bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving Change: Cultivating an Energy Workforce for Lasting Prosperity
Authors: Presley Jennifer
Published: November 2023

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The old phrase “many hands make light work” is never truer than when applied to the energy industry. It illuminates the world’s darkest corner and energizes its sluggish economies. Millions of hands also work together to ensure the power is there to keep the lights on and global markets humming.

Many also have had a hand over the past century in building the oil and gas industry into the multitrillion-dollar industrial sector it is today. Ironically, it is an industry where a new hire starts as a “worm,” earns the title of “hand,” and then possibly ends their career decades later as a “top hand.”

These hands—the industry’s human capital—are the most important resource in the highly complex and technical oil and gas industry. From the oil field to the C-suite, the collective knowledge, attributes, skills, and experience of the workforce that inhabit each are critical to ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability and future.

According to a recent Accenture study, the energy industry will experience a lack of up to 40,000 competent workers by 2025. A 2018 study by Korn Ferry predicted that up to 85 million jobs could go unfilled due to skilled shortages. EY reported that Gen Z and Millennials will make up 72% of the world’s workforce by 2029, yet 62% stated that they find a career in the oil and gas industry unappealing.

The oil and gas industry is at a crossroads in an era of rapid technological advancements, shifting global energy demands, and heightened concerns over affordability and security. Evolving job expectations, demographic shifts, and the growing emphasis on sustainability are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sector.

Technological Advancements and Changing Job Expectations

Amidst this evolution, one of the industry’s most pressing challenges is the retention of its skilled workforce. The seasoned professionals and specialized experts who have long been the backbone of this vital sector are now presented with an attractive alternative for those looking to make a change.

The sector is transforming as renewable energy sources gain prominence and environmental concerns mount. There is no shortage of big, bold plans to address the energy needs of the future, but it is a future made possible by a workforce possessing diverse tools and technical skills.

“Workforce preferences are changing, competition for talent is growing, and many industrial sectors now find themselves competing for many of the same skills,” said Evelyn MacLean, workforce energy project director for the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP).

“Our industry also has a reputation challenge that is damaging our talent pipeline, and therefore, we have work to do collectively to promote our industry as a viable career choice for anyone who wishes to contribute to energy sustainability, affordability, and security positively,” she added.
Study Evaluates CO2 Storage Potential During CO2 Mobility-Control Optimization
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: November 2023

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This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 212969, “Evaluation of CO2 Storage Potential During CO2 Mobility-Control Optimization for Enhanced Oil Recovery,” by Alvinda Sri Hanamertani, SPE, Ying Yu, SPE, and Omar El-Khatib, SPE, University of Wyoming, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

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CO2 mobility control through foam technology has enabled better sweep efficiency and, consequently, better oil productivity during enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. Along with enhancing oil production, a sound potential exists for in-situ generated foam to enhance CO2 storage. However, the effect of the different in-situ foam generation strategies on the combined goal of maximum oil production and carbon storage is not well elucidated in the literature. In the complete paper, the authors methodically evaluate the simultaneous optimization of CO2 storage and oil recovery using multiple injection strategies.

Introduction

The current investigation is a continuation of two previous studies that provided a methodology for screening and using foaming agents for optimized CO2 storage in sandstone and carbonate formations. A base case of tertiary CO2 flooding was established for comparison with in-situ foam generation by two approaches: single-cycle surfactant-alternating-gas (SAG) flooding and coinjection of CO2 and surfactant. Additionally, the effect of surfactant concentration on foam efficiency, CO2 storage capacity, and oil recovery were evaluated in both approaches at reservoir conditions.

Materials and Methods

Fluids and Porous Medium.

In this study, a synthetic brine with total dissolved solids of 20 wt% was used as blank brine and laden with a commercial zwitterionic surfactant that was used to prepare surfactant solutions with concentrations of 0.5 and 1 wt% active matter in the synthetic brine. Three core plugs were drilled from an Indiana limestone outcrop block. The cores were then cleaned and oven-dried at 95°C.

Experimental Procedure.

Vacuum saturation with brine was commenced for the three cores. The porosity of the cores was calculated using their dry and brine-saturated weights. Then, the 100% brine-saturated core was placed in a core holder and loaded into an oven set to 90°C. The pore pressure was fixed at 2,000 psi, and the confining pressure was controlled at 3,000 psi throughout the flooding experiment. The brine permeability of the core samples was evaluated by measuring the pressure drop across the core at different brine-injection flow rates.

In the first experiment (IL1), oil drainage with a flow rate of 0.2 cm3/min was performed to establish irreducible water saturation of 46.9%. This total flow rate was kept the same throughout the three experiments. Then, a waterflooding stage was begun and the oil recovery was recorded. After reaching a plateau in oil recovery, supercritical CO2 (scCO2) was injected during the EOR process until the oil production plateaued.
The Monitoring of Abnormal Fluid Properties Based on PCA Technique as an Alternative Strategy to Support Autonomous Drilling Operations
Authors: Borges Filho Moacyr N. , Mello Thalles , Scheid Claudia M. , Calçada Luis A. , Waldmann A. T. , Martins André Leibsohn , Pinto José C.
Published: November 2023

The well drilling process requires constant monitoring to ensure that the properties of the drilling fluids remain within acceptable ranges for safe and effective operation of the well drilling process. The present work developed a principal component analysis (PCA)-based methodology for diagnosing anomalies in drilling fluids, and detecting and identifying abnormal drilling fluid properties during well drilling operations. The main novelty of the present work regards the application of multivariate techniques for diagnosing anomalies (faults) in drilling fluids, increasing the literature on fault diagnosis techniques applied to the petroleum industry, and producing a promising methodology for field applications. The proposed technique was implemented and validated in a pilot drilling fluid production unit through continuous online monitoring of the conductivity, density, and apparent viscosity of drilling fluids. Model training was carried out with data collected during assisted normal operation, allowing detection of abnormal conditions with less than 1% of false positives and less than 0.5% of false negatives. Additionally, the proposed methodology also allowed the correct diagnosis of the observed faults. The results indicated that PCA-based approaches can be used for the online monitoring of drilling fluid properties and fault diagnosis in real well drilling operations.
Economic Burden of Sanfilippo Syndrome in the United States
Authors: Ashby Frederick , Park Haesuk , Svensson Mikael , Heldermon Coy
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare disease and fatal genetic disorder with no FDA-approved treatment in the United States (US), and no comprehensive assessment of economic disease burden is available.
Objectives: To develop a model to estimate the economic burden associated with Sanfilippo syndrome in the US using direct costs, indirect costs and valued intangibles (disability-adjusted life years, or DALYs) from 2023 onward.
Design and Setting: A multistage comorbidity model was generated based on Sanfilippo syndrome symptoms, and disability weights from the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study. Attributable increase in caregiver mental health burden were estimated using data from the CDC National Comorbidity Survey and retrospective studies on caregiver burden. Direct costs were approximated from the 2019 EveryLife Foundation survey, and indirect costs were estimated from Federal income data. Monetary valuations were adjusted to USD 2023 and given a 3% discount rate from 2023 onward.
Main Outcome Measures: Incidence of Sanfilippo syndrome was calculated for each year, and year-over-year DALYs due to patient years lived with disability (YLDs) and years life lost (YLLs) were calculated by comparing to the health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) in the US. Direct and indirect costs were calculated for each simulated patient from onset of symptoms to death.
Results: From 2023-2043, overall economic burden in the US attributable to Sanfilippo syndrome was estimated to be $2.04 billion USD present value (2023) with current standard of care. The burden to individual families exceeded $8 million present value from time of birth per child born with Sanfilippo syndrome.
Conclusion: Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare lysosomal storage disease, however the severe burden associated with the disease for individual families demonstrates a considerable cumulative impact. Our model represents the first disease burden value estimate associated with Sanfilippo syndrome, and underscores the substantial morbidity and mortality burden of Sanfilippo syndrome.
Transposable elements transcription-dependently generate introns in eukaryotes
Authors: Li Yong , Luo Xin , Wu Fangfang , Cheng Xiaofei , Liu Xinlei , Xue Yongguo , Zhang Yu , Zhao Xiangke , Wan Jifeng , Wang Shuyu , Zhong Xue , Liu Qingqing , Guo Yushuang
Published: November 2023

Spliceosomal introns are widely found in eukaryotic genes. However, the mechanisms of their origins remain unclear. Finding novel introns is an important but difficult step to uncover the mechanisms. DNA methylation can lead to CpG observed/expected ratio (o/e) bias of sequences. In this study, we found that CpG o/e values can reflect the age of introns and can be used to find novel introns in many species, further analysis revealed a new mechanism of intron generation. In Arabidopsis thaliana we found that novel introns mainly matched transcribable intergenic regions, and the intron-matched regions significantly tended to locate in adjacent chromosomal regions of the same chromosome and same strand with their matched introns. Through further analysis, we propose a new intron generation mechanism, in which transcribed RNA with splicing signals generates a copy into nearby chromosomal regions before being degraded, and forms introns if it is integrated inside genes, otherwise, it generates a copy in intergenic region like canonical transposons. This mechanism is common in eukaryotes and can explain many unsolved phenomena regarding intron generation.
Colonoscopy does not increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Holtz Anna-Victoria , Fink Anne , Tamgüney Gültekin , Doblhammer Gabriele
Published: November 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is caused by the misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein in neurons into toxic oligomers and fibrils that have prion-like properties allowing them to infect healthy neurons and to be transmitted to animal models of PD by injection or oral exposure. Considering that α-synuclein fibrils can also propagate from the enteric to the central nervous system, α-synuclein may be transmitted through colonoscopy procedures. This study examines a possible association between colonoscopy and PD.
We used longitudinal data of 250,000 individuals aged 50+ from 2004-2019 from Germany's largest health insurer. Cox proportional hazard and competing risk models with death as a competing event were estimated to calculate the risk of PD. Models were adjusted for age, sex, reason for colonoscopy and co-morbidities of PD. Colonoscopy was categorized as never receiving colonoscopy, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening without or with biopsy, destruction, excision, laser vaporization or argon plasma coagulation (BDE), and diagnostic colonoscopy without or with BDE.
We identified 6,422 new cases of PD among 221,582 individuals. The Cox model revealed a significantly increased risk of PD for patients who ever had a diagnostic colonoscopy without or with BDE (HR=1.31; 95% confidence interval: [1.23-1.40]; HR=1.32 [1.22-1.42]) after adjustment for age and sex. After controlling for covariates and death, persons who ever underwent CRC screening had a 40% reduced risk of PD (HR=0.60 [0.53-0.66]), while persons who underwent diagnostic colonoscopy had a 20% reduced risk of PD (HR=0.80 [0.74-0.87]).
Individuals who ever had any type of colonoscopy had a lower risk of PD compared to those who never had a colonoscopy, after adjusting for death and covariates. Individuals who underwent only CRC screening had the lowest risk of PD, which may be a result of a more health-conscious lifestyle.
Intermetallic and dispersoid structures in AA3104 aluminium alloy during two-step homogenisation
Authors: George Sarah , Chicuba Livhuwani Magidi
Published: November 2023

During homogenisation of the AA3104 cast ingot, a phase transformation of intermetallic particles from β-Al6(Fe,Mn) orthorhombic phase to harder α-Alx(Fe,Mn)3Si2 cubic phase occurs. The large constituent intermetallic particles, regardless of phase, assist in the recrystallisation nucleation process through particle stimulated nucleation (PSN). Ultimately, this helps to refine grain size. The sub-micron dispersoids act to impede grain boundary migration through a Zener drag mechanism. For this reason, the dispersoids that form during homogenisation are critical in the recrystallisation kinetics during subsequent rolling, with smaller dispersoids being better suited to instances where the minimisation of recrystallisation is required during hot rolling. This work simulates an industrial two-step homogenisation practice with variations in the peak temperature of the first step between 560°C and 580°C. The effect of this temperature variation on the intermetallic particle phase evolution is investigated. The aim is to identify the ideal intermetallic phase balance and the dispersoid structure that are best suited for the minimisation of recrystallisation during hot rolling through maximising Zener drag and maintaining galling resistance. The results indicate a trend where an increase in homogenisation temperature from 560°C to 580°C yields, firstly, an increase in the volume fraction of the α-phase particles to greater than 50% of the total volume fraction at both the edge and the centre of the ingot and, secondly, it yields an increased dispersoid size. Thus, a lower temperature homogenisation practice produces a near-ideal combination of intermetallic particle phase distribution, as well as dispersoid size, which is critical for Zener drag and the minimization of recrystallisation during the hot rolling processes.
Capsicum chinense Jacq. derived glutaredoxin (CcGRXS12) alters redox status of the cells to confer resistance against pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV-I)
Authors: kumar Saravana , S.V Ramesh , Z Sun , Thangappan Sugitha , Nulu Naga Prafulla Chandrika , Kanakaraj Binodh Asish
Published: November 2023

Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are small, ubiquitous, multi-functional proteins present in different compartments of plant cells. A chloroplast targeted class I GRX (CcGRXS12) gene was isolated from Capsicum chinense during the pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) infection. Functional characterization of the gene was performed in N. benthamiana transgenic plants transformed with native C. chinense GRX (Nb:GRX), GRX-fused with GFP (Nb:GRX-GFP) and GRX truncated for the chloroplast targeting sequences but fused with GFP (Nb:Δ2MGRX-GFP). Over-expression of CcGRXS12 inhibits the PMMoV-I accumulation at late stage of infection and is accompanied with the activation of SA- pathway pathogenesis related (PR) transcripts, and suppression of JA/ET- pathway transcripts. Further the reduced accumulation of auxin-induced Glutathione-S-Transferase (pCNT103) in CcGRXS12 over expressing lines indicates that the protein could able to protect the plants from the oxidative stress caused by the virus. PMMoV-I infection increases the accumulation of pyridine nucleotides (PNs) mainly due to the reduced form of PNs (NAD(P)H) and it was higher in Nb:GRX-GFP lines compared to other lines where infection is limited. Apart from biotic stress, CcGRXS12 protects the plants from abiotic stress conditions caused by H2O2 and herbicide paraquat. CcGRXS12 exhibits GSH-disulphide oxidoreductase activity in vitro however devoid of complementary Fe-S cluster assembly mechanism in yeast.
Flood Vulnerability Assessment in Rural and Urban Informal Settlements: Case Study of Karonga District and Lilongwe City in Malawi
Authors: Mwalwimba Isaac Kadono , Manda Mtafu , Ngongondo Cosmo
Published: November 2023

Flood vulnerability assessment (FVA) informs the disaster risk reduction and preparedness process in both rural and urban areas. However, many floods vulnerable regions like Malawi still lack FVA supporting frameworks in all phases (pre-trans-post disaster). Partly, this is attributed to lack of the evidence-based studies to inform the processes. This study was therefore aimed at assessing households’ flood vulnerability (HFV) in rural and urban areas of Malawi, using case studies of Mtandire Ward in Lilongwe City (LC) and Traditional Authority (T/A) Kilupula of Karonga District (KD). A household survey was used to collect data from a sample of 545 households’ participants. Vulnerability was explored through a combination of underlying vulnerability factors (UVFs)-physical-social-economic-environmental and cultural with vulnerability components (VCs)-exposure-susceptibility and resilience. The UVFs and VCs were agglomerated using binomial multiple logit regression model. Variance independent factor (VIF) was used to check multicollinearity of variables in the regression model. HFV was determined based on flood vulnerability index (FVI). The data were analysed using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), artificial neural network (ANN) and STATA. The results reveal a total average score of high vulnerability (0.62) and moderate vulnerability (0.52) on MCA in T/A Kilupula and Mtandire Ward respectively. The results further found low vulnerability to very high vulnerability for the combined UVFs and VCs in the FVI scale range. The study concludes that the determinants of households’ flood vulnerability are in respective order of enviro-exposure, eco-resilience and physio-exposure factors in both study areas. The study recommends that a FVA framework should be applied to promote resilience of communities to mitigate flood risks and support planning and decision-making process in flood risk management.
A cross-border mud budget for future sediment management
Authors: Alonso Ana Colina , Maren Dirk Sebastiaan van , Albert P. Oost , Esselink Peter , Hagen Robert , Kösters Frank , Bartholdy Jesper , Bijleveld Allert , Wang Zheng Bing
Published: November 2023

The world’s coasts and deltas are progressively threatened by climate change and human activities. The degree at which coastlines can adapt to these changes, especially Sea Level Rise (SLR), strongly depends on the availability of sediments. But despite its importance for coastal adaptation, the availability of muddy sediments is poorly known. This study aims at developing the first mud budget for the world’s largest uninterrupted system of barrier islands and tidal flats: the Wadden Sea. The resulting mud balance is nearly closed: ~12 million (M) ton/year enters the system on its western end, ~1.5 M ton/year is added by local rivers, while we estimate ~12 M ton annually deposits or is extracted by anthropogenic activities. Our data suggests that a mud deficit already exists in the downdrift areas, which will only become more pronounced with increased SLR rates. Mud is thus a finite resource similar to sand, and should be treated as such in sediment management strategies. Resolving future challenges related to climate change therefore requires a cross-border perspective on sediment management.
Evaluation of the Effect of Intercropping Legumes Covers with Maize on Soil Moisture Improvement in Selected Dry Land Areas of Basketo Special woreda’s, Ethiopia
Authors: Gemi Yenealem , Naba Wudinesh , Gojjam Amare , Wolde Birhanu
Published: November 2023

Intercropping provides enough scope to include two or more crops simultaneously in the same piece of land targeting higher productivity from the unit area. A field experiment was carried out at Arbaminch Agricultural Research Center during crop growing seasons of 2020 and 2021GC. The study focused on evaluating the effect of legume covers (Cowpea and Lablab) intercropping with maize in soil moisture conservation and crop yield in moisture-stress areas of Basketo special woreda. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Data collected were analyzed using the general linear model procedure for analysis of variance using SAS statistical package and means separated using least significant difference (LSD) test at p = 0.05. The experiments were carried out on silty clay loam and loam soil in Angila 4 and Angila 3 kebele respectively and slightly acidic soil. After the experiment in Angila 4 kebele, intercropping maize with lablab has profound effect on soil organic carbon and organic matter which is (> 3% and > 5.17%) respectively. The soil organic carbon was increased from 2.44–3.87%. The result shows that intercropping maize with lablab and cowpea has better soil moisture content than a pure stand of maize in both cropping seasons in Angila 4. In this trial, the highest Land Equivalent Ratio values was obtained for Maize intercropped with cowpea and Lablab 1.12 and 1.44 respectively in second year trial at Angila 4 kebele.
Comparison of Tracer Kinetic Models for 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET in Intermediate Risk Primary Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Smith Nathaniel J. , Green Mark A. , Bahler Clinton D. , Tann Mark , Territo Wendy , Smith Anne M. , Hutchins Gary D.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND: 68Ga-PSMA-11 positron emission tomography enables the detection of primary, recurrent, and metastatic prostate cancer. Regional radiopharmaceutical uptake is generally evaluated in static images and quantified as standard uptake values (SUV) for clinical decision-making. However, analysis of dynamic images characterizing both tracer uptake and pharmacokinetics may offer added insights into the underlying tissue pathophysiology. This study was undertaken to evaluate the suitability of various kinetic models for 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET analysis. Twenty-three lesions in 18 patients were included in a retrospective kinetic evaluation of 55-minute dynamic 68Ga-PSMA-11 pre-prostatectomy PET scans from patients with biopsy-demonstrated intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer. A reversible one-tissue compartment model, irreversible two-tissue compartment model, and a reversible two-tissue compartment model were evaluated for their goodness-of-fit to lesion and normal reference prostate time-activity curves. Kinetic parameters obtained through graphical analysis and tracer kinetic modeling techniques were compared for reference prostate tissue and lesion regions of interest.
RESULTS: Supported by goodness-of-fit and information loss criteria, the irreversible two-tissue compartment model was selected as optimally fitting the time-activity curves. Lesions exhibited significant differences in kinetic rate constants (K1, k2, k3, Ki) and semiquantitative measures (SUV) when compared with reference prostatic tissue. The two-tissue irreversible tracer kinetic model was consistently appropriate across prostatic zones.
CONCLUSIONS: An irreversible tracer kinetic model is appropriate for dynamic analysis of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET images. Kinetic parameters estimated by Patlak graphical analysis or full compartmental analysis can distinguish tumor from normal prostate tissue.
Extreme Li-Mg Selectivity via Precise Ion Size Differentiation of Polyamide Membrane
Authors: Jin Jian , Peng Quan , Wang Ruoyu , Liu Ying , Dong Dianyu , Wang Zheng , He Yiman , Lin Shihong , Zhu Yuzhang , Jiang Lei
Published: November 2023

Achieving high selectivity of Li+ and Mg2+ is of paramount importance for effective lithium extraction from brines, and nanofiltration (NF) membrane plays a critical role in this process. The key to achieving high selectivity lies in the on-demand design of NF membrane pores in accordance with the size difference between Li+ and Mg2+ ions, but this poses a huge challenge for traditional NF membranes and difficult to be realized. In this work, we report the fabrication of polyamide (PA) NF membranes with ultra-high Li+/Mg2+ selectivity by modifying the interfacial polymerization (IP) process between piperazine (PIP) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) with an oil-soluble surfactant that forms a monolayer at oil/water interface, referred to as OSARIP. The OSARIP benefits to regulate the membrane pores so that all of them are smaller than Mg2+ ions. Under the solely size sieving effect, an unprecedentedly high Mg2+ rejection rate of 99.96% and Li+/Mg2+ selectivity over 4000 are achieved. This value is one to two orders of magnitude higher than all the currently reported pressure-driven membranes, and even higher than the microporous framework materials, including COFs, MOFs, and POPs. The large enhancement of ion separation performance of NF membranes may innovate the current lithium extraction process and greatly improve the lithium extraction efficiency.
Stimulating effect of biogenic nanoparticles on the germination of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seeds
Authors: Sencan Aziz , Kilic Semra , Kaya Havva
Published: November 2023

Metal nanoparticles synthesized using various biosources are the subject of focus in many research areas thanks to their improved biological effects and increased bioavailability. Silver, zinc oxide and magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by using low-cost, low-energy, environmentally friendly, non-toxic chemicals and easily accessible thyme leaves and lavender flowers, and its were characterized by using techniques UV-Vis, XRD, SEM and EDS. The effects of various concentrations of biosynthesized NPs on the germination and germination index of basil seeds were defined comparatively. Phytochemicals in lavender flower extract acted as reducing and capping agents in the biosynthesis of Ag-NPs, and phytochemicals in thyme leaves extract acted for the biosynthesis of ZnO-NPs ve Fe3O4-NPs. Relative root length was detected at 25 mg/L ZnO-NP, stem length at 50 mg/L ZnO-NP, and Relative seed germination 100 mg/L Fe3O4-NP with the maximum value. This research showed that the germination promoting effects of NPs, which may be essential microelements, are related to their size, surface area, morphology and concentration. Thus, it promoted early and rapid germination by breaking the NP's seed dormancy.
Prognostic impact of postoperative recurrence in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-positive non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Morita Meiko , Ono Akira , Sekikawa Motoki , Doshita Kosei , Miura Keita , Kodama Hiroaki , Yabe Michitoshi , Morikawa Noboru , Iida Yuko , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kobayashi Haruki , Ko Ryo , Wakuda Kazushige , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Naito Tateaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Isaka Mitsuhiro , Ohde Yasuhisa , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: November 2023

Background: There are no reports conducted with a long follow-up period on a large number of EGFR+ non small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients withpostoperative recurrence (PR).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the data of EGFR+ NSCLC patients with PR who had undergone surgery at the Shizuoka Cancer Center between October 2002 and November 2017. The post-recurrence overall survival (PRS) and postoperative overall survival (POS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model was performed to identify any associations between the clinical variables at recurrence and the PRS. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between the variables at the baseline and the prognostic factors at recurrence.
Results: The median observation time was 4.95 (range, 0.82-13.25) years. The median PRS was 5.17 years (95% CI, 3.90-5.61) and the POS was 7.07 years (95% CI, 5.88-8.01). Univariate analysis identified male gender (MST: 3.32 vs. 5.39 years; p<0.05), presence of bone metastasis (MST: 2.43 vs. 5.33 years; p<0.05), and presence of central nervous system (CNS) metastasis (MST: 3.05 vs. 5.39 years; p<0.05), and multivariate analysis identified the presence of bone metastasis (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.23-3.28; p<0.05) and presence of CNS metastasis (HR. 1.84; 95% CI, 1.14-2.98; p<0.05) as poor prognostic factors. The pattern of recurrence was not prognostic factor. Logistic regression analysis revealed male was associated with the presence bone/CNS metastasis at recurrence.
Conclusion: New treatment strategies require to be developed for patients with bone/CNS metastasis at first recurrence.
Infant Mortality in Italy, 2016-2020: Large geographic and ethnic inequalities
Authors: simeoni silvia , frova luisa , de curtis mario
Published: November 2023

Background: Neonatal and infant mortality rates are among the most significant indicators for assessing a country's healthcare and social development.
This study examined the trends in neonatal, post-neonatal, and infant mortality in Italy from 2016 to 2020 and analysed differences between children of Italian and foreign parents based on areas of residence, as well as the leading causes of death. Special attention was given to the analysis of mortality in 2020, the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, and its comparison with previous years.
Methods: Data from 2016 to 2020 were collected by the Italian National Institute of Statistics and extracted from the causes of death database and the birth registry. Neonatal, post-neonatal, and infant mortality rates were calculated using conventional definitions. The main analyses were conducted by comparing Italian citizens to foreigners and contrasting residents of the North with those of the South. Group comparisons were made using mortality rate ratios. The main causes of death were examined, and Poisson log-linear regression models were employed to investigate the relationships between mortality rate ratios for each cause of death and citizenship, place of residence and calendar year.
Results: In Italy, in 2020, the neonatal mortality rate was 1.76 deaths per thousand live births and it was 55% higher in foreign children than in Italian children. Foreign children had a higher mortality rate than Italians for almost all significant causes of death. Children born in the South of Italy, both Italian and foreign, had an infant mortality rate about 70% higher than residents in the North. Regions with higher infant mortality were Calabria, Sicily, Campania, and Puglia. In the South, mortality from neonatal respiratory distress and prematurity was higher.
In the first months of 2020, between March and June, the first Covid-19 wave, Italy experienced an increase in neonatal and infant mortality compared to the same period in 2016-2019, not directly related to SARS-CoV-19 infection. The primary cause was neonatal respiratory distress.
Conclusions: The neonatal and infant mortality rates indicate the persistence of profound inequalities in Italy between the North and the South and between Italian and foreign children.
Identification of hub genes in rheumatoid arthritis tissue-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Chen Zhen
Published: November 2023

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease. However, effective diagnostic biomarkers for RA are lacking. This study aimed to validate tissue-derived extracellular vesicles (Ti-EVs) as biomarkers for RA. Ti-EVs were isolated from the joints of a collagen-induced arthritis rat model, analysed, and subjected to potential biomarker identification. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and analysed for functional enrichment. Datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus, and DEGs were obtained using NCBI GEO2R. GSE55235 was used to compare the shared Ti-EV DEGs. Protein–protein interaction network analysis was performed to identify the hub genes. GES89408 was used to analyse gene expression, and the diagnostic value of the genes was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results: In total, 1,725 DEGs and 186 co-expressed genes were identified in the sequencing and GSE55235 datasets, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the enriched pathways for the DEGs were related to RA. ROC analysis showed that the hub genes CXCR4, CD8A, CCR5, CD40LG, CCL5, CD2, PRF1, FCGR3B, and IL2RGcould effectively be used for the diagnosis of RA, of which FCGR3B and IL2RG were the most specific and sensitive, respectively, for early-stage RA.
Conclusions: Ti-EV-related information can help elucidate RA pathogenesis. The novel DEGs and functional pathways identified in this study will facilitate future research on RA.
Carbon Ignorance: Do People Misestimate the Carbon Footprint of Behaviors, Firms, and Industries?
Authors: Johnson Eric , Sugerman Eli , Morwitz Vicki , Johar Gita , Morris Michael
Published: November 2023

As climate change concerns rise, people increasingly seek to behave and consume sustainably. Doing so requires understanding which behaviors matter most, and which firms and industries emit the least. In this paper, we explore whether people are knowledgeable enough to make choices that align with their sustainability goals. Across five studies, we (1) demonstrate that individuals’ climate-related estimates are largely inaccurate, (2) provide evidence that this misestimation results from a cognitive process of attribute substitution, and (3) identify conditions that do (and do not) moderate estimation accuracy. These findings have important implications not only for individuals who desire to minimize their emissions, but for firm and industry reputations, investments, regulatory oversight, and understanding of greenwashing. Overall, our findings suggest that to the extent that individual action can be impactful, we should intervene with accessible, easily understandable information that highlights the causal impact of consumption in order to facilitate this action.
Extraction Method for Determining Florpyrauxifen-Benzyl Herbicide in Rice
Authors: Lopes Junai Carvalho Souza , Sicupira Lázaro Chaves , Pinho Gevany Paulino , Silvério Flaviano Oliveira
Published: November 2023

Florpyrauxifen-benzyl is an active ingredient used as herbicide to control weeds in rice cultivation. So far, there are few studies related to the extraction and determining methodologies for this compound. Therefore, this work aimed to optimize and validate solid-liquid extraction with low temperature purification (SLE-LTP) using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) to determine the florpyrauxifen-benzyl in rice samples. The results showed that the optimal chromatographic conditions were obtained using the kinetex column, temperature of 25 °C, mobile phase composition of methanol:water (78:22 v/v), flow rate of 0.3 mL min-1, and 260 nm as the wavelength. The optimum extraction conditions were obtained using acetonitrile and water (2:1) as extraction phase, followed by clean-up of extracts with alumina. The recovery percentage achieved was close to 100%, with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 9.0%. The result showed a significant matrix effect (184.3%), but the methodology was precise, accurate, linear and selective, with a quantification limit of 5.0 μg kg-1.
Optimization strategy of multifunctional composite laminates for improved load bearing and EMW absorbing capacity
Authors: Bowen Li
Published: November 2023

The thin structure that possesses both excellent stealth and load-bearing capabilities has a high demand in the military. This article proposes a multifunctional composite laminates, along with its optimization strategy. The novel structure comprises several layers of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics and each layer has a fixed thickness. The matrix of each layer is made of polylactic acid dispersed with graphene oxide of varying volume fractions, which facilitates the transmission, absorption, and reflection of electromagnetic waves (EMW). The multi-objective optimization strategy of composite laminates is conducted by considering the ply orientation and volume fraction of graphene oxide as design variables, and the bending stiffness and EMW absorbing bandwidth of the overall structure as design objectives, meanwhile the JAYA, a metaheuristic algorithm is employed as the optimizer. The results demonstrate that the optimization algorithm can efficiently adjust the structure to an optimal state. Furthermore, compared with the original structure, the optimized structure has a 190% increase in load-bearing capacity and a 30.3% increase in EMW absorbing performance.
Pigmentary glaucoma in a patient with 48, XXYY syndrome: a case report
Authors: Vavasseur Théa , Fenolland Jean-Remi , Giraud Jean-Marie
Published: November 2023

Objective
We report a case of a patient with 48, XXYY genetic syndrome suffering from a pigmentary glaucoma.
Background
The 48, XXYY syndrome is a very rare sporadic genetic condition with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms. Similarly to Klinefelter syndrome, the principal symptom is the hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism leading to infertility. Several other common features of this syndrome including developmental delay, behavioural difficulties and facial dysmorphism are described. Nevertheless, the association between Klinefelter syndrome and ocular manifestations are rare or at least, not clearly described in medical literature.
Case presentation:
A 37-year-old patient with karyotype 48, XXYY, presented with a known history of pigment dispersion syndrome. Both slight lamp exam and gonioscopy revealed signs of pigmentary glaucoma. The aspect of the optic nerve in the fundus and both OCT exam and visual fields showed an agonic glaucoma on one eye and a severe glaucoma on the other eye.
Conclusions
Ocular manifestations in 48, XXYY syndrome or more generally in sex chromosomal aneuploidies are rarely described in medical literature. In this article, we report a case of pigmentary glaucoma in a patient with 48, XXYY syndrome.
Perioperative Outcomes and Continence Following Robotic-Assisted Radical Cystectomy with Mainz Pouch II Urinary Diversion in Patients with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Jing Suoshi , Yang Enguang , Luo Zuoxi , Zhang Yunxin , Ding Hui , Yang Li , Dong Zhilong , Shang Panfeng , Yue Zhongjin , Wu Gongjin , Bao Junsheng , Tian Junqiang , Wang Jiaji , Xiao Nan , Wang Zhiping
Published: November 2023

PURPOSE
To present the widely unknown perioperative outcomes and continence statuses of bladder cancer patients following robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with Mainz Pouch II urinary diversion (UD).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From November 2020 to December 2022, 37 bladder cancer patients who underwent RARC with Mainz pouch II UD were retrospectively assessed (ChiCTR2300070279). Patient demographics, perioperative data, continence, and complications (early ≤ 30 days and late > 30 days) were all documented. A numeric rating scale assessed patient satisfaction with urinary continence 30 days after surgery.
RESULTS
Of the 37 patients evaluated over a median (range) follow-up period of 11.8 (1.6–24.5) months. The median (range) age was 65 (40–81) years. The median (range) time to urinary continence after surgery was 2.3 (1.5-6) months. Of the 37 patients, 31 (83.6%) were continent both during the day and at night, 34 (91.9%) were continent during the day, 32 (86.5%) were continent at night, 35 (94.6%) were satisfied with their urinary continence status, and 21 (56.8%) were very satisfied. The mean (range) voiding frequency was 6 (4–10) during the day and 3 (2-5.5) at night. Five (13.5%) patients experienced late complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Mainz pouch II UD following RARC in bladder cancer patients results in a satisfactory continence rate, and the intracorporeal approach to Mainz pouch II UD works better for female patients due to its reduced invasiveness.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ChiCTR2300070279; Registration: 07/04/2023, Last updated version: 01/06/2023. Retrospectively registered.
The effects of physical exercise on physical fitness and executive function in children with excessive body weight
Authors: Zhang Mingyang , Qian Guoping , Ma Junchi , Li Shunchang , Lipowski Mariusz , Ossowski Zbigniew
Published: November 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of 11 weeks physical exercises on physical fitness and executive functions in children with excessive body weight.
Methods: In the first phase, 61 six-year-old children were divided into 3 groups according to the degree of obesity: 17 in the normal weight group (NW), 24 in the overweight group (OW), 20 in the obesity group (OB). In the second phase, 56 participants from the first phase who wished to participate in the exercise program were divided into 3 groups as described above. The physical exercise program lasted 40 minutes daily, 4 days a week for 11 weeks, including 5 min warm-up exercise, 30-min physical exercise training and 5 min cool-down stage. Then, all participants were tested before and after the experiment for body composition, physical fitness, executive functions and saliva analysis test. Body composition was measured by height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and percentage of body fat (%BF). Physical fitness was measured by cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity, and flexibility quality. Executive function was measured by animal go/no-go task, working memory span task, simple reaction test and flexible item selection task. Saliva GH and IGF-I concentrations was assayed with Human IGF-I ELISA.
Results: Apart from height, all parameters measuring body composition were higher in the obesity group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, physical fitness and executive function also were significantly worse in the overweight and obesity groups compared with the normal group (p < 0.05). SalivaGH and IGF-I was significantly lower in the obesity group than in the normal and overweight groups(p < 0.0001), but did not differ between the normal and overweight groups (p >0.001).
After exercise intervention, no statistical difference of upper limb muscular strength among three groups (p > 0.05). Among physical fitness variables, the lower limb muscular strength, flexibility quality, speed sensitivity, and cardiopulmonary were significantly improved in the overweight group (p < 0.05); All executive function parameter were higher in the normal and overweight groups than obesity group, except for cognitive flexibility, such as inhibitory control, working memory, and reaction time (p < 0.05). in addition, physical exercise significantly increased saliva GH and IGF-I concentrations in children with obesity (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: 11-week physical exercise can improve the physical fitness and executive functions of 6-year-old overweight children. Furthermore, the findings were
positively associated with the degree of obesity. Thus, our study highlights the importance of exercise prescription for the effective prevention and treatment of childhood obesity considering the obesity degree.
Asymptotic Dynamic Graph Order Evolution Analysis
Authors: Bridonneau Vincent , Guinand Frédéric , Pigné Yoann
Published: November 2023

In this work, we investigate the analysis of generators for dynamic graphs, which are defined as graphs whose topology changes over time. We focus on generated graphs whose order (number of nodes) varies over time. We introduce a novel concept, called ”sustainability,” to qualify the long-term evolution of dynamic graphs. A dynamic graph is considered sustainable if its evolution does not result in a static, empty, or periodic graph. To illustrate how the analysis can be conducted, a parameterized and probability-based generator, named D3G3 (Degree-Driven Dynamic Geometric Graphs Generator), has been introduced in a recent work. From this model, we derive multiple scenarios that correspond to three trends in graph order evolution. Our central contribution lies in a mathematical framework that provides an expectation of the order of the graph at time step t + 1, given its order at time step t. Nevertheless, our analysis underscores the challenge of characterizing the sustainability of dynamic graphs, even when a formal mathematical model for graph order evolution is known.
Risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on international flights, a retrospective cohort study using national surveillance data in England
Authors: Howkins Joshua , Packer Simon , Walsh Eleanor , Kumar Deepti , Edeghere Obaghe , Hickman Matthew , Oliver Isabel
Published: November 2023

Background
It is not yet fully understood to what extent in-flight transmission contributed to the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study aimed to determine the occurrence and extent of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in-flight and assess factors associated with transmission risk to inform future control strategies.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study using data obtained from contact tracing of international flights arriving in England between 02/08/2021–15/10/2021. Transmission risk was estimated by calculating the secondary attack rate (SAR). Univariable and multivariable analyses of the SAR by specific risk factors was undertaken, including: number of in-flight index cases; number of symptomatic index cases; contact vaccination status; flight duration; proximity to the index case(s); contact age.
Results
11,307 index cases linked to 667,849 contacts with 5,289 secondary cases reported. In-flight SAR was 0.79% (95% CI: 0.77–0.81). Increasing numbers of symptomatic cases (when > 4 index cases compared to one index case aOR 1.85; 95% CI: 1.40–2.44) and seating proximity to an index case (within compared to outside of two rows OR 4.34; 95% CI: 3.69–5.11) were associated with increased risk of secondary cases. Full vaccination history was protective (aOR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.47–0.57).
Conclusions
This study confirms that in-flight transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurred. There are factors associated with increased risk of infection. Contact tracing identified exposed persons who subsequently developed infection. A targeted approach to contact tracing passengers with the highest exposure risk could be an effective use of limited public health resources.