Successful Results Research Articles

A new approach for identification of dispersivity class of soils by combining physical and chemical tests

The safety and performance of embankment dams after impounding water are highly related to the characteristics of the selected dam material. Impermeability is achieved by using clay soils as the core material in embankment dams. It has been observed that there are many collapsed dams, especially when dispersive soils with very low internal erosion resistance are used in the impermeable zone. For this reason, such soils should be determined at the design stage and not used in the construction of embankment dams. The dispersion mechanism is known to be controlled by clay mineralogy and cations in the pore fluid of soil. The physicochemical behaviour of the clay-water system is crucial to clarify the dispersion mechanism. Physical and chemical tests used for determining the dispersibility potential of soils are extensive and time-consuming methods. An alternative method has been proposed within the scope of this study. Three user-friendly and practical models based on Gene Expression Programming (GEP) were produced using chemical and double hydrometer test results to predict dispersion percentage (D%). In addition, a new classification criteria was proposed to identification of dispersivity class based on pinhole test data. If the dispersion percentage is less than 12% is soil is classified as non-dispersive, the dispersion percentage is between 12% and 30% and greater than 30%, it is defined as intermediate and dispersive, respectively. With this proposed criterion, more consistent and successful results were obtained for the dispersivity class.

Mobile Application Based Indoor Routing System Using Transfer Learning

Nowadays, indoor routing in places with complex multi-storey architecture such as hospitals, shopping malls, parking garages and public buildings is traditionally carried out using signage or devices in a fixed position. When we examine the literature, it is generally seen that indoor orientation studies for certain needs are seen. The fact that the routing systems are fixed, and the signage is not an effective tool constitutes the motivation of this study. In this study, an image-based mobile application that is hardware-independent and adaptable to other interior spaces has been implemented using a mobile device. The application basically consists of two parts. In the first part, transfer learning based MobileNetV2 architecture is used to determine the initial store location. The proposed model detects the store signage image taken from the camera with 96% success. In the second part, the user is successfully guided to the target using the Dijkstra algorithm. With the developed mobile application, the user can reach the targets on the same or different floors in the fastest way without wasting time and without asking anyone. The application was tried in real time in a shopping center and successful results are obtained.

Our Experience in Endoscopic Button Tympanoplasty Providing High Success Rate in Varying Sizes of Perforation : A Case Series.

Cartilage tympanoplasty is a fast growing technique used to restore hearing in chronic suppurative otitis media. The technique has misnomers such as limited applicability in only small size perforations, interference with sound conducting mechanism and durability. Our experience in out tertiary care Institution with over 100 retrospective study cases prove that there is a scope of proving it to be well established technique. That could be used in par with other tympanoplasty techniques. Our retrospective case series of 100 operated between 2021 and 2024 were taken, having unilateral perforation convenience data collection purpose. The overall success rates of cartilage / button tympanoplasty of varying perforation sizes, having a wide range of pure tone audiometry statuses having successful results were discussed, which is indicated as a percentage format. In our retrospective case series, out of our 100 cases we had 90 successful graft uptake cases. The 10% cases were later followed up in our study. It was analysed and concluded that the technique was not the inhibiting factor but the post operative care had prevented the patients from having the desired results. Our results are in accordance with previous case studies for support. Pure tone audiometry were taken pre operatively and post operatively that support cartilage / button tympanoplasty. Cartilage tympanoplasty is a commonly misunderstood technique which if corrected has a wide scope to be used a s a common treatment modality. Data collected and inference were in concordance with previous studies conducted. Tragal cartilage due to its durability, low inflammatory reaction to tympanic membrane, lesser chances of retraction and long term assurance of withstanding environmental conditions has proven to be technique which can be used in regular basis. Cartilage / button tympanoplasty is a technique that has a shorter learning curve for surgeons. With a high demand of cases in chronic suppurative otitis media-Tubotympanic type, button tympanoplasty technique is an assest.

Maximizing the clinical utility and performance of cytology samples for comprehensive genetic profiling - A report on the impact of process optimization through the analysis of 4,871 cytology samples profiled by MSK-IMPACT.

