Molecular Dynamics Study on the Diffusion Mass Transfer Behaviour of CO2 and Crude Oil in Fluids Produced via CO2 Flooding.

Carbon dioxide flooding is one of the main methods used to improve crude oil recovery. It can not only improve oil recovery but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the addition of carbon dioxide makes crude oil become a more complex multiphase fluid; that is, carbon dioxide flooding-produced fluid, in which CO2 and various components in crude oil mass transfer each other. This results in significant changes in the structure and properties of crude oil that increase the hazards associated with its gathering and transportation. Therefore, it is very important to explore the microscopic mechanism for the diffusion mass transfer of CO2 and crude oil in this fluid, especially during its gathering and transportation. In this study, the diffusion mass transfer process of CO2 and crude oil in fluids produced via CO2 flooding is studied using molecular dynamics, and the influences of temperature, gas-oil ratio and water content are explored. Observations of the configuration and dynamic behaviour of the system show that after the system reaches equilibrium, the majority of the CO2 molecules are distributed at the oil-water interface, and CO2 is more prone to diffusing into the oil phase than the water phase. Increases in temperature and water content inhibit, while increases in the gas-oil ratio promote, the diffusion mass transfer of CO2 in the crude oil system. The results of this study reveal the mechanism for the diffusion mass transfer of CO2 and crude oil in fluids produced via CO2 flooding and account for the influence of the water phase, which is consistent with actual production conditions and has certain guiding significance for the safe operation of oil and gas gathering and transportation.

The evolution of a typical plateau lake from macrophyte to algae leads to the imbalance of nutrient retention.

Long-term anthropogenic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) inputs have led to lake eutrophication and decreased environmental quality. However, the imbalance in nutrient cycling caused by ecosystem transformation during lake eutrophication is still unclear. The N, P, organic matter (OM) and their extractable forms in the sediment core of Dianchi Lake were investigated. Combining ecological data and geochronological techniques, a coupling relationship between the evolution of lake ecosystems and nutrient retention was established. The results show that the evolution of lake ecosystems promotes the accumulation and mobilization of N and P in sediments, leading to an imbalance in nutrient cycling in the lake system. From the "macrophyte-dominated" period to the "algae-dominated" period, the accumulation rates of potential mobile N and P (PMN, PMP) in sediments have significantly increased, and the retention efficiency of total N and P (TN, TP) has decreased. The increased TN/TP ratio (5.38 ± 1.52 ‒ 10.19 ± 2.94) and PMN/PMP ratio (4.34 ± 0.41 ‒ 8.85 ± 4.16), as well as the reduced humic-like/protein-like ratio (H/P, 11.18 ± 4.43 ‒ 5.97 ± 3.67), indicated an imbalance in nutrient retention during sedimentary diagenesis. Our results show that eutrophication has resulted in the potential mobilization of N in sediments exceeding P, providing new insights for further understanding the nutrient cycle in the lake system and strengthening lake management.

High plasma EBV-DNA load and positive EBER status associated with viral recurrence and persistent infection in early treatment of lymphoma.

The relationship between plasma EBV-DNA load (PEDL) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded small RNA (EBER) during the early treatment of lymphoma remains unclear. We explored discrepancies in PEDL and variables associated with EBER and evaluated the consistency between EBER and qualitative analysis of PEDL (qPEDL). Serial measurements of PEDL were performed to determine the dynamic changes of PEDL in early treatment of lymphoma. As a result, the median PEDL of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma NKT cell subtype (NHL-NKT) was higher than that of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma B cell subtype (NHL-B), the median PEDL of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) was higher than that of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and the median PEDL of EBER positive was higher than that of EBER negative. Age, Ki-67 ≧ 80%, Bcl-2 ≧ 80%, p53, and qPEDL were related to EBER. The PEDL could distinguish NHL-B, DLBCL, NHL-NKT, and ENKTCL from other lymphoma subtypes. EBER-positive patients spent more time with viral "turn negative (TN)" and "continuous positive (CP)" and less time with viral "continuous negative (CN)." The median PEDL of CP was higher than that of TN. In conclusion, although EBER affects the levels of PEDL in general, it has poor concordance with qPEDL. Our results show, for the first time, that high PEDL and positive EBER present a strong association with viral recurrence and persistent infection in the early treatment of lymphoma.

Factors affecting dissociative tendency among middle school students / 预防医学

Abstract@#Objective To investigate the prevalence of dissociative tendency and its influencing factors among middle school students, so as to provide insights into prevention and early interventions of adolescent dissociative tendency.@* Methods@# Students at ages of 13 to 18 years that studied in 9 high schools were sampled using a multistage, stratified, cluster sampling method from 3 counties (districts) of Hangzhou City from January, 2021 and March, 2022. Participants' demographics and social, school, family environment and psychological factors were collected using self-designed questionnaires and standardized scales. The dissociative tendency was initially screened using the Adolescent Dissociative Experience Scale (A-DES), and the diagnosed by three psychiatrists according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition). Factors affecting ADT were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model. @*Results@# Totally 3 240 students were recruited, and 2 841 students were qualified, with a response rate of 87.69%. The respondents included 1 389 men (48.89%) and 1 452 women (51.11%), and had a mean age of (15.69±1.58) years. The prevalence of dissociative tendency was 24.04%, and the detection of dissociative tendency was higher among men than among women (29.23% vs. 19.08%; χ2=24.529, P<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified negative teacher-student relationship (OR=1.055, 95%CI: 1.010-1.103), family emotional expressiveness (OR=0.872, 95%CI: 0.777-0.978), family conflict (OR=1.152, 95%CI: 1.045-1.271), family organization (OR=0.880, 95%CI: 0.780-0.992) and family cohesion (OR=0.871, 95%CI: 0.766-0.987) as factors affecting dissociative tendency among men, and somatization (OR=1.041, 95%CI: 1.002-1.082) and paranoid ideation (OR=1.094, 95%CI: 1.006-1.190) as factors affecting dissociative tendency among women. @*Conclusions@# The prevalence of dissociative tendency was 24.04% among middle school students. Negative teacher-student relationship, family emotional expressiveness, family conflict, family organization, and family cohesion may affect dissociative tendency among men, while somatization and paranoid ideation may affect dissociative tendency among women.

Gender differences in the prevalence and impact factors of adolescent dissociative symptoms during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences between the prevalence and impact factors of adolescent dissociative symptoms (ADSs) by using sex-stratification during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A school-based, two-center cross-sectional study was conducted in Hangzhou City, China, between January 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022. The sample included 1,916 adolescents aged 13-18 years that were randomly selected using a multiphase, stratified, cluster sampling technique. A two-stage assessment procedure was used to find out the ADSs. We used a multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess the impact factors of ADSs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The adolescent dissociative scores (t = 4.88, P < 0.001) and positive ADSs rate (Chi-square = 15.76, P < 0.001) in males were higher than in females. Gender-stratified, stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the conflict relationship of teacher-student [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.10], family expressiveness (AOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.98), family conflict (AOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.05-1.27), family organization (AOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-0.99), and family cohesion (AOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.99) were linked to ADSs only in males, while individual psychological states of somatic complaint (AOR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.08) and paranoid ideation (AOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.19) were associated with female ADSs only. The ADSs seemed to be prevalent in Hangzhou City, studied during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender differences in the prevalence and impact factors of dissociative symptoms seem to be significant among adolescents. Thus, gender-specific intervention programs against ADSs should be considered as reducing this risk.

