bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Sand/Water Control Polymer Treatment in Cheleken Offshore Oil Well Case Study
Authors: Kontarev Roman , Berdyev Yunus
Published: October 2019

A new polymer technology successfully implemented in one of offshore oil well.

The technique uses water-soluble polymers and microgels having a strong tendency to adsorb on the surface of the rock, thus forming a protective film to prevent the erosion process.

Many wells in this area are facing sand problems due to reservoir depletion and water entries. To avoid critical problem connected to sand production the most common action has been so far to reduce production rates by choking down the wells and recompleting the wells utilizing downhole sand-control solutions (sand-screens).

The common problem of sand-screen completed wells is mechanical screen damage due to high abrasive reservoir fluid velocity resulting resuming and even accelerating sand production to the surface.

Damaged section of sand-screens has been identified by utilizing sand-detection logging technique ran in hole by wireline and polymer sand consolidation treatment selectively placed by CTU across target zone.

Executed chemical treatment consist of injecting of water soluble polymers with the main objective to form an adsorbed polymer layer on the surface of the rock, thus providing sand/fine stabilization.

The products also have RPM properties (Relative Permeability Modifiers), i.e. they affect little oil relative permeability while reducing the relative permeability to water.

Field trial have been executed with the following results: Treatments were successful in stopping sand productionNo water production observed over the few month after the treatmentThe treatment helps to restore the production of the well shut-in more then 6 month due to extensive sand production.
An Innovative and Integrated Reservoir Characterization Driven by Modified Saturation Height Model and Variable Fluid Contacts for Challenging Complex Sandstone Reservoir
Authors: Gibrata Muhammad A. , Ghedan Shawket G. , Rouis Lamia , Djanuar Yanfidra
Published: October 2019

It has been known that the uncertainty of original oil in place (OOIP) is one of main challenges in proper reservoir development. The field has complex reservoir subunits, variable fluid contacts and structural and stratigraphic sand discontinuities. Therefore, reliable reservoir characterization and estimation of fluids in place requires an integrated approach of all available data of petrophysical evaluation, special core analysis (SCAL), geology, geophysics, reservoir rock typing (RRT), saturation height model (SHM) and fluid analysis.

An innovative and integrated petrophysical evaluation have been studied and used in reservoir characterization. An advanced permeability log has been developed from porosity, clay bound, pore size, core and mobility data. It has used the modification of SHM that based on SCAL data including MICP, Centrifuge, Porous Plate and Relative Permeability data for every RRT and variable fluid contacts for subunits. An initial water saturation, and residual oil saturation from SCAL data have been used in evaluation. The pulse neutron capture and PLT have been used to verify fluid contacts and water saturation changes in complex sandstone reservoirs during production.

The advanced integrated evaluation approach of subsurface and well test data has been used to provide reliable and good of reservoir properties and results on porosity, permeability, fluid contacts, reservoir rock typing and initial water saturation initial oil in place. For every reservoir subunits, the free water level (FWL) derived from formation pressure has been used to identify an initial oil water contact, and thus it has provided good comparison of Log-Sw and SHF derived Sw for reservoir modeling. The study has provided reliable reservoir characterization, reservoir modeling and for the development for multi-layer and complex sandstone reservoirs. Therefore the innovative integrated reservoir evaluation approach has provided reliable assurance and important benefits for reservoir characterization, optimization and reservoir management.

The integrated approach presented in this paper presents an advanced step in the characterization of very flower shaped faulted complex reservoir. It has been utilized for the derivation of advanced permeability log as function of porosity, clay bound, pore size and mobility data per different rock types. Integration of available petrophysical, pressure, and SCAL data to derive the variable reservoir fluid contacts, and develop SHFs for fluids in place estimation and reservoir modeling purposes.
Stimulating Long Horizontal Polymer Injectors with Hoist: A Case Study from South Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Harrasi Ameera , Urdaneta Gerardo , Al-Jumah Ali , Nasif Mohammed , Qassabi Hajir
Published: October 2019

The multidisciplinary Authors summarize the lessons learned from stimulating a long horizontal Polymer Injection well with a Hoisting Unit; the main objective was to reduce the associated cost as compared to a Coiled Conventional Tubing (CCT) Unit, but achieving the same or even improved results. The details procedures for conducting this type of job is summarized in this paper.

The well was completed with a smart completion, creating four distinguished zones, Earlier, bullheading approach was carried out, but later on when the smart completion failed, it was necessary to stimulate with a CCT to cover all the different zones in the long well section. This has caused a sharp increase in the price of the job. Hence, a trial has been carried out utilizing a Hoist, with improved acid recipe that is cheaper and better in performance as compared to earlier. The detailed procedure for conducting this type of job is summarized in this paper

The tables show the injectivity test result in three stages, in the Hoist and the CCT approach the result shows a good improvement after main treatment and a success of the trial with Hoist as compared to CCT. This has proven to be economically viable and unlocked huge cost savings for all future stimulation jobs. A 50% reduction in the total cost is observed. This work has concluded a successful methodology in the utilization of a hoist in performing multi-stage stimulation in long horizontal wells. Very encouraging results have been observed and the suggested method is highly recommended, further trials will continue to be done with other wells

