bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Big Data Analytics and Advanced Formation Modelling for Detection of Kicks in Drilling Operations
Authors: Isemin Isemin. A. , Nkundu King-Akanimo B. , Agwu Okorie E.
Published: July 2019

A Kick, the influx of formation fluid into the wellbore while drilling, poses a major challenge to drilling operations and can spiral out of control into blowouts with severe fatal, fiscal and environmental consequences. Kicks characteristically have a higher occurrence when drilling in relatively unexplored formations and with the combined factors of a waning era of easy oil and increasing energy demand, the consequent push for petroleum exploration in unconventional formations demands better techniques to detect and control kicks. This work has detection of kicks as its objective. Traditional methods of detecting kicks by monitoring drilling mud levels in the tanks has proven to be cumbersome and error prone and it leaves little time for an effective response. Thus, the use of analytics of real time drilling data and advanced formation modelling is presented as an approach to create a better representation of the drilling environment sub-surface and identify potential threats of a kick along the course of drilling (with respect to the trajectory as well as decisions to be made following that course). The methodology seeks to create a comprehensive model that defines relevant physical parameters whose values can be used as data sets which describe the ongoing drilling process and its relationship with the background formation with the aim of bringing forth information which would give a representation of consequent events. Notable parameters include, porosity, rock density, drill string hook load, weight on bit (WOB), mud density, formation fluid resistivity, rate of penetration, ultra sound speed across media, drilling trajectory amongst others, all relative to time. The background formation is aptly described in discretized grid blocks and is then cross-matched with the real-time data from the drillstring to double-check the actual position of the drillstring at any point in time. The interactions of the formation with the drillstring trajectory are computed as described by the grid blocks in contact with the drill string trajectory as well as adjacent grid blocks. The data describing the formation can be regularly updated to represent whatever sensitive changes that might have occurred in the formation while drilling. This solution, though notably complex is well within the capacity computing power available in the upstream petroleum industry and shows great promise to eliminate all the disastrous consequences that arise from late detection of kicks.
Digital Rock Core Simulation of Waterflooding, Showing the Impact of Rock Heterogeneity on Oil Production
Authors: Olofinnika Oluwakemi
Published: July 2019

Digital rock special core analysis has been used in recent times as an alternative to laboratory special core analysis (SCAL) but has failed to deliver the level of accuracy required by service companies. Current research suggests the dominant role of capillary pressure heterogeneity in flow characterization compared to viscous and gravity forces. However, the irreversible changes in relative permeability (hysteresis) during strategies for hydrocarbon recovery, have not been integrated.

Hence, capillary heterogeneity and hysteresis were incorporated in numerical corefloods of primary waterflooding. Heterogeneity in the Bentheimer and Berea cores used for this study, were defined by a 3D spatial variation in capillary entry pressure obtained from experiments. Steady state Decane drainage preceded waterflooding. Capillary numbers were obtained across a range of rates depicting capillary to viscous dominated flow regimes, controlled by rock heterogeneity and distance from the well.

Simulation results showed a dominance of heterogeneity in lowering oil production especially in the Berea-characterized by increased capillary strength-than the corresponding Bentheimer case. Hysteresis accelerated but decreased ultimate oil recovery, with greater impact in viscous (higher rates) than capillary dominated conditions (lower rates). Capillary number increased nonlinearly with flow rate. Also, residual oil saturation increased from low to high rates until a considerable decline ensued beyond threshold rates for which viscous pressure drop exceeded 60–3 times the highest capillary entry pressure in the Bentheimer and Berea cores respectively.

Thus, the significant influence of capillary heterogeneity on oil production and the use of digital cores to estimate the irreversible oil trapping effects of hysteresis within heterogeneous rock sections is highlighted. This gives insight into effective enhanced oil recovery strategy to capture capillary trapped oil across core to field scales.
Estimating and Modeling of Spatial Variability of Volumetric Attributes of a Nigerian Heavy Oil and Bitumen Deposit
Authors: Mosobalaje Olatunde O. , Orodu Oyinkepreye D. , Ogbe David O.
Published: July 2019

Deposits of heavy oil and natural bitumen have been long-discovered in the Dahomey basin south-western Nigeria. However, inconsistency in estimates of volumes of hydrocarbon contained in these deposits has inhibited commercial interest in the deposits. The inconsistency is attributable to the little or no consideration for spatial variability in those studies. This work is therefore motivated by the need for spatially-coherent geomodels leading to reliable volumetric estimates. An existing database of porosity, depth-to-top and thickness attributes of a section of the deposits located at Agbabu is the subject of this work.

