bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stimulation Applications for Carbonate Reservoirs: An Overview of Acidizing Technologies and Methods Used in Pre and Post Salt Reservoirs in Brazil
Authors: Jardim Abrahão , Costa Alberto , Boldrini Alberto , Colbert Felipe , Garcia Fernando , Gachet Raphael
Published: July 2020

Pre and post salt carbonate reservoirs are becoming the main source of hydrocarbon production in Brazil. One of the reasons behind this success is the development of many fields located on pre salt areas along the Brazilian shore. Production optimization is vital for sustainability, which requires efficient methods and technology to stimulate these reservoirs.

The main cost-effective approach used in Brazil to improve the production in carbonate reservoir areas is matrix acidizing. Stimulation fluids are pumped into the formation below the fracture pressure to create wormholes that can bypass near wellbore damage and increase the drainage radius along the wellbore. This study offers an insight of the most common methods and technology used to perform matrix acidizing on offshore carbonate reservoirs in Brazil. The main aspects of the study are fluids selection, pumping strategies, completion design and pressure behavior analysis.

Before 2012, most of the offshore stimulation operations in Brazil were performed on sandstone reservoirs. With the advent of pre salt development this scenario changes drastically leading to a high volume of matrix acidizing on carbonate reservoirs in both post and pre salt zones. The main challenges to designing and executing matrix acidizing on carbonate reservoirs in Brazil are the long reservoir intervals combined with high permeability contrasts, high formation temperature and the need of large fluid capacity to accommodate the required treatment designs. Additionally, super duplex stainless steel metallurgies must be considered for corrosion inhibition protection. To overcome these challenges: first, a proper fluid diversion technique must be employed to distribute the treatment fluid across all targeted zones; next, a proper fluid selection must be made to avoid carbonate face dissolution; and finally, corrosion protection is required for the well bore completion components from the corrosion rates increased by the high temperatures downhole.

The lessons learned and best practices captured over the past decade on more than 250 offshore carbonate matrix acidizing operations has led to much success in the post and pre salt zones of Brazil.
Fluid and Reservoir Characterization from Wireline Formation Tester: Field Examples from Santos Basin Reservoir
Authors: Bertolini Andre , Monteiro Jacyra , Munoz Rodrigo , Colacelli Santiago
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study is to dynamically characterize the reservoir and fluid distribution in a Santos Basin field by using well data including in-situ fluid properties and dynamic reservoir properties from wireline formation tester (WFT), openhole logs, and a simplified structural model of the field. Reservoir pressure measurement, pressure gradients, and fluid identification and sampling are part of the routine wireline suite service to evaluate offshore wells. The ability to extract high-quality reservoir properties from interval pressure transient tests (IPTT) and to measure fluid properties in real time are critical to characterizing laminated reservoirs in early stages, before production tests.

The challenge of characterizing the reservoir and downhole fluid in different intervals of the reservoir as well as assessing reservoir connectivity in early stages of the field evaluation is ably addressed by deploying the latest WFT technologies, including radial probes entry for higher-quality interval IPTT and downhole fluid properties measurement. These measurements and methodology using a dissolved-asphaltene equation of state (EOS) enabled the investigation of compartmentalization or lack of thermodynamic equilibrium in some of the reservoir intervals, providing information for future well data acquisition and field planning decisions. Among downhole fluid measurements, optical density of the formation fluid linearly correlates with reservoir fluid asphaltene content, which in combination with a gas-liquid-asphaltene equilibria modeling enables operators to reduce uncertainty in reservoir connectivity assessment. Different fluid units were identified, on top of each other and most probably disconnected from each other. The technique used is based on comparing the fluid coloration of different collected samples that could be in communication to establish if they could be in equilibrium (same fluid unit) or not.

From an understanding of the fluid distribution and permeabilities of the field, reservoir scenarios are developed to optimize and design future well data acquisition and to improve field development plans.
EOR Screening Methods Assisted by Digital Rock Analysis: A Step Forward
Authors: Manrique Eduardo , Delgadillo Claudia , Maya Gustavo , Gelvis Javier
Published: July 2020

The screening of chemical EOR technologies for a Colombian field was performed using two different screening tools (weighting averages and artificial intelligence). The Alkali-Surfactant-Polymer (ASP) pilot results were compared with the initial screening studies identifying some weaknesses that are addressed in this paper. Additionally, the use of Lattice Boltzmann pore-scale flow simulation approach to support EOR screening studies is also presented.

The screening study was developed using the same input data (e.g. pressure, temperature, porosity, permeability, oil gravity, and viscosity). Screening results and potential reservoir analogs identified using both systems were compared, including the evaluation of the geological parameters that are normally missing in most of screening studies. The results are compared with the ASP pilot performance to validate the effectiveness of conventional screening studies overlooking geologic information. In addition, the results were also confirmed evaluating ASP field cases reported in the literature. Finally, the use of digital rock analysis using micro CT scan images to support ongoing screening results is presented.

Screening results obtained using different screening tools were similar identifying the EOR recovery process (e.g. Chemical EOR). However, the screening results excluding the evaluation of geological parameters such as rock cementation (e.g. sandstone formations with carbonate cement) did not prevent the selection of ASP flooding as an EOR recovery process for the field under study. This was confirmed with the severe scaling problems observed during the ASP pilot test implemented in Colombia as well in Canadian ASP floods. This paper describes the main steps for conducting robust EOR screening studies, including the use of Lattice Boltzmann pore-scale flow simulation to evaluate preliminary performance of oil recovery processes (e.g. waterflooding, polymer and surfactant injection) that contributes to field evaluations and experimental lab design.

The proposed screening approach will contribute identifying the technical and economic EOR potential (from exploratory appraisal to mature field rejuvenation) under conditions of limited information and time constraints.
Static-Fractal Analysis in Petrophysical Model, Field M Case of Success in Cased Hole Completions
Authors: Castellanos Luis
Published: July 2020

The objective of this work is to generate an effective selection of cased-hole completions that contributes to increase the production of M field, contemplating all the necessary technical criteria to ensure that the evaluation formation and static fractal analysis could be advantageous for the reservoir characterization and the determination of well productivity parameters.

We used the Statistic-Fractal analysis inside of petrophysical model known as fractal and geostatistical models whose main purpose is to analyze data for reservoir characterization. That is, through separating data from production log tools and resistivity logs, it is possible to have an accurate picture of the hydrocarbon path through the identification of the repeatable marks of data along the selected well logs from cased-hole completions of the field in study. That representative mark, associated with the knowledge of the internal characteristics of the reservoir (porosity, permeability, fracture systems and faults, Water-Oil Contact) help to obtain better results.

For this scrutiny we analyzed 12 wells (1, 11, 51, 62, 61, 3A, 3Are, 21, 21are, 31,32, 64), from M field in Southeastern Mexico, deep onshore carbonates (average reservoir depth is 6,493 m) producing light oil, with different completions, which include slotted liner, cemented liner with selective perforations and open-hole completions.

This paper describes the process of analysis and selection of new potential intervals to complete and explains the workflow used during the design stage. Statistic-fractal analysis in petrophysical model techniques are discussed together with lessons learned from the wells in terms of production behavior. The importance of this work lies in improving the selection of new locations and completions in mature fields.
Water Source Wells: Challenges to Produce Water. Field Experiences from a Waterflooding Project
Authors: Vasconez Danilo , Farag Sherif , Meneses Alba , Rodriguez Omar , Pastrana Wilmar
Published: July 2020

A water flooding project was initiated in a mature field in the Oriente basin. The shortage of water production for the implementation required the identification of the water source, an infinite aquifer located at the base of existing wells. Next, well integrity, well schematics, well status, water quality and water demand were used to define the best candidates to be converted from oil producers to water source wells. As part of the operational process several issues were solved by the evaluation and implementation of different solutions. To isolate shallower producing intervals, three technologies were applied: traditional cement squeeze, scabliner and casing patch. The latter resulted to be the best technical solution followed by scab liner and cement squeeze. To avoid residual oil zones at the top of the water source reservoir, it was necessary to create a new operative bottom by drilling out cement, landing collars and float collars at the base of the production liner or casing.

As the well productivity index of the water source wells ranges from 8 to 80 BPD/psi and the reservoir pressure is steady at 4,500 psi, electrical submersible pumps are installed in the 9 5/8 production casing at shallow depths. This configuration reduces operational risks and provides the required discharge pressures to reach the injection points. Over the course of the project the perforated interval for water production was continuously optimized, as pressure and water viscosity are mostly constant, and the absolute permeability is quite homogeneous.

These water source solutions proved to be successful for the first phase of the waterflooding project and were extrapolated to other areas of the asset resulting in 16 wells being converted to water source wells, and 3 wells being recompleted as dump flooding wells.

This document can be used as a guide and set of best practices for recompleting wells to produce high quality water from existing wells by integrating reservoir conditions, mechanical configurations and water demand requirements. The analysis of NPT and UPT will also provide additional clues for converting oil producers to water source wells.
Journey to the Center of Vaca Muerta: Unconventional Reservoir Evaluation Yields Optimum Results
Authors: Abitbol Francisco , Casala Santiago , Arillo Facundo , Sifontes Thais
Published: July 2020

The Vaca Muerta (VM) formation, one of the largest unconventional reservoirs worldwide located in the Neuquén basin, has ceased to be a promise and is becoming a venturous reality. During recent years, the investments in its development have increased significantly. By the year 2040, it is believed that the VM formation may generate 560,000 bbl of liquid and 6,000 million cubic feet of gas per day.

One of the primary challenges of many operators has been to select the most productive landing zones; consequently, the performance of an accurate and complete petrophysical evaluation of the reservoir has become vitally important to increase production and to optimize well completion costs. The evaluation of shale formations using electrical logs is a major challenge for most petrophysicists because many of the measurements from the logging tool are affected by the organic matter concentrated in this type of rock.

