bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability Requirements for Scintillation Counters Used in Radioactivity Logging
Authors: Youmans Arthur , Monaghan Ralph
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 210, 1957, pages 231–234.

General principles of scintillation counter-type instruments for radioactivity logging are discussed and the various possible causes for instability are examined.

It is shown how instrumentation problems are solved. Means are discussed for minimizing drift and instability due to "fatigue" of the photomultiplier tube and neutron activation of the crystals.

Introduction

Neutron and gamma-ray logs made with logging instruments employing scintillation counters are now routinely available from most of the logging service companies. The superior characteristics of scintillation counters by comparison with older types of detectors promises to bring about important improvements in quantitative interpretation of radioactivity logs. Moreover, new types of logs can be made with scintillation counters which are not possible with other detectors. But in spite of the obvious superiority of these counters with respect to efficiency, speed, and versatility, they suffer from a number of inherent difficulties and weaknesses. Unless these inherent difficulties are fully recognized and satisfactorily overcome by sound engineering of the associated instrumentation, scintillation counter logs are particularly likely to exhibit drift and instability of sensitivity. This defect in logs when they are intended for quantitative interpretation is intolerable and more than outweighs any advantages over the older type of instrumentation when the latter is operating correctly.

Scintillation Counter Operation

In general all radioactivity logging instruments consist of a detector sensitive to gamma radiation or to neutron radiation coming from the strata. This radioactivity is either due to naturally decaying radioactive elements in the rock, radioactivity induced in the rock by a neutron source in the instrument, or scattering by the rock of neutrons or gamma rays coming from a source in the instrument.

In the scintillation counter the gamma radiation or neutron radiation reacts with the scintillation phosphor to produce light pulses. These light pulses are then converted to amplified electrical pulses by the multiplier phototube.
Interpretation of the Induction-Electrical Log in Fresh Mud
Authors: Dumanoir J.L. , Tixier M.P. , Martin Maurice
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 210, 1957, pages 202–217.

Introduction

The induction-electrical log is a combination of a SP curve, a short normal curve, and an induction log; all three logs being recorded simultaneously in a single run. The spacing of the short normal is 16 in. The induction log is designated as 5FF40, which means that the sonde involves five coils and a focusing system, and that the distance between the main coils is 40 in.

Examples of induction-electrical logs are shown in Figs. 13 and 15. The right-hand track contains the induction conductivity curve. The scale of this curve is linear with the units of conductivity, i.e., mhos/m or millimhos/m (mmhos/m), increasing from right to left. The same curve can be read in the reverse direction as a resistivity log, with a hyperbolic scale.

In the middle track, the solid curve represents the short normal. (An amplified short normal is also shown in Fig. 15). The dotted curve is the resistivity curve of the induction log, i.e., the reciprocal of the conductivity curve, recorded with the same linear scale as the short normal. The SP is in the left-hand track.

In this combination, the SP curve and the 16-in. normal are the essential correlation curves, as in the conventional electrical log. The induction log provides a more accurate and detailed record of formation boundaries than the conventional log, especially in hard rock territories. Furthermore, the induction-electrical log makes possible the determination of fluid content, particularly in thin beds - at least qualitatively and very often quantitatively. In such thin beds, because of the adverse effect of the adjacent formations, the responses of the conventional devices are generally doubtful and/or incomplete. Another advantage of the new combination is that the induction log is little affected by the presence of thin hard streaks interbedded within the permeable sections, whereas such occurrences are the cause of serious distortions of the long normal and lateral curves.
Laminar Flow of Drilling Mud Due to Axial Pressure Gradient and External Torque
Authors: Paslay P.R. , Slibar A.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 210, 1957, pages 310–317.

Using three-dimensional, stress-deformation rate equations for a Bingham plastic, an approximate solution for the laminar flow of drilling mud between the drill pipe and casing is given for the case when the velocity gradients due to axial flow are large compared to velocity gradients due to rotation.

Introduction

The fact that drilling mud can be treated, to a first approximation, as a Bingham plastic has been established by several investigators. A Bingham plastic is a material that is rigid until a certain combination of stresses exceeds a critical value. When the stresses are sufficiently high to initiate flow, the reduced stresses have a constant ratio to the corresponding deformation rates at each point.

Prediction of pressure and torque requirements to produce the desired flow of the material have been made by analytical solutions due to Bingham, Reiner, and Buckingham. One part of the present means of calculation that requires clarification is the flow between the drill pipe and casing. Present methods treat the flow resulting from the rotation of the drill pipe separate from the flow produced by the axial pressure gradient.

Since the non-linear behavior of a Bingham plastic implies that solutions cannot be superposed, the present analytical investigation was undertaken to obtain a solution to the problem of combined axial and tangential flow.

Equations have been proposed for the three-dimensional flow of a Bingham plastic and it has been shown that the proposed equations lead to the usual solutions from the one-dimensional theory. Applying these equations to the flow between two concentric cylinders the problem of axial flow only and tangential flow only have been solved. In addition to the separate problems of axial and tangential flow between concentric cylinders, the authors have determined the relationship between external torque on the inside cylinder and axial pressure gradient necessary to initiate flow. The solution given in Ref. 14 points out the complexity of the present problem.
Age-related Differences in Breast Cancer Mortality according to Race/Ethnicity, Insurance, and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Miguel Yazmin San , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Murphy James D. , Schwab Richard B. , McDaniels-Davidson Corinne , Canchola Alison J. , Molinolo Alfredo A. , Nodora Jesse N. , Martinez Maria Elena
Published: February 2020

Purpose We assessed breast cancer mortality in older versus younger women according to race/ethnicity, neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES), and health insurance status. Methods The study included female breast cancer cases 18 years of age and older, diagnosed between 2005 and 2015 in the California Cancer Registry. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to generate hazard ratios (HR) of breast cancer specific deaths and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for older (60+ years) versus younger (<60 years) patients separately by race/ethnicity, nSES, and health insurance status. Results Risk of dying from breast cancer was higher in older than younger patients after multivariable adjustment, which varied in magnitude by race/ethnicity (P-interaction<0.0001). Comparing older to younger patients, higher mortality differences were shown for non-Hispanic white (HR=1.43; 95% CI, 1.36-1.51) and Hispanic women (HR=1.37; 95% CI, 1.26-1.50) and lower differences for non-Hispanic blacks (HR=1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.31) and Asians/Pacific Islanders (HR=1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.31). HRs comparing older to younger patients varied by insurance status (P-interaction<0.0001), with largest mortality differences observed for privately insured women (HR=1.51; 95% CI, 1.43-1.59) and lowest in Medicaid/military/other public insurance (HR=1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.26). No age differences were shown for uninsured women. HRs comparing older to younger patients were similar across nSES strata. Conclusion Our results provide evidence for the continued disparity in black-white breast cancer mortality, which is magnified in younger women. Moreover, insurance status continues to play a role in breast cancer mortality, with uninsured women having the highest risk for breast cancer death, regardless of age.
A Global Health Capstone: An Innovative Educational Approach in a Competency-Based Curriculum for Medical Students
Authors: Chamberlain Stacey , Gonzalez Nicole , Dobiesz Valerie , Edison Marcia , Lin Janet , Weine Stevan
Published: February 2020

Background Global health educational programs for medical and public health professionals have grown substantially in recent years. The University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine (UICOM) began a global medicine (GMED) program for selected students in 2012 and has since graduated four classes. As part of the four-year curriculum, students complete a longitudinal global health capstone project. This paper describes the global health capstone project as an innovative educational tool within a competency-based curriculum. Methods The authors define and describe the longitudinal global health capstone including specific requirements, student deliverables, and examples of how the global health capstone may be used as part of a larger curriculum to teach the competency domains identified by the Consortium of Universities for Global Health. The authors also reviewed the final capstone projects for 35 graduates to describe characteristics of capstone projects completed. Results The global health capstone was developed as one educational tool within a broader global health curriculum for medical students. Of the 35 capstones, 21 projects involved original research (74%), and 25 involved international travel (71%). Nine projects led to a conference abstract/presentation (26%) while five led to a publication (14%). Twenty-one projects (60%) had subject matter-focused faculty mentorship. Conclusions A longitudinal global health capstone is a feasible tool to teach targeted global health competencies and can provide meaningful opportunities for research and career mentorship. Further refinement of the capstone process is needed to strengthen mentorship, and additional assessment methods are needed.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance 4D flow analysis has a higher diagnostic yield than Doppler echocardiography for detecting increased pulmonary artery pressure
Authors: Ugander Martin , Ramos João G. , Fyrdahl Alexander , Wieslander Björn , Reiter Gert , Reiter Ursula , Jin Ning , Maret Eva , Eriksson Maria , Caidahl Kenneth , Sörensson Peder , Sigfridsson Andreas
Published: February 2020