This work conducted exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) as well as empirical variogram estimation, interpretation and modeling of the attributes. Here, the estimation and interpretation of empirical variogram faced a number of challenges with potentials to render the estimates uninterpretable, unstable and inconsistent with geologic information. These include presence of spatial outlier data, clusteredness of variogram clouds, data paucity, and irregular distribution of point-pairs on variogram clouds. Spatial outliers were either removed or correlated with existing geologic information. The clusteredness issues were resolved using a machine-learning – aided variogram estimation technique recently proposed. Variogram cloud binning approach was deployed to handle irregular distribution of point-pairs. In attempting to deploy an automatic fitting algorithm, cases of insufficient empirical points leading to lack of convergence were encountered. Such cases were resolved by adopting a combination of manual and automatic fitting approaches.

Ultimately, this work presents a three-dimensional anisotropic (zonal) porosity variogram model and two-dimensional anisotropic (geometric) models for the depth-to-top and thickness variograms. These models are suitable inputs to spatial interpolation algorithms in generating maps of these volumetric attributes.
Interpreting Downhole Pressure and Temperature Data from ESP Wells by Use of Inversion-Based Methods in Samabri Biseni Field
Authors: Adesanwo Moradeyo , Bello Oladele , Zhu David , Owen Barthemeaus , Ogu Bob , Ossai Jennifer Chimuanya , Iwo George
Published: July 2019

Increasing need for improved efficiency, service life and cost reduction using downhole real-time streaming sensor data is making electrical submersible pump (ESP) well operation management one of the most important issues in production optimization and improved oil recovery. Expanding the benefit of the downhole sensors is currently driving the need for embracing dynamic data-driven application systems (artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning) and big data tools by Oil and Gas industry to gain competitive advantage. One of the shortcomings for conventional data driven approach is that artificial intelligence (machine and/or deep learning) algorithms are totally decoupled from physics based modeling due to the lack of domain knowledge. As OEM for ESP, we have an industry proven ESP system simulator that can be used to generate training dataset for scalable data driven monitoring of ESP systems. Correct interpretation of temperature and pressure data can lead to improved accuracy of continuous downhole flow performance characteristics and reservoir properties such as static reservoir pressure and productivity index, which are key information to control and optimize ESP-based well production. In this work, a physics-based data driven model and inversion-based methods for model calibration and updating are developed for ESP well monitoring. The model is used as a forward engine and an inversion procedure is then added to interpret the measured data to estimate reservoir pressure, productivity index, downhole multiphase flow rates, and perform production allocation to improve hydrocarbon recovery and mitigate water/gas breakthrough risk. The new modeling framework introduces a fast and accurate forward model that incorporates specific measurements response functions for the physics-based data driven simulation model of permanent downhole gauge data in the ESP wells. Multiple inversion methods are used to interpret the downhole-measured data. Under the assumption of a subsurface multiphase flow model, the inversion approaches estimate well rates, back flow allocation, productivity index and reservoir pressure response specific to a given measurement domain by numerically reproducing the available measurements. The model and estimation techniques are evaluated with field data obtained from multiple wells located in a producing field. Many estimation simulations are performed using various sampling rates of the ESP AutographPC software. The satisfactory predictive accuracy of the physics-based data driven model makes the determination of multiphase flow and reservoir parameters computationally inexpensive, adaptive to operational changes, and suitable for online real-time system implementation.
Costs and Health-Related Quality of Life in Relation to Caries
Authors: Kastenbom Lisa , Falsen Alexandra , Larsson Pernilla , Sunnegårdh-Grönberg Karin , Davidson Thomas
Published: July 2019

Background

Dental caries remains a common and expensive disease for both society and affected individuals. Furthermore, caries often affect individuals’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Health economic evaluations are needed to understand how to efficiently distribute dental care resources. This study aims to evaluate treatment costs and QALY weights for caries active and inactive adult individuals, and to test whether the generic instrument EQ-5D-5L can distinguish differences in this population.

Methods

A total of 1200 randomly selected individuals from dental clinics in Västerbotten County, Sweden, were invited to participate. Of these, 79 caries active and 179 caries inactive patients agreed to participate (response rate of 21.7%). Inclusion criteria were participants between 20-65 years old and same caries risk group categorization in two consecutive check-ups between 2014 and 2017.

Results

Treatment costs showed to be twice as high in the caries active group compared to the caries inactive group and were three times higher in the caries active age group 20-29 compared to the caries inactive age group 20-29. Differences between the groups was found for number of intact teeth according to age groups. In the EQ-5D-5L instrument, more problems relating to the dimension anxiety/depression was seen in the caries active group. QALY weights showed tendencies (non-significant) to be lower in the caries active group.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the need for efficient treatments and prevention strategies as well as adequate money allocation within dentistry. However, further research is needed to assess appropriate instruments for health economic evaluations.
A comparison between the Disposcope endoscope and fiberoptic bronchoscope for nasotracheal intubation-A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Junma , Hu Rui , Wu Lining , Sun Peng , Zhang Zhi
Published: July 2019

Background: Nasotracheal intubation (NTI) is frequently performed in oral and maxillofacial surgeries. This study evaluated whether NTI is easier when guided by Disposcope endoscopy or fibreoptic bronchoscopy.
Methods: Sixty patients (30 per group) requiring NTI were randomly assigned to undergo fibreoptic bronchoscopy-guided (fibreoptic group) or Disposcope endoscope-guided (Disposcope group) NTI. Then, the NTI time, which was deﬁned as the time from when the fibreoptic bronchoscope or aseptic suction catheter was inserted into the nasal cavity to the time at which the tracheal tube was correctly inserted through the glottis, was recorded. Epistaxis was recorded using direct laryngoscopy ﬁve minutes after completing NTI and was scored as one of four grades according to the following modiﬁed criteria: no epistaxis, mild epistaxis, moderate epistaxis, and severe epistaxis.
Results: The time to complete NTI was significantly longer in the fibreoptic group than that in the Disposcope group (38.4 sec vs 24.1 sec; mean difference, 14.2 sec; 95% confidence interval (CI), 10.4 to 18.1). In addition, mild epistaxis was observed in 8 patients in the fibreoptic group and in 7 patients in the Disposcope group (26.7% vs 23.3%, respectively; relative risk, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.4 to 3.9). No moderate or severe epistaxis occurred in either group. Furthermore, no obvious nasal pain was reported at any time point after extubation in the two groups (P = 0.74).
Conclusion: NTI can be completed successfully using either fibreoptic bronchoscopy or a Disposcope endoscope as a guide without any severe complications. However, compared to fibreoptic bronchoscopy, the Disposcope endoscope requires less execution time (the NTI time).
Determinants and Seasonality of Major Structural Birth Defects Among Newborns Delivered at Primary and Referral Hospital of East and West Gojjam Zones, North West Ethiopia 2017- 2018: Case- Control Study
Authors: Tsehay Binalfew , Shitie Desalegn , Lake Akilog , Abebaw Erimiyas , Taye Amisalu , Essa Enatinesh
Published: July 2019

Objective: Although infant mortality because of birth defect has increased in both developed and developing countries, had not got attention like other health issues at national, regional, or local levels. Documenting the risk factors that influence the occurrence of birth defects and its seasonality will help to inform the community and to develop preventive strategies for the country.
Results: Factors associated with higher likelihood of a major structural birth defects included maternal age; neonates born from women living in urban; and in Dega; history of fever during pregnancy; intake of herbal medicine; and drinking alcohol. Counselling for pregnancy preparation and folic acid supplementation was found protective for the likelihood of birth defect.
Key words: Birth defect, maternal illness, maternal medication use, environmental exposure
Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed the conversions of stamens into pistil-like structures in Aegilops crassa cytoplasmic male sterile wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Liu Qi , Liu Zi han , Li Wei , Song Xi Yue
Published: July 2019

Background: Aegilops crassa cytoplasm is an essential material for investigating the cytoplasm of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). Moreover, the stamens of C303A exhibit a high degree of pistillody, turning almost white. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of C303A pistillody remains unclear. Therefore, to gain a better understanding of C303A, the phenotypic and cytological features of C303A were observed to identify the key stage that the homeotic transformation of stamens into pistil-like structures, transcriptome profiles were determined by Illumina RNA sequencing technology (RNA-Seq) of stamen.
Results: Through morphological observation, for CMS wheat with Aegilops crassa cytoplasm (CMS-C) line C303A, the pistil of which developed normally, but stamens were ultimately aborted and the stamens released no pollen when mature. According to the results of the paraffin section, stamens began to transform into pistils or pistil-like structures at binucleate stage (BNS). Therefore, the stamens of line C303A and its maintainer 303B at BNS were collected for transcriptome sequencing. A total of 20,444 wheat genes were detected as being differentially expressed between C303A and 303B stamens, included 10,283 up-regulated and 10,161 down-regulated genes. Gene Ontology Enrichment Analyses showed that most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) distributed on the metabolic process, cell, cellular process, catalytic activity and cell part. From KEGG, we knew that DEGs were mainly enriched to energy metabolism. We also found several essential genes that may contribute to pistillody in C303A. Based on the above analysis, we believe that due to the confusion of energy metabolism and reactive oxygen metabolism, thereby inducing the pistillody and eventually lead to the abortion of C303A.
Conclusion:This study unravels the complex transcriptome profiles in C303A stamen, highlighting the energy metabolism and class B MADS-box genes related to pistillody. This work should lay the foundations of future studies in the mechanical response to wheat stamen and pollen development in CMS.
Accuracy and efficacy of diagnosis via integrated with metabolomics in patients with PCOS: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ni Cheng-Ming , Huang Wen-Long , Jiang Yan-min , Xu Juan , Duan Ru , Zhu Yun-Long , Zhu Xu-Ping , Fan Xue-Mei , Luo Guo-An , Wang Yi-ming , Li Yan-Yu , He Qing , Xu Lan
Published: July 2019

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is defined as a complex endocrine syndrome and the mechanisms underlying its various clinical signs and symptoms are still poorly understood, brings huge difficulties for clinical diagnosis and treatment. General agreement based on several clinical guideline[1, 2] suggest that it is critical to precisely diagnose the phenotypes of PCOS and give them an individual therapy. However, the criteria for different phenotypes remains unclear, mostly based on symptoms, physical examination and laboratory evaluation. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy and preciseness of metabolomics markers with common clinical characteristics to find a more effective way to diagnose and treat these two subgroups (based on our basic study[3]) of PCOS patients. What’s more, the effects of different interventions according to two subgroups will also be observed.
Methods/design
This is a prospective, multicenter, analyst-blinded and randomized controlled trial. One healthy control group and two parallel experiment arms will be proposed in this study: (1) people without PCOS (health control group); (2) PCOS patients diagnosed mainly based on clinical indexes (group one); (3) PCOS patients diagnosed mainly based on metabolomics indexes (group two). A total of 276 eligible people will be recruited, which includes 60 healthy people and 216 PCOS patients, which will be randomly assigned to different diagnosis groups in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in two different diagnosis groups will be divided into two different subgroups according to their clinical characteristics (group one based on clinical indexes, group two based on metabolomics indexes) and receive a 6-month corresponding treatment. The primary outcome for experiment groups will be the condition of PCOS. All data will be analyzed periodically.
This trial will help us to clarify the value of metabolomics integrated with clinical characteristics in diagnosis and treatment of two PCOS subgroups. It will also highlight any differences in the accuracy and efficacy of these two techniques and it may provide a new specific direction of integrated method for the PCOS therapy.
Discussion
The purpose of this trial is to determine whether integrated metabolomics indexes is more accuracy and effective than clinical characteristics in diagnose the phenotypes of reproductive females with PCOS. This trial will, therefore, contribute to providing a solid foundation for clinical precise diagnosis of two PCOS subgroups, as well as future research in PCOS individual therapy.
Multicentre, Double Blind, Randomised Sham-Controlled Trial of 10kHz High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Neuropathic Low Back Pain (MODULATE-LBP): A Trial Protocol
Authors: Al-Kaisy Adnan , Royds Jonathan , Palmisani Stefano , Pang David , Wesley Samuel , Taylor Rod S , Cook Andrew , Eldabe Sam , McCracken Lance , Duarte Rui , Fairbank Jeremy
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Chronic neuropathic low back pain (CNLBP) is a debilitating condition in which established medical treatments seldom alleviate symptoms. There is evidence demonstrating high frequency 10kHz spinal cord stimulation (SCS) reduces pain and improves health-related quality of life in patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) but there is limited evidence in CNLBP without prior surgery. The aim of this multicentre randomised trial is to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of 10kHz SCS for this population.

Methods

This is a multicentre double-blind randomised sham-controlled trial with a parallel economic evaluation. A total of 96 patients with CNLBP who have not had spinal surgery will be implanted with an epidural lead and a sham lead outside the epidural space without a screening trial. Patients will be randomised 1:1 to 10kHz SCS plus usual care (intervention group) or sham 10kHz SCS plus usual care (control group) after full implant. The SCS devices will be programmed identically using a cathodal cascade. Participants will use their handheld programmer to alter the intensity of the stimulation as per routine practice. Primary outcome will be a 7 day daily pain diary. Secondary outcomes include the Oswestry Disability Index, complications, EQ-5D-5L, and health and social care costs. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline (pre-randomisation) and at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after device activation. The primary analyses will compare primary and secondary outcomes between groups at 6-months adjusting for baseline outcome scores. Incremental cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) will be calculated at 6-months and over the patient lifetime.

Discussion

The outcomes of this trial will inform clinical practice and healthcare policy on the role of high frequency 10kHz SCS for patients with CNLBP without prior surgery.
A team approach to delivery of contextually relevant bioscience: encouraging student connections between tacit knowledge and new content acquisition
Authors: Reynolds Mikaela , Bowers Cristina , Peters Holly , Klein Mathilde , Clayton Zane , Hagger David , McGarry Ben , Pelzer Elise
Published: July 2019

Background

Bioscience is essential knowledge for nursing practice and is an important component of undergraduate nursing education, however students commonly feel anxious about studying the subject. The purpose of this study was to create student learning resources for undergraduate bioscience that would enhance student engagement and performance and reduce attrition and unit failures over a sustained period.

Methods

Online surveys and formal institutional data collection metrics were used to assess the impact of the changes to unit learning resources.

Results

Student attrition rates and failure rates for the unit were reduced over a two-year period across a diverse student cohort.

Conclusions

Scaffolded and diverse learning materials support the success of undergraduate bioscience students by improving student engagement and reducing cognitive load.
A transcriptomic and proteomic atlas of expression in the Nezara viridula (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) midgut suggests the compartmentalization of xenobiotic metabolism and nutrient digestion
Authors: Denecke Shane , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Buer Benjamin , Ilias Aris , Douris Vassilis , Topalis Pantelis , Nauen Ralf , Geibel Sven , Vontas John
Published: July 2019

Background

Stink bugs are an emerging threat to crop security in many parts of the globe, but there are few genetic resources available to study their physiology at a molecular level. This is especially true for tissues such as the midgut, which forms the barrier between ingested material and the inside of the body.

