Non-coding RNA as future target for diagnose and treatment of perineural invasion in cancers

Perineural invasion(PNI),a particularly insidious form of tumor metastasis distinct from hematogenous or lymphatic spread,has the capacity to extend well beyond the primary tumor site,infiltrating distant regions devoid of lymphatic or vascular structures.PNI often heralds a decrease in patient survival rates and is recognized as an indicator of an unfavorable prognosis across a variety of cancers.Despite its clinical significance,the underlying molecular mechanisms of PNI remain elusive,complicating the development of specific and efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.In the realm of cancer research,non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs)have attracted considerable attention due to their multifaceted roles and cancer-specific expression profiles,positioning them as promising candidates for applications in cancer diagnostics,prognostics,and treatment.Among the various types of ncRNAs,microRNAs(miRNAs),long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs),and circular RNAs(circRNAs)have emerged as influential players in PNI.Their involvement is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.Our study synthesizes and explores the diverse functions and mechanisms of ncRNAs in relation to PNI in cancer.This comprehensive review aims to shed light on cutting-edge perspectives that could pave the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to address the challenges posed by PNI in oncology.

Urine exosome mRNA-based test for monitoring kidney allograft rejection:Effects of sample transportation and storage,and interference substances

BACKGROUND Exosomes are 30-150 nm nanovesicles with sophisticated nucleic acids cargo,actively secreted by all cells within human body,and found in abundance in all body fluids,including urine.These extracellular vesicles have tremendous potential for next generation diagnostics,theoretically enabling noninvasive assessment of organ and tissue function via liquid biopsy analysis.AIM Recently,feasibility of an exosomal molecular test was demonstrated for postorgan transplant monitoring:Analysis of urine-derived exosomal mRNA cargo allowed early detection of kidney allograft rejection.Here,we further studied urine-derived exosomes and their mRNA content as a highly promising diagnostic modality.This included stability studies of urine samples and exosomal mRNA upon transportation from the point of collection to a centralized testing facility,short-term storage of urine at different conditions upon receipt till the point molecular assay is performed,and effects of various potentially interfering substances on the downstream quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)assay.METHODS The urine specimens were stored at various conditions and pre-processed in different ways.Next,samples were passed through the columns to capture all extracellular vesicles,the vesicles were lysed to release their content and the exosomal RNA was purified on the mini-columns,reverse transcription was performed,next pre-amplification,followed by a qPCR analysis for a panel of RESULTS To ensure exosomal RNA integrity,the harvested urine specimens should be shipped refrigerated,by overnight delivery.Urine can next be stored at the test site for up to 1 wk at 4°C,and long term should be frozen at-80°C.Urine specimens must be centrifuge at low G-force to deplete cells and debris,to ensure consistent top results in downstream molecular assays.All commonly used medications(tacrolimus,cyclosporin A,mycophenolic acid,everolimus,sirolimus,ascomycin,teriflunomide)were tested and confirmed that they do not cause assay interference.CONCLUSION mRNA from urine-derived exosomes was shown to be stable across a broad range of conditions and produced accurate results when analyzed via qPCR assay for detection of kidney allograft rejection.We identified the most optimal conditions for every step of the process,ensuring pre-analytical sample integrity and robust qPCR results.

A Smart Home Energy Monitoring System Based on Internet of Things and Inter Planetary File System for Secure Data Sharing

Energy demand will continue to rise as a result of predicted population growth. In this work, a user-friendly home energy monitoring system based on IoT is described, which is capable of collecting, analyzing, and displaying data. Users register their sensors and devices on the monitoring platform. PostgreSQL and Elasticsearch databases are used to store the resulting measurements. In a smart home, the wireless sensor ACS712 was used to monitor the flow of electricity (current and voltage) for a household device. The user can share data about electricity consumption and costs with a third party via the private IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) network. A third party can download all the energy consumption data for a device or many devices from the platform for 1 day, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The studies on the development of energy-efficient technology for home devices benefit greatly from the gathered data. For security in the system, it is preferred to run Keyrock Idm, Wilma Pep Proxy, and Orion Context Broker in HTTPS mode, and MQTTS is used to retrieve sensor data. The experimental results showed that the energy monitoring system accurately records voltage, current, active power, and the total amount of power used and offers low-cost solutions to the users using household devices in a day.

Assessment of Groundwater Potential and Prediction of the Potential Trend up to 2042 Using GIS-Based Model and Remote Sensing Techniques for Kiambu County

Groundwater is one of the important necessary renewable resources of the world. It forms part of the natural water cycle that is present in the underground strata with the principal sources being precipitation and streamflow. Traditionally, information on the potential occurrence of groundwater was obtained using techniques such as drilling, geophysical, geological, hydro-geological and geo-electrical which are time-consuming, costly and lacked full coverage. This study shows that remote sensing and GIS techniques can be utilized to map groundwater potential using a GIS-based model, the Modified DRASTIC Model, which incorporates factors that influence groundwater occurrence. These factors are the surface attributes that infer groundwater potentials and they include geology, soil texture, land use, lithology, landforms, slope steepness, lineaments and drainage systems. A prediction of the groundwater prediction was done by utilizing the MOLUSCE tool, a plugin in Qgis that utilizes ANN, multicriteria evaluation, weights of evidence and LRs algorithms in predicting land changes. The kappa value for prediction was 0.83. The results showed areas in the Southwest region had low to very low potential and the central region had high to very high potential for all the years and there were little changes between the years. The prediction showed that by 2042, the eastern region of Kiambu County will have a decline in groundwater potential.

Expanded Follicle-Sulcus-Crack Complex Is an Early Warning Sign of Facial Skin Aging: Improvement by Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate-Containing Skin Product

Background: Wrinkles, pigmented spots, and roughness are representative parameters reflecting facial skin aging. Sulci cutis connecting to follicular orifices frequently form perifollicular cracks, which join together adjacent sulci. This follicle-sulcus-crack complex (FSCC) is exacerbated by dehydration. Purpose: Although dehydration is associated with facial skin aging, FSCC’s implications in facial skin aging remain unresolved. Method: We measured facial skin parameters in 1999 and 2010 in 108 Japanese women, and in 2006 and 2016 in 182 Chinese women. We addressed whether expansion of FSCC is associated with other skin aging parameters. We also examined whether skin moisturizer can reverse the expanded FSCC. Results: In both clinical studies, FSCC severity as well as wrinkles, spots, and roughness significantly deteriorated with age. Notably, FSCC significantly increased as early as in subjects in their 20s, whereas wrinkles, spots, and roughness became conspicuous in those in their 40s or older. Moreover, subjects with more severe FSCC in the initial measurement exhibited significantly worse wrinkles, spots, and roughness in the second measurement a decade later. Dehydration was significantly correlated with expanded FSCC. Furthermore, FSCC expansion was reversed after appropriate moisturization by daily application of Galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF)-containing skincare product (SK-II Skin Power Cream) for 4 weeks in 37 women. Conclusion: The expanded FSCC is likely to be an early indicator of facial skin aging. Appropriate moisturization may reduce FSCC formation and decelerate facial skin aging.

Molecular Docking Studies of Botanical Beverage Mix Berries (LIFEGREENTM) against Breast Cancer Cells from Targeted Protein 1QQG, 7B5Q & 7B5O & Uterine Fibroid from Targeted Protein 2AYR, 6T41 & 3GRF

Fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are communal tumors of the muscle or uterine wall that affect about 20% of females who are of reproductive age. They can look as if singly or in clusters, and they often cease to grow after menopause. Fibroids can be classified as intramural, sub serosal, pedunculated, or submucosal based on where they are positioned in the uterus. Although fibroids are benign, they can grow quickly and cause a range of symptoms, such as pelvic pressure, heavy menstrual flow, and infertility. As a result, fibroids are a main reason behind hysterectomy surgeries. The majority of cases of breast cancer are ductal and lobular cancers, making it the second utmost common cancer in women international. Gene mutations like those in BRCA1 or BRCA2 knowingly raise the risk of breast and other cancers, typically with an earlier cancer onset. Cancer risk is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic abnormalities, environmental factors, and lifestyle selections. Further research into these relations is domineering. Although they are common in uterine leiomyomas, especially multiple leiomyomas, MED12 mutations do not significantly correlate with tumor size. These mutations have also been noticed in smooth muscle tumors and leiomyosarcomas, two other types of uterine cancer. The identification of MED12 mutations as the sole genetic abnormality originates in leiomyomas raises the opportunity of a role in the genesis of cancer. 10% - 15% of women who are of reproductive age have endometriosis, which grants serious difficulties because of its chronic nature and range of clinical symptoms. Even after effective surgeries, issues reoccur often, adding to the enormous financial burden. The effects of MED12 mutations have been experiential in recent studies examining the molecular causes of endometriosis-associated infertility, which have shown anomalies in cellular connections and signaling cascades. Computational techniques were used in this study to investigate LifeGreenTM’s potential to prevent uterine fibroids and breast cancer. The efficacy of LifeGreenTM as a preventive measure or a treatment for common gynecological matters was examined and modeled. We investigated the mechanisms underlying LifeGreenTM’s benefits in the treatment of uterine fibroids and breast cancer using computational techniques. Our research contributes to our understanding of its potential therapeutic benefits for women’s health.

Design, Development and Phytochemical Evaluation of a Poly Herbal Formulation Linkus Syrup

The present work has been carried out on polyherbal formulation named as Linkus Syrup. The herbal formulation consists of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hyssopus officinalis, Piper longum and Alpinia galangal. The Linkus syrup physico-chemical evaluation such as pH, density, identification of polysaccharide, tanning agents, ascorbic acid and shelf life was complied. The TLC and quantitative determination of alkaloid were quantified. Determination of biomarker has been validated for the analysis of vasicine. The study result revealed that Linkus syrup formulation was well standardized at different levels such as physic-chemical consistency and assay of bio marker compound.

Golgi protein-73:A biomarker for assessing cirrhosis and prognosis of liver disease patients

