bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the Impact of Alkaline-Surfactant and Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer Flooding Processes on Scale Precipitation and Management
Authors: Al Kalbani Munther Mohammed , Jordan Myles Martin , Mackay Eric James , Sorbie Ken Stuart , Nghiem Long X.
Published: June 2020

Mineral scaling issues have been reported in many alkaline and Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer (ASP) projects. The role of the in situ mineral reactions on the produced scaling ions and pH has been little reported in the literature. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the in situ chemical and geochemical interactions on the scale precipitation risk when the fluids reach the wellbore, and their inhibition during Alkaline-Surfactant (AS) and ASP flooding processes.

Reservoir simulation is used to model the geochemical interactions and chemical flood flow behaviour using 2D areal and vertical homogeneous and heterogeneous models. Data from the literature is used to model oil, water and rock interactions (interfacial tension, reaction rate parameters, relative permeability, chemical adsorption and polymer viscosity) for surfactant, and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) alkalis, and HPAM polymer. At the wellbore, squeeze modelling is used to investigate the volume, concentration and cost of calcite scale inhibitor for three different AS and ASP flooding options.

Results show that the in situ rock dissolution, mineral precipitation and brine mixing reduce the produced ion concentrations (Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-) and pH compared to the initial concentration and the injected pH value. The calcite scaling risk can be high during Na2CO3 injection while silica and Mg(OH)2 scales are potential minerals that will precipitate in the production system during NaOH injection. Uncertainty in the mineral reaction rate parameters, especially mineral surface area, is important and must be captured, as this may impact the scaling risk in the producer. Among the studied flooding options, ASP with pre and post polymer slugs shortens the calcite scaling period, reduces the scaling ion concentrations and the produced water rates. This case, then, requires the least number of squeeze treatments, the lowest scale inhibitor volume, and delivers the highest incremental oil recovery.

This paper gives a workflow for assessing the scaling risks for AS and ASP flooding, with crucial role played by reservoir complexity. It is therefore recommended that scaling assessment calculations following our workflow be carried out for specific AS and ASP field cases.
Impact of Relaxation of LSSW Parameters on Scaling Risk
Authors: Al Kalbani Munther , Al Shabibi Hatem , Ishkov Oleg , Silva Duarte , Mackay Eric , Baraka-Lokmane Salima , Pedenaud Pierre
Published: June 2020

Injection of Low Sulphate Seawater (LSSW) instead of untreated Full Sulphate Seawater (FSSW) is widely used to mitigate barium sulphate (BaSO4) scaling risk at production wells. LSSW injection may no longer be required when the barium (Ba2+) concentrations in the produced water drop below a certain threshold. Such a trigger value could be estimated from the BaSO4 precipitation tendency. Relaxation of requirements for the Sulphate Reduction Plant (SRP) can significantly reduce operational costs. This study investigates the impact of several parameters on the timing and degree of relaxation of the output sulphate (SO42-) concentration by the SRP. Finally, the optimal switching strategy is proposed for a field case.

The strategy for switching from LSSW to FSSW, e.g. time and method (direct or gradual increase in the SO42- concentration) were initially investigated using generic 2D areal and vertical models. The sensitivity study included the impact of reservoir heterogeneity and initial Ba2+ and SO42- ion concentrations. Findings were later applied on a full field reservoir simulation model followed by a mineral scale prediction software to investigate the specific switching strategy for a field that has multiple wells and significantly more complex heterogeneity.

Results show that Ba2+ concentrations in the formation brine impact the choice of switching time more than the output SO42- concentration produced by the SRP. The degree of heterogeneity around the producers also has a significant impact on the switching time. Another parameter is the contrast in the permeability between layers; higher contrast allows longer period of co-production of the scaling ions and thus delays the switching time. In the field case, switching to FSSW at early times allows higher consumption of Ba2+ ions due to its in situ precipitation. Ba2+ is no longer a limiting ion, and so a higher degree of deep reservoir precipitation reduces the requirement for prolonged LSSW injection. Another strategy is a gradual relaxation of LSSW output, which allows even earlier build-up of the injected SO42- concentration compared to the direct FSSW switch.

The study investigates the reservoir parameters that impact SO42- relaxation of LSSW injection for a field. Following the proposed workflow, the optimal relaxation strategy can be designed for other field cases.
Experimental Investigation of the Minimum Inhibitor Concentration in Porous Media
Authors: Yang Weipeng , Wang Yanqing , Fu Chenliang , Lu Jun
Published: June 2020

Bottle test and tube-blocking test are two major methods to estimate the minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) for scale inhibitor applications, such as scale squeeze and continuous injection. However, they may not adequately represent the behaviors of scales and inhibitors in porous media. In this study, coreflood, bottle test and tube-blocking test were conducted, and the measured MIC values were compared to investigate the mechanism leading to the differences.

Bottle tests were conducted to determine the MIC of phosphino polycarboxylic acid (PPCA) by measuring the Ba2+ concentration in solution. Tube-blocking tests were carried out to determine the MIC of PPCA in stainless steel tubing by recording the increase of differential pressure. Finally, coreflood experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of PPCA in porous media. Pressure changes were monitored along the core plug and were used to determine the location of BaSO4 deposition. Ba2+ concentrations in effluents were measured and compared with the bottle test results to investigate the performance of PPCA in porous media.

