bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyaniline-Based Ink for Inkjet Printing for Supercapacitors, Sensors, and Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Arora Ekta Kundra , Sharma Vibha , Ravi Aravind , Shahi Akanksha , Jagtap Shweta , Adhikari Arindam , Dash Jatis Kumar , Kumar Pawan , Patel Rajkumar
Published: September 2023

In recent years, there has been a huge surge in interest in improving the efficiency of smart electronic and optoelectronic devices via the development of novel materials and printing technologies. Inkjet printing, known to deposit ‘ink on demand’, helps to reduce the consumption of materials. Printing inks on various substrates like paper, glass, and fabric is possible, generating flexible devices that include supercapacitors, sensors, and electrochromic devices. Newer inks being tested and used include formulations of carbon nanoparticles, photochromic dyes, conducting polymers, etc. Among the conducting polymers, PANI has been well researched. It can be synthesized and doped easily and allows for the easy formation of composite conductive inks. Doping and the addition of additives like metal salts, oxidants, and halide ions tune its electrical properties. PANI has a large specific capacitance and has been researched for its applications in supercapacitors. It has been used as a sensor for pH and humidity as well as a biosensor for sweat, blood, etc. The response is generated by a change in its electrical conductivity. This review paper presents an overview of the investigations on the formulation of the inks based on conductive polymers, mainly centered around PANI, and inkjet printing of its formulations for a variety of devices, including supercapacitors, sensors, electrochromic devices, and patterning on flexible substrates. It covers their performance characteristics and also presents a future perspective on inkjet printing technology for advanced electronic, optoelectronic, and other conductive-polymer-based devices. We believe this review provides a new direction for next-generation conductive-polymer-based devices for various applications.
Green Production of Biodiesel from High Acid Value Oil via Glycerol Esterification and Transesterification Catalyzed by Nano Hydrated Eggshell-Derived CaO
Authors: Weng Zhenghui , Tao Yuanzhe , Fei Haotian , Deng Weishan , Chen Yiyao , Zhao Zhiqi , Liang Xiaojiang , Nie Yong
Published: September 2023

Biodiesel is a widely recognized and favored liquid biofuel, primarily attributed to its biodegradability and non-toxicity. However, the development of biodiesel is hindered by its high production costs. Here, we developed a method that combines glycerol esterification and transesterification reaction catalyzed using nano-hydrated CaO for the green production of biodiesel from high acid value oil. Waste eggshell was chosen as the calcium source to examine the effect of hydration temperature and duration. The catalysts were optimized using a synthesis process involving under calcination for 3 h at 875 °C, followed by hydration at 60 °C for 6 h and subsequent dehydration at 725 °C. The catalyst loading, alcohol-to-oil mass ratio, reaction temperature, and duration were optimized to 2.5 wt%, 35%, 60 °C, and 2 h, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the yield of fatty acid methyl ester reached 94.44%. The catalyst was successfully reused eight cycles while maintaining a yield of fatty acid methyl ester at 80.52%. In addition, a comprehensive overview was summarized to compare the catalyst preparation methods, reaction conditions, biodiesel yield, and reusability in the production of biodiesel using eggshell-derived CaO.
Optimization of Expressway Microgrid Construction Mode and Capacity Configuration Considering Carbon Trading
Authors: Yao Lei , Bai Chongtao , Fu Hao , Lou Suhua , Fu Yan
Published: September 2023

An expressway microgrid can make full use of renewable resources near the road area and enable joint carbon reduction in both transportation and energy sectors. It is important to research the optimal construction mode and capacity configuration method of expressway microgrid considering the carbon trading and carbon offset mechanism. This paper establishes a design model for an expressway microgrid considering the operating features of each component in the microgrid under two patterns of grid-connected/islanded and two types of AC/DC. The goal of the proposed model is to minimize the annualized comprehensive cost, which includes the annualized investment cost, operational cost, and carbon trading cost. The model designates the optimal construction mode of an expressway microgrid, i.e., grid-connected or islanded, AC or DC. As a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, the proposed model can be solved in a commercial solver conveniently, such as GUROBI and CPLEX. The validity and practicality of the proposed model have been demonstrated through case studies in several different application scenarios, which also demonstrate the necessity of considering carbon trading mechanisms in the design model.
DC Voltage Source Based on a Battery of Supercapacitors with a Regulator in the Form of an Isolated Boost LCC Resonant Converter
Authors: Kang Hyung-Wook , Lee Hyun-Seong , Rhee Jae-Ho , Lee Kun-A
Published: September 2023

Studies have been conducted on Energy storage systems (ESS) that replaced lithium-ion batteries (LIB) by the thermal runaway of the existing LIB. Using only the supercapacitor (SC) as a direct current power source in applications such as supercapacitor-based ESSs and mobile electric vehicle charging stations (MCSs) reduces the output voltage of the SC linearly. To solve this problem, this paper combines a boost converter capable of achieving regulatable constant voltage from an input of an SC bank to an output of a rectifier and an inductor/capacitor/capacitor (LCC) resonance converter. In this paper, an electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) known as SC was constructed as 64.8-V 400-FEDLC for experimental analysis. This EDLC is a high-capacity EDLC bank using 120 EDLCs with 30 serial connections and 4 parallel connections. In addition, resonance compensation circuits are analyzed and designed using a first-order harmonic approximation method (FHA). The analysis shows that the LCC resonance compensation converter is more suitable for EDLC standalone systems as an energy storage system, for LCC resonance converter topologies combined with EDLC discharge characteristics, constant voltage discharge is designed under an efficient discharge strategy, i.e., variable load conditions after the first constant voltage discharge. Based on LCC compensation analysis, the system has an optimum frequency, which allows the system to operate at the maximum efficiency point. By combining constant voltage power characteristics, constant voltage power becomes the same as the optimal power point, and thus high efficiency could be maintained in the constant voltage stage. Finally, the above design is verified through experiments.
Evaluation and Prioritization of Power-Generating Systems Using a Life Cycle Assessment and a Multicriteria Decision-Making Approach
Authors: Akintayo Busola D. , Ige Oluwafemi E. , Babatunde Olubayo M. , Olanrewaju Oludolapo A.
Published: September 2023

Millions of people in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to power, which emphasizes the need for sustainable and clean energy solutions. This study attempts to address this issue by integrating a life cycle assessment (LCA) and a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) analysis to determine the preferred energy technology for electrification. This research focuses on the environmental implications and long-term viability of various energy system options. The LCA evaluates midpoint characterization containing 18 environmental impact categories; the COPRAS and ARAS methods of MCDM analysis are then used to rank the energy alternatives based on their environmental performance. This study’s key finding is that the gas-powered power plant is the most preferred energy system alternative, while the geothermal power plant is the least preferred. This midpoint characterization study provides in-depth insights into how various stages contribute to major environmental impact categories like global warming, ozone depletion, and ecotoxicity. By considering environmental impacts and sustainability requirements, informed decisions may be made to encourage clean and cost-effective power generation, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and supporting economic growth and human development. Future research may include analysis from cradle-to-grave compared to cradle-to-gate.
Energy and Stochastic Economic Assessments of Photovoltaic Systems in the East Midlands
Authors: Cui Yuanlong , Tian Shuangqing , Zhu Jie , Zoras Stamatis , Shao Yiming
Published: September 2023

This study implements techno-economic evaluations of different photovoltaic (PV) systems in the East Midlands of the UK. Three application case studies, including an office building, a domestic building, and a poultry shed, are achieved. The building electricity consumption is obtained according to hourly automatic meter readings, and the PV electricity production is predicted based on the Engineering Equation Solver 8.4 software. Meanwhile, the 25-years’ complete economic profitability investigations of the three PV systems are conducted on the basis of the Monte Carlo method; the sensitivity analyses of payback period and net present value are also carried out by using the @RISK 8 software. Furthermore, the payback period and yearly savings are investigated and compared between the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and feed-in tariff (FiT) schemes. Technical investigation outcomes conclude that the three PV systems are able to satisfy electrical energy requirements in summer, and the additional electricity could be exported to the grid in this period. In winter, however, the systems have less electricity output resulting in power shortage and input from the grid. Economic study results exhibit that the net present values of the office building, domestic building, and poultry shed are £9108.4, £1717.91, and £7275.86, respectively, corresponding to the payback periods of 6.15 years, 9.12 years, and 9.41 years. This implies that there is an acceptable payback period (<10 years) for the PV system installation; meanwhile, the FiT scheme has the shorter payback period compared with the SGE scheme.
Profit Extension of a Wind-Integrated Competitive Power System by Vehicle-to-Grid Integration and UPFC Placement
Authors: Dawn Subhojit , Rao Gummadi Srinivasa , Vital M. L. N. , Rao K. Dhananjay , Alsaif Faisal , Alsharif Mohammed H.
Published: September 2023

Profit maximization is critical in the control of power system networks for both power providers and users. Electrical energy is freely accessible in the electrical grid during off-peak hours, with storage units helping to store excess energy and assist the electrical grid during high-demand situations. Such techniques promote grid stability and ensure safe operation. Because renewable resources are intermittent, energy storage technologies are especially significant in renewable-associated power systems. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology has recently acquired popularity in preserving power grid stability in the presence of renewable resources.V2G technology employs automobiles as mobile storage devices and focuses on the efficient utilization of extra power available during off-peak hours. The goal of this work is to improve the functioning of a V2G system in a power network to reduce energy production costs while increasing system profitability. This study for deregulated power environments also depicts the influence of V2G mixing on system voltage profile and locational marginal pricing (LMP), as well as the performance of the Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) on system economics. The MiPower simulation program is used in the study to find the best placement of the power storage unit for the modified IEEE 14-bus system.
When the Household Becomes Environmentally Friendly—Dynamic Simulation of Hybrid Energy System’s Feasibility
Authors: Atvare Erlanda , Gravelsins Armands , Kudurs Edgars , Rozakis Stelios , Blumberga Dagnija
Published: September 2023

Decentralized electricity production at household scale, particularly by solar panels, has recently grown due to increased technology feasibility and financial support programs. Further development in this field requires the introduction and efficient use of energy storage technologies. This research aims to evaluate the benefits and economic justification of implementing energy storage systems in private households by using system dynamics modelling. Household electricity consumption is a dynamic problem; therefore, the system dynamics approach allows the development of an exploratory model that accounts for the causal relationships and feedback loops in the system. Specifically, an hourly consumption model is developed to analyze the electricity costs in four scenarios: (1) a standard grid-connected system, (2) a PV system with net metering, (3) a grid-connected system with a connected battery, and (4) a grid-connected system with a combined PV and battery storage system. The structure of the build system dynamics model is described with a Latvian context case. It is found that in Latvian climate-specific conditions, the profitability of installing PV and PV and battery systems in private households in Latvia is justified by both summer and winter conditions. The developed model can be used to analyze the real electricity profiles of specific households, determining the profitability of installing energy-efficient solutions, and is adaptable for analyzing the situations of other countries or accumulation systems.
Maximum Gross Primary Productivity Dominates the Trend in Gross Primary Productivity in China’s Deciduous Forest Ecosystems
Authors: Lv Yan , Li Xiaoyong , Chi Wenfeng
Published: September 2023

The terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP) has increased over the past two decades. However, the climatic attribution and the physiological and phenological processes that control the trends in the GPP are still unclear. Here, we used remote-sensing-based vegetation GPP and phenology datasets, analyzed the spatial and temporal variation in the GPP, investigated the influence of the growing season length (GSL) and the maximum value of gross primary productivity (GPPmax) on the annual GPP, and quantified the effect of climate variables on the annual GPP. Our results identified a significant increase in the annual GPP (11.97 gC/m2/yr) during 2001–2020 in China’s deciduous forest. The GPPmax trend dominated the trends in the GPP, when compared with the GSL. Moreover, climate warming in summer contributes to the increase in the GPP and the GPPmax, while the extension of the GSL is primarily due to the temperature rise in spring. The annual GPP of the planted forest showed a higher increasing rate than the natural forest, due to the significant enhancement of the GPPmax and the high sensitivity of the GSL to climatic factors in the planted forest. Our findings provide a new perspective on the phenological and physiological causes of the trends in the GPP, and emphasize the importance of capturing the variability in the GPPmax when modeling the GPP.
ODCA-YOLO: An Omni-Dynamic Convolution Coordinate Attention-Based YOLO for Wood Defect Detection
Authors: Wang Rijun , Liang Fulong , Wang Bo , Mou Xiangwei
Published: September 2023

Accurate detection of wood defects plays a crucial role in optimizing wood utilization, minimizing corporate expenses, and safeguarding precious forest resources. To achieve precise identification of surface defects in wood, we present a novel approach called the Omni-dynamic convolution coordinate attention-based YOLO (ODCA-YOLO) model. This model incorporates an Omni-dimensional dynamic convolution-based coordinate attention (ODCA) mechanism, which significantly enhances its ability to detect small target defects and boosts its expressiveness. Furthermore, to reinforce the feature extraction and fusion capabilities of the ODCA-YOLO network, we introduce a highly efficient features extraction network block known as S-HorBlock. By integrating HorBlock into the ShuffleNet network, this design optimizes the overall performance. Our proposed ODCA-YOLO model was rigorously evaluated using an optimized wood surface defect dataset through ablation and comparison experiments. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, achieving an impressive 78.5% in the mean average precision (mAP) metric and showing a remarkable 9% improvement in mAP compared to the original algorithm. Our proposed model can satisfy the need for accurate detection of wood surface defects.
Assessment of Artificial Forest Restoration by Exploring the Microbial Community Structure and Function in a Reclaimed Coal Gob Pile in a Loess Hilly Area of Shanxi, China
Authors: Liu Shuang , He Jiuping , Ning Yuewei , Li Junjian , Zhang Hong , Liu Yong
Published: September 2023

In this study, soil obtained from a reclaimed coal gob pile was expected to be rapidly improved with the use of artificial vegetation restoration practices, such as artificial forests, which increase the taxonomic variety in the soil microbial community and its functions. In order to successfully identify the effect of artificial forest restoration project on the soil’s quality, a field study was conducted on soil reclaimed from a coal gob pile in a loess hilly area located in Shanxi to assess the effects of five commonly used artificially restored coniferous forest species (i.e., Platycladus orientalis: PO, Sabina chinensis: SC, Pinus sylvestris: PS, Picea asperata: PA and Pinus tabuliformis: PT) on the soil’s physico-chemical properties, the bacterial community and functional gene attributes. The results showed that significant differences were observed in the bacterial community’s diversity and structure, as well as in functional genes, among the different artificial tree species. PS and PA presented lower pH and bulk density levels and higher soil alkaline protease (PRO), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and urease (URE) activities, in comparison to other tree species. The bacterial community’s diversity and functional genes were noticeably higher in both PS and PA. In addition, soil bulk density and pH can directly affect the soil keystone bacteria and microbial functions and can indirectly affect the soil keystone genus and microbial functions by affecting the soil nutrient elements and enzyme activity. Moreover, soil bacterial keystone bacteria significantly affect these functions. Finally, compared to the other coniferous tree species, PS and PA presented a significantly higher integrated fertility index (IFI) score. Therefore, PS and PA might be more suited to the forest restoration project using reclaimed soil obtained from a coal gob pile located in Shanxi’s mining region. The present research contributes to the understanding of how various tree species affect microbial populations and functions in similar mining zones and/or hilly terrains.
Comparing the Effects of Prescribed Burning on Soil Chemical Properties in East Texas Forests with Longleaf and Other Southern Pines in the Overstory
Authors: Dunson Cassady P. , Oswald Brian P. , Farrish Kenneth W.
Published: September 2023

Little has been reported on the effects of repeated prescribed burning on southern United States’ forest soils, especially when site preparation is not the prescribed fire objective. This study was aimed at identifying any correlations between the soil chemical properties among differing burn intervals and the effects prescribed burning has on them. Sampling was performed in 36 plots at three sites with two different burn intervals (2–3 years and biannually) and measured properties: (1) pre-burn (before the fire), (2) post-burn (one month after the fire), and (3) at vegetation green-up (three months after the fire). Sites varied by overstory species with longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) and shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) in the overstory on one site, a mix of loblolly pine (P taeda L.) and shortleaf pine on another, and longleaf and loblolly pines on the third. SAS was used to determine the effects of prescribed burning between different time spans (pre-burn to post-burn, post-burn to green-up, and pre-burn to green-up) and between the two different burn intervals. We found that there could be short-term responses in soil chemical properties from repeated burning treatments including nitrogen in the forms of ammonium and nitrate, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and electrical conductivity, all of which decreased following fire regardless of overstory species.
A 900-Year Isotopic Proxy Rainfall Record from Northeastern Botswana
Authors: Patrut Roxana T. , Patrut Adrian , Hall Grant , Winterbach Christiaan W. , Robertson Iain , Ratiu Ileana Andreea , Bocos-Bintintan Victor , Rakosy Laszlo , Woodborne Stephan
Published: September 2023

A high-resolution climate archive was reconstructed based on carbon isotope analysis and radiocarbon dating of the Chapman baobab in northeastern Botswana. The Chapman baobab, which exhibited an open ring-shaped structure composed of six stems, collapsed in January 2016 during an intense El Niño event. Two samples belonging to the oldest stems were investigated in order to obtain a proxy rainfall record, which provides insight into the precipitation regime over the last millennium, evincing centennial and decadal scale variability. The results indicate that the Medieval Warm Period was marked by relatively stable precipitation, whereas rainfall variability and drought frequency increased during the Little Ice Age. The investigated area has experienced both wetter and drier conditions in the past. The wettest conditions of the last millennium were registered before 1450 while the driest period occurred in 1835. For southern Africa, inter-annual rainfall variability is mainly associated with sea surface temperatures in the Agulhas Current core region, which determine the east–west displacement of tropical temperate troughs. Previous studies suggested that positive sea surface temperature anomalies in the Mozambique Channel led to an eastward movement of the troughs but the Chapman record demonstrates a westward displacement in the past, causing drought in northeastern South Africa and wetter conditions in the central part of southern Africa. The positive rainfall correlation with SST anomalies reversed after 1900, causing a gradual decrease in precipitation and confirming the current aridity trend for Botswana. The results contribute to a better understanding of the past climate of southern Africa for which paleoclimate reconstructions remain scarce.
Collectible Cell Lines of Larix sibirica Obtained by Somatic Embryogenesis and Their Ability to Regenerate
Authors: Tretyakova Iraida N. , Park Maria E.
Published: September 2023

A protocol for the cultivation of Larix sibirica Ledeb. by somatic embryogenesis was developed (RF Patent No. 2456344, 2012). The L. sibirica collection consisted of 22 actively proliferating cell lines (CLs) obtained from immature zygotic embryos. The age of CLs ranged from 1 to 14 years. CLs differed in their growth intensity, embryonic productivity, hormonal balance, and genetic stability, as well as in their regenerative ability. In most proliferating CLs, the formation of globular somatic embryos continued for 2–4 years. Here, a number of CLs actively proliferated for 9–14 years or more. The formation of embryogenic cultures in L. sibirica is associated with the content of phytohormones and their localization in embryo cells. The cytogenetic studies revealed the genetic stability of young CLs (up to 1 year), in which the karyotype consisted of the diploid number of chromosomes (2n = 24). Genomic mutations were observed in the long-term proliferation of CLs. Individual CLs can maintain cytogenetic stability for many years; such CLs can successfully be used to preserve germplasm, obtain planting material, and for plantation reforestation.
Simulation Analysis and Experimental Verification of Freezing Time of Tuna under Freezing Conditions
Authors: Huo Yilin , Yang Dazhang , Xie Jing , Yang Zhikang
Published: September 2023

In order to predict the regular temperature change in tuna during the freezing process for cold chain transportation, improve the quality of frozen tuna, and reduce the energy consumption of freezing equipment, a three-dimensional numerical model for freezing tuna of different sizes was established. An unsteady numerical simulation of the air velocity and flow field was combined with an analysis of the freezing process of tuna. This paper also studied the effect of air velocity, temperature, and tuna size on the freezing process. The numerical results show that there was a positive correlation between the cold source environment and the tuna-freezing process. Lower temperatures and higher air increased the velocity at which the tuna moved through the maximum ice crystal formation zone, maintaining a better aquatic product quality. In some cases, however, the smaller tuna models achieved a longer freezing time. Due to the difficulty of obtaining the whole tuna sample, the temperature curve and freezing rate over time obtained during the freezing process were tested using a tuna block of a specific size. The maximum error did not exceed 6.67%, verifying the authenticity and feasibility of the simulation.
Influence of Body Heat Loss on Temperature and Velocity Fields in a Whole-Body Cryotherapy Chamber
Authors: Elfahem Rim , Bouchet Bastien , Abbes Boussad , Polidori Guillaume , Beaumont Fabien
Published: September 2023

This study aims to investigate the impact of body heat loss on the thermal and aerodynamic conditions in a whole-body cryotherapy chamber. The underlying hypothesis is that the heat generated by the human body alters the thermal and aerodynamic environment inside the cabin. A numerical study was conducted to test this hypothesis and analyze the thermodynamic exchanges between the human body and the cabin during a 3 min whole-body cryotherapy session. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was used to study the unsteady heat transfer between the human body and the interior of the cryotherapy cabin. A thermal boundary condition, based on a mathematical model developed from experimental data, was applied to simulate skin cooling kinetics over time. The post-processing of the 3D results, including temperature, velocity fields, and thermal flux maps at the body surface, provided insight into the thermo-convective mechanisms involved in a whole-body cryotherapy session. The study found that body heat loss significantly affects the temperature fields inside the cabin, leading to global modifications of the aeraulic and thermal conditions. These findings suggest that cryotherapy protocols may need to be adjusted or the cabin set temperature optimized to enhance the therapeutic benefits.
Marangoni Bursting: Insight into the Role of the Thermocapillary Effect in an Oil Bath
Authors: Ślemp Michalina , Miniewicz Andrzej
Published: September 2023

Marangoni bursting describes the spontaneous spread of a droplet of a binary mixture of alcohol/water deposited on a bath of oil, followed by its fast spontaneous fragmentation into a large number of smaller droplets in a self-similar way. Several papers have aimed to describe the physical phenomena underlying this spectacular phenomenon, in which two opposite effects, solutal and thermal Marangoni stresses, play competitive roles. We performed investigations of the Marangoni bursting phenomenon, paying attention to the surface temperature changes during bursting and after it. Fragmentation instabilities were monitored using a thermal camera for various initial alcohol/water compositions and at different stages of the process. We uncovered the role of thermocapillary Marangoni flows within the more viscous oil phase that are responsible for outward and inward shrinking of the periphery circle at the final stage of the phenomenon, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the thermal Marangoni effect. Simulations of the Marangoni thermocapillary effect in an oil bath by solving coupled Navier–Stokes and heat transport equations using the COMSOL Multiphysics software platform support our experimental observations.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene (NR3C1) Polymorphisms and Metabolic Syndrome: Insights from the Mennonite Population
Authors: Kolb Kathleen Liedtke , Mira Ana Luiza Sprotte , Auer Eduardo Delabio , Bucco Isabela Dall’Oglio , de Lima e Silva Carla Eduarda , dos Santos Priscila Ianzen , Hoch Valéria Bumiller-Bini , Oliveira Luana Caroline , Hauser Aline Borsato , Hundt Jennifer Elisabeth , Shuldiner Alan R. , Lopes Fabiana Leão , Boysen Teide-Jens , Franke Andre , Pinto Luis Felipe Ribeiro , Soares-Lima Sheila Coelho , Kretzschmar Gabriela Canalli , Boldt Angelica Beate Winter
Published: September 2023

The regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is associated with polymorphisms and the methylation degree of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and is potentially involved in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In order to evaluate the association between MetS with the polymorphisms, methylation, and gene expression of the NR3C1 in the genetically isolated Brazilian Mennonite population, we genotyped 20 NR3C1 polymorphisms in 74 affected (MetS) and 138 unaffected individuals without affected first-degree relatives (Co), using exome sequencing, as well as five variants from non-exonic regions, in 70 MetS and 166 Co, using mass spectrometry. The methylation levels of 11 1F CpG sites were quantified using pyrosequencing (66 MetS and 141 Co), and the NR3C1 expression was evaluated via RT-qPCR (14 MetS and 25 Co). Age, physical activity, and family environment during childhood were associated with MetS. Susceptibility to MetS, independent of these factors, was associated with homozygosity for rs10482605*C (OR = 4.74, pcorr = 0.024) and the haplotype containing TTCGTTGATT (rs3806855*T_ rs3806854*T_rs10482605*C_rs10482614*G_rs6188*T_rs258813*T_rs33944801*G_rs34176759*A_rs17209258*T_rs6196*T, OR = 4.74, pcorr = 0.048), as well as for the CCT haplotype (rs41423247*C_ rs6877893*C_rs258763*T), OR = 6.02, pcorr = 0.030), but not to the differences in methylation or gene expression. Thus, NR3C1 polymorphisms seem to modulate the susceptibility to MetS in Mennonites, independently of lifestyle and early childhood events, and their role seems to be unrelated to DNA methylation and gene expression.
Relative Risk of Death in Bulgarian Cancer Patients during the Initial Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shivarov Velizar , Grigorova Denitsa , Yordanov Angel
Published: September 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of documented deaths worldwide, with diverse distribution among countries. Surprisingly, Bulgaria, a middle-income European Union member state, ranked highest in COVID-19 mortality. This study aims to assess whether Bulgarian cancer patients experienced a higher relative risk (RR) of death compared to the general Bulgarian population during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: Data from the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute and the Bulgarian National Cancer Registry were analyzed to estimate monthly RR of death in cancer patients compared to the general population before and during the first two years of the pandemic. The impact of the COVID-19 waves and predominant SARS-CoV-2 variants on RR was evaluated on various cancer types and age groups using a multiple linear regression approach. Results: During the COVID-19 waves, both the general population and cancer patients experienced a significant increase in mortality rates. Surprisingly, the RR of death in cancer patients was lower during pandemic waves. The results from the statistical modeling revealed a significant association between the COVID-19 waves and reduced RR for all cancer patients. Notably, the effect was more pronounced during waves associated with the Alpha and Delta variants. The results also showed varying impacts of the COVID-19 waves on RR when we analyzed subsamples of data grouped depending on the cancer type, age and sex. Conclusions: Despite increased overall mortality in Bulgarian cancer patients during the pandemic, the RR of death was lower compared to the Bulgarian general population, indicating that protective measures were relatively effective in this vulnerable group. This study underscores the importance of implementing and encouraging preventive measures, especially in cancer patients, to mitigate the impact of future viral pandemics and reduce excess mortality.
Are Primary Outcomes Really Primary? An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Nationwide Web-Based Survey Study for Outcomes Reflecting Real Symptoms and Needs of Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Kim Doori , Kim Soo-Jin , Lee Yoon Jae , Yang Chang Sop , Han Chang-Hyun , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: September 2023

As primary outcomes differ among clinical lumbar disc herniation (LDH) studies, this study aimed to explore outcomes reflecting real-world patient experiences through an exploratory questionnaire survey. Those diagnosed with LDH having radiating leg pain in South Korea in November of 2022 (N = 500) were administered a questionnaire including basic characteristics, disease onset, symptoms and severity, priority symptoms for improvement, and important treatment factors. Outcome measures included the identification of priority symptoms and disabilities. Most common symptoms were numbness in the leg (N = 435, 87.0%) and back pain (N = 406, 81.2%); most common disabilities were discomfort in sitting (N = 323, 64.6%) and lifting (N = 318, 63.6%). The highest priority symptom was back pain (N = 242, 48.4%). A satisfactory degree of symptom improvement was a decrease of at least 3 points on the numeric rating scale. The majority of respondents preferred improvement in disability over pain (N = 270, 55.8%), a stable effect over a rapid effect (N = 391, 78.2%), and safety over treatment efficacy (N = 282, 56.4%). Safety (N = 129, 25.8%) and cost (N = 111, 22.2%) were the most important treatment factors. Improvements in back pain, leg pain, sitting, and sleeping were prioritized, and safety, stable treatment effect, and functional recovery were desired. Clinical trials for LDH should be designed to reflect this real-world patient need. Further study to examine the patients’ symptoms and needs in details is needed.
Effect of Simulated Organic–Inorganic N Deposition on Leaf Stoichiometry, Chlorophyll Content, and Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Torreya grandis
Authors: Yuan Yichao , Zhang Haochen , Shi Xianmeng , Han Yini , Liu Yang , Jin Songheng
Published: September 2023

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is coupled with organic nitrogen (ON) and inorganic nitrogen (IN); however, little is known about plant growth and the balance of elements in Torreya grandis growing under different ON/IN ratios. Here, we investigated the effects of ON/IN ratios (1/9, 3/7, 7/3, and 9/1) on leaf stoichiometry (LF), chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll fluorescence of T. grandis. We used ammonium nitrate as the IN source and an equal proportion of urea and glycine as the ON source. The different ON/IN ratios altered the stoichiometry and photochemical efficiency in T. grandis. Although the leaf P content increased significantly after treatment, leaf N and N:P maintained a certain homeostasis. Torreya grandis plants performed best at an ON/IN ratio of 3/7, with the highest values of chlorophyll-a, total chlorophyll, maximum photochemical efficiency, and photosynthetic performance index. Thus, both ON and IN types should be considered when assessing the responses of plant growth to increasing N deposition in the future. Our results also indicated that the leaf P concentration was positively correlated with Chl, Fv/Fm, and PIabs. This result further indicates the importance of the P element for plant growth against the background of nitrogen deposition. Overall, these results indicate that T. grandis might cope with changes in the environment by maintaining the homeostasis of element stoichiometry and the plasticity of PSII activity.
The Phytochemical Profiling, In Vitro Antioxidant, and Hepatoprotective Activity of Prenanthes purpurea L. and Caffeoylquinic Acids in Diclofenac-Induced Hepatotoxicity on HEP-G2 Cells
Authors: Mihaylova Rositsa , Gevrenova Reneta , Stefanova Alexandra , Zheleva-Dimitrova Dimitrina , Balabanova Vessela , Zengin Gökhan , Simeonova Rumyana , Momekov Georgi
Published: September 2023

