bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolving Common Fracturing Issues Using Combined Perforation Imaging Diagnostics
Authors: Roberts Glyn
Published: September 2023

Plug failures, sub-optimal stage design and variable proppant distribution across multi-cluster stages are common issues experienced during plug and perforate hydraulic fracturing. When one or more of these problems occur production potential can be significantly reduced. This case study shows how an operator in the US succesfully applied state-of-the-art fracture diagnostic methods to identify, understand and address these problems and demonstrated improved performances for all three issues in the subsequent wells.

Selecting the right stage design is a crucial factor in the success of a fracturing operation. With three different designs being considered for use during a new development the operator used perforation erosion measurements on the initial well to evaluate how uniformly proppant was placed within each stage.

Data was acquired using a new diagnostic service combining array Ultrasound and array Video sensors. Previously considered as competing services, with users required to select one or the other, combining both technologies and simultaneously acquiring the data provided some clear benefits and improved understanding which are discussed in detail.

The combined technologies provided more comprehensive diagnostics than either sensor could deliver alone. Potential issues with missing data – due either to proppant-filled (plugged) perforations or poor optical clarity - were mitigated resulting in never before achieved levels of data completeness for both surveyed wells. This significantly improved statistical accuracy and provided unequivocal results. In the first well one of the three stage design options was clearly identified as providing better proppant distribution, with 27% higher uniformity than the second-best design. However significant low side perforation erosion was measured for all three designs and casing breaches were observed at some plug setting depths. This indicated the potential for further improvement on future wells, and a change in perforating charge type was recommended along with a review of the plug design and setting procedures. With these changes applied on the subsequent well, the expected improvements were duly delivered. This evolution of stage design was confirmed as providing the best result overall, and with a substantial improvement in uniformity than had been previously achieved in well 1. In conjunction, the revised plug setting procedures eliminated the issues at plug setting depths that had previously been witnessed.

The paper aims to provide anyone targeting improved well performance by using fracture diagnostics with up-to-date knowledge of perforation imaging methods. This will allow informed decisions to be made on how to best deploy the technologies. The case study demonstrates how these methods can be readily applied to identify and resolve common fracture treatment issues, with defining optimal stage design of particularly high value. Learnings can then be used field wide to improve proppant uniformity and ultimately production.
Analysis of Pressure Interference During Fracture Injection Tests and Stimulation Treatments
Authors: Rakkah A. M. , Abu Hassan M. A. , Altarteer H. A. , Albuaijan A. A. , Shaiban S. H.
Published: September 2023

Hydraulic fracturing in tight rocks is a prime strategy in unconventional resources. A key parameter to determine the success of a Frac job is the Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV), a volume of a network of induced hydraulic fractures and natural fractures. Due to the low-permeable, micro fracture dense nature of tight carbonate shale, induced fractures can continue propagating in natural fractures, bypassing a large volume of unstimulated rock. Natural fractures have a variety of effects on hydraulic fracturing, including the stimulated fracture pattern, leak off, and the transport of proppants, etc. because some natural fractures may be reactivated or crossed during the propagation of hydraulic fracture. Therefore, adequate well spacing is essential to maximize SRV with the lowest number of wells drilled. Pressure monitoring a stimulation treatment from adjacent wells in the same formation and other layers can be utilized to estimate fracture propagation behavior and SRV extension. This allows for optimum well placements and intervention operations scheduling. Pressure monitoring was done using downhole measuring gauges (DHMG) and surface gauges to monitor the pressure response during several fracturing operations, such as Diagnostic Fracture Injection Tests (DFIT) and hydraulic stimulation treatments. The gauges can be installed with direct communication with the rock (open perfs) and in sealed wellbores. Multiple horizontal wells at different spacing with toe sections in communication with the rock are used to measure the pressure response from a stimulation treatment in an adjacent well. The monitoring wells are landed in the same layer and other formations to test the fracture propagation path.
Increasing Production and Reserves Through Fracture Stimulation in Challenging, Multi-Zone, Vertical Well Completions
Authors: Boucher A. , Shaoul J. , Tkachuk I. , Spitzer W. , Ahmed T. , Khetib T.
Published: September 2023

The oilfield is scattered with wells that did not initially require fracture stimulation for economic production but could now benefit from hydraulic fracturing to improve well performance, increase reserves and accelerate production. Many of these wells are producing from multiple perforated intervals through completions with production tubing that were not designed for fracturing and cannot be worked over. This paper is a case study of a North African oil field producing from two Ordovician sands, one with a higher permeability (5 mD) and one with a much lower permeability (0.5 mD), where significant benefit was achieved by fracture stimulating one or both intervals in two wells, despite completion and operational limitations. The design of the fracture treatments and the methods used to try to achieve stimulation of the selected intervals are discussed in detail.

Pre-fracture well test, PLT and production history data were all used to history match the pre-frac production using reservoir simulation modeling, to determine which intervals were contributing and to estimate the kh of each interval. Fracture design models were made using these results and different scenarios were evaluated, including the possibilityto cover both intervals with a single fracture and the effect on fracture placement of different fracture initiation locations. Contingencies were developed based on these fracture design simulations to use degradable diverting materials and proppant plugs if needed. Post-fracture production, well test and PLT results were analyzed to determine the fracture properties, the connected kh and if all stimulation objectives were met.

In the first well, by-passing a high skin in the lower interval was the primary goal, but both intervals would benefit from fracture stimulation. The treatment had to be pumped down tubing and performed in a single operation. Temperature logging after the minifrac showed that both intervals were broken down and could be treated with a single large, propped fracture treatment, avoiding the use of mechanical diversion. In the second well, only the tighter upper interval was targeted, but a tubing completion with a slotted liner across the target interval made zonal isolation of the lower interval challenging. In both cases, results were above expectations and showed a stimulation of both the targeted intervals and an increase in the connected kh compared to log and well test data. This is common in fracturing of layered heterogeneous reservoirs, where a perforated completion does not contact all the potential thin pay layers.

This paper describes real-world success stories of fracturing with multiple intervals open through an existing completion that is not designed for fracturing. It highlights the potential for fracturing in many existing reservoirs to improve productivity, increase reserves and improve acceleration, without having to recomplete the well.
Pulsed Radio Wave as a Sustainable Control Technology to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Authors: UNDI G S N V K S N SWAMY , Sola Sreekanth , Kanniganti Radhica , Shinde Kiran , Balan Cheramangalath Ramya
Published: September 2023

The need for interior air purification systems has increased in response to the escalation of outside pollution levels. The maintenance of flexibility within the interior environment necessitates the implementation of a permanent air purification system, that can effectively regulate the levels of PM2.5 and 10 particles. In conjunction with conventional approaches to air purification, it is essential to prioritize the development of sophisticated control systems that can efficiently and durably mitigate particulate matter (PM) concentrations. The use of pulsed radio waves has the potential to accelerate the process of dry deposition for particles with aerodynamic dimensions that are less than 30 micrometers. The evaluation of the charging and coagulation processes is conducted in a controlled indoor setting. The experimental findings exhibit a similar trend to that seen in the Monte Carlo simulations. The characteristics of the charging environment led to an increase in charge dispersion, which improves the coagulation rate. The current study supports the experimental testing's findings that the filtering system performs as intended. The daily average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were lower in three indoor settings, according to research using control technology, by a range of 55% to 41%. The findings from research done throughout several seasons consistently show the efficacy of the technique in lowering PM2.5/10. The use of pulse radio wave technology has shown a reduction in PM concentrations by about 45 percent, thereby leading to the aforementioned result. The use of electromagnetic waves, often referred to as EM waves, for the purpose of mitigating air pollution, has been proposed as a novel and innovative strategy. When contemplating measures to mitigate air pollution, it is crucial to acknowledge the constraints of previously used tactics.
A broadly distributed new class of quorum sensing signals mediate bacterial intercellular signaling
Authors: Kumaraswami Muthiah , Huang Elaine , Do Hackwon , Makthal Nishanth , Aggarwal Shifu , Li Yanyan , Bapteste Eric , Lopez Philippe , Bernard Charles
Published: September 2023

The gram-positive bacteria use quorum sensing secreted peptides to communicate and control critical bacterial phenotypes. All the bacterial peptides are produced in a longer inactive form that is secreted and processed into shorter active peptides. Recently, we discovered a new class of bacterial peptide in human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes, a leaderless communication peptide (LCP), that is encoded as an 8 amino acid long active peptide without secretion signal sequence and processing sites. Nevertheless, LCP mediates intercellular communication and controls bacterial virulence. However, except for LCP from S. pyogenes, the occurrence of this unique class of intercellular signals in bacterial genomes and their contribution to bacterial biology remain unknown. Here, we report the widespread presence of LCPs among firmicutes encompassing broad taxonomic diversity and displaying diverse peptide communication codes. We further show that the newly identified LCPs act as bacterial intercellular signals and carry out gene regulation. Our results suggest that LCPs are more widespread than indicated by our study, and their characterization may uncover new signaling mechanisms and roles in coordinating diverse bacterial traits.
Early versus Late Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction in Triplet Pregnancies after In Vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Authors: Lu Shiya , Zhang Fangfang , Lin Xinfei , Zhang Yang , Liu Peihao , Qin Yingying
Published: September 2023

