bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Osmosis-Driven Thermodynamically Coupled Processes: Mechanistic Insights into Oil Recovery from Core-Scale Experiments
Authors: Takeda M. , Manaka M. , Goto A.
Published: April 2024

Chemical osmosis-driven oil migration is a viable mechanism for improved oil recovery (IOR) obtained by low-salinity water flooding (LSFW) in various reservoirs, including shale, sandstone, and carbonate rocks. Chemical osmosis generates a driving force on crude oil trapped alongside connate high-salinity water (HSW) in hydraulically stagnant zones that are not directly accessible by injected low-salinity water (LSW). However, the extent to which chemical osmosis contributes to oil recovery remains unclear. This uncertainty arises partly due to the limited experimental evidence directly demonstrating chemical osmosis-driven oil migration in actual rocks and mainly because the underlying processes have not been comprehensively clarified. This study re-examines the thermodynamically coupled processes involved in chemical osmosis-driven oil migration at the pore scale. Building on the underlying mechanisms, previous studies indicating osmotic effects were reviewed to gain mechanistic insights. These studies specify the necessary factors enabling chemical osmosis-driven oil recovery in LSWF: leaky semipermeability, permeability gap, and hydraulic dead-end boundary. With these factors, chemical osmosis via pores with membrane effects generates effective osmotic pressure and volumetric increase in HSW, driving oil migration through pores with less or no membrane effects from hydraulically stagnant to conductive zones. These thermodynamically coupled processes continue in a dynamic equilibrium state until the salinity difference eventually vanishes between the hydraulically stagnant and conductive zones. Therefore, chemical osmosis-driven oil recovery lasts long and progresses into a hydraulically stagnant zone at the scales of pores, pore networks, and rocks. "Effective" osmotic pressure acts on HSW as a driving force and breakthrough pressure to counteract the viscous and capillary forces working on the oil to migrate. However, the magnitude of the effective osmotic pressure is subtle or non-detectable in rocks with large pores, causing chemical osmosis-driven oil migration to resemble static oil displacement, seemingly caused by the volume increase of the HSW and/or oil phase, as observed in microfluidic pore models.
Novel Thermal Stimuli-Responsive Surfactants to Reduce Operation Costs for Chemical Flooding
Authors: Xu L. M. , Huang T. P. , Alotaibi M. , Boqmi A.
Published: April 2024

Demulsification of produced fluids in chemical flooding is a costive treatment due to the stable emulsion in the presence of injected surfactants. The objective of this study is to develop unique thermal stimuli-responsive surfactant, which reduces interfacial tension (IFT) at high temperature in reservoir for improving oil production and loses effectiveness when temperature decreases to easily break the produced emulsion at low temperature in surface to reduce operation costs. The surfactant formulation was developed by mixing two different surfactants and one has thermal stimuli-responsive group. Compatibility, IFT and particle size measurements were conducted at different temperatures from 90°C to 25°C representing the temperatures from reservoir to surface. Compatibility was performed using Stability Analyzer by recording transmission light intensity. IFT was tested by spinning drop tensiometer. The measurement kept going until the equilibrium IFT was reached. Particle size was obtained using dynamic light scattering instrument. Emulsion was prepared by homogenizer and evaluated by Stability Analyzer. The developed surfactant formulation present unique interfacial properties: high oil/water IFT at low temperature in surface while ultra-low oil/water IFT at high temperature in reservoir. IFT was 10−1mN/m at 25°C and 40°C. The value decreased to 10−3 mN/m when temperature increased to 80°C and 90°C which indicated the synergistic effect between the mixing surfactants at high temperature. This suggests that the formulation has thermal stimuli-responsiveness, which is due to the molecular structure change with the temperature. Other surfactants with similar structures can also be used to develop thermal stimuli-responsive surfactants (TRS). Emulsions using TRS and another surfactant formulation which has low IFT at 25°C were prepared. Results show that the emulsions with TSR separated much faster. These results demonstrate that TRS has good potential for improving oil production in high temperature reservoir due to ultra-low IFT, and the high IFT value at low temperature is beneficial for produced fluids treatment. This work developed thermal stimuli-responsive surfactants by mixing two different surfactants to enhance oil production and to reduce cost for demulsifying produced fluids at surface in chemical flooding operation.
Subsurface Waterflood Management Improvement: The Art of Reservoir Connectivity Characterization
Authors: Setiyawan Hanif , Evelyn Katerina , Hisan Rizaq Faidul , Fardiansyah Iqbal
Published: April 2024

Developing subsurface waterflood management strategy at mature field and complex stratigraphic trough advance and integrated analysis of various subsurface discipline is very critical to characterize reservoir connectivity to improved oil recovery. This paper focus on technical analysis of defining the vertical and lateral connectivity practically applied for injector-producer well alignment. Detailed study has been done as efficient approach to evaluate waterflood connectivity performance in complex compartmentalized reservoir.

