bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Lithology Prediction While Drilling Using Machine Learning Algorithms: A Web Application Based Solution
Authors: Mensah A. O.
Published: October 2023

Formation lithology is a vital information source for initial well economic assessment, reservoir lithology description, geological correlation, formation identification, verification of wireline log response, and identification of hydrocarbon deposits. Real-time lithology determination while drilling can greatly optimise the drilling process and enhance geosteering. Using linear, non-linear, and ensemble machine learning algorithms, this study sought to automate the process of lithology classification while drilling. Also, the project sought to create a web application with a graphical user interface to enable the users easily train and save models which can be applied on different lithology classification projects without the need to code. A public dataset containing mudlog and lithology data from ten wells in the Volve oil field, Norway, was used in this study. The graphical user interface was then created using Streamlit and Python programming language to allow for easier application of the machine learning algorithms without a prior programming knowledge. The results showed that the ensemble methods (Random Forest classifier and Gradient Boosting classifier) outperformed the other linear (logistic regression) and non-linear (Support Vector) machine learning algorithms. Random Forest classifier achieved an overall accuracy of 99% and a precision of 98% while the Gradient Boosting classifier had an accuracy score of about 97% and a precision of 92% in classifying the six lithology types from ten wells. The results obtained showed that implementing ensemble machine learning algorithms with a graphical user interface can assist Engineers to classify lithology efficiently, easily, and timely while drilling. This web application can also be used by geologists and geophysicists to classify lithology using machine learning without the need to write codes.
Synergistic Influence Between Surfactants and Nanoparticles in Foam Flooding as an Optimization Method for Gas EOR
Authors: Bello Ayomikun
Published: October 2023

Foam flooding is positioned to be one of the promising oil recovery techniques to keep up with the continuously increasing global energy demand. Due to their low sensitivity to gravity and permeability heterogeneities that boost sweep efficiency, foams are preferred injection fluids over water or gas. However, this method is not frequently used because of the thermodynamic instability of foams. Therefore, a stable additive that maintains the foam properties in reservoir conditions is needed. Due to its promising properties, such as interfacial tension reduction, increased viscosity and density, wettability modification, and others, nanoparticles have gained attention for their various applications in oil recovery. Even though a number of factors have been studied in the past in relation to increasing foam stability with nanoparticles, the ideal conditions for achieving effective foamability and stability are still unknown. The majority of the experiments were conducted under ambient conditions. However, screening should be carried out under reservoir condition because it is important influence on foam enhanced oil recovery (EOR). As a result, in this work, foam qualities were examined at high temperatures and pressures as well as, in the presence of a synthetic formation brine. Firstly, preliminary experiments, which included surfactants and nanoparticles screening, were conducted. Three different ionic surfactant types were examined for this purpose at various temperatures, concentrations of monovalent and divalent salts, and a synthetic formation brine. Then, bulk foam stability investigations were carried out under ambient and thermobaric conditions. The morphology and texture of the foam were assessed using microscopic examinations. The ideal nano-augmented surfactant solution was then foamed with CO2 and used in core flooding studies.
Application of Bio and Biobased Surfactants as Demulsifiers for Destabilization of Water in Crude Oil Emulsions
Authors: Drochomirecki Jakub Mateusz
Published: October 2023

A process of breaking ‘water in oil’ type of emulsions by using demulsifiers based on bio and biobased surfactants and comparison of their effectiveness with commercial demulsifier presented by creation of: five bio demulsifiers, ‘water in oil’ type emulsion and conduction of the analyze of: the impact of those agents on process of emulsion breaking by using the thermochemical method and comparison it with effectiveness of commercial one and an optimal doze of active compound in demulsifier which allows to effectively break emulsion. Testing set consists of: Oil samples from ‘Jaszczew’ field with different dozes of demulsifiers, source of biosurfactants, commercial demulsifiers in order to compare effectiveness between them, stirrer to mix brine with oil and water bath with thermostat. Research part consists of creating w/o emulsion which is stabile in time and does not break under influence of gravity in short time, creation of bio demulsifiers based on chosen sources of bio surfactants like for example soapwort, coconut betaine and lauryl glucoside, and mixed with brine (around 30 % of NaCl), choosing optimal concentration of source of surfactant which would allow to break emulsion instead of stabilizing it, and too chose optimal temperature of process, in range between 20-60 C, which enhance decrease of viscosity of emulsion. The performance of biodemulsifier Is compared with performance of commercial demulsifier. Comparisons are also provided for optimal ranges in which demulsifiers act like emulsion breakers and outside of which start acting like emulsifier.
Videogame training increases clinical well-being, attention and hippocampal-prefrontal functional connectivity in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Becker Maxi , Fischer Djo , Gallinat Jürgen , Kühn Simone
Published: October 2023

