bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control System Design and Methods for Collaborative Robots: Review
Authors: Hameed Ayesha , Ordys Andrzej , Możaryn Jakub , Sibilska-Mroziewicz Anna
Published: January 2023

Collaborative robots cooperate with humans to assist them in undertaking simple-to-complex tasks in several fields, including industry, education, agriculture, healthcare services, security, and space exploration. These robots play a vital role in the revolution of Industry 4.0, which defines new standards of manufacturing and the organization of products in the industry. Incorporating collaborative robots in the workspace improves efficiency, but it also introduces several safety risks. Effective safety measures then become indispensable to ensure safe and robust interaction. This paper presents the review of low-level control methodologies of a collaborative robot to assess the current status of human–robot collaboration over the last decade. First, we discuss the classification of human–robot collaboration, architectures of systems and the complex requirements on control strategies. The most commonly used control approaches were presented and discussed. Several methods of control, reported in industrial applications, are elaborated upon with a prime focus on HR-collaborative assembly operations. Since the physical HRC is a critical control problem for the co-manipulation task, this article identifies key control challenges such as the prediction of human intentions, safety, and human-caused disturbances in motion synchronization; the proposed solutions were analyzed afterwards. The discussion at the end of the paper summarizes the features of the control systems that should be incorporated within the systematic framework to allow the execution of a robotic task from global task planning to low-level control implementation for safe and robust interactions.
Buckling Behavior of Loosely Fitted Formed-In-Place Pipe Liner in Circular Host Pipe under External Pressure
Authors: Zeng Zheng , Yan Xuefeng , Xiang Weigang , Zhao Yahong , Ariaratnam Samuel T.
Published: January 2023

The formed-in-place pipe (FIPP) is a trenchless technology used for pipeline rehabilitation. It is a folded PVC pipe that expands through thermoforming to fit tightly inside the host pipe. However, the deficiencies during the construction of FIPP liners such as insufficient inflation, pipe misalignment and initial deformation will lead to elliptical deformation of the FIPP liner, which affects the load-bearing performance of the liner and makes it susceptible to buckling failure. In this paper, the buckling behavior of loosely fitted FIPP liners under uniform external pressure was investigated by the external pressure resistance test and finite element model. The pre- and post-buckling equilibrium paths verified the finite element model. The results indicated that the value of the dimension ratio will significantly reduce the critical buckling pressure. With the increasing value of liner major axis ratio to host pipe, the reduction effect on the critical buckling pressure caused by the increase in the ovality will diminish. Different values of liner major axis ratio to host pipe and ovality changed the range of the detached portion, which affected the critical buckling pressure. The parametric studies modified the design model from ASTM F1216, which was established to predict the critical buckling pressure of a loosely fitted FIPP liner and reduced the average difference rate from 23.43% to 5.52%.
Medical Data Transformations in Healthcare Systems with the Use of Natural Language Processing Algorithms
Authors: Poniszewska-Marańda Aneta , Vynogradnyk Elina , Marańda Witold
Published: January 2023

Machine learning has only recently begun to see its application in medicine and is still facing quite a few challenges that prevent it from being more widely used. Problems such as high data dimensionality and the lack of a common data schema still remain relevant. It is worth examining the usage of machine learning in the context of healthcare and deploying selected machine learning algorithms on the problem of cardiovascular disease diagnosis. Cardiovascular diseases are currently the most common cause of death in the world. Many of them develop for a long time in an asymptomatic way, and when the first symptoms become visible, it is often too late to implement effective treatment. For this reason, it is important to carry out regular diagnostic tests that will allow you to detect a given disease at an early stage. It is then possible to implement appropriate treatment that will prevent the occurrence of an advanced form of the disease. While doing so, it attempts to analyse data from different sources and utilizing natural language processing to combat data heterogeneity. The paper assesses the efficiency of various approaches of machine learning (i.e., TR-SVM (Terminated Ramp–Support Vector Machine), TWNFI (Transductive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference), Naive Bayes) when applied in the healthcare field and proposes the solutions to the problem of plain text data transformation and data heterogeneity with the help of natural language processing. The algorithms used for diagnosis were implemented, tested and their performance compared, with their parameters also investigated, making it easier to choose an algorithm better suited for a specific case. Whereas TRSVM is better suited for smaller datasets with a high amount of dimensions, TWNFI performs better on larger ones and does not have the performance problems.
A Composited Regret-Theory-Based Spherical Fuzzy Prioritization Approach for Moving High-Tech Manufacturing in Southeast Asia
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Pham Thuy-Duong Thi , Nhieu Nhat-Luong
Published: January 2023