Advance and integration of analysis of all subsurface discipline aspect as a foundation of static and dynamic studies trough stratigraphy interpretation, seismic wave propagation, log shape clustering analysis, pair analysis of linked injector-producer, spinner surveillance analysis, and CRM (capacitance resistance modelling). Combine all those analyses to fill the gap of each method and validate with pressure analysis and production data is key to reduce uncertainty. Integration of these analysis provides better understanding of injection–production relationship, water cycling well, water breakthrough impacts and unoptimized production reservoir. The recommendation was used to lead further injection–production alignment strategy.

Waterflood management has successfully implemented and is able to put more injections at the right place, right amount and right time. Workovers and well intervention program are executed as plan in both injector and producer wells and successfully delivered additional oil gain impact to 50% of total production. A significant additional reserve has been achieved through this new workflow implementation. The other benefit from this effort was creating additional fluid space at the current constrained surface facility that allow to execute delayed workovers. A better understanding reservoir connectivity has improved workover success rate from 67% to 95%. In overall, this initiative has successfully managed Alpha field annualized decline from 41% to 28%.

This methodology and workflow can be applied to other waterflood fields that have similar conditions. Integrating subsurface assessment, surveillance, and engineering data has proven to improve the performance and recovery of the Alpha field. The extensive application of reservoir connectivity appears to be an important tool to economically extend the life of this mature field, achieve high recovery, and maintain production decline. Diligent and creative integrated subsurface and engineering analysis can provide an excellent optimization strategy for mature waterflood fields. The project team was able to exploit the upside potential to increase the oil field performance through the implementation of this integrated methodology.
First Nanoparticle-Based EOR Project in Japan : Field Pilot Test
Authors: Kumasaka J. , Kaito Y. , Goto A. , Ito D. , Kitagawa H. , Nogami T. , Murakami S.
Published: April 2024

Nanoparticle-based enhanced oil recovery (Nano-EOR) is an improved waterflooding assisted by nanoparticles dispersed in injection water (nanofluid). Although Nano-EOR has been revealed to become a promising technique from many laboratory experiments, field applications are still limited. This paper discusses the first Nano-EOR field pilot tests for the Sarukawa oil field in Japan. The field pilot tests were divided into two stages: short-term injection test and long-term inter-well test. The short-term injection test was performed mainly to investigate the effects of nanofluid on the well injectivity. Nanofluid was injected into an existing water injection line by an air-driven liquid pump at a concentration of 0.5 wt. % which was optimized in the series of our study. The result of the short-term injection test showed that the nanoparticles used in this study can be injected into the target formation without any damage when the concentration is properly controlled. For the long-term inter-well test, 0.5 wt. % nanofluid was injected into the injection well for two months to validate the increase in oil production. The production behavior was monitored frequently and compared to the reference decline curve. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis of the production fluid was also performed to detect the breakthrough of the injected nanoparticles. Although nanoparticles were not detected in the producer well, the oil production rate showed a positive deviation from the estimated baseline decline curve, suggesting an increase in oil production due to the nanoparticles injected from the injector. This paper has made a comprehensive discussion and summary of the challenges based on the current status of the long-term inter-well test. This study established a simple pilot scheme for Nano-EOR and this will contribute to the upcoming Nano-EOR projects.
Lesson Learned from Multiple Field Implementations of Foam EOR Technology in Conventional and Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Singh Robin , Katiyar Amit , Hassanzadeh Armin , Akhade Pramod , Crosley Matt , Groothuis Erik , Rozowski Pete , Nguyen Quoc
Published: April 2024

The goal of this paper is to share valuable insights gained from five field implementations of foam as gas-conformance and/or gas-containment solution. These trials encompass both CO2-foam and hydrocarbon-foam in various reservoir types, including conventional carbonate, conventional sandstone, and fractured-propped tight sandstone reservoirs with varying reservoir characteristics. A systematic EOR pilot design workflow is proposed to drive the foam technology from the conceptual stage to full-field commercial implementation. Critical aspects such as reservoir and well selection, surfactant chemistry selection, reservoir data analysis, and the experimental and modeling workflow for the optimal injection strategy, along with effective management of pilot operations, are discussed. A workflow for screening optimal surfactant formulation tailored specifically for the target field that meets the technical KPIs is shared. The key nuances of selecting water-soluble vs gas-soluble surfactant chemistries for in-situ foaming is discussed. Specific examples of operational challenges encountered during implementation of these projects are also discussed. Additionally, we shared best practices for foam field implementation to increase the likelihood of successful foam pilot trials. Foam as a gas mobility control solution has been tested theoretically, experimentally and in the field for over three decades. This paper distills the technical advancements and deployment strategies needed for commercial adoption of this solution. Such advancements would be critical for the oil and gas industry's energy transition journey by enabling efficient greenhouse gas injection projects.
Mitigating Torque and Drag Challenges in Extended-Reach Drilling through Well Engineering Solutions
Authors: Sipi A. , Hamdi Z. , Aman M. , Bataee M. , Hassan A.M.
Published: April 2024

Torque and drag (T&D) are major mechanical considerations that dictate the success of extended-reach drilling (ERD) operations. As drilling technology continues to push the limits of horizontal reach, understanding and managing T&D becomes increasingly critical to well delivery. This study presents an integrated approach to T&D optimization through well modeling and engineering solutions, demonstrated through three ERD case studies offshore Peninsular Malaysia.