The authors believe the learnings from these trials are of great benefit and will add to the state of knowledge of the industry relating to stimulating long horizontal wells
Technology Management System TechRoad for a Technology Driven Company
Authors: Akoum Mohamed , Abdallah Dalia , Grandi Andrea
Published: October 2019

Adoption of new technologies is a key enabler towards retaining competitiveness, taking full advantage of market opportunities to achieve ADNOC's 2030 smart growth strategy. TechRoad is an innovative in-house built solution that fully automates and streamlines the technology-adoption business process from technology registration to evaluation, piloting and deployment. Originally developed by ADNOC Onshore as an advanced technology management system and a decision making tool to generate the required technology roadmaps for our business challenges, ADNOC Management has recognized TechRoad as a progressive tool for incorporation across ADNOC's value chain. Launched in late 2018, and acclaimed by technology providers, TechRoad's registration portal was the first step taken towards ADNOC corporate integration.
Music to improve sleep quality in adults with depression related insomnia (MUSTAFI): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lund Helle Nystrup , Pedersen Inge Nygaard , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Heymann-Szlachcinska Agnieszka Maria , Tuszewska Maryla , Bizik Gustav , Larsen Jens Ivar , Kulhay Eszter , Larsen Anelia , Grønbech Bettina Ellen , Østermark Helle , Borup Heidi , Valentin Jan Brink , Mainz Jan
Published: October 2019

Abstract Background Insomnia is a common sleep disorder for adults with depression with major impact on the quality of life. Previous trials suggest that music listening may be helpful in the treatment of sleep disturbances in healthy populations including students and elderly. In addition, small studies with clinical populations of traumatized refugees, adults with chronic insomnia and adults with depression insomnia add to the evidence base. However, the impact of music listening in the treatment of depression related insomnia is not well documented. Objective To examine the efficacy of music listening on sleep quality, symptoms of depression and quality of life in adults with depression related insomnia. Method A single center randomized controlled trial (RCT) in a two arm parallel group design is conducted and reported according to the Consort guidelines. The trial consists of an experimental group and a standard care control group. Both groups receive standard treatment for depression following Danish guidelines in an outpatient unit in psychiatry. The experimental group listen to music minimum 30 minutes at bedtime in four weeks. Discussion This study will provide information on the efficacy of music intervention as a non-pharmacological intervention in the treatment of depression related insomnia. This study will provide novel knowledge concerning music medicine as an evidence based treatment of depression in psychiatry. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov. ID NCT03676491, registered on 19th of September 2018. Keywords: Music, insomnia, depression, sleep
Interventions to Improve Discharge from Acute Adult Mental Health Inpatient Care to the Community: Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Tyler Natasha , Wright Nicola , Waring Justin
Published: October 2019

Background: The transition from acute mental health inpatient care to community care is often a vulnerable period in the pathway, where people can experience additional risks and anxiety. Researchers globally have developed and tested a number of interventions that aim to improve continuity of care and safety in the transitions. However, there has been little attempt to compare and contrast the interventions and specify the variety of safety threats they attempt to resolve.

Methods: The study aimed to identify the evidence base for interventions to support continuity of care and safety in the transition from acute mental health inpatient service to community care services at the point of discharge. Electronic Databases including PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, HMIC, CINAHL, IBSS, Cochrane Library Trials, ASSIA, Web of Science and Scopus, were searched between 2000 and May 2018. Peer reviewed papers were eligible for inclusion if they addressed adults admitted to an acute inpatient mental health ward and reported on health interventions surrounding discharge from the acute ward to the community. The results were analysed using a narrative synthesis technique.
Results: The total number of papers from which data was extracted was 45. The review found various interventions implemented across continents, addressing problems related to different aspects of discharge. Some interventions followed a distinct named approach (i.e. Critical Time Intervention, Transitional Discharge Model) others were grouped based on key components (i.e. peer support, pharmacist involvement). The primary problems interventions looked to address were reducing readmission, improving wellbeing, reducing homelessness, improving treatment adherence, accelerating discharge, reducing suicide. The 69 outcomes reported across studies were heterogeneous, meaning it was difficult to conduct comparative quantitative meta-analysis or synthesis.
Conclusions: The interventions reviewed are spread across a spectrum ranging from addressing a single problem within a single agency with a single solution, to multiple solutions addressing multi-agency problems. We recommend that future research attempts to improve homogeneity in outcome reporting.
Meningitis gone viral: Description of the Echovirus Wave 2013 in Germany
Authors: Graf Jonas , Hartmann Christian , Lehmann Helmar C , Otto Carolin , Adams Ortwin , Karenfort Michael , Schneider Christian , Ruprecht Klemens , Bosse Hans Martin , Diedrich Sabine , Böttcher Sindy , Schnitzler Alfons , Hartung Hans-Peter , Aktas Orhan , Albrecht Philipp
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND: Aseptic meningitis epidemics may pose various health care challenges.
OBJECTIVE: We describe the German enterovirus meningitis epidemics in the university hospital centers of Düsseldorf, Cologne and Berlin between January 1 st and December 31 st , 2013 in order to scrutinize clinical differences from other aseptic meningitis cases.
RESULTS: A total of 72 enterovirus (EV-positive) meningitis cases were detected in our multicenter cohort, corresponding to 5.8% of all EV-positive cases which were voluntarily reported within the National Enterovirus surveillance (EVSurv, based on investigation of patients with suspected aseptic meningitis/encephalitis and/or acute flaccid paralysis) by physicians within this period of time. Among these 72 patients, 38 (52.8%) were enterovirus positive and typed as echovirus (18 pediatric and 20 adult cases, median age 18.5 years; echovirus 18 (1), echovirus 2 (1), echovirus 30 (31), echovirus 33 (1), echovirus 9 (4)). At the same time, 45 aseptic meningitis cases in our cohort were excluded to be due to enteroviral infection (EV-negative). Three EV-negative patients were tested positive for varicella zoster virus (VZV) and one EV-negative patient for herpes simplex virus 2. Hospitalization was significantly longer in EV-negative cases. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not reveal significant differences between the two groups. After discharge, EV-meningitis resulted in significant burden of sick leave in our pediatric cohort as parents had to care for the children at home.
CONCLUSION: Voluntary syndromic surveillance, such as provided by the EVSurv in our study may be a valuable tool for epidemiological research. Our analyses suggest that EV-positive meningitis predominantly affects younger patients and may be associated with a rather benign clinical course, compared to EV-negative cases.
Association of Daily Copayments with Use of Hospital Care among Medicare Advantage Enrollees
Authors: McHugh John , Keohane Laura , Grebla Regina , Lee Yoojin , Trivedi Amal
Published: October 2019

