bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutraceutical Potential of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) Hull: Phytochemicals, Antioxidant Activity, and Liver Protection
Authors: Huang Yu-Chen , Tung Chun-Liang , Ho Shang-Tse , Li Wei-Sung , Li Shiming , Tung Yu-Tang , Wu Jyh-Horng
Published: June 2024

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum), a traditional Taiwanese crop enriched with phenolic compounds and betalain pigments, is associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. This study analysed the phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of extracts from both the hull and kernel of Djulis. The hull extract, which contained higher levels of flavonoids and exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to the kernel extract, was selected for further in vivo studies. These experiments showed that oral administration of the Djulis hull crude extract significantly mitigated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice by increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reducing plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and enhancing liver levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4). Additionally, the extract demonstrated potential in inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, a critical signalling pathway in inflammation and apoptosis, offering insights into its protective mechanisms. These findings underscore Djulis hull’s potential as a functional food ingredient for ALI prevention and propose a valuable application for agricultural by-products.
In Vitro Biological Activities of Hesperidin-Related Compounds with Different Solubility
Authors: Lee Hyo-Jun , Lee Sun-Hyung , Hong Sun-Ki , Gil Bog-Im , Lee Kyung-Ae
Published: June 2024

The biological activities of hesperidin-related compounds, such as hesperetin laurate (HTL), hesperetin (HT), hesperidin (HD), and hesperidin glucoside (HDG), were investigated in vitro. The compounds showed different hydrophobicities, and the octanol–water partition coefficient log P were 7.28 ± 0.06 for HTL, 2.59 ± 0.04 for HT, 2.13 ± 0.03 for HD, and −3.45 ± 0.06 for HDG, respectively. In the DPPH assay and β-carotene bleaching assay to determine antioxidant capacity, all compounds tested showed antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner, although to varying degrees. HTL and HT showed similarly high activities compared to HD or HDG. HD and HDG did not show a significant difference despite the difference in solubility between the two. Cytotoxicity was high; in the order of hydrophobicity—HTL > HT > HD > HDL in keratinocyte HaCaT cells. All compounds tested showed reducing effects on cellular inflammatory mediators and cytokines induced by UV irradiation. However, HTL and HT effectively reduced nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels compared to HD and HDG. The inhibitory effects of hesperidin-related compounds on skin-resident microorganisms were evaluated by measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). HTL showed the highest inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, Candida albicans, and Malassezia furfur, followed by HT, while HD and HDF showed little effect. In conclusion, the hydrophobicity of hesperidin-related compounds was estimated to be important for biological activity in vitro, as was the presence or absence of the sugar moiety.
Reliability, Validity, and Sensitivity of Spatiotemporal Parameters in Bandy Sprint Skating Using Skate-Mounted Inertial Measurement Units
Authors: Pojskic Haris , Tillaar Roland van den , Andersson Håkan
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of spatiotemporal parameters, during sprint skating, of bandy players. Thirty-two well-trained male bandy players (age: 17.8 ± 1.2 years; height: 1.80 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 75.7 ± 1.2 kg) participated in this study. They performed two 80 m linear skating sprints. To calculate the velocities and obtain glide-by-glide spatiotemporal variables, nine timing gates and two skate-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) were synchronized and used. The spatiotemporal variables at each step included the glide time, glide length, double support time, double support length, step length, and step frequency. All the spatiotemporal variables were analyzed separately: averaged over 80 m, during the acceleration, and the maximal steady-state phases. The relative and absolute reliability of the spatiotemporal parameters were good (ICC > 0.70; CV < 10%), except for the step frequency during the steady-state phase. The spatiotemporal parameters showed “good” to “satisfactory” sensitivity during the acceleration phase and whole sprint, and “marginal” sensitivity during the steady-state phase. Content validity was confirmed by a low percentage of the shared variance (17.9–34.3%) between the spatiotemporal parameters obtained during the acceleration and steady-state phases. A “stepwise” regression significantly predicted the steady-state skating velocity from the spatiotemporal metrics obtained during the acceleration [F(5,26) = 8.34, p < 0.001, adj. R2 = 0.62] and steady-state phases [F(5,26) = 13.6, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.67]. Only the step frequency obtained in the acceleration phase significantly predicted the maximal skating velocity (p < 0.01), while the glide length and step frequency derived during the steady-state phase significantly added to the prediction (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the spatiotemporal parameters, obtained by two skate-mounted IMUs, were shown to be reliable and sensitive measures of sprint skating, and they could be used to provide independent information for the different skating phases. The maximal skating velocity could be predicted from the spatiotemporal parameters, with longer gliding and more frequent steps as the most significant determinants.
Investigation of the Geometric Characteristics of Inhalable Particles Emitted from the Process of Grinding Dental Restorations
Authors: Ilic Micunovic Milana , Budak Igor , Vukelic Djordje , Djurovic Koprivica Daniela , Kuzmanovic Milos , Agarski Boris , Puskar Tatjana
Published: June 2024

