bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Dual-Reciprocity Boundary Element Method Solution for Gas Recovery from Unconventional Reservoirs with Discrete Fracture Networks
Authors: Zhang Miao , Ayala Luis F. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryIn this paper, we present a novel application of the dual-reciprocity boundary-element formulation (DRBEM) to model compressible (gas) fluid flow in tight and shale-gas reservoirs containing arbitrary distributed finite- or infinite-conductivity discrete fractures. Compared with the standard boundary-element method (BEM), the DRBEM transforms the nonlinear domain integrals at the righthand side (RHS) of BEM formulations for nonlinear partial differential equations into equivalent boundary integrals. This transformation allows retention of the domain-integral-free, boundary-integral-only character of standard BEM approaches. The proposed approach is based on coupling DRBEM with the finite-volume method (FVM) in which a multidimensional system is solved by integrating over a line with random fractures. The resulting system of equations is solved simultaneously for fracture and matrix boundary conditions by combining DRBEM and FVM without invoking any approximation for pressure-dependent nonlinear terms such as gas viscosity and compressibility. Numerical examples and field cases are presented to test the validity and showcase the capabilities of the proposed approach. The proposed model provides a general framework that can be applied to a variety of well and fracture geometries and operating schedules, and it is used to analyze production behavior for these complex systems. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first successful application of the dual-reciprocity principle to the BEM analysis of massively fractured horizontal wells (MFHWs) performance in natural-gas formations in which nonlinear, pressure-dependent gas properties are captured without approximation.
Some evidence that seasonal malaria chemoprevention with SPAQ has an effect on blood stage antibody responses and pre-erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium falciparum infections in Niger.
Authors: Moustapha Lamine Mahaman , Adamou Rafiou , Ibrahim Maman Laminou , Padounou Mariama Abdoulaye Louis , Diallo Abdoulaye , Courtin David , Testa Jean , NDiaye Jean Louis 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In endemic areas, children develop slowly and naturally develop anti-Plasmodium antibodies and become semi-immune. Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine + amodiaquine (SPAQ) is a new strategy to reduce malaria morbidity in young children in West Africa. However, SMC may impact on the natural acquisition of anti-Plasmodium immunity. We evaluated the effect of SMC with SPAQ on malaria antibody concentration in Niger.Methods: This survey was conducted in areas targeted with SMC since 2014 (Zinder district), without SMC (Dosso district), and with one year SMC 2016 (Gaya district). To assess the relationship between SMC and P. falciparum IgG antibody responses, we compared total antibody concentrations against two P. falciparum asexual stage vaccine candidate antigens, circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and glutamate-rich protein R2 (GLURP-R2), in children aged 3-59 months across the three sites. Antibody concentrations were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on the elution extracted from positive and negative RDT cassettes.Results: A total of 229 children aged 3-59 months were included in the analysis: 71 in Zinder, 77 in Dosso, and 81 in Gaya. In Zinder (CSP=17.5µg/ml and GLURP-R2=14.3µg/ml) median antibody concentration observed were higher than in Gaya (CSP=7.7 µg/ml and GLURP-R2=6.5 µg/ml) and Dosso (CSP=4.5 µg/ml and GLURP-R2=3.6 µg/ml) (p<0.0001). Conclusion: We have some evidence that seasonal malaria chemoprevention with SPAQ has an effect on blood stage antibody responses and pre-erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium falciparum infections in Niger. Future studies are necessary to provide better understanding of the effect of on malaria immunity.
A Cluster Randomized Trial of Delivery of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy at the Community Level in Burkina Faso
Authors: Gutman Julie , Stephens Daniel K , Tiendrebeogo Justin , Badolo Ousmane , Dodo Mathurin , Burke Danielle , Williamson John , Vibbert Kristen , Youll Susan J , Savadogo Yacouba , Brieger William R. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Malaria in pregnancy is responsible for 8–14% of low birth weight and 20% of stillbirths in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent these adverse consequences, the World Health Organization recommends intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine be administered at each ANC visit starting as early as possible in the second trimester. Global IPTp coverage in targeted countries remains unacceptably low. Community delivery of IPTp was explored as a means to improve coverage. Methods: A cluster randomized, controlled trial was conducted in 12 health facilities in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group (IPTp delivered by CHWs) or a control group (standard practice, with IPTp delivered at HFs) in three districts of Burkina Faso to assess the effect of IPTp administration by community health workers (CHWs) on the coverage of IPTp and antenatal care (ANC). The districts and facilities were purposively selected taking into account malaria epidemiology, IPTp coverage, and the presence of active CHWs. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were carried out in March 2017 and July–August 2018, respectively. A difference in differences (DiD) analysis was conducted to assess the change in coverage of IPTp and ANC over time, accounting for clustering at the health facility level. Results: Altogether 374 and 360 women were included in the baseline and endline surveys, respectively. At baseline, women received a median of 2.1 doses; by endline, women received a median of 1.8 doses in the control group and 2.8 doses in the intervention group (p-value <.0001). There was a non-statistically significant increase in the proportion of women attending four ANC visits in the intervention compared to control group (DiD= 12.6%, p-value= 0.16). By the endline, administration of IPTp was higher in the intervention than control, with a DiD of 17.6% for IPTp3 (95% confidence interval (CI) -16.3, 51.5; p-value 0.31) and 20.0% for IPTp4 (95% CI -7.2, 47.3; p-value= 0.15). Conclusions: Community delivery of IPTp could potentially lead to a greater number of IPTp doses delivered, with no apparent decrease in ANC coverage.
Dandelion Extract Relaxes Mouse Airway Smooth Muscle by Blocking VDLCC and NSCC Channels
Authors: ping zhao , Liu Jia , Ming Qian , Tian Di , He Jingwen , Yang Ziwei , Shen Jinhua , Liu Qinghua , Yang Xinzhou 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Asthma is one of the main intractable diseases recognized by the international medical community. The current widely used bronchodilators for asthma—β2-adrenal receptor agonists—have limited therapeutic effects, necessitating the development of novel antiasthma drugs with increased efficacy and fewer adverse effects. In this study, we investigated the relaxant effects and underlying mechanism of an ethyl acetate extract from dandelion (EAED) on mouse airway smooth muscle.Methods: The effects of EAED on agonist-induced precontraction in mouse airway smooth muscle were evaluated with force measurement. Mouse lung slices were used to study the effects of EAED on bronchial smooth muscle. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured using a calcium imaging system. L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDLCC) and non-selective cationic channel (NSCC) currents were measured by patch-clamp. The lung functions of healthy and asthmatic mouse groups were assessed via the forced oscillation technique.Results: EAED inhibits acetylcholine-induced sustained contractions of whole airway smooth muscle by inhibiting VDLCCs, NSCCs, and some unknown channels, reduces the agonist-induced increase in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in airway smooth muscle cells, blocks VDLCC and NSCC currents, and relieves the respiratory resistance of healthy and asthmatic mice.Conclusions: EAED may have potential beneficial effects on asthma attacks.
Immunophenotype of Pediatric NTRK fusion mesenchymal tumors
Authors: Kang Jeongwan , Park Jin Woo , Won Jae-Kyung , Bae Jeong Mo , Koh Jaemoon , Yim Jeemin , Yun Hongseok , Kim Seung-Ki , Choi Jung Yoon , Kang Hyoung Jin , Kim Woo Sun , Shin Joo Heon , Park Sung-Hye 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: While ETV6-NTRK3 fusion is common in infantile fibrosarcoma, NTRK1/3 fusion in pediatric tumors is scarce and, consequently, not well known. Herein, we evaluated NTRK1/3 fusion pediatric mesenchymal tumors clinicopathologically and immunophenotypically. Methods: We reviewed nine NTRK -fusion pediatric sarcomas confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or next-generation sequencing from Seoul National University Hospital between 2002 and 2020. Results: One case of TPR - NTRK1 fusion-positive intracranial extra-axial high-grade undifferentiated sarcoma (12-year-old boy), one case of LMNA-NTRK1 fusion-positive low-grade infantile fibrosarcoma of the forehead (3-year-old boy), one case of ETV6-NTRK3 fusion-positive inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) (3-months-old girl), and six cases of ETV6-NTRK3 fusion-positive infantile fibrosarcoma (median age: 2.6 months, range: 1.6–5.6 months, M: F = 5:1) were reviewed. The Trk immunopositive pattern was distinctive according to the fusion genes. We notified nuclear positivity in TPR-NTRK1 fusion sarcoma, nuclear membrane positivity in LMNA-NTRK1 fusion sarcoma, and both cytoplasmic and nuclear positivity in ETV6-NTRK3 fusion-positive IMT and infantile fibrosarcomas. Also, the TPR-NTRK1 fusion sarcoma showed robust positivity for CD34/nestin and high mitoses. The LMNA-NTRK1 fusion sarcoma revealed CD34/S100 protein/nestin/CD10 coexpression, and a low mitotic rate. The IMT with ETV6-NTRK3 fusion expressed SMA. Six infantile fibrosarcomas with ETV6-NTRK3 fusion showed variable coexpression of nestin (6/6)/CD10 (4/5)/ S100 protein (3/6). Conclusions: All cases of NTRK1 and NTRK3 fusion-positive pediatric tumors robustly expressed the Trk protein. A Trk immunopositive pattern and CD34/S100/nestin/CD10/SMA immunohistochemical phenotype may suggest NTRK fusion partner genes and diagnoses. LMNA-NTRK1 fusion sarcoma might be a low-grade subtype of infantile fibrosarcoma. Interestingly, more than half of the infantile fibrosarcoma cases were positive for S100 protein and CD10. The follow-up period of TPR-NTRK1 and LMNA-NTRK1 fusion tumors are not enough to predict prognosis. However, ETV6-NTRK3 fusion infantile fibrosarcomas showed an excellent prognosis with no evidence of disease for an average of 11.7 years after gross total resection of the tumor.
The value of the "Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System" (SURPAS) in preoperative consultation for elective surgery: a pilot study.
Authors: Bronsert Michael R. , Lambert-Kerzner Anne , Henderson William G. , Hammermeister Karl E. , Atuanya Chisom , Aasen Davis M , Singh Abhinav B. , Meguid Robert A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Risk assessment is essential to informed decision making in surgery. Preoperative use of the Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System (SURPAS) providing individualized risk assessment, may enhance informed consent. We assessed patient and provider perceptions of SURPAS as a risk assessment tool.Methods: A convergent mixed-methods study assessed SURPAS’s trial implementation, concurrently collecting quantitative and qualitative data, separately analyzing it, and integrating the results. Patients and providers were surveyed and interviewed on their opinion of how SURPAS impacted the preoperative encounter. Relationships between patient risk and patient and provider assessment of SURPAS were examined.Results: A total of 197 patients were provided their SURPAS postoperative risk estimates in nine surgeon’s clinics. Of the total patients, 98.8% reported they understood their surgical risks very or quite well after exposure to SURPAS; 92.7% reported SURPAS was very helpful or helpful. Providers shared that 83.4% of the time they reported SURPAS was very or somewhat helpful; 44.7% of the time the providers reported it changed their interaction with the patient and this change was beneficial 94.3% of the time. As patient risk increased, providers reported that SURPAS was increasingly helpful (p<0.0001).Conclusions: Patients and providers reported the use of SURPAS helpful and informative during the preoperative risk assessment of patients, thus improving the surgical decision making process. Patients thought that SURPAS was helpful regardless of their risk level, whereas providers thought that SURPAS was more helpful in higher risk patients.