bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injection Scheme to Reduce Retention and Improve Economics of Polymer Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Ferreira Vitor H.
Published: September 2019

Polymer enhanced oil recovery (EOR) has been successful in onshore and offshore reservoirs, and is especially promising for heavy oil or heterogeneous reservoirs. Polymer retention, mainly due to adsorption, results in the removal of polymer from the solution, leading to the formation of a polymer-free bank. Thus, determining the retention is a key factor in evaluating the feasibility of polymer flooding. This work investigates a method to reduce polymer adsorption and improve the economics of polymer EOR. This is done through laboratory experiments and reservoir simulation. The experimental investigations consisted of five dynamic retention core floodings in fresh and non-fresh high permeability sandstones. Five concentrations of a HPAM-AMPS in high salinity brine were tested. Two types of experiments were performed: fresh-adsorption, and re-adsorption. Injection of the polymer solution in porous media that had never been in contact with polymer composed the fresh-adsorption experiments. Differently, the re-adsorption experiments were performed in media that had been flushed with the same polymer previously. The experiments indicated a type IV isotherm for fresh-adsorption, while the re-adsorption isotherm was of type I. For a polymer concentration of 1250ppm, the fresh-adsorption was 166.7μg/g while the cumulative re-adsorption was 64.8μg/g. Therefore, reduction of ∼61% may be achieved by pre-flushing the medium with a low polymer concentration solution before the injection of the mobility control bank. Other properties of the polymeric system were measured in the core floodings to serve as inputs to the reservoir simulation model. The field-scale simulation studies evaluated the economic impact of the injection of a low concentration polymer slug to reduce polymer loss during EOR, such as observed in the re-adsorption experiments. The production strategy optimization was composed of eight steps, and targeted net present value (NPV) maximization. The case studied was a heavy oil offshore sandstone field, based on a benchmark. The strategy to reduce polymer retention represented a 4% increase in the final NPV over the conventional polymer flooding. Additionally, risk curve analysis demonstrated the advantage of this reduced-retention strategy over waterflooding and conventional polymer flooding. This work shows experimental evidence that polymer overall retention may be reduced through injection of a low polymer concentration bank prior to the mobility control one. Additionally, through numerical simulation and economic analysis, it indicates that the reduced retention allows for an economic advantage in polymer EOR, which may improve the feasibility of polymer flooding projects.
Characterization of Organic Pores within High-Maturation Shale Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Hardy Jay
Published: September 2019

Shale gas is a very important natural resource which can significantly affect the natural gas production of the world (e.g., in United States, Canada, and China). The organic matter within shale is the material that generates hydrocarbons, such as natural gas, under high thermal maturity. Throughout this process, a significant amount of pores within organic matter, called organic pore, are also generated, as the organic matter itself becomes a porous solid. These organic pores contribute significantly to the overall gas storage and flow of the reservoir as a whole. These organic pores are especially important to the process of gas adsorption and desorption within organic pores, which makes the storage and flow of shale gas very different from conventional reservoirs. The structure of organic pores, including pore volume, surface area, geometry, size distribution, etc., is significant to understanding their influence upon gas adsorption and desorption and gas flow. Thus, it is necessary to quantitatively analyze these organic pores; however, studies that quantitatively analyze organic pore structure in detail are rare. By better understanding characteristics and relationships of these pores through statistical analysis, it is possible to be able to ascertain more characteristics of the reservoir as a whole. Therefore, this research aims to develop the quantitative method to characterize pore structure and discuss the feature of pore structure of high-maturity shale samples from the Sichuan Basin.
Study of Surfactant-Based Shale Oil EOR Under High Confining Pressure Conditions
Authors: Tu Jiawei
Published: September 2019

Surfactant-based EOR has thus far been demonstrated to be a potentially effective solution to improve the hydrocarbon recovery from Unconventional Oil Reservoirs (UORs). The most discussed functions of a surfactant are either Interfacial Tension (IFT) reduction or Wettability (WTA) Alteration. However, studies of the accountable effects for the enhanced production are inadequate because of the peculiar properties of shale matrix, such as the extremely low permeability and initial wetness. In addition, the current studies mainly focused on the spontaneous imbibition (SI) because of the long experimental period and limited pressure applicability with the existing experimental apparatus.

This work is to study the process of shale oil EOR by adding surfactant additives with high confining pressures applied to an in-house designed set-up. The applied pressure was as high as 3000 psi and the surfactant was selected with a spectrum of IFT values. Two operational schemes were conducted: Forced Imbibition (FI) and Cyclic Injection (CI). For the forced imbibition study, constant pressure was applied to the experimental set-up throughout the whole experimental period. The final recovery was recorded at the end of each test. The cyclic injection is also referred to as ‘huff-n-puff’ technique. The pressure is applied and released with a periodic schedule and the recoveries were recorded after each cycle by volume.

