bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Origin of Carcinoma
Authors: Mendez Fernando
Published: January 2021

The origin of cancer remains one of the most important enigmas in modern biology. The prevailing paradigm has failed to grasp a comprehensive view of the disease. Naturally, therapies developed under the current assumptions are inadequate and cancer is practically an incurable disease. Meanwhile, descriptive studies continuously extend the molecular complexity of cancer without an equivalent advancement in its understanding. Furthermore, they tend to accumulate inconsistencies inexplicable under the classical view. This paper presents a compelling theory of the origin of carcinomas. By hypothesis, a series of generic events in epithelial tissues promoted by cellular aging and inflammation enables the reactivation of developmental programs. The origin of carcinomas in vivo is described as the time-ordered cell state transitions undergone by epithelial cells in the hyperplasia due to replicative senescence and inflammation towards a mesenchymal undifferentiated endogenous cell state with cancerous behavior. In support of the theory, the molecular, cellular, and histopathological evidence is critically reviewed. A plausible model for the origin of carcinomas is presented to explain the mechanism underlying carcinogenesis from an evolutive and developmental perspective. The implications of the hypothesis in the current strategies for cancer prevention and treatment are discussed along with rational alternatives and some predictions for possible experimental validation.
Universe at Zero Second and The Creation Process of The First Particle from the Absolute Void
Authors: Jumaa Shivan
Published: January 2021

In this study, we discuss the properties of absolute void space or the universe at zero seconds, and how these properties play a vital role in creating a mechanism in which the very first particle gets created and we find the limit in which when the absolute void volume reaches will lead to the collapse that leads to the creation of the first particle. Later we discuss the standard model explanation through the elementary dimensions theory, as according to the elementary dimensions theory study that was peer-reviewed at the end of 2020, everything in the universe is made from four elementary dimensions, these dimensions are the three spatial dimensions (X, Y, and Z) and the force equivalent.
All-Optical RF and Microwave Spectrum Analyzer with a 5 THz Bandwidth Based on CMOS-Compatible Waveguides
Authors: Li Yuhua , Kang Zhe , Zhu Kun , Ai Shiqi , Wang Xiang , Davidson Roy , Yan Wu Yan Wu , Morandotti Roberto , Little Brent , Moss David , Chu Sai
Published: January 2021

We report an all-optical radio-frequency (RF) spectrum analyzer with a bandwidth greater than 5 terahertz (THz), based on a 50-cm long spiral waveguide in a CMOS-compatible high-index doped silica platform. By carefully mapping out the dispersion profile of the waveguides for different thicknesses, we identify the optimal design to achieve near zero dispersion in the C-band. To demonstrate the capability of the RF spectrum analyzer, we measure the optical output of a femtosecond fiber laser with an ultrafast optical RF spectrum in the terahertz regime.
Binder Saturation, Layer Thickness, Drying Time and Their Effects on Dimensional Tolerance and Density of Cobalt Chrome- Tricalcium Phosphate Biocomposite
Authors: John Ruprecht , Agarwal Kuldeep , Ahmed Shaheen
Published: January 2021

Traditional metals such as stainless steel, titanium and cobalt chrome are used in biomedical applications (implants, scaffolds etc.) but suffer from issues such as osseointegration and compatibility with existing bone. One way to improve traditional biomaterials is to incorporate ceramics with these metals so that their mechanical properties can be similar to cortical bones. Tricalcium phosphate is such a ceramic with properties so that it can be used in human body. This research explores the use of binder jetting based additive manufacturing process to create a novel biocomposite made of cobalt chrome and tricalcium phosphate. Experiments were conducted and processing parameters were varied to study their effect on the printing of this biocomposite. Layer thickness, binder saturation and drying time affected the dimensional tolerance and the density of the green samples. This effect is important to understand so that the material can be optimized for use in specific applications.
THE EXISTENCE OF ADAT LAW COMMUNITY IN PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
Authors: Putri Karina , Pradhani Sartika Intaning , Noor Hendry Julian
Published: January 2021

This paper aimed to elaborate the participation of Adat Law Community in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to introduce new approach to replace compensation to more participative and collaborative scheme of infrastructure development in PPP. This article uses the normative legal research with the conceptual, statute, and case approach. This research show that releasing the land used for infrastructure development procurement will abolish the identity of the community. It have shown that failure in recognizing Adat Law Community as rightful party over their land neglects their right to entitle compensation. Furthermore, instead of economically compensating ulayat land of Adat Law Community used for infrastructure development, Adat Law Community’s participation shall be involved in infrastructure development on their land. The active participation of Adat Law Community can be exercised through placing the community as public entity in PPP. For comparison in China, the State does not pay according to market prices to farmers. However, it provides a compensation package that includes employment opportunities for farmers, housing compensation, compensation for crop loss, and / or granting a residence permit in urban areas. This make them eligible for their social welfare such as health insurance, pensions and / or retirement plans, access to high-quality schools and subsidized agricultural goods that were not previously available to farmers
A Single Retrograde Intramedullary Nail Technique for Treatment of Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in Children
Authors: Samara Eleftheria , Tschopp Benjamin , Kwiatkowski Barbara , Vardar Elif , Lutz Nicolas , Zambelli Pierre-Yves
Published: January 2021

