bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interrelation of Resistivity and Potential of Shaly Reservoir Rock
Authors: Perkins F.M. , Brannon H.R. , Winsauer W.O.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 201, 1954, pages 177–181.

Both the abnormal resistivity exhibited by shaly reservoir materials and their potential are due to adsorption of ions. Interrelationships between the two have been derived and verified by laboratory results. These relations which have resulted from this work may be used in a qualitative manner to estimate whether or not a particular shaly reservoir contains hydrocarbons, and also to estimate the porosity of shaly sands.

Introduction

In spite of the progress which has been made in the last decade toward a better understanding and utilization of the electric log, there remain a number of problems in the interpretation of the log. One of these which is often troublesome is that of divining the nature of the fluids in sandstones or carbonate rocks which contain appreciable amounts of shale.

It was shown by Patnode and Wyllie in 1949 that shaly rocks exhibit an abnormally low resistivity when saturated with solutions of low ionic concentrations. This phenomenon has been demonstrated to be due to the adsorptive properties of shale or clay in the rock.

In estimating the fluid content of shaly sands or carbonates from the electric log, it is desirable and sometimes necessary to correct for the abnormally low resistivity. A similar correction is likewise often necessary if attempts are made to estimate the porosity of a stratum from resistivity measurements. The correction may be made from data obtained on core samples and from information on salinity of interstitial water. Cores, however, are not always available. Moreover, even if cores are at hand, their examination is time-consuming. It would be most desirable, therefore, to make corrections of this nature from the log itself. Since both the abnormal resistivity and the potential are consequences of the adsorption of ions on shale, it should be possible to utilize the potential curve to give better interpretation of resistivity data obtained in logging shaly materials. The work described in following sections was directed toward this end.
Solution of the Equations of Unsteady State Two-Phase Flow in Oil Reservoirs
Authors: West W.J. , Garvin W.W. , Sheldon J.W.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 201, 1954, pages 217–229.

One of the most important problems of reservoir mechanics is the prediction of the behavior of a gas and oil producing reservoir for a variety of production programs. In the absence of a knowledge of the behavior of even idealized systems, it has been difficult, if not impossible, to determine which production program would yield maximum economic recovery. The problem was formulated mathematically many years ago, but a solution of the equations had never been obtained because of their extreme complexity. The solution of the problem became possible, however, with the advent of modern computing machines.

This paper describes a digital method of solving the problem and discusses some of the results which have been obtained to date. The IBM Type 701 Electronic Data Processing Machines located at IBM's New York Scientific Computing Service were used successfully to perform the computations.

The flow of gas and oil through a reservoir can be described mathematically by two second-order, nonlinear partial differential equations which must be solved simultaneously. All derivatives were replaced by finite differences to bring the equations into a form suitable for digital calculations. A number of finite difference formulations were investigated and one form was found which resulted in stable, convergent solutions. This form was used to obtain solutions for both radial and linear systems producing by solution gas drive.

The results presented in this paper are:saturation profile within the hypothetical reservoir vs. time,pressure profile within the hypothetical reservoir vs. time,gas-oil ratio vs. cumulative recovery, andultimate recovery.

The saturation profile clearly shows the effect of critical gas saturation. The saturation near the wellbore drops quickly to the critical gas saturation and remains essentially at that value until the remainder of the reservoir also has dropped to the critical gas saturation. The pressure profile shows a smooth variation of pressure across the reservoir. The gas-oil ratio drops slightly during the early stage of production until the critical gas saturation is reached, rises rapidly from then on and eventually passes through a sharp maximum just before the economic limit of production is reached. For the radial example presented in this paper, the average oil saturation of the reservoir at a time corresponding to the limit of economic production was 56.5 per cent and the ultimate recovery was 6.86 per cent. The difference between change in saturation and ultimate recovery is caused by shrinkage of the oil phase.
Diet quality and its relationship with overweight and laboratory parameters in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment
Authors: LS Krystal Ng , Mun Chan Yoke , MS Zalilah
Published: February 2020

Background Overweight is the common issue existed among breast cancer patients, leading to poor cancer prognosis and survival. However, previous studies have focused merely on single nutrients or food groups. This study aimed to determine whether diet quality was associated with overweight and laboratory parameters among breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. Methods A cross sectional study comprises of 163 patients was conducted from January to May 2017. Diet quality and level of physical activity of patients were ascertained using Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-short form, respectively. Data were available on body mass index and biochemical data, including of serum albumin, serum hemoblogbin and neutrophils count. Logistic regression was performed to identify the association between diet quality and overweight, serum albumin, serum hemoglobin and neutrophils count. Results The mean total HEI score (standard deviation) of the breast cancer patients was 63.86 (8.75). More than 80% of the subjects did not adhere to the dietary guidelines for whole grains, dairy, refined grains, ratio of poly- and mono-unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids components. In the multivariate model, those who perceived higher score of total HEI-2015 were less likely to experience overweight (Q4 vs Q1: OR=0.36; 95% CI=0.13, 0.99) while reported higher concentration of serum hemoglobin (Q4 vs Q1: OR=0.36; 95% CI=0.13, 0.98; Q3 vs Q1: OR=0.35; 95% CI=0.13, 0.92). Non-significant associations of diet quality were shown for serum albumin and neutrophils count. Conclusions A majority of breast cancer patients require dietary modification, especially for fatty acids, grains and dairy products. Diet quality may associate with overweight. A balanced diet that address the problem of overweight may help to maintain a good nutritional status and to improve cancer care in breast cancer patients during treatment. Future prospective studies are required to confirm this association.
Reduced strength, poor balance and concern about falls mediate the relationship between knee pain and fall risk in older people
Authors: Hicks Cameron J , Levinger Pazit , Menant Jasmine C , Lord Stephen R , Sachdev Perminder S , Brodaty Henry , Sturnieks Daina L
Published: February 2020