Background : Pulmonary hypertension is definitively diagnosed by the measurement of mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure (mPAP) using right heart catheterization. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) four-dimensional (4D) flow analysis can estimate mPAP from blood flow vortex duration in the PA, with excellent results. Moreover, the peak systolic tricuspid regurgitation (TR) pressure gradient (TRPG) measured by Doppler echocardiography is commonly used in clinical routine to estimate systolic PA pressure. This study aimed to compare CMR and echocardiography with regards to quantitative and categorical agreement, and diagnostic yield for detecting increased PA pressure.
Methods : Consecutive clinically referred patients (n=60, median [interquartile range] age 60 [48–68] years, 33% female) underwent echocardiography and CMR at 1.5T (n=43) or 3T (n=17). PA vortex duration was used to estimate mPAP using a commercially available time-resolved multiple 2D slice phase contrast three-directional velocity encoded sequence covering the main PA. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography was performed to measure TR and derive TRPG. Diagnostic yield was defined as the fraction of cases in which CMR or echocardiography detected an increased PA pressure, defined as vortex duration ≥15% of the cardiac cycle (mPAP ≥25 mmHg) or TR velocity >2.8 m/s (TRPG >31 mmHg).
Results : Both CMR and echocardiography showed normal PA pressure in 39/60 (65%) patients and increased PA pressure in 9/60 (15%) patients, overall agreement in 48/60 (80%) patients, kappa 0.49 (95% confidence interval 0.27-0.71). CMR had a higher diagnostic yield for detecting increased PA pressure compared to echocardiography (21/60 (35%) vs 9/60 (15%), p<0.001). In cases with both an observable PA vortex and measurable TR velocity (34/60, 56%), TRPG was correlated with mPAP (R 2 =0.65, p<0.001).
Conclusions : There is good quantitative and fair categorical agreement between estimated mPAP from CMR and TRPG from echocardiography. CMR has higher diagnostic yield for detecting increased PA pressure compared to echocardiography, potentially due to a lower sensitivity of echocardiography in detecting increased PA pressure compared to CMR, related to limitations in the ability to adequately visualize and measure the TR jet by echocardiography. Future comparison between echocardiography, CMR and invasive measurements are justified to definitively confirm these findings.
Outcomes of Patients with Initially Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma who did not Benefit from Resection: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Garnier Jonathan , Ewald Jacques , Marchese Ugo , Gilabert Marine , Launay Simon , Moureau-Zabotto Laurence , Poizat Flora , Giovannini Marc , Delpero Jean-Robert , Turrini Olivier
Published: February 2020

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with unresectable non-metastatic locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (LAPA) who did not benefit from resection considering the treatment strategy in the clinical settings. Methods: Between 2010 and 2017, a total of 234 patients underwent induction chemotherapy for LAPA that could not be treated with surgery. After oncologic restaging, continuous chemotherapy or chemoradiation (CRT) was decided for patients without metastatic disease. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to determine overall survival (OS), and the Wilcoxon test to compare survival curves. Multivariate analysis was performed using the stepwise logistic regression method. Results: FOLFIRINOX was the most common induction regimen (168 patients, 72%), with a median of 6 chemotherapy cycles and resulted in higher OS, compared to gemcitabine (19 vs. 16 months, hazard ratio (HR)=1.2, 95% confidence interval: 0.86–1.6, P =.03). However, no difference was observed after adjusting for age (≤75 years) and performance status score (0–1). At restaging, 187 patients (80%) had non-metastatic disease: CRT was administered to 126 patients (67%) while chemotherapy was continued in 61 (33%). Patients who received CRT had characteristics comparable to those who continued with chemotherapy, with similar OS. They also had longer progression-free survival (median 13.3 vs. 9.6 months, HR=1.38, 95% confidence interval: 1–1.9, P <.01) and limited short-term treatment-related toxicity. Conclusions: The median survival of patients who could not undergo surgery was 19 months. Hence, CRT should not be eliminated as a treatment option and may be useful as a part of optimised sequential chemotherapy for both local and metastatic disease.
Genome-wide identification of diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) family genes influencing milk production traits in buffalo
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Wang Zhiquan , Li Jun , Li Hui , Yang Liguo
Published: February 2020

Background: The diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) are a vital group of enzymes in catalyzing triacylglycerol biosynthesis. DGAT genes like DGAT1 and DGAT2 , have been identified as two functional candidate genes affecting milk production traits, especially for fat content in milk. Buffalo milk is famous for its excellent quality, which is rich in fat and protein content. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize DGAT family genes in buffalo and to find candidate markers or DGAT genes influencing lactation performance.
Results: We performed a genome-wide study and identified eight DGAT genes in buffalo. All the DGAT genes classified into two distinct clades (DGAT1 and DGAT2 subfamily) based on their phylogenetic relationships and structural features. Chromosome localization displayed eight buffalo DGAT genes distributed on five chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed that the DGAT family genes were extensive homologous between buffalo and cattle. Afterward, we discovered genetic variants loci within the genomic regions that DGAT genes located in buffalo. Seven haplotype blocks were constructed and were associated with buffalo milk production traits. Single marker association analyses revealed four most significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mainly affecting milk protein percentage or milk fat yield in buffalo. Genes functional analysis indicated that these DGAT family genes could influence lactation performance in the mammal through regulating lipid metabolism.
Conclusion: In the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis for the DGAT family genes in buffalo, which including identification, structural characterization, phylogenetic classification, chromosomal distribution, collinearity analysis, association analysis, and functional analysis. These findings provide useful information for an in-depth study to determine the role of DGAT family gens play in the regulation of milk production and milk quality improvement in buffalo.
Path analysis of skin cancer preventive behaviors in rural women based on protection motivation theory
Authors: Kaviani Abdol-Hossain , Khorsandi Mahboobeh , Roozbahani Nasrin
Published: February 2020

