bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
President’s Column with Terry Palisch: The Value of Publishing Technical Papers for Your Career
Authors: Palisch Terry
Published: February 2024

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This transcript is an excerpt from the podcast episode.

Bryan:

Hello, I’m Bryan Hibbard, senior editorial operations manager for SPE, I’m pleased to join 2024 President Terry Palisch as he continues his discussion about the ways we connect our members to technology by focusing on SPE papers, JPT, and other SPE publications. Terry, thank you for inviting me.

Terry:

Thank you for joining me, Bryan. I appreciate you taking the time to be the host. I thought you would make a good host for this topic.

In December, I talked about regional sections and how I think that they are the face of SPE, and similarly when I think of reading and writing SPE papers or reading the Journal of Petroleum Technology (JPT), and the SPE Journal, these too are some of the key aspects of being an SPE member. It’s also front and center to our mission statement connecting our members to technology, serving as one of the primary ways we do that, and it also plays a role in connecting our members to other members.

So, I thought it would be important to spend this episode talking about the importance of SPE papers, JPT, and continuing our focus on how members can get the most out of their SPE membership and in turn create their energy future.

Bryan:

SPE papers mean a lot to me. I manage the journals, as well as the conference papers at SPE. I know they are very special to you as well. When you and I did the How to Write a Good Abstract webinar together a couple of months ago, we got to hear a lot about your opinions on how to write a great abstract. So why do you think SPE papers are so important?

Terry:

Let me just tell you a quick story to illustrate the importance of papers. When I was a member of the Dallas Section several years ago, Danny Bell (SPE Dallas Section Education Chair) said his committee thought that writing papers was very important, so they asked me to put on a seminar on how to write SPE papers. That is what led to the webinar that you were just talking about.

If you think about technical papers, engineers in all industries write technical papers, they do it to disseminate information and to memorialize their ideas and their discoveries. It is important to any profession that we write and document.

When it comes to SPE I think papers are critical; without them we don’t have conferences or symposia. They enrich the multisociety library, OnePetro. In the end, it’s the way we disseminate technology and information to our members. But it’s also important to authors because they do the heavy lifting, they are the ones who do the writing, and sometimes they do it in their off time. More information about this is available from our webinar, mentioned earlier.
High-Pressure Separation: New Technology in the Subsea Toolbox
Authors: Presley Jennifer
Published: February 2024

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Subsea production systems have come far in the more than 60 years since the first deployment in the US Gulf of Mexico, helping many countries unlock their offshore hydrocarbon riches in the years that followed.

For Brazil, it was a combination of advances in subsea technologies and floating production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO) designs that supported the growth of its offshore oil and gas prowess.

From those first forays into the Sergipe-Alagoas basin in the northeast during the 1970s, the country’s offshore oil and gas footprint has grown significantly, with today’s production from the pre-salt Campos and Santos basins—located farther from shore and in much deeper water—launching state-run oil company Petrobras to a top spot among the ranks of global producers.

The ongoing development of its offshore fields will continue to boost the country’s oil and natural gas production in 2024. Since December 2022, five FPSOs have been brought online, with four installed in 2023 delivering record output. The fifth one—the FPSO Sepetiba—delivered a New Year’s Day surprise when it came online at Mero 2 oil field on 31 December 2023.

HISEP, a new subsea technology currently being readied for pilot testing, could potentially ensure continued future production of the Mero field and others by capturing CO2-rich dense gases directly from the wellstream and reinjecting it into the reservoir. The technology also frees up much-needed space and reduces weight on the FPSO’s topside by moving the separation process to the seafloor.

Challenges and Solutions

Brazil’s challenging offshore pre-salt region—first explored by Petrobras in 2005—contains estimated reserves of 30 to 40 billion BOE and comes with an extensive list of development challenges.

Its Santos Basin, for example, lies in ultradeep water with hydrocarbon reservoirs located at extreme depths ranging from 5500 to 7600 m below sea level and under salt layers more than 2000 m thick.

But the challenges do not end there. Managing the basin’s high gas/oil ratio (GOR) and CO2 content leaves a significant operational footprint.

In OTC 29762, authors from Petrobras noted that developing the pre-salt reservoirs requires “large production facilities with complex gas processing plants that limit the oil processing and storage capacities.”

In the paper presented at the 2019 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) Brasil, the authors said that the gas processing plants for some pre-salt fields with high production indexes, GOR, and CO2 content account for nearly 60% of the total FPSO topsides area.

The Santos Basin is home to the Mero oil field, the country’s third-largest pre-salt field and the first under a production-sharing contract awarded to the Petrobras-led Libra Consortium.

