bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic Study and Chemical Design of a New Lubricant for High Salinity Drilling Fluids
Authors: Brockhoff J. , Taylor M. , Dubberley S. , Ma K. , Jaska C.
Published: February 2024

The drive to reduce freshwater consumption has led to a significant increase in the use of waste streams, such as high salinity produced water brines, as base fluids in drilling fluid systems. However, the performance of conventional lubricants is typically reduced in such brines. This paper describes the design and development of a new class of lubricant specifically designed for use in high salinity water-based drilling fluids.

A comprehensive literature review and a detailed laboratory testing program were undertaken to investigate the mechanism of drilling fluid lubricants under downhole conditions. The knowledge gained from this study was used to design a new class of lubricant that undergoes a chemical reaction with high salinity brines in order to activate the lubricant species and maximize performance.

A series of field trials were conducted on wells targeting the Montney formation in Western Canada. The drilling fluids consisted of solids-free sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and produced water brines with densities ranging from 1080 – 1330 kg/m3. The wells had lateral lengths ranging from 1580 – 4000 meters. The new lubricant significantly out-performed conventional lubricants on 100% of the field trials and was able to achieve friction factors close to those of oil-based drilling fluids. A series of in-depth case studies are provided which highlight the unique performance characteristics of this novel drilling fluid lubricant.
Enhancing Stuck Pipe Risk Detection in Exploration Wells Using Machine Learning Based Tools: A Gulf of Mexico Case Study
Authors: Gomes D. , Jaritz T. , Robinson T. S. , Revheim O. E.
Published: February 2024

We present a case study on the utilization of a machine learning (ML)-based computational tool for detecting stuck pipe risks early in live operations. The system was used in two Gulf of Mexico (GoM) wildcat exploration wells. The risk detection approach is based on a novel technology using physics-informed machine learning models to analyze real-time data and detect potential stuck pipe incidents in live operations. The ML models were pre-trained on a variety of wells from different fields. The system was designed for out-of-the-box usage, which supports operational monitoring for exploration wells without pre-training on offset well data. The methodology and the process of integrating the computational tool into live operations, and the flow of data between the tool and the drilling operation is described. Additionally, the paper delves into drilling practices that helped to prevent stuck pipe and examine specific incidents that were unavoidable.

The application ran stably throughout the operations, with high uptime and few false warnings in both wells; on average, fewer than one false alert was observed per day of operations. The pre-trained models proved effective, requiring no additional training; this generalizability is an important prerequisite for utility when applied to exploration wells, where offset data may be unavailable. However, due to lack of personnel to follow up the system's outputs in real-time, the benefits were limited. The first well was drilled without stuck pipe incidents. Some sticking risk symptoms were identified during the operation, especially in a fault zone. The post-well analysis indicates that good drilling practices were enough to mitigate the risks. The drilling practices responsible for the success of the operation will be discussed. In the second well, there were stuck pipe incidents. The application provided some indications of stuck symptoms but with some limitations for how far in advance the risk could be detected. The causes of the stuck incidents, the challenges in avoiding them, and updates to the risk detection system for identifying these, will be explored. Based on the experience described in the paper, the authors will offer recommendations for optimal technology utilization both from the application's and organizational perspectives.
Barriers in Cancer Risk Reduction in Community in Indonesia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tiranda Yulius , Nuntaboot Khanitta , Septiwi Cahyu , Agianto  , Solikhah Solikhah
Published: February 2024

Background: Posbindu Penyakit Tidak Menular/PTM (Integrated Development Post of Non-Communicable Diseases) is one of the strategies implemented by the MOH of Indonesia for prevention, screening, and early detection through community empowerment and community involvement in reducing the number of NCDs, including cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers in reducing the risk of cancer. Methods: Twelve participants were involved in this study using in-depth interviews and participant observations. All the interviews and discussions were recorded using an audio tape recorder and also using field notes, and then a transcript was transcribed verbatim. Results: Five themes emerged namely providing funding for the program, obtaining appropriate support from the government based on the community’s needs and a health workforce shortage, sharing and discussing the health information, and cultural practices of the community as barriers to reducing the risk of cancer in the community. Conclusions: The study results can be used as evidence to develop and to sustain effective strategies to address the barriers to reducing the risk of cancer in communities in Indonesia.
Effect of post-storage filters vs. pre-storage filters for leukoreduction of blood components on clinical outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Silva Natasha Dejigov Monteiro da , Nukui Youko , Takahashi Juliana , Cruz Diná de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da , Nogueira Lilia de Souza
Published: February 2024

Background: Leukoreduction has been used to limit the risk of adverse events. The most commonly used methodology is filtration (pre or post-storage). However, whether pre-storage filtration is better than post-storage filtration needs to be clearly defined, particularly for countries that still use post-storage filtration. This study aimed to synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of pre-storage filters compared with post-storage filters for transfusion reactions, for the occurrence of infections, for the length of hospital stay, and for the death of patients undergoing leukoreduced transfusion.
Methods: Eight databases and gray literature were searched, and GRADE was used to determine the certainty of the evidence.
Results: The meta-analysis showed that pre-storage filtration was a protective factor against febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions in red blood cells and platelet concentrate transfusions. The same did not occur for post-surgical infection after platelet concentrate transfusions. Only one study analyzed the length of hospital stay and showed no significant difference between patients who received leukoreduced transfusions according to the type of filter used. According to the GRADE criteria, the certainty of the evidence for febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions was low for red blood cells and very low for platelet concentrate due to the high risk of bias. For infection was low risk due to imprecision.
Conclusions: The results of this review showed that the certainty of recommending the best type of filter (pre or post-storage) for the benefit of the outcomes analyzed is still fragile; therefore, more robust evidence is needed.
Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42020192202
Thermal Power Generation Efficiency and Renewable Energy Power Generation Substitution Transition Effect: A Case Study of Provinces in China
Authors: Li Shuangjie , Huang Tingyang , Liu Fang , Chen Hongbo
Published: February 2024

This study evaluates the production efficiency and Total Factor Energy Efficiency (TFEE) of China's provincial thermal power industry using the super-efficiency SBM model, complemented by panel regression to assess renewable energy's potential substitutive effects on thermal power production. Additionally, spatial econometric regression analysis clarifies the impact of inter-regional electricity output on thermal power production. Key findings include:1.Regional Efficiency Comparison: Average production efficiency ranks as "East > West > Central," with the West marginally leading over the Central region. In contrast, average TFEE follows "East > Central > West," with the Western region lagging significantly.2. Influential Factors on Thermal Power: Internally, installed capacity, energy consumption, and production efficiency impact thermal power. Externally, hydropower, wind power, and nuclear power show significant substitutive potential, with hydropower's potential increasing from East to West, while wind power's potential decreases. Photovoltaic impact remains negligible.3. Cross-Regional Electricity Transmission: Improved transmission capabilities have broadened renewable energy plants' influence but led to provincial generation exceeding demand. Hydropower, wind power, and nuclear energy from neighboring provinces significantly substitute for thermal power, in that order, with minimal impact from photovoltaics. Policy recommendations focus on the importance of TFEE and production efficiency in thermal power, advocating for inter-regional electricity transfer, and enhancing grid intelligence to optimize the thermal power industry's efficiency, promote sustainable development, and balance power supply and demand. These guidelines aim to inform future energy structure adjustments and urban planning.
Drp1 depletion protects against ferroptotic cell death by preserving mitochondrial integrity and redox homeostasis
Authors: Culmsee Carsten , Tang Stephan , Fuß Anneke , Fattahi Zohreh
Published: February 2024

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles which undergo constant fusion and fission as part of the mitochondrial quality control. In genetic diseases and age-related neurodegenerative disorders, altered mitochondrial fission-fusion dynamics have been linked to impaired mitochondrial quality control, disrupted organelle integrity and function, thereby promoting neural dysfunction and death. The key enzyme regulating mitochondrial fission is the GTPase Dynamin-related Protein 1 (Drp1), which is also considered as a key player in mitochondrial pathways of regulated cell death. In particular, increasing evidence suggests a role for impaired mitochondrial dynamics and integrity in ferroptosis, which is an iron-dependent oxidative cell death pathway with relevance in neurodegeneration. In this study, we demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic depletion of Drp1 exerted protective effects against oxidative cell death by ferroptosis through preserved mitochondrial integrity and maintained redox homeostasis. Knockout of Drp1 resulted in mitochondrial elongation, attenuated ferroptosis-mediated impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential, and stabilized iron trafficking and intracellular iron storage. In addition, Drp1 deficiency exerted metabolic effects, with reduced basal and maximal mitochondrial respiration and a metabolic shift towards glycolysis. These metabolic effects further alleviated the mitochondrial contribution to detrimental ROS production thereby significantly enhancing neural cell resilience against ferroptosis. Taken together, this study highlights the key role of Drp1 in mitochondrial pathways of ferroptosis and expose the regulator of mitochondrial dynamics as a potential therapeutic target in neurological diseases involving oxidative dysregulation.
Pulmonary function and sleep related disorders during cervical admission of intrathecal baclofen in spinal cord injury; a study protocol
Authors: Maas Ellen , Kho Kuan , Rietman Johan , Brusse-Keizer Marjolein
Published: February 2024

Study design: multiphase single arm intervention study
Objectives: The primary goal is to establish the safety of cervical infusion of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) on pulmonary and respiratory functions and sleep related disorders in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The secondary goal is to explore the effect of cervical ITB on reduction of spasticity and improvement at the level of functions and activities.
Settings: General hospital and rehabilitation centre, The Netherlands
Methods: The first phase involves a safety study in persons with SCI with functionally hindering spasticity of the upper extremity. In this phase an extracorporeal pump will be used to investigate whether cervical ITB leads to reduction of spasticity without an adverse effect on respiratory function and sleep related disorders. In case of a safe (no adverse effects) and positive (reduction of spasticity) result of the test, a baclofen pump will be implanted in the second phase of the study. The dosage of ITB will be slowly increased and oral spasmolytics phased out. At 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge, a pulse-oximetry will be performed and pulmonary function, respiratory function, level of spasticity and the level of function and activities will be assessed.
Conclusion: Little is known, at present, about safety and effectiveness of cervical ITB for the treatment of upper extremity spasticity. We aim to establish the safety and efficacy of this procedure. This paper describes the protocol of this safety study.
Meta-Learning for Real-World Class Incremental Learning: A Transformer-Based Approach
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Sharma Amit , Shokeen Vikrant , Azar Ahmad Taher , Amin Syed Umar , Khan Zafar Iqbal
Published: February 2024

Modern Natural Language Processing (NLP) state-of-the-art (SoTA) Deep Learning (DL) models have hundreds of millions of parameters, making them extremely complex. Large datasets are required for training these models, and while pretraining has reduced this requirement, human-labelled datasets are still necessary for fine-tuning. Few-Shot Learning (FSL) techniques, such as meta-learning, try to train models from smaller datasets to mitigate this cost. However, the tasks used to evaluate these meta-learners frequently diverge from the problems in the real world that they are meant to resolve. This work aims to apply meta-learning to a problem that is more pertinent to the real world: class incremental learning (IL). In this scenario, after completing its training, the model learns to classify newly introduced classes. One unique quality of meta-learners is that they can generalise from a small sample size to classes that have never been seen before, which makes them especially useful for class incremental learning (IL). The method describes how to emulate class IL using proxy new classes. This method allows a meta-learner to complete the task without the need for retraining. To generate predictions, the transformer-based aggregation function in a meta-learner that modifies data from examples across all classes has been proposed. The principal contributions of the model include concurrently considering the entire support and query sets, and prioritising attention to crucial samples, such as the question, to increase the significance of its impact during inference. The outcomes demonstrate that the model surpasses prevailing benchmarks in the industry. Notably, most meta-learners demonstrate significant generalisation in the context of class IL even without specific training for this task. This paper establishes a high-performing baseline for subsequent transformer-based aggregation techniques, thereby emphasising the practical significance of meta-learners in class IL.
Lymph Node Involvement are Associated with Overall Survival for Elderly Patients with Non-metastatic Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Jianhao , Qiu Yanyu , Bai Xuesong , He Xiaodong
Published: February 2024

Background
Lymph node involvement are recognized as a prognostic factor of the patients with gallbladder cancer. However, the N stage varied from different editions of AJCC TNM Classification. Our objective was to investigate the impact of lymph node involvement on overall survival in elderly patients with non-metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma.
Methods
Patients older than age 65 years with non-metastatic gallbladder adenocarcinoma were identified from the SEER data. We used Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to select the independent risk factor. A nomogram was built to identify the 1-, 3-, and 5- years prognostic impact. Univariate and multivariate models were used to examine the correlation of OS with the number of metastatic nodes.
Results
A total of 1654 patients (706 with and 948 without nodal involvement) were included. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses found that age, gender, tumor size, lymph node involvement and surgical options were risk factors for the prognosis and were integrated into the nomogram. After adjustment, OS was compromised for patients who receive surgery with nodal involvement (HR, 2.238; P < 0.01). After adjustment, the presence of more than two metastatic lymph nodes was associated with decreased OS (HR, 3.305; P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Our results suggest that lymph node involvement are associated with compromised survival in elderly patients. A nomogram was developed to predict the prognosis of gallbladder cancer. A change point of more than two metastatic lymph nodes seems to carry prognostic significance, calling for closer monitor to elderly gallbladder cancer patients with increased number of lymph node involvement.
Spatial variability in Arctic-boreal pyroregions shaped by climate and human influence
Authors: Scholten Rebecca , Veraverbeke Sander , Chen Yang , Randerson James
Published: February 2024