The results were compared with that of regular SI experiments. It is noticed that oil productions through the CI technique is mostly effective and efficient. In addition, WTB-alteration is the dominating mechanism in both pressurized and atmospheric pressure cases, while surprisingly, IFT-reduction could be detrimental for the recovery enhancement due to the low capillary pressure. The results gave indicative suggestions on the selection of surfactant and engineering application design for a surfactant based EOR project in shale oil reservoirs.
Randomness of Geophysical Log Data – Fractal Approach
Authors: Figiel Michal
Published: September 2019

Geophysical data allows for measuring a change in petrophysical parameters thought a whole well length. They often exhibit a chaotic behaviour which is difficult to describe and finding a pattern is near impossible. A potential measure of this chaos – correlation dimension – has been examined in the study.

The research was carried out for the log data from Williston Basin, USA and the Norwegian Lille-Frigg oil field on the North Sea. Sonic log (DT), neutron porosity log (NPHI), deep resistivity log (LLD) as well as density log (RHOB) were utilised in the study. A python program has been written to measure the change in correlation dimension. Instead of calculating a one value of a correlation dimension for a whole log, a moving range algorithm was developed and implemented. It is based on defining a range for which the dimension is calculated and then moving the range on a geophysical log. In addition, a graph representing change of a correlation dimension with depth is drawn. The influence of data range and range shift were measured. Over 100 correlations have been carried out between rock properties and their dimension.

The results indicate that the correlation dimensions change throughout the whole geophysical log and correlate with themselves and other curves in a moderate degree. It allows for determining ranges where a data set is not chaotic. The research shows that properly set range should have a reasonable and representative amount of data points, while the shift should be small for accurate results. Presented analysis creates perspectives for a more precise rock formation description and possible correlation between different oil wells within a single reservoir.
Assessment of Data-Driven Ensemble Methods for Conserving Wellbore Stability in Deviated Wells
Authors: Tewari Saurabh
Published: September 2019

Accurate estimation of mud weight (MW) helps to conserve wellbore stability in real-time drilling operations. Determination of proper MW requires a correct understanding of the stress field, natural fractures, pore pressure, rock strength, borehole trajectories, etc. It is a problematic task especially in, highly inclined wells, deviated wells, and near salt formations due to uneven variations in wellbore stresses. Proper MWs are difficult to apply at target depths of the unstable formations because of uncertainties existing inside the wellbore. There are no reliable tools or techniques available that can precisely determine the optimum value of MW. This paper proposes a novel and more convenient approach to estimate the safe MW for deviated wells using surface measured data. In this study, Bagging and Random forest ensembles have been utilized to model the relationship between sensors measured variables and MW. The proposed framework has been trained and tested on real-time Norwegian post-drilling data. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and support vector regression (SVR) have also been utilized in this study for comparison purposes. The analysis of prediction results clearly reveals that Random forest ensemble has acquired the highest coefficient of correlation and minimum estimation errors. The performance of Ensemble methods is found to be superior to the ANNs and SVR models. The proposed approach can be useful for the determination of MW required at different depths of reservoir formation and maintaining the wellbore stability during real-time operations.
Investigating Factors that May Impact the Success of Carbon Dioxide Enhanced Oil Recovery in Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Fakher Sherif
Published: September 2019

Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection has recently been applied as an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method to increase oil recovery from unconventional shale reservoirs. Many interactions will impact the success or failure of this EOR method. This research experimentally investigates the impact of two of these interactions, including asphaltene pore plugging and CO2 adsorption, on the success of CO2 EOR in unconventional shale reservoirs. Two sets of experiments were designed to study the asphaltene pore plugging and CO2 adsorption. The impact of varying CO2 injection pressure, temperature, oil viscosity, and filter membrane pore size on asphaltene pore plugging was investigated. Pertaining to the adsorption experiments, the impact of varying CO2 injection pressure, temperature, and shale particle size was investigated. Asphaltene pore plugging was found to be extremely severe especially in the smaller pore sizes, which indicates that asphaltene poses a serious problem when producing from unconventional nanopores. As the oil viscosity decreased, the asphaltene concentration in the oil decreased as well which made the asphaltene pore plugging less severe in the lower viscosity oils. The thermodynamic conditions, including pressure and temperature, also had a strong impact on asphaltene stability and pore plugging. When undergoing the CO2 adsorption experiments, it was found that increasing the CO2 injection pressure resulted in an increase in adsorption capacity to a certain limit beyond which no further adsorption will be possible. Increasing the temperature resulted in the CO2 molecules becoming highly active which in turn resulted in a decrease in the adsorption capacity significantly. Since experiments were conducted using shale particles, as opposed to an actual shale core, it was important to investigate the accuracy of the results by varying the shale particle size. It was found that as long as the void space volume was measured accurately using helium, the shale particle size had a negligible effect on the adsorption values. This research systematically investigates the impact of two significant interactions on the success of CO2 injection in unconventional shale reservoirs, and studies the impact of several factors within these interactions to determine the extent to which they may influence the success of this EOR method.
An Inferable Machine Learning Approach to Predicting PVT Properties of Niger Delta Crude Oil using Compositional Data
Authors: Sola-Aremu Oluwapelumi
Published: September 2019

Reservoir fluid characterization is critical to understanding the nature and phase behavior of reservoir fluids. This process has typically been undertaken using laboratory analyses, a time-intensive and costly process which also provides compositional data. Over time, correlations have been developed to predict the PVT properties of crude oil based on parameters such as solution gas-oil ratio, saturation pressure, viscosity, and density. These correlations have had shortcomings such as utilizing a leave-one-out approach, or recently, focused on non-inferable methods such as Neural Networks. This work utilizes compositional data, hitherto neglected in PVT correlations, as input into an inferable machine learning algorithm which can be used to predict PVT properties of crude oil from the Niger Delta basin.

Data containing bubble point pressure, solution gas-oil ratio, and oil formation volume factor alongside composition were obtained and used to develop models. Machine learning model training techniques such as data preprocessing, transformation and hyper-parameter tuning were undertaken. The elastic net regression algorithm utilizing a cross-validation approach was used to develop the models. This ensured an adequate bias-variance tradeoff.

The resulting models were compared with established correlations such as Standing & Katz. Upon statistical analyses performed comparably. The bubble point pressure model, solution gas-oil ratio, oil formation volume factor achieved R-squared value of 0.87, 0.95 and 0.84 respectively on the validation dataset. The models are expressed in the form of equations which can be used in petroleum engineering calculations or implemented in reservoir simulation software. By implementing this approach, a framework for utilizing machine learning for Petroleum Engineering problems which produces inferable results is established. Given potential discoveries in the Niger Delta, upon obtaining compositional data, these set of equations can be used to predict the reservoir crude oil PVT properties, leading to savings in time, cost, and effort, while obtaining actionable and accurate results.
Determinants and Seasonality of Major Structural Birth Defects Among Newborns Delivered at Primary and Referral Hospital of East and West Gojjam Zones, North West Ethiopia 2017- 2018: Case- Control Study
Authors: Tsehay Binalfew , Shitie Desalegn , Lake Akilog , Abebaw Erimiyas , Taye Amisalu , Essa Enatinesh
Published: September 2019

Objective: Although infant mortality because of birth defect has increased in both developed and developing countries, had not got attention like other health issues at national, regional, or local levels. Documenting the risk factors that influence the occurrence of birth defects and its seasonality will help to inform the community and to develop preventive strategies for the country.
Results: Factors associated with higher likelihood of a major structural birth defects included maternal age; neonates born from women living in urban; and in Dega; history of fever during pregnancy; intake of herbal medicine; and drinking alcohol. Counselling for pregnancy preparation and folic acid supplementation was found protective for the likelihood of birth defect.
Key words: Birth defect, maternal illness, maternal medication use, environmental exposure
Identifying asymptomatic Leishmania infections in non-endemic villages in Gedaref state, Sudan.
Authors: Mohamed Nouh Saad , Osman Hussam A. , Muneer Mohamed S. , Samy Abdallah M. , Ahmed Ayman , Mohammed Anwar O. , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Hamid Muzamil M. Abdel , Ali Mohamed Siralkhatim , Omer Rihab Ali , Elaagip Arwa H.
Published: September 2019

Objectives: Infection with the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) may be either symptomatic or asymptomatic. In this study we aimed at investigating the prevalence of asymptomatic infections of leishmania in non-endemic villages in Gedaref state, Sudan. A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted during September and October 2014. Blood samples were collected for serological and molecular analysis. Sticky-traps, knockdown spray and CDC-miniature light traps were used for the collection of sandflies.
Results: Ninety-Five participants were included; 52 from Abukishma, 15 Algadamblia Tirfa, 25 Abualnaja and 3 were from Algadamblia Aljabal . Females constituted 56 (58.9%) of the study participants while males were 39 (41.1%). The most frequent age group was >40-years (54.7%). Balanites/Acacia trees were the most planted tree inside the houses; 78 (82.1%). Also, 85 (89.5%) of the participants breed animals inside the house. DAT test revealed 5 positive participants (5.2%). 4/5 DAT positive were past VL infection. PCR detected 35 (36.8%) positive participants. A total of 31/35 was considered asymptomatic infections based on PCR. Households planted Balanites/Acacia trees or breed domestic animals were found in high percentages with L. donovani PCR positive participants (60.1%, 91.4%). No statistically significant was found for VL associated risk factors and VL asymptomatic participants.
Transcriptome analysis of low phosphate stress response in the roots of masson pine (Pinus massoniana) seedlings
Authors: Pan Xiaocheng , Hu Haibo
Published: September 2019

Background: Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) is primarily present within subtropical and tropical areas in China, and a number of these regions have a severe deficiency in inorganic phosphate (Pi). As a macronutrient, phosphorus plays a crucial role in plant development. Although several studies have studied the responses of masson pine to Pi starvation at the global level using RNA-Seq and comparative proteomic analyses, the detailed features in the roots that primarily respond to low Pi stress have not yet been studied. Results: This study examined the masson pine of the response of masson pine roots to a deficiency in Pi. Approximately 1,117 unigenes were shown to respond to Pi-deficiency by differential expression when analyzed using RNA-Seq. A total of 819 and 298 of these transcripts were up- and down-regulated, respectively. The results identified several phosphate transporters (PHT1, PHO88), ABC transporters and metal transporters. In particular, the ethylene response factor (ERF) was the most abundant transcription factor. Analyses of these genes, including gene ontology enrichment and the KEGG pathway analysis, indicated that the metabolic processes are the most enriched under abiotic stresses, including Pi-deficiency. Conclusions: This study provided abundant transcriptomic information to functionally dissect the response of masson pine roots to a deficiency of Pi, which will provide additional aid to elucidate the biological regulatory mechanisms that the pines use to respond to low Pi stress.
Transcript profiles of stria vascularis in models of Waardenburg syndrome
Authors: Chen Linjun , Wang Yi , Chen Lei , Wang Fangyuan , Ji Fe , Sun Wei , Zhao Hui , Han Weiju
Published: September 2019

Background: Waardenburg syndrome is a common syndromic hereditary deafness disease caused by stria vascularis dysfunction. However, the genetic pathway affecting stria vascularis development is still not clear. In this paper, the transcript profile of stria vascularis of Waardenburg syndrome was studied using Mitf-M mutant pigs and mice models. GO analysis was performed to identify the differential gene expression caused by Mitf-M mutation. Results: There were over than one hundred genes mainly found in tyrosine metabolism, melanin formation and ion transportations showed significant changes in both models. In addition, there were some spiced specific gene changes in the stria vascularis in the mouse and porcine models. The expression of tight junction-associated genes, including Cadm1, Cldn11, Pcdh1, Pcdh19 and Cdh24 genes, were significantly higher in porcine models compared to mouse models. Vascular-related and ion channel-related genes in the stria vascularis were also shown significantly difference between the two species. The expression of Col2a1, Col3a1, Col11a1 and Col11a2 genes were higher and the expression of Col8a2, Cd34 and Ncam genes were lower in the porcine model compared to mouse model. In both models, Trpm1, Kcnj13, and Slc45a2 genes were both affected by the Mitf-M mutation. In the pig models, the expression of Kcnn1, Clcn2 and Trpm4 genes were higher than the mouse model; whereas the expression of Trpm7, Kcnq1 and Kcnj8 genes were higher in the mouse models than the pig models. However, there was no significant difference in the morphology of the stria vascularis between these two models. Conclusions: Our data suggests that there is a significant difference on the gene expression and function between these two models.
The efficacy of superior oblique posterior tenotomy in the treatment of A-pattern strabismus without ocular intorsion: A retrospective study
Authors: Wei Yan , Dong Ling-Yan , Kang Xiao-li
Published: September 2019

Background: Superior oblique weakening is a common method to treat A-pattern strabismus. This study aim to evaluate the surgical results of superior oblique posterior tenotomy procedures to treat A-pattern strabismus patients who had bilateral superior oblique overaction without ocular objective intorsion.Methods: The records of 18 consecutive patients who underwent surgery of superior oblique posterior tenotomy close to its insertion with superior oblique overaction (SOOA)-associated A-pattern strabismus between September 1, 2015 and August 31, 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Ocular alignment, objective torsion, A-pattern and ocular motility were assessed. Ocular alignment was measured in the primary position, 25° upgaze, and 25° downgaze using the prism bar cover test, and torsion was measured using fundus photographs. Results: A total of 18 patients (mean age: 15 years; 6 female, 12 male) underwent bilateral superior oblique posterior tenotomy and simultaneous horizontal rectus muscle surgery were included. The mean preoperative A-pattern deviation was 15 PD and the mean postoperative A-pattern deviation was 2.25 PD with a mean reduction of 12.75 PD. The mean preoperative superior oblique overaction was 2.28 and the mean postoperative superior oblique overaction was 0.43 with a mean reduction of 1.85. There was no significant correlation between the ocular torsional, vertical and horizontal alignment change and the superior oblique posterior tenotomy procedure. Conclusions: Superior oblique posterior tenotomy surgery selectively improved the A-pattern and superior oblique overaction but not affect the primary position vertical and horizontal deviation, as well as the ocular torsion. So it is an effective procedure to treat the mild to moderate superior oblique overaction (SOOA)-associated A pattern strabismus without ocular intorsion.
3D printing navigation template used in total hip arthroplasty for developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: yan liang , Wang Peng , Zhou Haibing
Published: September 2019

Background: It is difficult to locate the real acetabulum in the total hip arthroplasty (THA) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), The goal of this study was to explore the application of 3D printing navigation template used in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for developmental dysplasia of the hip. Methods: Between February 2017 and May 2018, THAs were performed in 25 patients with DDH, all patients (12 cases undergoing THA with 3D printing navigation template, 13 cases undergoing traditional THA) were followed-up for an average of 14.6 months. Surgical information and outcomes treated with different approaches were compared. Results: The 3D printing group provided shorter operation time, lower intra- and post-operative hemorrhage and higher post-operative Harris scores. postoperative infection and prosthetic loosening were 0 in two groups. There were no significant differences in anteversion angle, abduction angle and the distance from rotation center to the ischial tuberosity connection between ipsilateral and contralateral sides in 3D printing group. The abduction angle and the distance from rotation center to the ischial tuberosity connection were significantly different between the two sides in the traditional group. Conclusion: The finding suggests that 3D printing navigation template used in total hip arthroplasty is an individualized, accurate technology. Keywords: 3D printing technology, total hip arthroplasty, developmental dysplasia of the hip, navigation template
Knockdown of integrin subunit α 7 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion and promotes apoptosis via downregulating FAK/PI3K signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Jiangyang , Ying Chengcheng , Zheng Xiaolin , Cai Changchun
Published: September 2019

Background The study aimed to explore the effect of integrin subunit α 7 (ITGA7) knockdown on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and regulation of FAK/PI3K pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods ITGA7 mRNA and protein expressions were detected in HCC tumor tissues, adjacent tissues, HCC cell lines (including: Hep G2, BEL-7402, SMMC-7721, Huh-7 cell lines) and human liver epithelial cell line (THLE-3). The effect of ITGA7 knockdown on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, expressions of FAK and PI3K were detected after transfection of ITGA7 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and control siRNA into Huh-7 cells.Results ITGA7 was upregulated in HCC tumor tissues compared with adjacent tissues, and increased in Hep G2, SMMC-7721 and Huh-7 cell lines while unchanged in BEL-7402 cell line compared with THLE-3 cell line. As for cell activities, ITGA7 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, invasion but promoted apoptosis in Huh-7 cells. In addition, ITGA7 knockdown decreased the expressions of FAK and PI3K in Huh-7 cells, implying that ITGA7 knockdown might reduce HCC progression via inhibition of FAK/PI3K pathway in HCC.Conclusions ITGA7 is upregulated, and its knockdown inhibits cell proliferation, invasion but promotes apoptosis via suppression of FAK/PI3K signaling pathway in HCC, which implies that ITGA7 might serve as a potential treatment target for HCC.
Comparative study of patients' satisfaction in different levels of hospitals in Beijing: Why do patients prefer high-level hospitals?
Authors: Cui Chengsen , Zuo Xu , Wang Yujia , Song Haiyan , Shi Jingyu , Meng Kai
Published: September 2019

Background: In order to promote the vertical flow and integration of medical resources, Beijing built medical alliances since 2012, but this practice did not change the disordered state of medical treatment. Patients are still willing to go to high-level hospitals for medical treatment. What causes patients to prefer high-level hospitals? Through previous research, patients' choice of medical treatment was affected by patients' satisfaction. Therefore, we compared the patients' satisfaction in different level hospitals under the background of the medical resource integration. Methods: This study conducted a 48-person interview and a questionnaire survey among 1,250 patients who were treated in 18 medical alliances in Beijing from October to December 2016. The patients’ satisfaction was the main outcome, descriptive analysis, a chi-square test, a nonparametric test and binary logistic regression analysis were used. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The total satisfaction score of the medical alliances is 3.375, and the satisfaction score of core hospitals and cooperative hospitals is 2.77 and 3.07 respectively. The overall patient satisfaction rate is 44.62%, among which the satisfaction rate of core hospitals is 34.34% and that of the cooperative hospitals is 50.43%. The type of hospital and understanding of medical alliance policy are the influencing factors of the patients’ satisfaction with the medical alliance. Conclusions: Patients are more satisfied with the core hospitals. However, because core hospitals have obtained the most subsidies with limited financial compensation, the gap between core hospitals and cooperative hospitals is growing. The phenomenon of disorderly medical treatment in China seems more intense. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the establishment of closed medical alliances so that provide integrated medical services for patients.
Clinic facilities and staff communication skills influence antenatal care attendance in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazy Wdad , Brown Amy
Published: September 2019

Background The World Health Organisation recommends women have at least 4 antenatal care visits (ANC) during a low risk pregnancy. However, in Saudi Arabia, many mothers miss these appointments placing their health and that of their baby at risk. Limited research exploring why this is happening usually focuses on low maternal education or personal barriers such as lack of transport. The aim of the current research was therefore to understand what factors at the individual and healthcare systems level were associated with missing antenatal care in Saudi Arabia.Methods Pregnant women in their third trimester completed a questionnaire examining their care attendance alongside barriers to attending care. These included maternal demographic background, health literacy, personal barriers, health care system factors and staff communication).Results Over half of women had missed at least one appointment and a third had delayed their care. Mothers who had missed appointments blamed health care system factors such as poor clinic facilities and waiting times. Attending care was not associated with maternal education or literacy. However perceptions of staff communication, consistency and care were lower amongst those who had missed at least one appointment.Conclusions Although in previous research health professionals believe it is maternal education that leads to poor attendance, in our sample at least, it is in fact perceptions of staff communication that affect attendance. Making changes at the health care level e.g. through adapting clinic times and investing in staff training may increase antenatal care attendance in Saudi Arabia.
The impact of applying 5S management method on patient satisfaction in healthcare centers' services
Authors: Shahali Shadab , Khajehasani Massomeh , Torabipoor Amin , AhmadiAngali Kambiz
Published: September 2019

Background: Improving service quality and increasing clients' satisfaction is the most important aim of the health centers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of implementing the 5S management approach on the service quality provided at community health centers.Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study done with the participation of 220 pregnant women at a health center in Ahvaz in 2018. The quality gap and weaknesses were measured before 5S implementation by using adornment system (5S) checklist and SERVQUAL questionnaire. Interventions were designed and implemented with regard to the system weaknesses and the next evaluation was carried out 2 months after intervention.Results: Based on the findings of this study, the 5S score was 2.4 before the 5S implementation and 4.2 after the intervention. The mean scores of health service quality provided in community health centers significantly differed before and after the 5S implementation (P <0.0001).Conclusions: Implementation of 5S can improve the work environment adornment and the satisfaction of health centers' patients. Therefore, it is advised to use techniques to increase the quality of health centers’ services.
Synergistic therapeutic effects of metformin at a clinically relevant dosage in combination with chemotherapy via the AKT/mTOR pathway on ovarian cancer
Authors: WEN KUO-CHANG , Sung Pi-Lin , Wu Alexander T.H. , Chou Ping-Chieh , Lin Jun-Hung , Wang Peng-Hui , Huang Chi-Ying F. , Yeung Sai-Ching J. , Lee Mong-Hong
Published: September 2019

Background Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Metformin has antitumor effects in many cancer models. However, many studies have shown that metformin has cytotoxic activity at higher concentrations than those used for diabetic patients; this effect may be derived from high concentrations directly inducing the death of tumor cells. The synergism of metformin at clinically relevant dosages and chemotherapy in ovarian cancer remains unclear.Methods We applied two clinical databases to survey metformin use and ovarian cancer survival rate. The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, an L1000 microarray with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis, western blot analysis and an animal model were used to study the activity of the AKT/mTOR pathway in response to the synergistic effects of metformin and chemotherapy.Results We found that ovarian cancer patients treated with metformin had significantly longer overall survival than did patients treated without metformin. The gene profile induced by metformin in ovarian cancer predominantly involved the AKT/mTOR pathway. Micromolar concentrations of metformin alone and in combination with chemotherapy also reduced cell viability via the AKT/mTOR pathway in vitro and in vivo . Both neoadjuvant and concurrent therapy protocols showed good synergistic effects.Conclusions This study shows that metformin at clinically relevant dosages is efficacious in treating ovarian cancer, and the results can be used to guide clinical trials.
Altered staining patterns and expression level of Engrailed-2 in Benign prostatic hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer predict Prostatic disease progression
Authors: Li Qi , Shi Yibo , Sa Rigai , Hao Jun , Hu Jinhao , Xiao Mulun , Wang Chaoliang , Yan Liang , Qiao Baoping , Chen Guoxun
Published: September 2019

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) as a kind of malignant tumor, causes the most death of cancer among males. Successful curing of PC greatly relies on its diagnose in the early stage. Engrailed-2 (EN2), which has been confirmed being existed in the high level in the urine of PC patients, has not been reported as a histochemical diagnostic biomarker of PC. In this study, we analyzed the EN2 expression level and staining patterns in PC and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) samples for seeing the change of EN2 in PC early stage. Methods: EN2 monoclonal antibody was generated and the specificity of this antibody was validated with different maneuvers. Endogenic and exogenous of EN2 in three PC cell lines (LNCap, PC3, and DU145) was detected by immunofluorescence. The expression level and staining patterns of EN2 in 25 of PC and 25 of BPH tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. RT-PCR was done for further conforming whether EN2 is overexpressed in PC and BPH tissues. Finally, a relationship of EN2 expression and PC occurrence was obtained by case analysis of PC. Results: The results of WB and immunofluorescence showed the monoclonal antibody of EN2 we made could specifically bind endogenic and ectogenic EN2 protein in three different PC cell lines. Results of immunofluorescence showed the endogenic EN2 was generally expressed in the cytoplasm and ectogenic EN2 has mostly existed in the nucleus. Immunohistochemical staining of EN2 in PC was extremely higher than in BPH confirmed by RT-PCR. The staining areas were mostly nucleus and cytoplasm in BPH tissues but cytomembrane in PC tissues. The expression level of EN2 was positively correlated with the PC clinical stage. Conclusion: The EN2 monoclonal antibody we made could distinguish BPH and PC by immunohistochemistry. The expression level and tissue distribution pattern of EN2 can help with the determination of PC’s progression.
Is it possible to increase the amount of physical activity in patients isolated due to stem cell transplantation?
Authors: Vejby Sölvi
Published: September 2019

Abstract Purpose: To investigate if physical activity (PA) support could increase PA and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients isolated after haematological stem cell transplantation, compared with standard care. Methods: A prospective historical control group design was used. Patients were sequentially included in a standard care group (SCG, n=22) or a physical activity support group (PASG, n=21). PASG patients received PA support at a pre-transplantation consultation, daily during admission, and at follow-up 14 days post-discharge. All participants undertook a 6-minute walking test (6MWT) at the beginning and end of their hospital stay. HRQoL was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Anaemia scale. Patients reported all PA, including sitting, throughout their hospital stay. Metabolic Equivalents of Task (METs) were calculated. Results: PASG patients spent more time sitting and doing various activities, and less in bed, than SCG patients (p=0.03–0.06). They had more calculated METs for total PA out of bed (p=0.02) and time spent sitting (p=0.05). PASG patients walked further in the 6MWT than SCG patients at baseline (p=0.02) and at discharge, but not significantly. There were no statistically significant differences in HRQoL, but PASG patients had clinically important less fatigue at discharge and clinically important better HRQoL 6 months post-discharge. Conclusions: Providing stem cell patients, pre-transplantation, with individual care plans for structured PA support during the hospital stay might increase PA and have a clinically important impact on HRQoL. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the effects of PA support on medical outcome and length of hospital stay.
Unilateral Inferior Oblique Anterior Transposition for Markedly Asymmetric Dissociated Vertical Deviation with Unilateral Inferior Oblique Over-action
Authors: Wu Shuang-Qing , Xu Qi-Bin , Sheng Wen-Yan , Zhu Li-Wei
Published: September 2019

Background: To evaluate the results of unilateral inferior oblique anterior transposition (IOAT) for markedly asymmetric dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) combined with inferior oblique over-action (IOOA).
Methods ： Retrospective chart review of the records of all patients with asymmetric DVD combined with unilateral IOOA in the non-dominant eye who received unilateral IOAT on the non-dominant eye. No other muscles were operated on simultaneously. The amount of DVD and IOOA were measured before and after the operation and statistically analysed.
Results: Seventeen patients were included. The mean age at surgery was 23.5 ± 8.4 (range 12 – 38) years old. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 15.7 ± 7.2 (range 6–32) months. The primary position DVD was 19.6 ± 5.4 (range 14–36) PD preoperatively and decreased significantly to 2.9 ± 2.0 (range 0–8) PD postoperatively ( P < 0.01 ). Preoperatively, there were 2, 7, and 8 patients with +1, +2, and +3 IOOA, respectively, and these were reduced from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 0.3 ± 0.4 postoperatively ( P < 0.01). None of the patients were complicated obvious hypotropia, anti-elevation syndrome or IOOA in the contralateral eye.
Conclusions: Unilateral IOAT was recommended in patients with asymmetric DVD coexists with unilateral IOOA.
Trust and responsibility: the regional dimension
Authors: Kogay Evgeniya A.
Published: September 2019

The issue of developing strategic trust at different levels of self-organization of territorial communities gains increasing importance in Russia. This article considers trust and responsibility as integral components of forming a sustainable society and implementation of modernization processes. The author turns to the problem of the relationship between these concepts and reveals trends in the dynamics of trust relationships in Russia and its regions. This article relies on the results of comparative sociological and cultural studies in the Tomsk (2015), Kursk (2016), and Tyumen (2016) regions, as well as in Russia overall (2015). The comparison of results from sociological researches shows the characteristics of institutional and interpersonal trust. The author notes that the new challenges to the development of society associated with the tasks of transition to system modernization create an increased demand for strengthening social partnership and the establishment of qualitative and constructive public policy. There is a trend to activate the position of citizens in defending their rights, as well as in helping vulnerable categories of the population. In conclusion, the author shows practical steps of individual regions on the way of creation of solidary society.
Role of Exosomes in Photodynamic Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Xu Chuanshan , Leung Wingnang , Lin Mei , Cai Xiaowen , Guo Huanhuan , Zhang Jiyong , Yang Fanwen
Published: September 2019

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative treatment for malignancies based
on photochemical reaction induced by Photosensitizers (PS) under light irradiation. Recent studies
show that PDT caused the abundant release of exosomes from tumor tissues. It is well-known that
exosomes as carriers play an important role in cell-cell communication through transporting many
kinds of bioactive molecules (e.g. lipids, proteins, mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA). Therefore, to explore
the role of exosomes in photodynamic anticancer therapy has been attracting significant attention.
In the present paper, we will briefly introduce the basic principle of PDT and exosomes, and
focus on discussing the role of exosomes in photodynamic anticancer therapy, to further enrich and
boost the development of PDT.
Status quo of Nursing Informatics Competencies for Nurses Under Standardized Training -A Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sunzi Kejimu , Lei Cheng , Chen Zhuoyuanyuan , Zhang Baolu
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

The rapid development of health information technology has an increasingly significant impact on nursing work. The development of informatization also puts forward higher requirements for nurses under standardized training (NUST). Informatics knowledge and skills are essential if clinicians are to master the large volume of information generated in healthcare today. Nurses with competent nursing informatics competencies (NIC) will be able to better adapt to the needs of work and the development of the times.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore, analyze, and discuss the current situation of NIC of NUST in China, and analyze the influencing factors, to provide references for improving the NIC of NUST.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of standard training nurses' NIC in a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province, China, with convenience sampling. The study consists of two parts included socio-demographic characteristics and NIC, a self-designed general information questionnaire, and a Self-Assessment Nursing Informatics Competency Scale-SF28 were used as survey tools. An online survey collected the data, and the scores of nurses' NIC were analyzed, and the factors were determined by linear regression statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Overall 191 target population responded to the questionnaire, including 22 males (11.52%) and 169 females (88.48%), the age range was 21 to 28 years, the average age was 24.64 (SD 1.43). 53 persons without computer level certificate (27.75%), 138 persons with computer level certificate (72.25%), the total score of Self-Assessment Nursing Informatics Competency Scale was 68.65 (SD 10.47), the scores of each dimension were role of clinical information 10.12 (SD 2.17), basic computer knowledge and skills 26.64 (SD 4.96), application ability of computer skills 7.16 (SD 1.82), wireless equipment skills 8.02 (SD 2.04), nursing information attitude 16.73 (SD 3.25). In the analysis of influencing factors of NIC, “whether learned professional knowledge through the internet” is the influencing factor of NIC (P< .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical nursing informatics (NC) of nurses was at a medium level, mainly influenced by “whether learned professional knowledge through the internet.” In the future regulation process, it is necessary to strengthen further the capacity training of information to improve their clinical information decision-making ability and better serve patients.
Undergraduate Medical Students’ Search for Health Information Online: Explanatory Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Loda Teresa , Erschens Rebecca , Junne Florian , Stengel Andreas , Zipfel Stephan , Herrmann-Werner Anne
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Previous research shows that being a “digital native” or growing up in a digital environment does not necessarily lead to increased digital competencies, such as digital health literacy or evaluation of webpage quality.

OBJECTIVE

This study showed how medical students searched for health information online, specifically the recommended testing for histamine intolerance, by comparing the use of various search engines (Google, Medisuch, and a website of the student’s choice) to find out more about search strategies in future health professionals. As Medisuch presents a qualitatively better search engine, we assumed that medical students using this search engine might find valid information faster on more reliable webpages, and might recommend the correct diagnostic steps for histamine intolerance to their patients more often than students using a generic search engine like Google.

METHODS

Medical students in their third year of study were asked to find the relevant diagnostic steps of histamine intolerance online. They were randomly assigned to use one search engine: Google, their personal choice, or Medisuch. Their process of seeking information online was video recorded.

RESULTS

In total, 140 medical students participated in this study. The total number of webpages found did not differ among the groups (P=.52). Students using Medisuch (P=.02) correctly identified the elimination diet as a relevant diagnostic step more frequently. The provocation test was reported by almost half of the students independent of the search engine used. In general, medical students commonly identified trustworthy webpages in all three groups (Google: 36/44, 82%; free choice: 31/36; 86%; and Medisuch: 35/45, 78%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that medical students were able to find trustworthy health-related information online independent of the search engine used. Medical students that are digital natives seem to have proper internet skills and a knowledge of how to use them. They entered specific medical terms (evidence-based diagnostic steps) or names of reliable webpages (DocCheck) in the search engines to gain correct information. However, it remains to be seen if this behavior can be called true “digital literacy”.
Bond Strength of Fusion Bonded Epoxy-Coated Reinforcement in Concrete
Authors: Islam G M Sadiqul , Ahmed Ehsan , Hossain Md. Sabbir , Uddin S. M. Sharif
Published: September 2019

Fusion-bonded epoxy-coated steel is expected to extend the service life of the reinforced concrete structure in chloride-laden environments. However, the effect of coating on the bond-strength between rebar and concrete is not well understood yet. This research, therefore, studied the effect of epoxy-coating on the bond characteristics of reinforcing bars in concrete. The bond characteristics were assessed through pullout test considering variables viz. concrete strength, embedded length and bar diameter. The load was applied to reinforcing bars embedded in concrete until bond strength between the bar and concrete exceeded. Bond strength of epoxy-coated bars was compared with that of the uncoated bars. It was found that epoxy-coating reduced the bond strength approximately 25% for Ø20mm bar and 12% for Ø16mm and Ø12mm bar. As with uncoated bar, bond strength of coated bars were also increased with concrete strength. However, the bond strength ratio between coated and uncoated bars was found almost independent of concrete strength. Based on the test results, a development length modification factor of 1.33 is proposed for Ø20mm bar and 1.15 for Ø12mm and Ø16mm bar to compensate the bond strength reduction due to the epoxy coating.