bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on grinding parameter optimization based on adhesive semiconductor quartz disc
Authors: Ma Yuanhao , Li Zhanjie , Jin Gang , Wang Guangyu , Lin Huaixin , Zhang Xin , Li Longsi
Published: October 2024

To study the influence of grinding parameters on the grinding force of semiconductor quartz disc based on the adhesive clamping method, an orthogonal experiment was designed to investigate the impact of grinding parameters on the grinding force. Based on the orthogonal test data, the influencing factors and parameter optimization of the grinding force are developed. The experimental results show that the order of influence of grinding parameters on the X-axis is feed speed > spindle speed > grinding depth, the sequence of effect on the grinding force in the Y-axis is grinding depth > feed speed > spindle speed, and the order of influence on the grinding force in Z-axis is grinding depth > spindle speed > feed speed. Therefore, using a higher spindle speed, a lower feed rate and a shallower grinding depth can play a role in reducing the grinding force. By improving the grinding parameters, the stability of quartz plate grinding based on adhesive technology is verified. It is found that adhesive is a more reliable clamping method, which ensures the processing quality of quartz plate and improves the working efficiency.
Study on corrosion behavior of impeller of oil pump with CO2 crude oil
Authors: Sun Ningsong , Zhang Zhenmin , Li Yayun , Yang Chao
Published: October 2024

CO2 was one of the key factors that caused serious corrosion of petroleum equipment and facilities. Aiming to address the problem of serious pitting corrosion in the impeller of an oil pump in a CO2 flooding field, immersion, and electrochemistry experiments were comprehensively analyzed in this paper. The results showed that the corrosion rate of FV520B steel increased exponentially with the increase of pipeline transport pressure and flow rate (R2>0.9), and the potential shifted negatively. With the increase of pipe pressure, the corrosion directivity of the specimen surface gradually disappeared, showing a distinct pitting area and a comprehensive corrosion area. This was due to cavitation under high pipe pressure conditions.
Effects of etching duration on silicon quantum dot size and photoluminescence quantum yield
Authors: He Yizhou , Hao Qianxi , Zhang Chi , Wang Qi , Zeng Wenxin , Yu Jiamin , Yang Xue , Guo Xiaowei , Li Shaorong , Lazarouk Sergei K.
Published: October 2024

The synthesis of silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) via thermal pyrolysis is considered promising due to its cost-effectiveness. The etching process in this method has the potential to control the size of SiQDs precisely and has thus garnered attention. However, there are varying observations regarding the effect of etching duration on SiQD size. Additionally, the impact of dioxonium hexafluorosilicate (DH), a byproduct of the etching process, on the photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) of SiQDs remains unclear. This study investigates the effect of etching duration on the physical and optical sizes as well as the PLQY of SiQDs. The results indicate that extending the etching duration decreases the physical size of SiQDs, while the optical size initially increases slightly before decreasing. The SiQDs transition through three phases with increasing etching duration: oxidation removal, shallow over-etching, and deep over-etching. Both amorphous silicon (a-Si) in the oxidation removal phase and DH in the deep over-etching phase act as non-radiative recombination centers, thereby reducing the PLQY of SiQDs. Therefore, optimizing the etching duration to achieve the shallow over-etching phase is essential. This study provides new insights into the effects of etching duration on SiQD size and PLQY, aiding in the preparation of higher-quality SiQDs.
Application and practice of industrial IoT cloud platform in oilfield intelligent transformation
Authors: Huang Zhanwei , Zhao Hui , Nan Zhengqi , Ma Hongxing , Li Xuan , Li Honghong , Nie Shuaishuai
Published: October 2024

Under the context of global energy transformation and low-carbon development, the traditional petroleum industry is facing a series of challenges such as technological innovation, market competition, environment protection, etc. Therefore, there is an urgent demand to realize green, safe, economical, and efficient development of oil and gas through oilfield intelligent transformation. This study develops a novel cloud platform covering the whole business based on the technical architecture of the industrial Internet of Things (IoT) for assisting the intelligent transformation of oilfields. Since the application of the IoT-based cloud platform in Qingcheng Oilfield, functions such as automatic collection of whole-domain data, remote monitoring, early warning, as well as intelligent analysis and decision-making have been realized. Furthermore, compared with the traditional platform, the new platform has improved eight indicators, such as data processing efficiency and sharing capacity, by more than 20%. Consequently, the developed IoT-based cloud platform can significantly improve the production and management level of the oilfield, and efficiently support oilfield intelligent transformation.
Projected changes of Greenland’s periphery glaciers and ice caps
Authors: Kang Limin , Ding Minghu , Wang Yuzhe , Sun Weijun , Wang Lei , An Hongmin , Zhang Qinglin , Che Jiahang , Huai Baojuan
Published: October 2024