Results show that PPCA cannot stop scale deposition in porous media at the MIC determined by bottle tests and tube-blocking tests. Both bottle tests and tube blocking tests suggest an MIC of 6 ppm for PPCA. However, coreflood results show a noticeable increase of pressure in the first section of the core at 6 ppm. Moreover, the Ba2+ concentration in the effluent with 6 ppm PPCA of coreflood is just slightly higher that measured in the coreflood with no PPCA, which means that the MIC determined by bottle test and tube- blocking test cannot mitigate scale deposition in porous media. Sandpacks with higher permeability show higher permeability reduction after the same pore volume of water injection.

This study finds that the MICs determined by commonly used bottle tests and tube-blocking tests are not adequate to mitigate BaSO4 deposition in porous media. The mechanism of BaSO4 deposition and the behavior of inhibitors in porous media need to be further studied.
Iron Carbonate Scale Inhibitor Selection for Low-Permeability, High-Temperature, Low-Pressure, and Low Water-Cut Gas Wells in Chalk Formation
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Tawfik , Chen Ping , Hagen Thomas , Hamam Mohamed , Shakeel Muzzammil
Published: June 2020

Scaling problems were identified in a typical tight carbonate gas reservoir. Selecting an effective iron carbonate scale inhibitor in low-permeability (≤ 1 mD), high-temperature, low-pressure, and low water-cut gas wells of this reservoir type can be challenging. The scale treatment strategy focused on the application of a downhole scale inhibitor squeeze treatment as one of the most effective methods for controlling scale deposition from the reservoir to the wells.

The scaling index from the scale prediction work indicated a moderate to high scaling potential for siderite and calcite. This paper concentrates on the selection of a scale inhibitor to inhibit scale formation of siderite and calcite under downhole conditions. The approach used to select the most appropriate scale inhibitor formulation consisted of a series of laboratory screening tests, such as anaerobic dynamic scale loop tests and static compatibility tests.

Based on the testing results, the performance of the selected scale inhibitor was evaluated under anaerobic dynamic conditions at high temperature and high pressure on a dynamic loop rig. The dynamic loop test results provide a low MIC of 5 ppm for the qualified scale inhibitor. Additionally, a coreflood experiment was conducted to evaluate potential formation damage to the limestone reservoir.

The results indicate that the scale inhibitor brine at the tested concentrations did not cause damage to the core. The regained permeability of the core plug was greater than 90% after scale inhibitor injection under the reservoir conditions. The static compatibility tests were also conducted to evaluate 10% scale inhibitor compatibility with the brine as well as the field condensate to confirm that the selected scale inhibitor was fully compatible with the contacting fluids.

The novelty of laboratory testing for the selected scale inhibitor to inhibit iron carbonate scale formation has led to a field trial, and a scale inhibitor squeeze treatment was performed successfully.
Performance Improvement of Helical Downhole Gas-Oil Separator Using Experimental Approach
Authors: Najafi Sadegh , Hajidavalloo Ebrahim , Ghanbarzadeh Afshin , Gerami Hamed , Alavi Seyed Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Growing demand for a subsurface pump application to perform artificial lift in low-pressure wells increases the necessity of a high-efficiency downhole separator to prevent gas entrance in the pump. The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the efficiency of a helical downhole separator and provide suggestions for improving its performance. To make the results more practical, dimensionless numbers governing the problem were specified using dimensional analysis and the Buckingham theorem, and a laboratory-scale separator was built. Oil and air were selected as the working fluids for this experiment. The results of the experiments showed that the separator performance was divided into three regions: inefficiency region, rapid-growth region, and nongrowth region. To increase the separator efficiency, the separator was modified by blocking the initial holes of the inner tube to provide a region for developing the prerotational effect. The modified separator showed an increase in efficiency as much as 7%. In the third step, the number of holes that were blocked at the entrance region in the first modification were distributed in the rest of the inner tube so that the total hole area remains constant. The separator efficiency, in this case, was significantly increased compared with the previous two cases by as much as twofold. It was found that the inlet design of the separator significantly affects its performance.
Feasibility and validity of the PERF-FIT test battery to assess movement skills, agility and power among children in low- resource settings.
Authors: Smits-Engelsman Bouwien , Bonney Emmanuel , Neto Jorge Lopes Cavalcante , Jelsma Dorothee L
Published: June 2020

