bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eifelian–Givetian (Middle Devonian) high-paleolatitude storm- and wave-dominated shallow-marine depositional systems from the Bidouw Subgroup (Bokkeveld Group) of South Africa
Authors: Penn-Clarke Cameron R. , Rubidge Bruce S. , Jinnah Zubair A.
Published: November 2019

The sedimentology of the Eifelian–Givetian (Middle Devonian) Bidouw Subgroup in the Clanwilliam Sub-basin of South Africa has been reassessed. Four distinct lithofacies associations are recognized (A–D) and are representative of the deposits of offshore (Os), offshore transition zone to distal lower shoreface (OTZ-dLSF), proximal lower shoreface (pLSF), and upper shoreface–beach (USF-Beach) paleoenvironments. These paleoenvironments are arranged as several T-R-controlled storm- and wave-dominated shallow-marine depositional systems. The presence of storm- and wave-dominated shallow-marine depositional systems in the Bidouw Subgroup, as well as the preceding Emsian–Eifelian (Early–Middle Devonian) Ceres Subgroup provides an alternative explanation to storm- and wave-dominated delta and mixed wave- and-tide-dominated delta models that have previously been proposed for the Bokkeveld Group. Sequence-stratigraphic analysis of the Bidouw Subgroup suggests that although sedimentation occurred during two large-scale second-order transgressive events, the succession was predominantly regressive. Third-order and fourth-order transgressive–regressive (T-R) sequences are more numerous with respect to the preceding Ceres Subgroup, suggesting that the driver for T-R cyclicity and relative sea-level change was more active during the Eifelian–Givetian than in the Emsian–Eifelian of South Africa. These data are important since relative sea-level change and its effects on paleoenvironmental change at high paleolatitudes during the Devonian Period are poorly known.
High Clearance Dissolvable Plug Overcoming Downhole Restriction Doing Squeeze Cementing in North Sea
Authors: Jin Ningjing
Published: November 2019

The paper will include an introduction of dissolvable plug and its development in oil & gas upstream business. Dissolvable plug is a customized tool, and it could be modified by controlling its chemical compound to adjust its dissolving rate. In addition, high clearance dissolvable plug is a plug solution with dissolvability originally brought out to overcome the downhole restriction challenge (ID of SSD), namely to pass the downhole restriction then to set in the original casing ID. A case study of its application in offshore squeeze cementing job will be analyzed in this paper, from the plug designing perspective to operational data recap to prove its benefits. Conventional plugs will leave the bottom of the plug body downhole after plugs slip losing integrity during the milling operation, and the remainder leaving downhole will choke the well production or even block the well, however, dissolvable plug remainders will dissolve itself downhole, which will not have an impact on the production.
Permanent Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors DFOS for Pro-Active Abandonment Subsurface Monitoring
Authors: Mad Zahir Mohamad Hafizal , Abdul Aziz Khairul Mustaqim , Ghazali Ahmad Riza , Abdul Rahim Mohamad Faizal , Mohamed M Daniel
Published: November 2019

The well decommissioning and abandonment is not only complex, costly, and critical for environment but is also a quickly growing problem for the entire oil and gas industry as the number of wells approaching end of field life is rapidly increasing. All that generates a massive assets management problem. Worse yet, in some of the wells considered as properly abandoned oil leaks are discovered many years later, sometimes polluting the drinking water aquifer or sea water. The well decommissioning procedures require a passive monitoring tool, helping to identify poor cement jobs and leaks.
Improved Rectification Procedure for High Annulus Pressure Issues during Production Phase
Authors: Saharuddin Mohamad Kamil , Md Jusoh Nur Zulaikar , M Effendi Shahrul Nizam , Kamaruddin Izam Ikhwan , Mohd Yusof Lydia
Published: November 2019

High annulus pressure in old producing wells in offshore Malaysia has become a serious issue when it reaches a limit that breaches a well’s integrity pressure envelope. According to the outlined criteria in the Operator Well Risk Management 3.0 (WRM), the operator will perform lubrication work using heavy brine. This action will temporarily reduce the annulus pressure but soon the annulus pressure will start to build up to the original threshold limit hence rendering lubrication using brine a failure, requiring operator to raise Management of Change (MOC) to keep well flowing with numerous action items needed to be in place while looking for the proper solution.

Currently the usage of epoxy resin technology for leak repairs has become a regular practice in the industry. The idea of squeezing resin to seal off the micro-annulus leaks in well casing cemented annuli has become widely accepted in leak repairs. This integrity barrier entails placing and squeezing special epoxy resin into the annuli, filling up the void inside the sealed annuli and squeezing adequate volume of resin gels into the cement micro annuli. Placement of the resin gels can be difficult to execute due to the micro size path; therefore, high pressure is needed to be applied and maintained during pumping.

Since 2016, the operator has had experiences in treating annulus leaks using lubrication methods and also the current deployment of epoxy resin in filling up voids and micro annulus which has enabled the operator to standardize the method to ensure high success. Surveillance logging data was utilised to determine the source of pressure and to estimate the maximum squeeze pressure to be applied during the treatment. Six wells were pilot tested and treated with this special epoxy resin squeeze, with four wells showing a complete seal while the other two wells have shown gradual pressure build up.

This paper outlines the laboratory verification works on the resin mixtures to adapt to the field application in sealing the leaking annuli and describes all the six pilot tested wells that were carried out in one of offshore fields in Malaysia. The various considerations during the design of the rectification treatments as well as the experiences and lesson learnt during the execution phase are also highlighted.
Effectiveness of Group Problem Management Plus (Group-PM+) for adults affected by humanitarian crises Nepal: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial (c-RCT)
Authors: Hof E van 't , Sangraula Manaswi , Luitel Nagendra P , Turner Elizabeth L. , Marahatta Kedar , Ommeren Mark van , Shrestha Pragya , Bryant Richard , Kohrt Brandon A. , Jordans Mark J. D.
Published: November 2019

Background
Globally, the lack of availability of psychological services for people exposed to adversities has led to the development of a range of scalable psychological interventions with features that enable better scale-up. Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a brief intervention of 5 sessions that can be delivered by non-specialists. It is designed for people in communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) affected by any kind of adversity. Two recent randomized controlled trials in Pakistan and Kenya demonstrated the effectiveness of individually delivered PM+. A group version of PM+ has been developed to make the intervention more scalable and acceptable. This paper describes the protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial (c-RCT) on locally adapted Group PM+ in Nepal.
Methods: This c-RCT will compare Group PM+ to enhanced usual care (EUC) in participants with high levels of psychological distress recruited from the community. The study is designed as a two-arm, single-blind c-RCT that will be conducted in a community-based setting in Morang, a flood affected district in Eastern Nepal. Randomization will occur at ward level, the smallest administrative level in Nepal, with 72 enrolled wards allocated to Group PM+ or to EUC (ratio 1:1). Group PM+ consists of five approximately 2.5 hour sessions, in which participants are taught techniques to manage their stressors and problems, and is delivered by trained and supervised community psychosocial workers (CPSWs). EUC consists of a family meeting with (a) basic information on adversity and mental health, (b) benefits of getting support, (c) information on seeking services from local health facilities with mhGAP-trained staff. The primary outcome measure is levels of individual psychological distress at endline (equivalent to 20±1 weeks after baseline), measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Secondary outcome measures include levels of functioning, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, levels of social support, somatic symptoms and ways of coping. We hypothesize that skills acquired will mediate any impact of the intervention.
Discussion: This c-RCT will contribute to the growing evidence-base for transdiagnostic psychological interventions delivered by non-specialists for people in communities affected by adversity. If Group PM+ is proven effective the intervention manual will be released for use giving the opportunity to further adaptation and implementation of the intervention in diverse settings with communities that require better access to psychological interventions.
Impact of metabolically healthy obesity on the risk of incident gastric cancer: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Hamaguchi Masahide , Obora Akihiro , Kojima Takao , Fukui Michiaki
Published: November 2019

Background Previous meta-analyses revealed that obesity confers a risk of gastric cancer. On the other hand, metabolically healthy obese (MHO) individuals, who are healthier than metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) individuals, have lower risks of colon cancer and breast cancer. However, the association between MHO and incident gastric cancer is unclear. Methods This historical cohort study included 19,685 Japanese individuals who participated in health-checkup programs from 2003 to 2016. Each subject was classified as metabolically healthy (MH) (no metabolic abnormalities) or metabolically abnormal (MA) (one or more metabolic abnormalities), according to four metabolic factors (hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, hypertriglyceridemia and low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol). Obese (O) or non-obese (NO) was classified by a body mass index cutoff of 25.0 kg/m2. Hazard ratios of metabolic phenotypes for incident gastric cancer were calculated by the Cox proportional hazard model with adjustments for age, sex, alcohol consumption, smoking and exercise. Results Over the median follow-up period of 5.5 years, 78 participants developed gastric cancer. Five-years cumulative incident rate of gastric cancer was 0.2% (case/n = 17/8,331) in MHNO, 0.2% (1/653) in MHO, 0.5% (35/7,276) in MANO and 0.7% (25/3,425) in MAO. Compared with MHNO, the adjusted hazard ratios for development of gastric cancer were 0.69 (95%CI 0.04–3.39, p = 0.723) in MHO, 1.16 (95%CI 0.63–2.12, p = 0.636) in MANO and 2.09 (95%CI 1.10–3.97, p = 0.024) in MAO. Conclusions This study shows that individuals with MAO, but not those with MHO, had an elevated risk for incident gastric cancer.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Xpert MTB/Rif Ultra for tuberculosis adenitis
Authors: Antel Katherine , Oosthuizen Jenna , Malherbe Francois , Louw Vernon J , Nicol Mark P , Maartens Gary , Verburgh Estelle
Published: November 2019

Background: The WHO recently recommended the new Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay (Ultra) instead of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay because Ultra has improved sensitivity. We report the diagnostic accuracy of Ultra for tuberculous adenitis in a tuberculosis and HIV endemic setting.
Methods: We obtained fine-needle aspirates (FNA) and lymph node tissue by core-needle biopsy in adult patients with peripheral lymphadenopathy of > 20 mm. Ultra and mycobacterial culture were performed on FNA and tissue specimens, with histological examination of tissue specimens. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of Ultra against a composite reference standard of ‘definite tuberculosis’ (microbiological criteria) or ‘probable tuberculosis’ (histological and clinical criteria).
Results: We prospectively evaluated 99 participants of whom 50 were HIV positive: 21 had ‘definite tuberculosis’, 15 ‘probable tuberculosis’ and 63 did not have tuberculosis (of whom 38% had lymphoma and 19% disseminated malignancy). Using the composite reference standard the Ultra sensitivity on FNA was 70% (95% CI 51-85; 21 of 30), and on tissue was 67% (45-84; 16/24) these were far superior to the detection of acid-fast bacilli on an FNA (26%; 7/27); AFB on tissue (33%; 8/24 );or tissue culture (39%; 9/23). The detection of granulomas on histology had high senstivity (83%) but the lowest specficity. When the samples from tissue and FNA were pooled and compared to culture the sensitivity was 84% (60-97; 16/19).
Conclusions: Ultra performed on FNA or tissue of a lymph node had good sensitivity and high specificity. Ultra had a higher yield than culture and has the advantage of being a rapid test. Ultra on FNA would be an appropriate initial investigation for lymphadenopathy in tuberculosis endemic areas followed by a core biopsy for histopathology with a repeat Ultra on tissue if granulomas are present.
Inhibition of autophagy triggers melatonin-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Zhou Nan , Wei Zixuan , Qi Zengxin
Published: November 2019

Background: Autophagy is considered to be another restorative focus for the treatment of brain tumors. Although several research have demonstrated that melatonin induces autophagy in colon cancer and hepatoma cells, there has not been any direct evidence of whether melatonin is capable of inducing autophagy in human glioma cells. Results: In the present research, we report that melatonin or its agonist, agomelatine, induced autophagy in A172 and U87-MG glioblastoma cells for a concentration-and time-dependent way, which was significantly attenuated by treatment with luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist. Furthermore, by suppressing autophagy at the late-stage with bafilomycin A1 and early stage with 3-MA, we found that the melatonin-induced autophagy was activated early, and the autophagic flux was complete. Melatonin treatment alone did not induce any apoptotic changes in the glioblastoma cells, as measured by flow cytometry. Western blot studies confirmed that melatonin alone prominently upregulated the levels of Beclin 1 and LC3 II, which was accompanied by an increase in the expression of Bcl-2, whereas it had no effect on the expression of Bax in the glioblastoma cells. Remarkably, co-treatment with 3-MA and melatonin significantly enhanced the apoptotic cell population in the glioblastoma cells, along with a prominent decrease in the expression of bcl-2 and increase in the Bax expression levels, which collectively indicated that the disruption of autophagy triggers the melatonin-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. Conclusions: These results provide information indicating that melatonin may act as a common upstream signal between autophagy and apoptosis, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for glioma.
Utilization of dental services and associated factors among preschool children in China
Authors: Gao Xiaoli , Ding Min , Xu Mengru , Wu Huijing , Zhang Chunzi , Wang Xing , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Wang Chunxiao , Si Yan
Published: November 2019

Background: This study sought to evaluate dental utilization among 3-,4-, and 5-year-old children in China and to use Andersen’s behavioural model to explore influencing factors, thereby providing a reference for future policy making.
Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study. Data of 40,305 children aged 3-5 years were extracted from the Fourth National Oral Health Survey, which was performed from August 2015 to December 2016.Patient data were collected using a questionnaire, whichwas answered by the child’s parents, and clinical data were collected during a clinical examination. Stratification and survey weighting were incorporated into the complex survey design. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations and hierarchicallogistic regression results were then analysed to find the factors associated with oral health service utilization.
Results : The oral health service utilization prevalenceduring the prior 12 months were 9.5% (95%CI: 8.1%-11.1%) among 3-year-old children, 12.1% (95%CI: 10.8%-13.5%) among 4-year-old children, and 17.5% (95%CI: 15.6%-19.4%) among 5-year-old children. “No dental diseases” (71.3%) and “dental disease was not severe” (12.4%) were the principal reasons why children had not attended a dental visit in the past 12 months. The children whose parents had a bachelor’s degree or higher(OR: 2.29, 95%CI: 1.97-2.67, p <0.001), a better oral health attitude ranging from 5 to 8(OR: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.43-1.89, p <0.001), annual per capital income more than 25,000CNY (OR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.18-1.65, p <0.001),think their child have worse or bad oral health(OR: 3.54, 95%CI: 2.84-4.40, p <0.001), and children who often have toothaches (OR: 9.72 , 95%CI: 7.81-12.09, p <0.001) were more likely to go to the dentist in the past year.
Conclusion: The prevalenceof dental service utilization was relatively low among preschool children. It is necessary to strengthen oral health education for parents and children, thereby improving oral health knowledge as well as attitude, and promoting dental utilization.
Natural polymorphisms in HIV-1 CRF01_AE strain and profile of acquired drug resistance mutations in a long-term combination treatment cohort in northeastern China
Authors: Sun Zesong , Ouyang Jinming , Zhao Bin , An Minghui , Wang Lin , Ding Haibo , Han XiaoXu , Shang Hong
Published: November 2019

Background: The impacts of genetic polymorphisms on drug resistance mutations (DRMs) among various HIV-1 subtypes have long been debated. In this study, we aimed to analyze the natural polymorphisms and acquired DRM profile in HIV-1 CRF01_AE-infected patients in a large first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) cohort in northeastern China. Methods: The natural polymorphisms of CRF01_AE were analyzed in 2034 patients from a long-term ART cohort in northeastern China. The polymorphisms in 105 treatment failure (TF) patients were compared with those in 1148 treatment success (TS) patients. The acquired DRM profile of 42 patients who experienced TF with tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz (TDF/3TC/EFV) treatment was analyzed by comparing the mutations at TF time point to those at baseline. The Stanford HIVdb algorithm was used to interpret the DRMs. Binomial distribution, McNemar test, Wilcoxon test and CorMut package were used to analyze the mutation rates and co-variation. Deep sequencing was used to analyze the evolutionary dynamics of co-variation. Results: Before ART, there were significantly more natural polymorphisms of 31 sites on reverse transcriptase (RT) in CRF01_AE than subtype B HIV-1 (|Z value|≥3), including five known drug resistance-associated sites (238, 118, 179, 103, and 40). However, only the polymorphism at site 75 was associated with TF (|Z value|≥3). The mutation rate at 14 sites increased significantly at TF time point compared to baseline, with the most common DRMs comprising G190S/C, K65R, K101E/N/Q, M184V/I, and V179D/I/A/T/E, ranging from 66.7% to 45.2%. Moreover, two unknown mutations (V75L and L228R) increased by 19.0% and 11.9% respectively, and they were under positive selection (Ka/Ks>1, log odds ratio [LOD]>2) and were associated with several other DRMs (cKa/Ks>1, LOD>2). Deep sequencing of longitudinal plasma samples showed that L228R occurred simultaneously or followed the appearance of Y181C. Conclusion: The high levels of natural polymorphisms in CRF01_AE had little impact on treatment outcomes. The findings regarding potential new CRF01_AE-specific minor DRMs indicate the need for more studies on the drug resistance phenotype of CRF01_AE.
Isoniazid causes heart looping disorder in zebrafish embryos by the induction of oxidative stress
Authors: WANG Hongye , Yihai Liu , Xiyi Wei , Shen Kangjie , Sha Yeqin , Dong Yuxiang , Shu Yimei , Wan Xiaojie , Ren Xiaohan , Chen Jingwen , Tingting Hu
Published: November 2019

Background: The cardiotoxicity of isoniazid on zebrafish embryos and its underlying mechanism is unclear.
Methods: Here, we exposed zebrafish embryos at 4 hours post-fertilization to different levels of isoniazid and recorded the morphology and number of malformed and dead embryos under the microscope.
Results: The high concentration of isoniazid group showed more malformed and dead embryos than the low concentration of isoniazid group and control group. The morphology of the heart and its alteration were visualized using transgenic zebrafish (cmlc2: GFP) and confirmed by in situ hybridization. The negative effects of isoniazid on the developing heart were characterized by lower heart rate and more heart looping disorders. Mechanistically, PCR showed decreased expression of heart-specific transcription factors when exposed to isoniazid. Oxidative stress was induced by isoniazid in cardiomyocytes, mediated by decreased activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, which were rescued by scavengers of reactive oxygen species.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we demonstrated that isoniazid led to heart looping disturbance by the downregulation of cardiac-specific transcription factors and induction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
Point of care testing evaluation of lateral flow immunoassay for diagnosing of Cryptococcus Meningitis in HIV-positive patients at an urban hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, 2017
Authors: Gitonga Lawrence Kirimi , Boru Waqo Gufu , Kwena Arthur , Maritim Marybeth , Wamicwe Joyce , Ransom James Anthony
Published: November 2019

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) against latex agglutination (LA), India ink and culture in point-of-care diagnosis of Cryptococcus meningitis (CM). We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV-positive patients with suspected CM at Mbagathi Hospital, Nairobi, April-July 2017.
Results: Of 124 capillary blood and serum and 99 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, LFA and LA had a concurrence on serum of 94.4%, kappa (0.88), sensitivity (100%) and specificity (91%). LFA and LA on CSF, was 97.9%, kappa (0.96), sensitivity (100%) and specificity (96%). LFA and India ink was 96.9%, kappa (0.94), sensitivity (100%) and specificity (94.1%). On CSF culture, concurrence was 72.7%, kappa (0.43), sensitivity (100%) and specificity (64%) and of LFA on capillary blood, serum and CSF was 100% with kappa (1.00), sensitivity and specificity of 100%
Composite genome sequence of Bacillus clausii, a probiotic commercially available as Enterogermina®, and insights into its probiotic properties
Authors: Khatri Indu , Sharma Gaurav , Subramanian Srikrishna
Published: November 2019

Background: Some of the spore-forming strains of Bacillus probiotics are marketed commercially as they survive harsh gastrointestinal conditions and bestow health benefits to the host.
Results: We report the composite genome of Bacillus clausii ENTPro from a commercially available probiotic Enterogermina® and compare it with the genomes of other Bacillus probiotics. We find that the members of B. clausii species harbor high heterogeneity at the species as well as genus level. The genes conferring resistance to chloramphenicol, streptomycin, rifampicin, and tetracycline in the B. clausii ENTPro strain could be identified. The genes coding for the bacteriocin gallidermin, which prevents biofilm formation in the pathogens S. aureus and S. epidermidis, were also identified. KEGG Pathway analysis suggested that the folate biosynthesis pathway, which depicts one of the important roles of probiotics in the host, is conserved completely in B. subtilis and minimally in Bacillus clausii and other probiotics.
Conclusions: We identified various antibiotic resistance, bacteriocins, stress-related, and adhesion-related domains, and industrially-relevant pathways, in the genomes of these probiotic bacteria that are likely to help them survive in the harsh gastrointestinal tract, facilitating adhesion to host epithelial cells, persistence during antibiotic treatment and combating bacterial infections.
A Simple Monochromatic Flow Cytometric Assay for Assessment of Intraerythrocytic Development of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Kulkeaw Kasem , Ketprasit Nutpakal , Tungtrongchitr Anchalee , Palasuwan Duangdao
Published: November 2019

Background Gold standard microscopic examination of P. falciparum intraerythrocytic stage remains an important process for staging and enumerating parasitized erythrocytes in culture; however, microscopy is laborious, and its accuracy is dependent upon the skill of the examiner.Methods In this study, we used ViSafe Green (VSG), which is a nucleic acid-binding fluorescent dye, to assess in vitro development of P. falciparum using flow cytometry.Results Fluorescence intensity of VSG was found to depend on the developmental stage of parasites. Specifically, multiple-nuclei-containing schizonts were observed in the VSG high population, and growing trophozoites and ring-shaped forms were observed in the VSG intermediate and VSG low populations. The VSG-based assay was found to be comparable to the microscopic examination method, and capable of detecting as few as 0.001% of the parasitemia estimated by Giemsa staining. Moreover, when applying VSG for antimalarial drug test, we were able to observe the growth inhibitory effect of dihydroartemisinin, the front-line drug for malaria therapy.Conclusions Taken together, the results of this study suggest the VSG-based flow cytometric assay to be a simple and reliable assay for assessing P. falciparum malaria development in vitro .
Vaccination accelerates hepatic erythroblastosis induced by blood-stage malaria
Authors: Delic Denis , Wunderlich Frank , Al-Quraishy Saleh , Abdel-Baki Abdel-Azeem , Dkhil Mohamed , Arauzo-Bravo Marcos
Published: November 2019

Background: Vaccination induces survival of otherwise lethal blood-stage infections of the experimental malaria Plasmodium chabaudi. Blood-stage malaria induces extramedullary erythropoiesis in the liver. This study investigates how vaccination affects the course of malaria-induced expression of erythrocytic genes in the liver. Methods: Female Balb/c mice were vaccinated at week 3 and week 1 before challenging with 106 P. chabaudi-parasitized erythrocytes. The non-infectious vaccine consisted of erythrocyte ghosts isolated from P. chabaudi-infected erythrocytes. Gene expression microarrays and quantitative real-time PCR were used to compare mRNA expression of different erythrocytic genes in the liver of vaccination-protected and non-protected mice during infections on days 0, 1, 4, 8, and 11 p.i.. Results: Global transcriptomics analyses reveal vaccination-induced modifications of malaria-induced increases in hepatic gene expression on days 4 and 11 p.i.. On these days, vaccination also alters hepatic expression of the erythropoiesis-involved genes Ermap, Kel, Rhd, Rhag, Slc4a1, Gypa, Add2, Ank1, Epb4.1, Epb4.2, Epb4.9, Spta1, Sptb, Tmod1, Ahsp, Acyp1, Gata1, Gfi1b, Tal1, Klf1, Epor, and Cldn13. In vaccination-protected mice, expression of these genes, except Epb4.1, is significantly higher on day 4 p.i. than in un-protected non-vaccinated mice, reaches maximal expression at peak parasitaemia on day 8 p.i., and is slowed down or even decreased towards the end of crisis phase on day 11 p.i.. After day 1 p.i., Epor expression takes about the same course as that of the other erythroid genes. Hepatic expression of Epo, however, is delayed in both vaccinated and non-vaccinated mice for the first 4 days p.i. and is maximal at significantly higher levels in vaccinated mice on day 8 p.i., before declining towards the end of crisis phase on day 11 p.i.. Conclusion: The present data indicate that vaccination accelerates malaria-induced erythroblastosis in the liver for 1-2 days. This may contribute to earlier replenishment of peripheral red blood cells by liver-derived reticulocytes, which may favour final survival of otherwise lethal blood-stage malaria, since reticulocytes are not preferred as host cells by P. chabaudi.
Some evidence that seasonal malaria chemoprevention with SPAQ did not have effect on antibodies response against pre-erythrocyte stage but on the blood-stage in Niger.
Authors: Moustapha Lamine Mahaman , Adamou Rafiou , Ibrahim Maman Laminou , Padounou Mariama Abdoulaye Louis , Diallo Abdoulaye , Courtin David , Testa Jean , NDiaye Jean Louis
Published: November 2019

Background: In endemic areas, children develop slowly and naturally anti-Plasmodium antibodies and become semi-immune. Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine + amodiaquine (SPAQ) is a new strategy to reduce malaria morbidity in young children in West Africa. However, SMC may impact on the natural acquisition of anti-Plasmodium immunity. We evaluated the effect of SMC with SPAQ on malaria antibodies levels in Niger. Methods: This survey was conducted in areas with SMC since 2014 (Zinder district), without SMC (Dosso district) and with one year SMC 2016 (Gaya district). To assess the relationship between SMC and total Ig G Ab against P. falciparum antigens, we measured antibodies levels of two P.falciparum asexual stage vaccine candidate antigens (Circum Sporozoid Protein and Glutamate-rich Protein R2) in children aged 3–59 months and compared these levels in Zinder, Dosso and Gaya by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) on the elution extracted from the RDTs positive and negative cassette. Results: A total of 229 children aged 3-59 months were included in the analysis: 71 in Zinder, 77 in Dosso, and 81 in Gaya. In Zinder (CSP=17.5 and GLURP-R2=14.3) median antibodies levels observed were higher than in Gaya (CSP=7.7 and GLURP-R2=6.5) and Dosso (CSP=4.5 and GLURP-R2=3.6) (p<0.0001). Conclusion: We have some evidence in this study that suggest SMC with SPAQ did not have effect on antibodies response against pre-erythrocyte stage but on the blood-stage. Future studies are necessary to provide better understanding of SMC effect on malaria immunity.
Surgical Site Infections in orthopaedic patients – a 10-year retrospective observational study in a Polish hospital
Authors: Kołpa Małgorzata , Słowik Róża , Wałaszek Marta , Wolak Zdzisław , Rozanska Anna , Wojkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: November 2019

INTRODUCTION Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections. They are associated with longer post-operative hospital stays, additional surgical procedures, treatment in intensive care units and higher mortality.MATERIAL AND METHODS Surgical site infections (SSIs) were detected in patients hospitalized in a 40-bed orthopaedics ward via continuous surveillance in 2009–2018. The total number of study patients was 15,678. The results were divided into two 5-year periods before and after the introduction of the SSI prevention plan. The study was conducted as part of a national healthcare-Associated Infections surveillance programme, following the methodology recommended by the HAI-Net, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Program (ECDC). RESULTS 168 SSIs were detected in total, including 163 deep SSIs (SSI-D). The total SSI incidence rate was 1.1%, but in hip prosthesis: 1.2%, in knee prosthesis: 1.3%, for open reduction of fracture (FX): 1.3%, for close reduction of fracture (CR): 1.5%, and 0.8% for other procedures. 64% of SSI-D cases required rehospitalisation. A significantly reduction in incidence was found only after fracture reductions: FX and CR, respectively 2.1% vs. 0.7% (OR 3.1 95%CI 1.4-6.6, p<0.01) and 2.1 vs. 0.8% (OR 2.4 95%CI 1.0-5.9, p<0.05). SSI-Ds were usually caused by Gram-positive cocci, specially Staphylococcus aureus, 74 (45.7%); Enterobacteriaceae bacillis accounted for 14.1% and Gram-negative non-fermenting rods for 8.5%. CONCLUSIONS The implemented SSI prevention plan demonstrated a significant decrease (about 2.5-3 times) in SSI-D incidence in fracture reductions. Depending on the epidemiological situation in the ward, it is worthwhile to surveillance of SSIs associated to different types of orthopaedic surgery to assess the risks and take preventive measures.
Amelioration of phlorizin-induced autotoxicity in Malus hupehensis by rhizobium
Authors: Ren Cheng-Gang , xie zhi-hong
Published: November 2019

Background: Phlorizin can cause autotoxic reaction in apple plant, resulting in severe yield losses. It is noted that rhizobium can both degrade phenolic compounds and form mutually beneficial relationships with non-legumes. However, phenolic-degrading rhizobia have rarely been studied for its potential to alleviate the autotoxicity in apple plant.Results: The aim of this study is to determine the capability of phenolic-degrading rhizobia for eliminate the toxic effects caused by phlorizin in Malus hupehensis. Results showed bioaugmentation with rhizobial strain y5077 not only efficiently degrades phlorizin, but also eliminates growth inhibition caused by phlorizin. Rhizobia inoculation enhanced melatonin accumulations and reduced H2O2 and malondialdehyde production. Meantime, activities of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of genes in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle were maintained at a lower level under phlorizin stress. In addition, exogenous melatonin treatment abolished the induction of antioxidant enzymes by phlorizin. The results showed that rhizobia inoculation could alleviate phlorizin-induced oxidative stress by inducing melatonin production.Conclusions: The facts suggested phenolic-degrading rhizobia might be exploited for soil bioremediation in autotoxic apple orchard.
Factors influencing sedentary behaviours after stroke: findings from qualitative observations and interviews with stroke survivors and their caregivers
Authors: Hall Jennifer , Morton Sarah , Fitzsimons Claire F , Hall Jessica Faye , Corepal Rekesh , English Coralie , Forster Anne , Lawton Rebecca , Patel Anita , Mead Gillian , Clarke David J
Published: November 2019

Background: Stroke survivors are highly sedentary. Interventions are needed to encourage a reduction in overall sedentary time, and regular breaks in prolonged periods of sedentary behaviour. This study captured the views and experiences of stroke survivors and their caregivers related to sedentary behaviour after stroke, to inform the development of an intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour. Methods: Mixed-methods qualitative study. Non-participant observations were completed in two stroke services, inclusive of inpatient and community settings in the United Kingdom. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stroke survivors and their caregivers (if available) at six- or nine-months post-stroke. Underpinned by the capability, opportunity and motivation (COM-B) model of behaviour change, observational data (132 hours) were analysed thematically and interview data (n=31 stroke survivors, n=12 caregivers) were analysed using the Framework approach. Findings: Six themes related to sedentary behaviour after stroke were generated: (1) sedentary behaviour levels and patterns after stroke; (2) the physical and social environment in the stroke service and in the home; (3) standing and movement capability after stroke; (4) emotion and motivation after stroke; (5) caregivers’ influence on, and role in influencing stroke survivors’ sedentary behaviour; and (6) intervening to reduce sedentary behaviour after stroke. Capability, opportunity and motivation were influenced by the impact of the stroke and caregivers’ inclination to support sedentary behaviour reduction. Stroke survivors reported being more sedentary than they were pre-stroke due to impaired balance and co-ordination, increased fatigue, and reduced confidence in mobilising. Caregivers inclination to support stroke survivors to reduce sedentary behaviour depended on factors including their willingness to withdraw from the caregiver role, and their perception of whether the stroke survivor would act on their encouragement. Conclusions: Many stroke survivors indicate being open to reducing sedentary behaviour, with appropriate support from stroke service staff and caregivers. The findings from this study have contributed to an intervention development process using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) approach [1] to develop strategies to reduce sedentary behaviour after stroke.
Pertussis outbreak investigation of Dara Malo district, Gamo Administrative Zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mitiku Aychiluhim Damtew , Argaw Mesele Damte , Desta Binyam Fekadu , Tsegaye Zergu Taffesse , Atsa Afework Ayele , Tefera Bekele Belayihun , Teferi Ephreme , Rogers Deirdre , Ali Ismael , Gebeyehu Asrat , Anjulo Desta , Abate Derebe Tadesse , Sendeku Agegnehu Gebru , Mulowa Rudzani
Published: November 2019

Background: The aim of this outbreak investigation was to verify and describe a pertussis outbreak in the Dara Malo district of Ethiopia. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using district Public Health Emergency and Management (PHEM) surveillance data and outbreak management field reports. Stratified attack rates and fatality for pertussis are described. Systemic problems leading to the outbreak are explored and narrated. A modified CDC pertussis case definition was employed with polymerase chain reaction used to confirm cases. Results: From September 2018 to January 2019, 1840 suspected, probable and confirmed pertussis cases and six deaths were identified. Pertussis cases ranged from 1 month to 51 years in age and outbreak occurred in 14 out of the 24 villages of Dara Malo district. The overall attack rate was 1708 per 100,000 population with a fatality rate of 3.3 per 1,000 pertussis cases. The highest attack rate of 12,689/100,000 was seen in infants. Investigations suggest low vaccine coverage and cold chain management system leading to low vaccine potency as the most likely reason for the outbreak. in these community were: low pentavalent three vaccination coverage and non- functional. In addition, poor implementation of surveillance programs, poor health seeking behavior of the community may have led to delayed and suboptimal responses to the outbreak. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to build capacity to strengthen routine vaccination services capacitate health workers to manage outbreaks. In addition, improving the maintenance of cold chain must be prioritised. Other LMICs, are urged to take lessons learnt from this outbreak and strengthen their own vaccination programs.
Actor and Partner Effects of Parenting Stress and Co-parenting of Parents of Children with Atopic Dermatitis on Marital Conflict: Multiple-group Analysis Based on Mother’s Employment Status
Authors: Han Jeong Won , LEE HANNA
Published: November 2019

Objective This study aims to determine the effect of parenting stress and co-parenting on marital conflict and the actor and partner effects of parental variables and to identify the control effect based on the mother’s employment status. Method In this study, among all children who participated in the panel study and health questionnaire survey, 161 fathers and 161 mothers raising seven-year-old children recently treated for atopic dermatitis for 12 months were selected as the final study participants. Results The father’s parenting stress had an actor and a partner effect on the co-parenting, and the mother’s parenting stress had an actor and a partner effect on the co-parenting. The father’s parenting stress only had an actor effect on the marital conflict(β=.32, p<.001). The father’s co-parenting had an actor(β=-.29, p<.001) and a partner effect(β=-.22, p<.001) on the marital conflict, and the mother’s co-parenting had an actor(β=-.39, p<.001) and a partner(β=-.19, p<.001) effect on the marital conflict. There were statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of the path coefficient of the father’s parenting stress affecting father’s marital conflict, path coefficient of the father’s co-parenting affecting father’s marital conflict, and path coefficient of the mother’s co-parenting affecting father’s marital conflict Conclusions This study is meaningful in providing basic data for the development of an atopic dermatitis family management program by investigating the actor and partner effects of parenting stress and co-parenting on marital conflict as well as the control effect based on the mother’s employment status.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound May Be Useful for Detecting Pediatric Intussusception at an Early Stage
Authors: Lee Jeong-Yong , Kim Jung Heon , Choi Seung Jun , Lee Jong Seung , Ryu Jeong-Min
Published: November 2019

Background: This study aimed to verify the usefulness of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by pediatric emergency physicians for detecting intussusception at an early stage. Methods: This retrospective study included 1-month- to 6-year-old children who underwent POCUS for the detection of intussusception in the pediatric emergency department between December 2016 and February 2018. The criteria for performing POCUS were set to lower standards wherein POCUS was performed in the presence of any one of the following symptoms: intermittent abdominal pain, bloody stool, ≥2 causes of nonspecific abdominal pain, abdominal mass, vomiting, or lethargy. POCUS results were interpreted and categorized as “negative” or “suspicious,” and a radiologist performed confirmatory ultrasound in “suspicious” cases. Results: We analyzed 575 POCUS scans from 549 patients (mean age, 25.5 months). Among the 92 “suspicious” cases (16.0%), 70 (12.2%) were confirmed to have intussusception. POCUS showed 100% sensitivity, 95.6% specificity, and 97.8% accuracy. Patients with confirmed intussusception were mainly diagnosed in the early stages, with a mean symptom duration of 11.7 hours, and most patients (97.1%) were treated successfully via air enema reduction. Compared to the non-intussusception group, the intussusception group had more intermittent abdominal pain (P < 0.001), but less vomiting (P = 0.001); the other clinical features showed no intergroup differences. Conclusion: POCUS performed using the criteria set to lower standards by pediatric emergency physicians may be useful for detecting intussusception at an early stage, which may present with obscure clinical symptoms.
Association of acute kidney injury with readmissions after hospitalization for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A population-based study
Authors: Hirayama Atsushi , Goto Tadahiro , Hasegawa Kohei
Published: November 2019

Background and Aim Little is known about the relationship between acute kidney injury (AKI) and outcomes after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). We aimed to investigate associations between AKI and readmission risk after hospitalization for AECOPD.Methods A retrospective, population-based cohort study using State Inpatient Databases from seven U.S. states (Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, and Utah) from 2010 through 2013. We identified all adults (aged ≥40 years) hospitalized for AECOPD during the study period. Among them, we further identified patients with a concurrent diagnosis of AKI. The outcome measures were any-cause readmissions within 30 days and 90 days after hospitalization for AECOPD. To determine associations between AKI and readmission risk, we constructed Cox proportional hazards models examining the time-to-readmission. Additionally, we also identified the primary reason of readmission.Results We identified 356,990 patients hospitalized for AECOPD. The median age was 71 years and 41.9% were male. Of these, 24,833 (7.0%) had a concurrent diagnosis of AKI. Overall, patients with AKI had significantly higher risk of 30-day all-cause readmission compared to those without AKI (hazard ratio 1.47; 95% CI 1.43-1.51; P<0.001). Likewise, patients with AKI had significantly higher risk of 90-day all-cause readmission compared to those without AKI (hazard ratio 1.35; 95% CI 1.32-1.38; P<0.001). These associations remained significant after adjustment for confounders (both, P<0.05). Additionally, patients with AKI were likely to readmitted for non-respiratory reasons including sepsis, acute renal failure, and congestive heart failure.Conclusions Among patients hospitalized for AECOPD, patients with AKI were at higher risk of 30-day and 90-day readmission compared to those without AKI, with non-respiratory reasons.
The association between kidney function decline and hearing loss: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Meng Qinqin , Wang Yafeng , Yang Chao , Liu Lili , Wang Huaiyu , Su Zaiming , Kong Guilan , Zhao Yaohui , Zhang Luxia
Published: November 2019

Background The relationship between kidney function and hearing loss has long been recognized, but evidence mostly come from small observational studies. The aim of this study is to explore the association between kidney function decline and hearing loss in a large population-based study.Methods Data collected in the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2015 was used for analysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 12508 participants aged 45 years and older. Hearing loss, the outcome of this study, was defined based on interviewees’ responses to three survey questions about hearing in the CHARLS study. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was employed to assess kidney function, and participants were classified into three categories based on eGFR: ≥ 90, 60-89 and < 60 mL/min/1.73m2. Multivariable Logistic regression was employed to adjust for potential confounders, including demographics, health related behaviors, and cardiovascular risk factors.Results The overall prevalence of self-reported hearing loss in the study population was 23.55%. Compared with participants having eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m2, there was an increased risk of hearing loss among those participants with eGFR of 60-89 mL/min/1.73m2 (odds ratio: 1.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.22) and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 (odds ratio: 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.51) after adjusting for potential confounders.Conclusions Kidney function decline was independently associated with hearing loss. Testing for hearing should be included in the integrated management among patients with chronic kidney disease.