Oxidative stress is a common phenomenon of many liver disorders; it both affects patient survival and directly influences the applicability, effectiveness, and toxicity of drugs. In the pursuit of reliable natural remedies for hepatoprotection, this study reports on the complete phytochemical characterization, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities of the Prenanthes purpurea methanol-aqueous extract in an in vitro model of diclofenac-induced liver injury (DILI). An ultra high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis (UHPLC-HRMS) was conducted, delineating more than 100 secondary metabolites for the first time in the species, including a series of phenolic acid-hexosides, acylquinic, acylhydroxyquinic and acyltartaric acids, and flavonoids. Quinic acid, chlorogenic, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic and 5-feruloylhydroxyquinic acid, caffeoyltartaric and cichoric acids, eryodictiol-O-hexuronide, and luteolin O-hexuronide dominated the phytochemical profile and most likely contributed to the observed hepatoprotective activity of the studied P. purpurea leaf extract. The potency and molecular basis of cellular protection were investigated in parallel with pure caffeoylquinic acids in a series of pretreatment experiments that verified the antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties of the natural products.
Dietary Sources, Sex, and rs5888 (SCARB1) as Modulators of Vitamin A’s Effect on Cardiometabolic Health
Authors: Galmés Sebastià , Palou Andreu , Serra Francisca
Published: September 2023

Although preclinical studies have attributed vitamin A (VA) cardiometabolic benefits, these effects are still controversial and not always supported in large human studies. Here, the outcomes associated with VA and its relationship with habitual dietary sources, sex, and genetic background have been studied. To do so, the data from an observational study (n = 455) (64% females, mean age of 36 years) showing that suboptimal VA intake (mainly from retinol rather than carotene) is associated with cardiometabolic risk (CMR) were considered. A higher odds ratio (OR) of suffering ≥ 2 simultaneous CMR factors was observed in men in the low consumption tercile of retinol (OR = 2.04; p = 0.019). In women, however, this relationship was not evident. Then, incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with VA-related compounds (ex vivo functional assay from 81 men and women) induced specific changes in the activity of genes involved in lipid homeostasis and inflammatory status, which were dependent on the type of compound tested and the sex of the person. In addition, the presence of the genetic variant rs5888 in SCARB1 was identified as having a high influence on VA-related metabolic response. The new evidence derived from this study could be relevant for personalized nutritional advice concerning VA and CMR.
Advances in Molecular Medicine: Unravelling Disease Complexity and Pioneering Precision Healthcare
Authors: Bustin Stephen A. , Jellinger Kurt A.
Published: September 2023

The escalating impacts of the climate crisis, zoonotic spill-over, and antibiotic resistance have positioned molecular medicine at the forefront of pioneering translational research [...]
Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Priming and Purification Method Modulate the Impact of Exosomes Derived from Equine Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Equine Articular Chondrocytes
Authors: Jammes Manon , Cassé Frédéric , Velot Emilie , Bianchi Arnaud , Audigié Fabrice , Contentin Romain , Galéra Philippe
Published: September 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread osteoarticular pathology characterized by progressive hyaline cartilage degradation, exposing horses to impaired well-being, premature career termination, alongside substantial financial losses for horse owners. Among the new therapeutic strategies for OA, using mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) appears to be a promising option for conveying MSC therapeutic potential, yet avoiding the limitations inherent to cell therapy. Here, we first purified and characterized exosomes from MSCs by membrane affinity capture (MAC) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). We showed that intact MSC-exos are indeed internalized by equine articular chondrocytes (eACs), and then evaluated their functionality on cartilaginous organoids. Compared to SEC, mRNA and protein expression profiles revealed that MAC-exos induced a greater improvement of eAC-neosynthesized hyaline-like matrix by modulating collagen levels, increasing PCNA, and decreasing Htra1 synthesis. However, because the MAC elution buffer induced unexpected effects on eACs, an ultrafiltration step was included to the isolation protocol. Finally, exosomes from MSCs primed with equine pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, or IFN-γ) further improved the eAC hyaline-like phenotype, particularly IL-1β and TNF-α. Altogether, these findings indicate the importance of the exosome purification method and further demonstrate the potential of pro-inflammatory priming in the enhancement of the therapeutic value of MSC-exos for equine OA treatment.
Alterations in Growth Habit to Channel End-of-Season Perennial Reserves towards Increased Yield and Reduced Regrowth after Defoliation in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Naveed Salman , Gandhi Nitant , Billings Grant , Jones Zachary , Campbell B. Todd , Jones Michael , Rustgi Sachin
Published: September 2023

