bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Interpretable Machine-Learning Workflows To Identify Brittle, Fracturable, and Producible Rock in Horizontal Wells Using Surface Drilling Data
Authors: Tran Ngoc Lam , Gupta Ishank , Devegowda Deepak , Jayaram Vikram , Karami Hamidreza , Rai Chandra , Sondergeld Carl H.
Published: August 2020

In this study, we demonstrate the application of an interpretable (or explainable) machine-learning workflow using surface drilling data to identify fracturable, brittle, and productive rock intervals along horizontal laterals in the Marcellus Shale. The results are supported by a thorough model-agnostic interpretation of the input/output relationships to make the model explainable to users. The methodology described here can easily be generalized to real-time processing of surface drilling data for optimal landing of laterals, placing of fracture stages, optimizing production, and minimizing fracture hits. In practice, this information is rarely available in real time and requires tedious and time-consuming processing of logs (including image logs), core, microseismic data, and fiber-optic-sensor data to provide post-job validation of fracture and well placement. Post-completion analyses are generally too late for corrective action, leading to wells with a low probability of success and increasing risk of fracture hits. Our workflow involves identifying geomechanical facies from core and well-log data. We verify that the geomechanical facies derived using core and well-log data have characteristically different brittleness, fracturability, and production characteristics. We test and investigate several different supervised classifiers to relate surface drilling data to the geomechanical facies. The data were divided into training and test data sets, with supervised classification techniques being able to accurately predict the geomechanical facies with 75% accuracy on the test data set. The clusters predicted on test well (unseen data) were qualitatively verified using the microseismic interpretation. The use of Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) helps explain the predictive models, rank the importance of various inputs in the prediction of the facies, and provides both local and global sensitivities. Our study demonstrates that pre-existing natural-fracture networks control both the hydraulic-fracture geometry as well as the production. Natural fractures promote the formation of complex fracture networks with shorter half-lengths, which increase well productivity while minimizing fracture hits and neighboring-well interactions. The natural-fracture network is itself controlled by the geomechanical properties of the rock. The ability of the surface drilling data to reliably predict the geomechanical rock facies provides a powerful tool for real-time optimization of wellbore trajectory and completions.
Are normoglycaemic individuals at risk of depression? The depression-dysglycaemic phenotype from a European population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Mamo Julian
Published: August 2020

Background

Depression is a chronic non communicable disease and its control constitutes a growing public health concern given its links with a number of co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression at a population level, establish the depression sub-population phenotypic characteristics while exploring for links between depression and a spectrum of glycemic abnormalities.

Methods

A nationally representative cross-sectional study was conducted in Malta between 2014 and 2016. Participants were categorized into different sub-populations according to their glycaemic status. Depression prevalence rates and phenotypic characteristics for each sub-population were established. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify links with depression.

Results

Depression was prevalent in 17.15% (CI 95%: 16.01 – 18.36) with a female predominance. Those with known (as opposed to newly diagnosed) diabetes had the highest depression prevalence when compared to other glycemic sub-groups and exhibited a significant link with self-reported depression. However, at a population level, depression was mostly prevalent within the normoglycaemic sub-population.

Conclusions

The study confirms the strong link between diabetes and depression, especially, in a high risk dysglycaemic population. Of public health concern is the high depression occurrence within the normoglycaemic sub-population, which constitutes the majority of the total Maltese population. Given the high prevalence of depressive illness in the population and in order to reduce the impact of mental health on the population, physicians may consider implementing depression screening clinical tools as part of their routine health check-ups at primary care level, irrespective of the glycaemic status of their patients.
Cancer risk after total hip replacements. A prospective study of 41,402 patients in the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register linked to the Cancer Registry of Norway
Authors: Dybvik Eva , Furnes Ove , Havelin Leif I. , Fosså Sophie D. , Trovik Clement , Lie Stein Atle
Published: August 2020

Background: Concerns have been raised that implants used in total hip replacements (THR) could lead to increased cancer risk. Several different materials, metals and fixation techniques are used in joint prostheses and different types of articulation can cause an increased invasion of particles or ions into the human body. Methods: Patients with THR registered in the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register during 1987-2009 were linked to the Cancer registry of Norway. Patients with THR due to osteoarthritis, under the age of 75 at time of surgery, were included. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were applied to compare cancer risk for THR patients to the general population. Types of THR were divided into cemented (both components), uncemented (both components), and hybrid (cemented femoral and uncemented acetabular components). To account for selection mechanisms, time dependent covariates were applied in Cox-regression, adjusting for cancer risk the first 10 years after surgery. The analyses were adjusted for age, gender and if the patient had additional THR-surgery in the same or the opposite hip. The study follows the STROBE guidelines.Results: Comparing patients with THR to the general population in Norway we found no differences in cancer risk. The overall SIR for the THR-patients after 10 years follow-up was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.97-1.07). For cemented THR, the SIR after 10 years follow-up was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.94-1.05), for uncemented, 1.16 (95% CI: 1.02-1.30), and for hybrid 1.12 (95% CI: 0.91-1.33). Adjusted Cox analyses showed that patients with uncemented THRs had an elevated risk for cancer (hazard ratio: HR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.05-1.46, p=0.009) when compared to patients with cemented THRs after 10 years follow-up. Stratified by gender the increased risk was only present for men. The risk for patients with hybrid THRs was not significantly increased (HR=1.07, 95% CI: 0.85-1.35, p=0.55) compared to patients with cemented THRs.Conclusions: THR patients had no increased risk for cancer compared to the general population. We found, however, that receiving an uncemented THR was associated with a small increased risk for cancer compared to cemented THR in males, but that this may be prone to unmeasured confounding.
The importance of cardiorespiratory fitness and sleep duration in early CVD prevention. BMI, resting heart rate and questions about sleep patterns are suggested in risk assessment of young adults, 18-25 years.
Authors: Fernström Maria , Fernberg Ulrika , Hurtig-Wennlöf Anita
Published: August 2020

