bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technological and Economical Optimization of a Hydraulic Fracturing Design: Choice of Proppant, Liquid and Pump Schedule
Authors: Shel Egor , Paderin Grigory , Kazakov Evgeny , Sayfutdinov Elnar , Gaynetdinov Ruslan , Uchuev Ruslan , Mukhametov Albert , Prutsakov Alexander
Published: October 2020

The aim of the work is to determine the most cost-effective design of hydraulic fracturing with a fixed mass of proppant per operation under changing geological conditions.

To obtain an optimal hydraulic fracturing design, serial simulations were carried out on a hydraulic fracturing simulator with a Planar3D model for fracture geometry. The database of proppant passports and rheological properties of hydraulic fracturing fluids were used as input data. A design optimization scheme was developed for different effective viscosities of fracturing fluids and different formation parameters. Since decision-making is strictly bounded to the accuracy of the mathematical model, the mathematical model was validated in pilot tests at the Priobskoye field. Aggressive designs with increased proppant concentration were carried out in 4 wells. Rheology was interpreted from fracturing fluid tests. The reliability data was assessed by the convergence of the model wellhead and bottomhole pressures with the measured ones.

A pilot project was carried out in real conditions to validate the hydraulic fracturing simulator model with maximum data collection on reservoir geomechanics, fluid rheology, proppant and reservoir properties, and the accuracy limits of the model were set.

An integral concept of hydraulic fracturing design was developed based on accurate mathematical modeling, which allows you to get the maximum production output per ton of proppant. At the same time, the versatility of the proposed scheme was achieved based on dimensionless hydraulic fracturing parameters, which makes it possible to quickly recalculate the optimal design from one reservoir conditions to others.
Practical Aspects of Hydraulic Fracturing Design Optimization using Machine Learning on Field Data: Digital Database, Algorithms and Planning the Field Tests
Authors: Duplyakov Viktor , Morozov Anton , Popkov Dmitry , Vainshtein Albert , Osiptsov Andrei , Burnaev Evgeny , Shel Egor , Paderin Grigory , Kabanova Polina , Fayzullin Ildar , Uchuev Ruslan , Mukhametov Albert , Prutsakov Alexander , Vikhman Ivan , Staritsyn Maxim
Published: October 2020

The study provides insights into the development of a data-driven model for hydraulic fracturing design optimization. We make a specific focus on practical aspects of testing the model in the field. Database for hydraulic fracturing treatments is built on the data from 22 oilfields in Western Siberia, Russia. The database contains about 5500 points with formation, well and fracturing process parameters, the target feature for model is a cumulative fluid production for 3 months. System and method for searching offset (similar) wells is also developed, tested and validated. Authors developed the model for predicting cumulative production that is used for futher hydraulic fracturing design optimization.
Interprofessional Communication (IPC) for Medical Students: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bok Chermaine , Ng Cheng Han , Koh Jeffery Wei Heng , Ong Zhi Hao , Ghazali Haziratul Zakirah , Tan Lorraine Hui En , Ong Yun Ting , Cheong Clarissa Wei Shuen , Chin Annelissa Mien Chew , Mason Stephen , Krishna Lalit
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Effective Interprofessional Communication (IPC) between healthcare professionals enhances teamwork and improves patient care. Yet IPC training remains poorly structured in medical schools. To address this gap, a scoping review is proposed to study current IPC training approaches in medical schools. METHODS: Krishna’s Systematic Evidence Based Approach (SEBA) was used to guide a scoping review of IPC training for medical students published between 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2018 in PubMed, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, Google Scholar, ERIC, Embase, Scopus and PsycINFO. The data accrued was independently analysed using thematic and content analysis to enhance the reproducibility and transparency of this SEBA guided review. RESULTS: 17,809 titles and abstracts were found, 250 full-text articles were reviewed and 73 full text articles were included. Directed Content analysis revealed 4 categories corresponding to the levels of the Miller’s Pyramid whilst thematic analysis revealed 5 themes including the indications, stages of trainings and evaluations, content, challenges and outcomes of IPC training. Many longitudinal programs were designed around the levels of Miller’s Pyramid. CONCLUSION: IPC training is a stage-wise, competency-based learning process that pivots on a learner-centric spiralled curriculum. Progress from one stage to the next requires attainment of the particular competencies within each stage of the training process. Whilst further studies into the dynamics of IPC interactions, assessment methods and structuring of these programs are required, we forward an evidenced based framework to guide design of future IPC programs.
Effectiveness of oral health education on eight to ten-year-old school children in rural areas of Magway Region, Myanmar
Authors: Swe Kyu Kyu , Soe Aung Kyaw , Aung Saw Htun , Soe Htin Zaw
Published: October 2020