For each case study well, the design objectives, inherent T&D challenges posed by the extended well geometry, and drilling parameters were assessed. T&D modeling was conducted to simulate downhole conditions and identify potential mechanical limitations. Well A targeted a highly deviated open-hole section exceeding 3,200m measured depth with constrained surface equipment. Modeling showed that backreaming torque could exceed drill pipe ratings. Well B required cementing long open-hole intervals while maintaining low side forces to prevent casing wear. Simulated rotating and backreaming torques exceeded rig limits. Well C involved a tangent sidetrack and encountered high stress loads on the drill pipe.

To address the challenges, integrated well engineering solutions were evaluated for each well. For Well A, drill string torque reducers were incorporated to dampen stick-slip and reduce friction-induced torque. In Well B, utilizing a pseudo-catenary build mechanism optimized the well path gradients to lower side forces. Finally, Well C employed a tapered drill string design to satisfy stress criteria. Post-drill comparisons between modeled and actual downhole data validated the effectiveness of the implemented solutions in optimizing T&D.

The findings provide lessons on integrated well modeling and customized engineering solutions for efficient ERD project delivery. Through rigorous upfront planning and identification of well-specific challenges, appropriate solutions can be designed to safely expand drilling operational envelopes while controlling costs. Future work aims to broaden solution applications and further optimize integrated well construction management.
Surfactant Retention Analysis for CEOR Flooding at the Mature Oilfield
Authors: Adakhovskiy D. S. , Koryakin F. A. , Sidorovskaya E. A. , Turnaeva E. A. , Milchakov S. V. , Tretyakov N. Y. , Koltsov I. N.
Published: April 2024

Enhanced oil recovery at the mature oilfields can be achieved by chemical flooding with use of surfactants on surfactant-polymer (SP) or alkali-surfactant-polymer technology [1], [2].

A surfactant as part of a flooding composition allows you to change the wettability of the rock, reduce interfacial tension, increase the capillary number, and form an oil emulsion which provides a significant increase in the efficiency of oil displacement [3]. The polymer included in the oil-displacing composition increases its viscosity and allows the displacement front aligning by improving the ratio of the mobilities of the oil and water phases [4], [5].

The design of chemical flooding is carried out considering the geological and physical characteristics of the formation and the composition of formation fluids. When choosing an oil-displacing composition for a specific field, it is important to reliably assess the effectiveness of chemical flooding and predict a possible increase in oil recovery. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of SP flooding options by combining comprehensive laboratory studies and hydrodynamic modeling based on them.
The prevalence and moderating factors of sleep disturbances in people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Suonaa , Oh Jae Won , Park Kyung Mee , Ahn Jin Young , Lee San , Lee Eun
Published: April 2024

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-reported sleep disturbances in people living with HIV considering the effects of age, depression, anxiety, CD4 cell counts, time since HIV diagnosis, study region, and the instruments used to measure sleep disturbances. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE to include eligible articles. In this meta-analysis of 43 studies, the pooled prevalence of self-reported sleep disturbances was 52.29% (95% confidence interval = 47.69–56.87). The subgroup analyses revealed that variations in the sleep measurements and study region significantly contributed to the observed heterogeneity. In the meta-regression analyses, higher proportions of participants with depression or anxiety and longer times since HIV diagnosis were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of self-reported sleep disturbances after adjusting for mean age. Our findings emphasise the substantial burden of sleep disturbances in people living with HIV and identified comorbid depression and anxiety and the time since HIV diagnosis as significant moderators. These results underscore the importance of considering these factors when designing tailored screening programmes for high-risk patients and implementing early interventions to prevent and mitigate sleep disturbances in people living with HIV.
Plasmodium falciparum infections and Soil Transmitted helminthes correlates with Anemia in Pregnancy: Cross-Sectional Study in Kwale County, Kenya
Authors: Nyamu Gibson Waweru , Kaplich Raphael Tuitoek , Odhiambo Frendrick , King'oo Jacintah Mueni , Nyarambe Ronald Wigina
Published: April 2024

Background
Prevalence of Anemia in Pregnancy (AiP) in Kenya ranges from 40.6–69.1%. We estimated the prevalence of AiP and correlated Plasmodium falciparum infections and Soil transmitted Helminthes (STHs) infections among the predictors AiP among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) visits.
Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending ANC at Msambweni Hospital, between January and March 2024. Data was collected and analyzed in Epi Info 7. Descriptive statistics were calculated and we compared pregnant women with AiP with those without the condition. Crude Odds Ratios (COR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to identify factors associated with AiP.
Results
A total of 396 pregnant women were included in the study. The mean age was 27.4 years ± 6.5 years. Proportion of anemia was reported in 201 (50.76%) participants, and the mean Hb was 10.87 mg/dl (± 1.46 mg/dl); 108 (53.73%). The malaria positivity rate among them was 13.38% (53/396), and for STHs was 24/396 (6.06%) (95% CI; 4.11–8.86). Pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum infections were 2.5 times more likely to experience anemia compared to those without malaria parasites (COR; 2.5, 95% CI: 1.35–4.71). Pregnant women residing in rural areas were 4.1 times more likely to have anemia than those living in urban areas (COR; 4.1, 95% CI: 2.64–6.39). Furthermore, pregnant women with STH infections were 1.7 times more likely to experience anemia compared to those without STH infections (COR; 1.7, 95% CI: 0.71–3.90).
Conclusion
The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women attending Msambweni County Referral Hospital remains high, associated with Plasmodium falciparum infections, STH infections, and women residing rural areas. Tailored interventions measures should be put in place to reverse the trend.
Research on an Adaptive Machine Tool System for Three-Axis Vertical Electrochemical Machining Based on CPS
Authors: ZHANG Yujie , FANG Yadong , ZHANG Chuanyun
Published: April 2024

Traditional electrochemical machining systems rely on sensors and control systems to achieve automated control. However, the process still requires human supervision, and the system cannot adapt to changes based on on-site conditions. This article proposes and designs a digital electrochemical machining system based on CPS theory. The system utilizes a combination of simulation models and control systems to achieve simulation before, adaptive control during machining, and data tracing after machining. Compared to traditional control methods, this system can better control the machining current's stability, improving machining quality and efficiency. Finally, this article conducted relevant experiments, and the experimental results showed that the expected goals were met.
The presence of a robot in a close relationship reduces the hormonal changes associated with pain in a laboratory setting
Authors: Nakae Aya , Chang Wei-Chuan , Kishimoto Chie , Bu-Omer Hani M. , Onishi Yuya , Sumioka Hidenobu , Shiomi Masahiro
Published: April 2024

Human resources for healthcare management gradually fail to meet the demands because of an aging population. Pain is one of the most unpleasant sensations, and chronic pain is particularly difficult to manage. Loneliness is one of the key factors that worsens pain symptoms. Communication robots are used for smooth human communication. This study aimed to investigate whether communication robots would alter human pain perception via hormonal changes. Nineteen healthy participants experienced experimental pain before and after communicating with a robot named Moffly. Blood samples were collected to assess the hormonal levels. Pain was evaluated using the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale. Furthermore, the participants’ mood and mental status were assessed by several questionnaires, including the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Subjective pain evaluation by the Visual Analogue Scale and the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire showed a significant decrease in pain in the robotic-communication condition than that in the control condition, accompanied by changes in the patterns of growth hormone, oxytocin, and estrogen. Depression and anxiety scores questionnaires also showed significant improvement after the experiment compared to before starting the experiment. The communication robots altered the participants’ pain perception, accompanied by changes in the growth hormone, oxytocin, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, estrogen, and cortisol. Depression and anxiety improved after the intervention. This finding may reflect that not only humans but also robots can relieve human pain by suppressing factors that would exert a negative effect on pain perception, such as loneliness. Robots may be able to take over human functions, especially in the area of time-consuming cognitive behavioral therapy.
Esophageal Ganglioneuromatosis; A rare cause of intractable esophageal stenosis: A Case report
Authors: Zain Mostafa , Abdelmalak Mohamed , Waheeb Saber , Mansy Mohamed , Ibrahim Amir , Sabaa Bassma El
Published: April 2024

Background Ganglioneuromatosis is a rare type of benign neurogenic tumor that usually affects the sites of the major sympathetic ganglia in the retroperitoneum and the posterior mediastinum. Affection of the gastrointestinal tract is rare, and involvement of the esophagus is exceptional. To the best of our knowledge, only 4 cases of esophageal ganglioneuromatosis in adults were reported in the literature. No cases have been reported in the pediatric age group.Case presentation: An 11-year-old boy presented with dysphagia due to severe esophageal stenosis caused by esophageal ganglioneuromatosis.Conclusions: Despite its rarity, the present case implies that ganglioneuromatosis should be considered in children with idiopathic esophageal stenosis.
Spatiotemporal Patterns and Convergence Analysis of Green Agricultural Development: A Case Study of Xinjiang in China
Authors: Xia Wenhao , Ma Yiguang , Gao Yajing , Huo Yu
Published: April 2024

Under the dual historical responsibility of the double carbon target and the rural revitalisation strategy, effectively improving green agricultural development level in Xinjiang is an important means to break the dilemma of inclusive agricultural economic growth under the complex environmental regulations in the western region nowadays. Based on the panel data of Xinjiang from 2007 to 2019, this paper incorporates agricultural carbon emissions and agricultural non-point source pollution into the same framework. The SBM-Global-Malmquist-Luenberger(GML) productivity index including directional distance function is used to measure the agricultural green total factor productivity(AGTFP) in various regions of Xinjiang, and then the Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition and kernel density estimation are used to investigate the regional differences and dynamic evolution of agricultural green development level in Xinjiang. Finally, the classical and spatial β-convergence models are used to analyze the convergence characteristics and influencing factors of agricultural green development level in Xinjiang. The study found that: AGTFP in Xinjiang showed a "wave-like" development during the sample period, with an overall growth trend; There are significant non-equilibrium characteristics of AGTFP in the sample period, and the agglomeration phenomenon of AGTFP gradually strengthens over time; The overall variation in AGTFP shows a fluctuating upward trend, with intra-regional variation being greater in northern than in southern and eastern Xinjiang, and inter-regional variation making the highest contribution to the overall variation; Inter-regional differences AGTFP have gradually widened and are multi-polar. Polarisation has increased in the northern and southern Xinjiang regions, and the gap has decreased in the eastern Xinjiang region; There is significant absolute β convergence and conditional β convergence of AGTFP during the sample period, and the rate of conditional β convergence is significantly higher than that of absolute β convergence, and the inclusion of spatial factors further increases the rate of convergence. There is still much room for improvement in the level of green agricultural development in Xinjiang. We should speed up green agricultural technology innovation and improve AGTFP; formulate green agricultural development policies according to local conditions; pay attention to the convergence effect and promote coordinated growth in AGTFP in regional agriculture.
Modeling of Genetic Algorithm Tuned Adaptive Fuzzy Fractional Order PID Speed Control of PMSM for Electric Vehicle
Authors: sime Tolcha Lemma , Aluvada Prashant , Habtamu Solomon , Tolosa Zewde
Published: April 2024

This study presents a novel approach to enhance the speed control performance of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) drives in Electric Vehicles (EVs) through the implementation of a Genetic Algorithm (GA)-optimized Adaptive Fuzzy Fractional Order Proportional Integral Derivative (GA-AFFOPID) controller. PMSM technology, known for its efficiency, compactness, reliability, and versatility in motion control applications, is increasingly adopted in EV drive systems. However, the inherent non-linearity, dynamics, and uncertainties of PMSMs pose significant control challenges. The proposed GA-AFFOPID controller, tuned using a genetic algorithm, exhibits superior system dynamics, precise speed tracking, and robustness against parameter variations and sudden load disturbances. Comparative analysis with traditional control methods demonstrates the exceptional performance of the GA-AFFOPID controller, achieving a 1.796% lower overshoot, 0.97% faster rise time, 4.25% lower steady-state error, and 0.35% faster settling time compared to the adaptive fuzzy fractional order PID controller. These results highlight the significant performance improvements facilitated by the genetic algorithm optimization technique in enhancing the control performance of the adaptive fuzzy fractional order PID controller in PMSM drives for electric vehicle applications, paving the way for improved energy efficiency and overall performance of electric vehicle propulsion systems.
Surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted percutaneous fixation for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Ye Zhi-Yuan , Bai Jin-Yu , Ye Zhi-Min , Zhao Xu-Shen , Song Fang-Long , Zhou Zhen-Tao , Shan Bing-Chen , Zhou Xiao-Zhong
Published: April 2024

Background: Spinal fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) mainly present as instability, involving all three columns of the spine, and surgical intervention is often considered necessary. However, in AS patients, the significant alterations in bony structure and anatomy result in a lack of identifiable landmarks, which increases the difficulty of pedicle screw implantation. Therefore, we present the clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted percutaneous fixation for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with AS.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on a series of 12 patients diagnosed with AS. All patients sustained thoracolumbar fractures between October 2018 and October 2022 and underwent posterior robotic-assisted percutaneous fixation procedures. Outcomes of interest included operative time, intra-operative blood loss, complications, duration of hospital stay and fracture union. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). To investigate the achieved operative correction, pre- and postoperative radiographs in the lateral plane were analyzed by measuring the Cobb angle.
Results: The 12 patients had a mean age of 62.8±13.0 years and a mean follow-up duration of 32.7±18.9 months. Mean hospital stay duration was 15±8.0 days. The mean operative time was 119.6±32.2 min, and the median blood loss was 50 (50, 250) ml. The VAS value improved from 6.8±0.9 preoperatively to 1.3±1.0 at the final follow-up (P<0.05). The ODI value improved from 83.6±6.1% preoperatively to 11.8±6.6% at the latest follow-up (P<0.05). The average Cobb angle changed from 15.2±11.0 pre-operatively to 8.3±7.1 at final follow-up (P<0.05). Bone healing was consistently achieved. Of the 108 screws implanted, 2 (1.9%) were improperly positioned. One patient experienced delayed nerve injury after the operation, but the nerve function returned to normal upon discharge.
Conclusion: Posterior robotic-assisted percutaneous internal fixation can be used as an ideal surgical treatment for thoracolumbar fractures in AS patients. However, while robot-assisted pedicle screw placement can enhance the accuracy of pedicle screw insertion, it should not be relied upon solely.
Emerging threat of Partial Artemisinin Resistance Markers in P. falciparum Parasite Populations in multiple geographical locations in high Transmission Regions of Uganda
Authors: Agaba Bosco B. , Travis Jye , Smith David , Rugera Simon P. , Zalwango Maria G. , Katureebe Charles , Mpirirwe Ruth , Bakary Dembo , Antonio Martin , Khalid Beshir , Ngozi Joseph , Kamya Moses R. , Kaleebu Pontiano , Piot Peter , Cheng Qin
Published: April 2024

Background: Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) is the only recommended treatment option for uncomplicated malaria, however the emergency and spread of partial artemisinin resistance threatens their effectiveness for malaria treatment in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of malaria is highest. Early detection and reporting of validated P. falciparum Kelch 13 (PfK13) mutation markers is useful for tracking the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance to inform containment.
Methods: Genomic surveillance was conducted at 50 sites across four regions of Uganda in Karamoja, Lango, Acholi and West Nile from June 2021 to August 2023 for assessing prevalence of pfhrp2/3 deletions and pfk13 mutations. Symptomatic malaria suspected patients were recruited and screened for presence of parasites. Out of 563 available dried blood spots (DBS), a random subset of 240 P. falciparum mono-infections, confirmed by a conventional multiplex PCR, were selected and used for detecting mutations in the propeller region of the pfk13 gene by Sanger sequencing using Big Dye Terminator method. Regional variations in the proportions of PfK13 mutations were assessed using the chi square or Fisher’s exact tests while Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare absolute parasite DNA levels between wild type and mutants parasites.
Results: Overall, 238/240 samples (99.2%) contained sufficient DNA and were successfully sequenced. Three mutations were identified within the sequenced samples; PfK13 C469Y in 32/238 (13.5%) samples, PfK13 A675V in 14/238 (5.9%) and PfK13 S522C in (1/238 (0.42%) samples across the four surveyed regions. The prevalence of PfK13 C469Y mutation was significantly higher in Karamoja region (23.3%) compared to other regions, P=0.007. Majority of parasite isolates circulating in West Nile are of wild type (100%), P=0.002. Relative parasite DNA quantity did not differ in samples carrying the wild type, C469Y and A675V alleles (Kruskal-Wallis test, p=0.6373).
Conclusion: The prevalence of validated markers of artemisinin resistance PfK13 A675V and PfK13 C469Y in multiple geographical locations in this high transmission setting provides additional evidence for the emerging threat of artemisinin resistance in Uganda. In view of these findings, country-specific artemisinin resistance management strategy should be developed including periodic genomic surveillance to detect and monitor levels of PfK13 mutations in other regions in parallel with in-vivo therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) to assess potential implication on delayed parasite clearance and associated treatment failure in this setting.
SARS-CoV-2 Phylointeractomics Reveal Functional Evolution of Its Variants Across Susceptible Human Organs
Authors: Li Xu , Wu Peihan , Bao Danqi , Guo Zhihao , Jiang Hua , Sui Yue , Bian Weixiang , Wang Shuai , Zhang Fa , Wu Jianbo , Zhu Yunkai , He Jiaying , Jiang Weiyu , Deng Xiya , Zheng Tingting , Zhang Rong , Wang Peihui , Wang Qiao
Published: April 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mainly infects the tissues of the human respiratory, nervous, digestive and urinary systems. Here, we conducted an integrated study of the viral–host protein‒protein interactions between 29 wildtype SARS-CoV-2 proteins and 15 SARS-CoV-2 variant S proteins and human lung-, bronchus-, neuron-, liver- and kidney-derived cells, identified 745,163 viral–host protein‒protein interactions and established phylointeractomics of SARS-CoV-2 variants across susceptible human organs. We highlighted interacting proteins involved in the function evolution of viral proteins under different cellular contexts, and identified several as potential drug targets for treating related complications and sequalae. The results reveal how various viral proteins contribute to the infection, replication and immune evasion by interacting with general and cell type-specific host proteins.
Body mass index and stroke incidence at age 40 years in the Chinese population: an observational study
Authors: Bai Xinping , Cai Zhuo , Li Zifeng , Yao Mingren , Tan Xiaoxi , Chen Lin , Wang Youmeng
Published: April 2024

Objectives: To identify the interaction of stroke-related lifestyle behaviors and clinical indicators, overweight/obesity in stroke risk.
Methods This study was a large population-based study using multistage stratified random cluster sampling to investigate 3835 permanent residents aged over 40 in Fuyang, Anhui Province from June to November 2021. Baseline information was collected for all subjects. Non-parametric test and Chi-square test analysis were used to examine the relationship between these indicators and stroke, and then the interaction between BMI and stroke and the optimal cut-off value of BMI was determined by constructing multi-model multiple logistic regression.
Results Among 3835 subjects, 2379 (62.03%) were female. The overall prevalence of stroke patients in the study population was 3.10%, and the proportion of obese/overweight patients was 57.50%, with statistical significance between the two groups (χ2=-2.629, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 0.968, p = 0.000), dyslipidemia (OR = 0.653, p = 0.043), hypertension (OR = 0.381, p = 0.000) and BMI were independent risk factors for stroke. The three models showed a positive correlation between BMI and stroke. BMI=24.38 was the best cutoff for stroke occurrence, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.768 (95% CI: 0.713 to 0.824). The sensitivity was 85.3.0% and the specificity was 52.1%.
Conclusion Obesity is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. When BMI≥24kg/m2, BMI and other risk factors work together to increase the risk of stroke. Epidemiological studies of stroke and its risk factors can help develop strategies to prevent stroke.
Speeding up Photoacoustic Imaging using Diffusion Models
Authors: Loç İrem , Ünlü Mehmet Burçin
Published: April 2024

Photoacoustic Microscopy (PAM) integrates optical and acoustic imaging, offering enhanced penetration depth for detecting optical-absorbing components in tissues. Nonetheless, challenges arise in scanning large areas with high spatial resolution. With speed limitations imposed by laser pulse repetition rates, the potential role of computational methods is highlighted in accelerating PAM imaging. We propose a novel and highly adaptable algorithm named DiffPam that utilizes diffusion models to speed up the photoacoustic imaging process. We leveraged a diffusion model trained exclusively on natural images, comparing its performance with an in-domain trained U-Net model using a dataset focused on PAM images of mice brain microvasculature. Our findings indicate that DiffPam performs similarly to a dedicated U-Net model without needing a large dataset or training a deep learning model. We demonstrate that scanning can be performed 5x faster with limited information loss. We achieved a 24.70% increase in peak signal-to-noise ratio and a 27.54% increase in structural similarity index compared to the baseline bilinear interpolation method. The study also introduces the efficacy of shortened diffusion processes for reducing computing time without compromising accuracy. This study underscores the significance of DiffPam as a practical algorithm for reconstructing undersampled PAM images, particularly for researchers with limited artificial intelligence expertise and computational resources.
Device modeling of high performance and eco-friendly FAMASnI3 based perovskite solar cell
Authors: Alipour Alireza , Alipour Hossein
Published: April 2024

The development of environmentally friendly and highly efficient inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) poses a formidable challenge. The potential toxicity of absorbers and the pressing need to effectively passivate interlayers in hybrid organic-inorganic photovoltaics (PV) present major obstacles. To surmount these formidable challenges, we resorted to the SCAPS-1D and SILVACO ATLAS-2D device simulators to leverage theoretical design strategies that engender hysteresis-reduced, efficient, and stable PSCs that are grounded in composition and interface engineering. Further, we carried out optoelectronic characterization measurements to glean a better understanding of the physical mechanisms that govern the operation of the device. The device utilizes mixed-cation perovskites FAMASnI3 as the absorber layer and employs zinc oxide (ZnO) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) as a double electron transport layer (HTL). A double-hole transport layer (ETL) consists of nickel oxide (NiO) and copper iodide (CuI), ensuring a trap-free junction for hole collection and good contact. This inverted PSC structure, combined with the mentioned layers, achieved high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 24.27% and 23.50% in 1D and 2D simulations, respectively. This study effectively illustrates that composition and interface engineering enable eco-friendly perovskite solar cells, leading to improved performance and advancing clean energy.
QACDes: QoS-Aware Context-sensitive Design of Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Sidhanta Subhajit , Chokwitthaya Chanachok , Zhu Yimin , Mukhopadhyay Supratik
Published: April 2024

There is a lot of confusion and ambiguity regarding the quantification of the Quality of Service (QoS) * of a system, especially for cyber-physical systems (CPS) involved in automating or controlling the operations in built environments and critical urban infrastructures, such as office buildings, factories, transportation systems, smart cities, etc. In these cases, the QoS, as experienced by human users, depends on the context in which they (i.e., humans) interact with these systems. Traditionally, the QoS of a CPS has been defined in terms of absolute metrics. Such measures are unable to take into account the variations in performance due to contextual factors arising out of different kinds of human interactions. Further, the QoS of a CPS has typically been evaluated by comparing the performance of the actual, fully realized system with the given QoS constraints only after the actual system has been completely developed. In the case of faults in the design exposed by observed deviations from the QoS constraints due to unpredicted variations in the contextual factors, the system needs to be redesigned and redeveloped from scratch. Due to the above-mentioned reason, the validation approach associated with the traditional QoS makes the design of CPS systems prohibitively expensive, impractical, as well as infeasible in numerous application areas, such as civil and engineering works, since it may not be possible to modify the system once developed beyond a certain extent. To that end, we propose a context-aware definition of QoS of a CPS which facilitates the design of robust systems as elaborated below. In this paper, we define QoS as a function of contextual factors. A CPS designed according to our QoS specifications would always satisfy the QoS irrespective of any possible changes in contextual factors resulting from many different human interactions that may occur during operation of the system. We also present QACDes-a novel framework that provides a formal mechanism for validating the design of a CPS with respect to the specified QoS constraints at the design phase as well as after the realization of the actual system. QACDes can validate any given CPS, irrespective of its application domain, against a QoS guarantee: A) as early as even before the design phase by comparing the proposed model with a baseline model, or B) after the realization of the actual system based on logs collected from running the actual system. Using the automated lighting control system in a building † as a use case, we analyze and demonstrate the effectiveness of our QoS definition as well as the QACDes framework against the performance metric measured in an actual fully-realized CPS.
Surgical stress response and long-term survival in robot-assisted versus laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer: a propensity matched nationwide cohort study
Authors: Cuk Pedja , Rosen Andreas Weinberger , Mashkoor Maliha , Ellebaek Mark Bremholm , Gögenur Ismail
Published: April 2024

Purpose
This study investigates the potential correlation between the surgical stress response and long-term survival in patients undergoing treatment for colon cancer using either RAS (robot-assisted surgery) or LAS (laparoscopic surgery), and whether this correlation is influenced by the surgical approach. The primary objective was to assess the association between postoperative CRP response and recurrence-free survival in RAS compared to LAS. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality and time-to-recurrence.
Methods
This Danish nationwide cohort study included patients diagnosed with UICC stage I-III colon cancer who underwent either RAS or LAS between 2010 and 2018. We employed the Cox proportional regression model to analyze the time-to-event outcomes for both primary and secondary endpoints in patients exhibiting either a low postoperative CRP response (< 80 mg/L) or a high CRP response (CRP ≥ 80 mg/L).
Results
A total of 3,484 patients were included in the study, with 490 (14.1%) undergoing RAS and 2,994 (85.9%) undergoing LAS. The median follow-up time was 32.5 months (IQR = 21.0-48.7) for the RAS group and 35.4 months (IQR = 22.8-50.9) for the LAS group. In the RAS group, a lower CRP response (CRP < 80 mg/L) was not associated with improved recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.78, 95% CI [0.53-1.13], p = 0.184), all-cause mortality (HR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.46-1.26], p = 0.282), or time-to-recurrence (HR = 0.64, 95% CI [0.49-1.06], p = 0.079).
Conclusion
The postoperative CRP response was not significantly associated with improved long-term survival outcomes in patients undergoing RAS or LAS for UICC stage I-III colon cancer.
Description of Neorhizobium ytuae sp. nov., a non-symbiotic bacterium isolated from the deep-sea cold seep sediment of South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Binzhe , Zhou Dandan , Qiu Yulie , Li Xuepeng , Gao Yan , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2024

In this study, we reported a Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, flagellated, and aerobic bacterial strain named CSC1952T, which was isolated from the deep-sea cold seep sediment of South China Sea. Growth of strain CSC1952T occurred at 10–40°C (optimum, 30°C), pH 5.0–11.0 (optimum, 6.0–7.0) and with 0–5.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0–1.0%). Phylogenetic tree analysis based on 16S rRNA gene or genomic sequence indicated that strain CSC1952T belonged to the genus Neorhizobium and was closely related to Neorhizobium petrolearium SL-1T (97.35% sequence similarity), and Rhizobium deserti SPY-1T (97.28%). Genomic analysis indicated that strain CSC1952T contains a circular chromosome of 4,909,874 bp with G + C content of 62.8%. The polar lipids of CSC1952T include phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, unidentified aminolipid, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine; diphosphatidylglycerol; unidentified glycolipid; unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids of strain CSC1952T contained C16:0, C19:0 cyclo ω 8c, summed feature 2 and 8. In addition, none of the symbiotic and nitrogen-fixing genes were detected in the in the genomic of strain CSC1952T, indicating strain CSC1952T is a non-symbiotic bacterium. Phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and morphological analyses suggested that strain CSC1952T represents a novel genus and a novel species of the genus Neorhizobium, and the name Neorhizobium ytuae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CSC1952T (= MCCC 1K08370T = LMG 33224T).
The GenBank accession number of complete genome sequence of strain CSC1952T is CP128416
The 16S rRNA gene GenBank accession number of the strain CSC1952T is OP441406.
Effects of gender differences and lifestyle factors on depression among Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Liu Rong , LYU Qian , Liu Xinyue , Zou Yaru , Liu Jiaxiu , Yu Yanjie , Zhou Xinyu
Published: April 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the variations in the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Chinese children and adolescents with different lifestyles, including Internet use, breakfast, exercise, sleep and homework, and to further explore the impact of gender on the relationship between lifestyles and depressive symptoms.
Methods
The cross-sectional study recruited school-based students (8–18 years) throughout Chongqing, China. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) was utilized to assess depressive symptoms. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify the factors significantly contributing to the prevalence of depressive symptoms. The Analyses were stratified by gender.
Results
A total of 22,373 children and adolescents were recruited from February 2019 to December 2019, comprising 11,141 boys (49.80%) and 11,232 girls (50.20%). Among them, 2922 (13.06%) participants reported experiencing depressive symptoms, with a prevalence rate of 10.56% for boys and 15.54% for girls. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that spending more than 2 hours on the Internet, skipping breakfast, and spending more than 1.5 hours on homework were risk factors for depressive symptoms. Conversely, exercising for 3 to 5 hours and sleeping for 6 to 10 hours were protective factors of depressive symptoms. Notably, Internet use and exercise were gender-related predictors of depressive symptoms and were only significant in girls.
Conclusions
The insights gained from this study may assist in raising awareness among families and schools about the need to focus on the lifestyles of children and adolescents, particularly these gender-related lifestyle factors, when implementing preventive measures for depression.