bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exergetic Analysis of DME Synthesis from CO2 and Renewable Hydrogen
Authors: De Falco Marcello , Natrella Gianluca , Capocelli Mauro , Popielak Paulina , Sołtysik Marcelina , Wawrzyńczak Dariusz , Majchrzak-Kucęba Izabela
Published: May 2022

Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) is a viable solution to valorise the CO2 captured from industrial plants’ flue gas, thus avoiding emitting it and synthesizing products with high added value. On the other hand, using CO2 as a reactant in chemical processes is a challenging task, and a rigorous analysis of the performance is needed to evaluate the real impact of CCU technologies in terms of efficiency and environmental footprint. In this paper, the energetic performance of a DME and methanol synthesis process fed by 25% of the CO2 captured from a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant and by the green hydrogen produced through an electrolyser was evaluated. The remaining 75% of the CO2 was compressed and stored underground. The process was assessed by means of an exergetic analysis and compared to post-combustion Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), where 100% of the CO2 captured was stored underground. Through the exergy analysis, the quality degradation of energy was quantified, and the sources of irreversibility were detected. The carbon-emitting source was a 189 MW Brayton–Joule power plant, which was mainly responsible for exergy destruction. The CCU configuration showed a higher exergy efficiency than the CCS, but higher exergy destruction per non-emitted carbon dioxide. In the DME/methanol production plant, the main contribution to exergy destruction was given by the distillation column separating the reactor outlet stream and, in particular, the top-stage condenser was found to be the component with the highest irreversibility (45% of the total). Additionally, the methanol/DME synthesis reactor destroyed a significant amount of exergy (24%). Globally, DME/methanol synthesis from CO2 and green hydrogen is feasible from an exergetic point of view, with 2.276 MJ of energy gained per 1 MJ of exergy destroyed.
Power System Stability Analysis of the Sicilian Network in the 2050 OSMOSE Project Scenario
Authors: Adu James Amankwah , Berizzi Alberto , Conte Francesco , D’Agostino Fabio , Ilea Valentin , Napolitano Fabio , Pontecorvo Tadeo , Vicario Andrea
Published: May 2022

This paper summarizes the results of a power system stability analysis realized for the EU project OSMOSE. The case study is the electrical network of Sicily, one of the two main islands of Italy, in a scenario forecasted for 2050, with a large penetration of renewable generation. The objective is to establish if angle and voltage stabilities can be guaranteed despite the loss of the inertia and the regulation services provided today by traditional thermal power plants. To replace these resources, new flexibility services, potentially provided by renewable energy power plants, battery energy storage systems, and flexible loads, are taken into account. A highly detailed dynamical model of the electrical grid, provided by the same transmission system operator who manages the system, is modified to fit with the 2050 scenario and integrated with the models of the mentioned flexibility services. Thanks to this dynamic model, an extensive simulation analysis on large and small perturbation angle stability and voltage stability is carried out. Results show that stability can be guaranteed, but the use of a suitable combination of the new flexibility services is mandatory.
Restructuring of the Coal Mining Industry and the Challenges of Energy Transition in Poland (1990–2020)
Authors: Kaczmarek Jarosław , Kolegowicz Konrad , Szymla Wojciech
Published: May 2022

The European Union’s climate policy and the energy transition associated with it force individual countries, their economies and their industrial sectors to carry out thorough changes, often of a deep, high-cost and restructuring nature. The aim of the article is to provide a multidimensional assessment of the forms and effects of the restructuring of coal mining companies in Poland in light of the current energy transition process. The research problem is encapsulated within the following two interdependent questions: Has the restructuring process allowed the coal mining industry to achieve sufficient efficiency to sustainably compete in the open market, and to what extent, if at all, have the objectives of restructuring been achieved from the perspective of changes in the energy mix? The research covers all coal mining companies included in the official statistics. It adopts a long-term perspective (1990–2020), dating from the beginning of the systemic transformation in Poland. The research involved the use of multivariate financial analysis methods, including the logit model for predicting the degree of financial threat, as well as taxonomic methods for assessing the dissimilarity of structures and their concentration. The general conclusion of the research is that there has been a lack of consistency (follow-up) between the forms and effects of restructuring in coal mining companies in Poland on the one hand and changes in the composition of the country’s energy mix as a result of the energy transition on the other. In particular, this means that such restructuring, being neither effective nor efficient, has failed to accelerate change in the energy mix.
Process Modeling and Exergy Analysis for a Typical VOC Thermal Conversion Plant
Authors: Zhuo Wencai , Zhou Bin , Zhang Zhicheng , Zhou Hailiang , Dai Baiqian
Published: May 2022

The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represents a major source of air pollution and presents a major risk to both the surrounding environment and local health. An efficient and clean VOCs conversion process is an important approach for energy conservation and emission reduction. In this work, process simulation is conducted using Aspen Plus according to a VOC thermal oxidizing plant for an industrial-scale aluminum spraying production process. Experimental measurements are used for model validation and the pollutant emissions are consistent with the actual plant operating parameters, where the concentration of sulfur oxides is 32 mg/m³, and that of nitrogen oxides is ~34 mg/m³, both of which are below the requirements specified by the national environment regulations in China. Energy and exergy analyses have been conducted from the perspective of the second law of thermodynamics. It is found that 68.8% of the output energy in the system considered here enters the subsequent oven production line, which will be reused for drying the aluminum plates, and the rest of the energy will contribute to the water heat exchanger; however, the furnace features the largest exergy loss of 34%, and this is due to the high-temperature heat loss. The water heat exchanger features 11.5% exergy loss, which is the largest for the series of heat exchangers, and this loss is due to the large temperature difference between the hot and cold streams in the water heat exchanger. These findings are expected to provide practical approaches to energy conservation from the perspective of energy management.
Effect of Operating Parameters and Energy Expenditure on the Biological Performance of Rotating Biological Contactor for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Waqas Sharjeel , Khan Javed Akbar , Rahman Saifur , Kruszelnicka Izabela , Ginter-Kramarczyk Dobrochna , Legutko Stanislaw , Ochowiak Marek , Włodarczak Sylwia , Czernek Krystian
Published: May 2022

The rotating biological contactor (RBC) is resistant to toxic chemical and shock loadings, and this results in significant organic and nutrient removal efficiencies. The RBC system offers a low-energy footprint and saves up to 90% in energy costs. Due to the system’s low-energy demand, it is easily operable with renewable energy sources, either solar or wind power. An RBC was employed to degrade pollutants in domestic wastewater through biodegradation mechanisms in this study. The high microbial population in the RBC bioreactor produced excellent biological treatment capacity and higher effluent quality. The results showed that the RBC bioreactor achieved an average removal efficiency of 73.9% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 38.3% of total nitrogen (TN), 95.6% of ammonium, and 78.9% of turbidity. Investigation of operational parameters, disk rotational speed, HRT, and SRT, showed the biological performance impact. Disk rotational speed showed uniform effluent quality at 30–40 rpm, while higher values of disk rotational speed (>40 rpm) resulted in lower effluent quality in COD, TN, and turbidity. The longer hydraulic retention time and sludge retention time (SRT) facilitated higher biological performance efficiency. The longer SRTs enabled the higher TN removal efficiency because of the higher quantity of microbial biomass retention. The longer SRT also resulted in efficient sludge-settling properties and reduced volume of sludge production. The energy evaluation of the RBC bioreactor showed that it consumed only 0.14 kWh/m3, which is significantly lower than the conventional treatment methods; therefore, it is easily operable with renewable energy sources. The RBC is promising substitute for traditional suspended growth processes as higher microbial activity, lower operational and maintenance costs, and lower carbon foot print enhanced the biological performance, which aligns with the stipulations of ecological evolution and environment-friendly treatment.
Revisiting the Corresponding-States-Based Correlation for Pool Boiling Critical Heat Flux
Authors: Može Matic , Zupančič Matevž , Sedmak Ivan , Ferjančič Klemen , Gjerkeš Henrik , Golobič Iztok
Published: May 2022

A corresponding-states correlation for predicting the critical heat flux (CHF) in pool boiling conditions is proposed, and only requires knowledge of physical property constants of the fluid at any fluid temperature: molar mass, critical temperature, critical pressure, and the Pitzer acentric factor. If a fourth corresponding equation of state (EoS) parameter is added, a more accurate CHF correlation is obtained and matches Kutateladze–Zuber prediction within ±10% in the reduced temperature range of 0.55–0.95. This way, CHF can be easily predicted for any reduced temperature within the range of correlation’s validity by only knowing basic properties of the fluid. Additionally, two corresponding-states correlations for determining the capillary length are proposed and also do not rely on any temperature- and pressure-dependent fluid properties. A simpler correlation only using the Pitzer acentric factor is shown to be imprecise, and a more complex correlation also accounting for the fourth corresponding EoS parameter is recommended. These correlations are fundamental for further developments, which would allow for accurate prediction of CHF values on functionalized surfaces through further studies on the influence of interactions of fluid properties with other parameters, such as wetting and active nucleation site density.
Characteristic Forced and Spontaneous Imbibition Behavior in Strongly Water-Wet Sandstones Based on Experiments and Simulation
Authors: Andersen Pål Østebø , Salomonsen Liva , Sleveland Dagfinn Søndenaa
Published: May 2022

Forced and spontaneous imbibition of water is performed to displace oil from strongly water-wet Gray Berea (~130 mD) and Bentheimer (~1900 mD) sandstone core plugs. Two nonpolar oils (n-heptane and Marcol-82) were used as a non-wetting phase, with viscosities between 0.4 and 32 cP and brine (1 M NaCl) for the wetting phase with viscosity 1.1 cP. Recovery was measured for both imbibition modes, and pressure drop was measured during forced imbibition. Five forced imbibition tests were performed using low or high injection rates, using low or high oil viscosity. Seventeen spontaneous imbibition experiments were performed at four different oil viscosities. By varying the oil viscosity, the injection rate and imbibition modes, capillary and advective forces were allowed to dominate, giving trends that could be captured with modeling. Full numerical simulations matched the experimental observations consistently. The findings of this study provide better understanding of pressure and recovery behavior in strongly water-wet systems. A strong positive capillary pressure and a favorable mobility ratio resulting from low water relative permeability were main features explaining the observations. Complete oil recovery was achieved at water breakthrough during forced imbibition for low and high oil viscosity and the recovery curves were identical when plotted against the injected volume. Analytical solutions for forced imbibition indicate that the pressure drop changes linearly with time when capillary pressure is negligible. Positive capillary forces assist water imbibition, reducing the pressure drop needed to inject water, but yielding a jump in pressure drop when the front reaches the outlet. At a high injection rate, capillary forces are repressed and the linear trend between the end points was clearer than at a low rate for the experimental data. Increasing the oil viscosity by a factor of 80 only increased the spontaneous imbibition time scale by five, consistent with low water mobility constraining the imbibition rate. The time scale was predicted to be more sensitive to changes in water viscosity. At a higher oil-to-water mobility ratio, a higher part of the total recovery follows the square root of time. Our findings indicate that piston-like displacement of oil by water is a reasonable approximation for forced and spontaneous imbibition, unless the oil has a much higher viscosity than the water.
Impact of Natural Forest Succession on Changes in Soil Organic Carbon in the Polish Carpathian Mountains
Authors: Sokołowska Justyna , Józefowska Agnieszka , Zaleski Tomasz
Published: May 2022

The main driver of the Carpathian landscape is the process of natural forest succession on the semi-natural meadows unique to the region. Moreover, these semi-natural mountain meadows contribute to ecosystem services, although increasing forest areas are recommended by current international policy agendas. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of natural forest succession in the Polish part of Carpathian on changes in soil organic carbon and assess the influence of different soil properties on organic carbon content across three land uses. Soil samples were taken from 10 transects consisting of semi-natural mountain meadow, natural successional forest and old-growth forest, selected in three Polish Carpathian national parks. Measurements of organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, microbial properties, such as microbial respiration, and enzyme activities were made; additionally, biochemical indicators were calculated. To describe the influence of measured soil parameters and calculated indicators of soil organic carbon changes, the organic carbon dependent variable regression equations across all studied soils and for the individual land use and examined layers were evaluated. The overall regression equation indicated that changes in organic carbon general to all investigated soils depended on microbial biomass carbon content, microbial quotient, dissolved organic carbon content and metabolic quotient. The regression models obtained for the individual land use variants and soil layers explained 77% to 99% of the variation in organic carbon. Results showed that natural forest succession caused a decrease in microbial biomass carbon content, and successional forest soils characterized less efficient use of organic substrates by microbial biomass.
Synergistic Hypolipidemic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Lactobacillus and Spirulina platensis
Authors: Hamouda Ragaa A. , Hamza Hanafy A. , Salem Mohammed L. , Kamal Shymaa , Alhasani Reem Hasaballah , Alsharif Ifat , Mahrous Hoda , Abdella Asmaa
Published: May 2022

Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to investigate hypolipidemic effects of Lactobacillus, Spirulina and their combination on Swiss albino mice fed a regular or high-cholesterol diet. Rosuvastatin was used as a reference drug The highest body weight, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C and the lowest high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were recorded in a positive control group (G5). Treatment with Lactobacillus or Spirulina or by their combination resulted in a significant decrease in body weight, TC, TG, LDL-C and significant increase in HDL-C (p < 0.05) in both mice fed a regular diet or high-cholesterol diet. The treatments induced a significant increase in Hb, MCHC and HCT levels in mice fed a regular diet (p < 0.05). They did not induce a significant effect on these parameters in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet, while treatment with standard rosuvastatin induced a significant decrease in these parameters (p < 0.05). The treatments induced a significant increase in the platelet count and WBC number in mice fed a regular diet p < 0.05), while they induced significant decrease in these parameters in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet p < 0.05. They also stimulated the innate immunity represented by both monocyte and neutrophil cells in mice fed a regular diet, while this immunity was reduced in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet. It also caused a marked reduction in inflammation and an improvement in the congestion of cardiac tissues, the aorta, and the spleen. The treatment of hyperlipidemic mice with combination of Lactobacillus and Spirulina gave similar results to those obtained with treatment by rosuvastatin.
Nutrition Profile and Animal-Tested Safety of Morchella esculenta Mycelia Produced by Fermentation in Bioreactors
Authors: Li I-Chen , Chiang Lynn-Huey , Wu Szu-Yin , Shih Yang-Chia , Chen Chin-Chu
Published: May 2022

Morchella esculenta (ME), or “true” morel mushrooms, are one of the most expensive mushrooms. M. esculenta contain all the important nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and several bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, organic acids, polyphenolic compounds, and tocopherols, which are promising for antioxidant, immunomodulation, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory applications. However, the M. esculenta fruiting body is difficult to collect in nature and the quality is not always reliable. For this reason, the cultivation of its mycelia represents a useful alternative for large-scale production. However, for M. esculenta mycelia to be used as an innovative food ingredient, it is very important to prove it is safe for human consumption while providing high-quality nutrients. Hence, for the first time in this study, the nutritional composition, as well as 90 days of oral toxicity of fermented ME mycelia in Sprague Dawley rats, is examined. Results showed that the ME mycelia contained 4.20 ± 0.49% moisture, 0.32 ± 0.07% total ash, 17.17 ± 0.07% crude lipid, 39.35 ± 0.35% crude protein, 38.96 ± 4.60% carbohydrates, and 467.77 ± 0.21 kcal/100 g energy, which provides similar proportions of macronutrients as the U.S. Dietary Reference Intakes recommend. Moreover, forty male and female Sprague Dawley rats administrating ME mycelia at oral doses of 0, 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg/kg for 90 days showed no significant changes in mortality, clinical signs, body weight, ophthalmology, and urinalysis. Although there were alterations in hematological and biochemical parameters, organ weights, necropsy findings, and histological markers, they were not considered to be toxicologically significant. Hence, the results suggest that the no-observed-adverse-effects level (NOAEL) of ME mycelia was greater than 3000 mg/kg/day and can therefore be used safely as a novel food at the NOAEL.
Hydrocolonic Sonography: Description of the Technique and Its Application in a Case of Intracolonic Lipoma: Report about a Case
Authors: García Diego Martínez , Alcaráz Maria Teresa Belmonte , Gonzalez Guilda Morell , Molina Javier Emilio Brugal , Rosique Carlos Ballester , Pina Francisco Jose Menarguez , Rodenas Miguel Ángel Morcillo
Published: May 2022

Intracolonic lipomas are benign lesions but can cause serious complications, especially when they are large. Regarding a 3 cm intracecal lipoma, we describe an ultrasound modality called a hydrocolonic ultrasound and how this technique can be used in the long-term follow-up of these lesions.
Relationships between Soil Tillage Systems, Nematode Communities and Weed Seed Predation
Authors: Wang Koon-Hui , Waisen Philip , Leslie Alan , Paudel Roshan , Meyer Susan , Hooks Cerruti
Published: May 2022

Soil tillage is generally recognized as having a negative effect on soil health and weed seed predators. Recent advancements in conservation tillage practices allow for further comparison of how different levels of soil disturbances could influence soil food web communities. Field trials were conducted in 2017 and 2018 at two different sites to measure the effects of four cover crop termination treatments: conventional till (CT), no-till (NT), strip-till following roller-crimping (ST-RC), and strip-till with a living mulch between crop rows (ST-LM) on soil health using nematode community indices as soil health bioindicators. Following cover crop termination, the soil was monitored in the subsequent bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) crop over three sampling dates (June, August, and October). In the ST-RC treatment plots, soil nutrients were enriched (increased Enrichment Index, EI) and the soil food web structure was improved (higher Structure Index, SI) by the mid-season of the 2017 trial. In the 2018 trial, the ST-RC treatment enhanced fungal decomposition pathways (fungivore/fungivore + bacterivore ratio) throughout the bell pepper crop cycle and enhanced bacterial decomposition (abundance of bacterivorous nematodes) by the end of the cropping cycle compared to the no-till treatment, suggesting that the ST-RC treatment can further improve soil health conditions achieved by the NT treatment. Scatter plots of sampling points revealed that the treatments CT and NT had very distinct nematode-weed community assemblages in both trials, with the ST-RC and ST-LM treatments distributed closely with the NT treatment. Multivariate analysis among soil health bioindicators, weed pressure and weed seed predation explained 76.4 and 55.7% of the variance in the 2017 and 2018 trials, respectively. Weed pressure was consistently negatively related to (1) the SI, indicating soil disturbance would lead to more weed pressure; (2) the EI, indicating soil with higher weed pressure was linked to poor soil nutrient cycling, (3) cover crop residues left in the field from conservation tillage, or (4) how well the living mulch of red clover covered the ground. This study did not show that weed seed predation would lead to lower weed pressure but weed seed predation increased as weed biomass increased.
The Relationship between Prevention and Panic from COVID-19, Ethical Principles, Life Expectancy, Anxiety, Depression and Stress
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Zimon Grzegorz , Ghaderi Ali Reza , Hasan Zinab Ahmed
Published: May 2022

The present study aims to assess the relationship between prevention and panic from COVID-19, ethical principles, life expectancy, anxiety, depression, and stress in auditors and financial managers of small- and medium-sized Iraqi firms. In other words, this paper seeks to answer the question of whether different types of prevention and panic from COVID-19 can enhance the ethical principles, life expectancy, anxiety, depression, and stress, or not. The study method is practical in its objective and descriptive survey procedure. The study’s statistical population includes 185 employed auditors in audit firms, and 215 financial managers of small- and medium-sized Iraqi firms were selected as a sample of the study using the Cochran Sampling Method. In this paper, PLS tests are used to assess the effect of independent variables on the dependent variable. The results indicate no significant relationship between prevention from COVID-19 and ethical principles and life expectancy. However, the association between prevention from COVID-19 and anxiety, depression, and stress, and between panic from COVID-19 and ethical principles, life expectancy, anxiety, depression, and stress is positive and significant. The higher the panic from COVID-19, the more ethical principles, life expectancy, anxiety, depression, and stress. Since no study has been carried out so far on the effect of prevention and panic from COVID-19, ethical principles, life expectancy, depression, and stress in Iraqi firms, the present study results can provide valuable information and contribute to the development of science and knowledge.
Mixed Land Use Levels in Rural Settlements and Their Influencing Factors: A Case Study of Pingba Village in Chongqing, China
Authors: Chen Hongji , Su Kangchuan , Peng Lixian , Bi Guohua , Zhou Lulu , Yang Qingyuan
Published: May 2022

Mixed land use provides an important means of promoting the intensive and efficient use of land resources and stimulating endogenous development power in rural areas. This paper selected Pingba Village in Chongqing as the research area; the land use status data and the social and economic data on rural settlements in the study area for 2021 were obtained through field visits and interviews. Moreover, the land use types in the rural settlements were subdivided according to the principle of dominant function. Based on these subdivisions, a land mixed-use measurement system for rural settlements was constructed to analyze their levels of mixed land use. Furthermore, the influences of natural environmental, social, economic and other factors on mixed land use were comprehensively explored. The results showed that, (1) the mixed land use of rural settlements in the study area was at a medium level and showed significant spatial variability, and rural settlements in the high, medium and low mixed land use index zones accounted for 12.5%, 35% and 52.5% of the total, respectively. (2) The differences in the natural environment determined the level of mixed land use and the basic pattern of its spatial differentiation. Social and economic factors, such as resident population and average household income, were key impact factors. Rural tourism resources, homestead agglomeration policies and other factors had important impacts on the level of mixed land use. In conclusion, the research suggests that mixed land use is an important way to boost rural revitalization. In the future, village planning could introduce the concept of mixed land use to improve the efficiency of land use, optimize the land use structure according to local conditions and promote the integrated development of rural primary, secondary and tertiary industries. In addition, it is necessary to scientifically and rationally guide rural settlements to agglomerate appropriately to improve the utilization efficiency of land resources and public service resources.
“There’s a Lot of Like, Contradicting Stuff”—Views on Healthy Living during Pregnancy and Postpartum
Authors: McNamara Jade A. , Mena Noereem Z. , Wright Arrington , Barr Makenzie L.
Published: May 2022

The transition from pregnancy through early postpartum can be a particularly vulnerable time for women as they adjust to the changes of motherhood. This study aimed to provide a detailed account of additional health challenges that mothers are facing throughout motherhood during the pandemic. Data obtained can be utilized to create tailored interventions to aid women during their reproductive years. A sequential approach was utilized, collecting health-related information via survey and subsequent focus groups or interviews to further examine health experiences during pregnancy or postpartum. Fifty-seven participants completed the online survey, 73.5% were postpartum. The healthy eating index of the cohort was low, 50.5 ± 10.3%. Prior to pregnancy, 54.5% were classified as overweight/obese. Following pregnancy, 71.1% were classified as overweight or obese. Emergent qualitative themes from focus groups (n = 3) and interviews (n = 6) included (1) value and desire for healthy eating, (2) desire to make well-informed health-based decisions, and (3) role of social networks during pregnancy and postpartum. Pregnant/postpartum women desire to lead a healthy lifestyle but experience barriers to accomplishing intended goals. Upstream resources and policies that promote healthy living for pregnant/postpartum women can reduce chronic disease throughout the lifespan following childbirth.
Combined Exposure to Birch Pollen and Thunderstorms Affects Respiratory Health in Stockholm, Sweden—A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Lõhmus Mare , Lind Tomas , MacLachlan Laura , Ekebom Agneta , Gedda Björn , Östensson Pia , Georgelis Antonios
Published: May 2022

Background: Thunderstorm asthma is a term used to describe surges in acute respiratory illnesses following a thunderstorm and is often attributed to an intense exposure to aeroallergens. Several episodes of thunderstorm asthma have been observed worldwide; however, no such cases have been described in Sweden. In Sweden, the most prominent exposure to air-borne pollen occurs during the blooming of the birch. We aimed to explore the associations between respiratory health and the combined exposure to thunderstorms and birch pollen. Methods: We investigated the association between the daily numbers of outpatient visits due to respiratory cases and the combined exposure to thunderstorms and birch pollen during the period of 1 May–31 September in 2001–2017, in Stockholm County, Sweden, by using time series analysis with log linear models. Results: We detected noticeable increases in the number of outpatient visits on both the same day (max 26%; 95% CI 1.16–1.37) and the day after (max 50%; 95% CI 1.32–1.70) the occurrence of a thunderstorm, when the concentrations of birch pollen and the number of lightning discharges were within the highest categories. Conclusions: It is possible that co-exposure to heavy thunderstorms and high concentrations of birch pollen affects the respiratory health of the Stockholm population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study addressing the thunderstorm-related respiratory illnesses in Sweden and the effects of birch pollen. Our study may be important for future public health advice related to thunderstorm asthma.
Strategies of Recovery and Organic Recycling Used in Textile Waste Management
Authors: Wojnowska-Baryła Irena , Bernat Katarzyna , Zaborowska Magdalena
Published: May 2022

Post-consumer bio-based textile wastes are any type of garment or household article made from manufactured bio-based textiles that the owner no longer needs and decides to discard. According to the hierarchy of waste management, post-consumer textile waste should be organically recycled. However, there is still a problem with the implementation of selective collection of textile waste followed by sorting, which would prepare the waste for organic recycling. A technically achievable strategy for sorted textile waste materials consisting of only one type of fiber material, multi-material textiles are a problem for recycling purposes. Waste textiles are composed of different materials, including natural as well as synthetic non-cellulosic fibers, making bioprocessing difficult. Various strategies for recovery of valuable polymers or monomers from textile waste, including concentrated and dilute acid hydrolysis, ionic liquids as well as enzymatic hydrolysis, have been discussed. One possible process for fiber recycling is fiber recovery. Fiber reclamation is extraction of fibers from textile waste and their reuse. To ensure that organic recycling is effective and that the degradation products of textile waste do not limit the quality and quantity of organic recycling products, bio-based textile waste should be biodegradable and compostable. Although waste textiles comprising a synthetic polymers fractions are considered a threat to the environment. However, their biodegradable part has great potential for production of biological products (e.g., ethanol and biogas, enzyme synthesis). A bio-based textile waste management system should promote the development and application of novel recycling techniques, such as further development of biochemical recycling processes and the textile waste should be preceded by recovery of non-biodegradable polymers to avoid contaminating the bioproducts with nano and microplastics.
Light-Control over Casein Kinase 1δ Activity with Photopharmacology: A Clear Case for Arylazopyrazole-Based Inhibitors
Authors: Schulte Albert M. , Kolarski Dušan , Sundaram Vidya , Srivastava Ashutosh , Tama Florence , Feringa Ben L. , Szymanski Wiktor
Published: May 2022

Protein kinases are responsible for healthy cellular processes and signalling pathways, and their dysfunction is the basis of many pathologies. There are numerous small molecule inhibitors of protein kinases that systemically regulate dysfunctional signalling processes. However, attaining selectivity in kinase inhibition within the complex human kinome is still a challenge that inspires unconventional approaches. One of those approaches is photopharmacology, which uses light-controlled bioactive molecules to selectively activate drugs only at the intended space and time, thereby avoiding side effects outside of the irradiated area. Still, in the context of kinase inhibition, photopharmacology has thus far been rather unsuccessful in providing light-controlled drugs. Here, we present the discovery and optimisation of a photoswitchable inhibitor of casein kinase 1δ (CK1δ), important for the control of cell differentiation, circadian rhythm, DNA repair, apoptosis, and numerous other signalling processes. Varying the position at which the light-responsive azobenzene moiety has been introduced into a known CK1δ inhibitor, LH846, revealed the preferred regioisomer for efficient photo-modulation of inhibitory activity, but the photoswitchable inhibitor suffered from sub-optimal (photo)chemical properties. Replacement of the bis-phenyl azobenzene group with the arylazopyrazole moiety yielded a superior photoswitch with very high photostationary state distributions, increased solubility and a 10-fold difference in activity between irradiated and thermally adapted samples. The reasons behind those findings are explored with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Results described here show how the evaluation of privileged molecular architecture, followed by the optimisation of the photoswitchable unit, is a valuable strategy for the challenging design of the photoswitchable kinase inhibitors.
Sphingolipid Players in Multiple Sclerosis: Their Influence on the Initiation and Course of the Disease
Authors: Podbielska Maria , Ariga Toshio , Pokryszko-Dragan Anna
Published: May 2022

Sphingolipids (SLs) play a significant role in the nervous system, as major components of the myelin sheath, contributors to lipid raft formation that organize intracellular processes, as well as active mediators of transport, signaling and the survival of neurons and glial cells. Alterations in SL metabolism and content are observed in the course of central nervous system diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). In this review, we summarize the current evidence from studies on SLs (particularly gangliosides), which may shed new light upon processes underlying the MS background. The relevant aspects of these studies include alterations of the SL profile in MS, the role of antibodies against SLs and complexes of SL-ligand-invariant NKT cells in the autoimmune response as the core pathomechanism in MS. The contribution of lipid-raft-associated SLs and SL-laden extracellular vesicles to the disease etiology is also discussed. These findings may have diagnostic implications, with SLs and anti-SL antibodies as potential markers of MS activity and progression. Intriguing prospects of novel therapeutic options in MS are associated with SL potential for myelin repair and neuroprotective effects, which have not been yet addressed by the available treatment strategies. Overall, all these concepts are promising and encourage the further development of SL-based studies in the field of MS.
Novel Benzoxazoles Containing 4-Amino-Butanamide Moiety Inhibited LPS-Induced Inflammation by Modulating IL-6 or IL-1β mRNA Expression
Authors: Yoo Jihye , Park Jiyoung , Kim Darong , Huh Yeonjoo , Park Choo Hea-Young , Woo Hyun Ae
Published: May 2022

LPS induces inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and causes an inflammatory response. The development of small molecules that have suppressive effect on those inflammatory cytokines is a desirable strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. We synthesized 12 novel compounds with 4-amino-N-(4-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-ylamino)phenyl)butanamide moiety and evaluated their biological activities. Among them, 4 compounds (compound 5d, 5c, 5f, 5m and synthetic intermediate 4d) showed potent inhibition activities on IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression in vitro. Further, in vivo activity was evaluated with two compounds (5f and 4d) and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly decreased without hepatotoxicity. From the in vivo and in vitro test results, we confirmed that our synthesized compounds are effective for suppression of representative inflammatory cytokines.
Decreased Tissue Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio Prevents Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Toxicity Associated with Alterations of Gut Microbiome
Authors: Kaliannan Kanakaraju , Donnell Shane O. , Murphy Kiera , Stanton Catherine , Kang Chao , Wang Bin , Li Xiang-Yong , Bhan Atul K. , Kang Jing X.
Published: May 2022

Gastrointestinal toxicity (GIT) is a debilitating side effect of Irinotecan (CPT-11) and limits its clinical utility. Gut dysbiosis has been shown to mediate this side effect of CPT-11 by increasing gut bacterial β-glucuronidase (GUSB) activity and impairing the intestinal mucosal barrier (IMB). We have recently shown the opposing effects of omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the gut microbiome. We hypothesized that elevated levels of tissue n-3 PUFA with a decreased n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio would reduce CPT-11-induced GIT and associated changes in the gut microbiome. Using a unique transgenic mouse (FAT-1) model combined with dietary supplementation experiments, we demonstrate that an elevated tissue n-3 PUFA status with a decreased n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio significantly reduces CPT-11-induced weight loss, bloody diarrhea, gut pathological changes, and mortality. Gut microbiome analysis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and QIIME2 revealed that improvements in GIT were associated with the reduction in the CPT-11-induced increase in both GUSB-producing bacteria (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae) and GUSB enzyme activity, decrease in IMB-maintaining bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium), IMB dysfunction and systemic endotoxemia. These results uncover a host–microbiome interaction approach to the management of drug-induced gut toxicity. The prevention of CPT-11-induced gut microbiome changes by decreasing the tissue n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio could be a novel strategy to prevent chemotherapy-induced GIT.
Early Life Stress Alters Expression of Glucocorticoid Stress Response Genes and Trophic Factor Transcripts in the Rodent Basal Ganglia
Authors: Tran Cynthia Haidee , Shannon Weickert Cynthia , Weickert Thomas Wesley , Sinclair Duncan
Published: May 2022

Early life stress shapes the developing brain and increases risk for psychotic disorders. Yet, it is not fully understood how early life stress impacts brain regions in dopaminergic pathways whose dysfunction can contribute to psychosis. Therefore, we investigated gene expression following early life stress in adult brain regions containing dopamine neuron cell bodies (substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area (VTA)) and terminals (dorsal/ventral striatum). Sprague–Dawley rats (14F, 10M) were separated from their mothers from postnatal days (PND) 2–14 for 3 h/day to induce stress, while control rats (12F, 10M) were separated for 15 min/day over the same period. In adulthood (PND98), brain regions were dissected, RNA was isolated and five glucocorticoid signalling-related and six brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNAs were assayed by qPCR in four brain regions. In the VTA, levels of glucocorticoid signalling-related transcripts differed in maternally separated rodents compared to controls, with the Fkbp5 transcript significantly lower and Ptges3 transcript significantly higher in stressed offspring. In the VTA and substantia nigra, maternally separated rodents had significantly higher Bdnf IIA and III mRNA levels than controls. By contrast, in the ventral striatum, maternally separated rodents had significantly lower expression of Bdnf I, IIA, IIC, IV and VI transcripts. Sex differences in Nr3c1, Bag1 and Fkbp5 expression in the VTA and substantia nigra were also detected. Our results suggest that early life stress has long-lasting impacts on brain regions involved in dopamine neurotransmission, changing the trophic environment and potentially altering responsiveness to subsequent stressful events in a sex-specific pattern.
Cellular and Molecular Profiling of Tumor Microenvironment and Early-Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Pirlog Radu , Chiroi Paul , Rusu Ioana , Jurj Ancuta Maria , Budisan Liviuta , Pop-Bica Cecilia , Braicu Cornelia , Crisan Doinita , Sabourin Jean-Christophe , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: May 2022

