bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Recovery by Huff ‘n’ Puff Gas Injection in Shale-Oil Reservoirs Using the Climbing-Swarm Derivative-Free Algorithm
Authors: Olusola Bukola Korede , Orozco Daniel , Aguilera Roberto
Published: September 2020

Recent improved-oil-recovery and enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) methods in shale reservoirs use huff ‘n’ puff gas injection (H&P). Investigating the technical and economic impact of this technology for one well is challenging and time consuming, and even more so when the petroleum company is planning H&P and refracturing (RF) jobs in multiple wells. Thus, in this paper we present an original methodology to learn how to perform these tasks faster and at lower cost to improve oil recovery.

The procedure is explained with the use of an actual H&P gas-injection pilot horizontal well in the Eagle Ford Shale, the performance of which is matched using the methodology developed in this paper. The methodology includes use of an original climbing-swarm (CS) derivative-free algorithm that drives, without human intervention, desktop computer or laptop material-balance (MatBal) and net-present-value (NPV) calculations. The code was written in open-source Python programming language. Following history match, the methodology demonstrates that significant improvements in oil recovery can be obtained by injecting gas at larger rates during shorter periods of time (as opposed to injecting gas at lower rates during longer periods of time).

Once oil-recovery improvement in a pilot horizontal well is demonstrated, the methodology is extended to the analysis of H&P gas injection and RF in horizontal wells and shale reservoirs that have not yet been developed or are in initial stages of development; this provides a preliminary assessment of H&P and RF potential.

Results indicate that oil recovery and NPV from multiple wells can be improved significantly by a strategic combination of H&P gas injection and RF. A combination of derivative-free optimization algorithms, MatBal calculations, and NPVs permits optimizing when to start the H&P gas-injection project, the optimum gas-injection rates (GIRs) and time span of injection, the reservoir pressure at which gas injection should be started in each cycle, and the time span during which the well should produce oil, before starting a new cycle of gas injection. The development strategy of shale-oil reservoirs could be improved significantly if the possibility of H&P gas injection is considered before field development. This could be the case of the Eagle Ford Shale in Mexico, La Luna Shale in Colombia and Venezuela, Vaca Muerta Shale in Argentina, and other shale-oil reservoirs worldwide.

The paper contributes the development of an original methodology, which includes use of a derivative-free algorithm we call CS. CS drives the desktop computer or laptop to perform MatBal and NPV calculations, without human intervention, once the optimization process is started. The methodology improves oil recovery and NPV from a single horizontal well or from multiple horizontal wells operating under H&P gas injection.
Bacterial profile, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors of urinary tract infection among clinically suspected children attending at Felege-Hiwot Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A prospective study
Authors: Fenta Adugna , Dagnew Mulat , Eshetie Setegn , Belachew Teshome
Published: September 2020

Background: Urinary tract infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in children. Understanding the characteristics of uropathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in a particular setting can provide evidence for the appropriate management of cases. This study aimed to assess the bacterial profile of urinary tract infection, their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated factors among clinically suspected children attending at Felege-Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February-April, 2019. A systematic sampling technique was employed. A mid-stream urine sample was inoculated on cystine lactose electrolyte deficient media and incubated for 24-48 hours. Sub-culturing was done on Mac-Conkey and blood agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done on Muller-Hinton agar. A binary logistic regression model was used to see the association between dependent and independent factors. A p-value<0.05 at 95% CI was considered as statistically significant.Results: The overall prevalence of urinary tract infection was 16.7% (95% CI 12.4-21.1). Both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial isolates were recovered with a rate of 44/50 (88%) and 6/50 (12%) respectively. Among Gram-negative isolates, E. coli 28/44(63.6%) was predominant while S. saprophyticus 2/6(33.3%) was prevalent among Gram-positive bacterial isolates. Overall, a high level of resistance to ampicillin, augmentin, and tetracycline was shown by Gram-negative bacteria with a rate of 44/44(100%), 39/44(88.6%), and36/44 (81.8%) respectively. About 33/50(66%) of overall multidrug resistance was observed (95% CI 52-78). About six Gram-negative bacterial isolates were extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. Having a history of urinary tract infection (P-0.003, AOR 1.86-22.15) and male uncircumcision (p-0.00, AOR 5.5-65.35) were the independent variables that associate for urinary tract infections.Conclusion: In the present study, the prevalence of urinary tract infection among children was high and considerably a high proportion of multidrug resistance was observed. This result will have a significant impact on the selection of appropriate antimicrobial agents for the treatment of urinary tract infection.
The change of teeth color, whiteness variations and its psychosocial and self-perception effects when using low vs. high concentration bleaching gels: a one-year follow-up.
Authors: Estay Juan , Angel Pablo , Bersezio Cristian , R Mateus Tonetto , Jorquera Gilbert , Peña Manuel , Fernandéz Eduardo
Published: September 2020