Recent research shows that videogame training enhances neuronal plasticity and cognitive improvements in healthy individuals. As patients with schizophrenia exhibit reduced neuronal plasticity linked to cognitive deficits and symptoms, we investigated whether videogame-related cognitive improvements and plasticity changes extend to this population. In a training study, patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls were randomly assigned to 3D or 2D platformer videogame training or E-book reading (active control) for 8 weeks, 30 minutes daily. After training, both videogame groups showed significant increases in sustained attention compared to the control group, correlated with increased functional connectivity in a hippocampal-prefrontal network. Notably, patients trained with videogames mostly improved in negative symptoms, general psychopathology, and perceived mental health recovery. Videogames, incorporating initiative, goal setting and gratification, offer a training approach closer to real life than current psychiatric treatments. Our results provide initial evidence that they may represent a possible adjunct therapeutic intervention for complex mental disorders.
Ovarian metastatic lung adenocarcinoma： a retrospective clinicopathological analysis of a consecutive 10-year case series
Authors: Liu Wei , Cui Yan-mei , Wang Xiao-jiang , Lin Xian-dong , Zhang Li-bin , Liu Jing-cheng , Lyu Qing-hu , Chen Wei , Hu Dan
Published: October 2023

Background
Ovarian metastatic lung adenocarcinoma is rarely detected in clinical practice, and only a few cases have been reported. Its clinicopathological features, molecular genetics, and prognosis have not been well characterized.
Results
Seventeen patients diagnosed with ovarian metastatic lung adenocarcinoma between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were non-smokers, with a median age of 46 years (range, 30 to 71y). Unilateral ovarian involvement was more frequent than bilateral involvement (58.8% vs 41.2%). Lesions presented as solid ovarian or mixed cystic and solid masses, and nearly two-thirds of the tumors (64.7%) had a diameter greater than 10 cm. More than one-third of the patients (41.2%) initially presented with pelvic masses with abdominal distension and/or lower abdominal pain, 100% of patients had elevated CA125 levels, and 76.5% had ascites. Most patients (76.5%) harbored driver gene alterations, including eight cases with EML4-ALK gene fusion and five cases with EGFR mutation. ALK rearrangement tumors showed solid adenocarcinomas (6/8,75.0%) and mucinous adenocarcinomas (2/8, 25.0%); however, acinar adenocarcinoma (6/9, 66.7%) was the most common type in non-ALK rearrangement cases. The 3-year overall survival (OS) of patients with ALK rearrangement and non-ALK rearrangement was 80.0% and 30.0%, respectively (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Ovarian metastatic lung adenocarcinoma exhibits distinctive clinicopathological features and can mimic primary ovarian carcinoma. ALK rearrangement is the most common molecular alteration, and these patients have a better prognosis than those with non-ALK rearrangement. Genetic testing is recommended in all patients with ovarian metastatic lung adenocarcinoma to provide them with an opportunity to undergo targeted therapy.
Relationship between dietary carotenoid intake and sleep duration in American adults: A population-based study
Authors: Deng Ming-Gang , Liu Fang , Wang Kai , Liang Yuehui , Nie Jia-Qi , Liu Jiewei
Published: October 2023

Objective
To investigate the relationship between dietary carotenoid intake and sleep duration.
Methods
Adults enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018 without missing information on dietary carotenoid intake (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin), sleep duration, and covariates were included. Participants’ carotenoid consumption was divided into three groups by quartiles and sleep duration was grouped as short (< 7 h/night), optimal (7–8 h/night), and long (> 8 h/night). Multinominal logistic regression was constructed to examine the association between dietary carotenoid intake and sleep duration. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was further utilized to explore their dose-response relationship. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) model was adopted to calculate the mixed and individual effect of 5 carotenoid sub-types on sleep duration.
Results
Multinominal logistic regression presented that people with higher intakes of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin were less likely to sleep too short or too long. Consistent with the findings from multinominal logistic regression, the RCS models suggested a reverse U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and carotenoid intakes. The mixed effects were also significant, where lutein + zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were the top 2 contributors associated with the decreased risks of short and long sleep duration, respectively.
Conclusion
People with higher carotenoid intakes were more likely to keep an optimal sleep duration, and targeted supplements may be helpful for short and long-sleepers.
Evaluation of organochlorine pesticides in samples of Astyanax Altiparanae Fish from an important reservoir in Brazil and Risk assessment
Authors: Stremel Tatiana R. de O. , Silva Cleber Pinto da , Domingues Cinthia E. , Voigt Carmem Lucia , Pedroso Carlos Raphael , Vidal Carlos Magno de Sousa , Campos Sandro X.
Published: October 2023

The Alagados reservoir is located in one of the main grain-producing and exporting areas in Brazil. Additionally, it is situated beneath the Guarani Aquifer, one of the largest aquifers in the world, which is an important source of groundwater for several countries in South America. Residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were detected in roe, viscera, and muscle of Astyanax altiparanae from the Alagados reservoir (Paraná State, Brazil) by GC/ECD. The detected OCPs include Aldrin (17.1 to 50.6 µg/Kg), α-endosulfan (3.4 to 23.5 µg/Kg), p,p’-DDE (4.2 to 134.7 µg/Kg), Dieldrin (84.7 to 183.1 µg/Kg), β-endosulfan (6.0 to 51.6 µg/Kg), and p,p’-DDT (56.6 to 286.8 µg/Kg) in roe; Aldrin (19.8 to 93.3 µg/Kg), α-endosulfan (8.3 to 37 µg/Kg), p,p’-DDE (83.5 to 209.2 µg/Kg), Dieldrin (18.0 to 193.5 µg/Kg), β-endosulfan (21.0 to 95.4 µg/Kg), and p,p’-DDT (52.3 to 89.2 µg/Kg) in viscera; and Aldrin (8.28 to 26.16 µg/Kg), α-endosulfan (4.16 to 12.3 µg/Kg), p,p’-DDE (12.7 to 40.17 µg/Kg), Dieldrin (45.6 µg/Kg), β-endosulfan (8.58 to 58.54 µg/Kg), and p,p’-DDT (12.0 to 23.1 µg/Kg) in muscle. Principal component analysis showed a proportional relationship between the highest concentrations of OCPs and the width of the fish abdomen. The levels of OCPs detected in Astyanax altiparanae samples did not exceed the maximum residue limits imposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). However, risk quotient calculations indicated possible health risks associated with the consumption of these fish.
Acaricidal efficacy of aqueous extracts from different plants on Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Alpkent Yasin Nazım , Ulusoy Selçuk , ERTÜRK Sait
Published: October 2023

The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch,1836, Acari: Tetranychidae) causes significant yield losses in cultivated plants, especially depending on the season. Chemical methods are the main methods of controlling this pest. However, besides the environmental, human, and animal health problems arising from chemical control, adverse effects such as resistance and residues limit the success and sustainability of chemical control. In this study, the potential acaricidal effect of aqueous extracts of Morus rubra, Daphne odora, Ficus carica, Matricaria chamomilla, and Mentha pulegium collected from Ankara and Adana provinces on T. urticae was investigated. For this purpose, the leaves of the plants were dried and ground and 1%, 3%, 6%, and 12% concentrations (v/v) of the extracts obtained were tested in three different application periods (1-6-day). Dipping and spraying methods were used to determine mortality and toxicity. The highest effect was 94.4% at the end of the 6th day at a 12% concentration of M. pulegium in the dipping method. On the other hand, the lowest mortality effect was 18.2% at the same time and concentration of M. chamomilla. In lethal toxicity studies, the highest toxicity was obtained from F. carica with an LC50 value of 4756 mg L− 1, and the lowest toxicity was obtained from D. odora with an LC50 value of 12417 mg L− 1. We believe that plant extracts provide a valid alternative in effectively controlling two-spotted spider mites, reducing the need for pesticide use and minimizing residues.
Hearing Rehabilitation in Patients with SERAC1 Related MEGD(H)EL Syndrome
Authors: Roesch Sebastian , O´Sullivan Anna , Tschani Stefan , Mayr Johannes A. , Baghdasaryan Anna , Balasubramaniam Shanti , Barić Ivo , de Boer Lonneke , Grünert Sarah C. , Guzek Anna , Janssen Mirian , Krumina Zita , Koenig Mary Kay , Mochel Fanny , Naldi Arianne Monge , Plecko Barbara , Öztürk Kerem , Riordan Gillian , Rymen Daisy , Santer René , Schiff Manuel , Stettner Georg M. , Tsiakas Konstantinos , Uçar Sema Kalkan , Uzun Özlem Ünal , Weigel Corina , Witters Peter , Iwanicka-Pronicka Katarzyna , Wortmann Saskia B.
Published: October 2023

Background

SERAC1 related MEGD(H)EL syndrome is a rare but regularly severely disabling and progressive inborn metabolic disease characterized by 3-methylglutaconic aciduria, dystonia and deafness, encephalopathy, (hepatopathy) and a Leigh syndrome-like presentation. Knowledge on hearing rehabilitation in affected individuals is scarce but important for being a possible therapeutic intervention in many cases. We investigated the details of hearing impairment and response to hearing rehabilitations in 35 MEGD(H)EL patients.

Methods

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Results

A total of 35 patients from sixteen international centres were included for analysis. Bilateral hearing loss was reported in 30 patients (30/35, 85%). In patients, representing the mild end of the spectrum of MEGD(H)EL syndrome with juvenile onset of symptoms, hearing impairment appeared not to be a compellent symptom.
Both cochlear and retro-cochlear hearing loss was diagnosed. Fifteen patients, all with pre-lingual hearing loss, were treated with conventional hearing aids, five patients with cochlear implants. None of the patients with hearing rehabilitation, neither hearing aids, nor cochlear implant, developed spoken language. The only benefit reported, independent from type of rehabilitation, was an improved awareness to environmental sounds.