Background Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) has emerged as an important option to improve the obstetric outcomes in high-order multiple pregnancies (HOMPs, n ≥ 3). However, information regarding the optimal timing of MPR for triplet pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) is based on limited and contradictory data. Methods A retrospective cohort study including triplet pregnancies conceived by IVF/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was conducted in a reproductive center. According to the timing of MPR, participants who underwent MPR operations were divided into the early MPR group (MPR before 9 weeks) and late MPR group (MPR at 11–20 weeks). Spontaneous reduction (SR) occurred in part of the participants, therefore, the incidence of SR was calculated. The pregnancy outcomes as well as maternal and perinatal complications were compared among the groups. Result(s): The prevalence of spontaneous loss of at least one fetus was 38.3% in triplet pregnancies, of which 89.3% occurred before 12 weeks. The final sample sizes for the three groups were: early SR group (SR before 12 gestational weeks, n = 209), early MPR group (n = 131) and late MPR group (n = 107). Singletons born after early MPR had a higher mean birth weight than those in the late MPR group (3268 ± 516g vs. 2955 ± 626g, P = 0.010). Compared to late MPR, early MPR was associated with a higher risk of spontaneous fetal loss (14.5% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.020, OR:3.23) and postprocedural fetal loss (13.7% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.007, OR: 4.84). No significant difference was manifested in the pregnancy outcomes as well as maternal and perinatal complications between the early SR group and early MPR group. Conclusion Despite the comparable maternal and perinatal outcomes, early MPR increased the risks of spontaneous fetal loss and postprocedural fetal loss compared to late MPR. And the overall SR rate was 38.3%, with most of which occurred before 12 gestational weeks. Waiting for a late MPR for IVF triplet pregnancies might be a preferable choice.
Direct evaluation of J-Integrals by Gauss-Legendre quadrature in the Dual Boundary Element Method
Authors: Peixoto Rodrigo Guerra , Fonseca Beatriz Borges Faria
Published: September 2023

The Dual Boundary Element Method (DBEM) has successfully been applied to fracture mechanics problems for the last three decades. Restricting the approach to Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM), a fundamental task in a numerical analysis is the evaluation of stress intensity factors, which completely characterizes the mechanical behavior at the crack tip. The use of the J-Integral procedure for this purpose is particularly interesting in the DBEM context, once the strain and stress fields at any internal point can be evaluated accurately by specific boundary integral equations. Such a methodology requires the solution of an integral around an arbitrary path enclosing the crack tip and historically it has been done by some discretization procedure (in constant or higher-order elements) of the referred path. In this paper, however, it is shown, by an extensive number of tests, that no discretization is actually necessary for an accurate evaluation of J-Integrals in the DBEM. A direct integration by Gauss-Legendre quadrature is sufficient, which represents less time consuming in a numerical analysis, mainly for problems involving multiple cracks propagation. Moreover, an optimal integration points quantity is proposed.
Cellular Automata Based Simulators for the Design of Prescribed Fire Plans: the Case Study of Liguria, Italy
Authors: Perello Nicolò , Trucchia Andrea , Baghino Francesco , Asif Bushra Sanira , Palmieri Lola , Rebora Nicola , Fiorucci Paolo
Published: September 2023

Background
Socio-economic changes of the last decades have led to fuel buildup in Mediterranean forests. In the context of Climate Change, this situation has resulted in the formation of potential fire traps that could lead to catastrophic events. Several wildfire management systems have therefore started to use prescribed fires for land management and wildfire risk mitigation. Prescribed fires are prepared by designing a plan, where specific objectives are identified, prescriptions are checked, and scenarios are defined. In the plan definition phase, simulation models can provide an additional decision-support tool, allowing the different scenarios to be qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. We used the well-established wildfire simulation tool PROPAGATOR to identify potential areas of treatment and to assess different scenarios of hypothetical prescribed fires.
In the present work, we prepared the model for use in prescribed fires by changing the native space-time resolution to a finer scale. We selected a case study in the Liguria region, Italy, where the model is operationally used by the regional wildfire risk management system during emergencies.
Results
We first used the propagation model to simulate a wildfire event, to show the potentiality of the model as an emergency response tool. We selected the most important fire incident that occurred in the Liguria region in 2022. We then used PROPAGATOR to identify the optimal treatment areas to maximize wildfire risk mitigation effects and reduce the costs of treatment. In the identified areas, we used the model to simulate ignition scenarios in different weather conditions allowed by the regional regulation. The scenarios developed by the model made it possible to differentiate between situations that are under control and those that pose greater risks.
Conclusions
We showed how PROPAGATOR can provide quantitative and qualitative information that can be used in prescribed fire planning. Our methodology involved incorporating expert opinions throughout the process and providing scenarios based on this information. The possibility of evaluating different scenarios and having quantitative information helps make informed decisions, promoting safer and more efficient fire management practices.
Effects of progressive muscle relaxation combined with head-acupoint massage on postoperative symptom clusters in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Li-Zhen , Lai Cui-Wei , Xu Tai , Song Jun-Feng , Wen Shi-Qi , Zeng Yu-Ting , Zeng Dan-Na , Zhang Si-Ming , Lai Xiu-Hua
Published: September 2023

Purpose
We aimed to access the combined effect of progressive muscle relaxation and head-acupoint massage on postoperative symptom clusters among breast cancer patients.
Patients and methods:
In this preoperative, assessors-blinded, and two arms randomized controlled trial, we recruited 95 adult women who had undergone breast cancer surgery. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to intervention (received the combined treatments of progressive muscle relaxation in combination with head-acupoint massage) or placebo group (received routine care) using random permuted blocks of randomly varying size. The primary outcomes included sleep status (sleep quality, sleep efficiency, number of awakenings during the night) and a variety of symptoms (pain, upper limb weakness, fatigue, anxiety, poor appetite).
Results
In the period between the second or third day of starting to the seventh day of the intervention, patients in the intervention group (n = 46) were less affected by sleep disturbance, including having better quality and efficiency of sleeping but having a smaller number of nocturnal awakenings (all P < 0.05), compared with the control group (n = 49). They also had less common post-surgical symptoms, such as pain, upper limb weakness, fatigue, anxious and poor appetite in the same period (all P < 0.05). These relief of symptoms persisted in the first and third months of follow-ups after the intervention.
Conclusions
This trial shows that the progressive muscle relaxation in combination with head-acupoint massage may be beneficial to improve various symptom clusters of postoperative breast cancer patients.
Trial registration:
Chinese clinical trial registry (registration number ChiCTR2300069542, 20/03/2023).
Ethanol templated synthesis of microporous/mesoporous nano zinc oxide with multi-level structure and its outstanding photo-catalytic properties
Authors: Zhang Yucong , Luo Xuebo , Ma Lijie , Feng Linxin , Wu Yangchen , Qin Binbin , Ji Xiujie , Liu Chao
Published: September 2023

The microporous/mesoporous nano zinc oxide with a multi-level structure was successfully synthesized via using ethanol template. Ethanol not only improves the crystallinity of nano-ZnO, but also induce pore structure which provides more active sites for photocatalysis. The specific B.E.T surface area of the nano-ZnO sample is 28.05m2/g, the pore volume is 0.069cm3/g, and the surface is covered with 1-30nm deep pits. The nanostructured structures at higher levels are composed of 300 to 500nm nanosheets. Compared with hard templates and other surfactant soft templates, this method of using Ethanol as a template not only has the advantages of green, simple reprocessing, and low price, but also provides an idea for synthesizing other multi-stage structures.
Health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with Marfan syndrome or related disorders: a controlled cross-sectional study
Authors: Edouard Thomas , Picot Marie-Christine , Bajanca Fernanda , Huguet Helena , Guitarte Aitor , Langeois Maud , Chesneau Bertrand , Kien Philippe Khau Van , Garrigue Eric , Dulac Yves , Amedro Pascal
Published: September 2023

Background
This cross-sectional controlled study aims to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents with a molecular diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS) or related disorders and to evaluate the factors associated with HRQoL in this population. Sixty-three children with MFS and 124 age- and sex-matched healthy children were recruited. HRQoL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) generic questionnaire. The correlation between HRQoL scores and the different continuous parameters (age, body mass index, disease severity, systemic score, aortic sinus diameter, and aerobic physical capacity) was evaluated using Pearson’s or Spearman’s coefficient. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed on the two health summary self-reported PedsQL™ scores (physical and psychosocial) to identify the factors associated with HRQoL in the MFS group.
Results
Except for emotional functioning, all other domains of HRQoL (psychosocial and physical health, social and school functions) were significantly lower in children with MFS compared to matched healthy children. In the MFS group, the physical health summary score was significantly lower in female than in male patients (self-report, P = 0.04; proxy-report: P = 0.05) and also negatively correlated with the systemic score (self-report: P = 0.06; proxy-report: P = 0.03) and with the height Z-score (proxy-report: P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in the physical health summary scores between the different genetic subgroups. In the subgroup of 27 patients who performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test, self- and proxy-reported physical health summary scores were highly correlated with their aerobic physical capacity assessed by peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT). In the multivariate analysis, the most important independent predictors of decreased physical health were increased height, decreased body mass index, decreased VAT and use of prophylactic therapy.
Conclusions
This study reports an impaired HRQoL in children and adolescents with MFS or related conditions, in comparison with matched healthy children. Educational and rehabilitation programs must be developed and evaluated to improve exercise capacity and HRQoL in these patients.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03236571. Registered 28 July 2017, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03236571
Design of Mechanical Stirring Device with Ultrasonic-Alternating Electric Field Coupling Cycloidal Motion
Authors: He Lihua , Liu Yaolin , Wang Yuchen , Gao Xinyu , Ni Jing
Published: September 2023

In an effort to overcome the problem of ineffective cutting or broaching caused by the agglomeration phenomenon during the production of green nano-cutting fluids, a novel agitator was developed. This design employs the mathematical mechanism of ultrasonic-alternating electric field coupling cycloid motion to prepare a green nano-cutting fluid with improved dispersion uniformity. The non-uniform alternating electric field generated by the arc electrode is used to establish a coupled physical field with the ultrasonic field. Meanwhile, the motor-driven ultrasonic stirring rod’s cycloid motion stirring, in conjunction with the temperature control system, is utilized to facilitate the preparation of the cutting fluid. After that, the cutting fluid is used for broaching tests. The comparative analysis of the test results demonstrated that the utilization of the stirrer in the preparation of green nano-cutting fluid yields a significant reduction in broaching load during the broaching test, as compared to cutting fluids prepared using alternative methods.
Clinical Features, Therapy and Long-Term Outcomes of NUT Carcioma in China
Authors: Wu Xiaoxiao , Shen Na , Xue Liyan , Bian Zhimin
Published: September 2023

Background
NUT carcinoma is a rare, poorly differentiated tumor typically driven by a t(15;19) rearrangement leading to a NUT gene rearrangement event. This uniformly fatal tumor has promoted targeted therapy, yet the clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with NUT carcinoma and the efficacy of all treatment have not been systematically summarized. In order to better understanding the disease characteristic and treatments, correlate them with outcome, we have here compiled findings pertaining to a large population of such patients.
Methods
A clinical database from all know cases of NUT carcinoma was established. Pathologic, demographic, and survival data of 33 patients were analyzed by questionnaires, the largest cohort studied of NMC patients to data in China.
Results
Primary tumors sites included nasal cavity (n = 6), maxillary sinus (n = 5),tonsil (n = 1), thyroid (n = 1), lung (n = 16), mediastinum (n = 1), submandibular(n = 1), vulva(n = 1), external auditory canal༈n = 1༉. The patient age ranged from 2 to 69 years with the male/female ratio of 1.3/1,11 of them died, the media overall survival for those patients was 5.5 months. Multivariate analysis proved that the primary site NUT carcinoma was not related to the prognosis, alternative application of different chemotherapy regimen or combination of immunotherapy on the basis of chemotherapy can effectively control the tumor, and combination of radiotherapy on the basis of chemotherapy can benefit the survival of patients, which is the icing on the cake. Radical surgery can help keep the tumor in a stable state and even delay the recurrence of the tumor. Radical surgery combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy can benefit the survival of patients. Notably, NUT progresses quickly when therapy is terminated. Unfortunately, radiotherapy alone does not significantly improve outcome in China.
Conclusion
Breaking the traditional understanding that NUT carcinoma tends to occur in the midline, and not all originate from squamous cell carcinoma. The finding that conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been not sensitively. Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy or early surgical might improve overall survival.
Unraveling Cervical Cancer Screening Dilemmas: Histopathological Insights from VIA and LEEP at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza
Authors: Kaizilege Godfrey , Ndaboine Edgar , Chuma Clotilda , Mujuni Fridolin , Kiritta Richard , Matovelo Dismas , Ottoman Oscar , Elias Edrick , Masalu Nestory , Kidenya Benson R. , Mazigo Humphrey D.
Published: September 2023

Background:
The single-visit strategy, also known as the see-and-treat approach, is widely used to screen for cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries. The VIA approach leads to unnecessary or inadequate treatment. Thus, a study was conducted to determine the histopathological patterns of aceto-white lesions on visual inspection with acetic acid in patients who underwent a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) at Bugando Medical Centre between January 2016 and December 2020.
Method: A 5-year retrospective cohort case record review was conducted on 329 women who had LEEP at Bugando Medical Centre following a positive VIA cervical screening test. A standard data abstraction form was used to collect patient information. For statistical analysis, STATA version 15 was used; in descriptive statistics, frequency, mean, and standard deviation were used. The Chi2 and Fisher's exact tests were used to investigate the relationship between patient characteristics and histopathological patterns, and a P-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant in multinomial models.
Results: This study looked at 329 patients who had LEEP following a VIA positive but were not eligible for cryotherapy. Our study participants had a mean age of 40 + 8.2 SD. There were 203 (61.7%) patients with benign lesions, including 4 patients with schistosomiasis and 2 patients with cervical tuberculosis. The precancerous lesions were discovered in 100 cases (30.4%), and 26 (7.9%) already had invasive cervical cancer. Out of 100 patients with precancerous lesions, 58 (17.6%) and 42 (12.8%) have high- and low-grade squamous intraepithelial (HSIL and LSIL) lesions, respectively. The presence of a precancerous lesion was found to be associated with age 31–40 years (p-value 0.004) and HIV positivity (p-value 0.042).
Conclusion
The majority of patients in this study had benign cervical lesions, which do not require LEEP treatment. Nonetheless, a considerable percentage of invasive cervical malignancies and rare benign diseases such as schistosomiasis and cervical tuberculosis were identified. Patients with an aceto-white lesion on the VIA test in well-equipped tertiary hospitals such as Bugando Medical Centre should consider a colposcopic guided biopsy as an alternative to straight LEEP.
Visual Function Loss in Fungal Sphenoid Sinusitis: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes
Authors: Chen Fei , Shao Yonghui , Huang Qian , Chen Yue , Yang Bentao , Jiang Libin
Published: September 2023

Potentially fatal fungal sphenoid sinusitis (FSS) causes visual damage. However, few studies have reported on its visual impairment and prognosis. Five hundred and eleven FSS patients with visual disturbance treated at Beijing Tongren Hospital were recruited and clinical features and visual outcomes were determined. Thirty-two of the 511 patients (6%) had visual disturbance, with 13 and 19 patients having invasive and noninvasive FSS, respectively. Twenty patients (62.5%) had immunosuppression, of whom 18(56.25%) had diabetes. All patients had visual impairment, which was more severe in invasive FSS than that in noninvasive FSS. Bony wall defects and sclerosis were observed in 19 patients (59.38%), and 11 patients (34.38%) had microcalcification in their sphenoid sinusitis on computed tomography (CT). After a 5-year follow-up period, three patients (9.38%) died. Patients with noninvasive FSS had a higher improvement rate in visual acuity than their counterparts. In the multivariate analysis, sphenoid sinus wall sclerosis on CT was associated with better visual prognosis. FSS could cause vision loss with persistent headaches in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with diabetes. CT showed the sphenoid sinus wall sclerosis, indicating a better visual prognosis in FSS with visual disturbance.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict peristomal dermatitis for patients who underwent ileostomy
Authors: Luo Rui , Kuang Yingyi , Hu Yiming , He Dandan , Yao Qiuqiong , Zhao Jie , Chen Guiting , Li Rongjie , Qin Rongchang , Ye Xinmei , Li Min
Published: September 2023

Background
The incidence of ostomy procedures in China is on the rise, with an estimated annual count of around 100,000. Peristomal dermatitis, a prevalent and consequential complication, manifests as inflammation and discomfort surrounding the stoma. This condition significantly impacts surgical recuperation, overall well-being, and may give rise to psychological and physical complications. Timely intervention is imperative, necessitating the identification of risk factors and the development of predictive models.
Objectives
We aimed to establish a predictive nomogram specifically for peristomal dermatitis after ileostomy.
Methods
This study analyzed 459 ileostomy patients to identify the risk factors for peristomal dermatitis. A predictive nomogram was constructed based on these factors using a training cohort, which was then validated in an independent validation cohort. The performance of the nomogram was assessed through ROC curves and calibration curves, while its clinical utility was evaluated through decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results
Six parameters were determined as the risk factors of peristomal dermatitis. Considering the residence may not be universally applicable, we further excluded residence to build the prediction model without reducing discrimination ability. Eventually, diabetes, ileostomy positioning, stoma care lecture, sex, and depressed skin at the stoma were selected for nomogram construction. The calibration curve demonstrated excellent calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow Goodness-of-fit (GOF) test, P = 0.976), and the nomogram achieved an AUC of 0.672 in the training cohort. The decision curve analysis showed potential clinical utility. These results were consistent with the testing cohort.
Conclusion
Our study developed a nomogram based on four parameters that demonstrated excellent discriminating and calibration for predicting peristomal dermatitis. These findings suggest the potential clinical application of the nomogram.
Evaluating Hepatitis C cascade of care surveillance system in Tuscany, Italy, through a population retrospective data-linkage study, 2015-2021
Authors: Ceccarelli Luca , Moretti Giaele , Mazzilli Sara , Petri Davide , Corazza Ilaria , Rizzo Caterina , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Vainieri Milena , Seghieri Chiara , Tavoschi Lara
Published: September 2023

Worldwide, an estimated 57,8 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), of which 3.9 million are in the European Union/Economic European Area (EU/EEA). The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has led to the target of eliminating HCV by 2030. In Tuscany (Italy), a triennial action plan was launched in 2018 aimed at increasing treatment coverage and contributing to the elimination of HCV in the three million population. This retrospective population study assesses the progress towards the HCV elimination goals from 2015 to 2021, through administrative healthcare records data linkage. 337,839 individuals were screened for HCV at least once by the regional health services in Tuscany, while the number of new diagnoses remained almost constant in the study period. A total of 12,980 patients started DAA treatment, increasing rapidly since 2015 and peaking at 3,610 in 2018, well below the regional target of 6xxx/year set for the period 2018–2020. COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors, slowed progress since 2020. Administrative healthcare records were useful to monitor HCV elimination progress in the absence of a dedicated surveillance system, however important data gaps remain. The national HCV elimination strategy and the corresponding regional plan were successful in streamlining specialized services for accessing DAA treatment in Tuscany. However, screening activities require strengthening to scale-up case identification and early diagnosis in the region.
A new 21-Gene Expression Assay Recurrence Score in Estrogen Receptor-Positive and Lymph Node-Negative Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Najafi Safa , Rahim Fakher , Motevaseli Elahe , aziminezhadan Parisa , Fathi Nahid Karimian , hosseininasab Alaviyehsadat , Monfaredan Amir
Published: September 2023

This aimed to validate 21 Oncotype DX gene in a retrospective trial involving women with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2)–negative, axillary node-negative breast cancer with tumors measuring 1.1 to 5.0 cm in their largest dimension. The ROC curve for each gene, showed the sensitivity of BAG1 and KI67 ranged between 96.08 and 99.46 percent. Survivin and BAG1 had gene specificities ranging from 95.6–100%. The detection threshold ranged from 26.64 to 31.12 copies for MYBL2 and BAC1, respectively; while ranged from 24.25 to 33.83 copies for RPLP0 and ERBB2, respectively. This retrospective research of uniformly treated patients with hormone–receptor–positive, HER2-negative, and axillary node–negative breast cancer demonstrates the clinical validity of the 21-gene assay.
Harnessing AI for Economic Forecasting: Navigating Rentier Economies Towards Diversification and Sustainable Growth - A Case Study of Iraq
Authors: Salah Mohammed , Khissaf Alaa Ghazi , Abdelfattah Fadi , Alhalbusi Hussam
Published: September 2023

Venturing into the crossroads of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and economic development, this study employs AI models for economic forecasting within the context of Iraq, a quintessential rentier state. Drawing on the theoretical underpinnings of rentier state theory and diversification strategies, it harnesses OpenAI's advanced language models, ChatGPT and googles AI Bard, to generate an array of potential economic trajectories. The results provide an insightful probe into the impacts of global oil market trends, the socio-economic implications of public dissatisfaction under economic instability, and the potential benefits of economic diversification. The study investigates the unique challenges facing Iraq, a country rich in oil resources but wrestling with economic stagnation and socio-political instability. The AI models are utilized to generate and dissect potential future scenarios for Iraq's economy, elucidating the critical issues related to its heavy dependence on oil, the sustainability of its bloated public sector, and the ramifications of these factors on socio-economic stability. The analysis underlines the urgent need for robust economic diversification and provides strategic policy recommendations to steer Iraq towards a more resilient and sustainable economic future. This study illuminates the pathway towards economic diversification in Iraq by seamlessly integrating AI models with traditional research methodologies. It demonstrates the potential of AI as an essential tool in economic forecasting and policy planning within economic development studies.
Detection and classification of electronic music signals using multiple models
Authors: Wang Chunjie
Published: September 2023

This paper briefly introduces the process of detecting and classifying electronic music signals, the support vector machine (SVM) classifier, and the convolutional neural network (CNN) classifier. Additionally, the CNN classifier was optimized by incorporating particle swarm optimization (PSO). The study then conducted simulation experiments to compare the performance of SVM, back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and the improved CNN. The noise immunity of the three algorithms was also tested. The results of the experiments demonstrated that the improved CNN algorithm outperformed the SVM and BPNN algorithms in recognizing music signals, regardless of the presence or absence of noise interference. Furthermore, the improved CNN algorithm exhibited the best noise immunity, followed by the BPNN and SVM algorithms. The interference of noise increased the time consumption of the detection and classification algorithm, and the detection of the improved CNN algorithm took the least time among these classifiers in the face of the same music signal.
Utilizing Hydrothermally Carbonized Food Waste-Derived Activated Hydrochar for the Elimination of Carbamazepine and Naproxen
Authors: Saqib Najam Ul , Naqvi Muhammad , Li Bing , Munir Muhammad Tajammal
Published: September 2023

Chemical products (CPs), such as carbamazepine and naproxen, present in aquatic environments pose a considerable risk to both aquatic life and human health. This study aimed to explore the potential of employing hydrothermally carbonized food waste-derived hydrochar (AC-HTC-250) as an adsorbent to eliminate these CPs from water. The research specifically examined the influence of hydrothermal carbonization temperature on hydrochar properties and the ramifications of chemical activation using phosphoric acid on the hydrochar's adsorption capacity for carbamazepine and naproxen. Additionally, the activated and non-activated hydrochars' physiochemical and surface characteristics were scrutinized in depth. The investigation demonstrated that the hydrothermal carbonization process contributed to an increase in hydrochar surface area from 1.47 to 7.52 m2/g, which was subsequently amplified to 32.81 m2/g through phosphoric acid activation. Batch adsorption experiments indicated that AC-HTC-250 hydrochar exhibited high efficiency in removing carbamazepine and naproxen, with adsorption capacities of 49.09 mg/kg and 14.34 mg/kg, respectively. The study also revealed that the adsorption data corresponded well with the Langmuir model and pseudo first-order models. The solution's pH exerted a strong influence on carbamazepine and naproxen adsorption, with the optimal pH for both compounds determined to be 4. These findings hold potential for applying hydrothermally carbonized and chemically activated food waste-derived hydrochar as an adsorbent in wastewater treatment processes.
“Easy women get it”: Pre-existing stigma associated with HPV and cervical cancer in a low-resource setting prior to implementation of an HPV screen-and-treat program
Authors: Morse Rachel M. , Brown Joanna , Gage Julia C. , Prieto Bryn A. , Jurczuk Magdalena , Matos Andrea , Vásquez Javier Vásquez , Reátegui Reyles Ríos , Meza-Sanchez Graciela , Córdova Luis Antonio Díaz , Gravitt Patti E. , Tracy J. Kathleen , Paz‑Soldan Valerie A.
Published: September 2023

Background
Cervical cancer is preventable with vaccination and early detection and treatment programs. However, in order for these programs to work as intended, stigma related to HPV and cervical cancer must be understood and addressed. We explored pre-existing stigma associated with HPV and cervical cancer in the public healthcare system of a low-resource setting prior to implementation of an HPV screen-and-treat program.
Methods
This study conducted thematic analysis of data collected during implementation of a novel HPV screen-and-treat system for cervical cancer early detection and treatment in Iquitos, Peru. We included 35 semi-structured interviews (19 health professionals, 16 women with cervical precancer or cancer), eight focus groups (70 community women), one workshop (14 health professionals), 210 counseling observations (with 20 nurse-midwives), and a document review. We used the Socio-Ecological Model to organize the analysis.
Results
We identified three main themes: 1. the implication that women are to blame for their HPV infection through characterizations of being easy or promiscuous, 2. the implication that men are to blame for women’s HPV infections through being considered careless or unfaithful, 3. HPV is shameful, embarrassing, and something that should be hidden from others. Consequently, in some cases, women refrained from getting screened for HPV. These themes were seen at the individual level among women, relationship level among women, men, and family members, community level among healthcare staff, and societal level within components of cervical cancer guidelines and male chauvinism.
Conclusions
Cervical cancer early detection and treatment programs in limited resource settings must address stigma entrenched throughout the entire healthcare system in order to sustainably and successfully implement and scale-up new programs. Interventions to tackle this stigma can incorporate messages about HPV infections and latency to lessen the focus on the influence of sexual behavior on HPV acquisition, and instead, promote screening and treatment as paramount preventative measures.
High-strength and crack-free welding of unweldable aluminium alloys via novel Zr-core-Al-shell wires
Authors: Geng Shaoning , Jin Jun , Shu Leshi , Jiang Ping , Shao Xinyu , Han Chu , Ren Liangyuan , Li Yuantai , Yang Lu , Wang Xiangqi
Published: September 2023

Modern society places a high value on lightweight materials to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The 2000 series aluminium alloys are qualified for widespread use in lightweight structures, but cracking during fusion welding has been a long-standing issue. Here, we created a novel zirconium (Zr)-core-aluminium (Al)-shell wire (ZCASW) for the first time and used it with laser beam oscillation to control solidification during welding and safely welded AA2024 without hot cracks. We carefully selected Zr wires with an ideal lattice to match Al based on crystallographic information and embedded them inside Al wires with chemical components similar to those of the parent material. Crack-free, equiaxed (where the length, width and height of the grains are roughly equal), fine-grained microstructures were acquired, thereby considerably increasing the tensile strength over that of conventional hybrid joints, and even comparable to that of friction stir welds. This rather simple modification of the ﬁller material of a fusion weld could be generally applied to a wide range of materials that are susceptible to hot cracking, such as nonwelded nickel superalloys and intermetallic compounds. Thus, ZCASW provides a foundation for broad industrial applications because it meets the demands for efficiency in automated welding, as would be the case for most conventional welding wires. Furthermore, this technology could be used in metal-based additive manufacturing, a potentially disruptive technology, in which solidification cracking and hot tearing are common issues.
The structure-customized assembly of gangliosides derivatives via modular chemo-enzymatic cascade strategy reveal biological activities and identify drug ingredients
Authors: Yang Guangyu , Jin Xuefeng , Cheng Hanchao , Chen Xiaohui , Cao Xuefeng , Xiao Cong , Ding Fengling , Qu Huirong , Wang Peng George , Feng Yan
Published: September 2023

Gangliosides play vital biological regulatory roles and are associated with neurological system diseases, malignancies, and immune deficiencies. They have received extensive attention in developing targeted drugs and diagnostic markers. However, it is difficult to obtain enough structurally defined gangliosides and derivatives especially at an industrial-relevant scale, which prevent exploring structure-activity relationships and identifying drug ingredients. Here, we report a highly modular chemo-enzymatic cascade assembly (MOCECA) strategy for customized and large-scale synthesis of ganglioside derivatives with various glycan and ceramide epitopes. We represently access several gangliosides with therapeutic promising and systematically prepared primary GM1 derivatives with diverse ceramides found in human brain. Through further process amplification, we achieved industrial production of ganglioside GM1 in the form of modular assembly at hectogram scale. Using MOCECA-synthesized GM1 derivatives, we found unique ceramide modifications on GM1 could enhance the ability to promote neurite outgrowth and cell viability. By comparing the structures with synthetic derivatives, we further resolved the contradicting descriptions of GM1 components in different pharmaceutical documents by reinterpreting the exact two-component structures of commercialized GM1 drugs. Because of its applicability and stability, the MOCECA strategy can be extended to prepare other glycosphingolipid structures, which may pave the way for developing new glycolipid drugs.
RETRACTED: Energy Optimization in Cloud Computing Environmentthrough Virtual Machine Consolidation
Authors: Khalid Usama , Ahmad Saima Gulzar , Chang Byoungchol , Nisar Muhammad Wasif , Cha JaeHyuk , Munir Ehsan Ullah
Published: September 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.