BACKGROUND Reliable biomarkers of cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),or progression of chronic liver diseases are missing.In this context,Golgi protein-73(GP73)also called Golgi phosphoprotein-2,was originally defined as a resident Golgi type II transmembrane protein expressed in epithelial cells.As a result,GP73 expression was found primarily in biliary epithelial cells,with only slight detection in hepatocytes.However,in patients with acute or chronic liver diseases and especially in HCC,the expression of GP73 is significantly up-regulated in hepatocytes.So far,few studies have assessed GP73 as a diagnostic or prognostic marker of liver fibrosis and disease progression.AIM To assess serum GP73 efficacy as a diagnostic marker of cirrhosis and/or HCC or as predictor of liver disease progression.METHODS GP73 serum levels were retrospectively determined by a novel GP73 ELISA(QUANTA Lite®GP73,Inova Diagnostics,Inc.,Research Use Only)in a large cohort of 632 consecutive patients with chronic viral and non-viral liver diseases collected from two tertiary Academic centers in Larissa,Greece(n=366)and Debrecen,Hungary(n=266).Aspartate aminotransferase(AST)/Platelets(PLT)ratio index(APRI)was also calculated at the relevant time points in all patients.Two hundred and three patients had chronic hepatitis B,183 chronic hepatitis C,198 alcoholic liver disease,28 autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases,15 autoimmune hepatitis,and 5 with other liver-related disorders.The duration of follow-up was 50(57)mo[median(interquartile range)].The development of cirrhosis,liver decompensation and/or HCC during follow-up were assessed according to internationally accepted guidelines.In particular,the surveillance for the development of HCC was performed regularly with ultrasound imaging and alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)determination every 6 mo in cirrhotic and every 12 mo in non-cirrhotic patients.RESULTS Increased serum levels of GP73(>20 units)were detected at initial evaluation in 277 out of 632 patients(43.8%).GP73-seropositivity correlated at baseline with the presence of cirrhosis(96.4%vs 51.5%,P<0.001),decompensation of cirrhosis(60.3%vs 35.5%,P<0.001),presence of HCC(18.4%vs 7.9%,P<0.001)and advanced HCC stage(52.9%vs 14.8%,P=0.002).GP73 had higher diagnostic accuracy for the presence of cirrhosis compared to APRI score[Area under the curve(AUC)(95%CI):0.909(0.885-0.934)vs 0.849(0.813-0.886),P=0.003].Combination of GP73 with APRI improved further the accuracy(AUC:0.925)compared to GP73(AUC:0.909,P=0.005)or APRI alone(AUC:0.849,P<0.001).GP73 levels were significantly higher in HCC patients compared to non-HCC[22.5(29.2)vs 16(20.3)units,P<0.001)and positively associated with BCLC stage[stage 0:13.9(10.8);stage A:17.1(16.8);stage B:19.6(22.3);stage C:32.2(30.8);stage D:45.3(86.6)units,P<0.001]and tumor dimensions[very early:13.9(10.8);intermediate:19.6(18.4);advanced:29.1(33.6)units,P=0.004].However,the discriminative ability for HCC diagnosis was relatively low[AUC(95%CI):0.623(0.570-0.675)].Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the detection of GP73 in patients with compensated cirrhosis at baseline,was prognostic of higher rates of decompensation(P=0.036),HCC development(P=0.08),and liver-related deaths(P<0.001)during follow-up.CONCLUSION GP73 alone appears efficient for detecting cirrhosis and superior to APRI determination.In combination with APRI,its diagnostic performance can be further improved.Most importantly,the simple GP73 measurement proved promising for predicting a worse outcome of patients with both viral and nonviral chronic liver diseases.

Role of pomegranate and citrus fruit juices in colon cancer prevention

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.Recent studies prove that though chemotherapeutic agents are being used for the treatment of colon cancer,they become non-effective when the cancer progresses to an invasive stage.Since consumption of certain dietary agents has been linked with various cancers,fruit juices have been investigated for their consistently protective effect against colon cancer.The unique biochemical composition of fruit juices is responsible for their anticancer properties.In this review,the chemo-preventive effect of fruit juices such as pomegranate and citrus juices against colon cancer are discussed.For this purpose,the bioavailability,in vitro and in vivo effects of these fruit juices on colorectal cancer are highlighted.Moreover,there is a scarcity of studies involving human trials to estimate the preventive nature of these juices against colon cancer.This review will support the need for more preclinical tests with these crude juices and their constituents in different colorectal cancer cell lines and also some epidemiological studies in order to have a better understanding and promote pomegranate and citrus juices as crusaders against colon cancer.

Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer:A case of the chicken or the egg

Acute pancreatitis(AP),chronic pancreatitis(CP)and pancreatic cancer are three distinct pancreatic diseases with different prognoses and treatment options.However,it may be difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant disease.AP may be a first symptom of pancreatic cancer,particularly in patients between the ages of 56 and 75 with presumed idiopathic AP who had a concomitant diagnosis of new-onset diabetes mellitus or patients who present with CP at diagnosis of AP.In these patients,additional imaging is warranted,preferably by endoscopic ultrasonography.CP may lead to pancreatic cancer through oncogenic mutations,mostly in patients with hereditary CP,and in patients in whom risk factors for pancreatic cancer(e.g.,nicotine and alcohol abuse)are also present.Patients with PRSS1-mediated CP and patients with a history of autosomal dominant hereditary CP without known genetic mutations may be considered for surveillance for pancreatic cancer.Pancreatic inflammation may mimic pancreatic cancer by appearing as a focal mass-forming lesion on imaging.Differentiation between the above mentioned benign and malignant disease may be facilitated by specific features like the duct-penetrating sign and the duct-to-parenchyma ratio.Research efforts are aimed towards developing a superior discriminant between pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in the form of imaging modalities or biomarkers.This may aid clinicians in timely diagnosing pancreatic cancer in a potentially curable stage.

Primary Tracheobronchial Amyloidosis in China:Analysis of 64 Cases and A Review of Literature

Primary tracheobronchial amyloidosis (TBA) is a rare pulmonary disease.A systematic review was performed on 64 cases of primary TBA in China and progress in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease is discussed.The Chinese biological and medical databases from 1970 to 2010 were searched and 75 cases of complete clinical and pathological data were identified.The clinical characteristics of the disease were summarized and longitudinal comparisons were made of diagnostic and treatment methods over time.The results showed that the morbidity associated with primary TBA has increased over recent years.The clinical manifestations were non-specific.Progressive dyspnea, cough and sputum were the most common symptoms.The percentage of patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) scan has increased over the years.The bronchoscopy and transbrochial lung biopsy (TBLB) were usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis.Treatment was reported for a total of 44 cases.Bronchoscopic Nd:YAG laser irradiation, argon plasma coagulation (APC) and drugs administration such as steroids and colchicines were reported to be effective in some patients.It is concluded that the demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations of primary TBA patients in China are largely consistent with findings reported in other countries.Dramatically more cases were reported in recent years, mainly due to the extensive application of bronchoscopy since 1990s.Chest CT scan provides important clues for the diagnosis of the disease.The definite diagnosis was confirmed by bronchoscopic findings and Congo red staining of biopsy specimen.Bronchoscopic Nd:YAG laser irradiation, argon plasma coagulation (APC) and drugs administration, such as steroids and colchicines were reported to be effective in some patients.

Chemopreventive effect of apple and berry fruits against colon cancer

Colon cancer arises due to the conversion of precancerous polyps(benign)found in the inner lining of the colon.Prevention is better than cure,and this is very true with respect to colon cancer.Various epidemiologic studies have linked colorectal cancer with food intake.Apple and berry juices are widely consumed among various ethnicities because of their nutritious values.In this review article,chemopreventive effects of these fruit juices against colon cancer are discussed.Studies dealing with bioavailability,in vitro and in vivo effects of apple and berry juices are emphasized in this article.A thorough literature survey indicated that various phenolic phytochemicals present in these fruit juices have the innate potential to inhibit colon cancer cell lines.This review proposes the need for more preclinical evidence for the effects of fruit juices against different colon cancer cells,and also strives to facilitate clinical studies using these juices in humans in large trials.The conclusion of the review is that these apple and berry juices will be possible candidates in the campaign against colon cancer.

Anti-steatotic and anti-fibrotic effects of the KCa3.1 channel inhibitor, Senicapoc, in non-alcoholic liver disease

To evaluate a calcium activated potassium channel (KCa3.1) inhibitor attenuates liver disease in models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).METHODSWe have performed a series of in vitro and in vivo studies using the KCa3.1 channel inhibitor, Senicapoc. Efficacy studies of Senicapoc were conducted in toxin-, thioacetamide (TAA) and high fat diet (HFD)-induced models of liver fibrosis in rats. Efficacy and pharmacodynamic effects of Senicapoc was determined through biomarkers of apoptosis, inflammation, steatosis and fibrosis.RESULTSUpregulation of KCa3.1 expression was recorded in TAA-induced and high fat diet-induced liver disease. Treatment with Senicapoc decreased palmitic acid-driven HepG2 cell death. (P < 0.05 vs control) supporting the finding that Senicapoc reduces lipid-driven apoptosis in HepG2 cell cultures. In animals fed a HFD for 6 wk, co-treatment with Senicapoc, (1) reduced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (NAS) (0-8 scale), (2) decreased steatosis and (3) decreased hepatic lipid content (Oil Red O, P < 0.05 vs vehicle). Randomization of TAA animals and HFD fed animals to Senicapoc was associated with a decrease in liver fibrosis as evidenced by hydroxyproline and Masson’s trichrome staining (P < 0.05 vs vehicle). These results demonstrated that Senicapoc mitigates both steatosis and fibrosis in liver fibrosis models.CONCLUSIONThese data suggest that Senicapoc interrupts more than one node in progressive fatty liver disease by its anti-steatotic and anti-fibrotic activities, serving as a double-edged therapeutic sword.

Updated clinical and glycomic features of mannosyl-oligosaccharide glucosidase deficiency:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Mannosyl-oligosaccharide glucosidase(MOGS)deficiency is an extremely rare type of congenital disorder of glycosylation(CDG),with only 12 reported cases.Its clinical,genetic,and glycomic features are still expanding.Our aim is to update the novel clinical and glycosylation features of 2 previously reported patients with MOGS-CDG.CASE SUMMARY We collected comprehensive clinical information,and conducted the immunoglobulin G1 glycosylation assay using nano-electrospray ionization source quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry.Novel dysmorphic features included an enlarged tongue,forwardly rotated earlobes,a birth mark,overlapped toes,and abnormal fat distribution.Novel imaging findings included pericardial effusion,a deep interarytenoid groove,mild congenital subglottic stenosis,and laryngomalacia.Novel laboratory findings included peripheral leukocytosis with neutrophil predominance,elevated C-reactive protein and creatine kinase,dyslipidemia,coagulopathy,complement 3 and complement 4 deficiencies,decreased proportions of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells,and increased serum interleukin 6.Glycosylation studies showed a significant increase of hypermannosylated glycopeptides(Glc3Man7GlcNAc2/N2H10 and Man5GlcNAc2/N2H5)and hypersialylated glycopeptides.A compensatory glycosylation pathway leading to an increase in Man5GlcNAc2/N2H5 was indicated with the glycosylation profile.CONCLUSION We confirmed abnormal glycomics in 1 patient,expanding the clinical and glycomic spectrum of MOGS-CDG.We also postulated a compensatory glycosylation pathway,leading to a possible serum biomarker for future diagnosis.

Outcomes of kidney transplantation in patients with hepatitis B virus infection:A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM To assess outcomes of kidney transplantation including patient and allograft outcomes in recipients with hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection, and the trends of patient's outcomes overtime.METHODS A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Database from inception through October 2017. Studies that reported odds ratios(OR) of mortality or renal allograft failure after kidney transplantation in patients with HBV [defined as hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag) positive] were included. The comparison group consisted of HBs Agnegative kidney transplant recipients. Effect estimates from the individual study were extracted and combined using random-effect, generic inverse variance method of Der Simonian and Laird. The protocol for this metaanalysis is registered with PROSPERO(International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; no. CRD42017080657).RESULTS Ten observational studies with a total of 87623 kidney transplant patients were enrolled. Compared to HBs Ag-negative recipients, HBs Ag-positive status was significantly associated with increased risk of mortality after kidney transplantation(pooled OR = 2.48; 95%CI: 1.61-3.83). Meta-regression showed significant negative correlations between mortality risk after kidney transplantation in HBs Ag-positive recipients and year of study(slopes =-0.062, P = 0.001). HBs Agpositive status was also associated with increased risk of renal allograft failure with pooled OR of 1.46(95%CI: 1.08-1.96). There was also a significant negative correlation between year of study and risk of allograft failure(slopes =-0.018, P = 0.002). These associations existed in overall analysis as well as in limited cohort of hepatitis C virus-negative patients. We found no publication bias as assessed by the funnel plots and Egger's regression asymmetry test with P = 0.18 and 0.13 for the risks of mortality and allograft failure after kidney transplantation in HBs Ag-positive recipients, respectively.CONCLUSION Among kidney transplant patients, there are significant associations between HBs Ag-positive status and poor outcomes including mortality and allograft failure. However, there are potential improvements in patient and graft survivals in HBs Ag-positive recipients overtime.

Interactions of primary neuroepithelial progenitor and brain endothelial cells: distinct effect on neural progenitor maintenance and differentiation by soluble factors and direct contact

Neurovascular interactions are crucial for the normal development of the central nervous system. To study such interactions in primary cultures, we developed a procedure to simultaneously isolate neural progenitor and endothelial cell fractions from embryonic mouse brains. Depending on the culture conditions endothelial cells were found to favor maintenance of the neuroprogenitor phenotype through the production of soluble factors, or to promote neuronal differentiation of neural progenitors through direct contact. These apparently opposing effects could reflect differential cellular interactions needed for the proper development of the brain.

A Review and Economic Analysis of Different Emission Reduction Techniques for Marine Diesel Engines

The maritime industry is currently facing the challenges of adopting new technologies and operational practices with stricter international, national and local rules in order to reduce exhaust gas emissions from ships. The most objective of regulations introduced and presented by the Worldwide Sea Organization such as International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to lessen the commitment shipping makes to worldwide and local discharges. This paper analyzes emissions from marine engines and the process of waste exhaust gas formation and provides a summary of the emission reduction technologies to satisfy MARPOL NOx tier III and EPA tier IV rules. The results showed the possibility of achieving a valuable emission reduction percentage if future diesel engines are equipped with pre-treatment, internal-treatment and/or post-treatment techniques. Economics impact for medium and low speed for category 3 marine diesel engines is also presented.

New Insights in the Ash Melting Behavior and Improvement of Biomass Energy Pellets Using Flour Bond

New insight was obtained in the effect of ash composition on the ash melting behavior of biomass products. It was shown that there is a good correlation between the amounts of calcium （Ca）, silicon （Si） and potassium （K） of the ash and the ash melting temperature （Tmelt） of bio-energy products like wood, agro and sludge pellets （n = 164）. Using PCA and linear regression analyses a good prediction of the Tmelt can be obtained by using an easy to use formula： Ln [Tmelt] = 7.24 - 0.33 × Si - 0. 70 × K ＋ 1.28 × K × Ca （variance accounted for is 72%）. The new formula give much better predictions of the ash Tmelt of wood pellets and other solid bio-energy or biofuel products than previous fits. As expected Ca plays an important positive role. K and Si sink the Tmelt. Other metals play a less dominant role, such as iron （Fe）, aluminium （Al） and magnesium （Mg）. The new insight was put into practice by showing that by adding FlourBond, a pressing aid high in Ca, the Tmelt of wood pellet ash can be increased. It is envisaged that an elevated ash Tmelt reduces the risk of slagging of solid biofuels.

Comparison of Physicochemical,Organoleptic and Nutritional Abilities of Eight Sweet Potato(Ipomoea batatas)Varieties

In Martinique (F.W.I.), biodiversity of vegetable varieties remain unexploited due to public unawareness or supply problems. To further enhance the sweet potato, physicochemical, sensory and nutritional characteristics of eight varieties of sweet potato were established. The eight sweet potatoes cultivars were noticeably diverse with phenotypic, sensory, physicochemical and nutritional characteristics which were very varied. The eight cultivars grown in Martinique were advantageously positioned in relation to the globally identified sweet potato, regarding fibre, starch, potassium, copper, vitamin B1, B3 and B9 contents. Compared to the ordinary potato, Martiniquan sweet potatoes have a much better nutritional potential. Energy value and vitamin C levels were twice as much as in normal potatoes. Martiniquan sweet potatoes cultivars were also richer in minerals and vitamins, with 2.7 times more vitamin B9 and 63 times more beta-carotene than the ordinary potato.