Conclusion

Valid audiometric data in patients with MEGD(H)EL syndrome was limited, therefore, definite characterization of type of hearing loss in the whole group was not possible. However, hearing rehabilitation with conventional hearing aids was possible and should be offered to all patients, knowing that spoken language seems not to be achievable. Likewise, cochlear implants seem to offer limited additional benefit.
Oncofetal SNRPE promotes HCC tumorigenesis by regulating FGFR4 expression through alternative splicing
Authors: Jiang Zhenzhou , Wu Qipeng , Liao Ruyan , Miao Chunmeng , Hasnat Muhammad , Li Le , Sun Lixin , Wang Xinru , Yuan Ziqiao , zhang luyong , Yu Qinwei
Published: October 2023

Understanding the roles of spliceosome and splicing events during tumorigenesis opens new avenues for targeted therapies. Here, we identified that small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide E (SNPRE) is an oncofetal splicing factor, which had a link in the poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and was reactivated by SOX2. SNRPE knockdown effectively abolished HCC tumorigenesis and progression. Transcriptome analysis and RT-PCR results revealed that SNRPE knockdown induced intron retention (intron 4) in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) transcript. Mechanistically, SNRPE knockdown reduced FGFR4 mRNA expression by activating nonsense-mediated RNA decay. FGFR4 knockdown partially blocked the SNRPE-induced malignant progression of HCC cells. Our findings discovered SNRPE as a novel oncofetal splicing factor and elucidated the relationship between oncofetal splicing factors, splicing events and carcinogenesis. Therefore, SNRPE is a potential target for HCC treatment.
Crossing host boundaries: the evolutionary drivers and correlates of viral host jumps
Authors: Tan Cedric , Dorp Lucy van , Balloux Francois
Published: October 2023

Most emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases stem from viruses that naturally circulate in non-human vertebrates. When these viruses cross over into humans, they can cause disease outbreaks and epidemics. While zoonotic host jumps have been extensively studied from an ecological perspective, little attention has gone into characterising the evolutionary drivers and correlates underlying these events. To address this gap, we harnessed the entirety of publicly available viral genomic data, employing a comprehensive suite of network and phylogenetic analyses. We address a series of questions concerning the evolutionary mechanisms underpinning viral host jumps. Notably, we challenge conventional assumptions about the directionality of host jumps, demonstrating that humans are as much a source as a sink for viral spillover events, insofar we infer more viruses to have jumped from humans to other animals, than from animals to humans. Moreover, we demonstrate heightened evolution in viral lineages that involve putative host jumps. We further observe that the mutational threshold associated with a host jump is lower for viruses with broad host ranges. Finally, we show that the genomic targets of natural selection upon a successful host jump vary across different viral families with either structural or auxiliary genes being the prime targets of selection. Collectively, our results illuminate some of the evolutionary drivers underlying viral host jumps that may contribute to mitigating viral threats across species boundaries.
Exploring Piezo1, Piezo2, and TMEM150C in Human Brain Tissues and Their Correlation with Brain Biomechanical Characteristics
Authors: Raha Arjun , Wu Yuning , Zhong Lily , Raveenthiran Jatheeshan , Hong Minji , Taiyab Aftab , Wang Li , Wang Bill , Geng Fei
Published: October 2023

Unraveling the intricate relationship between mechanical factors and brain activity is a pivotal endeavor, yet the underlying mechanistic model of signaling pathways in brain mechanotransduction remains enigmatic. To bridge this gap, we introduced an in situ multi-scale platform, through which we delineate comprehensive brain biomechanical traits in white matter (WM), gray-white matter junctions (GW junction), and the pons across human brain tissue from four distinct donors. We investigate the three-dimensional expression patterns of Piezo1, Piezo2, and TMEM150C, while also examining their associated histological features and mechanotransduction signaling networks, particularly focusing on the YAP/β-catenin axis. Our results showed that the biomechanical characteristics (including stiffness, spring term, and equilibrium stress) associated with Piezo1 vary depending on the specific region. Moving beyond Piezo1, our result demonstrated the significant positive correlations between Piezo2 expression and stiffness in the WM. Meanwhile, the expression of Piezo2 and TMEM150C was shown to be correlated to viscoelastic properties in the pons and WM. Given the heterogeneity nature of brain tissue, we investigated the three-dimensional expression of Piezo1, Piezo2, and TMEM150C. Our results suggested that three mechanosensitive proteins remained consistent across different vertical planes within the tissue sections. Our findings not only establish Piezo1, Piezo2 and TMEM150C as pivotal mechanosensors that regulate the region-specific mechanotransduction activities, but also unveil the paradigm connecting brain mechanical properties and mechanotransduction activities and the variations between individuals.
Comparison of robot versus fluoroscopy-assisted pedicle screw instrumentation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery: A Meta- Analysis
Authors: Wei LinDong , Duan YuChen , Huo JianZhong
Published: October 2023

Aim
To investigate the safety and accuracy of robot-assisted pedicle screw placement in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery.
Methods
PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and EMCC databases were searched for studies utilizing the clinical data of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients who underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation to collect preoperative, postoperative and follow-up indexes and imaging parameters, including screw implantation accuracy, the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy times, amount of bleeding, operation time, postoperative VAS score and postoperative Cobb angle.
Results
Six studies were included in this meta-analysis, including 154 patients in the intervention group and 171 patients in the control group. Our results showed that screw implantation accuracy (WMD 1.07, 95% CI (1.01,1.14), P = 0.03) was higher than that in the control group. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy times (WMD − 6.11, 95% CI (-9.60, -2.62), P = 0.0006) and operation time (WMD 31.52, 95% CI (5.70,57.35), P = 0.02) in the robot group were less, and the differences were statistically significant. Intraoperative blood (WMD − 59.05, 95% CI (-212.81,94.70), P = 0.45), postoperative VAS score (WMD − 0.07, 95% CI (-0.24,0.11), P = 0.46), postoperative Cobb angle (WMD 0.79, 95% CI (-1.12,2.69), P = 0.42) had no statistical significance in the robot group compared with control group.
Conclusion
The robot navigation system can improve screw implantation accuracy and reduce the operation time and radiation exposure during the operation.
One-year outcome of intense pulsed light therapy for refractory meibomian gland dysfunction in patients continuously exposed to hypotensive agents: a comparative study
Authors: Fan Nai-Wen , Yang Chi-Chun , Ko Yu-Chieh , Chen Meng-Jou
Published: October 2023

Background: To compare the one-year effect of intense pulsed light (IPL) for refractory meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) between patients treated with and without topical hypotensive agents.
Methods: This comparative retrospective cohort study included 41 MGD eyes of glaucoma patients (age, 67.59±11.12 years) and 41 MGD eyes of non-glaucoma patients (age, 62.73±15.97 years). Both arms received a course of IPL with meibomian gland (MG) expression (MGX). Baseline characteristics were matched by propensity score test. Standard evaluation including eye dryness (SPEED) questionnaire, tear breakup time (TBUT), lid telangiectasia, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score, meibum quality and expressibility were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment.
Results: No baseline intergroup heterogeneity was detected after matching. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in SPEED score (-6.37 vs -3.23), lid telangiectasia (-0.62 vs -0.60), MG expressibility (-0.66 vs -0.93) and meibum quality (-0.83 vs -0.84) at 6 months (all p < 0.01), with a sustainable effect up to 9 months in glaucoma group and 12 months in non-glaucoma group in terms of SPEED score and MG expressibility. Both arms showed significant improvements in TBUT and meibum quality at 12 months (p < 0.01). CFS significantly decreased in the non-glaucoma group at 6 months while there was no significant change of CFS in glaucoma group over the follow-up period.
Conclusions: IPL with regular MGX exerts a promising sustainable effect in ameliorating symptoms and signs of MGD patients treated with topical hypotensive agents, but the effect lasts shorter than that in non-glaucoma patients.
Metadichol-induced differentiation of pancreatic ductal cells (PANC-1) into insulin-producing cells
Authors: Raghavan Palayakotai R
Published: October 2023

Endocrine gene expression in PANC-1, a type of pancreatic cancer cell, has been studied in the context of their potential to be reprogrammed toward a normal, differentiated state. Alkaline phosphatase activity has also been shown in pluripotent stem cells to differentiate between feeder and parental cells in reprogramming experiments. Metadichol®-based cell programming holds promise as a versatile and potentially safer approach for manipulating cellular behavior without the use of viral vectors, gating, or CRISPR. This study investigated the multifold increase in the gene expression of CA9, GCG, INS MAFA, NEUROD1, NGN3, NKX2-2, PAX6: PDX1, SLC2A2, FOXO1, and SIRT1 using qRT‒PCR. These genes regulate endocrine cell development in the pancreas and are involved in insulin and glucagon secretion. Gene network analysis is presented to show how Metadichol-induced expression leads to a closed loop feedback network and biological process that would help in mitigating diabetes and other related disorders.
Implementation of remote sensing algorithms to estimate TOC, Chl-a and TDS in a tropical water body; Sanalona reservoir, Sinaloa, Mexico
Authors: Quevedo-Castro Alberto , Monjardín-Armenta Sergio Alberto , Plata-Rocha Wenseslao , Rangel-Peraza Jesus Gabriel
Published: October 2023

The present study implements a methodology to estimate water quality values using statistical tools and remote sensing techniques in a tropical water body Sanalona. Linear regression models developed by Box-cox transformations and processed metadata from LANDSAT-8 imagery (bands) were used to estimate TOC, TDS, and Chl-a of the Sanalona reservoir from 2013 to 2020 at 5 sampling sites measured every six months. A band discriminant analysis was carried out to statistically fit and optimize the proposed algorithms. Coefficients of determination beyond 0.9 were obtained for these water quality parameters (r2TOC = 0.90, r2TDS = 0.95 and r2Chl − a = 0.96). The validation of these proposed models was carried out by comparing the estimated values of TOC, TDS, and Chl-a with the historical database provided by CONAGUA. The present study implemented, validated, and compared the results obtained by using an ordered and standardized methodology proposed for the estimation of TOC, TDS, and Chl-a values based on water quality parameters measured in the field and using satellite images.
Identifying functional subtypes and common mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Li Jiajun , Chen Rui , Shang Zhenwei , Song Zerun , Li Shuai , Meng Xin , Cheng Xiangshu , Tang Hao , Lv Wenhua , Zhang Ruijie
Published: October 2023

Background
Although there has been much research on Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), few studies focus on the classification and commonality of the two diseases. Therefore, we intends to conduct a joint subtype analysis of RA and SLE based on molecular and immune characteristics, and to investigate the similarity between RA and SLE and heterogeneity between subtypes of the two diseases.
Results
We analyzed the proportion differences of immune cell subpopulations and identified cell type specific expressed genes based on single-cell RNA sequencing data. Using these genes of abnormal proportion cells as as marker genes for classification, 232 RA patients and 160 SLE patients with bulk RNA sequencing data were grouped into two subtypes by a consensus clustering algorithm. The marker genes showed different expression patterns in two subtypes, and each of the subtype contained both RA and SLE patients. Then we estimated the composition of the immune microenvironment through ssGSEA and Cibersort algorithms, and analyzed the clinical characteristics of RA patients, which verified the heterogeneity between different subtypes. Next, we identified three co-expression modules highly correlated with subtypes by using WGCNA algorithm, and screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two disease subtypes. To furter explore the biological mechanisms of different subtypes, functional enrichment analysis of modular genes and DEGs was performed. SubtypeⅠis associated with abnormal activation of phagocytic cells caused by bacterial infection, while subtypeⅡis associated to abnormal activation of lymphatic cells caused by viral infection. To verify accuracy of subtype classification and to test whether the marker genes can be used as subtype signatures and potential drug targets, we constructed LASSO and random forest models, got 10 marker genes between two subtypes, realized the precise subtype classification with average precision rate reaching 90%.
Conclusion
Two common subtypes of RA and SLE were identified with significant heterogeneity between subtypes, which may provide new insights for the precise diagnosis and treatment of RA and SLE.
Design of stable circular permutants of the GroEL chaperone apical domain
Authors: Melnik Tatiana N. , Majorina Maria A. , Vorobeva Daria E. , Nagibina Galina S. , Veselova Victoria R. , Glukhova Ksenia А. , Pak Marina A. , Ivankov Dmitry N. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Melnik Bogdan S.
Published: October 2023

Enhancing protein stability holds paramount significance in biotechnology, therapeutics, and the food industry. Circular permutations offer a distinctive avenue for manipulating protein stability while keeping intra-protein interactions intact. Amidst the creation of circular permutants, determining the optimal placement of the new N- and C-termini stands as a pivotal, albeit largely unexplored, endeavor. In this study, we employed PONDR-FIT’s predictions of disorder propensity to guide the design of circular permutants for the GroEL apical domain (residues 191–345). Our underlying hypothesis posited that a higher predicted disorder value would correspond to reduced stability in the circular permutants, owing to the increased likelihood of fluctuations in the novel N- and C-termini. To substantiate this hypothesis, we engineered six circular permutants, positioning glycines within the loops as locations for the new N- and C-termini. We demonstrated the validity of our hypothesis along the set of the designed circular permutants, as supported by measurements of melting temperatures by circular dichroism and differential scanning microcalorimetry. Consequently, we propose a novel computational methodology that rationalizes the design of circular permutants with projected stability.
Evaluation of Prompt Engineering Strategies for Pharmacokinetic Data Analysis with the ChatGPT Large Language Model
Authors: Shin Euibeom , Ramanathan Murali
Published: October 2023

Purpose
To systematically assess the ChatGPT large language model on diverse tasks relevant to pharmacokinetic data analysis.
Methods
ChatGPT was evaluated with prototypical tasks related to report writing, code generation, non-compartmental analysis, and pharmacokinetic word problems. The writing task consisted of writing an introduction for this paper from a draft title. The coding tasks consisted of generating R code for semi-logarithmic graphing of concentration-time profiles and calculating area under the curve and area under the moment curve from time zero to infinity. Pharmacokinetics word problems on single intravenous, extravascular bolus, and multiple dosing were taken from a pharmacokinetics textbook. Chain-of-thought and problem separation were assessed as prompt engineering strategies when errors occurred.
Results
ChatGPT showed satisfactory performance on the report writing, code generation tasks and provided accurate information on the principles and methods underlying pharmacokinetic data analysis. However, ChatGPT had high error rates in numerical calculations involving exponential functions. The outputs generated by ChatGPT were not reproducible: the precise content of the output was variable albeit not necessarily erroneous for different instances of the same prompt. Incorporation of prompt engineering strategies reduced but did not eliminate errors in numerical calculations.
Conclusions
ChatGPT has the potential to become a powerful productivity tool for writing, knowledge encapsulation, and coding tasks in pharmacokinetic data analysis. The poor accuracy of ChatGPT in numerical calculations require resolution before it can be reliably used for PK and pharmacometrics data analysis.
Identification and validation of mitochondrial oxidative stress- related prognostic signature with clinical characters and immune filtration in liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Zhou Hao , Zhang Lie , Liu Xin , Wang Hui
Published: October 2023

