bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operator Jensen's Inequality for Operator Superquadratic Functions
Authors: Alomari Mohammad W.
Published: December 2019

In this work, an operator superquadratic function (in operator sense) for positive Hilbert space operators is defined. Several examples with some important properties together with some observations which are related to the operator convexity are pointed out. Equivalent statements of a non-commutative version of Jensen's inequality for operator superquadratic function are established. A generalization of the main result to any positive unital linear map is also provided.
Generation of Retinaldehyde for Retinoic Acid Biosynthesis
Authors: Belyaeva Olga V. , Adams Mark K. , Popov Kirill M. , Kedishvili Natalia Y.
Published: December 2019

The concentration of all-trans-retinoic acid, the bioactive derivative of vitamin A, is critically important for the optimal performance of numerous physiological processes. Either too little or too much of retinoic acid in developing or adult tissues is equally harmful. All-trans-retinoic acid is produced by the irreversible oxidation of all-trans-retinaldehyde. Thus, the concentration of retinaldehyde as the immediate precursor of retinoic acid has to be tightly controlled. However, the enzymes that produce all-trans-retinaldehyde for retinoic acid biosynthesis and the mechanisms responsible for the control of retinaldehyde levels have not yet been fully defined. The goal of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the identities of physiologically relevant retinol dehydrogenases, their enzymatic properties and tissue distribution, and to discuss potential mechanisms for the regulation of the flux from retinol to retinaldehyde.
Fan Identification, Brand Community Identification, and Oppositional Brand Loyalty towards Sponsors of a Rival Sports Team: The Mediating Role of Schadenfreude
Authors: AMANI DAVID
Published: December 2019

Empirical evidence confirms that brand loyalty is broadly understood in the context of positive side i.e. supportive loyalty compared to negative side i.e. oppositional loyalty. However, theoretically positive (supportive) loyalty cannot be explained exclusively without considering negative (oppositional) loyalty. This study, therefore, examines brand loyalty using a triadic approach combining both negative and positive loyalty in the cycle of love and hate relationship. Specifically, the study examined the influence of fan and brand community identification on oppositional brand loyalty towards sponsors of a rival team in sports industry.  A survey cross-sectional research design was adopted, through collecting data using semi-structured questionnaire from 228 highly identified fans of two giant sports teams in Tanzania namely Simba Sports Club and Young Africans Sports Club. The collected data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), and findings revealed that fan and brand community identification have a strong positive significant influence on oppositional brand loyalty towards sponsors of a rival team when mediated with schadenfreude. Therefore, business firms should take precautions when embarking on sponsorship of highly competing sports teams. Finally, this study adopted a quantitative approach, hence further studies that adopt a qualitative approach is recommended to get a naturalistic picture of subject under the study. Additionally, a comparative study is recommended to compare level of resistance loyalty exhibited by fans of each team.
Praefascinandae res: cuatro nuevos fascina fálicos procedentes del norte de la Tarraconense (Cinco Villas de Aragón, Zaragoza)
Authors: ANDREU PINTADO JAVIER , URRIZBURU JÁUREGUI ANE
Published: December 2019

Se presenta un nuevo amuleto fálico en oro, fascinum, con representación de falo y de digitus impudicus recuperado en las excavaciones arqueológicas de Los Bañales de Uncastillo (Zaragoza, España) en julio de 2018 y se da noticia de tres ejemplares más, en bronce, del mismo territorio. Su estudio y clasificación tipológica se pone en relación con una reivindicación de la utilidad que, para nuestra comprensión de la religiosidad popular romana, tienen este tipo de objetos, habitualmente soslayados en la investigación.
SOCIAL IDENTITY EXPRESSIONS IN KEVIN KWAN’S CRAZY RICH ASIANS
Authors: Ifada Nailul , Mufidah Zakiyatul
Published: December 2019

The study deals with the expression of social identity in Asians elite community circle found in the novel Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. Primary data regarding social identity expressions are noted based on the characters’ utterances and author’s narration found in the novel.  The study is categorized as qualitative research as the data are displayed in the form of words from the novel’s original language. The methods of collecting data used by the writer are reading and labeling. The writer acts as the mere observer without other instruments included. Data analysis method includes compiling, disassembling, reassembling, interpreting and concluding based on Robert K. Yin’s techniques of analyzing data. The results indicate that there are a number of social identity expressions in Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians. There are two significant ways of expressing social identity of the rich: (1) the patterns of consumption including food, fashion, and personal luxury belongings. (2) social image maintenance through early education, interaction, special occasion and club membership.
Optimizing Fracturing Design and Well Spacing with Complex-Fracture and Reservoir Simulations: A Permian Basin Case Study
Authors: Xiong Hongjie , Liu Songxia , Feng Feng , Liu Shuai , Yue Kaimin
Published: December 2019

Proper lateral and vertical well spacing is critical to efficiently develop unconventional reservoirs. Much research has focused on lateral well spacing, but little on vertical spacing, which is important and challenging for stacked-bench plays such as the Permian Basin. Following the previous single-well study (Xiong et al. 2018), we performed a seven-well case study to optimize completion design and 3D well spacings, by integrating the latest complex-fracture-modeling and reservoir-simulation technologies. Those seven wells are located at the same section but also are vertically placed in four different zones in the Wolfcamp Formation in the southern Midland Basin.

With the latest modeling technologies, we first built a 3D geological and geomechanical model, and full wellbore fracture-propagation model for these seven wells, and then calibrated the model with multistage-fracturing pumping history of each well. The resulting model was then converted to an unstructured-grid-based reservoir-simulation model, which was then calibrated with production history. On the basis of the local geomechanical characterization, as well as confidence in the capacity of the models from our previous study, we conducted experiments in fracturing modeling to study the impact of different completion design parameters on fracture propagation, including cluster spacing, fracturing-fluid viscosity, pumping rate, and fluid and proppant intensities. With the statistical distributions of fracture length and height from different completion designs, we then optimized the completion design, and studied lateral and vertical well spacings.

The results show the following. The resulting fracture length and height from multistage fracturing treatments are in log-normal distribution, which provides great insights on the probability of well interference/fracture hits and drained/undrained reservoir volumes. Both fracture hits/well interference and drainage volume depend on the well spacings and corresponding well completion designs The hydraulic-fracture length, height, and network complexity mainly depend on in-situ stress, cluster spacing, cluster number per stage, and fluid and proppant intensity. For the Wolfcamp Formation in the southern Midland Basin, tighter cluster spacing with fewer perforation clusters per stage and high fluid and proppant intensity, might create larger fracture surface area, which will increase the initial production rate and the ultimate recovery.

Therefore, we can reasonably model complicated fracture propagation and well performance with the latest modeling technologies, and optimize both lateral and vertical well spacings, and the corresponding completion design. The application of those technologies could help operators save significant time and costs on well-completion and -spacing pilot projects and, thus, speed up field-development decisions. In addition, we will demonstrate a novel workflow to perform this job.
Model for Asymmetric Hydraulic Fractures with Nonuniform-Stress Distribution
Authors: Hu Xiaofan , Liu Guoqing , Luo Guofan , Ehlig-Economides Christine
Published: December 2019

Engineers commonly expect symmetric fracture wings in multiple-transverse-fracture horizontal wells. Microseismic surveys have shown that asymmetric hydraulic fractures grow away from the recent fractured wells and grow toward previously produced wells. This might be caused by the elevated stress around the recently fractured well and the reduced stress near the depleted wells. This paper presents the asymmetric fracture growth observed by the microseismic events, develops a simple model to simulate the fracture propagation, and discusses its effect on the well productivity.

Motivated by the microseismic observations, we developed a simple 2D fracture model to simulate asymmetric fracture wings that can capture the behavior of fracture hits between two adjacent horizontal fractured wells. Fluid leakoff during fracture propagation is considered in the model. The effect of asymmetric fractures on production is evaluated with numerical simulations.

The newly developed fracture model shows that the fracture can grow asymmetrically if the horizontal well is near where the stress field is different between its two sides. Numerical simulation is used to quantify the productivity reduction caused by asymmetric hydraulic fractures. Our results provide a reason for why asymmetric fractures occur and demonstrate that they do penalize well performance. Our model suggests the importance of fracturing under a balanced-stress distribution that benefits long-term production. Use of this model also suggested that an optimized hydraulic-fracturing-treatment design will improve the overall performance of multiple parallel wells, which minimizes or avoids asymmetric fracture wings.

The fracture-propagation model and productivity model provide simple but profound guidelines for well-pad management, including well spacing, stage planning and spacing, and completion and production order.
Multiscale Integration for Karst-Reservoir Flow-Simulation Models
Authors: Correia Manuel Gomes , von Hohendorff Filho João Carlos , Schiozer Denis Jose
Published: December 2019

The significant oil reserves related to karst reservoirs in a Brazilian presalt field add new frontiers to the development of upscaling procedures to reduce time for numerical simulations. This work aims to represent karst reservoirs in reservoir simulators using special connections between matrix medium and karst medium, each modeled in different grid domains of a single-porosity flow model. This representation intends to provide a good relationship between accuracy and simulation time.

The concept follows the embedded discrete-fracture model (EDFM) developed by Li and Lee (2008) and later extended by Moinfar et al. (2014); however, this work extends the approach for karst reservoirs [embedded discrete-karst model (EDKM)] by adding a representative volume through gridblocks to represent karst geometries and porosity. For the extension of the EDFM approach in a karst reservoir, we adapt the methodology to four stages: construction of a single-porosity model with two grid domains; geomodeling of karst and matrix properties, each for the corresponding grid domain; application of special connections through the conventional reservoir simulator to represent the transmissibility between the matrix and the karst medium; and calculation of transmissibility between the matrix and the karst medium.

For a proper verification, we applied the EDKM methodology in a carbonate reservoir with megakarst structures, which consists of nonwell-connected enlarged conduits and greater than 300 mm of aperture. The reference model was a refined grid with karst features explicitly combined with matrix facies, including coquinas interbedded with mudstones and shales. The gridblock of the reference model measures approximately 10 × 10 × 1 m. For the simulation model, the matrix-grid domain has a gridblock size of approximately 100 × 100 × 5 m. The karst-grid domain had the same block size as the refined grid. Flow in the individual karst-grid domain or matrix-grid domain is governed by Darcy's equation, implicitly solved by a simulator. However, the transmissibility for the special connections between karst and matrix blocks is calculated as a function of open area to flow, matrix permeability, and block-center distance. The matrix properties were scaled up through conventional analytical methods. The results show that EDKM had a considerable performance regarding a dynamic matching response with the reference model, within a reduced simulation time, while maintaining a higher dynamic resolution in the karst-grid domain without using an unconstructed grid.

This work aims to contribute to the extension of the EDFM approach for karst reservoirs, which can be applied to commercial finite-difference reservoir simulators. This could be a solution to reduce simulation time without disregarding the explicit representation of karst features in structured grids.
Recent Development and Remaining Challenges of Iron Sulfide Scale Mitigation in Sour-Gas Wells
Authors: Chen Tao , Wang Qiwei , Chang Frank , Aljeaban Norah , Alnoaimi Khalid
Published: December 2019

Iron sulfide scale deposition can be a significant flow-assurance issue in sour-gas production systems. It can deposit along the water-flowing path from the near-wellbore reservoir region to the surface equipment, which results in formation damage, causes tubing blockage, interferes with well intervention, and reduces hydrocarbon production.

The main objectives of this paper are to review the new advancements and remaining challenges concerning iron sulfide management in sour-gas wells, covering the mechanisms of iron sulfide formation, the mechanical and chemical removal techniques, and the prevention strategies.

In this paper we give a special emphasis to the different mechanisms of iron sulfide formation during well-completion and production stages, especially the sources of ferrous iron (Fe2+) for scale deposition. It is essential to understand the root cause to identify and develop suitable technologies to manage the scale problem. We also summarize the latest developments in mechanical methods and chemical dissolvers for the removal of iron sulfide deposited on downhole tubing. The capabilities of the current chemical dissolvers are discussed, and the criteria for effective dissolvers are provided to serve as guides for future development. Then, we provide an overview of recent developments on iron sulfide prevention technologies and treatment strategies. We differentiate the treatment approaches for corrosion byproduct and scale precipitation and scale-inhibitor deployment through continuous-injection and squeeze treatments. Finally, we outline the technical gaps and areas for further research-and-development (R&D) efforts.

We provide the latest review on iron sulfide formation and mitigation, with an attempt to integrate viable solutions and showcase workable practices.
Combining therapy with recombinant human endostatin and cytotoxic agents for recurrent disseminated glioblastoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Ge Jing-jing , Li Cheng , Qi Shao-pei , Xue Feng-jun , Gao Zhi-meng , Yu Chun-jiang , Zhang Jun-ping
Published: December 2019

Background: The optimal chemotherapeutics of recurrent disseminated glioblastoma has yet to be determined. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of recombinant human endostatin (rh-ES) combined with temozolomide and irinotecan in patients with recurrent disseminated glioblastoma.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 30 adult patients with recurrent disseminated glioblastoma treated with this combination chemotherapy at Department of Neuro-Oncology, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University of China from November 2009 to August 2018. Temozolomide was given orally at 200mg/m 2 daily for 5 days and rh-ES was administrated 15 mg/d daily for 14 days of each 28-day treatment cycle. Irinotecan was given intravenously every 2 weeks on a 28-day cycle at 340 mg/m 2 or 125 mg/m 2 depending on antiepileptic drugs. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months (6m-PFS).
Results: The 6m-PFS was 23.3%. The median PFS was 3.2 months. The overall survival rate (OS) at 12 months was 28.6%. The median OS was 6.9 months. Six out of 30 (20%) patients demonstrated partial radiographic response and 11 (36.7%) remained stable. The PFS of the 6 patients who got partial response was 5.8, 6.3, 6.9, 13.6, 15.8 and 16.6 months, respectively, and the median time interval of first response was 4 (range, 2.0-6.6) months. The most common adverse events were hematologic toxicities and gastrointestinal effects. The Grade ≥ 3 adverse event was hematologic toxicities. The adverse events were manageable.
Conclusions: Rh-ES, in combination with cytotoxic drugs, was an alternative effective regimen with manageable toxicities in treatment of recurrent disseminated glioblastoma.
Systematical identifications of prognostic meaningful lung adenocarcinoma subtypes and the underlying mutational and expressional characters
Authors: Lv Zhenyang , Lei Ting
Published: December 2019

Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common cancer types, threatening the human health around the world. However, the high heterogeneity and complexity of LUAD limit the benefits of targeted therapies. This study aimed to identify the key prognosis impacting genes and relevant subtypes for LUAD. Methods We recognized significant mutations and prognosis-relevant genes based on the omics data of 515 LUAD samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Mutation significance was estimated by MutSigCV. Prognosis analysis was based on the cox proportional hazards regression (Coxph) model. Specifically, the Coxph model was combined with a causal regulatory network to help reveal which genes play master roles among numerous prognosis impacting genes. Based on expressional profiles of the master genes, LUAD patients were clustered into different sub-types by a consensus clustering method and the importance of master genes were further evaluated by random forest. Results Significant mutations did not influence the prognosis directly. However, a collection of prognosis relevant genes were recognized, where 75 genes like GAPDH and GGA2 which are involved in mTOR signaling, lysosome or other key pathways are further identified as the master ones. Interestingly, the master gene expressions help separate LUAD patients into two sub-types displaying remarkable differences in expressional profiles, prognostic outcomes and genomic mutations in certain genes, like SMARCA4 and COL11A1. Meanwhile, the subtypes were re-discovered from two additional LUAD cohorts based on the top-10 important master genes. Conclusions This study can promote precision treatment of LUAD by providing a comprehensive description on the key prognosis-relevant genes and an alternative way to classify LUAD subtypes.
Cues for different diagnostic patterns of interpersonal violence in a psychiatric sample: an observational study
Authors: Talevi Dalila , Collazzoni Alberto , Rossi Alessandro , Stratta Paolo , Mazza Monica , Pacitti Francesca , Costa Manuela , Crescini Claudio , Rossi Rodolfo
Published: December 2019

Background. Interpersonal violence has increased as a health concern, especially in psychiatry practice, over the last decades. Nevertheless, most patients with stable mental disorders do not present an increased risk of violence, and mental disorder is not a necessary or sufficient cause of violent behaviours. People with mental disorders endorse more often a number of risk factors for violence that could confound this association, such as young age and male gender. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age, gender, and diagnosis on reported levels of interpersonal violence in a sample of people with severe mental illness. Methods. The sample was composed of 160 inpatients: 73 with a psychosis within the schizophrenia spectrum, 53 with a mood disorder and 34 with a personality disorder. All patients enrolled in the study were assessed for experiences of victimization and perpetration of interpersonal violence using the Karolinska Interpersonal Violence Scale interview. Demographic variables were also collected. Results. Both violence perpetration and victimization negatively correlated with age. Compared to males, females were exposed to higher degree of victimization in childhood and adulthood, whereas males were more involved in the perpetration of violence in childhood. Personality disorders were associated with higher levels of interpersonal violence, both perpetration and victimization; an interaction effect of gender and diagnosis was also observed for violence perpetration in adulthood. Distinct patterns of interpersonal violence did emerge for the diagnostic groups with mood disorder showing a victimization pattern, personality disorders a perpetration pattern and psychoses less defined patterns. Conclusions. The main finding is that psychotic disorders, mood disorders and personality disorders have different patterns of violent experiences interacting with age and gender. This study offers a better understanding of how gender and age could affect violent behaviours. Moreover, study findings may increase the comprehension of the reason why some mental disorders, compared to others, are more associated with the risk of victimization or perpetration of violence. These patterns could have pathophysiological or pathoplastic meaning addressing clinical and diagnostic trajectories and they could interact with other intervening risk factors.
Understanding the Healthcare Experiences and Needs of African Immigrants in the United States: A Scoping Review
Authors: Omenka Ogbonnaya Isaac , Watson Dennis P. , Hendrie Hugh C.
Published: December 2019

Background: Africans immigrants in the United States are the least-studied immigrant group, despite the research and policy efforts to address health disparities within immigrant communities. Although their healthcare experiences and needs are unique, they are often included in the “black” category, along with other phenotypically-similar groups. This process makes utilizing research data to make critical healthcare decisions specifically targeting African immigrants, difficult. The purpose of this Scoping Review was to examine extant information about African immigrant health in the U.S., in order to develop lines of inquiry using the identified knowledge-gaps. Methods: Literature published in the English language between 1980 and 2016 were reviewed in five stages: (1) identification of the question and (b) relevant studies, (c) screening, (d) data extraction and synthesis, and (e) results. Databases used included EBSCO, ProQuest, PubMed, and Google Scholar (hand-search). The articles were reviewed according to title and abstract, and studies deemed relevant were reviewed as full-text articles. Data was extracted from the selected articles using the inductive approach, which was based on the comprehensive reading and interpretive analysis of the organically emerging themes. Finally, the results from the selected articles were presented in a narrative format. Results: Culture, religion, and spirituality were identified as intertwined key contributors to the healthcare experiences of African immigrants. In addition, lack of culturally-competent healthcare, distrust, and complexity, of the U.S. health system, and the exorbitant cost of care, were identified as major healthcare access barriers.
Use of SOPARC to assess physical activity in parks: do race/ethnicity, contextual conditions, and settings of the target area, affect reliability?
Authors: Marquet Oriol , Hipp J. Aaron , Alberico Claudia , Huang Jing-Huei , Fry Dustin , Mazak Elizabeth , Lovasi Gina S. , Floyd Myron F.
Published: December 2019

Background Since its introduction in 2006, SOPARC (Systematic Observation of Play and Recreation in Communities) has become a fundamental tool to quantify park visitor behaviors and characteristics. We tested SOPARC reliability when assessing race/ethnicity, physical activity, contextual conditions at the time of observation, and settings of target areas to understand its utility when trying to account for individual characteristics of users.Methods We used 4,725 SOPARC observations completed simultaneously by two independent observers to evaluate intraclass correlation and agreement rate between the two observers when trying to assess sex, age group, race/ethnicity, and level of physical activity of urban park users in different park settings. Observations were in 20 New York City parks during Spring and Summer 2017 within the PARC 3 project.Results Observers counted 25,765 park users with high interobserver reliability (ICC=.94; %Agreement.75). Reliability scores were negatively affected by the population being observed, the intensity of physical activity, and the contextual conditions and settings of the target area at the time of observation. Specific challenges emerged when assessing the combination of physical activity and race/ethnicity.Conclusions SOPARC training should aim to improve reliability when assessing concurrent measures such as physical activity, race/ethnicity, age, and sex. Similarly, observing crowded park areas with many active users areas may require more observation practice hours.
Genome-wide systematic characterization of the HAK/KUP/KT gene family and its expression profile during plant growth and in response to low-K+ stress in Saccharum
Authors: Feng Xiaomin , Wang Yongjun , Zhang Nannan , Wu Zilin , Zeng Qiaoying , Wu Jiayun , Wu Xiaobin , Wang Lei , Zhang Jisen , Qi Yongwen
Published: December 2019

Background: Plant genomes contain a large number of HAK/KUP/KT transporters, which play important roles in potassium uptake and translocation, osmotic potential regulation, salt tolerance, root morphogenesis and plant development. Potassium deficiency in the soil of a sugarcane planting area is serious. However, the HAK/KUP/KT gene family remains to be characterized in sugarcane (Saccharum). Results: In this study, 30 HAK/KUP/KT genes were identified in Saccharum spontaneum. Phylogenetics, duplication events, gene structures and expression patterns were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis of the HAK/KUP/KT genes from 15 representative plants showed that this gene family is divided into four groups (clades I-IV). Both ancient whole-genome duplication (WGD) and recent gene duplication contributed to the expansion of the HAK/KUP/KT gene family. Nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution ratio (Ka/Ks) analysis showed that purifying selection was the main force driving the evolution of HAK/KUP/KT genes. The divergence time of the HAK/KUP/KT gene family was estimated to range from 134.8 to 233.7 Mya based on Ks analysis, suggesting that it is an ancient gene family in plants. Gene structure analysis showed that the HAK/KUP/KT genes were accompanied by intron gain/loss in the process of evolution. RNA-seq data analysis demonstrated that the HAK/KUP/KT genes from clades II and III were mainly constitutively expressed in various tissues, while most genes from clades I and IV had no or very low expression in the tested tissues at different developmental stages. The expression of SsHAK1 and SsHAK21 was upregulated in response to low-K+ stress. Yeast functional complementation analysis revealed that SsHAK1 and SsHAK21 could rescue K+ uptake in a yeast mutant. Conclusions: This study provided insights into the evolutionary history of HAK/KUP/KT genes. HAK7/9/18 were mainly expressed in the upper photosynthetic zone and mature zone of the stem. HAK7/9/18/25 were regulated by sunlight. SsHAK1 and SsHAK21 played important roles in mediating potassium acquisition under limited K+ supply. Our results provide valuable information and key candidate genes for further studies on the function of HAK/KUP/KT genes in Saccharum. Keywords: Saccharum, HAK/KUP/KT, evolution, gene expression, low-K+ stress
Insights on bio-degumming of kenaf bast based on metagenomic and proteomics
Authors: Duan Shengwen , Cheng Lifeng , Feng Xiangyuan , Yang Qi , Liu Zhiyuan , Zheng Ke , Peng Yuande
Published: December 2019

Background: Microbial play important roles in kanef-degumming. This study aims at identifying the key candidate microbial and proteins responsible for the degumming of kenaf bast ( Hibiscus cannabinus ). Kenaf bast was cut into pieces and immersed into microbial fermentation liquid collected from different sites. Fermentation liquid samples were collected at 0, 40, 110 and 150 h and then subjected to the 16S/18S rRNA sequencing analysis and isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) analysis. The microbial (bacterial and fungal) diversity and the differentially expressed proteins/peptides (DEPs) were identified. Results: With the prolonged degumming time, the weight loss rate increased, the bacterial diversity was decreased. [Weeksellaceae], Enterobacteriaceae and Moraxellaceae were rapidly increased at 0~40 h, and then decreased and were gradually replaced by Bacteroidaceae from 40 h to 150 h. Similarly, Chryseobacterium and Dysgonomonas were gradually increased at 0~110 h and then decreased; Acinetobacter and Lactococcus were increased at 0~40 h, followed by decrease. Bacteroides was the dominant genus at 150 h. 18S rRNA-seq showed the gradually decreased Wallemia_hederae and increased Codosiga_hollandica during degumming. iTRAQ data analysis showed Rds1, and pyruvate kinase I was decreased and increased in the kanef-degumming, respectively. Other DEPs of ferredoxin I, superoxide dismutase and aconitatehydratase were identified to be related to the Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism (ko00630). Conclusions : Bacteria including Chryseobacterium , Dysgonomonas , Acinetobacter , Lactococcus and Bacteroides and fungi like Wallemia_hederae and Codosiga_hollandica are key candidate microbial for kanef degumming.
Effect of pregnancy induced hypertension on adverse perinatal outcomes in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Berhe Abadi Kidanemariam , ILESANMI Abiodun O. , AIMAKHU Christopher O. , Mulugeta Afework
Published: December 2019

Background: The prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension in Ethiopia ranges from 2.2 to 18.3%. However, so far little is known about the adverse perinatal outcomes of pregnancy-induced hypertension in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of pregnancy-induced hypertension on adverse perinatal outcomes in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods: a prospective cohort study was conducted on a total sample of 782 pregnant women attending antenatal care in hospitals of Tigray regional state, Ethiopia. Pregnant mothers diagnosed with PIH during the data collection period in the selected hospitals were included as exposed group and normotensive women were also enrolled as a control group. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and review of their medical records from February 2018, to February 2019. The adverse perinatal outcome event includes low birth weight, birth asphyxia, small for gestational age, preterm delivery, admission to neonatal intensive care unit and perinatal death. A modified Poisson regression model with robust standard errors was used to analyze relative risk. Results: In this study, the overall incidence of adverse perinatal outcome was higher among women with pregnancy-induced hypertension than normotensive women (66.4% vs 22.2%). After adjusted for confounders women with pregnancy-induced hypertension were born babies with a higher risk of low birth weight (adjusted RR(95%CI)= 5.1(3.4,7.8)), birth asphyxia (aRR=2.6(1.9,3.8)), small for gestational age (aRR=3.3(2.3,4.6)), preterm delivery (aRR=5.2(3.4,7.9)), stillbirth (aRR=3.46(1.40,8.54)), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (aRR=5.1(3.1,8.4)) and perinatal death (aRR=3.6(1.8,7.4)) compared to normotensive pregnant women. Conclusions: Higher incidences of adverse perinatal outcomes occurred among women pregnancy-induced hypertension in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia. Hence health care providers should strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and prompt management of pregnancy-induced hypertension to reduce adverse perinatal outcomes of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Keywords: Adverse perinatal outcomes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, Tigray, Ethiopia
Gene expression identifies metabolic and functional differences between intramuscular and subcutaneous adipocytes in cattle
Authors: Hudson Nicholas James , Reverter Antonio , Griffiths William J. , Yutuc Eylan , Wang Yuqin , Jeanes Angela , McWilliam Sean , Pethick David W. , Greenwood Paul L.
Published: December 2019

Background This study used a genome-wide screen of gene expression to better understand the metabolic and functional differences between commercially valuable intramuscular fat (IMF) and commercially wasteful subcutaneous (SC) fat depots in Bos taurus beef cattle.Results We confirmed many findings previously made at the biochemical level and made new discoveries. The fundamental lipogenic machinery, such as ACACA and FASN encoding the rate limiting Acetyl CoA carboxylase and Fatty Acid synthase were expressed at 1.6-1.8 fold lower levels in IMF, consistent with previous findings. The FA elongation pathway including the rate limiting ELOVL6 was also coordinately downregulated in IMF compared to SC as expected. A 2-fold lower expression in IMF of ACSS2 encoding Acetyl Coenzyme A synthetase is consistent with utilisation of less acetate for lipogenesis in IMF compared to SC as previously determined using radioisotope incorporation. Reduced saturation of fat in the SC depot is reflected by 2.4 fold higher expression of the SCD gene encoding the Δ9 desaturase enzyme. Surprisingly, CH25H encoding the cholesterol 25 hydroxylase enzyme was ~36 fold upregulated in IMF compared to SC. Moreover, its expression in whole muscle tissue appears representative of the proportional representation of bovine marbling adipocytes. This suite of observations prompted quantification of a set of oxysterols (oxidised forms of cholesterol) in the plasma of 8 cattle exhibiting varying IMF. Using LC-MS we found the levels of several oxysterols were significantly associated with multiple marbling measurements across the musculature, but (with just one exception) no other carcass phenotypes.Conclusions These data build on our molecular understanding of ruminant fat depot biology and suggest oxysterols represent a promising circulating biomarker for cattle marbling.
Impact of Lesinurad and Allopurinol on Experimental Hyperuricemia in mice: Biochemical, Molecular and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Alghamdi Youseef , Soliman Mohamed Mohamed , Nasan Mohamed
Published: December 2019

Background : Hyperuricemia is an abnormal increase in uric acid levels in the blood. It is the cause of gout that manifested by inflammatory arthritis and painful disable. Therefore, current study evaluated the potential ameliorative impact of Lesinurad and Allopurinol on the kidneys of hyperuricemic mice at the biochemical, molecular and cellular levels. Methods : Lesinurad and allopurinol alone or in combination were orally administered to hyperuricemic and control mice for seven consecutive days. Levels of uric acid and blood urea nitrogen, along with antioxidants and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-a) were measured in the serum. The mRNA expression of mouse urate anion transporter-1, glucose transporter 9, organic anion transporters, in renal tissues were examined using quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Simultaneously, the immunoreactivity of transforming growth factor-beta 1 was examined immunohistochemically. Results : Lesinurad and allopurinol administration resulted in significant decrease in serum levels of uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, xanthine oxidase activity, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-a) reported in hyperuricemic mice. Both partially reversed oxonate-induced alterations in renal mURAT-1, mGLUT-9, mOAT-1 and mOAT-3 expressions, as well as alterations in the immunoreactivity of TGF- β1, resulting in the increase of renal uric acid secretion and excretion. The combined administration of lesinurad and ALP restored all altered parameters in a synergistic manner, improving renal function in the hyperuricemic mouse model employed. Conclusion : This study confirmed synergistic ameliorative hypouricemic impact of both lesinurad and allopurinol in the treatment of hyperuricemia in mice at the biochemical, molecular and cellular levels.
Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus exhibit unique features in oral microbiome
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Zheng Jiayong , Ma Xiuling , Zhang Bing , Zhang Jinyang , Wang Wenhuan , Sun Congcong , Wang Yeping , Zheng Jianqiong , Chen Haiying , Tao Jiejing , Wang Hai , Zhang Fengyi , Wang Jinfeng , Zhang Hongping
Published: December 2019

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) leads to a series of adverse pregnancy outcomes, seriously endangering the health of mothers and infants. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the gold standard test for GDM diagnosis, but largely increases the discomfort of pregnant women, and is inconvenient to follow-up and detection. Considering that oral sampling is convenient, rapid, safe and non-invasive, the feasibility of distinguishing GDM via biomarkers from oral microbiota was evaluated in this study. Here, the 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to compare the microbiome of saliva and dental plaque samples of 111 pregnant women, and to analyze the structure of oral microbiota in patients with GDM as well as to find effective biomarkers. Results: The results showed that the microbiota of both types of oral samples in patients with GDM changed, and it was quite different from that of neither periodontitis nor dental caries. By using bacterial biomarkers from oral microbiota, GDM classification models based on SVM and random forest algorithms were constructed. For the SVM algorithm, the AUC value of the classification model constructed by the combination of dental plaque Lautropia , Neisseria and saliva Veillonella achieved 0.83. For the random forest algorithm, the maximum AUC value of the model constructed by the dental plaque Streptococcus , Eikenella , Anoxybacillus and saliva Leptotrichia , Kingella was larger than 0.90. Conclusions: These findings revealed that certain bacteria of either saliva or dental plaque can accurately distinguish GDM from healthy pregnant women, which provides a potential non-invasive approach for GDM diagnosis with oral microbial markers.
Software Engineering for Machine Learning in Health Informatics
Authors: Moreb Mohammed , Ata Oguz
Published: December 2019

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
The Effect of Intermittent Kangaroo Mother Care on Breastfeeding Practice of Late Preterm Infants in China
Authors: Zhang Bo , Duan Zhiying , Zhao Yingxi , Williams Sarah , Wall Stephen , Huang Limin , Zhang Xiaoqin , Wu Wenli , Yue Jieya , Zhang Lin , Liu Jun , Zhao Gengli
Published: December 2019

Background China has an extremely low exclusive breastfeeding rate. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) has been shown to increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate of babies born extremely or very preterm. However, there is limited evidence of intermittent KMC’s effect on exclusive breastfeeding in late preterm. Using hospital discharge and follow-up data collected from four postnatal wards, we investigated the association between intermittent KMC and breastfeeding practice for late preterm babies in China.Methods Intermittent KMC was recommended to the mothers of all preterm babies admitted between March 2018 and March 2019. Those who agreed to practice KMC were enrolled in the “KMC group”, those who did not in the “no-KMC group”. Basic maternal socio-demographic information was collected, feeding outcome and method were recorded daily whilst in hospital and a follow-up survey of feeding practice was conducted 42 days post-discharge. Calculations for feeding practice were performed separately for both groups. Logistics regression was used to analyze the association between KMC and feeding outcome and method, adjusting for socio-demographic covariates.Results Among the 844 participants in the analysis, 627 (74.3%) chose to perform KMC. More mothers who provided KMC were exclusively breastmilk feeding their newborn in the 24 hours before discharge (54.6%) and at follow-up (57.3%), compared with mothers who did not provide KMC (34.6% at discharge and 33.2% at follow-up,). Mothers in the KMC group were more likely to be breastfeeding (method) than mothers in the no-KMC group (65.3% vs. 52.1% at discharge, and 83.1% vs. 67.3% at follow up). Logistic regression indicated that compared with the no-KMC group, mothers who provided KMC were twice as likely to be providing their newborns with exclusive breastmilk feeding at discharge (OR=2.15 (1.53-3.02)), use breast feeding method at discharge (OR=1.61 (1.15-2.25)), provide exclusive breastmilk feeding at follow-up (OR=2.55 (1.81-3.61)), and use breast feeding method at follow-up (OR=2.09 (1.44-3.02)).Conclusions Intermittent KMC was associated with a nearly doubled increase in exclusive breastmilk feeding (outcome) and breast feeding (method) at both discharge and 42 days after discharge for late preterm babies. Intermittent KMC has the potential to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates amongst late preterm infants.
Leaving no one behind: lessons from implementation of policies for universal HIV treatment to universal health coverage
Authors: Assefa Yibeltal , Hill Peter S , Damme Wim Van , Dean Judith , Gilks Charles F
Published: December 2019

Background The third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3) aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. SDG-3 has a specific target on universal health coverage (UHC), which emphasizes the importance of all people and communities having access to quality health services without risking financial hardship. The objective of this study is to review progress towards UHC using antiretroviral treatment (ART) as a case study.Methods We used a mixed-methods design including qualitative and quantitative approaches. We reviewed and synthesised the evidence on the evolution of the WHO HIV treatment guidelines between 2002 and 2019. We calculated ART coverage over time by gender, age group, and location. We also estimated ART coverage differences and ratios.Findings ART guidelines have evolved from “treating the sickest” to “treating all”. ART coverage increased globally from under 7% in 2005 to 62% in 2018. There have been successes in increasing ART coverage in all populations and locations. However, progress varies by population and location in many regions. There is inequity in ART coverage: women (68%) versus men (55%), and adults (62%) versus children (54%). This inequity has widened over time, and with expanded ART eligibility criteria. On the other hand, data from at least one high-burden country (Ethiopia) shows that inequity among regions has narrowed over time due to the improvements in the primary health care systems and implementation of the public health approach in the country.Conclusion ART coverage has increased at global, regional and national levels to all population groups. However, the gains have not been equitable among locations and populations. Policies towards universality may widen the inequity in resource-limited settings. We argue that primary health care and public health approaches, with multi-sectoral actions, are vital to minimize inequity and achieve UHC.
Comparison of Methods for Handling Covariate Missingness in Propensity Score Estimation with a Binary Exposure
Authors: Coffman Donna , Zhou Jiangxiu , Cai Xizhen
Published: December 2019

Background Causal effect estimation with observational data is subject to bias due to confounding, which is often controlled for using propensity scores. One unresolved issue in propensity score estimation is how to handle missing values in covariates.Method Several approaches have been proposed for handling covariate missingness, including multiple imputation (MI), multiple imputation with missingness pattern (MIMP), and treatment mean imputation. However, there are other potentially useful approaches that have not been evaluated, including single imputation (SI) + prediction error (PE), SI+PE + parameter uncertainty (PU), and Generalized Boosted Modeling (GBM), which is a nonparametric approach for estimating propensity scores in which missing values are automatically handled in the estimation using a surrogate split method. To evaluate the performance of these approaches, a simulation study was conducted.Results Results suggested that SI+PE, SI+PE+PU, MI, and MIMP perform almost equally well and better than treatment mean imputation and GBM in terms of bias; however, MI and MIMP account for the additional uncertainty of imputing the missingness.Conclusions Applying GBM to the incomplete data and relying on the surrogate split approach resulted in substantial bias. Imputation prior to implementing GBM is recommended.
Technology as the Key to Women’s Empowerment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mackey April , Petrucka Pammla
Published: December 2019

Background: The achievement of gender equity and equality has been a long-time goal of many international entities . The main indicator for the goal of women’s empowerment, as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has been to enable the use of technology by increasing the current access for women and girls across the globe. While information and communication technologies (ICTs) were initially thought to be neutral in terms of access and opportunity, emerging trends now indicate that the use of technology within society has significant social implications, specifically related to gender as a determinant of health. Methods : Using the Arksey and O’Malley methodology for scoping reviews, the following question was answered: What is the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the level of women’s empowerment worldwide? The primary objective of this scoping review was to identify the extent, range, and scope of evidence involving the impact and influence of ICTs on women’s empowerment. A total of 51 articles were analyzed using the scoping review framework. Results: The major themes that emerged from this review included: (a) the means in which ICTs have assisted in building the capacity and tools of women, (b) the manner in which ICTs have been used as an intervention in supporting empowerment; and (c) the approach in which ICTs can act as potential barriers and facilitators to women’s attainment of agency. Conclusions: The evidence from this scoping review supports the innovative use of current and emerging technologies within health care to connect with, engage, and empower women both within the acute and community settings. The extant evidence explores how ICT has played a role in the promotion and support of women ’s empowerment as well as supporting the development of health care policies and relevant programs.