bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Development of Grid Connected Renewable Energy System for Electric Vehicle Loads in Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bilal Mohd , Bokoro Pitshou N. , Sharma Gulshan
Published: August 2024

Globally, the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) in the transportation sector represents a significant step towards achieving environmental decarbonization. This shift also introduces a new demand for electric power within the utility grid network. This study focuses on the design and development of a grid-connected renewable energy system tailored to meet the EV load demands in Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The integration of renewable energy sources, specifically solar photovoltaic (SPV) and wind turbines (WT), is explored within the context of economic feasibility and system reliability. Key considerations include optimizing the system to efficiently handle the fluctuating demands of EV charging while minimizing reliance on conventional grid power. Economic analyses and reliability assessments are conducted to evaluate the feasibility and performance of the proposed renewable energy system. This article discusses the technical sizing of hybrid systems, energy reduction, and net present cost for the selected location. A rigorous sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the impact of major variables such as inflation rate, real discount rate, solar irradiation, and Lack of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) on system performance. The results demonstrate that the Pufferfish Optimization Algorithm (PFO) significantly outperforms other metaheuristic algorithms documented in the literature, as well as the HOMER software. The study found that the grid-connected renewable energy system is the best option for operating EV charging stations at the selected location. The findings underscore the potential for sustainable energy solutions in urban environments like Taif, highlighting the importance of integrating renewable energy technologies to meet growing energy demands with enhanced economic efficiency and system reliability. This initiative seeks to pave the way for a greener and more resilient energy infrastructure, aligning with global efforts towards sustainable development and clean transportation solutions.
Thermoecological Cost Analysis of Hydrothermal Carbonization for Valorization of Under-Sieve Fraction from Municipal Solid Wastes
Authors: Mendecka Barbara , Czerwińska Klaudia , Lombardi Lidia , Śliz Maciej , Wilk Małgorzata
Published: August 2024

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management poses significant challenges due to the generation of organic waste materials, including the under-sieve fraction (USF), which contains high moisture and organic content. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has emerged as a promising technology for converting USF into hydrochar (HC), a valuable energy-rich material with improved combustible properties. Despite the potential of HTC for waste valorization, comprehensive studies on the thermoecological cost (TEC) and environmental implications of applying HTC to USF are limited. In this study, a detailed analysis of the TEC associated with the HTC process applied to USF from MSW was conducted. The TEC assessment was conducted considering varying dilution ratios (DS/W), operational temperatures (180–220 °C), and reaction times (1–8 h) to evaluate the energy efficiency, resource utilization, and environmental impact of the HTC process. Comparative assessments were made with alternative USF treatment methods, such as bio-stabilization, landfilling, and wastewater treatment. The results indicate that the optimal conditions for minimizing TEC are a temperature of 180 °C, a reaction time of 1 h, and a dilution ratio of 0.15, achieving a TEC value of approximately 9.25 GJ per ton of USF. This represents a significant reduction compared to the conventional treatment methods, which showed a TEC of 14.9 GJ/ton of USF. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of HTC with alternative USF treatment methods, such as bio-stabilization and landfilling, highlighting HTC’s superior energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. These findings offer valuable insights into the energy consumption, resource utilization, and environmental impact of HTC, emphasizing its potential for sustainable waste valorization.
Voltage-Triggered Flexibility Provision in a Distribution Network with Limited Observability
Authors: Bolfek Martin , Capuder Tomislav
Published: August 2024

Variable renewable energy sources (VRESs) are essential for decarbonizing the energy sector, but they introduce significant uncertainty into power grids. This uncertainty necessitates increased flexibility to ensure reliable and efficient grid operations, impacting both short-term strategies and long-term planning. Effective management of VRESs is particularly challenging for distribution system operators (DSOs) due to limited grid measurement and other data, complicating state estimation. This paper proposes a tractable framework that operates under low-observability conditions. The framework uses conservative linear approximations (CLAs) to manage grid constraints efficiently, requiring only the ranges of power injections typically available to operators. The objectives are twofold: first, to determine the amount and location of flexibility needed to prevent voltage violations and, second, to establish voltage measurement thresholds to trigger flexibility activation. Key contributions include the formulation of optimization problems to mitigate voltage issues, the introduction of flexibility provision triggered by voltage thresholds, and novel algorithms for determining flexibility and trigger points. The framework’s efficacy is demonstrated on IEEE 33-bus and UK 124-bus test systems, showing it can effectively mitigate grid voltage problems despite limited data.
Recent Advancements in Pd-Based Membranes for Hydrogen Separation
Authors: Cerone Nadia , Zito Giuseppe Domenico , Florio Carmine , Fabbiano Laura , Zimbardi Francesco
Published: August 2024

