The Research Council

Background: Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling 6 (SOCS6) is a cytokine signalling suppressor that regulates receptor tyrosine kinase pathways by promoting degradation of signalling proteins, thereby controlling cell growth and survival. One of these tyrosine kinase receptors, Erythropoietin Receptor (EPOR), plays a critical role in CRC progression by enhancing tumour metabolism, angiogenesis, proliferation, and growth. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms governing SOCS6's role in CRC pathogenesis using in vitro cell models and examines its interaction with EPOR expression following gene knockdown. Methods: Bioinformatics interaction between SOCS6 and EPOR were investigated using molecular visualization. HT-29 and COLO 320DM colorectal cancer cells were transfected with SOCS6 siRNA followed by measurement of SOCS6 and EPOR expression levels by qRT-PCR. The selected knockdown concentration was used in functional assays assessing cell viability, colony formation, migration, apoptosis, and invasion. Results: Bioinformatic results showed interaction between SOCS6 and EPOR through polar bonds. Furthermore, SOCS6 silencing increased cell viability and colony formation in both cell lines and significantly enhanced migration in COLO 320DM cells. Active caspase-3 levels were elevated markedly in HT-29 cells post SOCS6 knockdown, consistent with caspase-3's reported oncogenic role in CRC. Moreover, EPOR knockdown selectively altered SOCS6 expression in HT-29 cells, indicating a regulatory feedback loop. EPOR silencing elevated cell viability at 24 h in both cell lines but caused a significant decrease in COLO 320DM cells at 72 h. Conclusions: These findings identify the SOCS6-EPOR axis as a potential target for personalized CRC therapy, supporting SOCS6's tumour-suppressive and diagnostic roles.

Abstract Raudhatain Upper Burgan (RAUB) is a multi-stacked sandstone reservoir in the Raudhatain field, North Kuwait. It is sub- divided into five main units labelled UB75SB (top) to UB5 (bottom) and producing since 1959. Long term polymer injectivity test (LTPIT) is aimed at achieving the polymer injectivity of pre-selected polymer to de-risk the multi-pattern polymer flood development plan to expedite incremental recovery. This paper presents the successful application of the LTPIT along with challenges encountered. The fit for purpose skid mounted pilot surface facility including water treatment plant and polymer mixing and dispersion unit along with non-shearing high pressure injection pump utilizing high salinity effluent, higher iron feed water was deployed. A pre-selected polymer based on the core flood recommendations in terms of molecular weight and ATBS % was selected. Pre- pilot simulation modeling using CMG -IMEX™ was calibrated with latest production history and surveillance data, such as Pressure Fall-Off (PFO), Step-Rate Test (SRT) and Injection Log (ILT) and forecasted for expected polymer throughput. Downhole Pressure &Temperature sensors and periodic fluid sampling ensured real time surveillance. Successful injection of two different polymers in RAUBUB2 was observed. Each polymer displays Non- Newtonian/Pseudoplastic behavior. Injected polymer does not shear as it injects through the perforations and extrapolated downhole apparent viscosities from pilot data show alignment with measured rheometer viscosities. Commercial injection rates for full field application have been determined through the pilot operation under the estimated max. allowable fracture pressure limitation of 4266 psi based on step rate test. Expected trends on viscosities also indicated no flow through fractures for the target concentration and viscosity. The phase commercial development case derived utilizing the pilot data shows promising results for the phase commercial development feasibility study. A 10 pattern injection scheme delivers an incremental RF% of ~5.43% over base waterflood development case at 1 PV based on oil drained through AOI (Area of Interest) in other development scenarios (calculated on original oil in place, OOIP). Sensitivity on key uncertain parameters were performed, injection rates, polymer slug size and residual resistance factor (RRF) shows significant impact on economics for the pattern AOI. The base case UTC of 21.26 $/bbl for polymer flood infill over WF infill case at 1 PV. This was the first long-term polymer injection pilot in RAUB under high reservoir temperature and high salinity effluent water condition, injecting two different types of polymers, which successfully derisks injectivity – one of the driving factors towards a scaled up pilot polymer injection.

The IGCP 714 project “3GEO – Geoclimbing & Geotrekking in Geoparks” is financed by the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) and supported by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). In this paper, we report on the results of the first phase of the project focused on the criteria to be adopted to select geodiversity sites equipped for climbing or trekking. The selection of geoclimbing sites and geotrekking routes is aimed at combining multimedia tools and outdoor activities for Geosciences promotion and conservation in UNESCO Global Geoparks, aspiring geoparks or geoparks project, and also in protected areas featuring geoheritage sites. Indeed, both outdoor activities and multimedia tools favour the pursuing of many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., 3, 4, 8, 11). An international consortium of geoscientists from 12 different countries selected, through the proposed procedure, 22 geoclimbing sites, and then they also detected 30 geotrekking routes mirroring Earth geodiversity. At some test sites (geoclimbing and geotrekking) multimedia tools and digital outcrop models have been developed through different methodological approaches (e.g., Structure from Motion and Multi-View Stereo photogrammetry), to open the way to the second part of the project still in progress. These sites and the relative virtual models are herein also shown. The final aim of the IGCP 714 project is indeed to create an open data repository (digital outcrop models, videos, virtual tours, photos, scientific information, and interpretations) to upload data of the selected sites to mirror Earth geodiversity for different users including tourists and school groups.

Purpose: This paper provides a systematic review of challenges faced by multinational companies in developing countries, in particular the African region. Design/methodology/approach: This paper review relevant literature aimed at addressing the research question: “What are the challenges faced by cross border investments as they expand into Africa? The paper discusses the findings and proposes various recommendations to the challenges with the aim of improving the investment environment in developing countries to boost economic activity. Findings: Major challenges identified to be impacting cross border investments in developing countries are Political environment, regulatory environment, diversity and multicultural challenges, Leadership, Governance and Economic environment. For the purposes of literature review, the term cross border investments may be interchanged with Multinational Companies. The paper concludes by highlighting areas for future research. Paper type: Review Paper

First Nations people face discrimination and systemic barriers when accessing paramedicine. Potential solutions include the integration of paramedics in expanded health care roles that incorporate First Nations perspectives and address local priorities, and First Nations should lead in the design of and priority setting for paramedic services in their communities.

BackgroundRapid identification of COVID-19 is crucial during the pandemic for the treatment and management of patients. Thus, early diagnosis of the disease using laboratory parameters can help in the rapid management of infected patients. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of viral load with hematological and biochemical parameters. This will ultimately help physicians to better understand the dynamics of this novel virus and aid in the management of patients.MethodologyLaboratory confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 was performed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the Al-Buraimi Hospital Laboratory Department using oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs. Positive cases were collected from July 2020 to January 2021 to be enrolled in this study.ResultsIn this study, 264 confirmed positive patients were included initially and divided into three groups according to their cycle threshold (Ct) values obtained by PCR. Out of the total 264 patients, 174 (65.9%) were male, while 90 (34.1%) were female. However, the final sample was only 253 patients who met the inclusion criteria. With regard to Ct values, the study population was divided into the following three groups: Group 1 with Ct values of 9-20 (n = 87; 34.4%), group 2 with Ct values of 21-30 (n = 122; 47.8%), and group 3 with Ct values of 31-42 (n = 44; 17.4%).ConclusionsWe found that the proportion of male patients infected with COVID-19 was higher compared to females. In addition, the highest incidence was among patients in the age group of 51-70 years. The ferritin and alanine transaminase levels were highest in the initial stage of the infection (group 1) and decreased at the recovery stage. However, neutrophil, lymphocyte, alkaline phosphatase, and C-reactive protein showed an increasing trend from high viral load groups to low viral load groups. The values of the rest of the parameters, such as albumin, total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer, were slightly higher in the initial stage of the infection but the decreasing trend was low; therefore, they were not considered helpful in predicting the disease severity reflected by their Ct value in the three different groups.