bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluid Sampling, Analysis and Its Relation with Multiphase Flow Meter Management for a Gas Condensate Field in the Peruvian Jungle
Authors: Tavara La Chira Ricardo Yashin , Segovia Nolasco Gissela Carolina
Published: July 2020

In the K Asset, the production allocation methodology is based on mass measured by a multiphase meter and chromatography analysis of well production stream. In this process, many steps are involved in order to get the required information for allocation purposes. From operational procedures for collecting samples and calibrate the meter in field, to verify laboratory result and adjust equations of state.

The main objective of this paper is to present a structured methodology to update chromatography composition based on field sampling service experience and how these conditions and results interact with the information required to update fluid models uploaded on a radioactive source multiphase meter (MPFM).

As a first step, this paper will cover the process to obtain representative single-phase samples for gas and condensate phases, based on recommendations to be followed during its collection. Afterwards, the reviewing process for fluid validation report in order to establish steps for selecting the set to be recombined. Once the recombination is executed, additional controls need to be performed for determining success on the process.

The integration of some of this topic with MPFM requirements will lead to use of fluid surveillance results as input for some uploaded information in the meter in order to guarantee the best and more accurate possible measurements.
Water Flowback RTA Analysis to Estimate Fracture Geometry and Rank the Shale Quality
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Farid , Assem Ahmed , Ibrahim Mazher , Pieprzica Chester
Published: July 2020

Recently, flowback data analysis enabled us to evaluate important fracture parameters including fracture conductivity and volume in unconventional reservoirs. To perform the analysis, diagnostic plots, straight-line techniques, and history-matching techniques have been used. Immediate water and gas production usually occurs on flowback in shale gas wells. In this paper, a novel workflow is developed for the analysis of water flowback data and early-time production of shale gas wells. This analysis then helps to define the movable water and the applicability of the soaking process on the shale gas well.

Rate transient analysis (RTA) combined with decline curve analysis (DCA) was used to analyze different shale gas wells. Effective fracture volume and geometry were calculated from the RTA analysis. Estimated ultimate water recovery was calculated from DCA. The calculated water-in-place and the estimated ultimate water recover (EURw) will be compared against the injected fracturing fluid.

Water RTA result show that in the case of shale wells with no movable formation water, gas kick off early, and boundary dominated flow (BDF) was observed. In addition, these wells performance improved with soaking process. On the other hand, if initial formation water saturation is higher than the connate water, water production will be from the frac fluid and formation water. As a result, gas kick off delays and transient flow regimes are expected. Soaking process can have a negative impact on the well performance if the movable water saturation is high.

Honoring the flowback data can help to estimate the fracture geometry and to judge the quality of the shale formation quality and its validity for soaking process.
Unlocking Oilfield Development using Blockchain
Authors: Vera Fabian
Published: July 2020

Many operators and service providers integrate oilfield data in the form of data hubs. Third party vendors often control these data hubs in the oil and gas industry, and data quality is often challenged. The digital gentrification of legacy wells and optimization of subsurface data management for exploration is at reach by applying smart technology ledgers, better known as blockchain.

Blockchain technology provides a platform to keep all data linked. The data is smoothly shared among different groups like exploration, drilling, completion and production. Over time, some data might be lost of which the inheriting company might not be aware. If all the data is loaded onto the blockchain, it becomes easy to track.

When we deal with subsurface analysis in offset well analysis, the data of all wells in a field (or a nearby field) readily become available on a blockchain database to assist in better decision-making. The data generated are stored in blockchain and can act as historical data in the future to better train models and assist in making informed decisions in both green and brown fields, as in subsurface analysis. For instance, a reservoir characterization project or a determination of landing zone progresses smoother when all historical data are available for review.

Another opportunity for blockchain is in the field of legacy wells. When acquisition of wells happens, the inheriting company receives data, and some of which is still in traditional paper report format. Over time, inheriting companies might not be aware of the risk of losing 25 to 40% of these legacy data. If all this data is loaded onto the blockchain, it becomes easier to track the history of these legacy wells, and they can be better optimized.

On production inventories, the immediate effect translates in the real time quantification of reported production and the inventories, which have an instantaneous effect on the price of commodities like WTI crude or Brent crude instead of waiting longer to correct estimated values.

The carbon negative narrative also offers a unique opportunity to connect private investors with operator leadership. As capital is at a premium to sustain development campaigns in the Permian basin and as more incentives in the form of tax credits become available for CO2 injection, investors need a tool to sustain the trust where they deploy their capital. By generating smart contracts in blockchain as a medium to elevate trust and involve players immediately as they report volumes of CO2 injected, they have a first view at how many tax credit incentives they become eligible to claim.

