bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Objective Optimization of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for Tractor Waste Heat Recovery Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Pan Wanming , Li Junkang , Zhang Guotao , Zhou Le , Tu Ming
Published: September 2022

Diesel engines are widely used in agricultural tractors. During field operations, the tractors operate at low speed and high load for a long time, the fuel efficiency is only about 15% to 35%, and the exhaust waste heat accounts for 38% to 45% of the energy released from the fuel. The use of tractor exhaust waste heat can effectively reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, of which the organic Rankine cycle (ORC)-based waste heat recovery conversion efficiency is the highest. First, the diesel engine map is achieved through the test rig, a plate-fin evaporator is trial-produced based on the tractor size, and the thermodynamic and economic performance model of the ORC are established. Then, taking the thermal efficiency of ORC and the specific investment cost (SIC) as the objective function, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) decision method were used to obtain the optimal operating parameter set under all working conditions. Finally, the results showed that the ORC thermal efficiency could reach a maximum of 12.76% and the corresponding SIC value was 8539.66 $/kW; the ORC net output power could be up to 8.31 kW compared with the system without ORC; and the maximum brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) could be reduced by 8.3%. The improvement in the thermodynamic performance will lead to a sacrifice in economic performance, and at high speeds, the economic benefits and thermal efficiency reach a balance and show a better thermal economic performance. Recovering exhaust heat energy through ORC can reduce tractor fuel consumption and pollution emissions, which is one of the effective technical means to achieve “carbon neutrality” in agricultural production. At the same time, through the PSO algorithm, the optimal combination of ORC operating parameters is obtained, which ensures that the exhaust heat energy can be effectively recovered during the tractor field operation, and provides a basis for the adjustment of real-time work strategies for future research.
Insight into the Thermodynamic Properties of Promising Energetic HNTO·AN Co-Crystal: Heat Capacity, Combustion Energy, and Formation Enthalpy
Authors: Abdelaziz Amir , Tarchoun Ahmed , Boukeciat Hani , Trache Djalal
Published: September 2022

A novel energetic co-crystal composed of hydrazinium 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (HNTO) and ammonium nitrate (AN), as a composite solid propellant oxidizer, was recently developed to substitute either pure ammonium perchlorate (AP) or nitrate. Unfortunately, the thermodynamic properties of this co-crystal or even the pure HNTO are not available in the open literature. Therefore, in this work, the low-temperature heat capacities of HNTO and HNTO·AN co-crystal were measured in the temperature range from 213.15 K to 378.15 K using differential scanning calorimetry. By fitting the heat capacity data, the thermodynamic functions ΔH298.15K, ΔG298.15K, and ΔS298.15K were derived. In addition, the standard molar energies of combustion ΔcU° of HNTO and HNTO·AN co-crystal were determined, and from the combustion results, the standard molar enthalpies of combustion ΔcHmo and formation ΔfHmo of these energetic compounds were derived at T = 298.15 K. The set of thermochemical data has been proposed in this work for the first time and will be undoubtedly indispensable information for the development of energetic materials based on HNTO and HNTO·AN co-crystal.
Development of a DC Microgrid with Decentralized Production and Storage: From the Lab to Field Deployment in Rural Africa
Authors: Richard Lucas , Boudinet Cédric , Ranaivoson Sanda A. , Rabarivao Jean Origio , Befeno Archille Elia , Frey David , Alvarez-Hérault Marie-Cécile , Raison Bertrand , Saincy Nicolas
Published: September 2022

The rural electrification of Sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia is crucial to end the energy poverty in which around 1 billion people are trapped. Swarm electrification, i.e., the progressive building of decentralized and decarbonized electric infrastructure in a bottom-up manner, tackles rural electrification challenges by quickly providing modern and reliable electricity services to unelectrified communities while fostering local socio-economic development. This paper follows the technological approach of this electrification model and presents the development of a DC microgrid with decentralized production and storage suitable for rural electrification. This DC microgrid aims at interconnecting nanogrids, small collective autonomous power units composed of a solar panel and a lead–acid battery for 4 to 6 households, to increase the electrical services brought to the community and enhance the economic sustainability of this rural electrification model. The design of the proposed microgrid as well as its control algorithm are thoroughly addressed and tested from software simulations and experimental testing to field deployment in Madagascar. Extensive software, experimental and field-tests results are illustrated, and the microgrid design feedback is given. This paper overall validates the proper operation of the proposed microgrid, confirming the technical feasibility of the swarm electrification approach.
Evaluation of Energy-Saving and Improvement of the Thermal Environment of the House with High Thermal Insulation, Heat Storage Performance, and Fitting Adjustment
Authors: Uehara Yo , Uno Tomoko
Published: September 2022

In this study, we assessed a lifestyle in which occupants adjust the fittings based on climate, weather, and time, in terms of energy efficiency and thermal conditions. The proposed solution is a Zero Energy House (ZEH) with high thermal performance. The thermal performance of the building envelope can be adjusted by changing the operation of fittings based on the indoor and outdoor environments, as well as air conditioning usage. Many studies have achieved zero energy by increasing the thermal performance of an envelope and using highly efficient energy-saving facilities; however, uniquely, here we focus on occupant behavior to change the building envelope condition. In this paper, numerical analysis was used to investigate the effect of adjusting the fittings on buildings with different thermal performances of the envelope. The analysis demonstrates that, while more research into measures is needed in the summer, the adjustment of fittings and thermal storage properties in the winter season can reduce the heating load by 48–59% compared to the normal ZEH and improve the indoor environment. In terms of the heating and cooling load throughout the year, the results also showed that applying fittings adjustment and heat storage to an ordinary house can provide nearly the same energy-saving effect as a highly insulated house.
The Forced Convection Analysis of Water Alumina Nanofluid Flow through a 3D Annulus with Rotating Cylinders via κ−ε Turbulence Model
Authors: Alqarni Marei Saeed , Memon Abid Ali , Anwaar Haris , Usman  , Muhammad Taseer
Published: September 2022

We investigated the dynamics of nanofluid and heat transfer in a three-dimensional circular annular using the κ−ε turbulence model and energy equations. The pipe contained two concentric and rotating cylinders with a constant speed in the tangential direction. A heat flux boundary condition was executed at the inner cylinder of the annular. The pipe was settled vertically, and water alumina nanofluid was allowed to enter, with the initial velocity depending on the Reynolds number, ranging from 30,000 to 60,000. The volume fraction of the solid particles was tested from 0.001 to 0.1. The speed of the rotation of the cylinders was tested in the range from 0.5 to 3.5. The simulations were developed using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6, adopting the finite element procedure for governing equations. The results were validated using the mesh independent study and the average Nusselt number correlations. We found that the average Nusselt number in the middle of the channel decreases linearly with the increase in the volume fraction of the water alumina nanofluid. The novelty of the present work is that various correlations between the average Nusselt number and volume fraction were determined by fixing the Reynolds number and the rotation of the inner cylinder. We also found that fixing the Reynolds number and the volume fraction improves the average Nusselt number at the outlet linearly. In addition, it was stated that the increase in the total mass of the nanofluid would decrease the average temperature at the outer cylinder of the annular. Moreover, the maximum average improvement percentage in the average Nusselt number, which is about 21%, was observed when the inner cylinder rotation was changed from 1.5 to 2.5 m/s.
Multivariant Analysis of Photovoltaic Performance with Consideration of Self-Consumption
Authors: Cieślak Krystian Janusz
Published: September 2022

The presented work contains the comparison of a different photovoltaic system approach, in terms of monthly energy production profiles, with detailed user needs profiles. Two types of investors were taken into account—a company where the yearly energy consumption exceeded 50 MWh and a standard household where the yearly energy consumption was around 6 MWh. Moreover, two different scenarios were considered; the first one was focused on the maximization of the energy production during a year by choosing optimal azimuth and tilt angles, whereas the second PV system was based on the East–West azimuth angles, which usually enables one to have better energy self-consumption, which leads to sustainable energy usage. Energy production profiles, along with users’ energy needs profiles, were analyzed in terms of sustainability, investment payback time, and energy loss in the face of the new Polish Renewable Energy Law. Recent changes in the Renewable Energy Law in Poland, which came into force on the 1 April 2022, have changed the way many investors are thinking about investing in photovoltaic systems. The main difference is how the Energy Distributor is obliged to trade the photovoltaic electrical energy injected into the grid by Prosumers. The so-called “net metering”, which is kind of a barter deal, was changed to “net billing”—selling energy at a wholesale price. Net billing is believed to be less profitable than net metering due to a significant price difference between the bought and sold energy.
Approaches and Challenges in Internet of Robotic Things
Authors: Sayeed Aqsa , Verma Chaman , Kumar Neerendra , Koul Neha , Illés Zoltán
Published: September 2022

The Internet of robotic things (IoRT) is the combination of different technologies including cloud computing, robots, Internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). IoRT plays a major role in manufacturing, healthcare, security, and transport. IoRT can speed up human development by a very significant percentage. IoRT allows robots to transmit and receive data to and from other devices and users. In this paper, IoRT is reviewed in terms of the related techniques, architectures, and abilities. Consequently, the related research challenges are presented. IoRT architectures are vital in the design of robotic systems and robotic things. The existing 3–7-tier IoRT architectures are studied. Subsequently, a detailed IoRT architecture is proposed. Robotic technologies provide the means to increase the performance and capabilities of the user, product, or process. However, robotic technologies are vulnerable to attacks on data security. Trust-based and encryption-based mechanisms can be used for secure communication among robotic things. A security method is recommended to provide a secure and trustworthy data-sharing mechanism in IoRT. Significant security challenges are also discussed. Several known attacks on ad hoc networks are illustrated. Threat models ensure integrity confidentiality and availability of the data. In a network, trust models are used to boost a system’s security. Trust models and IoRT networks play a key role in obtaining a steady and nonvulnerable configuration in the network. In IoRT, remote server access results in remote software updates of robotic things. To study navigation strategies, navigation using fuzzy logic, probabilistic roadmap algorithms, laser scan matching algorithms, heuristic functions, bumper events, and vision-based navigation techniques are considered. Using the given research challenges, future researchers can get contemporary ideas of IoRT implementation in the real world.
Associations between Emotional Distress, Sleep Changes, Decreased Tooth Brushing Frequency, Self-Reported Oral Ulcers and SARS-Cov-2 Infection during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Survey
Authors: Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Zuniga Roberto Ariel Abeldaño , Ezechi Oliver C. , Brown Brandon , Nguyen Annie L. , Aly Nourhan M. , Ellakany Passent , Idigbe Ifeoma E. , Khan Abeedha Tu-Allah , Lawal Folake Barakat , Jafer Mohammed , Gaffar Balgis , Popoola Bamidele Olubukola , Quadri Mir Faeq Ali , Virtanen Jorma I. , Lusher Joanne , El Tantawi Maha
Published: September 2022

This study assessed the association between emotional distress, sleep changes, decreased frequency of tooth brushing, and self-reported oral ulcers, and the association between COVID-19 status and decreased frequency of tooth brushing. Using a cross-sectional online survey, data were collected from adults in 152 countries between July and December 2020. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between dependent (decreased frequency of tooth brushing, oral ulcers, change in sleep pattern) and independent (tested positive for COVID-19, depression, anxiety, frustration/boredom, loneliness, anger, and grief/feeling of loss) variables after adjusting for confounders (age, sex, level of education, employment status). Of the 14,970 participants data analyzed, 1856 (12.4%) tested positive for COVID-19. Respondents who reported feeling depressed (AoR: 1.375), lonely (AoR: 1.185), angry (AoR: 1.299), and experienced sleep changes (AoR:1.466) had significantly higher odds of decreased tooth brushing frequency. Respondents who felt anxious (AoR: 1.255), angry (AoR: 1.510), grief/sense of loss (AoR: 1.236), and sleep changes (AoR: 1.262) had significantly higher odds of oral ulcers. Respondents who tested positive for COVID-19 had significantly higher odds of decreased tooth brushing frequency (AoR: 1.237) and oral ulcers (AoR: 2.780). These findings highlight that the relationship between emotional distress and oral health may intensify during a pandemic.
COVID-19 Vaccinating Russian Medical Students—Challenges and Solutions: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kytko Olesya V. , Vasil’ev Yuriy L. , Dydykin Sergey S. , Diachkova Ekaterina Yu , Sankova Maria V. , Litvinova Tatiana M. , Volel Beatrice A. , Zhandarov Kirill A. , Grishin Andrey A. , Tatarkin Vladislav V. , Suetenkov Dmitriy E. , Nikolaev Alexander I. , Pastbin Michael Yu , Ushnitsky Innokenty D. , Gromova Svetlana N. , Saleeva Gulshat T. , Saleeva Liaisan , Saleev Nail , Shakirov Eduard , Saleev Rinat A.
Published: September 2022

Background: The role of preventive measures increases significantly in the absence of effective specific COVID-19 treatment. Mass population immunization and the achievement of collective immunity are of particular importance. The future development of public attitudes towards SARS-CoV-2 immunization depends significantly on medical students, as future physicians. Therefore, it seemed relevant to determine the percentage of COVID-19-vaccinated medical students and to identify the factors significantly affecting this indicator. Methods: A total of 2890 medical students from years one to six, studying at nine leading Russian medical universities, participated in an anonymous sociological survey. The study was performed in accordance with the STROBE guidelines. Results: It was found that the percentage of vaccinated Russian medical students at the beginning of the academic year 2021 was 58.8 ± 7.69%, which did not significantly differ from the vaccination coverage of the general population in the corresponding regions (54.19 ± 4.83%). Student vaccination rate was largely determined by the region-specific epidemiological situation. The level of student vaccination coverage did not depend on the gender or student residence (in a family or in a university dormitory). The group of senior students had a higher number of COVID-19 vaccine completers than the group of junior students. The lack of reliable information about COVID-19 vaccines had a pronounced negative impact on the SARS-CoV-2 immunization process. Significant information sources influencing student attitudes toward vaccination included medical professionals, medical universities, academic conferences, and manuscripts, which at that time provided the least information. Conclusion: The obtained results make it possible to develop recommendations to promote SARS-CoV-2 immunoprophylaxis among students and the general population and to increase collective immunity.
Perinatal Health Inequalities in the Industrial Region of Estonia: A Birth Registry-Based Study
Authors: Dahal Usha , Veber Triin , Åström Daniel Oudin , Tamm Tanel , Albreht Leena , Teinemaa Erik , Orru Kati , Orru Hans
Published: September 2022

