bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower Completions Design and Execution in the Complex ERD Well on Tengiz Oil Field
Authors: Rakhmetov Z. , Ismukhambetov A. , Sissenov O. , Click C. , Morrison A. , Takhanov D. , Simancas R. Gomez , Gabdulov T. , Kabiyev K.
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a case study of designing a lower completion deployment concept consisting of conformance control liner with up to 25 compartments (packers and sliding sleeves). The horizontal well was planned with the longest lateral section of up to 2,500m in an out-board area of Tengiz field. The reservoir in this area is known to have a modest carbonate matrix reservoir, relatively poorly connected with presence of scattered natural fractures networks. To maximize number of natural fracture intersections and contact with reservoir matrix, Tengizchevroil (TCO) planned to drill a horizontal well with long lateral section, followed by frac and/or matrix stimulation to improve production by connecting to the natural fracture network.

One of the main challenges of the well design was the ability to successfully deploy a lower completion to the well total depth (TD). Extended length of the lateral section causes drag accumulation along the string during the run which could lead to inability to run the liner to the desired depth. Generation of excessive compressional loads which could result in liner string buckling and ultimately to lock up was expected at open hole friction factors more than 0.45. Based on friction factors calibration from the other Tengiz offset wells with similar well trajectories which revealed 0.35–0.45 OH FF along with the absence of experience in running long completions strings with up to 25 compartments and lack of good understanding of OH FF in naturally fractured horizontal well, the decision was made to deliberately plan for 0.60 OH FF as design friction factor to establish feasibility.

Installation of the liner in this well at higher OH FF required consideration of advanced methods such as a) liner flotation, b) liner rotation, c) running a casing swivel. The detailed analysis of each of the methods revealed that introduction of liner rotation would not only solve the liner running issue on this well with long lateral section but may also allow completion of more extended lateral sections beyond 2,500m.
Multiple trait approach to inform ecosystem service value of corals propagated for restoration on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Lendo C. Isabel Nuñez , Camp Emma F. , Edmondson John , Hughes David J. , Kuzhiumparambil Unnikrishnan , Clases David , de Vega Raquel Gonzalez , Suggett David J.
Published: December 2023

Coral propagation- and planting-based reef restoration practices are accelerating globally, yet short-term “success” continues to be measured as broad metrics of coral survival and growth, even though goals are often centred on recovering broad ecosystem service values. As such, how restoration activities may impact healthy reef functioning remains uncertain. For example, trade-offs in resource acquisition and partitioning that potentially regulate growth vs survival may yield very different outcomes towards factors governing reef biogeochemical cycles. Here we considered a proof-of-concept “multi-trait” approach to capture how a broader range of functional traits reflect the expression of growth and survival for a key coral species (Acropora cf. hyacinthus) — impacted by recent mass bleaching events — propagated for restoration activities on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. We examined a diverse array of bio-physical, bio-chemical, and skeletal traits (n = 91 traits) for wild (donor) colonies and their nursery-derived fragments from a 12-month growth period (Opal Reef, northern GBR). Nursery corals grew 20-25 times faster than their donor (wild) colonies, but both exhibited similar survivorship. Faster growth within nurseries was accompanied by more pigmented colonies (darker-coloured and with more symbionts), and higher photosynthesis, respiration, and calcification rates. However, despite these metabolic changes, biogeochemical properties of the nursery and reef corals (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, elemental stoichiometry, and skeletal properties) remained largely the same after 12 months, suggesting the bio-energetic value to trophic transfer as well as the structural rigour of corals was unaltered by nursery propagation. Thus, a “multi-trait” approach enables more informed evaluation as to how propagation activities impact diverse ecosystem service values, highlighting the immense importance of this knowledge in choosing coral individuals for restoration. Our example provides confidence to practitioners that key ecosystem service attributes of native corals are largely retained through an intermediate nursery growth phase that can accelerate coral biomass gains.
The Effect Of Dexmedetomidine On The Perioperative Liver Function Of Diabetic Patients: Study Protocol For A Double-blinded 2 × 2 Factorial Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Zeng Lin , Luo Tuo , Liu Yusong , Zeng Yali
Published: December 2023

