bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Condensate Oil Content on Reservoir Performance in Retrograde Condensation: A Numerical Simulation Study
Authors: Tu Hanmin , Zhang Ruixu , Guo Ping , Hu Shiyong , Peng Yi , Ji Qiang , Li Yu
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the complex dynamics of retrograde condensation in condensate gas reservoirs, with a particular focus on the challenges posed by retrograde condensate pollution, which varies in condensate oil content and impacts on reservoir productivity. Numerical simulations quantify the distribution of condensate oil and the reduction in gas-phase relative permeability in reservoirs with 100.95 g/m3, 227.27 g/m3, and 893.33 g/m3 of condensate oil. Unlike previous studies, this research introduces an orthogonal experiment to establish a methodology for studying the dynamic sensitivity factors across different types of gas reservoirs and various development stages, systematically evaluating their contributions to condensate oil. The analysis reveals that reservoirs with low to moderate condensate oil content gradually experience expanding polluted regions, affecting long-term production. The maximum condensate saturation near the wellbore can reach 0.19, reducing gas-phase relative permeability by about 25.44%. In contrast, high-condensate oil reservoirs show severe early-stage retrograde condensation, with saturations up to 0.35 and a permeability damage rate reaching 73%. The orthogonal experiments identify reservoir permeability and condensate oil content as critical factors influencing production indicators. The findings provide key insights and practical recommendations for optimizing production strategies, emphasizing tailored approaches to mitigate retrograde condensation and enhance recovery, especially in high-condensate oil reservoirs, offering theoretical and practical guidance for improving reservoir management and economic returns.
Control Conditions for Equal Power Sharing in Multi-Area Power Systems for Resilience Against False Data Injection Attacks
Authors: Ahmed Zahoor , Nasir Muhammad , Alsekait Deema Mohammed , Shah Muhammad Zohaib Hassan , AbdElminaam Diaa Salama , Ahmad Furqan
Published: November 2024

Power cyber–physical systems such as multi-area power systems (MAPSs) have gained considerable attention due to their integration of power electronics with wireless communications technologies. Incorporating a communication setup enhances the sustainability, reliability, and efficiency of these systems. Amidst these exceptional benefits, such systems’ distributed nature invites various cyber-attacks. This work focuses on the equal power sharing of MAPSs in the event of false data injection (FDI) attacks. The proposed work uses a sliding mode control (SMC) mechanism to ensure timely detection of challenges such as FDI attacks and load change, making MAPSs reliable and secure. First, a SMC-based strategy is deployed to enable the detection and isolation of compromised participants in MAPS operations to achieve equal power sharing. Second, time-varying FDI attacks on MAPSs are formulated and demonstrate their impact on equal power sharing. Third, a robust adaptive sliding mode observer is used to accurately assess the state of the MAPS to handle state errors robustly and automatically adjust parameters for identifying FDI attacks and load changes. Lastly, simulation results are presented to explain the useful ability of the suggested method.
A Periodic Horizontal Shell-And-Tube Structure as an Efficient Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Unit
Authors: Wołoszyn Jerzy , Szopa Krystian
Published: November 2024

Thermal energy storage systems utilising phase change materials offer significantly higher energy densities compared to traditional solutions, and are therefore attracting growing interest in both research and application fields. However, the further development of this technology requires effective methods to enhance thermal efficiency. We propose a horizontal periodic shell-and-tube structure as an efficient latent heat thermal energy storage unit. This research aims to analyse heat transfer not only between the tube containing the heat transfer fluid and the phase change material but also between adjacent shell-and-tube units. The results obtained for a single cell within the periodic structure are compared with those of reference single shell-and-tube units with insulated adiabatic and highly conductive shells. The enthalpy–porosity approach, combined with the Boussinesq approximation, is applied to address the heat transfer challenges encountered during melting and solidification. The periodic horizontal shell-and-tube structure proves to be an efficient latent heat thermal energy storage unit with short melting and solidification times. In contrast, the non-periodic case with neglected conduction in the shell increases the melting and solidification times by 213.8% and 21%, respectively. The shortest melting and solidification times were recorded for the case with a periodic horizontal shell-and-tube structure and shell aspect ratios of 0.44 and 1, respectively.
Artificial Intelligence Optimization for User Prediction and Efficient Energy Distribution in Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Systems
Authors: Shern Siow Jat , Sarker Md Tanjil , Haram Mohammed Hussein Saleh Mohammed , Ramasamy Gobbi , Thiagarajah Siva Priya , Al Farid Fahmid
Published: November 2024

