bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of tissue glue versus suture in pterygium surgery in a tertiary care center of North-East India
Authors: Deori Monalisa , Kuli J. J. , Boruah Bharati D.
Published: May 2021

Background: Pterygium is a triangular fibrovascular tissue of conjunctiva encroaching on to the cornea. Currently, conjunctival autograft technique after excision is reported as the most suitable and safest method. The autograft transplantation can be done either with the help of suture or tissue adhesives. Objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of tissue glue versus suture in limbal conjunctival autograft transplantation among the patients undergoing pterygium excision.Methods: A prospective study was carried out in a tertiary eye care hospital. 60 patients with primary pterygium underwent limbal conjunctival autograft transplantation. They were enrolled into two groups, group-A (tissue glue, N=30) and group-B (suture group, N=30). Operative time, postoperative patient comfort and recurrence of pterygium were assessed. The patients were followed-up for 6 months.Results: The mean surgical time in fibrin glue group (23.56±2.80) was significantly less compared to suture (30.78±2.20) group with p<0.001. Postoperative discomfort in terms of pain, lacrimation and foreign body sensation was significantly less with fibrin glue in comparison to suture (p<0.05). Postoperative complications like redness, subconjunctival hemorrhage, graft edema and graft retraction were significantly more in suture group during late postoperative period. Recurrence of pterygium was noted in two patients (6.67%) in suture group and one patient in fibrin glue group (3.33%) which was not statistically significant (p>0.005).Conclusions: The use of fibrin glue for securing the limbal conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery significantly reduces the operating time and postoperative discomfort.
Increased electro-convulsive therapy stimulus intensity and cognitive functioning in manic patients
Authors: Gopal A. , Rathor D. S. , Mohanty S.
Published: May 2021

Background: Temporary changes in cognitive functions after electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) have been documented. The researchers are exploring if increasing the stimulus intensity of ECT produce better recovery from psychopathology also trying to map effects of increased stimulus intensity on side effects profile including cognitive functions. In the present study, we are reporting effects of increased stimulus intensity of ECT on cognitive functions in manic patients.Methods: The present study is a prospective analytical case control study conducted in the department of psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, Agra, after getting clearance from hospital ethical committee. The study included 60 patients with the diagnosis of manic psychopathologyfrom May 2018 to September 2019. Sample was divided into two groups: 1.5 times of threshold and 2.0 times of threshold. The ECT was delivered as per specified protocol of the study. The scores on Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were compared both within and between groups at baseline and follow up.Results: The results suggested that both level of stimulus intensity produced mild level of disruptions in cognitive functioning at follow ups and the higher stimulus intensity i.e. 2.0 times of threshold resulted in more impairment in cognitive functions.Conclusions: The impact of ECT by increasing its current intensity for two times, on cognitive functions as seen clinically, suggested no serious adverse effects on any of the patients included in the sample.
Dynamics of contraceptive use among women attending multi-speciality hospital in Faridabad district of Haryana
Authors: Mendiratta Shweta , Kamble Bhushan D. , Thukral Pooja Chaudhary
Published: May 2021

Background: Population of India is growing at a very fast rate while its resources are limited which will lead to decrease in per capita availability of resources. Contraceptive methods are the simplest way to address this issue of population explosion by preventing the unwanted pregnancies. The objective of this study was to assess awareness and practices regarding contraceptive use and its determinants among women attending gynecology OPD of multi-specialty hospital in Faridabad district of Haryana.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was planned among 200 patients from gynecology OPD in a multi-specialty hospital of Faridabad district of Haryana. The questionnaire consisted of questions about socio-demographic data and data related contractive awareness and practices. Data was analyzed by SPSS software version 21.0.Results: Mean age of study subjects was 29.4±4.3 years. Out of 200 participants, about one fourth (77.5%) were aware about contraception and more than half (59.5%) of them were using contraception methods. Factors like age and education status, occupation and area of residence were found to be statistically significantly (p<0.001) associated with contraception knowledge and practice. Barrier method was most common method of contraception followed by Oral contraceptive pills.Conclusions: This study concludes that knowledge about contraception was high as about one fourth (77.5%) were aware about contraception while practice of contraception was relatively low as compare to knowledge as two fifth (40.5%) of them were not using any contraception methods. So, there is a need to increase awareness about importance of contraception practice among study population.
Serum Glucose Measurement after Five to Six Hours is Comparable to Eight Hours Fasting in Ramadan
Authors: Almomin Ammar MS , Odhaib Samih A , Altemimi Mahmood T , Nwayyir Hussein A , Hussein Ibrahim H , Alidrisi Haider AY , Alibrahim Nassar TY , Mansour Abbas A
Published: May 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether a shorter fasting duration of five to six hours can be used as an alternative to the usually recommended eight hours for fasting glucose measurement. Methods: This one-month observational, cross-sectional study was conducted during Ramadan (May to June) 2019. It included those attending Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Center, Basrah, Iraq; all individuals ate a pre-dawn meal (suhoor) followed by a complete fast for many hours. Two fasting serum glucose (FSG) venous samples were taken; the first was taken five to six hours and the second eight hours after the pre-dawn meal. Participants were divided into two groups: individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and those with a normal glucose level. T2DM patients were further subdivided into three groups: those without treatment, those on oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) and those using insulin and OAD. Results: A total of 200 individuals participated in this study. There was no significant difference found between the mean FSG levels in the first and second samples for those without T2DM (104.5 ± 21.4 mg/dL versus 104.8 ± 12.6 mg/dL; P = 0.80) as well as those with T2DM (235.0 ± 107.0 mg/dL versus 230.0 ± 105.0 mg/dL; P = 0.20). Untreated T2DM patients had non-significant FSG readings for the two samples (194.0 ± 151.5 mg/dL versus 193.9 ± 128.9 mg/dL; P = 0.90). Patients on insulin and OAD showed a similar pattern of FSG (268.0 ± 111.0 mg/dL versus 269.0 ± 114.0 mg/dL). However, the two FSG samples were found to be significantly different among patients on OAD (220.0 ± 78.0 mg/dL versus 207.0 ± 77.0 mg/dL; P = 0.01). Conclusion: The fasting duration of five to six hours can give a comparable measurement of FSG as that obtained after eight hours.
Keywords: Glucose; Fasting; Duration of Therapy; Diabetes Mellitus; Iraq.
The Socio-Demographic and Clinical Profiles of Adult ADHD Patients in a University Hospital in Oman
Authors: Mirza Hassan , Al-Huseini Salim , Al-Jamoodi Shamsa , Al-Balushi Naser , Al-Hosni Amira , Chan Moon-Fai , Zadjali Fahad
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Although typically considered a condition affecting children, scientific evidence has shown that 30–50% of those diagnosed with ADHD in childhood continue to suffer from this condition after the age of 18. This study sought to address the gap in the literature, and to describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of ADHD patients in a sample of adult patients attending an outpatient clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Oman, and to evaluate their association with the different subtypes of the disorder. Methods: Data from adult patients with ADHD from the outpatient clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, were retrospectively collected from medical records from January 2018 to April 2020. Socio-demographic characteristics, clinical profiles and psychiatric co morbidities were examined. Results: This study included 100 adults who fulfilled the standard diagnosis of ADHD, with 54% (n=54), and 46% (n=46) from the inattentive and combined subtypes, respectively. It was found that ADHD was more prevalent among males (64.0%) compared to females (36%), with the inattentive subtype being more predominant among females. The ADHD patients with the inattentive subtype were associated with co-morbid substance use disorders (OR=11.29, P = 0.049), personality disorders (OR=7.96, P = 0.017), and major depressive disorder (OR=15.94, P = 0.002) compared to patients with the predominantly combined subtype. Conclusion: This study from Oman echoes the findings from the current literature, that adult patients with ADHD commonly have co-morbid psychiatric disorders, leading to significant functional impairment. Psychiatric co-morbidities must be identified and urgently treated, to allow for better clinical and functional outcomes in adult patients with ADHD.

Keywords: ADHD, co-morbidity, hyperactivity, Oman, psychiatry
The spatiality of the soybean crop water deficit in Jales and Andradina microregions, state of São Paulo
Authors: Assis Kamila Cristina de Credo , Begueline Maria Clara Lelles Moreira , Costa Joáo Victor , Hernandez Fernando Braz Tangerino
Published: May 2021

Knowledge about soil water availability for future planning is the basis for carrying out its rational use. This work aimed to study the spatiality of water precipitation, crop evapotranspiration, and the need for water supplementation in soybean cultivation in the microregions of Jales-SP and Andradina-SP for the summer harvest. The water balance was determined by the Thorthwaite and Mather (1955) method, with data made available by the Agrometeorological Stations Network operated by the Hydraulics and Irrigation area of UNESP Ilha Solteira. We considered an available water capacity (AWC) of 40 mm. The study took place from the simulation of the water condition of a soybean crop sown on November 4, 2020. In the water deficit condition, the actual evapotranspiration (ETa) was considered null at a 20 % deficit, and the other values followed the same mathematical proportion. The mean rainfall of the period, crop evapotranspiration, and water deficit of each weather station were interpolated through ordinary circular kriging in ArcGIS 10.7 software. The water deficit in the soybean crop in the northwest region of São Paulo is related to the poor distribution of precipitation during the cycle and the significant recurrence of Indian summers all through the area. For the producers’ safety, investment in irrigation systems anticipating this poor distribution is justified. The water deficit in the region is variable. In years with good rainfall distribution, it can reach zero values, and in years with poor distribution, it can reach values greater than 180 mm.
Land use and occupation in the Fundaça Stream subbasin, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: Fiorese Caio Henrique Ungarato
Published: May 2021

The objective of the research was to evaluate land use and occupation in the Fundaça Stream subbasin, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, aiming at subsidizing improvements in environmental conservation and territorial planning. The procedures were performed in the ArcGIS® computer program. First, the study defined the limits of the subbasin, and then obtained the features of land use and occupation for the state of Espírito Santo from two mappings, from 2007 to 2008, and from 2012 to 2015. These features were edited, defining the classes of use and occupation only for the subbasin. They were identified, quantified, and mapped. There is a predominance of pasture, with percentages above 50 %, although this occupation decreased by 1.94 % between the periods studied. Coffee growing, the third predominant class, also decreased, which can be attributed to the preference for other activities, such as eucalyptus forestry. This showed strong growth, although with even lower percentages. Mishandling of those areas can cause environmental and economic damage. However, the areas of native vegetation represented a minimal rate, even with an increase, due to the decrease of vegetation in the early stage of regeneration. Macega (wild vegetation) coverage, besides being close to the native vegetation and which was predominantly fragmented, indicates problems with the use and occupation planning. The action of the local riverbasin committee and public managers, besides environmental education, and correct management of rural activities, are necessary actions.
On the Concept of “Pointˮ As an Ontological Category That Underpins the Idea of Transcendence
Authors: Perekrestova Anastasia V.
Published: May 2021

The article shows that the active development of science, in particular, physics, which deals with unvisualizable and inexplicable phenomena, in the modern world it is especially important to understand the phenomena that are on the verge of human perception. In this sense, the study of the concept of “pointˮ not only as a mathematical object, but as a universal, anticipating the idea of an ontological order, can contribute to the methodology of thinking for new interpretations of scientific discoveries and their adequate description. The author considers the concept of “pointˮ in the mainstream of metaphysical comprehension, and the inclusion in the context of the analysis of the idea of transcendence, to which this concept leads, forms a conceptual scheme for interpreting what does not lend itself to multi-faceted comprehension and explanation. The search for alternative interpretations and additional semantic connotations of familiar concepts, which are characterized by integrativity and syncretism, is especially important in modern scientific research, because allows to enrich the epistemological arsenal and open new aspects of the thematic field of philosophy and science. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the ontological status of the concept of “pointˮ in the problem-theoretical context of modern culture. The point is presented as the beginning and end of being, which is illustrated by the generally accepted cosmological model. The special nature of this concept is demonstrated, acting as a link between the spheres of the immanent and the transcendent.
Vale the Humanitarian Principles
Authors: Clarke Matthew , Parris Brett W.
Published: May 2021

For more than 150 years, the international community’s assistance to those affected by various humanitarian events has been guided by four clear and succinct principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. These principles have guided not only the ways in which the international community has responded to natural and human-induced disasters — they have also shaped the humanitarian system more generally. The geneses of these four humanitarian principles lie within Henry Dunant’s account of the violent Battle of Solferino in 1859. This account led to the establishment of the Red Cross and the first Geneva Convention, which together gave rise to the humanitarian principles. These humanitarian principles were conceived to guide the work of the International Committee of Red Cross, but they have since gained near universal adherence within the humanitarian sector, and have been utilised to justify both action and inaction by those responding to humanitarian crises. Whilst important and necessary at the time of their inception, the maturing of the humanitarian sector, along with the increasing complexity and intensity of humanitarian events, requires a reconsideration of their relevancy and usefulness. This paper argues that these four principles are no longer fit-for-purpose to guide and shape the international community’s humanitarian actions. We argue instead that four new principles would better direct humanitarian action in the current environment: equity, solidarity, compassion and diversity. We discuss the deepening complexity of modern humanitarian emergencies and resulting declining suitability of each of the four original principles, before considering the four new suggested principles.
Water-Shutoff Technique Extends Productive Life Cycle of Cretaceous Sandstone
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: May 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 199070, “Water-Shutoff Technique Extends the Productive Life Cycle of Cretaceous U Sandstone: The Iro Field Case in Ecuador,” by Luis Roberto Bailón, SPE, Ney Holger Orellana, SPE, and Santiago Villegas, Repsol, et al., prepared for the 2020 SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference, originally scheduled to be held in Bogota, Colombia, 17-19 March. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The water-shutoff technique is used in some wells of the U reservoir in the Iro field of the Oriente Basin in Ecuador as a remediation plan to restore production after an early water breakthrough. The production historical data, workovers, and sand-body correlation of wells are compared to understand reservoir behavior, shale-baffle-sealing continuity, the existence of different sand units, and the effect on production.

