bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trapped Oil in Low-Permeability Zone Unswept by Water Flooding Under Permeability Heterogeneity Can be Mobilized by Ultra-Low Interfacial Tension: EOR Mechanism of Dilute Surfactant Flooding Proved by Low field NMR Core Flooding and Two-Parallel Core Flooding Experiments
Authors: Yuan Chengdong , Pu Wanfen , Varfolomeev Mikhail A. , Tan Tao , Zhao Shuai
Published: October 2019

It is a well-known EOR mechanism that residual oil in swept zone after water flooding (including oil drops, films and clusters) can be mobilized by low interfacial tension (IFT) during surfactant flooding. The aim of this work is to investigate if trapped oil in low-permeability zone (unswept by water flooding) can be mobilized or not by ultra-low IFT in dilute surfactant flooding without any additional conformance control treatment using polymer, gel, or foam, etc. Anionic–nonionic surfactant was used to attain ultra-low oil-water IFT of 10-4 mN/m at a low surfactant concentration of 0.2wt% under high salinity without adding any additional solubilizer, alkali, alcohols, etc. Using this surfactant solution, low field NMR core flooding experiment was conducted using heterogenous core. This core was drilled from artificial rectangular-sandstone core with two layers (gas permeability in low- and high-permeability layer is 90mD and 1200mD, respectively). Then, two-parallel core flooding experiment was conducted, where two core holders were parallelly installed (one for low-permeability core, one for high-permeability core) to simulate the heterogenous permeability condition.

NMR core flooding results showed that the reduction percentage of oil saturation in large pores (mostly distributed in high-permeability layer) was much higher than that in small pores (mostly distributed in low-permeability layer) during water flooding. After a high water cut of 98%, surfactant was injected. It was found that oil saturation in both high- and low-permeability layer was decreased, and the reduction percentage in small pores was much higher than that in large pores, which partly indicates that ultra-low IFT cannot only mobilize residual oil in swept zone in high-permeability layer, but also effectively mobilize trapped oil in unswept zone in low-permeability layer. This EOR mechanism was further verified by two-parallel core flooding experiment. Under the permeability max-min ratio of 705.1 to 48.96 mD (water permeability), there was no oil production from low-permeability core during water flooding even when water cut was 98% in high-permeability core. This means that it is difficult for injected water to penetrate into low-permeability core under such a heterogeneity. However, when changed to surfactant flooding, low-permeability core started to produce oil. A surfactant injection of 0.3 PV can yield an oil recovery of about 5% and 16% from low- and high-permeability core, respectively, which proves that ultra-low IFT has ability to mobilize trapped oil in low-permeability zone unswept by water flooding under heterogenous permeability without any additional conformance control treatment.
A Comprehensive Overview of Early Implementation of Chemical Eor Sector Model for North Kuwait Sabriyah Lower Burgan Reservoir
Authors: Al-Ghnemi Mohammad , Ozkan Erdal , Kazemi Hossein , Al-Murayri Mohammed , Pitts Malcolm , Dean Elio
Published: October 2019

This study focuses on a multi-well pilot test for a chemical enhanced oil recovery (CEOR) project in Sabriyah Lower Burgan reservoir that is located in the north of Kuwait. The objective of this research is to evaluate the economic applicability of a proposed Alkaline Surfactant Polymer (ASP) formulation based on laboratory core flooding in a multi-well pattern of the candidate reservoir. Simulation and economic modelling was used for this evaluation. Sabriyah Lower Burgan is a large sandstone reservoir with excellent rock properties (Darcy permeabilities). The field is currently developed through primary depletion with an active edge water drive. All forms of EOR were evaluated and CEOR was the only practical technology that passed all screening criteria. Understanding the reservoir behavior is critical and evaluating multiple implementation strategies is important to insure economic success.

The objective of the pilot test is to demonstrate that the recommended ASP formulation can economically mobilize remaining oil (ROS) in Sabriyah Lower Burgan reservoir. The process to achieve this objective includes: Expand a small scale pilot into a large multi-well pilot.Evaluate different well pattern configurations using numerical simulation to demonstrate the effectiveness of CEOR in producing additional oil.Apply economics to all case studies to determine applicability and commerciality of the different proposed case studies.List observated key challenges associated with large scaled field implementation.

Including economics in a technical CEOR assessment will help understand practical aspects of field CEOR implementation for the Sabriyah Lower Burgan field.
Enhanced Oil Recovery for Carbonate Oil Reservoir by using Nano-Surfactant:Part I
Authors: Hammood Hajir A. , Alhuraishawy Ali K. , Hamied Ramzy S. , AL-Bazzaz Waleed Hussien
Published: October 2019

Worldwide, excellent efforts have been created to enhance the recovery of oil. Over the previous century, Nano technology features in EOR have been the focus of attention.The introduction of nanotechnology started in the late 1980s and was created by rearranging atoms and molecules to synthesize fresh nano-materials. Based on the small partice size of NPs' (1-100) nm, the nanomaterial's optical, thermal, chemical and structural properties differ completly from those shown by either its atoms or bulk materials. Nanoparticles and surfactants assist each other stabilize and maintain stable emulsions. Furthermore, it is clear that surfactants contribute to the stability of nanoparticles and emulsions in order to reduce IFT and change the rock wettability toward water.