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is the primary source of natural textile fiber in the U.S. and a major crop in the Southeastern U.S. Despite constant efforts to increase the cotton fiber yield, the yield gain has stagnated. Therefore, we undertook a novel approach to improve the cotton fiber yield by altering its growth habit from perennial to annual. In this effort, we identified genotypes with high-expression alleles of five floral induction and meristem identity genes (FT, SOC1, FUL, LFY, and AP1) from an Upland cotton mini-core collection and crossed them in various combinations to develop cotton lines with annual growth habit, optimal flowering time, and enhanced productivity. To facilitate the characterization of genotypes with the desired combinations of stacked alleles, we identified molecular markers associated with the gene expression traits via genome-wide association analysis using a 63 K SNP Array. Over 14,500 SNPs showed polymorphism and were used for association analysis. A total of 396 markers showed associations with expression traits. Of these 396 markers, 159 were mapped to genes, 50 to untranslated regions, and 187 to random genomic regions. Biased genomic distribution of associated markers was observed where more trait-associated markers mapped to the cotton D sub-genome. Many quantitative trait loci coincided at specific genomic regions. This observation has implications as these traits could be bred together. The analysis also allowed the identification of candidate regulators of the expression patterns of these floral induction and meristem identity genes whose functions will be validated.
The Fibrinolytic System and Its Measurement: History, Current Uses and Future Directions for Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Hvas Christine Lodberg , Larsen Julie Brogaard
Published: September 2023

The fibrinolytic system is a key player in keeping the haemostatic balance, and changes in fibrinolytic capacity can lead to both bleeding-related and thrombosis-related disorders. Our knowledge of the fibrinolytic system has expanded immensely during the last 75 years. From the first successful use of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction in the 1960s, thrombolytic therapy is now widely implemented and has reformed treatment in vascular medicine, especially ischemic stroke, while antifibrinolytic agents are used routinely in the prevention and treatment of major bleeding worldwide. Despite this, this research field still holds unanswered questions. Accurate and timely laboratory diagnosis of disturbed fibrinolysis in the clinical setting remains a challenge. Furthermore, despite growing evidence that hypofibrinolysis plays a central role in, e.g., sepsis-related coagulopathy, coronary artery disease, and venous thromboembolism, there is currently no approved treatment of hypofibrinolysis in these settings. The present review provides an overview of the fibrinolytic system and history of its discovery; measurement methods; clinical relevance of the fibrinolytic system in diagnosis and treatment; and points to future directions for research.
Development and Characterization of Electrospun Composites Built on Polycaprolactone and Cerium-Containing Phases
Authors: Plocon Cristiana , Evanghelidis Alexandru , Enculescu Monica , Isopencu Gabriela , Oprea Ovidiu , Bacalum Mihaela , Raileanu Mina , Jinga Sorin , Busuioc Cristina
Published: September 2023

The current study reports on the fabrication of composite scaffolds based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and cerium (Ce)-containing powders, followed by their characterization from compositional, structural, morphological, optical and biological points of view. First, CeO2, Ce-doped calcium phosphates and Ce-substituted bioglass were synthesized by wet-chemistry methods (precipitation/coprecipitation and sol-gel) and subsequently loaded on PCL fibres processed by electrospinning. The powders were proven to be nanometric or micrometric, while the investigation of their phase composition showed that Ce was present as a dopant within the crystal lattice of the obtained calcium phosphates or as crystalline domains inside the glassy matrix. The best bioactivity was attained in the case of Ce-containing bioglass, while the most pronounced antibacterial effect was visible for Ce-doped calcium phosphates calcined at a lower temperature. The scaffolds were composed of either dimensionally homogeneous fibres or mixtures of fibres with a wide size distribution and beads of different shapes. In most cases, the increase in polymer concentration in the precursor solution ensured the achievement of more ordered fibre mats. The immersion in SBF for 28 days triggered an incipient degradation of PCL, evidenced mostly through cracks and gaps. In terms of biological properties, the composite scaffolds displayed a very good biocompatibility when tested with human osteoblast cells, with a superior response for the samples consisting of the polymer and Ce-doped calcium phosphates.
Phage SPO1 Protein Gp49 Is a Novel RNA Binding Protein That Is Involved in Host Iron Metabolism
Authors: Yang Yanan , Hu Zhenyue , Kang Yue , Gao Juanjuan , Chen Huan , Liu Hui , Wang Yawen , Liu Bing
Published: September 2023

Bacillus subtilis is a model organism for studying Gram-positive bacteria and serves as a cell factory in the industry for enzyme and chemical production. Additionally, it functions as a probiotic in the gastrointestinal tract, modulating the gut microbiota. Its lytic phage SPO1 is also the most studied phage among the genus Okubovrius, including Bacillus phage SPO1 and Camphawk. One of the notable features of SPO1 is the existence of a “host-takeover module”, a cluster of 24 genes which occupies most of the terminal redundancy. Some of the gene products from the module have been characterized, revealing their ability to disrupt host metabolism by inhibiting DNA replication, RNA transcription, cell division, and glycolysis. However, many of the gene products which share limited similarity to known proteins remain under researched. In this study, we highlight the involvement of Gp49, a gene product from the module, in host RNA binding and heme metabolism—no observation has been reported in other phages. Gp49 folds into a structure that does not resemble any protein in the database and has a new putative RNA binding motif. The transcriptome study reveals that Gp49 primarily upregulates host heme synthesis which captures cytosolic iron to facilitate phage development.