Aims

Pain is an independent risk factor for falling. One in two older community-dwelling people with musculoskeletal pain fall each year. This study examined physical, psychological and medical factors as potential mediators to explain the relationship between knee pain and falls.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty-three community-dwelling people aged 70+ years (52% women) participated in this cohort study with a 1-year follow-up for falls. Participants completed questionnaires (medical history, general health and concern about falls) and underwent physical performance tests. Participants were classified into ‘pain’ and ‘no pain’ groups based on self-reported knee pain. Poisson Regression models were computed to determine the Relative Risk (RR) of having multiple falls and potential mediators for increased fall risk.

Results

One hundred and eighteen (35.5%) participants were categorised as having knee pain. This group took more medications and had more medical conditions (P <0.01) compared to the no pain group. The pain group had poorer balance, physical function and strength and reported increased concern about falls. Sixty one participants (19.5%) reported ≥ 2 falls, with the pain group twice as likely to experience multiple falls over the 12 month follow up (RR = 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27 – 3.13). Concern about falls, knee extension torque and postural sway with eyes closed were identified as significant and independent mediators of fall risk, and when combined explained 23% of the relationship between knee pain and falls.

Conclusion

This study has identified several medical, medication, psychological, sensorimotor, balance and mobility factors to be associated with knee pain, and found the presence of knee pain doubles the risk of multiple falls in older community living people. Alleviating knee pain, as well as addressing associated risk factors may assist in preventing falls in older people with knee pain.
Prevalence of surgical site infection and associated factors after cesarean section in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Getaneh Temesgen , Negesse Ayenew , Dessie Getenet
Published: February 2020

Background Surgical site infection (SSI) affects up to one third of patients who have undergone a surgical procedure. It is a significant cause of surgical patient morbidity, mortality and human and financial costs threat. The national prevalence of surgical site infection among mothers who undergo for cesarean section and its risk factors are not well investigated in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic and meta-analysis conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of surgical site infection and associated factors after cesarean section in Ethiopia.Methods Original articles were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, HINARI portal (which includes the SCOPUS, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online databases), and Cochrane Library. Data were extracted using a standard data extraction checklist that developed according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The I2 statistic was used to quantify heterogeneity across studies. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s tests were used to check for publication bias. A fixed effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of surgical site infection. Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was also used to determine the association of identified variables with surgical site infection. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA software.Result From initial 179 identified articles, 11 were eligible for inclusion in the final meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of surgical site infection after cesarean section in Ethiopia was 9.72% (95%CI: 8.38, 11.05). PROM >12hrs (OR=5.02, 95%CI: 2.65, 9.51), duration of labor>24hrs (OR=3.69, 95%CI: 2.41, 5.65), chorioamnionitis (OR=9.11, 95%CI: 5.21, 15.93), anemia (OR=4.75, 95%CI: 2.42, 9.33) and having vertical skin incision (OR=4.17, 95%CI: 2.90, 6.02) were factors significantly associated with surgical site infection after cesarean section.Conclusion The prevalence of surgical site infection after cesarean section in Ethiopia was high. Therefore, Minister of Health with its stake holders should emphasis on community and institution based programs in manner to prevent those factors listed above that have significant effect on surgical site infection.
The effect of trajectory of serum uric acid on patients and renal outcomes in patients with stage-3 chronic kidney disease
Authors: Author) Shangfeng Tsai(Former Corresponding , Chen Cheng-Hsu , Wu Ming-Ju , Author) Chia-Lin Lee(New Corresponding
Published: February 2020