Background: Dental bleaching in traditional concentrations generates greater sensitivity. In this respect, new systems of lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide for tooth bleaching appeared, with color stability unknown over time. The aim of this study was to compare the change and stability of color with low-concentration (6%) hydrogen peroxide gel in an in-office bleaching setting relative to conventional 37.5% gel, including their effects on psychosocial and esthetic self-perception, after one year.Methods: Patients (n=25) were assessed at 12 months post bleaching treatment (whitening with 6% chemo-activated alkaline formula gel versus 37.5% traditional concentration gel). Color changes were measured objectively using total variation in color (ΔE), and subjectively using Vita Classical and Vita Bleached scale (ΔSGU) by calibrated evaluators (Kappa=0.85). The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) aesthetic questionnaires were used to measure the self-perception and the psychosocial impact of the bleaching protocols.Results: The effect (ΔE) of 37.5% HP (8.37 ± 2.73) was significantly better than that of 6% HP (5.27 ± 2.53) in terms of color rebound after one year of follow-up. There were significant differences in psychosocial impact and esthetic self-perception measurements prior to bleaching versus one-year post-whitening time points; positive effects were maintained.Conclusions: Low concentration (6%) achieved effective bleaching with good stability after one year, accompanied by a positive psychosocial impact and enhanced self-perception at follow-up.Trial registration: NCT03217994 (before enrollment of the first participant). Data register: July 14, 2017
Contact tracing of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and syphilis-infection among their male partners in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, China
Authors: Yan Rui-lin , Deng Bao-qing , Wen Gui-chun , Huang Li-cheng , Li Li-mei , Huang Zhi-ming
Published: September 2020

Background: Untreated male partners are a critical source of maternal re-infection. Contact tracing is a good way to identify infection among partners and reduce risk of mother-to-child transmission related to maternal re-infection. This study aimed to analyze the current situation and related factors of contact tracing of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and syphilis-infection among their male partners.Method: Data of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and their male partners attending clinic for syphilis-screening were obtained from the Shenzhen Program for Prevention of Congenital Syphilis. Contact tracing rate of syphilis-seropositive pregnant women and syphilis prevalence among male partners were counted, and related factors were also analyzed using a random-effects logistic regression model.Result: Of the 1299 syphilis-seropositive pregnant women, 74.1% (963/1299) had their male partners receiving syphilis-screening and 19.1% (184/963) of male partners were syphilis-infected. For pregnant women, being divorced (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.39; 95%CI: 0.17-0.87), seeking for emergency services at their first antenatal clinics visits (AOR=0.58; 95%CI: 0.44-0.77), reporting willingness to notify partner(AOR=7.65; 95%CI: 4.69-12.49), multi-partners (AOR= 1.38; 95%CI:1.03-1.86) and having a history of drug abuse (AOR=0.37; 95%CI: 0.14-1.00)were independently associated with successful contact tracing. For male partners, of minority ethnicity (AOR=4.15; 95%CI: 1.66-10.34), age at first sex＞20(AOR=0.57; 95%CI: 0.37-0.87), reporting multi-partners (AOR = 1.60; 95%CI: 1.04-2.46), having a history of drug abuse (AOR=4.07; 95%CI: 1.31-12.64) were independently associated with syphilis-infection. In addition, pregnant women with TRUST titer ≥1:8 (AOR=2.81; 95%CI: 1.87-4.21), having a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes (AOR=1.70; 95%CI: 1.14-2.53), reporting multi-partners (AOR=0.43; 95%CI: 0.29-0.64) and reporting the current partner as the source of syphilis (AOR=5.05; 95%CI: 2.82-9.03) were independently associated with partners' syphilis-infection.Conclusion: Contact tracing is feasible and effective in identifying syphilis-infected partners among syphilis-seropositive pregnant women. Contact tracing is associated with many factors such as women's marital status, services at their first antenatal clinics visit and willingness of partner notification. Partners' ethnicity, age at first sex, multi-partners and history of drug abuse as well as women's levels of TRUST titer were associated with partners' syphilis-infection.
Assessing the role of two populations of Aedes japonicus japonicus for Zika virus transmission under a constant and a fluctuating temperature regime.
Authors: Glavinic Uros , Varga Jasmin , Paslaru Anca Ioana , Hauri Jeannine , Torgerson Paul , Schaffner Francis , Veronesi Eva
Published: September 2020

Background: Since the huge epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil in 2015, questions were raised to understand which mosquito species could transmit the virus. Aedes aegypti has been described as the main vector. However, other Aedes species (e.g. Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus) proven to be competent for other flaviviruses (e.g. West Nile, dengue and yellow fever), have been described as potential vectors for ZIKV under laboratory conditions. One of these, the Asian bush mosquito, Ae. japonicus, is widely distributed with high abundances in central-western Europe. In the present study, infection, dissemination and transmission rates of ZIKV (Dak84 strain) in two populations of Ae. japonicus from Switzerland (Zürich) and France (Steinbach, Haut-Rhin) were investigated under constant (27 °C) and fluctuating (14–27 °C, mean 23 °C) temperature regimes.Results: The two populations were each able to transmit ZIKV under both temperature regimes. Infectious virus particles were detected in the saliva of females from both populations, regardless of the incubation temperature regime, from 7 days post-exposure to infectious rabbit blood. The highest amount of plaque forming units (PFU) (400/ml) were recorded 14 days post-oral infection in the Swiss population incubated at a constant temperature. No difference in terms of infection, dissemination and transmission rate were found between mosquito populations.Temperature had no effect on infection rate but the fluctuating temperature regime resulted in higher dissemination rates compared to constant temperature, regardless of the population. Finally, transmission efficiency ranged between 7–23% and 7–10% for the constant temperature and 0–10% and 3–27% under fluctuating temperatures for the Swiss and the French populations, respectively.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study confirming vector competence for ZIKV of Ae. japonicus originating from Switzerland and France at realistic summer temperatures under laboratory conditions. Considering the continuous spread of this species in the northern part of Europe and its adaptation at cooler temperatures, preventative control measures should be adopted to prevent possible ZIKV epidemics.
Mercury in the terrestrial environment: a review
Authors: Gworek Barbara , Dmuchowski Wojciech , Baczewska-Dąbrowska Aneta
Published: September 2020

Environmental contamination by mercury is and will continue to be a serious risk for human health. Pollution of the terrestrial environment is particularly important as it is a place of human life and food production. Publication presents a review of the literature on issues related to Hg pollution of the terrestrial environment: soil and plants and their transformations. Different forms of atmospheric Hg may be deposited on surfaces by way of wet and dry processes. These forms may be sequestered within terrestrial compartments or emitted back into the atmosphere, and the relative importance of these processes is dependent on the form of Hg, the surface chemistry, and the environmental conditions. On the land surface, Hg deposition mainly occurs in the oxidized form (Hg 2+ ), and its transformations are associated primarily with the oxidation-reduction potential of the environment and the biological and chemical processes of methylation. The deposition of Hg on ground with low vegetation as 3–5 times lower than that in forests. The estimation of Hg emissions from soil and plants, which occur mainly in the Hg 0 form, is very difficult. Generally, the largest amounts of Hg are emitted from tropical regions, and the lowest levels are from the polar regions.
Oncogenic miR-20b-5p contributes to malignant behaviors of breast cancer stem cells by bidirectionally regulating CCND1 and E2F1
Authors: Xia Liqin , Li Feng , Qiu Jun , Feng Zhongming , Xu Zihan , Chen Zhengtang , Sun Jian-Guo
Published: September 2020

BackgroundBreast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Therefore, it is of great significance to identify the biological mechanism of tumorigenesis and explore the development of breast cancer to achieve a better prognosis for individuals suffering from breast cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have become a hot topic in cancer research, but the underlying mechanism of its involvement in cancer remains unclear.MethodsThe miRNA profile between breast cancer stem cells(BCSCs, CD44+CD24-/low) and control MCF-7 breast cancer cells was obtained in a previous study. Based on biological analysis, miR-20b-5p was hypothesized to be a key factor due to the malignant behavior of BCSCs. Then, agomir-20b-5p and antagomir-20b-5p were transfected into MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells to detect cell migration, wound healing and proliferation, and lentivirus vectors silencing or overexpressing miR-20b-5p were transfected into T47D-CSCs to detect proliferation and apoptosis. The effect of miR-20b-5p on xenograft growth was investigated in vivo by transfection of a lentivirus-overexpression vector into T47D cells. The target genes were predicted by the online programs picTar, miRanda and TargetScan and verified by dual luciferase assay, and changes in protein expression were detected by western blot.ResultsMiR-20b-5p had the highest degree in both the miRNA-gene network and miRNA-GO network to regulate BCSCs. Overexpression of miR-20b-5p significantly promoted the migration and wound healing ability of MCF-7 cells and T47D cells compared with the control (P < 0.05). In addition, miR-20b-5p facilitated the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and T47D-CSCs (P < 0.05) and inhibited the apoptosis of T47D-CSCs (P < 0.05). Moreover, miR-20b-5p promoted xenograft growth compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Accordingly, potential targets of both CCND1 and E2F1 were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. MiR-20b-5p directly targeted both CCND1 and E2F1 in a dual luciferase assay, while antagomir-20b-5p downregulated the protein levels of CCND1 and E2F1.ConclusionsOncogenic miR-20b-5p was confirmed to promote the malignant behaviors of breast cancer cells and BCSCs. The underlying mechanism lies in that miR-20b-5p overall enhanced both CCND1 and E2F1 targets via bidirectional regulation probably involving direct downregulation and indirect upregulation.
Distributed causality in resting-state network connectivity in the acute and remitting phases of RRMS
Authors: Wu Lin , Huang Muhua , Zhou Fuqing , Zeng Xianjun , Gong Honghan
Published: September 2020

Background: Although previous studies have shown that intra-network abnormalities in brain functional networks are correlated with clinical/cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS), there is little information regarding the pattern of causal interactions among cognition-related resting-state networks (RSNs) in different disease stages of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients. We hypothesized that abnormalities of causal interactions among RSNs occurred in RRMS patients in the acute and remitting phases.Methods: Seventeen patients in the acute phases of RRMS, 24 patients in the remitting phases of RRMS, and 23 appropriately matched healthy controls participated in this study. First, we used group independent component analysis to extract the time courses of the spatially independent components from all the subjects. Then, the Granger causality analysis was used to investigate the causal relationships among RSNs in the spectral domain and to identify correlations with clinical indices. Results: Compared with the patients in the acute phase of RRMS, patients in the remitting phase of RRMS showed a significantly lower expanded disability status scale, modified fatigue impact scale scores, and significantly higher paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT) scores. Compared with healthy subjects, during the acute phase, RRMS patients had significantly increased driving connectivity from the right executive control network (rECN) to the anterior salience network (aSN), and the causal coefficient was negatively correlated with the PASAT score. During the remitting phase, RRMS patients had significantly increased driving connectivity from the rECN to the aSN and from the rECN to the visuospatial network. Conclusions: Together with the disease duration (mean disease duration < 5 years) and relatively better clinical scores than those in the acute phase, abnormal connections, such as the information flow from the rECN to the aSN and the rECN to the visuospatial network, might provide adaptive compensation in the remitting phase of RRMS.
A Retrospective Review of the Contribution of Rare Diseases to Paediatric Mortality in Ireland
Authors: Gunne Emer Anne , McGarvey Cliona , Hamilton Karina , Treacy Eileen , Lambert Deborah , Lynch Sally Ann
Published: September 2020

Aims: To ascertain the number of paediatric deaths (0-14 years) with an underlying rare disease in the Republic of Ireland between the years 2006-2016, and to analyse bed usage by a paediatric cohort of rare disease inpatients prior to in-hospital death.Background: Rare diseases are often chronically debilitating and sometimes life-threatening diseases, with the majority (69.9%) of rare diseases being of paediatric onset. The Orphanet database contains information on 6172 unique rare diseases. Under-representation of rare diseases in hospital healthcare coding systems leads to a paucity of rare disease epidemiological data required for healthcare planning. Studies have cited variable incidence rates for rare disease, however the burden of rare diseases to healthcare services still remains unclear. This study represents a thorough effort to identify the percentage of child mortality and paediatric bed usage attributable to rare diseases in the Republic of Ireland, thus addressing a major gap in the rare disease field.Methods: Retrospective analysis of paediatric death registration details for the Republic of Ireland in the 11-year period 2006-2016 from the National Paediatric Mortality Register. Data was subcategorised as Neonatal (0-28 days), Post Neonatal (29 days < 1 year) and older (1-14 years). Bed usage data (ICD-10 code, narrative and usage) of paediatric inpatients who died during hospitalisation from January 2015 to December 2016 was extracted from the National Quality Assurance Intelligence System of in-patient data. Orphacodes were assigned to rare disease cases from ICD-10 codes or diagnostic narrative of both datasets.Results: There were 4044 deaths registered from 2006-2016, aged <15yrs, of these 2368 (58.6%) had an underlying rare disease. Stratifying by age group; 55.6% (1140/2050) of neonatal deaths had a rare disease, 57.8% (450/778) post-neonatal, and 64% (778/1216) of children aged 1-14 years. Mortality coding using ICD-10 codes identified 42% of rare disease cases with the remainder identified using death certificate narrative records. Rare disease patients occupied 87% of bed days used by children <15 years who died during hospitalisation from January 2015 to December 2016.Conclusion: Additional routine rare disease coding is necessary to identify rare diseases within Irish healthcare systems to enable better healthcare planning. Rare disease patients are overrepresented in paediatric mortality statistics and in-patient length of stay during hospital admission prior to death.
High-throughput screening reveals novel mutations in spinal muscular atrophy patients
Authors: Zhang Ruiping , Gu Chunyu , Pu Linjie , Meng Yingtao , Shu Jianbo , Cai Chunquan
Published: September 2020

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease associated with severe muscle atrophy and weakness in the limbs and trunk. The discovery of mutated genes is helpful in diagnosis and treatment for SMA. Methods: 83 whole blood samples were collected from 28 core families of clinically suspected SMA, and multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) was performed. Afterwards, the complete gene sequence of SMN1 gene was detected. Furthermore, 20 SMA patients were selected from the 28 probands, and 5 non SMA children as controls. The Life Technologies SOLiD™ technology with mate-pair chemistry was utilized to conduct the whole exome high-throughput sequencing. Results: 22 probands were SMA patients, 3 probands carriers, and 3 probands normal individuals. Moreover, 2 parents from 2 SMA families were with 3 SMN1 exon7 copies. 6 SMN1 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were identified in the 83 samples, and c.[84C>T], c.[271C>T], c.[-39A>G] and g.[70240639G>C] were novel. Compared with control group, 9102 mutation were selected out in SMA patients. SPTA1 mutation c.[-41_-40insCTCT], FUT5 SNV c.[1001A>G], and MCCC2 SNV c.[-117A>G] were the 3 most frequent mutations in SMA group (95%, 85% and 75%, respectively). Conclusions: We identified some mutations in both SMN1 and other genes, and c.[271C>T], c.[-41_-40insCTCT], c.[1001A>G] and c.[-117A>G] might be associated with the onset of SMA.
Dust Emission Source Characterization for Visibility Hazard Assessment on Lordsburg Playa in Southwestern New Mexico, USA
Authors: Pelt Robert Scott Van , Tatarko John , Gill Thomas E. , Chang Chunping , Li Junran , Eibedingil Iyasu , Mendez Marcos
Published: September 2020

In drylands around the world, ephemeral lakes (playas) are common. Dry, wind-erodible playa sediments are potent local and regional sources of dust and PM10 (airborne particles with diameters less than 10 µm). Dust clouds often cause sudden and/or prolonged loss of visibility to travelers on downwind roadways. Lordsburg Playa, in southwestern New Mexico, USA is bisected by Interstate Highway 10. Dust storms emanating from the playa have been responsible for numerous visibility-related road closures (including 39 road closures between 2012-2019) causing major economic losses, in addition to well over a hundred dust-related vehicle crashes causing at least 41 lost lives in the last 53 years. In order to improve understanding of the surfaces responsible for the dust emissions, we investigated the critical wind friction velocity thresholds and the dust emissivities of surfaces representing areas typical of Lordsburg Playa’s stream deltas, shorelines, and ephemerally flooded lakebed using a Portable In-Situ Wind ERosion Laboratory (PI-SWERL). Mean threshold friction velocities for PM10 entrainment ranged from less than 0.30 m s-1 for areas in the delta and shoreline to greater than 0.55 m s-1 for ephemerally flooded areas of the lakebed. Similarly, we quantified mean PM10 vertical flux rates ranging from less than 500 µg m-2 s-1 for ephemerally flooded areas of lakebed to nearly 25,000 µg m-2 s-1 for disturbed delta surfaces. The unlimited PM10 supply of the relatively coarse sediments along the western shoreline is problematic and indicates that this may be the source area for longer-term visibility reducing dust events and should be a focus area for dust mitigation efforts.
A novel nomogram to predict the overall survival in esthesinoeroblastoma
Authors: Jiang Lijie , Lin Tengjiao , Zhang Yu , Gao Wenxiang , Deng Jie , Xu Zhaofeng , Luo Xin , Huang Zhaoqi , Chen Fenghong , Shi Jianbo , Lai Yinyan
Published: September 2020

Background Increasing evidence indicates that the pathology and the modified Kadish system have some influence on the prognosis of esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). However, an accurate system to combine pathology with a modified Kadish system has not been established. MethodsThis study aimed to set up and evaluate a model to predict overall survival (OS) accurately in ENB, including clinical characteristics, treatment and pathological variables. We screened the information of patients with ENB between January 1, 1976, and December 30, 2016 from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program as a training cohort. The validation cohort consisted of patients with ENB at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in the same period, and 87 patients were included. The Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to assess significance of clinicopathological and demographic characteristics. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to examine univariate and multivariate analyses. The model coefficients were used to calculate the Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Prognostic factors with a p-value < 0.05 in multivariate analysis were included in the nomogram. The concordance index (c-index) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the predictive power of the nomogram.ResultsThe c-index of training cohort and validation cohort are 0.737 (95% CI, 0.709 to 0.765) and 0.791 (95% CI, 0.767 to 0.815) respectively. The calibration curves revealed a good agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual observation regarding the probability of 3-year and 5-year survival. We used a nomogram to calculate the 3-year and 5-year growth probability and stratified patients into three risk groups.ConclusionsThe nomogram provided the risk group information and identified mortality risk and can serve as a reference for designing a reasonable follow-up plan.
The Use of Mobile Phones for the Prevention and Control of Arboviral Diseases: A Scoping Review
Authors: Carrillo Maria Angelica , Kroeger Axel , Sanchez Rocio Cardenas , Monsalve Sonia Diaz , Ranzinger Silvia Runge
Published: September 2020

Background: The rapid expansion of dengue, Zika and chikungunya with large scale outbreaks are an increasing public health concern in many countries. Additionally, the recent coronavirus pandemic urged the need to get connected for fast information transfer and exchange. As response, health programmes have -among other interventions- incorporated digital tools such as mobile phones for supporting the control and prevention of infectious diseases. However, little is known about the benefits of mobile phone technology in terms of input, process and outcome dimensions. The purpose of this scoping review is to analyse the evidence of the use of mobile phones as an intervention tool regarding the performance, acceptance, usability, feasibility, cost and effectiveness in dengue, Zika and chikungunya control programmes.Methods: We conducted a scoping review of studies and reports by systematically searching: i) electronic databases (PubMed, PLOS ONE, PLOS Neglected Tropical Disease, LILACS, WHOLIS, ScienceDirect and Google scholar), ii) grey literature, using Google web and iii) documents in the list of references of the selected papers. Selected studies were categorized using a pre-determined data extraction form. Finally, a narrative summary of the evidence related to general characteristics of available mobile health tools and outcomes was produced. Results: The systematic literature search identified 1289 records, 32 of which met the inclusion criteria and 4 records from the reference lists. A total of 36 studies were included coming from twenty different countries. Five mobile phone services were identified in this review: mobile applications (n = 18), short message services (n=7), camera phone (n = 6), mobile phone tracking data (n = 4), and simple mobile communication (n = 1). Mobile phones were used for surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, and communication demonstrating good performance, acceptance and usability by users, as well as feasibility of mobile phone under real life conditions and effectiveness in terms of contributing to a reduction of vectors/ disease and improving users-oriented behaviour changes. It can be concluded that there are great opportunities for using mobile phones in the fight against arboviral diseases as well as other epidemic diseases. Further studies particularly on acceptance, cost and effectiveness at scale are recommended.
Smoking and Incidence of Insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Hu Nan , Wang Chunyi , Liao Yan , Dai Qichen , Cao Shiyi
Published: September 2020

Background: Both smoking and insomnia are worldwide problems and this study aims to investigate the impact of smoking on the incidence of insomnia. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and OVID were searched through March, 2020. Cohort studies reporting the effect of smoking on the incidence of insomnia were included. We quantitatively analyzed the basic framework and study characteristics, and then pooled estimate effects with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of outcomes of each included studies using fixed-effects meta-analyses. Results: This systematic review included six cohort studies involving 12445 participants. Quantitatively summarized results suggested smoking could significantly increase the incidence of insomnia (OR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.02,1.13). Regular smoking was significantly associated with incidence of insomnia (OR=1.07, 95% CI:1.01,1.13). As for occasional smokers and ex-smokers, the pooled analysis didn’t indicate a significant association (occasional smoker: OR=2.09, 95% CI:0.44,9.95; ex-smoker; OR=1.02, 95% CI:0.67,1.54). Subgroup analysis by age, gender ratio and region showed statistically significant relationship between smoking and incidence of insomnia in specific groups. Conclusions: Integrated longitudinal observational evidence identified smoking as a significant risk factor of insomnia. Considering the limited amount of available studies, more high-quality and prospective cohort studies of large sample sizes are needed to explore details of this association.
Uncovering fungal community composition in natural habitat of Ophiocordyceps sinensis using high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches
Authors: Zhang Chuanbo , Ren Chao-Hui , Wang Yan-Li , Wang Qi-Qi , Wang Yun-Sheng , Weng Qing-Bei
Published: September 2020

Background: The fungal communities inhabiting natural Ophiocordyceps sinensis play critical ecological roles in alpine meadow ecosystem, contribute to infect host insect, influence the occurrence of O. sinensis , and are repertoire of potential novel metabolites discovery. However, a comprehensive understanding of fungal communities of O. sinensis remain elusive. Therefore, the present study aimed to unravel fungal communities of natural O. sinensis using combination of high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches. Results: A total of 280,519 high-quality sequences, belonging to 5 fungal phyla, 15 classes, 41 orders, 79 families, 112 genera, and 352 putative operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained from natural O. sinensis using high-throughput sequencing. Among of which, 43 genera were identified in external mycelial cortices, Ophiocordyceps , Sebacinia , Archaeorhizomyces were predominant genera with the abundance of 95.86%, 1.14%, 0.85%, respectively. A total of 66 genera were identified from soil microhabitat, Inocybe , Archaeorhizomyces , unclassified Thelephoraceae , Tomentella , Thelephora , Sebacina , unclassified Ascomycota , unclassified Fungi were predominant genera with an average abundance of 53.32%, 8.69%, 8.12%, 8.12%, 7.21%, 4.6%, 3.08% and 3.05%, respectively. The fungal communities in external mycelial cortices were significantly distinct from the soil microhabitat. Meanwhile, seven types of culture media were used to isolate culturable fungi at 16°C, resulted in 77 fungal strains isolated by rDNA ITS sequence analysis, belonging to 33 genera, including Ophiocordyceps , Trichoderma , Cytospora , Truncatella , Dactylonectria , Isaria , Cephalosporium , Fusarium , Cosmospora and Paecilomyces , etc .. Among all culturable fungi, Mortierella and Trichoderma were predominant genera. Conclusions: The significantly differences and overlap in fungal community structure between two approaches highlight that the integration of high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches would generate more information. Our result reveal a comprehensive understanding of fungal community structure of natural O. sinensis , provide new insight into O. sinensis associated fungi, and support that microbiota of natural O. sinensis is an untapped source for novel bioactive metabolites discovery.
Surgery improves the prognosis of colon mucinous adenocarcinoma with liver metastases: A SEER-Based Study
Authors: Huang Jia , Chen Guodong , Liu Huan , Zhang Yiwei , Tang Rong , Huang Qiulin , Fu Kai , Peng Xiuda , Xiao Shuai
Published: September 2020

Background: Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC) is the second most common pathological type of colon carcinoma (CC). Colon cancer liver metastases (CLMs) are common and lethal, and complete resection of the primary tumour and metastases for CLM patients would be beneficial. However, there is still no consensus on the role of surgery for MC with liver metastases (M-CLM). Methods: Patients diagnosed with M-CLM or classical adenocarcinoma with CLM (A-CLM) from 2010 to 2013 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were retrieved. The clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) data were compared and analysed. Results: The results showed that the M-CLM group had a larger tumour size, more right colon localizations, higher pT and pN stages, more female patients, and more retrieved and positive lymph nodes and accounted for a higher proportion of surgeries than the A-CLM group. The OS and CSS of M-CLM patients who underwent any type of surgery were significantly better than those of patients who did not undergo any surgery, but poorer than those of A-CLM patients who underwent surgery. Meanwhile, the OS and CSS of M-CLM and A-CLM patients who did not undergo any surgery were comparable. Compared with hemicolectomy, partial colectomy led to similar or better OS and CSS for M-CLM, and surgery was an independent protective factor for long-term survival in M-CLM. Conclusions: M-CLM had distinct clinicopathological characteristics from A-CLM, and surgery could improve the long-term survival and is an independent favourable prognostic factor for M-CLM. In addition, partial colectomy might be a non-inferiority choice as hemicolectomy for M-CLM according to the results from this study.
Modelling health belief predictors of oral health and dental anxiety among adolescents based on the Health Belief Model: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xiang Bilu , Wong Hai Ming , Perfecto Antonio P. , McGrath Colman P.J.
Published: September 2020

Background: A vicious cycle exists between dental anxiety, oral health behaviors and oral health status. Based on previous research, psychological factors of the Health Belief Model (HBM) are associated with oral health behaviors and oral health, and are likely involved in this cycle. However, little is known about the relationship between HBM factors and dental anxiety of adolescents. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between health belief factors, oral health and dental anxiety based on the constructs of the HBM.

Methods: 1207 Grade 2 students from 12 secondary schools in Hong Kong were randomly selected and measured for the decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index. Data for oral health behaviors, HBM constructs and dental anxiety were collected using questionnaires. The hierarchical entry of explanatory variables into logistic regression models estimating prevalence odds ratios (POR) were analyzed and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for DMFT and dental anxiety were generated. Path analysis was used to evaluate the appropriateness of the HBM as predictors for oral health behaviors, DMFT and dental anxiety.

Results: Based on the full model analysis, individuals with higher perceived susceptibility of oral diseases (POR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.14-1.56) or girls or whose mother received higher education level were likelier to have a DMFT≥1, while those with higher perceived severity (POR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.09-1.57), flossing weekly, DMFT≥1 or higher general anxiety level statistically increases the possibility of dental anxiety. The results from path analysis indicated that stronger perceived susceptibility, greater severity of oral diseases, less performing of oral health behaviors and a higher score of DMFT were directly related to increased dental anxiety level. Other HBM variables, such as perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy beliefs, cues to action and perceived barriers, might influence dental anxiety through oral health behaviors and caries status.

Conclusions: Clarifying the propositional structures of the HBM may help the future design of theory-based interventions in reducing dental anxiety and preventing dental caries.
Protein cysteine S-nitrosylation provides reducing power by enhancing lactate dehydrogenase activity in Trichomonas vaginalis under iron deficiency
Authors: Cheng Wei-Hung , Huang Kuo-Yang , Ong Seow-Chin , Ku Fu-Man , Huang Po-Jung , Lee Chi-Ching , Yeh Yuan-Ming , Lin Rose , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Tang Petrus
Published: September 2020

