bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pipe Land Transportation Through South America Andes/Cordillera: Company Bolivie, Incahuasi Project Phase 1
Authors: Martinez Gregory
Published: March 2020

The Company project, located in Bolivia, was implemented in 2014.

The project is a green field development of three wells connected to a Central Processing Facility, including export pipelines and flowlines (gas & condensate). During the construction phase, the Project had to transfer 8883 pipes for gas export lines and flow lines that represented a total weight of more than 30 000 Tons from Chile to Bolivia.

The World Health Organisation's Global Status Report on Road Safety (2013) explained that Bolivia had a road traffic death rate of 19 per 100 000 population (France= 6).The hazard due to Road transportation was identified at early stage of the project sanction and was classified as Major Operational Risk. The challenge was to ensure a high safety level along the 1478 km transportation route. The Cordillera Occidental geographical context and environmental conditions create one of the most dangerous roads in the world.

The objective defined by the Project Management Team was to achieve zero accidents in pipe transport. Project team reinforced contractual HSE aspects with strong requirements and expectations in transportation management (Not only for the Contractor but also for their subcontractors and suppliers). A Road Safety specialist was contracted to join the Project HSE Team in order to prepare, assist and monitor the land transportation of pipes by road jointly with the Contractor.

Key documents prepared and approved with the contractors were the HSE Plan and Transportation & Lifting Plan. Within these documents, specific elements of focus included (but not limited to): –Journey Management–Transportation and offloading pipe Analysis–Road Traffic study–Route Risk Analysis–Control/Checking points before critical routes–Vehicles inspection and approval by 3rd Party–Monitoring and tracking of vehicles IVMS (In Vehicle Monitoring System)–3rd party training of all drivers (244).

The INCAHUASI Project successfully reached the HSE target for LLI pipes supply:

Zero accidents during 67 weekly trips covering a distance of 4 million kilometers over the 5-month campaign. This is due to rigorous compliance and good co-operation of the workforce, Leadership & Commitment of Management from the Company and above all, its Partners.
Removal of Residual Oil from Produced Water Using Magnetic Nanoparticless
Authors: Theurer Jared , Ajagbe Oluwatobi , Osorio Jhouly , Elgaddafi Rida , Ahmed Ramadan , Walters Keisha , Abbott Brandon
Published: March 2020

Due to environmental requirements, produced water needs treatment prior to disposal or reuse. In recent years, the most successful solutions to treat produced water involve special attention to efficiency, cost, and environmentally safe treatment methods. Recent studies have shown encouraging results using amine-coated magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles to remove residual oil from produced water using a magnetic field. However, the manufacturing of magnetite nanoparticles requires an expensive coating operation, which limits the application of this technology in large-scale treatment operations. The goal of this study is to develop a simple, efficient, and economically feasible method for removing oil from produced water using nanoparticles. Iron oxide nanoparticles are biocompatible and even safely used in medical applications. This study focuses on the removal of residual oil from produced water using uncoated, recyclable and less expensive maghemite (g-Fe2O3) nanoparticles. These particles have been shown the potential for removing oil layers from the surface of water. However, they have not been tested for their capability of removing emulsified and dissolved oil from produced water.

In this study, commercial and synthesized maghemite nanoparticles were utilized. The maghemite nanoparticles were synthesized using the co-precipitation process. Lab-synthesized produced water samples with high oil concentration (1000 ppm) were prepared by mixing medium oil with brine (1180 ppm NaCl solution). The nanoparticles were dispersed in 3% by weight NaCl solution (3% NaCl brine) at varying concentrations (0.31 – 5 mg/mL) to form different nanosuspensions. Subsequently, the nanosuspensions were mixed with synthesized produced water for 10 min. When a magnetic field was applied to the mixture, a clear separation of the nanoparticles was observed within seconds. Residual oil in the samples was measured using non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy.

Oil content analysis confirmed the successful removal of oil from the water samples. The oil content of the samples was reduced from 1000 to less than 10 ppm. For the real produced water samples, results showed a reduction of oil content to an undetectable level (i.e. less than 0.1 ppm). The ease of nanoparticle collection and washing after subsequent water treatments further demonstrates the feasibility of magnetic nanoparticle-based separations for large-scale use in produced water treatment operations. The unique finding of this study is the elimination of one additional step of synthesizing (amine coating) magnetic nanoparticles. Direct use of uncoated maghemite nanoparticles with high oil removal efficiency can reduce produced water treatment cost and promote this technology as an economically feasible option within the industry.
Biodiversity Monitoring Data and an Analytic Hierarchy Process to Map Sensitive Biodiversity Values and Ecosystem Services in a Tropical Rainforest
Authors: Leunda Gerardo , Sahley Catherine , Romero Sheila , Flores Pedro , Corman Eli , Palacios Erika , Rojas Rodrigo , Mendoza Elena
Published: March 2020

