bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Factors Related to Smoking Experience by Sex: Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV-VII, 2007-2018)
Authors: Jeong Yong Whi , Kim Eun Young
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors related to smoking experience among Korean adults according to gender.Methods: The analysis used the data collected from 19,974 who had a smoking experience from The Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (2007-2018). Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Logistic regression.Results: The number of smoking experiences was 77.70% for men and 14.17% for women. Both men and women were more likely to have smoked experiences as the number of drinking, and second-hand smoke experiences in the home, increased. Owning a home, the higher the income, the higher the education, the lower the smoking experience. On the other hand, the relationship between education level and smoking experience according to gender showed a negative response-dose relationship for men and a positive-response-dose relationship for women.Conclusions: The study results showed that smoking-related factors are divided into factors in which men and women have the same tendency and those in which men and women have the opposite direction. This study revealed the distinct smoking experience-related characteristics according to gender in Korea. These characteristics suggest the need for a new approach to reduce the smoking rate by introducing differentiated smoking prevention education, smoking cessation education, and treatment projects by gender to the National Non-smoking Support Project, which was focused on smoking cessation education and treatment.
The Integration of Managed Pressure Drilling MPD and Automated Well Control Technology
Authors: Atchison Bryan Wade , Wuest Chad
Published: September 2021

Digitalisation and automation can account for massive efficiencies in wells operations. Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) and Automated Well Control are examples of "smart" technologies that can mitigate risks and costs associated with drilling wells. The Automated Well Control system was developed to monitor the well, identify an influx, take control of the rig equipment and shut in the well. MPD provides annular pressure control, real-time information of the well parameters and conditions downhole and very accurate and immediate influx detection. However, if a high intensity influx is taken that exceeds the pre-planned operational limits of the MPD package, then secondary well control is required. Therefore, a combination of Automated Well Control and MPD has been developed to deliver both pressure control and well control in a safe, efficient and less error-prone manner. On an MPD operation, the Automated Well Control system shuts-in the well as soon as it is required to do so. With Automated Well Control in MPD mode, the MPD system decides when to shut in and the Automated Well Control technology will immediately space out, stop the mud pumps and top-drive, and shut in the well using the pre-selected blowout preventer. This interface between the two systems mitigates drilling hazards using automation. The sensitivity of MPD, combined with Automated Well Control technology enables fast identification, decision making and reaction to well control events. Consequently, this fully integrated solution improves safety and operational efficiency.

The MPD and Automated Well Control systems were integrated into a test rig and several tests were efficiently performed. The tool enabled immediate action in the event of influxes, providing a valuable solution for the industry. This paper briefly describes MPD and Automated Well Control and summarises the interface between the two technologies, detailing how the integrated system works on a rig. Moreover, rig trialling results and further developments are presented.
Challenges and Opportunities Related to Use of Models in Drilling Operations
Authors: Ottermo Maria Vatshaug , Bjørkevoll Knut Steinar , Onshus Tor
Published: September 2021

Automation of managed pressure drilling (MPD) has a big potential for improving consistency, efficiency, and safety of operations, and is therefore pursued by many actors. While this development mitigates many risk elements, it also adds some related to for example mathematical algorithms and remote access. This work is based on document reviews, interviews, and working sessions with the industry, and adds insight on how risks associated with moving to higher levels of automation of MPD can be mitigated to a level where benefits are significantly larger than the sum of added risks.

The work has resulted in many recommendations for the industry, where most were related to testing, verification, and validation of the models and data inputs, as well as meaningful human control and employing a holistic approach when introducing new models. Recommendations were also given to the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway. These were related to missing or inadequate use of standards by the industry, lack of ICT knowledge, and encouraging increased experience sharing.

Future work should address how to enable meaningful human control as models become more complex or to a larger extent is based on empirical data and artificial intelligence as opposed to models based on first principles. Human control is important in unexpected situations in which the system fails to act safely. There is also a need to address ICT security issues arising when remote operation becomes more common.
MPD During the Global Pandemic in the Gulf of Mexico - How Virtual Meetings, Planning, and Communication Facilitated a Safe and Successful Implementation of CBHP MPD
Authors: Tuckwell Nathan , Nabiyev Akram , Parker Martyn , Poletzky Isabel
Published: September 2021

This paper details how a major international operator was able to work directly with a Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) service provider during the global pandemic to mobilize to a deep water Tension Leg Platform (TLP) in the Gulf of Mexico in fewer than four weeks from notification to being operationally ready. Apart from the time crunch, the challenging part was achieving it virtually without face-to-face meetings or rig visit. The legacy hydraulically controlled MPD system used on the previous well had proven to be very challenging. It could not provide the desired precise control to maintain the annular pressures within the operational window, thus necessitating a change. Furthermore, the deck space limitations had significantly restricted the equipment that could be used to gain accurate pressure control.

Despite COVID, all the planning stages were performed, albeit virtually, and a compact modular electric servo choke MPD system was deployed, installed, and commissioned within four weeks from the initial discussions. The new MPD system, which replaced the legacy system, was successfully utilized on this project executing the constant bottom hole pressure (CBHP) MPD variations. It achieved bottom hole pressure (BHP) control within a 0.1 - 0.2 ppg operational window.

This paper will discuss how, operationally, this 1-man per shift MPD crew communicated with the rig and operator personnel, delivered accurate pressure control on connections, performed dynamic formation integrity tests (FITs), delivering flawless execution, and meeting the client's expectations. Global pandemic made big changes in our work, learning and interact with people with social distancing.
Collaborative Engineering and Design Leads to Optimized MPD Land Rig Concept
Authors: Hovland Svein , Gonzalez Ricardo , Knight Ian , Patil Harshad , Matherne Gregory
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a land rig concept optimized for managed pressure drilling (MPD) service deployment, achieved through close partnership between an MPD technology provider and a drilling contractor.

An initial scoping phase identified high-level requirements based on the Operator's planned drilling plans. After the initial concept selection engineering teams continued to optimize MPD rig integration. The engineering teams collaborated closely on optimal placement and configuration for maximum operational efficiency. The system was designed to facilitate fast rig moves and walking within each pad with minimum disruption to other processes. Safety and handling issues were identified in the detailed design stage and allowed optimizing field deployment and operability. The equipment was paired with an MPD control system that was fully integrated in the rigs’ drilling automation platform, enabling consistent, reliable, and repeatable performance.

This paper will outline the concept selection process, the design and deployment phase, and further optimization that was implemented after initial learnings.
Integrating an MPD System on a Jack-Up Rig; Why You Should and How You Can
Authors: Polkinghorne Jason , Cadd Michael , Graham Robert , Stoian Emil , Sandell Richard , Nugent Jason
Published: September 2021

The benefits of Managed Pressure Drilling are well understood in the drilling industry, but until now, they have never been integrated into a Jack-Up rig. For a UK North Sea HPHT campaign, the Drilling Contractor, Operator and MPD Service Provider collaborated for what is believed to be the World's first fully integrated, permanently installed MPD system for a Jack-Up, capable of drilling the most challenging narrow-margin HPHT wells.

Overcoming the perceived complexity and cost of MPD are common obstacles. Integrating MPD systems into jack-up rigs addresses both challenges by simplifying logistics planning and operations and reducing costs. Putting MPD at the heart of the rig's drilling system offers a wealth of advantages to both the Operator and Drilling Contractor and provides ‘MPD on demand’ for all operations undertaken from the rig.
Symmetry and Middle Paleolithic Points: A Case Study of Iran's Middle Paleolithic Points
Authors: Feizi Nasim , Nasab Hamed Vahdati
Published: September 2021

The throwing capacity of Middle Paleolithic points has been an important issue since the discovery of the Neanderthals toolbox. In the Middle Paleolithic, hominins (Neanderthals or H. sapiens) made trusting points with limited or no throwing capability. Projectile points as a long-range weapon were replaced the trusting and guaranteed the survival of modern humans. Several attempts have been made to recognize the aerodynamic differences between Middle and Upper Paleolithic Points. However, up to now, far too little attention has been paid to the symmetry and projectile motion rules related to it. In this paper, symmetry and other morphological features, including length, width, weight, cross-sectional area, flatting, and elongation, have been measured on 280 points collected from five Iranian Middle Paleolithic sites. In addition, the Iranian Middle Paleolithic data is compared with several Middle, Upper, and Neolithic sites outside of Iran. The results indicate that the evolution of symmetry alongside increased elongation and proportionality in measurable characteristics was a critical factor in creating projectile points.
Methodological Approaches for Assessing Certainty of the Evidence in Umbrella Reviews: a Systematic Review
Authors: Sadoyu Saranrat , Tanni Kaniz Afroz , Punrum Nontaporn , Paengtrai Sobhon , Lai Nai Ming , Thakkinstian Ammarin , Ngorsuraches Surachat , Bangpan Mukdarut , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn
Published: September 2021

Objective: To identify and describe the methodological approaches for assessing the certainty of the evidence in umbrella reviews (URs) of meta-analyses (MAs).Study Design and Setting: We included URs that included SR-MAs of interventions and non-interventions. We searched from 3 databases including PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library from 2010 to 2020.Results: 138 URs have been included consisting of 96 and 42 URs of interventions and non-interventions, respectively. Only 31 (32.3%) of URs of interventions assessed certainty of evidence, in which the GRADE approach was the most frequently used method (N=20, 64.5%) followed by creditability assessments (N=6, 12.9%). Conversely, thirty (71.4%) of URs of non-interventions assessed certainty of evidence, in which the criteria for credibility assessment were mainly used (N=28; 93%). URs published in journals with high journal impact factor (JIF) are more likely to assess certainty of evidence than URs published in low JIFs. Conclusions: Only one-third of URs that included MAs of experimental designs have assessed the certainty of the evidence in contrast to the majority of the URs of observational studies. Therefore, guidance and standards are required to ensure the methodological rigor and consistency of certainty of evidence assessment for URs.
The Effect of Phenyl Acetic Acid (PPA) On Micropropagation of Date Palm Followed By Genetic Stability Assessment
Authors: Al–Mayahi Ahmed Madi Waheed
Published: September 2021

Date palm is propagated by the offshoots, the number of which is limited. Therefore, adult date palms produce shoot tips and axillary buds meristems through the use of tissue culture. The micropropagation of the date palm also still faces many obstacles. Here, we established an efficient plant-regeneration system for (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cv. Ashgar by tissue culture. Murashige and Skoog medium containing 6-benzyladenine (BA) (2.0 and 5.0 mg L− 1) and a-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or phenylacetic acid (PAA) (0.05–2.00 mg L− 1) was used to initiate shoot formation from callus tissues. The maximum number of shoots per jar was produced on a medium containing 5.0 mgL− 1 BA and 0.5 mg L− 1 PAA. The medium supplemented with 2.0 mgL− 1 BA in combination with 0.05 m L− 1 PAA gave the highest callus induction (+++). A decrease in browning percentage was observed in the tissue cultured in the media supplied with BA in combination with NAA or PAA compared to the media provided with BA alone. In comparison with other treatments, the total amount of phenolic compounds was significantly reduced to 0.45 mg g− 1 in buds cultured in the media supplemented with 5.0 mg L− 1 BA and 0.5 mg L− 1 PAA. The RAPD DNA-based fingerprinting technique confirmed the genomic stability of this protocol. RAPD binding patterns showed no difference between the tissue culture-derived plants tested. The in vitro micropropagation protocol reported here can be presented to produce genetically stable date palm plants.
Formation of TiO2/natural Melanin Nanostructure Hybrids with Enhanced Optical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Madkhali nawal , Algessair Saja
Published: September 2021

Recently, with the progress of research in amending and developing the properties of inorganic materials, researchers have become focused on using inexpensive and environmentally friendly materials such as organic materials from natural sources that have proven effective in improving the properties of materials in various applications. In recent years, melanin has become an attractive topic for researchers due to its distinctive structural properties that have been distinguished in various application fields. Here, we report the use of ultrasonication under UV radiation for synthesis. The influence of natural melanin on the structural, optical and thermal properties of TiO2 nanoparticles was investigated by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. It was observed that incorporating natural melanin on TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-Mel) occurred at approximately 2.01 eV with low value of Urbach energy around 100 meV indicates improvement in crystalline structure. Thermal results showed that TiO2-Mel is stable even with temperatures up to 400°C. According to the results obtained by the thermal stability of melanin with titanium dioxide can makes it a good candidate in many application such as solar cells and optoelectronic that require optical efficiency and thermal stability for long periods.
Alternative Vaccination Politics
Authors: Manca Davide , Benincasa Lorenzo
Published: September 2021

Background

The timely implementation of the vaccination campaign and sharp rules for vaccine administration can make a difference. The paper investigates the impact of alternative policies based on scientific vaccination priorities inspired by the extended statistics on Covid-19 fatalities.
Methods

In the case of Covid-19 vaccination, a principal role is played by promptly adopting a reverse-order of age approach (to target first the elderly) coupled to covering the high priority categories but postponing the low priority ones. We implemented an in silico vaccination simulator capable of comparing what happened in reality with what might have happened if alternative vaccination policies had been adopted. The immunization profile and the death distribution curve allowed measuring the distance between reality and alternative policies and finally quantifying the expected number of saved lives.
Results

The alternative approach to vaccination was applied to Italy and Lombardy that host 60 and 10 million residents respectively. In about 100 days of vaccination based on (a) a reverse-order of age policy (from 90 + to 80–89 to 70–79 year-olds, etc.), (b) vaccination of priority categories, (c) postponement of non-priority categories and reallocation of such doses to (a) and (b), the saved lives would have been 3969 in Italy (of which 799 in Lombardy). In the same period, Italy suffered 30,911 fatalities (of which 5,613 in Lombardy). Of those fatalities, about 12.8% in Italy and 14.2% in Lombardy might have been avoided if a different approach to vaccination had been applied. Even better results would have been achieved if the elderly vaccination had been anticipated a few days (which started only 53 days after the very beginning of the Italian vaccination campaign) or if the vaccination engine had performed better in terms of daily administered doses while respecting the available delivered doses.
Conclusions

A different approach to the vaccination politics based on sharp and straight policies based on scientific quantitative data of Covid-19 mortality as a function of age and comorbidities would have accomplished a better quantitative effect on extinguishing the pandemic and containing the fatalities toll.
Factors Affecting Primary Care Physician Decision-Making for Patients with Complex Multimorbidity: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Schuttner Linnaea , Sherlock Stacey Hockett , Simons Carol , Ralston James D , Rosland Ann-Marie , Nelson Karin , Lee Jenney R , Sayre George
Published: September 2021

Background
Patients with multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity) and additional psychosocial complexity are at higher risk of adverse outcomes. Establishing treatment or care plans for these patients must account for their disease interactions, finite self-management abilities, and even conflicting treatment recommendations from clinical practice guidelines. Despite existing insight into how primary care physicians (PCPs) approach care decisions for their patients in general, less is known about how PCPs make care planning decisions for more complex populations. We therefore sought to describe factors affecting physician decision-making when care planning for complex patients with multimorbidity
Methods
This was a qualitative study involving semi-structured telephone interviews with PCPs working ≥ 40% time in a team-based, patient-centered medical home setting in the integrated healthcare system of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Interviews were conducted from April to July, 2020. Content was analyzed with inductive thematic analysis.
Results
25 physicians participated in interviews; most were MDs (n = 21) and worked in hospital-affiliated clinics (n = 14) across all regions of the VHA’s national clinic network. Seven major themes emerged for factors affecting decision-making for complex patients with multimorbidity. Physicians described collaborating on care plans with their care team; considering impacts from patient access and resources on care plans; the boundaries provided by organizational structures; tailoring decisions to individual patients; making decisions in keeping with an underlying internal style or habit; working towards an overarching goal for care; and impacts on decisions from their own emotions and relationship with patient.
Conclusions
PCPs described individual, relationship-based, and environmental factors affecting their care planning for high-risk and complex patients with multimorbidity in the VHA. Findings offer useful strategies employed by physicians to effectively conduct care planning for complex patients, such as delegation of follow-up within care teams, optimizing visit time vs frequency, and deliberate investment in patient relationship building to gain buy-in to care plans.
Inhibition of Farnesoid X Receptor Rescues Fat Depression Induced by Dietary Berberine in Grass Carp, Ctenopharyngodon Idella
Authors: Tian Jingjing , Jin Yaqi , YU Ermeng , Sun Jinhui , Xia Yun , Zhang Kai , Li Zhifei , Gong Wangbao , Wang Guangjun , Xie Jun
Published: September 2021

Berberine (BBR) depresses lipid accumulation in fish, but the mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we hypothesize FXR signaling participates in this physiological process of grass carp. Three diets, namely the control, BBR (1.0 g/kg), and BBR + Gly-β-MCA (an FXR inhibitor) were formulated to feed juvenile grass carp (9.90 ± 0.07) for 8 weeks. Fish fed BBR presented significantly lower IPF index, hepatic TG and TC contents, as well as whole body lipid levels, whereas these were rescued by Gly-β-MCA. Serum TG and HDL-c contents were significantly decreased in fish fed BBR compared to those in the control. The serum ALT activity, combined with the TG, TC, HDL-c, and LDL-c concentrations were all significantly increased in fish fed BBR + Gly-β-MCA than those fed BBR. Dietary BBR significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of FXR, decreased the mRNA level of FGF19 in the intestine, whereas these were reversed by Gly-β-MCA. In the hepatopancreas, the inhibitor recovered the suppression of the CYP7A1, CYP8B1, and CYP27A1 expression induced by dietary BBR. Fish fed BBR showed significantly lower mRNA expression of SREBP-1c and FAS, whereas these two genes were all up-regulated in response to inhibitor. Dietary BBR increased the gene expression of PPARα, ATGL, CPT-1, which were all abolished by dietary Gly-β-MCA treatment. Fish fed BBR and BBR + Gly-β-MCA showed significantly lower total OTUs, ACE index, chao 1 index, and simpson index of the gut microbiota. Overall, our results demonstrate that inhibition of FXR leads to the rescue of lipid suppression induced by dietary BBR in grass carp.
Reaction-induced Ni-based interstitial carbon atoms for coke-free dry reforming of methane
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Wang Wu , Li Sha , Cao Min , Wang Pengfei , He Jiaqing , Yan Xiaoliang , Li Ruifeng
Published: September 2021

Dry reforming of methane on Ni-based catalyst offers an environmentally and economically viable and pivotal route to produce synthesis gas. The accumulation and polymerization of carbon atoms on the surface of Ni eventually deactivate the catalyst because of coke deposition. Here, we establish a reaction-induced method to isolate carbon atoms into the interstitial position of nickel octahedral sites (O-sites) under reaction condition, which can avoid the C−C bond formation. Al2O3 encapsulated Ni3Zn provides expanded space volume of O-sites in nickel to accommodate carbon atoms, and the further transformation to Ni3ZnC0.7 with superstructure feature was achieved under CH4/CO2 reaction. Ni3ZnC0.7/Al2O3 exhibits excellent activity and stability below 600°C with variable CH4/CO2 ratio (1/4−2/1). These active carbon atoms can be replenished and cycled in Ni3ZnC0.7 interior structure rather than depositing as coke on the surface during the reaction as revealed by in situ experiments.
Enhancing The Hemispherical Solar Distiller Performance Using Internal Reflectors And El Oued Sand Grains As Energy Storage Mediums
Authors: Attia Mohammed El Hadi , Kabeel Abd Elnaby , Abdelgaied Mohamed , Shmouty Ahmed Refat
Published: September 2021

The current comprehensive work deals with different solutions, all of which aim to overcome the problem of low productivity of drinking water from solar distillers. Experimental work was carried out on hemispherical distillers which are characterized by a large area of receiving and condensation. This study presented the results of two experimental scenarios to illustrate the influences of internal reflective on hemispherical distiller’s performance in the first scenario. In the second scenario, the influences of internal reflective with El-Oued sand grains as the energy store medium on hemispherical distiller performances was studied. Two experimental scenarios aim to achieve the best configurations that achieve a highest hemispherical distillers performances. To achieves this goal, we designed and fabricated the three hemispherical distillers, the first distiller represents the reference case (Conventional Hemispherical Solar Still - CHSS), the second is the Hemispherical Solar Still with Internal Reflective Mirrors and El-Oued sand grains (HSS-IRM & SG), and a third is the Hemispherical Solar Still with Internal Reflective Aluminum Foil and El-Oued sand grains (HSS-IRAF & SG). The results presented that the cumulative production of reference distiller (CHSS) up to 4750 mL/m2, while use of internal reflective mirrors and El-Oued sand grains (HSS-IRM & SG) increases the production to 9400 mL/m2 day. The maximum improvement in cumulative distillate production, exergy efficiency, and thermal efficiency was recorded for utilization of internal reflective mirrors and El-Oued sand grains (HSS-IRM & SG) which reached 98, 200.9, and 96%, respectively, compared to reference case (CHSS).
Neurodevelopmental Disorder With Microcephaly, Hypotonia, And Variable Brain Anomalies In A Consanguineous Iranian Family Is Associated With A Novel Homozygous Start Loss Variant In The PRUNE1 Gene
Authors: Gholizadeh Mehdi Agha , Mohammadi-Sarband Mina , Fardanesh Fatemeh , Garshasbi Masoud
Published: September 2021

Background: Homozygous or compound heterozygous PRUNE1 mutations cause a neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly, hypotonia, and variable brain malformations (NMIHBA) (OMIM #617481). The PRUNE1 gene encodes a member of the phosphoesterase (DHH) protein superfamily that is involved in the regulation of cell migration. To date, most of the described mutations in the PRUNE1 gene are clustered in DHH domain. Methods: We subjected 4 members (two affected and two healthy) of a consanguineous Iranian family in the study. The proband underwent whole-exome sequencing and a novel identified variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Co-segregation of the detected variant with the disease in family was confirmed.Results: By whole-exome sequencing, we identified the first start loss variant, NM_021222.3:c.3G>A; p.(Met1?), in the PRUNE1 in two patients of a consanguineous Iranian family with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP), hypotonia, developmental regression, and cerebellar atrophy. Sanger sequencing confirmed the segregation of the variant with the disease in the family. Protein structure analysis also revealed that the variant probably leads to the deletion of DHH (Asp-His-His) domain, the active site of the protein, and loss of PRUNE1 function. Conclusion: We identified a novel start loss variant, NM_021222.3:c.3G>A; p.(Met1?) in the PRUNE1 gene in two affected members as a possible cause of NMIHBA in an Iranian family. We believe that the study adds a new pathogenic variant in spectrum of mutations in the PRUNE1 gene as a cause of PRUNE1-related syndrome.
Effectiveness of Intensive Perioperative Nutrition Therapy Among Adults Undergoing Gastrointestinal And Oncological Surgery In Public Hospital: Study Protocol For A Pragmatic Randomised Control Trial.
Authors: A’zim A’ishah Zafirah Abdul , Zaid Zalina Abu , Yusof Barakatun Nisak Mohd , Jabar Mohd Faisal , Shahar Aainaa Syarfa Mohd
Published: September 2021

Background: Perioperative malnutrition is common in patients undergoing gastrointestinal-oncology surgical and associated with longer hospital stays, increased post-operative complications, poorer quality of life and lower survival rate. Current practice emphasises the roles of early perioperative nutrition therapy as early intervention in order to combat the post-operative complications of patients and the implementation is now widely adopted. The aim of the study is to determine the effects of intensive perioperative nutrition therapy to overcome the post-operative complications in adult patients undergoing gastrointestinal and oncological surgery. Methods: This is a pragmatic randomised control trial study where elective admitted patients will be randomised into Intervention (SS) or Control (NN) Group. All data will be collected during a face to face interview, anthropometric measurement, blood sampling (albumin, white blood count, haemoglobin and c-reactive protein), handgrip strength and post-operative complications. Group SS will be receiving a tailored lifestyle and intensively supplemented with oral nutrition support as compared with Group NN that receive standard medical care. The primary outcomes are length of stay in hospital, bowel function and solid food toleration. Additional outcome measures are changes in biochemical profile, nutritional and functional status. The effects of intervention between groups towards outcome parameters will be analyse by using the SPSS General Linear Model (GLM) for repeated measure procedure.Discussion: The intervention implemented in this study will serve as a baseline data in providing an appropriate nutritional management in patients undergoing gastrointestinal and oncological surgery. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS), NCT04347772. Registered 20 November 2019, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
Correlates of Screen-Based Behaviors Among 88,509 Adults: Observations from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey
Authors: Silva Danilo R , Collings Paul , Araujo Raphael H O , Barboza Luciana L , Szwarcwald Célia L , Werneck André O
Published: September 2021

We aimed to investigate correlates of TV viewing and other types of screen-based behaviors in a nationally representative sample of Brazilian adults. In the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey (including 88,509 adults), TV viewing time and other types of screen behaviors (computer, tablet, and cellphone use) were self-reported and numerous geographical, sociodemographic, behavioral, and health status factors were investigated as potential correlates. Multinomial logistic regression models were used for the main analyses. Living in capital cities, urban areas, being unemployed, high consumption of soft drinks, obesity, and elevated depressive symptoms were each associated with more TV viewing and more time using other types of screens. There were differential associations between TV viewing and the use of other types of screen across age and socioeconomic variables. For instance, younger adults have a more diverse portfolio of screen time than older adults. To conclude, levels of screen-based behaviors vary by geographical, sociodemographic, behavioral, and health status characteristics. Interventions should focus on high-risk population groups and may benefit from targeting specific sedentary behaviors of interest.
Synergistic Impacts of Climate Change and Human Activities on Spatiotemporal Organic Nitrogen Burial Variation in a Plateau Lake in Southwest China
Authors: Huang Tao , Luo Yang , Jiang Quanliang , Zhang Zhigang , Yang Hao , Huang Changchun
Published: September 2021

The concentration and sources of organic nitrogen (ON) in lake sediment significantly affect the lake nitrogen cycle. However, the influencing factors and contributors to the ON accumulation rate (ONAR) are unclear. In this study, tree sediment cores from northern, eastern, and southern Dianchi Lake (DC-N, DC-E, and DC-S, respectively), sampled in July 2014, were used to study the effects of autochthonous and allochthonous sources on ON. The results showed that ON and the ONAR increased 2.4–5.1 and 2.6–4.8 times, respectively, from1900 to2000, especially since the 1980s, at which point algal blooms occurred more frequently. The ON contents decreased in the order: DC-S > DC-N > DC-E, whereas the ONAR values followed the order: DC-N > DC-S > DC-E, suggesting that the ONAR was influenced by ON content as well as depositional environmental conditions. The total concentrations of n-alkanes (n-C12 to n-C34) ranged from 4719.4 ng g− 1 to 61,959.6 ng g− 1 in the three sediment cores, each of which exhibited different n-alkanes characteristic variation with vertical depth. The sources of ON were mainly allochthonous (soil erosion and terrestrial plants) and autochthonous (algal and aquatic plants) in DC-S and DC-N, respectively, whereas they were primarily mixed planktonic and terrestrial sources in DC-E. Using the stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology model to further examine the ONAR values revealed that 1% increase in temperature and nitrogen fertilizer can increase the ONAR by 73.8–86.2% and 73.2–151.3% in all sediments, especially in DC-S and DC-E. However, a 1% increase in construction area could reduce the ONAR by 2.4–14.2%, especially in DC-N. Overall, climate change and human activities determine the spatial and temporal ONAR variation in Dianchi Lake.
Reactive Nitrogen Releases And Nitrogen Footprint During The Life-Cycles of Intensive Vegetable Production Affected By Human Feces Slurry Substitution
Authors: Bo Yang , Tao Zhang , Man Zhang , Li Bo
Published: September 2021

Evaluating the sustainability of vegetable production is crucial to secure future food supply. A two-year field study of four different vegetable crops was performed to investigate the effects of inorganic fertilizer and human feces slurry at different ratios on vegetable yields, reactive gaseous nitrogen emissions (GNrEs), reactive nitrogen (Nr) footprint and net ecosystem-economic income (NEEI) by using life-cycle analysis. Four fertilization strategies were studied, including: CK (no fertilization); CF (inorganic fertilization); CHF1 (human feces slurry/inorganic fertilizer, N ratio=1:7); and CHF2 (human slurry/inorganic fertilizer, N ratio=1:3). Results showed that compared with CF treatment, both CHF1 and CHF2 treatments increased the N2O+NO emissions by 11.8 % and 32.4 % on average, while decreased the vegetable yields by 6.7 % and 7.4 %, respectively. Moreover, the addition of human feces slurry increased the proportions of Nr footprint by 6.6 % (CHF1) and 2.9 % (CHF2) in comparison with CF treatment group. However, although CHF2 treatment significantly increased the values of GNrEs and reactive gaseous nitrogen intensity (GNrI) by 8.4 % and 12.5 %, respectively, in relation to those in CF treatment group, it still increased farmers’ income by 16,404 CNY ha−1. These findings suggest that although human feces slurry incorporation could not mitigate Nr releases, the appropriate ratio of inorganic fertilizer and human feces slurry (CHF2) is able to improve net economic income (NEI) and NEEI during intensive vegetable production. Nevertheless, the relationship between combinatorial treatment of inorganic fertilizer and human feces slurry and mitigation of Nr release should be explored further.
Cancer Caregiver Quality of Life: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rohilla Kusum K , Kalyani C Vasantha , Gupta Amit , Gupta Sweety , Gupta Manoj , Matella Nirmal
Published: September 2021

People living with cancer benefit greatly from informal caregivers. There has never been a previous meta-analysis on the quality of life of cancer caregivers or the efficacy of caregiver intervention programmes. The goal of this meta-analysis was to look at the quality of life of cancer caregivers and the impact of various initiatives aimed at improving it. From January 2006 to April 2021, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, PubMed Central, Clinical Key, Google Scholar and Cochrane database. The effect of caregiver interventional programs on quality of life was evaluated using a mean difference between experimental and control groups. A random-effect model was used to measure the risk ratio (RR) for calculating the quality of life of cancer caregivers. The final report comprised eight trials with a total of 1142 participants. The caregiver intervention programme was found to improve the quality of life of cancer caregivers, but not statistically significantly (mean difference=0.10; p<0.00001). A caregiver interventional program had a positive effect on the quality of life of cancer caregivers, according to this meta-analysis. To prove that caregiver interventional programs are successful strategies for improving the quality of life of cancer caregivers, further randomised controlled trials are required.
The Relationship Between Quality of Sleep, Stress And Coping Among First Year Female Students of University of Colombo
Authors: Thakshila Yamange Sanduni , Suraweera Chathurie
Published: September 2021

Background: Sufficient and restorative sleep is important to mental and physical wellbeing. The university education as an undergraduate is stressful and can have detrimental effects on the mental state of the students leading to poor sleep quality and stress, requiring use of coping strategies. This study is aimed to identify the prevalence and the correlation between sleep quality, stress and coping among university students.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a University in Sri Lanka among 200 participants from five selected faculties. A self-administered questionnaire, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Depression Stress Anxiety Scale-21(DASS 21) and brief COPE inventory was administered using consecutive random sampling to the participants. The results were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 with one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlations.Results: 82.5% (n= 165) of subjects reported poor sleep quality. There was a positive strong correlation between sleep quality and stress (r=0.526, p=0.000). Among the poor sleepers, 57.6% (n= 95) were stressed. The stress was positively correlated with self-blame, planning, denial and emotional support in the COPE inventory. The correlation with quality of sleep with coping strategies was statistically significant. The highest mean of global PSQI score (10.33± 4.202) was observed among students from Law faculty with 95% experienced poor sleep quality. The highest correlation between sleep quality and stress among students from medical faculty (r= 0.614**, p= 0.000) while the highest percentage of students, 61.9% were stressed. Conclusions: The majority of university undergraduates were affected with poor quality of sleep and stress. The students use various coping strategies to cope with stress. There was a strong relationship between sleep quality, stress and coping. The sleep quality depended on stress as well coping strategies effected on sleep quality. This study highlights the importance of focused interventions on quality of sleep, stress and coping among university students.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Lessens Hepatic Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation via the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling Pathway in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella)
Authors: Huang Xiaocheng , Sun Jian , Bian Chenchen , Ji Shanghong , ji Hong
Published: September 2021

Background: The liver is the primary organ for frontline immune defense and lipid metabolism. Excessive lipid accumulation in the liver severely affects its metabolic homeostasis and causes metabolic diseases. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is known for its beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and anti-inflammation, but its molecular mechanism remains unknown, especially in fish. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of DHA on hepatic steatosis of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in vivo and in vitro and mainly focused on lipogenesis and inflammation. Grass carp were fed with purified diets supplemented with 0%, 0.5% and 1% DHA for 8 weeks in vivo. Hepatocytes were treated with palmitic acid (PA) (200 μM) with or without DHA (50 or 100 μM) for 24 h in vitro. In addition, Compound C (CC, the inhibitor of AMP-activated protein kinase) was used to examine the mechanism of DHA on hepatic steatosis in vitro.Results: In this study, 1% DHA significantly decreased the liver triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) contents. DHA (100 μM) effectively attenuated PA-induced lipid accumulation (P<0.05). Furthermore, DHA significantly inhibited endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and stimulated the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream factors related to hepatic inflammation and lipogenesis in vivo and in vitro. However, the effects of DHA could be abrogated by CC in vitro.Conclusions: DHA exerted a protective effect on hepatic steatosis by inhibiting ER stress, improving antioxidant ability, relieving hepatic inflammation and inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis in an AMPK-dependent manner. Our findings give a theoretical foundation for further elucidation of the beneficial role of DHA in vertebrates.
Apparent Digestibility and Ingestive Behavior of Nellore Bulls With Low and High Residual Feed Intake
Authors: Menezes Rayanne Galdino , Fernandes Juliano José de Resende , Calaca Alana , Arnhold Emmanuel , Fernandes Marcia Helena Machado da Rocha , Couto Victor Rezende Moreira
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between ingestive behaviour, apparent digestibility and residual feed intake (RFI) of finishing Nellore bulls fed a high concentrate diet. One hundred and twenty Nellore bulls, housed in individual pens, were evaluated in individual performance tests. The animals were fed a high concentrate diet (23:77roughage/concentrate ratio). The animals were classified as: low RFI, medium RFI, and high RFI. Data from ten animals from each group was used. Faecal production and nutrient digestibility were calculated using indigestible neutral detergent fiber as an internal marker. The feeding behaviour was evaluated over twenty-four hours by direct observation every five minutes. The most efficient animals (low RFI, 8.58 kg DM/day) consumed 27.62% less feed than the least efficient animals (high RFI, 10.95 kg DM/day). Animals with medium efficiency (mean RFI, 9.49 kg DM/day) consumed 15.39% less than high RFI. Nutrient digestibility coefficients were similar except for ether extract (P<0.03) which was 8% greater for the high-RFI animals. No effect was observed for ingestive behaviour (P>0.05). Animals spent, on average, three hours twenty-eight minutes feeding, seven hours thirty-two minutes ruminating and thirteen hours forty minutes in idle time. In the present study, ingestive behaviour and dry matter digestibility were not responsible for between-animal variation in residual feed intake in Nellore bulls fed a high concentrate diet.
Abnormal Epigenetic Modifications in Surviving Somatic Cell Cloned Cattle Associated With Donor Cell Type
Authors: Ma Haoqiang , Huang Tian , Zhou Jin , Li Jinghui , Cui Shenghui , Ye Chongyuan , Lu Chao , Bai Yueyu , Cao Gengsheng
Published: September 2021