Rapid global warming has caused drastic mass loss in Greenland’s peripheral glaciers and ice caps (GICs), contributing to a rise of global sea levels. To better understand future changes under different emission scenarios, we used the Open Global Glacier Model to simulate glacier dynamics and runoff changes from 2015 to 2100. The results show that their area and volume will decrease by 38.88% (SSP1-2.6) to 60.84% (SSP5-8.5) and 47.56% (SSP1-2.6) to 67.10% (SSP5-8.5) by 2100, with regions that have larger glacierized areas and are farther from the ocean experiencing less volume loss. Meanwhile, the predicted surface mass balance of Greenland’s peripheral GICs in 2100 is −0.58 ± 0.92, −1.18 ± 1.13, −2.04 ± 0.79 and −3.16 ± 0.96 m w.e. a−1 under four emission scenarios. The runoff under higher emission scenarios is larger than that under lower emission scenarios, with peak water occurring later in regions that have larger glacierized areas and are farther from the ocean.
Study of Methylene Blue dye adsorption onto biochar derived from Austrocylindropuntia subulata plant
Authors: Meftah Khadija , Meftah Said , Lamkhanter Hajar , Touil Salah , Abid Aziza
Published: October 2024

The reuse of treated wastewater in drinking water supply and irrigation emerges as a potent solution to address water scarcity. Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in wastewater treatment using ecological, non-toxic, and biodegradable materials. In this study, Austrocylindropuntia subulata was employed for the first time to adsorb a synthetic dye, methylene blue. The feedstock underwent pyrolysis followed by chemical activation using orthophosphoric acid, resulting in the formation of biochar. Characterization through SEM, XRD, and FTIR analyses reveals that the biochar surface possesses functional groups such as alcohol and amide. Microscopic images highlight a diverse array of particle shapes and sizes, along with varying proportions of calcium and carbon in the biochar. Adsorption tests demonstrate that the optimal mass of biochar is 0.5g, ensuring a remarkable 99.8% adsorption of methylene blue dye within a 30 minutes contact time. The findings of this study underscore the compelling adsorbent capabilities of biochar derived from the Austrocylindropuntia subulata plant, suggesting its potential as a valuable resource in wastewater treatment.
Ethnobotanical study of medicinal and aromatic plants commonly used in the daily life of the populations of the Moroccan Middle Atlas: results of pharmacy surveys
Authors: El Oihabi Kamal , El kamli Taha , Houssine Bouiamrine El , Boutagayout Abdellatif , Bour Abdellatif
Published: October 2024

This in-depth ethnobotanical study was conducted specifically in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco to document and analyze the use of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) among local populations suffering from various chronic conditions. This survey involved 99 participants with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrine, urinary, gynecological, or similar diseases. The main objective was to draw up a complete inventory of the MAPs used, detailing their therapeutic indications and identifying any adverse effects associated with their use, whether through misapplication, overdosing, or interaction with other drugs taken by the patients. In the present, twenty MAPs species belonging to twelve distinct botanical families were identified. Among these plants, oregano (Origanum compactum) from the Lamiaceae family is the most widely used species, with a frequency of over 30%. Leaves were the most commonly used plant organ in traditional recipes (60.6%), whereas decoction was the most predominant preparation method (51.5%). This survey was conducted using questionnaires distributed in some pharmacies, and provided valuable data on MAP use practices, highlighting the predominance of certain plant species, their main therapeutic indications, and the preparation methods preferred by the Middle Atlas inhabitants to treat their ailments.
Assessment of faba bean-cereal intercropping: Impact on black aphids, weed management, and faba bean yield in the Meknes region, Morocco
Authors: Boutagayout Abdellatif , Belmalha Saadia , Adiba Atman , El Oihabi Kamal , Elbaghazaoui Rachid , Hamdani Anas , Nassiri Laila , Houssine Bouiamrine El
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the association between faba bean and cereal crops on the incidence and severity of black aphids, weed control, and faba bean yield in Meknes region, Morocco. Regression and correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between different parameters. The results showed that the combination of faba bean with cereals significantly reduced black aphid infestation, weed density, and biomass compared to faba bean alone. The present study also revealed a positive correlation between reduced aphid incidence and improved faba bean yield. Analyses also revealed significant correlations between weed density and aphid incidence/severity as well as notable associations between faba bean crop biomass, weed biomass, and faba bean yield. These findings underscore the importance of crop associations in enhancing the resilience and productivity of faba beans through integrated aphid and weed management. They highlight the complexity of the interactions between aphids, weeds, and faba bean crops, requiring a holistic approach to understand their impact on crop yield.
Application of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model for hydrological modelling in the Upper Oum Er Rbia watershed (Middle Atlas, Morocco)
Authors: El Orfi Tarik , El Ghachi Mohamed , Lebaut Sébastien , Haidu Ionel
Published: October 2024