The Pluspetrol Camisea Biodiversity Monitoring Program (BMP) has been collecting data on the distribution and status of species of flora and fauna and provisioning ecosystem services within the 247,000 ha upstream area of influence since 2005. In order to synthesize, integrate and map a complex, long-term data set on species and provisioning ecosystem services (fishing, hunting and gathering by local communities) the BMP utilized Saaty’s analytical hierarchical process (AHP) to categorize sensitivity of stream basins within the Project Area of Influence. The BMP conducted a critical habitat analysis based on International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 6 (PS6) using long-term monitoring data to inform the CHA, prioritize and map sensitive biodiversity values according to stream basin and landscape unit type. In addition, the BMP synthesized social data on provisioning ecosystem services based on data collected during household interviews, participatory resource mapping, and field data on bush meat biomass. Using AHP allowed the BMP to obtain an integrated biological and social database that facilitates mapping sensitive habitats at a relatively small-scale (stream basins). Pluspetrol utilizes the database and maps to inform their biodiversity management and residual impact reduction strategy. The combination of biological and social data with AHP is a useful tool for both Project management and sustainable land-use planning.
The Safe Behavior School: Halliburton Strengthens Safety Leadership and Safety Culture in Latin America
Authors: Dibai Arival , Rangel Jeremias , Costa Deneilton , Ottoboni Henrique , Quintero Sergio , Favaro Rafael
Published: March 2020

At Halliburton, safety is a fundamental value. The company remains focused on the safety of each employee, co-worker, and contractor during its products and services delivery. In order to assure and demonstrate this commitment, and safety leadership, while responding to customer challenges in relation to field Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) performance, the Halliburton Latin America Team formulated the Safe Behavior School (SBS). The primary objective of the SBS is to enhance risk perception and leadership skills in HSE. This is achieved by bridging theoretical risk management methodologies and practical approaches that effect awareness on incident prevention. Competent instructors, recognized as role models in the HSE/SQ (Service Quality) organization and operational service lines, conduct the SBS over two comprehensive days.

Parallel to other major players in the industry, robust standards, procedures, and guidelines exist, yet incidents continue to occur. The solution lies within operational discipline, or safe behavior. The SBS magnifies the organizational safety culture to further strengthen current HSE performance. Consequently, larger percentages of employees return home daily, in good health, unharmed, and we have less negative impact on the environments in which we operate. This also reaches into the way we perform work for customers, maximizing efficiencies in the field. The more safely we operate, the more efficient our business is.
Methodological Alternative to Oceanographic Cruises for the Characterization of the Nekton in the Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Pinilla Francisco , Carrasco Aldo , López Erika , Salazar Hernan
Published: March 2020

The objective of this paper is to develop a new methodological approach to evaluate and understand the variations in richness, abundance, geographical and bathymetric distribution of nektonic resources in the Colombian Caribbean. The methodology generates a constant recording and monitoring of biodiversity and abundance in both space and time, through audio-visual and geo-positioning tools resulting in a robust set of information with regards to nektonic behavior. Recording and monitoring of nekton are developed through artisanal fishing remote monitoring and fishing landings assessment, which in turn allows to evaluate the richness of the species with respect to its temporality, geographical location, and bathymetric zone. The experimental phase was carried out during a calendar year between 2016 and 2017, taking place in the most representative coastal towns of the departments of Bolívar, Atlántico, and Magdalena in Colombia. With respect to the Fishing grounds distance to the coast, areas of greater concentration of fishing resources were located between 0 to 10 nautical miles from the coast. The species richness compared to the bathymetry, showed a greater concentration of resources in the stratum ranging from zero to 50 m. In order to verify the accuracy of the information, a quality control system was implemented for the fishery landings assessment reducing the uncertainty and achieving 98% effectiveness in the calculations of richness and landings. The identified fishing zones maintained a correlation with the quality control data on board. The audiovisual and geo-positioning tools allowed validation of the locations reported by fishermen, and further helped establishing artisanal fishing zones at distances less than 12 nautical miles from the coast, as established in the Colombian fisheries regulation.
Combining Industry and Fishermen Interests: Mar Atento Project, Challenges, Results and Future Steps
Authors: V. de Oliveira Maíra , Calil Marcela , C. Pina Marushka
Published: March 2020

The combination of local communities and industrial risk scenarios is always a big challenge. Nevertheless, in 2017 two oil & gas companies gathered to develop Mar Atento, a pilot project with focus in the engagement and training of fishermen to act in an eventual oil spill response at sea, aiming the safety and protection of marine and coastal environments, and also, register vessel of opportunities (vessels not related to O&G activities which could provide support in case of an oil spill). The objective was achieved, with fishermen and vessels trained and able to act in oil spill response. As a result of the Mar Atento Project, the companies became more prepared to respond to an incident once they have registered vessels and fishermen that can act and optimize the response in their area of influence. The objective of this paper is to share challenges, positive results and next steps of this innovative Brazilian Project.
Enhanced Augmented/Mixed Reality and Process Safety Applications
Authors: Potts Jeff , Sookdeo Terrance
Published: March 2020

Effective management of process safety risks while delivering flawless operational execution in an evolving oil and gas industry requires innovative applications of digital technology. Augmented Reality (AR) or Mixed Reality (MR) technologies have tremendous potential to meet these challenges by providing realworld digital landscape to intuitively interact with data, train personnel, and mitigate process safety risks.

However, a major challenge with AR and MR technologies is the limited processing power and capability of available hardware. A cloud-based software platform can overcome these computational limitations of AR and MR devices, enabling interaction with significantly more complex 3D content. Additionally, enabling real-time connectivity across different hardware architectures – such as smartphones and Microsoft HoloLens devices – creating powerful new capability for remote collaboration. This unique software platform transforms consumer-grade AR and MR devices into powerful industrial tools for oil and gas applications.

This paper will illustrate the application of AR/MR technology in critical risk management including the adoption of AR/MR technology for process safety operational readiness and response capability to critical risk associated with major accident hazards. Enhanced AR/MR provides full-scale virtual digital landscapes that enable practical demonstration of crew resource management including the evaluation of collaborative human performance in teamwork activities. Using gamified AR/MR techniques, allows for multiple outcomes based on user inputs to test decision-making and eliminate human errors. These enabling technologies can drive significant improvements in process safety risk management while increasing operational efficiencies across the oil and gas industry.
Mitigation Options to Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions in a Colombian Oil Field
Authors: Guerrero-Martin Camilo Andrés , Guerrero-Martin Laura Estefanía , Szklo Alexandre
Published: March 2020

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contribute to climate change and can negatively affect the reputation of petroleum companies, being a challenge for their operation. This study evaluates three options for reducing GHG emissions in the Llanito field, located in Santander, Colombia. The first is based on curbing gas flaring, by building natural gas pipelines and promoting the use of the gas. The second considers the installation of a steam recovery unit in a flash tank. The third comprises the CO2 capture and subsequent injection in the hydrocarbon reservoir (CCS), aiming at enhancing oil recovery (EOR). Findings show that, in the first case, emission decreased from 21.05 gCO2/bbl to 16.71 gCO2/bbl. The second case lowered emission intensity by 3.24 gCO2/bbl, and in the third case, emission intensity decreased from 25.01 gCO2/bbl to 17.58 gCO2/bbl. The implementation of the three cases together (case I + case II + case II) has a potential to reduce the emission intensity by 19.01 gCO2/bbl.
Roadmaps for Social Performance Change Management
Authors: Astudillo Paredes Diego Fernando , Arts Hendrikus Wilhelmus
Published: March 2020

The emphasis of literature on social performance is on good practices in social management to obtain and maintain "social license to operate", but there is little literature (and exchange of ideas) on how to develop social competence within the business and move as a business from a current situation to a desired situation in social performance and community engagement. This paper is aimed to share the systemic and integral change management approach that was defined and is currently implemented by an oil & gas company to move towards a social performance function that is embedded within the business.

In response to community conflict, the company initiated a process of reflection and innovation to move towards an engagement model for sustainable relationship and long-term coexistence with the native communities of its area of influence. The company started with a diagnosis of the current situation and a benchmarking exercise. Roadmaps were developed by multi-area taskforces for each pillar of the new model (impact management, sustainable social investment, negotiation based on principles and interest and participatory monitoring), that address both the internal (social competence and alignment) as well as the external context (stakeholder engagement and social responsability for social license to operate).

As result, the company has adopted a new engagement model with communities that is widely accepted within the Business Unit. Roadmaps with milestones to guide and measure change management are being implemented, seeking for embedment of the social performance function within the business. Although still working in progress, it has already allowed to develop community engagement based on shared criteria and multi-area commitment, which is facilitating a growing internal alignment and understanding to address and develop social performance along functional department lines. Early achievements show that the Company moves towards a social performance function which is supported by appropriate capability in specialist domains of work, application of social science methods and modes of analysis, address social performance issues along functional department lines with the ability to influence mainstream business processes, understanding of the local context, and alignment with international standards and best practices.
Optimizing Local Content through an Early Entry Strategy and Applications of Lessons Learned: The Guyana Case Study – Centre for Local Business Development Centre
Authors: Roberts Treacy , Henry Patrick
Published: March 2020

Local content optimization is one of ExxonMobil's global best practices. Once oil was discovered in Guyana, ExxonMobil Guyana made the unprecedented decision of initiating local supplier development before Final Investment Decision (FID) and contractually mandated prime contractors to work to support a robust local content regime. Initial steps taken included:

Establishing local content requirements in the prime contractor contracts and hiring DAI Global (DAI) to establish the Centre for Local Business Development to provide a mechanism to engage local businesses. Contracting DAI Global to analyze the Guyanese business environment, identify early opportunities for local content, develop fit-for-purpose development programs, and plan for long-term sustainability of the Centre. Modifying standard procurement practices to facilitate local supplier entry into the oil and gas market through supplier forums, unbundling and supplier mentoring activities.

The Centre for Local Business Development (Centre) was conceptualized and announced months before FID. The Centre provides fit-for-purpose local supplier development programs based on the evolving needs of local businesses to enter the oil and gas supply chain. The Centre focuses on three key areas: supplier engagement and registration, general business support, and supplier development. Engagement and registration focuses on allowing businesses to garner the necessary information to make strategic investment decisions. General business support aims to build a pool of businesses compliant international standards. Supplier development utilizes mentoring programs to enable businesses to make the transition into the oil and gas supply chain and potentially win tenders.

Optimizing local content in countries where industrial development is limited requires understanding the local supply chain and implementation of fit for purpose interventions as early as possible; testing initiatives; and adapting to the needs of local suppliers, operator and prime contractors. This paper outlines how early intervention in local capacity building enables local companies in a developing market (inadequate business infrastructure and systems) to successfully transition into the oil and gas value chain.
Safety Performance Trends in the Oil & Gas Industry in Latin America
Authors: Le Moenner Tiphaine , Ferragut Pablo
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this report is to show the evolution and improvements in safety performance of the companies in the Oil & Gas sector in Latin America and to explore the possible reasons of the improvement achieved.

The assessment consists of two different steps: the quantitative analysis, which evaluates safety indicators and identifies the trends, and the qualitative one, which tries to identify the root causes of the safety performance evolution.

Two widely used indicators are employed here to assess safety performance: Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) and Fatality Rate (FAR). Five business lines are considered: E&P, Refining, Transportation, Distribution and Others. All the results include both the company employees and the contractor employees.

Data were directly submitted by ARPEL member companies for the period 2014-2018.

For the qualitative assessment, four semi-structured interviews to subject matter experts from Oil & Gas companies were conducted in 2019.

Data gathered during the last 5 years show a positive trend regarding TRIR in the Oil & Gas industry in Latin America. This trend is robust globally and for all the business lines considered. This is not the case for the Fatality Rate that remains globally stable over the period, following a 10-year period of significant decrease between 2004 and 2014 as indicated in ARPEL's report Evolution of safety performance in the oil and gas sector (2004-2014) (Reference 1).

Improvements in the approach of human and organizational factors, the deployment of more robust safety management systems and a closer work with the front-line workers, among other factors, were mentioned as key factors for the recorded improvement of the TRIR. The industry shall focus its effort on process safety and major risks events (a single event can lead to several fatalities) and on the other side of the risk scale, on the frequent routine low risk work in order to reduce significantly the fatalities, and hence the fatality rate.
Performance Standards for Oil Spill Risk
Authors: Valeur Jens Rosendal , Andersen Lars Wahl
Published: March 2020

Oil spill risk assessments are carried out in different ways, depending on the background for and the purpose of the analysis. One reason for these differences is the fact that oil spill risk assessment is a discipline at the interface between the technical/statistical analysis in Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRAs) and the biological/socio-economic analysis in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

As a consequence of the EU Offshore Safety Directive (2013/30/EU), the risk of major environmental accidents shall now be included in QRAs for offshore oil & gas installations. Environmental Critical Elements (ECEs) shall be defined, in parallel to the Safety Critical Elements (SCE), which are analysed in QRAs. Moreover, limit values need to be defined for oil spill risk. Whereas including oil spill risk in QRAs has only been carried out systematically the latest few years, it has for many years been included in EIAs. But the extend of such analysis has varied significantly, also for the same type of projects in the same environmental settings.

This paper reviews the background for the oil spill risk analysis in QRAs and EIAs, and outlines how the approaches used differs, where the QRAs analyse the likelihood component most detailed, and the EIAs analyse the consequence component most detailed. The reason for these differences is mainly historical. QRAs have traditionally been carried out focused on safety risk for people, calculating the likelihood of accidental scenarios and the consequences in terms of number of fatalities. Also, QRAs have been carried out with the aim of identifying which elements of the system should be improved in order to reduce the likelihood of accidental events, and to identify mitigation measures that can be applied when the likelihood has been reduced as much as reasonably practicable. In contrast, EIAs has mainly focused on the consequences of oil spills which are taking place; oil dispersion is modelled, and the biota, fishery and beaches possibly being impacted are being identified and assessed. The analysis has to a large degree been qualitative in contrast to the quantitative analysis in the QRAs; partly because the consequences of oil spills are so diverse, but probably also because EIAs typically are authored by biologist mainly focusing on qualitative analysis of the impacts on the marine life, whereas QRAs are mainly authored by engineers focused on the quantitative aspects.

By highlighting the background for and the difference between oil spill risk analysis carried out in QRAs and EIAs, respectively, it is the ambition to provide a more enlightened basis for selecting methods and level of detail in oil spill risk analysis for various types of projects, and to establish a closer connection between oil spill risk analysis carried out for QRAs and oil spill risk analysis carried out for EIAs.
A Zero Accident Strategy for Oil Pipelines: Enhancing HSE Performance
Authors: Suarez Suarez Ricardo G. , Carranza Dumon Fabian , Serra Barragan Luis , McCarthy John , McFadyen Dan
Published: March 2020

This work provides options to reduce the number of oil pipeline adverse events caused by human actions, poor performance of facilities, accidents, emergencies, and external events. These alternatives provide useful tools to decision makers to prevent such events and improve the security, integrity and resilience of existing oil and gas transportation infrastructure. This research implements an in-house visualization software that is based on Structured Query Language (SQL), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and publicly available data. The system stores, sorts, and processes strategic geo-referenced data: pipelines infrastructure, transported volumes, sociodemographic factors, land use, illegal pipeline taps, and area impacted by oil pipelines incidents. By identifying the main factors that could impact the pipeline infrastructure, the system generates several graphical representations to assist in risk analysis. The work also analyses and proposes improved pipeline monitoring systems, emergency responses protocols, and non-technical tools to address operational and safety challenges for oil pipelines near local communities. The results provide valuable information for the formulation of policy and regulations to enhance pipeline safety. This work develops a comprehensive strategy based on data analysis, monitoring systems, emergency response protocols and non-technical tools to assist decision makers to improve operational safety and prevent events that could cause serious damage to local communities.
Use of plasma lactate level to predict 28-day mortality in non-elderly and elderly sepsis patients based on the MIMIC-III database
Authors: Dong Yihua , Miao Xiaoyang , Hu Yufeng , Huang Yueyue , Chen Jie , Lu Yingru , Pan Jingye
Published: March 2020

Purpose: We co mpared the use of lactate level for predicting 28-day mortality in non-elderly (<65 years) and elderly (≥65 years) sepsis patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). A multivariate logistic regression model was established to predict 28-day mortality for each group. Methods: This retrospective study used the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Ⅲ, a publicly available database of ICUs. Eligible sepsis patients were at least 18 years-old, hospitalized for at least 24 h, and had lactate levels measured in the ICU. Univariate logistic regression analysis and step-wise multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with 28-day mortality. Results: The 28-day mortality was 30.9% among the 2482 patients, and was significantly greater in elderly than non-elderly patients. Within each age group, the lactate level was greater for non-survivors than survivors. Among non-survivors, the lactate level was significantly higher for the non-elderly than the elderly. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that non-elderly patients with lactate levels of 2.0–4.0 mmol/L and above 4.0 mmol/L had greater risk of death than those with normal lactate levels. For all patients, the stepwise logistic regression model had an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.752; for non-elderly patients, the model had an AUROC of 0.793; for elderly patients, the model had an AUROC of 0.711. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated acceptable goodness-of-fit for each group (P=0.206, P=0.646, and P= 0.482, respectively). Conclusion: In our population of sepsis patients, the lactate level was about 0.9 mmol/L lower in elderly non-survivors than non-elderly survivors. A plasma lactate level above 2.0 mmol/L was an independent risk factor for death at 28-days among non-elderly patients. Our logistic regression models effectively predicted 28-day mortality of sepsis patients in different age groups.
Single-Stage Repair of Contaminated Hernias Using a Novel Antibiotic-Impregnated Biologic Porcine Submucosa Tissue Matrix
Authors: minor samuel fulton , Brown Carl J , Rooney Paul S , hodde jason p , julien lisa , Scott Tracy M , Karimuddin Ahmer A , Raval Manoj J , Phang Terry P
Published: March 2020

Background
Single-stage repair of incisional hernias in contaminated fields has a high rate of surgical site infection (30-42%) when biologic grafts are used for repair. In an attempt to decrease this risk, a novel graft incorporating gentamicin into a biologic extracellular matrix derived from porcine small intestine submucosa was developed.

Methods
This prospective, multicenter, single-arm study was designed to determine the incidence of surgical site infection following implantation of the device into surgical fields characterized as CDC Class II, III, or IV.

Results
Twenty-four patients were enrolled, with 42% contaminated and 25% dirty surgical fields. After 12 months, 5 patients experienced 6 surgical site infections (21%) with infection involving the graft in 2 patients (8%). No grafts were explanted.

Conclusions
The incorporation of gentamicin into a porcine-derived biologic graft is feasible, with no observed gentamicin toxicity and low rate of device infection for patients undergoing single-stage repair of ventral hernia in contaminated settings.

Trial Registration
The study was registered March 27, 2015 at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02401334.

Keywords

Hernia repair; graft; abdominal wall reconstruction; contamination
Factors associated with seeking post-abortion care among women in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Yan , Xiong Ribo
Published: March 2020

Background:
In China, the vast majority of induced abortion are performed in public hospitals. However, post-abortion care (PAC) services are provided through the national network of family planning clinics, which are independent of the health care system. The integration of PAC services into abortion clinics in public hospitals is a new concept. This study aimed to assess post-abortion care (PAC) utilization among abortion patients, and identify the possible factors associated with PAC uptake in Guangzhou, China.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 431 women aged 15-43 years in Tianhe district of Guangzhou, China during the period of June to September 2018. We estimated multivariate logistic regression model to examine the factors associated with utilization of PAC services.
Results:
The rate of PAC services utilization was 42.1%. Marital status, household registration place, knowledge of the time of fertility return after abortion and the decision maker on receiving contraception were significantly associated with PAC services utilization.
Conclusions:
The rate of PAC utilization in Guangzhou, China was low. There’s an urgent need for public hospitals to strengthen PAC services and take an active role in engaging immigrant women in their needs. Social support and culturally tailored programs should also be developed to enhance community’s awareness focusing on women’s own decision making in receiving contraception.
Be Quiet and Man Up: A Qualitative Study into Men Who Experienced Birth Trauma
Authors: Daniels Emily , Arden-Close Emily , Mayers Andrew
Published: March 2020

Background:
Research focusing on paternal mental health is limited, especially regarding the impact of the experience of poor mental health in the perinatal period. For example, little is known about the experiences of men who witness their partner’s traumatic birth and the subsequent impact on the father’s mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore fathers’ experiences of witnessing a traumatic birth, how these experiences impacted their wellbeing, and what support they received during and following the traumatic birth.
Methods:
Sixty-one participants were recruited via targeted social media to complete an anonymous online qualitative questionnaire regarding their birth trauma experience. Eligible participants were aged eighteen or over, resided in the UK and had witnessed their partner’s traumatic birth (that did not result in loss of life). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the questionnaire data.
Results:
Three main themes were identified: ‘fathers’ understanding of the experience’ (subthemes: nothing can prepare you for it; merely a passenger; mixed experiences with staff; not about me); ‘life after birth trauma’ (subthemes: manhood after birth; inability to be happy; impact on relationships); and ‘the support fathers received vs what they wanted’ (subthemes: prenatal support; birth support; and postnatal support).
Conclusions:
Fathers reported that witnessing their partner’s traumatic birth had a significant impact on them. They felt this affected their mental health and relationships long into the postnatal period. However, there is no nationally recognised support in place for fathers to use as a result of their experiences. The participants attributed this to being perceived as less important than women in the postnatal period, and maternity services’ perceptions of the father more generally. Implications include ensuring support is available for mother and father following a traumatic birth, with additional staff training geared towards the father’s role.
Iron Overload contributes to General Anesthesia-induced Neurotoxicity and Cognitive Deficits
Authors: Wu Jing , Yang Jian-Jun , Cao Yan , Li Huihui , Zhao Hongting , Yang Shuofei , Li Kuanyu
Published: March 2020

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that multiple or long-time exposure to general anesthesia (GA) could be detrimental to cognitive development in young subjects, and might also contribute to accelerated neurodegeneration in the elderly. Iron is essential for normal neuronal function and excess iron in brain is implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases. However, the role of iron in GA-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive deficits remains elusive. Methods: We used the primary hippocampal neurons and rodents including young rats and aged mice to examine whether GA impacted iron metabolism and whether the impact contributed to neuronal outcomes. In addition, a pharmacological suppression of iron metabolism was performed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying GAs-mediated iron overload in the brain. Results: Our results demonstrated that GA, induced by intravenous ketamine or inhalational sevoflurane, disturbed iron homeostasis and caused iron overload in both in vitro hippocampal neuron culture and in vivo hippocampus. Interestingly, ketamine or sevoflurane-induced cognitive deficits, very likely, resulted from a novel iron-dependent regulated cell death, ferroptosis. Notably, iron chelator deferiprone attenuated the GA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis, and further cognitive deficits. Moreover, we found that GA-induced iron overload was activated by NMDAR-RASD1 signalling via DMT1 action in the brain. Conclusion: We conclude that disturbed iron metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of GA-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive deficits. Our study provides new vision for consideration in GA-associated neurological disorders.
Fecundity disorders in older women: declines in follicular development and endometrial receptivity
Authors: Wang Li , Lv Shulan , Mao Wenjun , Bai E , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: March 2020

Background : Little research is available on follicular development and endometrial receptivity in older women. This study aimed to assess follicular development and endometrial receptivity, and to evaluate ultrasonic parameters in predicting endometrial receptivity during the implantation window in older women. Methods: For this prospective case-control study, 224 older women and 215 young women were recruited. The follicular development and endometrial thickness were monitored by transvaginal ultrasound. During the implantation window, the pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of the uterine arteries and subendometrial region, endometrial volume, vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were calculated between the two groups. The ultrasonic parameters were used to assess endometrial receptivity in older women. Results: The serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration and antral follicle count (AFC) were significantly lower in older women than in young women ( p = 0.019, p = 0.022 respectively). The average diameter of the dominant follicle on days 14, 16, and 18 of the menstrual cycle were significantly smaller ( p =0.041, p =0.032, p =0.025 respectively), and the subendometrial region RI on days 12, 14, 16, and 18 of the menstrual cycle were significantly higher in older women than in young women ( p =0.046, p =0.039, p =0.036, p =0.035 respectively). The normal ovulation rate was significantly lower in older women than in young women ( p =0.001). The subendometrial region RI was significantly higher, and the endometrial VI, FI, and VFI were significantly lower in older women compared with young women ( p =0.041, p =0.019, p =0.015, p =0.007 respectively). The biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate of older women were significantly lower than in young women ( p =0.012, p =0.003, p =0.001 respectively). The best ultrasonic parameter for predicting endometrial receptivity during the implantation window in older women was VI (AUC =0.889, sensitivity 92.6% and specificity 85.4%). Conclusions: Older women present decreased serum AMH concentrations and AFC, defined as indicators of ovarian reserve function. Older women are characterized by decreased follicular development and endometrial receptivity, which may lead to fecundity disorders.
The Desire to Die in Palliative Care: A sequential mixed methods study to develop a semi-structured clinical aproach
Authors: Kremeike Kerstin , Frerich Gerrit , Romotzky Vanessa , Bostroem Kathleen , Dojan Thomas , Galushko Maren , Shah-Hosseini Kija , Juenger Saskia , Rodin Gary , Pfaff Holger , Perrar Klaus Maria , Voltz Raymond
Published: March 2020

Background: Although desire to die of varying intensity and permanence is frequent in patients receiving palliative care, uncertainty exists concerning appropriate therapeutic responses to it. To support health professionals in dealing with patients´ potential desire to die, a training program and a semi-structured clinical interview approach was developed. This study aimed for a revision of and consensus building on the clinical approach to support proactively addressing desire to die and routine exploration of death and dying distress. Methods: Within a sequential mixed methods design, we invited 16 palliative patients to participate in semi-structured interviews and 377 (inter-)national experts to attend a two-round Delphi process. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and an agreement consensus for the Delphi was determined according to predefined criteria. Results: 11 (69%) patients from different settings participated in face-to-face interviews. As key issues for conversations on desire to die they pointed out the relationship between professionals and patients, the setting and support from external experts, if required. A set of 149 (40%) experts (132/89% from Germany, 17/11% from 9 other countries) evaluated ten domains of the semi-structured clinical approach. There was immediate consensus on nine domains concerning conversation design, suggestions for (self-)reflection, and further recommended action. The one domain in which consensus was not achieved until the second round was “proactively addressing desire to die”. Conclusions: We have provided the first semi-structured clinical approach to identify and address desire to die and to respond therapeutically – based on evidence, patients’ views and consensus among professional experts. Trial registration: The study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00012988; registration date: 27.9.2017) and in the Health Services Research Database (VfD_DEDIPOM_17_003889; registration date: 14.9.2017).
Exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 confers cells trastuzumab resistance in breast cancer through miR-381-3p/HMGB3 axis
Authors: Yu Qiang , Peng Shijun , Li Jing , Tan Xianxiong
Published: March 2020

Background Long noncoding RNA OPA-interacting protein 5 antisense transcript 1 (OIP5-AS1) was confirmed to involve in the malignancy of breast cancer. However, whether exosomal OIP5-AS1 implicated in trastuzumab resistance remains unclear. Methods Cell viability, migration and apoptosis were analyzed by cell counting kit-8, colony formation, transwell assay or flow cytometry. The expression of OIP5-AS1 and microRNA (miR)-381-3p was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation and qualified by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) software. Western blot was used to detect the levels of tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), CD81, CD63 or high-mobility group protein B3 (HMGB3). The interaction between miR-381-3p and OIP5-AS1 or HMGB3 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and pull-down assay. In vivo experiments were conducted using murine xenograft models. Results OIP5-AS1 was elevated in trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cells, and OIP5-AS1 knockdown rescued trastuzumab sensitivity. Extracellular OIP5-AS1 was packaged into exosomes, which were secreted by trastuzumab-resistant cells, and could be absorbed by trastuzumab-sensitive cells in breast cancer. Importantly, intercellular transfer of OIP5-AS1 via exosomes enhanced trastuzumab resistance in vitro. OIP5-AS1 was a sponge of miR-381-3p; besides, miR-381-3p targeted HMGB3. Murine xenograft analysis showed exosomal OIP5-AS1 induced trastuzumab resistance in vivo. Exosomal OIP5-AS1 was dysregulated in the serum of breast cancer patients, and might be a promising diagnostic biomarker in trastuzumab resistance. Conclusion Intercellular transfer of OIP5-AS1 by exosomes enhanced trastuzumab resistance in breast cancer via miR-381-3p/HMGB3 axis, indicating a potential therapeutic strategy to boost the effectiveness of trastuzumab in resistant breast cancer patients.
Perigraft abscess after DeBakey type-1 aortic dissection: a case report
Authors: Xu Lingling , Lin Shan , Yang Yali
Published: March 2020

Background Perigraft abscess is a rare condition which constitutes a small proportion of aortic graft infection (AGI), early diagnosis is very important for timely intervention and improving the survival rate of patients because of its significant morbidity and mortality. Case presentation A 24-year-old young male patient with a history of complicated total arch replacement using the elephant trunk technique for acute DeBakey type-1 aortic dissection 6 months before visited our hospital with the chief complaint of persistent fever. Antibiotic treatment in local hospital was ineffective. Echocardiography showed liquid dark area around the aortic graft, and a computerized tomography angiography (CTA) was done for further evaluation of periaortic fluid collection which showed findings to suggest perigraft abscess. The patient underwent surgical debridement of the abscess and was found to have an abscess around the aortic graft which was drained followed by antibiotic treatment. The patient was discharged to his local hospital and recovered well at 2 month follow-up appointment. Conclusion This is a very rare case of aortic abscess around the graft that could successfully be managed by graft-conserving surgery, and it emphasizes the significance of early diagnosis of perigraft abscess in patients with aortic dissection surgery.
Comparing Acute Aerobic vs. Resistance Exercise (CAARE) in young and older adults: Design and methods of a randomized acute exercise trial on the immune system
Authors: Markofski Melissa M , Graff Rachel M , Jennings Kristofer
Published: March 2020

Background: It is well accepted that exercise has numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases and supporting a healthy immune system. Although these benefits are widely recognized, variations in the exercise response still exist. The aim of this study is to explore the variations that may be partially explained by participant age, physical activity status, and/or mode of exercise. Methods: The CAARE (Comparing Acute Aerobic vs. Resistance Exercise) study is a randomized cross-over design trial. Participants are young (18-30 years) or older (55-75 years), and within each age group are either physically active or inactive. All participants complete two acute exercise sessions of similar intensity and duration: a resistance training bout and a treadmill exercise bout. Blood is collected before exercise (PRE), immediately after exercise (POST), and after one hour of recovery (RECOV). Fresh blood is used for flow cytometry analyses to phenotype immune cells. Serum is stored for future analyses. The primary outcome variables are monocyte and T-cell phenotype. Discussion: CAARE is the first study to compare the immune cell response to acute exercise when including age, physical activity status, and mode of exercise. Clinical trial registration: This research study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT03794050 in January 4, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03794050
ATP4B suppresses cell proliferation and migration via mitochondrial/p53/NF-κB pathway in gastric cancer
Authors: Pan Yuanming , He Yuqi , Lin Shuye , Zhu Min , Li Yangjie , Wang Jianxun , Miao Shuo , Wang Jiheng , Ma Xianzong , Xu Junfeng , Yang Lang , Jin Peng , Yang Guibin , Huang Jiaqiang , Lu Youyong , Sheng Jianqiu
Published: March 2020

Background: Hydrogen/Potassium ATPase β (ATP4B) is a key protein in gastric mucosa barrier acting an essential role in gastric acid secretion. However, the exact role and precise mechanism of ATP4B in gastric cancer (GC) remain obscure. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of ATP4B in GC and its biological role in tumor progression.Methods: We evaluated ATP4B expression in GC cell lines and patient specimens via qPCR and Immunofluorescence. The correlations between ATP4B expression level and clinicopathologic parameters, as well as the relevance of ATP4B expression with overall survival were assessed. The functional roles of ATP4B in GC were verified by gain- and loss-of-function cell models and xenograft tumor model. The possible downstream effects of ATP4B were analyzed by iTRAQ‑based quantitative proteomics analysis.Results: A dramatic decrease of ATP4B expression in GC cells and tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissues was observed; Downexpression of ATP4B was associated with the malignant transformation in gastric mucosa lesions and correlated with poor prognosis, high grade of TNM stage, and vessel carcinoma embolus in GC patients. Restoration of ATP4B expression in GC cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, cell viability, migration, invasion, tumorigenicity and induced apoptosis, whereas ATP4B silencing exerted the opposite effects. Mechanistically, we found a constitutive activation of p53 and inactivation of NF-κB signaling correlated with the mitochondrial pathway in ATP4B-overexpressing GC cells.Conclusion: Our data suggest that ATP4B perform the promising tumor suppressor gene by regulating p53/NF-κB/mitochondrial pathway in GC.