Lung cancers are broadly divided into two categories: non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), which accounts for 80–85% of all cancer cases, and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), which covers the remaining 10–15%. Recent advances in cancer biology and genomics research have allowed an in-depth characterization of lung cancers that have revealed new therapy targets (EGFR, ALK, ROS, and KRAS mutations) and have the potential of revealing even more biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, and targeted therapies. A new source of biomarkers is represented by non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are short non-coding RNA sequences that have essential regulatory roles in multiple cancers. Therefore, we aim to investigate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and miRNA tumor profile in a subset of 51 early-stage lung cancer samples (T1 and T2) to better understand early tumor and TME organization and molecular dysregulation. We analyzed the immunohistochemistry expression of CD4 and CD8 as markers of the main TME immune populations, E-cadherin to evaluate early-stage epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and p53, the main altered tumor suppressor gene in lung cancer. Starting from these 4 markers, we identified and validated 4 miRNAs that target TP53 and regulate EMT that can be further investigated as potential early-stage lung cancer biomarkers.
Acute Colon Inflammation Triggers Primary Motor Cortex Glial Activation, Neuroinflammation, Neuronal Hyperexcitability, and Motor Coordination Deficits
Authors: Carrascal Livia , Vázquez-Carretero María D. , García-Miranda Pablo , Fontán-Lozano Ángela , Calonge María L. , Ilundáin Anunciación A. , Castro Carmen , Nunez-Abades Pedro , Peral María J.
Published: May 2022

Neuroinflammation underlies neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we test whether acute colon inflammation activates microglia and astrocytes, induces neuroinflammation, disturbs neuron intrinsic electrical properties in the primary motor cortex, and alters motor behaviors. We used a rat model of acute colon inflammation induced by dextran sulfate sodium. Inflammatory mediators and microglial activation were assessed in the primary motor cortex by PCR and immunofluorescence assays. Electrophysiological properties of the motor cortex neurons were determined by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Motor behaviors were examined using open-field and rotarod tests. We show that the primary motor cortex of rats with acute colon inflammation exhibited microglial and astrocyte activation and increased mRNA abundance of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and both inducible and neuronal nitric oxide synthases. These changes were accompanied by a reduction in resting membrane potential and rheobase and increased input resistance and action potential frequency, indicating motor neuron hyperexcitability. In addition, locomotion and motor coordination were impaired. In conclusion, acute colon inflammation induces motor cortex microglial and astrocyte activation and inflammation, which led to neurons’ hyperexcitability and reduced motor coordination performance. The described disturbances resembled some of the early features found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and animal models, suggesting that colon inflammation might be a risk factor for developing this disease.
Therapeutic Options in Neuro-Oncology
Authors: Afonso Mariana , Brito Maria Alexandra
Published: May 2022

One of the biggest challenges in neuro-oncology is understanding the complexity of central nervous system tumors, such as gliomas, in order to develop suitable therapeutics. Conventional therapies in malignant gliomas reconcile surgery and radiotherapy with the use of chemotherapeutic options such as temozolomide, chloroethyl nitrosoureas and the combination therapy of procarbazine, lomustine and vincristine. With the unraveling of deregulated cancer cell signaling pathways, targeted therapies have been developed. The most affected signaling pathways in glioma cells involve tyrosine kinase receptors and their downstream pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (MAPK). MAPK pathway inhibitors include farnesyl transferase inhibitors, Ras kinase inhibitors and mitogen-activated protein extracellular regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitors, while PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors are divided into pan-inhibitors, PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors and AKT inhibitors. The relevance of the immune system in carcinogenesis has led to the development of immunotherapy, through vaccination, blocking of immune checkpoints, oncolytic viruses, and adoptive immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor T cells. In this article we provide a comprehensive review of the signaling pathways underlying malignant transformation, the therapies currently used in the treatment of malignant gliomas and further explore therapies under development, including several ongoing clinical trials.
miR-486-5p and miR-22-3p Enable Megakaryocytic Differentiation of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells without Thrombopoietin
Authors: Kao Chen-Yuan , Jiang Jinlin , Thompson Will , Papoutsakis Eleftherios T.
Published: May 2022

Megakaryocytes release submicron size microparticles (MkMPs) in circulation. We have shown that MkMPs target CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) to induce megakaryocytic differentiation, and that small RNAs in MkMPs play an important role in the development of this phenotype. Here, using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) RNA sequencing (RNAseq), we identify the synergetic effect of two microRNAs (miRs), miR-486-5p and miR-22-3p (highly enriched in MkMPs), in driving the Mk differentiation of HSPCs in the absence of thrombopoietin (TPO). Separately, our data suggest that the MkMP-induced Mk differentiation of HSPCs is enabled through JNK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. The interaction between the two signaling pathways is likely mediated by a direct target of miR-486-5p and a negative regulator of PI3K/Akt signaling, the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) protein. Our data provide a possible mechanistic explanation of the biological effect of MkMPs in inducing megakaryocytic differentiation of HSPCs, a phenotype of potential physiological significance in stress megakaryopoiesis.