bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects of Sodium Valproate and Levetiracetam on Pediatric Epilepsy and the Effects of Nerve Growth Factor and γ-Aminobutyric Acid
Authors: CHEN Min , JIANG Yazhou , MA Li , ZHOU Xuedian , WANG Nuan
Published: March 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of sodium valproate combined with levetiracetam on pediatric epilepsy and the effects of nerve growth factor and γ-aminobutyric acid.
Methods: Eighty-three epileptic children admitted to Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University (Xuzhou, China) from Jan 2018 to Nov 2019 were collected and divided into a control group (40 cases, treated with sodium valproate alone) and an observation group (43 cases, treated with sodium valproate combined with levetiracetam). The therapeutic effect and incidence of adverse reactions were observed. The levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) of children were compared. Changes of cognitive function and the total effective rate were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the therapeutic effect.
Results: After treatment, NGF, GABA and NSE in the observation group were significantly improved compared with those before treatment. The cognitive function of the observation group was significantly improved after treatment when compared with the control group. The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group. Adverse reactions in the observation group were less than those in the control group. Seizure type, NGF, GABA, NSE and treatment methods were independent risk factors affecting the therapeutic effect of pediatric epilepsy.
Conclusion: The application of sodium valproate combined with levetiracetam in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy is helpful to improve the overall therapeutic effect, significantly improve the cognitive function of children, and improve the levels of NGF, GABA and NSE.
Assessing the Relationship between Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia Mortality Rates and Human Development Index: A 26-Year Trend Analysis Using Location-Scale Mixed Effects Model
Authors: REZANEJAD ASL Parisa , ZAYERI Farid , MOGHISI Alireza
Published: March 2021

Background: Chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) is one of the most prevalent types of leukemia, which is responsible for a remarkable mortality rate in the world. This study aimed to investigate the global trend of this cancer from 1990 to 2015 and to determine the relationship between trend of CLL mortality rate and Human Development Index (HDI) throughout the world.
Methods: The age-standardized mortality rate data of all countries of the world (per 100,000) were extracted from the GBD database. In addition, the HDI values for the studied countries in different years were obtained from the UNDP database. The statistical analysis was performed using the mixed-effects location-scale model in the SAS software, version 9.4.
Results: The findings of the statistical modeling showed a downward slope for CLL Age Standardized Mortality Rate (ASMR) for total world countries ( ˆ   0.002 ). We also find a significant association between CLL ASMR and HDI. Countries with higher HDI had higher level of CLL ASMR in years 1990 to 2015 with a negative slope. Furthermore, countries with lower HDI had Lower level of CLL ASMR with rather fixed rates in this period.
Conclusion: These findings showed a decreasing trend of global CLL ASMR in the previous decades, although, the fixed trend of CLL ASMR in countries with low HDI is worrisome. The health policymakers should make more efforts to decrease the mortality due to this cancer in these countries.
Differences of Palatal Rugae Patterns between Chinese and Indian Female
Authors: Murniati Nani , Khoo Tze Chao , Hayati Ayu Trisna , Rachmawati Emma
Published: March 2021

Palatal rugae are irregular protrusions that are anatomically located on the anterior maxillary mucous membrane, on each side of the median palatal raphe next to the posterior incisor papilla. The aim of this research was to determine the differences of palatal rugae pattern between Chinese and Indian females. This study was descriptive by using the observation method to a total of 50 female samples consisted of 30 Chinese and 20 Indian using purposive sampling. Impressions of the upper jaws were taken and cast with dental stone. The palatal rugae pattern was identified according to Martin dos Santos classification. The most frequent palatal rugae pattern in Chinese females is curve form (41.00%), followed by line form (23.85%) and sinuous form (15.90%). On the other hand, Indian females mostly have sinuous form (28.83%), followed by line form (23.93%) and curve form (20.25%). Thus, there is a difference between palatal rugae pattern between Chinese and Indian females which is the curve forms is more common in Chinese females while the sinuous forms is more common in Indian females.
Use of carbon plates for the treatment of supracondylar femoral fractures: preliminary experience
Authors: Puma Pagliarello Calogero , Ciatti Corrado , Burgio Valeria , Di Stefano Giovanni , Rivera Fabrizio , Quattrini Fabrizio , Pavone Vito , Scaravilli Gabriele , Maniscalco Pietro
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTION

Distal femur fractures in adults have an estimated annual incidence of 6% of all femur fracture. Choice of the type of fixation depends on the characteristics of the fracture and the general condition of the fractures Carbon fiber reinforced—polyetheretherketone (CFRPEEK) offer several potential benefits when compared with metal alloy implants, including a modulus of elasticity approaching cortical bone and fatigue strengths greater than most metals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified treat 17 patients, treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with carbon plates (Piccolo Composite ®). The patients were evaluated with clinical and radiographic follow-up at 1 month, 3 month, 6 month e 1 year. The clinical evaluation was performed using knee society score (KSS) and the CAS score.

RESULTS

Clinically 15 of 17 patients examined healed (88,2 %), 1 patient  (5,8 %)went to delay of consolidation healed in 11 month), 1 (5,8 %) patients went to non-union and we perform a revision arthroplasty. The mean healing time was 92,88 days (st. dev 28,63, min. 56 d – max 140). The mean CAS score at 1 year was 4,47 (st. dev 1,46, min 2 – max 6). The mean KSS at 1 year was 73,11

DISCUSSION

Titanium has good osseointegrative properties and an elastic modulus more similar to bone. Carbon plates with a stiffness closer to the 159 modulus of elasticity of bone, and exhibiting better fatigue properties, could be a good alternative to existing metallic plates. Our group of patients showed average healing time of about three months, but the formation of callus is evident as early as 1 month after surgery. For this reason a partial weight bearing was early allowed in 15 patients. Which guarantees a recovery of daily activities from 5 months after surgery, reducing the risk of mortality.

CONCLUSION

The new carbon plates guarantee the possibility of performing a more elastic synthesis that is closer to the biological characteristics of the bone.
Inner and middle ear function in children of the first year of life according to multivariate analysis
Authors:   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997, Russia, Matroskin A. G. , Rakhmanova I. V. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997, Russia
Published: March 2021

This article is devoted to the assessment of the influence of high-frequency tympanogram parameters on otoacoustic emission at the frequency of distortion product in children of the first year of life. Materials and methods: 625 children of different gestation ages participated in the study. All children were divided into 4 groups depending on the gestation age. The first group included children born before 28 weeks, the second at 29–32 weeks, the third at 33–36 weeks, and the fourth full-term babies (37–40 weeks). At the beginning of the study high frequency tympanometry at 1000 Hz was performed to all the children, after which these children’s condition of the inner ear was evaluated using otoacoustic emission at the frequency of the distortion product. The hearing function of all the children was examined in 3, 6 and 12 months. Tympanogram analysis included tympanogram width, the static compliance, the intratympanic pressure, the index of acoustic compliance, the power of the snail response and the amplitude of the snail response at frequencies of 1, 2, 4 and 6 kHz. After determination of the indices, multivariate analysis was carried out using methods of main components with varimax normalized rotation of axes in factor space. Results: The carried out multivariate analysis showed that the condition and development of the peripheral section of the auditory analyzer is determined by the child’s age at the time of the examination. Such parameters of tympanometry as the static composition and the index of acoustic compliance had an effect on the values of otoacoustic emission in a group aged up to 28 weeks, 33–36 weeks and 37–40 weeks at 12 months, and in the group 29–32 in 6 months of life.
EGY KÉNYSZERHELYZET VARIÁCIÓI
Authors: KOVÁCS Gábor
Published: March 2021

Gárdonyi 1910-es években megújuló prózaművészetének egyik alaptétele: „ha azzal ülsz az íróasztalhoz, hogy regényt írsz, kezdd azon, hogy csak tizedrésznyire rövidített, egyjelenetes nagynovellának írod meg”, „a regényt ne regénynek szándékold, hanem csak novellának” (Gárdonyi 1974, 70). Ennek a jelenetnek pedig feszültségtelinek kell lennie: „az izgalmat keresd, amelyben a karakter előötlik. Bajt, szorultságot és a karaktert tengelyében bántó helyzetet, esetet” (Gárdonyi 1974, 77). Az íróra jellemző kisregényforma a novellai próza- nyelv sűrítő eljárásaival megalkotott kényszerhelyzetből bont ki egy szöveget úgy, hogy előállítja a szituációhoz vezető előzményeket és az azt levezető következményeket. Az 1905-ös Ábel és Eszter írása során már felismerte Gárdonyi ennek a technikának a termékenységét, de még máshogy alkalmazta. Elemzésemben azt vizsgálom, milyen szövegvilág alakul ki, és milyen egzisztenciális értelem tárul fel akkor, ha egy egész művet egyetlen kényszerhelyzet variációs ismétlődései határozzák meg.
A NYELV MINT A POSZTKOLONIÁLIS MÁSSÁG ELEME
Authors: LENDÁK-KABÓK Karolina
Published: March 2021

A dolgozat célja a posztkoloniális elméletekből ismeretes Másság fogalmán keresztül bemutatni és megmagyarázni a vajdasági, kisebbségi magyar hallgatók és tanárok többségi (szerb) nyelvvel kapcsolatos nehézségeit Szerbia felsőoktatási rendszerében. A dolgozat harmincegy magyar tanárral és hallgatóval (nőkkel és férfiakkal) készített félig strukturált interjún alapszik, akik az Újvidéki Egyetemen tanultak, illetve az Újvidéki Egyetemen és a Belgrádi Egyetemen oktattak vagy kutatóként dolgoztak. A kisebbségi nők és férfiak narratíváikban a Másságukat tárják fel és magyarázzák, rejtegetik, vagy éppen előtérbe helyezik. A dolgozat rávilágít arra, hogyan alakul át a kisebbséginyelv-tudás, amely kezdetben hátrányt jelent, a későbbiekben viszont előnyként szolgál a tanulmányok elvégzése során és az egyetemi karrierben is. A Másság fogalmán keresztül a dolgozat arra válaszol, hogyan látják önmagukat a kisebbségi nők és férfiak, hallgatók és egyetemi alkalmazottak, illetve hogyan tudnak maguknak a Másságukból előnyt kovácsolni, vagy éppen fátumként tekinteni a hátrányos helyzetükre.
AZ IRODALMI SZÖVEG INSTABILITÁSA ÉS A MŰALKOTÁS VÁLTOZÓ KONTEXTUSAI
Authors: SZÉNÁSI Zoltán
Published: March 2021