Background: Oral diseases are common and widespread around the world. The most common oral diseases are preventable and early onset is reversible. Myanmar faces many challenges in rendering oral health services because about 70 percent of the total population resides in rural areas. These relate to the availability and accessibility of oral health services. Therefore, oral health education is one key element to prevent oral diseases and to promote oral health.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out at Basic Education Middle Schools in rural areas of Magway Township to study the effectiveness of oral health education on knowledge and behavior of eight to ten-year-old school children. A total of 220 school children, 110 from the intervention school, and 110 from the control school participated in this study from 2015 to 2017. Data were collected before and after intervention in the two groups by using a self-administered questionnaire. Tooth brushing method data were collected by direct observation with a checklist. Oral health education was provided at eight weekly intervals for one year. At one and a half years, third-time data collection was done on the intervention group to assess retention. Chi-square test, two samples t-test, one way repeated measure ANOVA were used for data analysis. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Public Health,Yangon, Myanmar.Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in oral health knowledge (p<0.05) except one and also in behavior (p<0.001) after the intervention. A positive effect of the intervention was found in the intervention group. The intervention had a significant effect on the sustainability of the correct knowledge and behavior of the intervention group although the education session was stopped for six months (p<0.001). Their mean knowledge and behavioral scores at three different points got at these times were (2.45±1.12 and1.56±0.90) at baseline, (3.79±1.12 and 3.60±1.21) at one year after education, and (4.07±0.98 and 3.24±1.31) at six months after cessation of education, respectively. Conclusions: The repeated oral health education was effective to promote and sustain oral health knowledge and behavior.
Correlates of knowledge of family planning among people living in fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda
Authors: Nanvubya Annet , Wanyenze R.K. , Nakaweesa T. , Mpendo J. , Kawoozo B. , Matovu F. , Nabukalu S. , Omoding G. , Kaweesi J. , Ndugga J. , Kamacooko O. , Chinyenze K. , Price M. A. , Geertruyden J.P. Van
Published: October 2020

Knowledge of family planning (FP) is a key determinant of contraceptive use which ultimately plays a role in attainment of good health and in conduct of clinical research. People living in fishing communities (FCs) have limited access to health services including FP and are targeted for future clinical research but their knowledge of FP and its correlates are scantily known. We determined correlates of knowledge of FP among people living in FCs of L. Victoria in Uganda to inform future FP education programs in FCs.
We conducted a comparative cross-sectional survey among participants aged 15-49 years from Kigungu and Nsazi. Participants were asked if they were aware of any FP method. All those who responded in the affirmative were further asked to mention what FP methods they had heard of or knew. Those who reported knowledge of at least one FP method were asked a series of questions about FP methods and their side effects. Knowledge was categorized into good or poor knowledge based on their mean total score. Poor knowledge constituted a score below the mean while good knowledge constituted a score of more than or equal to the mean total score. To further explore attitudes and perceptions of FP, ten in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted.

Of the 1,410 screened participants, 94.5% were aware of at least one FP method. Pills and injectable hormonal methods were the most commonly known methods. Slightly over a third (38%) had good knowledge of FP. Correlates of knowledge of FP were; being female (aOR: 1.92 95% CI: 1.39-2.67), residing in Kigungu (aOR: 4.01 95% CI: 2.77-5.81), being married (aOR: 1.59 95% CI: 1.11-2.28) and currently being in a sexual relationship (aOR: 1.75 95% CI: 1.18-2.60). Concerns about safety and effectiveness of some modern FP methods exist. Misconceptions on effects of FP like sterility, cancers and foetal abnormalities were common.
FP awareness among people living in FCs of L. Victoria in Uganda is high. However, good knowledge about specific methods tends to be low. Correlates of knowledge of FP include gender, residence, marital status and sexual engagement.
Postseismic Deformation Following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake Detected by ALOS-2/PALSAR-2
Authors: Hashimoto Manabu
Published: October 2020

I have been conducting a study of postseismic deformation following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake using ALOS-2/PALSAR-2 acquired till 2018. I apply ionospheric correction to interferograms of ALOS-2/PALSAR-2. L-band SAR gives us high coherence enough to reveal surface deformation even in vegetated or mountainous area for pairs of images acquired more than 2 years. Postseismic deformation following the Kumamoto earthquake exceeds 10 cm during two years at some spots in and around Kumamoto city and Aso caldera. Westward motion of ~6 cm/yr was dominant on the southeast side of the Hinagu fault, while westward shift was detected on both side of the Futagawa fault. The area of latter deformation seems to have correlation with distribution of pyroclastic flow deposits. Significant uplift was found around the eastern Futagawa fault and on the southwestern frank of Aso caldera, whose rate reaches 4 cm/yr. There are sharp changes across several coseismic surface ruptures such as Futagawa, Hinagu, and Idenokuchi faults. Rapid subsidence between Futagawa and Idenokuchi faults also found. It is confirmed that local subsidence continued along the Suizenji fault, which newly appeared during the mainshock in Kumamoto City. Subsidence with westward shift of up to 4 cm/yr was also found in Aso caldera.Time constant of postseismic decay ranges from 1 month to 600 days at selected points, but that postseismic deformation during the first epochs or two are dominant at point in the Kumamoto Plain. This result suggests multiple source of deformation. Westward motion around the Hinagu fault may be explained with right lateral afterslip on the shallow part of this fault. Subsidence along the Suizenji fault can be attributed to normal faulting on dipping westward. Deformation around the Hinagu and Idenokuchi faults cannot be explained with right-lateral afterslip of Futagawa fault, which requires other sources. Deformation in northern part of Aso caldera might be the result of right lateral afterslip on a possible buried fault.
Prognostic impact of the prognostic nutritional index in cases of resected oral squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Abe Atsushi , Hayashi Hiroki , Ishihama Takanori , Furuta Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Background: The systemic inflammatory response and nutritional status of patients with malignant tumors are related to postoperative results. We examined the usefulness of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) as a prognostic tool in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radical surgery. Methods: From 2008 to 2019, 102 patients (73 males, 29 females; age, 65.6 ± 9.8 years) who visited our hospital and underwent surgical therapy were included in this study. The endpoint was the total survival period, and the evaluation markers included the lymphocyte count and albumin level in peripheral blood obtained 4 weeks preoperatively, age, sex, alcohol consumption, smoking history, site of the tumor, pathological stage, and surgery status. The PNI was calculated using serum albumin levels and the peripheral blood lymphocyte count. The relationship between the PNI and patient characteristics were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate the survival rate. The survival periods were compared using the log-rank method. We evaluated the prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in a logistic regression model.Results: The tumor sites included the maxilla (n = 12), buccal mucosa (n = 11), mandible (n = 17), floor of the mouth (n = 9), and tongue (n = 53). The number of patients with stage I, II, III, and IV oral cancers was 28 (27.5%), 34 (27.5%), 26 (33.3%), and 14 (13.7%), respectively. During the observation period, 21 patients died of head and neck cancer. The optimal cut-off PNI value was 42.9, according to the receiver operating characteristic analysis. The proportion of patients with a short OS was lower in those with PNI higher than 42.9, and the 5-year OS in patients with PNI higher and lower than the cut-off value was 62.3% and 86.0%, respectively (P = 0.0105).Conclusions: The OS of patients with PNI < 42.9 was lower than that of patients with PNI ≥ 42.9. The PNI, which is a preoperative head-to-foot inflammatory marker, can help in estimating the prognosis of oral cancer.
Machine learning and geostatistical approaches for estimating aboveground biomass in Chinese subtropical forests
Authors: Su Huiyi , Shen Wenjuan , Wang Jingrui , Ali Arshad , Li Mingshi
Published: October 2020

Background: Aboveground biomass (AGB) is a fundamental indicator of forest ecosystem productivity and health and hence plays an essential role in evaluating forest carbon reserves and supporting the development of targeted forest management plans.Methods: Here, we proposed a random forest/co-kriging framework that integrates the strengths of machine learning and geostatistical approaches to improve the mapping accuracies of AGB in northern Guangdong province of China. We used Landsat time-series observations, Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) data, and National Forest Inventory (NFI) plot measurements, to generate the forest AGB maps at three time points (1992, 2002, and 2010) showing the spatio-temporal dynamics of AGB in the subtropical forests in Guangdong, China.Results: The proposed model was capable of mapping forest AGB using spectral, textural, topographical variables and the radar backscatter coefficients in an effective and reliable manner. The root mean square error of the plot-level AGB validation was between 15.62 and 53.78 (t/ha), the mean absolute error ranged from 6.54 to 32.32 t/ha, the bias ranged from -2.14 to 1.07 t/ha, and the relative improvement over the random forest algorithm was between 3.8% and 17.7%. The largest coefficient of determination (0.81) and the smallest mean absolute error (6.54 t/ha) were observed in the 1992 AGB map. The spectral saturation effect was minimized by adding the PALSAR data to the modeling variable set in 2010. By adding elevation as a covariable, the co-kriging outperformed the ordinary kriging method for the prediction of the AGB residuals, because co-kriging resulted in better interpolation results in the valleys and plains of the study area.Conclusions: Validation of the three AGB maps with an independent dataset indicated that the random forest/co-kriging performed best for AGB prediction, followed by random forest coupled with ordinary kriging (random forest/ordinary kriging), and the random forest model. The proposed random forest/co-kriging framework provides an accurate and reliable method for AGB mapping in subtropical forest regions with complex topography. The resulting AGB maps are suitable for the targeted development of forest management actions to promote carbon sequestration and sustainable forest management in the context of climate change.
Role of tumor cell senescence in non-professional phagocytosis and cell-in-cell structure formation
Authors: Gottwald Dorian , Putz Florian , Hohmann Nora , Büttner-Herold Maike , Hecht Markus , Fietkau Rainer , Distel Luitpold
Published: October 2020

Background: Non-professional phagocytosis is usually triggered by stimuli such as necrotic cell death. In tumor therapy, the tumors often disappear slowly and only long time after the end of therapy. Here, tumor therapy inactivates the cells by inducing senescence. Therefore, study focused whether senescence is a stimulus for non-professional phagocytosis or whether senescent cells themselves phagocytize non-professionally. Results: Senescence was induced in cell lines by camptothecin and a phagocytosis assay was performed. In tissue of a cohort of 192 rectal cancer patients senescence and non-professional phagocytosis was studied by anti-histone H3K9me3 and anti-E-cadherin staining. Senescent fibroblasts and pancreas carcinoma cells phagocytize necrotic cells but are not phagocytized. In the tissue of rectal carcinoma, senescent cells can phagocytize and can be phagocytized. A high number of senescent cells and, at the same time, high numbers of non-professional phagocytizing cells in the rectal carcinoma tissue lead to an extremely unfavorable prognosis regarding overall survival. Conclusion: Senescent cells can be non-professionally phagocytized and at the same time they can non-professionally phagocytize in vivo. In vitro experiments indicate that it is unlikely that senescence is a strong trigger for non-professional phagocytosis. Combined high rates of non-professional phagocytosis and high rates of senescence are an extremely poor prognostic factor for overall survival.
Specialty Career Preferences among Final Year Medical Students at the School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Uganda
Authors: Kuteesa Job , Musiime Victor , Munabi Ian G. , Mubuuke Aloysius G. , Opoka Robert , Mukunya David , Kiguli Sarah
Published: October 2020

Background: Uganda has an imbalanced distribution of the health workforce, which may be influenced by the specialty career preferences of medical students. In spite of this, there is inadequate literature concerning the factors influencing specialty career preferences. We aimed to determine the specialty career preferences and the factors influencing the preferences among fifth year medical students in the School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS). Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods study design with a descriptive cross-sectional study followed by a qualitative study was used. A total of 135 final year medical students in MakCHS were recruited using consecutive sampling. Self-administered questionnaires and three focus group discussions were conducted. Quantitative data was analysed in STATA version 13 (StataCorp, College Station, Tx, USA) using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression. Qualitative data was analysed in NVIVO version 12 (QRS International, Cambridge, MA) using content analysis.Results: Of 135 students 91 (67.4%) were male and their median age was 24 years (IQR: 24, 26). As a first choice, the most preferred specialty career was obstetrics and gynecology (34/135, 25.2%), followed by surgery (27/135, 20.0%), pediatrics (18/135, 13.3%) and internal medicine (17/135, 12.6%). Non-established specialties such as anesthesia and Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) were not selected as a first choice by any student. Female students had 63% less odds of selecting surgical related specialties compared to males (aOR=0.37, 95%CI: 0.17-0.84). The focus group discussions highlighted controlled lifestyle, assurance of a good life through better financial remuneration and inspirational specialists as facilitators for specialty preference. Bad experience during the clinical rotations, lack of career guidance plus perceived poor and miserable specialists were highlighted as barriers to specialty preference.Conclusion. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, Pediatrics and Internal Medicine are well-established disciplines, which were dominantly preferred. Females were less likely to select surgical disciplines given the perceived effects on lifestyle by these disciplines for example interruption of family life. Therefore, a need to formulate career guidance and mentorship programs is required, to attract students to the neglected disciplines.
Eye gaze differences in school scenes between preschool children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and those with typical development 
Authors: Ishizaki Yuko , Higuchi Takahiro , Yanagimoto Yoshitoki , Kobayashi Hodaka , Noritake Atsushi , Nakamura Kae , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: October 2020

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience difficulty adapting to daily life in a preschool or school setting and are likely to develop psychosomatic symptoms. For a better understanding of the difficulties experienced daily by preschool children and adolescents with ASD, this study investigated differences in eye gaze behavior in the classroom environment between children with ASD and those with typical development (TD).Methods: The study evaluated 30 children with ASD and 49 children with TD. Participants were presented with images of a human face in a classroom setting. While they gazed at specific regions of visual stimuli, eye tracking was used with an iView X system to evaluate and compare the duration of gaze time between the two groups.Results: Compared with children with TD, children with ASD spent less time gazing at the eyes of the human face and the object to which the teacher pointed in the classroom image. Preschool children with no classroom experience and adolescents with TD spent the same amount of time looking at the human eyes and the object to which the teacher pointed in the classroom image.Conclusion: Children with ASD did not look at the human eyes in the facial image or the object pointed to in the classroom image, which may indicate their inability to analyze situations, understand instruction in a classroom, or act appropriately in a group. It is suggested that this gaze behavior of children with ASD causes social maladaptation and psychosomatic symptoms. A therapeutic approach that focuses on joint attention is desirable for improving the ability of children with ASD to adapt to the social environment.
Evaluation of 06-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase expression in children and adolescent pituitary adenoma
Authors: Shen Xueming , Yang Yakun , Yang Zuocheng , Liu Ning , Qi Xueling , Xu Hongqi , Yan Changxiang , Han Song
Published: October 2020

BackgroundTemozolomide can be used in the treatment of pituitary adenoma. Its efficacy can be evaluated by the expression of 06-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). However, the previous study population was mainly adult. This study was the first to evaluate the expression of MGMT in children and adolescents with pituitary adenomas.MethodsThe clinical features and biological characteristics of 38 cases of pituitary adenoma in children and adolescents were analyzed retrospectively. The expression of MGMT, Ki-67, p53 was marked by immunohistochemical staining.ResultsIn this cohort, the expression of MGMT protein is 16/38 (42.11%). The low expression rate of MGMT in children and adolescent somatotroph adenomas was only 11.11%, which was much lower than that of adults. Ki-67 expression range of 1% -10%（mean 4.24 ± 2.71%）. The positive rate of p53 was 22/38 (57.89%). The statistical analysis showed that the expression of MGMT was related to the diameter of the tumor (P=0.01), the diameter of the tumor was large, and the expression of MGMT was high. The expression of MGMT was not associated with age, sex, tumor type, invasiveness, texture, apoplexy, recurrence, and expression of p53 and Ki-67.ConclusionSomatotroph adenomas, large-diameter children and adolescent pituitary adenomas may be not suitable for temozolomide treatment. To determine whether temozolomide responds to salvage therapy in children and adolescents with pituitary adenomas, MGMT expression should be assessed in all pituitary adenomas, the time span between specimen collection and temozolomide treatment needs to be considered because of the instability of MGMT protein expression.
Weighted gene coexpression network analysis-based identification of key modules and hub genes associated with drought sensitivity in rice 
Authors: Yu Baiyang , Liu Jianbin , Wu Di , Liu Ying , Cen Weijian , Wang Shaokui , Li Rongbai , Luo Jijing
Published: October 2020

Background: Drought stress is an adverse factor with deleterious effects on several aspects of rice growth. However, the mechanism underlying drought resistance in rice remains unclear. To understand the molecular mechanism of the drought response in rice, drought-sensitive CSSL (Chromosome Single-substitution Segment Line) PY6 was used to map QTLs of sensitive phenotypes and to reveal the impact of the QTLs on transcriptional profiling. Results: The QTL dss-1 was mapped onto the short arm of chromosome 1 of rice. According to transcriptomic analysis, the identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) exhibited a downregulated pattern and were mainly enriched in photosynthesis-related GO terms, indicating that photosynthesis was greatly inhibited under drought. Further, according to weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), specific gene modules (designating a group of genes with a similar expression pattern) were strongly correlated with H2O2 (4 modules) and MDA (3 modules), respectively. Likewise, GO analysis revealed that the photosynthesis-related GO terms were consistently overrepresented in H2O2-correlated modules. Functional annotation of the differentially expressed hub genes (DEHGs) in the H2O2 and MDA-correlated modules revealed cross-talk between abiotic and biotic stress responses for these genes, which were annotated as encoding WRKYs and PR family proteins, were notably differentially expressed between PY6 and PR403.Conclusions: We speculated that drought-induced photosynthetic inhibition leads to H2O2 and MDA accumulation, which can then trigger the reprogramming of the rice transcriptome, including the hub genes involved in ROS scavenging, to prevent oxidative stress damage. Our results shed light on and provide deep insight into the drought resistance mechanism in rice.
Advancing Health Equity in Cancer Care: The Lived Experiences of Poverty and Access to Lung Cancer Screening.
Authors: Sayani Ambreen , Vahabi Mandana , O’Brien Mary Ann , Liu Geoffrey , Hwang Stephen , Selby Peter , Nicholson Erika , Giuliani Meredith , Eng Lawson , Lofters Aisha
Published: October 2020

Background: Individuals living with low income are more likely to smoke, have a higher risk of lung cancer, and are less likely to participate in preventative healthcare (i.e., low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening), leading to equity concerns. To inform the delivery of an organized pilot lung cancer screening program in Ontario, we sought to contextualize the lived experiences of poverty and the choice to participate in lung cancer screening. Methods: At three Toronto academic primary-care clinics, high-risk screen-eligible patients who chose or declined LDCT screening were consented; sociodemographic data was collected. Qualitative interviews were conducted. Theoretical thematic analysis was used to organize, describe and interpret the data using the morphogenetic approach as a guiding theoretical lens.Results: Eight participants chose to undergo screening; ten did not. From interviews, we identified three themes: Pathways of disadvantage (social trajectories of events that influence lung-cancer risk and health-seeking behavior), lung-cancer risk and early detection (upstream factors that shape smoking behaviour and lung-cancer screening choices), and safe spaces of care (care that is free of bias, conflict, criticism, or potentially threatening actions, ideas or conversations). We illuminate how ‘choice’ is contextual to the availability of material resources such as income and housing, and how ‘choice’ is influenced by having access to spaces of care that are free of judgement and personal bias.Conclusion: Underserved populations will require multiprong interventions that work at the individual, system and structural level to reduce inequities in lung-cancer risk and access to healthcare services such as cancer screening.
A Home-Based, Post-Discharge Early Intervention Program Promotes Motor Development and Physical Growth in the Early Preterm Infants: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fan Juan , Wang Jianhui , Zhang Xianhong , He Ruiyun , He Shasha , Yang Mei , Shen Yujie , Tao Xiaojun , Zhou Mei , Gao Xiong , Hu Lijun
Published: October 2020

Background: Early intervention (EI) has been believed to improve the neurodevelopment of early preterm infants. However, its implementation in medical settings is time-consuming and resource-intensive, which limits its extensive use. In 2018, the Chinese Eugenics Association developed a home-based, post-discharge EI program. This study aims at evaluating the effect of this EI program on neurodevelopment and physical growth of early preterm infants through a prospective, partially blinded, randomized controlled trial, and a subsequent open phase. Methods: A total of 73 infants born at 28+0～31+6 weeks’ gestation with postmenstrual age of 36+0～39+6weeks were randomly allocated to the first early intervention, then standard care (EI-SC) group (37 infants), and the first standard care, then early intervention (SC-EI) group (36infants). Another 33 infants were retrospectively recruited as the reference group. The test of infant motor performance (TIMP) was the primary outcome, while development quotient (DQ) and anthropometric measures, including weight, length, and head circumference, were the secondary outcome. The assessment was carried out at the baseline (T0), termination of the randomized controlled trial (T1), and termination of the open phase (T2), respectively. Results: During the randomized controlled trial, the EI-SC group had significantly higher delta change (T1-T0) than the SC-EI group in TIMP and anthropometric measures (p<0.05), while no difference in DQ was noted between groups (p>0.05). In terms of the delta change from T2 to T0, there was no significant difference in all outcomes between the EI-SC group and SC-EI group (p>0.05). At the endpoint of T2, the EI-SC and SC-EI group had similar TIMP and anthropometric measures, but much higher than the reference group. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that a home-based, post-discharge EI program in this study was a practical approach to promote motor development and physical growth in early preterm infants. Trial Registration: CHICTR, CTR1900028330, registered December 19, 2019, https:// http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=45706
Postoperative Nomogram for predicting Cancer-Specific and Overall Survival Among Patients with Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Chen Li , Wang Yizeng , Zhao Ke , Wang Yuyun , Li Dongyang , He Xianghui
Published: October 2020

Background Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) accounts for 1% -2% of thyroid cancer in the United States based on the latest Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, this study aimed to construct a comprehensive predictive nomogram based on various clinical variables in MTC patients who undergo total thyroidectomy and neck lymph nodes dissection.Methods Data regarding 1237 MTC patients who undergo total thyroidectomy and neck lymph nodes dissection from 2004 to 2015 were obtained from the SEER database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen for meaningful independent predictors. These independent factors were used to construct a nomogram model, a survival prognostication tool for 3- and 5-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival among these MTC patients.Result A total of 1237 patients enrolled from the SEER database were randomly divided into the training group (n = 867) and the test group (n = 370). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify meaningful independent prognostic factors (P <0.05). Tumor size, age, metastasis status, and LNR were selected as independent predictors of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Finally, two nomograms were developed, the predicted C-index of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate in the training group were 0.828 and 0.904, respectively. The predicted C-index of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate in the test group were 0.813 and 0.828.Conclusion Nomograms constructed by using various clinical variables can make more comprehensive and accurate predictions for MTC patients who undergo total thyroidectomy and neck lymph nodes. These predictive nomograms help identify postoperative high-risk MTC patients and facilitate patient counseling on clinical prognosis and follow-up.
Effects of Amino Acids on Olfactory-Related Receptors Regulating Appetite in Silver Pomfret
Authors: Zhang Youyi , Hu Jiabao , Le Qijun , Yang Yang , Kuang Siwen , Zhang Man , Gu Weiwei , Sun Yibo , Jacques Kimran Jean , Li Yaya , Sun Jiachu , Wang Yajun , Zheng Chunjing , Xu Shanliang , Yan Xiaojun
Published: October 2020

Background: Amino acids are common components of the natural prey of fishes, and even single amino acid can bind olfactory receptors of fishes and induce appetite, which is regulated by hormones. Silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) is one of the most preferred commercial marine fish species in many Asian countries and performs a significant appetite for jellyfish. Aspartic acid, glycine, and cysteine are high content amino acid in jellyfish, so we investigated the effect of three amino acids (aspartic acid, glycine, and cysteine) on olfactory-related receptors regulating appetite in silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus).Results: The fish showed significant attractant responses to these amino acids in water, which were also observed to improve the ingestion rates of the fish. Next, we conducted transcriptomes of the olfactory epithelium (OE) and identified 34 olfactory-related receptor genes were including olfactory receptors, trace amine-associated receptors and vomeronasal receptors genes, and we examined these genes in the OE and appetite-related genes (GHRL and LEP in gut/stomach and NPY, AgRP, and POMC in brain) by RT-qPCR. The olfactory-related receptor genes were significantly expressed in amino acid groups, and the appetite-related genes were most significantly expressed in aspartic acid group. Conclusions: Thus, olfactory-related receptors induced by amino acids might regulate appetite in silver pomfret through the OE-brain-gut/stomach axis. Using these data, we identified some effective amino acid phagostimulants which could be supplied in silver pomfret diet, and the results improved our understanding of the mechanism of olfactory-related receptors regulating appetite in fish.
Effects of Gancao Nourish Yin Decoration on Liver Metabolic Profiles in hTNF-α Transgenic Arthritic Mouse Model
Authors: Pan RongBin , Cheng Kok Suen , Chen Yanjuan , Zhu Xingwang , Zhao Wenting , Xiao Changhong , Chen Yong
Published: October 2020

BackgroundGancao Nurish Yin (GCNY) decoction has been applied to clinical rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and it had shown effectiveness not only in disease activity controlling but also on improving patients’ physical status. However, its mechanism of function has not been investigated. Metabolic perturbations have been associated with RA and targeting the metabolic profile is one of the ways to manage the disease. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of GCNY on metabolic changes of human tumor necrosis factor alpha (hTNF-α) transgenic arthritic mouse model. MethodshTNF-α transgenic arthritic model mice were divided into control and GCNY groups with 6 mice in each group. After 8 weeks of treatment, liver tissues of mice in both groups were obtained for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. Significantly regulated metabolites by GCNY treatment were first identified, followed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and network analysis.ResultsOf the 126 metabolites detected in the liver, 17 metabolites were with significantly altered between control group mice and mice treated with GCNY. Specifically, thiamine, gamma-L-Glutamyl-L-valine, pantothenic acid, pyridoxal (Vitamin B6), succinic acid, uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronic acid (UDP-D-Glucuronate), uridine, allantoic acid, N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine, nicotinamide ribotide and N2,N2-Dimethylguanosine were down-regulated by GCNY treatment whereas isobutyrylglycine, N-Acetylcadaverine, N-Carbamoyl-L-aspartic acid, L-Anserine, creatinine and cis-4-Hydroxy-D-proline were up-regulated. Six metabolic pathways were significantly altered including the alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, thiamine metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis and citrate cycle (TCA cycle). Integrative metabolic network analysis suggested the possibility of GCNY having both positive and negative effects on RA through the suppression of angiogenesis and promotion of leukocyte extravasation into the synovium, respectively. ConclusionsGCNY can induce a change in the metabolic profiles of hTNF-α transgenic arthritic mouse model. Further optimization of this decoction may lead to better therapeutic effects on RA patients.
Integrated Study of Transcriptome-wide m6A Methylome Confirms a Potential Mechanism for Transcriptional Regulation During Yak Adipocytes Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Yongfeng , Liang Chunnian , Wu Xiaoyun , Pei Jie , Guo Xian , Chu Min , Ding Xuezhi , Bao Pengjia , Kalwar Qudratullah , Yan Ping
Published: October 2020

Background: Yak (Bos grunniens) is considered as an iconic symbol of Tibet and high altitude, but they suffer from malnutrition during the cold season that challenges the metabolism of energy. Adipocytes perform crucial role in maintaining the energy balance and adipocyte differentiation is a complex process involving multiple changes in expression of genes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays an dynamic role in post-transcription gene expression regulation as the most widespread mRNA modification of the higher eukaryotes. However, currently there is no research existing on the m6A transcriptome-wide map of bovine animals and their potential biological functions in adipocyte differentiation. Results: We performed methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequence (MeRIP-seq) and RNA sequence (RNA-seq) to determine the distinctions in m6A methylation and gene expression during yak adipocyte differentiation. In yak adipocyte and preadipocyte the content of m6A and m6A associated enzymes were substantially different. In the two groups, a total of 14,710 m6A peaks and 13,388 m6A peaks were identified. In the most part, m6A peaks were enriched in stop codons, 3’-untranslated regions and coding regions. The functional enrichment exploration displayed that differentially methylated genes participated in some of the pathways associated with adipogenic metabolism. In addition to that there was a positive association between m6A abundance and levels of gene expression, which displayed that m6A plays vital role in modulating gene expression during yak adipocyte differentiation.Conclusions: In short, it could be concluded that the current study provides a comprehensive explanation of the m6A features in the yak transcriptome, offering in-depth insights into m6A topology and associated molecular mechanisms underlying bovine adipocyte differentiation which might be helpful for further understanding its mechanisms.
P-value and Bayesian Analysis in Randomized-controlled Trials in Child health Research Published Over Ten Years, 2007 to 2017: A Review Protocol
Authors: Aregbesola Alex , Gates Allison , Coyle Amanda , Sim Shannon , Vandermeer Ben , Skakum Megan , Contopoulos-Ioannidis Despina , Heath Anna , Hartling Lisa , Klassen Terry
Published: October 2020

Background: There is an unresolved debate about the reliability of the interpretation of P-value. Some investigators have suggested that an alternative Bayesian method is preferred in conducting health research. As randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) are important in generating research evidence, we decided to investigate the extent, if any, the inferential statistical framework in published RCTs in child health research have changed over 10 years. We aim to examine the change in P-value and Bayesian analysis in RCTs in child health research papers published from 2007 to 2017. Methods: We will search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley) to identify relevant citations. We will leverage a pre-existing sample of child health RCTs published in 2007 (n=300) used in our previous study of reporting quality of pediatric RCTs. Using the same strategy and study selection methods, we will identify a comparable random sample of child health RCTs published in 2017 (n=300). Eligible studies will include RCTs in health research among individuals aged 21 years and below. One reviewer will select studies for inclusion and extract the data and another reviewer will verify these. Disagreements will be resolved by a discussion between reviewers or by involving another reviewer. We will perform a descriptive analysis of 2007 and 2017 samples and analyze the results using both the frequentist and Bayesian methods. Discussion: We will present specific characteristics of the clinical trials from 2007 and 2017 in tabular and graphical forms. We will report the difference in the proportion of P-value and Bayesian analysis between 2007 and 2017 to assess the 10-year change. Clustering around P-values of significance, if observed, will be reported. This review has the potential to help inform the need for a change in the methodological approach from the null hypothesis significance test to Bayesian methods.Systematic review registration: Open Science Framework https://osf.io/aj2df
Induction of labour in mid-trimester pregnancy using double-balloon catheter placement within 12 hours versus within 12-24 hours
Authors: Peng Jing , Li Ruobing , Du Shuguo , Yin Heng , Li Min , Zheng Xuan , Wu Shiyao , Zhao Yun
Published: October 2020

Background
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the induction of labour in mid-trimester pregnancy using double-balloon catheter (DBC) within 12 hours versus within 12–24 hours.
Methods
In this retrospective study, a total of 58 pregnant women with gestation age of 14 + 0 weeks to 27 + 6 weeks were enrolled as research objects, and they underwent intended termination of pregnancy at our birth center from January 1, 2017, to June 31, 2019. Based on the duration time of DBC, the cases were divided into two groups (DBC group within 12 hours and DBC group within 12–24 hours).
Results
All of the 58 cases were successful vaginal delivery and no one chose cesarean section. The success rate of induction (successful abortion of fetus and placenta without the implementation of dilatation and evacuation) was higher in the DBC group within 12–24 hours (96.3%, 29/31) than that in DBC group within 12 hours (71.0%, 18/27) (p < 0.05). At the same time, the time from DBC removal to delivery in 12–24 hours DBC group was significantly shorter than that in DBC group within 12 hours (3.0 h versus 17.8 h) (p < 0.05), the degree of cervical dilation after DBC removal in DBC group within 12–24 hours was larger than that in DBC group within 12 hours (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
In the clinic, the placement time of DBC is generally lasting for about 12 hours. However, considering the cervical condition is immature in the mid-trimester, properly extending the placement time of DBC to 24 hours will benefit for cervical ripening and lead to reduce chance of dilatation and evacuation.
Could the Ambient Higher Temperature Decrease the Transmissibility of COVID-19 in China?
Authors: Wang Qingan , Zhao Yu , Zhang Yajuan , Qiu Jiangwei , Li Juan , Yan Ni , Li Nan , Zhang Jiaxing , Tian Di , Sha Xiaolan , Jing Jinyun , Yang Chan , Wang Kairong , Xu Rongbin , Zhang Yuhong , Yang Huifang , Zhao Shi , Zhao Yi
Published: October 2020

Background: Existing literatures demonstrated that meteorological factors could be of importance in affecting the spread patterns of the respiratory infectious diseases. However, how ambient temperature may influence the transmissibility of COVID-19 remains unclear.Objectives: We explore the association between ambient temperature and transmissibility of COVID-19 in different regions across China.Methods: The surveillance data on COVID-19 and meteorological factors were collected from 28 provincial level regions in China, and estimated the instantaneous reproductive number ( Rt). The generalized additive model was used to assess the relationship between mean temperature and Rt.Results: There were 12745 COVID-19 cases collected in the study areas. We report the effect of temperature on R t is not of statistical significance, which holds for most of included regions except for those in North China. Conclusions: We found little statistical evidence for that the higher temperature may reduce the transmissibility of COVID-19.
Does it pay to be green? Environmental performance and firm financing during COVID-19 outbreaks
Authors: Wellalage Nirosha Hewa , Kumar Vijay
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the effect of firm environmental performance on firm financing during the COVID-19 outbreak. Crises in multiple forms curtail Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) stability and the livelihood of hundreds of millions of people who derive their living from these activities. The way in which MSMEs deal with crises and the extent to which environmental performance is beneficial when the market suffers a negative shock is relatively unexplored in the literature. We consider three aspects of financing -- firm level liquidity, bank credit and bankruptcy probabilities -- and argue that it pays for firms to show commitment to environmental responsibilities in a global pandemic. Through an examination of 3,356 MSMEs, we find that firms with better environmental performance reduce their probability of bankruptcies and their liquidities decreasing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, analysis shows that the impact of a firm’s environmental performance is more pronounced in sensitive industries (hospitality and retail). The results are robust based on a series of robustness checks, including propensity score matching and the Heckman two-stage sample selection model. Our study suggests that the trust between a firm and its stakeholders, if it is grounded on environmental performance, pays off when the overall level of trust in markets suffers a negative shock. JEL Classification: F64; G01; Q14