bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-Based Diagnostic Methods: Possible Use in Fatty Liver Disease Area
Authors: Hari Andrej
Published: November 2022

Liver steatosis is a chronic liver disease that is becoming one of the most important global health problems, due to its direct connection with metabolic syndrome, its significant impact on patients’ socioeconomic status and frailty, and the occurrence of advanced chronic liver disease. In recent years, there has been rapid technological progress in the ultrasound-based diagnostics field that can help us to quantitatively assess liver steatosis, including continuous attenuation parameters in A and B ultrasound modes, backscatter coefficients (e.g., speed of sound) and ultrasound envelope statistic parametric imaging. The methods used in this field are widely available, have favorable time and financial profiles, and are well accepted by patients. Less is known about their reliability in defining the presence and degree of liver steatosis. Numerous study reports have shown the methods’ favorable negative and positive predictive values in comparison with reference investigations (liver biopsy and MRI). Important research has also evaluated the role of these methods in diagnosing and monitoring non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Since NAFLD is becoming the dominant global cause of liver cirrhosis, and due to the close but complex interplay of liver steatosis with the coexistence of liver fibrosis, knowledge regarding NAFLD’s influence on the progression of liver fibrosis is of crucial importance. Study findings, therefore, indicate the possibility of using these same diagnostic methods to evaluate the impact of NAFLD on the patient’s liver fibrosis progression risk, metabolic risk factors, cardiovascular complications, and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The mentioned areas are particularly important in light of the fact that most of the known chronic liver disease etiologies are increasingly intertwined with the simultaneous presence of NAFLD.
Inference, Prediction, & Entropy-Rate Estimation of Continuous-Time, Discrete-Event Processes
Authors: Marzen Sarah E. , Crutchfield James P.
Published: November 2022

Inferring models, predicting the future, and estimating the entropy rate of discrete-time, discrete-event processes is well-worn ground. However, a much broader class of discrete-event processes operates in continuous-time. Here, we provide new methods for inferring, predicting, and estimating them. The methods rely on an extension of Bayesian structural inference that takes advantage of neural network’s universal approximation power. Based on experiments with complex synthetic data, the methods are competitive with the state-of-the-art for prediction and entropy-rate estimation.
Reducing Circling Currents in a VHF Class Φ2 Inverter Based on a Fully Analytical Loss Model
Authors: Zhang Desheng , Min Run , Liu Zhigang , Tong Qiaoling , Zhang Qiao , Wu Ting , Zhang Ming , Zhou Aosong
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a fully analytical loss model to reduce circling currents and improve the power efficiency of a class Φ2 inverter. Firstly, analytical expression of the switching node voltage is derived by analyzing its harmonic components. Based on the result, the power switch is modeled as a voltage source, where the circuit is simplified to a linear network and analytical expressions of branch currents are solved. Secondly, root mean square (RMS) values of branch currents and component losses are calculated to form the analytical loss model for a Φ2 inverter. The influence of circuit parameters on the circling current and power efficiency are thoroughly analyzed, which derives optimal design constraints to reduce circling currents of a class Φ2 inverter. Furthermore, detailed design guidance and equations are provided to calculate circuit parameters of a class Φ2 inverter, which reduces its circling currents and improves overall power efficiency. Finally, a class Φ2 inverter prototype is built, and experimental results demonstrate a 7% efficiency improvement compared to conventional empirical design methods.
Overview of Green Energy as a Real Strategic Option for Sustainable Development
Authors: Androniceanu Armenia , Sabie Oana Matilda
Published: November 2022

The global renewable energy landscape is changing rapidly. Green energies reduce greenhouse gas emissions, diversify the energy supply, and lower dependence on volatile and uncertain fossil fuel markets. The future looks promising for green energy sources, which are taking on an increasingly important role, especially in the current context, as governments are trying to identify viable solutions to the energy crisis and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Worldwide, there is a growing interest in and support for green energy sources, a factor that could help accelerate the current energy transition. Despite these positive developments, much remains to be done globally to make the energy transition a reality. In this respect, the European Union member states have committed to a wide neutrality target by establishing an increase in the total share of energy from renewable sources to 55% (by 2030) and, at the same time, reducing the net greenhouse gas effect emissions by at least 55% until 2030 to reach the neutrality target by 2050. Green energy sources are essential for long-term efforts to mitigate climate change and will play an important role in improving energy security and accessibility. The efforts of every country to strengthen the energy sector through the development of green energies will reduce geopolitical risks and disproportionate external costs for society. The large-scale use of green energies will contribute to sustainable development. The objective of our research is to review the literature on green energy in the context of sustainable development by analyzing research conducted by various authors and international organizations on these topics. The period considered for this study is 2011–2020. Our research focused on the EU 27, but the review also took into account the results obtained by other countries worldwide, such as China, the USA, Norway, and Iceland. The main research method used was the analysis of scientific papers, studies developed by international organizations, and a wide set of agreements and political commitments assumed by different states for developing green energy as a solution for sustainable development. The obtained results show an interesting international debate about green energies and how they can contribute to sustainable development. This paper’s results also show that in 2019 at the global level, low-carbon energy sources, including nuclear power and renewable energy, accounted for 15.7% of primary energy (solar, wind, hydropower, bioenergy, geothermal and wave and tidal), while in 2021, for the EU 27, the share of energy from renewable sources reached 22%. According to international statistics, more than 90% of the governments of many countries are making investments to efficiently capitalize on green energy sources and to design new models of sustainable economic and social development, in order to lower pollution levels, reduce the dependence on fossil fuel imports and limit the climate change impact.
Fundamentals and Recent Progress in the Flow of Water-Soluble Polymers in Porous Media for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Mirzaie Yegane Mohsen , Boukany Pouyan E. , Zitha Pacelli
Published: November 2022

Due to increased energy demand, it is vital to enhance the recovery from existing oilfields. Polymer flooding is the most frequently used chemical enhanced oil recovery (cEOR) method in field applications that increases the oil sweep and displacement efficiencies. In recent years, there has been growing interest to assess the use of polymer flooding in an increasing number of field applications. This is due to the improved properties of polymers at high-salinity and high-temperature conditions and an increased understanding of the transport mechanisms of water-soluble polymers in porous media. In this review, we present an overview of the latest research into the application of polymers for cEOR, including mechanisms of oil recovery improvement and transport mechanisms in porous media. We focus on the recent advances that have been made to develop polymers that are suitable for high-salinity and high-temperature conditions and shed light on new insights into the flow of water-soluble polymers in porous media. We observed that the viscoelastic behavior of polymers in porous media (e.g., shear thickening and elastic turbulence) is the most recently debated polymer flow mechanism in cEOR applications. Moreover, advanced water-soluble polymers, including hydrophobically modified polymers and salt- and temperature-tolerant modified polyacrylamides, have shown promising results at high-salinity and high-temperature conditions.
Formulation and Data-Driven Optimization for Maximizing the Photovoltaic Power with Tilt Angle Adjustment
Authors: Ye Wenrui , Herdem Münür , Li Joey , Nathwani Jatin , Wen John
Published: November 2022

This paper reports on how the trade-off between the incident solar irradiance and conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic panel affects its power production. A neural network was developed through statistical analysis and a data-driven approach to accurately calculate the photovoltaic panel’s power output. Although the incident beam irradiance at a specified location directly relates to the tilt angle, the diffusion irradiance and energy conversion efficiency are nonlinearly dependent on a number of operating parameters, including cell temperature, wind speed, humidity, etc. A mathematical model was implemented to examine and cross-validate the physics of the neural network. Through simulation and comparison of the optimized results for different time horizons, it was found that hourly optimization can increase the energy generated from the photovoltaic panel by up to 42.07%. Additionally, compared to the base scenario, annually, monthly, and hourly optimization can result in 9.7%, 12.74%, and 24.78% more power, respectively. This study confirms the data-driven approach is an effective tool for optimizing solar power. It recommends adjusting the tilt angle of photovoltaic panels hourly, during the daily operation of maximizing the energy output and reducing solar costs.
Aerodynamic Configuration Optimization of a Propeller Using Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes and Adjoint Method
Authors: Zhang Yang , Fu Yifan , Wang Peng , Chang Min
Published: November 2022

The discrete adjoint method was used to optimize the aerodynamic configuration in order to increase the efficiency and precision of design. The fully unstable simulation of propeller rotation was avoided using the quasi approach. In the meantime, the gradient-based optimization approach was extended to the rotating coordinate in which the propeller blades were running, thereby increasing the dimension of the shape parameters as multi-coordinates were taken into account. However, the precision of the propeller optimization was improved by expanding the range of variation for design parameters. Using the current design framework, the propeller’s torsion angle, blade chord length, and blade profile were modified independently by an optimization solver, resulting in a notable acceleration.
Multifaceted Analysis of Landfill Gas Use for Energy Purposes
Authors: Knutel Bernard , Gaze Błażej , Zając Krzysztof , Góraj Sara , Bukowski Przemysław
Published: November 2022

This paper assesses the use of gas from a landfill located in Kiełcz for energy purposes, considering energy, environmental and socioeconomic aspects. The literature review contains information on waste management methods in various regions of the world and the legal acts regulating them. The reference was also made to the methods of degassing landfills and the methods of reducing pollutants from this process. The research methodology describes, among other things, the method of measuring exhaust gas quality and temperature or gas composition. This section also presents the catalyst that was used as a reducer of flue gas emissions. The use of a catalyst in the flue gas duct allowed for the reduction in CO emissions by 85%, NOX by 53%, SO2 by 95%, and PM by 82%. For the socio-economic analysis, formulas and quantities were given that allow for the parameterization of profits. Three leading indicators were selected, i.e., the impact of the energy produced on the producer, the reduction in greenhouse gases, and the responsibility for the product. The section of results graphically presents the efficiency of using the catalyst. This part also contains a summary table of the socioeconomic analysis on the basis of which the social profit index SROI was determined, which amounted to 7.57. This analysis may be helpful for landfill managers/owners who may consider the potential commercial use of landfill gas for energy purposes, as well as for governments, which, amid the current global fuel crisis, can benefit from this analysis and include the use of landfill gas in their energy transition strategies.
An Investigation on the Energy Balance and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Orange Production in Turkey
Authors: Saltuk Burak , Jagosz Barbara , Gökdoğan Osman , Rolbiecki Roman , Atilgan Atılgan , Rolbiecki Stanisław
Published: November 2022

In agricultural production, it is important to determine where input usage saving can be implemented by taking energy use into consideration and to analyze the greenhouse gas emissions of agricultural activities. This study has been conducted to review orange (Citrus sinensis L.) production in terms of energy balance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study was carried out during the 2015/2016 production season in Adana, a province in Turkey. Energy balance and GHG emissions have been defined by calculating the inputs and outputs of agricultural nature used in orange production. The findings of the study indicate that the distribution of energy inputs in orange production are 11,880 MJ ha−1 (34.10%) of electricity, 10,079.75 MJ ha−1 (28.93%) of chemical fertilizer energy, 7630 MJ ha−1 (21.90%) of chemical energy, 3052 MJ ha−1 (8.76%) of diesel fuel energy, 1348.91 MJ ha−1 (3.87%) of human labor energy, 378 MJ ha−1 (1.09%) of irrigation water energy, 351.22 MJ ha−1 (1.01%) of machinery energy and 118.80 MJ ha−1 (0.34%) of lime energy. In total, input energy (IE) in orange production has been calculated as 34,838.68 MJ ha−1 and the output energy (OE) has been calculated as 95,000 MJ ha−1. Energy use efficiency (EUE), specific energy (SE), energy productivity (EP) and net energy (NE) have been calculated as 2.73, 0.70 MJ kg−1, 1.44 kg MJ−1 and 60,161.32 MJ ha−1, respectively. The total energy input in the production of oranges was divided into: 47.82% direct, 52.18% indirect, 4.96% from renewable sources and 95.04% from non-renewable sources. The GHG emissions figure for orange production was 3794.26 kg CO2–eq ha−1, with electricity having the greatest share, 1983.96 (52.29%); the GHG ratio was 0.08 kg CO2–eq kg−1. According to the results, the production of orange was considered to be profitable in terms of EUE.
Full-Scale Digesters: Model Predictive Control with Online Kinetic Parameter Identification Strategy
Authors: Cortés Luis G. , Barbancho J. , Larios D. F. , Marin-Batista J. D. , Mohedano A. F. , Portilla C. , de la Rubia M. A.
Published: November 2022

This work presents a nonlinear model predictive control scheme with a novel structure of observers aiming to create a methodology that allows feasible implementations in industrial anaerobic reactors. In this way, a new step-by-step procedure scheme has been proposed and tested by solving two specific drawbacks reported in the literature responsible for the inefficiencies of those systems in real environments. Firstly, the implementation of control structures based on modeling depends on microorganisms’ concentration measurements; the technology that achieves this is not cost-effective nor viable. Secondly, the reaction rates cannot be considered static because, in the extended anaerobic digestion model (EAM2), the large fluctuation of parameters is unavoidable. To face these two drawbacks, the concentration of acidogens and methanogens, and the values of the two reaction rates considered have been estimated by a structure of two observers using data collected by sensors. After 90 days of operation, the error in convergence was lower than 5% for both observers. Four model predictive controller (MPC) configurations are used to test all the previous information trying to maximize the volume of methane and demonstrate a satisfactory operation in a wide range of scenarios. The results demonstrate an increase in efficiency, ranging from 17.4% to 24.4%, using as a reference an open loop configuration. Finally, the operational robustness of the MPC is compared with simulations performed by traditional alternatives used in industry, the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers, where some simple operational scenarios to manage for an MPC are longer sufficient to disrupt a normal operation in a PID controller. For this controller, the simulation shows an error close to the 100% of the reference value.
Forecasting Monthly Wind Energy Using an Alternative Machine Training Method with Curve Fitting and Temporal Error Extraction Algorithm
Authors: Abdul Majid Amir
Published: November 2022

The aim of this research was to forecast monthly wind energy based on wind speed measurements that have been logged over a one-year period. The curve type fitting of five similar probability distribution functions (PDF, pdf), namely Weibull, Exponential, Rayleigh, Gamma, and Lognormal, were investigated for selecting the best machine learning (ML) trained ones since it is not always possible to choose one unique distribution function for describing all wind speed regimes. An ML procedural algorithm was proposed using a monthly forecast-error extraction method, in which the annual model is tested for each month, with the temporal errors between target and measured values being extracted. The error pattern of wind speed was analyzed with different error estimation methods, such as average, moving average, trend, and trained prediction, for adjusting the intended following month’s forecast. Consequently, an energy analysis was performed with effects due to probable variations in the selected Lognormal distribution parameters, according to their joint Gaussian probability function. Error estimation of the implemented method was carried out to predict its accuracy. A comparison procedure was performed and was found to be in line with the conducted Markov series analysis.
Solar Energy Implementation for Health-Care Facilities in Developing and Underdeveloped Countries: Overview, Opportunities, and Challenges
Authors: Soto Esteban A. , Hernandez-Guzman Andrea , Vizcarrondo-Ortega Alexander , McNealey Amaya , Bosman Lisa B.
Published: November 2022

Developing and underdeveloped countries face innumerable problems related to the accessibility and quality of energy that put the lives of patients, health-care infrastructures, and health workers at risk. Current approaches, such as grid power, unsustainable energy sources such as diesel or gas, and mobile health clinics, have proven insufficient to address this issue. In response, access to reliable health care and electricity has undergone multiple transformations in the last decade, especially in remote and rural areas. Good health and clean energy are two of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, originally designed to be a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.” Unfortunately, little is known about the interaction between health-care access and energy access in developing and underdeveloped countries, mainly in remote or rural areas. For this reason, this study conducts a review of the literature, including current approaches, challenges, and opportunities for the implementation of solar energy in health centers. As a result, several challenges and opportunities in three impact areas are presented: (1) operational, (2) environmental, and (3) economic. This study delivers detailed information that allows the implementation of solar energy in the health-care sector (in a more effective manner) by sharing best practices.
Options for Methane Fuel Processing in PEMFC System with Potential Maritime Applications
Authors: Bang Eun-Shin , Kim Myoung-Hwan , Park Sang-Kyun
Published: November 2022

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are low-temperature fuel cells that have excellent starting performance due to their low operating temperature, can respond quickly to frequent load fluctuations, and can be manufactured in small packages. Unlike existing studies that mainly used hydrogen as fuel for PEMFCs, in this study, methane is used as fuel for PEMFCs to investigate its performance and economy. Methane is a major component of natural gas, which is more economically competitive than hydrogen. In this study, methane gas is reformed by the steam reforming method and is applied to the following five gas post-treatment systems: (a) Case 1—water–gas shift only (WGS), (b) Case 2—partial oxidation reforming only (PROX), (c) Case 3—methanation only, (d) Case 4—WGS + methanation, (e) Case 5—WGS + PROX. In the evaluation, the carbon monoxide concentration in the gas did not exceed 10 ppm, and the methane component, which has a very large greenhouse effect, was not regenerated in the post-treated exhaust gas. As a result, Case 5 (WGS and PROX) is the only case that satisfied both criteria. Therefore, we propose Case 5 as an optimized post-treatment system for methane reforming gas in ship PEMFCs.
A Method of Detecting Candidate Regions and Flames Based on Deep Learning Using Color-Based Pre-Processing
Authors: Ryu Jinkyu , Kwak Dongkurl
Published: November 2022

Recently, object detection methods using deep learning have made significant progress in terms of accuracy and speed. However, the requirements of a system to provide real-time detection are somewhat high, and current methods are still insufficient to accurately detect important factors directly related to life and safety, such as fires. Therefore, this study attempted to improve the detection rate by supplementing the existing research to reduce the false detection rate of flame detection in fire and to reduce the number of candidate regions extracted in advance. To this end, pre-processing based on the HSV and YCbCr color models was performed to filter the flame area simply and strongly, and a selective search was used to detect a valid candidate region for the filtered image. In addition, for the detected candidate region, a deep learning-based convolutional neural network (CNN) was used to infer whether the object was a flame. As a result, it was found that the flame-detection accuracy of the model proposed in this study was 7% higher than that of the other models presented for comparison, and the recall rate was increased by 6%.
Multiple-Function Systems Based on Regular Subdivision
Authors: Zhang Baoxing , Zheng Hongchan , Chen Yingwei
Published: November 2022

Self-similar fractals can be generated using subdivision and the subdivision curves/surfaces are actually attractors. Such a connection has been studied between fractals and an extended family of subdivision including stationary and non-stationary schemes. This paper aims to move one step further on such a connection and introduce multiple-function systems, which has a set of function systems and choose one for each step of iteration. These multiple-function systems can be obtained by deriving the iterated function systems based on the subdivision operators and applying some modifications, including deleting some transformations, to them. Such multiple-function systems can be arranged in a tree structure and can generate different attractors along different paths in the tree. Several examples are presented to illustrate the performance of these multiple-function systems.
Sliding Mode Control for a Class of Nonlinear Fractional Order Systems with a Fractional Fixed-Time Reaching Law
Authors: Chen Yuquan , Wang Bing , Chen Yangquan , Wang Yong
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the sliding-mode control method was used to control a class of general nonlinear fractional-order systems which covers a wide class of chaotic systems. A novel sliding manifold with an additional nonlinear part which achieved better control performance was designed. Furthermore, a novel fixed-time reaching law with a fractional adaptive gain is proposed, where the reaching time to the sliding manifold is determined by the first positive zero of a Mittag–Leffler function and is independent of initial conditions. We have provided some instructions on tuning the parameters of the proposed reaching law to avoid exacerbating the chattering phenomenon. Finally, simulation examples are presented to validate all results.
Effects of Insole with Toe-Grip Bar on Barefoot Balance and Walking Function in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nakano Hideki , Murata Shin , Nakae Hideyuki , Soma Masayuki , Isida Haruhisa , Maruyama Yuumi , Nagara Hitoshi , Nagara Yuko
Published: November 2022

The maintenance and improvement of balance and walking function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is essential. Toe dysfunction in patients with PD is related to balance and walking. Recently, insoles have been developed to improve toe function, but their effects on the physical functions of patients with PD remain unclear. In this randomized controlled study, we investigated the effects of insoles with a toe-grip bar on balance and walking function in such patients. Twenty-nine patients with PD in Hoehn and Yahr stages II–IV were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. Patients in the intervention and control groups wore shoes having insoles with and without a toe-grip bar for 4 weeks, respectively. The center of gravity sway of standing posture (total trajectory length, envelope area, and maximum anterior–posterior center of pressure [AP-COP] distance) and walking parameters at normal and fast speeds were measured pre- and post-intervention in the rehabilitation room. All measurements were performed with the participants being barefoot. The maximum AP-COP distance and step length of the fast-walking condition were significantly improved in the intervention compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Thus, insoles with a toe-grip bar may improve balance and walking function in patients with PD.
Impact of Macronutrient Fertility on Mineral Uptake and Growth of Lactuca sativa ‘Salanova Green’ in a Hydroponic System
Authors: Veazie Patrick , Pandey Piyush , Young Sierra , Ballance M. Seth , Hicks Kristin , Whipker Brian
Published: November 2022

Lactuca sativa (commonly referred to as lettuce) is one of the most popular grown hydroponic crops. While other fertilizer rate work has been conducted on lettuce, the impact of each element has not been evaluated independently or by determining adequate foliar tissue concentrations when all nutrients are plant-available. This study explores the impact that macronutrients have on the growth and yield of lettuce at different stages of the production cycle. Additionally, this study explores the adequate nutrient rates by regressing nutrient curves to find the concentration of each element that corresponds to optimal growth. Plants were grown under varying macronutrient concentrations (0, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 100%) utilizing the concentrations of a modified Hoagland’s solution based on 150 mg·L−1 N. Lettuce plants were grown in a silica sand culture and received a nutrient solution in which a single element was altered. Visual symptomology was documented, and leaf tissue mineral nutrient concentrations and biomass were measured at Weeks 3, 6, and 8 after transplant. Optimal elemental leaf tissue concentration and biomass varied by macronutrient rates and weeks of growth. Nitrogen rate produced a linear increase in total plant dry weight, but foliar N followed a quadratic plateau pattern. Other elements, such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, produced distinct total plant dry weight plateaus despite increasing fertility concentrations. These results demonstrate that fertility recommendation can be lowered for nutrients where higher rates do not result in higher plant biomass or foliar nutrient concentrations.
Characterization of Phytochemical and Nutrient Compounds from the Leaves and Seeds of Moringa oleifera and Moringa peregrina
Authors: Abdalla Heba A. M. , Ali Mohammed , Amar Mohamed Hamdy , Chen Lingyun , Wang Qing-Feng
Published: November 2022

Moringa oleifera and M. peregrina are robust and fast-growing trees. These trees are considered some of the most highly valued trees worldwide because of their properties and uses. This study aimed to investigate and determine the content of phytochemical and nutrient compounds in the fresh leaves and the mature seeds of both M. oleifera and M. peregrina. The experimental data analysis showed that all four extracts were rich in proximate minerals, fatty acids (FA), and un-saponified and polyphenolic components. The total percentages of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids compounds obtained from the leaves and seeds of M. oleifera and M. peregrina were (45.02 and 54.93%), (10.80 and 89.19%), (37.13 and 62.8%), and (11.95 and 88.03%), respectively. The major polyphenols compositions were identified as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, methyl gallate, and coffeic acid. The outcomes of the present study indicate that the leaves and seeds of Egyptian Moringa (M. oleifera and M. peregrina) contain various phytochemical and nutrient compounds, which can provide several health advantages and play an important role in the metabolism of the human body, especially in diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, obesity, and high cholesterol and triglycerides.
An Overview of Innovative Approaches to Support Timely and Agile Health Communication Research and Practice
Authors: Gaysynsky Anna , Heley Kathryn , Chou Wen-Ying Sylvia
Published: November 2022

Innovative approaches are needed to make health communication research and practice more timely, responsive, and effective in a rapidly changing information ecosystem. In this paper we provide an overview of strategies that can enhance the delivery and effectiveness of health communication campaigns and interventions, as well as research approaches that can generate useful data and insights for decisionmakers and campaign designers, thereby reducing the research-to-practice gap. The discussion focuses on the following approaches: digital segmentation and microtargeting, social media influencer campaigns, recommender systems, adaptive interventions, A/B testing, efficient message testing protocols, rapid cycle iterative message testing, megastudies, and agent-based modeling. For each method highlighted, we also outline important practical and ethical considerations for utilizing the approach in the context of health communication research and practice, including issues related to transparency, privacy, equity, and potential for harm.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β: A True Foe in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Elmadbouh Omer H. M. , Pandol Stephen J. , Edderkaoui Mouad
Published: November 2022

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase involved in multiple normal and pathological cell functions, including cell signalling and metabolism. GSK-3β is highly expressed in the onset and progression of multiple cancers with strong involvement in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. Multiple studies showed pro- and anti-cancer roles of GSK-3β creating confusion about the benefit of targeting GSK-3β for treating cancer. In this mini-review, we focus on the role of GSK-3β in pancreatic cancer. We demonstrate that the proposed anti-cancer roles of GSK-3β are not relevant to pancreatic cancer, and we argue why GSK-3β is, indeed, a very promising therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
Serum Biomarkers of Renal Fibrosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Barinotti Alice , Radin Massimo , Cecchi Irene , Foddai Silvia Grazietta , Rubini Elena , Roccatello Dario , Sciascia Savino
Published: November 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widely diffuse pathological condition which deeply impacts upon an affected patient’s quality of life and its worldwide rate is predicted to further rise. The main biological mechanism underlying CKD is renal fibrosis, a non-reversible process representing, for the affected system, a point of no return of tissue damage and dysfunction, deeply reducing the possible therapeutic strategies at the disposal of physicians. The best tool clinicians can use to address the extent of renal fibrosis at any level (glomeruli, tubule-interstitium, vasculature) is kidney biopsy that, despite its overall safety, remains an invasive procedure showing some shortcomings. Thus, the identification of novel non-invasive renal fibrosis biomarkers would be of fundamental importance. Here, when systematically reviewing the available evidence on serological biomarkers associated with renal fibrosis evaluated in patients suffering from CKD in the last five years, we found that despite the presence of several promising biomarkers, the level of observed evidence is still very scattered. Probably, the use of multiple measures capable of addressing different aspects involved in this condition would be the most suitable way to capture the high complexity characterizing the renal fibrotic process, having consequently a great impact on clinical practice by maximizing prevention, diagnosis, and management.
Oxidative Precipitation Synthesis of Calcium-Doped Manganese Ferrite Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia
Authors: Veloso Sérgio R. S. , Andrade Raquel G. D. , Gomes Valéria , Amorim Carlos O. , Amaral Vítor S. , Salgueiriño Verónica , Coutinho Paulo J. G. , Ferreira Paula M. T. , Correa-Duarte Miguel A. , Castanheira Elisabete M. S.
Published: November 2022

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles are of high interest for therapeutic applications. In this work, nanoparticles of calcium-doped manganese ferrites (CaxMn1−xFe2O4) functionalized with citrate were synthesized through thermally assisted oxidative precipitation in aqueous media. The method provided well dispersed aqueous suspensions of nanoparticles through a one-pot synthesis, in which the temperature and Ca/Mn ratio were found to influence the particles microstructure and morphology. Consequently, changes were obtained in the optical and magnetic properties that were studied through UV-Vis absorption and SQUID, respectively. XRD and Raman spectroscopy studies were carried out to assess the microstructural changes associated with stoichiometry of the particles, and the stability in physiological pH was studied through DLS. The nanoparticles displayed high values of magnetization and heating efficiency for several alternating magnetic field conditions, compatible with biological applications. Hereby, the employed method provides a promising strategy for the development of particles with adequate properties for magnetic hyperthermia applications, such as drug delivery and cancer therapy.
Pathogenesis and Preventive Tactics of Immune-Mediated Non-Pulmonary COVID-19 in Children and Beyond
Authors: Chi Hsin , Chang Lung , Chao Yen-Chun , Lin Dar-Shong , Yang Horng-Woei , Fang Li-Ching , Lin Chia-Hsueh , Ho Che-Sheng , Yang Kuender
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has evolved to immune escape and threatened small children and the elderly with a higher severity and fatality of non-pulmonary diseases. These life-threatening non-pulmonary COVID-19 diseases such as acute necrotizing encephalopathies (ANE) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are more prevalent in children. However, the mortality of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is much higher than that of MIS-C although the incidence of MIS-A is lower. Clarification of immunopathogenesis and genetic susceptibility of inflammatory non-pulmonary COVID-19 diseases would provide an appropriate guide for the crisis management and prevention of morbidity and fatality in the ongoing pandemic. This review article described three inflammatory non-pulmonary COVID-19 diseases including (1) meningoencephalitis (ME), (2) acute necrotizing encephalopathies (ANE), and (3) post-infectious multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and in adults (MIS-A). To prevent these life-threatening non-pulmonary COVID-19 diseases, hosts carrying susceptible genetic variants should receive prophylactic vaccines, avoid febrile respiratory tract infection, and institute immunomodulators and mitochondrial cocktails as early as possible.
FSH Regulates YAP-TEAD Transcriptional Activity in Bovine Granulosa Cells to Allow the Future Dominant Follicle to Exert Its Augmented Estrogenic Capacity
Authors: de Andrade Leonardo Guedes , Portela Valério Marques , Dos Santos Esdras Corrêa , Aires Karine de Vargas , Ferreira Rogério , Missio Daniele , da Silva Zigomar , Koch Júlia , Antoniazzi Alfredo Quites , Gonçalves Paulo Bayard Dias , Zamberlam Gustavo
Published: November 2022

The molecular mechanisms that drive the granulosa cells’ (GC) differentiation into a more estrogenic phenotype during follicular divergence and establishment of follicle dominance have not been completely elucidated. The main Hippo signaling effector, YAP, has, however, emerged as a potential key player to explain such complex processes. Studies using rat and bovine GC demonstrate that, in conditions where the expression of the classic YAP-TEAD target gene tissue growth factor (CTGF) is augmented, CYP19A1 expression and activity and, consequently, estradiol (E2) secretion are reduced. These findings led us to hypothesize that, during ovarian follicular divergence in cattle, FSH downregulates YAP-TEAD-dependent transcriptional activity in GC to allow the future dominant follicle to exert its augmented estrogenic capacity. To address this, we performed a series of experiments employing distinct bovine models. Our in vitro and ex vivo experiments indicated that indeed FSH downregulates, in a concentration-dependent manner, mRNA levels not only for CTGF but also for the other classic YAP-TEAD transcriptional target genes ANKRD1 and CYR61 by a mechanism that involves increased YAP phosphorylation. To better elucidate the functional importance of such FSH-induced YAP activity regulation, we then cultured GC in the presence of verteporfin (VP) or peptide 17 (P17), two pharmacological inhibitors known to interfere with YAP binding to TEADs. The results showed that both VP and P17 increased CYP19A1 basal mRNA levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Most interestingly, by using GC samples obtained in vivo from dominant vs. subordinate follicles, we found that mRNA levels for CTGF, CYR61, and ANKRD1 are higher in subordinate follicles following the follicular divergence. Taken together, our novel results demonstrate that YAP transcriptional activity is regulated in bovine granulosa cells to allow the increased estrogenic capacity of the selected dominant follicle.
Mechanism Underlying Metformin Action and Its Potential to Reduce Gastric Cancer Risk
Authors: Lan Wen-Hsi , Lin Ting-Yu , Yeh Jia-Ai , Feng Chun-Lung , Hsu Jun-Te , Lin Hwai-Jeng , Kuo Chia-Jung , Lai Chih-Ho
Published: November 2022

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a high risk of developing gastric cancer (GC). Metformin, which is conventionally used to treat type 2 diabetes, induces AMP-activated protein kinase signaling and suppresses gluconeogenesis. Recent studies have reported that metformin is associated with beneficial effects in cancer prevention and treatment owing to its anti-tumor effects. This makes metformin a potential medication for GC therapy. However, contradicting reports have emerged regarding the efficacy of metformin in reducing the risk of GC. This review summarizes the impact of metformin on mitigating GC risk by analyzing clinical databases. The mechanism underlying the anti-tumor effect of metformin on GC is also discussed.
SWATH Mass Spectrometry-Based CSF Proteome Profile of GBA-Linked Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Zafar Saima , Noor Aneeqa , Younas Neelam , Shafiq Mohsin , Schmitz Matthias , Wurster Isabel , Brockmann Kathrin , Gasser Thomas , Zerr Inga
Published: November 2022

β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA)-associated mutations are a significant risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD) that aggravate the disease pathology by upregulating the deposition of α-Synuclein (α-Syn). The resultant clinical profile varies for PD patients without GBA mutations. The current study aimed to identify the proteomic targets involved in the pathogenic pathways leading to the differential clinical presentation of GBA-associated PD. CSF samples (n = 32) were obtained from PD patients with GBA mutations (n = 22), PD patients without GBA mutations (n = 7), and healthy controls that were carriers of GBA mutations (n = 3). All samples were subjected to in-gel tryptic digestion followed by the construction of the spectral library and quantitative SWATH-based analysis. CSF α-Syn levels were reduced in both PDIdiopathic and PDGBA cases. Our SWATH-based mass spectrometric analysis detected 363 proteins involved in immune response, stress response, and cell signaling in various groups. Intergroup analysis showed that 52 proteins were significantly up- or downregulated in various groups. Of these 52 targets, 20 proteins were significantly altered in PDGBA cases only while 2 showed different levels in PDIdiopathic patients. Our results show that the levels of several pathologically relevant proteins, including Contactin-1, Selenium-binding protein 1, Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor, and Apolipoprotein E are significantly different among the sporadic and genetic variants of PD and hint at aggravated synaptic damage, oxidative stress, neuronal loss, and aggregation of α-Syn in PDGBA cases.
Impact of Ni Content on the Structure and Sonophotocatalytic Activity of Ni-Zn-Co Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Dippong Thomas , Cadar Oana , Goga Firuta , Toloman Dana , Levei Erika Andrea
Published: November 2022

The structure, morphology, and sonophotocatalytic activity of Ni-Zn-Co ferrite nanoparticles, embedded in a SiO2 matrix and produced by a modified sol-gel method, followed by thermal treatment, were investigated. The thermal analysis confirmed the formation of metal succinate precursors up to 200 °C, their decomposition to metal oxides and the formation of Ni-Zn-Co ferrites up to 500 °C. The crystalline phases, crystallite size and lattice parameter were determined based on X-ray diffraction patterns. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the shape, size, and distribution pattern of the ferrite nanoparticles. The particle sizes ranged between 34 and 40 nm. All the samples showed optical responses in the visible range. The best sonophotocatalytic activity against the rhodamine B solution under visible irradiation was obtained for Ni0.3Zn0.3Co0.4Fe2O4@SiO2.
Akt-Activated Endothelium Increases Cancer Cell Proliferation and Resistance to Treatment in Ovarian Cancer Cell Organoids
Authors: Hoarau-Véchot Jessica , Blot-Dupin Morgane , Pauly Léa , Touboul Cyril , Rafii Shahin , Rafii Arash , Pasquier Jennifer
Published: November 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by its late diagnosis (FIGO stages III and IV) and the importance of abdominal metastases often observed at diagnosis. Detached ovarian cancer cells (OCCs) float in ascites and form multicellular spheroids. Here, we developed endothelial cell (EC)-based 3D spheroids to better represent in vivo conditions. When co-cultured in 3D conditions, ECs and OCCs formed organized tumor angiospheres with a core of ECs surrounded by proliferating OCCs. We established that Akt and Notch3/Jagged1 pathways played a role in angiosphere formation and peritoneum invasion. In patients’ ascites we found angiosphere-like structures and demonstrated in patients’ specimens that tumoral EC displayed Akt activation, which supports the importance of Akt activation in ECs in OC. Additionally, we demonstrated the importance of FGF2, Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), PD-ECGF and TIMP-1 in angiosphere organization. Finally, we confirmed the role of Notch3/Jagged1 in OCC–EC crosstalk relating to OCC proliferation and during peritoneal invasion. Our results support the use of multicellular spheroids to better model tumoral and stromal interaction. Such models could help decipher the complex pathways playing critical roles in metastasis spread and predict tumor response to chemotherapy or anti-angiogenic treatment.
Effect of the First Feeding on Enterocytes of Newborn Rats
Authors: Nikonova Maria A. , Sesorova Irina S. , Dimov Ivan D. , Karelina Natalia R. , Mironov Alexander A.
Published: November 2022

The transcytosis of lipids through enterocytes occurs through the delivery of lipid micelles to the microvilli of enterocytes, consumption of lipid derivates by the apical plasma membrane (PM) and then their delivery to the membrane of the smooth ER attached to the basolateral PM. The SER forms immature chylomicrons (iChMs) in the ER lumen. iChMs are delivered at the Golgi complex (GC) where they are subjected to additional glycosylation resulting in maturation of iChMs. ChMs are secreted into the intercellular space and delivered into the lumen of lymphatic capillaries (LCs). The overloading of enterocytes with lipids induces the formation of lipid droplets inside the lipid bilayer of the ER membranes and transcytosis becomes slower. Here, we examined components of the enterocyte-to-lymphatic barriers in newly born rats before the first feeding and after it. In contrast to adult animals, enterocytes of newborns rats exhibited apical endocytosis and a well-developed subapical endosomal tubular network. These enterocytes uptake membranes from amniotic fluid. Then these membranes are transported across the polarized GC and secreted into the intercellular space. The enterocytes did not contain COPII-coated buds on the granular ER. The endothelium of blood capillaries situated near the enterocytes contained only a few fenestrae. The LCs were similar to those in adult animals. The first feeding induced specific alterations of enterocytes, which were similar to those observed after the lipid overloading of enterocytes in adult rats. Enlarged chylomicrons were stopped at the level of the LAMP2 and Neu1 positive post-Golgi structures, secreted, fused, delivered to the interstitial space, captured by the LCs and transported to the lymph node, inducing the movement of macrophages from lymphatic follicles into its sinuses. The macrophages captured the ChMs, preventing their delivery into the blood.
sFlt-1 in Chronic Kidney Disease: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Matsui Masaru , Onoue Kenji , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: November 2022

Placental growth factor (PlGF) and its receptor, fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1), are important regulators involved in angiogenesis, atherogenesis, and inflammation. This review article focuses on the function of PlGF/Flt-1 signaling and its regulation by soluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Elevation of circulating sFlt-1 and downregulation of sFlt-1 in the vascular endothelium by uremic toxins and oxidative stress both exacerbate heart failure and atherosclerosis. Circulating sFlt-1 is inconsistent with sFlt-1 synthesis, because levels of matrix-bound sFlt-1 are much higher than those of circulating sFlt-1, as verified by a heparin loading test, and are drastically reduced in CKD.