Babits Mihály Fortissimo című versének kiadástörténete több szempontból is különleges. A Nyugat folyóirat 1917. március 1-jei számát a vers miatt elkobozták, a költő ellen ügyészi eljárás indult. Ezt követően a vers kéz- és gépiratban terjedt, majd még 1917-ben franciául, a következő évben pedig két antológiában német nyelven is megjelent. A Fortissimo magyarul újra csak az őszirózsás forradalom után volt olvasható A diadalmas forradalom könyve című kiadványban és pár napra rá a Nyugat folyóiratban. A tanulmány a történeti könyvészet módszertanának segítségével azt vizsgálja, hogy a Fortissimo változó anyagi kontextusai hogyan befolyásolják a vers értelmezési lehetőségeit a szöveg keletkezésének első fázisától a kötetben történő újraközléséig.
Educar para ler desde a infância
Authors: Fronckowiak Ângela Cogo , Barbosa Maria Carmen Silveira
Published: March 2021

A relevância de práticas de formação para a leitura desde a infância e a intenção de concebê-las enquanto círculo virtuoso muitas vezes esbarra na intencionalidade das concepções educativas adultas, que transforma a vivência em um círculo tedioso para as crianças.  As fenomenologias da voz, a partir de Paul Zumthor, e da imagem, com Gaston Bachelard, evidenciam o valor poético da vocalidade e da imaginação para a leitura, que se fundamenta na organicidade da ação poética da voz e da palavra adultas, através das quais, sem negar os valores de proferição e de explicação e não se restringindo a eles, sublinha a estreita ligação entre corpo, linguagem e mundo nos processos de formação, também a leitora. Assim, a escuta da leitura compartilhada se transforma não só em potência para engendrar desejo de ler e de escrever, mas em oportunidade para que as crianças encontrem, através da voz e do comprometimento adulto, a experiência do humano que temos produzido e exteriorizado em registros orais e escritos, inclusive os literários. A ideia de cultura percebida como um conteúdo – e condicionada aos limites da aprendizagem de conceitos –, restringe a contribuição que podemos dar às crianças para a constituição de outras maneiras de compreenderem o conhecimento, o que inclui, principalmente, saberes sobre os modos como compartilham suas experiências leitoras.
Educação infantil e a práxis psicanalítica
Authors: Fonseca Paula Fontana , Voltolini Rinaldo
Published: March 2021

O presente artigo debate as políticas públicas em Educação Infantil tomando por operador de leitura a proposição dos discursos formulada por Lacan. Segundo esta teoria, cada discurso agencia uma política que lhe é própria, seguindo uma lógica que lhe é imposta estruturalmente. A isto se deu o nome de agenciamento discursivo, ou seja, uma dinâmica estrutural que antecede determinado dizer e que imprime uma direção inexorável ao mesmo. Os quatro discursos propostos pelo autor são: o da histérica, o do mestre, o do universitário e o do analista. A eles veio somar-se, posteriormente, o discurso do capitalista que guarda pontos de distinção com os quatro primeiros. Foram analisados os discursos presentes na educação infantil na atualidade de modo a demonstrar a preponderância da predição como lógica presente no âmbito das políticas públicas com efeitos na práxis educativa.  Por fim, problematiza-se a participação da teoria psicanalítica como mais uma que dá subsídios à educação infantil e as consequências desta apropriação para a práxis do psicanalista que atua no campo educativo.
Narrativas e direitos humanos
Authors: Souza Kleyne Cristina Dornelas de , Vieira Maria Clarisse
Published: March 2021

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) como uma possibilidade das pessoas em situação de rua exercerem o direito à educação, recuperando o protagonismo e autonomia a partir de suas narrativas. Para tanto, utiliza metodologicamente a pesquisa exploratória, bibliográfica e algumas narrativas constituídas na pesquisa empírica com educandos da EJA em situação de rua. O estudo dialoga com autores que discutem os direitos humanos e o mundo do trabalho por compreender a necessidade de diálogos e ações cada vez mais estreitos entre educação de jovens e adultos, trabalho e direitos humanos. O artigo aponta a importância de uma educação de jovens e adultos que não fragmente os saberes e os sujeitos, mas que desenvolva nesses educandos capacidade de reflexão e ação diante da violação de direitos, fomentando o processo formativo e a produção do conhecimento em/para a educação em direitos humanos. No processo da narrativa, a memória se faz presente associando as vivências individuais e coletivas, que também constitui esses sujeitos, trazendo à tona a memória do grupo social a qual pertencem.
On the Question of Socio-Economic “Sunset” of Big Countries: Praeteritum et Praesens
Authors: Mal'tsev A.
Published: March 2021

The author deals with the problem of the great nations’ fall. Special attention is paid to critical interpretation of institutional and cultural explanations of socio-economic systems’ degradation. It has been proved that these approaches are unable to completely explain complex processes of big countries decline. The main weakness of institutional hypothesis lies in its focusing mainly on political rights of population and democracy. In particular, institutional approach fails to interpret the relative socio-economic decline of such countries with “excellent” institutions, as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In their turn, “cultural determinists” are incapable of giving satisfactory explanation of China’s decline in XIX century as well as China’s economic steep rise in the end of the end of XX and the beginning of XXI centuries. The exogenous interpretation of nations’ fail which is gaining popularity most recently also faces a number of serious objections. The most important is simplified representation of the evolution of the world economy as a result of force-majeure circumstances. The author presents its own concept of leading countries’ economic decline. The main idea is that the key factor determining the decline of great powers is connected with technology progress. Author believes that the change in the balance of forces in the world economy is caused by the difficulties with the transition of dominating power to the new technological paradigm. General algorithm of losing the leadership is as follows: instead of destruction of institutional barriers which prevent launching the next wave of technological and economic development, the country fails to resist the illusion of possibility to maintain the dominant role in the global hierarchy by outsourcing its industrial sector to global periphery and accelerating the growth of service sector. However, service sector is a weak generator of economic growth. Tertiary sector’s overgrowth undermines the stability of the economic system just to external shocks and in the long run is capable to weaken the competitiveness of the state in the global economy. As a result, torn apart by internal contradictions, de-industrialized economy cedes leadership to rapidly copying technological innovations and speedily industrializing catching-up countries. This hypothesis is verified by the cases of Great Britain at the beginning of the XX century and the USA in the beginning of the XXI century. Acknowledgement. The article has been prepared in the framework of youth grant of Astana Club of Nobel prizewinners of 2014.
Public Finance and Business in Russia: in Search of Balance
Authors: Gontmakher E.
Published: March 2021

Public finance and entrepreneurship are interlinked by numerous ties. Primarily, these are the tax system and social insurance payments. The principles of respective governmental expenditures should be installed in the framework of the conciliation between the state, business and the employee. The analysis shows that in today's Russia, the balance between the interests of the state (implemented, among other mechanisms, through the budgetary system) and the business has not been found yet. There is a clear dominance of the executive branch of authority over the legislative branch. This leads to the adoption of insufficiently neat decisions that have highly negatively impact on the entrepreneurship. The problem has fully been manifested, in particular, by the latest reform of the pension system, as well by the continuing efforts of both companies and individuals to evade from the taxation. No less important is the interaction between the state and business in improving the quality of human capital and, first of all, of the high education and vocational training for the domestic labor market. Until now the situation here is quite unsatisfactory. The problems start from the level of school education, the quality of which does not meet the modern requirements. Easy access to higher education in our country is largely nullified by its low quality. This creates a critical shortage of qualified specialists at the domestic labor market. An important manifestation of continuing inefficiency of the Russian state can be seen in the sphere of drafting of strategic documents on the development of the national economy and social sphere in the medium term. The situation is further exacerbated due to the deceleration of economic growth and the inability of the state to maintain habitual social standards for all groups of population. Under the current conditions it is likely that Russian business will face additional burden of taxes and social insurance contributions.
MONITORING PROPOSAL OF THE SPECIES MONTANE GUINEA PIG IN PERU
Authors:   Faculty of Animal Breeding, Bioengineering and Conservation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences–SGGW, Warszawa, Poland, KĘDRA Adrianna
Published: March 2021

The work presents a proposal for the monitoring of a species of medium size South American rodent – Montane Guinea Pig. The population of this species is not constantly monitored, so it is impossible to determine exactly how many individuals are in the wild. In recent years, the area of its habitat has been significantly reduced. Therefore, it was necessary to develop methods of its monitoring. Monitoring has been proposed in several areas of its occurrence: the province of the Lima district – Cercado de Lima, the Junín National Reserve, and the province of the city of Ambo. The main aim of the article is to define population status indicators, habitat quality indicators, and to establish examples of dates and frequency of tests.
PROPOSED MONITORING OF LESSER MOUSE-DEER Tragulus kanchil
Authors:   Faculty of Animal Breeding, Bioengineering and Conservation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warszawa, Poland, WALSKA Julia
Published: March 2021

The lesser mouse-deer Tragulus kanchil Raffles, 1821 is a small, herbivorous mammal inhabiting regions of Southeast Asia. Unlike other species belonging to the same genus, the lesser mouse-deer is not critically endangered, however the biology and population size of the species are not studied well enough. So far no methods of monitoring of the species condition have been developed and for this reason, an exemplary protocol of the monitoring of lesser mouse-deer is presented in the paper below. The main goal of such studies is to estimate the population size and density, as well as to assess the quality of the habitat occupied by the animals. In order to evaluate the species condition, population and habitat indicators were developed. The methodology of studies is mostly based on counting specimens in transects, together with assessing the habitat quality and availability of food supply. Supplementary methods were suggested, such as genetic testing and using camera traps. Conducting such research is believed to aid in better understanding of the environmental requirements and possible threats, which may have a significant impact on the lesser mouse- -deer population. In the future, methods suggested in this paper can be improved or extended, so that the matter is examined as comprehensively as possible and suitable conservation measures can be applied.
Heart Rate Response and Subjective Rating of Perceived Exertion to a Simulated Latin DanceSport Competition in Experienced Latin Dancers
Authors: Liébana Encarnación , Monleón Cristina , Moratal Consuelo , Garcia-Ramos Amador
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to describe the response of heart rate (HR) and the subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a simulated DanceSport competition. The mean and maximum HR of 18 dancers of the highest level were evaluated during a simulated DanceSport competition consisting
of 5 Latin dances. RPE values were recorded immediately after each dance. The dances were ranked as follows according to the mean HR (samba [165.3 ± 16.3 bpm] < rumba bolero [176.9 ± 9.9 bpm] < cha-cha-chá [179.1 ± 11.4 bpm] = paso doble [182.5 ± 12.5
bpm] = jive [184.3 ± 11.4 bpm]); maximum HR (samba [185.6 ± 8.9 bpm] = rumba bolero [187.0 ± 9.1 bpm] < cha-cha-chá [190.1 ± 8.0 bpm] = paso doble [191.4 ± 9.0 bpm] < jive [194.2 ± 8.1 bpm]); and RPE (rumba bolero [5.22 ± 1.40]
< samba [6.42 ± 2.06] = cha-cha-chá [6.78 ± 1.31] = paso doble [7.39 ± 1.04] < jive [8.33 ± 0.91]). The only significant correlation between RPE and HR values was observed for the maximum HR during the first dance of the competition (samba) (r = 0.485).
A simulated DanceSport competition causes high physiological stress being influenced by the type of dance.
PFAS in biosolids: A review of international regulations
Authors: Hall Hilary , Moodie Damien , Vero Catherine
Published: March 2021

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are incredibly useful additives, often providing excellent surface tension-lowering properties to a material. Due to the extensive use of PFAS in daily life in developed countries, PFAS invariably collects in municipal wastewater. Without targeted removal of PFAS at wastewater treatment plants, PFAS can move through the treatment process into both the recycled water and biosolids. The presence of PFAS in biosolids poses a potential challenging problem to society for many reasons. A small number of countries have cautiously started, or have at least considered, limiting the concentration of PFAS permitted in biosolids that are to be used for land application. Our review covers the current limits on PFAS concentrations in Australian biosolids, along with the latest developments in international regulations. We found that only Maine, USA, has set upper limits of PFAS for “beneficial use of solid wastes”. Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden and Australia have set PFAS limits in soils. No other countries were found to have PFAS limits relating to biosolids or their use; however, this also reflects the lack of industrialisation and centralised wastewater management in many parts of the world.
Integrated Real-Time Simulation in an Earth Model – Automating Drilling and Driving Efficiency
Authors: Arévalo Pedro J. , Hummes Olof , Forshaw Matthew
Published: March 2021

Real-time while drilling simulations use an evergreen digital twin of the well, consisting of physics-based models in an earth model to constantly update boundary conditions and parameters while drilling. The approach actively contributes to prediction or early detection of specific drilling issues, thus reducing drilling-related risk, non-productive time (NPT), and invisible-lost time (ILT). The method also unlocks further drilling optimization opportunities, while staying within a safe operative envelope that protects the wellbore.

In the planning phase, a run plan is prepared based on drilling engineering simulations – such as downhole hydraulics and Torque and Drag (T&D) – within the lithology and geomechanics of the earth model. While drilling, the run plan continuously evolves as automatic updates with actual drilling parameters refine the simulations. Smart triggering algorithms constantly monitor sensor data at surface and downhole, automatically updating the simulations. Drilling automation services consume the simulation results, shared across an aggregation layer, to predict drilling dysfunctions related to hole-cleaning, downhole pressure, tripping velocity (which might lead to fractured formations or formation fluids entering the wellbore), tight hole and pipe sticking. Drillers receive actionable information, and drilling automation applications are equipped to control specific drilling processes.

Case studies from drilling runs in the North Sea and in Middle East confirm the effectiveness of the approach. Deployment on these runs used a modular and scalable system architecture to allow seamless integration of all components (surface data acquisition, drilling engineering simulations, and monitoring applications). As designed, the system allows the integration of new services, and different data providers and consumers.
Training an Automated Directional Drilling Agent with Deep Reinforcement Learning in a Simulated Environment
Authors: Yu Yingwei , Chen Wei , Liu Qiuhua , Chau Minh , Vesselinov Velizar , Meehan Richard
Published: March 2021

Drilling a directional well becomes an essential process in the oil and gas industry to ensure better reservoir exposure and less wellbore collision risk. In the high-volume drilling market, cost-effective mud motors are dominant. The motor is capable of delivering the desired well curvature by switching between rotating and sliding operations. Therefore, to follow a predefined well trajectory, it is a critical mission to determine the optimal operation control sequence of the motor. In this paper, a method of training an automatic agent for motor directional drilling using the deep reinforcement learning approach is proposed.

In designing the method, motor-based directional drilling is framed into the reinforcement learning with an automatic drilling system, also known as an agent, interacting with an environment (i.e., formations, wellbore geometry, equipment) through choices of controls in a sequence. The agent perceives the states such as inclination, MD, TVD at survey points and the planned trajectories from the environment, and then decides the best action of sliding or rotating to achieve the maximum total rewards. The environment is affected by the agent's actions and returns corresponding rewards to the agent. The rewards can be positive (such as drilling to target) or negative (such as offset distance to the planned trajectory, cost of drilling, and action switching).

To train our agent, currently, a drilling simulator in a simulated environment is created with layered earth model and BHA directional responses in layers. Other attributes of the drilling system are assumed to be constant and handled automatically by the simulator. The planned trajectory is also provided to the agent while training.

The directional-drilling agent is trained for thousands of episodes. As a result, the agent can successfully drill to target in this simulated environment through the decisions of sliding and rotating. The proposed workflow is known as the first automated directional drilling method based on deep reinforcement learning, which makes a sequence of decisions of rotating and sliding actions to follow a planned trajectory.
Trapped in a Vicious Cycle of Violence: A Qualitative Inquiry Into The Experiences of HIV Serodiscordant Married Couples
Authors: larki Mona , Bahri Narjes , Roudsari Robab Latifnejad
Published: March 2021

Background: Violence against women is a major, complex, multidimensional and widespread public health concern worldwide. The current qualitative study was conducted to understand the experience of violence among HIV negative women in serodiscordant relationships.Methods: A qualitative description (QD) was conducted from October 2018 to January 2020 (16-month period) in Mashhad, Iran. The researchers recruited 15 HIV negative women who lived with HIV positive men through purposive sampling method. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Data analyzed using conventional content analysis adopted by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). Results: The main overarching theme emerged entitled: trapped in a vicious cycle of violence. It consisted of four categories of self-directed violence, intimate partner violence, cultural violence and structural violence. The cycle of violence began soon after awareness of husband's infection with acts such as suicide attempts and a sense of abhorrence for living with an infected person, and continued with confrontation with various types of violence in the family and society.Conclusions: This study provided an insight into different aspects of violence in Iranian women in HIV serodiscordant relationships. Healthcare providers should be able to address topics related to the violence for women who are in HIV serodiscordant relationships.
Metallated Anticancer Peptides: An Expanded Mechanism that Encompasses Physical and Chemical Bilayer Disruption
Authors: Comert Fatih , Heinrich Frank , Chowdhury Ananda , Schoeneck Mason , Darling Caitlin , Anderson Kyle W. , Libardo M. Daben J. , Angeles-Boza Alfredo M. , Silin Vitalii , Cotten Myriam L. , Mihailescu Mihaela
Published: March 2021

In the search for novel broad-spectrum therapeutics to fight chronic infections, inflammation, and cancer, host defense peptides (HDPs) have garnered increasing interest. Characterizing their biologically-active conformations and minimum motifs for function represents a requisite step to developing them into efficacious and safe therapeutics. Here, we demonstrate that metallating HDPs is an effective chemical strategy to improve their cytotoxicity on cancer cells. Mechanistically, we find that the metallated peptides not only physically but also chemically damage lipid membranes. Our testing ground features piscidins 1 and 3 (P1/3), two amphipathic, histidine-rich, membrane-interacting, and cell-penetrating HDPs that are α-helical bound to membranes. To investigate their membrane location, permeabilization effects, and lipid-oxidation capability, we employ neutron reflectometry, impedance spectroscopy, neutron diffraction, and UV spectroscopy. While P1-apo is more potent than P3-apo, metallation boosts their cytotoxicities by up to two-and seven-fold, respectively. Remarkably, P3 is particularly effective at inserting its metallated motif in bilayers, causing water crevices in the hydrocarbon region and placing Cu 2+ near the double bonds of the acyl chains, as needed to oxidize them. This study points at a new paradigm where metallating HDPs to expand their mechanistic reach could be explored to design more potent peptide-based anticancer therapeutics.
Cpne3 Regulates the Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Human Gbm via the Activation of Pi3k/akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Dainan , Wang Xiaoyin , Wang Xi , Wang Zemin , Ma Shunchang , Zhang Chuanbao , Li Shaomin , Jia Wang
Published: March 2021

Background: Even with decades of intensive study, the signaling regulative network of the progression of GBM remains unclear, a deeper understanding of the molecular crosstalk with pathways in GBM is needed to identify new potential targets for treatment. Methods: To investigated the expression of CPNE3 in GBM, we applied bioinformatic analysis and clinical samples validation. Then the functional validation of carried out in commercially available glioma cell lines and nude mice model. Also, the GSEA analysis was used to identify the relevant pathways. The role of activated pathway was further validated by pharmacology method.Results: We found that CPNE3 was significantly up-regulated in GBM when compared with adjacent normal tissues, and the overexpression of CPNE3 promoted cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Also, the principal protein markers of PI3K/AKT pathway were found to be phosphorylated by CPNE3 over-expression, and pathway inhibitor, LY294002, alleviated the cell proliferation enhancement induced by CPNE3 over-expression. Conclusion: Our results showed that the expression of CPNE3 promotes cell proliferation by inhibiting cell apoptosis via activating PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby enhancing the progression of GBM, which suggesting that CPNE3 may play as a tumorigenesis gene and its crosstalk with PI3K/AKT pathway may become a promising potential therapeutic target for human GBMs.
Intravaginal Non-Ablative Radiofrequency In The Treatment Of Genitourinary Syndrome Of Menopausesymptoms: A Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Pinheiro Cintia , Alencar Teresa , Amorim Raira , Campos Raquel , Brim Rosa , Teles Alcina , Queiroz Andrea , Lordelo Patrícia
Published: March 2021

Background: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) involves vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, itching, burning, pain, and also symptoms in urinary organs. Non-ablative radiofrequency (RF) is a type of current with electromagnetic waves with the thermal effect that generates an acute inflammatory process with consequent neocolagenesis and neoelastogenesis. We aimed to describe the clinical response, cytological changes, and adverse effects of applying nonablative RF in patients with GSM and to assess sexual and urinary function after treatment. Methods: This is a pilot study with 11 women diagnosed with GSM with established menopause. Patients with hormone replacement initiation less than six months, who used a pacemaker or had metals in the pelvic region, were excluded. Subjective measures (Visual Numerical Scale-VNS of symptoms, Vaginal Health Index-VHI) and objective measures (Vaginal Maturation Index-VMI and vaginal pH) were used. Sexual function was assessed by the FSFI, and the ICIQ-SF measured the impact on urinary function. A Likert scale measured the degree of satisfaction with the treatment. Five sessions of monopolar non-ablative RF (41 °C) were performed with an interval of one week between each application. The entire evaluation was performed before treatment (T0), one month (T1), and three months (T2) after treatment. Adverse effects were assessed weekly. Results: There was a reduction in symptoms after treatment in most patients (T1/T2, respectively): vaginal dryness 90.9%/81.8%, dyspareunia 83.3%/66.7, vaginal laxity 100%/100%, pruritus 100%/100%, burning 75%/87.5%, pain 75%/75%, and in VHI 90.9%/81.9%. Most patients did not show changes in VMI (54.5%) and pH (63.6%) at T1, but there was an improvement in VMI in most patients (54.5%) at T2. Nine patients were satisfied and two were very satisfied at T1. The treatment was well tolerated and no adverse effects were observed. There was an improvement in sexual function in 72.7% and in urinary function in 66.7% in T1 and 83.3% in T2. Conclusion: Intravaginal RF reduced the clinical signs and symptoms of GSM and women reported satisfaction with treatment. The technique showed no adverse effects and there were positive effects on sexual and urinary function. Trial registration: This research was registered at clinicaltrial.gov (NCT03506594) and complete registration date (first date posted) April 24, 2018.
The global prevalence of familial multiple sclerosis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ehtesham Naeim , Rafie Maryam Zare , Mosallaei Meysam
Published: March 2021

Background: Considering that familial multiple sclerosis (FMS) can reveal the extent to which genetic and environmental factors each involve in the etiopathogenesis of the disease, we performed an updated meta-analysis of the worldwide prevalence of FMS by addition of recent publications. Methods: A search in PubMed, Scopus, the ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to 20 December 2020 was done. The inclusion criteria were based on the CoCoPop approach (condition, context, and population). The qualified studies entered the process of the meta-analysis by using comprehensive meta-analysis ver. 2 software.Results: The pooled prevalence of MS in relatives of 16179 FMS cases was estimated to be 11.8% (95% CI: 10.7-13) based on a random-effects model. The pooled mean age of disease onset in adult probands was calculated to be 28.7 years (95% CI: 27.2± 30.2). In 13 studies that reported the data of FMS in pediatrics (n=6636) and adults (n=877), the FMS prevalence was 10.8% (95% CI: 8.1-14.2) and 15.5% (95% CI: 13.8-17.4), respectively. Considering the data of 9 studies, the prevalence of FMS in males (n=5243) and females (n=11503) patients was calculated to be 13.7% (95% CI: 10.1-18.2) and 15.4% (95% CI: 10.3-22.4), respectively. The odds ratio of male/female in FMS cases was not statistically significant (OR= 0.9; 95% CI: 0.6-1.2, P=0.55). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the prevalence of FMS between the geographical areas (P= 0.007). The meta-regression model for FMS prevalence was significantly lower in terms of higher latitude (P< 0.001) and increased MS prevalence (P< 0.001). In contrast, meta-regression based on prevalence day was not statistically significant (P=0.29).Conclusions: The prevalence of FMS is more in the pediatric group than that of adults, is distinct between geographical areas, and diminishes with the increment of MS prevalence and latitude. Also, the symptoms initiate relatively at lower ages in FMS cases. By contrast with multifactorial diseases, our analysis unveiled that the prevalence of FMS was not more prevalent in men than women and the risk of MS development in relatives was not more when the affected proband was male.
Interface Energy-driven Indium Whisker Growth on Ceramic Substrates 
Authors: Li Shuai , Liu Yushuang , Zhang Peigen , Zhang Yan , Lu Chengjie , Pan Long , Ding Jianxiang , Sun Zhengming
Published: March 2021

The mechanism behind spontaneous growth of metal whiskers is essential to develop lead-free whisker mitigation strategy for the sake of long-term reliability of electronics, and has been sought for several decades. However, a consensus about it still lacks, and a host of factors influencing the phenomenon have been investigated, but the role of interface energy has not been paid adequate attention. In this study, the whisker growth propensities of ball-milled Ti2InC/In and non-MAX phase TiC/In and SiC/In are comparatively studied in the terms of the wettability, thermal behavior and crystal structures. The wetting angles of indium with Ti2InC, TiC, and SiC (144.4°, 155.7°, and 142.2°, respectively) are large and quite close, indicating the poor wettability between liquid indium and the three ceramics. The thermal behaviors of all the three systems have obvious changes after ball milling. The number density of indium whiskers on ball-milled Ti2InC are significantly greater than those on the TiC and SiC substrates, which is explained based on interface energy and the crystal structure difference of the ceramic substrates.
WITHDRAWN: Intraocular Pressure Changes Following Different Keratoplasty Techniques and Association with Cornea Parameters and anterior Chamber Depth
Authors: Gümüş Gülşah , altan cigdem , yildirim yusuf , besek nilay kandemir , genç selim , kirgiz ahmet , durusoy gonul karatas , Agca Alper
Published: March 2021

Purpose
To evaluate early intraocular pressure (IOP) changes following different keratoplasty techniques and to investigate the relationship between corneal thickness (CT), keratometry values, anterior chamber depth (ACD) and IOP changes.
Methods
We included patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). ACD, CT, and keratometry measurements were repeated postoperatively at hour 24, week 1, and month 1. IOP measurements were repeated at postoperative hours 6 and 24, week 1, and month 1 by Tono-Pen XL.
Results
Twenty-two patients underwent PK, 12 patients underwent DALK, and 19 patients underwent DMEK. The difference between the IOP preoperatively and 6 hours postoperatively and between the IOP preoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively were statistically significant in the three types of surgery (p < 0.05 for each). The difference between preoperative and postoperative week 1 IOP was statistically significant only in the PK group (p = 0.023). When the IOP was compared between the three types of surgeries, the IOP at postoperative week 1 in the PK group was significantly higher than the DALK and DMEK groups (p = 0.021). There was no correlation between ACD, corneal thickness, K values, and IOP in any group.
Conclusion
IOP may increase in all types of keratoplasty during the first hours after surgery, but PK has a risk of high IOP longer in the early postoperative period. PK patients should be followed more carefully during postoperative week 1 to check for an increase in IOP.
Examining The Mechanical and Durability Properties of Concrete Containing Recycled Fine Aggregates Possessing Different Contamination Levels
Authors: Bayraktar Oguzhan Yavuz , Kaplan Gökhan
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis of Oral Cavity Mucosae in Patients With Lichen Planus and Healthy Controls
Authors: Cerrato Alessia , Cocco Matteo , Zanette Gastone , Frigo Anna Chiara , Bacci Christian
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVEOral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory. Bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a method for assessing tissue composition. Based on a combination of reactance and resistance data, a phase angle (PA) is calculated. The PA may range in value from 90° to 0°, correlates with body cell mass. There is evidence suggesting that the PA of neoplastic tissue is lower than that of normal tissue. The aim of the present study was to compare the findings of BIA on the oral mucosae of patients with OLP and healthy controls.MATERIALS AND METHODS BIA measurements were obtained with a specific device and PA values were calculated, in a sample of 57 consecutive cases OLP and 60 healthy controls. Impedance measurements were taken for the buccal mucosae, tongue, hard palate and upper anterior gums.RESULTSThe resistance, reactance and PA of the hard plate and gums were generally higher in the OLP group than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant. The median PA of healthy and reticular lesions was higher than that of erosive lesions.CONCLUSIONS These results support the usefulness of BIA for the characterization of healthy oral mucosa and OLP lesions.
Analysis of the Consumption of Sports Supplements in Elite Fencers According to Sex and Competitive Level
Authors: Mata Fernando , Domínguez Raúl , López-Samanes Álvaro , Sánchez-Gómez Angela , Jodra Pablo , Sánchez-Oliver Antonio J.
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the consumption of sports supplements (SS) in competitive level fencers and compare differences based on sex and competitive level (international and national).Methods A total of 49 fencers (18 men and 31 women) of national (n= 16) and international (n= 33) level completed a questionnaire with questions about SS consumption and the possible repercussions on health and / or sports performance. The results were analyzed based on the different categorizations established by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), as well as by sex and level of competence to which the participants belonged to.Results 46.9% of fencers have consumed SS with the main motivation being performance improvement (34.2%). Medical doctors were the individuals who were more likely to advise men to consume SS (50.0% vs 5.6%; OR = 3.29 [1.50-7.20]). Friends were most likely to advise women (38.9% vs 8.3%; OR = 1.75 [1.05-2.93]). The most consumed SS were sport drinks (44.9%), vitamin C (43.4%), sport bars (38.8%), and caffeine (28.6%). In regards to the SS categories, it was observed differences in the interaction level·sex in medical supplements (p = 0.017). In addition, there was a higher prevalence of whey protein consumption in women (25.8% vs 0%; p = 0.020) and iron consumption in men (33% vs 6.5%; p = 0.039).ConclusionsThe prevalence of SS use in fencers is within the values previously reported in athletes of the same competitive level. There were no differences by sex and competitive level in the total consumption of SS, nor in each of the groups of level of evidence, being sport drinks, bars and caffeine the most consumed SS.