bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Practical Method for Treating Oilfield Interference in Water-Drive Reservoirs
Authors: Mortada Mohamed
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 217–226.

A practical analytical method is developed in this paper which provides the practicing reservoir engineer with a handy method for analyzing oilfield interference problems. The procedure employed entails the principle of superposition of individual effects. A set of charts has been developed and can be used to evaluate the individual effects. The charts represent non-steady state pressure distribution in an extensive aquifer due to a constant rate of production from an oilfield which can be approximated by circular geometry; they are constructed from solutions to the diffusivity equation considering a circular sink as distinguished from a point sink. The solutions are obtained partially from mathematical considerations and partially from analog and digital computations.

By virtue of the method of images, the charts can be used also to treat the case of production near a fault. In addition, provisions are made for treating oil fields, which are produced by partial water-drive.

Treating an actual field case is deferred to a subsequent writing; however, illustrative example is presented to demonstrate the method of application.

The pressure distribution in linear and limited radial aquifers is currently under study.

Introduction

With the increasing difficulty of discovering new oil reserves, attention is necessarily focused on the efficient development and production of existing reservoirs. Efficient production depends on the availability of reliable means for predicting the pressure-production behavior of oil fields. The prediction is usually performed by analytical methods or computers. Analytical methods are often limited to systems which can be approximated by simple geometry. However, analytical methods have the distinct advantage of being readily performed without special equipment. Analog and digital computers lend themselves to a variety of problems, but are not always locally available and consequently their use is limited.
Calculation of Unsteady-State Gas Flow Within a Square Drainage Area
Authors: Douglas Jim , Peaceman D.W. , Rachford H.H.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 190–195.

The problem of unsteady-state gas flow through porous media has been solved numerically only for the case of linear or radially symmetric reservoirs. A recently introduced numerical method for solving the unsteady-state heat flow equation in two dimensions is applied to the calculation of the depletion of a square region containing a perfect gas. Solutions are presented in graphical form for various values of dimensionless parameters. The solutions are compared with published solutions for radial reservoirs.

Introduction

The problem of unsteady-state flow of gas through porous media gives rise to a second-order non-linear partial differential equation for which no analytical solution has been found. Numerical approximations to solutions of the gas flow problem have been obtained by the stepwise solution of an associated difference equation. However, the methods so far developed have required that the reservoir be either linear or radially symmetric. This restriction in shape has been necessary so that only two independent variables be considered, namely, one distance variable and time. In order to deal with reservoirs having more realistic shapes, it is necessary to develop numerical procedures for the solution of the gas flow problem involving two distance variables.

A numerical procedure, denoted as the alternating-direction implicit method, for the solution of the heat-flow problem in two dimensions has recently been introduced. By the use of this procedure, approximate solutions have been obtained for heat-flow problems in a square, and in regions having various non-rectangular boundaries. Because of the similarity between the equation for heat conduction in solids and the equation for gas flow in porous media, it is reasonable to expect that the alternating-direction implicit method should also be useful for solving the gas flow problem in various two-dimensional regions.
Locating Casing Shoe Leaks With Radioactive Argon
Authors: Kohl J. , Newacheck R.L. , Anderson E.E.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 213–216.

Radioactive materials were used underground before the advent of the nuclear reactor. Radium containing ores have been mixed with cements and other materials for later location in oil wells by gamma ray logging since 1940. Perforating bullets have been marked with radium salts, and radioactive materials have been added to drilling muds to find the cause of "lost circulation." More recently colloidal suspensions of radioactive cobalt-60 and silver-110 and solutions of I-131 have been used in waterflooding operations to determine injection profiles, flow paths and water velocities.

In this paper a recent and interesting underground tracer application is discussed. Development work and field engineering were carried out under the direction of Tracerlab, Inc., with assistance from personnel of the client. A gaseous tracer, argon-41, was used in an attempt to determine the cause of leakage from an underground gas storage reservoir.

Statement of Problem

This gaseous tracer application was carried out for the Natural Gas Storage Co. of Illinois. This company has developed an underground gas storage field 1,750 ft below the surface of the earth near the village of Herscher, Ill., about 60 miles south of Chicago. The total volume of gas stored in the field was estimated to be about 13 billion cu ft in the spring of 1954. The field has a maximum estimated storage capacity of 90 billion cu ft. The gas is contained in the Galesville sandstone, previously a water bearing formation of about 25 per cent porosity. The water as it is pushed out by the gas forms a barrier for the gas around the edge of the reservoir. Over the top and beneath the bottom of the reservoir are located several layers of impervious rock, which barring cracks or unplugged and unknown wells should act as seals.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of PUB genes in cotton
Authors: Lu Xuke , Shu Na , Wang Delong , Wang Junjuan , Chen Xiugui , Zhang Binglei , Wang Shuai , Guo Lixue , Chen Chao , Ye Wuwei
Published: February 2020

