Optimal Interval Research Articles

Shorter interval to surgery after self-expanding metallic stent may result in better oncologic outcomes in colon cancer obstruction

IntroductionColon cancer obstruction is one of the most serious conditions in colorectal surgery. However, the use of self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) has made it possible to avoid emergency surgery and stoma creation, therefore enabling minimally invasive surgery and one-stage operation. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is an optimal interval from SEMS to surgery for the best long-term oncologic outcomes. MethodsObstructive colon cancer patients treated with SEMS insertion and received surgery were included in the study. Patient data were retrospectively reviewed in prospectively collected data. Using the ROC curve, the optimal interval to surgery after SEMS insertion was 10 days; the patients were divided into the early surgery group (≤10 days, ES) and the late surgery group (>10 days, LS). Factors contributing to the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results83 patients were included in this study. Eight patients (9.6 %) had SEMS insertion failure, with 3 perforations and 5 failed expansions. There were no differences between the ES group and the LS group in terms of pathologic characteristics, incidence of stoma creation, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Twenty-six patients (31.3 %) had recurrences; local (Arnarson et al., 2023) [6], peritoneal seeding (Lee et al., 2013) [8], liver (Ho et al., 2017) [11], lung [7], bone (van Hooft et al., 2020) [2], and abdominal wall metastasis (Chen and Sheen-Chen, 2000) [1]. The 5-year DFS rate was significantly better in the ES group than the LS group (74.3 % vs. 55.01 %; p = 0.0394). The 5-year OS was slightly better in the ES group than the LS group (76.11 % vs. 58.75 %; p = 0.0901). In univariable analysis, the ES group showed a lower risk of recurrence than the LS group (OR: 0.447 [0.204–0.984], p = 0.0455), but this was not reproduced in the multivariable analysis. ConclusionThis study has shown that the long-term oncologic outcomes were better in patients who received surgery after SEMS within 10 days. Hence, we propose with caution that elective surgery might be suggested to take place within 10 days from SEMS insertion for better oncologic outcomes.

P-703 Is the time interval between triggering final oocyte maturation and oocyte retrieval associated with ART outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Study question Is the time interval between triggering final oocyte maturation and oocyte retrieval associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes? Summary answer Limited evidence suggests that extending the time interval between triggering final oocyte maturation and oocyte retrieval from 33-36h to 37-41h does not affect ART outcomes. What is known already The time interval between final oocyte maturation and oocyte retrieval varies among IVF centres, although an interval of 33–36 h is the most widely adopted. The use of a prolonged time interval of 37-41h has been suggested to increase the number and competence of oocytes retrieved, their maturation, their ability to be fertilized, their capacity to produce usable embryos and the probability of pregnancy. Considering recently published data, a systematic review is warranted to provide clinicians with updated, evidence-based information regarding the optimal time interval between triggering final oocyte maturation and oocyte retrieval. Study design, size, duration A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed aiming to evaluate the effect of the time interval between triggering final oocyte maturation and oocyte retrieval on ART outcomes. For this purpose, a literature search was carried out until January 2024 in PubMed, MEDLINE and CENTRAL. The primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate, while ovulation before oocyte retrieval, oocytes retrieved, maturation rate, fertilization rate, blastulation rate, implantation rate and miscarriage rate were secondary outcomes. Participants/materials, setting, methods Citation, demographic, methodological and clinical data were extracted from the studies by two independent reviewers. Quality was assessed using the RoB2 Tool by Cochrane. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by I2. In dichotomous data, estimates were expressed as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using the fixed or random effects method. In continuous data, differences were pooled across resulting in a weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% CI. Main results and the role of chance Six eligible RCTs (n = 1081) were identified, published between 1991-2023. In three trials, conventional insemination was used for fertilization, in two trials this was performed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), whereas in one trial either conventional insemination or ICSI were used. The time intervals between triggering final oocyte maturation and oocyte retrieval compared, varied between studies (34.5-36 vs 38.5-40h, 33 vs 41h, 34 vs 38h, 35 vs 37h, 34 vs 39h and 36 vs 38h). Patients were grouped in advance based on these time intervals (short interval group: 33-36h versus long interval group: 37-41h). Ovarian stimulation was performed with GnRH analogues (GnRH antagonists:1 GnRH agonists:5) and gonadotrophins (HMG:4 recombinant FSH:2, while triggering of final oocyte maturation was performed with hCG( recombinant hCG:1 urinary hCG:5). None of the studies was deemed as of low risk of bias. No statistically significant differences were observed between the short nd long interval groups regarding clinical pregnancy rate per randomized patient (RR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.62-1.11; fixed effects model; heterogeneity: I2:36.4%; five studies, 827 patients). Furthermore, it was not feasible to pool any of the secondary outcome data. This was either because they were not reported, or due to the fact that they were reported inappropriately. Limitations, reasons for caution This meta-analysis included a limited number of RCTs, which were generally of low quality due to methodological limitations and of high risk of bias. Moreover, the total number of patients is still not large enough to draw solid conclusions. Wider implications of the findings Taking into account the limitations of the current meta-analysis, it appears that clinicians may elect a shorter (33–36 h) or a longer (37-41h) interval regarding the timing of oocyte retrieval following triggering final oocyte maturation, without affecting clinical pregnancy rate. Trial registration number PROSPERO: CRD42024501986

P-186 Embryos developing within the optimal morphokinetic range have a 5% higher chance of leading to a Live birth (LB)

Abstract Study question Is there an optimal range of morphokinetic parameters that have a higher LB rate, if so what is the percentage of LB improvement? Summary answer Optimal embryo development range in morphokinetic parameters was identified in t6, t8, tB, t8-t4 and t8-t2 leading to a 5% improvement in LB. What is known already Achieving LB is the main objective in IVF. Traditional embryo assessment based on morphology has drawbacks, with variability among embryologists and limited predictive ability for a single-day assessment. The emergence of AI in IVF, exemplified by CHLOE-EQ, an embryologist’s tool to register embryo morphokinetics and other parameters, presents a solution. This study investigates whether AI-detected morphokinetic parameters can significantly improve LB rates, providing a more precise and predictive approach to embryo assessment. This study investigates if embryos that lead to LB develop under specific morphokinetic optimal ranges. Study design, size, duration Conducted across multiple centres within a private clinic, this retrospective study investigated 7156 embryos with known birth outcome between January 2021 and January 2023. Participants/materials, setting, methods Absolute (tPNf to tEB) and interim morphokinetic parameters that have been previously been found to impact embryo development (CC1, CC2, CC3, S2, S3, t5-t2, t8-t4, t8-t2, tEB-tSB) were automatically annotated by an AI model (CHLOE-EQ, Fairtility Ltd). The interquartile range (Q1-Q3) of embryos that resulted in live birth was analyzed to identify the optimal range. Chi-square analysis compared live birth rates between embryos within and outside this range. Main results and the role of chance A significant Live birth optimal range was found for t6 (47.8-57.3), t8 (51.8-65.8), tB (100.9-113.6), t8-t4 (15.2-25.5), t8-t2 (26.9-39.2), p < 0.05. The following morphokinetic parameters were associated with higher LB rate when the embryo was within the optimal range hours as compared to outside the optimal range: t6 (38%, n = 1012 vs 35% n = 1007, p < 0.05), t8 (38%, n = 947 vs 35%, n = 941, p < 0.05), tB (33%, n = 548 vs 30%, n = 533, p < 0.05), t8-t4 (38%, n = 926 vs 34%, n = 943, p < 0.05), t8-t2 (38%, n = 938 vs 35% n = 936, p < 0.05). No significant LB rate differences were observed for other morphokinetics. Overall, LB rates improved by 3-5% in embryos developing at the optimal rate, with a slightly higher significance in absolute morphokinetic values over interim ones. Limitations, reasons for caution The study’s retrospective nature entails inherent biases. Additionally, this analysis does not account for oocyte origin and male factor as bias elements, which will be considered in future research. Thus results may not be transferrable to clinics that have other clinical practices and different patient demographics. Wider implications of the findings Certain morphokinetic parameters can be added to the already existing range of available LB evaluation methods. Future studies should explore diverse morphokinetic ranges to identify additional optimal intervals for each parameter. AI tools can facilitate automatic annotation and measurement of embryo morphokinetics, enhancing precision in assessment. Trial registration number Not applicable

The Importance of the Time Interval Between Preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Neck Dissection for the Detection of Nodal Metastases in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Detection of nodal metastasis is critical for the treatment and prognosis of head and neck cancer (HNC). Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasingly being used to detect cervical lymph node involvement. The purposes of this study were to (1) investigate the diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT for the detection of neck metastasis in patients with HNC and (2) determine the effect of the time interval between surgery and PET/CT. Fifty patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who underwent PET/CT before surgery were included in this study. Preoperative PET/CT images that determined lymph node metastasis were compared with the histopathological analysis of neck dissection samples. Neck dissections were divided into three groups according to the time interval between surgery and PET/CT (0-2 weeks, >2-4 weeks, and >4 weeks). The concordance between PET/CT and histopathology was measured using the neck sides at different time intervals. The specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) of PET/CT in detecting metastatic lymph nodes in the neck were calculated. A total of 79 neck dissections were included in the study as 29 (58%) of the patients underwent bilateral neck dissection. The overall accuracy of PET/CT in detecting nodal metastasis was highest for the 0-2 weeks interval (95.6%). During this time interval, the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of PET/CT were 100%, 90.9%, 100%, and 92.3%, respectively. Although PET/CT is an important and reliable diagnostic method for detecting nodal metastases in patients with HNC, its reliability decreases as the time between surgeries increases. The optimal interval was 2 weeks; however, up to 4 weeks was acceptable.

A Whole Blood Method for Assessing the Innate Immune Response in Chickens

Innate immunity is considered the first line of immune defense and is typically an unmeasured response. Here we report a method for evaluating the innate immune response in chickens by using whole blood which has been activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce IL-6 release by innate immune cells. It was found that a 24-h LPS activation time interval was the optimum time interval for inducing the IL-6 response. An activation index, defined as the PBS activated control response subtracted from the LPS activated response and then divided by the PBS activated control response and expressed as a percentage, was useful for demonstrating and comparing the magnitude of the innate immune response. Results indicated that there was wide variation between the IL-6 response between individual birds although statistically significant results were obtained for all individual birds at the 24-h activation time interval. The activation indices from all birds were greatest at the 24-h activation time interval. Statistically significant results were achieved when all the data from all birds at the 24-h activation time interval were combined. The cells responsible for the IL-6 response were identified as the peripheral blood monocytes.

Deviation from the recommended schedule: optimal dosing interval foratwo-dose vaccination programme.

Optimizing vaccination impact during an emerging disease becomes crucial when vaccine supply is limited, and robustprotection requires multiple doses. Facing this challenge during the early stages of the COVID-19 vaccine deployment, a pivotal policy question arose: whether to administer a single dose to a larger proportion of the population by deferring the second dose, or to prioritize stronger protection for a smaller subset of the population with the established dosing interval from clinical trials. Usinga delay-differential model and considering waning immunity and distribution capacity, we compared these strategies. We found that the efficacy of the first dose significantly influences the impact ofdelaying the second dose. Even for a relatively low efficacy of the first dose, adelayed strategy may outperform vaccination with the recommended dosing interval in reducing short-term hospitalizations anddeaths despite increase in infections. The optimal delay, however, depends on the specific outcome measured and timelines within which the vaccination strategy is evaluated. We found transition lines for the relative reduction of infection, hospitalization and death below which vaccination with the recommended schedule is the preferred strategy. In a realistic parameter space, our results highlight scenarios in which the conclusions of previous studies are invalid.

Control of blast parameters for high-quality breaking of thin slope ore bodies

Purpose. The research is aimed at substantiation of the effective method for mining thin slope ore bodies occurring in soft unstable host rocks by optimizing the breaking process, while determining the patterns of blast energy impact on the disturbed mass by explosive charges with controllable density, taking into account the geomechanical rock mass state. Methods. The research uses a comprehensive approach, including analysis of literature sources, practical experience of mining the slope ore bodies in difficult mining-geological conditions, modeling of the energy characteristics of blasts and wave action on the mass using software, as well as conducting experimental-industrial tests in the Akbakai mine. Findings. An innovative method for effective and safe ore mining from thin slope ore deposits in masses with weakened host rocks has been substantiated and developed. It implies the use of a new construction and location in the blast-holes of a charge consisting of mixed low-density explosives with widely controllable characteristics and with which the blast-holes are charged in two layers with different densities of explosives and detonated at different delay intervals. The optimum delay intervals have been determined, which improve the conditions for controlling the blast energy by changing the direction of the blast action vector towards the newly outcropped surfaces formed in the rock mass after the blasting the first stage charges. The main factors influencing the ore delivery range when mining thin slope ore bodies with blast delivery system have been revealed and methods for increasing this process efficiency are proposed. Originality. New parameters of drilling and blasting operations have been determined for the conditions of mining thin slope ore bodies of the Akbakai deposit: a rational charge construction with controllable blast characteristics has been deve-loped; the optimum range of blast-hole charging density with mixed low-density explosives and delay intervals have been substantiated; a new exponential dependence of the ore delivery range on the specific blasting agent consumption and the angle of the ore body occurrence has been revealed. Practical implications. Practical significance is in increasing the efficiency of blast breaking of minerals, improving the quality of blast delivery of broken ore to loading sites while maintaining the host rock mass continuity and reducing the ore mass dilution, eliminating the formation of large-sized pieces that complicate the blast delivery of the broken ore.

Optimal Preventive Maintenance Scheduling of Multi State System. A Comparative Study of Different Meta-heuristic Algorithms

This work presents a comparative study of different meta-heuristic algorithms which are commonly used in the literature, such as Genetic Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization, Artificial Bee Colony and Grey Wolf Optimizer. These algorithms are applied to solve a multi-state system maintenance optimization problem considering time and system availability constraints. The objective is to find the optimal inspection and maintenance intervals for each component of the system in order to minimize the preventive maintenance cost of overall the system. The performances of the algorithms are compared using different metrics, regarding the quality and stability of the results and the speed of convergence, in order to determine the most efficient algorithms.

Геолого-геофизическое опробование железных руд гамма-альбедным методом

The standard method of testing iron ores, due to its high labor intensity and low representativeness, cannot serve as a basis for controlling the quality of ores in the process of their extraction and processing. The proposed spectrometric modification of the gamma-albedo method makes it possible to exclude labor-intensive operations for grinding ores, preparing analytical samples (~0.1 mm) and directly chemical analysis for iron. Studies of the spectral distribution of the scattered gamma radiation of the radioisotope source Se-75 (~220 keV) on ores with different iron content revealed critical energies and zones of their displacement depending on the quality of the ore and the energy of the scattered gamma radiation. The found critical energies in the spectral distribution of the albedo of gamma radiation made it possible to choose the optimal energy intervals in the hard (above the critical energy) and soft (below the critical energy) regions of the spectrum in terms of the maximum contrast ratio Ψ of the scattered gamma radiation intensities measured in the selected energy intervals, with a change in the concentration of iron. In the process of testing the proposed modification of the method for monitoring the iron content in partially prepared samples weighing ~ 60 kg, with a particle size of 40 mm, a root-mean-square error of 1.32% abs was achieved.

Effects of Nozzle Temperature on Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid Specimens Fabricated by Fused Deposition Modeling.

This paper investigates the effect of nozzle temperature, from 180 to 260 °C, on properties of polylactic acid (PLA) samples manufactured by fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. The main objective of this research is to determinate an optimum nozzle temperature relative to tensile, flexural and compressive properties of printed specimens. After manufacturing, the samples exhibit an amorphous structure, without crystallization effects, independently of the fabrication temperature. In order to determine the influence of printing temperature on mechanical properties, uniaxial tensile, three-point flexural and compression strength tests were carried out. The obtained results suggest that a relative low printing temperature could reduce the material flow and decrease the density of the final prototype, with a negative effect on both the quality and the mechanical properties of the pieces. If temperature increases up to 260 °C, an excess of material can be deposited, but with no significant negative effect on mechanical parameters. There is an optimum nozzle temperature interval, depending on the considered piece and test, for which mechanical values can be optimized. Taking into account all tests, a recommended extruder temperature interval may be identified as 220-240 °C. This range encompasses all mechanical parameters, avoiding the highest temperature where an excess of material was observed. For this printing temperature interval, no significant mechanical variations were appreciated, which corresponds to a stable behavior of the manufactured specimens.

Research on the influence of measurement accuracy of the CCD moiré method

The CCD moiré method is an emerging tool for full-field measurements due to its simple optical setup and high resolution in topography and deformation measurements. It takes the periodic pixel on the image sensor of the digital camera as the reference grating, effectively “magnifies” the specimen grating pasted on the specimen surface. Different from ordinary moiré, CCD moiré has an image sensor that serves as both a reference grating and a recording pixel, its interval of parameters for measurement is narrow, and moiré quality is affected by multiple factors. This paper presents a systematic study of the factors affecting the accuracy of CCD moiré measurement. Firstly, a theoretical deduction of the formation process and measurement principle of CCD moiré is conducted, and then four classical single-moiré image-based phase extraction algorithms are summarized. Secondly, the imaging model of CCD moiré is established and all the factors that affect the accuracy of CCD moiré are studied, including lens aperture-coefficient FN, the pith of grating (ps, pr), pixel's duty-ratio dr, and camera acquisition mode. The results have identified the following optimal parameter interval: (1) determining the optimal pitch-ratio (n, or, ps / pr) is crucial for achieving high image quality and measurement accuracy, and the recommended interval isn∈[1.1,1.25]; (2) the pixel's duty-ratio is preferred to be set atdr∈[0.5,0.7], as it enables a favorable tradeoff between the image signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) and image contrast; (3) the recommended aperture-coefficient is FN∈[4,8]; (4) the Skip and Normal camera acquisition mode is preferred based on actual measurement situations. Finally, the measurement accuracy and advantages of the CCD moiré method are effectively verified through two experiments: one on four-point bending in comparison with the DIC method, and the other on the ship vertical arch displacement measurement under a large field of view (FOV).

Application of two-step input to reduce overshoot of the transient response at automated control systems

The problems of quality improving for technology control are very important and are considered in works on the theory of automatic control and related fields. Various approaches to solving the problems are known especially by the decreasing overshoot of step response. To provide this the most of existing methods require: to adjust a controller parameters; development of a mathematical model of a controlled object; additional filters applications, that as a whole is difficult to implement under industrial conditions. The authors have proposed another approach to solving the above problems, contrary to the known ones. Namely, to apply two successive inputs with lower amplitudes and delay in time instead of the known one step input. The response of the controlled system on the complex two step inputs was considered and the optimal time delay was defined. The investigations were conducted by the modelling a typical classic linear automation control system that consists of a static control object of the first order with time delay, proposal - integration - difference controllers. The modelling results for a transient under the various applied one and two step inputs, including their ramp variation were obtained. It was shown that the two-step inputs with their ramp application gives the decreasing of the maximum displacement for a transient in a typical control system: more than 3 times increase was shown comparing with the one-step approach. The optimal time interval between the steps was determined that leads to the maximum effectiveness of the technology application. The procedure to define the details of the approach application was developed

Stable isotope hydrology of a polymictic lake: Capturing transience of groundwater interactions

Although there have been many studies of groundwater inflow to small lakes, no systematic attention has been paid to the role of the time interval in the reliability of transient flow analysis. We addressed this issue in a two-year study of the isotope hydrology and water budget of a small lake in eastern Washington State (USA) that has been subject to limited management over several decades. The weighted local meteoric water line is δ2H = 7.14 δ18O – 5.22, reflecting the impact of convective recycling in this semi-arid region of inland northwestern North America. Groundwater inflow to the lake was quantified over two years using a short-interval isotopic transient mass balance approach. Calculated inflow was less than a fifth of the lake’s total water budget. Unrealistic temporal fluctuation of the calculated inflow was apparently correlated with fluctuation of the observed isotopic ratio of lake water (δL). We obtained realistic lake fluctuation and groundwater–lake exchange estimates by experimenting with the time interval of the isotope mass balance. It is crucial to acknowledge that each lake possesses unique characteristics that influence hydrologic and isotopic variations. Therefore, the optimal time interval for sampling and calculating mass balance may vary among different small lakes. Our findings have implications for long-term studies with frequent interval sampling.

Application of citric acid can enhance the accuracy for 13C-urea breath tests in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese patients

Previous published data have confirmed that the addition of a citric acid meal improves the accuracy of the 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT). However, some studies have suggested that a citric acid test meal may not be necessary. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the combination of a 13C-UBT with a citric acid meal for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in a Chinese population, particularly for patients with results in the gray zone. In this paired self-controlled study, all subjects had previously undergone 13C-UBTs without citric acid meals and were randomly divided into two groups based on different doses of citric acid (a low-dose citric acid group and a high-dose citric acid group, comprising meals with 0.68 g and 3.84 g citric acid powder, respectively). Positive rapid urease test (CLO) test and histology results were considered the 'gold standard'. The mean delta over baseline (DOB) value, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy were compared between the two groups, particularly for patients with results in the gray zone. In total, 285 patients were tested. Of these patients, 189 were included in the low-dose citric acid group, and 96 were included in the high-dose citric acid group. Among patients with a positive 13C-UBT result without citric acid [delta over baseline (DOB) value ≥ 4‰, n = 174] and a negative 13C-UBT result without citric acid (DOB value < 4‰, n = 111), 8.0% (14/174) were false positive, and 0.9% (1/111) was false negative as determined by gold standard. Of 14 patients with false positive, 78.6% (11/14) false positive were in the gray zone of 4–10‰. However, there were no false positive 13C-UBT results with citric acid in the the gray zone of 4–10‰. In the comparison of the commercial 13C-UBT with the 13C-UBT in the low-dose citric acid group, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy at 15 min were as follows: 99.1% vs. 99.1%, 97.5% vs. 88.9%, 98.2% vs. 92.2%, 98.8% vs. 98.6% and 98.4% vs. 94.7%, respectively. In the the gray zone of 4.0–10.0‰, the comparison of the commercial 13C-UBT with the 13C-UBT in the low-dose citric acid group, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and accuracy at 15 min were as follows: 94.4% vs. 100.0%, 100.0% vs. 0%, 100.0% vs. 75.0% and 95.8% vs. 75.0%, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the 15-min and 30-min measurement intervals in the low- and high-dose citric acid groups, including patients with results in the gray zone. The low-dose citric acid test, with an optimal measurement interval of 15 min, was highly accurate in the diagnosis of Hp infection in the Chinese population, especially for individuals with results in the gray zone.

Integrated CO2 capture and mineralization approach based on KOH and cement-based wastes

To extend current Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) strategies and explore a circular carbon economy, an integrated CO2 capture and mineralization approach was developed in this work. KOH was used as CO2 absorption agent to simulate post-combustion carbon capture from flue gas, and then cement-based wastes were used as CO2 mineralization feedstock to convert the sequestered carbonate/bicarbonate ions in the solvent to carbonate minerals and thereby recover and regenerate KOH. The features of the integrated CO2 capture and mineralization process were characterized through ICP-OES analysis, TGA, SEM, quantitative XRD analysis, and particle size analysis. In this study, the carbon capture from the simulated flue gas with CO2 concentration of 10 % using 2.0 M KOH was examined, and the real CO2 capture capacity of 2.0 M KOH was determined at around 1.5 M. After CO2 capture, ground mortar wastes were added into the CO2-loaded KOH solvent, which enables CO2 mineralization and thereby decarbonizes the CO2 liquid absorbent. In CO2 mineralization process, the carbonation characteristics of mortar waste at different pH levels were analysed in-depth. The optimum pH interval for the CO2 mineralization of mortar waste was between 10 and 11, and correspondingly, the highest CO2 sequestration capacity was measured at around 164 g CO2/kg. Apart from CO2 capture and mineral sequestration, another two valuable by-products – silica gels and carbonated mortar waste were also collected and analysed. To increase the applicability of the integrated CO2 capture and mineralization process on a commercial scale, future research was also identified and discussed.

Comparing global trends in gastric cancer and the need for national screening programs: An in-depth literature review

Abstract Introduction Gastric cancer, though experiencing a decline in mortality rates, remains a global concern. This study explores the impact of screening strategies and Helicobacter pylori eradication on gastric cancer incidence and mortality, emphasizing global variations in risk factors and screening programs. Methods A literature review was conducted, searching PubMed and Medline databases for relevant studies. Two distinct searches focused on national screening programs and H. pylori eradication effects, yielding 11,378 studies. Selection criteria refined the studies to 37, emphasizing trial data and recent publications. Statistical analysis, including forest plots, was employed to examine screening outcomes and H. pylori eradication therapy. Results Screening demonstrated a 31% decrease in gastric cancer mortality, with varied incidence outcomes. Population control studies showed an insignificant risk reduction (odds ratio [OR] 0.92), while case–control studies indicated an expected increase in cancer incidence (OR 5.15). Screening intervals of 12 months or less correlated with a 30% mortality risk reduction, and repeated screenings further decreased the risk by 79%. H. pylori eradication therapy exhibited a 56% decrease in cancer odds, emphasizing its significance in both asymptomatic and high-risk individuals. Discussion The study underscores the efficacy of screening methods, with endoscopy and Barium X-ray playing pivotal roles in early detection. Optimal screening intervals and the impact of repeated screenings on mortality risk are highlighted. H. pylori eradication emerges as a critical intervention, with a focus on overcoming challenges such as clarithromycin resistance. Successful screening programs in high-risk regions offer insights for global implementation, with research indicating promising avenues for preventive strategies.

Test-retest reliability of intrahemispheric dorsal premotor and primary motor cortex dual-site TMS connectivity measures

ObjectiveInvestigating the optimal interstimulus interval (ISI) and the 24-hour test–retest reliability for intrahemispheric dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) – primary motor cortex (M1) connectivity using dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation (dsTMS). MethodsIn 21 right-handed adults, left intrahemispheric PMd–M1 connectivity has been investigated with a stacked-coil dsTMS setup (conditioning stimulus: 75% of resting motor threshold; test stimulus: eliciting MEPs of 1–1.5 mV) at ISIs of 3, 5–8, and 10 ms. Additionally, M1–M1 short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were investigated to assess comparability to standard paired-pulse setups. ResultsConditioning PMd led to significant inhibition of M1 output at ISIs of 3 and 5 ms, whereas 10 ms resulted in facilitation (all, p < 0.001), with a fair test–retest reliability for 3 (ICC: 0.47) and 6 ms (ICC: 0.44) ISIs. Replication of SICI (p < 0.001) and ICF (p = 0.017) was successful, with excellent test–retest reliability for SICI (ICC: 0.81). ConclusionThis dsTMS setup can probe the inhibitory and facilitatory PMd–M1 connections, as well as reliably replicate SICI and ICF paradigms. SignificanceThe stacked-coil dsTMS setup for investigating intrahemispheric PMd–M1 connectivity offers promising possibilities to better understand motor control.

Mixed particle swarm optimization algorithm-based approach to optimize spatial distribution of virtual maize

Increasing crop yields is one potential way to solve the problem of food shortage and limited field resources. Optimization of crop spatial distribution is an efficient method to increase yield. However, extensive field experiments are costly and time consuming, which renders conventional optimization studies difficult if not prohibitive. In this study, a new optimization strategy was proposed, integrating a Functional-Structural Plant Model (FSPM) of maize with a workflow based on a Mixed Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) algorithm. The maize FSPM applies a dynamic interactive feedback method between plant morphology and plant growth dynamics on the one hand, and simultaneously between plant spatial distribution and plant growth, and furthermore can respond to different environmental factors. MPSO is a new mixed particle swarm optimization algorithm with multistage disturbance, which enhances the ability of traversing the solution space and jumping out of local extrema. This study performs a plant spatial distribution optimization of monocropping maize to maximize light interception. Simulation results indicate that the optimized row spacing can increase maize light interception comparing to the random row spacing within the spacing range (with maximum of 36.44% increment), and that the optimization results satisfy the optimal interval provided by previous field experiments.

Abstract PO-010: Trial in Progress: Phase 1 Study of ARV-393, a PROTAC BCL6 Degrader, in Advanced Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Abstract Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) represents a biologically and clinically diverse group of hematologic malignancies originating from B cells, T cells, and/or natural killer cells, with those of B-cell origin constituting ∼80–85% of all NHL cases. The BCL6 transcription factor is a key oncogenic driver of B-cell lymphomagenesis, and deregulated BCL6 expression is a common feature of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common type of NHL. BCL6 translocations have been observed in follicular lymphomas, the second most prevalent NHL, with studies suggesting that these translocations may portend a higher risk of transformation into aggressive lymphoma. BCL6 is also a lineage-defining transcription factor of T follicular helper cells, the cell of origin for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Moreover, BCL6 expression has been identified in biopsies of patients with AITL, and its continued expression was required for tumor growth in a mouse model of AITL, supporting BCL6 as a cancer driver in this type of NHL as well. ARV-393, an orally administered PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) BCL6 degrader, is a bifunctional small molecule consisting of a BCL6-binding domain attached by a linker to a cereblon E3 ubiquitin ligase–binding domain. ARV-393 induces ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of BCL6 by the proteasome. In preclinical studies, ARV-393 induced rapid and robust degradation (&amp;gt;90%) of BCL6 in NHL cell lines and demonstrated dose-responsive tumor growth inhibition leading to tumor stasis or regression in xenograft models, supporting further investigation in patients with NHL. This multicenter, first-in-human, phase 1 study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary antitumor activity of ARV-393 in patients with advanced B-cell NHL or AITL. Methods: Eligible patients (aged ≥18 years) have relapsed/refractory mature B-cell NHL and ≥2 prior systemic therapies, or histologically confirmed AITL that has recurred or progressed following institutional standard-of-care therapy. Patients must also have ≥1 measurable lesion at study entry, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, freshly biopsied or archival tumor tissue available, adequate organ function, no active central nervous system involvement, and no prior allogeneic stem cell transplant or solid organ transplantation. Autologous stem cell transplant must not have occurred ≤100 days and previous CAR T-cell therapy ≤60 days prior to cycle 1 day 1 of ARV-393 treatment. ARV-393 will be administered orally in 28-day cycles with dose escalation according to a Bayesian optimal interval design. The primary objectives are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of ARV-393, determine maximum tolerated dose if necessary, and identify the recommended phase 2 dose(s) and dosing schedule. Secondary objectives are to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of ARV-393 and evaluate its preliminary anti-tumor activity. Enrollment for this study will open in 2024. Citation Format: Paolo Caimi, Scott Huntington, Sean Landrette, Sheryl M Gough, Vivian Dai, Bryan Jackson, Juan Chavez, Sarah Tannenbaum-Dvir, Matthew Matasar. Trial in Progress: Phase 1 Study of ARV-393, a PROTAC BCL6 Degrader, in Advanced Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth AACR International Meeting on Advances in Malignant Lymphoma: Maximizing the Basic-Translational Interface for Clinical Application; 2024 Jun 19-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2024;5(3_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-010.

Parameter Calibration of Discrete Element Model of Wine Lees Particles

In order to investigate the contact characteristics of the mechanical parts of the brewing robot with wine lees particles, it is essential to calibrate the parameters of the discrete elemental model of wine lees particles. This paper proposes a method based on tests of the angle of repose. The simulation test is conducted to establish a regression model and combined with physical tests to find optimization. The contact model used in simulation modeling is Hertz-Mindlin with Johnson-Kendall-Roberts. Not all discrete element model parameters of wine lees particles have a significant impact on the angle of repose, so screening through Plackett-Burman Design is performed. The results indicate that the restitution coefficient between wine lees particles and restitution coefficient between wine lees particle and steel plate have a significant impact on angle of repose. Additionally, another parameter that is difficult to obtain, namely surface energy (JKR), also plays a crucial role. The optimal value interval for these three parameters is determined by the steepest ascent test, and a linear regression model for angle of repose is built through Box-Behnken Design. The optimal values obtained are as follows: restitution coefficient between wine lees particles—0.603; restitution coefficient between wine lees particle and steel plate—0.595; JKR—0.083. Finally, in order to verify the accuracy of calibrated parameters, simulation verification tests are carried out which show that there is only a relative error rate at 0.18% between simulated angle of repose and actual angle of repose, indicating that accurate calibration parameters were achieved. This study can provide reference for selecting discrete element model parameters for wine lees particles in future research endeavors.