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and sleep habits are lifestyle factors with potential to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, it is therefore important to establish a healthy lifestyle at young age. In the Lifestyle, biomarkers and atherosclerosis (LBA) study we have examined 834 healthy non-smoking adults, 18-25 years. The general purpose of the LBA study was to study the effect of lifestyle on traditional biomarkers known to influence CVD risk. The aims of the present study were to evaluate sleep habits of the young adult women and men participating in the LBA study, and to compare the importance of sleep habits and other lifestyle habits on clinically relevant biomarkers for CVD. Additional aim was to find easy and reliable non-invasive biomarkers to detect young adults with increased risk to develop CVD later in life. Methods: The participants have previously been examined for lifestyle factors, biomarkers and CVD risk score. They filled in a validated computerized questionnaire about their general physical and mental health. The questionnaire included questions on sleep duration and experienced quality of sleep. Results: In total 27% of the young adult participants reported difficulties to fall asleep or experiences anxious sleep with several awakenings per night. The experienced anxious sleep was not related to higher CVD risk score, but sleep quality and sleep duration was correlated. Shorter sleep duration was significantly associated to higher body mass index (BMI), body fat %, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and CVD risk. The modifiable lifestyle factor with highest odds ratio (OR) for CVD risk was CRF. Sleep duration was the second most influential lifestyle factor, more important than moderate- and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and food habits. Correlations between CRF and heart rate (HR) (P<0.01) and HOMA-IR and BMI (P<0.01) was observed, indicating that BMI and resting HR in combination with questions about sleep patterns are easy and reliable non-invasive biomarkers to detect young adults who needs counselling about a healthy lifestyle. Conclusion: Decreased sleep duration in combination with decreased CRF, in young adults, is a serious health issue.
Responsiveness of health care services towards the elderly in Tanzania: Does health insurance make a difference? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Amani Paul Joseph , Tungu Malale , Hurtig Anna-Karin , Kiwara Angwara Denis , Frumence Gasto , Sebastian Miguel San
Published: August 2020

BackgroundResponsiveness has become an important health system performance indicator in evaluating the ability of health care systems to meet patients’ expectations. However, its measurement in sub-Saharan Africa remains scarce. This study aimed to assess the responsiveness of the health care services among the insured and non-insured elderly in Tanzania and to explore the association of health insurance (HI) with responsiveness in this population. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 where a pre-tested household survey, administered to the elderly (60 + years) living in Igunga and Nzega districts, was applied. Participants with and without health insurance who attended outpatient and inpatient health care services in the past three and 12 months were selected. Responsiveness was measured based on the short version of the World Health Organization (WHO) multi-country responsiveness survey study, which included the dimensions of quality of basic amenities, choice, confidentiality, autonomy, communication and prompt attention. Quantile regression was used to assess the specific association of the responsiveness index with health insurance adjusted for sociodemographic factors.ResultsA total of 1453 and 744 elderly, of whom 50.1% and 63% had health insurance, used outpatient and inpatient health services, respectively. All domains were rated relatively highly but the uninsured elderly reported better responsiveness in all domains of outpatient and inpatient care. Waiting time was the dimension that performed worst. Possession of health insurance was negatively associated with responsiveness in outpatient (−1; 95% CI: −1.45, −0.45) and inpatient (−2; 95% CI: −2.69, −1.30) care. Conclusion The uninsured elderly reported better responsiveness than the insured elderly in both outpatient and inpatient care. Special attention should be paid to those dimensions, like waiting time, which ranked poorly. Further research is necessary to reveal the reasons for the lower responsiveness noted among insured elderly. A continuous monitoring of health care system responsiveness is recommended.
The relationship between the level of μ-opioid receptor (μORs) and postoperative analgesic use in patients undergoing septoplasty: A prospective randomized controlled trial.
Authors: GENCER MUZAFFER , Göçmen Ayşe Yeşim
Published: August 2020

Background: In this study, the μ-Opioid receptor activity was assessed pre-operatively for its association with postoperative pain level and second analgesic requirement in patients undergoing septoplasty.Methods: In our prospective study, 120 adult patients underwent septoplasty from June 2015 to January 2019 were randomly divided into 2 pre-operative groups. The first group (n=60) was patients given tramadol (1-2 mg/kg) for post-operative analgesia, and the second group (control group) (n=60) was initially prescribed only fentanyl (1 µg/ kg-i.v.) in the induction. Acetaminophen with codeine analgesic 325/30 mg (p.o.) was used as an rescue painkiller in the post-operative period. The μ-Opioid receptor activity was investigated in pre-operative blood samples and compared to post-operative pain level and time required for second round of analgesic administration. The visual analogue score (VAS) was used to evaluate the post-operative pain degree (0 no pain; 10 worst pain). The patients’ post-operative VAS scores were evaluated upon arrival to recovery room, and at the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 10th, and 24th hour post-operative period.Results: Demographic data and peri-operative variables were similar in both study group (p<0.05).There was no significant difference between the receptor levels in both groups and the mean receptor level was 200.94±15.34 pg/mL (max:489.92±22.36 pg/mL, min: 94.56±11.23 pg/mL).In patients who used tramadol as the levels of μ-Opioid receptors increased, VAS scores of patients and second analgesic use decreased in post-operative period.The VAS scores in patients with higher receptor levels were lower in the recovery room (p<0.05), 1st (p<0.05) and 3rd hours (p<0.05).The VAS scores were lower in the tramadol group compared to the control group (p<0.05).Number of secondary analgesic requirement was significantly lower in patients of the tramadol group with higher receptor levels compared to the ones with lower receptor (p<0.05) for arrival at the recovery room and 1st hour.Patients in the tramadol group needed a second pain killer much later than patients in the control group.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that patients with higher μOR levels have a higher efficacy of opioid analgesic agents and an lesser need for additional analgesic agents.Trial registration:This trial was registered retrospectively (The ACTRN: ACTRN12619001652167, registration date: 26/11/2019).
Association between self-reported walking speed and calcaneal stiffness index in postmenopausal Japanese women
Authors: Tomita Yoshihito , Arima Kazuhiko , Mizukami Satoshi , Tsujimoto Ritsu , Kawashiri Shin-ya , Nishimura Takayuki , Okabe Takuhiro , Tanaka Natsumi , Honda Yuzo , Nakahara Kazumi , Yamamoto Naoko , Ohmachi Izumi , Goto Hisashi , Hasegawa Maiko , Sou Youko , Horiguchi Itsuko , Kanagae Mitsuo , Abe Yasuyo , Nonaka Fumiaki , Tamai Mami , Yamanashi Hirotomo , Nagata Yasuhiro , Kawakami Atsushi , Maeda Takahiro , Aoyagi Kiyoshi
Published: August 2020

Background; ﻿﻿ Osteoporosis and related fractures, a worldwide public health issue of growing concern, is characterized by compromised bone strength and an increased risk of fracture. Here we show an association between self-reported walking speed and bone mass among community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women aged 50 years and older. Design; Cross-sectional study.Setting and Participants; The survey population included 1008 postmenopausal women 50–92 years of age residing in rural communities.Methods; Self-reported walking speed was ascertained by asking the participants: “Is your walking speed faster than others of the same age and sex?” to which participants responded “yes (faster)” or “no (moderate/slower).” Calcaneal stiffness index was measured.Results; Women with a faster self-reported walking speed were younger and had a lower BMI, higher stiffness index, and higher grip strength than women with a slower walking speed. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, BMI, grip strength, comorbidity, current smoking, and alcohol drinking status showed a significant association between faster self-reported walking speed and higher calcaneal stiffness index (p < 0.001).Conclusions; Our findings suggest that questionnaires of walking speed may be useful for predicting bone mass and that a fast self-reported walking may benefit bone health in postmenopausal women.
Pregnancy during the evolving pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A rapid scoping review of early evidence in the published literature
Authors: Hasan Md Zabir , Kibria Gulam Muhammed Al , Alam Tasmeer
Published: August 2020

BackgroundWithout any preventive or curative medication, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a higher risk to pregnant women, due to their immunosuppression during pregnancy. This rapid scoping synthesized the earliest evidence from the published scientific literature on the clinical feature and management for pregnant women with COVID-19.MethodScientific literature (published in English between 1 January 2019 to 31 March 2020) were systematically extracted from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and “Global research on coronavirus disease (COVID-19)”. Results from eligible studies were charted, synthesized, and presented in a narrative format. ResultOur study identified 52 unique articles, and among them, 29 were included in this review. Pregnant women with COVID-19 were mostly in their third trimester and presented with fever, dry cough, myalgia, and dyspnea. Ground-glass opacity was the cardinal feature of COVID-19 in the computerized tomography scan of the chest. Except for two participants, severe pneumonia did not occur among pregnant women. Higher episodes of preterm birth and cesarean delivery were observed; however, it cannot be explicitly attributed to COVID-19. There is no published evidence on the vertical transmission. A collaborative team of healthcare professionals must manage pregnancy with COVID-19. Contact tracing, investigation of travel history, radiological assessment, and laboratory tests with regular fetal health monitoring must be done. ConclusionEvidence of higher perinatal complications puts pregnant women in a further vulnerable condition. Cautiousness is imperative during the clinical management of pregnant women with COVID-19, as there is no approved treatment regime available at this moment.
TM4SF1 promotes EMT and cancer stemness via the Wnt/β-catenin/SOX2 pathway in colorectal cancer
Authors: TANG QIANG , Chen Jinghuang , Di Ziyang , Yuan Wenzheng , Zhou Zili , Liu Zhengyi , Han Shengbo , Liu Yanwei , Ying Guoguang , Shu Xiaogang , Di Maojun
Published: August 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Inequalities in stunting among under-five children in Tanzania: Decomposing the Concentration Indexes using Demographic Health Surveys from 2004/5 to 2015/6
Authors: Musheiguza Edwin , Mahande Michael Johnson , Malamala Elias , Msuya Sia E , Charles Festo , Philemon Rune , Mgongo Melina
Published: August 2020

Background: Child stunting is a global health concern. Stunting leads to several consequences on child survival, growth, and development. The absolute level of stunting has been decreasing in Tanzania although the prevalence is still high (34%), varying across socioeconomic determinants with a larger burden among the disadvantaged group. The reduction of inequalities in stunting is very crucial as we aim to reduce stunting to 28% by 2021 and hence attain zero malnutrition by 2030 under Sustainable Development Goal 2.2.. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the trend, contributing factors and changes of inequalities in stunting among children aged 3 – 59 months from 2004 to 2016 Methodology: Data were drawn from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys. The dependent variable was stunting. The concentration index was used to quantify the magnitude of inequalities in stunting for each year. To get the contribution of each determinant on the inequality in stunting, the concentration index was decomposed by using the Wagstaff and Watanabe decomposition methods of the concentration index. Results: Inequalities in stunting insignificantly declined from -0.019 (p<0.001) in 2004 to -0.018 (p<0.001) in 2010 and then to -0.0096 (p<0.001). Disparities in the distribution of wealth index (mean contribution > 84.7%) and maternal years of schooling (mean contribution > 22.4%) increased the levels of inequalities in stunting in all survey years. Rural-urban differences reduced inequalities in stunting although the contribution changed over time. Conclusion: Inequalities in stunting declined, differentials in wealth index and maternal education had increased contribution to the levels of inequalities in stunting. To significantly reduce the larger burden of stunting among the disadvantaged groups, initiatives should be embarked on the distribution of social services including maternal and reproductive education among women of reproductive age, water and health infrastructures in local areas.
Mechanism of lncRNA H19 in the Regulation of Lipid Accumulation and Inflammatory Response in Macrophages
Authors: Wang Xue-Mei , Gao Xiao-Ming , Liu Fen , Cao Ying , Wang Jie-Ying , Xing Yuan
Published: August 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
Synergic effects of decellularized bone matrix, hydroxyapatite, and extracellular vesicles on repairing of the rabbit mandibular bone defect model
Authors: Emami Asrin , Talaei-Khozani Tahereh , Tavanafar Saeid , Zareifard Nehleh , Azarpira Negar , Vojdani Zahra
Published: August 2020

Background: Extracellular vesicles (ECV) and bone extracellular matrix (ECM) have beneficial effects on the treatment of some pathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to find the synergic effects of decellularized bone (DB) ECM and ECVs on the repair of rabbit. Methods: The quality of decellularized sheep bones was confirmed by H&E, Hoechst, DNA quantification, immunohistochemistry, histochemical staining, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Osteoblast-derived ECVs were evaluated by internalization test, Transmission electron microscopy, Dynamic light scattering, and flow cytometry for CD9, CD63, CD81 markers. The hydrogel containing DB and hydroxyapatite (HA) with or without ECVs was evaluated for osteoblast functions and bone repair both in vitro and in vivo. Results: The data indicated ECM preservation after decellularization as well as cell depletion. In vitro assessments revealed that mineralization and alkaline phosphatase activity did not improve after treatment of MG63 cells by ECVs, while in vivo morphomatrical estimations showed synergic effects of ECVs and DB+HA hydrogels on increasing the number of bone-specific cells and vessel and bone area compared to the control, DB+HA and ECV-treated groups. Conclusions: The DB enriched with ECVs can be an ideal scaffold for bone tissue engineering and may provide a suitable niche for bone cell migration and differentiation.
Deficiency in Aim2 affects viability and calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells from murine aortas and Angiotensin-II induced aortic aneurysms
Authors: Wortmann Markus , Arshad Muhammad , Hakimi Maani , Böckler Dittmar , Dihlmann Susanne
Published: August 2020

Background: Phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells is a key element in vascular remodeling and aortic aneurysm growth. Previously, deletion of several inflammasome components decreased formation of aortic aneurysm (AA) in the Angiotensin II (AngII) -induced mouse model. We hypothesized that the inflammasome sensor Absent in melanoma 2 (Aim2) might affect the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), thereby reducing AA formation. Methods: Aim2-/- mice and wild-type (WT) C57Bl/6J mice were used as an animal model. VSMC were isolated from 6 months old mice and grown in vitro. Young (passage 3-5) and senescent (passage 7-12) cells were analyzed in vitro for calcification in mineralization medium by Alizarin Red S staining. Expression of calcification and inflammatory markers were studied by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, release of cytokines was determined by ELISA. To induce AA, osmotic mini-pumps loaded with AngII (1500 ng/kg bodyweight/min) were implanted for 28 days in male mice at 6 months of age.Results: Compared with VSMC from WT mice, VSMC isolated from Aim2-/- mice were larger, less viable, and underwent stronger calcification in mineralization medium, along with induction of Bmp4 and repression of Tnfsf11/Rankl gene expression. In addition, Aim2 deficiency was associated with reduced inflammasome gene expression and release of Interleukin-6. Using the mouse model of AngII induced AA, Aim2 deficiency reduced AA incidence to 48.4% (15/31) in Aim2-/- mice versus 76.5% (13/17) in WT mice. In contrast to Aim2-/- mice, AA from WT mice expressed significantly increased levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin/Acta2, indicating tissue remodeling. Reduced cell proliferation in Aim2-/- mice was indicated by significantly increased p16ink4a/Cdkn2a expression in untreated and AngII-infused aortas, and by significantly lower amounts of proliferating (Ki67 positive) VSMC in AngII-infused Aim2-/- mice. Conclusions: Our results suggest a role for Aim2 in regulating VSMC proliferation and transition to an osteoblast-like or osteoclast-like phenotype, thereby modulating the response of VSMC in aortic remodeling and AA formation.
Evaluation of the Autof MS1000 mass spectrometer in the identification of clinical isolates
Authors: Ma Qiong , Zhang Qi , Yuan Youhua , Yan Wenjuan , Wang Shanmei , Xu Junhong , Zhang Jiangfeng , Wang Yuming , Li Yi
Published: August 2020

Background: To evaluate the accuracy and performance of the Autof MS1000 mass spectrometer in bacteria and yeast identification, 2,342 isolates were obtained from microbial cultures of clinical specimens (e.g., blood, cerebrospinal fluid, respiratory tract samples, lumbar puncture fluid, wound samples, stool, and urine) collected in 2019 in Henan Provincial People’s Hospital. Repetitive strains from the same patient were excluded. We tested the Autof MS1000 and Bruker Biotyper mass spectrometry systems and the classical biochemical identification system VITEK 2/API 20C AUX. Strains with inconsistent results between the three systems were identified by sequencing the 16S rDNA gene and others.Results: At the species level, the Autof MS1000 and Bruker Biotyper systems had isolate identification accuracies of 98.9% and 98.5%, respectively. At the genus level, the Autof MS1000 and Bruker Biotyper systems were 99.7% and 99.4% accurate, respectively. The instruments did not significantly differ in identification accuracy at either taxonomic level. The frequencies of unreliable identification were 1.1% (26/2,342) for the Autof MS1000 and 1.5% (34/2,342) for the Bruker Biotyper. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the coincidence rate of the Autof MS1000 mass spectrometer in the identification of five types of bacteria was >93%, the identification error rate was <3%, and the no identification rate was 0. This indicates that the Autof MS1000 system is an acceptable identification method.Conclusions: The Autof MS1000 mass spectrometer can be utilized to identify clinical isolates. However, an upgradation of the database is recommended to correctly identify rare strains.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Norway and Sweden – threats, trust, and impact on daily life: A comparative survey
Authors: Helsingen Lise , Refsum Erle , Gjøstein Dagrun Kyte , Løberg Magnus , Bretthauer Michael , Kalager Mette , Emilsson Louise
Published: August 2020

Background: Norway and Sweden have similar populations and health care systems, but different reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. Norway closed educational institutions, and banned sports and cultural activities; Sweden kept most institutions and training facilities open. We aimed to compare peoples’ attitudes towards authorities and control measures, and perceived impact of the pandemic and implemented control measures on life in Norway and Sweden.
Methods: Anonymous web-based surveys for individuals age 15 or older distributed through Facebook using the snowball method, in Norway and Sweden from mid-March to mid-April, 2020. The survey contained questions about perceived threat of the pandemic, views on infection control measures, and impact on daily life. We performed descriptive analyses of the responses and compared the two countries.
Results: 3,508 individuals participated in the survey (Norway 3000; Sweden 508). 79% were women, the majority were 30-49 years (Norway 60%; Sweden 47%), and about 45% of the participants in both countries had more than four years of higher education.
Participants had high trust in the health services, but differed in the degree of trust in their government (High trust in Norway 17%; Sweden 37%). More Norwegians than Swedes agreed that school closure was a good measure (Norway 66%; Sweden 18%), that countries with open schools were irresponsible (Norway 65%; Sweden 23%), and that the threat from repercussions of the mitigation measures were large or very large (Norway 71%; Sweden 56%). Both countries had a high compliance with infection preventive measures (> 98%). Many lived a more sedentary life (Norway 69%; Sweden 50%) and ate more (Norway 44%; Sweden 33%) during the pandemic.
Conclusion: Sweden had more trust in the authorities, while Norwegians reported a more negative lifestyle during the pandemic. The level of trust in the health care system and self-reported compliance with preventive measures was high in both countries despite the differences in infection control measures.
CD14+CD16- monocytes are the main precursors of osteoclasts in rheumatoid arthritis via expressing Tyro3TK
Authors: Xue Jimeng , Xu Liling , Zhu Huaqun , Bai Mingxin , Li Xin , Zhao Zhen , Zhong Hua , Cheng Gong , Li Xue , Hu Fanlei , Su Yin
Published: August 2020