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Detection of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli Isolates from Raw Meat in Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Authors: Dsani Esther , Afari Edwin Andrews , Danso-Appiah Anthony , Kenu Ernest , Kaburi Basil Benduri , Egyir Beverly 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTypically, raw meat can be contaminated with antimicrobial resistant pathogens at unhygienic slaughter and sale points. Consumption of meat contaminated with antimicrobial resistant E. coli is associated with grave health care consequences. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial quality of raw meat, the antimicrobial susceptibility and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) production in E. coli isolates from raw meat.ResultsTotal Plate Counts exceeded the acceptable limit of 5.0 log CFU/ cm2 in 60.5% (124/205) of raw meat samples. Total Coliform Counts in 70.7% (145/205) of samples were in excess of the acceptable limit of 2.5 log CFU/cm2. E. coli was detected in about half of raw meat samples (48%), ranging from 9.5% -79.0% among the slaughter sites. Isolates were susceptible to meropenem (100%), ceftriaxone (99%), cefotaxime (98%), chloramphenicol (97%), gentamycin (97%), ciprofloxacin (92%) and amikacin (92%), but resistant to ampicillin (57%), tetracycline (45%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (21%) and cefuroxime (17%). Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was identified in 22% of the isolates. The blaTEM gene was detected in 4% (4/98) of E. coli isolates in this study.ConclusionThe levels of microbial contamination of raw meat in this study were unacceptable. Meat handlers and consumers are at risk of foodborne infections from E. coli including ESBL producing E. coli that are resistant to most antibiotics in use. We recommend an enhanced surveillance for antimicrobial resistance in food products for the early detection of emerging resistant bacteria species in the food chain.
N-acetyl Cysteine Can Blunt Metabolic and Cardiovascular Effects via Down-regulation of Cardiotrophin-1 in Rat Model of Fructose-induced Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Abdelhaffez Azza salaheldien , El-Aziz Ebtihal Anwar Abd , Tohamy Maha Baghdady , Ahmed Asmaa Mahmoud 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Chronic fructose consumption is associated with development of obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Cardiovascular diseases are linked to metabolic deregulation observed in MS. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a sulfur containing compound of Allium plants (such as garlic and onion) that increases intracellular reduced glutathione concentrations, which is an endogenous antioxidant.
Methods
This study investigated the ability of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to alleviate the metabolic disorders in fructose-induced MS in male Wistar rats and to examine its protective effect on aortic and cardiac tissues via its influence on cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) expression. NAC (20 mg/kg b.w./day) was administered to fructose (20% w/v) induced MS animals for twelve weeks.
Results
Chronic fructose consumption increased body weight gain, relative heart weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), IR and associated with metabolic alterations. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed aortic stiffness and myocardial degeneration and fibrosis together with increased CT-1 expression. Treatment with NAC improved IR, SBP, DBP and mitigated atherogenic dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress (OS). Additionally, NAC down-regulated CT-1 expression in the heart and aorta. Furthermore, CT-1 expression in the heart and aorta was positively correlated with basal glycemia, final SBP and DBP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins and negatively correlated with high density lipoproteins levels.
Conclusion
The findings reported here demonstrated, for the first time, the protective effect of NAC against aortic and myocardial degeneration and fibrosis through down-regulation of CT-1 in fructose induced MS animal model. Also, our results revealed the infallible role of NAC to blunt the cardiometabolic deregulation observed in MS.
Involvement of Gastroenterology Fellows in Colonoscopy Improves the Adenoma Detection Rate: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kiwan Wissam , Patel Suhag , Judd Stephanie , Nas Hala , Goyal Sachin , Antaki Fadi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The quality of colonoscopy is sometimes questioned by the patient, the family and even the endoscopist when a trainee is involved in the procedure. The adenoma detection rate (ADR) has emerged as the main quality measure for colonoscopy due to its inverse correlation with colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence. Few studies have evaluated the impact of involvement of trainees on the quality of colonoscopy, with conflicting results.Aims: We aimed to evaluate the effect of fellow involvement on ADR and polyp detection.Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for outpatient colonoscopies (December 2013 to April 2015) done for patients 40-85 years old which were complete and were performed by academic gastroenterologists. Colonoscopies with inadequate bowel preparation were excluded.Results: 1100 patients were included. Indication was screening or surveillance in 60%. Most were males (93%), and 50% were African American. Mean age was 62.1 years. A gastroenterology fellow participated in 54.7% of the procedures.Fellow involvement resulted in a significant increase in the ADR (55.2% to 64.6%, P=0.001). There was also a substantial increase in mean number of polyps (2.59 to 3.27; P < 0.001), adenoma per patient (1.56 to 2.06; P = 0.001) as well as detection of at least three adenomas (21.7% to 29.2%; P = 0.004). Conclusions: Participation of trainees in colonoscopy is associated with a higher ADR and a higher number of polyps per patient, providing reassurance to patients and healthcare providers about the quality of the colonoscopy.
A familial cluster of COVID-19 infection in a northern Chinese region
Authors: Sun Lu-yao , Liu Zhi-hui , Zhang Peng , Chen Hai-ying , Lou Li-xin , Li Xin , Bao Wan-guo , Zhang Kai-yu , Sun Yi-zhe 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide and become a global health concern. Here, we report a familial cluster of COVID-19 infection in a northern Chinese region and share our local experience.
Methods

A familial cluster of six patients infected with severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was included for analysis. The demographic data, clinical features, laboratory examinations, and epidemiological characteristics of enrolled cases were collected and analyzed.
Results

Two family members (Cases 1 and 2) had Hubei exposure history and were admitted to the hospital with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; eight familial members who had contact with them during the incubation period were isolated in a hospital. Finally, the condition of four members (Cases 3, 4, 5, and 6) was as follows. Case 3 had negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results but was suspected to have COVID-19 because of radiographic abnormalities. Cases 4 and 5 developed COVID-19. Due to positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results, Case 6 was considered an asymptomatic carrier. In addition, four close contacts did not have evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that COVID-19 has infectivity during the incubation period and preventive quarantine is effective for controlling an outbreak of COVID-19 infection.
The Effectiveness of NEPA in the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea Vomiting Among Chemo Naive Patients in an Indian Setting
Authors: Vaswani Bharat Ashok , Dattatreya Palanki Satya , Bhagat Sagar Bhimrao , Patil Saiprasad , Barkate Hanmant 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy induced nausea- vomiting (CINV) is considered as the most common, feared and most troublesome side effect of chemotherapy. NEPA (NEtupitant 300 mg + PAlonosetron 0.50 mg) is the first commercially available oral fixed-dose combination (FDC) of two active antiemetic agents in India. The present study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of NEPA in the real world setting of India. Methods: This was a multicentric retrospective study conducted in two centers in India. The data of all chemonaive patients, who were prescribed NEPA was analyzed. Effectiveness i.e. complete response and complete protection in controlling overall, acute and delayed phase was analyzed. Results: A total of 329 patients were enrolled in the study. 260 received highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) regimen and 69 received moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) regimen. Among all the enrolled patients, complete response in acute, delayed and overall phase was 93 %, 85.71 % and 85.41 % respectively; and completed protection was 88.44 %, 81.76 % and 80.54 % respectively. Those who received HEC regimen, the completed response and complete protection in overall phase was 84.61 % and 79.61 % respectively and those who received MEC regimen the completed response and complete control in overall phase was 84.05 % and 84.05 % respectively. Conclusion: A single oral dose of NEPA targeting dual pathways showed effective control of nausea-vomiting in patients on the HEC and MEC regimens and had good control over nausea-vomiting in acute, delayed and overall phase of nausea-vomiting.