bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology Focus: Field Development (September 2021)
Authors: Garmeh Reza
Published: October 2021

The digital transformation that began several years ago continues to grow and evolve. With new advancements in data analytics and machine-learning algorithms, field developers today see more benefits to upgrading their traditional development work flows to automated artificial-intelligence work flows. The transformation has helped develop more-efficient and truly integrated development approaches. Many development scenarios can be automatically generated, examined, and updated very quickly. These approaches become more valuable when coupled with physics-based integrated asset models that are kept close to actual field performance to reduce uncertainty for reactive decision making.

In unconventional basins with enormous completion and production databases, data-driven decisions powered by machine-learning techniques are increasing in popularity to solve field development challenges and optimize cube development. Finding a trend within massive amounts of data requires an augmented artificial intelligence where machine learning and human expertise are coupled.

With slowed activity and uncertainty in the oil and gas industry from the COVID-19 pandemic and growing pressure for cleaner energy and environmental regulations, operators had to shift economic modeling for environmental considerations, predicting operational hazards and planning mitigations. This has enlightened the value of field development optimization, shifting from traditional workflow iterations on data assimilation and sequential decision making to deep reinforcement learning algorithms to find the best well placement and well type for the next producer or injector. Operators are trying to adapt with the new environment and enhance their capabilities to efficiently plan, execute, and operate field development plans. Collaboration between different disciplines and integrated analyses are key to the success of optimized development strategies.

These selected papers and the suggested additional reading provide a good view of what is evolving with field development work flows using data analytics and machine learning in the era of digital transformation.

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

SPE 203073 - Data-Driven and AI Methods To Enhance Collaborative Well Planning and Drilling-Risk Prediction by Richard Mohan, ADNOC, et al.

SPE 200895 - Novel Approach To Enhance the Field Development Planning Process and Reservoir Management To Maximize the Recovery Factor of Gas Condensate Reservoirs Through Integrated Asset Modeling by Oswaldo Espinola Gonzalez, Schlumberger, et al.

SPE 202373 - Efficient Optimization and Uncertainty Analysis of Field Development Strategies by Incorporating Economic Decisions in Reservoir Simulation Models by James Browning, Texas Tech University, et al.
Generative Well-Pattern Design Presents Opportunities To Reduce Drilling Expenditures
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: October 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 203152, “Generative Well-Pattern Design Applied to a Giant Mature Field Leads to the Identification of Major Drilling Expenditure Reduction Opportunities,” by Maddalen Lepphaille, Total; Arthur Thenon, Modis; and Pierre Bergey, Total, et al., prepared for the 2020 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, held virtually 9–12 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

A generative well-pattern-design (GWPD) work flow was benchmarked against traditional manual designs to leverage three reservoir-development planning opportunities applicable to a giant mature Middle Eastern carbonate field. People remained central in ensuring efficient problem setup and exploration guidance, but the work flow proved able to identify substantially better patterns than the traditional approach for each of the opportunities at the cost of only a few hundred simulations.

GWPD Overview

The work flow used to tackle the different problems of this study, which the authors call the GWPD “well-improvement scheme” (WISH), consists of the following steps. Each step is detailed in the complete paper.

1. Definition of design space

2. Constraint of design space

3. Qualification of design space

4. Nondominated sorting (a specific ranking of all of the cells of the con-strained design space according to the value of their quality indicators)

5. Candidate design investigation

6. Investigation of preferred designs

7. Optimization of preferred design

GWPD Application

Context. The application study was con-ducted at the beginning of the industrialization of WISH, a proprietary software tool dedicated to GWPD. The authors call the work flow GWPD-WISH.

In the studied oil field, more than 400 oil producers and water- or gas-injector strings have been drilled from approximately 100 platforms in a series of reservoirs. The study focused upon two specific reservoirs holding most of the field reserves. These reservoirs are developed with peripheral water injection and gas injection into the gas cap. According to the latest development plan, hundreds of wells will be drilled during the next 40 years in order to maintain a production plateau.

The context was deemed favorable because a 3D gridded dynamic reservoir model was available, the geology and development history defined a large and complex design problem, and large liquid hydrocarbon reserves were thought to remain.

While the software and method used enables considering an ensemble of realizations capturing reservoir uncertainties, only a single history-matched realization of the model was available. Consequently, the study did not deal with reservoir uncertainties.
Immunohistochemical Evaluation and Prognostic Value of Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) and 4 (MCT4) in T-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Hu , Chen Yuan , Liao You-Ping , Chen Hai-Mei , Yang Qiu-Hong , Xiao Yin , Luo Jing , Chen Zhen-Zhen , Yi Lai , Hu Guo-Yu
Published: October 2021

Tumor cells often exhibit the Warburg effect, wherein, they preferentially undergo glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation for energy production. Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and 4 (MCT4) are critical symporters mediating lactate efflux and preventing intracellular acidification during tumor growth. Numerous studies have focused on inhibiting MCT1 or MCT4 in various cancers. However, its role in T-cell lymphoma (TCL) is not yet investigated owing to the low incidence of TCL. This study was designed to investigate the expression of MCT1/MCT4 in patients with TCL and determine their prognostic value in this cancer. We performed immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression level of MCT1/MCT4 in 38 TCL tissue samples and then compared their expression among different TCL subgroups, which were formed based on different clinical characteristics. Survival analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between MCT1/MCT4 expression and both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Our results revealed that MCT1 and MCT4 expression was significantly increased in TCL tissues compared to the control group. In addition, increased MCT1 expression associated with the female sex, advanced disease stage, increased serum LDH, Ki-67 at ≥50%, and intermediate or high-risk groups as categorized by the International Prognostic Index (IPI) score. We also found that increased MCT1 expression may be associated with reduced OS and PFS. In conclusion, MCT1 and MCT4 are overexpressed in patients with TCL, and may predict poor prognosis. MCT1 inhibition might be a novel treatment strategy for TCL, and further preclinical trials are required.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Mitochondrial Dysfunction in α - cells and Hyperglucagonemia in type 2 Diabetes via SIRT1/FoxO3a Signaling
Authors: Song Jia , Wang Lingshu , Guo Xinghong , He Qin , Cui Chen , Hu Huiqing , Zang Nan , Yang Mengmeng , Yan Fei , Liang Kai , Wang Chuan , Liu Fuqiang , Sun Yujing , He Falian , Sun Zheng , Hou Xinguo , Lai Hong , Chen Li
Published: October 2021

Background: Dysregulation of α-cells results in hyperglycemia and hyperglucagonemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy increases oxygen consumption of islets and enhances insulin secretion. However, the underlying mechanism for the protective role of MSCs in α- cell mitochondrial dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of human umbilical cord MSCs (hucMSCs) on α-cell mitochondrial function and glucagon secretion in T2DM.Methods: hucMSCs were used to treat two kinds of T2DM mice and αTC1-6 cells to explore the role of hucMSCs in improving α-cell mitochondrial dysfunction and hyperglucagonemia. Plasma and supernatant glucagon were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mitochondrial function of α-cells was assessed by the Seahorse Analyzer. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), Forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a), glucose transporter type1 (GLUT1), and glucokinase (GCK) were assessed by western blotting analysis.Results: In vivo, hucMSC infusion improved glucose and insulin tolerance, as well as hyperglycemia and hyperglucagonemia in T2DM mice. Meanwhile, hucMSC intervention rescued islet structure and decreased α- to β-cell ratio. Consistently, glucagon secretion from αTC1-6 cells was inhibited by hucMSCs in vitro. Meanwhile, hucMSC treatment activated intracellular SIRT1/FoxO3a signaling, promoted glucose uptake and activation, alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction, and enhanced ATP production. However, transfection of SIRT1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) or the application of SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 weakened the therapeutic effects of hucMSCs on mitochondrial function and glucagon secretion.Conclusions: Our observations indicate that hucMSCs mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and glucagon hypersecretion of α-cells in T2DM via SIRT1/FoxO3a signaling, which provides novel evidence demonstrating the potential for hucMSCs in treating T2DM.
Safety and Feasibility of Novel Reconstruction Method Using Long and Narrow Cobra- Head- Shaped Gastric Tube in Laparoscopic Proximal Gastrectomy for Cancer
Authors: Ueda Yoshitake , Kawasaki Takahide , Tanabe Sanshi , Suzuki Kosuke , Ninomiya Shigeo , Shiroshita Hidefumi , Etoh Tsuyoshi , Inomata Masafumi , Shiraishi Norio
Published: October 2021

Background. To clarify the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) with our novel reconstruction methods, clinical outcomes of this LPG were evaluated and compared to those of LPG with our conventional method. Methods. Novel method is a reconstruction with a long and narrow gastric tube with widening of the proximal side of the gastric tube created by linear stapler. Esophagogastrostomy is performed by direct anastomosis with overlap method between the posterior wall of the esophagus and anterior wall of the gastric tube using a linear stapler. In conventional method, direct anastomosis between the esophagus and a gastric tube by a circular stapler was performed. Short- and long-term outcomes of a novel method were compared with those of conventional method. Results. A total of 39 patients whom LPG was performed were enrolled in this retrospective study. The amount of blood loss in the Novel method group (n=30) was significantly less than those in the Conventional method group (n=9) (40 vs. 110 ml, p<0.01). No cases of anastomotic leakage and stenosis were observed in both groups. The cases of postoperative reflux esophagitis at 1 year after operation in the Novel group were less than those in the Conventional group (10% vs. 33%). In the Novel group, postoperative recurrence was observed in 2 patients (7%). Conclusions. LPG with novel reconstruction method using long and narrow cobra- head-shaped gastric tube can be easily performed, and may be feasible for the treatment of gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach.
FGF21 restores hippocampual mitochondrial dysfunction via enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 and AMPK/SirT1/PGC-1α signaling pathways to alleviate chronic unpredictable mild stress induced depressive like behaviors in mice
Authors: Zhao Yun-Tao , Shen Ling , Zhang Yong-Ping , Zhang Lulu , Jin Leigang , Chen Shaohong , Song Cai , Hu Chuanyin , Liu You
Published: October 2021

