bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Microseismic Events to Understand the Fracture Growth During Hydraulic Fracturing: A Case Study of a Shale Gas Reservoir
Authors: Kaka SanLinn I.
Published: March 2023

Hydraulic fracturing technology has been successfully used in the production of shale gas reservoirs. Hydraulic fracturing directly induces pore pressure changes in the reservoir and associated stress. The sudden release of such a stress build-up results in microseismic events that create new fractures or activate pre-existing ones. This study is undertaken to analyze induced microseismic events to map the fracture growth and understand fluid flow in the reservoir.

A well-established processing workflow was used to process data that included enhancement of signal-to-noise ratio, detection of events by auto-picking the arrival times of the P- and the S-waves, and identification of the various phases. Three different methods were explored to detect the arrivals including root mean square amplitude, envelope method, and the Akaike information criterion. Microseismic events were recorded from the downhole array during multistage hydraulic fracturing in a shale gas reservoir. The downhole array consists of twelve 3- component sensors deployed in a vertical well. The events are triggered during the 12- stages of fracturing and perforation.

The validity of the analysis depends on the accurate localization of events that require the identification and picking of waveform phases correctly and reliable knowledge about the velocity structure. A reliable velocity structure is not always available, in most cases, the velocity model used in microseismic processing is estimated from dipole sonic logs performed along the monitoring or treatment wells before the hydraulic stimulation. Therefore, these velocities have the limitation of being representative of the propagation in the vertical direction close to the wells, which can potentially be disturbed due to the drilling and other associated perturbations around the wellbore. The workflow followed in this study has overcome the above limitations. Initial results show that all located microseismic events are well correlated with injection rates. Note a significate increase in events at the end of the injection till 10 minutes after the injection. Changes in the length and width of the fracture indicate heterogeneity along the treated volume. The spatiotemporal pattern of the events helps distinguish fluid movements and compartmentalization within the reservoir.

This analysis serves to gain experience in processing microseismic data and the results can be correlated with numerical models to understand which variables play important role in fracture propagation. This study also highlights the importance of changes in local stress in determining the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing.
An Improved iNewRenoTCP Protocol for Mobile Adhoc Networks
Authors: Singh Rajnesh , Singh Neeta , Dinke Aarti Gautam , Verma Poonam , Gupta Sunil
Published: March 2023

In this paper, an improved NewReno (iNewReno) TCP protocol has been proposed for futuristic MANETs applications. The iNewReno is a modification to TCP's Congestion avoidance phase;fast retransmission phase and fast recovery phase. In the proposed iNewReno,dynamic congestion window is adopted. A comprehensive experimental study to analyze the performance of iNewReno in various network environments is also presented in this paper. The proposed iNewReno algorithm has considered Round Trip Time (RTT), an average of RTT, and time taken by three duplicate ACK in the congestion avoidance phase. The proposed protocol decreases the delay in the network upto 70–90%, which minimizes the RTT leading to faster retransmission of packets and reduced congestion. Also, in iNewReno, Retransmission Time Out (RTO) is not considered in fast retransmission phase and fast recovery phase. Quantitative and realistic results for both NewReno and iNewReno are evaluated and compared through exhaustive experiments and simulations. It has been evident that different TCP variants have different robustness against mobility, and with a suitable choice of the robust TCP protocol, the network performance improves. The obtained results and analysis are significant and indicate that the proposed algorithm provides an improved performance for a TCP protocol in a given real-time network application.
Comparison of Statistical Methods for Classification of Human Semen Data
Authors: V.S Abbiramy , Mary Ani Brown
Published: March 2023

Classification is quite an important task in medical data analysis. The goal of classification is to build a concise model of the distribution of the dependent attribute in terms of the predictor attributes. Statistical classification is the problem of identifying the subpopulation to which new observations belong to whereas probabilistic classification returns a probability distribution for the class label attribute rather than returning a single class label. The aim is to classify human semen sample either as fertile or infertile using probabilistic and statistical classification algorithm. The accuracy of classifying the semen sample is assessed using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Quadratic Discriminant Analysis, Naive Bayes and Logistic Regression to distinguish infertile men from normal individuals. The comparisons were made in terms of sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy and error to determine the suitability of the statistical methods. The results have shown that QDA outperforms Logistic Regression, Naive Bayes and LDA in classifying the semen samples.
Identification of synchronous BOLD signal patterns in white matter of primate spinal cord
Authors: Sengupta Anirban , Mishra Arabinda , Wang Feng , Chen Li , Gore John
Published: March 2023

Functional MRI studies of the brain have shown that blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals are robustly detectable not only in gray matter (GM) but also in white matter (WM). Here, we report the detection and characteristics of BOLD signals in WM of spinal cord (SC) of squirrel monkeys. Tactile stimulus-evoked BOLD signal changes were detected in the ascending sensory tracts of SC using a General-Linear Model (GLM) as well as Independent Component Analysis (ICA). ICA of resting state signals identified coherent fluctuations from eight WM hubs which correspond closely with known anatomical locations of SC WM tracts. Resting state analyses showed that the WM hubs exhibited correlated signal fluctuations within and between SC segments in specific patterns that correspond well with the known neurobiological functions of WM tracts in SC. Overall, these findings suggest WM BOLD signals in SC show similar features as GM both at baseline and under stimulus conditions.
Genome‐Wide Association Mapping for searching novel leaf rust seedling resistance loci in Iranian bread wheat germplasm
Authors: Delfan Saba , Bihamta Mohammad Reza , Dadrezaei Seyed Taha , Abbasi Alireza , Alipour Hadi , Imani Jafargholi
Published: March 2023

Leaf or brown rust caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks. (Pt) is a limiting factor for wheat production. Thus, a constant search for new resistance genes or QTLs is essential to improve the resistance durability against the continued evolution of new races of Pt. This study was aimed at exploring potentially novel genes/QTLs resistance to leaf rust in Iranian wheat landraces and cultivars by using association mapping. Using a panel of 320 wheat accessions, genome-wide association study (GWAS) genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) techniques were adopted to map loci associated with resistance to five races of Pt. A total of 17 major marker-trait associations (MTAs) were found on wheat chromosomes that were significantly linked with seedling resistance to Pt. Three markers including rs12954, rs15705, and rs42447 were detected as novel loci for resistance to PKTTS race. Our findings presented new and putative resources of leaf rust resistance in Iranian bread wheat accessions. The new identified SNPs will be valuable to expand the set of resistance genes available to control this serious disease.
Artificial neural network for predicting the performance of waste polypropylene plastic-derived carbon nanotubes
Authors: Modekwe Helen Uchenna , Akintola Ayooluwa Tomiwa , Ayeleru Olusola Olaitan , Mamo Messai Adenew , Daramola Michael Olawale , Moothi Kapil
Published: March 2023

In this study, artificial neural network (ANN) model [function fitting neural network (FITNET)] was developed to describe the yield and quality of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) deposited over NiMo/CaTiO3 catalyst using waste polypropylene plastics as cheap hydrocarbon feedstock using a single-stage chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technique. Experimental dataset was developed using user-specific design with four numeric factors (input variable): synthesis temperature, furnace heating rate, residence time and carrier gas (nitrogen) flow rate to control the performance (yield and quality) of produced CNTs. Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm was utilized in training, validating, and testing the experimental dataset. The predicted model gave considerable coefficient (R) value close to 1. The presented model would be of remarkable benefit to successfully describe and predict the performance of PP-derived CNTs and show how the predictive variables could affect the response variables (quality and yield) of CNTs.
A Validation Study of the Arabic Full and Short Versions of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale among Undergraduate Students
Authors: Zayed Kashef , Omara Ehab , Al-Shamli Ali , Al-Rawahi Nasser , Al-Haramleh Ahmad , Al-Attiyah Asma Abdulla , Al-Hadabi Badriya , Al-Yarobi Ali , Al-Busafi Majid , Al-Jadidi Khalifa
Published: March 2023

Background
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the validity of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and the short version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS) and to evaluate the metric properties of both versions by using a sample of undergraduate students from three Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Methods
Six hundred ninety undergraduate students (340 M and 350 F; mean age = 21.16 ± 2.44) from three GCC countries, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia (NOM = 238, NQA = 215, NSA = 237), voluntarily participated in the study. All of them responded to the WEMWBS, BPNSFS, and Beck Depression Inventory-II.
Results
The translated Arabic versions of the WEMWBS and SWEMWBS showed good reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.867 and 0.772, respectively. The findings of confirmatory factor analysis asserted the one-factor solution to interpret the item variances of the 14-item WEMWBS and 7-item SWEMWBS. The WEMWBS and SWEMWBS also showed significant relationships with need satisfaction, need frustration, and depression. Moreover, the SWEMWBS showed partial scalar invariance across genders and countries, while the WEMWBS showed only partial metric invariance across the three countries and partial scalar invariance across genders.
Conclusions
We conclude that the two versions of the WEMWBS are appropriate for use in assessing mental well-being among Arab undergraduates. We highly recommend the use of the WEMWBS and SWEMWBS to assess mental well-being among a similar targeted population. Further evaluative studies are encouraged to examine the validity of the two Arabic versions of the WEMWBS involving clinical and nonclinical populations in Arab countries.
Diffuse deformation explains the magnitude-dependent coseismic shallow slip deficit
Authors: Antoine Solene , Klinger Yann , Wang Kang , Bürgmann Roland
Published: March 2023

Continental earthquakes produce both localized deformation on faults and diffuse deformation in the surrounding medium. Diffuse deformation can occur up to ~2 km from the faults, and may accommodate a significant part of the surface displacement associated with the earthquake. However, the origin of the diffuse deformation and its role in the rupture process are still not clearly understood. Here, taking advantage of exceptional datasets for the 2019 Ridgecrest, California, earthquake sequence, we perform a joint inversion of InSAR, GNSS, and high-resolution optical correlation data, and demonstrate that the decrease of coseismic slip toward the ground surface observed in earthquake rupture models, also known as shallow slip deficit (SSD), directly correlates with the occurrence of diffuse deformation at the surface. Thus, adding the localized and the diffuse components of the surface deformation, we show that the amount of surface displacement is consistent with the displacement occurring at depth on the faults. Hence, SSD in earthquake source models should generally be interpreted as a proxy for diffuse deformation, a mode of deformation that cannot be accounted for by elastic earthquake models. Revisiting earthquake source models for 29 continental earthquakes, we show that the amplitude of the inferred SSD is inversely proportional to the square of the earthquake magnitude, and that SSD and diffuse deformation are only significant for medium to small magnitude events.
A Systematic Review of the Impacts of Oil Spillage on Residents of Oil-Producing Communities in Nigeria
Authors: Ezeh Chukwuemeka , Onyema Vanessa , Obi Chinonye , Moneke Anene
Published: March 2023

Oil spillage is common in oil-producing communities of Nigeria and it impacts negatively on the lives of the residents of these communities. This study analysed available research data on oil spillage incidents in these communities to determine the main causes of the spillage and its impacts on the residents. A systematic review of published studies was carried out and 20 studies were identified from the literature search. The main causes of oil spills were identified as sabotage, oil theft, illegal refining, mystery spill, operational failures, and corrosion. Over 70% of the spillages were discovered to be as a result of sabotage by restive youths. Oil spillage was found to impact on the health, source of livelihood, food security, basic amenities, and socio-economic state of the residents. The major interventions were initiated by multinational companies and were targeted at improving health services, education, infrastructure, skill acquisition, and employment, which will in turn reduce the occurrence of violence, insurgency, and human trafficking in the oil-producing communities. This study highlights the immediate and long-term consequences of oil spills on the residents of oil-host communities in Nigeria. The causes of the spills were attributed mainly to the inaction of government regulatory agencies in oil exploration. Thus, it is recommended that government regulatory agencies should be revamped and repositioned to effectively perform their duties. Interventions should be targeted at addressing the causes of the agitation of the indigenes by involving them in the decision-making process. Also, an appropriate remediation strategy should be adopted to clean up the oil spills.
RNA structure profiling at single-cell resolution reveals new determinants of cell identity
Authors: Wan Yue , Wang Jia Xu , Zhang Tong , Zhang Yu , Tan Wen Ting , Huber Roland , Lambert Finnlay
Published: March 2023

RNA structure is critical for multiple steps in gene regulation. However, how structures of transcripts differ both within and between individual cells is unknown. Here, we develop a method enabling the simultaneous determination of transcript structure and abundance at single-cell resolution and apply it to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and differentiating neurons. Remarkably, RNA structure overall is more homogeneous in hESCs compared to neurons, with the greatest homogeneity found in coding regions. More extensive heterogeneity is found within 3’ UTRs and is determined by specific RNA binding proteins. Overall RNA structure profiles better discriminate cell type identity and differentiation stage than gene expression profiles alone. We further discover a cell-type variable region overlapping helix 44 of 18S rRNA that is associated with cell cycle and translation control. Our method thus opens the door to the systematic characterization of RNA structure-function relationships at single-cell resolution.
A Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Measurement using SUOER SW-500 Rebound Tonometer and Conventional Reusable Goldmann Prisms
Authors: Chaung Jia Quan , Sangapillai Thanendthire , Quilat Karen Kate , Perera Shamira
Published: March 2023

Background To determine the agreement between intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using conventional Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and SUOER SW-500 Rebound Tonometer.
Methods This was a prospective observational study where 205 eyes of 106 glaucoma patients had their IOPs measured by 2 fellowship trained ophthalmologists. Data were analysed using the Bland-Altman method of differences. Correlation was measured using the Pearson coefficient.
Results Most of our patients were Chinese (88.7%) and female (51.9%). The average age was 66.9 years. The range of IOPs as measured by GAT was 2 to 58 mm Hg. Using the Bland-Altman method to compare GAT and SUOER SW-500 Rebound Tonometer. The tonometer overestimated the IOP by 0.5mm Hg in the right eye and underestimated it by 0.1 mm Hg in the left eye. The Tonometer IOP correlated well with GAT, with a Pearson coefficient of correlation(r) of 0.89 (P < 0.001) for the right eye and 0.86 (P < 0.001) for the left eye, respectively. In patients with GAT IOP ≥ 21 mm Hg (n = 25), the Tonometer underestimated the IOP by 2.96 mm Hg.
Conclusions The IOP measurements from the SUOER SW-500 Rebound Tonometer correlates with the conventional GAT in measuring the IOP. SUOER SW-500 Rebound Tonometer may be of use, especially if the risk of transmission of infection is high considering that the probes are disposable. It is easy to use and its small size and portability makes it useful in situations where the patient is unable to be examined at the slit lamp.
Graft-recipient-weight ratio and lowered immunosuppression is important for the success of adult liver retransplantation: 25-year single center experience
Authors: Rhu Jinsoo , Choi Gyu-Seong , Kim Jong Man , Joh Jae-Won
Published: March 2023

Introduction: This study analyzed the risk of liver retransplantation and factors related to better outcome.
Methods: Adult liver transplantations performed during 1996 to 2021 were included. Comparison between first transplantation and retransplantation were performed. Among retransplantation cases, comparison between whole liver and partial liver graft was performed. Multivariable Cox analyses for analyzing risk factors for graft and overall survival were performed for the entire cohort as well as the subgroup of patients with retransplantation.
Results: A total 2237 transplantations from 2135 adults were included and 103 cases were retransplantation. A total of 44 cases (42.7%) were related to acute graft dysfunction while 59 cases (57.3%) were related to subacute or chronic graft dysfunction. Retransplantation was related poor graft (HR=3.439, CI=2.230-5.304, P<0.001) and overall survival. (HR=2.905, CI=2.089-4.040, P<0.001) Among retransplantations, mean serum FK506 trough level≥9ng/mL was related to poor graft (HR=3.692, CI=1.288-10.587, P=0.015) and overall survival. (HR=2.935, CI=1.195-7.211, P=0.019) Graft-recipient-weight ratio under 1.0% was related to poor overall survival in retransplantations. (HR=3.668, CI=1.150-11.698, P=0.028)
Conclusions: Retransplantation can be complicated with poor graft and patient survival compared to first transplantation, especially when the graft size is relatively small. Lowering the FK506 trough level during the first month can be beneficial for outcome.
Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screen identifies PAICS as a therapeutic target for EGFR wild-type NSCLC
Authors: Shen Hua , LI Yufeng , Wang Jing , Mao Jiaqi , Zheng Hongrui , Zhu Lingyun , Hu Ziyi , Yang Suisui , Zhou Tingting , Cao Pingping , Mao Tianyu , Wang Xuerong , Fan Lin
Published: March 2023

EGFR-targeted therapies for NSCLC have made promising progress, whereas one-third of NSCLC patients do not benefit from them due to lack of EGFR mutations. Therefore, personalized molecular-targeted therapies are urgently needed for EGFR wild-type NSCLC patients. Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen was performed in EGFR wild-type NSCLC cell lines to identify NSCLC-specific essential genes as potential drug targets. As a result, PAICS was identified as a new therapeutic target for EGFR wild-type NSCLC. PAICS, an essential enzyme involved in de novo purine biosynthesis, is closely associated with the occurrence and development of various tumors. However, the specific biological roles and underlying mechanisms of PAICS in EGFR wild-type NSCLC remain unclear. This study firstly confirmed that PAICS significantly increased in NSCLC tissues and related to the poor prognosis of patients. Knockdown of PAICS dramatically inhibited EGFR wild-type NSCLC cell proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, PAICS silencing obviously induced cell-cycle arrest in EGFR wild-type NSCLC cells. Interestingly, the differently expressed genes caused by PAICS silencing are highly enriched in the cell cycle pathway. Mechanistic studies find that PAICS knockdown blocked cell cycle via inducing DNA damage. Further bioinformatic analysis reveals that PAICS interacted with several DNA repair genes (FANCI, MSH2, XRCC2, FANCD2, GTF2H2C). We further confirmed that PAICS deficiency decreased the expression of DNA repair genes, which eventually reduced DNA-repair efficiency. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that PAICS plays an oncogenic role in EGFR wild-type NSCLC, which is a potential therapeutic target for EGFR wild-type NSCLC.
The anthelmintic efficacy of ivermectin, levamisole and albendazole against strongyle and tapeworm infections in sheep
Authors: Bagulo Issah , Imoru Latif , Abdul-Rahman Ibn Iddriss
Published: March 2023

The biggest obstacles to the welfare and productivity of small ruminants worldwide are gastrointestinal tract parasite infections. These parasites have been controlled largely by chemical anthelmintics. However, these parasites have developed resistance to some of these anthelmintics. Unfortunately, Ghanaians are not aware of the exact level of resistance that these parasites have developed against the known anthelmintics. This study was conducted to determine the efficacies of albendazole, ivermectin and levamisole against strongyle and tapeworm infections in Sheep.
Sixty (60) sheep were chosen at random and split equally into four groups: the first group received albendazole, the second group received ivermectin, the third group received levamisole, and the fourth group received distilled water. Faecal samples were directly collected from the rectum of each animal at Pre-treatment (Day0) and post-treatment (Day7 and Day14). The faecal samples were conveyed to the Spanish laboratory of the University for Development Studies, and analyzed using the modified McMaster method. At Day14 post-treatment, the fecal egg count reduction test and cure rate were used to determine the effectiveness of the anthelmintics.
The efficacies of albendazole, ivermectin, and levamisole, were 86.2%, 89.8%, and 95.4%, respectively, against strongyles. Levamisole had 0% cure rate against tapeworm infection in sheep at day14 post-treatment. This study brought to light that, the strongyles in the study area are suspected of developing resistance to albendazole and ivermectin.
Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Impacts of Chronic Kidney Disease on Retinal Ageing: An International Multi-Country Analysis
Authors: Guo Xiao , Tan Shaoying , Cheng Weijing , Yuan Yixiong , He Mingguang , Zhu Zhuoting , Huang Wenyong , Wang Wei
Published: March 2023

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness is an early and sensitive biomarker for NDDs, but previous studies have yielded conflicting results.
Objective
To assess the effect of CKD on GCIPL thickness in multi-country cohorts.
Method
This prospective observational study included 23,014 non-NDDs individuals from the UK Biobank, and three years of continuous follow-up data of 2,197 individuals from a Chinese cohort. Three groups were defined by eGFR based on serum creatinine classifying CKD severity as no CKD, Mild-CKD, and moderate-to-severe CKD (MS-CKD). The GCIPL thickness and its decline rate measured using optical coherence tomography.
Results
In the cross-sectional analysis, poorer renal function negatively correlated with GCIPL thickness with the mean decrease of 0.15 µm (95% CI -0.30 to -0.01; p = 0.038) in mild CKD, and 0.83 µm (95% CI -1.34 to -0.32; p = 0.002) in MS-CKD, compared to that of controls without CKD. Longitudinal analysis showed that the GCIPL decreased more rapidly in persons with poorer renal function. After correcting for confounders, the rate of GCIPL decline accelerated significantly as the CKD severity increased, by 0.30 µm/year (95% CI -0.41 to -0.19; p < 0.001) in mild CKD patients and by 0.52 µm/year (95% CI -0.79 − -0.26; p < 0.001) in MS-CKD, compared to controls without CKD. This relationship sustained in individuals with diabetes or hypertension.
Conclusions
Renal impairment accelerated the rate at which GCIPL thickness decreased over time, which hold across ethnicities and persons with varied health statuses.
Carcinogenesis promotion in oral squamous cell carcinoma: KDM4A complex-mediated gene transcriptional suppression by LEF1
Authors: Hou yiming , Yu Wenqian , wu gaoyi , Wang Zhaoling , Leng Shuai , Dong Ming , Li Na , Chen Lei
Published: March 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent cancer of the mouth, characterised by rapid progression and poor prognosis. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop predictive targets for early diagnosis, prognosis determination, and clinical therapy. Dysregulation of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), an important transcription factor involved in the Wnt-β-catenin pathway, contributes to poor prognosis of OSCC. Herein, we explored the correlation of LEF1 with Histone lysine demethylase 4A (KDM4A). We confirmed that the KDM4A complex was recruited by LEF1 and specifically bound to the promoter region of LATS2, thereby inhibiting its expression, and consequently promoting cell proliferation and impeding apoptosis in OSCC. Lastly, we established NOD/SCID mouse xenograft models using CAL-27 cells to conduct an in vivo analysis of the roles of LEF1 and KDM4A in tumour growth. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that LEF1 plays a pivotal role in OSCC development and has potential to serve as a target for early diagnosis and treatment of OSCC.
Comparison of the learning outcomes achieved through text-based and video-based online training of anesthesia residents in jet ventilation and anesthesia techniques for microlaryngeal surgery: a multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Kanavitoon Sawita , Chumpathong Saowapark , Chutipongtanate Arpa , Tanasansuttiporn Jutarat , Rattanaarpa Sirirat
Published: March 2023

Background
Effective clinical training is essential for healthcare personnel with clinical skill requirements to ensure that the required standard of care is provided. This study aimed to identify an effective learning medium for anesthesia residents by comparing text-based and video-based online training.
Methods
This randomized, multicenter study was conducted online between October 2020 and March 2021. Three Thai institutions were involved: the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; and the Faculty of Medicine, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University. In all, 126 anesthesia residents responded. They were randomized into a “text group” and a “video group.” Four residents were subsequently excluded from the analyses due to contamination of their learning material from the other group. The 122 eligible students undertook 3 knowledge and skill assessments (“Pretest,” “Posttest 1,” and “Posttest 2”). The primary outcome for both study groups was the gain score after training. This was measured in 2 ways: the difference between the Posttest 1 and Pretest scores and the difference between the Posttest 2 and Pretest scores.
Results
The mean gain scores for Pretest and Posttest 1 were 6.78 ± 6.59 for the text group and 5.77 ± 3.74 for the video group, with no significant difference (P = 0.347). The mean differences between the Posttest 2 and Pretest scores were 4.69 ± 9.13 for the text group and 3.47 ± 9.07 for the video group, without a significant difference (P = 0.488). The mean satisfaction score of the video group was significantly higher.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated a significantly higher degree of satisfaction with video-based training but without a significant commensurate improvement in gain score. The results suggest that the online video technique can be helpful in the teaching of clinical skills.
A Metanalysis Study on Internal Compression Therapy (ICT) in Deep Venous Insufficiency Therapy
Authors: Dinc Rasit
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this meta-analysis study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the new internal compression therapy (ICT) system in deep vein insufficiency (DVI). Surgical treatments are impractical, and the success rate is lower in the treatment of deep vein insufficiency (DVI). We have developed a new technology called the ICT valve leak sealer reconstruction system (Invamed RD Global, Ankara/Turkey) for the treatment of primary DVI by applying internal compression. Three research articles were evaluated in this meta-analysis study, searched PubMed and Scholar Google using the words "internal compression therapy" and deep vein insufficiency therapy. Original full text articles on the ICT System for the treatment of DVI were considered eligible studies published until July 2022 In the included studies, the procedure time was 11–23 minutes. At the end of one year or more of follow-up, the anatomical success rate was greater than 92%. The diameters of the veins decreased significantly. Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Quality of Life (QoL) scores have improved at statistically significant rates. The ICT is a minimally invasive, fast, safe, and effective percutaneous method for the treatment of patients with DVI. The procedure can be applied in outpatient conditions and improves the patient's clinic in a short time.
Onabotulinum toxin A vs. incobotulinum toxin A for the treatment of chronic migraine: a retrospective review
Authors: Lucchese Scott , Daripa Bob , Pulimamidi Shruthi
Published: March 2023

Background: Onabotulinum toxin A (OnA) is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for chronic migraine (CM). However, based on research indications that incobotulinum toxin A (InA) would be equally effective, a Veterans’ Health Administration Medical Center mandated a 2-year trial of InA as more cost-effective alternative to OnA. Although InA is used for many similar indications as OnA, it is not Food and Drug Administration approved for treating CM, and complications occurred in several patients with CM following this treatment change. We conducted this retrospective analysis to evaluate differences in the efficacy of OnA and InA and identify the reasons for the adverse effects of InA in some of these patients.
Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 42 patients who had been effectively treated with OnA and were then switched to InA. The differences between treatment responses to OnA and InA were assessed through the evaluation of pain on injection, number of headache days, and duration of action. Patients received injections at 10- to 13-week intervals. Those who reported excessive pain on injection of InA were switched back to OnA.
Findings: Severe burning pain on injection was reported by 16 (38%) patients for InA only and by 1 (2%) patient for both InA and OnA. Neither migraine suppression nor the duration of effect was significantly different between OnA and InA.
Conclusions: Reformulation of InA with a pH-buffered solution may eliminate the difference in pain on injection. InA would then be a good alternative to OnA for treating CM.
Healthcare Team Resilience During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ambrose John , Catchpole Ken , Evans Heather , Nemeth Lynne , Layne Diana , Michelle Nichols
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND
Resilience has been identified as the ability to maintain the safety and the performance of healthcare systems and is aligned with the principles of anticipation, monitoring, adaptation, and learning. In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged the resilience of US healthcare systems due to the lack of equipment, supply interruptions, and a shortage of personnel. The purpose of this qualitative research was to describe resilience in the healthcare team during the COVID-19 pandemic with the healthcare team situated as a singular cognizant entity defined by its collective identity, purpose, competence, and actions.
METHODS
We developed a descriptive model which considered the healthcare team as a unified cognizant entity. This model combined elements from the Patient Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) and the Advanced Team Decision Making (ADTM) models. Using a qualitative descriptive design and guided by our adapted model, we conducted individual interviews with healthcare team members across the United States. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and extracted codes were organized within the adapted model framework. To ensure the rigor of our study, we utilized the input of an expert in qualitative researcher and maintained an audit trail throughout the analysis process. Additionally, we explored factors participants’ described that may have either hindered or enhanced the resilience potentials within the healthcare team.
RESULTS
Five themes were identified from the interviews with acute care professionals across the US (N = 22): working in a pressure cooker, consistent with working in a high stress environment; healthcare team cohesion, applying past lessons to present challenges, congruent with transferring past skills to current situations; knowledge gaps, and altruistic behaviors, aligned with sense of duty and personal responsibility to the team. Participants’ described how their ability to adapt to their environment was negatively impacted by uncertainty, inconsistent communication of information, and emotions of anxiety, fear, frustration, and stress. Cohesion with co-workers, transferability of skills, and altruistic behavior enhanced healthcare team performance.
CONCLUSION
Working within the extreme unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19 affected the ability of the healthcare team to anticipate and adapt to the rapidly changing environment. Both team cohesion and altruistic behavior promoted resilience. The adapted model was useful to describe the healthcare team as a singular cognizant entity. Our research contributes to a growing understanding of the importance of resilience in healthcare and provides a bridge between individual and organizational resilience.
Artificial Intelligence driven Intrusion Detection Framework for the Internet of Medical Things
Authors: Shambharkar Prashant Giridhar , Sharma Nikhil
Published: March 2023

The fusion of the internet of things (IoT) in the healthcare discipline has appreciably improved the medical treatment and operations activities of patients. Using the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) technology, a doctor may treat more patients and save lives by employing real-time patient monitoring (RPM) and outlying diagnostics. Despite the many advantages, cyber-attacks on linked healthcare equipment can jeopardize privacy and even endanger the patient's health. However, it is a significant problem to offer high-safety attributes that ensure the secrecy and accuracy of patient health data. Any modification to the data might impact how the patients are treated, resulting in human fatalities under emergency circumstances. To assure patients' data safety and privacy in the network, and to meet the enormous requirement for IoMT devices with efficient healthcare services for the huge population, a secured robust model is necessary. Artificial Intelligence (AI) based approaches like Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) have the potential to be useful methodology for intrusion detection because of the high dynamicity and enormous dimensionality of the data used in such systems. In this paper, three DL models have been proposed to build an intrusion detection system (IDS) for IoMT network. With a 100% accuracy rate, our proposed AI models exceed the current existing methodology in detecting network intrusions by utilizing the patient’s biometric data features with network traffic flow. Furthermore, a thorough examination of employing several ML and DL approaches has been discussed for detecting intrusion in the IoMT network.
Utilizing novel parthenocarpic gynoecious cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) inbreds for exploiting their heterotic potential under poly-house conditions
Authors: Thapliyal Vivek , Dhall Rajinder Kumar , Manchanda Pooja , Kaur Harleen
Published: March 2023

Eight new parthenocarpic gynoecious lines of cucumber were used for crossing in a half-diallel fashion to generate 28 F1hybrids which were evaluated along with commercial check 'Multistar' in poly-net house for eleven yield and quality traits. The analysis of variance indicated significant difference among all the genotypes for all the traits except number of seeds per fruit. The mean squares due to combining ability were significant for almost all the traits, indicating the role of both additive and non-additive gene action in inheritance of these traits. The parthenocarpic gynoecious line PBRK-10 was the best general combiner for five characters which included fruit weight, total soluble solids, fruit length, vine length and flesh to seed cavity ratio, whereas, PBRK-4 was the best general combiner for number of fruits per plant, days to first fruit harvest and yield per plant. The crosses PBRK-4 × PBRK-12 was found to be the best specific combiner for number of fruits per plant and yield per plant, PBRK-12 × PBRK-7 for fruit weight and fruit diameter and PBRK-10 × PBRK-1 for fruit length. The specific combining ability effects of the crosses and parental lines were found to be positively associated with theirper seperformance. The magnitude of heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for yield per plant ranged from − 5.73 to 38.75 and − 6.77 to 45.90, respectively. The crosses PBRK-4 × PBRK-12, PBRK-4 × PBRK-9 and PBRK-9 × PBRK-1 exhibiting high positive heterosis for yield per plant along with high sca effects could be used for commercial utilization.
Orientational anisotropy of magnetic damping in Ta/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures
Authors: Rana Bivas , Otani YoshiChika
Published: March 2023

Magnetic damping controls the performance and operational speed of many spintronics devices. Being a tensor quantity, the damping in magnetic thin films often shows anisotropic behavior with the magnetization orientation, known as orientational anisotropy. Here, we studied the orientational anisotropy of damping in Ta/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures deposited on thermally oxidized Si substrate. By performing ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) measurements based on spin pumping and inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE), we extract the damping parameter in those films and find that the orientational anisotropy of damping contains four-fold and two-fold anisotropy terms. We infer that four-fold anisotropy originates from two-magnon scattering (TMS). By studying reference Ta/CoFeB/MgO films deposited on LiNbO3 substrates, we find that the two-fold anisotropy is correlated with in-plane magnetic anisotropy (IMA) of the films, suggesting its origin as the anisotropy in bulk spin-orbit coupling (SOC) of CoFeB film. We conclude that when IMA is very small, it has too little influence on two-fold anisotropy to be experimentally identified. However, as IMA increases, it starts to interfere with two-fold anisotropy in damping. These results will be beneficial for designing future spintronics devices.
Metformin Inhibits Ferroptosis by Inducing Autophagy in MPTP/MPP+ Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wang yunfu , Zhu Jing , Wang Peihan , Wang Xiangfei , Liu Tongyu , Lv Jing , Yuan Jiang
Published: March 2023

To assess whether and how Metformin (Met) functions in regulating ferroptosis in Parkinson’s disease (PD), we investigated the role and relative mechanism of Met in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model and a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced PC12 cell model of PD. We found that Met significantly relieved motor deficits induced by MPTP and improved the degeneration of substantia nigra (SN) compacta dopaminergic neurons. In addition, we found that Met reversed the changes in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), α-synuclein and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) induced by MPTP in the SN. Then, our studies showed that Met weakened MPP+-induced morphological damage and inhibited neuronal ferroptosis in PC12 cells. Moreover, our results indicated that the neuroprotective effect of Met could be partially blocked by 3-MA (an autophagy inhibitor) and RSL3 (a ferroptosis inducer) in PC12 cells. Taken together, these findings reveal that Met exerts a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting ferroptosis via autophagy in models of PD. Our results demonstrate that the modulation of autophagy and ferroptosis may act as an effective method for PD and that Met may be a promising drug for dopaminergic neuron degeneration.
The burden of long COVID: a multinational cohort analysis of Spanish and UK data including SARS-CoV-2 infections, reinfections, and matched contemporaneous test negative controls
Authors: Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Kostka Kristin , Roel Elena , Trinh Nhung , Delmestri Antonella , Mateu Lourdes , Paredes Roger , Duarte-Salles Talita , Català Martí , Jödicke Annika
Published: March 2023

As limited data was available on the effect of persisting COVID-19 symptoms, we characterised long COVID and identified key symptoms associated with persistent disease. Using primary care data from Spain and UK, we estimated incidence rates of long COVID in the population and among COVID-19 patients over time. Subsequently, we investigated which WHO-listed symptoms were particularly differential for long COVID by comparing their frequency in COVID-19 patients vs matched test-negative controls. Lastly, we compared persistent symptoms after first infections vs. reinfections.
Fortunately, the proportion of COVID-19 cases resulting in long COVID declined over the study period. Risk for altered smell/taste, dyspnoea, and fatigue were consistently higher in long COVID patient vs controls [RR between 5.97-1.09]. All persistent symptoms were less common after reinfection than first infection.
More research is needed into the definition of long COVID, and the effect of interventions to minimise the risk and impact of persistent symptoms.
A Brief Mental Health Literacy Intervention for Saudi Health Profession Students: Warning Signs of Mental Illness
Authors: Selim Abeer , Newby Christopher , Almutairy Anwar , Aldossari Abdulrahman , Alkabba Fahad , Arabi Saeed , Ibrahim Nashwa
Published: March 2023

Background
Previous research has been dedicated to educating the public about mental health with little focus on health profession students. Although available studies in the Middle East have yielded limited levels of mental health literacy among the public and particularly health profession students, mental health literacy is not adequately studied among such university students in the region. This study aimed to implement a brief digital asynchronous online educational session about the warning signs of mental illness as a form of intervention.
Method
Research question: What is the effect of an online digital educational session about warning signs of mental illness on health profession students’ mental health literacy levels? A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest study design was used. A convenience sample of 493 undergraduate health profession students in Saudi Arabia completed a pre-intervention survey, a digital online educational session, and a post-intervention survey.
Results
Upon conducting the digital online educational session, all items related to knowledge about warning signs of mental illness and the majority of the items related to attitudes toward mental illness and treatment significantly increased.
Conclusions
The study’s mental health literacy survey which highlighted the warning signs of mental illness was valid and reliable. The brief digital online educational session enhanced health profession students’ mental health literacy. Mental health literacy amongst health profession students can be augmented through mentorship during academic training or new appointments in practice.
ESTIMation of the ABiLity of prophylactic central compartment neck dissection to modify outcomes in low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: HARTL Dana , Godbert Yann , Carrat Xavier , Bardet Stéphane , Lasne-Cardon Audrey , Vera Pierre , Ilies Elena , Zerdoud Slimane , Sarini Jérôme , Zalzali Mohamad , Manna Luigi La , Schneegans Olivier , Kelly Antony , Kauffmann Philppe , Rodien Patrice , Brunaud Laurent , Grunenwald Solange , Housseau Elie , Laghouati Salim , Bouvet Nathalie , Lecerf Elodie , Lamartina Livia , Schlumberger Martin , Borget Isabelle
Published: March 2023

Background
Prophylactic central neck dissection in clinically low-risk cT1bT2N0 papillary thyroid carcinoma is controversial, due to a large number of conflicting retrospective studies, some showing an advantage in terms of locoregional recurrence, others showing no advantage. These previous studies all show high rates of excellent response. We aim to demonstrate the non inferiority of thyroidectomy alone as compared to total thyroidectomy with prophylactic central neck dissection in conjunction with adjuvant RAI 30 mCi with rTSH stimulation in terms of excellent response at 1 year.
Trial Design and Methods
Prospective randomized open multicenter phase III trial including patients with 11-40 mm papillary thyroid carcinoma (Bethesda VI) or suspicous cytology (Bethesda V) confirmed malginant on intraoperative frozen section analysis, with no suspicious lymph nodes on a specialized preoperative ultrasound examination. Patients will be randomized 1:1 into two groups : the reference group total thyroidectomy with bilateral prophylactic central neck dissetion, and the comparator group total thyroidectomy alone. All patients will receive an ablative dose of 30mCi of radioactive iodine (RAI) within 4 months of surgery. The primary outcome is to compare the rate of excellent response at 1 year after surgery between the groups, as defined by an unstimulated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level ≤ 0.2 ng/mL with no anti-Tg antibodies, an normal neck ultrasound and no ectopic uptake on the post-RAI scintiscan. Non-inferiority will be demonstrated if the rate of patients with excellent response at 1 year after randomization does not differ by more than 5%. Setting the significance level at 0.025 (one-sided) and a power of 80% requires a sample size of 598 patients (299 per group). Secondary outcomes are to compare Tg levels at 8 +/- 2 postoperative weeks, before RAI ablation, the rate of excellent response at 3 and 5 years, the rate of other responses at 1, 3 and 5 years (biochemical incomplete, indeterminate and structurally incomplete responses), complications, quality of life and cost-utility.
Discussion (potential implications)
If non-inferiority is demonstrated with this high-level evidence, prophylactic neck dissection will have been shown to not be necessary in clinically low risk papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Trial Registration : NCT 03570021