After the pandemic, global supply chains will be in the process of restructuring. The relocation of production lines among countries is being considered for the purpose of sustainable development. The problem of determining the most suitable destination for manufacturers’ investments will become important, especially in the field of manufacturing high-tech products, which involves many complicated factors such as technological maturity, support policies, political issues, and technology security. In that context, Southeast Asia is seen as one of the regions attracting multinational manufacturers. To address this problem, a novel composited regret-theory-based spherical fuzzy prioritization approach is proposed. On the one hand, the super-efficiency slack-based model (super-SBM) of data envelopment analysis (DEA) is applied to evaluate efficiency, based on indicators. On the other hand, the novel spherical fuzzy regret-theory-based decision-making approach (SfRDMA) is developed and introduced to determine effectiveness, based on criteria. Then, the efficiency and the effectiveness of countries are combined by a composite-score function that is based on a geometric mean and an arithmetic mean. The findings imply that government policy, political stability, and human resources availability are the three most important criteria. Moreover, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia are identified as promising destinations for the world’s high-tech production lines.
Restoration of Severe Bone and Soft Tissue Atrophy by Means of a Xenogenic Bone Sheet (Flex Cortical Sheet): A Case Report
Authors: Rossi Roberto , Memè Lucia , Strappa Enrico M. , Bambini Fabrizio
Published: January 2023

The use of xenogenic cortical bone laminas in Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) has been well described in the literature over the past decade. These biomaterials present a very low degree of complications due to their nature (porcine or equine collagenated bone) and the fact that when they become exposed, they simply hydrolyze without major complications. One of the problems related to the first generation of these laminas was their extreme rigidity and return elasticity, often forcing clinicians to anchor them with pins and/or screws. A new generation of bone laminas called Flex Cortical Sheet (FCS) have recently been introduced with machine-made thicknesses of 0.2, 0.5, and 0.9 mm and increased flexibility and adaptability to ridge defects. This paper has the goal of presenting a case of vertical and horizontal reconstruction performed by means of a 0.5 mm FCS and showing the workflow necessary to successfully restore a complex situation. After 8 months of healing, the GBR resulted in a horizontal and vertical augmentation of 8 mm and 8 mm, respectively. The radiographic examination at 18 months demonstrated great stability of new bone around implants.
Relative Pose Estimation between Image Object and ShapeNet CAD Model for Automatic 4-DoF Annotation
Authors: Park Soon-Yong , Son Chang-Min , Jeong Won-Jae , Park Sieun
Published: January 2023

Estimating the three-dimensional (3D) pose of real objects using only a single RGB image is an interesting and difficult topic. This study proposes a new pipeline to estimate and represent the pose of an object in an RGB image only with the 4-DoF annotation to a matching CAD model. The proposed method retrieves CAD candidates from the ShapeNet dataset and utilizes the pose-constrained 2D renderings of the candidates to find the best matching CAD model. The pose estimation pipeline consists of several steps of learned networks followed by image similarity measurements. First, from a single RGB image, the category and the object region are determined and segmented. Second, the 3-DoF rotational pose of the object is estimated by a learned pose-contrast network only using the segmented object region. Thus, 2D rendering images of CAD candidates are generated based on the rotational pose result. Finally, an image similarity measurement is performed to find the best matching CAD model and to determine the 1-DoF focal length of the camera to align the model with the object. Conventional pose estimation methods employ the 9-DoF pose parameters due to the unknown scale of both image object and CAD model. However, this study shows that only 4-DoF annotation parameters between real object and CAD model is enough to facilitates the projection of the CAD model to the RGB space for image-graphic applications such as Extended Reality. In the experiments, performance of the proposed method is analyzed by using ground truth and comparing with a triplet-loss learning method.
Modified Genetic Algorithm with Deep Learning for Fraud Transactions of Ethereum Smart Contract
Authors: Aziz Rabia Musheer , Mahto Rajul , Goel Kartik , Das Aryan , Kumar Pavan , Saxena Akash
Published: January 2023

Recently, the Ethereum smart contracts have seen a surge in interest from the scientific community and new commercial uses. However, as online trade expands, other fraudulent practices—including phishing, bribery, and money laundering—emerge as significant challenges to trade security. This study is useful for reliably detecting fraudulent transactions; this work developed a deep learning model using a unique metaheuristic optimization strategy. The new optimization method to overcome the challenges, Optimized Genetic Algorithm-Cuckoo Search (GA-CS), is combined with deep learning. In this research, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used in the phase of exploration in the Cuckoo Search (CS) technique to address a deficiency in CS. A comprehensive experiment was conducted to appraise the efficiency and performance of the suggested strategies compared with those of various popular techniques, such as k-nearest neighbors (KNN), logistic regression (LR), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), XGBoost, light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), random forest (RF), and support vector classification (SVC), in terms of restricted features and we compared their performance and efficiency metrics to the suggested approach in detecting fraudulent behavior on Ethereum. The suggested technique and SVC models outperform the rest of the models, with the highest accuracy, while deep learning with the proposed optimization strategy outperforms the RF model, with slightly higher performance of 99.71% versus 98.33%.
An Anomaly Detection Method for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on the Improved Isolation Forest
Authors: Chen Junxiang , Zhang Jilin , Qian Ruixiang , Yuan Junfeng , Ren Yongjian
Published: January 2023

With the continuous development of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing, sensors collect and store large amounts of sensory data, realizing real-time recording and perception of the environment. Due to the open characteristics of WSN, the security risks during information transmission are prominent, and network attack or intrusion is likely to occur. Therefore, effective anomaly detection is vital for IoT systems to keep the system safe. The original Isolation Forest algorithm is an anomaly detection algorithm with linear time complexity and has a better detection effect on perceptual data. However, there are also disadvantages such as strong randomness, low generalization performance, and insufficient stability. This paper proposes a data anomaly detection method named BS-iForest (box plot-sampled iForest) for wireless sensor networks based on a variant of Isolation Forest to address the problems. This method first uses the sub-dataset filtered by the box graph to train and construct trees. Then, isolation trees with higher accuracy are selected in the training set to form a base forest anomaly detector. Next, the base forest anomaly detector uses anomaly detection to judge data outliers during the next period. These experiments were performed on datasets collected from sensors deployed in a data center of a university, and the Breast Wisconsin (BreastW) dataset, showing the performance of the variant of the Isolation Forest algorithm. Compared with the traditional isolation forest, the area under the curve (AUC) increased by 1.5% and 7.7%, which verified that the proposed method outperforms the standard Isolation Forest algorithm with the two datasets we chose.
Many-Body and Single-Body Low-Energy Elastic Positron Scattering by Beryllium Atoms: From Ab Initio to Semiempirical Approaches
Authors: Barp Marcos V. , Tenfen Wagner , Arretche Felipe
Published: January 2023

Positron scattering by beryllium atoms in the low-energy range (≤4.0 eV) was studied within ab initio and semiempirical frameworks. When interpreting the static dipole polarizability and the scattering length as representative quantities of the target and positron–atom correlations, the scattering observables obtained in the ab initio calculation were extrapolated by applying a semiempirical approach. Our results ratify previous ones, since no Ramsauer minimum structures or shape resonances were found in the cross sections. The presence of a (e+,Be) bound state was also identified as a function of the dipole polarizability.
On the Iterative Multivalued ⊥-Preserving Mappings and an Application to Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Nazam Muhammad , Chandok Sumit , Hussain Aftab , Sulmi Hamed H. Al
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we introduce orthogonal multivalued contractions, which are based on the recently introduced notion of orthogonality in the metric spaces. We construct numerous fixed point theorems for these contractions. We show how these fixed point theorems aid in the generalization of a number of recently published findings. Additionally, we offer a theorem that establishes the existence of a fractional differential equation’s solution.
A Variational Formulation for Fins with Nonzero Contact Thermal Resistance at the Base
Authors: da Gama Rogério Martins Saldanha , da Gama Rogério Pazetto Saldanha , Sarmento Vinicius Vendas , Martins-Costa Maria Laura
Published: January 2023

This paper considers the steady-state heat transfer process in a fin with a Robin boundary condition at the base (instead of the usual Dirichlet boundary condition at the base). Robin boundary condition models the effect of the thermal resistance between the base of the fin and the surface on which the fin is placed. This work presents an equivalent minimum principle, represented by a convex and coercive functional, ensuring the solution’s existence and uniqueness. In order to illustrate the use of the proposed functional for reaching approximations, the heat-transfer process in a trapezoidal fin considering a piecewise linear approximation is simulated. The Appendix presents a case in which the exact solution in a closed form has been achieved.
Cell-Laden Marine Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels Enriched with Ascorbic Acid for Corneal Stroma Regeneration
Authors: Alves Ana L. , Carvalho Ana C. , Machado Inês , Diogo Gabriela S. , Fernandes Emanuel M. , Castro Vânia I. B. , Pires Ricardo A. , Vázquez José A. , Pérez-Martín Ricardo I. , Alaminos Miguel , Reis Rui L. , Silva Tiago H.
Published: January 2023

Corneal pathologies from infectious or noninfectious origin have a significant impact on the daily lives of millions of people worldwide. Despite the risk of organ rejection or infection, corneal transplantation is currently the only effective treatment. Finding safe and innovative strategies is the main goal of tissue-engineering-based approaches. In this study, the potential of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels produced from marine-derived gelatin and loaded with ascorbic acid (as an enhancer of the biological activity of cells) was evaluated for corneal stromal applications. Marine GelMA was synthesized with a methacrylation degree of 75%, enabling effective photocrosslinking, and hydrogels with or without ascorbic acid were produced, encompassing human keratocytes. All the produced formulations exhibited excellent optical and swelling properties with easy handling as well as structural stability and adequate degradation rates that may allow proper extracellular matrix remodeling by corneal stromal cells. Formulations loaded with 0.5 mg/mL of ascorbic acid enhanced the biological performance of keratocytes and induced collagen production. These results suggest that, in addition to marine-derived gelatin being suitable for the synthesis of GelMA, the hydrogels produced are promising biomaterials for corneal regeneration applications.
Development and Validation of a System for the Assessment and Recovery of Grip Force Control
Authors: Lapresa Martina , Lauretti Clemente , Scotto di Luzio Francesco , Bressi Federica , Santacaterina Fabio , Bravi Marco , Guglielmelli Eugenio , Zollo Loredana , Cordella Francesca
Published: January 2023

The ability to finely control hand grip forces can be compromised by neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, it is recommended to include the training and assessment of grip force control in rehabilitation therapy. The benefits of robot-mediated therapy have been widely reported in the literature, and its combination with virtual reality and biofeedback can improve rehabilitation outcomes. However, the existing systems for hand rehabilitation do not allow both monitoring/training forces exerted by single fingers and providing biofeedback. This paper describes the development of a system for the assessment and recovery of grip force control. An exoskeleton for hand rehabilitation was instrumented to sense grip forces at the fingertips, and two operation modalities are proposed: (i) an active-assisted training to assist the user in reaching target force values and (ii) virtual reality games, in the form of tracking tasks, to train and assess the user’s grip force control. For the active-assisted modality, the control of the exoskeleton motors allowed generating additional grip force at the fingertips, confirming the feasibility of this modality. The developed virtual reality games were positively accepted by the volunteers and allowed evaluating the performance of healthy and pathological users.
Geology Can Drive the Diversity–Ecosystem Functioning Relationship in River Benthic Diatoms by Selecting for Species Functional Traits
Authors: Smeti Evangelia , Tsirtsis George , Skoulikidis Nikolaos Theodor
Published: January 2023

The biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationship has been studied extensively for the past 30 years, mainly in terrestrial plant ecosystems using experimental approaches. Field studies in aquatic systems are scarce, and considering primary producers, they mainly focus on phytoplankton assemblages, whereas benthic diatoms in rivers are considerably understudied in this regard. We performed a field study across nine rivers in Greece, and we coupled the observed field results with model simulations. We tested the hypothesis that the diversity–biomass (as a surrogate of ecosystem functioning) relationship in benthic diatoms would be affected by abiotic factors and would be time-dependent due to the highly dynamic nature of rivers. Indeed, geology played an important role in the form of the BEF relationship that was positive in siliceous and absent in calcareous substrates. Geology was responsible for nutrient concentrations, which, in turn, were responsible for the dominance of specific functional traits. Furthermore, model simulations showed the time dependence of the BEF form, as less mature assemblages tend to present a positive BEF. This was the first large-scale field study on the BEF relationship of benthic diatom assemblages, offering useful insights into the function and diversity of these overlooked ecosystems and assemblages.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Recent Update on Targeting Inflammatory Pathways with Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Singh Ramu , Kisku Anglina , Kungumaraj Haripriya , Nagaraj Vini , Pal Ajay , Kumar Suneel , Sulakhiya Kunjbihari
Published: January 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous category of developmental psychiatric disorders which is characterized by inadequate social interaction, less communication, and repetitive phenotype behavior. ASD is comorbid with various types of disorders. The reported prevalence is 1% in the United Kingdom, 1.5% in the United States, and ~0.2% in India at present. The natural anti-inflammatory agents on brain development are linked to interaction with many types of inflammatory pathways affected by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental variables. Inflammatory targeting pathways have already been linked to ASD. However, these routes are diluted, and new strategies are being developed in natural anti-inflammatory medicines to treat ASD. This review summarizes the numerous preclinical and clinical studies having potential protective effects and natural anti-inflammatory agents on the developing brain during pregnancy. Inflammation during pregnancy activates the maternal infection that likely leads to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring. The inflammatory pathways have been an effective target for the subject of translational research studies on ASD.
Implementing Translational Research to Understand the Future of COVID-19 and Its Long-Term Consequences: A Degrowth Perspective or the Transformation of a Global Emergency?
Authors: Ambrosino Pasquale , Moretta Pasquale , Lanzillo Anna , Formisano Roberto , Maniscalco Mauro
Published: January 2023

It has now been three years since the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first gave rise to a global health crisis [...]
mRNA Metabolism and Hypertension
Authors: Zappa Martina , Verdecchia Paolo , Spanevello Antonio , Golino Michele , Angeli Fabio
Published: January 2023

Hypertension is the most frequent cardiovascular risk factor all over the world. It remains a leading contributor to the risk of cardiovascular events and death. In the year 2015, about 1.5 billion of adult people worldwide had hypertension (as defined by office systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or office diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg). Moreover, the number of hypertensive patients with age ranging from 30 to 79 years doubled in the last 30 years (from 317 million men and 331 million women in the year 1990 to 652 million men and 626 million women in 2019) despite stable age-standardized prevalence worldwide. Despite such impressive growth, the proportion of controlled hypertension is very low. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of hypertension may contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. In this context, alterations of the messenger RNA metabolism have been recently evaluated as contributors to the pathogenesis of hypertension, and pharmacological modulation of RNA metabolism is under investigation as potential and novel therapeutic armamentarium in hypertension.
Andrographis Reverses Gemcitabine Resistance through Regulation of ERBB3 and Calcium Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Okuno Keisuke , Xu Caiming , Pascual-Sabater Silvia , Tokunaga Masanori , Takayama Tetsuji , Han Haiyong , Fillat Cristina , Kinugasa Yusuke , Goel Ajay
Published: January 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, primarily due to intrinsic or acquired resistance to chemotherapy, such as Gemcitabine (Gem). Naturally occurring botanicals, including Andrographis (Andro), can help enhance the anti-tumorigenic therapeutic efficacy of conventional chemotherapy through time-tested safety and cost-effectiveness. Accordingly, we hypothesized that Andro might reverse Gem resistance in PDAC. The critical regulatory pathways associated with Gem resistance in PDAC were identified by analyzing publicly available transcriptomic profiling and PDAC tissue specimens. A series of systematic in vitro experiments were performed using Gem-resistant (Gem-R) PDAC cells and patient-derived 3D-organoids to evaluate the Andro-mediated reversal of Gem resistance in PDAC. Transcriptomic profiling identified the calcium signaling pathway as a critical regulator of Gem-resistance (Fold enrichment: 2.8, p = 0.002). Within this pathway, high ERBB3 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis in PDAC patients. The combination of Andro and Gem exhibited superior anti-cancer potential in Gem-R PDAC cells through potentiating cellular apoptosis. The combined treatment down-regulated ERBB3 and decreased intracellular calcium concentration in Gem-R PDAC cells. Finally, these findings were successfully interrogated in patient-derived 3D-organoids. In conclusion, we demonstrate novel evidence for Andro-mediated reversal of chemoresistance to Gem in PDAC cells through the regulation of ERBB3 and calcium signaling.
Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Scoping Review for 2017–2022
Authors: Duan Yunxiao , Lyu Linshuoshuo , Zhan Siyan
Published: January 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been a major causal factor for mortality among elders around the world. The treatments for AD, however, are still in the stage of development. Stem cell therapy, compared to drug therapies and many other therapeutic options, has many advantages and is very promising in the future. There are four major types of stem cells used in AD therapy: neural stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. All of them have applications in the treatments, either at the (1) cellular level, in an (2) animal model, or at the (3) clinical level. In general, many more types of stem cells were studied on the cellular level and animal model, than the clinical level. We suggest for future studies to increase research on various types of stem cells and include cross-disciplinary research with other diseases. In the future, there could also be improvements in the timeliness of research and individualization for stem cell therapies for AD.
Molecular Imaging of Oxygenation Changes during Immunotherapy in Combination with Paclitaxel in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Napier Tiara S. , Lynch Shannon E. , Lu Yun , Song Patrick N. , Burns Andrew C. , Sorace Anna G.
Published: January 2023

Hypoxia is a common feature of the tumor microenvironment, including that of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype with a high five-year mortality rate. Using [18F]-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we aimed to monitor changes in response to immunotherapy (IMT) with chemotherapy in TNBC. TNBC-tumor-bearing mice received paclitaxel (PTX) ± immune checkpoint inhibitors anti-programmed death 1 and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte 4. FMISO-PET imaging was performed on treatment days 0, 6, and 12. Max and mean standard uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean, respectively), histological analyses, and flow cytometry results were compared. FMISO-PET imaging revealed differences in tumor biology between treatment groups prior to tumor volume changes. 4T1 responders showed SUVmean 1.6-fold lower (p = 0.02) and 1.8-fold lower (p = 0.02) than non-responders on days 6 and 12, respectively. E0771 responders showed SUVmean 3.6-fold lower (p = 0.001) and 2.7-fold lower (p = 0.03) than non-responders on days 6 and 12, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed IMT plus PTX decreased hypoxia and proliferation and increased vascularity compared to control. Combination IMT/PTX recovered the loss of CD4+ T-cells observed with single-agent therapies. PET imaging can provide timely, longitudinal data on the TNBC tumor microenvironment, specifically intratumoral hypoxia, predicting therapeutic response to IMT plus chemotherapy.
New Data on the Features of Skin Barrier in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Somogyi Orsolya , Dajnoki Zsolt , Szabó Lilla , Gáspár Krisztián , Hendrik Zoltán , Zouboulis Christos C. , Dócs Klaudia , Szücs Péter , Dull Katalin , Törőcsik Dániel , Kapitány Anikó , Szegedi Andrea
Published: January 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a Th1/17-driven inflammatory skin disease of the apocrine gland-rich (AGR) skin regions, where keratinocytes seem to be the crucial drivers of the initial pathogenic steps. However, the possible role of permeability barrier alteration in activating keratinocytes during HS development has not been clarified. We compared the major permeability barrier elements of non-lesional HS (HS-NL; n = 10) and lesional HS (HS-L; n = 10) skin with healthy AGR regions (n = 10) via RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Stratum corneum components related to cornified envelope formation, corneocyte desquamation and (corneo)desmosome organization were analyzed along with tight junction molecules and barrier alarmins. The permeability barrier function was also investigated with transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements (n = 16). Junction structures were also visualized using confocal microscopy. At the gene level, none of the investigated molecules were significantly altered in HS-NL skin, while 11 molecules changed significantly in HS-L skin versus control. At the protein level, the investigated molecules were similarly expressed in HS-NL and AGR skin. In HS-L skin, only slight changes were detected; however, differences did not show a unidirectional alteration, as KRT1 and KLK5 were detected in decreased levels, and KLK7, KRT6 and DSG1 in increased levels. No significant differences in TEWL or the expression of junction structures were assessed. Our findings suggest that the permeability barrier is not significantly damaged in HS skin and permeability barrier alterations are not the driver factors of keratinocyte activation in this disease.
SnO2-Based Ultra-Flexible Humidity/Respiratory Sensor for Analysis of Human Breath
Authors: Deb Moumita , Chen Mei-Yu , Chang Po-Yi , Li Pin-Hsuan , Chan Ming-Jen , Tian Ya-Chung , Yeh Ping-Hung , Soppera Olivier , Zan Hsiao-Wen
Published: January 2023

Developing ultraflexible sensors using metal oxides is challenging due to the high-temperature annealing step in the fabrication process. Here, we demonstrate the ultraflexible relative humidity (RH) sensor on food plastic wrap by using 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser annealing for 1 min at a low temperature (26.2–40.8 °C). The wettability of plastic wraps coated with sol-gel solution is modulated to obtain uniform films. The surface morphology, local temperature, and electrical properties of the SnO2 resistor under NIR laser irradiation with a power of 16, 33, and 84 W/cm2 are investigated. The optimal device can detect wide-range RH from 15% to 70% with small incremental changes (0.1–2.2%). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the relation between the surface binding condition and sensing response. Finally, the proposed sensor is attached onto the face mask to analyze the real-time human breath pattern in slow, normal, and fast modes, showing potential in wearable electronics or respiration monitoring.
A Review on Microfluidics-Based Impedance Biosensors
Authors: Chen Yu-Shih , Huang Chun-Hao , Pai Ping-Ching , Seo Jungmok , Lei Kin Fong
Published: January 2023

Electrical impedance biosensors are powerful and continuously being developed for various biological sensing applications. In this line, the sensitivity of impedance biosensors embedded with microfluidic technologies, such as sheath flow focusing, dielectrophoretic focusing, and interdigitated electrode arrays, can still be greatly improved. In particular, reagent consumption reduction and analysis time-shortening features can highly increase the analytical capabilities of such biosensors. Moreover, the reliability and efficiency of analyses are benefited by microfluidics-enabled automation. Through the use of mature microfluidic technology, complicated biological processes can be shrunk and integrated into a single microfluidic system (e.g., lab-on-a-chip or micro-total analysis systems). By incorporating electrical impedance biosensors, hand-held and bench-top microfluidic systems can be easily developed and operated by personnel without professional training. Furthermore, the impedance spectrum provides broad information regarding cell size, membrane capacitance, cytoplasmic conductivity, and cytoplasmic permittivity without the need for fluorescent labeling, magnetic modifications, or other cellular treatments. In this review article, a comprehensive summary of microfluidics-based impedance biosensors is presented. The structure of this article is based on the different substrate material categorizations. Moreover, the development trend of microfluidics-based impedance biosensors is discussed, along with difficulties and challenges that may be encountered in the future.
Assessing Cognitive Outcomes in Coma Survivors: A Literature Review
Authors: Frantz Allison , Incio Serra Natalia , Lopez Almendariz Aracely , Duclos Catherine , Owen Adrian M. , Blain-Moraes Stefanie
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Although cognitive impairments in coma survivors are common, methods of measuring long-term cognitive outcomes in this population are inconsistent, precluding the development of a strong evidence-base to support clinical decision making. In this literature review, we identify and characterize the measures used to track cognitive recovery in coma survivors to data. (2) Methods: We extracted the instrument used for cognitive assessment, the cognitive domains assessed, methods administration and scoring, and timing of assessment from 134 of 996 screened records. (3) Results: A total of 133 unique cognitive tests and cognitive testing batteries were identified, with 97 cognitive instruments used in less than three articles. The instruments assessed 20 different cognitive domains, with 73 articles also using tests that assess general “cognitive ability”. Cognitive instruments ranged from subjective assessments to comprehensive cognitive batteries. There were inconsistent points of reference for the timing of assessment across studies, with few studies repeating assessments at more than one time point, and arbitrary time intervals between tests. (4) Conclusions: Overall, this review illustrates the enormous disparity between studies that track cognitive outcome in coma survivors, and the need for a systematic, patient-accessible method of assessing cognitive functioning in future studies with this population.
Neurocognitive Endophenotypes for Eating Disorders: A Preliminary High-Risk Family Study
Authors: Pappaianni Edoardo , Barona Manuela , Doucet Gaelle E. , Clark Christopher , Frangou Sophia , Micali Nadia
Published: January 2023

Eating disorders (EDs) are psychiatric disorders with a neurobiological basis. ED-specific neuropsychological and brain characteristics have been identified, but often in individuals in the acute phase or recovered from EDs, precluding an understanding of whether they are correlates and scars of EDs vs. predisposing factors. Although familial high-risk (FHR) studies are available across other disorders, this study design has not been used in EDs. We carried out the first FMH study in EDs, investigating healthy offspring of women with EDs and controls. We preliminarily aimed to investigate ED-related neurocognitive and brain markers that could point to predisposing factors for ED. Sixteen girls at FHR for EDs and twenty control girls (age range: 8–15), completed neuropsychological tests assessing executive functions. Girls also underwent a resting-state fMRI scan to quantify functional connectivity (FC) within resting-state networks. Girls at FHR for EDs performed worse on a cognitive flexibility task compared with controls (F = 5.53, p = 0.02). Moreover, they showed different FC compared with controls in several resting-state networks (p < 0.05 FDR-corrected). Differences identified in cognitive flexibility and in FC are in line with those identified in individuals with EDs, strongly pointing to a role as potential endophenotypes of EDs.
A Comparative Study on Architectural Design-Related Requirements of Green Building Rating Systems for New Buildings
Authors: Song Yifan , Lau Siu-Kit , Lau Stephen Siu Yu , Song Dexuan
Published: January 2023

Design teams’ work is greatly influenced by green building rating systems (GBRSs). Early GBRSs that had an energy- or resource-based hierarchy and prioritized mechanical components and active technologies were unable to adequately support the architectural design (AD). Due to the recent rise in awareness of the importance of AD in the creation of GBs, many GBRSs may now improve requirements pertaining to AD. However, it has not been examined in earlier studies. As a result, this study uses a comparative approach, content analysis, and significance evaluation to examine the effectiveness of six GBRSs as applied to AD in terms of significance, inclusiveness, comprehensiveness, and certainty. Six GBRSs include Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Assessment Standard for Green Building (ASGB), Green Mark (GM), WELL Building Standard (WELL), Assessment Standard for Healthy Building (ASHB), and Living Building Challenge (LBC). A heuristic theoretical evaluation framework (TEF) is developed with the goal of providing guidelines and references for the improvement of GBRSs and the strategic idea of AD. There are four key findings. Firstly, LBC assigns the highest and certain weight to AD, followed by LEED and ASGB, then ASHB, and finally GM and WELL. Secondly, green and regeneration GBRSs emphasize resource, environment, and physiological health, while wellbeing GBRSs emphasize physiological and psychological health. Thirdly, GM, ASGB, WELL, and ASHB are the most inclusive and comprehensive in process, resource, and environment, physiological health, and sociological and psychological health, respectively. Fourthly, LBC performs best in setting mandatory requirements in included aspects.
Design Model of Rectangular Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Stub Columns under Axial Compression
Authors: Alatshan Faesal , Osman Siti , Altlomate Abdelmajeed , Alkair Mohammed , Hamid Roszilah , Mashiri Fidelis
Published: January 2023

This research collected and summarized a total of 455 experimental tests of axially loaded square and rectangular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) stub columns. The recently published papers were used to evaluate the current design equations from four international standards, namely the American Concrete Institute (ACI) code, British Standard (BS5400), Chinese standard (BDJ13-51), and Eurocode 4 (EC4). It was found that the results obtained from the codes have appreciable differences and could be improved, especially for the specimens fabricated using high-resistance materials. Therefore, new empirical equations were proposed based on the four standard formulas and the wide range of previously available experimental data to provide more accurate estimations. The proposed equations could predict an average sectional capacity of only 0.1% lower than the experimental results, with better data scattering than the existing equation’s results.
Improving the Mechanical Properties of Recycled Asphalt Pavement Mixtures Using Steel Slag and Silica Fume as a Filler
Authors: Naser Mohammad , Abdel-Jaber Mu’tasim , Al-Shamayleh Rawan , Ibrahim Reem , Louzi Nawal , AlKhrissat Tariq
Published: January 2023

Due to its environmental and economic advantages, the use of recycled materials in asphalt mixes is witnessing increased interest, where the properties of those mixes are significantly affected by the properties of the recycled materials in them. This paper discusses the results of an experimental study conducted to evaluate the performance of recycled asphalt mixtures made with reclaimed asphalt pavement aggregate (RAP). These mixtures were also prepared with two filler additives, namely steel slag (SS) and silica fume (SF), at four different percentages by weight of the aggregate. A total number of 234 mixtures were tested. The laboratory results indicated the effectiveness of using such additives as a filler material. The Marshall stability showed improvement for mixes prepared with steel slag ranging from 11.73 to 32.73 kN as the RAP level increased; the highest stability load was recorded for the 75% RAP with a 50% steel slag mix. On the other hand, the silica fume depicted variance in its strength, yet the maximum load value of 31.02 kN was for the 75% RAP with 100% silica fume. The use of steel slag in the presence of water decreased the stability results, while satisfying the ASTM standards.
Adherence to the CDK 4/6 Inhibitor Palbociclib and Omission of Dose Management Supported by Pharmacometric Modelling as Part of the OpTAT Study
Authors: Bandiera Carole , Locatelli Isabella , Courlet Perrine , Cardoso Evelina , Zaman Khalil , Stravodimou Athina , Dolcan Ana , Sarivalasis Apostolos , Zurcher Jean-Philippe , Aedo-Lopez Veronica , Dotta-Celio Jennifer , Peters Solange , Guidi Monia , Wagner Anna Dorothea , Csajka Chantal , Schneider Marie P.
Published: January 2023

The cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) palbociclib is administered orally and cyclically, causing medication adherence challenges. We evaluated components of adherence to palbociclib, its relationship with pharmacokinetics (PK), and drug-induced neutropenia. Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) receiving palbociclib, delivered in electronic monitors (EM), were randomized 1:1 to an intervention and a control group. The intervention was a 12-month interprofessional medication adherence program (IMAP) along with monthly motivational interviews by a pharmacist. Implementation adherence was compared between groups using generalized estimating equation models, in which covariates were included. Model-based palbociclib PK and neutrophil profiles were simulated under real-life implementation scenarios: (1) optimal, (2) 2 doses omitted and caught up at cycle end. At 6 months, implementation was slightly higher and more stable in the intervention (n = 19) than in the control (n = 19) group, 99.2% and 97.3% (Δ1.95%, 95% CI 1.1–2.9%), respectively. The impact of the intervention was larger in patients diagnosed with MBC for >2 years (Δ3.6%, 95% CI 2.1–5.4%), patients who received >4 cycles before inclusion (Δ3.1%, 95% CI 1.7–4.8%) and patients >65 (Δ2.3%, 95% CI 0.8–3.6%). Simulations showed that 25% of patients had neutropenia grade ≥3 during the next cycle in scenario 1 versus 30% in scenario 2. Education and monitoring of patient CDK4/6i cycle management and adherence along with therapeutic drug monitoring can help clinicians improve prescription and decrease toxicity.
Epidemiology and Characteristics of Gastric Carcinoma in Childhood—An Analysis of Data from Population-Based and Clinical Cancer Registries
Authors: Abele Michael , Grabner Lisa , Blessing Tabea , Block Andreas , Agaimy Abbas , Kratz Christian , Simon Thorsten , Calaminus Gabriele , Heine Sabine , Corbacioglu Selim , Christiansen Holger , Schneider Dominik T. , Brecht Ines B.
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Gastric carcinoma is an exceptionally rare tumor in childhood. Little is known about the etiology, epidemiology, and clinical features of pediatric gastric carcinomas. This analysis aimed to fill this gap by increasing knowledge about the occurrence of gastric carcinoma in childhood. (2) Material and methods: Data from gastric carcinoma cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2017/2018 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) and the German Center for Cancer Registry Data. Data from patients <20 years of age were analyzed for patient- and tumor-related characteristics. In addition, clinical data from patients with gastric carcinoma registered in the German Registry for Rare Pediatric Tumors (STEP) were analyzed for diagnostics, therapy, and outcome. (3) Results: Ninety-one cases of gastric carcinoma, mainly in adolescents, were identified in the epidemiologic cancer registries. Among patients with recorded staging data, advanced tumor stages were common (66.7%). Within the follow-up period covered, 63.7% of patients with clinical follow-up data died. Eight pediatric patients with gastric carcinoma were enrolled in the STEP registry, among whom two were patients with hereditary CDH1 mutations and another was a patient with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome. Three patients were found to have distinctly decreased immunoglobulin concentrations. All four patients in whom complete resection was achieved remained in remission. Three of the other four patients died despite multimodal therapy. (4) Conclusions: A combination of Helicobacter pylori infection and tumor predisposition and/or immunodeficiency appears to promote the development of gastric carcinoma in childhood. While patients with localized disease stages have a good chance of achieving durable remission through complete resection, patients with stage IV carcinomas face a dismal prognosis, highlighting the need to develop new strategies such as mutation-guided treatments.
Physical Exercise and the Hallmarks of Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review
Authors: García-Chico Celia , López-Ortiz Susana , Peñín-Grandes Saúl , Pinto-Fraga José , Valenzuela Pedro L. , Emanuele Enzo , Ceci Claudia , Graziani Grazia , Fiuza-Luces Carmen , Lista Simone , Lucia Alejandro , Santos-Lozano Alejandro
Published: January 2023

Growing evidence suggests that, among the different molecular/cellular pathophysiological mechanisms associated with cancer, there are 14 hallmarks that play a major role, including: (i) sustaining proliferative signaling, (ii) evading growth suppressors, (iii) activating invasion and metastasis, (iv) enabling replicative immortality, (v) inducing angiogenesis, (vi) resisting cell death, (vii) reprogramming energy metabolism, (viii) evading immune destruction, (ix) genome instability and mutations, (x) tumor-promoting inflammation, (xi) unlocking phenotypic plasticity, (xii) nonmutational epigenetic reprogramming, (xiii) polymorphic microbiomes, and (xiv) senescent cells. These hallmarks are also associated with the development of breast cancer, which represents the most prevalent tumor type in the world. The present narrative review aims to describe, for the first time, the effects of physical activity/exercise on these hallmarks. In summary, an active lifestyle, and particularly regular physical exercise, provides beneficial effects on all major hallmarks associated with breast cancer, and might therefore help to counteract the progression of the disease or its associated burden.