bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renewable Energy: Conceptual Process Design of Green Hydrogen Production Systems Utilizing Offshore Wind Energy
Authors: Le V. N. , Shukla K. P. , Sarada S.
Published: April 2024

The objective of this paper is to outline the conceptual process design for producing green hydrogen from electrolysis of water, using electricity generated from offshore wind farms. This study exemplifies the production of hydrogen based on Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis installed on the dedicated hydrogen production hub. The envisioned "hydrogen hub" represents a comprehensive green hydrogen production system, relying on a presumed 200 MW power supply from an offshore substation within an 810 MW offshore wind farm. The entire system is placed on a dedicated offshore three-deck fixed platform, which is between the offshore wind farm substation and onshore facility. The desalinated seawater is supplied to the PEM electrolyzer for producing green hydrogen. Hydrogen will be processed, compressed, and stored onboard. A high-level economics of the process design of the hydrogen production system will be evaluated using the open-source software. The paper is based on publicly available information on an 810 MW offshore wind farm as an example of a field case study.

This study intends to demonstrate the conceptual process design for green hydrogen production powered by an offshore wind farm. The hydrogen production process is designed considering the availability of surplus power from one of the existing offshore wind farms. The economics of the process are evaluated and discussed. Our design analysis shows that the process of hydrogen production appears promising and can be applied to commercial scale offshore wind farms. The current cost estimate of producing green hydrogen from the offshore wind energy seems economically significant. However, the ongoing technological advances show that the costs of hydrogen producing equipment and power needed from the offshore wind farms may reduce significantly in near future. The conceptual process design and high-level economic analysis performed in this study is intended to be a small step in understanding the economics of green hydrogen production and advancing energy sustainability.

This paper introduces a process design technology and economic analysis for renewable hydrogen production, utilizing offshore wind energy as applied to a field case study. This contributes to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and achieve net zero emissions goals. Leveraging expertise in offshore/subsea engineering and petroleum engineering, this research advances the knowledge and skills required for renewable energy production, balancing supply and demand, and sustainability.
Enabling Underwater Internet of Things
Authors: Massari G. , Albani Y. , Cavallini F. , Marras C. , Spaccini D. , Petrioli C.
Published: April 2024

The Offshore market has seen a vast demand for new projects with increasing complexity in terms of involved technology and operational scenarios. All these applications share an important requirement: the need to guarantee the integrity and productivity of subsea critical energy infrastructure, to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of projects. Due to the recent changes in the global geopolitical situation, asset monitoring and information availability is becoming vital to ensure the safe and efficient management of offshore energy projects, thus making the digital transformation of subsea assets a key objective. The above factors coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence and through-water communications are driving the rapid evolution of subsea monitoring technologies, that have now reached a sufficient maturity level for an industrial deployment at scale.

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) have been utilised for a long time to monitor underwater assets given their proven capability of periodically performing vessel-based inspection campaigns. Even if the frequency of missions by ROV and AUV can be very high, the data gathered by these robotic systems are discrete (not continuous); this represents a limitation whenever real time uninterrupted monitoring is required. An answer to these limitations can be provided by the use of stationary monitoring units that despite offering an interesting alternative also presents some significant challenges in their implementation, particularly when large areas need to be monitored and costly interconnection cables are required. In this scenario, a new technological solution that can provide a system of battery-powered underwater acquisition nodes, capable of communicating through-water, is emerging.

This novel advanced technological solution aims to unlock the implementation of a real underwater Internet-of-Things where the nodes will be able to gather and locally process data (edge computing), obtain short data packets and easily transmit them through water to inform about specific and potentially significant events. The nodes will be moreover capable of cooperating with each other and interchange data, thus allowing the realization of large and distributed monitoring matrixes; in addition, the nodes will also be able to interact with underwater vehicles to create complex monitoring systems where "stationary monitoring" nodes, placed in points of critical interest, are combined with the "itinerant inspections capabilities" of underwater drones.

The scope of this paper is to explore all the underwater sectors calling for underwater Internet-Of-Things solutions and present the potentials of these emerging technologies as enablers of new and disruptive monitoring paradigms.
Non-Linear Tuned Mass-Damper-Inerters for Vibration Reduction and Energy Harvesting within Semi-Submersible Offshore Wind Platforms
Authors: Hall L. , Hung T. C. , Javaherian M. J. , Fang B. , Zuo L.
Published: April 2024

