bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Step Upscaling of Sub-Seismic Geo-Heterogeneity with Flow-Rate-And Direction Dependent Saturation Functions
Authors: Youssef AbdAllah A. , Shao Qi , Matthäi Stephan K.
Published: March 2023

Saturation distributions that ensue when supercritical CO2 is injected into heterogeneous porous sedimentary rocks depend on the local balance between viscous, gravitational, and capillary forces. This balance varies among different constituent rock types, and there is mounting evidence that this variation needs to be accounted for when modelling relative permeability and capillary pressure between capillary (CL) and viscous limit (VL) two-phase flow. Here we present field data-based numeric-simulation research upscaling such novel rate-dependent, directional functions to the permeability REV of the sedimentary rock to determine the injection behaviour of the fluvio-deltaic Parraatte formation at the CO2CRC's Otway International Test Centre, Australia. The flow of CO2-water along a high-resolution (0.05 m 1 m) vertical cross-section between two wells, spaced 640 meters apart is simulated and upscaled in two stages. The passage of the saturation front through the studied cross-section is analyzed for different line-drive rates, and dynamic drainage relative permeability curves are measured in REV scale sampling windows placed at different locations on the cross section. This analysis delivers full tensor-type dynamic relative permeability curves also accounting for buoyancy-driven flow. These REV scale functions are the macroscopic expression of unstable displacement, and heterogeneity-induced fingering of the CO2 phase, diminishing sweep and promoting early breakthrough at average saturations of 5-15%. The practical importance and workflow implications of these rate-dependent, tensorial saturation functions are explored.
Integrated Framework for Optimization of Horizontal/Deviated Well Placement and Control for Geological CO2 Storage
Authors: Zou Amy , Durlofsky Louis J.
Published: March 2023

A general framework for optimizing the locations and time-varying injection rates of a set of monobore wells for geological carbon storage is presented and applied. Two objective functions, minimization of mobile CO2 fraction at the end of the operation, and maximization of storage efficiency, are considered. Appropriate linear and nonlinear constraints, involving the geometry of the well configuration, injection rates, and injected mass (for pressure management), are specified. Two derivative-free algorithms, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution (DE), are applied and assessed. The various constraints are treated using a preprocessing repair procedure, penalty functions, and a filter method. The framework utilizes multifidelity optimization, in which increasing levels of grid resolution are applied during the course of the optimization run. For the minimization of mobile CO2 fraction, the multifidelity approach is compared with high-resolution optimization. This treatment is shown to outperform high-resolution PSO and DE optimization in terms of both solution quality and computational requirements. The multifidelity DE optimization case provides the best (feasible) solution, with 0.090 mobile CO2 fraction at 200 years, which represents a 68% improvement over a heuristic base-case. For the second objective function, multifidelity PSO provides a design that results in a storage efficiency of 0.074, which is about double the base-case value. For both objective functions, the optimized solutions contain horizontal and deviated wells placed near the bottom of the storage aquifer. The well configurations are much different for the two objective functions, with wells more closely spaced, resulting in a single merged plume, for the storage efficiency maximization case. For the mobile CO2 minimization case, by contrast, wells are separated and pulsed, which facilitates dissolution and residual trapping.
Strongly Coupled Prolongation in Multiscale Pressure Solver for High-Contrast Heterogeneous Reservoir Simulation
Authors: Watanabe Shingo , Natvig Jostein , Tomin Pavel
Published: March 2023

The key idea with multiscale methods for reservoir simulation is to construct a set of prolongation operators that interpolate solutions from a coarse spatial resolution to the grid resolution. Efficient multiscale methods need prolongation operators that accurately represent flow at the grid resolution. For high-contrast models, it is especially important that this flow interpolation is confined within high-contrast boundaries. In this paper, we present an improved algorithm to construct multiscale prolongation operators that better capture strong contrasts in geological properties. Specifically, to construct effective prolongation operators, the improved algorithm first finds dominant flow directions by comparing the values of connection transmissibility in a neighborhood, then emphasizes the interpolation along these dominant directions and ignores the interpolation in transverse direction if connection transmissibility is weak.

The new algorithm is implemented in a commercial reservoir simulator that also provides a commercial implementation of a state-of-the-art multiscale method. The advantage of the new algorithm is demonstrated using synthetic and real reservoir models with high-contrast features. We also analyze the interpolation errors of poorly constructed prolongation operators for such models to identify the root cause of the slow linear solver convergence rate. With the new algorithm, we obtain better linear and nonlinear convergence rates in the pressure solver and shorter simulation time than with a previously published state-of-the-art multiscale method.

For completeness, we also benchmark our multiscale pressure solver performance against a standard algebraic multigrid (AMG) fine-scale pressure solver, and we highlight differences in linear solver convergence and computational efficiency. Finally, we demonstrate that the new algorithm is beneficial for a real high-contrast heterogeneous field model.
Dynamic Mesh Adaptivity and Novel Stopping Criterion Guided by a Posteriori Error Estimates for Coupled Geomechanics Using Mixed Finite Element Method for Flow
Authors: Wheeler Mary , Girault Vivette , Li Hanyu
Published: March 2023

Flow coupled with geomechanics problems has gathered increased research interest due to its resemblance to engineering applications, such as unconventional reservoir development, by incorporating multiple physics. Computations for the system of such a multiphysics model is often costly. In this paper, we introduce a posteriori error estimators to guide dynamic mesh adaptivity and to determine a novel stopping criterion for the fixed-stress split algorithm to improve computational efficiency.

Previous studies for flow coupled with geomechanics have shown that local mass conservation for the flow equation is critical to the solution accuracy of multiphase flow and reactive transport models, making mixed finite element method an attractive option. Such a discretization maintains local mass conservation by enforcing the constitutive equation in strong form and can be readily incorporated into existing finite volume schemes, that are standard in the reservoir simulation community. Here, we introduced a posteriori error estimators derived for the coupled system with the flow and mechanics solved by mixed method and continuous Galerkin respectively. The estimators are utilized to guide the dynamic mesh adaptivity. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the estimators on computational improvement by a fractured reservoir example. The adaptive method only requires 20% of the degrees of freedom as compared to fine scale simulation to obtain an accurate solution.

To avoid solving enormous linear systems from the monolithic approach, a fixed-stress split algorithm is often adopted where the flow equation is resolved first assuming a constant total mean stress, followed by the mechanics equation. The implementation of such a decoupled scheme often involves fine tuning the convergence criterion that is case sensitive. Previous work regarding error estimators with the flow equation solved by Enriched Galerkin proposed a novel stopping criterion that balances the algorithmic error with the discretization error. The new stopping criterion does not require fine tuning and avoids over iteration. In this paper, we extend such a criterion to the flow solved by mixed method and further confirm its validity.
A Practical Approach to Select Representative Deterministic Models Using Multi-Objective Optimization from an Integrated Uncertainty Quantification Workflow
Authors: Gao Guohua , Lu Hao , Wang Kefei , Jost Sean , Shaikh Shakir , Vink Jeroen , Blom Carl , Wells Terence , Saaf Fredrik
Published: March 2023

Selecting a set of deterministic (e.g., P10, P50 and P90) models is an important and difficult step in any uncertainty quantification workflow. In this paper, we propose to use multi-objective optimization to find a reasonable balance between often conflicting features that must be captured by these models. We embed this approach into a streamlined uncertainty quantification workflow that seamlessly integrates multi-realization history-matching (MHM), production forecasting with uncertainty ranges and representative, deterministic model selection.

Some uncertain parameters strongly impact simulated responses representing historic (production) data and are selected as active parameters for history-matching, whereas others are important only for forecasting. An ensemble of conditional realizations of active history match parameters is generated in the MHM stage using a distributed optimizer, integrated with either randomized-maximum-likelihood (RML) or Gaussian-mixture-model (GMM). This ensemble is extended with unconditional realizations of forecast parameters generated by sampling from their prior distribution. Based on production forecasting results from simulations of this ensemble representing the posterior uncertainty distribution, representative (P10/P50/P90) models are selected using multi-objective optimization.

In addition to matching target values of the primary and a few secondary key performance indicators (e.g., cumulative oil/gas/water production, recovery factor, etc.), selected representative models often must satisfy other requirements or constraints, e.g., the value of some key parameters must be within a user specified tight range. It can be quite difficult to find a set of representative models that satisfy all requirements. Even more challenging, some requirements may be conflicting with others such that no single model can satisfy all requirements. To overcome these technical difficulties, this paper proposes formulating different requirements and constraints as objectives and applying a multi-objective optimization strategy to find a set of Pareto optimal solutions based on the concept of dominance. One or more representative models can then be selected from the set of optimal solutions according to case dependent preferences or requirements.

The proposed method is tested and validated on a realistic example. Our results confirm that the proposed method is robust and efficient and finds acceptable solutions with no violation or minimal violations of constraints (when conflicting constraints are present). These results suggest that our advanced multi-objective optimization technique can select high-quality representative models by striking a balance between conflicting constraints. Thus, a better decision can be made while running much fewer simulations than would be required with traditional methods.
Coupled Geomechanics and Fluid Flow Modeling for Petroleum Reservoirs Accounting for Multi-Scale Fractures
Authors: Wu Dawei , Di Yuan , Kang Zhijiang , Wu Yu-Shu
Published: March 2023

Accurate modeling of fractured reservoirs is very challenging due to the various scales of fractures. The fracture networks may be too complex to be represented using the equivalent continuum model (ECM) or dual porosity-dual permeability (DPDK) model, yet too computational costly to be modeled using the discrete fracture (DFM) or embedded discrete fracture (EDFM) models. This paper proposes a hybrid model that integrates ECM, DPDK, and an integrally embedded discrete fracture model (IEDFM) to account for multi-scale fractures. The hybrid model is applied to investigate the coupled geomechanics-fluid flow process in fractured reservoirs.

In the hybrid model, small-scale fractures are upscaled into effective matrix permeability tensor using ECM, medium-scale fractures are considered as an individual continuum using DPDK, and large-scale fractures are explicitly represented using IEDFM. The multiphase flow in effective matrix and fracture continua is modeled using the multi-point flux approximation (MPFA), and fluid exchanges between the anisotropic continua and the large-scale fracture control volumes are precisely calculated using the IEDFM. Empirical models are used to calculate the displacement of natural fractures, and analytical models are used to calculate the aperture changes of hydraulic fractures. The overall deformation of a fractured rock is described using an equivalent method. The coupled geomechanics-fluid flow system is discretized by the finite element-finite volume method (FV-FEM) and solved using the fixed-stress split iterative coupling approach.

Several examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The hybrid model is first employed to simulate water flooding process in a naturally fractured reservoir with multi-scale fractures. Effects of different scales of fractures, geomechanics coupling and capillary pressure are investigated. A case of producing from horizontal well in a hydraulic fractured tight oil reservoir is then studied, where the hydraulic fractures are modeled explicitly using IEDFM and the stimulation areas around hydraulic fractures are modeled using DPDK. Effects of stimulation area size on the pressure depletion and on the stress evolution process in the reservoir are investigated.
Use of Look-Ahead Reservoir Models to Optimize Reservoir Performance.
Authors: Crumpton Paul , Cancelliere Michel
Published: March 2023

The objective is to use future simulated well behavior to optimize well management within a complex reservoir simulation model. This can be used to increase simulated plateau life and reserves. Traditional well management systems often rely on instantaneous well potential to choose guide rates to determine the well allocation within a group of wells. This has proved to be a very effective strategy. However, for the problem of plateau optimization, one can observe the high instantaneous potential of many wells after the plateau is exhausted; this is because the traditional well management system has no knowledge of future behavior.

In this work, the future behavior of all the wells and groups with a large and complex giant reservoir simulation model is determined by spawning a coarsened "Look-Ahead model" (LAM). This is performed concurrently, while the main model is still running. After a pre-determined simulation time the LAM model is harvested by the main model, and approximate future behavior is integrated into the well management system of the main model. One simple yet effective technique is to evaluate the current potential of the well to be an average of the current instantaneous potential and the future potential, in, for example, 10 years ahead of the current simulations time. Thus wells whose future performance is inhibited because of high GOR or high water cuts will get there current allocation reduced, and wells with future high potential will get allocated more rate.

The use of LAM models is demonstrated in a water flood problem to increase plateau time of a large and complex reservoir model. The LAM model is automatically constructed by collapsing the grid, maintaining some resolution of the current wells and future wells, and coarsening heavily the areas of the grid with spent wells. By doing so a 10x improvement in elapse time of the LAM model, which enables the frequent spawning of LAM models from the main model, and a subsequently the most up-to-date LAM model is integrated into the main well management system.

The use of LAM to approximate future behavior of wells, and integrated this behavior into the well management of the reservoir simulator is a novel and practical approach to further optimize the well management system of a reservoir simulator.
Topological Reorganization of Functional Hubs in Parkinson’s Disease Patients With Freezing of Gait.
Authors: Sreeniva Karthik , Bayram Ece , Zhuang Xiaowei , Longhurst Jason , Yang Zhengshi , Cordes Dietmar , Ritter Aaron , Caldwell Jessica , Cummings Jeffrey , Mari Zoltan , Litvan Irene , Bluett Brent , Mishra Virendra
Published: March 2023

Background and Purpose: Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) studies in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with freezing of gait (FOG) have implicated dysfunctional connectivity over multiple resting-state networks. While these findings provided network-specific insights and information related to the aberrant or altered regional functional connectivity, whether these alterations have any effect on topological reorganization in PD-FOG patients is incompletely understood. Understanding the higher-order functional organization, which could be derived from the ‘hub’ and the ‘rich-club’ organization of the functional networks could be crucial to identifying the distinct and unique pattern of the network connectivity associated with PD-FOG.
Methods: In this study, we use rs-fMRI data and graph theoretical approaches to explore the reorganization of resting-state network topology in PD-FOG when compared to those without FOG (PD-nFOG). We also compared the higher-order functional organization derived using the hub and rich-club measures in the functional connectivity networks of these PD-FOG patients to understand whether there is a topological reorganization of these hubs in PD-FOG.
Results: We found that the PD-FOG patients showed a noticeable reorganization of hub regions. Regions that are part of the prefrontal cortex, primary somatosensory, motor, and visuomotor coordination areas showed were some of the regions exhibiting altered hub measures in PD-FOG patients. We also found a significantly altered feeder and local connectivity in PD-FOG.
Conclusions: Overall our findings demonstrate a widespread topological reorganization and disrupted higher-order functional network topology in PD-FOG which may further assist in improving our understanding of functional network disturbances associated with PD-FOG.
Associations between the perception of ecosystem services and well-being in urban parks
Authors: Silva Carlos Eduardo Menezes da , Bezerra Anselmo César Vasconcelos , Neto Claudiano Carneiro Cruz
Published: March 2023

The benefits of Ecosystem Services (ES) for the population’s well-being have been studied from different perspectives. One of these biases is the relationship between urban green areas and levels of well-being among users of urban parks. The objective of this study was to analyze possible associations between the perception of cultural ES and aspects related to well-being among users of a set of urban parks in a Latin American metropolis. 481 surveys were carried out with users of ten urban parks in the City of Recife, Northeast Brazil. The questions addressed the profile of the visitors, the perception of the characteristics of the parks, the influence of ES on environmental dimensions, the self-perception of health, and the willingness to pay (WTP) for the benefits of the services. Data were analyzed in Stata 14, and four ordinal logistic regression models were generated. The results showed that the better the self-perception regarding mental health and stress levels, the greater the perception of the benefits of ESs in parks. Also, it was evidenced that more acceptance of WTP was correlated with a better perception of ES. The findings suggest that users of urban parks in the studied metropolis know the benefits of ES, associating them with improvements in well-being and urban environmental quality. These results can serve as a subsidy for decision-makers to incorporate the value of ES in urban planning strategies, especially in the context that the management of urban parks in the city will be granted to non-governmental actors.
Understanding Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Ebola Virus Disease: A Multi-Site Mixed Methods Survey on Preparedness in Rwanda
Authors: Karuhije Janvier , Nkeshimana Menelas , Zakham Fathiah , Hewins Benjamin , Rutayisire Justin , Martinez Gustavo S. , Kelvin David J. , Ndishimye Pacifique
Published: March 2023

Background: The overall goal of this survey was to understand the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) - related knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Rwanda.
Methods: This cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted in five selected districts: Rusizi, Karongi, Rubavu, Burera and Gasabo. Quantitative data was collected from 1,010 participants using a structured questionnaire and Kobo Collect. Qualitative data was collected from 98 participants through Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussion using a semi structured interview guide.
Results: Among the 1,010 surveyed respondents, 56% were male, 70.3% were married, and 50% had primary education. An important finding was the high level of Ebola awareness and knowledge in all the five districts, with 99.6% reporting having previously heard of Ebola, which indicates previous awareness-raising efforts were successful. More than 54% of respondents indicated that Ebola is caused by a virus which originates from wild animal animals (42.1%). Furthermore, fever (85%), bleeding (87.7), and vomiting (40.2%) were cited as the primary signs and symptoms for Ebola. Most of the respondents were knowledgeable regarding prevention measures for Ebola. Despite this, 80% of the survey respondents had not received formal training or health education on Ebola. Many respondents (90%) believe that the country is at risk of an EVD outbreak and about 87.8% think that they are personally at risk of contracting Ebola. Most respondents reported adopting habits that included avoiding physical contact with the patients and reducing unnecessary movements/travel throughout the Ebola-affected regions. Additionally, most respondents (97.2%) believed that it is important to be vaccinated to prevent Ebola, and around 93.3% were ready and willing to get vaccinated once the EVD vaccine is available. While the radio is the preferred source for Ebola-related information, the most trusted sources are the ministry of health and governmental institutions, such as the Rwanda Biomedical Centre.
Conclusion: Our results show that there was high EVD-related knowledge and awareness among the general population in Rwanda. However, for strong public health awareness, preparedness, and protection, there is a need to implement public sensitization programmes that address EVD-related misconceptions and discriminatory attitudes toward EVD patients.
Meta-analysis to assess the impact of adding Lithium to radioiodine in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
Authors: Zhang Meiwen , Lou Bo , Huang Weiyuan
Published: March 2023

Background, Lithium's ability to increase iodine retention in the thyroid gland and decrease thyroid hormone release may have implications for hyperthyroidism management. The meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of adding lithium to radioactive iodine for the management of hyperthyroidism.
Methods, Inclusion criteria included studies from different languages that compare the impact of adding lithium as an adjuvant therapy to iodine for managing hyperthyroidism. The outcomes of these studies were analyzed using a random-effect model and it was used to calculate the mean difference (MD) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) to quantify the impact of different rehabilitation techniques on clinical parameters.
Results, Cure rate of hyperthyroidism subjects receiving lithium plus iodine was significantly higher than that of iodine alone, p = 0.007. while dividing the total studies into subgroups showed the variable result expressed as a significant (p = 0.004) cure rate in favor of the lithium group for studies with subjects Number equal to or higher than 100 subjects. Dividing studies according to the type of randomized and observational studies showed different findings expressed as significant (p =0.01) cure rates for observation studies and the non-significant (p =0.1) difference between both groups in randomized clinical trials. On the other hand, analysis of the intervention impact on thyroxine level showed a non-significant (P=0.13) effect.
Conclusion, using lithium as adjuvant therapy for the management of hyperthyroidism showed a great influence on the cure rate. However, several multicenter randomized trials are still needed to ensure practical findings.
Metabolic and transcriptomic profiling during wheat seed development under progressive drought conditions
Authors: Mega Ryosuke , Kim June-Sik , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Ishii Takayoshi , Abe Fumitaka , Okamoto Masanori
Published: March 2023

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the most important staple foods globally. Drought is a problem to decline wheat yield performance. Although much research has been performed to generate higher yield wheat cultivars, there have been few studies on improving end-product quality under drought stressed conditions, even though wheat is processed into flour to produce bread, noodles, pancakes, cakes, and cookies. Recently, wheat cultivation has been affected by severe drought caused by global climate change. In previous studies, seed shrinkage was observed in wheat exposed to continuous drought stress during seed development. In this study, we investigated how progressive drought stress affected seed development by metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. Metabolite profiling revealed reduced accumulation of proline and sugar in the drought-sensitive line compared with the water-saving drought-tolerant transgenic line under drought conditions in spikelets with developing seeds. Meanwhile, the expressions of genes involved in translation, starch biosynthesis, and proline and arginine biosynthesis was downregulated in the drought-sensitive line. These findings suggest that seed shrinkage, i.e., endosperm deficiency, occurred because the biosynthesis of seed storage proteins, starch, amino acids, and sugars were inhibited since these ingredients did not accumulate in spikelets. Water-saving drought tolerant trait of wheat could contributes to support seed formation under drought.
Copula-based Reliability Analysis for Multicomponent System Stress-Strength Model under Progressively Censoring
Authors: Cai Jing , Yang Jianfeng , Wu Min , Yu Yarong
Published: March 2023

In reliability analysis, the stress-strength model is of importance and interest issue. Usually, the stress variable and the strength variable are assumed to be independent. However, such an assumption may be unrealistic in some applications. In this paper, we consider the statistical analysis of multicomponent system stress-strength model when the stress and strength are dependent variables, and the dependency is modeled by two different copula functions. We obtain the maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters and the expression for the probability R=P(Y<X). Confidence intervals are constructed based on the asymptotic normality of maximum likelihood estimate. In addition, to test the dependence between the stress and strength variables, we discuss the likelihood ratio tests for hypotheses of interest. Finally, simulation studies and one real data example are provided to support the proposed model and methods, and to examine the performance of estimators and testing.
Core decompression combined with local DFO administration loaded on Polylactic Glycolic Acid scaffolds for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A pilot study
Authors: Gharanizadeh Kaveh , Sharifi Ali Mohammad , Tayyebi Hamed , Heidari Razieh , Amiri Shayan , Noorigaravand Sajad
Published: March 2023

Background

Deferoxamine (DFO) angiogenesis induction potential has been demonstrated in earlier studies, but not in the osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). In this study, we evaluated the outcome of ONFH treated with combined core decompression and local DFO administration loaded on Polylactic Glycolic Acid (PLGA).

Patients and Methods‎:

‎In a pilot experimental study‎,‎‏ six patients (‏‎10 ‎hips‎) ‎with early‎-‎stage non‎-‎traumatic ONFH were treated by ‏core decompression, and concurrent injection of local DFO ‎loaded on PLGA scaffold into the subchondral femoral head. Outcome measures were evaluated ‎before the surgery and 12 and 24 months after the surgery and included visual analog scale (VAS) for ‎pain, modified Merle d'Aubigné-Postel (MAP) score for hip function, and rate of osteonecrosis ‎assessed by the modified Kerboul angle. The incidence of the collapse was assessed by CT ‎scanning.‎

Results

The mean MPA score was 14.7 ± 1.16 before the surgery and 16.7 ± 1.41 one year after the surgery (P = 0.004). The mean VAS for pain was 4.7 ± 1.25 before the surgery and 1.8 ± 1.03 one year after the surgery (P = 0.005). The mean Kerboul angle was 219 ± 58.64 before the operation and 164.6 ± 41.82 one year after the operation (P < 0.001). Osteonecrosis progression or collapse was not seen in any of the patients at the final follow-up. No postoperative side effect attributed to the DFO was noticed, as well.

Conclusion

The mean MPA score was 14.7 ± 1.16 before the surgery and 16.7 ± 1.41 one year after the surgery (P = 0.004). The mean VAS for pain was 4.7 ± 1.25 before the surgery and 1.8 ± 1.03 one year after the surgery (P = 0.005). The mean Kerboul angle was 219 ± 58.64 before the operation and 164.6 ± 41.82 one year after the operation (P < 0.001). Osteonecrosis progression or collapse was not seen in any of the patients at the final follow-up. No postoperative side effects attributed to DFO were noticed, as well.
Trial registration: IR.IUMS.FMD.REC.1397.281
Kimchi exerts chemopreventive potential against colorectal carcinogenesis associated with red meat intake
Authors: Surya Reggie , Surya Ervan , Nugroho David , Romulo Andreas , Kamal Nurkhalida , Rahayu Winiati Pudji , Benchawattananon Rachadaporn , Oh Jin-Seok
Published: March 2023

Kimchi, the traditional fermented vegetables with seasonings from Korea, is globally renowned as healthy food with anticancer properties. Colorectal cancer is the world’s third leading cancer with an increasing incidence rate over the past years. High red meat intake is strongly associated with colorectal cancer and the World Health Organization has identified red meat as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). This study aimed to investigate the chemopreventive potential of cabbage kimchi against the promotion of colorectal cancer by red meat in vivo using 1,2-dimethyhydrazine (DMH)-injected rats. Kimchi supplementation at moderate (5%) and high (10%) amount significantly suppressed the formation of precancerous lesions in the colon of red meat-fed rats. Using fecal water, the aqueous extract of feces, we found out that kimchi supplementation limited iron-mediated oxidation and reduced lipid peroxidation in the feces of rats. Furthermore, kimchi supplementation reduced the toxicity of fecal water of red meat-fed rats towards human colonic epithelial cells in vitro by suppressing the formation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The chemopreventive effects of kimchi were associated with acidification of fecal matrix and increase in fecal lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Gene expression analysis in the colon of rats demonstrated that kimchi supplementation prevented colorectal carcinogenesis by up-regulating the expression of tumor suppressor genes and antioxidant enzymes, as well as by down-regulating the expression of proinflammatory proteins. Taken together, our findings suggested that consuming kimchi at moderate or high amount could protect against colorectal cancer promotion associated with high red meat intake.
A qualitative needs assessment of external communication by rare disease associations
Authors: Levine James A , Delval Florian , Kitchen A , Tena Garrigues
Published: March 2023

- Background. There is widespread acknowledgment amongst the rare disease community that effective communication strategies are lacking to explain diagnostic issues and therapeutic challenges to the public. The goal of this study was to objectively assess the communication needs of rare disease associations using validated techniques.
- Methods. Sixty-minute structured interviews and objective analysis of transcribed responses were conducted and analyzed for 20 rare disease organizations.
- Results. Associations uniformly agreed that effective communication was important to educate the public, advance advocacy and raise funds. However, there was no consensus as to how this should be achieved. Only seven of the 20 organizations had formal communication plans. Only few organizations had staff dedicated to external communication.
- Conclusions. Strategic improvement in rare disease communication may increase the awareness of rare diseases and advance science. Communication challenges included staffing, funding, technological resources, training and expertise.
Evaluation of human health and ecological risk of heavy metals in water, sediment and shellfishes in typical artisanal oil mining areas of Nigeria.
Authors: Chris Davies Ibienebo , Onyena Amarachi Paschaline , Sam Kabari
Published: March 2023

Heavy metal contamination in water and sediment is a serious concern, particularly in natural resource-dependent countries. In most coastal communities in these countries, drinking water quality, stable food, and livelihoods are primarily dependent on ecological systems and marine resources (e.g., sediments and fish), thus humans and other receptors are exposed to heavy metal risks through ingestion and dermal contact. This research evaluated the potential ecological risks of heavy metals including Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb) in water, sediments, and shellfishes (C. amnicola, U. tangeri, T. fuscatus, P. monodon) along the Oproama creeks in Niger Delta, Nigeria. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured in three stations within the waterways using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and their relative ecological and human health risk analysed. Health risk evaluation of individual heavy metals in shellfish tissue indicates an adverse health impact. The high mean carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) values of Cd (3.74), Pb (4.3), and Cr (8.4) recorded in the shellfish were significantly greater than 1, while the degree of contamination in the sediment (110.84) and water (60.15) were greater than 24 which is an indication of potential adverse ecological and human health impacts for different age groups and residents in the area. This establishes a significant possibility of heavy metal risks to public health, water quality and marine organisms. While in-depth health analysis is recommended, there is an urgent need to reduce oil spills, and an intentional provision of sustainable livelihoods to the local population.
Phylogenetic relationships of five date palm (Phonex dactylifera L) in Al Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using RAPD markers through QIAxcel system
Authors: Ahamed Reyas , Buwasis Hussai , Alsultan Musaed , Rezk Adel , solliman mohei el-din , Latif Abdul
Published: March 2023

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is the sweetest edible fruit plant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The development of precise DNA fingerprints to identify cultivar's genetic diversity is most important for breeding programs. Genotypic variation among five different cultivars of date palm of the Al Ahsa governorate in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was studied using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers by QIAxcel electrophoresis system. We test 20 RAPD primers among them 15 primers show banding pattern. We use clean younger leaves that had been gathered and grind with liquid nitrogen into a fine powder and used for extraction and ultimately the quality of the DNA. We examined the DNA extraction with the use of guide CTAB and automatic Qiagen EZ1 technique and tested using the UV gel electrophoresis the concentration of the DNA became examined with LABTRON Nano spectrophotometer. Four primers gave high levels of bands with numerous polymorphisms and multiple bands. A total of 165 bands were observed, including 89 polymorphisms and 4 monomorphisms. The Rz breed is very closely related to Kh, but the recorded Rz and Shb breeds retain a high degree of genetic divergence between Ht and Sh. The results of this study demonstrate that polymorphisms revealed using RAPD markers are genotype appropriate.
Estrogen inhibits the differentiation of fibroblasts induced by high stiffness matrix by enhancing DNMT1 expression
Authors: Zhao Zhihan , Huang Guotao , He Yong , Zuo Xiaohu , Han Wuyue , Hong Li
Published: March 2023

Introduction and Hypothesis:
Pelvic organ prolapse(POP) is a multifactorial connective tissue disorder caused by damage to the supporting structures of the pelvic floor. Evidence from several studies suggests that anterior vaginal wall stiffness is higher in patients with POP, but the mechanisms involved remain unknown.
Methods
Tissue from the anterior vaginal wall of patients with POP or other benign diseases was obtained. The modulus of elasticity of the anterior vaginal wall was measured using a microindenter. Cells were cultured in vitro on acrylamide gels of different stiffness and treated with DNMT1 inhibitor, microtubule polymerisation inhibitor and estrogen. Western blot or immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect DNA Methyltransferase 1, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) expression, and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) expression.
Conclusion
Estrogen can inhibit high stiffness matrix-induced fibroblast differentiation, by enhancing DNMT1 expression. This study may help to elucidate the complex crosstalk between fibroblasts and their surrounding matrix under healthy and pathological conditions and provide new insights into the options for material-related therapeutic applications.
An Atomically Thin and Photosensitive Vanadium Disulfide Memtransistor
Authors: Das Mayukh , Wali Akshay , Patel Amit , Rai Suyash , Puthirath Anand. , Ajayan Pulickel , Srivast Anchal , Das Saptarshi
Published: March 2023

Intrinsically ferromagnetic and semiconducting two-dimensional (2D) H-phase vanadium disulfide (VS2) holds tremendous promise for future electronics, optoelectronics, spintronics and valleytronics applications. However, its thermodynamic instability and the formation of intermediate stoichiometric polymorphs during its growth have stymied any progress towards synthesis of high quality 2D VS2 films. In this article, we circumvent these challenges and accomplish large area growth of monolayer VS2 films using atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) technique. By incorporating excess sulfur during the growth process which suppresses the formation of intermediate compounds, good quality large-area VS2 film can be synthesized. Furthermore, the electronic and optoelectronic properties of VS2 were explored by fabricating photosensitive memtransistor devices, which reveal an n-type carrier transport along with a high responsivity to red, green, and blue wavelengths of light. In addition the device exhibited multiple non-volatile conductance states through electrical programming. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on memtransistors built from large area grown H-phase VS2 that integrate compute, sense, and storage functionalities in a single device.
Pattern of ROS generation and interconversion on wet stigmas in basal and divergent angiosperms
Authors: Breygina Maria , Luneva Oksana , Schekaleva Olga , Lazareva Nadezhda , Babushkina Ksenia , Kirilyuk Igor
Published: March 2023

The active participation of ROS in the reproductive physiology of flowering plants is well-documented in model species, mainly plants with dry stigmas. Here we studied the release of ROS into stigma exudate – a fluid involved in pollen acceptance on a wet stigma. The study involved plants from different systematic groups: Paeonia suffruticosa, Nicotiana tabacum, Lilium hybr., Aristolochia manshuriensis and Berberis vulgaris; in most cases, exudate was collected from intact flowers on the whole plant to minimize the effect of experimental intervention on the sensitive redox balance system. The dynamics of total oxidizing capacity of stigma exudate was assessed by EPR spectroscopy and different stigma staining. The level of hydrogen peroxide and the activity of superoxide dismutase, which catalyzes H2O2 formation, was also evaluated. In all the plants studied, total ROS level increased with stigma maturation, however, H2O2 concentration decreased in studied representatives of eudicots, except for peony. In lily it increased, while in birthwort it remained low, which was apparently due to the absence of SOD activity. In all divergent plants studied, the enzyme was active on stigmas with two isoenzymes. During the fertile period, activity was higher than at an earlier stage. Based on the obtained data, we speculate on primitive and progressive patterns of ROS generation and transformation on stigma and its possible evolution.
The Effect of Different Concentrations of Anti-PD-1 and Anti-PD-L1 Antibodies on the Activity of Immune System Cells in Patients With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Bożyk Aleksandra , Wojas-Krawczyk Kamila , Nicoś Marcin , Krawczyk Paweł
Published: March 2023

The last century was full of numerous scientific discoveries that allowed us to understand the operation and functioning of one of the most complex human systems, i.e. the immune system. One of the most important discoveries was the work of prof. James Alison and Prof. Tasuko Honjo on the development of anti-cancer therapy by inhibiting negative immune regulation (PD-1 and CTLA-4 molecules). Knowledge of the action of these molecules and their huge role in inhibiting the activity of the immune system, e.g. during the developing cancer, created the basis for the development of specific monoclonal antibodies, without which clinicians of many specialties cannot imagine modern cancer therapies. However, the side effects of the therapies used are still quite troublesome, as they can even lead to the death of the patient. In order to minimize the side effects, it would be necessary to reduce the dose, but still maintain the effective level of anticancer activity of the cells of the immune system. In the presented study, 24-hour cultures of PBMC isolated from peripheral blood and bronchoaspirate with various concentrations of nivolumab or atezolizumab were performed. The expression results of the individual activation markers on cultured cells were compared to the expression of these markers on cells not subjected to cell culture. The results of the research work may indicate that individualized dosage of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies may in the future contribute to the effective activation of the immune system cells while minimizing the side effects of the therapy.
Sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with diarrhoeal illness in children under 5 years in Uganda, 2021: A Cross-sectional study
Authors: Ssekandi Nathan , Tlotleng Nonhlanhla , Naicker Nisha
Published: March 2023

Background: Uganda is among the 10 countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region that have the highest prevalence of diarrhoeal disease. Evidence suggests that the severity of childhood diarrhoeal disease is escalated through various sociodemographic and environmental factors.
Objectives: To assess prevalence of diarrheal illness in children below the age of 5 years in Uganda in 2021 and associated factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed that analyzed secondary data from the 2021 Uganda Demography and Health Surveys. Statistically significant differences for children with and without diarrhea were compared. A logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with diarrheal illness in children.
Results: The prevalence of childhood diarrheal illness for children below the age of 5 years in Uganda was 20.9% (n = 2838/13,753). There was a statistically significant difference when comparing children diarrhoea for caregiver’s age, child’s age and sex and duration of breastfeeding (p<0.0001). Children with a caregiver aged between 15–24 years (aOR;1.42; 95% CI:1.24–1.62) and 25–34 years (aOR;1.19; 95% CI:1.04–1.37) were more likely to report diarrhoeal disease, compared to those with a caregiver aged 35–49 years. Households using springs, access to health facility and children who received a dose of vitamin A had a decreased risk of reporting children diarrhoeal.
Conclusion: Significant factors in the study like caregiver’s age, sex and duration of breastfeeding will create the opportunity for all interventions to shift their focus to these factors thus a better evidence-based approach to reducing of diarrhoeal disease will be achieved in the country
Extreme seasonal water-level changes and hydraulic modeling of deep, high-altitude, glacial-carved, Himalayan lakes
Authors: Camassa Roberto , Eidam Emily , Leve Lauren , McLaughlin Richard , Seim Harvey , Sharma Subodh
Published: March 2023

Himalayan lakes represent critical water resources, culturally important wa- terbodies, and potential hazards. Some of these experience dramatic water- level changes, responding to seasonal monsoon rains and post-monsoonal drain- ing. We present in situ observations of extreme (>12 meter) seasonal water- level changes in a 50-m deep lateral-moraine-dammed lake (lacking surface outflow), during a 16-month period, equivalent to a 5x106 m3 volume change annually. Data were used to construct a hydraulic model, which was used to estimate hydraulic conductivities of the moraine soils damming the lake. A higher moraine-dammed lake exhibits similar fluctuations. These lake levels lie above the nearby glacier surface. Several other lakes in the region exhibit minor seasonal water-level fluctuations, but each discharge through a surface outflow and lie below the glacier surface elevation. These results indicate that adjacent lakes may exhibit very different filling/draining dynamics and have different fates in the next few decades, based on presence/absence of surface outflows and elevation relative to retreating glaciers.
Impact of structurally diverse polysaccharides on colonic mucin O-glycosylation and gut microbiota
Authors: Zhao Tong , Zhang Yue , Nan Linhua , Zhu Qing , Wang Shukai , Xie Yutao , Dong Xinling , Cao Cui , Lin Xiaoliang , Lu Yu , Liu Yuxia , Huang Linjuan , Gong Guiping , Wang Zhongfu
Published: March 2023

Understanding how dietary polysaccharides affect mucin O-glycosylation and gut microbiota could provide nutrition-based treatments for individuals. In this study, the O-glycan profile and gut microbiome were investigated in C57BL/6J mice fed six structurally diverse dietary polysaccharides and a mixture of six fibers. Dietary polysaccharides increased total O-glycans mainly by increasing neutral glycans. Highly branched arabinogalactan significantly increased the level of terminally fucosylated core 1 O-glycans; whereas linear chains polysaccharides including pectin, konjac glucomannan, oligofructose (inulin), and mixture favored terminally di-fucosylated O-glycans. The last three also significantly lowered the level of sulfated O-glycans and sialylated mono-fucosylated O-glycans. Mixed polysaccharides had a synergistic effect, more significantly increasing fucosylated neutral glycans while decreasing acidic glycans, and stimulated microbial richness and diversity. Dietary polysaccharides containing arabinose and sulfate groups enhancedthe relative abundances of Akkermansia and Muribaculaceae, respectively. This systematic comparison reveals the relationship between dietary polysaccharide structure, mucin O-glycan composition, and intestinal microorganisms.