Fire activity in Arctic and boreal regions is rapidly increasing with severe consequences for climate and human health. Long-term variations in fire frequency and intensity within regions characterize fire regimes. The spatial variability in Arctic-boreal fire regimes and their climatic and anthropogenic drivers, however, remain poorly understood. Here, we developed an object-based fire tracking system to map the sub-daily evolution of all circumpolar Arctic-boreal fires between 2012 and 2023 using 375m Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) active fire detections. This dataset characterizes the ignition time, location, size, duration, spread, and intensity of individual fires. We used the resulting fire atlas to classify the Arctic-boreal biomes into seven distinct pyroregions with unique climatic and geographic environments. The pyroregions exhibited varying responses to environmental drivers, with boreal North America, eastern Siberia, and northern tundra regions showing the highest sensitivity to climate and lightning density. Anthropogenic factors also played an important role in influencing fire number and size, interacting with other factors. Understanding the spatial variability of fire regimes and its interconnected drivers in the Arctic-boreal domain is important for improving future predictions of fire activity and identifying areas at risk for extreme events.
Consanguinity, pregnancy outcomes and offspring mortality in India: Evidences from National Family Health Survey, 2015-2021
Authors: Kalam Mir Azad , Sharma Santosh Kumar , Ghosh Saswata , Roy Subho
Published: February 2024

The authors hypothesize that consanguineous marriages remain a risk factor for pregnancy outcomes and offspring mortality in post-globalized India. Data from women aged 15–49 from National Family Health Surveys 4(2015–2016) and 5(2019–2021) were pooled and used for analysis. The study used binary logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression models to examine the effects of close (CC) and distant (DC) consanguinity on spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and post-neonatal, child mortality respectively compared to non-consanguinity (NC). The final model showed that the risk of spontaneous abortion was significantly higher for CC (1.32, p < 0.001) and DC (1.62, p < 0.001); while the likelihood of neonatal mortality was significantly higher for DC (1.30, p < 0.01) compared to NC. The risk of post-neonatal mortality was significantly higher for CC (1.49, p < 0.01) and DC (1.87, p < 0.001) compared to non-consanguineous (NC) marriage. No significant association was found between consanguinity and child mortality. We conclude that the endogenous effect of consanguinity still pose a serious challenge to the survival of fetus and new born; but exogenous effect reduces the risk of child death. We propose to incorporate socially entrenched practice of consanguinity explicitly into Mosley and Chen's (1984) framework for the aid in understanding child survival in developing countries.
Characterization of Spent Nuclear Fuel Canister Surface Roughness Using Surface Replicating Molds
Authors: Nation B. L. , Faubel J. L. , Vice G. T. , Ohlhausen J. A. , Durbin S. , Bryan C. R. , Knight A. W.
Published: February 2024

In this study we present a replication method to determine surface roughness and to identify surface features when a sample cannot be directly analyzed by conventional techniques. As a demonstration, this method was applied to an unused spent nuclear fuel dry storage canister to determine variation across different surface features. In this study, an initial material down-selection was performed to determine the best molding agent and determined that non-modified Polytek PlatSil23-75 provided the most accurate representation of the surface while providing good usability. Other materials that were considered include Polygel Brush-On 35 polyurethane rubber (with and without Pol-ease 2300 release agent), Polytek PlatSil73-25 silicone rubber (with and without PlatThix thickening agent and Pol-ease 2300 release agent), and Express STD vinylpolysiloxane impression putty. The ability of PlatSil73-25 to create an accurate surface replica was evaluated by creating surface molds of several locations on surface roughness standards representing ISO grade surfaces N3, N5, N7,, and N8. Overall, the molds were able to accurately reproduce the expected roughness average (Ra ) values, but systematically over-estimated the peak-valley maximum roughness (Rz ) values. Using a 3D printed sample cell, several locations across the stainless steel spent nuclear fuel canister were sampled to determine the surface roughness. These measurements provided information regarding variability in nominal surface roughness across the canister as well as a detailed evaluation on specific surface features (e.g., welds, grind marks, etc.). The results of these measurements can support development of dry storage canister ageing management programs, as surface roughness is an important factor for surface dust deposition and accumulation as well as susceptibility to localized corrosion, pitting, and possible stress corrosion cracking. This method can be applied more broadly to different surfaces beyond stainless steel to provide rapid, accurate surface replications for analytical evaluation by profilometry.
Genetic correlations of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder with sex hormone levels in females and males
Authors: Waller Cameron , Ho Ada , Batzler Anthony , Geske Jennifer , Karpyak Victor , Biernacka Joanna , Winham Stacey
Published: February 2024