Offshore floating wind turbines experience greater pitch and heave motions than their fixed counterparts, resulting in component fatigue that reduces the longevity of the turbine structure. While various vibration control systems have been proposed to reduce vibrations, this paper proposes a novel non-linear tuned mass-damper-inerter (TMDI) system within the columns of the semi-submersible platform that is able to simultaneously dampen vibrations and harvest power from the vibrations. As such, the design essentially incorporates three wave-energy converter power take-off systems within the floating platform structure. Modeling of three non-linear TMDIs within the system was completed using a Euler-Lagrangian approach and optimization was completed using pattern search in MATLAB. The nonlinear TMDIs performed better than the linear TMDIs and tuned mass-dampers (TMDs) over the broader frequency range but underperformed the linear TMDIs and TMDs at peak loading. This indicates promise for regions with highly variable wave conditions; however, the TMDs and linear TMDIs may still perform better on semi-submersible platforms in some offshore locations. For identical vibrational performance, the linear and non-linear TMDIs required lighter secondary masses than TMDs. Additionally, theoretical power potential from the TMDI generator increased with the introduction of nonlinearity for most design cases.
Intelligent Robotic Heat Exchanger Maintenance and Non-Destructive Coating Inspection
Authors: Ventura Alexander , Kobayashi Dylan , Kumar Rishi , Dinh Peter , Niles Noel , Nakatsuka Matthew
Published: April 2024

The advent of nanocomposite treatments has shown pronounced impact toward fouling reduction and asset integrity when applied to heat transfer equipment, particularly shell and tube heat exchanger configurations. One drawback to nanocomposite treatments and any additive performance layer is that the performance of treatment is directly correlated to the quality of preparation and application. This becomes a considerable drawback when dealing with complex surfaces and geometries, such as a tube sheet configuration within a shell and tube heat exchanging unit. Tube sheets consist of thousands of individual tubes making a repeatable and scalable application difficult. Often so, inspection of surfaces is not able to be completed with full fidelity, rather a sample set is inspected and inferred across the lot as a whole. The assumption in quality across an already manual intensive and non-repeatable process draws concerns toward assuring the performance of next-generation additive performance layers.

This work describes the development of an intelligent robotic heat exchanger system functionalized to apply and inspect nanocomposite surface treatments. Development is segmented in a dual effort with future works planned to integrate the two systems into one fully functional process. Phase one development is aimed to develop intelligent processes allowing for a robotic system to become self-capable of determining tube location and actuating guided movements relative to a heat exchanger tube sheet configuration. Phase one efforts integrated directly into existing capabilities of treatment application with the robotic system in a fully manual state. Phase two efforts integrate intelligent inspection into the system through manipulation of raw data gathered by phase one capabilities. The intelligent inspection system processes available data to evaluate a tube application corresponding to intended treatment coverage and treatment thickness.
The Design of a New Laboratory Facility to Evaluate Axial and Lateral Pipe-Soil Interaction at Real Scale
Authors: Orlando P. , Dantas J. , Rodrigues C. , Castro F. , Pereira J. , Cardoso C. , Gomes J.
Published: April 2024

Soil-structure interaction parameters for subsea applications are not easily obtained by traditional laboratory experiments such as triaxial, oedometer and direct shear tests. A complete comprehension of topics such as displacements, reaction forces, bending moments and friction factors is commonly a result of investigations through geotechnical physical models. Although small-scale models are widely adopted due to lower costs, time spent and availability of lab facilities, full-scale modelling may achieve more realistic results, especially regarding pipe-soil interaction. Aiming to reliably reproduce the axial and lateral pipe-soil interaction behavior in Pre-Salt's typical soft marine clay profiles, southeastern Brazil, and improve knowledge, IPT (Institute for Technological Research of the State of Sao Paulo) designed and constructed, with Petrobras support, two large-scale Geotech<ABnical testing steel tanks with complete infrastructure and a set of auxiliary systems. The lab facility was designed to meet the modeling requirements to represent the soft clays soils found on deep-waters of Santos Basin, and to operate autonomously, being divided in three main groups: (i) a soil transportation and homogenization system, (ii) a soil consolidation system and (iii) a cyclic axial and lateral pipe-soil interaction testing systems. Among the various experimental apparatus developed, the following stand out: (i) an automatic filling and emptying system, which takes water and soil into and out of the tanks; (ii) automatic servo controlled hydraulic mixers to prepare homogeneous clay slurries; (iii) a dual soil consolidation system using both vacuum preloading and surcharge loading methods, enabling the replication of predefined seabed shear strength profiles; and a (iv) fully-automated carriage capable of imposing large displacements to evaluate cyclic axial and lateral pipe-soil interaction. This paper presents aspects of the development of this novel laboratory facility and focuses on the requirements and experimental systems developed by IPT to reproduce, through physical modelling, axial and lateral pipe-soil interaction for soft clays, predominant soil type in the Pre-Salt area, southeastern Brazil. Commissioning tests, which validate the implemented systems, are presented in the end.
Integration of Geoscience Data – The TNW Offshore Wind Farm Case Study
Authors: Sauvin G. , Vanneste M. , Vardy M. , Klinkvort R. T. , Forsberg C. F. , Kort D. A.
Published: April 2024

The exploration and development of offshore renewable energy sources necessitates the handling of vast amounts of multi-disciplinary data across extensive areas. An efficient method of linking and integrating these data into a coherent ground model has become a theme of great interest. Such a ground model should assist developers in determining subsequent site investigations, optimizing field layout and foundation design, identifying geohazards and implementing suitable risk mitigation strategies. However, current practices often result in a qualitative integration, where geological formations are identified without assigning geotechnical properties to them, rendering the ground model unsuitable for site development. Moreover, the complexity of geological histories, particularly in relation to glacial and interglacial cycles and sea-level fluctuations, poses significant challenges.