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of depression. Ample research proves mitochondria are a promising target for depression. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) exerts roles in neuroprotection and could enhance mitochondria function. Here, the anti-depressive effect of FGF21 was evaluated on a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)- induced model of depression. The depressive-like behaviors were assessed using sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The results showed that treatment of FGF21 significantly attenuated the decrease in SPT, and dramatically reduced the immobility time in the TST and FST. These effects were associated with enhanced hippocampal mitochondrial function, reflected by FGF21-induced increases in mitochondrial ATP concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. At the same time, FGF21 ameliorated oxidative stress in CUMS-exposed mice by enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase activities, and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the hippocampus. Mechanistically, we found that CUMS treatment decreased expression level of mitochondrial fusion protein 1 (MFN1), and increased expression level of mitochondrial dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). FGF21 administration increased expression of MFN1, and reduced expression of DRP1. Meanwhile, FGF21 treatment promoted the expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, phosphorylated AMPK, SirT1, PGC-1a in the hippocampus. This study revealed that FGF21 alleviates CUMS induced depressive like behaviors by restoring mitochondria function via enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 and AMPK/SirT1/PGC-1α signaling pathways. It suggested that FGF21 would be a potential therapeutic agent in the management of depression.
Frequency Spectra and the Color of Cellular Noise
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Khammash Mustafa
Published: October 2021

The invention of the Fourier integral in the 19th century laid the foundation for modern spectral analysis methods. By decomposing a (time) signal into its essential frequency components, these methods uncovered deep insights into the signal and its generating process, precipitating tremendous inventions and discoveries in many fields of engineering, technology, and physical science. In systems and synthetic biology, however, the impact of frequency methods has been far more limited despite their huge promise. This is in large part due to the difficulties encountered in connecting the underlying stochastic reaction network in the living cell, whose dynamics is typically modelled as a continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC), to the frequency content of the observed, distinctively noisy single-cell trajectories. Here we draw on stochastic process theory to develop a spectral theory and computational methodologies tailored specifically to the computation and analysis of frequency spectra of noisy cellular networks. Specifically, we develop a generic method to obtain accurate Padé approximations of the spectrum from a handful of trajectory simulations. Furthermore, for linear networks, we present a novel decomposition result that expresses the frequency spectrum in terms of its sources. Our results provide new conceptual and practical methods for the analysis and design of noisy cellular networks based on their output frequency spectra. We illustrate this through diverse case studies in which we show that the single-cell frequency spectrum facilitates topology discrimination, synthetic oscillator optimization, cybergenetic controller design, systematic investigation of stochastic entrainment, and even parameter inference from single-cell trajectory data.
Effects of Dedifferentiated Fat Cells on Neurogenic Differentiation and Cell Proliferation in Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Hidaka Ayano , Uekusa Shota , Hosokawa Takashi , Kaneda Hide , Kazama Tomohiko , Hagikura Kazuhiro , Uehara Shuichiro , Koshinaga Tsugumichi , Matsumoto Taro
Published: October 2021

Recent reports demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can induce differentiation of neuroblastoma (NB) cells. Dedifferentiated fat cells (DFAT) and MSCs have similar properties. The present study investigated whether DFAT can induce NB cell differentiation and suppress cell proliferation. DFAT was obtained from mature adipocytes isolated from adipose tissue from a ceiling culture. NB cells were cultured in a medium with/without DFAT, and subsequently in a DFAT-conditioned medium (CM) with/without phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. Length of neurites was measured, and the mRNA expression levels of the neurofilament (NF) and tubulin beta III (TUBβ3) were assessed using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability was assessed by the water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay. NB cells cultured with DFAT elongated the neurites and upregulated the expression of NF and Tubβ3 compared with the control. However, NB cells cultured in DFAT-CM demonstrated increased cell viability compared with the control. NB cells cultured with DFAT-CM and PI3K inhibitor suppressed cell viability and demonstrated increased neurite length and expression and upregulation of Tubβ3. Therefore, the combined use of DFAT-CM and PI3K inhibitors suppresses the proliferation of NB cells and induces their differentiation. DFAT may offer new insights into therapeutic approaches in NB.
Determinants of Birth Asphyxia At Public Hospitals in Ilu Aba Bor Zone Southwest, Ethiopia: A Case Control Study
Authors: Wolde Tarekegn Fekede , Bekele Firomsa , Fufa Abeya
Published: October 2021

