bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Impact of Death Domain-Associated Protein and Holliday Junction Recognition Protein Expression in Cancer: Unmasking the Driving Forces of Neoplasia
Authors: Pergaris Alexandros , Genaris Ioannis , Stergiou Ioanna E. , Klijanienko Jerzy , Papadakos Stavros P. , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: October 2023

Death domain-associated protein (DAXX) and Holliday junction recognition protein (HJURP) act as chaperones of H3 histone variants H3.3 and centromere protein A (CENPA), respectively, and are implicated in many physiological processes, including aging and epigenetic regulation, by controlling various genes’ transcription and subsequently protein expression. Research has highlighted both these biomolecules as participants in key procedures of tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, chromosome instability, and oncogene expression. As cancer continues to exert a heavy impact on patients’ well-being and bears substantial socioeconomic ramifications, the discovery of novel biomarkers for timely disease detection, estimation of prognosis, and therapy monitoring remains of utmost importance. In the present review, we present data reported from studies investigating DAXX and HJURP expression, either on mRNA or protein level, in human tissue samples from various types of neoplasia. Of note, the expression of DAXX and HJURP has been associated with a multitude of clinicopathological parameters, including disease stage, tumor grade, patients’ overall and disease-free survival, as well as lymphovascular invasion. The data reveal the tumor-promoting properties of DAXX and HJURP in a number of organs as well as their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers and underline the important association between aberrations in their expression and patients’ prognosis, rendering them as possible targets of future, personalized and precise therapeutic interventions.
Heparan-6-O-Endosulfatase 2 Promotes Invasiveness of Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma Cell Lines in Co-Cultures with Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Authors: Mukherjee Pritha , Zhou Xin , Benicky Julius , Panigrahi Aswini , Aljuhani Reem , Liu Jian , Ailles Laurie , Pomin Vitor H. , Wang Zhangjie , Goldman Radoslav
Published: October 2023

Local invasiveness of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a complex phenomenon supported by interaction of the cancer cells with the tumor microenvironment (TME). We and others have shown that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a component of the TME that can promote local invasion in HNSCC and other cancers. Here we report that the secretory enzyme heparan-6-O-endosulfatase 2 (Sulf-2) directly affects the CAF-supported invasion of the HNSCC cell lines SCC35 and Cal33 into Matrigel. The Sulf-2 knockout (KO) cells differ from their wild type counterparts in their spheroid growth and formation, and the Sulf-2-KO leads to decreased invasion in a spheroid co-culture model with the CAF. Next, we investigated whether a fucosylated chondroitin sulfate isolated from the sea cucumber Holothuria floridana (HfFucCS) affects the activity of the Sulf-2 enzyme. Our results show that HfFucCS not only efficiently inhibits the Sulf-2 enzymatic activity but, like the Sulf-2 knockout, inhibits Matrigel invasion of SCC35 and Cal33 cells co-cultured with primary HNSCC CAF. These findings suggest that the heparan-6-O-endosulfatases regulate local invasion and could be therapeutically targeted with the inhibitory activity of a marine glycosaminoglycan.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Investigating an Integrated Nursing Educational Program to Mitigate Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients: The NIV-EC Trial
Authors: Mazzega-Fabbro Cristina , Polesel Jerry , Brusutti Lara , Malnis Elisa , Sirelli Chiara , Drigo Annalisa , Manicone Marina , Rizzetto Monica , Lisanti Camilla , Puglisi Fabio
Published: October 2023

Background: In addition to pharmacological prevention, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) can be mitigated through patient education; written supporting materials can be beneficial. Methods: This is a randomized, controlled trial which randomly assigned patients undergoing first chemotherapy cycle to receive oral information regarding CINV prevention and management (control arm) or oral information plus an informative booklet (experimental arm). Overall, 384 cancer patients fulfilling the following inclusion criteria were enrolled: age ≥18 years; life expectancy ≥6 months; no cognitive impairment; written informed consent. After the first cycle, CINV occurrence and its impact on daily activities were assessed using the Functional Living Index Emesis (FLIE). Results: Severe nausea was self-reported by 3.0% and 10.8% of patients in the experimental and control group, respectively (difference: 7.8%; 95% confidence interval: 2.3% to 13.1%). Moderate/high impact of nausea on daily activities was lower in patients also receiving the booklet than in the control group (4.2% and 10.1%, respectively; difference: 5.9%; 95% confidence interval: 0.3% to 11.5%). Vomiting was not statistically different between study arms. Conclusions: This integrated nursing approach was effective in aiding cancer patients in CINV self-management. Although the beneficial effect was moderate, this intervention demands minimal resources in terms of costs and time.
Infliximab for Treatment of Immune Adverse Events and Its Impact on Tumor Response
Authors: Parvathareddy Vishnupriyadevi , Selamet Umut , Sen Aditi A. , Mamlouk Omar , Song Juhee , Page Valda D. , Abdelrahim Maen , Diab Adi , Abdel-Wahab Noha , Abudayyeh Ala
Published: October 2023