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the high-risk factors for gallbladder stones, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is currently the common treatment for this disease. Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory response induced by intraoperative pneumoperitoneum may cause damage to liver function in patients with T2DM. Dexmedetomidine has sedative, analgesic, and anti-sympathetic effects. Several studies have reported that dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist that protects liver function in perioperative patients by inhibiting OS and inflammatory response. However, patients with T2DM have not been included in the previous studies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of perioperative low-dose dexmedetomidine on perioperative liver function in T2DM patients.
Methods and analysisThis is a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial using a 2×2 factorial trial design, which will be conducted from April 2022 to April 2024. Seventy-six patients undergoing elective LC will be included in this study, 38 with T2DM and 38 without diabetes, and they will be randomized into four groups (n=19 per group): nondiabetic dexmedetomidine group (ND group) and diabetic dexmedetomidine group (DD group) (intravenous pump injection with 4µg/ml dexmedetomidine) and nondiabetic control group (NC group) and diabetic control group (DC group) (intravenous pump injection with the same dose of normal saline). The main result is the activity of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT). Secondary results include biomarkers of oxidative stress (ROS, MDA, SOD) and inflammatory response (TNF-α, IL-6).
Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (2020CYFYHEC-BA-64). The results of the trial will be presented at national and international meetings relevant to the topic area and submitted to international peer-reviewed journals.
Trial registration numberChiCTR2100049440. Registered April 9, 2022 https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=131021
Sertraline for anxiety in adults with a diagnosis of autism (STRATA): Study protocol for a pragmatic, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Rai Dheeraj , Webb Doug , Lewis Amanda , Cotton Leonora , Norris Jade Eloise , Alexander Regi , Baldwin David S , Brugha Traolach S , Cochrane Madeleine , Piccolo Maria Chiara Del , Glasson Emma J , Hatch Katherine , Kessler David , Langdon Peter E , Leonard Helen , MacNeill Stephanie J , Mills Nicola , Morales Maximiliano Vazquez , Morgan Zoe , Mukherjee Raja , Realpe Alba X , Russell Ailsa , Starkstein Sergio , Taylor Jodi , Turner Nicholas , Thorn Joanna , Welch Jack , Wiles Nicola
Published: December 2023

Background: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety in adults with an autism diagnosis. However, their effectiveness and adverse effect profile in the autistic population is not well known. This trial aims to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the SSRI sertraline in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving quality of life in adults with a diagnosis of autism compared with placebo, and to quantify any adverse effects.
Methods: STRATA is a two parallel group, multi-centre, pragmatic, double blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial with allocation at the level of the individual. It will be delivered through recruiting sites with autism services in 4 regional centres in the United Kingdom (UK) and 1 in Australia. Adults with an autism diagnosis and a Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) score ≥10 at screening will be randomised 1:1 to either 25mg sertraline or placebo, with subsequent flexible dose titration up to 200mg. The primary outcome is GAD-7 scores at 16-weeks post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes include adverse effects, proportionate change in GAD-7 scores including 50% reduction, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive symptoms, panic attacks, repetitive behaviours, meltdowns, depressive symptoms, composite depression and anxiety, functioning and disability, and quality of life. Carer burden will be assessed in a linked carer sub-study. Outcome data will be collected using online/paper methods via video call, face-to-face or telephone according to participant preference at 16, 24- and 52-weeks post-randomisation, with brief safety checks and data collection at 1-2, 4, 8, 12 and 36 weeks. An economic evaluation to study cost-effectiveness of sertraline vs placebo, and a QuinteT Recruitment Intervention (QRI) to optimise recruitment and informed consent are embedded within the trial. Qualitative interviews at various times during the study will explore experiences of participating and taking the trial medication.
Discussion: Results from this study should help autistic adults and their clinicians make evidence-based decisions on the use of sertraline for managing anxiety in this population.
Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN15984604. Registered 08 February 2021, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15984604. EudraCT: 2019-004312-66. ANZCTR,ACTRN12621000801819. Registered 07 April 2021.
Observation of mammalian living cells with femtosecond single pulse illumination generated by a soft X-ray free electron laser
Authors: Egawa Satoru , Sakurai Kai , Takeo Yoko , Yoshinaga Kyota , Takei Masashi , Owada Shigeki , Yamaguchi Gota , Yokomae Shunya , Mimura Hidekazu , Yamagata Yutaka , Yabashi Makina , Shimura Mari , Kimura Takashi
Published: December 2023

Soft X-ray transmission microscopy is a powerful tool for visualizing cellular structures due to the natural contrast between organic material and water, but radiation damage has hindered its application to living cells. We have developed a soft X-ray microscope using femtosecond pulse illumination generated by a soft X-ray free electron laser, with which structural change of cells caused by radiation damage is negligible. Employing Wolter mirrors for illumination and objective optics enabled us to perform soft X-ray imaging with a large field of view, facilitating observation of mammalian cells. We successfully captured images of living cells in culture medium visualizing their carbon distribution. The broad wavelength-tunability of soft X-ray free electron lasers, in conjunction with the achromaticity of Wolter mirrors, enabled wavelength resolved cellular imaging.
Different Basin’s Parameters Investigation of Gravitational Whirlpool Hydropower Turbine
Authors: Moneer Miral Michel , Shehata Ahmed S. , Elsherbiny Khaled , Mehanna Ahmed
Published: December 2023