This paper presents an advanced AI-based optimization framework for Electric Vehicle (EV) smart charging systems, focusing on efficient energy distribution to meet dynamic user demand. The study leverages machine learning models such as Random Forest, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gradient Boosting Regressor, XGBoost, LightGBM, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) to forecast user demand and optimize energy allocation. Among the models, XGBoost demonstrated superior predictive performance, achieving the lowest Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), making it the most effective for real-time user demand prediction in smart charging scenarios. The framework introduces proportional and priority-based allocation strategies to distribute available energy effectively, with a focus on minimizing energy shortfalls and balancing supply with user demand. Results from the XGBoost model reduced prediction error by 15% compared to other models, significantly improving the station’s ability to meet user demand efficiently. The proposed AI framework enhances charging station operations, supports grid stability, and promotes sustainability in the context of increasing EV adoption.
Study on the Electric Field Distribution Characteristics of 66 kV Dry-Type Transformer Based on Functional Graded Material (FGM) Treatment
Authors: Qiao Xinhan , Zhu Zishang , Zhang Yuchang , Yu Le , Zhang Dongdong , Zhang Jianwen , Di Xinxi , Wang Yijiao , Zeng Wengtian
Published: November 2024

Functional graded materials (FGMs) have been successfully applied for improving the insulation performance of insulators, yet there is currently no relevant literature on their application in dry-type transformers. Therefore, it is meaningful to study the feasibility of using FGMs to improve the insulation performance of dry-type transformers through research on electric field distribution. This paper sets FGMs in the dry-type transformer spacer only or both the spacer and winding end to change the relative permittivity values in the corresponding areas. By comparing the electric field distribution characteristics on the inner and outer surfaces of the high-voltage coil and the lower surface of the spacer of the dry-type transformer under each control method with the case without setting FGMs, the study found that when FGMs were only set on the spacer, the control methods set in this paper could not improve the electric field distribution of the transformer. When FGMs are employed at the spacers and end windings, two modulation strategies can mitigate the electric field intensity on the outer surface of the high-voltage windings. Specifically, a continuous increase in relative permittivity can reduce the electric field intensity by 34.02%, while an initial decrease followed by an increase can result in a reduction of 13.58%. This paper provides theoretical guidance for insulation design of transformers with high voltage levels of 66 kV and above, especially as transformers with high voltage levels face greater challenges in regulating surface electric fields.
The Effect of Particles from Rotten Spruce Logs and Recycled Wooden Composites on Changes in the Bio-Resistance of Three-Layer Particleboards Against the Decaying Fungus Coniophora puteana and Mixture of Moulds
Authors: Vidholdová Zuzana , Satinová Viktória , Reinprecht Ladislav
Published: November 2024

Wood-based particleboards (PBs) are widely used in construction and interior applications, yet their durability, particularly against biological degradation, remains a challenge. Recycling wood and incorporating degraded particles from rotted wood can potentially enhance PB sustainability and align with circular bioeconomy principles. This study investigates the biological resistance of the three-layer, laboratory-prepared PBs with varied amounts of particles, from sound spruce wood to particles, and from spruce logs attacked by brown- or white rot, respectively, to particles from recycled wooden composites of laminated particleboards (LPBs) or blockboards (BBs), i.e., 100:0, 80:20, 50:50, and 0:100. The bio-resistance of PBs was evaluated against the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana, as well as against a mixture of moulds’ “microscopic fungi”, such as Aspergillus versicolor BAM 8, Aspergillus niger BAM 122, Penicillium purpurogenum BAM 24, Stachybotrys chartarum BAM 32, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa BAM 571. PBs containing particles from brown-rotten wood or from recycled wood composites, particularly LPBs, had a partly enhanced decay resistance, but their mass loss was nevertheless more than 30%. On the other hand, the mould resistance of all variants of PBs, evaluated in the 21st day, was very poor, with the highest mould growth activity (MGA = 4). These findings suggested that some types of rotten and recycled wood particles can improve the biological resistance of PBs; however, their effectiveness is influenced by the type of wood degradation and the source of recycled materials. Further, the results highlight the need for improved biocidal, chemical, or thermal modifications of wood particles to enhance the overall biological durability of PBs for specific uses.
Optimizing Forest Management: Balancing Environmental and Economic Goals Using Game Theory and Multi-Objective Approaches
Authors: Amiri Neda , Mohammadi Limaei Soleiman
Published: November 2024

