bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Mud System Allows Successful Completion of >22,000' Slimhole with 0.5 ppg Window through MPD Optimization of Trip Procedure
Authors: Gunn Philip , Medina Leiro , Plouffe Gordon , Soo Gabriel
Published: October 2020

The Spirit River Group in Western Canada has always been difficult to drill and complete due to the presence of natural faulting in shaley formations interbedded with coal. MPD techniques allow the successful drilling of these wells; however, completing these wells has been extremely challenging. On this well, getting liner to bottom without total losses should not have been possible.

To address this, a design that used a three mud system in combination with MPD was utilized. With a diversion sub placed at the heel, the wellbore fluid column consisted of a highly underbalanced drilling fluid in the lateral, a descending column of slightly underbalanced stripping fluid placed in the vertical section, and an overbalanced column of kill fluid backfilled into the annulus from surface.

During the liner run, this three-fluid system design smoothly reduces the hydrostatic pressure at proportional rates to the increase in liner surge. This balances the wellbore at the time the RCD is installed behind the liner. The combination of factors saw full returns to surface during the liner run and, once on bottom, allows the rig to break circulation for the final displacement to completions fluids.

With the successful implementation of this 3-fluid system, the operator was able to drill further, past 22,000’, as it is now possible to run and deploy the liner without expecting the loss of the wellbore's volume of fluid on these tight window wells.
Cold Channel Fracturing: Synthesis of Fracturing Technologies in South Priobskoe Oilfield
Authors: Mavletkulov Ural , Vernigora Denis , Valnev Dmitry , Laptev Artem , Vereschagin Sergei , Pavlova Svetlana , Borisenko Alexey , Vikhman Ivan , Uchuev Ruslan , Prutsakov Alexandr , Chebykin Nikolai , Serdyuk Andrey
Published: October 2020

The Southern licensed site of Priobskoe Oilfield (South-Priobskoe Oilfield, hereinafter SPRB) is the largest object of Gazprom Neft-Khantos. For the development of low-permeability productive formations AS10-AS12 it is economically feasible to drill horizontal wells (HW) with subsequent multistage hydraulic fracturing (MSHF). Growth of horizontal wells number raises the question of the implementation of different resource-saving technologies, including technologies to speed up the processes related to the preparation of water for hydraulic fracturing. It is also worth considering that in the case of horizontal wells drilled in areas with complex geological structure, which include a part of SPRB, еthere are higher risks to have a premature screen-out during MSHF and accordingly increased cost and time required to complete the well.

Fracturing operation utilizing water with temperature equal 10-15°C water – cold water concept vs. standard 25-30°C allows to substantially optimize fracturing preparation steps and improve operational efficiency, which ultimately is expressed in accelerated time to put the well on production. Also, decreased operating time of water heaters leads to a reduction of environmental footprint and air emissions. Channel fracturing technology with pulsed proppant placement, forming highly conductive channels in the fracture, allows to reduce the proppant mass and the volume of hydraulic fracturing fluid while maintaining the target fracture half-length. Combination of cold water concept with channel fracturing technology demonstrated significant acceleration of multistage hydraulic fracturing operation cycle for horizontal wells at the SPRB.
Complex Approach to Stimulate Gas Formations Serves Eastern Siberia
Authors: Kapkaev Alexandr , Yudin Alexey , Paskhalov Maxim , Kurkin Petr , Laptev Artem , Pushnikov Konstantin , Makarevich Maxim
Published: October 2020

The main purpose of jobs execution on the medium-permeability Parfenov horizon of the Chorskaya suite, its new site for research, was to confirm the effectiveness of the hydraulic fracturing to determine further ways to optimize and increase the economic feasibility of developing gas and gas condensate fields in the Eastern Siberia. The chosen strategy has made a tangible contribution to the successful realization of the project.

This manuscript describes an integrated approach to performing hydraulic fracturing on a gas-bearing area in the Irkutsk region. The lithological features of the formation structure and the existing temperature and pressure conditions were taken into account. Numerous laboratory tests were carried out to optimize the fluid design before the hydraulic fracturing campaign, including the selection of a destructor system. To confirm the results of the final treatments, independent well tests were performed.

The method of channel fracturing (pumping proppant with pulses) chosen for this project is currently successfully and widely used in Western Siberia and all the accumulated experience has been successfully adapted to the challenges of the unique formations of Eastern Siberia.
Characterization of poplar growth-regulating factors and analysis of their function in leaf size control
Authors: Wang Jinnan , Zhou Houjun , Zhao Yanqiu , Sun Pengbo , Tang Fang , Song Xueqin , Lu Mengzhu
Published: October 2020