The use of hydrogen is pivotal for the energy and industrial transition in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. As technologies like fuel cells, e-fuels, and the semiconductor industry increasingly demand pure hydrogen, the development of efficient separation methods is crucial. While traditional methods such as pressure-swing adsorption are common, palladium (Pd)-based membranes are a promising alternative due to their energetic efficiency. This review summarizes the recent advances in Pd-based membranes for hydrogen separation over the last six years. It provides a theoretical overview of hydrogen permeation through membranes and examine the characteristics of various Pd alloys adopted in membrane fabrication, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of binary and ternary alloys, for different membrane types, including self-supported and supported membranes, as well as the role of intermediate layers. Additionally, the membrane characteristics used in some recent works on self-supported and supported Pd membranes are analyzed, focusing on operational parameters like permeability, selectivity, and durability. Finally, this review emphasizes the significant progress made in enhancing membrane performance and discusses future directions for industrial applications.
Low-Cost Platform Implementation of Discrete Controllers for DC-DC Boost Converter
Authors: González-Castro Jesús A. , Rubio-Astorga Guillermo J. , Alarcón-Carbajal Martin A. , Sánchez-Torres Juan Diego , Medina-Melendrez Modesto , Cabanillas-Noris Juan C. , Castro-Palazuelos David E.
Published: August 2024

In recent years, various solutions have been developed to control power electronic converters using devices available on the market that are powerful and easy to use. These solutions, in most cases, offer high performance. However, these have high implementation costs because the required devices are expensive. For this reason, this document presents the implementation of two discrete-time controllers widely used in the literature for a boost converter implemented on a low-cost platform. The objective is to obtain a constant voltage at the converter’s output for photovoltaic system applications. The proportional-integral control is implemented as the first case, and the second case is a sliding mode control. In addition, a prior analysis is presented through simulation. Both control algorithms are implemented on the TMS320F28379D microcontroller from Texas Instruments through the same manufacturer’s integrated development software based on an optimized C/C++ language compiler. The results of the non-linear algorithm reveal better performance in reducing the time response, the overshoot of the transient state, and the steady-state error. Finally, the significant economic savings associated with the implementation costs of the controllers tested on a low-cost platform differentiate this work from other similar ones.
Analysis and Short-Term Peak Forecasting of the Driving Factors of Carbon Emissions in the Construction Industry at the Provincial Level in China
Authors: Dai Chao , Tan Yuan , Cao Shuangping , Liao Hong , Pu Jie , Huang Haiyan , Cai Weiguang
Published: August 2024

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in China’s achievement of its “dual carbon” goals. This study conducts a decomposition analysis of the carbon emissions from the construction industry (CECI) at both national and provincial levels for the period 2010–2020 and employs the ARIMA model to predict the short-term peak trends at the provincial level. The findings are as follows. (1) Inner Mongolia, Shandong, Sichuan, and Chongqing exhibit an N-shaped trend in CECI, while the northeast region shows an inverted U-shaped trend. (2) Labor productivity and energy intensity are identified as the largest and smallest drivers of national CECI growth, respectively, with the driving force of the study’s identified factors fluctuating between 1% and 60%. (3) Energy intensity significantly contributes to the growth of CECI in Tianjin and Zhejiang, while it aids in reducing CECI in western provinces. The “rebound effect” of building energy efficiency is particularly pronounced in provinces with strong resource endowments, such as Ningxia. (4) Between 2021 and 2025, CECI is predicted to decrease in the northern and economically developed provinces, while it is expected to increase in central and western provinces, with Heilongjiang, Shandong, Guangdong, Shanghai, and Shaanxi potentially reaching their peaks within the forecast period. The paper concludes with several recommendations.
The Economics of Electric Vehicles with Application to Electricity Grids
Authors: van Kooten G. Cornelis , Stobbe Tracy E.
Published: August 2024

Governments around the world promote the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of their climate change strategy, with many committing to EV-only sales of new passenger vehicles by 2035 and complete use of EVs by 2045 (California) or 2050 (e.g., Canada, EU). Rebates (purchase subsidies) are offered to consumers to promote uptake of EVs, and growth in their uptake has been quite strong, although EVs remain a small proportion of registered vehicles. In this study, we first analyze the economics of EV subsidies and then use Canadian electrical generation capacity, EV efficiency data, and distances driven, along with Monte Carlo simulation, to project the increased demands that greater numbers of EVs will place on an electrical grid. We find that the current grid’s capacity will not be adequate to power the anticipated growth in EVs, and major new power plants or hydroelectric dams will need to be constructed. The analysis suggests that Canada might need to build 17 new hydroelectric facilities or 14 additional gas plants, as there is likely to be much resistance to new hydroelectric projects.
Back-to-Back Inverter for Induction Machine Drive with Harmonic Current Compensation and Reactive Power Tolerance to Voltage Sags
Authors: Oliveira Maria R. L. , Soares Luccas T. F. , Coelho Aurélio L. M.
Published: August 2024

