bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Produção de biomassa e composição químico-bromatológica de jureminha submetida a crescentes níveis salinos
Authors: Medeiros A.S. , Teixeira V.I. , Cavalcanti C.P.L. , Oliveira E.N. , Silva S.L.F. , Santos M.V.F.
Published: February 2020

Visando alternativas para minimizar os problemas gerados pela salinidade, cada vez mais comum no mundo, é necessário entender o crescimento e o desenvolvimento das plantas em ambientes salinos. O objetivo foi caracterizar a produção de biomassa e determinar a composição químico-bromatológica de plantas de Desmanthus pernambucanus (L.) Thellung (jureminha) submetidas à salinidade. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 5 tratamentos (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 mM NaCl) e 6 repetições. Em cada 54 dias foram realizados cortes separados em frações como caule, folha e vagem. Durante outubro e novembro, plantas submetidas a 100 mM de NaCl apresentaram 83 e 100% de mortalidade, respectivamente, e apenas 50% das plantas submetidas a 75 mM sobreviveram até novembro. Em agosto, as plantas na fase de enchimento de grãos apresentaram as seguintes alterações: aumento da produção de biomassa de vagens (148%), compostos fibrosos (FDN: 11 e 9% para folhas e caules, respectivamente) e prolina nos caules (62%); redução na relação folha/caule (33%), proteína bruta (16 e 14% para folhas e caules, respectivamente) e carboidratos solúveis (28 e 17% para folhas e caules, respectivamente). A fase de enchimento de grãos potencializou os efeitos nocivos da salinidade, em que houve aumento de Na+ e redução de K+ nos tecidos vegetais. A salinidade afeta negativamente a produção e composição químico-bromatológica da forragem de jureminha.
Mortalidade de Pennisetum glaucum submetido a estresses associado
Authors: Lucena L.R.R. , Leite M.L.M.V. , Simões V.J.L.P. , Almeida M.C.R. , Izidro J.L.S.
Published: February 2020

A disponibilidade hídrica e qualidade da água nas regiões semiáridas são limitadas, e isto tem reduzido à produção agrícola nesta região. Neste contexto, a identificação de culturas mais tolerantes a estas condições torna-se necessário, pois pode auxiliar na obtenção de maiores produtividades. Objetivou-se avaliar a mortalidade de milheto submetido aos estresses hídrico e salino. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro lâminas de irrigação com base na evapotranspiração da cultura – ETc (25, 50, 75 e 100% ETc) e três níveis de salinidade (0,03, 2 e 4 dS.m-1 ), formando um esquema fatorial 4x3, com quatro repetições. Os resultados mostraram que a taxa de mortalidade em função do nível hídrico foi maior (31,43%) para o menor nível e a menor (20,0%) foi ao nível hídrico de 75%, já a mortalidade em função da salinidade foi menor (17,1%) quando utilizado o nível controle e maior (42,86%) no nível máximo de salinidade. Após ajuste da taxa de mortalidade do milheto pelo modelo de regressão logístico verificou-se que a menor probabilidade da planta se manter viva ocorre no menor nível hídrico e maior salino, enquanto que a maior probabilidade é dado pelo maior nível hídrico e menor nível salino.
Relación entre cinquemia y fertilidad en vacas lecheras mestizas Holstein x Cebú
Authors: García-Díaz J.R. , Dungula-Sapalalo G.H. , Noval-Artíles E. , Hernández-Barreto M.A. , Mollineda-Trujillo A. , Garzón-Jarrin R.
Published: February 2020

Para determinar la correlación entre la cinquemia y los indicadores reproductivos de la vaca lechera y las concentraciones de Zn en suero sanguíneo que constituyen un riesgo significativo para la presentación del anestro posparto y la repetición de servicio de Inseminación Artificial se seleccionaron 143 animales con seis a ocho años de edad y tercera a cuarta lactancia. Se determinó la correlación entre la cinquemia y los indicadores reproductivos y la asociación entre las concentraciones de Zn en suero sanguíneo y el anestro y la repetición de servicio de Inseminación Artificial. Los rebaños presentan baja eficiencia reproductiva y la cinquemia tuvo una correlación negativa (P= 0,0000) con el anestro posparto y el intervalo parto concepción. Para el anestro posparto cuando la cinquemia inferior a 15 μmol/L constituyó un riesgo relativo (RR) significativo, con RR de 1,74 (p= 0,0070), menor que 14 μmol/L, RR de 2.69 (P= 0,0000) e inferior a 16 μmol/L no lo fue, RR 1,04 (p= 0,8282). Para la repetición de servicio de Inseminación Artificial la cinquemia inferior a 15 μmol/L constituyó un factor de riesgo significativo, RR= 3,83 (P= 0,0000), inferior a 14 μmol/L, RR 5,20 (p= 0,0000) y no lo fue cuando sus concentraciones fueron menores de 16 μmol/L, RR= 1,77 (p= 0,1191). Se concluye que la cinquemia tuvo una correlación negativa y altamente significativa con los indicadores reproductivos y cuando desciende de 15 μmol/L constituye un factor de riesgo significativo para la presentación del anestro y la repetición de servicio de Inseminación Artificial.
Caracterización etológica de la raza camellar canaria
Authors: Iglesias C. , Navas F.J. , Ciani E. , Arando A. , González A. , Marín C. , Nogales S. , Delgado J.V.
Published: February 2020