Background: Iron plays essential roles in the pathogenesis and proliferation of Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative agent of the most prevalent non-viral human sexually transmitted infection. We previously demonstrated that under iron deficiency, the endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is accumulated and capable of regulating the survival of T. vaginalis. Herein, we aim to explore the influence of NO on the activity of the pyruvate-reducing enzyme lactate dehydrogenase in T. vaginalis (TvLDH).Methods: Levels of lactate and pyruvate were detected for determining glycolysis activity in T. vaginalis under iron deficiency. Quantitative PCR was performed to determine the expression of TvLDH. S-nitrosylated (SNO) proteomics was conducted to identify the NO-modified proteins. The activities of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (TvGAPDH) and TvLDH were measured after sodium nitrate treatment. The effects of protein nitrosylation on the production of cellular reducing power were examined by measuring the amount of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and the ratio of the NAD redox pair (NAD+/NADH).Results: We found that although the glycolytic pathway was activated in cells under iron depletion, the level of pyruvate was decreased due to the increased level of TvLDH. By analyzing the SNO proteome of T. vaginalis upon iron deficiency, we found that TvLDH is one of the glycolytic enzymes modified by SNO. The production of pyruvate was significantly reduced after nitrate treatment, indicating that protein nitrosylation accelerated the consumption of pyruvate by increasing TvLDH activity. Nitrate treatment also induced NAD oxidation, suggesting that protein nitrosylation was the key posttranslational modification controlling cellular redox status.Conclusions: We demonstrated that NO-mediated protein nitrosylation plays pivotal roles in the regulation of glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and the activity of TvLDH. The recycling of oxidized NAD catalyzed by TvLDH provided the reducing power that allowed T. vaginalis to adapt to the iron-deficient environment.
Psychometric evaluation of the Thai version of Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (Th-ECOHIS): a cross sectional validation study
Authors: Leelataweewud Pattarawadee , Jirarattanasopha Varangkanar , Ungchusak Chantana , Vejvithee Warangkana
Published: September 2020

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is prevalent in Thailand. There has never been an appropriate tool to measure its impact on children. This study translated Early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS), a widely used proxy-reported questionnaire developed in the United States for measuring the oral health related quality of life of preschool children and their families and adopted into many countries, into Thai (Th-ECOHIS). Its psychometric properties were investigated in Thai caregivers and their children. Methods: Cultural adaptation for the scale development within Thai context was processed using forward–backward translation by experts. A face and content validation test were conducted among a group of 20 caregivers to attain the final Th-ECOHIS. Psychometric testing was done on 3-year-old-child-caregiver pairs in Bangkok with the interviewer-administered mode. Children’s oral health was indicated by caries experience (decayed, missing and filled primary teeth, dmft) and treatment need. The caregivers answered the Th-ECOHIS and global questions regarding perception of their children’s oral health. Reliability was assessed by measuring internal consistency and reproducibility using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Test-retest reliability was managed at 2-week interval in 10% of samples using the intraclass correlation coefficient calculated by two-way analysis of variance. The discriminant validity was tested by the relationship between the severity of dental caries, treatment need and Th-ECOHIS scores using Kruskal-Wallis test.Results: A total of 214 child-parent pairs participated. Twenty-two percent had ECC (dmft 1-3) and 17.3% had severe ECC (dmft 4 or higher) with mean (SD) dmft 1.63 (2.92). All items in the original ECOHIS were retained in the Thai version. The test-retest reliability of Th-ECOHIS was 0.87; internal consistency was 0.85; the total of Th-ECOHIS scores were significantly correlated with the global rating of oral health question (r = 0.604). Th-ECOHIS scores in both child and family impact sections and total were significantly associated with the severity of caries (p < 0.001) and treatment need (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Th-ECOHIS demonstrated good reliability and validity. It could be used to assess the impacts of ECC on quality of life of Thai pre-school children through caregiver and compare to other countries.
Harmonization of medical products regulation: A key factor for improving regulatory capacity in the East African Community
Authors: Ndomondo-Sigonda Margareth , Miot Jacqueline , Naidoo Shan , Masota Nelson , Ng'andu Brian , Ngum Nancy , Kaale Eliangiringa
Published: September 2020

Background: Limited capacity to regulate medical products is associated with circulation of products which do not meet standards of quality, safety and efficacy with negative public health and economic outcomes. This study focused on assessing the effect of the East African Community (EAC) medicines regulatory harmonization initiative on the capacity of national medicines regulatory agencies with focus on registration and inspection systems as part of the African Union medicines regulatory harmonization initiative. Methods: An exploratory mixed-method design using both qualitative and quantitative data, was employed. Data was collected from six national medicines regulatory authorities (NMRAs) and the EAC Secretariat through a combination of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and checklists for the period 2011/12-2014/15 while 2010/11 data served as baseline. Interviews were conducted with heads of NMRAs; regulatory and monitoring and evaluation experts; and the EAC Secretariat Project Officer. A set of 29 indicators grouped into 9 categories were used to measure NMRAs performance. Results: policy and legal frameworks provide a foundation for effective regulation. Collaboration, harmonization, joint dossier reviews and inspections of manufacturing sites; reliance and cooperation are key factors for building trust and capacity among NMRAs. 83.3% of the EAC Partner States have comprehensive medicines laws with autonomous NMRAs. All the NMRAs have functional registration and good manufacturing practice inspection systems supported by regional harmonised guidelines for registration, inspection, quality management and information management systems with 80% attaining ISO 9001:2015 certification. Efficiency of registration processes improved by 66.6%. Conclusions: The EAC regulatory harmonization initiative has contributed to improved capacity to regulate medical products. The indicators generated from this research can be replicated for evaluation of similar initiatives across and beyond the African continent and contribute to public health policy.