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Developing accurate in vitro models that replicate the in vivo tumor environment is essential for advancing cancer research and therapeutic development. Traditional 2D cell cultures often fail to capture the complex structural and functional heterogeneity of tumors, limiting the translational relevance of findings. In contrast, 3D culture systems, such as spheroids, provide a more physiologically relevant context by replicating key aspects of the tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to compare the metabolism of three intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cell lines in 2D and 3D cultures to identify metabolic shifts associated with spheroid formation. Cells were cultured in 2D on adhesion plates and in 3D using ultra-low attachment plates. Metabolic exchange rates were measured using NMR, and intracellular metabolites were analyzed using LC-MS. Significant metabolic differences were observed between 2D and 3D cultures, with notable changes in central carbon and glutathione metabolism in 3D spheroids. The results suggest that 3D cultures, which more closely mimic the in vivo environment, may offer a more accurate platform for cancer research and drug testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human error in manufacturing can have substantial consequences, including loss of life, injuries, productivity, and financial losses. Human reliability analysis (HRA) methods can be used to evaluate the likelihood of human error in manufacturing tasks and identify potential sources of error. Performance shaping factors (PSFs) are internal and external factors that influence human performance and can affect the likelihood of human reliability estimates in HRA methods. Understanding the impact of PSFs on human performance in manufacturing is essential for developing effective strategies to minimize the likelihood of human error and improve the safety and efficiency of manufacturing processes. This systematic review scrutinizes the literature on PSFs within manufacturing, highlighting HRA applications. Using the PRISMA protocol, studies from 2000 to 2024 across engineering and psychology were examined, culminating in the analysis of 35 pertinent works. The review identifies and contrasts various PSF taxonomies from established HRA methods like SPAR‐H, HEART, CREAM, and THERP, revealing their diverse applications in different manufacturing settings. The review also uncovers a tendency to devise taxonomies through the lens of experts' domain knowledge, particularly tailored to discrete manufacturing contexts. A critical gap is observed in the lack of a uniform PSF framework, with the current literature reflecting a disparate understanding of PSFs' roles, definitions, and interrelations. This absence is further pronounced by the inadequate integration of human factors in the dialogue surrounding Industry 4.0. The analysis points to the necessity of harmonizing PSFs to better assess human reliability amid technological integration. The findings emphasize the need for an industry‐specific PSF framework that aligns with the intricacies of manufacturing operations, thus enabling more accurate HRA outcomes and informing strategies for error reduction and process optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolving landscape of industrial manufacturing is increasingly embracing automation within smart factories. However, the critical role of human operators, particularly in manual assembly and disassembly tasks, remains undiminished. This paper explores the complexities arising from mass customization and remanufacturing, which significantly enhance the intricacy of these manual tasks. Human involvement is essential in these tasks due to their complexity, necessitating a structured learning process to enhance efficiency and mitigate the learning–forgetting cycle. This study focuses on the utilization of virtual reality (VR) as an innovative training tool to address these challenges. By conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) on the impact of VR on training operators for assembly and disassembly tasks, this paper evaluates the current level of VR application, the used technologies, the operator performance, and the VR benefits and limitations. The analysis reveals a limited but promising application of VR in training, highlighting its potential to improve learning outcomes, productivity, and safety while reducing costs. However, the research also identifies gaps in the practical application of VR for training purposes suggesting a future research agenda to explore its full potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The heterozygous phospholamban (PLN) mutation R14del (PLN R14del+/−) is associated with a severe arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) developing in the adult. "Superinhibition" of SERCA2a by PLN R14del is widely assumed to underlie the pathogenesis, but alternative mechanisms such abnormal energy metabolism have also been reported. This work aims to (1) to evaluate Ca2+ dynamics and energy metabolism in a transgenic (TG) mouse model of the mutation prior to cardiomyopathy development; (2) to test whether they are causally connected. Methods: Ca2+ dynamics, energy metabolism parameters, reporters of mitochondrial integrity, energy, and redox homeostasis were measured in ventricular myocytes of 8–12 weeks‐old, phenotypically silent, TG mice. Mutation effects were compared to pharmacological PLN antagonism and analyzed during modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and cytosolic Ca2+ compartments. Transcripts and proteins of relevant signaling pathways were evaluated. Results: The mutation was characterized by hyperdynamic Ca2+ handling, compatible with a loss of SERCA2a inhibition by PLN. All components of energy metabolism were depressed; myocyte energy charge was preserved under quiescence but reduced during stimulation. Cytosolic Ca2+ buffering or SERCA2a blockade reduced O2 consumption with larger effect in the mutant. Signaling changes suggest cellular adaptation to perturbed Ca2+ dynamics and response to stress. Conclusions: (1) PLN R14del+/− loses its ability to inhibit SERCA2a, which argues against SERCA2a superinhibition as a pathogenetic mechanism; (2) depressed energy metabolism, its enhanced dependency on Ca2+ and activation of signaling responses point to an early involvement of metabolic stress in the pathogenesis of this ACM model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population ageing is acknowledged as a global trend affecting the manufacturing workforce. The progressive age-related decline of human capabilities may lead to an increase in human-system errors (HSEs) in production environments; hence, the study conducted a scoping literature review to determine the relationship between ageing and HSEs in manufacturing contexts. The review identified only 26 relevant studies, which showed that age is associated with HSEs in complex ways. With increasing age, the number, frequency, and probability of HSEs tend to increase, but this trend may be countered by experience effects. The review results suggested that it is necessary to consider the impact of ageing on operators' performance. A theoretical framework for addressing the relationship between ageing and HSEs in manufacturing contexts was proposed. The framework highlighted the absence of studies reporting on perceptual, cognitive, and/or physical task demands, and the limited application of existing error typologies in the current literature. The results highlighted that important safety, productivity, and quality benefits accrue from paying attention to HSEs in system design and management, which should motivate further research in this area of growing importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]