El interés creciente en la aplicación de las ciencias del comportamiento a la producción animal ha posibilitado el desarrollo progresivo de técnicas para el mejoramiento y ajuste de los sistemas de manejo con vistas a obtener rendimientos productivos elevados en el marco de la sostenibilidad. La reproducción selectiva y diferencial para rasgos conductuales específicos y deseables en la raza camellar canaria (Camelus dromedarius), previa caracterización etofuncional, puede aplicarse a lograr un incremento del valor adaptativo de los animales a las presiones de los sistemas de producción pecuaria en que se encuentran. Esta iniciativa se enmarca en un plan estratégico de conservación, mejora y fomento de una raza autóctona amenazada a través de vías alternativas de rentabilidad y utilización sostenibles de la raza y sus productos. La cualificación del equipo humano implicado, así como la optimización técnica y mecánica de las infraestructuras en los sistemas de producción camellar, se convierten en objetivos de consideración prioritaria en etología aplicada.
External Casing Corrosion Control
Authors: Sudbury J.D. , Landers J.E. , Shock D.A.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 92–95.

Introduction

The external corrosion of casing is one of the most important problems facing the present day production man. A 1953 NACE report estimated the annual cost of casing corrosion at $2,200,000 in 22 fields studied. The fields represented only 10 per cent of the wells in the United States. It was significant that 77 per cent of the failures reported were due to external corrosion.

A variety of means for combatting the casing corrosion problem have been discussed in papers such as the NACE survey mentioned previously. No attempt to review these will be made in this paper. The scope of this paper has been limited to a discussion of the following major items:an instrument for studying external electrolytic corrosion;use of this instrument to determine the quantity of protective current required to prevent corrosion of casing; andproblem of accelerated external corrosion of the oil string at the base of the surface string.

Electrochemical Mechanism of Corrosion

It is generally believed that one major cause of external corrosion is the existence of electrolytic cells operating between various formation waters. A theoretical discussion of the role of earth potentials in casing corrosion has been presented by L. de Witte and F. J. Radd.

A brief picture of the electrolytic corrosion action between two different formations (A and B) is presented in Fig. 1. This picture is a review to many but is given to insure clarity. In the anode area, oxidation takes place as iron ions go into solution in formation A as a product of corrosion. In the cathode area, reduction takes place and hydrogen atoms are formed at the boundary between the pipe and formation B. The flow of electrons, as indicated, is into the pipe at the anode or corroding area and out of the pipe into the formation at the cathode. In order to conform with regulations of this journal, the flow of a conventional current (1) is also indicated in this sketch. All subsequent references will be to this so-called conventional current flow and will be indicated by the symbol (I). As this action takes place the layer of hydrogen developed on the cathode offers a resistance to the flow of current in the cell. It is said that the cathode has been polarized.
Development and Application of "Frac" Treatments in the Permian Basin
Authors: Hurst R.E. , Moore J.M. , Ramsey D.E.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 58–65.

The "frac" method of well stimulation has been applied successfully to all producing formations in the Permian Basin area. During the five years since its development, many changes and improvements have been made in treating materials, procedures, and equipment.

A number of fluid carrying agents, having different physical and chemical properties, have been developed to meet various well requirements. The current trend is toward larger gallonage treatments, employing higher injection rates. The use of "down-the-casing" techniques has greatly reduced high surface working pressures, attributable to friction losses resulting from injection through tubing.

Petrographic studies of various Permian Basin formations, coordinated with laboratory and well log data have been found a valuable guide in planning frac treatments. A knowledge of the extent and orientation of naturally occurring fractures and planes of weakness in the formation, aid in predicting the ultimate drainage pattern resulting from the frac treatment.

Introduction

The South Permian Basin covers an area in West Texas and New Mexico about one-half the size of the state of Texas. This vast region has been called the "Permian Basin" for so long that the term will be used here. It includes an area south of the Matador Arch, approximately 250 miles wide and 300 miles long. Structural features of importance within the basin are the Northwest Shelf, Eastern Platform, Midland Basin, Central Basin Platform, and Delaware Basin. The principal producing formations include sand, limestone and dolomite, with lesser amounts of shale, anhydrite, chert, and. various silicates.

All of the producing formations in the Permian Basin have responded to some type of frac treatment. Essentially, a frac treatment may be defined as the injection, into a formation, of a fluid carrying agent containing a particulated solid (usually sand), for the purpose of increasing production. The application of this method of well stimulation to many differing Permian Basin reservoirs has necessitated numerous changes and improvements in carrying agents, solids, service equipment, well equipment, and treating techniques.
Effects of Extensive Well Fracturing on a Waterflood Operation in the North Texas Strawn Sand
Authors: Roark Gene E. , Lindner J.D.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 16–21.