Background
Uric acid (UA) is associated with renal and patient survivals but the causal association in nature remains unclear. Also, no finding is yet available regarding longitudinal UA control (trajectory).
Methods
We enrolled 808 subjects diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease from 2007 to 2017. We plotted the mean UA over a period of 6 months with a minimum of three samples of UA was required. From the sampled points, we generated for each patient an interpolated line by joining mean values of the UA levels over time. And from the lines from all patients, we classified them into three groups of trajectories (low, medium and high) through group-based trajectory modeling, and then we further separated into either a treatment or no-treatment subgroups. Due to multiple comparisons, we performed post hoc analysis by Bonferroni adjustment. Using the univariate competing-risks regression, we calculated the competing risk analysis with subdistribution hazard ratio of possible confounders.
Results
All of the 6 trajectories appeared as gradually falling functions with time without any of the curves crossed over one another. For all-cause mortality risk, none of the variables (including age, gender, coronary arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, trajectories of UA, and treatment of UA) was statistically significant. All 6 trajectories appeared as steady curve without crossovers among them over the entire period of follow-up. Patients with DM were statistically more likely to undergo dialysis. There was only a trend that the on-treatment trajectories, compared to their no-treatment trajectories, had lower risks for dialysis. There was no effect of UA control on patients’ survival.
Conclusions
Initial treatment of UA is utterly important for UA control. However, the long-term effects on patients and renal survivals maybe minor without statistical significance.
Keyword: uric acid, patient survival, renal survival, long-term effect, trajectory, competing risk analysis
Minimally invasive versus conventional fixation of tracer in robot-assisted pedicle screw insertion surgery: a randomized control trial
Authors: Yongqi Li , Dehua Zhang , Hongzi Wu , Ke Zhang , Rui Yang , Zhou Fang , Shaobo Wang , Liao yi
Published: February 2020

Background This study evaluated the minimal invasiveness, safety, and accuracy of robot-assisted pedicle screw placement procedure using a modified tracer fixation device. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to conventional fixation group (25 patients) and modified fixation group (27 patients). Results No baseline statistical difference was observed between the groups ( P >0.05). The length of unnecessary incision, amount of bleeding, and fixation duration for tracer fixation respectively were 6.08±1.02 mm, 1.46±0.84 ml, and 1.56±0.32 min in the modified fixation group and 40.28±8.52 mm, 12.02±2.24 ml, and 5.08±1.06 min in the conventional group. The difference between both groups was significant ( P <0.05). However, no significant difference between the two groups was observed in terms of the accuracy of pedicle screw placement ( P >0.05). Conclusions The modified minimally invasive procedure for tracer fixation results in minimal trauma and is simple, reliable, and highly safe. Additionally, the procedure does not compromise the accuracy of pedicle screw placement. Thus, it has great clinical applicable value.
Ubiquitin-specific protease-44 inhibits the proliferation and migration of cells via inhibition of JNK pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jiangqiao , Wang Tianyu , Qiu Tao , Chen Zhongbao , Ma Xiaoxiong , Zhang Long , Zou Jilin
Published: February 2020

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common form of adult kidney cancer. Ubiquitin-specific protease (USP)44 has been reported to be involved in various cancers. We investigated the function, role and molecular mechanism of USP44 in ccRCC. Methods: Data obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas Data Portal and Gene Expression Omnibus database were analyzed to uncover the clinical relevance of USP44 expression and tumor development. USP44 function in the proliferation and migration of tumor cells was assessed by cellular and molecular analyses using ccRCC lines (786-O cells and Caki-1 cells). Results: USP44 showed low expression in ccRCC cancer tissues compared with that in normal tissue. USP44 expression was negatively correlated with tumor stage, tumor grade, and patient survival . USP44 overexpression inhibited the proliferation and migration of 786-O cells and Caki-1 cells significantly. USP44 overexpression also prohibited cell proliferation by upregulating expression of P21, downregulating cyclin-D1 expression, and inhibiting cell migration by upregulating expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9. USP44 knockdown enhanced the proliferation and migration of 786-O cells and Caki-1 cells. USP44 function in inhibiting the proliferation and migration of 786-O cells and Caki-1 cells was associated with phosphorylation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Conclusion: USP44 may be a marker in predicting ccRCC progression. Inhibition by USP44 of the proliferation and migration of 786-O cells and Caki-1 cells is dependent upon the JNK pathway.
Intention to quit water pipe smoking among Iranian women: A qualitative directed content analysis
Authors: Sabzmakan Leila , Eslami Fatemeh , Sighaldeh Shirin Shahbazi , Izuka Nkeonye Judith
Published: February 2020

Background: Water-pipe smoking is the most common type of tobacco used among Iranian women. The aim of this study was to explain women’s perceptions of their intention for quitting water-pipe smoking based on the theory of planned behavior. Methods: The study was a qualitative content analysis which was carried out over four months in 2016 in Tehran-Iran. The participants were 26 women ages 18 to 45-years-old who smoked water-pipe and were selected through snowball sampling. The study was performed in hookah cafes, parks, and homes. The data were collected through individual interviews. The interviews were open-ended questions based on the theory of planned behavior. Directed content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Findings showed that the women did not intend to quit water-pipe in that time. Main contributing factors influencing not having intention of cessation were positive attitude and false beliefs toward hookah smoking, as well as having peers and family members who smoked WP or approved its use. Although most females realized the obstacles associated with hookah cessation, they believed that quitting WP smoking was up to them and could control more barriers. Conclusion: Social pressure, positive attitude and false beliefs towards hookah smoking, as well as external and internal obstacles diminished women‘s intention for cessation. Therefore, it is recommended to apply the theory of planned behavior into behavior change interventions in order to increase the intention to quit water-pipe smoking.
Submicromolar copper (II) ions stimulate transretinal signaling in the isolated retina from wild type but not from Cav2.3-deficient mice
Authors: Schneider Toni , Lüke Jan Niklas , Neumaier Felix , Alpdogan Serdar , Hescheler Jürgen , Albanna Walid , Akhtar-Schäfer Isha
Published: February 2020

Background : So far, only indirect evidence exists for the pharmacoresistant R-type voltage-gated Ca 2+ channel (VGCC) to be involved in transretinal signaling by triggering GABA-release onto ON-bipolar neurons. This release of inhibitory neurotransmitters was deduced from the sensitivity of the b-wave to stimulation by Ni 2+ , Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ . To further confirm the interpretation of these findings, we compared the effects of Cu 2+ application and chelation (using kainic acid, KA) on the neural retina from wild type and Ca v 2.3-deficient mice. Furthermore, the immediately effect of KA on the ERG b-wave modulation was assessed.
Methods : Transretinal signaling was recorded as an ERG from the superfused murine retina isolated from wildtype and Ca v 2.3-deficient mice
Results : In mice, the stimulating effect of 100 nM CuCl 2 is absent in the retinae from Ca v 2.3-deficient mice, but prominent in Ca v 2.3-competent mice. Application of up to 3 mM tricine does not affect the murine b-wave in both genotypes, most likely because of chelating amino acids present in the murine nutrient solution. Application of 27 µM KA significantly increased the b-wave amplitude in wild type and Ca v 2.3 (-|-) mice. This effect can most likely be explained by the stimulation of endogenous KA-receptors described in horizontal, OFF-bipolar, amacrine or ganglion cells, which could not be fully blocked in the present study.
Conclusion: Cu 2+ dependent modulation of transretinal signaling only occurs in the murine retina from Ca v 2.3 competent mice, supporting the ideas derived from previous work in the bovine retina that R-type Ca 2+ channels are involved in shaping transretinal responses during light perception.
Prevalence of perinatal asphyxia and its associated factors in Ethiopia; A systematic review and meta-Analysis
Authors: Assemie Moges Agazhe , Tizazu Getaye , Labata Busha Gamachu , Alemu Simegn , Ketema Daniel Bekele , Ambaw Amanuel Marew
Published: February 2020

Background: Perinatal asphyxia(PNA) is a severe health problem and main cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. In Ethiopia, there are many studies conducted on PNA characterized by replete of inconsistent; unavailability of nation wide study to determines the prevalence of PNA and its determinants is an important gap. The aim of this study is to develop national consensus on pooled prevalence and associated factor key reports to enhance the quality and consistency of the evidence on perinatal asphyxia.
Method : Systematic review and meta-analysis using computerized databases; searches were performed to locate all articles on the prevalence of perinatal asphyxia. Databases included were Pub Med, Cochran library, Google Scholar, Scopus and Science Direct systematically between 2014 and April 2019. All identified studies reporting the prevalence of PNA in Ethiopia were pooled. Two independent authors extracted the data using a standardized data extraction tool. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I 2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Random-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates and determinant factor of PNA in Stata/se version-14.
Result : The prevalence of PNA reported from fifteen studies was in the range of 3.1 to 47.5%. The pooled occurrence of PNA in Ethiopia based on 15 articles with a sample size of 17,091 was 21.1% (95% CI: 14, 28). There was high heterogeneity observed ( I 2 = 99.4%, p <0.001). Thus, Subgroup analysis in the study area was computed .Thus, the highest prevalence (40.4%) was observed from Oromia region and the lowest 8% noted from Dire Dawa city administration. Pooled odd ratio estimates from included studies revealed prolonged labour (OR=3.7, 95% CI 2.4, 5.7), low birth weight (OR=6.5, 95% CI 4.0, 10.3), and Meconium stained liquor (OR=6.6, 95% CI: 4.4, 10.1) are significant risk factors of perinatal asphyxia.
Conclusion : In this review, prolonged labour, meconium stained liquor and low birth weight are significantly associated with perinatal asphyxia. Therefore, improve facility-based intra partum care and quality neonatal resuscitation service through capacity building for health professionals is needed.
Keywords: Birth asphyxia; perinatal asphyxia; associated factor; systematic review; Ethiopia
CD73 alleviates GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in spinal cord injury through PI3K/AKT/Foxo1 signaling
Authors: Xu Shun , Shao Minghao , Ma Xiaosheng , Jiang Jianyuan , Zhang Fan , Xu Haocheng , Zhu Wei , Lu Feizhou
Published: February 2020

Background: Neuroinflammation-induced secondary injury is responsible for the sustained progression of spinal cord injury (SCI). Inflammatory programmed cell death or pyroptosis triggered by the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD) is an essential step in neuroinflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the immunosuppressive receptor CD73 in GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis following SCI. Methods: CD73 deficient mice and LPS-stimulated BV2 cells were respectively used as the in vivo and in vitro models of microglial pyroptosis. Molecular and histological assays were performed to assess pyroptosis and inflammasome activation, and to explore the underlying mechanisms.Results: CD73 inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome and GSDMD, and decreased pyroptosis in the microglia via the adenosine-A2B adenosine receptor (AR)-PI3K-AKT-FOXO1 pathway. Specifically, CD73 suppressed GSDMD at the transcriptional level through FOXO1. Furthermore, HIF-1α accumulation after SCI upregulated CD73, which in turn increased the expression of HIF-1α, resulting in a positive feedback regulatory loop.Conclusion: CD73 alleviates microglial pyroptosis after SCI by inhibiting GSDMD via the adenosine- A2BAR-PI3K-AKT-FOXO1 pathway.
Assessment of the ptxD gene as a growth and selective marker in Trichoderma atroviride using Pccg6, a novel constitutive promoter
Authors: Carreras-Villaseñor Nohemi , Rico-Ruiz Guillermo , Chavez-Montes Ricardo , Yong-Villalobos Lenin , Lopez-Hernandez Jose Fabricio , Martinez-Hernandez Pedro , Herrera-Estrella Luis , Herrera-Estrella Alfredo , ARREDONDO DAMAR LOPEZ
Published: February 2020

Background Trichoderma species are among the most effective cell factories to produce recombinant proteins, whose productivity relies on the molecular toolkit and promoters available for the expression of the target protein. Although inducible promoter systems have been developed for producing recombinant proteins in Trichoderma , constitutive promoters are often a desirable alternative. Constitutive promoters are simple to use, do not require external stimuli or chemical inducers to be activated, and lead to purer enzyme preparations. Moreover, most of the promoters for homologous and heterologous expression reported in Trichoderma have been commonly evaluated by directly assessing production of industrial enzymes, requiring optimization of laborious protocols. Results Here we report the identification of P ccg6, a novel Trichoderma atroviride constitutive promoter, that has similar transcriptional strength as that of the commonly used pki1 promoter. P ccg6 displayed conserved arrangements of transcription factor binding sites between promoter sequences of Trichoderma ccg6 orthologues genes, potentially involved in their regulatory properties. The predicted ccg6 -encoded protein potentially belongs to the SPE1/SPI1 protein family and shares high identity with CCG6 orthologue sequences from other fungal species including Trichoderma reesei , Trichoderma virens , Trichoderma asperellum , and lo a lesser extent to that of Neurosposa crassa . We also report the use of the P ccg6 promoter to drive the expression of PTXD, a phosphite oxidoreductase of bacterial origin, which allowed T. atroviride to utilize phosphite as a sole source of phosphorus. We propose ptxD as a growth reporter gene that allows real-time comparison of the functionality of different promoters by monitoring growth of Trichoderma transgenic lines and enzymatic activity of PTXD. Finally, we show thatconstitutive expression of ptxD provided T. atroviride a competitive advantage to outgrow bacterial contaminants when supplied with phosphite as a sole source of phosphorus. Conclusions A new constitutive promoter, ccg6 , for expression of homologous and heterologous proteins has been identified and tested in T. atroviride by expressing PTXD, which resulted in an effective and visible phenotype to evaluate transcriptional activity of sequence promoters. Use of PTXD as a growth marker holds great potential for assessing activity of other promoters and for biotechnological applications as a contamination control system.
Low cyclosporine concentrations in children and time to acute graft versus host disease
Authors: Chung Eun Kyung , Yee Jeong , Kim Jae Youn , Gwak Hye sun
Published: February 2020

Background: Achievement of target blood concentrations of cyclosporine (CsA) early after transplantation is known to be highly effective for reducing the incidence of acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD). However, no research has been conducted for predicting aGVHD occurrence with low CsA concentrations at different time periods. The objective of this study was to investigate the risk of aGVHD according to low CsA concentrations at lag days in children with allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods: The records of 61 consecutive children who underwent allogeneic HSCT and received CsA as prophylaxis against aGVHD between May 2012 and March 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. The main outcome was any association between low CsA concentrations at lag days and aGVHD occurrence, which was examined for the first month after transplantation. Mean CsA concentrations at three lag periods were calculated: lag days 0-6, 7-13, and 14-20 before aGVHD occurrence. Results: Patients whose mean CsA concentrations at lag days 0-6 did not reach the initial target concentration had 11.0-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3-51.9) greater incidence of aGVHD. In addition, the AORs of low CsA concentrations at lag days 7-13 and 14-20 for developing aGVHD were 108.2 (95% CI: 7.7-1515.5) and 12.1 (95% CI: 1.1-138.1), respectively. Conclusions: After low CsA concentrations are detected, careful attention needs to be paid to prevent aGVHD.
Pan-American Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) perronei sp. n. in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and its deer ked Lipoptena mazamae: morphological, developmental and phylogeographical characterisation
Authors: Garcia Herakles Antonio , Blanco Pilar A. , Rodrigues Adriana C. , Rodrigues Carla M. F. , Takata Carmen S. A. , Campaner Marta , Camargo Erney P. , Teixeira Marta M. G.
Published: February 2020

Background The subgenus Megatrypanum comprises trypanosomes of cervids and bovids from around the world. Here, Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer = WTD) and its ectoparasite, the deer ked Lipoptena mazamae (hippoboscid fly), were surveyed for trypanosomes in Venezuela. Results Haemoculturing unveiled 20% infected WTD, while 47% (7/15) of blood samples and 38% (11/29) of ked guts tested positive for the Megatrypanum- specific TthCATL-PCR. CATL and SSU rRNA sequences uncovered a single species of trypanosome. Phylogeny based on SSU rRNA and gGAPDH sequences tightly cluster WTD trypanosomes from Venezuela and the USA, which were strongly supported as geographical variants of the herein described Trypanosoma ( Megatrypanum ) perronei sp. n. In our analyses, T. perronei was closest to T . sp. D30 of fallow deer (Germany), both nested into TthII alongside other trypanosomes of cervids (North American elks and European fallow, red and sika deer), and bovids (cattle, antelopes and sheep). Insights into T. perronei life cycle were obtained from early haemocultures of deer blood and co-culture with mammalian and insect cells showing flagellates resembling Megatrypanum trypanosomes previously reported in deer blood, and deer ked guts. For the first time, a trypanosome from a cervid was cultured and phylogenetically and morphologically (light and electron microscopy) characterised. Conclusions In the analyses based on SSU rRNA, gGAPDH, CATL and ITS rDNA sequences, neither cervids nor bovids trypanosomes were monophyletic but intertwined within TthI and TthII major phylogenetic lineages. One host species can harbour more than one species/genotype of trypanosomes, but each trypanosome species/genotype was found in a single host species or in phylogenetically related hosts. Molecular evidence that L. mazamae may transmit T. perronei suggests important evolutionary constraints making tight the tripartite T. perronei –WTD–deer ked association. In a plausible evolutionary scenario, T. perronei entered South America with North American WTD at the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary following the closure of the Panama Isthmus.
Intravenous delivery of enzalutamide based on high drug loading multifunctional graphene oxide nanoparticles for castration-resistant prostate cancer therapy
Authors: Jiang Wenjun , Chen Jiyuan , Gong Chunai , Wang Yuanyuan , Gao Yuan , Yuan Yongfang
Published: February 2020

Background: Enzalutamide (Enz) has shown limited bioavailability via oral administration. It is easy for patients to develop into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) due to resistance to 18-24 months of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Moreover, it is hard to delivery Enz in vivo for low drug loading (DL) and encapsulation efficiency (EE).Therefore, we developed a multifunctional enzalutamide-loaded graphene oxide nanosystem (TP-GQDss/Enz) for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) intravenous treatment, with high drug loading efficiency.Methods: Aminated graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were first cross-linked via disulfide bonds into a graphene quantum dot derivative of approximately 200 nm (GQDss), which was further functionalized with a tumour-targeting peptide and PEG to form TP-GQDss. Enz was loaded into TP-GQDss for in vitro and in vivo study.Results: The results showed that high drug-loading efficiency was achieved by TP-GQDss via π-π electron interaction. TP-GQDss could be rapidly internalized by CRPC cells via endocytosis. Moreover, Enz in TP-GQDss could promote the inhibition of cell growth in vitro against CRPC cells. Further, TP-GQDss exhibited an enhanced cancer-targeting ability and alleviated the side effects of Enz in vivo. Conclusions: The multifunctional nanocarrier constructed here could accomplish controlled Enz release and serve as an intravenous therapy platform for CRPC.
The influence of dietary supplementation with the leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on chemotaxis, phagocytosis and respiratory burst of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes in calves
Authors: Wójcik Roman , Małaczewska Joanna , Zwierzchowski Grzegorz , Miciński Jan , Kaczorek-Łukowska Edyta
Published: February 2020

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of HMB on the chemotactic activity, phagocytic activity and respiratory burst of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes in calves. Method The experiment was performed on 14 calves aged 30±2 days, divided into two equal groups of control (group I) and experimental (group II) animals. The feed administered to experimental group calves was supplemented with HMB (Metabolic Technologies Inc. Ames, IA, USA) at 40 mg/kg BW, whereas control calves were administered standard farm-made feed without supplementation. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein immediately before the experiment (day 0) and on experimental days 15, 30 and 60 to determine: chemotactic activity (MIGRATEST® kit), phagocytic activity (PHAGOTEST® kit) and respiratory burst (BURSTTEST® kit) of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes by flow cytometry. Results An analysis of granulocyte and monocyte chemotactic activity and phagocytic activity revealed significantly higher levels of phagocytic activity in calves administered HMB than in the control group, expressed in terms of the percentage of phagocytising cells and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). HMB also had a positive effect on the oxidative metabolism of both granulocytes and monocytes after stimulation with Escherichia coli bacteria and with PMA (4-phorbol-12-β-myristate-13-acetate), expressed in terms of the percentage of oxidative metabolism and MFI. Conclusion HMB stimulates non-specific cell-mediated immunity, which is a very important consideration in newborn calves that are exposed to adverse environmental factors in the first weeks of their life. The supplementation of animal diets with HMB for both preventive and therapeutic purposes can also reduce the use of antibiotics in animal production.
Evidence-Based Health In Primary Care: Electronic Portals, Telehealth And Digital Libraries
Authors: Costa José Roberto Bittencourt , Alves Luiz Anastacio , Alberto Anael Viana Pinto , Souza Cristina Alves Magalhães de
Published: February 2020

Background: To conduct an analysis and propose ways to improve teaching and learning processes facilitated through Basic Family Health Units (BFHUs).
Method: First phase: The authors conducted a qualitative-quantitative study on students and instructors of Primary Care (PC) involving a survey of open- and closed-ended questions administered at medical schools. Closed-ended questions were studied with descriptive statistics and open-ended questions were determined from the creation of categories. Perceptions of major teaching and learning problems were in turn identified.
Second phase: Meetings were held with students and respective instructors for 6 months and involved the use of electronic portals and the application of new questionnaires using a Likert scale for pre- and post-evaluation.
Results: In the first phase, 40% of the students considered local instructor training levels a problem. A similar result was found regarding teachers’ lectures, revealing a lack of adequate PC training and performance for most of the categories considered.
From our results, we used BHFUs to apply new strategies less widely used for teaching and learning to improve health practices such as the use of the Evidence-Based Health Portal, which is more navigable and offers studies based on clinical evidence criteria. In the second phase, the authors identified an improvement in the quality of learning among instructors and students.
Conclusions: The use of electronic portals can facilitate BHFU teaching and learning (teaching/learning space).
Staged surgical strategy of symptomatic lumbar adjacent-segment degeneration: full-endoscopic decompression versus extended posterior interbody fusion
Authors: Li Tong , Zhu Bin , Liu Xiaoguang
Published: February 2020

Background

Symptomatic adjacent-segment degeneration (ASD) is a common complication after lumbar fusion surgery. We want to evaluate the clinical and imaging outcome of full-endoscopic lumbar decompression (FELD) in comparison with extended posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for ASD after lumbar fusion surgeries and develop a staged revision strategy.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 65 patients with ASD who treated with FELD (n=31) or extended PLIF (n=34) between January 2014 and January 2018. Clinical outcome evaluations were performed preoperatively, at 3, 12, 24 months postoperatively, including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores for function assessment, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for low-back pain and leg pain. Imaging outcome evaluations were performed preoperatively, immediately after surgery and at the last follow up, including disc height (DH) and lumbar lordosis (LL).

Results

The ratio of patients with adjacent segmental instability in the PLIF group was significantly higher than that in the FELD group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in other baseline data for FELD and PLIF groups (p>0.05). Mean operative time, blood loss and length of hospital stay were significantly decreased for the FELD group (p<0.001). For patients with stable adjacent segments, there was no significant difference in preoperative and postoperative low-back pain, leg pain and function between 2 groups (p>0.05). The patients in PLIF group had restored DH after surgery, which was significantly higher than FELD group (p<0.05). For patients with unstable adjacent segments, the low-back and leg pain of PLIF group were significantly relieved than that in FELD group within 24 and 3 months after surgery (p<0.05). The function of PLIF group was significantly improved within 12 months after surgery (p<0.05). The DH was only significantly restored within 3 months after surgery (p<0.05). Recurrence was found in 2 (6.5%, p>0.05) patients in FELD group, while no patient in PLIF group had recurrence.

Conclusions

FELD could achieve satisfactory safety and efficacy for the treatment of stable ASD, which was not worse than PLIF. With less trauma and faster recovery, FELD may be an alternative surgical treatment for stable ASD.
Minimally invasive interventions for pulmonary nodule biopsy: A systematic review protocol.
Authors: Miotto Andre , Perfeito João Aléssio Juliano , Leite Rafael Pacheco , Latorraca Carolina de Oliveira Cruz , Riera Rachel
Published: February 2020

Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, causing more than 1.6 million deaths annually, including 26,500 deaths in Brazil in 2015. The diagnosis of lung cancer in the early stages remains a challenge. Imaging tests are important for diagnostic suspicion and risk evaluation, but biopsy is needed to confirm malignancy. Minimally invasive methods for biopsy used include computed tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy (CTGB) and bronchoscopy transbronchial biopsy. The method of choice should have the best accuracy and the lowest complication rate. This systematic review is designed to map, critically evaluate and compare the effects (benefits and risks) of all lung nodule biopsy techniques.Methods We will conduct a systematic review according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions recommendations.Discussion This study aims to compare the diagnostic yield and the safety of different techniques used for pulmonary nodule biopsy. We will include randomized clinical trials comparing tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy, nonguided transbronchial biopsy, fluoroscopy-guided transbronchial biopsy, transbronchial biopsy guided by endobronchial ultrasound with a radial probe and transbronchial biopsy guided by electromagnetic navigation. This study was approved by the research ethics committee of Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) (number 1344040918). The results of the completed protocol will be presented at any appropriate conference by the authors.Systematic review registration The protocol for this review was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42018092367).
Factors Related to Hypocalcemia in human Brucellosis: a retrospective review
Authors: Zhen Qing , Zhang Xiaohan , Zhang Siwen , Chen Qianqian , Zhang Xiangyi , Yang Huixin , Wang Taijun , Hu Fangfang , Luo Jingjing , Hu Jing , Zhang Peng
Published: February 2020

Background. In recent years, some severe complications of brucellosis have been raised many researchers’concern. Hypocalcemia, which is commonly seen in serious infectious diseases, such as sepsis, severe bacterial pneumonia and AIDS, has been reported less in Brucellosis. To our knowledge, serious consequences would be caused by hypocalcemia. Some studies have provided evidence of high serum calcium levels in patients with brucellosis , but few studies have reported the incidence and impact of brucellosis hypocalcemia,except for one case of rifampic-associated hypocalcemia. Objective . To summarize the clinical and epidemiological characteristics , to explore the influence of hypocalcemia on brucellosis.In addition, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rifampicin in the treatment of brucellosis and secondary hypocalcemia, so as to provide clinical guidance. Methods . A retrospective study was carried out to review the records of 572 brucellosis patients from January 2015 to December 2016 of a hospital in shenyang, liaoning province, China.Patients were divided into three groups according to the serum calcium level, one group of 102 patients was hypocalcemia ,one group of 442 patients was normal corrected calcium and the other group of 28 patients was hypercalcemia. Results . The history of administration of rifampicin（OR=2.098, 95%CI=1.145~3.844）and tetracycline（OR=2.105, 95%CI=1.266~3.501）are the related factors of hypocalcemia. Conclusions . Further evaluation in randomized clinical trials of the indicative role of hypocalcimia is needed to be followed up.Provide evidence for the risk factors of hypocalcemia in brucellosis patients with the history of rifampicin administration.
Empirically Derived Dietary Patterns and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) in Children
Authors: Shareghfarid Elham , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Mirhoseini Hamid , Mirzaei Masoud , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh
Published: February 2020

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is the most common chronic mental and behavioral disorder among children. We aimed to derive major dietary patterns in relation with ADHD through a case-control study. Participants were selected from age-gender matched children and adolescents who were categorized into case (n = 120) and control groups (n = 240). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition was used to diagnose ADHD. Food frequency questionnaire and principal component analysis were used to measure food intake and identify major dietary patterns, respectively. The snack-fast food dietary pattern significantly increased odds of ADHD in fully adjusted model (odds ratio [OR], 3.30; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.39-7.84; P for trend < 0.001). Fish and low fat dairy products dietary pattern is protectively associated with ADHD (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.19-0.91; P for trend = 0.02). Vegetable and nut dietary pattern showed no significant relation with possibility of ADHD (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.40-1.90; P for trend = 0.53). Children are suggested to reduce intake of snack and fast food dietary pattern and increase fish and low fat dairy products, and legumes to reduce the chance of ADHD.
Fine mapping of wheat Tatyd with pleiotropic roles in plant architecture, leaf yellowish and improved powdery mildew resistance
Authors: Zhang Heng , Chen Yiming , Niu Ying , Zhang Xu , Sun Li , Wang Haiyan , Xiao Jin , Wang Xiue
Published: February 2020

Background: Photosynthesis is the primary energy for biosphere, and is the foundation for life on earth. Leaf color mutations are widely used to study chloroplast structure and development, biosynthesis and metabolism of chlorophyll and plant photosynthesis, such as in rice and maize, with many genes be mapped and cloned. By comparison, there is few researches on the leaf color mutants in wheat. More and more studies have demonstrated that photosynthesis is involved in plant-pathogen interaction, whether leaf color mutations affect plant-pathogen interactions are rarely reported.Results: In this study, a leaf color mutant, NAU31, which has fewer tillers, dwarfed plant and improved powdery mildew resistance was identified from regenerated plant of common wheat cv. Yangmai158. Inheritance analysis of NAU31 showed that the above mutant traits were significantly correlated and controlled by a dominant gene, named Tatyd. Linkage analysis of a mapping population between NAU31 and a synthesized wheat W7984 using SSR markers, the Tatyd was preliminary mapped to 2DS. By BSA and linkage analysis using a 55K wheat SNP array, the Tatyd was fine mapped to the terminal region of 2DS, flanked by markers ZH47 and gwm296 and corresponding to a physical interval of 0.76 Mb. Genome-wide gene expression analysis indicated that the impairing of photosynthesis may be responsible for plant yellowing in NAU31. Photosynthetic physiological analysis showed varied chloroplast inner structure in the mesophyll cells of the mutant, and this may lead to reduced chlorophyll content (chlorophyll “a”, Chlorophyll “b”, total chlorophyll and carotenoid), as well as decreased maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and Net photosynthetic rate.Conclusions: A mutant with few-tiller, plant yellowish, dwarfness and improved powdery mildew resistance was identified, and the mutated locus Tatyd was fine mapped to a 0.76 Mb genome region of wheat chromosome 2D. The yellowing trait of NAU31 may be attributed to its reduced photosynthesis ability due to changes of the chloroplast inner structure. The cloning of Tatyd will facilitate dissection of the mechanism involved in chloroplast development of wheat and the regulation of plant development and disease resistance.