In the study assessing the impact of global change on hydrosystems, particularly water resources, calibrated and validated tools are deemed crucial for accurate representation of the area’s characteristics. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool “SWAT” model is identified through literature review as well-suited for evaluating changes in land use and climate effects on water balance components. Applied to the Upper Oum Er Rbia watershed and its sub-basins, namely Oum Er Rbia, Srou, and Ouaoumana, the SWAT model demonstrates its effectiveness over the 1982-2019 period. Employing the sequential uncertainty adjustment method (SUFI-2) in SWAT-CUP software for calibration and validation, the model achieves good performance in simulating river flows. Statistical tests, including “R²,” “NSE,” “PBIAS,” and “RSR,” reveal consistent accuracy across various stations. The positive outcomes affirm the SWAT model’s operational capability for diagnostic assessments, risk evaluation, adaptation measures, and potential future projections in these three sub-basins.
The impact of converting to drip irrigation on water use valuation
Authors: Hamidi Bouchra , Bourkhiss Brahim
Published: October 2024

The issue of irrigation water uses and conservation were mains of significant importance due to the increasing scarcity of water resources. Recognizing this situation, Morocco initiated the National Program for Water Saving in Irrigation, which focuses on two key components: the conservation and valuation of irrigation water. The program aims to transition surface irrigation systems into localized irrigation systems. This study endeavors to estimate and analyze the impact of converting to drip irrigation on both the financial and agronomic valuation of irrigation water for onion cultivation in the Fez-Meknes region.

The research is based on a sample of 63 farms selected from a population engaged in onion cultivation, consisting of both drip irrigation and surface irrigation practices. Surveys were conducted for each farm to gather both quantitative and qualitative information, spanning the crop years 2022 and 2008. To assess the program’s impact on irrigation water valuation, the double difference method was applied to our sample. Furthermore, an ordinary regression model, implemented using GRETL software, was employed to analyze the determinants of irrigation water valuation.

The results obtained through the double difference method reveal a positive average impact of the program on farmers’ financial and agronomic valuation, estimated at 3.2 DH/m3 and 5.58 kg/m3, respectively.
Analysing Thermal Land Surface Characteristics and Urban Expansion in Kenitra City, Morocco, using Remote Sensing and GIS
Authors: Nasraoui Rhita , Benzidiya Khalid
Published: October 2024

This research investigates how land use and cover the affect land surface temperature in Kenitra. It employs Geographic Information System techniques and remote sensing methods to monitor and control surface temperature changes. The present study integrates remote sensing and geographic information system to process satellite images. Furthermore, it focuses, also, on analyzing land surface temperature and its correlation with land cover changes over three time periods (1989, 2000, 2020) using landsat satellite data. Thus, supervised classification is employed to map these changes and derive urban heat islands from thermal band data.

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between land use and land surface temperature. It utilizese a landscape dynamics assessment based on multi-source and multi-sensor remote sensing technologies. Specifically, the study uses landsat satellite data (TM for 1989 and OLI-8 for 2002 and 2020) to assess the effects of land use and land cover changes on land surface temperature distribution in the Kenitra city. Spatial and statistical analyses are performed by comparing maps from remotely sensed data generated using geographic information system. Therefore, these analyses reveal various changes in the kenitra region between 1989 and 2020.

The primary changes observed include an increase in built-up areas and bare ground with a decrease alongside in natural areas (vegetation, etc.). The average temperatures in 1989, 2002, and 2020 were 29°C, 31.05°C, and 32°C, respectively.

The obtained results are valuable for planning and managing climate scientists, land-use planners, and researchers focusing on sustainable urbanization areas. The study’s findings will assist urban planners and policymakers in adopting appropriate measures for sustainable planning in the city to mitigate the adverse effects of land surface temperature.
Variability of seasonal temperature from 1990 to 2020 within Oum Er Rbia hydraulic basin (Morocco): Study of trends and anomalies
Authors: Hamid Meriem , Ghachi Mohamed El
Published: October 2024

The fifth report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that global temperatures have increased during the 20th century. In Morocco, numerous studies have unveiled that the nation has been contending with the effects of global warming for several decades, attributed to its geographical location. The studies have mainly focused on the evolution of rainfall and the recurrence of droughts. Nevertheless, temperature variations remain less addressed, especially at large spatial scales. This paper aims to study the seasonal temperature variability in the large hydraulic basin of Oum Er Rbia, focusing on its anomalies and trends as well as identifying their impacts on the basin’s territory. Indeed, the large basin of Oum Er Rbia occupies more than 48,.000 km2 and is characterized by an arid to semi-arid climate. Its water resources are important and play an essential role in the country’s socio-economic development. This basin is well-known for its agricultural activity. Although its water and economic potential are significant, the great basin is considered vulnerable to climatic variations, which strongly condition its development. Considering the significance of temperature trends within the framework of global warming, this current study delves into the topic of seasonal temperature variability within the expansive hydraulic basin of Oum Er Rbia. Based on statistical analysis using the temperature anomaly index and the Mann-Kendall trend test, this study reveals that strong interannual variability marked the evolution of seasonal temperatures during the period of 1990-2020, with a remarkable upward trend during the autumn and spring. When the temperature increase, the temperature increases in turn: thus, the negative impacts affect both water resources and the agriculture sector, which suffers from the combined effect of increased evapotranspiration and reduction of irrigation water.
Implementation of a Temperature Monitoring and Measurement Network in the Urban Context: A Case Study of Kasba Tadla, Morocco, 2022.
Authors: Ourabit S , Choukri B , Benchattou A , Elghachi M
Published: October 2024

In the context of climate change, this study focuses on the impact of heatwaves, which have become the dominant meteorological phenomenon in terms of duration and intensity. The objective is to understand the temporal variation of temperatures in the urban domain, highlighting thermal differences on an hourly scale. The city of Kasba Tadla, located in the Tadla plain in Morocco, is at the core of this research. This rapidly expanding urban area is traversed by the Oum Er-rbia River. The selection of this region allows for a specific analysis of the climate challenges a rapidly growing city may face. The methodology relies on a network of four fixed meteorological stations installed in the city of Kasba Tadla. Temperature measurements were taken on an hourly timescale during the summer of 2022. This approach enables a detailed analysis of temperature variation based on building density and the presence of vegetation in different neighborhoods. The results highlight a significant temperature variation within the city, emphasizing the impact of building density and vegetation on this phenomenon.
Influence of interface on nondeformable micropolar drop migration
Authors: Salem Ahmed G
Published: October 2024

In this article, an analytical approach is considered to study the issue of specifying Stokesian motion due to a micropolar sphere drop translating at a concentric instantaneous position within a spherical fluid–fluid interface that divides two immiscible fluids, one of which is bounded and the other is unbounded. Here, the focus is on the situation where there are two microstructure-related fluid phases (micropolar fluids) out of the three. The motion is considered to have low Reynolds numbers; thus, the drop’s surface and fluid–fluid interface have insignificant deformation. General solutions to the slow axisymmetric motion of the micropolar/viscous fluid in a spherical coordinate system are obtained based on a concentric position. Boundary conditions are fulfilled at the drop’s surface and the fluid–fluid interface. Findings indicate that the normalised hydrodynamic force increases monotonically as the droplet-to-interface radius ratio increases, acting on a moving micropolar sphere droplet and becoming unlimited when the drop’s surface touches the fluid–fluid interface. The numerical findings for the normalised force operating on the micropolar sphere droplet at different values of the suitable parameters are introduced in both graphical and tabular form. Our numerical findings are compared with the suitable data for the special cases stated in the literature. The current investigation of the study has practical applications in many domains of industrial, biological, medicinal, and natural processes, for example, liquid crystals, polymeric suspensions, muddy fluids, liquid–liquid extraction, raindrop formation, blood cells moving through a vein or artery, suspension rheology, sedimentation, and coagulation.
Analytical simulation of Darcy–Forchheimer nanofluid flow over a curved expanding permeable surface
Authors: Rehman Ali , Al-Buriahi M S , Ali H Elhosiny , Jan Rashid , Khan Israr Ali
Published: October 2024

This research paper presents an analytical simulation of Darcy–Forchheimer flow over a porous curve stretching surface. In fluid dynamics, the Darcy–Forchheimer model combines Forchheimer adjustment and high-velocity effects with Darcy’s formula for porous media flow: two nanofluid particles, molybdenum disulphide, and graphene oxide, form nanofluid with the base fluid blood. The governing partial differential equations for momentum and energy are converted into a nonlinear ordinary differential equations system by applying the appropriate similarity transformations. The homotopy analysis method is used to solve the transform equations analytically. The impact of essential factors includes the Forchheimer parameter, porosity parameter, slip parameter, Eckert number, nanoparticle volume friction, magnetic field parameter, and curvature parameter. The results have applications in the design of sophisticated cooling systems, where effective thermal control is essential.
A study on sleep posture analysis using fibre bragg grating arrays based mattress
Authors: Mishra Manish , Sahu Prasant Kumar , Datta Mrinal
Published: October 2024

Prolonged sleeping postures or unusual postures can lead to the development of various ailments such as subacromial impingement syndrome, sleep paralysis in the elderly, nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux, sore development, etc Fibre Bragg Gratings (a variety of optical sensors) have gained huge popularity due to their small size, higher sensitivity and responsivity, and encapsulation flexibilities. However, in the present study, FBG Arrays (two FBGs with 10 mm space between them) are employed as they are advantageous in terms of data collection, mitigating sensor location effects, and multiplexing features. In this work, Liquid silicone encapsulated FBG arrays are placed in the head (E), shoulder (C, D), and lower half body (A, B) region for analyzing the strain patterns generated by different sleeping postures namely, Supine (P1), Left Fetus (P2), Right Fetus (P3), and Over stomach (P4). These strain patterns were analyzed in two ways, combined (averaging the data from each FBG of the array) and Individual (data from each FBG was analyzed separately). Both analyses suggested that the FBGs in the arrays responded swiftly to the strain changes that occurred due to changes in sleeping postures. 3D histograms were utilized to track the strain changes and analyze different sleeping postures. A discussion regarding closely related postures and long hour monitoring has also been included. Arrays in the lower half (A, B) and shoulder (C, D) regions proved to be pivotal in discriminating body postures. The average standard deviation of strain for the different arrays was in the range of 0.1 to 0.19 suggesting the reliable and appreciable strain-handling capabilities of the Liquid silicone encapsulated arrays.
Digital-analog counterdiabatic quantum optimization with trapped ions
Authors: Kumar Shubham , Hegade Narendra N , Henrique de Oliveira Murilo , Solano Enrique , Gomez Cadavid Alejandro , Albarrán-Arriagada F
Published: October 2024

We introduce a hardware-specific, problem-dependent digital-analog quantum algorithm of a counterdiabatic quantum dynamics tailored for optimization problems. Specifically, we focus on trapped-ion architectures, taking advantage from global Mølmer–Sørensen gates as the analog interactions complemented by digital gates, both of which are available in the state-of-the-art technologies. We show an optimal configuration of analog blocks and digital steps leading to a substantial reduction in circuit depth compared to the purely digital approach. This implies that, using the proposed encoding, we can address larger optimization problem instances, requiring more qubits, while preserving the coherence time of current devices. Furthermore, we study the minimum gate fidelity required by the analog blocks to outperform the purely digital simulation, finding that it is below the best fidelity reported in the literature. To validate the performance of the digital-analog encoding, we tackle the maximum independent set problem, showing that it requires fewer resources compared to the digital case. This hybrid co-design approach paves the way towards quantum advantage for efficient solutions of quantum optimization problems.
Local goal-based governance: a novel approach to environmental sustainability in China?
Authors: Xu Jing , Lu Chuntian , Xiang Ning , Liu Meng , Ma Yichen
Published: October 2024

The recent emergence of goal-based governance at global scale may be considered as a new approach to enhance environmental sustainability at local level. This article examines how local goal-based governance actually unfolds with a focus on its fundamental features and effectiveness. We first build a conceptual framework for local goal-based governance which consists of three key elements: nature of problem, setting the goals, and achieving the goals. It provides a set of theoretical propositions: (1) the problems with two defining features are more amendable to goal-setting strategies, (2) setting a specified, practical, and learning-focused goal structure as the key premise, (3) goal attainment is built around a campaign-mode experimentation to try and find out locally appropriate approaches, a double-layered engagement between civil society and statutory institutions, and a system to track the goals through quantitative and qualitative measures. Based on semi-structured interviews and documents analysis, we adopt a case study of Chinese local waste management to test the theory and explain the unique process of local goal-based governance. This article also discusses how local goal-based governance differs from the traditional rule-based governance and further explores how these two governance strategies interact with each other to realize local changes. We highlight two complementary effects: enabling and compensating. Local goal-based governance has unique strengths to compensate for the weakness of rule-based system in promoting civic engagement; and meanwhile rule-based governance creates favorable social conditions within which local goal-based governance is initiated and developed. The inherent challenges and limitations of local goal-based governance are also discussed.
Introduction
Authors: Prontera Andrea
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces the main themes and goals of this book. It reviews the literature on the global energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables and clarifies this book’s practical and theoretical relevance for the greening of international relations scholarship and the study of foreign energy policy in the emerging low-carbon world. The chapter also presents key data and trends on the development and diffusion of renewable energy, low-carbon technologies, and related supply chains. This data offers a snapshot of the matter at the global level and in key regions and countries, particularly China, the European Union, and the United States, which have emerged as the main players in this field. The chapter explains why these three players can be viewed as green superpowers, although they have adopted varying positions regarding the global energy transition and climate change. Finally, the chapter presents the structure of this book.
Arterial spin labelling could detect the occlusion of inferior petrosal sinus for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Yoshimura Shota , Morofuji Yoichi , Takahira Ryotaro , Izumo Tsuyoshi , Matsuo Takayuki
Published: October 2024

Several reports indicate that arterial spin labelling (ASL) MRI is useful for the diagnosis, identification of cortical venous reflux, and assessment of therapeutic effect in dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF). However, there is no reports indicating the utility of ASL in the identification of venous sinus obstruction. We herein report the case of a 72-year-old woman who presented with diplopia and right trigeminal neuralgia due to bilateral cavernous sinus dAVF. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed temporal occlusion of the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) and ASL indicated hyperintense signal in the IPS. The ASL signal could indicate venous stasis soon after the occlusion based on the serial changes of IPS patency and occlusion observed in the DSA.
Plasma phosphorylated-tau217 is increased in Niemann–Pick disease type C
Authors: Gonzalez-Ortiz Fernando , Karikari Thomas K , Taylor-Te Vruchte Danielle , Shepherd Dawn , Kirsebom Bjørn-Eivind , Fladby Tormod , Platt Frances , Blennow Kaj
Published: October 2024

