bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generating optimal and near-optimal solutions to facility location problems
Authors: Church Richard L , Baez Carlos A
Published: June 2020

There is a decided bent toward finding an optimal solution to a given facility location problem instance, even when there may be multiple optima or competitive near-optimal solutions. Identifying alternate solutions is often ignored in model application, even when such solutions may be preferred if they were known to exist. In this paper we discuss why generating close-to-optimal alternatives should be the preferred approach in solving spatial optimization problems, especially when it involves an application. There exists a classic approach for finding all alternate optima. This approach can be easily expanded to identify all near-optimal solutions to any discrete location model. We demonstrate the use of this technique for two classic problems: the p-median problem and the maximal covering location problem. Unfortunately, we have found that it can be mired in computational issues, even when problems are relatively small. We propose a new approach that overcomes some of these computational issues in finding alternate optima and near-optimal solutions.
Prognoses, outcomes, and clinicopathological characteristics of very elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatectomy
Authors: Shimada Shingo , Kamiyama Toshiya , Orimo Tatsuya , Nagatsu Akihisa , Asahi Yoh , Sakamoto Yuzuru , Kamachi Hirofumi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the prognostic factors, clinicopathological characteristics, and surgical outcomes after hepatectomy in very elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We analyzed 796 patients with HCC from 2000 to 2017. Patients aged 80 years or older were classified into the very elderly group (group VE; n = 49); patients younger than 80 years old and aged 65 years or older were classified into the elderly group (group E; n = 363), and patients younger than 65 years old were classified into the young group (group Y; n = 384). We investigated the prognoses, clinicopathological characteristics, and surgical outcomes after hepatectomy.

Results

The number of surgical procedures and outcomes, including morbidities, was not significantly different. Groups VE, E, and Y showed similar prognoses in terms of both survival and recurrence. In group VE, prothrombin activity (PA) < 80% and PIVKA-II ≥ 400 mAU/ml were unfavorable factors for survival, and PIVKA-II ≥ 400 mAU/ml and the presence of portal venous invasion (PVI), hepatic venous invasion, and fibrosis were unfavorable factors for recurrence. In group E, ChE < 180 IU/l, AFP ≥ 20 ng/ml, tumor size ≥ 10 cm, and the presence of multiple tumors, PVI, and hepatic venous invasion (HVI) were unfavorable factors for survival, and ChE < 180 IU/l, tumor size ≥ 10 cm, and the presence of multiple tumors, PVI, and HVI were unfavorable factors for recurrence. In group Y, AFP ≥ 20 ng/ml, the presence of multiple tumors, poor differentiation, PVI, HVI, and blood loss ≥ 400 ml were unfavorable factors for survival, and PA < 80%, albumin < 3.5 g/dl, AFP ≥ 20 ng/ml, tumor size ≥ 10 cm, and the presence of multiple tumors, poor differentiation, and PVI were unfavorable factors for recurrence.

Conclusions

Tumor factors might have limited influence on the prognosis of very elderly patients, and liver function reserve might be important for the long-term survival of very elderly patients. Hepatectomy can be performed safely, even in very elderly patients. Hepatectomy should not be avoided in very elderly patients with HCC if patients have a good general status because these patients have the same prognoses as nonelderly individuals.
Determinants of disagreement with female genital mutilation/cutting of future daughters and awareness of the ban among Egyptian university students
Authors: Mostafa Aya , Gaballah Shaimaa Ashmawy , Amin Ghada Essamaldin
Published: June 2020

Background

Egypt is one of three countries where half of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) victims live, despite its ban. To inform policy on the awareness of this ban and the impact of other interventions, this study sought to assess FGM/C-related knowledge, perceptions, and determinants of disagreement with FGM/C and circumcision of future daughters among university students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire in a random sample of 502 male and female students in Menoufia University between September and December 2017. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Students were 21.0 ± 1.6 years old; 270 (54.0%) were males, 291 (58.0%) were non-medical students, and 292 (58.2%) were rural residents. 204 (46.7%) students were not aware of the ban and their main source of information about FGM/C was educational curricula or health education sessions (162, 37.0%). Only 95 (19.0%) students had good knowledge about FGM/C. 217 (43.3%) students were neutral towards discontinuing FGM/C. 280 (56.2%) students disagreed with FGM/C. 296 (59.3%) students disagreed with circumcision of their future daughters; independent determinants of this outcome were awareness of the ban (ORa = 1.9) and disagreement with: FGM/C preserves females’ virginity (ORa = 5.0), has religious basis (ORa = 3.8), makes females happier in marriage (ORa = 3.5), enhances females’ hygiene (ORa = 2.1).

Conclusions

Knowledge about FGM/C and its ban is low, even in this educated population. FGM/C is still misperceived as a religious percept. Maximizing the utilization of health education and curricula might help increase anti-FGM/C attitudes among university students with neutral perceptions and initiate the much-needed momentum for elimination.
The effectiveness and safety of conservative interventions for positional plagiocephaly and congenital muscular torticollis: a synthesis of systematic reviews and guidance
Authors: Ellwood Julie , Draper-Rodi Jerry , Carnes Dawn
Published: June 2020

Aim

To investigate for congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and positional plagiocephaly (PP) the effectiveness and safety of manual therapy, repositioning and helmet therapy (PP only) using a systematic review of systematic reviews and national guidelines.

Methods

We searched four major relevant databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and MANTIS for research studies published between the period 1999–2019. Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews that analysed results from multiple studies and guidelines that used evidence and expert opinion to recommend treatment and care approaches. Three reviewers independently selected articles by title, abstract and full paper review, and extracted data. Selected studies were described by two authors and assessed for quality. Where possible meta-analysed data for change in outcomes (range of movement and head shape) were extracted and qualitative conclusions were assessed.

Results

We found 10 systematic reviews for PP and 4 for CMT. One national guideline was found for each PP and CMT. For PP, manual therapy was found to be more effective than repositioning including tummy time (moderate to high evidence) but not better than helmet therapy (low evidence). Helmet therapy was better than usual care or repositioning (low evidence); and repositioning better than usual care (moderate to high evidence).

The results for CMT showed that manual therapy in the form of practitioner-led stretching had moderate favourable evidence for increased range of movement. Advice, guidance and parental support was recommended in all the guidance to reassure parents of the favourable trajectory and nature of these conditions over time.

Conclusions

Distinguishing between superiority of treatments was difficult due to the lack of standardised measurement systems, the variety of outcomes and limited high quality studies. More well powered effectiveness and efficacy studies are needed. However overall, advice and guidance on repositioning (including tummy-time) and practitioner-led stretching were low risk, potentially helpful and inexpensive interventions for parents to consider.

Systematic review registration number

PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019139074.
Rare partial trisomy and tetrasomy of 15q11-q13 associated with developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lu Yinghong , Liang Yi , Ning Sisi , Deng Guosheng , Xie Yuling , Song Jujie , Zuo Na , Feng Chunfeng , Qin Yunrong
Published: June 2020

Background

Small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs), are additional abnormal chromosomes, which can’t be detected accurately by banding cytogenetic analysis. Abnormal phenotypes were observed in about 30% of SMC carriers. Duplication of chromosome 15 and related disorders, characterized by hypotonia motor delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, and epilepsy including infantile spasms, might be account for 50% of the total sSMCs.

Case presentation

An 11-month-old infant with an sSMC found by banding cytogenetics was referred to our clinic because of developmental retardation and autism spectrum disorder. After several months of rehabilitation treatment, the progress of motor development was obvious, but the consciousness was still far from satisfied. High-resolution karyotype analysis, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-Seq) were conducted to confirm the identity of the sSMC. A bisatellited dicentric sSMC was observed clearly in high-resolution karyotype analysis and a 10.16-Mb duplication of 15q11.1q13.2 (3.96 copies) together with a 1.84-Mb duplication of 15q13.2q13.3 (3 copies) was showed by CNV-Seq in the proband. It suggested that the molecular cytogenetic karyotype was 47,XY,+dic(15;15)(q13.2;q13.3). Furthermore, the clinical symptoms of the proband mostly fit 15q duplication related disorders which are characterized by hypotonia motor delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability.

Conclusion

We reported for the first time using CNV-Seq to detect sSMCs and find a partial trisomy and tetrasomy of 15q11-q13 associated with developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder. Our report indicates that CNV-seq is a useful and economical way for diagnosis of dup15q and related disorders.
Construction of cell-plastics as neo-plastics consisted of cell-layer provided green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii covered by two-dimensional polymer
Authors: Nakanishi Akihito , Iritani Kohei , Sakihama Yuri , Ozawa Nanami , Mochizuki Ayano , Watanabe Marina
Published: June 2020

Green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has gained interest as a sustainable resource because it can be easily grown using CO2 as a carbon source owing to its high CO2 assimilating activity. Although the robustness of the cell wall of C. reinhardtii makes it difficult to extract its intracellular products, such property is beneficial when using the cell as an ingredient to fabricate “cell-plastic” in this study. The cell layer, which is a component of the cell-plastic, was prepared with an intercellular filler to connect each cell because C. reinhardtii is a single-cell strain. The cell layers were then repeatedly piled to increase the strength of the cell-plastic. To avoid slippage between the cell layers, they were covered with a small amount of a two-dimensional polymer to maintain the flat surface structure of the cell-plastic. Based on the evaluation, the cell-plastic has the potential to be a novel, sustainable plastic using ubiquitous green algal cells in nature.
Wealth stratified inequalities in service utilisation of breast cancer screening across the geographical regions: a pooled decomposition analysis
Authors: Mahumud Rashidul Alam , Alam Khorshed , Keramat Syed Afroz , Renzaho Andre M. N. , Hossain Md. Golam , Haque Rezwanul , Ormsby Gail M. , Dunn Jeff , Gow Jeff
Published: June 2020

Background

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer among women in low-resourced countries. Reduction of its impacts is achievable with regular screening and early detection. The main aim of the study was to examine the role of wealth stratified inequality in the utilisation breast cancer screening (BCS) services and identified potential factors contribute to the observed inequalities.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional multi-country analysis was used to study the utilisation of BCS services. Regression-based decomposition analyses were applied to examine the magnitude of the impact of inequalities on the utilisation of BCS services and to identify potential factors contributing to these outcomes. Observations from 140,974 women aged greater than or equal to 40 years were used in the analysis from 14 low-resource countries from the latest available national-level Demographic and Health Surveys (2008–09 to 2016).

Results

The population-weighted mean utilisation of BCS services was low at 15.41% (95% CI: 15.22, 15.60), varying from 80.82% in European countries to 25.26% in South American countries, 16.95% in North American countries, 15.06% in Asia and 13.84% in African countries. Women with higher socioeconomic status (SES) had higher utilisation of BCS services (15%) than those with lower SES (9%). A high degree of inequality in accessing and the use of BCS services existed in all study countries across geographical areas. Older women, access to limited mass media communication, being insured, rurality and low wealth score were found to be significantly associated with lower utilisation of BCS services. Together they explained approximately 60% in the total inequality in utilisation of BCS services.

Conclusions

The level of wealth relates to the inequality in accessing BCS amongst reproductive women in these 14 low-resource countries. The findings may assist policymakers to develop risk-pooling financial mechanisms and design strategies to increase community awareness of BCS services. These strategies may contribute to reducing inequalities associated with achieving higher rates of the utilisation of BCS services.
Biomass and carbon stocks in mangrove ecosystems of Kerala, southwest coast of India
Authors: Harishma K. M. , Sandeep S. , Sreekumar V. B.
Published: June 2020

Background

Mangroves are important tropical carbon sinks, and their role in mitigating climate change is well documented across the globe. However, the ecosystem carbon stocks in the mangroves of India have not been studied comprehensively. Data from this region is very limited for providing sufficient insights and authentic evaluation of carbon stocks on a regional scale. In this study, we evaluated the ecosystem carbon stock and its spatial variation in mangroves of Kerala, southwest coast of India.

Results

The mean biomass stored in mangrove vegetation of Kerala is 117.11 ± 1.02 t/ha (ABG= 80.22 ± 0.80, BGB =36.89 ± 0.23 t/ha). Six mangrove species were found distributed in the study area. Among the different species, Avicennia marina had the highest biomass (162.18 t/ha) and least biomass was observed in Sonneratia alba (0.61 t/ha). The mean ecosystem carbon stock of mangrove systems in Kerala was estimated to be 139.82 t/ha, equivalent to 513.13 t CO2 e/ha with the vegetation and soil storing 58.56 t C/ha and 81.26 t C/ha respectively.

Conclusion

The present study reveals that Kerala mangroves store sizable volume of carbon and therefore need to be preserved and managed sustainably, to retain along with the increase in carbon storage. This features the need of broadening mangrove cover as well as restoring deteriorated land in the past 50 years. Although mangrove forests in this region are protected by the Kerala Forest Department, they have been frequently facing illegal encroachment, prawn cultivation, and coastal erosion.
Prevalence of Candida auris in Canadian acute care hospitals among at-risk patients, 2018
Authors: Garcia-Jeldes Hector Felipe , Mitchell Robyn , McGeer Allison , Rudnick Wallis , Amaratunga Kanchana , Vallabhaneni Snigdha , Lockhart Shawn R. ,   CNISP C. auris Interest Group, Al-Rawahi Ghada , Brodkin Elizabeth , Charles Marthe , Comeau Jeannette , Davis Ian , Delport Johan , Dingle Tanis C. , Dufresne Philippe , Ellis Chelsey , Embree Joanne , Frenette Charles , Golding George , Hoang Linda M. , Hota Susy , Katz Kevin C. , Kibsey Pamela , Kus Julianne V. , Langley Joanne M. , Lee Bonita E. , Lefebvre Marie-Astrid , Longtin Yves , Malejczyk Kathy , Masud Shazia , Mertz Dominik , Mulvey Michael R. , Poutanen Susan , Purych Dale , Rantelidis Rajni , Richardson David , Schwartz Ilan S. , Smith Stephanie , Tremblay Maxime-Antoine , Wong Titus , Yamamura Deborah , Bharat Amrita
Published: June 2020

To identify the prevalence of C. auris in Canadian patients who are potentially at risk for colonization, we screened 488 patients who were either hospitalized abroad, had a carbapenemase-producing organism (CPO), or were in units with high antifungal use. Two patients were colonized with C. auris; both had received healthcare in India and had a CPO. Among 35 patients who had recently received healthcare in the Indian subcontinent and were CPO colonized or infected, the prevalence of C. auris was 5.7%.
Topography of the respiratory tract bacterial microbiota in cattle
Authors: McMullen Christopher , Alexander Trevor W. , Léguillette Renaud , Workentine Matthew , Timsit Edouard
Published: June 2020

Background

Bacterial bronchopneumonia (BP) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cattle. The nasopharynx is generally accepted as the primary source of pathogenic bacteria that cause BP. However, it has recently been shown in humans that the oropharynx may act as the primary reservoir for pathogens that reach the lung. The objective was therefore to describe the bacterial microbiota present along the entire cattle respiratory tract to determine which upper respiratory tract (URT) niches may contribute the most to the composition of the lung microbiota.

Methods

Seventeen upper and lower respiratory tract locations were sampled from 15 healthy feedlot steer calves. Samples were collected using a combination of swabs, protected specimen brushes, and saline washes. DNA was extracted from each sample and the 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4) was sequenced. Community composition, alpha-diversity, and beta-diversity were compared among sampling locations.

Results

Microbiota composition differed across sampling locations, with physiologically and anatomically distinct locations showing different relative abundances of 1137 observed sequence variants (SVs). An analysis of similarities showed that the lung was more similar to the nasopharynx (R-statistic = 0.091) than it was to the oropharynx (R-statistic = 0.709) or any other URT sampling location. Five distinct metacommunities were identified across all samples after clustering at the genus level using Dirichlet multinomial mixtures. This included a metacommunity found primarily in the lung and nasopharynx that was dominated byMycoplasma. Further clustering at the SV level showed a shared metacommunity between the lung and nasopharynx that was dominated byMycoplasma dispar. Other metacommunities found in the nostrils, tonsils, and oral microbiotas were dominated byMoraxella,Fusobacterium, andStreptococcus, respectively.

Conclusions

The nasopharyngeal bacterial microbiota is most similar to the lung bacterial microbiota in healthy cattle and therefore may serve as the primary source of bacteria to the lung. This finding indicates that the nasopharynx is likely the most important location that should be targeted when doing bovine respiratory microbiota research.
Dialectical behavior therapy adapted for binge eating compared to cognitive behavior therapy in obese adults with binge eating disorder: a controlled study
Authors: Lammers Mirjam W. , Vroling Maartje S. , Crosby Ross D. , van Strien Tatjana
Published: June 2020

Background

Current guidelines recommend cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as the treatment of choice for binge eating disorder (BED). Although CBT is quite effective, a substantial number of patients do not reach abstinence from binge eating. To tackle this problem, various theoretical conceptualizations and treatment models have been proposed. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), focusing on emotion regulation, is one such model. Preliminary evidence comparing DBT adapted for BED (DBT-BED) to CBT is promising but the available data do not favor one treatment over the other. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcome of DBT-BED, compared to a more intensive eating disorders-focused form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT+), in individuals with BED who are overweight and engage in emotional eating.

Methods

Seventy-four obese patients with BED who reported above average levels of emotional eating were quasi-randomly allocated to one of two manualized 20-session group treatments: DBT-BED (n = 41) or CBT+ (n = 33). Intention-to-treat outcome was examined at post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up using general or generalized linear models with multiple imputation.

Results

Overall, greater improvements were observed in CBT+. Differences in number of objective binge eating episodes at end of treatment, and eating disorder psychopathology (EDE-Q Global score) and self-esteem (EDI-3 Low Self-Esteem) at follow-up reached statistical significance with medium effect sizes (Cohen’s d between .46 and .59). Of the patients in the DBT group, 69.9% reached clinically significant change at end of the treatment vs 65.0% at follow-up. Although higher, this was not significantly different from the patients in the CBT+ group (52.9% vs 45.8%).

Conclusions

The results of this study show that CBT+ produces better outcomes than the less intensive DBT-BED on several measures. Yet, regardless of the dose-difference, the data suggest that DBT-BED and CBT+ lead to comparable levels of clinically meaningful change in global eating disorder psychopathology. Future recommendations include the need for dose-matched comparisons in a sufficiently powered randomized controlled trial, and the need to determine mediators and moderators of treatment outcome.

Trial registration

Nederlands Trial Register: NL3982 (NTR4154). Date of registration: 2013 August 28, retrospectively registered,
In vitro toxicological assessment of gadolinium (III) chloride in V79–4 fibroblasts
Authors: Siew Ee Ling , Farris Ahmad Faizzudin , Rashid Noramiwati , Chan Kok Meng , Rajab Nor Fadilah
Published: June 2020

Background

Rare earth minerals of the lanthanide series are widely used in the field of medical and clinical application. Gadolinium (Gd), the most preferred rare earth mineral is frequently used as magnets, superconductors and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. Increasing production of gadolinium waste, known potent toxicity of this element and lack of information on its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) prompts health risk assessment on gadolinium. In this study, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Gadolinium (III) chloride (GdCl3) were investigated using MTT assay, Alkaline Comet assay and Micronucleus assay, respectively.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the viability of GdCl3 treated V79–4 cells was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced at 1.0 mM after 24 h of incubation. However, no IC50 values were obtained. GdCl3 showed no significant (p > 0.05) DNA damage both in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. However, it induced significant (p < 0.05) clastogenic effect in V79–4 cells at 1.0 mM in the absence of metabolic activation. The clastogenic effect was also seen in the presence of metabolic activation at 0.25 mM, 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study indicated that GdCl3 had no cytotoxic effect and does not induce DNA damage. However, this study supports that GdCl3 is a probable clastogen. Further studies are needed to investigate the effect of free gadolinium ion (Gd3+) for risk assessment on human health.
Evaluated the lead levels at boiling water in clay pots and impact of the lead contaminated diet on nutritional, biochemical status of male rats
Authors: El Kutry Mona S. , El-Sahar El-Sayeda G.E.
Published: June 2020

Background

For centuries, people have been using clay or earthen pots for cooking. Also, many studies indicated a contrariety from safety or danger of it. Our study aims to assess the lead concentration in boiling water in clay pots. Contaminated the diet with lead acetate and evaluated the nutritional, biochemical statues, and histological studies for male albino rats.

Step A: Ten samples of the distilled water and/or tap water were boiled in the clay pots (glaze and/or unglazed). Then, it was left to cool for either 2 or 4 h.

Step B: Thirty male albino rats divided three groups as follows: group 1: fed on basal diet (negative control), group2: fed on basal diet+466.5 mg/kg body wt of lead acetate (L1), group 3: fed on the basal diet+933 mg/kg body wt of lead acetate (L2).

Results

Lead concentrations in distilled water samples boiled in glazed clay pots were significantly higher than the negative control. Tap water samples boiled in glazed clay pots showed lead concentrations that were significantly higher than that of the positive control. Whereas, lead concentrations in distilled water boiled in the unglazed clay pots and left to cool for either 2 h or 4 h showed no significant differences compared to the negative control. Besides, rats fed L1 and L2 of lead acetate had a significant decrease in BWG and food intake compared with the negative control group. Also, rats were given lead acetate at the two levels (L1 and L2) had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, RBCs, and WBCs compared with rats fed basic diet only (negative control). Data illustrated that the rats of groups 2 and 3 have increased significantly in GOT concentration of serum, a significant increase in cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and increased significantly in creatinine, urea, and lead concentration in serum compared with the (negative control).

Conclusion

Bring the clay pots for cooking would be unglazed and natural forming, even if glazed may be having certified a lead free.
Estimating dry rock frame moduli of high-resolution 3D digital rock images using the contact-mechanics-based effective medium approach
Authors: Kerimov Abdulla , Cook Jennie , Lane Nathan , Lakshtanov Dmitry , Gettemy Glen
Published: June 2020

We have developed a method to estimate the dry frame elastic moduli of high-resolution 3D digital rock images using the contact-mechanics-based effective medium theory (EMT) model. The existing EMT models often are used to predict the effective dry frame elastic moduli of granular aggregates as a function of porosity, average number of contacts per grain, grain radius, contact radius, and contact stiffnesses of an elastic two-grain combination. But, it is almost impossible to measure the number of contacts per grain, contact radius distribution, or contact stiffness distribution in complex rocks. Therefore, explicit assumptions based on simplified microstructural geometries often are made to predict these contact properties in granular aggregates. As a result, the predictions of dry frame elastic moduli using EMT models may fail to match the observed properties because of numerous simplified assumptions, which can be violated in complex rocks. Our method uses the morphological contact properties (i.e., the grain-to-grain contact radius distribution, grain radius distribution, and coordination number distribution) directly extracted from 3D digital rock images to improve the prediction accuracy of dry frame elastic moduli using the EMT models. With integration of digital rocks technology, there is no longer a need to assume the size and shape of the grains, contact size, and number of contacts. The prediction accuracy of our method is validated on high-resolution 3D micro-CT digital rock images of miniplugs extracted from plugs with ultrasonic velocity measurements under dry conditions at different confining pressures. Image-computed dry frame elastic moduli using the EMT model are consistent with laboratory-measured moduli extrapolated to ambient conditions.
Study on pore structure evaluation of shale gas reservoir-Taking the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in the Cenggong Block, Guizhou Province as an example
Authors: Lai Fuqiang , Mao Haiyan , Bai Jianping , Gong Daijan , Zhang Guotong , Huang Zhaohui , Tan Xianfeng
Published: June 2020

The storage and seepage space of shale is mainly composed of pores and fractures, while the microscopic pore structure and fracture distribution are very complicated. The accuracy of calculation of pore structure parameters is related to whether the reservoir evaluation is correct and effective. Taking the Niutitang Formation in the Cengong area of Guizhou as the research object. Firstly, based on the Archie formula, the process of the wellbore mud intrusion is approximated as the process of the laboratory high pressure mercury intrusion, combined with conventional and nuclear magnetic resonance logging data. The formula deduces a new model for the T2 spectrum conversion pseudo-capillary pressure curve. Then the model is calibrated by the high pressure mercury intrusion experimental data, and the pore structure parameters such as reservoir pore size distribution curve and maximum pore throat radius are calculated. The results show that the maximum pore throat radius and total porosity data calculated by NMR logging are relatively reliable, the median radius error is general, and the displacement pressure and median pressure error are relatively large. The pore volume percentage of 1-10 μm is up to 60%, and the micro-cracks are relatively developed, which is beneficial to the fracturing of the reservoir. Therefore, the use of NMR logging data combined with conventional logging can better reflect the pore structure characteristics of reservoirs, which provides a strong support for complex reservoir identification and qualitative prediction of productivity, and has a good application prospect.
Northeast British Columbia Liard Basin: A seismic stratigraphy study
Authors: Leslie-Panek Jennifer , McMechan Margot , Ferri Fil
Published: June 2020

The Liard Basin is a highly prospective shale gas basin located in northeast British Columbia that is largely underrepresented in public literature. We used available-for-purchase 2D seismic data in the area to create a high-level, regional stratigraphic interpretation of the basin, providing the first seismically controlled overview of the basin structure and stratigraphy. The basin is characterized by two distinct, opposing wedges of sediment in the Mesozoic and Paleozoic sections: the Mesozoic with northeastward thinning and the Paleozoic with southwestward thinning. The wedging of the Upper Devonian-Lower Mississippian (Tournasian) section is dominated by multiple large packages of clinoforms, which progress into the basin from northeast to southwest and are predominantly seen in the seismic sequence stratigraphy. These distinct packages of clinoforms indicate changing sediment sources over time. In contrast, there are no clinoforms seen in the Mesozoic section, which may be a limitation of the orientation of the 2D seismic data that we used. Our result from the seismic interpretation is an updated interpretation of the Upper Devonian-Lower Mississippian stratigraphy of the Liard Basin, including an updated stratigraphic cross section for the area.
What Oncologists Should Know About Treating Sexual and Gender Minority Patients With Cancer
Authors: Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Alpert Ash B. , Sutter Megan , Schabath Matthew B.
Published: June 2020

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals encompass a broad spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Although SGM is a research term, this population is often known as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ). Typically, LGB refers to sexual orientation, T refers to gender identity, and Q may refer to either. Although each group is distinct, they share the common bond of experiencing health disparities that may be caused, in part, by stigma and discrimination, as well as by the oncology provider’s lack of knowledge and, therefore, lack of comfort in treating this population. One challenge in improving the quality of care for SGM patients with cancer is the lack of collection of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in the medical record. Furthermore, national studies suggest that many oncologists are unsure of what to do with this information, even when it is collected, and some are uncertain as to why they would need to know the SOGI of their patients. This clinical review offers insight into the health disparities experienced by SGM individuals and strategies for improving the clinical encounter and creating a welcoming environment.
Metabolic Flexibility during Exercise in Children with Obesity and Matched Controls
Authors: CHU LISA , MORRISON KATHERINE M. , RIDDELL MICHAEL C. , RAHA SANDEEP , TIMMONS BRIAN W.
Published: June 2020

Background

Impaired metabolic flexibility (MetFlex) could contribute to ectopic fat accumulation and pathological conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. MetFlex refers to the ability to adapt substrate oxidation to availability. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have examined MetFlex under exercise conditions in children with obesity (OB) compared with a control group (CON) without obesity. Therefore, the primary objective was to compare MetFlex during exercise in children with OB compared with CON matched for chronological age, sex, and biological maturation. A better understanding of MetFlex could help elucidate its role in the pathogenesis of childhood obesity and insulin resistance.

Methods

Children with obesity and without obesity age 8 to 17 yr attended two visits, which included anthropometric measurements, blood work (OB group only), a maximal aerobic fitness (V˙O2max) test, and MetFlex test with a 13C-enriched carbohydrate (1.75 g per kg of body mass, up to 75 g) ingested before 60 min of exercise at 45% V˙O2max. Breath measurements were collected to calculate exogenous CHO (CHOexo) oxidative efficiency as a measure of MetFlex.

Results

CHOexo oxidative efficiency (CHOexo oxidized/CHO ingested × 100) during exercise was significantly lower in OB (17.3% ± 4.0%) compared with CON (22.6% ± 4.7%, P < 0.001). CHOexo contributed less to total energy expenditure during exercise in OB compared with CON (P < 0.001), whereas the contribution of endogenous CHO (P = 0.19) and total fat was not significantly different (P = 0.91).

Conclusions

The ability to oxidize oral CHO, an indicator of MetFlex, was 23.5% lower in children with obesity compared with controls, independent of age, sex, and pubertal effects. Thus, obesity at a young age could be associated with reduced MetFlex and future comorbidities.
Emilia Salvanou, H συγκρότηση της προσφυγικής μνήμης: To παρελθόν ως ιστορία και πρακτική [The making of refugee memory: the past as history and practice]
Authors: Sjöberg Erik Johan
Published: June 2020

Review of Emilia Salvanou, H συγκρότηση της προσφυγικής μνήμης: To παρελθόν ως ιστορία και πρακτική [The making of refugee memory: the past as history and practice]. Athens: Nefeli, 2018. 251 pp.
Global Labour History: Perspectives from East to West, from North to South
Authors: Lampropoulou Dimitra , Papastefanaki Leda
Published: June 2020

Historical reflection on the premises, risks and limitations of the global perspective in labour history has led to a new synthesis of theory and empirical research. The article introduces the conceptual framework and the main characteristics of a flourishing research area, that of global labour history. Finally, this introductory article presents the five articles of the special issue on “Global Labour History: Perspectives from East to West, from North to South”, and discusses how each of them is in dialogue with the topics addressed by global labour history.
Animal rights
Authors: Baka A. , Ntorli V. , Argyri P.
Published: June 2020

Most of educational projects are related with challenges of environmental issues and rarely taking under consideration that animals are part of life of land. Animals have a strong effect in our lives, as keep the life cycle balances. That is why in our project we decided to concern ourselves with Animal Rights, all around the world and in Greece. The main problems we are dealing with are: The living conditions of productive animals, the rights of stray animals, the abuse of animals, the torture of equine animals and animals which produce fur, the conduct of experimental medical tests on animals and the protection of endangered animals. In our project we have set some goals as well as the means of meeting them. When it comes to finding a solution to the problems mentioned above, after noticing what our classmates knew about them, we came to the realization that what is needed most of all is better information about these problems that can be found in an easy, fun and interactive platform. As a team, we made various games and activities with which people can learn about animals and the difficult situations they are dealing with.
Mathematical modeling of the epidemic diseases
Authors: Askouni A. , Doulopoulou E. , Argyri P.
Published: June 2020

Biology and mathematics are key lessons in our curriculum from elementary to high school. Biology science studies the structure and evolution of living organisms and is directly linked to human life on the planet. Many of us have been wondering, "Why do we learn Math?" And "Where will they serve us?" In this work, by linking the courses of Biology and Mathematics, we highlight the role and value of mathematical science in analyzing and explaining real-world situations and phenomena. The experiment we conducted in three classrooms of our school, enabled us to mathematical modeling of infectious diseases, to draw conclusions, to motivate us to further research mathematical models and simulations that would interpret real-world conditions and contemporary ones. Therefore, it will help in making decisions and preventive measures.
Length–weight relationships and condition factors of mullets Liza macrolepis and Moolgarda engeli (Pisces: Mugilidae) harvested from Lambada Lhok waters in Aceh Besar, Indonesia
Authors: Yulianto Derita , Indra Indra , Batubara Agung Setia , Efizon Deni , Nur Firman M. , Rizal Syamsul , Elvyra Roza , Muchlisin Zainal Abidin
Published: June 2020

Background:The mullets fishLiza macrolepisandMoolgarda engeliare predominant in the Lambada Lhok waters in Aceh province. At present, no scientific report on this species in Aceh waters is available. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to examine the growth pattern and condition factor of the species of mulletsL. macrolepisandM. engeliharvested from the aforementioned coastal waters.

Methods:The sampling was done in three locations in the Lambada Lhok waters from July to November 2018. The fish were captured using gillnets from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM four times a month for five months.  A total of 242L. macrolepisand 109M. engeliwere used for the analysis. The growth pattern was analyzed using linear allometric model; then, two condition factors, Fulton’s and relative weight, were calculated.

Results:The study revealed abvalue of 2.49 for the maleL. macrolepisand 1.81 for the female. Thebvalue was 3.22 for the maleM. engeliand 3.41 for the female. Thebvalue of the fish was higher during the dry season. The Fulton’s condition factor of the maleL. macrolepiswas 1.19, and that of the female was 1.19. The relative condition factor of this species was 100.11 and 100.01 for males and females, respectively. The Fulton condition factor of maleM. engeliwas 1.05 and that of the female was 1.06. The relative weight condition factors were 101.08 and 100.61 for the male and female, respectively.  

Conclusions: The growth pattern of M. engeli tends to be isometric, whereas that of L. macrolepis has a negative allometric growth pattern. The condition factors indicate that the Lambada Lhok waters are still in good condition and support the growth of the mullets, but M. engeli is more adaptable than L. macrolepis.
Barriers and enablers to Caregivers Responsive feeding Behaviour (CRiB): A mixed method systematic review protocol
Authors: Slater Vicki , Rose Jennie , Olander Ellinor , Matvienko-Sikar Karen , Redsell Sarah
Published: June 2020

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity is a major public health issue. Responsive feeding has been identified as having a protective effect against child overweight and obesity, and is associated with healthy weight gain during infancy. Responsive feeding occurs when the caregiver recognises and responds in a timely and developmentally appropriate manner to infant hunger and satiety cues. Despite its benefits, responsive feeding is not ubiquitous. To better support caregivers to engage in responsive feeding behaviours, it is necessary to first systematically identify the barriers and enablers associated with this behaviour. This mixed-methods systematic review therefore aims to synthesise evidence on barriers and enablers to responsive feeding using the COM-B model of behavioural change.

Methods: 7 electronic databases will be searched (Maternal and Infant Care, CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE). Studies examining factors associated with parental responsive and non-responsive feeding of infants and children (<2 years) will be included. Papers collecting primary data, or analysing primary data through secondary analysis will be included. All titles, abstracts and full texts will be screened by two reviewers. Quantitative and qualitative data from all eligible papers will be independently extracted by at least two reviewers using pre-determined standardised data extraction forms. Two reviewers will independently assess the methodological quality of the studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). This review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA).

Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required for this review as no primary data will be collected, and no identifying personal information will be present. The review will be disseminated in a peer reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42019144570 (06/08/2019)
What is known about the protective factors that promote LGBTI+ youth wellbeing? A scoping review protocol
Authors: Ceatha Nerilee , Bustillo Marta , Tully Louise , James Oscar , Crowley Des
Published: June 2020

Background: There is much concern at the substantial vulnerabilities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) youth as a consequence of discrimination, stigmatisation and marginalisation. Recent research highlights the importance of understanding factors that can promote wellbeing for this population. This paper presents a protocol for a scoping review which aims to systematically map and synthesise the extent and nature of the peer-reviewed, published and unpublished academic literature on the protective factors that promote wellbeing for sexual and gender minority young people.

Methods: In accordance with the methodological framework for scoping reviews, the following six stages will be undertaken: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting the data, (5) collating, summarising and reporting results and (6) consultation. The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation will be used throughout the review process. Key inclusion criteria will use the Population, Concept, Context approach, with two reviewers independently conducting the screening and extraction stages across five databases. Identified protective factors will be collated, summarised and categorised iteratively by one reviewer in consultation with the review team. Stakeholder consultation is a key strength of the scoping review process and will be complemented by the public patient involvement of LGBTI+ young people with expertise by experience.

Conclusions: The scoping review has the potential to inform policy, practice and future research through enhanced understandings of the complex interplay of factors that promote wellbeing for sexual minority, gender minority and intersex youth. This first stage of the research process will inform the development of a larger research project. The findings will be disseminated through a peer reviewed publication, a conference presentation and by sharing the findings with key stakeholders, including LGBTI+ young people.
Molecular characterization of Plasmodium falciparum PHISTb proteins as potential targets of naturally-acquired immunity against malaria
Authors: Isebe Tony I. , Bargul Joel L. , Gichuki Bonface M. , Njunge James M. , Tuju James , Rono Martin K.
Published: June 2020

Background: Plasmodium falciparum causes the deadliest form of malaria in humans. Upon infection, the host’s infected red blood cells (iRBCs) are remodelled by exported parasite proteins in order to provide a niche for parasite development and maturation.

Methods: Here we analysed the role of three PHISTb proteins Pf3D7_0532400, Pf3D7_1401600, and Pf3D7_1102500 by expressing recombinant proteins and evaluated antibody responses against these proteins using immune sera from malaria-exposed individuals from Kenya and The Gambia in Africa.

Results: Our findings show that children and adults from malaria-endemic regions recognized the three PHISTb proteins. Responses against the PHISTb proteins varied with malaria transmission intensity in three different geographical sites in Kenya (Siaya and Takaungu) and The Gambia (Sukuta). Antibody responses against PHISTb antigens Pf3D7_1102500 and Pf3D7_1401600 were higher in Sukuta, a low transmission region in the Gambia, as compared to Siaya, a high transmission region in western Kenya, unlike Pf3D7_0532400. Anti-PHIST responses show a negative correlation between antibody levels and malaria transmission intensity for two PHIST antigens, Pf3D7_1102500 and Pf3D7_1401600. However, we report a correlation in antibody responses between schizont extract and Pf3D7_0532400 (p=0.00582). Acquisition of anti-PHIST antibodies was correlated with exposure to malaria for PHISTb protein Pf3D7_0532400 (p=0.009) but not the other PHIST antigens Pf3D7_1102500 and Pf3D7_1401600 (p=0.507 and p=0.15, respectively, CI=95%). Children aged below 2 years had the lowest antibody levels, but the responses do not correlate with age differences.

Conclusions: Collectively, these findings provide evidence of natural immunity against PHISTb antigens that varies with level of malaria exposure and underscore potential for these parasite antigens as possible serological markers to P. falciparum infection aimed at contributing to malaria control through vaccine development.