Forests are complex ecosystems that require integrated management to balance economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Conflicting objectives among stakeholders make optimal decision-making particularly challenging. This study seeks to balance the economic gains of forest harvesting with the goals of environmental conservation, with a focus on the Shafarood forest in Northern Iran. We applied multi-objective optimization and game theory to maximize the net present value (NPV) of forest harvesting while enhancing carbon sequestration. The research utilized data on stumpage prices, harvesting costs, tree density, volume per ha, growth rates, interest rates, carbon sequestration, and labour costs. Applying the epsilon-constraint method, we derived Pareto optimal solutions for a bi-objective model, and game theory was applied to negotiate between economic and environmental stakeholders. In the fifth round of bargaining, a Nash equilibrium was achieved between the two players. At this equilibrium point, the economic player achieved NPV from forest harvesting of 9001.884 (IRR 10,000/ha) and amount of carbon sequestration of 159.9383 tons/ha. Meanwhile, the environmental player achieved NPV from forest harvesting of 7861.248 (IRR 10,000/ha), along with a carbon sequestration of 159.9731 tons/ha. Results indicate significant trade-offs but reveal potential gains for both economic and environmental goals. These findings provide a robust framework for sustainable forest management and offer practical tools to support informed decision-making for diverse stakeholders.
Enhanced Long-Range Network Performance of an Oil Pipeline Monitoring System Using a Hybrid Deep Extreme Learning Machine Model
Authors: Kubba Abbas , Trabelsi Hafedh , Derbel Faouzi
Published: November 2024

Leak detection in oil and gas pipeline networks is a climacteric and frequent issue in the oil and gas field. Many establishments have long depended on stationary hardware or traditional assessments to monitor and detect abnormalities. Rapid technological progress; innovation in engineering; and advanced technologies providing cost-effective, rapidly executed, and easy to implement solutions lead to building an efficient oil pipeline leak detection and real-time monitoring system. In this area, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are increasingly required to enhance the reliability of checkups and improve the accuracy of real-time oil pipeline monitoring systems with limited hardware resources. The real-time transient model (RTTM) is a leak detection method integrated with LoRaWAN technology, which is proposed in this study to implement a wireless oil pipeline network for long distances. This study will focus on enhancing the LoRa network parameters, e.g., node power consumption, average packet loss, and delay, by applying several machine learning techniques in order to optimize the durability of individual nodes’ lifetimes and enhance total system performance. The proposed system is implemented in an OMNeT++ network simulator with several frameworks, such as Flora and Inet, to cover the LoRa network, which is used as the system’s network infrastructure. In order to implement artificial intelligence over the FLoRa network, the LoRa network was integrated with several programming tools and libraries, such as Python script and the TensorFlow libraries. Several machine learning algorithms have been applied, such as the random forest (RF) algorithm and the deep extreme learning machine (DELM) technique, to develop the proposed model and improve the LoRa network’s performance. They improved the LoRa network’s output performance, e.g., its power consumption, packet loss, and packet delay, with different enhancement ratios. Finally, a hybrid deep extreme learning machine model was built and selected as the proposed model due to its ability to improve the LoRa network’s performance, with perfect prediction accuracy, a mean square error of 0.75, and an exceptional enhancement ratio of 39% for LoRa node power consumption.
Identification of Peptides from Edible Pleurotus eryngii Mushroom Feet and the Effect of Delaying D-Galactose-Induced Senescence of PC12 Cells Through TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhao Fen , Gao Ji’an , Li Haiyan , Huang Shuaishuai , Wang Shangmeng , Liu Xinqi
Published: November 2024

Pleurotus eryngii mushroom has been proven to have anti-aging bioactivities. However, few studies have focused on edible Pleurotus eryngii mushroom feet peptides (PEMFPeps). In this paper, the effects of delaying the senescence of D-Galactose-induced PC12 cells were evaluated, and the mechanisms were also investigated. PEMFPeps were prepared by alkaline protease enzymolysis of edible Pleurotus eryngii mushroom feet protein (PEMFP), which mainly consisted of a molecular weight of less than 1000 Da peptides, primarily occupying 89.15% of the total. Simulated digestion in vitro of Pleurotus eryngii mushroom feet peptides (SID-PEMFPeps) was obtained in order to further evaluate the bioactivity after digestion. The peptide sequences of PEMFPeps and SID-PEMFPeps were detected by LC-MS/MS subsequently. Five new peptides of PEMFPeps and one new peptide of SID-PEMFPeps were identified. The effects of PEMFP, PEMFPeps, and SID-PEMFPeps on D-Galactose-induced senescence of PC12 cells were evaluated. PEMFP, PEMFPeps, and SID-PEMFPeps could all enhance antioxidant enzyme activities significantly, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT); decrease the intracellular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS); and inhibit the senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, among which SID-PEMFPeps showed the best effects. Western blotting analysis confirmed that SID-PEMFPeps significantly regulated the expressions of key proteins such as TLR4, IKKα, IκBα, p65, ERK, and JNK1/2/3, which indicated that SID-PEMFPeps could delay D-Gal-induced senescence of PC12 cells through TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways. This is the first time to investigate PEMFPeps and SID-PEMFPeps protective effects and mechanisms. Our study could lay a solid foundation for PEMFPeps to be used as nutritional supplementation to reduce aging-related damage. And the application of PEMFPeps could also provide optional solutions in exploring more edible protein resources for human beings.
Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) Oil Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress by Activating the AMPK/Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Yuhan , Li Lingdong , Wei Changbin , Dai Taotao , Li Ya , Shuai Xixiang , Du Liqing
Published: November 2024

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by an abnormal lipid metabolism, is related to multiple cardiovascular diseases that pose challenges to global public health. Macadamia oil (MO), rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (around 80%), is regarded as a functional oil used to regulate lipid accumulation. Nonetheless, the lipid-lowering mechanism of MO is still unknown. Therefore, the lipid-lowering effects of MO in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic mice were evaluated in this study. The results revealed that MO could effectively reduce body weight and the organ index and improve serum lipid levels by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Additionally, MO supplementation could improve abnormal liver function caused by hyperlipemia, characterized by decreased liver enzyme levels, including alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Meanwhile, MO also exhibited an inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and lipid accumulation caused by an HFD. Moreover, findings from qRT-PCR and Western blotting analyses suggest that MO supplementation markedly prevented hyperlipidemia by inhibiting the expression of AMPK pathway-related genes, SREBP-1c, FAS, ACC, and PPAR-γ, as well as upregulating the levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and γ-GCS. These results indicate that MO attenuates lipid accumulation in vivo via AMPK/Nrf2 pathway activation, suggesting that MO could serve as a dietary supplementation or medication for treating hyperlipidemia.
Risk Classification of Food Incidents Using a Risk Evaluation Matrix for Use in Artificial Intelligence-Supported Risk Identification
Authors: Röhrs Sina , Rohn Sascha , Pfeifer Yvonne
Published: November 2024

Foodborne illnesses and mortalities persist as a significant global health issue. The World Health Organization estimates that one out of every ten individuals becomes ill following the consumption of contaminated food. However, in the age of digitalization and technological progress, more and more data and data evaluation technologies are available to counteract this problem. A specific challenge in this context is the efficient and beneficial utilization of the continuously increasing volume of data. In pursuit of optimal data utilization, the objective of the present study was to develop a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)-based assessment scheme to be prospectively implemented into an overall artificial intelligence (AI)-supported database for the autonomous risk categorization of food incident reports. Such additional evaluations might help to identify certain novel or emerging risks by allocating a level of risk prioritization. Ideally, such indications are obtained earlier than an official notification, and therefore, this method can be considered preventive, as the risk is already identified. Our results showed that this approach enables the efficient and time-saving preliminary risk categorization of incident reports, allowing for the rapid identification of relevant reports related to predefined subject areas or inquiries that require further examination. The manual test runs demonstrated practicality, enabling the implementation of the evaluation scheme in AI-supported databases for the autonomous assessment of incident reports. Moreover, it has become evident that increasing the amount of information and evaluation criteria provided to AI notably enhances the precision of risk assessments for individual incident notifications. This will remain an ongoing challenge for the utilization and processing of food safety data in the future.
Exploration of the Biotechnological Potential of Two Newly Isolated Haematococcus Strains from Reunion Island for the Production of Natural Astaxanthin
Authors: Jannel Samuel , Caro Yanis , Bermudes Marc , Petit Thomas
Published: November 2024

Haematococcus lacustris is a freshwater green microalgae species able to produce and accumulate astaxanthin in response to environmental stresses such as high light and nutrient deprivation. Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid of growing economic interest due to its numerous biological activities, notably its strong antioxidant properties, which can be valued in the fields of nutrition, health, feed and aquaculture. The present study aims at evaluating the capacity of two newly isolated Haematococcus strains from the biodiversity of Reunion Island, to be cultivated in a photobioreactor and to produce astaxanthin. The results showed that both strains were able to grow in various nutritive media and to produce and accumulate astaxanthin in response to stresses, mainly in the form of astaxanthin monoesters, which represented up to 2% of the dry biomass weight and which were mostly composed of linoleic and linolenic acids. In fed-batch cultures using 3 L benchtop photobioreactors, the concentrations of biomass enriched in astaxanthin reached up to 3 g L−1 (dry weight) with biomass productivities of 0.04 and 0.02 g L−1 d−1 based on the durations of the vegetative stage and of the entire culture, respectively. In these cultures, the astaxanthin productivities were found to reach on average around 0.25 mg L−1 d−1. Although these results were relatively low compared to the literature, the possibility of improving growth conditions in order to improve biomass and astaxanthin yields, to guarantee economic viability for cultivation at a commercial scale, was further discussed.
Variations in Bovine Milk Proteins and Processing Conditions and Their Effect on Protein Digestibility in Humans: A Review of In Vivo and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Fitzpatrick Conor J. , Freitas Daniela , O’Callaghan Tom F. , O’Mahony James A. , Brodkorb André
Published: November 2024