The study concerns measurement and evaluation of the geometric characteristics of the inhalable fraction of particulate matter generated in the process of grinding dental restorations, which is a process that generates a large quantity of particulates. The research is based on measurements taken with a personal sampler, whereby the characteristics of particulates are determined based on the particle mass collected on filters. The collected filters were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the resulting micrographs were processed through image analysis. The complex geometry of particles was examined through the analysis of 14 parameters, of which 6 define size and 8 describe morphological characteristics. Two software programs were used for the image analysis process to gather a wide range of parameters describing particle geometry. The relationship and dependence between the geometric parameters used to describe particle shape and size were investigated using multivariate analysis methods. Through correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis, parameter selection and reduction were performed to provide an understanding of the particles inhaled by exposed workers, which also influences the biological response of exposed organisms and the burden on the working environment.
Experimental Comparison of Fastener Implementation Approaches in Fused Deposition Modeling
Authors: Öngül Fahreddin Fatih , Kandemir İlyas , Pala Öngül Esma
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate common fastener implementation methods for parts manufactured with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Although fastener applications for FDM manufactured parts are already in use, the effects of these methods on tensile and bending forces have not been examined. Test samples with different design techniques and infill ratios were produced using Polylactic Acid (PLA), and tensile strength and flexural and tightening torque tests were performed. Four of the of the most preferred fastener applications were studied. Two of the applications use a heat-set insert, and the other two applications use square nuts. Test samples were designed for the applications and printed with three different infill ratios. The production times and material consumption for these different applications were explained and evaluated. Different drawbacks and advantages were investigated for different applications. It has been observed that the strength of the basic heat-set inserts depends on the surface adhesion and is less affected by the filling rate. Advanced heat-set inserts adhere better to the surface, so the infill ratio is the determining factor in strength. The embedded nut methods depend on the infill ratio up to a certain load. As the load increases, the influence of wall thickness becomes increasingly evident. These findings not only contribute to enhancing structural integrity but also offer invaluable insights into optimizing connection methods for diverse applications.
Identification and Discrimination of Petrol Sources by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Machine Learning in Fire Debris Analysis
Authors: Yankova Yanita , Cirstea Silvia , Cole Michael , Warren John
Published: June 2024

Petrol is considered the most common fire accelerant. However, the identification and classification of petrol sources through the years has proven to be a challenging field in the investigation of fire debris analysis. This research explored the possibility of identifying petrol sources by high-field NMR methods accompanied by ML (machine learning). The automated identification and classification of petrol brands were achieved for first time based on the ML classification model developed in this research. A hierarchical classification model was constructed using local classifiers to categorize neat or weathered petrol into its sources.
Mechanical and Failure Characteristics of Grouting Cemented Coal under Different Degrees of Early Damage
Authors: Jin Aibing , Du Hailong , Zhao Yiqing , Wang Zhongshu , Li Hai
Published: June 2024

Pre-grouting is an effective method to reinforce fractured coal in front of working faces. The mining of adjacent working faces after grouting can cause early damage to the grouting cemented coal. To explore the mechanical properties of grouting cemented coal with different degrees of early damage, we designed and built a grouting equipment that was used on fractured coal to produce grouting cemented coal. In total, 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% of the uniaxial compressive strength of complete coal were applied to the grouting cemented coal to produce early damage. The uniaxial compressive test, digital image correlation technology (DIC), acoustic emission (AE), and scan electron microscopy (SEM) were used to explore the changes in the mechanical properties of the grouting cemented coal with different early disturbance, and the surface and internal failure modes of the samples were investigated. The results show that with an increase in the early damage degree from 0% to 60%, the strength of the grouting cemented coal samples first increased and then decreased. Moreover, when the damage degree was 40%, the strength of the grouting cemented coal reached a maximum, which increased by 24.38% compared to that of the grouting cemented coal without damage. Under the low degree of damage, the samples exhibited tensile failure. As the damage degree increases, the samples’ failure mode changes to shear and mixed failure mode, and the breakdown speed increases. Internal crack propagation mostly occurred during the failure stage. As the damage degree increased, the failure stage increased, and the grouting cemented coal exhibited plastic characteristics. However, when the early damage degree increased to 60%, the samples exhibited typical brittle failure characteristics. The microstructure results show that the low degree of early damage for the samples is conducive to the infiltration of the slurry in coal, improving the grouting reinforcement effect. A large degree of early damage can lead to internal structural damage and strength degradation in grouting cemented coal.
Feasibility Study of Traction Power Supply for Medium-Capacity Rail System Based on Rigid Overhead Conductor Rail System: Case Study on Pham Van Dong Route in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Van Dong Doan , Thai Nguyen , Hong Le Xuan
Published: June 2024

In this article, we advance a model for the traction power supply of a medium-capacity railway system along the major Pham Van Dong (PVD) arterial route situated in the northeastern sector of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. This study simulates an in-depth analysis of the carrying capacity and feasibility of traction power supply for this scenario based on a safe moving-block system utilizing Communications-based Train Control (CBTC). The research results show that the 750 V DC traction system uses a rigid overhead conductor rail system (ROCS) with distances between traction power stations of up to 6 km with double feeding. The system provides a service frequency of 36 trains per hour per direction, and has a transport capacity of up to 47,520 passengers per hour per direction. The implementation of this solution, as proposed, has the potential to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, reduce environmental pollution, and provide a complete and modern urban railway network for HCMC. The system could also be implemented in other similar global scenarios. Additionally, this investigation also demonstrates the feasibility of applying the new ROCS to medium-capacity railway systems (MCSs), which have garnered increasing attention in recent years owing to their discernible advantages over extant systems. The outcomes of this study underscore the pragmatic nature of the proposed solution, which orients sustainable and integrated development in the realm of urban rail transport.
The Possibility of Using Lactobacillus plantarum 299v to Reinforce the Bioactive Properties of Legume-Derived Beverages
Authors: Skrzypczak Katarzyna , Teterycz Dorota , Gustaw Waldemar , Domagała Dorota , Mielczarek Przemysław , Kasprzyk-Pochopień Joanna
Published: June 2024

There is a global need to explore alternative protein sources and develop new health-promoting plant-based products. This study aimed to produce beverages from organic seeds of chickpeas and green or red lentils and assess the potential of using L. plantarum 299v to ferment these beverages. Spectrophotometric methods were used to evaluate the ability of the beverages to neutralize 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH•) and chelate Fe2+. Total dietary fiber (including soluble and insoluble fractions) and the protein profiles were compared among the tested legume-derived beverages. The observations were focused on reductions in pH levels, total extract content, dietary fiber, ash, and moisture levels in all the fermented legume products. Fermentation contributed to increased antioxidative activity in all the tested products. The strongest ability to chelate Fe2+ (58.33 ± 2.35%) was noted in non-fermented green lentil products, while green lentil beverages fermented for 72 h exhibited the highest value of free radical scavenging activity (88.44 ± 4.24 DPPH• inhibition %). Chickpea products fermented for 72 h displayed the highest count of viable bacterial cells at 7.0 ± 0.7 × 108 CFU/g, while those fermented for 48 h exhibited the greatest number (2764) of potential biopeptide sequences. These findings highlight the feasibility of using this probiotic strain to enhance the functional properties of legume-based beverages.
Robot Grasp Detection with Loss-Guided Collaborative Attention Mechanism and Multi-Scale Feature Fusion
Authors: Fang Haibing , Wang Caixia , Chen Yong
Published: June 2024

Grasp detection serves as the fundamental element for achieving successful grasping in robotic systems. The encoder–decoder structure has become widely adopted as the foundational architecture for grasp detection networks due to its inherent advantages of speed and accuracy. However, traditional network structures fail to effectively extract the essential features required for accurate grasping poses and neglect to eliminate the checkerboard artifacts caused by inversion convolution during decoding. Aiming at overcoming these challenges, we propose a novel generative grasp detection network (LGAR-Net2). A transposed convolution layer is employed to replace the bilinear interpolation layer in the decoder to remove the issue of uneven overlapping and consequently eliminate checkerboard artifacts. In addition, a loss-guided collaborative attention block (LGCA), which combines attention blocks with spatial pyramid blocks to enhance the attention to important regions of the image, is constructed to enhance the accuracy of information extraction. Validated on the Cornell public dataset using RGB images as the input, LGAR-Net2 achieves an accuracy of 97.7%, an improvement of 1.1% over the baseline network, and processes a single RGB image in just 15 ms.
Personalized Tour Itinerary Recommendation Algorithm Based on Tourist Comprehensive Satisfaction
Authors: Liu Dingming , Wang Lizheng , Zhong Yanling , Dong Yi , Kong Jinling
Published: June 2024

Personalized travel itinerary recommendation algorithms are the focus of research in smart tourism and tourism GIS. Aiming to address issues present in travel itinerary recommendations for the increasingly popular “self-drive tour” mode, this study proposes an algorithm based on comprehensive tourist satisfaction to mitigate problems such as the neglect of important relevant factors and low degree of personalization. First, we construct a model of tourist satisfaction for travel itineraries by comprehensively considering factors including time utilization, the attractiveness of attractions, itinerary feasibility, and the diversity of attraction types. Unlike previous studies, we consider dining and accommodation time during the itinerary, the physical condition of tourists, and the diversity of attraction types, and establish penalty functions to flexibly constrain deviations from the expected conditions in itinerary planning. Then, with the optimization of comprehensive tourist satisfaction as the objective, we design a new algorithm to address the itinerary recommendation problem, supporting tourists in selecting must-visit attractions, restaurants, and hotels, as well as personalized preferences such as the sightseeing sequence. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm outperforms two baseline algorithms, providing higher comprehensive tourist satisfaction while also exhibiting greater feasibility in itinerary planning. The proposed algorithm effectively addresses the issue of personalized travel itinerary recommendation, presenting an efficient, feasible, and practical solution.
Review of Intelligent Methods and Their Potential Use towards a Smart Grid Negotiation Framework
Authors: Panagiotou Dimitrios K. , Dounis Anastasios I.
Published: June 2024

The integration of Distributed Energy Resources utilizing Renewable Energy Sources, Energy Storage Systems, and Information and Communication Technologies is transforming traditional energy systems into adaptable, flexible, and sustainable systems, with the Smart Grid concept playing a pivotal role. This paper surveys intelligent techniques and methods applied in various markets and applications, particularly focusing on their potential adaptation for negotiation processes in Smart Grid contexts. The negotiation mechanisms, crucial for prosumers who engage in real-time transactions, are analyzed with a focus on fuzzy logic tools, specifically q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Sets. These tools are evaluated for their capability to handle negotiation tasks and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making problems. The paper proposes a negotiation schema for healthcare buildings, especially hospitals, given their significant environmental impact, providing insight for future research.
The Stiffness Change in Pre-Stressed Concrete T-Beams during Their Life-Cycle Based on a Full-Scale Destructive Test
Authors: Hu Bin , Cai Yingchun , Liu Heng , Wu Wenqi , He Baixue
Published: June 2024

In order to study the stiffness degradation of pre-stressed concrete T-beams throughout their entire service life, full-scale destructive tests were conducted on newly constructed T-beams. The test process characterized the relationship between load and deflection at different load levels. Meanwhile, the equivalent stiffness and short-term stiffness of the T-beams at different load levels were calculated based on formulas from the code, and a segmental stiffness back-calculation method for pre-stressed concrete T-beam bridges was proposed based on system identification theory. The results show that, during the destructive test process, the T-beams experienced complete, partial linear, and non-linear stages. By using the equivalent stiffness and short-term stiffness to predict the stiffness changes during the overall failure process of the T-beams, it was found that, when cracks appeared, the stiffness of the T-beams decreased by 31% compared to the initial value, and the stiffness continued to decrease as the cracks extended further. The segmental stiffness system identification back-calculation method more accurately described the destructive test process of each section of the T-beams. This method can help to evaluate the extent of damage in each section of the beams during the overall destructive test process and further assess the overall structural integrity of the beams.
A Phase Error Correction System for Bioimpedance Measurement Circuits
Authors: Nwokoye Ifeabunike I. , Triantis Iasonas F.
Published: June 2024

Bioimpedance sensing is widely used across a spectrum of biomedical applications. Among the different system architectures for measuring tissue impedance, synchronous detection or demodulation (SD) stands out for its lock-in amplifier utilising in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) demodulation signals to derive real and imaginary impedance components. Typically, the current injected into the tissue is controlled by a voltage-controlled current source (VCCS). However, the VCCS can introduce phase shifts leading to discrepancies in real/imaginary outputs, especially at the highest end of the operating frequency bandwidth. Such discrepancies can significantly impact diagnostic accuracy in applications reliant on precise tissue phase profiling, such as cancer and neuromuscular evaluations. In the present work, we propose an automatic phase error compensation stage for bioimpedance measurement systems to minimise this systematic error. Our experimental findings demonstrated a considerable reduction in phase error, with the Phase Error Compensated Synchronous Detection (PECSD) system exhibiting a maximum phase error of 2° (≤5% error) compared with the uncompensated SD system where error exceeded 20%. The improvements made by our proposed SD system hold great potential for enhancing the accuracy of impedance measurements, particularly in clinical diagnosis and disease detection.
Energy Absorption Characteristics and Parameter Optimization of Anti-Climb Energy-Absorbing Devices for Subway Vehicles under Impact Loads
Authors: Li Yuru , Zhang Hao , Xie Junke , Xiao Shoune , Zhu Tao , Zhou Gangjian , Xu Liyou
Published: June 2024

To further enhance the crashworthiness of subway vehicle anti-climb energy-absorbing devices, this paper proposes a novel collapsible structure, which is embedded with honeycomb aluminum blocks and consists of an inner and outer double-layer square tube. An impact finite element model of the subway vehicle’s anti-climb energy-absorbing device was established using LS-DYNA (v.17.2). The effects of the connecting diaphragm thickness, the inner and outer tube thicknesses of the thin-walled tubes, and the yield strength of the honeycomb aluminum on the energy absorption and impact force of the anti-climb energy-absorbing device were investigated. The results indicate that changes in the inner and outer tube thicknesses of the thin-walled tubes significantly affect the energy absorption and impact force of the anti-climb energy-absorbing device. However, changes in the connecting diaphragm thickness only increase the maximum energy absorption by up to 7.5% but have a significant impact on the maximum peak force. It was also found that the difference in energy absorption due to changes in the yield strength of the honeycomb aluminum is only 3.6%, suggesting that the yield strength of the honeycomb aluminum and the connecting diaphragm thickness have a limited influence on the crashworthiness design of the anti-climb energy-absorbing device. Furthermore, a multi-objective surrogate model characterizing the specific energy absorption and maximum peak force was established for the aforementioned four influential parameters using the response surface method. The model was then optimized using a genetic algorithm, resulting in optimal parameters that increased the energy absorption and specific energy absorption by 27.3% and 13.8%, respectively, compared to the original values, leading to a significant improvement in crashworthiness. The findings provide valuable references for and insights into the crashworthiness design and optimization of subway vehicles’ anti-climb energy-absorbing devices.
Statistical Advancement of a Flexible Unitary Distribution and Its Applications
Authors: Salinas Hugo S. , Bakouch Hassan S. , Almuhayfith Fatimah E. , Caimanque Wilson E. , Barrios-Blanco Leonardo , Albalawi Olayan
Published: June 2024

A flexible distribution has been introduced to handle random variables in the unit interval. This distribution is based on an exponential transformation of the truncated positive normal distribution with two parameters and can effectively fit data with varying degrees of skewness and kurtosis. Therefore, it presents an alternative for modeling this type of data. Several mathematical and statistical properties of this distribution have been derived, such as moments, hazard function, the Bonferroni curve, and entropy. Moreover, we investigate the characterizations of the proposed distribution based on its hazard function. Parameter estimation has been performed using both the maximum likelihood method and method of the moments. Because of this, we were able to determine the best critical region and the information matrix, facilitating the calculation of asymptotic confidence intervals. A simulation study is presented to analyze the behavior of the obtained estimators for different sample sizes. To demonstrate the suitability of the proposed distribution, applications and goodness-of-fit tests have been performed on two practical data sets.
Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (hPDLSCs) Spontaneously Differentiate into Myofibroblasts to Repair Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Li Yuxiao , Su Qi , Tao Zhaoyu , Cai Xiang , Zhao Yueping , Zhou Zhiying , Huang Yadong , Xiang Qi
Published: June 2024

Advanced glycation end product (AGE) accumulation due to diabetes causes vascular and neurological lesions, delaying healing. The use of stem cells could overcome these problems. Although many studies have shown the potential beneficial effects of stem cell therapies in the treatment of chronic and refractory skin ulcers, their delivery methods are still under investigation. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) can spontaneously differentiate into myofibroblasts in specific cultures; therefore, they have the potential to effectively treat diabetic wounds and may also have applications in the field of medical cosmetics. The myofibroblastic differentiation ability of hPDLSCs in the presence of AGEs was evaluated by the expression of α-SMA and COL1A1 using RT-qPCR and WB technology. Wound healing in diabetic mice, induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and assessed using H&E staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining, was used to validate the effects of hPDLSCs. In the wound tissues, the expression of α-SMA, COL1A1, CD31, CD206, iNOS, and vimentin was detected. The findings indicated that in H-DMEM, the expression of COL1A1 exhibited a significant decrease, while α-SMA demonstrated an increase in P7 cells, ignoring the damage from AGEs (p < 0.05). In an STZ-induced diabetic C57BL/6J mice whole-skin defect model, the healing rate of the hPDLSCs treatment group was significantly higher than that in the models (on the 7th day, the rate was 65.247% vs. 48.938%, p < 0.05). hPDLSCs have been shown to spontaneously differentiate into myofibroblasts in H-DMEM and resist damage from AGEs in both in vivo and in vitro models, suggesting their potential in the field of cosmetic dermatology.
Digital Twins for Healthcare Using Wearables
Authors: Johnson Zachary , Saikia Manob Jyoti
Published: June 2024

Digital twins are a relatively new form of digital modeling that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This is in large part due to their ability to update in real time to their physical counterparts and connect across multiple devices. As a result, much interest has been directed towards using digital twins in the healthcare industry. Recent advancements in smart wearable technologies have allowed for the utilization of human digital twins in healthcare. Human digital twins can be generated using biometric data from the patient gathered from wearables. These data can then be used to enhance patient care through a variety of means, such as simulated clinical trials, disease prediction, and monitoring treatment progression remotely. This revolutionary method of patient care is still in its infancy, and as such, there is limited research on using wearables to generate human digital twins for healthcare applications. This paper reviews the literature pertaining to human digital twins, including methods, applications, and challenges. The paper also presents a conceptual method for creating human body digital twins using wearable sensors.
A Cyber–Physical Production System for the Integrated Operation and Monitoring of a Continuous Manufacturing Train for the Production of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Thakur Garima , Nikita Saxena , Yezhuvath Vinesh Balakrishnan , Buddhiraju Venkata Sudheendra , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: June 2024

The continuous manufacturing of biologics offers significant advantages in terms of reducing manufacturing costs and increasing capacity, but it is not yet widely implemented by the industry due to major challenges in the automation, scheduling, process monitoring, continued process verification, and real-time control of multiple interconnected processing steps, which must be tightly controlled to produce a safe and efficacious product. The process produces a large amount of data from different sensors, analytical instruments, and offline analyses, requiring organization, storage, and analyses for process monitoring and control without compromising accuracy. We present a case study of a cyber–physical production system (CPPS) for the continuous manufacturing of mAbs that provides an automation infrastructure for data collection and storage in a data historian, along with data management tools that enable real-time analysis of the ongoing process using multivariate algorithms. The CPPS also facilitates process control and provides support in handling deviations at the process level by allowing the continuous train to re-adjust itself via a series of interconnected surge tanks and by recommending corrective actions to the operator. Successful steady-state operation is demonstrated for 55 h with end-to-end process automation and data collection via a range of in-line and at-line sensors. Following this, a series of deviations in the downstream unit operations, including affinity capture chromatography, cation exchange chromatography, and ultrafiltration, are monitored and tracked using multivariate approaches and in-process controls. The system is in line with Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing concepts and is the first end-to-end CPPS for the continuous manufacturing of mAbs.
The Extraction Using Deep Eutectic Solvents and Evaluation of Tea Saponin
Authors: Guo Jianjun , Zhao Nanshan , Zhao Yaxin , Jin Hao , Sun Guozhi , Yu Jing , Zhang Haihua , Shao Jianzhong , Yu Meilan , Yang Dongfeng , Liang Zongsuo
Published: June 2024

Tea saponins have high surface-active and biological activities and are widely used in chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Tea saponins are usually extracted using ethanol or water, but both methods have their disadvantages, including a negative impact on the environment, high energy consumption, and low purity. In this study, we explored an effective process for extracting tea saponins from tea meal using deep eutectic solvents combined with ultrasonic extraction and enzymatic techniques. The experimental results showed that a high extraction efficiency of 20.93 ± 0.48% could be achieved in 20 min using an ultrasonic power of 40% and a binary DES consisting of betaine and ethylene glycol (with a molar ratio of 1:3) at a material–liquid ratio of 1:35 and that the purity of the tea saponins after purification by a large-pore adsorption resin reached 95.94%, which was higher than that of commercially available standard tea saponin samples. In addition, the extracted tea saponins were evaluated for their antioxidant and bacteriostatic activities using chemical and biological methods; the results showed that the tea saponins extracted using these methods possessed antioxidant properties and displayed significant antibacterial activity. Therefore, the present study developed a method for using deep eutectic solvents as an environmentally friendly technological solution for obtaining high-purity tea saponins from tea meal oil. This is expected to replace the current organic solvent and water extraction process and has great potential for industrial development and a number of possible applications.
Haloperidol, Olanzapine, and Risperidone Induce Morphological Changes in an In Vitro Model of Human Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Authors: Jezsó Bálint , Kálmán Sára , Farkas Kiara Gitta , Hathy Edit , Vincze Katalin , Kovács-Schoblocher Dzsenifer , Lilienberg Julianna , Tordai Csongor , Nemoda Zsófia , Homolya László , Apáti Ágota , Réthelyi János M.
Published: June 2024

Background: Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) based neuronal differentiation is valuable for studying neuropsychiatric disorders and pharmacological mechanisms at the cellular level. We aimed to examine the effects of typical and atypical antipsychotics on human iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Methods: Proliferation and neurite outgrowth were measured by live cell imaging, and gene expression levels related to neuronal identity were analyzed by RT-QPCR and immunocytochemistry during differentiation into hippocampal dentate gyrus granule cells following treatment of low- and high-dose antipsychotics (haloperidol, olanzapine, and risperidone). Results: Antipsychotics did not modify the growth properties of NPCs after 3 days of treatment. However, the characteristics of neurite outgrowth changed significantly in response to haloperidol and olanzapine. After three weeks of differentiation, mRNA expression levels of the selected neuronal markers increased (except for MAP2), while antipsychotics caused only subtle changes. Additionally, we found no changes in MAP2 or GFAP protein expression levels as a result of antipsychotic treatment. Conclusions: Altogether, antipsychotic medications promoted neurogenesis in vitro by influencing neurite outgrowth rather than changing cell survival or gene expression. This study provides insights into the effects of antipsychotics on neuronal differentiation and highlights the importance of considering neurite outgrowth as a potential target of action.
Effects of A1 Milk, A2 Milk and the Opioid-like Peptide β-Casomorphin-7 on the Proliferation of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Gard Felix , Flad Lili M. , Weißer Tanja , Ammer Hermann , Deeg Cornelia A.
Published: June 2024

Special attention is given to cow’s milk and its variants, with ongoing discussions about health-related impacts primarily focusing on the A1 variant in contrast to the A2 variant. The difference between these variants lies in a single amino acid alteration at position 67 of β-casein. This alteration is presumed to make the A1 variant more susceptible to enzymatic breakdown during milk digestion, leading to an increased release of the peptide β-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7). BCM-7 is hypothesized to interact with µ-opioid receptors on immune cells in humans. Although BCM-7 has demonstrated both immunosuppressive and inflammatory effects, its direct impact on the immune system remains unclear. Thus, we examined the influence of A1 and A2 milk on Concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as well as the effect of experimentally digested A1 and A2 milk, containing different amounts of free BCM-7 from β-casein cleavage. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of pure BCM-7 on the proliferation of ConA-stimulated PBMCs and purified CD4+ T cells. Milk fundamentally inhibited PBMC proliferation, independent of the β-casein variant. In contrast, experimentally digested milk of both variants and pure BCM-7 showed no influence on the proliferation of PBMCs or isolated CD4+ T cells. Our results indicate that milk exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on PBMCs, regardless of the A1 or A2 β-casein variant, which is nullified after in vitro digestion. Consequently, we deem BCM-7 unsuitable as a biomarker for food-induced inflammation.
Exploring the Molecular Mechanism of Comorbidity of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Colorectal Cancer: Insights from Bulk Omics and Single-Cell Sequencing Validation
Authors: Luo Yongge , Yang Lei , Wu Han , Xu Hui , Peng Jin , Wang You , Zhou Fuxiang
Published: June 2024

The relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and colorectal cancer (CRC) has long been extensively recognized, but their crosstalk mechanisms based on gene regulation remain elusive. In our study, for the first time, bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq data were used to explore the shared molecular mechanisms between T2DM and CRC. Moreover, Connectivity Map and molecular docking were employed to determine potential drugs targeting the candidate targets. Eight genes (EVPL, TACSTD2, SOX4, ETV4, LY6E, MLXIPL, ENTPD3, UGP2) were identified as characteristic comorbidity genes for T2DM and CRC, with EVPL and ENTPD3 further identified as core comorbidity genes. Our results demonstrated that upregulation of EVPL and downregulation of ENTPD3 were intrinsic molecular features throughout T2DM and CRC and were significantly associated with immune responses, immune processes, and abnormal immune landscapes in both diseases. Single-cell analysis highlighted a cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subset that specifically expressed ENTPD3 in CRC, which exhibited high heterogeneity and unique tumor-suppressive features that were completely different from classical cancer-promoting CAFs. Furthermore, ENTPD3+ CAFs could notably predict immunotherapy response in CRC, holding promise to be an immunotherapy biomarker at the single-cell level. Finally, we identified that droperidol may be a novel drug simultaneously targeting EVPL and ENTPD3. In conclusion, previous studies have often focused solely on metabolic alterations common to T2DM and CRC. Our study establishes EVPL and ENTPD3 as characteristic molecules and immune biomarkers of comorbidity in T2DM and CRC patients, and emphasizes the importance of considering immunological mechanisms in the co-development of T2DM and CRC.
Macrophage Perspectives in Liver Diseases: Programmed Death, Related Biomarkers, and Targeted Therapy
Authors: Qian Zibing , Xiong Wanyuan , Mao Xiaorong , Li Junfeng
Published: June 2024

Macrophages, as important immune cells of the organism, are involved in maintaining intrahepatic microenvironmental homeostasis and can undergo rapid phenotypic changes in the injured or recovering liver. In recent years, the crucial role of macrophage-programmed cell death in the development and regression of liver diseases has become a research hotspot. Moreover, macrophage-targeted therapeutic strategies are emerging in both preclinical and clinical studies. Given the macrophages’ vital role in complex organismal environments, there is tremendous academic interest in developing novel therapeutic strategies that target these cells. This review provides an overview of the characteristics and interactions between macrophage polarization, programmed cell death, related biomarkers, and macrophage-targeted therapies. It aims to deepen the understanding of macrophage immunomodulation and molecular mechanisms and to provide a basis for the treatment of macrophage-associated liver diseases.
Chemo-Enzymatic Generation of Highly Fluorescent Nucleoside Analogs Using Purine-Nucleoside Phosphorylase
Authors: Stachelska-Wierzchowska Alicja , Wierzchowski Jacek
Published: June 2024

Chemo-enzymatic syntheses of strongly fluorescent nucleoside analogs, potentially applicable in analytical biochemistry and cell biology are reviewed. The syntheses and properties of fluorescent ribofuranosides of several purine, 8-azapurine, and etheno-purine derivatives, obtained using various types of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) as catalysts, as well as α-ribose-1-phosphate (r1P) as a second substrate, are described. In several instances, the ribosylation sites are different to the canonical purine N9. Some of the obtained ribosides show fluorescence yields close to 100%. Possible applications of the new analogs include assays of PNP, nucleoside hydrolases, and other enzyme activities both in vitro and within living cells using fluorescence microscopy.
Recent Insights into Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Defective Angiogenesis in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Romano Eloisa , Rosa Irene , Fioretto Bianca Saveria , Manetti Mirko
Published: June 2024

In systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma), defective angiogenesis, clinically manifesting with abnormal capillary architecture and severe capillary reduction, represents a hallmark of early-stage disease, usually preceding the onset of tissue fibrosis, and is caused by several cellular and molecular mechanisms affecting microvascular endothelial cells with different outcomes. Indeed, once damaged, endothelial cells can be dysfunctionally activated, thus becoming unable to undergo angiogenesis and promoting perivascular inflammation. They can also undergo apoptosis, transdifferentiate into profibrotic myofibroblasts, or acquire a senescence-associated secretory phenotype characterized by the release of exosomes and several profibrotic and proinflammatory mediators. In this narrative review, we aimed to give a comprehensive overview of recent studies dealing with the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SSc defective angiogenesis and the related endothelial cell dysfunctions, mainly the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition process. We also discussed potential novel vascular treatment strategies able to restore the angiogenic process and reduce the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in this complex disease.
Challenge or Hindrance? The Dual Impact of Algorithmic Control on Gig Workers’ Prosocial Service Behaviors
Authors: Liang Xuedong , Fu Wanting , Luo Peng , Huo Yanda
Published: June 2024

Algorithmic technological progress presents both opportunities and challenges for organizational management. The success of online labor platforms hinges on algorithmic control, making it imperative to explore how this control affects gig workers’ prosocial service behaviors. Drawing from affective event theory, our study delves into the factors influencing gig workers’ prosocial service behaviors in the online labor platform setting. We utilize the challenge–hindrance appraisal framework to highlight the pivotal role of algorithmic control. To rigorously test our hypotheses, we gathered empirical data from an online questionnaire survey of 660 gig workers. Our results indicate that challenge appraisals and hindrance appraisals in regard to platform algorithm control have a nuanced dual impact on gig workers’ prosocial service behaviors. This relationship is clarified by the mediating function of work engagement. A challenge appraisal of platform algorithmic control can positively influence gig workers’ prosocial service behaviors. However, hindrance appraisal of platform algorithmic control can negatively influence gig workers’ prosocial service behaviors. Interestingly, workplace interpersonal capitalization boosts the effect of challenge appraisal on employees’ prosocial service behaviors. However, it does not mitigate the adverse effects of hindrance appraisal on such behaviors. This study has multiple theoretical implications, and it also provides valuable practical insights into organizational management.
Exploration on Effects of Tinted Glazing on Outdoor Views and Visual Experience Inside Hotel
Authors: Yu Lu , Wang Jiashuo , Liang Runqi
Published: June 2024

Modern lifestyles result in people spending 90% of their time indoors, where windows serve as a unique component providing an outdoor view and enabling visual experiences. Chromogenic windows, which adjust both thermal and visual conditions, represent a promising fenestration system for achieving energy savings. However, the tinting properties and their effects on human responses to filtered window views have not been thoroughly explored. This study conducted an experimental test using a customised questionnaire to investigate eight distinct window conditions in a hotel building. Forty-five participants took part in this evaluation by observing photographs. The conclusions drawn are as follows: (1) All tinted windows were found to be less acceptable than clear windows; however, the bronze window was relatively preferred. (2) In terms of visual capacity, the red window had the most negative effect, followed by the blue window. (3) Considering the window views, the tinted windows significantly disturbed the view outside. These results have the potential to guide the development of chromogenic windows in practical applications in the future, particularly from the perspective of colour selection.
The Simplified Method of Head Stiffness Considering Semi-Rigid Behaviors of Deep Foundations in OWT Systems
Authors: Li Wei , Li Xiaojuan , Wang Tengfei , Yin Qian , Zhu Mingxing
Published: June 2024

Simplified methods of static free head stiffness of the semi-rigid foundation under lateral loads were limited to flexible or rigid behavior by the critical length of piles. This would lead to errors when predicting the static or dynamic performance of their upper structures in OWT Systems. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the head static stiffness of the semi-rigid pile without considering the critical length. Firstly, case studies using the energy-based variational method encompassing nearly twenty thousand cases were conducted. These cases involved different types of foundations, including steel pipe piles and concrete caissons, in three types of soil: homogeneous soil, linearly inhomogeneous soil, and heterogeneous soil. Through the analysis of these cases, a series of polynomial equations of three kinds of head static stiffness, containing the relative stiffness of the pile and soil, the slenderness ratio, and Poisson’s ratio, were developed to capture the semi-rigid behavior of the foundations. Furthermore, the lateral deflection, the rotation for concrete caissons in the bridge projects, and several natural frequencies of three cases about the OWT system considering the SSI effect were carried out. the error of high-order frequency of the OWT system reached 13% after considering the semi-rigid effect of the foundation.