bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant- and Animal-Derived Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Improve Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Dyslipidemia
Authors: Liu Hechun , Wang Feng , Li Ying , Xia Hui , Pan Da , Yang Ligang , Wang Shokang , Sun Guiju
Published: October 2020

Objectives To determine the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) from animal and plant sources on glucolipid metabolism and lipoprotein subfractions in type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia. Methods Participants were recruited from the diabetes clinic at the Guanlin Hospital, Yixing City in Jiangsu province, China, from March 2017 through June 2017. Ninety participants were randomly assigned to take 3g/day fish oil (FO, containing EPA and DHA), 3g/day perilla oil (PO, containing ALA), or 3g/day blend oil containing fish oil and linseed oil (BO, containing EPA, DHA and ALA) for 3 months. The levels of serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-peptide, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), non-HDL, apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), lipoprotein a (Lp(a)), and free fatty acids were determined at baseline and after the 3 months. In addition, four fatty acids in serum and red blood cells membranes (RBCm) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Lipoprint System was used to determine the lipoprotein subfractions. Results All 90 participants completed the final 3-month follow-up at the end of the study. After three months of intervention, blood glucose and HbA1c levels in the PO group were significantly lower than those at the baseline (p < 0.05). On the other hand, in the BO group, the HbA1c, non-HDL, Apo A1 and Lp(a) levels were significantly lower, while the C-peptide levels were significantly higher after intervention compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). In the FO group, the HbA1c and TG levels were significantly lower after the intervention compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). In addition, at the end of the study, there was significant increase in the levels of DPA and DHA in serum and RBCm of the FO group (p < 0.05), while in the BO group, there was significant increase in the levels of EPA, DPA and DHA in RBCm (p < 0.05). Finally, the FO group had the highest levels of large HDL subfractions compared to the BO and PO groups, but had the lowest levels of small HDL subfractions among the three groups. Conclusion For patients with diabetes, plant-derived ω-3 PUFAs are more effective at controlling blood glucose than animal-derived ω-3 PUFAs. However, animal-derived ω-3 PUFAs play a critical role in controlling blood lipids. Particularly, fish oil can effectively increase the beneficial large HDL subfractions and reduce the nonbeneficial small HDL subfractions. Both the animal- and plant-derived ω - 3 PUFAs have practical value in improving glucose and lipids metabolism in T2DM patients with dyslipidemia.
Distribution of carbon and nitrogen as indictors of environmental significance in coastal sediments of Weizhou Island, Beibu Gulf
Authors: Tang Zhiyi , Cao Chao , Tang Kunxian , Qi Hongshuai , Sun Yuanmin , Yang Jiangbo , Xie Xinong
Published: October 2020

Carbon and nitrogen contents and their isotopic components and AMS radiocarbon dating ages were measured for 57 coastal sediments from Weizhou Island to analyze the distribution of total inorganic carbon (TIC) and its carbon and oxygen isotopic components (δ13Ccarb and δ18Ocarb), total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents and their stable isotopic components (δ13CTOC and δ15NTN) and environmental significance. The results showed that the oldest age of coastal sediments on Weizhou Island was 2750 cal. a BP, and the average TIC contents of A1, A2, B1, C1, and D1 in the intertidal zone were all greater than 5%, where δ13Ccarb and δ18Ocarb were enriched, while the TIC contents in A3, C2, and D2 of the supra-tidal zone were low, where δ13Ccarb and δ18Ocarb were depleted. Moreover, TIC decreased sharply from the estuary to upstream region in the C1-C2 section. The average C/N ratio was 7.02, and δ13CTOC and δ15NTN were between -14.96‰~-27.26‰ and -14.38‰~4.12‰, respectively. These measurements indicated that the TIC in coastal sediments mainly came from seawater. A1, A2, and B1 in the northern intertidal zone exhibited organic terrestrial signals because of C3 and C4 plant inputs, which proved that the important source of the northern coast of Weizhou Island came from the island. The lacustrine facies deposits were mainly distributed in the upper reaches of the river, the northern coastline was rapidly advancing toward the sea, and part of the southwestern coastal sediments rapidly accumulated to the shore under the influence of a storm surge. The relative sea level of the Weizhou Island area has continuously declined at a rate of approximately 2.07 mm/a, using beach rock as a marker, since the Holocene.
Measuring and Monitoring Sustainability in Listed European Football Clubs: A Value-Added Reporting Perspective
Authors: Faccia Alessio , Mataruna-Dos-Santos Leonardo Josè , Munoz Helù Hussein , Range Daniel
Published: October 2020

