bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downhole System Enables Real-Time Reservoir-Fluid-Distribution Mapping
Authors: Feder Judy
Published: September 2020

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Judy Feder, contains highlights of paper IPTC 19807, “A New Downhole System for Real-Time Reservoir-Fluid-Distribution Mapping: E-REMM, the Eni Reservoir Electromagnetic Mapping System,” by Franco Bottazzi, Paolo Dell’Aversana, and Claudio Molaschi, SPE, Eni, et al., prepared for the 2020 International Petroleum Technology Conference, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 13-15 January. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2020 International Petroleum Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

This paper presents the basic concepts and architecture of the Eni Reservoir Electromagnetic Mapping (E-REMM) borehole electromagnetic (EM) mapping system that integrates borehole EM methodology with surface EM methods to provide real-time mapping of reservoir-fluid distribution during production or injection. By helping well teams know how distribution of hydrocarbons and water changes over time and space, the system addresses a fundamental requirement for managing the reservoir to maximize the recovery factor, optimize production, and reduce associated costs.

Introduction

Several approaches are currently used to map hydrocarbons and other fluids in the reservoir in real time with variable sensitivity, differences in effectiveness, and a wide range of costs. Among the various approaches, EM and electric methods show a high benefit-to-cost ratio and a high sensitivity to the resistivity contrast between oil-saturated and brine-saturated reservoir rocks. These methods can estimate variations in fluid properties at reservoir depth in a distance range of hundreds of meters, although the spatial resolution decreases significantly with the distance between sources and receivers. Furthermore, combining multiple layouts in boreholes and at surface can improve the effectiveness of EM and electric methods significantly while increasing their spatial resolution.

The integrated system discussed in the complete paper allows multiscale EM prospecting and deep investigation in a large 3D volume of rocks between multiple wells and surface.
Compositional Simulation, Artificial Intelligence Optimize Water Injection
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: September 2020

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 198995, “Low-Salinity Water-Injection Optimization in the Namorado Field Using Compositional Simulation and Artificial Intelligence,” by Diana Mercado Sierra, SPE, Argenis Alvarez Rojas, and Victor Salazar Araque, Computer Modelling Group, prepared for the 2020 SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference, 27-31 July, Virtual. This paper has not been peer reviewed.

The complete paper discusses optimization of a development plan involving low-salinity water injection (LSWI). This methodology combines compositional simulation and a mathematical optimization tool that uses artificial intelligence to maximize the net present value (NPV) of the project under evaluation. The adapted methodology allowed an optimal development plan, considering the uncertainty associated in the reservoir, by use of multiple geostatistical realizations and simultaneous history-matched models.

LSWI

LSWI is an enhanced-oil-recovery technique in which the salinity of the injected water is controlled with the objective of increasing the recovery factor. Of the mechanisms proposed for LSWI, wettability alteration is the most widely accepted for describing the increase of the recovery factor. The wettability change in reservoirs with the presence of sand-stones mainly is attributed to the multionic exchange between the injected fluid and the clay surface, as is the double layer expansion. From a technical point of view, the LSWI success is related strongly to reservoir lithology.

An integrated analysis and optimization study was performed using numerical simulation to evaluate LSWI as an alternative for increasing the recovery factor in the Namorado field in the Campos Basin of Brazil.
Johan Sverdrup’s Digital Operations Drive Efficiency, Safety
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: September 2020

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 30477, “Johan Sverdrup: The Digital Flagship,” by Paal Frode Larsen, Tor Tønnessen, and Florian Schuchert, Equinor, et al., prepared for the 2020 Offshore Technology Conference, originally scheduled to be held in Houston, 4-7 May. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2020 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

The sheer size of the Johan Sverdrup field development (expected recoverable reserves of 2.7 billion bbl, with projected operations of more than 50 years) has earned it designation as the operator’s digital flagship. The field has driven digital solutions and work flows that have the potential to be scaled up for the benefit of the operator’s entire portfolio. The complete paper describes the development of the “digital field worker” at Johan Sverdrup, an initiative that has changed the approach toward not only construction and completion but also operations.

Introduction

The field is approximately 150 km west of Stavanger in the North Sea in a water depth of 110-120 m (Fig. 1). The top reservoir is approximately 1800 m below mean sea level. The reservoir is characterized by hydrostatic pressure and undersaturated oil with a low gas/oil ratio. A predrilling campaign included eight oil producers and 12 injectors. Additional wells will be drilled to achieve the expected Phase 1 oil production capacity of 70,000 m3/d.

The field has been developed in two phases. Phase 1 was approved by Norwegian authorities in 2015 and includes four bridge-linked platforms, all with jacket substructures. Primary power to the field is supplied from shore. The full field development includes 64 wells, both platform and subsea wells. The field came onstream in October 2019. Ramp-up of the predrilled wells proceeded smoothly to a field-production level of approximately 350,000 B/D. Phase 2 of the development was approved in 2019 and is expected to start production in Q4 2022.

