bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Petrophysical Multivariate Approach Using Geophysical Well Logs and Laboratory Measurements to Characterize an Albian Carbonate Reservoir in the Campos Basin, Southeast Brazil
Authors: Carrasquilla Abel , Silva Raphael
Published: May 2020

This study characterizes an Albian carbonate reservoir of oilfield B in the Campos Basin, based on geophysical well logs and laboratory petrophysical data. The use of current approaches to characterize reservoirs allowed us to estimate the porosity, permeability, and water saturation of this reservoir in a more reliable way than when this oilfield was discovered in 1976. To achieve this goal, the cluster analysis for rock typing module of the Interactive Petrophysics software was used to divide the succession into 11 electrofacies. Using log and laboratory data, an equation was derived to determine the porosity and the permeability of each electrofacies through the multiple linear regression technique. The results were compared with different models proposed by other authors, with the best results being found with multiple linear regression. Water saturation, on the other hand, was estimated by the Archie (The electrical resistivity log as an aid in determining some reservoir characteristics, Petroleum Transactions of AIME, 146:54–62, 1942) equation after identifying the cementation coefficient with the Pickett (A review of current techniques for determination of water saturation from logs, Journal of Petroleum Technology 18:1425–1433, 1966) cross plot. Finally, the porosity and permeability data were again used to identify three main flow units in the reservoir through the Winland (Oil accumulation in response to pore size changes, Weyburn field, Saskatchewan. Amoco Production Company Report F72-G-25, 20 p., 1972) graph. To verify the effectiveness of the adopted methodology, it was applied (successfully) in a test well, defining porosity, permeability, water saturation, and flow units, where laboratory data were absent.
Impact of Hemodialysis and Post-Dialysis Period on Granular Activity Levels
Authors: Larkin John W , Han Maggie , Han Hao , Guedes Murilo H , Gonçalves Priscila Bezerra , Poli-de-Figueiredo Carlos Eduardo , Cuvello-Neto Américo Lourenço , Barra Ana Beatriz L , de Moraes Thyago Proença , Usvyat Len A , Kotanko Peter , Canziani Maria Eugenia F , Raimann Jochen G , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Investigators For the HDFIT Study
Published: May 2020

Background: Physical activity (PA) is typically lower on hemodialysis (HD) days. Albeit intradialytic inactivity is expected, it is unknown whether recovery after HD contributes to low PA. We investigated the impact of HD and post-HD period on granular PA relative to HD timing. Methods: We used baseline data from the HDFIT trial conducted from August 2016 to October 2017. Accelerometry measured PA over one week in patients who received thrice-weekly high-flux HD (vintage 3 to 24 months), were clinically stable, and had no ambulatory limitations. PA was assessed on HD days (0 to ≤24 hours after start HD), first non-HD days (>24 to ≤48 hours after start HD) and second non-HD day (>48 to ≤72 hours after start HD). PA was recorded in blocks/slices: 4 hours during HD, 0 to ≤2 hours post-HD (30 minute slices), and >2 to ≤20 hours post-HD (4.5 hour slices). Blocks/slices of PA were captured at concurrent/parallel times on first/second non-HD days compared to HD days. Results: Among 195 patients (mean age 53±15 years, 71% male), step counts per 24-hours were 3919±2899 on HD days, 5308±3131 on first non-HD days (p<0.001), and 4926±3413 on second non-HD days (p=0.032). During concurrent/parallel times to HD on first and second non-HD days, patients took 1308 and 1128 more steps (both p<0.001). Patients took 276 more steps and had highest rates of steps/hour 2-hours post-HD versus same times on first non-HD days (all p<0.05). Consistent findings were observed on second non-HD days. Conclusions: PA was higher within 2-hours of HD versus same times on non-HD days. Lower PA on HD days was attributable to intradialytic inactivity. The established PA profiles are of importance to the design and development of exercise programs that aim to increase activity during and between HD treatments. Trial Registration: HDFIT was prospectively registered 20 April 2016 on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02787161) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02787161.
Minority stress, depression, and cigarette smoking among Chinese gay versus bisexual men: A two-group structural equation model analyses
Authors: Li Jingjing , Huang Danqin , Windle Michael , Escoffery Cam , Wang Wei , Li Xiaoyan , Tao Kevin , Haardörfer Regine , Li Shiyue , Berg Carla J , Yan Hong
Published: May 2020

Background: Literature in the West suggested that bisexual men have a higher smoking rate compared to gay men. Data on patterns of smoking among gay and bisexual men are limited in Eastern Asian countries like China. This study examined the cigarette smoking prevalence for gay versus bisexual men in China and their unique minority stress - smoking pathways. Methods: Between September 2017 and November 2018, we surveyed a convenience sample of 538 gay men and 138 bisexual men recruited from local sexual minority organizations in four metropolitan cities in China (i.e., Beijing, Wuhan, Nanchang, and Changsha). Measures included sexual orientation, sociodemographics, theory-based minority stressors, depressive symptoms, and past 30-day cigarette smoking. Two-group (gay men vs. bisexual men) structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test possible distinct mechanisms between theory-based stressors, depressive symptoms, and cigarette smoking among gay men and bisexual men, respectively. Results: The mean age of participants was 26.51 (SD = 8.41) years old and 76.3% of them had at least a college degree. Bisexual men reported a higher rate of cigarette smoking compared to gay men (39.9% vs. 27.3%). Two-group SEM indicated that the pathways for cigarette smoking were not different between gay and bisexual men. Higher rejection anticipation was associated with greater depressive symptoms (standardized β = 0.32, p < .001), and depressive symptoms were not associated with cigarette smoking. Conclusions: Minority stress, specifically rejection anticipation, may be critical considerations in addressing depressive symptoms, but not smoking, among both gay and bisexual men in China.
A health concept with a social potential: an interview study with nursing home residents
Authors: Vikström Sofia , Grönstedt Helena K. , Cederholm Tommy , Franzén Erika , Seiger Åke , Faxén-Irving Gerd , Boström Anne-Marie
Published: May 2020

Background A qualitative, interview-based study was embedded in a randomized intervention trial, the Older People Exercise and Nutrition (OPEN) study. Participants in the OPEN study were encouraged to conduct sessions of sit-to-stand (STS) exercises combined with Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) intake. The aim was to describe the older persons’ perceptions and experiences of being given the daily opportunity to perform the STS exercise and drink ONS. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted in six nursing homes with the participants using a semi-structured interview guide. One or two individual interviews were performed with each included participant. Twenty-three NH residents (16 women and 7 men) participated in the qualitative study. Their ages ranged between 76 and 96 years, and their Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scored between 8 and 29. The transcribed interviews and field notes written during the visits were analyzed inductively following a constant comparative method described in Grounded Theory. Results The exercise and nutritional intervention was described as highly practical by the NH residents, who claimed it also had a social aspect as they felt acknowledged and empowered to engage others in the combined intervention. Experiences of the intervention ranged from neutral to mainly positive and could be sorted into 5 categories: 1. Perceived hopes and expectations, 2. Health-related driving forces, 3. Appreciated daily activities, 4. A concept easy to perform and integrate into daily life, 5. A beneficial health concept for all. The intervention created perceived benefits on various health aspects due to participants feeling energized and stronger. An overall theme was identified as A health concept with a social potential, as participants feel acknowledged and strong enough to help others. Conclusions The intervention was described by participants as a health concept that could potentially be beneficial for a broader spectrum of NH residents. The findings indicate that health concepts, such as STS/ONS, might contribute to a more meaningful day for older people, even vulnerable NH residents approaching the end of life.
18 F-FDG uptake heterogeneity predicts KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutation status in patients with liver metastases of colorectal cancer
Authors: Ma Guang , Zhang Fangsong , Liu Qiufang , Pan Lingling , Zhang Jianping , Zhang Yingjian , Song Shaoli
Published: May 2020

Background

Cetuximab and Panitumumab,serve as monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), have been used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, mutations in KRAS, NRAS, BRAF indicate a lack of response to treatment for EGFR. The identification of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutation status is important to improve the success rate of this therapy. PET/CT imaging is a biomolecular imaging technique that can supply various information about malignant tumors. Hence, we investigated whether KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutation status is related to 18F-FDG uptake heterogeneity in liver metastases of colorectal cancer, and whether 18F-FDG PET / CT imaging can predict the status of KRAS / NRAS / BRAF mutation and guide treatment of liver metastases of colorectal cancer in this study.
Methods

60 patients with liver metastases of colorectal cancer (lmCRC) were analysed retrospectively who had received 18F-FDG PET / CT before surgical operation. Heterogeneity index (HI) was defined by divided SUVmax by SUVmean. HI were assessed for patient (-P), colorectal cancer (-T) and liver metastatic lesions (-L).
Results

HI-L was significantly higher in NRAS/ KRAS/BRAF mutation group than in NRAS/ KRAS/BRAF wild-type group (2.48 ± 0.69 and 2.05 ± 0.31, respectively; p = 0.01). The groups of the number of liver metastatic sites were significantly different (p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, HI-L was only significantly associated with KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutation status (p = 0.008). Using a HI-L cut-off of 2.12, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutation were 72.7% and 70.4%, respectively.
Conclusions

Higher HI-L is associated with elevated NRAS/KRAS/BRAF mutation status in patients with lmCRC. 18F-FDG PET/CT can be used to predict the KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutation status of lmCRC and to select the optimal therapeutic strategy.
Radiation therapy for parotid gland tumors: long term data from a large single Institution experience.
Authors: Tomasini Davide , Maddalo Marta , Borghetti Paolo , Triggiani Luca , Magli Alessandro , Bonù Marco Lorenzo , Guerini Andrea , Alghisi Alessandro , Costantino Gianluca , Bertagna Francesco , Albano Domenico , Mazzola Rosario , Ricchetti Francesco , Spiazzi Luigi , Buglione Michela , Magrini Stefano Maria
Published: May 2020

Background

parotid gland tumors (PGT) are rare entities. Surgery plays a key role in the treatment of PGT, post-operative radiation therapy (PORT) is necessary in order to reduce the recurrence rates. Histological subtypes (HS) and differentiation grade (DG) are extremely various and so is their clinical behavior. This large retrospective paper aims to identify factors associated with treatment toxicity, loco-regional recurrence and survival in patients with PGT.
Methods

152 patients with PGT were treated with surgery and PORT at our Department between 1992 and 2019. Medical records reported patients, disease and treatment characteristics, acute and late toxicities. Loco-regional control (LC), overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS) and metastases free survival (MFS) were analyzed as outcome endpoints.
Results

severe (> G2) acute mucositis and dermatitis were 20% and 10% respectively. Severe acute mucositis was reported more frequently in patients treated with > 60 Gy on tumor bed (p = .001) and in patients treated also on the neck (p = .006). The most frequent reported late toxicities were skin fibrosis (any grade) and xerostomia (≤ G2), 67% and 50% respectively. LC, OS, CSS and MFS rates at 10 year were respectively 67, 64, 76, 80 (%). Better Karnofsky Performance Status at diagnosis, more favorable HS, well differentiated PGT, less advanced pathological stage and the absence of nodal disease are related with better survival outcomes.
Conclusion

our data are in line with current literature: high grade and locally advanced PGT have the worst prognosis. Clinical trials are needed to define better treatment strategies for PGT.
Targeting Nerve Growth Factor, a new option for treatment of osteoarthritis: A Network meta-analysis of comparative efficacy and safety with traditional drugs
Authors: Cao Ziqin , Dou Pengcheng , Long Zeling , Li Yihan , Sun Jingjing , Zhou Jian , Wang Wanchun
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease and leading cause of pain and disability in the elderly population. Most guidelines recommend the use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids for the non-operative treatment of OA. Monoclonal NGF antibodies are potential for pain relief and function improvement of OA. We conducted this network meta-analysis to comprehensively compare the efficacy and safety of monoclonal NGF antibodies with NSAIDs and opioids for OA. METHODS: Relevant studies, published up to January 2020, were included from PubMed, CKNI and Web of Science databases. Bayesian network and conventional meta-analyses were conducted. Pain relief, function improvement and risk of adverse effects (AEs) were assessed. RESULTS: 38 articles, comprising 41 trials (20489 patients with OA) were included. Overall, Anti-NGF was the most efficacious drug for pain relief (SMD compared with placebo 4.25, 95% CIs [2.87 to 5.63], SUCRA=93.7%) and (SMD 4.90, 95% CIs [3.46 to 6.33], SUCRA=98.3%). Although Anti-NGF was associated with higher risk of peripheral sensation abnormality (paresthesia and pruritus), it was not associated with higher withdrawal rates due to AEs and ohter AEs. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that monoclonal NGF antibodies significantly relieve pain due to OA and improve function, compared to selective cox-2 inhibitions, NSAIDs, and opioids. The monoclonal NGF antibodies are not associated with severe AEs. However, there is need to conduct more studies to confirm the findings of this study.
Serum Globulin and Albumin to Globulin Ratio as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Ye Yongyu , Chen Weishen , Gu Minghui , Xian Guoyan , Pan Baiqi , Zheng Linli , Zhang Ziji , Sheng Puyi
Published: May 2020

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has been increasingly documented; however, its preoperative accurate diagnosis remains challenging. Furthermore, there is a dire need to identify appropriate and effective biomarkers. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between globulin, albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio, and development of PJI in patients undergoing revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who had undergone revision TJA between 2011 and 2018 (89 with aseptic mechanic failure and 38 with PJI). The serum proteins were explored using univariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression. The diagnostic performance of these proteins was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Higher globulin levels (odds ratio [OR], 1.239; P<0.001) and lower A/G ratio (OR, 0.007; P<0.001) were strongly associated with the risk of PJI. ROC curve analysis demonstrated reasonable diagnostic performance for globulin (area under the curve [AUC], 0.77; sensitivity, 78.95%; and specificity, 69.66%) and A/G ratio (AUC, 0.779; sensitivity, 65.79%; and specificity, 78.65%). Conclusions: Both globulin and A/G ratio were associated with PJI and may serve as potential adjuvant biomarkers in the diagnosis of PJI.
Nutraceuticals Induced Structural Changes in Broiler Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota
Authors: Tolnai Emese , Fauszt Peter , Fidler Gabor , Pesti-Asboth Georgina , Szilagyi Endre , Stagel Anikó , Konya Jozsef , Szabo Judit , Stundl Laszlo , Babinszky Laszlo , Biro Sandor , Paholcsek Melinda
Published: May 2020

Background The effects of nutraceuticals on the modulation of the intestinal microbiota are receiving increased attention however there are scarce number of studies investigating their effects in broiler meat production. The aim of this study was to implement feeding strategies and carry out a comprehensive trial on the interplay between carotenoids, anthocyanins, fructo-oligosaccharides, probiotics and gastrointestinal tract microbiota. Our feeding program was applied on an intensive production system with 1080 broiler Ross 308 flock.Results We observed that nutraceuticals and synbiotics did not affect growth performance remarkably nevertheless, positive correlation was found between body weight and the beneficious Bacteroidales, Corynebacteriales and Pseudomonadales. Nutraceuticals were shown to boost broiler intestinal diversity and differentially enriched Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus and Escherichia-Shigella in core microbiome during the different stages of broiler rearing. Furthermore, diet supplemented with different nutraceuticals was shown to increase the number of unique beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia).Conclusion We concluded that nutraceutical-based feeding strategies can offer a promising, green approach for intensive poultry rearing by improving the health and production of livestock. We believe that the conversion of food industrial waste would result more sustainable bioactive component rich forages which invention could be implemented by other commercial antibiotic-free animal production system providing safe and quality meat.
Prognostic implications of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and programmed death ligand 1 expression in HER2-positive invasive breast cancer
Authors: Wang Xinran , Zhang Ningning , LI Shi , Liu Yueping
Published: May 2020

Background: Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are known to be an important prognostic factor of specific breast cancer subtypes. However, to date, PD-L1(SP142)expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been only minimally reported in HER2-positive breast cancer cases.Methods In this study, CD8,CD4 and PD-L1༈SP142༉ were performed on tissue microarrays (TMA) representing 156 pretreatment cases of HER2-positive invasive breast carcinoma, including 55 hormone receptor (HR)-negative BC patients diagnosed from January 2010 to September 2015.Clinical data were collected, all cases were with complete follow-up data (23 recurrence and 2 deaths). The concordance rate in the tumor immune microenvironment(TIME) classification based on the PD-L1༈SP142༉expression status and CD8/CD4 + TILs count was analyzed.Results PD-L1 expression was identified in 49 cases (31.4%) in immune cells. We found there was no association was found between PD-L1 expression and DFS, but TIME classification was associated with DFS.Conclusion CD4 + and CD8 + lymphocyte infiltration was related to DFS in HER2-positive breast cancer.
Malaria Distribution and Performance of Malaria Diagnostic Methods in Malaysia (1980-2019): A Systematic Review
Authors: Rahim Mohd Amirul Fitri A. , Munajat Bakhtiar , Id Zulkarnain Md
Published: May 2020

Background Malaysia has already achieved remarkable accomplishments in reaching zero indigenous human malaria cases in 2018. Prompt malaria diagnosis, surveillance and treatment played a key role in the country’s elimination success. Looking at the dynamics of malaria distribution during the last decades might provide important information regarding the potential challenges of such an elimination strategy. This study was performed to gather all data available on Plasmodium infections in Malaysia over the last four decades. Methods A systematic review of the published English literature was conducted to identify malaria distribution from 1980 to June 2019 in Malaysia. Two investigators independently extracted data from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Elsevier databases for original papers. Results The review identified 46 epidemiological studies in Malaysia over the 39-year study period, on which sufficient information was available. Majority of studies were conducted in Malaysia Borneo (31/46; 67.4%), followed by Peninsular Malaysia (13/46; 28.3%) and in both areas (2/46; 4.3%). More than half of all studies (28/46; 60.9%) were assessed by both microscopy and PCR, with prevalent by microscopy correlated significantly with prevalent by PCR (R2: 0.7782; P<0.0001). Furthermore, there was a clear trend of decreasing of all human malaria species with increasing P. knowlesi cases throughout the year of sampling period. The summary estimates of sensitivity were higher for P. knowlesi than all human malaria species for both microscopy and PCR. Nevertheless, the specificities of summary estimates were similar for microscopy (40 – 43%) but varied for PCR (2 – 34%). Conclusions This study outlined the epidemiological changes in Plasmodium species distribution in Malaysia. Malaria cases shifted from predominantly caused by human malaria to simian malaria, which accounted for the majority of indigenous cases particularly in Malaysia Borneo. Therefore, malaria case notification and prompt malaria diagnosis in regions where health services are limited in Malaysia should be strengthened and reinforced to achieving the final goal of malaria elimination in the country.
Diagnosis, Preoperative Evaluation, Classification and Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Long-Term Unreduced Hip Joint Dislocation, Secondary Osteoarthritis and Pseudoarthrosis
Authors: Liu Bo , Wu Zhaoke , Zhuang Zhikun , Liu Sikai , Li Huijie , Han Yongtai
Published: May 2020

Background Neglected long-term unreduced hip joint dislocation with secondary osteoarthritis and pseudoarthrosis poses a great challenge to hip surgeons. However, as this is an uncommon injury, few studies have systematically investigated these patients.Methods We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients from 2010 to 2017. The diagnostic value of three different kinds of common radiological examinations were evaluated. We evaluated the bone conditions of the original acetabulum and classified the patients into three types (four subtypes). The surgical procedures and prognosis of the patients were also investigated.Results With the combined application of X-ray, CT scans and 3D reconstruction, 93.8% of these patients (sensitivity = 93.8%, Youden’s index = 0.93, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95) could be diagnosed correctly. There were 6/16 (37.5%) type A patients, 4/16 (25.0%) type B1 patients, 5/16 (31.3%) type B2 patients and 1/16 (6.3%) type C patient. For patients with type A injury, the surgical procedures for total hip arthroplasty were similar to “standard” total hip arthroplasty. For patients with type B injury, due to atrophy or partial bone deficiency of the original acetabulum, the surgical procedure for total hip arthroplasty was probably similar to those for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. For patients with type C injury, the situation was similar to that of revision surgery. The average Harris hip score postoperatively was 89.94 ± 5.78 points (range: 79–98 points).Conclusions The new classification system could help surgeons estimate potential difficulties during total hip arthroplasty. The prognosis of most patients after total hip arthroplasty is expected to be excellent or good.
Locking Intramedullary Nails Versus Locking Plates in the Treatment of 2-part and 3-part Proximal Humeral Surgical Neck Fractures in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Geng Rui , Wu Hao , Ren Ke , Chang Qing , Yusufu Yalikun , Xu Jihao , Lu Jun
Published: May 2020

Background: Locking intramedullary nails and locking plates are most widely used in the treatment of 2-part and 3-part proximal humeral surgical neck fractures, however, the clinical outcomes are controversial. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of treatment with these two implants in elderly patients.Methods: In this prospective cohort study with a 24-month follow-up period, from June 2014 to November 2016, a total of 53 elderly patients with 2-part and 3-part proximal humeral surgical neck fractures treated with locking intramedullary nails and locking plates were included. We analyzed the intraoperative and radiographic parameters. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant–Murley score and range of motion (ROM) were used to evaluate shoulder function. We also assessed the visual analog scale (VAS) score and complication rate.Results: For both 2-part and 3-part proximal humeral surgical neck fractures, the nail group showed statistically significant superiority compared with the plate group in terms of the operative duration, incision length, blood loss, hemoglobin loss, neck-shaft angle (NSA) loss, time to bony union and pain. Good to satisfactory clinical outcomes were obtained with both types of implants. Significant differences were not found in the functional results or complication rate between the two groups at different time points during the follow-up period.Conclusions: Treatment with both locking intramedullary nails and locking plates achieves similar and good to satisfactory clinical outcomes in elderly patients. We favor locking intramedullary nails, especially in the treatment of 2-part proximal humeral surgical neck fractures.Trial registration: Medical Ethics Committee for Clinical Research of Zhongda hospital, ZDYJLY (2014) new No. 9. Registered 05 March 2014，http://www.njzdyy.com
Evaluation of [13N]ammonia Positron Emission Tomography for Quantifying Glutamine Synthetase Activity in the Human Brain.
Authors: Egerton Alice , Dunn Joel , Singh Nisha , Yu Zilin , O'Doherty Jim , Koychev Ivan , Webb Jessica , Claridge Simon , Turkheimer Federico , Marsden Paul , Hammers Alexander , Gee Antony
Published: May 2020

Purpose The conversion of synaptic glutamate to glutamine in astrocytes by glutamine synthetase (GS) is critical to maintaining healthy brain activity and may be disrupted in several brain disorders. As the GS catalysed conversion of glutamate to glutamine requires ammonia, we evaluated whether [13N]ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) could reliability quantify GS activity in humans.Methods In this test-retest study, eight healthy volunteers each received two dynamic [13N]ammonia PET scans on the morning and afternoon of the same day. Each [13N]ammonia scan was preceded by a [15O]water PET scan to account for effects of cerebral blood flow (CBF).Results Concentrations of radioactive metabolites in arterial blood were available for both sessions in five of the eight subjects. Our results demonstrated that kinetic modelling was unable to reliably distinguish estimates of the kinetic rate constant k3 (related to GS activity) from K1 (related to [13N]ammonia brain uptake), and indicated a non-negligible back-flux of [13N]ammonia to blood (k2). Model selection favoured a reversible one tissue compartmental model, and [13N]ammonia K1 correlated reliably (r2 = 0.72–0.92) with [15O]water CBF.Conclusion The [13N]ammonia PET method was unable to reliably estimate GS activity in the human brain but may provide an alternative index of CBF.
Association of Nutrition Knowledge, Practice, Supplement use and Nutrient Intake with Athletic Performance Among Taekwondo Players in Nepal
Authors: Sunuwar Dev Ram , Singh Devendra Raj , Bohora Man Prasad , Shrestha Vintuna , Karki Kshitij , Pradhan Pranil Man Singh
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Adequate nutrition knowledge and dietary intake are important for enhancing athletic performance. Athletes are more likely to be tired and perform poorly during sports when they do not get enough diet. To the best of our knowledge, this study is first of its kind to measure the association of nutritional knowledge, practice, supplement use, and nutrient intake with athletic performance among Nepalese Taekwondo (TKD) players.Methodology:We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 293 Taekwondo players of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, between August 2019 and January 2020. A two-stage cluster random sampling technique was used to select the desired number of respondents for the study. Face-to-face interviews were carried out using semi-structured questionnaires. Nutrition knowledge (NK), nutrition practice (NP), supplement use, nutrient intake using 24-hour dietary recall, and anthropometric measurements were taken. A handgrip dynamometer was used to assess the handgrip strength (HGS), as an indirect measure of athletic performance. Univariate and bivariate analyses were employed to find out the association of predictor and outcome variables. Data were analyzed using STATA/MP version 14.1.Results: Out of 293 participants, more than half (56.31% and 55.63%) had poor nutrition knowledge and nutrition practice scores respectively. Total energy intake (2368 Kcal) and protein (13.28%), fat (15.85%), calcium (416 mg), and iron (7 mg) respectively were significantly lower than corresponding Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) except carbohydrates intake (71.41%). Nutritional knowledge (r = 0.117), height (r = 0.538), weight (r = 0.651), BMI (r = 0.347), fat (r = 0.075), and energy (0.127) intake showed significant positive correlation with handgrip strength of athletes. The athletic performance were positively associated with training hours per day (β = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.09–0.91), BMI (β = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.09–0.61), NK score (β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.01–0.25), and energy intake (β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.12 = 0.14).Conclusions: The results suggested that nutritional knowledge and nutrient intake both were poor among TKD athletes. Height, weight, BMI, nutritional knowledge, energy, and fat intake were positive correlation with athletic performance. Further well-constructed longitudinal research is warranted to identify the robust relationship between nutritional knowledge, practice, different supplement use, and nutrient intake among athletes.
Micromachined Ceramic-based Chipless LC Resonator for High-Temperature Wireless Sensing Application in Harsh Environments
Authors: Idhaiam Kavin Sivaneri Varadharajan , Sabolsky Katarzyna , Redinger Lawrence , Meyer James , Palakurthi Harish , Sabolsky Edward M. , Sierros Konstantinos A. , Reynolds Daryl S
Published: May 2020

The primary objective of this work was the fabrication and testing of a wireless LC resonator based on micro-patterned electroceramic materials for the monitoring of high-temperature systems. The two-dimensional planar LC resonator sensors were designed and simulated using ANSYS Maxwell software, and these sensors were then fabricated from electrically conductive La2NiO4/Al2O3 particulate inks. The patterning and deposition of the ink were completed using a novel micro-casting process onto Al2O3 ceramic substrates, and the final pattern was bonded onto the substrate at 1200oC for 2 h. The final patterned materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and four-point conductivity to characterize the phase and microstructure development, and the resultant electrical conductivity (at 500-1200oC), respectively. The frequency shift with respect to temperature was measured, which is directly related to changes in the sensor’s dielectric permittivity and pattern dimensions. The sensors were characterized at 500 – 1000oC in an ambient atmosphere with an RF signal ranging from 10 – 80 MHz at 175 kHz·s-1 sweep rate. A new robust and adaptive signal processing approach was introduced to increase the degree of freedom for analyzing the wireless sensors.
Use of Manikins to Improve Confidence of Core Surgical Trainees Performing Digital Rectal Examinations
Authors: Barker Thomas , Durst Alexander
Published: May 2020

Background: DRE is an important skill across a variety of medical and surgical specialties. Previous research has shown that structured teaching and practice on mannequins is of benefit when teaching the skill to medical students. The current literature does not demonstrate any research into post-graduate teaching and assessment of doctors. Methods: New core surgical trainees from within the Health Education East of England post-graduate surgical school attended a regional induction day, which included a clinical skills circuit. One station focussed on DRE, where participants were asked to complete a pre-teaching survey, they then received a brief teaching session which included simulation with manikins, and subsequently completed a post-teaching survey. Results: 48 core surgical trainees participated in the training session and completed the survey. All bar one had had formal teaching on DRE previously, however only 5 had had teaching on the subject at postgraduate level. After teaching/simulation the mean self perceived competency level rose from 6.25 to 8.92 (of 10) p<0.001. Discussion: Survey findings indicated that participants were likely to overestimate their competence at DRE, but that a brief structured teaching session including practice on manikins was effective in improving confidence. Written feedback was positive and highlighted previously poorly taught/understood aspects of a neurological DRE.
Clinical Characteristics of 538 Novel Coronavirus Disease Patients with Chronic Underlying Diseases in Wuhan, China: A retrospective Study
Authors: Yi Wanwan , Yu Xiaqing , Fan Hengwei , Zhu Hengmei , Lv Zhongwei , Fu Xiaohui , Zhang Qian
Published: May 2020

Background Novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in humans, which has spread rapidly worldwide. Most critical cases of COVID-19 are accompanied by complicated chronic underlying diseases. This retrospective study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with chronic underlying diseases.Methods A total of 1,183 COVID-19 patients were divided into the chronic underlying disease (CUD, n = 538) group and the non-underlying disease (non-CUD, n = 645) group. The clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected and compared between the two groups.Results There were significant differences in age, weight, and SPO2 on admission between the CUD and non-CUP groups. The ratio of severe cases in the CUD group was higher than that in the non-CUD group (χ2 = 35.58, p-value < 0.001). The white blood cell count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, urea nitrogen, creatinine, myoglobin, and cardiac troponin in the CUD group were significantly higher than those in the non-CUD group, while the lymphocyte count and albumin in the underlying disease group were significantly lower than those in the non-underlying disease group. No significant difference was found in the total number of tests, the number of positive or negative results in nucleic acid tests between the two groups. The negative rate for both IgG- and IgM-antibody tests in the CUD group was higher than that in the non-CUD group (χ2 = 5.57, p-value = 0.018). No statistical difference in mortality between the CUD (n = 18) and non-CUD groups (n = 13). All surviving patients were cured and discharged. A total of 33 patients had a positive re-examination result for nucleic acid test one week after discharge, including 14 patients with underlying diseases and 19 patients without underlying diseases. Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with underlying diseases had poorer clinical conditions and had a longer hospital stay, but after active treatment, the mortality had not increased significantly.
Forecasting the long-term trend of COVID-19 epidemic using a dynamic model
Authors: Sun Jichao , Chen Xi , Zhang Ziheng , Lai Shengzhang , Zhao Bo , Liu Hualuo , Zhao Ruihui , Ng Alexander , Zheng Yefeng
Published: May 2020

Background The current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has recently been declared as a pandemic and spread over 200 countries and territories. Forecasting the long-term trend of the COVID-19 epidemic can help health authorities determine the transmission characteristics of the virus and take appropriate prevention and control strategies beforehand. Previous studies that applied the traditional epidemic models or machine learning models were subject to underfitting or overfitting problems.Methods We propose a new model named Dynamic-Susceptible-Exposed-Infective-Quarantined (D-SEIQ), by making appropriate modifications of the Susceptible-Exposed-Infective-Recovered (SEIR) model and integrating machine learning based parameter optimization under epidemiological rational constraints. We used the model to predict the long-term reported cumulative numbers of COVID-19 cases in China from 27 January, 2020.Results We evaluated our model on officially reported confirmed cases from three different regions in China, and the results proved the effectiveness of our model in terms of simulating and predicting the trend of COVID-19 outbreak. In China-Excluding-Hubei area within 7 days after the first public report, our model successfully and accurately predicted the 40 days long trend and the exact date of turning point. The predicted cumulative number (12,506) by 10, March 2020 was only 3·8% different with the actual number (13,005). The parameters obtained by our model proved the effectiveness of prevention and intervention strategies on epidemic control in China.Conclusions The integrated approach of epidemic and machine learning models could accurately forecast the long-term trend of COVID-19 outbreak. The learned parameters suggested the effectiveness of intervention measures taken in China.
Reverse vaccinology approach towards the in-silico multiepitope vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kumar Vipul , Jena Manoj
Published: May 2020

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome related corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to the “Coronaviridae” family and order “Nidovirales” cause coronavirus disease (COVID19). The SARS-CoV-2 has been spread in more than a hundred countries, and more than a million have lost their lives. Recently COVID-19 has been declared as pandemic worldwide. Vaccination and immunization could only be an effective strategy to combat this fatal COVID-19. For identification of the effective vaccine candidate against COVID-19, various immunoinformatics online tools and software were used to predict the epitopes. The cytotoxic T cell epitopes, Helper T cell epitopes, and B cell epitopes from three structural polyproteins ( Spike, Membrane, and Nucleocapsid (SMN) ) based on the binding affinity towards MHC , antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and non-toxicity were identified for vaccine development. The multiepitope based vaccine was constructed linking two additional adjuvants human betadefensin-3 and human beta-defensin-2 at N and C terminal, respectively. Constructed vaccine sequence was found to be a good antigen and non-allergen for the human body. The constructed vaccine was docked with the TLR-3 receptor. And the docked complex then further taken for Molecular dynamics simulations and RMSD was calculated, which showed stable binding of the complex. The codon adaptation index (CAI) of 0.92 and GC content of 55.5% for E.coli (k12) strain suggested the efficient expression of the predicted vaccine. The current study can be helpful in the reduction of time and cost for further experimental validations and could give a valuable contribution against this pandemic.
Association between symptoms and severity of disease in hospitalised novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patients: A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Talukder Ashis , Razu Shaharior Rahman , Alif Sheikh , Rahman Muhammad Aziz , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: May 2020

Background Symptoms of the novel coronavirus disease (COVD-19) are well known, although asymptomatic cases were also reported due to this rapidly evolving viral disease. However, there has been limited research with inconsistent findings on symptoms of COVID-19 and diseases severity. We aimed to evaluate the association between symptoms and severity of disease in confirmed COVID-19 cases by performing a meta-analysis.Methods We conducted a systematic review by searching four online databases (Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane library) of published studies that included symptoms of COVID-19 cases and severity of the disease between 01-Jan-2020 and 20-Apr-2020. PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed, and only articles published in English were selected. We performed meta-analysis using Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model. Degree of heterogeneity among studies and quality of the selected studies were evaluated.Results Out of 153 articles identified, a total of seven articles, including 3,168 participants, met the inclusion criteria and were included. The median age of the patients was 49 years, 1818 (57.38%) were males, and 574 (18.11%) reported severe conditions. Fever was the most commonly reported symptom in the reported COVID-19 confirmed cases (87.89%, 95% CI: 83.22–81.39%), which was followed by cough, myalgia or fatigue, and less proportionally dyspnea and headache. Dyspnea was the only symptom, which was associated with severity of COVID-19 (OR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.83–3.10).Conclusions Dyspnoea was found to be associated with severity of COVID-19. People with existing respiratory illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases need to be careful about the onset of such symptom and should seek medical attention.
Civic identity development: ontogenetic aspect
Authors: Petrovska Inha
Published: May 2020

