bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Method to Correlate Interactions Between Injectors and Producers
Authors: Alabri Sara , Ghafram Hamid , AlKalbani Munther
Published: November 2020

In reservoirs management, sometimes it becomes difficult to identify which injector is supporting which producer(s) by graphs visual inspection. Available built-in correlations like Pearson –within common spreadsheets-, only valid for strictly monotonic (only increasing or decreasing) trends. A situation that is nearly impossible to see in real production/ injection trends. To resolve this issue, we developed a correlative tool in spreadsheet based on Spearman's correlation to assess communication degree between wells using production/ injection data.

The method essentially implemented then non-parametric Spearman's correlation - valid with non-monotonic trends- and used visual basic application (VBA) coding language to provide easy to use worksheet. The input data needed are: production/injection data of the well(s), with any desired parameter like oil rate, water rate, GOR or water cut. After running the code, the outputs are numbers between −1 and 1 reflecting correlation coefficients between WI-OPs production parameters or OP-OP parameters. Zero or close to zero means no correlation, number close to 1 mean very strong proportional correlation and a number close to −1 reflects inversely proportional correlation.

The tool was built successfully and enabled quick injection/production correlation between one injector and several producers at once using available production data. Also, it can run production/injection correlations between one producer and several injectors. Currently, it can measures correlation between one injector with up to 32 producers, or with 32 different parameters of several producers like water cut, gas oil ratio (GOR), oil rate, water injection rate, and water production rate. Moreover, it can correlate between producer-producer to check for interference. The code was found to be fast. Results from this tool were compared to results obtained from streamlines models and tracer injection in two different fields, one was naturally fractured carbonate and the other was sandstone. Evaluation of the tool ability to find true interactions between wells was achieved by comparing results of correlations coefficient with underground flowing tracers and streamline simulations. Some agreement was found between, streamline models, tracer surveys and Spearman correlation in well known areas to have well-well communication. Some limitiations were identified. Nevertheless, the tool can be used as a quick scanning tool for communication between wells.

This tool provides an addition to the inventory of existing investigative methods like tracers, streamlines, and diagnostic plots and gives more weight to results from these techniques on identifying which wells in communication. The tool is easy to build, simple to use and fast to run. The tool might help reservoir management teams to better manage reservoirs, and free more time for engineers to improve production and increase oil gain.
Nano Metallic, Dissolvable Plugged Nozzle Assemblies DPNA for Extended Performance
Authors: Chen Roy Ting , Ganesh Shenoy Ramachandra , Markel Daniel , Reddy Rupesh , Abraham Aju , Roy Indranil
Published: November 2020

Here we present commercialization and mechanisms to manufacture bulk-metallic-glass composite (BMGC) dissolvable plugged nozzle assemblies (DPNA) for injection wells in offshore Arabian Gulf. These DPNAs' are to be installed on limited entry perforated liners for an extended performance, providing significant cost benefits to operators. While elastomeric plugs have significant shortcomings, thermal stability, extrudability among others, as such compromised high temperature performance, our metallic dissolvable alloy has reliable performance at elevated temperatures even at higher pressures. Our article encompasses design, verification and validation (V&V) data for a nozzle with a partially vitrified, nano-metallic dissolvable plug to withstand 3,500 psi differential pressure across the nozzle, where (i) Ability of DPNA to hold pressure between 12 and 36-hour (0.5 to 1.5 days) when pressurized from ID to OD, with subsequent breakthrough on pressure reversal of 200 to 500 psi (OD to ID) within 14 days from start of operations (ii) Environment encompasses up to 43% Bromide salts as completions brine to prevent deposition of Ca2+ ions abundant in Middle East and North Africa (MENA region) or up to 21% Chloride salts (iii) Temperatures as high as 200 ºF, will be a first of its kind. V&V is supported by flow testing combined with CFD performed on potted DPNAs'.
Asphaltene Modeling with Cubic and More Complex Equations of State
Authors: Leekumjorn Sukit , Boesen Risum Rasmus , Sørensen Henrik , Krejbjerg Kristian
Published: November 2020

14 reservoir fluids from the Middle East and Gulf of Mexico were used to investigate whether cubic equations (SRK EoS) are capable of modeling published asphaltene data with and without gas injection or if it requires more complex equations of state. Each fluid had published data for: 1) fluid composition, 2) routine PVT/EOR data, 3) amount of asphaltene (wt% in STO), and 4) asphaltene onset pressure data with and without gas injection. The starting point for the model developments was a reservoir fluid composition. The models were first tuned to match routine and EOR PVT data. For Asphaltene modeling, the heavy components were subsequently split into an asphaltene and a non-asphaltene part. EoS parameters were assigned to the asphaltene components to accurately simulate measured asphaltene onset pressures. The development of an asphaltene model for a selected fluid was also compared between SRK, CPA, and PC-SAFT EoS.

This study shows that it is possible to obtain a good match of both PVT data and asphaltene onset pressure data for all 14 fluids with the SRK EoS. Using optimized EoS parameters obtained from this study, a model simulating the asphaltene behavior of a fluid can in most cases be developed by adjusting only the Tc of the asphaltene component to match an asphaltene data point. For fluids with a high asphaltene content, further tuning may still be required, but the optimized parameters provide a very good starting point. A step-by-step guide is provided which shows how to develop a model that gives a good match of asphaltene onset pressure data with the SRK equation. An equally good match could be achieved by the CPA and PC-SAFT equations, but these two more complex equations provided no advantage over the simpler SRK equation and the tuning was found to be more cumbersome.
Structural Brain Network Characteristics in Patients With Episodic and Chronic Migraine
Authors: Michels Lars , Koirala Nabin , Groppa Sergiu , Luechinger Roger , Gantenbein Andreas R , Sandor Peter S , Kollias Spyros , Riederer Franz , Muthuraman Muthuraman
Published: November 2020

Background: Migraine is a primary headache disorder that can be classified into an episodic (EM) and a chronic form (CM). Network analysis within the graph-theoretical framework based on connectivity patterns provides an approach to observe large-scale structural integrity. We test the hypothesis that migraineurs are characterized by a segregated network. Methods: 19 healthy controls (HC), 17 EM patients and 12 CM patients were included. Cortical thickness and subcortical volumes were computed, and topology was analyzed using a graph theory analytical framework and network-based statistics. We further used support vector machines regression (SVR) to identify whether these network measures were able to predict clinical parameters. Results: Network based statistics revealed significantly lower interregional connectivity strength between anatomical compartments including the fronto-temporal, parietal and visual areas in EM and CM when compared to HC. Higher assortativity was seen in both patients’ group, with higher modularity for CM and higher transitivity for EM compared to HC. For subcortical networks, higher assortativity and transitivity were observed for both patients’ group with higher modularity for CM. SVR revealed that network measures could robustly predict clinical parameters for migraineurs. Conclusion: We found global network disruption for EM and CM indicated by highly segregated network in migraine patients compared to HC. Higher modularity but lower clustering coefficient in CM is suggestive of more segregation in this group compared to EM. The presence of a segregated network could be a sign of maladaptive reorganization of headache related brain circuits, leading to migraine attacks or secondary alterations to pain.
A single-step genome wide association study on Body Size Traits using imputation-based whole-genome sequence data in Yorkshire pigs
Authors: Liu Huatao , Song Hailiang , Jiang Yifan , Jiang Yao , Zhang Fengxia , Liu Yibing , Shi Yong , Ding Xiangdong , Wang Chuduan
Published: November 2020

Background: The body shape of pig is the most direct production index of pig, which can fully reflect the growth status of pig and is closely related to some important economic traits. In this study, genome-wide association study on seven body size traits, the body length (BL), height (BH), chest circumference (CC), abdominal circumference (AC), cannon bone circumference (CBC), rump width (RW) and chest width (CW) were conducted in Yorkshire pigs. Methods: Illumina Porcine 80K SNP chip were used to genotype 589 of 5,572 Yorkshire pigs with body size records, and then the chip data was imputed to sequencing data. After quality control of imputed sequencing data, 784,267 SNPs were obtained, and the averaged linkage disequilibrium (r2) was 0.191. We used the single-trait model and the two-trait model to conduct single-step genome wide association study (ssGWAS) on seven body size traits.Results: A total of 198 significant SNPS were finally identified according to the P value and the contribution to the genetic variance of individual SNP. 11 candidate genes (CDH13, SIL2, CDC14A, TMRPSS15, TRAPPC9, CTNND2, KDM6B, CHD3, MUC13, MAPK4 and HMGA1) were found to be associated with body size traits in pigs, KDM6B and CHD3 jointly affect AC and CC, and MUC13 jointly affect RW and CW. These genes are involved in the regulation of bone growth and development as well as the absorption of nutrients and are associated with obesity. HMGA1 is proposed as strong candidate gene for body size traits because of its important function and high consistency with other studies regarding the regulation of body size traits. Our results could provide valuable information for pig breeding based on molecular breeding.
Obesity and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: Implication of The Apelinergic System.
Authors: Gourgue Florian , Derouane Françoise , Marcke Cedric van , Villar Elodie , Dano Helene , Desmet Lieven , Bouzin Caroline , Duhoux François P. , Cani Patrice D. , Jordan Benedicte F.
Published: November 2020

Obese subjects present higher risk of developing mammary tumors, worse disease free survival and altered response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The circulating levels of the apelin adipokines are increased in obese subjects and are associated with poorer prognosis in cancer patients. In this study, we showed that obesity and tumoral apelin expression are two factors associated with incomplete response to NAC in breast cancer patients.
Quantitative Investigation Of Memory Recall Performance Of A Computational Microcircuit Model Of The Hippocampus
Authors: Andreakos Nikolaos , Yue Shigang , Cutsuridis Vassilis
Published: November 2020

Memory, the process of encoding, storing, and maintaining information over time in order to influence future actions, is very important in our lives. Losing it, it comes with a great cost. Deciphering the biophysical mechanisms leading to recall improvement should thus be of outmost importance. In this study we embarked on the quest to improve computationally the recall performance of a bio-inspired microcircuit model of the mammalian hippocampus, a brain region responsible for the storage and recall of short-term declarative memories. The model consisted of excitatory and inhibitory cells. The cell properties followed closely what is currently known from the experimental neurosciences. Cells’ firing was timed to a theta oscillation paced by two distinct neuronal populations exhibiting highly regular bursting activity, one tightly coupled to the trough and the other to the peak of theta. An excitatory input provided to excitatory cells context and timing information for retrieval of previously stored memory patterns. Inhibition to excitatory cells acted as a non-specific global threshold machine that removed spurious activity during recall. To systematically evaluate the model’s recall performance against stored patterns, pattern overlap, network size and active cells per pattern, we selectively modulated feedforward and feedback excitatory and inhibitory pathways targeting specific excitatory and inhibitory cells. Of the different model variations (modulated pathways) tested, ‘model 1’ recall quality was excellent across all conditions. ‘Model 2’ recall was the worst. The number of ‘active cells’ representing a memory pattern was the determining factor in improving the model’s recall performance regardless of the number of stored patterns and overlap between them. As ‘active cells per pattern’ decreased, the model’s memory capacity increased, interference effects between stored patterns decreased, and recall quality improved.
Immune Prognostic Implications of PSMD14 and Its Associated Genes Signatures in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chuan Tian , Mubalake Abudoureyimu , Xinrong Lin , Hao Zhou , Xiaoyuan Chu , Rui Wang
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPSMD14 played a vital roles initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, PSMD14 and its-related genes for the immune prognostic implications of HCC patients have rarely been analyzed. Therefore, we aimed to explore gene signatures and immune prognostic values of PSMD14 and its-related genes in HCC.MethodsAnalyzed the expression of PSMD14 in multiple databases, and clinicopathologic characteristics associated with PSMD14 overall survival using Wilcoxon signed-ranktest, logistic and Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier method. An immune prognostic signature (including RBM45, PSMD1, OLA1, CCT6A, LCAT and IVD) was constructed and validated using the co-expression and cox regression analyses in TCGA, ICGC and TIMER datasets and CIBERSORT computational methods. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed using TCGA data set. RT-PCR further validates the expression of seven immune genes in Hepatocellular carcinoma cells.ResultsIncreased PSMD14 expression in HCC was significantly associated with poor prognosis and clinicopathologic characteristics (grade, histologic stage, surgical approach and T stage, all p-values < 0.05 ). A total of six PSMD14-related genes were detected, which markedly related to overall survival and immune infiltrating levels in HCC patients. Using cox regression analysis, the PSMD14 and its-related genes were found to be an independent prognostic factor for HCC survival. Calibration curves confirmed good consistency between clinical nomogram prediction and actual observation. Immune prognostic model suggests that patients in the high‐risk group shown significantly poorer survival than patients in the low‐risk group.ConclusionWe screened potential immune prognostic genes and constructed and verified a novel PSMD14-based prognostic model of HCC, which provides new potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets and lays a theoretical foundation for immunotherapy of HCC.
The Efficacy and Safety of Fibrin Sealant Versus Tranexamic Acid Administration in Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Yong Fan Yong , bo deng , Nan Hong Hai , Zhong Zhu
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe efficacy and safety of topical fibrin sealant (FS) compared with tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not clear. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical FS versus topical or intravenous TXA for treatment of primary THA.MethodWe searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies up to March 2020. The references included in articles were also checked for additional potentially-relevant studies. The language of publication was limited to English. The endpoints included the mean difference (MD) of blood loss, hemoglobin value, and odds ratios (ORs) of transfusion requirements and thrombotic events. Our meta-analysis was performed according to the Guidelines of the Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook and the PRISMA statement. The data of the included studies were analyzed using RevMan 5.3.ResultsA total of four studies (two randomized controlled trials and two non-randomized controlled trials) met the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis demonstrated that TXA administration led to significantly different outcomes in terms of transfusion rate (RD = -0.12, 95% CI (-0.23, -0.00), P = 0.05, I2 = 74%) and postoperative hemoglobin levels (WMD = -0.47, 95% CI (-0.74, -021), P = 0.0005, I2 = 3%) compared with topical application of FS in patients undergoing THA. No significant difference was seen in total calculated blood loss (WMD = -86.22, 95% CI (-99.13, -73.31), P < 0.00001, I2 = 96%) or complication rate (RR = 0.98, 95% CI (-99.13, -73.31), P = 0.45, I2 = 0%) between the two groups.ConclusionsTXA administration can effectively decrease the transfusion rate and result in higher postoperative hemoglobin levels without increasing the rate of infection.
Association and Time-Varying Effects of Body Mass Index on All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: zhu jingjing , Liu Xiaohua , Zhang Jinling , Li Jun , Chen Linli , Xu Huilin , Qin Guoyou
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality in hypertension patients remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the association and the time-varying effects of different BMI categories on the risk of all-cause mortality in hypertension patients. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted among 212,394 Chinese people with hypertension. All deaths were identiﬁed based on Shanghai Vital Statistics. Cox model combined with time-by-covariate interactions was used to estimate the association and the time-varying effects of BMI on the risk of all-cause mortality. The potential non-linear effects across follow-up period for BMI were examined by the application of restricted cubic spline (RCS).ResultsOverall, 31,130 deaths occurred (14.7%) within an average follow-up of 8.24 years. Underweight (<18.5 kg/m2) showed a progressively weakening negative effect on all-cause mortality over time. For both sexes, overweight (23.0-24.9 kg/m2) and class I obesity (25.0-29.9 kg/m2) showed protective effects within 5 years after registration, but these became insignificant in later years. There was no significant difference in the effect on all-cause mortality between class II obesity (≥30.0 kg/m2) and normal weight. in the elderly patients, overweight, class I obesity and class II obesity had continuous protective effects on mortality.ConclusionsAlthough the effect of baseline body mass index on the risk of all-cause mortality varied at different follow-up periods, underweight persistently remained a risk factor for all-cause mortality in hypertension, whereas overweight and class I obesity had protective effects. Thus, in the long-term management of hypertension, more attention should be given to underweight patients.
Comparing COVID-19 Critical Care Admissions by Minority Populations to Pre-COVID-19 Critical Care Utilization
Authors: Galiatsatos Panagis , Page Kathleen , Chatterjee Souvik , Maygers Joyce , Sarkar Sauradeep , Jones Vanya , Tolson Tina , Hill-Briggs Felicia , Chen Edward , Golden Sherita
Published: November 2020

Background: Several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, reassessing intensive care unit (ICU) utilization, specifically with regional impact on diverse populations, should be a priority for hospitals planning for critical care resource allocation. In our study, we reviewed the impact of COVID-19 on a community hospital serving an urban region, comparing the sociodemographic distribution of ICU admissions before and during the pandemic. Methods: We executed a time sensitive analysis to see if COVID-19 ICU admissions reflect regional sociodemographic populations as well as ICU admission trends prior to the current pandemic. Collected sociodemographic variables included sex, race, ethnicity, and age of adult patients (age 18 and older) admitted to the hospital’s medical and cardiac ICUs, which were converted to COVID-19 ICUs. The time period selected was 18-months, which was then dichotomized into pre-COVID-19 admissions (December 1, 2018 to March 13, 2020) and COVID-19 ICU admissions (March 14, 2020 to May 31, 2020). Variables were compared using Fisher’s exact tests and Wilcoxon tests when appropriate.Results: During the 18-month period, 1861 patients were admitted to the aforementioned ICUs. The mean age of the 1861 patients was 62.75 + 15.57 years old, with the majority of these patients being male (52.23%), White (64.43%), and non-Hispanic/Latinx (95.75%). There were differences in racial and ethnic distribution comparing pre-COVID-19 admissions to the COVID-19 admissions. Compared to pre-COVID-19 ICU admissions, there was an increase in African American versus White admissions (p=0.01) and an increase in Hispanic/Latinx versus non-Hispanic/Latinx admissions (p<0.01), during the COVID-19 pandemic.Discussion: During the first three months of admissions to COVID-19 ICUs, there was a rise in admissions among Hispanic/Latinx and African-American patients, while non-Hispanic/Latinx and White patient admissions declined compared to the previous pre-COVID year. These findings support development of strategies to enhance allocation of resources to bolster novel, equitable strategies to mitigate the incidence of COVID-19 in minority populations.
Exploration of the Clinical Effect of Modified Peroneal Nerve Block in Foot Operation Under the Plane of the Ankle joint: A Non-Randomized Clinical Feasibility Observational Study.
Authors: tuo ya , FU XUEQIANG , QIU YI , WANG XIAODONG , YAN SHENGJUAN , HU YONGQIAN , GONG YANRU
Published: November 2020

Background This study was aimed at exploring the clinical effect of a modified dorsal peroneal nerve block in foot operation under the ankle plane. Methods The study was observational study, thirty patients ( n =30) were observed with single-center and non-randomized. The patients were treated with an ankle nerve block (including the posterior tibial nerve, superficial peroneal nerve, saphenous nerve, and sural nerve block in the plane of the ankle) and a deep peroneal nerve block (7.5 mg/ml). The primary outcomes were intraoperative visual analogue scale score (0-10 points), numeric rating scale score (0-10 points), and Neuropen score (0-2 points). The secondary outcomes were postoperative pain visual analogue scale and numeric rating scale scores (0-10). Histograms and normal probability QQ plots were used to test the distribution of normality. Results We analyzed the data of 30 patients. It was found that after 20 min of ankle block and deep peroneal nerve block, 23 patients achieved a perfect block effect (visual analogue scale and Neuropen scores = 0), and the operation was performed smoothly. Six patients experienced slight pain (visual analogue scale score: ≤ 3, Neuropen score = 1). An intravenous sedative drip (dexmedetomidine 4 µg/ml, 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine hydrochloride injection 2 ml:0.2 g; Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd . , China) was used. The block failed in one patient, and the operation was performed under general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask in this patient. Conclusions The modified deep peroneal nerve block combined with an ankle nerve block can meet the anesthesia needs for foot surgery under the ankle plane. However, due to the limited number of patients evaluated, it is difficult to accurately predict the effect and a large degree of uncertainty exists regarding these findings. Trial registration This study had been registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx with No. ChiCTR2000037880 on Sep 3, 2020.It was a retrospectively registered.
Reference Gene Selection for miRNA qRT-PCR Analysis in Lily
Authors: Zhang Qian , Gao Xue , Wang Lian-Juan , Zhao Yu-Qian , Jia Gui-Xia
Published: November 2020

Background: The selection of reliable reference genes is a critical element for obtaining accurate gene expression data to assess quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) performance. It is critical to use suitable reference genes in miRNA qRT-PCR because of short amplification products and large differences in the expression levels of target miRNAs involved in some biological processes. However, in lily, which exhibits a large complex genome but lacks a reference, the available miRNA reference genes for use in qRT-PCR under various treatment conditions are limited, and their reliability has rarely been systematically evaluated.Results: In this study, 8 candidate reference genes, including three classic housekeeping genes and five potential miRNAs from the miRNA library of L. × formolongi, were selected and assessed for expression stability utilizing the BestKeeper, geNorm and Normfinder tools, together with the Delta Ct method, across a diverse set of biotic and abiotic experimental conditions (developmental stages, tissues, heat stress and pathogen defence) to determine the best reference gene(s) for L. × formolongi and L. regale. The final ranking was reordered by using RankAggreg, and the results showed that the novel miRNA PC-3p-67_108977 and the conserved miRNAs miR399a, miR399a and U6 were the most stable genes for L. × formolongi and L. regale, respectively, under all tested experimental conditions. Additionally, PC-3p-67_108977 and U6 were the most suitable genes for qRT-PCR studies in lily.Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the reliability of reference genes for miRNA studies on development and biotic and abiotic stress responses in different lilies. These results will be beneficial for miRNA identification and functional studies of lilies in the future.
Effect of Coal Particle Size on the Temperature and Pressure of Low Temperature Carbonization Square Furnace: A Combined Computational and Industrial Practice Study
Authors: Wang Yu-fei , Liu Qian-qian , Yan Long , Dan Yong , Mi Wen-xing , Li Jian , Gao Yong , Fu Feng , Zhang Qiu-li , Liu Jun-li , Shang Wen-zhi
Published: November 2020

Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics according to the actual size of carbonization square furnace was performed, the standard k-ε model, the finite-rate/eddy-dissipation model and the P1 radiation model were adopted to simulate the flow of gases, the combustion of gas mixture and the heat transfer process, a mathematical model for square furnace was established when the porous medium model was selected for approximate replacement of coal seams in the furnace. The temperature and pressure fields with eight particle sizes of coal were also investigated and compared to five groups of conditions in the actual industrial production. The results showed that furnace witnessed dropped temperature, increased pressure, and gradually accelerated decline in the volume percentage of the carbonization zone with decreasing particle size of coal. However, the trends of flow field distribution were similar under different particle sizes, the maximum temperature and pressure presented an approximately linear decline and an approximately exponential growth, respectively. The temperature difference at the same height gradually narrowed with the gradual increase in the coal seam height under the same particle size. Moreover, the comparison between the numerical simulation results and industrial practice revealed a temperature and pressure error both lower than 6.25% and 12.8%, respectively.
Effects of (Mg1/3Sb2/3)4+ Substitution on the Structure and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ce2Zr3x(Mg1/3Sb2/3)3-3x(MoO4)9 Ceramics
Authors: Xu Zhou , Jiajia Sun , Ningkang Zhang , Huazhang Sun , Wenhong Tao , haitao wu
Published: November 2020

Ce2[Zr1-x(Mg1/3Sb2/3)x]3(MoO4)9 (0.02≤x≤0.10) ceramics were prepared well through the traditional solid-state method. A single phase, belonging to the space group of R-3c, was detected by using X-ray diffraction at sintering temperatures ranging from 700 to 850 °C. The crystallization micro-structural of specimens was examined by applying Scanning electron microscopy. The structural refinement of these samples was investigated in detail by performing the Rietveld refinement method. The intrinsic properties were calculated and explored via far-infrared reflectivity spectroscopy. The correlations between the chemical bonds parameters and microwave dielectric properties were calculated and analyzed by P-V-L theory. Ce2[Zr0.94(Mg1/3Sb2/3)0.06]3(MoO4)9 ceramics with excellent dielectric properties: εr = 10.37, Q×f = 71748 GHz and τf = −13.6 ppm/°C sintered at 725 °C for 6 hours.
Utilization of and Demand for Reproductive Health Services among 20–39-Year-Old Women in Rural China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yue Jing , Luo Yang , Xu Chen , Qin Si , Meng Yanting , Fan Ling , Nie Min
Published: November 2020

Background: The enjoyment of reproductive health (RH) services is a universal right for all human beings. The rural population serves an important role in economic and social development. However, little is known about the rural population’s RH services, especially in low and middle-income countries. Our study aimed to determine the utilization of and demand for RH services in rural China, which is the most populous country in the world with 40.42% rural populations.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four villages of four cities in Hunan province among 978 women who were 20–39 years old. A researcher-made structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.0 and analyzed by SPSS version 18.0. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided P value of less than 0.05.Results: Among the 980 women who were recruited in this study, 978 participants completed the questionnaire as requested (response rate: 99.8%). Age, monthly household income, employment, spousal education level, and artificial abortion history were associated with the utilization of RH services (P＜0.05). The top three RH services participants utilized were free antenatal examinations (90.2%), free postpartum visits (73.0%), and free folic acid supplements (71.6%). The top three RH services they most wanted to obtain were prevention of cervical/breast cancer (58.9%), child health care (48.2%), and reproductive tract infection/sexually transmitted disease treatment (41.1%). The most commonly used method for participants to obtain information related to RH services was the internet.Conclusions: It is necessary to further improve the accessibility and availability of RH services to ameliorate the utilization of these services in rural areas. The internet was the most effective method for improving the use of RH services. Educational interventions and policy support help promote RH services in rural China.
External Validation and Clinical Utility of Non-Invasive Prediction Models for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Malaysia
Authors: Suan Mohd Azri Mohd , Chan Huan Keat , Soelar Shahrul Aiman , Hassan Muhammad Radzi Abu
Published: November 2020

Background: Many prediction models have been developed to detect non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The drawbacks of many of models are the use of parameters that are not routinely measured locally. This study aimed to evaluate the external validity of a series of prediction models for NAFLD, which were selected based on the routinely measured and tested clinical parameters in public healthcare centers in Malaysia. Methods: A literature search of articles that described the prediction models for NAFLD on adult subjects between 2000 and 2019 was conducted. The validation cohort comprised patients who underwent liver elastography using the Fibroscan® device in a public tertiary care center between January 2017 and December 2019. Both the discrimination and calibration of each model were assessed to determine their predictive performance. Results: Out of the 404 patients undergoing liver elastography, 280 were diagnosed with NAFLD (69.3%). Six prediction models were identified from the existing literature and evaluated. The calibration assessment demonstrated that although three of the models overestimated the NAFLD risk, updating the models generally improved their calibration performance. The discriminative performance of the selected models ranged from 0.717 to 0.783. With a specificity level of 90% and 80%, the sensitivity of all the models fell between 31.1%–48.9% and 46.4%–66.8%, respectively. The Framingham Steatosis Index (FSI) model demonstrated a better predictive performance compared to the other models. Conclusions: The FSI model demonstrates an acceptable predictive performance. Its application in clinical practice could promote the screening and early treatment of NAFLD in the Malaysian population.
Association Between AST to ALT Ratio and Peripheral Artery Disease in Chinese Hypertensive Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Hui , Zha Xiaoyuan , Ding Congcong , Hu Lihua , Li Minghui , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: November 2020

Background: Previous studies had shown the role of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AST/ALT) in cardiovascular disease . Peripheral artery disease(PAD) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular death. However, there are fewer investigations of the correlations between the AST/ALT ratio and Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: We analyzed data of 10,900 hypertensive patients from the Chinese Hypertension Registry Study. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, we examined the association between AST / ALT and peripheral arterial disease (PAD),which was defined as ABI≤ 0.9 in either leg.Results：A total of 350 patients had peripheral arterial disease and the prevalence of PAD was 3.21%. After adjusting for potential confounders, AST / ALT ratio was independently and positively associated with risk of PAD (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.59), and a statistically significant increased risk of PAD for the third AST / ALT ratio tertile (T3) compared to the first tertile (T1) (OR:1.49, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.04, P-trend= 0.005) was found. Moreover, when we combined T1-T2 into one group and used it as a reference group, the risk of PAD increased with the increase of AST/ALT and the risk ratio was 1.52 (95% CI :1.20 to 1.95). Conclusion: A higher AST/ALT ratio (≥1.65) was associated with PAD risk in Chinese adults with hypertension. Our results suggested that AST / ALT maybe help us highlight patients who was at high risk of vascular endpoints.Trial registration: CHICTR, CHiCTR1800017274. Registered 20 July 2018.
Implementing an Intervention to Improve Adverse Incident Reporting in the Hospital Setting: A Pilot Study
Authors: Akiyama Naomi , Koeda Keisuke , Uozumi Ryuji , Takahashi Fumiaki , Ogasawara Kuniaki
Published: November 2020