Background: While the traditional Medicare program imposes a deductible for hospital admissions, many Medicare Advantage plans have instituted per-diem copayments for hospital care. Little evidence exists about the effects of changes in cost-sharing for hospital care among the elderly. Changing inpatient benefits from a deductible to a per diem may benefit enrollees with shorter lengths of stay, but adversely affect the out-of-pocket burden for hospitalized enrollees with longer lengths of stay. Methods: We used a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences study to compare longitudinal changes in proportion hospitalized, inpatient admissions and days per 100 enrollees, and hospital length of stay between enrollees in MA plans that changed inpatient benefit from deductible at admission to per diem, intervention plans, and enrollees in matched control plans – similar plans that maintained inpatient deductibles. The study population included 423,634 unique beneficiaries enrolled in 23 intervention plans and 36 matched control plans in the 2007-2010 period. Results: The imposition of per-diem copayments were associated with adjusted declines of 1.3 admissions/100 enrollees (95% CI -1.8 to -0.9), 6.9 inpatient days/100 enrollees (95% CI -10.1 to -3.8) and 0.7 percentage points in the probability of hospital admission (95% CI -1.0 to -0.4), with no significant change in adjusted length of stay in intervention plans relative to control plans. For persons with 2 or more hospitalizations in the year prior to the cost-sharing change, adjusted declines were 3.5 admissions/100 (95% CI -8.4 to 1.4), 31.1 days/100 (95% CI -75.2 to 13.0) and 2.2 percentage points in the probability of hospitalization (95% CI -3.8 to -0.6) in intervention plans relative to control plans. Conclusions: Instituting per-diem copayments was associated with reductions in number of admissions and hospital stays, but not length of stay once admitted. Effects of inpatient cost-sharing changes were magnified for persons with greater baseline use of hospital care.
Palliative care training addressed to hospital healthcare professionals by palliative care specialists: a mixed-method evaluation
Authors: Artioli Giovanna , Bedini Gabriele , Bertocchi Elisabetta , Ghirotto Luca , Cavuto Silvio , Costantini Massimo , Tanzi Silvia
Published: October 2019

Background

Despite the great advances in the concept of palliative care (PC) and its benefits, its application seems to be delayed, leaving unfulfilled the many needs of patients and family members. One way to overcome this difficulty could be to develop a new training programme by palliative care specialists to improve PC primary skills in healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the training's impact on trainees within a hospital setting using Kirkpatrick’s and Moore's models.

Methods

We adopted a mixed-method evaluation with concurrent triangulation. The evaluation followed the first three steps of Kirkpatrick’s and Moore’s models and included a pre- and post-training evaluation through self-administered questionnaires and focus groups. We used the McNemar statistical test.

Results

The results highlighted the significant amount of knowledge acquired by the hospital professionals after training, in terms of increasing their knowledge of palliative care and in terms of the change in meaning that they attributed to phenomena related to chronicity and incurability, which they encounter daily in their professional practice. In both quantitative and qualitative research, the results, in synthesis, highlight: (i) the development of a new concept of palliative care, centred on the response to the holistic needs of people; (ii) that palliative care can also be extended to non-oncological patients in advanced illness stages (our training was directed to Geriatrics and Nephrology/Dialysis professionals); (iii) the empowerment and the increase in self-esteem that healthcare professionals gained, from learning about the logistical and structural organization of palliative care, to activate and implement PC; (iv) the need to share personal aspects of their professional life (this result emerges only in qualitative research);

(v)

the appreciation of cooperation and the joining of multiple competences towards a synergistic approach and enhanced outcomes.