Background: Numerous movement skills and physical fitness tests have been developed for children in high-income countries. However, adaptation of these tests to low-resource settings has been slow and norms are still unavailable for children living in low-income communities. The aim of this paper was to describe the development and validation of the Performance and Fitness (PERF-FIT) test battery, a new test to assess motor skill-related physical fitness in children in low-resource settings. Method: The PERF-FIT test was developed in a stepwise manner. This involved defining the relevant domains of the construct of interest and selecting and evaluating test items. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was used to estimate content validity. Following development of the PERF-FIT test, a preliminary study was performed to validate items and to examine the feasibility of implementing the test in a low-resource community. Structural validity was also determined based on data from eighty (n=80) children (aged 7-12 years) using principal component analysis.Results: The CVI for the throw and catch item was 0.86 and 1.00 for the other nine items, leading to a total CVI score of 0.99. The hierarchical sequence of the item series was demonstrated by highly significant (p<0.001) linear trends, confirming the increase in difficulty of subsequent items. Principal component analysis revealed three factors; the first component is represented by locomotor skills that require static and dynamic balance, the second component by throwing and catching items and the third component by agility and power items. These findings suggest that it is feasible to implement the PERF-FIT in low-resource settings. Conclusion: The PERF-FIT test battery is easy to administer and may be suitable for measuring skill-related physical fitness in in low-resource settings. It has excellent content validity and good structural validity. After minor adaptions, further studies should be conducted to establish normative values, evaluate reliability, and document criterion and cross-cultural validity of this test.
Comparative analyses on epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Guangdong and Yunnan, China, 2004-2018
Authors: Yue Yujuan , Liu Qiyong , Liu Xiaobo , Wu Haixia
Published: June 2020

Background Guangdong and Yunnan were the two provinces with the toughest dengue epidemic in China. It was to compare epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever there, 2004-2018. Methods Epidemiological method and spatial-temporal analysis were used to explore time-series, spatial and demographic features of dengue fever.Results 93.7% of indigenous cases and 65.9 % of imported cases in mainland China, 2004-2018 occurred in Guangdong and Yunnan. 55,970 and 5,938 indigenous cases occurred in 108 counties of Guangdong and 8 counties of Yunnan, respectively. 1,146 and 3,050 imported cases occurred in 84 counties of Guangdong and 72 counties of Yunnan, respectively. Guangdong and Yunnan had similar seasonal characteristics for dengue fever, and Guangdong had a longer peak period. 85.1% of indigenous cases in Yunnan were located in Ruili City and Jinghong City along the southwestern border. Most dengue cases in Guangdong occurred in the Pearl River Delta region, and especially more than 70.0% of dengue cases in Guangdong occurred in Guangzhou City. 93.9% of imported cases in Guangdong and Yunnan were imported from 9 countries of Southeast Asia. Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia were the main imported origins in Guangdong. Myanmar and Laos were the main imported origins in Yunnan. There was a strong male predominance among imported cases and an almost equal gender distribution among indigenous cases. Most dengue cases were from individuals in 21-50 years old, accounting for 57.3% and 62.8% of indigenous cases and 83.2% and 62.6% of imported cases in Guangdong and Yunnan, respectively. There were similar major occupations as housework or unemployment, retiree and businessman for indigenous cases, and businessman for imported cases. However, farmers accounted for a larger proportion of dengue cases in Yunnan.Conclusions The findings of epidemiological characteristics and differences of dengue fever in Guangdong and Yunnan are helpful to formulate targeted, strategic plans and implement effective public health prevention measures in China.
Neuroprotective Effects of Magnesium L-threonate in a Hypoxic Zebrafish Model
Authors: Kim Young Sung , Won Young Ju , Lim Byung Gun , Min Too Jae , Kim Yeon-Hwa , Lee Il-Ok
Published: June 2020

Background: Hypoxia inhibits the uptake of glutamate (a major neurotransmitter in the brain closely related to cognitive function) into brain cells, and the initial response of cells to cortical hypoxia depends on glutamate. Previous studies have suggested that magnesium may have protective effects against hypoxic injuries. In particular, magnesium L-threonate (MgT) may increase magnesium ion concentrations in the brain better than MgSO 4 and improve cognitive function.

Methods: We evaluated cell viability under hypoxic conditions in the MgT- and MgSO 4 -treated human SH-SY5Y neurons, in vivo behavior using the T-maze test following hypoxia in MgT-treated zebrafish, activity of brain mitochondrial dehydrogenase by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and protein expression of the excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) 4 glutamate transporter by western blotting.

Results : Among the groups treated with hypoxia, cell viability significantly increased when pre-treated with 1 or 10 mM MgT (p = 0.009 and 0.026, respectively). Despite hypoxic insult, MgT-treated zebrafish showed preferences for the red compartment (p= 0.025 for distance and p= 0.007 for frequency of entries), suggesting memory preservation. TTC staining showed reduced cerebral infarction and preserved absorbance in the MgT-treated zebrafish brain after hypoxia (p=0.010 compared to the hypoxia group). In addition, western blot showed upregulation of EAAT4 protein in the MgT treated group.

Conclusions: Pre-treatment with MgT attenuated cell death and cerebral infarction due to hypoxia and protected cognitive function in zebrafish. In addition, MgT appeared to modulate expression of the glutamate transporter, EAAT4.
Genetic polymorphism of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea and global comparative analysis
Authors: Huang Hui-Ying , Liang Xue-Yan , Lin Li-Yun , Chen Jiang-Tao , Ehapo Carlos Salas , Eyi Urbano Monsuy , Li Jian , Jiang Ting-Ting , Zheng Yu-Zhong , Zha Guang-Cai , Xie Dong-De , He Jin-Quan , Chen Wei-Zhong , Liu Xiang-Zhi , Mo Huan-Tong , Chen Xin-Yao , Lin Min
Published: June 2020

Background Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) is a potential malaria vaccine candidate, but various genetic polymorphisms of PfCSP among global P. falciparum population become the major barrier to the effectiveness of vaccines. This study aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphisms and natural selection of PfCSP in Bioko and the comparison among global P. falciparum population.Methods From January 2011 to December 2018, 148 blood samples were collected from P. falciparum infected Bioko patients and 96 monoclonal sequences of them were successfully acquired and analyzed with 2200 global PfCSP sequences mined from MalariaGEN Pf3k Database and NCBI. Results In Bioko, the N-terminus of PfCSP showed limited genetic variations and the numbers of repetitive sequences (NANP/NVDP) were mainly found as 40 (35%) and 41 (34%) in central region. Most polymorphic characters were found in Th2R/Th3R region, where natural selection (p>0.05) and recombination occurred. The overall pattern of Bioko PfCSP gene had no obvious deviation from African mainland PfCSP (Fst=0.00878, p<0.05). The comparative analysis of Bioko and global PfCSP displayed the various mutation patterns and obvious geographic differentiation among populations from four continents (p<0.05). The global PfCSP C-terminal sequences were clustered into 138 different haplotypes (H_1 to H_138). Only 3.35% of sequences matched 3D7 strain haplotype (H_1). Conclusions The genetic polymorphism phenomena of PfCSP were found universal in Bioko and global isolates and the majority mutations located at T cell epitopes. Global genetic polymorphism and geographical characteristics were recommended to be considered for future improvement of malaria vaccine design.
"Knock Knock": A qualitative study exploring the experience of household contacts on home visits and their attitude towards people living with TB in South Africa
Authors: Sathar Farzana , Velen Kavindhran , Peterson Meaghan , Charalambous Salome , Chetty-Makkan Candice M
Published: June 2020

Background: Household contract tracing (HHCT) is an important strategy for active tuberculosis case finding and offers an opportunity for testing of other diseases such as HIV. However, there is limited data on the patient-centered approach to HHCT. Our study aimed to describe experiences and preferences of household contacts (HHCs) for HHCT.Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in Rustenburg, South Africa from September 2013 to March 2015. Twenty-four HHCs (≥18 years) had audio-recorded in-depth interviews. We used an inductive thematic analysis approach to develop themes. We made an a priori assumption that we would reach saturation with at least 20 interviews. Results: There were 16 (66.7%) females (median age = 36 years) and eight (33.3%) males (median age = 34 years). Two themes developed: (i) Positive attitude of HHCs towards TB services provided at home and (ii) HHCs relationship to and acceptance of people living with TB (PLTB). The first main theme emphasized that HHCs appreciated the home visits. Participants preferred home visits because they had negative experiences at the clinic such as delayed waiting times and long queues. HHCs supported the screening of children for TB at home. Participants suggested that the research staff could expand their services by screening for diabetes and hypertension alongside TB screening. In the second main theme, there was a sense of responsibility from the HHCs towards accepting the diagnosis of PLTB and caring for them. A sub-theme that emerged was that as their knowledge on TB disease improved, they accepted the TB status of the PLTB empowering them to take care of the PLTB.Conclusions: HHCs are supportive of HHCT and felt empowered by receiving TB education that ultimately allowed them to better understand and care for PLTB. HHCs were supportive of screening children for TB at home. Future HHCT activities should consider raising community awareness on the benefits of TB contact tracing at households.
Moral Competence, Moral Teamwork and Moral Action – The European Moral Case Deliberation Outcomes (Euro-MCD) Instrument 2.0 and its revision process
Authors: de Snoo-Trimp Janine , de Vet Riekie , Widdershoven Guy , Molewijk Bert , Svantesson Mia
Published: June 2020

Background Clinical Ethics Support (CES) services are offered to support healthcare professionals in dealing with ethically difficult situations. Evaluation of CES is important to understand if it is indeed a supportive service in order to inform and improve future implementation of CES. Yet, methods to measure outcomes of CES are scarce. In 2014, the European Moral Case Deliberation Outcomes Instrument (Euro-MCD) was developed to measure outcomes of Moral Case Deliberation (MCD). To further validate the instrument, we tested it in field studies and revised it. This paper presents the Euro-MCD 2.0 and describes the revision process. Methods The revision process comprised an iterative dialogue among the authors as Euro-MCD-project team, including empirical findings from six Euro-MCD field-studies and input from European experts in CES and theory. Empirical findings contained perceptions and experiences of MCD outcomes among healthcare professionals who participated in MCDs in various settings in Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. Theoretical viewpoints on CES, literature on goals of CES and MCD and ethics theory guided the interpretation of the empirical findings and final selection of MCD outcomes.Results The Euro-MCD 2.0 Instrument includes three domains: Moral Competence, Moral Teamwork and Moral Action. Moral Competence consists of items about moral sensitivity, analytical skills and virtuous attitude. Moral Teamwork includes open dialogue and supportive relationships and Moral Action refers to moral decision-making and responsible care. During the revision process, we made decisions about adding and reformulating items as well as decreasing the number from 26 to 15 items. We also altered the sentence structure of items to assess the current status of outcomes (e.g. ‘now’) instead of an assumed improvement over time (e.g. ‘better’) and we omitted the question about perceived importance.Conclusions: The Euro-MCD 2.0 is shorter, less complex and more strongly substantiated by an integration of empirical findings, theoretical reflections and dialogues with participants and experts. Use of the Euro-MCD 2.0 will facilitate evaluation of MCD and can thereby monitor and foster implementation and quality of MCD. The Euro-MCD 2.0 will strengthen future research on evaluation of outcomes of MCD.
Traffic police officers’ use of first aid skills at work: a qualitative content analysis of focus group discussions in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Ndile Menti Lastone , Saveman Britt-Inger , Lukumay Gift G. , Mkoka Dickson A. , Outwater Anne H. , Backteman-Erlanson Susann
Published: June 2020

Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends involving lay people in prehospital care. Several training programmes have been implemented to build lay responder first aid skills. Findings show that most programmes significantly improved participants’ first aid skills. However, there is a gap in knowledge of what factors influence the use of these skills in real situations. The current study aimed to describe police officers’ views on and experiences of factors that facilitate or hinder their use of trained first aid skills at work. Methods Thirty-four police officers participated in five focus group discussions. A structured interview guide was used to collect data. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: We identified five categories of facilitators or hindrances. Training exposure was considered a facilitator; work situation and hospital atmosphere were considered hindrances; and the physical and social environments and the resources available for providing first aid could be either facilitators or hindrances.Conclusion: Practical exposure during training is perceived to improve police officers’ confidence in applying their first aid skills at work. However, contextual factors related to the working environment need to be addressed to promote this transfer of skills.
Chemical assessment of the explosive chamber in the projector system of Hayabusa2 for asteroid sampling
Authors: Takano Yoshinori , Yamada Keita , (Deceased) Chisato Okamoto , Sawada Hirotaka , Okazaki Ryuji , Sakamoto Kanako , Kebukawa Yoko , Kiryu Kento , Shibuya Takazo , Igisu Motoko , Yano Hajime , Tachibana Shogo
Published: June 2020

We report a chemical assessment of the explosive chamber in the projector system used during the sampling operation of the Hayabusa2 project at the surface of the C-type asteroid Ryugu. Although the explosion process was designed as a closed system (cf. Sawada et al., Space Sci. Rev., 2017), volatile combustion gases and semivolatile organics were produced together with quenched carbonaceous product. The chemical compositions of the gases, organics, and inorganics were investigated in the screening analysis. A solid-phase microextraction technique and thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed that aliphatic (<C20 n-alkanes) and aromatic ( two rings > three rings > four rings, resulting in abiogenic molecular patterns. The most intense inorganic fingerprints were due to potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl–) ions derived from the initial KTB explosive and RK ignition charge. We discuss quality control and quality assurance issues applicable to future sample processes during the Hayabusa2 project.
Cross-cultural adaptation of the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) into German: a qualitative study in three countries
Authors: Krieger Beate , Schulze Christina , Boyd Jillian , Amann Ruth , Piškur Barbara , Beurskens Anna , Teplicky Rachel , Moser Albine
Published: June 2020

Background

Concepts such as participation and environment may differ across cultures. Consequently, to use a measure like the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) in other than the original English-speaking contexts, cultural adaptation needs to be assured. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally translate and adapt the PEM-CY into German as it is used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Methods

Fifteen parents of children and adolescents with disabilities from three German speaking countries participated in three rounds of think-aloud interviews. We followed the procedure of cultural equivalence guidelines including two additional steps. Data was analyzed by content analysis using semantic, idiomatic, experiential and conceptual equivalence.

Results

Results show adaptations mainly focused on experiential and conceptual equivalence. Examples of experiential equivalence included adapting the examples of activities in the PEM-CY to reflect typical ones in German speaking countries. Conceptual equivalence mainly addressed aspects of “involvement” and “environment” of children and adolescents and was reached through adaptations such as enhanced instructions and structures, and additional definitions.

Conclusion

This study presents a cross-cultural translation and adaptation process to develop a German version of the PEM-CY that is suitable for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. As participation and environment are both complex concepts to measure, conceptual equivalence posed the highest challenges for this cultural adaptation. A culturally adapted version of PEM-CY (German) is now available for research, practice and further validation.
Left Atrial Spontaneous Echo Contrast Occurring in Patients with Low CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc Scores
Authors: Akamatsu Kanako , Ito Takahide , Ozeki Michishige , Miyamura Masatoshi , Sohmiya Koichi , Hoshiga Masaaki
Published: June 2020

Background: Left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) is common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), although scarce information exists on LASEC occurring in nonvalvular AF patients who have low thromboembolic risk scores. We therefore examined prevalence and determinants of LASEC under low CHADS 2 or CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores in these patients. Methods: Among 713 patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography, 349 with a CHADS 2 score <2 (CHADS 2 group) (93 women, mean age 65 years) and 221 with a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score <2 (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc group) (39 women, mean age 62 years) were separately examined for clinical and echocardiographic findings. Results: LASEC was found in 77 patients of CHADS 2 group (22%) and in 41 of CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc group (19%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for parameters including non-paroxysmal AF, LA diameter ≥50 mm, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, and an elevated serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (≥200 pg/mL), revealed that for CHADS 2 group, non-paroxysmal AF (Odds ratio 5.65, 95%CI 3.08-10.45, P <0.001), BNP elevation (Odds ratio 3.42, 95%CI 1.29-9.06, P = 0.013), and LV hypertrophy (Odds ratio 2.26, 95%CI 1.19-4.28, P = 0.013) were significant independent determinants of LASEC, and that for CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc group, non-paroxysmal AF (Odds ratio 3.38, 95%CI 1.51-7.54, P = 0.003) and LV hypertrophy (Odds ratio 2.53, 95%CI 1.13-5.70, P = 0.025) were significant independent determinants of LASEC.Conclusions: LASEC was present in a considerable proportion of patients with nonvalvular AF under low thromboembolic risk scores. Information on AF chronicity, BNP, and LV hypertrophy may help avoid transesophageal echocardiographic assessment of LASEC, but large-scale studies are necessary to confirm our observations.
A risk-based quality control approach of Clinical Trials from a GCP institution in China
Authors: Li Weihong , Wang Yanrong , Chen Ran , Dai Xinya
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThis paper developed and described a risk-based quality control approach of clinical trials for clinical trial sites to improve the quality control process and ensure the quality of data.Methods Based on the trial experience, well versed experts and the findings of previous literature, an integrated risk-based quality control approach is developed centered on three cornerstones: risk assessment, central data review, and triggered, adaptive on-the-spot or remote inspection.Results We have developed an innovative risk-based quality control approach for clinical trials including risk assessment, development of quality control plan, implementation of quality control activities, development and review of quality control report, undertake actions arising from quality control report, and the update of risk assessment results or quality control plan, which fuses the idea of PDCA circle and quality by design.Conclusion Our RBQC methodology can significantly improve the clinical quality control process and the monitoring-audit triggered procedure can synchronize the activities of site, sponsor and CROs to achieve all-win. It is an innovative and effective approach.
Pulmonary rehabilitation to improve physical capacity, dyspnea and quality of life following pulmonary embolism (the PeRehab study): Study protocol for a two-centre randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Haukeland-Parker Stacey , Jervan Øyvind , Johannessen Hege Hølmo , Gleditsch Jostein , Stavem Knut , Steine Kjetil , Spruit Martijn A , Holst Rene , Tavoly Mazdak , Klok Erik , Ghanima Waleed
Published: June 2020

Background: Recently, a large group of patients with persistent dyspnea, poor physical capacity and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following pulmonary embolism (PE) has been identified and clustered under the name “post pulmonary embolism syndrome” (PPS). These patients seem good candidates for pulmonary rehabilitation. The aim of the study is to explore whether a pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve physical capacity, dyspnea and HRQoL in PPS patients.Methods: A two-centre randomized controlled trial (RCT) is being performed at Østfold Hospital and Akershus University Hospital in Norway. Patients with PPS are 1:1 randomized into an intervention or a control group. The intervention consists of a supervised, outpatient rehabilitation program twice weekly (1 hour) for 8 weeks provided by experienced physiotherapists. The intervention involves individually adapted exercises based on existing pulmonary rehabilitation programs (relaxation, interval and resistance training), and an educational session including topics such as normal anatomy and physiology of the respiratory and circulatory system, information on PE/PPS, breathing strategies, and benefits of exercise/physical activity. Patients randomized to the control group receive usual care without specific instructions to exercise. Participants in the intervention and control groups will be compared based on assessments conducted at baseline, 12 weeks and 36 weeks after inclusion using the incremental shuttle walk test (primary outcome) and endurance shuttle walk test (exercise capacity), Sensewear activity monitor (daily physical activity), the Modified Medical Research Council scale, the Shortness of Breath questionnaire (dyspnea), and EQ-5D-5L and the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life Questionnaire (HRQoL).Recruitment of 190 patients is currently ongoing.Discussion: Results from this study may provide a currently untreated group of PPS patients with an effective treatment resulting in reduced symptoms of dyspnea, improved exercise capacity and better HRQoL following PE.Trial registration: NCT03405480, Clinical Trials (registered prospectively.Protocol version 1 (from original protocol September 2017).The study protocol has been reported in accordance with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Clinical Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines (Additional file 1).
Spatial Estimation of Soil Erosion Using RUSLE Modeling: A case study of Dolakha District, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Pawan
Published: June 2020