Background: The U-box gene encodes a ubiquitin ligase that contain U-box domain. The plant U-box gene (PUB) plays an important role in the response to stresses, but few reports about PUBs in cotton were available. Therefore research on PUBs is of great importance and a necessity when studying the mechanisms of stress- tolerance in cotton.Results: In this study, we identified 93, 96, 185 and 208 PUBs from four sequenced cotton species G. raimondii (D5), G. arboreum (A2), G. hirsutum (AD1) and G. barbadense (AD2), respectively. Prediction analysis of subcellular localization showed that the PUBs in cotton were widely localized in cells, but primarily in the nucleus. The PUBs in cotton were classified into six subfamilies (A-F) on the basis of phylogenetic analysis, which was testified by the analysis of conserved motifs and exon-intron structures. Chromosomal localization analysis showed that cotton PUBs were unevenly anchored on all chromosomes, varying from 1 to 14 per chromosome. Through multiple sequence alignment analysis, 3 tandem duplications and 28 segmental duplications in cotton genome D5, 2 tandem duplications and 25 segmental duplications in A2, and 143 homologous gene pairs in A2 and D5 were found; however no tandem duplications in A2 or D5 were found. Additionally, 105, 14 and 17 homologous gene pairs were found in the intra-subgenome of At and Dt, At sub-genome and Dt sub-genome of G. hirsutum, respectively. Functional analysis of GhPUB85A and GhPUB45D showed that these genes positively responded to abiotic stresses, but the expression patterns were different. In addition, although the expression levels of these two homologous genes were similar, their contributions were different when responding to stresses, specifically showing different responses to abiotic stresses and functional differences between the two subgenomes of G. hirsutum. Conclusions: This study reported the genome-wide identification, structure, evolution and expression analysis of PUBs in cotton, and the results showed that the PUBs were highly conserved throughout the evolutionary history of cotton. All PUB genes were involved in the response to abiotic stresses (including salt, drought, hot and cold) to varying degrees.
Gene expression profiling identifies pathways involved in seed maturation of Jatropha curcas
Authors: Maghuly Fatemeh , Deak Tamas , Vierlinger Klemens , Pabinger Stephan , Tafer Hakim , Laimer Margit
Published: February 2020

Background: Jatropha curcas, a tropical shrub, is a promising biofuel crop, which produces seeds with high content of oil and protein. To better understand the maturation process of J. curcas seeds and to improve its agronomic performance, a two-step approach was performed in six different maturation stages of seeds: 1) generation of the entire transcriptome of J. curcas seeds using 454-Roche sequencing of a cDNA library, 2) comparison of transcriptional expression levels using a custom Agilent 8x60K oligonucleotide microarray. Results: A total of 793,875 high-quality reads were assembled into 19,382 unique full-length contigs, of which 13,507 could be annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Microarray data analysis identified 9,111 probes (out of 57,842 probes), which were differentially expressed between the six maturation stages. The expression results were validated for 75 selected transcripts based on expression levels, predicted function, pathway, and length. Result from cluster analyses showed that transcripts associated with fatty acid, flavonoid, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were over-represented in the early stages, while those of lipid storage were over-represented in the late stages. Expression analyses of different maturation stages of J. curcas seed showed that most changes in transcript abundance occurred between the two last stages, suggesting that the timing of metabolic pathways during seed maturation in J. curcas occurs in late stages. The co-expression results showed that the hubs (CB5-D, CDR1, TT8, DFR, HVA22) with the highest number of edges, associated with fatty acid and flavonoid biosynthesis, are showing a decrease in their expression during seed maturation. Furthermore, seed development and hormone pathways are significantly well connected. Conclusion: The obtained results revealed differentially expressed sequences (DESs) regulating important pathways related to seed maturation, which could contribute to the understanding of the complex regulatory network during seed maturation with the focus on lipid, flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. This study provides detailed information on transcriptional changes during J. curcas seed maturation and provides a starting point for a genomic survey of seed quality traits. The results highlighted specific genes and processes relevant to the molecular mechanisms involved in Jatropha seed maturation. These data can also be utilized regarding other Euphorbiaceae species.
Disruption of a primary health care domestic violence and abuse service in two London boroughs: interrupted time series evaluation
Authors: Panovska-Griffiths Jasmina , Sohal Alex Hardip , Martin Peter , Capelas Estela Barbosa , Johnson Medina , Howell Annie , Lewis Natalia , Feder Gene , Griffiths Chris , Eldridge Sandra
Published: February 2020

Background
Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is experienced by about 1/3 of women globally and remains a major health concern worldwide. IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety of women affected by DVA) is a complex, system-level, training and support programme, designed to improve the primary healthcare response to DVA. Following a successful trial in England, since 2011 IRIS has been implemented in eleven London boroughs. In two boroughs the service was disrupted temporarily. This study evaluates the impact of that service disruption.
Methods
We used anonymised data on daily referrals received by DVA service providers from general practices in two IRIS implementation boroughs that had service disruption for a period of time (six and three months). In line with previous work we refer to these as boroughs B and C. The primary outcome was the number of daily referrals received by the DVA service provider across each borough over 48 months (March 2013-April 2017) in borough B and 42 months (October 2013-April 2017) in borough C. The data were analysed using interrupted-time series, non-linear regression with sensitivity analyses exploring different regression models. Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs), 95% confidence intervals and p-values associated with the disruption were reported for each borough.
Results
A mixed-effects negative binomial regression was the best fit model to the data. In borough B, the disruption, lasted for about six months, reducing the referral rate significantly (p=0.006) by about 70% (95%CI=(23%,87%)). In borough C, the three-month service disruption, also significantly (p=0.005), reduced the referral rate by about 49% (95% CI=(18%,68%)).
Conclusions
Disrupting the IRIS service substantially reduced the rate of referrals to DVA service providers. Our findings are evidence in favour of continuous funding and staffing of IRIS as a system level programme.
Funding
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) North Thames.
Keywords
domestic violence and abuse, interrupted time-series, non-linear regression
Dysbiosis, gut barrier dysfunction and inflammation in dementia: A pilot study
Authors: Stadlbauer Vanessa , Engertsberger Lara , Komarova Irina , Feldbacher Nicole , Leber Bettina , Pichler Gerald , Fink Nicole , Scarpatetti Monika , Schippinger Walter , Schmidt Reinhold , Horvath Angela
Published: February 2020

Background: Dementia is an increasing public health threat worldwide. The pathogenesis of dementia has not been fully elucidated yet. Inflammatory processes are hypothesized to play an important role as a driver for cognitive decline but the origin of inflammation is not clear. We hypothesize that disturbances in gut microbiome composition, gut barrier dysfunction, bacterial translocation and resulting inflammation are associated with cognitive dysfunction in dementia. Methods: To test this hypothesis, a cohort of 23 patients with dementia and 18 age and sex matched controls without cognitive impairments were studied. Gut microbiome composition, gut barrier dysfunction, bacterial translocation and inflammation were assessed from stool and serum samples. Malnutrition was assessed by Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), detailed information on drug use was collected. Microbiome composition was assessed by 16s rRNA sequencing, QIIME 2 and Calypso 7.14 tools. Results: Dementia was associated with dysbiosis characterized by differences in beta diversity and changes in taxonomic composition. Gut permeability was increased as evidenced by increased serum diamine oxidase (DAO) levels and systemic inflammation was confirmed by increased soluble cluster of differentiation 14 levels (sCD14). BMI and statin use had the strongest impact on microbiome composition. Conclusion: Dementia is associated with changes in gut microbiome composition and increased biomarkers of gut permeability and inflammation. Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group as potential butyrate producer was reduced in dementia. Malnutrition and drug intake were factors, that impact on microbiome composition. Increasing butyrate producing bacteria and targeting malnutrition may be promising therapeutic targets in dementia.
Cardiac Surgical Outcome Prediction by Blood Pressure Variability Indices Poincaré plot and Coefficient of Variation: an Observational Study
Authors: K Senthil Packiasabapathy , Prasad Varesh , Rangasamy Valluvan , Popok David , Xu Xinling , Novack Victor , Subramaniam Balachundhar
Published: February 2020

Background Recent literature suggests a significant association between blood pressure variability (BPV) and postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery. However, its outcome prediction ability remains unclear. Current prediction models use static preoperative patient factors. We explored the ability of Poincaré plots and coefficient of variation (CV) by measuring intraoperative BPV in predicting adverse outcomes. Methods In this retrospective, observational, cohort study, 3687 adult patients (> 18 years) undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardio-pulmonary bypass from 2008 to 2014 were included. Blood pressure variability was computed by Poincare plots and CV. Standard descriptors (SD) SD1, SD2 were measured with Poincare plots by ellipse fitting technique. The outcomes analyzed were the 30-day mortality and postoperative renal failure. Logistic regression models adjusted for preoperative and surgical factors were constructed to evaluate the association between BPV parameters and outcomes. C-statistics were used to analyse the predictive ability. Results Analysis found that, 99 (2.7%) patients died within 30 days and 105 (2.8%) patients suffered from in-hospital renal failure. Logistic regression models including BPV parameters (standard descriptors from Poincare plots and CV) performed poorly in predicting postoperative 30-day mortality and renal failure [Concordance(C)-Statistic around 0.5]. They did not add any significant value to the standard STS risk score [C-statistic: STS alone 0.7, STS + BPV parmeters 0.7]. Conclusions In conclusion, BP variability computed from Poincare plots and CV were not predictive of mortality and renal failure in cardiac surgical patients. Patient comorbid conditions and other preoperative factors are still the gold standard for outcome prediction. Future directions include analysis of dynamic parameters such as complexity of physiological signals in identifying high risk patients and tailoring management accordingly.
A review on oral health care in four different health care systems
Authors: Brondani Mario , Mathu-Muju Kavita , Skott Pia , Sandborgh-Englund Gunilla , Hugo Fernando N , Ardenghi Thiago , Smith Moira , Thomson W Murray
Published: February 2020