Conclusion

It is necessary to further develop rigorous research on training evaluation, at the most complex orders of the Kirkpatrick and Moore models, to measure primary PC skills in health care professionals. This will develop the effectiveness of the integration of I- and II-level palliative care competencies in hospitals and improve outcomes of patients’ and families’ quality of life.
Molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with focus on antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Yu Xiaoling , Zhang Wen , Zhao Zhiping , Ye Chengsong , Zhou Shuyan , Wu Shaogui , Han Lifen , Han Zhaofang , YE HANHUI
Published: October 2019

Background The enhancing incidence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP)-mediated infections in Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University in 2017 is the motivation behind this investigation to study gene phenotypes and resistance-associated genes of emergence regarding the CRKP strains. In current study, seven inpatients are enrolled in the hospital with complete treatments. The carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae whole genome is sequenced using MiSeq short-read and Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing technology. Prophages are identified to assess genetic diversity within CRKP genomes. Results The investigation encompassed eight CRKP strains that collected from the patients enrolled as well as the environment, which illustrate that blaKPC-2 is responsible for phenotypic resistance in six CRKP strains that K. pneumoniae sequence type (ST11) is informed. The plasmid with IncR, ColRNAI and pMLST type with IncF[F33:A-:B-] co-exist in all ST11 with KPC-2-producing CRKP strains. Along with carbapenemases, all K. pneumoniae strains harbor two or three extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing genes. fosA gene is detected amongst all the CRKP strains. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers are indicated and validated among all CRKP strains, providing valuable clues for distinguishing carbapenem-resistant strains from conventional K. pneumoniae. Conclusions ST11 is the main CRKP type, and blaKPC-2 is the dominant carbapenemase gene harbored by clinical CRKP isolates from current investigations. The SNP markers detected would be helpful for characterizing CRKP strain from general K. pneumoniae. The data provides insights into effective strategy developments for controlling CRKP and nosocomial infection reductions.
Identification of hub genes and important pathways in determination of breast cancer survival using bioinformatics approaches
Authors: Dashti Sepideh , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh
Published: October 2019

Backgrounds Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disorder characterized by dysregulation of expression of numerous genes and cascades. The conventional pathologic classification of breast cancer is not sufficient for the prediction of breast cancer behavior and response to therapy.Methods We have retrieved data of two microarray datasets (GSE65194 and GSE45827) from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). R package was used for identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), assessment of gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment evaluation. The DEGs were integrated to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Next, hub genes were recognized using the Cytoscape software and lncRNA-mRNA co-expression analysis was performed to evaluate the potential roles of lncRNAs. The interactive information among DEGs and the PPI network was obtained using the STRING online database. Finally, the clinical importance of the obtained genes was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.Results After excluding the outliers from the GSE65194 and GSE45827 datasets and data normalization, 866 DEGs including 712 upregulated and 154 downregulated DEGs were detected between breast cancer and normal samples. Up-regulated DEGs were enriched in six pathways including ‘Cell cycle’, ‘Oocyte meiosis’ and ‘Focal adhesion’. Down-regulated DEGs were enriched in five pathways including ‘Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway’, ‘Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450’, ‘Adipocytokine signaling pathway’ and ‘Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction’ pathways. CCNA2, CDK1, MAD2L1, and CCNB2 were significantly enriched in several biological pathways. These four genes showed strong expression in breast cancer samples as compared to normal breast tissue. We also identified 12 lncRNAs with a significant correlation with MAD2L1 and CCNB2 genes. MAD2L1, CCNA2, RAD51-AS1, and LINC01089 have the most prediction potential among all candidate hub genes.Conclusion Our study offers a framework for recognition of the mRNA-lncRNA network in breast cancer and the detection of important pathways that could be used as therapeutic targets in this kind of cancer.
Combination therapy and survival time in Adult T cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL)
Authors: Borojerdi Zahra Rezaei , Rahimi Hossein , Ghezeldasht Sanaz Ahmadi , Shirdel Abbas , Allahyari Abolghasem , Sharebiani Hiva , Sabet Faezeh , Mozaheb Zahra , Bary Alireza , Mohades Seyyedeh Tahereh , Azimi Sajad Ataei , Tarokhian Hanieh , Rezaee S.A.Rahim
Published: October 2019