Niemann–Pick disease type C and Alzheimer’s disease are distinct neurodegenerative disorders that share the presence of neurofibrillary tangle pathology. In this multicentre study, we measured plasma phosphorylated-tau217 in controls (n = 60), Niemann–Pick disease type C (n = 71) and Alzheimer’s disease (n = 30 positive for amyloid and negative for tau in CSF [A+T−] and n = 30 positive for both [A+T+]). Annual Severity Increment Score and Lysotracker measurements were evaluated in the Niemann–Pick disease type C group to estimate the rate of progression and lysosomal enlargement, respectively. In the cross-sectional analysis, plasma phosphorylated-tau217 was increased in Niemann–Pick disease type C compared with controls (2.52 ± 1.93 versus 1.02 ± 0.34 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.001) and inversely correlated with age at disease onset (R = −0.54, P < 0.001). In the longitudinal analysis, plasma phosphorylated-tau217 was associated with disease progression determined by Annual Severity Increment Score (R = 0.48, P < 0.001) and lysosomal enlargement (R = 0.26, P = 0.004). We found no differences between A+T− Alzheimer’s disease and Niemann–Pick disease type C (2.67 ± 1.18 versus 2.52 ± 1. 93 pg/mL, P = 0.31); however, A+T+ Alzheimer’s disease had significantly higher levels than Niemann–Pick disease type C (3.26 ± 1.36 versus 2.52 ± 1.93 pg/mL, P = 0.001). Our findings suggest that plasma p-tau217 can increase in brain disorders with isolated tau pathology. Plasma p-tau217 associations with disease progression and severity make it a potential marker in Niemann–Pick disease type C.
A young woman’s experience of surgery for severe hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Goh YiXuan , O’Shea Sally
Published: October 2024

A young woman with severe hidradenitis suppurativa describes her struggles with the disease and the impact surgery has had on her life.
Findings of the British Association of Dermatologists career survey of dermatologists in training and new consultant dermatologists 2023
Authors: Passby Lauren , Bardhan Ajoy , Griffiths Tamara , Chowdhury Mahbub M
Published: October 2024

Previous surveys of UK dermatology trainees have identified key patterns regarding future career intentions that can help to inform workforce planning as the number of vacancies for dermatology consultants continues to increase. Over a 6-week period between September and October 2023, we invited all doctors currently training in dermatology, as well as all dermatology doctors who completed their training between 2018 and 2023, to complete separate surveys. These surveys explored career locations, working patterns, pull factors toward particular posts and push factors away from dermatology consultant posts in the National Health Service (NHS). The findings of these surveys confirm persisting trends toward less-than-full-time working, trainees’ ongoing limited geographical mobility and a declining appetite for academic work, all identified in previous surveys. This survey offers the first insights into the working lives and factors influencing the career choices of consultants who completed their dermatology training between 2018 and 2023.
Case report: role of multimodality imaging in diagnostics and follow-up of a giant intramyocardial dissecting haematoma
Authors: Dall’Ara Gianni , De Vita Maria , Dallaserra Chiara , Compagnone Miriam , Galvani Marcello
Published: October 2024

Background

Intramyocardial dissecting haematoma (IDH) is a rare life-threatening event usually complicating an acute myocardial infarction. Poor data exist about diagnosis, management, and outcome.

Case summary

We reported a case of giant IDH managed conservatively, thanks to stable clinical status and haemodynamics, which evolved towards resorption. Echocardiography and second-level imaging tools, like computed tomography scan and cardiac magnetic resonance, helped in differential diagnosis and studying the haematoma evolution over time, especially providing data about dimension, connection with the left ventricular cavity, consolidation, and resorption. The course is influenced by many factors including localization, edge integrity, and antithrombotic therapy on board. In this case, IDH resorption was observed despite the huge size and anticoagulant therapy on board, used for secondary cardioembolic protection, under close imaging follow-up.

Discussion

Intramyocardial dissecting haematoma management depends on clinical stability, and imaging provides key data about diagnosis and evolution.
The English Lordship of Ireland and the Irish Sea World: Re-assessing the Origins of the Kildare Ascendancy, c.1390–c.1513
Authors: Egan Simon
Published: October 2024