Waterflooding operations in the Langston-Kleiner field, Young County, Tex., are described. Widespread application of formation fracturing has been practiced in both producing and injection wells. Field performance data are cited which indicate that no detrimental effect on sweep efficiencies and that probable benefits in injectivity have resulted from the fracture treatments.

Introduction

This paper is a report on a waterflood operation which is being carried out in the Langston-Kleiner field located in Young County, Tex. The oil reservoir affected by this flood operation occurs in a Strawn sand member at an approximate depth of 3,550 ft subsurface. The operators of the project are Kleiner Estate, Turner, Fiske, and West who are hereinafter collectively referred to as the Operators. Although the operation is unusual in several respects, the distinctive feature of this flood has been the widespread application of hydraulic formation fracturing treatments as a means to improve productivity and injectivity of the wells. It shall be the purpose of this paper to present basic information regarding the reservoir characteristics, operating practices, and waterflood behavior so that conclusions may be drawn concerning the effects which the fracture treatments have had on the performance of this water flood to date.

Development

Development of the 3,550 ft Strawn sand reservoir occurred during 1951 and 1952. The early development occurred on the Langston and Davis leases which are in the northern region of the Operators' holdings and the wells were drilled on 20-acre proration units according to the field rules. However, studies of the economics of this program, coupled with the decision to proceed with pressure maintenance by water injection, resulted in the adoption of wider spacing in the later stages of development. This variation in spacing is apparent upon inspection of Fig. 1 upon which only the 3,550-ft Strawn sand producing and injection wells have been located on the Operators' properties. The development to the north of the Operators' leases is the Garvey Strawn field and that to the south is the Taylor Strawn field.
Radioactive Tracers in Oil Production Problems
Authors: Flagg A.H. , Myers J.P. , Campbell J.L.P. , Terry J.M. , Mardock E.S.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 1–6.

The development process for the use of radioactive tracers as a means of locating zones of permeability is discussed. The general techniques for the safe handling of radioactive materials is given as developed by the Lane-Wells Co. and Well Surveys, Inc. The problems and successes with tracers in waterflood systems, oil and gas injection profiles, fracture sand tracing, squeeze cement tracing, lost circulation, and cement top location are discussed and illustrated.

Introduction

The exact location of the permeable zones lying within the productive horizon has been a major problem faced by the petroleum engineer for decades, and it has been a problem which has seldom been solved with certainty. Reservoir engineers usually have to incorporate a question mark in their estimates of future reservoir performance because of blanks in the core data. Although the use of radioactivity or electrical logs for the estimation of porosity has been of great assistance in furnishing a record for the reservoir engineer, this application of logging data has not completely solved the problem. In short, the industry needs an in-situ well surveying method which can locate and estimate the permeability of the zones existing within a given pay section.

The initial development work with radioactive tracers has been towards filling the need for permeability information. Progress to date permits the location of permeable zones with a qualitative estimate of theirrelative importance with respect to permeability. The calibration of the method is still incomplete, but present development work on tracer preparations, borehole effect correction factors, and instrument limitations give a promise of quantitative "permeability profiles" in the near future.

The development work on the radioactive tracer method discussed here began several years ago in the laboratories of Well Surveys, Inc., in Tulsa.
Direct Calculation of Bottom-Hole Pressures in Natural Gas Wells
Authors: Sukkar Yusuf K. , Cornell David
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Vol. 204, 1955, pages 43–48.

The fundamental differential equation for fluid flow has been rearranged, integrated numerically for natural gases, and the results presented in tabular and graphical form suitable for the direct calculation of vertical gas flow problems. The integration is rigorous except for the use of a constant average temperature. Both static and flowing bottom-hole pressures may be calculated by this method without resort to trial and error procedures.

Introduction

Bottom-hole pressures can be determined either by direct measurement with a bottom-hole pressure gauge or by calculation. Since measurement with a bottomhole pressure gauge is costly, calculation of bottom-hole pressures is to be preferred when possible. Calculation involves knowledge of the wellhead pressure, the properties of the gas, the depth of the well, the flow rate, the temperature of the gas, and the size of the flow line. These quantities must be combined in a suitable equation for vertical flow. Several equations have been developed for the purpose of calculating gas flow through both horizontal and vertical pipes. These equations all have the basic differential equation for flow as their starting point. They differ only in the assumptions which are made in order to simplify the integration step. The bottom-hole pressures calculated using any of the better known equations are in good agreement with bottom-hole pressures calculated by a more rigorous but considerably more tedious stepwise integration method. All of these methods, however, require a trial and error solution for the calculation of flowing bottom-hole pressures. The purpose of this paper is to present a method which provides a direct solution of static and flowing bottom-hole pressures without use of a trial and error solution. At the same time the method involves fewer simplifying assumptions than any of the previous methods used, except for the lengthy stepwise method.
An Analog Computer for Studying Heat Transfer During a Thermal Recovery Process
Authors: Vogel L.C. , Krueger R.F.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 205–212.

