bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Flow Cytometry Method Detecting Complement C1q Bound to Blood Type A/B IgG Antibody for Preventing Severe Antibody-Mediated Rejection in ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Ishizuka Tsutomu , Iwadoh Kazuhiro , Kataoka Hiroshi , Hoshino Junichi , Nitta Kosaku , Ishida Hideki
Published: August 2024

We aimed to develop a novel method for measuring the complement-binding ability of anti-blood type antibodies (ab-Abs), the flow cytometry method for the complement C1q test (FCM-C1q) for detecting antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) caused by ab-Abs in ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOI-KTx). FCM-C1q distribution was surveyed in 44 healthy participants and 43 dialysis patients (Cohort A). The relationship between AMR and FCM-C1q levels was examined along with ab-Ab titers by the flow cytometry method for the IgG test (FCM-IgG) in 62 ABOI-KTx patients (Cohort B). FCM-IgG and C1q levels were significantly higher in type O participants than in A/B participants in Cohort A. There were minimal differences in the distribution of FCM-IgG and C1q between dialysis and healthy participants. Sixteen cases were suspected of acute rejections (ARs) in Cohort B, of whom nine had AR clinically. One patient with severe AMR was highly suspected of hyperacute rejection along with another patient with severe AMR. Their postoperative FCM-C1q and FCM-IgG levels were elevated. Another two patients showed high FCM-IgG and C1q levels before KTx, and these levels remained low after KTx with no or mild rejection. In conclusion, our results suggest that a high positivity rate for FCM-C1q may predict moderate to severe AMR caused by ab-Abs and poor prognosis in ABOI-KTx.
Prevention of Blood Incompatibility Related Hemagglutination: Blocking of Antigen A on Red Blood Cells Using In Silico Designed Recombinant Anti-A scFv
Authors: Hafeez Saleha , Zaidi Najam
Published: August 2024

Critical blood shortages plague healthcare systems, particularly in lower-income and middle-income countries. This affects patients requiring regular transfusions and creates challenges during emergencies where universal blood is vital. To address these shortages and support blood banks during emergencies, this study reports a method for increasing the compatibility of blood group A red blood cells (RBCs) by blocking surface antigen-A using anti-A single chain fragment variable (scFv). To enhance stability, the scFv was first modified with the addition of interdomain disulfide bonds. The most effective location for this modification was found to be H44-L232 of mutant-1a scFv. ScFv was then produced from E.coli BL21(DE3) and purified using a three-step process. Purified scFvs were then used to block maximum number of antigens-A on RBCs, and it was found that only monomers were functional, while dimers formed through incorrect domain-swapping were non-functional. These antigen-blocked RBCs displayed no clumping in hemagglutination testing with incompatible blood plasma. The dissociation constant KD was found to be 0.724 μM. Antigen-blocked RBCs have the potential to be given to other blood groups during emergencies. This innovative approach could significantly increase the pool of usable blood, potentially saving countless lives.
Impact of Educational Films on Antibiotic Prescription among Physicians: A Web-Based Survey in Japan
Authors: Komiya Kosaku , Kudoh Ryohei , Kaku Norihito , Shindo Yuichiro , Hayashi Tatsuya , Kasahara Kei , Oishi Tomohiro , Ishiwada Naruhiko , Ito Makoto , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Hasegawa Naoki , Tateda Kazuhiro , Hotomi Muneki , Yanagihara Katsunori
Published: August 2024

Although antibiotics are most frequently prescribed for respiratory tract infections, effective interventions for their proper use by physicians have not been fully established. We assessed the impact of educational films on the rates of antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections using fictitious scenarios. In this nationwide web-based survey prospective study, a total of 1100 physicians were included. The physicians were required to view educational short films and determine the need for prescribing antibiotics in 10 fictitious scenarios involving adults diagnosed with different acute respiratory tract infectious diseases. The antibiotic prescription rates for each scenario were compared before and after viewing the educational short film. The rates of antibiotic prescription significantly decreased after viewing the educational film, especially in cases with a narrowly defined common cold (from 51% to 15%), mild pharyngolaryngitis (from 71% to 25%), and acute bronchitis without chronic respiratory underlying diseases (from 63% to 23%). Alternatively, a slight decrease in rates was observed in cases with moderate or severe rhinosinusitis (from 94% to 79%), moderate or severe acute pharyngitis (from 88% to 69%), and acute bronchitis with chronic lung disease (from 70% to 58%), for which antibiotics are recommended. Educational short films may encourage the proper use of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections; however, the possibility of undertreatment in patients requiring antibiotics must be considered.
Isolation and Characterization of Antioxidant Peptides from Dairy Cow (Bos taurus) Placenta and Their Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Tian Xinyu , Zhang Zeru , Zhao Yuquan , Tang Anguo , Zeng Zhi , Zheng Weijian , Zhang Hanwen , Luo Yuxin , Lu Wei , Fan Lei , Shen Liuhong
Published: August 2024

Our preliminary study identified dairy cow placenta extract (CPE) as a mixture of peptides with potent antioxidant activity both in vivo and in vitro. However, the specific antioxidant peptides (AOPs) responsible for this activity were not yet identified. In the current study, we employed virtual screening and chromatography techniques to isolate two peptides, ANNGKQWAEVF (CP1) and QPGLPGPAG (CP2), from CPE. These peptides were found to be less stable under extreme conditions such as high temperature, strong acid, strong alkali, and simulated digestive conditions. Nevertheless, under normal physiological conditions, both CP1 and CP2 exhibited significant antioxidant properties, including free-radical scavenging, metal chelating, and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. They also up-regulated the activities of intracellular antioxidant enzymes in response to hydrogen-peroxide-induced oxidative stress, resulting in reduced MDA levels, a decreased expression of the Keap1 gene and protein, and increased levels of the Nrf2 and HO-1 genes and proteins. Furthermore, CP1 demonstrated superior antioxidant activity compared to CP2. These findings suggest that CP1 and CP2 hold potential for mitigating oxidative stress in vitro and highlight the efficacy of virtual screening as a method for isolating AOPs within CPE.
Evidence for TGF-β1/Nrf2 Signaling Crosstalk in a Cuprizone Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Guevara Coram , Vicencio Sinay C. , Pizarro Ignacio S. , Villavicencio-Tejo Francisca , Quintanilla Rodrigo A. , Astudillo Pablo , Ampuero Estibaliz , Varas Rodrigo , Orellana Juan A. , Ortiz Fernando C.
Published: August 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and degenerative disease that impacts central nervous system (CNS) function. One of the major characteristics of the disease is the presence of regions lacking myelin and an oxidative and inflammatory environment. TGF-β1 and Nrf2 proteins play a fundamental role in different oxidative/inflammatory processes linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as MS. The evidence from different experimental settings has demonstrated a TGF-β1-Nrf2 signaling crosstalk under pathological conditions. However, this possibility has not been explored in experimental models of MS. Here, by using the cuprizone-induced demyelination model of MS, we report that the in vivo pharmacological blockage of the TGF-β1 receptor reduced Nrf2, catalase, and TGFβ-1 protein levels in the demyelination phase of cuprizone administration. In addition, ATP production, locomotor function and cognitive performance were diminished by the treatment. Altogether, our results provide evidence for a crosstalk between TGF-β1 and Nrf2 signaling pathways under CNS demyelination, highlighting the importance of the antioxidant cellular response of neurodegenerative diseases such as MS.
Effects of Different Combinations of Phytochemical-Rich Fruits and Vegetables on Chronic Disease Risk Markers and Gene Expression Changes: Insights from the MiBLEND Study, a Randomized Trial
Authors: DeBenedictis Julia N. , Murrell Courtney , Hauser Duncan , van Herwijnen Marcel , Elen Bart , de Kok Theo M. , van Breda Simone G.
Published: August 2024

Adequate fruit and vegetable (F and V) intake, as recommended by the World Health Organization (over 400 g/day), is linked to reduced chronic disease risk. However, human intervention trials, especially with whole F and V and in complex combinations, are lacking. The MiBlend Study explored the effects of various phytochemical-rich F and V combinations on chronic disease risk markers, phytochemical absorption, and gene expression in blood. This randomized cross-over study involved participants consuming two of seven different F and V blends for 2 weeks (450 g/day), following a 2-week low F and V intake period (50 g/day). Each blend represented major phytochemical classes (flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and glucosinolates) or combinations thereof. Markers of chronic disease risk, including DNA damage, oxidative stress, and retinal microvasculature, were measured. Increasing F and V intake significantly improved plasma antioxidant capacity, DNA damage protection, and retinal arteriolar dilation. Flavonoid-rich, carotenoid-rich, and complex blends notably reduced DNA damage susceptibility. Anthocyanin-rich and carotenoid-rich interventions were most effective in boosting antioxidant capacity, while blends high in flavonoids, especially combined with anthocyanins, significantly improved retinal microvasculature. Gene expression analysis revealed changes in DNA repair, signal transduction, and transcription processes, indicating mechanisms for these health benefits. The study suggests specific F and V blends can provide targeted health improvements, emphasizing the importance of both overall F and V intake and the specific phytochemical composition for personalized preventive strategies.
Linalool and Geraniol Defend Neurons from Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Iron Accumulation in In Vitro Parkinson’s Models
Authors: Pandur Edina , Major Balázs , Rák Tibor , Sipos Katalin , Csutak Adrienne , Horváth Györgyi
Published: August 2024

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. There is a growing demand for novel and natural substances as complementary therapies. Essential oils and their various compounds are highly investigated natural plant-based products as potential treatment options for common human diseases, such as microbial infections, chronic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. The present study focuses on the beneficial effects of linalool and geraniol, the major compounds of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. in Aiton) essential oils, on oxidative stress, inflammation, and iron metabolism of the rotenone and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced in vitro Parkinson’s models. The experiments were carried out on all-trans retinoic acid differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. The effects of linalool and geraniol were compared to rasagiline, an MAO-B inhibitor. The results revealed that both essential oil compounds reduce the level of reactive oxygen species and alter the antioxidant capacity of the cells. They lower the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, linalool and geraniol change the expression of iron-related genes, such as the iron importer transferrin receptor 1, heme-oxygenase-1, and ferroportin iron exporter, and influence the intracellular iron contents. In addition, it has been unveiled that iron availability is concatenated with the actions of the essential oil compounds. Based on the results, linalool and geraniol are vigorous candidates as an alternative therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
Marine Antioxidants from Marine Collagen and Collagen Peptides with Nutraceuticals Applications: A Review
Authors: Cadar Emin , Pesterau Ana-Maria , Prasacu Irina , Ionescu Ana-Maria , Pascale Carolina , Dragan Ana-Maria Laura , Sirbu Rodica , Tomescu Cezar Laurentiu
Published: August 2024

Collagen peptides and marine collagen are enormous resources currently utilized. This review aims to examine the scientific literature to determine which collagen peptides derived from marine sources and which natural active antioxidants from marine collagen have significant biological effects as health-promoting nutraceuticals. Marine collagen is extracted from both vertebrate and invertebrate marine creatures. For vertebrates, this includes fish skin, bones, scales, fins, and cartilage. For invertebrates, it includes mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, and poriferans. The method used involved data analysis to organize information for isolating and identifying marine biocompounds with antioxidant properties. Specifically, amino acids with antioxidant properties were identified, enabling the use of hydrolysates and collagen peptides as natural antioxidant nutraceuticals. The methods of extraction of hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides by different treatments are systematized. The structural characteristics of collagen, collagen peptides, and amino acids in fish skin and by-products, as well as in invertebrate organisms (jellyfish, mollusks, and crustaceans), are described. The antioxidant properties of different methods of collagen hydrolysates and collagen peptides are systematized, and the results are comparatively analyzed. Their use as natural antioxidant nutraceuticals expands the range of possibilities for the exploitation of natural resources that have not been widely used until now.
A Systematic Review on Advances in Management of Oxidative Stress-Associated Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Jin Soyeon , Kang Peter M.
Published: August 2024

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and hypertension. This systematic review aims to integrate most relevant studies on oxidative stress management in cardiovascular diseases. We searched relevant literatures in the PubMed database using specific keywords. We put emphasis on those manuscripts that were published more recently and in higher impact journals. We reviewed a total of 200 articles. We examined current oxidative stress managements in cardiovascular diseases, including supplements like resveratrol, vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, and coenzyme-10, which have shown antioxidative properties and potential cardiovascular benefits. In addition, we reviewed the pharmacological treatments including newly discovered antioxidants and nanoparticles that show potential effects in targeting the specific oxidative stress pathways. Lastly, we examined biomarkers, such as soluble transferrin receptor, transthyretin, and cystatin C in evaluating antioxidant status and identifying cardiovascular risk. By addressing oxidative stress management and mechanisms, this paper emphasizes the importance of maintaining the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. This review paper is registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY), registration # INPLASY202470064.
Transcriptional Dynamics of NRF2 Overexpression and KEAP1-NRF2 Inhibitors in Human Cell Line and Primary Lung Cells
Authors: Hamblet Corinne , Björhall Karin , Busch Susann , Gehrmann Ulf , Öberg Lisa , Kubisch-Dohmen Rebekka , Haas Sonja , Aneja Manish K. , Geiger Johannes , Rudolph Carsten , Hornberg Ellinor
Published: August 2024

Oxidative stress in the human lung is caused by both internal (e.g., inflammation) and external stressors (smoking, pollution, and infection) to drive pathology in a number of lung diseases. Cellular damage caused by oxidative damage is reversed by several pathways, one of which is the antioxidant response. This response is regulated by the transcriptional factor NRF2, which has the ability to regulate the transcription of more than 250 genes. In disease, this balance is overwhelmed, and the cells are unable to return to homeostasis. Several pharmacological approaches aim to improve the antioxidant capacity by inhibiting the interaction of NRF2 with its key cytosolic inhibitor, KEAP1. Here, we evaluate an alternative approach by overexpressing NRF2 from chemically modified RNAs (cmRNAs). Our results demonstrate successful expression of functional NRF2 protein in human cell lines and primary cells. We establish a kinetic transcriptomic profile to compare antioxidant response gene expression after treatment of primary human bronchial epithelial cells with either KEAP1 inhibitors or cmRNAs. The key gene signature is then applied to primary human lung fibroblasts and alveolar macrophages to uncover transcriptional preferences in each cell system. This study provides a foundation for the understanding of NRF2 dynamics in the human lung and provides initial evidence of alternative ways for pharmacological interference.
Exploring Agro-Industrial By-Products: Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity, and Phytochemical Profiling via FI-ESI-FTICR-MS Untargeted Analysis
Authors: Hernández-Montesinos Itzel Yoali , Carreón-Delgado David Fernando , Lazo-Zamalloa Oxana , Tapia-López Lilia , Rosas-Morales Minerva , Ochoa-Velasco Carlos Enrique , Hernández-Carranza Paola , Cruz-Narváez Yair , Ramírez-López Carolina
Published: August 2024