Background:

Displaced proximal humeral fractures in older children with low remodeling potential need to be reduced and fixed. There are many options for stabilization, including external fixation, rigid internal fixation with screws and plates, percutaneous pinning, and flexible intramedullary nailing. The use of 2 flexible retrograde nails, originated at the University of Nancy, France, became the most popular technique in Europe. The aim of this study was to describe and assess a modified, single retrograde nail technique to treat fractures of the proximal part of the humerus.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective monocentric study. From June 2016 to May 2019, a modified retrograde nail technique with 1 prebent nail was used for the management of 21 consecutive children with a closed displaced proximal humeral fracture. Demographic and surgical data were collected. The surgical technique is similar to the classic elastic stable intramedullary nailing, but only 1 nail is used. The average surgical time and perioperative complications were used as criteria for the feasibility of this technique. Radiographs were obtained preoperatively; at 1, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively; and after implant removal at an average of 4.2 months postoperatively. The clinical outcomes were assessed on the basis of the shoulder range of motion documented in the medical records and by using the French edition of the QuickDASH (shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] questionnaire) evaluation scale at the time of implant removal.

Results:

Nineteen patients with a mean age of 12.6 years and a mean follow-up of 6 months were included in the study. The mean surgical time was 49 minutes. The single intramedullary nail technique provided a satisfactory reduction of all fractures. No perioperative complication occurred. In 1 case, partial loss of reduction was observed on the first-week control radiograph. All patients had a healed fracture, no deficits, excellent results according to the QuickDASH score, a normal range of motion, and excellent strength of the shoulder joint at the time of implant removal (at a mean of 4.2 months).

Conclusions:

The current study confirms the feasibility and efficacy of the single retrograde intramedullary nail technique to treat displaced proximal humeral fractures in children.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Bioeconomía, estrategias e impacto
Authors: Aguilar Alfredo
Published: January 2021

La bioeconomía tiene quince años de existencia y en esos años se ha extendido por más de cincuenta países y regiones de todo el mundo. Surgió como medio de buscar una alternativa a la economía basada exclusivamente en la explotación del petróleo y de otros recursos fósiles. La bioeconomía se adapta por su naturaleza al clima, desarrollo agrícola, industrial y socioeconómico de un país o región y a su entorno político. En la actualidad, hay un gran consenso a nivel global sobre el hecho de que la bioeconomía ha de ser circular, sostenible, usar materias primas renovables y aceptar los límites ecológicos del planeta. La experiencia de estos años permite reflexionar sobre la forma de incrementar el impacto de la bioeconomía aprendiendo de aquellas experiencias exitosas. En el presente artículo se postulan los siguientes temas: necesidad de una coherencia entre la bioeconomía y las otras políticas; generar un amplio consenso social y político; las estrategias y los planes de acción deben de ser inclusivos y combinar estrategias con acciones concretas. Se avanza asimismo unas consideraciones entre los conceptos de bioeconomía, sostenibilidad y biodiplomacia.
MONOGRÁFICO: La red INNOVAGRO y la bioeconomía
Authors: Escalante Martha , Reguillo Lucía
Published: January 2021

Nos encontramos ante un escenario cambiante lleno de desafíos globales con interconexión entre países. La dependencia de recursos fósiles y el agotamiento de los recursos naturales, configuran un panorama crítico que requiere de manera urgente que se adopten medidas a nivel de la sociedad y de los sectores público y privado. En este sentido, la bioeconomía, es una herramienta multidisciplinar y colaborativa para abordar los citados desafíos globales. Para su puesta en práctica, afrontada desde distintas perspectivas, la cooperación a nivel internacional de instituciones con objetivos comunes supone un importante paso para ser parte de tan importante y necesario cambio. En este contexto, se presenta este monográfico, que tiene como objetivo exponer el rol de la Red INNOVAGRO y ejemplificar su acción mediante posters, con la información útil y simplificada de los distintos miembros de la Red en el ámbito de la bioeconomía.
Revalorización de la cadena agroalimentaria a través de la innovación: Grupo La Caña
Authors: Molina Beatriz
Published: January 2021

Actualmente los conceptos de bioeconomía, economía circular y sostenibilidad se han convertido en tendencia. Nos podríamos preguntar si realmente hay empresas que se basan en estos conceptos para marcar su estrategia y si se da la suficiente importancia a la sostenibilidad a nivel estratégico dentro de una empresa (Junta de Andalucía, 2018). La respuesta es que sí, tanto a nivel normativo como a nivel legislativo, la orientación de las empresas va en esta dirección. Como ejemplo de ello, se expone el caso del Grupo La Caña, empresa productora, comercializadora, exportadora e importadora de productos hortofrutícolas que tiene su sede en Costa Tropical de Granada, y trabaja en toda la región de Andalucía. A través del desarrollo socioeconómico sostenible, destaca su modelo de negocio mediante el uso eficiente de herramientas y recursos naturales. Por ello, ha sido crucial llevar a cabo una optimización de procesos, métodos y protocolos que proporcionen bienes y servicios adecuados para la gestión de la industria, así como reducir los residuos generados y su efecto en el entorno más inmediato.
Survive, Revive, Thrive: Chapter 4: Opening the Sails
Authors: Blasingame Tom
Published: January 2021

Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone. - Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter/sculptor, 1881-1973

It’s Time To Look at the Horizon

“Opening our sails” is a metaphor that the worst of the storm has passed or is passing, and it is time to get our-selves shipshape, making necessary repairs and preparations, and get back on course. As individuals, and certainly as SPE, we must be ready to cautiously open our sails. The pandemic may be at or near its peak, and despite relatively strong economic performance in most sec-tors, we know that the global economy remains fragile. As an industry, we don’t have the luxury of waiting. We must provide energy and feedstock in advance of global needs, so it is time to get busy and plan not for what was but for what will be.

The energy map, meaning the needs, resources, economies, and priorities of the world, is changing. The oil and gas industry will continue to adapt, but as I have mentioned many times, the need for the service we provide is greater now than ever before. We need to be prepared for both increasing demand and public apathy for what we do. This is nothing new, and capital investments in oil and gas should begin to increase as we enter the new year. Perhaps not at the rates we saw during the “shale revolution,” but investors know how essential we are to a strong global economy and will act accordingly.

I believe Picasso was right. We must develop the discipline to sacrifice for our passions completely, for what we are doing is too important to wait and too important to sleep. Person-ally, I have a compulsive need to serve and to create. The service part probably came from having older parents who came from, let’s say, very modest circumstances, and the creative part perhaps from the desire to take things apart and put them back together with the fewest possible parts left over. I mention this because each of us has an artist, a writer, an engineer, a doctor, and maybe even a mad scientist inside them. And each of us has our own compulsions. In the post-pandemic, we need to channel that same discipline that Picasso implies. Our passions are our compass, and our energy derives from our compulsion to fulfill those passions.

My challenge to you, as an industry, is to align your passions. Someone recently told me that the pandemic had provided us the opportunity of a generation to realign our priorities. I believe it is the opportunity of a lifetime. We can choose to fear the future, or we can create it. It is that simple.
Geothermal Well Construction: A Step Change in Oil and Gas Technologies
Authors: Feder Judy
Published: January 2021

Geothermal energy has been described as an engineering problem that, when solved, provides the clean, reliable, safe, and affordable energy being sought globally. It is highly likely that the engineers who play the biggest role in solving that problem, and the technologies they adapt and advance, will come from oil and gas. There is enough energy in the earth’s crust, just a few miles down, to power all of humanity for ages, according to the US Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. The problem is how to tap into it safely, efficiently, and cost effectively.

After many years of failure to launch because of technology or cost limitations, new companies and technologies - and smarter ways of leveraging those that already exist - are bringing geothermal out of its doldrums, to the point that it may finally be ready to scale and become a major player in the transition to cleaner energy, according to Jamie Beard, executive director of the Geothermal Entrepreneurship Organization (GEO) at The University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin). “The cutting-edge technological developments in geothermal are devoted to drilling into ever-deeper, hotter, and harder rock,” she said, “and oil and gas holds the key to cost reduction for all of these concepts.”

Eric Van Oort, drilling and well engineering expert, educator, and scientist, agrees. The UT-Austin engineering professor and director of the rig automation and performance improvement in drilling (RAPID) industry consortium, said, “Fifty to seventy-five percent of the cost of geothermal development is tied up in drilling and well construction. To scale it, we have to reduce that cost.”

Designing for Extremes

Well design for geothermal wells is similar to that for oil and gas wells. The challenges arise from drilling deeper and deeper, into hotter and hotter rock. Heat ranging from 150°C (302°F) to 373°C (703°F) and above can be used to profitably generate electricity. Oil and gas well designs traditionally have not had to contend with these extremes.

Thermal considerations are unavoidable in deep geothermal well construction. Temperature and thermal effects, chemical composition of produced fluids, and rate of production or pressure depletion pose significant challenges to well casing and design.

Nick Cameron, reservoir characterization manager at BP and leader of the supermajor’s studies into geothermal energy, said his company is using corporate data, geological understanding, and oil and gas expertise and experience to look at where their technology can reduce risk and drive down the cost of development. “Metallurgical understanding of materials and how they handle heat is crucial to these efforts,” he said. “Fortunately, there have been significant advancements in this area in recent years.” Cameron said that much work is also being done into changing the chemical composition of the fluids that flow through the geothermal reservoirs.
How Real-Time Evaluation of Slugging Severity Can Help Maximize Production
Authors: Burgos Andreas , Wollebæk Lars
Published: January 2021

In recent years, Aker BP has explored and developed a number of digital improvements to optimize production. The underlying business drivers are meant to improve efficiency, increase production and reserves, decrease costs, and reduce the carbon footprint from operations.

The example described in this article has innovative elements of digitalization and automation of workflows which provide a new approach for better handling of slugging in subsea developments with long tiebacks. The new solution has a potential for optimizing production and limiting the amount of flaring.

Flow Instabilities in the Vilje Field

The Aker BP-operated Vilje field in the Norwegian Continental Shelf has occasionally experienced production-flow instabilities in the production pipelines and risers due to slugging. The company worked with Turbulent Flux to develop a software solution, the FLUX Stability Adviser, to continuously and precisely monitor production in real time.

Field Description and Outline of Problem

The Vilje field is a subsea development with three horizontal producers tied back to the Alvheim floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility through a production line longer than 20 km. The inlet separator at Alvheim is shared with other third-party developments. After an initial period of dry-oil production at the field, which started production in 2008, the oil rate has gradually decreased as a result of increased water cuts (WC) over time. Gas lift has been used to sustain production. The occasional slugging at the inlet separator had been controlled by increasing the backpressure to the production line and/or shutting in one of the producers. However, this practice affects production potential and may lead to production losses or deferral.

Explanation of the Solution

The two companies developed a Stability Adviser application to advise operators of the settings to optimize production in real time while lowering the risks related to slugging at any point in time.

The developed solution runs on a cloud infrastructure with an interactive web-user interface. The main user interface contains a 3D heat map which is based on output from a series of pre-run transient simulations and a statistical analysis of the associated slugging severity. The model quality of the pre-run simulations was benchmarked with field data, and a similarity index was introduced to evaluate the degree of matching.

Transient multiphase flow simulations represent the state of the art in the prediction and analysis of slugging behavior in multiphase transport pipelines (both terrain-induced and hydrodynamic slugging). These simulators capture and follow slugs as they are forming along the pipeline. That said, these simulations are time consuming, which limits their usefulness in a real-time operational context.
Technology Focus: EOR Modeling (January 2021)
Authors: Gupta Subodh
Published: January 2021

The enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) literature produced in the past several months was dominated by reservoir modeling and characterization; flood enhancements; machine learning; and, more notably, relative permeability estimation. This last one needs to be under-stood further.

Relative permeability characterizes flow in porous media, the understanding and manipulating of which is key to the success of EOR. Our fascination with the topic during the last 75 years, therefore, is understandable. Starting with a seminal paper from W.R. Purcell in 1949, we have more than 12,000 articles in the SPE collection alone on relative permeability estimation, of which more than 400 were published in the last year.

Mechanics of motion is also important to mankind, but we do not have literature piling up on Newton’s laws of motion. Is it that we haven’t understood flow in porous media yet, or is it because the subject matter is so complex? The truth, perhaps, lies somewhere in between.

Flow in pores that are randomly sized, randomly connected, and have variable chemical makeup is, by nature, complex and mathematically unmanageable. Relative permeability has been our attempt to lend its aggregate behavior some sense of manageability. This has always been done in a fit-for-purpose manner. What is fit for one context, however, may not be so for the others, and this uncertainty continues to churn out theses, antitheses, and syntheses. Expectedly, even more such activity arises with every improvement in computing capabilities, as is once again evident with advances in machine learning—new tools to handle old problems. That is where my first pick is for you, with some additional suggested readings in references that follow.

Data analytics does much more than estimate relative permeability, and the second paper abridged here uses it to predict a flood performance.

To allow a break from data science, the third paper chosen deals with the important topic of electromagnetics as applied to reservoir characterization and heating.

I hope you find these to be useful and interesting reads.
Novel Geophone Array Measures Exact Location of Fluid Movement Behind Casing
Authors: Feder Judy
Published: January 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Judy Feder, contains highlights of paper SPE 197560, “Enhanced Well Remedial Decisions From Exact Location of Fluid Movement Behind Casing Identification,” by Marcel Croon, SPE, Perry Huber, SPE, and Jacob Wright, SPE, Weatherford, SPE, prepared for the 2019 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, 11-14 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Historically, acoustic wellbore monitoring is among the primary methods of detecting fluid movement behind the casing. However, analysis of the complex acoustic environment in the wellbore can be challenging. A standard hydrophone noise tool is unable to measure flow directions (vertical and horizontal) and cannot detect low flow, low-pressure sporadic events, or multiple sources. The complete paper discusses a geophone array, including four, three-component geophones deployed by wireline, that provides a solution for this problem by creating a 3D map of the acoustic environment.

Introduction

Well-integrity issues such as a poor cement bond can lead to undesirable fluid movements behind the casing, which could have negative effects with regard to health, safety, and the environment. A detailed understanding of annular fluid movement is critical in identifying potential source locations for wells with surface-casing vent-flow (SCVF) issues. Applicable scenarios include the following:

Planned well-intervention activities for wells with multiple-source vent/flow situations

Confirming the presence of flow (gas/oil/water) behind the casing

Identifying areas with suspected crossflow between zones

Integrity confirmation for gas storage caverns or zones

Identifying unwanted flow for well-abandonment activities

Well abandonment is bound by stringent regulations in some countries where the testing and repair of SCVF and gas-migration (GM) issues before final abandonment are required. An ex-ample is western Canada, where surface casing vents must be tested through a bubble test at minimum. This involves connecting a small container with 2.54 cm of water using fittings to the surface casing vent and monitoring for gas bubbles for 10 minutes. Often the flow rates are very low (less than 35 cu ft/d) with minimal pressure buildup. If bubbles are detected during the monitoring period, the well is deemed to have a positive vent flow. Consequently, the source of the vent flow must be identified by a survey as approved by the energy regulator, which could be conducted by means of acoustic logs, temperature logs, or gas- isotope analysis. Additionally, GM measurements must be conducted before final abandonment in specific areas within western Canada but are recommended for all wells. The complete paper details this process.
An Integrated Experimental Workflow for Formation Water Characterization in Shale Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Bazhenov Formation
Authors: Kazak Ekaterina S. , Kazak Andrey V. , Bilek Felix
Published: January 2021

In this study, we aim to develop a new integrated solution for determining the formation water content and salinity for petrophysical characterization. The workflow includes three core components: the evaporation method (EM) with isotopic analysis, analysis of aqueous extracts, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) study. The EM serves to quickly and accurately measure the contents of both free and loosely clay-bound water. The isotopic composition confirms the origin and genesis of the formation water. Chemical analysis of aqueous extracts gives the lower limit of sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity. The CEC describes rock-fluid interactions. The workflow is applicable for tight reservoir rock samples, including shales and source rocks.

A representative collection of rock samples is formed based on the petrophysical interpretation of well logs from a complex source rock of the Bazhenov Formation (BF; Western Siberia, Russia). The EM employs the retort principle but delivers much more accurate and reliable results. The suite of auxiliary laboratory methods includes derivatography, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Water extracts from the rock samples at natural humidity deliver a lower bound for mineralization (salinity) of formation water. Isotopic analysis of the evaporated water samples covered δ18O and δ2H. A modified alcoholic ammonium chloride [(NH4Cl)Alc] method provides the CEC and exchangeable cation concentration of the rock samples with low carbonate content.

The studied rock samples had residual formation water up to 4.3 wt%, including free up to 3.9 wt% and loosely clay-bound water up to 0.96 wt%. The latter correlates well to the clay content. The estimated formation water salinity reached tens of grams per liter. At the same time, the isotopic composition confirmed the formation genesis at high depth and generally matched with that of the region's deep stratal waters. The content of chemically bound water reached 6.40 wt% and exceeded both free and loosely bound water contents. The analysis of isotopic composition proved the formation water origin. The CEC fell in the range of 1.5 to 4.73 cmol/kg and depended on the clay content.

In this study, we take a qualitative step toward quantifying formation water in shale reservoirs. The research effort delivered an integrated workflow for reliable determination of formation water content, salinity lower bound, and water origin. The results fill the knowledge gaps in the petrophysical interpretation of well logs and general reservoir characterization and reserve estimation. The research novelty uses a unique suite of laboratory methods adapted for tight shale rocks holding less than 1 wt% of water.
Long-term survival and clinical outcomes of non-vascularized autologous and allogeneic fibular grafts are comparable for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Jie Ke , Feng Wenjun , Li Feilong , Wu Keliang , Chen Jinlun , Zhou Guanming , Zeng Huiliang , Zeng Yirong
Published: January 2021

Background Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a disabling disease, which often involves young patents. Recently, various hip-preserving surgeries were recommended to delay total hip arthroplasty (THA). Questions/purposes This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes and survival rate in the long-term follow-up between core decompression combined with a non-vascularized autologous fibular graft (group A) and an allogeneic fibular graft (group B) for the treatment of ONFH.Patients and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 117 patients (153 hips) with ONFH (Association Research Circulation Osseous [ARCO] stages IIa to IIIc) who underwent the above-mentioned hip-preserving surgeries between January 2003 and June 2012. The mean (range) follow-up times (years) were 12.9 (7–16) and 9.3 (6–16) in groups A and B, respectively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Harris hip score (HHS), visual analog scale (VAS) score, forgotten joint score (FJS). A survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The end point was THA.Results Groups A and B showed postoperative improvements, respectively, in HHS from 65±7.2 to 80.3±14.5 and from 66±5.9 to 82.4±13.6 (p<0.05), and in VAS score from 6.3±1.1 to 2.3±1.6 and from 6.1±1 to 2.2±2.2 (p<0.05). However, no significant differences in the HHS, VAS score, and hip FJS at the last follow-up (p>0.05) and 15-year survival rate (84.1% and 86%, respectively, p>0.05) were found between group A and B.Conclusions Autologous and allogeneic fibular grafts can attain equally good clinical outcomes and high survival rates in long-term follow-up, and thus can greatly delay THA owing to good bone osseointegration and sufficient mechanical support. Notably, the ratio of failure will increase when patients were more than 37 years old.Level of Evidence Level III, therapeutic study.
Effects of (Mg1/3Sb2/3)4+ substitution on the structure and microwave dielectric properties of Ce2Zr3(Mg1/3Sb2/3)3-3(MoO4)9 ceramics
Authors: Xu Zhou , Lintao Liu , Jiajia Sun , Ningkang Zhang , Huazhang Sun , Haitao Wu , Wenhong Tao
Published: January 2021

Ce 2 [Zr 1-x (Mg 1/3 Sb 2/3 ) x ] 3 (MoO 4 ) 9 (0.02≤x≤0.10) ceramics were prepared well through the traditional solid-state method. A single phase, belonging to the space group of R-3c, was detected by using X-ray diffraction at sintering temperatures ranging from 700 to 850 °C. The crystallization micro-structural of specimens was examined by applying Scanning electron microscopy. The structural refinement of these samples was investigated in detail by performing the Rietveld refinement method. The intrinsic properties were calculated and explored via far-infrared reflectivity spectroscopy. The correlations between the chemical bonds parameters and microwave dielectric properties were calculated and analyzed by P-V-L theory. Ce 2 [Zr 0.94 (Mg 1/3 Sb 2/3 ) 0.06 ] 3 (MoO 4 ) 9 ceramics with excellent dielectric properties: ε r = 10.37, Q×f = 71748 GHz and τ f = −13.6 ppm/°C sintered at 725 °C for 6 hours.
WITHDRAWN: MiR-34a inhibitor protects mesenchymal stem cells from hyperglycaemic injury through the activation of the SIRT1/FoxO3a autophagy pathway
Authors: Zhang Fengyun , Gao Fei , Wang Kun , Liu Xiaohong , Zhang Zhuoqi
Published: January 2021

Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are favourable treatments for ischaemic diseases; however, MSCs from diabetic patients are not useful for this purpose. Recent studies have shown that the expression of miR-34a is significantly increased in patients with hyperglycaemia, the precise role of miR-34a in MSCs in diabetes need to be clarified.Objective The aim of this study is to determine the precise role of miR-34a in MSCs exposed to hyperglycaemia and in recovery heart function after myocardial infarction (MI) in diabetes mellitus (DM) rats. Methods DM rats models were established by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection. MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of donor rats. Chronic culture of MSCs under high glucose was used to mimic the DM micro-environment. The role of miR-34a in regulating cell viability, senescence and paracrine effects were investigated using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) ELISA, respectively. The expression of autophagy- and senescence-associated proteins in MSCs and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box class O 3a (FoxO3a) were analyzed by western blotting. Autophagic bodies were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The MI model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation, and then the rats were transplanted with differentially treated MSCs intramuscularly at sites around the border zone of the infarcted heart. Thereafter, cardiac function in rats in each group was detected via cardiac ultrasonography at 1 week and 3 weeks after surgery. The infarct size was determined through a 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining assay, while myocardial fibrosis was assessed by Masson staining.Results The results of the current study showed that miR-34a was significantly increased under chronic hyperglycaemia exposure. Overexpression of miR-34a was significantly associated with impaired cell viability, exacerbated senescence and disrupted cell paracrine capacity. Moreover, we found that the mechanism underlying miR-34a-mediated deterioration of MSCs exposed to high glucose involved the activation of the SIRT1/FoxO3a autophagy pathway. Further analysis showed that miR-34a inhibitor-treated MSCs transplantation could improve cardiac function and decrease the scar area in DM rats. Conclusions Our study demonstrates for the first time that miR-34a mediates the deterioration of MSCs functions under hyperglycaemia. The underlying mechanism may involve the SIRT1/FoxO3a autophagy signaling pathway. Thus, inhibition of miR-34a might have important therapeutic implications in MSCs-based therapies for myocardial infarction in DM patients.
Knowledge and understanding of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tamang Saran Tenzin , Dorji Thinley , Yoezer Sonam , Phuntsho Thinley , Dorji Phurb
Published: January 2021

Background: The third Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 development agenda aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Pregnant women’s understanding of danger signs is an important factor in seeking timely care during emergencies. We assessed knowledge of obstetric danger signs using both recall and understanding of appropriate action required during obstetric emergencies. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bhutan’s largest hospital in Thimphu. Recall was assessed against seven obstetric danger signs outlined in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (7 points). Understanding of danger signs was tested using 13 multiple choice questions (13 points). Knowledge was scored out of 20 points and reported as “good” (≥80%), “satisfactory” (60 – 79%) and “poor” (<60%). Correlation between participant characteristics and knowledge score as well as number of danger signs recalled was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Association between knowledge score and participant characteristics were tested using t-tests (and Kruskal-Wallis test) for numeric variables. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the level of knowledge (“good” versus “satisfactory and poor” combined) were assessed with odds ratios (OR) using a log-binomial regression model. All results with p < 0.05 were considered significant.Results: Four hundred and twenty-two women responded to the survey (response rate = 96.0%). Mean (±SD) knowledge score was 12 (±2.5). Twenty women (4.7%) had “good knowledge”, 245 (58.1%) had “satisfactory knowledge” and 157 (37.2%) had “poor knowledge”. The median number of danger signs recalled was 2 (IQR 1, 3) while 68 (20.3%) women could not recall any danger signs. Most women were knowledgeable about pre-labour rupture of membranes (96.0%) while very few women were knowledgeable about spotting during pregnancy (19.9%). Both knowledge score and number of danger signs recalled had significant correlation with the period of gestation. Women with previous surgery on the reproductive tract had higher odds of having good level of knowledge. Conclusions: Most pregnant women had satisfactory knowledge score with poor explicit recall of danger signs. However, women recognized obstetric emergencies and identified the appropriate action warranted.
A meta-analysis of the epidemiology of Giant Cell Arteritis across time and space
Authors: Li Katherine , Semenov Daniel , Turk Matthew , Pope Janet
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a common large vessel vasculitis in those over age 50 years. This meta-analysis examined the geographical and temporal distribution of the incidence, prevalence and mortality of GCA.Methods: A systematic review was conducted using EMBASE, Scopus andPubMed from their inceptions until 2019. Studies were included if they reported at least 50 or more GCA patients and defined the location and time frame. Articles on mortality were included and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was extracted where possible. Mean pooled prevalence, incidence, and SMR were calculated using a random effects model. Linear regression was used to explore correlations between latitude and incidence, prevalence, and mortality.Results: Of the 3569 citations identified, 107 were included. The pooled incidence of GCA was 10.00 [9.22, 10.78] cases per 100,000 people over 50 years old. This incidence was highest in Scandinavia 21.57 [18.90, 24.23], followed by North and South America 10.89 [8.78, 13.00], Europe 7.26 [6.05, 8.47], and Oceania 7.85 [-1.48, 17.19]. Pooled prevalence was 51.74 [42.04, 61.43] cases per 100,000 people over age 50. Annual mortality was 20.44 [17.84, 23.03] deaths/1000. Mortality generally decreased over the years of publication (p=0.0008). Latitude correlated significantly with incidence (p=0.0011), but not with prevalence, or mortality. Conclusions: GCA incidence varies nearly 3-fold between regions and is highest in Scandinavia but not significantly. Mortality may be improving over time.
Effects of Passive Bi-axial Ankle Movement Training with Electrical Stimulation on Ankle Sensorimotor Functions in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Cho Ji-Eun , Shin Joon-Ho , Kim Hogene
Published: January 2021

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of passive biaxial ankle movement training synchronized with electrical stimulation therapy (AMT-EST) on ankle proprioception, ankle strength, balance, and gait in chronic stroke patients. We observed the changes in ankle sensorimotor function after stroke.Methods: Thirty-five stroke patients were randomized to an experimental or control group, and 30 patients completed the trials. The experimental group received AMT-EST on the affected ankle for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks, for a total of 20 sessions. The control group received electrical stimulation therapy on the affected ankle. The primary outcome measures were ankle proprioception, passive range of motion, and strength. The secondary outcome measures were balance and gait-related functional abilities.Results: Compared with those in the control group, the participants in the experimental group who received AMT-EST showed significant post-training improvement in ankle proprioception of eversion (P<0.05). The ankle passive range of motion (inversion and eversion), ankle strength (dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion), and functional abilities (Fugl–Meyer Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, Fall Efficacy Scale, and walking speed) significantly improved in the experimental group (P<0.05). Significant group×time interactions were observed in ankle passive range of motion (inversion and eversion), ankle strength (dorsiflexion), and Fugl–Meyer Assessment (P<0.05). All ankle proprioception moderately correlated with ankle passive range of motion (eversion), ankle strength (dorsiflexion and eversion), the Berg Balance Scale, and Fugl–Meyer Assessment (P<0.05).Conclusions: Biaxial AMT-EST effectively increased ankle proprioception, range of motion, strength, and functional abilities in chronic stroke patients. These findings suggest that AMT-EST can be proposed as a novel ankle rehabilitation program for chronic stroke patients with ankle sensorimotor impairment.Trial registration: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at a rehabilitation hospital (NRC-2017-04-035, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, South Korea) and retrospectively registered at a clinical trial registry on January 31, 2020 (CRIS, KCT0004688, https://cris.nih.go.kr/).
Optimization of Air Traffic Management Efficiency Based on Deep Learning Enriched by the Long Short-term Memory(LSTM) and Extreme Learning Machine(ELM)
Authors: Aghdam Mahdi Yousefzadeh , Kamel Seyed Reza , Chabok Seyed Javad Mahdavi , khairabadi maryam
Published: January 2021

Air traffic management refers to the activities required for the efficient and safe management of the national air system (NAS) for each country. This concept has been widely assessed due to its complexity and sensitivity for the beneficiaries, including passengers, airlines, regulatory agencies, and other organizations. To date, various methods (e.g., statistical and fuzzy techniques) and data mining algorithms (e.g., neural network) have been used to solve the issues of air traffic management (ATM) and delay the minimization problems. However, each of these techniques has some disadvantages, such as overlooking the data, computational complexities, and uncertainty. The present study aimed to increase ATM efficiency using the deep learning approach. The main research objective was to propose a deep learning model with the application of a long short-term memory-based deep learning model in order to increase the predictive accuracy in short daily and long-term annual windows by enhancing deep learning (two-dimensional). In addition, the deep model output was transferred to the extreme learning machine fast learning deep neural machine in order to calculate the estimated time of arrival real-time based on other similar input data, including the NAS data, bureau of transportation statistics system, and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast system. The final results indicated the increased accuracy of ATM compared to other studies.
Association of CSF proteins with tau and amyloid β levels in asymptomatic 70-year-olds
Authors: Remnestål Julia , Bergström Sofia , Olofsson Jennie , Sjöstedt Evelina , Uhlén Mathias , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Zettergren Anna , Kern Silke , Skoog Ingmar , Nilsson Peter , Månberg Anna
Published: January 2021

BackgroundIncreased knowledge of the evolution of molecular changes in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is important for the understanding of disease pathophysiology and also crucial to be able to identify and validate disease biomarkers. While several biological changes that occur early in the disease development have already been recognised, the need for further characterization of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind AD still remains.MethodsIn this study, we investigated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of 104 proteins in 307 asymptomatic 70-year-olds from the H70 Gothenburg Birth Cohort Studies using a multiplexed antibody- and bead-based technology. ResultsThe protein levels were first correlated with the core AD CSF biomarker concentrations of total tau, phospho-tau and amyloid beta (Aβ42) in all individuals. Sixty-three proteins showed significant correlations to either total tau, phospho-tau or Aβ42. Thereafter, individuals were divided based on CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score to determine if early changes in pathology and cognition had an effect on the correlations. We compared the associations of the analysed proteins with CSF markers between groups and found 33 proteins displaying significantly different associations for amyloid-positive individuals and amyloid-negative individuals, as defined by the CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. No differences in the associations could be seen for individuals divided by CDR score.ConclusionsWe identified a series of transmembrane proteins, proteins associated with or anchored to the plasma membrane, and proteins involved in or connected to synaptic vesicle transport to be associated with CSF biomarkers of amyloid and tau pathology in AD. Further studies are needed to explore these proteins’ role in AD pathophysiology.
Study on the Relationship Between Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Pregnant Women and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Huang Zhi-Hao , Peng Ting-Ting , Yan Sheng-Guang , Yu Dong-Dong , Qiu Jun-Chao , Liu Mei-Ling , Huang Xin-Yue , Xu Guo-Jun , Ou-Yang Shi
Published: January 2021

Objective: Aim to the relationship between adverse pregnant outcomes with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnant women. Simultaneously, assess the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) among different serum HBV status in pregnant women. Method: From 2017 to 2019, we studied HBsAg (+) pregnant women and HBsAg (-) who gave birth at our hospital in Guangzhou City, China. We compared of the incidence of pregnant women with HBsAg(+) or HBsAg(-). Further, among HBsAg(+) pregnant women, We compared of the incidence of pregnant women with HBeAg(+) group or HBeAg(-) group, high HBV DNA loads (HBV DNA≥2×10^5IU/mL) group or low HBV DNA loads (HBV DNA＜2×10^5IU/mL) group, respectively. Finally, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent association between HBV infection and the risk of developing APO.Result: First, Our research Indicates that the rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), premature rupture of membrane (PROM), Fetal distress (FD), Oligohydramnios, Premature delivery (PD), Low birth weight (LBW), Meconium contamination (MC), Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia(NH) in HBsAg(+) group were higher than those in HBsAg(-) group (P<0.05). Second, among 711 HBsAg(+) pregnant women, the rates of GDM and ICP in high loads of HBV DNA were higher than those in low loads of HBV DNA group (P<0.05). Similarly, The rates of ICP in HBeAg(+) group were higher than those in HBeAg(-) group. Further, through multivariable logistical regression model analysis, we observed maternal HBsAg carrier (OR, 6.758; 95% CI, 2.358-19.369) had an independent risk for ICP. Similarly, HBsAg carrier(OR, 1.101; 95% CI, 1.066-1.137) ,advanced age (OR, 1.407; 95% CI,1.016-1.137) and abortion(OR,1.446; 95% CI, 1.062-1.969) had independent risk for GDM. Conclusions: Chronic HBV infection can increase the rate of host adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). The maternal viral load and HBeAg status were significantly associated with the incidence of GDM and ICP. Maternal HBsAg carrier had an independent risk for GDM and ICP.