bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Generation Is Coming To Work, But Is the Oil and Gas Industry Ready?
Authors: Jacobs Trent
Published: January 2021

Even before a pandemic changed the course, the oil and gas industry was destined for big change, thanks to pressure coming from a number of different fronts.

The asymmetric challenges include the industry’s dire need to get caught up on the digital transformation while also figuring out how to embrace the separate arena of low-carbon technologies.

Representing the human embodiment of this juggling act is another new challenge: Generation Z.

Born between 1996 and 2010, Generation Z - or Gen Z, or the plural, Gen Zers - represents one of the clearest signals that the great crew change has come and gone. Yet, big questions remain about whether oil and gas companies and the academic programs that feed them talent have fully adapted to this reality.

Three new technical papers recently presented during the 2020 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) suggest that the answer is no.

However, what the papers also suggest is that there are clear steps that industry can take to become a more attractive one to the youngest generation of workers.

The most common thread between the papers is the call for major reforms in how petrotechnicals of the future are educated at school and trained at work.

Putting the scope of the generational gap into clearer context, one of the papers from professors at the Australian College of Kuwait found that Baby Boomers (those born from 1944 to 1964) make up only 6% of the current industry workforce. Meanwhile, about a quarter of all employees are Generation Z.

The following is a selection of the actions upstream companies and petroleum engineering departments are being told will help them adapt to the technological and generational shifts that are redefining the business.

To Lead Gen Z, Think Like Gen Z

To appreciate Generation Z, one must first understand why they are different from generations of past. Two chief characteristics that stand out to Maria Capello is that Gen Z is driven by community and dialogue.
The Philosophy of Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: January 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 196362, “Philosophy of EOR,” by Tayfun Babadagli, SPE, University of Alberta, prepared for the 2019 SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Bali, Indonesia, 29-31 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Despite the substantial investment dedicated to research-to-pilot scale investigations, the ultimate profit from enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications has been below expectations since the 1980s (less than 10% of total production). The author writes that revisiting and challenging the knowledge and dogmatic assumptions gathered during 5 decades of EOR is necessary. In the complete paper, a philosophy for the future of EOR projects is developed through a series of questions that applies to the industry’s transition from completion of conventional EOR toward unconventional EOR.

Why Are We Afraid of EOR?

The underperformance of EOR may be explained by the following reasons:

Limitations in capturing the physics of the process for proper technical and economical assessment

Risks involved in field pilots

Securing the supply of the materials injected

Difficulties involved in EOR design

Risk resulting from economic uncertainties

Why Are There Fewer EOR Projects Than Desired?

True Drivers of EOR Applications, Technology, and Economics. Once the technical viability of an EOR project is proven, cost-effective applications can be achieved by the high-quality optimization efforts of engineers who can decide the appropriate optimization methods or at least the conditions under which a project can turn profitable.

Insufficient Attention Given to Cost-Efficient EOR Methods. Use of air as the cheapest EOR agent has been investigated substantially for field-scale projects, but its applications are still limited. Recently, air injection was demonstrated to be safe under the low-temperature oxidation process and at atmospheric pressure/temperature conditions such as those of shallow heavy-oil reservoirs. Microbial injection also offers promising possibilities as a cost-effective approach.

Fear of Most-Expensive Miscible Processes. The most-expensive EOR agents are miscible gases, or solvents, which are expected to yield the highest recovery under suitable conditions. Recyclability of the injected material from the miscible injection is an attractive part of the EOR process; however, unrecovered injectant can also be a critically limiting factor. Exploiting gas as a byproduct from other operations, however, allowed sustainable EOR development in Alaska (Prudhoe Bay), the North Sea, and Canada (Zama).
Technology Focus: Water Management (December 2020)
Authors: Swartwout Rosa
Published: January 2021

The United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In the context of this definition, sustainable water management should encompass current management of water resources as well as its potential effect on the future. Sustainable water management in oil and gas is a journey that will need approaches from many perspectives.

The highlighted papers illustrate the different perspectives and accompanying complexities that can advance progression toward more-sustainable water management. The approaches are multi-faceted in that they consider technological, environmental, economic, and social needs and responsibility. The papers include issues and challenges in reuse/recycling of produced water, new guidelines to standardize application of risk-based assessments to assess potential environmental impact from produced-water discharge, and a novel certification process for responsible water use.

A common thread found in these papers is the understanding driving criteria for current water practices, and measurement of these criteria will enable continual improvement. An example of this is the assessment of the water footprint for production activity in the Peruvian Amazon by Repsol in their journey toward their Blue certification. The assessment of the water footprint provided a benchmark for improvement, which, in turn, highlighted parameters to measure and key areas for mitigation.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE 199466 Removal of Residual Oil From Produced Water Using Magnetic Nanoparticles by Jared Theurer, University of Oklahoma, et al.

