Preliminary Application Research Articles

Coupled Multimodal Emotional Feature Analysis Based on Broad-Deep Fusion Networks in Human-Robot Interaction.

A coupled multimodal emotional feature analysis (CMEFA) method based on broad-deep fusion networks, which divide multimodal emotion recognition into two layers, is proposed. First, facial emotional features and gesture emotional features are extracted using the broad and deep learning fusion network (BDFN). Considering that the bi-modal emotion is not completely independent of each other, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is used to analyze and extract the correlation between the emotion features, and a coupling network is established for emotion recognition of the extracted bi-modal features. Both simulation and application experiments are completed. According to the simulation experiments completed on the bimodal face and body gesture database (FABO), the recognition rate of the proposed method has increased by 1.15% compared to that of the support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVMRFE) (without considering the unbalanced contribution of features). Moreover, by using the proposed method, the multimodal recognition rate is 21.22%, 2.65%, 1.61%, 1.54%, and 0.20% higher than those of the fuzzy deep neural network with sparse autoencoder (FDNNSA), ResNet-101 + GFK, C3D + MCB + DBN, the hierarchical classification fusion strategy (HCFS), and cross-channel convolutional neural network (CCCNN), respectively. In addition, preliminary application experiments are carried out on our developed emotional social robot system, where emotional robot recognizes the emotions of eight volunteers based on their facial expressions and body gestures.

Abstract 3211: Development of first in class zip code drug conjugate in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PC) is the fourth most common cancer-related cause of death in Western countries. It is projected that PC will become the second most prevalent cause of cancer-related mortality by the year 2030. Although chemotherapy may offer certain advantages to those who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, its effectiveness is notably constrained by the emergence of chemoresistance and excessive toxicity. In recent studies, it has been established that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) serves as a mechanism for cell-specific genetic transfer. We discovered that transposon sequences (known as Zip Codes, ZC) were responsible for ctDNA cell targeting. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of hijacking these ZC to deliver drugs specifically. We began by determining whether PDCA ZC synthesized chemically could target PDCA cells selectively. To achieve this, ZC sequences were labeled with CY5 for high-throughput microscopy. Results show that numerous PDCA-ZC were specific and efficient at targeting PC cell lines while sparing other cancer cell lines. The AluSc8 (PCZC) sequence was chosen for further investigation. The specificity of PCZC for targeting cells was validated using pancreatic islet cells. Based on these findings, we developed a technique for conjugating PCZC with SN38 via a CL2A linker. The results indicated that PCZC-SN38 was a very effective agent at killing PC cells (IC50: 1 μg), but not other cancer cell lines. The therapeutic efficacy of PCZC-N38 was evaluated in vivo using PDX (patient-derived xenografts, Garcia et al Plos One 2013). Maximum tolerated dose testing (MTD) (dosing from 1 to 21 mg of PCZC-SN38/Kg) failed to reach an MTD. Subsequently, we evaluated the efficacy signal of PCZC-SN38 by administering PCZC-SN38 to animals three times per week for three weeks at concentrations of 3 and 30 mg/kg of DNA (equivalent to 0.05 and 0.5 SN38 mg/kg). We used animals treated with vehicle, PCZC alone, and irinotecan (either once per week (50 mg/kg) or three times per week (0.5 mg/Kg) as a comparison. PCZC-SN38 decreased tumor growth by 41% and 70%, respectively, when compared to the vehicle or PCZC alone. The observed efficacy did not result in a change in body weight. In contrast, every animal administered irinotecan at a dosage of 50 mg/kg died within a week. On the contrary, animals that were given irinotecan at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg demonstrated a growth inhibition of 60% and exhibited remarkable tolerability. Currently, research is being undertaken to determine the therapeutic efficacy of PCZC-SN38 at higher doses. The results outlined in this study illustrate the preliminary application of PC targeted drug delivery using a PC zip code drug conjugate. The results of our study demonstrate an innovative methodology for targeting PC cells specifically with therapeutic cargo material and supports further preclinical development of PCZC-SN38 for PC. Citation Format: Munnever Cinar, Purnachandra Ganji, Andrey Pisarev, Lourdes Martinez-Medina, Dhana S. Bandi, Pavan K. Puvvula, Steven Chang, Daniel Maneval, Bassel El-Rayes, Leon Bernal-Mizrachi. Development of first in class zip code drug conjugate in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3211.

