bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Vital Role of Well Intervention Technologies and Techniques in Pushing the Boundaries in Extreme Well Completions
Authors: Duthie Laurie Simpson , Harthi Muhammad Awwadh , Saiood Hussain Ali , Afif Omar Tariq
Published: March 2023

The advantages of drilling extended reach wells (ERW’s) are well known; increased reservoir contact, reduced surface footprint and less wells drilled. Although the benefits of drilling these wells is clear, it is also essential to have the ability to conduct well intervention throughout the life of the well. Matrix acid stimulation and production logging are critically important well intervention operations for efficient reservoir management.

Coiled tubing (CT) is commonly deployed in ERW’s to perform these intervention operations. For open hole ERW’s, the success of the operation is often directly correlated to the length of the lateral covered. For ERW’s that can exceed 30,000 ft, the challenges to reach total depth (TD) can almost be insurmountable in terms of overcoming the high frictional forces acting against the CT. The level of difficulty is further magnified covering open sections often greater than 10,000 ft, where additional frictional forces are present from the rock, high dogleg severity and well trajectory. High bottom hole temperature along with high H2S & CO2 levels pose further challenges. Formation damage after drilling may result in serious production and therefore economic consequences and it is imperative to restore reservoir permeability along the complete interval with accurate treatment placement. The same challenges are present for logging operations where the main objective is to determine the flow profile along the entire open hole section.

To achieve the main objectives, a comprehensive approach is taken for these well intervention operations. Custom designed technologies have been developed to increase the open hole coverage achieved to provide good zonal coverage in matrix acid treatments and also a clearer understanding of multiphase flow from the formation during production logging. Technologies developed specifically to tackle these challenges are hydraulically powered CT tractors that can deliver up to 14,000 lbs pulling force and mechanical agitator tools that effectively reduce the total friction coefficient. Other technologies employed are a downhole compression/tension sub to monitor downhole performance in real time to enhance operational decision making. To extend the ultimate reach, certain techniques can add a few thousand feet in coverage. These techniques include high pressure jetting to clean out the horizontal section of the cased hole to lower the friction, strategically deploying friction reducer and using momentum assiduously.

These new technologies and applied techniques opens the window to ultimately meeting the goals of improved well surveillance and treatment in long horizontal laterals. Creative solutions have been core to inventing the best fit for purpose technologies, with great leaps having been made through pioneering technologies to extend CT reach in these extreme conditions.
Casing Leak Repair to Continue Hydraulic Fractures Stimulation
Authors: Ciminari Gaston Oscar , Cabo Gonzalo , Rimondi German , Duran Diego , Nebiolo Martin
Published: March 2023

A casing leak repair alternative is presented to allow continued hydraulic fracture treatment of an unconventional formation. Analysis of diagnostic operations, selection of the best alternative, and the results are detailed.

This paper details the diagnostic operations (annular circulation test, multifinger caliper log, leak chase with hydraulic packer on Coiled Tubing, fluid transit evaluation, and real-time camera downhole images acquisition) to identify the casing leak zone and the analyzed repair alternatives with the final selection of a casing patch.

To verify the pipe body shield strength and burst pressure post-patch expansion, a finite element analysis in dynamic condition was carried out to limit the hydraulic fracture pumping parameters.

This paper covers details on repair operations executed, verification analysis to confirm original frac treatment continuity, and lower & upper completion installation.

The diagnostics operations allowed pinpointing casing leak detection and selection of possible repair alternatives. The repair was carried out as planned involving many services companies.

A solution was implemented with local staff and services considering the COVID context with travel restrictions of the patch owners. Web broadcasting CT surface parameters allowed real-time support from casing patch suppliers during the entire intervention.

The completion plan with 24 frac stages performed through the casing patch was successfully executed.

The production packer with an OD of 99.5% of the casing patch drift was run through the casing patch and wireline set without any problem.

Considering well integrity conditions throughout the entire well production life as the main intervention objective, this paper introduces a successful alternative to repair casing failures on an unconventional well that allowed hydraulic fractures continuity to accomplish the original frac plan.

The well production was higher than the Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) expected for the landing zone.
A Proven and Versatile Coiled Tubing Live-Well Intervention Solution from a Mono-Hull Vessel in the Norwegian Continental Shelf
Authors: Austbø Kjetil , Andersen Stein Kristian , Stuker John , Keong Azwan , Campos Jesus
Published: March 2023

The operator together with intervention-vessel company and several service providers together developed a versatile riser solution for coiled tubing (CT) operations from a monohull vessel already performing riser-less interventions. The solution covers 200 to 500 m water depths and converts back to riser-less after CT operations.