Despite the increasing number of studies on industrially contaminated sites (ICS) and their health effects, there are very few studies on perinatal health outcomes in ICSs. In the present study, we examined the perinatal health inequalities by comparing adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) in the oil shale industry region of Ida-Viru County in Estonia with national-level figures and investigated the effects of maternal environmental and sociodemographic factors. Based on the 208,313 birth records from 2004–2018, Ida-Viru ICS has a birth weight 124.5 g lower than the average of 3544 g in Estonia. A higher prevalence of preterm birth (4.3%) and low birth weight (4.8%) in Ida-Viru ICS is found compared to 3.3% on both indicators at the national level. Multiple logistic regression analysis shows the statistically significant association of ABOs with fine particle (PM2.5) air pollution, mother’s ethnicity, and education throughout Estonia. However, in Ida-Viru ICS, the ABOs odds are remarkably higher in these characteristics except for the mother’s ethnicity. Furthermore, the ABOs are associated with the residential proximity to ICS. Thus, the Ida-Viru ICS has unequally higher odds of adverse perinatal health across the environmental and sociodemographic factors. In addition to reducing the air pollutants, policy actions on social disparities are vital to address the country’s unjustly higher perinatal health inequalities, especially in the Ida-Viru ICS.
The Impact of Colleague Suicide and the Current State of Postvention Guidance for Affected Co-Workers: A Critical Integrative Review
Authors: Causer Hilary , Spiers Johanna , Efstathiou Nikolaos , Aston Stephanie , Chew-Graham Carolyn A. , Gopfert Anya , Grayling Kathryn , Maben Jill , van Hove Maria , Riley Ruth
Published: September 2022

People bereaved by suicide are affected psychologically and physically and may be at greater risk of taking their own lives. Whilst researchers have explored the impact of suicide on family members and friends, the area of colleague suicide has been neglected and postvention guidance for supporting surviving colleagues is often poorly developed. This critical integrative review explored the impact of colleague suicide on surviving co-workers and reviewed postvention guidance for workplaces. Systematic searches found 17 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Articles were appraised for quality and extracted data were analysed using a thematic network method. Article quality was moderate. Two global themes were developed: impact of a colleague suicide comprised themes of ‘suicide loss in the workplace’; ‘professional identities and workplace roles’; ‘perceptions of professional uniqueness’; and ‘professional abandonment and silencing’. Postvention following a colleague suicide comprised ‘individualised responses’; ‘the dual function of stigma’; and ‘complex pressure on managers’. A unifying global network ‘after a colleague suicide’ describes the relationships between all themes. A series of disconnects between existing postvention guidance and the needs of impacted workers are discussed. This review demonstrates the need for robust, systemic postvention for colleagues impacted by the complex issue of colleague suicide.
Evolution Model and Simulation Study of the Public Risk Perception of COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Ao , Yang Hao , Tian Zhenlei , Tong Shuning
Published: September 2022

The evolution of the public perception of the risk in public health emergencies is closely related to risk response behavior. There are few systematic explanations and empirical studies on how the individual receiving the risk information affects the change in the individual risk perception through internal mechanisms in the context of COVID-19. Based on the understanding of the existing research, this paper constructs the evolution model of the public risk perception level based on the limited memory theory and a simulation analysis is performed. The results are as follows: memory rate, association rate, information reception and information stimulation in a single period of time have significant indigenous effects on the risk perception; when the amount of information received and the information stimulus remain unchanged, the public’s risk perception follows a monotonic upward trend, but there is an upper limit function, and the upper limit is determined by the memory rate and association rate, and the influence of the association rate is higher than that of the memory rate; When the amount of information received and the information stimulus changes, the public’s risk perception will also change, and there is a lag effect, which is determined by the memory rate. The impact of the acceptance of the information on the risk perception is greater than that of the information stimulus.
Neutralization and Improvement of Bauxite Residue by Saline-Alkali Tolerant Bacteria
Authors: Lv Lv , Qiu Kunyan , Ge Shiji , Jiao Zhiqiang , Gao Chenyang , Fu Haiguang , Su Rongkui , Liu Zhongkai , Wang Yulong , Wang Yangyang
Published: September 2022

The high salt-alkalinity of bauxite residue (BR) hinders plant growth and revegetation of bauxite residue disposal areas (BRDA), which cause serious potential environmental and ecological risks. Bioneutralization is a promising method for improving the properties of BR and plant colonization. In the present study, a strong saline-alkali tolerant bacteria (ZH-1) was isolated from aged BR and identified as Bacillus sp. The medium of ZH-1 was optimized by orthogonal tests, and ZH-1 could decrease the medium pH from 11.8 to 6.01 (agitated culture) and 6.48 (static culture) by secretion of citric acid, oxalic acid and tartaric acid. With the inoculation of ZH-1, the pH of BR decreased from 11.6 to 8.76, and the water-soluble salt in BR increased by 68.11%. ZH-1 also changed the aggregate size distribution of BR, the mechanical-stable aggregates and water-stable aggregates increased by 18.76% and 10.83%, respectively. At the same time, the stability of the aggregates obviously increased and the destruction rate decreased from 94.37% to 73.46%. In addition, the microbial biomass carbon increased from 425 to 2794 mg/kg with the inoculation of ZH-1. Bacterial community analysis revealed that Clostridia, Bacilli, Gammaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria were the main classes in the naturalized BR, and the inoculation of ZH-1 increased the diversity of bacteria in the BR. Overall, ZH-1 has great potential for neutralization and improvement the properties of BR and may be greatly beneficial for the revegetation of BRDA.
Body Composition and Anthropometric Indicators in Children and Adolescents 6–15 Years Old
Authors: Kobylińska Milena , Antosik Katarzyna , Decyk Agnieszka , Kurowska Katarzyna , Skiba Diana
Published: September 2022

