWB) and suspected depression measured with WHO-5 among German adults during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey data were analyzed from the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO) study, which collected data from 972, 1013, and 973 participants in time point 1 (19–20 May 2020), time point 2 (15–16 September 2020), and time point 3 (21–22 December 2020), respectively. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression analyses to identify the factors associated with suspected depression (WHO-5 ≤ 50) were conducted. Data showed that the mean WHO-5 scores in three time points were 56.17, 57.27, and 53.93, respectively. The risk of suspected depression was increased by about 1.5 times for females, 2.5–3 times among 18–24 year-olds compared to ages above 65 years, 1.5 times for singles, 2 times for those with chronic illnesses, and 2–3 times for people living in poverty. The main study findings show that German adult SWB is lower than pre-pandemic reference values. Special focus should be placed on vulnerable groups, such as females, younger persons, and people living in poverty who are most prone to a reduction in SWB and therefore suspected depression.
A New Strategy for As(V) Biosensing Based on the Inhibition of the Phosphatase Activity of the Arsenate Reductase from Thermus thermophilus
Authors: Puopolo Rosanna , Gallo Giovanni , Limauro Danila , Contursi Patrizia , Fiorentino Gabriella
Published: March 2022

Arsenic (As) pollution is a widespread problem worldwide. In recent years, biosensors based on enzymatic inhibition have been developed for arsenic detection, making the study of the effect of inhibitors on the selected enzymatic activity crucial for their setup. The arsenate reductase of Thermus thermophilus HB27, TtArsC, reduces As(V) into As(III), but is also endowed with phosphatase activity. This work investigates the inhibitory effects of As(V) and As(III) on phosphatase activity by taking advantage of a simple colorimetric assay; the results show that both of them are non-competitive inhibitors affecting the Vmax but not the KM of the reaction. However, their Ki values are different from each other (15.2 ± 1.6 μM for As(V) and 394.4 ± 40.3 µm with As(III)), indicating a higher inhibitory effect by As(V). Moreover, the inhibition-based biosystem results to be selective for As(V) since several other metal ions and salts do not affect TtArsC phosphatase activity; it exhibits a sensitivity of 0.53 ± 0.03 mU/mg/μM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.28 ± 0.02 μM. The good sensitivity and specificity for As(V) point to consider inhibition of TtArsC phosphatase activity for the setup of a novel biosensor for the detection of As(V).
Modeling Trophoblast Cell-Guided Uterine Spiral Artery Transformation in the Rat
Authors: Shukla Vinay , Soares Michael J.
Published: March 2022

The rat possesses hemochorial placentation with deep intrauterine trophoblast cell invasion and trophoblast-guided uterine spiral artery remodeling, which resembles human placentation. Uterine spiral arteries are extensively remodeled to deliver sufficient supply of maternal blood and nutrients to the developing fetus. Inadequacies in these key processes negatively impact fetal growth and development. Recent innovations in genome editing combined with effective phenotyping strategies have provided new insights into placental development. Application of these research approaches has highlighted both conserved and species-specific features of hemochorial placentation. The review provides foundational information on rat hemochorial placental development and function during physiological and pathological states, especially as related to the invasive trophoblast cell-guided transformation of uterine spiral arteries. Our goal is to showcase the utility of the rat as a model for in vivo mechanistic investigations targeting regulatory events within the uterine-placental interface.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-Enriched Lipid Fingerprint of Glioblastoma Proliferative Regions Is Differentially Regulated According to Glioblastoma Molecular Subtype
Authors: Maimó-Barceló Albert , Martín-Saiz Lucía , Fernández José A. , Pérez-Romero Karim , Garfias-Arjona Santiago , Lara-Almúnia Mónica , Piérola-Lopetegui Javier , Bestard-Escalas Joan , Barceló-Coblijn Gwendolyn
Published: March 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) represents one of the deadliest tumors owing to a lack of effective treatments. The adverse outcomes are worsened by high rates of treatment discontinuation, caused by the severe side effects of temozolomide (TMZ), the reference treatment. Therefore, understanding TMZ’s effects on GBM and healthy brain tissue could reveal new approaches to address chemotherapy side effects. In this context, we have previously demonstrated the membrane lipidome is highly cell type-specific and very sensitive to pathophysiological states. However, little remains known as to how membrane lipids participate in GBM onset and progression. Hence, we employed an ex vivo model to assess the impact of TMZ treatment on healthy and GBM lipidome, which was established through imaging mass spectrometry techniques. This approach revealed that bioactive lipid metabolic hubs (phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogen species) were altered in healthy brain tissue treated with TMZ. To better understand these changes, we interrogated RNA expression and DNA methylation datasets of the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The results enabled GBM subtypes and patient survival to be linked with the expression of enzymes accounting for the observed lipidome, thus proving that exploring the lipid changes could reveal promising therapeutic approaches for GBM, and ways to ameliorate TMZ side effects.
Recent Advances in Polymer Additive Engineering for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Hydrogels
Authors: Bae Sang-Wook , Kim Jiyun , Kwon Sunghoon
Published: March 2022

Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymer materials that provide a wide range of physicochemical properties as well as are highly biocompatible. Biomedical researchers are adapting these materials for the ever-increasing range of design options and potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. Along with innovative hydrogel polymer backbone developments, designing polymer additives for these backbones has been a major contributor to the field, especially for expanding the functionality spectrum of hydrogels. For the past decade, researchers invented numerous hydrogel functionalities that emerge from the rational incorporation of additives such as nucleic acids, proteins, cells, and inorganic nanomaterials. Cases of successful commercialization of such functional hydrogels are being reported, thus driving more translational research with hydrogels. Among the many hydrogels, here we reviewed recently reported functional hydrogels incorporated with polymer additives. We focused on those that have potential in translational medicine applications which range from diagnostic sensors as well as assay and drug screening to therapeutic actuators as well as drug delivery and implant. We discussed the growing trend of facile point-of-care diagnostics and integrated smart platforms. Additionally, special emphasis was given to emerging bioinformatics functionalities stemming from the information technology field, such as DNA data storage and anti-counterfeiting strategies. We anticipate that these translational purpose-driven polymer additive research studies will continue to advance the field of functional hydrogel engineering.
Heart Failure and Drug Therapies: A Metabolic Review
Authors: Yu Frank , McLean Bianca , Badiwala Mitesh , Billia Filio
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality globally with at least 26 million people worldwide living with heart failure (HF). Metabolism has been an active area of investigation in the setting of HF since the heart demands a high rate of ATP turnover to maintain homeostasis. With the advent of -omic technologies, specifically metabolomics and lipidomics, HF pathologies have been better characterized with unbiased and holistic approaches. These techniques have identified novel pathways in our understanding of progression of HF and potential points of intervention. Furthermore, sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors, a drug that has changed the dogma of HF treatment, has one of the strongest types of evidence for a potential metabolic mechanism of action. This review will highlight cardiac metabolism in both the healthy and failing heart and then discuss the metabolic effects of heart failure drugs.
An In Vivo Model of Separate M. tuberculosis Phagocytosis by Neutrophils and Macrophages: Gene Expression Profiles in the Parasite and Disease Development in the Mouse Host
Authors: Kondratieva Elena , Majorov Konstantin , Grigorov Artem , Skvortsova Yulia , Kondratieva Tatiana , Rubakova Elvira , Linge Irina , Azhikina Tatyana , Apt Alexander
Published: March 2022

The role of neutrophils in tuberculosis infection remains less well studied compared to that of the CD4+ T-lymphocytes and macrophages. Thus, alterations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis transcription profile following phagocytosis by neutrophils and how these shifts differ from those caused by macrophage phagocytosis remain unknown. We developed a mouse model that allows obtaining large amounts of either neutrophils or macrophages infected in vivo with M. tuberculosis for mycobacteria isolation in quantities sufficient for the whole genome RNA sequencing and aerosol challenge of mice. Here, we present: (i) the differences in transcription profiles of mycobacteria isolated from liquid cultures, neutrophils and macrophages infected in vivo; (ii) phenotypes of infection and lung inflammation (life span, colony forming units (CFU) counts in organs, lung pathology, immune cells infiltration and cytokine production) in genetically TB-susceptible mice identically infected via respiratory tract with neutrophil-passaged (NP), macrophage-passaged (MP) and conventionally prepared (CP) mycobacteria. Two-hour residence within neutrophils caused transcriptome shifts consistent with mycobacterial transition to dormancy and diminished their capacity to attract immune cells to infected lung tissue. Mycobacterial multiplication in organs did not depend upon pre-phagocytosis, whilst survival time of infected mice was shorter in the group infected with NP bacilli. We also discuss possible reasons for these phenotypic divergences.
The Combination of Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase Treatment with Moderate Physical Activity Alleviates the Severity of Experimental Colitis in Obese Mice via Modulation of Gut Microbiota, Attenuation of Proinflammatory Cytokines, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and DNA Oxidative Damage in Colonic Mucosa
Authors: Wojcik-Grzybek Dagmara , Hubalewska-Mazgaj Magdalena , Surmiak Marcin , Sliwowski Zbigniew , Dobrut Anna , Mlodzinska Agata , Wojcik Adrianna , Kwiecien Slawomir , Magierowski Marcin , Mazur-Bialy Agnieszka , Bilski Jan , Brzozowski Tomasz
Published: March 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are commonly considered as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, but the possibility that the alterations in gut microbiota and oxidative stress may affect the course of experimental colitis in obese physically exercising mice treated with the intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) has been little elucidated. Mice fed a high-fat-diet (HFD) or normal diet (ND) for 14 weeks were randomly assigned to exercise on spinning wheels (SW) for 7 weeks and treated with IAP followed by intrarectal administration of TNBS. The disease activity index (DAI), grip muscle strength test, oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, GSH), DNA damage (8-OHdG), the plasma levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17a, TNF-α, MCP-1 and leptin were assessed, and the stool composition of the intestinal microbiota was determined by next generation sequencing (NGS). The TNBS-induced colitis was worsened in obese sedentary mice as manifested by severe colonic damage, an increase in DAI, oxidative stress biomarkers, DNA damage and decreased muscle strength. The longer running distance and weight loss was observed in mice given IAP or subjected to IAP + SW compared to sedentary ones. Less heterogeneous microbial composition was noticed in sedentary obese colitis mice and this effect disappeared in IAP + SW mice. Absence of Alistipes, lower proportion of Turicibacter, Proteobacteria and Faecalibacterium, an increase in Firmicutes and Clostridium, a decrease in oxidative stress biomarkers, 8-OHdG content and proinflammatory cytokines were observed in IAP + SW mice. IAP supplementation in combination with moderate physical activity attenuates the severity of murine colitis complicated by obesity through a mechanism involving the downregulation of the intestinal cytokine/chemokine network and oxidative stress, the modulation of the gut microbiota and an improvement of muscle strength.
Complexity of NAC Action as an Antidiabetic Agent: Opposing Effects of Oxidative and Reductive Stress on Insulin Secretion and Insulin Signaling
Authors: Argaev-Frenkel Lital , Rosenzweig Tovit
Published: March 2022

Dysregulated redox balance is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. While the benefit of antioxidants in neutralizing oxidative stress is well characterized, the potential harm of antioxidant-induced reductive stress is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the dose-dependent effects of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on various tissues involved in the regulation of blood glucose and the mechanisms underlying its functions. H2O2 was used as an oxidizing agent in order to compare the outcomes of oxidative and reductive stress on cellular function. Cellular death in pancreatic islets and diminished insulin secretion were facilitated by H2O2-induced oxidative stress but not by NAC. On the other hand, myotubes and adipocytes were negatively affected by NAC-induced reductive stress, as demonstrated by the impaired transmission of insulin signaling and glucose transport, as opposed to H2O2-stimulatory action. This was accompanied by redox balance alteration and thiol modifications of proteins. The NAC-induced deterioration of insulin signaling was also observed in healthy mice, while both insulin secretion and insulin signaling were improved in diabetic mice. This study establishes the tissue-specific effects of NAC and the importance of the delicate maintenance of redox balance, emphasizing the challenge of implementing antioxidant therapy in the clinic.
BioS2Net: Holistic Structural and Sequential Analysis of Biomolecules Using a Deep Neural Network
Authors: Roethel Albert , Biliński Piotr , Ishikawa Takao
Published: March 2022

