bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling a Geomechanical Reservoir and Fracturing Simulator with a Wellbore Model for Horizontal Injection Wells
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Sharma Mukul
Published: October 2021

Reservoir cooling during waterflooding or waste-water injection can significantly alter the reservoir stress field by thermo-poro-elastic effects. Colloidal particles in the injected water decrease the matrix permeability and buildup the injection pressure. Fractures may initiate and propagate from injectors. These fractures are of great concern for both environmental reasons and strong influence on reservoir sweep and oil recovery. This paper introduces methods to fully couple reservoir simulation with wellbore flow models in fractured injection wells.

A method to fully couple reservoir-fracture-wellbore models was developed. Fluid flow, solid mechanics, energy balance, fracture propagation, and particle filtration are modelled in the reservoir, fracture and wellbore domains. Effective stress in the reservoir domain is altered by thermo-poro-elastic effects during cold water injection. Fracture initiation and propagation induced by thermal and filtration effects is modelled in the fracture domain. Particle filtration on the borehole and fracture surfaces is modelled by matrix permeability reduction and filter cake build-up. Leakoff through the borehole and fracture surface is balanced dynamically. The coupled nonlinear system of equations is solved implicitly using Newton-Raphson method.

We validate our model with existing analytical solutions for simple cases. We show how the poro-elasticity effect, thermo-elasticity effect, water quality, and wellbore open/cased conditions influence well injectivity, induced fracture propagation and flow distribution. Simulation results show that water quality and thermal effects control fluid leak-off and fracture growth. While it is difficult to predict the exact location of fracture initiation due to reservoir heterogeneity, we proposed a reasonable method to handle fracture initiation without predefined fracture location in the water injection applications. In open-hole completions, this may lead to "thief" fractures propagating deep into the reservoir. Thermal stress changes in the injection zone are shown to be significant because of the combined effect of forced convection, heat conduction and poroelasticity. The accurate predictions of thermal stress in different reservoir layers allow us to study fracture height growth and containment numerically for the first time. We show that controlling the temperature and the injection water quality is also found to be an effective way to ensure fracture containment.
Modeling Acid Fracturing Treatments with Multi-Stage Alternating Injection of Pad and Acid Fluids
Authors: Dong Rencheng , Wheeler Mary F. , Su Hang , Ma Kang
Published: October 2021

Acid fracturing technique is widely applied to stimulate the productivity of carbonate reservoirs. The acid-fracture conductivity is created by non-uniform acid etching on fracture surfaces. Heterogeneous mineral distribution of carbonate reservoirs can lead to non-uniform acid etching during acid fracturing treatments. In addition, the non-uniform acid etching can be enhanced by the viscous fingering mechanism. For low-perm carbonate reservoirs, by multi-stage alternating injection of a low-viscosity acid and a high-viscosity polymer pad fluid during acid fracturing, the acid tends to form viscous fingers and etch fracture surfaces non-uniformly. To accurately predict the acid-fracture conductivity, this paper developed a 3D acid fracturing model to compute the rough acid fracture geometry induced by multi-stage alternating injection of pad and acid fluids. Based on the developed numerical simulator, we investigated the effects of viscous fingering, perforation design and stage period on the acid etching process. Compared with single-stage acid injection, multi-stage alternating injection of pad and acid fluids leads to narrower and longer acid-etched channels.
The MicroRNA miR-18a Links Proliferation and Inflammation During Photoreceptor Regeneration in the Injured Zebrafish Retina
Authors: Magner Evin , Sandoval-Sanchez Pamela , Kramer Ashley C , Thummel Ryan , Hitchcock Peter F , Taylor Scott
Published: October 2021

In mammals, photoreceptor loss causes permanent blindness, but in zebrafish (Danio rerio), photoreceptor loss reprograms Müller glia to function as stem cells, producing progenitors that fully regenerate photoreceptors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate neurogenesis in the CNS, but the roles of miRNAs in injury-induced neuronal regeneration are largely unknown. In the embryonic zebrafish retina, miRNA miR-18a regulates photoreceptor differentiation. The purpose of the current study was to determine in zebrafish the function of miR-18a during injury-induced photoreceptor regeneration. RT-qPCR, in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed that miR-18a expression increases throughout the retina by 1-day post-injury (dpi) and increases through 5 dpi. To test miR-18a function during photoreceptor regeneration, we used homozygous miR-18a mutants (miR-18ami5012), and knocked down miR-18a with morpholino oligonucleotides. During photoreceptor regeneration, miR-18ami5012 retinas have fewer mature photoreceptors than WT at 7 and 10 dpi, but there is no difference at 14 dpi, indicating that photoreceptor regeneration is delayed. Labeling dividing cells with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) showed that at 7 and 10 dpi, there are excess Müller glia-derived progenitors in both mutants and morphants, indicating that miR-18a negatively regulates injury-induced proliferation. Tracing BrdU-labeled cells showed that in miR-18ami5012 retinas excess progenitors migrate to other retinal layers in addition to the photoreceptor layer. Inflammation is critical for photoreceptor regeneration, and RT-qPCR showed that in miR-18ami5012 retinas, inflammatory gene expression and microglia activation are prolonged. Suppressing inflammation with dexamethasone rescues the miR-18ami5012 phenotype. Together, these data show that during photoreceptor regeneration in zebrafish, miR-18a regulates proliferation and photoreceptor regeneration by regulating the inflammatory response.
Three-dimensional Hydrogels of Alginate/chitosan Semi-interpenetrating Polymer Networks and Nanocelluloses
Authors: Siqueira Priscila , de Lima Ana , Medeiros Felipe , Isaac Augusta , Novack Katia , Botaro Vagner , Siqueira Eder
Published: October 2021

The hydrogels are advanced materials used in biomedical applications during wound healing, controlled drug release and to prepare scaffolds. In this work are prepared hydrogels of alginate/chitosan (Alg/Ch) semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPN’s) and nanocelluloses. The hydrogels after preparation by freeze drying are namely simply as gels. The cellulose nanocrystals (CNC’s) are obtained from acid hydrolysis of bleached Eucalyptus pulps and oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (CNCT’s) prepared by (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl radical catalyzed reaction as known as TEMPO reaction. The cellulose nanofibers (NFC’s) are obtained from mechanical shearing of cellulose pulps and oxidized NFC’s by TEMPO-mediated reaction (NFCT’s). The nanocellulose suspension and gels are characterized by FTIR at ATR mode, TGA, XRD, TEM, SEM, X-ray computed microtomography (micro-CT) and DMTA. The addition of CNC’s, NFC’s, CNCT’s or NFCT’s in the microstructure of gels increases their dimensional stabilities. The best results are obtained when CNCT’s and NFCT’s are added. The mechanical properties and dimensional stability of Alg/Ch semi-IPN’s increase after controlled thermal post-treatment. The heating during thermal post-treatment boosts the physicochemical interactions in the microstructures of semi-IPN’s. The biological assays show biocompatibility of fibroblast cells on the substrates, and differentiation and proliferation up seven days. The optimized mechanical properties, dimensional stability and biocompatibility of the gels studied in this work are important parameters for potential biomedical applications of these biomaterials.
Management Algorithm of External Fixation in Lower Leg Arterial Injury for Limb Salvages
Authors: Jin Lei , Zhang Song , Liu Motao , Zhang Yuxuan , Lin Xin , Feng Dehong , Hu Kejia
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the roles of using external fixation to rescue the patients who sustained arterial injuries in the lower legs.Methods: Demographics, surgical treatment and outcomes in 88 patients with lower leg arterial injuries treated by external fixation at two trauma centers from 2009 to 2018 were reviewed. The primary outcome was the rate of successful lower leg salvage, while secondary outcomes were complications and functional recovery.Results:80 patients (90 legs) maintained a successful lower leg salvage. The patients were followed up for an average of 15.5±5.5 months. 6 patients (8 pins) experienced pin-tract infection, pins loosening happened in 2 patients (4 pins), 7 patients (7 legs) developed wound superficial infection, 3 patients (3 legs) with a deep infection developed osteomyelitis, 16 patients (17 legs) suffered the bone nonunion or bone defect. The average healing time of fracture was 5.6±4.3months. The maintain of external fixation average time was 5.8±3.6 months. Conclusion: With correctly judging the condition of limb ischemia, mastering reasonably the operation indications, and preventing complications, good clinical effects can be achieved when external fixation is used.Level of evidence: Retrospective cohort, level IV.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Drought and Flood Considering the Influence of Underlying Surface in Hainan Island, Tropical Areas of China
Authors: Ye Changqing , Zou Yi , He Yanhu , Lin Youwen , Li Dan , Zhu Lirong
Published: October 2021

Most studies of temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of droughts and floods analysis were conducted only from the perspective of a single factor (precipitation), while ignoring the impact of the characteristics of the underlying surface on the formation of droughts and floods. Using the daily precipitation data of 88 meteorological stations in Hainan province from 1970 to 2019, the 30m resolution DEM data, land use dataset, etc, the precipitation Z index is used to evaluate the drought and flood levels in Hainan province. The analysis results were revised by underlying surface data to evaluate the spatiotemporal characteristics of the drought and flood area in Hainan province. The drought-prone areas and flood prone areas in Hainan province were divided, and on this basis, the set pair analysis method was used to identify the regions with alternating drought and flood areas in Hainan. The results show that the overall arid area shows an obvious downward trend, while the flood area presents an increasing trend. The drought-prone areas throughout the year are more concentrated in the northeast of Hainan Province, while flood prone areas are mainly distributed in the eastern coastal areas. The regions where drought and flood occur alternately are small but concentrated. The drought and flood prone areas and alternate drought and flood areas before and after the revision by the underlying surface were compared. It can be seen that the overall trend is relatively similar and obvious before and after the revision. The result of drought areas before revision is 20.43 times larger than that after revision. The flood prone areas before revision are 8.50 times larger than that after revision. The alternating drought and flood areas before underlying surface revision in spring and summer are 17.50 times larger than that after revision. Similarly, it is 48.64 times in summer and autumn, and 17.62 times in autumn and winter. Finally, combining climate and underlying surface factors, suggestions are put forward for drought and flood prevention.
Implementation of a client-accessible and multidisciplinary youth health record in the Netherlands; a mixed-methods process evaluation
Authors: Benjamins Janine , Duinkerken Jan-Gerrit , Jordaan Gerlinde , Koster Rianne , Canfijn Romay , de Vet Emely , Haveman-Nies Annemien
Published: October 2021

Background: Client-accessible patient records potentially contribute to patient-centered care by facilitating shared decision-making, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting patient’s autonomy. To achieve this, three Dutch organizations providing ‘care for youth’ developed an electronic patient record (EPR-Youth). EPR-Youth supports working processes of all three organizations and is fully accessible for adolescents and for parents of children aged 0-16 years. Co-creation was chosen as implementation approach for this e-Health intervention that not only intervenes with technology (hardware) but also transforms working processes (orgware) and professional behavior (software). Objective: to investigate the implementation process of EPR-Youth and to determine barriers and facilitators.Methods: a mixed methods design was used. To guide the process evaluation, Pfadenhauers’ Context and Implementation of Complex Interventions framework and Proctor’s theoretic framework on implementation were used to define implementation outcomes and describe setting and context. Target groups were parents, adolescents, professionals using EPR-Youth, and all stakeholders in the implementation process.Results: Barriers in the implementation process of EPR-Youth were the complexity of collaboration between stakeholders and the lack of clarity about leadership and project planning. Facilitating factors were clarifying the vision, setting deadlines, and a pioneering spirit.Acceptability of the client-portal was high among all users. Adoption of the client-portal was highest among parents of children aged 0-3 years and among higher educated parents.Professionals’ doubts about user-friendliness and about the match with vision and working processes were partly due to lack of knowledge of all system functionalities. Conclusion: The implementation of EPR-Youth, the first Dutch electronic patient record facilitating both preventive child health and youth care, was successful on ‘hardware’ level. To complete implementation on ‘software’ and ‘orgware’ level, client information needs attention, as well as training of professionals. Further research is needed to gain insight into barriers to access the client-portal. Although co-creation was an essential ingredient to reach project goals, situational leadership with more direction at the start and room for disruption is needed to guide this process.
The Controversial Role of Folic Acid on Diabetic Auditory Neuropathy
Authors: Doostkam Aida , Mirkhani Hossein , Iravani Kamyar , Karbalay-Doust Saied , Doosti Afsaneh , Nadimi Elham
Published: October 2021

PurposeDiabetic auditory neuropathy(DAN) is a common complication of diabetes that seriously affects the quality of life in patients. In this study, we investigate the role of folic acid in the treatment of DAN in an experimental rat model.MethodsThirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into 4 groups: group 1, normal; group 2, diabetic rats; group 3and 4, rats treated with folic acid (40 and 80 mg/kg, respectively). The tools we used in this study to investigate the effect of folic acid on DAN were auditory brain stem response, stereology methodfor estimation ofthe volume and number ofspiral ganglion,volume of stria vascularis, and spiral ligament, and measurement of homocysteine (HCY), malondealdehyde(MDA) and superoxide dismutase.ResultsOur study showed that folic acid treatment was not significantly effective in improving structural and functional disorders in DAN, despite its effect in reducing HCY and MDA as oxidative biomarkers.ConclusionFolic acid is not effective in relieving morphological and functional disorders in DAN.
Covid-19 Pandemic Impact in Pediatricians: Stress Factors and their Consequences
Authors: Lozón Ana Muñoz , García Arístides Rivas , Vives Leticia González , López María Cristina Muñoz , Blanco Ana Jové , LOYGORRI CLARA FERRERO GARCÍA-
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Previous studies have demonstrated that COVID-19 pandemic has had negative psychological consequences in healthcare professionals, however, few of them concentrate on pediatricians’ experience. The aim of this study is to evaluate anxiety among spanish pediatricians after the first COVID-19 wave as well as to identify possible risk factors. Material and Methods: A transversal and multicentric study of questionnaires was designed. Demographic, socio-familiar and laboral information was collected, as well as emotional self perception information, psychosomatic symptoms, tobacco consumption and psychotropic treatment. Participants fulfilled the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: 440 questionnaires were registered. Globally, 42.2% of the participants expressed moderate-intense anxiety symptomatology according to the Anxiety-State scale and 26.8% in the Anxiety-Trait scale. Domiciliary isolation was associated with a higher score in both scales. Changes in the cohabitants’ working situation was associated with a higher score in the Anxiety-State scale. With respect to the psychological impact perceived by participants during pandemic situation, 41.1% classified it as mild, 50% as moderate, and 8.9% as severe. Up to 71.8% of the participants suffered psychosomatic symptoms. A linear association was found between suffering from multiple psychosomatic symptoms and higher scores in both scales. Conclusions: After the first pandemic wave pediatricians have suffered anxiety, which has caused physical and emotional discomfort. Personal circumstances have been the main worry of medical staff. Coexistence of various psychosomatic symptoms has been associated with higher anxiety levels.
Exacerbation of Congenital Hydronephrosis as the First Presentation of COVID-19 Infection in Children: A Case Series
Authors: Mohkam Masoumeh , Jamee Mahnaz , Kompani Farshid , Khalili Mitra , Seifi Atena , Mohajerzadeh Leily
Published: October 2021

Background:Congenital hydronephrosis is one of the most common abnormalities of the upper urinary tract, which can be exacerbated by a variety of intrinsic or extrinsic triggers. The urinary tract system is one of the major organs complicated by COVID-19 infection. Case presentations:Here we report five patients with an established diagnosis of congenital hydronephrosis, who presented with acute abdominal pain and fever and an abrupt increase in the anteroposterior pelvic diameter (APD). Patients had a previous stable course and were under regular follow-up with serial ultra-sonographic studies. They underwent surgery or supportive treatment due to the later exacerbation of hydronephrosis. Based on the clinical and imaging findings, no plausible etiologies for these exacerbation episodes, including infection, nephrolithiasis or abdominal masses, could be postulated. The common aspect in all these patients was the evidence of a COVID-19 infection. Conclusions:Infection with COVID-19 in children with antenatal hydronephrosis may exacerbate the degree of hydronephrosis and renal APD in ultrasonography, which itself may be mediated by the increase in inflammatory mediators.
Rhizosphere Bacteria Exhibit Narrower Environmental Adaptation in Proso Millet Than in Foxtail Millet and Sorghum in Agricultural Fields
Authors: Tian Lixin , Zhang Feifei , Chen Pengliang , Zhang Panpan , Gao Zhijun , Dong Yang , Yan Feng , Yang Pu , Gao Xiaoli , Feng Baili
Published: October 2021

It is of great ecological significance to understand how the assembly processes of soil microbe communities respond to environmental change. However, the assembly processes of the rhizosphere bacterial communities in three minor grain crops (i.e., foxtail millet, proso millet, and sorghum) across agro-ecosystems are rarely investigated. Here, we investigated the environmental thresholds and phylogenetic signals for ecological preferences of rhizosphere bacterial communities of three minor grain crop taxa across complex environmental gradients to reflect their environmental adaptation. Additionally, we reported environmental factors affecting their community assembly processes based on a large-scale soil survey in agricultural fields across northern China using high-throughput sequencing.. The results demonstrated a narrower range of environmental thresholds and weaker phylogenetic signals for the ecological traits of rhizosphere bacteria in proso millet than in foxtail millet and sorghum fields, while proso millet rhizosphere community was the most phylogenetically clustered. The null model analysis indicated that homogeneous selection belonging to deterministic processes governed the sorghum rhizosphere community, whereas dispersal limitation belonging to stochastic processes was the critical assembly process in the foxtail and proso millet. Mean annual temperature was the decisive factor for adjusting the balance between stochasticity and determinism of the foxtail millet, proso millet, and sorghum rhizosphere communities. A higher temperature resulted in stochasticity in the proso millet and sorghum communities. For the foxtail millet community, the deterministic assembly increased with an increase in temperature. These results contribute to the understanding of root-associated bacterial community assembly processes in agro-ecosystems on a large scale.
Influence of Data Scaling and Normalization on Overall Neural Network Performances in Photoacoustics
Authors: Pavlovic Miroslava Ivko Jordovic , Djordjevic Katarina , Cojbasic Zarko , Galovic Slobodanka , Popovic Marica , Nesic Mioljub , Markushev Dragan
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the influence of the input and output data scaling and normalization on the neural network overall performances is investigated aimed at inverse problem-solving in photoacoustics of semiconductors. The logarithmic scaling of the photoacoustic signal amplitudes as input data and numerical scaling of the sample thermal parameters as output data are presented as useful tools trying to reach maximal network precision. Max and min-max normalizations to the input data are presented to change their numerical values in the dataset to common scales, without distorting differences. It was demonstrated in theory that the largest network prediction error of all targeted parameters is obtained by a network with non-scaled output data. Also, it was found out that the best network prediction was achieved with min-max normalization of the input data and network predicted output data scale within the range of [110]. Network training and prediction performances analyzed with experimental input data show that the benefits and improvements of input and output scaling and normalization are not guaranteed but are strongly dependent on a specific problem to be solved.
Preparation of a Cellulase-imitated Solid Acid Catalyst With High Acid Density and Its Evaluation for Hydrolysis of Cellulose
Authors: Deng Bo , Wang Ya-xiong , Huo Li , Wang Ying , Jin Li’e
Published: October 2021

In this paper, tannic acid, a polyphenolic substance rich in plants, is modified by the glutamic acid and cross-linked with formaldehyde to prepare a high acid density tannin-glutamate acid resin-based imitation enzyme solid acid catalyst (T-Glu-R), which is completely different from traditionally carbon-based solid acid synthesized by concentrated sulfuric acid and carbonized matter. The solid acid catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalytic activity and cycle performance of T-Glu-R in the cellulose hydrolysis reaction were evaluated. The results show that the acid density of T-Glu-R reached 7.28 mmol/g, which is much higher than that of the highest acid density of carbon-based solid acid. Microcrystalline cellulose was hydrolyzed in distilled water at 180 °C for 2 h, the yield of total reducing sugars reached 72.15%. After four cycles of hydrolysis, the yield was only reduced by 4.32%, showing excellent cycle performance and stability. The study provides a new strategy with the synthesis of solid acid catalyst for hydrolysis of cellulose converted into platform compounds without concentrated sulfuric acid.
On Hypsometric Curve and Morphological Analysis of The Collapsed Irrigation Reservoirs
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Kim Jongsung , Wang Wonjoon , Lee Haneul , Lee Myungjin , Kim Hung Soo
Published: October 2021

To identify the drought and flood control functions of an irrigation reservoir, research on hydrological analysis and its impact needs to be conducted. To this end, geographical characteristics, such as the cross section of the reservoir, are important, but such information is insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the topographic and morphological characteristics of reservoirs without measured data using their geographical information. In addition, an attempt was made to identify the morphological characteristics of reservoirs that had collapsed due to aging and the increased frequency of occurrence of strong rainfall intensity caused by climate change. Ten reservoirs, including the Ga-Gog Reservoir located in Miryang city, Gyeongsangnam province, South Korea with measured data, were selected as target reservoirs. The topographic information of the target reservoirs was constructed using topographical maps and GIS techniques. Based on the information, the volume (V)-area (A)-depth (H) relationship and the hypsometric curve (HC) according to the relative height (h/H) and relative area (a/A) were created. When the volume of each reservoir estimated using topographic information was compared with the measured volume, the error rate was found be between 0.23 and 14.27%. In addition, two reservoirs that had collapsed near Miryang city were added, and the V-A-H relationship and HCs were created based on the topographic information. In addition, the morphology index, storage-area of full water-levee height relationship, and storage-area of full water relationship were analyzed to identify the morphological characteristics of the reservoirs. The analysis results showed that the collapsed reservoirs had a relatively high water depth and a large area. In addition, similar types of reservoirs were grouped by conducting cluster analysis using basic specifications, such as the reservoir watershed, storage, and area of full water. When the cluster analysis results were analyzed based on HC, the reservoirs were grouped into three shapes: convex upward shape (youthful stage), relatively flat shape (mature stage), and convex downward shape (old stage). The HCs of the collapsed reservoirs exhibited the convex downward shape (old stage), indicating that they were subjected to considerable erosion due to aging. In other words, considerable erosion makes the allowable storage capacity insufficient due to the large amount of sediment accumulated in reservoirs and reduces their flood control capacity, which may cause them to collapse during heavy rainfall. Therefore, it is expected that identifying the potential causes of reservoir collapse through the morphological characteristics and HCs of reservoirs will support the operation and management of reservoirs for reducing flood damage.
Multi-Omics Data Integration Reveals Link Between Epigenetic Modifications and Gene Expression in Sugar Beet (Beta Vulgaris Subsp. Vulgaris) in Response to Cold
Authors: Gutschker Sindy , Corral José Maria , Schmiedl Alfred , Ludewig Frank , Koch Wolfgang , Fiedler-Wiechers Karin , Czarnecki Olaf , Harms Karsten , Keller Isabel , Rodrigues Cristina Martins , Pommerrenig Benjamin , Neuhaus H. Ekkehard , Zierer Wolfgang , Sonnewald Uwe , Müdsam Christina
Published: October 2021

BackgroundDNA methylation is thought to influence the expression of genes, especially in response to changing environmental conditions and developmental changes. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris), and other biennial or perennial plants are inevitably exposed to fluctuating temperatures throughout their lifecycle and might even require such stimulus to acquire floral competence. Therefore, plants such as beets, need to fine-tune their epigenetic makeup to ensure phenotypic plasticity towards changing environmental conditions while at the same time steering essential developmental processes. Different crop species may show opposing reactions towards the same abiotic stress, or, vice versa, identical species may respond differently depending on the specific kind of stress. ResultsIn this study, we investigated common effects of cold treatment on genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression of two Beta vulgaris accessions via multi-omics data analysis. Cold exposure resulted in a pronounced reduction of DNA methylation levels, which particularly affected methylation in CHH context (and to a lesser extent CHG) and was accompanied by transcriptional downregulation of the chromomethyltransferase CMT2 and strong upregulation of several genes mediating active DNA demethylation. Conclusion Integration of methylomic and transcriptomic data revealed that, rather than methylation having directly influenced expression, epigenetic modifications correlated with changes in expression of known players involved in DNA (de)methylation. In particular, cold triggered upregulation of genes putatively contributing to DNA demethylation via the ROS1 pathway. Our observations suggest that these transcriptional responses precede the cold-induced global DNA-hypomethylation in non-CpG, preparing beets for additional transcriptional alterations necessary for adapting to upcoming environmental changes.
Investigation of In-hospital COVID-19 Mortality and One-year Follow-up of Lung Function and Health Status with Respect to the Initial Disease Severity
Authors: Agholme Jonas , Cederquist Karin , Vougas Konstantinos , Schimanke Mirjam , Eldh Tove , Effraimidis Petros , Triantafyllidou Christina
Published: October 2021

Background: Globally, thousands of patients suffer from long-term COVID-19 symptoms, often referred to as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, a condition that already affects our health systems. Although there is a growing literature upon the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, there are up to date only a few reports on long-term follow up of pulmonary function after severe COVID-19.Methods: The study is an observational cohort of patients who were admitted to hospital care with confirmed COVID-19 during the first pandemic wave and those who required some form of supplementary oxygen delivery. Baseline characteristics, demographic data and information about hospital stay including mortality were obtained by medical charts. Patients were divided in to 3 groups: group 1 (intensive care unit (ICU)-invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), group 2 (high-flow nasal-cannula (HFNC) and/or none-invasive ventilation (NIV) and group 3 (regular oxygen delivery treatment). All patients were required to answer questionnaires (mMRC scale, Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS), Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)) at one year after acute infection, while patients in groups 1 and 2 performed also dynamic spirometry. The R-language of statistics was used for all calculations and visualisations.Results: The study population consisted of 130 patients. Forty five (35%) patients died at the hospital. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were age, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and renal disease. Patients who survived had, on average, a longer period from symptoms onset to hospital admission. No significant difference in all health scales between the 3 patient groups were found. Mean values of both FEV1% and FVC% in the groups 1 and 2 were detected within the lower normal limits while no difference was found between the two groups who were examined with spirometry. Conclusions: The main result of the study is lung function values in the lower limit of normal evaluated with dynamic spirometry at one-year follow-up. There were no significant differences related to initial disease severity in lung function and long-term health status at 12 months, which suggests that more generous lung function testing even in less severe individuals with lingering symptoms could be indicated.
Hyperoxia-Exposed Lung Injury Upregulates DVL-1 Protein Expression And Activates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Newborn Rat Lung
Authors: Jin Weilai , Li Yawen , Zhu Yuting , Li Zhengying , Zhang Le , Zhang Fan , Chen Jing , Zhang Yanyu
Published: October 2021

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a serious and lifelong pulmonary disease in premature neonates, which has an influence on a quarter of premature newborns. Wingless/integrated(Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway affects lung cell differentiation and lung tissue structure, and is abnormal activation in the lungs of rats with pulmonary fibrosis. Method: Newborn rats were subjected to hyperoxia-exposure, histopathological changes in lung tissues were evaluated through Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Dishevelled (DVL-1) and signaling pathways were detected through western blotting and real-time PCR. Results: Contrasting with the normoxic lungs, hyperoxia-exposed lungs demonstrated larger alveoli, less alveoli and thicker alveolar septa, and the number of alveoli reduced obviously, alveoli enlarged seriously in hyperoxia group. SOD activity was decreased (7 th day: P < 0.05; 14 th day: P < 0.01), and MDA was increased (7 th day: P < 0.05; 14 th day: P < 0.01) after hyperoxia exposure. Protein and mRNA expression levels of β-catenin, DVL-1, Ctnnbl1 and Cyclin D1 were upregulated by hyperoxia exposure on 7 th day( P < 0.01) and 14 th day( P < 0.01). Conclusion: We confirmed the positive role of DVL-1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in promoting BPD under hyperoxia conditions, and provided promising therapeutic targets in the future.
Analysis of Ultrasound Clinical Early Warning System in Hyper-Coiling Umbilical Cord
Authors: XIE Junshu , YAN Yani , YANG Zhenjuan , LI Yuntao , XUE Xiaowei , ZHANG Xiaohong , PEI Qiuyan
Published: October 2021

Background： Umbilical coiling index（UCI）can not be used to predict pregnancy outcomes. Whether there are other abnormal ultrasound indicators in the hyper-coiling cord (HC) that can give early warning of adverse pregnancy still needs to be further explored.Objective: To establish an ultrasonic early warning system for clinical intervention in patients with the hyper-coiling umbilical cord.Study Design: Retrospectively analyzed 29 patients’ characteristics with hyper-coiling cord (HC) diagnosed by ultrasound in our hospital from January 2019 to March 2021. According to whether the following high-risk factors were combined ①High resistance of umbilical arteries beside the bladder, ②fetal growth restriction (FGR), ③increased diastolic peak blood flow of middle cerebral artery, ④oligohydramnios, ⑤enhanced echo of the cerebral parenchyma, ⑥reversed A wave of the venous catheter ( VC). It could be divided into two types: simple type and complex type, and then divided into three groups according to the delivery situation of patients, as terminated pregnancy group, intervention group, and non-intervention group. At last, according to the distribution of high-risk factors in each group, established an ultrasonic early warning system which affected the clinical intervention and pregnancy outcome of complex HC patients.Results: compared with 9 cases in the simple HC group and 20 cases in the complex HC group, the intervention ratio of complex HC patients was higher (p=0.027), the average delivery gestational weeks was smaller (p=0.034), the abnormal rate of fetal heart monitoring was higher (p=0.027), and there were statistical differences in above. Compared in the three groups (terminated pregnancy group, intervention group, and the non-intervention group), there were statistical differences in the number of high-risk factors (P=0.000) and the distribution proportion of six high-risk factors (P = 0.012, 0.011, 0.000, 0.026, 0.028, 0.000).Conclusion: the monitoring of six high-risk factors by ultrasound could establish an ultrasound early warning system for HC to influence the clinical intervention and pregnancy outcome. In this early warning system, the monitoring of fetal intrauterine safety was often needed for complex HC patients. High resistance of umbilical arteries beside the bladder and FGR were the earliest warning signs. Once timely clinical intervention was carried out, the prognosis of pregnancy could be improved.
Influence of the Implementation of Strengths-based Nursing and Healthcare on Early Childhood Nurses’ Competencies: A Mixed-Method Study.
Authors: Thentz Camille , Durgnat-Sciboz Christine , Macé Sylvie , Béguin Marie-Catherine , Falcy Vincent , Schobinger Elisabeth , Rodrigues Maria Goreti Da Rocha
Published: October 2021

Background: The scope of practice for nurses caring for families has evolved to meet the challenges presented by societal changes and increasing needs. In 2015, early childhood nurses from a Swiss region decided to implement a new model of care to guide their practice. The aim of this study was to explore the changes to early childhood nurses’ practices following the implementation of the strengths-based nursing and healthcare (SBNH) approach to care. Methods: This study of early childhood nurses’ (N = 61) practices used a pre-post intervention design and a mixed-method approach. Nurses’ competencies and changes in practice were measured using the Nurse Competence Scale (NCS). The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal Wallis tests and logistic regression. Thematic analysis was used to derive themes from the qualitative data. Results: After the intervention, frequency of competency use increased in all domains of the NCS except the “teaching-coaching” domain; perceived levels of competencies also increased in all areas except “helping role” and “diagnostic functions”. Age and length of employment at the current post hindered improvement in the “teaching-coaching” competency. Interviews revealed themes related to the implementation process: “adaptability”, “implementation process”, “ambivalence” and “engagement to change”. Other themes were related to practice changes: “developing a disciplinary identity”, “path with families” and “strengths”. Conclusion: This study showed that the use of perceived competencies changed over time after the introduction of SBNH into practice. Nurses questioned and adapted their routines based on SBNH. Nurse’s vision of care also changed; they felt that their care was congruent with their values. For families, this approach allowed a change of vision with a resource-centred approach. Implementation of models of care such as the SBNH in the early childhood context is innovative, as little research in the literature addresses the early childhood community home-visiting context is still modest. This research underlines the added value of this approach on early childhood nurses’ competencies.
High-capacity and Robust Image Watermarking Algorithm
Authors: Liu Zheng , Li Xi-Yan , Qing-Lei Prof. , Sun Hanqing , Lian Weimin , Wang Guizhi
Published: October 2021

With the development of internet, digital media can be manipulated, reproduced, and distributed conveniently over networks. However, illegal copy, transmission and distribution of digital media become an important security issue. In this paper, we propose a high-capacity and robustness method based on discrete wavelet transforms(DWT) and optimal discrete cosine transforms(DCT). We present two approaches, they are: DWT-ODCT(high-capacity and robust image watermarking algorithm based on DWT and optimal DCT), and(P-DWT-ODCT) high-capacity and robust image watermarking algorithm based on DWT and optimal DCT by watermark preprocessing. The watermark image is preprocessed by halftone and quad tree techniques, and the position information about the content is extracted as the actual embedded value. The cover image is transformed by DWT and optimal DCT, which provides high imperceptibility and the least image distortion. Watermark bits are not directly inserted into the frequency coefficient, but embedded by modifying the coefficient according to some rules. With this method, regardless of the approach used, our study are higher capacity and robustness than the existing schemes. The watermark extraction produces high image quality after a variety of attacks.
Investigating Dark Fermentation as a Sustainable Organic Waste Management Technology for Producing Biohydrogen From Fruit and Vegetable Waste
Authors: Magama Primrose , Chiyanzu Idan , Mulopo Jean
Published: October 2021

Fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) is made up of biodegradable organic compounds whose disposal in landfills leads to water and environmental pollution and the emission of lethal greenhouse gases such as methane. Given the high organic content of FVW and its abundant and constant supply, FVW can serve as valuable feedstock for energy production and other value added bio-commodities. Whilst anaerobic digestion is a mature and proven waste management technology, there is need to investigate and develop other environmentally friendly waste treatment technologies. Dark fermentation is a promising alternative waste treatment technology that can be utilized to generate biohydrogen, however, more R&D is still required to improve process efficiency and enhance hydrogen yields. This study investigated the production of biohydrogen via dark fermentation using fruit and vegetable waste as a substrate. To enhance hydrogen production the study applied seed inoculum pre-treatment including heat, alkali, acid, and heat-alkali. The results show that FVW can be used as a feedstock for biohydrogen production and that inoculum pre-treatment enhances hydrogen yields. Acid pre-treatment resulted in the highest hydrogen yield (142, 74 Nml/g VS) and hydrogen content (54%) while heat pre-treatment generated the lowest hydrogen yield (0, 90 Nml/g VS). The hydrogen yields of the pre-treatments tested were substantially different (p<0.001). From highest to lowest, the order of pre-treatment efficacy in terms of hydrogen yield enhancement was acid>heat-alkali>alkali>heat. Under all pre-treatments and controls, the main volatile fatty acid (VFA) formed was valeric acid. The maximum valeric acid fraction observed was 86.1% under acid inoculum pre-treatment.
NNT-AS1 in CAFs-derived exosomes inhibits miR-889-3p in PDAC cells and then promotes proliferation, metastasis, and metabolic reprogramming through favorably regulating HIF-1α
Authors: Zhang Pingping , Wang Qun , Lu Weijun , Zhang Feng , Wu Dongde , sun junwei
Published: October 2021

BackgroundIt is metabolic and signaling crosstalk between stromal cells and tumors in the tumor microenvironment, which influences several aspects of tumor formation and drug resistance, including metabolic reprogramming. Despite considerable findings linking lncRNAs in HIF-1-related regulatory networks to cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, little emphasis has been given to the lncRNAs' role in communication between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells. Previously, we observed that NNT-AS1 was substantially expressed in CAFs cells and CAFs exosomes, and subsequently investigated the influence of CAFs exosomal NNT-AS1 on glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis of PDAC cells. MethodsTransmission electron microscopy was used to examine exosomes secreted by PDAC patient-derived CAFs. qRT-PCR was used to evaluate at the expression of NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1. The role of CAFs-derived exosomal NNT-AS1 in PDAC cell proliferation, metastasis, and metabolism has been identified. Dual luciferase reporter assays were used to look at the binding between NNT-AS1, miR-889-3p, and HIF-1.ResultsAfter PDAC cells co-culture exosomes secreted by CAFs, we found that they alter glucose metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis. In PDAC cells, CAF-derived exosomal lncRNA NNT-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-889-3p. Furthermore, HIF-1 could be targeted by miR-889-3p and was controlled by NNT-AS1.ConclusionThis study explores the mechanism by which NNT-AS1 influences the interaction of CAFs on glycolytic remodeling, proliferation, and metastasis of tumor cells through regulating miR-889-3p/HIF-1α, which also helps discover new clinical treatment targets for PDAC.
Becoming a wage earned or a self-employed: Does Young Educational Level determine the Choice of the Working Labour Force Status in Cameroon?
Authors: Maximilien KOUL NGWE MANGUELLE
Published: October 2021

If employment is recognized as a key driver for growth, development and well-being improvement, human capital is probably a main determinant of the labour force participation. By often analyzing this relationship in wage earning jobs, studies used to leave self-employment untreated despite the fact that its proportion is growing significantly in several countries. This leads us to the following question: does the accumulating human capital determine access to all forms of employment? Focusing on young people, this article analyzes effects of the educational level used as a proxy of the accumulating human capital on the choice of the working labour force status in Cameroon. Using discrete-choice models on data drew from the second Employment and Informal Sector Survey carried out by the National Institute of Statistics, empirical findings reveal that educated young people are more likely to make a decision to work as wage earned and the corresponding probability rises with the increasing of their educational levels. However, the willingness to become self-employed decline with the rising of the educational level. Therefore, compared to the decision to work as a wage earned, becoming a self-employed does not appear as a human capital outcome. This paradoxical result for a low wage economy suggests a reform of educational and training systems starting at least from high school with emphasizes in sectors with a high potential of self-employment development and a setting-up of an apprenticeship plan.
Prevalence of Anxiety among Paramedic Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah , Bayazeed Abdulrahman , Alzahrani Alhussain , Alkahtani Faisal , Alzahrani Saeed , Alzahrani Abdullah
Published: October 2021

Background: Anxiety disorders are the most common of all psychiatric illnesses and result in considerable functional impairment and distress. The stressful nature and hard work demand of studying and practicing paramedics makes them more prone to psychiatric illnesses one of which is Anxiety. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of anxiety among paramedic students in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Paramedic students of third and fourth year from Emergency Medical Services of College of Applied Medical Sciences at all KSAU-HS branches in Jeddah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa’a in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected in May 2020. The study utilized the General Anxiety Disorder -7 (GAD-7) test to screen for anxiety and assess its severity level in paramedic students. Results: There were a total of 181 participants, of which 133 (73.5%) were male students, and with almost all participants being unmarried (99.4%). For GAD-7 test, 32.6% had no anxiety, while the most had mild anxiety (43.1%), and 14.9% had moderate anxiety, with the fewest (9.4%) had severe anxiety.Conclusion: Significant levels of anxiety were reported among the students and most of them showed excessive levels of worrying and nervousness, which affected their academically and occupationally. Hopefully, more researches are required to assess the prevalence of anxiety among paramedic practitioners. Addressing the problem at an earlier stage will positively affect the students who will become practitioners in the future.