Application of Blockchain represents an opportunity for digital gentrification across upstream, midstream and downstream in the energy sector. It also acts as a tool to connect and accelerate environmental efforts. The quicker its adoption, the larger the benefits and profits become.
Factor that Influence on Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Mothers’ Service Satisfaction with Obstetric Care in Israeli Public Hospitals
Authors: moryossef Iris gertner
Published: July 2020

The Ultra-Orthodox sector is a uniquely conservative and closed community within Israeli society, which makes up 8-11% of the population of Israel. The Ultra-Orthodox live in separate neighborhoods that constitute closed cultural quarters with little interaction with the non-orthodox society. Within these neighborhoods, they maintain their traditional lifestyle, which adheres to strict, Torah-based Jewish law. Observance of Jewish laws and customs is closely monitored and access to the internet and the general media is limited, keeping the exposure to undesired contents at the minimum.
Religious law observance includes modest dress codes, complete separation between male and female that begins in early childhood, and strong family values, including marrying young and aspiring to form a big, close-knit family unified around the traditions of the community. The men in the Ultra-Orthodox society dedicate themselves to full-time religious studies in specialized institutions (the Kollel ), while the women oversee the family income, children's education and all domestic matters. Whereas 61% of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish women are employed, only 52% of the men have a job, while the other men dedicate their time to studying the Tora. On average, an Ultra-Orthodox woman gives birth for the first time at the age of 19, and the overall fertility rate among this population is three times that of the secular population (8.5 children versus 2.9
Prevalence of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in the Sultanate of Oman: STEPS Survey 2017
Authors: Al-Mawali Adhra , Jayapal Sathish Kumar , Morsi Magdi , Al-Shekaili Waleed , Pinto Avinash Daniel , Al-Kharusi Hilal , Al-Harrasi Ayaman , Al-Balushi Zainab , Idikula John
Published: July 2020

Background Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) represent a major public health issue and currently are the cause of 71% of deaths globally and 72% deaths in Oman. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive, up-to-date and internationally comparable data on NCD risk factors in order to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing public health policies and to develop further NCD prevention and control interventions. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based, up-to-date, extensive, and reliable baseline data on the behavioural and biological risk factors of NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman. Methods A cross‐sectional community‐based survey designed to be nationally representative of the Sultanate of Oman was conducted based on the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS). Multi-stage stratified random sampling according to geographical distribution selected a total of 9053 households (Omani nationals and non-Omani residents). Cluster sampling was used and symmetric equal number of blocks were chosen in each governorate with 823 households chosen from each governorate and one eligible adult selected from each household randomly. The survey used demographic and behavioural information questionnaires along with physical and biochemical measurements among adults aged 18 years and above. Results The prevalence of behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use was 9%, alcohol consumption was 2%, insufficient fruit or vegetable intake was 61%, and insufficient physical activity was 39%. The prevalence of biological risk factors such as overweight and obesity was 66%, raised blood pressure was 33%, raised blood glucose was 16%, and raised blood cholesterol was 36%. The prevalence of multiple risk factors was also determined and 95% of the population were found to have more than one risk factor. Three or more risk factors were found among 33% of population aged 18 years and above and 45% of the population aged 45 years and above. Conclusions These findings are important to support the formulation and implementation of NCD-related policies and action plans that improve health status and prevent mortality due to NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman.
Epidemiological characteristics of four common respiratory viral infections in children
Authors: Zhu Guohong , Xu Dan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Tianlin , Zhang Lingyan , Gu Weizhong , Shen Meiping
Published: July 2020

Background: Viruses are the main infectious agents of ARIs in children. We aim to describe the epidemiological characteristics of viral pathogens of acute respiratory tract infections in outpatient children. Methods: From April 2018 to March 2019, the results of viral detection in oral pharyngeal swabs in 103 210 children with acute respiratory tract infection in the outpatient department of the Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. Viral antigens, including adenovirus (ADV), influenza A (FLUA), influenza B (FLUB) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were detected by colloidal gold method. Results: At least one virus was detected in 38 355 cases, and the total positive rate was 37.2%. A total of 1910 cases of mixed infection with two or more viruses were detected, and the positive rate of multiple infection was 1.9%. ADV positive rate was the highest in 3-6-year-old group (18.7%), FLUA positive rate was the highest in >6-year-old group (21.6%), FLUB positive rate was the highest in >6-year-old group (6.6%) and RSV positive rate was the highest in <1-year-old group (10.6%). There was significant difference in the positive rate of viral infection among different age groups, χ2 = 1280.7, P < 0.001. The positive rate of viral infection was the highest in winter (47.1%). ADV infection rate was highest in spring (18.2%). The positive rates of FLUA and FLUB were the highest in winter (28.8% and 3.6%, respectively). The positive rate of RSV was the highest in autumn (17.4%). The positive rate of viral infection in different seasons had significant difference, χ2 = 6459.1, P < 0.001. Conclusions: Viral infection rates in children are different in different ages and seasons. ADV positive rate is the highest in preschool age, RSV positive rate is the highest in infants, and FLU positive rate increases with age. The total positive rate of viral infection in different seasons was the highest in winter. The positive rate of FLU was the highest in winter.
Activation of WNT7b Autocrine Eases Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer via Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Predicts Poor Prognosis
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Li Qiwen , Liu Yimin , Zhang Huimin , Wang Qianyu , Chen Yu , Shi Xiaoyang , Li Jun , Zhang Hailing , Zhang Yi , Xia Dongqing , Wu Man , Lin Jiajia , Zhang Chenglin , Pang Suhua , Jiang Jiamin , Wen Yan , Zhang Peipei
Published: July 2020

Background: Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is one of the most frequent abnormalities in human cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous studies revealed pivotal functions of WNT family members in colorectal cancer, as well as their prognostic values. Nevertheless, the prognostic role and mechanisms underlying WNT7b in colorectal cancer development remains unclear. Methods: In this study, WNT7b expression was measured by immunohistochemical staining of 100 cases of surgically resected human colorectal cancerous tissues as well as matched adjacent normal tissues constructed as tissue microarrays. In vitro studies, we attempted to substantiate the WNT7b expressional pattern previously found in immunohistochemistry staining. We used the colorectal cancer cell-line HCT116 and normal colorectal cell-line CCD-18co for immunofluorescence staining and nuclear/cytoplasmic separated western blotting. We measured epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and migration capacity of HCT116 in the context of WNT7b knocked-down using short interfering RNA. Finally, clinical and prognostic values of WNT7b activation levels were examined.Results: WNT7b was expressed in the nucleus in adjacent normal tissues. In CRC tissues, nuclear expression of WNT7b was similar; however, membrane expression was strikingly enhanced. Consistently, in vitro analysis confirmed the same expression pattern of WNT7b. Compared with CCD-18co cells, HCT116 cells displayed higher levels of WNT7b membrane enrichment, as well as higher migration capacity with a sensitized EMT process. Either partial knockdown of WNT7b or blockade of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway reversed EMT process and inhibited the migration of HCT116 cells. Finally, elevated secretion levels of WNT7b were significantly associated with lymphatic and remote metastasis and predicted worse prognosis in the CRC cohort.Conclusion: In summary, we demonstrated that the membrane enrichment of WNT7b autocrine probably contributes to CRC metastasis by activating EMT process through the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. High levels of membrane WNT7b autocrine secretion predicts poor outcome in patients with CRC. This molecule is a promising candidate for clinical CRC treatments.
Breast pain in a diverse population of breast cancer patients
Authors: Fukui Jami , Bantum Erin , Meister Madison , Lim Shannon , Marumoto Ashley Davidson , Pagano Ian
Published: July 2020

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The majority of women with breast cancer present with early stage disease requiring surgical management. Post-operative breast pain has been reported to be anywhere from 25–60%. Racial disparities in cancer treatment-related symptom burden are known and linked to worse treatment outcomes. There is sparse data regarding racial/ethnic differences in breast pain among breast cancer patients. We evaluated the prevalence of breast pain in breast cancer patients and characterized the pain using a modified short-form McGill pain questionnaire in our diverse population.
Methods

We performed a cross sectional study, including 237 patients from various outpatient oncology clinics and breast cancer survivorship groups on Oahu and Maui. Participants had the option to complete the survey in person at the clinic or online.
Results

Eight-four respondents (35.4%) reported breast pain. There were no statistical differences seen in breast pain likelihood according to racial/ethnic group. On multivariate analysis, we did however find significant racial/ethnic differences in the amount of breast pain, where Chinese, Native Hawaiian and Mixed Asian participants reported significantly less pain compared to White participants (1.36, 2.16 and 2.22 vs 2.92, p = < 0.0001, 0.03 and 0.05) on a 10-point pain scale. We found differences in breast pain according to age, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and endocrine therapy use as well as survey location. No differences were seen according to the type of breast or axillary surgery. The most common descriptors of breast pain were sensory compared to affective characteristics. The average self-reported pain score found was 3/10. Overall, in women with breast pain, 33.4% reported the breast pain affected their sleep with 16.7% reporting it affected their work and 15.4% reporting it affected their sexual activity.
Conclusions

Breast pain is a significant problem in our breast cancer community. This survey assessment has informed our understanding of breast pain in our diverse population. In turn we are developing culturally appropriate pain management strategies to treat this challenging symptom common in breast cancer survivors.
Process evaluation of the Bridging the Age Gap in Breast Cancer decision support intervention cluster randomised trial.
Authors: Burton Maria , Lifford Kate J , Wyld Lynda , Armitage Fiona , Ring Alistair , Nettleship Anthony , Collins Karen , Morgan Jenna , Reed Malcolm WR , Holmes Geoffrey R , Bradburn Mike , Gath Jacqui , Green Tracy , Revill Deirdre , Brain Kate , Edwards Adrian
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe Bridging the Age Gap in Breast Cancer research programme sought to improve treatment decision-making for older women with breast cancer by developing and testing, in a cluster randomised trial, two decision support interventions (DESIs). One DESI supported the decision to have either primary endocrine therapy (PET) or surgery with adjuvant therapies and the second supported the decision to have adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery or not.MethodsSixteen sites were randomly selected to take part in the process evaluation. Multiple methods of data collection were used. Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines for the evaluation of complex interventions were used.ResultsEighty-two patients, mean age 75.5, (range 70–93) provided data for the process evaluation. Seventy-three interviews were completed with patients. Ten clinicians from six intervention sites took part in telephone interviews. Dose: Ninety-one members of staff in the intervention arm received intervention training. Reach: The online tool was accessed on 324 occasions by 27 clinicians. Reasons for non-use of the online tool were commonly that the patient had already made a decision or that there was no online access in the clinic. Of the 32 women for whom there were data available, fifteen from the intervention arm and six from the usual care arm were offered a choice of treatment. Fidelity: Clinicians used the online tool in different ways, with some using it during the consultation and others checking the online survival estimates before the consultation. Adaptation: There was evidence of adaptation when using the DESIs. A lack of infrastructure, e.g. internet access, was a barrier to the use of the online tool. The brief decision aid was rarely used. Mediators: Shared decision-making: Most patients felt able to contribute to decision-making and expressed high level of satisfaction with the process. Participants’ responses to intervention: Six patients reported the DESIs to be very useful, one somewhat useful and two moderately useful.ConclusionsClinicians were mainly supportive of the interventions and had attempted some adaptations to make the interventions applicable, but there were practical and engagement barriers that led to sub-optimal adoption in routine practice.Trial Registered11th August 2016 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/(ISRCTN: 46099296)
Screening and selection strategy for the establishment of biosimilar to trastuzumab-expressing CHO-K1 cell lines
Authors: Lao-González Thailín , Soler Alexi Bueno , Hernandez Arnelys Duran , Aguiar Katya Sosa , Puerta Luis Eduardo Hinojosa , Garcia Tays Hernandez , Hernandez Kathya Rashida de la Luz , Oliva Julio Palacios , Ayo Tammy Boggiano
Published: July 2020

The high prices of biopharmaceutics or biologics used in the treatment of many diseases limit the access of patients to these novel therapies. One example is the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab, successfully used for breast cancer treatment. An economic alternative is the generation of biosimilars to these expensive biopharmaceutics. Since antibody therapies may require large doses over a long period of time, robust platforms and strategies for cell line development are essential for the generation of recombinant cell lines in a short period of time with higher levels of expression. Here, we obtain trastuzumab-expressing CHO-K1 cells through a screening and selection strategy that combined the use of host cells pre-adapted to protein free media and suspension culture and lentiviral vectors. The results shown that early screening strategy allowed to obtain recombinant CHO cell populations with higher enrichment of IgG-expressing cells. Moreover, the measurement of intracellular HC polypeptides by flow cytometry was a useful tool to characterize the homogeneity of cell population and our results suggest that might be used to predict the expression levels of monoclonal antibodies in early stages of cell line development process. Furthermore, using T-flask approach the assessment of the expression levels was studied in a setting more similar to that of a final production process. Finally, trastuzumab-expressing CHO-K1 clones were generated, characterized by batch experiments and preliminary results related to HER2-recognition capacity were successful. Further improvements in up-stream and down-stream steps related to this strategy will improve specific productivities and volumetric productivities of these clones.
Distribution of Medical Institutions in Cold Regions of China Based on Public Health Emergencies
Authors: Wu Yue , He Jun , Zhang Shanshan
Published: July 2020

Background：Recently, investments in the construction of medical resources have been increasing annually China, and consequently, the allocation of these resources has improved. However, the outbreak of covid-19 in 2020 highlights the problems in the distribution of medical institutions. After the occurrence of public health emergencies, the joint action of different levels of medical and health institutions can bring the role of urban medical and health system into full play. Therefore, after a global public health emergency, the study of medical institution distribution needs to be reconsidered.Methods：With the continuous application and development of GIS, the application of GIS in civil planning is relatively mature, and research investigating distribution has been conducted in depth. Based on this foundation, this paper analyzes the factors impacting distribution, such as the transportation system, land use characteristics and personal factors, by a weighted spatial separation model of a representative city in a cold region in China. Results：The data were sorted, edited and visually processed through the constructed geodatabase to perform an analysis of the spatial distributions of the factors impacting the accessibility of medical institutions in the study area. A weighted spatial separation model was built and applied to comprehensively consider several factors affecting accessibility, the accessibility of these medical institutions is significantly impacted when the spatial population distribution is considered as a factor in the weighted spatial separation model.Conclusions：The accessibility of medical institutions in this representative cold city in China was comparatively analyzed in this paper through theoretical research, software computations/simulations and model analysis based on the GIS paradigm. This study will help optimize the layout of medical institutions and improve medical equality.Trial registration: An ethics review and approval for this study was not required according to the local legislation and institutional requirements.
Minimally invasive versus open right hepatectomy: Comparative study with propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Duarte Vinicius Campos , Coelho Fabricio , Valverde Alain , Danoussou Divia , Kruger Jaime , Zuber Kevin , Fonseca Gilton , Jeismann Vagner , Herman Paulo , Lupinacci Renato
Published: July 2020

Background
Minimally invasive liver resections (MILRs) have been increasingly performed in recent years. However, the majority of MILRs are actually minor or limited resections of peripheral lesions. Due to the technical complexity major hepatectomies remain challenging for minimally invasive surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the short and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive right hepatectomies (MIRHs) with contemporary patients undergoing open right hepatectomies (ORHs).
Methods
Consecutive patients submitted to anatomic right hepatectomies between January 2013 and December 2018 in two tertiary referral centers were studied. Study groups were compared on an intention-to-treat basis after propensity score matching (PSM). Overall survival (OS) analyses were performed for the entire cohort and specific etiologies subgroups.
Results
During study period 178 right hepatectomies were performed. After matching, 37 patients were included in MIRH group and 60 in ORH group. The groups were homogenous for all baseline characteristics. MIRHs had significant lower blood loss (400 ml vs. 500 ml, P = 0.01), lower rate of minor complications (13.5% vs. 35%, P = 0.03) and larger resection margins (10 mm vs. 5 mm, P = 0.03) when compared to ORHs. Additionally, a non-significant decrease in hospital stay (ORH 9 days vs. MIRH 7 days, P = 0.09) was observed. No differences regarding the use of Pringle’s maneuver, operative time, major complications or perioperative mortality were observed. OS was similar between the groups (P = 0.13). Similarly, no difference in OS was found in subgroups of patients with primary liver tumors (P = 0.09) and liver metastasis (P = 0.80).
Conclusions
MIRHs are feasible and safe. Minimally invasive approach is associated with less blood loss, a significant reduction in minor perioperative complications, and did not negatively affect long-term outcomes.
RETRACTED: Neurological and neuromuscular manifestations in SARS-CoV-2: Review of Literature and Case Series
Authors: Warner Robin
Published: July 2020

22 March, 2024. Editorial note correction. Research Square has removed this preprint after institutional review by Hospital for Special Surgery revealed that appropriate consent was not obtained from the patients reviewed in the case series.
20 January, 2023. Please see corrected editorial note above regarding this retraction.
Protease profile of normal and neoplastic mast cells in the human bone marrow
Authors: Atiakshin Dmitri , Buchwalow Igor , Horny Peter , Tiemann Markus
Published: July 2020

Mast cells (MC) are immune cells that produce a variety of mediators, such as proteases, that are important in the body’s immune responses. MC proteases have pronounced multifunctionality and in many respects determine the biological characteristics of the organ-specific MC population. Although, increased numbers of MC are one of the objective mastocytosis signs, a detailed assessment of the proteases biogenesis and excretion mechanisms in the bone marrow has not yet been carried out. Here, we performed an analysis of the expression of proteases in patients with various forms of mastocytosis. We presented data on intracellular protease co-localization in the bone marrow MCs and discussed their implication in secretory pathways of MCs in the development of the disease. Characterization of MC proteases expression during mastocytosis can be used to refine the MC classification, make a prognosis, and increase the effectiveness of targeted therapy.
Carbon Neutral Bhutan: Sustaining Carbon Neutral Status Under Growth Pressures.
Authors: Yangka Dorji , Rauland Vanessa , Newman Peter
Published: July 2020