Background: For decades, the rate of solving new biomolecular structures has been exceeding that at which their manual classification and feature characterisation can be carried out efficiently. Therefore, a new comprehensive and holistic tool for their examination is needed. Methods: Here we propose the Biological Sequence and Structure Network (BioS2Net), which is a novel deep neural network architecture that extracts both sequential and structural information of biomolecules. Our architecture consists of four main parts: (i) a sequence convolutional extractor, (ii) a 3D structure extractor, (iii) a 3D structure-aware sequence temporal network, as well as (iv) a fusion and classification network. Results: We have evaluated our approach using two protein fold classification datasets. BioS2Net achieved a 95.4% mean class accuracy on the eDD dataset and a 76% mean class accuracy on the F184 dataset. The accuracy of BioS2Net obtained on the eDD dataset was comparable to results achieved by previously published methods, confirming that the algorithm described in this article is a top-class solution for protein fold recognition. Conclusions: BioS2Net is a novel tool for the holistic examination of biomolecules of known structure and sequence. It is a reliable tool for protein analysis and their unified representation as feature vectors.
Bisphenol A (BPA) Leading to Obesity and Cardiovascular Complications: A Compilation of Current In Vivo Study
Authors: Naomi Ruth , Yazid Muhammad Dain , Bahari Hasnah , Keong Yong Yoke , Rajandram Retnagowri , Embong Hashim , Teoh Soo Huat , Halim Shariff , Othman Fezah
Published: March 2022

BPA is one of the most common endocrine disruptors that is widely being manufactured daily nationwide. Although scientific evidence supports claims of negative effects of BPA on humans, there is also evidence suggesting that a low level of BPA is safe. However, numerous in vivo trials contraindicate with this claim and there is a high possibility of BPA exposure could lead to obesity. It has been speculated that this does not stop with the exposed subjects only, but may also cause transgenerational effects. Direct disruption of endocrine regulation, neuroimmune and signaling pathways, as well as gut microbiata, has been identified to be interrupted by BPA exposure, leading to overweight or obesity. In these instances, cardiovascular complications are one of the primary notable clinical signs. In regard to this claim, this review paper discusses the role of BPA on obesity in the perspective of endocrine disruptions and possible cardiovascular complications that may arise due to BPA. Thus, the aim of this review is to outline the changes in gut microbiota and neuroimmune or signaling mechanisms involved in obesity in relation to BPA. To identify potentially relevant articles, a depth search was done on the databases Nature, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Medline & Ovid from the past 5 years. According to Boolean operator guideline, selected keywords such as (1) BPA OR environmental chemical AND fat OR LDL OR obese AND transgenerational effects or phenocopy (2) Endocrine disruptors OR chemical AND lipodystrophy AND phenocopy (3) Lipid profile OR weight changes AND cardiovascular effect (4) BPA AND neuroimmune OR gene signaling, were used as search terms. Upon screening, 11 articles were finalized to be further reviewed and data extraction tables containing information on (1) the type of animal model (2) duration and dosage of BPA exposure (3) changes in the lipid profile or weight (4) genes, signaling mechanism, or any neuroimmune signal involved, and (5) transgenerational effects were created. In toto, the study indicates there are high chances of BPA exposure affecting lipid profile and gene associated with lipolysis, leading to obesity. Therefore, this scoping review recapitulates the possible effects of BPA that may lead to obesity with the evidence of current in vivo trials. The biomarkers, safety concerns, recommended dosage, and the impact of COVID-19 on BPA are also briefly described.