Preliminary clinical application of novel magnetic navigation and ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography drainage through the right liver duct for malignant obstructive jaundice

Objective: To analyze the clinical application value of a novel magnetic navigation ultrasound (MNU) combined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) dual-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTCD) through the right hepatic duct for the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice. Methods: Randomized controlled trial. The clinical data of 64 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice requiring PTCD through the right hepatic duct at the Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Jiangsu Province People's Hospital) from December 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The MNU group (n=32) underwent puncture guided by a novel domestic MNU combined with DSA, and the control group (n=32) underwent puncture guided by traditional DSA. The operation time, number of punctures, X-ray dose after biliary stenting as shown by DSA, patients' tolerance of the operation, success rate of the operation, pre- and post-operative total bilirubin, and incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results: The operation time of the MNU group was significantly shorter than that of the control group [(17.8±7.3) vs. (31.6±9.9) min, t=-6.35,P=0.001]; the number of punctures in the MNU group was significantly lower [(1.7±0.6) vs. (6.3±3.9) times, t=-6.59, P=0.001]; and the X-ray dose after biliary stenting as shown by DSA in the MNU group was lower than that in the control group [(132±88) vs. (746±187) mGy, t=-16.81,P<0.001]; Five patients in the control group were unable to tolerate the operation, and two stopped the operation, however all patients in the MNU group could tolerate the operation, and all completed the operation, with a success rate of 100% (32/32) in the MNU group compared to 93.8%(30/32) in the control group; the common complications of PTCD were biliary bleeding and infection, and the incidence of biliary bleeding (25.0%, 8/32) and infection (18.8%, 6/32) in the MNU group was significantly lower than that in the control group, 53.1% (17/32) and 28.1% (9/32), respectively. Conclusion: Magnetic navigation ultrasound combined with DSA dual-guided PTCD through the right biliary system for the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice is safe and feasible.

An ultrasound-based nomogram for predicting axillary node pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: Modeling and external validation.

The staging and treatment of axillary nodes in breast cancer have become a focus of research. For breast cancer patients with fine-needle aspiration-or core needle biopsy-confirmed positive nodes, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is still a standard treatment. However, some patients achieve an axillary pathologic complete response (pCR) after NAC. In this study, the authors sought to construct a model to predict axillary pCR in patients with positive axillary lymph nodes (cN+) breast cancer. Data from patients with pathologically proven cN+ breast cancer treated with NAC followed by ALND between January 2010 and April 2019 at the Peking University Cancer Hospital were reviewed. Axillary lymph node status was assessed using ultrasonography before and after NAC. The patient cohort was assigned to the construction and internal validation cohorts according to admission time. A nomogram was constructed based on the significant factors associated with axillary pCR. The predictive performance of the model was externally validated using data from Peking University First Hospital. This study included 953 and 267 patients from Peking University Cancer Hospital and Peking University First Hospital, respectively. In the construction cohort, 39.7% (238 of 600) of patients achieved axillary pCR after NAC. The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tumor grade, clinical nodal response, NAC regimen, tumor pCR, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor biologic subtype were significant independent predictors of ypN0 (p < 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the construction, validation, and independent testing cohorts were 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-0.90), 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79-0.87), and 0.84 (0.79-0.89), respectively. A nomogram was constructed to predict the pCR of axillary lymph nodes after NAC for breast cancer. Validation of both the internal and external cohorts achieved good predictive performance, indicating that the model has preliminary clinical application prospects.

Cellular senescence and nanoparticle-based therapies: Current developments and perspectives

Abstract The timing and location of senescent cells in vivo is a leading candidate explanation for human aging. A rapidly developing scientific field with the potential to slow the aging process is the creation of pharmacologically active medicines that target senescent cells. Senotherapeutics have been developed to selectively or preferentially target and eliminate senescent cells. Senolytic compounds that delay aging in animal models are being explored in humans with great hope. Nanoparticle (NP) drug delivery strategies for targeting senescent cells are in their infancy, but advancements have been made, and preliminary anti-aging applications are promising. However, using nanomedicine effectively requires an understanding of how NPs behave in senescent cells. Senescence theranostics could offer a variety of information, including a prognostic predictor in cancer patients after treatment. The NPs have a much better outlook for translating it to the clinic for aging. Reversing aging pathologies may only require a percentage reduction in senescent cells to achieve therapeutic success, in contrast to cancer, where it is essential to eradicate the tumor. This review provides an overview of the factors that lead to senescence and different therapeutic approaches, focusing on the use of nanocarriers/particles in senotherapy.

Feasibility of online managing cancer and living meaningfully (CALM) in Chinese patients with metastatic breast cancer: a pilot randomized control trial

Metastatic breast cancer could cause various psychological symptoms. Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) is a brief, manualized psychotherapy that has been validated for advanced cancer patients. We conducted a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) to verify the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of CALM therapy in this population. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into CALM or Wait-list Control (WLC) groups. Patients in the CALM group received CALM therapy and usual care; patients in WLC group first received usual care and then underwent CALM therapy after completing all assessments. All patients were asked to complete three assessments: T0(baseline), T1(3 months), and T2(6 months). The primary outcomes was death anxiety; other outcomes were depression, distress, suicide ideation, attachment security, spiritual well-being and quality of life at the end of life. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and t-test were used for statistics analysis. Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to either of the two groups, with 34 patients completing the three assessments. At six months, we found significant between group differences in suicide ideation, distress, and life completion between the CALM and WLC groups. At T2, patients in CALM group reported lower levels of depression (F = 5.016, p = 0.033, partial η2 = 0.143), distress (F = 7.969, p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.257), attachment avoidance (F = 4.407, p = 0.044, partial η2 = 0.128), and better sense of life completion (F = 5.493, p = 0.026, partial η2 = 0.155) than patients in the WLC group. Compared with results of the T0 assessments, we found significant differences in socres for depression (T2&T0, t = − 2.689, p = 0.011, Cohen’s d = 0.940) and distress (T2&T0, t = − 2.453, p = 0.022, Cohen’s d = 0.965) between the two groups. CALM therapy was well received by the study population, and CALM therapy can reduce depression, distress, attachment avoidance while improving quality of life in Chinese metastatic breast cancer patients. A Phase III RCT was recommended to verify the impact of CALM therapy on psychological burden and survival in this population.Trial registration: This study is part of the “Preliminary application study for Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) therapy in Chinese advanced cancer patients” clinical trial, with the Trial Registration Number of ChiCTR1900023129 (13/05/2019) in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) website. (https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html).

Optimization of the Conditions for the Transformation of a Bacillus subtilis Strain L11 to Prepare Nano Selenium and Its Preliminary Application in Sheep Feed

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have greater bioavailability and safety than inorganic selenium, and was widely used in medical, agricultural, nutritional supplements, and antibacterial fields. The present study screened a strain L11 producing SeNPs from a selenium rich dairy cow breeding base in Hubei Province, China. The strain was identified as Bacillus subtilis through physiological, biochemical, and molecular biology analysis. By adjusting the cultivation conditions, the experiment determined the ideal parameters for L11 to efficiently produce SeNPs. These parameters include a pH value of 6, a cultivation temperature of 37 °C, a concentration of 4 mmol/L Na2SeO3, and a cultivation of 48 h. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to verify that the Se particles produced by L11 are SeNPs with diameters ranging from 50 to 200 nm. The combination of the protein analysis of different cell components and TEM analysis showed that L11 mainly produces SeNPs through the transformation of the cell’s periplasmic space, cell membrane, and cell wall. Adding the L11 SeNPs complex to sheep feed can significantly enhance the antioxidant activity and immunity of sheep, and increase the Se content in the neck muscles, liver, and spleen tissues.

Environmental stimulant-responsive hydrogels based on polyethylene glycol-derived polymer for underwater bonding and extraction of fragile wooden relics: Synthesis, characterization, and preliminary application

It has become widely acknowledged that certain underwater cultural relics, in a state of severe decay, should be salvaged for further protection. Underwater temporary reinforcement materials provide the possibility for such protection. These materials can achieve both the reinforcement of cultural relics underwater, as well as their reversible removal after extraction, without causing damage to the cultural relics in either process. In this context, two kinds of hydrogels based on polyethylene glycol-derived polymers were developed in this study. They are denser than water and can undergo gelatinization by UV-induced or oxidant-induced reactions in the underwater environment. Additionally, they possess enough mechanical strength to provide the necessary support in the bonding process. Both hydrogels have been successfully used to extract fragile underwater archaeological wooden artifacts in situ under laboratory conditions. The experimental results revealed that, in the case of UV-induced hydrogels, the compression strength was 115 kPa with a tensile strength of 20 kPa. For oxidant-induced hydrogels, the compression strength was 382 kPa, while the tensile strength was 8.2 kPa. During the actual extraction processes, the UV-induced hydrogel exhibited a lower water absorption ratio, maintained a more stable mechanical property underwater, and was easier to remove after extraction. On the other hand, the oxidant-induced hydrogel could complete the gelation process quickly through a rather convenient operation; however, it tended to absorb surrounding water and swell, thereby reducing its mechanical property. These two methods would be adapted to different underwater archaeological sites as convenient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective novel methods for extracting fragile underwater wooden relics.

Cardiovascular Disease Preliminary Diagnosis Application Using SQL Queries: Filling Diagnostic Gaps in Resource-Constrained Environments

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are chronic diseases associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity. Early detection of CVD is crucial to initiating timely interventions, such as appropriate counseling and medication, which can effectively manage the condition and improve patient outcomes. This study introduces an innovative ontology-based model for the diagnosis of CVD, aimed at improving decision support systems in healthcare. We developed a database model inspired by ontology principles, tailored for the efficient processing and analysis of CVD-related data. Our model’s effectiveness is demonstrated through its integration into a web application, showcasing significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy and utility in resource-limited settings. Our findings indicate a promising direction for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in early CVD detection and management, offering a scalable solution to healthcare challenges in diverse environments.

Design of a Mesoionic Janus-type Dicarbene.

A versatile synthetic strategy for the preparation of homo- and heterobimetallic complexes bearing an unprecedented mesoionic Janus-type diNHC is presented. Moreover, its electronic property is evaluated, and a preliminary catalytic application in the direct diarylation of 1-methylpyrrole is demonstrated.

Preliminary application study on LABIELLE (Labial EndoliftX Laser Enhancement) vulvar treatment for labia minora and majora tightening

This scientific article provides a comprehensive overview of Labielle, a minimally invasive vulvovaginal treatment designed to enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of both labia majora and labia minora. The article discusses the anatomy of the female genitalia, the indications for Labielle, the treatment procedure, potential benefits, safety considerations, and future directions in this emerging field of gynecological aesthetics aimed at respecting the female anatomy with a non-surgical minimally invasive treatment, that respects the functionality and the natural appearance as well as the personal diversity of each patient.

A novel simplified approach for endodontic retrograde surgery in short single-rooted teeth

BackgroundHigh technical thresholds, long operative times, and the need for expensive and specialized equipment impede the widespread adoption of endodontic microsurgery in many developing countries. This study aimed to compare the effects of a simplified, cost-effective, and time-efficient surgical approach involving orthograde obturation using biological ceramic material greater than 6 mm combined with apicoectomy for single-rooted teeth with short lengths with those of the conventional and current standard methods.Materials and methodsForty-five premolars equally categorized into three groups: conventional surgery group, standard surgery group, and modified surgery group. A µCT scan was used to calculate the volume of voids. A micro-leakage test and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were performed to assess the sealing effect. Additionally, four cases of chronic periapical periodontitis in the anterior region were selected, and the patients received either the modified approach or the standard surgery for endodontic microsurgery.ResultsThe volumes of voids in the apical 0–3 mm of the modified group and the standard group were comparable. The micro-leakage test and SEM examination demonstrated closely bonded fillings in the dentinal walls in both the modified surgery group and standard surgery group. The outcomes of the preliminary application of this modified procedure on patients were successful at the time of the follow-up cutoff.ConclusionsThe modified surgery group exhibited similar root canal filling and apical sealing abilities with the standard procedure for single-rooted teeth with short lengths (< 20 mm). The preliminary application of this modified surgical procedure achieved favorable results.

Preliminary application of foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for repairing soft tissue defects in shoulder and back

To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back. Between August 2018 and January 2023, the foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were used to repair soft tissue defects in the shoulder and back of 8 patients. There were 5 males and 3 females with the age ranged from 21 to 56 years (mean, 35.4 years). Wounds were located in the shoulder in 2 cases and in the shoulder and back in 6 cases. The causes of injury were chronic infection of skin and bone exposure in 2 cases, secondary wound after extensive resection of skin and soft tissue tumor in 4 cases, and wound formation caused by traffic accident in 2 cases. Skin defect areas ranged from 14 cm×13 cm to 20 cm×16 cm. The disease duration ranged from 12 days to 1 year (median, 6.6 months). A pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was designed and harvested. The flap was divided into A/B flap and then were folded to repair the wound, with the donor area of the flap being pulled and sutured in one stage. All 7 flaps survived, with primary wound healing. One patient suffered from distal flap necrosis and delayed healing was achieved after dressing change. The incisions of all donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6 months to 4 years (mean, 24.7 months). The skin flap has a good appearance with no swelling in the pedicle. At last follow-up, 6 patients had no significant difference in bilateral shoulder joint motion, and 2 patients had a slight decrease in abduction range of motion compared with the healthy side. The patients' daily life were not affected, and linear scar was left in the donor site. The foldable pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is an ideal method to repair the soft tissue defect of shoulder and back with simple operation, less damage to the donor site, and quick recovery after operation.

A rapid lithium-ion cathode discovery pipeline and its exemplary application

A new computational screening pipeline accelerates the process of identifying potential Li-ion cathodes, with a demonstration case upon its preliminary application.

Initial Application of Machine Learning for Beam Parameter Optimization at the Hefei Light Source II

Machine learning (ML) has become a valuable tool in particle accelerator control, with growing potential for beam parameter correction. In this study, we present preliminary ML applications at HLS-II, using Lasso regression for online tune correction and a neural network (NN) for beta function simulation correction. Both models were trained with supervised learning on measured beam parameter data, while an improved genetic algorithm optimized the NN structure. Our results show that the ML-based approach achieves competitive correction quality with fewer steps, making it a promising method for future particle accelerator applications and other fields.

Preliminary Mobile Beacon Application Framework for Higher Education Co-Curricular Engagement

Mobile beacon application leverages the beacon technology as location-based or proximity sensors to notify or interact with user via mobile apps. There are many instances of these applications especially as an engagement platform across many domains like marketing, retails, exhibitions, or public services. Mobile beacon application holds potential as an engagement tool for empowering co-curricular engagement in higher education. Integrated with personalized mobile notification, users can be notified and interact with co-curricular events within their proximity in the campus. However, literature indicates limited insights on the design applicability and empirical studies of mobile beacon application for higher education context. This new application context poses its own unique challenges, but imperative in helping researchers to discover the extents of mobile beacon potentials. This concept paper introduces a preliminary mobile beacon application framework for supporting co-curricular engagement in higher education. The framework aims to enable design applicability of a mobile beacon application integrated with personalized notification for education engagement purposes. Characterization of mobile beacon application components along with the deliberation of mobile notification features are highlighted in the framework. The presented conceptual framework offers the foundation for application designers in building a mobile beacon application for higher education engagement.

Preliminary construction and application of DDE-database of igneous rocks

Preliminary construction and application of DDE-database of igneous rocks

Retraction: A deep learning model for three-dimensional nystagmus detection and its preliminary application.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.930028.].

Synthesis and biological evaluation of amide derivatives of the quinazoline tethered (pyridyl)-1,2,4-thiadiazoles as anticancer agents

A new library of amide derivatives of quinazoline-1, 2, 4-thiadiazoles (12a–j) has been synthesized and its structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral data. The in-vitro anticancer activity of all the newly derived compounds (12a–j) was assessed for their preliminary anticancer applications toward different cancer cell lines including MCF-7 (breast cancer), A549 (lung cancer), Colo-205 (colon cancer) and A2780 (ovarian cancer) by employing the MTT method using Etoposide as a positive control. From the table the results indicated that most of the tested compounds displayed good to moderate activity compared to etoposide. Among the twelve compounds synthesized, compounds 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e and 12f possessed more potent activity than the positive control. Particularly, compound 12a displayed superior anticancer activity.

Adaptive and Ultrahigh‐Affinity Recognition in Water by Sulfated Conjugated Corral[5]arene

AbstractThe pursuit of synthetic receptors with high binding affinities has long been a central focus in supramolecular chemistry, driven by their significant practical relevance in various fields. Despite the numerous synthetic receptors that have been developed, most exhibit binding affinities in the micromolar range or lower. Only a few exceptional receptors achieve binding affinities exceeding 109 M−1, and their substrate scopes remain rather limited. In this context, we introduce SC[5]A, a conjugated corral‐shaped macrocycle functionalized with ten sulfate groups. Owing to its deep one‐dimensional confined hydrophobic cavity and multiple sulfate groups, SC[5]A displays an extraordinarily high binding strength of up to 1011 M−1 towards several size‐matched, rod‐shaped organic dications in water. Besides, its conformation exhibits good adaptability, allowing it to encapsulate a wide range of other guests with diverse molecular sizes, shapes, and functionalities, exhibiting relatively strong affinities (Ka=106–108 M−1). Additionally, we've explored the preliminary application of SC[5]A in alleviating blood coagulation induced by hexadimethrine bromide in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the combination of ultrahigh binding affinities (towards complementary guests) and adaptive recognition capability (towards a wide range of functional guests) of SC[5]A positions it as exceptionally valuable for numerous practical applications.