BackgroundTo improve patient safety, it is needed to collect information related to adverse events and near-miss reports. This practice constitutes one of the strategies hospital managers use to understand the kinds of errors that occur at their hospitals. This pilot study aimed to evaluate an intervention designed to improve error reporting rates among physicians. MethodsThe study was conducted at University Hospital A, where data were collected from April 2017 to March 2019. The intervention began in April 2018 and consisted of the four following steps: defining reporting standards, improving the incident reporting system, having the hospital administrators set clear goals and beginning a visualized feedback process, and achieving support and appropriate feedback as a leadership resource from the hospital administrator. ResultsPhysicians’ reporting rates were higher in FY 2018 than 2017. Particularly, differences began to occur in November of FY 2018 (p < 0.05, analyzed using Fisher’s exact test). Further, the number of reports submitted by non-physicians increased by 900 in FY 2018 compared to those in FY 2017. Physicians tend to underreport minor incidents, but reports of near-miss events increased from 16 in FY 2017 to 106 in FY 2018. Reporting standards were focused on severe cases, but they had related treatment/procedure and drug, so that not only error cases but also near-miss cases were reported. Based on these results, the intervention effectively increased incident reporting rates among not only physicians, but also other staff members. In this regard, reporting barriers were broken when hospital administrators encouraged employees to submit incident reports.ConclusionsActive intervention of hospital administrators, the executive class of the hospital, may encourage employees to submit incident reports, thus effectively removing reporting barriers.
Evaluating quality improvement at scale: design considerations for routine reporting to executive board of a healthcare organisation in the UK National Health Service
Authors: Chua Kia-Chong , Henderson Claire , Grey Barbara , Holland Michael , Sevdalis Nick
Published: November 2020

Background Quality improvement (QI) in healthcare is a cultural transformation process that requires long-term commitment from the executive board, a critical theme in emerging accounts of QI success in the UK National Health Service (NHS). To help sustain long-term commitment from the executive board, an organisation-wide picture of QI applications and their impact needs to be made routinely visible.Method We developed a retrospective evaluation drawing inputs from the resident QI team of a healthcare organisation and academic colleagues in the field of implementation and improvement science, as well as peer-reviewed and grey literature on what constitutes success for QI in healthcare. Formative feedback on content relevance, acceptability, and feasibility issues were used to guide evaluation design. The evaluation was conducted as an online survey so that the data accrual process resembles routine reporting to help surface implementation challenges. A purposive sample of QI projects was identified to maximise contrast between projects that were or were not successful as determined by the resident QI team. To hone strategic focus in what should be reported, we also compared factors that might affect project outcomes. For understanding implementation issues, we reviewed data quality to surface challenges in the design and sustainability of routine reporting for the executive board.Results Out of 52 QI projects, 10 led to a change in routine practice (henceforth referred to as adoption). Details of project outcomes were limited. Project team outcomes, indicative of capacity building, were not systematically documented. Service user involvement, quality of measurement plan, fidelity and documentation of plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles had a major impact on adoption. The proximal impact of these process factors on adoption was consistently more apparent than the distal impact of input and contextual factors.Conclusions Designing a routine reporting framework is an iterative process involving continual dialogue with frontline staff and improvement specialists to navigate data accrual demands. A retrospective evaluation, as in this study, can yield empirical insights for dialogue about the routine visibility of QI applications and their organisation-wide impact, thereby honing the implementation science of QI in a healthcare organisation.
Bronchoscopy Manifestation In Severe COVID-19 Patient: Case Series 
Authors: Widysanto Allen , Sutanto Yusup Subagio , Soetjipto Audrey Suryani , Lugito Nata Pratama , Siahaan Sylvia Sagita
Published: November 2020

Background: Severe manifestation of COVID-19 are identical with significant inflammation and associated with high mortality due to severe hypoxemia. Bronchoscopy’s role in the management of COVID-19 patients is still controversial and minimally evaluatedCase presentation: Our case series reported unique bronchoscopy presentation. Three patients with COVID-19 were confirmed by PCR nasophryngeal swab suddenly complain of progressive dyspnea and impending respiratory failure not respond with oxygen therapy. An emergency bronchoscopy was performed. All three patient had a normal bronchial wall without inflammation and edema but showed significant thick and copious mucus plug resulting in sudden desaturation. Patient showed significant clinical improvement following bronchoscopy intervention showed by clinical and chest x-ray improvement. Conclusion : Deteriorating severe COVID-19 patient can have normal bronchial mucosa in bronchoscopy and showed marked thick and copious mucus plug. Bronchial washing and suction can be a life-saving modality as therapeutic effort. Significant improvements following the bronchial washing and suction was seen. Bronchoscopy should be performed with precaution and sufficient personal protective equipment to prevent infection transmission.
Face Mask Utilization in the Era of COVID-19: Nigeria Experience
Authors: Edet Clement Kevin , Harry Agiriye M. , Wegbom Anthony Ike , Raimi Olatunde , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Kiri Victor Alangibi
Published: November 2020

Background: The use of face masks has been accepted and recommended globally as a tool for COVID-19 protection. The government of Nigeria made wearing of face masks compulsory in public places. However, no evidence has shown user compliance or knowledge. This study investigated the knowledge and utilization of face masks among the Nigerian population. Methods: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey conducted from July 2 to August 28, 2020 using a convenience sampling technique. This was in adherence to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guideline of physical/social distancing. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of frequency with percentage were used to present responses.Results: A total of 811 respondents participated in the survey with the mean age of 36.93±12.17 years, out of which 43.8% were male and 56.2% were female. Christians were 94.6%, those employed were 84.7%, 61.1% attained tertiary education and 50.8% belonged to a household size of 3-5 persons. Almost all the respondents 91.9% and 94% were aware that face masks can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn in the public respectively. 95.3% of the participants had used a face mask as a protection against COVID-19. Furthermore, 90.2% used face masks in the public, 53% used it when entering restricted places, 45.5% when with a suspected case and 30.7% used a mask due to fear of arrest/punishment. The majority of respondents used homemade masks (70%) and 71.2% reused their masks.Conclusion: This study demonstrated adequate knowledge and utilization of face masks among the population. The homemade mask was mostly used. However, there was a poor cleaning culture of the mask among the population. There should be intensive public awareness campaigns through social and mass media on how to clean reusable face masks.
Clinical and Epidemiological Data of COVID-19 from Regensburg, Germany – A Retrospective analysis of 1084 consecutive cases
Authors: Lampl Benedikt M J , Buczovsky Matthias , Martin Gabriele , Schmied Helen , Leitzmann Michael , Salzberger Bernd
Published: November 2020

Background: COVID-19 is a new syndrome caused by the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2. We collected clinical and epidemiologic data in an almost complete cohort of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals from Regensburg, Germany, from March 2020 to May 2020.Methods: Retrospective cohort of consecutive COVID-19 cases recorded between March 7, 2020 and May 24, 2020 as part of an infection control investigation program, with prospective follow-up interviews gathering information on type and duration of symptoms and COVID-19 risk factors until June 26, 2020.Results: Of 1,089 total cases, 1,084 (99.6%) cases were included. The incidence during the time period was 315.4/100,000, lower than in the superordinate government district Oberpfalz (468,5/100,000) and the overall state of Bavaria (359.7/100,000). The case fatality rate was 2.1%. Among fatal cases, the mean age was 74.4 years and 87% presented with known risk factors, most commonly chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus. 897 cases (82,7%) showed at least one symptom, most frequently cough (45%) and fever (41%). Further, 18% of cases suffered from odour/taste disorder. 17% of total cases reported no symptoms. The median duration of general illness was 10 days. During follow-up, 8,9% of 419 interviewed cases reported at least one symptom lasting at least 6 weeks, and fatigue was the most frequent persistent symptom. Discussion: We report data on type and duration of symptoms, and clinical severity of nearly all (99,5%) patients with SARS-CoV-2 recorded from March 2020 to May 2020 in Regensburg. A broad range of symptoms and symptom duration was seen, some of them lasting several weeks. The case fatality rate was 2.1%. Asymptomatic cases may be underrepresented due to the nature of the study.
Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Intraoperative Hemodynamics, Recovery Profile and Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ye Qin , Wang Fangjun , Xu Hongchun , Wu Le , Gao Xiaopei
Published: November 2020

Background: To investigate the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine to maintain hemodynamic stability, prevent of cough and minimize postoperative pain for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods: 120 patients were randomly divided into D1, D2, D3 and NS groups, and dexmedetomidine 0.4, 0.6, 0.8ug/kg and normal saline were administrated respectively. Patients' heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured at T1-T7. The incidence of cough was recorded. Other parameters were noted, the time of spontaneous respiratory recovery and extubation, visual analogue scale scores and dosage of tramadol.Results: The heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of D2 and D3 groups has smaller fluctuations at T2-3 and T7 compared with NS and D1 groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of cough was lower in D2 and D3 groups than NS group (P < 0.05). The visual analogue scale scores and tramadol dosage of D2 and D3 groups were lower than NS group (P < 0.05). The time of spontaneous respiratory recovery and extubation in D3 group was longer than that in D1 and D2 groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Intravenous infusion of 0.6ug/kg dexmedetomidine before induction can maintain hemodynamic stability, decrease cough during emergence, relieve postoperative pain of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Trial registration: ChiCTR1900024801, registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, principal investigator: Qin Ye, date of registration: July 28, 2019.