This study investigates agro-industrial by-products as sources of bioactive compounds, particularly focusing on phenolic compounds known for their antioxidant properties. With growing interest in natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants due to safety concerns, this study highlights the health benefits of plant-derived phenolic compounds in food preservation and healthcare products. Traditional and advanced analytical techniques were used to obtain phytochemical profiles of various residue extracts, including espresso (SCG) and cold-brew spent coffee grounds (CBCG), pineapple peel (PP), beetroot pomace (BP), apple pomace (AP), black carrot pomace (BCP), and garlic peel (GP). Assessments of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) supported their revalorization. CBCG showed the highest TPC, TFC, and AC. TPC content in by-products decreased in the order CBCG > SCG > GP > BCP > PP > AP > BP, with a similar trend for TFC and AC. Phytochemical profiling via FI-ESI-FTICR-MS enabled the preliminary putative identification of a range of compounds, with polyphenols and terpenes being the most abundant. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed key patterns among samples. Strong positive correlations (Pearson’s R > 0.8) indicated significant contribution of polyphenols to antioxidant capacities. These findings highlight the potential of agro-industrial residues as natural antioxidants, advocating for their sustainable utilization.
Lipid Fraction from Agaricus brasiliensis as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Lethal Sepsis in Mice
Authors: Navegantes Lima Kely Campos , Gaspar Silvia Leticia de França , Oliveira Ana Ligia de Brito , Santos Sávio Monteiro dos , Quadros Lucas Benedito Gonçalves , Oliveira Juliana Pinheiro de , Pereira Rayane Caroline dos Santos , Dias Alexandre Guilherme da Silva , Gato Lucas da Silva , Alencar Leonardo Yuji Nihira , dos Santos Alanna Lorena Pimentel , Dorneles Gilson Pires , Romão Pedro Roosevelt Torres , Stutz Herta , Sovrani Vanessa , Monteiro Marta Chagas
Published: August 2024

Sepsis is a potentially fatal clinical condition that results from an immune imbalance in the host during an infection. It presents systemic alterations due to excessive activation of pro-inflammatory mediators that contribute to inflammation, formation of reactive species, and tissue damage. Anti-inflammatory mediators are then extensively activated to regulate this process, leading to immune exhaustion and, consequently, immunosuppression of the host. Considering the biological activities of the nutraceutical Agaricus brasiliensis (A. brasiliensis), such as immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities, the present study investigated the therapeutic potential of the lipid fraction of A. brasiliensis (LF) in a model of lethal sepsis in mice (Mus musculus), induced by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). The results showed that treatment of septic animals with LF or LF associated with ertapenem (LF-Erta) reduced systemic inflammation, promoting improvement in clinical parameters and increased survival. The data show a reduction in pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, regulation of the anti-inflammatory response and oxidizing agents, and increased bacterial clearance in the peritoneal cavity and liver. Thus, it can be concluded that LF as a treatment, and in conjunction with antibiotic therapy, has shown promising effects as a hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory agent.
Effect of Alkylresorcinols Isolated from Wheat Bran on the Oxidative Stability of Minced-Meat Models as Related to Storage
Authors: Cantele Carolina , Potenziani Giulia , Bonciolini Ambra , Bertolino Marta , Cardenia Vladimiro
Published: August 2024

Due to their antioxidant activity, alkylresorcinols (ARs) extracted from by-products could represent promising natural and innovative antioxidants for the food industry. This study tested the ability of ARs isolated from wheat bran to increase the shelf-life of minced-meat models stored at 4 °C for 9 days. Fifteen alk(en)ylresorcinols (C17–C25) were recognized by GC/MS, showing good radical-scavenging (200.70 ± 1.33 μmolTE/g extract) and metal-chelating (1.38 ± 0.30 mgEDTAE/g extract) activities. Two ARs concentrations (0.01% and 0.02%) were compared to sodium ascorbate (0.01% and 0.10%) on color (CIELAB values L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue) and oxidative stability (lipid hydroperoxides, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) of minced-beef samples. ARs-treated samples were oxidatively more stable than those formulated with sodium ascorbate and the negative control, with significantly lower contents of hydroperoxides and VOCs (hexanal, 1-hexanol, and 1-octen-3-ol) throughout the experiment (p < 0.001). However, no effect on color stability was observed (p > 0.05). Since 0.01% of ARs was equally or more effective than 0.10% sodium ascorbate, those results carry important implications for the food industry, which could reduce antioxidant amounts by ten times and replace synthetic antioxidants with natural ones.
Is Cadmium Genotoxicity Due to the Induction of Redox Stress and Inflammation? A Systematic Review
Authors: Badawi Khulud , El Sharazly Basma M. , Negm Ola , Khan Raheela , Carter Wayne G.
Published: August 2024

The transition metal cadmium (Cd) is toxic to humans and can induce cellular redox stress and inflammation. Cd is a recognized carcinogen, but the molecular mechanisms associated with its genotoxicity and carcinogenicity are not defined. Therefore, a systematic review was undertaken to examine the scientific literature that has covered the molecular mechanism of Cd genotoxicity and its relationship to cellular redox stress and inflammation. An electronic database search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted to retrieve the studies that had investigated if Cd genotoxicity was directly linked to the induction of redox stress and inflammation. Studies included exposure to Cd via in vitro and in vivo routes of administration. Of 214 publications retrieved, 10 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Preclinical studies indicate that Cd exposure causes the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, via concomitant activity of the transcription factor NF-κβ, induces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a cytokine profile consistent with the induction of an allergic response. There is limited information regarding the impact of Cd on cellular signal transduction pathways, and the relationship of this to genotoxicity is still inconclusive. Nevertheless, pre-incubation with the antioxidants, N-acetylcysteine or sulforaphane, or the necroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin-1, reduces Cd toxicity; indicative that these agents may be a beneficial treatment adjunct in cases of Cd poisoning. Collectively, this review highlights that Cd-induced toxicity and associated tissue pathology, and ultimately the carcinogenic potential of Cd, may be driven by redox stress and inflammatory mechanisms.
Pterostilbene, a Resveratrol Derivative, Improves Ovary Function by Upregulating Antioxidant Defenses in the Aging Chickens via Increased SIRT1/Nrf2 Expression
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Yuan Qiongyu , Xiao Yingyu , Cai Xiangyu , Yang Zhaoyu , Zeng Weidong , Mi Yuling , Zhang Caiqiao
Published: August 2024

Oxidative stress is recognized as a prominent factor contributing to follicular atresia and ovarian aging, which leads to decreased laying performance in hens. Reducing oxidative stress can improve ovarian function and prolong the laying period in poultry. This study investigates the impact of Pterostilbene (PTS), a natural antioxidant, on ovarian oxidative stress in low-laying chickens. Thirty-six Hy-Line White laying chickens were evenly divided into four groups and fed diets containing varying doses of PTS for 15 consecutive days. The results showed that dietary supplementation with PTS significantly increased the laying rate, with the most effective group exhibiting a remarkable 42.7% increase. Furthermore, PTS significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of aging laying hens, as evidenced by increased levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity in the ovaries, livers, and serum. Subsequent experiments revealed decreased expressions of Bax, Caspase-3, and γ-H2AX, along with an increased expression of BCL-2 in the ovaries and livers of laying hens. PTS supplementation also positively affects fat metabolism by reducing abdominal fat accumulation and promoting fat transfer from the liver to the ovary. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the effects of PTS on ovarian function, a series of in vitro experiments were conducted. These in vitro experiments revealed that PTS pretreatment restored the antioxidant capacity of D-galactose-induced small white follicles by upregulating SIRT1/Nrf2 expression. This protective effect was inhibited by EX-527, a specific inhibitor of SIRT1. These findings suggest that the natural antioxidant PTS has the potential to regulate cell apoptosis and fat metabolism in laying chickens by ameliorating oxidative stress, thereby enhancing laying performance.
Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Some Thiazolyl–Catechol Compounds
Authors: Cornea Alexandra Cătălina , Marc Gabriel , Ionuț Ioana , Moldovan Cristina , Fizeșan Ionel , Petru Andreea-Elena , Creștin Ionuț-Valentin , Pîrnău Adrian , Vlase Laurian , Oniga Ovidiu
Published: August 2024

A series of thiazolyl–catechol compounds with antioxidant and cytotoxic activities were synthesized by a Hantzsch heterocyclization, using diverse thioamides as the thiocarbonyl component and 4-chloroacetyl-catechol as haloketone. These compounds were characterized by MS, IR spectroscopy, and NMR. Their antioxidant potential was evaluated by antiradical, electron transfer, and ferrous ion chelation assays using ascorbic acid, Trolox, and EDTA-Na2 as references. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated on two different cell types, normal human foreskin fibroblasts (BJ) and human pulmonary malignant cells (A549), using gefitinib as a reference anticancer drug. The results obtained from the tests highlighted compounds 3g and 3h with significant antioxidant activities. The highest cytotoxic potency against A549 cells was exhibited by compounds 3i and 3j, while compound 3g demonstrated exceptional selectivity on malignant cells compared to gefitinib. These promising results encourage further investigation into targeted modifications on position 2 of the thiazole ring, in order to develop novel therapeutic agents.
Simulation Study on Ground Vibration Reduction Measures of the Elevated Subway Line
Authors: Wang Hao , Tang Ziqi , Song Leiming , Li Ling , Lin Hao , Hu Xiaojun
Published: August 2024

With the development of urban rail transportation, the environmental vibration problem caused by the running of metro vehicles has received attention. In order to reduce ground vibration near buildings caused by metro vehicles running on viaducts, this paper establishes the train–track–viaduct rigid–flexible coupling dynamics model and pier–soil–building finite element model and carries out the simulation calculation and analysis of ground vibration. The influence of train speed and fastener stiffness on ground vibration is explored, and the vibration reduction effect of the track vibration reduction pad and continuous support vibration reduction structure is studied. The results show that the ground vibration near the building caused by the train running on the viaduct decreases with the reduction in speed, when the speed is reduced to 40 km/h, the vibration attenuation is slower as the speed continues to be reduced; the reduction in the vertical stiffness of fasteners can reduce ground vibration; the arrangement of the vibration damping pad can effectively reduce ground vibration, and after installing a vibration damping pad, 0–23 Hz and 50–80 Hz ground vibration speeds are effectively suppressed. In order to meet the environmental requirements for ground vibration, the vehicle speed can be reduced to less than 35 km/h or vibration damping mats can be installed.
Enhancing Turnaround Maintenance in Process Plants through On-Stream Phased Array Corrosion Mapping: A Review
Authors: Tai Jan Lean , Sultan Mohamed Thariq Hameed , Łukaszewicz Andrzej , Shahar Farah Syazwani , Oksiuta Zbigniew , Krishnamoorthy Renga Rao
Published: August 2024

This review paper aims to understand the current processing plant maintenance systems and further identify on-stream phased array corrosion mapping (PACM) to reduce turnaround maintenance (TAM) activity during plant operations. Reducing the TAM duration and extending the TAM interval are common goals of most researchers. Thus, a detailed review was performed to understand the maintenance systems and the problems faced. Furthermore, a review of the current PACM application and the possibility of applying it during on-stream inspection was also performed. PACM has better detectability for localized corrosion, and the results can be obtained for a range of thicknesses, which is the main advantage of this method. However, applying PACM during on-stream inspections at elevated temperatures presents challenges owing to the limitations of the ultrasonic properties and increased probe contact. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of PACM on piping systems that can be utilized for inspection during plant operation at elevated temperatures. This will enable the detection of general and localized corrosion in common materials, thereby reducing the TAM duration and extending TAM intervals. Detecting and monitoring corrosion growth without shutdown is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of the processing plants. This literature review provides a more precise direction for future research to address these challenges and to advance the field of on-stream corrosion monitoring.
Stability of Paracetamol Amorphized by Co-Melting with Various Cellulose Derivatives
Authors: Leyk Edyta , Plenis Alina , Kasprowicz Julia , Dziurkowska Ewelina
Published: August 2024

Co-melting paracetamol with different cellulose derivatives leads to full or partial amorphization of active substance. The aim of this study was to determine whether the amorphization of paracetamol after co-melting with cellulose derivatives is stable and whether it depends on the type of cellulose derivative added and the ratio of components. Mixtures of paracetamol with cellulose derivatives containing different proportions of components were prepared. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the samples were melted and the amorphization of paracetamol was confirmed. After 2 and 4 months, the samples were reanalyzed to determine the amorphization stability during storage and the difference in the effect of different polymers on the amorphization stability. The physical mixtures were additionally tested using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic methods to confirm that no solid-phase interactions were noticed. Samples were also analyzed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) to assess the effect of co-melting and storage on the chemical stability of paracetamol. The results show that paracetamol amorphizes after co-melting with cellulose derivatives. The crystallization of paracetamol after co-melting depends on the polymer used and the proportions of the components. No interactions between the components and the chemical stability of paracetamol in the tested samples were confirmed.
Violence-YOLO: Enhanced GELAN Algorithm for Violence Detection
Authors: Xu Wenbin , Zhu Dingju , Deng Renfeng , Yung KaiLeung , Ip Andrew W. H.
Published: August 2024

Violence is a serious threat to societal health; preventing violence in airports, airplanes, and spacecraft is crucial. This study proposes the Violence-YOLO model to detect violence accurately in real time in complex environments, enhancing public safety. The model is based on YOLOv9’s Generalized Efficient Layer Aggregation Network (GELAN-C). A multilayer SimAM is incorporated into GELAN’s neck to identify attention regions in the scene. YOLOv9 modules are combined with RepGhostNet and GhostNet. Two modules, RepNCSPELAN4_GB and RepNCSPELAN4_RGB, are innovatively proposed and introduced. The shallow convolution in the backbone is replaced with GhostConv, reducing computational complexity. Additionally, an ultra-lightweight upsampler, Dysample, is introduced to enhance performance and reduce overhead. Finally, Focaler-IoU addresses the neglect of simple and difficult samples, improving training accuracy. The datasets are derived from RWF-2000 and Hockey. Experimental results show that Violence-YOLO outperforms GELAN-C. mAP@0.5 increases by 0.9%, computational load decreases by 12.3%, and model size is reduced by 12.4%, which is significant for embedded hardware such as the Raspberry Pi. Violence-YOLO can be deployed to monitor public places such as airports, effectively handling complex backgrounds and ensuring accurate and fast detection of violent behavior. In addition, we achieved 84.4% mAP on the Pascal VOC dataset, which is a significant reduction in model parameters compared to the previously refined detector. This study offers insights for real-time detection of violent behaviors in public environments.
Insulation Defect Modelling and Partial Discharge Typology Identification: A Robust and Automatic Approach
Authors: Montanari Gian Carlo , Shafiq Muhammad , Myneni Sukesh Babu
Published: August 2024

This paper has a twofold aim. On one side, it aims to show a paramount application of an innovative approach to automatic partial discharge (PD) monitoring and analysis, referring to types of cable defects that can trigger internal and surface discharges. The type of defect generating PD is automatically identified, which is of fundamental importance to develop condition maintenance tools of any electrical asset component. On the other side, the way to create artificial defects, namely using a tool to test any PD measurement approach, is illustrated and discussed, relying upon partial discharge inception field and voltage modelling. Also, the so-called three-leg approach, which is capable of achieving the optimal and reliable design of electrical insulation systems, was applied and successfully validated for simple test objects and real electrical assets such as cable with artificially developed defects.
Kinetic Models of Wood Biomass Drying in Hot Airflow Systems
Authors: Gandía Ventura Ignacio , Velázquez Martí Borja , López Cortes Isabel , Guerrero-Luzuriaga Sebastián
Published: August 2024

In the field of convective drying, several models have been proposed by different research groups, both theoretical and empirical. However, research on theoretical mathematical models has been superficial and needs to be extended. Empirical models present difficulties in their implementation in other research. It is suggested that further research should focus on obtaining models adaptable to different species and environmental conditions. The aim of this work was to analyse the current state of research on the drying process and mass transfer. It is concluded that drying is a mathematically complex process that must be modelled with differentiated equations in two stages: constant drying rate stage and decreasing drying rate stage. The modelling of the constant drying phase can be based on the convective mass transfer equation, although the prediction of the coefficient with analogies to heat transfer has deviations in biomass. Modelling of the variable rate drying phase should focus on the variation of water diffusivity in porous materials or vapour permeability as a function of material moisture and temperature. A database of homogenised equations particularised for each material needs to be generated to predict drying rates and times under predetermined convection conditions. This represents a scientific challenge and suggests that research in drying kinetics still needs development.
Multi-Objective Optimization for the Energy, Economic, and Environmental Performance of High-Rise Residential Buildings in Areas of Northwestern China with Different Solar Radiation
Authors: Shao Teng , Wang Jin , Wang Ruixuan , Chow David , Nan Han , Zhang Kun , Fang Yanna
Published: August 2024

Currently, the construction and operation of buildings are responsible for 36% of global final energy usage and nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. From the perspective of sustainable development, and taking into account economy and thermal comfort, it is crucial to consider the influence of multi-objective realization on design parameters. In this paper, high-rise residential buildings in the cities of Xi’an and Yulin, which have differences in solar radiation, in the western solar enrichment area of China are taken as the research objects. The four objectives of building energy consumption, thermal comfort, life-cycle cost, and life-cycle carbon emissions are weighed using the SPEA-2 algorithm by adjusting eleven design variables, thereby obtaining the Pareto non-dominated solutions. The TOPSIS method is applied to obtain the suitable parameter combinations under different scenarios. The results show that the differences in climate and solar radiation influence the solution distribution, the range of objective function values, and the values of the design variables in Pareto non-dominated solutions. The obtained optimal scheme for the Xi’an area has an energy-saving rate of 61.7%, a TDHP improvement rate of 20.3%, an LCC of 254.8 CNY/m2, and an LCCO2 of 72.3 kgCO2/m2. The corresponding values in the Yulin area are 69.7%, 19.4%, 230.2 CNY/m2, and 0 kgCO2/m2. This reflects the potential of solar energy utilization to reduce buildings’ energy consumption and carbon emissions. The methodology and findings can provide references for high-rise residential building design in Northwestern China.
The Application of Fine Sand in Subgrades: A Review
Authors: Li Lingjie , Zhang Yu , Tian Yu
Published: August 2024

The subgrade serves as the foundation of road construction, typically involving a significant amount of earthwork during its establishment. However, in coastal and desert areas, soil sources are often scarce. Local soil extraction significantly damages cultivated land, impacting the local ecological environment. Transporting soil over long distances inevitably raises construction costs. Fortunately, these regions often feature abundant fine sand distribution, presenting an opportunity to utilize it as subgrade filler in coastal regions. This review comprehensively introduces the properties of fine sand as a raw material, its engineering applications, and the associated construction technologies. It emphatically discusses the road use characteristics and treatment technology of fine sand filler and puts forward a prospect combining the characteristics and development trends of fine sand so as to provide a new perspective and basic material for the application of fine sand in the subgrade. To foster the adoption of fine sand in subgrade construction, it is recommended to advance research on the evaluation and treatment of fine sand foundations, analyze its suitability and structural behavior as a filler, and refine construction methodologies and quality control measures specific to fine sand subgrades.
Time-Delay Following Model for Connected and Automated Vehicles Considering Multiple Vehicle Safety Potential Fields
Authors: Wang Zijian , Wang Wenbo , Mu Kenan , Fan Songhua
Published: August 2024

Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) represent a significant development in the transport industry owing to their intelligent and interconnected features. Potential field theory has been extensively used to model CAV driving behaviour owing to its objectivity, universality, and measurability. However, existing car-following models do not consider the impact of time delays and the influence of information from multiple vehicles ahead and behind. This paper focuses on the driving-safety risks associated with CAVs, aiming to enhance vehicle safety and reliability during travelling. We developed a multi-vehicle car-following model based on safety potential fields (MIDM-SPF), taking into account the characteristics of multi-vehicle connected information and time delays. To enhance the model’s precision, real-world data from urban roads were employed, alongside an improved optimisation algorithm to fine-tune the car-following model. The simulation experiment revealed that MIDM-SPF significantly reduces stop-and-go traffic, thereby improving traffic flow stability in urban areas. Additionally, we validated the stability of our model under varying market penetration rates in large-scale mixed traffic. Our findings indicate that increasing the CAV proportion improves the stability of mixed traffic flows, which has important implications for alleviating traffic congestion and guiding the large-scale implementation of autonomous driving in the future.
Identical Parallel Machine Scheduling Problem with Additional Resources and Partial Confirmed Orders in Make-to-Stock Strategy
Authors: Kuo Yiyo , Li Dong-Xuan
Published: August 2024

This research deals with the parallel machine scheduling problem for identical machines that need additional operational resources during the changeover. The production strategy is mainly based on make-to-stock. When the current inventory is less than the quantity of the new order, the corresponding products will be scheduled for production in predetermined production batches that are larger than the quantity of the order. Because the additional resources are limited, batch splitting, which increases the number of changeovers, is not permitted. The objective is to minimize both the makespan and total tardiness. A two-phase methodology is proposed. In the first phase, a mixed-integer program is developed to minimize the makespan. The resulting minimal makespan becomes the constraint in the second phase. An extended mixed-integer program is then developed to minimize the total tardiness. A case study of a plastic pallet manufacturing company is introduced. The experimental results show that the proposed methodology can minimize the makespan and total tardiness efficiently. Moreover, it also shows the promise of the proposed methodology for solving practical applications.
Exploring Usability, Emotional Responses, Flow Experience, and Technology Acceptance in VR: A Comparative Analysis of Freeform Creativity and Goal-Directed Training
Authors: Fang Yu-Min
Published: August 2024

This study compared two virtual reality (VR) interaction modes and assessed differences in characteristics, namely usability, emotional responses, flow experience, technology acceptance, activity effectiveness, preference, and satisfaction, aiming to gain insights for proposing design suggestions. The two types of VR interaction examined were freeform creativity, which enabled users to autonomously explore and create using the Gravity Sketch drawing program, and goal-directed training, which involved structured task completion by using a VR dumbbell exercise program developed with Unity. This study involved 33 participants and revealed three key findings. First, both VR modes exhibited excellent results in terms of flow experience, technology acceptance, preference, and satisfaction and evoked strong positive emotions. They also demonstrated shared VR advantages, including overcoming screen constraints and facilitating three-dimensional spatial activities. Second, compared with goal-directed training, freeform creativity elicited greater levels of pleasure, evoked more intense emotional responses, and demonstrated superior performance across related indicators. Third, in terms of usability, goal-directed training surpassed freeform creativity, particularly in overall responsiveness, simplicity, and clarity of information presentation, and learnability, underscoring the importance of enhancing usability for complex tasks in VR application design. These findings offer valuable insights for crafting more appealing, practical, and user-friendly VR systems in the future.
WindFormer: Learning Generic Representations for Short-Term Wind Speed Prediction
Authors: Qiu Xiang , Li Yang , Li Jia-Hua , Wang Bo-Fu , Liu Yu-Lu
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we introduce WindFormer, an innovative transformer-based model engineered for short-term wind speed forecasting, leveraging multivariate time series data. Unlike traditional approaches, WindFormer excels in processing diverse meteorological features—temperature, humidity, and power—to intricately map their spatiotemporal interdependencies with wind speeds. Utilizing a novel unsupervised pre-training strategy, WindFormer initially learns from vast volumes of unlabeled data to capture generalized feature representations. This foundation enhances the subsequent fine-tuning phase on labeled wind speed data, in which our model demonstrates exceptional predictive accuracy. Empirical evaluations across various public datasets illustrate that WindFormer markedly surpasses both conventional statistical models and contemporary deep learning techniques. The model not only achieves superior accuracy in forecasting wind speeds but also reveals a significant enhancement in handling complex spatiotemporal data dynamics. These advancements facilitate more effective wind farm management and power grid scheduling, making a substantial impact on operational efficiencies and renewable energy utilization. Our findings confirm the robustness of WindFormer in a real-world setting, underscoring its potential as a pivotal tool in meteorological and energy sectors. The integration of unsupervised pre-training with multi-task fine-tuning establishes a new benchmark for short-term wind speed prediction.