bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of High Pressure Gas Injection Neale Field, Beauregard Parish, La.
Authors: Shivers L.G.
Published: February 2020

Evangeline Section Meeting on Drilling and Production Practices on the Gulf Coast, 24 April, Lafayette, Louisiana

Introduction

The advantages or secondary recovery of oil by high pressure gas injection have be an recognized by the Petroleum Industry for a number or years. In 1951,Atlantic initiated the first high pressure gas injection project in the Block 31 Field or West Texas. Although the Neale Project was started some rive years later, due to its smaller size is now nearer completion than the Block 31project.

The 10,400' Sand originally contained an estimated 3.7 million stock tank barrels or oil. At initiation or Gas Injection 290,000 barrels or oil had been recovered by primary production. Estimated ultimate recovery by primary was 600,000 barrels or 16% of original in place oil. The balance or the primary reserve has now been recovered and the project is well into the secondary phase.

Field Geology and Location

Neale Field is located in Beauregard Parish in extreme west central Louisiana. The structure is an east-west trending anticline on the down thrown side or a down-to-the-south regional fault as shown in Figure 1. The only other fault recognized in the vicinity or the field is a small one on the south flank which parallels the regional fault. This fault is beyond the productive limits or the field but may effect water movement from the south. Dip rates within the productive limits are approximately 20'/1000' or 1. An oil-water contact at 10,250' subsea in the 10,400' Sand limits production in all directions with a maximum 30' oil column. The productive area or the 10,400' Sand is about 2000acres with an average eight feet of net sand.

There are eleven producing Wilcox Sands in the field ranging in depth from 8300–11600'. The first Wilcox Sand at 8300' is the only one with a strong waterdrive and it has had by far the best primary history. The other ten oil and gas producing sands are all below 10,000' and are Middle Wilcox. The 10,400' Sand is the third Sand of the Middle Wilcox Series and might be considered typical. It is a tight, shaly, fine to medium grain band stone, having a low permeability, high irreducible water saturation and contains a highly volatile oil. Table No. 1 is a summary of reservoir data for the 10,400' Sand.
R&D Grand Challenges - JPT Article Series
Authors: Judzis Arnis , Felder Richard , Curry David , Seiller Bernard , Pope Gary A. , Burnett David , Torp Tore A. , Neal Jack , Krohn Chris , Karanikas John M. , Arscott R. Lyn , Fairhurst Charles , Lake Larry , Liroff Richard A. , Poddar Anoop
Published: February 2020

The R&D Grand Challenges series was published in the Journal of Petroleum Technology beginning in May, 2011. The SPE R&D Committee shared the results of a committee effort to identify the oil and gas industry's major R&D challenges. The R&D challenges comprise five broad upstream business needs:

Increasing recovery factors

In-situ molecular manipulation

Carbon capture and sequestration

Produced water management

Higher resolution subsurface imaging of hydrocarbons.

May 2011

The Five R&D Grand Challenges Plus One

Arnis Judzis, SPE, Schlumberger; Richard Felder, SPE, consultant; David Curry, SPE, Baker Hughes; and Bernard Seiller, SPE, Total

July 2011

Recent Developments and Remaining Challenges of Enhanced Oil Recovery

Gary A. Pope, University of Texas at Austin

October 2011

Brine Management: Produced Water and Frac Flowback Brine

David Burnett, Texas A&M University

December 2011

Can Geoscientists Resolve the CCS Paradox?

Tore A. Torp, Statoil

March 2012

Higher Resolution Subsurface Imaging

Jack Neal and Chris Krohn, ExxonMobil Upstream Research

May 2012

Unconventional Resources: Cracking the Hydrocarbon Molecules In Situ

John M. Karanikas, Royal Dutch Shell

June 2012

Grand Challenges for Earth Resources Engineering

R. Lyn Arscott, Charles Fairhurst, and Larry Lake

July 2012

A Roadmap for Addressing Environmental and Social Issues Associated With Horizontal Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing

Richard A. Liroff, Executive Director, Investor Environmental Health Network

September 2012

Reviewing the Five R&D Grand Challenges Plus One

Arnis Judzis, SPE, Schlumberger, and Anoop Poddar, SPE, Energy Ventures
Liquid Cyclone Treatment of Weighted Muds
Authors: Mathis Harry D. , O'Shields R.L.
Published: February 2020

Fall Meeting of the Southern California Petroleum Section of AIME, 17–18 October, Los Angeles, California

Laboratory tests and field operations have proved that a system of 50 mm liquid cyclones is an effective means of removing undesirable low-gravity solids and reclaiming barites from weighted muds. Field operation has confirmed laboratory tests which indicate that routine cyclone treatment of weighted mud reduces barite requirements from 45 to 80 per cent. The amount of chemicals required is reduced as a large portion of drilled solids, which necessitate chemical treatment, are mechanically removed. Cyclones have also proved very useful for reclaiming barites from jetted mud which would otherwise be discarded.

Proper cyclone treatment provides effective control of mud viscosity, mud weight and clay to barite balance in the mud. Dilution requirements are greatly reduced with corresponding reduction in mud additive requirements.

Due to its simplicity the liquid cyclone provides a versatile treating unit which is readily adapted to drilling operations. Cyclone treatment coupled with sound mud engineering results in maintenance of optimum fluid properties at a minimum expense of mud additives.

Introduction

Because of increased deep drilling requiring high mud weights, considerable attention is being focused on mechanical treatment of weighted muds. Mechanical mud treatment refers to any process wherein drilled solids are physically removed from mud. Until recently, mechanical mud treatment primarily consisted of a shale shaker to continuously remove coarse cuttings and pit jetting followed by dilution to reduce the concentration of fine drilled solids which pass through the shaker screen. Pit jetting and dilution is quite expensive as mud materials are discarded and new materials added to compensate for the added dilution fluid. This process is especially expensive with weighted muds as their costs usually range from $15.00 to $20/bbl.

Drilled solids and other low-gravity solids must be periodically removed from the system as an excessive build-up in solids will adversely affect the fluid properties of the mud. The solid components of weighted mud generally consist of commercial clays, drilled solids, water loss additives, and barites. The barites which are used for weighting-up purposes have a specific gravity of about 4.2 whereas the clays and drilled solids have a specific gravity of about 2.5, and are usually referred to as low-gravity solids.
A Laboratory Study of Wettability Effects on Basic Core Parameters
Authors: Rust C.F.
Published: February 2020

Venezuelan Annual Meeting, 6–9 November, Caracas, Venezuela

One of the first steps in treating physical quantities or entities in technical discussions is to define them. The technologist prides himself on his insistence to precisely state what he means, when he employs certain terms. If one takes, however, the trouble to search the literature for a clear-cut definition of wettability one is apt to search in vain. The truth Of the matter is that some or the leading authorities in the field flatly declare that a definition Of absolute wettability is impossible to state. They resort to a term called "relative wettability" which connotes the preference of a given liquid to spread over a solid surface in the presence of a second liquid. Others state that wettability is a manifestation of the interaction between liquids and solid surfaces, which is a broad and general statement indeed. Still others define wettability strictly in terms or contact angles for the solid-water system. Considering the indefinite character of the wettability term one expects some difficulties in measuring some of its effects on various core parameters. Nevertheless, even at the risk or embarking on what may appear to be a naive approach, attempts to study the effects or wettability on various core parameters are apt to result in some worthwhile contributions to our understanding of rock properties. Perhaps one of the most important facts to realize in the beginning is that most investigations show that there is really no such thing as an oil-wet or water-wet reservoir rock.
A Re-evaluation of the Accuracy of Determinations of Rm, Rmf, and Rmc
Authors: Johnson Hamilton M.
Published: February 2020

Venezuelan Annual Meeting, 6–9 November, Caracas, Venezuela

Resistivities related to the drilling fluid, i.e., Rm, Rmf, and Rmc, are fundamental in quantitative analysis of electric logs. However, these values are usually assumed to be "known" and analysis carried on from there. It is the authors opinion, thought to be substantiated by the field data presented, that serious errors are being introduced through inaccurate determination of these resistivity values.

He concludes that the Rmf/Rm relationship usually applied in fresh-water clay-base muds is too low and that the ratio 0.87 is more realistic. Also, that the Rmc/Rm relationship usually applied to these same muds is too high and that the ratio 1.11 is more accurate. However, as shown by scattering on the graphs, use of these average values may still admit large errors.

The conclusion is reached that similar errors exist in the determinations made in oil-emulsion muds and that more nearly correct ratios would again be 0.87 and 1.11, respectively. Scattering is even greater here, which indicates that these properties should be measured for each individual well at the time of logging rather than placing dependence upon their relationship to Rm.

Laboratory measurements as currently made in oil-emulsion muds do not represent true mud conditions, possibly due to a difference in degree of emulsification and/or further chemical changes in the mud with time.

Comparison of mud-cell measurements with collapsed Micro Sonde measurements may indicate introduction of an error through use of the standard NaCl temperature-resistivity chart in the case of oil-emulsion muds.
Using ProteoCombiner to integrate bottom-up and top-down proteomics data to improve proteoform identification
Authors: Lima Diogo Borges , Dupré Mathieu , Duchateau Magalie , Gianetto Quentin Giai , Rey Martial , Matondo Mariette , Chamot-Rooke Julia
Published: February 2020

Here we present a high-performance software for proteome analysis that combines different mass spectrometric approaches, such as, top-down for intact protein analyses and bottom-up, for proteolytic fragment characterization. ProteoCombiner capitalizes on the data arising from different experiments and proteomics search engines and presents the results in a user-friendly manner. Our tool also provides a rapid and easy visualization, manual validation and comparison of the identified proteoform sequences, including post-translational modifications (PTM) characterization. Thus, ProteoCombiner is recommended for studies dealing with different proteomics strategies, in order to increase confidence in proteoform identification including PTMs.
Low-energy electronic intraoperative radiotherapy for pT3 locally advanced colon cancer: a single-institution retrospective analysis
Authors: Ma Li , Qiang Junhao , Yin Heliang , Lin Lin , Jiao Yan , Ma Changying , Li Xinwei , Dong Li , Cui Jinglin , Wei Dongmei , Sharma Ankur M , Schwartz David L , Chen Hong , Gu Weikuan
Published: February 2020

Background Patients with locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) treated with surgery had a high risk of local recurrence. The outcomes can vary significantly among patients with pT3 disease. This study was undertaken to assess whether low-energy electronic intraoperative radiotherapy (eIORT) can achieve promising results comparing with electron beam IORT (IOERT) and whether specific subgroups of patients with pT3 colon cancer may benefit from eIORT. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 44 patients with pT3 LACC treated with eIORT. Clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed to identify patients that could potentially benefit from eIORT. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). The log-rank test was used for the subgroup comparison. Results The median follow-up of patients was 20.5 months (range, 6.1–38.8 months). At the time of analysis, 38 (86%) were alive and 6 (14%) had died of their disease. The 3-year Kaplan-Meier of PFS and OS for the entire cohort were 82.8% and 82.1%, respectively. At median follow-up, no in-field failure within the eIORT field had occurred. Locoregional and distant failure had occurred in 2 (5%) patients each. The rate of perioperative 30-day mortality was 0% and morbidity rate was 11%. Five patients experienced 7 complications, including 4 early complications (30-d) and three late complications (>30 days) leading early and late morbidity rates of 9% and 7%, respectively. Conclusion Low-energy eIORT can be considered as part of management in pT3 LACC.
Preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide for prediction of acute kidney injury after non-cardiac surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Bingcheng , Zhuang Pei-Pei , Lei Shao-Hui , Qiu Shi-Da , Yang Xiao , Li Cai , Liu Wei-Feng , Liu Ke-xuan
Published: February 2020

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with poor outcomes after non-cardiac surgery. Whether preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) predicts AKI after non-cardiac surgery is unclear. Methods We conducted a retrospective study on patients whose NT-proBNP concentrations were measured before non-cardiac surgery at a tertiary academic hospital between 2008 and 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the predictive role of preoperative NT-proBNP on postoperative AKI defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criteria. Results Some 6.1% (444 of 7248) of patients developed AKI within 1 week after surgery. Preoperative NT-proBNP was an independent predictor of AKI after adjustment for clinical variables (odd ratio comparing top to bottom quintiles 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47-3.65, p<0.001 for trend; odd ratio per 1-unit increment in natural log transformed NT-proBNP 1.27, 95% CI 1.16-1.39). Compared with clinical variables alone, the addition of NT-proBNP modestly improved the discrimination (change in area under the curve from 0.764 to 0.773, p=0.005) and reclassification (continuous net reclassification improvement 0.210, 95% CI 0.111-0.308; integrated discrimination improvement 0.0044, 95% CI 0.0016-0.0072) of AKI and non-AKI cases. Conclusions Preoperative NT-proBNP concentrations provided predictive information for AKI in a cohort of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, independent of and incremental to conventional risk factors. Prospective studies are required to confirm this finding and examine its clinical impact.
The impact of internet Addiction and predictor factors on medical students: a cross-sectional study in western Iran
Authors: Kianipour Neda , Toghroli Razie , Abbas Jaffar , Sharma Manoj , Azizi Seyyed Amar , lebni Javad Yoosefi , Salahshoor Mohammad Reza , Mahaki Behzad , Chaboksavar Fakhreddin , Ziapour Arash
Published: February 2020

Background: In recent years, Internet and social media technology use have emerged as an integral tool of human society, and the evolution of technological integration, cyberspace, and web-technology has become a common practice in educational institutions. Internet usage among students has played an indispensable role in learning behavior; however, the excessive usage of the internet and social media leads to internet addiction. This original study has performed a focalized scrutiny on revealing relationships between internet addiction and associated factors among the students of medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical departments.Methods: This descriptive and analytical study recruited medical students from the Self-governing Education Incubator of Kermanshah. This survey distributed 753 questionnaires among the respondents’ three departments, and this statistical data reported on 420 valid responses of the respondents. They represent first and second-semester medical students of the academic year 2017-2018. The study selected medical students by applying Cochran's Sample Size Formula through Stratified Random Sampling and cross-sectional research design. The survey has utilized a demographic questionnaire of Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) for the data collection. The study analyzed received data by using SPSS version 24 and performed the descriptive statistics, and analytical statistics (t-test and ANOVA).Results: The results of the present study established that the majority of subjects were female students (53.3%), and the average age was 23.84±2.14, including the students of all departments. Besides, findings specified that the overall mean and standard deviation scores were 3.34 and ±0.88. Internet addiction revealed mean and the standard deviation score measured for all students 3.29±0.73, 3.17±0.92, and 3.57±0.64 correspondingly. The survey results illustrated that medical students’ internet addiction substantially correlated with demographic variables, such as age, marital status, the field of study, academic term, significant time of consuming the internet, the key reason of utilizing the internet, and daily usage of the internet (p<0.05).Conclusions: The results of the study specified that 25% of medical students showed internet addiction. The students are increasingly using the internet, and it has penetrated among students. The design and implementation of adequate educational programs and the application of internet-based efficiency interventions are essential for both knowledge acquisition and medical students’ healthy behavior.
Knowledge and Attitude towards Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Associated Factors among High School Students in Machakel District,Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Ashebir Wassachew , Tadesse Mengistu , Yimer Belete
Published: February 2020