The main objective of this study is to investigate the effects of nano particles and surfactant on interfacial tention, fluid stability, and wettability index of carbonate reservoirs. Two key parameters were examined: silica nano particles and silica nano particles with Sodium Dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an anionic surfactant. Surface tension test was done for the surfactant to find critical micilles concentration, Interfatial tension test were done for fluids containing different SiO2 concentrations, dynamic light scattering (DLS) method was used to find the stability of nanoparticles in aqueous solution, and wettability test was done for core samples to investigate the effect of nano-surfactant on rock wettability. The results show that the CMC value for SDS was 0.158 wt% and increased SiO2 concentrations can reduce IFT values. Also, silica NPs' and SDS could improve the carbonate rock wettability to be more water-wet.
Isolating promoters from Corynebacterium ammoniagenes ATCC 6871 and application in CoA synthesis
Authors: Hou Yingshuo , Chen Siyu , Wang Jianjun , Liu Guizhen , Wu Sheng , Tao Yong
Published: October 2019

Background ： Corynebacterium ammoniagenes is an important industrial organism that is widely used to produce nucleotides and the potential for industrial production of coenzyme A by C. ammoniagenes ATCC 6871 has been shown. However, the yield of coenzyme A needs to be improved, and the available constitutive promoters are rather limited in this strain.
Results ： In this study, 20 putative DNA promoters derived from genes with high transcription levels and 6 promoters from molecular chaperone genes were identified. To evaluate the activity of each promoter, red fluorescence protein (RFP) was used as a reporter. We successfully isolated a range of promoters with different activity levels, and among these a fragment derived from the upstream sequence of the 50S ribosomal protein L21 (P rpl21 ) exhibited the strongest activity among the 26 identified promoters. Furthermore, type III pantothenate kinase from Pseudomonas putida ( Pp coaA) was overexpressed in C. ammoniagenes under the control of P rpl21 , CoA yield increased approximately 4.4 times.
Conclusions ： This study provides a paradigm for rational isolation of promoters with different activities and their application in metabolic engineering. These promoters will enrich the available promoter toolkit for C. ammoniagenes and should be valuable in current platforms for metabolic engineering and synthetic biology for the optimization of pathways to extend the product spectrum or improve the productivity in C. ammoniagenes ATCC 6871 for industrial applications.
Liver transplantation in Jehovah’s witnesses: 13 consecutive cases at a single Institution
Authors: Costanzo Diego , Bindi Maria , Ghinolfi Davide , Esposito Massimo , Corradi Francesco , Forfori Francesco , De Simone Paolo , De Gasperi Andrea , Biancofiore Gianni
Published: October 2019

Jehovah's Witnesses represent a tremendous clinical challenge when indicated to liver transplantation because they refuse blood transfusion on religious grounds and the procedure is historically associated with potential massive peri-operative blood loss. We developed a peri-operative management pathway with strategies toward a transfusion-free environment in the respect of the patients’ religious beliefs. Briefly, our peri-operative multimodal strategy to liver transplantation in Jehovah's Witnesses includes a pre-operative red cell mass optimization package and the intra-operative use of normovolemic haemodilution, veno-venous bypass and low central venous pressure. In a 9-year period, 13 Jehovah’s Witness patients received liver transplantation at our centre representing the largest LT program from deceased donors in JW patients that has been reported so far. No patient received blood bank products but 3 had fibrinogen concentrate and one tranexamic acid to correct ongoing hyper-fibrinolysis. There were 4 cases of acute kidney injury (one required extracorporeal renal replacement treatment) and one patient needed vasoactive medications to support blood pressure for the first 2 postoperative days. Two patients underwent re-laparotomy. Finally, of the 13 recipients, 12 were alive at the 1 year follow-up interview and 1 died due to septic complications. Our experience confirms that liver transplantation in selected Jehovah's Witnesses patients can be feasible and safe provided that it is carried out at a very experienced centre and according to a multidisciplinary approach
Fibrin γ/γ' influences the secretion of fibrinolytic components and clot structure
Authors: Cantero Miriam , Rojas Héctor , Anglés-Cano Eduardo , Marchi Rita
Published: October 2019

Background In healthy subjects fibrinogen γ/γ' circulates at 8-15% of the total plasma fibrinogen concentration. Elevated levels of this variant have been associated with arterial thrombosis and its diminution with venous thrombosis. The aims of the present work were to analyze the structure of the fibrin network formed on the top of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) at different fibrinogen γ/γ' concentrations, as well as its influence on the secretion of fibrinolytic components. Methods The kinetics of fibrin polymerization on top of HMEC-1 cells with 3, 10, and 30% fibrinogen γ/γ' was followed at 350 nm. The secretion of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI 1) by HMEC-1 were measured in the supernatant and cell lysates, after incubation with 1 nM thrombin, fibrin with 3%, and 30% fibrinogen γ/γ', using commercial kits. The influence of fibrinogen γ/γ' on fibrin structure on the surface of the HMEC-1 was followed with laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Results The kinetic of fibrin formation on HMEC-1 with 3% and 10% fibrinogen γ/γ' was similar. However, with 30% fibrinogen γ/γ' both the slope and final turbity were approximately 50% less. The LSCM images showed the dramatic effects of increasing fibrinogen γ/γ' from 3% to 30%. The uPA and PAI 1 concentrations in culture supernatants HMEC-1 cells treated with thrombin or 30% γ/γ' fibrin were two-fold increased as compared to basal culture supernatants and 3% γ/γ' fibrin-treated HMEC-1. In all stimulatory conditions the intracellular concentration of uPA was higher than in supernatants. In contrast, the intracellular PAI 1 concentration was decreased as compared to that measured in the supernatant, including the basal condition. Conclusion A concentration of 30% fibrin γ/γ' alter drastically fibrin structure on the cell surface and affects the secretion of uPA and PAI 1 through its capacity to bind thrombin.
Zwakala Ndoda: a cluster and individually randomised aimed at improving testing, linkage and adherence to treatment for hard-to reach men in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Rooyen Heidi van , Makusha Tawanda , Joseph Phillip , Ngubane Thulani , Kulich Michal , Sweat Michael , Coates Thomas
Published: October 2019

Background Men in sub-Saharan Africa are less likely than women to get tested for HIV, less likely to present for treatment, less likely to be maintained in treatment, more likely to have detectable viral load, more likely to transmit HIV with unprotected intercourse, and more likely to progress to AIDS and die sooner from HIV. The ultimate objective of this research is to provide evidence-based strategies to improve HIV testing and treatment of HIV-infected men. Methods This study is being conducted in the Greater Edendale Area and Vulindlela region in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is a two-stage design of a cluster-randomised trial and an individual randomised trial to test how structural and individual-level interventions address the demand-side factors that affect HIV testing and treatment for hard-to reach, high-risk men. It combines male-focused mobilization, community-based mobile HIV Testing Services and a small incentive to determine if the strategies singly and in combination can result in more men diagnosed with HIV, and more men linked to and maintained in care with undetectable viral load. Discussion A priority for sub-Sahara Africa is developing and evaluating novel and cost-effective strategies for identifying hard-to-reach groups such as men, linking them to HIV testing and care services and maintaining them in care to the point of viral suppression. We propose a combination prevention intervention that addresses men’s individual, interpersonal, and structural barriers to testing and care. This includes male-led mobilization to encourage uptake of testing and treatment; male-focused testing venues; male-only counselors; developing counseling models that are flexible and responsive to men; and strategies for adhering to clinic visits without missing work and navigating the health care system. By thoughtfully combining male-focused mobilization, testing and addressing some of the barriers to male engagement with health facilities, this study hopes to add to the growing evidence based about how to reach, test, link and maintain a hard to reach group such as men in HIV treatment and care services.
A five year retrospective analysis of common intestinal parasites at Poly Health Center, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Ayelgn Meseret , Worku Ligabaw , Ferede Getachew , Wondimeneh Yitayih
Published: October 2019

Objective: Intestinal parasites are present throughout the world in varying degrees of prevalence due to many factors. The aim of this study was to determine the five-year trend prevalence of intestinal prevalence among patients who had been suspected for intestinal parasite infections. A retrospective study was conducted from 2009 to 2013 at Poly Health Center Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Samples were examined using direct saline wet mount methods. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20 software and a P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results were presented in tables and graphs.
Results: During the study period, a total of 13,329 stool samples were requested for intestinal parasite diagnose and 5510 (41.3%) laboratory-confirmed cases were reported with a fluctuating trend. Ten different parasites were reported in each year with Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (16.8%) being the predominant parasite followed by Giardia lamblia (11.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (6.7%). Both males (49%) and females (51%) were equally affected (P=0.14). The intestinal parasite was reported in all age groups in the area but the highest and the lowest prevalence were reported in age groups of 20-29 years and 40-49 years, respectively (26.5% vs 6.4%) (P < 0.001).
Obesity, Diabetes and the Risk of Colorectal Adenoma and Cancer
Authors: Soltani Ghodratollah , Poursheikhani Arash , Yassi Maryam , Hayatbakhsh Abdorasool , Kerachian Matin , Kerachian Mohammad Amin
Published: October 2019

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In the current case-control study, an association between diagnosis of CRC, obesity and diabetes was investigated.
Methods: Demographic characteristics, colonoscopy reports, history of drug, smoking, and medical history were collected from patients referred to a colonoscopy unit. The location, size and number of the polyps were recorded during the colonoscopy. Statistically, t -test was conducted for mean comparison for the groups. Pearson's chi-squared test (χ2) was applied to categorize variables. Five classification methods based on the important clinicopathological characteristics such as age, BMI, diabetes, family history of colon cancer was performed to predict the results of colonoscopy.
Results: Overall, 693 patients participated in this study. In the present study, 115 and 515 patients were evaluated for adenoma/adenocarcinoma and normal colonoscopy, respectively. The mean age of patients positive for adenoma or adenocarcinoma were significantly higher than the negative groups (p value <0.001). Incidence of overweight and/or obesity (BMI> 25 kg/m2) were significantly higher in adenoma positive patients as compared to controls (49.9% and 0.9% respectively, p value= 0.04). The results also demonstrated a significant association between suffering from diabetes and having colon adenoma (OR=1.831, 95%CI=1.058–3.169, p value=0.023). The experimental results of 5 classification methods on higher risk factors between colon adenoma and normal colonoscopy data were more than 82% and less than 0.42 for the percentage of classification accuracy and root mean squared error, respectively.
Conclusions: In the current study, the occurrence of obesity measured based on BMI and diabetes in the adenoma positive patient group was significantly higher than the control group although there was no notable association between obesity, diabetes and adenocarcinoma.
Long Term Surgical Outcomes for Infective Endocarditis in People Who Inject Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Goodman-Meza David , Weiss Robert E , Gamboa Sebastian , Gallegos Abel , Bui Alex AT , Goetz Matthew B , Shoptaw Steve , Landovitz Raphael J
Published: October 2019

Background: In recent years, the number of infective endocarditis (IE) cases associated with injection drug use has increased. Clinical guidelines suggest deferring surgery for IE in people who inject drugs (PWID) due to a concern for worse outcomes in comparison to non-injectors (non-PWID). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term outcomes in PWID who underwent cardiac surgery and compared these outcomes to non-PWID.
Methods: We systematically searched for studies reported between 1965 and 2018. We used an algorithm to estimate individual patient data (eIPD) from Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves and combined it with published individual patient data (IPD) to analyze long-term outcomes after cardiac surgery for IE in PWID . Our primary outcome was survival. Secondary outcomes were reoperation and mortality at 30-days, one-, five-, and 10-years. Random effects Cox regression was used for estimating survival.
Results: We included 27 studies in the systematic review and 19 provided data (KM or IPD) for the meta-analysis. PWID were younger and more likely to have S. aureus than non-PWID. Survival at 30-days, one-, five-, and 10-years was 94.3%, 81.0%, 62.1%, and 56.6% in PWID, respectively; and 96.4%, 85.0%, 70.3%, and 63.4% in non-PWID. PWID had 47% greater hazard of death (HR 1.47, 95% CI, 1.05-2.05) and more than twice the hazard of reoperation (HR 2.37, 95% CI, 1.25-4.50) than non-PWID.
Conclusion: PWID had shorter survival that non-PWID. Implementing evidence-based interventions and testing new modalities are urgently needed to improve outcomes in PWID after cardiac surgery.
Trypanosome Infection Rate in Glossina tachinoides: Infested Rivers of Limmu Kosa District Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia
Authors: meharenet behablom , Alemu Dereje
Published: October 2019

Objective: Trypanosomosis is a disease of domestic animals and humans resulting from infection with parasitaemic protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma transmitted primarily by tsetse flies. The study was conducted to estimate the infection rate of trypanosome in vector flies and involved parasite species.
Result: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January-March 2018, to study the distribution and infection rate of trypanosome in vector flies and involved parasite species. Study methodology involved entomological survey using monoconical traps to study the magnitude of Fly density Flay/Trap/Day (FTD) and tsetse fly dissection to estimate infection rate of trypanosome in vector flies. The study result indicated that there was only one species of Tsetse fly Glossina tachinoides detected with FTD=4.45. Total of n=284 tsetse flies were dissected and n= 5 positive for Trypanosome resulting in 1.76% Infection Rate. Higher trypanosome infections were observed in female tsetse 1.41%, n=4 and 0.35%, n=1 in males. Furthermore, 1.06% of the trypanosome infections carried by Glossina tachinoides were classified as Trypanosome vivax and the remaining 0.70% was Trypanosome congolense.
Keywords: Limmu Kosa District, Trypanosome, Infection Rate, Glossina tachinoides
Reprocessing of RNA-sequencing samples from publicly-available data to yield normalized and comparable expression results.
Authors: Wright William C. , Chen Taosheng
Published: October 2019

Here we obtained RNA-sequencing data from the publicly-available Pan-Cancer analysis project performed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Data within this project were processed the same experimentally, and analyzed downstream by the UCSC Toil recompute project. We reprocessed the resulting gene count files in batch to obtain normalized expression, which is a step critical for proper and comparable interpretation. We describe the linear modeling and normalization protocol, and provide an example of plotting the results using a gene of interest. We perform the entire protocol using freely available packages within the R framework.
Volunteer responsibilities, motivations and challenges in implementation of the community-based health planning and services (CHPS) initiative in Ghana: qualitative evidence from two systems learning districts of the CHPS+ project
Authors: Kweku MMargaret , Manu Emmanuel , Amu Hubert , Aku Fortress Yayra , Adjuik Martin , Tarkang Elvis Enowbeyang , Komesuor Joyce , Asalu Geoffery A , Amuna Norbert N , Boateng Laud A , Alornyo Justine S , Glover Roland , Ayagah Bawah , Letsa Timothy , Awoonor-Williams Koku , Phillips James F , Gyapong John Owusu
Published: October 2019