The rapid growth of renewable energy is heading to use different types of hydropower energy applications. While the water flows at riverine systems, canals, streams, dykes, and channels with low water velocity and ultra-low head of water; several methods are used to enhance the gravitational water vortex turbine. A numerical model has simulated the artificially induced gravitational water vortex and the attached water turbine. A validated model was used to investigate different basin parameters to enhance the overall performance, such as the airfoil types, spacing and the sizing on the basin wall. Results showed that the power coefficient of the runner is improved by using a helical airfoil on the basin wall of thick airfoil with small chord length and narrow spacing. The simulation showed the spacing of 50mm, sizing of 35mm and airfoil of NACA0024 had the best performance. Therefore, airfoil profiles are simulated having the best characteristics of airfoils, sizing and spacing. Whereas the results indicated the NACA0024, sizing of 35mm and spacing of 50mm has the highest hydrodynamics characteristics.
Designing Effective ML Baseline Models using Ensemble and Probability Threshold Tuning Methods: A study on Cardiac Arrhythmia and Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Patel Pooja , Juneja Sanchita , Talaat-Hamid Laura-Amira , Pedebos Lucas , Tissot Hegler
Published: December 2023

As the healthcare industry increasingly adopts Electronic Health Records (EHRs), there is growing interest in leveraging machine learning (ML) algorithms for proactive risk assessments and effective interventions. However, the true potential of ML and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare remains largely untapped, lacking a systematic exploration.In this research, our focus is on using effective baseline models in tackling class imbalance in machine learning. To achieve this, we investigate the effectiveness of tuning probability thresholds and applying ensemble methods as a means to improve the F1 score when dealing with complex ML problems.We aim to look at how baseline models perform when designed as ensemble methods with proper tuning probability thresholds using two evaluation tasks: (a) predicting cardiac arrhythmia and (b) hospital readmissions in ICU patients. Leveraging the publicly available MIMIC-III database, we implemented three baseline ML models: Logistic Regression, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Neural Network (ANN). The main findings from this study demonstrate the effectiveness of ensemble learning methods by combining predictions tailored to specific patient cohorts. Additionally, this study underscores the significance of tuning probability thresholds to enhance F1 scores, especially in handling imbalanced healthcare data. Notably, in both evaluation tasks, XGBoost outperforms ANN models, consolidating it a promising baseline for intricate deep learning applications.
A telomere-to-telomere genome of mango exclusively from long-read sequence data
Authors: Henry Robert , Wijesundara Upendra , Furtado Agnelo , Masouleh Ardy , Dillon Natalie
Published: December 2023

Improvements in long-read sequencing techniques have greatly accelerated plant genome sequencing. Current de novo assemblies are routinely achieved by assembling long-read sequence data into contigs that are assembled to chromosome level by chromatin mapping (Hi-C). We report here a telomere-to-telomere chromosome-level mango genome using only PacBio HiFi long reads. HiFi reads at high coverage (204X) resulted in the assembly of 17 chromosomes each as a single contig with telomeres at both ends. The remaining three chromosomes were represented each by two contigs with telomeres at one end and ribosomal repeats at the other end. Analysing contig ends allowed them to be paired and linked to generate the remaining three complete chromosomes, telomere-to-telomere. The assembled genome was 365 Mb with 100% completeness as assessed by BUSCO analysis. The haplotypes assembled demonstrated extensive structural differences. This approach may be useful for assembling telomere-to-telomere and haplotype-resolved genomes for many other plants.
Economic Values of Some Important Traits for Smallholder Dairy Production in Central Ethiopia
Authors: Demisse Direba Hunde , Tadesse Yosef , Tadesse Million , Biratu Kasa , Shumiye Molla , Yadesa Endale , Wedajo Fikadu , Getahun Kefale , Beneberu Nibo , Gelmesa Ulfina , Getachew Tesfaye
Published: December 2023

Economic value (EV), sensitivity of EV and relative economic importance of milk yield (MY), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI) and herd life (HL) traits were estimated for smallholder dairy cattle production in the central part of Ethiopia. The data on biological and economic parameters were collected using household interview and group discussions methods participating 238 farmers who had crossbred dairy cattle. Bio-economic model was used to calculate EV, sensitivity of EV and relative importance of EV. Cost of animal feed takes the highest share which accounted 81.35% of the total expenditure. The overall average profit per farmers expressed in Ethiopia currency (ETB, 1 US-$ = 39.55696 ETB) was 72,458.10 ± 5068 per year. Profitability of crossbred dairy cattle was significantly varied (p < 0.05) between zones. Economic value estimated for MY, AFC, CI and HL in ETB were 13.38/kg, -16.19/day, -33.58/day and 79.55/day. The associated EV per additive standard deviation were 6083.62, -1311.59, -1271.05 and 117.73 ETB for MY, AFC, CI and HL, respectively. Analysis of sensitivity to scenario change (± 20%) showed that milk price had positive association with profit and EV, whereas feed price has inversely influenced both profit and EV. The profit obtained by farmers was altered by ± 29.08% and ± 12.31% as milk price and feed price fluctuated by ± 20%, respectively. Similarly, the EV of MY was changed by ± 20% with change in milk price and ± 7% with feed price. Scenario change in feed price (± 20%) has also caused ± 13.63% change on EV for AFC and ± 17.58% for CI. It can be noted that profit and EV of the traits were less sensitive to the change in price of milk, feed and labor. In general, the results of EV and profitability were encouraging for dairy farmers and the estimates can be used as an input for development of breeding program in the study area.
Geometry-Based Decomposition Rules and Programming Strategies for Complex Components in Additive and Hybrid Manufacturing
Authors: Saghafi Marzia , Urbanic Ruth Jill , Hedrick Bob , Ramezani Hamoon
Published: December 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes offer a promising avenue for providing service components, primarily due to their inherent advantage of producing components without the need for tooling or fixtures. Nevertheless, many AM processes often necessitate extensive post-processing steps to eliminate support materials and achieve the required surface finishes and feature tolerances. The central objective of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using directed energy deposition (DED) AM solutions to manufacture intricated geometries that are traditionally produced through casting, machining, or forging, leveraging hybrid manufacturing build techniques where machining operations are introduced as needed. DED AM processes with innovative tool paths and build strategies are employed to create a near-net shape, followed by final machining or intermittent machining operations. To structure our approach, we introduce a geometry classification schema, which allows us to group similar build strategies. This classification framework lays the foundation for our decomposition methods and process planning strategies. Some issues, such as overhang geometries and collisions, have been resolved using these specific strategies. It is important to note that this research is ongoing, and in future work, we plan to develop in-line heat maps and explore heating cycles impact on the resulting mechanical, tribological and physical properties of these components. This continued exploration will further enhance our understanding of the potential of DED AM in this context.
Impact of Omicron Infection on Childhood Health: The China Long-COVID Study
Authors: Zhou Bo , Li Minjun , Xu Qi , Li Shaoli , Wang Jianhong , Liu Junting , Zhang Ting , Qu Xia , Wang Xi , Zhang Lili , Liu Xiaoli , Gu Jialu , Zhou Lijun , Chen Fangfang , Zong Xinnan , Niu Wenquan , Wang Lin
Published: December 2023

Purpose
The aim of this prospective study was to assess the dynamic changes of persisting symptoms among children aged 6–18 years during 1–2 months after the Omicron infection based on the modification of SBQ-LC in Tongzhou cohort, Beijing.
Methods
This study includes 4 serial surveys performed on January 7–9, January 14–16, January 21–23 and February 12–14, respectively. The prediction of age and survey for eight domains in the Rasch 0-100 linear score was undertaken by generalized additive mixed model.
Results
Total 1536 children (median age: 13 years, boys: 49.9%) had completed information across 4 surveys. Information on 51 symptoms was collected, with each scored on a 4-point rating scale. Generally, the distribution of age with all domains followed the N-shaped geometry, and that of survey followed the inverse J-shaped geometry. The Rasch linear score hit the lowest level among children aged 6–8 years, and reached the peak among children aged 12–13 years. The scores of all domains sharply declined from the first to the third survey, and remained stable between the third and the fourth survey. At the fourth survey, 95.05% and 51.37% of children still had one or more problems relating to breathing and mental health, respectively, and the percentage of rest six domains was reduced to less than 20%.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate the multifaceted impact of Omicron infection on childhood health, especially among children aged 12–13 years. Moreover, breathing and mental health related problems still persisted during 1-to-2-month Omicron infection period.
NPIP: A Comprehensive Analysis Pipeline for Rapid Pathogen Detection in Clinical Samples Based on Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Kong Yanhua , Sun Huizhuo , Gao Tongxin , Han Na , Zhang Tingting , Qiang Yujun , Peng Xianhui , Li Xiuwen , Zhang Wen
Published: December 2023

Background: Rapid and accurate pathogen detection is important for effective control of infectious diseases. However, traditional pathogen culture methods have a very long detection time, as well as high rates of false-positive and false-negative results. Third generation sequencing (TGS) technology brings the new possibility of being used as a pathogen detection method. However, the practicability of a pathogen detection report based on TGS is still lacking. There is also a lack of professional and accurate report interpretation.
Results: Here, we report on the development of a pathogen detection and analysis tool (NPIP) based on third generation nanopore sequencing technology. We also prove the practicability of nanopore sequencing and NPIPanalysis tools in emergency and clinical pathogen detection by demonstrating its use in a practical case.
Conclusions: This platform provides an effective, convenient, and fast analysis tool for clinicians and public health personnel to more successfully apply TGS in pathogen detection.
Dysregulation of the Immune System in a Natural History Study of 1299 Individuals with Down Syndrome
Authors: Gansa William , Menon Kartikeya , Sazeides Christos , Stewart O'Jay , BOGUNOVIC Dusan
Published: December 2023

Dysregulation of the immune system in individuals with Down syndrome is thought to play a major role in the pathophysiology of many clinical presentations. This natural history of disease study took a comprehensive evaluation of the prevalence of different immune related diagnoses in a cohort of 1299 patients with Down syndrome compared to a 2605 control cohort of patients without Down syndrome at Mount Sinai Health System in NY, NY over the past 18 years. We conducted a stepwise analysis of the odds of receiving a diagnosis at the Chapter, Sub-chapter and Diagnosis level of the ICD-CM-10 code system. Individuals in our Down syndrome cohort had higher odds of a diagnosis with inflammatory and autoimmune presentations such as Alopecia areata (OR 6.06, p = 0.01), Other sepsis (OR 4.79, p < 0.001, Purpura and Other hemorrhagic conditions (OR 2.31, p < 0.001), and Rosacea (OR 3.11, p < 0.001). They also presented with lower odds of a diagnosis of Herpesviral infection (OR 0.42, p = 0.01), and Viral warts (OR 0.51, p = 0.04). We posit that dysregulation of the immune system in individuals with Down syndrome has impact on infectious diseases, including lowering the incidence of viral disease, and increasing its severity. Our data also suggests inflammation and autoimmune mediated diseases, in particular of the skin, is exacerbated in individuals with Down syndrome. Finally, there may be a need for greater clinical attention to non-emergent conditions within the Down syndrome patient population as those can also greatly affect quality of life.
Molecular mechanism of ruminal epithelial inflammatory damage in sheep with subacute acidosis
Authors: Yan Zhenxing , Duan Hongwei , Lv Jianshu , Yang Shuai , Wu Jianxin , Zeng Jianlin , Ma Xiaojun , Du Xianghong , Zhao Xingxu , Hu Junjie
Published: December 2023

Background
The long-term feeding of high-concentrate diets to ruminants will damage the structure and function of their rumen flora, leading to changes in the gastrointestinal patterns of digestive nutrients and metabolic factors, and causing subacute rumen acidosis (SARA).
Methods
28 small-tailed Han sheep were randomly selected and divided into three groups, namely the control group, SARA model group, and treatment group. The control group was fed low concentrate fodder, the model group was fed high concentrate fodder, and the treatment group was fed the HC first and then the LC after successfully establishing the model (n = 9).
Results
SARA-model sheep had high concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in their rumen fluid and blood, whereas tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was significantly elevated in the rumen fluid, with no difference in the blood. The levels of inflammation-related proteins, namely cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-α, and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), were significantly increased in the rumen epithelium of SARA-model sheep. Phosphorylation levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the SARA group were significantly higher than those in the control and treatment groups. The phosphorylation levels of NF-κB and MAPKs inflammatory mediators and protein levels of inflammatory factors in the SARA-model sheep rumen abdominal sac were significantly higher than those in the rumen dorsal sac. The expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1 and claudin-4 decreased compared with that in the control group. The expression of light chain 3 (LC-3) increased in rumen epithelium of SARA sheep, while the trend of autophagy substrate sequestosome-1 (P62) was opposite to that of LC-3.
Conclusions
These results indicate that SARA leads to a high concentration of ruminal LPS, which significantly increases the expression and synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the rumen epithelium, through the over-activation of NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways, thereby inducing rumenitis, damaging the integrity of rumen epithelium; moreover, damage to the rumen abdominal sac is more serious than that to the rumen dorsal sac. In the process of rumen gastritis, autophagy is involved in the regulation and inhibition of the inflammatory response.
Applying Text Analysis to Evaluate the Common Knowledge Effect on Discussion Processes
Authors: Arima Yoshiko
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to examine the appropriateness of text analysis in an experimental study to ascertain the common knowledge effect on the discussion process. Two mock jury experiments were conducted wherein 204 participants were given information about a fictitious murder case, choosing from verdicts of “guilty”, “not guilty”, and “presumed innocent”. Experiment 1 set conditions using the information distributed to each group member. Latent Dirichlet allocation topic model was conducted to explore topics in chatlogs that would be influenced by the information allocated to each member. ANOVA revealed that the experimental conditions, “sharing (high/low) × information (alibi/dummy)” had effects on topic ratios. Experiment 2 investigated false memory related to the topics identified in Experiment 1. The results of the Deese, Roediger, and McDermott experiments conducted pre and post-discussion revealed that false memories increased post-discussion. Mediation analysis suggested that a certain topic ratio correlated with false memory.
Influence of educational environment, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence on metacognitive awareness in nursing students: the role of self-directed learning ability
Authors: Li shasha , Jia Xuejing , zhao Yanjun , Ni Yingyuan , Xu Lijun , Li Yue
Published: December 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the mechanisms influencing metacognitive awareness among nursing students, encompassing educational environment, learning motivation, emotional intelligence, and self-directed learning ability. These findings could serve as a theoretical reference for developing metacognitive intervention strategies tailored to nursing students.
Method
Students from two nursing institutions in China were recruited through stratified sampling (n = 600). Data were collected using five self-report instruments: the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory, Medical Education Environment Evaluation Scale, Learning Motivation Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Self-Directed Learning Ability Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to test the measurement model, and structural equation modeling utilized multiple indexes to assess the degree of model fit. Bootstrapping was conducted to evaluate total, direct, and indirect effects.
Results
Metacognitive awareness exhibited a significant positive relationship with educational environment, learning motivation, emotional intelligence, and self-directed learning ability (all p < 0.01). The model depicting factors influencing metacognitive awareness demonstrated a good fit. Path analyses revealed that educational environment, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence directly impacted self-directed learning ability. Moreover, educational environment and self-directed learning ability directly influenced metacognitive awareness. Lastly, educational environment, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence influenced metacognitive awareness through the mediation of self-directed learning ability.
Conclusion
Nursing institutions and educators can utilize the proposed model to devise educational plans aimed at enhancing metacognitive awareness among nursing students, with a specific focus on the indirect impact of self-directed learning ability.
Exploring the effect of sedentary behavior on increased adiposity in middle-aged adults
Authors: Macías Nayeli , Monterubio Eric , Salmerón Jorge , Meneses-León Joacim , Flores Yvonne N. , Jáuregui Alejandra , Salvo Deborah , Villa Umberto , Olvera Armando , Gallegos-Carrillo Katia
Published: December 2023