By 1500, the FitzGeralds of Kildare had established themselves as one of the most powerful entities in Ireland. A considerable body of work has been completed on the rise of this dynasty and their relations with the Tudor monarchy. Scholarship has focused primarily on the career of the eighth earl of Kildare, Gerald FitzGerald (d. 1513): his ability to forge alliances with both the colonial and native Irish nobility has been viewed as a core element in the establishment of his dynasty’s ascendancy. This article seeks to offer a new perspective on the establishment of Kildare power and locates the rise of the Kildare earls within a wider chronological and geographic framework of interpretation. In particular, it argues that the Kildares’ rise to prominence owed much to the earlier efforts of the Butler earls of Ormond. During the early 1400s, the Butlers forged a series of dynastic alliances with the nobility of Ireland’s western seaboard and helped to extend English influence into western Scotland. Following the Butlers’ ejection from Ireland in the 1460s, the FitzGeralds of Kildare appropriated many of these dynastic alliances. This article investigates the Butlers’ relations with the nobility of this ‘wider Irish Sea world’ and explores how events on Ireland’s western seaboard and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland shaped both the emergence and establishment of the Kildare ascendancy, as well as the development of England’s Irish colony during key phases of the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses.
Early outcomes of robotic versus video-thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy: a propensity score-matched real-world study
Authors: Gómez-Hernández María Teresa , Forcada Clara , Gómez Francisco , Iscan Mehlika , Fuentes Marta G , Rivas Cristina E , Aranda Jose Luis , Colmenares Oscar , Varela Gonzalo , Jiménez Marcelo F
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive anatomic segmentectomy for the resection of pulmonary nodules has significantly increased in the last few years. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence on the safety and feasibility of robotic segmentectomy compared to video-assisted thoracic surgery. This study aimed to compare the real-world early outcomes of robotic and video-thoracoscopic surgery in anatomic segmentectomy.

METHODS

Single-centre cohort study including all consecutive patients undergoing segmentectomy by either robotic or video-thoracoscopic from June 2018 to November 2023. Propensity score case matching analysis generated 2 matched groups undergoing robotic or video-thoracoscopic segmentectomy. Short-term outcomes were analysed and compared between groups.

RESULTS

204 patients (75 robotic and 129 video-thoracoscopic patients) were included. After matching, 146 patients (73 cases in each group) were compared. One 30-day death was observed in the robotic group (P = 1). Two conversions to thoracotomy occurred in the robotic, and none in the video-thoracoscopic group (P = 0.5). Surgical time was longer in the robotic group (P = 0.091). There were no significant differences between robotic and video-thoracoscopic groups in postoperative complications (13.7% vs 15.1%, P = 1), cardiopulmonary complications (6.8% vs 6.8%, P = 1), major complications (4.1% vs 4.1%, P = 1), prolonged air leak (4.1% vs 5.5%, P = 1), arrhythmia (1.4% vs 0%, P = 1) and reoperation (2.7% vs 2.7%, P = 1). Median length of stay was 3 days (interquartile range 2–3 days) in the robotic group vs 3 days (interquartile range 2.5–4 days) in the video-thoracoscopic group (P = 0.212).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic segmentectomy is a safe and feasible alternative to video-thoracoscopy, as no significant differences in early postoperative outcomes were found between the 2 techniques.
How far do oral lectures at European Orthodontic Society congresses reach? A comparison of abstract publication rates, article citations, and social media mentions
Authors: Livas Christos , Pandis Nikolaos , Delli Konstantina
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study investigated the scientific impact of oral abstracts presented in five consecutive European Orthodontic Society (EOS) congresses in terms of full-text publication rates as well as citations and social media metrics (altmetrics) of the resulting articles.

Methods

PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) and Google Scholar (http://scholar.google.nl/) were screened to identify published articles originally presented as lectures at EOS 2015–2019. EOS date, abstract title, subject, number of authors, authors’ names, first author’s country of origin, and type of affiliation were extracted from congress abstract books. Altmetric Attention Scores (AASs), number of X (formerly Twitter) posts, Mendeley reads, and citations of the articles were retrieved from Altmetric Explorer and Web of Science (WoS) databases, respectively. Abstract details, full publication rates and Altmetric mentions and WoS citations of the related articles were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In total, 51.79 to 73.91% of the lectures presented at EOS 2015–2019 were converted into peer-reviewed articles. There was a median interval of 10.95 months (interquartile range 20.5 months) between conference and publication dates. EOS congress year (overall Wald test P-value = .04) and number of authors (overall Wald test P-value < .01) were significant predictors for full-text publication of oral lectures. There was no significant effect of EOS presentation on AASs, citations, X posts, and Mendeley readers (P > .05).

Limitations

Journal impact factors and quartile rankings were not considered to determine the impact of the journals that published articles originally presented as EOS oral abstracts.

Conclusions

Overall, 61.30% of EOS 2015–2019 lectures were published as full-length articles. Multi-authored abstracts presented higher odds of publication, whereas oral abstracts presented at EOS 2015 and 2018 had the lowest probabilities to reach full publication. EOS abstract-based articles were assigned similar numbers of citations and AASs to articles not presented at EOS congresses.
Safety of beta-blocker discontinuation after acute coronary syndromes with preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: a target trial emulation from a real-world cohort
Authors: Johner Nicolas , Branca Mattia , Carballo David , Baggio Stéphanie , Nanchen David , Tessitore Elena , Räber Lorenz , Lüscher Thomas Felix , Matter Christian M , Windecker Stephan , Rodondi Nicolas , Mach François , Gencer Baris
Published: October 2024

Aims

The benefit of long-term beta-blocker therapy after acute coronary syndromes (ACS) without heart failure in the reperfusion era is uncertain. Two recent randomized trials found conflicting results. The present study assessed the safety of beta-blocker discontinuation within 12 months following ACS with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40%.

