bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Lithium-Ion Battery Modeling: A Comparative Analysis of PSO and GWO Algorithms
Authors: Camas-Náfate Mónica , Coronado-Mendoza Alberto , Vargas-Salgado Carlos , Águila-León Jesús , Alfonso-Solar David
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the modeling and simulation of lithium-ion batteries have garnered attention due to the rising demand for reliable energy storage. Accurate charge cycle predictions are fundamental for optimizing battery performance and lifespan. This study compares particle swarm optimization (PSO) and grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithms in modeling a commercial lithium-ion battery, emphasizing the voltage behavior and the current delivered to the battery. Bio-inspired optimization tunes parameters to reduce the root mean square error (RMSE) between simulated and experimental outputs. The model, implemented in MATLAB/Simulink, integrates electrochemical parameters and estimates battery behavior under varied conditions. The assessment of terminal voltage revealed notable enhancements in the model through both the PSO and GWO algorithms compared to the non-optimized model. The GWO-optimized model demonstrated superior performance, with a reduced RMSE of 0.1700 (25 °C; 3.6 C, 455 s) and 0.1705 (25 °C; 3.6 C, 10,654 s) compared to the PSO-optimized model, achieving a 42% average RMSE reduction. Battery current was identified as a key factor influencing the model analysis, with optimized models, particularly the GWO model, exhibiting enhanced predictive capabilities and slightly lower RMSE values than the PSO model. This offers practical implications for battery integration into energy systems. Analyzing the execution time with different population values for PSO and GWO provides insights into computational complexity. PSO exhibited greater-than-linear dynamics, suggesting a polynomial complexity of O(nk), while GWO implied a potential polynomial complexity within the range of O(nk) or O(2n) based on execution times from populations of 10 to 1000.
A Numerical Method for the Dynamics Analysis of Blade Fracture Faults in Wind Turbines Using Geometrically Exact Beam Theory and Its Validation
Authors: Wu Xianyou , Feng Kai , Li Qing’an
Published: February 2024

In pursuit of China’s goals for carbon peak and carbon neutrality, wind turbines are continually evolving to achieve a lower levelized cost of energy. The primary technological focus in the wind power industry is on large-scale, lightweight designs for entire turbines to enhance cost competitiveness. However, this advancement has led to an increased risk of blade fractures under extreme operating conditions. This paper addresses this challenging issue by using geometrically exact beam theory to develop a nonlinear simulation model for long, flexible blades. The model accounts for sudden changes in blade properties at the moment of failure, covering both the extensive motions and deformations of the fractured blade. The validation of the proposed model is carried out by comparing the results from power production cases with bladed simulations and further validating the simulations of blade fracture load cases against measurement data. The methodologies and findings presented in this study offer valuable insights for diagnosing faults in wind turbines.
Application of Near Infrared Spectroscopy for the Detection of Chemically Treated Pellets Unsuitable for Combustion
Authors: Leoni Elena , Gasperini Thomas , Di Marzio Nicolò , Picchio Rodolfo , Toscano Giuseppe , Duca Daniele
Published: February 2024

The relevant growth of the wood pellet market in Europe in the last decade led to an increased focus on solid biofuel as a necessary and available renewable resource for energy production. Among biofuels, wooden pellets are among the most widespread for domestic heating. Therefore, monitoring the qualitative properties of commercialized pellets is crucial in order to minimize the amount of harmful emissions in residential areas. Standard ISO 17225 sets threshold values for the chemical and physical properties that commercialized biofuels must fulfil. Specifically, ISO 17225-2 defines that pellets for residential use must be produced from virgin wood, but no method is proposed to assess the actual origin of the material, leading to the risk of the commercialization of pellets made up from chemically treated materials. This study proposes a model obtained via near infrared spectroscopy analyses and chemometrics methods, such as classification, to rapidly assess whether pellets are made up of virgin or chemically treated wood. The result suggests the effectiveness of NIRs for the detection of non-virgin pellets with an accuracy greater than 99%. Furthermore, the model appeared to be accurate in the assessment of both milled and intact pellets, making it a potential in-line instrument for assessments of pellets’ quality.
Similarity Coefficient Generation Using Adjoint-Based Sensitivity and Uncertainty Method and Stochastic Sampling Method
Authors: Park Ho Jin , Park Jeong Woo
Published: February 2024

In this study, a similarity coefficient generation code system was established using the Monte Carlo Code for Advanced Reactor Design (McCARD) transport code and the MIG multi-correlated input sampling code. We considered the adjoint-based sensitivity and uncertainty (S/U) and stochastic sampling (S.S.) approaches to the generation of the ck similarity coefficient. To examine the code system, the ck similarity coefficients of 23 relevant critical experiments and the System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor (SMART) small modular reactor (SMR) target system were generated using ENDF/B-VII.1 covariance data with the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) 30-group energy group structure. Our results show that the similarity coefficients between the 16 LEU thermal-spectrum-based critical experiments and SMART are more than 0.90, which is the recommended criterion of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These results are very helpful for licensees and can be used to justify the determination of critical experiment benchmarks for computational bias estimations of the SMART target system. To examine the discrepancy in the similarity coefficient, ck, due to the covariance data, similarity analyses for a 24 × 24 benchmark matrix were performed using ENDF-VIII.0, JENDL-5.0, and JEFF-3.3 covariance data. The results show that the selection of the covariance data used for ck generation significantly impacts the similarity coefficient. Moreover, it was observed that the current results for the SCALE 6.1 covariance data show a consistent trend with the results reported in earlier studies.
Multi-Fracture Propagation Considering Perforation Erosion with Respect to Multi-Stage Fracturing in Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Tan Lin , Xie Lingzhi , He Bo , Zhang Yao
Published: February 2024

Shale gas is considered a crucial global energy source. Hydraulic fracturing with multiple fractures in horizontal wells has been a crucial method for stimulating shale gas. During multi-stage fracturing, the fracture propagation is non-uniform, and fractures cannot be induced in some clusters due to the influence of stress shadow. To improve the multi-fracture propagation performance, technologies such as limited-entry fracturing are employed. However, perforation erosion limits the effect of the application of these technologies. In this paper, a two-dimensional numerical model that considers perforation erosion is established based on the finite element method. Then, the multi-fracture propagation, taking into account the impact of perforation erosion, is studied under different parameters. The results suggest that perforation erosion leads to a reduction in the perforation friction and exacerbates the uneven propagation of the fractures. The effects of erosion on multi-fracture propagation are heightened with a small perforation diameter and perforation number. However, reducing the perforation number and perforation diameter remains an effective method for promoting uniform fracture propagation. As the cluster spacing is increased, the effects of erosion on multi-fracture propagation are aggravated because of the weakened stress shadow effect. Furthermore, for a given volume of fracturing fluid, although a higher injection rate is associated with a shorter injection time, the effects of erosion on the multi-fracture propagation are more severe at a high injection rate.
Influence of Passivation and Solar Cell Configuration on the Electrical Parameter Degradation of Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Zanesco Izete , Moehlecke Adriano , Ferronato Jeferson , Ly Moussa , Britto João Victor Zanatta , Leite Bruno Inácio da Silva Roux , Policarpi Taila Cristiane
Published: February 2024

This article analyses and compares the influence of p-type Cz-Si solar cells produced with and without Al-BSF and silicon oxide passivation on the degradation of the electrical parameters of PV modules, after 77 months under operating conditions in a PV system. Solar cells were manufactured at a pilot plant-scale facility, and 32 PV modules with silicon oxide passivated emitter and Al-BSF solar cells were assembled. The other group was composed of 28 PV modules produced with n+pn+ solar cells. The I–V curves of the PV modules were measured under standard test conditions before and after 77 months of exposure. In both groups, the short-circuit current presented higher degradation, and the open-circuit voltage showed low reduction. However, the degradation of these electrical parameters was lower in PV modules assembled with a passivated emitter and Al-BSF solar cells. Consequently, the power degradation rate of PV modules with passivated emitter n+pp+ and n+pn+ solar cells was 0.29% and 0.66% per year, respectively. The milky pattern was observed at the edge of all solar cells and was related to titanium dioxide antireflective coating modification and laser isolation processing.
Design of Lumped Disturbance Observer in Current Loop of IPMSM Based on Recursive Integral Sliding Mode Surface
Authors: Teng Yongxiao , Gao Qiang , Chen Xuehan , Xu Dianguo
Published: February 2024

To overcome the problem of current control effect being reduced by unideal factors in a motor control system, such as motor parameter variation, inverter dead time, nonlinearity of the system, etc., a sliding mode disturbance observer for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor is proposed in this paper. The model of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor with unideal factors is designed, and the unideal factors are unified into lumped disturbances of motor stator voltage. Then, the observer for lumped disturbance is designed. A recursive integral sliding surface is used to replace the terminal sliding surface to avoid the noise sensitivity and singularity problem of the traditional terminal sliding mode observer. The observer can estimate the lumped disturbance of the current loop without relying on the accurate system model in finite time. Moreover, the structure of the current loop does not need to be adjusted while using the observer to observe and compensate for disturbances. Experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed observer.
Effect of Composting Ashes from Biomass Combustion on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Content
Authors: Cwalina Paweł , Krasowska Małgorzata , Smolewska Marzena Ewa , Koziak Kinga
Published: February 2024

The safe management of waste from biomass combustion is a global problem, as the use of biomass for energy purposes is increasing around the world. Many rapidly developing countries in Asia, Africa, and South America have weak legal regulations regarding the composition of biomass combustion waste, such as ashes. As a result of the improper management of ashes, some of the pollutants may enter agricultural soils and pose a long-term risk to human health through the accumulation of harmful compounds in food. For this reason, research was carried out on the possibility of reducing harmful contaminants contained in ash in the composting process. The work presents the results of the content of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the created composts, followed by an analysis of the toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity of the created fertilisers. Based on the results obtained, a positive impact of the composting process on the reduction in PAHs contained in ash was found. Composting the mixture at 20 °C resulted in a slight decrease in the ΣPAH16 content from 2185.46 µg∙kg−1 to 2063.48 µg∙kg−1. A greater reduction in ΣPAH16 was obtained in the mixture incubated at 40 °C, where an overall decrease in the ΣPAH16 content was recorded from 2185.46 µg∙kg−1 to 1372.38 µg∙kg−1. The composting process also had a positive impact on the TEQ = CEQ, MEQ, and TCDD-TEQ coefficients, causing their decrease.
Optimisation of Small-Scale Aquaponics Systems Using Artificial Intelligence and the IoT: Current Status, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Channa Abdul Aziz , Munir Kamran , Hansen Mark , Tariq Muhammad Fahim
Published: February 2024

Environment changes, water scarcity, soil depletion, and urbanisation are making it harder to produce food using traditional methods in various regions and countries. Aquaponics is emerging as a sustainable food production system that produces fish and plants in a closed-loop system. Aquaponics is not dependent on soil or external environmental factors. It uses fish waste to fertilise plants and can save up to 90–95% water. Aquaponics is an innovative system for growing food and is expected to be very promising, but it has its challenges. It is a complex ecosystem that requires multidisciplinary knowledge, proper monitoring of all crucial parameters, and high maintenance and initial investment costs to build the system. Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are key technologies that can overcome these challenges. Numerous recent studies focus on the use of AI and the IoT to automate the process, improve efficiency and reliability, provide better management, and reduce operating costs. However, these studies often focus on limited aspects of the system, each considering different domains and parameters of the aquaponics system. This paper aims to consolidate the existing work, identify the state-of-the-art use of the IoT and AI, explore the key parameters affecting growth, analyse the sensing and communication technologies employed, highlight the research gaps in this field, and suggest future research directions. Based on the reviewed research, energy efficiency and economic viability were found to be a major bottleneck of current systems. Moreover, inconsistencies in sensor selection, lack of publicly available data, and the reproducibility of existing work were common issues among the studies.
Effects of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) Expansion on the Stock and Nutrient Characteristics of the Litter Layer in Subtropical Coniferous and Broad-Leaved Mixed Forests, China
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Yang
Published: February 2024

To reveal the changes on the stock of the litter layer and its nutrient storage capacity during Moso bamboo expansion in subtropical coniferous and broad-leaved forests, permanent plots were set up in the transitional zone in Wuxie National Park, Zhuji, Zhejiang, China. The plots contained conifer and broad-leaved forests (CFs), transition forests (TFs), and Moso bamboo forests (MFs), which represented three stages of the expansion of Moso bamboo to the surrounding forests. Litter samples were collected and analyzed by un-decomposed, semi-decomposed, and decomposed layers. The stock of the litter layer, the content and storage of the main nutrient elements, and their release rate were measured. It was revealed that the stock of the litter layer and each decomposition layer decreased as the bamboo expands. However, the litter decomposition rate exhibited a positive correlation with the expansion of Moso bamboo, which might be due to the change in the physical properties of the litter. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the un-decomposed and semi-decomposed layers of the litter contents of C, N, and P between the three forests, but the contents of C, N, and P in the decomposed layer gradually decreased with the expansion of Moso bamboo. There were no remarkable differences in the N content, C/N, C/P, and lignin/N values of the un-decomposed layer of the three forests, indicating that the litter quality was not the principal reason affecting the decomposition rate. The total nutrient storage in the litter layer decreased significantly with the bamboo expansion, and the release rate of nutrient elements increased, which was adverse to the accumulation and storage of the nutrients. The material cycle of the original forest ecosystem is likely to deteriorate gradually with the bamboo expansion.
Physicochemical Characterisation of Seeds, Oil and Defatted Cake of Three Hempseed Varieties Cultivated in Spain
Authors: Mendoza-Pérez Rito J. , Náthia-Neves Grazielle , Blanco Beatriz , Vela Antonio J. , Caballero Pedro A. , Ronda Felicidad
Published: February 2024

The increasing use of hempseed in food products highlights the need for a comprehensive database for scientific research and industrial applications. In food development, information about the techno-functional properties of raw materials plays a crucial role in determining the suitability of each product for specific applications. Thus, this study aims to characterise three hempseed varieties (Ferimon, Henola and Uso-31), comparing their physicochemical and nutritional compositions. Moreover, the study investigates the impact of hempseed varieties on the techno-functional, physical and thermal properties of the partially defatted hempseed flours (PDHFs) obtained from single screw pressing (SSP) oil extraction. The fatty acid and tocopherol profiles of the dehulled seeds and oil were also analysed. Significant variations in yield and physical properties were observed among hempseed varieties, influenced by genetics, adaptation to agro-climatic conditions and cultivation systems. Despite its lower yield (kg/ha), Uso-31 exhibited superior 1000-seed weight, dehulling yield and larger mean seed size (1.79 ± 0.02 mm). Hempseed oil was rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic (51.2–53.4 g/100 g oil) and α-linolenic (14.88–18.97 g/100 oil) acids, showing variations in γ- and α-tocopherols depending on the variety. The variety also influenced the least gelation concentration (LGC) and techno-functional properties such as water absorption capacity (WAC), emulsifying activity (EA) and emulsion stability (ES). SDS-PAGE and DSC measurements indicated the presence of 11S and 7S globulin proteins with denaturation temperatures above 87.8 °C. These findings confirm that the studied hempseed flours are valuable techno-functional and nutritional ingredients suitable for sustainable food formulations.
High-Power Ultrasound (HPU) and Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) in the Hurdle Concept for the Preservation of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds in Strawberry Juice—A Chemometric Evaluation—Part II
Authors: Bebek Markovinović Anica , Stulić Višnja , Putnik Predrag , Bekavac Nikša , Pavlić Branimir , Milošević Sanja , Velebit Branko , Herceg Zoran , Bursać Kovačević Danijela
Published: February 2024

In this work, the influence of high-power ultrasound (HPU) followed by pulsed electric field (PEF) in the hurdle concept (HPU + PEF) on the content of biologically active compounds (BACs) and antioxidant activity in strawberry juices stored at 4 °C/7 days was investigated. The HPU was performed with an amplitude of 25% and pulse of 50% during 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 min, while the PEF was performed with an electric field strength of 30 kV cm−1 and frequency of 100 Hz during 1.5, 3 and 4.5 min. The results obtained indicate that the synergy of the mechanisms of action for technologies in the hurdle concept plays a critical role in the stability of BACs and antioxidant activity. Juices treated with HPU + PEF hurdle technology and kept at 4 °C for 7 days showed a statistically significant decrease in all BACs, antioxidant capacity and pH. Shorter HPU + PEF treatment times favored the preservation of BACs in juices. Regarding total phenolic compounds, flavonols, condensed tannins and antioxidant capacity, optimization of hurdle parameters showed that a shorter HPU treatment time of 2.5 min provided the best yield of these compounds. In summary, by optimizing and adjusting the parameters of the HPU/PEF technology, it is possible to produce functional strawberry juice.
Recent Advances Regarding Polyphenol Oxidase in Camellia sinensis: Extraction, Purification, Characterization, and Application
Authors: Zou Chun , Zhang Xin , Xu Yongquan , Yin Junfeng
Published: February 2024

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is an important metalloenzyme in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). However, there has recently been a lack of comprehensive reviews on Camellia sinensis PPO. In this study, the methods for extracting PPO from Camellia sinensis, including acetone extraction, buffer extraction, and surfactant extraction, are compared in detail. The main purification methods for Camellia sinensis PPO, such as ammonium sulfate precipitation, three-phase partitioning, dialysis, ultrafiltration, ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, and affinity chromatography, are summarized. PPOs from different sources of tea plants are characterized and systematically compared in terms of optimal pH, optimal temperature, molecular weight, substrate specificity, and activators and inhibitors. In addition, the applications of PPO in tea processing and the in vitro synthesis of theaflavins are outlined. In this review, detailed research regarding the extraction, purification, properties, and application of Camellia sinensis PPO is summarized to provide a reference for further research on PPO.
Gelation upon the Mixing of Amphiphilic Graft and Triblock Copolymers Containing Enantiomeric Polylactide Segments through Stereocomplex Formation
Authors: Ohya Yuichi , Yoshida Yasuyuki , Kumagae Taiki , Kuzuya Akinori
Published: February 2024

Biodegradable injectable polymer (IP) systems that form hydrogels in situ when injected into the body have considerable potential as medical materials. In this paper, we report a new two-solution mixed biodegradable IP system that utilizes the stereocomplex (SC) formation of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(d-lactide) (PDLA). We synthesized triblock copolymers of PLLA and poly(ethylene glycol), PLLA-b-PEG-b-PLLA (tri-L), and a graft copolymer of dextran (Dex) attached to a PDLA-b-PEG diblock copolymer, Dex-g-(PDLA-b-PEG) (gb-D). We found that a hydrogel can be obtained by mixing gb-D solution and tri-L solution via SC formation. Although it is already known that graft copolymers attached to enantiomeric PLLA and PDLA chains can form an SC hydrogel upon mixing, we revealed that hydrogels can also be formed by a combination of graft and triblock copolymers. In this system (graft vs. triblock), the gelation time was shorter, within 1 min, and the physical strength of the resulting hydrogel (G′ > 100 Pa) was higher than when graft copolymers were mixed. Triblock copolymers form micelles (16 nm in diameter) in aqueous solutions and hydrophobic drugs can be easily encapsulated in micelles. In contrast, graft copolymers have the advantage that their molecular weight can be set high, contributing to improved mechanical strength of the obtained hydrogel. Various biologically active polymers can be used as the main chains of graft copolymers, and chemical modification using the remaining functional side chain groups is also easy. Therefore, the developed mixing system with a graft vs. triblock combination can be applied to medical materials as a highly convenient, physically cross-linked IP system.
Did John Lydgate Write the Original for the “Scotch Copy of a Poem on Heraldry”?
Authors: Durie Bruce
Published: February 2024

Evidence is presented, from heraldic, linguistic and political–historical evidence, that the original author of the “Scotch Copy of a Poem on Heraldry” was not Adam Loutfut ca. 1494 but the earlier English writer John Lydgate, possibly drawing from French heraldic sources. A new transcription from the Harleian MS 6149 is given with a comparison to the text from a copy in Queen’s MS. 161, plus a modern-language “translation” and critical commentary.
The Influence of Ultra-Processed Food on Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Caceres-Matos Rocío , Castro-Méndez Aurora , Domínguez Marina , Pabón-Carrasco Daniel , Pabón-Carrasco Manuel
Published: February 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease characterised by the development of malignant tumours in the colon or rectum; it is considered the most common cancer in women, and up to 50% of cases can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Nutritional habits are related to its appearance, and the current trend of an increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has led to a surge in the incidence of CRC in recent years. This systematic review aims to evaluate, based on scientific evidence, the role of UPF in the incidence of CRC. The PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases were reviewed, and a total of 24 scientific articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this review (studies from the past 5 years and observational studies in English). The conclusions of this study point to an association between UPF-based diets and the appearance of CRC, which is promoted by the harmful effects of the consumption of high levels of sugar, fat, red meat, and additives. These dietary habits, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and obesity, further increase the incidence of CRC.
Computer Vision for Parkinson’s Disease Evaluation: A Survey on Finger Tapping
Authors: Amo-Salas Javier , Olivares-Gil Alicia , García-Bustillo Álvaro , García-García David , Arnaiz-González Álvar , Cubo Esther
Published: February 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder whose prevalence has steadily been rising over the years. Specialist neurologists across the world assess and diagnose patients with PD, although the diagnostic process is time-consuming and various symptoms take years to appear, which means that the diagnosis is prone to human error. The partial automatization of PD assessment and diagnosis through computational processes has therefore been considered for some time. One well-known tool for PD assessment is finger tapping (FT), which can now be assessed through computer vision (CV). Artificial intelligence and related advances over recent decades, more specifically in the area of CV, have made it possible to develop computer systems that can help specialists assess and diagnose PD. The aim of this study is to review some advances related to CV techniques and FT so as to offer insight into future research lines that technological advances are now opening up.
Applying the Participatory Slow Design Approach to a mHealth Application for Family Caregivers in Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery
Authors: Dobrina Raffaella , Starec Anja , Brunelli Laura , Orzan Eva , De Vita Chiara , Bicego Livia , Ronfani Luca , Castro Veronica , Di Rocco Paola , Zanchiello Sara , Dal Cin Margherita , Tagliapietra Benedetta , Cinello Michela , Fontanot Donatella , Stampalija Tamara , Dante Angelo , Petrucci Cristina , Cassone Andrea
Published: February 2024

Pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery is very common, and its outcomes may improve with family education. In this regard, mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps), which are on the rise due to digital transformation, can be beneficial in healthcare. This study outlines the user-centered design and development of a mHealth app (version 5.15.0) to support family caregivers during the perioperative process of pediatric ENT surgery. Conducted over two years in an Italian maternal and child health hospital (January 2020–May 2022), the study employed a participatory design method based on the Information System Research (ISR) framework and guided by the principles of Slow Medicine. Utilizing the Relevance, Rigor, and Design cycles of the ISR framework, the mHealth app’s content, functionalities, and technical features were defined and developed. A committee of fifteen experts guided the process with input from 25 family caregivers and 24 healthcare providers enrolled in the study. The mHealth app content was structured around five crucial educational moments characterizing the ENT perioperative period, providing evidence-based information on surgical procedures, strategies for preparing children for hospitalization and surgery, pain management, and post-discharge care. The mHealth app featured a function that sends customized notifications to guide caregivers at specific perioperative stages. The development of mHealth apps by implementing a rigorous, participatory, and Slow design process can foster accessible and family-centered information and care in the field of maternal and child health and beyond.
Ethical Issues in Clinical Decision-Making about Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Laureano Cláudio Domingos , Laranjeira Carlos , Querido Ana , Dixe Maria Anjos , Rego Francisca
Published: February 2024

In mental health and psychiatric care, the use of involuntary psychiatric treatment for people with mental disorders is still a central and contentious issue. The main objective of this scoping review was to map and systematize the literature on ethical issues in clinical decision-making about involuntary psychiatric treatment. Five databases (Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Medline, and Scopus) were searched for articles on this topic. Out of a total of 342 articles found, 35 studies from 14 countries were included based on the selection criteria. The articles were analyzed using the inductive content analysis approach. The following main categories were identified: (1) ethical foundations that guide clinical decision-making; (2) criteria for involuntary psychiatric treatment; (3) gaps, barriers, and risks associated with involuntary psychiatric treatment; (4) strategies used to reduce, replace, and improve the negative impact of involuntary treatment; and (5) evidence-based recommendations. Most of the selected articles discuss the logic underlying involuntary treatment of the mentally ill, exploring ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, or justice, as well as how these should be properly balanced. During the process of involuntary psychiatric admission, there was a notable absence of effective communication and a significant power imbalance that disenfranchised those seeking services. This disparity was further intensified by professionals who often use coercive measures without a clear decision-making rationale and by family members who strongly depend on hospital admission. Due to the pluralistic and polarized nature of opinions regarding legal capacity and the complexity and nuance of involuntary admission, further studies should be context-specific and based on co-production and participatory research.
Effects of Different Solvents on the Extraction of Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds, and Antioxidant Activities, in Scutellaria baicalensis Hairy Roots
Authors: Lim Jinsu , Kim Kihyun , Kwon Do Yeon , Kim Jae Kwang , Sathasivam Ramaraj , Park Sang Un
Published: February 2024

The hairy roots (HRs) of Scutellaria baicalensis are widely used and consumed worldwide as a medicine, especially in Asian countries, due to their biological and pharmacological activities. The HRs of this plant are rich in secondary metabolites. However, the optimal method and solvents for the extraction of secondary metabolites from S. baicalensis HRs have not been well studied. Therefore, in this study, S. baicalensis HRs were extracted with different solvents, including water (WE), 99.9% pure methanol (PM), 70% aqueous methanol (AM), 99.9% pure ethanol (PE), and 70% aqueous ethanol (AE). The phenolic and flavonoid compounds and various antioxidant activities of each extract were measured. The AE extract (16.85 ± 0.15%) had a higher yield, which led to the highest accumulation of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. The TPC and TFC were highest in AE (66.03 ± 0.44 mg GAE/g and 40.11 ± 1.31 mg QE/g, respectively), whereas WE, PM, and PE showed lower values in all assays. In addition, the highest antioxidant activities, such as DPPH, ABTS, and SOD-like scavenging activities and reducing power, were achieved in the AE extract compared to the other solvent extracts. Based on these results, the AE extract showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid accumulation and antioxidant activities, highlighting its potential use in the manufacture of useful materials from S. baicalensis HRs and its novel applications.
Exploring Barriers to Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents and Young People with Physical Disabilities in South Africa
Authors: Mathabela Bheki , Madiba Sphiwe , Modjadji Perpetua
Published: February 2024

Despite South Africa having a progressive and liberal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) policy framework, adolescents and young people with disabilities (AYPWDs) are less likely to receive sexual and reproductive healthcare, being consequently predisposed to a long-term detrimental impact on their health. Our study explored the barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services (SRHSs) in clinics among AYPWDs in Mpumalanga, South Africa. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with twenty-seven AYPWDs in four focus group discussions using semi-structured interviews, audiotaped and transcribed verbatim, and then applied a thematic analysis of the data. Employing a socio-ecological model, the findings show a poor socioeconomic status, lack of information on SRH, and the attitudes of AYPWDs as barriers at the individual level, hindering AYPWDs from accessing SRHSs in clinics. AYPWDs also faced difficulties to talk about SRH with parents, a lack of support to seek SRHSs, improper care from family/parents, and negative attitudes of friends, at the interpersonal level. They further expressed barriers at the community/societal level as negative attitudes of non-disabled community members and poor infrastructure for wheelchair use. At the organization level, their access to SRHSs was negatively affected by HCWs’ maltreatment, described in the forms of negative attitudes, being judgmental using verbal abuse, discrimination, and bullying. Furthermore, AYPWDs described difficulties in communication with HCWs, as well as violating their confidentiality and misconceived ideas on their sexuality. Intensified efforts to strengthen public health strategies are needed to improve access to SRHSs by AYPWDs in South Africa, as well as enhancing the proficiency and communication skills of HCWs and educating AYPWDs, parents, and non-disabled community members on SRH.
Roles of the Caspase-11 Non-Canonical Inflammasome in Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Yi Young-Su
Published: February 2024

Inflammasomes are intracellular multiprotein complexes that activate inflammatory signaling pathways. Inflammasomes comprise two major classes: canonical inflammasomes, which were discovered first and are activated in response to a variety of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and non-canonical inflammasomes, which were discovered recently and are only activated in response to intracellular lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although a larger number of studies have successfully demonstrated that canonical inflammasomes, particularly the NLRP3 inflammasome, play roles in various rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), infectious arthritis (IR), gouty arthritis (GA), osteoarthritis (OA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriatic arthritis (PA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS), the regulatory roles of non-canonical inflammasomes, such as mouse caspase-11 and human caspase-4 non-canonical inflammasomes, in these diseases are still largely unknown. Interestingly, an increasing number of studies have reported possible roles for non-canonical inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of various mouse models of rheumatic disease. This review comprehensively summarizes and discusses recent emerging studies demonstrating the regulatory roles of non-canonical inflammasomes, particularly focusing on the caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome, in the pathogenesis and progression of various types of rheumatic diseases and provides new insights into strategies for developing potential therapeutics to prevent and treat rheumatic diseases as well as associated diseases by targeting non-canonical inflammasomes.
IbMYC2 Contributes to Salt and Drought Stress Tolerance via Modulating Anthocyanin Accumulation and ROS-Scavenging System in Sweet Potato
Authors: Hu Yuanfeng , Zhao Hongyuan , Xue Luyao , Nie Nan , Zhang Huan , Zhao Ning , He Shaozhen , Liu Qingchang , Gao Shaopei , Zhai Hong
Published: February 2024

Basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors extensively affect various physiological processes in plant metabolism, growth, and abiotic stress. However, the regulation mechanism of bHLH transcription factors in balancing anthocyanin biosynthesis and abiotic stress in sweet potato (Ipomoea batata (L.) Lam.) remains unclear. Previously, transcriptome analysis revealed the genes that were differentially expressed among the purple-fleshed sweet potato cultivar ‘Jingshu 6’ and its anthocyanin-rich mutant ‘JS6-5’. Here, we selected one of these potential genes, IbMYC2, which belongs to the bHLH transcription factor family, for subsequent analyses. The expression of IbMYC2 in the JS6-5 storage roots is almost four-fold higher than Jingshu 6 and significantly induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), NaCl, and polyethylene glycol (PEG)6000. Overexpression of IbMYC2 significantly enhances anthocyanin production and exhibits a certain antioxidant capacity, thereby improving salt and drought tolerance. In contrast, reducing IbMYC2 expression increases its susceptibility. Our data showed that IbMYC2 could elevate the expression of anthocyanin synthesis pathway genes by binding to IbCHI and IbDFR promoters. Additionally, overexpressing IbMYC2 activates genes encoding reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging and proline synthesis enzymes under salt and drought conditions. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the IbMYC2 gene exercises a significant impact on crop quality and stress resistance.
A Generic Approach for Miniaturized Unbiased High-Throughput Screens of Bispecific Antibodies and Biparatopic Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Barron Nadine , Dickgiesser Stephan , Fleischer Markus , Bachmann Angelika-Nicole , Klewinghaus Daniel , Hannewald Jens , Ciesielski Elke , Kusters Ilja , Hammann Til , Krause Volker , Fuchs Sebastian Winfried , Siegmund Vanessa , Gross Alec W. , Mueller-Pompalla Dirk , Krah Simon , Zielonka Stefan , Doerner Achim
Published: February 2024

The toolbox of modern antibody engineering allows the design of versatile novel functionalities exceeding nature’s repertoire. Many bispecific antibodies comprise heterodimeric Fc portions recently validated through the approval of several bispecific biotherapeutics. While heterodimerization methodologies have been established for low-throughput large-scale production, few approaches exist to overcome the bottleneck of large combinatorial screening efforts that are essential for the identification of the best possible bispecific antibody. This report presents a novel, robust and miniaturized heterodimerization process based on controlled Fab-arm exchange (cFAE), which is applicable to a variety of heterodimeric formats and compatible with automated high-throughput screens. Proof of applicability was shown for two therapeutic molecule classes and two relevant functional screening read-outs. First, the miniaturized production of biparatopic anti-c-MET antibody–drug conjugates served as a proof of concept for their applicability in cytotoxic screenings on tumor cells with different target expression levels. Second, the automated workflow enabled a large unbiased combinatorial screening of biparatopic antibodies and the identification of hits mediating potent c-MET degradation. The presented workflow utilizes standard equipment and may serve as a facile, efficient and robust method for the discovery of innovative therapeutic agents in many laboratories worldwide.
Betulinic Acid for Glioblastoma Treatment: Reality, Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Fernandes Sílvia , Vieira Mariana , Prudêncio Cristina , Ferraz Ricardo
Published: February 2024

Betulinic acid is a naturally occurring compound that can be obtained through methanolic or ethanolic extraction from plant sources, as well as through chemical synthesis or microbial biotransformation. Betulinic acid has been investigated for its potential therapeutic properties, and exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimalarial, and antioxidant activities. Notably, its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier addresses a significant challenge in treating neurological pathologies. This review aims to compile information about the impact of betulinic acid as an antitumor agent, particularly in the context of glioblastoma. Importantly, betulinic acid demonstrates selective antitumor activity against glioblastoma cells by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis, consistent with observations in other cancer types. Compelling evidence published highlights the acid’s therapeutic action in suppressing the Akt/NFκB-p65 signaling cascade and enhancing the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide. Interesting findings with betulinic acid also suggest a focus on researching the reduction of glioblastoma’s invasiveness and aggressiveness profile. This involves modulation of extracellular matrix components, remodeling of the cytoskeleton, and secretion of proteolytic proteins. Drawing from a comprehensive review, we conclude that betulinic acid formulations as nanoparticles and/or ionic liquids are promising drug delivery approaches with the potential for translation into clinical applications for the treatment and management of glioblastoma.
FEN1 Inhibition as a Potential Novel Targeted Therapy against Breast Cancer and the Prognostic Relevance of FEN1
Authors: Berfelde Johanna , Hildebrand Laura S. , Kuhlmann Lukas , Fietkau Rainer , Distel Luitpold V.
Published: February 2024

To improve breast cancer treatment and to enable new strategies for therapeutic resistance, therapeutic targets are constantly being studied. Potential targets are proteins of DNA repair and replication and genomic integrity, such as Flap Endonuclease 1 (FEN1). This study investigated the effects of FEN1 inhibitor FEN1-IN-4 in combination with ionizing radiation on cell death, clonogenic survival, the cell cycle, senescence, doubling time, DNA double-strand breaks and micronuclei in breast cancer cells, breast cells and healthy skin fibroblasts. Furthermore, the variation in the baseline FEN1 level and its influence on treatment prognosis was investigated. The cell lines show specific response patterns in the aspects studied and have heterogeneous baseline FEN1 levels. FEN1-IN-4 has cytotoxic, cytostatic and radiosensitizing effects, expressed through increasing cell death by apoptosis and necrosis, G2M share, senescence, double-strand breaks and a reduced survival fraction. Nevertheless, some cells are less affected by the cytotoxicity and fibroblasts show a rather limited response. In vivo, high FEN1 mRNA expression worsens the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Due to the increased expression in breast cancer tissue, FEN1 could represent a new tumor and prognosis marker and FEN1-IN-4 may serve as a new potent agent in personalized medicine and targeted breast cancer therapy.
Outer-Membrane Permeabilization, LPS Transport Inhibition: Activity, Interactions, and Structures of Thanatin Derived Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Abdullah Swaleeha Jaan , Yan Bernice Tan Siu , Palanivelu Nithya , Dhanabal Vidhya Bharathi , Bifani Juan Pablo , Bhattacharjya Surajit
Published: February 2024

Currently, viable antibiotics available to mitigate infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are highly limited. Thanatin, a 21-residue-long insect-derived antimicrobial peptide (AMP), is a promising lead molecule for the potential development of novel antibiotics. Thanatin is extremely potent, particularly against the Enterobacter group of Gram-negative pathogens, e.g., E. coli and K. pneumoniae. As a mode of action, cationic thanatin efficiently permeabilizes the LPS-outer membrane and binds to the periplasmic protein LptAm to inhibit outer membrane biogenesis. Here, we have utilized N-terminal truncated 16- and 14-residue peptide fragments of thanatin and investigated structure, activity, and selectivity with correlating modes of action. A designed 16-residue peptide containing D-Lys (dk) named VF16 (V1PIIYCNRRT-dk-KCQRF16) demonstrated killing activity in Gram-negative bacteria. The VF16 peptide did not show any detectable toxicity to the HEK 293T cell line and kidney cell line Hep G2. As a mode of action, VF16 interacted with LPS, permeabilizing the outer membrane and binding to LptAm with high affinity. Atomic-resolution structures of VF16 in complex with LPS revealed cationic and aromatic surfaces involved in outer membrane interactions and permeabilization. Further, analyses of an inactive 14-residue native thanatin peptide (IM14: IIYCNRRTGKCQRM) delineated the requirement of the β-sheet structure in activity and target interactions. Taken together, this work would pave the way for the designing of short analogs of thanatin-based antimicrobials.
Classical and Innovative Evidence for Therapeutic Strategies in Retinal Dysfunctions
Authors: Caruso Lorenzo , Fields Matteo , Rimondi Erika , Zauli Giorgio , Longo Giovanna , Marcuzzi Annalisa , Previati Maurizio , Gonelli Arianna , Zauli Enrico , Milani Daniela
Published: February 2024

The human retina is a complex anatomical structure that has no regenerative capacity. The pathogenesis of most retinopathies can be attributed to inflammation, with the activation of the inflammasome protein platform, and to the impact of oxidative stress on the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy/mitophagy in retinal cells. In recent years, new therapeutic approaches to treat retinopathies have been investigated. Experimental data suggest that the secretome of mesenchymal cells could reduce oxidative stress, autophagy, and the apoptosis of retinal cells, and in turn, the secretome of the latter could induce changes in mesenchymal cells. Other studies have evidenced that noncoding (nc)RNAs might be new targets for retinopathy treatment and novel disease biomarkers since a correlation has been found between ncRNA levels and retinopathies. A new field to explore is the interaction observed between the ocular and intestinal microbiota; indeed, recent findings have shown that the alteration of gut microbiota seems to be linked to ocular diseases, suggesting a gut–eye axis. To explore new therapeutical strategies for retinopathies, it is important to use proper models that can mimic the complexity of the retina. In this context, retinal organoids represent a good model for the study of the pathophysiology of the retina.