The widespread use of static converters for controlling electrical machines and the concern for electrical power quality in industrial environments provide an opportunity for utilizing these devices to enhance the power quality. In this context, this work presents a back-to-back converter model for driving induction machines. The converter is designed to correct the power factor of the point common coupling (PCC), compensate for harmonic currents (acting as an active filter), and withstand voltage sags. The necessary control system models were developed, and an alternative implementation for these functions in the converter was proposed. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of this solution, as the converter operated within its nominal limits by compensating for harmonics and reactive power. Moreover, the equipment showed resilience to severe voltage sags. The contribution of this paper focuses on the multifunctionality of the frequency converter for driving induction machines. It emphasizes the advantage of the inverter in improving power quality in industrial environments through reactive power compensation and harmonic current compensation, thus functioning as an active power filter. Additionally, it is worth highlighting its ability to handle voltage dips. In this regard, this paper contributes by providing an operational strategy for driving the induction machine during such transients.
Using Advanced Metering Infrastructure Data from MV/LV Substations to Minimize Reactive Energy Supply Cost to Final Consumers
Authors: Andruszkiewicz Jerzy , Lorenc Józef , Weychan Agnieszka
Published: August 2024

This article presents an original methodology to determine the optimal level of reactive energy transmission to low-voltage consumers supplied from MV/LV substations that guarantees the lowest total costs of reactive energy transmission through the DSO network and its generation in receiving installations within the reactive power compensation process. The average value of the optimal factor tgφ to be maintained by customers depends on the efficiency of the network, the characteristics of the load, and the market costs of energy losses due to the transmission of reactive energy through the network that are covered by the DSO and the costs of reactive energy generation in receiving installations. The results presented for real MV/LV substations operating in the Polish distribution network demonstrate the application of annual measurements of active and reactive energy consumed and generated registered by AMI systems to calculate the optimal reactive power compensation level. They can be applied to verify the permissible levels of reactive energy compensation applied by the DSOs until now within the yearly tariffs for customers.
Sustainable Carbon Utilization for a Climate-Neutral Economy–Framework Necessities and Assessment Criteria
Authors: Zitscher Tjerk , Kaltschmitt Martin
Published: August 2024

The need to limit anthropogenic climate change to 1.5–2 °C, as agreed in the Paris Agreement, requires a significant reduction of CO2 emissions resulting from the use of fossil carbon. However, based on current knowledge, carbon is expected to remain crucial in certain industrial sectors, e.g., the chemical industry. Consequently, it is essential to identify and utilize sustainable carbon sources in the future. In this context, various carbon sources were examined and classified in terms of their disruption of the Earth’s (fast) carbon cycle. Furthermore, the examined carbon sources were qualitatively analyzed with regard to their technical readiness level, their energy expenditure, and their current and future availability, as well as legal regulation within the European Union. As a result, only biogenic and mixed carbon from the ambient air can be considered genuinely sustainable within the Earth’s (fast) carbon cycle. Mixed carbon streams, e.g., from waste recycling, fall into a gray area. The same applies to certain process-related emissions that originally descend from fossil fuel energy. In terms of energy considerations, technical maturity, and exploitable potentials, prioritizing the utilization of biogenic carbon sources is advisable for the time being, especially for CO2 produced as a by-product originating from biogenic carbon carriers.
Analysis of the Possibility of Applying Biochars from Biowaste as Adsorbents to Eliminate Odors from Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Piekarski Jacek , Ignatowicz Katarzyna , Dąbrowski Tomasz , Dąbrowski Bartosz
Published: August 2024

Due to its nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium content, sewage sludge is used, among other things, to grow plants for energy purposes or to intensify biogas production. These processes are always accompanied by odor emissions, which are treated as pollution according to European legislation and are subject to legal regulations in many countries. Therefore, this publication presents the results of a study on the removal of odor from sewage sludge by adsorption on biochars produced from selected biowaste. Beekeeping waste (grain) and coffee brewing residues (spent coffee grounds) were selected for the study. Both materials were pyrolyzed to produce biochar which was applied for adsorption of odors from sewage sludge. Commercial Organosorb 200-1 Wi activated carbon was used as a comparison material. The odors were taken from dried sewage sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The obtained biochars are suitable for odor adsorption and can be an alternative to commercial adsorbents. The biochar from beekeeping waste showed the highest efficiency, allowing 100% odor removal. Slightly worse results were obtained for biochar from spent coffee grounds.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxicity Potential Coupled with Molecular Docking Simulation of the Dynamic Fermentation Characteristics of Marine-Derived Bacterium Halomonas saccharevitans
Authors: Mohamed Hassan , Abdrabo Mohamed A. A. , Hassan Sahar W. M. , Ibrahim Hassan A. H. , Awad Mohmed F. , Abdul-Raouf Usama M. , Song Yuanda
Published: August 2024

A variety of metabolites produced by marine microorganisms are gaining high value for their significant biological properties. Therefore, the search for active secondary metabolites from marine bacteria against pathogenic microorganisms has become essential for alternative and effective strategies. In this study, Halomonas saccharevitans, a marine-derived bacterium, was cultured and fermented on a liquid medium. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) crude extract was then fractioned yielded five fractions to study their biological effect. Two fractions had significantly higher activity, i.e., absolute n-hexane against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and absolute methanol (MeOH) against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, with promising MIC values. The time–kill kinetics assay for the very susceptible bacteria against active fractions was also examined. The antifungal assay of the active fractions had the highest activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans with the examined variable MFC values. The cytotoxic assay against HepG2 cells showed promising activities, resulting in a 78% inhibition of cell viability. Moreover, the antioxidant activities showed reasonable inhibition values at 21.87 ± 0.85% and 98.25 ± 1.45%, compared to the control. Molecular docking revealed a high affinity between major detected compounds with free binding energies. The active fractions were characterized by the presence of diverse chemically esters, phenolics, essential oils, and other organic compounds detected by GC–MS. In conclusion, H. saccharevitans, derived from the Red Sea, might be useful as an alternative source for the possible production of bioactive substances with a variety of biomedical application.
Intermittent Detections of ISAV-HPR0 in a Salmon Recirculating Aquaculture System, and Implications for Sampling
Authors: Pietrak Michael , Warg Janet , Gustafson Lori , Peterson Brian C.
Published: August 2024

Infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) is an important pathogen in global Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) aquaculture. The existence of both non-pathogenic (ISAV-HPR0) and pathogenic (HPR-deleted ISAV) forms of the virus impacts hatchery management. In November 2016, fish tested positive for ISAV-HPR0 at the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center in Maine. A cohort exposed to the fish testing positive for ISAV were lethally sampled over a 7-month period (February–August 2017). No positive samples were detected during this time. Additional testing aimed to determine the extent of the ISAV infections in the facility’s fish and to investigate the water sources as potential virus entry points. Fish testing was designed to detect 2% pathogen prevalence with 95% confidence (assuming diagnostic sensitivity of 85%). Over a three-year period, ISAV-HPR0 was detected in spawning fish annually and once in smolts. Repeat testing of smolts from the affected tank three weeks later failed to detect ISAV-HPR0. Over a one-year period of weekly or biweekly evaluation of the incoming water sources, ISAV was never detected. These findings suggest that ISAV-HPR0 infections in monitored hatchery populations can evade detection and that episodes of high prevalence of ISAV-HPR0 associated with spawning can be highly transient. In both cases, conventional surveillance based on recurrent testing of healthy populations may provide only a very limited indication of the HPR0 status. Instead, targeting surveillance to periods of physiological stress, such as spawning and smoltification, and adjusting the sample sizes to account for a related surge in prevalence, should enhance the detection capacity in hatchery settings while also reducing testing costs.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum I Induces Gonad Growth in the Queen Scallop Aequipecten opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758) under Conditions of Climate Change
Authors: Kovačić Ines , Burić Petra , Čanak Iva , Žunec Ante , Panić Anamarija , Kolić Valentina , Iveša Neven , Frece Jadranka , Štifanić Mauro
Published: August 2024

Climate change has presented a serious problem in recent times, which is why a new approach is being sought in terms of aquacultural food quality. In this study, the influence of temperature increase (by 2 °C) and pH decrease (by 0.2) was investigated on the queen scallop, Aequipecten opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758). Furthermore, the effect of a food-enriched diet with the probiotic culture Lactiplantibacillus plantarum I was assessed in climate-changed conditions. Scallops’ morphometric parameters were measured before the experimental setup and after one month of being kept in controlled conditions. Morphometric parameters included the elongation index, compactness index, convexity index, density index, condition index, meat yield, gonadosomatic index, adductor muscle index, and hepatosomatic index. Climate-changed conditions had no effect on the scallop condition index, meat yield, or hepatosomatic index. Nevertheless, the addition of probiotics to their diet had a positive effect on the queen scallops cultivated under conditions of climate change, influencing positive allometry and the increase of the gonadosomatic indices. On the other hand, the same conditions negatively affected the adductor muscle index of the scallops. To conclude, in the context of climate change conditions, queen scallops could be a good organism of choice that can be very well adapted to the changed environmental conditions, especially with the addition of the lactic acid bacteria culture Lpb. plantarum I.
Preparation and Performance Evaluation of a Supramolecular Polymer Gel-Based Temporary Plugging Agent for Heavy Oil Reservoir
Authors: Niu Cheng , Fan Sheng , Chen Xiuping , He Zhong , Dai Liyao , Wen Zhibo , Li Meichun
Published: August 2024

When encountering heavy oil reservoirs during drilling, due to the change in pressure difference inside the well, heavy oil will invade the drilling fluid, and drilling fluid will spill into the reservoir along the formation fractures, affecting the drilling process. A supramolecular polymer gel-based temporary plugging agent was prepared using acrylamide (AM), butyl acrylate (BA), and styrene (ST) as reacting monomers, N, N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent, ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a non-covalent component. A supermolecular polymer gel with a temperature tolerance of 120 °C and acid solubility of 90% was developed. The experimental results demonstrated that a mechanically robust, thermally stable supramolecular polymer gel was successfully synthesized through the copolymerization of AM, BA, and ST, as well as the in situ formation hydrogen bonding between poly (AM-co-BA-co-ST) and PVA, leading to a three-dimensional entangled structure. The gel-forming solution possessed excellent gelling performance even in the presence of a high content of salt and heavy oil, demonstrating superior resistance to salt and heavy oil under harsh reservoir conditions. High-temperature and high-pressure plugging displacement experiments proved that the supramolecular polymer gel exhibited high pressure-bearing capacity, and the blocking strength reached 5.96 MPa in a wedge-shaped fracture with a length of 30 cm. Furthermore, the dissolution rate of the supramolecular polymer gel was as high as 96.2% at 120 °C for 48 h under a 15% HCl solution condition.
Working in Tandem to Uncover 3D Artefact Distribution in Archaeological Excavations: Mathematical Interpretation through Positional and Relational Methods
Authors: Dilena Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the most advanced pioneering techniques in the computing field have found application in assorted areas. Deep learning approaches, including artificial neural networks (ANNs), have become popular thanks to their ability to draw inferences from intricate and seemingly unconnected datasets. Additionally, 3D clustering techniques manage to associate groups of elements by identifying the specific inherent structures exhibited by such objects based on similarity measures. Generally, the characteristics of archaeological information gathered after extraction operations align with the previously mentioned challenges. Hence, an excavation could be an opportunity to use these prior innovative computing approaches. Our objective is to integrate software techniques to organise recovered artefacts and derive logical conclusions from their spatial location and the correlation between tangible attributes. These results can statistically improve our approach to investigations and provide a mathematical interpretation of archaeological excavations.
Genotypic Selection Using Quantitative Trait Loci for Better Productivity under High Temperature Stress in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Elazazi Elsayed , Ziems Laura , Mahmood Tariq , Eltanger Naeema , Al-Qahtani Maryam , Shahsil Nafeesath , Al-Kuwari Aisha , Metwally Mohammed M. , Trethowan Richard , Dong Chongmei
Published: August 2024

High temperature stress affects tomato production both in tropical and sub-tropical environments worldwide. To explore genetic variation for heat tolerance in tomato, 329 transcontinental tomato genotypes were evaluated at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) greenhouses near Doha, Qatar, where the average daytime temperature was 38 °C with a big fluctuation during the tomato growth season. A preliminary phenotypic analysis identified a panel of 71 hybrid and pure-line tomato genotypes for more detailed studies. The selected subset was examined in the greenhouse using a randomized complete block design under heat stress. The materials were phenotyped for fruit size, fruit weight, fruit hardness, fruit locules, fruit set, total soluble solids (TSS), and fruit yield. Significant phenotypic differences among genotypes were observed for all the traits assessed. To explore the genetic basis of the variation among the examined genotypes, the subset was genotyped using 104 SNP markers identified in previous heat-tolerance genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Nineteen QTL-associated SNP markers could reliably select heat-tolerant genotypes in terms of better fruit yield, fruit set, and TSS. These markers are located on chromosome 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12. Interestingly, two clusters of markers on chromosome 6 were linked to significant effects on yield, fruit set, and TSS under high temperature. Eighteen out of nineteen SNP markers were mapped within a gene body. Based on the phenotypic and the genotypic analysis, an elite set of five genotypes was selected for approval for heat stress environments in Qatar. The aim of the present work is to provide significant results that are exploitable not only in the Qatar region but also worldwide. Specifically, the 19 molecular markers identified in this study can serve as useful tools for breeders in selecting heat-tolerant material.
Berry Crops Production: Cultivation, Breeding and Health Benefits
Authors: Taghavi Toktam
Published: August 2024

Horticulture is among the most intensive agricultural systems [...]
The Conservation Varieties Regime: Its Past, Present and Future in the Protection and Commercialisation of Vegetable Landraces in Europe
Authors: Didonna Adriano , Bocci Riccardo , Renna Massimiliano , Santamaria Pietro
Published: August 2024

In 1998, the European Union aimed to make the official Common European Catalogue of Plant Varieties more flexible and to mitigate the decline of agricultural biodiversity in European rural areas by introducing the Conservation Varieties Regime (CVR): a set of rules pertaining to local and/or traditional varieties cultivated in specific regions that are at risk of genetic erosion. This initiative was intended to permit the sale of those varieties that do not fully meet the distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) criteria required for the registration of standard varieties in the Common European Catalogue. In this review, we examine the impact of establishing the CVR 25 years after its first definition. As of the date of data collection, 191 conservation varieties were registered throughout Europe, representing only 0.88% of the total number of varieties included in the Common Catalogue. The most important countries are Spain, Italy and Croatia, which have, respectively, 57, 43 and 26 conservation varieties. The case study from Italy highlights that the CVR is poorly structured and is characterised by the initiatives of individual entities that take it upon themselves to protect and/or promote specific vegetable varieties. In this review, we discuss such data in relation to the protection and commercialisation of vegetable landraces in Europe. Overall, the CVR has failed to promote and enforce a dedicated market for all those varieties excluded from registration in the Common Catalogue due to DUS requirements.
Smart Delivery of Biomolecules Interfering with Peri-Implant Repair in Osteoporotic Rats
Authors: Paludetto Laura Vidoto , Monteiro Naara Gabriela , Breseghello Isadora , de Souza Batista Fábio Roberto , Antoniali Cristina , Lisboa-Filho Paulo Noronha , Okamoto Roberta
Published: August 2024

Bisphosphonates are widely used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis; however, they cause several long-term side effects, necessitating the investigation of local ways to improve osseointegration in compromised bone tissue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate peri-implant bone repair using implants functionalized with zoledronic acid alone (OVX ZOL group, n = 11), zoledronic acid + teriparatide (OVX ZOL + TERI group, n = 11), and zoledronic acid + ruterpy (OVX ZOL + TERPY group, n = 11) compared to the control group (OVX CONV, n = 11). Analyses included computer-assisted microtomography, qualitative histologic analysis, and real-time PCR analysis. Histologically, all functionalized surfaces improved peri-implant repair, with the OVX ZOL + TERI group standing out. Similar results were found in computerized microtomography analysis. In real-time PCR analysis, however, the OVX ZOL and OVX ZOL + TERPY groups showed better results for bone formation, with the OVX ZOL + TERPY group standing out, while there were no statistical differences between the OVX CONV and OVX ZOL + TERI groups for the genes studied at 28 postoperative days. Nevertheless, all functionalized groups showed a reduced rate of bone resorption. In short, all surface functionalization groups outperformed the control group, with overall better results for the OVX ZOL + TERI group.
Genetic Polymorphisms in the HMGCR Gene and Associations with Cognitive Decline in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Pierzchlińska Anna , Sławek Jarosław , Kwaśniak-Butowska Magdalena , Malinowski Damian , Komaniecka Nina , Mak Monika , Czerkawska Anna , Kukowka Arnold , Białecka Monika
Published: August 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms including cognitive impairment and dementia. The etiopathogenesis of PD, as well as its protective and susceptibility factors, are still elusive. 3-Hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) is an enzyme regulating cholesterol synthesis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene coding HMGCR have recently been correlated with the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Alternative splicing of exon 13 of the HMGCR transcript and its strongly associated HMGCR haplotype 7 (H7: rs17244841, rs3846662, rs17238540) may downregulate protein activity and cholesterol synthesis, with lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels associated with PD that may affect cognitive abilities. We genotyped three SNPs in the H7 HMGCR gene in 306 PD patients divided into three groups—without cognitive decline, with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and with PD dementia—and in 242 healthy participants. A correlation between the rs17238540 genotype and PD susceptibility as well as a minor association between rs3846662 and cognitive status in PD patients was observed; however, the two-sided analysis of these groups did not reveal any significance. We observed a statistically significant elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) plasma level in the minor allele carriers of rs17238540 and rs17244841 among PD patients. This study should be replicated in a larger population.
The Other Side of the Perfect Cup: Coffee-Derived Non-Polyphenols and Their Roles in Mitigating Factors Affecting the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ramerth Alexis , Chapple Brooke , Winter Jeremiah , Moore William
Published: August 2024

The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is 10.5% among adults in the age range of 20–79 years. The primary marker of T2D is persistent fasting hyperglycemia, resulting from insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Multiple factors can promote the development of T2D, including obesity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In contrast, dietary choices have been shown to prevent the onset of T2D. Oatmeal, lean proteins, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables have all been reported to decrease the likelihood of T2D onset. One of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, coffee, has also demonstrated an impressive ability to reduce T2D risk. Coffee contains a diverse array of bioactive molecules. The antidiabetic effects of coffee-derived polyphenols have been thoroughly described and recently reviewed; however, several non-polyphenolic molecules are less prominent but still elicit potent physiological actions. This review summarizes the effects of select coffee-derived non-polyphenols on various aspects of T2D pathogenesis.
NK Cell Degranulation Triggered by Rituximab Identifies Potential Markers of Subpopulations with Enhanced Cytotoxicity toward Malignant B Cells
Authors: Wlodarczyk Marta , Torun Anna , Zerrouqi Abdessamad , Pyrzynska Beata
Published: August 2024

A promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy is to restore or enhance the cytotoxicity of NK cells, among others, by activating the mechanism of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor antigens, such as rituximab (targeting CD20), induce NK cell-mediated ADCC and have been used to treat B cell malignancies, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but not always successfully. The aim of this study was to analyze the gene expression profile of the NK cells involved in the cytolytic response stimulated by rituximab. NK cells were co-cultured with rituximab-opsonized Raji cells. Sorting into responder and non-responder groups was based on the presence of CD107a, which is a degranulation marker. RNA-seq results showed that the KIT and TNFSF4 genes were strongly down-regulated in the degranulating population of NK cells (responders); this was further confirmed by qRT-PCR. Both genes encode surface proteins with cellular signaling abilities, namely c-KIT and the OX40 ligand. Consistent with our findings, c-KIT was previously reported to correlate inversely with cytokine production by activated NK cells. The significance of these findings for cancer immunotherapy seems essential, as the pharmacological inhibition of c-KIT and OX40L, or gene ablation, could be further tested for the enhancement of the anti-tumor activity of NK cells in response to rituximab.
Ethyl Acetate Fractions of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) Crude Extract Modulate Fibrotic Signals to Ameliorate Diabetic Kidney Injury
Authors: Hsu Yung-Chien , Shih Ya-Hsueh , Ho Cheng , Liu Cheng-Chi , Liaw Chia-Ching , Lin Hui-Yi , Lin Chun-Liang
Published: August 2024

Diabetic nephropathy, a leading cause of end-stage renal disease, accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by microinflammation in the glomeruli and myofibroblast activation in the tubulointerstitium. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, a traditional Chinese medicine, is shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties, implying its renal-protective potential. This study investigates which type of component can reduce the damage caused by diabetic nephropathy in a single setting. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) layer was demonstrated to provoke peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and PPAR-γ activities in renal mesangial cells by dual luciferase reporter assay. In a high glucose (HG)-cultured mesangial cell model, the EtOAc layer substantially inhibited HG-induced elevations of interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and fibronectin, whereas down-regulated PPAR-γ was restored. In addition, among the extracts of S. miltiorrhiza, the EtOAc layer effectively mitigated TGF-β1-stimulated myofibroblast activation. The EtOAc layer also showed a potent ability to attenuate renal hypertrophy, proteinuria, and fibrotic severity by repressing diabetes-induced proinflammatory factor, extracellular matrix accumulation, and PPAR-γ reduction in the STZ-induced diabetes mouse model. Our findings, both in vitro and in vivo, indicate the potential of the EtOAc layer from S. miltiorrhiza for future drug development targeting diabetic nephropathy.
The GPR30 Receptor Is Involved in IL-6-Induced Metastatic Properties of MCF-7 Luminal Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Tirado-Garibay Ana Carolina , Ruiz-Barcenas Betzabe , Rescala-Ponce de León Julia Isabel , Ochoa-Zarzosa Alejandra , López-Meza Joel E.
Published: August 2024

Luminal breast cancer has a high incidence worldwide and poses a severe health threat. Estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) is activated by 17β-estradiol (E2), and its overexpression promotes cancerous characteristics. Luminal breast cancer is an epithelial type; however, the cytokine IL-6, secreted by cells within the tumor microenvironment, stimulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promotes metastasis. Also, IL-6 decreases ER-α levels, favoring the tamoxifen (TMX) resistance development. However, genes under E2 regulation continue to be expressed even though this receptor is absent. GPR30 is an alternative E2 receptor present in both luminal and aggressive triple-negative breast cancer and is related to TMX resistance and cancer progression. The roles of GPR30 and IL-6 in metastasis have been individually established; however, their interplay remains unexplored. This study aims to elucidate the role of GPR30 in IL-6-induced metastatic properties of MCF-7 luminal breast cancer cells. Results showed that GPR30 contributes to the E2-induced MCF-7 proliferation because its inhibition with the antagonist G15 and the Pertussis toxin (PTX) reduced it. Besides, GPR30 upregulated vimentin and downregulated E-cadherin levels in MCF-7 and TMX-resistant (R-TMX) cells and is also involved in the IL-6-induced migration, invasion, and TMX resistance in MCF-7 cells. In addition, in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative cells, both basal and IL-6-induced metastatic properties were related to GPR30 activity. These results indicate that the GPR30 receptor regulates the EMT induced by IL-6 in breast cancer cells.
Expression and Functional Identification of SPL6/7/9 Genes under Drought Stress in Sugarbeet Seedlings
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhu Shengyi , Yang Chao , Zeng Deyong , Luo Chengfei , Dai Cuihong , Cheng Dayou , Lv Xiaohong
Published: August 2024

Sugar beet is a significant sugar crop in China, primarily cultivated in arid regions of the north. However, drought often affects sugar beet cultivation, leading to reduced yield and quality. Therefore, understanding the impact of drought on sugar beets and studying their drought tolerance is crucial. Previous research has examined the role of SPL (SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like) transcription factors in plant stress response; however, the precise contribution of SPLs to the drought stress response in sugar beets has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we identified and examined the BvSPL6, BvSPL7, and BvSPL9 genes in sugar beets, investigating their performance during the seedling stage under drought stress. We explored their drought resistance characteristics using bioinformatics, quantitative analysis, physiological experiments, and molecular biology experiments. Drought stress and rehydration treatments were applied to sugar beet seedlings, and the expression levels of BvSPL6, BvSPL7, and BvSPL9 genes in leaves were quantitatively analyzed at 11 different time points to evaluate sugar beets’ response and tolerance to drought stress. Results indicated that the expression level of the BvSPL6/9 genes in leaves was upregulated during the mid-stage of drought stress and downregulated during the early and late stages. Additionally, the expression level of the BvSPL7 gene gradually increased with the duration of drought stress. Through analyzing changes in physiological indicators during different time periods of drought stress and rehydration treatment, we speculated that the regulation of BvSPL6/7/9 genes is associated with sugar beet drought resistance and their participation in drought stress response. Furthermore, we cloned the CDS sequences of BvSPL6, BvSPL7, and BvSPL9 genes from sugar beets and conducted sequence alignment with the database to validate the results. Subsequently, we constructed overexpression vectors, named 35S::BvSPL6, 35S::BvSPL7, and 35S::BvSPL9, and introduced them into sugar beets using Agrobacterium-mediated methods. Real-time fluorescence quantitative analysis revealed that the expression levels of BvSPL6/7/9 genes in transgenic sugar beets increased by 40% to 80%. The drought resistance of transgenic sugar beets was significantly enhanced compared with the control group.
Activation of G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) Negatively Modulates Cardiac Excitation–Contraction Coupling (ECC) through the PI3K/NOS/NO Pathway
Authors: Diaz-Zegarra Leandro A. , Espejo María S. , Ibañez Alejandro M. , Rando Mónica E. , Pagola Lucia E. , De Giusti Verónica C. , Aiello Ernesto A.
Published: August 2024

The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been described to exert several cardioprotective effects. However, the exact mechanism involved in cardiac protection remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of GPER activation on excitation–contraction coupling (ECC) and the possibility that such effect participates in cardioprotection. The cardiac myocytes of male Wistar rats were isolated with a digestive buffer and loaded with Fura-2-AM for the measurement of intracellular calcium transient (CaT). Sarcomere shortening (SS) and L-type calcium current (ICaL) were also registered. The confocal technique was used to measure nitric oxide (NO) production in cells loaded with DAF-FM-diacetate. Cardiac myocytes exposed to 17-β-estradiol (E2, 10 nM) or G-1 (1 μM) for fifteen minutes decreased CaT, SS, and ICaL. These effects were prevented using G-36 (antagonist of GPER, 1 μM), L-Name (NO synthase -NOS- inhibitor, 100 nM), or wortmannin (phosphoinositide-3-kinase -PI3K- inhibitor, 100 nM). Moreover, G1 increased NO production, and this effect was abolished in the presence of wortmannin. We concluded that the selective activation of GPER with E2 or G1 in the isolated cardiac myocytes of male rats induced a negative inotropic effect due to the reduction in ICaL and the decrease in CaT. Finally, the pathway that we proposed to be implicated in these effects is PI3K-NOS-NO.
In Vitro Investigation of the Anti-Fibrotic Effects of 1-Phenyl-2-Pentanol, Identified from Moringa oleifera Lam., on Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Buakaew Watunyoo , Krobthong Sucheewin , Yingchutrakul Yodying , Khamto Nopawit , Sutana Pornsuda , Potup Pachuen , Thongsri Yordhathai , Daowtak Krai , Ferrante Antonio , Léon Catherine , Usuwanthim Kanchana
Published: August 2024

Liver fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition, is driven by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Due to the limited availability of anti-fibrotic drugs, the research on therapeutic agents continues. Here we have investigated Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO), known for its various bioactive properties, for anti-fibrotic effects. This study has focused on 1-phenyl-2-pentanol (1-PHE), a compound derived from MO leaves, and its effects on LX-2 human hepatic stellate cell activation. TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 cells were treated with MO extract or 1-PHE, and the changes in liver fibrosis markers were assessed at both gene and protein levels. Proteomic analysis and molecular docking were employed to identify potential protein targets and signaling pathways affected by 1-PHE. Treatment with 1-PHE downregulated fibrosis markers, including collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1), mothers against decapentaplegic homologs 2 and 3 (SMAD2/3), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), and reduced the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Proteomic analysis data showed that 1-PHE modulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, providing a possible mechanism for its effects. Our results suggest that 1-PHE inhibits the TGF-β1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and HSC activation, indicating its potential as an anti-liver-fibrosis agent.
Biosynthesis of Polyhydroalkanoates Doped with Silver Nanoparticles Using Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for Antibacterial Polymer Applications
Authors: Cruz-Romero Carmen Liliana , Chávez-Ramírez Abraham Ulises , Flores-Juárez Cyntia R. , Arjona Noé , Álvarez-López Alejandra , del Bosque Plata Laura , Vallejo-Becerra Vanessa , Galindo-de-la-Rosa Juan de Dios
Published: August 2024

In this study, the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) was carried out using Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These PHAs were produced using reagent-grade glycerol and crude glycerol as the carbon sources. The objective was to compare the production of PHAs and to functionalize these polymers with silver nanoparticles to provide antibacterial properties for potential biomedical applications. The findings from the physical and chemical analyses confirmed the successful synthesis and extraction of PHAs, achieving comparable yields using both crude glycerol and reagent-grade glycerol as carbon sources across both strains. Approximately 16% higher PHAs production was obtained using Pseudomonas putida compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and no significant difference was observed in the production rate of PHAs between the two carbon sources used, which means that crude glycerol could be utilized even though it has more impurities. Notably, PHAs functionalized with silver nanoparticles showed improved antibacterial effectiveness, especially those derived from reagent-grade glycerol and the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain.