bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Capacitance Resistance Model with Geological Data for Large Reservoirs
Authors: Davudov Davud , Mabadeje Ademide O. , Malkov Anton , Venkatraman Ashwin , Dindoruk Birol
Published: September 2021

Capacitance resistance models (CRM) are amongst more popular reduced physics-based models that provide quantitative first order estimate of inter-well connectivity using production and injection data (without geology). However, application of these models to mature fields with large number of wells along with historical data and varying operating conditions is challenging and computationally expensive. In this study we present a novel hybrid approach that combines CRM with geological data for application to large reservoirs.

CRM models are used to obtain interwell connectivity values from production and injection data. These models assume that all well pairs are connected and this increases number of unknowns especialling when applying to larger domain (larger mature fields with over 500 wells) get To overcome this limitation, we obtain radius of investigation (ROI) for every injector using Fast Marching Model (FMM) that characterizes the field based on the geological data. Specifically, FMM is used to determine unrelated producer-injector pairs and ROI for each injector that reduce the number of unknowns and hence computational complexity. This hybrid model approach is validated by comparing results with a standalone CRM model for both a synthetic case and field case study.

We use numerical simulation to validate results from the proposed method using synthetic data for a producing field with 5 producers and 4 injectors. The FMM accurately identifies unrelated injection-production pairs to reduce the number of unknowns in CRM model by 35% (20 to 13). After a conceptual validation, we apply this hybrid approach to a mature field with 29 injectors and 46 producers where the number of unknowns are further reduced by 57% after identifying non-related pairs using FMM. This results in significant speedup of computations as compared to a standalone CRM approach.

In summary, a hybrid model of geology and CRM is proposed and has been validated using synthetic and field data. This combination of two reduced-physics models (CRM and FMM) decreases computational speed. Large mature field operators can use this hybrid approach to address shortcomings of deploying a standalone CRM approach for the entire field. The deployment of a hybrid CRM approach is greatly beneficial to continuously optimize mature fields based on the data being collected given the increasing focus of digitization to deliver ROI.
Miscible Flooding for Bitumen Recovery with a Novel Solvent
Authors: Mathews Tanya Ann , J.Cortes Alex , Bryant Richard , Hascakir Berna
Published: September 2021

Steam injection is an effective heavy oil recovery method, however, poses several environmental concerns. Solvent injection methods are introduced in an attempt to combat these environmental concerns. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a new solvent (VisRed) in the recovery of a Canadian bitumen and compares its results with toluene. While VisRed is selected due to its high effectiveness as a viscosity reducer even at very low concentrations, toluene is selected due to its high solvent power.

Five core flooding experiments were conducted; E1 (Steam flooding), E2 (VisRed flooding), E3 (Toluene flooding), E4 (Steam + Toluene flooding), and E5 (Steam + VisRed flooding). Core samples were prepared by saturating 60% of the pore space with oil samples and 40% with deionized water. The solvents were injected at a 2 ml/min rate, while steam was injected at a 18 ml/min cold water equivalent rate. Produced oil and water samples were collected every 20 min during every experiment. The oil recovery efficiencies of the core flood experiments were analyzed by the emulsion characterization in the produced fluids and the residual oil analysis on the spent rock samples.

The best oil recovery of ~30 vol % was obtained for E2 (VisRed) in which VisRed was injected alone. Although similar cumulative recoveries were obtained both for E2 (VisRed) and E3 (Toluene), the amount of VisRed injected [~1 pore volumes (PV)] was half the volume required by toluene (~2 PV). The produced oil quality variations are mainly due to the formation of the water-in-oil emulsions during mainly steam processes (E1, E4, and E5). The increased amount of the polar fractions in the produced oil enhances the formation of the emulsions. These polar fractions are namely asphaltenes and resins. As the amount of the polar fractions in the produce oil increases, more water-in-oil emulsion formation is observed due to the polar-polar interaction between crude oil fractions and water. Consequently, E1 and E5 resulted in more water in oil emulsions. The cost analysis also shows the effectiveness of solvent recovery over steam-solvent recovery processes.
An Investigation on the Process of Re-Imbibition of Oil and its Impact on Oil Recovery in the Yates Field
Authors: Jin Xiao , Phatak Alhad , Sanders Aaron , Friesen Dawn , Lewis Ed , Valdez Raul
Published: September 2021

In mixed- to oil-wet reservoirs characterized by intense natural fracturing where the dominant displacement mechanism is gravity drainage, surfactant injection can lead to a shift in wettability and incremental oil production. In some cases, oil can also re-imbibe back into the rock matrix after the oil saturation has been reduced upon initial exposure to surfactant, suggesting limited permanence in the wettability shift. The re-imbibition phenomenon is investigated in this paper utilizing Amott cells.

Three cationic surfactants (C12-, C12-16-, C16-based) solutions with interfacial tensions (IFT) between 0.18 to 0.95 mN/m were pre-selected to be evaluated. Current applications of the C12- based surfactant in the Yates field is considered successful based on incremental oil recovery seen during the treatment. Silurian dolomite rock samples were flooded with Yates crude oil before being aged at 140 °F for 6 weeks. For the imbibition tests, synthetic brine was set as the external phase within the Amott cell and the recovery of oil was recorded periodically. After the imbibition tests ended, the rock samples were placed in an inverse Amott cell with the Yates oil as the external phase.

Baseline tests were first conducted to show that without a surfactant in the oil or brine, no imbibition occurred. With a surfactant concentration of 3,000 ppm, oil recovery at the end of the imbibition tests varied from 34% to 64% of the original oil volume in the core sample. During the re-imbibition test, a large amount of oil was able to re-imbibe into the rock, displacing the brine. Most of the displacement occurred within the first two weeks. The net oil recovery, taken as the final volume of oil recovered in the imbibition test minus the final volume of oil re-imbibed into the rock, ranged from 0% to 18%. Given the possibility of surfactant dilution in field applications, another set of tests were conducted with 1,500 ppm. A reduction in oil recovery during imbibition was observed for both the C12- based surfactant and the C12-16- mixture. Partition coefficients were determined for each of the tested surfactants and the ion pair mechanism was used to explain the net oil recovery results. Lastly, the impact of rock permeability on re-imbibition was investigated. Results show increasing permeability may lead to a linear response in oil re-imbibition,therefore minimizing the permeability range when selecting rock samples may be necessary when conducting the re-imbibition test.

The importance of oil re-imbibition is demonstrated in the experimental study and we make an argument for conducting both the imbibition and re-imbibition tests to better evaluate surfactant efficacy. The improved understanding of wettability alteration should lead to advancements in chemical enhanced oil recovery designs for field treatments.
Evaluation and Modeling of Asphaltene Deposition in Oil Wells
Authors: Al-Safran Eissa , Al-Ali Batoul , Alrashidi Hessah
Published: September 2021

Asphaltene deposition in oil wells is a challenging flow-assurance phenomenon that affects the well production, project economics, and operational safety. While asphaltene precipitation is governed by the hydrocarbon mixture thermodynamics, Asphaltene deposition is governed by the complexity of flow hydrodynamic behavior and characteristics. This study aims to evaluate and compare the performance of the existing asphaltene deposition models and improve the current theoretical understanding of the deposition phenomenon by developing better predictive asphaltene deposition model. A large experimental database is collected, including aerosol and asphaltene particles deposition in air and crude oil systems, respectively, to carry on the evaluation. The results of this study revealed that Kor and Kharrat (2017) model of transport coefficient, which accounts for both diffusional and inertial deposition mechanisms outperformed other models in matching the transport coefficient from aerosol/air data. In addition, an improved sticking probability model is proposed in this study, and curve fitted using corrected deposition flux data to obtain the model constant. The improved model is not only physically sound, i.e. SP≥1, but also it requires less input data than other models. A validation study of the improved model shows a slight over prediction of experimental data with an absolute average error of 6.8% and standard deviation of 11.4%. The significance of this work is to provide theoretical predictive tool for asphaltene deposition in pipes to enable prevention, mitigation, and management of oil field asphaltene deposition strategies.
A Computational Fluid Dynamics Protocol for The Hemodynamic Analysis of a Microfluidic Model of Thrombosis
Authors: Zhao Yunduo Charles , Keogh Sarah Elizabeth , Vatankhah Parham , Preketes-Tardiani Renee Ellen , Ju Lining Arnold
Published: September 2021

Thrombosis is both attributed to biochemical agonists and mechanical stresses applied to platelets. Whilst the effect of biochemical agonists has been extensively studied, the mechanosensitive factors remain poorly defined. Stenotic microfluidic channels mimic the narrowing vessels, providing the real-time observation of platelets under disturbed flow. Though the experimental analysis of platelets in disturbed flow confirms the mechanosensitive behavior of platelets, it cannot explicate detailed thresholds for platelet activation. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) could be utilized alongside experimental analysis to characterize thresholds for platelet behavior under imposed shear stress. CFD simulations, however, are prone to uncertainties and errors which should be minimized to obtain compelling results. Hereby, we have presented a CFD protocol for researchers in the field of microfluidic and hemodynamic studies.
EZR Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Proliferation and Metastasis by Activating FAK/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Jian , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2021

Introduction: As a member of the ERM (ezrin-radixin-moesin) protein family, EZR has been recognized as a regulator of adhesion signal pathways by researchers. Moreover, EZR was thought to play irreplaceable roles in invasion and metastasis of versatile cancers. In this study, we managed to undermine the effect of EZR on proliferation and metastasis in pancreatic cancer (PC).Methods: To analyze the impact of EZR expression on overall survival and free diseases survival of PC patients, we screened abnormally expressed EZR in PC using the Gene Expression Omnibus database(GEO database) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Following, Gene Ontology (GO)-based functional analysis and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to predicate the possible biological processes in which EZR were involved. The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of PC patients were analyzed according to clinical data. Further, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real time PCR analysis were conducted to analyze the expression level of EZR in PC and paired paracancerous tissues. The effect of EZR on proliferation of PC cell lines were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and meanwhile, Transwell assay was performed to detect the effect of EZR on invasion and migration of PC cell.Result: EZR exhibited higher expression level in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell than paracancerous tissues and cell, and its expression level was positively correlated with poor overall survival and diseases-free survival in PC patients. CCK8 assay indicated that EZR facilitated the proliferation of PC cells, meanwhile, Transwell assay showed that EZR promoted the migration and invasion of PC cells. The GO analysis predicated that EZR was involved in biological processes including cell adhesion, ameboidal-type cell migration, cell junction assembly. Through GSEA analysis, pancreatic cancer pathway, and the adhesion junction pathway were screened as the mostly enriched pathways in EZR-regulated pathological process. The inhibition of EZR suppressed proliferation and migration of PC cells. Western blot experiment revealed a positive correlation between EZR and FAK, the proliferation invasion and migration ability of PC cells were significantly decreased after knockdown of EZR.Conclusion: Our finding revealed EZR accelerated the progression of PC via FAK/AKT signaling pathway.
Mixed Methods Evaluation of Simulation-Based Training for Postpartum Hemorrhage Management in Guatemala
Authors: Parameshwar Pooja S. , Bianco Katherine , Sherwin Elizabeth B. , Meza Pamela K. , Tolani Alisha , Bates Paige , Sie Lillian , Enríquez Andrea Sofía López , Sanchez Diana E. , Herrarte Edgar R. , Daniels Kay
Published: September 2021

Background

To assess if simulation-based training (SBT) of B-lynch suture and uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) for the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) impacted provider attitudes, practice patterns, and patient management in Guatemala, using a mixed-methods approach.
Methods

We conducted an in-country SBT course on the management of PPH in a governmental teaching hospital in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Participants were OB/GYN providers (n = 39) who had or had not received SBT before. Surveys and qualitative interviews evaluated provider knowledge and experiences with B-lynch and UBT to treat PPH. In addition, a retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate management of PPH over a 2-year period before and after the introduction of SBT.
Results

Multiple-choice surveys indicated that providers who received SBT were more comfortable performing and teaching B-lynch compared to those who did not (p = 0.003 and 0.005). Qualitative interviews revealed increased provider comfort with B-lynch compared to UBT and identified multiple barriers to uterine balloon tamponade implementation. Chart review demonstrated an increased use of UBT after the introduction of simulation-based training, though not statistically significant (p = 0.06) in contrast to no change in B-lynch use.
Conclusions

Simulation-based training had a stronger impact on provider comfort with B-lynch compared to uterine balloon tamponade. Qualitative interviews provided insight into the challenges that hinder uptake of uterine balloon tamponade, namely resource limitations and decision-making hierarchies. Capturing data through a mixed-methods approach allowed for more comprehensive program evaluation in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
The Co-management of Tuberculosis-diabetes Co-morbidities in Indonesia Under the National Tuberculosis Control Program: Results From a Retrospective Cohort Study From 2017-2019
Authors: Jiang Weixi , Rahman Fauziah Mauly , Wibowo Adik , Sanjaya Adhi , Silitonga Permata Imani Ima , Tinah Trimawar , Tang Shenglan , Long Qian
Published: September 2021

Background: Indonesia suffers from a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes (DM). The government initiated national TB-DM co-management activities under the National TB Control Program in 2017. This study investigates the detection and treatment outcomes of TB-DM in Jakarta after implementing these activities, and identifies the main factors associated with these outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using TB registry data in two districts of Jakarta, East Jakarta (low-income) and South Jakarta (high-income). A 5-step cascade analysis was used: diagnosed TB patients; TB patients tested for DM; diagnosed TB-DM patients; and patients received and completed TB treatment/cured. We conducted descriptive analyses to understand the characteristics of TB and TB-DM patients, and used a two-level mixed-effect logistic regression to explore factors associated with having a DM test and completing TB treatment/being cured. Results: Over the study period (2017-2019) 50.8% of the new pulmonary TB patients aged over 15 were tested for DM. The percentage increased from 41.7% in 2017-2018 to 60.1% in 2019. Of the TB patients tested for DM, 20.8% were diagnosed with DM. Over 90% of the detected TB-DM patients received standard TB treatment, 86.3% of whom completed treatment/were cured. Patients in East Jakarta were more likely to be tested for DM and to complete standard TB treatment/be cured than patients in South Jakarta (P<0.001). Bacteriologically positive TB patients were more likely to be tested for DM (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.17,1.60). Patients diagnosed in sub-district level healthcare centers had a higher likelihood of being tested for DM than those in government and private hospitals (P<0.05). Receiving DM treatment was associated with a higher likelihood of completing TB treatment/being cured (OR=1.82, 95% CI 1.20, 2.77).Conclusions: TB-DM case detection significantly improved in 2019 after introducing TB-DM co-management activities in Jakarta, while gaps in TB-DM co-management existed between bacteriologically positive and clinically diagnosed TB patients, and across different types of health facilities. Collaboration between TB and DM departments should be strengthened, and more resources need to be mobilized to further improve the co-management of TB-DM in Indonesia.
Characteristics and Determinants of Treatment Default Among Smokers With Tuberculosis in an Industrial State of Malaysia: A Registry-based Study of the Years 2013-2017
Authors: Sharani Zatil Zahidah , Ismail Nurhuda , Yasin Siti Munira , Zakaria Yuslina , Razali Asmah , Demong Rochin , Mohammad Mariam , Ismail Zaliha
Published: September 2021

Background: The increased risk of treatment default among smokers raises concern over the secondary spread within the community. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with treatment default among TB patients who smoke.Methods: A retrospective cohort of all registered TB patients who smoke in the state of Selangor between 2013 and 2017 via the Malaysian National MyTB database was included for analysis. TB patients who smoke were considered those with an active smoking status during the notification, while treatment default was defined as a TB patient who had interrupted treatment for 2 months or longer. There were 4 main variable domains included for analysis: sociodemographic profiles, disease profiles, treatment profiles, and comorbidities. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of treatment default among TB patients who smoke.Results: A total of 27.6% (N=6278) of the TB patients registered in Selangor were active smokers, and 15.1% (N=813) of the TB patients who smoke experienced defaulted TB treatment. The determinants of treatment default among TB patients who smoke were patients staying in an urban area (AOR 1.47; 95% CI 1.11,1.96), median income level less than RM2160 (AOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.34,2.99), no formal education (AOR 2.12; 95% CI 1.31,3.44), previously treated cases (AOR 2.78; 95% CI 1.99,3.88), active TB case detection methods (AOR 2.05; 95% CI 1.21,3.47), treatment duration of less than 6 months (AOR 7.56; 95% CI 5.74,9.92), and patients not on DOTS during the continuation phase (AOR 27.96; 95% CI 21.1,37.1). All the significant factors gave rise to the final model of determinants, with a predictability of 92.9% (95% CI 92.0,93.7).Conclusions: Our findings highlighted the high prevalence of treatment default among TB patients who smoke compared to the general TB population. Early risk detection that examines the two main domains of risk factors (socioeconomic factors and treatment profiles) should be provided for those who smoke in the TB population. Interventions should aim to reduce the prevalence of smoking among TB patients, together with close supervision during DOTS.
Comprehensive Analysis of Urinary lncRNA And mRNA Expression Profiles In Patients With lupus Nephritis
Authors: Zeng Huiqiong , Xie Zhongyu , Luo Baiwei , Liao Chenghui , Hu Haofei , Wang Zhigang , Ye Zhizhong
Published: September 2021

Background:To explore long-non-coding RNA (lncRNAs),messenger RNAs (mRNAs) expression profiles and biological functions in the urine samples in lupus nephritis (LN) patients.Methods:Three LN patients and three healthy controls(con) were recruited,whose midstream morning urine was collected.A microarray of mRNA and lncRNA was applied to explore total RNA expression variation.Then venn analysis was applied to screen out specific gene expression in the LN group compared to the con group.Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed to reveal the gene functions of the dysregulated lncRNA-associated with LN;STRING online website and Cytoscape software network analysis were applied to construct protein interaction network (PPI) and screen out the Hub Gene.Drug online websites were conducted as drug prediction websites.Results:A total of 273 mRNAs and 549 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in LN patients' urine compared with the con group.GO analysis of LN revealed that mRNAs from the lncRNA-mRNA network were enriched in terms of antigen-negative regulation of immune response.KEGG analysis of hub genes related to the LN lncRNA-mRNA network highlights their critical role in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum,P53 signaling pathway.Co-expression and PPI network analysis suggested that high-degree nodes are clustered in apoptosis,autophagy, reactive oxygen species pathway.Drug prediction indicated that the targeted drugs mainly included antioxidant activity,phosphorylative mechanism.Conclusion:Our findings indicated that the differential expressed urinary lncRNAs(DELs) possessed considerable clinical value in the diagnosis and potential therapeutic applications of drugs in LN patients.
Characterizing Tobacco and Marijuana Use Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness in a Midwestern City
Authors: Glasser Allison M. , Hinton Alice , Wermert Amy , Macisco Joseph , Nemeth Julianna
Published: September 2021

BackgroundCigarette smoking is three times more prevalent among youth experiencing homelessness compared with the general population. Co-use of tobacco and marijuana is also common. The aim of this study is to characterize tobacco and marijuana use among homeless young people in a Midwestern city.MethodsThis study included 96 youth and young adults (52% male, 39% female, 5% transgender/non-binary) attending a homeless drop-in center who had used at least one combustible tobacco product in the past week. We assessed past-month use of tobacco products and marijuana and other product use characteristics (e.g., frequency, brand and flavor).ResultsMost youth experiencing homelessness with past-week combustible tobacco use had used cigarettes (88.5%), cigars (92.7%), and marijuana (85.4%) in the past month. One-third used electronic vapor products, 19.8% smoked hookah, and 11.5% used smokeless tobacco. Most marijuana users co-administered with tobacco (69.8%). Daily combustible tobacco smoking was associated with having a child and smoking out of boredom/habit. Daily marijuana use was associated with using substances to cope with one’s housing situation. Newport and Black & Mild were the most popular brands of cigarettes and cigars. Most non-combustible tobacco users reported not having a usual brand. Cigar smokers reported the most varied selection of flavors.ConclusionsYoung combustible tobacco users experiencing homelessness engage in high-risk use patterns, including poly-tobacco use, co-use of tobacco with marijuana, and frequent combustible product use. Interventions that consider the full context of tobacco and marijuana use are needed to support cessation in this population.
Prognostic Relevance of Anemia In Hospitalized Patients With Cirrhosis:A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Ren Haotang , Li Hai , Deng Guohong , Wang Xianbo , Zheng Xin , Huang Yan , Chen Jinjun , Meng Zhongji , Gao Yanhang , Qian Zhiping , Liu Feng , Lu Xiaobo , Shang Jia , Li Hai , Wang Shaoyang , Qiao Liang , Xu Baoyan , Hou Yixin , Xiong Yan , Chen Jun , Li Beiling , Luo Sen , Gao Na , Zhang Weituo , Shi Yu
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims: Anemia is common in cirrhosis and closely related with adverse outcome in cirrhotic patients, but their clinical features and the effect of variations in hemoglobin levels on mortality or time of death have not yet fully elucidated. As we performed this prospective, multi-center, cohort study to further determine these points.Methods: We retrospectively collected data from the Chinese AcuTe on CHronic LIver FailurE (CATCH-LIFE) study, a prospective multi-center cohort study of patients with chronic liver disease and acute exacerbation conducted by the Chinese Chronic Liver Failure (CLIF) Consortium, which is composed of 15 tertiary hospitals in hepatitis-B-virus high endemic area. Patients were consisted of two prospective multi-center cohorts from the CLIF Consortium between January 2015 to December 2016 and July 2018 to January 2019.We conducted data analysis on prevalence of anemia and clinical characteristics among these patients and further determine the relationship between anemia and prognosis.Results: Among 1979 hospitalized patients with cirrhosis,1389(70.2%) were combine with anemia, a patient has an 6.8% lower risk of death on 90-day mortality and 5.7% lower risk of death on 1-year mortality with a 10g/L decrease in hemoglobin at any level throughout the entire range. Patients with severe anemia have significant higher risk [HR=1.649(1.100,2.473), p=0.016] of 90-day mortality and [HR=1.610(1.159,2.238), p=0.005] of 1-year mortality comparedto those without anemia.Conclusions: Anemia is common in cirrhosis and strongly associated with increased mortality after acute decompensation (AD)/acute liver injury (ALI). Severe anemia is an independent risk factor for poor 90-day and 1-year prognosis in cirrhosis with AD/ALI.
Association Between PFOA Exposure and Liver Enzymes: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Longitudinal Cohort Studies
Authors: Wang Tian-Qi , Chen Yue-Nan , Gui Si-Yu , Jiang Zheng-Xuan , Li Ze-Lian , Jiang Heng , Zhang Chao
Published: September 2021

Background: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been the focus of research regarding its effects on liver function due to its potential for bioaccumulation in human body, widespread exposure, and the ability acting as an endocrine disruptor. Although the hepatotoxicity of PFOA has been identified, conclusions from population-based studies remain inconsistent, and the purpose of this study was to systematically review the epidemiological evidence linking PFOA to the four most common liver enzyme indicators and to quantitatively pool the effects of existing longitudinal cohort studies.Methods: Longitudinal cohort studies on PFOA and the four liver enzyme indicators (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) were searched in three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE) until July 10, 2021. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate pooled effect estimates for continuous exposure. We also assessed the risk of study bias and the overall quality and level of evidence for each exposure and outcome combination.Results: The initial search identified 18 studies, 9 of which were eventually included. PFOA showed significant relationships with all four liver enzyme metrics: ALT (N=7, β=0.012, 0.001-0.023), AST (N=6, β=0.041, 0.002-0.079), GGT (N=6, β=0.010, 0.001-0.020), ALP (N=4, β=0.007, 0.002-0.011) with low to high concomitant heterogeneity. The certainty of the combined evidence for each exposure-outcome combination was considered "moderate".Conclusions: We conducted the first meta-analysis and systematic review based on a longitudinal cohort study, and the results support the hypothesis that PFOA increases levels of four common liver enzymes, and that this causal relationship was observed within the context of a population-based study area. Further clinical or epidemiological research, especially longitudinal studies, are needed to expand the sample size and further determine the effect of different types and doses of confounders of PFOA exposure on liver enzyme indices, with adequate consideration of sex, age, and other confounders as well as reverse causality.
Fatal Rift Valley Fever Outbreak Caused By Exposure To Meat From Sick And Dead Livestock: Uganda, July 2018
Authors: Musewa Angella , Mirembe Bernadette B , Ario Alex R. , Birungi Doreen , Bulage Lilian , Kisaakye Esther , Kwesiga Benon , Kabwama Steven N. , Muwanguzi David , Kadobera Daniel , Balinandi Steven , Birungi Deo N.
Published: September 2021

Background: Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever that can be fatal to humans and livestock. During June-October 2018, reported RVF cases increased sharply in eight western and central Ugandan districts. We investigated to identify the scope of the outbreak, determine risk factors, and recommend control measures.Methods: We defined a probable case as acute onset of unexplained fever with thrombocytopenia or leukopenia, plus ≥1 of: unexplained bleeding, blurred vision, or unexplained death during June–October 2018 in a resident of the affected districts. A confirmed case was a probable case with a positive PCR test for RVF. We reviewed medical records and actively searched for cases in communities. In a case-control study, we compared exposures of cases and age-, sex-, and neighbourhood-matched controls. We reviewed livestock RVF surveillance data.Results: We identified 19 cases (17 confirmed, 2 probable); 13 (68%) died. The mean age of the case-patients was 36 (range: 27-55) years. The attack rate in men (15/10,000) was 19 times higher than in women (0.78/10,000). Stratified epidemic curves indicated multiple point-source outbreaks, often following skinning/butchering livestock or eating grilled meat from livestock that had been sick or died of unknown causes (‘sick/dead livestock’). All case-patients with data (n=18) ate or butchered meat from sick/dead livestock. Of the 18 case-patients and 90 controls who participated in the case-control study, 10 case-patients (56%) and five controls (5.6%) cut or handled raw meat from sick/dead livestock (ORadj=14, 95%CI=2.8-72). RVF-seropositive livestock were identified from serum samples taken from farms where human cases had occurred.Conclusion. Human RVF outbreaks in Western and Central Uganda in 2018 were caused by contact with raw meat of sick/dead livestock. We recommended wearing protective gear during butchering, and safe handling and disposal of carcasses of sick/dead livestock. RVF surveillance data between human and livestock health sectors should be shared to facilitate early warning and detection for RVF.
Predatory Abilities of The Backswimmer Buenoa Amnigenus Are Not Impaired After Sublethal Exposures To Pyriproxyfen
Authors: Valbon Wilson , Araújo Sabrina H. C. , Nery Ritanny S. , Barbosa Julianna F. , Newland Philip L. , Oliveira Eugenio E.
Published: September 2021

Pyriproxyfen is a juvenile hormone analogue that is commonly used to control the immature stages of mosquitoes in both artificial and natural water reservoirs. Recently, concerns have been raised regarding the pyriproxyfen community effectiveness in preventing vector-transmitted diseases. Such concerns have been based on the unintended effects on non-target organisms and selection of resistant mosquito populations. Thus, this investigation was conducted aiming to evaluate the toxicity of pyriproxyfen to Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae and the backswimmer Buenoa amnigenus (Hemiptera: Notonectidae), a naturally occurring mosquito larvae predator. We also assessed the abilities of backswimmers exposed to sublethal levels of pyriproxyfen to prey upon mosquito larvae (L2) under three larval densities (3, 6, or 9 larvae/100 mL of water) using artificial containers. Our results revealed that pyriproxyfen killed backswimmers only at concentrations higher than 100 mg active ingredient [a.i.]/L, which is 10 times higher than that recommended for larvicidal field application (i.e, 10 mg a.i./L). Interestingly, the abilities of backswimmers exposed to sublethal levels of pyriproxyfen (100 mg a.i./L) to prey upon mosquito larvae were not affected. Harmful effects on the backswimmer predatory abilities were detected only at concentrations of 150 mg a.i./L and when there was a higher prey availability (i.e., 9 larvae/100 mL of water). Together, our findings indicate that the reduced community effectiveness of this insecticide derives from factors other than its detrimental effects on non-target organisms such as the backswimmers.
A Pan-Cancer Study: The Immunological and Prognostic Significance of Aberrant SPP1 Expression on Tumors
Authors: Huang Tian peng , Ye Wei , Lin Xue jiao
Published: September 2021

Background Secretory phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is a glyco-phosphoprotein that is widely expressed in a variety of cancer cells. Current studies have identified that SPP1 is differentially expressed in a variety of cancer cell species. However, there are few studies on the level of SPP1 expression in different types of cancer and its clinical significance. Methods In this study, we analyzed SPP1 levels and its significance in 33 different cancer types by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The study analyzed the correlation between SPP1 expression and tumor immunity. Results The results showed that SPP1 transcript levels were aberrantly expressed in most tumors. Univariate Cox analysis showed that SPP1 was strongly associated with Overall survival in multiple tumor types. We also found that SPP1 was significantly correlated with tumor immune microenvironment, tumor immune cells, and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte markers. The correlation of SPP1 with Tumor mutational load (TMB) and Microsatellite instability (MSI) also predicts its role in assessing the efficacy of immunotherapy. Gene set enrichment analysis of 33 cancer types provided further evidence for the relationship between SPP1 levels and cancer progression and immune cell infiltration. Conclusion our study concludes that SPP1 plays an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor immunity and can be used as a marker for the assessment of clinical indicators in multiple cancer types.
High Expression of ELFN1 Associates With Poor Prognosis And Immune Cells Infiltration In Colon Adenocarcinoma: A Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Li Zhaopeng , Zhu Lin , Yang Yang , Bai Song
Published: September 2021

Background The human ELFN1 encodes a functional protein belonging to leucine-rich repeat (LRR) family neuronal adhesion proteins. However, there remains a lack of research on ELNF1 in tumors, especially in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). The paper aimed to explore ELFN1 expression and its potential biological function in COAD through bioinformatics analysis. Results ELFN1 expression was significantly upregulated in COAD tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (P＜0.01). The high ELFN1 mRNA expression level in tumor samples was also verified in GSE39582 and GSE146009 cohorts from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) website (P＜0.01). Besides, high ELFN1 expression was positively correlated with advanced tumor stage (I vs. IV, II vs. IV), perineural invasion，and vascular invasion (P＜0.05). Moreover, high ELFN1 expression was correlated with worse overall survival (OS) (P＜0.05), which was also verified in GSE17536 and GSE29621 datasets (P＜0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested ELFN1 was an independent prognostic predictor in COAD (P＜0.01). Furthermore, the high infiltration levels of M0 Macrophages and Regulatory T cells（Tregs）were found in the high ELFN1 expression COAD tissues, while the infiltration levels of activated CD4 memory T cells, resting or activated Dendritic cells were low in that samples (P＜0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that ELFN1 expression had a positive correlation with the infiltrating levels of Tregs and M0 Macrophages, but inversely correlated with that of activated Dendritic cells and both resting and activated CD4 memory T cells in COAD (P＜0.05). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) exhibited that ELFN1 was enriched in many immunological and cancer-related signaling pathways, like Hedgehog, ECM receptor interaction, focal adhesion, Notch, and MAPK signaling pathways.Conclusions ELFN1 is overexpressed in COAD and which is correlated with worse clinical outcomes. Higher expression of ELFN1 could influence tumor immune cells infiltrating in COAD. ELFN1 could promote progression of COAD through several immunological and cancer-related signaling pathways. ELFN1 may be a new prognostic predictor and a latent therapeutic target for COAD.
Clinical Prognosis of Keratin Family Genes in Patients with LUAD a Study Based on TCGA Database
Authors: Liu Xia , Zhu Hangzhou , Zha Xiaojiu , Rui Yan , Li Miao , Huang Linian
Published: September 2021

Background: Malignant tumor is the main cause of death in the world, among which lung cancer is the main cause of death. The incidence rate and mortality of lung cancer are increasing year by year. This study aims to elucidate the potential prognostic value of keratin (KRT) gene family members in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).Materials and methods: RNA sequencing data were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database of LUAD tumors and paired normal tissues. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic value of KRT family member genes. Analyze the screening variables to construct the risk score. The time-dependent ROC curve is used to evaluate the predicted results. Finally, nomograms were used to assess individualized prognostic risk.Result: From the differentially expressed genes, 14 KRT genes with significant imbalance in LUAD tumors and adjacent non-cancerous tissues were screened. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis confirmed that these 14 KRT genes can be used as potential diagnostic markers for the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that six KRT genes were related to the prognosis of lung cancer. The variables were screened by multivariate Cox regression model. The final results showed that KRT8 and KRT6A were independent risk factors for the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma.Conclusion: KRT8 and KRT6A can be used as prognostic markers of LUAD. The high expression of KRT8 and KRT6A suggests that the prognosis of LUAD patients is poor.
Machine learning with interpretability predict surgical site infection after posterior cervical surgery
Authors: Ren GuanRui , Xie ZhiYang , Wang YiYang , Liu Lei , Wang PeiYang , Zhang Wei , Wang YunTao , Wu XiaoTao
Published: September 2021

Background:

Ideal tools should not only investigate risk factors, but also provide explicit auxiliary answer for whether a patient will develop surgical site infection (SSI) or not. Machine learning (ML) models have ability to carry out complicated predictive medical tasks. We intend to develop ML models to predict SSI after posterior cervical surgery and interpret the outcome.
Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 235 patients who had undergone posterior cervical surgery between June 2013 to April 2019 at Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University. We established Artificial neural networks (ANN), XGBClassifier (xgboost), KNeighborsClassifier (KNN), Decision tree classifier (decision tree), Random forest classifier (random forest) and support vector classifier (SVC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC) score, accuracy score, recall score, F1 score and precision score were calculated to measure models’ performance. Shapley values were calculated using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to determine relative feature importance of xgboost model.
Results:

The incidence of SSI was 7.23%. With AUC of 0.9972, 0.9923, 0.9865, 0.9615, 0.9540, 0.8934, the xgboost, random forest, ANN, KNN, decision tree, SCV accurately predicted SSI. Xgboost, ANN, decision tree and random forest achieved excellent performance in testing set. Top 10 variables with high predictive contribution of xgboost including, drainage volume, body mass index (BMI), drainage duration, operation blooding, cholesterin, sex, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), albumin, hypertension, operation time.
Conclusion:

We had successful established ML models in individualized predicting SSI after posterior cervical surgery. Xgboost, ANN, decision tree and random forest achieved excellent performance which could provide auxiliary information for clinical decision makers. The interpretable model focuses on contribution of important features to the predictive result. It can improve the acceptance of clinicians on ML and promote ML’s application in the actual clinical work.
Causal Association of Trauma With Subsequent Psychiatric Disorder: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Gu Dongqing , Ou Shan , Liu Guodong
Published: September 2021

Objective

Trauma has been proposed as a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorder. This study aimed to determine the causal association between them.
Methods

Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses were performed to estimate the causal association between trauma and psychiatric disorder. We obtained summary-level data for genetic variants associated with trauma and the corresponding association with psychiatric disorder from previous genome-wide association studies, and inverse variance weighted was used as the main method in our Mendelian randomization analysis.
Results

Genetically predisposed trauma was associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.02,), mood disorder (OR = 1.01, 95% CI, 1.00-1.01) and depression (OR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.01–1.02) in UK Biobank, as well as increased risk of mood disorder (OR = 1.23, 95% CI, 1.03–1.48), depression (OR = 1.10, 95% CI, 1.04–1.17), bipolar disorder (OR = 1.24, 95% CI, 1.04–1.49) and schizophrenia (OR = 1.47, 95% CI, 1.21–1.78) in data source from MR Base. However, Mendelian randomization evidence did not support an association between trauma and risk of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, sleep disorder, and eating disorder.
Conclusions

Findings from our Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that trauma might be causally associated with an increased risk of some common psychiatric disorder such as depression.
Diversity In Intestinal Microorganisms Contributes To The Bodysize Difference In Chinese Horses And Ponies
Authors: Lv Shipeng , Zhang Yanli , Zhang Zhengkai , Meng Sihan , Pu Yabin , Liu Xuexue , Liu Lingling , Ma Yuehui , Liu Wujun , Jiang Lin
Published: September 2021

Background: Intestinal microbiota communities can reflect the digestion and metabolism of the host, as well as the appearance of the host. In China, there are various excellent horse and pony breeds with rich diversity in wither height. However, little is known about the community structure of the intestinal microbiota in horses, let alone the profound effects it causes. Results: Here in, we generated 16S rRNA sequences of intestinal microorganisms from 118 Chinese horses including Guanzhong horse, Debao pony, and Ningqiang pony. We found that the intestinal microbiota of horses is full of diversity, and Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Spirochaetes, which is consistent with the special structure of the horse digestive tract. Interestingly, the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level, showed a strong correlation with horse height, with R values of 0.82 and -0.86 respectively. Moreover, at the genus level, Coprococcus, Streptococcus, Treponema, and Prevotella demonstrated higher significance in terms of height, the prediction of PICRUSt2 function and multiple analyses of the metabolic pathways, and additionally, the metabolic pathways of energy intake and utilization were significantly enriched in horses relative to ponies (P<0.01). Notably, flora colonization in mouse littermates contributed to their broad development compared to the control group. Conclusions: Compared with ponies, the intestinal microbiota enabled better cellulose decomposition and energy uptake in horses; Thus horses could get more energy from food to meet their higher demand for larger body development than ponies. Therefore, our study helps to understand the gut microbiota patterns across equine breeds, which has the potential to advance approaches aimed at personalized microbial modifications in horse breeding.
“direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Low-molecular-weight Heparin for Acute Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis”
Authors: Rungjirajittranon Tarinee , Owattanapanich Weerapat , Chinthammitr Yingyong , Ruchutrakool Theera , Suwanawiboon Bundarika
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe association between gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and a high incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is well known. Previous randomized controlled studies demonstrated that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) effectively treat cancer-associated VTE (CAT). However, some DOACs appeared to increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in patients with GI malignancies. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DOACs in GI cancer-associated thrombosis.MethodsAll relevant studies that compared DOACs and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in GI cancer-associated thrombosis that were published before December 2020 were individually searched in two databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) by two investigators. The effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from each eligible study were combined using the Mantel-Haenszel method.ResultsA total of 1,418 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The rate of major bleeding was not significantly different between groups (relative risk [RR]: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.93-2.65, P=0.09, I2=34%). However, the rate of clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) was significantly higher in the DOACs group (RR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.34-2.91, P=0.0005, I2=0%). The risk of recurrent VTE was not significantly different between groups (RR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.41-1.28, P=0.27, I2=0%).ConclusionsThe current data suggests that treatment of GI cancer-associated thrombosis with DOACs significantly increases the risk of CRNMB, and a trend towards major bleeding risk in DOACs group. The efficacy of DOACs for preventing recurrent VTE in GI cancer was comparable to that of LMWHs.Trial registration: INPLASY202180113