From concept selection, a one-team approach was emphasized to drive project performance and involvement among participants and to develop a collective culture. The vessel team collected 3D models of all equipment to check interfaces and to develop a training simulator; physical interface checks were also conducted to verify space on the vessel. Due to harsh weather in the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), a series of analysis and yard tests indicated the need for wellhead load relief systems, an extensive live-well returns and solids removal system, a CT pipe tension process and a CT tension frame (CTTF) for both CT and wireline (WL) together.

The CT operations on 3 proof-of-concept wells were successful. The riser deployment and CT packages were rigged up and tested before the operation. During execution, CT was stabbed in the CT injector head after the riser was landed on the well; this eliminated the CT pipe clashing with the V-door during landing joint deployment and eliminated CT reel cycling due to heaves during standby. A rail system inside the CTTF converted from CT to wireline operations in under 3 hours with no crane nor winch.

Metocean data indicated 1% of significant wave height (Hs) would exceed operating limits. Some of those waves occurred during CT operation. The experience demonstrated limits for Hs could be expanded above 3.0 m. Trace amounts of oil were recirculated and the operation was simplified when oil-water filters were bypassed. Initially, it took 6 days to run work-over riser, and by the third well this was reduced to under 4 days due to the robust common culture during the operation and a parallel deployment of the riser disconnect package. The CT option was demobilized after the operation and the vessel returned to riser-less operations with zero recordable health, safety, and environmental (HSE) incidents.

In the NCS, these were the first CT live-well interventions from a monohull vessel. The 3 operations were performed with zero recordable HSE incidents. The novel vessel compensation system and CTTF demonstrated significant improvements in efficiency when swapping between wireline and CT. The innovative one-team approach was successfully emphasized and enabled fast learning and seamless integration of novel solutions from coiled tubing, wireline, well-test, subsea and other involved parties.
Reservoir Quality and Maturity Indicators Using Image-Based and Bulk Rock Characterization
Authors: Eichmann Shannon , Jacobi David , Srinivasan Poorna , Rodriguez Jennifer
Published: March 2023

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is used for source rock characterization to understand rock texture and compositional variations, porosity, and pore sizes. However, despite having significant benefits to characterization, obtaining quantitative results by SEM is time consuming and costly, and therefore the number of images collected per well is generally limited. Recent advances in image processing make obtaining quantitative data from images more accessible. This improves our ability to gather more image-based data on multiple wells for integration with larger scale measurements. Carbonate rich source rocks were sampled from several wells for SEM imaging. Large field-of-view SEM images were collected and segmented using supervised machine learning to label the pores, fractures/cracks, organics, high density minerals, and matrix minerals. Post-processing methods were used to correct mislabeled components. The relative amount of organic-contained porosity to total porosity (R1) and the relative amount of organic content to total porosity (R2) were calculated for each sample. Porosity was also obtained from crushed rock samples using the Gas Research Institute method. Pyrolysis was used to determine the productivity index and residual hydrocarbon content. Total porosity and organic content are two properties that are used to indicate rock quality. The results show that the R1 and R2 ratios from quantitative image-based analyses can be used to indicate potentially better quality. When compared across several wells of similar maturity, these quality metrics can be used to highlight wells with potentially better quality that warrant additional characterization. Finally, by comparing image-based data to that measured at larger scales, thermal maturity indicators can also be provided. This paper presents a method using image-based characterization to provide relative comparisons of reservoir quality between wells and a method to combine image-based and crushed rock analyses to compare source rock maturity. The results and workflow presented impact special core analysis for unconventional reservoirs and reservoir quality assessment and can complement characterization obtained by other methods.
Experimental Study on Microstructure of Temporary Plugging Zone and Relevant Plugging Capacity based on CT Images within Different Particulates Sizes
Authors: Zhao Feng , Guo Chun Jian , Ren Chuan Ji
Published: March 2023

