bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Natural, Mycological, and AFB1 Contamination in Wheat and Maize during the 2022 Harvesting Season in Albania
Authors: Mato Lorena , Damani Zamir , Spahiu Jeton , Halimi Eltjon , Seiti Bujar , Topi Dritan
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Nowadays, food safety is paramount in human health, with mycotoxin as one of the most important contaminants to contaminate foodstuffs. Aflatoxins are potent food contaminants present in maize and wheat. Invasion of toxigenic fungi in the field and storage stage is directly affected by climate and further environmental factors; (2) Methods: Mycological contamination of maize and grain harvested in 2022 was surveyed in 129 samples. Aflatoxin B1 contamination was investigated employing the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay method; (3) Results: Our findings reveal the presence of fungi from five genera, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Cladosporium, with maize was more frequently contaminated compared to wheat commodity. Penicillium genera were the most abundant, 77.89%, followed by Fusarium (74.73%) and Aspergillus (72.63%). The samples originating from the Korça region (104 units) resulted in a higher fungal load on the three genera; (4) Conclusions: AFB1 contamination in maize was more critical versus wheat. The AFB1 incidence in maize was 88.23%, with a maximum of 69.12 mg/kg, and in wheat was 4.91%. Compared to EU MRL, no wheat sample was found above (2 g/kg), while the situation with maize commodity is considered more serious, with 41.18% exceeding the AFB1 MRL (5 g/kg) as well as feed MRL 32.25%. Our findings and other reports from the last decade suggest that information and disseminating good agriculture practices to the farmers must be in focus.
The Fourier Continuous Derivative: A New Approach to Fractional Differentiation
Authors: Diedrich Eduardo
Published: October 2023

The Fourier Continuous Derivative ($D_C$) offers a unique perspective on fractional differentiation grounded in the theory of Fourier series. This approach has the potential to address problems across various disciplines, including physics, engineering, and mathematics. The primary insight underpinning this approach is that a convex function defined on $\mathbb{Z}$ retains its convexity on $\mathbb{R}$. This paper delves into the Fourier Continuous Derivative, compares it with traditional fractional derivatives, and outlines its possible real-world applications, such as modeling viscoelastic materials, solving wave equations, and financial data analysis.
Rapid Progressive Systemic Sclerosis Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Caley Lídia , Flores Priscila , Gonçalves André Matos , Real André , Nepomuceno Jorge
Published: October 2023

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by the new virus SARS-CoV-2. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, there has been a rush to find preventative or curative treatment. This arrived with the appearance of the COVID-19 vaccine, months after the declaration of the pandemic. In the setting of global COVID-19 immunization, there have been reports of rare skin immune-mediated diseases (IMD) after COVID-19 vaccination, particularly systemic sclerosis. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the most reported new onset IMD following messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccination. The pathogenesis of SSc is not fully understood, and the diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms. We report a 54-year-old male, with no prior history of autoimmune disorder, with rapid and progressive skin thickening (Modified Rodnan skin score 30/51), weeks after his mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) showed a strongly positive nuclear fine-speckled pattern, but no SSc autoantibodies were found. The patient was diagnosed with SSc based on the persistence of autoantibodies and the clinical criteria according to the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification. Due to the proximity of the two events, we hypothesized a cross-reaction between COVID-19 vaccination and, in genetically predisposed patients, an emergence of systemic sclerosis. Our case suggests a potential relationship between the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and new-onset autoimmune diseases. Physicians should be aware of this possible association.
The Effect of copolymer-Based Nanoparticle Composition (MEO2MA-OEGMA) on The Release Profile of Doxorubicin In Vitro
Authors: Ferjaoui Zied , Gaffet Eric , Alem Halima
Published: October 2023

The release of drugs from core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) is a crucial factor in ensuring high re-producibility, stability, and quality control. It serves as the scientific basis for the development of nanocarriers. Several factors, such as composition, composition ratio, ingredient interactions, and preparation methods, influence the drug release from these carrier systems. The objective of our study was to investigate and discuss the relationship between modifications of core/shell NPs as multifunctional drug delivery systems and the properties and kinetics of drug release using an in vitro drug release model. In this paper, we prepared four core/shell NPs consisting of a super-paramagnetic iron oxide NPs (Fe3-δO4) core encapsulated by a biocompatible thermo-responsive copolymer, poly(2-(2-methoxy) ethyl methacrylate-oligo (ethylene glycol) methacrylate) or P(MEO2MAx-OEGMA100-x) (where x and 100-x represent the molar fractions of MEO2MA and OEGMA, respectively), and loaded with doxorubicin (DOX). Colloidal behavior measurements in water and PBS as a function of temperature showed an optimization of the lower critical solu-tion temperature (LCST) depending on the molar fractions of MEO2MA and OEGMA used to form each NPs. In vitro studies of doxorubicin release as a function of temperature demonstrated a high control of release based on the LCST. A temperature of approximately 45°C for 60 h was sufficient to release 100 % of the DOX loaded in the NPs for each sample. In conclusion, external stimuli can be used to modulate the drug release behavior. Core/shell NPs hold great promise as a technique for multifunctional drug delivery systems.
Pivoting a Comprehensive, Custom Onboarding Program for Upstream: Lessons Learned
Authors: Rabaa Ali S , Sulami Sulaiman L. , Shaiji Humoud A.
Published: October 2023

This paper will discuss methods, best practices, and lessons learned to optimize a highly successful Saudi Aramco Upstream Professional Onboarding Program (UPOP), meeting the business needs to deliver the same program in a shorter time frame.

The need to optimize the program emerged due to an influx of new hires in conjunction with a global pandemic that reduced the number of participants per class due to social distancing measures. UPOP was originally designed to walk newly hired Upstream professionals through the upstream lifecycle by using a project that demonstrates the upstream workflow. Participants in this program gain confidence by working on real projects and are expected to give presentations to senior employees explaining the key decisions at each stage of the upstream lifecycle. These activities enhance their skills in leadership, networking, presentation, and communication.

This project-based onboarding program was originally designed by the Upstream Professional Development Center (UPDC) as an 8-week program. As the program has reached a mature stage with over forty (40) successful deliveries and multiple opportunities to apply participant feedback, it was recently optimized to five (5) weeks for in-class delivery without sacrificing quality. The global pandemic pushed the need for a 3-week Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) version. The development process involved updating and developing program content to remove scrap learning while enhancing key outcomes. The UPDC team of geoscience subject matter experts (SMEs), petroleum engineering SMEs, soft skills instructors, and learning technology professionals identified and removed course content that was planned to be covered in other courses planned in the young professionals’ prescribed learning curriculum. The revised UPOP optimized participant in-class training to maximize participants’ on-the-job performance by removing redundancies and providing new hires with an overview of the company's upstream lifecycle. Additionally, creating an optimized version of the onboarding program has made it possible to offer the program four times per year to meet the increasing demand for onboarding new hires.

The current customized UPOP is designed to minimize the amount of time required for new hires to complete the program without sacrificing content for on-the-job tasks and objectives. The number of sessions per year has doubled, and the number of participants has increased by 75% since the program's inception in 2010.
Improving 4D Seismic History Matching Through Data Analysis; A Localised Sensitivity Analysis Workflow
Authors: Kolajoobi R. A. , MacBeth C. , Landa J.
Published: October 2023

4D seismic history matching (4D SHM) uses 4D seismic data to calibrate reservoir models to reduce production forecast uncertainty and improve reservoir surveillance. 4D seismic becomes very valuable in field developments with sparse well configurations and high areal uncertainty, such as offshore and carbon sequestration projects. Unlike the production data, the conventional uncertainty and sensitivity analysis (SA) with 4D seismic data might return misleading results. Due to the smooth nature of 4D seismic data, it is highly likely that the effects of different model parameters overlap, and low-frequency signals mask the high-frequency signals. Consequently, some significant parameters are wrongly excluded from the 4D SHM process. Our work aims to address this issue by localising the SA of 4D seismic data. The idea is first to identify specific seismic signals on the seismic maps and then perform the SA only at the individual locations rather than the entire map. This way we overcome the overlapping effects of different input parameters.

Several approaches to localise the SA are utilized. In one approach we defined sliding windows to scan the seismic maps and then executed an SA inside the windows at each location. Other localisation approaches employ dimensionality reduction and feature extraction tools. We used principal component analysis (PCA) and advanced machine learning (ML) methods such as autoencoders (AE) and variational autoencoders (VAE) to transform the 4D seismic maps into a latent space. The information content (the 4D seismic signals) in the high-dimensional 4D seismic maps is represented by a few features in the latent space. Implementing an SA for each feature in the latent space is equivalent to performing SA with the seismic signals in the original map.

The localised SA scheme is coupled with the Ensemble Smoother with Multiple Data Assimilation (ESMAD) algorithm to carry out 4D SHM. Three 4D SHM scenarios were defined: full parameterisation with no SA, conventional SA analysis using the entire map, and localised SA. We ran these scenarios for a complex synthetic reservoir model based on a real field in the North Sea to match to 4D P-wave seismic impedance. The results confirmed the superiority of the localised SA scenario which returned the final ensemble with the lowest error and the best match among the three scenarios. It also turned out that the PCA, for this specific case, is the most suitable methodology to localise the SA.

A novel SA workflow for 4D seismic was proposed to select a better set of parameters for 4D SHM. It relies on ML and data analysis solutions to localise the SA and avoid missing the important parameters for 4D SHM, hence, improving the reservoir model quality and the production forecasts.
Case Study of a Rigless Intervention for the Completion of an Offshore Multi-String Producing Well Using Slimhole Sand Jet Perforating
Authors: Dotson Thomas , Dearborn Earl , Dearborn Richard , Dixon Jacob , Nguyen Jimmy , Piercy Matt
Published: October 2023

Cost effective methods for completing new zones in existing offshore wells present challenges for operators that wish to extend the life of their wells by adding production with new zone completion and stimulation. Workover rigs add significant cost to service operations that often challenge the feasibility of the desired work. Challenges for rigless intervention work include running tools through the existing production tubing for perforating and other functions, having to perforate multiple tubing and casing strings while in the production tubing, and logistical constraints on the platform.

This paper examines the completion and stimulation of an upper zone in a Gulf of Mexico offshore well using a commercially viable program with rigless recompletion where a traditional recompletion was not cost effective. The objective of the project was to utilize a rigless intervention with coiled tubing for the perforation and stimulation of an upper zone above a production packer while sand jet perforating through two cemented casings. This paper explores a successful and cost effective method used to complete and stimulate an upper well zone. Factors that added to the complexity of the project include running tools through the production tubing and production packer, perforating a 2-7/8" production tubing Y block assembly, a 7" casing string, and a 11-7/8" casing string with cement in the annular space, and logistics for offshore equipment rig up and operation. Multiple rounds of surface bench testing were performed to refine the perforating process and develop procedures for well completion.

This paper identifies the challenges for the operation, frac design considerations, and optimizing well production during the initial flowback. The results of the frac, initial injection, and flow testing are included. Cost comparison between the traditional recompletion and this new approach are also important results that help determine overall success of the project. The project was a success in its ability to achieve the technical goals while also being commercially viable.

Without this novel rigless approach, recompletion of this zone would not have been feasible. By completing the new zone, the overall production from the well is increased and the life of the well is extended, maintaining its value as an asset instead of a potential P&A liability.
An Open-Access Data Set of Hospitalized Cardiac Arrest Patients: Machine Learning-Based Predictions Using Clinical Documentation
Authors: Rajapaksha Lahiru T. W. , Vidanagamachchi Sugandima M. , Gunawardena Sampath , Thambawita Vajira
Published: October 2023

Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function with serious consequences. In developing countries, healthcare professionals use clinical documentation to track patient information. These data can be used to predict developing cardiac arrests. We are publishing the data set through open access to advance the research domain. Based on this data set, our work revolves around generating and utilizing synthetic data by harnessing the potential of synthetic data vaults. We conducted a series of experiments by employing state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. These experiments were aimed to assess the performance of our developed predictive model in identifying the likelihood of developing cardiac arrests. This approach is effective in identifying the risk of cardiac arrest in inpatients, even in the absence of electronic medical recording systems. The study evaluated 112 patients who were transferred from the Emergency Treatment Unit to the Cardiac Medical Ward. The developed model achieved 96\% accuracy in predicting the risk of developing cardiac arrest. In conclusion, our study showcases the potential of leveraging clinical documentation and synthetic data to create robust predictive models for cardiac arrest. The outcome of this effort will provide valuable insights and tools for healthcare professionals to preemptively address this critical medical condition.
Universal production of 2D materials on arbitrary insulators
Authors: Li Junzhu , Yuan Yue , Lanza Mario , Abate Iwnetim , Tian Bo , Zhang Xixiang
Published: October 2023

Synthesizing two-dimensional (2D) materials on insulating substrates is a fundamental requirement for applying low-dimensional materials towards fabricating next-generation nanodevices. However, preparing a 2D layered material, such as graphene or hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), on insulators is challenging owing to the lack of suitable metal catalysts, lattice matching, and other factors. Therefore, developing a generally applicable and efficient protocol remains crucial despite numerous strategies having been explored. Herein, we introduce a universal strategy for highly efficient preparation of wafer-scale single- crystal 2D materials on arbitrary insulating substrates. The foil in a non-adhered metal– insulator-substrate system was almost melted by a short-time high-temperature treatment to obtain 2D layers on the insulator. High quality, large-area, single-crystal, smooth with essentially wrinkle-free mono-, bi-, and tri-layered graphene, and monolayered hBN were fabricated on various insulating substrates. The developed strategy provides ideal growth templates for future wafer-scale syntheses of other single-crystal 2D materials on arbitrary insulating substrates.
Trans-Lesion Synthesis and Mismatch Repair Pathway Crosstalk Defines Chemoresistance and Hypermutation Mechanisms in Glioblastoma
Authors: Cheng Xing , An Jing , Lou Jitong , Gu Qisheng , Ding Weimin , Droby Gaith , Wang Yilin , Wang Chenghao , Gao Yanzhe , Shelton Abigail , Satterlee Andrew , Mann Breanna , Hsiao Yun-Chung , Liu Chih-Wei , Lu Kun , Hingtgen Shawn , Wang Jiguang , Liu Zhaoliang , Miller C , Wu Di , Vaziri Cyrus , Yang Yang
Published: October 2023

Almost all Glioblastoma (GBM) are either intrinsically resistant to the chemotherapeutical drug temozolomide (TMZ) or acquire therapy-induced mutations that cause chemoresistance and recurrence. The genome maintenance mechanisms responsible for GBM chemoresistance and hypermutation are unknown. We show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase RAD18 (a proximal regulator of TLS) is activated in a Mismatch repair (MMR)-dependent manner in TMZ-treated GBM cells, promoting post-replicative gap-filling and survival. An unbiased CRISPR screen provides a new aerial map of RAD18-interacting DNA damage response (DDR) pathways deployed by GBM to tolerate TMZ genotoxicity. Analysis of mutation signatures from TMZ-treated GBM reveals a role for RAD18 in error-free bypass of O6mG (the most toxic TMZ-induced lesion), and error-prone bypass of other TMZ-induced lesions. Our analyses of recurrent GBM patient samples establishes a correlation between low RAD18 expression and hypermutation. Taken together we define novel molecular underpinnings for the hallmark tumorigenic phenotypes of TMZ-treated GBM.
Survival of osseointegrated implants in head and neck cancer patients submitted to multimodal treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Camolesi Gisela Cristina Vianna , Veronese Henrique Rocha Mazorchi , Celestino Miriã Andrade , Blum Davi Francisco Casa , Márquez-Zambrano José Agustín , Carmona-Pérez Francisca Andrea , Jara-Venegas Tamara Andrea , Pellizzon Antonio Cassio Assis , Bernaola-Paredes Wilber Edison
Published: October 2023

Purpose: to investigate the survival rate in implants placement in irradiated and non-irradiated bone in patients undergoing head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. We focused on the consequences of the main complications, such as osteoradionecrosis, peri-implantitis.
Methods: An electronic search conducted by PRISMA protocol was performed. Full texts were carefully assessed, and data were assimilated into a tabular form for discussion and consensus among the expert panel. The quality assessment and the risk of bias are verified by Joanna Briggs Institute checklist (JBI) and The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) assessment tool.
Results: A total of 452 records were identified in the based on our PICOs strategy and after screening, 19 articles were included in the descriptive analysis of the review. Totaling 473 implants placed in irradiated and non-irradiated bone, and 31.6 % of the patients were over 60 years of age. 57.9%) performed implant placement in a period of 12 months or more after the ending of radiotherapy. Only 5 studies had a follow-up period longer than 5 years after implant placement, of which three were used for the meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis of 5-year survival rate analysis of implants in irradiated bone was assessed; a random effect model was used and a weighted proportion (PP) of 93.13% (95% CI: 87.20 - 99.06; p<0.001), and in the 5-year survival rate analysis of implants in non-irradiated bone was analysed, a fixed effect model was used and a weighted proportion (PP) of 98.52% survival (95% CI: 97.56-99.48, p<0.001).
Conclusions: Survival rates of implants placed in irradiated bone is clinically satisfactory after a follow-up of 5 years, with a fewer percentage than in implants placed in non-irradiated bone after metanalyses performed.
The incretin effect in type 2 diabetes in a Sub-Saharan African population
Authors: Nielsen Signe , Kweka Belinda , Praygod George , Filteau Suzanne , Olsen Mette Frahm , Friis Henrik , Faurholt-Jepsen Daniel , Krogh-Madsen Rikke
Published: October 2023

Aim
The pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly investigated. In this study we explored the incretin effect.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study in Tanzania including 20 adults with type 2 diabetes based on oral glucose tolerance test (n = 10) or on glycated hemoglobin A1c (n = 10), and 10 non-diabetes controls we investigated the difference between the insulin response during an oral glucose tolerance test and that of the corresponding intravenous glucose infusion.
Results
The incretin effect did not differ between groups, suggesting that the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa differs from what we see in Western populations. We found no difference in insulin resistance between groups, but the beta-cell function was reduced in participants with type 2 diabetes based on oral glucose tolerance test.
Conclusion
The results indicates that type 2 diabetes in this sub-Saharan African population comprise at least two entities, where those diagnosed using HbA1c have intact beta-cell function, and those with Type 2 diabetes diagnosed using oral glucose tolerance test resemble type 2 diabetes in Western populations.
clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03106480, date of registration: 04/10/2017
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03106480?term=NCT03106480&draw=2&rank=1
MPPT techniques for PV systems: A systematic review in current trends and recent advances in AI
Authors: Boubaker Olfa
Published: October 2023

Over the past decades, solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has been the most valuable green energy. It is renowned for its sustainability, environmentally friendly nature, and minimal maintenance costs. Several methods aiming to extract the highest photovoltaic energy are found in the vast literature. The aim of this systematic review is to focus on current trends and the most recent advances in the field. A “Scopus” bibliographic survey is conducted around survey and research articles published over the past three years (2019–2022) according to the PRISMA selection methodology. Over the selected works, different taxonomies of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) approaches are found. The list of associated performance criteria is also established, current trends, future directions and challenges in the field are well identified. This survey paper could be a useful reference for researchers and companies concerned by the sustainable development goals (GSD) for clean energy production and climate change.
Effectiveness of peer-led intervention in control of non-communicable diseases in rural areas of Khordha district: Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Behera Priyamadhaba , Patro Binod Kumar , Singh Arvind Kumar , Dora Susmita , Bandhopadhyay Debapriya , Saharia Gautom Kumar , Dey Anupam , Behera Surama Manjari , Subba Sonu H
Published: October 2023

Background
The main contributors to death and disability from chronic illnesses in developing nations are elevated blood pressure (hypertension), blood sugar (diabetes mellitus), and blood cholesterol (dyslipidemia). Even though there are affordable treatments, the treatment gap for these conditions is still significant. Few pilot studies from industrialized nations discuss the value of peer-led interventions for achieving community-level management of blood pressure and blood sugar. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of peer-led intervention compared to standard care in achieving control of selected Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Indian context at one year of intervention among people of 30-60 years with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus and/or Dyslipidaemia.
Methods
A Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial will be conducted in villages of two rural blocks of Khordha district of Odisha from August 2023 to December 2024. A total of 720 eligible participants (360 in the intervention group and 360 in the control group) will be recruited and randomized into two study arms. The participants in the intervention arm will receive a peer-led intervention model for six months in addition to standard care. The sessions will be based on the six domains of NCDs - self-care, follow-up care, medication, physical activity, diet, limiting substance use, mental health and co-morbidities. Mean reduction in blood pressure, HbA1C, and blood cholesterol in the intervention arm compared to the standard care arm will be the main outcome.
Discussion
Increasing burden of NCDs demands for newer strategies for management. Peer led interventions have proven to be useful at international level. Incorporating it in India will have remarkable results in controlling NCDs.
Trial registration
Clinical Trial Registry of India, CTRI/2023/02/050022. Registered on 23-02-2023.
A comprehensive experimental comparison between federated and centralized learning
Authors: Garst Swier , Dekker Julian , Reinders Marcel
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Federated learning is an upcoming machine learning paradigm which allows data from multiple sources to be used for training of classifiers without the data leaving the source it originally resides. This can be highly valuable for use cases such as medical research, where gathering data at a central location can be quite complicated due to privacy and legal concerns of the data. In such cases, federated learning has the potential to vastly speed up the research cycle. Although federated and central learning have been compared from a theoretical perspective, an extensive experimental comparison of performances and learning behavior still lacks.
Methods: We have performed a comprehensive experimental comparison between federated and centralized learning. We evaluated various classifiers on various datasets exploring influences of different sample distributions as well as different class distributions across the clients.
Results: The results show similar performances under a wide variety of settings between the federated and central learning strategies. Federated learning is able to deal with various imbalances in the data distributions. It is sensitive to batch effects between different datasets when they coincide with location, similar as with central learning, but this setting might go unobserved more easily.
Conclusion: Federated learning seems robust to various challenges such as skewed data distributions, high data dimensionality, multiclass problems and complex models. Taken together,t he insights from our comparison gives much promise for applying federated learning as an alternative to sharing data.
Saccharomyces boulardii combined with triple therapy alter the microbiota in the eradication of helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lu Bingyun , Dong Yu , Zhang Yifeng , Chen Ye , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: October 2023

To assess the effectiveness and safety of combining Saccharomyces boulardii powder with triple therapy as a primary approach for eradicating H. pylori infection, a total of 144 patients who tested positive for H. pylori and diagnosed with non-ulcer dyspepsia underwent gastroscopy at two national centers between June 2017 and March 2019. The patients were categorized into three groups using a subsection randomization method and received initial H. pylori eradication treatments. In the SRAC group, participants were administered saccharomyces boulardii powder alongside triple therapy for the first 10 days, followed by 4 extra days of saccharomyces boulardii treatment only. The BRAC group received a 10-day bismuth quadruple therapy, while the RAC group underwent a 10-day triple therapy regimen. Microbial composition, eradication rates, symptom alleviation, and adverse reactions were monitored on the 14th and 44th days post-treatment. Distinct treatment protocols exhibited varying impacts on the intestinal microecology. When employed as a primary strategy, the combination of Saccharomyces boulardii powder with triple therapy displayed notable efficacy in eradicating initial H. pylori infections among non-ulcer dyspepsia patients. Moreover, this approach demonstrated advantages in alleviating symptoms, exhibited favorable tolerance, and maintained a high level of clinical safety.
Survey to orthopedics surgeons in Italy about Leg length discrepancy and total hip arthroplasty: preoperative and intraoperative management
Authors: Stimolo Davide , Giudice Salvatore Lo , Matassi Fabrizio , Innocenti Matteo , Civinini Roberto , Boniforti Filippo
Published: October 2023

Background
We created a Survey for Italian orthopaedics surgeons on how they approach leg length discrepancy (LLD) when dealing with primary total hip arthroplasty. Aim of the study was to show how surgeons manage LLD and follow literature recommendations during clinical practice.
Methods
The Survey was composed of 25 questions divided in 4 sections: 1 -surgeon’s profile, 2 - preoperative and 3 - intraoperative evaluation, 4 - postoperative management. In this paper we report results to answer to section 1 and 2. Absolute and relative frequencies of answers to section 2 and 3 are reported. We divided the participants in subgroups based on the “Surgeon’s profile” and evaluated difference in the answers given.
Results
Absolute and relative frequencies demonstrate low agreement among participants in all phases of LLD management. We demonstrated a statistically significant difference based on the surgeon’s profile regarding these questions: radiographic measure of LLD depending on working experience p = 0.008; digital planning based on surgeons’ age p < 0.001 and workplace p = 0.026; intraoperative anatomical landmarks based on numbers of procedures per year p = 0,020 and use of intraoperative X-rays based on working experience p = 0,002.
Conclusions
LLD is a debated topic with no definitive recommendations. Many decisions still depend on tradition and surgeons’ preference.
Research on the investment potential of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings under the carbon emission reduction target
Authors: Song Jintao , Zhang Kai , Liu Piyang
Published: October 2023

The research on the carbon emission reduction investment potential of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings is of great significance for realizing its popularization and even carbon neutrality in the building industry. Research on carbon emission reduction investment potential of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings from the perspective of investment developers, introducing marginal abatement cost for carbon reduction correlation analysis of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings, defining the connotation, calculation boundary and calculation method of each parameter in the calculation formula, and considering the impact of carbon trading price on the carbon emission reduction investment potential of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings comprehensively, proposing the investment potential value of carbon reduction technology for the first time to measure the carbon emission reduction investment potential of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings. Taking three different energy-saving target design schemes of zero-energy experimental building Sunflower as examples, taking the design schemes of ordinary energy-saving buildings as the benchmark, comparing and analyzing the carbon emission reduction investment potential of passive ultra-low energy buildings and zero-energy buildings using two different heating and air-conditioning systems, namely solar radiant panel system and ground source heat pump system, furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of the main factors of zero energy building is carried out to determine its improvement and upgrading ways. The results show that passive ultra-low energy consumption buildings are energy-saving and low-carbon buildings with relatively good carbon emission reduction investment potential, which is consistent with the relevant promotion policies of energy-saving and low-carbon buildings issued by the Chinese government, and verifies the applicability and effectiveness of this research method. Besides, an effective way to improve the carbon reduction investment potential of zero-energy buildings is to significantly reduce the construction costs of their renewable energy systems while minimizing their carbon emissions during the construction and demolition phases.
Expression and purification of inclusion body of Serratia marcescens nuclease relying on SUMO fusion
Authors: Zang Miaoyu , Wei Yuheng , Deng Lin , Xin Wen , Lu Yuncai
Published: October 2023

Serratia marcescens nuclease (SM nuclease) can remove nucleic acid residues in recombinant protein drugs and reduce the viscosity of bacteria, exhibiting great significance in investigating these drugs. However, its underexpression in E. coli leads to less protein amount obtained by purification of inclusion body and low enzyme activity. In this study, the Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) tag was fused to the N-terminus of the SM nuclease and cloned into the pET28a vector. Subsequently, the expression and purification of inclusion body of the SUMO-fused SM nuclease were compared with those of SM nuclease without SUMO fusion. The results revealed that SUMO fusion elevated the expression of inclusion body of the SM nuclease, but exerted no effect on soluble expression of the protein. Meanwhile, SUMO fusion increased the solubility of inclusion body proteins and enhanced the removal of surface impurities during inclusion body washing. On the other hand, SUMO fusion promoted correct folding of the protein and improved the efficiency of refolding. The High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) results indicated a protein concentration of 99% after two cycles of affinity chromatography for SUMO-fused SM nuclease. Additionally, the activity of the SUMO-fused protein (4×106 U/mg) was 32 times higher than that of the unfused protein. SUMO fusion yielded approximately 10 mg of SM nuclease protein with a purity of 99% from 1 g of bacteria.
Dome permeability and fluid circulation at La Soufrière de Guadeloupe implied from soil CO2 degassing, thermal flux and self-potential
Authors: Klein Amelie Viktoria , Jessop David E , Donnadieu Franck , Pierre Joanny , Moretti Roberto
Published: October 2023

Quantifying subsurface fluid flows and related heat and gas fluxes can provide essential clues for interpreting the evolution of volcanic unrest in volcanoes with active hydrothermal systems. To better constrain the distribution of current hydrothermal activity, we mapped diffuse soil CO \(_2\) degassing, ground temperature and self-potential covering the summit of La Soufrière de Guadeloupe during 2022-23. From these mappings, we identify areas of fluid recharge and the zones and extent of major ascending hydrothermal flows. We provide a first estimate for ground CO$_2$ flux of \SI{3.76+-0.52}{\tonne\per\day} (\SI{0.044+-0.006}{\kg\per\s}), representing about half the CO$_2$ emissions from the summit fumaroles. We find an extensive area of ground heating of at least \SI{15175+-4200}{\m\squared} in area and a total ground heat flux of \SI{2.29+-0.88}{\MW} to \SI{2.79+-0.98}{\MW}, dominated by a convective flux of \SI{2.00+-0.86}{\MW}. These observations indicate that conduction is not always the primary mode of heat transport in hydrothermal volcanoes, especially in highly-altered settings. The prominent summit fractures exert significant control over hydrothermal fluid circulation and delimit a main active zone in the NE sector. The observed shift in subsurface fluid circulation towards this sector may be attributed to a changing ground permeability and may also be related to observed fault widening and the gravitational sliding of the dome's SW flank. Our results indicate that the state of sealing of the dome may be inferred from the mapping of hydrothermal fluid fluxes and that such mappings may help evaluate potential hazards associated with fluid pressurisation.
Proximal Tubal Occlusion First or Oocyte Retrieval First for Patients with Hydrosalpinx?
Authors: Li Jie , Mo Sien , Lin Zhong , Mo Fuhua , Shi Qiuling
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Our study was aimed to investigate the best time to manage hydrosalpinx in order to improve pregnancy outcomes during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
Methods
Patients with hydrosalpinx who received IVF-ET were selected. Two groups were divided to compare the effects of different timing treatment of hydrosalpinx on IVF pregnancy outcomes, "Proximal Tubal Occlusion First Group” (Group Ligation-COH) and “Oocyte Retrieval First Group” (Group COH-Ligation). The main outcome measures included: ovarian response indexes, laboratory indexes and clinical pregnancy outcomes. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed for outcome indicators, and the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used.
Results
A total of 1490 patients were included. The Gn initiation dose and MII rate in group Ligation-COH were significantly higher than those in group COH-Ligation (P < 0.05). The number of oocytes obtained and the number of available D3 embryos in group COH-Ligation were higher than those in group Ligation-COH (P < 0.05). Although the number of ET cycles per IVF cycle in group COH-Ligation was higher than that in group Ligation-COH (P < 0.05), the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, live birth rate and cumulative live birth rate in group Ligation-COH were significantly higher than those in group COH-Ligation (P < 0.05), and the miscarriage rate in group Ligation-COH was lower than that in group COH-Ligation (P < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for age and multiple factors, the above results were still statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). For elderly patients, the clinical pregnancy rate, multiple birth rate and live birth rate in group Ligation-COH were also higher than those in group COH-Ligation (P < 0.001). No significant differences were detected for patients with diminished ovarian reserve.
Conclusions
For the choice of ligation operation time, we recommend that patients choose tubal ligation first and then ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval treatment.
Large Area Kidney Imaging for Pre-transplant Evaluation using Real-Time Robotic Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Zhang Haichong , Ma Xihan , Moradi Mousa , Ma Xiaoyu , Tang Qinggong , Levi Moshe , Chen Yu
Published: October 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution imaging modality that can be used to image microstructures of human kidneys. These images can be analyzed to evaluate the viability of the organ for transplantation. However, current OCT devices suffer from insufficient field-of-view, leading to biased examination outcomes when only small portions of the kidney can be assessed. Here we present a robotic OCT system where an OCT probe is integrated with a robotic manipulator, enabling wider area spatially-resolved imaging. With the proposed system, it becomes possible to comprehensively scan the kidney surface and provide large area parameterization of the microstructures. We verified the probe tracking accuracy with a phantom as 0.0762 ± 0.0727 mm and demonstrated its clinical feasibility by scanning ex vivo kidneys. The parametric map exhibits fine vasculatures beneath the kidney surface. Quantitative analysis on the proximal convoluted tubule from the ex vivo human kidney yields highly clinical-relevant information.
Handling Missing values through Imputation techniques: A Quantitative Survey
Authors: Mohit Mohit Kumar , Devpriya Devpriya Soni
Published: October 2023

This study examines the various techniques used to address missing datain quantitative studies. It acknowledges that missing data poses challengesto data analysis and presents a range of solutions, from simple methodslike deletion and single imputation to advanced approaches involving mod-eling, multiple imputation, and machine learning. The survey takes both abottom-up and top-down approach in selecting an appropriate method forhandling missing data, where the analysis of the data helps narrow down theoptions for the selection process. The study explores the qualitative benefitsand drawbacks of each technique, considering factors such as the analyticalapproach, missing data handling strategy, sample size, and proportion ofmissing data to assess estimation precision. The researchers employed a the-oretical approach using fictitious data to evaluate the significance of missingdata treatment on estimate precision. The statistical analysis conducted inthis study provides practical guidelines for educational researchers, assistingthem in determining the optimal amount of data to collect, the type of anal-ysis to perform, and the appropriate strategy for addressing missing data toensure the reliability of their studies
Short Term Plasticity as 'Energetic memory' of ion Channels Components of Action Potential
Authors: Ben-Abu Yuval , Wolfson Ira
Published: October 2023

Information transfer in the nervous system is traditionally understood by means of transmission of action potentials along neuronal dendrites, with ion channels in the membrane as the basic unit operator for their creation and propagation. We present here a new model for the multiphysics behavior of ion channels and the action potential dynamics in nervous and other signal-transmitting systems. This model builds on the notion of long-term memory-like action potential suppression as a response to mechanical input. While other models focus on the electrical aspects of the action potential, an increasing body of experiments has highlighted its electro-mechanical nature, and, in particular, point towards an alteration of the action potential when subjected to a mechanical input. Here, we propose a new phenomenological framework able to capture the mechanical memory-like dynamics of ion channels and the resulting effect on the overall electrophysiology of the membrane. The model is introduced through a set of coupled differential equations that describe the system while agreeing with the general findings of those experiments. It also confirms that transient quasi-static mechanical loads reversibly affect the amplitude and rate of change of the neuronal action potentials, which are smaller and slower upon indentation loading conditions. Changes after the loading release are also reversible albeit in a different time scale.
Frequency Regulation Bottleneck Scenarios Identification in Large-scale Wind Integrated Power Systems: A Provincial-level Empirical Study in China
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyu , Lu Mengke , Ling Chengxiang , Zhou Jiahao , Li Tianyu , Guan Jun , Chen Hongwei
Published: October 2023

In this paper, large-scale wind power is factored into a frequency regulation model of power system. On this basis, the frequency control of the power system containing this model is investigated under potential bottleneck scenarios. Firstly, the dynamic frequency model of the power system that can reflect the impact of wind power fluctuations on grid frequency is established. Secondly, the research idea for identifying frequency regulation bottleneck scenarios in power systems is proposed, in which the frequency regulation bottleneck scenarios of power systems containing large-scale wind power are explored from the perspectives of wind power penetration rate, wind speed range, and wind speed ramping. Then, two critical bottleneck scenarios are identified: low wind speed with high wind power penetration scenario and wind power ramping in high penetration wind power systems scenario. A 3-node system is used for testing and simulation. Finally, a provincial-level empirical study in China is used to confirm its effectiveness and accuracy in addressing frequency regulation bottlenecks in the presence of large-scale wind power. It provides reference for solving the frequency control problem in large-scale wind power centralized grid connection and improving the penetration of renewable energy, as well as a scenario basis for researching and eliminating bottlenecks.
Short and long term outcomes of Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) in gastric varices patients: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yakoob Rafie , Omar Ahmed , John Anil , Barah Ali , Badi Ahmed , Varughese Betsy , Singh Rajvir , Kaabi Saad Al , Almohannadi Muneera
Published: October 2023

Background: Gastric variceal bleeding is one of the major complications of portal hypertension and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of BRTO in gastric varices patients.
Methods: Retrospective single-center study included 36 patients with moderate to large gastric varices who referred to intervention radiology for balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) procedure from January 2007 to December 2019. Short and long post procedural outcomes were analyzed for rebleeding, recurrence of gastric varices, worsening of esophageal varices, and mortality.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 53.42 ± 9.8 years. Of the 36 patients, 30 (83.3%) were male. The majority of them had diabetes mellitus (21, 58.3%), hypertension (13, 36.1%), and coronary artery disease (3, 8.3%). Hepatitis C virus infection (15, 41.7%) was the predominant cause of liver cirrhosis. The follow-up CT showed immediate hemostasis in all patients except 2 (5.6%), who had hypovolemic shocks. Recurrence of gastric varices were observed in 4 (11.11%) patients, esophageal varices in 2 (5.55%) and both in 1 (2.77%) patient. Ascites and encephalopathy did not exacerbate in any of the patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma developed in two patients during the study period. 8 (22.2%) patients expired during the follow-up period. Kaplan Meir analysis showed that the median survival time was more than 69 months.
Conclusion: BRTO may be a viable solution for prophylactic and therapeutic managing of fundal varices and ectopic variceal bleeding, especially when conventional treatments are unsuccessful or contraindicated.