Background Community volunteerism is essential in the implementation of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) concept in Ghana. We explored the motivations, responsibilities and challenges of Community Health Management Committees (CHMC) in two CHPS+ project districts in Ghana.Methods We used a qualitative approach to collect data through 4 focus group discussions among a purposive sample of Community Health Volunteers in December 2018 and analysed them thematically.Results The value, self-enrichment and protective functions were found to be the key motivations for serving on CHMCs. The committees provide support in running the CHPS programme through resource mobilisation, monitoring of logistics, assisting the Community Health Officers (CHO) in the planning of CHPS activities, and resolution of conflicts between the CHOs and community members. Financial challenges, inadequate logistics, lack of support from community members, lack of motivation, poor telecommunication network and lack of frequent skill development training programmes for CHMC members who serve as traditional birth attendants (TBAs) were major challenges in CHMC volunteerism.Conclusion Community health volunteerism needs to be prioritised by the Ghana Health Service and other health sector stakeholders to make it attractive for members to give off their best in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Low tri-iodothyronine syndrome improve the risk prediction of mortality in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liao Shengen , Cheang Iokfai , Lu Xinyi , Gao Gongrong , Zhou Yanli , Zhang Haifeng , Yao Wenming , LI Xinli
Published: October 2019

Background Clinical studies have suggested that low tri-iodothyronine (T3) syndrome negatively affects the clinical outcomes of patients with acute heart failure (AHF). The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of low T3 syndrome in terms of prognosis and risk predictive potential in AHF.Methods Low T3 syndrome was defined by a low free T3 level (<3.1 pmol/L) accompanied by a normal thyroid-stimulating hormone level. The association between the free T3 level and mortality and the incremental risk prediction were estimated in adjusted models.Results In total, 312 patients with AHF for whom detailed thyroid hormone profiles were available were prospectively enrolled. Seventy-two patients exhibited low T3 syndrome. Over a median follow-up period of 35 months, 121 cumulative deaths occurred. Cardiovascular death was observed in 94 patients. After extensive adjustment for confounders, the low T3 syndrome associated hazard ratio (95% conﬁdence interval) was 1.74 (1.16-2.61, P =0.007) for all-cause mortality and 1.90 (1.21-2.98, P =0.005) for cardiovascular mortality. The regression splines suggested a negative linear relationship between the free T3 level and mortality risk. Considering reclassification, adding low T3 syndrome to the fully adjusted model improved the risk prediction for all-cause mortality (Integrated discrimination improvement [IDI] 2.0%, P = 0.030; net reclassification improvement [NRI] 8.9%, P = 0.232) and cardiovascular mortality (IDI = 2.5%, P = 0.030; NRI 21.3%, P = 0.013).Conclusions Low T3 syndrome reclassified risk prediction for mortality beyond traditional risk factors.
Why under five children are stunted in Pakistan? Multilevel analysis of Punjab Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS-2014)
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Abbas Faisal , Kumar Ramesh , Somrongthong Ratana
Published: October 2019

Background : Pakistan is facing an acute problem of child under-nutrition as about 38 percent of children in Pakistan are stunted. Punjab, the largest province by population and GDP share having stunting prevalence of about 33.5 percent moderately and 13.3 percent severely stunted children of less than five years. Thus, this study aims at examining empirically the determinants of stunting (moderate and severe) at different level of hierarchy. Methodology : Data for this study is coming from Punjab Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS-2014). MICS uses two-stage, stratified cluster sampling approach. MICS is sub national level (Punjab province) data covering urban and rural areas. The data consists of 25,067 children under five, for 9 administrative divisions and 36 districts of Punjab province of Pakistan. Descriptive statistics and multilevel hierarchical models were estimated. Multilevel data analyses has advantage because it provides robust standard error estimates and helps in finding variation in the data at various levels. Results : Punjab has stunting prevalence of about 27 percent moderately and 10 percent severely stunted children of less than five years. The results depict that increasing age of child, increasing birth order, illiterate mothers and fathers, lack of sanitation facilities and being poor are associated significantly with the likelihood of moderate and sever stunting. Surprisingly, there is a gender bias in stunting in Punjab, Pakistan and being girl child is more likely associated with moderate and severe stunting which depicts the patriarchal nature of the society and a strong prevalence of gender bias in household resource allocations. Conclusion : This outcome of our analysis points towards targeting not only households (focus on girls) but also their families and communities. Keywords: Undernutrition; Stunting; Child Health; Pakistan; Punjab; Multilevel Models; Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey.
Adjustment of oral diet based on flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in acute stroke patients.A cross-sectional hospital-based registry study.
Authors: Braun Tobias , Juenemann Martin , Viard Maxime , Meyer Marco , Reuter Iris , Prosiegel Mario , Kaps Manfred , Tanislav Christian
Published: October 2019

Background
Diagnosing dysphagia in acute stroke patients is crucial, as this comorbidity determines morbidity and mortality; we therefore investigated the impact of flexible nasolaryngeal endoscopy (FEES) in acute stroke patients.
Methods
The FEES investigation as performed in acute stroke patients treated at a large university hospital, allocated as a standard procedure for all patients suspected of dysphagia. We correlated our findings with baseline data, disability status, pneumonia, duration of hospitalisation, necessity for mechanical ventilation and treatment on the intensive care unit.
Results
We investigated 152 patients. The median age was 73; 94 were male. Ischemic stroke was diagnosed in 125 patients (82.2%); 27 (17.8%) suffered intracerebral haemorrhage.
Pharyngeal-phase dysphagia was diagnosed in 72.4% of the patients, and was associated with higher stroke severity on admission (median NIHSS 11 [IQR 6-17] vs. 7 [4-12], p=.013; median mRS 5 [IQR 4-5] vs. 4 [IQR 3-5], p=.012). Short-term mortality was higher among patients diagnosed with dysphagia (7.2% vs. 0%, p=.107). FEES examinations revealed that only 30.9% of the patients had an adequate oral diet.
A change of oral diet was associated with a better outcome at discharge (mRS; p=.006), less need of mechanical ventilation (p=.028), shorter period of hospitalisation (p=.044), and lower rates of pneumonia (p=.007) and mortality (p=.011).
Conclusion
Due to the inability of clinical assessments to detect silent aspiration, FEES might be better suited to identify stroke patients at risk and may contribute to a better functional outcome and lower rates of pneumonia and mortality. Our findings also point to a low awareness of dysphagia, even in a specialised stroke centre.
FEES in acute stroke patients helps to adequately adjust the oral diet for the vast majority of stroke patients (69.1%), potentially avoiding severe complications.
Trial registration
The study was not registered
Comparative Genomics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae isolated from Children with Pneumonia: South Korea, 2010-2016
Authors: Lee Joon Kee , Seong Moon-Woo , Shin Dongjin , Kim Jong-Il , Han Mi Seon , Yeon Youbin , Cho Sung Im , Park Sung Sup , Choi Eun Hwa
Published: October 2019

Background Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory tract infections in children and adults. This study applied high-throughput whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies to analyze the genomes of 30 M. pneumoniae strains isolated from children with pneumonia in South Korea during the two epidemics from 2010 to 2016 in comparison with a global collection of 48 M. pneumoniae strains which includes seven countries ranging from 1944 to 2017. Results The 30 Korean strains had approximately 40% GC content and ranged from 815,686 to 818,669 base pairs, coding for a total of 809 to 828 genes. Overall, BRIG revealed 99% to > 99% similarity among strains. The genomic similarity dropped to approximately 95% in the P1 type 2 strains when aligned to the reference M129 genome, which corresponded to the region of the p1 gene. MAUVE detected four subtype-specific insertions (three in P1 type 1 and one in P1 type 2), of which were all hypothetical proteins except for one tRNA insertion in all P1 type 1 strains. The phylogenetic associations of 30 strains were generally consistent with the multilocus sequence typing results. eBURST analysis demonstrated two clonal complexes which are accordant with the known P1 typing, with higher diversity among P1 type 2 strains. The phylogenetic tree constructed with 78 genomes including 48 genomes outside Korea formed three clusters, in which the sequence type 3 strains from Korea were divided into two P1 type 1 clusters. Conclusions The comparative genome analysis of the 78 M. pneumoniae strains including 30 strains from Korea by WGS reveals structural diversity and phylogenetic associations, even though the similarity across the strains was very high.
Antisnake venom activity and isolation of quercetin from the leaf of Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance ex F. White (Malpighiales: Chrysobalanaceae)
Authors: Yusuf A. J. , Abdullahi M. I. , Musa A. M. , Haruna A. K. , Mzozoyana V. , Abubakar H.
Published: October 2019

Snake envenomation is a major cause of death and disability in many developing countries. Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance ex F. White (Malpighiales: Chrysobalanaceae) have been reportedly used in traditional medicine to treat snake envenomation. Bioassay-guided isolation of antivenom principles was carried out on the leaf of N. macrophylla against Naja nigricollis venom. The methanol extract of N. macrophylla leaf and its ethylacetate and n-butanol fraction significantly (P < 0.05) protected mice against venom-induced lethality with 100% survival rate and there was remarkable inhibition of the poisonous effects of PLA2 enzyme by the extracts and the fractions. Encouraged by this result, the ethylacetate soluble fraction was subjected to purification using vacuum liquid chromatography and gel filtration which led to the isolation of quercetin as the bioactive principle. The identity of the compound was determined on the basis of chemical tests, and by comparison of its 1H-NMR data with literature, this is the first report of isolation of this compound from the leaf of the plant. However, the results of the study suggests that the leaf of N. macrophylla possess significant antisnake venom activity which provide the scientific basis for its use in traditional treatment of snakebites.
Radical Subject Acceleration for Gifted Students: One School's Response
Authors: Chalwell Kaye , Cumming Therese
Published: October 2019

Radical subject acceleration, or moving students through a subject area faster than is typical, including skipping grades, is a widely accepted approach to support students who are gifted and talented. This is done in order to match the student’s cognitive level and learning needs. This case study explored radical subject acceleration for gifted students by focusing on one school’s response to the learning needs of a ten year old mathematically gifted student. It provides insight into the challenges, accommodations and approach to radical subject acceleration in an Australian school. It explored the processes and decisions made to ensure that a gifted student’s learning needs were met and identified salient issues for radical subject acceleration. Lessons learned from this case study may be helpful for schools considering radical acceleration.
2-Chlorophenol degradation by catalytic wet air oxidation using copper supported on TiO2-CeO2-ZrO2
Authors: García-Hernández Luis Enrique , Frías-Márquez Dora Ma , Pacheco-Sosa J. Gpe , Cervantes-Uribe A. , Arévalo-Pérez J. Carlos , Pérez-Vidal Hermicenda , Silahua-Pavón Adib Abiu , Lunagómez-Rocha Ma. Antonia , Torres-Torres J. G.
Published: October 2019

In this work, we describe the morphological, electronic and catalytic properties of support TiO2-CeO2-ZrO2, prepared by sol–gel method, which was impregnated with copper at 5 and 10% by weight, in order to obtain efficient catalysts in the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of 2-cp. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and nitrogen physisorption by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The activity of the materials used in this study revealed that without the presence of Cu, the SCO2 is low and with a content of 10% this metal shows the best catalytic behaviour; conversely, a reaction mechanism is proposed that describes the complete oxidation of 2-cp in this case.
Sewage sludge-derived carbon-doped manganese as efficient cathode catalysts in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Huang Jingjing , Feng Huajun , Jia Yufeng , Shen Dongsheng , Xu Yingfeng
Published: October 2019

Searching for efficient and inexpensive catalysts to replace precious metal-based catalyst in air-cathode microbial fuel cells is crucial for the practical application and commercialization in wastewater treatment and energy generation. Here, through a simple pyrolysis process, sewage sludge could be converted into carbon material with hierarchically porous structure, which demonstrates oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic performance. Subsequently, co-doping Mn and N species on the carbonized sewage sludge matrix could further improve the ORR catalytic performance, which even demonstrates comparable performance to the commercial expensive Pt/C catalyst in air-cathode microbial fuels cells (MFC). The highest maximum power density of MFC with Mn-N/SC air-cathode is as high as 1,120 mW m−2, which is similar to the power density of the air-cathode MFC equipped commercialized Pt/C catalyst (1,240 mW m−2). Considering the simple operation, significant cost-saving and easy scale-up of the proposed ‘trash-to-treasure’ method, it is promising to convert harmful sewage sludge into efficient non-platinum cathode catalysts in microbial fuel cells.
Facile synthesis of graphene oxide/palygorskite composites for Pb(II) rapid removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Zeng Wen-Juan , Wang Cai-Yun , Wang Yu-Hui , Guo Hong-Mei , Huang Yu , Zhang Xiao-Liang
Published: October 2019

As a kind of earth-abundant and cheap natural clay mineral, palygorskite (Pal) was facilely modified by grafting with graphene oxide (GO) to fabricate GO/Pal composites for rapid removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. The results of characterization confirmed that the GO/Pal composites were successfully grafted between GO sheets and Pal nanorods. The effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, adsorption time, initial Pb(II) concentration and temperature on the adsorption of Pb(II) onto the GO/Pal composites as adsorbents were systematically investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity over 106.6 mg/g was obtained within a short adsorption time of less than 1 h even at 298.15 K. The adsorption of Pb(II) was a fast process that more accurately followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. This process also could be described better with the Langmuir equation model than the Freundlich model. The negative values of ΔG° and the positive values of ΔH° and ΔS° indicated that it was a spontaneous, endothermic and entropy-increasing adsorption process. Compared with pristine Pal and GO powders, such the GO/Pal composites as a cost-efficient and eco-friendly adsorbents could significantly improve the adsorption properties of Pb(II) and would have potential application in the industrial wastewater treatment for rapid removal of Pb(II).
Energy Efficient Routing Protocol Using a Relay Node in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Nigam Gaurav Kumar , Dabas Chetna
Published: October 2019

Background & Objective:

The demand of Wireless sensor networks have elevated
exceedingly by virtue of broad capability of the sensor networks to relate the physical
environment. Sensor devices depend on battery capability and are deployed in adverse
environments and it becomes extremely difficult to replace. Thus, elaborating the energy of sensor
nodes becomes vital.

Methods:

G-LEACH is proposed by introducing competent cluster head replacement strategy and
adding a relay node to increase the network stability and node lifetime.

Results & Conclusion:

Simulation is performed in NS-2. The proposed G-LEACH is examined
with existing LEACH and MODLEACH protocols and the simulation results depicts that GLEACH
outperforms the conventional LEACH and MODLEACH and thereby enhancing the
lifetime by rotating the CHs and minimizing the energy dissipation.
Understanding the Adoption and Diffusion of a Telemonitoring Solution in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Qualitative Study
Authors: Khalil Carine
Published: October 2019

Background

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) require regular follow-ups and overall management to normalize maternal blood glucose and improve pregnancy outcomes. With the advancements made in the digital field, telemedicine is gaining popularity over traditional health care approaches in different medical fields. As for GDM, telemonitoring solutions seem to improve women’s quality of life and enhance self-management.

Objective

The aim of this study is to understand, from patients’ and health care professionals’ (HCPs) perspectives, what drives the adoption and diffusion of a telemonitoring solution (myDiabby) in a context where telemonitoring activities are still not compensated like traditional follow-ups.

Methods

The study was conducted in 12 diabetes services in France using myDiabby for monitoring and managing patients with GDM. A qualitative research approach was adopted for collecting and analyzing data. A total of 20 semistructured interviews were conducted with HCPs working in different health structures in France, and 15 semistructured interviews were conducted with patients who had been using myDiabby. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Different determinants need to be taken into consideration when adopting an innovative health technology. By drawing on the diffusion of innovation theory, a set of factors associated with the technology (the relative advantages, compatibility, ease of use, testability, and observability of the telemedicine platform) has been identified as affecting the adoption and diffusion of telemonitoring solutions in French diabetes services. In addition, data analysis shows a set of environmental factors (the demographic situation of HCPs, the health care access in rural communities, and the economic and political context in France) that also influences the spread and adoption of telemonitoring systems in French hospitals.

Conclusions

Even though telemonitoring activities are still not remunerated as traditional follow-ups, many French HCPs support and encourage the adoption of telemonitoring systems in GDM. As for patients, telemonitoring systems are perceived as a useful and easy way to monitor their GDM. This study contributes to recognizing the value of telemonitoring interventions in managing GDM and considering the expansion of telemonitoring to other chronic conditions.
Back to the Future: Achieving Health Equity Through Health Informatics and Digital Health
Authors: Brewer LaPrincess C , Fortuna Karen L , Jones Clarence , Walker Robert , Hayes Sharonne N , Patten Christi A , Cooper Lisa A
Published: October 2019

The rapid proliferation of health informatics and digital health innovations has revolutionized clinical and research practices. There is no doubt that these fields will continue to have accelerated growth and a substantial impact on population health. However, there are legitimate concerns about how these promising technological advances can lead to unintended consequences such as perpetuating health and health care disparities for underresourced populations. To mitigate this potential pitfall, it is imperative for the health informatics and digital health scientific communities to understand the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, which hinder their achievement of ideal health. This paper presents illustrative exemplars as case studies of contextually tailored, sociotechnical mobile health interventions designed with community members to address health inequities using community-engaged research approaches. We strongly encourage researchers and innovators to integrate community engagement into the development of data-driven, modernized solutions for every sector of society to truly achieve health equity for all.
ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIBIOFILM ACTIVITIES OF TRANS-CINNAMALDEHYDE NANOEMULSION AGAINST ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: L RAJ UTKRISHTA , GAUTAM MEGHA , DANG SHWETA , GABRANI REEMA
Published: October 2019

Objective: Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) has shown antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms, but its direct use has some disadvantages such as skin irritation, low bioavailability, and low solubility. The objective of the present work was to develop the oil-in-water nanoemulsions (NEs) of TC to enhance its antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli.

Methods: The NEs of TC were prepared using triton x-100 and isopropyl alcohol as surfactant and cosurfactant. The developed NE was studied for size, zeta potential, and stability. NEs were evaluated for antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against E. coli as indicator organism. NEs possible mode of action on E. coli was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results: Stable NEs of TC exhibited a particle size of 210 nm and were able to inhibit the growth of planktonic as well as biofilm cultures of E. coli at 67 μg/ml. The ruthenium red staining indicated the inhibition of glycoprotein layer formation in extracellular matrix after treating with NE. TC-NE exhibited substantial decrease in E. coli growth as well as its viability at its minimum inhibitory concentration as determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mode of action of cinnamaldehyde through β-galactosidase assay on E. coli ML-35p strain indicated that it altered the bacterial cell membrane permeability. SEM results showed the presence of holes on the cell wall of the E. coli in the presence of TC-NE.

Conclusions: TC-NEs exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity and were effective against E. coli biofilm. They also exhibited microbicidal activity and altered E. coli membrane permeability.