Despite the scarcity of geotechnical data, efficient integration of multi-disciplinary data is essential for creating reliable ground models that capture uncertainty accurately. Geophysical data provides information on the 3D geological and structural framework, while unit properties can be derived from in situ tests and laboratory data consistently.

Our goal is to develop a fully integrated ground model, applicable to geotechnical applications, such as the Ten Noorden van de Waddeneilanden Wind Farm Zone (TNW), located off the Dutch coast. We propose a site-specific, data-driven integrated ground model that facilitates further development of the TNW. This quantitative ground model merges all available geotechnical and geological Ground Investigation data with geophysical data into a comprehensive, consistent 3D ground model, highlighting stratigraphic and spatial variations in ground conditions across the site.
Evaluation of Seabed Trenches Based on Floater Hydrodynamic Calculation
Authors: Rui S. , Zhou Z. , Jostad H. , Guo Z. , Wang L. , Xu H.
Published: April 2024

Inspections in the Gulf of Guinea indicated that a large number of seabed trenches appeared in front of suction anchors. The trenches had an adverse impact on the anchor capacity, which attracted wide attention from industry and academia. Currently, reliable methods need to be developed for accurately predicting the trench formation and development, for the benefit of both marine oil & gas resources and offshore wind. This paper proposes a procedure to evaluate trenches. The motion of semi-submersible floating structures is acquired under extreme environmental conditions to obtain the trajectory of platform fairlead. Then, three-dimensional (3-D) profile is evaluated according to the fairlead motion. Finally, some measures to reduce the trench dimensions are proposed by changing the mooring systems. The results indicate that the seabed trenches are easier to form in the soft clay due to its lower shear strength. The mooring line is hard to cut into sand, thus trench is unlikely to appear in sand according to the proposed method. Besides, trench formation is also related to mooring line tension and configuration. Increasing the mooring line length can reduce the disturbing soil regions, thus inhibiting the trench formation. Other methods, e.g., changing the mooring line components, can also change the disturbed soil region. This paper presents a design procedure from the hydrodynamic calculation of floater to the trench evaluation in sand and clay, which provides some useful guidance to taut and semi-taut mooring system design for marine resource exploitations.
Evaluate the Production Availability of an Offshore Wind Farm with a MBSA Model
Authors: Bougoüin B. , Estécahandy M. , Clément G. , Clavé N.
Published: April 2024

TotalEnergies is a major player in the energy transition. All collaborators are mindful of the issues related to a just transition raised by our activities and our own transformation to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, together with society, and they are providing concrete answers.

To achieve this, the company has itself the following objectives: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible, in the operations for which it is directly responsible;Offset all remaining emissions, for example through CO2 capture projects;At the same time, propose an energy mix that is less and less carbon intensive with the development of renewable energies (solar, hydrogen, wind, etc.).

To enhance energy mix, from 2022 onwards, new offshore wind farm projects will emerge close to consumption grids and raise new questions which the Offshore Wind industry is preparing to tackle. To this end, Reliability Availability Maintainability (RAM) studies can help to define the best Operation and Maintenance (O&M) strategy to apply i.e., the one allowing to reach the optimum between OPerating EXpenditure (OPEX) and production availability [1] for a given farm's design.
How Production Chemicals Injection Can Reduce CO2 Emission?
Authors: Brunet-Coy F. , Gouayat E. , Lesage N.
Published: April 2024

Production chemicals are used to improve fluids production in gas and oil fields. These chemicals can contribute to less than 1% (0,1 kg/boe) of the global CO2 emission of a production site (scope 3). On the other hand, production chemicals can support the reduction of the global CO2 emission (Replacement of High CO2 emission chemicals by lower CO2 emission chemicals; Use more efficient chemicals to reduce chemicals consumption to reduce associated CO2 emission; Use production chemicals to improve energy efficiency or limit greenhouse gas emission…).

A methodology, based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), was developed with SIMAPRO®. This methodology is considering the global usage of the chemicals and its impact on the process (production increase, GHG reduction….).

Results point out that injection of a more efficient chemical can reduce the global carbon footprint. 2 chemistries were compared to scavenge H2S. The replacement of triazine based scavenger by a MBO base scavenger is leading to a decrease of the scavenger injection rate. Even if the costs ($/L) and the CO2 footprint (kgCO2/L) of MBO are higher, global impacts are positive (45% CO2 emission reduction).

Injection of a H2S scavenger to valorize the associated gas produced by an oil field (stop of flaring) shows that it is possible to reduce by more than 99% the global CO2 emissions.

Flowing improvement in an oil field pipeline with DRA injection can lead to the reduction of the carbon footprint intensity (reduction of CO2 emission per barrel of oil).