OTC 29791 First Development of Advanced Purification of Produced Water Technology at Greater Sirikit Oil Field by Dissolved Gas Flotation Technique by Nattapong Lertrojanachusit, PTTEP, et al.

SPE 200448 Managing Gas-Injection-Induced Excessive Water Production in Tight Oil Reservoirs by Optimizing Operational Constraints by Chi Zhang, Colorado School of Mines, et al.
Commitment to Responsible Water Management in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Feder Judy
Published: January 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Judy Feder, contains highlights of paper SPE 199429, “Road to the Blue Certificate for Production Activity in the Peruvian Amazon: Committed to Responsible Water Management,” by Carlos Ahumada Morales, Fernando Gutierrez Mesías, and Ruth Celina Zorrilla Salazar, Repsol, prepared for the 2020 SPE International Conference and Exhibition on Health, Safety, Environment, and Sustainability, originally scheduled to be held in Bogota, Colombia, 28-30 July. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The complete paper discusses the steps taken by Repsol in Peru in accordance with its environmental strategy to become certified for the Blue Certificate granted by the State National Water Authority (ANA) to companies that efficiently manage water in their operations and manage shared-value projects with their stakeholders. According to the authors, Repsol is the first company in Peru’s hydrocarbon sector to apply for this certification. The complete paper details the company’s methods of compliance with the three steps necessary to apply for the certificate, limitations of objectives and scope, results of the water-footprint assessment, and further steps toward certification.

Background: Peru’s Blue Certificate

Obtaining the certificate requires compliance with the three following steps:

1. Assessment of the water footprint for the area of operation

2. Reduction of water footprint in the area

3. Development of a shared-value project

Benefits of holding the certificate include contribution to business sustainability and improved relationships with key stakeholders such as the State and the communities in the area of influence.

As part of its candidacy for the certificate, the company stated that its main objective was to analyze the water footprint of the annual production of natural gas in Block 57 in the Urubamba River basin in the forests of the low jungle of southern Peru. Block 57 is located in the Department of Cusco. The company prepared a water-footprint report on the effect and amount of water consumption associated with the annual production of natural gas in the block.

Block 57 is in an area of high biodiversity and overlaps the buffer zone of the Machiguenga Communal Reserve. It includes the following projects:

Development project in the south area of the Kinteroni field

Transport of multiphase gas/liquid flow from the production platform of the Kinteroni field through a 16-in., 14.5-km flow line to the facilities of the New World location

Sagari field-development project

Based on the results of the water-footprint assessment, Repsol intends to implement actions to reduce its water footprint and develop value-sharing projects to mitigate its effects.
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells strengthen cisplatin inhibition activity against breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by disrupting mitochondrial function and cell ultrastructure
Authors: Huang Xin , Wang Cunchuan , Wang Ningxia
Published: January 2021

Background: Breast cancer ranks second of new cases and fifth of death in 2018 worldwide. Cis-platinum (CDDP) has been used as a chemotherapy to treat breast cancer for years. However, CDDP can adversely disrupt immune function of host. Thus, development of new protocol that can minimize side effect and meanwhile elevate clinical efficacy of CDDP will eventually benefit cancer patients. Since Vg9Vd2 T cells can up-regulate immune function of cancer patients, therefore, our hypothesis is that introduction of Vg9Vd2 T cells could potentiate CDDP efficacy against breast cancer.Methods: We used breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 as model cell to test our hypothesis. The cancer cell viability in vitro in the context of different dose of CDDP was analyzed by flow cytometry. The cytoskeleton alteration was visualized by confocal microscopy, and the ultrastructure of cell membrane was observed by atomic force microscopy. The mitochondrial function of MDA-MB-231 cells was detected as well by flow cytometry.Results: Comparing to either Vγ9Vδ2 T cells or CDDP alone, Vg9Vd2 T cells plus CDDP could more strikingly induce MDA-MB-231 cell membrane ultrastructure disruption and cytoskeleton disorder, and more significantly enhance the inhibition of CDDP on proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. At the same time, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells strengthened CDDP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction of cancer cells.Conclusion: This work revealed that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could synergistically enhance the inhibition activity of CDDP against breast cancer cells. Meanwhile, this in vitro proof-of-concept study implied the clinical prospect of the combining application of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and CDDP in breast cancer therapy.
Prevalence of scabies and impetigo in school-age children in Timor-Leste
Authors: Matthews Alexander , Le Brandon , Amaral Salvador , Arkell Paul , Monteiro Merita , Clarke Naomi , Barros Terlinda , Mendonça Joaquim de Jesus , Gusmão Sonia Maria Exposto , Seixas Leonia Maria dos Reis , Piedade João Henrique Araújo da , Engelman Daniel , Steer Andrew C. , Fancourt Nicholas S. S. , Yan Jennifer , Kaldor John , Francis Joshua R. , Nery Susana Vaz
Published: January 2021