Background
Alcohol consumption behaviors and alcohol use disorder risk and presentation differ by sex, and these complex traits are associated with blood concentrations of the steroid sex hormones, testosterone and estradiol, and their regulatory binding proteins, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Genetic variation is associated with alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder, as well as levels of steroid sex hormones and their binding proteins.
Methods
To assess the contribution of genetic factors to previously described phenotypic associations between alcohol-use traits and sex-hormone levels, we estimated genetic correlations (rg) using summary statistics from prior published, large sample size genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of alcohol consumption, alcohol dependence, testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, and albumin.
Results
For alcohol consumption, we observed positive genetic correlation (i.e. genetic effects in the same direction) with total testosterone in males (rg = 0.084, p = 0.007) and trends toward positive genetic correlation with bioavailable testosterone (rg = 0.060, p = 0.084) and SHBG in males (rg = 0.056, p = 0.086) and with albumin in a sex-combined cohort (rg = 0.082, p = 0.015); however in females, we observed positive genetic correlation with SHBG (rg = 0.089, p = 0.004) and a trend toward negative genetic correlation (i.e. genetic effects in opposite directions) with bioavailable testosterone (rg = -0.064, p = 0.032). For alcohol dependence, we observed a trend toward negative genetic correlation with total testosterone in females (rg = -0.106, p = 0.024) and positive genetic correlation with BMI-adjusted SHBG in males (rg = 0.119, p = 0.017). Several of these genetic correlations differed between females and males and were not in the same direction as the corresponding phenotypic associations.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that shared genetic effects may contribute to positive associations of alcohol consumption with albumin in both sexes, as well as positive associations between alcohol consumption and bioavailable testosterone and between alcohol dependence and SHBG in males. However, relative contributions of heritable and environmental factors to associations between alcohol-use traits and sex-hormone levels may differ by sex, with genetic factors contributing more in males and environmental factors contributing more in females.
Evaluation of hepatic resection in adolescent and young adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ueda Junji , Mamada Yasuhiro , Taniai Nobuhiko , Yoshioka Masato , Matsushita Akira , Mizutani Satoshi , Kawano Youichi , Shimizu Tetsuya , Kanda Tomohiro , Murokawa Takahiro , Takata Hideyuki , Furuki Hiroyasu , Aoki Yuto , Kawashima Mampei , Irie Toshiyuki , Ohno Takashi , Haruna Takahiro , Yoshimori Daigo , Hamaguchi Akira , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

Background
In Japan, primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops against a background of chronic hepatitis, such as persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Patients with HCC are commonly in their 50s or 60s. It is extremely rare to find HCC patients in their 40s or younger. In Japan, such cases are reported to constitute only 0.23% of all cases. The adolescent and young adult (AYA) population refers to people aged 15–39 years. Patients with cancer in the AYA population may present special clinical features and biologic characteristics. In this study, we evaluated hepatic resection of AYA hepatocellular carcinoma at our facility.
Materials and Methods
We analyzed 978 patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institute between 1994 and 2022. We categorized the patients into two groups: the AYA group and the non-AYA group. Patient demographics, operative details, perioperative outcomes, pathologic details, clinicopathological findings, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared.
Results
Eight patients—five males and three females—were less than 40 years old. The incidence of AYA hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.8%. Six patients had a history of hepatitis B. Four patients had a history of liver cirrhosis. Two patients experienced recurrent HCC. One patient died a year and a half after surgery. The percentage of HBV-positive patients was significantly greater in the AYA group than in the non-AYA group, and the tumor diameter was significantly greater in the AYA group. There were no significant differences in tumor marker levels, vascular invasion, differentiation, overall survival rate, or recurrence-free survival rate between the AYA group and the non-AYA group.
Conclusion
The outcome of resection for AYA HCC is good. Detection of AYA HCC in the early stage and hepatectomy are recommended.
Correlation analysis of the SIRI, PLR and NLR with the short- term prognosis of acute cerebral infarction
Authors: Zhu Feng , Wang Zihan , Song Jiang-hua , Ji Yan
Published: February 2024

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The incidence of stroke in China is the highest in the world. Numerous studies have confirmed the clinical value of the SIRI, SII, NHR, NLR, PLR and MLR in predicting the prognosis of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients. To date, no studies have compared the predictive value of these six composite inflammatory markers. A total of 264 AIS patients with symptoms for < 24 h were included in this study. The short-term prognosis of AIS patients at 30 days was assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS), with an mRS score > 2 defined as a poor prognosis. The results of the univariate analysis showed that all six composite inflammatory indices, the SIRI, SII, NHR, NLR, PLR and MLR, were associated with a poor prognosis in patients with AIS. The results of the correlation analysis showed that all six composite inflammatory indicators correlated with the short-term prognosis of AIS patients. The six composite inflammation indicators were included in the binary logistic regression, and the results showed that the SIRI, NLR and PLR were found to be independent risk factors for poor short-term prognosis in AIS patients. Among the six inflammatory markers, the SIRI, NLR and PLR were the most clinically valuable for predicting the short-term prognosis of patients with AIS. Peripheral blood indices are easy to obtain clinically and can provide important clinical value for early prognosis and treatment adjustment.
Eddy-driven diazotroph distribution: horizontal variability prevails over particle sinking speed
Authors: CERDÁN-GARCÍA ELENA , Álvarez-Salgado Xose-Antonio , Arístegui Javier , Martínez-Marrero Antonio , Benavides Mar
Published: February 2024

Mesoscale eddies influence the distribution of diazotroph (nitrogen fixing) cyanobacteria, impacting marine primary productivity and carbon export. Recently, non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs (NCDs) have emerged as potentially important contributors to the marine nitrogen fixation. Lacking a photosynthetic apparatus, NCDs are thought to rely on organic matter particles to obtain carbon and nutrient resources, simultaneously impacting nitrogen and carbon cycling. However, their diversity and biogeochemical importance remain poorly understood. Combining amplicon sequencing with hydrographic and biogeochemical data, allowed the investigation of the horizontal and vertical spatial variability of NCDs associated with suspended, slow-sinking, and fast-sinking particles collected with a marine snow catcher. Despite cyanobacterial diazotrophs and NCDs were equally abundant, their diversity was explained by the structure of the eddy, with communities in the core more similar than in the periphery. The unicellular symbiotic cyanobacterium UCYN-A was widespread across the eddy, whereas Trichodesmium and Crocosphaera accumulated at the external eddy fronts. Particle-associated NCDs dominated the fast-sinking fractions, mainly comprising Alphaproteobacteria. Gammaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria exhibited inverse distributions, influenced by the physicochemical characteristics of water intrusions at the eddy periphery. Niche differentiation across the anticyclonic eddy underscored NCDs’ particle associations and mesoscale dynamics, deepening our understanding of their ecological role and impact on ocean biogeochemistry.
Rogue and solitary waves in the nonlinear left-handed transmission line with nearest-neighbors couplings
Authors: Abbagari Souleymanou , Alphonse Houwe , Akinyemi Lanre , Serge Doka Yamigno , Crépin Kofane Timoléon
Published: February 2024

The effects of the second-order neighbor interaction have been effective on the coherent localized waves and modulation instability spectrum. A coupled nonlinear Schr\"{o}dinger equation is derived in the nonlinear left-handed electrical lattice, and the linear stability is used to formulate the modulation instability spectrum expression. Unstable modes are displayed to show symmetric lobes and increasing bandwidths under the influence of the neighbor coupling. The Benjamin-Feir instability has prospered in the network, and for weak perturbed wave numbers, the unstable modes increase. The numerical simulation is used to develop localized waves, including rogue waves with one crest and two humps, Akhmediev breathers, and other modulated structures. We notice that, for strong values of the perturbed wave number, an exponential growth of the continuous wave arises to confirm the fact that the nonlinear left-handed electrical lattice with coupling strength is opened to coherent localized waves. The long-lived nature of the obtained structures has also been demonstrated for specific times of propagation.
Significance of early diagnosis and surgical management in treating Mycobacterium immunogenum-related pyogenic extensor tenosynovitis: a case report
Authors: Okinaka Tomohide , Fujimura Kenjiro , Hamasaki Yuka , Hasegawa Yuichi , Matono Takashi
Published: February 2024

Background
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental organisms that are increasingly contributing to human infections. Mycobacterium immunogenum, a variant of NTM discovered in 2001, is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that exhibits multidrug resistance. Reports of infections caused by this organism, particularly tenosynovitis in the musculoskeletal system, are limited.
Case presentation
A 71-year-old female with vesicular pemphigus, undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, presented with a progressively enlarging tumour on the dorsum of her right hand, along with erythematous papules that extended across her right forearm. The specimens of skin tissues and blood cultures revealed the presence of M. immunogenum. Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation led to the diagnosis of pyogenic extensor tenosynovitis. A multidrug regimen, comprising amikacin and clarithromycin, was initiated, followed by synovectomy. The patient underwent a course of 180 days of antimicrobial therapy and demonstrated no signs of disease recurrence one year after treatment completion.
Conclusion
Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial to prevent the adverse prognostic implications of pyogenic extensor tenosynovitis caused by M. immunogenum. Effective management requires precise microbial identification and susceptibility testing, necessitating collaborative engagement with microbiological laboratories.
The first Japanese case of small airway disease in a patient with autosomal dominant cutis laxa harboring frameshift variant in exon 30 of the elastin gene
Authors: Kaji Masanori , Namkoong Ho , Chubachi Shotaro , Tanaka Hiromu , Asakura Takanori , Hashiguchi Mizuha Haraguchi , Yamada Mamiko , Suzuki Hisato , Tanabe Naoya , Yamada Yoshitake , Ouchi Takeshi , Tsuji Atsutoshi , Hasegawa Naoki , Kosaki Kenjiro , Fukunaga Koichi , Uehara Tomoko
Published: February 2024

Background:
Cutis laxa constitutes a diverse group of connective tissue diseases, both inherited and acquired, characterized by loose skin and varying systemic involvement, including pulmonary lesions. While cutis laxa has been linked to conditions like emphysema, asthma, and bronchiectasis, the specific pathological and radiological characteristics underlying pulmonary complications related to cutis laxa remain unclear.
Case presentation:
A 36-year-old woman, diagnosed with cutis laxa at birth, presented to our outpatient clinic with severe obstructive ventilatory impairment, evident in preoperative pulmonary function tests (expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC): 34.85%). Pulmonary function tests also indicated small airway disease (FEF50%, 7.9%; FEF75%, 5.7%; and FEF25–75%, 6.8%). Computed tomography (CT) revealed pronounced air trapping during expiration, with no discernible emphysematous changes. Exome sequencing was performed to confirm the association between the pulmonary lesions and cutis laxa, revealing a frameshift variant in exon 30 of the elastin gene (ELN). Further analysis employing a parametric response map revealed a longitudinal increase in the percentage of functional small airway disease (fSAD), despite the absence of overt changes in CT findings, specifically air trapping and emphysema.
Conclusions:
This case highlighted an instance of autosomal dominant cutis laxa arising from a frameshift variant in exon 30 of ELN, accompanied by small airway disease. Comprehensive investigation, utilizing quantitative CT analysis, revealed a longitudinal increase in fSAD percentage with a slight reduction in FEV1. These findings indicate that elastin deficiency may not only diminish elastic fibers in the skin but also be implicated in small airway disease by impacting components of the extracellular matrix in the lungs.
Clinical Study on the Application of Sleep Health Management System in Insomnia Problem population
Authors: Meng Yilin , Hu Linlin , Zhang Yonghua , ZHANG Lei
Published: February 2024

To observe the effectiveness of sleep health management system in improving sleep of people with insomnia problems. A total of 120 college students who had insomnia problems in four universities of Zhejiang Province were randomly divided into sleep management group and blank control group. The sleep management group was given sleep hygiene education and managed sleep health through sleep health management application program, while the blank control group was given sleep hygiene education alone. The improvement of sleep, mood, cognition of sleep and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups. The scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale-16 (DBAS-16) and the polysomnography data were used to evaluate efficacy. After the treatment, the score of sleep management group decreased more than that of blank control group, and the polysomnography data showed that the improvement of sleep quality in sleep management group was better than that in blank control group. The above results suggest that the application of sleep health management system can effectively improve the sleep of people with insomnia problems, adjust the sleep structure, regulate emotions and improve the poor cognition of sleep.
Vasectomy incidence in the Military Health System after the reversal of Roe v. Wade
Authors: Pierson Benjamin , Banaag Amanda , Janvrin Miranda , Koehlmoos Tracey
Published: February 2024

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has already had profound impact on reproductive health care in the United States. Some studies have reported increased incidence of vasectomy after the Dobbs decision. The Military Health System (MHS) provides a unique opportunity to evaluate this relationship in a universally insured, geographically representative population. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of vasectomies among all male beneficiaries in the MHS, ages 18 to 64, from 2018 to 2022. Analyses included descriptive statistics on patient demographics, rate change, time analysis, logistic regressions for the odds of a vasectomy after the Dobbs decision, and state-level analysis. Our analysis indicated a 19.7% increase in vasectomy utilization in 2022 compared to the average from 2018–2021. Analysis by state showed that the relative increase in vasectomy after the Dobbs decision was greater in a state immediately implementing a restriction on abortion access (Texas, 29.3%) compared to a state with no such restriction (Virginia, 10.6%). Our findings highlight the impact of the Dobbs decision on reproductive health care utilization outside of abortion.
Prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and their associated factors in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients from China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Xuanna , Yan Rui , Long Bingyu , Huang Mei , Liu Gege , Lv Dong , Li Dongming , Wu Bin , Huang Dan , Wang Duolao , Wu Dong
Published: February 2024

Background
Bronchiectasis often coexists with anxiety and depression. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors for anxiety and depression among bronchiectasis patients.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 345 non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients in Zhanjiang, China from 2021 to 2023. Data on clinical characteristics, laboratory data, pulmonary function and imaging findings of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients were collected. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to evaluate their mental health. Logistic regression model was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for risk factors associated with anxiety or depression.
Results
Among 345 patients, 39.4% had anxiety and 50.4% had depression. Logistic regression analysis indicated that higher dyspnea (mMRC score ≥ 2) was significantly associated with an increased odds of anxiety (aOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 2.23, 6.24) and depression (aOR = 4.01, 95% CI: 2.35, 6.84). In addition, female patients (aOR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.97) and patients with frequent exacerbations in past one year (≥ 2) (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.41) also had a higher odds of depression.
Conclusions
Anxiety and depression were highly prevalent among bronchiectasis patients. Higher dyspnea was related to both depression and anxiety. Female and frequent exacerbation in past one year were associated with depression. Clinicians should consider psychiatric symptoms in the routine management of bronchiectasis.
Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence, and safety of two preparations of 20 mg trimetazidine
Authors: Tan Dongmei , Zhang Fucai , Fu Xihua , Su Jianfen , Xu Zuoheng , Yang Hui , Mu Yanping
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Trimetazidine (TMZ) is effective for the treatment of angina. Herein, we assessed the pharmacokinetics, safety, and bioequivalence of TMZ hydrochloride tablets from two different manufacturers in healthy Chinese individuals under both fasting and fed conditions.
Methods: Twenty-eight participants were randomly assigned to either the fasting or fed arm in the single-center, randomized, open-label, crossover trial with a two-period, two-sequence design. TMZ levels in plasma were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using a non-atrioventricular model.
Results: The mean AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, and Cmax for the test and reference formulations were 461.1 and 488.6 h·ng/mL, 471.3 and 500.2 h·ng/mL, and 50.0 and 52.6 ng/mL in the fasting arm, respectively. Similarly, in the fed arm, the values were 439.6 and 453.8 h·ng/mL, 448.4 and 462.9 h·ng/mL, and 64.0 and 66.8 ng/mL. The bioequivalence of both fasting and fed states for all parameters fell within the acceptable limits in both TMZ preparations. All recorded adverse events were mild.
Conclusion: Overall, the test TMZ formulation was bioequivalent to the reference formulation and was safe for healthy Chinese subjects in both fasting and fed states.
Interactions between patterns of multimorbidity and functional status among hospitalized older patients: a novel approach using cluster analysis and association rule mining.
Authors: Piacenza Francesco , Rosa Mirko Di , Soraci Luca , Montesanto Alberto , Corsonello Andrea , Cherubini Antonio , Fabbietti Paolo , Provinciali Mauro , Lisa Rosamaria , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Filicetti Elvira , Greco Giada Ida , Muglia Lucia , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Biscetti Leonardo
Published: February 2024

Background
Multimorbidity (MM) is generally defined as the presence of 2 or more chronic diseases in the same patient and seems to be frequently associated with frailty and poor quality of life. However, the complex interplay between MM and functional status in hospitalized older patients has not been fully elucidated so far. Here, we implemented a 2-step approach, combining cluster analysis and association rule mining to explore how patterns of MM and disease associations change as a function of disability.
Methods
this retrospective cohort study included 3,366 hospitalized older patients discharged from acute care units of Ancona and Cosenza sites of Italian National Institute on Aging (INRCA-IRCCS) between 2011 and 2017. Cluster analysis and association rule mining (ARM) were used to explore patterns of MM and disease associations in the whole population and after stratifying by dependency in activities of daily living (ADL) at discharge. Sensitivity analyses in men and women were conducted to test for robustness of study findings.
Results
Out of 3,366 included patients, 78% were multimorbid. According to functional status, 22.2% of patients had no disability in ADL (functionally independent group), 22.7% had 1 ADL dependency (mildly dependent group), and 57.4% 2 or more ADL impaired (moderately-severely dependent group). Two main MM clusters were identified in the whole general population and in single ADL groups. ARM revealed interesting within-cluster disease associations, characterized by high lift and confidence. Specifically, in the functionally independent group, the most significant ones involved atrial fibrillation (AF)-anemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (lift = 2.32), followed by coronary artery disease (CAD)-AF and heart failure (HF) (lift = 2.29); in patients with moderate-severe ADL disability, the most significant ARM involved CAD-HF and AF (lift = 1.97), thyroid dysfunction and AF (lift = 1.75), cerebrovascular disease (CVD)-CAD and AF (lift = 1.55), and hypertension-anemia and CKD (lift = 1.43).
Conclusions
Hospitalized older patients have high rates of MM and functional impairment. Combining cluster analysis to ARM may assist physicians in discovering unexpected disease associations in patients with different ADL status. This could be relevant in the view of individuating personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, according to the modern principles of precision medicine.
Adaptive output feedback command filter controlbased on extreme learning machine for nonaffine time delay systems with input saturation
Authors: Zhu Jingyang , Li Shurong
Published: February 2024

This paper is concerned with extreme learning machine (ELM)-approximation-based command filter control for nonaffine pure-feedback time delay systems with input saturation. To begin with, a mean value theorem and an implicit function theorem are exploited to transform the system under consideration into an affine form. Afterwards, a state observer is developed to estimate the state variables that cannot be measured directly. By using the approximation capability and inherent adaptive features of an ELM, the unknown functions in time delay systems are successfully solved. The outputs of the command filter are applied to approximate the virtual control signals’ derivative, thereby circumventing the problem of "explosion of complexity" that can occur due to the presence of multiple differentiation of the virtual control signals. Meanwhile, the compensation signals are introduced to eliminate the filtering errors in a dynamic surface control (DSC). The Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals are utilized to mitigate the time delay terms. An error constraint transformation method is consumed to guarantee the fulfillment of prescribed performance for a tracking error. Combining a prescribed performance control (PPC) with a command filter control, the target of a tracking error converges to a prescribed arbitrary small interval can be realized. Additionally, the effect of input saturation is eliminated with the aid of an auxiliary system. Finally, the effectiveness of the presented control approach is further proved by taking an electromechanical system as an application object.