bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Bacteriophages for Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections in Animals and Humans
Authors: Zagaliotis Panagiotis , Michalik-Provasek Jordyn , Gill Jason , Walsh Thomas
Published: October 2022

Drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial pathogens are an increasingly serious health threat causing worldwide nosocomial infections with high morbidity and mortality. Of these, the most prevalent and severe are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Salmonella typhimurium. The extended use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug resistance in these bacteria. Drug-inactivating enzymes produced by these bacteria, as well as other resistance mechanisms, render drugs ineffective and make treatment of such infections more difficult and complicated. This makes the development of novel antimicrobial agents an urgent necessity. Bacteriophages, which are bacteria-killing viruses first discovered in 1915, have been used as therapeutic antimicrobials in the past, but their use was abandoned due to the widespread availability of antibiotics in the 20th century. The emergence, however, of drug-resistant pathogens has re-affirmed the need for bacteriophages as therapeutic strategies. This review describes the use of bacteriophages as novel agents to combat this rapidly emerging public health crisis by comprehensively enumerating and discussing the innovative use of bacteriophages in both animal models and in patients infected by Gram-negative bacteria.
Digital democracy and brokerage dynamics in regional head elections in Indonesia
Authors: Haridison Anyualatha -
Published: October 2022

The progress of the digitalization era in democracy has led to changes in the current political contestation, especially the way candidates approach voters. This study explores broker schemes in the digital world regarding how candidates use social media to build a broker network. This study used qualitative research, by observing social media and interviewing several key informants. This study finds that in the era of digital democracy, candidates use social media to develop digital brokers, but as a pre-elaboration and intensively introduce the candidate's real work to voters. Some candidates believe that conventional brokers are still final in knowing and binding broker loyalty, but winning candidates experiment with digital brokers. On the other hand, digital democracy has provided space for candidates to focus on brokers on social media to code the brokers who will be targeted or nominated to become structured conventional brokers. This study expands the study of brokers in electoral political studies, especially insights related to digital brokerage schemes and adds focus to the study of regional elections in Indonesia. This study concludes that digital brokers are a strategy for expanding digital voter networks and persuading candidates' work to voters on social media in the long term.
The power of incumbent political capital of Suharsono-Halim in the 2020 Bantul Regional Head Election
Authors: Setiawan Hendy , Iswandi Kelik
Published: October 2022

The regional head election in Bantul in 2020 is an interesting political contestation event. This is because the previous incumbent regent and deputy regent in Bantul participated in this political contest, which broke up the joint venture. The struggle for power in Bantul is interestingly won by the previous deputy regent, Abdul Halim Muslih. This victory certainly raises a big question as to why Suharsono, who is actually an incumbent regent, is easily defeated. In fact, under the leadership of Suharsono, Bantul has always made various achievements both locally, nationally and internationally. Departing from this problem, it is necessary to examine how the strength of the political modalities between the two was so that in the end Abdul Halim Muslih won. The research conducted by qualitative approach by using descriptive method. The research materials were collected from library research. The author collects data through literature studies, both journals, media, news, KPU documents, or other literature that supports this paper. The researchers argue that the incumbent Abdul Halim Muslih’s victory in the 2020 Bantul Regional Head Election cannot be separated from the strength of social, cultural, and political modalities. The advantage of this modality is able to gain votes in the 2020 Bantul Regional Head Election. Although it must be admitted that Suharsono’s economic modality is better than Abdul Halim Muslih.
Yenidoğan metabolik ve endokrin hastalıkların 10 yıllık tarama programı sonuçlarının değerlendirilmesi: Sivas ili, Türkiye örneği
Authors: AKOVA İrem , KILIÇ Esma , EKİCİ KOŞAROĞLU Nagehan
Published: October 2022

Amaç: Bu çalışmada Sivas’ta 2011-2021 yıllarındaki yenidoğan metabolik ve endokrin hastalık tarama programı sonuçlarının değerlendirilmesi amaçlandı. Yöntem: Kesitsel tipteki bu çalışmada, Sivas Neonatal Tarama Programı kapsamında 2011-2021 yılları arasında topuk kanı alınmış 84044 yenidoğanın Neonatal Tarama Programı Web Uygulaması üzerinden cinsiyet, doğum ağırlığı, doğum tarihi ve numune alınma tarihlerine ulaşıldı. Yıllara göre fenilketonüri, konjenital hipotiroidi, biyotinidaz eksikliği, kistik fibrozis ve konjenital adrenal hiperplazi tanısı almış yenidoğan sayı ve oranları belirlendi, hastalık insidansları hesaplandı. Bulgular: Taranan hastalık insidanslarının en düşük ve en yüksek değerleri sırasıyla konjenital hipotiroidi için 1:1011- 1:233, fenilketonüri için 1:8375- 1:657, biyotinidaz eksikliği için 1:6815- 1:1861, kistik fibrozis için 1:7902- 1:3614 ve konjenital adrenal hiperplazi için 1:6815- 1:3222 idi. Konjenital hipotiroidi insidansı, taraması yapılan diğer hastalıkların insidansından daha yüksekti. İnsidansı en yüksek ikinci hastalık ise fenilketonüri idi. Taranan beş hastalık için de cinsiyete göre anlamlı bir fark yoktu. Konjenital hipotiroidi (p=0.002) ve konjenital adrenal hiperplazi (p=0.039) tanısı alanların doğum ağırlıkları daha düşüktü. Sonuç: Taraması yapılan hastalıklardan konjenital hipotiroidi ve fenilketonüri insidanslarının daha yüksek olduğu bulundu. Konjenital hipotiroidi ve konjenital adrenal hiperplazi tanısı alanların doğum ağırlıkları daha düşüktü. Erken tanı ve müdahaleyle önlenebilir veya tedavi edilebilir hastalıklar olan bu hastalıklarda tarama yapılmasının öneminin ailelere anlatılması, diğer benzer hastalıkların da tarama programına alınması önerilebilir.
Modelling negative thermomechanical effects in reinforced road structures with thermoelastic incompatibility of coating and reinforcement materials
Authors: Gulyayev Valery , Mozgovyy Volodymyr , Shlyun Nataliia , Shevchuk Lyudmyla
Published: October 2022

The phenomena of the formation of local defects and cracks in asphalt concrete pavements of roads and bridges are most often observed in climatic zones with large temperature differences during their seasonal and daily changes. To a large extent, this is due to the heterogeneity of the thermomechanical properties of the materials of the coating layers and the base. To prevent these phenomena, reinforcing rods and meshes are introduced into the coating structure. In this work, using the theory of thermoelasticity, it is shown by the method of mathematical modelling that in cases of incompatibility of the thermomechanical characteristics of asphalt concrete materials and reinforcement, additional localized thermal stresses arise in its small vicinity, which, even at moderate temperatures, can reach critical values and lead to local defects and cracks. Since these defects are latent, they cannot always be detected in practice. The presented results of analytic calculation validated these conclusions. They can be used in both road building and composite design.
Expert system for depression detection in teenagers
Authors: Raharja Bintang , Samudera Elfajar Bintang , Lay Ferry , Hansun Seng
Published: October 2022

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. Fortunately, it is treatable. Depression causes sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to various emotional and physical problems and decrease a person’s ability to function at work and home. Teenagers often experience this disorder because their emotions are still unstable. They also don’t have many chances to consult with a psychologist and doctor. Through this research, an expert system was created that implements knowledge from experts related to depression so that teenagers can do a self-test when needed. The expert system was developed using the Certainty Factor method for the knowledge inference engine. The system was tested iteratively and could achieve similar results with a domain expert. We hope that the system can detect early symptoms of depression among teenagers and minimize the negative impact it may cause.
Rancang Bangun Web Dashboard Pump Handsanitizer Otomatis Berbasis Mikrokontroler Menggunakan Metode Prototype Studi Kasus : Desa Kampili Kecamatan Pallangga Kabupaten Gowa
Authors: Faizi Nur , Pranata Mega
Published: October 2022

Dengan adanya virus covid 19 dan jumlah pasien yang terinfeksi semakin meningkat hari ke hari, prosedur kesehatan harus diterapkan untuk menjaga kebersihan yang baik, menggunakan masker dan sering mencuci tangan. Oleh karena itu, cara terbaik untuk mencegah berbagai penyakit adalah dengan mencuci tangan dengan sabun dan air. Namun ketika sedang beraktivitas atau berpergian menggunakan handsanitizer menjadi salah satu alternatif untuk membersihkan tangan. Penggunaan handsanitizer secara umum kurang efektif bila digunakan kepada banyak orang secara manual. Oleh karena itu, perlu adanya alat yang dapat digunakan untuk membersihkan tangan tanpa harus menyentuh alat, pump handsanitizer otomatis berbasis mikrokontroler inilah salah satu solusinya. Dalam pembuatan alat pump handsanitizer otomatis, dengan menggunakan sensor ultrasonik, sensor suhu, serta water sensor. Dari proses perancangan, maka nantinya akan menghasilkan sensor yang berfungsi untuk mengecek suhu tubuh, mengecek kadar air yang ada pada sensor suhu, serta sensor jarak, maka nanti akan muncul pada sistem yang akan di tampilkan melalui Web Dashboard
The Arrangement Concept and the Energy Potential of the Vapor Compression Heat and Cooling Supply Based on a Binary Low-Temperature Source
Authors: Petrash V. D. , Khomenko O. I. , Basist D. V. , Ujma A.
Published: October 2022

The combined use of low-potential soil heat and air flows in heat pump heat supply systems allows for its regulated redistribution in the processes of customers’ consumption. Herewith, the intensity of energy extraction by the soil heat exchanger decreases, excess heat is accumulated with a decrease in the depth of wells, and the costs of installing and operating probe heat exchangers are also reduced. An improved version of the conceptual arrangement of a vapor compression system for heat and cool supply of buildings based on the integrated heat of soil and ventilation air has been developed. Its distinguished features are the possibility of automatic redistribution of generated heat flows in the subsystems of customers’ heat consumption and accumulation of excess part in the soil mass. When the system is operating in the warm season with the extraction of heat only for hot water supply, there is a more intensive accumulation of excess heat of the ventilation air in the soil mass, which restores its temperature in the accumulation mode for further use with the coming of the heating period. Multifactor analytical dependences of the heat flows of the main equipment have been established, taking into account the initial parameters and operating conditions of the structural subsystems for the extraction, transformation and consumption of heat, which are the basis for determining the energy potential of vapor compression heat and cold supply using a binary low-temperature source.
Expert assessment of the effectiveness of measures to improve working conditions in foundries
Authors: Lazarenkov A. M. , Sadokha M. A. , Kot T. P.
Published: October 2022

The expert evaluation of the effectiveness of measures to improve working conditions in foundries using the integrated assessment methodology is considered. Four classes of foundries have been established according to working conditions, which are determined by a complex of factors of the production environment. The possibility of using it to select the most optimal option in the development of projects of reconstructed foundries or workshops and the implementation of measures to improve working conditions is shown. To evaluate the developed methodology, it was tested on the example of the organization of a foundry with a small-scale production. The technique has shown its high efficiency in choosing the optimal placement of equipment.
Basic principles of the continuous casting technology development for machine‑building blanks
Authors: Demchenko E. B. , Marukovich E. I.
Published: October 2022

It is shown that during developing continuous casting technology, it is necessary to solve a number of tasks related to finding the optimal technology option, creating special equipment to expand the range of cast blanks and calculating optimal parameters. The profile, dimensions and material of the blanks determine the continuous casting method choice and the installation type. Designs of the most important components and mechanisms are being developed for the selected type of installation. For the selected design solution, based on the lesson learned and available research, optimal thermal and technological parameters of casting are calculated.
An integrated approach to solving the technological problem of obtaining target cathodes from transition metal silicides for vacuum ion‑plasma sources
Authors: Ivanov I. A. , Slutsky A. G. , Sheynert V. A. , Bely A. N.
Published: October 2022

The article discusses the technological principles of improving the manufacturing process of consumable cathodes-targets of vacuum electric arc evaporation plants from complex silicides. Which are based on: the selection of chemical composition based on the analysis of state diagrams of double and triple systems, the production of fast-cooled ingots using high-speed induction melting, subsequent grinding and grinding to a powder of the required fraction, static or dynamic pressing of the cathode blank, its sintering and soldering of the current guide. The results of laboratory studies of the process are presented and prototypes of products are obtained.
Origin and Characteristics of the Crude Oils and Condensates in the Callovian-Oxfordian Carbonate Reservoirs of the Amu Darya Right Bank Block, Turkmenistan
Authors: Shan Yunpeng , Chai Hui , Wang Hongjun , Zhang Liangjie , Su Penghui , Kong Xiangwen , Bai Zhenhua , Cheng Muwei , Zhang Hongwei
Published: October 2022

The Amu Darya Right Bank Block is located northeast of the Amu Darya basin, a large petroliferous sedimentary basin, with abundant natural gas resources in carbonate rocks under the ultra-thick gypsum-salt layer. Oil fields producing crude oils have recently been found around large gas fields. Unraveling the origins of the crude oils is crucial for effective petroleum exploration and exploitation. The origin of gas condensates and crude oils was unraveled through the use of comprehensively analytical and interpretative geochemical approaches. Based on oil-source correlation, the reservoir forming process has been restored. The bulk geochemical parameters of the local source rocks of the ADRBB indicated that the local sources have hydrocarbon generation and accumulation potential. The middle-lower Jurassic coal-bearing mudstone is gas prone, while the mudstone of the Callovian-Oxfordian gap layer is oil prone, and the organic matter type of Callovian-Oxfordian carbonate rocks is the mixed type between the two previous source rocks. The interpretation schemes for compositions of n-alkanes, pristane and phytane, C27–C28–C29 sterane distributions, C19+C20–C21–C23 tricyclic terpane distributions, extended tricyclic terpane ratio, and δ13C indicated that crude oil is likely from marine organic matter, while condensates mainly originate from terrestrial organic matter. However, from the perspective of the 18α-trisnorneohopane/17α-trisnorhopane and isomerization ratio of C29 sterane, condensates are too mature to have originated in the local source rocks of the ADRBB, whose maturity is well comparable with that of crude oils. The geochemical, geologic, and tectonic evolutions collectively indicate that the crude oils were most likely generated and migrated from the relatively shallow, lowly mature gap layer and Callovian-Oxfordian carbonate rocks of the ADRBB, while the condensates mostly originated from the relatively deep and highly mature middle-lower coal-bearing mudstone and Callovian-Oxfordian carbonate rocks in the Murgab depression in the southeast of the basin. Basement faults are the key factors affecting the types of oil and gas reservoirs. During the periods of oil and gas migration, traps with basement faults mainly captured natural gas and condensates and traps without basement faults were enriched with crude oils generated from local source rocks.
The Impact of High TDS of Utica Shale on High Viscosity Friction Reducer Performance: Experimental Study
Authors: Biheri Ghith , Elmaleh Khaled , Amoura Ashrf , Imqam Abdulmohsin
Published: October 2022

In unconventional reservoirs, a novel polyacrylamide called high viscosity friction reducer was utilized throughout the previous decade to transport proppant. The product's advantages included freshwater use reduction, a more than 30 percent reduction in chemical use, and a decrease in the footprint of equipment such as trucks and tanks. Nonetheless, high TDS could limit the effectiveness of HVFR in providing better hydraulic fracturing treatments. This study investigates the impact of Utica's high TDS on HVFR using a flow loop test.

The study investigates the consequences of the following four factors. The effect of TDS using DI water, 10% and 30% of the Utica-produced water concentration. Two pipe sizes (i.e., 1/2 and 3/4) are applied to determine the pipe's loop size. The effect of HVFR concentration on friction reduction utilizing three HVFR concentrations (i.e., 0.5, 1, and 2 gpt). The impact of temperature on HVFR and friction reduction using room temperature of 21°C and reservoir temperature of 65.5°C.

The results demonstrate that HVFR provided a significant friction reduction utilizing DI water and at high TDS concentrations where friction reduction exceeds 67% using 10% or 30% of the Utica-produced water concentration. In addition, the result indicated that HVFR was strongly affected by a temperature of 65.5 °C (150 °F), where the friction reduction was around 40%, compared to a room temperature of 21 °C (70 °F), where the friction reduction is almost 70%. Furthermore, the outcomes showed that HVFR prepared with fresh water showed a significant friction reduction at low HVFR concentrations of 0.5 and 1 gpt, where the friction reduction was approximately 60 and 70%, respectively. Increasing the HVFR concentrations to 2 gpt did not improve the friction reduction compared to 1 gpt, where the friction reduction was around 66%.

This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the effect of Utica Shale produced water, fluid concentration, and temperature on the performance of HVFR as fracture fluids by evaluating the friction reduction across a flow loop test.
Spectral Acoustic Logging to Guide the Successful Remediation of Gas Well. Case Study
Authors: Lopez Andrea Cristina , Orlandi Carlos Pedro Rodolfo , Salamanca Maria Eugenia , Perri Luis Sebastian , Volkov Maxim Vyacheslavovich
Published: October 2022

The case study presented describes how successive leak detection logging surveys defined, first the remedial workover plan, and subsequently evaluated the results of the different cementing stages in the workover operation, in a well with gas bubbling at surface.

The subject well evidenced gas bubbling in the cellar, right behind the conductor. None of the annuli exhibited sustained pressure. Therefore, the source and path of the leak was unknown. A tool string including passive spectral acoustic and high precision temperature modules was utilised to define both the source and path of the leak. This diagnostics was performed for remedial workover planning. Subsequently, during the remedial workover, additional logging surveys were utilised to evaluate the isolation operations.

As a result, all reservoir contributing zones were located and the leak path was defined. This information enabled a targeted workover plan pinpointing the most suitable zones for cementing stages, which also included three confirmation surveys at the end of each cementing stage to evaluate the isolation achieved. The first two surveys indicated the success of cementing operations. After the completion of all cementing stages, before the last logging run, gas bubbling at surface re-started. The final survey evidenced an acoustic response compatible with the flow of residual gas trapped behind the casing, which was deemed as the possible cause of this bubbling. This scenario of flow of residual gas was confirmed after one month, when gas bubbling at surface ceased, which proved the success of the workover operation.

This diagnostics, conveyed through tubing in a well filled with gas, allowed for the identification of the source and path of a leak taking place entirely behind casing strings, with no communication with the wellbore. It enabled an effective and efficient remedial workover, allowing for targeted workover planning, as well as online evaluation of remedial operations for decision making, which ultimately led to workover objectives being successfully achieved at minimum cost and time.
Optimization of Lead Cement Slurry for Use on Utica Deep Intermediate Casing Strings
Authors: Winegarden Jason Alex , Thomas Tyler Robert , Solomon Marvin Vincent , Townsend Douglas Eric , Algadi Otman
Published: October 2022

The depth of the Utica formation poses many challenges during drilling operations. In Belmont, Jefferson, and Monroe counties of Ohio, lateral sections are often drilled with mud weights from 13.5 to 15.5 lb/gal. To support these mud weights, the various loss and flow zones encountered above the pay zone must be isolated by a deep intermediate casing. This paper describes the process of optimizing a cement slurry that is light enough to be circulated to surface in a single stage but also has additional properties to ensure that the potential corrosive formations are properly isolated and the casing has long-term protection from damage.

The process compares the properties of four cement slurries in the 12-to-12.5lb/gal density range. Conventional tests were performed on each slurry (thickening time, free fluid, fluid loss, and compressive strength). Linear expansion tests determined whether the slurries would be capable of providing a long-term seal, against both formation and casing, to mitigate gas migration and annular pressure buildup. In addition, the team performed initial permeability tests for each slurry. Single-stage jobs were executed using three of the four newly formulated slurries, and this paper presents the success of those jobs as well.
Application of Machine Learning to Predict the Organic Shale Sweet-Spot Quality Index
Authors: Algarhy Ahmed , Ibrahim Ahmed Farid
Published: October 2022

Shale plays -- that have challenging characteristics, such as deep formation or a shortage of freshwater needed for hydraulic fracturing -- present a special challenge for determining the feasibility of economic development. A new graphic technique has been developed to visualize and evaluate shale sweet-pots, taking into consideration their characteristic properties and showing them using only a single index: the "Sweet-spot Quality Index" (SSQI). This index reflects the grade and scale of the sweet-spot. SSQI is a function of the rock quality, the hydrocarbon in place, completion, and operation quality.

Data sets were collected from different shale basins including well logging and operation conditions. Well logging data provide a considerable amount of information and data for unconventional reservoirs related to a formation's inplace and geomechanical properties. Moreover, the field operations cost and availability of material and equipment, hydrocarbon prices, and HSE issues are important to define the operation quality. Machine learning (ML) techniques are used to calculate the SSQI for different shale basins in the USA and Africa.

Results showed the capabilities of the ML models to SSQI from input data. The models were used to conduct a sensitivity analysis to rank the effect of different input parameters on the SSQI. The SSQI enables the comparison of sweet-spots and is calculated from four indices: The Reservoir Quality Index (RQI), the Completion Quality Index (CQI), the Conventional Behavior Index (CBI), and the Operation Index (OI).

Calculating the SSQI using different machine learning techniques provides an improved approach to visualization, evaluation, comparison, and recommendations. It lends itself to becoming a standard evaluation technique for both E&P and service companies.
Tectonic deformation of northeastern Taiwan revealed by geomorphic indices
Authors: Yang Chin-Yi , Huang Ting-Wei , Chang Chung-Pai , Hsieh Pei-Shan
Published: October 2022

In northeast Taiwan, many areas are affected by various tectonic forcings. Some areas appear to have a subsidence tendency, whereas others reflect uplift activities on the surface, due to tectonic northward compressive forcing growth and decline. Owing to the presence of widespread mountain areas, limited geodetic surveys in the field have made data scarce in this area in the past decades. In addition, most upstream streams in northeastern Taiwan originate from the Backbone Range and flow immediately into the ocean. Because of the steep topography, field investigations on land have been restricted, andin situsurveys are usually limited usually by obstruction. Therefore, the long-term landscape evolution of drainage basins can record topographic changes through the river channels. The distribution of the geomorphic indices, which were calculated along the river channels, were used to analyze the activities on a regional scale. In this study, the results of the geomorphic indices were based on the calculation of published digital elevation models by utilizing the function library TopoToolBox2. The geomorphic indices, which include knickpoints and the normalized steepness index (\({K}_{sn}\)), can indicate the unequilibrium state of the river system and can be used as topographic indicators. The magnitude of knickpoints represents the degree of abrupt changes in the river longitudinal profile, and the\({K}_{sn}\) value variation can be used as quantitative index of river topography. The geomorphic indices synthetically suggest that the landscape evolution of the studied drainage basins is influenced by geological structures, tectonic activity, various lithologies and potential surface ruptures.
CARE 1000. Randomized control trial for the evaluation of the effectiveness of a mHealth App for supporting the first 1000 days of life
Authors: Brunelli Laura , Bussolaro Sofia , Cin Margherita Dal , Ronfani Luca , Zanchiello Sara , Cassone Andrea , Verardi Giuseppa , Dobrina Raffaella , Bava Michele , Stampalija Tamara
Published: October 2022

Background: Recent developments in eHealth and mobile health (mHealth) services, as well as the introduction of information and communication technology innovations in clinical practice, such as telemedicine, telemonitoring, and remote examinations, are already changing the current scenario and will generate further innovations in the coming decades. The widespread adoption of mobile devices, with an estimated nearly 30 billion devices and more than 325,000 apps worldwide, will provide various opportunities to empower people to take charge of their own health. Already in 2017, most of the apps available were focused on pregnancy support, more than any other medical area. There have been some reported experiences with social media and mHealth that could benefit the promotion of maternal physical and mental health promotion during pregnancy. Yet, many apps targeting the first 1000 days of a child’s life do not consider the continuity between the prenatal and postnatal periods and their joint impact on maternal and child health.
Methods: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the mHealth App effectiveness for the support of women during the first 1000 days (from conception through age 24 months) and for improving health prevention behaviors such as vaccination during pregnancy, weight increment during pregnancy, abstinence from smoke and alcohol consumption habits, adherence to child routine vaccination schedule. In addition, the study aims to understand the level of appreciation of this mHealth App as a tool to overcome information and communication gaps between patients and institution.
Discussion: Our findings will be relevant to improve this mHealth App to promote health and prevention, and to support the first 1000 days of life in a maternal and child health hospital. Our findings will be relevant to future scale up of such mHealth App to promote patient’s positive health related outcomes, and co-user’s satisfaction along with health services organizational benefits.
Trial registration: Trial identifier: NCT05500339; registry name: ClinicalTrials.gov
The effectiveness of intrauterine antibiotic infusion vs oral antibiotic therapy in the treatment of Chronic Endometritis in patients during IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedures
Authors: Luncan Mihai , Huniadi Anca , Bimbo-Szuhai Erika , Botea Mihai , Zaha Ioana , Stefan Liana , Beiusanu Corina , Pallag Annamaria , Bodog Alin , Pop Laurean Ovidiu , Sandor Mircea Ioan , Romanescu Dana
Published: October 2022

Background: Chronic Endometritis (CE) is a subtle pathology, likely infectious in most cases, with a negative impact on the female fertility, but often overlooked even among fertility specialists. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the predominant infectious nature of CE and to find the best therapeutic option by comparing the results of oral antibiotic therapy versus intrauterine antibiotic infusion in patients with CE undergoing IVF procedures. The objective was to compare the cure rate of CE – defined as the percentage of patients without CE at the test of cure, between the two groups and, the hysteroscopic aspect with the positive CD 138 staining.
Methods: This was a prospective, case – control study that took place in a single university fertility clinic, in Oradea, Romania and included 57 patients with CE divided into 2 groups: orally administered antibiotics group who received a combination of antibiotics compared to intrauterine infusion group who received intrauterine infusion of antibiotic. Chronic Endometritis was diagnosed through hysteroscopy and immunohistochemistry for CD 138. Patients in both groups were tested for CE twice to evaluate the cure rate after oral combination antibiotic therapy versus intrauterine infusion of antibiotic.
Results: Out of 115 patients with endometrial biopsies 57 tested positive for CE, with a 49.6% chronic endometritis prevalence. Among the group that was administered oral antibiotics, 11 patients (45.83%) experienced CE resolution after triple antibiotic therapy. Of the intrauterine infusion group, 25 patients (89.29%) presented negative results (p 0,0020). The normal hysteroscopic aspect had a similar prevalence in the patients with immunohistochemical positive and negative CD 138.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the effectiveness and superiority of intrauterine antibiotic infusion over the use of oral combination antibiotic therapy for CE cure.
Trial Registration: ISRCTN17542620 / 14.09.2022
The Long-run Effects Of COVID-19 Vaccines on Health Outcomes of Elders: Panel-data Evidence from U.S. Census
Authors: Subramanian Rishabh
Published: October 2022

We use census data at the U.S. county-level to provide causal evidence of the long-term health benefits of COVID-19 vaccines for elderly vis-à-vis younger adults. We use triple-difference estimates that control for all variation at the level of each (county, time) pair to exploit variation across age groups within each such pair. We also undertake difference-in-difference tests exploiting quasi-random variation in vaccination across counties over time separately for elderly and younger adults. A one standard deviation increase in vaccination decreases deaths per million one year later by 9 for the elderly and 1.9 for the younger adults. Similarly, for ICU admissions and hospitalizations per million, the long-term effects are disproportionately larger for elderly than for younger adults. In contrast, for cases per million, the long-term effect on elderly is about half that on younger adults. Such long-term effects of two doses cannot be attributed to the booster dose now.
Neuroinflammation and Neovascularization in diabetic eye diseases (DEDs): Identification of potential pharmacotherapeutic targets
Authors: Panda Siva Prasad , Reddy P Hemachandra , Gorla Uma Sankar , Prasanth DSNBK
Published: October 2022

The goal of this review is to increase public knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of diabetic eye diseases (DEDs), such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and ocular angiosarcoma (ASO), and the likelihood of blindness among elderly widows. A widow's life in North India, in general, is fraught with peril because of the economic and social isolation it brings, as well as the increased risk of death from heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and dementia. Neovascularization, neuroinflammation, and edema in the ocular tissue are hallmarks of the ASO, a rare form of malignant tumor. When diabetes, hypertension, and aging all contribute to increased oxidative stress, the DR can proceed to ASO. Microglia in the retina of the optic nerve head are responsible for causing inflammation, discomfort, and neurodegeneration. Those that come into contact with them will get blind as a result of this. Advanced glycation end products (AGE), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), protein kinase C (PKC), poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), metalloproteinase9 (MMP9), nuclear factor kappaB (NFkB), program death ligand1 (PDL-1), factor VIII (FVIII), and von Willebrand factor (VWF) are potent agents for neovascularisation (NV), neuroinflammation and edema in the ocular tissue. AGE/VEGF, DAG/PKC, PARP/NFkB, RAS/VEGF, PDL-1/PD-1, VWF/FVIII/VEGF, and RAS/VEGF are all linked to the pathophysiology of DEDs. The interaction between NV and ASO is mostly determined by the VWF/FVIII/VEGF and PDL-1 /PD-1 axis. This study focused on retinoprotective medications that can pass the blood-retinal barrier and cure DEDs, as well as the factors that influence the etiology of neovascularization and neuroinflammation in the eye.
A Study of Corporate Governance in Public and Private Sector Banks in India
Authors: CHATTOPADHYAY DEBALINA
Published: October 2022

Corporate governance has been the most discussed topic among economists and administrators for more than two decades now. It is said to increase fairness in decision making, transparency in practices and procedures and thereby engender better performance of responsibilities, proper risk management and effective accountability. The developed nations were the first to embrace this system of governance. Indian firms adopted it a little later. However, currently there is no organization which has not been affected by the principles of corporate governance. Although a few government departments are still on their path to fully implement it, most of the Indian firms, PSUs and institutions are already experienced enough to experiment with different forms of corporate governance. In this paper, we will discuss the successes and failures of four large public and private sector banks in India, i.e. State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, in their pursuit to institutionalize corporate governance. We will see which strategies worked for them and which did not. We will also provide some way forward to overcome the issues.
Associations between bone material strength index and FRAX scores
Authors: Rufus-Membere Pamela , Anderson Kara A , Holloway-Kew Kara L , Kotowicz Mark A , Diez-Perez Adolfo , Pasco Julie A
Published: October 2022

Impact microindentation (IMI) measures bone material strength index (BMSi) in vivo. However, its ability to predict fractures is still uncertain. This study aimed to determine the association between BMSi and 10-year fracture probability, as calculated by the FRAX algorithm. BMSi was measured using the OsteoProbe in 390 men (ages 40-90yr) from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. The probabilities for a major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture (HF) were calculated using the Australian FRAX tool. Fracture probabilities were computed with and without the inclusion of femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). For each participant, four 10-year probability scores were therefore generated: (i)HF-FRAXnoBMD; (ii)HF-FRAXBMD; (iii)MOF-FRAXnoBMD; (iv)MOF-FRAXBMD. BMSi was negatively correlated with age (r = -0.114, p = 0.025), no associations were detected between BMSi and femoral neck BMD (r = +0.035, p=0.507). BMSi was negatively correlated with HF-FRAXnoBMD (r = -0.135, p=0.008) and MOF-FRAXnoBMD (r = -0.153, p=0.003).
This relationship tended to be weaker with the inclusion of femoral neck BMD; HF-FRAXBMD (r =-0.087, p=0.094); MOF-FRAXBMD (r = -0.111, p=0.034). BMSi captures the cumulative effect of clinical risk factors in the FRAX algorithm, suggesting that it could provide additional information that may be useful in predicting risk of fractures.
Accuracy of 10 IOL power calculation formulas in 100 short eyes (≤22 mm)
Authors: Vilaltella Magí , Cid-Bertomeu Pau , Huerva Valentín
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND
to assess and compare the accuracy of 10 intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas after cataract surgery in eyes with an axial length (AL) shorter than or equal to 22.00 mm.
METHODS
a retrospective case series included 100 eyes with an AL ≤ 22.00 mm that underwent uneventful cataract surgery. The refractive prediction error (PE) was calculated using 10 different IOL power calculation formulas: Barrett Universal II, EVO 2.0, Haigis, Hill RBF 2.0, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1 and 2, Kane, SRK/T and SuperLadas. The mean absolute prediction error (MAE ± SD) and median absolute prediction error (MedAE ± SD) were calculated after adjusting the mean prediction error (ME) to 0.
RESULTS
EVO 2.0 and Kane obtained both the lowest MAE after adjusting the ME to 0 (0.386). Differences in MAE among the different formulas were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Hoffer Q obtained the lowest MedAE (0.292 D) after adjusting the ME to 0, followed very closely by EVO 2.0 (0.298 D) and Kane (0.300 D).
CONCLUSIONS
our study reflects a tendency of the EVO 2.0 formula and the Kane formula along with the older Hoffer Q formula, to predict more accurately the refractive outcomes in short eyes that undergo cataract phacoemulsification surgery compared to the other formulas, despite this difference could not be statistically proved.
On the two-dimensional nonstationary Prandtl boundary layer system of symmetric incompressible flow
Authors: Zhan Huashui
Published: October 2022

A new kind of BV entropy solution matching up with the degenerate parabolic equation arising from the two-dimensional Prandtl boundary layer system is introduced. By means of Kruzkov’s bi-variables method, the stability of entropy solutions is proved without any boundary value condition provided that there are some restrictions on the coefficients of the system. For some domains which is regular in a special sense, by the inverse transformation of the Crocco transformation, the two-dimensional Prandtl boundary layer system is well-posedness.
2010 MSC: 35K55; 35R35; 49K40.
MDASI Immunotherapy for Early-Phase Trials Module: Validation and Application of the Chinese Version
Authors: Wu Xiaodan , Xie Jingyue , Lin Xiumei , Hua Limei , Ding Peirong , Liu Shuyue , Shi Simei
Published: October 2022

Objectives: To translate, validate and use the Chinese version of the Immunotherapy of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory for Early-Phase Trials module (MDASI-Immunotherapy EPT) to assess the symptom burden of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy in China.
Methods: The MDASI-Immunotherapy EPT was translated into Chinese using Brislin’s translation model and the back-translation method. In total, 312 Chinese-speaking colorectal cancer patients receiving immunotherapy were enrolled in the trial from August 2021 to July 2022 after receiving definitive diagnoses in our cancer center. The reliability and validity of the translated version was evaluated.
Results: Cronbach’s α values were 0.964 and 0.935 for the symptom severity and interference scales, respectively. Significant correlations were found between the MDASI-Immunotherapy EPT-C and FACT-G scores (-0.638–0.757, P < 0.001). Known-group validity was supported by significant differences in the scores of the four scales grouped by ECOG PS (all P < 0.01). The overall mean subscale scores for the core and interference subscales were 1.92 ± 1.75 and 1.46 ± 1.87, respectively. Fatigue, numbness/tingling, and disturbed sleep had the highest scores for the most serious symptoms.
Conclusion: The MDASI-Immunotherapy EPT-C showed adequate reliability and validity for measuring symptoms among Chinese-speaking colorectal cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. The tool could be used in clinical practice and clinical trials to instantly gather patients’ health and quality of life data and manage their symptoms in a timely manner.
Genome wide hypomethylation and youth-associated DNA gap reduction promoting DNA damage and senescence-associated pathogenesis
Authors: Watcharanurak Papitchaya , Mutirangura Apiwat
Published: October 2022

Background: Age-associated epigenetic alteration is the underlying cause of DNA damage in aging cells. Two types of youth-associated DNA-protection epigenetic marks, global methylation, and youth-associated genomic stabilization DNA gap (youth-DNA-gap) reduce when cell ages. The epigenomic mark reduction promotes DNA damage and accelerates aging hallmarks. While DNA hypomethylation destabilizes DNA by several mechanisms, the DNA sequence around the youth-DNA-gap is hypermethylated. Therefore, the genomic instability mechanisms underlying DNA hypomethylation and youth-DNA-gap reduction are linked.
Results: DNA gap prevents DNA damage by relieving the torsion forces caused by a twisted wave during DNA strand separation by transcription or replication. When the cells begin to age, hypomethylation and youth-DNA-gap reduction can occur as consequences of the efflux of intranuclear HMGB1. The methylated DNA gaps are formed by several proteins. Box A of HMGB1 possesses a molecular scissor role in producing youth-DNA-gaps. So the lack of a gap-producing role of HMGB1 results in a youth-DNA-gap reduction. The histone deacetylation role of SIRT1, an aging prevention protein, prevents DNA ends of youth-DNA-gaps from being recognized as pathologic DNA breaks. Youth-DNA-gaps are methylated and determined genome distribution by AGO4, an effector protein in RNA-directed DNA methylation. The lack of intranuclear HMGB1 promotes global hypomethylation due to two subsequent mechanisms. First is the loss of AGO4-methylating DNA. The other is the accumulation of DNA damage due to lacking HMGB1-produced DNA gap promoting DNA demethylation while undergoing DNA repair. DNA torsion due to youth-DNA-gap reduction increases DNA damage and, consequently, the DNA damage response (DDR). Persistent DDR promotes cellular senescence. Accumulating senescent cells leads to the deterioration of the structure and function of the human body. Rejuvenating DNA (RED) by adding DNA protection epigenetic marks using genomic stability molecule (GEM) such as box A of HMGB1 increases DNA durability, limits DNA damage, rejuvenates senescence cells, and improves organ structure and function deterioration due to aging.
Conclusion: Reducing youth-associated epigenetic marks is a degenerative diseases' primary molecular pathogenesis mechanism. REDGEM is a new therapeutic strategy inhibiting the upstream molecular aging process that will revolutionize the treatment of DNA damage or age-associated diseases and conditions.
Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Infant Protection Against SARS-CoV-2 During the First 6 Months of Life
Authors: Zerbo Ousseny , Ray G. Thomas , Fireman Bruce , Layefsky Evan , Goddard Kristin , Lewis Edwin , Ross Pat , Omer Saad , Greenberg Mara , Klein Nicola
Published: October 2022

We examined the effectiveness of maternal vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection in 30,288 infants born at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from December 15, 2020, to May 31, 2022. Using Cox regression, the effectiveness of maternal vaccination was 85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 67, 93), 64% (CI: 43, 78) and 57% (CI: 36,71) during the first 2, 4 and 6 months of life, respectively, in the Delta variant period. In the Omicron variant period, the effectiveness of maternal vaccination in these three age intervals was 22% (CI: -18,48), 14% (CI: -10,32) and 12% (CI: -4,26), respectively. Over the entire study period, the incidence of hospitalization for COVID-19 was lower during the first 6 months of life among infants of vaccinated mothers compared with infants of unvaccinated mothers (21/100,000 person-years vs. 100/100,000 person-years). Maternal vaccination was protective, but protection was lower during Omicron than during Delta. Protection during both periods decreased as infants aged.
Multifunctional single-solvent electrolytes for safe and stable Li metal batteries
Authors: Xu Zhixin , Zhang Xiyue , Yang Jun , Cui Xuzixu , Nuli Yanna , Wang Jiulin , Wang Chunsheng
Published: October 2022

Current electrolytes of mixing different functional solvents inherit both merits and weaknesses of each solvent, thus cannot simultaneously meet all the requirements of high energy and power, high safety, and long cycle life for Li metal batteries. Electrolyte design has to compromise these requisite performances. Here, we design a single solvent electrolyte by intergrading different functional groups into one molecule enabling Li metal batteries to simultaneously achieve high energy and power, high safety, and long cycle life. An ether-functionalized fluorophosphate electrolyte is synthesized by integrating flame-retardant phosphate, Li-stable ethers, and nonflammable fluorine into one molecule and using them to dissolve Li[(FSO2)(n-C4F9SO2)N] salts. The single-solvent electrolyte has a wide electrochemical stability window of > 5.4V enabling a Li anode to achieve high Coulombic efficiency of > 99.3%, Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 coin cell to maintain capacity retention of 92% after 500 cycles, and the 3.5-Ah Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 pouch cell to deliver a high energy density of 531 Wh kg− 1 without any flame and expansion after cycled under extreme conditions. Furthermore, the single-solvent electrolyte is intrinsically safe (no flash point) enabling the thermostable Li||LiFePO4 cells to operate at a high temperature of 90 ℃ without capacity decay for 200 cycles and with a minor capacity reduction when the current increases from 0.5C to 5C. This work provides a new direction for rational design of multifunctional single-solvent electrolytes for Li metal batteries.