The problem of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has now become a major public health challenge worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of age and gender on body composition components and anthropometric indices of children and adolescents aged 6–15 years; in addition, the study aimed to assess body composition indices in relation to BMI (Body Mass Index) levels. The study was conducted at the end of 2019 and in the first quarter of 2020 among 181 pupils attending primary schools. Waist circumference, hip circumference, body weight, and body height were measured. The collected data were used to calculate and then to analyse BMI, WHR (Waist-Hip Ratio), and WHtR (Waist to Height Ratio) indices. Body composition was determined with the use of the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The analyses’ statistics were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24 and Excel. The statistical methods used included Chi2 tests of independence, one-factor analysis of variance, and two-factor analysis of variance taking into account the level of α = 0.05. Based on the results, there were no statistically significant differences in the gender and age distributions of the BMI groups. However, the analysis of interaction effects confirmed that there were statistically significant differences according to pubertal age and gender in body fat, muscle mass, hydration, and WHR. Body composition in boys and girls before the age of 12 is similar while, after the age of 12, there are differences between boys and girls in terms of body composition so there is a need to deepen the assessment of body mass, especially in adolescents at the age of puberty, by body composition analysis using the BIA method.
The HLS19-COM-P, a New Instrument for Measuring Communicative Health Literacy in Interaction with Physicians: Development and Validation in Nine European Countries
Authors: Finbråten Hanne Søberg , Nowak Peter , Griebler Robert , Bíró Éva , Vrdelja Mitja , Charafeddine Rana , Griese Lennert , Bøggild Henrik , Schaeffer Doris , Link Thomas , Kucera Zdenek , Mancini Julien , Pelikan Jürgen M.
Published: September 2022

Background: Sufficient communicative health literacy (COM-HL) is important for patients actively participating in dialogue with physicians, expressing their needs and desires for treatment, and asking clarifying questions. There is a lack of instruments combining communication and HL proficiency. Hence, the aim was to establish an instrument with sufficient psychometric properties for measuring COM-HL. Methods: The HLS19-COM-P instrument was developed based on a conceptual framework integrating HL with central communicative tasks. Data were collected using different data collection modes in nine countries from December 2019 to January 2021 (n = 18,674). Psychometric properties were assessed using Rasch analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha and Person separation index were considered for reliability. Results: The 11-item version (HLS19-COM-P-Q11) and its short version of six items (HLS19-COM-P-Q6) fit sufficiently the unidimensional partial credit Rasch model, obtained acceptable goodness-of-fit indices and high reliability. Two items tend to under-discriminate. Few items displayed differential item functioning (DIF) across person factors, and there was no consistent pattern in DIF across countries. All items had ordered response categories. Conclusions: The HLS19-COM-P instrument was well accepted in nine countries, in different data collection modes, and could be used to measure COM-HL.
Deeply in Plasticenta: Presence of Microplastics in the Intracellular Compartment of Human Placentas
Authors: Ragusa Antonio , Matta Maria , Cristiano Loredana , Matassa Roberto , Battaglione Ezio , Svelato Alessandro , De Luca Caterina , D’Avino Sara , Gulotta Alessandra , Rongioletti Mauro Ciro Antonio , Catalano Piera , Santacroce Criselda , Notarstefano Valentina , Carnevali Oliana , Giorgini Elisabetta , Vizza Enrico , Familiari Giuseppe , Nottola Stefania Annarita
Published: September 2022

Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. They have been found almost everywhere they have been searched for and recent discoveries have also demonstrated their presence in human placenta, blood, meconium, and breastmilk, but their location and toxicity to humans have not been reported to date. The aim of this study was twofold: 1. To locate MPs within the intra/extracellular compartment in human placenta. 2. To understand whether their presence and location are associated with possible structural changes of cell organelles. Using variable pressure scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, MPs have been localized in ten human placentas. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the presence and localization in the cellular compartment of fragments compatible with MPs in the human placenta and we hypothesized a possible correlation between their presence and important ultrastructural alterations of some intracytoplasmic organelles (mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum). These alterations have never been reported in normal healthy term pregnancies until today. They could be the result of a prolonged attempt to remove and destroy the plastic particles inside the placental tissue. The presence of virtually indestructible particles in term human placenta could contribute to the activation of pathological traits, such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, characteristic of metabolic disorders underlying obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome and partially accounting for the recent epidemic of non-communicable diseases.
Association between Air Pollution and Squamous Cell Lung Cancer in South-Eastern Poland
Authors: Gawełko Jan , Cierpiał-Wolan Marek , Bwanakare Second , Czarnota Michalina
Published: September 2022

Air pollution is closely associated with the development of respiratory illness. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between long-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2 pollution and the incidence of lung cancer in the squamous subtype in south-eastern Poland from the years 2004 to 2014. We collected data of 4237 patients with squamous cell lung cancer and the level of selected pollutants. To investigate the relationship between the level of concentrations of pollutants and the place of residence of patients with lung cancer in the squamous subtype, proprietary pollution maps were applied to the places of residence of patients. To analyze the data, the risk ratio was used as well as a number of statistical methods, i.e., the pollution model, inverse distance weighted interpolation, PCA, and ordered response model. Cancer in women and in men seems to depend in particular on the simultaneous inhalation of NO2 and PM10 (variable NO2PM10) and of NO2 and SO2 (variable NO2 SO2), respectively. Nitrogen dioxide exercises a synergistic leading effect, which once composed with the other elements it becomes more persistent in explaining higher odds in the appearance of cancers and could constitute the main cause of squamous cancer.
Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Essential Roles of Alternative Splicing Regulation in Heat-Stressed Holstein Cows
Authors: Hu Lirong , Sammad Abdul , Zhang Congcong , Brito Luiz F. , Xu Qing , Wang Yachun
Published: September 2022

Heat stress (HS) severely impacts the productivity and welfare of dairy cows. Investigating the biological mechanisms underlying HS response is crucial for developing effective mitigation and breeding strategies. Therefore, we evaluated the changes in milk yield, physiological indicators, blood biochemical parameters, and alternative splicing (AS) patterns of lactating Holstein cows during thermoneutral (TN, N = 19) and heat-stress (HS, N = 17) conditions. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decline in milk yield as physiological indicators increased after exposure to natural HS conditions. The levels of eight out of 13 biochemical parameters of HS were also significantly altered in the presence of HS (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that HS negatively influences various biological processes of Holstein cows. Furthermore, we investigated AS events based on the RNA-seq data from blood samples. With HS, five common types of AS events were generally increased by 6.7–38.9%. A total of 3470 AS events corresponding to 3143 unique genes were differentially alternatively spliced (DSGs) (p-adjusted < 0.05) between TN and HS groups. The functional annotation results show that the majority of DSGs are involved in mRNA splicing and spliceosomal complex, followed by enrichment in immune and metabolic processes. Eighty-seven out of 645 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (fold change ≥ 1.5 and false discovery rate < 0.05) overlapped with DSGs. Further analyses showed that 20 of these genes were significantly enriched for the RNA splicing, RNA binding, and RNA transport. Among them, two genes (RBM25 and LUC7L3) had strong interrelation and co-expression pattern with other genes and were identified as candidate genes potentially associated with HS responses in dairy cows. In summary, AS plays a crucial role in changing the transcriptome diversity of heat-stress-related genes in multiple biological pathways and provides a different regulation mechanism from DEGs.
Don’t Forget the Bones: Incidence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Bone Disease in a Cohort of Preterm Infants
Authors: Perrone Michela , Casirati Amanda , Stagi Stefano , Amato Orsola , Piemontese Pasqua , Liotto Nadia , Orsi Anna , Menis Camilla , Pesenti Nicola , Tabasso Chiara , Roggero Paola , Mosca Fabio
Published: September 2022

Metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBD) is a condition of reduced bone mineral content (BMC) compared to that expected for gestational age (GA). Preterm birth interrupts the physiological process of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) deposition that occurs mostly in the third trimester of pregnancy, leading to an inadequate bone mineralization during intrauterine life (IUL). After birth, an insufficient intake of Ca and P carries on this alteration, resulting in overt disease. If MBD is often a self-limited condition, in some cases it could hesitate the permanent alteration of bone structures with growth faltering and failure to wean off mechanical ventilation due to excessive chest wall compliance. Despite advances in neonatal intensive care, MBD is still frequent in preterm infants, with an incidence of 16–23% in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW, birth weight <1500 g) and 40–60% in extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW, birth weight <1000 g) infants. Several risk factors are associated with MBD (e.g., malabsorption syndrome, parenteral nutrition (PN), pulmonary bronchodysplasia (BPD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and some chronic medications). The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of MBD in a cohort of VLBWI and the role of some risk factors. We enrolled 238 VLBWIs (107 male). 52 subjects were classified as increased risk (G1) and 186 as standard risk (G2) according to serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and phosphorus (P) levels. G1 subjects have lower GA (p < 0.01) and BW (p < 0.001). Moreover, they need longer PN support (p < 0.05) and invasive ventilation (p < 0.01). G1 presented a higher rate of BPD (p = 0.026). At linear regression analysis, BW and PN resulted as independent predictor of increased risk (p = 0.001, p = 0.040, respectively). Preventive strategies are fundamental to prevent chronic alteration in bone structures and to reduce the risk of short stature. Screening for MBD based on serum ALP could be helpful in clinical practice to identify subjects at increased risk.
CRISPR/nCas9-Based Genome Editing on GM2 Gangliosidoses Fibroblasts via Non-Viral Vectors
Authors: Leal Andrés Felipe , Cifuentes Javier , Quezada Valentina , Benincore-Flórez Eliana , Cruz Juan Carlos , Reyes Luis Humberto , Espejo-Mojica Angela Johana , Alméciga-Díaz Carlos Javier
Published: September 2022