The field is considered one of the largest hydrocarbon discoveries in the past decade, covering about 320 km2 of the Libra block and with a net pay zone reaching 420 m filled with 29 °API oil and high productivity, according to Ana Luiza Neder, et al. (OTC 32784).
Vitamin D prevalence among older adults hospitalized in a French geriatric hospital
Authors: Lopez-Leret Diana , Schlatter Joël
Published: February 2024

Background
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with harmful impacts on various organism functions. This is particularly the case for the elderly who have higher risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency because of low sunlight exposure, inadequate nutrition, and age-related physiological changes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in older inpatients.
Methods
Retrospective study was conducted at a French geriatric hospital among adults (>65 years) having a vitamin D serum dosage. A total of 149 participants were included in the study. The demographic data (age and sex), body mass index (BMI), presence of fracture, medication of antiepileptic and glucocorticoid, calcium and phosphorus blood values, serum albumin value, and vitamin D treatment initiation were performed during the study period.
Results
The study population was between 65 to 100 years old with a mean vitamin D level of 18.7 ± 11.8 µg/L. In total, 29.5% patients demonstrated severe vitamin D deficiency (<12.0 µg/L) and 59% patients demonstrated vitamin D deficiency (12-30 µg/L). Statistical significant correlation was found between the calcium and vitamin D level (Pearson coefficient=0.2669, p=0.006982) and gender and vitamin D level (Mann-Whitney test, p=0.04). Hypocalcaemia (<2.2 mmol/L) was found in 11.4%. For many patients (76%), vitamin D supplementation was initiated according to the local protocol (100,000 IU of cholecalciferol every 15 days for 2 months). For any patient, vitamin D blood control was performed.
Conclusions
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among older adults is considerably high often associated with reduced calcium levels. The current results suggest that vitamin D supplementation would be started in this risk group associated with a blood examination at the end of treatment to ensure its effectiveness.
Protecting the Environment by Managing and Processing Animal Manures: The Effect of Raw Material (Cow and Chicken Manure) and Reactor Type for Improving and Maximizing Biogas Production
Authors: Karami-Boozhani Somayeh , Yeganeh Reza , Jahanbakhshi Ahmad , Kheiralipour Kamran , Ebrahimi Seyed Hadi
Published: February 2024

Biomass energy is a type of renewable energy and animal waste is one of the main resources for its production. Anaerobic digestion is a method for biological treatment of organic waste, which nowadays plays an important role in refining and reusing wet and degradable waste materials due to the production of environmentally friendly materials and energy recovery. The process of anaerobic digestion takes place in oxygen-free conditions inside reactors called anaerobic digesters and produces a substance called biogas. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of raw material type (cow and chicken manure) and the type of reactor (digester) on the biogas produced by measuring the amount of methane in the product. Three types of digester (metal, simple PVC and PVC with leachate rotation) with the same volume (10 Liter) were prepared. Equipment was installed on the digesters to measure the pH and volume of produced gas. The experiments were carried out in controlled temperature conditions (28–30 ºC) and in two stages. The first experiment was to load the digesters with cow excrement and the second experiment was to load the digesters with chicken excrement. In both experiments, the digesters were fed with 1.5 kg of animal manure and water with a ratio of 1:1. During a period of 60 days, the volume of biogas and methane produced was measured and recorded. The results showed that the amount of biogas produced from chicken waste is more than the amount obtained from cow waste. However, the amount of methane produced using cow excrement was more than that of chicken excrement. Also, the performance of PVC digester with leachate rotation was better than the other two digesters, which could be due to the mixing of raw materials in this type of digester.
Feasibility of three dimensional and strain transthoracic echocardiography in a single-centre dedicated NHS Cardio-Oncology clinic.
Authors: O’Driscoll Patrick , Gent David , Corbett Liam , Stables Rod , Dobson Rebecca
Published: February 2024

