bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intranasal Delivery of the Oncolytic Adenovirus XVir-N-31 via Optimized Shuttle Cells Significantly Extends the Survival of Glioblastoma Bearing Mice
Authors: El-Ayoubi Ali , Klawitter Moritz , Rüttinger Jakob , Wellhäuser Giulia , Holm Per Sonne , Danielyan Lusine , Naumann Ulrike
Published: August 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor with restricted treatment options and a dismal prognosis. Oncolytic virotherapy (OV) has developed as a promising approach for GBM treatment. However, reaching invasive GBM cells may be hindered by tumor-surrounding, non-neoplastic cells when the OV is applied intratumorally. In this study, using a rodent GBM model and immunofluorescence analyses, we investigated the intranasal delivery of the oncolytic adenovirus (OAV) XVir-N-31 via virus-loaded, optimized shuttle cells. Intranasal administration (INA) was selected due to its non-invasive nature and the potential to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our findings demonstrate that INA of XVir-N-31 loaded shuttle cells successfully delivers OAVs to the core tumor and invasive GBM cells, significantly prolongs the survival of GBM bearing mice, induces immunogenic cell death and finally reduces tumor burden, all this highlighting the therapeutic potential of this innovative approach. Overall, this study provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of INA of XVir-N-31 via shuttle cells as a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM. The non-invasive nature of INA of OV-loaded shuttle cells holds great promise for future clinical translation. However, further research is required to assess the efficacy of this approach to ultimately progress in human clinical trials.
Factors Influencing Vitamin K Deficiency In Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Palamar Marcel , Grosu Iulia , Schiller Adalbert , Petrica Ligia , Bodea Madalina , Sircuta Alexandru , Rusan Cornel , Tanasescu Daniela Maria , Bob Flaviu
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Vitamin K deficiency is a common feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to impaired bone quality and increased risk of vascular calcifications. A method to indirectly measure Vitamin K status is measuring the blood level of Vitamin K dependent proteins (VKDP)- osteocalcin (OC) and matrix GLA protein (MGP). The aim of this study is to correlate the level of OC and MGP with markers of CKD mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). (2) Methods: We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study that included 45 CKD G5D patients and measured blood biochemistry, complete blood count and intact osteocalcin and matrix GLA protein. (3) Results: We found a strong statistically significant correlation of OC with the markers of CKD-MBD such as: iPTH , serum calcium and serum phosphorus and a strong indirect statistically significant correlation with abdominal circumference. There was also a statistically significant correlation of MGP with markers of inflammation (CRP). Higher levels of MGP were found in patients treated with vitamin K antagonists, non-calcium based phosphate binders and vitamin D receptor activator- paricalcitol. (4) Conclusions: In our study, we found that vitamin K deficiency, measured indirectly using the level of VKDP is associated to CKD-MBD. The use of medication such as phosphate binders, that reduce vitamin K absorbtion, Vitamin D that increases Vitamin K requirements and also vitamin K antagonists, seem to have an influence on the blood level of VKDPs.
Adult Male Hypogonadism: A Laboratory Medicine Perspective on its Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Livingston Mark , Heald Adrian H.
Published: August 2023

Testosterone (T), the principal androgen secreted by the testes, plays an essential role in male health. Male hypogonadism is diagnosed based on a combination of associated clinical signs and symptoms and laboratory confirmation of low circulating T levels. In this review we have highlighted factors, both biological and analytical, that introduce variation into the measurement of serum T concentrations in men; these need to be considered when requesting T levels and interpreting results. There is an ongoing need for analytical standardisation of T assays and harmonisation of pre- and post-analytical laboratory practices, particularly in relation to the laboratory reference intervals provided to clinicians. Further, there is a need to share with service users the most up-to-date and evidence-based action thresholds for serum T as recommended in the literature. Estimation of free testosterone may be helpful. Causes of secondary hypogonadism should be considered. A comprehensive approach is required in the management of male hypogonadism, including lifestyle modification, as well as medication where appropriate. The goal of treatment is resolution of symptoms as well as optimisation of metabolic, cardiovascular and bone health. The advice of an endocrinologist should be sought, where there is doubt about the cause and appropriate management of the hypogonadism.
Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Polish version of the Neck Outcome Score
Authors: Dyrek Nicola , Pulik Łukasz , Piwowarczyk Aleksandra , Skała Wiktoria , Grabowska Nina , Łęgosz Paweł
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to translate and psychometrically validate the Neck Outcome Score (NOOS) in the Polish population according to the recommendations of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) for the Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Health Status Measures. Participants completed the NOOS, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain assessment. The questionnaires were completed by 57 women and 32 men with cervical spine ailments. A retest was performed in all patients after 48 hours. The analysis confirmed the high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.95) of the Polish NOOS. No floor / ceiling effects were observed. The Polish NOOS showed a significant correlation with NDI (0.87; p<0.001) and VAS (0.79; p<0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the test-retest was found to be high (0.97). The Polish version of NOOS can be used for clinical and research purposes as an equivalent to the original English version. This study contributes to the area of patient-reported outcome measures available in the Polish language.
Bacterial Products and Their Effect in the Shrubby Legume Calicotome villosa (Poir.) Link
Authors: Pérez-Fernández María A. , De-Lara-del-Rey Irene Ariadna , Magadlela Anathi
Published: August 2023

Calicotome villosa is a eurioic legume with broad distribution in the south of Europe. It can grow in almost any type of soils as well as in humid and dry and nutrient deficient ecosystems. The broad distribution and eurioic nature of C. villosa may be attributed to its ability to establish symbiotic associations with plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria housed in the nodules and rootless. This study examined legume-microbe symbiosis of C. villosa growing in two contrasted locations, hill top with high sun irradiance and drought; and a valley bottom, with low level or radiation and sufficient soil humidity for plant growth. Calicotome villosa adult plants established symbiotic in-teractions with bacteria in six genera, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Brevicacterium and Rhizobium as well as one uncultured bacteria. Plants growing in the hill top had associated lower bacterial richness than those grown at the valley bottom. All strains were drought tolerant and produced siderophores, IAA, HCN and MH3 that stimulated plant performance in both, C. villosa plants and other four legumes commonly present in the understory of the shrubs communities The filter theory aids in explaining the different associations between C. villosa plants and their symbionts, thus explaining the broad distribution of this plant species.
The Shortening of Leukocyte Telomere Length Contributes to Alzheimer’s Disease: Further Evidence from Late-Onset Familial and Sporadic Cases
Authors: Crocco Paolina , De Rango Francesco , Dato Serena , La Grotta Rossella , Maletta Raffaele , Bruni Amalia Cecilia , Passarino Giuseppe , Rose Giuseppina
Published: August 2023

Telomeres are structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes that help maintain genomic stability. During aging, telomere length gradually shortens, producing short telomeres, which are considered markers of premature cellular senescence. This is believed to contribute to age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and based on this, several studies have hypothesized that telomere shortening may characterize AD. Current research, however, has been inconclusive regarding the direction of the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and disease risk. We assessed the association between LTL and AD in a retrospective case-control study of a sample of 255 unrelated patients with late-onset AD (LOAD), including 120 sporadic cases and 135 with positive family history for LOAD, and a group of 279 cognitively healthy unrelated controls, which were all from Calabria, a region from south Italy. Following regression analysis, telomeres were found to be significantly shorter in LOAD cases than in controls (p<0.001 for both sporadic and familial cases). Interestingly, LTL were associated to disease risk independently of the presence of conventional risk factors (e.g., age, sex, MMSE scores, presence of the APOE-ε4 allele). Altogether, our findings lend support to the notion that LTL shortening may be an indicator of the patho-genesis of LOAD.
Spontaneous Confinement of mRNA molecules at Biomolecular Condensate Boundaries
Authors: Perelman Rebecca T. , Schmidt Andreas , Khan Umar , Walter Nils G.
Published: August 2023

Cellular biomolecular condensates termed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules often are enriched in messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules relative to the surrounding cytoplasm. Yet, the spatial localization and diffusion of mRNAs in close proximity to phase separated RNP granules is not well understood. In this study, we performed single molecule fluorescence imaging experiments of mRNAs in live cells in the presence of two types of RNP granules, stress granules (SG) and processing bodies (PB), which are distinct in their molecular composition and function. We developed a photobleaching- and noise-corrected colocalization imaging algorithm that was employed to determine the accurate positions of individual mRNAs relative to the granule’s boundaries. We found that mRNAs are often localized at granule boundaries, an observation consistent with recently published data. We suggest that mRNA molecules become spontaneously confined at the RNP granule boundary similar to the adsorption of polymer molecules at liquid-liquid interfaces, which is observed in various technological and biological processes. We also suggest that this confinement could be due to a combination of intermolecular interactions associated with, first, the screening of a portion of the RNP granule interface by the polymer and, second, electrostatic interactions due to a strong electric field induced by a Donnan potential generated across the thin interface.
Key variables to enhance the quality of internet service in a region of the interior of the Amazon
Authors: Moreira Fernandes Reimison , Costa Araújo Vitória Lara , Simon Rampasso Izabela , Anholon Rosley , Oliveira Cardoso Brenda de Farias , Batista Martins Vitor William
Published: August 2023

Competitiveness driven by technological, economic, social, and environmental factors has changed how customers purchase products and services. This research aimed to analyze variables to enhance the quality of the internet service in a region of the interior of the Amazon, considering the users’ perceptions. To this end, the survey was adopted as a research strategy, and the structural equation modeling method was used to validate the proposed conceptual model. To validate the model, a literature search was carried out, variables of the quality of internet services were selected, and a survey was carried out with users in a region in the interior of the Amazon, totaling 204 respondents. The averages of the variables indicated that the variables "navigation (speed and stability)," "service agility (repair)," and "user support (maintenance)" were the most important perceived in the opinion of internet service users in the region analyzed. On the other hand, those of less importance in the perception of the user were the variables “price of the service,” “warranty time” and “flexibility of the service (package options available).” As for the validated conceptual model, the importance of three relevant constructs was verified: sale, attendance and usability. From a theoretical point of view, the results achieved here can contribute to the expansion of debates in the area of quality in services, and from a practical point of view, the results contribute to the definition and elaboration of the strategic planning of managers involved in the area. Few studies discuss the quality of internet services in a specific region considered lacking in technological infrastructure, such as the interior of the Brazilian Amazon.
Keywords: Internet services; quality management; quality in services; technological services; PLS-SEM
Eating behaviour of children with failure to thrive: characterization and family correlates
Authors:   Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, Isabel Machado Sarai , Vasconcelos Carla ,   Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto,   Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Correia Flora ,   Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto,   Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, E.P.E., Poínhos Rui ,   Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION: The knowledge on eating behaviour determinants allows the elaboration of strategies that prevent and treat their imbalances. Failure to thrive is the reflection of the most severe cases of feeding disorders among children. OBJECTIVES: To characterize eating behaviour among children with failure to thrive and their family history of failure to thrive and/or underweight. To relate the eating behaviour of children with failure to thrive with their parents/caregivers’ eating behaviour. To compare children with and without older siblings regarding their eating behaviour and anthropometric measures. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional research children’s eating behaviour was assessed using Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. For each child, one parent/caregiver responded to the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Clinical and family data were collected during Paediatric Nutrition appointments. RESULTS: A sample of 33 children (3 to 13 years) was included. Children presented higher scores in subscales related to food avoidance (Emotional under-eating, Food fussiness, Slowness in eating and Satiety responsiveness) and lower related to food approach (Enjoyment of food, Food responsiveness, Emotional over-eating and Desire to drink). One third had family history of low weight or failure to thrive. Food responsiveness was positively associated with parents/caregivers’ external intake (R = 0.385, p = 0.027), and emotional overeating with parents/caregiver’s restraint (R = 0.485, p = 0.004). Children with older siblings had higher enjoyment of food (mean = 2.59, sd = 0.93, vs. 2.00, sd = 0.60 p = 0.046) and lower food fussiness (mean = 3.09, sd = 0.91 vs. 3.77, sd = 0.55, p = 0.017) compared to those without older siblings. They also presented lower weight percentiles (n = 17; median = 16.5 vs. 1.0, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Family history might be relevant, as one third of children with failure to thrive had prior cases of failure to thrive and/or underweight in the family. Having older siblings was associated with a more favourable eating behaviour, despite not reflecting directly in their weight status. Parents with higher external eating identify their children as having higher food responsiveness, and those with higher restraint identify their children as having a great intake of food mediated by emotions.
Galactooligossacarídeos: existem efeitos na microbiota humana?
Authors:   Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra do Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Costa Francisca , Brito Ana ,   Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra do Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Pereira Mariana ,   Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra do Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Martins Matilde ,   Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra do Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Lúcia Baltazar Ana ,   Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra do Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra
Published: August 2023

Galactooligossacarídeos são denominados “prebióticos”, uma vez que são hidratos de carbono não digeríveis que conferem diversos benefícios para a saúde do hospedeiro, entre eles, a modulação da microbiota intestinal. Podem ser ingeridos naturalmente pelo consumo de alimentos que os contém na sua composição, pelo consumo de alimentos enriquecidos nos mesmos ou por meio de suplementação. Foi efetuada uma revisão de literatura, com pesquisa nas bases de dados Pubmed, Google Académico e Science Direct, com as palavras-chave “galacto-oligosaccharides’’ AND “effects’’ AND “microbiota’’ AND ‘’health’’, entre 2017 e 2022, com o objetivo de compreender de que forma a ingestão de Galactooligossacarídeos pode influenciar a microbiota intestinal humana. Os resultados da maioria dos artigos evidenciaram correlação positiva entre o consumo de Galactooligossacarídeos, quer proveniente da alimentação, ou suplementação, com a modulação benéfica da microbiota intestinal, aumentando o número de bactérias benéficas e reduzindo as prejudiciais, em qualquer faixa etária. Assim, a adoção de uma dieta enriquecida em Galactooligossacarídeos poderá ser uma estratégia eficaz em situações de disbiose, atuando de forma preventiva e benéfica na melhoria da microbiota intestinal.
Türk Eğitim Tarihinde Medrese Tarihi Yazıcılığı
Authors: GÜNDÜZ Mustafa
Published: August 2023

Türkiye’de eğitim tarihi yazıcılığı ve bunun içinde medrese tarihi yazıcılığı II. Meşrutiyet döneminde başlamıştır. Eğitim tarihinin nasıl yazılacağına dair ilk örnekler Tanzimat ve II. Abdülhamid dönemi metinlerinde kendini göstermiştir. Cumhuriyet döneminde özgün örneklerini veren kapsamlı eğitim tarihi araştırmalarından bazıları ilerleyen dönemin paradigma kurucu temel metinleri haline gelmiştir. Bunların başında Nâfî Atuf Kansu, Osman Ergin, Nevzad Ayasbeyoğlu, Faik Reşit Unat, Hasan Ali Koçer, Cavit Binbaşıoğlu, Cahit Yalçın Bilim, Necdet Sakaoğlu ve Yahya Akyüz’ün çalışmaları gelmektedir. Bu araştırmada, adı geçen eğitim tarihçilerinin temel eserlerinde, medrese konusunun nasıl ele alındığı, kaynakları, metodolojisi, temel iddiaları, söylemleri ve geleceği etkileme durumları üzerinde durulmuştur. Doküman analizi metoduyla yapılan araştırmada adı geçen eğitim tarihçilerinin temel eserlerindeki medrese kısımları kendi içinde değerlendirilmiş, ardından da ortak ve ayrılan noktalar üzerinde değerlendirme yapılmıştır. Netice olarak, Türk eğitim tarihi medrese tarihi yazıcılığında zihniyet ve kaynak tercihleri bakımından ortak kabullerin, ön yargıların ve ezberlerin olduğu, bunun yanında bazı bilgi yanlışlarının ve metodolojik hataların devam ettiği görülmüştür.
Examination of the Relationship Between Macroeconomic Indicators and Suicide Rate of High-Income Group Countries
Authors: ŞENOL Osman , AKBULUT Fevzi
Published: August 2023

The research is conducted to examine the relationship between suicide rate and the macroeconomic indicators of high-income countries according to the World Bank income classification. In the research, the independent variables comprise of the economic variables, and the dependent variable is the suicide rate seen in a country. An econometric model with a random effects approach is developed for the effect of the specified independent variables on suicide rate in the population. As a result of the analysis, a 1%increase in the Gini index value may cause an increase of 0.26% in the suicide rate; income distribution disorders directly affect the suicide rate and increase suicide; and a 1% increase in the unemployment level causes 0.02% increase in the suicide rate. In addition, it is stated that there is a negative correlation between income per capita and suicide rate, and a 1% increase in income per capita may cause a 0.10% decrease in the suicide rate. Within the scope of the research, suicide rate, which is an important indicator of society, can be examined in different income groups or in similar income groups within the scope of different variables.
Ölüm Sonrasına Yönelik Organ Bağışı Tutum Ölçeğinin Türkçe Geçerlilik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması
Authors: GÖKKAYA Durmuş , KARAMAN Mesut
Published: August 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı bireylerin Ölüm Sonrasına Yönelik Organ Bağışı Tutum Ölçeği’ni Türkçeye uyarlamak, geçerlilik ve güvenirliğini gerçekleştirmektir. Yöntem olarak ölüm sonrası organ bağışı tutumunu belirlemek için Andrei (2012)'nın geliştirmiş olduğu ölçekten yararlanılmıştır. Ölçeğin uygulanmasının ardından açıklayıcı ve doğrulayıcı faktör analizi, yakınsak ve ıraksak geçerlilik analizleri ile güvenirlik analizi yapılmıştır. Çalışmanın örneklemini çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden sağlık bilimleri alanında öğrenim gören 450 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Ölçeğin Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin değeri 0,898’dir. Açıklayıcı faktör analizi soncuna göre orijinal ölçekteki gibi dört alt boyutlu bir yapı bulunmuş ve toplam açıklanan varyans değeri %70,83 olarak tespit edilmiştir. Ölçeğin uyum iyiliği indeks değerleri iyi ve kabul edilebilir düzeydedir. Ölçek faktörlerinde yakınsak geçerlilikleri (CR>AVE; AVE>50) ve ıraksak geçerlilikleri (MSV70 olup MaxR(H)>CR olduğu gözlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, ‘Ölüm Sonrasına Yönelik Organ Bağışı Tutum Ölçeği’nin dört faktörlü Türkçe formu kullanılabilecek uygun bir ölçektir.
Geomorphic metrics used in FluvialGeomorph
Authors: Haring Christopher , Dougherty Michael
Published: August 2023

FluvialGeomorph (FG) is a geographic information system-based geomorphic analysis toolkit that analyzes high-resolution terrain data to provide river-reach assessments for watershed studies. This report demonstrates the utility of FG to identify physical stream channel characteristics that are used to determine channel stability. The FG toolbox is a remote-sensing approach based on lidar data, designed to measure channel, floodplain, valley, and watershed metrics necessary for watershed assessments. Currently, channel slope and cross-sectional analysis and planform metrics are being evaluated with existing lidar data from different hydrophysiographic regions within the United States. Recent study areas include the Northwest, Southwest, South, Midwest, and upper Midwest of the United States.
Sedimentology and stratigraphy of the earliest deltaic shorelines of the Paleocene Lower Wilcox Group in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Olariu Mariana I.
Published: August 2023

Large-scale growth of shelf-to-slope margins is well documented in regional 2-D seismic data, but it is only rarely linked to sedimentological processes and detailed stratigraphic architecture at smaller scales. This study documents the building of a shelf-to-slope margin topset through successive shoreline regressions and transgressions by using data from 824 wells, 80 m of core from 4 wells, and 3750 km3 of seismic data with a focus on the complexities of shoreline behavior during repeated cross-shelf transits. Our combined data set allows understanding of the variability of depositional processes on the shelf at the scale of individual regressive–transgressive cycles (less than 105 years), and shows that the paleogeography of the Wilcox Group in the northern Gulf of Mexico is more diverse than commonly depicted. At a fourth-order scale dominant processes (river, wave, and tide) control shoreline morphology and as a result are critical to understanding sandstone body distribution on the shelf and sediment delivery to the shelf margin and deep water. The earliest deltas of the Lower Wilcox prograded southward under conditions of rising relative sea level across a 50-km-wide shelf, but the sandstone rich deltas remained 10–20 km updip from the shelf edge, and the shelf margin grew through accretion of mud-rich clinothems. The plan-view morphology and internal architecture reflect depositional systems with wave-influenced and tide-modified deltas on the inner and mid shelf, and river flood and wave-reworked hyperpycnite deposits on the outer shelf. An abundance of normal and inverse graded beds, alternation of massive to flat to undulating lamination, and low intensities of bioturbation observed in cores indicate that the shelf sandstone bodies were deposited from hyperpycnal flows.

Overall the study shows that the deltaic depositional systems of the Lower Wilcox Group in Texas have a greater architectural complexity and process variability than previously interpreted. Wave-modified hyperpycnites were identified for the first time in the Wilcox and are considered to form a significant component of the muddy shelf succession. The hyperpycnite lobes are located laterally from the deltaic supply fairway in more distal positions than previous studies identified on the shelf. This along-shore redistribution of sediment suggests that it takes more time for deltas to reach the shelf edge than is inferred for many shelf-to-slope margins, and there is likely to be correspondingly less delivery of sediment to deep water.
The Role of Cyanobacteria In the Microfabric Heterogeneity of Cambrian Leiolite, North China
Authors: Mei Mingxiang , Riaz Muhammad , Koeshidayatullah Ardiansyah , Liu Ziliang , Ahmed Mohamed S. , Fathy Douaa
Published: August 2023

Based on their mesostructures, carbonate microbialites are divided into four major groups: laminated stromatolite, clotted thrombolites, structureless leiolites, and dendritic dendrolite. Among the various types of microbialites, leiolites, also known as “cryptomicrobial deposits,” are uncommon in the stratigraphic records. This is exacerbated by leiolites relatively structureless and aphanitic structure, making their identification and characterization more challenging. Previous studies have revealed that leiolites have contrasting fabrics at different scale, heterogeneous microscopic fabrics and structureless mesoscopic to macroscopic fabrics. While it is widely assumed that cyanobacteria play a significant role in the formation of carbonate microbialites in marine environments, the origin and controlling mechanisms of variations in leiolites microstructures and macrostructures remain enigmatic. In the central part of the North China Platform, two excellent exposures of massive, structureless Cambrian bioherms (Furongian) dominated by leiolites were observed (Qijayu section). The Qijayu-section leiolites offer a unique opportunity to investigate the role of cyanobacterial input in governing the formation and textural heterogeneities of such microbialites. In addition, the significance of the Furongian leiolites stems from their association with a period of global development of microbial-dominated carbonate platforms. Our findings suggest that these Furongian leiolites developed during the forced-regressive systems tract. At the microscopic level, these Furongian leiolites exhibit a high degree of heterogeneity which is controlled by the presence of various types of cyanobacteria (Hedstroemia, Subtifioria, Girvanella), sponge mummy, and benthic ooids. The Hedstroemia, Subtifioria and Girvanella excreted extracellular polymeric substances that form multiple biofilms in cyanobacterial microbial mats where Furongian leiolites grew. The role of cyanobacteria in the microscale heterogeneity of Cambrian leiolites is evident, and this provides new insights into the development of microbial-dominated carbonate platforms in similar settings elsewhere. As a result, this study provides not only a reference example for global correlation but also some solid clues for further understanding the growth style of leiolites in the geologic record.
Study Examines Ability of Macroalga To Produce Green Hydrogen
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: August 2023

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This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 210809, “Pyrolysis of Macroalga Macrocystis pyrifera for Production of Green Carbon-Negative Hydrogen,” by Carolina A. Gallego, Shashank S. Nagaraja, and Mani Sarathy, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

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The macroalga Macrocystis pyrifera is a giant brown seaweed characterized by its fast growth rate and photosynthetic metabolism that generates carbon sources from atmospheric CO2. This alga is a potential biomass to be applied in bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), which enables carbon-negative biofuels to avoid greenhouse emissions from biomass processing and use. The study described in the complete paper is related to the thermal conversion of this alga and serves as an opening to the study of the thermal conversion of biomass commonly found in desertic or semidesertic climates.

BECCS and M. pyrifera

The relevance of BECCS and carbon-negative fuels is in the ability of plants and algae to capture atmospheric CO2 and simultaneously be a source of carbon. Second-generation biofuels—fuels derived from nonedible terrestrial crops or waste such as miscanthus, wheat straw, or paper waste—are a promising alternative. The disadvantages of their generation, however, include the high cost of related technologies and the risk of compromising food security in some areas because of the amount of land devoted to energy crops.

Algae are classified as microalgae or macroalgae (also called seaweed). The harvesting methods of macroalgae are less energy-intensive and expensive than the methods used for microalgae.

M. pyrifera, a brown macroalgae, presented several advantages because of its large size (12–22 m long), fast growth rate (7–30 cm/day), its high gas yield, and its potential sustainable cultivation. Its cultivation, however, currently takes place only in Pacific Rim countries. Thus, this alga must be imported in dry form to the Middle East. With thermal conversion methods a suboptimal choice for dry M. pyrifera, a conventional method for the thermal conversion of the algae and production of hydrogen as pyrolysis was applied.

Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process for decomposition of biomass in absence of oxygen to produce oil, char, and gases; it is detailed in the complete paper. The carbon-capture process involves technologies that separate the CO2 from the products of reaction. In this way, greenhouse emissions can be reduced through the storage of captured CO2. When high quantities of CO2 compose the products of thermal conversion, the most-efficient applicable technology is physical absorption by Selexol or Rectisol.
Multidisciplinary Integrated Approach Unlocks Fracture-Characterization Ambiguity
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: August 2023

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This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 213771, “Unlocking Fracture-Characterization Ambiguity: A Multidisciplinary Integrated Approach,” by Ali Abughneej, Mohamed Al-Naqeeb, and Mohammed Al-Ostath, SPE, Kuwait Oil Company, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

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Fracture systems play a significant role in production in the case of tight, low-porosity complex reservoirs. An exploration well in North Kuwait that targeted the Middle Marrat formation encountered uncertainty regarding reservoir compartments in an underexplored field, with minimal offset wells to properly evaluate its potential. A multidomain approach is proposed leveraging different types of expertise to tackle the petrophysical and geomechanical aspects of the fracture system governing the carbonate layer and assess its producibility and qualification for stimulation through hydraulic fracturing.

Introduction

A comprehensive study was performed on Well A targeting the Marrat formation, a tight, low-permeability carbonate Jurassic reservoir. During the last two decades, the operator has drilled many vertical and deviated wells through this formation. Hydrocarbon production from the closely spaced wells shows a major variation in flow rates, which has been attributed to the presence of uncharacterized fracture clusters as well as the limited understanding of reservoir compartmentalization.

To address the challenges of production discrepancy, an innovative multidomain approach was proposed as an integrated solution in an attempt to understand the fracture systems governing the reservoir setting and its compartments and further assess their connectivity and extent to form a perspective on their possible contribution or hindrance to flow.

An end-to-end comprehensive work flow was created combining the results of advanced formation evaluation, high-resolution borehole imaging, and state-of-the-art sonic imaging [the 3D far-field sonic (3DFFS) approach], followed by a fracture-stability analysis for the purposes of completion optimization and potential future hydraulic fracture design.

Geological Setting

Middle Marrat is targeted as the hydrocarbon-bearing zone, consisting of dolomitized oolitic grainstone to packstone facies, reflecting the high-energy inner-midramp shoal depositional environment.
Review of Deep Learning Techniques for Neurological Disorders Detection
Authors: Tripathi Akhilesh Kumar , Ahmed Rafeeq , Tiwari Arvind kumar
Published: August 2023

Neurological disease is one of the most common types of dementia that predominantly concerns the elderly. In clinical approaches, identifying its premature stages is complicated, and no biomarker is comprehended to be thorough in witnessing neurological disorders in their earlier stages. Deep learning approaches have attracted much attention in the scientific community using scanned images. They differ from simple machine learning (ML) algorithms in that they study the most favourable depiction of untreated images. Deep learning has been found to be helpful in neuroimaging analysis of neurological diseases with subtle and dispersed changes because it can discover abstract and complicated patterns. The current study discusses a vital part of deep learning and looks at past work that has been used to switch between different ML algorithms that can predict neurological diseases. Convolution Neural Network (CNN), Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), Recurrent neural Network (RNN), Deep Belief Network (DBN), Auto Encoder (AE), and other algorithms for Alzheimer’s illness prediction have been considered. Many publications on preprocessing methods, such as scaling, correction, stripping, and normalizing, have been evaluated.
The Mechanical Properties of the Spinal Cord: A Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Stanners Megan , O’Riordan Marguerite , Hartley Laura , Theodosiou Eirini , Souppez Jean-Baptiste , Gardner Adrian
Published: August 2023

Background
Spinal cord compression is a source of pathology seen in routine clinical practice. However, there remains a number of unanswered questions around both the understanding of the pathogenesis and the best method of treatment of the condition. This is partly due to the issues of the real life testing around the physical properties of the spinal cord, either through the use of cadaveric human specimens or thought animal testing, both of which have methodological, as well as ethical, issues.
Methods
This paper details a protocol for a systematic review of the literature of all the previous descriptions of physical models of the spinal cord. We will conduct a literature search of a number of electronic databases, along with the grey literature, as a single stage search. All literature will be screened for appropriate studies which will then be reviewed fully to extract relevant information on the methodology and mechanics of the reported testing along with the results. Two reviewers will separately screen the citations and abstract the data, with comparison of results to ensure concordance. Conflicts, will be resolved through discussion and arbitration via an independent arbitrator. The methodological quality of the studies will be assessed within the ARRIVE guidelines using the CAMARADES framework and SYRCLE risk of bias tool. A narrative synthesis will be created with the appropriate tables to describe the demographics and findings of the included studies.
Discussion
The future systematic review will form the basis of a full understanding of the current literature around the physical properties of the spinal cord. This will allow future work to develop a physical model of the spinal cord, which is applicable to the living human, for analysis and testing in a controlled and repeatable fashion. Such a model would be the basis for further clinical research to improve outcomes from this condition.
Systematic review registration: Prospero registration number: CRD42022361933
Determining Transmission of the Early Flowering Response from Transgenic Carrizo Citrange Rootstock in Grafted Juvenile Scions
Authors: Aljasim Kawther S. , Dutt Manjul , Grosser Jude W.
Published: August 2023

The juvenile period in citrus generally requires 5-12 years to achieve flowering and fruit set. The Flowering locus T protein plays a significant role in controlling the flowering, and mobility throughout the plant. We had previously produced several transgenic Carrizo citrange rootstock lines that overexpress the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene, resulting in accelerated flowering and fruiting within 18 months. To determine if the early flowering trait was transmittable through a graft union to juvenile scions, four transgenic Carrizo rootstock lines previously validated to contain the introduced FT3 gene were tested for their ability to transmit the early flowering trait to selected juvenile scions from the Citrus Research and Education Center breeding program. The selected juvenile scions were grafted on the transgenic Carrizo. Most of the juvenile scions then quickly flowered. This suggests a successful movement of the FT protein through the graft union into the juvenile scions, initiating early flowering. However, after the initial bloom, sustained flowering in the grafted scions was not observed, although it continued in the ungrafted transgenic Carrizo rootstocks. The FT mRNA and FT protein were isolated from the juvenile scions and grafted onto the transgenic Carrizo lines, then the flowers and the fruits produced were evaluated in the juvenile scions.
Biodegradation of Tetracycline and Ciprofloxacin in aerobic composting using different microbial sources
Authors: Mousavi Seyedeh Fatemeh , Zazouli Mohammad Ali , Gholami-Borujeni Fathollah
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the degradation of tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) during in-vessel composting in three different ratios of organic waste (OW), rice husk (RH), and return activated sludge (RAS) obtained from antibiotic industry wastewater treatment plant as a microbial source. The composting process was carried out in three cylindrical reactors (R1, R2, and R3) with a volume of 35.5 L. The OW/RH ratio was adjusted to 2:1, 1.4:1, and 1:1, and the RAS was added as a microbial source and to adjust the moisture content (MC). After the compost maturation phase, various concentrations of antibiotics were added to the different reactors. The HPLC method was used to measure the concentration of residual antibiotics. The physical, chemical, and bacterial properties of the compost were also analyzed throughout the process using standard methods. The findings showed that the removal efficiencies of TC were 85%, 90%, and 92.5% in R1, R2, and R3, respectively, while those of CIP were 75%, 77.5%, and 82.5% after 92 days. It was observed that using microbial sources containing antibiotic-resistant bacteria (sludge from an antibiotic wastewater treatment plant), fungi, and actinomycetes in the composting process can be an effective method for the biodegradation of antibiotics in contaminated environments.
RHC genotyping in Chinese Han population
Authors: Shao Lin-Nan , Zheng Zi-Wei , Zhou Shi-Hang , Zhang Shu-Ting , Song Wen-Qian , Xia Yue-Xin , Liang Xiao-Hua
Published: August 2023

The Rh blood group is a complex, polymorphic system with 56 antigens. Accurately predicting the presence of the C antigen using genotyping methods has been challenging. This study aimed to evaluate different genotyping methods for C predicting and identifying associated genetic variations in the Chinese Han population. In total, 317 donors, including 223 D+ (including 20 with the Del phenotype) and 94 D− were randomly selected. Real-time PCR of the 48C and 109bp insertion, and restriction fragment length polymorphism of −292 substitutions were used for RHC genotyping. Moreover, the promoter region of the RHCE gene was sequenced to search for other nucleotide substitutions between RHC and RHc. The 109bp insertion method showed the highest accuracy in predicting the C phenotype. Sequencing showed that seven SNPs in the promoter and exon 1 of the RHCE gene were associated with the C phenotype. However, these SNPs also showed a few false positive results. The accuracy of the SNPs in predicting C, in descending order, was found to be rs586178>rs4649082, rs2375313, rs2281179, rs2072933, and rs2072932>rs2072931. Although the identified SNPs alone cannot independently and accurately correlate with the C phenotype, combining them with the 109bp insertion test can improve the accuracy of predicting C.
Continuous-discrete extended Kalman filter based parameter identification method for space robots in postcapture
Authors: Zhang Teng , Shi Peng , Yang Yang , Li Wenlong , Yue Xiaokui
Published: August 2023

Space robots have become increasingly important in on-orbit missions, especially for capturing noncooperative targets. However, a major challenge is that the inertial parameters of these targets are often unknown, but crucial for post-capture tasks. This paper proposes continuous-discrete extended Kalman filter (CD-EKF) based identification methods that rely solely on noisy measurements of the manipulator’s rotation angle, the base’s attitude angle, and its position. The methods exploit the conservation of momentum or the dynamics of space robots to formulate the identification equations and construct the filter. In addition, an analytical solution for computing the Jacobian matrix of the dynamic response of a space robot is derived, and sparse matrix multiplication is used to reduce the computation time. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed methods are evaluated through numerical simulations using 2D and 3D models, and Monte Carlo simulations are performed to analyze robustness, noise effects, and initial states. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methods and demonstrate their ability to handle noise and uncertainty.
Effectiveness of a structured pharmaceutical review of pharmacotherapeutic plans to reduce drug-related problems in care homes: a pragmatic quasi-experimental trial
Authors: Prats Cecília Campabadal , Aragonès Enric , Romeu Marta , Salom-Garrigues Clara , Bejarano Ferran , Canadell Laura
Published: August 2023

Background: Patients living in Geriatric Residences (RG) have increased aging, comorbidity, spending on health resources and mortality. High drug use is associated with an increased risk of falls, disability, and death. It is estimated that 20-50% of inappropriate medications are consumed in the elderly.
Methodology:
Hypothesis: A pharmaceutical intervention based on a clinical review of the pharmacotherapeutic plan of patients in RG will be useful in optimizing the prescription in terms of safety, reducing by 10% or more the inappropriate prescriptions.
Objectives:Evaluate the effectiveness of a structured pharmaceutical intervention based on the clinical review of the pharmacotherapeutic plan to improve its adequacy.
Decrease inadequate prescriptions in patients admitted to RG by 10%
Pre-post, quasi-experimental intervention study with control group with prospective follow-up of a cohort of patients in RG. The intervention consists of the clinical review of the pharmacotherapeutic plan carried out by the pharmacist and subsequently agreed in the Pharmacotherapeutic Advisory Committee.
Determinations: The study variables will be evaluated at baseline and 3 months post-intervention. The primary variable is number of inappropriate prescriptions.
Statistical analysis: Percentage change will be measured before and after the intervention. Descriptive statistics will be performed for quantitative variables such as qualitative and comparison of means and proportions.
Expected results: Achieve a 10% decrease in inappropriate prescriptions
Applicability and Relevance: This study will expand the collaboration between the Pharmacy and Primary Care physicians, promoting the continuum of care, strengthening the safety culture, and improving prescribing habits.
Ethics: The protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Jordi Gol Primary Care Research Institute (IDIAP), Barcelona, 22/191-EOm.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05944328, Registered
Microwave ablation of benign thyroid nodules: the importance of modified hydrodissection
Authors: kucukay fahrettin , acu berat , subasi berkay
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) in treating benign thyroid nodules and any advantage of modified hydrodissection (MHD) techniques while performing these procedures.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 76 consecutive patients treated for benign thyroid nodules using MWA. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included patients treated before November 2019 using the HD technique (n=38), and group 2 included patients treated using the MHD technique after November 2019 (n=38). HD-MHD was performed using 5% dextrose. A portable MWA device with a 2450 MHz frequency was used as the generator. MWA antennas with internal water-cooled units and temperature monitoring features with a 16G diameter, 100 cm body length, and 3 mm tip length were used for MWA procedures. Color Doppler ultrasound examinations, thyroid function tests, volume reduction ratios (VRR), visual analog scales, and cosmetic scores were performed on the patients in the first, third, sixth, and every sixth months after ablation procedures. Complications and procedure times were also recorded.
Results: No significant differences in VRR, visual analog scale, or cosmetic score were observed between the groups at 3, 6, and 12 months. Lower complication rates ( 26.31% vs. 7.89%, p=0.03) and procedure times (10.30 min vs. 7.30 min; p=0.04) were observed with the MHD technique. There were no residual or recurrent nodules or thyroid hormone deficiencies during the follow-up.
Conclusion: MWA of benign thyroid nodules is safe and effective. Using the MHD technique lowers complication rates and procedure time.