Background: Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) challenge the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We performed a retrospective study to evaluate response to infliximab for immune-related adverse event management, and infliximab’s effect on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with a focus on melanoma and genitourinary cancers. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of all cancer patients exposed to infliximab after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment from 2004 to 2021 at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Survival was assessed utilizing the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was utilized to evaluate predictors of infliximab response, OS, and PFS. Results: We identified 185 cancer patients (93 melanoma and 37 genitourinary cancers) treated with ICI and who received infliximab to treat irAEs. Within 3 months of treatment initiation, 71% of the patients responded to infliximab, 27% had no response, and 2% had unknown response. Among different irAEs, colitis was associated with increased response to infliximab at 3 months, irrespective of the type of malignancy. We evaluated best tumor response before and after infliximab in the entire cohort and again in the melanoma and genitourinary (GU); the findings were similar in the melanoma cohort and the entire cohort, where best tumor response before and after infliximab was not significantly different. In the melanoma cohort, acute kidney injury (AKI) was associated with increased risk of death, p = 0.0109, and having response to infliximab was associated with decreased risk of death, p = 0.0383. Interestingly in GU cancer patients, myositis was associated with increased risk of death, p = 0.0041, and having a response to infliximab was marginally associated with decreased risk of death, p = 0.0992. As regards PFS, in a multivariate Cox regression model, having a history of cardiovascular disease remained significantly associated with shorter PFS in the melanoma cohort. For patients with GU cancers, response to infliximab was associated with longer PFS. Conclusions: Our study is among the largest retrospective analyses of infliximab use for irAE management. Patients with colitis were the best responders to infliximab. AKI before initiation of infliximab in the melanoma subcohort and myositis in GU subcohort are associated with higher risk of death. Our results indicate no association between infliximab and cancer progression with the exception of genitourinary cancers.
Ce1−xSnxO2 Catalysts Prepared with Combustion Method for Catalytic Combustion of Ethyl Acetate
Authors: Jiang Yue , Wang Qing , Xu Jing , Zang Shaohong , Chen Liqiao , Wang Luhui , Mo Liuye
Published: October 2023

A series of Ce1−XSnXO2 (X = 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.9, 1) catalysts were synthesized via the combustion method. The physical and chemical structures of the prepared catalysts were systematically characterized by XRD, BET, SEM, TEM, XPS, and TPR. The Ce1−XSnXO2 catalysts have higher catalytic activities than the mono-oxide catalysts, as there are synergistic effects between CeO2 and SnO2. The catalytic activities of the Ce1−XSnXO2 catalysts are dependent on the X for the catalytic combustion of ethyl acetate (EA). The Ce1−XSnXO2 (X < 0.5) catalysts show high catalytic performances. Meanwhile, the Ce0.8Sn0.2O2 and Ce0.7Sn0.3O2 catalysts display the highest catalytic performance, with T50 = 190 °C and T90 = 210 °C. More importantly, the Ce0.8Sn0.2O2 catalyst exhibits superior thermal and catalytic activity stability. It is found that the Ce1−XSnXO2 catalysts form solid solutions, as the X is <0.5. The reduction of Sn4+ species to Sn2+ is significantly promoted by the CeO2, which is an important factor attributed to the high catalytic activities of the solid solution Ce1−XSnXO2 catalysts. The catalytic activities of the Ce1−XSnXO2 catalysts exhibit a strong correlation to the surface atomic areas of Ce3+ and Oα (VO). In other words, the higher surface atomic areas of Ce3+ and Oα (VO) are, the higher the catalytic activities will have.
Glucose Improves the Efficacy of Photobiomodulation in Changing ATP and ROS Levels in Mouse Fibroblast Cell Cultures
Authors: Hoh Kam Jaimie , Mitrofanis John
Published: October 2023

In this study, we tested the idea that photobiomodulation—the application of red to near infrared light (~λ = 600–1300 nm) to body tissues—is more effective in influencing cell metabolism when glucose is readily available. To this end, we used a mouse fibroblast (L-929) cell culture model and had two sets of conditions: non-stressed (10% FBS (foetal bovine serum)) and stressed (1% FBS), both either with or without glucose. We treated (or not) cells with photobiomodulation using an 810 nm laser at 15 mW/cm2 (~7.2 J/cm2). Our results showed that photobiomodulation was neither cytotoxic nor effective in enhancing measures of cell viability and proliferation, together with protein levels in any of the cell cultures. Photobiomodulation was, however, effective in increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and this was—most importantly—only in conditions where glucose was present; corresponding cultures that did not contain glucose did not show these changes. In summary, we found that the benefits of photobiomodulation, in particular in changing ATP and ROS levels, were induced only when there was glucose available. Our findings lay a template for further explorations into the mechanisms of photobiomodulation, together with having considerable experimental and clinical implications.
Pd-Nanoparticle-Decorated Multilayered MoS2 Sheets for Highly Sensitive Hydrogen Sensing
Authors: Malik Shuja Bashir , Annanouch Fatima Ezahra , Llobet Eduard
Published: October 2023