Results

Here, we focus on the midgut of the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula and use both transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to create an atlas of expression along the four compartments of the anterior-posterior axis. Estimates of the transcriptome completeness were high, which led us to compare our predicted gene set to other related stink bugs and Hemiptera, finding a high number of species-specific genes in N. viridula. To understand midgut function, gene ontology and gene family enrichment analyses were performed for the most highly expressed and specific genes in each midgut compartment. These data suggested a role for the anterior midgut (regions M1-M3) in digestion and xenobiotic metabolism, while the most posterior compartment (M4) was enriched in transmembrane proteins. A more detailed characterization of these findings was undertaken by identifying individual members of the cytochrome P450 superfamily and nutrient transporters thought to absorb amino acids or sugars.

Conclusions

These findings represent an initial step to understand the compartmentalization and physiology of the N. viridula midgut at a genetic level. Future studies will be able to build on this work and explore the molecular physiology of the stink bug midgut.
WITHDRAWN: Ustekinumab pharmacokinetics after subcutaneous administration in pig
Authors: Grabowski Tomasz , Burmańczuk Artur , Derlacz Rafał , Stefaniak Tadeusz , Rząsa Anna , Borkowski Jacek
Published: July 2019

Background. Due to multiple similarities in the structure and physiology of human and pig skin, the pig model is very useful for biological drugs testing after subcutaneous administration. The differences between subcutaneous injection sites could have significant impact on the absorption phase and pharmacokinetic profiles of biologic drugs. The aim of the current study was to analyse pharmacokinetics and selected biochemical and hematological parameters after a single subcutaneous administration of ustekinumab – human therapeutic monoclonal antibody, in regular pigs and compare parameters following administration into external or internal regions of the inguinal fold. The subjects were 12 healthy female large white piglets. Each group received a single dose of ustekinumab given in a 1 mg/kg subcutaneous injection into the internal inguinal fold or external part of the inguinal fold.
Results. An analysis of hematological parameters showed that a single subcutaneous dose of ustekinumab at dose 1 mg/kg of body weight in pigs does not cause changes in the hematological parameters that go beyond the physiological limits. The differences in absorption rate between the internal inguinal fold or external part of the inguinal fold were not significant. However the time of maximal concentration, clearance, area under the curve calculated between zero and mean residence time and mean residence time between groups were substantially different (p>0.05). The relative bioavailability after external part of the inguinal fold administration was 40.36% lower than after internal inguinal fold ustekinumab administration.
Conclusions. Breeding pig has been shown to be a relevant pharmacokinetics model to study subcutaneously administered ustekinumab.
Hemoptysis from Complex Pulmonary Aspergilloma Treated by Cavernostomy and Thoracoplasty
Authors: Giang Nguyen Truong , Dung Nguyen Tien , Hien Nguyen Thanh , Thiet Truong Thanh , Hiep Phan Sy , Vu Nguyen The , Pho Dinh Cong , Nam Nguyen Van , Hung Pham Ngoc
Published: July 2019

Background
In high-risk patients with complex pulmonary aspergilloma but unable for lung resection, cavernostomy and thoracoplasty could be performed. This study aimed to evaluate this surgery compared two material used (table tennis ball and tissue expander) as a filler.
Methods: The prospective study evaluated 63 in high-risk patients who had hemoptysis due to complex pulmonary aspergilloma that submitted to cavernostomy and thoracoplasty surgery from November 2011 to September 2018. Patients were allocated to the table tennis ball group (46 patients) and tissue expander group (17 patients). We evaluated at the time of before operation, six months and 24 months after operation.
Results
The most common comorbidity diseases were tuberculosis in two groups. Upper lobe occupied almost location. Hemoptysis symptoms plunged from time to time. Statistically significant Karnofsky score was observed in both groups. BMI showed slightly increasing but not statistically significant. Postoperative pulmonary functions (FVC and FEV1) have remained in both groups at all time points. The remarkable results were no death in the postoperative period, and long-term complication of surgery was low. There was no statistical significance between two groups in operative time, blood loss during operation, ICU length-stay time. Four patients died because of co-morbidity in 24 months follow-up.
Conclusion: Cavernostomy and thoracoplasty was safe and effective surgery for the treatment of high-risk patients with complex pulmonary aspergilloma. There was no mortality related to surgery. The postoperative complications and long-term complication were low. The was no inferiority when compared table tennis ball group and tissue expander group.
Keyword: Complex Pulmonary Aspergilloma (CPA), Hemoptysis, Cavernostomy, Thoracoplasty, Table Tennis Balls, Tissue expander,
The kinetic profile and clinical implication of SCC-Ag in squamous cervical cancer patients undergoing radical hysterectomy using Simoa assay: a prospective observational study
Authors: Ye Shuang , Sun Xiaohua , Kang Bin , Wu Fei , Zheng Zhong , Xiang Libing , Lesénéchal Mylène , Heskia Fabienne , Liang Ji , Yang Huijuan
Published: July 2019