Introduction

The Iro field is in the south of Block 16. Production began in March of 1996. Iro is considered a mature field that produces heavy crude oil. The U sand-stone reservoir at Iro field is constituted by quartz grains subtransparent with fine grain sizes to medium, moderately classified, occasionally clay-like matrix. A thin limestone layer subdivides the U sandstone reservoir into two main stratigraphic units, Upper U and Lower U sandstone. Logging acquisition during the drilling campaign revealed heterogeneous sand-body deposition throughout the field. Depositional features of fluvial channels are developed from the base of the reservoirs, which are overlaid by sand bars. In addition, interbedded shale layers and baffles are present in the U reservoir, in some cases locally. However, the main shale layers are effective seals when they subdivide the Upper and Lower U sandstone units into two or more subunits. A good example is the shale layer that separates channels and bars in the Lower U sandstone unit. This identification was possible after the development of the well-drilling campaign, well correlation, and years of production behavior. Two subunits of the Lower U reservoir, Ui1 and Ui2, were classified as a result of the acquired data.

Cased-Hole Logs (Pulsed Neutron)

Given the maturity of the fields, during the last 2 years, a logging campaign of pulsed-neutron cased-hole logs has been performed. In the case of the Iro field, pulsed-neutron logs were run in six wells; three of these reached the Lower U reservoir. These three wells have a good correlation between the analog density and neutron curves of the cased-hole and the original openhole curves, providing certainty in the reading of the tool.

The logging program obtained data of chemical-element spectra in capture and inelastic modes. This information was processed and analyzed to derive hydrocarbon saturation. In this way, by-passed oil can be identified as well as reservoir zones already drained by production of the same wells or by neigh-boring wells. Data in the Lower U reservoir show fluid movement.
AI, Data Analytics Enable Approach to History Matching in Geologically Complex Field
Authors: Feder Judy
Published: May 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Judy Feder, contains highlights of paper SPE 202460, “History Matching of Production Performance for Highly Faulted, Multilayered, Clastic Oil Reservoirs Using Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: A Novel Approach,” by Nis Ilyani Mohmad and Dipak Mandal, SPE, Petronas, and Hadi Amat, Petroliam Nasional, et al., prepared for the 2020 SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, originally scheduled to be held in Perth, Australia, 20-22 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

History matching is a critical step for dynamic reservoir modeling to establish a reliable, predictive model. Numerous approaches have emerged over decades to accomplish a robust history-matched reservoir model. As geological and completion complexity of oil and gas fields increase, building a fully representative predictive reservoir model can be arduous to almost impossible. The complete paper outlines an approach to history matching that uses artificial intelligence (AI) with an artificial neural network (ANN) and data-driven analytics. The new approach has been used to mitigate history-matching challenges in a mature, highly geologically complex field offshore Malaysia.

Overview

The complete paper describes a step-by-step methodology for building a reservoir model and a history-matching process using ANN. The paper discusses data preparation and quality assurance and control (QA/QC), spatiotemporal database formulation, reservoir model design, ANN architecture design, model training, and history-matching strategy. A case study of implementation in an offshore Malaysian field is presented, wherein good-to-fair history-matching quality was obtained for all production parameters.

Field A is a highly geologically complex, 25×75-km oil sandstone reservoir with more than 200 major and minor faults and more than 30 reservoir layers. It has been producing for more than 25 years.

The challenges of history matching this field lie not only in its geologically complex structure and corresponding subsurface uncertainties, but also in a production strategy that has involved commingled dual-string production with several integrity issues that exacerbate the field’s complexities. To date, Field A has no fieldwide history-matched reservoir model because the complexity of history matching has precluded using conventional numerical simulation methods. This challenge has been mitigated by implementing an AI-based reservoir model and data analytics. The new approach is estimated to be more time- and cost-efficient than the conventional method.

The complete paper compares the AI-based and conventional numerical reservoir modeling approaches and highlights the advantages, limitations, and areas of improvement of the new methodology. The authors present their case for AI-based reservoir modeling as a complement or alternative to conventional numerical modeling to create time-efficient reservoir models while reducing risk in field-development plans.
Evaluation of Two Wild Castor (Ricinus Communis L.) Accessions for Cadmium Tolerance in Relation to Antioxidant Systems and Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Yeboah Akwasi , Lu Jiannong , Gu Shuailei , Haiyan Liu , Shi Yuzhen , Amoanimaa-Dede Hanna , Agyenim-Boateng Kwadwo Gyapong , Payne Joseph , Yin Xuegui
Published: May 2021

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of toxicity of cadmium (Cd) on growth, tolerance index (TI), antioxidant activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in two contrasting wild castor accessions (16–024 and S2-4) via hydroponic experiment (0 and 100 mg/L Cd). The results showed that Cd significantly reduced the growth rate, seedling height, root length, and shoot length of the castor accessions compared to control, with the Cd effect being more severe in S2-4 than in 16–024. In addition, biomass response including the root and shoot fresh weight and root dry weight decreased in both accessions compared to control. Shoot dry weight of 16–024 increased (p > 0.05) by 2.04 % compared to S2-4 which declined by 21.07 %, suggesting a minimal effect of Cd and a level of tolerance in 16–024. Analysis of TI on all the growth parameters and biomass content revealed that accession 16–024 was highly tolerant to Cd stress than S2-4. The results further revealed that the expression of the antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), non-enzymatic antioxidant; glutathione, and MDA content, were influenced by genotype. S2-4 exhibited a higher antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT) and lipid peroxidation activity than 16–024, indicative of oxidative damage from Cd stress.
Deterministic lightpath scheduling and routing in elastic optical networks
Authors: Vyas Upama
Published: May 2021

A huge torrent of information being generated from various heterogeneous applications and services is passing to and from the Internet backbone. Accommodating such heterogeneity and preserving the quality of service (QoS) of each traffic profile is a challenging task for operators. The heterogeneous traffic profile (HTP) considered in this work includes permanent lightpath demands (PLDs) and scheduled lightpath demands (SLDs). We propose various distance adaptive routing and spectrum assignment (DA-RSA) heuristics to resolve resource conflict among these two traffic profiles in elastic optical networks (EONs) under a full sharing environment. Conventionally, preemption was the only technique to resolve such conflict and ensure QoS for HTPs. Since excessive preemption leads to poor performance and lowers the degree of customer satisfaction, this work aims at reducing the preemption of demands. In order to do this, we propose to utilize bandwidth splitting as an alternative solution in such situations. Moreover, an integrated solution consisting of splitting and preemption is also proposed. We call this new integration as flow-based preemption. The simulation results demonstrate that utilizing splitting in place of preemption yields significant improvement in terms of all metrics of interest. Moreover, flow-based preemption is proved to be superior in performance than the only splitting-based solution. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work addressing resource conflicts under a full-sharing environment by focusing on resource utilization at the link and node level. We believe that proposed heuristics support network operators to smoothly orchestrate network resources in the presence of such HTPs.
The Role of Catastrophizing in the Benefits of Walking on Fatigue in Women with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Sanromán Lucía , Catalá Patricia , Ecija Carmen , Suso-Ribera Carlos , Román Jesús San , Peñacoba Cecilia
Published: May 2021

Background

Walking is one of the most beneficial treatments for fibromyalgia patients. On the other hand, pain catastrophizing is one of the main cognitive processes that these patients present. However, it is not known how this process may affect the relationship between walking and fatigue. Therefore our goal is to analyze the associations between fatigue, catastrophizing, and walking in fibromyalgia patients, and to explore the moderation effect of walking in the association between catastrophizing and fatigue.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 234 women with fibromyalgia older than 18 years. We use Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory for asses fatigue and Pain Catastrophizing Scale for pain catastrophizing (differentiating between its three dimensions, namely rumination, magnification, and helplessness). An ad-hoc self-reported item was used to evaluate walking. We perform the moderation analyses with walking as moderator.
Results

Walking moderated the relationship between rumination and fatigue (Beta = 0.21 t = 2.24, p = 0.26) and that of magnification with fatigue (Beta = 0.26, t = 2.1, p = .036). Specifically, that rumination and magnification only contributed to more fatigue when patients engaged in walking behavior. Helplessness contributed to more fatigue independently of adherence to walking (Beta = 0.12, t = 2.1, p = .036).
Conclusions

Patients who did not walk were highly fatigued irrespective of their cognitive profile (rumination and magnification only contributed to fatigue when patients walked). Therefore, in the field of personalized treatments, different recommendations should be provided about fatigue management in implementing walking and in its maintenance in the long term in fibromyalgia patients.
Relation Between Malnutrition and the Presence of Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Hospitalized Cancer Patients
Authors: Torralvo Francisco Jose Sanchez , Bolívar Victoria Contreras , Vico María Ruiz , Fernández José Abuín , Almendros Inmaculada Gonzalez , Barrios Manuel , Olveira Gabriel
Published: May 2021

BackgroundAnxiety and depression are a common issue in patients with cancer, yet understudied among hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptomatology in cancer inpatients and its relationship with malnutrition. MethodsCross-sectional study in hospitalized cancer patients. A nutritional assessment was done using GLIM criteria to diagnose malnutrition. Data regarding anxiety and depression symptomatology was obtained with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsA total of 282 inpatients were assessed. GLIM criteria found 20% (66) of well-nourished and 80% (216) with malnutrition. HADS presented an average score of 8.3±4.4 with respect to anxiety and an average score of 7.7 ± 4.6 with respect to depression. 54 % showed a possible presence of anxiety and 45.3% showed a possible presence of depression.In malnourished patients, HADS score tended to be higher with respect to anxiety (8.5±4.3 in malnourished vs 7.1 ± 4.6 in well-nourished; p=0.06) and was significantly higher with respect to depression (8.2 ± 4.6 in malnourished vs 5.3 ± 4.0 in well-nourished; p<0.001).After controlling for potential confounders, malnourished patients were 1.98 times more likely to present anxious symptomatology (95% CI 1.01-3.98; p=0.049) and 6.29 times more likely to present depressive symptomatology (95% CI 1.73-20.47; p=0.005).ConclusionsThe presence of anxiety and depression symptomatology in oncological inpatients is high. There is an association between malnutrition and presenting anxious and depressive symptomatology in hospitalized cancer patients.
Scenarios of environmental change in a post-conflict Colombia
Authors: Rosa Isabel , Ochoa-Quintero José , Noguera Elkin , Tamayo Edwin , Pineros Marcelo
Published: May 2021

Colombia is a notorious biodiversity hotspot that came to the spotlight of conservation upon the signing of the peace agreement in 2016. Here we used a counterfactual approach to forecast by 2036 the impact of deforestation on Colombia’s biodiversity and carbon stocks under three scenarios: (1) pre-signing of the peace agreement, (2) post-signing and (3) business-as-usual. We found that if deforestation rates continued at the same pace of post-signing, up to 41,000 km2 of forest area may be lost by 2036, whereas pre-signing rates would save nearly 25,000 km2 (equivalent to the total forest loss observed between 2000 and 2018). Under the pre-signing scenario, between 2018-2036 Colombia would reduce the average impact on the range of forest-specific species by nearly 50% of habitat area relative to 2000-2018, whereas under the post-signing scenario, it would increase by 33%. Moreover, losses of 312-807 Mm3 of growing stock volume and 267-688 Mt of aboveground biomass were projected by 2036, jeopardizing the country’s commitments towards international conservation as well as climate targets. Importantly, we found a mismatch at the department level on biodiversity and biomass losses, which highlight an urgent need to generate coherent policies at a national level aiming to tackle both issues.
A Hybrid Framework to Prioritize the Performance Metrics of Reconfigurable Manufacturing System: An Integrated Fuzzy AHP–TOPSIS approach
Authors: Pansare Rajesh , YADAV GUNJAN , Nagare Madhukar R
Published: May 2021

The Reconfigurable Manufacturing System (RMS) meets the challenges of dynamic customer demands, technological advancements, and reducing lead time, among other things. It is necessary to have a framework that can assist in increasing RMS adoption as well as evaluating its performance. The present study seeks to develop a hybrid framework for prioritizing performance metrics of RMS that helps the designers of the manufacturing system in decision making. A total of 31 indicators for RMS are identified through a literature survey, the weight of each indicator is computed by Fuzzy-AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method and the Fuzzy-TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method is used to prioritize 22 performance metrics of RMS. The findings of the presented study reveal that among all the main indicators; smart factory indicators have the highest weightage followed by strategy and policy indicators. The prioritization of performance metrics shows that lead time, reconfiguration time, and product flexibility are the top three most important performance metrics for RMS. The feasibility and appropriateness of the framework is tested through a case application of the manufacturing organization. The framework developed has a high capacity to assist designers during the adoption of the RMS and will facilitate the identification of the relevant parameters. Authors believe that researchers and professionals will find this study as a ready reference for stepwise adoption of RMS. The study presented here is likely the first to present a hybrid framework in which a set of indicators and performance metrics are presented together.
Simultaneous Removal of Heavy Metals And Bioelectricity Generation In Microbial Fuel Cell Coupled With Constructed Wetland: An Optimization Study On Substrate And Plant Types
Authors: Wang Lu , Xu Dayong , Zhang Qingyun , Liu Tingting , Tao Zhengkai
Published: May 2021

A microbial fuel cell coupled with constructed wetland (CW-MFC) was built to remove heavy metals (Zn and Ni) from sludge. The performance for the effects of substrates (granular activated carbon (GAC), ceramsite) and plants (Iris pseudacorus, Water hyacinth) towards the heavy metal treatment as well as electricity generation were systematically investigated. The CW-MFC systems possessed higher Zn and Ni removal efficiencies as compared to CW. The maximal removal rates of Zn (76.88%) and Ni (66.02%) were obtained in system CW-MFC based on GAC and Water hyacinth (GAC- and WH-CW-MFC). Correspondingly, the system produced the maximum voltage of 534.30 mV and power density of 70.86 mW·m-3, respectively. Plant roots and electrodes contributed supremely to the removal of heavy metals, especially for GAC- and WH-CW-MFC systems. The coincident enrichment rates of Zn and Ni reached 21.10% and 26.04% for plant roots, 14.48% and 16.50% for electrodes, respectively. A majority of the heavy metals on the sludge surface were confirmed as Zn and Ni. Furthermore, the high-valence Zn and Ni were effectively reduced to low-valence or elemental metals. This study provides a theoretical guidance for the optimal construction of CW-MFC and the resource utilization of sludge containing heavy metals.
Improving Plant-Based Genotoxicity Bioassay for Trace Metal-Contaminated Water: Insights from Myriophyllum Aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc. and Cd.
Authors: Coppi Andrea , Colzi Ilaria , Lastrucci Lorenzo , Castellani Maria Beatrice , Gonnelli Cristina
Published: May 2021

In this work, we evaluated whether the species Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc. can be a promising material for devising reliable ecotoxicological tests for Cd contaminated waters. Plants of M. aquaticum were exposed to Cd, using different concentrations and exposure times, in order to address as many possible effects as possible of its presence. Plant growth and Cd accumulation were monitored along the treatment period and Cd genotoxicity was assessed by analyzing Cd-induced changes in the AFLP fingerprinting profiles. Root and shoot growth was reduced already at the lowest Cd concentration used (1 mg L-1). Shoots showed a higher Cd sensitivity and a lower accumulation, thus being chosen as the more suitable organ for the genotoxic analysis. DNA variation was observed starting from 2.5 mg L-1, indicating that the metal-induced depression of plant growth at the lower concentration did not necessarily imply a genotoxic effect. Similar results were obtained in the time-dependent experiment, since Cd effect on DNA fingerprinting profile was observed after three days of exposure and without a significant growth decrease growth. Therefore, our results showed that M. aquaticum proved to be a suitable model system for the investigation of Cd genotoxicity through AFLP fingerprinting profile, whereas the more classic eco-toxicological tests based only on biometric parameters could underestimate the risk associated to undetected Cd genotoxicity.
The Risk for Future Cerebrovascular Disease in Pregnant Women With Moyamoya Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in South Korea
Authors: Jeong Yeonseong , Jung Yun Ji , Noh Eunjin , Cho Geum Joon , Oh Min-Jeong , Kim Young-Han
Published: May 2021

Background: Physiologic changes during pregnancy affect the development of postpartum cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in women with Moyamoya disease (MMD). Due to the rare prevalence of MMD and large regional variations, large-scale studies on the risk of CVD after delivery have not been conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether women with MMD have an increased risk of CVD after delivery.Methods: Research data was collected from the National Health Insurance Claims Database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Patients delivered in Korea from 2007 to 2014 were enrolled. We classified women as CVD if they were diagnosed with stroke and/or cerebral infarction and/or intracranial hemorrhage and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage between delivery and December 31, 2016. To evaluate adjusted hazard ratio for CVD in women with MMD, we used multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression.Results: Among 3,611,216 Korean women who had delivery, 382 had Moyamoya disease. When compared to women without MMD, women with MMD had a higher prevalence of pregestational diabetes and chronic hypertension. Also, women with MMD had a significantly higher incidence of cesarean section, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and gestational diabetes mellitus (p<0.0001, <0.0001, 0.02, respectively). Among women with MMD, a total of 246(64.4%) women developed CVD within the follow-up postpartum period, and 87.8% occurred within 2 years of postpartum. Women with MMD were associated with an increased risk of CVD in later (adjusted HR 108.24; 95% CI, 95.37-122.86) after adjusting for maternal age, parity, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, pregestational diabetes, chronic hypertension.Conclusion: Our study showed that the incidence of CVD after delivery was higher in women with MMD. Therefore, we have to have more cautions of women with MMD and provide long-term postpartum surveillance
Maternal Secondhand Smoke Exposure Enhances Macrosomia Risk among Pregnant Women Exposed to PM2.5: A New Interaction of Two Air Pollutants in A Nationwide Cohort
Authors: Luo yunyun , zhang yuelun , pan hui , chen shi
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND Previous studies have been controversial and inconsistent about fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and secondhand smoking (SHS) air pollutants on neonatal birthweight outcomes and there were no published studies assessing the potential interactive effects between PM2.5 and SHS on birthweight outcomes. PURPOSE To investigate interaction between gestational PM2.5 and SHS air pollution exposure on the risk of macrosomia among pregnant women. METHODS Research data were derived from National Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP). Data cleaning process was conducted following strict screening standards to ensure eligibility of participants in our study. Different interaction models about air pollution on birthweight outcomes were established, according to different confounding factors adjustment and different pregnancy stages. SHS subgroups analysis were conducted to further confirm the results of interaction models. RESULTS Totally, 197877 participants were included in our study. In full-adjusted interaction model, maternal exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an increased risk of macrosomia in whole (p < 0.001), the first (p < 0.001), second (p < 0.001) and third (p < 0.001) trimester of pregnancy. However, there was a trend for gestational exposure to SHS with risk of low birthweight, but not statistically significant (occasional SHS exposure (p = 0.099); frequent SHS exposure (p = 0.272)). Interaction effect was statistically significant between maternal exposure to PM2.5 and SHS on the risk of macrosomia in the whole pregnancy (all interaction p < 0.050) and the first trimester pregnancy (all interaction p < 0.050), not in the second (all interaction p > 0.050) or third trimester (all interaction p > 0.050) of pregnancy. The higher frequency of SHS exposure prompts stronger interaction between the two air pollutants in the whole and the first trimester pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS In the whole pregnancy and the first trimester pregnancy, maternal exposure to SHS during pregnancy enhances the risk of macrosomia among pregnant women exposed to PM2.5 air pollutant, and the interaction became stronger with more frequent exposure to SHS.
MiR-29c Inhibits The Metastasis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma And Promotes Its Cell Cycle Arrest By Targeting SERPINH1
Authors: Wang Chuanning , Wang Zhiming , Zhang Liping , Lin Xiaoping
Published: May 2021

Background: A large number of studies have shown that the imbalance of miRNA and its target genes can promote the development of tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological role and molecular mechanism of SERPINH1 and its upstream regulator miR-29c in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Material and methods: The expression levels of SERPINH1 and miR-29c were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and cell cycle were detected by MTT assay, would healing assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry and dual luciferase reporter assay.Results: SERPINH1 is highly expressed in patients with OSCC and can be used as a prognostic biomarker for OSCC. Cell function experiments showed that silencing the expression of SERPINH1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of OSCC cells and caused cell cycle arrest at S phase. Bioinformatics analysis showed that there is a binding site between miR-29c and SERPINH1, indicating that miR-29c may regulate the expression of SERPINH1. In addition, miR-29c overexpression inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of OSCC cells, and subsequent rescue experiment showed that SERPINH1 overexpression can reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-29c in OSCC cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.Conclusions: MiR-29c can regulate the proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle of OSCC cells by targeting SERPINH1.
A Deep Learning Method for Identifying Predictors of Knee Osteoarthritis Radiographic Progression From Baseline MRI
Authors: Schiratti Jean-Baptiste , Dubois Rémy , Herent Paul , Cahané David , Dachary Jocelyn , Clozel Thomas , Wainrib Gilles , Keime-Guibert Florence , Lalande Agnes , Pueyo Maria , Guillier Romain , Gabarroca Christine , Moingeon Philippe
Published: May 2021

-- Background --The identification of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) likely to progress rapidly in terms of structure is critical to facilitate the development of disease-modifying drugs. -- Methods --Using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative database (OAI), we implemented a Deep Learning method to predict, from baseline magnetic resonance images, further cartilage degradation, the latter being measured by Joint Space Narrowing at 12 months. -- Results --Using COR IW TSE images, our classification model achieved a ROC AUC score of 65% to be compared with a ROC AUC score of 58.7% obtained by trained radiologists. Additional analyses conducted in parallel to predict pain grade evaluated by the WOMAC pain index achieved a ROC AUC score of 72%. Attention maps provided evidence for distinct specific areas as being relevant in those two predictive models, including the internal femoro-tibial compartment for JSN progression and the intra-articular space for pain prediction. -- Conclusions --This feasibility study demonstrates the interest of deep learning applied to OA, with a potential to support even trained radiologists in the challenging task of identifying patients with a high-risk of disease progression.
Multi-Objective Optimization and Finite Element Method Combined with Optimization via Monte Carlo Simulation in a Stamping Process under Uncertainty
Authors: SILVA ANEIRSON FRANCISCO , Marins Fernando Augusto Silva , Oliveira José Benedito da Silva , Dias Erica Ximenes
Published: May 2021

The Response Surface Methodology (RSM), which uses a quadratic empirical function as an approximation to the original function and allows the identification of relationships between independent variables xi and dependent variables ys associated with multiple responses, stands out. The main contribution of the present study is to propose an innovative procedure for the optimization of experimental problems with multiple responses, which considers the insertion of uncertainties in the coefficients of the obtained empirical functions in order to adequately represent real situations. This new procedure, which combines RSM with the Finite Elements (FE) method and the Monte Carlo Simulation Optimization (OvMCS), was applied to a real stamping process of a Brazilian multinational automotive company. For RSM with multiple responses, were compared the results obtained using the agglutination methods: Compromise Programming, Desirability Function (DF), and the Modified Desirability Function (MDF). The functions were optimized by applying the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) algorithm, which is a classic procedure widely adopted in this type of experimental problem, without the uncertainty in the coefficients of independent factors. The advantages offered by this innovative procedure are presented and discussed, as well as the statistical validation of its results. It can be highlighted, for example, that the proposed procedure reduces, and sometimes eliminates, the need for additional confirmation experiments, as well as a better adjustment of factor values and response variable values when comparing to the results of RSM with classic multiple responses. The new proposed procedure added relevant and useful information to the managers responsible for the studied stamping process. Moreover, the proposed procedure facilitates the improvement of the process, with lower associated costs.