At peak, this field will account for approximately one-third of all oil production in Norway with record low emissions. The expected full-field (Phase 1 and 2) production capacity is 105,000 m3/d at peak. Breakeven price for the full-field development is less than $20/bbl.
Evolution of the Tension Leg Platform
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: September 2020

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 30752, “The Tension Leg Platform: From Hutton to Big Foot,” by Steven J. Leverette, Leverette Offshore, and Stephen B. Hodges, Shell (Retired), prepared for the 2020 Offshore Technology Conference, originally scheduled to be held in Houston, 4-7 May. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2020 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

The complete paper is a comprehensive discussion of the development and deployment of the tension leg platform (TLP), one of the four major platform types that also include floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels; semisubmersible floating production systems; and spar platforms. The authors summarize the evolution of the TLP during a nearly 4-decade span and provide a retrospective of the progression of TLP technology, including hull shapes, tendon connectors, flex elements, and riser systems.

A Design Driven by Function

Although the technology involved may be impressive, the authors remind that essentially it is merely a means of supporting a payload economically in deep water within required motion limits. The ultimate objective is to provide the most cost-effective, safe, reliable platform to meet functional requirements.

After almost 50 years of deep water development, platform concepts have broadly stabilized into four categories of functionality: semisubmersibles, TLPs, spars, and ship-shaped FPSOs. Each of these concepts brings unique functionality with different cost/benefit tradeoffs.

The driver behind the TLP concept was straightforward from an operator’s perspective: Provide a platform that behaves like a fixed platform with regard to the wells (i.e., dry trees; direct vertical access to wells; minimal tensioner stroke, allowing an array of wells in close proximity without giant tensioner systems such as those found on drilling semisubmersibles; and enabling export risers) in water depths much deeper than any fixed platform.

This functionality, however, comes at a cost. While a semisubmersible may look similar in terms of hull and topsides, a TLP designed for the same payload requires 10 to 30% more displacement to provide the pretension in the tendons that keeps them in tension even in the most severe environmental conditions. The TLP also features 10 to 30% more freeboard to account for set-down at large offsets. While a semisubmersible, spar, or FPSO rides the tide and waves, a TLP acts like a fixed structure and, furthermore, is pulled down in the water geometrically at offset positions. The cost of this phenomenon must be offset by improved functionality. Thus, a large TLP with a full drilling rig and 24 wells can be an excellent choice for a large, centralized reservoir that can be drilled from a single location, but it makes little sense in developing a group of small reservoirs spread out over a region.
A multi-stakeholder approach to the co-production of the research agenda for medicines optimisation
Authors: Fellenor John , Britten Nicky , Courtenay Molly , Payne Rupert A , Valderas Jose , Denholm Rachel , Duncan Polly , McCahon Deborah , Tatnell Lynn , Fitzgerald Richard , Warmoth Krystal , Gillespie David , Turner Katrina , Watson Margaret
Published: September 2020

Background Up to 50% of medicines are not used as intended, resulting in poor health and economic outcomes. Medicines optimisation is ‘a person-centred approach to safe and effective medicines use, to ensure people obtain the best possible outcomes from their medicines’. The purpose of this exercise was to co-produce a prioritised research agenda for medicines optimisation using a multi-stakeholder (patient, researcher, public and health professionals) approach. Methods A three-stage, multiple method process was used including: generation of preliminary research questions (Stage 1) using a modified Nominal Group Technique; electronic consultation and ranking with a wider multi-stakeholder group (Stage 2); a face-to-face, one-day consensus meeting involving representatives from all stakeholder groups (Stage 3). Results In total, 92 research questions were identified during Stages 1 and 2 and ranked in order of priority during stage 3. Questions were categorised into four areas: ‘Patient Concerns’ [e.g. is there a shared decision (with patients) about using each medicine?], ‘Polypharmacy’ [e.g. how to design health services to cope with the challenge of multiple medicines use?], ‘Non-Medical Prescribing’ [e.g. how can the contribution of non-medical prescribers be optimised in primary care?], and ‘Deprescribing’ [e.g. what support is needed by prescribers to deprescribe?]. A significant number of the 92 questions were generated by Patient and Public Involvement representatives, which demonstrates the importance of including this stakeholder group when identifying research priorities. Conclusions A wide range of research questions was generated reflecting concerns which affect patients, practitioners, the health service, as well the ethical and philosophical aspects of the prescribing and deprescribing of medicines. These questions should be used to set future research agendas and funding commissions.
Rare diseases and mental health in the UK - a quantitative survey and multi-stakeholder workshop
Authors: Spencer-Tansley Rosa , Meade Nick , Ali Farhana , Simpson Amy , Hunter Amy
Published: September 2020

Background Rare disease patients and carers report significant impacts on mental health but this has not been extensively studied. We explored the experiences of UK-based individuals through an online survey, and offer recommendations for policy and practice developed with a multi-stakeholder workshop. Results In total 1,355 patients and 571 carers responded to the survey.Due to their rare condition, the majority of respondents had felt worried/anxious (95%); stressed (93%); low/depressed (90%); emotionally exhausted (88%). Thirty-six percent of patients and 19% of carers had had suicidal thoughts.Challenges that are particular to rare conditions and which negatively affect mental health included limited knowledge of the condition amongst healthcare professionals (88%), not being believed or taken seriously by healthcare professionals (80%), and lack of available information about the condition (76%). Only 23% of respondents felt healthcare professionals considered mental health as equally important as physical health. Almost half of patients (46%) and carers (48%) reported never having been asked about their mental health, or that of the person they care for, by healthcare professionals.Forty-six percent of respondents had received professional psychological support; the most common reason for not having accessed professional psychological support was that it had not been suggested (41%).Fifty-nine percent of respondents had accessed sources of additional emotional support, such as patient groups, with the majority (75%) having found this support themselves. With input from our multi-stakeholder workshop we developed recommendations for healthcare professionals to be supported to effectively and sensitively recognise and address patients’ and carers’ mental health needs; and for service level coordination of care to integrate professional psychological support with rare disease services.Conclusions Living with a rare disease substantially impacts mental health. Many of the drivers of poor mental health reflect issues specific to managing rare conditions. To meet existing UK government commitments, there should be a focus on empowering healthcare professionals who treat rare disease patients and on integration of mental health support with rare disease services.
The algal selenoproteomes
Authors: Jiang Liang , Lu Yiqian , Zheng Lin , Li Gaopeng , Chen Lianchang , Zhang Maona , Ni Jiazuan , Liu Qiong , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2020

Background: Selenium is an essential trace element, and selenocysteine (Sec, U) is its predominant form in vivo. Proteins that contain Sec are selenoproteins, whose special structural features include not only the TGA codon encoding Sec but also the SECIS element in mRNA and the conservation of the Sec-flanking region. These unique features have led to the development of a series of bioinformatics methods to predict and research selenoprotein genes. There have been some studies and reports on the evolution and distribution of selenoprotein genes in prokaryotes and multicellular eukaryotes, but the systematic analysis of single-cell eukaryotes, especially algae, has been very limited. Results: In this study, we predicted selenoprotein genes in 137 species of algae by using a program we previously developed. More than 1000 selenoprotein genes were obtained. A database website was built to record these algae selenoprotein genes (www.selenoprotein.com). These genes belong to 42 selenoprotein families, including three novel selenoprotein gene families. Conclusions: This study reveals the primordial state of the eukaryotic selenoproteome . It is an important clue to explore the significance of selenium for primordial eukaryotes and to determine the complete evolutionary spectrum of selenoproteins in all life forms.
Development of a relevant strategy using de novo transcriptome assembly method for transcriptome comparisons between Muscovy and common duck species and their reciprocal inter-specific Mule and Hinny hybrids fed ad libitum and overfed
Authors: Liu Xi , Hérault Frédéric , Diot Christian , Corre Erwan
Published: September 2020

Background: Common Pekin and Muscovy ducks and their intergeneric hinny and mule hybrids have different abilities for fatty liver production. RNA-Seq analyses from the liver of these different genetic types fed ad libitum or overfed would help to identify genes with different response to overfeeding between them. However RNA-seq analyses from different species and comparison is challenging. The goal of this study was develop a relevant strategy for transcriptome analysis and comparison between different species.Results: Transcriptomes were first assembled with a reference-based approach. Important mapping biases were observed when heterologous mapping were conducted on common duck reference genome, suggesting that this reference-based strategy was not suited to compare the four different genetic types. De novo transcriptome assemblies were then performed using Trinity and Oases. Assemblies of transcriptomes were not relevant when more than a single genetic type was considered. Finally, single genetic type transcriptomes were assembled with DRAP in a mega-transcriptome. No bias was observed when reads from the different genetic types were mapped on this mega-transcriptome and differences in gene expression between the four genetic types could be identified.Conclusions: Analyses using both reference-based and de novo transcriptome assemblies point out a good performance of the de novo approach for the analysis of gene expression in different species. It also allowed the identification of differences in responses to overfeeding between Pekin and Muscovy ducks and hinny and mule hybrids.
The Effectiveness of a Men-only Supportive Expressive Therapy Group Intervention for Psychosocial Health Outcomes in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients: A 6-month longitudinal study
Authors: Oberoi Devesh , Martopullo Celestina , Bultz Barry D. , Carlson Linda Ellen
Published: September 2020

Background: An increasing number of gastrointestinal cancer (GI) patients suffer from the side effects of cancer treatment that can affect their psychosocial health outcomes such as mood states and quality of life. Despite its demonstrated usefulness in female cancer patients, the Supportive Expressive Group Therapy (SEGT) has not been tested in male cancer patients. The current study sought to examine the longitudinal effects of a professionally-led, men-only supportive-expressive group therapy (SEGT) on mood states, coping, and quality of life (QoL) in male GI cancer patients. Methods: Male GI cancer patients (n=31), at different stages of cancer treatment, were recruited from an ongoing men-only biweekly GI cancer support group. Data were collected at baseline (before or near the beginning of group attendance) and at three months and six months follow-up. All outcomes were patient-reported and included demographic data as well as the validated questionnaires: Profile of Mood States (POMS) for mood states, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) for QoL, and Ways of Coping-cancer version (WOC) for coping. Linear mixed models were used to examine the change in the outcomes over time. Effect sizes were estimated using Cohen’s d. Results: The Anxiety (p=.04; d=0.70), Depression (p=.03; d=0.93) and Anger (p=.04; d=1.28) subscales of the POMS decreased between baseline and six months. Participants also reported improvements in coping through Distancing (distancing oneself from negative thoughts, being more accepting of the situation, and looking for positives) of the WOC (p=.04; d=0.4) between baseline and six months. There was no change in any of the FACT subscales (QoL) over time. Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate the effects of a SEGT intervention in male cancer patients. SEGT resulted in improved mood states and coping in male GI cancer patients; however, there was no change in measures of QoL. Given the direct effects of SEGT on anxiety, depression and anger, as well as a strong association between anger and depression in men as reported in past studies, SEGT could be impactful in improving psychosocial health outcomes in male GI cancer patients.
Comparison of short-term outcomes between Chinese surgical robot “Micro Hand S” assisted and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Yanlei , Wang Guohui , Li Zheng , Hao Ling , Yi Bo , zhu shaihong
Published: September 2020

Background As the first domestically produced Chinese surgical robot for clinical use, the Micro Hand S robot has been applied to total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer in our center since 2017. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the Micro Hand S robot-assisted TME (R-TME) in comparison with laparoscopic TME (L-TME).Methods Between May 2017 and February 2018, patients who underwent R-TME and L-TME in the Third Xiangya Hospital were included in this study. The data including intraoperative outcomes, postoperative outcomes, pathological outcomes, and functional outcomes were analyzed and compared. Results Totally, 30 patients underwent L-TME and 21 patients underwent R-TME. The patient characteristics of the two groups were similar. Regarding intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, the R-TME group had significantly less blood loss (95.2 vs. 130.0 ml, p = 0.022), shorter time to first flatus (2.1 vs. 2.9 d, p = 0.017) and first liquid intake (2.8 vs. 3.7 d, p = 0.027) than the L-TME group. There was no significant difference in the operative time, conversion, protective ileostomy, length of hospital stay, pain score, complications, and 30-day mortality between the two groups (p > 0.05). In addition, the pathological and functional outcomes also did not differ significantly.Conclusion The Micro Hand S robot-assisted total mesorectal excision is safe and feasible with short-term outcomes comparable to laparoscopic surgery. Prospective and large sample size trials are needed to further confirm this conclusion.
Knowledge and preventive practices towards Covid-19 and associated factors among healthcare workers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno Bedelle Zones, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegaye Dereje , Shuremu Muluneh , Oljira Dereje , Dubale Sileshi , Befekadu Getachew , Bidira Kebebew
Published: September 2020

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. As the virus is transmitted through close contact and droplets, frontline HCWs caring for COVID-19 patients are at risk of the infection. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and preventive practices towards Covid-19 among health care providers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno Bedele zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2020 among 330 health workers in selected health facilities of Illu Aba Bor and Buno-Bedelle Zones, Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered onto Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of preventive practices towards Covid-19. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05. Result: Greater part (93.3%) of the respondent demonstrated good knowledge towards COVID-19 and the mean (±SD) knowledge score was 9.0 4± 1.06. Nearly two-thirds (64.2%) of the study participants had good infection prevention practices. Being male (AOR=3.65, 95% CI: (1.96, 6.80)), education level (AOR=1.82, 95% CI (1.02, 3.22)), profession (AOR=3.17, 95% CI (1.08, 9.33)), service year ( 5 – 10 years) (AOR=2.00 (1.02, 3.92)) and more than 10 years (AOR=3.14 (1.51, 6.52)) , availability of personal protective equipment (AOR=1.96 (1.06, 3.61)) and Knowledge level (AOR=2.61 (1.48, 4.62)) were independent predictors of COVID-19 preventive practices. Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge of HCWs was good. However, the practice was relatively low. Gender, educational status, profession, year of service, knowledge towards COVID-19, and availability of personal protective equipment were independent predictors of good infection prevention practices. Optimizing the infection prevention and control loop of the health facilities is recommended.
Molecular detection and identification of “Candidatus Ehrlichia hainanensis”, a novel Ehrlichia species in rodents from Hainan province, China
Authors: Liu Peipei , Zhao Hongqing , Xue Feng , Gao Yunfeng , Lu Miao , Li Kun
Published: September 2020

Background: Ehrlichia is a genus of Rickettsiales bacteria closely related to human/animal disease and it plays an important role in public health. Naturally they are hosted by mammals such as canines, bovines, wild rodents and vectored by ticks. Results: In this study, we collected 121 rodent samples including 67 Niviventer fulvescens, 27 Rattus tanezumi, 24 Chiromyscus sp., 2 Rattus nitidus and 1 Leopoldamys edwardsi from Hainan province, which consists of the second largest island in China. The presence and genetic diversity of Ehrlichia was evaluated and characterized by amplifying and sequencing the 16S rRNA, groEL and gltA genes. An Ehrlichia species was detected in 5 of the 67 Niviventer fulvescens samples (7.46%). The 16S rRNA, groEL and gltA genes show highest 99.20%, 89.87% and 83.86% identity to known Ehrlichia sequences. In the phylogenetic trees they form a distinct cluster from any other species. ﻿Conclusions: We propose that this species present a putative novel Ehrlichia species nominated as ‘Candidatus Ehrlichia hainanensis’. Its pathogenicity to human is still to be further researched and molecular surveillance in local populations is needed.
Effect of tannin concentration on mycelial growth and development of Auricularia cornea
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Fan Dongyu , Zhang Chen , Tian Fenghua , Song Bing , Jia Chuanwen , Li Changtian , Li Yu
Published: September 2020

It is proved that the effect of tannin concentration on the mycelial growth of fungi. Auricularia cornea (white strain) were treated with different concentrations of tannins in petri-dishes and liquid shaking flasks. The growth rate of mycelium, the ratio of clamp connection, morphology of mycelium, biomass of mycelium and activity of antioxidant enzymes were determined. The results showed that different concentrations of tannin significantly decreased the rate of mycelium. However hign concentration of tannin stress increased the content of thiobarbituric acid in mycelia and had obvious time and concentration effects. Different antioxidant enzyme activities also had different responses to tannin stress. It provides theoretical basis for fungi to utilize and develop substrates containing tannin such as pine.
Excessive amounts of salt consumption and atheroma formation among patients awaiting coronary-artery-bypass-grafting at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: Amadoru H , Dias Ashini R. , K.R.N.Wijesiri  , P.M.Gamage  , Perera T.R. , Goonewardane A.P.N. De Vas , Liyanage S.N. , Malwatta Arunie Kokila , Ravikaran A , Mahesh P.K.B. , K.M.V.R.Alles  , Sooriyarachch Wasana , Siriwardena Sumudu P.R. , Jayasekara Prasanna , Jayatissa Renuka , Silva R.Y. De , Kapuruge A.D.
Published: September 2020

Background:Ischemic Heart Disease(IHD) characterized by atheroma formation, is a leading contributor for the rising disease burden of chronic non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka. Even though excessive salt-consumption has been attributed with hypertension, documented literature is scarce on exploring its direct association with atheroma formation with primary data. Coronary-Artery- Bypass-Grafting(CABG) is done as a tertiary preventive measure for IHDs. The aim was to estimate the sodium-intake and to describe the association of salt consumption and atheroma formation among preoperative patients undergoing CABG at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Sri Lanka.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was done on a calculated sample size of 213 participants who were awaiting CABG at SJGH. An interviewer-administered Additional file 1 was used, and dietary intake of sodium was calculated with food-frequency tables and web-based tools. A data extraction form was used and details regarding Coronary arterial segments with atheroma formation were obtained from angiogram reports. After exploring the normality, Spearman-correlation-coefficient and Mann-Whitney-U tests were used to explore associations of atheroma formation. Independent association of sodium-intake and Coronary arterial segments affected with atheroma was explored with multiple-logistic regression. ResultsThe sample was with a male preponderance(male to female ratio=3:1). Comorbidities were observed in a notable proportion: diabetes(47%), dyslipidemia(40%), hypertension(56%). The median(IQR) of BMI and waist circumference were 25.00(23.00-27.00)kg/m2 and 87.00(82.00-91.00)cm. The median(IQR) sodium-intake was 5875.50(4905.25-7091.25)mg. All participants (n=210) had a sodium intake of more than 2000mg/day. Sodium intake(rs=0.599,p<0.001) and BMI(rs=0.634,p=0.034) were significantly associated with atheroma segments whereas age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, waist circumference was not(p>0.05). Sodium intake was found to be an independent predictor of affecting “5 or more segments” when multiple logistic regression was applied(OR= 2.25,CI=1.41 to 3.61).Conclusions and RecommendationsThe daily intake of sodium by a regular person is more than the dietary recommendations in the study sample. Salt intake reflected by sodium intake seemingly increase the risk of atheroma formation in more coronary segments irrespective of age, sex as well as several known disease conditions and risk factors. More research must be promoted with analytical approaches in proving this hypothesis.
Apple Scion Cultivars Regulate the Rhizosphere Microbiota of Scion/rootstock Combinations
Authors: Wang Yi , Chai Xiaofen , Wang Xiaona , Li Hui , Xu Xuefeng , Wu Ting , Zhang Xinzhong , Han Zhenhai
Published: September 2020

Grafting is a useful technique in the production of horticultural products. In addition to providing root system, rootstocks can increase stress tolerance of plants, influence scion growth and fruit yield, and harbor rich microbial community. But whether the scion modify plant growth, rootstock phenotypes and rhizosphere bacterial community has not been clearly investigated. Here, 14 different combinations of two scion cultivars grafted on 7 rootstock genotypes were used as research materials, we analyzed the plant traits, rhizosphere bacterial community, and potential functionalities across these plants in the same orchard. We found that apple scion cultivars influenced the tree high and trunk circumference, and the sugar concentration in root varied significantly between scion cultivars, especially fructose and sucrose. Apple scion cultivars was the largest source of variation in the rhizosphere bacterial diversity and taxonomic composition of grafted combinations. The dominant rhizosphere bacterial taxa were correlated with the root sugar concentration, especially sucrose. And the PICRUSt showed that rhizosphere bacteria contained fructose and sucrose metabolism and with plant growth-promoting traits. Additionally, the scion cultivar significantly affected the predicted metabolism of the rhizosphere-associated bacterial communities. Our results showed that apple scion varieties could regulate the composition and structure of rhizosphere bacterial community in different scion / rootstock combinations, which may be achieved by controlling soluble sugar content, especially sucrose in roots.
Molecular Characterization and Genotypic and Genotypic Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance of Methicillin Resistant-staphylococcus Aureus Isolated From Raw Meat
Authors: Chabi Roya
Published: September 2020

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is considered to be one of the most important causes of food-borne diseases. The present investigation was done to assess the phenotypic and genotypic characterization and distribution of Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec types and Panton–Valentine leukocidin gene in the MRSA strains isolated from raw meat samples. Six-hundred and eighty meat samples were collected and cultured. MRSA strains were subjected to disk diffusion and Polymerase Chain Reaction. One-hundred and thirty-five out of 680 (18.38%) raw meat samples were positive for S. aureus. Seventy-nine out of 125 (63.20%) S. aureus strains were determined as MRSA. Raw sheep meat samples (75%) had the highest prevalence of MRSA, while raw camel had the lowest (50%). Fifty-eight out of 79 (73.41%) MRSA strains harbored the PVL gene. SCCmec IVa (39.65%), V (22.41%) and III (10.34%) were the most commonly detected types in the MRSA strains. MRSA strains harbored the highest prevalence of resistance against penicillin (100%), tetracycline (100%), gentamicin (65.51%) and erythromycin (56.89%). AadA1 (58.62%), tetK (56.89%), msrA (41.37%) and vatA (36.20%) were the most commonly detected antibiotic resistance genes. Simultaneous presence of PVL and antibiotic resistance genes in multi-drug resistant MRSA strains specifies significant public health problem.
Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bekele Tadesse Alemu , Aynalem Getasew Amogne , Berhe Trhas Tadesse
Published: September 2020

BackgroundDrug-resistant tuberculosis continues to be a public health threat around the globe especially in developing countries. In 2018, the number of new cases of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis was half a million and about 78% of them had multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. In Ethiopia, the overall proportion of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis was 11.6%. The latest treatment outcome data for people with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis show a global treatment success rate of 56%. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing multi-drug resistant tuberculosis treatment outcomes and associated factors at St. Peter Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia, 2019. MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was done. A total of 384 patient medical charts selected by simple random sampling method were reviewed. The data was collected using a checklist from the patients’ medical charts. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS version 23 computer software package. Summary statistics of a given data for each variable were calculated. A logistic regression model was used to measure the association between the outcome and the predictor variable. Statistical significance was declared at p-value<0.05. Direction and strength of association were expressed using OR and 95% CI. ResultFrom a total of 384 patients, the majority of 245(63.8%) of the study subjects were females. The rate of poor treatment outcome was 173(45.1%). Male patients and patients in the age category of 39-60 years were less likely to have poor treatment outcome compared to female patients and patients in the age category of 18-38 years (AOR = 0.43, 95%CI (0.19, 0.10) and (AOR = 0.28, 95%CI (0.15, 0.52) respectively. Patients with a history of second-line TB drug resistance are more likely to have poor treatment outcomes (AOR = 3.81, 95%CI (1.84, 7.91). Poor treatment outcome was higher among patients with longer treatment duration (AOR = 3.23, 95%CI (1.82, 5.74) compared to patients with short treatment duration. ConclusionThe proportion of poor treatment outcome in patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis was high. Therefore, a concerted effort should be done at all levels to improve the treatment outcome of the MDR-TB.
Association of in Utero Antibiotic Exposure With Childhood Ear Infection Trajectories: A National Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Hu Yanhong Jessika , Wang Jing , Harwell Joseph Irvin , Wake Melissa
Published: September 2020

BackgroundMost prescribed medicines during pregnancy are antibiotics, with unknown effects on a foetus and on the infant’s acquired microbiome. This study investigates associations between in utero antibiotic exposure and ear infection trajectories over the first decade of life, hypothesising effects on early or persistent, rather than later-developing, ear infections.MethodsDesign & Participants: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) birth cohort recruited a nationally-representative sample of 5107 infants in 2004. Measures: Mothers reported antibiotic use in pregnancy when a child was 3-21 months old (wave 1), and ongoing problems with ear infection every 2 years spanning ages 0-1 to 10-11 years (waves 1 to 6). Analysis: Latent class models identified ear infection trajectories, and univariable and multivariable multinomial logistic regression determined odds of adverse trajectories by antibiotic exposure. Results4500 (88.1% of original sample) children contributed (mean baseline age 0.7 years; 51.3% boys); 10.4% of mothers reported antibiotic use in pregnancy. Four probability trajectories for ear infection emerged: “consistently low” (86.2%), “moderate to low” (5.6%), “low to moderate” (6.7%) and “consistently high” (1.4%). Antibiotic use in pregnancy was associated with children following “consistently high” (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.91, p=0.03) and “moderate to low” (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.53, p=0.001) trajectories.ConclusionsAntibiotic use in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of persistent and early childhood ear infections. This highlights the wisdom of cautious antibiotic use during pregnancy, and the need for study of potential mechanisms underlying these associations.
Colostrum avoidance and associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nigussie Jemberu , Girma Bekahegn , Molla Alemayehu , Mareg Moges
Published: September 2020

Background: Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mammary glands during the second half of pregnancy for a few days (3-4) after birth. However, colostrum is a normative standard for infants’ complete form of nutrition, most mothers' giving prelacteal food such as honey, butter, sugar water, and plain water instead of colostrum to their newborn. In Ethiopia, colostrum was seen as abnormal milk causing abdominal problems, and to mitigate this problem most mothers were discarding the portion of the colostrum. Although studies have been conducted on colostrum avoidance and associated factors in Ethiopia, their report was inconsistent regarding the prevalence and associated factors. The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of colostrum avoidance and associated factors in Ethiopia.Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, and Hinari were searched. We found a total of 327 records, of which 292 records were excluded due to duplication and unrelated to our objective. Finally, 35 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The data were extracted in Microsoft Excel format and exported to STATA Version 14.0 statistical software for analysis. Heterogeneity was checked by the I2 test. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of colostrum avoidance and associated factors. Egger’s weighted regression and Begg’s rank correlation test were used to assess publication bias. Result: This review revealed that the pooled prevalence of colostrum avoidance in Ethiopia was 20.5% (95% CI; 16.46, 24.45). Ante-natal care (ANC) visits [OR= 0.274 (95% CI; 0.175, 0.428)], place of delivery [OR= 3.8 (95% CI; 2.9, 4.9)], breastfed counselling [OR= 0.261(95% CI; 0.147 - 0.462), timely initiation of breast feeding [OR = 3.8 (95% CI; 1.9, 7.4)] and prelacteal feeding [OR= 5.77 (95% CI; 4.03- 8.22)] were significant factors for colostrum avoidance. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that one of five mothers discarded colostrum in Ethiopia. Colostrum avoidance was higher in rural mothers than in urban mothers. Strengthening ANC visits, institutional delivery, breastfed counseling, early initiation of breastfeeding, and avoidance of prelacteal feeding are recommended interventions to reduce colostrum avoidance in Ethiopia. Furthermore, promoting the health benefit of colostrum and its nutritional value also emphasizes to improving colostrum feeding in the community.
Cloning, characterization, and expression features of chicken CDS2 splicing variants
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Zhang Shuping , Guo Yujun , Chen Wen , Huang Yanqun
Published: September 2020

Background: The CDS gene encodes the CDP-diacylglycerol synthase enzyme that catalyzes the formation of CDP-diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) from phosphatidic acid. At present, there are no reports of CDS2 in birds. Here, we identified chicken CDS2 transcripts, explored the spatio-temporal expression profiles of total CDS2 and the longest transcript variant CDS2-4, and investigated the effect of exogenous insulin on total the mRNA level of CDS2.Results: Four transcripts of chicken CDS2 (CDS2-1, -2, -3, and -4) were identified, which were alternatively spliced at the 3′-untranslated region (UTR). Chicken CDS2 was located at chr.22, where there was a chromosomal fusion/break event in the evolution of mammals and birds. CDS2 was widely expressed in all tissues examined and the longest variant CDS2-4 was the major transcript. Both total CDS2 and CDS2-4 were prominently expressed in adipose tissue and the heart, and exhibited low expression in the liver and pectoralis of 49 day-old chickens. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that total CDS2 and CDS2-4 had different spatio-temporal expression patterns in chicken. Total CDS2 exhibited a similar temporal expression tendancy with a high level in the later period of incubation (embryonic day 19 [E19] or 1-day-old) in the brain, liver, and pectoralis. While CDS2-4 presented a distinct temporal expression pattern in these tissues, CDS2-4 levels peaked at 21 days in the brain and pectoralis, while liver CDS2-4 mRNA levels were highest at the early stage of hatching (E10). Total CDS2 (P < 0.001) and CDS2-4 (P = 0.0090) mRNA levels in the liver were differentially regulated throughout development of the chicken. Exogenous insulin significantly downregulated the level of total CDS2 at 240 min in the pectoralis of Silky chickens (P < 0.01). Total CDS2 levels in the liver of Silky chickens were higher than that of the broiler in the basal state and after insulin stimulation.Conclusion: Chicken CDS2 has multiple transcripts with variation at the 3′-UTR, which was prominently expressed in adipose tissue. Total CDS2 and CDS2-4 presented distinct spatio-temporal expression patterns, and they were differentially regulated with age in liver. Insulin could regulate chicken CDS2 levels in a breed- and tissue-specific manner.
Magnetic Nanoparticles to Unique DNA Tracers – Effect of Functionalization on Physico-Chemical Properties.
Authors: Sharma Anuvansh , Foppen Jan Willem , Banerjee Abhishek , Slimani Sawssen , Bachhar Nirmalya , Peddis Davide , Bandyopadhyay Sulalit
Published: September 2020

Limited number of potential tracers such as salts, isotopes and dyes, make study of hydrological processes a challenge. Traditional tracers find limited use due to lack of multipoint tracing and background noise, among others. DNA based tracers have been shown to have great potential enabling synthesis of ideally unlimited number of unique tracers besides being environmentally friendly, highly sensitive and capable of multipoint tracing. To prevent unintentional losses in the environment during application and easy recovery for analysis, we hereby report DNA encapsulation in silica containing magnetic cores (iron oxide) of two different shapes – spheres and cubes, in the size range 10-20 nm, synthesized using co-precipitation or thermal decomposition. Physico-chemical properties such as size, zeta potential, etc of the iron oxide nanoparticles have been optimized for different ligands and surfactants. We report for the first time the effect of surface coating on the magnetic properties of the iron oxide nanoparticles at each stage of functionalization, culminating in silica shells. Efficiency of encapsulation of three different dsDNA molecules has been studied using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Our results show that our DNA based magnetic tracers can be used for hydrological monitoring with easy recoverability and high signal amplification.
Utility function and determination of functional dependence form of the utility benefits from its extent.
Authors: Чудовская Л.А. , Затенко С.И. , Тарабан М.В.
Published: September 2020

Раскрывается тесная связь понятия «потребительная ценность блага (полезности)» и более конкретного понятия «качество товаров». Трактовка понятия «благо» является достаточно общей, для того чтобы быть применимой к продуктам различной природы (от реальных товаров и услуг до информации, информационного обеспечения и результатов творчества). Рассматриваются наиболее часто используемые в исследованиях функции полезности экономических благ (в частности, функции полезности денег). Приводятся пять различных подходов к определению вида функциональной зависимости полезности экономического блага (в частности, денег) от его объема. Выявлены основные виды функций полезности: классическая функция полезности Бернулли, классическая функция полезности Крамера, нормированная функция полезности Бернулли, нормированная функция полезности Крамера, обобщенная нормированная функция полезности. Показано, что выявление вида функциональной зависимости полезности блага от его объема происходит в условиях теоретико-множественной неопределенности, когда имеется целый класс параметризованных функций, заданных с точностью до параметра, возможные значения которого лежат в некотором интервале.

The article deals with a closely tied connection of the concept of benefit custom value (value in use) and more specific with concept of goods quality. The interpretation of the concept benefit is common to be applicable to products of different nature (from real goods and services to information, communication and creativity). The most widely used utility functions of economic benefits (in particular: the utility function of money) are viewed in the article. There are five different approaches given to define the form of the functional dependence of the utility of economic benefits (in particular money) from its extent. The main types of utility functions are: Bernoulli utility function; Cramer classical utility function; normalized utility function of Bernoulli; normalized utility function of Cramer; a generalized normalized utility function. It is shown that the identification of the functional dependence form of the utility benefit from its extent goes on in terms of set-theoretic uncertainty, when there is an entire class of parameterized functions that are defined to the precision of the parameter, the possible values of which lie in some interval.