Background: The urgent need for the treatment of ATLL has highlighted in 18th-International Conference on Human Retrovirology-HTLV-1 (Tokyo, 2017). Therefore, in this study the median survival times (MST) of routine therapies for ATLL were evaluated in context of laboratory tests . Methods: In a perspective-retrospective cohort study, the efficiencies of therapy regimens, including interferon-alfa and zidovudine (IFN/ZDV), cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone (hyper-CVAD), lenalidomide/ZDV, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) were evaluated in 67 acute ATLL patients. The demographic, clinical, MST, and routine and molecular laboratory data were then collected and analyzed . Results: The MST for acute and lymphoma subjects was 5 and 11 months, respectively, including 5 months (95% CI 3.378 6.622) for IFN/ZDV, 5 months (95% CI 2.067.94) for CVAD, 3months (95% CI 0.009.86) for lenalidomide/ZDV and 11 months (95%CI 8.45913.54) for CHOP regimen. Importantly, patients who received IFN/ZDV and hyper-CVAD therapy, had a better OS (HR, 0.663; 95%CI, 0.540 to 0.814; P=0.0001), compared with the lenalidomide /ZDV alone. The MST for subjects with hypercalcemia was 5 months, and for patients with normal calcium level was 9 months (p=0.017). Conclusions: High expressions of BIM and CERB were more frequent in lymphomatous type, and considering these factors, platelet counts and HTLV-1-proviral load (PVL) might be predictive factors for differentiating acute and chronic types. Low MST was observed in acute and lymphomatous ATLL, even in the combinational chemo-therapeutic regimens. Therefore, it seems that ATLL treatment should be personalized according to the virus-host interactions on survival signaling pathways, the platelet count and calcium level.
Diversity of Streptomyces spp. in desert and savanna soils in Sudan
Authors: HAMID Mohamed E , Mahgoub Adil , Osman Abderaham J. , Elhussein Hussein A , Holie Mohammed A.I. , Elhassan Mogahid M , Joseph Martin R.P.
Published: October 2019

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate streptomycete populations in desert and savanna ecozones in Sudan and to identify species diversity on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Results A total of 49 different Streptomyces phenotypes (23 from sites representing the desert and semi-desert zone; 26 representing the Savanna zone) have been included in the study. The isolates were characterized phenotypically and confirmed using 16S rRNA analysis. The two zones showed similarities and uniqueness in the types of isolates. Shared species were: Streptomyces werraensis , S. enissocaesilis, S. leeuwenhoekii –like, but desert zone revealed unique species such as S. griseostramineus, S. chromofuscus –like and S. prasinosporus . Whereas, the savanna zone revealed unique species such as S. albogriseolus, S. djakartensis, S. chilikensis and S. variabilis . Streptomycetes are widely distributed in both desert and the savannah ecozones and most of them require full descriptions. Extending knowledge on Streptomyces communities and their dynamics in different ecological zones for health and production benefits is needed.
Transcriptome sequencing of Saccharina japonica sporophytes during whole developmental periods reveals regulatory networks underlying alginate and mannitol biosynthesis
Authors: Shao Zhanru , Zhang Pengyan , Lu Chang , Liu Shun , Chen Zhihang , Wang Xiuliang , Duan Delin
Published: October 2019

Background: Alginate is an important cell wall component and mannitol is a soluble storage carbon substance in brown seaweed Saccharina japonica. Their contents vary with kelp developmental periods and harvesting time. Alginate and mannitol regulatory networks and molecular mechanisms are largely unknown.Results: With WGCNA and trend analysis of 20,940 known genes and 4,264 new genes produced from transcriptome sequencing of 30 kelp samples from different stages and tissues, we deduced that ribosomal proteins, light harvesting complex proteins and imm upregulated 3 gene family are closely associated with the meristematic growth and kelp maturity. Moreover, 134 and 6 genes directly involved in the alginate and mannitol metabolism were identified, respectively. Mannose-6-phosphate isomerase (MPI2), phosphomannomutase (PMM1), GDP-mannose 6-dehydrogenase (GMD3) and mannuronate C5-epimerase (MC5E70 and MC5E122) are closely related with the high content of alginate in the distal blade. Mannitol accumulation in the basal blade might be ascribed to high expression of mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase (M1PDH1) and mannitol-1-phosphatase (M1Pase) (in biosynthesis direction) and low expression of mannitol-2-dehydrogenase (M2DH) and fructokinase (FK) (in degradation direction). Oxidative phosphorylation and photosynthesis provide ATP and NADH for mannitol metabolism whereas glycosylated cycle and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle produce GTP for alginate biosynthesis. RNA/protein synthesis and transportation might affect alginate complex polymerization and secretion processes. Cryptochrome (CRY-DASH), xanthophyll cycle, photosynthesis and carbon fixation influence the production of intermediate metabolite of fructose-6-phosphate, contributing to high content of mannitol in the basal blade. Conclusions: The network of co-responsive DNA synthesis, repair and proteolysis are presumed to be involved in alginate polymerization and secretion, while upstream light-responsive reactions are important for mannitol accumulation in meristem of kelp. Our transcriptome analysis provides new insights into the transcriptional regulatory networks underlying the biosynthesis of alginate and mannitol during S. japonica developments.Keywords: Alginate, Mannitol, Transcriptome, Regulatory networks, Growth, Development, Saccharina japonica
Education and marriage synergistically protect oldest old against severe cognitive impairment
Authors: Sun Ning , Jia Rangcheng , Guo Chunyan , Sun Tongda , Dong Xiaoxin , Li Long , Yang Ping
Published: October 2019

Background It is hypothesized that education and marriage are resilience factors protective against senile dementia.Methods We investigated the resilience of elderly persons from dementia by considering the interactions between educational levels and marriage status. Four sociodemographic variables (age, sex, educational level, and marital status) were collected from 1177 elderly Chinese participants, for whom the mini-mental state examination score (MMSE score) was measured and severe cognitive impairment (MMSE score = 0) was identified.Results Lower educational level coupled with being widowed caused a greater risk of severe cognitive impairment (relative risk [RR] 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-1.82; p < 0.001) for high-age elderly participants (age range: ≥80) than those low-age counterparts (age range: ≥60 and <80). By contrast, higher educational level coupled with being married leveled this age-related risk of cognitive loss (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.65-1.27; p = 0.62). Further findings suggest that synergistically cognitive protection effect for education and marriage was only observed among high-age elderly persons, instead of among low-age ones.Conclusions Being well-educated and being married synergistically protected delayed cognitive function for elderly people. However, longevity is a prerequisite for realizing this benefit.
Predictors of Multimorbidity among the Iranian Kurdish Population
Authors: Aminisani Nayyereh , Rastgou Laven , Shamshirgaran Seyed Morteza , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Ghaderi Shadi , Hyde Martin
Published: October 2019

Background: There is limited information about the predictors of multimorbidity (MM) among ethnic minority older adults in Iran. This study aimed to examine the impact of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of MM, among older Kurdish people living in the Northwest of Iran. Methods: sociodemographic and lifestyle factors as well as self-reported chronic conditions, was obtained by trained interviewers. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed to compare the prevalence of MM according to different factors. Results: Over a third of the participants (36.6%) had ≥2 chronic conditions and 15.7% had ≥3 chronic conditions. Hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, fatty liver, and heart diseases were common chronic conditions. In a fully adjusted logistic regression model, older age (ORadj=1.92, 95% CI: 1.48-2.48), being female (ORadj=1.49, 95%CI: 1.14-1.94), living without a spouse (ORadj=1.81, 95%CI: 1.34-2.44), and inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables (ORadj=1.33, 95%CI: 1.06-1.67) were associated with the higher prevalence of MM. Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of MM is relatively high among older Kurdish adults. Sociodemographic differences in the prevalence of MM might be of interest to the health care system, and the prevalence of common chronic conditions in this study may highlight the need for lifestyle modifications in this community.
Early response to GA3-treatment in the pedicel of table grape genotypes with different susceptibility to berry drop reveals responses elicited in cell wall yield and modification of lignin content
Authors: Meneses Marco , García-Rojas Miguel , Muñoz-Espinoza Claudia , Carrasco-Valenzuela Tomás , Defilippi Bruno , González-Agüero Mauricio , Meneses Claudio , Infante Rodrigo , Hinrichsen Patricio
Published: October 2019

Background Gibberellins (GA3) are the most sprayed growth regulator for table grape production worldwide, increasing berry size of seedless varieties through pericarp cell expansion. However, these treatments also exacerbate berry drop, which has a detrimental effect on the postharvest quality of commercialized clusters. Several studies have suggested that pedicel stiffening caused by GA3 would have a role in this disorder. Nevertheless, transcriptional and phenotypic information regarding pedicel responses to GA3 is minimal.Results Characterization of responses to GA3 treatments using the lines L23 and Thompson Seedless showed that the former was up to six times more susceptible to berry drop than the latter. GA3 also increased the diameter and dry matter percentage of the pedicel on both genotypes. Induction of lignin biosynthesis-related genes by GA3 has been reported, so the quantity of this polymer was measured. The acetyl bromide method detected a decreased concentration of lignin seven days after GA3 treatment, due to a higher cell wall yield of the isolated fractions of GA3 -treated pedicel samples which caused a dilution effect. Thus, an initial enrichment of primary cell wall components in response to GA3 was suggested, particularly in the L23 background. A transcriptomic profiling was performed to identify which genes were associated with these phenotypic changes. This analysis identified 1,281 and 1,787 genes differentially upregulated by GA3 in L23 and cv. Thompson Seedless, respectively. Concomitantly, 1,202 and 1,317 downregulated genes were detected in L23 and cv. Thompson Seedless (FDR≤0.05). Gene ontology analysis of upregulated genes showed enrichment in pathways including phenylpropanoids, cell wall metabolism, xylem development, photosynthesis and the cell cycle at seven days post GA3 application. Twelve genes were characterized by qPCR and striking differences were observed between genotypes, mainly in genes related to cell wall synthesis.Conclusions High levels of berry drop are related to an early strong response of primary cell wall synthesis in the pedicel promoted by GA3 treatment. Genetic backgrounds can produce similar phenotypic responses to GA3 , although there is considerable variation in the regulation of genes in terms of which are expressed, and the extent of transcript levels achieved within the same time frame.
Genome-wide analysis of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in two contrasting rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genotypes subjected to drought stress
Authors: Tan Xiaoyu , Li Su , Hu Liyong , Zhang Chunlei
Published: October 2019

Background: Drought stress is a major abiotic factor that affects rapeseed ( Brassica napus L.) productivity. Though previous studies indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in response to drought stress, a scheme for genome-wide identification and characterization of lncRNAs’ response to drought stress is still lacking, especially in the case of B . napus . In order to further understand the molecular mechanism of the response of B . napus to drought stress, we compared changes in the transcriptome between Q2 (a drought-tolerant genotype) and Qinyou8 (a drought-sensitive genotype) in response to drought stress and rehydration treatment at the seedling stage.

Results: A total of 5,546 down-regulated and 6,997 up-regulated mRNAs were detected in Q2 compared with 7,824 and 10,251 in Qinyou8, respectively; 369 down-regulated and 108 up-regulated lncRNAs were detected in Q2 compared with 449 and 257 in Qinyou8, respectively. We further identified 34 TFs corresponding to 126 differently expressed lncRNAs in Q2, and 45 TFs corresponding to 359 differently expressed lncRNAs in Qinyou8. Differential expression analysis of lncRNAs indicated that up- and down-regulated mRNAs co-expressed with lncRNAs participated in different metabolic pathways and were involved in different regulatory mechanisms in the two genotypes . Notably, some lncRNAs were co-expressed and co-located with BnaC07g44670D, which are associated with plant hormone signal transduction. Additionally, some mRNAs which were co-located with LNC_002535 (XLOC_052298), LNC_004924 (XLOC_094954) and LNC_000539 (XLOC_012868) were mainly categorized as signal transport and defense/stress response. Finally, co-expression network analysis indicated that the co-expression network of Q2 was composed of 145 network nodes and 5,175 connections, while the co-expression network of Qinyou8 was composed of 305 network nodes and 22,327 connections.

Conclusions: The differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs may play important roles in response to drought stress and rehydration treatments and could provide basic information for new ways to improve the drought resistance of Rapeseed Brassica napus .
Genetic variation in Interleukin-17A is associated with increased risk and severity of pneumococcal meningitis in children
Authors: Zheng Kai , Zhu Liang , Zhang Nan , Zhang Ye , Chen Ning , Zhang Xixi , Liu Gang , He Qiushui
Published: October 2019

Background Streptococcus pneumonia is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) promotes the host’s defense against pneumococcal infections. We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL -17A were associated with pneumococcal meningitis (PM) in Chinese children.Methods Three SNPs of IL-17A promoter rs4711998 (-877A>G), rs8193036 (-737C>T) and rs2275913 (-197G>A) were studied in 95 laboratory-confirmed PM pediatric patients and 330 healthy controls by PCR-based sequencing. Luciferase assays were used to determine the effects of IL-17A haplotypes on expression. Serum concentrations of IL-17A and C-X-C motif ligands 1 (CXCL-1) were determined.Results Frequency of the haplotype A-C-A differed significantly between cases and controls (43.6% vs. 35.7%, OR: 1.397, 95% CI: 1.004-1.942, P =0.047). The haplotype had an increased expression of IL-17A compared to wild haplotype A-C-G (P<0.001). Moreover, it produced a higher level of serum C-reactive protein (>10mg/L) (46.6% vs. 28.4%, OR: 2.276, 95%CI: 1.011-5.126, P =0.043). This haplotype was associated with low level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose (≤1.5mmol/L) (52.8% vs.25.1%, OR: 3.350, 95%CI: 1.787-6.280, P <0.001) and high level of CSF protein (45.3% vs.29.2%, OR: 2.010, 95%CI: 0.991-4.076, P =0.05).Conclusions Our result indicated that haplotype A-C-A of IL-17A was associated with susceptibility and severity of PM in Chinese children.
The biceps challenge - an experimental approach to the anterior shoulder pain, indicating a new treatment logarithm
Authors: Humborstad Kristian Sørland , Geitung Jonn Terje
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
The biceps muscle’s long head (LHB) with its tendon and origin represents the most important cause of anterior shoulder pain. Conservative treatments (non-steroid antiinflammatory drugs, injections with steroids and physiotherapy) will normally be the first line of treatment. Long-standing pain will usually lead to surgical treatment with either tenodesis or tenotomy as alternative procedures. The main aim of our investigation was to find structural changes that may change the surgical treatment logarithm in these patients. Secondary aims were 1) to see if experimental settings would better visualize such changes on MRI, and correlate this to histological examinations. 2) to see if visualized changes to histology and MRI would have significant correlations to clinical findings and surgical practice.
Methods
The patients were evaluated at 1) the first outpatient contacts with the orthopedic surgeon, 2) pre-operative 1.5-Tesla MRI, 3) per-op findings with arthroscopy, 4) experimental 7-Tesla MRI, and 5) histology with standard H+E-staining.
Findings
Our experimental study showed that all the degenerative changes in the LHB-tendon were in the intraarticular part of the tendon, not in the intertubercular sulcus part (shown clearly at the experimental work). None of the preoperative 1.5 Tesla MRI helped us in the clinical decision-making. We did also construct a grading system of peroperative evaluation of the LHB-tendon degeneration that will be useful in clinical decision-making.
Interpretation
Our experimental study showed a pathological-anatomical correlate to the anterior shoulder pain. In our opinion, it is important to remove the degenerated intraarticular part of the tendon, this in order to avoid postoperative inflammation, pain and prolonged sick leave. A subpectoral biceps tenodesis with removal of the proximal part of the tendon is accordingly the treatment of choice in these patients.
Evaluation of a community-based intervention for health and economic empowerment of marginalized women in India
Authors: Sharma Shantanu , Mehra Devika , Akhtar Faiyaz , Mehra Sunil
Published: October 2019

Background Empowered women have improved decision-making capacity and can demand equal access to health services. Community-based interventions (CBI) based on building women’s groups for awareness generation on maternal and child health (MCH) are the best and cost-effective approach in improving their access to health services. The present endeavor evaluates a community-based intervention aimed at improving marginalized women’s health and economic status using the peer-led approach from two districts of India. Methods We used peer educators as mediators of knowledge transfer among women and for creating a supportive environment at the household and community-level. The intervention was implemented in two socially backward districts of Uttar Pradesh, namely Kaushambi and Banda. Two development blocks in each of the two districts were selected randomly, and twenty-four villages in each of the four blocks were selected based on the high percentage of a marginalized population. The evaluation of the intervention involved a non-experimental, pre- and post-research design, using a mixed-method approach. Data were collected at three points in time, including a rapid assessment (quantitative and qualitative interviews) at baseline, qualitative interviews at the end line and tracking data of the intervention population (n=37,324) through an online management information system. Results Most of the women in Banda (90%) and Kaushambi (85%) attended at least 60% of the education sessions. Around 39% of women in Banda and 35% of women in Kaushambi registered for livelihood scheme, and 94% and 80% of them had worked under the scheme. Women during group discussions informed that their awareness about MCH increased post-intervention. The money earned after getting work under livelihood scheme or from daily savings was deposited in the bank account by the women. These savings had helped women investing money at the times of need, such as starting their work, in emergencies for the medical treatment of their family members, education of their children, etc. Conclusion Considering the interlinked plexus of literacy, social status, economic empowerment, and health status of women, interventions targeting anyone of them in silos may not achieve the desired results. The study provides scientific evidence of the successful implementation of peer-led community-based intervention model..
Developmental Trajectories of Adolescent Overweight/Obesity in China: SES Correlates and Health Consequences
Authors: Liang Ying , Qi Yaqiang
Published: October 2019

Background: During recent decades, China has experienced rapid growth in economy and also in prevalence of childhood obesity. Given the great importance of adolescence overweight/obesity for future health, and given the relative lack of longitudinal studies on adolescent obesity in developing countries, particularly in China, in current study, we aimed to explore the potential growth trajectories of overweight/obesity among Chinese adolescents and to further examine socioeconomic status predictors and health consequences of these growth trajectories. Methods: The data were from four waves of panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016). For the current study, children aged 10 to 12 from the baseline 2010 sample were selected (N = 1685), among whom 1388 were re-interviewed in 2012, 1172 in 2014, and 941 in 2016. We retained a final sample of 800 who had at least three waves of BMI data (i.e. final N = 800). Generalized growth mixture modeling (GGMM) was used as the major analytical strategy. Results: We found that three types of overweight/obesity developmental trajectories may exist for those Chinese adolescents including a stably normal class, a decreased risk class, and a chronically overweight/obese class. Additionally, we found that higher family income was associated with a lower probability of getting into the chronically overweight/obese class for urban adolescents, but with a higher probability of getting into the same class for rural adolescents. Finally, we found that the adolescents in the chronically overweight/obese group reported significantly lower levels of self-rated health. Conclusions: There were heterogeneous growth trajectories of Chinese adolescent overweight/obesity. Sustained overweight/obesity during adolescence was predicted by lower family income in urban China but by higher family income in rural China. More targeted and regionalized interventions for children’s overweight/obesity in China should be considered. Keywords: China; adolescent overweight/obesity trajectories; SES; self-rated health; CFPS
pEGFR promotes the neural function recovery after decompression of compressed spinal cord injury
Authors: Gong Rui , Zhang Min , Sun Kexin , Qi Wei , Sun Shanquan , Li Jianjun , Zhong Yuan , Zhen Wentao
Published: October 2019

Purpose Investigating the roles of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR) in the recovery of neural function after decompression of CSCI, therefore provide experimental basis for the development of therapeutic strategies and medicines for treating CSCI. Methods A CSCI model was established with a customized device, and was then subjected to spinal decompression. The motor functions were monitored by the Basso, Beattie & Bresnahan（BBB） locomotor rating scale; the number of axonal myelinated fibers was estimated by staining with luxol fast blue (LFB); pEGFR and phosphorylated Akt1 (pAkt1) were detected by Western blot; pEGFR+-NG2+(NG2+ cells are precursor to oligodendrocytes and pAkt1+-NG2+ cells were detected by double-labeling immunefluorescence assay. Results After decompression of CSCI, the BBB scores and the number of myelinated nerve fibers gradually increased with time. Meanwhile, the expression of pEGFR and pAkt1 were up-regulated and the number of pEGFR+-NG2+ and pAkt1+-NG2+ cells increased consistent with the changes of motor functions and the number of myelinated nerve fibers. Whereas, significant decreases in BBB scores, expression level of pAkt1, as well as numbers of myelinated nerve fibers, and pAkt1+-NG2+ cells were observed after inhibition of expression. Conclusions Up-regulated expression of pEGFR can promote recovery of neurological functions in rats with CSCI. This effect is achieved by activation of pAkt1（a downstream signal molecule of pEGFR）, which subsequently promotes the proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs).