bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blowout-Capping-Fracturing-Relief Well: A Full Cycle Workflow
Authors: Elnoamany Youssuf , Michael Andreas , Gupta Ipsita , Bhinde Tej , Todman Steve , Waltrich Paulo J. , Chen Yuanhang
Published: October 2023

Failed well-capping attempts following offshore-well blowouts undergoing worst case discharge (WCD) can lead to fluid-driven tensile failures (de facto hydraulic fracture initiations). Subsequent propagation of these fractures may lead to broaching of overburden-rock-formation layers and even the seafloor, providing pathways for reservoir hydrocarbons to escape into the seawater. After capping stack shut-in, the pressure buildup in the fluid column inside the wellbore exposes vulnerable locations to tensile (Mode I) failure. If this shut-in wellbore pressure exceeds the formation breakdown pressure (FBP) in any of the exposed-rock-formation layers, a fracture will initiate and will continue to propagate as long as sufficient energy is provided by the reservoir. Scenarios where the propagating fracture(s) broached the seafloor in the past led to severe environmental impacts, disturbing the local ecology. The quintessential example is Union Oil’s 1969 “A-21 Well” blowout in California’s Santa Barbara Channel, where subsequent well-capping attempts led to multiple broaching instances on the seafloor near the well with thousands of hydrocarbon gallons gushing into the seawater (observable from the sea surface as “oil boilups”).

In this paper, numerical modeling is performed on a hypothetical case study using deepwater Gulf of Mexico parameters in order to evaluate the likelihood of a similar scenario by modeling a planar-fracture propagation longitudinally-to-the-wellbore, upon well capping. A workflow is developed that integrates post-blowout WCD flowrate and volume estimations, fracture initiation and propagation modeling following the capping stack shut-in, pertaining to a “cap-and-contain” strategy (including predictions in regard to seafloor broaching), along with relief-well intersection followed by kill-weight-mud injection. The casing-shoe depth is the presumed location of fracture initiation, assuming perfect integrity of all casedhole sections above it. Several sensitivity analyses are performed to investigate the impact of the casing-shoe depth, along with the stiffness of the overburden-rock-formation layer, and the post-blowout-discharge duration on the resultant fracture growth. Finally, the mud density and pump flowrate necessary to compensate the oil column to successfully kill the blown well are quantitatively assessed.
Pore-Scale Simulation of Fracture Propagation by CO2 Flow Induced in Deep Shale Based on Hydro-Mechanical Coupled Model
Authors: Liu Ziwei , Yang Yongfei , Zhang Qi , Imani Gloire , Zhang Lei , Sun Hai , Zhong Junjie , Zhang Kai , Yao Jun
Published: October 2023

The depletion of conventional reservoirs has led to increased interest in deep shale gas. Hydraulic fracturing addresses the challenge of developing low-permeability shale, involving hydro-mechanical coupling fracture propagation mechanics. Supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) has become a promising alternative to fracturing fluids due to its ability to be buried underground after use. The high temperature, pressure, and stress of deep shale lead to the flow of fracturing fluid to plastic deformation of rock, resulting in microfractures. In this paper, we simulate the fracture propagation process of deep shale fractured by SC-CO2 based on the coupling of the Darcy-Brinkman-Biot method, which adopts the Navier-Stokes-like equation to solve the free flow region, and the Darcy equation with Biot’s theory to solve flow in the matrix. To clearly probe the mechanism of deep fracturing from a microscopic perspective, the plastic rock property is taken into consideration. We investigate the effects of injection velocity, rock plastic yield stress, formation pressure, and gas slippage effect on fluid saturation and fracture morphology, and find that increasing the injection rate of fracturing fluid can form better extended fractures and complex fracture networks, improving the fracturing effect. Furthermore, we find that it is more appropriate to adopt SC-CO2 as a fracturing fluid alternative in deep shale with higher plastic yield stress due to higher CO2 saturation in the matrix, indicating greater carbon sequestration potential. High confining pressure promotes the growth of shear fractures, which are capable of more complex fracture profiles. The gas slip effect has a significant impact on the stress field while ignoring the flow field. This study sheds light on which deep shale gas reservoirs are appropriate for the use of SC-CO2 as a fracturing fluid and offers recommendations for how to enhance the fracturing effect at the pore scale.
New automated drilling controller for drill string vibrations mitigation and rate of penetration optimization using a fuzzy logic system.
Authors: BOUKREDERA Farouk Said , Youcefi Mohamed Riad , Hadjadj Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Drill string vibration is one of the limiting factors that affect the maximum drilling performance, and at the same time causes premature failure of drill string components. Optimizing the drilling process in order to enhance efficiency requires a valuable vibration mitigation scheme to increase penetration rate. This article introduces a novel strategy to control drilling parameters to reduce drill string vibration and optimize ROP. In the system development process, various interesting topics have been studied, such as the performance of the controller (using MATLAB Fuzzy Logic toolbox), the application of artificial neural networks in ROP prediction, and drill string modeling. The proposed strategy uses multiple inputs such as surface drilling parameters variation (RPM, WOB, and Torque) together with predictive vibration severity estimate to detect drilling vibrations and adjust related parameters to suppress severe oscillations and avoid unexpected events that lead to non-productive time. The fuzzy logic controller shows overall stability and robustness, the controlled parameters follow the rules used in the fuzzy set which are developed by analyzing data from Algerian oil wells and simulating the "experience and expertise" of decision-makers. The system is multi-objective optimization; can detect inefficiencies, mitigate vibration, and enhance ROP. The artificial neural network ROP model, when simulated using the field data, shows an improvement of ROP by 12% on average across all the drilled formations when compared to the recorded data. A case study is presented to illustrate the application of this method in drilling practice.
Developement of a new staining protocol for the Kleihauer-Betke test to facilitate the reading of dificult cases
Authors: Serban Adrian , Tholance Yannick , Aanei Carmen , Campos Lydia , Iobagiu Cristina
Published: October 2023

Background
The Kleihauer–Betke (KB) test allows the detection of fetal red blood cells (containing fetal hemoglobin, HbF) in the maternal blood to identify and quantify potential fetal-maternal hemorrhages. In certain cases, detecting fetal red blood cells with conventional staining is difficult. False-positive results or overestimation of the quantity of fetal red blood cells may occur in cases of maternal hemoglobinopathy. In this study, we developed a new staining protocol to facilitate the reading of difficult smears and improve the precision of the quantification of fetal red blood cells; we also analyzed the performance of this new method. This study assessed blood samples with and without hemoglobin abnormalities, which present difficulties when interpreting the KB test.
Methods
The new staining formula is based on an improved elution technique and the use of a different stain instead of hematoxylin. To test this staining method, 16 samples from patients with abnormal hemoglobin electrophoresis and 14 samples from patients with normal hemoglobin electrophoresis were analyzed using the KB test with the classical staining method and the new staining method. In addition, a second series was prepared using the same samples spiked with fetal red blood cells from newborn blood, to compare the accuracy of the two methods in identifying fetal red blood cells.
Results
In the 60 slides analyzed with both staining methods, we found that the new technique improved the accuracy from 78–85%; lowered the coefficient of variation between the operators, which decreased from 20.7–12.7%; increased the specificity in our population from 56–70%; and decreased the number of false-positive cases by 30%.
Conclusions
We successfully developed a new staining technique that facilitates the reading of difficult slides and improves the specificity of the detection of fetal red blood cells. This technique is recommended as a secondary method to use before sending the sample for additional exploration.
High-dimensional single photon based quantum secure direct communication using time and phase mode degrees
Authors: Ahn Byungkyu , Park Jooyoun , Lee Jonghyun , Lee Sangrim
Published: October 2023

Quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) can guarantee security using the characteristics of quantum mechanics even when a message is directly transmitted through a quantum channel without using a secret key. However, the transmission rate of the QSDC is limited by the dead time of a single photon detector (SPD) as well as channel loss over the distance. To overcome this limited transmission rate, we propose a high-dimensional single photon-based QSDC protocol that applies two optical degrees of freedom: time and phase state. First, an N-dimensional time and phase state generation method that considers the dead time is proposed to minimize the measurement loss of a transmitted message. Second, among the two types of quantum states, the phase state with relatively low measurement efficiency is used only for eavesdropping detection,and the time state is used for sending messages with differential delay time bin-based encoding techniques. Lastly, we propose an efficient method for measuring N-dimensional time and phase-based quantum states and recovering classical bit information.This study performs security analysis against various attacks, and verifies the transmission rate improvement effect through simulation. The result indicates that our proposal can guarantee higher security and transmission rates compared to the conventional DL04 QSDC.
LeLISA: a new lectin-based immunoassay for evaluation of mucins and pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL)
Authors: Fagerhol Magne K. , Franco-Lie Isabel , Waage Anne , Hetland Geir , Hauge Truls
Published: October 2023

Background The discrimination of mucinous from serous pancreatic cysts and pseudocysts is an important clinical issue. We established an assay to detect different types of carbohydrate containing molecules like glycans and mucins in biological materials and have called it the LeLISA. The method implies a certain specificity since different lectins bind predominantly to certain di -or oligosaccharides that may appear typically on certain cell types or, as a consequence of cell transformations often called aberrant mucin expression. The presence, or absence of reactivity with some lectins may be associated with different pathological conditions and may therefore have diagnostic implications, for instance in differentiation of pancreatic cysts. We aimed at detecting mucin-calprotectin (Cp)complexes (Muc/Cp) bound to lectin (Le) coated wells using enzyme labelled anti-Cp.Materials and methods The LeLISA is a special type of ELISA where the catching antibody is replaced by a Le. Eight different randomly selected lectins were used for coating of microwells and subsequently incubated with pancreatic cyst fluids collected via endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) from patients with mucinous, serous cysts and pseudocysts, 10 patients in each group. The diagnosis was confirmed through histopathological examination of surgical specimens and follow-up after initial diagnosis. The binding of Muc/Cp to lectins was demonstrated by a new type of ELISA where cyst fluids were incubated in microwells coated with different types of lectins followed by enzyme (HRP) labelled monoclonal anti-Cp. The name LeLISA was introduced for this new procedure.Results Muc/Cpin cyst fluids bound to several of the eight lectins tested, in particular to Galanthus nivalis, Agaricus blazei Murill and Phaseolus vulgaris. This was especially noticeable for fluids from mucin-producing cysts.Conclusions Cyst fluids contain complexes with Cp and mucins. The LeLISA may be a new method for detection of aberrant mucin expression and possibly a way of discriminating between different types of pancreatic cysts, in particular when the Galanthus lectin and enzyme labelled anti-Cp monoclonals are used. The binding to lectins depends upon certain carbohydrate sequences recognized by the individual lectin.
A Distance Based Similarity Measure on Trapezoidal Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers and its Applications
Authors: P Dhanasekaran , Kalidasan S.
Published: October 2023

In this article, a novel distance based similarity measure between any two trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TraIFNs) is de ned and some of its important properties are proved and validated by numerical examples. It consists of two interrelated modules. In the rst module consists of distance based similarity measure between TraIFNs and it is used for ranking procedure. For the second module, Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used for real life application problems under TraIFN environment. The e ectiveness of the proposed distance based similarity measure between TraIFNs is examined by solving the real life applications such as multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method, pattern recognition problems and also compared over familiar existing methods. Finally, we obtain a general conclusions and future scope of the proposed method.
Albendazole metabolites excretion in human saliva: a biomarker to assess treatment compliance in mass drug administration (MDA) anthelmintic programs
Authors: Nieves E. , Cimino R. , Krolewiecki A. , Juarez M. , Lanusse C. , Alvarez L. , Ceballos L.
Published: October 2023

Soil-transmitted-helminth (STH) infections continue to be a persistent global public health problem. Control strategies for STH have been based on the use of mass drug administration (MDA). Coverage and compliance assessment, currently based on reporting methods, is critical to understanding the true effectiveness of albendazole (ABZ) in those MDA programs. The aims of this work were to characterize the pattern of albendazole and metabolites excretion in human saliva, and to develop a saliva-based biomarker (HPLC drug/metabolite detection) useful to accurately estimate the coverage/compliance in MDA campaigns. The study subjects were 12 healthy volunteers treated with a single oral dose of ABZ (400 mg). Saliva and blood (dried blood spot, DBS) samples were taken previously and between 2–72 h post-treatment. The samples were analyzed by HPLC with UV detection. ABZ sulphoxide was the main analyte recovered up to 72 h p.t. in blood and saliva. The concentration profiles measured in the blood (DBS samples) were higher (P < 0.05) than those in saliva, however, this ABZ-metabolite was recovered longer in saliva. The in vivo measurement of drugs/metabolites in saliva samples from ABZ-treated volunteers offers strong scientific evidence to support the use of saliva as a valid biomarker for assessing compliance in MDA programs.
Multiple tori intermittency routes to strange nonchaotic attractors in a quasiperiodically-forced piecewise smooth system
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Zhang Yongxiang
Published: October 2023

The multi-torus intermittent paths of strange nonchaotic attractors in quasi-periodic forced piecewise smooth systems are investigated. Due to Farey tree bifurcations, different tori are converted to intermittent strange nonchaotic attractors through a series of non-smooth saddle-node bifurcations. First, the singularity is observed by the phase diagrams, and then the non-chaos is determined by calculating the maximum Lyapunov exponent. Then some characteristics of SNAs are described by analyzing the change of phase sensitive function with the number of tori, the structure of recursive plot and the finite-time Lyapunov exponential distribution. What is different from previous studies about SNAs is that the distribution of the finite-time Lyapunov exponents peaks at extremely negative values, while the positive tail of the distribution decreases in a linear manner.
Remediation of copper-contaminated soils and growth enhancement of Pakchoi via biofertilizers composed of new Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SYNU1
Authors: He Haisheng , Bao Sijia , Wu Yannan , Tong Deli
Published: October 2023

Backgrounds: Copper contaminants are harmful to soil, microbes, plants and humans and can be remediated by biosorption. Applying biofertilizers to remediate copper contaminated soil is an environmentally friendly way.
Results: In this study, we identified a new strain, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SYNU1, based on morphological, biochemical, physiological, and phylogenetic analyses. It can be cultured on Luria-Bertani (LB) medium and absorb soluble Cu2+ from pH 3.5-5 and 25-40 °C at Cu2+ concentrations of 100 mg L-1. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of copper by strain SYNU1 is 53.09% w/w. Furthermore, microbe fertilizers were made based on strain SYNU1, these fertilizers were allowed to ferment for 15 d, and they were used for remediation of copper-contaminated soil and growth tests of Pakchoi (B. chinensis L) in pot experiments. The results showed that the growth of Pakchoi planted in copper-contaminated soil at concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 mg kg-1 was inhibited, and its growth indices, such as plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight, decreased significantly with increasing copper concentration. Compared with the control, the increases in plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight of Pakchoi treated with biofertilizer were 10.37%, 65.3% and 67.78%, respectively, indicating that biofertilizer could significantly promote the growth of Pakchoi.
Conclusions:Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SYNU1 is useful for the bioremediation of Cu2+-contaminated soil in Northeast China.
Analgesic Effect of the Ultrasound-guided Thoracolumbar Paravertebral Block in Patients Undergoing Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yin Guojiang , Li Yue , Wei Pengxiao , Ma Xuyuan , Li Bixi , Gan Guosheng , Song Xiaoyang
Published: October 2023

Background
Paravertebral block has the same effect as epidural anesthesia, and has good somatic and visceral analgesic effect. Paravertebral block is widely used in thoracic surgery, but rarely used in abdominal surgery.
Aims
This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of thoracolumbar paravertebral block in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy.
Methods
One hundred patients undergoing elective robot-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy were included in this study. Based on whether the thoracolumbar paravertebral block was performed, the patients were randomly divided into the thoracolumbar paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia group (TL-PVB group) and simple general anesthesia group (NO-PVB group). Oxycodone was administered for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). The primary outcomes included the amount of remifentanil used during surgery, the amount of oxycodone used in 24 and 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included the changes of heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP), time for the first analgesia administration, visual analog score (VAS) of pain during rest and movement, and time of postoperative recovery.
Results
Compared to the NO-PVB group, the amount of remifentanil used during surgery in patients with TL-PVB group was significantly reduced (1.78 ± 0.37 mg vs. 3.09 ± 0.48 mg, p < 0.001), the amount of oxycodone used 24 hours after surgery was significantly reduced (8.70 ± 1.70 mg vs. 13.79 ± 2.74 mg, p < 0.001), and the amount of oxycodone used 48 hours after surgery was remarkably reduced (21.83 ± 4.28 mg vs. 27.27 ± 4.76 mg, p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the changes of HR and MAP between the two groups (p < 0.001). The first analgesic requirement time of TL-PVB group was significantly longer than that of NO-PVB group (468.56 ± 169.60 min vs. 113.48 ± 37.26 min, p < 0.001). The postoperative VAS during rest and movement of TL-PVB group were significantly lower than that of NO-PVB group (p < 0.01). Compared with NO-PVB group, patients in TL-PVB group needed shorter time to awaken from anesthesia, leave the operating room, anal exhaust, get out of bed, and had shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative adverse reactions were lower in the TL-PVB group than that in the NO-PVB group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Ultrasound-guided thoracolumbar paravertebral block significantly reduces intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption, and provides better analgesia in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy, which is a recommendable combined anesthesia technique.
Trial registration
ChiCTR2200061326, 21/06/2022
Glabridin Reduces Neuroinflammation by Modulating Inflammatory Signals in LPS-induced in Vitro and in Vivo Models
Authors: Weng Jiyu , Wang Ying , Tan Zekai , Yuan Yanghe , Huang Shiyuan , Li Zexi , Li Yiming , Zhang Lanyue , Du Zhiyun
Published: October 2023

Objectives
Chronic neuroinflammation has become one of the important causes of common neurodegeneration disease. Therefore, the target of this study was to explore the protective action of glabridin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation in vivo and in vitro and its mechanism.
Methods
The neuroinflammation model was established by LPS-induced BV2 cells. The cell viability with various concentrations of glabridin was determined by MTT assay, and the content of NO in each group was detected. A neuroinflammatory model was established in male C57BL/6J mice for water maze test. Subsequently, NF-κB and SOD indices were measured by ELISA, GFAP and IBA-1 indices were measured by immunofluorescence, and Nissl staining was used to explore the Nissl bodies in the hippocampus of mice.
Results
In vitro experiments, our results expressed that glabridin could markedly increase the cell activity of LPS-induced BV2 cells and reduce the NO expression in cells. It indicated that glabridin had a remarkable impact on the neuroinflammation of LPS-induced BV2 cells protection. In vivo neuroinflammation experiments, mice treated with different doses of glabridin showed significantly improved ability of memory compared with the LPS group in the Morris water maze test. The levels of NF-κB, GFAP, and the number of positive cells in Nissl staining were decreased. High-dose glabridin significantly increased the SOD content in the brain tissue and decreased the IBA-1 levels.
Conclusion
Glabridin can significantly reduce or even reverse LPS-induced neuroinflammation, which may be related with the fact that glabridin can reduce the NO expression, NF-κB, IBA-1, GFAP, and other inflammatory mediators, upregulate the expression of SOD to relieve oxidative stress of brain, and inhibit the activation of gliocyte in brain tissue.
Necroptosis-Related Genes Associated with Immune Activity and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tan Lulu , Ren Yahui , Wang Di , Zhang Xiaoying , Deng Rui , Zhu Weiwei , Xiao Juan , Tan Yuyan , Liu Zhibo
Published: October 2023

Background: Necroptosis is critical in the occurrence and development of many malignancies, CRC is one of the top causes of cancer-related deaths globally. However, the association between necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) and colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. Therefore, the present study aims to construct a novel signature based on NRG to predict the prognosis of CRC patients and investigate its possible role.
Methods: The transcriptome data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were utilized to identify cancer hallmarks that are associated with outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). A new NRG signature was created and confirmed through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and COX regression analysis. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, K-M survival analysis, ROC, and nomogram were applied to assess the predictive value of our signature. Additionally, the potential mechanisms, tumor immune status, and drug sensitivity differences were uncovered in the two-risk groups by using a variety of bioinformatics analysis algorithms. The expression of signature NRG in CRCs was evaluated through RT-qPCR. Finally, we constructed tumor biological experiments to demonstrated the influence of NRGs on the development of colorectal cancer.
Results: A novel signature consisting of eighteen NRGs (CTSB, PAEP, ARL4C, TAP2, WFS1, BATF2, DUSP27, CXCL9, EPHB2, IRF8, CXCL13, GZMB, APOL6, NLRC5, CXCL10, IRF1, HES6, and PTGDR) was eventually established and verified via stable prediction performance and general applicability for CRC, which was validated in three independent cohorts. Further, stromal and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) were found to be associated with necroptosis. Additionally, there were significant differences in the sensitivity to anti-tumor agents between the two groups. The qPCR results indicated that these signature NRGs were abnormally expressed in CRC, and the in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that NRGs have a great influence on the progression of CRC.
Conclusion: NRG is an accurate predictor of CRC prognosis. Besides，the novel signature displays stable value and translational potential for predicting prognosis, tumor immunogenicity, and therapeutic response in CRC.
CTA Imaging Features and Prognosis in Emergency Type A Aortic Dissection Admissions
Authors: Matniyaz Yusanjan , Wang Wen-Zhe , Zhang Ke-Yin , Ni Jian , Wang Dong-Jin
Published: October 2023

Background
Acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt surgical intervention. This retrospective study aimed to identify preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) features associated with in-hospital mortality in ATAAD patients. We examined specific CTA characteristics and their implications for patient outcomes.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 384 patients diagnosed with ATAAD who underwent emergency surgery at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between March 2019 and March 2022. Their pre-admission CTA images were interpreted by experienced radiologists. The patients were divided into two groups: the survival group and the mortality group. We used logistic regression to assess the impact of various CTA features finding on in-hospital mortality rates between these two groups.
Results
Our study revealed significant associations between specific CTA findings and in-hospital mortality in ATAAD patients. Notably, the absence of visible fenestration (OR = 2.296, 95% CI: 1.005–5.245, P = 0.049), involvement of the superior mesenteric artery (OR = 4.805, 95% CI: 1.977–11.677, P < 0.001), a total ascending aortic diameter ≥ 4.7 cm (OR = 3.040, 95% CI: 1.326–6.970, P = 0.009), and the presence of multiple tears (OR = 0.094, 95% CI: 0.012–0.717, P = 0.022) were linked to mortality risk. These associations held true even after adjusting for potential confounders in multivariable analyses. The logistic regression model demonstrated good discriminative ability with an area under the ROC curve of 0.726.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study identified preoperative CTA features that can help predict in-hospital mortality in ATAAD patients. The absence of visible fenestration and involvement of the superior mesenteric artery, a total ascending aortic diameter ≥ 4.7 cm, the presence of multiple tears were significant risk factors. These findings emphasize the importance of careful assessment and consideration of these CTA characteristics when managing ATAAD patients. Future research should explore additional factors and consider multicenter, prospective studies for a more comprehensive understanding of ATAAD prognosis and treatment strategies.
Trial registration
The study received approval from the ethical committees of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (No.2022-157-01) and individual consent for this retrospective analysis was waived.
Factors influencing adult patient communication experiences with nurses in cancer care settings: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alshammari Mukhlid , Duff Jed , Guilhermino Michelle
Published: October 2023

Background Effective communication among patients and nurses in cancer care is important in improving health outcomes and patient experience. However, there are several factors that influence patients communication experiences in healthcare. This study aimed to identify patients characteristics that influence patient-nurses communication experiences in cancer care settings.Methods Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants in cancer care. A validated questionnaire was administered to measure the factors influencing patient communication experiences. The questionnaire contains 48 items, including participants characteristics and patient-centred communication items (based on the Patient-centered Communication model). Independent t-tests, one-way univariate analyses of variances and bivariate correlations were used followed by a stepwise linear regression model.Results A total of 318 participants responded to the questionnaire at two tertiary health facilities in Saudi Arabia. Overall, most participants reported that their communication with nurses during their cancer care was patient-centred. Patients felt that the nurses fostered healing relationships, and there was a free exchange of information. Patients identified areas for improvement in how nurses managed uncertainty and how they support patient self-management. Older and male patients reported better communication experiences. Patients with aphasia reported worse communication experiences.Conclusions This study suggested that cancer patients’ perceptions of nurse-patient communication vary between groups. Nurses, health care planners and policymakers should recognise these differences when delivering, planning and monitoring health care activities.
Comparison of High-Flow Nasal Cannula with Conventional Oxygen Therapy for Preventing Postoperative Hypoxemia in Patients with Lung Resection Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: zhang xingxing , li xiaoqing , li yang , wang wenchun , yu yun
Published: October 2023

Background: The efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in patients extubated after lung resection surgery remains inconclusive. Our objective was to execute a meticulous systematic meta-analysis to accurately assess the advantages of HFNC for patients extubated after lung resection surgery, by examining postoperative hypoxemia and other patient-focused outcomes.
Research question: For patients extubated after lung resection surgery, is HFNC an effective alternative to conventional oxygen therapy in reducing the risk of postoperative hypoxemia?
Method: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) from inception to July 2023. We employed the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool(2.0) to evaluate the risk of bias of the included studies, and the GRADE method to ascertain the certainty of the pooled effect estimates. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative hypoxemia.
Results: Five RCTs (n=564) were included in the ultimate analysis. Utilizing HFNC rather than COT did not reduce the risk of postoperative hypoxemia (relative risk (RR), 0.67; 95%CI, 0.30, 1.49;low certainty). Compared to COT, HFNC may significantly enhance oxygenation index within first 12 hours after extubation in patients with lung resection. There were no significant differences in reintubation rate(RR, 0.25; 95%CI, 0.04, 1.54; high certainty), escalation of respiratory support(RR, 0.35; 95%CI, 0.11, 1.08; high certainty), change in PaCO2 within first 24 hours after extubation, hospital length of stay (mean difference (MD), −0.19; 95%CI, –0.44, 0.06; moderate certainty), and ICU length of stay (MD, 0.02; 95%CI, −0.16, 0.19;high certainty).
Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revealed that, compared to COT, HFNC could significantly enhance the oxygen index within the first 12 hours in patients extubated after lung resection surgery, with no significant differences in other outcomes. To verify the effect of HFNC on this population, additional large-scale, multicenter studies are essential.
The Effect of Interventions on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Rate Based on Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model for 11-13-Year- Old Girls in Central and Western China: a Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jing Shu , Wu Yijin , Huang Yiman , Si Mingyu , Dai Zhenwei , Liu Xin , Zhang Ling , Chen Xu , Fu Jiaqi , Wang Hao , Xiao Weijun , Su Xiaoyou , Tang Shenglan , Qiao Youlin
Published: October 2023

Background Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), cervical cancer, and even death. HPV vaccination for girls ages 9 to 14 years can effectively prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer. Free HPV vaccination pilot projects will be carried out among this population by our research team in central and western China. However, some parents might refuse to vaccinate their daughters. This protocol reports the design of a randomized controlled trial aiming to explore the efficacy of a mobile-based education intervention based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral skills (IMB) model, in improving the HPV vaccination rate of 11-13-year-old girls in central and western China. Methods A multicenter intervention study based on an online applet will be conducted in March 2024, and at least 750 eligible parents of 11-13-year-old girls will be assigned 1:1 to an intervention group receiving a 7-day mobile-based education on HPV vaccines based on the IMB model or control group using non-HPV publicity materials. All participants will be asked to complete online questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and 1, 2, and 3 months after the intervention. The primary outcome of this study will be receipt of the first HPV vaccination or appointments for HPV vaccination within 3 months. Data will be analyzed based on an intention-to-treat approach, and SAS 9.4 will be used for statistical analysis. Discussion This study aims to improve the HPV vaccination rate of 11-13-year-old girls and will examine the impact of a mobile-based education on HPV vaccines, based on IMB model. The findings of this study may offer promising intervention measures on HPV vaccine hesitancy in low health resource areas in the future. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR2300067402; Registered on 6 January 2023.
Seasonal Variation of Mycotoxin Levels in Poultry Feeds and Feed Ingredients in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Authors: Esan Oluwaseun Olanrewaju , Okanlawon Abidoye Abiodun , Ogunro Bamidele Nyemike , Abiola John Olusoji , Olaogun Sunday Charles , Aliyu Victor Ayodele
Published: October 2023

Mycotoxins pose a major problem to poultry production as a result of feed contamination which has deleterious consequences such as production losses and human health risks. A total of 158 chicken feed samples were randomly collected from 46 consenting poultry farms in Oyo State throughout the Wet season (April-October; 91 samples) and the Dry season (November-March; 67 samples), including compounded feed (n = 129) and feed ingredients (n = 29). Samples were promptly transported to the laboratory in sterile plastic vials for Lateral Flow Assay for mycotoxins using six different commercial mycotoxin test kits each for Aflatoxin, Zearalenone, Deoxynivalenol, Ochratoxin, Fumonisin, and T-2 Toxin/HT-2 Toxin. Summary values mycotoxin levels (nanogram per gram) in the feedstuffs were represented as frequency or median (and range). Fisher Exact or Mann-Whitney U tests were carried out where appropriate at α = 0.05. Every sample contained at least four mycotoxins. Aflatoxins and Fumonisin co-occurred in 80% of the samples. Aflatoxin and Fumonisin concentrations were above the permissible limits in 49% and 46% respectively in feedstuff sampled in Dry season while the values were 22% and 26% respectively during the Wet season. Among feed ingredients, peanut cake and maize had the highest median concentration of Aflatoxin and Fumonisin, respectively. Median Aflatoxin concentration in the feedstuff was significantly higher than the permissible limit irrespective of season. There is a need to frequently monitor mycotoxin levels of feed and feed ingredients and improve storage system for feed ingredients in order to reduce the risk associated with high mycotoxin intake in poultry.
CAR T cells and T cells phenotype and function are impacted by glucocorticoid exposure with different amplitude.
Authors: Poiret Thomas , Vikberg Sara , Schoutrop Esther , Mattsson Jonas , Magalhaes Isabelle
Published: October 2023

Background. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is associated with high risk of adverse events. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are cornerstone in the management of high-grade cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Given the potentially deleterious effects of GCs on CAR T cells anti-tumor activity, increasing our understanding of GCs impact on CAR T cells is crucial.
Methods. Using several CAR T cells i.e., CD19, mesothelin (MSLN)-CD28 and MSLN-41BB CAR T cells (M28z and MBBz), we compared phenotypical, functional, changes and anti-tumor activity between i) transduced CD19 CAR T cells with untransduced T cells, ii) M28z with MBBz CAR T cells induced by Dexamethasone (Dx) or Methylprednisolone (MP) exposures.
Results. Higher levels of GC receptor were found in less differentiated CAR T cells. Overall, Dx and MP showed a similar impact on CAR T cells. GC exposures induced more exhausted (LAG3+PD1+TIM3+) and dysfunctional (CD107a-INFγ-TNF-IL2-) untransduced T cells in comparison to CD19 CAR T cells. GC exposure impaired more CD4+ than CD8+ CD19 CAR T cells. GC exposures increased more PD-1 expression associated with reduced proliferative capacity and function of M28z as compared to MBBz CAR T cells. CAR T cells anti-tumor activity was greatly affected by repeated GC exposure but partly recovered within 48h after GCs withdrawal.
Conclusions. In summary, GCs impacted phenotype and function of untransduced and CAR T cell with different amplitude. The nature of the CAR costimulatory domain influenced the amplitude of CAR T cell response to GCs.
Renewable Energy on American Indian Land
Authors: Parker Dominic , Johnston Sarah , Leonard Bryan , Winikoff Justin B
Published: October 2023

Could utility-scale renewable energy development on American Indian Reservations earn a “double-dividend” by cutting carbon emissions while reducing poverty for tribal nations that want development? This study offers three insights. First, the colonial process of reservation creation left tribes with favorable wind and solar endowments, and these endowments are largest on reservations with the poorest populations. Second, despite favorable endowments, renewable projects on reservations are rare. Thus far, reservation land areas are 46% less likely to host wind facilities and 110% less likely to host solar than comparable adjacent lands. Third, if the disparity in renewable uptake persists, tribes may forego over $19 billion in landowner lease and tax earnings that could be accrued under forecasts of net-zero energy transitions by 2050. We discuss barriers that explain this investment disparity and emphasize this is not a call to impose federal energy priorities on unwilling tribes.
Numerical and experimental investigation of exergy, performance, emissions, combustion characteristics, and cyclic variations of CI engine fueled Karanja oil blended camphor oil and diesel blended camphor oil.
Authors: Gurusamy Manikandaraja , Subramaniyan Malarmannan , Ponnusamy Chandrasekaran
Published: October 2023

This article compares the influence of the blending the low-viscous oxygenated camphor oil with hydrocarbon diesel fuel and high viscous oxygenated Karanja oil. The experiment is conducted in a four-stroke 1-cylinder naturally aspirated Kirloskar compression ignition (CI) engine coupled with an eddy current dynamometer. The three types of fuel blends are prepared by blending the camphor oil with Karanja oil on the volume ratio of 30:70 (C30K70), 50:50 (C50K50), and 70:30 (C70K30), and the other three types of fuels are prepared by blending the camphor oil with diesel on the volume ratio of 30:70 (C30D70), 50:50 (C50D50), and 70:30 (C70D30). The results reveal improvement in the engine performance characteristics of the brake thermal efficiency and brake specific energy consumptions due to the blending of camphor oil either with hydrocarbon diesel fuel or Karanja oil. Further, it also reduces the CO, HC, and smoke emissions with an increase in NO and CO2 emissions. The rate of pressure rise, net heat release rate and cyclic irregularities found to increase with increase in proportion of the camphor oil. The P-v diagram also confirms the lower heat addition period for the C70D30 and C70K30 with an increase in brake thermal efficiency. The actual compression ratio and the actual cut-off ratio are found to have a reasonable correlation with the thermal efficiency of the engine. Second-order polynomial equations were obtained for the engine characteristics using the Curve fitting method, and the characteristic equations confirmed the confidence level of 95%.
Validation of the French version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire for children aged 11 to 14 years old (CPQ11-14) short-form
Authors: RIOU Margot Charlotte , BOURMAUD Aurélie , BOIZEAU Priscilla , MOLLA Muriel de LA DURE , BOY-LEFEVRE Marie-Laure , FRIEDLANDER Lisa
Published: October 2023

Background
The COHQoL is a set of questionnaires used to evaluate the impact of oral health on children’s quality of life. Although the CPQ8-10 and the P-CPQ have been translated and validated in French, the CPQ11-14 14 has not yet been validated.
Aim
The aim was to develop a French version of the CPQ11-14 16-items.
Design:
The French version of CPQ11-14 was obtained by a forward-backward translation process and pretested. The final version was tested on children aged 11–14 and divided into three groups: children with orofacial clefts, children with rare dental diseases other than clefts, and children without anomalies. We evaluated the reliability with test-retest and internal consistency, and the questionnaire validity with construct validity and discriminant validity. We performed an Exploratory Factory Analysis (EFA).
Results
187 children tested the questionnaire. The ICC of the test-retest was 0.76 and the Cronbach’s alpha was 0.77. The correlation between the CPQ11-14 and self-assessment of oral health and general well-being was > 0.2. Patients with orofacial clefts and rare diseases had significantly higher scores for overall short-form CPQ11-14. The EFA revealed six factors.
Conclusion
The French CPQ11-14 is valid to assess the impact of oral health on children’s quality of life.
Revisit the Regular Sea Water Temperature Drop in the Coral Reef Area off the Thermal Discharge outlet in Nanwan Bay
Authors: Irawan Septiyadi , Chien Hwa , Lai Jian-Wu
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to revisit and examine the cooling mechanisms in the vicinity of the thermal discharge outlet in the western region of Nanwan Bay, in light of newly available data sets. These data sets consist of simultaneous in-situ measurements and remote sensing data collected during June-July 2016. The data sets include (a) in-situ data from ADCP, uCTD, and bottom temperature gauges, (b) remote sensing current fields from High Frequency Coastal radar, and (c) satellite SST from Himawari-8. The analysis focuses on the correlation between eddies and cold events, and explores the role of an alternative cooling water mechanism, namely internal wave shoaling. Cold events and cyclonic eddies were identified using indices derived from surface current vectors, including divergence, vorticity, strain, Okubo-Weiss, and IROS. Internal wave run-up events were identified when the propagation speed of the bore, which exhibited a sudden temperature drop, agreed with theoretical predictions. Over the 28-day measurement period, the study identified 16 cold events in the presence of cyclonic eddies and 9 events without eddies. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the phenomenon of internal wave run-up had been underestimated. In summary, the study suggests that eddies may explain roughly 55% of the likelihood of cooling events occurring in Nanwan Bay, while internal wave run-up accounts for approximately 31%. These results underscore the coexistence of both eddies and internal waves in this particular region.
First large-scale study reveals important losses of honey bee and stingless bee colonies in Latin America
Authors: Requier Fabrice , Leyton Malena Sibaja , Morales Carolina L. , Garibaldi Lucas A. , Giacobino Agostina , Porrini Martin P. , Rosso-Londoño Juan Manuel , Velarde Rodrigo A. , Aignasse Andrea , Aldea-Sánchez Patricia , Allasino Mariana Laura , Arredondo Daniela , Audisio Carina , Cagnolo Natalia Bulacio , Basualdo Marina , Branchiccela Belén , Calderón Rafael A. , Castelli Loreley , Castilhos Dayson , Escareño Francisca Contreras , Correa-Benítez Adriana , Silva Fabiana Oliveira da , Garnica Diego Silva , de Groot Grecia , Delgado-Cañedo Andres , Fernández-Marín Hermógenes , Freitas Breno M. , Cardona Alberto Galindo , Garcia Nancy , Garrido Paula M. , Giray Tugrul , Gonçalves Lionel Segui , Landi Lucas , Gonçalves Daniel Malusá , Martinez Silvia , Moja Pablo Joaquín , Molineri Ana , Müller Pablo Fernando , Nogueira Enrique , Pacini Adriana , Palacio María Alejandra , Parra Guiomar Nates , Parra-H Alejandro , Gramacho Kátia Peres , Pérez Eleazar , Pires Carmen Sílvia Soares , Reynaldi Francisco J. , Luis Anais Rodríguez , Rossini Carmen , Armijos Milton Sánchez , Santos Estela , Scannapieco Alejandra , Spina Yamandú Mendoza , González José María Tapia , Fernández Andrés Marcelo Vargas , García Carlos Ariel Yadró , Viana Blandina Felipe , Vieli Lorena , Antúnez Karina
Published: October 2023

Over the last quarter century, increasing bee colony losses motivated standardized large-scale surveys of managed honey bees (Apis mellifera), particularly in Europe and the United States. Here we present the first large-scale standardized survey of colony losses of managed honey bees and stingless bees across Latin America. Overall, 1736 beekeepers and 165 meliponiculturists participated in the two-year survey (2016–2017 and 2017–2018). On average, 30.4% of honey bee colonies and 39.6% of stingless bee colonies were lost per year across the region. Summer losses were higher than winter losses in stingless bees (30.9% and 22.2%, respectively) but not in honey bees (18.8% and 20.6%, respectively). Colony loss increased with operation size during the summer in both honey bees and stingless bees and decreased during the winter in stingless bees. Furthermore, losses differed significantly between countries and across years for both beekeepers and meliponiculturists. Overall, winter losses of honey bee colonies in Latin America (20.6%) position in between the United States (40.4%) and Europe (12.5%). These results highlight the magnitude of bee colony losses occurring in the region and suggest difficulties in maintaining overall colony health and survival for beekeepers and meliponiculturists.