Background: Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) are plant-specific transcription factors that control organ size. Nineteen GRF genes were identified in the Populus trichocarpa genome and one was reported to control leaf size by regulating cell expansion. In this study, we further characterize the roles of the other poplar GRFs in leaf size control in a similar manner. Results: The 19 poplar GRF genes were clustered into six groups according to their phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis GRFs. Bioinformatic analysis, degradome, and transient transcription assays showed that 18 poplar GRFs were regulated by miR396, with GRF12b the only exception. The functions of PagGRF6b (Pag, Populus alba × P. glandulosa), PagGRF7a, PagGRF12a, and PagGRF12b, representing three different groups, were investigated. The results show that PagGRF6b may have no function on leaf size control, while PagGRF7a functions as a negative regulator of leaf size by regulating cell expansion. By contrast, PagGRF12a and PagGRF12b may function as positive regulators of leaf size control by regulating both cell proliferation and expansion, primarily cell proliferation. Conclusions: The diversity of poplar GRFs in leaf size control may facilitate the specific, coordinated regulation of poplar leaf development through fine adjustment of cell proliferation and expansion.
Harmonization of medical products regulation: A key factor for improving regulatory capacity in the East African Community
Authors: Ndomondo-Sigonda Margareth , Miot Jacqueline , Naidoo Shan , Masota Nelson Enos , Ng'andu Brian , Ngum Nancy , Kaale Eliangiringa
Published: October 2020

Background: Limited capacity to regulate medical products is associated with circulation of products which do not meet standards of quality, safety and efficacy with negative public health and economic outcomes. This study focused on assessing the effect of the East African Community (EAC) medicines regulatory harmonization initiative on the capacity of national medicines regulatory agencies, with a focus on registration and inspection systems. Methods: An exploratory mixed-method design using both qualitative and quantitative data, was employed. Data was collected from six national medicines regulatory authorities (NMRAs) and the EAC Secretariat through a combination of semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and checklists for the period 2010/11-2015/16 whereas 2010/11 data served as baseline. Interviews were conducted with heads of NMRAs, regulatory and monitoring and evaluation experts, and the EAC Secretariat Project Officer. A set of 14 indicators grouped into 6 categories were used to measure NMRAs performance. Results: Policy and legal frameworks provide a foundation for effective regulation. Collaboration, harmonization, joint dossier reviews and inspections of manufacturing sites, reliance and cooperation are key factors for building trust and capacity among NMRAs. Five out of six of the EAC Partner States have comprehensive medicines laws with autonomous NMRAs. All the NMRAs have functional registration and good manufacturing practice inspection systems supported by regional harmonised guidelines for registration, inspection, quality management and information management systems with four NMRAs attaining ISO 9001:2015 certification.Conclusions: The EAC regulatory harmonization initiative has contributed to improved capacity to regulate medical products. The indicators generated from this research can be replicated for evaluation of similar initiatives across and beyond the African continent and contribute to public health policy.
Automated, cassette-based isolation and formulation of high-purity [61Cu]CuCl2 from solid Ni targets
Authors: Svedjehed Johan , Kutyreff Christopher J , Engle Jonathan W , Gagnon Katherine
Published: October 2020

Background: A need for improved, cassette-based automation of 61Cu separation from irradiated Ni targets was identified given the growing interest in theranostics and generally lengthy separation chemistries for 64Cu/64Ni, upon which 61Cu chemistry is often based. Methods: A method for separating 61Cu from irradiated natNi targets was therefore developed, with provision for target recycling. Following deuteron irradiation, electroplated natNi targets were remotely transferred from the cyclotron and dissolved in acid. The dissolved target solution was then transferred to an automated FASTlab chemistry module, where sequential TBP and TK201 (Triskem) resins isolated the [61Cu]CuCl2, removed Ni, Co, and Fe, and concentrated the product into a formulation suitable for anticipated radiolabelling reactions. Results: 61Cu saturation yields of 190 ± 33 MBq/µA from energetically thick natNi targets were measured. The average, decay-corrected, activity-based dissolution efficiency was 97.5 ± 1.4 % with an average radiochemical yield of 90.4 ± 3.2 % (N = 5). The isolated activity was collected approximately 65 minutes post end of bombardment in ~2 mL of 0.06 M HCl (HCl concentration was verified by titration). Quality control of the isolated [61Cu]CuCl2 (N = 5) measured 58Co content of (8.3 ± 0.6) × 10-5 % vs. 61Cu by activity, Ni separation factors ≥ (2.2 ± 1.8) × 106, EoB molar activities 85 ± 23 GBq/µmol and NOTA-based EoB apparent molar activities of 31 ± 8 MBq/nmol and 201 MBq/nmol for the 30 min and 3.3 h (N = 1) irradiations, respectively. Conclusion: High purity 61Cu was produced with the developed automated method using a single-use, cassette-based approach. It was also applicable for 64Cu, as demonstrated with a single proof-of-concept 64Ni target production run.
Gravimetric geoid modeling from the combination of satellite gravity model, terrestrial and airborne gravity data: a case study in the mountainous area, Colorado
Authors: Jiang Tao , Dang Yamin , Zhang Chuanyin
Published: October 2020

Constructing a high precision and high resolution gravimetric geoid model in the mountainous area is a quite challenging task because of the lack of terrestrial gravity observations, rough topography and the geological complexity. One way out is to use high quality and well distributed satellite and airborne gravity data to fill the gravity data gaps, thus the proper combination of heterogeneous gravity datasets is critical. In a rough topographic area in Colorado, we computed a set of gravimetric geoid models based on different combination modes of satellite gravity models, terrestrial and airborne gravity data using the spectral combination method. The gravimetric geoid model obtained from the combination of satellite gravity model GOCO06S and terrestrial gravity data agrees with the GPS leveling measured geoid heights at 194 benchmarks in 5.8 cm in terms of the standard deviation of discrepancies, and the standard deviation reduces to 5.3 cm after including the GRAV-D airborne gravity data collected at ~6.2 km altitude into the data combination. The contributions of airborne gravity data to the signal and accuracy improvements of the geoid models were quantified for different spatial distribution and density of terrestrial gravity data. The results demonstrate that, although the airborne gravity survey was flown at a high altitude, the additions of airborne gravity data improved the accuracies of geoid models by 13.4% - 19.8% in the mountainous area (elevations > 2000 m) and 12.7% - 21% (elevations < 2000 m) in the moderate area in the cases of terrestrial gravity data spacings are larger than 15 km.
Fine mapping of the QTL cqSPDA2 for chlorophyll content in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Ye Jingxiu , Liu Haidong , Zhao Zhi , Xu Liang , Li Kaixiang , Du Dezhi
Published: October 2020

Background: Chlorophyll is the most important factor enabling plants to absorb, transfer and transform light energy and plays an important role in yield formation. Brassica napus is one of the most important oil crops. Breeding Brassica napus for high light efficiency by improving photosynthetic efficiency has considerable social and economic value. In Brassica napus, there have been studies of the initial location of chlorophyll in seed embryos and pericarps, but there are few reports on the fine mapping of chlorophyll QTLs. We constructed near-isogenic lines (NIL), fine-mapped a chlorophyll locus, and evaluated the effect of this dominant locus on agronomic traits.Results: The cqSPDA2 locus was mapped to an interval of 21.87-22.91 Mb on the chromosome A02 of Brassica napus using doubled haploid (DH) lines. To fine-map cqSPDA2, we built NIL and designed Indel primers covering the mapping interval. The 469 individuals in the BC3F2 population were analyzed using these indel primers. Among the indel primers, 15 could narrow the mapping interval to 188 kb between Indel3 and Indel15. Next, 16 indel primers and 19 SSR primers were designed within the new narrower mapping interval, and 5 of the primer-amplified fragments were found to be polymorphic and tightly linked to the cqSPDA2 locus in the BC4F2 population. The mapping interval was narrowed to 152 kb on A02 between SSR2 and Indel15. By gene expression analysis, we found three annotated genes in the mapping interval, including BnaA02g30260D, BnaA02g30290D and BnaA02g30310D, which may be responsible for chlorophyll synthesis. Conclusions: The locus cqSPDA2, a dominant QTL for chlorophyll content in Brassica napus, was fine-mapped to a 21.89-22.04 Mb interval on A02. Three annotated genes (BnaA02g30260D, BnaA02g30290D and BnaA02g30310D) that may be responsible for chlorophyll synthesis were found.
Detection of in rs876657372 (delACGT) in PRSS12 Gene, Risk Factors and Associated Congenital Abnormalities in Non-Syndromic Intellectual Disability-Case Control Study.
Authors: Esmail Ebtihal Mohammed Bashir , Ellaithi Mona
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPRSS12 gene was the first gene to be identified as a cause of a non-syndromic autosomal recessive form of intellectual disability (ID). A 4-base pair deletion (delACGT; rs876657372) in the PRSS12 gene has been detected in two different families diagnosed with autosomal recessive non-syndromic intellectual disability (NS-ID). Here we aimed to find out if rs876657372 is associated with NS-ID in Sudanese and the possible risk factors that could be linked the disability.MethodsThe study included 60 individuals; 30 were diagnosed with NS-ID and 30 healthy controls. The IQ level, parent's degree of consanguinity, family history of ID, exposure to X-ray, bacterial or viral infection, smoking, and taking of medication during pregnancy were all analyzed as possible risk factors. We also investigated the possible associated congenital abnormality. Restriction fragment length polymorphism method (RFLP) was performed using primers that include the 4 base pair deletion site.ResultsMale to female ratio of 3:2 with a mean age was 15 years for both study groups. The degree of intellectual disability (ID) varies between patients group, however 60% had a moderate ID. Furthermore, 57% of the patients had consanguineous parents. Assessment of risk factors among the patient group showed mothers of the patients were more exposed to risk factors than control group. Patients’ families had history of ID more than the controls; this could indicate the possibility of autosomal recessive ID. Furthermore, Psychomotor delay appeared to be common among the patients group. The SNP analysis revealed that only two patients were heterozygous delACGT; both patients were with moderate ID. None of the control group had the mutation.ConclusionCauses of NS-ID could be correlated to certain environmental and hereditary factors. DelACGT is correlated to NS-ID mainly in patients with moderate ID.Name of the registryAl-Neelain University Institutional Review BoardTrial registration numberNU-IRB-18-5-5-22Date of registration22/05/2018
A Randomized clinical Trial of Inhaled Ciclesonide for Acute Asthma.
Authors: Martins Demétrius Tierno , Carlos Karla , Carvalho Luciane BC , Prado Lucila Bizari , Fransolin Carolina , Prado Gilmar F
Published: October 2020

Background: Current guidelines for management of acute asthma exacerbations advocate the administration of short-acting bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids. The use of inhaled corticosteroids for this purpose has been tested since the 1990s, but the optimal agent, dose, and strategy have yet to be defined. Within the context, we designed a double-blind, randomized clinical trial aiming to compare high doses of inhaled ciclesonide to systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of acute asthma exacerbations in the emergency department. Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial enrolled 58 patients with a clinical diagnosis of bronchial moderate and severe asthma by GINA(Global Initiative for Asthma) criteria who presented to the emergency department with peak flow <50% of predicted. Patients were randomized into two groups. Over the course of 4 hours, one group received 1440 mcg inhaled ciclesonide plus hydrocortisone-identical placebo (ciclesonide + placebo group), while the other received 500 mg intravenous hydrocortisone plus ciclesonide-identical placebo (hydrocortisone + placebo group). Both groups received short-acting bronchodilators (fenoterol hydrobromide and ipratropium bromide) as recommended by GINA. The research protocol included spirometry, rigorous and frequent clinical evaluation (dyspnea, accessory muscle use, wheezing, respiratory effort), and vital signs and ECG monitoring. Data were obtained at baseline, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes. We compared data from baseline to hour 4 between and within groups. Results: Overall, 31 patients received ciclesonide + placebo and 27 received hydrocortisone + placebo. Inhaled ciclesonide was as effective as intravenous hydrocortisone in improving clinical parameters (Borg-scored dyspnea, p=0.95; sternocleidomastoid muscle use, p=0.55; wheezing, p=0.55; respiratory effort, p=0.95) and spirometric parameters (forced vital capacity, p=0.50; forced expiratory volume in the first second, p=0.83; peak expiratory flow, p=0.51).Conclusions: Inhaled ciclesonide was non-inferior to systemic hydrocortisone for management of acute asthma exacerbations, improving both clinical and spirometric parameters.Trial registration: RBR-6XWC26 - Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-6xwc26/). Date of registration: 05/01/2016 'retrospectively registered'.
Testosterone inhibits human wild-type and chimeric aldosterone synthase activity in vitro
Authors: Vecchiola Andrea , Fuentes Cristóbal A. , Carvajal Cristian A. , Campino Carmen , Allende Fidel , Tapia-Castillo Alejandra , Lagos Carlos F. , Fardella Carlos
Published: October 2020

BackgroundFamilial hyperaldosteronism type I is caused by the generation of a chimeric aldosterone synthase enzyme (ASCE) which is regulated by ACTH instead of angiotensin II. We have reported that in vitro, the wild-type (ASWT) and chimeric aldosterone synthase (ASCE) enzymes are inhibited by progesterone and estradiol did not affect.AimTo explore the direct action of testosterone on ASWT and ASCE enzymes.MethodsHEK-293 cells were transiently transfected with vectors containing the full ASWT or ASCE cDNAs. The effect of testosterone on AS enzyme activities were evaluated incubating HEK-cells transfected with enzymes vectors and adding deoxycorticosterone (DOC) alone or DOC plus increasing doses of testosterone. Aldosterone production was measured by HPLC-MS/MS. Docking of testosterone within the active sites of both enzymes was performed.ResultsIn this system, testosterone inhibited ASWT (90% inhibition at five µM, IC50=1.690 µM) with higher efficacy and potency than ASCE (80% inhibition at five µM, IC50=3.176 µM). Molecular modelling studies showed different orientation of testosterone in ASWT and ASCE crystal structures.ConclusionsThe inhibitory effect of testosterone on ASWT or ASCE enzymes is a novel non-genomic testosterone action, suggesting that further clinical studies are needed to assess the role of testosterone in the screening and diagnosis of primary aldosteronism.
Long non-coding RNA PTPRG-AS1 promotes cell tumorigenicity in epithelial ovarian cancer by decoying microRNA-545-3p and consequently enhancing HDAC4 expression
Authors: Shi Juanjuan , Xu Xijian , Zhang Dan , Zhang Jiuyan , Yang Hui , Li Chang , Li Rui , Wei Xuan , Luan Wenqing , Liu Peishu
Published: October 2020

Background: Long non-coding RNA PTPRG antisense RNA 1 (PTPRG-AS1) deregulation has been reported in various human malignancies and identified as an important modulator of cancer development. Few reports have focused on the detailed role of PTPRG-AS1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its underlying mechanism. This study aimed to determine the physiological function of PTPRG-AS1 in EOC. A series of experiments were also performed to identify the mechanisms through which PTPRG-AS1 exerts its function in EOC.Methods: Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine PTPRG-AS1 expression in EOC tissues and cell lines. PTPRG-AS1 was silenced in EOC cells and studied with respect to cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. The putative miRNAs that target PTPRG-AS1 were predicted using bioinformatics analysis and further confirmed in luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays.Results: Our data verified the upregulation of PTPRG-AS1 in EOC tissues and cell lines. High PTPRG-AS1 expression was associated with shorter overall survival in patients with EOC. Functionally, EOC cell proliferation, migration, invasion in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo were suppressed by PTPRG-AS1 silencing. In contrast, cell apoptosis was promoted by loss of PTPRG-AS1. Regarding the mechanism, PTPRG-AS1 could serve as a competing endogenous RNA in EOC cells by decoying microRNA-545-3p (miR-545-3p), thereby elevating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) expression. Furthermore, rescue experiments revealed that PTPRG-AS1 knockdown-mediated effects on EOC cells were, in part, counteracted by the inhibition of miR-545-3p or restoration of HDAC4.Conclusions: PTPRG-AS1 functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA that aggravated the malignancy of EOC through the miR-545-3p/HDAC4 ceRNA network. Thus, targeting the PTPRG-AS1/miR-545-3p/HDAC4 pathway may be a novel strategy for EOC anticancer therapy.
The Impact of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on the Markers of Osteoporosis (Sclerostin and CTRP3) in Postmenopausal Women: A Comparative, Observational, Study
Authors: Ahmad Inass Hassan , Wakeel Mervat El Shahat El , Elhamed Sally Said Abd , Mohammed Marwa Abdelmonim , Elnagger Basma , Khairy Marwa , Kamal Mohammed , attar Shahinaz El
Published: October 2020

Background

In the present study, our goal was to assess the impact of type 2 diabetes mellites (T2DM) on osteoporosis markers (sclerostin and CTRP3) among postmenopausal women, and whether sclerostin and CTRP3 can be used as early biomarkers of osteoporosis/osteopenia in T2DM patients.
Methods

In a comparative, observation, study, a total of 30 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis/osteopenia and T2DM were included, as well as 30 non-diabetic women with osteoporosis/osteopenia. Thirty age and sex-matched healthy women were included as control groups. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the serum levels of sclerostin and CTRP3.
Results

A total of 90 women were included in the present study (30 patients per group). The serum CTRP3 was significantly lower in the DM-OST (3.45 ± 3.5 ng/dL) and OST (9.15 ± 3.65 ng/dL) groups than the control group (16.80 ± 0.55 ng/dL; p < 0.001); likewise, the serum sclerostin was higher in the DM-OST (109.95 ± 28.96 pmol/L) and OST (51.52 ± 23.18 pmol/L) than the control group (11.22 ± 1.21 pmol/L; p < 0.001). Notably, the serum CTRP3 was significantly lower and sclerostin was significantly higher in the DM-OST group than the OST group (p < 0.001)). In the DM + OST and OST groups, the serum CTRP3 correlated positively with BMD of lumbar spines, left femur, and left forearm. Serum CTRP3 was associated with lower risk of osteoporosis (OR) and diabetes (OR) in postmenopausal women. In addition, the serum sclerostin was associated with higher risk of osteoporosis (OR) and diabetes (OR) in postmenopausal women.
Conclusion

The present study provides a novel evidence about the impact of T2DM on osteoporosis biomarkers, serum CTRP3 and sclerostin. The results indicated that women with combined T2DM and osteoporosis/osteopenia exhibited more dysregulation in both biomarkers than women with osteoporosis/osteopenia. alone. Thus, serum CTRP3 and sclerostin can be used as biomarkers for early detection of osteoporosis in diabetic patients.
Higher BMI Predicts Liver Fibrosis Among Obese Adolescents with NAFLD - an Interventional Pilot Study
Authors: Lev Hadar , Cohen Shlomi , Webb Muriel , Yerushalmy-Feler Anat , Amir Achiya , Gal Dana L , Lubetzky Ronit
Published: October 2020

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can range from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis with or without fibrosis. The predictors for liver fibrosis, so as the effect of nutritional intervention on hepatic fibrosis in pediatric population are not well established. We aimed to investigate the predictors for liver fibrosis and the effects of short-term nutritional intervention on steatosis and fibrosis among obese adolescents with NAFLD.MethodsCross-sectional study among Obese adolescents. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Liver fibrosis was estimated by Shearwave elastography. All participants were recommended to consume a low carbohydrate diet and were followed biweekly. Blood tests and elastography were performed upon admission and repeated after 3 months.ResultsFifty-seven pediatric patients were recruited (35 males, mean age 13.5 ± 2.9 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 38.8 ± 9.7). Liver fibrosis was diagnosed in 34 (60%) subjects, which was moderate/severe (F ≥ 2) in 24 (70%). A higher BMI Z score and moderate/severe steatosis correlated with moderate/severe fibrosis (P < 0.05). Seventeen patients completed 3 months of follow-up and displayed a decrease in BMI Z score (from BMI Z score 2.6 ± 0.5 before intervention to 2.4 ± 0.5 after intervention), with a significant decrease in liver fibrosis (P = 0.001).ConclusionPediatric patients with high BMIs and severe liver steatosis are at risk for severe liver fibrosis. Nutritional intervention with minimal weight loss may improves hepatic fibrosis among pediatric population.
Deep Insight Into Long Non-Coding RNA and mRNA Transcriptome Profiling in HepG2 Cells Expressing Genotype IV Swine Hepatitis E Virus ORF3
Authors: Jiao Hanwei , Shuai Xuehong , Luo Yichen , Zhou Zhixiong , Zhao Yu , Li Wenjie , Li Bowen , Gu Guojing , Wu Li , Luo Xianmei , Gan Ling , Chen Jixuan , Huang Qingzhou
Published: October 2020

Background: Swine hepatitis E (SHE) is a new type of zoonotic infectious disease caused by swine hepatitis E virus (SHEV). Open reading frame 3 (ORF3) is an important virulent protein of SHEV but its function still is mainly unclear.Methods: In this study we generated adenoviruses ADV4-ORF3 and ADV4-NC which successfully mediated overexpression of EGFP-ORF3 and EGFP, respectively, in HepG2 cells. High throughput sequencing was used to screen for differentially expressed long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs. The cis-target genes of lncRNAs were predicted, functional enrichment (Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)) was performed, and 12 lncRNAs with statistically significant different expression (p value ≤ 0.05 and q value ≤ 1) were selected for further quantitative real-time reverse transcription (qRT-PCR) validation.Results: In HepG2 cells, we identified 62 significantly differential expression genes (DEGs) (6,564 transcripts), and 319 lncRNAs (124 known lncRNAs and 195 novel lncRNAs) that were affected by ORF3, which were involved in systemic lupus erythematosus, staphylococcus aureus infection, signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells, the PPAR signaling pathway, and platinum drug resistance pathways. Cis-target gene prediction identified 45 lncRNAs corresponding to candidate mRNAs, among which 8 were validated by qRT-PCR: LINC02476 (two transcripts), RAP2C-AS1, AC016526, AL139099, and ZNF337-AS1 (3 transcripts). Conclusions: Our results revealed the lncRNA profile in host cells affected by ORF3, which will help to determine the function of ORF3, and the infection mechanism and treatment of SHE.
Revisiting Single Cell Analysis in Forensic Science
Authors: Watkins Davis , Myers Dan , Xavier Hannah , Marciano Michael
Published: October 2020

Background
Forensic science has yet to take full advantage of single cell analysis. Its greatest benefit is the ability to alleviate the challenges associated with DNA mixture analysis, which, despite the emergence of probabilistic genotyping, remains a significant hurdle in forensic science. Many of the factors that cause complexity in mixture interpretation are absent in single cell analyses — multiple contributors and varied levels of contribution and allele masking. Recent technological innovations have been developed within the scientific community that mitigate the historical risks of single cell analysis in forensic casework. This study revisits single cell analyses in the context of forensic identification, introducing previously unseen depth to the characterization of data generated from single cells using a novel pipeline that includes recovery of single cells using the DEPArray™ NxT and amplification using the PowerPlex Fusion 6c kit with varied PCR cycles (29, 30, and 31); the resulting allelic signal was assessed using analytical thresholds of 10, 100 and 150RFU.
Results
The mean peak heights across the sample sets generally increased as cycle number increased, 75.0 ± 85.3, 147.1 ± 172.6, and 226.1 ± 298.2 RFU, for 29, 30, and 31 cycles, respectively. The average proportion of allele/locus dropout was most significantly impacted by changes in the detection threshold, whereas increases f PCR cycle number had less impact. Overall data quality improved notably when increasing PCR from 29 to 30 cycles; however, less improvement and more volatility introduced at 31 cycles. The average random match probabilities (RMP) for the 29, 30, and 31 cycle sets at 150RFU are 1 in 2.4 × 1018 ± 1.46 × 1019, 1 in 1.49 × 1025 ± 5.8 × 1025, and 1 in 1.83 × 1024 ± 8.09 × 1024, respectively.
Conclusions
This study introduces and optimizes an analytical pipeline to generate ample high quality data from single cells that can be used in forensic analyses, thus removing the need for complex mixture interpretation. An analysis of the impact of PCR cycles on single cells revealed a significant overall improvement in the amount and quality of interpretable data when increasing from 29 to 30 cycles, while no such improvement was noted when increasing to 31 cycles.
Solar Powered Irrigation for Sustainable Development and Its Risk in Ethiopia
Authors: Toga Minyahil Tanashu
Published: October 2020

Background: In recent years, solar energy in Ethiopia has emerged as one of the cleanest, environmentally friendly, and reliable sources of energy. Energy is one of the main inputs of agriculture, especially for small scale irrigation, is becoming a focus in the agricultural water management agenda of the country Ethiopia. In this respect, Solar Powered Irrigation Systems are promoted widely in Ethiopia as the alternative to diesel-run pumps which is widely used by farmers in Ethiopia for sustainable development. These studies investigate the use of solar water pump for sustainable development and its risk in Ethiopia. Method: The investigation is based a review, assessment of inventory reports, scientific literatures and 10 people engaged in research, development, and/or implementation of solar power irrigation system were interviewed in person, household interviews and focus group discussionsResult: Solar based Small-scale irrigation is a policy priority in Ethiopia for rural poverty alleviation and growth, as well as climate adaptation, so there is considerable scope for expansion of small scale solar-based irrigation in Ethiopia. The risk is that farmers will consume more water than they did before the introduction of solar powered irrigation water pumping and if not well managed it will cause groundwater over abstraction, leading to depletion and degradation of groundwater resourcesConclusion: Sustainable development of the country can be achieved by enhancing solar powered small scale irrigation system to boost agricultural growth by enhancing agricultural productivity, decreases post-harvest loss, increase agribusiness income generation opportunity and revenue and increase energy efficiency and associated savings within the operation of farms and agribusiness while simulating low carbon economic growth within the agricultural sector of the country. Nevertheless, it is important to note that a solar-powered irrigation system if not well managed and regulated creates the risk of supporting unsustainable water use.
Comparative Whey Proteome Profiling of Donkey Milk With Human and Cow Milk
Authors: Zhang Xinhao , Jiang Guimiao , Ji Chuanliang , Li Haijing , Wang Yantao , Yang Li , Zhang Qin , Zhao Fuwei
Published: October 2020

Background: Donkey milk (DM), similar to human milk (HM) in compositions, has been suggested as the best potential hypoallergenic replacement diet for babies suffering from cow milk (CM) protein allergens. Despite advances in proteomics technologies, studies of the DM whey proteome are relatively sparse. In this study, label-free mass spectrometry analysis was conducted to quantitatively identify the differentially expressed whey proteins (DEPs) in DM vs HM group and DM vs CM group. Results: In total, 249 and 418 DEPs were found in these two groups respectively. DEPs were then subjected to intensive bioinformatic analysis. Results revealed that the majority of DEPs participated in lipid metabolic process, regulation of cytokine production, chemical homeostasis and catabolic process. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis found that these DEPs mainly participated in complement and coagulation cascades, and cholesterol metabolism. Conclusion: These results may provide valuable information in the composition of milk whey proteins in DM, HM and CM, especially for low abundant components, and expand our knowledge of different biological functions between DM and HM or CM.
Effect of High or Low Dose Phenoxybenzamine on Per-Operative Hemodynamics in Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Ugleholdt Randi , Rasmussen Åse Krogh , Haderslev Pernille Agnete Heldager , Kromann-Andersen Bjarne , Feltoft Claus Larsen
Published: October 2020

Background. Alpha-receptor blockade is the mainstay in preoperative treatment of patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). However, evidence regarding optimal dosage regimen is lacking. This study compares the per- and postoperative hemodynamics in patients pre-treated with a high or low dose of phenoxybenzamine. Methods. 30 consecutive patients with PPGL undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy were identified retrospectively. All were pretreated with phenoxybenzamine but at two separate endocrine departments aiming at different blood pressure target. End-dosage of phenoxybenzamine differed significantly between departments with 14 patients receiving a high dose regimen and 16 a low dose regimen. As a control group, we included 42 patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for other reasons. Primary purpose was to compare per- and postoperative hemodynamics in the high and low dose groups. Secondly, to compare these endpoints to the control group. Results. Baseline characteristics did not differ between the phenoxybenzamine treated groups. The high dose group had less intra-operative systolic and diastolic blood pressure fluctuation (p = 0.03) and less periods with heart rate above 100 bpm (p = 0.04) as compared to the low dose group. Use of intravenous fluids were similar between the two groups. However, postoperatively, more intravenous fluids were administered in the high dose group. Overall, the control group was more hemodynamic stable as compared to either group treated for PPGL. Conclusions. High dose phenoxybenzamine improves per-operative hemodynamic stability but causes a higher postoperative requirement for intravenous fluids. Overall, PPGL surgery is related to greater hemodynamic instability compared to adrenalectomy for other reasons.
Circulating ErbB3/HER3 Levels are Associated with Increased Risk of Hypertension With Overweight: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhu Lijun , Fang Zhengmei , Jin Yuelong , Chang Weiwei , Huang Mengyun , Chen Yan , Yao Yingshui
Published: October 2020

Background: Hypertension and overweight are both independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease，and being overweight can more likely to develop high blood pressure. Recent research has shown that ErbB3/HER3 played a considerable role in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, ErbB3 levels effects in the hypertensive overweight patients are unknown. This study aimed to assess the association between ErbB3 levels and hypertension with overweight in Chinese population.Methods: 128 Chinese adults aged 33-79 years, both sexes, underwent evaluation of height and weight, blood pressure, biochemical indicators and ErbB3 levels. Plasma ErbB3 levels was assessed by the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as body weight divided by height squared. Participants were allocated in three groups according to blood pressure and BMI: healthy control group (CNT; n = 31; normotensive and nonoverweight), hypertension group (HT; n = 33; hypertension and nonoverweight) and hypertension with overweight group (HTO; n = 64; hypertension and overweight). A 2-tailed P<0.05 was defined to be statistically significant.Results: The difference in mean of ErbB3 levels in three groups was not significant, but had a linear decrease in males, in CNT (1.13±0.36), HT (1.03±0.36) and HTO (0.84±0.26) ng/ml, with P was 0.007. In drinking population, the ErbB3 was significantly reduced in the HTO group as compared with the CNT and HT groups (0.76±0.23 versus 1.18±0.37 and 1.20±0.30, respectively). ErbB3 levels was negatively correlated with DBP in males(r=-0.293, P=0.012), in smoking populations (r=-0.47, P=0.004) and drinking populations (r=-0.387, P=0.008). Besides, BMI in males and in drinking populations and UA in males presented negatively correlations with ErbB3 (p＜0.05). The multivariate conditional logistic regression showed that plasma ErbB3 levels was associated with reduced risk for HTO in males (OR 0.054; 95% CI: 0.007-0.412) and drink group(OR 0.002; 95% CI: 0.000-0.101).Conclusions：The apparent association between lower ErbB3 levels and overweight hypertensive patients suggested that ErbB3 may contribute to the pathogenesis to hypertension with overweight, with BMI, gender, and drinking all potentially modulating the process.
Crosslinkable poloxamer in-situ gel as a submucosal cushion for endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Gao Yuan , Huang Chao , Chen Jiyuan , Tai Zongguang , Li Yan , Gao Shen , Wan Xinjian
Published: October 2020

Hypertonic saline solution is used for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as a submucosal fluid cushion (SFC). However, short duration time and side effects like perforation and bleeding have limited the application of SFC. Here, an in-situ gel crosslinked acrylate/thiol Poloxamer 407 (PA-PSH) was used as an SFC for ESD to avoid perforation, and the feasibility and safety of the PA-PSH for ESD was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. PA-PSH thermal injection led to a longer-lasting elevation with clearer margins as compared with glycerol, with a high mucosal elevation induced by thiol-ene crosslinked acrylate Poloxamer 407 (PA) and thiol-capped Poloxamer 407 (PSH) in physiological conditions. ESD was achieved precisely without obvious adverse effects and tissue damage. The PA-PSH in-situ gel provides an excellent submucosal injection system, which has great potential to improve the ESD technique.
Association of Overall Screen Time and Outdoor Activity with Emotional and Behavioral Health Problems
Authors: Tao Fangbiao , Zhang Yi , Wu Xiaoyan , Wang Qianling , Zong Qiao , Wang Renjie , Li Tingting
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPsychological problems among children and adolescents have become a public health issue. This study aimed to investigate associations between screen time (ST), outdoor activity (OA), and emotional and behavioral health problems (EBHPs) among South Chinese children and adolescents.MethodsA total of 30,188 boys and girls from 14 elementary and junior high schools on six streets in Shenzhen were included in this study. EBHPs were measured with the strengths and difficulties questionnaire; OA and ST data were obtained through self-reporting. Descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, and logistic regressions were performed using SPSS 23.0.ResultsIn our study, 42.4% students had insufficient OA, 24.2% students had excessive ST, the abnormal prevalence of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems, hyperactivity problems, prosocial behavior, and total difficulties scales were 18.5%, 6.9%, 6.4%, 13.1%, 10.7% and 8.8%. There were significant associations between ST/OA, independent and addictive interaction, and EBHPs among children and adolescents. Participants with high exposure to ST were more likely to have EBHPs than those with low exposure; participants with low exposure to OA were also more likely to have EBHPs than those with high exposure. The interactive associations of ST and OA on EBHPs were stronger than those of ST or OA individually.ConclusionsOur results show positive associations between ST, OA, and EBHPs. They indicate that interventions should be considered for decreasing ST and increasing OA in children and adolescents.
Renal tumors: Age spectrum and histological distribution across childhood
Authors: Liu Tingting , Al-Kzayer Lika’a Fasih Y. , Nakazawa Yozo , chen lei
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to identify the relationship between the histopathological distribution of renal tumors and the age parameter across childhood period and to compare that with the available literature.MethodsA total of 193 pediatric patients with renal tumors were classified into 5 groups as embryo, infant, early childhood, childhood, and adolescent. Age distribution, pathological types and clinical characteristics were summarized. ResultsAmong the 193 patients, 95.8% presented with malignant tumors, and 4.2% showed benign tumors. The prevalence of Wilms’ tumor (WT( and non-WT, were 63.7% and 36.3%, respectively. Non-WT patients included clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK), followed by rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK), congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN), cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma (CPDN), and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Early childhood (89/193, 46.2%) was the most common period of onset, followed by infant (73/193, 37.9%), childhood (19/193, 9.8%), embryo (8/193, 4.1%) and adolescent (4/193, 2.0%). WT predominantly occurred in infant and early childhood and decreased among older age group. Non-WT occurred various period of onset and rather common during embryo. 10.9% of patients were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis and that was significantly observed in non-WT (P=0.04). ConclusionsAge of onset is a highly significant factor for pediatric renal tumors. Relationship between age spectrum and pathological characteristics influences distinguishing the histopathological distribution of WT and non-WT.
Genome-centric Portrait of the Microbes’ Cellulolytic Competency
Authors: Wang Yubo , Li Liguan , Xia Yu , Ju Feng , Zhang Tong
Published: October 2020

Background: Neither the abundance of the exo/endoglucanase GH modules nor the taxonomy affiliation is informative enough in inferring whether a genome is of a potential cellulolytic microbe or not. By interpreting the complete genomes of 2642 microbe strains whose phenotypes have been well documented, we are trying to reveal a more reliable genotype and phenotype correlation on the specific function niche of cellulose hydrolysis.Results: By incorporating into the annotation approach an automatic recognition of the potential synergy machineries, a more reliable prediction on the corresponding microbes’ cellulolytic competency could be achieved. The potential cellulose hydrolyzing microbes could be categorized into 5 groups according to the varying synergy machineries among the carbohydrate active modules/genes annotated. Results of the analysis on the 2642 genomes revealed that some cellulosome gene clusters were in lack of the surface layer homology module (SLH) and microbe strains annotated with such cellulosome gene clusters were not certainly cellulolytic. Hypothesized in this study was that cellulosome-independent genes harboring both the SLH module (mediate the attachment of the enzymes to the host microbe’s cell surface) and the cellulose-binding carbohydrate binding module (mediate the attachment of the enzymes to the cellulose substrate) were likely an alternative gene apparatus initiating the formation of the cellulose-enzyme-microbe (CEM) complexes; and their role is important especially for the cellulolytic anaerobes without cellulosome gene clusters. Conclusions: In the genome-centric prediction on the corresponding microbes’ cellulolytic activity, recognition of the synergy machineries that include but are not limited to the cellulosome gene clusters is equally important as the annotation of the individual carbohydrate active modules or genes. This is the first time that a pipeline was developed for an automatic recognition of the synergy among the carbohydrate active units annotated. With promising resolution and reliability, this pipeline should be a good add to the bioinformatic tools for the genome-centric interpretations on the specific function niche of cellulose hydrolysis.