bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of chemiluminescence immunoassay with LC-MS/MS in the determination of plasma aldosterone concentration in patients with declined renal function
Authors: Zeng Qiurong , Li Junlong , Yang Yi , He Yifan , Song Ying , Hu Jinbo , Wang Yue , Li Qifu , Yang Shumin
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Compared with chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), quantification of plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) yields lower values. Whether this difference is exacerbated by a declined glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of renal insufficiency on PAC measured by CLIA using LC-MS/MS as the reference method.
Methods
In subjects with normal or declined estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), PAC were measured by both LC-MS/MS and two different CLIA kits (Mindray and Diasorin).
Results
383 patients were included in our study. Among them, there were 71 subjects with eGFR > 90 (group one), 79 with eGFR 60–89 (group two), 108 with eGFR 30–59 (group three), 51 with eGFR 15–29 (group four), and 74 with eGFR < 15 (group five) ml/min per 1.73m2, respectively. In all subjects, PAC measured by CLIA [68.2(37.1-122.1) pg/ml for Mindray, 109.0(68.1–170.0) pg/ml for Diasorin] were significantly increased compared with those measured by LC-MS/MS [47.2(22.9–88.7) pg/ml]. The PAC measured by CLIA was positively correlated with that by LC-MS/MS, but the correlation coefficient diminished gradually with eGFR decline. Between LC-MS/MS and Diasorin CLIA kit, the difference of PAC increased with declined eGFR in groups one to five (76.8%, 69.2%, 113.2%, 152.2% and 476.2% for groups one to five, respectively). However, the difference increased only in group five in Mindray CLIA kit (46.4%, 48.1%, 45.7%, 45.0% and 74.9% for group one to five, respectively).
Conclusion
In patients with declined renal function, PAC measured by CLIA might be overestimated. Caution is needed in the interpretation of PAC in patients with severe renal impairment. When accurate measurements are required, LC-MS/MS should be considered.
Optimization analysis of gate width for detecting atmospheric turbulence with DIM LiDAR
Authors: ZHOU HUI , XIE CHENBO , HU YALIN , SHEN FAHUA , XING KUNMING , WANG YINGJIAN , WANG BANGXIN
Published: May 2024

Through theoretical calculations and field experiments, the setting of gate width in distance gating technology has been optimized in DIM LiDAR. The mathematical relationship between gate width and detection distance has been derived. The relationship curves between gate width and image signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), as well as gate width and atmospheric refractive index structure constant \(C_n^2\) were obtained. The results indicate that at a constant detection distance, there is a gradual increase in the SNR of the image with increasing gate width, followed by a saturation point. The higher the SNR, the closer the inverted $C_n^2$ is to the ultrasonic anemometer. Meanwhile, if the SNR is similar, the inverted $C_n^2$ is similar. Finally, the appropriate gate width for this system is given.
The Neglected Category of Sub-elite Athletes in Ironman Triathlon: Participation, Performance, and Implications for Fitness Assessment
Authors: Sousa Caio Victor , Hoyos Penelope , Buesgens Derek , Villiger Elias , Thuany Mabliny , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Andrade Marilia S. , Aguiar Samuel Silva , Olher Rafael Reis , Cunha Rafael , Weiss Katja , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: May 2024

This descriptive study aimed to identify sub-elite athletes using a performance-based mathematical model and analyze their performance trends by age and sex using 20 years of Ironman® triathlon (IM) performance data. It includes data from athletes who competed in IM from 2002 to 2022. A sub-elite category of athletes was identified within the age group category as one standard deviation from the elite group of each race. Information about the event, event year, age, sex, swimming time, cycling time, running time, and overall time were analyzed. Regression models and the less significant difference were estimated. Sub-elite athletes represent an average of 6.8% of all athletes in each event, whereas elite athletes represent an average of 2%. Sub-elite athletes are mainly represented by athletes between 30 and 39 years of age, whereas general age groups are mainly represented by athletes between 35 and 44 years old. Performance trends throughout the years showed that sub-elite and elite have been improving their overall performance throughout the years regardless of sex. However, age groups show an overall stable average performance throughout the years. Additionally, the performance across all groups exhibited statistically significant differences (p < 0.005), consistent with the anticipated trend of elite, sub-elite, and age groups. In summary, sub-elite triathletes were younger than the overall age of IM triathletes, and during the last two decades improved their performance. These findings highlighted the distinct profile of sub-elite triathletes that should be considered by coaches for training and testing purposes.
Biomechanical Comparison of Screw and Minimally Invasive Locking Plate Fixation for Calcaneal Fracture Stabilization: A Finite Element Analysis and Clinical Study
Authors: Chongmuenwai Adisorn , Singkhot Natchayaphorn , Ungboriboonpaisarn Chanakan , Polpanich Nuttakitta , Rooppakhun Supakit
Published: May 2024