Purpose: To study the kinetic profile and clinicopathological implications of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) in cervical cancer patients who underwent surgery by a self-developed SCC-Ag Single Molecule Assay (Simoa) prototype immunoassay.
Methods: Participants were prospectively enrolled between 04/2016 and 06/2017. Consecutive serum samples were collected at five points: Day 0 (the day before surgery), post-operative Day 4, Week 2-4, Month 2-4 and Month 5-7. Totally, 92 patients and 352 samples were included.
Results: Simoa SCC-Ag was validated by comparison with the Architect assay. The median value for each time-point was 2.49, 0.66, 0.61, 0.72, 0.71 ng/mL, respectively. The SCC-Ag levels decreased dramatically after surgery, and then stabilized and fluctuated to some extent within six months. Patients with some intermediate or high-risk factors had significantly higher SCC-Ag values than their negative counterparts before surgery and at earlier time points after surgery, while no difference existed at the end of observation. Furthermore, although patients with positive lymph node had sustained higher SCC-Ag levels compared to those negative counterparts, similar tendencies were observed. Patients who received post-operative treatment had significantly higher SCC-Ag values than those with surgery only at diagnosis, while no difference existed after treatment.
Conclusions: Simoa SCC-Ag prototype was established for clinical setting. The SCC-Ag levels were higher in intermediate or high-risk patients, whereas the kinetic trend of SCC-Ag might be mainly affected by post-operative adjuvant therapy. These data indicate that SCC-Ag level might be a good predictor for the status of cervical cancer, including disease aggressiveness and treatment response.
Whole genome analysis of Black Bengal goat from Savar Goat Farm, Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Ziqrul Haq , Hussain Nazmul , Hasan Saam , Kabir Ajran , Mahmud Muket , Robbani Mahdi , Tabassum Tahmina , Afroze Tamanna , Rahman Aura , Islam Rafiqul , Hossain Maqsud
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) play critical roles in genetic diversity and disease. Many traits and diseases are linked with exonic SNPs that are significant for gene function, regulation or translation. This study focuses on SNPs that potentially act as the genetic basis for desirable traits in the Black Bengal Goat. This variety of goat native to South Asia, and is identified as one of the most commercially important meat producing animals in the world. The aim of this study was to sequence the genome of Black Bengal Goats and identify SNPs that might play a significant role in determining meat quality in the organism. The study focuses on exonic SNPs for their greater likelihood of affecting the final translated protein product. The genes were also filtered according to their functional relevance to meat quality. The study is based on a single observation.

Results

Approximately 76,000 exonic variants were identified in the study. After filtration using a Wilcoxon test based score, the number came down to 49, 965 which were found to be distributed in 11,568 genes. The functional pathways affected by these variations included fatty acid metabolism and degradation, which are important processes that influence meat quality.
Efficacy of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide in combination with amiloride in multiple doses on blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension: a protocol for a factorial randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Martins Vitor Magnus , Helal Lucas , Ferrari Filipe , Bottino Leonardo Grabinski , Fuchs Sandra Costa , Fuchs Flavio Danni
Published: July 2019

Background

Thiazide diuretics have demonstrated favorable blood pressure lowering efficacy, but it is still unclear what are the equivalence of doses of their more common agents, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. Besides, concernments about adverse metabolic effects do exist, which may be attenuated with the concomitant administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic, such as amiloride. This trial aims to investigate the efficacy of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, in combination with amiloride in different doses, for the initial management in patients with primary hypertension.

Methods

This is a factorial (2x2) randomized double-blinded clinical trial comparing the association of a thiazide diuretic (chlorthalidone 25 mg/day or hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/day) with a potassium-sparing diuretic (amiloride 10 mg/day or amiloride 20 mg/day) in patients with primary hypertension. The primary outcome will be the mean change from baseline in 24-h systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The secondary outcomes will be the mean change from baseline in daytime and nighttime systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, mean change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured by office blood pressure, incidence of adverse events, variation of laboratory parameters and proportion of patients who achieved blood pressure control. The follow-up will last 12 weeks. For a P alpha of 0.05, power of 80%, and standard deviation of 9 mmHg, and absolute difference of 6 mmHg on systolic blood pressure on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, it will be necessary to study a total of 76 patients. The sample size will be increased by 10% to compensate losses, resulting in 84 patients being randomized.

Discussion

Diuretics are pivotal drugs for the treatment of hypertension. Chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, in combination with amiloride in multiple doses, will be tested in terms of blood pressure lowering efficacy and safety. Since the intensity of blood pressure reduction is the major determinant of reduction in cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients, this study will help to determine which combination of diuretics represents the most appropriate treatment for this population.
Six-minute walking distance in healthy Chinese people older than 60 years
Authors: Zou He , Zhang Jia , Zou Yingying , Chen Xiaoshu , Wang Yi , Chen Hao , Ye Fanhao , Yu Haizhu
Published: July 2019

Background: The six-minute walking test (6MWT) is a tool that is widely used to evaluate exercise capacity in clinical practice and research. However, to date, there are no standard reference equations for the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) for people aged 60-85 years in China. The purpose of this study was to 1) measure the 6MWD of healthy Chinese people aged 60-85 years, 2) establish prediction reference equations for the 6MWD, and 3) compare our reference equations with those reported in previously published studies.Methods: We obtained verbal informed consent from all subjects prior to the trial and the Ethics Committee of Wenzhou People's Hospital approved the design of the study. The demographic and anthropometric data and the 6MWT results of healthy Chinese subjects aged 60-85 years were measured by a standardized protocol. The subjects completed two 6MWTs monitored by the same operator. The second 6MWT was completed in 2 hours and the longer 6MWD was used for further analysis.
Results: A total of 266 subjects (128 male and 138 female) completed the 6MWTs, and the mean 6MWD for all subjects was 502.0±72.86 m. Males achieved a longer 6MWD than females (518.0±72.3 m vs. 487.2±70.44 m; p<0.0001), and physically active subjects achieved a longer 6MWD than sedentary subjects (512.2±76.33 m vs. 484.5±63.11 m; p<0.0001). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that variables (i.e., age, height, body mass index (BMI), post-test heart rate, blood pressure, post-exercise heart rate changes, etc.) were significantly associated with the 6MWD. Age, height, and BMI were identified as independent factors that influenced the 6MWD and could explain approximately 33% of the walking variance. The reference equations from Caucasian and South Americans tended to overestimate the 6MWD of our subjects, while the equations from Asians and Africans often underestimated the 6MWD of our subjects.Conclusions: In this study, the 6MWD of healthy people aged 60-85 years in China was described for the first time, and prediction reference equations for the 6MWD were proposed. This will help to improve the diagnosis and treatment of elderly Chinese patients with diseases that affect exercise capacity.
Fear and disgust: case report of two uncommon emotional disturbances evoked by visual disperceptions after a right temporal-insular stroke
Authors: Cantone Mariagiovanna , Lanza Giuseppe , Bella Rita , Pennisi Giovanni , Santalucia Paola , Bramanti Placido , Pennisi Manuela
Published: July 2019

Background: emotional processes and responses are underestimated in stroke patients because the massive clinical picture of large hemispheric strokes often hides these symptoms. We report on a patient with peculiar unpleasant emotional responses after temporal stroke.
Case presentation: we describe a 62-years old man with significant unpleasant emotional responses that occurred after an acute episode of confusional state, disorientation, agitation, vertigo, postural instability, vomiting, and photophobia. Since then, he complained that vision of pictures containing curved/multicolored lines or tangles was associated with an uncomfortable feeling of fear and disgust, lasting few minutes, so that he avoided looking at them. Notably, he also showed an abnormal facial expression of disgust and fear, together with neurovegetative reaction and horripilation, at the presentation of pictures of objects or animals containing curved, multicolored, or tangled lines. A post-acute infarction of the right temporal-insular region, together with mild periventricular white matter changes, were evident at the brain magnetic resonance imaging.
Conclusions: the anterior insula is crucial in transforming unpleasant sensory input into visceromotor reactions and the accompanying feeling of disgust. It is also known that temporal pole modulates visceral emotional functions in response to emotionally evocative perceptual stimuli. In the present case, the ischemic lesion of anterior part of the insula and temporal pole may have caused a decoupling of emotional and visceral response to complex visual stimuli. Further reports will provide a significant contribution to the taxonomy of these complex and relatively uncommon non-motor post-stroke symptoms that negatively affect quality of life.
Long-term retrospective observation reveals stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei, China
Authors: Liu Shiyou , Wei Yamei , Han Xu , Cai Yanan , Han Zhanying , Zhang Yanbo , Xu Yonggang , Qi Shunxiang , Li Qi
Published: July 2019

Background

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is an emerging zoonotic infectious disease caused by hantaviruses which circulate worldwide. So far, it was still considered as one of serious public health problems in China. The present study aimed to reveal the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in Hebei province located in North China through a long-term retrospective observation.

Methods

The epidemiological data of HFRS cases from all eleven cities of Hebei province since 1981 through 2016 were collected and descriptively analyzed. The rodent densities, species compositions and virus-carrying rates of different regions were collected from six separated rodent surveillance points which set up since 2007. The molecular diversity and phylogenetic relationship of hantaviruses circulating among rodents were analyzed based on partial viral glycoprotein gene.

Results

HFRS cases have been reported every year in Hebei province, since the first local case was identified in 1981. The epidemic history can be artificially divided into three phases and a total of 55,507 HFRS cases with 374 deaths were reported during 1981-2016. The gender and occupational factors of susceptible population were invarible throughout, however age of that was gradually aging. The annual outbreak peak always present in spring, while the main epidemic region had gradully altered from south to northeast. Surveillance of rodents revealed that residential rodents significantly possessed higher density and virus-carring rate than field rodents. The house rat, Rattus norvegicus, was the dominant rodent species and Seoul virus S3 sub-genotype which is continued but slightly evolving perhaps to be the sole pathogen for local HFRS cases of Hebei province.

Conclusions

This long-term province-wide surveillance and epidemiological analysis has revealed the stabilities and variations of hantavirus infection in North China. In order to improve current prevention and control strategies of HFRS in China, all surveillance should be continuously enhanced and variations should be paid more attentions.
Lehet-e elég korán elkezdeni?
Authors: Beáné Losonci Katalin
Published: July 2019

A múzeumok szerepére vonatkozóan jelentős paradigmaváltáson vagyunk túl. Ugyan az intézményhálózat társadalmi-közösségi szerepének újrafogalmazása, illetve bővülésének folyamata már a múlt század második felében elkezdődött, az új feladatok értelmezése, a hozzájuk tartozó infrastruktúra kialakítása és a legmegfelelőbb módszertan elterjesztése egy hosszú, napjainkban is zajló folyamat. A múzeumi alapfeladatok között egyre jelentősebbé váló társadalmi szerepvállalás egyik tényleges megjelenési formája az egész életen át való tanulás támogatása, illetve a közoktatáshoz kapcsolódó múzeumpedagógia újradefiniálása. Az így megszólított korosztályok nagysága között jelentős eltérések tapasztalhatók, azonban kedvező folyamatnak tekinthető, hogy a legkisebbek – az óvodáskorúak –, mint az egyik leginkább befogadó és szenzitív csoport részére szervezett programok száma Magyarországon is érzékelhető növekedést mutat. Az alábbiakban a Karinthy Frigyes Óvoda és az Országos Műszaki Múzeum Elektrotechnikai Múzeuma közös – a természettudományok óvodáskorú gyermekekkel való, játékos formában történő megszerettetését célzó – projektjének koncepciójáról és megvalósításának technikai részleteiről szeretnék beszámolni. Bízom benne, hogy eddigi tapasztalataink felkeltik a téma iránt elkötelezettek érdeklődését, és a beinduló újabb programok a múzeum-óvoda együttműködések által a közoktatás színesedését eredményezik.
Experimental study on the wave height distribution of wind-induced waves in the growth stage under finite water depth
Authors: Gao Ang , Wu Shiqiang , Chen Li , Liu Sien , Xu Zhun , Zhao Yuhang , Wang Fangfang , Zhu Senlin
Published: July 2019

With the method of a wind tank experiment, the real scenario of lakes with horizontal and vertical circulation of wind-induced flows is considered, and the features of wind wave height and its distribution in the different conditions of wind blowing distance, wind speed and water depth are studied systematically. Afterwards, comparison of the wave height distributions derived directly from experiment and the typical wave height distribution models show that some defects exist in typical wave height distribution models when describing wind wave height distribution in the wave growth stage. On this basis, we propose a new distribution model which is suitable for the description of wind wave height during the growth stage, and the model parameters are acquired with the programming solution method. Finally, the model is further optimized by relating B to σa, and Hs to σa. Comparison results of the optimized model and the typical ones show that the optimized model has advantages in calculation accuracy and convenience of use.
Microfluidic-Based Platform for the Evaluation of Nanomaterial-Mediated Drug Delivery: From High-Throughput Screening to Dynamic Monitoring
Authors: Yang Yamin , Liu Sijia , Geng Jinfa
Published: July 2019

Nanomaterial-based drug delivery holds tremendous promise for improving targeting capacity, biodistribution,
and performance of therapeutic/diagnostic agents. Accelerating the clinical translation of current
nanomedicine requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanism underlying the dynamic interaction between
nanomaterials and cells in a physiological/pathophysiological-relevant condition. The introduction of the advanced
microfluidic platform with miniaturized, well-controlled, and high-throughput features opens new investigation
and application opportunities for nanomedicine evaluation. This review highlights the current state-of-theart
in the field of 1) microfluidic-assisted in vitro assays that are capable of providing physiological-relevant flow
conditions and performing high-throughput drug screening, 2) advanced organ-on-a-chip technology with the
combination of microfabrication and tissue engineering techniques for mimicking microenvironment and better
predicting in vivo response of nanomedicine, and 3) the integration of microdevice with various detection techniques
that can monitor cell-nanoparticle interaction with high spatiotemporal resolution. Future perspectives
regarding optimized on-chip disease modeling and personalized nanomedicine screening are discussed towards
further expanding the utilization of the microfluidic-based platform in assessing the biological behavior of nanomaterials.