bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Approach to Estimate Water Saturation Behind Casing Using Carbon Oxygen Data: Challenges and a Case Study in Abu-Dhabi Onshore Reservoirs
Authors: Abdel Aziz Ahmed S , El Wazeer Fathy , Odom Richard , Malalur Sanjeev
Published: November 2020

Carbon-Oxygen ratio measurements are advantageous for calculation of water saturation behind casing in situations where the normal pulsed neutron sigma log fails to do so. Examples include reservoirs stimulated by acids or those having fresh water.

Carbon steel casing commonly used to inhibit corrosion processes. In most cases, the carbon content in the steel material is an unknown parameter that can contaminate the accuracy of the C/O measurement. Another challenge, particularly in Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) reservoirs, is the high salinity of the formation water (typically 200 Kppm NaCl) where Chlorine makes more gamma rays per neutron compared to other elements and can interfere with the oxygen accuracy. In this paper, we propose methods and workflows to assure the accuracy of oil saturation from C/O measurements.

To lower the dependence on carbon, examples of a process that uses the ratio of the Oxygen window to the total inelastic gamma counts are demonstrated. The responses of other inelastic data including the total inelastic count rate and the ratio of inelastic to capture can be scaled as water saturation as a secondary quality control method. Examples of C/O processing with chlorine corrections are also demonstrated.

Data from two wells with consistent reservoir parameters (porosity, rock, wellbore, etc.) are used to demonstrate the proposed techniques. This data is augmented with computer models and analysis to understand the various steps in the workflow. The proposed technique has been applied with acceptable saturation results behind carbon steel in acid stimulated reservoirs, with high salinity water.

This paper provides a solution to estimate water saturation behind carbon steel casings in acid stimulated reservoirs and with high salinity water. We have developed workflows as best practices to assure the accuracy of Carbon/Oxygen oil saturation measurements.
Muscle-Derived Stem Cells Combined With Nerve Growth Factor Transplantation in the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Rats
Authors: Fang Jianxiong , Liu Haosheng , Liu Tianqi , Zhang Zhenhui , Zhao Chao , Peng Tianming , Li Yong , Wang Qianqian , Chen Hanzhong , Li Teng , Huang Shang , Pu Xiaoyong , Liu Jiumin
Published: November 2020

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) combined with nerve growth factor (NGF) in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in rats. Methods: MDSCs were isolated and extracted from 90 SD rats, and the stem cell characteristics of the cells were identified using flow cytometry. NGF overexpression plasmid was coated with adenovirus and qRT-PCR was applied to verify adenovirus transfection efficiency. The rat models of SUI were constructed and randomly divided into five groups: control group, PBS group, MDSCs+oe-NGF group, MDSCs+vector group, and MDSCs group. After 8 weeks of feeding, the effect of MDSCs combined with NGF on repairing SUI in rats was detected by measuring the leakage point pressure (LPP) rats and Masson staining of rat urethral sections. The expression of NGF and VEGF was detected by western blot and IHC staining. Results: Flow cytometry results showed that the isolated MDSCs had stem cell characteristics and good purity. NGF mRNA was significantly upregulated in MDSCs after transfection with adenovirus coated with NGF plasmid. Compared with the control group, the LPP and the ratio of muscle fibers/collagen fibers were significantly increased in the MDSCs treated groups, with the highest increase in the MDSCs + oe-NGF group. Western blot and IHC results showed that compared with the control group, the expression of NGF and VEGF in the urethral tissues in the MDSCs treated groups were significantly up-regulated, with the highest increase in the MDSCs + oe-NGF group. Conclusion: MDSCs alone can improve SUI in rats, while MDSCs combined with NGF is more effective in the treatment of SUI rats by up-regulating VEGF.
Myeloid cell dynamics correlate with clinical outcomes of severe coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Takano Tomohiro , Matsumura Takayuki , Adachi Yu , Terahara Kazutaka , Moriyama Saya , Onodera Taishi , Nishiyama Ayae , Kawana-Tachikawa Ai , Miki Shoji , Hosoya-Nakayama Kaori , Nakamura-Hoshi Midori , Seki Sayuri , Tachikawa Natsuo , Yoshimura Yukihiro , Miyata Nobuyuki , Horiuchi Hiroshi , Sasaki Hiroaki , Miyazaki Kazuhito , Kinoshita Noriko , Sudo Tsutomu , Akiyama Yutaro , Sato Rubuna , Suzuki Tadaki , Matano Tetsuro , Takahashi Yoshimasa
Published: November 2020

An expanded myeloid cell compartment is a hallmark of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, it remains unclear whether myeloid cells are beneficial or detrimental to the clinical outcome. Here, we tracked cellular dynamics of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) subsets and examined whether any of them correlate with disease severity and prognosis by flow cytometric analysis of blood samples from COVID-19 patients. We observed that polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs, rather than other MDSC subsets, transiently expanded in severe cases but not in mild or moderate cases. Notably, this subset was selectively expanded in survivors of severe cases and diminished during recovery. Analysis of plasma cytokines/chemokines revealed that interleukin-8 increased prior to PMN-MDSC expansion in survivors and returned to basal levels during the recovery phase. In contrast, interleukin-6 and interferon--induced protein 10 were abundantly induced in non-survivors, suggesting possible downstream targets for the immunosuppressive effects of the MDSC subset. Our data indicate that increased cellularity of PMN-MDSCs might be beneficial for the clinical outcome and could be useful as a possible predictor of prognosis in cases of severe COVID-19.
Unprecedented evolution and transcriptional reprogramming of CYP81E subfamily in Carthamus tinctorius during flavonoid biosynthesis
Authors: Jianyu Liu , Ahmad Naveed , Yingqi Hong , Wenkai Wang , Yueyang Liu , Xintong Ma , Noman Muhammad , Hoang Nguyen Quoc Viet , Na Yao , Xiuming Liu , Haiyan Li
Published: November 2020

Cytochrome P450s are widely known as an important class of enzymes involved in multi-dimensional metabolic reactions which facilitate both primary and secondary metabolism in plants. Recent advances in genome sequencing of new plant species have greatly influenced our knowledge of the evolution of gene families. Herein, we present the extensive genome-wide identification study and early experimental groundwork of CtCYP81E subfamily extracted from safflower genome. The evolutionary divergence and several other molecular aspects of CtCYP81E enzymes were described with the help of phylogenetic reconstruction and robust in silico analysis. A total of 15 CtCYP81E candidate enzymes were identified and clustered together with A-type CYP71 clan of the model plant. The detail overview of their gene structures organization, conserved signatures motif, cis regulatory elements, Go functional categorization and protein-protein interaction network, respectively suggested novel insights for physiological and biosynthetic implications. Following multiple recombinant DNA approaches combined with the development of GPF fusion, heterologous expression, and transcriptional regulation network of CtCYP81E8 under normal and fluctuating environments, further functional validation was performed. The transient expression system using onion epidermal cells revealed the candidate protein's subcellular position to cell membrane. Similarly, the biochemical assay of recombinant CtCYP81E8 protein, effectively produced during heterologous expression, verified 2,4-dimethylphenol activity over different time periods. Moreover, the results of RNA-transcriptomic data and qRT-PCR analysis of 15 CtCYP81Es at different flowering stages indicated a differential expression levels defining their potential roles during safflower metabolite biosynthesis.Consequently, the transcriptional regulation of CtCYP81E exploited with various stress conditions indicated considerable susceptibility against these environmental drifts. Furthermore, the correlation analysis of CtCYP81E8 transcription and metabolite accumulation pattern in wild and mutant safflower lines also suggested positive outcomes during flower development. Although presumably, these results may be helpful in determining the fundamental idea of transcriptional regulation channels that strategically turn on the secondary metabolic pool of plant system in response cute environmental falls.
Allele Frequency Analysis Suggests Potentially Protective Effect in the Lithuanian Population
Authors: Zukauskaite Gabriele , Domarkiene Ingrida , Rancelis Tautvydas , Kavaliauskiene Ingrida , Baronas Karolis , Kucinskas Vaidutis , Ambrozaityte Laima
Published: November 2020

Background. In the scientific literature, a wide range of effect variants that protect against complex disease phenotypes has been identified. Analysis of these variants and overall genetic structure of isolated or, in our case, small populations is important in association analysis. When analysing admixture populations during GWAS, one could expect inaccuracies, which could be eliminated by choosing distinct populations as one of the interests of study. Population genetic structure determines similarities and differences between individuals or different groups of individuals and the factors that may lead to those differences. Results. In our study, we identified six missense effect variants in the Lithuanian population having frequencies that were significantly different compared to other European populations. Three of these effect variants may potentially protect against type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.Conclusions. Even though high rates of these diseases in the Lithuanian population and other populations indicates the presence of environmental factors and the lack of knowledge about the interactions between regulatory regions and other effect variants. Identification of these effect variants is important not only to provide a better understanding of the microevolutionary processes and etiopathogenetic mechanisms, but also to develop disease prevention programs and novel, personalised therapies using genome editing or other genetic tools.
Identification and introgression of novel bacterial blight resistance from Oryza glaberrima Steud
Authors: Ajitha V , Laha G.S , Sundaram R.M , MS Anantha , Senguttuvel P , Muralidhara B , Lakshmi Ishwarya , Mandal Bidyasagar , Kemparaju KB , Subbarao L.V , Padmavathi G , Padma V , Channappa Gireesh
Published: November 2020

Background: Bacterial blight (BB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is one of the major diseases affecting rice production in India and globally. Developing resistant cultivar is generally regarded as the most effective and economical means of controlling this dreaded disease.Results: A total of 31 accessions of O. glaberrima were screened for BB resistance consecutively for four seasons and 28 accessions consistently exhibited high level of resistance with a mean lesion length of < 3cm. Molecular characterization using gene specific markers revealed absence of major resistance genes viz., xa5, xa13, Xa21, Xa38, xa41(t) and xa45 in these accessions, indicating the possibility of presence of novel gene(s) conferring BB resistance. In order to transfer BB resistance from O. glaberrima, resistant accessions EC861812 showing high level of BB resistance was crossed to the susceptible rice cultivar, IR64 and resultant interspecific hybrid plants were further backcrossed to IR64. Backcrossing was done up to BC2 generation and during each generation of backcrossing, the plants were evaluated for their BB reaction to identify BB resistant ones. High level of spikelet sterility was observed in F1 and subsequent backcross generations. BB reactions pattern in F1 and BC1F2 indicated single dominant gene conferring BB resistance in EC861812. We identified six resistant plants at BC2F2 (with mean lesion length of 0.1-0.8 cm) which were genotyped with 70 parental polymorphic SSR markers. The recovery of recurrent parent genome among the six resistant lines was found to be 65.1 to 84.5% with average of 67.5%. Interestingly, analysis of BC2F2 population for yield attributing traits showed transgressive segregation for plant height, productive tillers, panicle length which indicates that O. glaberrima also harbor beneficial alleles for yield related traits. Conclusion: BB resistant introgression lines derived from O. glaberrima identified in the present study will serve as precious pre-breeding resources for development of durable BB resistant elite breeding varieties.
Single-Use Digital Flexible Ureteroscopes as A Potential Choice for the Treatment of Lower Pole Renal Stones: A Multicenter Case-Control Study
Authors: Yang Enguang , Jing Suoshi , Niu Yuanjie , Qi Shiyong , Yadav Prabin Kumar , Yang Li , Bao Junsheng , Tian Junqiang , Wang Juan , Li Ningchen , Ou Tongwen , Wang Zhiping
Published: November 2020

Background: To compare the efficacy and safety of a single-use digital flexible ureteroscope (FURS) and a reusable FURS for the treatment of lower pole stones (LPS) smaller than 20 mm.Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted using the clinical data from a multicenter, randomized, open-label clinical trial in four hospitals in China. A single-use digital FURS ZebraScope™ was utilized in the trial group during surgery, with a reusable FURS URF-V used in the control group. The efficacy endpoints assessed were the 1-month postsurgical stone-free rate (SFR), operative time, length of postoperative hospital stay, and mean reduction in hemoglobin level. The safety outcomes assessed were the presence of adverse events (AEs), severe AEs (SAEs), and postoperative complications.Results: In total, 49 patients with LPS underwent surgery using FURS. The demographic and preoperative parameters were comparable between the 2 groups. The 1-month SFR was 84.00% for the ZebraScope™ group and 58.33% for the URF-V group (P<0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in the operative time (P=0.665), the length of hospital stay (P=0.308), the presence of postoperative complications (P=0.307), the presence of AEs (P=0.483)，and the presence of SAEs (P = 0.141). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that single-use digital FURS is a safe and effective option and can offer higher SFR than the reusable FURS in the treatment of LPS smaller than 20 mm. We recommend single-use digital FURS as an alternative to reusable FURS for the treatment of LPS.Trial registration: The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The registration number: ChiCTR1900021615. Date of registration: 1/3/2019. This trial was registered retrospectively.
Relationship Between Occlusal Force and Endothelial Function in Community-Dwelling Elderly
Authors: Kato Kanna , Matsuda Naoko , Takahata Miki , Koseki Chika , Yamaki Michiyasu , Sato Toshiaki
Published: November 2020

Background: Prolonged healthy life expectancy, which is duration without the requirement of any kind of help for activities of daily living (ADL), is essential to ensure a long life with a good quality of living in the community. Further, local residents should understand their health conditions and live consciously to prolong healthy life expectancy. The development of a simple general health indicator is necessary. Both occlusal force and flow-medicated dilation (FMD) which reflects endothelial function are useful tools for understanding the general condition of the elderly. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between occlusal force and endothelial function. In the present study we examined this relationship, occlusal force measurement can be a good indicator of the general condition of the elderly. Methods: In 38 community-dwelling women(aged 76.7 ±5.7 years), we measured occlusal force,　grip strength, endothelial function evaluated by FMD, advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In this study we investigate we investigated the relationship between occlusal force, measurement items, and factors independently related to endothelial dysfunction (FMD<7％). Results: There were significantly correlation between occlusal force and grip strength (r=0.54, p<0.01). Degree of FMD significantly associated with occlusal force (r=0.60, p<0.01) and grip strength (r=0.35, p<0.05) or amount of increased AGEs (r=-0.37, p<0.05). Occlusal force was independently associated with degree of FMD after adjusting for age, AGEs, and grip strength (p < 0.05).Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between occlusal force and FMD. Occlusal force can be an important indicator of endothelial function in community-dwelling elderly. This study may help understanding general health of elderly in community.
Assessment of Mosquito Collection Methods for Dengue Surveillance
Authors: Garjito Triwibowo Ambar , Susanti Lulus , Mujiyono Mujiyono , Prihatin Mega Tyas , Susilo Dwi , Nugroho Sidiq Setyo , Mujiyanto Mujiyanto , Wigati Raden Ajeng , Satoto Tri Baskoro Tunggul , Manguin Sylvie , Gavotte Laurent , Frutos Roger
Published: November 2020

BackgroundSeveral methods exist to collect and assess the abundance of dengue vector mosquitoes, i.e. morning adult collection using an aspirator, pupal collection, various ovitraps, whole night collection using human landing methods, and larval collection. This diversity of methods might be a source of variability and lack of statistical significance when trying to correlate mosquito density and risk of dengue outbreak. There is also a lack of published data regarding the effectiveness of these methods MethodsA mosquito survey was conducted in 39 locations corresponding to 15 dengue endemic provinces in Indonesia. The larval surveys were performed by collecting at least a single Aedes larva from each container, and then reared up until hatching. Three adult mosquito sampling methods were also used, including morning resting collection, human landing collection, animal baited trap. All field samples were tested for dengue. Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the collection methods against mosquito species and dengue incidence.ResultsA total of 44,675 mosquitoes were collected. The single larva method was the most efficient method. Out of a total of 89 dengue-positive pools, the most frequently encountered virus was DENV2, which made up half of the positive samples, followed by DENV3 and DENV1, respectively. FAMD showed that no correlation could be found between any methods and the presence of dengue virus in mosquitoes. Moreover, no correlation could be found between either any methods or the incidence.Conclusions﻿There was no concistency in the efficacy of a given method and the incidence of dengue in the human population. There was no correlation between any of the parameters considered, i.e. method, incidence of dengue, location and presence of dengue virus in mosquitoes. This indicates that entomological factors are not reliable indicators.
Comparing Multimodality-Guided Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in Small Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules by Thin Bronchoscopy and Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy: A Randomised Trial
Authors: Disayabutr Supparerk , Ratnarathon Anuttra , Tscheikuna Jamsak
Published: November 2020

BackgroundVarious modalities of guided bronchoscopy have been developed to improve the diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary nodule (PPN). The present study compared the diagnostic yield between thin bronchoscopy (TB) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) in diagnosis of PPN.MethodsThe patients with PPN less than or equal to 30 mm were randomly assigned into 2 groups, 4-mm thin bronchoscope (TB group) and 5.9-mm conventional bronchoscope with using ENB (the superDimension) system (ENB group). In both groups, we used radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) and fluoroscopy to guide transbronchial lung biopsy.ResultsThe total of 49 patients were enrolled and randomized into TB group (n=24) and ENB group (n=25). Mean size of PPN was 22 mm. There was no difference in nodule size, location of nodule, the presence of CT bronchus sign and EBUS visualization between groups. The diagnostic yields were 73.9% and 66.7% in TB group and ENB group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic yield between two groups and the non-inferiority of the TB group could not be confirmed. Multivariate analysis showed that the diagnostic yield was significantly higher if there is CT bronchus sign (odd ratio 48.82, p = 0.031) and the bronchoscope can reach more airway depth (odd ratio 6.21, p = 0.023). The overall complication was 2% which is pneumothorax in one patient in the TB group.ConclusionsThe thin bronchoscopy has a comparable diagnostic yield as electromagnetic bronchoscopy in diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary nodule without serious complication.Trial registrationTCTR, TCTR20200224003. Registered 24 February 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=5834.
Instruments to Assess the Role of the Clinical Pharmacist: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chagas Marina Oliveira , Lima Tácio de Mendonça , Rebustini Flávio , Noll Matias , Queiroz Débora Penélope de Carvalho , Hernandes Janete Capel , Chaveiro Neuma , Barbosa Maria Alves , Porto Celmo Celeno
Published: November 2020

Background: The clinical pharmacist is an essential member of the health care team and plays an important role in health care. Therefore, knowledge regarding the instruments that evaluate the different activities of the clinical pharmacist, as well as the evaluation of the psychometric properties of these instruments, are necessary. Methods: A literature search was performed in the PubMed and Scopus electronic databases without time and language restrictions. For the search strategy, the "pharmaceutical services", "validation studies" and "professional performance" domains were used. To assess the quality of the instruments, the five sources of validity evidence of contemporary psychometry were used, and the Joanna Briggs Institute’s standardized instrument was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. After screening 4096 articles, 32 studies were selected. Results: It was found that the available instruments were developed or adapted from others, with variation in the methods, constructs, dimensions, and domains, as well as the psychometric properties. Most of the instruments addressed community pharmacies and evidence of content validity and internal structure was found most frequently. Conclusions: However, no validated instrument, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of all actions that pharmacists are legally qualified to perform, was found. Moreover, fragility of the instruments in concerning the psychometric properties and methodological procedures of the studies were found. Systematic Review registration: PROSPERO CRD 42018099912.
Biomarkers of lipid metabolism in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: relationship with subtype and inflammatory activity
Authors: Rodrigues Wellington Douglas Rocha , Sarni Roseli Oselka Saccardo , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Araujo Annelyse , Len Claudi Arnaldo , Terreri Maria Teresa
Published: November 2020

Background: To describe the biomarkers of lipid metabolism in children and adolescents with polyarticular and systemic JIA and to relate them to diseases subtypes, diseases activity markers, and nutritional status. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 62 JIA patients was performed. The following variables were evaluated: disease activity and medications used, body mass index, height for age (z-score), skin folds (bicipital, tricipital, subscapular and suprailiac), food intake based on three 24-hour food recalls, lipid profile (total cholesterol (CT), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG) and non-HDL (N-HDLc), glycemia and insulin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) and apolipoproteins A-I and B (Apo A-I and Apo B).Results: Dyslipidemia was observed in 83.3% of the patients. Based on classical lipid profile, low HDL-c levels was the most frequently alteration observed. Inadequate levels of LDL-c, Apo B and NHDL-c were significantly more frequent in the systemic JIA subtype when compared to the polyarticular subtype (p = 0.017, 0.001 and 0.042 respectively). Patients on biological therapy had a better adequacy of Apo A-I concentrations. The ESR showed a negative correlation with Apo A-I level (r = -0.25, p = 0.047).Conclusion: We concluded that dyslipidemia is common in patients with JIA, especially in systemic subtype. The systemic subtype and an elevated ESR were associated with lower concentrations of Apo A-I, suggesting the participation of the inflammatory process.
Numerical Modeling of the Disappearance of Equatorial Plasma Dubble by the Nighttime Medium-scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances
Authors: Chou Min-Yang , Lin Charles C. H. , Huba Joseph D.
Published: November 2020

The Naval Research Laboratory first-principles ionosphere model SAMI3/ESF is performed to study the interaction between the nighttime medium-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) and equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs). The synthetic Es layer instability driven by the external dynamo currents are imposed into the potential equation to induce polarization electric fields for generating the MSTIDs. Simulations demonstrate that the MSTIDs alone can inhibit the upward growth of EPBs, but are insufficient to explain the disappearance of EPBs. The meridional winds are necessary to comprehend the underlying mechanism. The zonal and vertical E × B drifts of MSTIDs also affect the morphology of EPBs that could result in a reverse-C shape structure.
Association of Peptic Ulcer Disease with Obesity, Serum Insulin Level and Lipid Profile
Authors: Forghani Foroogh , Mirhashemi Mahboube
Published: November 2020

Background: PUD is a common and important type of gastrointestinal disease. Determination of contributing factors for PUD is an important issue for the development of preventive approaches. In this study, the association of Peptic Ulcer Disease with Obesity and Serum Insulin and Lipid Profile was studied.Methods: In this case-control study in Modarres Hospital in Tehran in 2019 among 170 consecutive subjects including 90 patients with PUD and 80 cases without it were enrolled and sampling tools were checklists. Serum Insulin and Lipid Profile and BMI were compared across the groupsResults: The results in this study demonstrated that Serum Insulin and Lipid Profile and BMI had no statistically significant difference between those patients with and without presence of PUD (P > 0.05).Conclusion: This study showed no statistically significant difference between those patients with and without the presence of PUD from points of Serum Insulin and Lipid Profile and BMI.
Occupational Exposure to Glyphosate and Risk of Lymphoma: Results of an Italian Multicenter Case-Control Study
Authors: Meloni Federico , Satta Giannina , Padoan Marina , Montagna Andrea , Pilia Ilaria , Argiolas Alessandra , Piro Sara , Magnani Corrado , Gambelunghe Angela , Muzi Giacomo , Ferri Giovanni Maria , Vimercati Luigi , Zanotti Roberta , Scarpa Aldo , Zucca Mariagrazia , Matteis Sara De , Campagna Marcello , Miligi Lucia , Cocco Pierluigi
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently classified glyphosate, the most used herbicide worldwide, as a probable human carcinogen. We inquired into the association between occupational exposure to glyphosate and risk of lymphoma subtypes in a multicenter case-control study conducted in Italy. MethodsThe Italian Gene-Environment Interactions in Lymphoma Etiology (ItGxE) study took place in 2011-17 in six Italian centres. Overall, 867 incident lymphoma cases and 774 controls participated in the study. Based on detailed questionnaire information, occupational experts classified duration, confidence, frequency, and intensity of exposure to glyphosate for each study subject. Using unconditional regression analysis, we modelled risk of major lymphoma subtypes associated with exposure to glyphosate adjusted by age, gender, education, and study centre. ResultsVery few study subjects (2.2%) were classified as ever exposed to glyphosate. Risk of follicular lymphoma (FL) was elevated 7-fold in subjects classified as ever exposed to glyphosate with medium-high confidence, 4.5-fold in association with medium-high cumulative exposure level, 12-fold with medium-high exposure intensity, and 6-fold with exposure for 10 days or more per year. Significant upward trends were detected with all the exposure metrics, but duration. The overall p-value for an upward trend with four independent metrics was 1.88 x 10-4. There was no association with risk of lymphoma (any subtype), Non Hodgkin Lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, or the major lymphoma subtypes other than FL. ConclusionsOur findings provide limited support to the IARC decision to classify glyphosate as Group 2A human carcinogen.
Characteristics of a COVID19 confirmed case series in Primary Care (COVID19-PC Project): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rogero-Blanco Eloisa , Gonzalez-Garcia Vera , Medina-Garcia Rodrigo , Muñoz-Molina Pilar , Machin-Hamalainen Santiago , López-Rodríguez Juan A , COVID-AP Grupo
Published: November 2020

Background: To estimate the prevalence of symptoms and signs related to a COVID19 case series confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2. Risk factors and the associated use of health services will also be analysed. Methods. Observational, descriptive, retrospective case series study. The study was performed at two Primary Care Health Centres located in Madrid, Spain. The subjects studied were all PCR SARS-CoV-2 confirmed cases older than 18 years, diagnosed from the beginning of the community transmission (March 13) until April 15, 2020. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, health service utilization and clinical course variables during the following months. All data was gathered by their own attending physician, and electronic medical records were reviewed individually. Statistical analysis: A descriptive analysis was carried out and a Poisson regression model was adjusted to study associated factors to Health Services use.Results: Out of the 499 patients studied from two health centres, 55.1% were women and mean age was 58.2 (17.3). 25.1% were healthcare professionals. The most frequent symptoms recorded related to COVID19 were cough (77.9%; CI 95% 46.5-93.4), fever (77.7%; CI95% 46.5-93.4) and dyspnoea (54.1%; CI95% 46.6-61.4). 60.7% were admitted to hospital. 64.5% first established contact with their primary care provider before going to the hospital, with a mean number of 11.4 Healthcare Providers Encounters with primary care during all the follow-up period.The number of visit-encounters with primary care was associated with being male [IRR 1.072 (1.013, 1.134)], disease severity {from mild respiratory infection [IRR 1.404 (1.095, 1.801)], up to bilateral pneumonia [IRR 1.852 (1.437,2.386)]}, and the need of a work leave [IRR 1.326 (1.244, 1.413].Conclusion: Symptoms and risk factors in our case series are similar to those in other studies. There was a high number of patients with atypical unilateral or bilateral pneumonia. Care for COVID has required a high use of healthcare resources such as clinical encounters and work leaves.
Effectiveness of an outbreak dose of mumps-containing vaccine in two First Nations communities in Northern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Rudnick Wallis , Wilson Sarah , Majerovich Jo Ann , Haavaldsrud Michelle , Gatali Marene , Matsumoto Cai-Lei , Deeks Shelley
Published: November 2020

Between 18-Dec-2017 and 27-Jun-2018, a mumps outbreak occurred in two Canadian Indigenous communities. An outbreak dose of mumps-containing vaccine was offered as part of control measures. We conducted a cohort study and survival analysis to describe the outbreak and evaluate the outbreak dose, extracting immunization information on all community members (n=3,135) from immunization records. There were 70 mumps cases; 56% had received two pre-outbreak vaccine doses. Those who received a pre-outbreak dose more distantly had higher rates of mumps compared to those with more recent doses (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.4 (95%CI: 0.7–20.6) for receipt >20 years before vs. receipt ≤3 years). During the outbreak, 33% (1,010/3,080) of eligible individuals received an outbreak dose. The adjusted hazard ratio for no outbreak dose receipt was 2.7 (95%CI: 1.0–10.1). Our results suggest that an outbreak dose of mumps-containing vaccine may be an effective public health intervention, but further study is warranted.
Economic incentives and survival probabilities for chronic and multimorbidity patients - Do the relationships depend on patient pathways?
Authors: Islam M. Kamrul , Kjerstad Egil , Askildsen Jan Erik
Published: November 2020

Background: The Norwegian Coordination Reform (CR) in 2012 introduced new economic incentives aimed at weaknesses in interaction between primary care, social care and specialist care. This paper studies the association of a new co-payment scheme on the 30-day and 90-day survival probabilities for chronic and multimorbidity patients. We also analyse whether admission types ⸺planned or emergency⸺ matters for survival rates, and the importance of patient pathways. Several different pathways are possible, depending on where patients came from before being admitted to hospital and their destination after discharge from hospital.Methods: The study uses data from three different registers for the period 2010 to 2013. We consider 30 common chronic conditions for which administrative data are available (n=563,096 in-patient episodes). We look at three mutually exclusive pathways. They are relevant and important in terms of the number of patients depending on co-operation and co-ordination between health care providers. Using a quasi-experimental design—the difference-in-differences approach—we estimate the associations between the co-payment scheme and survival probability by admission type and by patient pathway.Results: Overall, the changes in survival probabilities are found positively and significantly associated with the co-payment scheme. For emergency admissions such a significant positive association is observed for the 30-day survival only, whereas, for planned admissions a significant positive relationship is evident for the 90-day survival only. Pathway-specific results indicate positive and significant associations with survival probabilities (both the 30-and 90-day) for all admissions and emergency admissions for two specific pathways. Multimorbidity subgroup analysis generally shows no significant relationship with survival probabilities, but pathway-specific analyses show significant positive associations between emergency admissions and the 90-day survival for patients following two specific pathways. However, for planned admissions we find a significant negative association with the 30-day survival for multimorbidity patients following one specific pathway.Conclusion: We conclude that the survival probabilities are positively associated with the new economic incentives but the result depends on admission type, patient pathway and multimorbidity status. Without modelling admission type, pathway and multimorbidity explicitly, one may overlook important relationships associated with the economic incentives. Future policy evaluations in any pertinent context should envisage these aspects.
Risk analysis of 2-year mortality in elderly male military veterans with non-thyroidal illness syndrome​
Authors: Miao Xinyu , Liu Hongzhou , Fu Xiaomin , Ma Huiping , Chen Xuefeng , Gu Zhaoyan , Sun Banruo , Li Nan , Li Chunlin , Yan Shuangtong , Lyu Zhaohui
Published: November 2020

Background: Elderly patients with non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) have relatively severe symptoms and a poor prognosis. However, there are few studies on the correlation between NTIS and mortality among hospitalised elderly patients. This study aimed to investigate the characterization of NTIS inpatients with biochemical indicators and mortality prediction.Methods: In the present study, 931 male veteran inpatients ≥ 60 years of age who visited our hospital from January 2012 to December 2013 were selected and divided into the NTIS group (n = 193) and normal thyroid function (non-NTIS) group（n = 738). Following propensity score matching to match the two groups according to age and body mass index, the NTIS group and non-NTIS group consisted of 192 and 660 patients, respectively. Data on biochemical indicators and mortality were collected. Results: Patients had more primary care and more respiratory disease and chronic kidney disease in the NTIS than in the non-NTIS group. Serum total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), prealbumin (PA), haemoglobin (Hb), uric acid (UA), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) levels were significantly lower, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) and urea nitrogen (UN) levels were higher, in the NTIS than in the non-NTIS group. Triiodothyronine, TP, Alb, and PA levels correlated positively with the Hb level and negatively with FBG, UN, and creatinine (Cr) levels. The free T3 level correlated positively with TP, Alb, PA, Hb, and UA levels and negatively with FBG, UN, and Cr levels. A lower free T3 level was associated with increased all-cause mortality after adjusting for covariates. Patients in the NTIS group had a lower survival rate at 6-month (78.65% vs. 97.73%), 1-year (68.23% vs. 96.97%) and 2-year (64.58% vs. 86.52%). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that a cut-off free T3 level of 3.45 pmol/L yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting all-cause mortality at 2 years.Conclusion: Among elderly male inpatients, the survival rate was lower in the NTIS group. Serum protein levels and renal function decreased and the FBG level increased with decreasing triiodothyronine and free T3 levels. A decreased free T3 level in hospitalized elderly male patients was a predictor of poor prognosis.
Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments with allograft: Single-tunnel double-bundle versus single-tunnel single-bundle
Authors: Zhu Weimin , Zhou Yuanhui , Chen Kang , Zheng Yizi , Lu Wei , Wang Daping , Zeng Yanjun , Deng Zhenhan , Xiong Jianyi
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) commonly adopted single-tunnel single-bundle (STSB) or double-tunnel double-bundle (DTDB) methods. Though single-tunnel double-bundle (STDB) has been used in clinical practice, the efficacy remains unclear. The objective of this study is to compare the clinical results of ACL reconstruction using the STDB and STSB techniques.Methods: Between March 2010 to June 2013, 78 patients with ACL rupture underwent arthroscopic STDB reconstruction (42 cases) or STSB reconstruction (36 cases) using anterior tibialis tendon allografts in our department. IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores were used to evaluate the subjective function of the knee joint during the postoperative follow-up. In addition, the Lachman test and pivot shift test were used to objectively assess the stability of the knee.Results: The average follow-up time is 24.2±5.7 months in the STDB group, and 24.8±6.6 months in the STSB group. Patients in both groups recovered to preoperative sports level with few complications. The postoperative Lysholm, IKDC, Tegner scores, and knee joint stability were significantly improved compared to preoperative status in both groups (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups at the final follow-up (P>0.05), except for the improvement of pivot shift test positive rate in the STDB group compared with STSB group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Both techniques can be used to restore the stability and function of the knee joint with satisfactory short-term efficacy, and STDB showed better rotational stability than STSB technique, indicating the STDB technique may also considered a reliable method for ACL reconstruction.
Impact of experiencing specific side-effects on contraceptive switching and discontinuation in Uganda: Results from a longitudinal PMA Survey
Authors: Zimmerman Linnea A , Sarnak Dana , Karp Celia , Wood Shannon , Ahmed Saifuddin , Makumbi Fredrick , Kibira Simon
Published: November 2020

There is substantial evidence that contraceptive side-effects are a major deterrent to consistent use of contraception but few studies in low- or middle-income countries explore the role that specific side-effects, rather than “side-effects and health concerns”, have on contraceptive dynamics. This study used population-based, longitudinal data to explore the effect that specific side-effects had on contraceptive continuation, discontinuation, and switching in Uganda. Methods Data for this study come from two rounds of PMA2020 data collection in Uganda PMA2020 Uganda’s sixth cross-sectional survey and a follow-up survey conducted one year later. The main outcomes of interest were discontinuation and switching among modern users of hormonal contraceptive methods and the IUD at baseline (n=550). Multivariable multinomial logistic regressions assessed the association of reporting experiencing specific side-effects (more bleeding, less bleeding, irregular bleeding, increased dryness/reduced libido, and physical discomfort) with discontinuation and switching one year later, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, type of method, and length of use.ResultsOne-third of hormonal contraceptive users reported experiencing side-effects at baseline. Reporting more bleeding increased the risk of discontinuation by 2.39 times (95% CI: 0.01-4.72). Experiencing irregular bleeding decreased the risk of switching by a factor of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.17-0.93). Vaginal dryness/reduced libido and physical discomfort were both marginally associated with increased relative risk of switching, increasing the risk of switching by a factor of 3.10 (95% CI : 0.97-9.10) and 1.75 (95% CI: 0.95-3.24), respectively. Wealth was significantly negatively associated with discontinuation while education was marginally significantly and positively associated with switching. ConclusionsGreater attention should be paid to understanding the unique contributions of side-effects to contraceptive behavior using population-based data. Not all side-effects are associated with contraceptive discontinuation and switching, despite the experience of side-effects being common. The experience of physical discomfort and vaginal dryness/reduced libido, largely ignored in other research, were shown to affect use. Providing greater individualized care that includes information about common side-effects and how they may impact daily life is necessary.
Assessing Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production in Various Vegetation Types Based on the Spatio-Temporal Fusion Model in Xiong'an New Area During 2000-2018
Authors: Tang Jia , Zhang Qing , Zeng Jingyu , Zhang Rongrong , Li Xingrong , Tian Yanqin , Wang Qianfeng
Published: November 2020

Background: Humans have induced great changes in terrestrial ecosystems. The human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) quantifying the intensity of anthropogenic extraction from ecosystem has been widely used to evaluate ecological sustainable development. However, the coarse-resolution of calculating data for the HANPP leads to biased results in a small scale. Furthermore, the spatio-temporal patterns and dynamics of the HANPP in a human-dominated heterogeneous region are still unclear. Methods: This study investigates the state-level new area Xiong'an New Area and applies the spatial and temporal nonlocal filter-based fusion model (STNLFFM) to generated new datasets, which is combined with our previously improved Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) to estimate HANPP. Spatio-temporal variations of HANPP are mapped and assessed using Mann–Kendall (M–K) trend analysis approach from 2000 to 2018 with a high resolution. The relationship among the HANPP, subcomponents, and natural–social–economic-driven factors is discussed herein. Results: The results show that the STNLFFM-derived fusion images fitted well with the observed images having the superior correlation coefficient (r), structural similarity index, root mean square error, and mean absolute deviation of 0.75, 0.76, 0.035, and 0.026, respectively, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) differences are mainly concentrated on the range of 0–0.15 for all months. The HANPP derived by the fusion-based images, above 60% of potential NPP, varied across the whole area, especially between various vegetation types. The HANPP exhibited a significant positive correlation (r > 0.46, P < 0.05) with precipitation and held an uptrend because of the increase of the harvested HANPP which related with the socio-economic conditions having the determination coefficients above 0.76.Conclusions: The spatio-temporal fusion contributed to fine spatial patterns and trends of HANPP among various vegetation types. Though the harvested HANPP increased from 2000 to 2018, the agricultural and socio-economic developments did not bring extensive HANPP growth, indicating that the expansion has not violated its sustainable development goal. The results provide a deep insight of the background characteristics in Xiong'an New Area, which has great potential in supporting the future scientific construction of the new area.
Kaolin Particle Film Affects Grapevine Berry Quality in cv. Meili in Humid Climate Conditions
Authors: Wang Ying , Xue Tingting , Han Xing , Guan Lingxiao , Zhang Liang , Wang Hua , Li Hua
Published: November 2020

Kaolin particle film (KPF) is an aqueous formulation of chemically inert mineral particles that can be sprayed on the surface of crops to form a protective film, resulting in increased fruit yield and quality. In this work, the effects of kaolin-based, foliar reflectant particle film on grape composition and volatile compounds in ‘Meili’ (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes were investigated under different growth stages over two growing seasons. The 100-berry weight and titratable acid content were decreased, and the sugar and soluble solid contents were increased in grapes of plants treated with kaolin over 2 years. Compared with grapes from plants not sprayed with kaolin, the levels of total phenol, flavonoid, flavanol, tannin, and anthocyanins of grapes from plants treated with kaolin for 2 years were mostly increased. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis also revealed an increased content of monomeric anthocyanin and changed anthocyanin composition. However, there was little effect on the volatile compounds in the grapes. These results demonstrate that KPF can facilitate the accumulation of sugar and phenolics, thereby improving grape quality even in a humid climate.