Background: Determining the factors that affect the adoption of preventive behaviors that can reduce the risk of skin cancer is an important first step for designing interventions promoting these behaviors. The present study was conducted aimed to path analysis of skin cancer preventive behaviors in rural women based on protection motivation theory.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 230 rural women in the west of Iran were selected randomly. Data were collected by a valid and reliable questionnaire including demographic information and structures of protection motivation theory by interview with rural women and then analyzed using SPSS 22 and LISREL8.8.
Results: In relation with skin cancer preventive behaviors, 27.8% of women wore sun-blocking clothing when working under the sun, 21.7% used sunscreen cream, 5.7% wore cap and 4.8 wore gloves and sunglasses. Protection motivation theory and per capita income explained 76% of motivation variance and 25% of the variance of skin cancer preventive behaviors. Response efficacy structure was the strongest predictor of the motivation of protection (0/001> p, ß= -0.44) and per capita income (0/001> p, ß= -0.34) and motivation (0/001> p, ß= -0.33) were the strongest predictors of these behaviors.
Conclusions: This study showed that protection motivation theory is efficient in predicting preventive behaviors of skin cancer and promoting interventions of the behaviors can be designed and implemented by this theory. It is also necessary to perform proper planning in promoting these behaviors in people with low per-capita income.
Impact of superimposed nephrological care to guidelines-directed management by primary care physicians of patients with stable chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saudan Patrick , Ponte Belen , Marangon Nicola , Martinez Chantal , Berchtold Lena , Jaques David , Ernandez Thomas , De Seigneux Sophie , Carballo Sebqastian , Perneger Thomas , Martin Pierre-Yves
Published: February 2020

Background: Optimal clinical care of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaboration between primary care physicians (PCP) and nephrologists. We undertook a randomised trial to determine the impact of superimposed nephrologist care compared to guidelines-directed management by PCPs in CKD patients after hospital discharge.

Methods: Stage 3b-4 CKD patients were enrolled during a hospitalization and randomised in two arms: Co-management by PCPs and nephrologists (interventional arm) versus management by PCPs with written instructions and consultations by nephrologists on demand (standard care). Our primary outcome was death or rehospitalisation within the 2 years post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes were: urgent renal replacement therapy (RRT), decline of renal function and decrease of quality of life at 2 years.

Results: From November 2009 to the end of June 2013, we randomised 242 patients. Mean follow-up was 51 + 20 months. Survival without rehospitalisation, GFR decline and elective dialysis initiation did not differ between the two arms. Quality of life was also similar in both groups . Compared to randomised patients, those who either declined to participate in the study or were previously known by nephrologists had a worse survival.

Conclusion: These results do not demonstrate a benefit of a regular renal care compared to guided PCPs care in terms of survival or dialysis initiation in CKD patients. Increased awareness of renal disease management among PCPs may be as effective as a co-management by PCPs and nephrologists in order to improve the prognosis of moderate-to-severe CKD.
Comparison of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living assessment by face-to-face or telephone interviews: A randomized, crossover study
Authors: Dauphinot Virginie , Boublay Nawèle , Moutet Claire , Achi Sarah , Bathsavanis Anthony , Krolak-Salmon Pierre
Published: February 2020

Background The functional autonomy assessment is essential to manage patients with a neurodegenerative disease, but its evaluation is not always possible during a consultation. To optimize ambulatory autonomy assessment, we compared the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaire collected by telephone and face-to-face interviews.Methods A randomized, crossover study was carried-out among patients attending a memory clinic (MC). The IADL questionnaire was collected for patients during telephone and face-to-face interviews between nurses and patients’caregivers. The agreement between the two methods was measured using the proportion of participants giving the same response, Cohen’s Kappa, intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient, and Bland and Altman method. The associations between patients’ characteristics, events occurring between the two assessments, and agreement were assessed.Results Among the 292 patients (means±SD age 81.5±7, MMSE 19.6±6, 39.7% with major neurocognitive disorders) analyzed, the proportion of agreement between the two modes was 89.4% for the total IADL score. Weighted Kappa coefficent was 0.66 and ICC score was 0.91 for total IADL score. The mean difference between the IADL score by telephone or face-to-face was 0.32. Overall, 96.9% of measures lay within the 95% limits of agreement. The occurrence of fall was less likely associated with the probability to lie within the 95% limits of agreement (OR=0.07[0.02-0.27]).Conclusion The administration of IADL by telephone with the caregiver appears to be an acceptable method of assessment for MC patients compared to face-to-face interview. The events such as falls which could occur in a time close to the evaluation should be reported.
Influence of trends in hospital volume over time on patient outcomes for high-risk surgery
Authors: Payet Cécile , Polazzi Stéphanie , Lifante Jean-Christophe , Cotte Eddy , Grinberg Daniel , Carty Matthew J , Sanchez Stéphane , Rabilloud Muriel , Duclos Antoine
Published: February 2020

Background

The “practice makes perfect” concept considers the more frequent a hospital performs a procedure, the better the outcome of the procedure. We aimed to study this concept by investigating whether patient outcomes improve in hospitals with a significantly increased volume of high-risk surgery over time and whether a learning effect existed at the individual hospital level.

Methods

We included all patients who underwent one of ten digestive, cardiovascular and orthopaedic procedures between 2010 and 2014 from the French nationwide hospitals database. For each procedure, we identified three groups of hospitals according to volume trend (increased, decreased, or no change). In-hospital mortality, reoperation, and unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days were compared between groups using Cox regressions, taking into account clustering of patients within hospitals and potential confounders. Individual hospital learning effect was investigated by considering the interaction between hospital groups and procedure year.

Results

Over 5 years, 759,928 patients from 694 hospitals were analysed. Patients’ mortality in hospitals with procedure volume increase or decrease over time did not clearly differ from those in hospitals with unchanged volume across the studied procedures (e.g., Hazard Ratios [95%] of 1.04 [0.93-1.17] and 1.08 [0.97-1.21] respectively for colectomy). Furthermore, patient outcomes did not improve or deteriorate in hospitals with increased or decreased volume of procedures over time (e.g., 1.01 [0.95-1.08] and 0.99 [0.92-1.05] respectively for colectomy).

Conclusions

Trend in hospital volume over time does not appear to influence patient outcomes based on real-world data.
Does zero-profile anchored cage accompanied by a higher postoperative subsidence compared with cage-plate construct? A meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Yingjie , Fang Yuepeng , Shen Xu , Lu Dongdong , Zhou Liyu , Gan Minfeng , Zhu Xuesong
Published: February 2020

Background: The zero-profile anchored cage ( ZP ) has been widely used for its lower occurrence of dysphagia. However, it is still controversial whether it has the same stability as the cage-plate construct (CP) and increases the incidence of postoperative subsidence. We compared the rate of subsidence after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with ZP and CP to determine whether the zero-profile device had a higher subsidence rate. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of studies that compared the subsidence rates of ZP and CP. An extensive and systematic search covered the Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases according to the PRISMA guidelines and identified ten articles that satisfied our inclusion criteria. Relevant clinical and radiological data were extracted and analyzed by RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Ten trials involving 626 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The incidence of postoperative subsidence in the ZP group was significantly higher than that in the CP group [15.1% (89/588) vs. 8.8% (51/581), OR = 1.97 (1.34, 2.89), P = 0.0005]. In the subgroup analysis, we found that the definition of subsidence did not affect the higher subsidence rate in the ZP group. Considering the quantity of operative segments, there was no significant difference in the incidence of subsidence between the two groups after single-level fusion (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.61-3.37, P = 0.41). However, the subsidence rate of the ZP group was significantly higher than that of the CP group (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.55-4.40, P = 0.0003) after multilevel (≥2-level) procedures. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, JOA score, NDI score, fusion rate or cervical alignment in the final follow-up between the two groups. In addition, the CP group had a longer operation time and a higher incidence of dysphagia than the ZP group at each follow-up time. Conclusion: Based on the limited evidence, we suggest that ZP has a higher risk of postoperative subsidence than CP, although with elevated swallowing discomfort. A high-quality, multi-center randomized controlled trial is required to validate our results in the future.
Toxicity evaluation of recombinant Fim-C Salmonella typhi Protein on ddY Mice for Typhoid Vaccine Development
Authors: Nurjayadi Muktiningsih , Mangunwardoyo Wibowo - , Agustini Kurnia - , Wulandari Gina Riesky , Astuti Gina - , Chasanah Nunung Iswatun , Kartika Irma Ratna
Published: February 2020

Background: Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi infection, commonly occurs in developing countries from bad sanitation and living conditions. Vaccination against the fever has been developed by means of induction of antibody through introduction of Fim-C, one of the virulence factor proteins on the cell surface of the bacterium. Recently, we have cloned and overexpressed the protein in Escherichia coli . The 31 kDa recombinant Fim-C induced immune response upon introduction to ddY mice at a concentration of 40-60 µg/mL, indicating its potency as an anti-typhoid fever vaccine candidate. Objective: In this study, the safety of the protein was evaluated through abnormal and acute toxicity test in ddY mice, as well as determine its lethal dose (LD50). Methods: Forty of equal number male and female mice were recruited and observed according to the physiology, body weight and temperature, and mortality rate was performed on fourteenth days after immunization. Results: No abnormalities were observed at 25 µg/mL while 60% mortality occurred at 125 µg/mL. The latter observation correlates with our finding that the LD50 of the recombinant Fim-C was 123.5 µg/mL. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the recombinant Fim-C protein is safe for use as anti typhoid fever vaccine.
Patient-evaluated cognitive function measured with smartphones and the association with objective cognitive function, perceived stress, quality of life and function capacity in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Faurholt-Jepsen Maria , Miskowiak Kamilla Woznica , Frost Mads , Christensen Ellen Marrgethe , Þórarinsdóttir Helga , Bardram Jakob Eyvind , Vinberg Maj , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: February 2020

Background Cognitive impairments in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have been associated with reduced functioning. Aims: To investigate the association between 1) patient-evaluated cognitive function measured daily using smartphones and stress, quality of life and functioning, respectively, and 2) patient-evaluated cognitive function and objectively-measured cognitive function with neuropsychological tests. Methods Data from two randomized controlled trials were combined. Patients with BD (N=117) and healthy controls (HC) (N=40) evaluated their cognitive function daily for six to nine months using a smartphone. Patients completed the objective cognition screening tool, the Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry and were rated with the Functional Assessment Short Test. Raters were blinded to smartphone data. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the WHO Quality of Life questionnaires. Data was collected at multiple time points per participant. P-values below 0.0023 were considered statistically significant. Results Patient-evaluated cognitive function was statistically significant associated with perceived stress, quality of life and functioning, respectively (all p-values<0.0001). There was no association between patient-evaluated cognitive function and objectively-measured cognitive function ( B:0.0009, 95% CI: 0.0017; 0.016, p=0.015 ). Patients exhibited cognitive impairments in subjectively evaluated cognitive function in comparison with HC despite being in full or partly remission ( B: -0.36, 95% CI: -0.039; -0.032, p<0.0001 ). Conclusion The present association between patient-evaluated cognitive function on smartphones and perceived stress, quality of life and functional capacity suggests that smartphones can provide a valid tool to assess disability in remitted BD. Smartphone-based ratings of cognition could not provide insights into objective cognitive function.
CD107a+ (LAMP-1) cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells in lupus nephritis patients
Authors: Wiechmann Anika , Wilde Benjamin , Amann Kerstin , Abdulahad Wayel H. , Kribben Andreas , Lang Karl Sebastian , Witzke Oliver , Dolff Sebastian
Published: February 2020

Background: Cytotoxic CD8 + T-cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CD107a (LAMP-1) on cytotoxic CD8 + T-cells in SLE-patients in particular with lupus nephritis. Methods: Peripheral blood of SLE-patients (n=31) and healthy controls (n=21) was analyzed for the expression of CD314 and CD107a by flow cytometry. Kidney biopsies of lupus nephritis patients were investigated for the presence of CD8 + and C107a + cells by immunohistochemistry. Results: The percentages of CD107a + on CD8 + T-cells were significantly decreased in SLE-patients as compared to healthy controls (40.2 ±18.5 % vs. 47.9 ± 15.0 %, p=0.02). This was even more significant in SLE-patients with inactive disease. There was a significant correlation between the percentages of CD107a + CD8 + T-cells and SLEDAI. The evaluation of lupus nephritis biopsies showed a significant number of CD107a + CD8 + T-cells mainly located in the peritubular infiltrates. The intrarenal expression of CD107a + was significantly correlated with proteinuria. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that CD8 + T-cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have an altered expression of CD107a which seems to be associated with disease activity. The proof of intrarenal CD107a + CD8 + suggests a role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
Neurofeedback training of control network improves SSVEP-based BCI performance in children
Authors: Jingnan Sun , He Jing , Gao Xiaorong
Published: February 2020

Background: In the past 20 years, neural engineering has made unprecedented progress in the interpretation of brain information (e.g., brain-computer interfaces) and neuromodulation (e.g., electromagnetic stimulation and neurofeedback). However, the study of improving the performance of the brain-computer interface (BCI) using the neuromodulation method rarely exists. The present study designs a neurofeedback training method to improve the performance of steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) BCI and further explores its underlying mechanisms. Methods: As parietal lobe is the sole hub of information transmission, up-regulating alpha-band power of the parietal lobe by neurofeedback training was present as a new neural modulating method to improve SSVEP-based BCI in this study. Results: After this neurofeedback training (NFT), the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), accuracy, and information transfer rate (ITR) of SSVEP-based BCI were increased by 5.8%, 4.7%, and 15.6% respectively. However, no improvement has been observed in the control group in which the subjects do not participate in NFT. What’s more, a general reinforcement of the information flow from the parietal lobe to the occipital lobe was also observed. Evidence from the network analysis and attention test further indicate that NFT improves attention via developing the control ability of the parietal lobe and then enhances the above SSVEP indicators. Conclusion: Up-regulating parietal alpha-amplitude using neurofeedback training significantly improves the SSVEP-baesd BCI performance through modulating the control network. The study validates an effective neuromodulation method, and possibly also contributes to explaining the function of the parietal lobe in the control network.
Efficacy of brief dynamic interpersonal therapy in patients with major depressive disorder: a prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Wang Lanlan , Wang Qian , Jiang Wenhui , Luo Jianfeng , Tong Jun , Li Xiaosi , Fang Fang , Wang Hongyan , Zhao Wenqing , Koszycki Diana , Qiu Jianyin
Published: February 2020

Background : Dynamic Interpersonal Psychotherapy (DIT) is a brief manualized depression-focused intervention. This paper describes a study protocol of a multi-site, three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing medication plus DIT to medication alone and medication plus an active control psychotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods : 240 patients with MDD will be randomly allocated on a 1:1:1 basis to the treatment conditions, with 80 patients in each group. Patients will be assessed pre-and post-intervention and at 6- and 12-months follow-up with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA-14) administered by blind evaluators, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7-item scale(GAD-7), side effect reaction scale (TESS), and The Self-Assessment Scale of the Overall Efficacy and Satisfaction of Patients (SASE). The primary outcome is change from baseline in HAMD-17 scores. Secondary outcomes include rates of response, remission and relapse, change from baseline in self-report depression and measures of anxious symptomatology, and subjective satisfaction of patients. Discussion: This will be the first multicentered RCT in China to assess the potential efficacy of psychotherapy for MDD. The study has the potential to inform clinical treatment guidelines for the treatment of MDD in China. Trial registration : ChiCTR，ChiCTR1800016970， Registered on July 5 th 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=28786 . Key words : Depression; Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy; Multicenter randomized controlled trial,
SIK2 Promotes Cisplatin Resistance Induced by Aerobic Glycolysis in Breast Cancer Cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zong Shoukai , Dai Wei , Fang Wencheng , Guo Xiangting , Wang Kai
Published: February 2020

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of SIK2 on cisplatin resistance induced by aerobic glycolysis in breast cancer cells and its potential mechanism. Methods qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect SIK2 mRNA and protein levels. Cisplatin (DDP) resistant cell lines of breast cancer cells were established, CCK-8 was used to measure and evaluate the viability, and Transwell was used to evaluate the cell invasion capability. Flow cytometry was adopted to evaluate the apoptosis rate. The glycolysis level was evaluated by measuring glucose consumption and lactic acid production. The protein levels of p-PI3K, p- protein kinase B (Akt) and p-mTOR were determined by western blot. Results SIK2 is highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and cells compared with adjacent tissues and normal human breast epithelial cells, and has higher diagnostic value for breast cancer. Silencing SIK2 expression can inhibit proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells and induce their apoptosis. In addition, SIK2 knockdown inhibits glycolysis, reverses the resistance of drug-resistant cells to cisplatin, and inhibits PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. When LY294002 is used to inhibit PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, the effect of Sh-SIK2 on aerobic glycolysis of breast cancer cells can be reversed. Conclusion SIK2 can promote cisplatin resistance caused by aerobic glycolysis of breast cancer cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which may be a new target to improve cisplatin resistance of breast cancer cells.
The effect of paraspinal muscle-splitting microscopic-assisted discectomy versus percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy on patients in the treatment of far-lateral lumbar disc herniation
Authors: KONG LEI , Xu Hong Guang
Published: February 2020

Background

Minimally invasive surgery includes percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and the microscopic tubular technique. This study aimed to compare the two techniques and evaluate the outcome of the procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with far-lateral lumbar disc herniation (FLLDH) from June 2015 to October 2018. Twenty-six patients underwent paraspinal muscle-splitting microscopic-assisted discectomy (MD), and 30 underwent percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) surgery. Data included the duration of the operation, duration of intraoperative radiation exposure and average hospitalization. Pre- and postoperative pain scores and neurological functions were recorded using visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI).

Results

A total of 56 patients remained in the study over the 12–24 months. The mean operating time was 65.83 ± 16.64 min in the PELD group, the mean duration of radiation exposure was 2.87±1.19 min and average hospitalization was 3.43 days. The mean operating time was 44.96 ± 16.87 min in the MD group, the mean duration of radiation exposure was 0.78±0.32 min and average hospitalization was 4.12 days. All patients in both groups showed significant improvement of VAS and ODI scores after surgery and until final follow-up.

Conclusion

Both techniques are minimally invasive, effective, and safe for treating far-lateral lumbar disc herniation in selected patients. Compared with the PELD technique, the MD procedure affords a wider field of vision during operation, shorter operation time, fewer postoperative complications, and a shorter learning curve.
Is Routine Chemical Thromboprophylaxis Necessary in Patients Undergoing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: Xu Xingquan , Yao Yao , Yan Wenqiang , Yan Wenjin , Xu Jia , Chen Dongyang , Xu Zhihong , Jiang Qing , Shi Dongquan
Published: February 2020

Background This study aimed to determine the prevalence ofvenous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) 3 days and 3 months postoperatively and figure out whether routine chemical thromboprophylaxis was necessary.Methods The medical records of 146 patients who underwent unilateral UKA at our institution were reviewed. The length of hospital stays after the surgery of the patients was 5.6 ± 2.7 days (3–23 days). All patients underwent pneumatic leg compression, rehabilitation exercises, pain management, and chemical deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis from the day of surgery to 3 days after the surgery. From the fourth day to discharge, chemical prophylaxis was stopped. After discharge, only rehabilitation exercises were encouraged. All patients underwent bilateral venography or ultrasound preoperatively and 3 days postoperatively to detect DVT. They completed the follow-up review 3 months after the surgery; 108 patients had ultrasound tests again.Results DVT was detected in 9 (6.2%) of the 146 patients 3 days after the surgery and in 8 (7.4%) of the 108 patients 3 months after the surgery. No symptomatic or proximal DVT was observed. No patient exhibited pulmonary embolism–related symptoms. After discharge, six DVTs (66.7%) dissolved, and 6 (5.6%) were newly formed. No significant difference in demographics and surgery-related factors was detected between DVT and no-DVT groups at both time points.Conclusions Routine chemical thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing UKA with pain management and rehabilitation exercises may not be necessary.
Gender discrepancy of incidence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome among rural Chinese from 2012-2013 to 2015-2017
Authors: Yu Shasha , Guo Xiaofan , Li Guangxiao , Yang Hongmei , Sun Guozhe , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian
Published: February 2020

Background: We reported a relatively high rate of MetS in rural Northeast residents in 2012-2013. Many strategies like health knowledge propagation and lifestyle modification have been taken to help rural residents decrease metabolic disorders. Hence, we held the present follow-up study in order to figure the changes of metabolic parameters and the possible reasons together with the evaluation of MetS incidence and associated risk factors.Methods: A population-based sample of 8147 rural Northeast Chinese residents aged ≥ 35 years at baseline were followed up from 2012-2013 to 2015-2017. MetS was diagnosed following the unify criteria in 2009 using the Asian specific criteria.Results: Among residents with MetS at baseline, value of systolic, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL-C decreased while waist circumference increased in both genders in follow-up. Discrepancy of trend in body mass index, LDL-C and estimated GFR existed between male and female. Besides, triglyceride increased, and fast glucose decreased in female only. The alterations of dietary pattern might be accountable for those changes. Among residents without MetS at baseline, the cumulative incidence of newly diagnosed MetS was 24.0% (25.8% for male; 22.3% for female). As the number of metabolic disorders increased at baseline, the incidence of MetS also increased (zero metabolic disorder: 8.3%; one metabolic disorder: 17.1%; two metabolic disorders: 35.4%). In male residents, bad living habits like smoking and drinking were associated with increasing risk of Mets while in female, higher risk of MetS was more likely relevant to dietary pattern.Conclusion: Metabolic parameters changes during the past years and seem to be associated with alteration of diet pattern. Incidence of MetS still high among rural Northeast Chinese. The risk factors of higher incidence of MetS show gender discrepancy which make the prophylaxis and control of MetS more effective and directive in rural residents.
The effectiveness of Information-Motivation and Behavioral skills (IMB) model of self-care in early pregnancy to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus in Iranian overweight and obese women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Motahari-Tabari Narges Sadat , Faramarzi Mahbobeh , Shirvani Marjan Ahmad , Bakhtiari Afsaneh , Omidvar Shabnam , Nasiriamiri Fatemeh
Published: February 2020

Background: Gestational diabetes is one of the most common metabolic dysfunction in pregnancy and as overweight and obesity are of the major risk factors, this study aimed to determine the effect of Information-Motivation and Behavioral skills (IMB) model-based counseling on preventing gestational diabetes in overweight and obese pregnant women. Methods: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted involving pregnant women who are overweight (BMI >25 to 29.9 k/gm2) or obese (BMI >30 k/gm2), at the 12 to 16 weeks gestation and recruited from the Prenatal Clinic of Rohani Educational Hospital in Babol medical university, Iran, women in the intervention group will receive a program informed four sessions by the Information-Motivation and Behavioral skills. The control group received routine care. Blood glucose was measured before and 8 weeks after the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics including mean, standard deviation, frequency, t-test, chi-square and ANCOVA were used. Results: The prevalence of gestational diabetes was lower in the intervention group than the routine care group (10% and 29.9%, respectively, RR=0.33, CI 95% (0.15- 0.74) p=0.004) as well as mean fasting blood glucose (d=0.28, P=0.07), and glucose tolerance test at the first and second hour (d= 0.41 and d=0.73, respectively, p<0.01). Conclusions: Our data suggest that women that IMB model-based counseling on self-care in early pregnancy in overweight and obese pregnant women can be effective in preventing gestational diabetes. Keywords: Gestational Diabetes, Obesity, Overweight, Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model Name of the registry: Comparison of the effectiveness of counseling based on health promoting behaviors on fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance test in pregnant and overweight and obese women IRCT registration number: IRCT20120125008822N3Registration date: 2018-07-05, 1397/04/14Registration timing: prospective https://en.irct.ir/trial/32150