Comparative efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions for severe COVID-19 patients: An updated network meta-analysis of 48 randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: To date, there has been little agreement on what drug is the "best" drug for treating severe COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of different medications available at present for severe COVID-19. METHODS: We searched databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to February 28, 2022, with no language restrictions, of medications recommended for patients (aged 16 years or older) with severe COVID-19 infection. We extracted data on trials and patient characteristics, and the following primary outcomes: all-cause mortality (ACM), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS: We identified 4021 abstracts and of these included 48 RCTs comprising 9147 participants through database searches and other sources. For decrease in ACM, we found that ivermectin/doxycycline, C-IVIG (i.e., a hyperimmune anti-COVID-19 intravenous immunoglobulin), methylprednisolone, interferon-beta/standard-of-care (SOC), interferon-beta-1b, convalescent plasma, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, immunoglobulin gamma, high dosage sarilumab (HS), auxora, and imatinib were effective when compared with placebo or SOC group. We found that colchicine and interferon-beta/SOC were only associated with the TEAEs of severe COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that ivermectin/doxycycline, C-IVIG, methylprednisolone, interferon-beta/SOC, interferon-beta-1b, convalescent plasma (CP), remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, immunoglobulin gamma, HS, auxora, and imatinib were efficacious for treating severe COVID-19 patients. We found that most medications were safe in treating severe COVID-19. More large-scale RCTs are still needed to confirm the results of this study.

Effect of Wax Composition and Shear Force on Wax Aggregation Behavior in Crude Oil: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study.

To explore the influence of different wax components and the shear effect exerted by the pump and pipe wall in the process of crude oil pipeline transportation on the microbehavior of wax aggregation in crude oil at low temperatures, molecular dynamics models of binary and multivariate systems of crude oil with different wax components are established in this paper. The simulation results are compared with the existing experimental results and the NIST database to verify the rationality and accuracy of the models. By using the established binary model to simulate four crude oil systems containing different wax components, it can be found that the longer the wax molecular chain, the more easily the wax molecules aggregate. The influence of temperature on the aggregation process of wax molecules with different chain lengths is also studied. The lower the temperature, the greater the difference in wax molecular aggregation degree caused by the difference in molecular chain length. Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics is used to simulate the shear process of a multivariate system of crude oil, and the micromechanisms of the shear effect on the aggregation process of wax molecules are studied. Shearing can destroy the stable structure of crude oil, resulting in the orientation and conformational transformation of wax molecules, and obtaining the region of wax molecules sensitive to temperature and shear effects, the temperatures of which are below the wax precipitation point and the shear rate of which is lower than the maximum shear rate to prevent the molecular structure from being destroyed. At the same time, the sensitivity of wax components with different chain lengths to the shear effect is studied. The research results provide theoretical guidance for ensuring the safe and economic operation of waxy crude oil production.

Efficacy and safety of current treatment interventions for patients with severe COVID-19 infection: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of different medications available at present for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We searched databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to April 30, 2021, with Chinese or English language restriction, of medications recommended for patients (aged 18 years or older) with severe COVID-19 infection. We extracted data on trials and patient characteristics, and the following primary outcomes: all-cause mortality (ACM), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). We identified 1855 abstracts and of these included 15 RCTs comprising 3073 participants through database searches and other sources. In terms of efficacy, compared with the standard of care (SOC) group, no significant decrease in ACM was found in α-lipoic acid, convalescent plasma (CP), azithromycin, tocilizumab, methylprednisolone, interferon beta, CP/SOC, high dosage sarilumab, low dosage sarilumab, remdesivir, lopinavir-ritonavir, auxora, and placebo group. Compared with placebo, we found that a significant decrease in ACM was only found in methylprednisolone (odds ratio [OR]: 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.75]. With respect to TEAEs, the CP group showed lower TEAEs than placebo (OR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.58) or SOC (OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01-0.42) group for the therapy of severe COVID-19 patients. This study only demonstrated that methylprednisolone was superior to placebo in treating patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Meanwhile, this further confirmed that the safety of other treatment interventions might be inferior to CP for the therapy of severe COVID-19 patients.

