bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lithium-Ion Battery State-of-Charge Estimation from the Voltage Discharge Profile Using Gradient Vector and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Sutanto Erwin , Astawa Putu Eka , Fahmi Fahmi , Hamid Muhammad Imran , Yazid Muhammad , Shalannanda Wervyan , Aziz Muhammad
Published: January 2023

The battery monitoring system (BMoS) is crucial to monitor the condition of the battery in supplying and absorbing the energy when operating and simultaneously determine the optimal limits for achieving long battery life. All of this can be done by measuring the battery parameters and increasing the state of charge (SoC) and the state of health (SoH) of the battery. The battery dataset from NASA is used for evaluation. In this work, the gradient vector is employed to obtain the trend of the energy supply pattern from the battery. In addition, a support vector machine (SVM) is adopted for an accurate battery accuracy index. This is in line with the use of polynomial regression; hence, points V1 and V2 are obtained as the boundaries of the normal-usage phase. Furthermore, testing of the time length distribution is also carried out on the length of time the battery was successfully extracted from the classification. All these stages can be used to calculate the rate of battery degradation during use so that this strategy can be applied in real situations by continuously comparing values. In this case, using the voltage gradient, SVM method, and the suggested polynomial regression, MAPE (%), MAE, and RMSE can be obtained against the battery value graph with values of 0.3%, 0.0106, and 0.0136, respectively. With this error value, the dynamics of the SoC value of the battery can be obtained, and the SoH problem can be resolved with a shorter usage time by avoiding the voltage-drop phase.
Curve Optimization for the Anidolic Daylight System Counterbalancing Energy Saving, Indoor Visual and Thermal Comfort for Sydney Dwellings
Authors: Sorooshnia Ehsan , Rahnamayiezekavat Payam , Rashidi Maria , Sadeghi Mahsan , Samali Bijan
Published: January 2023

Daylight penetration significantly affects building thermal-daylighting performance, and serve a dual function of permitting sunlight and creating a pleasant indoor environment. More recent attention has focused on the provision of daylight in the rear part of indoor spaces in designing sustainable buildings. Passive Anidolic Daylighting Systems (ADS) are effective tools for daylight collection and redistribution of sunlight towards the back of the room. As affordable and low-maintenance systems, they can provide indoor daylight and alleviate the problem of daylight over-provision near the window and under-provision in the rear part of the room. Much of the current literature on the ADS pays particular attention to visual comfort and rarely to thermal comfort. Therefore, a reasonable compromise between visual and thermal comfort as well as energy consumption becomes the main issue for energy-optimized aperture design in the tropics and subtropics, in cities such as Sydney, Australia. The objective of the current study was to devise a system that could act as a double-performance of shade and reflective tool. The central aim of this paper is to find the optimum curve that can optimize daylight admission without an expensive active tracking system. A combination of in-detail simulation (considering every possible sky condition throughout a year) and multi-objective optimization (considering indoor visual and thermal comfort as well as the view to the outside), which was validated by field measurement, resulted in the optimum ADS for the local dwellings in Sydney, Australia. An approximate 62% increase in Daylight Factor, 5% decrease in yearly average heating load, 17% savings in annual artificial lighting energy, and 30% decrease in Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PPD) were achieved through optimizing the ADS curve.
Heat Transfer Model of Natural Gas Pipeline Based on Data Feature Extraction and First Principle Models
Authors: Wen Kai , Xu Hailong , Qi Wei , Li Haichuan , Li Yichen , Hong Bingyuan
Published: January 2023

The rapid development of natural gas pipelines has highlighted the need to utilize SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system data. In this paper, a heat transfer model of a natural gas pipeline based on data feature extraction and first principle models, which makes full use of the measured temperatures at each end of the pipeline, is proposed. Three methods, the NARX neural network (nonlinear autoregressive neural network with exogenous inputs), time series decomposition, and system identification, were used to model the changes of gas temperatures of the pipeline. The NARX neural network method uses a cyclic neural network to directly model the relationship of temperature between the start and the end of the pipeline. The measured temperature series at the pipeline inlet and outlet were decomposed into trend items, fluctuation items, and noise items based on the time series decomposition method. Then the three items were fitted separately and combined to form a new temperature prediction series. The system identification method constructed the first-order and second-order transfer function to model the temperature. The simulation of the three data-driven models was compared with those of the physics-based simulation models. The results showed that the data-driven model has great advantages over the physics-based simulation models in both accuracy and efficiency. The proposed models are more suitable for applications such as online simulation and state observation of long-distance natural gas pipelines.
Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition in a Semi-Confined Slit Combustor Filled with Nitrogen Diluted Ethylene-Oxygen Mixture
Authors: Shamshin Igor O. , Ivanov Vladislav S. , Aksenov Viktor S. , Gusev Pavel A. , Frolov Sergey M.
Published: January 2023

The conditions for the mild initiation of the detonation of homogeneous stoichiometric ethylene-oxygen mixtures diluted with nitrogen up to ~40%vol. in a planar semi-confined slit-type combustor with a slit 5.0 ± 0.4 mm wide, simulating the annular combustor of a Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE), are determined experimentally using self-luminous high-speed video recording and pressure measurements. To ensure the mild detonation initiation, the fuel mixture in the RDE combustor must be ignited upon reaching a certain limiting (minimal) fill with the mixture and the arising flame must be transformed to a detonation via deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT). Thus, for mild detonation initiation in a C2H4 + 3O2 mixture filling the slit, the height of the mixture layer must exceed the slit width by approximately 10 times (~50 mm), and for the C2H4 + 3(O2 + 2/5 N2) mixture, by approximately 60 times. The limiting height of the mixture layer required for DDT exhibits a sharp increase at a nitrogen-to-oxygen mole ratio above 0.25. Compared to the height of the detonation waves continuously rotating in the RDE combustor in the steady-state operation mode, for a mild start of the RDE, the fill of the combustor with the explosive mixture to a height of at least four times more is required.
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Business Strategy That Promotes Energy Environmental Transition and Combats Volatility in the Post-Pandemic World
Authors: Karagiannopoulou Sofia , Sariannidis Nikolaos , Ragazou Konstantina , Passas Ioannis , Garefalakis Alexandros
Published: January 2023

Corporate social responsibility can assist in reducing the noise caused by pricing volatility and a lack of energy-efficient business solutions. The study’s objective is twofold: (i) to investigate the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in reducing volatility through the contribution of energy-efficient strategies; (ii) to identify research trends in the field that may indicate future research directions for the development of more dynamic strategies that will help in mitigating the impact of pricing volatility. A five-step bibliometric analysis was applied to address the research question. The findings were visualized by using bibliometric tools such as R Studio, Biblioshiny, and VOSViewer. Chinese academics have been revealed as pioneers in integrating CSR into corporate strategies to reduce volatility and support energy-efficient investments. Moreover, results indicate that financial institutions must embrace a new business model based on both CSR and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles. Since very little is known about the interaction structure between CSR and ESG in the mitigation of price volatility, the purpose of this article is to bridge that knowledge gap. The pioneering character of this research—the construction of a business model based on the principles of CSR and ESG—contributes significantly to both the field’s knowledge and the practice of corporate sustainability management.
Emerging Cybersecurity and Privacy Threats to Electric Vehicles and Their Impact on Human and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Muhammad Zia , Anwar Zahid , Saleem Bilal , Shahid Jahanzeb
Published: January 2023

With the global energy crisis, increasing demand, and a national-level emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs), numerous innovations are being witnessed throughout the EV industry. EVs are equipped with sensors that maintain a sustainable environment for the betterment of society and enhance human sustainability. However, at the same time, as is the case for any new digital technology, they are susceptible to threats to security and privacy. Recent incidents demonstrate that these sensors have been misused for car and energy theft, financial fraud, data compromise, and have caused severe health and safety problems, amongst other things. To the best of our knowledge, this paper provides a first systematic analysis of EV sustainability, digital technologies that enhance sustainability, their potential cybersecurity threats, and corresponding defense. Firstly, three robust taxonomies have been presented to identify the dangers that can affect long-term sustainability domains, including (1) life and well-being, (2) safe environment, and (3) innovation and development. Second, this research measures the impact of cybersecurity threats on EVs and correspondingly to their sustainability goals. Third, it details the extent to which specific security controls can mitigate these threats, thereby allowing for a smooth transition toward secure and sustainable future smart cities.
Technological Innovation Efficiency of Listed Carbon Capture Companies in China: Based on the Dual Dimensions of Legal Policy and Technology
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , He Dongdong , Wang Tao , Chen Xiangyu , Zhou Yichen
Published: January 2023

To achieve carbon neutrality and improve emission reduction efficiency, capturing carbon dioxide from the air on a large scale and promoting the application and innovation of carbon capture technology (CCUS) are the most important goals. This study undertakes an annual and comprehensive evaluation of the policy and the technological innovation efficiency (TIE) of 10 listed companies in China using the DEA model and the Malmquist index analysis method. The number of relevant laws and policies is significant, but they are not well coordinated. The static evaluation results indicate that the complete factor production rate is low, generally lower than 0.9, and the technical innovation efficiency is weak, mainly because of technological backwardness. The dynamic evaluation results indicate that the changes in total factor productivity (TFP) each year are primarily affected by changes in technological progress. This suggests that most domestic enterprises are still exploring technological innovation (TI) and operational business models. Finally, this study proposes measures to improve the TIE of carbon capture technology enterprises in China, including giving full play to the role of the government, expanding effective investment, and improving innovational ability.
Porous-Structured Three-Dimensional Iron Phosphides Nanosheets for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Marimuthu Sundaramoorthy , Shankar Ayyavu , Maduraiveeran Govindhan
Published: January 2023

A rational designing nanostructured Earth-abundant and non-precious electrocatalysts for promoting an anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for cutting-edge energy conversion and storage fields. Herein, we demonstrate a porous structured three-dimensional (3-D) FeP nanosheets on NiO modified Ni electrode (PS-3D-FeP@NiO|Ni) using of a facile and two-step electrodeposition strategy that exhibits enhanced OER under alkaline electrolyte. The as-developed porous-structured 3-D FeP nanosheets on NiO modified Ni electrode exhibits the best OER catalytic activity in relations of low onset potential (ղonset) of ~1.37 V (vs. RHE), small overpotential (η) of ~0.17 V to produce the current densities of 10 mA cm−2, lower Tafel slope value of ~40.0 mV/dec, higher turn-over frequency (TOF) of 0.435 s−1, and long-term stability when compared to other CoP@NiOǀNi, NiP@NiOǀNi, CuP@NiOǀNi, NiP|NF (nickel foam), and commercial IrO2|Ni electrodes established in this study. The anodic current density is calculated at the potential of ~1.80 V to be ~580, ~365, ~145, ~185, ~516, and 310 mA cm−2 for PS-3D-FeP@NiO|Ni, CoP@NiOǀNi, NiP@NiOǀNi, CuP@NiOǀNi, IrO2|Ni, and FeP|NF electrodes, respectively. The porous structured 3-D FeP nanosheets on NiO modified Ni electrode demonstrated a highest current density of ~580 mA cm−2 at ~1.80 V in comparison to other electrodes employed in the current investigation. The outperforming OER activity of PS-3D-FeP@NiO|Ni is majorly associated to its porous-structured 3-D sheet-like morphology, large amount of electrochemical active surface area, high electrical conductance characteristics and self-activated/supported active sites, facilitating the catalytic properties. The surface morphology, crystalline structure, chemical composition, and distribution of Fe, P and O elements have not been altered significantly after had a long-term OER test. These experimental results reveal that further optimization of porous structured 3D FeP nanomaterials is highly anticipated for practical water electrolysis systems.
Battery- and Petrol-Powered Chainsaws: An Investigation of Productivity in Conifer Thinning
Authors: Neri Francesco , Laschi Andrea , Frassinelli Niccolò , Fabiano Fabio , Foderi Cristiano , Marchi Enrico , Marra Elena
Published: January 2023

In recent years, battery technology has been greatly improved and some types of battery chainsaws are currently comparable with light-type petrol machines, suggesting their possible introduction into forest operations. In this context, the aim of this study was to test and compare the performance, in a Douglas-fir thinning, of two chainsaws similar in terms of weight and power, the Stihl MS 220 CB battery-powered saw and the Stihl MS 201 CM petrol-powered saw, measuring the working times and calculating the productivities. The results showed that, within a working day (about 6 h gross time), an average of 15 trees of 0.56 m3 was felled in each area. No statistically significant differences between the two chainsaws were found in terms of gross and net productivity; and the same result was obtained when focusing the analysis only on operations conducted using the chainsaws. Moreover, the average battery charge duration was 1.04 h, while the full tank duration for the petrol model was 1.12 h. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that, on the basis of their performance, battery chainsaws can be introduced into thinning operations, but a solution is needed to manage batteries in the forest, since the actual need is for 7–8 charges per workday.
Chemical Elements Recorded by Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. Tree Rings Reveal Trends of Pollution History in Harbin, China
Authors: Ballikaya Paula , Song Wenqi , Bachmann Olivier , Guillong Marcel , Wang Xiaochun , Cherubini Paolo
Published: January 2023

Rapid industrialization has led to a dramatic increase in air pollution. In China, the factors driving the abundance and composition of smog, particularly fine particulate matter, remain poorly understood, and short-term air pollution data are available from few air quality monitoring networks. Using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), chemical elements (Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Tl, Pb, Bi) were analyzed in Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. tree rings from Harbin, China, in latewood at 5-year resolution over the period 1965–2020. The temporal trend of some elements was influenced by physiological factors, by environmental factors such as pollution, or influenced by both. Mg, K, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, As, Sr and Tl showed changes in pollution levels over time. The signal of K, Zn, Ni, Cu and Pb in trees from Harbin statistically did not differ from those at the control site after the 2000s. Our analysis confirmed the success of the undertaken emission reduction measures, which lead to an improvement in China’s urban air quality after 2010. However, As increased from 2000 to 2020 in Harbin which is consistent with rising As concentrations in China. Our study proved that dendrochemistry is a reliable tool to monitor the long-term history of pollution and to contribute to extending instrumental records of pollution back in time.
The Species Richness-Environment Relationship for Cherries (Prunus subgenus Cerasus) across the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Fu Chen-Long , Xie Chun-Ping , Idrees Muhammad , Yi Xian-Gui , Wang Xian-Rong , Li Meng
Published: January 2023

Understanding large-scale patterns of biodiversity and their drivers remains significant in biogeography. Cherries species (Prunus subgenus Cerasus, Rosaceae) are economically and ecologically important in ecosystems and human agricultural activities. However, the mechanisms underlying the patterns of the species richness–environment relationship in Cerasus remain poorly understood. We collected and filtered worldwide specimen data to map the species richness of Cerasus at the global scale. The map of Cerasus species richness was created using 21,043 reliable recorded specimens. The center of Cerasus diversity was determined using spatial cluster analysis. Stepwise regression analysis was carried out using five groups of 21 environmental variables and an integrated model was included to assess the impact of the overall environment. We calibrated each of the four integrated models and used them to predict the global Cerasus species richness and that of the other continents. Our results revealed that Cerasus species have two centers of diversity (the southwest of China and Honshu Island in Japan) with differing environmental variables influencing the distribution patterns of these two centers. In the southwest of China, hygrothermal conditions are the main driving factor while in Japan, habitat heterogeneity is the main driving factor. The relationship between the abundance of Cerasus and the various groups of factors generally supports both the productivity and the habitat heterogeneity hypotheses. However, these hypotheses do not fully explain the Cerasus species richness pattern, indicating that other factors such as historical environment, topography, and human activities likely played a role in pattern formation. The high level of habitat heterogeneity and better hygrothermal conditions may have played an important role in the establishment of its globally consistent richness–climate relationship. Our results can provide valuable information for the classification and conservation of Cerasus natural resources as well as contribute to furthering our understanding of biogeography at a global scale.
Nutritional Profile of Commercialized Plant-Based Meat: An Integrative Review with a Systematic Approach
Authors: Romão Bernardo , Botelho Raquel Braz Assunção , Torres Maria Luiza , Maynard Dayanne da Costa , de Holanda Maria Eduarda Machado , Borges Vinícius Ruela Pereira , Raposo António , Zandonadi Renata Puppin
Published: January 2023

Given the high cost of production of animal-based meats and the increase in the number of adepts of meatless diets, the need for plant-based meat substitutes is growing. In this prosperously growing market, there is a lack of knowledge about the nutritional value of these meat substitutes and their ingredients. This study aims to review the nutritional composition and ingredients of meat substitutes commercialized worldwide. An integrative review was performed with a systematic literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and 11 studies were selected to compose the sample of this review. Data on meat substitutes’ nutritional composition and ingredients from different categories were collected and analyzed. The results showed that meat substitutes commonly present lower energy values and higher amounts of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Protein values varied according to the meat substitute category, with some showing a higher concentration than others, more specifically in substitutes for bovine meat. Higher values were found in the Pieces category and lower in Seafood substitutes. Unlike animal meat, vegan meat has a proportion of carbohydrates higher than protein in most samples, except for chicken substitutes. Meat substitutes presented similar total and saturated fat content compared to their animal-based counterparts. Higher amounts of fat were found in the “Various” category and lower in “Pieces”. Ingredients such as soy, pea, and wheat were the primary protein sources in meat substitutes, and vegetable oils were their primary fat source. Methylcellulose, various gums, and flavorings were the most used food additives. In general, meat substitutes presented high concentrations of sodium, possibly collaborating with an excessive sodium intake, highlighting the need for developing sodium-reduced or sodium-free alternatives. Most of the included samples did not describe the concentration of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Further studies are needed to develop meat substitutes with better nutritional composition, fulfilling the need for equivalent substitutes for animal-based meat.
Influence of the Maillard Reaction on Properties of Air-Assisted Electrospun Gelatin/Zein/Glucose Nanofibers
Authors: Liu Songqi , Luo Shiyuan , Li Yuanli , Zhang Huange , Yuan Zhihe , Shang Longchen , Deng Lingli
Published: January 2023

To develop biodegradable, sustainable, and environment-friendly functional food-packaging materials, gelatin/zein/glucose nanofibers were fabricated through air-assisted electrospinning and then crosslinked by the Maillard reaction under mild conditions (60 °C and 50% relative humidity) in this study. Compared to traditional electrospinning, air-assisted electrospinning increased the yield of nanofibers by 10 times, and the average diameter from 263 nm to 664 nm, while the airflow facilitated uniform and smooth nanofiber formation. During the Maillard reaction in 0–5 days, the gelatin/zein/glucose showed no morphology change. Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis indicated that gelatin interacted with zein through hydrogen bonding and the occurrence of the Maillard reaction among the protein and glucose molecules. After four days of Maillard reaction, the nanofibers presented higher thermal stability, the most hydrophobic surface (water contact angle: 133.6°), and stiffer network structure (elastic modulus of 38.63 MPa, tensile strength of 0.85 MPa). Overall, Maillard-reaction-crosslinked gelatin/zein/glucose nanofibers showed favorable physical properties, which suggests their potential for application in food-active packaging.
Targeted High-Throughput Sequencing Enables the Detection of Single Nucleotide Variations in CRISPR/Cas9 Gene-Edited Organisms
Authors: Fraiture Marie-Alice , D’aes Jolien , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Meunier Anne-Cécile , Delcourt Thomas , Hoffman Stefan , Vandermassen Els , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. , Vanneste Kevin , Roosens Nancy H. C.
Published: January 2023

Similar to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) produced by classical genetic engineering, gene-edited (GE) organisms and their derived food/feed products commercialized on the European Union market fall within the scope of European Union Directive 2001/18/EC. Consequently, their control in the food/feed chain by GMO enforcement laboratories is required by the competent authorities to guarantee food/feed safety and traceability (2003/1829/EC; 2003/1830/EC). However, their detection is potentially challenging at both the analytical and interpretation levels since this requires methodological approaches that can target and detect a specific single nucleotide variation (SNV) introduced into a GE organism. In this study, we propose a targeted high-throughput sequencing approach, including (i) a prior PCR-based enrichment step to amplify regions of interest, (ii) a sequencing step, and (iii) a data analysis methodology to identify SNVs of interest. To investigate if the performance of this targeted high-throughput sequencing approach is compatible with the performance criteria used in the GMO detection field, several samples containing different percentages of a GE rice line carrying a single adenosine insertion in OsMADS26 were prepared and analyzed. The SNV of interest in samples containing the GE rice line could successfully be detected, both at high and low percentages. No impact related to food processing or to the presence of other crop species was observed. The present proof-of-concept study has allowed us to deliver the first experimental-based evidence indicating that the proposed targeted high-throughput sequencing approach may constitute, in the future, a specific and sensitive tool to support the safety and traceability of the food/feed chain regarding GE plants carrying SNVs.
Utilization of Food Waste and By-Products in the Fabrication of Active and Intelligent Packaging for Seafood and Meat Products
Authors: Zainal Arifin Maryam , Mohd Adzahan Noranizan , Zainal Abedin Nur , Lasik-Kurdyś Małgorzata
Published: January 2023

Research on the utilization of food waste and by-products, such as peels, pomace, and seeds has increased in recent years. The high number of valuable compounds, such as starch, protein, and bioactive materials in waste and by-products from food manufacturing industries creates opportunities for the food packaging industry. These opportunities include the development of biodegradable plastics, functional compounds, active and intelligent packaging materials. However, the practicality, adaptability and relevance of up-scaling this lab-based research into an industrial scale are yet to be thoroughly examined. Therefore, in this review, recent research on the development of active and intelligent packaging materials, their applications on seafood and meat products, consumer acceptance, and recommendations to improve commercialization of these products were critically overviewed. This work addresses the challenges and potential in commercializing food waste and by-products for the food packaging industry. This information could be used as a guide for research on reducing food loss and waste while satisfying industrial demands.
Sensory Evaluation and Model Prediction of Vacuum-Packed Fresh Corn during Long-Term Storage
Authors: Li Yilin , Zhong Kui , Wang Xue , Wang Houyin , Zhang Yongjiu , Shi Bolin , Luo Huarong , Zhao Lei , Jiang Shilong , Wang Sisi
Published: January 2023

The postharvest shelf life of fresh corn largely depends on the packaging method and storage temperature. This study investigated the effect of vacuum packaging (VP) with high-barrier (HB) or ordinary (OR) nylon/nylon/polypropylene (PP) composite films and the impact of storage temperature (4, 25, and 38 °C) on the shelf life of fresh corn. The sensory quality and color changes of the corn were evaluated, indicating a significant improvement in the glossiness (GL), sourness (SO), and color changes compared to corn packaged using OR films. The results showed that the HB films preserved corn freshness under refrigerated and normal temperature storage conditions, delaying color changes and SO development. A shelf-life model was established based on the Arrhenius equation. The predicted values of the corn at different temperatures were compared with the experimental data, indicating that the model could accurately predict the shelf life. The shelf life observed via sensory evaluation was more than 50% shorter than the results obtained by instrumental measurements. Therefore, sensory evaluation could be applied to determine shelf life and avoid food waste.
Haploinsufficiency as a Foreground Pathomechanism of Poirer-Bienvenu Syndrome and Novel Insights Underlying the Phenotypic Continuum of CSNK2B-Associated Disorders
Authors: Di Stazio Mariateresa , Zanus Caterina , Faletra Flavio , Pesaresi Alessia , Ziccardi Ilaria , Morgan Anna , Girotto Giorgia , Costa Paola , Carrozzi Marco , d’Adamo Adamo P. , Musante Luciana
Published: January 2023

CSNK2B encodes for the regulatory subunit of the casein kinase II, a serine/threonine kinase that is highly expressed in the brain and implicated in development, neuritogenesis, synaptic transmission and plasticity. De novo variants in this gene have been identified as the cause of the Poirier-Bienvenu Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (POBINDS) characterized by seizures and variably impaired intellectual development. More than sixty mutations have been described so far. However, data clarifying their functional impact and the possible pathomechanism are still scarce. Recently, a subset of CSNK2B missense variants affecting the Asp32 in the KEN box-like domain were proposed as the cause of a new intellectual disability-craniodigital syndrome (IDCS). In this study, we combined predictive functional and structural analysis and in vitro experiments to investigate the effect of two CSNK2B mutations, p.Leu39Arg and p.Met132LeufsTer110, identified by WES in two children with POBINDS. Our data prove that loss of the CK2beta protein, due to the instability of mutant CSNK2B mRNA and protein, resulting in a reduced amount of CK2 complex and affecting its kinase activity, may underlie the POBINDS phenotype. In addition, the deep reverse phenotyping of the patient carrying p.Leu39Arg, with an analysis of the available literature for individuals with either POBINDS or IDCS and a mutation in the KEN box-like motif, might suggest the existence of a continuous spectrum of CSNK2B-associated phenotypes rather than a sharp distinction between them.
Identification of a Small Supernumerary Marker Chromosome in a Turner Syndrome Patient with Karyotype mos 46,X,+mar/45,X
Authors: González-Rodríguez María Teresa Alejandra , Brukman-Jiménez Sinhue Alejandro , Cuero-Quezada Idalid , Corona-Rivera Jorge Román , Corona-Rivera Alfredo , Serafín-Saucedo Graciela , Aguirre-Salas Liuba M. , Bobadilla-Morales Lucina
Published: January 2023

Turner Syndrome is characterized by a normal X chromosome and the partial or complete absence of a second sexual chromosome. Small supernumerary marker chromosomes are present in 6.6% of these patients. Because of the wide range of Turner syndrome karyotypes, it is difficult to establish a relationship with the phenotype of the patients. We present the case of a female patient with Turner syndrome, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and intellectual disability. The karyotype revealed the presence of mosaicism with a monosomy X cell line and a second line with a small marker chromosome. FISH of two different tissues was used to identify the marker chromosome with probes for X and Y centromeres. Both tissues presented mosaicism for a two X chromosome signal, differing in the percentage of the monosomy X cell percentage. Comparative genomic hybridization with the CytoScanTMHD assay was performed in genomic DNA from peripheral blood, allowing us to determine the size and breakage points of the small marker chromosome. The patient presents a phenotype that combines classic Turner syndrome features and unlikely ones as intellectual disability. The size, implicated genes, and degree of inactivation of the X chromosome influence the broad spectrum of phenotypes resulting from these chromosomes.
Chromosomal Microarray Analysis Identifies a Novel SALL1 Deletion, Supporting the Association of Haploinsufficiency with a Mild Phenotype of Townes–Brocks Syndrome
Authors: Innoceta Anna Maria , Olivucci Giulia , Parmeggiani Giulia , Scarano Emanuela , Pragliola Antonella , Graziano Claudio
Published: January 2023

SALL1 heterozygous pathogenic variants cause Townes–Brocks syndrome (TBS), a condition with variable clinical presentation. The main features are a stenotic or imperforate anus, dysplastic ears, and thumb malformations, and other common concerns are hearing impairments, foot malformations, and renal and heart defects. Most of the pathogenic SALL1 variants are nonsense and frameshift, likely escaping nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and causing disease via a dominant-negative mechanism. Haploinsufficiency may result in mild phenotypes, but only four families with distinct SALL1 deletions have been reported to date, with a few more being of larger size and also affecting neighboring genes. We report on a family with autosomal dominant hearing impairment and mild anal and skeletal anomalies, in whom a novel 350 kb SALL1 deletion, spanning exon 1 and the upstream region, was identified by array comparative genomic hybridization. We review the clinical findings of known individuals with SALL1 deletions and point out that the overall phenotype is milder, especially when compared with individuals who carry the recurrent p.Arg276Ter mutation, but with a possible higher risk of developmental delay. Chromosomal microarray analysis is still a valuable tool in the identification of atypical/mild TBS cases, which are likely underestimated.
Bibliometric Analysis of Hotspots and Frontiers of Immunotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Xu Qiong , Zhou Yan , Zhang Heng , Li Haipeng , Qin Haoren , Wang Hui
Published: January 2023