Background. Evidence about sedentary behaviors (SBS) and body adiposity association may be inconclusive due to potential recall bias errors in the SBS self-report questionnaires.
Objective. To assess the association between SBS and body adiposity. We also compared this association using noncorrected and corrected self-reported SBS data.
Methods. A total of 1,285 adults participating in the Health Worker Cohort Study (HWCS) were evaluated at baseline in 2004 and follow-up in 2010. Body adiposity was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). SBS were obtained with a self-administered questionnaire in the total sample and accelerometry in a subsample of 142 HWCS participants. Accelerometry was used to correct self-reported SBS with a generalized linear model. The agreement was assessed with a kappa analysis of terciles and Bland‒Altman for continuous values. After adjusting for confounders, we used a fixed effect model to evaluate the association between noncorrected and corrected SBS and body adiposity.
Results. The participants’ noncorrected self-reported SBS at baseline and follow-up were 2.8±1.8 and 2.3±1.6 hours/day, and adiposity was 24.9±8.1 and 26.8±8.5 kg, respectively. Corrected sedentary behavior was 7.6 hours/day at baseline and follow-up. Each additional hour of corrected SBS was associated with an 847-gram increase in adiposity during the 6.8 years from the baseline to the follow-up assessment. Conversely, noncorrected self-reported SBS were associated with a 97-gram reduction for every hour of increased SBS.
Conclusions. The increased SBS are associated with increased adiposity for the corrected self-reported SBS. It is imperative to implement public health strategies to reduce sedentary behavior.
Large-scale nanostructured porous silicon layers using silicon as counter electrode in the anodization process
Authors: Ramadan Rehab
Published: December 2023

Fabrication of porous silicon (PSi) with varying porosities can be created through an electrochemical etching process using diluted hydrofluoric acid. Traditionally, platinum has been used as the counter electrode in this process, but it can be quite costly. In this work, a new modification in the electrochemical etching process was developed. The modification involves utilizing a heavily doped Si substrate as the counter electrode to fabricate a large-scale nanostructured PSi layer. This is a crucial advancement as it eliminates the need for expensive platinum wire and enables the creation of a uniform porous silicon layer on a larger scale. The morphology, optical and electrical properties of the PSi samples using Si and platinum electrodes were studied, and the results indicate that there is no significant difference between the two. With this new modification, it is now possible to fabricate large-scale nanostructured PSi layers using cost-effective procedures.
Causal relationships between prostate cancer and six psychiatri c disorders: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: wu xiaojing , Zhang Weiping , Chen Huijun , Weng Jianfei
Published: December 2023

Background
Prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and survival have increased significantly with the development and use of screening techniques. The PCa patient population has a higher risk of psychiatric health issues than the overall population. It has not been demonstrated that PCa and psychiatric disorders are related genetically.
Methods
The current investigation employed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization design, incorporating a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to systematically screen for genetic instrumental variables related to PCa and six psychiatric disorders, namely major depressive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, insomnia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The primary method for assessing causal associations between the two disorders was Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW), supplemented by additional analyses utilizing the MR-Egger and Weighted Median methods, as well as sensitivity analyses to confirm their dependability. In order to confirm the good outcomes of the MR study, we also chose another set of prostate cancer GWAS data from the same pedigree population. To make the results more reliable, we conducted a meta-analysis.
Results
Genetically predicted PCa was associated with higher odds of BD (OR = 1.06,95%, CI = 1.02–1.10, PIVW=0.0055) and lower odds of MDD (OR = 0.97,95% CI = 0.95-1.00, PIVW=0.0261) in the forward MR analysis from PCa to psychiatric disorders. Reverse MR analysis showed that genetically expected BD (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.01–1.10, PIVW=0.0303) was associated with higher odds of PCa. No causal association was found between the other four psychiatric disorders and PCa in the two-way analysis. Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were not observed in all results, and the robustness of the results was demonstrated by the leave-one-out results. MR analyses performed with the optional additional PCa GWAS were directionally consistent with the main analysis, confirming a causal association between MDD and PCa, but greater heterogeneity was observed in the bidirectional causal association of BD.
Conclusions
Our research suggested a potential genetic causal relationship between BD, MDD, and PCa. There was no genetically based causal relationship found between PCa, ADHD, sleeplessness, anxiety disorders, and AD. The results of this study have significant ramifications for the future screening and management of PCa patients, particularly with regard to the inclusion of psychological therapies and support.
Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies for Pediatric Urogenital Tract Foreign Bodies: A Retrospective Study
Authors: tao chengpin , Peng Bo , Mao Changkun , Yu Xin , Cao Yongsheng
Published: December 2023

Background: Foreign bodies in the pediatric urogenital tract are rare but urgent clinical conditions that can cause severe symptoms and complications. The current management remains challenging.
Objective: This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies for pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies. Through a retrospective analysis of patient data, valuable insights into the management of this condition are offered to facilitate the development of more effective management strategies.
Methods: A single-center retrospective study design was employed, reviewing clinical data of 30 pediatric patients with urogenital tract foreign bodies admitted to Anhui Children's Hospital from October 2016 to May 2023. This included 16 cases of urethral and bladder foreign bodies and 14 cases of vaginal foreign bodies. Among them, there were 14 males and 16 females, with an average age of 7.4 years. Treatment methods included transvaginal endoscopic removal, cystoscopic removal, pneumovesicum laparoscopy removal, and perineal incisional foreign body removal. Surgical time, blood loss, hospitalization days, and postoperative follow-up results were recorded.
Results: Key clinical presentations included vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, hematuria, dysuria, urinary retention, and perineal pain. Preoperative routine examinations included ultrasound, abdominal radiography, and, in some cases, CT scans. All 30 patients underwent successful surgery, with an average surgical time of 39.6±28.3 minutes, minimal intraoperative bleeding, and an average postoperative hospital stay of 2.8±2.2 days. Follow-up from 3 months to 1 year revealed no abnormalities in the urogenital system, no residual foreign bodies, and no occurrence of severe complications. No cases of recurrent foreign body insertion were observed.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies are crucial to reduce patient suffering and the risk of complications. The choice of surgical method depends on the type, size, and location of the foreign body, with endoscopy being the preferred option. Laparoscopic cystoscopy and open surgery are also effective treatment modalities. Strengthening supervision and education for children, guiding their curiosity correctly, can help prevent the occurrence of pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies.
Ruxolitinib Adherence in Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera: the “RAMP” Italian multicenter prospective study
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Auteri Giuseppe , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Caocci Giovanni , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Mendicino Francesco , Latagliata Roberto , Iurlo Alessandra , Branzanti Filippo , Garibaldi Bruno , Trawinska Malgorzata M. , Cattaneo Daniele , Krampera Mauro , Mulas Olga , Martino Enrica A. , Cavo Michele , Vianelli Nicola , Impera Stefana , Efficace Fabio , Heidel Florian H.. , Breccia Massimo , Elli Elena M. , Palumbo Giuseppe A.
Published: December 2023

Background
Ruxolitinib is beneficial in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) and polycythemia vera (PV). Information on ruxolitinib adherence is scant.
Methods
The Ruxolitinib Adherence in Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera (RAMP) prospective multicenter study (NCT06078319) included 189 ruxolitinib-treated patients. Patients completed the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) and Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DTPL) at the earliest convenience, after registration in the study, and at later timepoints.
Results
At week-0, low adherence (ARMS > 14) and high distress (DT ≥ 4) were declared by 49.7% and 40.2% of patients, respectively. The main reason for low adherence was difficult ruxolitinib supply (49%), intentional (4.3%) and unintentional (46.7%) non-take. In multivariable regression analysis, low adherence was associated to male sex (p = 0.001), high distress (p < 0.001), and treatment duration ≥ 1 year (p = 0.03). Over time, rates of low adherence and high distress remained stable, but unintentional non-take decreased from 47.9–26.0% at week-48. MF patients with stable high adherence/low distress were more likely to obtain/maintain the spleen response at week-24.
Conclusions
Low adherence to ruxolitinib represents an unmet clinical need that require a multifaceted approach, based on reason behind it (patients characteristics and treatment duration). Its recognition may help distinguishing patients who are truly refractory and those in need of therapy optimization.
Long-Term Feeding Outcomes after Infant Tracheostomy
Authors: Stekolchik Elena , Hossain M. Jobayer , Northam J. Heather , Rani Seema , Strang Abigail , Chidekel Aaron
Published: December 2023

Objective: To characterize long-term feeding outcomes and identify factors which impact feeding at age 5 in a group of infants who underwent tracheostomy.
Study Design: Retrospective review of feeding outcomes at age 5 in a group of infants who underwent tracheostomy at a children’s hospital over a 16-year period.
Results: 145 patients were included. At age 5, 49% of those patients demonstrated feeding dysfunction and remained dependent on a feeding tube. Cardiovascular comorbidities (p=0.009), long-term tracheostomy dependence (p < 0.001), higher birth weight (p=0.011), older age at tracheostomy decannulation (p < 0.001) and older gestational age (p=0.007) were associated with feeding tube dependence at age 5.
Conclusion: The long-term feeding outcomes of infants who require tracheostomy demonstrate high levels of feeding impairment at age 5. Cardiovascular comorbidities, older gestational age, higher birth weight, older mean age at decannulation and long-term tracheostomy were associated with long-term feeding impairment.
Gender - and age-related differences in plasma metabolic fingerprinting of healthy populations
Authors: Xie Yang , Tao Qing , Li Jun , Wu Yonghui , Liu Zide , Chen Youxiang , Zeng Chunyan
Published: December 2023

Background/Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate potential differences in the plasma metabolic fingerprinting of healthy individuals based on sex and age.
Methods: Blood specimens were collected from patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University for health check-ups. The specimens were randomly divided into discovery and validation groups, maintaining a 1:1 ratio. Small molecule metabolites in each sample were detected using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Results: Plasma metabolites exhibited significant variations between sexes and age groups in our population. A comparison between men and women revealed 13 differential metabolites, with acetylcholine having the highest differential expression (AUC = 0.909). A diagnostic model (model 1) combining PC 36:4, acetylcholine, L-threonine, and arginine showed an AUC value of 0.973, a sensitivity of 91%, and a specificity of 94%. Model 2, which combined creatinine, L-methionine, acetylcholine, and L-tyrosine, had an AUC value of 0.955, a sensitivity of 94%, and a specificity of 88%. When comparing age groups, the OPLSDA model exhibited moderate stability and higher predictive efficacy in the 18-44 and 45-67 age groups. The differential metabolites were predominantly lipid molecules, with the highest AUC found in Dehydroisoandrosterone-3-sulfate. Additionally, we observed that LysoPC 20:1, LysoPC 20:0, PI 38:5, PC 40:3, 3-Hydroxydodecanoic acid 12:0(3-OH), Choline, N-Formyl-L-methionine, and Homocystine positively correlated with age, while Dehydroisoandrosterone-3-sulfate and Piperine were negatively correlated with age.
Conclusion: These differential metabolites provide insights for the prevention and treatment of age- and gender-related diseases.
Role of Eight-Week Therapy with Ashwagandha Root Extract in Improving Sexual Health in Healthy Men: Findings of a Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Mutha Amit , Beldar Amit , Mulay Alok , Tejuja Anupama , Mutha Sonali , Langade Deepak
Published: December 2023

Ashwagandha, a traditional Indian Ayurvedic remedy, an adaptogen, can improve sexual dysfunction in men and women. This 8-week prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract (ARE) on improving sexual health in healthy adult men based on Satisfying Sexual Events (SSEs), Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI-2), International Index of Erectile functon(IIEF) score, semen parameters and the Quality Of Life (QOL) using the SF-12 tool. A total of 100 healthy men aged 30 to 50 years were randomly assigned to receive ARE 300 mg twice daily (n=50), or identical placebo (n=50) in a 1:1 ratio for 8 weeks. Study assessments were done at baseline, week 2, week 4, and week 8. Three participants from ARE and four participants from placebo group were excluded due to follow-up loss. The efficacy analyses were done on Per-Protocol (PP) dataset of 93, whereas safety analyses were done on all 100 participants. Significant improvements were observed with ARE for semen volume (p=0.005), sperm number (p=0.006), sperm concentration (p=0.007), and sperm morphology (p=0.007). The improvement in scores were better with ARE for SDI-2 (p<0.05), orgasm and sexual desire domains of IIEF (p<0.05), and SF-12 (p<0.0001). No patients reported any adverse events.
Causal Relationship Between Glucose and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Cen JiePeng , Chen Kequan , Ni Ziyan , Dai QiJie , Lu Weipeng , Tao Heqing , Peng Liang
Published: December 2023

Background
Association between glucose and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was found in previous observational studies and in cohort studies. However, it is not clear whether these associations reflect causality. Thus, this study investigated whether there is such a causal relation between elevated glucose and IBD, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Methods
We performed a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) with the independent genetic instruments identified from the largest available genome-wide association study (GWAS) for IBD (5,673 cases; 213,119 controls) and its main subtypes, CD and UC. Summarized data for glucose which included 200,622 cases and glycemic traits including HbA1c and type 2 diabetes(T2DM) were obtained from different GWAS studies. Primary and secondary analyses were conducted by preferentially using the radial inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach. A number of other meta-analysis approach and sensitivity analyses were carried out to assess the robustness of the results.
Results
We did not find a causal effect of genetically predicted glucose on IBD as a whole (OR 0.858; 95% CI 0.649–1.135; P = 0.286). In subtype analyses glucose was also suggestively not associated with Crohn's disease (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.04-1.00; P = 0.05) and ulcerative colitis(OR 0.940; 95% CI 0.628–1.407; P = 0.762). In the other direction, IBD and it’s subtypes were not related to glucose and glycemic traits.
Conclusions
This MR study is not providing any evidence for a causal relationship between genetically predicted elevated glucose and IBD as well as it’s subtypes UC and CD. Regarding the other direction, no causal associations could be found. Future studies with robust genetic instruments are needed to confirm this conclusion.