A design is presented for an electrical analog computer which can solve non-steady state heat transfer problems in an extensive radial formation containing a moving cylindrical source. The computer is used to simulate a simplified thermal oil recovery process in which heat transfer from a moving, constant temperature source takes place radially by conduction only. Temperature distribution curves are shown for several different assumed modes of travel for the heat source. The data are used to estimate the residual fuel requirements necessary to maintain a self-propagating isothermal front for the particular system being studied.

Although the computer is designed to represent an unique system, conversion factors can be adjusted to show the effects of changing the assumed values of system constants, such as thermal conductivity of the formation and temperature of the source isotherm. Examples are given to illustrate the relative influence the assumed values of these variables will have upon the quantity of fuel required to maintain the source.

The maximum effect of heat transfer by the flowing air stream is estimated mathematically, and full requirements for this system are shown to be markedly reduced.

Inasmuch as the examples discussed refer to a simplified process, the results are not directly applicable to a practical field operation. It is believed, however, that the data illustrate some general trends which are important in thermal recovery processes.

Data from laboratory and field experimentation can be used to modify the computer to take into account the influence of heat transfer by various mechanisms, for example, by injected air and by fluids ahead of the hot zone. With such refinements it would be possible to estimate more accurately the limiting values for the rate of travel of the high temperature front and for the required air injection rates.

Use of this computer should aid in evaluating the economic feasibility of oil recovery by various thermal processes. It is hoped this paper will stimulate further work by others to help accomplish this objective.
Estimating Size and Shape of Vertical and Horizontal Fractures
Authors: Crawford Paul B. , England A.C. , Landrum Bobby L. , Haney William F.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 175–181.

The creation of unsymmetrical vertical or horizontal fractures in a producing well will result in a unique distortion of the normal shut-in pressures existing at the four surrounding wells. An electrical model study has been made to show how the shut-in pressures at the wells surrounding the fractured producing well may be used to estimate the size and orientation of vertical or horizontal fractures. The pressure differences at the four surrounding wells are recorded during production from the fractured well. The resulting pressure data are matched from a table of several hundred possible fracture combinations. The table refers to the figure showing the effective size and orientation of the commercially created fracture.

Introduction

The creation of commercial fractures about oil and gas wells has led to considerable speculation as to the size and shape of the fractures. It is important that the size and shape be known in certain instances, especially when pressure maintenance programs are to be initiated. It was shown that if knowledge of a vertical fracture could be found that such information may be utilized in planning a waterflooding or gas cycling program and that in some cases the fractures might be utilized very effectively. Other work showed that it may be desirable to create "pancake" fractures in certain reservoirs but that they should exist in a desirable range: If the fractures are too large, they should be plugged prior to initiating a pressure maintenance program. If an irregular shaped "pancake" fracture is created, it is desirable to know the orientation of this fracture because similar but unreported studies have shown that "pancake" fractures mayor may not substantially affect the sweep efficiencies and performance of the flooding or cycling program. Consequently, it may be desirable in some instances to estimate the effective size and orientation of the fracture.
A Device for Determining the Concentration of Formation Treating Acids
Authors: Huitt J.L.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 273–274.

Some of the problems associated with the acid treatment of oil wells are related to the control of the composition of formation treating acid. One test usually made at the well site is the determination of the acid concentration. Heretofore, the concentration of the acid delivered to the well site usually has been interpreted from a hydrometer measurement of the specific gravity of the acid solution. Experience has shown that this indirect measurement of acid concentration can give erroneous results. More reliable results are, of course, obtainable by the titration method; however, this method is not easily adapted to well-site testing.

To overcome these objections, a device was developed for use in the field which permits determination of the concentration of treating acid both quickly and accurately at the time of the acid treatment. Its purpose was three-fold, namely, to determine:the concentration of the fresh treating acid,the concentration of the spent acid returning from the well, andthe solubility of formation samples in treating acid.

The device was designed to operate on the principle of the stoichiometric relation between the calcium carbonate-hydrochloric acid reaction and the carbon dioxide gas resulting from the reaction. By confining the carbon dioxide gas within a reaction cell of the type shown in Fig. 1, the pressure inside the cell is increased. Since the pressure is an indication of the quantity of carbon dioxide gas produced, it may be used to estimate the concentration of the acid, provided an excess of calcium carbonate is used. From information on the volume of the reaction cell, the volume of acid used, and the pressure and temperature of the gas after the completion of the reaction, the concentration of the treating acid may be computed.

The reaction cell is essentially a pressure vessel equipped with a pressure gage, temperature indicator, pressure release valve, and a special sample holder. Plastic and metal construction makes the cell both rugged and acid-resistant.
Role of the initial degree of anaemia and treatment model in the prognosis of gastric cancer patients treated by chemotherapy: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Li Wenhuan , Zhang Ji-Yu , Liu Wen-Hui , Chen Xian-Xian
Published: February 2020

Background ：Anaemia is highly prevalent in gastric cancer (GC) patients. The role of initial haemoglobin levels in predicting the prognosis of GC patients treated by chemotherapy has not been well determined. Our present study aims to evaluate the relationship between the degree of anaemia and the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with GC.
Methods: Our retrospective study enrolled 598 patients who were treated with chemotherapy when the recurrent or metastatic GCs were unsuitable for surgical resection. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors that had the potential to affect patient prognosis. Additionally, the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics, including treatment method, and degree of cancer related reduction in haemoglobin was further analysed.
Results : Our results revealed that patients with HB ini level ≤ 80 g/L had a trend toward a shortened median OS and PFS ( p =0.009 and p =0.049, respectively). Interestingly, we also found that HB dec ≥30 g/L was associated with a significantly shortened median OS and PFS ( p =0.039 and p =0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that HB ini levels ≤80 g/L could be used as an independent prognostic factor for recurrent and metastatic GC. More importantly, HB dec ≥30 g/L and treatment response were also significantly associated with OS and PFS. Furthermore, the degree of haemoglobin decrease was associated with chemotherapy including platinum and the number of chemotherapy cycles.
Conclusion : Our study concludes that the initial degree of anaemia and a decrease in haemoglobin of ≥ 30 g/L can serve as biomarkers to predict prognosis in recurrent or metastatic GC patients, while chemotherapy treatment rather than red blood cell (RBC) transfusion can improve their prognosis. Additionally, platinum should not be recommended for treating severely anaemic GC patients.
A Novel Risk Model for Mortality and Hospitalization following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Non-ischemic Cardiomyopathy: The Alpha-score
Authors: Yang Shengwen , Liu Zhimin , Hu Yiran , Jing Ran , Gu Min , Niu Hongxia , Ding Ligang , Xing Anlu , Zhang Shu , Hua Wei
Published: February 2020

Background: Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) has been associated with a better left ventricle reverse remodeling response and improved clinical outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aims of our study were to identify the predictors of mortality and heart failure hospitalization in patients treated with CRT and design a risk score for prognosis. Methods: A cohort of 422 consecutive NICM patients with CRT was retrospectively enrolled between January 2010 and December 2017. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and heart transplantation. Results: In a multivariate analysis, the predictors of all-cause death were left atrial diameter [Hazard ratio (HR): 1.056, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.020-1.093, P=0.002]; non-left bundle branch block [HR: 1.793, 95% CI: 1.131-2.844, P =0.013]; high sensitivity C-reactive protein [HR: 1.081, 95% CI: 1.029-1.134 P= 0.002]; and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [HR: 1.018, 95% CI: 1.007-1.030, P =0.002]; and New York Heart Association class IV [HR: 1.018, 95% CI: 1.007-1.030, P =0.002]. The Alpha-score ( A trial diameter, non- L BBB, P ro-BNP, H s-CRP, NYH A class IV) was derived from each independent risk factor. The novel score had good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow, P >0.05) and discrimination for both primary endpoints [c-statistics: 0.749 (95% CI: 0.694-0.804), P <0.001] or heart failure hospitalization [c-statistics: 0.692 (95% CI: 0.639-0.745), P <0.001]. Conclusion: The Alpha-score may enable improved discrimination and accurate prediction of long-term outcomes among NICM patients with CRT.
Impact of weight trajectory after bariatric surgery on co-morbidity evolution and burden
Authors: Davis Jason , Saunders Rhodri
Published: February 2020

Background
Bariatric surgery, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB] has been shown to be an effective intervention for weight management in select patients. After surgery, different patients respond differently even to the same surgery and have differing weight-change trajectories . The present analysis explores how improving a patient’s post-surgical weight change could impact co‑morbidity prevalence, treatment and associated costs in the Canadian setting.
Methods
Published data were used to derive statistical models to predict weight loss and co‑morbidity evolution after RYGB. Burden in the form of patient-years of co-morbidity treatment and associated costs was estimated for a 100-patient cohort on one of 6 weight trajectories, and for real-world simulations of mixed patient cohorts where patients experience multiple weight loss outcomes over a 10-year time horizon after RYGB surgery. Costs (2018 Canadian dollars) were considered from the Canadian public payer perspective for diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Robustness of results was assessed using probabilistic sensitivity analyses using the R language.
Results
Models fitted to patient data for total weight loss and co-morbidity evolution (resolution and new onset) demonstrated good fitting. Improvement of 100 patients from the worst to the best weight loss trajectory was associated with a 50% reduction in 10-year co-morbidity treatment costs, decreasing to a 27% reduction for an intermediate improvement. Results applied to mixed trajectory cohorts revealed that broad improvements by one trajectory group for all patients were associated with 602, 1,710 and 966 patient-years of treatment of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia respectively in Ontario, the province of highest RYGB volume, corresponding to a cost difference of $3.9 million.
Conclusions
Post-surgical weight trajectory, even for patients receiving the same surgery, can have a considerable impact on subsequent co-morbidity burden. Given the potential for alleviated burden associated with improving patient trajectory after RYGB, health care systems may wish to consider investments based on local needs and available resources to ensure that more patients achieve a good long-term weight trajectory.
First referral to an Integrated Onco-Palliative Care program: a retrospective analysis of its timing
Authors: Barth Claire , Colombet Isabelle , Montheil Vincent , Huillard Olivier , Boudou-Rouquette Pascaline , Tlemsani Camille , Alexandre Jérôme , Goldwasser François , Vinant Pascale
Published: February 2020

Background: Palliative care (PC) referral is recommended early in the course of advanced cancer. This study aims to describe, in an integrated onco-palliative care program (IOPC), patient’s profile when first referred to this program, timing of this referral and its impact on the trajectory of care at end-of-life. Patients and Methods: The IOPC combined the weekly onco-palliative meeting (OPM) dedicated to patients with incurable cancer, and/or the clinical evaluation by the PC team. Oncologists can refer to the multidisciplinary board of the OPM the patients for whom goals and organization of care need to be discussed. We analyzed all patients first referred at OPM in 2011-2013. We defined the index of precocity (IP), as the ratio of the time from first referral to death by the time from diagnosis of incurability to death, ranging from 0 (late referral) to 1 (early referral). Results: Of the 416 patients included, 57% presented with lung, urothelial cancers, or sarcoma. At first referral to IOPC, 76% were receiving antitumoral treatment, 63% were outpatients, 56% had a performance status ≤2 and 46% had a serum albumin level >35g/l. The median [1st-3rd quartile] IP was 0.39 [0.16-0.72], ranging between 0.53 [0.20-0.79] (earliest referral, i.e. close to diagnosis of incurability, for lung cancer) to 0.16 [0.07-0.56] (latest referral, i.e. close to death relatively to length of metastatic disease, for prostate cancer). Among 367 decedents, 42 (13%) received antitumoral treatment within 14 days before death, and 157 (43%) died in PC units.Conclusions: The IOPC is an effective organization to enable early integration of PC and decrease aggressiveness of care near the end-of life. The IP is a useful tool to model the timing of referral to IOPC, while taking into account each cancer types and therapeutic advances.
Multiple association analysis of loci and candidate genes that regulate body size at three growth stages in Simmental beef cattle
Authors: An Bingxing , Xu Lei , Xia Jiangwei , Wang Xiaoqiao , Miao Jian , Chang Tianpeng , Song Meihua , Ni JunQing , Xu Lingyang , Zhang Lupei , Li Junya , Gao Huijiang
Published: February 2020

Background: Body size traits as one of the main breeding selection criteria was widely used to monitor cattle growth and to evaluate the selection response. In this study, body size was defined as body height (BH), body length (BL), hip height (HH), heart size (HS), abdominal size (AS), and cannon bone size (CS). We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of these traits over the course of three growth stages (6, 12 and 18 months after birth) using three statistical models, single-trait GWAS, multi-trait GWAS and LONG-GWAS. The Illumina Bovine HD 770K BeadChip was used to identify genomic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 1217 individuals. Results: In total, 19, 29, and 10 significant SNPs were identified by the three models, respectively. Among these, 21 genes were promising candidate genes, including SOX2, SNRPD1, RASGEF1B, EFNA5, PTBP1, SNX9, SV2C, PKDCC, SYNDIG1, AKR1E2, and PRIM2 identified by single-trait analysis; SLC37A1, LAP3, PCDH7, MANEA, and LHCGR identified by multi-trait analysis; and P2RY1, MPZL1, LINGO2, CMIP, and WSCD1 identified by LONG-GWAS. Conclusions: Multiple association analysis was performed for six growth traits at each growth stage. These findings offer valuable insights for the further investigation of potential genetic mechanism of growth traits in Simmental beef cattle.
Transcriptome profiling of developing testes and spermatogenesis in the Mongolian horse
Authors: LI Bei , He Xiaolong , Zhao Yiping , Bai Dongyi , Du Ming , Song Lianjie , Liu Zhuang , Yin Zhenchen , Manglai Dugarjaviin
Published: February 2020

Background: Horse testis development and spermatogenesis are complex physiological processes. Methods: To study these processes, three immature and three mature testes were collected from the Mongolian horse, and six libraries were established using high-throughput RNA sequencing technology (RNA-Seq) to screen for genes related to testis development and spermatogenesis. Results: A total of 16,237 upregulated genes and 8,641 downregulated genes were detected in the testis of the Mongolian horse. These genes play important roles in different developmental stages of spermatogenesis and testicular development. Five genes with alternative splicing events that may influence spermatogenesis and development of the testis were detected. GO (Gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analyses were performed for functional annotation of the differentially expressed genes. Pathways related to “spermatogenesis,” male gamete generation,” “spermatid development” and “oocyte meiosis” were significantly involved in different stages of testis development and spermatogenesis. Conclusion: Genes, pathways and alternative splicing events were identified with inferred functions in the process of spermatogenesis in the Mongolian horse. The identification of these differentially expressed genetic signatures improves our understanding of horse testis development and spermatogenesis.
Serum Levels of Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) Predicts Hemodialysis After Coronary Angiography in High Risk Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.
Authors: Reyes Luis Felipe , Severiche-Bueno Diego Fernando , Bustamante Carlos A. , Murillo Sixta , Soni Nilam J. , Poveda Marcela , Gomez Efrain , Buitrago Ricardo , Rodriguez Alejandro
Published: February 2020

Aim: To determine the association of serum, Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) levels and, the need for hemodialysis after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Design: This is a prospective, observational study.Setting: A cardiovascular and University referral hospital.Patients: Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) that underwent PCI during two consecutive years were enrolled in our study. Main variables of interest: NGAL levels were measured using ELISA. Blood samples were obtained within the first 6 hours of hospital admission, and 12 and 24 hours after contrast exposure from angiography. The primary outcome was the requirement of hemodialysis. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to test for differences in median serum levels of NGAL. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was developed to assess the accuracy of NGAL to predict the need for hemodialysis after PCI.Results: A total of 2,875 were screened; however, 45 patients with ACS that underwent PCI were included. All patients were at high risk of developing Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) defined by Mehran score >11 points. The median (IQR) serum concentration of NGAL was significantly higher in patients that required versus did not require hemodialysis (340 [83-384] vs. 169 [100-210], p=0.01). Elevated serum levels of NGAL predicted the need for hemodialysis with an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.66-1.00).Conclusions: In patients with ACS undergoing PCI; and high risk of developing CIN, an elevated serum level of NGAL 6 hours after contrast exposure predicts the development of acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis.
NT-4 attenuates neuroinflammation via TrkB/PI3K/FoxO1 pathway after germinal matrix hemorrhage in neonatal rats
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Zhang Junyi , Li Peng , Ding Yan , Tang Jiping , Chen Gang , Zhang John
Published: February 2020

Background: Neuroinflammation plays an important role in pathogenesis of germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH). Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) is a member of the neurotrophin family, and it interacts with the tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) receptor. It has been studied that NT-4 has neuroprotective effects following cerebral ischemia. We aimed to investigate the neuroprotective function of NT-4 and it’s high affinity receptor TrkB as well as its downstream mediator phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) following GMH in neonatal rats, with a specific focus on inflammation. Methods: GMH was induced by intraparenchymal injection of bacterial collagenase (0.3U) in P7 rat pups. A total of 163 seven-day-old pups were used in this study. The recombinant human NT-4 was administered intranasally at 1 hour after the collagenase injection. The selective TrkB antagonist ANA-12, selective PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and FoxO1 activating CRISPR were administered intracerebroventricularly at 24 hours prior to NT-4 treatment to investigate the potential mechanism. Short-and-long-term neurobehavior assessments, immunofluorescence staining, Nissl’s staining and Western blot were performed. Results ： The expression of p-TrkB increased after GMH with a peak at day3. The TrkB receptor was expressed by neurons, microglia, and astrocytes. The administration of rh-NT-4 increased phosphorylation of TrkB, expression of PI3K, phosphorylation of Akt and decreased FoxO1, IL-1beta and IL-6 levels. Selective inhibition of TrkB/PI3K/Akt signaling in microglia increased the expression levels of FoxO1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The use of FoxO1 activation CRISPR increased the expression of IL-6, suggesting that FoxO1 might potentially induce pro-inflammatory factors. These results demonstrated that PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 may be the downstream pathway of TrkB phosphorylation. The rat pups treated with rh-NT-4 performed better than untreated animals both in short-and-long-term behavior test. Conclusion： These data showed that rh-NT-4 can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improve neurological function, attenuate neuroinflammation and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus after GMH by promoting TrkB/PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway. These results indicated that rh-NT-4 could be a promising therapeutic target to ameliorate neuroinflammation and hydrocephalus after GMH or other similar brain injuries.
Exploring optimal examination to detect occult anastomotic leakage after rectal resection in patients with diverting stoma
Authors: Kitaguchi Daichi , Enomoto Tsuyoshi , Ohara Yusuke , Owada Yohei , Hisakura Katsuji , Akashi Yoshimasa , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Ogawa Koichi , Shimomura Osamu , Oda Tatsuya
Published: February 2020

Background

When considering “early stoma closure”, both standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria and standardized methods to assess anastomosis are necessary to reduce the risk of occult anastomotic leakage (AL). However, in the immediate postoperative period, neither have the incidence and risk factors of occult AL in patients with diverting stoma (DS) been clarified nor have methods to assess anastomosis been standardized. The aim of this study was to elucidate the incidence and risk factors of occult AL in patients who had undergone rectal resection with DS and to evaluate the significance of computed tomography (CT) following water-soluble contrast enema (CE) to detect occult anastomotic leakage.

Methods

This was a single institutional prospective observational study of patients who had undergone rectal resection with the selective use of DS between May and October 2019. Fifteen patients had undergone CE and CT to assess for AL on postoperative day (POD) 7, and CT was performed just after CE. Univariate analysis was performed to assess the relationship between preoperative variables and the incidence of occult AL on POD 7

Results

The incidence of occult AL on postoperative day 7 was 6 of 15 (40%). Hand-sewn anastomosis, compared with stapled anastomosis, was a significant risk factor. Five more cases with occult AL that could not be detected with CE could be detected on CT following CE; CE alone had a 33% false-negative radiological result rate.

Conclusions

Hand-sewn anastomosis appeared to be a risk factor for occult AL, and CE alone had a high false-negative radiological result rate. When considering the introduction of early stoma closure, stapled anastomosis and CT following CE could be an appropriate inclusion criterion and preoperative examination, respectively.
Increased circulating total bile acid levels were associated with organ failure in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Li Weiqin , Xie Xiaochun , Dong Jie , Lu Guotao , Gao Kun , Li Xiaoyao , Mao Wenjian , Chen Faxi , Tong Zhihui , Li Baiqiang
Published: February 2020

Background Recent studies have shown that bile acids (BAs) are closely related to metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Our study aimed to investigate whether circulating total bile acid (TBA) levels were associated with the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods We retrospectively collected data on patients diagnosed with AP in a tertiary center from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2016. The highest TBA value during the first 1,2,3,5,7 days after admission was determined as D1, D2, D3, D5, D7 TBA max . Patients were divided into the high TBA (HTBA) group and the normal TBA (NTBA) group according to whether the TBA max was ≥10μmol/L. The prognosis and complications, including death, organ failure (OF) and pancreatic necrosis, were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis and receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the relationship between circulating TBA and organ failure in AP patients. Results Through stratified analysis of each time period, we found that the incidence of OF in the HTBA group was significantly higher than that in the NTBA group, and the AP severity classification in the HTBA group was more serious than that in the NTBA group. In addition, according to the D7 TBA max values, the pancreatic necrosis rate, percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) rate and mortality in the HTBA group were higher than those in the NTBA group. Multivariate regression analysis showed that HTBA (odds ratio (OR), 4.894; P = 0.002) was an independent risk factor for AP complicated with OF, which was verified in the grouping based on D7 TBA max . ROC analysis revealed that a circulating D7 TBA max cutoff point of 6.450 umol/L had optimal predictive value for the development of OF in AP patients with an area under the curve of the ROC curve (AUCROC) of 0.777. Conclusions The increase of circulating TBA in early stage of AP is independently related to organ failure, which indicates the adverse prognosis of AP patients.
A practical staging atlas to study embryonic development of Octopus vulgaris under controlled laboratory conditions
Authors: Deryckere Astrid , Styfhals Ruth , Vidal Erica AG , Almansa Eduardo , Seuntjens Eve
Published: February 2020

Background Octopus vulgaris has been an iconic cephalopod species for neurobiology research as well as for cephalopod aquaculture. It is one of the most intelligent and well-studied invertebrates, possessing both long- and short-term memory and the striking ability to perform complex cognitive tasks. Nevertheless, how the common octopus developed these uncommon features remains enigmatic. O. vulgaris females spawn thousands of small eggs and remain with their clutch during their entire development, cleaning, venting and protecting the eggs. In fact, eggs incubated without females usually do not develop normally, mainly due to biological contamination (fungi, bacteria, etc.). This high level of parental care might have hampered laboratory research on the embryonic development of this intriguing cephalopod. Results Here, we present a completely parameter-controlled artificial seawater standalone egg incubation system that replaces maternal care and allows successful embryonic development of a small-egged octopus species until hatching in a laboratory environment. We also provide a practical and detailed staging atlas based on bright-field and light sheet fluorescence microscopy imaging for precise monitoring of embryonic development. The atlas has a comparative section to benchmark stages to the different scales published by Naef (1928), Arnold (1965) and Boletzky (2016). Finally, we provide methods to monitor health and wellbeing of embryos during organogenesis. Conclusion Besides introducing the study of O. vulgaris embryonic development to a wider community, this work can be a high-quality reference for comparative evolutionary developmental biology.
Review of health and non-health sector indicators for monitoring service provision along the continuum of care for maternal health
Authors: Mothupi Mamothena , Knight Lucia , Tabana Hanani
Published: February 2020

Objective : This study uses health and non-health sector data sources to select and assess available indicators for service provision along the continuum of care for maternal health at subnational levels in South Africa. It applies the adequacy approach established in another study to assess the multi-dimensionality of available indicators. Using adequacy and the process of assessment in the study, the comprehensiveness of the continuum of care for improving maternal health outcomes can be assessed.
Results: We found 27 indicators of care utilization and access, linkages of care, and quality of care from the routine district health information system. The General Household Survey contained 11 indicators for the social determinants of health on the continuum of care framework. Indicator gaps include health promotion during and after pregnancy, maternal nutrition, empowerment and quality of care. At present, the available indicators measure about 74% of the interventions on the continuum of care framework. We make recommendations regarding improvements needed to better measure and monitor the continuum of care for maternal health. These involve actions within the health system and include integration of non-health system indicators.