bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Arthroplasty Surgeon Growth Indicator
Authors: Rullán Pedro J. , Deren Matthew E. , Zhou Guangjin , Emara Ahmed K. , Klika Alison K. , Schiltz Nicholas K. , Barsoum Wael K. , Koroukian Siran , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Orthopaedic practices in the U.S. face a growing demand for total joint arthroplasties (TJAs), while the orthopaedic workforce size has been stagnant for decades. This study aimed to estimate annual TJA demand and orthopaedic surgeon workforce supply from 2020 to 2050, and to develop an arthroplasty surgeon growth indicator (ASGI), based on the arthroplasty-to-surgeon ratio (ASR), to gauge nationwide supply and demand trends.

Methods:

National Inpatient Sample and Association of American Medical Colleges data were reviewed for individuals who underwent primary TJA and for active orthopaedic surgeons (2010 to 2020), respectively. The projected annual TJA volume and number of orthopaedic surgeons were modeled using negative binominal and linear regression, respectively. The ASR is the number of actual (or projected) annual total hip (THA) and/or knee (TKA) arthroplasties divided by the number of actual (or projected) orthopaedic surgeons. ASGI values were calculated using the 2017 ASR values as the reference, with the resulting 2017 ASGI defined as 100.

Results:

The ASR calculation for 2017 showed an annual caseload per orthopaedic surgeon (n = 19,001) of 24.1 THAs, 41.1 TKAs, and 65.2 TJAs. By 2050, the TJA volume was projected to be 1,219,852 THAs (95% confidence interval [CI]: 464,808 to 3,201,804) and 1,037,474 TKAs (95% CI: 575,589 to 1,870,037). The number of orthopaedic surgeons was projected to decrease by 14% from 2020 to 2050 (18,834 [95% CI: 18,573 to 19,095] to 16,189 [95% CI: 14,724 to 17,655]). This would yield ASRs of 75.4 THAs (95% CI: 31.6 to 181.4), 64.1 TKAs (95% CI: 39.1 to 105.9), and 139.4 TJAs (95% CI: 70.7 to 287.3) by 2050. The TJA ASGI would double from 100 in 2017 to 213.9 (95% CI: 108.4 to 440.7) in 2050.

Conclusions:

Based on historical trends in TJA volumes and active orthopaedic surgeons, the average TJA caseload per orthopaedic surgeon may need to double by 2050 to meet projected U.S. demand. Further studies are needed to determine how the workforce can best meet this demand without compromising the quality of care in a value-driven health-care model. However, increasing the number of trained orthopaedic surgeons by 10% every 5 years may be a potential solution.
Prediction of Flow Control Devices Performance in SAGD Producers Subjected to Sand Impact Erosion
Authors: Irani Mazda
Published: March 2023

Over the last decade, the Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) thermal recovery process has been successfully commercialized in a range of applications located in the oil sands of Western Canada. Prevention or remediation of SAGD production wells due to slotted liner erosion or high gas/steam production later in the life of the well pair requires a change in basis of design of the completion that is compatible with specific well challenges of these applications and facilitates drainage control while overcoming additional pressure drops due to impaired or plugged-off sand control. Flow Control Devices (FCDs) have demonstrated significant potential for improving recovery in SAGD production wells. However, for most operators the results with FCDs have been mixed or negative, that mostly correlated to either bad design or impact of erosion. A common practice to evaluate erosion is correlation suggested by American Petroleum Institute recommended practice 14E (API-14E). Although due to simplicity API-14E equation became popular, its predictions are quite questionable. Furthermore, quantifying FCD reliability through time and degradation of its performance due to erosion and plugging is key to understand their interaction with reservoir in long-run. Currently distributed temperature sensing (DTS) monitoring are vastly used for SAGD producers to improve the interpretation on their long-term performance. Although DTS helps to identify the hot-spots but it cannot identify steam flashing. In an effort to optimize FCDs operators also required to know the flowrates at each FCD, and till this point distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) acquisitions could not be helpful.

This work is a continuation of a previous publication discussing near wellbore flashing in SAGD producers (Irani et al., 2020). As discussed in previous publication the near wellbore flashing causes a reduction in the relative permeability of the liquid phase, which creates a new equilibrium that stabilizes at lower drainage rates. But it also yields to higher steam rates at sandface. Steam inflow has two-fold effect on FCDs performance, firstly, increase in steam quality yields to high chocking, and secondly, it creates sand-instability at the sandface that yields to high erosion rates. In order to design and optimize FCDs for SAGD, it is necessary to characterize different FCDs subjected to erosion using actual field data. In this study, to estimate how FCD performance has evolved with respect to erosion, the mathematical framework is presented that honors both DTS data and measured production evolution during the life of the wells. The predictions of this mathematical model were compared with actual erosion locations that was measured with downhole ultrasound-based imaging technique. And it was only few meters away. Implementation of this type of analysis can help operators in evaluating the effectiveness of different type of FCDs, whether they are primarily momentum- or frictional-based devices.
A Subcool Reactive ICD for Optimization of SAGD Wells
Authors: Becerra Moreno Oscar , Kendall Alexander
Published: March 2023

A novel Flow Control Device (FCD) for Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) production wells is presented. This device increases the thermal efficiency of the process and accelerates bitumen recovery by passively increasing its flow resistance as the produced fluid's subcool decreases.

Passive FCDs have been widely employed in SAGD applications to reduce the cumulative steam/oil ratio (C-SOR) and increase bitumen production. These passive devices react to density and/or viscosity changes of the produced fluid but do not select against steam. However, the novel FCD presented in this paper reacts specifically to the subcool of the produced fluid and offers a greater restriction as the produced fluid approaches the saturation curve and attains a steam component. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental data have been used to minimize frictional pressure loss through the FCD while inducing subcool choking in pressures and flow rates typical of SAGD wells.

Selected test data clearly shows that the novel FCD increases its resistance sharply as the subcool approaches zero and as a steam component becomes present in the produced fluid. From initial hot water testing and extensive steam testing, a mechanistic model has been developed that uses physics and geometry to predict the performance of the device under a wide variety of thermodynamic conditions. The test data and this model were fed into numerical reservoir simulators to visualize the effects of this device in a typical SAGD completion. These simulations clearly show improved C-SOR and a more fully developed steam chamber for completions that utilize this novel FCD.

The novelty of this FCD is its proactive, yet passive, means of preventing steam production in SAGD wells. By preferring more subcooled fluid – either cooler or higher pressure – steam breakthrough and hot-spotting will be prevented or controlled, downhole equipment will be protected, and the SOR will be reduced. The thorough, mechanistic model for the new FCD allows for accurate interpolation and meaningful extrapolation, along with seamless integration with reservoir simulators to evaluate deployment strategy on a case-by-case basis.
Understanding Drilling Dynamics Thru Tandem Downhole Recording Tools Enabled Drilling Performance: Middle East Specific
Authors: AlHosni Fahad , Echevarria Edgar , Ruzhnikov Alexey , Rojas Luis
Published: March 2023

Drilling the 12.25-in. landing section in one of the Middle East fields had been a challenge in terms of drilling performance due to combined downhole severe drilling dynamic mechanics effects and borehole instabilities. These complications eventually lead to downhole tool failures and a low rate of penetration (ROP). This manuscript describes the solution to introduce tandem downhole dynamic recording tools in the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) which provides a better understanding of the downhole dynamics and mechanics effects guiding to optimum BHA design and leading to better performance.

Drilling the curve and landing section is challenging due to extreme stick & slip (S&S) and shocks & vibrations (S&V) phenomena resulting in low performance and difficulties in achieving the directional requirement. The 12.25-in. landing section is drilled with a full set of Rotary Steerable System (RSS) drive, Positive Displacement Mud Motor (PDM), Measurement While Drilling (MWD) and Logging While Drilling (LWD) tools, making the BHA very rigid. Nevertheless, many initiatives have been carried out to enhance the BHA and bit design with limited improvement. After performing a detailed risk analysis, tandem downhole dynamic recording tools were introduced to understand the downhole dynamics behavior and the interaction between the bit, the drilling BHA components, and the different formations drilled.

The downhole dynamic recording tool is powered by batteries and records the data in memory mode for post-run analysis. It measures downhole drilling mechanics with its three-axis accelerometers, gyro, and temperature electronics along with other measurements. The downhole recording tools was installed tandemly across the 12.25-in. motorized RSS BHA where one tool was positioned inside the bit and another one in a sub above the mud motor. After the run, all the data from the two downhole recording tools were downloaded and then analyzed. From the recording tool at the bit, it can be concluded that the PDC bit used in the analyzed run, generated low-to-medium stick & slip, hence, a new bit design with more aggressive features could be used safely to enhance the ROP. From the recording tool in the sub above the mud motor, it was concluded that the BHA components and mainly the LWD tool created high-to-severe stick & slip due to its stabilizers, and action should be taken to minimize this effect. In addition, the drilling fluid lubricity needs to be enhanced to reduce the stick & slip and shocks & vibrations effects on the tools. All the presented solutions and lessons learned of the downhole dynamic recording tools utilization can be used for future run enhancement and to be replicated worldwide as applicable.
Heavy Oil Late Life Energy Recovery—Maximizing the Value of Mature Thermal Assets
Authors: Beentjes Ivan , Bogatkov Dmitry
Published: March 2023

The Heavy Oil Late Life Energy Recovery (HOLLER) project is the application of geothermal technology in steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) wells that are near end of life. While conventional geothermal technology is encumbered by the high cost of drilling deep wells to reach formations with the temperatures required for economic power generation, in situ bitumen producers have access to existing SAGD wells within mature reservoirs that are at shallow depths and high temperatures. The thermal energy from just one SAGD well can produce enough electricity to power thousands of homes for a year and major oilsands producers collectively have thousands of such wells.

Our goal is to harness this thermal energy using the existing well inventory to create a closed geothermal system using process effluent water (PEW) such as boiler blowdown or tailings pond water as the heat recovery medium. This strategy has the potential to improve SAGD economics through incremental bitumen recovery, the generation of low-carbon base load electricity, and driving down SAGD greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by recovering some of the spent energy. This strategy also provides an option to dispose process water and/or tailings water to accelerate the reclamation of tailings ponds. Suncor’s In Situ Technology team applied a stage-gated technology development process to progress HOLLER from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 0—Idea to TRL 7—Field test. We applied the diverge-converge approach to 30 ideas that were distilled into four recommended commercial solutions. Our de-risking activities include numerical reservoir simulation, chemical process simulation, post-SAGD core and water analysis, laboratory studies for compatibility of various PEW sources with reservoir fluids and rock, core flooding, corrosion studies, facility design, economics, risk and uncertainty analysis, patenting, and testing in the field.

As a result of the technology development work, we have developed a three-phase strategy to maximize the value of depleted in situ reservoirs: water disposal, energy recovery and permanent closure. This strategy offers synergies between mining and in situ operations, reduction in GHG emissions and environmental liabilities all while generating a net profit for the enterprise. If applied industry-wide, HOLLER technology has the potential of reducing not only the intensity, but also the absolute GHG emissions, while offering unique opportunities for collaboration between the in situ producers and mining operations.

HOLLER is unique in its potential to retroactively reduce the GHG intensity of bitumen already recovered by thermal methods. It offers low emissions incremental bitumen production, nearly emissions-free power generation, increased efficiency of existing facilities through the direct use of recovered heat – while reducing mine tailings liabilities. HOLLER enhances the oilsands industry’s sustainability efforts.
Modeling Two-Phase Flow in Tight Core Plugs with an Application for Relative Permeability Measurement
Authors: Yousefi M. , Dehghanpour H.
Published: March 2023

The two-phase flow of immiscible fluids in porous media has been studied for a long time in different disciplines of engineering. Relative permeability (kr) is one of the constitutional relationships in the general equation governing immiscible displacement that needs to be determined. Due to the complexity and nonlinear nature of governing equations of the problem, there is no unique model for relative permeability. The modified Brooks and Corey (MBC) model is the most common model for kr prediction. Here, a practical technique is presented to measure kr for low-permeability tight rocks. We use this experimental data to tune the empirical constants of the MBC model. The proposed method is based on a simple mathematical technique that uses assumptions of frontal advance theory to model the pressure drop along the core plug during two-phase immiscible displacement at constant injection flow rate. We make simplifying assumptions about the highest point on the observed pressure profile and use those assumptions to determine relative permeability of a tight rock sample. In the end, the amount of work for an immiscible displacement is calculated as the area under the pressure-profile curve. The effect of initial water saturation (Swi) and interfacial tension (IFT) is studied on the work required for an immiscible displacement. Using this concept, it is concluded that adding chemical additives such as surfactants to fracturing fluids can help the reservoir oil to remove the water blockage out of the rock matrix more easily while maintaining the flow rate at an economic level.
Revealing the Reversible Solid-State Electrochemistry of Lithium-Containing Conjugated Oximates: Towards a New Functionality for Organic Batteries
Authors: Wang Jiande , Apostol Petru , Rambabu Darsi , Liu Xuelian , Guo Xiaolong , Robeyns Koen , Lakraychi Alae Eddine , Morari Cristian , Gohy Jean-Francois , Gupta Deepak , Vlad Alexandru
Published: March 2023

In the rising advent of organic Li-ion positive electrode materials with increased energy content, chemistries with high redox potential and intrinsic oxidation stability, while in the lithium containing (Li-ion) form, remain a challenge. Molecular engineering of carbonyl compounds and of conjugated sulfonamide chemistries, have provided ground for future developments, while also inciting the search for other organic chemistry functions or classes, with alike properties, and with further improved energy storage metrics. Herein, we report on the solid- phase reversible electrochemistry of a new class of organic redox functionality for batteries, the lithium salts of conjugated oximates. The disclosed first five examples of the oximate class, including cyclic (aromatic), and acyclic (non-aromatic), as well as aliphatic and tetra-functional stereotypes, uncover the complex interplay between the molecular structure and the electroactivity, as well as the potential of this rich family as Li-ion positive electrode materials for batteries. Amongst the exotic features specific to this class of materials, the most appealing one is the reversible electrochemical polymerization – depolymerization accompanying the charge storage process in solid phase, through intermolecular azodioxy coupling (-ONNO-) or the intramolecular furoxan cyclization of the oxidized forms. Over the disclosed materials, the best performing candidate delivers a high reversible capacity of 350 mAh g-1 at an average potential of 3.0 vs. Li+/Li0, attaining 1 kWh kg-1 specific energy content at the material level metric. This work ascertains a strong link between the electrochemistry, organic chemistry and battery science by emphasizing on how different phases, mechanisms and performances can be accessed using a single chemical functionality.
Utility-based accessibility to evaluate transport policies in Latin America
Authors: Guzman Luis A. , Cantillo-Garcia Victor A. , Oviedo Daniel , Arellana Julian
Published: March 2023

There is now a long tradition of accessibility research in Latin American cities, with an increasingly rich set of frameworks and methods from a distributional perspective. Despite such a positive outlook, most accessibility metrics deployed in research and practice do not consider the dimension of (dis)utility, which resonates more clearly with mainstream transport decision-making and planning. This paper seeks to contribute to debates about the use of utility-based measures as inputs for accessibility assessment of transport infrastructure investments in the Global South using discrete choice modeling and its potential as a bridging language between socially nuanced and economics-driven transport planning practices. This paper uses mixed revealed preferences and stated preferences data collected in Bogotá, Colombia. Then, it uses a logsum accessibility metric to estimate the differentiated impact of a set of infrastructure interventions on the accessibility of residents with different income levels and other socioeconomic conditions for accessing opportunities in the city. Particularly, the logsum accessibility metric analyses future innovations and structural additions to Bogotá public transport networks reflecting their effect on the accessibility and consumer surplus in the next 20 years. The proposed approach captures the benefits derived from the opportunity locations and transport infrastructure improvements, which has relevance for debates about transport policy and practice in this and similar urban contexts in the Global South. These accessibility gains could be assigned a monetary value to include in project cost-benefit assessments.
InSpectra – A Platform for Identifying Emerging Chemical Threats
Authors: Feraud Mathieu , O'Brien Jake , Samanipour Saer , Dewapriya Pradeep , Herwerden Denice van , Kaserzon Sarit , Wood Ian , Rauert Cassandra , Thomas Kevin
Published: March 2023

Non-target analysis (NTA) employing high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) coupled with liquid chromatography is increasingly being used to identify chemicals of biological relevance. HRMS datasets are large and complex making the identification of potentially relevant chemicals extremely challenging. As they are recorded in vendor-specific formats, interpreting them is often reliant on vendor-specific software that may not accommodate the advancements in data processing. Here we present InSpectra, a vendor independent automated platform for the systematic detection of newly identified emerging chemical threats.InSpectra is web-based, open-source/access and modular providing highly flexible and extensible NTA and suspect screening workflows. As a cloud-based platform, InSpectra exploits parallel computing and big data archiving capabilities with a focus for sharing and community curation of HRMS data. InSpectra offers a reproducible and transparent approach for the identification, tracking and prioritisation of emerging chemical threats.
Comparing genomes recovered from time-series metagenomes using long- and short-read sequencing technologies
Authors: Orellana Luis H. , Krüger Karen , Sidhu Chandni , Amann Rudolf
Published: March 2023

Background
Over the past years, sequencing technologies have expanded our ability to examine novel microbial metabolisms and diversity previously obscured by isolation approaches. Long-read sequencing promises to revolutionize the metagenomic field and recover less fragmented genomes from environmental samples. Nonetheless, how to best benefit from long-read sequencing and whether long-read sequencing can provide recovered genomes of similar characteristics as short-read approaches remains unclear.
Results
We recovered metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from the free-living fraction at four-time points during a spring bloom in the North Sea. The taxonomic composition of all MAGs recovered was comparable between technologies. However, differences consisted of higher sequencing depth for contigs and higher genome population diversity in short-read compared to long-read metagenomes. When pairing population genomes recovered from both sequencing approaches that shared ≥ 99% average nucleotide identity, long-read MAGs were composed of fewer contigs, a higher N50, and a higher number of predicted genes when compared to short-read MAGs. Moreover, 88% of the total long-read MAGs carried a 16S rRNA gene compared to only 23% of MAGs recovered from short-read metagenomes. Relative abundances for population genomes recovered using both technologies were similar, although disagreements were observed for high and low GC content MAGs.
Conclusions
Our results highlight that short-read technologies recovered more MAGs and a higher number of species than long-read due to an overall higher sequencing depth. Long-read samples produced higher quality MAGs and similar species composition compared to short-read sequencing. Differences in the GC content recovered by each sequencing technology resulted in divergences in the diversity recovered and relative abundance of MAGs within the GC content boundaries.
Sexual dysfunction at 3 and 6 months postpartum. A sub-analisys of the Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses technique during second stage of labor randomized controllled trial (PeMWaC)
Authors: Rodrigues Silvia , Silva Paulo Manuel Marques da , de Sousa Natacha Quintal , Monterroso Ligia , Escuriet Ramon
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Childbirth is a known risk factor for postpartum sexual dysfunction. Perineal massage and warm compresses technique during second stage of labor could reduce perineal trauma. However, women experience perineal pain and dyspareunia regardless of the presence or absence of perineal trauma after spontaneous vaginal birth. Although the influence of this perineal technique protection in sexual dysfunction never was investigated. Compare postpartum sexual function in women undergoing combined perineal massage and warm compresses and those undergoing hands-on technique during second stage of labor.
Methods: An randomised controlled trial (PeMWaC - Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses) was enrolled at Hospital of Braga from March 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2020. Eight hundred forty eight women were recruited, of whom 496 (62%) completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at 3 and 6 months postpartum. A sub-analisys of primary data was performed to assess postpartum sexual dysfunction the FSFI Score was applied at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Sexual dysfunction was defined by FSFI score <26.55.
Results: At 3 months postpartum, overall FSFI scores were not statistically different between the intervention and control groups. When evaluating by each FSFI domain, satisfaction domain had significant lower scores in satisfaction (p=0.048) at 3 months postpartum. At 6 months postpartum, overall FSFI scores were not statistically different between the intervention and control groups. The perineal trauma in relation to perineal protection techniques was not significantly associated with sexual dysfunction at 3 and 6 months postpartum. FSFI scores at 3 or 6 months postpartum was not statistically different between exclusive breastfeed and not exclusive breastfeed women.
Conclusion: PeMWac was not associated with postpartum sexual dysfunction.
Multi-spatial scale land use land cover influences on seasonally dominant water quality along Middle Ganga Basin
Authors: Krishnaraj Ashwitha , Honnasiddaiah Ramesh
Published: March 2023

In this study, we compared catchment, riparian, and reach scale models to assess the effect of LULC on WQ. Using various multivariate techniques, a 14-year data set of 20 WQ variables from 20 monitoring stations (67,200 observations) is studied along the Middle Ganga Basin (MGB). Based on the similarity and dissimilarity of WQPs, the k-means clustering algorithm classified the 20 monitoring stations into four clusters. Seasonally, the three PCs chosen explained 75.69% and 75% of the variance in the data. With PCs > 0.70, the variables EC, pH, Temp, TDS, NO2 + NO3, P-Tot, BOD, COD, and DO have been identified as dominant pollution sources. The applied RDA analysis revealed that LULC has a moderate to strong contribution to WQPs during the wet season but not during the dry season. Furthermore, dense vegetation is critical for keeping water clean, whereas agriculture, barren land and build-up area degrade WQ. Besides that, the findings suggest that the relationship between WQPs and LULC differs at different scales. The stacked ensemble regression (SER) model is applied to understand the model's predictive power across different clusters and scales. Overall, the results indicate that the riparian scale is more predictive than the watershed and reach scales.
Isolation and characterization of a neoxanthin synthase gene functioning in fucoxanthin biosynthesis of Phaeodactyum tricornutum
Authors: Sui J. K. , Zhang Z. Y. , Han J. C. , Yang G. P. , Liu T. Z. , Wang H.
Published: March 2023

Golden-brown xanthophyll fucoxanthin in marine organisms, especially in diatoms, has attracted widespread attention because of its diverse biological activities. However, the biosynthetic pathway of fucoxanthin remains unclear in diatoms. Fucoxanthin may derive from either neoxanthin or diadinoxanthin pathways. However, the key point is whether neoxanthin and its synthesizing genes exist or not. In this study, we successfully identified a few xanthophylls in trace amounts in the concentrated fraction of carotenoids of diatom cultured at different light intensities with the co-chromatography method and cloned the neoxanthin synthase (NXS) gene which was not annotated in diatom genome. The NXS knockdown and knockout experiments show a positive correlation in the accumulation of neoxanthin and zeaxanthin while a negative correlation in violaxanthin and fucoxanthin with the expression of NXS. In vitro assay evidenced that neoxanthin is the precursor for fucoxanthin biosynthesis, indicating that other molecules intermediate the conversion between violaxanthin and fucoxanthin. Overall, we cloned a novel gene functioning in neoxanthin biosynthesis, which should aid in clarifying the fucoxanthin biosynthetic pathway in diatom.
Vietnamese health professionals’ views on the status of the fetus and maternal and fetal health interests: A regional, cross-sectional study from the Hanoi area
Authors: Mogren Ingrid , Lan Pham Thi , Phuc Ho Dang , Holmlund Sophia , Small Rhonda , Ntaganira Joseph , Sengoma Jean Paul Semasaka , Kidanto Hussein Lesio , Ngarina Matilda , Bergström Cecilia
Published: March 2023

Background: Obstetric ultrasound is a significant tool in the clinical management of pregnancy and is increasingly used globally. The status of the pregnant woman and the fetus may vary regarding clinical management, views in the community and legislation. The overall aim of the study was to investigate experiences and views among health professionals in Vietnam on different aspects of the fetus, prioritisation and potential conflicts between maternal and fetal health interests.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design using a structured questionnaire. Eligible participants were obstetricians/gynecologists, midwives and sonographers. Public health facilities were purposively selected to obtain a representative sample in the Hanoi region, Vietnam. The final sample included 882 health professionals.
Results: Participating health professionals were obstetricians/gynecologists (n=289; 32.7%), midwives (n=535; 60.7%) and sonographers (n=58; 6.6%). The mean age was 34.8 years, and mean years in the profession were 10.3. 60.3% of participants agreed that “The fetus is a person from the time of conception”. 19.7% agreed, and 60.5% disagreed with the statement, “The fetus is never a patient, only the pregnant woman can be the patient”. A majority of the participants (54.4%) agreed that “Maternal health interests should always be prioritised over fetal health interests in care provided”, whereas 18.7% disagreed, and 27.1% were neutral. Participants who performed ultrasounds were more likely to agree that “Fetal health interests are being given more weight in decision-making, the further the gestation advances”, compared to those who did not perform ultrasounds (cOR 2.47, CI 1.27-4.79: n=811).
Conclusions: Our results indicate that a large proportion of health professionals in Vietnam assign the fetus the status of being a person, where personhood gradually evolves during pregnancy. To a large extent, the fetus was considered a patient with its own health interests, although a majority gave priority to maternal health interests. Health professionals appear to favour increased legal protection of the fetus. Strengthening the legal status of the fetus might have adverse implications for maternal autonomy however and would need careful monitoring if this were to occur. Maternal reproductive rights might need to be further safeguarded.
Sepsis and shock septic among patients with hematological malignancies: Factors associated with mortality
Authors: Silva Luciane Luz e , Ferreira Diogo Boldim , Goto Janaina Midori , Becker Otavio Monteiro , Tuma Paula , Medeiros Eduardo Alexandrino Servolo
Published: March 2023

Background: Sepsis is the leading cause of death in patients with onco-hematological diseases with mortality rate of up to 60%. Despite the high relevance of sepsis, few studies have analyzed its impact on this population. To evaluate the factors associated with 30- and 90-day mortality in onco-hematological patients and sepsis.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Euryclides de Jesus Zerbini Transplant Hospital, a tertiary service for patients with hematological malignancies and bone marrow transplantation in São Paulo, Brazil. We included patients diagnosed with sepsis consecutively between August 2013 and July 2016 and followed-up for 30 and 90 days.
Results: Over the 3-year period, 123 patients with sepsis were diagnosed, median age of 59.7 years. The most frequent hematological disease was acute leukemia (31.0%). Sepsis and septic shock occurred in 52.2% and 47.8% of patients, respectively. The mortality rate was 33.9% at 30 days and 49.1% at 90 days. The main infectious diseases were pneumonia (32.7%) and bloodstream infections (30.1%). In multivariate analysis, the factors related to 30-day mortality were Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (p=0.001), severe neutropenia (p=0.049), thrombocytopenia (p=0.045), and increased bilirubin (p=0.038). The associated factors to 90-day mortality were Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (p=0.001), thrombocytopenia (p=0.45), and increased bilirubin (p=0.066). Infectious agents were identified in 46.9% of cases. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the predominant species and carbapenem-resistant in 61.5% of cases.
Conclusions: SOFA score, thrombocytopenia and increased bilirubin were factors associated with mortality in onco-hematological patients and sepsis.
Anti-nanodisc antibodies specifically capture nanodiscs and facilitate molecular interaction kinetics studies for membrane protein
Authors: Ogasawara Satoshi , Nakagawa Fuhito , Kikkawa Marin , Chen Sisi , Miyashita Yasuomi , Hamaguchi-Suzuki Norie , Shibuya Minami , Yamashita Soichi , Nagase Lisa , Yasuda Satoshi , Shiroishi Mitsunori , Senda Toshiya , Ito Keisuke , Murata Takeshi
Published: March 2023

Nanodisc technology has dramatically advanced the analysis of molecular interactions for membrane proteins. A nanodisc is designed as a vehicle for membrane proteins that provide a native-like phospholipid environment and better thermostability in a detergent-free buffer. This enables the determination of the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of small molecule binding by surface plasmon resonance. In this study, we generated a nanodisc specific anti-MSP (membrane scaffold protein) monoclonal antibody biND5 for molecular interaction analysis of nanodiscs. The antibody, biND5 bound to various types of nanodiscs with sub-nanomolar to nanomolar affinity. Epitope mapping analysis revealed specific recognition of 8 amino acid residues in the exposed helix structure of MSP. Further, we performed kinetics binding analysis between adenosine A2a receptor reconstituted nanodiscs and small molecule antagonist ZM241385 using biND5 immobilized sensor chips. These results show that biND5 facilitates the molecular interaction kinetics analysis of membrane proteins substituted in nanodiscs.
Systemic risks from climate-related disruptions at ports
Authors: Verschuur Jasper , Koks Elco , Hall Jim
Published: March 2023

Disruptions to ports from climate extremes can have systemic impacts on global shipping, trade and supply chains. By combining analysis of climatic risks at 1320 ports worldwide with a global model of transport flows, we pinpoint systemic risks to maritime transport, trade and global supply-chain networks as a result of port downtime. We estimate a total of 81 USD billion of global trade and 122 USD billion of economic activity being at-risk on average annually.
MC1R signaling through the cAMP-CREB/ATF-1 and ERK-NFκB pathways accelerates G1/S transition promoting breast cancer progression
Authors: Arbesman Joshua , Chelakkot Vipin Shankar , Thomas Kiara , Romigh Todd , Fong Andrew , Li Lin , Ronen Shira , Chen Shuyang , Funchain Pauline , Ni Ying
Published: March 2023

MC1R, a G-protein coupled receptor, triggers ultraviolet light-induced melanin synthesis and DNA repair in melanocytes and is implicated in the pathogenesis of melanoma. Although it is widely expressed in different tissue types, its function in non-cutaneous tissue is relatively unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that disruptive MC1R variants associated with melanomagenesis are less frequently found in patients with several cancers. Further exploration revealed that breast cancer tissue shows a significantly higher MC1R expression than normal breast tissue, and knocking down MC1R significantly reduced cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MC1R signaling through the MC1R-cAMP-CREB/ATF-1 and MC1R-ERK-NFκB axes regulated cyclin D1 expression, modulating G1-S transition in breast cancer cells. Our results revealed a novel association between MC1R and breast cancer, which could be potentially targeted therapeutically. Moreover, our results suggest that MC1R-enhancing/activating therapies should be used cautiously, as they might be pro-tumorigenic in certain contexts.
Semiconducting Copper Oxide Nanostructure Material and Their Modified Electrode for Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Hydrazine and Glucose
Authors: M Alexander , Pandian Arjun , K Pandian
Published: March 2023

The semiconducting copper oxide (CuO) nanostructure material is synthesized by carbon sphere used as template. The copper nitrate Cu(NO3)2 used as precursor and it has converted into CuO material like a Kernel structure with diameter 350 nm. It is applied to modify the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for electro catalytic property of glucose and hydrazine oxidation; it shows a fast response and exhibited higher electro catalyst electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine and glucose. The electro catalytic behavior and applications were carried out by cyclic voltammetry in 0.1 M NaOH solution. The synthesized CuO nanomaterials have been characterized by FT-IR spectrum, X-Ray Photoelectron Spectra (XPS), DRS-UV spectra, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray pattern (EDX).
Intrinsic Instability of Rhombohedral (Hf, Zr)O2 Phases and Endurance Crisis of Hf-based Ferroelectric Devices
Authors: Wei Jinchen , Xu Guanghua , Huang Menglin , Wu Yuning , Li Wenwu , Xiang Hongjun , Chen Shiyou
Published: March 2023

Since the experimental report of rhombohedral HfO2 and Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) phases on La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) substrate, they have attracted intensive attention as a new type of Hf-based ferroelectrics. However, ferroelectric devices with good endurance based on the rhombohedral phases (r-phases) have not been successfully fabricated so far. We find by first-principles calculations that the rhombohedral R3m and R3 structures have imaginary phonon modes and negative formation energies of point defects (O vacancies or interstitials), showing obviously that the r-phases are intrinsically unstable. The instability originates from the easy transformation from rhombohedral structures to non-rhombohedral structures, which has negligible or even no energy barrier, no matter at the strain-free state or under the compressive epitaxial strain from LSMO substrate. Non-rhombohedral phases such as ferroelectric orthorhombic and paraelectric monoclinic P21/m phase can coexist even if r-phases can be fabricated, and the easy transformation to paraelectric P21/m phase can cause quick fatigue and endurance crisis of devices. The experimentally observed monoclinic phase in HZO films grown on LSMO substrate should be attributed to the P21/m structure, which has the lowest-energy structure on LSMO substrate but was misidentified as the well-known P21/c structure. These results reveal the microscopic origin of the difficulty in fabricating r-phase HZO devices and provide a map for guiding the device endurance optimization through controlling epitaxial strain and suppressing defect formation.
A clinicopathological analysis of supratentorial ependymoma, ZFTA fusion-positive: Utility of immunohistochemical detection of CDKN2A alterations and characteristics of the immune microenvironment.
Authors: Hashimoto Naohito , Suzuki Tomonari , Ishizawa Keisuke , Nobusawa Sumihito , Yokoo Hideaki , Nishikawa Ryo , Yasuda Masanori , Sasaki Atsushi
Published: March 2023

EPN-ZFTA is a rare brain tumor for which prognostic factors are unclear and there is currently no effective immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Therefore, the present study investigated its clinicopathological features, evaluated the utility of MTAP and p16 IHC as surrogate markers of CDKN2A alterations, and characterized immune cells and immunological molecules in the microenvironment of EPN-ZFTA. Thirty surgically removed brain tumors, including 10 EPN-ZFTA, were subjected to IHC. MLPA was performed to detect CDKN2A HD in 20 ependymal tumors, including EPN-ZFTA. The 5-year OS and PFS rates of EPN-ZFTA were 90 and 60%, respectively. CDKN2A HD was detected in 2 cases of EPN-ZFTA by MLPA. These cases were immunohistochemically negative for both MTAP and p16 and recurred earlier after surgery. PD-L1 was negative in all cases of EPN-ZFTA, whereas B7-H3 expression was observed in all cases. Regarding lymphocyte/macrophage markers, the expression of Iba-1 and CD204 was high and the number of infiltrating lymphocytes was small in EPN-ZFTA. Collectively, the present results indicate the potential of MTAP and p16 IHC as useful surrogate markers of CDKN2A HD in EPN-ZFTA, and tumor-associated macrophages, including the M2 type, may contribute to its microenvironment.
Investigating gaseous pollutants emitted from Saipa automotive group and surrounding roads into the atmosphere using the combination of the AERMOD dispersion model and the MOVES model
Authors: Naghdi Soudabe , Mirmohammadi Mohsen , Karimzadegan Hassan , Ghodoosi Jamal
Published: March 2023

Due to the different types of pollution they put out, putting automotive factories in cities can hurt the air quality in those cities. The aim of this study is to investigate the simultaneous effects of the Saipa automobile industry and two surrounding highways on air quality. This study used Mehrabad meteorological station data for 2019 along with emission rates and topographical data to model the gaseous pollutants released from automobile factories and linear sources using AERMOD software. Field measurements of NO2 pollution by passive adsorbents confirmed the accuracy of the results with a 0.99 correlation, and the same average of two communities of modele and observed concentration. The Lashkari highway has the maximum yearly NO2 concentration of 1209 parts per billion at 515326.80 and 3953279.17 meters, 23 times the NAAQS, The Lashkari freeway had the greatest CO concentration, 12.6 parts per million, at 515326.80 and 3953279.17 meters, 1.4 times the NAAQS. Highway passengers are exposed to NO2 and CO levels above the NAAQS, demonstrating the need for highway and traffic law reform.
Effects of chronic heat stress on kidney damage, apoptosis, inflammation and HSPs of Acipenser baerii
Authors: Yang Shiyong , Chen Qianyu , Zhang Jiajin , Yan Chaozhan , Zhang Chaoyang , Xu Zihan , Li Caiyi , Huang Xiaoli , Luo Wei , Wu Jiayun , Li Yunkun
Published: March 2023

Chronic heat stress caused by global warming can have serious implications for fish survival. The kidney plays a central role in many homeostatic functions, including water and electrolyte regulation, as well as acid-base balance. However, there is limited knowledge about the effect of heat stress on fish kidneys, especially in cold-water fish species. In this study, we investigated the effects of mild heat stress (24℃, M) and high heat stress (28℃, H) on A. baerii kidneys using histological observation, flow cytometry detection, and RT-qPCR. Our histological observations revealed that heat stress significantly caused infiltration of inflammatory cells in the kidney, especially at 28℃. The flow cytometry assay demonstrated a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells after heat stress at 28°C compared to the control group at 20°C (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression levels of inflammation factors (IL-1β and TNF-α) did not differ significantly. However, the mRNA expression levels of heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP90, and GRP75) were increased in A. baerii. In summary, this study provides insight into the effect of heat stress on A. baerii kidneys and contributes to understanding the coping strategies of cold-water fish to chronic heat stress.
Preservation and Sustainability of Earthen Architecture. The Vernacular Ksar of Khanguet Sidi Nadji in Algerian Sahara as a Case Study
Authors: Zaghez Imen , Attoui Redha , Saou-Dufrêne Bernadette
Published: March 2023

Man has always built and lived in earthen architecture. These have many qualities according to the geographical areas, specificities even if the agglomerations developed from social backgrounds and techniques that can highlight cultural convergences and policies. Algeria has a vernacular architectural heritage of recognized value, specifically in Sahara oases. Khanguet Sidi Nadji is a vernacular ksar and a typical pre-Saharan oasis in a mountain area, built out of an incomparable landscape integration and plasticity. Nowadays, through obsolescence and abandonment of this heritage, Ksar Khanguet Sidi Nadji is threatened with disappearance. In view of its deteriorated conditions, came this research to document this rammed earthen architecture, and to propose a new sustainable horizon of earthen heritage preservation. The main purpose of this research is how to achieve a conservation protocol for Khanguet Sidi Nadji, taking account of technical and philosophical challenges encountered while applying the method of anastylosis in reconstructing the remains of the ksar using existing components. Our study shows that the proposed conservation protocol is feasible and perfectly fits the targeted region with regard to its challenges and specificities.
Perceptions of COVID-19 risks and protective actions: a qualitative study in six Sudanese communities
Authors: Abdelmagid Nada , Ahmed Salma A.E. , Nurelhuda Nazik , Zainalabdeen Israa , Ahmed Aljaile , Abdalla Omama , Dawd Ahmed , Eldirdiri Ahmed , Ibrahim Omnia , Ismail Drij , AbuKoura Rahaf , Gaafar Reem , Dahab Maysoon
Published: March 2023

Background
Risk communication is an essential strategy in outbreak response. Understanding perceptions of health risks and protective behaviours is critical for informing effective risk communication during outbreaks. This study aimed to explore Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) knowledge, risk perception and precautionary behaviours during the early weeks of the COVID-19 epidemic in Sudan.
Methods
In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 59 adults from six of urban, rural and forcibly displaced communities in Sudan. Participants were from households with members at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. We analysed data using participatory group analysis followed by a thematic inductive and deductive analysis of interview transcripts. We used the Health Belief Model to analyse, present and discuss the findings.
Results
Most participants perceived a high susceptibility to COVID-19, especially among older people, due to novelty and transmission characteristics of the disease. However, a few were mainly concerned about the livelihood implications of the government’s response. Our respondents had good knowledge about COVID-19 although there were a few misconceptions. Most participants viewed COVID-19 as a highly infectious, dangerous and fatal disease. Most participants understood the benefits of protective measures and reported complying with hand hygiene. A few reported complying with social and physical distancing, including stay-at-home orders. Compliance was generally poorer among older adults. Many participants reported substantial financial and social barriers to compliance and resistance to compliance in their communities fuelled by COVID-19 denialism, rumours, misinformation, and poorly enforced government restrictions.
Conclusion
High levels of knowledge and a high perceived susceptibility and severity of disease were not enough to motivate high levels of compliance with the protective measures in the study communities. Financial and social obligations to protective measures, coupled with COVID-19 denialism and rumours, were significant barriers to compliance. Early risk communication interventions should promote contextually appropriate, high-impact, low-cost interventions and tackle emerging rumours and misinformation.