This paper highlights the way in which these challenges were addressed. It describes the logging operation, as well as the integral petrophysical interpretation performed for a pilot well located in the oil window of the VM formation.

The key element for the success of this work was the implementation of the integrated workflow to evaluate the potential of the shale oil well. The integrated workflow enabled the identification of hydrocarbon-bearing formations, quantification of reservoir properties and hydrocarbons in place, determination of lithology variations within the objective section, and establishment of reliable correlations between electrical logs and the organic richness of the VM formation. In addition, the assessment of geomechanical properties has become vitally important to optimize well placement and to select the best hydraulic fracturing design.

The integrated analysis of the pilot well presented in this paper has proven to be a successful case in which an effective characterization of the VM formation, following the proposed formation evaluation workflow, and the integration of wireline data with the various data acquisition program components, enabled the delivery of recommendations about the prospective interval in which to land the programmed lateral well.
Comparative Study of the Clinical Competence of Emergency Nurses Using Self-Assessments and Head Nurse Evaluations
Authors: ghahfarokhi motahareh musavi , Mehrafruz Elina , Radmehr Arman , kiarsi maryam , Shamloo Marziyeh Beigom Bigdeli
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
High-power radiofrequency ablation guided by ablation index for pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: zhu xuefeng , wang chunxiao , li jianping , li wenjing , chu hongxia , zhou huihui
Published: July 2020

Background: Proposed to facilitate pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), high-power ablation may cause extracardiac damage. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ablation index (AI) guided high-power ablation first in an animal model and subsequently in a clinical study.Methods:Outcomes of radiofrequency (RF) applications were compared in a swine ventricular endocardial model (n=10 each for 50W, 40W and 30W; AI=500), and in 100 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI (40W [last n=50] vs. 30 W [first n=50]; target AI=400/500 on posterior/anterior wall, respectively). Acute PV reconnection was assessed post adenosine administration 20 minutes after ablation.Results: In swine ventricular endocardial RF applications, use of 50W and 40W vs. 30W was associated with greater tissue lesion depth (5.06±0.16 and 4.38±0.13mm vs. 3.95±0.16mm; P<0.001) and smaller lesion maximum diameter (7.81±0.15 and 8.42±0.18mm vs. 9.08±0.15mm; P<0.001). Tissue necrosis caused by 50W vs. 40W and 30W was the deepest and largest (3.15±0.18mm vs. 2.71±0.17 and 2.42±0.13mm; and 5.58±0.18mm vs. 5.18±0.16 and 3.94±0.17mm; respectively; P<0.001). In PVI, use of 40W vs. 30W was associated with shorter procedure time (56.54±1.81min vs. 76.55±2.34min; p<0.001) and ablation time (35.85±14.87min vs. 51.01±17.99min; p<0.001); lower RF energy per point (909.02±354.57J vs. 1045±376.60J; p<0.001); higher first-pass PVI (87% vs. 72%; P<0.01); lower acute PV reconnection (22% vs. 41%; P<0.01); no complications in either group; and similar sinus rhythm maintenance at 12 months (92% vs. 84%; P=0.22).Conclusions: AI-guided high-power (40W) vs. conventional (30W) PVI was related to a reduced time for procedure and was considered safe, with diminished acute PV reconnection.
General Practitioners' Propensity to Cooperate With Other Health Professionals in the Management of Patients With Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy: A Cross-sectional Study.
Authors: Carrier Helene , Zaytseva Anna , Bocquier Aurélie , Villani Patrick , Fortin Martin , Verger Pierre
Published: July 2020

Background. Cooperation between general practitioners (GPs) and other health professionals appears to help reduce the risk of adverse events linked to polypharmacy for patients with multimorbidity. We investigated the existence of different GP profiles according to their opinions and behaviors about such cooperation and studied the association between these profiles and the GPs’ characteristics and deprescribing behaviors.Methods. Between May and July 2016, we performed a cross-sectional survey in a panel of French GPsabout their management of patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy, focusing specifically on their opinions of healthcare professionals’ roles and interprofessional cooperation. We used an agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis to identify GP profiles and then multivariable logistic regression models to study their associations with these doctors' characteristics and deprescribing behaviors.Results. We identified four profiles of GPs according to their cooperation propensities: GPs from the “intensive” profile (14%) were favorable to cooperating with various health professionals, including delegating some prescribing tasks to pharmacists; GPs from the "moderate" profile (47%) had favorable opinions about health professionals’ roles, except for this specific task delegation; GPs from the "selective" profile (27%) tended to work only with physicians; GPs from the "low cooperation" profile (12%) didn’t appeared interested in cooperation. These profiles were associated with different professional characteristics.Conclusions. Current health policies encourage interprofessional cooperation for the management of patients with multimorbidity. Our study provides information for understanding disparities among GPs regarding working with other professionals who deal with their patients and suggests possible ways to improve cooperation.
Antimicrobial use and resistance in Escherichia coli from healthy food-producing animals in Guadeloupe
Authors: Gruel Gaëlle , Sellin Arantxa , Riveiro Hélène , Pot Matthieu , Breurec Sébastien , Guyomard-Rabenirina Stéphanie , Talarmin Antoine , FERDINAND Severine
Published: July 2020

Background
Selection pressure exerted by overuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine is responsible for increasing resistance to antibiotics. The objectives of this study were (i) to better understand antimicrobial use in pigs, beef cattle, and poultry on farms of Guadeloupe, French West Indies, and (ii) to acquire data on antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli in these food-producing animals. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 45 farms on Guadeloupe. Practical use of antimicrobials was documented in declarative interviews between March and July 2018. Fecal samples were collected from 216 pigs, beef cattle, and broiler chickens between January 2018 and May 2019. The samples were cultured for bacterial isolation and identification, antimicrobial testing, and screening for blaCTX−M, blaTEM, and tetA resistance genes by PCR on extracted genomic DNA.
Results
The study shows rational use of antimicrobials consisting of occasional use for curative treatment by veterinary prescription. Tetracycline was the most commonly used antimicrobial, but this was not correlated to E. coli resistance. Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli isolates were detected in 7.3% of pigs, 14.7% of beef cattle and 35.3% of broilers. blaCTX−M−1 was the predominant gene found in ESBL E. coli isolates (68.8%), followed by blaCTX−M−15 (31.3%).
Conclusion
Despite rational use of antimicrobials, the rate of ESBL E. coli in food-producing animals in Guadeloupe, although moderate, is a concern. Further studies are in progress to better define the genetic background of the ESBL E. coli isolates.
Association of Periodontal Diseases with Intracranial Aneurysm Formation: Novel Predictive Indicators
Authors: Liu Keyun , Sun Jia , Shao Lingling , He Hongwei , Liu Qinglin , Li Youxiang , Ge Huijian
Published: July 2020

Background and purpose: We investigated whether periodontal diseases, specifically, periodontitis and gingivitis, could be risk factors of the incidence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs).Methods: We performed a case–control study to compare the differences in the periodontal disease parameters of 281 cases that were divided into the IA and non-IA groups. All cases underwent complete radiographic examination for IAs and examination for periodontal health. Results: Compared with those in the non-IA group, the cases in the IA group were older (53.95 ± 8.56 vs 47.79 ± 12.33, p < 0.001) and had a higher incidence of hypertension (76 vs 34, p = 0.006). Univariate analysis revealed that age (>50 years) and hypertension were risk factors of aneurysm formation (odds ratio [OR] 1.047, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.022–1.073, p < 0.001 and OR 2.047, 95%CI 1.232–3.401, p = 0.006). In addition, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the parameters of periodontal diseases, including gingival index, plaque index, clinical attachment loss, and alveolar bone loss, were significantly associated with the occurrence of IA (all p < 0.05). For further statistical investigation, the parameters of periodontal diseases were divided into four layers on the basis of their averages. Poor periodontal health condition was correlated with a high risk of IAs. Conclusion: Periodontal diseases, especially severe gingivitis or periodontitis combined with hypertension, were significantly associated with the incidence of IAs.
Virtual Patients and Clinical Decision-making Skills: How Students Learn to Diagnose Depending on Their Psychological Characteristics
Authors: Zalewski Bartosz , Walkiewicz Maciej , Guziak Mateusz
Published: July 2020

Background:The goal of this exploratory study is to analyse which psychological characteristics of clinical psychology students are related to the effectiveness of learning clinical decision-making skills with the use of virtual patient (VP).Methods: Authors’ VP was used for measuring the ability to learn the decision-making: negative vs positive aspects of a patient’s functioning, reactance, coping, stage of change, cognitive errors, adequacy of assessment data, and the quality of assessment. Psychological questionnaires were used for measuring student’s: need for cognitive closure; ability to achieve closure; beliefs of changeability on human traits; the level of hope, intelligence, positive vs negative affect, and academic knowledge. Results: Developing clinical decision-making with the use of VP is effective for students who have a higher ability to tolerate ambiguity and complexity of data. Students convinced of the changeability of human traits take into consideration more diverse data and the process of diagnosis requires the analysis of complex phenomena. Students with dominant negative affect seem to build diagnoses more carefully and make fewer cognitive errors than those with positive affect.Conclusions:Our study indicates which properties of participants support and which weaken the acquisition of the ability to make a diagnosis.
Death by SARS-CoV 2 - a Romanian COVID-19 multi-centre comorbidity study
Authors: Stoian Anca Pantea , Pricop-Jeckstadt Mihaela , Pana Adrian , Ileanu Bogdan-Vasile , Schitea Ruxandra , Geanta Marius , Catrinoiu Doina , Suceveanu Andra Iulia , Serafinceanu Cristian , Pituru Silviu , Poiana Catalina , Timar Bogdan , Nitipir Cornelia , Parvu Simona , Arsene Andreea , Mazilu Laura , Toma Antonela , Hainarosie Razvan , Ceriello Antonio , Rizzo Manfredi , Jinga Viorel
Published: July 2020

Evidence regarding the relation between SARS-CoV-2 mortality and the underlying medical condition is scarce. We conducted an observational, retrospective study based on Romanian official data about location, age, sex and comorbidities for COVID-19 fatalities. Our findings indicate that males, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and chronic kidney disease were most frequent in the COVID-19 fatalities, that the burden of disease was low, and that the prognosis for 1-year survival probability was high in the sample. Evidence shows that age-dependent pairs of comorbidities could be a negative prognosis factor for the severity of disease for the SARS-CoV 2 infection.
The effectiveness of implementation of mandatary institutional isolation of all mild cases by developing Fangcang hospitals against the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): modified SEIR model simulation
Authors: Zeng Zhechun , WANG Jinwen , SU Jianglian , ZUO Huijuan , Xie Jiang
Published: July 2020

Background

An epidemic outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia has occurred in Wuhan City, China in December 2019 and subsequently led to the breakdown of the medical system. Fangcang hospital is developed to isolate patients with mild symptoms of an infectious disease from their families and communities on 28 January 2020. We present use a mathematical model to quantify the impact of the mandatory isolation strategy on the epidemic in Wuhan.
Methods

We developed a modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed (SEIR) model to simulate the Wuhan COVID-19 outbreak. We use reported case data up to 1 December 2019 from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention to parameterize the model. We used the model to estimate reductions in the number of confirmed cases and deaths in Wuhan.
Results

Compared with mandatory institutional isolation measures, home isolation for mild cases increase the number of confirmed cases from 51,214 to 61,349 in Wuhan, but has a more marked effect at the mortality, where death case increased by nearly 35.3% until April 25th.
Conclusion

The mandatory isolation strategy by using Fangcang hospitals applied on January 28, 2020 can effectively control the outbreak of COVID-19. We suggest that a mandatory isolation strategy be applied with success around the whole world.
Ozone Pollutants and the Onset of COVID-19 Symptoms in Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Dao Hang Viet , Fanjul Katrina , LE Ngoan Tran
Published: July 2020

Background

We examined the association between ozone pollutants in the breathing air and the onset of symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
Methods

We accessed online data of positive COVID-19 cases published by the Chiba Prefectural Government, including their ID, residence, age, sex, the dates of onset of symptoms, and tested positive with COVID-19. The daily data ozone concentrations were derived from an online database of 20 weather stations in the prefecture. The data of daily onset of symptoms of 735 patients were linked with the daily data of ozone concentrations. We estimated the number of daily person-years by dividing the number of the population by 365 (days). The incidence rate ratio and 95% confidence interval (IRR, 95% CI) were estimated by the levels of ozone concentrations.
Results

There was a significant positive association between the date of symptom onset and levels of ozone concentrations. Adjusted IRR, 95% CI, tertile_3 vs. tertile_1, was 1.69 (1.26, 2.26) for total participants, p for trend = 0.000. The positive association was observed in women but not in men, adjusted IRR, 95% CI, tertile_3 vs. tertile_1: 3.18 (1.94, 5.22), and 1.07 (0.73, 1.57), respectively. The positive association was seen for the sub-groups of ages under 60 but not 60+, adjusted IRR, 95% CI, tertile_3 vs. tertile_1: 1.90 (1.37, 2.65) and 1.10 (0.57, 2.17), respectively.
Conclusions

Ozone pollutants affect susceptibility to COVID-19 in the onset of symptoms. The findings warrant further studies on the mechanism of how ozone pollutants affect susceptibility to COVID-19.
P300-dependent acetylation of histone H3 is required for EGFR-mediated HMGA2 transcription in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liang Chao , Niu Jie , Wang Xiao , Yao Xin , Yang Ruo-Han , Zhang Zhan-Sheng , Liu Fan-Ye , Li Wen-Qi , Pei Shu-Hua , Sun Hua , Wang Chao-Jie , fang dong , Xie Song-Qiang
Published: July 2020

Background

High-mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and contributes to tumor metastasis and poor patient survival. However, the molecular mechanism of HMGA2 transcriptional regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells remains largely unclear.
Methods

Mouse model of lung metastasis was used to evaluate the effects of HMGA2 on hepatocellular carcinoma. DEN-induced rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma was used to measure the expression of HMGA2 and histone H3 acetylation. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression levels of HMGA2 in 39 matched HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues. Real-time PCR, Western blotting and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assay were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which HMGA2 overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Result

Compared with adjacent non-tumour tissues, the expression of HMGA2 was significantly upregulated in human HCC tumor tissues. Moreover, We demonstrated that the expression HMGA2 was upregulated in HCC, and the elevated HMGA2 could promote tumor metastasis. Incubation HCC cells with Epidermal growth factor (EGF) could promote the expression of HMGA2 mRNA and protein. Knockdown of p300 can reverse EGF-induced HMGA2 expression and histone H3-K9 acetylation, while a phosphorylation-mimic p300 S1834D mutant can stimulate HMGA2 expression as well as H3-K9 acetylation in HCC cells. Furthermore, we identified p300-mediated H3-K9 acetylation participates in EGF-induced HMGA2 expression in HCC. In addition, the levels of H3-K9 acetylation positively correlated with the expression levels of HMGA2 in human HCC specimens.
Conclusion

p300-dependent acetylation of histone H3 is required for EGFR-mediated HMGA2 transcription in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Follow up the children with ocular lesion induced by two common intrauterine infections (Cytomegalovirus,Toxoplasmosis): A cohort study in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Vafaee-Shahi Mohammad , noorbakhsh samileh , Tahernia Leila , Ashouri Sarvenaz
Published: July 2020

Background

Intrauterine infections lead to involvement of various organs in fetus, including the eye. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical response of ocular lesions to specific drugs in infants with congenital Toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus infections.
Methods

This historical cohort study was performed in the pediatric and ophthalmology department of Hazrat Rasool Akram Hospital in Tehran from October 2011 to November 2017. Patients included 78 infants with intrauterine infection (proven) and ocular involvement (cataracts, glaucoma, and retinitis). Infants who did not undergo additional and diagnostic tests, eye examinations, follow-up and did not receive effective treatment were excluded from the study. Three patients expired during the study. Finally, 37 patients (including 25 patients with cytomegalovirus and 12 patients with toxoplasma) were included to assess and the clinical response to ocular lesions was evaluated for one year.
Results

Of 12 cases with toxoplasmosis, 5 patients received complete treatment and 4 patients had appropriate clinical responses. Of 25 patients with CMV, 18 patients received complete treatment and 9 patients had appropriate clinical responses.
Conclusion

Successful treatment will be obtained in near 80% of ocular toxoplasmosis,so anti toxoplasma treatment is recommended in all confirmed cases .About 50% of CMV infected cases (with hearing loss, ocular involvement ) might respond well to antiviral therapy, We recommend anti CMV treatment in any age (< 2 years old) but it is not indicated in CMV infected cases with severe brain involvement.
Rapid Skin Temperature Measurement is Valuable in Evaluating Inflammation and Functional Status After Total Knee Arthroplasty：A Case Control Study
Authors: Xu Hao , Huang Hui , Yin Lu-xu , Xiang Shuai , Shang Guang-qian , Zhang Hai-ning , Wang Ying-zhen , Yan Weining
Published: July 2020

Background：The skin temperature of the knee joint changes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and these changes are easy to detect and can be measured simply and accurately, but its significance is not clear.Methods: A total of 205 patients who underwent unilateral primary TKA were selected; the bilateral knee skin temperature, inflammatory indicators, pain score, knee range of motion (ROM) and quadriceps muscle strength of the patients were measured from preoperatively to 6 months postoperatively; and the relationships between the differential skin temperature and inflammatory and functional prognosis were analyzed.Results: The differential skin temperature was significantly correlated with the inflammatory index, pain score, ROM and muscle strength. A difference in skin temperature between the two sides of >0.52°C at 2 weeks after the operation suggested that the level of c-reactive protein increased (sensitivity 81.4%, specificity 39.8%) and affected the ROM at 2 weeks and 6 weeks after the operation, as well as the muscle strength at 6 weeks and 3 months after the operation. A difference in skin temperature of >2.15°C at 2 weeks after the operation suggested that the level of c-reactive protein increased by more than three times (sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 95.2%) and affected the ROM at 3 months and 6 months after the operation and muscle strength at 6 weeks and 3 months after the operation.Conclusion: The difference in the knee skin temperature between the operated side and contralateral side is closely related to functional recovery and the magnitude of increase in inflammatory indicators in patients after TKA. Skin temperature measurements can be used as references for predicting functional recovery and inflammatory indicators.Trial registration：Medical Ethics Committee of Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University,QYFYKYLL2327945,2015-03-01
IVIM Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Guiding Target Delineation and Dose Escalation of Concurrent Radiochemotherapy in Recurrent Stage IIIB Pulmonary Adenosquamous Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Xu Peng , Chen Yixuan , Liu Anwen , Cai Jing
Published: July 2020

Background: Concurrent radiochemotherapy is regarded as a standard treatment for inoperable, locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the local control rate is less than 50%. Functional imaging can reveal changes in the tumour microstructure and tumour volume early during the process of radiotherapy, which is beneficial for the early evaluation of efficacy and dose escalation radiotherapy.Case presentation: Here, we describe a case of recurrent stage IIIB pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma. Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) was used to guide the delineation of the target area and dose escalation of radical concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and complete remission was achieved.Conclusion: Our case report provides a novel method for IVIM functional MRI in guiding accurate target delineation and dose escalation of radical radiotherapy.
Reflux Esophagitis and Fatigue: Are They Related?
Authors: Kang Sung-Goo , Hwang Hyun jee , Kim Youngwoo , Lee Junseak , Oh Jung Hwan , Kim Jinsu , Lim Chul-Hyun , Youn Seung Bae , Jung Sung Hoon
Published: July 2020

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, recurrent disease. Reflux esophagitis can interfere with sleep via acid reflux, which could cause daytime sleepiness or fatigue. However, little is known about the association between reflux esophagitis and fatigueObjectives: We evaluated the association between fatigue and reflux esophagitis in subjects seen at health check-ups.Methods: Consecutive patients who were scheduled for screening endoscopy were enrolled prospectively at the Comprehensive Medical Examination Center of St. Vincent Hospital and Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, Korea. Three validated questionnaires were used to assess fatigue, daytime hypersomnolence, anxiety, and depression: the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-Korean version (MFI-K), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).Results: We investigated 497 consecutive eligible subjects. The reflux esophagitis and symptomatic GERD groups comprised 103 (20.7%) and 92 (18.5%) subjects, respectively. The MFI-K total, ESS, HADS-anxiety, and HADS-depression scores did not differ between the esophagitis and non-esophagitis groups (50.0±11.5 vs. 49.7±10.9, P=0.769; 6.2±2.8 vs. 6.1±3.1, P=0.819; 5.8±3.1 vs. 5.2±3.2, P=0.069; 6.2±3.6 vs. 6.0±3.3, P=0.527). However, the MFI-K total, ESS, HADS-anxiety, and HADS-depression scores were higher in the symptomatic group than in the non-symptomatic group (54.7±12.7 vs. 48.6±10.3, P<0.001; 7.1±3.5 vs. 5.9±2.9, P=0.002; 6.4±3.3 vs. 5.1±3.1, P<0.001; 7.5±4.0 vs. 5.7±3.1, P<0.001). In addition, HADS-depression was correlated with the MFI-K score (P<0.001).Conclusion: There was no evidence of reflux esophagitis causing daytime sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety, or depression, but GERD symptoms were associated with these. Depression was also associated with fatigue. Further studies should clarify the association between fatigue and reflux esophagitis.
Spatial Analysis of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Transmission Risk Factors in Singapore
Authors: Humaidi Mahathir , KWAN Ivan , Xinli YAP , YAP Grace , LIM Xiao Fang , LIAN Jing Er , YEO Gladys , CHONG Chee Seng , Beng HOW Choon , MAILEPESSOV Diyar
Published: July 2020

Background Singapore was previously endemic for JEV but the threat of JE remains. There is continued JEV transmission in animal hosts despite the banning of pig farming in 1992. Surveillance of mosquitoes, ardeid birds and swine gives public health officials useful warning signs for the monitoring of JEV. In this study, we aim to develop a JE Risk Map based on the data gathered by spatial and quantitative survey of the JE-associated vectors and animal hosts. Methods For over a year across the island, the distribution and population of herons were visually surveyed and the distribution of wild boars was captured with wildlife camera traps. Mosquito population data was collected from 16 sites with ecological factors suitable for JE transmission. The animal and vector data were then spatially analysed using open-sourced GIS software. Results Four JE high risk clusters were interpolated from the combined risk factors of data points. A JEV positive Culex tritaeniorynchus pool was subsequently detected in the largest of these JE high risk clusters.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4) is a Prognostic Marker and Related to Immune Infiltration in Breast and Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Huang Qingyan , Yu Zhikang , Gan Yuhong , Wu Heming , Zhong Zhixiong
Published: July 2020

Background: Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a transcription factor that involves in immune cells differentiation. However, it is not clear the relationship between IRF4 and tumor prognosis and immune infiltration.Methods: IRF4 expression levels in different cancers and corresponding normal tissues were analyzed by Oncomine database and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER). The prognosis value of IRF4 was assessed by PrognoScan and Kaplan-Meier plotter. The correlation between IRF4 and tumor-infiltrating immune cells and immune cells markers was performed by TIMER and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). In addition, we explored the genes regulated by IRF4 in Gene Transcription Regulation Database (GTRD) and then put the above genes in Enrich online tool for Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis.Results: Decreased expression levels of IRF4 were observed in breast and colorectal cancers. Survival analysis shown that high level of IRF4 was associated with better prognostic outcome in breast and colorectal cancer patients. IRF4 expression was positively correlated with infiltrating levels of B cells, CD8+ T cells, T cells (general), dendritic cells (DCs), Th1, T cell exhaustion and monocytes, and immune cells markers. Beside, functional enrichment analysis of the potential genes regulated by IRF4 indicated that IRF4 may be involved in many important biological processes including immune regulation by regulating various genes.Conclusions: High expression of IRF4 shown better prognostic outcome for breast and colorectal cancers. IRF4 was associated with immune infiltration in breast and colorectal cancers. Therefore, IRF4 maybe serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in breast and colorectal cancers with immune infiltration.
MiR-18a-5p promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting CPEB3
Authors: Zheng Jianxing , Wu Dongyang , Wang Libing , Qu Fengzhi , Cheng Daming , Wu Xiaotang , Cheng Ling , Wei Yanbing , Liu Xiaogang
Published: July 2020

Objective

The study aims to explore the mechanism of miR-18a-5p targeting CPEB3 gene in regulating the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods

Differential and survival analyses were conducted on HCC expression profiles from TCGA database to screen out target miRNAs on which targeted prediction was conducted. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of miR-18a-5p and CPEB3. MTT assay examined the proliferation activity, wound healing assay analyzed the migration ability and Transwell assay detected the invasion ability of HCC cells after overexpressing miR-18a-5p.Dual luciferase assay verified the targeting relationship between miR-18a-5p and CPEB3. Meanwhile, MTT, wound healing and Transwellassays determined whether the overexpression of CPEB3 reversed the promoting effect of miR-18a-5p on HCC cells.
Results

Bioinformatic analysis showed that miR-18a-5p was significantly highly expressed in HCC tissues and its target binding site was found in CPEB3 genewith low expression.The qRT-PCR found that high miR-18a-5p expression was observed in HCC cells, and the expression of CPEB3 was significantly low. Overexpression of miR-18a-5p promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Dual luciferase assay observed that miR-18a-5p inhibited the expression of CPEB3 while overexpression of CPEB3 reversed the promoting effect of miR-18a-5p on the growth of HCCcells.
Conclusion

miR-18a-5p promoted the proliferation and migration of HCC cells by inhibiting the expression of CPEB3. The role of miR-18a-5p /CPEB3 in HCCfound in this study provided a new potential target for the prognostic treatment of HCC patients.
Overexpression of HIF-1α and high density of tumor associated macrophages predict tumor aggression, invasion and unfavorable prognosis of Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Jiang xianli , Xie Yufang , Jiang Xingran , Jiang Chenhao , Yuan Xin , Wang Xueli , Yang Lan , Liu Chunxia , Pang Lijuan , Liang Weihua , Cui Xiaobin , Shen Xihua , Gu Wenyi , Hu Jianming , Li Feng
Published: July 2020

Background

A hypoxic tumor microenvironment promotes the recruitment and transformation of macrophages and facilitates tumor progression. Hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a key factor in hypoxia. It is not clear whether HIF-1α and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) play a synergistic role in neoplastic progression. Here we investigated potential synergism between HIF-1α and TAMs in the progression of Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Methods

We used immunohistochemistry (IHC) verify the expression of HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor tissue. CD163 was used as a marker for TAMs, and the density of TAMs in tumor tissues were determined. Kazakh ESCC samples exhibited higher expression of HIF-1α and VEGF and greater density of TAMs compared to cancer adjacent normal (CAN) tissues.
Results

Overexpression of HIF-1α was significantly correlated with vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis and the clinical tumor stage of Kazakh ESCCs. Overexpression of HIF-1α was also associated with poor prognosis of Kazakh ESCC. Moreover, overexpression of HIF-1α was positively correlated with high TAM density and overexpression of VEGF (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the correlation between VEGF overexpression and high density of TAMs was very significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusions

These data suggest that overexpression of HIF-1α may increase the infiltration of TAMs in Kazakh ESCC, thereby increasing VEGF expression, which may in turn promote the progression of Kazakh ESCC.
Loss of tubal ciliated cells as a risk for “ovarian” or pelvic serous carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yue , Lin Wanrun , Wang Yiying , Wang Yan , Chambers Setsuko , Li Bo , Lea Jayanthi , Zheng Wenxin
Published: July 2020

Background

Recent advances suggest the fallopian tube as the main anatomic site for high-grade ovarian or pelvic serous carcinoma (O/PSC). Human fallopian tube is mainly lined by two cell types, secretory and ciliated cells. Large number of studies on the biologic role of tubal secretory cells in O/PSC have been performed in the last decade. However, the role of tubal ciliated cells in relation to the development of O/PSC has rarely been explored. The purpose of this study was to determine if change of the tubal ciliated cells shows difference in age and location and to examine their association with serous neoplasia.
Methods

Three groups (low-risk or benign control, high-risk, and O/PSC) of patients were age matched. The age data was stratified by 10-year intervals ranging from age 20 to older than 80. Ciliated cells from both tubal fimbria and ampulla segments were counted by microscopy and by tubulin immunohistochemical staining. The data was analyzed by standard contingency table, Poisson distribution methods, nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-tests and Spearman correlation analysis after age justification.
Results

The study revealed that the absolute number of tubal ciliated cells decreased significantly with age within each group. A reduction in ciliated cells within the fallopian tube remained a significant risk factor for serous neoplasia after age adjustment. A dramatic decrease of tubal ciliated cells in both tubal segments was identified in patients with high-risk and with O/PSC compared to those in the low-risk (benign control) group (p < 0.001). Further, within the fimbria segment, a reduced number of tubal ciliated cells was more prevalent in the high-risk group when compared to those in O/PSC group.
Conclusion

Our findings suggest that reduced number of ciliated cells within the fallopian tube represents a hallmark of early serous carcinogenesis. Findings also support a relationship between loss of tubal ciliated cells and aging, the presence of high-risk factors, and co-existing ovarian or pelvic high-grade serous cancers. This represents an early study identifying the role of tubal ciliated cells in the process of high-grade O/PSC development.