In this work, efficient hydrogen gas sensors based on multilayered p-type bare MoS2 and Pd-decorated MoS2 were fabricated. MoS2 was deposited onto alumina transducers using an airbrushing technique to be used as a sensing material. Aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) was used to decorate layered MoS2 with Pd nanoparticles at 250 °C. The bare and Pd-decorated MoS2 was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The characterization results reveal the multilayered crystalline structure of MoS2 with successful Pd decoration. The size of the Pd nanoparticles ranges from 15 nm to 23 nm. Gas sensing studies reveal that a maximum response of 55% is achieved for Pd-decorated MoS2 operated at 150 °C to 100 ppm of H2, which is clearly below the explosive limit (4%) in air. The higher sensitivity due to Pd nanoparticle decoration was owed to a spillover effect. This study reveals that the sensitivity of the sensors is highly dependent on the amount of Pd decoration. Moreover, sensor responses increase slightly when exposed to 50% relative humidity (RH at 25 °C).
Professional Feeding Guidance Improved Infants’ Self-Feeding Proportion during Complementary Foods Introduction in Beijing, China: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Song Guochao , Chang Jiahui , Guan Hongyan , Zhang Yanfeng , Zhang Ting , Zhang Zhaofeng
Published: October 2023

An exploratory study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of infants’ feeding patterns in Beijing, China, as well as the factors linked to infants’ self-feeding proportion during the introduction of complementary foods, and the impact of professional feeding guidance on this proportion. A total of 122 families with infants aged 6–11 months from Beijing were included in the study. A descriptive analysis was employed to assess the prevalence of infants’ feeding patterns, while generalized linear model analysis was utilized to investigate the factors associated with these patterns. All families were provided with comprehensive and personalized professional guidance regarding the introduction of complementary foods for infants. However, 64 families were lost to follow-up, leaving 58 families who were re-evaluated and queried after one month. To exclude the influence of infants aging, both the 64 families prior to receiving feeding guidance, and the 58 families after receiving feeding guidance, were included in the analysis. The families with infants aged 6–8 months and 9–11 months were compared separately based on the presence or absence of feeding guidance. Statistical tests, including the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and χ2 test, were conducted to assess any significant differences. The study revealed that the proportion of infants engaging in self-feeding was found to be remarkably low (10% [0%, 40%]). Furthermore, a significant positive association was observed between the proportion of infants engaging in self-feeding and their age (p < 0.001). Notably, after receiving professional feeding guidance, the proportion of infants engaging in self-feeding significantly increased (from 1% [0%, 20%] to 30% [10%, 50%], p < 0.001 for infants aged 6–8 months; from 20% [10%, 50%] to 40% [30%, 50%], p < 0.001 for infants aged 9–11 months). These findings contribute valuable insights for improving postnatal care practices during the introduction of complementary foods for infants.
Implications of Activating the ANT2/mTOR/PGC-1α Feedback Loop: Insights into Mitochondria-Mediated Injury in Hypoxic Myocardial Cells
Authors: Zhang Meng , Yang Yuanzhan , Zhu Zhu , Chen Zixuan , Huang Dongyang
Published: October 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction is known to play a critical role in the development of cardiomyocyte death during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the exact mechanisms underlying this dysfunction are still under investigation. Adenine nucleotide translocase 2 (ANT2) is a key functional protein in mitochondria. We aimed at exploring the potential benefits of ANT2 inhibition against AMI. We utilized an oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model and an AMI mice model to detect cardiomyocyte injury. We observed elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and increased apoptosis due to the overexpression of ANT2. Additionally, we discovered that ANT2 is involved in myocardial apoptosis by activating the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase)-dependent PGC-1α (PPARG coactivator 1 alpha) pathway, establishing a novel feedback loop during AMI. In our experiments with AC16 cells under OGD conditions, we observed protective effects when transfected with ANT2 siRNA and miR-1203. Importantly, the overexpression of ANT2 counteracted the protective effect resulting from miR-1203 upregulation in OGD-induced AC16 cells. All these results supported that the inhibition of ANT2 could alleviate myocardial cell injury under OGD conditions. Based on these findings, we propose that RNA interference (RNAi) technology, specifically miRNA and siRNA, holds therapeutic potential by activating the ANT2/mTOR/PGC-1α feedback loop. This activation could help mitigate mitochondria-mediated injury in the context of AMI. These insights may contribute to the development of future clinical strategies for AMI.
Study on Friction and Corrosion Performance of CrTiBN Coating in Artificial Seawater Environment
Authors: Li Man , Yu Yunjiang , Zou Changwei , Tian Canxin , Xiang Yanxiong
Published: October 2023

CrN, CrTiN, and CrTiBN coatings were deposited onto 316 stainless steel substrates using multi-arc ion plating techniques. Their morphology, microstructures, friction performance, and corrosion resistance in simulated seawater were systematically characterized. After being analyzed with X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, the results revealed that CrN coatings had a primary face-centered cubic CrN structure. Following the addition of Ti and B elements, CrTiBN coatings exhibited a cross-sectional structure with hexagonal TiB2 and amorphous BN, displaying the most compact structure. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests indicated that CrTiBN coatings had the highest polarization resistance, the highest phase angle, and the widest frequency range. During electrochemical polarization curve tests, CrTiBN coatings displayed a corrosion potential of 0.11 V, a polarization resistance of 2470 kΩ·cm2, and a minimal corrosion current of 1.94 × 10−8 A/cm2, demonstrating outstanding corrosion resistance. The results from the friction tests indicated that CrTiBN coatings exhibited the lowest friction coefficients of 0.16 and wear rates of 8.18 × 10−7 mm3/Nm. Insights gained from electrochemical friction–corrosion tests revealed that CrTiBN coatings maintained the highest Open Circuit Potential (OCP) throughout the corrosion and friction process. In summary, the introduction of Ti and B has clearly enhanced the friction and corrosion resistance properties of CrTiBN coatings in comparison to CrN coatings.
Epoxy Coatings Doped with (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-Modified Silica Nanoparticles for Anti-Corrosion Protection of Zinc
Authors: Ovari Tamara-Rita , Toth Timea , Katona Gabriel , Szabó Gabriella Stefánia , Muresan Liana Maria
Published: October 2023

Epoxy (EP) coatings containing silica (SiO2) and (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane-modified silica (SiO2-APTES) nanoparticles were prepared via the dip-coating technique on a zinc substrate. A detailed study was performed regarding their incorporation into the matrix, followed by the investigation of the newly obtained organic–inorganic hybrid coatings’ anti-corrosive properties. The two methods of embedding the nanoparticles were (I) modification of the silica nanoparticles with APTES followed by their introduction into the epoxy resin, and (II) functionalization of the silica nanoparticles in the epoxy gel before the addition of the hardener. It was observed that through the second method, the coating was homogeneous, with no sign of agglomerates. The nanoparticles were subjected to morpho-structural and physical–chemical analysis using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy, while the coatings were examined through Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, contact angle measurements and adhesion tests. The anti-corrosive performance of epoxy-coated zinc was analyzed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curves to investigate the impact of silanized SiO2 nanoparticle incorporation. Based on long-term corrosion testing, the epoxy-SiO2-APTES composite coatings showed a higher corrosion resistance than the undoped epoxy layer.
A Review—Effect of Accelerating Methods on Gas Nitriding: Accelerating Mechanism, Nitriding Behavior, and Techno-Economic Analysis
Authors: Zhou Yu-Long , Xia Fan , Xie Ai-Jun , Peng Hao-Ping , Wang Jian-Hua , Li Zhi-Wei
Published: October 2023

Gas nitriding, as a surface modification technology to improve the wear resistance of workpiece surfaces, is widely used in wind turbine gears, pressure vessel gears, high-precision die casting abrasives, and other areas. However, the gas nitriding time is too long, reaching 40–60 h, which reduces the efficiency of nitriding and hinders the development of gas nitriding. Therefore, various accelerating methods are born accordingly. This review first introduces the basic principle, microstructure, and process parameters of conventional gas nitriding. Then, five common accelerating methods are summarized: process parameter optimization, surface mechanical nano-crystallization, surface-active catalysis, surface pre-oxidation, and surface laser treatment. Then, the effect of acceleration methods on gas nitriding is analyzed for the acceleration mechanism, nitriding behavior, and nitriding efficiency. Finally, the technical economy of the acceleration methods is compared for three aspects: energy consumption, carbon dioxide emission, and cost. And, the technical maturity of the acceleration methods is compared according to technology readiness level (TRL) technology. Based on the above content, the advantages and disadvantages of the five accelerating methods are reviewed, and the concept of a multi-technology collaborative processing acceleration method is proposed.
A Comparison of the Effect of Activator Cations (Sodium and Potassium) on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Mine Tailing-Slag Binders
Authors: Surehali Sahil , Simon Aswathy , Ramasamy Rijul Kanth , Neithalath Narayanan
Published: October 2023

This study develops alkali-activated mine tailing (MT)-based binders containing MT as the major source material and slag (S) as a minor additive, using alkaline activators containing sodium or potassium as the cationic species. The influence of the cationic species (Na or K), slag content, alkalinity (expressed using the activator silica modulus, Ms), and alkali oxide-to-powder ratio, n, on the setting behavior, paste rheology, early-age reaction kinetics, and compressive strength development are discussed. The effects of using solid activators are also considered. Changes in Ms values have a stronger impact on setting times compared to n values, underscoring the significant role of silicate species from the activator in the initial reaction mechanisms. The type of cation and physical state of the activator (in the case of K–Si-activated systems) are found to determine the dissolution rate and mobility of ionic species in the system, resulting in significant differences in the early age reaction mechanisms (e.g., K-based activators show >2× enhancement in early heat release as compared to Na-based activators) of the alkali-activated binders prepared using the same activator parameters. The difference in the viscosities of the activator solutions strongly influences the rheological characteristics of the activated systems. MT-based binders with 28-day compressive strengths ranging from 10 to 35 MPa, which are suitable for several structural/non-structural applications, are attained. The strong dependence of the compressive strength development on the alkali activation parameters and slag content in the system presents an opportunity to develop sustainable binders, with MT as their major constituent, to provide twin benefits of recycling MT wastes and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with traditional ordinary Portland cement-based binder systems.
Evaluation of CoronaVac and CoviShield Vaccines on SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Healthcare Workers in Salvador, Brazil
Authors: Patiño Escarcina Jesús Enrique , Souza Felipe de Jesus , Da Silva Ana Keila Carvalho Vieira , Da Silva Keile Kemyly Assis , Souza Ruan Barbosa , Santos Saulo Reis Nery , Netto Eduardo M.
Published: October 2023

The emergence and rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant in Brazil have raised concerns about SARS-CoV-2 vaccines’ neutralizing capacity and viral load impact. Our study aimed to assess the influence of the CoviShield and CoronaVac vaccines on the Ct-N2 value in the healthcare organization’s staff who experienced primary SARS-CoV-2 infection. We examined sixty-three COVID-19 cases reported in the first half of 2021 and identified similar clinical and laboratory characteristics among individuals, regardless of the vaccine they received. Surprisingly, our observations revealed that both CoviShield and CoronaVac vaccines had no impact on viral load or the development and severity of symptoms. These findings suggest a potential reduction in neutralizing response and indicate the need to consider the incorporation of other SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and maintain additional containment measures against SARS-CoV-2, as they remain imperative despite vaccination efforts.
Bioenergetic Model of the Highly Exploited Shark Mustelus schmitti under a Global Warming Context
Authors: Molina Juan Manuel , Yoon Seokjin , Elisio Mariano , Kasai Akihide
Published: October 2023

Bioenergetic models are tools that allow the evaluation of the effect of environmental variables on fish growth. Successful implementation of this approach has been achieved in a few elasmobranch species. Our objective was to develop a bioenergetic model for Mustelus schmitti. The model developed showed a good fit to the field data available and accurately described the growth of this species. The practical example developed in this study provides novel population estimates of prey consumption and daily ration for the species. Results also indicate that this species would be susceptible to the effects of climate change. In the simulated climate change scenarios, the energy budget of M. schmitti was significantly altered, with increased food consumption and impaired growth. While there exists a number of limitations for the model developed in this article, namely its limitation to immature individuals, and its restricted temperature model, it provides an important tool for the management of this and other shark populations under heavy exploitation.
Thermal Injury to the Subhepatic Appendix Following Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Yoon Eun Ju , Kim Jin Woong , Hong Jun Hyung , Song Sang Gook , Kim Hyun Chul , Hur Young Hoe , Kim Hyung Joong
Published: October 2023

We present the first documented case of a fistula between the treated zone and the appendix after RFA in a patient with HCC. Contrast-enhanced CT and MRI revealed a subcapsular hepatic nodule with image findings of HCC located adjacent to the ascending colon and cecum. An ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy was subsequently performed to distinguish between hepatic metastasis and HCC. Post-RFA imaging identified a low-attenuating ablated area adjacent to an air-filled appendix. The patient later experienced complications, including increased liver enzymes and an abscess at the ablation site. Imaging revealed a fistulous tract between the RFA zone and the appendix. Over the following months, the patient underwent conservative treatment involving intravenous antibiotics and repeated percutaneous drainage, exhibiting eventual symptom relief and an absence of the fistulous tract upon subsequent imaging. This case highlights the rare complications that can arise during RFA due to peculiar anatomical variations, such as a subhepatic appendix, resulting from midgut malrotation and previous surgery. It is imperative for operators to be cognizant of potential anatomical variations when considering RFA treatment, ensuring comprehensive pre-procedural imaging and post-procedure monitoring. This case also emphasizes the potential viability of nonoperative management in complex scenarios in which surgical interventions pose significant risks.
Combined Radiofrequency Ablation and Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Atrial Fibrillation and Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhang Rui , Yang Mei , Li Wei , Zhang Peng-Pai , Mo Bin-Feng , Wang Qun-Shan , Chen Mu , Li Yi-Gang
Published: October 2023

Background: Managing patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and comorbid heart failure (HF) with reduced (HFrEF) or mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is of clinical importance but a great challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit of the combined radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedure in AF patients complicated with systolic HF. Methods: AF patients with HFrEF or HFmrEF who underwent the combined RFCA and LAAC procedure were prospectively enrolled in the LAACablation registry. The procedural complications and long-term outcomes were evaluated. Another cohort of AF patients with systolic HF who did not undergo either RFCA or LAAC were used for prognosis comparison. Results: Among 802 AF patients who underwent the combined procedure, 65 patients were comorbid with systolic HF (25 with HFrEF and 40 with HFmrEF). The overall procedural complication rate was 9.2%, which was mainly attributed to acute decompensated HF (6.2%). Accompanied with markedly reduced AF burden (from median [25th, 75th percentile]: 100 [100, 100] to 0 [0, 1.2]%, p < 0.001), upward trajectories of cardiac function were observed in 51 (78.4%) patients, showing improvement in New York Heart Classification (p < 0.01), natriuretic peptide levels (from 1492 [809, 3259] to 413 [163, 880] pg/mL, p < 0.001) and left ventricular EF (from 42.6 ± 5.3 to 53.8 ± 8.2%, p < 0.001). During the 27-month follow-up period, death, thromboembolism, major bleeding, and HF rehospitalization were observed in three, one, one, and four patients, respectively. The observed event rates showed a significant reduction compared with the non-procedure AF-HF cohort (n = 138; for composite endpoint: hazard ratio: 2.509, 95% confidence interval: 1.415–4.449, p = 0.002) and with the respective rates predicted by risk scores. Conclusions: Combining RFCA and LAAC achieves acceptable safety and credible long-term efficacy in AF patients with systolic HF. Further randomized studies are warranted in a larger patient cohort.
The Effectiveness and Safety of Long-Term Macrolide Therapy for COPD in Stable Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nakamura Kazunori , Fujita Yukio , Chen Hao , Somekawa Kohei , Kashizaki Fumihiro , Koizumi Harumi , Takahashi Kenichi , Horita Nobuyuki , Hara Yu , Muro Shigeo , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: October 2023

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent condition with fewer treatments available as the severity increases. Previous systematic reviews have demonstrated the benefits of long-term macrolide use. However, the therapeutic differences between different macrolides and the optimal duration of use remain unclear. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the effectiveness of long-term macrolide use in reducing COPD exacerbations, compare the therapeutic differences among macrolides, and determine the appropriate treatment duration. Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ICHU-SHI) were searched until 20 March 2023, and a random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect. Results: The meta-analysis included nine randomized controlled trials involving 1965 patients. The analysis revealed an odds ratio (OR) of 0.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19, 0.59, p < 0.001) for the reduction in exacerbation frequency. Notably, only azithromycin or erythromycin showed suppression of COPD exacerbations. The ORs for reducing exacerbation frequency per year and preventing hospitalizations were −0.50 (95% CI: −0.81, −0.19; p = 0.001) and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.3, 0.97; p = 0.04), respectively. Statistical analyses showed no significant differences between three- and six-month macrolide prescriptions. However, studies involving a twelve-month prescription showed an OR of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.68; p = 0.005; I2 = 81%). Although a significant improvement in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total scores was observed with a mean difference of −4.42 (95% CI: −9.0, 0.16; p = 0.06; I2 = 94%), the minimal clinically important difference was not reached. While no adverse effects were observed between the two groups, several studies have reported an increase in bacterial resistance. Conclusions: Long-term use of azithromycin or erythromycin suppresses COPD exacerbations, and previous studies have supported the advantages of a 12-month macrolide prescription over a placebo.
Performance Analysis of Visual–Inertial–Range Cooperative Localization for Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle Swarm
Authors: Lai Jun , Liu Suyang , Xiang Xiaojia , Li Chaoran , Tang Dengqing , Zhou Han
Published: October 2023

The swarm of small UAVs is an emerging technology that will enable abundant cooperative tasks. To tackle the positioning problem for the UAV swarm, cooperative localization (CL) has been intensively studied since it uses relative measurement to improve the positioning availability and accuracy for the swarm in GPS-denied environments. Besides relying on inter-UAV range measurement, traditional CL algorithms need to place anchors as location references, which limits their applicability. To implement an infrastructure-less swarm navigation system, a consumer-grade camera together with an inertial device can provide rich environment information, which can be recognized as a kind of local location reference. This paper aims to analyze the fundamental performance of visual–inertial–range CL, which is also a popular metric for UAV planning and sensing optimizing, especially for resource-limited environments. Specifically, a closed-form Fisher information matrix (FIM) of visual–inertial–range CL is constructed in Rn×SO(n) manifold. By introducing an equivalent FIM and utilizing of the sparsity of the FIM, the performance of pose estimation can be efficiently calculated. A series of numerical simulations validate its effectiveness for analyzing the CL performance.
Thermal Hydraulics Simulation of a Water Spray System for a Cooling Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Regenerator
Authors: Davidy Alon
Published: October 2023

Olefins are crucial building blocks for petrochemical industry, serving as raw materials for the production of various products such as plastics, synthetic fibers, detergents, solvents, and other chemicals. In FCC, heavy petroleum feedstocks are injected into a catalytic cracking unit, where they are mixed with a catalyst. The catalyst aids in breaking down the large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller fragments, including olefins like Propylene and Ethylene. These polymerization reactions occur at high temperatures. They demand that heat removal occurs as quickly as possible in order to control the reactor temperature and to avoid “hot spots” in the Regenerator or localized oxidation reactions (and to avoid creep rupture of the regenerator steel cladding). The cooling of the regenerator cladding surface can be achieved by impinging water droplets (spray), ejected from a spray nozzle. Spray cooling can provide uniform cooling and handle high heat fluxes in both a single phase and two phases. This research provides a thermal hydraulic design of regenerator spray cooling systems. In the framework of this research, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software was applied in order to simulate the temperature field and the water vapor mass fraction. A COMSOL Multiphysics finite element code was used in order to calculate the temperature field inside the regenerator cladding. The calculated surface temperatures and heat transfer convective coefficient, obtained using FDS software, were validated successfully against COMSOL numerical results and previous results in the literature. The numerical simulations were carried out for two cases. The first case was carried out at a distance of 0.5 m, and the second case was carried out at a distance of 0.2 m. A grid sensitivity study was carried out on the FDS model. Numerical integrations were carried out over time in order to calculate the average temperatures. The difference between these four average temperatures, calculated by applying different grids, is less than 7.4%. The calculated surface temperatures and heat transfer convective coefficient were validated successfully against COMSOL numerical results and previous research. It was shown that the calculated temperatures decrease in the second case. The water spray system managed to cool the steel wall more effectively as the water spray system approaches the steel cladding.
Impact of Team Teaching on Student Teachers’ Professional Identity: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: De Backer Loan , Schelfhout Wouter , Simons Mathea , Vandervieren Ellen , Rivera Espejo Jose
Published: October 2023

Workplace learning in teacher education is essential for creating and recreating the professional identity of student teachers. Innovative interventions, such as team teaching between student teachers and mentors at the workplace, are assumed to facilitate learning to teach. This experimental study provides valuable insight into the impact of team teaching on student teachers’ professional identity by implementing distinct student teaching formats: team teaching (A1intervention), team teaching with support (A2intervention), and traditional teaching (Control intervention). In this study, professional identity is understood as a multidimensional concept that consists of six components: student teachers’ learning and regulation activities, reflective thinking, teacher efficacy, beliefs about learning and teaching, motivation, and collaborative activities. A total of 464 student teachers from a Flemish College of Education were randomly assigned to one of the three student teaching formats. The overall findings of Bayesian structural equation modeling reveal significant impacts of team teaching with support compared to both team teaching and traditional teaching as well as a significant impact of team teaching over traditional teaching on three crucial components of student teachers’ professional identity, i.e., their learning and regulation activities, reflective thinking, and motivation.
Development of an Algorithm for Detecting Real-Time Defects in Steel
Authors: Yu Jiabo , Wang Cheng , Xi Teli , Ju Haijuan , Qu Yi , Kong Yakang , Chen Xiancong
Published: October 2023

The integration of artificial intelligence with steel manufacturing operations holds great potential for enhancing factory efficiency. Object detection algorithms, as a category within the field of artificial intelligence, have been widely adopted for steel defect detection purposes. However, mainstream object detection algorithms often exhibit a low detection accuracy and high false-negative rates when it comes to detecting small and subtle defects in steel materials. In order to enhance the production efficiency of steel factories, one approach could be the development of a novel object detection algorithm to improve the accuracy and speed of defect detection in these facilities. This paper proposes an improved algorithm based on the YOLOv5s-7.0 version, called YOLOv5s-7.0-FCC. YOLOv5s-7.0-FCC integrates the basic operator C3-Faster (C3F) into the C3 module. Its special T-shaped structure reduces the redundant calculation of channel features, increases the attention weight on the central content, and improves the algorithm’s computational speed and feature extraction capability. Furthermore, the spatial pyramid pooling-fast (SPPF) structure is replaced by the Content Augmentation Module (CAM), which enriches the image feature content with different convolution rates to simulate the way humans observe things, resulting in enhanced feature information transfer during the process. Lastly, the upsampling operator Content-Aware ReAssembly of Features (CARAFE) replaces the “nearest” method, transforming the receptive field size based on the difference in feature information. The three modules that act on feature information are distributed reasonably in YOLOv5s-7.0, reducing the loss of feature information during the convolution process. The results show that compared to the original YOLOv5 model, YOLOv5s-7.0-FCC increases the mean average precision (mAP) from 73.1% to 79.5%, achieving a 6.4% improvement. The detection speed also increased from 101.1 f/s to 109.4 f/s, an improvement of 8.3 f/s, further meeting the accuracy requirements for steel defect detection.
Intelligent Decision Support for Energy Management: A Methodology for Tailored Explainability of Artificial Intelligence Analytics
Authors: Panagoulias Dimitrios P. , Sarmas Elissaios , Marinakis Vangelis , Virvou Maria , Tsihrintzis George A. , Doukas Haris
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a novel development methodology for artificial intelligence (AI) analytics in energy management that focuses on tailored explainability to overcome the “black box” issue associated with AI analytics. Our approach addresses the fact that any given analytic service is to be used by different stakeholders, with different backgrounds, preferences, abilities, skills, and goals. Our methodology is aligned with the explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) paradigm and aims to enhance the interpretability of AI-empowered decision support systems (DSSs). Specifically, a clustering-based approach is adopted to customize the depth of explainability based on the specific needs of different user groups. This approach improves the accuracy and effectiveness of energy management analytics while promoting transparency and trust in the decision-making process. The methodology is structured around an iterative development lifecycle for an intelligent decision support system and includes several steps, such as stakeholder identification, an empirical study on usability and explainability, user clustering analysis, and the implementation of an XAI framework. The XAI framework comprises XAI clusters and local and global XAI, which facilitate higher adoption rates of the AI system and ensure responsible and safe deployment. The methodology is tested on a stacked neural network for an analytics service, which estimates energy savings from renovations, and aims to increase adoption rates and benefit the circular economy.
Quantitative Prediction of Rock Pore-Throat Radius Based on Deep Neural Network
Authors: Hong Yao , Li Shunming , Wang Hongliang , Liu Pengcheng , Cao Yuan
Published: October 2023

Pore-throat radius is one of the key parameters that characterizes the microscopic pore structure of rock, which has an important impact on oil-gas seepage and the prediction of remaining oil’s microscopic distribution. Currently, the quantitative characterization of a pore-throat radius mainly relies on rock-core experiments, then uses capillary pressure functions, e.g., the J-function, to predict the pore-throat radius of rocks which have not undergone core experiments. However, the prediction accuracy of the J-function struggles to meet the requirements of oil field development during a high water-cut stage. To solve this issue, in this study, based on core experimental data, we established a deep neural network (DNN) model to predict the maximum pore-throat radius Rmax, median pore-throat radius R50, and minimum flow pore-throat radius Rmin of rocks for the first time. To improve the prediction accuracy of the pore-throat radius, the key components of the DNN are preferably selected and the hyperparameters are adjusted, respectively. To illustrate the effectiveness of the DNN model, core samples from Q Oilfield were selected as the case study. The results show that the evaluation metrics of the DNN notably outperform when compared to other mature machine learning methods and conventional J-function method; the root-mean-square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) are decreased by 14–57.8%, 32.4–64.3% and 13.5–48.9%, respectively, and the predicted values are closer to the true values of the pore-throat radius. This method provides a new perspective on predicting the pore-throat radius of rocks, and it is of great significance for predicting the dominant waterflow pathway and in-depth profile control optimization.
Research on Sustainable Shallow Geothermal Potential in Jinan Start-Up Area, China
Authors: Hao Zhenkai , Ji Xiaofei , Li Ningbo , Bao Dongchen , Liu Yulin , Zhu Ke
Published: October 2023

Shallow geothermal energy (SGE), as an important renewable energy, playing an important role in reducing carbon emissions. In order to efficiently and sustainably utilize SGE, field investigation and storage estimation are needed. In this study, the hydrogeological data obtained from the field exploration of Jinan Start-up Area were collected and compiled. By analyzing the geotechnical property data and thermal response test results, the information of geotechnical and thermal properties and underground temperature distribution characteristics were collected. Subsequently, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with the comprehensive index method (CIM) were used to classify the shallow geothermal potential of Jinan Start-up Area. The entire area was divided into a high-potential area, medium-potential area and general area, of which 92.2% was high-potential area. The preliminary results, combined with the parameters obtained from the testing, indicate that the SGE storage at a borehole depth of 120 m is estimated to be approximately 2.68 × 1012 kJ·K−1, while the heat exchanger power of the buried pipe at the same depth is calculated to be around 1.73 × 105 kW. Finally, suggestions are given for sustainable development and utilization of SGE in this area.
Voltage Stability Assessment of a Campus DC Microgrid Implemented in Korea as a Blockchain-Based Power Transaction Testbed
Authors: Hwang Hyeonseok , Lee Soo Hyoung , Choi Donghee , Choi Sangbong , Sung Backsub
Published: October 2023

Recently, the generalization of P2P (peer-to-peer) technology with enhanced security due to blockchain technology and the expansion of renewable energy-based distributed energy resources have led to blockchain technology being applied in power transactions, thus giving the potential to become a new platform for DC microgrid operation. Meanwhile, the voltage of a DC microgrid represents the balance of energy supply and demand and also serves as a stability index. The balance is represented as a steady state; the stability is represented during and after events. This paper examines the stability of the DC microgrid built on a university campus in Korea and, in particular, the blockchain technology-based power transactions performed in the DC microgrid. The test is based on the pre-planned transaction schedule applied in the DC microgrid. The transaction schedule has used day-ahead and real-time bidding data. Although many technologies are included in the project, this paper focuses on the voltage stability of the DC microgrid. In addition, the DC protection is applied and evaluated. To consider general DC protection, the DC breaker was simplified with several IGBTs, diodes, capacitors, and arrestors and was designed to interrupt the fault current within five milliseconds. The stability was evaluated using a PSCAD/EMTDCTM.