Mass hysteria attack rates in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: There are few systematic assessments of mass hysteria (MH) attack rates (ARs) in adolescents and children. The study aim was to assess the ARs of MH in this population. METHODS: We used a meta-analysis to systematically review studies and assess ARs. RESULTS: The reviewed studies included 32,887 participants, of which 2968 were children and adolescents with a history of MH. Twenty-eight studies were included, of which 22 (78.6%) had high to moderate methodological quality. The pooled AR of MH was 9.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.3, 14.0). Of MH studies between 2010 and 2020, 78.6% were conducted between 2010 and 2014. ARs were higher between 2010 and 2014 (10.3%) than between 2015 and 2020 (8.1%). Regarding population characteristics, the AR in girls was 2.43 (95% CI 1.70, 3.46) times higher than in boys. Most studies were on primary school students (46.4%), who showed the highest AR (15.4%). Of six trigger factors, water pollution showed the highest AR (16.3%). ARs were higher in rural areas (11.1%) than in urban areas (5.6%). CONCLUSIONS: MH in children and adolescents seems prevalent and shows some epidemiological characteristics. These findings may assist governments to control and prevent MH epidemics among children and adolescents.

Efficacy and safety of current medications for treating severe and non-severe COVID-19 patients: an updated network meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Many recent studies have investigated the role of drug interventions for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. However, an important question has been raised about how to select the effective and secure medications for COVID-19 patients. The aim of this analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of the various medications available for severe and non-severe COVID-19 patients based on randomized placebo-controlled trials (RPCTs). METHODS: We did an updated network meta-analysis. We searched the databases from inception until July 31, 2021, with no language restrictions. We included RPCTs comparing 49 medications and placebo in the treatment of severe and non-severe patients (aged 18 years or older) with COVID-19 infection. We extracted data on the trial and patient characteristics, and the following primary outcomes: all-cause mortality, the ratios of virological cure, and treatment-emergent adverse events. Odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as effect estimates. RESULTS: From 3,869 publications, we included 61 articles related to 73 RPCTs (57 in non-severe COVID-19 patients and 16 in severe COVID-19 patients), comprising 20,680 patients. The mean sample size was 160 (interquartile range 96-393) in this study. The median duration of follow-up drugs intervention was 28 days (interquartile range 21-30). For increase in virological cure, we only found that proxalutamide (OR 9.16, 95% CI 3.15-18.30), ivermectin (OR 6.33, 95% CI 1.22-32.86), and low dosage bamlanivimab (OR 5.29, 95% CI 1.12-24.99) seemed to be associated with non-severe COVID-19 patients when compared with placebo, in which proxalutamide seemed to be better than low dosage bamlanivimab (OR 5.69, 95% CI 2.43-17.65). For decrease in all-cause mortality, we found that proxalutamide (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.09-0.19), imatinib (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.96), and baricitinib (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.42-0.82) seemed to be associated with non-severe COVID-19 patients; however, we only found that immunoglobulin gamma (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08-0.89) was related to severe COVID-19 patients when compared with placebo. For change in treatment-emergent adverse events, we only found that sotrovimab (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.13-0.34) was associated with non-severe COVID-19 patients; however, we did not find any medications that presented a statistical difference when compared with placebo among severe COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION: We conclude that marked variations exist in the efficacy and safety of medications between severe and non-severe patients with COVID-19. It seems that monoclonal antibodies (e.g., low dosage bamlanivimab, baricitinib, imatinib, and sotrovimab) are a better choice for treating severe or non-severe COVID-19 patients. Clinical decisions to use preferentially medications should carefully consider the risk-benefit profile based on efficacy and safety of all active interventions in patients with COVID-19 at different levels of infection.

Incidence Density and Predictors of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Among Individuals With Previous Tuberculosis History: A 15-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: To date, too little attention has been paid to monitoring and estimating the risk of incident multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among individuals with a previous tuberculosis history (PTBH). The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of and risk factors for MDR-TB in those individuals. Methods: Between 2005 and 2020, a large, retrospective, population-based cohort study was performed in Hangzhou, China. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to evaluate independent predictors of incident MDR-TB among individuals with PTBH. Results: The incidence density of MDR-TB was 22.6 per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence level and an interval of 20.9-24.3) for individuals with PTBH. The incidence of MDR-TB increased significantly in individuals who • were under 60 years old. • were male. • had a history of direct contact. • came from low-income families. • worked in high-risk occupations. • lived in rural areas. • had a retreatment TB history. • had an unfavorable outcome in their previous treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, we found that the following factors were significantly linked to the MDR-TB risk among individuals with PTBH (P < 0.05): • sociodemographic factors such as the 21-30 and 31-40 year age groups, or a history of direct contact. • clinical factors like passive modes of TB case finding (PMTCF), human immunodeficiency virus infection, unfavorable treatment outcomes, retreated TB history, non-standardized treatment regimens of retreatment TB patients, and duration of pulmonary cavities (DPC). • microbiological factors, such as duration of positive sputum culture. We also found that the 21-30 year age group, low family income, and PMTCF were significantly linked to incident MDR-TB only in males with PTBH, whilst the 41-50 year age group, extended treatment course, and DPC were significantly associated with female MDR-TB only. Conclusion: The incidence of MDR-TB was high, with a higher rate among subjects with a history of direct contact and unfavorable treatment outcomes. There was a gender difference in the incidence density and risk factors of MDR-TB among individuals with PTBH. Long-term monitoring and gender-specific risk-factor modifications should be given to individuals with PTBH.

Impact of different tuberculosis history at the onset of future multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: A large, retrospective, population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of tuberculosis (TB) history on the risk of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is not yet fully understood. We aimed to identify the impact of different TB history at the onset of future MDR-TB. METHODS: A large, retrospective, population-based cohort study was performed between 2005 and 2019. A multivariable Cox model was used to evaluate independent risk factors for MDR-TB for individuals with different previous TB history (PTBH), such as newly diagnosed TB history (NDTH) and re-treated TB history (RTH). RESULTS: Overall, 12 172 individuals with PTBH were included in this study. The main impacts of different PTBH at the onset of future MDR-TB were as follows: (a) low family income, high-risk occupation, TB patients with severe infection, extended or shortened treatment course, 2H3R3Z3E3/4H3R3 and frequency of sputum culture were significantly linked to incident MDR-TB only in individuals with NDTH (P < 0.05); (b) passive mode of TB case finding, individualised treatment regimens, 3HRZES/6HRE, duration of pulmonary cavities, excellent frequency of chest X-ray examination and duration of negative sputum smear were significantly associated with incident MDR-TB only in individuals with RTH (P < 0.05); (c) age <60 years, history of direct contact, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, unsuccessful treatment and duration of positive sputum culture were related to incident MDR-TB in both categories of PTBH individuals (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early and differential surveillances, assessments and interventions for reducing the risk of MDR-TB among individuals with different PTBH play a key role.

Nomogram for individualized prediction of incident multidrug-resistant tuberculosis after completing pulmonary tuberculosis treatment.

The purposes of this study were to construct a comprehensive nomogram for providing a simple, precise and personalized prediction of incident multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) after completing pulmonary tuberculosis treatment (CPTBT). A matched case-control study (1:2 ratios) was performed between 2005 and 2018. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate independent predictors of incident MDR-TB after the CPTBT. A comprehensive nomogram was developed based on the multivariable Cox model. Overall, 1, 836 participants were included in this study. We developed and validated a simple-to-use nomogram that predicted the individualized risk of incident MDR-TB by using 10 parameters after the CPTBT. The concordance index of this nomogram was 0.833 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.807-0.859] and 0.871 (95% CI 0.773-0.969) for the training and validation sets, respectively, which indicated adequate discriminatory power. The calibration curves for the risk of incident MDR-TB showed an optimal agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation in the training and validation sets, respectively. The high sensitivity and specificity of nomogram was indicated by using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Through this clinic tool, TB control executives could more precisely monitor, estimate and intervene the risk of incident MDR-TB among individuals with CPTBT.

Nomogram for the Individualized Prediction of Survival Among Patients with H7N9 Infection.

BACKGROUND: Until recently, almost all of these studies have identified multiple risk factors but did not offer practical instruments for routine use in predicting individualized survival in human H7N9 infection cases. The objective of this study is to create a practical instrument for use in predicting an individualized survival probability of H7N9 patients. METHODS: A matched case-control study (1:2 ratios) was performed in Zhejiang Province between 2013 and 2019. We reviewed specific factors and outcomes regarding patients with H7N9 virus infection (VI) to determine relationships and developed a nomogram to calculate individualized survival probability. This tool was used to predict each individual patient's probability of survival based on results obtained from the multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. RESULTS: We examined 227 patients with H7N9 VI enrolled in our study. Stepwise selection was applied to the data, which resulted in a final model with 8 independent predictors [including initial PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤300 mmHg, age ≥60 years, chronic diseases, poor hand hygiene, time from illness onset to the first medical visit, incubation period ≤5 days, peak C-reactive protein ≥120 mg/L], and initial bilateral lung infection. The concordance index of this nomogram was 0.802 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.694-0.901] and 0.793 (95% CI: 0.611-0.952) for the training and validation sets, respectively, which indicates adequate discriminatory power. The calibration curves for the survival showed optimal agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation in the training and validation sets, respectively. CONCLUSION: We established and validated a novel nomogram that can accurately predict the survival probability of patients with H7N9 VI. This nomogram can serve an important role in counseling patients with H7N9 VI and guide treatment decisions.

Sensitivity analysis of heat dissipation factors in a hot oil pipeline based on orthogonal experiments.

The study of phase-change heat-transfer characteristics of crude oil has been one of the hot issues in the field of gathering and transportation. The process of phase-change heat transfer of crude oil involves many complicated problems such as natural convection treatment, latent heat treatment, phase-change interface determination and fluid characteristic change. A mathematical model based on the additional capacity heat method is proposed in this article, and the momentum equations of crude oil liquid phase are presented for Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different factors on the heat transfer performance during the shutdown process of an overhead pipe. Experiments were conducted to verify the model and the solution method; the experimental and model results showed good agreement with a maximum relative error of 4.57%. The temperature fields and solidification conditions of crude oil in pipelines under different shutdown conditions were determined, and the sensitivity of the main effect factors was determined through an orthogonal experiment. The results show that the order of influence was oil initial temperature >thickness of insulating layer >air temperature >thickness of wax layer. The results of the study have important guiding significance on the control of shutdown time and the determination of restarting schemes.

Genome analysis of a multidrug-resistant Streptococcus sanguis isolated from a throat swab of a child with scarlet fever.

OBJECTIVES: A multidrug-resistant strain of the opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus sanguis (S28) was isolated from a throat swab of a child with scarlet fever as a rare case. Genome sequencing and analysis of strain S28 were performed to gain a better understanding of the multidrug resistance mechanisms of S. sanguis and its relationship with scarlet fever. METHODS: The genome of S. sanguis S28 was sequenced on a Illumina HiSeq platform. Genome assembly was conducted using SOAPdenovo v.2.04 and the assembled genome sequence was submitted to NCBI for annotation. RESULTS: The 1 268 358 696bp genome of S. sanguis S28 contains 2287 coding sequences (CDS) with a GC content of 43.2%. Strain S28 possesses four antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), which is consistent with phenotypic analysis. A novel transposon with three genes conferring resistance to macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) antibiotics, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides was discovered. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a S. sanguis genome isolated from a throat swab of a child with scarlet fever and the first report of a transposon with three activated ARGs conferring resistance to MLSB, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides together.

Converting Waste Polyethylene into ZnCCo3 and ZnCNi3 by a One-Step Thermal Reduction Process.

Plastic products have brought us great convenience in our daily life and work. But in the meantime, waste plastics have become solid pollutants in the environment due to its poor degradability. The resource utilization of waste plastic can decrease environmental pollution. Here, a thermal reduction method for the conversion of waste polyethylene to ZnCCo3 and ZnCNi3 in a stainless-steel autoclave under mild conditions has been reported. X-ray powder diffraction patterns indicate that the obtained samples are anti-perovskite-structured ternary carbides (ZnCCo3 and ZnCNi3) with good crystallinity. Moreover, the formation mechanism of ternary carbides has been briefly discussed. This method can be developed into an effective method for disposal of other waste plastics.

Prevalence and environmental impact factors of somatization tendencies in eastern Chinese adolescents: a multicenter observational study.

The aim of this study is at examining the prevalence and impact factors of adolescent somatization tendencies (ST) across three eastern Chinese provinces. A multicenter school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in these provinces from 2015 to 2016. The sample included 11,153 middle-school students aged 13-18 years, who were randomly selected using a multi-phase stratified cluster sampling technique. We also designed a multicenter school-based case-control study to evaluate the potential environmental impact of ST factors on this population. The overall positive rate of ST among the eastern Chinese adolescents was 12.1%. Somatic symptoms score (SSS) and positive ST rate were higher in females than males. Additionally, the SSS and positive ST rate for the 18-year-old group were significantly higher than in other age groups. In comparison to those in urban areas, adolescents in rural areas had significantly higher SSS and positive ST rate. Multiple conditional regression analyses revealed that family medical history, anxiety and depression scores; superstitious beliefs; left-behind adolescents; teacher-student support; family conflict; and family independence and achievement orientation were significantly linked to ST in adolescents. The models also indicated family medical history was the strongest impact factor to adolescent ST, even though ST were prevalent in the three studied eastern Chinese provinces. Gender, age, and dwelling differences were very significant in the SSS and positive ST rate in adolescents. This study concludes that adolescent ST are influenced by multiple environments.

Unavoidable Destroyed Exergy in Crude Oil Pipelines due to Wax Precipitation.

Based on the technological requirements related to waxy crude oil pipeline transportation, both unavoidable and avoidable destroyed exergy are defined. Considering the changing characteristics of flow pattern and flow regime over the course of the oil transportation process, a method of dividing station oil pipelines into transportation intervals is suggested according to characteristic temperatures, such as the wax precipitation point and abnormal point. The critical transition temperature and the specific heat capacity of waxy crude oil are calculated, and an unavoidable destroyed exergy formula is derived. Then, taking the Daqing oil pipeline as an example, unavoidable destroyed exergy in various transportation intervals are calculated during the actual processes. Furthermore, the influential rules under various design and operation parameters are further analyzed. The maximum and minimum unavoidable destroyed exergy are 381.128 kJ/s and 30.259 kJ/s. When the design parameters are simulated, and the maximum unavoidable destroyed exergy is 625 kJ/s at the diameter about 250 mm. With the increase of insulation layer thickness, the unavoidable destroyed exergy decreases continuously, and the minimum unavoidable destroyed exergy is 22 kJ/s at 30 mm. And the burial depth has little effect on the unavoidable destroyed exergy. When the operation parameters are simulated, the destroyed exergy increases, but it is less affected by the outlet pressure. The increase amplitude of unavoidable destroyed exergy will not exceed 2% after the throughput rises to 80 m3/h. When the outlet temperature increases until 65 °C, the loss increase range will not exceed 4%. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for the safe and economical transportation of waxy crude oil.

Prevalence and environmental impact factors of somatization tendencies in eastern Chinese adolescents: a multicenter observational study / Prevalência e fatores ambientais de tendências de somatização em adolescentes do leste chinês: um estudo observacional multicêntrico / Prevalencia y factores de impacto ambientales en las tendencias somatización con adolescentes de la China oriental: un estudio observacional multicéntrico

The aim of this study is at examining the prevalence and impact factors of adolescent somatization tendencies (ST) across three eastern Chinese provinces. A multicenter school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in these provinces from 2015 to 2016. The sample included 11,153 middle-school students aged 13-18 years, who were randomly selected using a multi-phase stratified cluster sampling technique. We also designed a multicenter school-based case-control study to evaluate the potential environmental impact of ST factors on this population. The overall positive rate of ST among the eastern Chinese adolescents was 12.1%. Somatic symptoms score (SSS) and positive ST rate were higher in females than males. Additionally, the SSS and positive ST rate for the 18-year-old group were significantly higher than in other age groups. In comparison to those in urban areas, adolescents in rural areas had significantly higher SSS and positive ST rate. Multiple conditional regression analyses revealed that family medical history, anxiety and depression scores; superstitious beliefs; left-behind adolescents; teacher-student support; family conflict; and family independence and achievement orientation were significantly linked to ST in adolescents. The models also indicated family medical history was the strongest impact factor to adolescent ST, even though ST were prevalent in the three studied eastern Chinese provinces. Gender, age, and dwelling differences were very significant in the SSS and positive ST rate in adolescents. This study concludes that adolescent ST are influenced by multiple environments.

O objetivo deste estudo é examinar a prevalência e fatores de impacto de tendências de somatização (TS) em adolescentes em três províncias do leste da China. Um estudo transversal multicêntrico baseado em escolas foi realizado nessas províncias de 2015 a 2016. A amostra incluiu 11.153 estudantes entre 13 e 18 anos que foram selecionados aleatoriamente usando uma técnica de amostragem estratificada por clusters multi-fase. Também elaboramos um estudo caso-controle multicêntrico baseado em escolas para avaliar o impacto ambiental potencial de fatores de TS nessa população. A taxa positiva geral de TS entre adolescentes do leste chinês foi de 12,1%. O escore de sintomas somáticos (SSS) e taxa positiva de TS foram mais altos entre mulheres do que homens. Adicionalmente, o SSS e taxa positiva de TS para o grupo de 18 anos foram significativamente mais altos do que em outros grupos etários. Em comparação com os habitantes de áreas urbanas, adolescentes de áreas rurais tiveram SSS e taxa positiva de ST significativamente mais altos. Análises de regressão múltipla condicional revelaram que o histórico de saúde da família; scores de ansiedade e depressão; crenças supersticiosas; adolescentes deixados para trás; apoio de professores a estudantes; conflito familiar; e independência familiar e orientação para sucesso estavam significativamente relacionadas a TS em adolescentes. O modelo também indicou que o histórico de saúde da família era o fator de impacto mais forte para TS em adolescentes, ainda que TS sejam prevalentes nas três províncias do leste da China estudadas. Gênero, idade e diferenças residenciais foram muito significativos para o SSS e taxa positiva de TS entre adolescentes. Este estudo conclui que TS entre adolescentes são influenciadas por múltiplos ambientes.

El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la prevalencia y factores de impacto de las tendencias de somatización adolescentes (TS) en tres provincias orientales chinas. Se realizó un estudio trasversal multicéntrico, basado en escolares de estas provincias de 2015 a 2016. La muestra incluyó a 11.153 estudiantes de secundaria, con edades comprendidas entre los 13-18 años, que fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente, usando a técnicas de muestreo multifase estratificado por conglomerados. También se diseñó un estudio multicéntrico escolar de caso-control para evaluar el potencial impacto ambiental de factores TS en esta población. La tasa positiva general de TS entre adolescentes chinos orientales fue un 12,1%. El marcador de síntomas somáticos (SSS, por sus siglas en inglés) y tasa positiva de TS fueron más altos en mujeres que en hombres. Asimismo, las tasas SSS y TS positiva para el grupo de 18 años de edad fueron significativamente más altas que en otros grupos de edad. En comparación con quienes vivían en áreas urbanas, los adolescentes en áreas rurales contaban con tasas significativamente más altas de SSS y TS positivas. Los análisis de regresión múltiple condicional revelaron que el historial médico familiar, los marcadores de ansiedad y depresión; creencias supersticiosas; adolescentes a la zaga respecto al resto del grupo; el apoyo profesor-estudiante; conflictos familiares; e independencia familiar, así como la orientación de logros estuvieron vinculados a las TS en adolescentes. Los modelos también indicaron que el historial médico familiar fue el impacto más fuerte para las TS en adolescentes, a pesar de que las TS fueron prevalentes en las tres provincias chinas estudiadas. El género, edad, y las diferencias de vivienda fueron muy significativas en la tasas de SSS y TS positivas en adolescentes. Este estudio llega a la conclusión de que las TS adolescentes estaban influenciadas por múltiples entornos.