Civic identity is developed through the information-perceptual, content-normative, value-semantic and integration-identification stages. It was identified (at the theoretical and empirical levels) that the basic factors of the civic identity development at its various stages are basic interpersonal needs; basic beliefs; the values of the parental family; civic attitudes of reference persons; social integration (experience of interpersonal relationships with peers); value-semantic orientations; subjectness activity; prosocial focus; social trust (including institutional); the fact of meeting the needs of physical and social existence in the state (level of social frustration); experience of interaction with the state in the form of its various agencies.
Variants of life trajectories among persons with disabilities in the context of subjective well-being and life quality
Authors: Khazova Svetlana , Tikhonova Inna , Adeeva Tatiana
Published: May 2020

The article presents the results of the study of life trajectory variants among persons with disabilities as well as their social and personal characteristics: life satisfaction, life quality assessment, well-being, and coping strategies. The total sample was 87 people. The study suggests 3 variants of life trajectories among persons with disabilities. They differ in such parameters as dynamics, narrative, connection between events and one’s emotions, modality of emotions, number of important events, and their content. The reported life quality assessments slightly characterize the life trajectory variants. We identified the difference both between the levels of one’s social well-being satisfaction and subjective well-being in the 3 variants of life trajectories. We also observe specificities of the coping strategies. The results can be used to design programs of psychological assistance, accompany persons with disabilities, develop positive life strategies, and achieve high subjective well-being levels
The role of communication and collaboration influencing teachers’ professional motivation
Authors: Gabnytė Giedrė , Strakšienė Diana
Published: May 2020

The article addresses one of the most important factors of teachers’ professional motivation, communication and collaboration, in the context of the education process understood as a system of interaction of all members of the education process. The main idea of the empirical research introduced in this article is to reveal and generalise aspects of communication and collaboration in Lithuanian non-formal music education (in music schools), while thoroughly analysing the aspect of relationships between an educator and students, an educator and parents, an educator and an educator, an educator and a school principal. The research shows that the relation between teacher and student in the process of music education is clearly characteristic of manifestations of authoritarianism in education. When evaluating manifestation of the relationship between a teacher and parents, a teachers’ positive attitudes towards mutual collaboration have been found out; nevertheless, interrelations among teachers in school are based on competitiveness. The relationship between a school principal and teachers is ambiguously evaluated by teachers themselves: in some cases, it is characterised as positive, whereas in other cases it is perceived as negative; nevertheless, in all cases it is considered as making an impact on the entire education process.
Dyadic relations of persons with disabilities: coping and psychological well-being
Authors: Shipova Natalia , Sevastyanova Ulyana
Published: May 2020

Studying the close relations of people with disabilities seems to us an important and socially acute problem with practical significance and meeting the social demand of the society. The study is devoted to the study of coping and psychological well-being of the dyad of persons with disabilities. Dyad groups of partners with normative and impaired development differ significantly in their main indicators (dyadic coping strategies, aspects of dyadic relations, level of well-being).
Psychological factors of student’s social activity
Authors: Bazilenko Anastasiia , Barna Nataliia , Lytvynenko Olga
Published: May 2020

This article describes the structure of psychological factors influencing students’ social activity and empirical results of its research. The psychological factors that promote the development of social activity and those that inhibit it have been characterized. The personal favorable factors of social activity include: students’ psychological attitudes towards the value of social activity; feeling like a full member of the student group; positive personal experience; formed social abilities; the desire for self-realization, self-knowledge, self-creation, self-regulation; sense of personal value; awareness of the positive resources available and opportunities for their actualization; self-belief; self-promotion; comprehensive ideas about social activity and its factors; ability to take initiative in the social sphere; ability to self-regulate. The factors that slow down students’ social activity are: wrong profession, despair in others, despair in social ideals, attitudes that make a person inflexible to changing conditions, absence or weakened sense of social responsibility.
A UNIQUE CASE OF BILATERAL VOCAL FOLD PARALYSIS FOLLOWING SPINAL ANAESTHESIA
Authors: Mitra Manasij , Biswas Nupur , Shailendra Kumar , Jain Anil Chandra , Basu Maitraye
Published: May 2020

Cranial nerve palsies are potential but rare complications of spinal anaesthesia. Most of the literatures support upper cranial nerve palsies like VI, IV and III cranial nerve palsies. Intrathecal hypotension resulting in tractional injury of the cranial nerves is the likely mechanism of injury. As on date, some cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis and very little bilateral vocal fold paralysis have been described in case reports. We have described a patient who developed hoarseness and dysphagia 7 days after receiving spinal anaesthesia for fixation of inter-trochanteric fracture femur. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. He was managed conservatively and exhibited complete spontaneous recovery as has been described in the previously reported cases. Any patient presenting with idiopathic vocal fold paralysis should be enquired about the history of spinal or epidural anaesthesia. If the history is affirmative, then it points towards transient intrathecal hypotension as a potential etiology of the cranial nerve palsy.