Background : A universal approach to oral health is said to improve oral health outcomes, but research has shown mixed results. This study aimed at critically reviewing the literature available on the oral health care systems of four countries in terms of structure, scope, and delivery, along with their impact on oral health outcomes. Methods : A comparative literature review of the oral health care systems in Brazil, New Zealand, Canada, and Sweden was performed between August 2017 and January 2018 using PubMed/MEDLINE and the key words ‘universal’ OR ‘publicly funded’ AND ‘dental OR oral’ AND ‘care OR access’ AND ‘outcome’. This is a critical essay based on evidence available in the literature that was enriched by accounts from 12 key informants from these four countries. Results : All four countries provide some form of universal health care, but the administration, funding, and delivery of oral health care varied. Approximately 6% of oral health care expenditure in Canada is publicly funded. Brazil provides full publicly-funded oral health care at the point of use via salaried dental professionals, while Sweden offers a high-cost protection plan favouring those with greater needs, and New Zealand delivers publicly-funded oral health care to children up to their eighteenth birthday. With service utilization varying, 61% percent of Canadian children, 67% of Swedish children, 50% of Brazilian children, and 45% of New Zealand children are caries-free at age 12, while 6.4%, 0.8%, 6.5%, and 9.6% of adults between the ages of 20 and 79 years are edentulous, respectively. Conclusions : All countries have some form of publicly-funded oral health care, but vary in the way that the services are delivered, from salary-based providers to private-practice models. Service utilization and oral health outcomes differ in each country.
The Effect Of Sleeping Position On Heart Rate Variability In Newborns
Authors: Fister Petja , Nolimal Manca , Lenasi Helena , Klemenc Matjaž
Published: February 2020

Background : Lower heart rate variability (HRV) in a newborn might represent a risk factor for unfavourable outcome, a longer recovery after illness, and a sudden infant death. Our aim was to determine whether the newborn’s sleeping position is associated with HRV. Methods : We performed a prospective clinical study in 46 hospitalized cardiorespiratory stable term newborns. During sleeping, we measured the parameters of HRV in four body positions (supine, supine with tilt, prone, prone with tilt). Results : The TP (total power spectral density) was significantly higher when lying supine in comparison to prone (p = 0,048) and to prone with tilt (p = 0,046). The HF (high frequency of power spectral density) in the supine position without tilt tended to be higher compared to prone without tilt (p > 0,05). The LF (low frequency power) was significantly higher when lying supine compared to prone, both without tilt (p = 0,018). TP and HF showed a positive correlation with gestational age (p = 0.044 and p = 0.036, respectively). Conclusions : In term newborns, sleeping position is associated with HRV. Higher TP and HF were found in the supine position, which might reflect better ANS stability. Gestational age positively correlated with TP and HF power, but only in supine position.
Comparison of videolaryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy by German paramedics during out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An observational prospective study.
Authors: Risse Joachim , Volberg Christian , Kratz Thomas , Plöger Birgit , Jerrentrup Andreas , Pabst Dirk , Kill Clemens
Published: February 2020

Background:Videolaryngoscopy (VL) has become a popular method of intubation (ETI). Although VL may facilitate ETI in less-experienced rescuers there are limited data available concerning ETI performed by paramedics during CPR. The goal was to evaluate the impact VL compared with DL on intubation success and glottic view during CPR performed by German paramedics. We investigated in an observational prospective study the superiority of VL by paramedics during CPR compared with direct laryngoscopy (DL). Methods:In a single Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in Germanywith in total 32 ambulances paramedics underwent an initial instruction from in endotracheal intubation (ETI) with GlideScope® (GVL) during resuscitation. The primary endpoint was good visibility of the glottis (Cormack-Lehane grading 1/2), and the secondary endpoint was successful intubation comparing GVL and DL. Results: In total n = 97 patients were included, n = 69 with DL (n = 85 intubation attempts) and n = 28 VL (n = 37 intubation attempts). Videolaryngoscopy resulted in a significantly improved visualization of the larynx compared with DL. In the group using GVL, 82% rated visualization of the glottis as CL 1&2 versus 55% in the DL group (p = 0.02). Despite better visualization of the larynx, there was no statistically significant difference in successful ETI between GVL and DL (GVL 75% vs. DL 68.1%, p = 0.63). Conclusions: We found no difference in Overall and First Pass Success (FPS) between GVL and DL during CPR by German paramedics despite better glottic visualization with GVL. Therefore, we conclude that education in VL should also focus on insertion of the endotracheal tube, considering the different procedures of GVL.
Gastrointestinal peptides in children before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Skoczeń Szymon , Rej Magdalena , Pietrys Danuta , Kwiecińska Kinga , Tomasik Przemysław J. , Wójcik Małgorzata , Strojny Wojciech , Dłużniewska Agnieszka , Klimasz Katarzyna , Fijorek Kamil , Korostyński Michał , Piechota Marcin , Balwierz Walentyna
Published: February 2020

