bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Containment of Water-Injection-Induced Fractures: The Role of Heat Conduction and Thermal Stresses
Authors: Hwang Jongsoo , Zheng Shuang , Sharma Mukul , Chiotoroiu Maria-Magdalena , Clemens Torsten
Published: February 2022

Reservoir cooling by water or wastewater injection can significantly change the stress in the target injection zones and the bounding layers. Out-of-zone fracture growth is substantially affected by these poro-thermo-elastic stress changes occurring in heterogeneous rock layers. No previous study has systematically investigated the influence of both heat conduction and convection and the associated stress alteration and fracture height growth during long-term water injection in multiple layers. Without understanding this coupled effect, it is not possible to predict the injection-induced fracture geometry or the conditions under which these fractures will breach the bounding shale layers.

This paper presents a model and results that clearly show that accounting for thermal conduction between the injection sand and the bounding shale is crucial in predicting fracture containment during water injection. We developed a fully coupled compositional reservoir/fracturing simulator that solves poro-thermo-elastic equations. We used it to simulate 3D fracture propagation induced by cold water injection and, at the same time, calculate changes in the stress field induced by thermo-poro-elastic effects in heterogeneous reservoir layers.

The stress in the bounding layer is shown to change significantly as a result of thermal conduction from the layer below. We first validate our model with existing analytical solutions and then present synthetic cases and simulate a field case. Simulation results show that fracture height growth can be underpredicted if heat conduction between the target injection sands and bounding shales is ignored. We identify the effects of fluid properties, rock properties, and injection temperature on thermal-conduction-induced stress changes and fracture containment for the first time.
Intelligent Production Monitoring with Continuous Deep Learning Models
Authors: Gryzlov Anton , Safonov Sergey , Arsalan Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Monitoring of production rates is essential for reservoir management, history matching, and production optimization. Traditionally, such information is provided by multiphase flowmeters or test separators. The growth of the availability of data, combined with the rapid development of computational resources, enabled the inception of digital techniques, which estimate oil, gas, and water rates indirectly. This paper discusses the application of continuous deep learning models, capable of reproducing multiphase flow dynamics for production monitoring purposes. This technique combines the time evolution properties of a dynamical system and the ability of neural networks to quantitively describe poorly understood multiphase phenomena and can be considered as a hybrid solution between data-driven and mechanistic approaches. The continuous latent ordinary differential equation (Latent ODE) approach is compared with other known machine learning methods, such as linear regression, ensemble-based model, and recurrent neural network (RNN). In addition, the framework of virtual flowmetering (VFM) is analyzed from the point of multiphase measurement technology.

In this work, the application of Latent ODEs for the problem of multiphase flow rate estimation is introduced. The considered example refers to a scenario in which the topside oil, gas, and water flow rates are estimated using the data from several downhole pressure sensors. The predictive capabilities of different types of machine learning and deep learning instruments are explored using simulated production data from a multiphase flow simulator.

The results demonstrate the satisfactory performance of the continuous deep learning models in comparison with other machine learning methods in terms of accuracy, where the normalized root-mean-squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) of prediction below 5% were achieved. While Latent ODE demonstrates the significant time required to train the model, it outperforms other methods for irregularly sampled time series, which makes it especially attractive to forecast values of multiphase rates.
Fluid Behavior in Clay-Hosted Nanopores with Varying Salinity: Insights into Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Xiong Hao , Devegowda Deepak
Published: February 2022

Clays, with their charged surfaces, are characterized by strong interactions with dissolved ions in brines and injected water. While there is a considerable body of research devoted to clay swelling, little to no progress has been made on fluid distributions and their impact on transport through clay pores when exposed to fluids of varying salinity. In this work, we use a molecular dynamics (MD) approach to characterize fluid distributions when oil and brine with varying salinities are present in clay-hosted pores. This promises to provide a rationale for optimizing salinities in fracturing fluid salinity (or low-salinity waterflooding applications). Our results indicate that at high salinities, unabsorbed Na+ and Cl− ions appear as aggregates while at low salinities, water forms bridges across the pore width. Both of these phenomena impede the diffusion of oil molecules through the clay nanopores. At intermediate values of salinity, in the absence of either ionic aggregates or water bridges, we observe the highest mobility of the oil phase. This modeling-based work provides a first look into optimal salinity values that promote oil mobility for fracturing fluids (or low-salinity waterflooding applications) for formations where clays may be present.
Do Attributes of Gray Vireo Nest Sites Influence Brown-headed Cowbird Brood Parasitism?
Authors: Di Liberto Joseph F. , Stahl Maya R. , Fischer Silas E. , Granillo Kathy A.
Published: February 2022

Brood parasitism can have major detrimental effects on the fitness of reproducing songbirds and often contributes to nest failure. As the Gray Vireo (Vireo vicinior) suffers high rates of brood parasitism by the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), we hypothesized that vireos might choose nest sites selectively to thwart cowbird parasitism. To investigate this question, we measured and compared vegetative and spatial attributes of nest sites in a known breeding population of the Gray Vireo on the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, in 2017 and 2018. Specifically, we compared parasitized and unparasitized nests with respect to the nest’s height and the average height, diameter, and foliage density of the nest tree. We also compared the spatial attributes of the nearest neighboring nest, nearest parasitized nest, and the density of surrounding juniper trees within 50 m of a nest. Interestingly, among none of the variables measured did we find an association with the incidence of brood parasitism, suggesting that nest parasitism might be more strongly linked to other larger-scale ecological or behavioral variables.
Slot-Die-Printed Sodium-Embedded Alumina Enables High-Performance, Wafer-Scale MoS2 Electronics
Authors: Kwon Yonghyun , Kim Jihyun , Jo Sae Byeok , Roe Dong Gue , Rhee Dongjoon , Kim Dae Woo , Kang Joohoon , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: February 2022

Two-dimensional nanomaterials offer a promising new avenue in the forthcoming era of Beyond Moore electronics, due to their unique feasibility for forming van der Waals contacts alleviating detrimental interfacial electronics losses. However, their scalable production via solution processing compels the competition between achieved material quality and scalability, leaving them incompetent for practical electronics applications. Here, we, for the first time, have realized a large-scale solution-processed MoS2 transistor arrays via slot-die printing, in which devices exhibited exceptionally high average electronic mobility exceeding 100 cm2 V-1 s-1. A set of comprehensive temperature-dependent and spatial-distribution characteristics analyses revealed that the use of sodium-embedded alumina (SEA) as the gate dielectric enabled the charge transport on MoS2 through long-range charge percolations among low density deep charged-traps, allowing transistor performance to be dramatically boosted. Furthermore, we have successfully demonstrated various functional logic gates, NOT, NOR, NAND and SRAM, via wafer-scale homogeneous slot-die printing of both MoS2 and SEA.
Determination of Anti-Mycoplasma Capricolum Subsp. Capripneumoniae Antibodies For The Sero-Epidemiology of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia
Authors: Ahmad Faisal , Khan Farhan Anwar , Sadique Umer , Sajid Abdul
Published: February 2022

Contagious caprine pleuro-pneumonia (CCPP) is fatal disease of goats and causes huge economic losses due to high morbidity and mortality. CCPP is enlisted as notifiable animal disease by OIE. The causative agent of CCPP is Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp). The present study was aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of CCPP in northern Pakistan. The study areas were divided into three zones; northern zone, central zone and tribal zone. A total of 1300 serum samples were collected during November 2017 – April 2019 from goats of different age and sex and were analysed by monoclonal antibody based cELISA. The analyses revealed 227 (17.5%) samples positive for anti-Mccp antibodies. The zone wise distribution of CCPP in goats was significantly different (P˂0.05), indicated by positive sera for Mccp of 23% animals from northern zone followed by 15% and 13% animals from tribal and central zones, respectively. The analysis of data showed non-significant values in the seroprevalence among bucks and doe(s), indicated by anti-Mccp sera from 16.6% bucks and 18.3% doe (s). Moreover, among different age groups the prevalence of disease in adult goats (20%) was significantly (P˂0.05) higher than kids (10.8%). It is evident from the present study that CCPP caused by Mccp is prevalent in Pakistan and both sex of animals are equally susceptible to Mccp infection. Furthermore the disease is more prevalent in northern zone.
Heterosis and combining ability studies by Line × tester analysis for fruit biochemical, morpho-physiological, and yield traits governing shelf life in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: MP Pavan , S Gangaprasad , M Dushyanthakumar B , Adivappar Nagrajappa , P Shashikumara
Published: February 2022

Improving tomatoes keeping quality is crucial for reducing post-harvest losses. Knowledge on heterosis, and combining ability is pre requisite for breeding high yielding and good shelf life heterotic hybrids. An investigation was undertaken with each of 3 lines, testers, and 9 hybrids to identify desirable parents and crosses for 20 fruit biochemical, morpho-physiological, and yield traits and to elucidate nature of gene action for shelf life and its contributing traits through Line × Tester analysis. The lines contributed to most of hybrids variability than testers and fruit quality traits had higher degree of SCA variance as compared to GCA variance. pH, ascorbic acid, fruit firmness, and plant height governed by additive gene action. Lycopene, titratable acidity, TSS, calcium, magnesium, pericarp thickness, pulp content, locule number, fruit length, diameter, weight, shelf life, number of branches, number of clusters, number of fruit/cluster, and yield/plant were under the control of non-additive gene action. All the lines and Arka Saurabh were best general combiners and IIHR 2349 × Arka Vikas, IIHR 2349 × Arka Saurabh, IIHR 2358 × Arka Ahuti and IIHR 2357 × Arka Ahuti were the best specific combiner in producing heterotic hybrids. IIHR 2349 × Arka Vikas and IIHR 2349 × Arka Saurabh were promising hybrids for high yield and shelf life. The crosses involved both parents with high, one parent with high and other with low and both parents with low good overall general combining ability status respectively indicated the additive, non-additive and epistatic gene action in fruit quality and yield traits inheritance.
What Web-Based Intervention for Chronic Cancer-Related Fatigue Works Best for Whom? Explorative Moderation Analyses of a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Schellekens Melanie P. J. , Bruggeman-Everts Fieke Z , Wolvers Marije , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam M.R. , Lee Marije L. van der
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Approximately 25% of cancer patients suffers from chronic cancer-related fatigue (CCRF), which is a complex, multifactorial condition. While there are evidence-based interventions, it remains unclear what treatment works best for the individual patient. This study explored whether baseline characteristics moderated the effect of web-based Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (eMBCT) versus Ambulant Activity Feedback (AAF) and a psycho-education control group (PE) on fatigue in patients suffering from CCRF.Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, participant suffering from CCRF participated in either eMBCT, AAF or PE. Complete data of the treatment-adherent sample (≥6 sessions) was used to explore whether sociodemographic, clinical and psychological characteristics at baseline moderated the intervention effect on fatigue severity at 6 months. Results: A trend suggested that baseline fatigue severity and fatigue catastrophizing moderated the intervention effect. That is, at low levels of fatigue severity and catastrophizing, patients benefited more from AAF than from eMBCT and at high levels of fatigue severity and catastrophizing, patients benefited more from eMBCT than from PE. Conclusions: This study found some preliminary evidence on what treatment works best for the individual suffering from CCRF. These findings suggest a potential gain in effectiveness of personalizing treatment. An alternative and more person-centered approach that might help us further in answering the question ‘what treatment works best for whom?’ is discussed.
Chitosan-silanol groups functional magnetic nanoparticles for heavy metals and bacteria removal
Authors: Liu QiBo , Wang Yonghui , Liu Xueli , Li Shuang , Ren shuyue , Gao Zhixian , Han Tie , Xu Zhangrun , Zhou Huanying
Published: February 2022

Studies have shown that there are multiple co-existence pollutants in environmental water over recent years. In this study, we report the design and synthesis of magnetic adsorbents incorporating chitosan-silanol groups (Fe3O4@Si-OH@CS) with improved physicochemical properties for the removal of various heavy metals and bacteria from polluted water. Fe3O4@Si-OH@CS was synthesised using the co-precipitation method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Zeta techniques were used to characterise. The effects of factors such as pH, adsorption time, and adsorbent dosage were optimised. The results indicated that Fe3O4@Si-OH@CS had high adsorption efficiency and adsorption capacity for Cr (VI), As, Hg and Se. Moreover, Cr (VI) and As have a preferential adsorption effect when multiple metal ions coexist. The adsorption performance of Fe3O4@Si-OH@CS to bacteria was verified using E. coli (gram-negative) and S. aureus (gram-positive). The developed adsorbent also showed good adsorption efficiency for both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Overall, the synthesised Fe3O4@Si-OH@CS adsorbent showed high removal efficiency and adsorption capacity with a stable structure and easy separation. It has promising applications for the removal of heavy metals and bacteria from water.
Translating Evidence in a Priority Setting Partnership: Knowledge Gaps Between Healthcare Providers and Oesophageal Cancer Patients
Authors: McDonnell Sarah , Breslin Tara , Elnour Mawaheb , Mascan Bianca , Shahruddin Nur Shuhada , Fanning Michelle , Galvin Anthony , Moore Jennifer , Ravi Narayansamy , Reynolds John V , Donohoe Claire L
Published: February 2022

Despite the fact that medical information is now more accessible than ever, knowledge gaps remain between patients and healthcare providers (HCPs). To date, patients’ need for information following a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer have not been adequately met.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify why knowledge gaps exist between oesophageal cancer patients and HCPs and how to address them. Methods: A 7 set question series was developed for use in a patient/HCP focus group in addition to 11 individual phone interviews with survivors of oesophageal cancer. Qualitative semi structured interviews were conducted to explore oesophageal cancer patients’ access to information. The data was analysed thematically, which involved coding all patient transcripts before identifying and reviewing key themes. Results: The three primary themes that emerged were; Opportunity (HCP team factors and relationship development), Ability (Patient factors), and Priority (Pacing of Information Delivery). Conclusion: Effective communication between patients and HCPs was identified as an integral component to the enhancement of patient knowledge. HCP’s should continue to refine and improve methods of information delivery and encourage conversations regarding information preferences. Patients’ must be clearly encouraged to ask questions or raise concerns to ensure continuous access to information. A dedicated representative in place to relay these concerns may prove beneficial. Understanding patient values and the external factors that influence how patients understand their health may allow HCP’s to make evidence-based recommendations in a way that is individualised to the specific needs of the patient.
Nonlinear Control Design for Walking Assistance Training Robotic Systems
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Shuoyu , Shi Peng
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the control problem for a novel walking assistance training robot is considered where the main objective is utilizing the robot to control the tilt angle and the position of a user. First, the novel walking assistance training robot together with a user is modeled as a nonlinear dynamical system in state space form with control input. Then, based on the nonlinear dynamical system and some results proposed in this paper, a feedback control system is developed, and a nonlinear state feedback control algorithm is designed where the control input includes two parts, namely, a dynamical part and a constant part. By doing this, it is ensured that the feedback control system is stable, and achieves the main objective under some limits for the control input. A simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed nonlinear state feedback control algorithm.
Children’s Healthy and Unhealthy Food Intake Related to Parental Fear of the Covid-19, Family Communication Patterns, and Parental Controlling Feeding Practices
Authors: Kim Kay W. , Wallander Jan
Published: February 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused abrupt changes in the daily lives of most families, including their food environments. Fear of COVID-19 and family communication patterns are hypothesized to influence parental feeding practices and ultimately children’s intake of healthy as well as unhealthy foods. Based on a conceptual model of direct and indirect effects among these variables, we test these hypotheses in an observational cross-sectional design.Methods: 306 parents (51% fathers) with children in the age range 5 - 12 were recruited via a Facebook snowball sampling method. They completed questionnaires online to measure fear of COVID-19, conversation- and conformity-oriented family communication patterns, and parental controlling feeding practices. In addition, they reported on the child’s intake of food categories marking healthy (fruits and vegetables) and unhealthy (juice, soda, sweets, fast foods) diets. The conceptual model was analyzed with structural equations modeling, including a multi-group analysis to discern differences between mothers and fathers. Results: There were significantly positive associations between parental fear of COVID-19 and both conversation and conformity family communication patterns, both of which in turn were positively associated with parental controlling feeding practices. Conversation communication pattern was associated with reduced unhealthy food intake in children. For the most part, these associations occurred for both mothers and fathers. However, whereas fathers’ communication patterns were not related to children’s food intake, mothers’ conversation pattern was negatively, and conformity pattern was positively, associated with children’s unhealthy food intake.Conclusion: COVID-19 has had a profound impact on families, including children’s dietary intake. These results underscore that general family patterns play an important role for children’s dietary intake. Therefore, it may be useful to help parents adopt general positive parenting approaches to influence their children’s healthy development, including dietary intake.
Multi-omics analysis on seasonal variations of the biofilm microbial community in a full-scale pre-denitrification biofilter
Authors: Tian Lu , Wang Lin , Zhang Xiaofeng , Huang Xuda , Wang Fuhao , Zhu Sifu , Li Xueqiang , Guan Ying
Published: February 2022

The seasonal variations of biofilm communities in a municipal wastewater treatment plant were investigated using multi-omics techniques. The abundance of the main phyla of microorganisms varied with season considerably, the Bacteroidetes enriched in winter and Chloroflexi in summer. The results of metaproteomic and metagenomic showed that most of the functional microorganisms belonged to the Betaproteobacteria class, and the abundance of Flavobacteria class enriched in winter make sure the denitrification performance to some extent. Seasonal variations affected the proteomic expression profiling, a total of 2835 differentially expressed proteins identified were significantly enriched in quorum sensing, two−component system, ribosome, benzoate degradation, butanoate metabolism, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), and cysteine and methionine metabolism pathways. With the expression of nitrogen metabolic proteins decreases in winter, the overall expression of denitrification-related enzymes in winter was much lower than that in summer, the nitrogen metabolism pathway varied significantly. Seasonal variations also induced the alteration of the biofilm metabolite profile; a total of 66 differential metabolites, 8 potential biomarkers, and 8 perturbed metabolic pathways such as TCA cycle were detected. It was found that most of the perturbed pathways are directly related to nitrogen metabolism, and several amino acids and organic acids associated with the TCA cycle were significantly perturbed, the accumulation of TCA cycle intermediates, ornithine and L-histidine in winter might be conducive to resisting cold temperatures. Furthermore, the correlation between biofilm microbial communities and metabolites was identified by the combined analysis of metabolomic and metaproteomic. The differences of microbial community structure, function and metabolism between winter and summer in a full-scale pre-denitrification biofilter were revealed for the first time, strengthening our understanding of the microbial ecology of biofilm communities.
Crowberry Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration Through a Molecular Mechanism that Includes Inhibition of DEK and Akt Signaling in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhang Ludan , Zhang Xin , Zhou Xuebing , Yang Chunyu , Piao Yingshi , Zhao Jinhua , Jin Lili , Jin Guihua , An Renbo , ren xiangshan
Published: February 2022

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare biliary adenocarcinoma related to poor clinical prognosis. Crowberry is an herbal medicine used to control inflammatory diseases and reestablish antioxidant enzyme activity. Although crowberry shows significant therapeutic efficacy in various tumors and diseases, its anticancer effects and specific molecular mechanisms in CCA are poorly understood. Aim of the study: This study was conducted to characterize crowberry effects on CCA cells behavior.Materials and methods: The chemical profiles of crowberry extract was qualitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC--tandem mass spectrometry. MTT, colony formation and EdU assays were performed to measure cell proliferation. The effect of crowberry treatment on CCA cell migration was assessed by wound healing and migration assays. Moreover, Hoechst staining assay and flow cytometry were performed to assess the cell apoptosis rate. Western blotting was used to assess the protein expression levels of key factors associated with apoptosis, the Akt signaling pathway, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. A xenograft model was established and immunohistochemical and H&E staining was performed to assess crowberry antitumor effects in vivo.Results: Crowberry clearly inhibited CCA cells proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis in vitro. Crowberry inactivated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by regulating DEK in vitro and significantly inhibited tumor growth by downregulating the DEK expression in xenograft models. Conclusion: Crowberry inhibits CCA cells proliferation and migration through a molecular mechanism that includes inhibition of DEK and Akt signaling pathway inhibition in vitro and in vivo.
Cardiac MRI Segmentation Using Deep Learning
Authors: Das Niharika , Das Sujoy
Published: February 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the principal cause of all global death and disabilities worldwide. Cardiac MR Images play an important role in diagnosing and treating cardiac ailments in patients. Automatic segmentation of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Cardiac MRI) is an essential application in clinical practice. In this paper, Cardiac MRI segmentation is performed using a convolutional neural network. ACDC Challenge 2017 dataset is used the training and testing purpose. It consists of data of 100 subjects, including the End Systole and End Diastole phase. The model's performance is measured using the Dice coefficient, achieving an accuracy of 0.90. The results for basal as well as with apical slices are pretty encouraging.
Evidence for Anti-inflammatory Effects and Modulation of Neurotransmitter Metabolism by Salvia Officinalis L.
Authors: Margetts Gemma , Kleidonas Sotirios , Zaibi Nawel S. , Zaibi Mohamed S. , Edwards Kieron D.
Published: February 2022

Background: Cognitive health is of great interest to society, with neuroinflammation and systemic inflammation as age-related risk factors linked to declines in cognitive performance. Several botanical ingredients have been suggested to have benefits in this area including sage (Salvia officinalis), which has shown anti-inflammatory effects and exhibited promising cognitive improvements in multiple human studies. The current study aims to further investigate sage’s anti-inflammatory effects in human cells and uncover other relevant biological activities.Methods: The release of multiple Cytokine and Chemokines was measured in human primary intestinal epithelial cells treated with sage extract, with or without LPS stimulation, and Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) cells in presence or absence of recombinant IL-17A and/or Human IL-17RA/IL-17R Antibody. Antioxidant effects were also assessed in BBB cells incubated with the extract and H2O2. The anti-inflammatory effects of sage extract were further assessed based on clinically-relevant biomarker readouts across twelve human primary cell-based disease models of the BioMAP® Diversity PLUS® Panel. Results: Sage showed significant attenuation of the release of most cytokines/chemokines into apical media in LPS-stimulated intestinal cells, but small increases of in the release of markers including IL-6, IL-8 in basolateral media; where TNF-α was the only marker to be significantly reduced. Sage attenuated the release of CRP and VCAM-1 from BBB cells under IL-17A induced conditions, as well as the basal level of release of MCP-1, and also decreased H2O2 induced ROS overproduction in these cells. Phenotypic profiling with the BioMAP® Diversity PLUS® Panel identified additional anti-inflammatory mediators, and based on a similarity search analysis suggested potential mechanistic similarity to caffeic acid and drugs known to inhibit COMT and MAO activity to modulate monoamine metabolism. Subsequent in vitro assessment showed that sage was able to inhibit the activity of these same enzymes. Conclusions: Sage extract showed anti-inflammatory effects across multiple human cell lines, which could potentially reduce peripheral inflammation and support cognitive health. Sage extract also showed the ability to inhibit enzymes related to the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters, suggesting possible dopaminergic and serotonergic effects acting alongside proposed cholinergic effects to mediate acute cognitive performance benefits previously demonstrated for the extract.
A Single-Arm Clinical Study Assessing Safety and Effectiveness of Path Removal for Delayed Patch Infection After Inguinal Hernioplasty
Authors: yue yumin , Cai Xiangreng , guo xin , Chen Xi , Zheng Bobo
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Patch infection after inguinal hernioplasty as an annoyance perplexed surgeon, Because its processing is very tricky. When conservative treatment fails, the surgical that played a pivotal role in the future therapies. Our target was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of path removal for delayed patch infection after inguinal hernioplasty and give a summary of our experience in surgical treatment.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was undertaken at the Department of General Surgery from March 2018 to May 2021 to gather the clinical data of 35 patients with delayed cloth patch infection following tension-free hernioplasty. Record clinical information about the patient which included patient age, underlying disease, primary hernia repair, meantime of infection diagnosis, patient clinical symptoms, the intraoperative complications included the relevant postoperative conditions, the placement and time of drainage tubes, the postoperative hospital stay, the bacterial culture results of patch infection, and the choice and use of antibiotics.The follow-up included postoperative reinfection and long-term complications. Patients or their families were contacted by telephone to understand their postoperative recovery as well as any long-term complications. Results: All patients have undergone laparoscopic or open surgical operation were smooth and steady. All patients with postoperative infection after tension-free repair of inguinal Hernia received patch removal, all of them were treated with antibiotics, open wound drainage or negative pressure drainage, 2 cases had a perforation of a sigmoid foreign body. The mean postoperative hospital stay was (23.74±15.91) days. A total of 35 patients with patch infection were followed up postoperatively During the follow-up period, no postoperative complications occurred. There was no recurrence of inguinal hernia during postoperative follow-up. Conclusion: When dealing with patch infection after tension-free repair of an inguinal hernia, it is safe and efficacious to perform patch extraction.
Role of Soluble Triggering Receptors Expressed on Myeloid Cells -1 and 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D as Early Predictors of Neonatal Ventilator Associated Pneumonia
Authors: El-Sheikh Mai Rabie , Elmahdy Heba Said , Nassar Mohammed Abd Ellatif , Fouda Mohamed Hosni , ibrahim Ashraf
Published: February 2022

Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is considered one of the most nosocomial pneumoniae in ventilated neonates. Yet, its diagnosis is very difficult due to non-specific clinical parameters and the lack of sensitive biomarker. The main objective of this study was to assess comparison between soluble triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells -1 (sTREM-1) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D as early predictors of neonatal VAP. This prospective cohort study included 85 ventilated neonates who were divided into two groups; VAP group (n = 33) and non-VAP group (n = 52). sTREM-1 level in the endotracheal aspirate (ETA) and serum 25-Hydroxy vitamin D were measured on the third and seventh days following mechanical ventilation. sTREM-1 cutoff value of > 0.46 and > 0.44 ng/ml at 3 and 7 days had a sensitivity of 93.94% and 96.97%, a specificity of 92.31% and 100%, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.963 and 0.993 respectively to predict the development of neonatal VAP. A cutoff value of ≤17.5 ng/ml for serum 25-Hydroxy vitamin D at 3 and 7 days had a sensitivity of 90.91% and 81.82%, a specificity of 75% and 78.85%, and AUC of 0.877 and 0.939 respectively.Conclusion: Both sTREM-1 in ETA and serum 25-Hydroxy vitamin D could be used as early predictors of neonatal VAP, but sTREM-1 appears to be more useful.
Psychogenic Fever and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Among School-aged Children and Adolescents With Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Ishizaki Yuko , Yanagimoto Yoshitoki , Fujii Yuri , Yamamoto Mana , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: February 2022

Background: Although fever is a common symptom in pediatric practice, its origin is often unknown in pediatric patients. Psychogenic fever is a stress-related, psychosomatic disease observed especially in young women. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychogenic fever in pediatric patients with fever of unknown origin by surveying the medical records of school-aged children and adolescents.Methods: The study subjects included 47 patients aged 6–15 years who visited the Department of Pediatrics in Kansai Medical University Medical Center between January 2006 and December 2020 with fever of unknown origin. Data on age, sex, final estimated diagnosis, and comorbid psychosocial issues were collected from the medical records. Results: The study subjects was composed of 47 patients, including 22 male and 25 female patients (male/female ratio, 1:1.36). The mean age was 10.1 (standard deviation, 2.4) years in boys and 11.6 (standard deviation, 2.7) years in girls (p = .047). The final estimated diagnoses were psychogenic fever, physical disorder, infection of unknown origin, and miscellaneous in 18, 12, 12, and 5 patients, respectively. The most common comorbidity in pediatric patients with psychogenic fever was postural tachycardia syndrome. Conclusion: Psychogenic fever was a common cause in pediatric patients with fever of unknown origin, and postural tachycardia was prevalent among children with psychogenic fever. Enhanced sympathetic response to stress might play an important role in both psychogenic fever and postural tachycardia.
Multimodal Deep Learning Model on Interim 18F-FDG PET/CT for Predicting Primary Treatment Failure of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Shi Qing , Huang Xinyun , Wang Li , He Yang , Li Biao , Zhao Weili , Qian Dahong
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Prediction of primary treatment failure (PTF) is necessary for patients suffering from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), since it serves as a prominent means for enhancing front-line outcomes. Utilizing interim 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) image data, we aimed to construct multimodal deep learning (MDL) models to predict possible PTF of low-risk DLBCL, which could enable individualized treatment decision-making in clinical practice.Methods: From June 2016 to November 2020, 205 DLBCL patients undergoing interim 18F-FDG PET-CT scans and the front-line standard-of-care were enrolled. We also collected other 44 patients for the external validation. We built a powerful backbone by redesigning the famous visual recognition network named Conv-LSTM in aspects of network architecture and learning strategy. On top of our improved backbone, multiple MDL models using different feature fusion strategies were developed and compared, including pixel intermixing model, separate channel model, separate branch model, quantitative weighting model, and hybrid learning model. Moreover, we proposed to use a contrastive training objective in the above best model to enhance the modal correlation of semantic embeddings for further improving prediction performance. For visualization, the region of interest was instructed using an activation map.Results: The MDL model using the hybrid learning strategy provided the best performance in predicting possible PTF with the accuracy of 89.76% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.85%–93.20%) in the test cohort. After further optimized by contrastive objective training, the accuracy was improved to 91.22% (95% CI: 86.55%–94.37%). The AUCs of contrastive hybrid learning achieved 0.926 and 0.925 in the test cohort and external validation cohort, respectively. Conclusion: Our model showed outstanding performance for predicting PTF of low-risk DLBCL and hold promise of improving clinical individualized treatment strategies.
Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Experiences of How the COVID-19 Pandemic Influenced on Learning– A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Rohde Gudrun , Johannessen Berit , Maaseide Markus , Flatland Sylvi , Skisland Anne VS , Moi Ellen B , Haraldstad Kristin
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic mandated the reconstruction of educational programs globally. Online distance learning, digital seminars, and supervision became the new normal. For nursing students in need of practical learning and training as a part of their curriculum, the pandemic also caused restrictions and alterations in practical placements and limited access to simulation training at campuses. The aim of this study was, therefore, to explore how the COVID- 19 pandemic influenced baccalaureate nursing students’ experiences of learning MethodWe used a mixed method study design including quantitative data from one of the universities (University of Agder) from a national Norwegian survey of baccalaureate nursing students and qualitative data from focus-group interviews from the same university. The quantitative data were analyzed using t-test for continuous data and chi-square test for categorical data, while the qualitative data were analyzed using Systematic Text Condensation and an editing analysis style.ResultsThe quantitative survey included 396 baccalaureate nursing students (response rate, 46%). We arranged five focus groups with a total of 23 students (15 female and 8 male). The students took part in one of the focus-group interviews. Most students (70%) were concerned about the quality of the education program. In clinical placement, 83% of students had cared for patients with confirmed COVID-19 or unclear COVID-19 status. The qualitative data revealed three main themes: missing the social dimension of learning; worries and challenges in clinical placement; and experiencing normal instructive days in clinical placement. The general picture emerging from our analysis is the importance of social interactions for learning.Conclusion As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, our findings of students’ worries about the quality of the education program and not reaching learning outcomes must be taken into consideration. Social interaction is considered crucial and fundamental for student learning. A follow-up study following baccalaureate completion is necessary to explore the consequences over time of disrupted education.
Analysis of Patients Flow in an Emergency Ward Using Fuzzy Critical Path Method and Fuzzy Program Evalution and Review Technique (a Case Study of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria)
Authors: SHUAIBU ALI MAIANGUWA , Muhammad Maryam Nuraini
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a mathematical model is proposed to handle project scheduling problem under vagueness. This is done by assuming the durations of activities to be imprecise and represented by trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. In particular, the paper aimed to model patients flow process in imprecise or vague circumstances using critical path analysis. Furthermore, the research discusses utilization of fuzzy critical path method in conjunction with fuzzy program evaluation and review technique to determine the duration required for the treatment of patients in emergency ward of Aminu Kano teaching hospital. The activities considered are those affecting patients flow during treatments in the emergency ward and the related project network is drawn. The reason for incorporating fuzzy logic in this research comes from the fact that fuzzy numbers are more reliable in dealing with ambiguous processes such as witnessed in the emergency ward of a hospital. The choice of emergency department for this work is because it is a major access point where from the beginning patients are given treatments for a wide range of sicknesses and injuries. These sicknesses and injuries may be deadly and requires prompt attention. Therefore, any delay in patient treatment in the emergency ward may result in undesired consequences and losses of lives.
Findings through the application of fuzzy CPM and fuzzy PERT enabled the determination of the critical path, slack times and patients’ treatment expected completion time. The entire idea is to reduce unnecessary delay, eliminate unnecessary activities at the same time increase the quality of treatment of patients in the hospital
Association between early ondansetron administration and outcomes in critically ill patients
Authors: Fang Yingying , Xiong Chao , Wang Xinghe
Published: February 2022

Purpose: While ondansetron (OND) is widespread availability, the contribution of OND to improve patient outcomes among intensive care unit (ICU) patients has not been examined. This study aimed to illustrate the association between early OND use and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients and investigate whether this association differed according to OND dose. Methods: The MIMIC-IV database was employed to identify patients who had and had not received OND. Statistical approaches included multivariate logistic regression, propensity score matching (PSM), and propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) models to ensure the robustness of our findings.Results: In total, 51342 ICU patients were included. A significant benefit in terms of in-hospital mortality was observed in the OND patients compared to the non-OND group in the early stage [odds ratio (OR) = 0.75, 95% CI 0.63-0.89, p < 0.001]. In the circulatory system group, the early OND administration was associated with improved in-hospital mortality in ICU patients (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34-0.66; P < 0.001). The risk of in-hospital mortality was also lower in early OND users than in non-OND users both in the medical admission group and the surgical ICU admission group, and ORs were 0.57 (95% CI 0.42-0.76; P < 0.001) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.62-0.91; P < 0.001), respectively. A positive role of daily low- and moderate-dose OND treatment in early-stage was showed on the in-hospital mortality in PSM cohort, and the ORs were 0.75 (95% CI 0.62-0.90; P < 0.001) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.43-0.91; P < 0.001), respectively. The relationship between the daily low- and moderate-dose of OND and in-hospital mortality was also significant in ICU patients with cardiovascular diseases, and ORs were 0.51(95% CI 0.36-0.73; P < 0.001), and 0.26(95% CI 0.11-0.65; P < 0.001), respectively. Daily low-to-moderate dose of OND was also associated with in-hospital mortality in ICU entire cohort.Conclusions: Early OND use is associated with lower in-hospital mortality in ICU patients. Daily low-to-moderate dose of OND application is protective against in-hospital mortality. This association is more evident in the circulatory system group.
New Emerging Inorganic-Organic Systems for Drug-Delivery: Hydroxyapatite@Furosemide Hybrids
Authors: Rocca Marzia La , Rinaldi Alessia , Bruni Giovanna , Friuli Valeria , Maggi Lauretta , Bini Marcella
Published: February 2022

In the pharmaceutical market, the need to find effective systems for the efficient release of poorly bioavailable drugs is a forefront topic. The inorganic–organic hybrid materials have been recognized as one of the most promising systems. In this paper, we developed new Hydroxypapatite@Furosemide hybrids with improved dissolution rates in different media with respect to the drug alone. The hybrids formation was demonstrated by SEM/EDS measurements (showing homogeneous distribution of the elements) and FT-IR spectroscopy. The drug was adsorbed onto hydroxyapatite surfaces in amorphous form, as demonstrated by XRPD and its thermal stability was improved due to the absence, in the hybrids, of melting and decomposition peaks typical of the drug. The Sr substitution on Ca sites in hydroxyapatite allows increasing the surface area and pore volume, foreseeing a high capacity of drug loading. The dissolution tests of the hybrid compounds show dissolution rates much faster than the drug alone in different fluids, and also their solubility and wetting ability is improved in comparison to furosemide alone.
Distinguishing and Quantifying Reversible/Irreversible Lithium in Practical Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Deng Wei , Yin Xue , Bao Wurigumula , Zhou Xufeng , Hu Zhiyuan , He Bangyi , Qiu Bao , Meng Ying Shirley , Liu Zhaoping
Published: February 2022

Practical lithium metal batteries have been researched worldwide, but due to excessive “Li reservoir” in the anode, quantification of the authentic reversibility of practical cells remains unresolved. Quantitative method for assessing the reversibility and irreversibility of Li anode is thereby essentially needed. Here we propose an index system composed of several quantitative parameters to evaluate the reversibility of practical lithium metal batteries. Mathematical relationships between these parameters and cycle number are successfully established based on the mass of active and inactive Li in the cycled Li anode. By establishing a novel and universal analytical method, mass of active Li can be quantitatively distinguished from the inactive one of cycled lithium metal anode in Ah-level pouch cells. Through fitting quantified data of active and inactive Li under different cycles, values of parameters representing for the reversibility and irreversibility of Li are quantitatively decoupled. The quantitative analysis method presented in this work provides new criteria to accurately assess practical lithium metal batteries for more reliable degradation analysis and failure prediction.
SARS-CoV-2 variants’-Alpha, Delta, and Omicron D614G and P681R/H mutations impact virus entry, fusion, and infectivity
Authors: Khatri Ritika , Siddqui Gazala , Sadhu Srikanth , Maithil Vikas , Vishwakarma Preeti , Lohiya Bharat , Goswami Abhishek , Ahmed Shubbir , Awasthi Amit , Samal Sweety
Published: February 2022

SARS-CoV-2 variants acquire mutations to survive within the host and evade immunity. In addition to harboring D614G mutation in spike domain, P681R/H mutation at the junction of the S1/S2 furin cleavage site, is found to be the key mutation in variants of concerns (VoC); Alpha, Delta, and Omicron (B.1.1.519). The impact of these acquired mutations on entry, transmissibility, and infectivity of SARS-CoV2 VoC is not clearly identified. Here, using the spike-based pseudovirus, Delta and D614G+P681R synthetic mutants showed a significant increase in the pseudovirus entry, fusion, and infectivity. In contrast, Omicron spike-based pseudovirus and a synthetic P681H mutant showed preferential hACE2-mediated virus entry over TMPRSS2, less fusion, and highly susceptible to Cathepsin L inhibitor. Taken together, these results indicate while the Delta variant utilizes both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mediated entry, thus causing systemic infection; Omicron has favored growth in ACE2 expressed cells thus mainly replicating in the upper respiratory tract.