Sports are framed within the context of the Olympic spirit and are, therefore, within the vision and mission of the Olympic Committee, aimed at “building a better world”. This is identified as a fundamental value and sustainability is therefore explicitly considered to be a “working principle” of this. In this research an analysis of the performance of professional European football teams publicly listed on stock markets, restating the income statements according to the Value-Added perspective is carried out. This takes into account the effective sustainable contribution in the distribution of added value with reference to the human, structural, debt, infrastructural, and risk capitals of these organisations. The Value-Added Statement is considered as a part of the broader CSR Reporting and can be traced back to the late 1970s. However, it is in widespread contemporary use and is regarded as being both a credible and a tested measure. In this paper, the authors apply a slightly modified and simplified version of this tool to these publicly listed European football clubs as a proxy for wider professional sport. This research demonstrates that, although professional sports clubs are profit-oriented, the distribution of wealth generated by the added value is unbalanced. In most cases, at least in financial terms, shareholders are the most disadvantaged and athletes are the most rewarded.
Effects of Tenascin C on the Integrity of Extracellular Matrix and Skin Aging
Authors: Choi Young Eun , Song Min Ji , Hara Mari , Imanaka-Yoshida Kyoko , Lee Dong Hun , Chung Jin Ho , Lee Seung-Taek
Published: October 2020

Tenascin C (TNC) is an element of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of various tissues, including the skin, and is involved in modulating ECM integrity and cell physiology. Although skin aging is apparently associated with changes in the ECM, little is known about the role of TNC in skin aging. Here we found that Tnc mRNA level was significantly reduced in the skin tissues of aged mice compared with young mice, consistent with reduced TNC protein expression in aged human skin. TNC-large (TNC-L; 330-kDa) and -small (TNC-S; 240-kDa) polypeptides were observed in conditional media from primary dermal fibroblasts. Both recombinant TNC polypeptides, corresponding to TNC-L and TNC-S, increased the expression of type I collagen and reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in fibroblasts. Treatment of fibroblasts with a recombinant TNC polypeptide, corresponding to TNC-L, induced phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3. TNC increased the level of TGF-β1 mRNA and upregulated the expression of type I collagen by activating the TGF-β signaling pathway. In addition, TNC also promoted the expression of type I collagen in fibroblasts embedded in a three-dimensional collagen matrix. Our findings suggest that TNC contributes to the integrity of ECM in young skin and to prevention of skin aging.
Beneficial Roles of Cellulose Patch-Mediated Cell Therapy In Myocardial Infarction: A Preclinical Study
Authors: Simeoni Rossana , Francisco Julio Cesar , Miyague Nelson , irioda Ana Carolina , Souza Carolina Maria , Souza Daiany , Stricker Priscila , Rosa Nádia , Souza Clayton , Mogharbel Bassam Felipe , Guarita-Souza Luiz Cesar , Sierakowski Maria Rita , Abdelwahid Eltyeb , Carvalho Katherine Athayde Teixeira de
Published: October 2020

Biologic scaffolds have become an attractive approach for repairing the infarcted myocardium and have been shown to facilitate constructive remodeling in injured tissues. This study aimed to investigate the possible utilization of bacterial cellulose membrane patch containing cocultured cells to limit the myocardium's post-infarction pathology. Myocardial infarction was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in 45 Wistar rats, and patches with or without cells were attached to the hearts. After one week, the animals underwent echocardiography for assessing ejection fraction and left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes. Following the patch formation, cocultured cells retained viability of >90% over 14 days in culture. The patch was applied to the myocardial surface of the infarcted area after staying 14 days in culture. Interestingly, the bacterial cellulose membrane without cellular treatment showed higher preservation of cardiac dimensions; however, we did not observe improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction of this group compared to coculture treated membranes. Our results demonstrated an important role for bacterial cellulose in supporting cells known to produce cardioprotective soluble factors and may thus provide effective future therapeutic outcomes for patients suffering from ischemic heart disease.
Classification of paralic channel sub-environments in an ancient system using outcrops: The Cretaceous Gallup system, New Mexico, U.S.A.
Authors: Lin Wen , Ferron Curtis , Karner Sean , Bhattacharya Janok P.
Published: October 2020

Distinguishing trunk channels and delta-plain distributary channels in ancient systems can be difficult due to poor or incomplete data (e.g., limited outcrop or sparse well data). Accurate channel classification is required to reconstruct the plan view of channel networks in a paralic fluvio-deltaic system and to quantify source-to-sink systems. Channel formative mechanisms, such as allogenic versus autogenic and avulsion versus bifurcation, also remain equivocal. In this paper we classify channel types and quantify their discharge and dimensions in an ancient paralic depositional system of the Late Cretaceous Gallup system, New Mexico, in a recently developed high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework. Six key facies associations are identified and integrated into a detailed facies architectural analysis using bedding diagrams from two outcrop cliffs. Backwater lengths are calculated and used for interpretation of channel forming mechanisms and classification of channel types. Two types of channels are interpreted in the study area: meandering fluvial avulsive distributary channels formed in the upstream backwater region in an upper delta plain with a paleodischarge of 280–410 m3/s, and terminal distributary channels in a subaqueous lower delta plain with a paleodischarge of 80–190 m3/s. The results show that upper-delta-plain fluvial distributary channels are formed by erosive avulsion and resemble fluvial meandering rivers characterized by laterally accreting point bars and a wide range of paleocurrents, whereas terminal distributary channels are formed by both avulsion and bifurcation and show more aggradation with lateral confinement and relatively larger width-to-depth ratios of individual channel stories. The quantification of channels and their depositional system provides new data from a well-known ancient system for the global database and comparison with other modern and ancient systems.
Hierarchical scales of soft-sediment deformation in erg deposits, Lower Jurassic Navajo Sandstone, Moab area, Utah, U.S.A.
Authors: Chan Marjorie A. , Hasiotis Stephen T. , Parrish Judith Totman
Published: October 2020