Background Mitochondrial oxidative stress has been shown to play a critical role in cancer development and progression. But there was relatively less research on the relationship between mitochondrial oxidative stress and LIHC. Methods Mitochondrial oxidative stress-related genes were collected from Genecards portals. Prognosis-linked genes (PLGs) were identified by univariate Cox regression analysis. A risk model was constructed based on PLGs using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. The receiver operational feature (ROC) curve was used to detect the model’s prediction ability. The gene expression level of prognostic genes were verified in cell lines. Results We constructed a novel risk model on the basis of 9 prognostic genes (CYP2C19, CASQ2, LPL, TXNRD1, CACNA1S, SLC6A3, OXTR, BIRC5, and MMP1). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with a low-risk score had a much better overall survival (OS) rate than those with a high-risk score. The prognostic risk score was determined to be an independent predictor of prognosis. Patients in the high-risk group had a less favorable tumor microenvironment, characterized by a lower degree of immune cell infiltration. In contrast, the low-risk group demonstrated a higher degree of immune cell infiltration, which could potentially contribute to a more effective anti-tumor immune response. Conclusion Our investigation uncovered the oncogenic role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in LIHC. For the first time, we established a risk prediction model for mitochondrial oxidative stress in LIHC.
Comparative analysis of the quality of execution of road surfaces on newly built, reconstructed and renovated roads in the city Płock area (Poland)
Authors: Gryszpanowicz Piotr , Gasik-Kowalska Natalia , Waluś Konrad J.
Published: October 2023

Carrying out repair works, reconstruction, and construction of new road surfaces is a permanent element of urban space. The quality of the new pavement for the adopted traffic category directly impacts the road infrastructure's durability. The choice of road surface structure depends on the adopted traffic category. The aim of the article is to assess the works carried out on selected road surfaces within the city of Płock (Poland) in terms of the technical specification requirements and the durability of road infrastructure. The paper presents the tests of three road layers: base layer, binding layer and wearing course. The tests were carried out on 11 streets, and 29 samples were collected.
Pulmonary function assessment after COVID-19 in vaccinated healthcare workers
Authors: Ippoliti Lorenzo , Coppeta Luca , Somma Giuseppina , Bizzarro Giuseppe , Borelli Francesco , Crispino Teresa , Ferrari Cristiana , Iannuzzi Ilaria , Mazza Andrea , Paolino Agostino , Magrini Andrea , Pietroiusti Antonio
Published: October 2023

Long COVID refers to persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 2 months with no other clear cause. Symptoms can occur after initial infection or during recovery and include chest pain, fatigue, breathlessness and cough. The exact causes are being investigated and may involve organ damage, inflammation or an immune response. COVID-19 can cause severe respiratory damage and is different from classic ARDS. Radiological assessment is recommended for those with dyspnoea after COVID. Clinical outcomes are variable and permanent lung damage is not fully understood. Vaccination is effective against severe infection, but its effect on respiratory function in mild cases remains uncertain. This retrospective study aims to analyse changes in lung function in HCWs who had COVID-19 between 2020 and 2022, comparing their spirometric test results before and after the pandemic and taking into account their vaccination status. 321 HCWs were included in the study. The study examined spirometric parameters both before and after the pandemic, and all measured outcomes except the FEV1/FVC ratio showed a significant decrease during the study period. We then assessed the association between COVID-19 infection and changes in lung function parameters, analysing infections in 2020, 2021 and 2022 separately. We found a statistically significant difference in Forced vital capacity (FVC) between infected and non-infected subjects in 2020 and 2021, but not in 2022. To evaluate the protective effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on respiratory function, a linear regression analysis was performed using changes in FVC, Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FVC/FEV1 ratio and Peak expiratory flow (PEF) as dependent variables. The analysis showed that the decline in FVC was significantly lower in subjects who had been vaccinated prior to infection. The study concludes that subclinical COVID-19 infections in 2020 and 2021 worsened respiratory parameters (FVC and FEV1), but vaccination protected against these effects. Even healthy individuals with previous infections showed respiratory changes, with vaccination providing protection, especially for FVC decline. This highlights the importance of vaccinating healthcare workers against COVID-19.
Strategies against the shortage of skilled welders
Authors: Schmelzer Aimée , König Anja
Published: October 2023

The global welder shortage is threatening industries worldwide, resuming in loss of revenue. Various research shows a range of approaches where the industry needs to improve, in order to attract and retain skilled welders. Researches were conducted amongst apprentices, welders and HR managers, in order to understand the current status and the future needs of the work force as well as the issues the industry currently is facing.
The study shows that there is a need for a holistic approach in order to solve the problem. Starting with dignity and appreciation of the work, evaluation of the workforce as a cost or value generator and social recognition as a base. The importance of welding should be more focused in the everyday life. In what work environment do most of the welders work with regards to safety, working hours, what about physical and mental stress. The industry needs to implement new work methods also in production, to be an attractive employer to skilled welders. This also includes agile working teams, well trained leaders that are giving trust and thus enabling creative freedom, seeing the employee as a human being with his or her own personality and individual needs, creating future-oriented work structures.
Clinical Application Of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy Guided Awake Tracheal Intubation In Removal Of Internal Fixation For Cervical Spine Fracture: Case Report
Authors: Zeng Lin , Luo Tuo , Liu Yusong , Chen Yali
Published: October 2023

Background and objectives:
When planning the management of a predicted difficult airway, it is important to determine which strategy will be followed. Using fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a major option in scenarios with factors suggesting difficult airway access. It is also indicated in rescue situations, when there is tracheal intubation failure with direct laryngoscopy. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the efficacy of using fiberoptic bronchoscopy as the preferred device for patients after cervical spine fracture surgery with almost no neck mobility and difficult airways.
Case report:
An 47 year-old famale patient, 168 cm, 65 kg, ASA Physical Status II, Mallampati IV classification, was scheduled for internal fixation removal surgery for cervical spine fractures. Although the patient had a difficult airway, she showed no signs of respiratory failure or airway obstruction. After entering the room, provide oxygen through a nasal catheter with a flow rate of 2 L/min. After establishing a venous pathway and monitoring, intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine with a load of 0.5ug/kg was completed within 10 minutes. During airway preparation, always maintain the patient's autonomous breathing. The anesthesiologist performed a transcricoid puncture on the patient and injected 3mL of 2% lidocaine solution into the tracheal cavity. The whole mouth was sprayed with 2% lidocaine under the guidance of fiberoptic bronchoscope. An armored tube with a guide wire inside was used for tracheal intubation, performed on the first attempt with appropriate glottis visualization.
Conclusion
The fiberoptic bronchoscope occupies a prominent position in cases in which access to the airway is difficult. Fiberoptic bronchoscope guidance in awake endotracheal intubation for patients with difficult airway has the advantages of rapid, accurate, safe, high success rate and little damage. This can provide a new and effective method for the difficult airway management of these patients.
LINC complex protein nesprin-2 has pro-apoptotic activity via Bcl-2 family proteins
Authors: Stein Reuven , Lindenboim Liora , Zohar Hila , Gundersen Gregg , Worman Howard
Published: October 2023

The apoptotic intrinsic pathway is initiated by perforation of the mitochondrial outer membrane by the effector pro-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family, Bax and Bak. Bax and Bak need to be activated, a process facilitated by the action of BH3-only pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. The latter either directly activates the effector proteins or antagonizes the action of pro-survival Bcl-2 family members such as Bcl-xL. The nuclear envelope is a known target of the apoptotic machinery; however, it may also act as mediator of apoptosis. We showed previously that the nuclear envelope protein nesprin-2, a component of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, can bind to Bax in close proximity to the mitochondria and that the binding increases in apoptotic cells. We now show that depleting nesprin-2 inhibits the apoptotic mitochondrial pathway as measured by Bax and Bak activation and cytochrome c release. This survival effect was Bcl-xL-dependent. Nesprin-2 depletion also inhibited spontaneous exposure of the N-terminus of Bak in cells lacking Bcl-xL and increased the presence of Bcl-xL and Bax in the mitochondria. These results indicate that nesprin-2 promotes Bak activation and regulates mitochondrial translocation/retrotranslocation of Bcl-2 family proteins. Our findings demonstrate a new apoptotic pathway whereby the nuclear envelope, via nesprin-2, regulates apoptosis.
Factors Associated with Depression Among Undergraduates: A Review of Existing Literature
Authors: Perera Madhura , Tham Jacquline , Azam S.M. Ferdous
Published: October 2023

Depression among undergraduate students is a considerable mental health issue. Understanding the factors associated with depression is important to effectively prevent and to design intervention strategies to mitigate the repercussions of depression. This systematic literature review mainly aims to identify and review the existing academic body of knowledge in relation to ScienceDirect and Scopus databases on the factors associated with depression among undergraduate students. A comprehensive search of ScienceDirect and Scopus databases derived a total of 44 relevant articles published between 2003 to 2023. The review focuses on academic stress, social isolation, financial stress, relationship issues, pre-existing mental health conditions, substance abuse, lack of sleep and fatigue, coping mechanisms and family history and genetics to be factors associated with depression among undergraduates. The implications of these findings highlights the importance of universities and counseling services to focus and implementing stress management programs, providing social support mechanisms, establishing financial support systems during the higher studies, promoting healthy relationships, addressing substance abuse and sleep-related issues, and also providing resources and required support for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions and family history and genetics on depression to better cope up with depression. Future researchers are encouraged to conduct more longitudinal studies, examine underlying mechanisms, explore mediating and moderating factors while considering cultural and contextual factors, and to conduct intervention studies that examines the impact of technology, to enhance the understanding of the factors associated with depression among undergraduate students.