bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty and Risk Assessment Using Ensemble Modeling for Major Development Decision
Authors: Asgarov Murad , Arslan Ozan , Salim-Zade Fidan , Aliyev Aghamehdi , Abdullayev Turan , Sadikhov Farhad
Published: October 2021

This paper summarizes a risk framing and assessment exercise to support a major development decision in Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli field located in Azerbaijani sector of Caspian Sea, using at scale implementation of ensemble modelling technique.

A multi-disciplinary team identified a comprehensive list of geological and mechanical uncertainties and their inter-dependencies that could impact the project outcome. 20000 subsurface scenarios with unique uncertainty parameter combinations, based on Monte Carlo approach, were modeled using reservoir simulation software. Match quality to the actual performance helped to select an ensemble of unique subsurface scenarios. With the non-subsurface uncertainties in the predictive stage, the ensemble was used to inform the investment case's incremental value range.

The ensemble predicted a cloud of outcomes around the reference case with -25% and +12% uncertainty range. This cloud assumed the same (reference case) sequence and location of the wells. The team selected distinct scenarios from the cloud to communicate the risks on key project metrics. Incremental recovery and production ramp-up variation against significant uncertainties guided the selection of distinct downside and upside scenarios for economic evaluation to ensure the robustness of development decision.

The initial cloud was considered to be unmanaged as the well locations were exposed to reservoir property, connectivity, sweep, and other uncertainties for a specific scenario in the ensemble. The team recognized the long duration of development activities and tangible subsurface learning opportunities from drilling through multiple reservoirs and other surveillances, particularly on the key uncertainties ("heavy hitters"). This observation was leveraged to manage uncertainties and make appropriate well location and sequence decisions. Overall uncertainty range slightly narrowed down to -20 % and +16 % while providing an appropriate downside and upside profiles for the investment case.

Assessing the impact of key uncertainties on investment value helped refining surveillance and risk management plan with focus areas on well and facility design to ensure risk management measures are executable.
Frictional Contact Problem of One Dimensional Hexagonal Piezoelectric Quasicrystals Layer
Authors: Huang RuKai , Ding Sheng hu , Zhang Xin , Li Xing
Published: October 2021

Based on three-dimensional (3D) general solutions for one-dimensional (1D) hexagonal piezoelectric quasicrystals (PEQCs), this paper studied the frictional contact problem of 1D-hexagonal PEQCs layer. The frequency response functions (FRFs) for 1D-hexagonal PEQCs layer are analytically derived by applying double Fourier integral transforms to the general solutions and boundary conditions, which are consequently converted to the corresponding influence coefficients (ICs). The conjugate gradient method (CGM) is used to obtain the unknown pressure distribution, while the discrete convolution-fast Fourier transform technique (DC-FFT) is applied to calculate the displacements and stresses of phonon and phason, electric potentials and electric displacements. Numerical results are given to reveal the influences of material parameters and loading conditions on the contact behavior. The obtained 3D contact solutions are not only helpful further analysis and understanding of the coupling characteristics of phonon, phason and electric field, but also provide a reference basis for experimental analysis and material development.
Rare Earth Electrolysis: key issues for measurement of greenhouse gases from oxide-fluoride systems
Authors: Fukurozaki Sandra Harumi , Landgraf Fernando José Gomes
Published: October 2021

Over the past decade, the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) has been recognized as one of the key factors for sustainable primary metal production, in which the rare earth (RE) industry can be affected both in terms of price and use by GHG reduction policies and non-tariff technical barriers. From environmental and economic standpoint, the perfluorocarbons (PFC) emissions generated in RE electrolysis during events known as anode effects (AE) are strong infrared-absorbing GHG and play an important role for RE metals process improvements. However, there is no standard methodology to account these GHG emissions from RE metal production industry and the assessment of the contribution of PFC emissions from different technologies to the global warming is urgently needed. This paper focuses on the analysis of PFC measurements from RE metal production in terms of GHG inventory and sustainable production. The state of art of RE fused oxide-fluoride electrolysis, particularly of neodymium electrolysis, provides the technical fundamentals for the evaluation of PFC emissions factors reported in scientific articles. Based on International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) standard methods and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and International Aluminium Institute (IAI) protocol applied to analogous industrial process, the analysis of key issues for estimate CF4 and C2F6 emission factors from electrolytic RE production indicates the additional refinements are necessary to optimize the accuracy of total PFC emission amount from each currently RE technology. Additionally, the selection of emission estimation technique (EET) or mix EET should be considered on case-by-case basis as to their purposes and suitability for a particular process and facility. Finally, this paper highlights the technological implications related to the PFC emissions measurements and trends towards to set goals and develop strategies for GHG mitigation.
Evaluating the Predictive Value of Fetal Doppler Indices and Neonatal Outcome in Late-onset Preeclampsia With Severe Features: a Cross-sectional Study in a Resource-limited Setting
Authors: Moawad Eman Mohamed Ibraheim , Tammam Amr Samir Fouad , Mosaad Maha Mohamed , Sayed Hadeer Mashaal El , Elaimy Adel Mohammed Atef Mohammed
Published: October 2021

Background: Preeclampsia constitutes a major health problem with substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to detect the diagnostic efficacy of fetal Doppler in predicting adverse outcomes in severe late onset preeclampsia (LOP). Methods: A prospective study was conducted among childbearing women who presented with severe LOP and matched controls. Umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler indices including pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) were measured.Results: All UA indices were significantly higher in the case group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). UA PI and RI were significantly correlated with all neonatal adverse outcomes except cord pH status (p < 0.05). Abnormal CPR was the most sensitive index that positively correlated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), low 5- minute Apgar score and neonatal intensive care unit admission (79 %, 72.8 % and 73.3 %, respectively). In the same context, Abnormal UA PI and RI represented the most specific tool for predicting IUGR, low 1- and 5- minutes Apgar score with positive predictive values were 52 %, 87 % and 57 %, respectively.Conclusion: In severe LOP, UA Doppler remains the preferential indicator for adverse birth outcomes with CPR is the best index that could be solely used for predicting such outcome.
Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Novel Pathogenic Strains of Macrococcus Caseolyticus Isolated From External Wounds of Donkeys in Khartoum State –Sudan
Authors: Ali Dania , Allam Mushal , Altayb Hisham , Mursi Dalia , Abdalla M. A , Mohammed N. O , Khaier Mona A. M. , Salih Manal , Abusalab Sarah , Ahmed Abbas
Published: October 2021

A pathogenic strains of Macrococcus caseolyticus was isolated from wounds infection during investigation on donkeys in Khartoum State. Samples were collected from external wounds (head, abdomin, back and leg), during different seasons of the year. One isolate (124B) was identified using whole-genome sequence analysis. RAST software identified thirty-one virulent genes of disease and defense including methicillin resistant genes, TatR family and ANT(4’)-Ib. Plasmid rep22 wasidentified by PlasmidFindet-2.0 Server and a CRISPR. MILST-2.0 predicted many novel alleles. NCBI notated the genome as a novel strain of M.caseolyticus strain (DaniaSudan). The MLST-tree-V1 revealed that DaniaSudan and KM0211a strains were interrelated. Strain Daniasudan was resistant to ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, erythromycin, oxacillin, clindamycin and kanamycin. The prevalence of the strain was 4.73%, with significant differences between collection seasons and locations of wounds. Mice modling showen bacteremia and many clinical (swelling, allergy, wounds and loss of hair). Enlarged, hyperemia, adhesions and abscesses were observed in many organs. This represents the first report of pathogenic strains of M.caseolyticus worldwide.
New Candidates for Furin Inhibition as Probable Treat for COVID-19: Docking Output
Authors: Dayer Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2021

Furin is a serine protease that takes part in the processing and activation of the host cell pre-proteins. The enzyme also plays an important role in the activation of several viruses like the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 disease with a high rate of virulence and mortality. Unlike viral enzymes, furin owns a constant sequence and active site characteristics and seems to be a better target for drug design for COVID-19 treatment. Considering furin active site as receptor and some approved drugs from different classes including antiviral, antibiotics, and anti protozoa/anti parasites with suspected beneficial effects on COVID-19, as ligands we have carried out docking experiments in HEX software to pickup those capable to bind furin active site with high affinity and suggest them as probable candidates for clinical trials assessments. Our docking experiments show that saquinavir, nelfinavir, and atazanavir with cumulative inhibitory effects of 2.52, 2.16, and 2.13, respectively seem to be the best candidates for furin inhibition even in severe cases of COVID-19 as adjuvant therapy, while clarithromycin, niclosamide, and erythromycin with cumulative inhibitory indices of 1.97, 1.90, and 1.84, respectively with lower side effects than antiviral drugs could be suggested as prophylaxes for the first stage of COVID-19 treatment.
Acute Hepatitis E Virus Superinfection Increases Mortality in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Lee Sang Soo , Cho Jin-Kyu , Kim Hee Jin , Cha Ra Ri , Lee Jae Min , Kim Hyun Jin , Jung Woon Tae , Lee Ok-Jae , Choi Jung Woo , Son Ho Jin , Jeon Hankyu
Published: October 2021

Background: Although acute hepatitis E is not fatal in healthy individuals, it is unclear whether hepatitis E superinfection increases mortality in patients with pre-existing liver disease. Thus, we investigated the prognosis of patients with acute hepatitis E according to their cirrhosis diagnosis, and the prognosis according to the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in patients with cirrhosis and chronic liver disease (CLD). Methods: This study included 74 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with acute viral hepatitis E between January 2007 and December 2019. Of them, 39 patients without CLD, 13 patients with non-cirrhotic CLD, and 22 patients with cirrhotic CLD were analyzed. Results: Among the 74 patients with HEV infection, 7 (9.5%) died within 180 days: 5 with underlying cirrhosis (71.4%) and 2 without cirrhosis (28.6%). The 180-day mortality was significant higher for patients with cirrhosis than for patients without cirrhosis (22.7% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.013). The age- and sex-adjusted proportional-hazard model revealed an approximately 8-fold increase in 180-day mortality risk in patients with cirrhosis compared to patients without cirrhosis. In addition, development of hepatitis E virus-related ACLF due to acute liver function deterioration in patients with pre-existing CLD or cirrhosis worsened the 180-day mortality rate. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the acute hepatitis E mortality rate was low in heathy individuals but higher in patients with cirrhosis, and especially high in those with ACLF.
Time to Recovery and Determinants of Uncomplicated Severe Acute Malnutrition Among 6–59 Months Children From the Outpatient Therapeutic Feeding Program in North Shewa Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A Prospective Follow-Up Study.
Authors: Taye Amare Bekalu , Asebe Degemu Sahlu , Tadesse Addisu Walelign
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Community-based management of acute malnutrition is implementing in Ethiopia. But there is scarce information in our study set up regarding the time to recovery and its predictors of SAM among 6-59 months children, so this study aimed to assess the time to recovery and its predictors of uncomplicated SAM among 6-59children managed at the OTP in north Shewa zone, Ethiopia.Methods: A health post-based prospective follow-up study had conducted on 6-59months children from November 20/2020 – February 20/2021. A total of 423 children had included in the study. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire had used. The median time to recovery had calculated using the Kaplan Meier (KM) curve. The predictors of time to recovery were determined using both bi-variable and multi-variable Cox regression models with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Finally, the variable that had a p-value < 0.05 in the multi-variable analysis was declared as the predictors of time to recovery. Proportional hazard assumption was checked graphically and using Schoenfeld residual test.Result: From the total 423 Children, 327 (77.3%) recovered. The median time to recovery was 42 + IQR of 14 days. Children from food secure households; AHR= 9.6 with 95% CI (8.1-18.5), mild food insecure; AHR= 6.5 with 95% CI (3.1, 13.8), moderate food insecure; AHR= 2.5 with 95% CI (1.2-5.3). Mothers who traveled less than 2 hours walking distance to the health post; AHR=2.6 with 95% CI (1.8-18.7). Children who received the correct dose of the RUTF AHR=1.6 with 95% CI (1.1-2.3), children who measured their weight weekly AHR= 1.5 with 95% CI (1.1-2.0), and children treated by health extension worker who took the Nutrition-related training AHR= 2.1 with 95% CI (1.0-4.5) were predictors of time to recovery. Conclusion and recommendation: The median time to recovery was within the acceptable range of the Ethiopian protocol for the management of uncomplicated SAM in the Outpatient setup. Household food security status, the distance between home and health posts, the correct dose of RUTF, weekly weight measurement per protocol, and HEWs nutrition-related training status were the significant predictors of time to recovery. It is advisable to improve the household food security status, and the Health extension worker's (HEWs) nutrition-related training.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Bladder Calculi Risk in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Xie Euxu , Gu Xuelian , Ma Chen , Guo Li , Li Man , Du Yuefeng
Published: October 2021

Objective To develop and validate a nomogram for predicting bladder calculi risk in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods A total of 368 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and had histologically proven BPH from January 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively collected. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the training and validation datasets. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select the optimal risk factors. A prediction model was established based on the selected characteristics. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by calibration plots and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Furthermore, decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to determine the net benefit rate of of the nomogram. Results Among 368 patients who met the inclusion criteria, older age, a history of diabetes and hyperuricemia, longer intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP)and larger prostatic urethral angulation (PUA) were independent risk factors for bladder calculi in patients with BPH. These factors were used to develop a nomogram, which had a good identification ability in predicting the risk of bladder calculi in patients, with AUROCs of 0.911 (95% CI: 0.876–0.945) in the training set and 0.884 (95% CI: 0.820–0.948) in the validation set. The calibration plot showed that the model had good calibration. Moreover, DCA indicated that the model had a goodclinical benefit. Conclusion We developed and internally validated the first nomogram to date to help physicians assess the risk of bladder calculi in patients with BPH, which may help physicians improve individual interventions and make better clinical decisions.
Efficacy Comparison of Three Kinds of Distal Tibial Hemiepiphyseal Implants in the Treatment of Postoperative Ankle Valgus of Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia
Authors: Hu Xiongke , Li Anping , Liu Kun , Mei Haibo
Published: October 2021

Background: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia is a complex and serious disease in orthopedics which often requires multiple operations for treatment. Postoperative ankle valgus deformity is easily seen after the operation of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the safety of three different implants for treating postoperative ankle valgus after congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.Methods: A total of 41 patients with postoperative ankle valgus after congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia from December 2010 to July 2019 were selected. Out of these 41 patients, 23 patients were treated with “U”-shaped tension screw, 10 patients were treated with hollow screw and 8 patients were treated with cortical bone screw. The evaluation index was tibiotalar angle. The general data, preoperative, postoperative and final follow-up imaging data were recorded, and the deformity correction rate and complications were compared. Results: all the patients were performed with postoperative follow-up visit for at least 12 months (31 months on average). In the “U”-shaped tension screw group, the preoperative tibiotalar angle was (74.8±4.8°), the tibiotalar angle was (85.8±4.5°) when the internal fixation was removed; in the hollow screw group, the average preoperative tibiotalar angle was (72.2±6.1°), the average tibiotalar angle was (88.4±5.1°) when the internal fixation was removed; in the cortical bone screw group, the average preoperative tibiotalar angle was (75.1±4.2°), the average tibiotalar angle was (88.4±5.1°) when the internal fixation was removed. The correction effect of the “U”-shaped tension screw group was better than that of the other two groups, but the difference was not significant (the correction rate of the “U”-shaped tension screw group was 0.71°/month, with that of in the hollow screw group and cortical bone screw group being 0.64°/month and 0.61°/month respectively, P＞0.05). One case of internal fixation complication was reported in the hollow screw group; two cases of missing correction effect were reported, one in cortical bone screw group and one in hollow screw group; and two cases showing symptom of wound pain were reported in the “U”-shaped screw group. Conclusion: Ankle valgus is a common postoperative complication of congenital tibial pseudarthrosis. Temporary hemiepiphyseal is an effective treatment for postoperative ankle valgus deformity of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in children. Through comparison, the "U"-shaped tension screw provides relatively better orthopedic results and has a lower rate of internal fixation complications.
Comparing the Effectiveness of 3D Printing Technology in the Treatment of Clavicular Fracture between Surgeons with Different Experiences
Authors: Guo Jiang long , Li Hong yi , Zhao Kui , Zhang Meng , Ye Jing zhi , Chen Jun , xiao mengqiang , Liu Jing feng
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To comparethe effectiveness of the three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the treatment of clavicularfracturebetween experienced and inexperienced orthopedic surgeons.
Methods

A total of 80 patients with clavicle fracture (from February 2017 to May 2021)were enrolled in our study. Patients were divided randomly into four groups: group A: Patients underwent low-dose CT scan and 3D models were printed before surgeries performed by inexperienced surgeons; group B: Standard-dose CT were taken and 3D models were printed before surgeries performed by experienced surgeons; group C and D: Standard-dose CT were taken in both groups, and the operations were performed differently by inexperienced (group C) and experienced (group D) surgeons. Operation time, blood loss, length of incision and number of intraoperative fluoroscopy were recorded.
Results

No statistically significant differences were found in age, gender, fracture site and fracture type (P value: 0.23–0.88).Group A showed shorter incision length and less intraoperative fluoroscopy times than group C and D (P value < 0.05). There were no significant differences in blood loss volume, incision length and number of intraoperative time between group A and group B (P value range: 0.11–0.28). The operation time of group A was no longer than that of group C and D (P value range: 0.11 and 0.24).
Conclusion

The surgical effectiveness of inexperienced surgeons who applied 3D printing technology before clavicular fracture operation were better than those of both inexperienced and experienced surgeons did not use preoperative 3D printing technology.
Using Mobile Phone Data to Understand the Demographic Characteristics and Behavioral Patterns of Park Visitors in a Megacity, Beijing, China
Authors: Wu Yihang , Zhao Wenhao , MA JIN , Yaxi Liu , Pei Tao , Liu Qiyuan , Qu Yajing
Published: October 2021

BackgroundUrban parks are important places that allow urban residents to experience nature but are also associated with the risk of exposure to contaminated soil. Local researches on demographic characteristics and population behavior patterns are the basis of soil exposure assessment. The objectives were to determine park visitors’ demographic characteristics and behavioral patterns. MethodsA total of 86 urban parks in Beijing were selected, and mobile phone data were used to quantify the park visits, identify the demographic characteristics of the visitors, and determine the visitors’ stay times. A Kruskal-Wallis test and kernel density estimation were used for difference analysis and to describe the spatial aggregation of visitors, respectively. A random forest model was used to analyze the factors influencing the visitors’ stay times.ResultsVisitor numbers at comprehensive parks and theme parks decreased significantly in winter, whereas seasonal variations in visitor numbers at community parks and country parks were small. Almost half of the visitors to Beijing’s urban parks were foreign visitors, who, unlike local visitors, preferred to visit parks located in the city’s center. Parks were mostly used by males and visitors aged 31–45. Most visitors stayed in the park for 1–2 h, and the distance from a given visitor’s home to the park was the most important factor affecting stay time, contributing 80.65% of the difference in stay time.ConclusionsThis study provides a quantitative analysis of the patterns relating to urban park use by different groups of people. Changes in behavior patterns of different groups of people should be considered when assessing soil exposure.
Genotypic Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia Coli Isolated From Pigs in Hubei, China
Authors: Li Xiaoyue , Liu Zewen , Wang Ningning , Liu Wei , Gao Ting , Zhou Danna , Yang Keli , Guo Rui , Liang Wan , Bei Weicheng , Yuan Fangyan , Tian Yongxiang
Published: October 2021

BackgroundIntestinal infections with Escherichia coli (E. coli) are mostly occur in piglets between 1~10 days old, which major lead to diarrhea and edema in newborn piglets. These diseases caused by E. coli can increase mortality, morbidity and growth delay of piglets, which are responsible for economic losses. In this study was to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, transmission mechanisms, and molecular epidemiology of E. coli strains isolated from pig farms in Hubei province. Furthermore, clonal and genetic diversity of isolates were identified. ResultsA total of 29 E. coli isolates were obtained from fecal of weaned piglets from Hubei province. The E. coli isolates in different regions demonstrate different genetic diversity. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) presented that ST165 was the common sequence type, accounting for 27.6% of all E. coli isolates, followed by ST744, ST1081, ST101 and ST10. All of the isolates were resistant to the tested antibiotics to vary degrees, and more than 80% of E. coli isolates presented high resistance rates to ampicillin, lincomycin, doxycycline, tetracycline, sulfaisoxazole and ampicillin. There was one E. coli strain that was resistant to the fifteen antimicrobial agents tested. Overall, most of the isolates were conferring resistance to 5-7 antimicrobial agents tested.ConclusionsOur study reported E. coli isolates with high antimicrobial resistance and explores the genetic diversity of E. coli isolated from swine-origin. From the results obtained it can be concluded that these isolates present high prevalent multi-drug resistance. These data provide a greater understanding of the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli.
“Trying to Avoid Fentanyl and Other Dangerous Fakes”: A Thematic Analysis of Risk-Mitigating Strategies in Opioid Reddit Posts
Authors: Nguyen Jennifer , Gilbert Lauren R. , Shaw George
Published: October 2021

Background: The opioid crisis has fuelled dramatic increases in fatal drug overdoses, with illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogues driving the opioid-related overdose death rates among all groups. One way to address these overdose deaths is through increasing public awareness about opioid overdoses and encouraging people who use drugs to make safe choices about opioids. The ease, convenience, and privacy of social media sites provide an inside look into the world of opioid users. This study seeks to understand the nature and significance of Reddit discussions regarding opioid overdoses and safe choices. Methods: We systematically searched Reddit during the month of August (2019). We collected 4,844 posts, across 25 distinct r/opiates subreddit forums using the search terms “opioids,” “drugs,” and “fentanyl”. We then used qualitative thematic analysis methods to code 49 unique original posts. Results: The posts from these Reddit discussions provide insight into this online opioid community and how they are sharing and normalizing risk-mitigating strategies to avoid opioid-related overdoses through (1) recognizing the dangers and avoiding fentanyl; (2) knowing the signs and symptoms of opioid overdoses; and (3) having and using naloxone to treat opioid overdoses. Conclusions: These informal and social interactions provide insight into the complexity the opioid epidemic crisis and can inform future strategies and interventions to address the opioid crisis.
Application of Multi-Scale Fusion Attention U-Net to Segment the Thyroid Gland on CT Localization Images for Radiotherapy
Authors: Wen Xiaobo , Zhao Biao , Yuan Meifang , Li Jinzhi , Sun Mengzhen , Ma Lishuang , Sun Chaoxi , Yang Yi
Published: October 2021

Objectives: To explore the performance of Multi-scale Fusion Attention U-net (MSFA-U-net) in thyroid gland segmentation on CT localization images for radiotherapy. Methods: CT localization images for radiotherapy of 80 patients with breast cancer or head and neck tumors were selected; label images were manually delineated by experienced radiologists. The data set was randomly divided into the training set (n=60), the validation set (n=10), and the test set (n=10). Data expansion was performed in the training set, and the performance of the MSFA-U-net model was evaluated using the evaluation indicators Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Jaccard similarity coefficient (JSC), positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity (SE), and Hausdorff distance (HD). Results: With the MSFA-U-net model, the DSC, JSC, PPV, SE, and HD indexes of the segmented thyroid gland in the test set were 0.8967±0.0935, 0.8219±0.1115, 0.9065±0.0940, 0.8979±0.1104, and 2.3922±0.5423, respectively. Compared with U-net, HR-net, and Attention U-net, MSFA-U-net showed that DSC increased by 0.052, 0.0376, and 0.0346 respectively; JSC increased by 0.0569, 0.0805, and 0.0433, respectively; SE increased by 0.0361, 0.1091, and 0.0831, respectively; and HD increased by −0.208, −0.1952, and −0.0548, respectively. The test set image results showed that the thyroid edges segmented by the MSFA-U-net model were closer to the standard thyroid delineated by the experts, in comparison with those segmented by the other three models. Moreover, the edges were smoother, over-anti-noise interference was stronger, and oversegmentation and undersegmentation were reduced. Conclusion: The MSFA-U-net model can meet basic clinical requirements and improve the efficiency of physicians' clinical work.
The Effect of Propofol on Hypoxia- and TNF-α-Mediated Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/Tyrosine Kinase Receptor B Pathway Dysregulation in Primary Rat Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Tao Weiping , Zhang Xuesong , Ding Juan , Yu Shijian , Ge Peiqing , Han Jingfeng , Luo Xing , Cui Wei , chen jiawei
Published: October 2021

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B (BDNF/TrkB) pathway dysregulation may be induced by hypoxia and inflammation, and play pivotal roles during the development of neurological disorders. Propofol is an anesthetic agent with neuro-protective properties. We aimed to verify whether propofol affected BDNF/TrkB pathway in neurons and astrocytes exposed to hypoxia and inflammation.Methods: Primary rat hippocampal neurons and astrocytes were cultured and exposed to propofol followed by hypoxia or TNF-α treatment. The production of BDNF and the expression/truncation/phosphorylation of TrkB were measured. The underlying mechanisms such as ERK, CREB, p35 and Cdk5 were investigated.Results: In hippocampal neurons and astrocytes, hypoxia and TNF-α reduced the production of BDNF. Pretreatment of hippocampal neurons with 25μM propofol reversed the inhibitory effect of hypoxia or TNF-α on BDNF production. However, even 100μM propofol had no such effect in astrocytes. Further, we found that in hippocampal neurons hypoxia and TNF-α increased the phosphorylation of ERK (p-ERK) and CREB at Ser142 (p-CREB Ser142), while reduced the phosphorylation of CREB at Ser133 (p-CREB Ser133), which were all reversed by 25μM propofol and 10μM ERK inhibitor. In addition, we reported that hypoxia- and TNF-α-mediated reduction of BDNF was mitigated by 10μM ERK inhibitor, and the beneficial effect of propofol was abolished by 10μM ERK activator. We also found neither hypoxia nor TNF-α affected TrkB expression, truncation or phosphorylation in hippocampal neurons and astrocytes. However 50μM propofol induced TrkB phosphorylation without affecting its expression and truncation only in hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we detected that in hippocampal neurons, 50μM propofol induced p35 expression and Cdk5 activation, and blockade of p35 or Cdk5 mitigated propofol-induced TrkB phosphorylation.Conclusions: Propofol, via ERK/CREB and p35/Cdk5, may modulate BDNF/TrkB pathway in hippocampal neurons that were exposed to hypoxia or TNF-α.
Default mode and frontal executive network interactions enable interoceptive attention & mindfulness
Authors: Grennan Gillian , Balasubramani Pragathi , Maric Vojislav , Ramanathan Dhakshin , Mishra Jyoti
Published: October 2021

Interoceptive attention to internal sensory signals is fundamental to mindfulness. In an attention-to-breathing task in 161 adults, we found that consistency of interoceptive attention significantly correlated with performance efficiency across several exteroceptive cognitive domain tasks. EEG source mapping within subjects showed that on low-consistency or distracted trials there was greater recruitment of frontal executive control activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and suppression of the posterior default mode network (Precuneus), with increased functional connectivity between these regions. In contrast, high-consistency or attentive trials were associated with greater connectivity between Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) and Insula, key nodes of the cognitive control network for attention monitoring. Notably, individual trait mindfulness was correlated with greater functional connectivity between DLPFC-Precuneus on distracted trials and greater ACC-Insula connectivity on attentive trials. These results showcase dynamic network interactions underlying objective markers of interoceptive attention and subjective rating mindfulness.
Dietary Fiber for Gestating Sows During Heat Stress: Effects on Reproductive Performance and Stress Level
Authors: Oh SeungMin , Hosseindoust Abdolreza , Ha SangHun , Moturi Joseph , Mun JunYoung , Tajudeen Habeeb , Kim JinSoo
Published: October 2021

Background: Heat stress is an important issue in swine farms, which causes economic loss and compromises sows health. The addition of fiber to the diet is an option in modifying intestinal health. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of fiber level on reproductive performance, intestinal microbiota and integrity, and metabolism of gestating sows, and its carry-over effect on the lactation period during heat stress. Methods: A total of 36 gestating sows (90 day-pregnant) were allotted to three treatments with 12 replicates. The diets included 3% (LF), 4.5% (MF), and 6% (HF) crude fiber. All gestating sows fed 2.5 kg of diet daily and diets contained 3150 kcal/kg of ME, 14% crude protein (CP), and 0.58% standardized ileal digestibility of lysine. Results: Sows fed the HF diet showed a lower respiratory rate and hair cortisol concentration compared with the LF treatment. The HF diet increased the feed intake of sows compared with the LF diet, while it decreased the farrowing duration. The HF diet increased the constipation index compared with the MF and LF diets. Sows in the HF treatment showed a greater piglet weight and litter weight compared with the LF treatment at weaning. Sows in the LF treatment showed the highest digestibility of CP and the greatest digestibility of acid detergent fiber was observed in sows fed HF diet. The HF diet increased lying and decreased standing, and sham chewing behavior compared with the LF diet. The concentration of acetate and total short-chain fatty acid were increased in sows fed the HF diet. The gene expression of glucose transporter 3 and 4 was increased in the HF treatment. The gene expression of heat shock protein70 was decreased in the HF treatment.Conclusion: Increasing dietary fiber level decreased stress level and improved farrowing duration and reproductive performance.
Convectively-coupled High-frequency Atmospheric waves triggered Kerala floods in 2018 and 2019
Authors: R KIRAN S
Published: October 2021

Floods have repeatedly battered the South Indian state, Kerala, as a result of the unprecedented heavy rainfall during Boreal Summers, in recent years. The state witnessed large departures from normal rainfall in 2018 and 2019. Previous studies have seldom adopted a systematic approach to understand the phenomenon responsible for the recurrent extreme events. Hence, this study, based on spectral methods, identifies a characteristic propagation of high-frequency equatorial waves in the atmosphere, which travelled from near tropical west Pacific to the east coast of Africa. These waves stimulated intense convection and ensured sufficient availability of moisture over the state, and are hence responsible for Kerala Floods.
Identification of Benzothiazole‒Rhodanine Derivatives as α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, In-silico and In-Vitro Analysis
Authors: C Revanasiddappa B , Sriniv Mahendra Gowdru , Aggarwal Natasha Naval , Gatphoh Banylla Felicity Dkhar , S Madan Kumar , B.R. Kannika , G.V. Pujar , Dixit Sheshagiri , Mondal Shubhankar , B.R. Prashantha Kumar , Khanal Pukar
Published: October 2021

In search for possible antidiabetic agents, a new series of Benzothiazole-Rhodanine derivatives (A1-10) have been synthesized and characterized by spectral data (IR, 1 H-NMR, C 13 -NMR, and HR-MS). All the designed compounds were subjected to In-silico studies using Schrodinger software and evaluated for In-vitro antidiabetic activity by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays. Among the tested compounds A5, A6 and A9 showed good activity when compared to the standard Acarbose. Also, Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were conducted to evaluate the stability of the ligand-protein complex by the calculation of the root mean of square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), and solvent accessible surface area (SASA).
Outcomes from a Multi-disciplinary Uveitis Referral Clinic in Tasmania, Australia and adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ovens Christopher A. , Yang Verlyn , Yates William B , Verma Nitin , Speden Deborah , McCluskey Peter
Published: October 2021

Background: Uveitis is one of the most common causes of visual impairment, accounting for up to 25% of visual loss in the developing world and 10% in developed countries. There are marked regional differences within Australia, particularly in rural and Indigenous populations. There is no published data on uveitis in Tasmania. Methods: A 5-year retrospective case series review of medical records of all patients reviewed to the clinic was performed. Results: A total of 95 patients were referred to the clinic. Seventy-six (76) patients (123 eyes) had uveitis and were analysed in detail (see table 1). Nineteen (19) patients had a diagnosis other than uveitis or were on immunosuppressive therapy for another ocular inflammatory disorder (detailed in Table 2). The most common anatomical diagnosis was posterior uveitis (29%), followed by pan-uveitis (20%) and intermediate uveitis (17%). Average follow-up was 36.7 months. Conclusion: The most common anatomical diagnosis was posterior uveitis (29%), followed by pan-uveitis (20%) and intermediate uveitis (17%). Telemedicine is a modality that could have application in management of Uveitis in regional areas.
Production, characterization and cytotoxicity effects of silver nanoparticles from Cystseira myrica
Authors: Fatah Hesham M. Abd El
Published: October 2021

Background

A green, eco-friendly approach to biosynthesizing silver nanoparticles has been reported for marine macroalga Cystseira myrica extract as a reducing agent.

Methods

Algal extract was prepared from the marine brown seaweed Cystoseira myrica. Different pH and temperature impact the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles suggesting that the synthesis depends greatly on pH and temperature. Silver nanoparticles have been detected by modifying the color of the algal extract and verified by the use of UV-vis and other characterizations. The Structure and characters of synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed using TEM, DLS, XRD, and FTIR. Cytotoxicity of the biosynthesized nanoparticles using provided cell lines of breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) and human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2).

Results

Shape of silver nanoparticles at pH 9, 75°C for 30 min and was found to be suitable for the biosynthesis process and the AgNPs exhibited a characteristic absorption peak at 434nm. High resolution Electron Microscope Transmission (HR-TEM) reported polydisperse and spherical shapes ranging from 8 to 15 nm. High attractive and repulsive forces between each nanoparticle were recorded with an average zeta potential value of approximately −29.3 mV for C. myrica extract NPs. The X-ray diffraction study revealed the crystalline structure of silver nanoparticles. FT-IR has shown the bioreduction of silver ions to silver nanoparticles through biomolecules found in C. myrica extract. Silver nanoparticles have been found to have anticancer activity. The cytotoxicity assay was studied against MCF-7 and HepG2 at various concentrations (100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125, 1.56, 0.78, 0.39, 0.2 and 0.1 μg/mL). By increasing the concentration of AgNPs from 0.1 to 100 μg/mL the maximum percentage of viability against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell line decreased from 94.55 ± 7.55 to 19.879 ± 0.503 and from 78.56 ± 11.36 to 25.81 ± 2.66 after time exposure respectively.

Conclusions

The silver nanoparticles from Cystoseira myrica have cytotoxicity activity against MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line and HepG2 human hepato cellular carcinoma cell line.
Virulence Pattern of Pyricularia oryzae Pathotypes Towards Blast Monogenic Lines
Authors: Misman Siti Norsuha , Ab Razak Mohd Shahril Firdaus , Ahmad Sobri Nur Syahirah , Zakaria Latiffah
Published: October 2021

Rice blast caused by Pyricularia oryzae (P. oryzae) is one of the most serious diseases infecting rice worldwide. In the present study, virulence pattern of six P. oryzae pathotypes (P0.0, P0.2, P1.0, P3.0, P7.0 and P9.0) identified from the blast pathogen collected in Peninsular Malaysia, were evaluated using a set of 22 IRRI-bred blast resistance lines (IRBL) as well as to determine the resistance genes involved. The information on the virulence of the blast pathotypes and the resistance genes involved is important for breeding of new rice variety for durable resistance against blast disease. The IRBL was established from 22 monogenic lines, harbouring 22 resistance genes [Pia, Pib, Pii, Pit, Pi3, Pi5(t), Pish, Pi1, Pik, Pik-s, Pik-m, Pik-h, Pik-p, Pi7(t), Pi9, Piz, Piz-5, Piz-t, Pi19, Pi20(t), Pita-2, and Pita=Pi4(t)]. Based on the disease severity patterns, the tested pathotypes were avirulence towards seven IRBLs [IRBLi-F5, IRBLk-Ka, IRBLkh-K3, IRBLz-Fu, IRBLsh-S, IRBLPi7 (t) and IRBL9-W] of which these IRBLs harbouring Pii, Pik, Pik-h, Piz, Pish, Pi7(t) and Pi9 resistance genes, respectively. Therefore, the results suggested that the seven IRBLs carrying seven resistance genes [Pii, Pik, Pik-h, Piz, Pish, Pi7(t) and Pi9] would be suitable candidates of resistance genes to be incorporated in new breeding lines to combat the current blast pathotypes in the field.
A pandémia első hulláma a felsőoktatás-kutatások tükrében
Authors: Kopp Erika , Saád Judit
Published: October 2021

A 2020. év kezdetén kialakult globális vírushelyzetre a felsőoktatási intézmények a világ minden részében a távolléti oktatásra történő átállással reagáltak. Ezen átalakulások, folyamatok és hatások vizsgálatára kezdettől fogva nagy kutatói érdeklődés irányult (Crawford et al. 2020; Rumbley, 2020), a helyzet által megkövetelt új tudás a sikeres adaptáció egyik meghatározó feltételévé vált. Vizsgálatunkban a pandémia első időszakában a felsőoktatás-kutatásokban megjelenő témák, módszertani megközelítések és a felsőoktatást érintő változások tematikus elemzését végeztük el. Az eredmények azt mutatják, hogy az időszak a felsőoktatás-kutatás területén is számos markáns következménnyel járt. Ezek egyike a publikációs tér átalakulása, a „szürke irodalom” szerepének felértékelődése, mely jóval gyorsabban reagál az aktuális problémákra, részben a felsőoktatás egyfajta „befelé fordulása”, a megváltozott körülményekhez igazodó oktatási tevékenységek miatti leterheltség (Crawford et al. 2020a), illetve a tudományos folyóiratok publikációs folyamatának hosszúsága miatt. A publikációk témáit vizsgálva megállapíthatjuk, hogy az oktatás és a kutatás kérdései, a konkrét oktatási tevékenység, ennek módszerei, eszközei, a jó gyakorlatok megosztása kiemelten fontos szerepet játszanak a vizsgált időszakban. Előtérbe kerülnek a távolléti oktatás gazdasági hatásaival, a hallgatói (és kisebb mértékben) az oktatói jólléttel, a pandémia felsőoktatás-politikára, felsőoktatás-irányításra gyakorolt hatásával foglalkozó vizsgálatok is.
Meeting Cultures and Languages in the Classroom: Rethinking Aronson’s Method
Authors: Kolosai Nedda
Published: October 2021

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The Ascension of Christ and Permanent Ecclesiogenesis: A Contribution to Pneumatological and Eschatological Ecclesiology
Authors: Napiórkowski Andrzej
Published: October 2021

What is the Ascension? Is it merely a narrative of a post-paschal community? In what spatio-temporal reality has it been fulfilled? How should we understand its placement in time: forty days after the Resurrection, and ten days prior to the Descent of the Holy Spirit? The Ascension should be analyzed integrally in connection with the mystery of death and the Resurrection. This paper presents an attempt at deepening New-Testament ecclesiogenesis while also moving away from the narrowed understanding that the Church emerged solely as a result of the words, deeds and person of Jesus Christ. On the one hand, it is a reference to the five stages of the Church's emergence as an event of the entire Holy Trinity in the still-unfinished history of salvation. On the other: it is a presentation of the typically ignored of the Ascension, which is usually reduced to the event of the Resurrection of the glorious Lord. Analysis of the Ascension – performed in the light of ecclesiogenesis – leads to uncovering the pneumatological and eschatological components, which are most interesting in reference to the multi-dimensional establishment of the Church and its mission.
In vitro efficacy of Carapa guianensis Aublet (Meliaceae) oil on Damalinia (Bovicola) ovis Schrank (1781)
Authors: Aguiar Antônia Aniellen Raianne Moises , Rolim Caio Michel de Morais , Dantas Iany Leda Moreira , André Weibson Pinheiro Paz , Coelho Wesley Adson Costa , Pereira Josivania Soares
Published: October 2021

Productivity in small ruminants can be compromised due to lice infestations. This pest infestation is controlled by the administration of insecticides, and their excessive use causes resistance. New control alternatives are being investiga-ted, especially the use of phytotherapeutics. Research using the oil from Carapa guianensis (andiroba) has shown insecticidal action on feline and goat lice specimens. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of C. guianensis seed oil, in vitro, on Damalinia (Bovicola) ovis.Nine hundred specimens of D. (Bovicola) ovis were randomly assigned into groups and were subjected to different treatments: (G1) 1,000 to 15.6 mg/mL of C. guianensis oil; (G2) 3% Tween 80 (negative control); and (G3) amitraz 1.25 g/mL (positive control). Data presentation was expressed as mean efficacy ± standard deviation using the statistical program SPSS version 23.0 and statistical differences of the experimental groups were obtained by Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman. Probit Regression was performed to obtain CI50 and CI90, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The oil with a concentration of 1,000 mg/mL had an efficacy of 94% after 24 hours of exposure, differing statistically from the positive and negative control (p < 0.05). The IC50 and IC90 values were 439.21 mg/mL and 807.09 mg/mL, respectively. The action of the oil on the specimens was independent whether it was an adult female, male, or nymph. It is concluded that C. guianensis oil showed in vitro insecticidal effect against D. (Bovicola) ovis.