Extensive soft-sediment deformation (SSD) of multiple expressions and scales record active and dynamic events and processes in erg deposits of the Lower Jurassic Navajo Sandstone near Moab, Utah. The erg deposits preserve depositional environments of eolian dune, interdune, fluvial, playa, lake, and spring. A large range of SSD features, from intact beds showing little deformation to pervasively disturbed beds, exist in many of these deposits. A simplified classification index captures the different scales of SSD in ascending order of deformation intensity: 1) mostly intact bedding with small-scale wavy or undulatory deformation structures within single beds; 2) dish and flame structures; 3) meter-scale, kinked, slumped, rolled, overturned, vertical, and detached contorted crossbedding, and associated centimeter- to meter-scale pipes; and 4) disruptive diapirs and laterally extensive massive sandstone. The SSD features of deformed crossbed sets, diapirs, and massive sandstone beds, are consistently juxtaposed, and are thus genetically linked.

Although the Navajo Sandstone has been considered a classic example of an extensive dry eolian system, both individual and combinations of strata bounded SSD features exemplify dynamic deformation, liquefaction, and fluidization that took place at various times after deposition. The lowest degree of deformation, SSD 1, is largely attributed to autogenic––inherent to the eolian system––or local allogenic processes. Larger degrees of deformation, SSD 2–4, were more likely produced by allogenic, external-forcing processes from regional changes in climate and/or near-surface groundwater conditions originating from the Uncompahgre uplift, with the deformation triggered by some event(s). Possible significant ground motion could have led to large-scale disruption in the Navajo sand sea across kilometer-scale intervals. The Navajo example establishes valuable hierarchical relationships of processes and products for recognizing and interpreting SSD in other ancient and modern eolian systems. This has particular relevance to sedimentary discoveries on Mars, where SSD features are visible from remote sensing imagery and rover exploration.
Attic Oil Recovery in the Alvheim Field
Authors: Langaas Kåre , Urazovskaya Oxana , Gueze Nicolas , Jeurissen Emile
Published: October 2020

The Boa and Kameleon accumulations in the Alvheim field have thin oil rims developed with long horizontal wells. Several of the latest wells are characterized as attic infill wells, drilled in the remaining oil rim, close to the gas cap, and shallower than the early wells. Autonomous inflow control technology is a key enabler for these wells. This paper describes the design, execution and performance review of a Boa attic well.

This well combined passive and autonomous inflow control devices (AICD). The AICDs used were tested with Alvheim fluid in the laboratory. A clear lower completion strategy was essential in the planning and execution of this well, e.g. to use AICD close to the gas cap and to design inflow linked to estimated oil per drainage area. 4D seismic interpretation, pilot wells information and deep resistivity logging while drilling were other critical factors to plan and optimize the well path. Tracers were mounted in the sand screens to monitor clean-up, inflow per zone and the onset of water production. The steady state inflow model was used extensively in the execution and review phases.

Pilot wells information and logging while drilling enabled successful geo-steering. During the drilling phase, the steady-state model was updated with the as-drilled information and the lower completion design adjusted to get what was estimated to be an optimal inflow. Tracers sampled during the clean-up indicated good clean-up of the entire well. The initial well performance with no water and low free gas amounts gave a larger pressure drop than expected. A later tracer based chemical PLT gave also slightly different results than expected. Pressure data, tracer data, log data and the effective multi-phase AICD model were thoroughly investigated to derive scenarios, that could explain this discrepancy. The most likely scenario gives a good history match for both pressure and tracers and gives extra insight into key reservoir parameters, zonal inflow and the effective behavior of the AICDs during multi-phase flow.

The well has exceeded pre-drill production rate expectations, despite the larger than expected pressure drop. This is partly explained by the autonomous choking on gas inflow along the wellbore. The post-review evaluation enables continuous improvements for Alvheim and similar fields.
A Structured Approach of Reliability Demonstration Test in the Development of Electromechanical Remotely Operated Downhole Control Device for Increased Operations Efficiency
Authors: Chakkungal Joseph , Christie Michael John , Shrivastava Pankaj
Published: October 2020

The remotely operated electromechanical control device (ECD) is coupled to an open-close valve that would normally require hydraulic lines from surface. With each function of the valve, an intervention is eliminated, which increases operational efficiency and saves rig time. As these devices are permanently installed in severe downhole environments, design-in reliability is paramount. Reliability demonstration test (RDT) is a key element of the design-for-reliability process to verify that the product satisfies the system reliability target. This paper presents a structured RDT approach to demonstrate the reliability of a remotely operated ECD in a cost- and time-efficient manner.

The reliability target of the ECD was established based on the tasks requirements (open-close functions), well conditions, and mission life. Key subassemblies of the ECD were identified, and a system reliability target was allocated to the subsystem level using a weight factor-based approach. A test-to-success methodology was used to design the RDT of individual subassemblies by identifying the underlying failure mechanism, applicable test stresses, and acceleration factors. A parametric cumulative binomial test design model was used to optimize the test parameters, such as sample size, test time, and number of valve open-close functions.

Conducting a system reliability test is often cost prohibitive. Therefore, performing a reliability test at the subsystem level is an alternative approach of verifying system reliability. Reliability allocation weight factors are determined based on the cost, time, and relative difficulty in testing the design feature. Aging parameters were found to be the number of valve open-close functions based on the underlying tasks, operating time, and well environment (temperature).

This paper highlights the structured methodology and application requirements of RDT to meet the mission reliability target of a remotely operated ECD. A comprehensive reliability target was established based on the underlying tasks, operating time, and well environment. A combination of overstress (temperature) and use-rate accelerations was used in the test design. An optimum value assessment of test design parameters was performed for developing a cost-effective test design. The approach and benefits of structured reliability test design are discussed in the paper.
High-Frequency, Azimuthal, Sonic LWD Tool Helps to Improve Compressional Velocity Processing in Formations with Harsh Logging Conditions: Case Study
Authors: Narayan Acharya Mihira , Al-Mershed Abdul Mohsen , Abdulkarim Anar
Published: October 2020

The oil and gas industry drills wells in harsher conditions year after year. Besides drilling challenges, these harsh conditions make it difficult to obtain accurate and consistent petrophysical measurements, particularly sonic and density data, because of high temperature, high pressure, and high mud weight (MW) in highly deviated wells.

Such conditions, in particular the high MW, attenuate sonic waves significantly, affecting the detection of sonic arrivals as well as ultrasonic caliper measurements. In addition, extremely high MW affects density data and invalidates photoelectric effect (Pe) measurements because of the high barite content. The Pe is typically used as an input to volumetric lithology interpretations in a four-mineral model. When the Pe is unreliable, sonic velocities can be applied to the interpretation workflow instead, if they are accurate. This paper discusses engineering solutions for software and hardware challenges and operational and technical aspects of acquiring the sonic log in combination with conventional triple-combo data.

As a result of the introduction of a high-frequency sonic logging-while-drilling (LWD) tool and advanced processing techniques, signal coherence tripled from an initial 0.3 (30%) to almost 0.9 (90%), significantly improving the quality of the data. Additionally, ultrasonic caliper coverage quadrupled from 25 to 100% of the logging interval, compared to previous runs in offset wells.

Furthermore, acoustic velocities play an important role as an input to geomechanical models, which study the stress regime and allow for estimation of rock moduli. Thus, an azimuthal acoustic tool measuring velocities 360° around the borehole provides information on formation stress anisotropy. Estimating formation rock moduli requires accurate density and acoustic properties provided by high- frequency sonic measurements.

For wells with inclination greater than 60°, it becomes difficult to run wireline logging. Therefore, LWD quad combo with a high-frequency, azimuthal acoustic tool is a viable solution for this environment. Additionally, it is advantageous that formation-evaluation measurements can be acquired while in drilling mode, saving rig time and reducing well-construction costs.
Driving Operations Efficiency Through Right Skilling and Remote Operations
Authors: Khan Awes Ahmed , Hamre Irene Brekne , Nabili Asal
Published: October 2020

Operation Efficiency and reduced well cost has been the focus in the oil & gas industry since as long as the industry has existed. The parameters of measuring the efficiency and the KPIs have evolved overtime. Historically, KPIs have been in a single domain of either maximizing the ROP from the bit, drilling the section in a single trip, increasing hole stability with performance drilling fluids, moving rigs in record time within the HSE boundaries and extracting the last barrels from brown field developments. With initiatives in the industry, such as reducing the carbon footprint, decrease the POB on hardship locations and deploying technology to assist in conventional operations, the scope of operational efficiency has expanded beyond just a single domain.

The latest advancements in digitization and technology are making virtual presence a reality. This emerging capability aided in transforming conventional offshore day-to-day operations into a new model based on maximizing remote operations. Implementing these models successfully requires collaboration and change management from all stakeholders as it challenges the status quo of the historical oilfield careers. Additionally, it requires a comprehensive look into existing standard procedures, as well as calls for the appropriate risk mitigation measures to ensure safe transition to this new operational model.

This paper will discuss the role of technology in enabling this new operational model. It will provide a detailed skill mapping of offshore tasks to transfer to remote onshore centers as well as a comprehensive gap analysis to prescribe the required training to address those gaps. Finally, it will also present the milestones achieved in operational efficiency resulting from the implementation of the new model.

This paper will present in detail the Right Skilled operational roles that enable new operational model to be implemented in spirit and add the efficiencies in execution.
A Rapid, Simple, Portable Tool to Design and Analyse the Value of Inflow Control Devices ICD and Autonomous Inflow Control Devices AICD
Authors: Prakasa Bona , Corona Gina , Allen Clifford
Published: October 2020

The criticality and a means of modelling latest generation wells employing Inflow Control Device (ICD) and Autonomous Inflow Control Device (AICD) completions providing solutions to the production constraints encountered in multi-reservoir contact wells is presented in this paper. ICD-AICD wells enable a better-distributed production/injection from/into different reservoir zones/layers by adding a passive and or autonomous downhole restriction. ICD-AICD technology thereby enables more efficient field development by improving sweep efficiency, potentially reducing the number of production/injection wells required and maintaining well longevity and profitability.

Modelling the completion interaction with the reservoir is critical to determine the incremental value of applying such technology. This being achieved by coupling the wellbore model, which includes the lower completion, to the reservoir properties. The modelling technique, a grid-based numerical well/reservoir simulation, necessitates knowledgeable personnel and detailed, sometimes uncertain, geological data. The multiple model iterations required when using ICD-AICD technology further increases the reservoir simulators' computing time.

A new tool was developed to design and analyse ICD-AICD efficiency, bridging between a simple steady-state inflow snapshot evaluation and a full dynamic reservoir simulation. The new model uses the proven classical method of fractional flow, combined with the performance of specific flow control devices installed in the well. This allows fast forecasting of the production profile and oil recovery, as well as optimizing ICD-AICD configuration at the well design stage.

The proposed workflow is implemented as either a production forecast or a diagnostic tool for an ICD-AICD well in an immiscible gas or aquifer-supported oil field. It provides one missing link between today's ICD-AICD design workflows and the long-term value evaluation of a specific design when a full reservoir simulation is either not available or too time consuming. The method's transparency and ease of implementation of its algorithms can make it a useful tool for well and reservoir engineers to design and analyse the value of ICD-AICD devices.
Well Design Changes Extend Well Life in Subsiding Overburden at Valhall From 7 to 24 Years
Authors: Kristiansen Tron Golder
Published: October 2020

Normal casing design in the oil and gas industry is based on uniform pressure load cases, where the load cases are given by the pressure of various fluids and gases that can be encountered during various scenarios during the well life. In some cases, the exploitation for oil and gas can result in substantial changes in in-situ rock stress and resulting deformations in the subsurface that will result in other types of loads on the well structure. An overview of various well structure/tubular deformation modes experienced in the oil and gas industry is given by Dusseault, et al.,2001. There do also exist a substantial literature of tubular deformations in wells going through salt. A summary of some of these cases is given by Willson et. al, 2003.

The Valhall case, from the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) discussed here in this paper, is one type of reservoirs where casing and liners have been deformed. The Valhall type of reservoirs are the ones with large amounts of reservoir compaction that result in large enough deformation in the overlaying overburden to deform casing and liners. Typical reservoirs experiencing this are chalk, diatomite and HPHT reservoirs, but also others with large depletion, weak reservoir rocks, very thick reservoirs or a combination of these attributes. The documentation of the Valhall case is therefore applicable to many reservoirs in the industry.

This paper documents the Valhall case from the first observations of deformations in the overburden, including cases with production of overburden shale and clay through damaged tubulars. We also present the most important parts of the work that was performed to understand the mechanisms causing the deformations. Then we present the well design changes that one selected to implement, like steel grades, thickness/diameter (t/D)-ratio and concentric cemented liner laps. Some of this was covered in Kristiansen et al., 2000. We also present a prioritized list of design options in terms of their impact on well life. We also look at how the results of these design changes is estimated to have increased the average well life at Valhall from 7 to more than 24 years around 20 years after the changes to the well design had been implemented.
Perception Of Oral Hygiene Practices And Dental Treatment Permissible During Fasting Amongst Dental Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study In Pakistan
Authors: Tariq Khaloud , Hassan Arooj Ul , Hassan Muhammad , Din Shahab Ud , Arooj Zunaira , Baig Moghees A.
Published: October 2020

Background:
Fasting places prohibitions on eating and drinking for a certain period of time. Although many dental treatments have been said to be safe and can be performed while fasting, other may result in breaking of fast. The study aims to evaluate the perception of dental patients of Lahore, Pakistan regarding effect of such treatments and hygiene measures during fasting.

Methods :
It was a cross-sectional survey carried out in 2 dental teaching hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan from September- October 2018. Patients were asked to complete a self-administered structured questionnaire developed to assess the knowledge regarding dental treatments, and hygiene practices while fasting. The questionnaire consisted of 7 items regarding the influence of dental treatments such as filling, scaling, and extraction etc. on fasting. Questions were also added regarding maintenance of oral hygiene such as brushing and its effect on fast. Frequencies and percentages are used to display results. Chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis to estimate difference between gender, and educational status with perception of procedures breaking fast.

Results :
Out of 415 responses, 374 were included for analysis. About 76.2% respondents believed that undergoing extraction broke fast. Scaling was thought to nullify the fast by 45.5% of respondents. 52.9% perceived root canal treatment to break fast along with 67.6%, who believed anaesthesia administration broke fast. As far as oral hygiene was concerned, brushing was reported to break fast by 57.5% with the use of mouthwash invalidating fast by 63.4%.
Conclusion :
The respondents were generally aware of some procedures not breaking fast however, most thought that administration of anaesthesia, undergoing root canal treatment, and extraction invalidated fast. Also, hygiene maintenance measures such as brushing and use of mouthwash during was also thought to break fast. It is imperative that the healthcare providers should be familiar with the effect of dental treatments and oral hygiene measures on fasting state that can influence the treatment plan of the patients.
CatBoost for Big Data: an Interdisciplinary Review
Authors: Hancock John , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M
Published: October 2020

Gradient Boosted Decision Trees (GBDT’s) are a powerful tool for classiﬁcation and regression tasks in Big Data. Researchers should be familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of current implementations of GBDT’s in order to use them eﬀectively and make successful contributions. CatBoost is a member of the family of GBDT machine learning ensemble techniques. Since its debut in late 2018, researchers have successfully used CatBoost for machine learning studies involving Big Data. We take this opportunity to review recent research on CatBoost as it relates to Big Data, and learn best practices from studies that cast CatBoost in a positive light, as well as studies where CatBoost does not outshine other techniques, since we can learn lessons from both types of scenarios. Furthermore, as a Decision Tree based algorithm, CatBoost is well-suited to machine learning tasks involving categorical, heterogeneous data. Recent work across multiple disciplines illustrates CatBoost’s eﬀectiveness and shortcomings in classiﬁcation and regression tasks. Another important issue we expose in literature on CatBoost is its sensitivity to hyper-parameters and the importance of hyper-parameter tuning. One contribution we make is to take an interdisciplinary approach to cover studies related to CatBoost in a single work. This provides researchers an in-depth understanding to help clarify proper application of CatBoost in solving problems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the ﬁrst survey that studies all works related to CatBoost in a single publication.
Knockdown of RNF6 Inhibits Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells Growth by Suppressing the MAPK/ERK Signaling
Authors: Zhu Kang , Bai He , Mu Mingzhu , Xue Yuanyuan , Duan Zhao
Published: October 2020

Background

Given its crucial role in human malignancies, how Ring finger protein 6 (RNF6) functions in cervical cancer has yet to be elucidated. In our research, we explored the biological significance of RNF6 in cervical cancer HeLa cells and its possible regulatory mechanism.
Methods

The expression levels of RNF6 mRNA and protein in cervical cancer tissues and cells were both analyzed, the former by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and the latter by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry assays. In vitro cell proliferation was tested through MTT assay and flow cytometer was used to detected Cell apoptosis. The activation of ERK(extracellular signal regulated kinase) was explored by Western Blot.
Results

In the present research, we found that the expression of RNF6 was high in both primary tissues and cervical cancer cells. RNF6 could promote cervical cancer HeLa cells growth. Once knockdown of RNF6 in cervical cancer cells, cell proliferation could be suppressed and cell apoptosis was promoted. Moreover, its elevation had an adverse effect on the prognosis of cervical cancer. Further studies showed that ERK activation is one of the potential mechanisms.
Conclusion

These findings provided evidence that the up-regulated RNF6 could activate the MAPK/ERK pathway to regulate the cell growth in cervical cancer, which suggested that RNF6 could be a promising target for diagnosis and treatment for cervical cancer.
An Overall Trend of Headache Remission during COVID-19 Pandemic for Chinese Patients with Pre-existing Headache Highlights the Role of Family Supports
Authors: Gong Qiaoyu , Liu Shuping , Li Ruiting , Yao Lihua , xiao Zheman
Published: October 2020

Background: Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Chinese patients with pre-existing headache remains unclear. The present study investigated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on headache patients in China.Methods: A survey was conducted through an online survey platform from June 6, 2020. Demographic characteristics, PHQ-9 scores, ISI scores, COVID-19 questionnaires and headache profile section were included in the online questionnaires.Results: Eventually a total of 15,000 participants from China completed the online questionnaire. Among them, 2806 participants (18.71%) had preexisting headache disorders. Our analysis showed a reality of those participants with remission of headache duration (3.414±6.859 vs 4.033±7.325, P=0.000), headache days per month (1.788±2.989 vs 2.092±3.694, P=0.000), and headache intensity (4.110±1.609 vs 4.290±1.680, P=0.000), during COVID-19. Smoking (OR=1.397, 95% CI 1.090 to 1.790, P=0.008) and getting support from family members during the social isolation (OR=1.656, 95% CI 1.075 to 2.550, P=0.022) were the independent factors of remission in headache duration. Education level (OR=1.478, 95% CI 1.103 to 1.980, P=0.009) and having relative or acquaintance got COVID-19 (OR=0.643, 95% CI 0.458 to 0.902, P=0.011) were the independent factors of remission in headache severity. And participants living in Wuhan area, having COVID-19 symptoms or COVID-19 diagnosis and having relative or acquaintance got COVID-19 are more likely to get headache deteriorated.Conclusions: Participants presented an overall trend of headache remission during COVID-19. Family supports played an important role in headache remission.
Blink Synchronized Brain Activation: Association With Ascending Arousal Network
Authors: Demiral Şükrü Barış , Liu Christopher , Benveniste Helene , Tomasi Dardo , Volkow Nora
Published: October 2020

Eye-blinking has been implicated in arousal and attention. Here we test the hypothesis that, blinking-moments represent arousal transitions associated with activation of the ascending arousal network (AAN) and its thalamic projections. For this purpose, we explored the temporal relationship between eye-blinks and fMRI BOLD activity in the AAN and thalamus during a choice-reward task and an eyes-open resting state. We show that during the task, blinks were associated with activation of AAN and thalamic nuclei at the blink moment. During rest, peaks of AAN and thalamic nuclei were not synchronized and appeared weaker except for the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Our findings of an association between eye blinks and activation of the AAN and thalamus provides strong evidence in support of the role of eye blinking in arousal transitions that are influenced by cognitive states. It also corroborates the involvement of the dopaminergic VTA nucleus in eye blinking.
Entanglement and Bell Inequalities : No Correlation
Authors: Scarzafava Eugene
Published: October 2020

Claims that entanglement, or non-local interaction ("spooky action-at-a-distance), has been experimentally proven are false. The claims are based entirely on the fact that the results of experiments performed to test that issue (EPR-Bohm experiments) violate various theoretical inequalities (Bell Inequalities).The various Bell Inequalities used to interpret the results of EPR-Bohm experiments are shown to be inappropriate for such experiments. The inequalities do not correctly provide for the correlation between the particles in each pair, which is the essence of such experiments; and therefore the inequalities are irrelevant. Claims that the results of such experiments, because they violate the inequalities, require the conclusion that the measurement of one particle in an "entangled" pair can instantly affect the state of its partner, even at great distances, are untrue and need to be modified.
Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential and the Suitability of Neutron Beams Designed for Clinical BNCT
Authors: Postuma Ian , Gonzalez Sara , Herrera Maria , Provenzano Lucas , Ferrarini Michele , Magni Chiara , Protti Nicoletta , Setareh Fatemi , Vercesi Valerio , Battistoni Giuseppe , Tambur1ni Umberto Anselmi , Liu Yuan Hao , Kankaanranta Leena , Koivunoro Hanna , Altieri Saverio , Bortolussi Silva
Published: October 2020

The standard of neutron beam quality for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) of deep-seated tumours is currently deﬁned by its physical characteristics in air: the epithermal neutron ﬂux, the ratio of thermal and epithermal neutron ﬂux, the fast neutron and photon dose contamination, and the beam collimation. Traditionally, the beam design consists in tailoring a Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA) able to deliver a neutron beam with the recommended values of these ﬁgures of merit (FOMs). This work investigated the possibility to produce an epithermal neutron beam able to guarantee the best clinical performance for deep-seated tumours, starting from a 5 MeV, 30 mA proton beam coupled to a beryllium target. Diﬀerent Beam Shaping Assemblies were designed using those physical FOMs which, however, were not enough to establish a clear ranking of the diﬀerent beams, nor to describe their clinical relevance. To go beyond this traditional approach, beams were then evaluated employing new criteria based on the dose distributions obtained in-phantom and on the calculation of the Uncomplicated Tumour Control Probability (UTCP). Such radiobiological FOM allows establishing the therapeutic potential of the beams. Moreover, we included the concept of suitability as a criterion to select the safest BSA design, calculating the in-patient out-of-beam dosimetry. The clinical relevance of the selected beam was ﬁnally tested in the treatment planning of a clinical case treated at the FiR 1 beam in Finland, where several patients have safely and successfully received BNCT in the last years. Despite the selected beam does not comply with all the standard physical recommendations, it shows a therapeutic potential comparable and even better than that of FiR 1. This conﬁrms that establishing the performance of a beam cannot rely only on its physical characteristics, but requires additional criteria able to predict the clinical outcome of a BNCT treatment.
WITHDRAWN: A study of bladder filling consistency before and during the radiotherapy for pelvic cancer
Authors: Feng Xin , Chen Qianyi , Huang Sijuan , Wu Jiaying , Zheng Wanjia , Li Yaning , Li Junyun , Li Cunxiao , Chi Feng , Cao Xinping , Yang Xin
Published: October 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the consistency of bladder filling before and during radiotherapy for pelvic cancer patients.Methods: Before radiotherapy, 105 patients followed a strict bladder protocol of consuming 540mL of water immediately after emptying the bladder. Bladderscan device BVI 9400 was used after emptying bladder and measured every 30 minutes until the bladder volume achieve 400mL. When emptying, half an hour and 1 hour after drinking, chief complaint of urgency, the actual bladder volume and corresponding time were described as: U0, t0; U0.5, t0.5; U1, t1; Ut, t; UT, T. During radiotherapy, 18 patients were randomly selected from 105 patients. They were instructed to keep the same pattern of suppressing urination during the following radiotherapy. The chief complaint of urgency during radiotherapy was observed and recorded. The relative bladder volume was as close as possible to (50%,155%).Results: Before radiotherapy, patients were no statistically difference between U1 (P=0.177) and UT (P=0.052) in the Immobilization, Simulation CT scan, X-ray Simulation. Bladder volume was concentrated at 298-526mL. There was no statistical difference between Ut and UT in X-ray Simulation(P=0.198). Patients emptied bladder volume for 75.2±49.9min, Ut=331.2±140.3mL. During radiotherapy, 18 (18/105) patients received a total of 450 bladder volume (18*25). UP and UT were statisticall different (P<0.05), and the difference was 17.81%. The overall relative bladder volume was negatively correlated with the number of radiotherapy (r = -0.5726, p = 0.0028) and the consistency rate was 82.89% (373/450). 15 patients (15/18) passed, and the consistency rate was 96% (360/375). 3 patients (3/18) failed, and the consistency rate was 17.33% (13/75). The consistency rate had no linear correlations with age (P = 0.2741). Conclusions: U1 was consistent in the Immobilization, Simulation CT scan, X-ray Simulation and during inter-fraction radiotherapy. This indicates that the consistency range is reasonable. Relative bladder volume between (50%,155%) can determine whether the bladder filling of patients with pelvic cancer is consistent with the planned bladder volume before radiotherapy.
Comparative Genomic and Phenotypic Analyses of Pathogenic Fungi Neoscytalidium Dimidiatum and Bipolaris Papendorfii, Isolated From Human Skin Scraping
Authors: Kuan Chee Sian , Ng Kee Peng , Yew Su Mei , Meleh Hadiza Umar , Seow Heng Fong , How Kang Nien , Yeo Siok Koon , Jee Jap Meng , Tan Yung-Chie , Yee Wai-Yan , Hoh Chee-Choong , Velayuthan Rukumani Devi , Na Shiang Ling , Masri Siti Norbaya , Chew Shu Yih , Than Leslie Thian Lung
Published: October 2020

Background: Neoscytalidium dimidiatum and Bipolaris species are fungal plant pathogens that have been reported to cause human diseases. Recently, we have isolated numerous N. dimidiatum and Bipolaris species from the skin scrapings and nails of different patients. In this work, we have sequenced the genome of one strain of N. dimidiatum. The sequenced genome was compared to that of a previously reported Bipolaris papendorfii genome for a better understanding of their complex lifestyle and broad host-range pathogenicity. Results: Their 33-43 Mb genomes include 11,015-12,320 putative coding DNA sequences, of which 0.51-2.49 are predicted transposable elements. Analysis of secondary metabolism gene clusters revealed several melanin biosynthetic genes and genes involved in fungal iron uptake. The arsenal of CAZymes related to plants pathogenicity is comparable between the species, including genes involved in hemicellulose and pectin decomposition. Several important genes-encoding keratinolytic peptidases were identified in N. dimidiatum and B. papendorfii, reflecting their potential pathogenic role in causing skin and nail infections. In this study, additional information on the metabolic features of these two species, such as nutritional profiling, pH tolerance, and osmotolerant are revealed. Conclusions: The genomic characterization of N. dimidiatum and B. papendorfii provides the basis for the future functional studies to gain further insights as to what makes these fungi persist in plants and why they are pathogenic to humans.
Bee's Honeys With High Concentration of Dicarbonyl Molecules Are Rich in Vitamin C and Deficient in Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: ALaerjani Wed Mohammed Ali , Al-Musa Amal Ahmed Ali , Mohammed Mohammed Elimam
Published: October 2020

The altitude is well known to affect the temperature, parometric and oxygen pressure and the amount of UV radiation which affect the bees and the physicochemical properties of bee's honey. This study investigated the relations between the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, vitamin C and dicarbonyl molecules in honey samples from different floral origins and altitudes. Ten Ziziphus and twenty Acacia honey samples were collected directly from their bee farms. The hydrogen peroxide and vitamin C were measured using redox titartions while the dicarbonyl molecules concnetration was determined spectrophotometerically. The results were statisticaly analyzed by the ANOVA and t-test of the SPSS. The mean concentration of vitamin C in the Acacia and Ziziphus honey samples were 275.14± 82.3 and 239.16± 91.5 mg/100g, respectively. The mean hydrogen peroxide percentages in the Acacia and Ziziphus honey samples were 2.66± 0.81 and 4.94± 1.85%, respectively. The mean concentrations of the dicarbonyl molecules in the Acacia and Ziziphus were 324.62± 291.03 and 115.75± 94.9 mg/Kg, respectively. Significant variations were reported in the case of the hydrogen peroxide and the dicarbonyl molecules concentrations in the Acacia and Ziziphus honeys (p- values = 0.004 and 0.007, respectively). The altitude significantly afected the studied parameters. Honeys rich in dicarbonyl molecules have a high concentration of vitamin C and low content of hydrogen peroxide.