bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo Risk Assessment of Formation Damage Caused by Asphaltene Deposition
Authors: Carvalhal Arley S. , Costa Gloria M. N. , Vieira de Melo Silvio A. B. 
Published: May 2021

Summary
Uncertainties regarding the factors that influence asphaltene deposition in porous media (e.g., those resulting from oil composition, rock properties, and rock/fluid interaction) strongly affect the prediction of important variables, such as oil production. Besides, some aspects of these predictions are stochastic processes, such as the aggregation phenomenon of asphaltene precipitates. For this reason, a well-defined output from an asphaltene-deposition model might not be feasible. Instead of this, obtaining the probability distribution of important outputs (e.g., permeability reduction and oil production) should be the objective of rigorous modeling of this phenomenon. This probability distribution would support the design of a risk-based policy for the prevention and mitigation of asphaltene deposition. In this paper we aim to present a new approach to assessing the risk of formation damage caused by asphaltene deposition using Monte Carlo simulations. Using this approach, the probability-distribution function of the permeability reduction was obtained. To connect this information to a parameter more related to economic concepts, the probability distribution of the damage ratio (DR) was also calculated, which is the fraction of production loss caused by formation damage. A hypothetical scenario involving a decision in the asphaltene-prevention policy is presented as an application of the method. A novel approach to model the prevention of asphaltene aggregation using inhibitors has been proposed and successfully applied in this scenario.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Hematological Malignancies: The Mixed-Method Analysis of an Israeli National Survey
Authors: Levy Ilana , Sharf Giora , Norman Shlomit , Tadmor Tamar 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic required reevaluation of the therapeutic approach and added emotional stress for patients with hematological malignancies at high risk of contracting the virus. We aimed to evaluate how it affected such patients during the second lockdown in Israel.Methods: This national survey included Hebrew-speaking patients with hematological malignancy. This included three tools with 28 items of socio-demographic and medical baseline characteristics, management of hematological disease, and evaluation of emotional coping during COVID-19 pandemic; the Hebrew version of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9; and 3 qualitative open-ended questions. Data was analyzed by mixed methods which combined both quantitative and qualitative thematic analyses.Results: 408 patients responded to the survey. The management of their hematological disease included a decrease in the number of visits to the hematology clinic (37.0%), delay of some treatment schedules (9.1%), and prescription of replacement therapies permitting less visits to the clinic (2.2%). The frequency and intensity of “feeling afraid” regarding COVID-19 infection was increased (mean±SD: 4±1 to 5±2 in a 1-7 Likert scale), and a high rate of depression was recorded, which appeared to be more evident in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (p<0.001).Conclusion: The management of hematological malignancies during pandemics should always take into consideration patients' fears, as well as the development of depression related to isolation and loneliness, in addition to the high risk of severe disease. Patients with CML had a high rate of depression which obviously needs to be managed very carefully during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Cell-Based Subtractive Panning Strategy for Selection of Conformation-Specific Single-Chain Variable-Fragment (scFv) against Dimerization Domain of EGFR
Authors: Valadan Reza , Dabiri Mina , Tehrani Mohsen , Tabar Gholamreza Hashemi , Rafiei Alireza 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background and Objective: Overexpression of the EGFR, from the ErbB receptor family, has been observed in several cancers and causes resistance to therapeutic antibodies, such as Herceptin. In this study, we produced a recombinant single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody against the EGFR dimerization domain. Methods: The recombinant scFv was generated using a cell-based subtractive panning strategy. Subtractive panning was performed on genetically engineered VERO/EGFR cells and cancerous MDA-MB-468 cells. Phage cell-ELISA was used to monitor the binding of the selected scFvs to the dimerization domain of EGFR. Inhibition of EGFR and HER2 dimerization by the produced scFvs were finally evaluated using the dimerization inhibition test. Results: PCR fingerprinting results showed a uniform digestion pattern following the third round of panning that confirmed the success of subtractive panning. Moreover, cell-ELISA validated the reactivity of the produced scFvs to EGFR after stimulation with EGF. The dimerization inhibition test showed the capacity of the scFvs to inhibit EGFR and HER2 dimerization. Conclusions: Directed HER2 targeting showed to be more effective to target the functional domain of the cell receptor for the complete blockade of the intracellular signaling pathway. The subtractive panning strategy used in this study could control the process of directed selection of specific antibodies against the dimerization domain of EGFR. The selected antibodies might then be functionally tested for antitumor effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
A Systematic Review on Papers That Study on SNPs That Affect SARS-CoV-2 Infection &amp; COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Suh Siyeon , Lee Sol , Gym Ho , Jee Sun Ha , Yoon Sanghyuk , Park Seunghwan , Cha Jihi , Kwon Do-Hyung , Yang YunSu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background:COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become the most threatening issue to all populations around the world. It is directly and indirectly affecting all of us and thus, is a emergence topic dealt in global health. In order to avoid the infection, various studies have been done and still ongoing. Now having over 141 million cases of COVID19 and causing over 3 million deaths around the world, the tendency of infection and degree severity of the disease shown in different groups of people came up as an issue. Here, we reviewed 21 papers on SNPs related to SARS-CoV-2 infection severity and analyzed the results of them.Methods:The PubMed databases were searched for papers discussing SNPs associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection severity. Clinical studies with human patients and statistically showing relevance of the SNP with virus infection were included. Quality Assessment of all papers were done with Newcastle Ottawa Scale.Results:In the analysis, 21 full-text literatures out of 2956 screened titles and abstracts, including 63496 cases, were included. All were human based clinical studies, some based on certain regions gathered patient data and some based on big databases obtained online. ACE2, TMPRSS2, IFITM3 are the genes mentioned most frequently that are related with SARS-CoV-2 infection. 20 out of 21 studies mentioned one of more of those genes. The relevant genes according to SNPs were also analyzed. rs12252-C, rs143936283, rs2285666, rs41303171, and rs35803318 are the SNPs that were mentioned at least twice in two different studies.Conclusions: We found that ACE2, TMPRSS2, IFITM3 are the major genes that are involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mentioned SNPs were all related to one or more of the above mentioned genes. There were discussions on certain SNPs that increased the infection severity to certain ethinic groups more than the others. However, as there is limited follow up and data due to shortage of time history of the disease, studies may be limited.
Neonatal Tactile Stimulation Modulates Dendritic Spine Densities in Somatosensory Cortex of Adult WAG/Rij rats
Authors: Ilbay Gul , Balikci Aymen , Kokturk Sibel , Yilmaz Melda Yardimoglu , Ates Nurbay 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective: The aim of our study is to examine the effects of neonatal tactile stimulatons on the brain structures that previously defined as the focus of epilepsy in the Wistar-Albino-Glaxo from Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rat brain with genetic absence epilepsy.Methods: In the present research, morphology and density of dendritic spines were analyzed in the somatosensory cortex (SoCx) of WAG/Rij rats (non stimulated control, tactile-stimulated and maternal separated rats) and healthy Wistar (non-epileptic) rats. To achieve this, a Golgi-Cox method was used.Results: Dendritic spine number in layer V of the SoCx has been detected significantly higher in adult WAG/Rij rats at post natal day 150 in comparison to non-epileptic adult control Wistar rats (p<0,001). Moreover, quantitative analyses of dendrite structure in adult WAG/Rij rats showed a decrease in dendrite spine density of pyramidal neurons of SoCx which occurred in early neonatal exposure to maternal separation (MS) and tactile stimulation (TS) (p<0,001).Conclusions: Our findings provide the first evidence that tactile stimulations during the early postnatal period have a long-term impact on dendrite structure in WAG/Rij rat’s brain and suggest a reduction in dendrite spine density is linked to absence seizure reduction.
A High-performance Structural Material Based on Maize Straw and Its Completely Biodegradable Composites of Poly (Propylene Carbonate)
Authors: Ge Jifei , Li Fushi , Gao Yunbao , Jin Jing , Jiang Wei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A technique of chemical treatment combined with hot pressing is used to fabricate a high-performance structural material based on maize straw. The chemical structures and compositions of the densified maize straw are determined by ATR-FTIR, XRD, and TGA. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the densified straw can reach as high as 598.6MPa and 6.2%, which are approximately 9.3 times and 2.2 times higher than that of the natural straw, respectively. Furthermore, chemical treatment and hot pressing are essential steps for preparing the densified straw. The chemical treatment using a mixed alkali solution can remove the fractional lignin and hemicellulose but preserve most of the cellulose, thus enhancing the degree of crystallinity and the heating resistance of the densified straw. The SEM results prove that densification by hot pressing is committed to fabricating a structure material with high-performance from maize straw, which has eliminated the defects and reinforced the mechanical properties of the densified straw. At the molecular level, the hydrogen bonds between the aligned cellulose fibers have bridged the neighboring cellulose fibers, reinforcing the mechanical properties of the densified straw. After compositing the densified straw with a biodegradable poly (propylene carbonate), the mechanical properties of the composite are considerably improved, predicting a huge application prospect in automobile, construction, furniture, and even airplane fields.
Game-based education promotes sustainable water use
Authors: Bilancini Ennio , Bconcinelli Leonardo , Paolo Roberto Di 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this study we estimate the impact of a game-based educational program aimed at promoting sustainable water usage among 2nd-4th grade students and their families living in the municipality of Lucca, Italy. To this purpose we exploited unique data from a quasi-experiment involving about two thousand students, one thousand participating (the treatment group) and one thousand not participating (the control group) in the program. Data were collected by means of a survey that we specifically designed and implemented for collecting students' self-reported behaviors.
Our estimates indicate that the program has been successful: the students in the program reported an increase in efficient water usage and an increase in the frequency of discussions with their parents about water usage; moreover, positive effects were still observed after six months. Our findings suggest that game-based educational programs can be an effective instrument to promote sustainable water consumption behaviors in children and their parents.
Clinical Characteristics And Identification of Novel TGF-β1 Mutation In Three Unrelated Chinese Families With Progressive Diaphyseal Dysplasia
Authors: Tao Xiao-Hui , Yang Xing-Guang , Wang Zi-Yuan , Xu Yang , Zhang Zhen-Lin , Yue Hua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTo investigate the clinical characteristics and molecular diagnosis of progressive diaphyseal dysplasia (PDD) in three unrelated Chinese families. MethodsThe present study recruited six patients aged 14 to 45 from three unrelated families with PDD, including five females and one male. Clinical manifestations, biochemical tests, radiographic examinations were analyzed and the TGF-β1 gene mutation was further identified by Sanger sequencing. In addition, data of treatment and follow-up were also collected.ResultsThe onset age of the patients ranged from 1 to 6 years. All the affected patients had family histories and were consisted with autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. All of them exhibited gait disturbance, fatigue, progressive bone pain, as well as muscle atrophy and weakness in limbs. Notably, there was one 15-year-old girl who experienced heart valve defects and tachycardia at birth. Laboratory examinations revealed the inflammatory markers were in high level, besides the extremely increased bone metabolism indicators. The thickened diaphysis of long bones and the narrowed medullary cavity were observed by radiography. Furthermore, radionuclide bone scan detected abnormal symmetrical radioactive concentration in the affected regions of bone. Sanger sequencing identified a missense heterozygous mutation in exon 4 of TGF-β1 gene, resulting in R218C, which confirmed PDD eventually. More important, a novel mutation c.669C>G in exon 4 of TGF-β1 gene harboring C223W were detected in family 3. Subsequent bioinformatics software predicted that the novel mutation was pathogenic. Our study also showed that zoledronic acid was not effective in the control of bone turnover markers and the relief of bone pain in patients with PDD.ConclusionIn addition to the typical PDD manifestations, the new phenotypic characteristics such as tachycardia and heart valve defect were firstly reported in one female patient carried the novel mutation p.Cys223Trp in TGF-β1 gene. In addition, our study indicated that the increased bone metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers may possess auxiliary diagnosis for PDD. More importantly, zoledronic acid was used to treat PDD patients in this study. After one-year follow-up, it was proved that the drug effect was not satisfactory, and new drugs need to be developed to treat the disease.
Land Use change and its Drivers in the Wetlands of Barotse Floodplain of Zambezi River Sub-Basin, Zambia
Authors: Banda Arnold Mahonko , Banda Kawawa , Sakala Enock , Chomba Machaya , Nyambe Imasiku Anayawa 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
River floodplains such as the Barotse Flood Plain (BFP) in Western Zambia, provide a large number of ecosystem services and economic value for the inhabitants. Yet, in spite of its importance, the flood plain has been vulnerable to drivers of land use change suggestive of potential wetland degradation. This study aimed at determining the extent of land use change in the wetland of BFP in the selected years between 1980 to 2020 and identifying, and assessing drivers of land use change in the wetlands of BFP using satellite data. The study utilized both secondary and primary data sources. Primary data was collected using interview schedule, key informants’ interviews, Participatory Rural Appraisal and field observations. The Raosoft random sample calculator was used to determine the sample size of heads of households from 9 districts that are found within the Barotse Flood Plain. Then, proportional sample size per district out of 270 was calculated. It was found that there is land use change in the wetlands of BFP caused by many driving factors such as biophysical, economic, infrastructure development, technological, demographic, agriculture and others. The study recommended strategies such as the Government of Zambia, traditional leaders and other stakeholder should embark on protection and conservation of BFP. In addition, new policies on land use and water resources management in the wetlands such regularly monitoring of all activities taking place in and around the wetland of BFP by Water Resources Management Authority should be explored.
Acute Toxicity Study of Bioactive Galactomannans From Two Non-Traditional Leguminosae Sources
Authors: Marques Fabrícia da Cunha Jácome , Nascimento Francisco Glerison da Silva , Nonato Dayanne Terra Tenório , Nogueira Amaurílio Oliveira , Lima Iásly Costa , Machado Olga Vale Oliveira , Assreuy Ana Maria Sampaio , Mota Mário Rogério Lima , Chaves Edna Maria Camelo , Aragão Gislei Frota , Castro Rondinelle Ribeiro , Soares Pedro Marcos Gomes 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Galactomannans from Caesalpinia pulcherrima (GM-CP) and Delonix regia (GM-DR) are being pointed as potential therapeutic agents, but systematic evaluations on their acute toxicity are yet to be reported. In order to evaluate the occurrence of systemic toxicity, groups of three female rats received oral GM-CP or GM-DR (300 mg kg-1), whereas the control group received vehicle. Since lethality was absent, other groups received doses of 2,000 mg kg-1, which also did not cause lethality. Collection of organs and blood samples were done at day 14. Dermal toxicity of the galactomannans was also evaluated (2,000 mg kg-1, n=3 per group), as well both mechanical hypernociception and inflammatory cell influx after administration of GM-CP or GM-DR via intra-articular route (200 µg, n = 5 per group). At the routes and doses employed, both galactomannans did not evoke physiological / behavioral changes or skin / joint inflammation. Since the LD50 was not inferior to 2,000 mg kg-1, both galactomannans are in the class 5 of the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
Maternal/Child Social Support and Food Security in Relation to Child Height and Bmi in Four Low- and Middle- Income Countries: Mediation Analysis of Young Lives Data
Authors: Lee Hwa-Young , Song In Han , Kawachi Ichiro 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPoor nutritional status in childhood is associated with an elevated risk of mortality and morbidity later in life. Previous studies showed a positive association between specific types of social capital and child nutritional status. Our study examined whether improved food security mediates the impact of maternal and child social support on child height and body mass index (BMI) in four low- and middle-income countries.Methods We used data from the Young Lives cohort study comprising roughly 1,000 children at age 8 and 12 in Vietnam, Ethiopia, India, and Peru. Outcome variables were z-score for height (HAZ) and BMI (BAZ). Results Belonging to the top half of maternal financial support and child financial support was positively associated with child HAZ at age 12 in Peru. Belonging to top half of overall maternal support among children aged 8 in Vietnam, and maternal financial support among children aged 12 in India were also positively associated with child BAZ. A positive association of food security was only found with maternal financial support among children aged 12 in Peru. However, food security did not play a significant role in mediating the effect of maternal financial support on child HAZ at age 12. ConclusionsStrengthening social support to improve child nutritional status may not be a sufficient intervention in resource-poor settings because sources of supports may lack sufficient food resources to share. Considering between-country heterogeneity, a “one size fits all” approach for enhancing social capital may not be appropriate.
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Treatment Patterns
Authors: Li Jipeng , Zhao Meng , She Haicheng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: To describe changes in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgical procedures in Beijing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods:A retrospective cohort of RRD patients was analyzed. Patients were divided into the COVID-19 pandemic group and pre-COVID-19 group according to their presentation. The presurgery characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgery outcomes were collected. The potential factors related to the choice of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or scleral buckling (SB) were analyzed using logistic regression. The differences in the procedure choice under specific conditions were compared. Surgery outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results:In the COVID-19 pandemic group, less patients received SB (27.8%, 41.3%, p=0.02) while more patients received PPV (72.2%, 58.6%, p=0.02); in patients who received SB, fewer patients received subretinal fluid drainage (45.4%,75.7%, p=0.01); in patients who received PPV, fewer patients received phacovitrectomy (7.0%, 21.0%, p=0.02). The choice of PPV was related to older age (1.03, p=0.005), the presence of RRD with choroidal detachment (RRD-CD) (2.92, p=0.03), pseudophakia (5.0, p=0.002), retinal breaks located posterior to the equator(4.87, p<0.001), macular holes (9.76, p=0.005), and a presurgery visual acuity (VA) less than 0.02 (0.44 , p=0.03). Fewer phakia patients with retinal breaks located posterior to the equator (1/28, 11/30, p=0.01) and fewer patients with chronic RRD and subretinal strand (1/9, 9/16, p=0.03) received SB in the COVID-19 pandemic group. More patients with improved VA (55.7%, 40.2%, p=0.03) in the COVID-19 pandemic group. The overall single-surgery retinal attachment rate was similar in the two groups (94.9%, 94.5%, p=0.99).Conclusions:During the COVID-19 pandemic, the main reason for the increased number of PPV in RRD treatment was that more complicated cases were presented. However, the surgeons were conservative in procedure choice in specific cases. The adjustments on RRD treatments leads to comparable surgery outcomes.