Background
Following the publication of international cardio-oncology (CO) imaging guidelines, standard echocardiographic monitoring parameters of left ventricular systolic function have been endorsed. Recommendations highlight that either two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), alongside global longitudinal strain (GLS) should be routinely performed for surveillance of patients at risk of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). We studied the feasibility of 3D-LVEF, 2D GLS and 2D LVEF in a dedicated CO service.
Methods
This was a single-centre prospective analysis of consecutive all-comer patients (n = 105) referred to an NHS CO clinic. Using a dedicated Philips EPIQ CVx v7.0, with X5-1 3D-transducer and 3DQA software, we sought to acquire and analyse 2D- and 3D- LVEF and GLS, adhering to the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) CO transthoracic echocardiography protocol.
Results
A total of 105 patients were enrolled in the study; 24 were excluded due to poor echo windows with poor endocardial definition (n = 19) or carcinoid heart disease (n = 5). Of the 81, calculation of 3D-LVEF was achieved in 49% (n = 40), GLS in 90% (n = 73), and 2D LVEF in 100% (n = 81). Strong correlation existed between 2D LVEF and 3D LVEF (r = 0.94, p < 0.0001). Bland-Altman plot showed that mean differences between 2D-LVEF and 3D-LVEF were consistent throughout a range of values. For patients with adequate image quality, the most persistent obstacle to 3D-LVEF acquisition was poor endocardial border tracking (n = 22, 54%).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the high feasibility of 2D-GLS and 2D LVEF, even in those with challenging echocardiographic windows. The lower feasibility of 3D LVEF limits its real-world clinical application, even though only a small difference in agreement with 2D LVEF calculation was found.
Evaluation of the anterior processes of the parotid gland: an ultrasonographic study
Authors: Uğur Tarık Ali , Tercanlı Hümeyra
Published: February 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anterior extensions of the parotid gland (AEPG), namely the accessory parotid gland (APG) and the facial process of the parotid gland (FP), using ultrasonography.
Study Design:
A total of 338 parotid glands were scanned bilaterally. APG was defined as a soft tissue mass with the same echogenic features as the main parotid gland and not in contact with it, while FP was defined as an extension that exceeded the anterior border of the mandibular ramus and was continuous with the main parotid gland. The anteroposterior, mediolateral, superoinferior dimensions and the mean distance from the main parotid gland of the APG were measured.
Results
The prevalence of APG and FP were 19.5% and 36%, respectively, resulting in an AEPG prevalence of 55.6%. The presence of APG was statistically higher in females than in males (p = 0.039). The mean anteroposterior, mediolateral, and superoinferior dimensions of the APG were 18.1 ± 0.57 mm, 0.35 ± 0.17 mm, and 12.3 ± 0.36 mm, respectively, and the mean distance from the main parotid gland was measured as 12.1 ± 0.87 mm.
Conclusion
This study can raise awareness among clinicians about the presence of AEPG in the differential diagnosis of mid-cheek masses.
Phenotypic plasticity mediates colorectal cancer metastasis
Authors: Efremova Mirjana , Ogden Samuel , Metic Nasrine , Smith Elise , Berner Alison , Baker Ann-Marie , Uddin Imran , Chelala Claude , Ullah Dayem , Saad Amina , Aleong Jo-Anne Chin , Graham Trevor , Kocher Hemant
Published: February 2024

A major challenge for inhibiting metastasis is the ability of cancer cells to reversibly switch states in response to microenvironmental cues along the metastatic cascade. The regulatory factors and signals from the microenvironment enabling colorectal cancer (CRC) cells to transition into an invasive state and to establish metastasis in the liver remain unknown. Using a combination of single-cell multiomics and spatial transcriptomics data from primary and metastatic CRC patients, we reveal putative metastasis-initiating cancer states with regenerative and inflammatory signatures, driven by transcription factors AP-1, NF-κB and YAP. We demonstrate the existence of an intermediate population with a hybrid regenerative and stem phenotype, indicating phenotypic transitions between stem and pro-metastatic cells. Our spatial analyses show localisation of the regenerative states at the invasive edge in primary CRC and in an immunosuppressive niche in liver metastasis, surrounded by immune and stromal cells that sustain these cells. We uncover putative ligand-receptor interactions driven by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), macrophages and CD8 T cells that activate the regenerative and inflammatory invasive phenotype in cancer cells. Together, our findings reveal regulatory and signalling factors that can be targeted to restrict transition into invasive states to impair metastasis.
Adaptive changes of ROS/RNS redox and melatonin synthesis under salt and waterlogging stresses in Pittosporum tobira
Authors: Pan Xiaojiao , Wang Pengcheng , Teng Mingjun , Bao Manzhu
Published: February 2024

Plants have evolved a variety of complex mechanisms to resist the environmental factors including salt and waterlogging stresses. In this study, we described adaptive changes of Pittosporum tobira toward salt and/or waterlogging stresses by mediating ROS (reactive oxygen species)/RNS (reactive nitrogen species) redox and melatonin synthesis. When the P. tobira seedlings were subjected to salt stress, waterlogging stress, and salt-waterlogging stress, both the photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant capacity were significantly inhibited, accompanying with the alterations of MDA, H2O2, O2− and NO levels and melatonin metabolism. These observations were correlated with the changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD and APX) and melatonin biosynthetic enzymes (MEL, TDC, SNAT, SER, and 5-MT) as wells as in the expression of their encoding genes. Lower melatonin content was found in the seedlings treated by salt-waterlogging stress than in those treated by salt or waterlogging stress. Furthermore, the tolerances of the seedlings grown at Zhejiang province to salt and waterlogging stress were stronger than those grown at Fujian province. Our findings suggested that the MEL/ROS/RNS redox network induced by salt stress, waterlogging stress, salt-waterlogging stress may be a crucial mechanism for coping with adverse conditions in P. tobira.
Computational behavior of trihybrid Casson nanofluid blood flow occurring inside the conical gap between the rotating disk and the cone
Authors: Mehmood Yasir , Abbasi Waseem , Alhussein Musaed , Aurangzeb Khursheed , Rehman Asia , Anwar Muhammad Shahid
Published: February 2024

The investigation of the behavior of a trihybrid nanofluid flow inner the conoidal gap created among a revolving disc and a stationary cone is examined computationally in this study.The temperature and flow properties of the nanofluid, which is made up ofthree distinct kinds of nanoparticles, $Al_{2}O_{3}$, $TiO_{2}$ and Ag areexamined with the blood as base fluid. In the current work, heat transferthrough trihybrid nanoliquids that are passing through a gap between a discand a cone is also covered. In this case, the disc and cone may both berotating at the same rate or at different rates, or one may be stationary inrelation to the other. The heat transport and fluid flow patterns inside theconical gap are investigated using numerical simulations. In it, weinvestigated how many parameters, including rotating speed, cone angle, andconcentration of nanoparticles, effect heat transfer performance. Theoutcomes shed light on the complex interactions between the geometric andnanofluid characteristics, offering useful knowledge for fluid dynamics andthermal management applications. This fluid model is also useful for thestudy of blood pressure, arthritis, brain therapy and malignant tumor. Thegraphs are plotted using the MATLAB programme BVP4C to ensure convergence.Several variables, such as a magnetic parameter, Prandtl number, and Reynoldsnumbers, have an impact on temperature and velocity profiles.
Effect of SGLT2 Inhibitor Dapagliflozin on Biomarkers of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Acute Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wattanakul Jananya , Gojaseni Pongsathorn , Chuasuwan Anan , Chittinandana Anutra
Published: February 2024

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve renal and cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure patients, and there is growing evidence that it would decrease the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of SGLT2 inhibitor on biomarkers of AKI in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Patients who hospitalized for AHF were randomized to dapagliflozin added to standard of care or control group for 28 days. The primary outcome was the change of urinary [TIMP-2] x [IGFBP7] by NephroCheck® from baseline. A total of 25 patients were enrolled, with 12 receiving dapagliflozin and 13 serving as controls. Compared with control group, dapagliflozin group significantly reduced urinary [TIMP-2] x [IGFBP7] after 7 days [dapagliflozin: -0.03 ± 0.11 (ng/mL)2/1000; control: +0.4 ± 0.14 (ng/mL)2/1000; P = 0.022] and continue this trend until the end of the study. In terms of clinical outcomes, dapagliflozin has demonstrated a trend towards decrease in AKI events compared to the control group (33.3% vs 46.2%; P = 0.513). The changes in serum creatinine, and adverse events showed no differences in either group. In conclusion, initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with AHF significantly decrease the urinary AKI risk markers TIMP-2 and IGFBP7, that supported protective effect of SGLT2 inhibitor on renal tubular injury.
A dynamically gated triangular DNA nanopore for molecular sensing and cross-membrane transport
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Liu Fengyu , Chhabra Hemani , Maffeo Christopher , Huang Qiang , Aksimentiev Aleksei , Arai Tatsuo
Published: February 2024

Synthetic membrane nanopores made of DNA are promising systems to sense and control molecular transport in biosensing, sequencing, and synthetic cells. Dynamically gating cargo transport like the natural ion channels and systematically increasing the lumen size have become long-standing desires in developing nanopores. Here, we design a triangular DNA nanopore with a large dynamically-gated lumen. It can switch between expanded and contracted states without changing its stable triangular shape, whereby specific DNA bindings as stimuli mechanically pinch and release the three corners of the triangular frame. Transmission electron microscopy images and molecular dynamics simulations illustrated the large lumen up to 539 nm2, the stable architectures, and the high shape retention. Single-channel current recordings and fluorescence influx studies demonstrated the low-noise repeatable readouts and the controllable cross-membrane macromolecular transport. We envision that the proposed DNA nanopores could offer powerful tools in molecular sensing, drug delivery, and the creation of synthetic cells.
Bacteriocin-induced mechanism of Wickerhamomyces anomalus Y-5 co-cultured with Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum RX-8 by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis
Authors: Liu Yangshuo , Nie Rong , Sun Haoxuan , Du Jing , Liu Guorong
Published: February 2024

Bacteriocin is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial active metabolite with a high potential for application in the food field. The previous studies found that co-culture of Wickerhamomyces anomalus Y-5 and Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum RX-8 could increase the production of plantaricin RX-8. In order to investigate the induced mechanism of W. anomalus Y-5 in co-culture, this study explored the effects of induction components and contact mode on plantaricin RX-8; followed by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of W. anomalus Y-5 in mono and co-culture systems, and screened differential metabolites by targeted metabolomic; finally, the potential inducing substances were subjected to validation experiments. The results indicated that the induced effect may not require direct cell contact, rather secretions constant stimulation. In co-culture system, W. anomalus Y-5 reduced nitrogen uptake, which allowed the release of the active Tap42 protein into the cytoplasm to stimulate the expression of retrograde genes, maintained biosynthesis of glutamic acid and glutamine. In addition, W. anomalus Y-5 was subjected to acid and osmotic stress, which resulted in activation of cAMP synthesis, inhibition of Ras protein activity, and up-regulation of Hxk2 expression. Further, we found that glutamine, inosine, guanosine, adenine, uracil, fumaric acid and pyruvic acid were the key substances that induced the production of plantaricin RX-8, and the optimal addition time was 8 h. In conclusion, these findings provided new perspectives on the identification of inducing substances and the analysis of production pathways in the efficient synthesis of bacteriocin induced by fungi, and lay the foundation for the industrial production of bacteriocin.
The construction of pH-sensitive starch-based carrier to control the delivery of curcumin for preservation
Authors: Guo Xiaojia , Liu Shujin , Yang Lanyan , Zhao Chaoguang , Shi Liu , Xiong Guangquan , Chen Lang , Chen Sheng , Wu Wenjin , Wang Lan
Published: February 2024

The controlled release of curcumin by the pH-sensitive carrier can achieve a long-term preservation effect, which is beneficial to extend the shelf-life of fish. The FTIR, XRD, 1H NMR, zeta potential, swelling ratio, and TG indicates the pH-sensitive starch-based carrier with a narrow pH-sensitive range (pH 6-7) is successfully fabricated by the carboxymethyl starch grafted with methacrylic acid first and then cross-linked with β-cyclodextrin to achieve dual-functionalities. The FTIR, XRD, and fluorescence spectroscopy reveals the mechanism of curcumin encapsulated by starch-based carrier is related to hydrophobic interactions and inter-molecular hydrogen bonding. The encapsulated curcumin shows improved stability, enjoyable antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility. The pH, TVB-N, TVC, and drip loss tests prove the application of carrier-curcumin complex with the concentration of 10 mg/mL on the preservation of yellow catfish can extend the shelf-life for 2-4 days with chilling storage and improve the storage quality of fillets. This work provides a dual-functionalities strategy to construct a pH-sensitive starch-based carrier to deliver curcumin and offers a promising choice in fish preservation.
Is Engagement in Social Activities with Peers within Senior Centers Associated with Participation in Health Check-ups?
Authors: ko ah jung , Kim Jinhyun , Park Eun-Cheol , Ha Min Jin
Published: February 2024

The global older adult population is increasing. Early detection and intervention through screenings are crucial for successful aging, as they play a significant role in identifying and addressing diseases. This study explored the relationship between the utilization of senior centers and the promotion of health check-ups. It utilized data from 10,097 individuals aged 65 years and above, sourced from the 2020 Elderly Survey. The primary variable of interest was the utilization of senior centers, which was classified into two groups. Subgroups were further categorized based on the frequency of usage and the presence of family members among facility users. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between the utilization of senior centers and participation in health screenings. Both men and women utilizing older adult facilities demonstrated a higher likelihood of participating in health screenings compared with those who did not use these facilities. Participants visiting older adult facilities in a week exhibited a progressively higher likelihood of engaging in health screenings compared with those who visited such facilities zero times a week. Senior centers can serve as effective intervention methods to enhance health check-ups among older adults. Furthermore, this can contribute to fostering successful aging among older adults.
Effects of OPN and LIF expression in decidual and villous tissues on unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Wen Xinling , Chen Binli , Yu Xuewen , Wang Li
Published: February 2024

Objective
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as a condition in which women suffer from two or more continuous spontaneous miscarriages. However, the etiology of a large proportion of women with RSA remains unknown. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of expression of osteopontin (OPN) and leukemic inhibitory factor (LIF) expression in decidual and villous tissues on unexplained RSA in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Methods
Twenty women with unexplained RSA in the first trimester of pregnancy were selected as study group, as well as 20 women with normal induced abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy were selected as control group. The decidual and villous tissues of participants in the two groups were collected. The expressions of OPN and LIF were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence, western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The correlation between the expressions of OPN and LIF was analyzed.
Results
The OPN and LIF were mainly expressed in uterine epithelial cells and decidual cells, as well as pregnancy trophoblastic cells in villous tissues. The positive rates of OPN and LIF expression in decidual and villous tissues of the study group were significantly decreased, and the IHC scores were significantly lower compared with control group (P < 0.05). In the decidual tissues, the OPN and LIF were mainly co-located in uterine epithelial cells and decidual cells. While in the villous tissues, OPN and LIF were mainly co-located in gestational trophoblastocytes. The fluorescence intensities of OPN and LIF in decidual and villous tissues of the study group were significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the protein and mRNA expression levels of OPN and LIF in decidual and villous tissues in study group were also significantly decreased compared with control group (P < 0.05). The protein and mRNA expression levels of OPN and LIF in decidual and villous tissues of the two groups were significantly positively correlated (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The expressions of OPN and LIF in decidual and villous tissues of patients with unexplained RSA in the first trimester of pregnancy were significantly decreased, which may lead to reduced endometrial receptivity, and then cause RSA.
Challenges experienced by nurse educators in promoting acquisition of clinical reasoning skills by the undergraduate nursing students: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Mwale Omero .G. , mukwato Patricia .k. , Makukula Marjorie .K.
Published: February 2024

Background: Acquisition of clinical reasoning skills has been shown to improve the quality of care provided to patients when nursing students are competent. However, teaching and learning clinical reasoning skills is difficult because of its complexity. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges experienced by nurse educators in promoting acquisition of clinical reasoning skills by undergraduate nursing students.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative exploratory research design underpinned by a social constructivism paradigm. The participants were the nurse educators from the two universities in Malawi. Twelve nurse educators were purposively sampled and recruited into the current study. Data were collected using semi structured interview guide. Twelve individual in-depth interviews were conducted. Data collection and initial data analysis occurred simultaneously following thematic analysis. The moral precepts of beneficence, justice, and regard for human dignity were upheld.
Results: The two major themes that emerged from the transcribed data as challenges experienced by nurse educators in promoting acquisition of clinical reasoning skills were: nursing student lack of interest in learning, lack of resources in the clinical area, knowledge gap among nurse educators, lack of qualified nurse educators and role modelling.
Conclusion: Nurse educators' challenges in promoting clinical reasoning skills can be addressed by fostering receptiveness to these challenges, thereby enhancing students' competences and improving patient care. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that nurse educators should update their teaching skills if they are to guide the nursing students effectively. The clinical arena should have enough resources.
Effectiveness of room-of-error interventions for healthcare providers: A systematic review
Authors: Jung Su Jin , Kang Jiwon , Lee Youngjin
Published: February 2024

Background
Patient safety incidents are recognized as significant contributors to patient mortality, thus demanding immediate attention and strategic interventions in healthcare systems. The room-of-error education program serves as a solution, as it provides a case-based learning platform allowing nursing students to identify and resolve medical errors within a controlled environment systematically. This study aimed to identify the context, mechanisms, and outcomes of room-of-error training programs.
Methods
This study adopted a systematic review methodology aligning with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted across key databases, including OvidMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL, by utilizing specific terms related to healthcare providers, nursing students, room-of-error education, medical errors, simulation training, and virtual intervention. Studies focusing on healthcare providers or students, training for error recognition, and room-of-error-related concepts were included. Risk of bias in the selected studies was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies version 2.0 tool.
Results
The search strategy yielded 2,447 articles, with eight studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Predominantly quasi-experimental in design, these eight studies primarily focused on nurses as the target population. Simulations were found to be widely integrated into room-of-error programs, emphasizing skill performance and critical thinking. Diverse content, including topics such as medication errors and infection control, was found to be delivered through offline or virtual formats and group-based or individual education.
Conclusions
The findings provide valuable insights into the characteristics and outcomes of room-of-error training programs for healthcare professionals and students. This study emphasizes the significance of practical, case-based approaches in nursing education to augment knowledge, confidence, and competencies, thereby enhancing patient safety in clinical practice.
Voronoi Structure of Space Integration with Applied Roundabout Network
Authors: El-Shazly Ali
Published: February 2024

Network objective of structuring space integration addresses topologic and geometric dimensions to be framed-out in holistic method. In this sense, the spatial network of multidiscipline voronoi convex-hull encapsulates the varied integral properties with their correlative exploration. In practice, conservational network of roundabout Cairo investigates its integral structure against decomposing. Resulted structural essence defines individual topologic versus plural geometric role at global integration per generator. The integrated topology cross-correlates control syntax with degree centrality at the local context, whereas the global structure of asymmetry complements betweenness dynamics of generators’ distributiveness. Meanwhile, geometrical network of gabriel-graph forms cyclic spaces of global integrity and correlated by voronoi nodes at equidistant meeting-point per cycle. Overlaid voronoi properties classify the layout into clustered generators of correlated interval integrity with functional cognition to infinity. Overview of voronoi network adopts the intangible space integration along its comprehensive framework of interrelated algorithms in a virtual reality of urbanism.
Acellular spinal cord scaffold containing quercetin-encapsulated nanoparticles plays an anti-inflammatory role in functional recovery from spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Ebrahimi Babak , Mokhtari Tahmineh , Ghaffari Neda , Adabi Mahdi , Hassanzadeh Gholamreza
Published: February 2024

Inflammatory responses play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) and developing new approaches to establish an anti-inflammatory environment for the promotion of neuroregeneration holds promise as a potential approach. In this study, our aim was to investigate the potential of combining an acellular spinal cord scaffold (ASCS) with quercetin-loaded bovine serum albumin (Qu/BSA) nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of SCI. The ASCS was prepared using physical and chemical methods, while the Qu/BSA NPs were prepared through a desolvation technique. The NPs exhibited favorable characteristics, including a mean size of 203 nm, a zeta potential of − 38, and an encapsulation efficiency of 96%. Microscopic evaluation confirmed the successful distribution of NPs on the walls of ASCS. Animal studies revealed that Qu/BSA NPs effectively regulated the gene expression and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, and Casp1. Moreover, treatment with ASCS containing either blank BSA (B/BSA) NPs or Qu/BSA NPs effectively promoted functional recovery via increasing the amount of nestin- and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells in the site of injury. Notably, Qu/BSA/ASCS exhibited superior outcomes compared to B/BSA/ASCS. Overall, the combination of ASCS with the Qu delivery system presents a promising therapeutic approach for SCI by inhibiting inflammatory responses and promoting neuroregeneration, leading to the restoration of motor function in animals. This study demonstrates the potential of utilizing biomaterials and NPs to enhance the effectiveness of SCI treatment.
HIF1α/MIF/CD74 signaling mediated OSA-induced atrial fibrillation by promoting M1 macrophages polarization
Authors: He Hangyuan , Zhang Lin , Lu Zhengjie , Li Bin , Li Xufei
Published: February 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known to contribute to the increased occurrence and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the mechanism of chronic OSA-induced AF remains unknown. We constructed a rat model of chronic OSA and found that chronic OSA altered the pathological phenotype of atrial myocardial tissues, rendering it more susceptible to AF. Furthermore, we observed that chronic OSA promoted the polarization of M1 macrophages in the atrial tissue of rats, and the AF susceptibility induced by chronic OSA was reversed upon clearance of macrophages. Then, we found that macrophages induced an atrial fibrillation-like phenotype in atrial myocytes, while atrial myocytes promoted M1 polarization of macrophages, under hypoxia/reoxygenation treatment in vitro. Moreover, hypoxia/reoxygenation upregulated the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α) in atrial myocytes, which subsequently stimulated the transcription and expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) by binding to the promoter region of the MIF gene. The increased expression of MIF in atrial myocytes further activated the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) through interaction with the macrophage surface receptor CD74, ultimately leading to M1 macrophages polarization. In summary, chronic OSA activated M1 macrophage polarization through the HIF1α/MIF/CD74 signaling pathway, thereby mediating the increased susceptibility to AF. This study offers novel insights into early prevention strategies and potential therapeutic targets for OSA-induced AF.
Extraction of bioactive compounds from Rubus idaeus bioresidues: a full screening on phenolic composition and bioactive potential
Authors: Plasencia Paula , Finimundy Tiane C. , Carocho Márcio , Calhelha Ricardo , Añibarro-Ortega Mikel , Pires Tânia C.S.P. , Barreiro Filomena , Garcia Pablo A. , Barros Lillian , Heleno Sandrina A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Rubus idaeus cultivation has boosted productivity due to its high nutritional value. In consequence, waste production increased. The discarded biomass, including leaves and aerial components, can be transformed into valuable functional ingredients for industrial applications, such as cosmetics. Studying their bioactivity potential is of high relevance.
Methods: According to the present idea, the research involved the extraction of phenolic compounds from raspberry plant branches and leaves by employing four different techniques, namely aqueous decoction, aqueous infusion, hydroethanolic maceration, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Subsequently, these compounds were screened for their bioactive potential, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties.
Results: The UAE-assisted extraction has yielded extracts with more phenolic compounds, while the infusion and maceration result in higher contents of flavonols. Among the identified phenolic compounds, hydrolysable tannins, particularly galloyl-bis-HHDP-glucose, were found to be the most dominant ones. Regarding antioxidant potential, the decoction extract was the strongest, while the infusion showed the greatest potential for inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The UAE extract was found to be highly effective as an antibacterial agent. Both infusion and UAE extracts demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory potential.
Conclusion: The combination of these results highlights the sample's bioactive potential and the importance of exploiting bioresidues as unique, sustainable candidates for industrial applications.
Determinants of secondary traumatic stress in midwives: The role of workplace related factors
Authors: Hajiesmaello Maryam , Hajian Sepideh , Riazi Hedyeh , Majd Hamid Alavi , Yavarian Roya
Published: February 2024

Background: Secondary traumatic stress (STS) in midwives is a significant issue that can lead to emotional damage and negatively impacts maternal-newborn care. This study aimed to determine the frequency and severity of STS and its determinants among midwives working in the labor and delivery departments of West Azerbaijan, Iran.
Research method: This cross-sectional analytical study included all midwives working in labor and delivery departments in 18 hospitals and four delivery facilities with rural midwifery services. Data was collected using demographic information questionnaires, the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, and some job-related questionnaires. Statistical tests, including analysis of variance and multiple linear regression using SPSS software version 23 and path analysis test using Amos software version 24, were applied to analyze the direct and indirect determinants of STS incidence.
Findings: The 349 participants had a mean 6.88±6.44 years of work experience. Of the participants, 45% experienced mild to high degrees, and 37.5% experienced severe STS. The results of the path analysis showed that the desire to continue working in the midwifery profession had a direct protective effect on the occurrence of STS (β = 0.184, p = 0.009). Conversely, psychological injuries caused by adverse behavior and violence at work ( β = 0.361, p = 0.007) and job burnout (β = 0.260 , p = 0.003), had an increasing effect on the incidence of STS, both directly and indirectly.
Conclusion: In addition to traumatic events, factors related to the work environment can contribute to the development of STS in midwives.
Cohort profile: IDcare – a longitudinal register study of pre-pandemic and pandemic health care utilization and diagnostic profiles among people with intellectual disabilities in southern Sweden
Authors: Sandberg Magnus , Kristensson Jimmie , Axmon Anna
Published: February 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study and creation of this cohort was to investigate patterns of health and health care utilisation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among people with intellectual disabilities (ID) compared to the general population.
Participants: People living in Skåne, the southernmost region of Sweden, on 1st of January 2014 and with at least one diagnosis of ID (ICD-10 codes F70-F79) or Down syndrome (DS; Q90), or support and/or services according to the LSS act in 2014- 2021 comprised the ID cohort (n=14 716). People living in the same family and/or household as a person in the ID cohort constituted the ID family cohort (n=26 344), and those remaining comprised the general population cohort (gPop; n=1 232 299).
Findings to date: Data has been collected for all three cohorts from several national and regional registers, including registers for health care utilization (2014-2021), deaths (2014-2021), COVID-19-related health care (vaccinations, intensive care, palliative care, 2020-2021). The prevalence of ID was 1.2%. In the ID cohort, 77.9% had at least one measure of support, 5.8% at least one Q90-diagnosis and 63.8% had at least one F7-diagnosis (26.9% mild (F70), 7.4% moderate (F71), 2.8% severe (F72), 1.4% profound (F73), and 25.4% other/unknown (F78/F79)). Compared to the gPop there were more people in the younger age groups in the ID cohort.
Future plans: At this point, no additional collection of data will be carried out. However, there is a possibility to add data from the registers to include years after 2021 or from additional registers. Future publications will explore relevant research questions and report key findings in relation to health among people with ID. Future results will be used to inform policy and practice on people with ID.
A New Retractor Minimizes Muscle Damage and Reduces Total Hip Arthroplasty-related Inflammatory Response via Direct Anterior Approach
Authors: Cai Shenghao , Chen Qirui , Xia Yong , Zhou Bin , Hu Shen , Fu Xiaoling
Published: February 2024

Background
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the most effective treatment for severe hip disease. Orthopedic surgeons prefer using the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) technique for THA as it is muscle-sparing and less invasive for the hip joint. It is noted that muscular damage, especially to the tensor fascia lata muscle (TFLM), elicits an inflammatory response, negating DAA's beneficial effects. To prevent damage to the TFLM and reduce inflammation during surgical procedures, a specialized retractor was explicitly developed and intended for use during the operation.
Purpose
To investigate whether the new retractor may reduce muscle injury and post-operative inflammation.
Methods
Fifty-six patients undergoing DAA-based THA were randomly divided into two groups. The observation group used the new retractor to prevent muscle strain during femur lifting. In the control group, gauze was the only protection during the surgery. The two groups were compared over time by measuring their C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and creatine kinase (CK) serum levels. The Harris hip score and the visual analog scale (VAS) were used to assess the difference between the two groups.
Result
No significant differences were found in the CRP, IL-6, and CK pre-operative levels. Moreover, the observation group exhibited significantly lower serum levels of the tested parameters than the control group on days 1, 3, and 5 post-operation (p < 0.05). Additionally, the VAS score in the control group was significantly lower than in group A (p < 0.05). A month post-surgery, the Harris score of the control group exhibited a significantly greater value than the observation group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed at 3 and 6 months post-surgery.
Conclusion
Utilizing the self-designed retractor system in DAA THA mitigates the risk of muscle damage and reduces the extent of post-operative inflammatory reaction.
Design of novel HIV-1 protease inhibitors with favorable oral properties using a virtual screening and lead optimization approach
Authors: Alchab Faten , Alshekh Ali , Rajab Maya
Published: February 2024

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal transmissible disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Since its discovery in 1981, an estimated 85 million cases and 40 million AIDS related deaths have occurred worldwide. Among the two types of HIV, HIV-1 accounts for over 90% of reported cases. Throughout the years, multiple drugs have been approved for the treatment of AIDS. However, these drugs face many drawbacks such as toxic side effects, non-optimal pharmacokinetic profile and drug resistance due to virus mutation. This study aims to design novel potent HIV-1 protease inhibitors that overcome these drawbacks through molecular modelling methods. Pubchem database was screened for potential lead compounds. Results were filtered through two phases of ADMET and docking studies. Finally, the chosen lead compound was optimized through fragment replacement to obtain the novel inhibitors. Scientific contribution: This study aims to employ an in-silico virtual screening and lead optimization workflow, in order to design potential HIV-1 protease inhibitors which build upon the strengths, and overcome some of the most prominent obstacles facing current approved anti-HIV medication, including drug resistance, toxic side effects and low reachability to viral reservoirs such as the central nervous system.