Background: Bhutan has pledged to remain carbon neutral (CN) in perpetuity. Whether they can sustain this is questionable due to the country’s increasing economic growth (GDP) and commitment to gross national happiness (GNH) outcomes, both of which can lead to a rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The nexus between GHG, GNH and GDP is the essence of the sustainable development global project.Results: Through scenario modelling using the Long-range Energy Alternative Planning (LEAP) model, the study finds that the carbon neutral declaration will derail between 2037 and 2050 without mitigation measures. By putting in place mitigation measures especially in the industry and transport, CN can be retained even under high growth pressure, which may cost just 2% of GDP. CN can be easily retained under low economic growth, but this could undermine GNH.Conclusions: The options to remain CN will require Bhutan to adopt more efficient technologies and electrify industry and transport under both low and high growth scenarios. The additional cost to the Bhutanese economy is feasible through low and high growth opportunities. The options are similar to those confronting emerging nations struggling with issues of climate commitments under economic growth pressures.
Biotyping of Multidrug Resistant Campylobacter Jejuni from Poultry and Humans in Northern Region of Ghana
Authors: Karikari Akosua Bonsu , Saba Courage Kosi Setsoafia , Kpordze Stephen Wilson
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThermophilic Campylobacters are zoonotic bacteria which are universally famous for causing enteritis in humans. They are normally found as commensals in the digestive tract of food animals with poultry being a major reservoir of the pathogenic species. This study evaluated the presence of Campylobacter in poultry (commercial and domestic) and humans (patients and asymptomatic individuals) and characterized strains by biotyping and susceptibility test in the Northern region of Ghana. ResultsOf the 346 poultry and 741 human samples analyzed, 43.1% and 12.9% Campylobacter species were recovered. Isolation frequency from commercial birds was significantly more (50.5%) than domestic birds (33.8%), as incidence in patients and asymptomatic individuals was 15.4% and 9% with a p=0.001. Campylobacter jejuni were recovered from more than eighty percent (84%) of commercial birds and 64% of domestic birds and in humans significantly less strains were observed in patients than asymptomatic individuals (p <0.05). Distribution of biotypes in domestic birds, patients and asymptomatic individuals were comparable with C. jejuni biotype I prevalence and Bioytype II largely in commercial poultry. All strains were resistant to tetracycline; and against erythromycin, 69.3% of jejuni strains were resistant but no resistance was recorded among the non-jejuni strains. Most resistance was noted among patient strains. Imipenem and the aminoglycosides were relatively effective as resistance of 10% and below 20% were obtained. Multidrug resistance was between 94-100% with 60% of strains being resistant to 4 or 5 classes of antibiotics. ConclusionThis study found phenotypic correlation between poultry and human strains coupled with copious isolation of C. jejuni biotypes I and II from commercial and domestic poultry which may well be possible source of threat to public health. None of the endorsed treatment drugs (erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline) can be admitted in this region due to common resistance found among strains against these agents but imipenem and aminoglycosides proved to be reliable as strains showed ample susceptibility. The multiple drug resistance (94-100%) observed in our study and other related investigations in the country call for rapid implementation of the policy on antimicrobial use and resistance which has been launched in Ghana.
Clinical Characteristics of 20 Patients with Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A 6-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Xu Yang , Wang Zhanbo , Zhang Zhaorui , Dai Yu , Zhu Qiang , Liang Zhixin
Published: July 2020

Background: Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is a rare disease and there are few systematic studies on the disease. We summarized the clinical and pathological data of CEP to improve the understanding of the disease, as well as to reduce misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Methods: The data of patients pathologically diagnosed as CEP in PLA General Hospital between May 2013 and May 2019 were collected, and the clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, pathological features, treatment and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were 20 patients with CEP, including 6 males and 14 females. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 47.0 ± 10.2 (22-83) years, and the average course of disease was 15.5 ±11.5 (2-72) months. The main clinical manifestations were cough, dyspnea, expectoration, and shortness of breath, and often accompanied by fever, weight loss, and asthenia. 19 patients had elevated peripheral blood eosinophils, with the proportion of eosinophils ranging from 5.3-64.7%, and the absolute value of eosinophils ranging from 0.72-14.43×109/L. 18 patients had increased proportion of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), ranging from 12-67%, with an average of 46%. The main imaging features were patchy shadows, consolidated shadows, and ground glass shadows. The histological examination of bronchial mucosal biopsy indicated eosinophilic infiltration in submucosal tissues and the pulmonary biopsy indicated a large number of eosinophils infiltration in alveolar cavity and septum as the main pathological changes of CEP. All of 20 patients were treated with glucocorticoid, and one of them relapsed during follow-up. Conclusions: The onset of CEP is insidious and the clinical manifestations are lack of specificity. Eosinophils increase in peripheral blood and BALF in most of CEP patients. The typical image is peripheral and subpleural distribution of lung infiltrates. The diagnosis of CEP depends on pathology, and glucocorticoid therapy is effective.
Investigating the Impact of Virtual Reality and Gamification on Improving Physical Activities in Children
Authors: roshanpour reza , Nikroo Mohammad Hazegh
Published: July 2020

Background:The rise of obesity creates a critical health problem in childhood which can establish obesity in adulthood. It is significant in the first years of life to participate in physical activity program. In other words, children have to perform physical activity for preventing obesity and toward reducing obesity in adulthood. In this regard, it seems to be important in elementary schools. In this regard, interventions were used to perform physical activity. We have utilized virtual reality and gamification as an intervention to increase motivation for exerting physical activity in elementary school. In reality, three critical areas have been identified to enhance quality physical education program include Promoting intrinsic motivation, enhancing perceived physical competence, and creating a mastery-oriented physical-activity environment.Methods:Mixed quantitative and qualitative study to specify the effects of integration gamification and virtual reality in the physical activity program was used. Analyses were conducted using IBM Statistics SPSS 25.0 software. Also, we used independent-samples T-test to compare results.Results: Total of 25 elementary students participated in our study.This study performed about combination of gamification and virtual reality games. we divided all the students into diverse groups.Results indicated the use of virtual reality and gamification could enhance motivation in children to perform physical activity in school.Conclusion:Virtual reality technology and gamification on physical activity environments had a positive effect on the motivation of elementary students.virtual reality and gamification on motivation leads students to achieve higher levels of engagement in performing physical activity.
Rapid Cycle Implementation and Retrospective Evaluation of a SARS-CoV-2 Checklist in Labor and Delivery
Authors: Zucco Liana , Levy Nadav , Li Yunping , Golen Toni , Shainker Scott A , Hess Philip E , Ramachandran Satya Krishna
Published: July 2020

Background
Preparedness efforts for a COVID-19 outbreak required redesign and implementation of a perioperative workflow for the management of obstetric patients. In this report we describe the rapid cycle implementation of a comprehensive perioperative checklist for care of the COVID-19 parturient and a retrospective analysis of the factors which influenced implementation success.
Methods
A newly designed workflow for COVID-19 parturients requiring perioperative care was produced as a checklist, intended for use as a cognitive aid. Implementation and refinement of the workflow was accomplished through rapid-cycling, debriefing and on-site walkthroughs. Retrospective evaluation of the implementation experience was performed using a group deliberation approach, mapped against the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).
Results
Post-implementation, consistent use of the workflow was reported for all obstetric COVID-19 perioperative cases (100% compliance). Evaluation of our implementation using CFIR revealed domains of process implementation and innovation characteristics as overwhelming facilitators for success. Constructs within the outer setting, inner setting and characteristic of individuals (external pressures, baseline culture, and personal attributes) were felt to act as barriers. Constructs such as communication, shifted in influence over time.
Conclusion
We describe the implementation of a comprehensive obstetric workflow checklist for care of the COVID-19 perioperative patient. A retrospective evaluation of our implementation experience was possible using CFIR, which enabled identification of barriers and facilitators for change within our unit. Furthermore, we observed that implementation success was possible, despite facilitation being perceived within only two domains at baseline. Emerging themes from this study highlight the importance of thoughtful innovation design, careful implementation planning and the establishment of a long-standing culture of improvement, in order to facilitate implementation of change during a time of crisis.
COVID-19 Infected Woman with Tuberculous Meningitis: A Case Report
Authors: Nadershahbaz Mahshid , Bidaki Reza , Azimi Saeid , saghafi fatemeh
Published: July 2020

Background: Several factors have been reported for COVID-19 disease. In addition, patients with COVID-19 are also susceptible to suffer from other problems. In this study, a case suffering from TB meningitis is reported to have developed COVID-19 disease, eventually showing symptoms of psychological disorders.Case presentation: A young Afghan woman was hospitalized with TB meningitis who did not respond to treatment. After a while, she was hospitalized again with diagnosis of COVID-19. The patient showed symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. She also had pseudoseizure attacks several times, so antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications were started for the patient In order to treat conversion disorder and panic disorders.Conclusion: Tuberculous meningitis, postpartum depression and other factors can increase the risk of COVID-19 infection leading to psychological disorders like conversion disorder in susceptible.
Partial hepatectomy enhances growing of rat colorectal cancer cells CC531
Authors: Parte Borja Herrero de la , González-Arribas Mikel , Diaz-Sanz Iñaki , Palomares Teodoro , García-Alonso Ignacio
Published: July 2020

Background

Nowadays, partial hepatectomy (PHx) is the gold standard for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. After removing a substantial amount of hepatic tissue, however, growth factors are released to induce liver regeneration. These cytokines may promote the proliferation of liver micrometastases or circulating tumour cells still present in the patient. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of PHx on the growth of liver metastases after intrasplenic cell inoculation.
Methods

Liver tumours were induced in 18 WAG/RijHsd male rats, by seeding 250,000 syngeneic colorectal cancer cells (CC-531) into the spleen. Twenty-eight days after tumour induction, the animals were sacrificed and the liver was removed and sliced to assess the relative tumour surface area (RTSA%).
Results

The RTSA% was significantly higher in animals which had undergone PHx than the controls (not hepatectomised) (46.98 ± 8.76% vs. 18.73 ± 5.65%; p < 0.05). While no differences were observed in the right lateral lobe, in either hepatectomised or non-hepatectomised animals, there were significant differences in liver surface occupied by metastases in the paramedian and caudate lobes in both groups.
Conclusion

In this experimental model, the process of growth of colorectal cancer cells in the liver clearly accelerates following PHx.
Case Report on Hemangioma of The Urinary Bladder: two rare cases and literature review
Authors: Zhao Guicheng , Mishra Prashant , Yang Jieshun , Ma Tiantian , Deng Cheng , Ke Changxing
Published: July 2020

Background: Although hemangioma in the genitourinary system occurs relatively infrequently, bladder hemangioma has arisen during medical research. We describe two rare cases of urinary bladder hemangioma (UBH), in which was confirmed histopathology followed by Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this disease to raise awareness of urinary bladder hemangioma and appropriate management.Case presentation: A 41-year-old Chinese female presented with a sudden onset of painless gross hematuria for one month, Multi-Slice spiral computed tomography urography in the urological system showed the anterior and superior wall thickening of the bladder, multiple nodules and masses, exhibited multiple punctate calcifications and marked uneven enhancement. The second case is a 30-year-old female who was asymptomatic and incidentally founded a large bladder tumor during a routine examination from outside hospital, magnetic resonance imaging scan confirmed a 6.2cm x 6.9cm x 5.2cm soft tissue mass arising from the right anterior and superior wall of the bladder, which suggested the possibility of a benign bladder tumor. Postoperative pathology confirmed the diagnosis of urinary bladder hemangioma. The radical cystectomy was performed with open-methods surgery associated with an abdominal wall ostomy of the ileal outlet tract for case 1. And case 2 finally underwent a Laparoscopic partial cystectomy. Hematuria resolved postoperatively and no evidence of tumor recurrence in three year follow-ups for case 1. Postoperative urinary and pelvic ultrasonography showed no signs of recurrence in three months follow-ups for case 2.Conclusion: Urinary bladder hemangioma is a benign non-urothelial tumor that rarely occurred in pediatric and adolescent patients . Clinical and radiological examinations are not adequate for an accurate diagnosis. Careful histopathological and immunohistochemical studies are required to establish the correct diagnosis. There is no ‘gold standard’ treatment for UBH, treatment options are varied for individuals with favorable follow-ups.
Healing Features of Experimental Injuries of Soft Tissues That Contain Foreign Bodies In The Form of Fragments Of Military Personnel Uniforms
Authors: Pavlov Sergey , Litvinova Olga , Mikhaylusov Rostislav , Negoduyko Vladimir , Kumetchko Marina , Semko Nataliia
Published: July 2020

Background The healing of combat wounds can be complicated by the presence of foreign bodies (FBs) in the form of fragments of military uniforms in the wound canal. During the experiment, the structural features of the regeneration of soft tissue injuries complicated by FBs in the form of fragments of two types of military uniforms were studied. Changes in the content of the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during wound healing were studied.Methods By randomization, 60 rats were divided into 4 groups: intact (Int), control (Con) and two experimental (EG1, EG2). A layered incision of the thigh soft tissues was performed on the animals. In Con, wounds were sutured without implantation of FBs. A camouflage uniform consisting of 100% cotton was used as FBs for EG1, a uniform consisting of 65% cotton and 35% polyester was used for EG2. The size of the implanted fragments was 0.5 × 0.5 cm. The removal of laboratory animals from the experiment was carried out in 6 of each group on the 15th, 30th, 60th day. Histological studies of soft tissue samples were performed according to generally accepted methods. The growth factors content in serum was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with the usage of bFGF (Elabscience) and VEGF (Vector-Best) kits. Results In EG1, the inflammatory reaction proceeded intensively and protractedly, which complicated the development and maturation of granulation tissue (GT). In EG2, considering the moderate inflammatory reactions, healing of the wound defect and optimal encapsulation of FB became possible. The increase of the growth factors content in the blood of Con group animals was maximal for a period of 15 days: bFGF – 2.2 times, VEGF – 1.6 times (p <0.001 compared to Int). In groups of animals with textile implants, the bFGF content was maximal on the 60th day and exceeded the normal values by 1.7 times in EG1and by 2.6 times in EG2 (p <0.001 compared to Int). The level of VEGF in EG1 and EG2 at all stages was slightly higher than in healthy animals.Conclusion At all stages of the experiment, the repair of damaged tissue in rats was complicated by the presence of the textile foreign body (TFB). This confirms the need for thorough debridement of combat wounds during primary surgical treatment. The increase in bFGF production contributed to the development and maturation of GT in the injury area and optimal encapsulation of FBs. The level of VEGF in the experimental groups was increased relative to normal values, which reflected the chronicity of the injuries regeneration process.