bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods for Analyzing the Impact of Transformational Processes on the Right to Develop the Socioeconomic System in the Context of Digitalization: Scenario Approach (Problem Statement)
Authors: Shults Vladimir L. , Kulba Vladimir V. , Shelkov Aleksey B. , Chernov Igor V. , Timoshenko Andrey A.
Published: May 2021

The article discusses methodological problems behind increasing the efficient transformation of law in a developed information society and assessing their impact on the processes of socioeconomic development of the state and society. Methods and technologies of analysis and management of the development of complex socioeconomic systems are considered. To solve methodological and practical problems of increasing the efficiency of legislative regulation in the context of digitalization, it is proposed to use the scenario analysis methodology, which provides an opportunity for intellectual support and assessment of the quality of preparation and implementation of decisions in the field of legislative activity. The approach proposed for solving the problems under consideration is based on advanced scenario analysis and modeling of the development processes of situations in the political-legal, sociopolitical, socioeconomind innovation-technological spheres. This will allow us to work out alternative options for the development of the law enforcement situation, for which, in general, information is incomplete and there is a high level of uncertainty in its development. The authors have formulated promising directions for future theoretical and applied research within the framework of the development of the methodology of scenario analysis of social and economic reality, as regulated by the rules of law.
The obstetric factors and outcome of adolescent pregnancy having IUGR babies
Authors: Jahan Eshrat , Alam Rafiul
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Adolescent childbearing is still a common social and health concern in Bangladesh. Adolescent maternity is causally associated with many poor obstetric complications. Low birth weight is one of the most common problems in adolescent pregnancy and majority of these LBW babies is due to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). The aim of the study was to evaluate the obstetric factors and outcomes of adolescent pregnancy having IUGR babies.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive type of study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital from the period of January 2012 to June 2012. In this present study, 150 adolescent mothers selected. Sample technique was purposive sampling. Detailed medical, obstetric and neonatal information recorded on a designed data sheet. Data were analyzed using statistical program SPSS.Results: The mean age of all adolescent mothers was 18.14±0.85, while mean age at marriage found 16.24. All the adolescent respondents were married and 9 out of 10 were living with husband (91%). Higher proportion (70%) of Hindu respondents delivered IUGR babies. 60% pregnancies were unplanned, of them, 36% developed IUGR. High proportion of maternal and neonatal complications found among the mothers having IUGR babies. More common maternal complication were severe anemia (65%), fetal distress (56.2%), oligohydramnios (43.8%), pre-¬eclampsia (35.4%), eclampsia (33.3%), PPH (23%), puerperal sepsis (14.6%) and more common neonatal complications were birth asphyxia (96%), hypoglycemia (83%), hyperbilirubinemia (8.3%) and sepsis (8.3%).Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancy complicated with IUGR demonstrated higher proportion of maternal complications like severe anemia, pre-¬eclampsia, eclampsia, oligohydramnios, PPH, and adverse perinatal outcome.
Influence of maternal age on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome and global deoxyribonucleic acid methylation in women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle
Authors: Laqqan Mohammed M. , Yassin Maged M.
Published: May 2021

Background: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection needs sufficient oocytes of high quality in order to increase the rate of fertilization and pregnancy. This study was designed to investigate the influence of maternal age on the ICSI outcomes in women undergoing to first ICSI cycle and to evaluate the influence of maternal age on global DNA methylation.Methods: A total of 242 females were included in this study with a mean age of 30.5±7.3 years. The participants were divided into three groups depending on women's age≤25, N=70; 26-35, N=102 and>35, N=70). The genomic DNA was isolated from the blood samples, then the global DNA methylation was evaluated using ELISA.Results: A significant reduction has been found in the level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), total number of the collected oocyte, mature oocytes, fertilized oocytes and number of embryos transferred in the older females compared to the younger group (p<0.001). While a significant increase has been found in global DNA methylation level in the older females compared to the younger group (p<0.001). A positive significant correlation has been found between global DNA methylation level and maternal age (p<0.001). In contrast, a negative significant correlation has been shown between AMH level, mature oocytes and maternal age (p<0.001).Conclusions: Maternal age has a significant influence on the number of mature oocytes, number of embryos transferred and global DNA methylation. The pregnancy chance is more in the age group less than 35 years.
Determine the unmet need for family planning in a hilly area in a state of North India
Authors: Chauhan Nidhi , Rattan Saurabh
Published: May 2021

Background: The utilization of family planning services has improved over the decade, but still the SDG’s health target to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services is yet to be achieved, unmet need being one of the  imperative component.Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, from July 2018 to June 2019. Total sample size calculated was 316. Random sampling was used to select eligible couple to whom a predesigned, pretested, semi-structured and anonymous interview schedule was administered after taking consent.Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.2±6.1 years. The modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) was found to be 67.7% among women of reproductive age group (15-49 years). Male condom (36%), followed by female sterilisation (30%) were the most common methods preferred. Unmet need of family planning was found to be 10.4%.Conclusions: Besides male condoms and female sterilisation, other methods of contraception were adopted by meagre number of women. Though, the unmet need for family planning was lesser in this study, still, efforts are needed to plunge it, for ameliorating the contraceptive prevalence rate. Also, the availability of basket of contraceptive choices in government sector need sheer assiduity.
Paperless partogram: a simple clinical tool in effective labour management
Authors: Reshma Shaik , Ambarkar Sri Lakshmi
Published: May 2021

Background: Maternal mortality is unacceptably high, about 830 women die from pregnancy or child birth related complications around the world every-day. Prolonged and obstructed labour is one of the major causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. In developing countries like India, around 5% of total maternal deaths are caused by prolonged and obstructed labour. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the role of paperless partogram in management of labour, identification of abnormal labour and early intervention to prevent the maternal and perinatal morbidity. The objective of this study was to assess the role of paperless partogram in labour monitoring and decision-making in overburdened Indian labour room setup and to evaluate the outcome of the cases.Methods: A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, between January 2020 to March 2020. A total of 300 pregnant mothers in established labour who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were included in the study after taking informed consent.Results: In our study, of all the pregnant women 23 crossed the alert ETD but 16 had delivered vaginally and 2 by caesarean section before action ETD and 5 women crossed the action ETD. Among the 5 who crossed action ETD 3 delivered vaginally and 2 had cesarean section. Majority, of the women who crossed the alert and action ETDs were primigravidae.Conclusions: From our study, it is concluded that paperless partogram was effective and user friendly in management of labour and prevention of abnormal or prolonged labour.
Tackling gynecological health problems in adolescent girls of rural India: need of the hour
Authors: Bafna Barkha A. , Bafna Amit N.
Published: May 2021

Background: Adolescence is a transient and dynamic period characterised by several changes in the child’s body and mind. Onset of menarche is major physiological milestone in adolescent girls which is often associated with menstrual irregularities and other hormonal events. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the profile of adolescent girls attending the outpatient clinic.Methods: This hospital based cross-sectional, prospective, observational study was conducted at Bafna hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. We analysed 220 consecutive adolescent girls with gynaecological health issues. The data was collected and analysed using pre-designed questionnaire.Results: Menstrual disorders (64.5%) were most common followed by teenage pregnancies (20.9%). Other complaints included vulvar disorders, breast diseases, genital trauma, hirsuitism, UTI and psychological problems. Anemia (28.1%) and PCOS (30.9%) were also diagnosed. Hormonal treatment was offered to 59.5% girls whereas surgical intervention done in 4% for various indications.Conclusions: Menstrual disorders, teenage pregnancies, PCOS and anemia were the most common issues seen. Adolescent gynaecological problems are unique and specific regarding presentation, diagnosis and treatment options. It is important to tackle them on top priority due to its impact on future reproductive health.
Outcome of instrumental vaginal delivery in university of Abuja teaching hospital: a five-year review
Authors: Henderson Jumbo Caroline T. , Ayogu Malachy E. , Abdullahi Habiba I.
Published: May 2021

Background: Most women will achieve spontaneous vaginal delivery; however, a few will need assistance in form of Instrumental vaginal delivery (IVD). These are employed to shorten the second stage on labour and to minimize the incidence of cesarean section. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and outcomes of instrumental vaginal delivery at the University of Abuja teaching hospital.Methods: This was a retrospective study of women who had instrumental vaginal delivery over a 5-year period at the University of Abuja teaching hospital. Data on socio-demographic variables, type of instrumental delivery performed, Apgar scores of neonates delivered, indications and complication were obtained from the labour ward registers and case notes of patients and entered into a proforma and analysed using SPSS software for Windows version 23.Results: Instrumental vaginal delivery (IVD) rate performed for both Vacuum or Forceps) was 0.99%, Forceps delivery was 0.30% and vacuum accounted for 0.69% of all deliveries. The mean maternal age was 27.53±5.5 years and 51 (54.8%) of the parturient were primigravidae, 55 (59.1%) were booked patients.  Delayed second stage of labour (38.7%) was the most common indications for IVD. Maternal complications noted were genital tract laceration 17 (18.3%) and primary post-partum haemorrhage 10 (10.8%). The mean APGAR scores was 6 and 8 in the first and fifth minutes respectively, live births were 85 (91.4%), stillbirths were 7 (7.5%) and one early neonatal death was recorded (1.1%) due to asphyxia as a result of difficult forceps delivery.Conclusions: The IVD rate at UATH is low with good maternal and fetal outcome and preference for vacuum delivery.
A comparative study of serum calcium and magnesium levels in women with pre-eclampsia and normotensive women
Authors: Sethi Saloni , Chaudhary Ankita , Sonkhya Priya , Mital Premlata , Arora Aditi , Kasana Vikash K. , Agarwal Ishita
Published: May 2021

Background: Pre-eclampsia is transient but potentially dangerous complication of pregnancy. Despite of pre-eclampsia's prevalence and severity, the pathophysiology of this multisystem disorder is still poorly understood and its aetiology has not yet been fully elucidated. Recently, nutritional deficiency especially micronutrients deficiency is gaining prominence in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. This study has been done to compare serum calcium and magnesium levels in women with pre-eclampsia and normotensive women and their association with severity of pre-eclampsia.Methods: 50 women with pre-eclampsia and 50 normotensive women were included in the study and serum calcium and magnesium levels were measured. Data were analyzed.Results: The serum ionic calcium concentration was significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic cases compared to the normotensive controls (3.34±1.35 versus 4.37±0.74, p=0.0000) similarly serum magnesium concentration was significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic cases compared to the normotensive controls (1.68±0.41 versus 1.94±0.42, p-0.002). Mean serum ionic Ca levels in severe pre-eclampsia group was significantly lower than normotensive pregnant women (p=0.0000) as well as mild pre-eclampsia group (p=0.001). Mean serum Mg in severe pre-eclampsia was significantly lower than normotensive pregnant women (p=0.0008) as well as mild pre-eclampsia group (p=0.03). Serum ionic Ca and Mg had a negative correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressure.Conclusions: Based on this study, measurements of serum ionic calcium and magnesium among women at risk of for pre-eclampsia may be used to predict the onset and severity of pre-eclampsia.
Anaemia in HIV positive mothers on antiretroviral therapy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission HIV in a tertiary health institution in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Adewole Nathaniel D. , Okechukwu Adaora A. , Offiong Richard A. , Adebayo Francis O. , Isah Dennis A. , Akitoye Olumide A.
Published: May 2021

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy and HIV infection are two common public health issues in sub-Saharan African with Nigeria bearing the greatest burden. The duo occurring together poses a higher risk of morbidity and mortality for both the foetus and the mother. We therefore conducted this study to determine the burden of anaemia and other haematological abnormalities among HIV positive pregnant mothers on antiretroviral therapy who attended antenatal clinical services in our health institution.Methods: A 10-year retrospective review from January 2010 to December 2019 of medical records of HIV positive mothers on highly anti-retroviral therapy in attendance for antenatal clinical services in our health institution was carried out for the above objectives. Information extracted were, age, HIV status, gestational age at delivery, type of antiretroviral drugs used, duration of use, haemoglobin level, platelet, and complete blood count at booking of the positive mothers.Results: Of a total of 330 HIV positive mothers seen during the review period, 82.7% were from rural communities, 88.8% were from middle socio-economic class, 80.0% were Christians, and 80.3% started their highly active antiretroviral therapy before their index pregnancy. Most, 51.5% and 42.7% were on zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine, and tenofovir with lamivudine and lopinavir boasted ritonavir combinations, while 94.2% were on 1st line antiretroviral medication. Their mean age, gestational age at delivery, and parity were 31.11±4.7 years, 38.57±3.1 weeks, and 2.0±1.6 respectively. The prevalence of anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopoenia were 36.1%, 4.8%, and 6.7% respectively while their mean CD4 cell count and viral loads at the point of booking were 543.63±283.7 cells/μl, and 2953.02±1619.9 copies/ml. The two maternal variables that showed significant relationship with haemoglobin concentration of <10 gm/dl was mother’s level of education x2=6.29, p=0.043, and her socio=economic class, x2=10.162, p=0.006.Conclusions: There is high burden of anaemia among HIV positive mothers on antiretroviral therapy in our environment. The prevalence of thrombocytopenia and leucopoenia was much lower. The burden of maternal anaemia was associated with maternal level of education and her socio-economic class.
Spontaneous pneumothorax as a complication in COVID‐19 recovered male patient: a case report from a tertiary care centre in Central India
Authors: Wajid Sheikh , Kela Manoj , Bawa Abhishek , Harchandani Rohit , Vora Ashish , Bhandari Vinod , Sharma Rajesh , Doshi Ravi
Published: May 2021

As the number of COVID-19 cases emerge new complications associated with the disease are recognised. This report records a case of pneumothorax in a COVID-19 patient. Our report justifies that pneumothorax can occur during different phases of disease in patients without any history of pulmonary comorbidity and is not necessarily associated to positive pressure ventilation or a severity of COVID-19. However debatable might be the exact mechanism of the process be, this observation might imply that extensive alveolar destruction due to COVID-19 may lead to bulla formation resulting in subsequent pneumothorax.
Effect of post-operative physiotherapy intervention following decortication and bullectomy: a case report
Authors: Pol Titiksha
Published: May 2021

Decortication surgery is indicated in case of thickened pleural layer leading to atelectasis of the underlying lung parenchyma. It is done to prevent further restriction of the lung parenchyma. Atelectasis and collapse of lung following decortication is a common complication following the surgery. Chest physiotherapy following decortication helps in preventing the damage to the lungs and also helps in maintaining and regaining good lung function post-surgery. We present a case of right lung decortication surgery with bullectomy where various physiotherapy intervention and techniques were started early post-surgery to attain good lung expansion and prevent complications. Physiotherapy interventions like segmental breathing exercises, chest proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques, lung expansion exercises, unilateral expansion exercises, use of incentive spirometer, airway clearance techniques, resistance training and early mobilisation showed significant improvement in the chest excursion and expansion along with improved inspiratory capacity. Along with this it also helps in reducing the length of ICU (Intensive care unit) stay. Physiotherapy along with early mobilisation when started in the early postoperative period following decortications and bullectomy surgeries is useful to obtain better outcomes and shorten length of ICU stay.
Clinicopathological study of solitary thyroid nodule in Kolhan belt of Jharkhand
Authors: Saxena Rajeev , Kanth Shiwani , Jha Rohit Kumar , Jee Devandra
Published: May 2021

Background: Thyroid disorders are commonly encountered in our daily practice and specially in countries like India and Nepal (foothill areas). There are variety of lesions that can arise within thyroid gland. In such scenario it is important to diagnose neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions accurately with minimum complications so that proper management can be done as early as possible. The aim of the study was to know clinical spectrum of solitary thyroid nodules and diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology as compared to histopathological examination.

Methods: We conducted our study over a period of 21 months from July 2018 to March 2020. 74 patients who gave consent and presented with solitary thyroid swelling were included in the study.  

Results: In our study, cases mostly presented in the age group of 31-40 years with a female preponderance. Colloid goiter was the most common pathology which presented as solitary thyroid nodule. Among neoplastic lesions, follicular adenoma was the most common benign neoplasia with papillary thyroid carcinoma being the most common malignancy. FNAC had sensitivity of 78%, specificity-100%, positive predictive value-100%, negative predictive value-88% and diagnostic accuracy-92%.

Conclusions: Majority of solitary thyroid nodules are found in females of middle age group. In our study we found FNAC as valuable diagnostic tool specially in benign cases.

 

 
Inter-American Development Bank Annual Report 1993
Authors:   Inter-American Development Bank
Published: May 2021

The Annual Report contains a review of the Bank's operations in 1993.
Inter-American Development Bank Annual Report 1995
Authors:   Inter-American Development Bank
Published: May 2021

The Annual Report contains a review of the Bank's operations in 1995.
Act on Prevention and Control of Infections and Infect-ious Diseases in People and Covid Disease—19
Authors: Chochowski Krzysztof
Published: May 2021

The outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in China, and its subsequent spread throughout the world, including Poland, revealed that many countries are not prepared for such negative occurrence. Deficiencies and shortcomings could be observed in practically every sphere of the stateʼs functioning, which also applied to our country. Deficits were also observed in the scope of the applicable legal regulations, which underwent a certain petrification and did not sufficiently take into account the possibility of a new infectious disease, such as COVID-19. This text presents considerations on the Act of 5 December 2008 on the prevention and combating of infections and infectious human diseases in the context of COVID-19. The purpose of those deliberations was to present the latest changes to the above-mentioned act and to assess their validity.
Metronidazole Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Datta Amlan K , Chakraborty Uddalak , Mukherjee Adreesh , Dutta Arpan , Malakar Sudeshna , Chandra Atanu
Published: May 2021

NONE
From Priority to Diversity: Prospect of Educational Cooperation for Chinese and Russian Regional Universities
Authors: Huang Zhidong
Published: May 2021

Internationalization of higher education is a trend of future education. Chinese-Russian higher education cooperation has increased rapidly. The regional education cooperation between the China and Russia should be enhanced & promoted. The author’s results of the questionnaire from the Chinese students of the Southern Federal University, in Rostov-on-Don, show that the satisfaction of education of Chinese students is very high, which will bring positive choice preference to regional institutes for bilateral education cooperation. The survey shows, the international students’ alternative for further education in Russia tends to diversify instead of priority. Based on the reality that the analysis reveals, regional universities of the Russian Federation should highlight its feasibility of international regional education cooperation, and create more positive and pragmatic strategies for realistic vulnerabilities. The goal is to improve the attractiveness of Russian education programs to foreign citizens, improve their conditions of stay while studying in Russia, and enhance the visibility and status of Russian education brands in the international education market.
Uma Análise Empírica entre Desenvolvimento Econômico e Soft Power
Authors: Vale Sergio Rodrigo
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Identificar empiricamente o impacto do desenvolvimento econômico e a volatilidade do mesmo sobre o soft power.Método: Pesquisa de natureza empírica com a utilização de instrumental econométrico por regressão simples e variáveis instrumentais, utilizando-se dados de diversas fontes, especialmente de McClory (2017) e FMI.Principais resultados: Corrobora-se a ideia de que países com maior desenvolvimento econômico possuem mais soft power e também que a maior volatilidade desse desenvolvimento é relacionada a menor soft power.Relevância e originalidade: Nos últimos anos, a discussão sobre soft power tem crescido, especialmente para países emergentes em que o hard power é menor. Mas será que a capacidade de influência externa através do soft power pode estar dissociada da própria capacidade de desenvolvimento do país?. Esse assunto é pouco analisado na literatura e especialmente a ideia de que países mais voláteis levam a menor soft power é particularmente inédita.Contribuições teóricas: O artigo traz à luz a discussão necessária do papel do desenvolvimento econômico na geração de soft power nos diversos países. Países mais desenvolvidos teriam condições de explorar melhor suas capacidades de soft power.Contribuições sociais: Em tempos de mudanças geopolíticas tão profundas com a disputa entre China e Estados Unidos, é importante o entendimento de que explorar o capital de soft power de cada país seria facilitado se as condições de progresso econômico doméstico estivessem mais bem ancoradas. O desenvolvimento econômico e social de cada país vem antes de se buscar maior soft power.
Assessment of Genetic Variability and Relationship between Different Quantitative Traits in Field Pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense) Germplasm
Authors: Pratap Vijay , Sharma Vijay , . Kamaluddin , Shukla Gaurav
Published: May 2021

Background: Assessment of genetic variability and inter-relationship between the characters can be used in the breeding programme to evolve new varieties with wide genetic diversity to maximize the yield potential in crop improvement programmes. Eighty-four field pea genotypes were evaluated in an augmented block design for thirteen quantitative traits to study variance components, heritability, genetic advance and inter-relationship between the yield and yield contributing traits. Methods: The extent of phenotypic and genotypic variation that exist in a character was calculated by the formula suggested by Burton and de Vane (1953). Heritability in broad sense and genetic advance as per cent of mean for each character was computed using the formula suggested by Hanson et al. (1956) and Johnson et al. (1955), respectively. Correlation coefficient was calculated by method suggested by Searle (1961) and path coefficient analysis done as per method of Wright (1921) and elaborated by Dewey and Lu (1959). Result: Significant differences observed among the genotypes tested for the yield characters indicated the presence of variability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for the traits viz., plant height, effective pods plant-1, harvest index and seed yield plant-1 were governed by additive gene effects which will aid in effective selection. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed that seed yield plant-1 had highly significant and positive correlation with biological yield plant-1, effective pods plant-1, harvest index, seeds pods-1 and effective nodes plant-1, indicating that these traits are strongly associated with seed yield in field pea. Path coefficient analysis identified biological yield plant-1 followed by harvest index, seed pod-1, effective nodes plant-1, 100-seed weight and day to 50% flowering as highly desirable components with great direct effects on seed yield.
A contribuição de Daniel Hogan para os estudos dos desastres
Authors: Bonatti Thiago Fernando , Anazawa Tathiane Mayumi
Published: May 2021

Os desastres são fenômenos sociais e seus elementos de análise precisam identificar não só suas consequências, mas também os processos históricos que fomentam sua origem. Nesse sentido, busca-se discutir o que Daniel Hogan traz para este debate, a partir de elementos relacionados às populações em situação de risco, tais como suas diferentes condições de vulnerabilidade, os aspectos demográficos, a distribuição espacial e a percepção dos riscos e perigos. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a contribuição de Hogan para a abordagem dos desastres, pela perspectiva dos estudos de População e Ambiente. Estão aqui apresentadas as discussões iniciais propostas por Daniel Hogan, os diálogos estabelecidos com outras disciplinas e três exemplos de operacionalização dos estudos sobre desastres envolvendo outros elementos de análise.
100-year anniversary of the origin of the OIE at the 1921 Paris International Conference
Authors: A. ROUSIER
Published: May 2021

Following the outbreak of rinderpest that devastated post-war Europe in 1920, Emmanuel Leclainche urged the coordination of an international conference to study epizootics and their prevention. The conference was held in Paris in May 1921 and called for the establishment of an International Office for the control of epizootics.
Reflections on the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Epidemic of 2001: an Irish Perspective
Authors: M. BLAKE
Published: May 2021

This year marks the 20-year anniversary of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic, which originated in the United Kingdom (UK) in February 2001, and subsequently spread to Ireland, the Netherlands and France.
Combined Pretreatment as an Effective Technology in Breaking of Phenolic Polymer Lignin from Sustainable Biomass: Bambusa balcooa
Authors: Parveen heena , Tewari Lakshmi , Pradhan Diwas , Chaudhary Parul
Published: May 2021

Bamboo biomass is a potential source for the production of monomeric sugars containing high cellulose content with low amount of lignin. However, for efficient hydrolysis, the biomass treatment by effective pretreatment technique is required to minimize lignin content and other barrier components. During present study, the bamboo biomass was treated with different physical, chemical, biological and combined treatments to reduce the lignin content. Among all the pretreatments, the maximum lignin removal (14.5%) was obtained with the combined chemical and biological treatment under 2% NaOH+1% H2O2 +WDP2 fungal culture (5 plugs) conditions. In addition, lignolytic fungus and NaOH pretreatment was mainly effective in removing lignin, whereas the H2O2 pretreatment efficiently minimize cellulose crystallinity. To analyze structural changes of raw and treated biomass, we used scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The structural analysis indicated that all treatments causes disruption in the biomass structure and loses the compactness of the biomass which facilitates the biomass conversion during hydrolysis process. The findings of the present study indicate effective pretreatment methods in breaching the recalcitrancy of the potential lignocellulosic biomass for maximum hydrolysis.
Paclitaxel-loaded Folate-targeted Albumin-Alginate Nanoparticles Crosslinked with Ethylenediamine. Synthesis and In Vitro Characterization.
Authors: Martínez A.M. , Benito M. , Pérez E. , Teijón C. , Olmo R.M. , Blanco M.D.
Published: May 2021

Among the different ways to reduce the secondary effects of antineoplastic drugs in cancer treatment, the use of nanoparticles has demonstrated good results due to the protection of the drug and the possibility of releasing compounds to a specific therapeutic target. The α-isoform of folate receptor (FR) is overexpressed on a significant number of human cancers; therefore, folate-targeted crosslinked nanoparticles based on BSA and alginate mixtures and loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) have been prepared to maximizing the proven antineoplastic activity of the drug against solid tumors. Nanometric-range sized particles (169 ± 28nm - 296 ± 57nm), with negative Z-potential values (between -0.12 ± 0.04 and -94.1± 0.4), were synthesized. The loaded PTX (2.63±0.19 - 3.56 ±0.13 µg PTX/mg Np) was sustainably released along 23 and 27h. Three cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and HeLa) were selected to test the efficacy of the folate-targeted PTX-loaded BSA/ALG nanocarriers. The presence of FR on cell membrane led to a significant larger uptake of BSA/ALG-Fol nanoparticles regarding to the equivalent nanoparticles without folic acid on its surface. The cell viability results demonstrated a cytocompatibility of unloaded nanoparticle-Fol and a gradual decrease in cell viability after treatment with PTX-loaded nanoparticles-Fol due to the sustainable PTX release.
Technology Focus: History Matching and Forecasting (April 2021)
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: May 2021

In the words of the authors of paper SPE 202460, one of three outstanding SPE conference papers selected by reviewer Gopi Nalla of DeGolyer and MacNaughton for this month’s feature, “As geological and completion complexity of oil and gas fields increases, building a fully representative predictive reservoir model can be arduous to almost impossible.” However, as we see in these papers, new tools and techniques are being developed to match the ability of engineers to meet the challenges posed by assets such as shale reservoirs and maturing fields.

The authors of paper SPE 200466 developed a novel method in which the results of assisted history matching are applied to well-spacing optimization in a shale development, using information extracted from uncertainty and the interpolated maximum net present value. Applied to a real shale well, it is determined by the authors to be reliable enough to apply to other wells.

Paper SPE 202460 exemplifies the accelerating development and popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) in industry applications as its authors outline what they call a top-down approach that uses AI and artificial neural networks to obtain good matching results for a geologically complex offshore Malaysian field.

Finally, the authors of paper SPE 199149 describe a work flow that uses a coupled hydraulic fracturing, geomechanics, and reservoir simulator to identify what they term rate-transient-analysis “motifs,” characteristics that aid in iteration and history matching of unconventional well models.

Thanks once again to all of our JPT reviewers and readers, who make certain that our members, and our industry, remain equipped to adapt to challenging conditions both below and above ground.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE 201785 - Application of Deep Learning Methods in Evaluating Well Production Potential Using Surface Measurements by Abdullah Alakeely, Stanford University, et al.

SPE 200598 - Numerical Simulation Guideline of Oil Recovery by Cycle-Dependent Three-Phase Process Using Coreflood Experiments by Hassan Al Zayer, Saudi Aramco, et al.

SPE 202370 - Real-Time History-Matched Models for Unconventional Well Ensure Reliable Forecasting and Rewarding Optimization by Arman Vahedi, PetroAus, et al.
Use of Plastic Packages for Food and Liquids in a prospective cohort of pregnant patients – Association analyses with birthweight and pregnancy duration
Authors: Stelzl Patrick , Pontones Constanza , Gass Paul , Emons Julius , Schwitulla Judith , Schneider Michael O. , Schwenke Eva , Haeberle Lothar , Ruebner Matthias , Faschingbauer Florian , Beckmann Matthias W. , Titzmann Adriana
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is ubiquitous in modern civilization and their impact on hormonal regulation in vivid organisms is well established. These substances also seem to play a pivotal role during pregnancy as they might influence birth and pregnancy outcomes, such as fetal birthweight and pregnancy duration. The objective of this study is to investigate the associations of increased EDC exposure during pregnancy with changes of fetal birthweight and pregnancy duration.Methods: Individual use of plastic food and liquid packages was evaluated in 493 pregnant patients from the Clinical Gravidity Association Trial and Evaluation (CGATE) cohort using a three item lifestyle questionnaire concerning plastic consumption habits. To assess exposure to EDCs patients were further grouped into risk categories, and the associations with birthweight and pregnancy duration were investigated using a linear regression model.Results: For none of the investigated plastic consumption habits concerning drinking water, food from cans/plastic or beverage cartons (Tetra Pak) a statistically significant association with birthweight could be found. Moreover, no significant correlation between plastic consumption in regards of drinking water and food from cans/plastic with pregnancy duration could be detected. Interestingly, a statistically significant pregnancy prolongation of 0.4 weeks (p = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.1; 0.7) was observed with increasing consumption of Tetra Pak. Conclusion: The impact of plastic package consumption during pregnancy does not seem to have a major effect on birthweight or pregnancy duration, however the direction in which the statistically non-significant differences were seen were into the expected direction. Therefore larger studies are warranted to investigate this potentially important epidemiological factor.
Effectiveness of the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Model of continuing tele-education and influence of key learning conditions on the development of competencies in healthcare professionals: Protocol for a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Chicoine Gabrielle , Côté José , Pepin Jacinthe , Fontaine Guillaume , Maheu-Cadotte Marc-André , Hong Quan Nha , Rouleau Geneviève , Ziegler Daniela , Jutras-Aswad Didier
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Model of continuing tele-education is an innovative guided-practice model aiming at amplifying healthcare professionals’ competencies in the management of chronic and complex health conditions. While data on the effectiveness of the ECHO Model is increasingly available in the literature, the influence of key learning conditions on the model effectiveness remains unclear. Therefore, the overarching aim of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and synthesize the available quantitative (QUAN) and qualitative (QUAL) evidence regarding the effectiveness of the ECHO Model and the influence of key learning conditions on the development of competencies in healthcare professionals.MethodsThis proposed systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for Mixed Methods Systematic Reviews (MMSR) and will follow a convergent segregated approach. A systematic search will be undertaken using QUAN, QUAL and mixed methods (MM) studies of ECHO-affiliated programs identified in five databases. A publication date filter will be applied to find the articles published from 2003 onwards. Sources of unpublished studies and grey literature will be searched as well. Retrieved citations will be screened by two review authors independently. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion until a consensus is reached, or by including a third reviewer. Studies meeting the predefined inclusion criteria will be assessed on methodological quality and the data will be extracted using standardized data extraction forms. Separate QUAN and QUAL synthesis will be performed, and findings will be integrated using a matrix approach for the purpose of comparison and complementarity.DiscussionThis MMSR will fulfill important gaps in the current literature on the ECHO Model, as the first to provide estimates on its effectiveness and consider simultaneously the influence of key learning conditions on the development of competencies in healthcare professionals. As implementations of the ECHO Model greatly vary depending on the context, topic and targeted professional group, a better understanding of the conditions that contribute to competencies’ development in healthcare professionals is crucial to inform the design and implementation of the model.Systematic review registration:This MMSR protocol is pending registration in the International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (submitted October 21, 2020; ID Number: 197579).
Experimental investigation of machinability and geometrical behavior of Titanium Alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) using Abrasive Waterjet Circular cut using Response Surface Methodology-Desirability approach
Authors: Karuppusamy Umanath , D Devika , S Rashia Begum
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Ultrasound-guided navigation of a magnetic microrobot using acoustic phase analysis
Authors: Pane Stefano , Iacovacci Veronica , Ansari Mohammad Hasan Dad , Menciassi Arianna
Published: May 2021

Microrobots (MRs) have attracted significant interest for their potentialities in diagnosis and non-invasive intervention in hard-to-reach body areas. Fine control of biomedical MRs requires real-time feedback on their position and configuration. Ultrasound (US) imaging stands as a mature and advantageous technology for MRs tracking, but it suffers from disturbances due to low contrast resolution. To overcome these limitations and make US imaging suitable for closed-loop MR control, we propose a US contrast enhancement mechanism for MR visualization in heterogeneous and dynamic backgrounds (e.g., tissue). Our technique exploits the specific acoustic phase modulation produced by the MR characteristic motions. By applying this principle, we performed real-time visualization and position tracking of a magnetic MR rolling on a lumen boundary, both in static flow and opposing flow conditions, with an average error of 0.25 body-lengths. Overall, the reported results unveil countless possibilities to exploit the proposed approach as a robust feedback strategy for closed-loop control of medical MRs in-vivo.
Predictive Value of the Distress Thermometer Score for Risk of Suicide in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Chiang Yung-Chih , Couper Jeremy , Chen Jing-Wen , Lin Ke-Jui , Wu Han-Ping
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the association between the Distress Thermometer (DT) score and risk of suicide in patients with cancer. In addition, we aimed to determine the best cutoff score to predict patients at risk of suicide.Methods: From 2015 to 2016, we retrospectively collected data on patients with cancer. DT scores were collected, and the association between DT score and risk of suicide (suicide ideation or death ideation) was analyzed. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify the appropriate cutoff score for predicting risk of suicide.Results: A total of 394 patients with cancer were included, and suicidal ideation was identified in 33 cases referred for psychological intervention. The DT scores of the patients with suicidal ideation were significantly higher than those of patients without suicidal ideation (6.30±2.11 vs. 4.29±1.72, p<0.05). In addition, the area under the ROC curve for predicting risk for suicide was 0.758. The cutoff DT score of 3 had the highest sensitivity of 1.00 to rule out suicidal ideation, while 9 had the highest specificity of 1.00 to rule in suicidal ideation. Moreover, the appropriate cutoff DT score to predict patients with suicidal ideation was 5, with a sensitivity of 0.52, specificity of .84, positive likelihood ratio of 3.24, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.58.Conclusion: The DT score may be a helpful clinical tool to evaluate emotional distress and risk of suicide in patients with cancer. Clinically, for DT scores greater than 5 in patients with cancer, the risk of suicide greatly increases. In view of the DT’s widespread use internationally by non-mental health clinicians in cancer to guide the need for specialist mental health interventions, it’s potential utility in also predicting suicide risk is of great interest.
Modified Device Key Generation Algorithm and A* Algorithm to Optimize the Security Measures Based on Trust Value in Device-to-Device Communications
Authors: VM Gayathri , p Supraja , A Razia Sulthana , P Mukunthan
Published: May 2021

Security plays a vital role in communication networks. Since the nodes are mobile in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANET), they are vulnerable to different types of attacks. Because of its mobility nature any node can enter the network at any time based on the coverage of the network. No centralized mechanism is found to verify or authenticate the nodes that are arriving/leaving the network. An algorithm is proposed for secure communication between source and destination based on the QoS parameters is called Modified Device Key Generation Algorithm (MDKGA). This algorithm elects an agent node based on the QoS parameters. Agent node is responsible for secure key generation and distribution of keys among the nodes. The neighboring node selection is based on trust value which acts as a heuristic function to select the node using A* algorithm.Various performance metrics are also analyzed. Comparison study has been carried out between the protocols of MANET.
Molecular Characterization and Transcriptional Modulation of Stress-responsive Genes Under Heavy Metal Stress in Freshwater Ciliate, Euplotes Aediculatus
Authors: Somasundaram Sripoorna , Abraham Jeeva Susan , Maurya Swati , Toteja Ravi , Gupta Renu , Makhija Seema
Published: May 2021

The concentration of heavy metals in the environment is increasing predominantly due to anthropogenic activities such as mining and other industrial activities. Exposure to metals above a certain threshold level induces deleterious effects in the living organisms. To survive such harsh environment, microbes possess a range of tolerance mechanisms and express stress-responsive genes and/or antioxidant enzymes to detoxify the metal stress. Protozoans, especially ciliates, are highly sensitive to the environmental changes, thereby making them suitable model systems for ecotoxicological studies. Thus, in the present work, the effect of heavy metals such as cadmium and copper has been studied in the freshwater ciliate, Euplotes aediculatus. This study focuses on the activity of antioxidant enzymes namely catalase and glutathione peroxidase in E. aediculatus under the heavy metal stress. Also, the expression of stress-responsive genes; heat-shock protein 70 (hsp70) and catalase (cat), has been studied after metal exposure. It was observed that the enzyme activity and the expression of these genes increased with an increase in the metal concentration and with the duration of metal exposure. Besides, these genes have been characterized to understand their role in cell defense. These genes of fresh water ciliate, therefore, can be used as molecular biomarkers to evaluate heavy metal toxicity.