Background

Studies have shown that the efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is related to the type of donor cell used. Previous studies have shown that fetal oviduct epithelial cells (FOVs) exhibit a higher blastocyst formation rate than fetal fibroblasts (FFBs), but they are associated with lower pregnancy, calving, and full-term rates after implantation. The reason for this difference is unclear.
Result

In this study, we performed the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq), RNA-seq, and 5-hydroxymethylcytidine (5hmC) and 5-methylcytosine (5mC) DNA methylation sequencing methods across the whole genome to analyze the epigenetic differences between cattle cloned using FFBs or FOVs as donor nuclei. The results showed that chromatin openness, gene expression levels, and 5hmC contents were greater in cloned cattle derived from FOV donor nuclei than in those derived from FFBs. ATAC-seq and RNA-seq analyses of cloned bovine ear tissues derived from the same source of donor nuclei showed an obvious clustering tendency. In this study, we also found that the 5hmC content of surviving cloned cattle derived from FFBs was greater than 4‰, whereas it was less than 2‰ in dead cloned cattle.
Conclusion

We found that there were abnormalities in specific epigenetic modifications and gene expression in living somatic cell cloned cattle derived from different donor nuclei. Although cloned cattle undergo somatic reprogramming and differentiation, they retain the epigenetic imprints of their donor nuclei, and this somatic imprinting may affect the development rate of cloned blastocysts as well as the birth rate and development status of cloned fetuses after implantation.
Development of a Lifestyle Intervention Program to Support Preconception, Pregnant and Postnatal Women Who are Overweight or Obese: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ku Chee Wai , Leow Shu Hui , Ong Lay See , Erwin Christina , Ong Isabella , Ng Xiang Wen , Tan Jacinth JX , Yap Fabian , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Loy See Ling
Published: September 2021

Background: Poor lifestyle behaviors, including unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, contribute to the global obesity pandemic and result in long-term adverse health effects on mothers and their children. The time period before, during and after pregnancy represents a unique opportunity for interventions to cultivate sustained healthy lifestyle behaviors. Since the success of a lifestyle intervention is heavily dependent on uptake and continued compliance, the intervention components should be acceptable, sustainable, and tailored to the concerns and needs of the target population. This study aims to identify enablers and barriers towards engagement with a lifestyle intervention for improving the metabolic health of prospective mothers and their offspring, among a sample of the target population.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 overweight or obese women in the preconception, pregnancy or postpartum periods. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was undertaken using NVivo. Factors influencing adoption of a novel lifestyle intervention were systematically charted using the integrated–Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework, that comprises Recipient, Context, Innovation and Facilitation constructs.Results: Ten enablers and barriers were identified. Barrier factors within the Recipient construct include time constraints as participants juggled multiple roles, and poor baseline knowledge about healthy behaviors and the impact of maternal obesity on maternal and offspring health. Within Context, a family culture of communal meals, convenient access to unhealthy foods in the environment, as well as lack of relevant data sources, were barriers to dietary change. Recipient motivation to be healthy for themselves and their offspring is an enabler, along with family and social support within the Context construct. In the Innovation construct, a holistic delivery platform providing desired information delivered at appropriate times increases engagement. Lastly, in Facilitation, regular feedback, goal setting and nudges would ensure continued engagement and sustainability of lifestyle changes.Conclusions: The features of a successful lifestyle intervention targeting overweight and obese women include (i) a holistic life-course approach to provide education and guidance, (ii) using mobile health platforms to reduce barriers, provide personalized feedback and promote goal-setting, and (iii) health nudges to cultivate sustained lifestyle habits.