bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reservoir quality of upper Cretaceous Sarvak Formation in an oilfield located in Dezful Embayment, Southwestern Iran
Authors: Vakili Nazanin , Yazdjerdi Kouros , Swennen Rudy , ahmadi vahid
Published: July 2022

The Upper Cretaceous Sarvak Formation in the Zagros and the Persian Gulf (Southwestern Iran) forms an important reservoir succession. Oil reserves in Sarvak, together with Ilam Formations, make up one-fourth of the total reserves of Iran. This study aimed to determine the petrophysical parameters influencing the reservoir properties within the carbonate sequence of the Sarvak Formation and to identify its productive zones. The latter formation is dominantly composed of limestone and dolomite with subordinate shale units. The studied Sarvak succession has been subdivided into six zones based on petrophysical criteria, whereby zones 3 and 4 have the highest reservoir potential based on the low water saturation and low shale amounts. The main diagenetic processes identified include dolomitization, dissolution, and cementation. The latter process obviously destroys reservoir properties, while dolomitization and dissolution enhance reservoir properties. Measurement of shale volume indicates that its amount is less than four percent of the rock volume. The dominant clay mineral consists of illite or mixed clay minerals with montmorillonite, and their presence is related to well depth and pressure.
Increased storage during inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis in apples using 1-methylcyclopropene and calcium chloride
Authors: Kim Wu
Published: July 2022

Fruit tissue softening and quality decline limit its post-harvest life, cause mechanical damages during transfer and increase respiration. Exposure of fruits to ethylene gas reduces their quality and storage life. Bioregulators such as 1-methylcyclopropene, treatment with calcium chloride and their combination improve the qualitative properties of fruits by delaying their ripening and increasing their storage life. Effects of treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene and calcium chloride alone or in combination on post-harvest quality variations of French Delbarestivale apple were evaluated. Split-plot factorial experiments based on a fully random design were performed in triplicate. The main factor was the duration of storage at four levels with two-month intervals (60, 120, 180 and 240 days); the secondary factor was the combination of 1-methylcyclopropene treatment at three levels (control, 0.001 and 0.002 µl/l) and calcium chloride treatment at three levels (control with distilled water, 1 and 2%). Qualitative characteristics of the fruits and their ethylene levels during storage were measured. Based on the results, prolonging the storage time significantly reduced the fruit's acidity. The use of 1-methylcyclopropene and calcium chloride significantly increased the fruit tissue firmness and total soluble solids, and reduced ethylene generation during storage. Overall, the use of 1-methylcyclopropene and calcium chloride treatment increased the storage life of the Delbarestivale apple, decelerated the fruit’s biochemical alterations and maintained the shelf life of the fruit for a longer time.
Estrogen regulates PTEN to induce epithelial ovarian cancer cell proliferation using a two-pronged approach: genomic pathway and non-genomic pathway
Authors: Li Xiuwen , Miao Chunlei , Wang Lin , Liu Mengyan , Chang Huanchao , Tian Bo , Wang Di
Published: July 2022

Background
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has the highest mortality rate among malignant tumors in women and its occurrence and development are strongly linked to estrogen. Having identified the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) is a potent tumor suppressor regulating cell proliferation, migration, and survival. Although the role of PTEN in inhibiting cancer has long been emphasized, the role in estrogen-induced EOC is unclear.
Results
We got the following main results. (1) PTEN expression is decreased in EOC tissues. (2) Estrogen decreased PTEN expression in EOC cells via the estrogen receptor ESR1. (3) Knockdown of PTEN enhanced the proliferation and migration of SK-OV-3 cells by estrogen. (4) Estrogen induced phosphorylation of PTEN via the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-Protein kinase C (PKC) non-genomic pathway. (5) Inhibiting the phosphorylation of PTEN weakened the proliferation and migration of SK-OV-3 cells by estrogen and decreased the phosphorylation of AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR).
Conclusion
The data indicated that estrogen decreased PTEN expression level via the ESR1 genomic pathway and phosphorylated PTEN via the GPCR-PKC non-genomic pathway to activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby determining the fate of epithelial ovarian cancer cells.
Victimization among adolescent children of female sex workers: findings from the Children of At-Risk Parents (CARP) study in Uganda
Authors: Ouma Simple , Abbo Catherine , Natala Nakita , McCoy Molly , Kroupina Maria
Published: July 2022

Background: Female sex workers (FSWs) live in high-risk environments, experience high levels of adversity and have multigenerational trauma that can negatively affect their children, yet there is only minimal information on victimization among children of FSWs. This study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal sex work and victimization among adolescents in Uganda.Methods: The sample consisted of 294 respondents to the Children of At-Risk Parents (CARP) study, a comparative cross-sectional quantitative study among adolescents in Northern Uganda. We collected data among 147 adolescent children (10-17 years) of FSWs and 147 adolescent children of non-FSWs. We screened for victimization using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Results: The prevalence of lifetime victimization stood at 99.3% but on average, each adolescent experienced 12.4 out of 34 different victimizations. Significantly, the adolescent children of FSWs were exposed to more victimizations than their comparators (13.4 vs 11.5; p<0.01). Specifically, compared with the adolescent children of non-FSWs, more adolescent children of FSWs experienced kidnap (15.8% vs 4.8%; p<0.01), emotional abuse (65.8% vs 50.0%; p<0.05), neglect (37.4% vs 21.1%; p<0.01), physical intimidation (10.2% vs 4.1%; p<0.05), relational aggression (36.4% vs 18.4%; p<0.01), verbal aggression (68.7% vs 46.9%; p<0.001), sexual victimization (31.3% vs 17.7%; p<0.01), verbal sexual harassment (20.4% vs 5.4%: p<0.001), exposure to murder scene (42.9% vs 26.5%; p<0.01), witness to domestic violence (39.5% vs 26.5%; p<0.05), and witness to murder of relatives (31.3% vs 21.1%; p<0.05). Conversely, the adolescent children of non-FSWs reported more caregiver victimization (98.0 vs 92.5; p<0.05) than the adolescent children of FSWs. Conclusions: Disproportionately, children of FSWs are more likely to experience victimization than children of non-FSWs. Therefore, government and development partners must deliberately develop policies and programs targeting victimizations among children of FSWs.
Landscape composition influences colony growth in the tropical Asian stingless bees (Tetragonula fuscobalteata)
Authors: Wayo Kanuengnit , Leonhardt Sara D. , Chuttong Bajaree , Chelong Isma-ae , Bumrungsri Sara
Published: July 2022

Context
Pollination is an important ecosystem service for both crop and wild plants. In recent decades, many pollinators have been experiencing population declines due to land-use changes and intensified agriculture. However, effects of anthropogenic landscapes on bee pollinators in the tropics are still little investigated.
Objectives
We analyzed the effects of landscape composition on the colony weight as well as foraging activity and patterns of the tropical Asian stingless bee species Tetragonala fuscobalteata which is a vital generalist pollinator in Southeast Asia.
Methods
Twenty-eight colonies were established and monitored over a year in 19 mixed fruit orchards located along a gradient of human land-use intensity.
Results
Our results revealed that the colonies gained weight and increased their foraging activity over time across diverse landscapes including forest, agricultural, and urbanized areas, indicating that this bee species can well adapt to anthropogenic landscapes. Interestingly, T. fuscobalteata colonies also gained weight rapidly in orchards located in predominately agricultural landscapes with e.g. high proportions of rubber and oil palm plantations as well as in fruit orchards (such as rambutan, durian, coconut, banana). This positive effect was possibly due to mass flowering crops providing abundant resources, i.e., pollen and nectar, for a limited time. We also show that T. fuscobalteata foragers could rely on urbanized land (probably ornamental plants and some crops in home gardens and backyards) and wild plants in surrounding forest patches during non-flowering periods of crops.
Conclusions
Our findings thus indicate that the combined floral resource availability provided by heterogeneous anthropogenic landscapes, including agricultural fields, urbanized areas and forests, can sustain generalist pollinators.
Enhancement and mechanism of NFC doping on thermodynamic properties of insulating paper.
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , Deng Yuke , Wei Wenchang , Xu Chuqi , Zha Junwei
Published: July 2022

To enhance the thermodynamic properties of insulating paper, nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC) was used to dope cellulose. The mechanical strength and thermal stability of cellulose insulating paper with different NFC doping mass fractions were analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations and experiments, and the optimal doping ratio of NFC was determined. The results showed that the mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, thermogravimetric properties, and glass transition temperature of NFC-modified insulating paper were improved compared with ordinary insulating paper. Among them, the maximum tensile strength after doping was 58.147 MPa, which was 20.040 MPa higher than the 30.107 MPa of the insulating paper before modification. The glass transition temperature was also 8.54°C higher than the 127.05°C before modification. Meanwhile, the mechanism of NFC doping enhancement on the insulating paper's thermodynamic properties was analyzed from the aspects of cohesive energy density, fractional free volume, and hydrogen bond. We believed that the doping of NFC can improve the thermodynamic properties of the insulating paper because it could enhance cellulose's interchain force, fill the insulating paper's internal pores, and increase the hydrogen bonding energy.
An Exploratory Content and Sentiment Analysis of The Guardian Metaverse Articles Using Leximancer and Natural Language Processing
Authors: Tunca Sezai , Sezen Prof.Dr. Bulent , Wilk Violetta
Published: July 2022

The metaverse has become one of the most popular concepts of recent times. Companies and entrepreneurs are fiercely competing to invest and take part in this virtual world. Millions of people globally are anticipated to spend much of their time in the metaverse, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or culture. There are few comprehensive studies on the positive/negative sentiment and effect of the newly identified, but not well defined, metaverse concept that is already fast evolving the digital landscape. Thereby, this study aimed to better understand the metaverse concept, by, firstly, identifying the positive and negative sentiment characteristics and, secondly, by revealing the associations between the metaverse concept and other related concepts. To do so, this study used Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods, specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI) with computational qualitative analysis. The data comprised metaverse articles from 2021–2022 published on The Guardian website, a key global mainstream media outlet. To perform thematic content analysis of the qualitative data, this research used the Leximancer software, and the The Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK) from NLP libraries were used to identify sentiment. Further, an AI-based Monkeylearn API was used to make sectoral classifications of the main topics that emerged in the Leximancer analysis. The key themes which emerged in the Leximancer analysis, included "metaverse", "Facebook", "games" and "platforms". The sentiment analysis revealed that of all articles published in the period of 2021–2022 about the metaverse, 61% (n = 622) were positive, 30% (n = 311) were negative, and 9% (n = 90) were neutral. Positive discourses about the metaverse were found to concern key innovations that the virtual experiences brought to users and companies with the support of the technological infrastructure of blockchain, algorithms, NFTs, led by the gaming world. Negative discourse was found to evidence various problems (misinformation, harmful content, algorithms, data, and equipment) that occur during the use of Facebook and other social media platforms, and that individuals encountered harm in the metaverse or that the metaverse produces new problems. Monkeylearn findings revealed “marketing/advertising/PR” role, “Recreational” business, “Science & Technology” events as the key content topics. This study’s contribution is twofold: first, it showcases a novel way to triangulate qualitative data analysis of large unstructured textual data as a method in exploring the metaverse concept; and second, the study reveals the characteristics of the metaverse as a concept, as well as its association with other related concepts. Given that the topic of the metaverse is new, this is the first study, to our knowledge, to do both.
Suboptimal phenotypic reliability impedes reproducible human neuroscience
Authors: Nikolaidis Aki , Chen Andrew , He Xiaoning , Shinohara Russell , Vogelstein Joshua , Milham Michael , Shou Haochang
Published: July 2022

Biomarkers of behavior and psychiatric illness for cognitive and clinical neuroscience remain out of reach1–4. Suboptimal reliability of biological measurements, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), is increasingly cited as a primary culprit for discouragingly large sample size requirements and poor reproducibility of brain-based biomarker discovery1,5–7. In response, steps are being taken towards optimizing MRI reliability and increasing sample sizes8–11, though this will not be enough. Optimizing biological measurement reliability and increasing sample sizes are necessary but insufficient steps for biomarker discovery; this focus has overlooked the ‘other side of the equation’ - the reliability of clinical and cognitive assessments - which are often suboptimal or unassessed. Through a combination of simulation analysis and empirical studies using neuroimaging data, we demonstrate that the joint reliability of both biological and clinical/cognitive phenotypic measurements must be optimized in order to ensure biomarkers are reproducible and accurate. Even with best-case scenario high reliability neuroimaging measurements and large sample sizes, we show that suboptimal reliability of phenotypic data (i.e., clinical diagnosis, behavioral and cognitive measurements) will continue to impede meaningful biomarker discovery for the field. Improving reliability through development of novel assessments of phenotypic variation is needed, but it is not the sole solution. We emphasize the potential to improve the reliability of established phenotypic methods through aggregation across multiple raters and/or measurements12–15, which is becoming increasingly feasible with recent innovations in data acquisition (e.g., web- and smart-phone-based administration, ecological momentary assessment, burst sampling, wearable devices, multimodal recordings)16–20. We demonstrate that such aggregation can achieve better biomarker discovery for a fraction of the cost engendered by large-scale samples. Although the current study has been motivated by ongoing developments in neuroimaging, the prioritization of reliable phenotyping will revolutionize neurobiological and clinical endeavors that are focused on brain and behavior.
Ultrasound-guided reduction of intussusception in infants in a developing world: saline hydrostatic or pneumatic technique?
Authors: Chukwu Isaac S , Ekenze Sebastian O , Ezomike Uchechukwu O , Chukwubuike Kevin E , Ekpemo Samuel C
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Non-operative reduction has emerged as first line in the management of uncomplicated intussusception. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of saline hydrostatic reduction and pneumatic reduction of intussusception in infants.Methods: This is a prospective study of infants with uncomplicated intussusception confirmed by ultrasound over a period of twenty-one months from December, 2018 to August, 2020. Fifty-two (69.3%) out of seventy-five infants underwent enema reduction under ultrasound guidance. The success rates, time to reduction and complication rates were assessed.Results: The success rates, between the saline hydrostatic reduction group and pneumatic reduction group, were comparable [17(65.4%) versus 19(73.1%); relative risk (RR) 0.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6-1.2; p=0.54]. The mean time to reduction was higher in the saline hydrostatic reduction group (15.4 ± 5.1 minutes versus 10.8 ± 4.1 minutes; p=0.003). The two groups had similar complication rates; for perforation [1(3.8%) versus 0(0.0%); RR 0.9 (CI 0.9-1.0); p=0.31] and recurrence [2(7.7%) versus 1(3.8%); RR 0.9 (CI 0.8-1.0); p=0.55].Conclusion: Saline hydrostatic reduction and pneumatic reduction of uncomplicated intussusception under ultrasound guidance in infants might have comparable outcomes. However, pneumatic reduction may be faster.
Phase cycle slip detection of LEO satellites based on the second-order time-difference model with dynamic orbital constraints
Authors: Gao Geng , Zou Xiancai , Zhang Shoujian , Wei Hui , Kuang Kaifa , Zhu Kemin , Li Jiancheng
Published: July 2022

The cycle-slip detection is the prerequisite for achieving the utmost precise carrier-phase measurements for the low earth orbit (LEO) spaceborne Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. However, the issue has not yet been solved entirely due to the limitations of traditional cycle-slip detection methods. In the paper, we proposed a novel cycle-slip detection method based on the second-order time-difference phase ionosphere-free (IF) or wide-lane (WL) observations with dynamic orbital constraints. Nominal orbits at the dm-level accuracy and the earth gravity field of at least 30 degrees and orders (d/o) within 30 s or higher sampling rate data could guarantee the proposed method reliable for the flying altitude of near 500 km of LEO satellites. To validate the proposed method effectiveness, numeric experiments with comparisons to the traditional cycle-slip detector based on the Melbourne–Wübbena (MW) combination are carried out with well-chosen measurements for the LEO satellite under ionospheric activities of different levels. The results, in terms of the correctness and misjudgment of the cycle slips detected and the precision of estimated orbit, indicate that, on the one hand, the detector based on the proposed phase IF test parameters are superior to one based on the proposed phase WL test parameters or the MW combinations under any level of ionospheric activities; on the other hand, under highly active ionospheric activities, the proposed phase WL cycle-slip detector discovers a fewer number of real cycle slips, which are flagged by the reference method introduced in the paper, but more misjudgments than the MW cycle-slip detector does, which leads to the inferior of the WL cycle-slip detector. However, the phase WL cycle-slip detector performs slightly better than the MW cycle-slip detector under moderately active and very quiet ionospheric activities. In view of the developing multi-frequency multi-GNSS uncombined observation data scanning, the proposed phase IF test parameter accompanied with the MW combinations is recommended to be applied to the cycle-slip detection if the predictable ionospheric refraction lies at the strongly intensive level of the ionospheric activity. Otherwise, the proposed phase WL test parameter would be involved.
An Inquiry of Environmental Kuznets Curve inBangladesh: A STIRPAT Analysis
Authors: Borsha Faria Hossain , Voumik Liton Chandra , Datta Arpita
Published: July 2022

This paper empirically examines the existence of the environmental Kuznets (EKC) curve in Bangladesh. To fulfill that purpose the stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) approach is employed over the 1971 to 2020 periods.In this study, the F-bound test is utilized to establish the existence of the co-integration relationship among variables. And the short-run and long-run elasticity of explanatory variables is investigated by employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. This research also employed a pairwise granger causality test to explore the direction of causality between them.Empirical result prove the existence of co-integration relationship among CO2 emission, GDP per capita, quadratic form of GDP per capita, population and R&D. The findings provide strong support for the presence of the EKC in the case of Bangladesh. Beside that significant inverse relationship also obtained between CO2 emission and the level of Technological advancement or R&D.The presence of EKC hypothesis argues that Bangladesh has the capacity to accomplish sustainable economic development. This study strongly advocates for higher government investment in research and development in tertiary level education which is indispensable for a green economy.In the context of Bangladesh, the STIRPAT-based EKC theory has not been the subject of a significant number of investigations. Regarding the short and long run presence of EKC in the Bangladeshi economy, there is substantial debate among scholars. Our study will contribute to future research on the short- and long-run presence of EKC in Bangladesh's economy.JEL: C22, E22, O13, O32, O44, Q50
Standardization of the novel aquaponic system for the production of Tilapia fish Oreochromis niloticus integrated with Millet (Brassica nigra) and Mustard (Pennisetum glaucum) plant: A sustainable approach to reduce the water scarcity through recirculating aquaculture system
Authors: Jayaprakash Karuppusetti , Muthuselvam Manickam , devi Karuppaiya Nanthini , Santhanam Perumal , Kumar Sundarraj Dinesh , Gunabal Shanmugam , Krishnaveni Nagarajan , Roopavathy Jhon , Aravinth Annamalai , Dhanasundaram Sundaramoorthy , Perumal Pachiappan
Published: July 2022

The present study has shown that the aquaponics system provides certain environmental benefits when compared to the traditional agriculture systems. Presently, the low-cost small scale aquaponics system was standardised by Nutrient Film Technique. The water quality characteristics of Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) were stable as per the USEPA regulations. The values of the growth and weight gain features of millet and mustard plants at different days were significantly different (p<0.05). Growth rate was gradually increased significantly (p<0.01) during different culture periods. The ANOVA results revealed the recorded biochemical-values of NFT -raised organisms exhibited a less significance (p<0.04). The biochemical contents of millet plant showed significantly decreased values (p<0.03). The mean±SD values represents the NFT system plant growth exhibited an increased (p<0.05) significantly different with control. The NFT technique grown millet and mustard plants showed increased (p<0.05) significantly different with control experiment grown plants. Chlorophyll ‘a’ was high (8.17mg) in NFT and low (2.34mg) in control. Maximum chlorophyll ‘b’ content was 8.45mg in plants experiment with NFT and minimum obtained (0.84mg) in control. Carotenoid content was high 707mg in plants grown through NFT followed by low content (239mg) in control-plant. In addition, NFT system has obtained maximum number of colonies compared with control. Further investigation and implementation of alternative food systems could be a step in increasing local food production, and shifting away from the industrial global food market.
Searching for a prognostic index in lupus nephritis
Authors: Rodríguez-Almaraz Esther , Gutiérrez-Solís Elena , Rabadán Elena , Rodríguez Paola , Alonso Marina , Carmona Loreto , Yébenes Mª Jesús García , Morales Enrique , Galindo-Izquierdo María
Published: July 2022

BackgroundCurrently we do not have an ideal biomarker in lupus nephritis (LN) that should help us to identify those patients with SLE at risk of developing LN or to determine those patients at risk of renal progression. We aimed to evaluate the development of a prognostic index for LN, through the evaluation of clinical, analytical and histological factors used in a cohort of lupus. We have proposed to determine which factors, 6 months after the diagnosis of LN, could help us to define which patients will have a worse evolution of the disease and may be, more aggressive treatment and closer follow-up.MethodsA retrospective study to identify prognostic factors was carried out. We have included patients over 18 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and kidney involvement confirmed by biopsy, who are followed up in our centre during the last 20 years. A multi-step statistical approach will be used in order to obtain a limited set of parameters, optimally selected and weighted, that show a satisfactory ability to discriminate between patients with different levels of prognosisResultsWe analyzed 92 patients with LN, although only 73 have been able to be classified according to whether or not they have presented poor renal evolution. The age of onset (44 vs 32; p=0.024), the value of serum creatinine (1.41 vs 1.04; p=0.041), greater frequency of thrombocytopenia (30% vs 7 %; p=0.038), higher score in the renal chronicity index (2.47 vs 1.04; p=0.015), proliferative histological type (100%) and higher frequency of interstitial fibrosis (67% vs 32%; p=0.017) and tubular atrophy (67% vs 32%; p=0.018) was observed between two groups. The multivariate analysis allowed us to select the best predictive model for poor outcome at 6 months based on different adjustment and discrimination parameters. ConclusionWe have developed a prognostic index of poor renal evolution in patients with LN that combines demographic, clinical, analytical and histopathological factors, easy to use in routine clinical practice and that could be an effective tool in the early detection and management.
A chatter detection method in milling based on grey wolf optimization VMD and multi-entropy features
Authors: Liu Bo , Liu Changfu , Zhou Yang , Wang Daohai
Published: July 2022

In metal cutting processing, especially in the processing of low-rigidity workpieces, chatter is a crucial factor affecting many aspects such as surface quality, processing efficiency and tool life. In this paper, a novel online chatter detection method for milling processes is proposed. In this method, firstly, periodic signal and noise parts are filtered by comb filter and empirical mode decomposition (EMD), respectively. Then, signal reconstruction is performed on the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) based on the Pearson correlation coefficient. GWO is applied to reconstruct the signal to obtain optimized parameters. Subsequently, the reconstructed signal is decomposed by VMD with the optimal parameters. To get the frequency band in rich chatter information, the energy entropy characteristics of each order IMFs are calculated and the IMFs with entropy values greater than 0.3 are chosen as the second reconstructed signal. Finally, the multiscale permutation entropy (MPE) and multiscale fuzzy entropy (MFE) of the selected IMFs are calculated. Based on the value range of entropy in each processing state, the optimal scale feature is selected. The analysis results show that the proposed method can effectively detect the milling processing state based on the best scale.
Blood Supply Chain Management Using Blockchain Technology
Authors: N Nasurudeen Ahamed , VIGNESH R
Published: July 2022

The blood supply accessible for blood bonding diminishes and requests increments. In any case, existing brought together blood the board frameworks have impediments in that they need itemized blood data and, additionally, data isn’t reflected continuously. To take care of this issue, this paper presents an inventive blood cold chain framework dependent on blockchain innovation. Blockchain is one of the arising innovations in use in numerous businesses like (Medical/Smart cities/Voting/etc..,). In this paper, we talk about blood supply the board utilizing blockchain innovation. The proposed framework plans to expand data permeability by recording the general data on the blood supply to the conveyed record. Since we need to utilize the consent blockchain that implies hyperledger texture every one of the exchanges is straightforward so we can keep away from the specialists and stop the blood to sell in the bootleg market. In this strategy, we utilized the savvy contract for a consent network that implies cold chain (Go Language/Java) code to be composed so third people cannot mess with the information. Data in the proposed blood cold chain framework can’t be produced or altered, also, data recorded and partook continuously is kept straightforward.
Necessity of routine perioperative peridual catheter placement in laparoscopic colorectal resections: A prospective data analysis
Authors: Koehler Anja , Koch Franziska , El-Ahmar Mohamad , Ristig Matthias , Ritz Jörg-Peter
Published: July 2022

Purpose:
Whether epidural anesthesia leads to further improvement in the postoperative course of colorectal procedures is under discussion. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of performing minimally invasive colorectal oncological interventions without a peridural catheter (PDK).
Methods:
This prospective data analysis included all patients with minimally invasive oncological colorectal resection who underwent surgery at our clinic between January 2013 and April 2019. Of 385 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 183 (group I; 47.5% of 385) received a PDK and 202 (group II; 52.5% of 385) did not. Relevant target parameters were evaluated and compared between the groups.
Results:
Group I (n = 183; women, 77; men, 106; age 66.8 years) were younger (p = 0.0035), received a urinary catheter more often (99.5% versus [vs.] 28.2% p < 0.001), required longer, more frequent arterenol treatment (1.1 vs. 0.6 days; p < 0.001), and had a longer intermediate care unit stay than group II (2.8 vs. 1.1 days; p < 0.001). Postoperative pain levels were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.078). Group I showed later mobilization than group II (4 vs. 2 days; p < 0.001). The postoperative day of the first defecation in both groups was not significant (p = 0.236). Postoperative complications such as bleeding (p = 0.396), anastomotic leaks (p = 0.113), and wound infections (p = 0.641) did not differ between the groups. Group I had a significantly longer hospital stay than group II (12.2 vs. 9.4 days; p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
The omission of a PDK in elective minimally invasive colorectal resections can be safely implemented and is accompanied by no relevant disadvantages to the patient.
Humoral response and safety of the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: an observational study
Authors: Shimomura Yoshimitsu , Nishikubo Masashi , Maruoka Hayato , Nasu Seiko , Nishioka Tomomi , Sakizono Kenji , Mitsuyuki Satoshi , Kubo Tomoyo , Okada Naoki , Nakagawa Daishi , Kamijo Kimimori , Imoto Hiroharu , Yamamoto Ryusuke , Nagai Yuya , Hiramoto Nobuhiro , Yoshioka Satoshi , Yonetani Noboru , Matsushita Akiko , Miyakoshi Chisato , Doi Asako , Ishikawa Takayuki
Published: July 2022

The effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and the optimal timing of vaccine administration in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) recipients remains inadequately investigated. We examine the effectiveness and safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in allo-HSCT recipients. This prospective observational study included 44 allo-HSCT recipients and 38 healthy volunteers. The proportion of subjects acquiring anti-S1 IgG antibodies were considered as the primary endpoint. The occurrence of adverse events after vaccination and objective deterioration of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were defined as secondary endpoints. In addition, we compared anti-S1 antibody titers in subgroups based on time interval between transplantation and vaccination. A humoral response to the vaccine was evident in 40 (91%) patients and all 38 healthy controls. The median anti-S1 IgG titers were 395 and 499 BAU/mL in patients and healthy controls, respectively (p = 0.606). A short time interval between transplantation and vaccination (≤ 6 months) was associated with low anti-S1 IgG antibody titers. No serious adverse events and deterioration of chronic GVHD were observed. Only one case of new development of mild chronic GVHD was recorded. Messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccines induce humoral responses in allo-HSCT recipients and can be administered safely.
Supraglacial streams drive widespread partial-depth hydrofractures in ice sheets
Authors: Chandler David , Hubbard Alun
Published: July 2022

Dramatic supraglacial lake drainage events in Greenland and Antarctica are enabled by rapid hydrofracture propagation through >1 km ice. Here, we present a slower mode of hydrofracture, where hairline surface fractures intersect supraglacial streams, and hypothesise that fracture penetration depth is critically limited by water supply and englacial refreezing. We apply a model of stream-fed hydrofracture to the Greenland Ice Sheet and find that, under most conditions, 2-cm-wide fractures can penetrate hundreds of metres before freezing closed. Full-depth hydrofracture is more restricted, requiring relatively large meltwater channels and/or warm englacial conditions. Given the abundance of streams and surface fractures across Greenland and Antarctica's expanding ablation zones, stream-driven hydrofractures are likely ubiquitous even where distant from supraglacial lakes and crevasses. While lake-driven hydrofracture is now argued to have minimal long-term dynamic impacts, this intriguing stream-fed hydrofracturing has two important consequences. First, by driving widespread cryohydrologic warming at depths far greater than surface crevassing, it explains a cold bias in modelled englacial thermal profiles. Second, the associated decrease in ice viscosity, and increased damage accumulation, will enhance the vulnerability of ice sheets to dynamic instability under climate warming. This process is likely undetectable by remote sensing, and warrants more detailed modelling and field investigations.
Full mitochondrial genomes reveal species differences between the venerid clams Ruditapes philippinarum and R. variegatus
Authors: Tang Yumei , Huo Zhongming , Liu Yang , Wang Yuhang , Zuo Luya , Fang Lei , Zhao Wen , Tan Yue , Yan Xiwu
Published: July 2022

In natural sea areas along the coast of China, the venerid clams Ruditapes philippinarum and R. variegatus exhibit similar adult shell forms and are especially difficult to distinguish as spat and juveniles. This study used comparative mitochondrial genome analysis to reveal differences between these two species. The results showed that: (1) the mitochondrial genomes of R. philippinarum and R. variegatus share a large number of similar gene clusters arranged in consistent order, yet they also display non-common genes, with both gene rearrangements and random losses found; (2) the 13 protein-coding genes in R. philippinarum as well as 2-fold and 4-fold degenerate sites in R. variegatus have an evident AT bias; (3) the Ka/Ks ratio of the mitochondrial ATP8 gene was significantly higher in R. philippinarum than in R. variegatus, and an analysis of selection pressure revealed that the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) gene of R. variegatus was under great selective pressure during its evolution; finally, (4) the two species clustered into one branch on a phylogenetic tree, further affirming their phylogenetic closeness. Based on these results, we speculate that species differences between R. variegatus and R. philippinarum are largely attributable to adaptive evolution to the environment. The present findings provide a reference for future research on interspecific hybridization and the development of germplasm identification and molecular genetic markers.
An in vitro workflow to create and modify novel infectious clones using replication cycle reaction
Authors: Marano Jeffrey , Cereghino Chelsea , Finkielstein Carla , Weger-Lucarelli James
Published: July 2022

Reverse genetics systems are a critical tool in combating emerging viruses by enabling a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms by which they cause disease. Traditional cloning approaches are fraught with difficulties due to the bacterial toxicity of many viral sequences. Many attempts have been made to develop a simplified workflow to produce a simple-to-use infectious clone without the concerns of host toxicity; however, none offers the advantages of bacterial cloning without the various disadvantages. This paper demonstrates a novel in vitro workflow that leverages gene synthesis and replication cycle reaction—an innovative technology that reconstitutes the bacterial replication machinery in a tube—to develop a supercoiled infectious clone plasmid that is easy to rescue. Using this workflow, we developed two infectious clones, one of a low passage dengue virus serotype 2 isolate (PUO-218) and the Washington strain of SARS-CoV-2, which behaved similarly to their respective parental viruses. Furthermore, we generated a medically relevant mutant of SARS-CoV-2, Spike D614G. These results indicate that this novel in vitro workflow is a viable method to generate and manipulate infectious clones, specifically for viruses that are notoriously difficult for traditional bacterial-based cloning methods. This work represents a paradigm shift in producing infectious clones and lowers the barrier of entry for scientists to develop such tools.
Two Cholesky-GARCH approaches to model multivariate volatility
Authors: Ballestra Luca Vincenzo , De Blasis Riccardo , Pacelli Graziella
Published: July 2022

In the popular BEKK and DCC multivariate GARCH models, the high number of parameters and the requirement of the positive definiteness of the covariance and correlation matrices pose some difficulties during the estimation process. To avoid these issues, we propose two modifications of the BEKK and DCC models which employ two spherical parameterizations applied to the Cholesky decompositions of the covariance and correlation matrices respectively. In their full specification, the introduced Cholesky-BEKK and Cholesky-DCC models allow for a reduction of the number of parameters compared to their traditional counterparts. Moreover, the application of the spherical transformation does not require the imposition of inequality constraints on the parameters during the estimation. An application to two crude oils, WTI and Brent, and the main exchange rate prices demonstrates that the Cholesky-BEKK and Cholesky-DCC models are able to capture the dynamics of the covariances and correlations. In addition, the Kupiec test on different portfolio compositions confirms the good performance of the proposed models.
HLA haplotypes and differential regional mortality caused by COVID-19 in Brazil: an ecological study based on a large bone marrow donor bank dataset
Authors: Boquett Juliano André , Vianna Fernanda Sales Luiz , Fagundes Nelson Jurandi Rosa , Schroeder Lucas , Barbian Marcia , Zagonel-Oliveira Marcelo , Andreis Tiago Finger , Pôrto Luis Cristóvão de Moraes Sobrino , Chies José Artur Bogo , Schuler-Faccini Lavinia , Ashton-Prolla Patricia , ROSSET CLÉVIA
Published: July 2022

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype may influence in immune responses during the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this ecological study, we collected HLA genotypes from 4,148,713 Brazilian individuals and compared to COVID-19 data. We found a positive significant correlation between the HLA-A*01~B*08~DRB1*03 haplotype and COVID-19 mortality rate.
Association Between the Use of Balanced Fluids and Outcomes in Critically Ill Children: A Before and After Study
Authors: Barhight Matthew , Nelson Delphine , Moran Thomas , Christiano Jessica , Sanchez-Pinto L. Nelson
Published: July 2022

Background: Hyperchloremia and the administration of higher chloride loads have been associated with worse clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. We sought to evaluate the electrolyte profile and clinical outcomes associated with a unit-wide transition from saline to balanced fluids as standard care for resuscitation and maintenance fluid administration in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: A before and after analysis of patients admitted to a PICU in a large, urban, academic hospital between May 2018 and March 2020. The transition from the use of saline as the main fluid of choice to the use of balanced fluids for both resuscitation and maintenance fluid as standard care occurred in June 2019. The primary outcome was acute kidney injury (AKI) and the secondary outcomes were mortality, ventilator free days (VFD), need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), hospital length of stay (LOS), and electrolyte abnormalities.Results: Overall, 2863 patients (47% female) with an AKI rate of 8% (n=228) and a mortality rate of 2.8% (n=79) were included. The pre-intervention period (May 2018 to April 2019) included 1,380 patients and the post-intervention period (August 2019 to March 2020) included 1,483 patients. After adjusting for confounders (age, PRISM III, mechanical ventilation and immunocompromised state), there were no significant differences in the odds of AKI (Pre 8.1%, Post 8%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.0 95%CI 0.8-1.3, p=0.98). Additionally, there were no differences in the odds of mortality, VFD, need for RRT, nor hospital LOS. The post-intervention period had fewer patients with hyperchloremia (Pre 10.4% vs. Post 15.5%, p=<0.0001) and hyperkalemia (Pre 1.4% vs. Post 3.2%, p=0.02) and more patients with hypochloremia (Pre 9.5% vs. Post 14.4%, p=<0.0001) and hypokalemia (Pre 38.2% vs. Post 47.2%, p=<0.0001).Conclusions: Following a unit-wide implementation of balanced fluids as standard care, there were no differences in rates of AKI or other clinical outcomes. However, there were changes in the electrolyte profile: lower rates of hyperkalemia and hyperchloremia and higher rates of hypokalemia and hypochloremia. Further evaluation of the effect of balanced fluids and the clinical significance of electrolyte abnormalities in critically ill children is needed.
Absolute Mortality Risk Assessment of COVID-19 Patients: The Khorshid COVID Cohort (KCC) Study
Authors: Marateb Hamid Reza , von Cube Maja , Sami Ramin , Javanmard Shaghayegh Haghjooy , Mansourian Marjan , Amra Babak , Soltaninejad Forogh , Mortazavi Mojgan , Adibi Peyman , Khademi Nilufar , Hosseini Nastaran Sadat , Toghyani Arash , Hassannejad Razieh , Mañanas Miquel Angel , Binder Harald , Wolkewitz Martin
Published: July 2022

Background: Already at the time of hospital admission, clinicians require simple tools to identify hospitalized COVID-19 patients at high risk of mortality. Such tools can significantly improve resource allocation and patient management within hospitals. From the statistical point of view, extended time-to-event models are required to account for competing risks (discharge from hospital) and censoring so that active cases can also contribute to the analysis.Methods: We used the hospital-based open Khorshid COVID Cohort (KCC) study with 630 COVID-19 patients from Isfahan, Iran. Competing risk methods are used to develop a death risk chart based on following variables which can simply be measured at hospital admission: gender, age, hypertension, oxygen saturation, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. The area under the receiver operator curve was used to assess accuracy concerning discrimination between patients discharged alive and dead.Results: Cause-specific hazard regression models show that these baseline variables are associated with both hazards, the death as well as the discharge hazard. The risk chart reflects the combined results of the two cause-specific hazard regression models. The proposed risk assessment method had a very good accuracy (AUC=0.872 [CI 95%: 0.835-0.910]).Conclusions: This study aims to improve and validate a personalized mortality risk calculator based on hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The risk assessment of patient mortality provides physicians with additional guidance for making tough decisions.
Slotted Wearable Textile Antenna for Wireless Telemedicine applications
Authors: baudh rishabh kumar , Kumar Mahendra , Gupta Nupur , Prasad Ravi Kant
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a systematic design methodology for slotted wearable textile antenna for wireless telemedicine applications to maximize the area of high-quality medical care over the wireless communication technology. To carry out remote diagnosis, the technology that facilitates doctor is Telemedicine. Telemedicine system established the link between two places which has been designed to execute the discussion about each other (doctor and patient). This system also provides the real time medical examination of the patient. To collect real time medical data of the patient, wearable textile antenna is used as wearable medical devices. The proposed textile antenna utilizes denim fabric as a substrate, whereas copper fixed as a conducting patch. This antenna has a bandwidth about 92% at frequency of 3.58 GHz. Wearable textile antenna covers the huge frequency range between 1.80-4.87 GHz which operate at WLAN (2.4-2.484 GHz), Wi-MAX (2-11 GHz) and LTE band (2.17 GHz). These bands are used for wireless telemedicine, m-health, e-health application. This proposed antenna is simulated on IE3D Software.