Bovine milk proteins account for 10% of the global protein supply, which justifies the importance of thoroughly understanding their digestive processes. Extensive research on digestion is being conducted both in vivo and in vitro. However, interpretations and comparisons across different studies require a thorough understanding of the methodologies used. Both the rate and extent of milk protein digestion can be affected by several intrinsic and extrinsic factors with potential implications for overall digestibility and physiological responses. Among intrinsic factors, the impact of genetic variants in native milk proteins has emerged as a growing research area. To these, further complexity is added by the processing conditions frequently applied to milk prior to consumption. The main aim of this work is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the impact of variations in milk protein profiles (particularly whey: casein ratio and protein polymorphisms), the treatments applied during processing (pasteurisation, homogenisation) and consumption (temperature changes) on protein digestion. To support the interpretation of the current literature, this manuscript also presents a historical perspective into research in this field and summarizes the protocols that are most frequently used, presently, on in vitro digestion studies.
Classification and Identification of Foodborne Bacteria in Beef by Utilising Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometric Methods
Authors: Zuo Huixin , Sun Yingying , Huang Mingming , Marie Fowler Stephanie , Liu Jing , Zhang Yimin , Mao Yanwei
Published: November 2024

The detection and classification of foodborne pathogenic bacteria is crucial for food safety monitoring, consequently requiring rapid, accurate and sensitive methods. In this study, the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique coupled with chemometrics methods was used to detect and classify six kinds of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium), Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), Listeria innocua (L. innocua), and Listeria welshimeri (L. welshimeri). First, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with different particle sizes were prepared as SERS-enhanced substrates by changing the concentration of sodium citrate, and the volume ratio of silver nanosol to bacterial solution was optimised to obtain the optimal SERS signal. Then, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to classify the SERS spectra of six bacteria at three classification levels (Gram type level, genus level and species level), and appropriate classification models were established. Finally, these models were validated on 540 spectra using linear discriminant analysis (LDA), achieving an average accuracy of 95.65%. Overall, it was concluded that the SERS technique combined with chemometrics methods could achieve the rapid detection and classification identification of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, providing an effective means for food safety monitoring.
Carvacrol Effectively Inhibits Pseudomonas tolaasii In Vitro and Induces Resistance to Brown Blotch Disease in Postharvest Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Zhang Lei , Song Rui , Shi Zixuan , Yuan Shuai , Jiao Lu , Ma Mengsha , Wang Xing , Chen Lin , Liu Xia , Meng Demei
Published: November 2024

Carvacrol (CAR), a naturally occurring phenolic monoterpene compound, has recently received attention for its potential use in food preservation. However, whether it is effective in controlling brown blotch disease caused by Pseudomonas tolaasii in edible mushrooms is unknown. The results of this study showed that CAR effectively inhibits and kills P. tolaasii in vitro by disrupting cell membrane integrity and causing the leakage of cellular components. Intracellular proteins and the DNA of P. tolaasii may not be the targets of CAR. CAR fumigation at a concentration as low as 20 μmol L−1 CAR effectively inhibited P. tolaasii-caused brown blotch disease in Agaricus bisporus, accompanied by a decrease in polyphenol oxidase activation, melanin production, and malondialdehyde accumulation. CAR treatment also significantly increased the activities of β-1,4-N-acetyl-glucosaminnidase, three antioxidant enzymes, and phenylpropanoid pathway-related enzymes, as well as promoting the accumulation of phenolic, flavonoid, and lignin substances in mushrooms, thereby inducing the resistance of mushrooms to the disease. These results demonstrate the potential application of carvacrol to control bacterial disease in A. bisporus mushrooms.
Small Complex Rearrangement in HINT1-Related Axonal Neuropathy
Authors: Tessa Alessandra , Schifino Mariapaola , Salvo Eliana , Trovato Rosanna , Cesana Luca , Frosini Silvia , Pasquariello Rosa , Sgherri Giada , Battini Roberta , Bonaglia Maria Clara , Santorelli Filippo Maria , Astrea Guja
Published: November 2024

Background: Autosomal recessive inherited pathogenetic variants in the histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1) gene are responsible for an axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy associated with neuromyotonia, a phenomenon resulting from peripheral nerve hyperexcitability that causes a spontaneous muscle activity such as persistent muscle contraction, impaired relaxation and myokymias. Methods: Herein, we describe two brothers in whom biallelic HINT1 variants were identified following a multidisciplinary approach. Results: The younger brother came to our attention for clinical evaluation of moderate intellectual disability, language developmental delay, and some behavioral issues. His elder brother presented mild intellectual disability, hyperactivity, tiptoe walking, and gait ataxia. At first evaluation, motor impairment with frequent falls, pes cavus, and distal hyposthenia with reduced osteotendinous reflexes were found in both. Grip myotonic phenomenon was also noted. Blood tests revealed mildly elevated creatine kinase, and neurophysiology investigations revealed predominantly axonal polyneuropathy. Muscle MRI highlighted fibro-adipose infiltration, prevalent in the lower limbs. Gene panel testing detected a heterozygous HINT1 variant (c.355C>T/p.(Arg119Trp)) on the paternal allele. A further in-depth analysis using Integrative Genomics Viewer and Optical Genome Mapping led us to identify an additional variant in HINT1 represented by a complex rearrangement located in the region 5′UTR-exon 1-intron 1, not previously described. Conclusions: This complex rearrangement could have been overlooked if the clinical picture had not been evaluated as a whole (from a clinical, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging point of view). Neuropsychiatric manifestations (intellectual disability, hyperactivity, etc.) are part of the picture of HINT1-related neuromyotonia.
S100A9 Affects Milk Protein Content by Regulating Amino Acid Transporters and the PI3K-Akt, WNT, and mTOR Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Teng Jun , Chen Zhujun , Zhao Changheng , Jiang Li , Zhang Qin
Published: November 2024

Background: Calgranulin B (S100A9) was found to be strongly associated with milk protein percentage in dairy cattle in our previous genome-wide association study. Methods: SNPs in S100A9 were identified via pooled sequencing, and genotyping of 1054 cows was performed individually using MassArray with MALDI-TOFMS technology. Association analyses between the S100A9 SNPs and five milk production traits were conducted using SAS 9.2 software. Functional studies of S100A9 were conducted using quantitative PCR, Western blot, CCK-8, and immunofluorescence assays. Results: In the present study, we further verified that two SNPs in S100A9, g.17115387 C>A and g.17115176 C>A, were significantly associated with milk protein percentage. We found that S100A9 could affect the expressions of caseins CSN1S1, CSN2, and CSN3 in MAC-T cells by regulating the expressions of amino acid transporter genes. We investigated the effects of S100A9 on the PI3K-Akt, WNT, and mTOR pathways, which are well known to play important roles in mammary gland development and milk protein synthesis. Our results suggest that S100A9 regulates the expressions of the relevant genes in these pathways, and thus potentially influences the protein synthesis in the mammary gland. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the important role of the S100A9 gene in the milk protein trait of dairy cattle and provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of milk protein content.
Revisiting Charles Perrault’s Iconic “Bluebeard” Serial Killer in Modern French Variants
Authors: Jones Christa Catherine
Published: November 2024

“Bluebeard” (ATU 321: Maiden-Killer), a fairy tale about a wealthy noble man and serial killer, is the most gruesome of Charles Perrault’s fairy tales. Bluebeard epitomizes evil and horror. In Perrault’s tale, Bluebeard’s evilness is linked to patriarchy and power, as symbolized by the villain’s iconic blue beard. Historically linked to Henry VIII (1491–1547), King of England, Bluebeard has also been associated with Breton commander Gilles de Rais who was hanged for sorcery and satanic abuse. This article examines how contemporary francophone “Bluebeard” variants refashion and redefine evil and whether they contain any new morals linked to evilness. Do they depict Bluebeard as a satanic, intrinsic force of evil or do they portray him in a less Manichean manner, as contemporary tales tend to do with monsters? Starting with Perrault’s famous tale, this article reveals how Bluebeard, the evil mass murderer figure and polygamist, is recast in a variety of contemporary francophone texts from Morocco, Belgium and France, with retellings by Michel Tournier (1981), Marie Darrieussecq (2002), La Barbe Bleue (Bluebeard) (2009), Amélie Nothomb (2012), Tahar Ben Jelloun (2014), Jacqueline Kelen (2014), and Cécile Coulon (2015). These modern variants illustrate Elliott Oring’s ideas about comparison and cultural context (see Oring 1986). A discussion of various French contemporary versions with a special emphasis of Ben Jelloun’s Moroccan retelling of “Bluebeard” open avenues for cross-cultural dialogue, highlighting how this tale evolves to fit different cultural contexts and continues to resonate today.
Estimation of the Real Incidence of a Contagious Disease Through a Bayesian Multilevel Model: Study of COVID-19 in Spanish Provinces
Authors: Hervás David , Carracedo Patricia
Published: November 2024

Background: Pandemic outbreaks have emerged as a significant global threat, with the potential to cause waves of infections that challenge public health systems and disrupt societal norms. Understanding the underlying behavior of disease transmission can be of great use in the design of informed and timely public health policies. It is very common for many contagious diseases not to have actual incidence but rather incidence in a given subgroup. For example, in Spain, as of 28 March 2022, the incidence of COVID-19 in people under 60 years of age is not registered. Methods: This work provides a Bayesian methodology to model the incidence of any infectious disease in the general population when its cases are only registered in a specific subgroup of that population. The case study used was the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with data for 52 Spanish provinces during the period of 1 January 2020 to 29 August 2022. Results: Explicitly, two multilevel models were proposed, one for people over or of 60 years of age and the other for people under 60 years of age. Performance of the models was 5.9% and 12.7% MAPE, respectively. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of the data and the complexity and uncertainty in the propagation of COVID-19, the models were able to fit the data well and predict incidence with very low MAPE.
Paracetamol Use and COVID-19 Clinical Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bianconi Alessandro , Zauli Enrico , Biagiotti Clara , Calò Giovanna Letizia , Cioni Giovanni , Imperiali Gianmarco , Orazi Vittorio , Acuti Martellucci Cecilia , Rosso Annalisa , Fiore Matteo
Published: November 2024

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, paracetamol was widely recommended in different clinical settings, and sometimes advised over non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These recommendations sparked a strong debate, with reports suggesting either potential benefits or harms for the individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. As no systematic review is available, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the impact of paracetamol on COVID-19 clinical outcomes compared to a placebo, no use, or NSAIDs. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized trials or observational studies evaluating any COVID-19 clinical outcome. Data were combined using a generic inverse-variance approach. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was used to determine the certainty of evidence for each outcome. Results: One randomized trial and five observational studies, enrolling over 34,000 patients, were included. Overall, as compared to the patients using NSAIDs or receiving no treatment, the individuals who received paracetamol showed no significant differences in the risk of death (summary relative risks 0.93 and 0.91, respectively: both p > 0.05), need to transfer to the intensive care unit, need for respiratory support, or cardiovascular or renal complications. All studies showed a high risk of bias, with a low overall quality of evidence. Conclusions: This meta-analysis found no evidence of harmful or beneficial effects of paracetamol on main COVID-19-related outcomes. Also, the current literature does not provide sufficient data to support a preferential choice between paracetamol and NSAIDs for COVID-19 symptoms management. Further research is needed to confirm the present findings and provide critical insights on the policies to adopt in the case of future pandemics.
The Disaster of the Century: Effects of the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes on the Sleep and Mental Health of Healthcare Workers
Authors: Çifçi Sema , Kilinç Zehra
Published: November 2024

It is known that disasters can have long-term effects on the mental health of individuals. In particular, healthcare workers may be under greater stress in a time of disaster, as they are not only affected by the disaster, but they also take part in rescue efforts. This study was conducted to investigate the psychological effects of the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes on healthcare workers employed at the Adıyaman Training and Research Hospital. The sample in the cross-sectional study consisted of 299 healthcare personnel working in the Adıyaman Training and Research Hospital. The study data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of five sections. The data were analysed using SPSS 22 software. It was found that among healthcare workers, those who were women, married, individuals whose homes were damaged, injured, or lost a relative in the earthquake had experienced mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality the most. The earthquakes that occurred on 6 February negatively affected the mental health of healthcare workers. In order to reduce these negative effects experienced by healthcare workers, various types of mental health screening should be performed, and supportive psychological services should be provided urgently.
TravelRAG: A Tourist Attraction Retrieval Framework Based on Multi-Layer Knowledge Graph
Authors: Song Sihan , Yang Chuncheng , Xu Li , Shang Haibin , Li Zhuo , Chang Yinghui
Published: November 2024

A novel framework called TravelRAG is introduced in this paper, which is built upon a large language model (LLM) and integrates Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) with knowledge graphs to create a retrieval system framework designed for the tourism domain. This framework seeks to address the challenges LLMs face in providing precise and contextually appropriate responses to domain-specific queries in the tourism field. TravelRAG extracts information related to tourist attractions from User-Generated Content (UGC) on social media platforms and organizes it into a multi-layer knowledge graph. The travel knowledge graph serves as the core retrieval source for the LLM, enhancing the accuracy of information retrieval and significantly reducing the generation of erroneous or fabricated responses, often termed as “hallucinations”. As a result, the accuracy of the LLM’s output is enhanced. Comparative analyses with traditional RAG pipelines indicate that TravelRAG significantly boosts both the retrieval efficiency and accuracy, while also greatly reducing the computational cost of model fine-tuning. The experimental results show that TravelRAG not only outperforms traditional methods in terms of retrieval accuracy but also better meets user needs for content generation.
Prolonged Extracorporeal Circulation Leads to Inflammation and Higher Expression of Mediators of Vascular Permeability Through Activation of STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Macrophages
Authors: Luecht Jana , Pauli Camila , Seiler Raphael , Herre Alexa-Leona , Brankova Liliya , Berger Felix , Schmitt Katharina R. L. , Tong Giang
Published: November 2024

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are one of the most common congenital malformations and often require heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Children undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB are especially at greater risk of post-operative complications due to a systemic inflammatory response caused by innate inflammatory mediators. However, the pathophysiological response is not fully understood and warrants further investigation. Therefore, we investigated the inflammatory response in macrophages initiated by peri-operative serum samples obtained from patients with CHD undergoing CPB cardiac surgery. Human differentiated THP-1 macrophages were pretreated with Stattic, a STAT3 (Tyr705) inhibitor, before stimulation with serum samples. STAT3 and NF-κB activation were investigated via a Western blot, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-10, mediators for vascular permeability (VEGF-A, ICAM), and SOCS3 gene expressions via RT-qPCR. CPB induced an inflammatory response in macrophages via the activation of the STAT3 but not NF-κB signaling pathway. Longer duration on the CPB correlated with increased cytokine, VEGF, and ICAM expressions, relative to individual pre-operation levels. Patients that did not require CPB showed no significant immune response. Pretreatment with Stattic significantly attenuated all inflammatory mediators investigated except for TNFα in the macrophages. CPB induces an increased expression of cytokines and mediators of vascular permeability via the activation of STAT3 by IL-6 and IL-8 in the serum samples. Stattic attenuates all mediators investigated but promotes TNFα expression.
Adsorption and Desorption of Immune-Modulating Substances by Aluminium-Based Adjuvants: An Overlooked Feature of the Immune-Stimulating Mechanisms of Aluminium-Based Adjuvants
Authors: Danielsson Ravi , Mile Irene , Eriksson Håkan
Published: November 2024

Vaccine antigens are partly adsorbed onto aluminium-based adjuvant particles, forming an unstable corona. At the inoculation site, the corona will be restructured, and the adsorbed antigens will be released through replacement with biomolecules from the interstitial fluid of the recipient. Aluminium-based adjuvants (ABAs) carrying a corona of serum proteins as a model of particles with a pre-formed antigen corona were shown to adsorb several categories of cytokines and growth factors, as assessed from a protein array covering 18 different analytes. Out of the 18 analytes, 12 were shown to be adsorbed by the aluminium-based adjuvant Alhydrogel®, which had a pre-formed protein corona. The adsorption of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ was studied in detail. Among the studied cytokines, IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ, were adsorbed by Alhydrogel®. Adsorbed IFN-γ was further studied to show that the adsorption of IFN-γ did not denature the cytokine, and the cytokine could be desorbed from adjuvant particles in a biologically active form and in relevant amounts. The adsorption of immune-stimulating molecules onto ABAs at the administration site of a vaccine is a neglected event in the mode of action of aluminium-based adjuvants. This process may modulate the immune response with a profound impact on initiating the innate immune response and consequently the adaptive immune response.
Extrinsic and Cell-Intrinsic Stress in the Immune Tumor Micro-Environment
Authors: Ummarino Aldo , Calà Nicholas , Allavena Paola
Published: November 2024

In continuously progressive tumor tissues, the causes of cellular stress are multiple: metabolic alterations, nutrient deprivation, chronic inflammation and hypoxia. To survive, tumor cells activate the stress response program, a highly conserved molecular reprogramming proposed to cope with challenges in a hostile environment. Not only cancer cells are affected, but stress responses in tumors also have a profound impact on their normal cellular counterparts: fibroblasts, endothelial cells and infiltrating immune cells. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the interaction between cancer and immune cells, especially in difficult conditions of cellular stress. A growing literature indicates that knowledge of the molecular pathways activated in tumor and immune cells under stress conditions may offer new insights for possible therapeutic interventions. Counter-regulating the stress caused by the presence of a growing tumor can therefore be a weapon to limit disease progression. Here, we review the main pathways activated in cellular stress responses with a focus on immune cells present in the tumor microenvironment.
The Interplay of Stress, Inflammation, and Metabolic Factors in the Course of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ben Shaul Tal , Frenkel Dan , Gurevich Tanya
Published: November 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition for which there are symptomatic treatments but no disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Extensive research over the years has highlighted the need for a multi-target DMT approach in PD that recognizes the various risk factors and their intricate interplay in contributing to PD-related neurodegeneration. Widespread risk factors, such as emotional stress and metabolic factors, have increasingly become focal points of exploration. Our review aims to summarize interactions between emotional stress and selected key players in metabolism, such as insulin, as potential mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in PD.
Oxidative Stress Triggers a Pivotal Peptide Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Evans Nikki , Mahfooz Kashif , Garcia-Rates Sara , Greenfield Susan
Published: November 2024

An aberrant recapitulation of a developmental mechanism driven by a 14 mer peptide (‘T14’) derived from acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. T14 was suggested as an upstream driver of neurodegeneration due to its ability to stimulate the production of phosphorylated tau and amyloid beta. The activation of this mechanism in adulthood is thought to be brought upon by insult to the primarily vulnerable subcortical nuclei. Here, we show that oxidative stress, induced by high glucose and confirmed by an analysis of antioxidant enzyme mRNA expression, increased the levels of T14 peptide in PC12 cells. This increase in T14 corresponded with an increase in the mRNA expression of AChE and a decrease in the cell viability. The increase in T14 could be blocked by the cyclic form of T14, NBP14, which prevented any cytotoxic effects. These observations suggest that oxidative stress can directly trigger the inappropriate activation of T14 in the adult brain through the upregulation of Ache mRNA.