bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery of Biogas and Other Valuable Bioproducts from Livestock Blood Waste: A Review
Authors: Bułkowska Katarzyna , Zielińska Magdalena
Published: November 2024

The anaerobic digestion (AD) of livestock blood represents a sustainable solution for the management of waste generated by the meat processing industry while simultaneously generating renewable energy. The improper treatment of livestock blood, which is rich in organic matter and nutrients, can result in environmental risks such as water pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. This review examines a range of AD strategies, with a particular focus on technological advances in reactor design, pretreatment, and co-digestion, with the aim of optimizing process efficiency. While the high protein content of blood has the potential to enhance biogas production, challenges such as ammonia inhibition and process instability must be addressed. Innovations such as bio-carriers, thermal pretreatment, and co-digestion with carbon-rich substrates have demonstrated efficacy in addressing these challenges, resulting in stable operation and enhanced methane yields. The advancement of AD technologies is intended to mitigate the environmental impact of livestock blood waste and facilitate the development of a circular bioeconomy. Furthermore, the possibility of utilizing slaughterhouse blood for the recovery of valuable products, including proteins, heme iron, and bioactive peptides, was evaluated with a view to their potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Furthermore, the potential of utilizing protein-rich blood as a substrate for mixed culture fermentation in volatile fatty acid (VFA) biorefineries was explored, illustrating its viability in biotechnological applications.
Combustion of Pelletized Coffee Residues for Bioenergy Valorization Within a Circular Economy Vision
Authors: Civitarese Vincenzo , Del Giudice Angelo , Acampora Andrea , Fischetti Elisa , Gasperini Thomas , De Francesco Carmine , Toscano Giuseppe , Scarfone Antonio
Published: November 2024

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world; the European Union alone consumes about 2.5 million tons of coffee per year. Yearly, millions of tons of coffee residues are generated, becoming an attractive material for circular economy flows. This study explores the potential of utilizing pelletized coffee residues as sustainable bioenergy sources within the framework of a circular economy. The coffee residues, obtained from damaged capsules and pods from factories, were utilized in pure form or blended with sawdust at different percentages, then analyzed with respect to their physical and thermochemical parameters. The results indicate that unblended coffee residues exhibit favorable combustion properties with respect to heating value (18.84 MJ kg−1), but also high concentrations of N (4.14%) compared to the conventional pellets obtained from other agricultural residues. The blending with woody material negatively affects both durability and bulk density, but simultaneously promotes a reduction in ash content (3.09%) and N content (1.94%). In general, this study confirmed the findings of previous scientific reports, highlighting that at least 50% blending with low-nitrogen biomasses is necessary to reach the marketability of the product. In addition, this study highlighted the criticality in terms of durability that these mixtures confer to the final product, emphasizing that future research should focus on optimizing the combination of these factors to improve the properties of the pellet.
Multi-Level Decomposition and Interpretability-Enhanced Air Conditioning Load Forecasting Study
Authors: Yang Xinting , Zhang Ling , Zhao Hong , Zhang Wenhua , Long Chuan , Wu Gang , Zhao Junhao , Shen Xiaodong
Published: November 2024

This study seeks to improve the accuracy of air conditioning load forecasting to address the challenges of load management in power systems during high-temperature periods in the summer. Given the limitations of traditional forecasting models in capturing different frequency components and noise within complex load sequences, this paper proposes a multi-level decomposition forecasting model using complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), sample entropy (SE), variational mode decomposition (VMD), and long short-term memory (LSTM). First, CEEMDAN is used for the preliminary decomposition of the raw air-conditioning load series, with modal components aggregated by sample entropy to generate high-, medium-, and low-frequency subsequences. VMD then performs a secondary decomposition on the high-frequency subsequence to reduce its complexity, while LSTM is applied to each subsequence for prediction. The final prediction result of the air-conditioning load is obtained through reconstruction. To validate model performance, this paper uses air-conditioning load data from Nanchong City and Sichuan Province, for experimental analysis. Results show that the proposed method significantly outperforms the LSTM model without decomposition and other benchmark models in prediction accuracy, with the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) reductions ranging from 40.26% to 74.18% and the Modified Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MMAPE) reductions from 37.75% to 73.41%. By employing the SHAP (Shapley additive explanations) method for both global and local interpretability, the model reveals the influence of key factors, such as historical load and temperature, on load forecasting. The decomposition and aggregation approach introduced in this paper substantially enhances forecasting accuracy, providing a scientific foundation for power system load management and dispatch.
Study on the Co-Combustion Behavior of Municipal Sludge and Bagasse: Evaluation of Ultrasonic Pretreatment
Authors: Fang Shiwen , Zhang Lifa , Chen Shu , Xie Ziyuan , Wang Lanke , Chen Luyou , Liang Wei , Lei Pengfei
Published: November 2024

Currently, the production of sludge in China is on the rise annually, and the co-combustion of sludge with biomass for power and heat generation represents a viable method for the bulk treatment of sludge. In this study, we examined the combustion characteristics of municipal sludge (MS), bagasse (BA), and their blends using thermogravimetric analysis. Orthogonal experiments were conducted to assess the impact of ultrasonic pretreatment on the co-combustion properties of MS and BA. Prior to ultrasonic pretreatment, the combustion of BA was characterized by three distinct stages, while MS exhibited two stages. At a 30% MS ratio, the promotional interaction between BA and MS was most pronounced. Following ultrasonic pretreatment, the combustion of BA was simplified to two stages. With a 10% MS mass ratio, ultrasonic pretreatment enhanced the comprehensive combustion characteristic index, thereby improving the combustion performance of the mixture. The activation energy increased post-pretreatment, particularly when the MS content was 50%. Under the conditions of 45 kHz frequency, 500 W power, 3 h duration, and a 10% MS blending ratio, the mixture displayed reduced mass residue, elevated reaction rates, and superior combustion efficiency. This research aims to introduce a novel approach to the harmless disposal, volume reduction, and resourceful utilization of sludge.
High-Capacity Energy Storage Devices Designed for Use in Railway Applications
Authors: Woźniak Krystian , Kurc Beata , Rymaniak Łukasz , Szymlet Natalia , Pielecha Piotr , Sobczak Jakub
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the application of high-capacity supercapacitors in railway systems, with a particular focus on their role in energy recovery during braking processes. The study highlights the potential for significant energy savings by capturing and storing energy generated through electrodynamic braking. Experimental measurements conducted on a diesel–electric multiple unit revealed that approximately 28.3% to 30.5% of the energy could be recovered from the traction network, regardless of the type of drive used—whether electric or diesel. This research also explores the integration of starch-based carbon as an electrode material in supercapacitors, offering an innovative, sustainable alternative to traditional graphite or graphene electrodes. The carbon material was obtained through a simple carbonization process, with experimental results demonstrating a material capacity of approximately 130 F/g. To quantify the energy recovery, calculations were made regarding the mass and power requirements of the supercapacitors. For the tested vehicle, it was estimated that around 28.7% of the energy could be recovered during the braking process. To store 15 kWh of energy, the total mass of the capacitors required is approximately 245.1 kg. The study emphasizes the importance of increasing voltage levels in railway systems, which can enhance energy transmission and utilization efficiency. Additionally, the paper discusses the necessity of controlled energy discharge, allowing for the flexible management of energy release to meet the varying power demands of trains. By integrating high-voltage supercapacitors and advanced materials like starch-based carbon, this research paves the way for more sustainable and efficient railway systems, contributing to the industry’s goals of reducing emissions and improving operational performance. The findings underscore the crucial role of these capacitors in modernizing railway infrastructure and promoting environmentally responsible transportation solutions.
Simultaneous Optimization of Network Reconfiguration and Soft Open Points Placement in Radial Distribution Systems Using a Lévy Flight-Based Improved Equilibrium Optimizer
Authors: Mohammedi Ridha Djamel , Gozim Djamal , Kouzou Abdellah , Mosbah Mustafa , Hafaifa Ahmed , Rodriguez Jose , Abdelrahem Mohamed
Published: November 2024

This research paper focuses on the application of a new method for the simultaneous reconfiguration and the optimum placing of Soft Open Points (SOPs) in Radial Distribution Systems (RDS). The proposed Lévy Flight-based Improved Equilibrium Optimizer (LF-IEO) algorithm enhances the standard Equilibrium Optimizer (EO) by integrating several techniques to improve exploration and exploitation capabilities. SOPs are highly developed power electronics devices that can enhance distribution utility networks in terms of reliability and effectiveness. However, identifying their optimum place along with network reconfiguration is a challenging task that requires advanced computation techniques. The performance of the proposed LF-IEO algorithm has been first verified on several benchmark functions. Subsequently, it is implemented on a IEEE 33-Bus, 69-Bus, 118-Bus, and Algerian 116-Bus distribution network to solve the problem of simultaneous network reconfiguration and optimal SOP placement. For the Algerian 116-bus system case study, the algorithm achieved a significant 14.89% reduction in power losses, improved the minimum voltage, and generated substantial net annual savings of 74,426.40 $/year. To prove its superiority in terms of solution quality and robustness, the proposed LF-IEO approach was compared with several newly developed algorithms from the literature.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Life Cycle Costs of Transformers Based on TOPSIS Method
Authors: Zhan Long , Chang Hui , Zhu Xiaolu , Zhao Xin , Wei Gang , Cai Ziyu , Xie Haibin , Zhao Xinyue , Chen Heng
Published: November 2024

The transformer is an essential piece of equipment in a power system, and its selection is directly related to the security, stability, and economics of the power system. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the life cycle costs (LCCs) of transformers. Our analysis of multiple samples delves into the composition and influencing factors in transformer life cycle costs. The findings reveal that the voltage level exerts a significant influence on cost, with higher voltage levels typically associated with greater costs. Moreover, the proportion of each cost component within the life cycle cost remains relatively stable. For this paper, we also conducted a weighted assessment of life cycle cost factors utilizing the TOPSIS method and determined that the voltage level and wiring method have the most substantial impact. In addition, the specific effects of the voltage level, wiring method, transformer type, and cooling method on LCCs are investigated using the control variable method. At the same time, the coupling influence of the wiring method, transformer type, and cooling method on transformer programs of different voltage levels is considered, which provides an essential reference for power grid enterprises in making engineering and construction investments.
The Possibility of Using Hydrogen as a Green Alternative to Traditional Marine Fuels on an Offshore Vessel Serving Wind Farms
Authors: Bortnowska Monika , Zmuda Arkadiusz
Published: November 2024

Achieving the required decarbonisation targets by the shipping industry requires a transition to technologies with zero or near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. One promising shipping fuel with zero emission of exhaust gases (including CO2) is green hydrogen. This type of fuel, recognised as a 100% clean solution, is being investigated for feasible use on a service offshore vessel (SOV) working for offshore wind farms. This study aims to examine whether hydrogen may be used on an SOV in terms of the technical and economic challenges associated with the design process and other factors. In the analyses, a reference has been made to the current International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines and regulations. In this study, it was assumed that hydrogen would be directly combusted in a reciprocating internal combustion engine. This engine type was reviewed. In further research, hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems will also be considered. The hydrogen demand was calculated for the assumed data of the SOV, and then the volume and number of high-pressure tanks were estimated. The analyses revealed that the SOV cannot undertake 14-day missions using hydrogen fuel stored in cylinders on board. These cylinders occupy 66% of the ship’s current volume, and their weight, including the modular system, accounts for 62% of its deadweight. The costs are over 100% higher compared to MDO and LNG fuels and 30% higher than methanol. The actual autonomy of the SOV with hydrogen fuel is 3 days.
Coupled Design and Operation Optimization for Decarbonization of Industrial Energy Systems Using an Open-Source In-House Tool
Authors: Kansara Rushit , Roldán Serrano María Isabel
Published: November 2024

The decarbonization of industrial energy systems which comprise different networks (such as steam, water, electric power, fuel sources) is crucial for mitigating climate change and achieving sustainability goals. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology integrated in an open-source in-house tool for the coupled design and operation optimization of energy systems in industrial settings. The proposed approach integrates advanced optimization techniques with modeling of energy systems including properties like mass flow and temperature to simultaneously optimize both design parameters and operational strategies. The methodology encompasses the optimized integration of various energy technologies, such as renewable energy technologies, energy storage, and power-to-heat technologies while considering changing operational conditions and variable energy demand and supply. A multi-objective optimization framework is employed to balance conflicting targets, such as minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, operational costs, and ensuring system reliability. The in-house tool application considering a case study based on a food industry process demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach in significantly reducing carbon footprints as well as operational and investment costs compared to traditional low-fidelity methods incorporated in commercial tools. The optimized concept achieved through the in-house tool has shown 8.5% less emission (EMI) compared to the optimized designs of the commercial tool. It shows 36% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the existing facility of the case study. The optimized energy concept can be implemented in the existing facility with a payback period of 4.6 years. The outcomes of the selected use-case highlight the importance of coordinated design and operation decisions in achieving optimal performance and sustainability in industrial energy systems. It also shows an ideal workflow for making optimized design decisions to decarbonize industry with novel energy concepts. Thus, this work provides a robust foundation for future research and practical applications aimed at accelerating the transition towards low-carbon industrial processes.
Understanding Environmental Contamination Through the Lens of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Authors: Castagna Fabio , Montano Luigi , Lombardi Renato , Pagano Angelo , Gigliotti Andrea , Bava Roberto , Lupia Carmine , Costagliola Anna , Giordano Antonio , Palma Ernesto , Britti Domenico , Liguori Giovanna
Published: November 2024

The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) stands out as a crucial sentinel species for assessing environmental contamination, owing to its widespread distribution, high position in the food chain, and susceptibility to pollutants. As apex predators, these remarkable birds accumulate various contaminants found in their prey, thus serving as valuable indicators of ecological health. The historical application of organochlorine pesticides, such as DDT, resulted in alarming population declines, highlighting the significant vulnerability of peregrines to environmental hazards. Recent research has shed light on the detrimental effects of heavy metal exposure, revealing critical health risks including compromised immune function and reduced reproductive success, which further highlight the ecological consequences of pollution for top predators. Moreover, the complex nature of brominated flame retardants poses challenges in balancing fire safety with environmental health, as these chemicals persist in the ecosystem and threaten peregrine falcon populations. In the future, the use of possible new bioindicators of environmental pollution opens up interesting prospects. This innovative approach may enhance our understanding of how contaminants affect reproductive health and contribute to a broader One Health perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of wildlife, human health, and ecosystem integrity. This comprehensive overview underscores the urgency of ongoing monitoring and regulatory efforts to protect peregrine falcons and, by extension, our shared environment.
The Effect of Soil and Topography Factors on Larix gmelinii var. Principis-rupprechtii Forest Mortality and Capability of Decision Tree Binning Method and Generalized Linear Models in Predicting Tree Mortality
Authors: Yang Zhaohui , Zou Wei , Liu Haodong , Sharma Ram P. , Zhang Mengtao , Hu Zhenhua
Published: November 2024

Understanding the factors influencing individual tree mortality is essential for sustainable forest management, particularly for Prince Rupprech’s larch (Larix gmelinii var. Principis-rupprechtii) in North China’s natural forests. This study focused on 20 sample plots (20 × 20 m each) established in Shanxi Province, North China. This study compared three individual tree mortality models—Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and Bayesian Generalized Linear Model (Bayesian GLM)—finding that both GLM and Bayesian GLM achieved approximately 0.87 validation accuracy on the test dataset. Due to its simplicity, GLM was selected as the final model. Building on the GLM model, six binning methods were applied to categorize diameter at breast height (DBH): equal frequency binning, equal width binning, cluster-based binning, quantile binning, Chi-square binning, and decision tree binning. Among these, the decision tree binning method achieved the highest performance, with an accuracy of 90.12% and an F1 score of 90.06%, indicating its effectiveness in capturing size-dependent mortality patterns. This approach provides valuable insights into factors affecting mortality and offers practical guidance for managing Larix gmelinii var. Principis-rupprechtii forests in temperate regions.
Seedling Growth Responses to Nutrient and Water Treatments Among Jack Pine Open-Pollinated Families
Authors: Lu Pengxin , Yeh Francis C.
Published: November 2024

Our study, conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment over a single growing season, evaluated the growth of seedlings from 25 open-pollinated families of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) under two nutrient levels (20 ppm and 200 ppm) and three water regimes (twice a week, once a week, and once every two weeks). We assessed the effects of seed weight, family, nutrient availability, and water treatments on several growth parameters, including height, root collar diameter, shoot dry biomass, root dry biomass, total dry biomass, growing period length, and shoot-to-root ratio at harvest. We found that seed weight significantly influenced all growth traits, maintaining its effect throughout the growth season, although its impact diminished over time. Jack pine families were more responsive to nutrient treatments than to variation in water availability. Genetic variation was significant for all traits except the shoot-to-root ratio, highlighting the intricate role of genetic makeup in shaping growth responses. The substantial impact of nutrient and water treatments and relatively low heritability estimates suggest that pre-conditioning seedlings through nursery management can optimize shoot-to-root ratios. The minimal family-by-treatment interaction and the consistent performance of families across treatments suggest the potential for selecting high-efficiency genotypes with enhanced nutrient use efficiency and drought tolerance.
Detection and Multigene Characterization of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’ Strains Infecting Ulmus spp. in Southern Italy
Authors: Marcone Carmine , Palmieri Carmine , Cuomo Aniello
Published: November 2024

‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’ (16SrV-A) is the causal agent of elm yellows (EY), a lethal and/or decline disease of several Ulmus (elm) species and hybrids in North America and Europe. In this study, field observations and PCR assays were used to detect phytoplasma infections in diseased U. minor, U. pumila and U. glabra trees in southern Italy. Also, a multigene sequence analysis employing various less conserved genes was carried out to explore the genetic variation in detected strains. All the symptomatic elm trees tested were infected with ‘Ca. Phytoplasma ulmi’. No other phytoplasmas or variants could be detected. Although ‘Ca. Phytoplasma ulmi’ was already known to occur in southern Italy on European field elm, the current work expands the information on the presence, disease incidence and severity, plant host range and molecular aspects of EY phytoplasma strains occurring in southern Italy. In addition, this is the first report from Italy on the molecular characterization of EY phytoplasma strains through map, imp and groEL gene sequence and phylogenetic analyses. Among the newly detected EY phytoplasma strains, some proved distantly related to each other and to other previously characterized EY phytoplasma strains within the genes examined. This implies the presence of distinct taxonomic entities within the material examined. The occurrence of different strains was not linked to the biological traits and geographical distribution. However, the data obtained may provide a basis for further studies aimed at elucidating several other unknown aspects of the EY agent, knowledge of which is essential for effective disease management and control strategies. The results of the current work also show that the EY phytoplasma is particularly widespread in southern Italy and is of considerable economic and ecological relevance.
Real-Time Text-to-Cypher Query Generation with Large Language Models for Graph Databases
Authors: Hornsteiner Markus , Kreussel Michael , Steindl Christoph , Ebner Fabian , Empl Philip , Schönig Stefan
Published: November 2024

Based on their ability to efficiently and intuitively represent real-world relationships and structures, graph databases are gaining increasing popularity. In this context, this paper proposes an innovative integration of a Large Language Model into NoSQL databases and Knowledge Graphs to bridge the gap in field of Text-to-Cypher queries, focusing on Neo4j. Using the Design Science Research Methodology, we developed a Natural Language Interface which can receive user queries in real time, convert them into Cypher Query Language (CQL), and perform targeted queries, allowing users to choose from different graph databases. In addition, the user interaction is expanded by an additional chat function based on the chat history, as well as an error correction module, which elevates the precision of the generated Cypher statements. Our findings show that the chatbot is able to accurately and efficiently solve the tasks of database selection, chat history referencing, and CQL query generation. The developed system therefore makes an important contribution to enhanced interaction with graph databases, and provides a basis for the integration of further and multiple database technologies and LLMs, due to its modular pipeline architecture.
Screening Algal and Cyanobacterial Extracts to Identify Potential Substitutes for Fetal Bovine Serum in Cellular Meat Cultivation
Authors: Sibinčić Nikolina , Krstić Ristivojević Maja , Gligorijević Nikola , Veličković Luka , Ćulafić Katarina , Jovanović Zorana , Ivanov Aleksandar , Tubić Lora , Vialleix Carole , Michel Thibaut , Srdić Rajić Tatjana , Nikolić Milan , Stojadinović Marija , Minić Simeon
Published: November 2024

Cultured meat technology is a form of cellular agriculture where meat is produced from animal cells grown in a lab, instead of raising and slaughtering animals. This technology relies heavily on fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell media; hence, production is costly and contributes significantly to ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving the successful commercialization of cell-cultured food requires the critical resolution of manufacturing cost and safety concerns. Hence, our research efforts are focused on identifying commercially viable and ecologically sustainable alternatives to FBS. In this study, we evaluated the potential of twenty-six water-based algal and cyanobacterial extracts to stimulate cell growth for meat cultivation under 90% reduced serum conditions. The extracts were compared in viability, proliferation, and Trypan blue exclusion assays. In the first screening phase, the extracts were evaluated in a ZEM2S (zebrafish) cell culture in a 1% FBS regimen. Based on their ability to exhibit protein tolerance or promote cell proliferation, ten extracts were selected and further assayed in a QM7 cell culture. The QM7 cell line (myoblasts from Japanese quail) is highly relevant for meat cultivation because of its ability to differentiate into muscle fibers. Extracts derived from two microalgae species, Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) and Dunaliella tertiolecta, demonstrated the highest tolerance in cell culture, above 10 μg/mL (expressed as total protein concentration). Tolerance at a 100 μg/mL concentration was demonstrated exclusively using an extract of blue spirulina (commercially purified Spirulina), which supported cell growth through multiple passages.
Quadrature Solution for Fractional Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burger Equations
Authors: Abdelfattah Waleed Mohammed , Ragb Ola , Mohamed Mokhtar , Salah Mohamed , Mustafa Abdelfattah
Published: November 2024

In this work, we present various novelty methods by employing the fractional differential quadrature technique to solve the time and space fractional nonlinear Benjamin–Bona–Mahony equation and the Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burger equation. The novelty of these methods is based on the generalized Caputo sense, classical differential quadrature method, and discrete singular convolution methods based on two different kernels. Also, the solution strategy is to apply perturbation analysis or an iterative method to reduce the problem to a series of linear initial boundary value problems. Consequently, we apply these suggested techniques to reduce the nonlinear fractional PDEs into ordinary differential equations. Hence, to validate the suggested techniques, a solution to this problem was obtained by designing a MATLAB code for each method. Also, we compare this solution with the exact ones. Furthermore, more figures and tables have been investigated to illustrate the high accuracy and rapid convergence of these novel techniques. From the obtained solutions, it was found that the suggested techniques are easily applicable and effective, which can help in the study of the other higher-D nonlinear fractional PDEs emerging in mathematical physics.
Enhancing Nurse Practitioners’ Emergency Care Competency and Self-Efficacy Through Experiential Learning: A Single-Group Repeated Measures Study
Authors: Yang Ya-Lun , Cheng Li-Chuan , Lee Chen-Wei , Lin Shih-Chun , Koo Malcolm
Published: November 2024

Background/objective: Nurse practitioners serve a vital role as first responders in emergencies. This study investigated the effectiveness of experiential learning in enhancing emergency care competency and self-efficacy among nurse practitioners. Methods: A single-group repeated measures design was implemented from June to August 2023 at a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan, involving 95 nurse practitioners and NP trainees. Participants completed a baseline (T0) three-minute emergency simulation test, followed by one-on-one guidance, an immediate post-test (T1), and a follow-up test one month later (T2). The “Emergency Care Capability Checklist” (ECCC) was used to assess performance after each test, and the “General Self-Efficacy Scale” at T1 and T2. Results: The mean age of the participants was 42.1 years (SD = 6.7), with 91 out of 95 participants (95.8%) being female. ECCC scores increased significantly from a baseline mean of 34.6 (standard deviation [SD] = 8.8 at T0 to 46.4 (SD = 4.3) at T1 (p < 0.001). Scores remained elevated at T2, with a mean of 44.7 (SD = 4.9), which was significantly higher than T0 (p < 0.001). However, scores at T2 were slightly lower than at T1 (p = 0.018). GSES scores also increased significantly from T1 (mean = 26.2, SD = 0.6) to T2 (mean = 28.0, SD = 0.6) (p = 0.009). Conclusions: This study found that experiential learning was able to significantly improve nurse practitioners’ emergency care competencies and self-efficacy. Future research should explore the application of experiential learning in diverse clinical settings to further advance emergency preparedness and self-efficacy among nurse practitioners.
Perceived Stress, Resilience and Emotional Intelligence in Romanian Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Duică Lavinia , Antonescu Elisabeta , Totan Maria , Antonescu Oana Raluca , Boța Gabriela , Maniu Ionela , Pirlog Mihail Cristian , Silișteanu Sînziana Călina
Published: November 2024

Background: Occupational stress and burnout in the medical field are common factors that can have a negative impact on the quality of clinical care. In the Romanian healthcare environment, there exists important financial difficulties contributing additionally to stress in this study, we aimed to investigate if resilience and emotional intelligence would prove to be protective factors against stress. Methods: In our cross-sectional study, we investigated 189 medical professionals, using convenience sampling, from July 2022 to September 2022 in two university centers. We applied a self-reported questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics and three scales that measured perceived stress (the Perceived Stress Scale), resilience to stress (the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale), and emotional intelligence (the short-form Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire). Results: Age was positively associated with resilience levels, meaning that resilience increases with age. While specialist physicians had the highest emotional intelligence score, nurses and other healthcare workers had the highest resilience scores. Perceived stress level was negatively correlated with resilience to stress and with emotional intelligence levels. Resilience to stress was positively correlated with emotional intelligence. Conclusions: The major strength of this study is the finding that resilience to stress mediated the association between perceived stress and emotional intelligence. Because resilience is negatively associated with burnout, resilience to stress and emotional intelligence are potential targets for training aimed at improving the working environment and reducing current levels of burnout in the Romanian Health System and beyond.
Nurse-Led Interventions for Improving Medication Adherence in Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Berardinelli Daniela , Conti Alessio , Hasnaoui Anis , Casabona Elena , Martin Barbara , Campagna Sara , Dimonte Valerio
Published: November 2024

Background: Poor medication adherence results in negative health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Several healthcare professionals provide interventions to improve medication adherence, with the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in people with chronic diseases remaining unclear. Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for improving medication adherence in adults with chronic conditions. Methods: Five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS) were searched without applying a temporal limit. Studies evaluating the effects of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence in adults with one or multiple chronic conditions were included. Interventions only targeting a single acute disease were excluded. Results: A total of twenty-two studies with 5975 participants were included. Statistically significant improvements in adherence were reported in five out of seven studies involving face-to-face visits to patients with heart failure (n = 2), chronic myeloid leukemia (n = 1), hypertension (n = 1) and multimorbidity (n = 1) and in four out of nine studies adopting a mixed method involving face-to-face visits and telephone follow-up for patients with heart failure (n = 1), hypertension (n = 1), coronary disease (n = 1) and multimorbidity (n = 1). Remote interventions were effective in improving medication adherence in one out of six studies. No statistically significant differences were found between tablet computer-based patient education and nurse-led educational sessions. The motivational approach was found to be one of the most common strategies used to promote patient medication adherence. Conclusions: Nurse-led face-to-face visits may be effective in improving medication adherence in people with chronic diseases. However, further research is needed because current methods for measuring medication adherence may not accurately capture patient behaviour and medication consumption patterns.
The Association Between Daylight Saving Time and Acute Myocardial Infarction in Canada
Authors: Al Samarraie Ahmad , Godbout Roger , Goupil Remi , Suarasan Catalin Paul , Kanj Samaya , Russo Melina , Dano Mathilde , Roy Justine , Reiher Laurence , Rousseau Guy , Pichette Maxime
Published: November 2024

Background: Recent studies have suggested an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) following daylight saving time (DST) transitions in cohorts of American and European patients. We aim to validate this finding in a Canadian population. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to the Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal with a diagnosis of AMI requiring a coronary angiogram from 28 February 2016 to 3 December 2022. The transition period was defined as two weeks following DST, while the control periods were two weeks before and two weeks after the transition period. Patients aged 18 years or older were included. The primary endpoint was the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of AMI following DST transitions while the secondary endpoint was infarct size by biomarkers. A subgroup analysis compared the pre-COVID-19 period (2016–2019) to the post-COVID-19 period (2020–2022). Results: A total of 1058 patients were included (362 in the transition group and 696 in the control group). The baseline clinical characteristics were comparable between both groups. The rate of AMI per day following the DST transitions was 1.85 compared to 1.78 during control periods. The DST transitions were not associated with an increase in AMI (IRR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.91–1.18, p = 0.56) nor with infarct size. In the subgroup analysis, DST was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of AMI only in the pre-COVID-19 period, with a rate of 2.04 AMI per day in the transition group compared to 1.71 in the control group (IRR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.41, p = 0.041). In contrast, there was a significant increase in the size of AMI following DST in the post-COVID-19 period subgroup, with a creatine phosphokinase-MB (CK-MB) concentration of 137 ± 229 µg/L compared to 93 ± 142 µg/L (p = 0.013). Conclusions: In this Canadian cohort, there was a significant increase in the incidence of AMI in the pre-COVID-19 period, and infarct sizes were significantly larger following the DST transitions in the post-COVID-19 period. No significant associations emerged when pre- and post-COVID-19 periods were pooled.
Roadmap and Considerations for Genome Editing in a Non-Model Organism: Genetic Variations and Off-Target Profiling
Authors: Wattad Hanin , Molcho Jonathan , Manor Rivka , Weil Simy , Aflalo Eliahu D. , Chalifa-Caspi Vered , Sagi Amir
Published: November 2024

The CRISPR/Cas genome editing approach in non-model organisms poses challenges that remain to be resolved. Here, we demonstrated a generalized roadmap for a de novo genome annotation approach applied to the non-model organism Macrobrachium rosenbergii. We also addressed the typical genome editing challenges arising from genetic variations, such as a high frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms, differences in sex chromosomes, and repetitive sequences that can lead to off-target events. For the genome editing of M. rosenbergii, our laboratory recently adapted the CRISPR/Cas genome editing approach to embryos and the embryonic primary cell culture. In this continuation study, an annotation pipeline was trained to predict the gene models by leveraging the available genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data, and enabling accurate gene prediction and guide design for knock-outs. A next-generation sequencing analysis demonstrated a high frequency of genetic variations in genes on both autosomal and sex chromosomes, which have been shown to affect the accuracy of editing analyses. To enable future applications based on the CRISPR/Cas tool in non-model organisms, we also verified the reliability of editing efficiency and tracked off-target frequencies. Despite the lack of comprehensive information on non-model organisms, this study provides an example of the feasibility of selecting and editing specific genes with a high degree of certainty.
Partial Reprogramming Exerts a Rejuvenating Effect on Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells That Underwent Replicative Senescence in Culture
Authors: Ivanova Julia , Shorokhova Mariia , Pugovkina Natalia , Kozhukharova Irina , Alekseenko Larisa , Guriev Nikita , Kuneev Ivan , Domnina Alisa , Grinchuk Tatiana , Zemelko Victoria , Lyublinskaya Olga
Published: November 2024

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are becoming increasingly important for biomedical applications, such as cell therapy, disease modeling, and drug screening. At the same time, long-term cultivation, which is necessary to prepare a sufficient amount of cellular material for therapeutic and research purposes, is accompanied by the development of replicative senescence. Partial reprogramming emerged as a novel method that shows promising results in the rejuvenation of cells in vitro and in vivo; however, it has not yet been applied for human MSCs that have undergone replicative senescence in culture. In the present study, we subjected senescent human endometrial MSCs to partial reprogramming using Sendai virus vectors containing genes encoding Yamanaka transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc. Characterization of the MSCs 5 days after transduction showed the loss of key markers of senescence: the youthful morphology was restored, the expression of senescent-associated β-galactosidase and the number of double-strand DNA breaks decreased, proliferation was activated, and the DNA damage response was enhanced. Further, using an in vitro wound-healing assay, we demonstrated that conditioned medium from partially reprogrammed MSCs showed higher therapeutic activity than that from senescent cells. However, a biosafety test revealed the presence of viral components in conditioned medium, which caused the agglutination of erythrocytes. Collectively, our data suggest that partial reprogramming is a potentially effective strategy for the rejuvenation of cultured MSCs in late passages but requires the use of virus-free protocols, such as chemical reprogramming.
Paeoniflorin Inhibits the Activation of Microglia and Alleviates Depressive Behavior by Regulating SIRT1-NF-kB-NLRP3/Pyroptosis Pathway
Authors: Wang Xue , Su Lili , Liu Silu , He Zhongmei , Li Jianming , Zong Ying , Chen Weijia , Du Rui
Published: November 2024

Inflammation assumes a vital role in the pathogenesis of depression and in antidepressant treatment. Paeoniflorin (PF), a monoterpene glycoside analog possessing anti-inflammatory attributes, exhibits therapeutic efficacy on depression-like behavior in mice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant effects of PF on depression elicited by the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model and the precise neural sequence associated with the inflammatory process. In this study, we established an in vivo mouse model induced by CUMS and an in vitro BV2 cell model induced by LPS+ATP. The mechanism of PF for depression was assessed by the SIRT1 selective inhibitor EX-527. The findings demonstrated that PF significantly alleviated the damage of BV2 cells treated with LPS and ATP, inhibited the generation of ROS, up-regulated the expression of SIRT1 mRNA, and down-regulated the expression of nuclear NF-κB, p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N in vitro. In vivo, PF mitigated the depressive-like behavior induced by CUMS, reduced the number of neurons, and decreased the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemical results indicated that PF attenuated CUMS-induced hyperactivation of microglia. Moreover, the expression level of SIRT1 in the hippocampus was augmented, while the protein levels of NF-κB, p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β and GSDMD-N were diminished after PF treatment. Additionally, the selective inhibition of SIRT1 attenuated the therapeutic effect of PF on depression. These results imply that PF possesses antidepressant properties that rely on SIRT1 signaling to regulate NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation.
Identification of the Brassinazole-Resistant (BZR) Gene Family in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and the Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of TaBZR2.1
Authors: Zhang Yan , Qin Jingzi , Hou Jinna , Liu Congcong , Geng Shenghui , Qin Maomao , Li Wenxu , Dai Ziju , Wu Zhengqing , Lei Zhensheng , Zhou Zhengfu
Published: November 2024

Brassinazole-resistant (BZR) transcription factors are important transcription factors in Brassinosteroid (BR)-responsive gene expression. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the BZR genes in wheat and a limited number of BZR family genes have been previously reported in wheat. In this study, the synteny analyses of the TaBZR genes suggested that gene duplication events have played an essential role in the TaBZR family during evolution. The results of RT-qPCR and transcriptome data analyses exhibited remarkable expression patterns in the BZR genes in different tissues and under different treatments. The yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screen result showed that the TaBZR2.1 protein interacts with Argonaute 4 (AGO4). Taken together, our results not only provide us a basis for understanding the molecular characteristics and expression patterns of the TaBZR family genes but also offered the functional characterization of TaBZR2.1 in wheat.
Neutrophils in the Spotlight—An Analysis of Neutrophil Function and Phenotype in ARDS
Authors: Kraus Richard F. , Ott Lisa , Utpatel Kirsten , Kees Martin G. , Gruber Michael A. , Bitzinger Diane
Published: November 2024

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a complex disease pattern in which pathogenesis polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) play a key role. In previous experiments, we could show that interaction with collagen III (an important component of pulmonary tissue) is a possible trigger of neutrophil reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. To investigate possible correlations, further elucidate ARDS pathophysiology, and maybe find pharmacological targets, we evaluated PMNs from blood (circulating PMNs: cPMNs) and tracheal secretion (tPMNs) from patients with and without ARDS with regard to function and phenotype. Blood samples and tracheal secretions were obtained from intensive care patients with and without ARDS. Isolation of cPMN was performed by density-gradient gravity sedimentation without centrifugation. For tPMN isolation, endotracheal aspirate was filtered, and tPMNs were separated from the remaining aspirate using a particle filter. Specific surface epitopes (CD66b, CD62L, fMLP-receptor, LOX-1, CD49d, CD29, CD11b) of the isolated PMN cells were labeled with antibody-coupled dyes and analyzed by flow cytometry. Neutrophil ROS production before and after activation with N-formyl-methyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) was quantified using rhodamine-123. In addition, a qualitative cytological hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed with a portion of the secretion. tPMNs were observed in both bloody and mucosal tracheal secretions from ARDS patients. The epitope distribution on cPMNs and tPMNs differed significantly in patients with and without ARDS: tPMNs generally showed increased expression of CD66b, LOX-1 and fMLP-receptor compared to cPMNs, and decreased expression of CD62L. The CD49d levels of all cPMNs were at the same level as tPMNs in ARDS, whereas CD49d expression was increased on tPMNs without ARDS. ROS production was significantly stimulated by fMLP/TNFα in cPMNs regardless of the patient group, while it was similarly increased in tPMNs with and without stimulation. Increased expression of CD66b, LOX-1 and fMLP-receptor on tPMNs indicated a higher activity status compared to cPMNs. Increased CD49d expression on tPMNs without ARDS marks different PMN surface changes in lung disease. PMNs appear to be in a more activated state in lung secretions than in blood, as indicated by higher CD66b and lower CD62L expression, higher constitutive ROS production and lower excitability with fMLP and TNFα. In the context of possible CD49d-triggered ROS production, it is noteworthy that CD49d is downregulated in secretion from patients with ARDS compared to patients without. This phenotypic and functional PMN characterization can provide valuable diagnostic and therapeutic information for the intensive care treatment of ARDS patients.