bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing SRMS in the North Perth Basin: challenges and practical solutions
Authors: Wu HongFeng , Walton William , Farhani Hesham , Hadian Pooya , Lee Kiong Hooi (Steven)
Published: May 2023

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) published the CO2 Storage Resources Management System (SRMS) in 2017 to provide a CO2 Storage Resource classification. Guidelines for its application were published in July 2022. In this paper, Molyneux Advisors (MA) has used these principles to classify and categorise potential CO2 storage resources of Deep Saline Formations (DSFs) and Depleted Oil & Gas Accumulations (DOGAs) in the North Perth Basin (NPB). A subsurface inter-disciplinary approach was taken, integrating supporting data and interpretations in calculating storage volumes. Key challenges exist in: classification of storage resources for four DSFs which jointly constitute more than 90% of potential CO2 storage resources in the NPB; quantifying accessible and Inaccessible Storage Resource volumes; and determining the low-, base- and high-case estimates based upon the uncertainty ranges of inputs. Furthermore, approval of any CO2 storage development is yet to be granted by the Western Australian State Government.
Sense, Insight, Action – Woodside’s Intelligent Asset Journey
Authors: Burgin Leon , Wallace Lauchlan
Published: May 2023

Intelligent Assets, sometimes referred to as digital twins, have gained attention for their ability to optimise operations and enhance decision-making in an increasingly complex and data-driven world. These assets are equipped with sensors and advanced analytics capabilities for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and process automation. By creating a virtual replica of the physical asset or system, organisations can gain real-time insights and data-driven decision support for operations and maintenance. Woodside has advanced its vision for Intelligent Assets through its digital platform, Fuse, which was created to improve decision-making and optimise operations of its assets. The development of Fuse has been guided by the principles of sensing, insight, and action, ensuring safer, higher-performance operations. Fuse brings together multiple data sources, including process control information, sensor data, weather data, and historical performance data, for real-time monitoring of the asset. The platform provides a single pane of glass into the operation of the asset with advanced analytics for a deeper understanding of the performance and enabling action. Woodside provides use cases where sense, insight, and action have come together using their Fuse platform to deliver business outcomes, including enabling virtual operator rounds and condition-based maintenance. However, the implementation of Intelligent Assets can uncover several obstacles, such as data integration, scalability, and user adoption. Woodside seeks to shed light on these challenges and offers valuable insights for organisations striving to achieve successful digital outcomes.
ESG: To sound good, or to be good?
Authors: Starr Ashley
Published: May 2023

Technip Energies formed as a separate energy and technology company in 2021 focussed on supporting the energy transition. As part of the company formation, environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles through the sustainability strategy were recognised as needing to be embedded into processes and business development from day 1, noting the company is subject to current and upcoming EU reporting regulations for non-financial disclosure. This paper serves as a case study of how our company implemented ESG principles and requirements into the business strategy aligned with internal and external stakeholders and provides interim commentary on the relative success of the program, and future areas of focus on this journey. This paper explains the following: how our journey of developing our ESG Roadmap, ESG Scorecard and corporate structure, aligned with our company’s purpose of supporting the energy transition; how we have implemented a cultural change program similar to the principles previously adopted in the organisation for health and safety engineering management; and how the metrics associated with ESG reporting are ever expanding, especially as preparations are made to align with EU reporting regulations, and how digitalisation is required to support this; the processes adopted for measuring Scope 3 emissions, and how Scope 3 emissions can be targeted to demonstrate ‘being good’; and how we support ESG rating agencies to accurately report the ESG risk of our company given the importance of this to investors.
The framework and practice of CO2 storage resources evaluation: Santos Moomba CCS Project CO2 storage resources assessment
Authors: Wilson Chad , Hattingh Shane , Peacock Doug , Zhang Tony
Published: May 2023

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an essential climate technology for achieving net-zero and carbon neutrality towards mid-century. CCS has been included in many countries’ long-term climate change strategy, including Australia’s. In November 2021, Santos and its JV partner announced a final investment decision to proceed with the US$165 million (A$220 million) Moomba CCS Project in South Australia, with start-up expected in 2024. The project is expected to store 1.7 million tonnes of CO2 each year in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs. As a low-cost early mover project, Santos forecasted a full lifecycle cost of less than US$24 per tonne of CO2 including cash costs in operation of US$6–8 per tonne of CO2. GaffneyCline carried out an audit of Santos’ estimates of storage resource and reserve, and reported the audited quantities according to the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) CO2 Storage Resources Management System (SRMS) for the project. An SRMS assessment comprises three main factors: Injectivity, Storage, and Containment. For the most mature classification of Capacity, SRMS also includes an assessment of commerciality. This paper will discuss the SRMS evaluation process for the Moomba Project, both the technical assessment and commercial assessment (including revenue from Emissions Reduction Fund). With the growing deployment of CCS, it is reasonable to expect that stock exchanges, investors, and governments will have increasing demand for storage resources data reporting and auditing. This paper will discuss implications for public and private institutions.
Exploration and appraisal year in review 2022
Authors: Craig Adam
Published: May 2023

Petroleum exploration activity in Australia decreased in 2022. The total number of exploration wells drilled and expenditure across Federal offshore and state jurisdictions decreased from 2021 levels. The number of exploration permits awarded and acreage made available for exploration was also lower than that of 2021. However, more appraisal wells were drilled in 2022. Onshore exploration expenditure in Australia has exceeded that of the offshore since 2019 and remains the focus of exploration activity. Exploration activity and expenditure has not followed the increase in oil and gas prices of recent years, suggesting external factors are suppressing and impeding exploration activity. Twenty-six exploration wells were drilled in the year compared to 29 in the previous year, resulting in one offshore and eight onshore petroleum discoveries. The Pavo oil discovery in the Bedout Sub-basin and in the same exploration play as the Dorado oil discovery of 2018, was the only offshore discovery in 2022. Onshore exploration ‘hot-spots’ include the Northern Perth Basin and the Cooper–Eromanga Basin. The Permian Kingia Sandstone play of the Northern Perth Basin yielded the South Erregulla and Gynatrix gas discoveries, and the Jurassic Namur Sandstone play of the Cooper – Eromanga ‘Western Flank’ was extended yielding the Bangalee-1, Coorong-1, Magic Beach-1 and Rocky-1 oil discoveries.
Low‐intensity climbing with blood flow restriction over 5 weeks increases grip and elbow flexor endurance in advanced climbers: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Held Steffen , Rappelt Ludwig , Rein Robert , Wiedenmann Tim , Donath Lars
Published: May 2023

Grip and elbow flexor strength and endurance are crucial performance surrogates in competitive climbing. Thus, we examined the effects of blood flow restricted (BFR) climbing on grip and elbow flexor performance. Fifteen trained climbers (8 females; 20.8 ± 7.0 yrs; 1.72 ± 0.08 m; 63.0 ± 9.7 kg; 21.7 ± 2.7 IRCRCA grade) were either assigned to the intervention (BFR) or control (noBFR) group, using the minimization method (Strata: age, height, body mass, gender, and IRCRA grade). While BFR was used during low‐intensity climbing training (2‐times 10 min/session; 3‐times/week), noBFR followed identical training protocols without BFR over 5 weeks. BFR of the upper limb was applied via customized pneumatic cuffs (occlusion pressure: 120 ± 23 mmHg, 75%; occlusion pressure). Endurance and strength performances were assessed via one‐handed rung pulling (GripSTRENGTH), one‐handed bent arm lock off at 90° (ArmSTRENGTH), static‐intermitted finger hang (GripENDURANCE), and bent arm hang (ArmENDURANCE). Bayesian credible intervals revealed increased GripENDURANCE (+21 s (95% credible interval: −2 to 43 s)) and ArmENDURANCE +11 s (−5 to 27 s); adaptations via BFR. In contrast, GripSTRENGTH +4 N (−40 to 48 N) and ArmSTRENGTH +4 N (−68 to 75 N) were not affected by the BFR intervention. Fifteen cumulative sessions of BFR application with a cumulative total BFR load of 5 h over a 5 weeks macrocycle remarkably increased grip and elbow flexor endurance. Thus, BFR might serve as a promising means to improve relevant performance surrogates in trained climbers.
Vanadium oxide, vanadium oxynitride, and cobalt oxynitride as electrocatalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction: a review of recent developments
Authors: Balogun Kabirat , Ganesan Ashwin , Chukwunenye Precious , Gharaee Mojgan , Adesope Qasim , Nemšák Slavomir , Bagus Paul S , Cundari Thomas R , D’Souza Francis , Kelber Jeffry A
Published: May 2023

The electrocatalytic reduction of molecular nitrogen to ammonia—the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR)—is of broad interest as an environmentally- and energy-friendly alternative to the Haber–Bosch process for agricultural and emerging energy applications. Herein, we review our recent findings from collaborative electrochemistry/surface science/theoretical studies that counter several commonly held assumptions regarding transition metal oxynitrides and oxides as NRR catalysts. Specifically, we find that for the vanadium oxide, vanadium oxynitride, and cobalt oxynitride systems, (a) there is no Mars–van Krevelen mechanism and that the reduction of lattice nitrogen and N2 to NH3 occurs by parallel reaction mechanisms at O-ligated metal sites without incorporation of N into the oxide lattice; and (b) that NRR and the hydrogen evolution reaction do occur in concert under the conditions studied for Co oxynitride, but not for V oxynitride. Additionally, these results highlight the importance of both O-ligation of the V or Co center for metal-binding of dinitrogen, and the importance of N in stabilizing the transition metal cation in an intermediate oxidation state, for effective N≡N bond activation. This review also highlights the importance and limitations of ex situ and in situ photoemission—involving controlled transfer between ultra-high vacuum and electrochemistry environments, and of operando near ambient pressure photoemission coupled with in situ studies, in elucidating the complex chemistry relevant to the electrolyte/solid interface.
Thin film preparation of polyphenol oxidase enzyme (PPO) and investigation of its organic vapor interaction mechanism
Authors: Evyapan M , Deniz D E
Published: May 2023

This study investigated spin coated thin films of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme as vapor sensor to detect chloroform, acetone, ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol and toluene. Thin film of enzyme was produced onto a bio-composite (gelatine chitosan) first layer via 5000 rpm spin speed. The density and the viscosity of the enzyme were 1.2 g ml−1 and 68 mPa.s respectively. UV–visible spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurements were carried out to analyze the reproducibility of PPO spun film. It was found that the PPO enzyme can be transferred onto a solid substrate as a solid state thin film form. The sensor films of PPO enzyme were exposed to various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (chloroform, acetone, ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol and toluene) with different fixed concentrations. The sensing responses of PPO thin films versus five vapors were investigated using QCM as the time dependence frequency recording method. The PPO sensor films exhibited high sensitivity and fast responses against all VOCs. But the response rate and magnitude were changed depending on the chemical structure and the molecular size of the analyte vapor. Recorded frequency changes as monitored by QCM technique have been integrated with the Fick’s second law of diffusion to determine the diffusion coefficients of analyte vapors. The results showed that the interaction characteristics between PPO and the analytes can be considered in terms of two main processes which are surface interaction and diffusion. And it was concluded that the formation of these two processes during the interaction depend on the molecular size and functional group of the analytes. These results showed that enzymes can be integrated into vapor sensor system as active layer and are promising for further sensor studies.
3D anisotropic Navier–Stokes equations in
T2×R
: stability and large-time behaviour
Authors: Ji Ruihong , Tian Ling , Wu Jiahong
Published: May 2023

The study on the large-time behaviour of solutions to the 3D incompressible anisotropic Navier–Stokes (ANS) equations is very recent. Powerful tools designed for the Navier–Stokes equations with full Laplacian dissipation such as the Fourier splitting method no longer apply to the case when there is only horizontal dissipation. For the whole space

R

3

, as

t
→
∞

, solutions of the ANS equations converge to the trivial solution and the convergence rate is algebraic. This paper is devoted to the case when the spatial domain Ω is

T

2

×

R

. Our results reveal that the large-time behaviour for

T

2

×

R

is quite different from that for

R

3

. We show that any small initial velocity field

u
0

∈

H

2

(
Ω
)

leads to a unique global solution u that remains small in

H

2

(
Ω
)

. More importantly, as

t
→
∞

, the velocity field u converges to a nontrivial steady state. The first two components of the steady state are given by the horizontal average of the first two components of u
0 while the third component vanishes. In addition, this convergence is exponentially fast.
Effects of atlas-based anatomy on modelled light transport in the neonatal head
Authors: Hirvi Pauliina , Kuutela Topi , Fang Qianqian , Hannukainen Antti , Hyvönen Nuutti , Nissilä Ilkka
Published: May 2023

Objective. Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) provides a relatively convenient method for imaging haemodynamic changes related to neuronal activity on the cerebral cortex. Due to practical challenges in obtaining anatomical images of neonates, an anatomical framework is often created from an age-appropriate atlas model, which is individualized to the subject based on measurements of the head geometry. This work studies the approximation error arising from using an atlas instead of the neonate's own anatomical model. Approach. We consider numerical simulations of frequency-domain (FD) DOT using two approaches, Monte Carlo simulations and diffusion approximation via finite element method, and observe the variation in (1) the logarithm of amplitude and phase shift measurements, and (2) the corresponding inner head sensitivities (Jacobians), due to varying segmented anatomy. Varying segmentations are sampled by registering 165 atlas models from a neonatal database to the head geometry of one individual selected as the reference model. Prior to the registration, we refine the segmentation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by separating the CSF into two physiologically plausible layers. Main results. In absolute measurements, a considerable change in the grey matter or extracerebral tissue absorption coefficient was found detectable over the anatomical variation. In difference measurements, a small local 10%-increase in brain absorption was clearly detectable in the simulated measurements over the approximation error in the Jacobians, despite the wide range of brain maturation among the registered models. Significance. Individual-level atlas models could potentially be selected within several weeks in gestational age in DOT difference imaging, if an exactly age-appropriate atlas is not available. The approximation error method could potentially be implemented to improve the accuracy of atlas-based imaging. The presented CSF segmentation algorithm could be useful also in other model-based imaging modalities. The computation of FD Jacobians is now available in the widely-used Monte Carlo eXtreme software.
A study on the antibacterial property and biocompatibility of ramie fiber
Authors: Wei Changsheng , Xiong Shibing , Zhang Siqi , Cui Yifan , Wang Simeng , Lu Xugang , Chen Jun , Zhang Mei , Yang Bangcheng
Published: May 2023

Ramie fiber (RF) has excellent tensile strength and breathability, making it a promising material for biomedical applications. However, few studies on the antibacterial properties and biocompatibility of RF have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial property and biocompatibility of RF with bacteria and fibroblasts. The results showed that the antibacterial activity of RF was better than that of natural cotton fiber (NCF) and close to that of medical cotton fiber (MCF) for both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E.coli), and RF was more antibacterial against S. aureus than E.coli. The RF, MCF and NCF promoted the proliferation and spread of mouse fibroblast (L929) cells. The results indicated that RF has excellent antibacterial properties and biocompatibility, making it a potential biomaterial for biomedical applications.
Discrete time heat kernel and UV modified propagators with dimensional deconstruction
Authors: Kan Nahomi , Shiraishi Kiyoshi
Published: May 2023

We revisit the dimensionally deconstructed scalar quantum electrodynamics and consider the (Euclidean) propagator of the scalar field in the model. Although we have previously investigated the one-loop effect in this model by obtaining the usual heat kernel trace, we adopt discrete proper-time heat kernels in this paper and aim to construct the modified propagator, which has improved behaviors in the ultraviolet region, by changing the range of sum of the discrete heat kernels.
89 Lung Single Cell Transcriptomics to Guide the Development of AOP Anchored Cell-Based Assays in Response to Nanoparticle Exposure
Authors: Han Lianyong , Voss Carola , Ansari Meshal , Strunz Maximilian , Angelidis Ilias , Haefner Verena , Mayr Christoph , Ballester Carolina , Liu Qiongliang , Yildirim Ali Oender , Conlon Thomas , Voger Ulla , Rehberg Markus , Schiller Herbert B , Stoeger Tobias
Published: May 2023

Inhaled nanoparticles (NP) can cause acute and chronic inflammation. Here we seek to identify NP-specific cellular perturbation pathways and the underlying key cell types to inform adverse outcome pathway (AOP) anchored in vitro studies, by single cell transcriptomics. We exposed mice intratracheally to carbon black (CNP), tangled double-walled (DWCNT) and rigid, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). All lungs underwent single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), histology and BAL analysis. At the chosen doses all NPs caused comparable airspace neutrophilia at 12h, which increased until d6 for the CNTs but remained elevated until d28 only for MWCNT, indicating the key event (KE) acute and chronic inflammation. Comparing scRNA-seq and BAL cytokine levels at 12h, differentiated the fate of inflammation NP specifically. In agreement with airspace neutrophilia, CNP uniquely triggered GM-CSF and CXCL1 release, with Csf2 and Cxcl1 mRNAs being expressed mainly in alveolar epithelial cells. DWCNT caused CCL2, -3 and -4 release involving interstitial macrophages and monocytes, associated with acute high lung monocyte and at d6 high BAL macrophage numbers. MWCNT in contrast caused ample BAL cytokine increases involving different cell types and specifically caused a Th2 cytokine response (CCL11, IL10), a crucial KE of fibrosis AOPs. MWCNT triggered cell communication analysis uncovered NP-specific networks including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, dendritic cells and endothelial cells.  Our study uncovers early NP-specific cell perturbations and identified first specific cellular response pattern to guide AOP predictive cell-based testing strategies. Further analysis of the cellular dynamics shall enhance our understanding of NP specific cell circuits and related pathologies.
127 Photochemical Aging Increases Toxicity of EURO 6 Gasoline Car Exhaust in Lung Epithelial Cells at the Air-Liquid Interface
Authors: Delaval Mathilde N , Czech Hendryk , Almasaleekh Mohammad , Offer Svenja , Ihalainen Mika , Yli-Pirilä Pasi , Hohaus Thorsten , Kalberer Markus , Bucchianico Sebastiano Di , Sippula Olli , Rudich Yinon , Zimmermann Ralf ,   all members of aeroHEALTH consortium
Published: May 2023

Traffic emissions contribute to ambient air pollution, posing a threat to human health. The installation of stricter exhaust emission standards and particle filters led to a significant decrease of particulate matter emissions by cars. However, little is known about how atmospheric transformation changes the toxicity of exhaust emissions from modern cars. We evaluated the physico-chemical properties and toxicological effects of fresh and photochemically aged aerosols from a gasoline EURO 6 car equipped with a particulate filter. A549 alveolar and BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells were exposed for 4h to aerosols at the air-liquid interface. The toxicity was determined by measuring cell viability, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, primary and oxidative DNA damage. Particle number concentration (PN) in fresh aerosol was negligible while photochemical aging with an equivalent photochemical age of 5 days led to PN of 6.6´106 cm-3 with a mean size of 35 nm. Secondary aerosol particles predominantly consisted of organic matter, nitrate, and ammonium, which were formed by the oxidative gas-to-particle conversion of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly aromatic hydrocarbons, and NOx in the exhaust. Significant levels of oxygenated VOCs were also detected. Fresh aerosol caused no cytotoxicity in lung cells, but led to slight DNA damage whereas aged aerosol caused toxicity to both cell models, oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage mainly due to the gas phase. Our results indicate a significant toxification of the emissions by photochemical aging. This calls for considering atmospheric processes in future exhaust emission standards for the transport sector toward health effect-driven emission regulations.
O021 Utilising an accelerated delphi process to develop consensus on the requirement and components of a pre-procedural core robotic surgery curriculum
Authors: Burke J , Fleming C , King M , El-Sayed C , Bolton W , Munsch C , Harji D , Bach S , Collins J W
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Robot-assisted Surgery (RAS) continues to grow globally. Despite this, in the UK and Ireland, it is estimated that over 70% of surgical trainees across all specialities have no access to robot-assisted surgical training (RAST). This study aimed to provide educational bodies guidance on a pre-procedural core robotic surgery curriculum (PPCRC) from the perspective of the end user; the surgical trainee.

Methods

The study was conducted in four Phases: P1: A steering group was formed and a systematic review conducted P2: Pan-Specialty Trainee Panel Virtual Classroom Discussion, P3: Accelerated Delphi Process and P4: Formulation of Recommendations. Forty-three surgeons in training representing all surgical specialties and training levels contributed to a three-round Delphi process. Additions to the second- and third-round surveys were formulated based on the answers and comments from previous rounds. Consensus opinion was defined as ≥80% agreement.

Results

There was 100% response from all three rounds. The formulated guidance showed good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha >0.8). There was 97.7% agreement that a standardised PPCRC would be advantageous to training and that, independent of speciality, there should be a common approach (95.5% agreement). Consensus was reached in multiple areas: 1. Experience and Exposure, 2. Access and context, 3. Curriculum Components, 4 Target Groups and Delivery, 5. Objective Metrics, Benchmarking and Assessment.

Conclusion

Using accelerated Delphi methodology, multispecialty consensus among trainees to develop and reach content validation for the requirements and components of a PPCRC in the UK and Ireland was achieved. This guidance will benefit from further validation following implementation.
O161 Profiling UK injectable aesthetic practitioners: a national cohort analysis
Authors: Zargaran D , Zargaran A , Terranova T , Khaledi H , Robinson A , Davies J , Weyrich T , Mosahebi A
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The United Kingdom injectables market has been growing rapidly. The lack of formal, robust regulation has led to the UK Government seeking to evaluate methods of regulating the industry, as very little information or evidence is available regarding practitioners. We aim to provide a descriptive and qualitative analysis of the advertised practitioners in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Between June-December 2022, we performed a systematic search using the internet search engine Google to perform a qualitative descriptive analysis of aesthetic practitioners in the UK. For each contiguous country in the UK: England, Scotland, and Wales, five searches were performed. The list of practitioners was then cross-referenced with professional regulatory bodies.

Results

3,667 practitioners were identified as those undertaking injectable practice. Doctors formed the majority of practitioners at 32%. Dentists and dental nurses formed 24% and 8% respectively of practitioners, and trainee dental nurses–2%. Of the 1,163 doctors identified, a total of 481 were on the specialist register (41%) and 219 were on the GP register (19%). A total of 27 specialties were represented in this cohort analysis. Plastic Surgery formed the majority of those who were on the specialist register at 37%, followed by Dermatology at 18%.

Conclusion

This paper is the first to describe the range of practitioners, their professional backgrounds and experience who perform non-surgical aesthetic interventions. The range of backgrounds may have an impact on the potential risks to patients and will be an important consideration in proposed legislation to introduce licensing to the industry.
P16 Patient reported outcomes of cancer survivors with radiation induced fibrosis
Authors: Martin S , Awad L , Langridge B , Turner B , Bakko F , Butler P
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This study aims to better understand the lived experience of head and neck cancer survivors who suffer from radiation induced fibrosis (RIF). Recording the lived experience of RIF will better inform us on the use of autologous fat grafting (AFG) as a therapy.

Methods

A focus group (n=5, M=3, F=2) was facilitated, centred around the impact of RIF on head/neck function, appearance, emotional and psychological wellbeing, and socio-economic aspects of participant's lives. Participants discussed the wider issues of cancer survivorship, patient education, and healthcare service provision. Coding and thematic analysis of the verbatim audio transcript was undertaken. We compared this data to currently available patient reported outcome measures, notably the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL) and modified our survey to encompass these experiences.

Results

Eight main themes were highlighted, listed in order of importance to patients; 1-Physical head and neck functions 2-Relationship with healthcare providers 3-Socioeconomic aspects of life 4-Appearance 5-Psychological and emotional wellbeing 6-Freedom and independence 7-External/Personal knowledge and sources of information for patients 8-Pain. Quantitative validation of our modified questionnaire, based on these results, and distribution to a wider patient cohort has further demonstrated the severity of symptoms experienced by these cancer survivors.

Conclusion

There is a clear unmet need for long-term support and novel treatments for this patient group. Future research should focus on treatments such as AFG, which could improve functional outcomes, appearance and emotional wellbeing in RIF patients.
Stem cells and discogenic back pain
Authors: Miranda Luca , Quaranta Marco , Oliva Francesco , Maffulli Nicola
Published: May 2023

Background

Chronic low back pain, common from the sixth decade, negatively impacts the quality of life of patients and health care systems. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been introduced in the management of degenerative discogenic pain. The present study summarizes the current knowledge on the effectiveness of MSCs in patients with discogenic back pain.

Sources of data

We performed a systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar database, and identified 14 articles about management of chronic low back pain with MSCs injection therapy. We recorded information on type of stem cells employed, culture medium, clinical scores and MRI outcomes.

Areas of agreement

We identified a total of 303 patients. Ten studies used bone marrow stem cells. In the other four studies, different stem cells were used (of adipose, umbilical, or chondrocytic origin and a pre-packaged product). The most commonly used scores were Visual Analogue Scale and Oswestry Disability Index.

Areas of controversy

There are few studies with many missing data.

Growing points

The studies analysed demonstrate that intradiscal injections of MSCs are effective on discogenic low-back pain. This effect may result from inhibition of nociceptors, reduction of catabolism and repair of injured or degenerated tissues.

Areas timely for developing research

Further research should define the most effective procedure, trying to standardize a single method.
Neurologic sequelae of COVID-19 are determined by immunologic imprinting from previous coronaviruses
Authors: Spatola Marianna , Nziza Nadège , Jung Wonyeong , Deng Yixiang , Yuan Dansu , Dinoto Alessandro , Bozzetti Silvia , Chiodega Vanessa , Ferrari Sergio , Lauffenburger Douglas A , Mariotto Sara , Alter Galit
Published: May 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a global public health emergency. Although SARS-CoV-2 is primarily a respiratory pathogen, extra-respiratory organs, including the CNS, can also be affected. Neurologic symptoms have been observed not only during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, but also at distance from respiratory disease, also known as long-COVID or neurological post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (neuroPASC). The pathogenesis of neuroPASC is not well understood, but hypotheses include SARS-CoV-2-induced immune dysfunctions, hormonal dysregulations and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs.

In this prospective cohort study, we used a high throughput systems serology approach to dissect the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 (and other common coronaviruses: 229E, HKU1, NL63 and OC43) in the serum and CSF from 112 infected individuals who developed (n = 18) or did not develop (n = 94) neuroPASC.

Unique SARS-CoV-2 humoral profiles were observed in the CSF of neuroPASC compared with serum responses. All antibody isotypes (IgG, IgM, IgA) and subclasses (IgA1–2, IgG1–4) were detected in serum, whereas CSF was characterized by focused IgG1 (and absence of IgM). These data argue in favour of compartmentalized brain-specific responses against SARS-CoV-2 through selective transfer of antibodies from the serum to the CSF across the blood–brain barrier, rather than intrathecal synthesis, where more diversity in antibody classes/subclasses would be expected. Compared to individuals who did not develop post-acute complications following infection, individuals with neuroPASC had similar demographic features (median age 65 versus 66.5 years, respectively, P = 0.55; females 33% versus 44%, P = 0.52) but exhibited attenuated systemic antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2, characterized by decreased capacity to activate antibody-dependent complement deposition (ADCD), NK cell activation (ADNKA) and to bind Fcγ receptors. However, surprisingly, neuroPASC individuals showed significantly expanded antibody responses to other common coronaviruses, including 229E, HKU1, NL63 and OC43. This biased humoral activation across coronaviruses was particularly enriched in neuroPASC individuals with poor outcome, suggesting an ‘original antigenic sin’ (or immunologic imprinting), where pre-existing immune responses against related viruses shape the response to the current infection, as a key prognostic marker of neuroPASC disease.

Overall, these findings point to a pathogenic role for compromised anti-SARS-CoV-2 responses in the CSF, likely resulting in incomplete virus clearance from the brain and persistent neuroinflammation, in the development of post-acute neurologic complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
GAA-FGF14 ataxia (SCA27B): phenotypic profile, natural history progression and 4-aminopyridine treatment response
Authors: Wilke Carlo , Pellerin David , Mengel David , Traschütz Andreas , Danzi Matt C , Dicaire Marie-Josée , Neumann Manuela , Lerche Holger , Bender Benjamin , Houlden Henry ,   RFC1 study group, Faber Jennifer , Roxburgh Richard , Pedroso José Luiz , Alvez Paula Camila , Barsottini Orlando , Pane Chiara , Saccà Francesco , Filla Alessandro , Santorelli Filippo M , Ricca Ivana , Züchner Stephan , Schöls Ludger , Brais Bernard , Synofzik Matthis
Published: May 2023

Ataxia due to an autosomal dominant intronic GAA repeat expansion in FGF14 [GAA-FGF14 ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia 27B (SCA27B)] has recently been identified as one of the most common genetic late-onset ataxias. We here aimed to characterize its phenotypic profile, natural history progression, and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) treatment response.

We conducted a multi-modal cohort study of 50 GAA-FGF14 patients, comprising in-depth phenotyping, cross-sectional and longitudinal progression data (up to 7 years), MRI findings, serum neurofilament light (sNfL) levels, neuropathology, and 4-AP treatment response data, including a series of n-of-1 treatment studies.

GAA-FGF14 ataxia consistently presented as late-onset [60.0 years (53.5–68.5), median (interquartile range)] pancerebellar syndrome, partly combined with afferent sensory deficits (55%) and dysautonomia (28%). Dysautonomia increased with duration while cognitive impairment remained infrequent, even in advanced stages. Cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments consistently indicated mild progression of ataxia [0.29 Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) points/year], not exceeding a moderate disease severity even in advanced stages (maximum SARA score: 18 points). Functional impairment increased relatively slowly (unilateral mobility aids after 8 years in 50% of patients). Corresponding to slow progression and low extra-cerebellar involvement, sNfL was not increased relative to controls. Concurrent second diseases (including progressive supranuclear palsy neuropathology) represented major individual aggravators of disease severity, constituting important caveats for planning future GAA-FGF14 trials. A treatment response to 4-AP with relevance for everyday living was reported by 86% of treated patients. A series of three prospective n-of-1 treatment experiences with on/off design showed marked reduction in daily symptomatic time and symptom severity on 4-AP.

Our study characterizes the phenotypic profile, natural history progression, and 4-AP treatment response of GAA-FGF14 ataxia. It paves the way towards large-scale natural history studies and 4-AP treatment trials in this newly discovered, possibly most frequent, and treatable late-onset ataxia.
Peripheral blood lymphopenia in sarcoidosis associates with HLA-DRB1 alleles but not with lung immune cells and organ involvement
Authors: Darlington Pernilla , Melin Jonas , Rivera Natalia , Grunewald Johan , Eklund Anders , Kullberg Susanna
Published: May 2023

Different human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles associate with disease phenotypes in sarcoidosis. Peripheral blood (PB) lymphopenia is reported as more common in sarcoidosis patients with worse prognosis. The mechanisms behind are unrecognized but a PB depletion due to lymphocytes migrating to lung and/or extra pulmonary organs has been suggested. Insights into associations between HLA alleles, lung immune cells, clinical phenotype including extra pulmonary manifestations (EPM), and PB lymphopenia may provide mechanistic clues and enable adequate intervention in this patient group. In this situdy,141 treatment naïve, newly diagnosed patients were retrospectively identified in a Swedish cohort of sarcoidosis patients. Data on HLA-DRB1 alleles, lung immune cells from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), PB lymphocytes and clinical parameters including treatment and disease course (chronic vs. resolving) were collected. The patients were followed for 2 years. PB lymphopenia associated with male sex, development of non-resolving disease, a need for first- and second-line systemic immunosuppressant treatment and HLA- DRB1*07. No correlation between BALF and PB lymphocytes, and no difference in EPM was detected between patients with and without PB lymphopenia. In conclusion, PB lymphopenia is associated with a more severe disease phenotype and carriage of the HLA-DRB1*07 allele. The results do not lend support to the hypothesis about sarcoidosis PB lymphopenia being due to a migration of PB lymphocytes to other organs. Rather, they provide a basis for future studies on the connection between HLA-DRB1*07 and PB lymphopenia mechanisms.
Discrepancy in clinical and laboratory profiles of NMOSD patients between AQP4 antibody positive and negative: can NMOSD be diagnosed without AQP4 antibody?
Authors: Chu Fengna , Shi Mingchao , Liu Canyun , Zhu Jie
Published: May 2023

AQP4-IgG has been considered as the pathogenic factor leading to NMOSD. However, about 20–30% of patients lack AQP4-IgG. So far, all therapeutic medicines are ineffective for NMOSD patients without AQP4 IgG. Thus AQP4-IgG is the pathogenic factor of NMOSD has been suspected and challenged. In addition, lack of efficacy of immunotherapy in NMOSD without AQP4 IgG has been a serious problem in the neurology. Identifying the clinical and laboratory characteristics and diversities between NMOSD patients with and without AQP4-IgG can be helpful to further explore the pathogenesis of NMOSD and guide clinical treatment. This is a single-centre retrospective study in The First Hospital of Jilin University, China including 92 patients diagnosed as NMOSD from January 2013 to January 2015. The characteristics of clinic, blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and image between AQP4-IgG negative (AQP4-IgG−) and AQP4-IgG positive (AQP4-IgG+) NMOSDs were compared. Our results showed that in the AQP4-IgG+ group, the ratio of women to men was 5.55, while in AQP4-IgG− group was 1.54 (P = 0.0092). In the AQP4-IgG+ patients, the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was from 0 to 8.5, with an average of 5.550 ± 0.25, and the AQP4-IgG− patients had the EDSS score from 0 to 9, with an average of 4.032 ± 0.36 (P = 0.0006), which mainly affected movement system (P < 0.05) and superficial sensory impairment (P < 0.05). In the AQP4-IgG+ group, the blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability (P = 0.0210) and myelin basic protein (MBP) were increased (P = 0.0310) when compared to AQP4-IgG− group. Higher level IL-17 was seen in AQP4-IgG+ group than AQP4-IgG− group (P= 0.0066). Our results demonstrated that the NMOSD with AQP4-IgG more likely occurred in women and presented more severe clinical symptoms as well as significant BBB damage and increased MBP and IL-17 in CSF and blood, respectively compared with NMOSD without AQP4-IgG group. The differences in clinical and laboratory profiles between NMOSD with and without AQP4-IgG indicate the heterogeneity of NMOSD, in which AQP4-IgG may not be the only pathogenic molecule. It is necessary to find more pathogenic factors and to explore the new pathogenesis of NMOSD and therapeutic methods in the future.
Endothelial mechanobiology in atherosclerosis
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Shen Yang , Shang Min , Liu Xiaoheng , Munn Lance L
Published: May 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a serious health challenge, causing more deaths worldwide than cancer. The vascular endothelium, which forms the inner lining of blood vessels, plays a central role in maintaining vascular integrity and homeostasis and is in direct contact with the blood flow. Research over the past century has shown that mechanical perturbations of the vascular wall contribute to the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. While the straight part of the artery is exposed to sustained laminar flow and physiological high shear stress, flow near branch points or in curved vessels can exhibit ‘disturbed’ flow. Clinical studies as well as carefully controlled in vitro analyses have confirmed that these regions of disturbed flow, which can include low shear stress, recirculation, oscillation, or lateral flow, are preferential sites of atherosclerotic lesion formation. Because of their critical role in blood flow homeostasis, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) have mechanosensory mechanisms that allow them to react rapidly to changes in mechanical forces, and to execute context-specific adaptive responses to modulate EC functions. This review summarizes the current understanding of endothelial mechanobiology, which can guide the identification of new therapeutic targets to slow or reverse the progression of atherosclerosis.
The impact of antiplatelet therapy on the descending thoracic aorta fate and long-term prognosis of extensive repaired type A aortic dissection
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Dun Yaojun , Liu Yanxiang , Ren Jie , Gao Haoyu , Wang Luchen , Zhou Sangyu , Xie Mingxin , Sun Xiaogang
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of antiplatelet therapy on the long-term descending thoracic aorta (DTA) fate and prognosis of extensive repaired type A aortic dissection (TAAD).

METHODS

1147 eligible TAAD patients from January 2010 to December 2019 were stratified into non-antiplatelet (n = 754) and antiplatelet groups (n = 393). The primary end points were overall survival, and DTA remodelling, including false lumen (FL) thrombosis and aortic redilation. The secondary end points were DTA reintervention or rupture and major bleeding events (MBEs).

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival rates were 95.6% and 94.3% in the non-antiplatelet and antiplatelet groups (P = 0.53), respectively. In the stent covering segment, the 1-year FL complete thrombosis rates were 92.1% and 92.4% in the non-antiplatelet and antiplatelet groups (P = 0.27), respectively, while in the stent uncovering segment, the 5-year FL complete thrombosis rates were 47.1% and 56.5% in the non-antiplatelet and antiplatelet groups (P = 0.12), respectively. Antiplatelet therapy was not an independent predictor of aortic redilation at the pulmonary artery bifurcation (β±SE = –0.128 ± 0.203, P = 0.53), diaphragm (β±SE = 0.143 ± 0.152, P = 0.35) or coeliac artery (β±SE = 0.049 ± 0.136, P = 0.72) levels. With death as a competing risk, the cumulative incidences of DTA reintervention or rupture at 5 years were 4.6% and 4.0% in the non-antiplatelet and antiplatelet groups (sHR = 0.85, 95% CI, 0.49∼1.19; P = 0.58), respectively, and the 5-year cumulative incidences of MBEs were 2.1% and 2.3% in the non-antiplatelet and antiplatelet groups (sHR = 0.82, 95% CI, 0.56∼2.67; P = 0.62), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Antiplatelet therapy did not impact long-term DTA FL thrombosis, redilation, reintervention or rupture, MBEs or overall survival on extensive repaired TAAD. Thus, antiplatelet therapy can be administered as indicated on extensive repaired TAAD.
The effect of tooth borne versus skeletally anchored Alt-RAMEC protocol in early treatment of Class III malocclusion: a single-centre randomized clinical trial
Authors: Alzoubi Emad Eddin , Camilleri Simon , Al Muzian Mohammed , Attard Nikolai
Published: May 2023

Trial design

This was a randomized, controlled trial designed to compare outcomes between the use of dental and skeletal anchorage, using the Face mask/Alternate Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Contraction (FM/Alt-RAMEC) protocol.

Methods and participants

The study was carried out at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta and included prepubertal skeletal Class III malocclusion patients where the aetiology was primarily maxillary hypoplasia.

Interventions

Two groups were assigned. Group I was treated with FM/Alt-RAMEC and group II was treated with skeletally anchored FM/Alt-RAMEC. Wear-time (WT) of the FM was monitored using TheraMon microsensors. Patients were instructed to wear the FM for 12–14 hours/day for 9 months. Changes were evaluated with lateral cephalograms and analysed with Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U tests. ANOVA was used to analyse the effect of gender on compliance parameters. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between compliance and skeletal changes.

Objective

To compare the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes in patients treated with these two protocols.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was to assess skeletal and dentoalveolar outcomes in patients treated with skeletally anchored FM/RME and tooth-borne FM/RME; utilizing Alt-RAMEC protocol. The secondary outcome was compliance rate and adherence to FM wear among patients.

Randomization

Randomizer software and the sealed envelope technique were used to randomly allocate patients 1:1 into either group I (tooth-borne FM/Alt-RAMEC) or group II (skeletally anchored FM/Alt-RAMEC).

Blinding

It was not possible to blind to treatment allocation, but blinding was used when assessing the outcomes.

Results

Numbers randomized and analysed. Thirty-five patients were allocated. Group I consisted of 18 subjects and group II consisted of 17 subjects. One patient in group I dropped out due to illness, so 17 subjects in each group completed the study.

Outcomes

Post-treatment changes in group I showed significant increases in SNA (2.10°), ANB (3.90°), Wits (4.70 mm), and overjet (5.40 mm). Group II showed significant increases in ANB (3.10°), Wits (3.20 mm), and overjet (4.50 mm). Wearing time for group I patients was 7.87 ± 2.88 hours/day and for group II was 6.98 ± 2.68 hours/day, with no significant difference between the groups.

Limitations

Lack of long-term follow-up post-treatment, making the conclusion applicable only in the short term.

Harms

No harm was observed in both groups

Conclusion

Despite the large difference between the measured and the patient-reported daily WT, both tooth-borne and skeletally anchored FM/Alt-RAMEC showed positive, similar, skeletal and dental effects.

Clinical trial registration

ISRCTN12197405.