Background Scabies and impetigo are endemic in many tropical, low- and middle-income countries. Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin has emerged as a control strategy for these conditions. In 2019, Timor-Leste Ministry of Health planned to implement MDA including ivermectin for the control of lymphatic filariasis, so we undertook a baseline assessment of scabies and impetigo to better understand local epidemiology and contribute to future surveys assessing the impact of MDA. Methods A cross-sectional school survey was conducted in April-May 2019 at six primary schools in a semi-urban (Dili) and two rural (Ermera and Manufahi) settings. Children under 19 years of age present at school on survey days were eligible to participate, of whom we enrolled 1183. Trained health workers interviewed and examined 1043 participants to clinically diagnose scabies using the 2020 International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) diagnostic criteria, as well as impetigo. Prevalence was adjusted for age and sex. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to analyse odds of scabies and impetigo infection. All models accounted for clustering at the school-level through the use of random effect terms. Population attributable risk of scabies as a cause of impetigo was also estimated. Results The overall weighted prevalence of scabies was 30.6%. Children in rural Manufahi were more likely to have scabies than those in semi-urban Dili (53.6% vs 28.2%, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.5). Most cases of scabies were mild (3 to 10 lesions), and lesions were usually distributed on more than one body region. Scabies prevalence was lower among 10 to 14 year olds compared to 5 to 9 year olds. Overall weighted prevalence of impetigo was 11.3%. Relative to Dili, children in rural Ermera and Manufahi were twice as likely to have impetigo. Impetigo was twice as common in children with scabies than in those without, corresponding to an attributable risk of scabies as a cause of impetigo of 22.7%. Conclusions Scabies and impetigo prevalence in Timor-Leste are among the highest reported globally, particularly in rural areas. Scabies infestation was strongly associated with impetigo. Comprehensive control strategies are urgently needed in Timor-Leste.
Genetic factors increase the identification efficiency of predictive models for dyslipidaemia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Niu Miaomiao , Zhang Liying , Wang Yikang , Tu Runqi , Liu Xiaotian , Hou Jian , Huo Wenqian , Mao Zhenxing , Wang Zhenfei , Wang Chongjian
Published: January 2021

Background: Few studies have developed risk models for dyslipidaemia, especially for rural populations. Furthermore, the performance of genetic factors in predicting dyslipidaemia has not been explored. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate prediction models with and without genetic factors for dyslipidaemia in rural populations. Methods: A total of 3596 individuals from the Henan Rural Cohort Study were included in this study. According to the ratio of 7:3, all individuals were divided into a training set and a testing set. The conventional models and conventional+GRS (genetic risk score) models were developed with Cox regression, artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting machine (GBM) classifiers in the training set. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination index (IDI) were used to assess the discrimination ability of the models, and the calibration curve was used to show calibration ability in the testing set. Results: Compared to the lowest quartile of GRS, the hazard ratio ( HR ) (95% confidence interval ( CI )) of individuals in the highest quartile of GRS was 1.23(1.07, 1.41) in the total population. Age, family history of diabetes, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were used to develop the conventional models, and the AUCs of the Cox, ANN, RF, and GBM classifiers were 0.702(0.673, 0.729), 0.736(0.708, 0.762), 0.787 (0.762, 0.811), and 0.816(0.792, 0.839), respectively. After adding GRS, the AUCs increased by 0.005, 0.018, 0.023, and 0.015 with the Cox, ANN, RF, and GBM classifiers, respectively. The corresponding NRI and IDI were 25.6%, 7.8%, 14.1%, and 18.1% and 2.3%, 1.0%, 2.5%, and 1.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Genetic factors could improve the predictive ability of the dyslipidaemia risk model, suggesting that genetic information could be provided as a potential predictor to screen for clinical dyslipidaemia.
Prognostic value of Serum miR-217 Level in Osteosarcoma Patients
Authors: Ye Jia , Jin Zhi-Hui , Chen Ren , Chen Sen , Ren Yi-Jun , Guo Wei-Chun , He Hui
Published: January 2021

Background: MicroRNA (miR)-217 is a tumor suppressor significantly associated with osteosarcoma. We try to evaluate serum levels miR-217 in osteosarcoma patients and evaluate its prognostic significance.Methods: A total of 163 consecutive osteosarcoma patients and 96 healthy participates were enrolled. Serum miR-217 levels were evaluated by using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions(RT-PCR). The association between serum miR-217 level and survival outcomes was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Serum miR-217 levels in osteosarcoma patients was significantly lower than healthy volunteers (P<0.05). Low serum miR-217 was significantly related to advanced cancer and metastasis (both P<0.05). Moreover, patients with a low serum miR-217 had a poorer overall survival than those with a high serum miR-217 levels (P<0.05). Serum miR-217 level also been showed as independent risk factor for osteosarcoma in multivariate analysis (HR, 0.42; 95%CI: 0.12–0.98; p<0.01). Conclusions: Serum miR-217 levels was significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma patients and remarkably associated with poor prognosis, indicating that serum miR-217 might serve as a useful diagnostic and prognostic indicator for osteosarcoma.
The Effect of the mGlu8 Receptor Agonist, S-3,4-DCPG on Acquisition and Expression of Morphine-induced Conditioned Place Preference in Male rats
Authors: Kahvandi Nazanin , Ebrahimi Zahra , Karimi Seyed Asaad , Shahidi Siamak , Salehi Iraj , Naderishahab Marzieh , Sarihi Abdolrahman
Published: January 2021

Background: The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a principal role in drug reward. It has been reported that metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu receptors) play a key role in the rewarding pathway(s). Previous studies have shown the vast allocation of the different types of mGlu receptors, including mGlu8 receptors, in regions that are associated with opioid rewards, such as the NAc. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of mGlu8 receptors within the NAc in the acquisition and expression phases of morphine induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Adult male Wistar rats were bilaterally implanted by two cannulas' in the NAc and were evaluated in a CPP paradigm. Selective mGlu8 receptor allosteric agonist (S-3,4-DCPG) was administered at doses of 0.03, 0.3, and 3 μg/0.5 μL saline per side into the NAc on both sides during the 3 days of morphine (5 mg/kg) conditioning (acquisition) phase, or before place preference test, or post-conditioning (expression) phase of morphine-induced CPP. Results: The results revealed that intra-accumbal administration of S-3,4-DCPG (0.3 and 3 μg) markedly decreased the acquisition in a dose-dependent manner but had no effect on expression of morphine-induced CPP. Conclusions: The findings suggest that activation of mGlu8 receptors in the NAc dose-dependently blocks the establishment of morphine-induced CPP and reduces the rewarding properties of morphine which may be related to the glutamate activity into the NAc and in reward pathway(s). These data suggest that mGlu8 receptor may be involved in conditioned morphine reward.
Non-Invasive Transdermal Delivery of Chemotherapeutic Molecules In Vivo Using Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Raviraj Vanisri , Pham Binh T.T. , Kim Byung J. , Pham Nguyen T.H. , Kok Lai F. , Painter Nicole , Delic Naomi C. , Jones Stephen K. , Hawkett Brian S. , Lyons J. Guy
Published: January 2021

Background: The skin is both a target and a potential conduit for the delivery of drugs, but its cornified cell layer resists penetration by most molecules. This study investigated the potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to facilitate the transdermal delivery of anti-cancer agents.Results: Chemotherapeutic cancer drugs were applied with or without nanoparticles to the skin of hairless mice, and their ability to penetrate the skin was assessed using fluorescence microscopy and tumor growth. Nanoparticles enhanced the penetration of the skin by doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil as determined by fluorescence microscopy and growth retardation of experimental melanoma in immunocompetent, syngeneic mice. This drug enhancement did not require conjugation or encapsulation of the drugs by the nanoparticles – simple co-administration sufficed. Nanoparticles applied topically to melanomas increased the cytotoxicity and immune cell infiltration induced by co-administered 5-fluorouracil, and also reduced vascularization of the tumors independently of 5-fluorouracil.Conclusion: Correctly formulated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can facilitate the chemotherapeutic effectiveness of cytotoxic drugs on skin tumors by both increasing their transdermal penetration and ameliorating host-tumor interactions. This enhancement of skin penetration occurs without the need for conjugation or encapsulation of the co-administered drugs and so will likely be applicable to other drugs, also.
pH dependent delivery of chlorhexidine from PLGA grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles at resin-dentin interface
Authors: Akram Zohaib , Aati Sultan , Ngo Hein , Fawzy Amr
Published: January 2021

Background: A low pH environment is created due to the production of acids by oral biofilms that further leads to the dissolution of hydroxyapatite crystal in the tooth structure significantly altering the equilibrium. Although the overall bacterial counts may not be eradicated from the oral cavity, however, synthesis of engineered anti-bacterial materials are warranted to reduce the pathogenic impact of the oral biofilms. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and characterize chlorhexidine (CHX)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) grafted with poly-L-glycolic acid (PGA) and to test the in vitro drug release in various pH environments, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial capacity. In addition, this study aimed to investigate the delivery of CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA nanoparticles through demineralized dentin tubules and how these nanoparticles interact with tooth dentin after mixing with commercial dentin adhesive for potential clinical application.Results: Characterization using SEM/TEM and EDX confirmed the synthesis of CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA. An increase in the percentage of drug encapsulation efficiency from 81% to 85% in CHX loaded/MSN and 92% to 95% in CHX loaded/MSN-PGA proportionately increased with increasing the amount of CHX during the fabrication of nanoparticles. For both time-periods (24 h or 30 Days), the relative microbial viability significantly decreased by increasing the CHX content (P<0.001). Generally, the cell viability percentage of DPSCs exposed to MSN-PGA/Blank, CHX-loaded/MSN, and CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA, respectively was >80% indicating low cytotoxicity profiles of experimental nanoparticles. After 9 months in artificial saliva (pH 7.4), the significantly highest micro-tensile bond strength value was recorded for 25:50 CHX/MSN and 25:50:50 CHX/MSN-PGA. A homogenous and widely distributed 50:50:50 CHX-loaded/MSN-PGA nanoparticles exhibited excellent bonding with the application of commercially available dentin adhesive.Conclusions: A pH-sensitive CHX release response was noted when loaded in MSN grafted PGA nanoparticles. The formulated drug-loaded nanocarrier demonstrated excellent physicochemical, spectral, and biological characteristics. Showing considerable capacity to penetrate effectively inside dentinal tubules and having high antibacterial efficacy, this system could be potentially used in adhesive and restorative dentistry.
Terahertz-induced martensitic transformation in partially stabilized zirconia
Authors: Nagai Masaya , Higashitani Yuhei , Ashida Masaaki , Kusakabe Koichi , Niioka Hirohiko , Hattori Azusa , Tanaka Hidekazu , Isoyama Goro , Ozaki Norimasa
Published: January 2021

Martensitic crystal structures are usually obtained by rapid thermal quenching of certain alloys, which induces stress and subsequent shear deformation. Here, we demonstrate that it is also possible to intentionally excite a suitable transverse acoustic phonon mode to induce a local shear deformation. We irradiate the surface of a partially stabilized zirconia plate with intense terahertz pulses and verify martensitic transformation from the tetragonal to the monoclinic phases by Raman spectroscopy and the observed destructive spallation of the zirconia microcrystals. We calculate the phonon modes in tetragonal zirconia and determine the effective channel that triggers the transformation. This mode can be excited via the Klemens process. Since terahertz pulses can induce a specific local shear deformation beyond thermal equilibrium, they can be used to elucidate phase transformation mechanisms with dynamical approaches. Terahertz-induced martensitic transformation is considered to be useful for material strengthening and shape memory ceramics.
Long non-coding RNA CCDC183-AS1 acts as a miR-589-5p sponge to promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through regulating SKP1 expression
Authors: Zhu He , Zhang Hongwei , Pei Youliang , Liao Zhibin , Liu Furong , Su Chen , Liu Yachong , Dong Renshun , Song Jia , Zhang Xuewu , Fan Yawei , Liang Huifang , Zhang Bixiang , Chen Xiaoping
Published: January 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of malignant human cancer with high morbidity and poor prognosis, causing numerous deaths per year worldwide. Growing evidence has been demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely associated with hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis. However, the roles, functions, and working mechanisms of most lncRNAs in HCC remain poorly defined.Methods: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of CCDC183-AS1 in HCC tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were evaluated by CCK-8 and transwell assay, respectively. Animal experiments were used to explore the role of CCDC183-AS1 and miR-589-5p in vivo. Bioinformatic analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed to confirm the regulatory relationship between CCDC183-AS1, miR-589-5p and SKP1.Results: Significantly upregulated expression of CCDC183-AS1 was observed in both HCC tissues and cell lines. HCC patients with higher expression of CCDC183-AS1 had a poorer overall survival rate. Functionally, overexpression of CCDC183-AS1 markedly promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo, whereas the downregulation of CCDC183-AS1 exerted opposite effects. MiR-589-5p inhibitor counteracted the proliferation, migration and invasion inhibitory effects induced by CCDC183-AS1 silencing. Mechanistically, CCDC183-AS1 acted as a ceRNA through sponging miR-589-5p to offset its inhibitory effect on the target gene SKP1, then promoted the tumorigenesis of HCC.Conclusions: CCDC183-AS1 functions as an oncogene to promote HCC progression through the CCDC183-AS1/miR-589-5p/SKP1 axis. Our study provided a novel potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Idiopathic Superficial Siderosis of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Meshkat Shakila , Ebrahimi Parnia , Tafakhori Abbas , Taghiloo Aidin , Shafiee Sajad , Salimi Amir , Aghamollaii Vajiheh
Published: January 2021

Background: Regardless of the cause of the superficial siderosis (SS) disease, which is bleeding, the source of bleeding cannot be found in some cases.Case presentation: In this article, we report two cases with idiopathic SS. Case 1 presented with bilateral hearing loss, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and tremors. Case 2 presented with sensory neural hearing loss, ataxia, and spastic paraparesis. In both cases, brain MRI indicated evidence of SS. CT myelogram and SPECT with labeled RBC couldn't help finding the source of occult bleeding.Conclusion: SS is a rare central nervous system disease caused by the deposition of hemosiderin in the brain and spinal cord, which results in the progression of neurological deficits. The cause of this hemorrhage is often subarachnoid haemorrhage, intradural surgery, carcinoma, arteriovenous malformation, nerve root avulsion, and dural abnormality. The condition progresses slowly and, by the time diagnosis is confirmed, the damage is often irreversible. In our cases, brain MRI clarified the definitive diagnosis, but we could not find the source of bleeding. SS should be considered in cases with ataxia and hearing loss, even if no source of bleeding is found.
Food habits and Pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Pitale Devdatt
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Nutrition during pregnancy plays an important role for an optimum outcome of pregnancy. Women may be malnourished even before they become pregnant and this may further adversely affect the pregnancy. Maternal undernutrition can lead to poor intrauterine growth and low weight of the baby at birth. Moreover, the leading causes for maternal deaths like hemorrhage and infection are related directly or indirectly to nutrition. Aim of the Study: To study the impact of existing food habits on pregnancy outcome in a south Indian population. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary health care and research institute in India. From the antenatal clinic, 350 women who satisfied the following inclusion and exclusion criteria were admitted to the study. Results: The majority of pregnant women belonged to the age group of 21-25 yrs (47%) followed by the 26-30 yrs age group (40%).The number of teenage pregnancies was 30 (8%) whereas 5% of pregnant women belong the age group of 31-35 yrs.83% of the study population belonged to the low socioeconomic class. Majority of the babies (66%) had the birth weight in the range of 2.5-2.9 kgs. 29 % of babies had birth weight in the range of 3-3.5 kgs. There was a significant association (p value < 0.05) between the socioeconomic status of the mother, parity and her calorie intake. The present study found a statistically significant association between the maternal nutritional status, the birth weight of the baby and the need for NICU admission (p value < 0.05). Conclusion: Maternal food habits have an impact on the pregnancy outcome. Maternal food habits are influenced by many factors like socioeconomic status, parity, social food taboos and pregnancy itself. The pregnancy outcomes like birth weight, need for NICU admission and postnatal complications are influenced by maternal nutritional status.
The Effect of miR-539 Regulating TRIAP1 on the Apoptosis, Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Liu Huowen , Yang Min , Zhang Yufeng , Yang Zhiqiang , Chen Zhe , Xie Yuanlong , Peng Binglong , Cai Lin
Published: January 2021

Objective The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of miRNA-539 on osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanism, so as to find a new method for early diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma.Method miRNA-539 mimics was transfected into osteosarcoma cells 143b and MG-63 and upregulated the expression of miR-539. QT-PCR was used to detect transfection efficacy. CCK-8 method was used to detect proliferation of 143b and MG-63 osteosarcoma cells and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells 143b and MG-63. Wound-healing test and Transwell test were used to detect the migration and invasion ability of osteosarcoma cells. TRIAP1 was found to be the potential target gene of miRNA-539 by online bioinformatics software and the expression level of TRIAP1 in osteosarcoma cells overexpressing miRNA-539 was detected by qT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect the level of expression of TRIAP1 and its downstream genes (p53, p21, apaf1 and caspase9) in osteosarcoma cells 143b and MG63 transfected with miR-539 mimics or miR-539 mimics-NC. A model of osteosarcoma subcutaneously transplanted in nude mice was constructed to observe the effect of miRNA-539 on the growth rate of osteosarcoma in vivo.Results After transfection of miRNA-539 mimics in osteosarcoma cells 143b and MG63, the proliferation level, migration ability, and invasion ability of the osteosarcoma cells were significantly lower than that in the control group, and the apoptosis level was significantly higher than that in the control group (P <0.01). The dual luciferase reporter confirmed that TRIAP1 was the target of miR-539, and the expression level of TRIAP1 in 143b and MG63 transfected with miRNA-539 mimics was proved to be significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01).The western blot showed the expression of genes targeted by TRIAP1 was upregulated when the expression of TRIAP1 was downregulated. In vivo, the osteosarcoma growth rate in the miRNA-539 mimics group was significantly slower than that in the control group (P<0.01).Conclusion MiRNA-539 may inhibit the cell proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and promote the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells by targeting on TRIAP1.
LncRNA HOXA-AS3 promotes gastric cancer progression by regulating miR-29a-3p/LTβR and activating NF-κB signaling
Authors: Qu Feng , Zhu Bin , Hu Yi-Lin , Mao Qin-Sheng , Feng Ying
Published: January 2021

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most common and deadliest cancers globally. Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of GC pathogenesis. This study aimed to define the role of HOXA-AS3 in this oncogenic context. Methods: Levels of HOXA-AS3 expression in GC were quantified via qPCR. The effects of HOXA-AS3 knockdown on GC cells function were evaluated in vitro using colony formation assays, wound healing assays and transwell assays. Subcutaneous xenograft and tail vein injection tumor model systems were generated in nude mice to assess the effects of this lncRNA in vivo. The localization of HOXA-AS3 within cells was confirmed by subcellular fractionation, and predicted microRNA (miRNA) targets of this lncRNA and its ability to modulate downstream NF-κB signaling in GC cells were evaluated via luciferase-reporter assays, immunofluorescent staining, and western blotting.Results: GC cells and tissues exhibited significant HOXA-AS3 upregulation (P<0.05), and the levels of this lncRNA were found to be correlated with tumor size, lymph node status, invasion depth, and Helicobacter pylori infection status. Knocking down HOXA-AS3 disrupted GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. At a mechanistic level, we found that HOXA-AS3 was able to sequester miR-29a-3p, thereby regulating the expression of LTβR and modulating NF-κB signaling in GC. Conclusion: HOXA-AS3/miR-29a-3p/LTβR/NF-κB regulatory axis contributes to the progression of GC, thereby offering novel target for the prognosis and treatment of GC.
Clinical Evaluation of Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty for Crowe Type III-IV Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip with Matched Comparison to Posterolateral Approach
Authors: Liu Zaiyang , Bell Courtney , Ong Alvin , Zhang Jun , Li Jie , Zhang Yuan
Published: January 2021

Aims It is challenging to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) classified Crowe III-IV using direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA), and very little is known on its outcome. This study aimed to investigate the clinical result in this defined disorder with DAA versus posterolateral approach.Methods Twenty-three consecutive hips with Crowe III-IV DDH who underwent DAA were retrospectively evaluated from 2016 through 2018. Outcomes were primarily assessed by HHS, WOMAC, and SF-12 physical scales. The second evaluations included leg length discrepancy, hip muscle strength, radiographic review, complications, and limp recovery. Results were compared to a control cohort of 50 hips underwent posterolateral THA concurrently within the observational period.Results At last follow-up (DAA 28.5 months; PLA 39.0 months), the mean increase of the HHS for DAA was 48.2 and 30.3 for PLA (p = 0.003). The improvement in WOMAC score in DAA cohort was 15.89 higher that of the PLA cohort after adjusting preoperative difference [R2 = 0.532, P = 0.000, 95%CI (10.037, 21.735)]. DAA had more rapid recovery of hip abductor strength at 1-month (p = 0.03) and hip flexor strength at 3 months (p = 0.007) compared to PLA. No significant differences were found in the radiographic analysis with the exception of increased acetabular anteversion in the DAA cohort (p = 0.036). Satisfactory improvement in limp, indicated by the percentage of limp graded as none and mild to the total, was much higher in DAA cohort (97.6%), compared to that of PLA cohort (90.0%, p = 0.032).Conclusions DAA for high-dislocated dysplasia demonstrate a significant improvement in clinical result comparable to posterolateral approach. Improved clinical outcome in terms of increased HHS and WOMAC scores, rapid recovery of hip abductor and flexor strength, and enhanced limp recovery without an increased risk in complications, could be acquired when the surgeons were specialized in this approach.
Enzymes of an Alternative Pathway of Glucose Metabolism in Obligate Methanotrophs
Authors: Rozova Olga , Ekimova Galina , Molochkov Nikolai , Reshetnikov Alexander , Khmelenina Valentina , Mustakhimov Ildar
Published: January 2021

Aerobic methanotrophic bacteria utilize methane as a growth substrate but are unable to grow on any sugars. In this study we have shown that two obligate methanotrophs, Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z and Methylobacter luteus IMV-B-3098, possess functional glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and gluconate kinase (GntK). The recombinant GDHs from both methanotrophs were homotetrameric and strongly specific for glucose preferring NAD+ over NADP+. GDH from Mtm. alcaliphilum was most active at pH 10 (Vmax = 95 U/mg protein) and demonstrated very high Km for glucose (91.8 ± 3.8 mM). GDH from Mb. luteus was most active at pH 8.5 (Vmax = 43 U/mg protein) and had lower Km for glucose (16 ± 0.6 mM). The cells of two Mtm. alcaliphilum double mutants with deletions either of the genes encoding GDH and glucokinase (gdh─/glk─) or of the genes encoding gluconate kinase and glucokinase (gntk─/glk─) had the lower glycogen level and the higher contents of intracellular glucose and trehalose compared to the wild type strain. The gntk─/glk─ knockout mutant additionally accumulated gluconic acid. These data, along with bioinformatics analysis, demonstrate that glycogen derived free glucose can enter the Entner–Doudoroff pathway or the pentose phosphate cycle in methanotrophs, bypassing glycolysis via the gluconate shunt.
Factors Affecting Health Policies for Older People in Iran
Authors: Doshmangir Leila , Teymourlouy Ahmad Ahmadi , Doshmangir Parinaz , Khodayari-Zarnaq Rahim , Gordeev Vladimir
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Globally, the number and proportion of people aged 60 years and older is growing fast. As people age, health needs become more complex, and the health system responsiveness to older people's needs requires evidence-informed policies. This study explored the factors affecting the process of health policies development for older people in Iran. Methods: We reviewed and analysed policy documents related to health policies development for older people in Iran. We also conducted 32 interviewers with people aged 60 years and older and 21 interviews with key informants involved in policy-making related to older people. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.Findings: Actors and stakeholders, policy structure and selected health policy processes, the system of health care service delivery, government financial support, community and culture building are prominent factors that influence health policy-making for older people. Conclusion: To identify and implement effective policy options for older people, the Iranian health system needs to change its health policy-making approach for this target group. It requires a revision of existing structures and processes, timely planning and provision of a comprehensive range of quality services tailored to specific needs of older people, strengthening intersectoral cooperation and coordination to enable evidence-informed policies, facilitation and maintenance of health system responsiveness.
N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)retinamide suppresses SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated cell-cell fusion and viral infection in vitro 
Authors: Hayashi Yasuhiro , Tsuchiya Kiyoto , Yamamoto Mizuki , Nemoto-Sasaki Yoko , Tanigawa Kazunari , Hama Kotaro , Tanikawa Takashi , Gohda Jin , Maeda Kenji , Inoue Jun-ichiro , Yamashita Atsushi
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), persists worldwide with limited therapeutic options. Since membrane fusion between SARS-CoV-2 and host cells is essential for the early step of the infection, the membrane compositions, including sphingolipids, in host cells are considered to affect the viral infection. However, the role of sphingolipids in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 remains unclear. Here, we assessed several inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolism enzymes against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated cell-cell fusion and viral infection in vitro. Among the compounds tested, only N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-HPR, also known as fenretinide), an inhibitor of dihydroceramide Δ4-desaturase 1 (DES1) and well known for having antitumour activity, suppressed cell-cell fusion (50% effective concentration [EC50] = 4.1 µM) and viral infection ([EC50] = 4.4 µM), wherein the EC50 values are below its plasma concentration in previous clinical trials on tumours. DES1 catalyses the introduction of a double bond in dihydroceramide, and the inhibition efficiencies observed were consistent with an increased ratio of saturated sphinganine-based lipids to total sphingolipids and the decreased cellular membrane fluidity. These findings, together with the accumulated clinical data regarding the safety of 4-HPR, make it a likely candidate drug to treat COVID-19.
Lifestyle Habits of Adults During The COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Cyprus: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kolokotroni Ourania , Mosquera Maria , Quattrocchi Annalisa , Heraclides Alexandros , Demetriou Christiana , Elena Philippou
Published: January 2021

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and widespread control measures disrupted efforts to address lifestyle risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD). This study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on all lifestyle medicine pillars.Methods This was a cross-sectional study on a convenient sample of adults residing in Cyprus during the Spring 2020 lockdown. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire incorporating six validated tools regarding the following lifestyle behaviours before and during lockdown: adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, stress and social support levels, sleep pattern and use of risky substances such as smoking and alcohol. Median total scores for each lifestyle pillar before and during lockdown were compared using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test and stratified analyses for sociodemographic characteristics were performed.Results Of 745 participants, 74% were female and median age was 39 years. Overall participants reported significantly higher perceived stress score (22 v 25, p<0.01), lower social support score (71 v 68, p<0.001), and worse sleep quality score (4 v 5, p<0.01) during lockdown. Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence was moderate and increased significantly only in those practicing religious fasting (score of 6 v 7, p<0.01). Total minutes spent sitting increased (120 v 180, p<0.01) although overall physical activity score did not significantly change. Smoking intensity increased during lockdown whilst frequency of alcohol consumption decreased (ptrend=0.03 and <0.01, respectively). ConclusionLifestyle was adversely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown in Cyprus. Evidence from this study supports development of holistic lifestyle interventions during and following the pandemic to reduce short and long-term NCD risks by building on lifestyle behaviour strengths and addressing longstanding and emerging gaps and needs.
Gender Differences in the Psychometric Characteristics of the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury in A Community Adolescent Sample
Authors: Reinhardt Melinda , Kökönyei Gyöngyi , Drubina Boglárka , Urbán Róbert
Published: January 2021

Background: The Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) is a psychometrically valid tool to evaluate the motives of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), but there is a lack of investigations which could test gender differences in the factor structure of the measurement. However, several differences across gender were identified in self-harm (e.g., in prevalence, methods, functions). Therefore, our study focused on further analyses of the dimensionality of the ISAS functions. Methods: On a Hungarian adolescent sample (N=1015; 66.1% girl; mean age was 16.81, SD=1.42; 41.2% had a history of NSSI) confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling frameworks were used to test the factor structure of the ISAS part II. Results: Results support the two-factor structure of the questionnaire. Intrapersonal and interpersonal motivation factors emerged in the whole sample, but this factor structure varied across gender. Furthermore, among girls, intrapersonal motivation of NSSI associated with higher loneliness, more inflexible emotion regulation, as well as more pronounced level of internalizing and externalizing mental illness symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings are sufficiently strong arguments to the need of separate examination of NSSI functionality among adolescent girls and boys. It can be assumed that there is a gender difference in the motives underlying in NSSI. In addition, precise scanning of patterns of NSSI functions may further help us to identify the most at-risk adolescents regarding self-harm.