bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intra-Disciplinary Data Integration to Reduce Subsurface Uncertainty, Oligocene Reservoir Delineation and Characterization; Atoll Field, Offshore Nile Delta
Authors: Ismail I. M. , Youseif M. M. , Hassan M. G. , Attya M. , Ali Rushdy 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Subsurface uncertainty related to data challenges is one of the main obstacles faces both frontier basins exploration, and mature fields early production. This technical piece of work offers a case study on how geological well data integration can tackle the data limitations and its subsequent uncertainty in both exploration and development aspects of a large gas field producing more than 60% of PhPC's gas and showing remarkable exploration potential, Atoll field still one of the game changers gas discoveries that unlocked Oligocene reservoir systems offshore Nile Delta over the last decade.
As the first Oligocene producing field in the off-shore East Nile Delta, Atoll field is of significant high potentiality, but combined with several subsurface ambiguities and uncertainties. Due to the initial poor seismic image, limited acquired well data from few well penetrations, in addition to the complex heterogeneous nature of turbidities reservoir systems; Reservoir delineation and characterization are true challenges reflected in understanding controls on GIIP, connectivity, reservoir geometries, quality and productivity. Those challenges have been tackled successfully through the early production scheme phase of the field and hence continues to support further field development and reservoir management decisions.
Integrated with the recently acquired high end seismic acquisition technology of (Ocean bottom nodes) OBN; Cutting samples discerption, thin section semi-quantitative analysis, sidewall cores, and well-log data were integrated to extend facies and facies associations interpreted from image log (OBMI) available for one of the wells to the others. That was followed by delineating the depositional cycles and architecture elements throughout the wells. In parallel the scanning electron Microscope (SEM) and X ray diffraction (XRD) analysis from both drilling cuttings and sidewall cores (SWC) were integrated to build the diagenetic model for reservoir quality. The study resulted in solving the ambiguity around the depositional setting in the penetrated area, predictive understanding of the reservoir geometry, thickness, and connectivity. Additionally, uncovered the reasons behind the well's chock plugging during production. Further inter-disciplinary integration is planned to extend/interpolate the crystalized understanding laterally to support Atoll development theme, and vertically to support the Exploration one.
Annual 30-m maps of global grassland class and extent (2000–2022) based on spatiotemporal Machine Learning
Authors: Parente Leandro , Sloat Lindsey , Mesquita Vinicius , Consoli Davide , Stanimirova Radost , Hengl Tomislav , Bonannella Carmelo , Teles Nathália , Wheeler Ichsani , Ehrmann Steffen , Hunter Maria , Ferreira Laerte , Mattos Ana Paula , Oliveira Bernard , Meyer Carsten , Şahin Murat , Witjes Martijn , Fritz Steffen , Malek Žiga , Stolle Fred 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The paper describes the production and evaluation of global grassland dynamics mapped annually for 2000-2022 at 30~m spatial resolution. The dataset showing the spatiotemporal distribution of cultivated and natural/semi-natural grassland classes was produced by using GLAD Landsat ARD-2 image archive, accompanied by climatic, landform and proximity covariates, spatiotemporal machine learning (per-class Random Forest) and over 2.3M reference samples (visually interpreted in Very High Resolution imagery). Custom probability thresholds (based on five-fold spatial cross-validation) were used to derive dominant class maps with balanced precision and recall values, 0.64 and 0.75 for cultivated and natural/semi-natural grassland, respectively. The produced maps (about 4~TB in size) are available under an open data license as Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFFs and as Google Earth Engine assets. The suggested uses of data include (1) integration with other compatible land cover products and (2) tracking the intensity and drivers of conversion of land to cultivated grasslands and from natural / semi-natural grasslands into other land use systems.
Cellular Dynamics of Cervical Remodelling: Insights from Preterm and Term Labour
Authors: Félix Joana , Matias Alexandra , Bartosch Carla 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Preterm birth remains a global health challenge with significant perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms triggering preterm birth remain elusive, needing a deeper understanding of cervical cellular remodelling processes.
Purpose: This study aims to elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying cervical remodelling in spontaneous preterm labour (PTL) compared to term labour (TL), focusing on the roles of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts.
Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study from October 2018 to March 2021, at two hospitals. Participants were categorized into two groups: PTL (n=14), TL (n=14). A small set (n=6) of preterm not in labour (PTnotL) was also included. Cervical biopsies were obtained and analyzed for the density of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells (neutrophils and mononuclear cells) using digital image analysis. Statistical analysis was performed employing Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results: There was no significant overall difference in global inflammatory cell density between PTL and TL (p=0.154). However, a detailed analysis revealed significantly higher inflammation in the exocervix of PTL compared to TL, particularly involving neutrophils (p=0.021) and mononuclear cells (p=0.028). Neutrophils (p=0.035), but not mononuclear cells (p=0.111), were significantly decreased in PTnotL exocervical mucosa compared to PTL. No differences were found in inflammatory cell density in the endocervix. Fibroblast densities were similar across groups.
Conclusion: This study highlights the distinct cellular profiles in the cervix during preterm and term labour, with neutrophils playing a pivotal role in preterm labour. These findings may guide the development of targeted interventions to prevent preterm birth.
Predicting survival in prospective clinical trials using weakly-supervised QSP
Authors: Lemaire Vincent , West Matthew , Yoshida Kenta , Yu Jiajie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models of cancer immunity offer a mechanistic understanding of cellular dynamics and drug effects that are often challenging to investigate clinically. Despite their success, these models are limited by their inability to mechanistically represent patient survival as an output, which restricts their utility in the clinical development of anti-cancer drugs. To address this limitation, we propose a novel approach that links virtual patients, generated from a QSP model, to real patients from clinical trials. Utilizing data from atezolizumab clinical trials in non-small cell lung cancer (N = 1641), our findings demonstrate that tumor-based linkage methods can effectively capture survival outcomes. The linked properties of survival and censoring serve as weak supervision labels, enabling the training of survival models on QSP model covariates alone, without the need for clinical covariates. Furthermore, our approach can predict drug effects on survival for treatments not included in the training datasets. Specifically, we accurately estimated the survival hazard ratio (HR) for two external treatments: a chemotherapy monotherapy arm and an atezolizumab + chemotherapy combination arm. The predicted HR was 0.70 (95% PI 0.55–0.86), closely matching the observed HR of 0.79 (95% PI 0.64–0.98) from the IMpower130 clinical trial.
National genomic profiling of Plasmodium falciparum antimalarial resistance in Zambian children participating in the 2018 Malaria Indicator Survey
Authors: Fola Abebe A. , Ciubotariu Ilinca I. , Dorman Jack , Mwenda Mulenga C. , Mambwe Brenda , Mulube Conceptor , Kasaro Rachael , Hawela Moonga B. , Hamainza Busiku , Miller John M. , Bailey JEFF , Moss William J. , Bridges Daniel J. , Carpi Giovanna 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The emergence of antimalarial drug resistance is a major threat to malaria control and elimination. Using whole genome sequencing of 282 P. falciparum samples collected during the 2018 Zambia National Malaria Indicator Survey, we determined the prevalence and spatial distribution of known and candidate antimalarial drug resistance mutations. High levels of genotypic resistance were found across Zambia to pyrimethamine, with over 94% (n = 266) of samples having the Pfdhfr triple mutant (N51I, C59R, and S108N), and sulfadoxine, with over 84% (n = 238) having the Pfdhps double mutant (A437G and K540E). In northern Zambia, 5.3% (n = 15) of samples also harbored the Pfdhps A581G mutation. Although 29 mutations were identified in Pfkelch13, these mutations were present at low frequency (< 2.5%), and only three were WHO-validated artemisinin partial resistance mutations: P441L (n = 1, 0.35%), V568M (n = 2, 0.7%) and R622T (n = 1, 0.35%). Notably, 91 (32%) of samples carried the E431K mutation in the Pfatpase6 gene, which is associated with artemisinin resistance. No specimens carried any known mutations associated with chloroquine resistance in the Pfcrt gene (codons 72–76). P. falciparum strains circulating in Zambia were highly resistant to sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine but remained susceptible to chloroquine and artemisinin. Despite this encouraging finding, early genetic signs of developing artemisinin resistance highlight the urgent need for continued vigilance and expanded routine genomic surveillance to monitor these changes.
Comparative analysis of bevacizumab and sorafenib on the survival of retinal ganglion cells in the treatment of retinal diseases
Authors: Choi Wungrak , Choi Jin-ok , Chae Min Kyung , Kim Min Seok , Kim Chan Yun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of bevacizumab, a common vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, in treating ocular neovascular disorders, with a focus on its impact on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival. Given that bevacizumab has been associated with adverse effects on RGCs, we aimed to validate these reports, identify an alternative VEGF inhibitor with similar antiangiogenic efficacy but without detrimental effects on RGCs, and explore the underlying mechanisms. Using primary RGCs extracted from neonatal rats and human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs), we compared the efficacy of bevacizumab with other VEGF inhibitors and assessed the apoptotic effects and cell survival pathways influenced by these treatments. Our results showed that while both sorafenib and bevacizumab exhibited potent VEGF-inhibitory effects in HUVECs, sorafenib led to significantly higher RGC survival rates compared to bevacizumab. Western blot analysis indicated that bevacizumab treatment resulted in lower Akt levels than sorafenib, and RNA sequencing revealed that the PI3K/AKT, Ras, and MAPK signaling pathways play crucial roles in RGC viability. These findings suggest that sorafenib may offer a safer and more effective alternative to bevacizumab for treating retinal diseases, with potential implications for the development of safer therapeutic approaches, particularly in conditions like glaucoma.
Variations in how medical researchers report variables in risk scores or models to predict prognosis of patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: a retrospective analysis of published articles
Authors: Zhao Hong-Liang , Shi Jing , Qi Guo-Qing , Zheng Ming-Qi , Liu Gang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: The use of risk variables in prognostic risk scores/models to evaluate patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been a controversial topic in medical literature. We therefore analyzed variations in risk scores/model variables to assess the prognosis of patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in detail.
Methods: Articles were included from inception to December 2023 in PubMed/MEDLINE database using a combination of key words "Risk score" or "Risk model" AND "Percutaneous coronary intervention" (n=822). All English-language articles involving risk scores or models for assessment of patient prognosis after PCI were retained (n=183). We collected information on the extracted risk scores/models for patients after PCI (n=138) from the included articles and analyzed the variation variables in the relevant risk scores/models in detail.
Results: Among the risk scores/models, age, kidney function index, ACS presentation, diabetes, LVEF, culprit coronary artery, heart failure, SBP, heart rate, and sex were the top ten variables used. There were statistically significant differences in the use of variables such as kidney function index (χ2=6.995, P=0.008), ACS presentation (χ2=9.611, P=0.002), culprit coronary artery (χ2=3.937, P=0.047), SBP (χ2=10.556, P=0.001), heart rate (χ2=10.704, P=0.001), and ST-segment deviation (χ2=11.489, P=0.001) between Caucasian participants (n=74) and non-Caucasian participants (n=58).
Conclusions: in the risk scores/models for prognostic assessment after PCI. When constructing scores/models, the variable selection should fully consider the ethnic background of the study population.
Effects of the novel elbow joint torque measurement device assessing elbow joint movements in healthy subjects and stroke patients: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Xu Qingqin , Hu Mengxuan , Li Lei , Chen Shi , Liu Bo , Lu Jianwei , Chen Hemu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Current clinical practice lacks quantitative assessment methods for elbow joint movements. In response to existing research limitations, this study introduces the innovative elbow joint torque measurement device (EJTMD), which concurrently measures muscle strength and active range of motion (AROM) using multi-source sensing detection technology. Healthy subjects (n=22) and stroke patients (n=22) were recruited in this randomized crossover study. Each participant underwent two measurement methods: EJTMD or traditional tools like a protractor and muscle strength tester. Participants were randomly allocated to EJTMD ﬁrst or traditional tools ﬁrst. The efficacy of EJTMD was assessed by comparing muscle strength and AROM with traditional tools. Integrated EMG (iEMG) and root mean square (RMS) were utilized to analyze outcomes during elbow movements. The peak torque (PT) and peak torque/body weight (PT/BW) were examined to explore the differences in mechanical characteristics of bilateral elbow joints. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) and central motor conduction time (CMCT) were employed to investigate potential mechanisms of underlying motor discrepancies post-stroke. EJTMD demonstrates superior muscle strength, AROM, iEMS, and RMS during elbow movements compared to traditional tools (P<0.05). Repeated EJTMD measurement outcomes have a good correlation on the same day (r≥0.999, P<0.001). EJTMD exhibits a statistic difference in measurement outcomes pre- and post-treatment among stroke patients than traditional tools (P<0.05). Stroke patients reveal weaker PT and PT/BW on the lesion side during low-speed testing (P<0.05). Stroke patients show decreased iEMS and RMS on the affected side during elbow movements (P<0.05), with prolonged MEP latency and CMCT (P<0.001), and reduced MEP amplitude (P<0.001). Based on the results, EJTMD demonstrates reliability and effectiveness in elbow movements for healthy subjects and stroke patients, showing sensitivity to minor joint changes. Stroke patients have decreased flexor and extensor function on the lesion side, potentially due to blocked corticospinal tract conduction.
"It's like going through life at a mediocre level". A qualitative study of the meaning and impact of fatigue in children and young people with sickle cell disease
Authors: Poku Brenda Agyeiwaa , Atkin Karl Michael , Grainger John David , Thomas Iyamide , Oshinbolu Rachael , Mohammed Abubakar , Kyewalyanga Edith , Kirk Susan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Fatigue is increasingly recognised as a prevalent and debilitating symptom for young people (YP) with long-term conditions (LTCs), significantly affecting their family, social and educational participation. In sickle cell disease (SCD), fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom, surpassing pain related to vaso-occlusion. However, understanding of fatigue’s nature and impact on YP with SCD remains limited. This qualitative study explores the meaning and consequences of fatigue for YP with SCD to inform services and treatments.
Methods
This exploratory research interviewed 12 YP with SCD aged 12–23 years, five parents and ten healthcare professionals across England. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from an NHS Trust, SCD-focused charities and social media. Data were generated using audio-recorded online semi-structured or art-elicitation interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using coding, constant comparison and thematic categorisation to identify key themes.
Results
Six thematic categories were constructed from the data: (1) constant state of reduced energy, (2) the daily struggle, (3) the invisibility of fatigue, (4) being socially isolated, (5) managing fatigue, and (6) the future while negotiating fatigue. SCD fatigue was seen as a persistent, inescapable daily struggle, with reduced energy for day-to-day activities. This was often unnoticed or misunderstood by others. It hindered YP's daily routines, caused frequent school absences, reduced social participation, and promoted social exclusion. To meet social expectations and avoid stigma, YP described constantly pushing themselves to conceal their fatigue, exacerbating their difficulties with SCD. Fatigue was invisible in clinical settings, leading to a lack of standardised/formalised support and increasing uncertainties and precarity about the future. YP and parents employed energy economisation and recharging strategies to cope with and control fatigue.
Conclusions
Fatigue dominates YP’s experience of living with SCD, significantly impacting their physical, social and educational functioning and leading to isolation and stigma. Often overlooked in clinical settings, addressing fatigue should be integral to SCD care and research. This includes incorporating fatigue assessments, developing targeted self-management programmes, and furthering research on its management. The findings emphasise recognising fatigue as a primary symptom in YP with LTCs, given its severe impact on social and educational development and future stability.
Trial registration
Not Applicable
Truth is relative; Client report versus provider report, a post-modern analysis of data from a trial in the private retail medicine sector
Authors: Chepkwony Tabitha , Amunga Mark E. , Kimachas Emmah , Kipkoech Joseph , Robie Emily , Wekesa Aggrey , Arthur David , Turner Elizabeth L. , Gallis John A. , Abel Lucy , Ambani George , Visser Theodoor , Woldeghebriel Meley , Babur Sameen , Woolsey Aaron , Menya Diana , Laktabai Jeremiah , O’Meara Wendy P. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In malaria-endemic countries, private retail outlets are a major source of antimalarials for individuals experiencing an acute febrile illness. However, there remains a challenge in how the decision to dispense the drugs is made. The lack of malaria diagnostic tools in the retail sector leads to a presumptive approach to diagnosis and overuse of ACTs. The TESTsmART study trained retail outlet attendants to perform malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) in conjunction with a mobile application to capture testing and drug dispensing data. Concurrently, febrile clients were randomly selected for exit interviews outside the outlet, and analogous information about testing and drug purchasing was recorded based on self-report. A small subset of clients enrolled in exit interviews were also asked to participate in exit Plasmodium falciparum mRDT testing to confirm the accuracy of mRDTs in the outlet and to estimate malaria positivity amongst untested clients. In this sub-study, comparison of these two concurrent data sources showed the testing rate for eligible participants was slightly lower in the exit interview (42.8%, 2436/5695) than in the app (51.1%, 24,446/49,804). We noted important differences in the experiences of testing and adherence reported by outlets compared to clients; 11.0% of clients had positive mRDT reported in the app (and validated by photo review) compared to 35.3% from exit interviews. Outlets reported that 97% of test-positive clients received a first-line Artemether Combination Therapy (ACT), but only 77% of clients who reported a positive test also reported receiving the first-line ACT in the exit interview. For test-negative clients, 35% received an ACT based on outlet reports compared to 25% by exit interviews. Among 109 clients randomly selected for re-test at exit interview, nearly two-thirds of those who reported a positive test from the outlet had a negative mRDT (64.3%, 9/14) when retested. Contrasting outcomes reported by the provider and the client highlight barriers to improving testing and adherence for malaria as well as challenges for monitoring case management in the retail sector. These include accurate communication of results to the client, poor confidence in a negative result, and reluctance to withhold antimalarials from test-negative clients.
Low Temperature, Concentration Dependent Synthesis of PEDOT:PSS/MoS2 Nanocomposites: Effect on Morphological and Optical properties
Authors: Borgohain Iswar P. , Gogoi Priyanku , Deb Sulochana 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this work, MoS2 nanosheets with diverse morphologies and their nanocomposites with PEDOT:PSS are synthesized at relatively low temperature via a hydrothermal process using ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate (AHT), thiourea (Th), and citric acid as precursors. The study investigates the effects of varying concentrations of AHT and Th in acidic condition on the growth, morphology, and optical properties of MoS2 nanosheets and their nanocomposites with PEDOT:PSS. Morphology, chemical composition, and optical properties of the MoS2/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites are studied using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy(FESEM), FTIR, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The FESEM images indicate that the MoS2 nanosheets exhibited large, uniform rectangular and leaf-like structures formed through the stacking of multiple nanosheets. Moreover, the concentration of the PEDOT:PSS polymer is found to have a significant impact on the morphological and optical properties of the MoS2/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites.