bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clogging of induced fracture to increase waterflood sweep efficiency
Authors: Fedorov Konstantin M. , Vydysh Ivan V. , Kobyashev Alexander V. , Gavris’ Alexander S.
Published: October 2023

Waterflooding of low-permeable reservoirs with high pressure is often accompanied by formation of induced fracture. The positive side of this process is an injectivity increase and oil production rise. However, when these fractures approach producing wells, an early water breakthrough occurs, and high productivity channels are formed between the injection and producing wells.

The technology of fracture clogging, for example, by suspension composition injection into an injection well, allows reducing the length of the fracture. The paper considers the problem of the fracture size reducing process on the waterflood sweep efficiency. The example of a reverse five–point waterflood pattern was investigated. In the basic calculation run, fracture length was constant during all process. The run with transformable fracture length is compared with the basic one.

The results of calculations showed that the process of waterflooding after fracture impact could be divided into the following stages. The first one, which follows immediately after the fracture clogging, demonstrates a water cut decrease and an oil production rate increase. The second, in which the oil production declines below the base variant. On the third stage, there is a low, but long-term increase in oil production due to increased waterflood sweep efficiency. The authors established that monitoring of induced fractures length is relevant, since timely fractures clogging allows to increase oil production after the well treatment and to incline the oil recovery coefficient through increasing waterflood sweep efficiency.
Reservoir characterization in coastal-continental environment of the Jurassic complex based on seismic data inversion
Authors: Shapovalov M.Yu. , Khamitullin I.M. , Shakirov R.R. , Filippova K.E. , Bregida A.A.
Published: October 2023

A modern seismic interpretation of coastal-continental deposits in the Jurassic complex of one of the fields in the north of the West Siberian Oil and Gas Province, including simultaneous stochastic inversion of seismic data was performed. The main object of the study was the interval of the group of J2 reservoirs. Petro-elastic modeling was carried out on the project. Modelling includes six wells with geophysical well logs. Feasibility study shows possibility of predicting lithology by stochastic inversion. In addition, optimal parametrization of elastic properties was determined to separate water-saturated and gas-saturated reservoirs from clay deposits. Interpretation of well and seismic data, as well as the results of stochastic inversion, made it possible to identify play zones in target interval. Probability cubes of gas-saturated reservoirs, made it possible to map the lenticular structure of the reservoirs and substantiate hydrodynamic barriers between individual gas plays.
Refinement of the geological model of Jurassic deposits accounting the results of stochastic inversion and facies modeling
Authors: Nikanorova Marina A. , Kalinin Evgeniy N. , Shapovalov Mikhail Yu. , Korolev Evgeniy S. , Shadchnev Nikolay A. , Babinov Kirill Yu.
Published: October 2023

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive interpretation showing the effective way to integrate seismic data into a three-dimensional geological model. Stochastic inversion was used to increase the reliability of forecasts of productive thicknesses. A comprehensive interpretation of the geological and geophysical information of the Yu21 formation deposits of the Malyshevskaya formation was carried out, including sedimentological analysis of core data, petroelastic modeling of well logging curves for the purposes of stochastic inversion and stochastic inversion of seismic data. An areal forecast of sedimentation environments (facies) was carried out. The resulting three-dimensional geological model, in more detail, compared to the model without taking into account the spatial seismic forecast, emphasizes the heterogeneity of the distribution of properties in the geological environment, which is especially important when planning production drilling with horizontal wells.
Transhumanizm. Od przodków do awatarów
Authors: Huberman Jennifer
Published: October 2023

Transhumanizm jest zjawiskiem tak popularnym, że wydaje się obecny wszędzie. Jego wpływ można dostrzec w serialach telewizyjnych, takich jak Westworld, w programie SpaceX i autonomicznych pojazdach Elona Muska, a także w próbach wykorzystania przez wojsko nowych technologii do zwiększenia zdolności poznawczych żołnierzy na polu walki. Jasne jest, że projekty transhumanistyczne już teraz aktywnie przetwarzają społeczne, materialne i wyobrażeniowe światy, w których żyjemy. A jednak transhumanizmowi poświęcono zaskakująco mało uwagi jako antropologicznemu przedmiotowi badań. […] Niniejsza książka zaczyna się od paradoksu. Pod względem etnograficznym koncentruje się ona na futurystycznym ruchu społecznym oddanym idei wiecznej transcendencji. Z akademickiego punktu widzenia dowodzi jednak, że możemy osiągnąć wielką mądrość, wracając do przeszłości. Wsłuchiwanie się w słowa protoplastów naszej dyscypliny może nadal dostarczać ważnych spostrzeżeń na temat światów i ludzi XXI wieku. Dlatego w tej publikacji przyjmuję podejście do transhumanizmu, które nazywam „powrotem do przyszłości”.
Effect of BTS, GEPS and MODENA Extender on DNA Integrity and Relative Expression of HSP70 and Cas3 Gene in HD-K75 Boar Semen
Authors: Basumatary S. , Barua P.M. , Ahmed K. , Buragohain L. , Tamuly S. , Borpujari D. , Kashyap B.
Published: October 2023

Background: The present study compared the quality characteristics of boar semen diluted with three extenders at different hours of preservation. Methods: A total of 24 ejaculates comprising 6 ejaculates from each of four boars of 10-12 months age maintained under uniform management conditions are being selected for the present study. Semen was collected once weekly from four clinically healthy HD-K75 boars by simple fist method. The ejaculated semen was extended in BTS, GEPS and MODENA extender and maintained at 15°C upto 120 hours of preservation. The DNA integrity and the mean fold change in relative expression of HSP70 and Cas3 gene in BTS, GEPS and MODENA extender is also being studied. Result: The percentage of DNA integrity revealed that no DNA damaged spermatozoa were observed in MODENA extender from 0 to 120 hours of preservation. The relative expression of HSP70 gene elucidated significant difference (P less than 0.01) at 24 hours in three extenders. The relative expression of Cas3 gene in BTS, GEPS and MODENA extender differed significantly (P less than 0.01) at 0, 72 and 96 hours of preservation. The overall expression (fold change) of apoptotic gene was found to be higher in BTS extender followed by MODENA and GEPS.
Assessment of Some Leguminous Weeds as Potential Green Manure Crops under Mizoram, North East India
Authors: Jopir Jyoti , Upadhyaya Kalidas , Lalhmangaihzuali Baby , Rozar K. Pung
Published: October 2023

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance, biomass production and nutrient accumulation of three abundant leguminous weeds, namely Crotolaria micans Link., Aeschynomene indica L. and Calopogonium mucunoides Desv., found in Mizoram, India, to assess their potentiality as green manure crops. Methods: The field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design. After 90 days of sowing, the growth performance of the plants and biomass accumulation was assessed. Accumulation of nutrients was estimated by analyzing the nutrient content using standard methods and multiplying it with dry biomass. Result: The result revealed that Crotolaria micans showed higher growth and biomass accumulation. C. micans accumulates higher N, P, K, Zn, Cu and Fe contents in the shoot and root biomass while A. indica accumulates higher Ca in the root biomass. We conclude that Crotolaria micans was the most promising leguminous weed species in terms of growth performance, biomass production and nutrient accumulation and has better potential to be utilized as a green manure crop.
Antagonism Pseudomonas diminuta on The Growth of Vibrio harveyi with Mix Culture Method
Authors: Hastuti Satyantini, Ir., M.Si Dr. Woro , Mubarak Ahmad Syahrul , Subekti Sri
Published: October 2023

One of the obstacles often encountered in white shrimp farming is the presence of bacterial diseases caused by Vibrio group bacteria. One of the efforts to control Vibriosis is by using antagonistic bacteria as biocontrol agents, one of which is using Pseudomonas diminuta. In this study Pseudomonas diminuta and Vibrio harveyi were co-cultured with the aim of determining the optimal density and effective incubation time of P. diminuta which could provide the highest inhibition of V. harveyi growth. This study used a completely randomized design with six treatments P0 (P. diminuta 105 CFU/ml), P1 (V. harveyi 106 CFU/ml), P2 (P. diminuta 105 CFU/ml+V. harveyi 106 CFU/ml), P3 (P. diminuta 106 CFU/ml+V. harveyi 106 CFU/ml), P4 (P. diminuta 107 CFU/ml+V. harveyi 106 CFU/ml), P5 (P. diminuta 108 CFU/ml+V. harveyi 106 CFU/ml). The results of this study showed that P2, P3, P4 and P5 had decreased growth of V. harveyi when compared to control P1 (V.harveyi 106  CFU/ml). The decrease in the growth of V. harveyi occurred at the 8th to 48th  hour. V. harveyi in P3 (2.72 × 108 CFU/ml), P2 (2.80 × 108 CFU/ml), P4 (2.96 × 108 CFU/ml) and P5 (2.90 × 108 CFU/ml) at the 48th hour of incubation was lower than P1 (3, 15×108 CFU/ml). Based on the results of the Duncan test showed that P2, P3, P4 and P5 were significantly different (p <0.05) from P1. From this study it was concluded that administration of P. diminuta at a density of 106 CFU/ml was able to reduce the growth of V. harveyi. The greatest decrease in the growth of V. harveyi occurred at the 48th hour.
Exploration of Brachionus sp. Protein on the In Vivo Response of CD4 at Cantang Grouper (Epinephelus sp.) with VNN Infection (Viral Nervous Necrosis)
Authors: Martiningsih Nur Fauziyah , Yanuhar Uun , Musa Mohammad , Kumalaningrum Dwi Retna
Published: October 2023

This study examines the function of Brachionus sp. protein on the Cluster Differentiation-4 (CD4) immune system in cantang grouper infected with VNN. The purpose of this study was to determine the protein content of Brachionus sp. which has the potential as an antivirus and to find out the benefits of Brachionus sp. on the expression of CD4 as an indicator of increased fish body defense system against VNN. Brachionus sp. itself contains three protein bands with molecular weights of 122.73 kDa, 75.49 kDa, and 13.77 kDa, which are expected to increase the immune system against VNN on cantang grouper. Protein injection of Brachionus with doses of 35 µl, 105 µl and 170 µl /150 g cantang grouper, showed that the lowest decrease was at a dose of 105 µl/150 gram cantang groupers.
The Effect of Different Probiotic Sources on Vannamei Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Cultivation with Biofloc System
Authors: Kurniaji Ardana , Putri Renitasari Diana , Saridu Siti Aisyah , Anton Anton , Yunarty Yunarty
Published: October 2023

An important component in the application of biofloc is the presence of probiotic bacteria as a floc-forming agent. This study aimed to analyze the differences in the yield of vannamei shrimp in a biofloc system using commercial probiotics and independent probiotics on a laboratory scale. The study design was a completely randomized design with 3 treatments and 4 replications, including independent probiotics (IP), commercial probiotics (CP) and control (C). PM utilized an independent formula with starter bacteria Lactobacillus casei and PK contained bacteria Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Nitrosomonas sp., Aerobacter sp., Nitrobacter sp. Probiotics were fermented 24 hours before its application to the maintenance medium. A total of 15 shrimp/aquarium measuring 3.29 ± 0.48 g were reared for 27 days after the floc was first formed. The results showed that the growth and feed conversion ratio of vannamei shrimp in the biofloc system were higher than that of the control (P<0.05). Growth and feed conversion ratio between probiotic treatments did not show significantly different results (P>0.05). Survival in treatment and control groups was not significantly different (P>0.05). The observed floc volumes which increased during the rearing of vannamei shrimp were up to 6.50-7.50 mL/L. Several types of organisms found in the flock included nematodes, phytoplankton, copepods and protozoa. The observed water quality was the same in each treatment except for higher dissolved oxygen and ammonia in the control. This study recommends the use of independent probiotics in vannamei shrimp culture based on biofloc technology.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Birth Weight during Pregnancy
Authors: Safitri Arien Dwi Ajeng Adhe , Marhana Isnin Anang , Prasetyo Budi , Husada Dominicus , Dewi Erni Rosita
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Coronavirus is a viral pathogen that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, leading to severe infectious diseases. This study aimed to ascertain the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on birth weight during pregnancy.
Methods: This study used secondary data and a retrospective case-control approach for observational analysis. The case and control groups each had 153 samples. The case group was further separated into symptomatic and asymptomatic categories. Statistical analyses were performed to determine how COVID-19 infection in pregnant women affected birth weight. Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate data for the subgroups of asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals, while the Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the infection's impact.
Results: Most participants were 21–35 years old (78.2%). The findings showed that 85% of pregnant COVID-19 patients were in their third trimester. Mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 had infants with birth weights of >4,000 grams (3.3%), 2,500–4,000 grams (43.1%), and <2,500 grams (53.6%). Birth weight distribution in women unaffected by COVID-19 was >4,000 grams (14.4%), 2,500–4,000 grams (67.3%), and <2,500 grams (18.3%). The Mann-Whitney statistical test was performed using SPSS. It yielded a p-value of 0.001, less than the significance level of 0.05, indicating a correlation between confirmed COVID-19 infection in pregnant women and birth weight.
Conclusion: This study found that the presence of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy significantly affects infants' birth weight.
Anosmia, Dysgeusia, and Comorbidity in COVID-19 Patients with Respiratory Tract Manifestations
Authors: Siswanto Jason Lefranda Jocelino , Kalanjati Viskasari Pintoko , Soetjipto Soetjipto , Yasin Azlin Muhammad Mohd
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Olfactory and special sensory disturbances such as anosmia and dysgeusia have been found among COVID-19 patients. These manifestations may cause post-covid sequelae, disturbing patients' quality of life who have recovered from COVID-19. This study aimed to analyze the association between anosmia and dysgeusia with the comorbidities in adult COVID-19 patients admitted to Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2021.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective analysis study based on the medical records of all patients who met the criteria (n = 158). The minimal age inclusion was 18 years old, and the patient must be positively diagnosed with COVID-19 (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction/RT-PCR).
Results: Out of 158 patients, all had a fever, and approximately 93% of patients showed respiratory signs and symptoms. There were 128 patients (81%) who suffered from anosmia, and 15 patients (9.5%) had dysgeusia. Significant associations were found between anosmia with dysgeusia (p = 0.049) and between anosmia with cough (p = 0.003) and dyspnea (p = 0.000). The predominant comorbidities reported were overweight (60%), hypertension (42%), and type-2 diabetes mellitus (37%).
Conclusion: There were significant associations between anosmia with dysgeusia and the respiratory tract signs and symptoms instead of the comorbidities reported.
Pulmonary Aspergilloma Co-Existing with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Case Report in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) Patient
Authors: Kirana Widya Tria , Faisal Hana Khairina Putri , Kitagawa Hiroki , Setiawan Gigih , Yunus Faisal
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Pulmonary aspergilloma is a disease frequently found in immunocompromised patients. In Indonesia, around 18% of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients suffer from chronic pulmonary aspergilloma. However, data on type 1 DM (T1DM) are still limited.
Case: We presented the case of a 22-year-old male admitted to the emergency room due to hemoptysis of approximately 200 ml within six hours before admission, nonspecific chest pain during cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss of 3 kg over the last months. The patient had a history of T1DM and no prior history of respiratory diseases. Physical examination showed tachycardia, tachypnoea, subfebrile, normal body mass index, and rhonchi on the left thorax. Routine laboratory tests revealed increased blood sugar level (503 mg/dL) and HbA1c 16.4%. Chest X-ray and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed a cavity with an opaque lesion, crescent sign, consolidation, and reticulonodular infiltrate on the left lung. Rapid molecular tests, tuberculosis (TB), and serum galactomannan (GM) were negative. The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary aspergilloma, T1DM, and clinical TB. He was treated with fluconazole, insulin, and a fixed-dose combination of anti-TB. The patient refused the surgery procedure. Immediately, the hemoptysis stopped, blood glucose level was normal, and concomitant with weight gain.
Conclusion: Due to innate and acquired immunity impairment, T1DM is a risk factor for pulmonary infections, including TB and pulmonary aspergilloma. Chest HRCT may help diagnose fungal balls. Though the patient refused to undergo surgery, administering antifungal, anti-TB drugs, and glucose control as initial treatment presented a good prognosis in the patient.
Carcinoid Tumor of the Lung: Hospital-Based Descriptive Study
Authors: Chary Ravindra , Adimulam Ganga Ravindra , Leo Sneha , Upadhya Pratap , Toi Pampa
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Bronchial carcinoids are slow-growing tumors that are usually asymptomatic until the later stages and mimic most benign conditions clinically. This study presented pulmonary carcinoids (PCs) in terms of diagnosis and management in a tertiary care center.
Case: The mean age of presentation was 42.5 years old. Right lung involvement was more common, and the frequency was higher in men. In all patients, second to fourth generations of airways were the site of involvement. The most common symptom was a dry cough. Bronchoscopic biopsy complemented by immune histochemistry was the main diagnostic modality. The majority of patients (60%) had a typical PC. Stage I or III of the disease was the most common presentation. Nine lobectomies and two pneumonectomies were performed on 11 of 15 patients. These patients are performing well to date. Four patients were given only chemotherapy, of which one has survived. The longest follow-up period was 26 months.
Conclusion: A high degree of clinical suspicion and familiarity with carcinoids is essential for early identification and a positive clinical outcome, especially in typical carcinoids (TC), as there are no obvious risk factors and various clinico-radiological presentations. In this study of 15 cases, most of the PCs were right-sided and more common in males. The use of a biopsy, either by a guided bronchoscopy or by computed tomography (CT), was confirmatory, and surgical removal was the treatment of choice. Medical therapy may be considered for select patients with carcinoid syndrome or terminal disease.
The Impact of Particulate Matter on the Respiratory System
Authors: Pratiwi Yolanda Edith , Taufik Feni Fitriani , Habibi Januar , Wibowo Adityo
Published: October 2023

Nowadays, around 50% of the world's population lives in cities and urban areas and is exposed to increasingly higher levels of air pollutants including gaseous pollutants and particulate matter (PM). The latter is a key indicator of air pollution transported into the air by a variety of natural processes and human activities. The particles’ size has been directly related to their potential impact on health problems. Particles of concern include small particles with diameters of 2.5 to 10 μm (coarse particles) and smaller than 2.5 μm (fine particles). Exposure to air pollutants over a long period of time not only decompensates pre-existing diseases but also leads to pulmonary and respiratory health problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer even in rural areas. A thorough analysis has to be provided to address the implications for policymakers. Hence, more stringent strategies can be implemented to control air pollution and prevent its health effects.
Benefit of Nigella sativa for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Laveda Sandy , Putra Wayan Wahyu Semara , Umar Tungki Pratama
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory disease that has a significant global impact. Unfortunately, current treatments and prevention remain insufficient. Nigella sativa (NS) has been traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory agent, which can be helpful in the treatment of COPD, through its essential component thymoquinone. This review examined the potential benefits of NS for COPD patients as a possible treatment option.
Methods: The literature investigation was conducted by searching relevant articles on Google Scholar and NCBI using the keywords "black seed", “black cumin”, "Nigella sativa", "thymoquinone", "carvacrol", and "COPD". The results from five identified studies were then summarized.
Results: This review reveals that NS offers benefits to individuals with COPD by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby leading to improved pulmonary function tests (PFTs). However, it is important to note that the majority of experiments have been conducted on animals, with only one involving humans, and these experiments have mostly been short-term. Additionally, since different studies have used various preparations of NS, determining the recommended dose is challenging. Unfortunately, the research does not provide any insights into the potential long-term effects of these treatments or the possible adverse effects of the medications used.
Conclusion: Studies on the benefits of NS as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for COPD adjuvant therapy show promising results, but more research is needed to confirm the findings with larger and more well-designed studies to determine the appropriate doses and long-term effects.
Protective behavior of phosphonate-functionalized imidazolium ionic liquid and its impact on the Li-ion battery performance
Authors: Liao Kaisi , Song Jingbo , Ge Jiawen , Si Jia , Cai Yinxiao , Luo Zijuan , Zhou Mingjiong , Liang Hongze , Cheng Ya-Jun , Milanovic Marija , Inoishi Atsushi , Okada Shigeto
Published: October 2023

The commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) rely on lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), which is extremely sensitive to moisture and liable to thermal decomposition. Lithium bis (trifluoro methane sulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI), as a promising electrolyte salt, possesses high thermal stability and excellent moisture tolerance. However, LiTFSI is closely related to severe corrosion of the aluminum (Al) current collector at high voltage. Herein, phosphonate-functionalized imidazolium ionic liquid (PFIL) is developed and utilized as an electrolyte co-solvent to inhibit the oxidative dissolution of the Al current collector. PFIL can suppress Al corrosion by participating in the interface reaction and forming a stable and reliable protective film on the surface of Al foils, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Thanks to the corrosion suppression of the Al current collector, the Li||LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NCM811) cells with PFIL-containing electrolytes exhibit better cycling performance and improved capacity retention. This work proposes an effective strategy for the advancement of high-voltage LIBs and contributes to promoting the widespread use of the sulfone imide-based lithium salts.
Analysis of the Dynamics of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Incidence and the Number of People who Appealed to Medical Organizations about Tick Bites in the European North of Russia
Authors: Tronin A. A. , Tokarevich N. K. , Buzinov R. V. , Sokolova O. V. , Gnativ B. R. , Bubnova L. A. , Safonova O. S.
Published: October 2023

In recent decades, a significant increase in the incidence of tick-borne viral encephalitis (TBVE) and the number of people attacked by ticks has been recorded in the European North of Russia.

The aim of the study was to analyze the dynamics of the TBVE incidence and the number of people who appealed to medical organizations regarding tick bites in the European North of Russia.

Materials and methods. We used the Form No. 2 “Information on infectious and parasitic diseases”, the results of operational seasonal monitoring of TBVE, presented by the Rospotrebnadzor Administrations of the respective territories for our study. Statistical data processing was performed using the Microsoft Excel program. Display of the results on the map was carried out in the geographic information system ESRI ArcMap.

Results and discussion. Combined analysis of the data on the number of cases and TBVE incidence, the number of people who appealed to medical organizations about tick bites and the number of people seeking advice about tick bites per 100 thousand population for the Arkhangelsk Region, the Republics of Karelia and Komi and their municipal districts has been performed. The mean values and gradients of the number of cases, incidence (2010–2020), the number of people who appealed to medical organizations regarding tick bites, and the number of people seeking treatment for tick bites per 100 000 population (2002–2020) have been calculated; maps of average values and gradients constructed. The incidence and the number of cases remain at the high level, exceeding the national average, but have been declining in the last decade. The number of people who appealed to medical organizations and the appealability of the population about tick bites per 100 000 of the population remain at a consistently high level and show no downward trend. The incidence and appealability of the population due to tick bites per 100 thousand of the population is spreading in a northerly direction, covering new territories in the Arctic zone. The main driving force behind the observed epidemic situation in the European North of Russia is the natural processes of climate change.
Prevalence of Markers of Certain Blood-Borne Viral Infections in Pregnant Women and Their Partners in the Republic of Guinea
Authors: Balde T.A. L. , Ostankova Yu. V. , Boumbaly S. , Valutite D. E. , Davydenko V. S. , Shchemelev A. N. , Shchemelev E. N. , Zueva E. B. , Anufrieva E. V. , Astapchik E. V. , Arbuzova O. V. , Skvoroda V. V. , Vasil’eva D. A. , Esaulenko E. V. , Semenov A. V. , Totolian Areg A.
Published: October 2023

The aim of the work was to estimate the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV markers among pregnant women and their male partners in the Republic of Guinea.

Materials and methods. The material of the study was blood plasma samples from 140 pregnant women living in Kindia prefecture and N’Zerekore prefecture, as well as 60 male partners who reported sexual contact with HIV-infected persons. The samples were examined for the presence of serological (HBsAg, HBeAg, antibodies anti-HBs IgG, anti-HBcore IgG, anti-HBe IgG, anti-HCV IgG, Ag/Ab-HIV) and molecular (HBV DNA, HCV RNA, HIV RNA) markers.

Results and discussion. The age of the examined pregnant women ranged from 13 to 55 years and was on average (26.29±9.67) years. The age of men varied from 15 to 60 years, on average – (29.05±11.99) years. When assessing the prevalence of serological markers, antibodies to HCV were detected in 2.14 % cases in women and in 3.33 % cases in men. Antibodies to HIV were found in 6.43 % and 6.67 % women and men, respectively. Serological markers associated with HBV were detected in 80.71 % (HBsAg – 13.57 %) of women and 81.67 % (15 %) of men. In the pregnant women, HCV RNA was not detected, HIV RNA was revealed in 1 case, HBV DNA was identified in 26 cases (18.57 %), including 5 % HBsAg-negative hepatitis B cases. In the men group, HCV RNA and HIV RNA were detected in 3.33 % and 6.67 % cases, respectively. HBV DNA was determined in 16.67 % of men, including latent hepatitis B in one person. A significantly higher incidence of HIV in men compared to women is shown (χ2=3.907 at p<0.05). The relative risk of HIV infection in men is nine times higher than in women: RR=9.333; p=0.0291; 95 % CI: 1.065–81.815 %. Four out of five identified HIV infection cases were co-infected with HBV and/or HCV. There is an obvious need to introduce screening for HIV, HCV, HBV, including latent hepatitis B, into routine laboratory diagnostics during examination of pregnant women and their partners, followed by couples counseling and vaccination against hepatitis B virus.
Serum Ferritin as a Novel Predictive Marker for Breast Cancer Metastasis and Correlation with Metastasis-Associated Burden
Authors: Yao Xufeng , Sha Hezhang , He Xiang , Gan Lu , Wang Xiaoyi , CHENG Qiao
Published: October 2023

Background: Breast cancer became the most common cancer worldwide, Early detection of metastatic events is vital for improving survival. Currently, the serum tumor markers for monitoring metastatic breast cancer in clinic practice are carbohydrate antinegen (CA15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based on the 2007 edition of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines. More specific, sensitive, and cost-effective tumor markers need to be identified to improve the accuracy of predicting distant metastasis of breast cancer.
Methods: A total of 468 breast cancer patients including 170 patients with distant metastasis and 298 without metastasis were retrospectively reviewed. The levels of the serum tumor markers ferritin, CA15-3, and CEA in both the metastasis and non-metastasis groups, in subgroups of different pathologic types, different metastatic sites and different tumor burden were analyzed via One-way analysis of variance and the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. compare the differences between ROC curves using paired comparison method.
Results: High levels of serum ferritin predict distant metastasis of breast cancer with the highest specificity and sensitivity among all the three markers, especially in HR−/HER2+ and HR−/HER2− molecular subtypes. The prediction accuracy for metastasis increased when a combination of two or all three markers, and the combination of ferritin and CA15-3 could be the optimal choice to maximize the efficiency and predictive ability for metastasis. The baseline levels of all the three markers were associated with metastasis tumor burden and could be more sensitive in predicting patients with liver metastasis than patients with lung and bone metastases.
Conclusions: the findings obtained from this study suggest that serum ferritin is a putative candidate to be a non-invasive biomarker for monitoring breast cancer metastasis which is even more sensitive and specific than the traditional breast tumor markers CA153 and CEA. However, further studies including a larger set of patient data are needed to validate the conclusions
Viral activation and ecological restructuring characterize a microbiome axis of spaceflight-associated immune activation
Authors: Mason Christopher , Tierney Braden , Kim JangKeun , Overbey Eliah , Ryon Krista , Foox Jonathan , Sierra Maria , Bhattacharya Chandrima , Damle Namita , Najjar Deena , Park Jiwoon , Medina J. Sebastian Garcia , Houerbi Nadia , Meydan Cem , Hirschberg Jeremy , Qiu Jake , Kleinman Ashley , Al-Ghalith Gabriel , MacKay Matthew , Afshin Evan , Dhir Raja , Borg Joseph , Gatt Christine , Brereton Nicholas , Readhead Ben , Beyaz Semir , Venkateswaran Kasthuri , Blease Kelly , Moreno Juan , Boddicker Andrew , Zhao Junhua , Lajoie Bryan , Scott Ryan , Altomare Andrew , Kruglyak Semyon , Levy Shawn , Church George
Published: October 2023

Maintenance of astronaut health during spaceflight will require monitoring and potentially modulating their microbiomes, which play a role in some space-derived health disorders. However, documenting the response of microbiota to spaceflight has been difficult thus far due to mission constraints that lead to limited sampling. Here, we executed a six-month longitudinal study centered on a three-day flight to quantify the high-resolution microbiome response to spaceflight. Via paired metagenomics and metatranscriptomics alongside single immune profiling, we resolved a microbiome “architecture” of spaceflight characterized by time-dependent and taxonomically divergent microbiome alterations across 750 samples and ten body sites. We observed pan-phyletic viral activation and signs of persistent changes that, in the oral microbiome, yielded plaque-associated pathobionts with strong associations to immune cell gene expression. Further, we found enrichments of microbial genes associated with antibiotic production, toxin-antitoxin systems, and stress response enriched universally across the body sites. We also used strain-level tracking to measure the potential propagation of microbial species from the crew members to each other and the environment, identifying microbes that were prone to seed the capsule surface and move between the crew. Finally, we identified associations between microbiome and host immune cell shifts, proposing both a microbiome axis of immune changes during flight as well as the sources of some of those changes. In summary, these datasets and methods reveal connections between crew immunology, the microbiome, and their likely drivers and lay the groundwork for future microbiome studies of spaceflight.
Effects of Emotional and Cognitive Changes on Aesthetic Evaluation of Poetry Based on Subjective and Physiological Continuous Responses with Pupil Diameter Measurement
Authors: Hitsuwari Jimpei , Nomura Michio
Published: October 2023

Haiku poetry, a short poem with a clear form, has the potential to elucidate many unknown aspects of linguistic art. Previous studies on haiku appreciation have shown that negative emotion and cognitive ambiguity reduce aesthetic evaluation. Considering the importance of negative emotions and ambiguity in art, it is beneficial to clarify the process of emotional and cognitive changes during aesthetic evaluation. This study examined the temporal effects of emotional and cognitive changes on aesthetic evaluation from multiple perspectives by measuring the ratings of each section of haiku, continuous emotional reports, and physiological changes in pupil diameter. The 112 students first rated the haiku at three time points on items such as beauty, valence, and ambiguity. Next, they rated the same haiku continuously for 20 seconds using a joystick for valence and arousal during which the pupil diameter was measured. The results showed that a decrease in negative emotions and ambiguity explained the beauty of the haiku. In the continuous emotion reports, positive emotions gradually increased for positive haiku and negative emotions gradually increased for negative haiku, while arousal decreased once and then gradually increased for both forms of haiku. Additionally, an increase in pupil diameter also explained the beauty. The roles of negative emotions and ambiguity were revealed by focusing on both subjective and physiological indicators of emotional and cognitive changes during haiku appreciation. This study has contributed to the advancement of our understanding of linguistic art forms by empirically exploring conscious and unconscious emotional and cognitive responses to haiku.
Genetic changes influence behavioral shifts of brown bears in response to human-dominated landscapes in Eastern Türkiye
Authors: Aytekin Mübeccel Çisel Kemahlı , Kusak Josip , Chynoweth Mark , Çoban Emrah , Çoban Ayşegül , Naderi Morteza , Kavaklı İbrahim Halil , Şekercioğlu Çağan Hakkı , Sağlam İsmail Kudret
Published: October 2023

Large carnivores are known for altering their life-history strategies in response to environmental change. One such shift was recently discovered in Eurasian brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos) in Sarıkamış, Eastern Türkiye where an open city garbage dump has led to the emergence of two distinct life strategists: sedentary bears that use the city dump as a primary food source and migratory bears that avoid the dump and migrate in search of food. Understanding the genetic processes that have led to the establishment of these strategies is vital for predicting the overall impact of anthropogenic pressures on brown bears forced to live in human-dominated landscapes. To this end, we determined the amounts of genetic and adaptive variation associated with these two life-history strategies using genome-wide data obtained from 31 bears fitted with satellite collars and tracked for an average of one year. We found that the Eastern Türkiye brown bear population is genetically highly differentiated and isolated from other world populations but nevertheless contains high genetic diversity and mixed ancestry. We identified genomic regions and distinct genotypes associated with sedentary and migratory behavior and high differentiation between behavioral groups at these loci. Outlier loci were associated with several genes related to transcriptional modification, including a key SNP within the first exon of CCRL2 that regulates immune response. Collectively, our results present the first test of the genetic basis of behavioral shifts that may be playing an important role in the ongoing adaptation of Eastern Türkiye brown bears to human-dominated landscapes, emphasizing the importance of evolutionary genomics for understanding how species survive and adapt to global change.
Association between social support and short-term cardiac readmission: a double-center study
Authors: Sabri Mahshad , Emami Sepideh , Eskandari Ramin , Fakher Mahsa
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Coronary artery disease is among the most common causes of mortality worldwide. Prior studies in the field have mostly focused on biological risk factors, and the effects of psychosocial risk factors and their mechanisms of action are not yet well- known; studies in women-only patient populations are also scant. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess psychosocial risk factors in a patient population of women to better clarify the roles of these factors in coronary artery disease.
Methods
One hundred seventeen women with coronary artery disease were included in this cross-sectional study and were asked to complete the social support questionnaire and interviewed for their baseline characteristics (including age, level of education, occupational status, marital status, previous cardiac admission, history of hypertension, diabetes and smoking) between 2022 and 2023. Their total social support scores and their scores in each of the social support fields were calculated, and their correlations with other factors were analyzed statistically.
Results
The mean age of the participants was 61,37 ± 10 years. The mean social support score was 76.83 ± 13.31. There was a significant correlation between tangible support scores and being married (P = 0.012). We also found a significant association between readmission rates and affectionate support (P = 0.037), with scores being slightly higher in patients who were readmitted during follow-up. Associations between previous history of cardiac hospitalization, hypertension, diabetes, past or current smoking, age, level of education, occupational status and BMI were not significant.
Conclusions
Being married significantly increases perceived tangible social support. We also found slightly higher but significant affectionate social support scores in patients who were readmitted during follow-up. Given the differences in outcomes between cross-sectional and cohort studies, more cohort studies with longitudinal designs and extensive follow-up periods are needed to clarify the effects and mechanisms of action of social support in the incidence and prognosis of coronary artery disease.
Molecular Testing for Gastrointestinal Pathogens in Intestinal Tissue of Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis or Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation
Authors: Talavera-Barber Maria , Sanchez Pablo , Conces Miriam , Kaptsan Irina , Everhart Kathy , Leber Amy , Malleske Daniel , Moallem Mohannad , Panesso-Gomez Santiago , Shimamura Masako
Published: October 2023

Objective
The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of common gastrointestinal bacterial, parasitic, and viral pathogens in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) -associated intestinal tissue.
Study Design:
Retrospective cohort study examined formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) surgical or autopsy intestinal tissue from NEC or SIP specimens. DNA and RNA were extracted and analyzed by multiplex PCR panel (GIFA Biofire). DNA or RNA from stool samples containing each pathogen were extracted for positive controls.
Results
193 intestinal tissue samples were available from 310 infants (156 NEC, 37 SIP). Six (3%) infants with stage III NEC tested positive for a target pathogen; 2, C. difficile; 3, Enteroaggregtive E. coli; and 1, Giardia. No gastrointestinal viral pathogens were detected.
Conclusion
Molecular testing yielded few GI pathogens suggesting that these organisms are likely not major causes of NEC or SIP.
Boundary violations and well-being on teleworkers: recovery’s role and gender differences
Authors: Mascarenhas Madalena , Carvalho Vânia Sofia , Moretto Cleide Fátima , Chambel Maria José
Published: October 2023

Background
This study aimed to explore the role of psychological detachment from work in the relationship of boundary violations and flourishing, as well as gender differences. We developed and tested a moderate mediation model where psychological detachment was the explanatory mechanism of the relationship between boundary violations with flourishing and using gender as the moderating variable.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 921 teleworking university professors (mean age 44 years) in Brazil in June 2020. Multigroup analysis and moderate mediation were performed using Mplus 7.2.
Results
Psychological detachment mediates the effects of boundary violations (in both direction) in flourishing and that work-to-family violations are more harmful to women’s recovery instead as family-to-work violations are more harmful to men’s recovery.
Conclusion
The main contributions of this study are the importance of recovery in the subjective well-being of teleworkers and the relationship between boundary violations and gender.
In vitro immunomodulation of RAW 264.7 macrophages by medicinal plants used traditionally to treat pulmonary tuberculosis in South Africa.
Authors: Shauli Mathulo M , Macingwana Lubabalo , Rusike Constance Rufaro
Published: October 2023

Background
Pulmonary tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death in developing countries. The global health burden, which is worsened by the emergence of multi-drug resistance against the standard World Health Organization treatment regimen, calls for new interventions and alternative methods to address the pandemic, and medicinal plants remain a source of hope for the development of new interventions. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro immunomodulatory effects of three plants used traditionally for the treatment of PTB in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. For M. tuberculosis to be destroyed when it enters the lung tissue, immune macrophages must maintain the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype. Thus, a plant extract with a high potential for anti-tuberculosis effects is expected to produce a high concentration of nitric oxide (NO) as the indicator for the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype.
Methods
To test this effect, lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultured and treated with the ethanolic crude extracts of three plants: Anthrixia philycoides, Lippia javaniva, and Sanicula elata at concentrations of 50µg/ml, 100µg/ml, and 200 µg/ml. After 24h, 50µl Griess reagent was added to the plates and absorbance was measured using a Bio TekR Power Wave XS spectrophotometer (Winooski, VT, USA) at 540nm. A standard curve of sodium nitrite dissolved in culture media was used to determine the concentration of NO in each sample.
Results
The results showed that two plants; Anthrixia philycoides, and Lippia javanica, displayed anti-inflammatory activity compared with the positive control (+ AG) control, while Sanicula elata exhibited pro-inflammatory activity, producing a high amount of NO at the lowest concentration, compared with the positive control (LPS).
Conclusion
Our results have revealed the polarizing activity of Sanicula elata on macrophages towards M1 phenotype which is evident of the nitric oxide production seen in this study, thus warranting further investigations of medicinal plant for anti-TB activity in the animal model.
Pelargonidin Inhibits Cell Growth and Promotes Oxidative Stress-Mediated Apoptosis in Lung Cancer A549 Cells
Authors: Yue Liwei , Li Ying , Luo Yuting , Alarfaj Abdullah A. , Shi Yubo
Published: October 2023

Background:Lung cancer has the worst prognosis with an average 5-year survival rate of only 10-20%. Lung cancer has the highest prevalence rate and a second most common cause of cancer-associated mortalities worldwide.Objective:The present study was planned to explore the anticancer effects of pelargonidin against the lung cancer A549 cells via analyzing oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis.Methodology:The viability of both control and pelargonidin-treated A549 cells was analyzed using the MTT cytotoxicity assay at different time periods. The levels of endogenous ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and apoptosis was assessed using corresponding fluorescent staining assays. The levels of oxidative stress biomarkers including TBARS, SOD, CAT, and GSH in the cell lysates of control and pelargonidin-treated A549 cells was examined using the assay kits.Results:The pelargonidin treatment at diverse concentrations were substantially suppressed the viability of lung cancer A549 cells with an IC50 range of 20 μM for 48 hr. The further treatment with 20 and 40 µM effectively promoted the endogenous ROS production and depleted the Δψm levels in the A549 cells. The outcomes of the dual staining and DAPI staining assays witnessed the occurrence of increased apoptosis in the pelargonidin-treated A549 cells. The pelargonidin also boosted the TBARS and reduced the CAT, SOD, and GSH levels thereby promoted the oxidative stress-regulated apoptosis in the A549 cells.Conclusion:In summary, the findings results of the current study demonstrated an anticancer activity of pelargonidin on A549 cells. The pelargonidin treatment substantially decreased the growth and encouraged the oxidative stress-regulated apoptosis in A549 cells. Therefore, it was evident that the pelargonidin could be employed as an effective anticancer candidate to treat the lung cancer.