The gangliosidoses GM2 are a group of pathologies mainly affecting the central nervous system due to the impaired GM2 ganglioside degradation inside the lysosome. Under physiological conditions, GM2 ganglioside is catabolized by the β-hexosaminidase A in a GM2 activator protein-dependent mechanism. In contrast, uncharged substrates such as globosides and some glycosaminoglycans can be hydrolyzed by the β-hexosaminidase B. Monogenic mutations on HEXA, HEXB, or GM2A genes arise in the Tay–Sachs (TSD), Sandhoff (SD), and AB variant diseases, respectively. In this work, we validated a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing strategy that relies on a Cas9 nickase (nCas9) as a potential approach for treating GM2 gangliosidoses using in vitro models for TSD and SD. The nCas9 contains a mutation in the catalytic RuvC domain but maintains the active HNH domain, which reduces potential off-target effects. Liposomes (LPs)- and novel magnetoliposomes (MLPs)-based vectors were used to deliver the CRISPR/nCas9 system. When LPs were used as a vector, positive outcomes were observed for the β-hexosaminidase activity, glycosaminoglycans levels, lysosome mass, and oxidative stress. In the case of MLPs, a high cytocompatibility and transfection ratio was observed, with a slight increase in the β-hexosaminidase activity and significant oxidative stress recovery in both TSD and SD cells. These results show the remarkable potential of CRISPR/nCas9 as a new alternative for treating GM2 gangliosidoses, as well as the superior performance of non-viral vectors in enhancing the potency of this therapeutic approach.
Protein Crystals Nucleated and Grown by Means of Porous Materials Display Improved X-ray Diffraction Quality
Authors: Nanev Christo N. , Saridakis Emmanuel , Govada Lata , Chayen Naomi E.
Published: September 2022

Well-diffracting protein crystals are indispensable for X-ray diffraction analysis, which is still the most powerful method for structure-function studies of biomolecules. A promising approach to growing such crystals is the use of porous nucleation-inducing materials. However, while protein crystal nucleation in pores has been thoroughly considered, little attention has been paid to the subsequent growth of crystals. Although the nucleation stage is decisive, it is the subsequent growth of crystals outside the pore that determines their diffraction quality. The molecular-scale mechanism of growth of protein crystals in and outside pores is theoretically considered. Due to the low degree of metastability, the crystals that emerge from the pores grow slowly, which is a prerequisite for better diffraction. This expectation has been corroborated by experiments carried out with several types of porous material, such as bioglass (“Naomi’s Nucleant”), buckypaper, porous gold and porous silicon. Protein crystals grown with the aid of bioglass and buckypaper yield significantly better diffraction quality compared with crystals grown conventionally. In all cases, visually superior crystals are usually obtained. Our theoretical conclusion is that heterogeneous nucleation of a crystal outside the pore is an exceptional case. Rather, the protein crystals nucleating inside the pores continue growing outside them.
Bioactive Compounds from Marine Sponges and Algae: Effects on Cancer Cell Metabolome and Chemical Structures
Authors: Esposito Roberta , Federico Serena , Glaviano Francesca , Somma Emanuele , Zupo Valerio , Costantini Maria
Published: September 2022

Metabolomics represent the set of small organic molecules generally called metabolites, which are located within cells, tissues or organisms. This new “omic” technology, together with other similar technologies (genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics) is becoming a widely used tool in cancer research, aiming at the understanding of global biology systems in their physiologic or altered conditions. Cancer is among the most alarming human diseases and it causes a considerable number of deaths each year. Cancer research is one of the most important fields in life sciences. In fact, several scientific advances have been made in recent years, aiming to illuminate the metabolism of cancer cells, which is different from that of healthy cells, as suggested by Otto Warburg in the 1950s. Studies on sponges and algae revealed that these organisms are the main sources of the marine bioactive compounds involved in drug discovery for cancer treatment and prevention. In this review, we analyzed these two promising groups of marine organisms to focus on new metabolomics approaches for the study of metabolic changes in cancer cell lines treated with chemical extracts from sponges and algae, and for the classification of the chemical structures of bioactive compounds that may potentially prove useful for specific biotechnological applications.
Size-Dependent Effects of Polystyrene Nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on Behaviors and Endogenous Neurochemicals in Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Hwang Kyu-Seok , Son Yuji , Kim Seong Soon , Shin Dae-Seop , Lim So Hee , Yang Jung Yoon , Jeong Ha Neul , Lee Byung Hoi , Bae Myung Ae
Published: September 2022