Temporary plugging fracturing technology is an effective way to control fracture propagation in shale oil and gas development. However, insufficient plugging pressure often causes the failure to promote new fractures. Therefore, it is essential to reduce plugging permeability and increase plugging pressure. The permeability of the plugging zone is closely related to its pore structure, so the quantitative study of microscopic pore structure can provide a basis for reducing permeability. This paper introduces a new method based on micro-CT to characterize the microstructure of temporary plugging zones. Three kinds of particulate temporary plugging agents with sizes of 2-4mm, 1-2mm, and 0.4-0.8mm were used as the research objects. The samples of the temporary plugging zone in natural accumulation and compaction state were prepared by a self-made mold. The total pore structure and parameters (porosity, pore radius, pore throat, and tortuosity) were obtained by three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of CT images. Finally, the displacement device was used to test the plugging pressure of the temporary plugging zone. Under natural accumulation, the porosity and tortuosity of the temporary plugging zone are independent of particulate size. The pore radius decreases with the decrease of particulate size. In the compaction state, particulates and particulates are cemented with each other, resulting in apparent changes in the pore structure. With the decrease in particulate size, the pore structure changes more obviously. For example, the pore radius of 2-4mm decreases from 889.27um to 736.33um, while the pore radius of 0.4-0.8mm decreases from 370.15um to 63.94um, with a reduction of 82.9%. The plugging pressure test results are consistent with the microscopic pore results. In conclusion, the smaller the particulate, the easier the particulate compression deformation, the smaller the pore radius and porosity, and the denser the plugging zone. Although small particulate-size temporary plugging agents can produce large pressure, forming an effective plugging zone in the fracture is difficult. Therefore, large particulates can bridge the fracture, and small particulates are filled in the pores of the plugging zone formed by large particulates to generate a tight plugging zone. In this paper, we provide a new application of Micro-CT for quantifying the microstructure of the temporary plugging zone. The effect of the properties of the temporary plugging agent on the structure of the plugging zone can be clarified from the microscopic point of view by using this method, which provides a new means for the design and optimization of temporary plugging materials.
EFTVG: An Energy Efficient Fuzzy–Timer Clustering Approach in an Adaptive Virtual Grid Cluster Based WSN
Authors: Mazinani Armin , Mazinani Sayyed Majid , Alyasiri Mohammed Jasim Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Clustering is an effective way that improves WSN lifetime. In this paper, unlike the other approaches, an adaptive virtual grid is conducted to form cluster boundaries during network lifetime. Using the adaptive virtual grid not only shrinks the size of clusters but also determines network configuration based on the location of the base station. In EFTVG, compared to the previous clustering methods which used a specific cluster head selection procedure for the entire network lifetime, we propose a consecutive clustering (fuzzy-timer) approach. Authors divide the network lifetime into two parts. Firstly, a fuzzy clustering is applied to address uncertainty in a semi-distributed manner. Then a timer-based clustering is used in the second part to tackle sharp energy consumption in a fully-distributed manner. A local threshold is applied in each cluster to specify whether cluster head selection is required or not. Using this novelty, the network may encounter new cluster heads in some clusters, while we trust the ex-cluster head in others. Applying this policy results in energy saving. Finally, we present a novel hybrid routing to reduce energy consumption in WSN. EFTVG is compared with MOFCA, EAFCA, EAUCF, FLECH, DECUC, FUCA, DUCF, FSVGA and FMCR-CT approaches in four different scenarios.
Improved T staging diagnosis and outcome prediction of prostate cancer using genomic LASSO model
Authors: Lei Mingde , zhang Mingpeng , Chen Xueqiao , Yang Yanjie , Li Qi , Shang Zhiqun
Published: March 2023

As one of the most diagnosed malignancies in men, prostate cancer has exhibited a high incidence rate in recent years. According to the NCCN guidelines, TNM staging of prostate cancer is an important basis for the best treatment modality. Here in this study, we established two model systems for PCa's T staging diagnosis and disease-free prediction for the first time, based on the combined analysis of WGCNA, univariate COX, and LASSO regression. Models for T staging and disease-free exhibited a high accuracy of 81.3% and 77.5% in the validation cohort, respectively. In addition, a significant negative correlation between gene expression and DNA methylation was observed in these models, which may provide new insight for further studies. Overall, our research can assist clinical diagnosis, predict the disease-free survival of patients, guide the choice of treatment options, and provide new ideas for the studies of prostate cancer.
Stability of arthroscopic modified suture bridge fixation for displaced large greater tuberosity fractures
Authors: Kim Min Woo , Lee Dong Ha , Noh Young Min , Yoo Jae Heung
Published: March 2023

Purpose
Arthroscopic fixation of GT avulsion fractures via suture bridge repair has been described in several articles. We describe a technique for large, displaced GT fracture fixation using arthroscopy only, without any metal fixation. This study evaluated clinical outcomes and demonstrated mechanical stability of arthroscopic suture bridge fixation for displaced large greater tuberosity (GT) fractures.
Study Design
Case Series (retrospective), Level 4
Methods
This study retrospectively reviewed 9 cases of isolated large, displaced GT fractures that were treated via arthroscopic suture bridge fixation and could be followed up for more than 2 years in our hospital between March 2017 and January 2019.
Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, including range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, and UCLA score, were analyzed retrospectively. Two radiological parameters were set to verify the stability of suture bride fixation on large fragments. Parameter A was the distance between the lateral border of the GT fragment and the humeral shaft. Parameter B was the distance between two parallel lines starting from the center of the humeral head and the GT tip perpendicular to the humerus axis. By comparing these parameters between the immediate postoperative X-ray and the last follow-up X-ray, we evaluated the stability of reduction.
Results
The mean follow-up time was 30.9 months (range, 25–47 months), and the average age was 60.7 years (range, 26–79 years). By the final follow-up, the VAS score improved from 8.7 to 1.8 (range, 1–3 points). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved to 93 (range, 86.5–98.5) and the mean UCLA score improved to 31.67 (range, 27–34) postoperatively. The mean forward flexion was 160.0°(range, 120°–170°), mean abduction was 150.0°(range, 110°–170°), and mean external rotation was 77.8°(range, 60°–90°). Mean internal rotation improved to nearly T12(range, T9-L5).
Radiologically, follow-up radiologic evaluation showed that bony union was achieved within 8 to 12 weeks in all cases. Comparing immediate postoperative anteroposterior X-ray with last follow-up radiograph, the difference in parameter A was 0.84 mm on average, and the difference in parameter B was 1.01 mm on average, which showed significant stability of reduction (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Arthroscopic suture bridge fixation for isolated, even large fragmentary GT fractures can be a good option, as it allows for solid fixation and identifying of concomitant pathologies such as Bankart lesions and rotator cuff tears.
Explanation of Impact Resistance of Materials with the Help of Specific Energy Absorption Capability (SEAC)
Authors: BARUK Muhammed Bahri , AYTAÇ Ayhan
Published: March 2023

The impact resistance of materials is a significant criterion for material designs. The impact resistance can be tested in the areas of use of the materials as well as measured by impact tests in the laboratory environment.
In this study, a test material was designed by placing 10 different materials, mainly alumina and steel ball, between two plates based on Al 5083.
10 J of energy was applied to one side of the designed test material with a drop-weight tester, and from the other side, the output forces were measured with a dynamometer. In the experiments, the input forces were measured using a drop-weight tester and the output forces were measured using a dynamometer placed on the back surface.
To make the forces applied to the front of the material more stable, the impact tests were repeated under the same conditions by placing a polymer material on the front surface, and the tests were modeled using the abaqus program.
The test results of the polymer and non-polymer design were compared with the numerical modeling results, and as a result of the study, the Specific Energy Absorption Capability (SEAC) model was created to explain the energy absorbtion ability of the materials.
Efficacy of Computer-assisted Robotic–based clinical training program for spinal oncology education on pedicle screw placement
Authors: Wang pengru , Xin Yingye , Zhou Shangbin , Zhao Jian , Duan Shujie , Zhu Zhipeng , Yuan Hao , Bai Danyang , Li Bo , Xu Wei
Published: March 2023

Background: Accurate pedicle screw placement is one of the fundamental surgical techniques for novice orthopedists in spinal oncology education. So, we set forth to establish a computer-assisted robotic navigation training program for spinal oncology education. Novice orthopedists and patients are involved in this study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the computer-assisted robotic navigation (CARN) training program.
Methods: In this research, 2 trainees were randomly taught by the CARN training program and the traditional training program. We prospectively collected clinical data from 1st May 2021 to 1st March 2022 in 45 patients with spinal tumors, including the time of PSP, serving as primary outcomes, the accuracy of the pedicle screw, and other clinical data. Then the ability of PSP was evaluated by cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis, learning curve, and accuracy of pedicle screws.
Results: The patients included in both groups had similar baseline characteristics. 169 pedicle screws in the CARN group and 179 pedicle screws in the traditional group were evaluated in our research. In the CUSUM analysis of the learning curve for the time of PSP, the turning point in the CARN group (70th pedicle screw) was less than the one in the traditional group (92nd pedicle screw). The LC-CUSUM test signaled competency for PSP at the 121st pedicle screw in the CARN group, while 138th in the traditional group. Then the accuracy of pedicle screws showed that the rate of grade A in the Gertzbein-Robbins classification was significantly higher in the CARN group than in the traditional group (88.17% and 79.55%, P=0.03 <0.05). Furthermore, no major complications occurred in both groups.
Conclusion: We firstly described computer-assisted robotic navigation in spinal oncology education. We also indicated the CARN training program as a novel education method, and an efficient and safe surgical training program in spine surgery.
Compliance with antibiotic therapy guidelines in French pediatric intensive care units (COMITY study)
Authors: Amadieu Romain , Brehin Camille , Chahine Adéla , Grouteau Erick , Dubois Damien , Munzer Caroline , Brissaud Olivier , Ros Barbara , Jean Gael , Brotelande Camille , Travert Brendan , Savy Nadia , Boeuf Benoit , Ghostine Ghida , Popov Isabelle , Duport Pauline , Wolff Richard , Maurice Laure , Dauger Stephane , Breinig Sophie
Published: March 2023

Background: Bacterial infections (BIs) are widespread in ICU. The aims of this study were to assess the compliance with antibiotic recommendations, and factors associated with non-compliance.
Methods: We conducted an observational study in eight French Pediatric and Neonatal ICUs with an antimicrobial stewardship program mostly once a week. All children receiving antibiotics for a suspected or proven BI were evaluated. Newborns <72 hours old, neonates <37 weeks, age ≥18 years, and antibiotic for prophylaxis were excluded.
Results: 139 suspected (or proven) BI episodes in 134 children were prospectively included during six separate time-periods over one year. The final diagnosis was 26.6% no bacterial infection, 40.3% presumed bacterial infection, and 35.3% documented bacterial infection. Non-compliance for all parameters occurred in 51.1%, with errors mainly concerning the antimicrobials’ choice (27.3%), duration of each antimicrobial (26.3%), and duration of antibiotic therapy (18.0%). In multivariate analysis, main independent risk factors of non-compliance were prescribing ≥2 antibiotics (OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.69-9.74, p=0.0017), a duration of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy ≥4 days (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.16-5.78, p=0.0199), suspecting catheter-related bacteremia (ORs 3.70 and 5.42, 95% CIs 1.32 to 15.07, p<0.02), a BI site with no clear treatment guidelines (ORs 3.29 and 15.88, 95% CIs 1.16 to 104.76, p<0.03), and ≥1 risk factor for ESBL Enterobacteriaceae (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.07-6.14, p=0.0353). Main independent factors of compliance were having antibiotic therapy protocols (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19-0.92, p=0.0313), respiratory failure (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.90, p=0.0281), and aspiration pneumonia (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.14-0.99, p=0.0486).
Conclusions: Half of antibiotic prescriptions remain non-compliant with guidelines. Intensivists should daily reassess the benefit of using several or broad-spectrum antimicrobials and stop antibiotics that are no longer indicated. Developing consensus about treating specific illnesses and using service protocols seem necessary to reduce errors. A daily ASP could also improve compliance in these error-prone situations.
Trial registration: This trial was approved by Toulouse University Hospital, and is registered in its register of data study, number RnIPH2019-79, and with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04642560. The date of first trial registration in ClinicalTrials.gov was 24/11/2020.
Risk prediction in carotid stenosis with time dependency of high-impact variables and multiple endpoint analysis
Authors: Hervik Kjersti , Wilsgaard Tom , Myrmel Truls , Kjørstad Knut Eivind
Published: March 2023

Electronic patient records represent a potential data source for the future, as digital free text extraction by artificial intelligence is coming closer to safe options for handling of confidential information. Big data from patient records could in turn be applied to improve risk prediction for several disease groups. In this project, a pilot dataset based on information from patient journals was collected to explore the suitability of free text information in risk prediction for patients with carotid stenosis. 863 patients with the ICD-10 diagnosis carotid stenosis were included, and the risk of stroke was analysed in relation to treatment and variables previously shown to impact disease progression or stroke risk. Variables previously shown to have a strong impact on this risk were included with time dependency, to allow analysis of trends in risk in relation to changes in risk profile over time. Multiple endpoint analysis was performed to explore the excess risk in patients who suffered more than one event. Results from the suggested model were compared to results from traditional cox regression, and concordance analysis was performed to compare these two models. In analysis of the pilot dataset, the expanded model with time dependency and multiple endpoint analysis appears to provide a better model fit then a traditional cox regression analysis performed on the same dataset.
SP1/CTR1 mediated oxidative stress-induced cuproptosis in intervertebral disk degeneration
Authors: Peng Yizhong , Chen Xuanzuo , Li Kanglu , Xiao Yan , Wu Wei , Lin Hui , Qing Xiangcheng , Tian Shuo , Liu Sheng , Wang Baichuan , Shao Zengwu
Published: March 2023

Intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) is the primary pathology responsible for lower back pain. Oxidative stress-induced cell death plays a fundamental role in IDD pathogenesis. Cuproptosis is a recently discovered form of programmed cell death dependent on copper availability. Whether cuproptosis is involved in IDD progression remains unknown. Herein, we established in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the presence of cuproptosis in IDD and the mechanisms by which oxidative stress interacts with copper sensitivity in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). We found that expression of the key cuproptosis regulator ferrodoxin-1 (FDX1) increased with disk degeneration in both rat and human disks. Sublethal oxidative stress on NPCs led to increased FDX1 expression and cell death in the presence of Cu2+ at physiological concentrations, whereas knockdown of FDX1 inhibited cell death. Since copper homeostasis is involved in copper-induced cytotoxicity, we investigated the role of copper transport-related proteins, including importers (transporter copper transporter 1 [CTR1] ) and efflux pumps (ATPase transporter, ATP7A, and ATP7B). We found that expression of CTR1 and ATP7A increased under oxidative stress, and blocking CTR1 significantly reduced oxidative stress/copper-induced cell death. Moreover, we found that oxidative stress promoted the expression of specific protein 1 (SP1) and SP1-mediated CTR1 transcription. SP1 inhibition improved cell viability and decreased cell death rates, which was reversed by the administration of elesclomol, a copper ionophore. Importantly, SP1 inhibition both significantly preserved disk hydration and alleviated tissue degeneration. This suggest that oxidative stress mediates cuproptosis by increasing copper flux through the promotion of SP1-mediated CTR1 transcription. This study highlights the importance of cuproptosis in IDD progression and provides a promising therapeutic target for IDD treatment.
Weight loss and mortality in people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cordeiro Sarah Almeida , Lopes Tainá Costa Pereira , Boechat Antonio Luiz , Gonçalves Roberta Lins
Published: March 2023

This project was designed to evaluate whether people living with HIV (PLHIV) on HAART, hospitalized, with weight loss, have higher mortality than those hospitalized using HAART and without weight loss. It was a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. We searched MedLine, Embase, and LILACS and conducted the report according to MOOSE. We analyzed methodological quality and risk of bias by the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Assessment Tool for Cohort Studies, used the risk ratio (RR) to calculate the probability of hospitalized PLHIV who lost weight evolve to death, applied the random effect model, and created the funnel chart. Ten of the 670 studies identified were included for analysis, with a total of 1,637 PLHIV. We used the inverse test of variances estimated by the Mantel-Haenszel method, considering a 95% confidence interval, heterogeneity (I2), total effect size (Z), and a significance value of p < 0.05. The risk of hospitalized PLHIV who lost weight dying was 1.5 times greater than that of hospitalized PLHIV who did not lose weight (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.19, p = 0.04). We conclude that weight is still a determinant of mortality in PLHIV, even those on HAART. Prospero registration number: CRD42020191246
Novel multiredox π-conjugated perimidine polymers with
ultra-low band gap
Authors: Lapkowski Mieczyslaw , Janasik Patryk , Chulkin Pavel , Czichy Malgorzata
Published: March 2023

The electropolymerization of prepared monomers 1 (mixture of perimidino[1',2':1,5]pyrrolo[3,4-m]phthaloperine-9,19-dione and 17H,19H-perimidino[1',2':1,2]pyrrolo[3,4-m]phthaloperine-17,19-dione) and 2 (benzo[lmn]diperimidino[2,1-b:2',1'-i][3,8]phenanthroline-10,21-dione and benzo[lmn]diperimidino[2,1-b:1',2'-j][3,8]phenanthroline-18,21-dione) resulted in the synthesis of electroactive conductive materials with structures similar to fused perinone dyes. Polymer p1 was obtained via the electropolymerization of monomer 1 with low yield and low stability, which was insufficient for further analysis. However, fundamental perinone polymer p2, containing a perimidinobenzophenanthroline skeleton, which was obtained by electropolymerization of 2, where its thickness and structure could be controlled in a one-step electrochemical process. This novel poly(perimidinobenzophenanthroline) polymer was electrically conductive and displayed a complex redox activity, mixed conductivity, and an ultra-low band gap of 0.14 eV. The regular D-A structure and specific intermolecular interactions also played a role in its characteristics. The mechanism of the electrooxidation process, which led to the formation of protonated, semi-ladder, and ladder bis-perimidine segments in polymers, was proposed using electrochemical analysis and quantum-chemical calculations.
How to Compare Muscle Strength More Appropriately: A Methodological Systematic Review of Cognitive Studies in Older Adults
Authors: Lin Ting-Yu , Tsai Yu-Jung , Hung Tsung-Min
Published: March 2023

Objectives
This methodological systematic review aims to determine how previous studies have underestimated the relationship between muscle strength and cognitive performance, record the number of such studies, provide recommendations for future studies, and propose potential methods by which to reanalyze the data from previous studies.
Methods
A systematic search was performed using PubMed and Scopus. Studies were included if (1) they were cross-sectional or cohort (prospective and retrospective) studies that investigated the relationship between cognitive performance and muscle strength and (2) the mean age of the participants was ≥ 50 years.
Results
After the titles and abstracts of 1,800 articles were screened, 127 articles were successfully retrieved and their full texts were screened. Finally, 77 studies were included in the review. We classified muscle strength metrics into five categories: (1) absolute strength, (2) absolute strength adjusted for body mass index (BMI), (3) relative strength (absolute strength ÷ body weight), (4) allometric strength (absolute strength ÷ body weight0.67), and (5) muscle quality (absolute strength ÷ muscle cross-sectional area). The first three metrics are problematic because absolute strength, regardless of adjustment for BMI, is positively correlated with body weight and relative strength is negatively correlated with body weight. Only allometric strength and muscle quality were considered suitable metrics for comparing muscle strength across individuals. In 76 out of 77 studies (99%), the strength of the relationship between muscle strength and cognitive function was underestimated because of a lack of or improper adjustment for body weight.
Discussion
We conclude that 99% of previous studies failed to appropriately adjust for participants’ body weight. Therefore, we provide two recommendations. First, allometric strength, rather than absolute or relative strength, should be used to compare participants. Second, for studies that use the repetition-to-fatigue method (testing how many repetitions a participant can complete with a given weight), such as arm curl tests, the use of a prediction formula to calculate the one-repetition maximum is recommended.
Registration
This study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021271356).
The use of Sentinel 2 to quantify N, Ca, and K in walnut orchards
Authors: Mendes Maria Beatriz , Farinha Daniela , Barroso João Mota , Rato Luís Miguel , Sousa Adélia , Rato Ana Elisa
Published: March 2023

