bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical modelling for geotechnical assessment of rock mass behaviour and performance of support system for diversion tunnels using optimized Hoek-Brown parameters
Authors: Rehman Zahid Ur , Hussain Sajjad , Tahir Muhammad , Sherin Saira , Mohammad Noor , Dasti Nasrullah , Raza Salim , Salman Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Purpose. Empirical and numerical methods play a vital role in assessing rock mass behaviour quantitatively and qualitatively to design underground structures/caverns and support systems. This research aims to assess and evaluate the rock mass be-haviour for safe, stable, efficient, and economical design of support system for underground structures especially tunnels in diverse rock mass conditions. Methods. In this research, such empirical design methods as Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Q-system and GSI were used to characterize and classify the rock mass environment along the tunnel for the preliminary design of twin tunnels and support systems. The geomechanical parameters, Hoek-Brown failure criterion, and its variants for assessing rock mass behaviour were optimized using multiple regression of Stewart, generalized and globalized variant of nonlinear regression method. The rock mass was classified for the selected section A-A. The excavation method and support system for the said section were designed based on the results obtained from empirical modelling. 2D elasto-plastic finite element method (FEM) was used for numerical analysis of rock mass behaviour and performance of the designed supports in section A-A. Findings. The major rock type encountered in the diversion scheme comprises gabbronorite (GN) and Ultramafic Association (UMA). Based on the quantification of RMR, Q-system, and GSI, section A-A’s rock mass ranges from very poor to poor. From the numerical analysis for the said rock mass environment both RMR and Q system support recommendations are equally efficient to support the rock mass surrounding the tunnel. However, keeping in view the yield zone, especially in the crown, the rock bolt’s length should not be less than 5 meters. Based on the analysis of results, both the tunnels are at a safe distance from each other. Originality. In this research, the design input parameters for numerical modeling were optimized by using different techniques to eliminate the chances of error in evaluating rock mass behaviour and designing an optimum support system in the said rock mass environment. Practical implications. The assessment of rock mass behaviour and the design of optimum support systems in heterogenous conditions is quite challenging and requires thorough investigation through different design techniques. This research provides a refined meth-od to be used for the safe, stable, and economical design of tunnels.
Study of prevalence of theileriosis in cattle and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of different commercially available drugs
Authors: Haque Md Anowarul , Hasan Md Mehedi , Hossain Md Ershad , Islam Md Rashedul , Afrin Tanjina
Published: March 2022

The present study was carried out to detect the prevalence of theileriosis in cattle of Sadar, Singair and Ghior upazila in Manikganj district of Bangladesh and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Imidocarb dipropionate (Babenil®), Oxytetracycline (Renamycine®) and Gentamicin (Acigent®). The study was conducted for six months and during this study period a total of 150 cattle were examined, 10 were found to be infected with Theileria spp. On Geimsa stained blood smear examination, it was observed that the overall prevalence of theileriosis in cattle was recorded as 6.67%. Animals were screened on the basis of clinical signs like fever, anorexia, with or without superficial lymph node enlargement and blood smear examination for presence of Theileria spp. The prevalence of theileriosis in female was non significantly higher (7.50 %) than male (5.71%). In case of age group, the significantly highest prevalence (13.3%) was in adult cattle above 3 years age, followed by 4.00 % in the age group of 2 to less than 3 years old and 0.00 % in 6 months to 2 years which was not significant(p>0.05). The prevalence of theileriosis in respect of breed was non significantly (p>0.05) maximum in cross breed cattle (7.05 %) than in indigenous cattle (6.15%). After identification of causal agent, therapeutic effect of imidocarb dipropionate, oxytetracycline and gentamicin were tested and where highest recovery was found by administration of imidocarb dipropionate (70 %) can be successfully used in the treatment of theileriosis.
Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2022, 8 (1), 1-8
Molecular detection of foot and mouth disease virus serotype A in goats (Capra hircus)
Authors: Rahman Md Habibur , Akther Sonia , Hassan Md Zakir , Ali Md Zulfekar , Giasuddin Md
Published: March 2022

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious, transboundary, and re-emerging viral disease that mostly affects cloven-hoofed animals specially cattle, goats, swine, sheep, etc. resulting in significant economic losses. Despite regular vaccination, outbreaks of the disease have become a yearly occurrence across the country. RT-PCR was used to determine the prevalence and molecular detection of serotype A of FMDV in clinically affected goats in Goat research farm, BLRI, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh during August 2018. A total of 9 samples were taken from 1 to 2 years old Black Bengal goats suspected to have FMD. FMDV was detected in 55.56% (5/9) of the suspected samples using RT-PCR. The serotype of positive samples was also determined using gsRT-PCR. However, FMDV serotype A was prevalent in 100% (5) positive samples. Additionally, considering the age, the prevalence of confirmed FMD outbreak was 40% (2), 40% (2), and 20% (1) at the age of 1, 1.5 and 2 years, respectively. It was found that young goats are more susceptible to FMDV than adults. However, it can be concluded that suspected goats were infected with FMDV serotype A and trivalent FMD vaccine is suggested for prevention and control of FMD outbreak.
Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2022, 8 (1), 30-36
Impact of pharmaceutical industry effluent on seed germination and seedling growth of some common crops of Bangladesh
Authors: Hira SA , Begum SA , Rahman MM
Published: March 2022

This project was carried out to investigate the effect of pharmaceutical industry effluents on seed germination and seedling growth of some common cultivated crops of Bangladesh. Four varieties of crops such as Okra, Data shak, Ridge gourd, and Black mustard were selected to grow in this effluent. Concentrations used for the effluents in terms of seed germinations were 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% respectively. The optimum condition of seed germination obtained for Okra, Data shak and Ridge gourd were 25%, 100% and 50% respectively. However, in terms of Black mustard the germination percentage was same in all condition. At lower dilutions the crops exhibited favorable effect on seed germination, seedling growth, shoot length and root length. Among all 100% concentrations of the effluent caused inhibitory effect in terms of all crops except Black mustard. Based on the present investigations, it can be concluded that pharmaceutical effluent which is discharging as waste can be used for irrigation purpose, after proper dilution.
Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 57(1), 15-22, 2022
THE PROCEDURAL POSITION OF THE INJURED PARTY IN THE CRIMINAL CASES IN POLAND
Authors: Światłowski Andrzej
Published: March 2022

The article is devoted to the possibilities of exercising the victims’ rights in the criminal proceedings in Poland. The author refers to the article by M. Strkolec published recently in Studia Iuridica Cassoviensia, in which the instructive observations about the position of the injured party in Slovak criminal trial were made, as well as de lege ferenda proposals have been put forward. The author takes a view from a Polish perspective and share some experience. In addition to comments on the positive law, it also presents selected findings made thanks to extensive research program devoted to the practical issues of the position and activity of the victim in the Polish criminal trial.
RECENZIA/REVIEW- MICHAL RADVAN : CZECH TAX LAW (4. vydanie)
Authors: Hrabčák Ladislav , Popovič Adrián
Published: March 2022

Brno: Masaryk University Press, 2020 ISBN 978-80-210-9673-8
Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training Reduces Vasorelaxation of Mesenteric Arteries: Role of BKCa Channels and Nitric Oxide
Authors: AL-DHUHLI F , AL-SIYABI S , AL-MAAMARI H , AL-FARSI S , ALBARWANI S
Published: March 2022

Exercise training (ET) is well established to induce vascular adaptations on the metabolically active muscles. These adaptations include increased function of vascular potassium channels and enhanced endothelium-dependent relaxations. However, the available data on the effect of ET on vasculatures that normally constrict during exercise, such as mesenteric arteries (MA), are scarce and not conclusive. Therefore, this study hypothesized that 10 weeks of moderate-intensity ET would result in adaptations towards more vasoconstriction or/and less vasodilatation of MA. Young Fischer 344 rats were randomly assigned to a sedentary group (SED; n=24) or exercise training group (EXE; n=28). The EXE rats underwent a progressive treadmill ET program for 10 weeks. Isometric tensions of small (SED; 252.9±29.5 µm, EXE; 248.6±34.4 µm) and large (SED; 397.7±85.3 µm, EXE; 414.0±86.95 µm) MA were recorded in response to cumulative phenylephrine concentrations (PE; 0-30 µM) in the presence and absence of the BKCa channel blocker, Iberiotoxin (100 nM). In another set of experiments, tensions in response to cumulative concentration-response curves of acetylcholine (ACh) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were obtained, and pEC50s were compared. Immunoblotting was performed to measure protein expression levels of the BKCa channel subunits and eNOS. ET did not alter the basal tension of small and large MA but significantly increased their responses to PE, and reduced the effect of BKCa channels in opposing the contractile responses to PE without changes in the protein expression level of BKCa subunits. ET also elicited a size-dependent functional adaptations that involved reduced endothelium-independent and endothelium-dependent relaxations. In large MA the sensitivity to SNP was decreased more than in small MA suggesting impaired nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanisms within the vascular smooth muscle cells of ET group. Whereas the shift in pEC50 of ACh-induced relaxation of small MA would suggest more effect on the production of NO within the endothelium, which is not changed in large MA of ET group. However, the eNOS protein expression level was not significantly changed between the ET and SED groups. In conclusion, our results indicate an increase in contraction and reduced relaxation of MA after 10 weeks of ET, an adaptation that may help shunt blood flow to metabolically active tissues during acute exercise.
Immune Disorders and Sex Differences in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Rats, Type 2 Diabetic Model
Authors: KOBAYASHI K , SASASE T , MAEKAWA T , SHINOZAKI Y , SANO R , YAMADA T , OHTA T
Published: March 2022

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is believed to be a non-autoimmune metabolic disorder. However, there are increasing reports that some T2D patients have immune abnormalities. In addition, it is known that there are sex differences in the onset of diabetes and immune responses in humans. Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats, a non-obese T2D model, also have sex differences in the onset of diabetes, but the involvement of immune abnormalities in diabetes is unknown. In this study, we investigated immune abnormalities in SDT rats. Immune cell subset analysis was performed in male and female SDT rats and control Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats at 5, 11, and 17 weeks of age. Male and female SDT rats had swelling of the spleen and lymph nodes and a higher number of T cells and B cells in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes than SD rats. Only male SDT rats developed diabetes at 17 weeks of age, and the number of classical and non-classical monocytes in the blood and spleen of male SDT rats was higher than that in male SD rats and female SDT rats that did not develop diabetes. Most of these findings were observed before the onset of diabetes (~11 weeks of age), suggesting that classical and non-classical monocytes may contribute to the development of diabetes in male SDT rats. In conclusion, SDT rats may be a useful T2D model involved in immune abnormalities, and further research will help elucidate the pathophysiology of T2D with immune abnormalities and develop new therapeutic agents.
Hydration Deformation Behaviors of Scaffolds of Tricalcium Silicate/Tricalcium Aluminate Mixtures Printed Using the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
Authors: Koo Yeongjin , Lee Myung-Hyun , Yoon Seog Young , Lee Yoonjoo
Published: March 2022

3D printing technology has advanced rapidly over the last decade. However, for ceramic materials, drying and sintering steps are required after printing, and excessive shrinkage that occurs during these steps is a major factor that has hindered the development of the ceramic 3D printing technology. In this study, a non-sintering ceramic 3D printing method was developed using a hydraulic material to overcome the size deformation issue encountered during the post-processing of a scaffold-type printed green body. The deformation characteristics occurring during the curing process were confirmed. Tricalcium silicate (C3S) and tricalcium aluminate (C3A), which are well-known hydraulic materials, were selected. They were prepared into a printable paste by mixing with a viscous hydrophilic oil such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, which helped the printout survive without collapse while it was cured. The scaffold was printed by Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), which is the simplest and most economical printing method, and was cured by immersion in a water bath. The hydrated scaffold of the C3S/C3A mixture exhibited a smaller strain than the scaffold of the single materials, and the deformation amount depended on the printing direction. Remarkably, a scaffold with the smallest deformation, of less than 1%, and the highest compressive strength was obtained with a C3S/C3A mixing ratio of 65/35.
¿Qué es una «agresión lingüística»? Esbozo de una teoría en torno a la violencia y políticas lingüísticas ejercidas sobre el código de la lengua española
Authors: Sancha Vázquez Julián
Published: March 2022

¿Qué es una «agresión lingüística»? Esbozo de una teoría en torno a la violencia y políticas lingüísticas ejercidas sobre el código de la lengua española
General Practice/Family Medicine Research During the Pandemic: Showing The Links to the EGPRN Research Strategy
Authors: Collins Claire , Petek Davorina , Diaz Esperanza , Muñoz Miguel Angel
Published: March 2022

General Practice/Family Medicine is at the forefront of the clinical response to the COVID-19 crisis just as it is known to be a critical component of healthcare systems globally.

A large number of COVID-19 related papers have been published and dedicated funding calls were available in many countries and across the European Union. However, General Practice/Family Medicine does not feature as strongly as it should in COVID-19 high impact publications or successful funding applications.

In this paper, we take a look at the findings on which the recommendations of the “European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN) Research Strategy for General Practice in Europe 2021” are based and highlight how these align with the COVID-19 experience of General Practice/Family research.

To elaborate on this, the issues identified and the recommendations of the EGPRN Research Strategy are grouped into three broad areas on which we need to focus – capacity, collaboration, and complexity (3-Cs).

Apparent or presumed deficiencies in these 3-Cs are possibly why the General Practice/Family research impact during COVID-19 does not match its position on the ground in fighting the pandemic and supporting patients. The EGPRN Research Strategy identifies how we might work to position ourselves better in the future and gain the recognition deserved, in terms of publications, research funding, and prominence.

Keywords: general practice, research, pandemics, publications, financing
Assessment of Plant Invasions in Agroecosystems of Kashmir Himalaya for Better Management
Authors: Dar Pervaiz A. , Reshi Zafar A.
Published: March 2022

Weeds, unwanted plants, are responsible for significant yield and economic loss in agroecosystems and pose a serious threat to the ecology and efficiency of these ecosystems. Despite these losses, not much is known about the weeds associated with crops grown in Kashmir Himalaya. Here, we present a complete inventory of weeds associated with rabi crops, such as mustard (Brassica campestris), wheat (Triticum aestivum), flax (Linum usitatissimum), oats (Avena sativa), kharif crop, such as paddy (Oryza sativa), as well as apple and other fruit tree orchards. A total of 198 weeds were recorded belonging to 47 families. Poaceae (27 species) and Asteraceae (23 species) included the highest number of species. Most of these weeds were non-native (136 species) and only 62 species were native. Fifty one non-native species were invasive. Most of the weeds were herbs (195 species). Annuals and perennials were almost equally represented with 93 and 92 species, respectively. The number of weeds varied across the surveyed crops with the highest number of species (104) recorded in orchards and the lowest number of 25 species in flax fields. These observations are important for the better management of weeds in the agroecosystems of Kashmir Himalaya.
Extramedullary Osseointegration—A Novel Design of Percutaneous Osseointegration Prosthesis for Amputees
Authors: Sun Yingying , Xu Jinying , Lv Shuang , Xu Ziran , Li Lisha , Li Yan , Li Yulin
Published: March 2022

The percutaneous osseointegrated (OI) prostheses have greatly improved the overall quality of life for amputees. However, the long-term maintenance of the OI prostheses is still challenging. A major problem is bone resorption around the bone-implant-skin interface, which might cause implant loosening or osteomyelitis. Another problem is the breakage of connecting components between the intramedullary implant and external prosthesis due to excessive stress. We designed a novel osseointegration implant by changing the bone-implant contact from the inner cortex to the outer surface of cortical bone. In the current study, we compared the extramedullary cap-shaped implants with the intramedullary screw-type implants in rabbits. Osteointegration was confirmed at the interface of bone to implant contact (BIC) in both implant types. The external implant induced intramedullary bone regeneration in the medullary canal and increased the cortical bone density at the end of the stump. This study provides a new perspective on the design of osseointegration implants which might prevent the currently reported complications of the intramedullary OI systems.
Synthetic Genomics From a Yeast Perspective
Authors: Koster Charlotte C. , Postma Eline D. , Knibbe Ewout , Cleij Céline , Daran-Lapujade Pascale
Published: March 2022

Synthetic Genomics focuses on the construction of rationally designed chromosomes and genomes and offers novel approaches to study biology and to construct synthetic cell factories. Currently, progress in Synthetic Genomics is hindered by the inability to synthesize DNA molecules longer than a few hundred base pairs, while the size of the smallest genome of a self-replicating cell is several hundred thousand base pairs. Methods to assemble small fragments of DNA into large molecules are therefore required. Remarkably powerful at assembling DNA molecules, the unicellular eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been pivotal in the establishment of Synthetic Genomics. Instrumental in the assembly of entire genomes of various organisms in the past decade, the S. cerevisiae genome foundry has a key role to play in future Synthetic Genomics developments.
Research Progress on Gene Editing Based on Nano-Drug Delivery Vectors for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Xi Shiwen , Yang Yong-Guang , Suo Jian , Sun Tianmeng
Published: March 2022

Malignant tumors pose a serious threat to human health and have high fatality rates. Conventional clinical anti-tumor treatment is mainly based on traditional surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and interventional therapy, and even though these treatment methods are constantly updated, a satisfactory efficacy is yet to be obtained. Therefore, research on novel cancer treatments is being actively pursued. We review the classification of gene therapies of malignant tumors and their advantages, as well as the development of gene editing techniques. We further reveal the nano-drug delivery carrier effect in improving the efficiency of gene editing. Finally, we summarize the progress in recent years of gene editing techniques based on nano-drug delivery carriers in the treatment of various malignant tumors, and analyze the prospects of the technique and its restricting factors.
Genome-Wide Knockout Screen Identifies EGLN3 Involving in Ammonia Neurotoxicity
Authors: Li Jiequn , Chen Chunli , Li Chenchen , Hu Zhiping , Tan Jieqiong , Zeng Liuwang
Published: March 2022

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a brain dysfunction associated with poor quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of HE is still not fully clarified and effective therapeutic strategies are imperative. Among multiple factors that contribute to the pathophysiological process of HE, ammonia neurotoxicity is thought to be central in the pathogenesis of HE. Therefore, in this study, we subjected SH-SY5Y cells to ammonia insult and performed a pooled genome-wide CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) knockout screen to unveil the underlying molecular mechanisms of ammonia neurotoxicity and discover new potential therapeutic targets for HE. We found that EGLN3 (egl-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor 3) UCP3,GTPBP5, OR4D11 and SDR9C7 with 6 unique sgRNAs may contribute to protection against ammonia injury, while EGLN3 may be most related to ammonia resistance. We knocked down EGLN3 by transfecting neurons with specific shRNA lentivirus and confirmed that EGLN3 knockdown decreased ammonia-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. We also demonstrated that EGLN3 knockdown ameliorated ammonia induced decreased expression of Bcl-2, increased expression of Bax and inhibited release of cytochrome c into the cytosol in neurons, suggesting that EGLN3 inhibition protected against ammonia induced apoptosis through mitochondrial dependent apoptosis pathway. Future therapeutic strategies regulating EGLN3 may be applied to the management of HE.
Alterations in the Gut Microbiome of Individuals With Tuberculosis of Different Disease States
Authors: Wang Yue , Deng Yali , Liu Nianqiang , Chen Yanggui , Jiang Yuandong , Teng Zihao , Ma Zhi , Chang Yuxue , Xiang Yang
Published: March 2022

Objective

There is evidence that the gut microbiota play a regulatory role in the occurrence and progression of tuberculosis. The purpose of the current study was to explore the alterations in gut microbiome under different tuberculosis disease stages in the Uyghur population, clarify the composition of microbial taxonomy, search for microbial biomarkers and provide innovative ideas for individual immune prevention and for control strategies.

Design

A case–control study of Uyghur individuals was performed using 56 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), 36 cases of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and 50 healthy controls (HC), from which stool samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

The results showed that the alpha diversity indexes of the PTB group were lower than those of the other two groups (P <0.001), while only observed species were different between LTBI and HC (P <0.05). Beta diversity showed differences among the three groups (P = 0.001). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides increased, while Roseburia and Faecalibacterium decreased in the PTB group, when compared with the other two groups, but the changes between the LTBI and HC groups were not significant. The classifier in the test set showed that the ability of the combined genus to distinguish between each two groups was 81.73, 87.26, and 86.88%, respectively, and the validation efficiency was higher than that of a single screened genus.

Conclusion

The gut microbiota of PTB patients was significantly disordered compared with LTBI and HC, while the changes of LTBI and HC were not significant. In the future, gut microbiota could be used as a non-invasive biomarker to assess disease activity.
Increased Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Heart Failure in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Zhao Binbin , Jin Xiaoying , Yang Jian , Ma Qingyan , Yang Zai , Wang Wei , Bai Ling , Ma Xiancang , Yan Bin
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is closely related to all-cause mortality. The aim of this study is to explore the role of REM sleep on the incident heart failure (HF).

Methods

We selected 4490 participants (2480 women and 2010 men; mean age, 63.2 ± 11.0 years) from the Sleep Heart Health Study. HF was identified as the first occurrence during a mean follow-up period of 10.9 years. REM sleep including percentage of REM sleep and total REM sleep time were monitored using in-home polysomnography at baseline. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was utilized to explore the relationship between REM sleep and HF.

Results

In total, 436 (9.7%) cases of HF were observed during the entire follow-up period. After adjusting for potential covariates, an increased percentage of REM sleep (per 5%) was independently associated with a reduced incidence of HF [hazard ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82–0.94, P < 0.001]. A similar result was also found between total REM sleep time (increased per 5 min) and incident HF (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99, P < 0.001). Moreover, the fourth quartile of both percentage of REM sleep (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48–0.88, P = 0.005) and total REM sleep time (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45–0.90, P = 0.010) had lower risk of incident HF when compared with the first quartile.

Conclusion

An increased percentage of REM sleep and total REM sleep time were associated with a reduced risk of HF. REM sleep may be a predictor of the incident HF.

Clinical Trial Registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT00005275].
Untangling Classification Methods for Melanoma Skin Cancer
Authors: Kumar Ayushi , Vatsa Avimanyou
Published: March 2022

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the USA, and it is a leading cause of death worldwide. Every year, more than five million patients are newly diagnosed in the USA. The deadliest and most serious form of skin cancer is called melanoma. Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color, race, gender, and age. The diagnosis of melanoma has been done by visual examination and manual techniques by skilled doctors. It is a time-consuming process and highly prone to error. The skin images captured by dermoscopy eliminate the surface reflection of skin and give a better visualization of deeper levels of the skin. However, the existence of many artifacts and noise such as hair, veins, and water residue make the lesion images very complex. Due to the complexity of images, the border detection, feature extraction, and classification process are challenging. Without a proper mechanism, it is hard to identify and predict melanoma at an early stage. Therefore, there is a need to provide precise details, identify early skin cancer, and classify skin cancer with appropriate sensitivity and precision. This article aims to review and analyze two deep neural network-based classification algorithms (convolutional neural network, CNN; recurrent neural network, RNN) and a decision tree-based algorithm (XG-Boost) on skin lesion images (ISIC dataset) and find which of these provides the best classification performance metric. Also, the performance of algorithms is compared using six different metrics—loss, accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and ROC.
Integrating Image Analysis and Dental Radiography for Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diagnosis
Authors: Sabharwal Amarpreet , Kavthekar Neil , Miecznikowski Jeffrey , Glogauer Michael , Maddi Abhiram , Sarder Pinaki
Published: March 2022

The recent change in classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases includes objective evaluation of intra-oral radiographs and quantification of bone loss for disease staging and grading. Assessment of the progression of periodontal disease requires deduction of bone loss longitudinally, and its interpretation as (1) a percentage in relation to tooth root and (2) as a function of the patient's age. Similarly, bone loss around dental implants, after accounting for initial remodeling, is central for determining diagnosis, severity, and progression of peri-implantitis. Bone gain secondary to periodontal regeneration can be measured using standardized dental radiographs and compared to baseline morphology to determine treatment success. Computational image analysis, including machine learning (ML), has the potential to develop and automate quantitative measures of tooth, implant, bone volumes, and predict disease progression. The developed algorithms need to be standardized while considering pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic factors for successful translation to clinic. This review will introduce image analysis and machine learning in the context of dental radiography, and expand on the potential for integration of image analysis for assisted diagnosis of periodontitis and peri-implantitis.
Methodological Development of a Combined Preparation for Micropaleontological and Sedimentological Studies of Samples From the Proterozoic Record
Authors: Denezine Matheus , Adôrno Rodrigo Rodrigues , Do Carmo Dermeval Aparecido , Guimarães Edi Mendes , Walde Detlef Hans Gert , De Alvarenga Carlos José Souza , Germs Gerard , Antonietto Lucas Silveira , Valdivia Rodríguez Christian Gianfranco , Nunes Junior Osvaldo De Oliveira
Published: March 2022

The recovery of microfossils from Proterozoic rocks is commonly challenging because of metamorphism. In this study, an application of different methods usually applied on Phanerozoic rocks to test efficiency on recovering microfossil from Proterozoic units is presented. Chemical, physical, and biological factors can influence the recovery of microfossils, thereby becoming a barrier for biostratigraphic and paleoecological studies. Furthermore, low-cost projects with a reduced amount of sample collected, such as drill core sampling, need to optimize the preparation time and sample needed for different analyses. To overcome this challenge, the classical procedure of mineralized microfossil preparation, the palynological technique, and the study of clay mineralogy with the analyses of diagenetic alteration and the search for possible microfossils in thin sections were combined. Three Proterozoic lithostratigraphic units were selected to develop an integrated procedure for preparing samples for micropaleontologic and sedimentologic studies: the Paranoá Group, Mesoproterozoic, and the Bambuí Group, Ediacarian-Cambrian, Brazil, and Nama Group, Ediacaran-Cambrian, Namibia. Recovering individual microfossils from the Paranoá and Bambuí groups has been a challenge for paleontologists. Therefore, most micropaleontological studies have been done as a part of microbiofacies analyses in thin sections. All sediment fractions were studied in trial for the examination (and picking) of mineralized microfossils, even the finest ones. The microfossil picking was conducted using a stereomicroscope. Three species were recovered following this procedure: Vetronostocale aff V. amoenumSchopf and Blacic, 1971, Myxococcoides sp., and Melanocyrillium sp. Analyses in whole rock samples of residues from water (H2O) and hydrogen peroxide 30% (H2O2) procedures showed similar results when the clay fraction studied was obtained as part of micropaleontological preparation compared with the results from the standard clay mineral preparation method. The clay fraction diffractograms showed that the micropaleontological preparation with H2O and H2O2 caused an increase in the intensity of the quartz reflections compared with untreated samples. Moreover, detailed protocols for organic-walled microfossil preparation and low concentrated acetic and formic acids attacks for mineralized microfossil extraction were presented.
Pore Structure and Wettability of Lacustrine Shale With Carbonate Interlayers in Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, East China
Authors: Yin N. , Hu Q. H. , Liu H. M. , Du Y. S. , Zhu X. C. , Meng M. M.
Published: March 2022

Shale samples with carbonate interlayers have attracted more and more attention in shale oil exploration of lacustrine shale in China, and the characterization of pore structure and wettability of these shales are significant to the study of shale-oil enrichment and effective exploitation. In this work, by examining six shale samples with carbonate interlayers of Shahejie Formation in East China, the pore structure and wettability characteristics of shale are characterized by means of thin section petrography; X-ray diffraction mineralogy; total organic carbon (TOC) analyses; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging; air-liquid contact angle for wettability; as well as N2 physisorption, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for pore structure. The results show that the main mineral contents are carbonate (with an average of 51.4%) and clay minerals (mainly mixed-layer illite-smectite). The average TOC content is 2.90%, and there is a strong correlation between TOC and dolomite content. In addition, the obvious layered structure is observed by thin section and SEM methods. The pores below 200 nm with ink-bottle shapes are obviously smaller than those of marine shale, and the pore throats are mainly below 50 nm; however, there are also some micrometer-sized cracks. The droplet contact angle measurement shows that the shale is mainly lipophilic, while moderately hydrophilic, at millimeter observational scales. The NMR T2 spectra of water- and oil-saturated samples have an obvious feature of three peak characteristics, as the pore size-associated wettability of these samples can be divided into three stages: water-wet (0.01–1 ms), oil-wet (1–40 ms), and mixed-wet (>40 ms) in terms of relaxation time of the NMR T2 spectrum. The proportion of the second main peak of T2 spectra (P2) for dodecane-saturated samples is directly proportional to the TOC content, and the relationship between P2 and mineral composition is consistent with water-saturated samples.
Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Implications of Late Triassic Mogetong Adakitic Pluton in East Kunlun Orogen, Northern Tibet: Constraints from Zircon U–Pb–Hf Isotopes and Whole-Rock Geochemistry
Authors: Gan Jie , Xiong Fuhao , Xiao Qianru , Wang Wei , Yan Dongdong
Published: March 2022

Adakites or adakitic rocks usually show special geochemical signatures and are petrological probes to reveal the tectono–magmatic evolutionary history of paleo–orogenic belts. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and zircon Lu-Hf isotopes of Mogetong adakitic pluton in East Kunlun orogen, Northern Tibetan Plateau, to constrain its petrogenesis and tectonic setting, and thus to reveal its implications for the Paleo–Tethyan orogeny. The studied pluton comprises of quartz monzonite porphyry with zircon U–Pb crystallization age of ca. 215 Ma, which is coeval to their diorite enclaves (ca. 212 Ma). The quartz monzonite porphyries have intermediate SiO2 (63.31–65.74 wt%), relatively high Al2O3 (15.52–16.02 wt%), K2O (2.83–3.34 wt%), and Sr (462–729 ppm), but low Y (9.14–15.7 ppm) and Yb (0.73–1.39 ppm) with high Mg# (47–55), Sr/Y (30–57) and La/Yb ratios resembling typical high–K calc-alkaline and high Mg# adakitic rocks. Zircon Lu–Hf isotopes show that the studied samples have weakly juvenile zircon Lu-Hf isotopes (εHf(t) = 1.80–4.03) with older model age (1.00–1.14 Ga). The relative low content of Cr (14–59 ppm) and Ni (8–30 ppm), as well as the petrological, geochemical, and Lu-Hf isotopic data, indicates that the Mogetong adakitic rocks were generated by partial melting of thickened lower crust with a certain contribution of the underplated mantle-derived magma in slab break-off setting. This study shows that the Late Triassic adakitic magmatism in East Kunlun orogen may be the response of tectonic transition from oceanic subduction to post–subduction extension, and the reworking of ancient continental crust with subsequent variable crust-mantle magma mixing is the major mechanism of continental crust evolution in the Paleo–Tethyan orogenic belt.
The Inverse Fresnel Beam XSP-CDP Stack Imaging in Crosswell Seismic
Authors: Yang Fei-Long , Ren Guang-Ying , Yao Feng-Ming , Zhao Chong
Published: March 2022

In order to overcome the shortcomings of serious arc drawing and low computational efficiency in the crosswell seismic migration method and the problems of the inaccurate velocity model and sparse distribution of reflection points in the traditional stack imaging method, the article proposes an inverse Fresnel beam XSP-CDP stack imaging method based on first-arrival wave velocity tomography combined with the characteristics of crosswell seismic wave field. Firstly, an accurate crosswell velocity model is established by the first-arrival wave tomography inversion method based on the characteristics of high energy and easy pick-up of the first-arrival wave in crosswell seismic. Secondly, the velocity model is optimized, and the energy contribution weights of effective rays to the receiver point are calculated through the crosswell seismic Fresnel beam wave field forward numerical simulation method. Then, the reflected wave field is dynamically migrated to the reflection points within the first Fresnel zone according to the weight function, and the intensive common reflection point (CRP) gather after normal moveout (NMO) correction is generated. Finally, an appropriate bin is selected for stacking. In this article, the inverse Fresnel beam method is used to decompose the single-channel seismic wave field into the effective reflection points in the Fresnel zone, which makes the fold of the reflection point more uniform and improves the imaging accuracy. The model test and actual data processing results proved the validity and robustness of this method.
Study on Pore Structure and the Microscopic Mechanism of the Difference in Petrophysical Properties of Tight Sandstone: A Case Study of the Chang 3 Member of Weibei Oilfield, Ordos Basin
Authors: Tang Ying , Lei Jingchao , Dong Haoran , Tan Shihao , Ma Duanyue , Zhang Nan , Wang Mingxian
Published: March 2022

Tight sandstone reservoirs have complex pore throat structures and poor and large differences in petrophysical properties. In this study, taking the Chang 3 Member of Weibei Oilfield, Ordos Basin, China as an example, the microscopic mechanism of the differences in petrophysical properties of tight sandstone reservoirs was systematically studied by thin section observation, scanning electron microscope, whole-rock X-ray diffraction, and high-pressure mercury intrusion experiments. The research results show that the reservoir types of the Chang 3 Member are mainly feldspar lithic sandstone and lithic feldspar sandstone; the pore types include intergranular, intragranular dissolution pores, and a small amount of residual intergranular pores. Taking the permeability of 0.3 × 10−3 and 0.5 × 10−3 μm2 as the boundary, we divided the samples involved in high-pressure mercury intrusion into three categories according to the permeability from high to low: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Their proportions were 31.4, 20.0, and 48.6%, respectively. The study found that the smaller the sorting coefficient, the poorer the petrophysical properties of the samples; the pore throat distribution of different samples gradually changed to a uniform double peak–dominated type. The permeability of tight sandstone reservoirs is contributed by a small part of pore throats with a large radius, while the reservoir space is mainly contributed by a large number of pores connected with small throats. The porosity is negatively and positively correlated with the median pressure and mercury injection tortuosity, respectively. In addition, the pore throat radius corresponding to the maximum permeability contribution rate, maximum pore throat radius, and sorting coefficient are all positively correlated with the permeability. In general, the areas with larger pore throat radius, lower pore throat tortuosity, and larger pore throat sorting coefficient can be regarded as favorable areas for Chang 3 tight sandstone reservoirs.
GnRH Agonist and hCG (Dual Trigger) Versus hCG Trigger for Final Oocyte Maturation in Expected Normal Responders With a High Immature Oocyte Rate: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Superiority, Parallel Group, Controlled Trial
Authors: Yan Meng-Han , Cao Jing-Xian , Hou Jin-Wei , Jiang Wen-Jing , Wang Dan-Dan , Sun Zhen-Gao , Song Jing-Yan
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The choice of trigger drug for the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocol correlates with the outcome of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). The co-administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), i.e., dual trigger, for final oocyte maturation, has received much attention in recent years. This trial was designed to determine whether a dual trigger approach by lengthening the time between trigger and ovum pick-up (OPU) improves the quantity and quality of mature oocytes/top-quality embryos and pregnancy outcomes in expected normal responders with a high immature oocyte rate.

Methods and Analysis

We propose a study at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 90 individuals undergoing COH use a fixed GnRH antagonist protocol. They will be assigned randomly into two groups according to the trigger method and timing: recombinant hCG (6500 IU) will be injected only 36 hours before OPU for final oocyte maturation (hCG-only trigger); co-administration of GnRH-a and hCG for final oocyte maturation, 40 and 34 hours prior to OPU, respectively (Dual trigger). The primary outcome is metaphase-II (MII) oocytes rate. Secondary outcomes are number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, top-quality embryos rate, blastula formation rate, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, cumulative pregnancy/live birth rates, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rate.

Ethics and Dissemination

The reproductive ethics committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine certified this study (Identifier: SDUTCM/2021.7.26) as ethical. All individuals will sign written informed consent. All data and biological samples will be protected according to law. The results of this study will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Clinical Trial Registration

[chictr.gov.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2100049292].
Effect of Recombinant Gonadotropin on Testicular Function and Testicular Sperm Extraction in Five Cases of NR0B1 (DAX1) Pathogenic Variants
Authors: Teoli Jordan , Mezzarobba Vincent , Renault Lucie , Mallet Delphine , Lejeune Hervé , Chatelain Pierre , Tixier Frédérique , Nicolino Marc , Peretti Noël , Giscard D’estaing Sandrine , Cuzin Béatrice , Dijoud Frédérique , Roucher-Boulez Florence , Plotton Ingrid
Published: March 2022

Background

NR0B1 pathogenic variants can cause congenital adrenal hypoplasia or primary adrenal insufficiency in early childhood usually associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. NR0B1 is necessary for organogenesis of the adrenal cortex and to maintain normal spermatogenesis. In humans, restoration of fertility in patients carrying NR0B1 pathogenic variants is challenging.

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical, hormonal, histological, spermiological, and molecular genetic characteristics of a cohort of patients with NR0B1 pathogenic variants, monitored for fertility preservation.

Patients

We included five patients, including four teenagers, with NR0B1 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. They all had primary adrenal insufficiency and were receiving replacement therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Patients received recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin in order to induce spermatogenesis. Combined gonadotropin treatment was initiated between 13 years and 15 years and 6 months for the four teenagers and at 31 years and 2 months for the only adult. Physical and hormonal assessments were performed just before starting gonadotropin treatment. After 12 months of gonadotropin treatment, physical examination and hormonal assessments were repeated, and semen analyses were performed. If no sperm cells were observed in at least 2 semen collections at 3-month interval, testicular biopsy for testicular sperm extraction was proposed.

Results

Bilateral testicular volume increased from 8 ml (interquartile range, 6–9) to 12 ml (10–16) after gonadotropin treatment. Inhibin B levels were relatively stable: 110 ng/L (46–139) before and 91 ng/L (20–120) at the end of gonadotropin treatment. Azoospermia was observed in all semen analyses for all cases during gonadotropin treatment. Three patients agreed to testicular biopsy; no mature sperm cells could be retrieved in any.

Conclusion

We characterized a cohort of patients with NR0B1 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants for fertility preservation by recombinant gonadotropin treatment, which began either at puberty or in adulthood. No sperm cells could be retrieved in semen samples or testicular biopsy even after gonadotropin treatment, indicating that gonadotropin treatment, even when started at puberty, is ineffective for restoring fertility.
Conservation Agriculture With Optimum Fertilizer Nitrogen Rate Reduces GWP for Rice Cultivation in Floodplain Soils
Authors: Jahangir M. M. R. , Bell R. W. , Uddin S. , Ferdous J. , Nasreen S. S. , Haque M. E. , Satter M. A. , Zaman M. , Ding W. , Jahiruddin M. , Müller C.
Published: March 2022

Wetland rice cultivation contributes significantly to global warming potential (GWP), an effect which is largely attributed to emissions of methane (CH4). Emerging technologies for wetland rice production such as conservation agriculture (CA) may mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but the effects are not well defined. Investigations were carried out in an irrigated rice (Boro rice) field in the fifth crop after conversion of conventional tillage (CT) to strip tillage (ST). Two crop residue levels (low versus high, LR versus HR) and three nitrogen (N) application rates (N1 = 108, N2 = 144, and N3 = 180 kg N ha−1) were laid out in a split-plot experiment with three replicates. Yield-scaled GHG emissions and GWP were estimated to evaluate the impacts of CA on mitigating CH4 and N2O emissions in the rice paddy field. There was a 55% higher N2O emission in ST with HR coupled with N3 than that in CT with LR coupled with N1. The N2O emission factors ranged from 0.43 to 0.75% in ST and 0.45 to 0.59% in CT, irrespective of the residue level and N rate. By contrast, CH4 emissions were significantly lower in CA than in the conventional practices (CT plus LR). The ST with LR in N2 reduced the GWP by 39% over the GWP in CT with HR in N1 and 16% over the conventional practices. Based on our investigation of the combination of tillage, residue, and N rate treatments, the adoption of CA with high and low residue levels reduced the GWP by 10 and 16%, respectively, because of lower CH4 and N2O emissions than the current management practices. The relatively high N2O emission factors suggest that mitigation of this GHG in wetland rice systems needs greater attention.