Background: Gastrointestinal tract function and it's integrity are controlled by a number of peptides whose secretion is influenced by severe inflammation. In stomach the main regulatory peptide is ghrelin. For upper small intestine cholecystokinin and lower small intestine glucagon-like peptide- 1 are secreted, while fibroblast growth factor-21 is secreted by several organs, including the liver, pancreas, and adipose tissue [12]. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation causes serious mucosal damage, which can reflect on this peptides. Methods: The aim of the study was to determine fasting plasma concentrations of ghrelin, cholecystokinin, glucagon- like peptide-1, and fibroblast growth factor -21, and their gene expressions, before and 6 months after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. 27 children were studied, c ontrol group included 26 healthy children. Results: Acute graft versus host disease was diagnosed in 11 patients (41%, n=27). Median pre-transplantation concentrations of gastrointestinal peptides , as well as their gene expressions, were significantly lower in studied group compared with the control group. Only median of fibroblast growth factor-21 concentration was near-significantly higher before stem cell transplantation than in the control group. The post–hematopoietic transplant results revealed significantly higher concentrations of the studied peptides (except fibroblast growth factor-21) and respective gene expressions as compare to pre transplant results . M edian glucagone like peptide-1 concentrations were significantly decreased in patients with features of acute graft versus host disease . Moreover, negative correlation between glucagone like peptide-1 concentrations and acute graft versus host disease severity was found. Conclusions: Increased concentrations and gene expressions of gastrointestinal tract regulation peptides can be caused by stimulation of regeneration in the severe injured organ . Measurement of these parameters may be a useful method of assessment of severity of gastrointestinal tract complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Identification of lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network associated with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Zhou Minwen , Lu Bing , Tan Wei , Fu Mingshui
Published: February 2020

Background

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a complicated disorder characterized by a progressive permanent degeneration of retinal ganglion cell (RGCs) death. An increasing number of studies have suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have the ability to regulate gene expression; however, thus far, the mechanisms and functions of lncRNAs in the development of POAG are still unclear.

Methods

Using the data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), differentially expressed lncRNAs and differentially expressed mRNAs between POAG patients and controls were identified. Then, the lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed, and the key lncRNAs in POAG were identified. A Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed to assess the enriched biological functions of mRNA in the ceRNA network.

Results

During this study, a POAG-related ceRNA network with 37 miRNA nodes, 248 lncRNA nodes, 178 mRNA nodes, and 1985 edges was constructed. In addition, four lncRNAs (DNAJC27-AS1, AF121898, OIP5-AS1, and SNX29P2) were established as hub RNAs in this ceRNA network. The functional assay showed that 18 GO terms and 17 pathways were enriched.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into the lncRNA-related ceRNA network in POAG, and the four lncRNAs were identified in the development of POAG.
The Role of Text messaging Intervention in Inner Mongolia among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Liu Dan , Du Maolin , Hao Ruiqi , Zheng Huiqiu , Yan Chaoli
Published: February 2020

Background: Short messages service (SMS) provides a practical medium for delivering content to address patients to adherence to self-management. The aim of study was to design some patient-centered health education messages, evaluate the feasibility of messages, and explore the effect of this model.
Methods: The messages were designed by a panel of experts, and SMS Quality Evaluation Questionnaire was used to evaluate their quality. A two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this management model. Participants were randomly divided into an intervention group (IG) who received evaluated messages and a control group (CG) who received regular education. The primary outcomes were changes in plasma glucose and control rates, and the secondary outcomes were improvements in diet control, physical activities, weight control, etc.
Results: A total of 42 messages covering five main domains: health awareness, diet control, physical activities, living habits and weight control were designed, and the average scores of the messages were 8.0 (SD 0.7), 8.5 (SD 0.6), 7.9 (SD 1.0), 8.0 (SD 0.7), and 8.4 (SD 0.9), respectively. In the SMS intervention, 171 patients with an average age of 55.1 years were involved, including 86 in the CG and 85 in the IG. At 12 months, compared with the control group (CG), the decrease of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (1.5 vs. 0.4, P = 0.011) and control rate (49.4% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.034), the postprandial glucose (PPG) (5.8 vs. 4.2, P = 0.009) and control rate (57.8% vs. 33.7%, P = 0.002) were better in the intervention group (IG). In terms of self-management, improvements in weight control (49.3% vs. 28.2%, P=0.031), vegetables consumption (87.3% vs. 29.0%, P<0.001), fruits consumption (27.5% vs. 7.4%, P=0.022), and physical activities (84.7% vs. 70.0%, P=0.036) were better in the IG than in the CG.
Conclusions: The overall quality of the messages was high. It was effective and feasible to carry out an SMS intervention to improve the behavioral habits of patients with chronic diseases in remote and undeveloped areas.
Coordinating Health Workforce Management in a Devolved Context: Lessons from Kenya
Authors: Thuku Mathew Kariuki , Muriuki Janet , Adano Ummuro , Oyucho Linet , Nelson David
Published: February 2020

Introduction In 2013, Kenya fully and rapidly devolved health services to 47 county governments under its new constitution. It soon became evident that the coordination mechanism to manage the health workforce at county level was inadequate. This case study describes how Kenya created an inter-county, multi-stakeholder human resources for health (HRH) coordination framework that promotes consensus, commitment, and cooperation in devolved HR management. Case Presentation Through USAID funding, IntraHealth International built the health workforce management capacity of county governments by strengthening coordination mechanisms at national and county levels. Informed by stakeholder mapping, Kenya’s 47 counties were grouped into nine clusters with similar geographic contexts and HRH challenges. Inter-county cluster HRH stakeholder coordination forums are hosted by a rotating county-led secretariat and meet quarterly to address gaps, share successes and challenges, and track implementation of action plans. They link to the national level for capacity building, policy formulation, HRH regulation, and provision of standards. Counties have assumed ownership of the forums and contributed about US$85,000 to date toward expenses. Conclusions As a mechanism for transforming Kenya’s national HRH agenda into action at the county level, the HRH coordination framework has been instrumental in 1) expediting development, customization, and dissemination of policies, 2) enabling national HRH officers to mentor their county counterparts, and 3) providing collaborative platforms for multiple stakeholders to resolve HRH challenges and harmonize HR practices nationwide. Successes catalyzed through the inter-county forums include hiring over 20,000 health workers to address shortages; expanding the national HR information system to all 47 counties; developing guidelines for sharing specialist providers; and establishing professionalized HRH units in all 47 counties. Kenya has made great strides in strengthening its health system through the HRH coordination framework, which supports standardization of county health operations with national goals while enabling national policy to address HRH gaps in the counties. Transitioning to fully local funding of inter-county forums is important for sustaining progress.
Regional AET indicating oasis water consumption and groundwater dynamics under a background of climate change
Authors: Wu Lei , Changbin Li , Xie Xuhong , He Zhibin , Wang Wanrui , Zhang Yuan , Wei Jianmei , Lv Jianan
Published: February 2020

Background: Development of agriculture-dominated socio-economy have led to remarkable increase of water consumption in arid regions of the world. Frequent over-exploitation of water resources resulted in widely environmental degradation in the water-scarce and eco-fragile area, especially in China’s inland river basins. The Shiyang River Basin (SYRB) is the one where the most contradictive situation was found between socio-economic development and environmental sustainability in recent decades. In this study, a case study clarifying groundwater responses to intensive oasis water utilization was conducted during the time period from 1981 to 2010.
Result: Regional AET was stepwise regressed with observed series of T, P and NDVI, the accuracy was found satisfactory. Module analysis revealed that the continuous warming had facilitated the AET rather than the other two factors (P and NDVI). The 30-year statistics revealed that total volume of oasis water utilization far exceeded mountainous discharges in the SYRB. Local abstractions offset the insufficiency and resulted in considerable drawdown of groundwater level. Dynamics of groundwater were found remarkably influenced by land surface water division, oasis scale and water consumption. Driven module calibrated upon regional averages of the above variables, suitable scale of the oasis was quantitatively discussed. Results revealed that the near-complete development of mountainous discharges, along with the over-exploitation of groundwater, have brought about degradation of the groundwater system. Groundwater level drawdown showed annual rates of 0.17 m/a and 0.31 m/a in the middle and lower reaches, respectively, during the time period from 1981 to 2010.
Conclusions: Overexploitation of water resources and its negative consequences for regional hydrology and ecology in arid regions should be considered as a warning for pursuing economic well-being at the expense of the environment. Given the huge water demand for oasis survival and the background of climatic warming, reduction of arable scale combined with water transfer from outside should be conducted. This study serves as a 30-year case example when above contradictions presented remarkably in inland river systems in the arid northwestern China.
Simultaneous detection of 37 Lactobacillus species using a real-time PCR assay based on whole-genome sequence analysis
Authors: Kim Eiseul , Yang Seung-Min , Lim Bora , Park Si Hong , Rackerby Bryna , Kim Hae-Yeong
Published: February 2020

Background

Lactobacillus species are used as probiotics and play an important role in fermented food production. However, use of 16S rRNA gene sequences as standard markers for the differentiation of Lactobacillus species offers a very limited scope, as several species of Lactobacillus share similar 16S rRNA gene sequences. In this study, we developed a rapid and accurate method based on comparative genomic analysis for the simultaneous identification of 37 Lactobacillus species that are commonly used in probiotics and fermented foods.

Results

To select species-specific sequences or genes, a total of 180 Lactobacillus genome sequences were compared using Python scripts. In 14 out of 37 species, species-specific sequences could not be found due to the similarity of the 16S–23S rRNA gene. Selected unique genes were obtained using comparative genomic analysis and all genes were confirmed to be specific for 52,478,804 genomes via in silico analysis; they were found not to be strain-specific, but to exist in all strains of the same species. Species-specific primer pairs were designed from the selected 16S–23S rRNA gene sequences or unique genes of species. The specificity of the species-specific primer pairs was confirmed using reference strains, and the accuracy and efficiency of the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the standard curve were confirmed. The real-time PCR method developed in this study is able to accurately differentiate species that were not distinguishable using the 16S rRNA gene alone. This Real-time PCR method was designed to detect 37 Lactobacillus species in a single reaction. The developed method was then applied in the monitoring of 19 probiotics and 12 dairy products. The applied tests confirmed that the species detected in 17 products matched those indicated on their labels, whereas the remaining products contained species other than those appearing on the label.

Conclusions

The method developed in this study is able to rapidly and accurately distinguish different species of Lactobacillus, and can be used to monitor specific Lactobacillus species in foods such as probiotics and dairy products.
A preliminary study on the ultrasonic manifestations of peripulmonary lesions of non-critical novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) 
Authors: Huang Yi , Wang Sihan , Liu Yue , Zhang Yaohui , Zheng Chuyun , Zheng Yu , Zhang Chaoyang , Min Weili , Yu Ming , Hu Mingjun
Published: February 2020

Background: Ultrasound is used to observe the imaging manifestations of COVID-19 in order to provide reference for real-time bedside evaluation.Purpose: To explore the ultrasonic manifestations of peripulmonary lesions of non-critical COVID-19, so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and efficacy evaluation.Materials and Methods: The clinical and ultrasonic data of 20 patients with clinically diagnosed non-critical COVID-19 treated in Xi'an Chest Hospital during January and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Conventional two-dimensional ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound were used to observe the characteristics of lesions. Results: All 20 patients (40 lungs and 240 lung areas) had a history of travel, residence or close contact in/with Wuhan, and 5 of them caught COVID-19 after family gatherings. Lesions tended to occur in both lungs. Lesions in the lung areas: 14 in L1+R1 area (14/40), 17 in L2+R2 area (17/40), 17 in L3+R3 area (17/40), 17 in L4+R4 area (17/40), 20 in L5+R5 area (20/40), and 28 in L6+R6 area (28/40). Lesion types: rough and discontinuous pleural line (36/240), subpleural consolidation (53/240), air bronchogram sign or air bronchiologram sign in subpleural peripleural consolidation (37/240), visible B lines (91/240), localized pleural thickening (19/240), localized pleural effusion (24/240), poor blood flow in the consolidation detected by color Doppler ultrasound (50/53).Conclusion: The non-critical COVID-19 has characteristic ultrasonic manifestations, which are visible in the posterior and inferior areas of the lung. The lesions are mainly characterized by a large number of B lines, subpleural pulmonary consolidation and poor blood flow. Lung ultrasound can provide reference for the clinical diagnosis and efficacy evaluation. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000030032Approval for Scientific Research Project: No. 2020-S0001
Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale: Translation and Psychometric properties of the Persian Version
Authors: DoosAliVand Hoda , AhmadianVargahan Fahimeh , Charkhabi Morteza , SadeghniiatHaghighi Khosro , Dutheil Frederic , Habibi Mojtaba
Published: February 2020

Background: Sleep effort is a multicomponent variable associated with sleep initiation and maintenance problems. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale (GSES) in Persian language. Methods: The participants consisted of two samples: a clinical group of 120 participants with insomnia disorder meeting DSM-V criteria for insomnia and a non-clinical group of 110 participants (58%) with normal sleep who completed the following measures: GSES, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale-10, Pre Sleep Arousal Scale-cognitive subscale, Depression-Anxiety- Stress Scale-21 and sleep diary. Significant correlations were observed between GSES and related measures in both groups. Results: Principal component analysis indicated a single component accounted for 64.77% of total variance in clinical group. Result of the fit estimates for the one-factor unidimensional model meet the previously specified fit criteria and adequately fit the data in non-clinical group. Statistical findings showed that the GSES has good internal consistency in terms of Cronbach Alpha (.75 for clinical sample and .77 for non-clinical sample) and test- retest reliability (r =.70) for a 4 week interval. The cutoff point, sensitivity, and specificity of the scale were 6, 85% and 94.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The Persian Version of the GSES has adequate psychometric properties in both clinical and non-clinical populations and can be used in Persian speaking countries. Keywords: GSES, sleep effort, reliability, validity, insomnia, Persian scale
Psychosocial Family Interventions for Relatives of People Living with Schizophrenia in the Arab World: Systematic Review
Authors: Sawafi Aziza Saleh Al , Lovell Karina , Renwick Laoise , Husain Nusrat
Published: February 2020

Aim and objectives To synthesise the available evidence about culturally-adapted psychosocial family interventions in the Arab world. The review identifies the content and characteristics of these interventions, determines the strategies used to successfully adapt them to the Arab culture, assesses the feasibility and acceptability of the interventions, and evaluates the effectiveness of these interventions for service users and their families. Background Family interventions in schizophrenia are evidence based and have been adapted to different cultures to improve their effectiveness and acceptability in different settings. The Arab world has a unique set of sociocultural norms and values that cannot be ignored when developing or implementing such interventions. There is a lack of research on the feasibility of delivering family interventions for schizophrenia in the Arab region. Design: systematic review Method Five electronic databases were searched including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and EMBASE for articles written in Arabic and English from inception to 2019. Data were extracted and synthesised narratively. Result Five studies were retrieved from the search: two randomized control studies, two non-randomized studies and one qualitative study. There is a paucity of evidence about culturally- adapted family interventions in the Arab region. However, the cultural adaptation process was comprehensive and the implementation was feasible and acceptable. The methodological quality of the included studies was generally poor, so there is a risk of overestimating the effect of the interventions due to lack of rigour and the presence of bias. Conclusion The present review provides the foundation for future work about family interventions in the Arab world. The content and characteristics of the interventions were identified but the effectiveness cannot be determined because of the poor methodological quality. The adaptation process was comprehensive but rigor in testing adapted interventions is largely absent.
Characterization of codon usage pattern in novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV
Authors: Hou Wei
Published: February 2020

The outbreak of viral pneumonia in China due to a novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV poses significant threats to international health. In this study we perform bioinformatic analysis to take a snapshot of the codon usage pattern of 2019-nCoV and uncover that this novel coronavirus has a relatively low codon usage bias. The information from this research may not only be helpful to get new insights into the evolution of 2019-nCoV, but also have potential value for developing coronavirus vaccines.
Breast Cancer screening patterns in Jamaican women: review of the largest national mammography clinic
Authors: Chin Sheray N , Cornwall Derria , Mitchell Derek , McFarlane Michael , Plummer Joseph
Published: February 2020

Background Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer and cancer related deaths in Jamaican women. In Jamaica, women often present with advanced stages of breast cancer, despite the availability of screening mammography for early detection. The utilization of screening mammography for early breast cancer diagnosis seems to be limited, and this study investigated the national patterns of mammographic screening and the impact of mammography on the diagnosis of breast cancer in Jamaica.Methods A retrospective analysis of the records of the largest mammography clinic in Jamaica was done for the period January 2011 to December 2016. Descriptive statistics was performed on relevant patient characteristics with calculation of rates and proportions; cross-tabulations were utilized to assess relationship of covariates being studied on the outcomes of interest. Results are reported in aggregate form with no identifiable patient data.Results 48,203 mammograms were performed during the study period. 574 women (1.2%) had mammograms suspicious for breast cancer with median age of 57 years (range 30 – 95 years); 35% were under the age of 50. 4 women with suspicious findings had undergone ‘routine mammography’, with the remaining having ‘diagnostic mammography’. 38% reported previous mammograms, with a mean interval of 8 years between previous normal mammogram and abnormal mammogram. Median age at first screening mammogram was 51 years (range 41-77).Conclusion Breast cancer screening mammography is underutilized in Jamaica. An organized national breast cancer screening programme is recommended to improve adherence to international breast cancer screening guidelines.
Spatio-Temporal Variability of Malaria Infection in Chahbahar County, Iran: Association with the ENSO and Rainfall Variability
Authors: Nazemosadat S. M. J , Shafiei R , Ghaedamini H , Najjari M , Nazemosadat Z , Hatam Gholamreza
Published: February 2020

Background: Malaria is one of the most widespread communicable diseases in the southeast of Iran particularly in Chahbahar County. Comprehensive understanding of the influence of climate on this disease is a key element for success in the environmental-based malaria elimination programs. After analyzing the spatio-temporal distribution of the disease, the relationships between the infection statistics and some important climate indices particularly the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and rainfall were investigated.Methods: The malaria statistics collected from various health centers were composited with the corresponding data of Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), ground-based meteorological records and satellite-based rainfall data. Non-parametric Mann-whitely test was applied to detect the significant difference between patient number between El Niño and La Niña and between the adopted wet and dry episodes.Findings: Patient number from highest to lowest was associated to summer, autumn, spring and winter, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and other species were responsible for 22%, 75% and 3% of the sickness, respectively. While the outbreak of P. falciparum is in autumn; P. vivax is erupted in summer. When the epidemic statistics were collected from rural rather than urban areas, the effect of climate on the infection statistic was more obvious.Interpretation: For rural / urban areas, the infection statistics exhibited a significant decline / increase during El Niño episodes. In autumn, spring and winter, patient number has significantly increased / decreased during the dry / wet epochs, respectively. These relationships were, however, reversed during summertime of health indicators are rarely available for every population and period of interest, and available data.Funding: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences