bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Bioinks for 3D Printing: Inspiring a new Kind of Medicine
Authors: Dzobo Kevin , Motaung Shirley , Adesida Adetola
Published: August 2019

Abstract: The promise of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering is founded on the ability to regenerate diseased or damaged tissues and organs into functional tissues and organs or the creation of new tissues and organs altogether. In theory, all damaged and diseased tissues and organs can be regenerated or created using different configurations and combinations of extracellular matrix, cells and inductive biomolecules. Currently, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering can allow the improvement of patients’ quality of life through availing novel treatment options. Tissues and organs have a specific ECM, with specific proteins and factors released by cells residing within the local microenvironment. The coupling of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering field with 3D printing is revolutionizing the treatment of patients in a huge way. 3D bioprinting allows the proper placement of cells and ECMs, allowing the recapitulation of native microenvironments of tissues and organs. 3D bioprinting utilizes different bioinks made up of different formulations of ECM/biomaterials, biomolecules and even cells. The choice of the bioink used during 3D bioprinting is very important as properties such as printability, compatibility and physical strength influence the final construct printed. The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides both physical and mechanical microenvironment needed by cells to survive and proliferate. Decellularized ECM bioink contains biochemical cues from the original native ECM and also the right proportions of ECM proteins. Different techniques and characterization methods are used to derive bioinks from several tissues and organs and to evaluate their quality. This review discusses the uses of decellularized ECM bioinks and argues that they represent the most biomimetic bioinks available. In addition, we briefly discuss some polymer-based bioinks utilized in 3D bioprinting.
İrritabl Bağırsak Sendromu ve Fonksiyonel Dispepsi Tedavisinde Probiyotikler ve Prebiyotikler
Authors: AĞCA Gözde , YALÇIN Ece , GÖKTAŞ Zeynep
Published: August 2019

Bağırsak florasında yaklaşık 500 mikroorganizma türü olduğu bilinmektedir ve bunların %98’inin yararlı olduğu tespit edilmiştir fakat her bireyin bağırsak florasında farklı mikroorganizmalar bulunabilmektedir. Probiyotiklerin ve prebiyotiklerin bireylerdeki etkilerine bakıldığında bağışıklığı arttırdıkları, inflamasyonu engelleyen sitokinleri uyararak inflamasyonu önledikleri, patojenlerin üremesini ve virüslerin tutulumunu engelledikleri bilinmektedir. İrritabl Bağırsak Sendromu (IBS) ve Fonksiyonel Dispepsi (FD) karın ağrısı, diyare ve/veya konstipasyon, şişkinlik, erken doygunluk, mide bulantısı gibi semptomlara ek olarak üst gastrointestinal sistem semptomlarının eşlik ettiği hastalıklardır. İBS ve FD hastalarında karın ağrıları, karındaki gaz ve gurultu şikayetleri, mide bulantıları ve şişkinlik semptomları tedavisi zor semptomlar olmakla birlikte bireyin sosyal hayatını ve yaşam kalitesini oldukça etkilemektedir. Probiyotiklerin ve prebiyotiklerin bireylerin sağlığına olan olumlu etkileri ile bu semptomlarda etkili olabileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu derlemede İBS ve FD hastalarında probiyotiklerin ve prebiyotiklerin tedavi amaçlı kullanılabilirliğini ve semptomları azaltmadaki etkilerini araştıran yayınlar değerlendirilerek özetlenmiştir.
The Use of Preoperative Antibiotics in Elective Soft-Tissue Procedures in the Hand
Authors: Shapiro Lauren M. , Zhuang Thompson , Li Kevin , Kamal Robin N.
Published: August 2019

» The use of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is not supported for elective cases of patients undergoing soft-tissue hand procedures that are ≤2 hours in length.

» The use of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is not supported for patients with diabetes undergoing elective, soft-tissue hand surgical procedures.

» There is a paucity of literature evaluating the use of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, those with cardiac valves, and those taking corticosteroids; because of this, there is no evidence to vary from our general recommendations.
Invasion of non-indigenous suckermouth armoured catfish of the genus Pterygoplichthys (Loricariidae) in the East Kolkata Wetlands: Stakeholders’ perception
Authors: Hussan Ajmal , Sundaray J.K. , Mandal R.N. , Hoque Farhana , Das Arabinda , Chakrabarti P.P. , Adhikari S.
Published: August 2019

Rapid spread and population increase of suckermouth armoured catfishes belonging to the genus Pterygoplichthys(Loricariidae) in the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) in recent times is of increasing concern, because of the notable possibility that these non-native catfishes are adversely affecting fish germplasm and commercial fishery of this unique ecosystem. To study the present status of these loricariids and the invasion and impact dynamics in EKW ecosystems, field survey was conducted over a water spread area of 670 ha, comprising 120 fishermen (N2 = 120) of 30 farms (N1 = 30),  between February and October, 2017 through a pre-tested, open-ended structured schedule. A total of 943 specimens of Pterygoplichthysspp. were collected and analysed for abundance, length-weight parameters, gonado-somatic index and relative fecundity.  Pterygoplichthysspp. occurred at 29 (97%) of 30 surveyed farms and approximately 70% of the farm owners perceived that these fishes posed moderate to serious economic impact. Fish production cutback, small indigenous fish (particularly,Puntius spp.) depredation and bottom structure alteration are among the major negatives perceived; a positive note in terms of soil-bound nutrient release was reported by a few fishermen (1%). Channel through which sewage water intake occurred by gravitation has been perceived to be the main route of entry (77%), with significantly higher abundance around the periphery of the pond. Almost 80% respondents perceived an increased occurrence of these fishes over the last four years, with seasonal pattern of abundance. While culling of suckermouthafter harvest was the most common method adopted to reduce population, multi-layer screening in the inlet of sewage water into pond is perceived as most sought solution for control. Average direct and indirect financial losses due to Pterygoplichthys spp. in EKW was calculated as`0.092 lakh ha-1yr-1, which points towards mounting pressure of loricariids in already dwindling economics and biodiversity of EKW.
Managing Process Safety in a Decommissioning Project
Authors: Green Michael , Crowley Conor , Spiteri John , Allford Lee
Published: August 2019

Michael Green, Conor Crowley and John Spiteri (Atkins Limited – SNC Lavalin). Lee Allford (Energy Institute)

It is estimated that more than 120 platforms with a combined weight of more than 1 million tonnes will be decommissioned over the next 10 years in the North Sea alone. This will involve a significant number of personnel engaged offshore in potentially hazardous operations during the removal of these facilities, underlining the need for ensuring high standards of process safety within the associated decommissioning projects.

The need for effective management of process safety during decommissioning was highlighted in the major structural collapse incident at the Didcot power station in the UK in 2016 that resulted in 4 fatalities. This together with the fact that the police and HSE are conducting a joint investigation to consider corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter and health and safety offences, highlights the gravity of getting it wrong.

With support from the Energy Institute and cross-industry involvement from oil companies, contracting companies and the UK Safety Regulator, new guidance has been developed that will support those engaged in decommissioning offshore facilities to plan, design and execute their projects so as to manage risk from major accident hazards (Energy Institute, 2019).

This paper presents the key elements of this guidance which provides a roadmap to managing process safety across the lifecycle of a decommissioning project, from initiation through execution. The guidance is set-out according to typical phases of a decommissioning project, providing useful insights into key process safety considerations, objectives, tasks and outputs.
Long Cyclic Well Slugging Behavior Induced by Sand Production; Analysis and Mitigation Solution Enabled by Transient Multiphase Flow Simulation
Authors: Thakur Kapil Kumar , Katoozi Kia , Hamid Ali
Published: August 2019

The well discussed in this paper has a history of sand production and has exhibit long cyclic slugging behavior with a frequency of several days and reduced average production. The lower completion has a 2000-ft gap between the mule shoe and the packer that is exposed to the larger diameter of 7-in. liner. It is not fully understood whether the slugging is caused by the gap at the lower completion or by sand transportation or both.

Dynamic wellbore modelling with sand particle transport is essential to model the abovementioned complex slugging behavior. A stepwise approach was adopted to allow systematic evaluation of this complex slugging phenomenon. Initially, a lumped inflow with no sand transportation was assumed. In the next stage, sand transportation was included with zonal inflow details added. Several sensitivities on sand particle sizes, particle density, zonal productivity index, etc. were carried out, all of which were aimed at reproducing the long cyclic slugging behavior observed in the field.

Transient simulations successfully produced the slugging behavior observed in the field. Cyclic slugging was seen to be caused by the flow dynamics generated by particles of small to medium size. Some of the key findings were complete blockage by porous sand stationary bed at the lower completion gap (with subsequent pressure buildup), transition from stationary bed to moving bed, rate-dependent velocity of a slow-moving particle bed (eventually producing to surface), and fresh sand particle production from the reservoir at increased drawdown. Measured data from the sand detector confirmed the production of sand, particularly around the same period as predicted by simulation.

Potential slug mitigation solutions were established that should help to achieve higher and stable production. One solution was to achieve higher flow velocity and therefore enable sand transportation as a continuous moving bed (i.e., no blockage), such as reducing the gap size at the lower completion section together with either tubing size reduction or electric submersible pump (ESP) installation. The other solution was to implement an appropriate sand control/sand consolidation method.

Sand production is a common flow assurance issue and sometimes can result in unstable flow behavior causing reduced production. This work is the first attempt to implement particle transport modelling in transient multiphase flow simulation to successfully address a slugging issue in a real well. The analysis helped in understanding the mechanism causing the slugging and arriving at a potential mitigation solution. Further, it provides a step-by-step workflow and a template to address such problems.
Digitalization's Role in Shaping the New Energy Landscape
Authors: Devold Håvard , Moen Tor-Eivind
Published: August 2019

Objectives/Scope

The realization that fossil fuels are a limited resource, and the growing awareness of the negative impact their emissions have on the planet, has impacted every oil and gas major. The global challenge is expressed in the "energy trilemma" of: Enough Energy, Affordable Energy and Sustainable Energy.

The industry must adapt, in terms of cost and environmental footprint. In this paper we discuss how digitalization and renewable sources can drive innovation to meet these challenges.

Methods, procedures, process

We will use current long-range forecasts to understand how the global energy mix is expected to change over time, and illustrate how different scenarios are likely to affect the offshore industry. We also study how digitalization and hybridization with technologies like offshore wind and power-from shore, can reduce costs, energy consumption and emissions.

Results, Observations and Conclusions

There are many trends accelerating the introduction of new energy sources These include: Global population growth and changing dynamics: "Millennials" bring with them their own expectations about technology, the pace of work and accountability. Equally influential, is the challenge to feed and power the 2 billion poorest and the extra 2 billion people expected by 2050.Transportation changes: Road, aviation and shipping account for more than 60 percent of the world's oil consumption and key to limiting the impact on the climate.Energy generation revolution: The grid needs to cope with the increased power demands and to incorporate and expand the contribution of renewablesRise in distributed generation: Hybridization pilot projects to use offshore wind turbines to power e.g. water injection systems.

There are a range of technologies described, which will provide the transformational step change to enable companies to transition into the broader energy ecosystem. However, the real game changer lies in integrating these technologies in a way that drives the evolution from connected operations, to collaborative operations and ultimately autonomous operations to achieve maximum value.

Novel/Additive Information

We will describe how, by properly using digital technologies, the sector can not only reduce capital and operating expenditures by up to 30 percent but also use energy optimization and hybridization with renewable energy sources to reduce emissions and help oil and gas operators do their part in addressing "The Energy Trilemma".
Large Modifiable Underwater Mothership: A Case Study for Ocean Bottom Nodes Deployment and Recovery
Authors: Ritz Sebastian , Golz Matthias , Boeck Florin , Holbach Gerd , Rentzow Erik , Kurowski Martin , Jeinsch Torsten , Wehner Willem Hendrik , Richter Nicolas , Voß Thomas
Published: August 2019

The joint research project "MUM - Large Modifiable Underwater Mothership" targets the development of a highly modular, unmanned underwater vehicle, which allows a mission dependent module assembly to fulfill a wide spectrum of underwater tasks. The paper presents a case study for the deployment and recovery of ocean bottom nodes (OBN) for seismic surveys. Therefore, a specific vehicle configuration and its functionality is introduced. The advantages of MUM are presented in terms of its cost efficiency and non-monetary benefits, as crew safety, carbon footprint and others. In addition, business aspects for potential customers are discussed.
Applying Energy Storage Solutions ESS in Offshore Oil and Gas to Reduce Emissions and Costs
Authors: Settemsdal Stig Olav
Published: August 2019

This paper will focus on the application of lithium-ion energy storage solutions (ESS) for offshore oil and gas (O&G) installations. It will discuss the benefits that can be achieved by integrating energy storage in hybrid power plants, using the West Mira semisubmersible installation in the North Sea as a representative case study. West Mira will be the world's first modern drilling rig to operate a low-emission hybrid (diesel- electric) power plant using lithium-ion batteries.

The integration of energy storage with the power supply and distribution system of a drilling rig represents an important step towards improving the environmental sustainability of the offshore oil and gas industry by reducing emissions and paving the way to harnessing clean but intermittent renewables, such as offshore wind. Offshore rigs have highly variable power consumption for drilling and dynamic positioning. By incorporating energy storage, it is possible to reduce the runtime of combustion engines and also keep them operating on an optimized combustion level. The installation of an ESS on West Mira will result in an estimated 42% reduction in the runtime of on-platform diesel engines, reducing CO2 emissions by 15 percent and NOx emissions by 12 percent, which is equivalent to annual emissions from approximately 10,000 automobiles.

The batteries on West Mira will be charged from the rig's diesel-electric generators and used for supplying power during peak load times. In addition, they will serve as backup to prevent blackout situations and provide power to the thrusters in the unlikely event of loss of all running machinery. The energy storage solution is based on field-proven technology, which has been installed in more than 60 marine vessels worldwide, including the world's first all-electric ferry boat in Norway.
Effects of the Pipelines External Coating Technology Selection in the Definition of the Pipeline Design Strategy
Authors: Mantegazza Tommaso , Negro Francesco , Gildemyn Eric , Savazzi Marco , Esangbedo Jude , Piluso Rosangela , Bonetti Michele
Published: August 2019

In the upstream production systems, the external corrosion management typically does not affect the definition of the whole gathering network system design. However, its role is crucial for the integrity of any steel structure.

The external corrosion is generally managed with external coatings or cathodic protection systems designed to provide a durable protection against corrosive environments (either onshore or offshore). Typical external coating materials are polypropylene, polyethylene (in case of polyolefin coating), fusion bounded epoxy (FBE) or, in specific applications, thermal sprayed aluminium (TSA).

In High Pressure and High Temperature (HP/HT) reservoir applications, usually located in deepwaters offshore where the ambient temperatures are low (i.e. high temperature gradient between inside the pipelines and external environment), the selection of a specific external coating material might have significant impact on the design specification of the installed hardware, with special focus on the pipelines. In fact, depending on different physical properties of the external coating technologies, those may introduce stronger or weaker insulating capabilities and will modify the pipelines U Value, which describes the capacity of the pipelines to exchange heat with the external environment (and consequently the design specification of the production network).

A Case Study is here presented where impacts on the pipeline design specifications based on the selection of different external coating technologies have been described. In particular, it is here shown how the application of coating materials with lower insulating performance, e.g FBE coating, can increase the heat exchange between the hot production fluid and the cold external environment, leading to faster cooldown of production fluid.

In this case, reduction in operating fluid temperature has been used to prevent internal corrosion issues (generally linked to top of the line corrosion), however it may also be used as mitigation of HP/HT related issues, e.g. lateral buckling. Main pros and cons of FBE applied as a standalone external anticorrosion coating have been described in this paper.
Developing a Digital Twin: The Roadmap for Oil and Gas Optimization
Authors: LaGrange Elgonda
Published: August 2019

The Internet of Things (loT) has paved the way for significant efficiency gains in the oil and gas industry. One concept that has garnered significant attention is the "digital twin". However, there remains a great deal of confusion surrounding what a digital twin actually is and how it can be harnessed to add value to oil and gas operations. Some use digital twin as a synonym for their 3D plant models, others for their predictive maintenance solutions, or their simulation models. The bottom line is that the digital twin is all of these and more and unless operators look at it holistically, they are likely to miss out on some of the benefits.

Digital twins afford companies a number of advantages that would otherwise not be possible, including the ability to run risk analyses, health assessments, and what-if scenarios in real-time; the ability to train personnel in a 3D immersive, risk-free environment; and the capability to detect faults early before control limits are reached. This paper/ presentation will elaborate on how digital twins can be used to enhance efficiency and will address their use in the wider context of the oil and gas industry – with a particular focus on its impact on reducing risk and cost during both the project and operational phases of the asset lifecycle.

The objective is to demystify the digital twin, outline the advanced capabilities it enables and illustrate how oil and gas operators can use this concept to improve their competitive advantage.
Heavy metal levels, potential health risk, and uncertainty analysis in a plant–soil–irrigation system of the Yellow River irrigation area of northern Ningxia (China)
Authors: Liu Ping , Zhang Yahong , Feng Ningchuan , Zhu Meilin , Tian Juncang
Published: August 2019

Background Industrial development results in elevated levels of heavy metals in the local environment, including the air, soil, and water. These heavy metals can contaminate crops in the surrounding area, which may pose severe health risks to local inhabitants. The aims of this study were to determine the levels of heavy metals in plant–soil–irrigation system and the associated human health risk with deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Methods In this study, samples of soil, irrigation water, and maize crops were collected from the Yellow River irrigation area in northern Ningxia, China. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-AES)was applied to determine the heavy metal contents in maize grains, soil samples, and irrigation water. Potential health risks were assessed by deterministic and probabilistic estimation. Results The average concentrations of chromium and lead in maize exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations in food. The average concentrations of metals in the associated soil and irrigation water were both below the safe limits allowed in China. Deterministic estimation indicated a hazard index of 0.0986 for all inhabitants, implying no significant non-carcinogenic risk. The lifetime cancer risk value was 3.261×10−5, lower than the maximum acceptable level of 1×10−4 suggested by USEPA, while above the negligible level of 1×10−6 (USEPA) and 1×10−5 (WHO), with females facing a greater health risk than males. Probabilistic estimation indicated that approximately 0.62% of inhabitants are exposed to non-carcinogenic risk due to maize ingestion, while carcinogenic risk exceeds the maximum acceptable level (1×10−4) for 8.23% and negligible level (1×10−5) for 64.26% of inhabitants. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the concentration of arsenic in maize, the daily intake of maize, and exposure frequency of maize are the primary contributing factors in both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Therefore, the content of arsenic in maize is of concern in the study region. Conclusions Based on deterministic and probabilistic risk estimation, there are no obvious non-carcinogenic health risks to inhabitants, while carcinogenic risk from As exposure is higher than the acceptable risk level. Females are at greater risk than males, and inhabitants under 20 years of age have the highest risk among age groups.
HIV testing experiences in Nairobi slums: The good, the bad and the ugly
Authors: Wekesa Eliud
Published: August 2019

[EXSCINDED] Background HIV testing is an integral component of HIV prevention, treatment and care and, therefore, is crucial in achieving UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. HIV testing in Kenya follows both the voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and provider initiated testing and counselling (PITC) models. However, little is known about the individual experiences of undergoing an HIV test in the two testing models. This study provides experiential evidence of undergoing an HIV test in a resource poor urban slum setting. Methods: The study explored testing experiences and challenges faced in respect to ensuring the 3 Cs (consent, counselling and confidentiality), using in-depth interviews (N=41) with HIV-infected men and women in two slum settlements of Nairobi City. The in-depth interview respondents were aged above 18 years with 56% being females. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and then translated into English. The transcribed data were analysed using thematic analysis method. Findings: The respondent HIV-testing experiences were varied and greatly shaped by circumstances and motivation for HIV testing. The findings show both positive and negative experiences, with sporadic adherence to the 3Cs principle in both HIV testing models. Although some respondents were satisfied with the HIV testing process, a number of them raised a number of concerns, with instances of coercion and testing without consent being reported. Conclusion: The 3Cs (consent, counselling and confidentiality) principle must underlie HIV testing and counselling practices in order to achieve positive testing outcomes. The study concludes that adherence to the 3Cs during HIV testing contributes to both the individual and public health good – irrespective of whether testing is initiated by the individual or by the health provider.
Overexpression of GmNFYA5 confers drought tolerance to transgenic Arabidopsis and soybean plants
Authors: Ma Xiao-Jun , Yu Tai-Fei , Li Xiao-Hui , Cao Xin-You , Ma Jian , Chen Jun , Zhou Yong-Bin , Chen Ming , Ma You-Zhi , Zhang Jun-Hua , Xu Zhao-Shi
Published: August 2019

Background: The crop productivity is challenged by abiotic stresses, among which drought stress is the most widespread . The NF-Y genes, especially NF-YA genes function in regulating drought tolerance of plants.
Results: In this study, a soybean NF-Y gene, GmNFYA5 , was identified with the highest transcript level among all of 21 NF-YA genes in soybean ( Glycine max L.) under drought stress. Transcript of GmNFYA5 induced by drought was suppressed by ABA synthesis inhibitor naproxen (NAP). GmNFYA5 transcript was detected in various tissues at vegetative and reproductive growth stage with higher levels in roots and leaves, which was consist with the GmNFYA5 promoter:GUS fusion assay. Overexpression of GmNFYA5 resulted in increased drought tolerance and ABA sensitivity in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Additionally, overexpression and suppression of GmNFYA5 in soybean resulted in increased and decreased drought tolerance compared with empty vector (EV) plants respectively. Transcript levels of ABA-dependent and ABA-independent genes in transgenic Arabidopsis and soybean plants overexpressing GmNFYA5 were higher than those of WT and EV plants under drought stress respectively, but the opposite results were detected in soybean plants suppressing GmNFYA5 . Furthermore, GmNFYA5 might regulate the expression abundance of GmDREB2 and GmbZIP1 by binding the promoter in vivo.
Conclusions: These results suggest that overexpression of GmNFYA5 can improve drought tolerance via ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways in soybean.
World Delirium Awareness Day 2019, delirium and risk of falls in the hospital setting
Authors: Shekhar Rozina , Rolls Kaye Denise , Chasle Briony , Stott Katrina , Vueti Vaulina , Deane Vicki , Edmonds Renee , Moseley Margaret , Shepherd Bernadette , Mayahi-Neysi Mandana , Wilson Carol , Sandu Novjot , Phillips Jennifer , Marov Lynda , Carr Sara , Richardson K’Sandra , McGuire Kathy , Gujraz Poumansing , Kumar Binita , Jankulovski Daniella , Dixon Kylie , Lata Yashwani , Zachariah Rinsy , Warner Bradley , Frost Steven A
Published: August 2019

Background

Delirium is an acute change in cognition, common among older hospitalized patients, however, patients of all ages are at risk of delirium during a hospital stay. The International Federation of Delirium Societies promotes, each year, a World Delirium Awareness Day, to raise the awareness of, not just recognizing delirium in the hospital setting, but ensuring interventions are in place to prevent the development of delirium. Hospitalized patients with delirium have increased risk of adverse events such as falls, pressure injury, malnutrition, increased length of stay, increased health care costs, and mortality. This clinical audit aimed to estimate the risk of a subsequent fall, following an acute episode of in-hospital delirium, across a broad cross-sectional of clinical settings.

Methods

Seventeen adult acute inpatient wards across a health district, undertook an audit of the number of admitted patients who had had at least one episode of delirium since being admitted to hospital. Using the hospital-based incident management reporting system, the rates of subsequent falls was compared between delirium and non-delirium patients.

Results

Fifty of the 473 patients (11.4%) were identified by the nursing staff to have had at least one episode of delirium since admission. The proportion of fallers among the delirium and non-delirium patients were 10% and 2%, respectively (p = 0.004). The rate of falls per 1000 patient days was 6.45 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1 to 15.1) among delirium patients, compared to 2.12 (95% CI 1.0 to 4.0) among patients without delirium. The risk of falling among delirium patients was 4.25 higher compared to non-delirium patients (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 4.25, 95% CI 1.26 to 14.39).

Conclusion

This clinical audit has been able to show that an acute episode of delirium increases the risk of an in-hospital fall fourfold. Importantly, these results have highlighted the need for a hospital wide approach, to not just in identifying delirium, but the need to have interventions in place to reduce the risk of delirium. In other words, delirium prevention should be ‘core business’ of all nursing care, across the acute hospital setting.
A scoping review on the influencing factors and development process of professional identity among nursing students and nurses
Authors: mao aimei , Lu Su-e , Lin Yan , He Miao
Published: August 2019

Background Professional identity is related to individuals’ professional commitment. It has been a hot topic in the nursing science because of the common problem of nursing workforce shortage around the world. Professional identity is culturally shaped, but few scholars have systematically examined its developmental characteristics in a specific culture. The aim of the scoping review is to get comprehensive knowledge on the influencing factors and development process of the professional identity among nursing students and nurses in mainland China Methods A scoping review was conducted. The most common Chinese databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data, were searched for publications in Chinese. The EBSCOhost and ProQuest dissertation and thesis global were searched for publications in English. After screening the title and abstract of the articles in the first round and the full-text in the second round, 53 articles were included for analysis. Results The influencing factors to professional identity development in nursing could be grouped into three dimensions: personal factors at micro dimension, familier factors and institutional factors at medium dimension, and social factors at macro dimension. The social factors tended to negatively affect professional identity while the factors at the other two dimensions exerted influence in different directions. A framework was established based on professional identity levels in different career stages of nurses to depict the continuum and dynamic nature of development process. Conclusions Development of professional identity in nursing is a dynamic process shaped by multidimensional factors. The biggest obstacles to the development lie in the social factors. Changes in policy should be made to reverse the nursing profession stereotype of being a passive role to medicine. As some obstacles and challenges faced by nursing are shared by nurses around the world, international cooperation is needed to address the common obstacles and challenges. Keywords: China; development process; influencing factors; nurses; nursing students; professional identity; scoping review
Characterization of gut microbial community of rhesus macaques under the high-altitude extreme environments
Authors: Wu Yuhan , Yao Yongfang , Dong Mengmeng , Xia Tianrui , Li Diyan , Xie Meng , Wu Jiayun , Wen Anxiang , Wang Qin , Zhu Guangxiang , Ni Qingyong , Zhang Mingwang , Xu Huailiang
Published: August 2019

Background: The mammal intestinal microbita involved in various physiological processes in host and play a key role in host environment adaption. However, for non-human primate(NHP), little is known about their gut microbial community in high-altitude extreme environment and much less to their adaption to high-altitude environment. In this study, we want to characterize gut microbial community of rhesus macaques from multiple high-altitude environment and by comparing it to low-altitude control group to reveal the differences between altitudes.
Results: we collected the fecal samples of rhesus macaques from four high-altitude populations (above 3000m) and one low-altitude population (below 100m). We first analyzed the overlap of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) between populations and found 27.8% of OTUs (core OTUs) were shared by all five population.The majority of these OTUs have a higher abundance, whereas the unique OTUs have a lower abundance. By calculating alpha diversity index, we found high-altitude populations exhibited higher diversity. Statistical analysis of beta diversity indicated there were significant difference between high and low altitude population. Significant difference in composition were detected at phylum and family. At phylum level, high-altitude gut microbial community were dominanted by Firmicutes(63.7%), but low-altitude were dominated by Bacteroidetes(52.2%). At family level, high-alititude population were dominanted by Ruminococcaceae(36.4%), but low-altitude were dominated by Prevotellaceae(43.9%). Additionally, the abundance of Christensenellaceae are significantly higher in all high-altitude populations(3.33%) than low-altitude population(0.77%), despite a low abundance in two altitudes. Finally, function prediction indicated there was a significant difference in gene copy number of 29 level-2 pathway between high and low altitude population; and 26 of them are higher in high-altitude, especially in membrane transport and carbohydrate metabolism.
Conclusions: We found the gut microbial community of high-altitude rhesus macaques is significantly distinct from low-altitude population in diversity, composition and function. High-altitude populations were dominanted by Firmicutes and Ruminococcace, but low-altitude population by Bacteroidetes and Prevotellaceae. The difference in gut microbiota between two altitude macaque populations may be caused by different host diet, environmental temperature and oxygen pressure, and gut microbial microorganisms may play an critical role in adaptive evolution of rhesus macaques to high-altitude environment.
Ageing-related bacterial features in different segments of the mice gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Zhou Qi , Sun Liang , Li Linfang , Gong Huan , Zhang Ying , Chen Chen , Li Jian , Yang Ze
Published: August 2019