The minimally invasive sinus tarsi surgical optimal technique for calcaneus fracture has gained popularity. This study compares the biomechanical performance of the three fixation methods using screw fixaztion-SF, locking compression plate-LCP for two-point (TP) -with and -without tuberosity based on commonly used fracture methods via joint depression (Sander's type II and III). The biomechanical performance of the two fixation methods was performed using finite element (FE) analysis and a comparative clinical study. The 3D FE model of calcaneal fractures was applied for the boundary and loading condition regarding a bearing load with a total weight of half 70 kg (approximately 350 N) during the stand. The safety factor (SF) of TP without tuberosity was 2.04 for type II, while SF of type III was lowest at 1.86, showing lower failure than the TP with tuberosity. The strain on the fracture site compared with the stability of the device in the case of TP with tuberosity fixation has the highest. At the one-year follow-up, Bohler’s angle was significantly higher in the LCP fixation group than in the screw fixation group (P = 0.026), the loss of Gissane’s angle showed no significant differences, and the FAAM score demonstrated significantly better results in the LCP fixation group compared to the screw fixation group (P < 0.001). Therefore, LCP (TP with tuberosity) fixation was an effective stratagem for technique surgery in joint-depression sander's type II and III compared to other techniques.
Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the addition of platinum and pembrolizumab in TNBC: A single-center real-world study
Authors: Bae Soong June , Kim Jee Hung , Kim Min Ji , Kook Yoonwon , Baek Seung Ho , Kim Jung Hyun , Moon Sohyun , Lee Seung Eun , Jeong Joon , Cha Yoon Jin , Ahn Sung Gwe
Published: May 2024

Background
Immunochemotherapy with pembrolizumab has been integrated into clinical practice as part of the standard-of-care for non-metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with high risk. We conducted a real-world study in TNBC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy to compare pathologic complete response (pCR) rates relative to stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTIL) across different regimens: non-carboplatin, carboplatin-, and pembrolizumab-chemotherapy.
Methods
We analyzed a cohort of 450 patients with TNBC who underwent surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy between March 2007 and February 2024. Treatment groups included 247 non-carboplatin, 120 carboplatin, and 83 pembrolizumab-chemotherapy recipients. sTIL was evaluated in biopsied samples. Lymphocyte-predominant breast cancer (LPBC) was defined as tumors with high sTIL (≥ 50%).
Results
The pCR rates were 32% in the non-carboplatin-, 57% in the carboplatin-, and 64% in the pembrolizumab-chemotherapy group. Ninety-two patients (20.4%) had LPBC. In LPBC, the pCR rates did not increase with the addition of carboplatin (50.0% in the non-carboplatin and 41.7% in carboplatin) but reached 83.3% with the addition of pembrolizumab and carboplatin. Among the non-LPBC, the pCR rate increased from 26.7% to 61.1% with the addition of carboplatin, but there was no difference in the pCR rate between the carboplatin and pembrolizumab groups (61.1% and 61.2%, respectively).
Conclusions
In LPBC patients, the addition of carboplatin did not result in an elevated pCR rate; however, the addition of pembrolizumab tended to raise the pCR rate. In non-LPBC, the addition of carboplatin significantly increased the pCR rate, while the addition of pembrolizumab did not have the same effect.
Mathematical studies on generalized Burgers Huxley equation and its singularly perturbed form: Existence of traveling wave solutions .
Authors: Zhang Xiaohan , Tian Yu , Zhang Mingji , Qi Yao
Published: May 2024

We focus on a class of generalized Burgers Huxley equation and its singularly perturbed form, which has significant impacts on practical applications. The existence of different traveling wave solutions is established. Numerical examples are provided to provide more intuitive illustrations of our analytical results. Our analysis is based on the combination of geometric singular perturbation theory,invariant manifold theory and bifurcation theory.
Signature-Based Portfolio Allocation: A Network Approach
Authors: Gregnanin Marco , Zhang Yanyi , De Smedt Johannes , Gnecco Giorgio , Parton Maurizio
Published: May 2024

Portfolio allocation represents a significant challenge within financial markets, traditionally relying on correlation or covariance matrices to delineate relationships among stocks. However, these methodologies assume time stationarity and only capture linear relationships among stocks.
In this study, we propose to substitute the conventional Pearson's correlation or covariance matrix in portfolio optimization with a similarity matrix derived from the signature. The signature, a concept from path theory, provides a unique representation of time series data, encoding their geometric patterns and inherent properties. Furthermore, we undertake a comparative analysis of network structures derived from the correlation matrix versus those obtained from the signature-based similarity matrix.
Through numerical evaluation on the Standard & Poor's 500, we assess that portfolio allocation utilizing the signature-based similarity matrix yielded superior results in terms of cumulative log-returns and Sharpe ratio compared to the baseline network approach based on Pearson's correlation. This assessment was conducted across various portfolio optimization strategies.
This research contributes to portfolio allocation and financial network representation by proposing the use of signature-based similarity matrices over traditional correlation or covariance matrices.
A 5D Digital Circular Workflow: Digital Transformation Towards Matchmaking of Environmentally Sustainable Building Materials through Reuse from Disassembly
Authors: De Wolf Catherine , Byers Brandon S. , Raghu Deepika , Gordon Matthew , Schwarzkopf Vanessa , Triantafyllidis Eleftherios
Published: May 2024

The intersection of digital transformation, circular economy, and innovative construction practices presents a nascent field with significant potential to mitigate environmental impacts through optimised material reuse. This research aims to understand how digital technologies can augment the reuse of construction materials. We evaluated a plethora of digital tools, including digital product passports, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted material classification, reality capture, computational and generative AI-aided design, digital fabrication techniques, and blockchain technology, for their efficacy in facilitating building material reuse. The practical component of the study involved disassembling buildings and then designing and executing a construction project reusing the salvaged materials. Findings demonstrate that the successful application of circular economy principles is facilitated by digital forms of cataloguing, inventory management, design, and construction. The research proposes a workflow for incorporating digital innovations into circular construction, suggesting a pathway for future implementation and scalability.
Is Obesity Awareness Related to Food Craving and Metabolic Parameters in Adults with Overweight and Obesity?
Authors: Selcuk Kevser Tarı , Atan Ramazan Mert , DAL Nursel , Arslan Sedat
Published: May 2024

Objective: This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between obesity awareness and metabolic parameters in adults with overweight and obesity.
Materials-Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 508 adults with overweight or obesity. Tools used to collect the data were the Descriptive Information Form, Obesity Awareness Scale and Insight Scale, and Food Craving Inventory. In data analysis, descriptive statistics, and simple and multiple linear regression analysis were used. The significance level of statistical tests was accepted as p<0.05.
Results: Percentages of adults with overweight and obesity were 49.1% and 50.9% respectively. According to the linear regression analysis, in Model 1, Model 2, and Model 3, obesity awareness was statistically significantly negatively associated with food craving (β:−0.114, p<0.05), waist circumference (β:−0.266, p<0.05), triglyceride level (β:−0.161 , p<0.05), fasting glucose level (β:−0.099, p<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure level (β:−0.105, p<0.05).
Conclusion: As obesity awareness increases, craving for sweets and fast-food fats decreases, and waist circumference, fasting glucose, triglyceride and diastolic blood pressure levels decrease.
Risk factors for pulmonary complications after colorectal surgery: a Japanese multicenter study
Authors: Tominaga Tetsuro , Nonaka Takashi , Takamura Yuma , Oishi Kaido , Hashimoto Shintaro , Shiraishi Toshio , Noda Keisuke , Ono Rika , Ishii Mitsutoshi , Hisanaga Makoto , Takeshita Hiroaki , Fukuoka Hidetoshi , Oyama Shosaburo , Ishimaru Kazuhide , Kunizaki Masaki , Sawai Terumitsu , Matsumoto Keitaro
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Pulmonary complications (PC) are a serious condition with a 20% mortality rate. However, few reports have examined risk factors for PC after colorectal surgery. This study investigated the frequency, characteristics, and risk factors for PC after colorectal cancer surgery.
Methods: Between January 2016 and December 2022, we retrospectively reviewed 3979 consecutive patients who underwent colorectal surgery in seven participating hospitals. Patients were divided into patients who experienced PC (PC group, n=54) and patients who did not (Non-PC group, n=3925). Clinical and pathological features were compared between groups.
Results: Fifty-four patients (1.5%) developed PC, of whom 2 patients (3.7%) died due to PC. Age was greater (80 years vs 71 years; p<0.001), frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary distress was greater (9.3% vs 3.2%; p=0.029), performance status was poorer (p<0.001), body mass index was lower (18 kg/m2 vs 22 kg/m2; p<0.001), frequency of open surgery was greater (24.1% vs 9.3%; p<0.001), and blood loss was greater (40 mL vs 22 mL; p<0.001) in the PC group. Multivariate analysis of PC revealed male sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.845, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.023–3.329; p=0.041), high age (OR 3.434, 95%CI 1.941–6.075; p<0.001) and poor performance status (OR 4.144, 95%CI 2.318–7.408; p<0.001) as independent predictors of PC.
Conclusion: Our study revealed male sex, greater age, and poorer ASA-PS as factors associated with development of PC, and suggested that pre- and postoperative rehabilitation and pneumonia control measures should be implemented for patients at high risk of PC.
A Geometric Algebra-based machine learning method for Typhoon intensity forecasting
Authors: haiyan chen , Huang Yadi , Li Dongshuang , Luo Wen , Yu Zhaoyuan , Yuan Linwang
Published: May 2024

Typhoons, as highly destructive natural disasters, significantly impact society and economy, making accurate prediction of their intensity crucial. Artificial intelligence technologies, such as machine learning, have been extensively applied in the meteorological domain due to their advantages in processing large-scale datasets and learning complex nonlinear relationships. However, existing machine learning models for typhoon intensity prediction face issues like high complexity and parameter count, increasing computational demands and risking overfitting. This study leverages the advantages of geometric algebra for the unified expression and computation of multi-dimensional variables, introduces a geometric algebra-based convolutional neural network with spatial attention to enhance typhoon intensity predictions. This study employed typhoon data from the Northwest Pacific from 2000 to 2018. The results indicate that, compared to the traditional forecasting methods of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), the proposed geometric algebra neural network model improved prediction accuracy by approximately 9% and reduced the root mean square error by about 5% compared to real-valued neural network models. Most importantly, while maintaining predictive performance, the geometric algebra neural network significantly reduced the number of model parameters, achieving up to a fourfold decrease compared to real-valued neural networks. This study offers new insights and technical advancements for using Geometric Algebra in analyzing to handle long-term, large-scale meteorological data.
Systematic Mapping Study of Tools to Identify Emotions and Personality Traits
Authors: Islam Amanul , Noor Nurul Fazmidar Binti Mod , Rahman Siti Soraya Abdul
Published: May 2024

Emotions and personality traits profoundly influence human behavior and well-being. Recent advancements in computer-based tools utilizing machine learning techniques have opened new avenues for identifying and understanding these psychological aspects in individuals. This systematic mapping study comprehensively reviews research articles from reputable journals, focusing on tools that leverage various data sources, such as text analysis, face recognition, gestures, and heart rate monitoring. The selected papers underwent rigorous analysis, leading to the categorization of identified tools based on their methodologies, objectives, and application domains. Natural language processing techniques were found to excel in capturing emotions from textual data, while deep learning models demonstrated accuracy in face recognition. Machine learning algorithms showed promise in analyzing gestures and heart rate to understand personality traits and emotional responses. However, the study also highlights the importance of validation standardization and large-scale studies across diverse populations to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of these tools.
Pandemic Profiteering at a time of Crisis: Using Python to Detect Fraud in COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Payments
Authors: Amponsah Isaac Asamoah
Published: May 2024

Background
During the pandemic, the Centre for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced waivers and rule flexibilities to address rising COVID-19 cases. This included expanding telehealth services to urban areas, along with various testing options like surveillance testing, school and workplace testing, self-tests, and more in-patient settings like nursing homes. The federal and State Government also covered for Covid-19 testing, vaccination and treatment for the uninsured population, creating opportunities for fraud and unnecessary testing, double billing, kickbacks, and deceased billing, mainly for monetary gain, by unscrupulous healthcare providers.
Aim
The aim of the study is to employ a mixed-method approach and data mining techniques to detect instances of healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse in COVID-19 claims reimbursement data for services provided to the uninsured population. This aims to safeguard the integrity of public health resources as well as government preparedness in the wakeup future unforeseen crisis.
Methodology:
The study adopted an unsupervised learning approach. Using Python programming, the study employed the use Isolation Forest to detect healthcare providers who were anomalies in the payment of covid-19 testing, treatment and vaccination by HRSA. The study also adopted an official search enquiry into Official U.S Government websites such as the FBI, USDOJ, and the HHS-OIG, for schemes relating to covid testing and treatment.
Results
The Isolation Forest algorithm, set at a 5% contamination level, identified 1,890 healthcare providers (7.64% of total claims) as anomalies. These providers had an average total claims amount of approximately 7.5 million. The highest anomaly claim amounted to 646 million, primarily attributed to “Claims Paid for Testing”. These results support the recommendations given to HRSA by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG), emphasizing the need for identifying and addressing improper payments.
Conclusion/Recommendation:
Protecting public health resources requires preventing fraud in the healthcare industry. Strong education programs for healthcare workers are crucial, as are vigilant oversight and collaboration between federal and state agencies. Additionally, this study emphasizes how crucial it is to use official government resources—like the FBI, HHS-OIG, USDOJ, and the CDC—in order to efficiently detect and prevent fraudulent activities. By putting these suggestions into practice, healthcare programs such as COVID-19 testing can be made more reliable and public health resources won't be misused.
WITHDRAWN: The Surface Area of Red Blood Cell Via PDE Method
Authors: Ahmed Jiyar Jafar
Published: May 2024

Using the PDE method to calculate the surface area for shape of red blood cell is the aim of this paper, and this technique depends on the use of an elliptic PDE and four boundary conditions. For finding the surface area first all creating the vectors Xu and Xv from the given radius and height which are obtained from boundary conditions of PDE method, then finding the norm of cross product between Xu and Xv and finally finding double integration of the result of that norm to get the surface area.
Leading from a distance: Experiences of specialist critical care physicians providing telehealth support to rural clinicians
Authors: Santomauro Chiara , McLanders Mia , Gibbs Clinton , Rae Andrew
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The well-known ‘golden hour’ target for trauma treatment is an unachievable goal in many parts of Australia. In response to the vast population spread in Queensland, Australia, telehealth infrastructure facilitates 24/7 links between rural facilities and specialist critical care physicians who provide advice and coordinate aeromedical retrievals. The purpose of this study was to understand work-as-done for specialist critical care physicians using Queensland Health’s emergency telehealth system to support rural clinicians during acute care.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 specialist critical care physicians operating under the governance of Retrieval Services Queensland to provide advice to rural clinicians through Queensland Health’s emergency telehealth system. Using an inductive approach, qualitative data were analysed in three phases: immersion; a combination of process coding and in vivo coding; and focused coding.
Results: The data revealed that supporting rural teams from a distance can be simultaneously rewarding and challenging. Two categories emerged, each with the same three themes representing key challenges to providing emergency telehealth support. The first category presents these challenges, and the second category describes how telehealth technology can help to overcome, but sometimes contributes to, these challenges.
Conclusions: The findings highlight that, although challenging at times, emergency telehealth support goes far beyond clinical advice; it provides an avenue to support isolated clinicians through critical, high-stress situations. The findings have several implications for telehealth technology that could reduce specialists’ mental workload and provide better access to information, thereby improving the quality of support delivered to rural teams during critical care.
Multifunctional nanocomposite assessment using carbon nanotube fiber sensors
Authors: Butt Hassaan A. , Krasnikov Dmitry V. , Kondrashov Vladislav A. , Voloskov Boris V. , Konev Stepan D. , Vershinina Anna I. , Shandakov Sergey D. , Wang Zeyu , Korsunsky Alexander M. , Sergeichev Ivan V. , Nasibulin Albert G.
Published: May 2024

Here, we propose a novel application of carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) for the one-step, dual-stage, non-destructive monitoring of multifunctional conductive nanocomposites. Hierarchical nanocomposites were created by embedding CNTFs into carbon nanotube (CNT) - modified matrices during their manufacturing to assess production variables. CNTFs are then left embedded in the structure for monitoring during nanocomposite application. We investigated the dependence of detection sensitivity and reliability on the CNTF diameter (~ 40–700 µm), electrical conductivity (~ 102-104 S/m), and the choice of measurement technique (2- and 4-point) for single-walled and multiwalled CNT fillers at different concentrations. The sensors showed promising sensitivity to CNT type and concentration, the results were independent of CNTF diameter and contact resistance, and showed low noise. For application monitoring, nanocomposites electrical and mechanical (tensile and cyclic) properties were tested to determine sensitivity to static and dynamic conditions. CNTFs did not cause any reduction in mechanical properties, unlike the losses observed for metallic electrodes (up to 60% reduction in ultimate tensile strength). CNTF-based evaluation of the electrical resistivity (between 102 — 106 Ohm∙cm) and dynamic electrical response (gauge factor between ~ 2 — 12) matched values from a standard electrode material. Microstructural analysis proved that this unique performance was due to the surface and internal volume infiltration of the nanocomposite matrices into the CNTFs, causing interconnection of the CNTs of the matrix and CNTFs. These findings show that CNTFs may be used to accurately monitor nanocomposite multifunctional properties both during manufacturing and application using one-step integration, regardless of the sample size and manufacturing technology.
Investigate the Electrical and Structural Characteristics of the Si-ZnO Diode
Authors:   Technical Engineering College, Northern Technical University, Mosul, 41001, Iraq, Kasim Ahmed Waled
Published: May 2024

Silicon-zinc oxide (Si-ZnO) junction has been prepared using the chemical bath technique. The zinc oxide layer was examined using different techniques, including X-ray spectroscopy and a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The ZnO film images show that the films are homogeneous with an average grain size of 70 nm, while the X-ray spectrum shows that the layers are amorphous with some crystalline phase peaks appearing between 2θ=20° and 35°, which belong to ZnO. Transmittance, absorbance and extinction coefficient were varied over the visible light wavelength range, and the energy gap of the films was about 2.6 eV. In both forward and reverse bias, the junction revealed diode characteristics. The influence of light on the current intensity was evident and reached about 240 mA compared to the current intensity in the dark state. Also, the current intensity of the diode increased at each applied voltage with the increase in the intensity of the light shining on it.
Blend Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Membrane with Molecular Weight 12,000, 30,000 and 65,000 for CO2/N2 Separation
Authors:   Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, 250 CDT, 98009 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, Ming Wong Shei , Jawad Zeinab Abbas ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar, Sulaiman Arwa ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar, Leng Chew Thiam ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia,   CO2 Research Centre (CO2RES), Institute Contaminant Management, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
Published: May 2024

The demand for energy has been increasing gradually due to the rapid growth of the global economy. The emission of greenhouses gases (GHGs) especially, carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a major greenhouse gas, has contributed to the global warming issue. Therefore, to reduce emissions and eliminate the serious consequences, membrane separation technology was introduced as an alternative option that has high CO2 separation efficiency. It requires lower energy consumption, lower capital costs and it is commercial and environmentally friendly. Most importantly, it is easy to operate. In this study, the blend cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) membrane was synthesised from the CAB polymers using the wet-phase inversion method with molecular weights of 12,000:30,000:65,000 in the ratio of 1:2:2, respectively. The blend CAB membrane casted at 250 μm (M2) was the best performing membrane among all the membranes due to its relatively high CO2 gas permeance and the highest CO2/N2 selectivity, which were 7,560.80 ± 20 GPU and 1.5319 ± 0.05, respectively. The fabricated CAB membrane was then characterised by using the Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and surface contact angle. It showed strong stretching bands around 1,044.07 cm−1, 1,226.25 cm−1 and 1,744.04 cm−1, which indicated a single bond C-O and carboxyl group (C=O). The higher the hydrophobicity of the membrane, the stronger the affinity for CO2 molecules. In this case, the contact angle of the membrane casted at 150 μm (M1) was 120.460, which was the highest. This newly synthesised CAB membrane is expected to benefit major industries by its cost effective and high energy saving properties. Most importantly, the gas separation efficiencies are better than the current technologies.
The quantum cartpole: A benchmark environment for non-linear reinforcement learning
Authors: Meinerz Kai , Trebst Simon , Rudner Mark , van Nieuwenburg Evert
Published: May 2024

Feedback-based control is the de-facto standard when it comes to controlling classical stochastic systems and processes. However, standard feedback-based control methods are challenged by quantum systems due to measurement induced backaction and partial observability. Here we remedy this by using weak quantum measurements and model-free reinforcement learning agents to perform quantum control. By comparing control algorithms with and without state estimators to stabilize a quantum particle in an unstable state near a local potential energy maximum, we show how a trade-off between state estimation and controllability arises. For the scenario where the classical analogue is highly nonlinear, the reinforcement learned controller has an advantage over the standard controller. Additionally, we demonstrate the feasibility of using transfer learning to develop a quantum control agent trained via reinforcement learning on a classical surrogate of the quantum control problem. Finally, we present results showing how the reinforcement learning control strategy differs from the classical controller in the non-linear scenarios.
Polymorphism rs117585797 of the ANO2 gene as a genetic marker of a high risk of developing combined proliferative diseases of the uterus in women with endometriosis
Authors: Golovchenko I. O. , Ponomarenko I. V. , Churnosov M. I.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease that has important socio-economic significance for both sick women, their families, and society as a whole. It is often combined with other hyperplastic diseases of the uterus.

Aim. To analyze the involvement of GWAS-significant polymorphic loci of sex hormone genes in the development of combined proliferative diseases of the uterus in women with endometriosis. 

Materials and methods. The sample for the study included 395 women, including 103 patients with isolated endometriosis and 292 patients with endometriosis in combination with uterine fibroids and/or endometrial hyperplasia. All women underwent molecular genetic testing of seven GWAS-significant single-nucleotide polymorphic variants of sex hormone genes (rs34670419, rs11031005, rs11031002, rs148982377, rs112295236, rs1641549, rs117585797). The analysis of associations of polymorphic variants with the risk of developing combined proliferative diseases of the uterus in patients with endometriosis was carried out. To assess the functional effects of SNP associated with the formation of combined proliferative diseases of the uterus in women with endometriosis, the online programs HaploReg and Gtex Portal were used.

Results and discussion. Genetic variant A rs117585797 of the ANO2 gene is a risk factor for the development of combined proliferative diseases of the uterus in women with endometriosis (p = 0.05, рperm = 0.05, OR = 4.29). According to the data obtained in silico, the rs117585797 locus localized in the intron of the ANO2 gene affects the affinity of the regulatory DNA motif to the transcription factors Crx and Gsc.

Conclusions. Polymorphic locus rs117585797 of the ANO2 gene is associated with a high risk of the formation of combined proliferative diseases of the uterus in patients with endometriosis.
Iron deficiency in pregnant women: effect on offspring neuropsychic development
Authors: Solovyeva A. V. , Aleynikova E. Yu. , Spitsyna M. A. , Gulenkova K. A. , Jafarova A. M.
Published: May 2024

Increasing evidence indicates that adversities in utero and early childhood can have long-lasting effects on physiological and mental health not only in childhood but also in adulthood. Micronutrient deficiency, and in particular iron deficiency, is one of the most significant factors. Based on literature data, to determine the effect of iron deficiency in pregnant women on the neuropsychological development of infants, as well as to determine a cohort of pregnant women who need iron supplements. The search was conducted in MEDLINE (from PubMed), EMBASE (from OVID), Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2010 to December 2023 without language restrictions. Data were extracted. Primary outcomes included iron deficiency, serum ferritin less than 15 μg/L in pregnant women, perinatal outcomes, and development of children in infancy. The data of serum ferritin in umbilical cord blood in newborns were compared with the serum ferritin of mothers. Data on iron supplementation and its effect on perinatal outcomes were assessed. Daily oral iron supplementation during pregnancy in women without IDA or ID reduces the incidence of iron deficiency anemia at the woman’s due date, reduces the incidence of iron deficiency in fullterm neonates, and reduces the incidence of morbidity in low-birth-weight infants. Iron supplementation during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a strategy for timely replenishment of ID and prevention of IDA to reduce cerebral iron deficiency in the fetus and newborn. The absence of side effects and high bioavailability, enhanced by ascorbic acid, allow us to recommend SunActive®Fe Bonoferlat as a daily supplement for pregnant and lactating women, according to WHO recommendations.
Assessing the uterine bleeding profile in women using a subcutaneous contraceptive implant containing etonogestrel: Real-life clinical practice
Authors: Mezhevitinova E. A. , Prilepskaya V. N. , Kepsha M. A. , Ilyasova N. A. , Mgeryan A. N. , Dovletkhanova E. R. , Abakarova P. R. , Nazarova N. M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Pregnancy planning is one of the leading areas in the population reproductive health care, in particular preventing and reducing the number of abortions.

Aim. To evaluate the uterine bleeding profile and other adverse events associated with the use of an etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT®). 

Materials and methods. We analysed medical records of female patients (n = 153) who used Implanon NXT® in the period from 2013 to 2023, records of adverse events, uterine bleeding, bleeding management techniques and reasons given by women for discontinuing the use of implants.

Results. The median duration of uterine bleeding episodes ranged from 7 to 13 days within a three-year period of use of Implanon NXT®. During the first 3 months, the proportion of women with prolonged bleeding was higher as compared to all other observation periods and gradually decreased during the first year of use of the drug from 41.2 to 15.8%. 40 patients with complaints of unsatisfactory uterine bleeding patterns required adjustment of drug dosages; 14 women continued to use Implanon NXT® after adjustment of drug dosages and repeated visits. 17.0% (n = 26) of patients required early removal of the implant. Due to pregnancy planning, the implant was removed early in 13% (n = 20) of patients. The most common adverse events included functional ovarian cysts, mastalgia, increased appetite, decreased libido, dizziness, acne; most of them were transient and did not require any management, and were not considered the reason for implant removal.

Conclusion. The number of uterine bleeding episodes in patients using the etonogestrel implant was comparable to the normal menstrual cycle. Some women had changes in the uterine bleeding patterns, such as amenorrhea, frequent and prolonged bleeding, which reduced the duration of use of this contraception method. At the same time, combined oral contraceptives were the most effective as compared to other drugs used in correction regimens.
Pregravid preparation for women with bacterial vaginosis and a history of early pregnancy loss
Authors: Gerasimova O. P. , Solovyeva A. V. , Chegus L. A. , Vinokurova E. А. , Doronina O. K. , Spitsyna M. A. , Aleynikova E. Yu. , Rudenko D. B.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Statistics show that about 13 to 15 in 100 pregnancies end in early miscarriage. This represents both a medical and social issue, as such outcome may be associated with maternal depression and anxiety, which inevitably affects women’s activities, performance efficiency and social inclusion. Restoration of normobiocenosis and lactobacilli pool dominance is one of the key challenges for women planning pregnancy.

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics at the pregravid preparation stage in women with a history of early pregnancy loss and bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Materials and methods. We selected 46 patients of reproductive age (24–39 years) who applied for early pregnancy loss, with complaints of vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour, pruritus, burning, and dyspareunia, using databases of 5 medical clinics in Moscow, Tyumen and Stavropol. To treat bacterial vaginosis, two-stage therapy aimed at eliminating the increased number of anaerobic microorganisms and restoring the vaginal microbiocenosis was used.

Results. The effectiveness of combination therapy was assessed at 1 month. All patients on therapy experienced clinical improvement, normalization of vaginal microbiocenosis parameters based on Femoflor-16 test findings after the end of treatment. Physiological microbiocenosis of Lactobacillus spp. > 107 was detected in 43 (94.5%). In all patients, the average vaginal pH after two-stage therapy was 4.3 ± 0.7. The safety of Acilact Duo therapy was assessed in all study participants. No negative trends were recorded.

Conclusion. Superlimflife (Acilact Duo), acidophilus bacteria + vitamin-mineral protein-peptide complex, quickly restores optimal vaginal acidity (pH), stimulates the growth of lactobacilli, and reduces the incidence of BV relapses.
Pregnancy outcomes and complications after renal transplantation
Authors: Kirsanova T. V. , Kravchenko N. F. , Piliya Z. A. , Khodzhaeva Z. S. , Fedorova T. A. , Rozina N. A. , Kolobov E. P.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in pregnancy poses certain risks of both gestational complications and adverse perinatal outcomes, which increase with the decline of renal function.

Aim to access pregnancy outcomes in patients who underwent nephrotransplantation.

Materials and methods. Retrospective study of pregnant women who gave birth at Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology in the period from 2005 to 2021: 102 pregnancies in 97 patients were analyzed: five recipients had two successful pregnancies.

Results. The average age of pregnant women was 31 ± 4.03 years. In equal proportions, patients underwent related or cadaveric kidney transplantation – 52% (n = 53) and 48% (n = 49) of cases, respectively. The average delivery time was 35.5 ± 2.7 weeks. The average weight of newborns was 2545 ± 655 grams. Premature birth (PB) occurred in 47.1%, the average period of birth was 33.4 ± 2.87 weeks, of which early birth (<32 weeks) was 22.5%. The average period of pregnancy after transplantation was 5 ± 3.31 (1–18) years, this period was not associated with obstetric complications or deterioration of graft function. A significant increase in the following parameters was noted during pregnancy: serum creatinine level (p = 0.006), proteinuria (p = 0.003). The glomerular filtration rate also decreased significantly by the end of pregnancy (p = 0.011). Preeclampsia was the leading cause of decreased graft function during pregnancy (32.4%).

Conclusions. In general, pregnancy outcomes after nephrotransplantation are favorable, but there is an increased risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, including operative delivery, urinary tract infection and anemia.
Urinary tract infections in pregnant women
Authors: Degtyareva E. I. , Romanova D. G.
Published: May 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common pathology among pregnant women and are associated with maternal and foetal complications. According to some authors, the incidence of UTIs increased 4 times in the last decades of the 20th century. Escherichia coli is the most predominant pathogen causing up to 80% of UTIs, Klebsiella is ranked second causing up to 8% of UTIs, and pathogenic staphylococcus and mixed microflora are ranked third. To diagnose UTIs, laboratory, physical and radiological diagnostic methods are applied. According to most authors, informative value yielded by lab tests is more than 90%. The prescription of antibacterial chemotherapy should be based on the results of urine culture and sensitivity testing. Before the test results are obtained, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs (ABs) are usually prescribed. The most commonly used therapy regimens are third-generation cephalosporins with dose adjustments, as may be necessary, after sensitivity is determined. Some authors recommend to continue treatment with urinary tract antiseptics after AB therapy is completed. The impaired urine output should be restored before AB therapy is prescribed. This review presents an analysis of the literature that was found in the databases PubMed (the National Library of Medicine), The Cochrane Library, as well as in the research citation databases (Scopus, Web of Science). The etiological factors and features of the pathogenesis of UTIs in pregnant women, as well as diagnostic standards, are described. The current guidelines for the treatment and prevention of UTIs in pregnant women are considered and antibacterial therapy regimens with current dosage forms are presented. The benefits of using cefixime dispersible forms are described in detail.
On the diagnosis and treatment of refractory and recurrent vaginosis and vaginitis in the practice of a gynecologist
Authors: Gorbunova E. A. , Apolikhina I. A.
Published: May 2024

The relevance of diseases accompanied by pathological secretions from the genital tract is undeniable. This is the leading reason for women to go to a gynecologist. Despite the routine nature of diseases associated with pathological secretions from the genital tract – bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, candidiasis vulvovaginitis, mixed vaginitis – the issues of their diagnosis and treatment remain unresolved. In the treatment of vaginosis and vaginitis, we are increasingly faced with the formation of biofilms and, accordingly, a refractory response to treatment or a relapse of the disease. Research shows that refractory response and relapse of the disease are different conditions that require different therapeutic and preventive approaches, but in both cases their cause is often the formation of biofilm. Biofilm vaginitis is a problem of the new century. Biofilms are a difficult task in the treatment of bacterial infections and are one of the main causes of infection persistence. Currently, more than 80% of bacterial infections are caused by the formation of bacterial biofilms. Due to the biofilm, increased tolerance to antimicrobials is maintained for a number of reasons. The article discusses available methods of overcoming antibiotic resistance in bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis, the possibility of avoiding recurrence of the disease without causing significant harm to the vaginal microbiota. Special attention is paid to such an antiseptic as dequalinium chloride. Unlike antibiotics, dequalinium chloride is less toxic to lactobacilli and does not increase the risk of developing candidiasis vulvovaginitis. It works well both on the causes of bacterial vaginosis and on flora unrelated to bacterial vaginosis, which makes it a potentially effective drug for aerobic and mixed vaginitis.
Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Ru-doped Mn3O4 Nanoflowers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Laiq Ahmed Khan Hooriyah , Priya Veeraraghavan Vishnu , Veerakumar Pitchaimani
Published: May 2024

Ruthenium-doped manganese oxide nanoflowers (denoted as Ru-Mn3O4 NFs) were synthesized via microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MW-HT) method. The prepared NFs were evaluated for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and hemolytic assays. Because of their unique physicochemical features, low cytotoxicity, excellent stability, exceptional antibacterial action, and significant interest in biomedical field. Various analytical techniques were used to assess the related phase constitution, elemental content, and surface morphology. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) micrographs revealed that the Ru-Mn3O4 NFs had a tetragonal phase with a nanoflowers-like shape and Ru mainly existed as the metallic state. It has been found that Ru-Mn3O4 NFs hold higher microbial activities against various pathogens, making them ideal options for fighting bacterial infections.