bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Control Sustainability Using L-Moment Ratio Diagrams
Authors: Domański Paweł D. , Jankowski Robert , Dziuba Krzysztof , Góra Radosław
Published: May 2023

This paper presents an application of L-moment statistics and the respective L-moment ratio diagrams (LMRD) to assess control performance, in particular, in terms of control system sustainability. L-moment diagrams are common in extreme events analysis and are considered a very powerful tool in this field at the regional level. Control system assessment is a well-established research area that investigates approaches and methodologies for measuring the quality of control systems. Statistical moments can be used to assess the effectiveness of control systems. The same principle applies to L-moments, with a possible further application to the assessment of control system robustness. The incorporation of the time impact into the analysis allows us to examine the evolution of control systems. In this context, measuring sustainability is only one step away. In this research, L-moments and L-moment ratio diagrams are used to assess the quality of PID-based control systems. In addition, the evolution of their performance over time is depicted visually. Moreover, a robust discordance measure is proposed to measure the robustness, evolution, and sustainability of control systems. The proposed approach is successfully validated using real industrial data obtained from PID basic regulatory control within the hierarchical advanced process control (APC) structure of a large ammonia production plant.
Control System for Indoor Safety Measures Using a Faster R-CNN Architecture
Authors: Vega Julio
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a control system for indoor safety measures using a Faster R-CNN (Region-based Convolutional Neural Network) architecture. The proposed system aims to ensure the safety of occupants in indoor environments by detecting and recognizing potential safety hazards in real time, such as capacity control, social distancing, or mask use. Using deep learning techniques, the system detects these situations to be controlled, notifying the person in charge of the company if any of these are violated. The proposed system was tested in a real teaching environment at Rey Juan Carlos University, using Raspberry Pi 4 as a hardware platform together with an Intel Neural Stick board and a pair of PiCamera RGB (Red Green Blue) cameras to capture images of the environment and a Faster R-CNN architecture to detect and classify objects within the images. To evaluate the performance of the system, a dataset of indoor images was collected and annotated for object detection and classification. The system was trained using this dataset, and its performance was evaluated based on precision, recall, and F1 score. The results show that the proposed system achieved a high level of accuracy in detecting and classifying potential safety hazards in indoor environments. The proposed system includes an efficiently implemented software infrastructure to be launched on a low-cost hardware platform, which is affordable for any company, regardless of size or revenue, and it has the potential to be integrated into existing safety systems in indoor environments such as hospitals, warehouses, and factories, to provide real-time monitoring and alerts for safety hazards. Future work will focus on enhancing the system’s robustness and scalability to larger indoor environments with more complex safety hazards.
Digital Transformation Based on AI Technologies in European Union Organizations
Authors: Mihai Florin , Aleca Ofelia Ema , Gheorghe Mirela
Published: May 2023

This study aims to investigate the influence of emerging digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing, on the digital intensity index (DII). The research method employed involves quantitative analysis of the indicators regarding DII and emerging digital technologies, conducted based on data published by Eurostat for EU members in 2021. During our research, we formulated and tested hypotheses about the relationship between the DII and emerging digital technologies, and the effect on the DII of using AI-based technologies in various economic processes. The formulated hypotheses were validated via four regression models designed during this study, using the most relevant factors. Our research results demonstrate that the DII is positively influenced by emerging IoT and cloud computing digital technologies, as well as the use of AI technologies based on machine learning and AI-based robotic process automation (RPA) software. Furthermore, the same positive influence was identified in human resource management and recruitment processes compared to the intensity with which these technologies are used in other economic processes. Based on these findings, this study offers persuasive arguments for implementing emerging digital technologies at the EU organizational level to achieve significant increases in digitalization levels.
Nuclear-Driven Integrated Energy Systems: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Arvanitidis Athanasios Ioannis , Agarwal Vivek , Alamaniotis Miltiadis
Published: May 2023

Because of the growing concerns regarding climate change and energy sustainability, a transition toward a modern energy sector that reduces environmental effects while promoting social and economic growth has gained traction in recent years. Sustainable energy solutions, which include renewable and low-carbon sources such as nuclear energy and natural gas, could minimize emissions of greenhouse gases, enhance air and water quality, and encourage energy independence. Yet, the shift to a sustainable energy industry is fraught with difficulties, including governmental and regulatory obstacles, technological and economic limits, and societal acceptability hurdles. Addressing these issues would necessitate the development of long-term, durable, and cost-effective energy systems containing nuclear energy and associated with the generation of both electricity and other by-products required by industry. Integrated energy systems (IES) are a novel way to maximize the use of various energy resources and technologies in order to deliver dependable, efficient, and sustainable energy services. IES entail the integration of various energy systems, such as electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation, in respect to energy sustainability and a system’s resilience and flexibility. Their development and implementation require the cooperation of several parties, including energy providers and policymakers. This study provides a state-of-the-art literature review of the most creative nuclear-driven hybrid energy system applications and methodologies, from which the research challenges and prospects for effective IES implementation emerge.
Outlet Pressure and Flow Characteristics of a New Two-Dimensional Piston Pump with an Overlapped Distributor
Authors: Xing Tong , Yan Xinyu , Huang Ying , Gao Cun , Ruan Jian
Published: May 2023

This article presents the design of a two-dimensional (2D) piston pump flow-distribution port with an overlapped structure that reduces backflow in the pump chamber and pressure ripples at the pump outlet, thus minimizing vibration and noise caused by the high-frequency distribution process of a single two-dimensional (2D) piston pump. We describe the flow distribution structure and operation principle of the 2D pump, create a mathematical model of the pump chamber pressure by using the motion and flow continuity equations of the 2D piston, and use a Matlab program to compile and solve them. The influence of the flow distribution port overlap on the pump chamber pressure and the outlet flow rate was simulated. A prototype was designed and tested on a dynamic performance test bench. Our test bench results show that the flow distribution port overlap can reduce the pressure ripple at the pump outlet, which is consistent with the simulation results.
Cost Assessment of Centralizing Swine Manure and Corn Stover Co-Digestion Systems
Authors: Myers Gabrielle M. , Andersen Daniel S. , Martens Bobby J. , Raman D. Raj
Published: May 2023

Livestock in the state of Iowa, United States (US) produce over 50 × 106 Mg of wet-basis manure yearly. Biogas production from manure’s anaerobic digestion (AD) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, control odors, and provide renewable energy. Despite these benefits, AD is rarely deployed at swine farms in Iowa. In this work, we explore the economics of AD systems in Iowa to evaluate reasons for low deployment and explore the production cost impacts of biogas cleaning and injection into the natural gas grid, amending manure with biomass, and centralizing digesters across multiple farms. This work presents a static, spreadsheet-based technoeconomic model that embodies literature-based estimates of key system technical parameters, costs, and transportation fuel incentives and permits the examination of various scenarios. Key findings include that under the model assumptions, distributed, farm-scale digesters are not competitive with average natural gas prices in Iowa. A centralized production scenario can be competitive, provided that programs such as the low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) and the renewable fuel standard (RFS) have sufficiently high credit values.
Automatic Extraction of Forest Inventory Variables at the Tree Level by Using Smartphone Images to Construct a Three-Dimensional Model
Authors: Song Jiayin , Huang Qiqi , Zhao Yue , Song Wenlong , Fan Yiming , Lu Chao
Published: May 2023

This paper focuses on the current urgent demand for the accurate measurement of forest inventory variables in the fields of forestry carbon sink measurement, ecosystem research, and forest resource conservation, and proposes the use of images to construct a three-dimensional measurement model of forest inventory variables, which is a new method to realize the automatic extraction of forest inventory variables. This method obtains sample site information by using high-definition images taken in the forest by a smartphone, which significantly improves the field operation efficiency and simple operation, and effectively alleviates the problems of long field operation times, complicated operations, and expensive equipment used by current methods for obtaining forest inventory variables. We propose to optimize the Eps parameters of the DBSCAN algorithm based on the MVO algorithm for point cloud clustering to obtain single wood point clouds, which improves the accuracy of the model and can effectively solve the problem of large interference from human factors. The scale coefficients of the image and the actual model are obtained by the actual measurement of tree height and diameter at breast height to complete the construction of the three-dimensional measurement model of the stand and are then combined with the AdQSM algorithm to realize the automatic extraction of forest inventory variables, which provides a new interdisciplinary method for the comprehensive extraction of forest inventory variables. The accuracy of the model measured in the experimental sample site of Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr was as follows: the absolute error of tree height measurement ranged from 0.05 to 0.37 m, the highest relative error of measurement was 2.03%, and the average relative error was 1.53%; for the absolute error of diameter at breast height, measurement ranged from 0.007 to 0.057 m, the highest relative error of measurement was 7.358%, and the average relative error was 3.616%. The method proposed in this study can be directly applied to the process of acquiring and visualizing the variables of forest inventory in the field of ecological research, which has good flexibility and can meet individual research needs.
Influence of the Type and Use of Soil on the Distribution of Organic Carbon and Other Soil Properties in a Sustainable and Resilient Agropolitan System
Authors: Marín-Sanleandro Pura , Gómez-García Ana María , Blanco-Bernardeau Arantzazu , Gil-Vázquez Juana María , Alías-Linares María Asunción
Published: May 2023

Urban and peri-urban agriculture is one of the strategies that emerged on the path towards agri-food sustainability in cities. This paper aims at improving the knowledge of the soil properties in a peri-urban area and their agricultural potential to support ecosystems with biodiversity worth conserving. The study area was located in the mid-plain of the Segura River (SE Spain). Arable soil layer samples were collected at 68 points to assess the distribution of organic carbon and to study other indicators of soil quality. A Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted to compare between the types of soils present in the area (calcaric Fluvisols and calcaric Regosols) and soil uses (industrial, cultivated and abandoned). Statistical analysis indicates that there are significant differences (at the 0.05 significance level) between Fluvisols and Regosols (p value = 3.65 × 10−5). Regarding use, the abandoned Fluvisols presented an average value of 9.33 g kg−1 of OC while the Fluvisols that are currently cultivated have a higher average content of OC (11.35 g kg−1). For soils under industrial use, the average OC content is 5.13 g kg−1. Spatial distribution of organic carbon in these soils depends on the type of soil and the human influence on them, including the use.
Taxonomic Description and Complete Genome Sequencing of Pseudomonas silvicola sp. nov. Isolated from Cunninghamia laceolata
Authors: Tian Longyan , Zhang Yanfeng , Yang Hua , Zhao Qian , Qiu Hualong , Xu Jinzhu , Qin Changsheng
Published: May 2023

The Pseudomonas strain T1-3-2T isolated from the cone of Cunninghamia laceolata exhibited growth-promoting and antifungal activity. Strain T1-3-2T was characterized by a polyphasic taxonomy and complete genome sequencing analysis to explore its taxonomic position and biocontrol potentials fully. The results revealed that strain T1-3-2T shares a high degree of similarity with Pseudomonas eucalypticola and is distinct from any known Pseudomonas species. The G + C content was 61.65%, and the difference was greater than 1 compared to “P. eucalypticola”. Additionally, values of the average nucleotide identity blast (ANIb), average nucleotide identity MUMmer (ANIm), and DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) between T1-3-2T and its closest known related species, “P. eucalypticola”, were below the thresholds necessary for species delineation. Furthermore, the T1-3-2T strain exhibited the distinctions with the multiple polar flagella and the specific quinone system with MK8 compared with that of “P. eucalypticola”. Collectively, these findings affirm the designation of strain T1-3-2T as a new Pseudomonas species, proposed to be named Pseudomonas silvicola, with T1-3-2T as the type strain. Genomic analyses revealed strain T1-3-2T contains three circular DNA contigs, including a 7,613,303 bp chromosome and two plasmids (952,764 bp and 84,880 bp). Bioinformatics analyses further offered potential insight into the molecular mechanisms whereby this strain can promote plant growth and control disease, revealing encoded genes related to antibiotic and secondary metabolite production, the uptake and biosynthesis of siderophores, and pyoverdine biosynthesis. These genomic data offer a valuable foundation for future efforts to apply the T1-3-2T strain in research contexts.
Biomass Quantification of the Critically Endangered European eel from Running Waters Using Environmental DNA
Authors: Fernandez Sara , Gutiérrez Álvaro , Deconinck Dumas , Martinez Jose , Alvarez Almudena , Marquez Isabel , Machado-Schiaffino Gonzalo , Garcia-Vazquez Eva
Published: May 2023

The European eel Anguilla anguilla is a critically endangered catadromous species. There is an urgent need for close surveillance of the populations that are still viable in European rivers. The species is difficult to observe in freshwater because of its bottom-dwelling behavior; the currently employed methods of eel monitoring in Europe based on the physical capture of individuals are stressful and may cause mortality. Here, we present a new highly sensitive method based on an A. anguilla-specific qPCR marker designed within the cytochrome oxidase I mitochondrial gene for application on environmental DNA (eDNA). Since the detectability of eDNA depends on the hydrographic conditions, we applied correction for altitude and a linear model and were able to predict the eel biomass from the eDNA in the different rivers of northern Spain still holding wild populations. The method was validated by electrofishing surveys. This novel eDNA-based marker allows for estimating the European eel biomass in running waters from small 1.5 L water samples and could complement, or replace in some cases, current eel surveys without disturbing wild populations.
Utilization of Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) as an Innovative Ingredient in Bread Making
Authors: Cetiner Buket , Shamanin Vladimir P. , Tekin-Cakmak Zeynep H. , Pototskaya Inna V. , Koksel Filiz , Shepelev Sergey S. , Aydarov Amanzhol N. , Ozdemir Bayram , Morgounov Alexey I. , Koksel Hamit
Published: May 2023

Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium), a nutritionally dense and sustainable crop, is a promising novel ingredient in bakery applications. The main aim of this study was to investigate the potential of IWG as a novel ingredient in breadmaking. The second aim was to investigate the characteristics of breads substituted with 15, 30, 45, and 60% IWG flour compared to control bread produced using wheat flour. The gluten content and quality, bread quality, bread staling, yellow pigment, and phenolic and antioxidant properties were determined. Enrichment with IWG flours significantly affected the gluten content and quality and bread characteristics. Increased levels of IWG flour substitution significantly decreased the Zeleny sedimentation and gluten index values and increased the dry and wet gluten contents. The bread yellow pigment content and crumb b* colour value increased with the increasing level of IWG supplementation. IWG addition also had a positive effect on the phenolic and antioxidant properties. Bread with 15% IWG substitution had the highest bread volume (485 mL) and lowest firmness values (654 g-force; g-f) compared to the other breads, including the control (i.e., wheat flour bread). The results indicated that IWG has great potential to be used in bread production as a novel, healthy, and sustainable ingredient.
Development of a Clean Label Mayonnaise Using Fruit Flour
Authors: Vieira Maria Rocha , Simões Sara , Carrera-Sánchez Cecilio , Raymundo Anabela
Published: May 2023

Over the past few years, clean label food has been growing, meaning that consumers are searching for shorter and simpler ingredient lists composed of familiar and natural ingredients. The objective of the present work was to develop a vegan clean label mayonnaise, replacing the additives with fruit flour obtained from fruit reduced commercial value. The mayonnaises were prepared by replacing the egg yolk with 1.5% (w/w) lupin and faba proteins, while fruit flour (apple, nectarine, pear, and peach flour) was incorporated to substitute sugar, preservatives, and colorants. Texture profile analysis and rheology—small amplitude oscillatory measurements were performed to evaluate the impact of the fruit flour on mechanical properties. The mayonnaise antioxidant activity was also analyzed in terms of color, pH, microbiology, and stability measurements. The results showed that mayonnaises produced with fruit flour had better structure parameters in terms of viscosity, and texture, but also improved pH and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05) compared to the standard mayonnaise (mayonnaise without fruit flour). The incorporation of this ingredient into mayonnaise increases the antioxidant potential, though it is in lower concentrations compared to the fruit flours that compose them. Nectarine mayonnaise showed the most promising results in terms of texture and antioxidant capacity (11.30 mg equivalent of gallic acid/100 g).
Assessing the Impact of Roasting Temperatures on Biochemical and Sensory Quality of Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia integrifolia)
Authors: Aruwajoye Noluthando Noxolo , Buthelezi Nana Millicent Duduzile , Mditshwa Asanda , Tesfay Samson Zeray , Magwaza Lembe Samukelo
Published: May 2023

Depending on the temperature regime used during roasting, the biochemical and sensory characteristics of macadamia nuts can change. ‘A4′ and ‘Beaumont’ were used as model cultivars to examine how roasting temperatures affected the chemical and sensory quality of macadamia nuts. Using a hot air oven dryer, macadamia kernels were roasted at 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 °C for 15 min. The quantity of phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants in kernels roasted at 50, 75, and 100 °C was significant (p < 0.001); however, these kernels also had high levels of moisture content, oxidation-sensitive unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), and peroxide value (PV), and poor sensory quality. Low moisture content, flavonoids, phenols, antioxidants, fatty acid (FA) compositions, high PV, and poor sensory quality—i.e., excessive browning, an exceptionally crunchy texture, and a bitter flavor—were all characteristics of kernels roasted at 150 °C. With a perfect crispy texture, a rich brown color, and a strong nutty flavor, kernels roasted at 125 °C had lower PV; higher oxidation-resistant UFA compositions; considerable concentrations of flavonoids, phenols, and antioxidants; and good sensory quality. Therefore, ‘A4′ and ‘Beaumont’ kernels could be roasted at 125 °C for use in the industry to improve kernel quality and palatability.
Total Controllability for a Class of Fractional Hybrid Neutral Evolution Equations with Non-Instantaneous Impulses
Authors: Salem Ahmed , Alharbi Kholoud N.
Published: May 2023

This study demonstrates the total control of a class of hybrid neutral fractional evolution equations with non-instantaneous impulses and non-local conditions. The boundary value problem with non-local conditions is created using the Caputo fractional derivative of order 1<α≤2. In order to create novel, strongly continuous associated operators, the infinitesimal generator of the sine and cosine families is examined. Additionally, two approaches are used to discuss the solution’s total controllability. A compact strategy based on the non-linear Leray–Schauder alternative theorem is one of them. In contrast, a measure of a non-compactness technique is implemented using the Sadovskii fixed point theorem with the Kuratowski measure of non-compactness. These conclusions are applied using simulation findings for the non-homogeneous fractional wave equation.
Complex/cryptic EWSR1::FLI1/ERG Gene Fusions and 1q Jumping Translocation in Pediatric Ewing Sarcomas
Authors: Zou Ying S. , Morsberger Laura , Hardy Melanie , Ghabrial Jen , Stinnett Victoria , Murry Jaclyn B. , Long Patty , Kim Andrew , Pratilas Christine A. , Llosa Nicolas J. , Ladle Brian H. , Lemberg Kathryn M. , Levin Adam S. , Morris Carol D. , Haley Lisa , Gocke Christopher D. , Gross John M.
Published: May 2023

Ewing sarcomas (ES) are rare small round cell sarcomas often affecting children and characterized by gene fusions involving one member of the FET family of genes (usually EWSR1) and a member of the ETS family of transcription factors (usually FLI1 or ERG). The detection of EWSR1 rearrangements has important diagnostic value. Here, we conducted a retrospective review of 218 consecutive pediatric ES at diagnosis and found eight patients having data from chromosome analysis, FISH/microarray, and gene-fusion assay. Three of these eight ES had novel complex/cryptic EWSR1 rearrangements/fusions by chromosome analysis. One case had a t(9;11;22)(q22;q24;q12) three-way translocation involving EWSR1::FLI1 fusion and 1q jumping translocation. Two cases had cryptic EWSR1 rearrangements/fusions, including one case with a cryptic t(4;11;22)(q35;q24;q12) three-way translocation involving EWSR1::FLI1 fusion, and the other had a cryptic EWSR1::ERG rearrangement/fusion on an abnormal chromosome 22. All patients in this study had various aneuploidies with a gain of chromosome 8 (75%), the most common, followed by a gain of chromosomes 20 (50%) and 4 (37.5%), respectively. Recognition of complex and/or cryptic EWSR1 gene rearrangements/fusions and other chromosome abnormalities (such as jumping translocation and aneuploidies) using a combination of various genetic methods is important for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes of pediatric ES.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Key Genes Regulating Gossypol Synthesis in Tetraploid Cultivated Cotton
Authors: Kong Linglei , Li Shaoqi , Qian Yuyuan , Cheng Hailiang , Zhang Youping , Zuo Dongyun , Lv Limin , Wang Qiaolian , Li Junlan , Song Guoli
Published: May 2023

Tetraploid cultivated cotton (Gossypium spp.) produces cottonseeds rich in protein and oil. Gossypol and related terpenoids, stored in the pigment glands of cottonseeds, are toxic to human beings and monogastric animals. However, a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of gossypol and gland formation is still lacking. We performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of four glanded versus two glandless tetraploid cultivars distributed in Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on 431 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) uncovered a candidate module that was strongly associated with the reduction in or disappearance of gossypol and pigment glands. Further, the co-expression network helped us to focus on 29 hub genes, which played key roles in the regulation of related genes in the candidate module. The present study contributes to our understanding of the genetic basis of gossypol and gland formation and serves as a rich potential source for breeding cotton cultivars with gossypol-rich plants and gossypol-free cottonseed, which is beneficial for improving food safety, environmental protection, and economic gains of tetraploid cultivated cotton.
Virtual Leadership and Nurses’ Psychological Stress during COVID-19 in the Tertiary Hospitals of Pakistan: The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Alam Fahad , Yang Qing , Rūtelionė Aušra , Bhutto Muhammad Yaseen
Published: May 2023

Although intelligence has been widely examined in the literature, the correlation of emotional intelligence (EI) has with virtual leadership, work stress, work burnout, and job performance in the nursing profession needs further consideration. Prior studies have confirmed that leadership style and emotional intelligence massively contribute to better outcomes in the nursing profession. Based on these confirmations, this research intended to explore the impact of virtual leadership and EI on work stress, work burnout, and job performance among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A convenient sampling technique was adopted to select the data sample. To analyze our hypotheses, 274 self-reported surveys were distributed in five tertiary hospitals in Pakistan through a cross-sectional quantitative research design. The hypotheses were tested with SmartPLS-3.3.9. Our findings revealed that virtual leadership and EI have considerably influenced nurses’ work stress, burnout level, and job performance. The study concludes that EI significantly moderates virtual leadership and psychological stress among nurses.
Attitudes of Mental Health Professionals towards Telepsychology during the Pandemic: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cavallo Marco , Pedroli Elisa , Cantoia Manuela , McGrath Breeda , Cecchetti Sonja
Published: May 2023

Objective: This pilot study investigated mental health professionals’ attitudes towards remote psychological consultations and internet-based interventions. Methods: An online survey in Italian and English was administered to a sample of 191 psychologists and psychotherapists to collect detailed information about their professional experience providing online psychological interventions a year and a half after the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Results: The results did not reveal a statistically significant association between the participants’ theoretical approaches and the number of patients treated via the online modality. Overall, most of the participants found advantages to the online setting but also noted critical issues regarding privacy and the ease of integrating new technology into their clinical practice. Conclusions: According to the participants, despite the challenges that must be addressed, telehealth is a viable psychological therapeutic option that is destined to grow in importance in the near future.
Necropolitics and Trans Identities: Language Use as Structural Violence
Authors: Stewart Kinsey B. , Delgado Thomas A.
Published: May 2023

Despite the increasing visibility of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people in U.S. society, current linguistic practices within forensic anthropology and death investigation in general are not TGD-inclusive. This lack of consideration for TGD decedents can cause unnecessary delays in the identification and disposition of their remains; moreover, failing to recognize their true identities is a form of forced post-mortem detransition. Using De León’s concept of necroviolence as a framework, we argue that language can also harm the dead and that the (mis)use of language within medicolegal death investigation reflects and reinforces structural violence against TGD people. Examples drawn from a qualitative review of public details for 87 cases are used to demonstrate how language and language-enforced bureaucratic structures can harm TGD decedents, their loved ones, the broader TGD community, and the process of medicolegal death resolution itself. We then suggest steps that anthropologists, death investigators, and their affiliated partners can take to reduce the systemic necropolitical violence faced by the TGD community. While TGD-inclusive methods will take time to implement at the institutional level, individual practitioners can enact significant change within the system by upholding core standards that recognize and respect the personhood and lived experiences of TGD decedents.
Measuring Experience of Inpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Authors: Clark Jacob , MacLennan Euan
Published: May 2023

There has been an important drive towards embedding feedback and experience data to improve health services in the UK. The current paper examines the gap in evidence and the lack of adequate measures of inpatient CAMHS experience. It presents the context of inpatient CAMHS and what factors influence care experience, before exploring the current practices for measuring experience and the implications for young people and families. The paper explores the dialectic that—given the nature of the work balancing risk and restrictions in inpatient CAMHS—it is essential that patient voice is at the centre of quality measures, and achieving this comes with a great complexity. The health needs of adolescents are unique, as are the interventions of psychiatric inpatient care, but current measures in routine use are often not developmentally adapted and lack validity. This paper looks to interdisciplinary theory and practice to consider what the application of a valid and meaningful measure of inpatient CAMHS experience might incorporate. It makes the case that the development of a measure of relational and moral experience of inpatient CAMHS would have significant implications for the quality of care and safety of adolescents during a period of acute crisis.
Gas Phase Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds Arising from the Application of Sunscreens
Authors: Yeoman Amber M. , Shaw Marvin , Ward Martyn , Ives Lyndsay , Andrews Stephen J. , Lewis Alastair C.
Published: May 2023

The speciation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from personal care products (PCPs) is complex and contributes to poor air quality and health risks to users via the inhalation exposure pathway. Detailed VOC emission profiles were generated for 26 sunscreen products; consequently, variability was observed between products, even though they were all designed for the same purpose. Some were found to contain fragrance compounds not labelled on their ingredients list. Five contaminant VOCs were identified (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and p-xylene); headspace sampling of an additional 18 randomly selected products indicated that ethanol originating from fossil petroleum was a potential source. The gas phase emission rates of the VOCs were quantified for 15 of the most commonly emitted species using SIFT-MS. A wide range of emission rates were observed between the products. Usage estimates were made based on the recommended dose per body surface area, for which the total mass of VOCs emitted from one full-body application dose was in the range of 1.49 × 103–4.52 × 103 mg and 1.35 × 102–4.11 × 102 mg for facial application (men aged 16+; children aged 2–4). Depending on age and sex, an estimated 9.8–30 mg of ethanol is inhaled from one facial application of sunscreen.
Reply to Ott, M.; Werneke, U. Comment on “Liu et al. Hemodialysis Treatment for Patients with Lithium Poisoning. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 10044”
Authors: Liu Yu-Hsin , Yen Tzung-Hai
Published: May 2023

We would like to thank Professor Ott and Professor Werneke for their helpful comments [...]
The Anti-Acne Potential and Chemical Composition of Knautia drymeia Heuff. and Knautia macedonica Griseb Extracts
Authors: Chrząszcz Małgorzata , Miazga-Karska Małgorzata , Klimek Katarzyna , Dybowski Michał P. , Typek Rafał , Tchórzewska Dorota , Dos Santos Szewczyk Katarzyna
Published: May 2023

The treatment of acne and other seborrheic diseases has arisen as a significant clinical challenge due to the increasing appearance of multi-drug resistant pathogens and a high frequency of recurrent lesions. Taking into consideration the fact that some Knautia species are valuable curatives in skin diseases in traditional medicine, we assumed that the thus far unstudied species K. drymeia and K. macedonica may be a source of active substances used in skin diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities of their extracts and fractions. An LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 47 compounds belonging to flavonoids and phenolic acids in both species while the GC-MS procedure allowed for the identification mainly sugar derivatives, phytosterols, and fatty acids and their esters. The ethanol as well as methanol-acetone-water (3:1:1) extracts of K. drymeia (KDE and KDM) exhibited great ability to scavenge free radicals and good capacity to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and lipoxygenase. Moreover, they had the most favorable low minimal inhibitory concentration values against acne strains, and importantly, they were non-toxic toward normal skin fibroblasts. In conclusion, K. drymeia extracts seem to be promising and safe agents for further biomedical applications.
Purinergic Signalling in Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Sluyter Ronald
Published: May 2023

Since its inception by the late Geoffrey Burnstock in the early 1970s [...]
mTOR Signaling Pathway in Bone Diseases Associated with Hyperglycemia
Authors: Wang Shuangcheng , Wang Jiale , Wang Shuangwen , Tao Ran , Yi Jianru , Chen Miao , Zhao Zhihe
Published: May 2023

The interplay between bone and glucose metabolism has highlighted hyperglycemia as a potential risk factor for bone diseases. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus worldwide and its subsequent socioeconomic burden, there is a pressing need to develop a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in hyperglycemia-mediated bone metabolism. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that senses extracellular and intracellular signals to regulate numerous biological processes, including cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. As mounting evidence suggests the involvement of mTOR in diabetic bone disease, we provide a comprehensive review of its effects on bone diseases associated with hyperglycemia. This review summarizes key findings from basic and clinical studies regarding mTOR’s roles in regulating bone formation, bone resorption, inflammatory responses, and bone vascularity in hyperglycemia. It also provides valuable insights into future research directions aimed at developing mTOR-targeted therapies for combating diabetic bone diseases.
Targeting USP-7 by a Novel Fluorinated 5-Pyrazolyl-Urea Derivative
Authors: Morretta Elva , Brullo Chiara , Belvedere Raffaella , Petrella Antonello , Spallarossa Andrea , Monti Maria Chiara
Published: May 2023

The impact of innovative technologies on the target discovery has been employed here to characterize the interactome of STIRUR 41, a promising 3-fluoro-phenyl-5-pyrazolyl-urea derivative endowed with anti-cancer activity, on neuroblastoma-related cells. A drug affinity responsive target stability-based proteomic platform has been optimized to elucidate the molecular mechanism at the basis of STIRUR 41 action, together with immunoblotting analysis and in silico molecular docking. Ubiquitin Specific Protease 7 (USP-7), one of the deubiquitinating enzymes which protect substrate proteins from proteasomal degradation, has been identified as the most affine STIRUR 41 target. As further demonstrated by in vitro and in-cell assays, STIRUR 41 was able to inhibit both the enzymatic activity of USP-7 and its expression levels in neuroblastoma-related cells, thus laying an encouraging base for the blockade of USP-7 downstream signaling.
Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous and Intrathecal Delivery of AAV9-Mediated ARSA in Minipigs
Authors: Mullagulova Aysilu , Shaimardanova Alisa , Solovyeva Valeriya , Mukhamedshina Yana , Chulpanova Daria , Kostennikov Alexander , Issa Shaza , Rizvanov Albert
Published: May 2023

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by demyelination and motor and cognitive impairments due to deficiencies of the lysosomal enzyme arylsulfatase A (ARSA) or the saposin B activator protein (SapB). Current treatments are limited; however, gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for ARSA delivery has shown promising results. The main challenges for MLD gene therapy include optimizing the AAV dosage, selecting the most effective serotype, and determining the best route of administration for ARSA delivery into the central nervous system. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AAV serotype 9 encoding ARSA (AAV9-ARSA) gene therapy when administered intravenously or intrathecally in minipigs, a large animal model with anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. By comparing these two administration methods, this study contributes to the understanding of how to improve the effectiveness of MLD gene therapy and offers valuable insights for future clinical applications.
Discordant Eosinophilic/T-Cell Chorionic Vasculitis in a Dichorionic Diamniotic Placenta
Authors: Silvestri Evelina , Servadei Francesca , Tamagnini Ione , Moretti Laura , Bonasoni Maria Paola
Published: May 2023

Eosinophilic/T-cell chorionic vasculitis (ETCV) is an idiopathic lesion composed of eosinophils, CD3+ T lymphocytes, and histiocytes. In twins, ETCV may affect only one chorionic plate, a feature defined as “discordant”. We present a case of ETCV discordance in a diamniotic dichorionic placenta at 38 weeks of gestation, in which the female twin was small for gestational age, weighing 2670 g (25th percentile). The corresponding placental territory presented ETCV in two close chorionic vessels with concordance of the fetal inflammatory response. Immunohistochemistry showed an abundance of CD3+/CD4+/CD25+T lymphocytes, CD68 PG M1+ macrophages, and scattered CD8+ T cells with focal TIA-1 positivity. Granzyme B, CD20 B lymphocytes, and CD56 natural killer cells were negative. High-grade villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) was additionally found and displayed comparable ETCV findings, except for an equivalent ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells, but TIA-1 was focally expressed. VUE was associated with chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI). The combination of ETCV, VUE, and CHI may have been responsible for reduced fetal growth. Concordance was observed in the ETCV and TIA-1 expression, both in ETCV and in VUE, which is a maternal response. These findings may suggest a common antigen or chemokine pathway to which both mother and fetus accordingly responded.
Insights on the Hypoglycemic Potential of Crocus sativus Tepal Polyphenols: An In Vitro and In Silico Study
Authors: Bellachioma Luisa , Morresi Camilla , Albacete Alfonso , Martínez-Melgarejo Purificación A. , Ferretti Gianna , Giorgini Giorgia , Galeazzi Roberta , Damiani Elisabetta , Bacchetti Tiziana
Published: May 2023

Post-prandial hyperglycemia typical of diabetes mellitus could be alleviated using plant-derived compounds such as polyphenols, which could influence the activities of enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion and of intestinal glucose transporters. Here, we report on the potential anti-hyperglycemic effect of Crocus sativus tepals compared to stigmas, within the framework of valorizing these by-products of the saffron industry, since the anti-diabetic properties of saffron are well-known, but not those of its tepals. In vitro assays showed that tepal extracts (TE) had a greater inhibitory action than stigma extracts (SE) on α-amylase activity (IC50: TE = 0.60 ± 0.09 mg/mL; SE = 1.10 ± 0.08 mg/mL; acarbose = 0.051 ± 0.07) and on glucose absorption in Caco-2 differentiated cells (TE = 1.20 ± 0.02 mg/mL; SE = 2.30 ± 0.02 mg/mL; phlorizin = 0.23 ± 0.01). Virtual screening performed with principal compounds from stigma and tepals of C. sativus and human pancreatic α-amylase, glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and sodium glucose co-transporter-1 (SGLT1) were validated via molecular docking, e.g., for human pancreatic α-amylase, epicatechin 3-o-gallate and catechin-3-o-gallate were the best scored ligands from tepals (−9.5 kcal/mol and −9.4 kcal/mol, respectively), while sesamin and episesamin were the best scored ones from stigmas (−10.1 kcal/mol). Overall, the results point to the potential of C. sativus tepal extracts in the prevention/management of diabetes, likely due to the rich pool of phytocompounds characterized using high-resolution mass spectrometry, some of which are capable of binding and interacting with proteins involved in starch digestion and intestinal glucose transport.
STS-1 and STS-2, Multi-Enzyme Proteins Equipped to Mediate Protein–Protein Interactions
Authors: Hayes Barbara , van der Geer Peter
Published: May 2023

STS-1 and STS-2 form a small family of proteins that are involved in the regulation of signal transduction by protein–tyrosine kinases. Both proteins are composed of a UBA domain, an esterase domain, an SH3 domain, and a PGM domain. They use their UBA and SH3 domains to modify or rearrange protein–protein interactions and their PGM domain to catalyze protein–tyrosine dephosphorylation. In this manuscript, we discuss the various proteins that have been found to interact with STS-1 or STS-2 and describe the experiments used to uncover their interactions.
Recent Advances in Computer-Aided Structure-Based Drug Design on Ion Channels
Authors: Pliushcheuskaya Palina , Künze Georg
Published: May 2023

Ion channels play important roles in fundamental biological processes, such as electric signaling in cells, muscle contraction, hormone secretion, and regulation of the immune response. Targeting ion channels with drugs represents a treatment option for neurological and cardiovascular diseases, muscular degradation disorders, and pathologies related to disturbed pain sensation. While there are more than 300 different ion channels in the human organism, drugs have been developed only for some of them and currently available drugs lack selectivity. Computational approaches are an indispensable tool for drug discovery and can speed up, especially, the early development stages of lead identification and optimization. The number of molecular structures of ion channels has considerably increased over the last ten years, providing new opportunities for structure-based drug development. This review summarizes important knowledge about ion channel classification, structure, mechanisms, and pathology with the main focus on recent developments in the field of computer-aided, structure-based drug design on ion channels. We highlight studies that link structural data with modeling and chemoinformatic approaches for the identification and characterization of new molecules targeting ion channels. These approaches hold great potential to advance research on ion channel drugs in the future.
The IL-33/IL-31 Axis in Allergic and Immune-Mediated Diseases
Authors: Murdaca Giuseppe , Gangemi Sebastiano , Greco Monica
Published: May 2023

Interleukin 31 (IL-31) belongs to the IL-6 superfamily [...]
Catechins and Proanthocyanidins Involvement in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Patanè Giuseppe Tancredi , Putaggio Stefano , Tellone Ester , Barreca Davide , Ficarra Silvana , Maffei Carlo , Calderaro Antonella , Laganà Giuseppina
Published: May 2023

Recent studies on natural antioxidant compounds have highlighted their potentiality against various pathological conditions. The present review aims to selectively evaluate the benefits of catechins and their polymeric structure on metabolic syndrome, a common disorder characterized by a cluster of three main risk factors: obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Patients with metabolic syndrome suffer chronic low inflammation state and oxidative stress both conditions effectively countered by flavanols and their polymers. The mechanism behind the activity of these molecules has been highlighted and correlated with the characteristic features present on their basic flavonoidic skelethon, as well as the efficient doses needed to perform their activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The amount of evidence provided in this review offers a starting point for flavanol dietary supplementation as a potential strategy to counteract several metabolic targets associated with metabolic syndrome and suggests a key role of albumin as flavanol-delivery system to the different target of action inside the organism.
Evaluation of Serum Albumin-Coated Bone Allograft for Bone Regeneration: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Study of 26 Cases
Authors: Gyulay Kata K. , Karászi Péter , Rédei Mátyás , Sólymos Petra , Schandl Károly , Lacza Zsombor , Horváthy Dénes B.
Published: May 2023

We have previously reported that serum albumin-coated bone allograft (BoneAlbumin, BA) is an effective bone substitute. It improves bone regeneration at the patellar and tibial donor sites six months after harvesting bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts for primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). In the present study, we examined these donor sites seven years after implantation. The study group (N = 10) received BA-enhanced autologous cancellous bone at the tibial and BA alone at the patellar site. The control group (N = 16) received autologous cancellous bone at the tibial and blood clot at the patellar site. We evaluated subcortical density, cortical thickness, and bone defect volume via CT scans. At the patellar site, subcortical density was significantly higher in the BA group at both time points. There was no significant difference in cortical thickness between the two groups at either donor site. The control group’s bone defect significantly improved and reached the BA group’s values at both sites by year seven. Meanwhile, the bone defects in the BA group did not change significantly and were comparable to the six-month measurements. No complications were observed. There are two limitations in this study: The number of patients recruited is small, and the randomization of the patients could have improved the quality of the study as the control group patients were older compared to the study group patients. Our 7-year results seem to demonstrate that BA is a safe and effective bone substitute that supports faster regeneration of donor sites and results in good-quality bone tissue at the time of ACLR with BPTB autografts. However, studies with a larger number of patients are required to definitively confirm the preliminary results of our study.