Background: Monocytes as precursors of osteoclasts in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are well demonstrated, while monocyte subsets in osteoclast formation are still controversial. Tyro3 tyrosine kinase (Tyro3TK) is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family involved in immune homeostasis, the role of which in osteoclast differentiation was reported recently. This study aimed to compare the osteoclastic capacity of CD14+CD16+ and CD14+CD16- monocytes in RA and determine the potential involvement of Tyro3TK in their osteoclastogenesis.Methods: Osteoclasts were induced from CD14+CD16+ and CD14+CD16- monocyte subsets isolated from healthy control (HC) and RA patients in vitro and evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Then, the expression of Tyro3TK on CD14+CD16+ and CD14+CD16- monocyte subsets in peripheral blood of RA, osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and HC were evaluated by flow cytometry and qPCR, and their correlation with RA patient clinical and immunological features was analyzed. The role of Tyro3TK in CD14+CD16- monocytes-mediated osteoclastogenesis was further investigated by osteoclast differentiation assay with Tyro3TK blockade.Results: The results revealed that CD14+CD16- monocytes were the primary source of osteoclasts. Compared with HC and OA patients, the expression of Tyro3TK on CD14+CD16- monocytes in RA patients was significantly upregulated, and positively correlated with the disease manifestations, such as IgM level, tender joint count and the disease activity score. Moreover, anti-Tyro3TK antibody could inhibit Gas6-mediated osteoclast differentiation from CD14+CD16- monocytes in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusions: These findings indicate that elevated Tyro3TK on CD14+CD16- monocytes serves as a critical signal for osteoclast differentiation in RA.
Performance test on a 5kW SOFC system under high fuel utility with practical syngas feeding
Authors: xu ming , Wang Hanlin , Liu Mingxian , Zhao Jianning , Zhang Yuqiong , Li Pingping , Shi Mingliang , Gong Siqi , Zhang Zhaohuan , Li Chufu
Published: August 2020

With increasing demand of green energy supply with high efficiency and low CO2 emission, Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has been intensively developed in recent years. And the integration of gasification with fuel cell (IGFC) shows potential in large scale power generation to further increase the system efficiency. Reliable design of multi-stacks for large system and long term stability of stacks with practical fuel gas from industrial equipment are the key for commercial application of IGFC. In this work, a test rig of 5kW SOFC system was fabricated using practical syngas from industrial gasifiers as fuel and long term test under high fuel utility was conducted to investigate the system performance. The results show that the maximum steady output power of system is 5700W for hydrogen case and 5660W for syngas case, and the maximum steady electrical efficiency is 61.24% while the fuel utility efficiency is 89.25%. The test lasted for more than 500h as the fuel utility efficiency was larger than 83%. The performances of each stack tower are almost identical at both initial stage and after long term operation. After 500h operation, the performances of stack towers just slight decrease under lower current and almost not change under higher current. Therefore, the results illustrate that the reliability of multi-stacks design and the prospect of SOFC power generation system for further enlarging its application in a MWth demonstration.
Enrichment of apolipoprotein A-IV and apolipoprotein D in the HDL proteome is associated with HDL functions in diabetic kidney disease without dialysis
Authors: Santana Monique FM , Lira Aécio LA , Pinto Raphael , Minanni Carlos A , Silva Amanda RM , Sawada Maria IBAC , Nakandakare Edna R , Correa-Giannella Maria LC , Queiroz Marcia S , Ronsein Graziella E , Passarelli Marisa
Published: August 2020

Background and aims: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is associated with lipid derangements that worsen kidney function and enhance cardiovascular (CVD) risk. The management of dyslipidemia, hypertension and other traditional risk factors does not completely prevent CVD complications, bringing up the participation of nontraditional risk factors such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), carbamoylation and changes in the HDL proteome and functionality. The HDL composition, proteome, chemical modification and functionality were analyzed in nondialysis subjects with DKD categorized according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin excretion rate (AER). Methods: Individuals with DKD were divided into eGFR>60 mL/min/1.73 m2 plus AER stages A1 and A2 (n=10) and eGFR<60 plus A3 (n=25) and matched by age with control subjects (eGFR>60; n=8). Results: Targeted proteomic analyses quantified 28 proteins associated with HDL in all groups, although only 2 were more highly expressed in the eGFR<60+A3 group than in the controls: apolipoprotein D (apoD) and apoA-IV. HDL from the eGFR<60+A3 group presented higher levels of total AGEs (20%), pentosidine (6.3%) and carbamoylation (4.2 x) and a reduced ability to remove 14C-cholesterol from macrophages (33%) in comparison to HDL from controls. The antioxidant role of HDL (lag time for LDL oxidation) was similar among groups, but HDL from the eGFR<60+A3 group presented a greater ability to inhibit the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-alpha (95%) in LPS-elicited macrophages in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: The increase in apoD and apoA-IV seems to counteract the HDL chemical modification by AGEs and carbamoylation, which contributes to HDL loss of function in well-established DKD.
Utilization of Integrated Angiography-CT Interventional Radiology Suites at a Tertiary Cancer Center
Authors: Erinjeri Joseph P. , Doustaly Raphael , Avignon Grégoire , Bendet Achiude , Petre Elena , Ziv Etay , Yarmohammadi Hooman , Solomon Stephen B.
Published: August 2020

Background: Integrated Angiography-Computed Tomography (ACT) suites were initially designed in the 1990’s to perform complex procedures requiring high-resolution cross-sectional imaging and fluoroscopy. Since then, there have been technology developments and changes in patient management. The purpose of this study was to review the current usage patterns of a single center’s integrated ACT suites. Methods: All procedures performed in 2017 in 3 ACT suites (InterACT Discovery RT, GE Healthcare) at a tertiary cancer center were reviewed retrospectively. Usage was classified as: Standard, in which the patient underwent a single procedure using either fluoroscopy, CT, or ultrasound (US); Combined, in which the patient underwent a single procedure utilizing both fluoroscopy and CT; or Staged, in which the patient underwent 2 separate but successive procedures using fluoroscopy and CT individually. The most frequently performed Combined and Staged procedures were further reviewed to determine how the different modalities were used. The duration of the most common Staged procedures was compared to analogous procedures’ durations in single modality rooms over the period Jan 2016 to Sep 2019.Results: A total of 3591 procedures were performed on 2678 patients in the 3 ACT Suites. 80% of patients underwent a Standard procedure using fluoroscopy (38%), CT (32%) or US (10%) and accounted for 70% of the room occupation time. 14% and 3% of the patients underwent Combined or Staged procedures, occupying 19% and 5% of the room time, respectively. The remaining procedures were classified as both Combined and Staged, representing 3% of the patients and 6% of the room occupation time. The most common Combined procedures were drainages, hepatic arterial embolizations or radioembolizations, arterial, and biliary interventions. The most common Staged procedures were multiple drainages and hepatic arterial embolizations followed by biopsies or ablations. The room occupation time for liver tumor embolization and ablation was significantly shorter (p<0.01) when performed in a Staged fashion versus the analogous procedures in single modality room.Conclusion: An integrated ACT system provides the capability to perform complex Combined or Staged procedures as well as scheduling flexibility by allowing any type of case to be performed in the IR suite.
Genomic Regions Associated with Important Seed Quality Traits in Food-grade Soybeans
Authors: Whiting Rachel M. , Torabi Sepideh , Lukens Lewis , Eskandari Mehrzad
Published: August 2020

Background: The production of soy-based food products requires specific physical and chemical characteristics of the soybean seed. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with value-added traits, such as seed weight, seed protein and sucrose concentration, could accelerate the development of competitive high-protein soybean cultivars for the food-grade market through marker-assisted selection (MAS). The objectives of this study were to identify and validate QTL associated with these value-added traits in two high-protein recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. Results: The RIL populations were derived from the high-protein cultivar ‘AC X790P’ (49% protein, dry weight basis), and two high-yielding commercial cultivars, ‘S18-R6’ (41% protein) and ‘S23-T5’ (42% protein). Fourteen large-effect QTL (R2 >10%) were identified associated with seed protein concentration. Of these QTL, seven QTL were detected in both populations, and eight of them were co-localized with QTL associated with either seed sucrose concentration or seed weight. None of the protein-related QTL was found to be associated with seed yield in either population. Sixteen candidate genes with putative roles in protein metabolism were identified within seven of these protein-related regions: qPro_Gm02-3, qPro_Gm04-4, qPro_Gm06-1, qPro_Gm06-3, qPro_Gm06-6, qPro_Gm13-4 and qPro-Gm15-3.Conclusion: The use of RIL populations derived from high-protein parents created an opportunity to identify four novel QTL that may have been masked by large-effect QTL segregating in populations developed from diverse parental cultivars. In total, we have identified nine protein QTL that were detected either in both populations in the current study or reported in other studies. These QTL may be useful in the curated selection of new soybean cultivars for optimized soy-based food products.
Association of diurnal temperature range with daily hospitalization for exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases in 21 cities, China
Authors: Wang Zihui , Zhou Yumin , Luo Ming , Yang Huajing , Xiao Shan , Huang Xiaoliang , Ou Yubo , Zhang Yongbo , Duan Xianzhong , Hu Wei , Liao Chenghao , Zheng Yijia , Wang Long , Xie Min , Tang Longhui , Zheng Jinzhen , Liu Sha , Wu Fan , Deng Zhishan , Tian Heshen , Peng Jieqi , Wang Xinwang , Zhong Nanshan , Ran Pixin
Published: August 2020

Background: The association between diurnal temperature range (DTR) and hospitalization for exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) was rarely reported. Objectives: To examine the association between DTR and daily hospital admission for exacerbations of CRD and find out the potential effect of modifications on this association.Method: Data on daily hospitalization for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and bronchiectasis and meteorology measures from 2013 through 2017 were obtained from 21 cities in South China. After controlling the effects of daily mean temperature, relative humidity (RH), particulate matter < 2.5 µm diameter (PM2.5) and other confounding factors, a standard generalized additive model (GAM) with a quasi-Poisson distribution was performed to evaluate the relationships between DTR and daily hospital admissions of CRD in a two-stage strategy. Subgroup analysis was performed to find potential modifications, including seasonality and population characteristics.Result: Elevated risk of hospitalization for exacerbation of CRD (RR=1.09 [95%CI: 1.08 to 1.11]) was associated with interquartile range (IQR) increase in DTR. The effects of DTR on hospital admissions for CRD were strong at low DTR in the hot season and high DTR in the cold season. The relative risk (RR) of hospitalization was 1.11 (95%CI: 1.08 to 1.12) for exacerbations of COPD and 1.09 (95%CI: 1.05 to 1.13) for asthma per IQR increase in DTR. The adverse effect of DTR on hospitalization for bronchiectasis was only observed in female patients (RR=1.06 [95%CI: 1.03 to 1.10]). Conclusion: Our study provided additional evidence for the association between DTR and daily hospitalization for exacerbation of CRD, and these associations are especially stronger in COPD patients and in the cold season than the hot season. Preventive measures to reduce the adverse impacts of DTR were needed for CRD patients.
Characteristics of secondary-ruptured faults in the Aso Caldera triggered by the 2016 Mw 7.0 Kumamoto earthquake
Authors: Fukushima Yo , Ishimura Daisuke
Published: August 2020

The 16 April 2016 Mw 7.0 Kumamoto earthquake caused prominent fault displacements and crustal deformation, not only around the main rupture faults but also around numerous secondary-ruptured faults. The physics and characteristics of such secondary faulting have not yet been studied in detail. We investigated a set of two secondary faults that appeared at the timing of the Mw 7.0 quake in the Aso Caldera by mainly using synthetic aperture radar interferometry and fault slip modeling. The two faults were found to be associated with surface displacement offsets of several centimeters or more, in the oblique sense of right-lateral and vertical motion. Fault slip inversions found that the slip was dominantly in normal sense with smaller contribution from the right-lateral component. The deeper limit of the slips was estimated to be around 1.3 km, which may coincide with the boundary between the superficial sediment layer and the basement rock. The shallowness of the slip and the difference in the dip angles of the main secondary fault and the Mw 7.0 seismogenic fault suggest separation of the two fault systems, although the fault strike and sense of motions were similar. The amount of slip on the two secondary faults was larger than that expected from the scaling law derived from seismogenic faults, which may indicate the difference in the physics of seismogenic and secondary faultings.
The segment IV approach: a useful method for achieving the critical view of safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with anomalous bile duct
Authors: Fujioka Shuichi , Nakashima Keigo , Kitamura Hiroaki , Takano Yuki , Misawa Takeyuki , Kumagai Yu , Hata Taigo , Akiba Tadashi , Ikegami Toru , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: August 2020

Background The critical view of safety (CVS) method can be achieved by avoiding vasculo-biliary injury resulting from misidentification during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Although achieving the CVS has become popular worldwide, there is no established standardized technique to achieve the CVS in patients with an anomalous bile duct (ABD). We recently reported our original approach for securing the CVS using a new landmark, the diagonal line of the segment IV of the liver (D-line). The D-line is an imaginary line that lies on the right border of the hilar plate. The cystic structure can be securely isolated along the D-line without any misidentification, regardless of the existence of an ABD. We named this approach the segment IV approach in LC. Methods In this study, we adopted the segment IV approach in patients with an ABD. Results From October 2015 to June 2020, 209 patients underwent LC using the segment IV approach. Among them, three (1.4%) were preoperatively diagnosed with an ABD.The branching point of the cystic duct was the posterior sectional duct, anterior sectional duct, or left hepatic duct in each patient. The CVS was achieved in all cases without any complications. Conclusion It is a promising technique, especially even for patients with an ABD during LC.
A study and identification of COVID-19 viruses using N-grams with Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbors, Artificial Neural Networks, Decision tree and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Boujnouni Mohamed El
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 is a global health crisis caused by a virus officially named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and well known with the acronym (SARS-CoV-2). This very contagious illness has severely impacted people and business all over the world and scientists are trying so far to discover all useful information about it, including its potential origin(s) and inter-host(s). This study is a part of this scientific inquiry and it aims to identify precisely the origin(s) of a large set of genomes of SARS-COV-2 collected from different geographic locations in all over the world. This research is performed through the combination of five powerful techniques of machine learning (Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbors, Artificial Neural Networks, Decision tree and Support Vector Machine) and a widely known tool of language modeling (N-grams). The experimental results have shown that the majority of techniques gave the same global results concerning the origin(s) and inter-host(s) of SARS-COV-2. These results demonstrated that this virus has one zoonotic source which is Pangolin.