Other cases studies confirm that production chemicals (DRA, demulsifier…) management allow improving the global CO2 footprint.
Resource Modeling Assessment and Environmental Biological Analysis in Turnagain Arm, Cook Inlet, AK
Authors: Lee C. , Yang Z. , Copping A.
Published: April 2024

The deployment and operation of a floating and/or submerged tidal technology in the United States coastal water require characterizing tidal stream resource potential and assessing environmental conditions and satisfying all environmental permitting requirements. The waters of Cook Inlet, Alaska have some of the strongest and most consistent tidal currents in the U.S. This project seeks to examine the potential for tidal energy development in Turnagain Arm, an inlet between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula (Figure (a)), in the upper Cook Inlet. The Turnagain Arm Tidal Electricity Generation (TATEG) site covers 137 square miles of Turnagain Arm where the tidal range at the site reaches 10m, and has been awarded a FERC preliminary permit P#15109 (Figure (b)). While there is some preliminary data available, this site’s water speeds, environmental and biological concerns have not previously been characterized. Tidal Energy Corporation has requested technical assistance from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for their expertise in assessing these characteristics.

The technical assistance provided under this award is intended to examine the tidal currents and assess those that are most suitable for tidal energy development through validated numerical models, and to assess the optimal tidal turbine deployment areas within Turnagain Arm from an environmental, logistic, and regulatory perspective. Areas that are best suited for bottom based, mid column and floating tidal technologies will be considered.

Tidal Energy Corp is proposing to develop TATEG into the United States’ first grid scale tidal stream development. TEC is also proposing that a portion of the TATEG site is dedicated to the formation of a permanent tidal energy prototype test site. This request for technical assistance with environmental assessment, likely permitting and regulatory pathways, and numerical modeling for overall site characterization is foundational to any and all development of the site.
Unique Reliability Based Method Applied in the Development of Hull Risk-Based Inspection Across a Floating Production Fleet
Authors: Li Z. , Xia D. , Petruska D. , Spong R. , Roberts R. , Byatt D. , Li H.
Published: April 2024

The development of asset specific Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programs has many benefits in managing the integrity of the asset over the course of its service life, and even beyond into life extension. The challenges that Operator's run into with RBI program development are bringing a consistent and repeatable approach to the initial risk development across a fleet of assets and linking the risk with inspection frequency. bp has taken the initiative to support the development of a unique reliability-based methodology for understanding the effects of general corrosion, fatigue, and local corrosion on hull structures to estimate the initial likelihood of structural repairs or failures. This approach has been successfully applied in the development of RBI programs on eight bp production units, including semi-submersibles, spars, and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units operating in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, and West Africa.
Should the Commonwealth of Virginia Privatize Liquor Sales?
Authors: Watson Steven
Published: April 2024

Privatization is an effective policy choice for governments to reduce public debt, improve the financial health of the private sector, and improve the firm’s economic efficiency. However, beyond the economic and financial factors, there are several political implications of privatization policies that are important to consider. Although many economic benefits are presumed to occur due to privatization, the unique position of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (VA ABC) makes it, unlike most public firms that have been considered for privatization. Privatizing this firm would result in the Commonwealth of Virginia losing over $250 million from its General Fund annually and would negatively impact the state’s labor market. This policy brief examines the economic, financial, and political motivations to privatize state-owned enterprises and discusses the implications that privatizing the VA ABC would have on the Commonwealth.
Studio di valutazione del dispositivo medico UCS® Debridement nel trattamento di lesioni cutanee croniche
Authors: Giacinto Francesco , Giacinto Elisabetta , Giacinto Mario
Published: April 2024

UCS® Debridement è un sistema sterile per lo sbrigliamento iniziale e di mantenimento delle lesioni cutanee croniche e per la detersione ed idratazione dei bordi perilesionali e dell’intero arto. Il sistema è stato concepito per migliorare e agevolare la fase di detersione e di debridement meccanico. Le raccomandazioni per la gestione di una ferita con presenza di biofilm, includono la pulizia, lo sbrigliamento e l’applicazione di una medicazione adeguata a mantenere il numero di microrganismi al minimo. L’attività di sbrigliamento deve essere avviata ed intrapresa regolarmente. Obiettivo di questo studio osservazionale, è dimostrare l’efficacia della rimozione del biofilm da parte dei dispositivi medici utilizzati, della riduzione del dolore durante e dopo la procedura, della riduzione dei tempi di intervento, della riduzione del sanguinamento, dei vantaggi a carico dei bordi di lesione e del miglioramento della cute perilesionale.
The current paradigm of cardiac troponin increase among athletes
Authors: Celeski Mihail , Segreti Andrea , Piscione Mariagrazia , Monticelli Luigi Maria , Di Gioia Giuseppe , Fossati Chiara , Ussia Gian Paolo , Pigozzi Fabio , Grigioni Francesco
Published: April 2024

Although it is known that exercise improves cardiovascular health and extends life expectancy, a significant number of people may also experience an elevation in cardiac troponin levels as a result of exercise. For many years, researchers have argued whether exercise-induced cardiac troponin rises are a consequence of a physiological or pathological reaction and whether they are clinically significant. Differences in cardiac troponin elevation and cardiac remodeling can be seen between athletes participating in different types of sports. When forecasting the exercise-induced cardiac troponin rise, there are many additional parameters to consider, as there is a large amount of interindividual heterogeneity in the degree of cardiac troponin elevation. Although it was previously believed that cardiac troponin increases in athletes represented a benign phenomenon, numerous recent studies disproved this notion by demonstrating that, in specific individuals, cardiac troponin increases may have clinical and prognostic repercussions. This review aims to examine the role of cardiac troponin in athletes and its role in various sporting contexts. This review also discusses potential prognostic and clinical implications, as well as future research methods, and provides a straightforward step-by-step algorithm to help clinicians interpret cardiac troponin rise in athletes in both ischemic and non-ischemic circumstances.
Construction of Risk Prediction Model of Type 2 Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Yun Chuan , Tang Fangli , Gao Zhenxiu , Wang Wenjun , Bai Fang , Miller Joshua D. , Liu Huanhuan , Lee Yaujiunn , Lou Qingqing
Published: April 2024

Background: This study aimed to develop a diabetic kidney disease (DKD) prediction model using long short term memory (LSTM) neural network and evaluate its performance using accuracy, precision, recall, and area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Methods: The study identified DKD risk factors through literature review and physician focus group, and collected 7 years of data from 6,040 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients based on the risk factors. Pytorch was used to build the LSTM neural network, with 70% of the data used for training and the other 30% for testing. Three models were established to examine the impact of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and pulse pressure (PP) variabilities on the model’s performance.Results: The developed model achieved an accuracy of 83% and an AUC of 0.83. When the risk factor of HbA1c variability, SBP variability, or PP variability was removed one by one, the accuracy of each model was significantly lower than that of the optimal model, with an accuracy of 78% (P<0.001), 79% (P<0.001), and 81% (P<0.001), respectively. The AUC of ROC was also significantly lower for each model, with values of 0.72 (P<0.001), 0.75 (P<0.001), and 0.77 (P<0.05).Conclusion: The developed DKD risk predictive model using LSTM neural networks demonstrated high accuracy and AUC value. When HbA1c, SBP, and PP variabilities were added to the model as featured characteristics, the model’s performance was greatly improved.
Traditional planning elements of pre-colonial African towns
Authors: Amankwah-Ayeh Kwabena
Published: April 2024

Die konsentriese boustyl van prekoloniale Afrikastrukture (skuilings, woonplekke, plazas, gange, paaie of mure), asook die gemeenskaplike gebruik van fasiliteite in die prekoloniale stede, is in oorsprong eie aan Afrika. 'n Delikate balans tussen die beskikbare ruimte en die hoeveelheid mense wat dit bewoon, het aanleiding gegee tot ruimtelike intimiteit, asook 'n gevoel van kohesie, groepbeheer oor die nabyliggende omgewing sowel as die ruimte tussen die stede. Dit alles het bygedra tot die omgewingshandhawing van die stad. Hierdie artikel ondersoek die historiese grondslae van beplanningsprosedures ten grondslag van die vorm en struktuur (organies sowel as militêr) van tradisionele, pre-koloniale Afrikadorpe en -stede en hoe daarin geslaag is om 'n gesonde simbiose tussen stedelike en landelike omgewings te skep en te onderhou. Hierdie historiese insig gal eietydse stads- en streeksbeplanners in staat kan stel om in hulle beplanning van dorpe en stede tradisionele boustyle te kan verstaan en moontlik tot voortsetting van die tradisie kan implementeer.
Emergence and Distribution of Diverse Serovars of Non-Typhoidal Salmonellae in Mangalore, Coastal Karnataka: A 12-year Experience
Authors: Antony Beena , Shetty Anup Kumar , Kuruvilla Thomas S.
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim:

Non-Typhoidal
Salmonellae (NTS) is emerging as a major health problem globally. They cause foodborne infections, especially gastroenteritis as well as extraintestinal manifestations. As this is a zoonotic disease, certain animal sources such as poultry, egg, meat and dairy products are implicated. Fruits and vegetables too contaminated by manure of infected animal excreta are possible vehicles of transmission of this disease. The present report analyzes the spectrum of NTS with seroprofiling, isolated in our institute for the last 12 years.

Materials and Methods:

Fresh fecal samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis and blood samples from cases of bacteremia were processed according to the standard protocol. Nonlactose fermenting colonies resembling Salmonella were subjected to biochemical characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility testing followed by serotyping.

Results:

One hundred fifty-two NTS strains were isolated from feces and 13 from blood. Serotyping of these strains revealed that the most common NTS species was Salmonella Typhimurium (44.8%), followed by Salmonella Oslo (15.2%) and Salmonella Weltevreden (11.5%). Many rare strains were also encountered in our study.

Conclusion:

As many of the NTS species are biochemically similar, serotyping of NTS should be made mandatory to know the burden of the disease and to detect the emergence of new serovars. Emergence of multidrug resistance in NTS strains is a major concern nowadays. It is very essential to adopt strict quality measures in poultry, fish, dairy, and meat processing units as they are widely distributed in animals. In addition, strategies should be formulated by health education and public awareness programs to sensitize the population regarding this menace.
An Observational Study of Glomerular Functions in Beta-thalassemia Major Children by Schwartz Formula and Technetium 99m Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid Renogram
Authors: Mandal Sukanta , Bose Tathagata , Gulati Rachna , Ahuja Manish Singh
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim:

Kidney dysfunction is reported in significant number of beta thalassemia major children. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of glomerular dysfunction in beta-thalassemia major children on regular blood transfusion (BT) and chelation therapy, and to find the correlation between glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated by Schwartz formula and Technetium 99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) renogram with ferritin level and cumulative transfusion load.

Materials and Methods:

An observational cross-sectional study conducted was done on 110 children diagnosed with beta-thalassemia major receiving regular BT and chelation therapy. Clinical examination, biochemical investigations (serum creatinine, ferritin) and DTPA renal scan were done. Estimated GFR calculation was done by Schwartz method and 99mTc-DTPA scan. The normal values of GFR were taken from the standard value as per KDIGO guidelines. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The prevalence of glomerular dysfunction by Schwartz formula and DTPA renogram was 44% and 24%, respectively. The GFR calculation (Schwartz formula and DTPA renogram) were weakly positively correlated (r = 0.126, P = 0.547). There was significant association between GFR Schwartz and duration of iron chelation, as children with abnormal GFR had significantly more duration of iron chelation >5 years (28% vs. 4%, P = 0.003). GFR (Schwartz formula and DTPA renogram) showed no association with cumulative transfusion load and disease duration (P > 0.05). GFR Schwartz formula and GFR–DTPA showed no correlation with serum ferritin with r = 0.179, (P = 0.392) and r = 0.278 (P = 0.178).

Conclusion:

There is a significant derangement in the renal function of children of beta-thalassemia major on chronic BT and iron chelation therapy. GFR holds a direct correlation with the increasing duration of iron chelation.
Association between Regular Exercise and Urinary Uric Acid Excretion in Chinese Adults: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Zhou Xiaoying , Liu Yu , Sang Miaomiao , Sun Zilin , Qiu Shanhu
Published: April 2024

Regular exercise decreases the risk of hyperuricemia, which is related to reduced urinary uric acid excretion (UUA/UAE). However, few studies have assessed the association between regular exercise and UAE. We conducted this study to investigate their associations in the general population. This was a cross-sectional study that involved a total of 5513 Chinese community-dwellers, who reported data on physical exercise. Fasting morning spot urine was used to measure UUA and creatinine. UAE was primarily assessed by UUA to creatinine ratio (UCr) and secondly by excretion of uric acid per volume of glomerular filtration (EurGF) and fractional excretion of uric acid (FEua). Linear regression analysis was used to assess their associations. Of the included participants, their mean age was 55.1 ± 13.0 years, and 1984 (36.0%) undertook regular exercise. Compared with participants with regular exercise, those with irregular exercise or no exercise had higher UUA/UCr (0.36 ± 0.15 vs. 0.39 ± 0.15, P < 0.001), EurGF (0.23 ± 0.10 vs. 0.24 ± 0.11 mg/dL, P < 0.001), and FEua (0.07 ± 0.04 vs. 0.08 ± 0.04, P = 0.006). These associations remained significant after controlling for multivariable including serum uric acid (SUA) or upon the exclusion of participants with renal dysfunction or urinary tract infection. In conclusion, regular exercise might be associated with decreased UAE, independent of SUA, in Chinese community-dwellers.
Overexpression of miR-204-5p Alleviates Osteogenic Differentiation and Calcification of Human Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Targeting Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase 1
Authors: Wang Chunli , Xu Mingzhi , Bai Yafei , Pan Mingjiao , Qi Yonghui , Chen Ruman
Published: April 2024

Vascular calcification (VC), a major complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is predominantly driven by osteoblastic differentiation. Recent studies have highlighted the crucial role of microRNAs in CKD’s pathogenesis. Here, our research focused on the effects of miR-204-5p and its molecular mechanisms within VC. We initially found a notable decrease in miR-204-5p levels in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells stimulated with inorganic phosphate, using this as a VC model in vitro. Following the overexpression of miR-204-5p, a decrease in VC was observed, as indicated by alizarin red S staining and measurements of calcium content. This decrease was accompanied by lower levels of the osteogenic marker, runt-related transcription factor 2, and higher levels of α-smooth muscle actin, a marker of contractility. Further investigation showed that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 1 (CAMK1), which is a predicted target of miR-204-5p, promotes VC. Conversely, overexpressing miR-204-5p reduced VC by suppressing CAMK1 activity. Overexpressing miR-204-5p also effectively mitigated aortic calcification in an in vivo rat model. In summary, our research indicated that targeting the miR-204-5p/CAMK1 pathway could be a viable strategy for mitigating VC in CKD patients.
Dynamic Muscle Function Parameters in Indian Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Kasture Sonal V. , Mondkar Shruti A. , Khadilkar Anuradha V. , Gondhalekar Ketan , Sethi Anshu , Khadilkar Vaman V.
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Recent evidence reveals that type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) impairs muscle function (MF) in adolescents. However, despite its importance in physical well-being, data on dynamic MF in Indian children and adolescents (C and Y) with T1DM are scarce. We assessed MF using Jumping Mechanography (JM, a measurement method for motion analysis and assessment of muscle power and force). (1) To assess dynamic MF by JM in C and Y with T1DM as compared to healthy controls (2) To determine predictors of MF in children with T1DM.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study on 266 children (133 – T1DM duration >1 year with no known comorbidities + 133 age and gender-matched healthy controls) aged 6–19 years. Anthropometry, body composition, and MF (maximum relative power Pmax/mass, maximum relative force Fmax/BW by JM) were recorded. The lean mass index (LMI) was calculated as lean mass (kg)/height (m2). HbA1c was assessed in T1DM. Independent sample t-test and linear regression were performed.

Results:

MF parameters (Pmax/mass 33.5 ± 7.2 vs 38.0 ± 8.6 W/kg and Fmax/BW 10.5 ± 2.9 vs 11.4 ± 4.1 N/kg, P < 0.05) were significantly lower in T1DM group vs controls. Positive association of body mass index and LMI with both MF parameters and negative association of insulin requirement and HbA1c with Fmax was observed in T1DM. Predictors of MF identified were MMI (Pmax/mass:b = 1.6,95%CI = 0.6–2.6; Fmax/BW:b =2.0,95%CI = 1.6–2.4) and HbA1c (Pmax/mass:b = −2.1,95%CI = −4.5–−0.5; Fmax/BW:b = −1.1,95%CI = −2.0–−0.2) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

C and Y with T1DM exhibits compromised muscle function. Poor glycaemic control increases the risk of having decreased MF, irrespective of diabetes duration and may contribute to sarcopenia in adulthood.
Role of Dietary Macronutrient Composition and Fibre Intake in Development of Double Diabetes in Indian Youth
Authors: Oza Chirantap , Mandlik Rubina , Khadilkar Anuradha V. , Gondhalekar Ketan M. , Khadilkar Vaman V.
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Insulin resistance (IR) and obesity are common presentations of double diabetes (DD) in subjects with type-1 diabetes (T1D). There is evidence that dietary composition has an impact on developing IR. Objectives were to assess the impact of macronutrient and fibre intake on glycaemic control and the role of macronutrient composition of diet in the development of DD in subjects with T1D.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 77 young adults (10–25 years) with T1D. Data related to demography, anthropometry, biochemistry and body composition were collected. Dietary data was collected by fourteen-day food diary. IR was calculated using eGDR, SEARCH and CACTI equations, and metabolic syndrome (MS) was diagnosed using the International Diabetes Federation Consensus Definition.

Results:

Subjects at risk of DD had higher age, leptin levels, percentage carbohydrate consumption in diet and IR. A positive association of insulin sensitivity with fibre intake and %protein intake was noted. Poor glycaemic control, adiponectin/leptin ratio, fibre intake and insulin/carbohydrate ratio were significant negative predictors of IR. Addition of dietary factors to the regression model improved the R square and percentage of subjects identified correctly. Inclusion of dietary parameters significantly improves the prediction of the risk of development of DD in subjects with T1D.

Conclusion:

Good glycaemic control and increased intake of dietary fibre may prevent the development of IR in subjects with T1D and reduce the burden of DD.
Modified tuck in endoimplant: A case report
Authors: Reddy Jagadeesh K , Mani Suganya , Vijayaraghavan Prabhu , Sundaram Vandhana
Published: April 2024

We describe the successful long-term visual outcome of the modified tuck-in endoimplant in a 56-year-old female patient who presented with defective vision in the left eye for 1 year and was diagnosed with a rare variant of corneal dystrophy with endothelial decompensation. The artificial endothelial layer implantation, optimized with tuck-in haptics, is a novel technology in evolution, showing promising results in patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction.
Intraorbital epidermoid cyst mimicking cysticercosis: A case report
Authors: Zhang Ruina , Liu Limin , Li Ruimiao , Ren Mingyu , Li Rongrong , Liu Xiujun
Published: April 2024

A 37-year-old female presented with right eye proptosis, eyelid swelling, and pain lasting for 7 days upon admission. There was no pertinent personal or family medical history or prior incidence of cysticercus infestation. The computed tomography (CT) images revealed an oval soft tissue density mass in the right orbit, containing a low-density shadow within. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an oval-shaped mass, exhibiting hypointense on T1-weighted images (T1WI) and hyperintense on T2-weighted images (T2WI). In addition, a circular signal that was hyperintense on T1WI and hypointense on T2WI was observed within the mass. B-mode ultrasonography showed an oval mass within the hypoechoic lesion, which changed with position. All imaging features mimicked those of cysticercosis. The lesion was excised, and the pathologic examination showed an epidermoid cyst. When encountering a round mass within a fluid lesion that exhibits positional changes, it is essential to consider not only cysticercosis, but also an epidermoid cyst.
Bilateral decompression retinopathy post trabeculectomy in developmental glaucoma - A rare case report
Authors: Dhiman Shweta , Mahapatra Santosh K , Parhi Anjalika , Sahoo Smruteelekha
Published: April 2024

Glaucoma filtration surgeries are associated with a series of complications especially when it is done in a pediatric eye where there is an anticipated panorama of challenges anatomically and surgically. We are reporting a case of developmental glaucoma which was misdiagnosed as a refractive error for a year and presented to us in an advanced glaucomatous stage for which sequential Trabeculectomy was performed, and the child developed bilateral decompression retinopathy immediately post-operatively which was dense in one eye. We are also documenting its resolution phase of 2 months which went without intervention following a conservative approach.
Fibrolipoma of the orbit in a child
Authors: Gupta Adit , Mandke Charuta , Tahiliani Prerana , Shah Vinaya
Published: April 2024

A 10-year-old girl presented to us with painless swelling of the left upper eyelid. She had a relatively ill-defined, non-tender mass in the superior orbit. Imaging revealed a relatively well defined hyperdense lesion in the anterior and superior orbit with no bony changes. The lesion was excised and a biopsy revealed a fibrolipoma. Pediatric orbital fibrolipomas are very rare orbital tumors and should considered in the differential diagnosis of an orbital space occupying lesion.
Factors affecting visual outcomes in patients with traumatic wound dehiscence following keratoplasty during COVID-19: A case series
Authors: Shetty Prerana A , Vuyyuru Sowjanya , Natarajan Ramya , Tara Divya , Thigale Uma Yogesh , Bhalerao Sushank Ashok
Published: April 2024

Our study was aimed to determine factors affecting visual outcomes in patients with traumatic wound dehiscence after keratoplasty during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 20 cases of traumatic wound dehiscence following keratoplasty. Patient demographics and variables such as mode of injury, site of wound dehiscence, and time elapsed between keratoplasty and trauma were studied. Visual outcomes were determined by noting best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) during the final follow-up. A statistically significant correlation (P = 0.005) was found between trauma-surgery duration and outcomes. The crucial link between trauma-surgery duration and outcomes was established. This emphasizes the importance of timely interventions in such cases.
Tenon patch graft repair in an unusual case of leaking wound after phacoemulsification
Authors: Mahajan Gaurav , Prasher Pawan
Published: April 2024

Leaking corneal incisions after phacoemulsification can be associated with devastating consequences and can lead to secondary complications including endophthalmitis, choroidal hemorrhage, and glaucoma. We report a case of leaking corneal wound after routine phacoemulsification at the site of corneal thinning associated with terrien marginal degeneration (TMD), which was missed preoperatively, consequently leading to this surgical complication. TMD is a rare form of ectatic corneal condition with a very slow progression. The main aim of treatment is to improve the vision and corneal integrity, owing to its uncertain etiology. Surgical intervention in TMD, however, has been advocated when perforation is imminent, but the chance of spontaneous and intraoperative perforation increases in cases with severe thinning of corneas resulting in poor visual outcomes as compared to non-perforated eyes. In our case, as an amniotic membrane or corneal tissue was not available at the time of presentation, we proceeded with a Tenon patch graft with the application of cyanoacrylate glue, following which a bandage contact lens was applied. This case highlights the importance of a meticulous preoperative workup of the patient to identify any abnormality of the cornea, especially at the incision sites, to avoid such complications during the surgery.
Paradoxical clinical presentation in ocular trauma following road traffic accident – A case report
Authors: Pattanayak Sabyasachi , Patra Samir Kumar
Published: April 2024

Ocular trauma following road traffic accident is one of the main causes of preventable monocular blindness in young adult men and a significant contributor to severe vision impairment in people of all ages. Though helmet protects the riders from severe brain injury and also protects the face, still ocular injuries are possible even wearing a helmet. We are presenting here a case of ocular trauma following road traffic accident in a 34-year-old male wearing helmet, in whom there were anterior segment injuries in one eye without any defect in vision, whereas without any external ocular injury, the other eye had sever retinal edema, hemorrhage, and vitreous hemorrhage, grossly affecting the vison in that eye. Any patient even with mid-facial injuries should be evaluated for suspected ocular impairment and rule out the potential need for early intervention to prevent blindness.
Giant ocular surface squamous neoplasia evaluated by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kumar Dhivya Ashok , Agarwal Amar
Published: April 2024

Giant ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is difficult to manage due to extensive surface involvement and postsurgical complications. Preoperative evaluation by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) can aid in detecting the limits in the needed tissue excision, residual corneal bed, and epithelial transition in all quadrants of the limbus. We present a case of giant OSSN managed surgically with preoperative SD-OCT evaluation for excision with margin clearance and minimal complications. The postoperative period was uneventful with a clear cornea without limbal stem cell deficiency and recurrence.