bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Numerical Simulation Study on CO2-Assisted Steamflooding in Ultraheavy Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Liu Bingyan , Liu Pengcheng , Liang Jinzhong , Liu Fengchao 
Published: July 2024

Summary
Certain ultraheavy oil reservoirs with depths approaching 1000 m feature wide well spacing. After cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), cold oil zones with high residual oil saturation exist between wells. This leads to a high oil saturation at the steam front during the subsequent steamflooding process, which in turn results in a high injection pressure. The simultaneous injection of CO2 and steam into the formation can optimize formation pressure and enhance steam utilization efficiency. A majority of laboratory-based experimental studies have reported favorable outcomes with CO2-assisted steamflooding. However, some field tests of CO2-assisted steamflooding have encountered severe steam channeling problems, resulting in oil recovery and an oil/steam ratio below the expected level. Consequently, this study uses an ultraheavy oil reservoir as a case study and integrates physical simulation with numerical simulation to investigate the impact of CO2-assisted steamflooding on enhanced oil recovery in ultraheavy oil reservoirs. The findings suggest that the beneficial effect of CO2 in reducing oil viscosity and injection pressure plays a significant role in models with smaller thickness, thereby improving oil production rate and recovery factor. However, as the thickness of the model increases, the adverse effect of CO2 exacerbating steam channeling becomes increasingly evident, leading to a decline in the oil recovery factor and a longer duration to reach the maximum recovery factor. Therefore, in field applications, it is essential to consider adjusting the CO2 injection method or using thermosetting plugging agents to achieve superior results.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Negatively Affects Sexual Function and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Syrian Women: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Alshiekh Ali , Hadakie Rana , Alkurdi M Fadi , sukkar Luna , Alhalabi Marwan , Hamed Hamoud 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age worldwide, and its related features like obesity, mental health issues and hyperandrogenism may contribute to inadequately investigated health problems such as sexual dysfunction (SD) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Therefore, this study examined the impact of PCOS on sexual function (SF) and lower urinary tract in Syrian women by recruiting a total of 178 women of reproductive age, of whom 88 were diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria and 90 without PCOS were considered as the control group. Female sexual function index (FSFI) and Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Questionnaire (BFLUTS) were used to assess SF and LUTS respectively. PCOS group had higher SD prevalence compared to control group (65.9% vs 48.9%, p = 0.016), and BMI showed an inverse correlation with the total FSFI score in PCOS group (p = 0.027, r= -0.235). Furthermore, PCOS group exhibited significantly lower scores in orgasm and satisfaction subdomains. Additionally, PCOS patients had significantly higher total BFLUTS score compared to control group (median 8 vs 5, p = 0.025). Thus, PCOS may be related to SD and LUTS, highlighting the importance of evaluating SF and urinary symptoms in PCOS patients.
Study on the regulatory effect of Ligusticum chuanxiong on inflammation of human dermal papilla cells in alopecia areata based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiment
Authors: Wang Pu , Pan Suyue , Huang Qiao , Hu Min , Li Weijia , Peng Yi , Liu Lingyu , Jiang Qianfan , Qi Jiahui , He Yuqing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Ligusticum chuanxiong (CX) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating alopecia areata (AA). This study explored the molecular mechanism of CX active components for treating AA. In our study, we identified 13 potential targets of CX for treating AA. These targets include IL6, IL1B, IL10, IFNG, CCL2, TNF, INS, IL4, CRP, TGFB1, ALB, TP53, and BDNF.GO analysis identified 2014 meaningful items. Enriched pathways included JAK-STAT and others related to AA pathogenesis. The molecular docking results indicate that BDNF binds strongly with Thymol, the binding activity being -7.2 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulations showed a good binding capacity between Thymol and BDNF. The CCK8 results indicated that thymol positively affects hDPCs by reducing the inhibitory effect of interferon-γ. According to RT-PCR results, it was found that thymol can inhibit inflammatory cytokines in hair follicle (HF) cells. The Western blot assay results showed that Thymol decreased key protein expression in the JAK-STAT signalling pathway, which is linked to AA. Through network pharmacology, molecular verification and cell experiments, we preliminarily confirmed the potential mechanism of thymol in treating the AA cell model.
Enhancing Multi-Step Brent Oil Price Forecasting with Ensemble Multi-Scenario Bi-GRU Networks
Authors: Alruqimi Mohammed , Persio Luca Di 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Despite numerous research efforts in applying deep learning to time series forecasting, achieving high accuracy in multi-step predictions for volatile time series like crude oil prices remains a significant challenge. Moreover, most existing approaches primarily focus on one-step forecasting, and the performance often varies depending on the dataset and specific case study. In this paper, we introduce an ensemble model to capture Brent oil price volatility and enhance the multi-step prediction. Our methodology employs a two-pronged approach. First, we assess popular deep-learning models and the impact of various external factors on forecasting accuracy. Then, we introduce an ensemble multi-step forecasting model for Brent oil prices. Our approach generates accurate forecasts by employing ensemble techniques across multiple forecasting scenarios using three BI-GRU networks. Extensive experiments were conducted on a dataset encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic period, which had a significant impact on energy markets. The proposed model's performance was evaluated using the standard evaluation metrics of MAE, MSE, and RMSE. The results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms benchmark and established models.
Factors Associated with Completion and Improvement Following Integrative Oncology Acutherapy in a Racially-Diverse Population
Authors: Zelaya María Grosso , Nicaise Edouard H. , Hartsoe Blaise , Melikian Margarite , Catic Almira , Patil Dattatraya , Ben-Arye Eran , Bausum Anna , Master Viraj A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Acutherapy is an important integrative therapy in oncology settings as an adjunctive management option for cancer-related adverse effects. However, barriers to utilization of acupuncture in minority populations have been reported. This study sought to assess factors that impact completion of a recommended acutherapy regimen in a racially diverse cohort of cancer patients, along with determining the usefulness of functioning and well-being questionnaires in evaluating acupuncture outcomes.
Methods
We prospectively enrolled 432 patients who completed at least one acutherapy visit from the Integrative Oncology Program at the Winship Cancer Institute. Demographic characteristics were collected. PROMIS-29 questionnaire was administered at baseline and follow-up to measure patient-reported outcomes across domains of functioning and well-being. Logistic regression models were created to examine factors associated with regimen completion among all patients, and domain improvement among patients with reported symptoms following regimen completion.
Results
There were 432 patients included: 153 (35.1%) attended 8 or more sessions. Multivariable logistic regression showed that non-white race (OR 0.63; p = 0.047) and active treatment status (OR 0.54; p = 0.005) were associated with decreased adherence to the recommended acutherapy regimen. No differences in rate of posttreatment improvement were observed across race or cancer status. Non-white patients had greater moderate/severe scores in the domains of physical functioning (baseline: 54.2% vs. 32.4%; p = 0.019 | posttreatment: 50.0% vs. 18.1%; p < .001) and pain interference (baseline: 34.3% vs. 62.5%; p = 0.005 | posttreatment: 60.4% vs. 27.6%; p = 0.001). Additional analyses suggest obesity and delay in treatment cadence were factors associated with any improvement of PROMIS-29 domains after regimen completion.
Conclusions
Race and active cancer treatment were notable barriers to completing a recommended acutherapy regimen. Although effective in managing cancer-related symptoms, non-white patients faced greater impairment in physical functioning, social participation, and pain interference. Future efforts to address these disparities and ensure appropriate schedule adherence can maximize the benefit of acutherapy among cancer patients.
Failed/difficult Intubation Comparing between Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Pandemic Period using A National Insurance Claims Database and Information System of a University Hospital
Authors: Prathep Sumidtra , Geater Alan , Sripl Hutcha , Kumwichar Ponlagrit , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Endotracheal intubation can be difficult or even fail under certain patient and intubator conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic a country-wide lockdown policy was enforced in Thailand which stipulated that intubators wear personal protective equipment, powered air purifying respirator, or goggles and surgical/N95 mask during the intubation procedure. Thus clad, an intubator’s vision is restricted and grip on the equipment less sure. Under these conditions, the incidence of difficult intubation was expected to increase.
Methods
This time-series study was based on the aggregated age- and sex-standardized monthly incidence of difficult intubation among all intubated patients whose data were recorded in the national insurance claims database and among patients recorded in the records of a university hospital from January 2018 to September 2022. Changes in incidence of difficult intubation following the implementation of a lockdown policy from 26 March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic were explored using negative binomial regression and interrupted linear regression time-series analysis.
Results
Data of 922,274 individuals in the national database and 95,457 individuals in the university database were retrieved. The overall incidence of difficult intubation in both settings dropped by 25% following lockdown, significantly so in the national database (p < 0.001). Slight increasing and decreasing trends pre- and post-lockdown were not significant.
Discussion
The decreased incidence of difficult intubation during the lockdown period was contrary to expectation but might be related to the deployment solely of anaesthesiologists and more experienced anaesthetic staff using videolaryngoscopes during lockdown following the recommendation for intubation during respiratory disease pandemics.
Alkaline pretreatment of food waste with grass clippings for the enhancement of methane production in anaerobic digestion processes
Authors: GUERI MATHEUS VITOR DINIZ , Buratto William Gouvêa , Nied Ademir , Schirmer Waldir Nagel , Frare Laercio Mantovani , Furtado Andreia Cristina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The proper management of solid urban waste is essential to avoid the contamination of natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions. In Brazil, approximately 50% of municipal solid waste is made up of food and garden waste. Anaerobic co-digestion can convert this waste into energy and biofertilizer, but hydrolysis of the lignocellulosic components is a barrier and pre-treatment is necessary. This study sought to identify the biochemical methane potential of the co-digestion of food waste with garden waste (grass clippings) subjected to alkaline hydrolysis. 3% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (wet state) was added to the grass clippings for 12, 24 and 48 hours. The biochemical methane potential tests followed the recommendations of the German standard VDI 4630 (2006) for 31 days at a mesophilic temperature (37 ºC ± 1). Total and volatile solids, chemical oxygen demand, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total organic carbon, carbon/nitrogen ratio, carbohydrates, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were analyzed. The samples followed a ratio of ≤ 0.5 with the inoculum and 1:1 for substrate and cosubstrate (on VS basis). The results showed that the co-digestion of food waste with grass clippings was advantageous due to the balance of nutrients, raising the carbon/nitrogen ratio 21 to 25. The greatest generation of biogas and methane was seen in the co-digestion 12h sample, which showed the greatest reduction in solids. Alkaline hydrolysis was efficient, reducing the lignin content by 40.95% and increasing the substrate conversion and
maximum production rates by an average of 1.25 and 1.05 times. The improvement in the digestibility of food waste co-digestion samples with NaOH pre-treated grass clippings was evident in all configurations. It was possible to conclude that grass clippings subjected to pre-treatment with 3% of NaOH for 12 hours are recommended as a co-substrate with food waste, due to the improvement observed in methane generation.
Effect of immune-boosting beverage, energy beverage, hydrogen peroxide superior, polishing methods and fine-grained dental prophylaxis paste on color of CAD-CAM restorative materials
Authors: Yılmaz Kerem , Özdemir Erdem , Gönüldaş Fehmi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background The effect of an immune-boosting beverage (SAM) containing Sambucus Nigra, an energy beverage (ENE), an in-office bleaching (BLE) agent with 25% hydrogen peroxide superior, glazing (GLA) or polishing (POL) methods, and professional dental prophylaxis (PDP) on the color of CAD-CAM restorative materials is unknown.
Methods In total 210 specimens were prepared, consisting of CAD-CAM feldspathic (FC), zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate ceramic (ZLS) and hybrid ceramic (HC). The ceramic specimens were divided according to the polishing methods of glazing (GLA) and mechanical polishing (POL). All materials were divided into two groups: with and without BLE. A 25% hydrogen peroxide superior (HPS) gel was used for BLE. After the baseline (BAS) measurement, the specimens were immersed in 3 different beverages (distilled water (DIS), SAM, ENE). After 28 days, a fine-grained (RDA 7) prophylaxis paste was applied. Statistical analysis of ∆E00 color difference values was performed by 3-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test (α=0.05).
Results The effect of all other actions except material-BLE-beverage on color for BAS-Day 28 was statistically different (p<0.05). The effect of material, material-BLE, beverage on color for Day 28-PDP was statistically different (p<0.05). After 28 days, the lowest color change was found in FC-GLA and HC immersed in DIS (p=0.0001) and the highest in FC-POL immersed in ENE (p=0.0002). PDP was efficient in color recovery in HC immersed to DIS, ENE and SAM (p=0.0010). For FC, HC and ZLS, BLE caused a higher color change (p<0.0001). Regardless of the material, the highest color change for BLE-beverage was found in BLE-treated specimens immersed in ENE (P=0.0496) and the lowest color change was found in non-BLE-treated specimens immersed in SAM (p=0.0074).
Conclusions In materials pre-exposed to 25% HPS, the effect of PDP on color recovery was lower than in unexposed materials. Mechanical polishing produced higher color change in FC compared to glazing, but the values were equal for ZLS. For material/polishing method, HC was the most effective. ENE caused higher color change than DIS and SAM. PDP was more effective than ENE in restoring color to DIS- and SAM-immersed specimens.
Inflammation-Related Gene Profiling in Colorectal Cancer: A New Prognostic Signature
Authors: Yin Wen , Chen Xuanqin , Jia Qian , Zhang Chao , Yuan Liping , Liu Sha , Xiao Wanmeng , Luo Gang , Shi Xiaomin , Xin Chen , Lü Muhan , Yu Zehui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Inflammation can influence the development of CRC as well as immunotherapy and plays a key role in CRC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential of inflammation-related genes in CRC risk prediction.
Methods The transcriptomic and clinical information of colorectal cancer patients was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and externally validated with the GSE39582 dataset. Consistency clustering was used to molecularly typify and genotype patients. Genes for model construction were screened using univariate Cox, LASSO Cox, and multivariate Cox regression, and model validation was performed by K‒M survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. In addition, we combined nomograms for further prediction of patient prognosis. Finally, the possible mechanisms of inflammation-related genes in CRC were explored by functional enrichment analysis, immune microenvironment analysis and immune checkpoint analysis.
Results We identified two molecular subtypes and three genetic subtypes, two risk subgroups according to median risk values, constructeda prognostic model including thirteen genes (TIMP1, GDF15, UCN, KRT4, POU4F1, NXPH1, SIX2, NPC1L1, KLK12, IGFL1, FOXD1, ASPG, and CYP4F8), and validated the performance of each aspect of the model in an external database. Patients in the high-risk group had worse survival with reduced immune cell infiltration and a greater tumor mutational load. The risk score correlated strongly with the immune checkpoints PD1, PDL1, PDL2, and CTLA4, and it is possible that high-risk patients are more sensitive to treatment involving immune checkpoints. qPCR further verified that ASPG expression in the CRC tumors of our patients was significantly lower than that in the normal tissues and was a protective factor.
Conclusion In summary, we developed a prognostic marker associated with inflammatory genes to provide new directions for subsequent studies and to help clinicians assess the prognosis of CRC patients as well as to guide clinical treatment with different sensitive drugs.
Efficacy of Baduanjin combined with Tuina for patients with non-specific chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: wang weijian , lu chao , gao feng , Yang Haoping , zhang shinian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Non-specific chronic neck pain (NCNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue that imposes a significant economic burden due to its high healthcare costs and frequent recurrences. In China, Baduanjin and Tuina are commonly practiced for the treatment of NCNP, yet scientific evidence evaluating their effectiveness remains limited. The objective of this study is to assess the relative effectiveness of Baduanjin combined with Tuina compared to Tuina alone in managing patients with NCNP.
Methods/design: A randomized controlled trial in which 82 patients with non-specific chronic neck pain will be recruited and randomly allocated to either the Tuina group or the Baduanjin combined with Tuina group in a 1:1 ratio. The interventions for both groups will be carried out three times a week for 4 weeks. The patients in the two groups will receive follow-up 1 month after the intervention. The primary outcome will be the changes in the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes will be measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Active Range of Motion (AROM). The data will be analyzed at the baseline, 4 weeks during the intervention, at the end of the intervention, and 1 month after the intervention. The significance level sets as 5%. The safety of interventions will be evaluated after each treatment session.
Discussion: The aim of this trial is to assess whether the combination of Baduanjin and Tuina is at least as effective as Tuina alone in treating patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (NCNP). This study aims to furnish clinicians and stakeholders with crucial insights into the potential of this complementary and alternative therapy for managing NCNP.
Trial registration: ChiCTR registry (ChiCTR)2400083714. Registered on April 30,2024.
A method of “Noninjecting Resection using Bipolar Soft coagulation mode; NIRBS” for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumor: A pilot study
Authors: Tokuhara Mitsuo , Sano Yasushi , Watanabe Yoshifumi , Nakata Hidetoshi , Nakahira Hiroko , Furukawa Shingo , Ohtsu Takuya , Nakamura Naohiro , Ito Takashi , Torii Ikuko , Yamashina Takeshi , Shimatani Masaaki , Naganuma Makoto 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Complete endoscopic resection of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) is technically challenging, especially with an extremely high risk of adverse event (AE), although various endoscopic resection methods including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), underwater EMR (UEMR), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have been tried for SNADETs. Hence, a novel simple resection method that can completely resect tumors with a low risk of AEs should be developed.
Aims: A resection method of Noninjecting Resection using Bipolar Soft coagulation mode (NIRBS) which has been reported to be effective and safe for colorectal lesions is adapted for SNADETs. In this study we evaluated its effectiveness, safety, and simplicity for SNADETs measuring ≤20 mm.
Results: This study included 13 patients with resected lesions with a mean size of 7.8 (range: 3–15) mm. The pathological distributions of the lesions were as follows: adenomas, 77% (n = 10) and benign and non-adenomatous lesions, 23% (n = 3). The en bloc and R0 resection rate was 100% (n = 13). The median procedure duration was 68 sec (32–105). None of the patients presented with major AEs including bleeding and perforation.
Conclusions: NIRBSs for SNADETs measuring ≤20 mm may be a method to resect SNADETs efficiently, safely, and in a short procedure duration.
LINC00342 regulates the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway via the miR-149-5p/FGF11 axis and affects the progression of oral cancer
Authors: Chen Yimiao , Wang Yanchun , Zhang Wenbo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
A large amount of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be involved in the progression of oral cancer (OC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of a novel lncRNA, LINC00342, in OC and its molecular mechanism.
Methods and results
In this study, differentially expressed LncRNA/miRNA/mRNAs were analyzed by Gene Expression Omnibus database, and their expression levels and effects on cell viability and cell cycle in OC cells were detected by RT-qPCR and Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry. The binding between RNAs was analyzed by dual luciferase, and western blot was used to detect the activation of relevant pathways. Our study showed that, in contrast to miR-149-5p, the expression of LINC00342 and fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) were upregulated in OC cells, and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that they bind to miR-149-5p in a direct targeting manner. In addition, inhibition of LINC00342 expression resulted in decreased proliferation rate and migration ability of OC cells, cell cycle arrest in G1 phase, and inhibition of PI3K-AKT signaling. And inhibition of miR-149-5p or overexpression of FGF11 reversed the effects of si-LINC00342.
Conclusions
LINC00342 promotes PI3K-AKT signaling by activating FGF11 through adsorption of miR-149-5p, thereby regulating the progression of OC.