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms with an increasing incidence, low rate of early diagnosis, and high degree of malignancy. In recent years, immunotherapy has made remarkable achievements in various cancer types including pancreatic cancer, due to the long-lasting antitumor responses elicited in the human body. Immunotherapy mainly relies on mobilizing the host’s natural defense mechanisms to regulate the body state and exert anti-tumor effects. However, no bibliometric research about pancreatic cancer immunotherapy has been reported to date. This study aimed to assess research trends and offer possible new research directions in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. Methods: The articles and reviews related to pancreatic cancer immunotherapy were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and an online platform, and were used to analyze co-authorship, citation, co-citation, and co-occurrence of terms retrieved from the literature highlighting the scientific advances in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. Results: We collected 2475 publications and the number of articles was growing year by year. The United States had a strong presence worldwide with the most articles. The most contributing institution was Johns Hopkins University (103 papers). EM Jaffee was the most productive researcher with 43 papers, and L Zheng and RH Vonderheide ranked second and third, with 34 and 29 papers, respectively. All the keywords were grouped into four clusters: “immunotherapy”, “clinical treatment study”, “tumor immune cell expression”, “tumor microenvironment”. In the light of promising hotspots, keywords with recent citation bursts can be summarized into four aspects: immune microenvironment, adaptive immunotherapy, immunotherapy combinations, and molecular and gene therapy. Conclusions: In recent decades, immunotherapy showed great promise for many cancer types, so various immunotherapy approaches have been introduced to treat pancreatic cancer. Understanding the mechanisms of immunosuppressive microenvironment, eliminating immune suppression and blocking immune checkpoints, and combining traditional treatments will be hotspots for future research.
Can Qigong Be a Tool to Assist Students in Handling COVID-19’s Resulting Academic Stress?
Authors: Gonçalves Mário , Duarte Leonel , Rodrigues Jorge Magalhães , Greten Henry Johannes , Machado Jorge
Published: January 2023

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has increased students’ stress as they may feel under increased pressure to have a good performance and compensate for the disruption to their education. Improving attention levels and learning capacity may assist in ameliorating academic performance. Qigong is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that appears to have positive effects on the management of mental health and may provide tools for coping with stressful situations. This paper explores data obtained while conducting a previous study and includes an excess of data from a total of 44 participants who were previously divided into an experimental Qigong group and a sham Qigong control group. The improvements in specific auditory processing and reaction times may indicate benefits in attention and learning capacity. These improvements were more pronounced in the experimental Qigong group compared to the sham Qigong group. Qigong may be able to assist in improving students’ academic performance and can be easily integrated into physical education classes. It could also assist students to cope with the increased academic pressure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic context.
Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Plyometric Training on Lower Limb Explosive Strength in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Chen Lunxin , Zhang Zhiyong , Huang Zijing , Yang Qun , Gao Chong , Ji Hongshen , Sun Jian , Li Duanying
Published: January 2023

Background: Plyometric training is an effective training method to improve explosive strength. However, the ability to perform plyometric training in the adolescent population is still controversial, with insufficient meta-analyses about plyometric training on lower limb explosive strength in adolescent athletes. Objective: To investigate the influence of plyometric training on the explosive strength of lower limbs in adolescent athletes. Methods: We performed a search of six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan-fang database) from the starting year of inclusion in each database to April 4, 2022. The quality of the included literature was assessed using the Cochrane risk assessment tool, and data were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.4 software. Result: Plyometric training had significant effects on the performance of adolescent athletes in countermovement jump (MD = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.62, 3.85, p < 0.01), squat jump (MD = 4.37, 95% CI: 2.85, 5.90, p < 0.01), standing long jump (MD = 6.50, 95% CI: 4.62, 8.38, p < 0.01), 10-m sprint (MD = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.08, −0.00, p = 0.03), and 20-m sprint (MD = −0.12, 95% CI: −0.20, −0.04, p = 0.03); all had positive and statistically significant effects (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Plyometric training can significantly enhance the explosive strength of lower limbs in adolescent athletes.
Medications for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence—Current State of Knowledge and Future Perspectives from a Public Health Perspective
Authors: Stokłosa Iga , Więckiewicz Gniewko , Stokłosa Maciej , Piegza Magdalena , Pudlo Robert , Gorczyca Piotr
Published: January 2023

No single effective therapy for alcohol abuse has been found, despite it being a serious sociological and economic problem for hundreds of years. It seems difficult to find a single drug as a panacea for the alcohol problem due to the complexity of the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence. The purpose of this narrative review is to review existing and potentially future pharmaceuticals for the treatment of alcohol dependence in the most affordable way possible. Psychotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for alcoholism, while few drugs approved by legislators are available in the augmentation of this treatment, such as acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone, approved by the FDA, and nalmefene by the EMA. There are recent reports in the literature on the possibility of using baclofen, topiramate, varenicline, and gabapentin in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Moreover, the results of recent clinical trials using psychoactive substances such as psilocybin and MDMA appear to be a breakthrough in the modern treatment of alcohol abuse. Despite this initial optimism, a lot of scientific effort is still needed before new pharmacological methods supporting the treatment of alcohol dependence syndrome will be widely available.
Assessment of the Maximum Amount of Orthodontic Force for PDL in Intact and Reduced Periodontium (Part I)
Authors: Moga Radu Andrei , Olteanu Cristian Doru , Botez Mircea , Buru Stefan Marius
Published: January 2023

This study examines 0.6 N and 1.2 N as the maximum orthodontic force for periodontal ligament (PDL) at multiple levels of periodontal breakdown, and the relationships with the ischemic, necrotic, and resorptive risks. Additionally, this study evaluates if Tresca failure criteria is more adequate for the PDL study. Eighty-one 3D models (from nine patients; nine models/patients) with the 2nd lower premolar and different degrees of bone loss (0–8 mm) where subjected to intrusion, extrusion, rotation, translation, and tipping movements. Tresca shear stress was assessed individually for each movement and bone loss level. Rotation and translation produced the highest PDL stresses, while intrusion and extrusion determined the lowest. Apical and middle third PDL stresses were lower than the cervical stress. In intact periodontium, the amount of shear stress produced by the two investigated forces was lower than the 16 KPa of the maximum physiological hydrostatic pressure (MHP). In reduced periodontium (1–8 mm tissue loss), the apical amount of PDL shear stress was lower than MHP for both applied forces, while cervically for rotation, translation and tipping movements exceeded 16 KPa. Additionally, 1.2 N could be used in intact periodontium (i.e., without risks) and for the reduced periodontium only in the apical and middle third of PDL up to 8 mm of bone loss. However, for avoiding any resorptive risks, in the cervical third of PDL, the rotation, translation, and tipping movements require less than 0.2–0.4 N of force after 4 mm of loss. Tresca seems to be more adequate for the study of PDL than other criteria.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of UBiA Family Genes Associated with Abiotic Stress in Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Sun Mingzhe , Cai Maohong , Zeng Qinzong , Han Yuliang , Zhang Siqi , Wang Yingwei , Xie Qinyu , Chen Youheng , Zeng Youling , Chen Tao
Published: January 2023

The UBiA genes encode a large class of isopentenyltransferases, which are involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites such as chlorophyll and vitamin E. They performed important functions in the whole plant’s growth and development. Current studies on UBiA genes were not comprehensive enough, especially for sunflower UBiA genes. In this study, 10 HaUBiAs were identified by domain analysis these HaUBiAs had five major conserved domains and were unevenly distributed on six chromosomes. By constructing phylogenetic trees, 119 UBiA genes were found in 12 species with different evolutionary levels and divided into five major groups, which contained seven conserved motifs and eight UBiA subsuper family domains. Tissue expression analysis showed that HaUBiAs were highly expressed in the roots, leaves, and seeds. By using promoter analysis, the cis-elements of UBiA genes were mainly in hormone signaling and stress responses. The qRT-PCR results showed that HaUBiA1 and HaUBiA5 responded strongly to abiotic stresses. Under ABA and MeJA treatments, HaUBiA1 significantly upregulated, while HaUBiA5 significantly decreased. Under cold stress, the expression of UBiA1 was significantly upregulated in the roots and stems, while UBiA5 expression was increased only in the leaves. Under anaerobic induction, UBiA1 and UBiA5 were both upregulated in the roots, stems and leaves. In summary, this study systematically classified the UBiA family and identified two abiotic stress candidate genes in the sunflower. It expands the understanding of the UBiA family and provides a theoretical basis for future abiotic stress studies in sunflowers.
Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effect of Pd2Spm against Prostate Cancer through Vibrational Microspectroscopies
Authors: Laginha Raquel C. , Martins Clara B. , Brandão Ana L. C. , Marques Joana , Marques M. Paula M. , Batista de Carvalho Luís A. E. , Santos Inês P. , Batista de Carvalho Ana L. M.
Published: January 2023

Regarding the development of new antineoplastic agents, with a view to assess the selective antitumoral potential which aims at causing irreversible damage to cancer cells while preserving the integrity of their healthy counterparts, it is essential to evaluate the cytotoxic effects in both healthy and malignant human cell lines. In this study, a complex with two Pd(II) centers linked by the biogenic polyamine spermine (Pd2Spm) was tested on healthy (PNT-2) and cancer (LNCaP and PC-3) prostate human cell lines, using cisplatin as a reference. To understand the mechanisms of action of both cisplatin and Pd2Spm at a molecular level, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman microspectroscopies were used. Principal component analysis was applied to the vibrational data, revealing the major metabolic changes caused by each drug, which were found to rely on DNA, lipids, and proteins, acting as biomarkers of drug impact. The main changes were observed between the B-DNA native conformation and either Z-DNA or A-DNA, with a higher effect on lipids having been detected in the presence of cisplatin as compared to Pd2Spm. In turn, the Pd-agent showed a more significant impact on proteins.
Aquaporin-5 Dynamic Regulation
Authors: D’Agostino Claudia , Parisis Dorian , Chivasso Clara , Hajiabbas Maryam , Soyfoo Muhammad Shahnawaz , Delporte Christine
Published: January 2023

Aquaporin-5 (AQP5), belonging to the aquaporins (AQPs) family of transmembrane water channels, facilitates osmotically driven water flux across biological membranes and the movement of hydrogen peroxide and CO2. Various mechanisms have been shown to dynamically regulate AQP5 expression, trafficking, and function. Besides fulfilling its primary water permeability function, AQP5 has been shown to regulate downstream effectors playing roles in various cellular processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of the upstream and downstream effectors of AQP5 to gain an in-depth understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological processes involving AQP5.