Background: Young people have the right to make choices regarding their own sexuality, as far as they respect the rights of others. To do this, the knowledge of those rights and positive attitude in exercising these rights is critical to youth’s ability to protect them from unwanted reproductive outcomes. However, many young people do not have the information or means to protect themselves from these problems. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude towards Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) rights and associated factors among high school students in Machakel District. Methods: School based cross sectional study was employed among 421 high school adolescents in Machakel District from March16-20/2019. Stratified sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data was collected through structured self-administered questionnaires. Data processing was done using Epi Data version 3.1then transferred to SPSS version 20 software. Bivariate & multivariate logistic regression was done to assess the association of factors with student’s knowledge and attitude towards SRH rights by calculating odds ratios, their 95% confidence limits and P-value less than 5% were taken as statistically significant. Results: Overall, more than half (55.9%) of students were found to be knowledgeable and 46% had favorable attitude towards SRH rights. Knowledge among high school students was significantly associated with being female (AOR=0.52, 95% CI= 0.33, 0.81), urban resident (AOR=3.43,95%CI=1.99, 5.93), being in grade ten (AOR=1.67,95%CI=1.08,2.58), participation in RH clubs (AOR=2.18, 95%CI=1.37, 3.47), discussion of SRH issues with parents (AOR=2.62, 95%CI=1.58, 4.33) and with friends (AOR=1.77, 95%CI=1.15, 2.74) while getting information on SRH(TV/Radio) (AOR=1.61, 95%CI=1.02, 2.54) and had access to reproductive health services (AOR=3.00, 95%CI=1.30, 6.90) were significantly associated factors with favorable attitude towards SRH rights. Conclusions: The level of student’s knowledge and attitude towards SRH rights were found to be low. Being female, urban resident, being in grade ten, participation in RH clubs, and discussion of SRH issues with parents and friends had significant association with knowledge while getting information on reproductive health and had access to reproductive health services with favorable attitude towards SRH rights. Hence, encouraging discussions with parents and participation in RH clubs may improve the knowledge and attitude of students on SRH rights.
Application of cortical bone plate allografts combined with LISS plates for fixation of comminuted distal femur fractures
Authors: Guo Zhimin , Shi Conghui , Liu Hui , Chen Zhida , Lin Yongzhi , Wu Jin
Published: February 2020

Background: At present, the management of comminuted distal femur fractures remains challenging for orthopedic surgeons. The aim of this study is to report a surgical treatment for comminuted distal femur fractures using supplementary medial cortical bone plate allografts in conjunction with the lateral less invasive stabilization system (LISS) plates, and to discuss the therapeutic effects of this treatment after long-term follow-up with patients. Patients and methods: From January 2009 to January 2014, the records of thirty-three patients who underwent supplementary medial cortical bone plate allografts combined with lateral LISS plate fixation were reviewed. Twenty-nine patients suffered from closed fractures and four had open fractures. Clinical and radiographic data were collected during regular post-operative follow-up visits. Functional outcomes were determined according to the special surgery knee rating scale (HSS) used at the hospital. Results: Thirty patients were followed for 13 to 73 months after surgery, with an average follow-up time of 31.3 months. The mean time to bone union was 5.4 months (range of 3-12 months) and the mean range of knee flexion was 105.6º (range of 80º-130º). Of the remaining patients, 10 had a score of “Excellent” while 10 had a score of “Good” (the proportion of “Excellent” and “Good” scores was 67.7%). Three patients had superficial or deep infections, one patient had nonunion that required bone grafting and one patient had post-traumatic knee arthritis. No loosening of fixation or refracture had occurred in any patient at the time of the last follow-up appointment. Conclusions: Based on these promising results, we propose that supplementary medial cortical bone plate allografts combined with lateral LISS plates fixation may be a good treatment option for comminuted distal femur fractures. This treatment choice not only resulted in markedly improved stability on the medial side of the femur, but also satisfactory outcomes for distal femoral fractures.
Using of Digital Droplet PCR in the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA with FFPE and Cytological samples
Authors: Cao Ziyang , Wu Wei , Wei Haiting , Gao Caixia , Zhang Liping , Wu Chunyan
Published: February 2020