Background: Soil erosion causes topsoil loss, which decreases fertility in agricultural land. Spatial estimation of soil erosion essential for an agriculture-dependent country like Nepal for developing its control plans. This study evaluated impacts on Dolakha using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model; analyses the effect of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) on soil erosion.Results: The soil erosion rate categorized into six classes based on the erosion severity, and 5.01% of the areas found under extreme severe erosion risk (> 80 Mg ha-1yr-1) addressed by decision-makers for reducing its rate and consequences. Followed by 10 % classified between high and severe range from 10 to 80 Mg ha-1yr-1. While 15% and 70% of areas remained in a moderate and low-risk zone, respectively. Result suggests the area of the north-eastern part suffers from a high soil erosion risk due to steep slope.Conclusions: The result produces a spatial distribution of soil erosion over Dolakha, which applied for conservation and management planning processes, at the policy level, by land-use planners and decision-makers.
Efficacy of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang Granule and its Impact on Whole Transcriptome Profiling in Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Fengbin , Wang Yan , Huang Yong-quan , Zhu Shui-lian , Zhang Chang-rong , Chen Xin-lin , Hou Qiu-ke
Published: June 2020

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one kind of common functional bowel disease with obscure pathogenesis and exploration about whole transcriptome profiling in IBS-D is still negligible. Conventional medications have limited effects, which makes focus shifted to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang, as a classic herbal formula in TCM, is pretty effective and safe for the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), but the underlying therapeutic mechanism remains unknown. We aim to verify the efficacy and safety of TXYF granule (the formula particles mixed together) in IBS-D and elucidate the gene-level mechanism of IBS-D and therapeutic targets of TXYF granule based on whole transcriptome analysis. Methods/design: This is a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial consisting of 2 weeks run-in period, 12 weeks treatment period and 8 weeks follow-up period. We will enroll 120 participants with IBS-D, who will be randomly assigned to TXYF granule group and the placebo group and recruit additional 10 healthy individuals as controls for mechanistic outcome. The two groups respectively take TXYF granule or placebo orally for treatment. The primary outcome is the response rate of IBS-Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS). The secondary outcomes include adequate relief (AR), IBS-Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBS-QOL) and long-term efficacy. Mechanistic outcome is the whole transcriptome profiling of the intestinal mucosae from IBS participants before and after the treatment and healthy individuals. Discussion: This trial will prove the effectiveness and safety of TXYF granule with high-quality evidence and provide a penetrating and comprehensive perspective on the molecular mechanism of IBS-D by whole transcriptome analysis, which makes us pinpoint specific biomarkers of IBS-D and therapeutic targets of TXYF.Trial registration: Chinese clinical trial Registry: ChiCTR-IOR-1900021785 (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=36642).Date of registration: 9 March 2019.
Associations between adherence to MIND diet and severity, duration and frequency of migraine headaches among migraine patients
Authors: Askarpour Moein , yarizadeh Habib , Sheikhi Ali , Khorsha Faezeh , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: June 2020

Objectives: Migraine is a neurological disorder causing unbearable pain. Dietary approach is proposed as a preventive way of reducing the severity of migraine headaches. The present study aimed to examine the association between MIND diet and migraine headaches.Results: We found that participants with higher score of MIND diet compared to those with lower score, were less likely to have severe headaches (OR= 0.67; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.94; P= 0.01). Moreover, our results showed an inversed correlation between mind diet score and duration (β= -0.15, 95% CI: -1.44, -0.11, P=0.02) and frequency of headaches (β= -0.12, 95% CI: -0.96, -0.02, P= 0.04).
Comparative postoperative outcomes of GGN-dominant vs single lesion lung adenocarcinomas.
Authors: Hotta Takamasa , Tsubata Yukari , Tanino Akari , Nakao Mika , Amano Yoshihiro , Hamaguchi Megumi , Hamaguchi Shunichi , Kishimoto Koji , Isobe Takeshi
Published: June 2020

Background: Multiple synchronous ground glass nodules (GGNs) are known to be malignant, however, they tend to progress slowly. Multiple synchronous lesions in the same patient which show different characteristics must be treated individually.Methods: This was a retrospective review of 34 lung adenocarcinoma patients with multiple synchronous GGNs in an Asian population. One hundred twenty-seven single lung adenocarcinoma patients were included for comparison purposes. The follow-up period was 5 years for all patients. Results: The 5-year overall survival (OS) patients with multiple lesions did not differ from that of the patients with single lesions to a statistically significant extent (Single: 81.8% vs. Multiple: 88.2%, P=0.3602). Dominant tumors (DTs) with a ground glass component and consolidation were divided into three categories based on the consolidation-to-tumor ratio on radiological imaging. No significant differences were observed among the three DT categories. Twenty-four patients had unresected GGNs, while a progression of the unresected GGN occurred in 10 of these cases. The OS and disease-free survival (DFS) curves of patients with and without GGN progression did not differ to a statistically significant extent (OS: 80% vs. 92.9%, P=0.3870; DFS: 80% vs. 100%, P=0.0977).Conclusions: The outcomes were best predicted by the stage of the DT. After surgery patients require a careful follow-up because unresected GGNs may show progression. At the same time, the increase in residual lesions and the appearance of new GGNs were not related to OS. The management of such patients should be determined according to the DT with the worst prognosis.
Fabrication a controlled-release pesticide for improving UV-shielding properties and reducing toxicity via coating polydopamine
Authors: Wang Ya , Li Chaonan , Zhang Xing , Chen Wei , Zhang Ying , Li Xiaogang
Published: June 2020

In modern agriculture, controlled-release formulations (CRF) is greatly desirable for achieving valid utilization and loss reduction of pesticides. It can also alleviate the adverse effect on non-target organism. In this study, we used PDA as a depositing layer, constructed pyraclostrobin@SiO 2 @polydopamine microcapsule (Pyr@SiO 2 @PDA MC). The resulting microcapsule is a near-rod shape (about 1.152μm), which has a drug-loading efficiency of 55%. FT-IR and TG analysis revealed the successful entrapment of the pesticide. The microencapsulation had important function in the slow-release rate of the pyraclostrobin and superior UV-shielding properties. Moreover, bioactivity of the microcapsule against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.vasinfectum was determined and it exhibited better inhibition activity than pyraclostrobin technical in the later stage. At last, acute toxicity tests demonstrated that Pyr@SiO 2 @PDA MC on zebrafish with lower toxicity on the first day. These results showed that Pyr@SiO 2 @PDA MC may process broader application potential in agriculture.
Insulin Resistance, Body Mass Index and Coronary Atherosclerotic Stenosis in Obese Adults
Authors: Zhang Nianrong , Liu Yumeng , Yang Guoshan , Zhou Biao , Qi Guanming , Yu Jianan , Yan Zhaoyang , Liu Huanmei , Meng Hua
Published: June 2020

Background: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Mortality related to excess body weight occurs mostly due to coronary artery disease(CAD). This study is to observe the prevalence of coronary atherosclerotic stenosis in obese young-middle adults and outcomes of coronary stenosis in patients with obesity after metabolic surgery. Methods: Patients with obesity undergoing metabolic surgery were included from December 2015 to June 2017.Coronary computed tomography angiography(CTA) was examined preoperatively. Patients were divided into the stenosis group and the non-stenosis group and differences in clinical indicators and Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)were compared between the two groups. After metabolic surgery, the clinical indicators and severity of coronary stenosis were compared with those before metabolic surgery. Results: Among 217 consecutive obese patients with a mean body mass index(BMI) of 37.92±6.14kg/m2, 58(26.72%) patients were diagnosed with coronary atherosclerotic stenosis. Compared with the non-stenosis group, patients in the stenosis group had a more elder age, higher rates of male, smoking, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), and higher levels of glycated haemoglobin(HbA1C),fasting blood glucose(FBG),fasting C-peptide and HOMA-IR(P<0.05). While there was no significant difference in BMI, waist circumstance(WC), serum lipid levels (P＞0.05). The multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis showed that the age(β=0.070, OR=1.073, 95% CI 1.028-1.120, P<0.001),smoking(β=1.371, OR=3.941, 95% CI 1.257-12.357, P=0.019), and HOMA-IR(β=0.040, OR=1.041, 95% CI 1.000-1.083, P=0.047) were independent risk factors of coronary stenosis. After metabolic surgery, coronary stenosis relieved in 11/19 cases (57.89%), in which 9 cases got complete remission; coronary stenosis was aggravated in one case and remained the same in another one case.Conclusions: HOMA-IR, as well as age and smoking, is an independent risk factor for CAD in obese patients. Metabolic surgery is possibly helpful to reverse mild to moderate coronary atherosclerotic stenosis in patients with obesity.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Interleukin-17 and Hormonal Receptors in Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions
Authors: Ali Eman Taha , Masri Mai , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Ahmed Ayman , Muneer Mohamed , Mohamed Nouh Saad , Edris Ali Mahmoud
Published: June 2020

Objectives: IL17 is a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in inflammation, multidrug resistance and growth persistence pathways in cancer. This study is aiming at studying the expression of IL17 and hormonal receptors expression in benign and malignant breast lesions using immunohistochemical staining methods.Results: A total of 137 cases of breast lesions were studied, 97 (70.8%) were malignant and 40 (29.2%) were benign cases. Age range for malignant and benign cases were between 26 to 80 years [mean age 50±2 years], and 20 to 70 years [mean age 41±4 years], respectively, Odds ratio= 2.3 [1.78-1.99, 95% CI]. The majority of the histopathological diagnosis of the benign and malignant lesions were 21 (15.3%) fibro-adenomas and 87 (63.5%) invasive ductal carcinoma, respectively. Expression of IL17 and age were insignificantly negatively correlated for both groups; benign cases [r= -0.054, P value 0.742] and malignant cases [r= -0.080, P value 0.444]. IL17 expression was showing insignificant association with age group, P value 0.065. IL17 expression showed a statistical significance based on the different histopathological diagnosis, P value 0.035. Expression levels of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal receptors were showing insignificant difference among IL17 expression categories, P values 0.678, 0.623, and 0.361, respectively.