bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Rosemarinus officinalis for controlling of potato bacterial wilt
Authors: Abd El-Wahed Mohamed Hassan , Bereika Mohamed F. F. , Abo-Elyousr Kamal A. M. , Almasoudi Najeeb Marei
Published: March 2023

Background

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is considered one of the most important diseases that cause economic losses to many economic crops and spread in many regions around the world, especially in the subtropical tropics and some warm temperate regions of the world. In this study the aqueous plant extract of Rosemarinus officinalis and Pseudomonas fluorescens for their antagonistic activity against bacterial wilt in vitro, greenhouse and population of R, solanacearum in plants was study.

Results

Following intensive screening studies, aqueous plant extract of R. officinalis and P. fluorescens was selected to study their effectiveness against bacterial wilt of potato plants and their antimicrobial activity or induction of systemic resistance in plants. In greenhouse, all soil drenching treatments on potato plants significantly reduced disease incidence of potato bacterial wilt than infected control. R. officinalis, P. fluorescens mixture between plant extract and endophytic bacteria and streptomycin reduced profoundly the disease severity by 75.51, 65.0 77.9 and 81.00%, respectively, than the infected control (83.71%). The plant extract and microorganism significantly increased fresh and dry weight of potato plants (g) per plant compared to non-treated control plants. R. officinalis, P. fluorescens mixture between plant extract and endophytic bacterium and streptomycin increased fresh weight from 100.1 to 169.9 compared to infected control also increased dry weight from 68.4 in streptomycin to 170.4% in mixture of plant extract and endophytic bacterium. The populations of bacterial pathogen R. solanacearum were lowest in stem of potato plants treated with plant extracts than in inoculated control plants (50%). In general, the total phenols increased in both inoculated and non-inoculated potato plants.

Conclusions

Ralstonia officinalis and P. fluorescens showed a strong in vitro activity in relation growth limitation of R. solanacearum as well as limiting the development of bacterial wilt disease on potato plants under greenhouse conditions.
Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum isolates against the pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams, 1926 (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)
Authors: Yanar Oğuzhan , Topkara Elif Fatma , Sahin Funda , Yanar Yusuf , Yanar Dürdane , Terzi Yüksel
Published: March 2023

Background

The pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni Tams, 1926 (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), causes severe skin reactions to animals and humans. The insect also destroys pine ecosystems by feeding on pine leaves at its larval stage. Instead of chemical control, eco-friendly biological control methods should be preferred to combat this species.

Results

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana isolate (GOPT-331) and Metarhizium brunneum isolates (ORP-13 and ORP-18) against the second and fourth larval instars of T. wilkinsoni under laboratory conditions. T. wilkinsoni eggs were collected from pine trees at Ondokuz Mayıs University in Samsun, Turkey, in 2021, and the second and fourth larval instars were used for the experiment. Two milliliters of a spray of the three fungal isolates was applied to the larvae for each concentration (1 × 105–1 × 108 conidia ml−1). The mortality rates of GOPT-331, ORP-13, and ORP-18 were changed between 91.1 and 100% for the second-instar larvae and between 86.6 and 97.7% for the fourth-instar larvae at 1 × 108 conidia ml−1. The ORP-13 isolate showed the lowest LC50 values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is suggested that all the three isolates were virulent to T. wilkinsoni and can be used for biological control of this species. The promising results from the study were obtained from trials conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, and it will be critical to explore the potential of these promising entomopathogenic fungi in field conditions.
Re-appraisal of callosotomy: rates and predictors of short-term seizure outcome in pediatric epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Darwish Ahmed , Ahmed Omar El Farouk , Ebrahim Khaled Saeed , Shata Mennatallah O. , Abouelmaaty Emad H. , Hamada Salah M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Epilepsy is a chronic debilitating disease especially in pediatric population. Most of reported studies for corpus callosotomy as a palliative surgery in drug-resistant cases are on limited number of cases and there is scarcity in literature for outcomes reported from developing countries. Here, we present our study on a large series of cases with analysis of potential predicators outcomes in the era of more expensive devices like vagal nerve stimulation to give a litany on a universal epilepsy surgery procedure which had been missed in the literature through the last decade.

Results

An observational retrospective study was done reviewing 129 patients with PEE underwent open microscopic corpus callosotomy. Total and drop attack seizure outcomes were studied after surgery. Potential outcomes predictors studied are: preoperative EEG and MRI. Preoperative IQ impairment epilepsy duration, age at diagnosis, MRI finding, IQ score, EEG findings, history of infantile spasm and extent of callosotomy done. All the recorded outcomes were substantially improved after callosotomy in our study population of 129 pediatric patients. The median (IQR) preoperative drop attack frequency was 70 (21–140) which decreased to 3 (0–14) postoperatively. Similarly, the number of anti-epileptics used by patients had a median of 3 (2–4) which decreased to 2 (2–3) after the surgery. All patients were experiencing status epilepticus which disappeared in 72% of the patients after callosotomy. Preoperative normal MRI was a predictor for drop attack favorable outcome and mild preoperative impairment of IQ was a predictor of favorable total seizure and drop attack outcome.