Despite birth asphyxia is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in newborn; its determinants were not investigated according to local context especially in this area. Thus, this study aims to investigate the determinants of birth asphyxia at Illu Aba Bor zone public health facilities. Study Design: An Institution based a case-control study. Methods: Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 308 (103 cases and 205 controls) newborn. Data were collected using checklist for record review & interviewer administered questionnaire and entered in to Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Variables with P-value <0.25 were taken to multi-variable regression. Backward likelihood ratio with 0.1 probability removal was used to develop the model. Collinearity, goodness fit of final model using Hosmer Lemeshow test considering good fit at P-value ≥ 0.05 (0.208), omnibus likelihood test <0.05(0.000) and model classification of accuracy (77.9%) were checked. Odds Ratio estimated with 95% CI was used to show strength of association and P-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Results: A total of 308 (103 cases and 205 controls) mothers of newborns were interviewed yielding a response rate of 100%. The mean age (±Standard deviation) of mothers for the cases and the controls were 25.97 (SD: ±4.47) and 25.52(SD: ±4.17), respectively. Being not educated (non-formal education) [AOR=2.44; (95%CI:1.37, 4.34)], having antenatal care follow up <4 [AOR=2.30; (95% CI:1.17, 4.53)], Prolonged duration of labour [AOR=4.12; (95% CI:1.78, 9.50)], non-cephalic fetal presentation [AOR=4.35; (95%CI:1.77, 10.67)] and being primi-gravida [AOR=2.14; (95%CI:1.20, 3.83)] were the predictors of birth asphyxia. Whereas, neonatal factor such as: being preterm [AOR=5.77; (l95%:2.62, 12.69)] and low birth weight [AOR=4.43; (95% CI: 1.94, 10.13)] were also the predictors of birth asphyxia Conclusion: Predictors were maternal and newborn related characteristics. Therefore, interventions focusing in this area should give priority for these identified determinants.
WITHDRAWN: Patent landscape of Chinese Classical Formulas
Authors: Shi Ruipeng , Luo Hua , Zhao Yi , Tang Yuyang , Zhong Zhangfeng , Wang Shengpeng , Hu Yuanjia
Published: October 2021

BackgroundChinese Classical Formulas (經典名方, CCFs) are clinically employed formulas that have been documented in the literature since before the Ming era. In 2010, China began focusing on the development and product transformation of CCFs and issued a list of 100 CCFs as a reference. Patents are key components of the process for transferring technology to product; however, they are rarely employed in current CCF research. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the current situation of CCFs based on the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and provide a reference for researchers, investors, and policymakers to make relevant decisions. MethodsInformation on CCF publication numbers was obtained from the CNIPA, and data for patent applications made before June 30, 2021, on inventors, titles, and abstracts were searched in the patent database, Derwent Innovation. Duplicate application numbers were removed, applications were standardized, and inventors were categorized. The processed data were then used for subsequent analyses. ResultsA total of 287 patents were included in this analysis, and 61 CCFs were patented. Two major policies regarding CCFs in 2011 and 2019 greatly stimulated related patent applications, but lacked sustainability, followed by a relatively large decline in 2012 and 2020. Among the granted patents, 42.59% are analytical methods-related inventions and 24.07% for preparation methods. The percentage of core patents on substance basis and mechanism of action is relatively small. ConclusionPolicies have a significant impact on CCF R&D. The number of CCF patent applications is increasing every year and there is an increasing number of companies as patent applicants, which indicates that CCF is considered to have a good market potential. However, the lack of high quality patents may create difficulties for future development and this will be an important issue to be addressed. Keywords Chinese classical formulations, Chinese medicine, patent, product transformation
Beyond the Scales: A physics-informed machine learning approach for more efficient modeling of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein
Authors: Liang David , Zhang Ziji , Rafailovich Miriam , Simon Marcia , Deng Yuefan , Zhang Peng
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a physics-informed machine learning approach to the derivation of a bottom-up coarse-grained model of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein from all-atomic molecular dynamics simulations. The machine learning procedure employs a force-matching scheme in the optimization of interaction parameters, where the force-matching scheme is combined in methodology with the initialization of the interaction parameters by the traditional iterative Boltzmann inversion method. The force-matched machine learning procedure is constructed based on two physics-informed layers: one is the Harmonic layer consisting of bond, angle, and dihedral terms as bonded potentials; the other is the Lennard-Jones layer consisting of the non-bonded Lennard-Jones potential. Coarse-grained validation simulations are performed with the learned parameters to test the derived bottom-up coarse-grained model. The simulations are able to reach the microsecond time scale with stability. The physics-informed learning approach yields simulation speeds nearly 40,000 times faster than conventional all-atomic simulations while maintaining comparable simulation accuracy. Additionally, through examination of the non-bonded Lennard-Jones parameters and the radial distribution function analysis, the learning approach matches pairwise distances of the ground-truth data with greater accuracy than the conventional iterative approach method.
The Ecological Responses of Bacterioplankton During a Phaeocystis Globosa Bloom in Beibu Gulf, China Highlighted by Integrated Metagenomics and Metatranscriptomics
Authors: xu sha , He Cheng , Kang Zhenjun , Song Shuqun , Li Caiwen
Published: October 2021

The interaction between bacteria and phytoplankton during bloom events are complicated throughout the developmental processes of algal blooms. The detailed ecological roles of bacterioplankton during algal blooms still need to be investigated comprehensively. With the assistance of omics techniques, the composition and function of bacterioplankton were studied during the blooming and recession periods of Phaeocystis globosa in the Beibu Gulf, China. The transcriptionally active taxa of Vibrio, which correlated with most functional genes, were enriched in the blooming period, whereas the active microbial groups, such as Erythrobacter and Candidatus puniceispirillum, increased significantly in the recession period of the P. globosa bloom. The transcriptional analyses indicated the blooming and recession periods of P. globosa had different impacts on the function of bacterioplankton, including shifts in expression of specific metabolic pathways for variable nutritional utilization and their advantage in bacterial motility, quorum sensing, and extracellular secretion. Overall, the integrated field investigation and in-depth analysis of molecular data highlighted the difference of bacterial community during the outbreak and collapse stages of P. globosa bloom, and provided fundamental data for better understanding of the bacterial community in response to blooming and recession of the P. globosa bloom.
DeepAmp: A Convolutional Neural Network Based Tool for Predicting Protein AMPylation Sites From Binary Profile Representation
Authors: Azim Sayed Mehedi , Sharma Alok , Shatabda Swakkhar , Dehzangi Abdollah
Published: October 2021

AMPylation is an emerging post-translational modification that occurs on the hydroxyl group of threonine, serine, or tyrosine via a phosphodiester bond. AMPylators catalyze this process as covalent attachment of adenosine monophosphate to the amino acid side chain of a peptide. Recent studies have shown that this post-translational modification is directly responsible for regulation of neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration and also involved in many physiological processes. Despite the importance of this post-translational modification, there is no peptide sequence dataset available for conducting computational analysis. Therefore, so far, no computational approach has been proposed for predicting AMPylation. In this study, we introduce a new dataset of this distinct post-translational modification and develop a new machine learning tool using a deep convolutional neural network called DeepAmp to predict AMPylation sites in proteins. DeepAmp achieves 77.7%, 79.1%, 76.8%, and 0.55 in terms of Accuracy, Sensitivity, Specificity, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) for AMPylation site prediction task, respectively. As the first machine learning model, DeepAmp demonstrate promising results which highlight its potential to solve this problem. Our presented dataset and DeepAmp as a standalone predictor are publicly available at https://github.com/MehediAzim/DeepAmp
Adipose Derived Stem Cells Ameliorate Atopic Dermatitis by Down-regulating IL-17 Secretion of Th17 Cells in an Ovalbumin-induced Mouse Model
Authors: Guan Jingyan , Li Yibao , Lu Feng , Feng Jingwei
Published: October 2021

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has therapeutic potential for Atopic dermatitis (AD) due to their immunoregulatory effects. However, the underlying mechanisms for therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs on AD is still unclear. Objectives: We sought to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on AD using an ovalbumin-induced AD mouse model. Methods: AD mice were treated with mice-derived ADSCs, cortisone, or PBS. The therapeutic effect was determined via gross examination and additional in vitro assays using skin samples and blood. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, RNA sequencing analyses and co-culture assays were conducted.Results: ADSCs treatment attenuated the symptoms associated with AD, decreased the serum IgE level and mast cells infiltration. Tissue levels of T-cell relevant pro-inflammatory cytokine production, including IL-4R and IL-17A, were suppressed in both ADSCs and cortisone treatment groups. Genomics and bioinformatics analyses demonstrated a significant enrichment of certain of inflammation related pathway in the down regulated genes after the application of ADSCs and cortisone, specifically the IL-17 signaling pathway. Co-culture experiments revealed that ADSCs significantly suppressed the expression of pro-inflammation cytokines IL-17A and RORγT, as well as the proliferation of Th17 cells. Moreover, the expression of PD-L1, TGF-β, PGE2 was significantly upregulated in the co-cultured ADSCs compare to monocultured ADSCs. Conclusion: Taken together, our data may demonstrate that ADSCs ameliorate OVA- induced AD in mice by down-regulating IL-17 secretion of Th17 cells.
Hypoxia Promotes Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Through ANXA1 Pathway
Authors: Liu Qing-Hua , Xia Lei , Wu Xiao-Yue , Lu Chen-Chen , Song Jing-Yuan , Bao Shisan , Liu Ying
Published: October 2021

Background: To determinethe involvement of hypoxia inducible factor1α (HIF) pathway inmetastasis of gastric cancer (GC). Method: It was determined that the expression of HIF and annexin A1 (ANXA1) in human GC (n=76),using immunohis to chemistry, as well as,the involvement of HIF pathway in GC cell migration and invasion in vitro. The correlation between HIF/ANXA1 and the prognosis wasalso evaluated.Results: HIF1αwas substantiallyupregulatedin GC tissues, compared to that of non-cancer. HIF1α was positively correlated withlymph node metastasis, but inversely correlated with survival in GC patients. HIF1αwas an independent prognostic factor in GC patients, and the combination of HIF1α and ANXA1 might serve asuseful prognostic markers in GCpatients.Furthermore,HIF-1αseems topromote GC migration and invasion through HIF1α/ANXA1/MMP-2 pathway. Conclusions: Our findings suggestthat HIF-1αmay serve as a promising prognostic biomarkerand therapeutic target for inhibiting GC metastasis.
Making implementation programmes better. Mixed-m​ethods case study of an implementation process for two evidence-based brief psychotherapies
Authors: Lindholm Lars H. , Komulainen Jorma , Lassila Antero , Kampman Olli
Published: October 2021

Background

The Ostrobothnia Depression Programme (ODP) had a hybrid-design incorporating an implementation programme for two evidence-based treatments (EBTs), behavioural activation and motivational interviewing, and a study on their effectiveness. It was carried out regionally in secondary psychiatric care in a Finnish district. We evaluated the ODP through a mixed-methods analysis to extract organization- and programme-related knowledge to make future programmes more effective in terms of sustaining and scaling up the desired programme outcomes.
Methods

A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted with the programme addressees 4-5 months after the end of the ODP. The realization of case consultation groups analysed further by interviewing those responsible for them and making use of attendance lists.
Results

Out of 72 original programme addressees 33 completed the survey. The results showed that the ODP succeeded in initiating the desired change in clinical practices. Case consultations and training videos intended as reinforcers were underutilized. Deficits in the implementation plan and the hybrid design of the ODP jeopardized the maintenance of the implementation outcomes in the long term.
Conclusions

We discuss our results in light of the Normalization Process Theory (NPT) related sub-processes ‘implementation’, ‘embedding’ and ‘integration’. The complete training intervention in the target EBTs should comprise both workshops and non-optional case consultations. Access to case consultations should be made as convenient as possible. Means to decentralize the clinical support in everyday work should be elaborated in collaboration with the teams. Coaching team leaders to employ evidence-based active managerial practices that are connected e.g. to the concept of ‘transformational leadership’ would likely be fruitful. The original programme plan should be checked for means to sustain and scale up the implementation outcomes after the active programme phase.
Changes in Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain Before and After Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty
Authors: Soesanto Amiliana Mardiani , Syah Pangeran Akbar , Ariani Rina , Firman Doni , Kurniawati Yovi , Rudiktyo Estu
Published: October 2021

Background: Several studies have reported left ventricular systolic dysfunction as measured by the global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with mitral stenosis. This study aims to determine left ventricular systolic function changes using global longitudinal strain early after balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) and on long-term observation.Methods: Baseline echocardiography data and GLS were taken before BMV, followed up early after (2 to 7 days), and in the long-term (6 months to 1 year) after BMV.Result: Among 36 patients, the mean age was 43.41±10.04 y.o, female dominant (72%); the majority have atrial fibrillation (56%), with a median mitral valve area (MVA) before BMV of 0.6 (0.2-1.3) cm2 and mean mitral valve gradient before BMV of 12.95 ± 5.29 mmHg. GLS increased from -14.34 ± 3.05% to 15.84 ±3.11% and increased further to -17.29 ± 2.80% (p<0.05), at pre-BMV- early post-BMV, and long-term follow up, respectively. Conclusions: There is a significant improvement in LV GLS early after BMV compare to baseline. The GLS improved further at long-term evaluation (six months until one year) after BMV.
Kinematics of the head and associated vertebral artery length changes during high-velocity, low-amplitude cervical spine manipulation
Authors: Gorrell Lindsay , Kuntze Gregor , Ronsky Janet L , Carter Ryan , Symons Bruce , Triano John J , Herzog Walter
Published: October 2021

Background

Cervical spine manipulation (CSM) is a frequently used treatment for neck pain. Despite its demonstrated efficacy, concerns regarding CSM safety remain. The purpose of this study was to quantify the angular displacements of the head relative to the sternum and the associated vertebral artery (VA) length changes during the thrust phase of CSM.
Methods

Bilateral rotation and lateral flexion CSM procedures were delivered from C1 to C7 to three male cadaveric donors. For each CSM the force-time profile was recorded using a thin, flexible pressure pad (100-200Hz), to determine the timing of the thrust. Three dimensional displacements of the head relative to the sternum were recorded using an eight-camera motion analysis system (120-240Hz) and angular displacements of the head relative to the sternum were computed in Matlab. Positive kinematic values indicate flexion, left lateral flexion, and left rotation. Ipsilateral refers to the same side as the clinician's contact and contralateral, the opposite. Length changes of the VA were recorded using eight piezoelectric ultrasound crystals, inserted along the entire vessel. VA length changes were calculated as D=(L1-L0)/L0, where L0= length of the whole VA (sum of segmental lengths) or the V3 segment at CSM thrust onset; L1= whole VA or V3 length at peak force during the CSM thrust.
Results

VA length changes during the thrust phase were greatest with ipsilateral rotation CSM (producing contralateral head rotation): [mean ± SD (range)] whole artery [1.3 ± 1.0 (-0.4 to 3.3%)]; and V3 segment [2.6 ± 3.6 (-0.4 to 11.6%)]. For ipsilateral rotation CSM, head angular displacements relative to the sternum during the thrust were: flexion/extension [1.2 ± 3.4 (-6.6 to 7.6º)]; rotation [-10.2 ± 3.5 (-16.1 to -3.7º)]; and lateral flexion [8.8 ± 3.0 (2.5 to 14.1º)].
Conclusion

Mean head angular displacements and VA length changes were small during CSM thrusts. Of the four different CSM measured, mean VA length changes were largest during rotation procedures. This suggests that if clinicians wish to limit VA length changes, consideration should be given to the type of CSM used.
Carbon Microsphere From Postconsumer Soft Drink Bottles and Their Impact On Plant Growth Study of Cicer Arietinum
Authors: Mondal Naba Kumar , Singha Papiya , Sen Kamalesh , Mondal Arghadip , Debnath Priyanka , Mondal Anupam
Published: October 2021

Present work is highlighted on the conversion of waste PET plastics to carbon nanosphere, their characterization by SEM-EDX, XRD and FTIR and finally their application in the field of germination of Cicer arietinum and biochemical analysis. SEM and XRD results revealed that PET plastic are comfortably converted to carbon microsphere with a diameter ranges between 2-8 µm with amorphous nature and FTIR study suggested that the existence of aromatic C-H and aromatic ring along with carbonyl groups. Root morphology suggested that both root length and seminal root number gradually decrease with increasing carbon microsphere dose. Biochemical results revealed that the level of proline, catalase and MDA levels significantly (p < 0.0001) increase with increasing the dose of carbon microsphere. Finally, it can be concluded that lower dose of carbon microsphere could be beneficial for both seed germination and seedling growth, but higher dose may have adverse effect on plant community.
Insoles to ease plantar pressure in people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy: a feasibility randomised controlled trial with an embedded qualitative study
Authors: Collings Richard , Freeman Jennifer , Latour Jos M , Paton Joanne
Published: October 2021

Background: Therapeutic footwear and insoles are preventative strategies to reduce elevated plantar pressures associated with diabetic foot ulcer risk. An insole intervention appropriate for chairside delivery optimizing plantar foot pressure reduction in people with diabetes has been developed. Aim: To explore the feasibility and acceptability of testing an optimized insole compared with an active control insole to reduce plantar pressures for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Methods: A double-blinded multicentre feasibility RCT with an embedded qualitative study. In addition to usual care, participants were randomized to either an optimized insole group (Intervention) or a standard cushioned insole group (Active control). Participants were assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months with clinical outcome of mean peak plantar pressure (MPPP) reduction. An embedded qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 12 study participants and three podiatrists to explore their experiences of the intervention and trial procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (quantitative data) and thematic analysis (qualitative data).Results: Screened were142 patients from which 61 were recruited; 30 participants were randomized to the Intervention group and 31 to the Active control group. Forty-two participants completed the study. At 12-months, 69% of the patient-reported questionnaires were returned and 68% of the clinical outcomes were collected. Mean difference in MPPP between the Intervention and Active control groups for all regions-of-interest combined favoured the Intervention, with increases from 87kPa at post-randomization to 255kPa at 12-months. Thematic analysis revealed three themes; accepting the study, behaviour and support during study procedures, and impact from study participation. Conclusion: The results of the feasibility RCT suggest that the optimized insole holds promise as an intervention, and that a full RCT to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of this intervention is feasible and warranted for people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Trial registration: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN16011830. Registered 9th October 2017, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16011830
Linear Approximate Pattern Matching Algorithm
Authors: Al-okaily Anas , Tbakhi Abdelghani
Published: October 2021

Pattern matching is a fundamental process in almost every scientific domain. The problem involves finding the positions of a given pattern (usually of short length) in a reference stream of data (usually of large length). The matching can be as an exact or as an approximate (inexact) matching. Exact matching is to search for the pattern without allowing for mismatches (or insertions and deletions) of one or more characters in the pattern), while approximate matching is the opposite. For exact matching, several data structures that can be built in linear time and space are used and in practice nowadays. For approximate matching, the solutions proposed to solve this matching are non-linear and currently impractical. In this paper, we designed and implemented a structure that can be built in linear time and space and solve the approximate matching problem in (O(m + {log_Σ^k}n/{k!} + occ) search costs, where m is the length of the pattern, n is the length of the reference, and k is the number of tolerated mismatches (and insertion and deletions).
Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Wheezing and Asthma Among Preschool Children in Urumqi City: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Wang Tingting , Shi Haonan , Wan Guangshen , Zhao Zhuohui , Norback Dan , Pu Guiping , Ma Shaowei , Dong Huijuan , Yao Jian , Lu Junwen , Wang Yue , Yan Qi , Qi Huizhen , Ma Qi , Shi Yufeng
Published: October 2021

Background: To investigate the prevalence and indoor environmental influencing factors of wheezing and asthma among preschool children in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China to provide a strong basis for prevention and control. Methods: In August 2019, a cross-sectional epidemiological study involving 8153 preschool children was conducted in 60 kindergartens in Urumqi. The mean age of the children who participated in the survey was 5.27 ± 1.10 years. Additionally, 51.9% were boys, 86.9% were Han Chinese, and an 81.53% survey response rate was observed. The childhood wheeze and asthma survey used was the ALLHOME-2 questionnaire, and the childhood home dwelling and living environment survey used was the DBH questionnaire. Partial adjustments were made according to the geographical environment of Urumqi and the living habits of the residents.Results: The prevalence of wheezing and asthma in children was 4.7% and 2.0%, respectively. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression results suggested that ethnicity (odds ratio (OR)=1.39, 95% confidence interval (95%CI)=1.05–1.84), birth pattern (OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.00–1.53), family history of asthma (OR=5.00, 95%CI=3.36–7.44), carpet or floor bedding at home (OR=1.40, 95%CI=1.05–1.87), purchasing new furniture in the mother’s residence during pregnancy (OR=1.58,95%CI=1.06–2.36), pet keeping in the residence at age 0–1 (OR=1.55, 95%CI=1.13–2.13), passive smoking in the child's residence (OR=1.35, 95%CI=1.01–1.80), and having mould or hygroma in the child's residence at age 0–1 (OR=1.72, 95%CI=1.12–2.64) were risk factors for wheezing. In addition, sex (OR=0.73, 95%CI=0.59-0.90) was a protective factor for wheezing. Birth pattern (OR=1.46, 95%CI=1.06–2.00), family history of asthma (OR=7.06,95%CI=4.33–11.53), carpet or floor bedding at home (OR=2.20, 95%CI=1.50–3.23), and pet keeping in the residence at age 0–1 (OR=1.64, 95%CI=1.04–1.83) were risk factors for asthma, whereas gender (OR=0.58, 95% CI=0.42–0.80) was a protective factor for asthma. Conclusion: This survey indicates that preschool children in Urumqi have a higher risk of wheezing and asthma. Risk factors that may cause an elevated risk of wheezing or asthma have also been identified.
Hitchhiking Halophytes in Wrack and Sediment-Laden Ice Blocks Contribute To Tidal Marsh Development in The Upper Bay of Fundy.
Authors: Lundholm Jeremy , Rabinowitz Tasha R.M. , Greene Lyndsay , Glogowski Alisha D. , Bowron Tony , Proosdij Danika van
Published: October 2021

Salt marshes are a type of coastal wetland that are affected by dynamic coastal processes. Ice blocks and wrack (mats of plant debris) regularly float onto northern marshes and become stranded, affecting vegetation and soil accretion. There is little research regarding the capacity of ice and wrack to transport viable plant propagules onto marshes where they can colonize, which may be particularly important at barren new salt marsh restoration sites. Contributions of sediment by ice may also be important at restoration sites to raise the marsh platform to elevations appropriate for plant colonization. We collected ice (n = 27) and wrack (n = 18) samples at marshes in the Bay of Fundy, ran germination trials with the contents, and measured the quantity of sediment in the ice. We found viable propagules from halophytic and non-halophytic species in wrack, and viable propagules of Sporobolus pumilus in ice. Additionally, we found sediment densities between 0.01 and 4.75 g·cm−3 in ice blocks that translated to 26.61 – 21,483.59 kg of total sediment per block, representing a large source of sediment. We found that the number of germinating propagules could not be predicted by wrack size, and that pH, sediment density, sediment weight in ice blocks were variable across the marsh surface, while ice salinity was negatively correlated with elevation and distance from creek. Our results indicate that ice and wrack represent a potential source for vegetation colonization at salt marsh sites and highlights their contributions to facilitating vegetation colonization through building marsh soils.
A Method to Characterize Climate, Earth or Environmental Vector Random Processes
Authors: Budia Manuel Cobos , Morillas Pedro Otiñar , Redondo Pedro Magaña , Azofra Asunción Baquerizo
Published: October 2021

We propose a methodology to characterize a multivariate non-stationary vector random process that can be used for simulating random realizations that keep the probabilistic behavior of the original time series. The marginal probability distribution of each component process is assumed to be a piecewise function deﬁned by several weighted parametric probability models. The weights are obtained analytically by ensuring that the probability density function is well deﬁned and that it is continuous at the common endpoints. The probability model is assumed to vary periodically in time over a predeﬁned time period by deﬁning the model parameters and the common endpoints as truncated generalized Fourier series. The coeﬃcients of the expansions are obtained with the maximum likelihood method. Three diﬀerent types of sets of orthogonal functions are tested. The method is applied to three time series with diﬀerent particularities. Firstly, it is shown its good behavior to capture the highly variable freshwater discharges at a dam located in a semiarid zone in Andalucía (Spain) which is inﬂuenced not only by the climate variability but also by management decisions. Secondly, for the Wolf sunspot number time series, the Schwabe cycle and time variations close to the 7.5 and 17 years are analyzed along a 22-year cycle. Finally, the method is applied to a bivariate (velocity and direction) wind time series observed at a location of the Atlantic Ocean. For this case, the analysis, that was combined with a vectorial autoregresive model, focus on the assessment of the goodness of the methodology to replicate the statistical features of the original series. In particular, it is found that it reproduces the marginal and joint distributions, the wind rose, and the duration of sojourns above given thresholds.