Comprehensive molecular profiling by next generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized tumor classification and biomarker evaluation. However, routine implementation is challenged by the scant nature of diagnostic material obtained through minimally invasive procedures. Here, we describe our long-term experience in profiling cytology samples with an in-depth assessment of the performance, quality metrics, biomarker identification capabilities, and potential pitfalls. We highlight the impact of several optimization strategies to maximize performance with 4,871 prospectively sequenced clinical cytology samples tested by MSK-IMPACT™. Special emphasis is given to the use of residual supernatant cell free DNA (ScfDNA) as a valuable source of tumor DNA. Overall, cytology samples were similar in performance to surgical samples in identifying clinically relevant genomic alterations, achieving success rates up to 93% with full optimization. While cell block (CB) samples had excellent performance overall, low-level cross-contamination was identified in a small proportion of cases (4.7%), a common pitfall intrinsic to the processing of paraffin blocks, suggesting that more stringent precautions and processing modifications should be considered in quality control initiatives. By contrast ScfDNA samples had negligible contamination. Finally, ScfDNA testing exclusively used as a rescue strategy delivered successful results in 71% of cases where tumor tissue from CB was depleted.

Where are they now? An analysis of integrated cardiothoracic surgery residency applicants

Changes in cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) workforce trends have affected training paradigms to include the establishment of integrated six-year CTS residency (I6) programs. This study aimed to determine commitment of selected I6 program applicants to the specialty.Internal archives at a single institution were accessed to identify applicants interviewed for an I6 position from 2014 to 2016. A systematic internet search of publicly available information was performed to identify the trainee's current specialty. Descriptive analysis was performed.Forty-seven applicants were identified. Successful search results were achieved for 97.9 % of the applicants. One applicant was excluded, resulting in a cohort of 45. 48.9 % of the applicants successfully matched into I6 programs. Of the 23 who did not match into an I6 program, 91.3 % began a General Surgery (GS) residency. When looking solely at the GS trainees, 71.4 % sought and matched into a traditional or 4/3 CTS residency. In total, 77.8 % of the cohort are currently pursuing careers in cardiothoracic surgery.The study identified a strong continued interest in the field of CT Surgery among those interviewed for integrated residency. The methodology used in this study provided an effective way to follow career choice of applicants interviewed and could be applied by additional programs to further elucidate career choice and levels of commitment.

Kaiser score diagnosis of breast MRI lesions: Factors associated with false-negative and false-positive results

PurposeWe sought factors associated with false-negative and false-positive results in the diagnosis of breast lesions using the Kaiser score (KS) on breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 1058 patients with 1058 breast lesions who underwent preoperative breast MRI with successful histopathologic results. Two radiologists assessed each lesion according to KS criteria, and clinicopathologic features and MRI findings were analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with false-negative and false-positive KS results. ResultsOf the 1058 lesions, 859 were malignant and 199 were benign. Particularly high misdiagnosis rates were observed for intraductal papilloma, inflammatory lesion, and mucinous carcinoma. For breast cancer, KS yielded 821 (95.6 %) true-positive and 38 (4.4 %) false-negative results. Multivariate analysis showed that smaller lesion size (≤1 cm) (OR, 3.698; 95 %CI, 1.430–9.567; p = 0.007), absence of ipsilateral breast hypervascularity (OR, 3.029; 95 %CI, 1.370–6.693; p = 0.006), and presence of hyperintensity on T2WI (OR, 2.405; 95 %CI, 1.121–5.162; p = 0.024) were significantly associated with false-negative breast cancer results. For benign lesions, KS yielded 141 (70.9 %) true-negative and 58 (29.1 %) false-positive results. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that non-mass enhancement lesions (OR, 4.660; 95 %CI, 2.018–10.762; p＜0.001), moderate/high background parenchymal enhancement (OR, 2.402; 95 %CI, 1.180–4.892; p = 0.016), and the presence of hyperintensity on T2WI (OR, 2.986; 95 %CI, 1.386–6.433; p = 0.005) were significantly associated with false-positive KS results. ConclusionSeveral clinicopathologic and MRI features influence the accuracy of KS diagnosis. Understanding these factors may facilitate appropriate use of KS and guide alternative diagnostic approaches, ultimately improving diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of breast lesions.

Inferring mobile applications usage from DNS traffic

In the digital era, our lives are intrinsically linked to the daily use of mobile applications. As a consequence, we generate and transmit a large amount of personal data that puts our privacy in danger. Despite having encrypted communications, the DNS traffic is usually not encrypted, and it is possible to extract valuable information from the traffic generated by mobile applications. This study focuses on the analysis of the DNS traffic behavior found in mobile application traces, developing a methodology capable of identifying mobile applications based on the domains they query. With this methodology, we were able to identify apps with 98% accuracy. Furthermore, we have validated the effectiveness of the characterization obtained with one dataset by identifying traces from other independent datasets. The evaluation showed that the methodology provides successful results in identifying mobile applications.

DEVELOPMENT OF MARKERLESS BASED AUGMENTED REALITY INTERACTIVE LEARNING MEDIA OF 3D GEOMETRY SHAPES

Education is one sector that continues to experience significant development, especially in terms of the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the learning process. This research is intended as a development in terms of creating an Augmented Reality 3D geometry shapes interactive learning based on the previous researches featuring a Markerless Based, that is expected to be more effective to use. The conclusion of this research is that Markerless Based Augmented Reality Interactive Learning media of 3D Geometry Shapes has been be developed succesfully. The application development stage was successfully carried out by applying the waterfall model and obtained successful results in the testing plan on the Black Box Testing of application prototypes on mobile android devices, indicates that the developed application has fulfilled all the functional requirements.

Determining Diagnostic Sensitivity: A Comparison of Rose Bengal Test, Coombs Gel Test, ELISA and Bacterial Culture in Brucellosis Diagnosis-Analyzing Clinical Effectiveness in Light of Inflammatory Markers.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease. It is estimated that the number of cases reported today is much less than the actual number. We still have difficulty in diagnosing the disease and its organ involvement. In this sense, new approaches that can be useful in clinical practice are required, and we aimed to evaluate this situation in our study. 171 of 213 patients followed in our center between January 2021 and April 2024 were included in the study. A total of 150 patients were included in the study as a control group. Rose Bengal test (RBT), Coombs gel test (CGT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and automated blood culture were used for diagnosing brucellosis. Complete blood count, sedimentation, C-reactive protein, and biochemical parameters were obtained. Inflammation markers such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index, and systemic inflammation response index were calculated. The most successful results in the diagnosis were ELISA (89.4%), RBT (88.3%), CGT (83%), and blood culture (34.8%). For diagnosing sacroiliitis and spondylodiscitis, instead of resorting to expensive methods like magnetic resonance, a combination of ELISA positivity with elevated acute phase reactants and inflammatory markers could be significantly instructive. Optimizing diagnostic algorithms and exploring novel diagnostic approaches, such as inflammatory markers, hold promise for improving diagnosis and management.

Features of the formation of bone regenerate and metabolism of bone formation markers in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy (Charcot foot)

Background: Surgical treatment of diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy is a complex area in traumatology — orthopedics not only because of severe biomechanical disorders and gross deformations of the distal segment of the lower limb, but also because these phenomena are accompanied by many disorders of the somatic status. Of particular importance is a pronounced decrease in bone mineral density. This case is intended to illustrate the features of the treatment of this pathology. Clinical case description: A clinical case of treatment of a 34-year-old young female patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus, development of diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy (Charcot foot), and aseptic necrosis of the talus of the right foot is presented. From 2019–2020 conservative and surgical treatment was carried out aimed at stopping the active stage of Charcot foot, correcting deformity and stabilizing the distal segment of the limb (calcaneotibial arthrodesis). A satisfactory treatment result was achieved, complete activation 8 months after the operation. However, in 2021 The patient suffered a closed low-energy fracture of the distal metaphysis of the right tibia. Regarding this episode, the patient comes in at the stage of consolidation of a displaced fracture and complaints of recurrence of varus deformity, even greater shortening of the limb, and swelling of the ankle joint. The fact of injury is denied, which allows us to regard the existing fracture of the tibia as pathological. In this regard, an operation was performed: osteotomy of the fibula and tibia in the area of consolidation of the pathological fracture in order to correct the deformity and compensate for the existing shortening of the limb due to the formation of a distraction regenerate. During the treatment, malnutrition and delayed formation of bone regenerate were noted, which required prolonged use of an external fixation device and specific drug therapy aimed at stimulating osteogenesis and improving bone mineral density. At the end of the course, there was an increase in the mineral density of the tissue, the density of the regenerate radiologically and laboratory (control of bone formation markers) and a satisfactory functional result. CONCLUSION: A successful result in this clinical case was achieved by combining orthopedic surgical and conservative treatment with specific drug therapy in a comorbid patient with reduced bone mineral density and a high probability of complications in a multidisciplinary approach.

Surgical Strategies for Renal Transplantation: A Pictorial Essay.

This pictorial essay aims to navigate through the complexities and challenges of renal transplantation (RT), by weaving together visual imagery with clinical insights within a comprehensive illustrative surgical guide. Herein, we provide a detailed visual exploration of the intricate anatomy and surgical processes necessary for both renal graft retrieval from the donor and also for an adequate implantation in the recipient. Regarding graft retrieval, after reviewing the relevant retroperitoneal surgical anatomy, and donor nephrectomy techniques, graft preservation and optimal backbench graft dissection principles were meticulously analyzed. Thereafter, the recipient surgical strategy for graft implantation was addressed, focusing on preoperative preparations, the site of implantation selection, exposure, operative bed dissection, graft revascularization, and urinary tract reconstruction. Careful donor and recipient selection, meticulous surgical execution, and rigorous postoperative management clearly hold a pivotal role in optimizing patient outcomes. Fostering a deeper understanding of the surgical nuances and clinical management practices that contribute to successful results post-RT, we hope to provide a useful practical tool for clinicians about to embark on the treacherous road of RT surgery. Innovative technologies and surgical practices that have already significantly improved the safety and effectiveness of RT stand testament to the importance of further scientific inquiry, conceptual developments, and clinical integration. Moving forward, it is essential that the medical community continues to refine these strategies and advocate for equitable access to transplantation, ensuring that advancements in the field translate into real-world benefits for all patients grappling with ESRD. The collaborative efforts of multidisciplinary teams are essential in addressing the complex clinical challenges associated with RT, with the ultimate goal of improving patient survival, enhancing graft longevity, and reducing healthcare disparities.

Analysis of the APR1400 Benchmark Using High-Fidelity Pin-Wise Core Calculation Codes

The KEPCO Nuclear Fuel Company (KNF) has undertaken considerable efforts to improve the KARMA/ASTRA nuclear design code system to meet the increasing demand for high-fidelity core analyses. Through years of effort, the KARMA lattice transport code based on the method of characteristics (MOC) has evolved into KARMA2, a direct whole core calculation code using a 3D calculation method based on planar (2D) MOC principles. Simultaneously, ASTRA2, designed as the successor to the ASTRA nodal diffusion code, has been developed. ASTRA2 exhibits enhanced capabilities in multigroup pin-by-pin core calculations, achieved by decoupling the 3D whole core problem into a series of planar and axial problems. The domain size of each axial problem can be adjusted, ranging from pin-cell to assembly scale, thereby optimizing efficiency. The verification and validation process of the KARMA2/ASTRA2 code system involves various benchmark problems and measured data from operational PWRs. In this study, the APR1400 benchmark analysis was performed to verify the neutronics calculation capabilities of both codes. The results underscore the reliability and accuracy of the KARMA2 solutions across various core conditions, exhibiting close agreement with the McCARD reference solutions. Similarly, the ASTRA2 results agree with the corresponding KARMA2 results. These successful results demonstrate the high-fidelity core calculation capabilities of KNF’s next-generation code system.

A Hybrid Approach Combining the Lie Method and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Network for Predicting the Bitcoin Return

This paper introduces hybrid models designed to analyze daily and weekly bitcoin return spanning the periods from 18 July 2010 to 28 December 2023 for daily data, and from 18 July 2010 to 24 December 2023 for weekly data. Firstly, the fractal and chaotic structure of the selected variables was explored. Asymmetric Cantor set, Boundary of the Dragon curve, Julia set z2 −1, Boundary of the Lévy C curve, von Koch curve, and Brownian function (Wiener process) tests were applied. The R/S and Mandelbrot–Wallis tests confirmed long-term dependence and fractionality. The largest Lyapunov test, the Rosenstein, Collins and DeLuca, and Kantz methods of Lyapunov exponents, and the HCT and Shannon entropy tests tracked by the Kolmogorov–Sinai (KS) complexity test determined the evidence of chaos, entropy, and complexity. The BDS test of independence test approved nonlinearity, and the TeraesvirtaNW and WhiteNW tests, the Tsay test for nonlinearity, the LR test for threshold nonlinearity, and White’s test and Engle test confirmed nonlinearity and heteroskedasticity, in addition to fractionality and chaos. In the second stage, the standard ARFIMA method was applied, and its results were compared to the LieNLS and LieOLS methods. The results showed that, under conditions of chaos, entropy, and complexity, the ARFIMA method did not yield successful results. Both baseline models, LieNLS and LieOLS, are enhanced by integrating them with deep learning methods. The models, LieLSTMOLS and LieLSTMNLS, leverage manifold-based approaches, opting for matrix representations over traditional differential operator representations of Lie algebras were employed. The parameters and coefficients obtained from LieNLS and LieOLS, and the LieLSTMOLS and LieLSTMNLS methods were compared. And the forecasting capabilities of these hybrid models, particularly LieLSTMOLS and LieLSTMNLS, were compared with those of the main models. The in-sample and out-of-sample analyses demonstrated that the LieLSTMOLS and LieLSTMNLS methods outperform the others in terms of MAE and RMSE, thereby offering a more reliable means of assessing the selected data. Our study underscores the importance of employing the LieLSTM method for analyzing the dynamics of bitcoin. Our findings have significant implications for investors, traders, and policymakers.

XAI-driven antivirus in pattern identification of citadel malware

Background and Objective:The constant growth of invasions and information theft by using infected software has always been a problem. According to McAfee labs in 2020, on average, 480 new viruses are created each hour. The means of identifying such threats, categorizing and creating vaccines may not be that fast. Thanks to the increasing processing power and the popularity of artificial intelligence, it is now possible to integrate intelligence on an antivirus engine to enhance its protecting capabilities. And doing so with good algorithms and parameterization can be a key asset in securing one’s environment. In this work we analyze the overall performance of our antivirus and compare it with other state-of-art antiviruses. Methods:In this work, we create an extreme neural network which can perform quick training time and have satisfactory accuracy when classifying unknown files that may or may not be infected with Citadel. Our virus database is built with many examples of well-known infected files, and our results are compared with other intelligent antiviruses created by other companies and/or researchers.The proposed technique stands out as a beneficial practice in terms of efficiency and interpretability; it achieves a very reduced number of neurons through its thorough pruning process. This reduction of dimensionality shrinks the input layer by 98%, enhancing not only data interpretation but also reducing the time required for training. Results:Our antivirus achieves an overall performance of 98.50% when distinguishing harmless and malicious portable executable (PE) programs. To enhance accuracy, we conducted tests under various initial conditions, learning functions, and architectures. Our successful results consumes only 0.19 s of training when using the complete training database and the response time is so immediate that the computer rounds it to 0.00 s. Conclusions:In this work, we conclude that mELM implementations are viable, and their performance can match state-of-the-art ones. It’s training and classification times are among the fastest of the algorithms tested, and the accuracy in detecting Citadel-infected PEs is acceptable.

Sodium-Dependent Glucose Transporter Type 2 Inhibitors as a Breakthrough in Neutropenia and Neutrophil Dysfunction Management in Patients with Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ib

Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD Ib) is a rare and extremely severe disease included in the group of hereditary carbohydrate metabolism disorders. The condition is caused by pathogenic variants in the SLC37A4 gene leading to glucose metabolic disorder in the liver and kidneys, and as a result to severe organomegaly, hypoglycemia, and metabolic decompensation. Moreover, neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction are noted in patients with GSD Ib. The use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor only increases the number of dysfunctional neutrophils without affecting their functional activity, what determines the inefficacy of such treatment. In recent years, the mechanism of neutropenia in GSD Ib has been clarified, so new therapeutic agents for its relief have been created. This article presents the overview of data on the successful results of renal sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (gliflozins) usage in patients with GSD Ib.

Prevalence and Modes of Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Historical Worldwide Review.

Hepatitis C virus infection affects over 58 million individuals and is responsible for 290,000 annual deaths. The infection spread in the past via blood transfusion and iatrogenic transmission due to the use of non-sterilized glass syringes mostly in developing countries (Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Egypt) but even in Italy. High-income countries have achieved successful results in preventing certain modes of transmission, particularly in ensuring the safety of blood and blood products, and to a lesser extent, reducing iatrogenic exposure. Conversely, in low-income countries, unscreened blood transfusions and non-sterile injection practices continue to play major roles, highlighting the stark inequalities between these regions. Currently, injection drug use is a major worldwide risk factor, with a growing trend even in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Emerging high-risk groups include men who have sex with men (MSM), individuals exposed to tattoo practices, and newborns of HCV-infected pregnant women. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy as a tool to eliminate infection by interrupting viral transmission from infected to susceptible individuals. However, the feasibility of this ambitious and overly optimistic program generates concern about the need for universal screening, diagnosis, linkage to care, and access to affordable DAA regimens. These goals are very hard to reach, especially in LMICs, due to the cost and availability of drugs, as well as the logistical complexities involved. Globally, only a small proportion of individuals infected with HCV have been tested, and an even smaller fraction of those have initiated DAA therapy. The absence of an effective vaccine is a major barrier to controlling HCV infection. Without a vaccine, the WHO project may remain merely an illusion.

Anthocyanin‐Enhanced Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers for Sustainable Hg(II) Ion Sensing

AbstractHg(II), poses a significant threat to both the environment and overall well‐being. The present indicator utilizes anthocyanin extract from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), RSE, and incorporates it into bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNF) to detect Hg(II) ions. Through examination of the CIE Lab color variables, it is determined that the binding of Hg(II) leads to a discernible alteration in the color. The visible color changes as the Hg(II) concentration increases. ATR‐FTIR(Attenuated Total Reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and SEM(scanning electron microscopy) are utilized to analyze the bacterial cellulose nanofibers containing anthocyanin. The selectivity of the proposed sensor is assessed by conducting experiments with different types of metal ions including Co2+, Al3+, Na+, Ba2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, and Cu2+. The outcomes indicate that the sensor exhibits a remarkable ability to distinguish and respond specifically to Hg(II) ions. This particular sensing technique allows for the precise and reliable detection of Hg(II), with a detection limit of 0.72 ppm, by simply observing with the naked eye. For the effective treatment of a tap water sample, the BCNF‐RSE film provides successful results in the detection of Hg(II) ions. This innovative metallochromic sensor offers a promising solution for the on‐site, cost‐effective, portable, easy to use, and real‐time detection of Hg(II) ions.

Influence of geological and technological Parameters on the Efficiency of acid treatments in carbonate reservoirs: Experimental and statistical study

Acid treatment technology has become widespread in the development of carbonate layers in oil fields. Virtually every well in the history of its production has been acid treated downhole, ultimately providing millions of tons of incremental oil production globally. Despite the considerable amount of theoretical and practical research devoted to this technology, the problem of controlling the efficiency of acid treatments remains topical. In this connection, the purpose of this paper is to study the influence of known and available in field conditions geological and technological parameters on the efficiency of acid stimulation in carbonate reservoirs. Laboratory studies (in free volume, filtration and X-ray tomography tests) using two hydrochloric acid compositions and carbonate rock samples of the same geologic age from oil fields of Perm krai to determine the dependencies were performed. Acid treatments were modeled by varying technological parameters (volume, rate and pressure of injection of acid compositions, reaction time of acid with rock) under thermodynamic conditions corresponding to reservoir properties. Statistical processing of empirically obtained data allowed us to note the predominant role of technological parameters to achieve a successful result of acid stimulation. Multivariate statistical models describing the process of formation of acid treatment efficiency in carbonate reservoirs have been developed. It was found that the reservoir stimulation efficiency varies in direct proportion to the increase in the injection pressure of the acid composition and the volume of agent used due to the development of wormholes. The efficiency of acid treatment at dolomite content in the rock is significantly lower, which requires increasing the rate of composition injection and reaction time to achieve the highest stimulation result. Thus, the paper provides a basis for further development of the process of controlling the effectiveness of acid treatments in carbonate reservoirs of oil fields.

Extra-articular proximal tibia fracture fixation with locked plating versus intramedullary nailing: A meta-analysis

ObjectivesThis study compared outcomes of locked plating (LP) versus intramedullary nailing (IMN) techniques for treatment of extra-articular proximal-third tibia fractures. MethodsData Sources: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE Study SelectionStudies were included if they compared LP and IMN fixation for proximal one third tibial shaft fractures without articular extension or with simple articular extension into the tibial plateau. Minimum 1 year of clinical and radiographic follow up was used. Data ExtractionOutcomes assessed included operative duration, postoperative knee range of motion (ROM), union outcomes (time to union, nonunion, malunion, delayed union), and incidence of postoperative complications (superficial and deep infection, secondary surgical intervention, compartment syndrome). Data SynthesisSeparate random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for each outcome. For categorical data, relative risks were used whereas the standardized mean difference was used for continuous variables, with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals. Results7 studies were included reporting the outcomes of 319 patients treated with LP and 300 treated with IMN. IMN fixation had significantly shorter time to union (p = 0.049) and lower risk for superficial infection (p = 0.028). However, LP conferred a significantly lower risk for malunion (p = 0.017) and postoperative compartment syndrome (p = 0.018). ConclusionIMN demonstrated significantly shorter time to union and lower risk of superficial infection when treating extra-articular proximal tibia fractures, while LP fixation demonstrated significantly lower risk for malunion and postoperative compartment syndrome. Although successful results can be achieved with good technique in LP and IMN fixation, a significant complication profile exists with these fractures regardless of construct choice. Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level III

Effect of Co-Sputtered Copper and Titanium Oxide Coatings on Bacterial Resistance and Cytocompatibility of Osteoblast Cells.

One of the primary risk factors for implant failure is thought to be implant-related infections during the early healing phase. Developing coatings with cell stimulatory behaviour and bacterial adhesion control is still difficult for bone implants. This study proposes an approach for one-step deposition of biocompatible and antimicrobial Cu-doped TiO2 coatings via glow-discharge sputtering of a mosaic target. During the deposition, the bias of the Ti6Al4V substrates was changed. Structure examination, phase analysis, and surface morphology were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The hardness values and hydrophilic and corrosion performance were also evaluated together with cytocompatible and antibacterial examinations against E. coli and S. aureus. The results show great chemical and phase control of the bias identifying rutile, anatase, CuO, or ternary oxide phases. It was found that by increasing the substrate bias from 0 to -50 V the Cu content increased from 15.3 up to 20.7 at% while at a high bias of -100 V, the copper content reduced to 3 at%. Simultaneously, apart from the Cu2+ state, Cu1+ is also found in the biased samples. Compared with the bare alloy, the hardness, the water contact angle and corrosion resistance of the biased coatings increased. According to an assessment of in vitro cytocompatibility, all coatings were found to be nontoxic to MG-63 osteoblast cells over the time studied. Copper release and cell-surface interactions generated an antibacterial effect against E. coli and S. aureus strains. The -50 V biased coating combined the most successful results in inhibiting bacterial growth and eliciting the proper responses from osteoblastic cells because of its phase composition, electrochemical stability, hydrophilicity, improved substrate adhesion, and surface roughness. Using this novel surface modification approach, we achieved multifunctionality through controlled copper content and oxide phase composition in the sputtered films.