Conclusions

Corpus callosotomy is a well-tolerated palliative procedure for drug-resistant generalized epilepsy notably, drop attacks which had its notorious effect on quality of life of pediatric patients and their families, no appreciable prognostic factors for favorable outcome were clearly observed except for normal preoperative MRI, mild preoperative IQ affection, and complete callosotomy.
Sentinel seizure heralding Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease
Authors: Das Shambaditya , Pandit Alak , Ray Biman Kanti , Dubey Souvik
Published: March 2023

Background

Isolated seizure as a manifestation of myelin oligodendrocyte antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) has rarely been reported previously.

Case presentation

A 16-year-old-male presented with single episode of left focal onset motor seizure with secondary generalization and impaired awareness, without any other focal neurological deficits. There was a history of right focal onset motor seizure with secondary generalized tonic–clonic seizure and impaired awareness 4 years ago. Neurological examination showed bilateral gaze evoked nystagmus. Brain imaging revealed bilateral superficial and deep white matter lesions including the corpus callosum. Anti-MOG antibody was positive. The patient received steroids and Rituximab therapy without any further recurrence of seizure or any neuro-deficits and gradual improvement in lesion burden in brain imaging.

Conclusions

This case of an adolescent boy with sole manifestation of episodes of focal seizures 4 years apart, finally diagnosed to be a case of MOGAD, not only boosts the evidence of establishing the possibility of MOG antibody-associated autoimmune epilepsy but also reinforces the importance of unexplained seizure as a clinical phenotype in MOGAD.
Fallopian tube recanalization for the management of infertility
Authors: Roberts Anne
Published: March 2023

Infertility is a world-wide problem, defined as failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. There are multiple causes for infertility involving both male and female factors. Fallopian tube occlusion is a common reason for female infertility. The initial attempts to treat proximal obstruction involved the use of a whalebone bougie positioned in the uterine cornua to dilate the proximal tube by Smith as early as 1849. Fluoroscopic fallopian tube recanalization for the treatment of infertility was first described in 1985. Since that time, there have been over 100 papers describing various methods for recanalization of occluded fallopian tubes. Fallopian tube recanalization is a minimally invasive procedure which is performed on an outpatient basis. It should be a first line therapy for patients with proximal occlusion of fallopian tubes.
Collapse of inferior vena cava during complex filter retrieval with consequent intra-procedural systemic hypotension and bradycardia: a case report
Authors: Garg Tushar , Altun Izzet , Majdalany Bill S. , Nezami Nariman
Published: March 2023

Background

Prolonged dwelling time of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters has been shown to increase the need for the use of complex IVC filter retrieval techniques. In this report, we describe a case of complex retrieval of an IVC filter with prolonged dwelling time, which was temporarily accompanied by severe bradycardia and hypotension.

Case presentation

Fifty-nine-year-old male patient past medical history of morbid obesity, atrial fibrillation status post-ablation, obstructive sleep apnea, and end-stage renal disease presented for IVC filter retrieval 16 years after placement. When the IVC filter was covered by sheaths, and the IVC was temporarily collapsed and occluded, the patient developed severe bradycardia and hypotension without compensatory tachycardia. Contrast injection through the common femoral vein sheath showed complete occlusion of IVC while the IVC filter was covered by both sheaths, likely due to the embedment of the IVC filter in the wall by extensive fibrinous tissues. IVC filter was successfully retrieved, and the blood pressure and heart rate were improved immediately afterward. A large non-occlusive IVC thrombus was identified on the final venogram, which was aspirated using a mechanical thrombectomy device.

Conclusion

Complex retrieval of IVC filters with prolonged dwelled time can result in acute severe bradycardia and hypotension due to vasovagal reaction, acute collapse, and occlusion of IVC in the setting of IVC filter embedment in the wall by extensive fibrinous tissues.
Unintentional ingestion of putative delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol by two youth requiring critical care: a case report
Authors: Bradley Erin K. , Hoots Brooke E. , Bradley Evan S. , Roehler Douglas R.
Published: March 2023

Background

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid from the cannabis plant that can be synthetically converted from cannabidiol (CBD). Most states permit the full or restricted sale of hemp and hemp-derived CBD products, and therefore, delta-8 THC products are on the rise. Delta-8 THC consumption can cause intoxication. Products are often sold in edible form and occasionally in packaging that appears similar to candy. Clinical presentations for delta-8 THC ingestions are understudied and may differ from those described for delta-9 THC ingestions.

Case presentation

This case report describes unintentional ingestions of putative delta-8 THC by two pediatric patients that results in admission to the pediatric intensive care unit. The ingestions were of putative delta-8 THC infused product that resembled popular candies. Both patients developed periods of bradypnea with continued intermittent periods of agitation. Medical intervention included observation, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation via high flow nasal cannula, and intubation—but was not needed for both patients. Although family noted ongoing irritability for the patients, both were discharged approximately 45 h after ingestion. Delta-8 THC ingestion is reliant on self-report.

Conclusions

As the availability of delta-8 THC increases, along with associated pediatric exposures, it is imperative for health care providers to quickly recognize and provide adequate treatment. While there is no specific antidote for THC intoxication beyond supportive care, providers can play an important role in prevention by educating parents and guardians on safe cannabis storage and by documenting cases for adverse event monitoring.
Evaluation of conductive smart composite polymeric materials for potential applicationsin structural health monitoring and strain detection
Authors: Sanchez-Sobrado Olalla , Rodriguez Daniel , Losada Ricardo , Rodriguez Elena
Published: March 2023

The presented work collects results from the evaluation of electrical response to mechanical deformation and formation of defects presented by different polymeric based composite materials with potential for applications in Structural Health Monitoring and Strain Detection. With the aim of showing the variety of key materials in sectors like civil aviation, wind energy, automotive or railway that present this ability, specimens of very different nature have been analyzed: a) thermoplastic commercial 3D printing filaments loaded with carbonic fillers; b) epoxy resin loaded with Carbon Nanotubes and c) long carbon fiber reinforced resin composite. Measurements of electrical properties of these materials were taken to evaluate their capability to detect the presence of structural defects of different sizes as well as its spatial location. On the other hand, simultaneous measurements of electrical resistivity and mechanical strain during tensile tests were performed to analyze the potential of materials as strain detectors. All composites studied have shown a positive response (modification of electrical performance) to external mechanical stimulus: induced damage and deformations.

Graphical Abstract
Subdural hematoma following dural puncture epidural anesthesia for labor analgesia: two case reports
Authors: Chou Wendy , Alam Saamia , Bracero Lucas , Schabel Joy , Bergese Sergio , Costa Ana
Published: March 2023

Background

Neuraxial anesthesia is widely used for labor analgesia in the USA, such as epidural, combined spinal–epidural, and dural puncture epidural (DPE). Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a well-known complication of neuraxial anesthesia. However, a rare yet more serious complication is subdural hematomas. Untreated subdural hematomas can result in permanent disability and death, hence the need to better understand their development in the obstetric population receiving DPE.

Case presentation

Case one: A 34-year-old G6P3 female at 39-week gestation received a DPE for labor analgesia and underwent a cesarean section for arrest of descent. On postoperative day two, the patient developed a PDPH but opted for conservative treatment. Ten days post-discharge, the patient presented with a large subacute to chronic subdural hematoma with midline shift. The patient underwent a right fronto-temporal craniectomy, evacuation of subdural hematoma, and placement of a subdural drain. Case two: A 31-year-old G1P0 female at 41-week gestation with a past medical history of a chronic right parietal hemangioma and malaria at 29-week gestation received a DPE for induction of labor. She subsequently underwent a primary cesarean section for failure to progress and persistent category-two fetal heart rate tracing. On postoperative day 11, she experienced a severe non-positional right-sided headache. Imaging revealed a subdural hematoma overlying the right frontal temporal and parietal lobes, which was observed and managed non-operatively. On postoperative day 14, the patient received an epidural blood patch for symptomatic intracranial hypotension.

Conclusion

PDPH, a complication of neuraxial anesthesia, is typically benign and often self-resolves with conservative measures. However, to avoid increased morbidity and mortality, monitoring in patients with PDPH at a higher risk for development of subdural hematomas (especially those with known preexisting intracranial pathologies) is critical for prompt diagnosis. As exemplified by our second case, epidural blood patches continue to be effective and may be considered in patients with symptomatic intracranial hypotension.
Design of new reversible and selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A and a comparison with drugs already approved
Authors: Reyes-Chaparro A. , Flores-Lopez N. S. , Quintanilla-Guerrero F. , Nicolás-Álvarez Dulce Estefanía , Hernandez-Martinez A. R.
Published: March 2023

Background

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that has been targeted pharmacologically for the treatment of depression and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. To avoid side effects, drugs currently in use must selectively target either of the enzyme's two isoforms, A or B. In this study, we designed molecules derived from chalcone as potential reversible and selective inhibitors of isoform A of the MAO enzyme.

Results

Ten thousand one hundred compounds were designed and screened using molecular docking, considering the pharmacokinetic processes of chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Density functional theory calculations were performed for the main ligands to evaluate their reactivity. Six drugs qualified as reversible and irreversible inhibitors of both isoform A and isoform B. Among these, molecule 356 was found to be a reversible inhibitor with the best performance in selectively targeting isoform A of the MAO enzyme. The interaction stability of ligand 356 in the isoform A binding site was confirmed by molecular dynamics. One hydrogen bond was found between the ligand and the cofactor, and up to six hydrogen bonds were formed between the ligand and the protein.

Conclusions

We selected a drug model (molecule 356) for its high affinity to isoform A over isoform B of the MAO enzyme. This proposal should decrease experimental costs in drug testing for neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, our silico design of a reversible inhibitor of isoform A of enzyme monoamine oxidase can be used in further experimental designs of novel drugs with minimal side effects.

Graphical Abstract
Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis secondary to anti-GBM disease associated with MPO-ANCA: a case report
Authors: Isaza-Meza Mariana , Afanador-Rubio Diana Carolina , Huérfano-Castro Manuel Alejandro , Ramírez-Correa Ivon , Flórez-Vargas Adriana Alejandra
Published: March 2023

Background

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) diseases are rare. It is associated with variable renal manifestations and increased mortality, thus requiring early aggressive treatment to minimize adverse outcomes and improve prognosis.

Case presentation

We present the case of a male patient with 1-month onset of asthenia, adynamia, oliguria, and weight loss. Initial laboratory findings were indicative of severe kidney dysfunction. The urinalysis showed active sediment, but the urinary tract ultrasound was unaltered. As these findings were consistent with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, he received steroid pulses, and given the severity of the condition, renal replacement therapy was initiated. Other diagnostic tests revealed MPO-ANCA antibody levels of 26 mg/dl, pANCAs 1/320, and anti-GBM of 8 mg/dl. Kidney biopsy evidenced necrotizing glomerulonephritis with extracapillary proliferation in 90% of the glomeruli. The patient received plasma exchange (PE) therapy and intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide (CYC) cycles; however, he presented with severe alveolar hemorrhage requiring the completion of 21 PE sessions and 3 CYC boluses. Pulmonary symptoms resolved, but the patient persisted dependent on dialysis. During the outpatient follow-up, monthly CYC were prescribed until circulating antibody levels were normal; however, the patient did not recover full kidney function and remained dependent on renal support.

Conclusions

Anti-GBM and AAV diseases are rare; therefore, anti-GBM antibodies should be screened simultaneously in patients with ANCA positive, especially in older patients, due to the early morbidity and mortality typical of anti-GBM disease with comparable disease severity it represents.
Testing relationship between tea intake and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lu Rong-Bin , Huang Jian
Published: March 2023

Background

We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal effect of tea intake on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Genetic instruments for tea intake were obtained from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset of the UK Biobank. Genetic association estimates for RA (6236 cases and 147,221 controls) and SLE (538 cases and 213,145 controls) were obtained from the FinnGen study through the IEU GWAS database.

Results

MR analyses using the inverse-variance weighted method showed that tea intake was not associated with risk of RA [odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation increment in genetically predicted tea intake = 0.997, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.658–1.511] and SLE (OR per standard deviation increment in genetically predicted tea intake = 0.961, 95% CI 0.299–3.092). Weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, leave-one-out and multivariable MR controlling for several confounding factors including current tobacco smoking, coffee intake, and alcoholic drinks per week yielded completely consistent results. No evidence of heterogeneity and pleiotropy was found.

Conclusion

Our MR study did not suggest a causal effect of genetically predicted tea intake on RA and SLE.
Brazilian society of rheumatology methodological guide for the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines in rheumatology
Authors: de Melo Ana Karla Guedes , Caparroz Ana Luíza Mendes Amorim , de Abreu Mirhelen Mendes , Azevedo Daniela Castelo , Hoff Leonardo Santos , Kowalski Sérgio Candido , Torres Themis Mizerkowski , Barros Solange Murta , Ferreira Gilda Aparecida , Montecielo Odirlei André , Xavier Ricardo Machado , Trevisani Virgínia Fernandes Moça
Published: March 2023

Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are developed to align standards of health care around the world, aiming to reduce the incidence of misconducts and enabling more effective use of health resources. Considering the complexity, cost, and time involved in formulating CPG, strategies should be used to facilitate and guide authors through each step of this process. The main objective of this document is to present a methodological guide prepared by the Epidemiology Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for the elaboration of CPG in rheumatology. Through an extensive review of the literature, this study compiles the main practical recommendations regarding the following steps of CPG drafting: distribution of working groups, development of the research question, search, identification and selection of relevant studies, evidence synthesis and quality assessment of the body of evidence, the Delphi methodology for consensus achievement, presentation and dissemination of the recommendations, CPG quality assessment and updating. This methodological guide serves as an important tool for rheumatologists to develop reliable and high-quality CPG, standardizing clinical practices worldwide.
The regulatory subunit MoB56 of PP2A phosphatase regulates pathogenicity, growth and development in a protein complex with the atypical catalytic subunit Ppg1 in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Wang Rui-Jin , Cui Danrui , Zhao Rui , Jin Yujie , Zeng Wenhui , Yang Ye , Qi Linlu , Xiang Lihui , Peng You-Liang
Published: March 2023

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is usually a heterotrimeric enzyme, consisting of a catalytic subunit (C) and a scaffolding subunit (A) associated with a third, variable regulatory subunit (B). Fungi usually carry a single gene for A and C subunits, and three genes for the B subunit. In addition, fungi contain a conserved atypical C subunit named Ppg1, which is essential to the pathogenicity of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. However, it remains largely unknown how the B subunit combinatorically assembles with the A and C subunits or Ppg1 to regulate fungal growth, development and pathogenicity. Here we report and functionally characterize one regulatory subunit of PP2A, named MoB56, in M. oryzae. We generated a MoB56 deletion mutant Δmob56, which was severely defective in vegetative growth, conidiation and septum formation, and had lost pathogenicity. The defects of Δmob56 could be rescued by introducing MoB56 fused with GFP (MoB56-GFP) at its C terminus. Fluorescence microscopic observations revealed that the MoB56-GFP signals were widely distributed in the cytoplasm and formed a dot-like structure at the center of the septum in conidia, appressoria and infection hyphae, supporting its function in septation. Further, we performed co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays, indicating that MoB56 forms a protein complex with the A subunit and Ppg1 in mycelial cells. The yeast two-hybrid assay showed that MoB56 could interact with the A subunit of PP2A but not with Ppg1, while Ppg1 could interact with the A subunit, suggesting that the A subunit ties MoB56 with Ppg1 for the protein complex formation. In addition, we revealed that MoB56 has multiple isoforms, which are likely originated from alternative splicing and sumoylation. This is the first report revealing that the regulatory subunit B56 is associated with the PP2A-like phosphatase Ppg1 in fungi. Importantly, this study showed that B56, like Ppg1, is essential to the pathogenicity of M. oryzae, offering a potential new lead to control this devastating fungal pathogen by targeting specific PP2A-like phosphatase. Together, this study provides important information for understanding how the regulatory subunit B56 of PP2A regulates fungal pathogenicity and for the control of rice blast disease.
Delayed seropositivity is associated with lower levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19
Authors: Fekry Marwa M. , Soliman Hanan , Hashish Mona H. , Selim Heba S. , Osman Nermin A. , Omran Eman A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with COVID-19 can develop a range of immune responses, including variations in the onset and magnitude of antibody formation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels vary in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 in relation to the onset (days) of their post-symptom seropositivity and to explore host factors that may affect antibody production

Methods

This was a prospective, multiple measurements study involving 92 PCR-confirmed patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Antibody testing for anti-nucleocapsid (anti-NP) and spike proteins (anti-S) was performed using ELISA tests. Serum samples were collected over a period of 55 days from symptom onset of COVID-19 infection, and repeated as necessary until they turned positive.

Results

No significant differences were found between the positivity rates of anti-S or anti-NP regarding any clinical symptom (p > 0.05). The majority of patients who tested positive for anti-NP and anti-S showed early seropositivity (within 15 days of symptom onset) (75.9% for anti-NP and 82.6% for anti-S). Younger patients, those without chronic diseases, and non-healthcare workers had the highest percentage of seroconversion after day 35 post-symptom onset (p = 0.002, 0.028, and 0.036, respectively), while older patients and those with chronic diseases had earlier seropositivity and higher anti-NP levels (p = 0.003 and 0.06, respectively). Significantly higher anti-S ratios were found among older (p = 0.004), male (p = 0.015), and anemic patients (p = 0.02). A significant correlation was found between both antibodies (p = 0.001). At the end of the study, the cumulative seroconversion rate for both antibodies was almost 99%.

Conclusions

Some COVID-19 patients may exhibit delayed and weak immune responses, while elderly, anemic patients and those with chronic diseases may show earlier and higher antibody responses.
A life cycle assessment of drilling waste management: a case study of oil and gas condensate field in the north of western Siberia, Russia
Authors: Ilinykh Galina , Fellner Johann , Sliusar Natalia , Korotaev Vladimir
Published: March 2023

Oil production is currently impossible without drilling wells, so millions of tons of drilling waste contaminated with oil, chlorides, and heavy metals are generated every year in Russia alone. This article presents the results of a comparative life cycle assessment of water-based drill cuttings management technologies applied in Russia, including disposal, solidification, and reinjection. Life cycle assessment of the drilling waste management was performed using OpenLCA software, Ecoinvent 3.8 database and ReCiPe Midpoint (H) impact assessment method. Fossil depletion, climate change and human toxicity were chosen as impact categories. Data from oil producing companies on the composition of drilling waste and information from drilling waste treatment companies on the technologies and reagents used were also applied. To compare alternative technologies the following scenarios were compared: Scenario 0 «Landspraying», scenario 1 «Disposal», scenario 2 «Solidification» (scenario 2a – in a waste pit, scenario 2b – without a waste pit), and scenario 3 «Reinjection». Sensitivity analysis was performed to test for variations in results for oilfields located in different regions and for differences in mass of reagents used. The environmental impact of scenario 0 (landspraying) depends mostly on drilling waste composition, which is largely determined by human toxicity that can differ from 17 up to 2642 kg 1,4-DCB-eq per 1 t of drill cuttings, when for other scenarios it is from 24 up to 73 kg 1,4-DCB-eq per 1 t of drill cuttings. It means, that drilling waste landspraying is the best option only if the level of pollutants in the waste is very low. Among the other scenarios of drill cuttings management aimed at isolating pollutants from the environment, solidification technologies have the greatest environmental impact, primarily due to their use of binders. Among all scenarios, 2a and 2b have the biggest environmental effect in most impact categories. The production of cement and lime for drilling waste solidification was the main contributor to fossil depletion (64% of the total amount for scenario 2a and 54% for scenario 2b), and greenhouse gas emissions (49% of the total amount for scenario 2a and 70% for scenario 2b). However, the application of soil-like material (solidified drill cuttings) as an inert ground in swampy areas can make migration of heavy metals possible. Scenario 3 (reinjection) is associated with the least impact on the environment and the main contributor is electricity production (75% of greenhouse gas emissions). Sensitivity analysis shows that oilfield location does not affect the data for reinjection, but the impact assessment changes up to 60% for drill cutting disposal due to different waste pit design depending on permafrost and groundwater levels. Differences in the mass of used cement and lime change results for solidification scenarios considerably (up to 80%).
Cardiovascular disease protective properties of blueberry polyphenols (Vaccinium corymbosum): a concise review
Authors: Onuh John O. , Dawkins Norma L. , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: March 2023

Increasing epidemiological evidence suggests inverse association between consumption of diets rich in fruits and vegetables and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), metabolic syndrome disorders, certain types of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and other forms of human chronic diseases. This may be due to the contents of some bioactive phytochemicals, especially polyphenols, which are abundant in fruits and vegetables and have antioxidant effects. Berry fruits are reported to have the highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC) among fruits. They may protect against CVD and hypertension either directly or in tandem with other cellular mechanisms. Blueberry anthocyanins have been reported to exhibit cardiovascular protective health effects by preventing cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis, and reduction of oxidative and inflammatory damages to the endothelium through several mechanisms. Such mechanisms may involve suppressing the release of inflammatory mediators, protection against ischemic damage of the heart as well as cardiomyocyte survival, lower systolic and mean arterial pressures and renal nitrite content in addition to multiple other beneficial effects. However, several limitations in existing studies make it difficult to draw conclusions regarding the preventive effects of blueberries and other polyphenols-rich foods, especially as data supporting a causal relationship between direct antioxidant capacity and CVD are insufficient or limited. It is also unclear, which molecules exert this effect since few studies with isolated polyphenols have been conducted in addition to a lack of proper understanding of other mechanisms that may be involved. This review is, therefore aimed at discussing some of the current literature information on the cardiovascular protective effects of blueberries with suggestions for future research directions.

Graphical Abstract

Graphical abstract demonstrating the overall mechanisms of CVD protection by blueberry and blueberry polyphenols and anthocyanins. Blueberry consumption leads to reduced CVD complications due to the modulation of several mechanisms associated with CVD.
Meniscus extrusion is a predisposing factor for determining arthroscopic treatments in partial medial meniscus posterior root tears
Authors: Furumatsu Takayuki , Kintaka Keisuke , Higashihara Naohiro , Tamura Masanori , Kawada Koki , Xue Haowei , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with partial medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) sometimes require arthroscopic pullout repair because of their intolerable/repeated knee pains and continuous disturbance in gait during activities of daily living. However, the predisposing factors for future knee surgery in patients with partial MMPRTs remain unclear. We compared the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients who underwent pullout repair and nonoperative management following partial MMPRTs.

Methods

Twenty-five patients who required arthroscopic repair for partial MMPRTs and 23 patients who were managed nonoperatively were evaluated during a mean follow-up period of 27.1 months. Sex, age, height, body weight, body mass index, duration from onset to initial MRI, MRI findings, and medial meniscus (MM) extrusion were compared between the two groups. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between MM extrusion and duration from onset to MRI examination.

Results

No significant differences were observed between the pullout repair and nonoperative management groups in terms of patient demographics and the positive ratio of MRI-based root tear signs. However, absolute MM extrusion in the pullout repair group (3.49 ± 0.82 mm) was larger than that in the nonoperative management group (2.48 ± 0.60 mm, P < 0.001). Extrusion of the MM (> 3 mm) was detected more frequently in the pullout repair group than in the nonoperative management group (P < 0.001). The odds ratio in the pullout repair and MM extrusion > 3 mm cases was 9.662. Linear regression analysis revealed a fair correlation between the duration from onset to MRI and MM extrusion only in the pullout repair group (0.462 mm/month increase in MM extrusion).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that more severe MM extrusions were observed in the pullout repair group than in the nonoperative management group. Major extrusion (> 3 mm) was also observed more in the pullout repair group than in the nonoperative group. Assessing MM extrusion and its severity can help determine a valid treatment for patients with partial MMPRTs.

Level of evidence

IV, Retrospective comparative study.
Introducing 3D modelling of MRI in the preoperative mapping of perianal fistula: How it could help the surgeons?
Authors: Boles Mary Salah Roman , El-Sayed Rania Farouk , Shawali Haney Ahmed Sami , Farag Ahmed , Fawzy Fawzy Salah , Awadallah Maryse Youssef
Published: March 2023

Background

Surgeons find treating perianal fistula difficult because insufficient drainage and failure to eradicate perianal sepsis could increase the risk of recurrence and postoperative complications. For better planning of the most suitable surgical technique, surgeons must consider the risk factors of recurrence with an accurate pre-operative assessment of perianal fistulae.
The most common imaging method for grading primary perianal fistulas, identifying their complications, and locating occult extensions is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, surgeons may find it challenging to read the lengthy reports of complex tracts, particularly for complicated patients. The creation of three-dimensional (3D) models has gained traction recently as a genuinely useful diagnostic tool for pre-operative planning. The authors evaluated the value of these surgical models. Inspecting the 3D models in addition to the routine two-dimensional study caused four out of five skilled colorectal surgeons to re-evaluate how far the fistulae extended. This made promise that 3D models would be helpful, simple to understand, and quick to interpret for colorectal surgeons. The purpose of the study is to assess the value of adding 3D modelling of MRI to standard two-dimensional MRI protocol for more accurate delineation of perianal fistula and its complications aiming at better surgical outcomes.

Results

Regarding 3D models, the highest degree of accuracy was in detecting supra-levator extension (100%) by both the third radiologist and the surgeon. There was a statistically high diagnostic inter-observer agreement between both, with a p-value < 0.0001. The highest inter-observer agreement was in the supra-levator extension (50/50, 100%), and the lowest agreement was in the side branches detection (44/50, 88%).

Conclusions

Pre-operative 3D MRI modelling provided the surgeon with a pre- and intra-operative road map that improved the surgeon’s orientation and ability to see complex perianal fistulas and their consequences, especially those with supra levator extension, thus helping the surgeon achieve better surgical results and decrease the preoperative risk factors of recurrence. Surgeons should utilise it in complex and recurrent cases reducing preoperative risk factors and improving outcomes. Although this technique is expensive, its cost–benefit ratio is low relative to recurrent hospitalisation and complications.
Web-based payroll management system: design, implementation, and evaluation
Authors: Ahmed Ayah Mohammad , Mohammed Chira Nadheef , Ahmad Akeela Mustafa
Published: March 2023

The management of employees' salaries is an extremely complex task and time-consuming job due to having a large volume of payroll data and calculations. In many developing regions and countries including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the accounting processes of salary are manual. This leads to low speed in the calculation processes of deductions and allowances, easy making errors, difficulty to maintain salaries of previous months, low efficiency, and delay in generating reports. This paper represents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a web-based payroll management system (WPMS). This system can calculate the salary of every employee per month and annum efficiently and effectively. Moreover, it can keep the records of employees’ data including their pay, allowances, and deductions on monthly bases in the data mart. Additionally, the system can speedily and automatically generate employees’ payslips, accurate reports, and detailed statistics. Furthermore, WPMS provides a user-friendly environment and enables users to easily access, update, and delete data. The system was implemented by using programming languages: HTML, PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, AJAX, and MySQL. To conclude, the system was investigated for its usability by using the system usability scale tool. The results achieved an 87.8% score of usability satisfaction.
350-2500 nm supercontinuum white laser enabled by synergic high-harmonic generation and self-phase modulation
Authors: Hong Lihong , Hu Chenyang , Liu Yuanyuan , He Huijun , Liu Liqiang , Wei Zhiyi , Li Zhi-Yuan
Published: March 2023

Supercontinuum white laser with large bandwidth and high pulse energy would offer incredible versatility and opportunities for basic science and high technology applications. Here, we report the generation of high-efficiency 2.8-octave-spanning ultraviolet-visible-infrared (UV-Vis-IR) (with 350-2500 nm 25 dB bandwidth) supercontinuum white laser from a single chirped periodically poled lithium niobate (CPPLN) nonlinear crystal via synergic high-harmonic generation (HHG) and self-phase modulation (SPM). The CPPLN exhibits multiple controllable reciprocal-lattice bands to simultaneously support the quasi-phase matching (QPM) for simultaneous broadband 2nd-10th HHG via cascaded three-wave mixing against a broadband fundamental pump laser. Due to the efficient second-order nonlinearity (2nd-NL) up-conversion and significant 3rd-NL SPM effect both in the pump and HHG laser pulses, 350-2500 nm supercontinuum white laser is eventually obtained with 17 μJ per pulse under pump of 45 μJ per pulse mid-infrared femtosecond laser corresponding to an average high conversion efficiency of 37%. Our work opens up a route towards creating UV-Vis-IR all-spectrum white lasers through engineering the synergic action of HHG and SPM effects in nonlinear crystals for applications in ultrafast spectroscopy, single-shot remote sensing, biological imaging, and so on.
Photonic-chip-based dense entanglement distribution
Authors: Ren Shang-Yu , Wang Wei-Qiang , Cheng Yu-Jie , Huang Long , Du Bing-Zheng , Zhao Wei , Guo Guang-Can , Feng Lan-Tian , Zhang Wen-Fu , Ren Xi-Feng
Published: March 2023

The dense quantum entanglement distribution is the basis for practical quantum communication, quantum networks and distributed quantum computation. To make entanglement distribution processes stable enough for practical and large-scale applications, it is necessary to perform them with the integrated pattern. Here, we first integrate a dense wavelength-division demultiplexing system and unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometers on one large-scale photonic chip and demonstrate the multi-channel wavelength multiplexing entanglement distribution among distributed photonic chips. Specifically, we use one chip as a sender to produce high-performance and wideband quantum photon pairs, which are then sent to two receiver chips through 1-km standard optical fibers. The receiver chip includes a dense wavelength-division demultiplexing system and unbalanced Mach-Zehnder interferometers and realizes multi-wavelength-channel energy-time entanglement generation and analysis. High quantum interference visibilities prove the effectiveness of the multi-chip system. Our work paves the way for practical entanglement-based quantum key distribution and quantum networks.
In vitro study to evaluate the effect of granulocyte colony stimulating factor on colorectal adenocarcinoma and on mesenchymal stem cells trans differentiation into cancer stem cells by cancer cells derived exosomes
Authors: Ahmed Azza Abusree , Monir Manar , Sabry Dina , Mostafa Abeer
Published: March 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and lethal malignancies with poor prognosis. CRC cells release extracellular vesicles called exosomes to facilitate tumor progression by passing bioactive molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids between cells of the tumor and their microenvironment. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor which mainly affects the lineage of neutrophil and exerts direct anti-tumor effects on various tumor types. The purpose of our study is to investigate the effect of G-CSF on CRC cells and to evaluate its capability to attenuate the potentiality of CRC cells derived exosomes to induce bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) malignant transformation into cancer stem cells (CSCs).

Results

The level of both lncRNA metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT-1) (p = 0.014) & β-catenin (p = 0.01) was significantly decreased, whereas programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) (p = 0.018) was increased in CRC exosomes pre-treated with G-CSF compared to untreated CRC exosomes. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in the cell proliferation in CRC cells pre-treated with G-CSF compared to untreated CRC cells (p = 0.008). Flow cytometric analysis of BM-MSCs showed that G-CSF could attenuate their transformation into CSCs.

Conclusion

G-CSF can be a promising therapeutic agent for CRC treatment.
Immunohistochemical expression of CD155 in invasive female breast carcinoma and its correlation with tumor infiltrating natural killer cells
Authors: Shibel Passant Essam Eldin , Abd Elmaogod Eman Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Background

CD155 is an immune checkpoint protein that interacts with ligands on natural killer cells to regulate the tumor associated immunity. CD155 overexpression has been detected in many human cancer types. CD155 and its pathways are promising tumor immunotherapy targets. We aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of CD155 in invasive breast carcinomas and to correlate such expression with the pathological parameters of the tumors and also with natural killer - tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (NK-TILs) density in breast carcinomas tissue as highlighted by CD56 immunostaining. This study included 78 cases of breast carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against CD155 which was detected on the tumor cells and CD56 as a marker for stromal NK cells.

Results

CD155 expression by the tumor cells was detected in 30.8% of the cases and correlated significantly with advanced prognostic stage, Estrogen receptor (ER) and Progesterone receptor (PR) negativity, high Ki-67 index and Human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) enriched molecular subtype. High stromal TILs CD56 expression was detected in 28.2% of the cases and correlated significantly with high histologic grade, PR negativity, HER2 neu over-expression, high Ki-67 index, high stromal TILs and more aggressive molecular subtypes; triple negative breast cancer, HER2 enriched and Luminal B-HER2 positive. Finally, statistically significant direct correlation was detected between Tumor cells CD155 expression and high TILs CD56 expression.

Conclusions

Our results support tumor cell CD155 expression and TILs CD56 expression in breast cancers that are high grade, TILs rich and hormone receptors negative, highlighting those cases as possible candidates for CD155 targeted therapy.