Backgrounds: Accurate diagnosis for TB is essential for TB control. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a technology that has high sensitivity. However, the use of ddPCR for the detection of TB pathogen in pathological samples is not been fully studied.Methods: A total of 88 samples from the patients who were suspected of tuberculosis were involved in this study, including 65 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens and 22 cytological samples. Digital Droplet PCR was used to compare the sensitivity with Real-time PCR. The real-time PCR ct value and ddPCR TB abundant ratio were analyzed by SPSS software.Results: Among the 62 samples that were “possible TB” detected by real-time PCR, 34 samples were ddPCR-positive, 18 samples were ddPCR-negative, and 10 samples were in “gray area” by ddPCR. 26 patients that were ddPCR-positive received anti-tuberculosis therapy and 14 cases of them benefit from the treatment.Conclusions: ddPCR is more sensitive in the detection of TB than Real-time PCR. ddPCR methods can be used as an additional means for the diagnosis of TB from pathological samples.
Interpreting Discordant Monosomy 3 FISH and Chromosomal Microarray Analysis Results in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Coley Nicholas , Long Christopher , Sennik Simrin , Thorson John , Lin Jonathan
Published: February 2020

Background: Uveal melanoma is the most common primary ocular tumor in adults and causes morbidity through lymphovascular metastasis. The presence of monosomy 3 in uveal melanomas is one of the most important prognostic indicators for metastasis. Two major molecular pathology testing modalities to assess monosomy 3 are fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Here, we report two cases of discordant monosomy 3 test results in uveal melanoma enucleation specimens using these molecular pathology tests.Case presentation: The first case is a uveal melanoma from a 51-year-old male that showed no evidence of monosomy 3 by CMA, but was subsequently detected by FISH. The second case is a uveal melanoma from a 49-year-old male that showed monosomy 3 at the limit of detection by CMA that was not detected by subsequent FISH.Conclusions: These two cases underscore the differences of each testing modality for monosomy 3. The high percentage of cells with one chromosome 3 signal requisite for a positive monosomy 3 FISH result may not be sensitive enough to detect a low level of monosomy 3 that CMA can detect. Conversely, a small uveal melanoma with monosomy 3 may be missed by CMA owing to background DNA from cytologically normal retina and other ocular tissues. Our cases suggest that both testing methods should be pursued for uveal melanoma, with a single positive result for either test interpreted as presence of monosomy 3.
New evidence on the effect of smoking on the obesity risk among adults, Findings from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS, 1991-2015)
Authors: Zhao Jian , Sun Jian
Published: February 2020

Background: To estimate the approximately causal effects of smoking on the obesity risk among Chinese adults.Methods: Using China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) datasets from 1991 to 2015, this study consisted of 35,907 males and 39,441females aged 18-65 years. Using ordinary-least squares and probit models to investigate the effects of smoking on risk of obesity among Chinese adults.Results: Male current smokers had a higher dietary energy intake (23.28 unit), percentage of dietary energy intake from fat (0.47 unit), physical activity (9.96 unit), drinking (0.61 unit) but less likely to be general obesity (0.17 unit) and abdominal obesity (0.12 unit) than nonsmokers. Female current smokers less likely to be general obesity (0.03 unit) and abdominal obesity (0.12 unit) than nonsmokers. Male heavy smokers (>25 cigarettes/d) had higher dietary energy intake (89.65 unit), physical activity (15.31 unit), drinking (0.08 unit) and more likely to be general obesity (0.18 unit) and abdominal obesity (0.10 unit) than other smokers.Conclusions: Compared with nonsmokers, current smokers had lower probability of being general obesity and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults regardless of gender. Male heavy smokers increased the risk of obesity than other smokers. These findings may improve the understanding on how cigarette smoking affects fat distribution and provide scientific evidence regarding intervention in smoking and obesity, especially for male heavy smokers
Seasonality in tuberculosis occurrence in the Federal District, Brazil
Authors: Paz Leidijany Costa , oliveira Silvano Barbosa , Fernandes Fernanda Monteiro de Castro , Júnior Antonio Felipe Couto , Evangelista Maria do Socorro Nantua
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND: Although tuberculosis (TB) is an endemic infectious disease in Brazil, the Federal District has a different epidemiology from other Brazilian locations. Investigation of disease seasonality, which needs to be further explored in tropical regions, may indicate risk factors specific to peak incidence seasons that could be controlled if better understood. To investigate the influence of seasonality (SA) in the occurrence of tuberculosis in the Federal District (FD) of Brazil. METHODS: This is an ecological time series (TS) study based on secondary data. The unit of analysis was the month of TB diagnosis from 2001 to 2018. We used the X-13ARIMA-SEATS (X-13) seasonal adjustment software in automatic mode with additive decomposition. Seasonality was analyzed using the Friedman test (0.001) and Kruskal-Wallis test (0.01) for stable seasonality. Moving seasonality was verified by Friedman test (0.05), and the identifiable seasonality was constructed from the combination of the three tests. The annual average seasonal amplitude was calculated from the isolated seasonal factors. RESULTS: 6,161 TB cases were diagnosed in the Federal District, 28 cases per month on average (± 6.6). We observed peaks in April and August and decreased detection in November and December, with an average annual seasonal amplitude of 34.0%. The F test and the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed evidence of SA at 0.001 and 0.01, respectively. Moving SA was not identified at a significance level of 0.5 neither in the combination of the three tests. CONCLUSION: the TS tends to suggest a limited seasonality of TB in the FD. Some incidence peaks were observed in some specific months, showing a relevance of seasonality at the local level, which may reflect an influence of access to health service patterns from the onset of symptoms to the diagnostic elucidation of the disease.
Using field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to identify the origin of Linqing brick: Considering for impact factors, assessing reliability and providing scientific advices
Authors: Chen Zexuan , Zhang Long , Hou Feng , Xie Jialiang
Published: February 2020

Linqing brick is very famous in Chinese history. In 2008, "The manufacturing process of Linqing brick" was selected as the intangible cultural heritage list in China. Now in China, how to identify the origin of Linqing brick is an important issue in archeology and architectural history research. It can be used to verify some assumptions about the history of heritage buildings which cannot be solved only by historical documents. It can also be used to study the history of Linqing brick. Field portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (FPXRF) can quickly and non-destructively determine the main elements and concentrations of Linqing brick in situ. It may be significant for identifying the origin of Linqing brick. But FPXRF could be affected by many factors and it can only measure the element concentrations of surface. Which method we use can provide the most reliable data is an important issue. The aim of this study was to verify the reliability of FPXRF and to systematically evaluate different influential factors on measurement precision and accuracy, which can help with scientific advice for its use. We set up four experiments to determine the influential factors and assess reliability by cross validation using ICP-OES. Finally, we ensured that the FPXRF was reliable and determined the scientific advice required to use it to measure the main elements and concentrations of Linqing brick.
The ADAMTS9 gene is associated with mandibular retrusion in a Chinese population
Authors: Cai Ying , Ni Zhenyu , Chen Weiting , Zhou Yu
Published: February 2020

Background: Many studies suggest that genetics plays an important role in mandibular retrusion. In this study, we hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADAMTS9 gene is associated with mandibular retrusion in a Han Chinese population.Methods: Saliva samples from 60 patients undergoing orthodontic for correction of malocclusion were collected. 130 SNPs genotyping of ADAMTS9 was used to asses the association of polymorphisms with the mandibular retrusion. The general linear model using age,gender and ANB as covariates weighed the relationship between SNP and mandibular retrusion. Additionally we leveraged the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) method to investigate SNP-SNP interactions. The significance level was set at P < 0.05 in this study.Results: The general linear model results showed that four SNPs (rs1014640,rs7648540,rs75839462 and rs4605539 ) in the ADAMTS9 gene may be related to the occurrence of mandibular retrusion,even after Bonferroni correction. In addition, we further found that the interaction between the ADAMTS9 rs75839462 and ADAMTS9 rs80118777 promoted the occurrence of mandibular retrusion.Conclusion: Our finding suggest that the ADAMTS9 gene may cause mandibular retrsusion independently and through SNP-SNP interactions.
Comparative analysis of microbiome of bladder cancer patients
Authors: Ishaq Ayesha , Zahid Saman , Mukhtar Salma , Azim Muhammad Kamran , Akhtar Saleem , Irfan Muhammad , Malik Kauser Abdulla
Published: February 2020

Background: It has been studied that the urinary tract, which was once considered to be sterile retains a unique microbiome. The current study was performed to explore the microbiome of male and female cancerous bladder tissue, including 01 control sample and 09 cancer samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In previous studies, the significance of microbiome has been found to be associated with the bladder cancer. For diversity analysis, V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA were used for PCR and later sequencing was carried out through Illumina, Miseq platform. The metadata generated was analyzed on QIIME 1.9.1.Result: The bacterial diversity detected showed that five of the phyla; namely Proteobacteria (38.1%), Firmicutes (37.8%), Actinobacteria (5.9%), Thermi (4.9%) and Tenericutes (2.5%) were more abundant in all samples as compared to other phyla. The genera found in all samples were Enterobacter (18.3%), Bacillus (13.9%), Meiothermus (4.9%), Methylotenera (1.2%), Ralstonia (3.6%) and Streptocococcus (1.4%). Ralstonia and Streptococcus were absent in BLC 10 and BLC 2, respectively, while present in the rest. The results of alpha and beta diversity showed that female samples had more bacterial diversity and uniformity as compared to male samples. Conclusion: The present study used biopsy samples of newly diagnosed cancer patients without taking into account any treatment given to the cancer patients. Our analysis showed insignificant differences in alpha and beta diversity of male and female samples. The genus Meiothermus detected in this study was firstly reported in a bladder microbiome analysis. The data generated from such preliminary futuristic study can help in devising new diagnostic tools and therapies.
Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Its Associated Factors among Food Handlers in Ginnir Town, Bale Zone, Southeast, Ethiopia
Authors: Taye Solomon , Negero Asfaw , Benti Tomas
Published: February 2020

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infections in the developing world. Globally, out of the 1.5 billion annual cases of diarrhea, about 70% or 1.05 billion cases are thought to be caused by biological contamination of food. In Ethiopia, due to poor environmental sanitation, low awareness about personal hygiene, lack of pure potable water, and improper faecal disposal, intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers working in food and drinking establishments in Ginnir town, southeast, Ethiopia.Method: Cross-sectional study design was employed from May 1 to May 29, 2014 in food and drinking establishments in Ginnir town. A total of 348 food handlers were selected using simple random sampling method. Stool specimens were collected and examined using direct saline and formol-ether concentration methods. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. A P-value <0.05 was considered as an indicator of statistical significance.Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers was 48/348(13.8%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 23/348(6.6%) followed by Giardia lamblia 16/348(4.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides 7/348(2.0%) and Strongyloides stercolaris 2/348(0.6%) were the most prevalent parasites. Moreover, comparable proportions of parasites were detected in males (52%) and females (48%). Habit of eating raw/under cooked vegetables (AOR=2.6, 95% CI=2.94-8.67) and poor personal hygiene (AOR=3.39, 95% CI=1.51-10.23) were factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections.Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers is relatively low. Though the prevalence rate is low; regular medical check-up, training and health education on safe food handling and processing should be given for all food handlers.
Short stem hip arthroplasty provides a more physiological load transfer: a comparative finite element analysis study
Authors: Yan Shuang G , Chevalier Yan , Liu Fanxiao , Hua Xingyi , Schreiner Anna , Jansson Volkmar , Schmidutz Florian
Published: February 2020

Background: Short stem total hip arthroplasty (SHA) preserves femoral bone stock and is supposed to provide a more natural load transfer compared to standard stem total hip arthroplasty (THA). As comparative biomechanical reference data are rare we used a finite element analysis (FEA) approach to compare cortical load transfer after implantations of a cementless short and standard stem in native biomechanical femora.Methods: The subject specific finite element models of biomechanical femora, one native and two with implanted SHA (Metha, B.Braun Aesculap) and standard THA (CLS, Zimmer-Biomet), were generated from computed tomography datasets. The loading configuration was performed with an axial force of 1400 N. Von Mises stress was used to investigate the change of cortical stress distribution.Results: Compared to the native femur, a considerable reduction of cortical stress was recorded after implantation of SHA and standard THA. The SHA showed less reduction proximally with a significant higher metaphyseal cortical stress compared to standard THA. Moreover, the highest peak stresses were observed metaphyseal for the SHA stem while for the standard THA high stress pattern was observed more distally.Conclusions: Both, short and standard THA, cause unloading of the proximal femur. However, SHA features a clearly favorable pattern in terms of a lower reduction proximally and improved metaphyseal loading, while standard THA shows a higher proximal unloading and more distal load transfer. These load pattern implicate a reduced stress shielding proximally for SHA and might be able to translate in a better bone preservation.
Microwave Ablation Aided Surgery for Benign Aggressive Bone Tumors in the Extremities: Technical Points
Authors: Liang Miaomiao , Chen Yu
Published: February 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Impacts of Stone Bund on Soil Quality in Masha-Deniba Micro-water Shed Loma woreda Dawuro Zone of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Danano Kero Alemu , Laikemariam Fanuel Laikemariam
Published: February 2020

Background: - Land degradation is one of the major challenges in agricultural production Ethiopia. To combat the problem different Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) measures were introduced. Methods: - This research was conducted in the Masha Deniba micro-watershed, Dawuro Zone, Southern Ethiopia aimed to assess impact of stone bund conservation on soil properties. This study compared the effects of stone bund age along landscape positions. Surface soil sample from 17 farms were collected and analyzed for soil bulk density (BD), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil. Result:- Results showed that farms treated with stone bunds showed improvement in soil chemical properties. For most parameters, the peak was obtained from stone bunds having 10 years age. The non- conserved plots had the lowest soil nutrients contents. Lower topographic position had shown higher nutrients contents than farms in upper topographic position. Overall, OC, TN, S and B contents were low in the watershed. Conclusion: - From the finding we can conclude that stone bunds improved soil nutrient when compared to non-treated farm with the respect of age and landscape position. But constructing physical structures alone does not restore the soil fertility to the level that the crop is demanding. Thus, integration of physical conservation with agronomic and biological measures is highly recommended.
The effect of a theory- informed behavior change techniques incorporated into a pedometer-based intervention on physical activity and weight of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: sabzmakan leila , Rajapour Razieh , Kordasiabi Mosharafeh Chaleshgar
Published: February 2020

Background : Increasing physical activity plays an important role in the promotion of the quality of life of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This study examined the impact of a theory- informed behavior change techniques intervention in conjunction with a pedometer-based intervention on physical activity and weight of women with PCOS. Method : This research is an unmasked controlled trial study. 88 women with PCOS referred to Mahdieh hospital Tehran, Iran and met the inclusion criteria were assigned by random assignment method to the intervention (12-week pedometer-based intervention plus a theory- informed behavior change intervention) and the comparison (12-week pedometer-based intervention) group. The primary outcome was physical activity that was measured in two ways. Step-counts were measured using pedometer, and self-reported physical activity was measured via the international physical activity questionnaire. The secondary outcomes were predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors that were measured through a psychometric self-administered questionnaire. Weight was also measured as a secondary outcome. All outcomes were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using STATA software version 13. Data analysis was performed on an intention to treat basis using Independent T-Test, ANOVA ANCOVA test, Repeated Measure ANOVA, and post-hoc analysis. Results : After adjusted mean, significant increases with a strong and moderate effect size were found in the intervention group relative to the comparison group for step-counts (P= 0.000, d = 2.01), walking (P=0.000, d=0.92), predisposing factors (P=0.000, d=1.05), enabling and reinforcing factors (P <0.05, d= 0.54 - 0.60). Significant decrease was found in the intervention group compared to the comparison group for weight (P=0.005) with a moderate effect size (d = 0.66). Conclusion : This pedometer-based intervention that applied behavior change techniques on the basis of predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors of the PRECEDE framework was affective to enhance physical activity and diminish the weight of women with PCOS. Therefore, it is suggested to incorporate theory- informed behavior change techniques into pedometer-based interventions for promoting physical activity. Trial registration : Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20161116030923N3. Keywords: Physical activity, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Theoretical framework, Behavior change techniques, Pedometer
Comparative analysis of the functional results of tongue reconstruction with four kinds of free flaps after radical resection of tongue cancer
Authors: cai yongcong , Li Chao , Zeng Dinfen , Shui ChunYan , Sun RongHao , Zhou YuQiu , Pei Jiao , Liu Wei , Wang Xu , Jiang Jian , Wang Wei
Published: February 2020

Background Surgery is still the treatment of choice for tongue cancer. Tongue reconstruction should be performed immediately after extensive resection of the tumor, which will affect the patient's function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional evaluation of four different free flaps in tongue reconstruction after a tongue cancer operation. Methods Forty-eight cases of tongue reconstruction with a radial forearm free(RFF flap), anterolateral thigh(ALT) flap, lateral upper arm free(LAF)flap and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator(DIEP)flap from 2014 to 2018 were analyzed. The speech function, swallowing function, tongue flexibility and patients' satisfaction with the donor area was investigated six months after repair. Results Twenty-one cases with RFF flaps, 18 cases with ALT flaps, 5 cases with LAF flaps and 4 cases with DIEP flaps showed complete flap survival. Speech function:39.6% of the patients exhibited normal speech, 43.8% of the patients exhibited near-normal speech, the RFF flap group was showed better recovery than did the other three groups ( p =0. 195). The degree of tongue flexibility: 37.5% of the patients with normal postoperative tongue flexibility, 43.6% of the patients with slightly limited tongue flexibility,, 16.7% of the patients with severely limited tongue flexibility, The flexibility of the RFF flap was better than that of the other three groups( p =0. 054). Swallowing function:47.9% of the patients had a regular diet, 33.3% of the patients had soft foods, 16.7% patients receive fluid diet, The RFF flap group showed better recovery than did the other three groups ( p =0. 248). Donor satisfaction: 56.2% of the patients were satisfied, 41.7% of the patients were basically satisfied, 100% of the patients with LAF and DIEP flaps were satisfied. This level of satisfaction was better than that in the RFF and ALT flap groups. ( p =0. 039). Conclusion The functional recovery of RFF flap in tongue reconstruction after middle and early stage tongue cancer surgery is better. However, ALT flap has been used more frequently for a large number of tissue defects caused by radical resection of tongue cancer in the advanced stage. Meanwhile, LAF and DIEP flaps can provide a sufficient tissue volume, a conceal scar, fewer complications in the donor area, and both function and beauty, which are easily accepted by patients.
FGF8 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hao Yilong , liu rui
Published: February 2020

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and with 500,000 new cases each year. The high risk of lymph node metastasis and local invasion are the main causes to cripples and death of OSCC patients. As potent growth factors, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) not only exert biological effects for primary epithelial cells, but also make FGF signaling susceptible to being hijacked by cancer cells. However, the precise role of FGF8 and the therapeutic effects of FGF8 in OSCC need to be further investigated. Methods Immunohistochemical staining was performed using in human OSCC tissues. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze the potential FGF8-associated proteins. Migration and invasion of OSCC cells was examined by wounding healing assay and Matrigel assay. Expression of EMT related markers Was examined by immunoblot. Results In this study, we show that FGF8 is upregulated in OSCC tissues and high FGF8 expression was related with a set of clinicopathologic parameters, including age, drinking, and survival time. FGF8 treatment enhances the invasive capability of OSCC cells. Lentivirus-based FGF8 expression promotes OSCC metastasis in a mouse lung metastasis model. Further, mechanistic study demonstrated that FGF8 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in OSCC cells. Conclusions These results highlight a pro-metastatic role of FGF8, and underscore the role of FGF8 in OSCC development.