'Persian walnut' (Juglans regia L.) is one of the most consumed nut species in the world, and N, K, and Ca nutrition are critical for its growth and quality. Mineral nutrition management in fruit crops over large areas is a challenging task only possible with a remote sensing data approach and using rapid analytical methods to correlate remotely sensed data with ground data. In the present study, predictive models to quantify N, Ca, and K were developed based on remote sensing data from the Sentinel-2 satellite (9 different spectral bands and 2 vegetation indices (NDVI and NDWI)) using a multiple linear regression approach. The predictive models for N, Ca and K were satisfactory, with R2 values of 0.72, 0.61 and 0.79, respectively. Therefore, the results obtained indicate that remote sensing is a potential technology to assess the nutrient status in crops in a faster and more reliable way than traditional plant leaf analysis procedures.
The use of contracts as a form of private regulation to implement and manage healthy vending: best practice recommendations for effective and sustained interventions
Authors: Dancey Jane , Reeve Belinda , Jones Alexandra , Brimblecombe Julie
Published: March 2023

Background:Private regulation, such as contracts, can be an effective lever to implement and manage health-enabling food retail environments. However, guidance for the effective use of contracts in food retail settings is limited. The use of contracts to create healthy foodvendingenvironments is one area where policy attention has been focussed. We applied a public health regulatory framework to publicly available guidance documents on healthy vending to develop best practice recommendations for using contracts to create healthy food vending environments.Methods:Document analysis involved i) snowball sampling to identify eligible publicly available healthy vending guidance documents from an identified seed paper; ii) application of a public health regulatory framework to extract data across three domains of form, substance and governance of healthy vending initiatives; and iii) synthesis of data to form best practice recommendations. Eligible documents were those aimed at implementing healthier vending; published from 2000 onwards; accessible online; and included recommendations beyond nutrition standards alone, including a reference to at least one regulatory governance process (administration, implementation, monitoring, enforcement or review).Results:Twelve of 92 documents identified were eligible and all were from the United States (US). All noted that products need to comply with nutrition standards. Other aspects of regulatory substance (i.e., pricing, promotion, placement, labelling and contract length) were less well considered as were elements of regulatory governance (regulatory rules, administration, implementation, monitoring, enforcement and review). Our adapted framework covers three regulatory domains with nine components, and a further 20 recommendations for best practice application in healthy vending.Conclusions:To be effective, contracts used to manage healthy food vending should include more than the nutrition standards for healthy food and drinks. Clearly stating the regulatory objectives, operative terms and conditions, and defining responsibilities for monitoring, review and enforcement within the contract, in addition to the nutrition standards, will assist practitioners in creating effective and sustained contract-based initiatives aimed at improving the healthiness of vending, or other food retail environments.
Mapping global greenhouse gases emissions: an interactive, open access web application
Authors: Andrieu Baptiste , Le-Boulzec Hugo , Delannoy Louis , Verzier François , Winter Guillaume , Vidal Olivier
Published: March 2023

Consumption-based carbon assessments are essential for evaluating climate change responsibility. However, the results vary greatly depending on the scope chosen, making them confusing to non-expert readers and hindering their use for policymaking. This study aims to shed light on all the possible ways to calculate carbon footprints and on the implications of choosing one method over another. Integrating emissions associated with capital goods in the global multi-regional input-output database EXIOBASE, we calculate carbon footprints for 49 world regions between 1995 and 2019 and build an interactive, open access, visual web application representing all possible scopes as Sankey diagrams. We show that the ranking of carbon footprints across regions, and thus the national responsibility for ecological breakdown, change significantly depending on the scope chosen. Our results further underline the need to include capital emissions in input-output models to better assess the large inequality in international carbon footprints.
Depression and Glycemic Control among Adult Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Crossectional Study in a Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
Authors: Yimam Seid , Muhye Ahmed , Hassen Kalkidan , Tadesse Samuel , Banjaw Zelalem , Ibrahim Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Background
Globally, there is an alarming rise in type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence, with the highest rate of increment observed in developing countries, including Ethiopia. The disease has a multifaceted impact, ranging from physical and mental symptoms to socioeconomic consequences. While most of these burdens have due consideration, the mental health impact of diseases such as depression is often unnoticed, undiagnosed, or untreated. More importantly, depression is known to have a higher likelihood of occurrence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and its sociodemographic predictors, clinical predictors, and glycemic control among adult type 2 diabetic patients at Sheik Hassan Yabare Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.
Methods
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling method from October 3 to November 13, 2022. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess depression, while glycemic control was measured using glycated hemoglobin (HgA1c). The data was entered into Epidata version 4.6 for data entry and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Multiple logistic regressions with the backward elimination method were performed, and a p-value of < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was taken as statistically significant.
Results
A total of 263 participants were included, with a response rate of 94.6%. Of the respondents, 134 (51%) were male, making up more than half of the total. The overall prevalence of depression was 47.1% (95% CI: 41.1–53.2). Depression was further classified, as follows, based on its severity: the majority of 66 (25.1%) had mild depression, followed by 44 (16.7%) with moderate depression, 9 (3.4%) with moderately severe depression, and 5 (1.9%) with severe depression. A multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that poor glycemic control (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.05, 3.53), DM complications (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.09, 3.74), and DM duration of 5–10 years since diagnosis (AOR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.21, 4.34) were independently associated with depression.
Conclusions
Our study revealed a significant burden of depression among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients receiving follow-up care at the hospital. Glycemic control, the presence of complications, and longer duration of diabetes were identified as predictors of depression. Therefore, concerned stakeholders should work to improve blood sugar control and promote healthy behavior, particularly among those with complications or who have been sick for an extended period of time.
Labeling in a Latinx Community: Public Health Implications for Youth and Role in Community Narratives
Authors: Caballero Elodia , Minnis Alexandra , Parmar Deepika , Zerofsky Melissa , Comfort Megan , Raymond-Flesch Marissa
Published: March 2023

Background: Youth of color are disproportionately subjected to negative formal and informal labels by parents, peers, and teachers. This study examined the consequences of such labels on health-protective behaviors, wellbeing, peer networks and school engagement.
Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 39 adolescents and 20 mothers from a predominantly Latinx and immigrant agricultural community in California. Teams of coders completed iterative rounds of thematic coding to identify and refine key themes.
Results:Dichotomous labeling of “good” and “bad” was pervasive. Youth labeled as “bad” experienced limited educational opportunities, exclusion from peers, and community disengagement. Additionally, preservation of “good kid” labels compromised health protective-behaviors including foregoing contraception. Participants pushed back on negative labeling when it was applied to close family or community acquaintances.
Discussion: Targeted interventions that foster social belonging and connection rather than exclusion may facilitate health protective behaviors and have positive implications for future trajectories among youth.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Among Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus in Bahrain- A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alawainati Mahmood , Ayoob Zahra Ahmed , Sarhan Shatha , Ayoob Zainab
Published: March 2023

Background: Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by inappropriate hyperglycemia and defects in insulin function. Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that has a fundamental role in the synthesis of fatty acids, DNA and myelin. Metformin, an oral hypoglycemic agent, was linked to low levels of vitamin B12. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of vitamin B-12 deficiency among patients with type-2 Diabetes mellitus attending primary healthcare centers in Bahrain.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at five primary healthcare centers in Bahrain. Serum B-12 levels were measured for all patients. Vitamin B-12 levels ≤ 221 pmol/L were considered low, while vitamin B-12 levels of more than 221 pmol/L were considered normal.
Results:A total of 691 patients were included in our study with an average age of 58.5±11.2 years. Most participants had hypertension (n=436, 63.1%) and hyperlipidemia (n=367, 53.1%). As high as 92% of the participants were on Metformin and 42.1% (n= 291) were using Insulin formulations. The mean vitamin B-12 level among participants was 278.0 ± 179.3 pmol/L. We found that 40.1% of the patients (n=277) had vitamin B-12 deficiency. Being treated with metformin was the only significant determinant of low vitamin B-12 levels among the cohort (P=0.022).
Conclusion: Vitamin B-12 deficiency is prevalent among patients with type-2 diabetes, especially among those on Metformin. Screening for vitamin VB12 deficiency should be considered in diabetic patients especially if treated with Metformin.
Assessment of asphalt pavement aging condition based on GF-2 high-resolution remote sensing image
Authors: Wang Han , Yang Dayong , Xie Zhiwei , Wang Jingwen , Hao Zhigang , Zhou Fanyu , Wang Xiaona
Published: March 2023

The aging condition of asphalt pavement is a crucial basis for traffic infrastructure evaluation. Due to the long time and high cost required to monitor and identify the aging condition of asphalt pavement, many current studies have focused on the application of satellite remote sensing methods. Based on the previous research results, we used PCI data and GF-2 high-resolution remote sensing images. The experimental results show that the DHI, RHI, and NDHI using GF-2 data can reflect the aging of asphalt pavement to varying degrees. This paper presents an entirely new asphalt pavement aging index, named the New Aging Index (NAI). It can not only perfectly identify the different aging conditions of asphalt pavements, but also has a significant distinguishing effect on the pavement interference information such as shadows and vehicles. NAI combined with GF-2 high-resolution remote sensing images can be used to assess the aging condition of asphalt pavement.