Microplastics, small pieces of plastic derived from polystyrene, have recently become an ecological hazard due to their toxicity and widespread occurrence in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we exposed zebrafish larvae to two types of fluorescent polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) to identify their size-dependent effects. PS-NPs of 50 nm, unlike 100 nm PS-NPs, were found to circulate in the blood vessels and accumulate in the brains of zebrafish larvae. Behavioral and electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis showed that 50 nm PS-NPs induce abnormal behavioral patterns and changes in EEG power spectral densities in zebrafish larvae. In addition, the quantification of endogenous neurochemicals in zebrafish larvae showed that 50 nm PS-NPs disturb dopaminergic metabolites, whereas 100 nm PS-NPs do not. Finally, we assessed the effect of PS-NPs on the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) using a microfluidic system. The results revealed that 50 nm PS-NPs have high BBB penetration compared with 100 nm PS-NPs. Taken together, we concluded that small nanoparticles disturb the nervous system, especially dopaminergic metabolites.
Fucoidan Protects against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Preventing Mitochondrial Function Injury
Authors: Ji Yuting , Jin Dekui , Qi Jingyi , Wang Xuan , Zhang Chengying , An Peng , Luo Yongting , Luo Junjie
Published: September 2022

Doxorubicin (DOXO) is a potent chemotherapeutic drug widely used to treat various cancers. However, its clinical application is limited due to serious adverse effects on dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Although the underlying mechanism has not been fully clarified, DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity has been mainly attributed to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes. Fucoidan, as a kind of sulphated polysaccharide existing in numerous brown seaweed, has potent anti-oxidant, immune-regulatory, anti-tumor, anti-coagulate and anti-viral activities. Here, we explore the potential protective role and mechanism of fucoidan in DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Our results show that oral fucoidan supplement exerts potent protective effects against DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and preventing mitochondrial function injury. The improved effect of fucoidan on DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity was evaluated by echocardiography, cardiac myocytes size and cardiac fibrosis analysis, and the expression of genes related to cardiac dysfunction and remodeling. Fucoidan reduced the ROS content and the MDA levels but enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes GSH-PX and SOD in the mouse serum in a DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity model. In addition, fucoidan also increased the ATP production capacity and restored the levels of a mitochondrial respiratory chain complex in heart tissue. Collectively, this study highlights fucoidan as a potential polysaccharide for protecting against DOXO-induced cardiovascular diseases.
Molecular Biosimilarity—An AI-Driven Paradigm Shift
Authors: Niazi Sarfaraz K.
Published: September 2022

Scientific, technical, and bioinformatics advances have made it possible to establish analytics-based molecular biosimilarity for the approval of biosimilars. If the molecular structure is identical and other product- and process-related attributes are comparable within the testing limits, then a biosimilar candidate will have the same safety and efficacy as its reference product. Classical testing in animals and patients is much less sensitive in terms of identifying clinically meaningful differences, as is reported in the literature. The recent artificial intelligence (AI)-based protein structure prediction model, AlphaFold-2, has confirmed that the primary structure of proteins always determines their 3D structure; thus, we can deduce that a biosimilar with an identical primary structure will have the same efficacy and safety. Further confirmation of the thesis has been established using technologies that are now much more sensitive. For example, mass spectrometry (MS) is thousands of times more sensitive and accurate when compared to any form of biological testing. While regulatory agencies have begun waiving animal testing and, in some cases, clinical efficacy testing, the removal of clinical pharmacology profiling brings with it a dramatic paradigm shift, reducing development costs without compromising safety or efficacy. A list of 160+ products that are ready to enter as biosimilars has been shared. Major actions from regulatory agencies and developers are required to facilitate this paradigm shift.
Immune Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer Ascites
Authors: Almeida-Nunes Diana Luísa , Mendes-Frias Ana , Silvestre Ricardo , Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge , Ricardo Sara
Published: September 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) has a specific type of metastasis, via transcoelomic, and most of the patients are diagnosed at advanced stages with multiple tumors spread within the peritoneal cavity. The role of Malignant Ascites (MA) is to serve as a transporter of tumor cells from the primary location to the peritoneal wall or to the surface of the peritoneal organs. MA comprise cellular components with tumor and non-tumor cells and acellular components, creating a unique microenvironment capable of modifying the tumor behavior. These microenvironment factors influence tumor cell proliferation, progression, chemoresistance, and immune evasion, suggesting that MA play an active role in OC progression. Tumor cells induce a complex immune suppression that neutralizes antitumor immunity, leading to disease progression and treatment failure, provoking a tumor-promoting environment. In this review, we will focus on the High-Grade Serous Carcinoma (HGSC) microenvironment with special attention to the tumor microenvironment immunology.