Methods and results

In a multicentre prospective real-world cohort (n = 3762) of patients hospitalized for ACS, patients with LVEF ≥40% and beta-blockers at discharge were included. Patients who continued beta-blockers at 1 year were compared with those who discontinued beta-blockers within 12 months post-ACS using target trial emulation and inverse probability weighting over an additional 4-year follow-up. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of 4-year cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischaemic attack, unplanned coronary revascularization, or unstable angina hospitalization. Of 2077 patients, 1758 (85%) continued beta-blockers and 319 (15%) had discontinued beta-blockers at 1 year. The risk of the primary endpoint was similar in both groups [14.1 vs. 14.3% with beta-blocker discontinuation vs. continuation; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–1.34, P = 0.91]. Subgroup analysis suggested a higher risk of primary endpoint with beta-blocker discontinuation after STEMI [aHR = 1.46 (0.99–2.16)] compared with NSTEMI [aHR = 0.70 (0.40–1.22), Pinteraction = 0.033], whereas there was no interaction with LVEF (Pinteraction = 0.68).

Conclusion

Beta-blocker discontinuation within 12 months following ACS with LVEF ≥40% was not associated with an increased risk of MACE compared with long-term beta-blocker therapy. Subgroup analysis suggested potential risk in STEMI patients. Discontinuing beta-blockers 12 months after ACS appears safe in patients with LVEF ≥40%, particularly after NSTEMI.
StereoSiTE: a framework to spatially and quantitatively profile the cellular neighborhood organized iTME
Authors: Liu Xing , Qu Chi , Liu Chuandong , Zhu Na , Huang Huaqiang , Teng Fei , Huang Caili , Luo Bingying , Liu Xuanzhu , Xie Min , Xi Feng , Li Mei , Wu Liang , Li Yuxiang , Chen Ao , Xu Xun , Liao Sha , Zhang Jiajun
Published: October 2024

Background

Spatial transcriptome (ST) technologies are emerging as powerful tools for studying tumor biology. However, existing tools for analyzing ST data are limited, as they mainly rely on algorithms developed for single-cell RNA sequencing data and do not fully utilize the spatial information. While some algorithms have been developed for ST data, they are often designed for specific tasks, lacking a comprehensive analytical framework for leveraging spatial information.

Results

In this study, we present StereoSiTE, an analytical framework that combines open-source bioinformatics tools with custom algorithms to accurately infer the functional spatial cell interaction intensity (SCII) within the cellular neighborhood (CN) of interest. We applied StereoSiTE to decode ST datasets from xenograft models and found that the CN efficiently distinguished different cellular contexts, while the SCII analysis provided more precise insights into intercellular interactions by incorporating spatial information. By applying StereoSiTE to multiple samples, we successfully identified a CN region dominated by neutrophils, suggesting their potential role in remodeling the immune tumor microenvironment (iTME) after treatment. Moreover, the SCII analysis within the CN region revealed neutrophil-mediated communication, supported by pathway enrichment, transcription factor regulon activities, and protein–protein interactions.

Conclusions

StereoSiTE represents a promising framework for unraveling the mechanisms underlying treatment response within the iTME by leveraging CN-based tissue domain identification and SCII-inferred spatial intercellular interactions. The software is designed to be scalable, modular, and user-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of researchers.
Genomic dissection of Escherichia marmotae provides insights into diversity and pathogenic potential
Authors: Binsker Ulrike , Deneke Carlus , Hamid Hafiz Muhammad , Gadicherla Ashish K , Göhler André , Käsbohrer Annemarie , Hammerl Jens A
Published: October 2024

Anthropogenic activities enhance the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental habitats and drive the evolution and inter-niche transmission of bacteria. Clear identification of emerging bacteria and pathogen control is therefore a public health priority. In 2015, the novel Escherichia species Escherichia marmotae was assigned, but due to the lack of appropriate detection and typing technologies, the One Health impact of this species is still being unraveled. E. marmotae represents a missing link in the impact of Escherichia spp. Here, we report 25 E. marmotae identified by next-generation sequencing that were previously phenotypically characterized as Escherichia coli during national zoonosis monitoring of food-producing animals. Applying fastANI to 153 738 published Escherichia spp. genome assemblies, we identified further 124 E. marmotae, originally classified as E. coli. Phylogenomics of all 149 isolates reveals an undefined population structure that is independent of the ecological niche. We highlight the phenotypic, genomic, and plasmid diversity of E. marmotae and provide evidence for gene flow across the species. The latter is illustrated by the acquisition of antibiotic resistance plasmids and pathogenicity islands, such as the type III secretion system. Thus, our comprehensive genomic overview of an emerging potential opportunistic pathogen underlines the importance of improved detection and characterization.