Background: Ageing is associated with alternations of gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota according to metagenome sequencing. However, the most commonly used sequencing samples were from feces, therefore it remains unknown how the upper gastrointestinal microbiota changes with age and to what extent the fecal can represent the gastrointestinal microbiota. To investigate associations between the microbiota of whole GI tract and ageing, we compared microbial diversity and composition of six GI segments in different phenotypes with a mouse model.
Results: Microbial α and β diversity were significantly different between the upper and lower GI tract. The jejunum and ileum samples had significantly lower phylogenetic diversity than large intestinal and stomach did (P < 0.01). About 22.9% core OTUs (n=80) were shared by the whole GI tract, and fecal represented significantly higher microbiota with content from large intestine than content form upper GI tract (82.7% vs. 65.2%, P <0.001). Sutterella, Aggregatibacter, Lactococcus, Lactobacillus and Streptococus were significantly enriched in the upper GI tract, while 14 anaerobes such as Ruminococcus were significantly enriched in the lower GI tract (P < 0.05). The elderly mice had the significant microbial dissimilarity (both in α and β-diversity) with the young- and middle-aged ones. These differences were dependent on GI segments; especially in the lower GI tract, more obvious variations were found. However, the age-associated change was smaller when it compared with the high-fat diet treated mice.
Conclusion: The GI microbiota was gradually changed with age and the changes were affected by GI segments. The microbial interactions with host motivate future studies exploring the specified GI microbiota interventions of disease.
Keywords: Healthy ageing, Gut microbiota, 16S rRNA sequencing, Gastrointestinal tract, mice
Studies on the Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Diabetic Patients.
Authors: Ndako James A. , Owolabi Akinyomade O , Olisa Joseph A. , Akinwumi Jeremiah A. , Dojumo Victor T. , Olatinsu Oludolapo , Adebayo Blessing A.
Published: August 2019

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two major public health problems associated with increasing complications and mortality rates worldwide. The objective of this study to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in diabetic patients and to investigate the influence of several epidemiological and clinical factors on HCV infection. Method: A total number of one hundred and eighty diabetic patients were recruited for this study. Consented subjects made up of 71(39.4%) males and 109(60.56%) females were recruited for the study. Structured questionnaires were administered to the consented participants to obtain relevant data. Sera samples were assayed for antibodies to HCV using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [Inteco Diagnostic Limited]. ELISA technique. Result: Overall prevalence of HCV infection among diabetes patients assayed was 13.3%. Out of which 8(11.3%) was obtained from the male subjects compared to 16 (14.7%) seropositivity recorded for the female subjects (P = 0.511; P > 0.05). Considering age distribution, Subjects aged 41-50 years recorded, 9 (22.5%) positivity (P= 0.238; P>0.05).Considering educational status of subjects screened, 22 (14.9%) positivity was rescored among subjects who have attained tertiary status of education.( P = 0.574;P>0.05).Risk factors considered showed that, 7 (18.9%) seropositive subject were alcoholic consumers(P value = 0.2621;P>0.05) while 5 (8.9%) recorded history of sharing sharp objects P= 0.2427;P>0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows a slightly higher prevalence of hepatitis C infection in type 2 diabetics. This call for urgent routine screening exercise among diabetic patients for HCV infection. This study also emphasizes the need for public enlightenment of the association between HCV infection and T2DM, to avert possible complications among diabetic patients. Keywords: HCV, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), Patients
Breaking Bad: Native Aquatic Plants Gone Rogue and the Invasive Species That Inspire Them
Authors: Gettys Lyn A.
Published: August 2019

Conventional wisdom suggests that native aquatic plants have evolved to fill a specific ecological niche, and that their growth is regulated by environmental conditions or the presence of natural enemies that limit the distribution or abundance of the species. However, it is becoming obvious that native species are not always well-behaved and can develop populations that quickly reach nuisance levels that require management to avoid negative ecological impacts. This work summarizes information presented at the American Society for Horticultural Science Invasive Plants Research Professional Interest Group Workshops in 2017 and 2018, and it highlights the phenomenon of species that are considered both native and invasive in the aquatic ecosystems of Florida. These “natives gone rogue” are compared with the introduced species they mimic, and the consequences of excessive aquatic plant growth, regardless of the origin of the species, are described.
Water Flow in Soils with Heterogeneous Macropore Geometries
Authors: Urbina C.A. Faúndez , van Dam J.C. , Hendriks R.F.A. , van den Berg F. , Gooren H.P.A. , Ritsema C.J.
Published: August 2019

Core Ideas

Increasing macropore volume may decrease the final cumulative outflow.

Heterogeneous macroporous geometries can be represented explicitly or implicitly.

HYDRUS‐1D and SWAP performed well in soils with heterogeneous macroporous geometries.

Dead‐end macropores are included by changing lateral transfer parameters with depth.

Heterogeneous macroporous geometries (HMGs) comprise unevenly distributed macropores with depth. A large variety of macropore distributions produce fast water flow and chemical transport that deviate from uniform flow. We analyzed the measured pressure head and outflow in column experiments with a uniform matrix (Exp. I), one central macropore (main bypass) (Exp. II), and HMG (Exp. III) and evaluated the performance of the models HYDRUS‐1D and SWAP under these conditions. Two replicate soil columns were prepared with a 62‐cm silty loam layer above a 5‐cm sandy loam layer. Well‐defined infiltration and drainage conditions were applied to top and bottom boundaries, respectively. Pressure head and outflow were measured at short time intervals, and calibration was performed by PEST. Experiment I was conducted to calibrate the matrix parameters and Exp. II to calibrate macropore parameters. In Exp. III, four dead‐end macropores were created around the main bypass, and the models were run using the previously calibrated parameters, updating only the macropore geometry parameters. The results indicated that HMGs increased total macropore influx, especially in the internal catchment domain. Interaction between the internal catchment, main bypass, and matrix domains was necessary for explaining the change in cumulative outflow and outflow onset observations. The simulations with both models were accurate for HMG regarding pressure head and outflow. The implicit representation of HMGs by HYDRUS‐1D improved outcomes for cumulative outflow, whereas the explicit representation by SWAP improved results for lateral mass transfer. The ability to model the effects of HMGs is essential for environmental and agricultural studies.
Mn0.2Co0.8Fe2O4 and encapsulated Mn0.2Co0.8Fe2O4/SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles for efficient Pb2+ removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Awad Kamal R. , Wahsh M. M. S. , El-Wakeel Shaimaa T. , Ochiabuto Kingsley I. , Othman A. G. M. , El-Sherif Iman Y.
Published: August 2019

Sol-gel auto-combustion technique was used to synthesize spinel ferrite nanoparticles of Mn0.2Co0.8Fe2O4 (MCF). Using the modified Stöber method, these magnetic nanoparticles were encapsulated with silica to form the core/shell Mn0.2Co0.8Fe2O4/SiO2 (MCFS). The phase composition, morphology, particle size, and saturation magnetization of the encapsulated nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution-transition electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). HR-TEM images indicated that particle size of the nanoparticles ranged from 15 to 40 nm, and VSM measurements showed that Ms of uncoated and coated samples were 65.668 emu/g and 61.950 emu/g and the Hc values were 2,151.9 Oe and 2,422.0 Oe, respectively. The effects of metal concentration, solution pH, contact time, and adsorbent dose of the synthesized nanoparticles on lead (Pb2+) ions removal from an aqueous solution were investigated. Based on Langmuir isotherm model, the results for peak adsorption capacity of the adsorbent under optimal conditions was 250.5 mg/g and 247 mg/g for MCF and MCFS, respectively. We concluded that Pb2+ adsorption occurred via a chemisorption mechanism based on the analysis of adsorption kinetics. The adsorbents displayed consistent adsorption efficiencies following three cycles of regeneration, indicating that these magnetic nanoparticles are promising candidates for wastewater purification.
Chemical Profile and Anticancer Activity of Polyscias guilfoylei Leaf Essential Oil
Authors: Kurup Rajani , Sadasivan Ajikumaran Nair , Kalavathy Uthayakumari , Baby Sabulal
Published: August 2019

Background:

Polyscias guilfoylei, commonly called ‘geranium aralia’, is an erect shrub
with dark green leaves. P. guilfoylei has been introduced to tropical countries and is generally cultivated
in gardens for ornamental purposes. There are no previous studies on the essential oil of P.
guilfoylei and its biological activities.

Objective:

In this study, we report the chemical profile of P. guilfoylei leaf essential oil and its anticancer
activity tested by various in vitro and in vivo assays.

Methods:

The chemical profile of P. guilfoylei leaf oil was elucidated by Gas Chromatographic
analyses (GC-FID, GC-MS). Anticancer activity of P. guilfoylei leaf oil was tested by MTT, morphological
observations, DNA ladder, comet, caspase, flow cytometry and in vivo assays.

Results:

Gas chromatographic profiling of P. guilfoylei leaf oil identified 50 constituents (β-selinene
49.59%, α-selinene 21.68%, (Z)-falcarinol 11.65%). In MTT assay, P. guilfoylei leaf oil at 50, 25,
10, 5 and 1 μg/ml showed 98.6 ± 1.2, 95.3 ± 0.78, 76.8 ± 1.59, 43.6 ± 0.99 and 39.8 ± 1.17% DLA
cell death, respectively (CD50 5.96 μg/ml). In flow cytometry, the majority of P. guilfoylei leaf oil
(25 μg/ml) treated DLA cells showed an accumulation/cell arrest in G2M phase (61.7 ± 2.6%). In P.
guilfoylei leaf oil treated mice (40 days), 5 animals (83.3%, each) were protected in 25, 50 mg/kg
groups.

Conclusion:

P. guilfoylei leaf oil, with minimal toxicity to normal cells, exhibited significant anticancer
activity against lymphoma cells enhancing its potential as an anticancer agent.
Development of memory controller for today’s Elbrus microprocessors
Authors: Petrov I. A.
Published: August 2019

The introduction of a new generation of microprocessors that belong to the Elbrus family and involve the introduction of a network-on-chip, requires the development of efficient means of access to DDR random access memory channels for network nodes. The paper includes a solution to this issue related to the interaction between DDR4 RAM and Elbrus-16СВ, 16-core microprocessor, which demands higher standards of an available capacity and peak bandwidth of memory channels. When designing Elbrus-16CB microprocessor, higher energy efficiency and reliability are also between main objectives. When performing the tasks set, an important component was adaptation of the memory controller, successfully applied in the microprocessors produced by MCST JSC, to DDR4 3DS standard compliance, taken as a basis for the use in a number of recent developments. It provides a four-time higher available RAM capacity without a directly proportional growth of energy consumption. The paper includes a structure of the memory controller and made decisions. These make it possible to increase the target frequency in operations of the device by 30% up to 800 MHz and increase operation reliability of the memory channel.