bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thematic analysis of individual feedback: Improving cohort feedforward
Authors: Meredith Richard Edward
Published: February 2020

Is there a practical way to identify academic at-risk students before the start of term? Or is there no alternative but to look for in-class cues and formative assessment patterns or even wait to mark summative submissions after the term is over? This conference reflection essay offers a potential contribution to answering those questions. It suggests Turnitin assessment text data be make visible rather than remaining unseen, unnoticed, and therefore unactionable (Bienkowski et al., 2012). A poster presentation at the University of Greenwich Learning and Teaching festival 2019 became a transformative learning experience that led to Turnitin assessment data being conceived as a new data source for learning analytics, modelled using Activity Theory.
The Isochronal Performance Method of Determining the Flow Characteristics of Gas Wells
Authors: Cullender M.H.
Published: February 2020

Published in PetroleumTransactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 137–142.

The performance characteristics of gas wells producing from formations which fail to stabilize within a relatively short period of time are obscured by the interrelation of the coefficient (C) and the slope "n" of the conventional back-pressure curve

(Equation 1)
Case History of Reservoir Performance of a Highly Volatile Type Oil Reservoir
Authors: Woods Rex W.
Published: February 2020

Published in PetroleumTransactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 156–159.

The case history of performance of a highly volatile type oil reservoir which is now greater than 80 per ant depleted is presented. The reservoir is at a depth of approximately 8,200 ft and includes an area greater than 7,500 acres. The reservoir has been exploited by 10 wells which to date have yielded about 10,880,000 bbl of stock tank oil by pressure depletion. Reservoir pressure has declined from an original of 5,000 psi to approximately 1,450 psi. Produced gas/oil ratio has increased from 3,200 to 23,000 cu ft/ bbl with a corresponding increase in API gravity of the stock tank oil from 44° to 62°. Pressure and fluid data are given for different stages of depletion.

Introduction

In papers by Sloan, and Cook, Spencer and Bobrowski, properties of highly volatile type reservoir oil were discussed in detail and methods were presented for predicting performance of reservoirs containing this type of fluid. The purpose of this paper is to present performance history of a highly volatile type oil reservoir designated as Reservoir A which has been produced by pressure depletion and field separation without processing of gas.

Geology

The reference field which includes Reservoir A is a structural feature north of a trend of major folding along a northeast-southwest axis. In the area of development, the structure has the appearance of a dome with formation dip of three to four degrees, but structural relations between the reference field and the axis of major folding to the south have not been determined. No faulting within the field is evident. Oil and gas productive sands have been found at depths of 7,000 ft to 10,000 ft in a columnar section of Mio-Oligocene age. The sand bodies in the section are lenticular and usually continuity of sand is limited to a small area. Sand A which forms Reservoir A at a depth of 8,200 ft, however, has exceptional continuous development in the reference field.
Investigation of Various Refined Oils for Formation Fracturing
Authors: Hendrickson A.R. , Foster G.L. , Rosene R.B.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 204, 1955, pages 285–288.

The properties of some of the common fracturing oils, such as sand-falling rate, fluid loss and viscosity, are a function of the three major constituents of the oil. These are: asphaltic material, paraffin waxes and a base oil. The base oil can be either high or low viscosity.

Asphaltic material increases viscosity by thickening the oil, decreasing the rate of fall of sand through the oil, at temperatures up to 200° F.

When large amounts of paraffin wax are present, much of the wax is not dissolved, but is present in the form of microscopic crystals. This, of course is limited to temperature below the melting points of waxes. As a result, paraffin waxes do not function primarily as thickeners, but rather as bulking materials.

The function of wax, without asphaltic material, in a low viscosity base oil is uniquely unlike that of wax with asphalt coexistent in the oil. The resulting difference in wax crystal size governs the sand-falling rate to a large extent.

An ideal type of fracturing oil is one containing neither asphalt nor waxes. In such cases, the viscosity and resulting low sand-falling rate are apparently due to soluble resinous hydrocarbons, which are compatible with formation oils.

Introduction

Since the introduction of hydraulic fracturing as a method of stimulating production from oil and gas wells, a variety of fluids have been employed to open the fractures and carry the propping agent. Such fluids include gels, emulsions, and oils. In the latter category, the use of refined oils has increased tremendously, and it is probably safe to assume that such oils represent more than one-half of the total fluid used in fracturing.
Parvovirus B19 infection and kidney injury: report of 4 cases and analysis of immunization and viremia in an adult cohort of 100 patients undergoing a kidney biopsy.
Authors: Kauffmann Maëlis , Bobot Mickaël , Daniel Laurent , Torrents Julia , Knefati Yannick , Moranne Olivier , Burtey Stéphane , Zandotti Christine , Jourde-Chiche Noemie
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND: The seroprevalence of human Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is 70-85 % in adults worldwide. PVB19 is the etiologic agent of the fifth disease, is a cause of aplastic anemia, and can be associated with kidney injury. We aimed to describe the cases of 4 patients with kidney injury related to PVB19 primary infection, and to evaluate the seroprevalence of PVB19 and the incidence of PVB19 primary infection in patients undergoing a native kidney biopsy.METHODS: Cases of PVB19 infection with kidney injury were reviewed from the archives of the department of Nephrology. A systematic screening of anti-PVB19 IgG and IgM antibodies and viral DNA was performed in sera from 100 consecutive patients with a kidney biopsy in 2017-2018.RESULTS: The 4 patients with PVB19 infection-associated kidney disease displayed: one lupus-like glomerulonephritis (GN) without lupus auto-antibodies, one minimal change disease with tubular necrosis, one secondary hemolytic and uremic syndrome and one membrano-proliferative GN. In the 100 patients biopsied, 67 had elevated anti-PVB19 IgG, among whom 8 had elevated IgM, without circulating viral DNA, without any particular renal pathological pattern. One additional patient showed a seroconversion at the time of kidney biopsy, which revealed a class V lupus nephritis. CONCLUSION: PVB19 primary infection can be associated with different kidney diseases. The seroprevalence of PVB19 among patients with a kidney biopsy is similar to the overall population, and primary infection is rarely documented (1%) after systematic screening. Whether PV19 is nephrotoxic, or triggers renal endothelial injury and immune activation, remains to be elucidated.
Clinical, genetic and microbiological characterization of pediatric patients with Cystic Fibrosis in a Public Hospital in Ecuador
Authors: Lascano-Vaca Yazmina , Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Gomez-Barreno Lenin , Simbaña-Rivera Katherine , Vasconez Eduardo , Lister Alexander , Arteaga-Espinosa María Emilia , Perez Geovanny F
Published: February 2020

SummaryObjective: To carry out a complete clinical, pathological, genetic and microbiological characterization of pediatric patients with molecular confirmed cystic fibrosis (CF) attending the Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital (HCAM) within the study period.Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of the pediatric population with a confirmed diagnosis of CF disease who attended HCAM, one of the largest tertiary-level hospitals in Ecuador, between 2017 and 2018 was performed. All demographic, clinical and genetic variables were obtained from the electronic medical records (EMR) stored by the hospital. Results: 47 patients with CF were included in the study. Gender distribution was similar between male (48.9%, n = 23) and female patients (51.1%, n = 24). The Tiffeneau-Pinelli index (FEV1/FVC) changed significantly after nine months post-diagnosis (85.55 ± 13.26; p <0.05). The most common pathogenic genetic variants were F508del, found in 52.78% of the cohort (n = 19); H609R, found in 36.11% (n = 13); g.204099A>C, found in 14.1% (n = 7), followed by G85E and the N1303K with 11.11% (n = 3) each. Conclusions: To our best knowledge, this is the first study exploring the clinical, genetic and bacteriological profile of CF’s patients in Ecuador. Within the cohort of patients, an important and unique genetic feature was characterized by the presence of the g.204099A> C and the c.206359C>A homozygous polymorphism as well as the presence of the H609R variant, a mutation only reported among Ecuadorians.
Comparison of methods for the detection of in vitro synergy in multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Gaudereto Juliana Januario , Neto Lauro Vieira Perdigão , Leite Gleice Cristina , Sanchez Evelyn , Martins Roberta Cristina Ruedas , Prado Gladys Villas Boas do , Rossi Flavia , Guimarães Thais , Levin Anna Sara , Costa Silvia Figueiredo
Published: February 2020

Background The use of combined antibiotic therapy has become an option for infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The time-kill (TK) assay is considered the gold standard method for the evaluation of in vitro synergy, but it is a time-consuming and expensive method. Methods The purpose of this study was to evaluate two methods for testing in vitro antimicrobial combinations: the disk diffusion method through disk approximation (DA) and the agar gradient diffusion method via the MIC:MIC ratio. The TK assay was included as the gold standard. MDR Gram-negative clinical isolates (n=62; 28 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 20 Acinetobacter baumannii, and 14 Serratia marcescens) were submitted to TK, DA, and MIC:MIC ratio synergy methods. Results Overall, the agreement between the DA and TK assays ranged from 20 to 93%. The isolates of A. baumannii showed variable results of synergism according to TK, and the calculated agreement was statistically significant in this species against fosfomycin with meropenem including colistin-resistant isolates. The MIC:MIC ratiometric agreed from 35 to 71% with TK assays. The kappa test showed good agreement for the combination of colistin with amikacin (K = 0.58; P = 0.04) among the colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates. Conclusions The DA and MIC:MIC ratiometric methods are easier to perform and might be a more viable tool for clinical microbiology laboratories.
Effect of Two Major Health Reforms on Health Care Cost and Utilization in Fars Province of Iran: Family Physician Program and Health Transformation Plan
Authors: Bayati Mohsen , Keshavarz Khosro , Lotfi Farhad , KebriaeeZadeh Abbas , Barati Omid , Zareian Shahram , Amiri Akbar , Delavari Sajad
Published: February 2020

Background: Family physician program (FPP) and health transformation plan (HTP) are two major reforms that have been implemented in Iran's health system in recent. The present study was aimed at evaluating the impact of these two reforms on the level of service utilization and cost of health care services. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted on people insured by social security organization in Fars province during 2009-2016. The data on the utilization of services and costs of general practitioner visits, specialist visits, medications, imaging, laboratory tests, and hospitalization were collected. Interrupted time series analysis was used to analyze the effect of the two mentioned reforms. Results: FPP resulted in a significant reduction in the number of specialist visits, imaging, and laboratory tests in the short term, and in the number of radiology services, laboratory tests, and hospitalization in the long term. In contrast, HTP significantly increased the utilization of radiology services and laboratory tests both in the short term and long term. Concerning the costs, FPP resulted in a reduction in costs in short and long term except general practitioners' and specialist visit, and medication in long term. However, HTP resulted in an increase in health care costs in both of the studied time periods. Conclusions: FPP has been successful in rationalizing the utilization of services. On the other hand, HTP has improved people’s access to services by increasing the utilization; but it has increased health care costs. Therefore, policymakers must adopt an agenda to revise and re-design the plan.
HPV Genotypes and Epidemiology in Women With Cervical Cancer in Senegal.
Authors: NIANE KHADIDIATOU , DIAGNE Cheikh Tidiane , DIOP Gora , DIA Ndongo , TALLA Cheikh , LOUCOUBAR Cheikh , NDIAYE Moussa , Niang Mbayame , DIALLO Aissatou , SEMBENE Pape Mbacké , KA Sidy , DIEYE Alioune , Sall Amadou Alpha , DEM Ahmadou
Published: February 2020

Background Cases of cervical cancer are increasing steadily in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 75,000 new cases and nearly 50,000 deaths a year (Mboumba et al., 2017). In Senegal, pathologies such as cervical cancer are one of the top causes of death and the Human papillomavirus (HPV) is its aetiological agent (Steenbergen et al., 2005). Methods The aim of the study is to analyse the distribution of HPV among Senegalese women with cervical cancer. The main objective of this study is to identify the HPV types associated or “co-associated” with cervical oncogenesis in Senegal. The correlations with the risk factors of cervin carcinogenesis were analysed as well. Cervical biopsies were performed on the women admitted to Aristide Hospital Le Dantec-Julio Curie Institute. Three methods were used to detect HPV genotypes: SANGER sequencing genotyping (Applied BioSystems), PCR real-time approach technique (HPV 16 & 18 RealTime PCR kit) (www.bioneer.co.kr) and the genotyping approach from Chippron (HPV kit 3.5 LCDArray) (info@chipron.com). Results In this study, the sample had multiple infections (co-infections), and a majority of the coinfections were high-risk types (HR-HPV types). The most common type of HPV in our study were 16 (34.37%), 18 (23.29%), 45 (10.75%), 33 (9.94%), 59 (9.09%), (3.97%) and 31 (3.69%). Among the co-infections detected in different regions of Senegal in women with cervical cancer, we found that HPV types 16 and 18 had the highest prevalence. In the Dakar region, which had the highest number of cases, a prevalence of 17.89% of HR-HPV co-infections was found. Conclusion Polygamy could represent a cofactor in the occurrence of cervical cancer in Senegalese women. No association was found between high-risk HPV co-infections and cancer stages. However, an increase of our cohort would be necessary to affirm these hypotheses.
Genome-wide Survey of the bHLH Super Gene Family in Brassica napus
Authors: Ke Yunzhuo , Wu Yunwen , Zhou Hongjun , Chen Ping , Wang Mangmang , Liu Mingming , Li Pengfeng , Yang Jing , Li Jiana , Du Hai
Published: February 2020

Background: The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene family is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants and is functionally characterized in diverse species. However, less is known about its functions in the economically important allopolyploid oil crop, Brassica napus. Results: We identified 602 potential bHLHs in the B. napus genome (BnabHLHs) and categorized them into 35 subfamilies, including seven newly separated subfamilies, based on phylogeny, protein structure, and exon-intron organization analysis. The intron insertion patterns of this gene family were analyzed and a total of eight types were identified in the bHLH regions of BnabHLHs. Chromosome distribution and synteny analyses revealed that hybridization between Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea was the main expansion mechanism for BnabHLHs. Expression analyses showed that BnabHLHs were widely in different plant tissues and formed seven main patterns, suggesting they may participate in various aspects of B. napus development. Furthermore, when roots were treated with five different hormones (IAA, auxin; GA3, gibberellin; 6-BA, cytokinin; ABA, abscisic acid and ACC, ethylene), the expression profiles of BnabHLHs changed significantly, with many showing increased expression. The induction of five candidate BnabHLHs was confirmed following the five hormone treatments via qRT-PCR. Up to 246 BnabHLHs from nine subfamilies were predicted to have potential roles relating to root development through the joint analysis of their expression profiles and homolog function. Conclusion: The 602 BnabHLHs identified from B. napus were classified into 35 subfamilies, and those members from the same subfamily generally had similar sequence motifs. Overall, we found that BnabHLHs may be widely involved in root development in B. napus. Moreover, this study provides important insights into the potential functions of the BnabHLHs super gene family and thus will be useful in future gene function research.
Comparison of Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients’ Dietary Behaviors
Authors: Kim Seonmi , Kang Byung Chin , Kim Hyun-Jung , Kyung Min-Sook , Oh Hyung Jung , Kim Jung-Hyun , Kwon Oran , Ryu Dong-Ryeol
Published: February 2020

Background: Nutritional factors are associated with high mortality and morbidity in dialysis patients, and protein-energy wasting is regarded as an important one. The modality of dialysis may affect patients’ dietary behavior and nutritional status, but no study has compared the dietary behavior, nutrient intake, and nutritional adequacy of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
Methods: From December 2016 to May 2017, a dietary behavior survey and Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (Semi-FFQ) were conducted on 30 HD patients and 30 PD patients in Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, and laboratory parameters were obtained. The results of prevalent HD and PD patients were then compared.
Results: The mean age of HD patients was higher than that of PD patients; HD: 58.5±9.1 years, PD: 49.3±9.7 years ( p = 0.001). In the dietary behavior survey, HD patients showed more appropriate dietary behavior patterns overall than PD patients. In the dietary intake analysis with the Semi-FFQ, energy intake was significantly lower in the PD group than in the HD group due to the lower intake of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. A comparison of nutrient intake-to-recommended allowance ratio between the HD and PD groups revealed that the HD group showed higher nutrient intake than the PD group. Serum albumin and potassium levels were significantly higher in HD than in PD patients.
Conclusion: According to this study, the dietary behavior and nutritional intake of prevalent PD patients were worse than those of HD patients.
Trends in Measles Cases in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: A Five-year Review of Case-based Surveillance Data (2014- 2018).
Authors: AWORABHI NENI , Numbere Tamunowari , Balogun Mohammed Shakir , Usman Aisha , Utulu Rowland , Ebere Nkechi , Omubo Wakiente , Stow Jones , Abba Shehu , Olorukooba Abdulhakim
Published: February 2020

Background

Measles is a vaccine preventable, highly transmissible viral infection that affects mostly children under five years. It has been ear marked for elimination and Nigeria adopted the measles elimination strategies of the World Health Organization (WHO) African region to reduce cases and deaths. This study was done to determine trends in measles cases in Bayelsa state, to describe cases in terms of person and place, identify gaps in the case-based surveillance data collection system and identify risk factors for measles infection.

Methods

We carried out a secondary data analysis of measles case-based surveillance data for the period of January 2014 to December 2018 obtained in Microsoft Excel from the State Ministry of Health. Cases were defined according to WHO standard case definitions. We calculated frequencies, proportions, estimated odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 449 cases of measles were reported. There were 245(54.6%) males and the most affected age group was 1-4 years with 288(64.1%) cases. Of all cases, 289(9.35%) were confirmed and 70 (48.27%) had received at least one dose of measles vaccine. There was an all-year transmission with increased cases in the 4th quarter of the year. Yenegoa local government area had the highest number of cases. Timeliness of specimen reaching the laboratory and the proportion of specimens received at the laboratory with results sent to the national level timely was below WHO recommended 80% respectively. Predictors of measles infection were, age less than 5 years (AOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.91) and residing in an urban area (AOR: 1.55, 95% CI:1.02-2.34).

Conclusions

Measles infection occurred all-year round, with children less than 5 years being more affected. Measles case-based surveillance system showed high levels of case investigation with poor data quality and poor but improving indicators. Being less than 5 years was protective of measles while living in urban areas increased risk for infection. We recommended to the state government to prioritize immunization activities in the urban centers, start campaigns by the 4th quarter and continue to support measles surveillance activities and the federal government to strengthen regional laboratory capacities.
LncGBP9/miR-34a axis drives macrophages toward a phenotype conducive for spinal cord injury repair via STAT1/STAT6 and SOCS3
Authors: Zhou Jiahui , Li Zhiyue , Wu Tianding , Zhao Qun , Zhao Qiancheng , Cao Yong
Published: February 2020

Background: Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) could cause mainly two types of pathological sequelae, the primary mechanical injury, and the secondary injury. The inappropriate activation of macrophage phenotypes (macrophage M1 or M2 polarization) might cause the failure to post-SCI repair. Methods: SCI model was established in Balb/c mice and the changes in macrophage phenotypes after SCI was monitored. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to select factors that might regulate macrophage polarization after SCI. Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages ( BMDMs ) were isolated, identified, and induced for M1 or M2 polarization; the effects of lncRNA lnc GBP9 (guanylate binding protein-9) and SOCS 3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3) on macrophages polarization were examined in vitro and in vivo . The predicted miR-34a binding to lncGBP9 and SOCS3 was validated; the dynamic effects of lncGBP9 and miR-34a on SOCS3, STAT 1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1)/STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6) signaling, and macrophage polarization were examined. Finally, we investigated whether STAT6 could bind the miR-34a promoter to activate its transcription. Results: In SCI Balb/c mice, inappropriate activation of macrophage phenotypes was observed after SCI. In M1 macrophages, lncGBP9 silencing significantly decreased p-STAT1 and SOCS3 expression and protein levels, as well as the production of IL-6 (Interleukin 6) and IL-12 (Interleukin 12); in M2 macrophages, lncGBP9 overexpression increased SOCS3 expression and protein levels while suppressed p-STAT6 levels and the production of IL-10 (Interleukin 10) and TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor beta 1), indicating that lncGBP9 overexpression promotes the M1 polarization of macrophages. In lncGBP9-silenced SCI mice, the M2 polarization was promoted on day 28 after operation, further indicating that lncGBP9 silencing revised the predominance of M1 polarization at the late stage of secondary injury after SCI, therefore improving the repair after SCI. IncGBP9 competed with SOCS3 for miR-34a binding to counteract miR-34a-mediated suppression on SOCS3 and then modulated STAT1/STAT6 signaling and the polarization of macrophages. STAT6 bound the promoter of miR-34a to activate its transcription. Conclusions: In macrophages, lncGBP9 sponges miR-34a to rescue SOCS3 expression, therefore modulating macrophage polarization through STAT1/STAT6 signaling. STAT6 bound the promoter of miR-34a to activate its transcription, therefore forming two different regulatory loops to modulate the polarization of macrophages after SCI.
Crucial role of androgen receptor in resistance and endurance trainings-induced muscle hypertrophy through IGF-1/IGF-1R- PI3K/Akt- mTOR pathway
Authors: YIN Lijun , LU Lin , LIN Xiaojing , Wang Xiaohui
Published: February 2020

Objective Androgen receptor (AR) has been reported to play vital roles in exercise-induced increase of muscle mass in rats, but needs to be further verified and the mechanism behind remains unclear. As AR target genes, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) promote muscle hypertrophy through activating PI3K/Akt- mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a classic pathway of muscle hypertrophy. So the main purpose of this study was using AR antagonist flutamide to demonstrate AR’s effect on training-induced muscle hypertrophy and its possible mechanism: IGF-1/IGF-1R- PI3K/Akt- mTOR pathway? Methods Forty-eight Sprague Dawley male rats aged seven weeks were randomly divided into six groups: control (C), flutamide (F), resistance training (R), resistance training plus flutamide (R+F), endurance training (E), and endurance training plus flutamide (E+F) groups. Flutamide was used to block AR in rats. Rats in R and R+F groups fulfilled 3 weeks of ladder climbing with progressively increased load, while E and E+F rats completed 3-week moderate intensity aerobic exercise on a treadmill. The relative muscle mass (muscle mass/body weight) of rats was detected. Serum levels of testosterone and IGF-1 of rats were determined by ELISA, and mRNA levels of IGF-1R and mTOR in muscles by real-time PCR. Protein levels of AR, IGF-1, IGF-1R, mTOR, PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K and p-Akt in muscles were detected by Western blot. Results (1) The training-induced rise in the relative muscle mass and the expression levels of AR were only found in the gastrocnemius of R rats and in the soleus of E rats (selective muscle hypertrophy), which were blocked by flutamide. (2) Serum testosterone in the R and E rat were increased, and flutamide exerted no effect. (3) The levels of IGF-1, IGF-1R and mTOR as well as the activities of PI3K and Akt were enhanced selectively (in the gastrocnemius of R rats and in the soleus of E rats), which were reduced by flutamide. Conclusions AR exerted an essential role in both resistance training and endurance training-induced muscle hypertrophy, which was mediated at least partly through IGF-1/IGF-1R- PI3K/Akt- mTOR pathway.
Force Production during the Sustained Phase of Rugby Scrums: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Martin Eric , Beckham George
Published: February 2020

Background: Since World Rugby changed the laws regarding scrums in the 2013-2014 season, the sustained push phase of the scrum has become of greater tactical importance. Therefore, the purpose of this sytematic literature review was to examine the biomechanical demands during the sustained push phase of individual, unit, and full pack scrummaging. Methods: Pubmed, EBSCO (specifically and simultaneously searching Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus), and Google Scholar were searched for any research that presented force production in a live or simulated rugby scrum. Study quality was appraised using the National Institute of Health's Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Recorded scrum forces, positioning of players including joint angles, and testing procedures were extracted and narratively synthesized. Results: Twenty six studies were included in the review. 50% of included studies were rated good, 31% fair, and 19% poor. Major limitations included not reporting any effect size, statistical power, or reliability. Reported group mean values for average sustained forces against a machine generally ranged from 1000-2000 N in individual scrums and 4000-8000 N for full packs of male rugby players older than high school age. Individuals seem to optimize their force generation when their shoulders are set against scrum machine pads at approximately 40% of body height, with feet parallel, and with knee and hip angles around 120°. A 10% difference in pack force seems to be necessary for one pack to drive another back in the scrum, but little data exist to quantify differences in force production between winning and losing packs during live scrums. Data collection within studies was not standardized, making comparisons difficult. There is a lack of data in live scrums, and the current research indicates that machine scrums may not replicate many of the demands of live scrums. There is a lack of data for female rugby players. Conclusions: This review indicates an optimal individual body position for players to strive to achieve during scrummaging, consisting of a low body height (40% of stature) and large extended hip and knee angles (120° each).
Well-managed gestational diabetes mellitus is no longer a risk factor for neonatal RDS — a case-control study
Authors: Xi Guannan , Ying Qian , Wang Xuefeng , Luo Fei , Lu Chengqiu , Yang Yun , Wang Jimei
Published: February 2020

Abstract BACKGROUND Diabetes in pregnancy used to be considered associated with a higher risk of respiratory distress syndrome(RDS) in neonates. However, as antenatal examinations have improved, whether well-managed gestational diabetes remains an independent risk factor is unclear. This study was to determine the associations of well-managed gestational diabetes with morbidity and complications of RDS. Method This was a case-control study conducted at the Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. We collected data from 101 RDS infants and 101 RDS infants from among 1749 infants, through a standardized protocol with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Assessment of diabetes management was based on HbA1c and random blood glucose measurements. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR). An intergroup analysis was conducted between RDS infants and those without RDS, and a subgroup analysis was conducted between RDS neonates born to women with gestational diabetes and those born to women without gestational diabetes. RESULTS The mean (±SD) gestational age of the RDS infants was 35.9 (1.9) weeks, which was similar to that of the non-RDS infants (35.7 (±1.3) weeks). The HbA1c levels at diabetes diagnosed, the HbA1c levels right before delivery and the RBG levels before delivery had no significant differences, and all of them were below a well-controlled level. In the intergroup analysis, the morbidity of gestational diabetes between the two groups showed no significant differences in the adjusted analyses (adjusted OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.59-3.36). However, the case group had significantly more placental abnormalities (adjusted OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.63-8.00), fetal distress (adjusted OR 4.20, 95% CI 1.87-9.46), and asphyxia (adjusted OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.59-8.81) than the control group. In the subgroup analysis, the total dose of the PS applications, incidence of complications, and need for respiratory support (total and separate) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Well managed gestational diabetes is no longer a significant risk factor for RDS, while acute or chronic ischemia factors are. With regards to most GDM, diet and exercise are sufficient for maintaining an HbA1c below 6.5%
A scoping review of 2019 Novel Coronavirus during the early outbreak period: Epidemiology, causes, clinical manifestation and diagnosis, prevention and control
Authors: Adhikari Sasmita Poudel , Meng Sha , Wu Yuju , Mao Yuping , Ye Ruixue , Wang Qingzhi , Sun Chang , Sylvia Sean , Rozelle Scott , Raat Hein , Zhou Huan
Published: February 2020

Background: The 2019-nCoV has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China beginning in December 2019. This epidemic had spread to 19 countries with 11791 confirmed cases, including 213 deaths, as of January 31, 2020. The World Health Organization declared it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.Methods: A scoping review of 65 research articles published until January 31, 2020 were analyzed and discussed for a better understanding of the epidemiology, causes, clinical diagnosis, prevention and control of this virus. The research domains, publishing dates, journal language, and authors’ affiliations, as well as methodological characteristics were analyzed. All findings and statements that are mentioned regarding the outbreak in this review are based on published information as listed in the references.Results: Most of the publications were in English language (89.23%). The largest proportion of articles were related to causes (38.46%) and majority (67.69%), and were published by Chinese scholars. Research articles initially focused on causes while there was an increase of the articles related to prevention and control over time. Studies thus far have shown origination in connection to a seafood market in Wuhan, but specific animal association has not been confirmed. The reported symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, pneumonia, headache, diarrhea, hemoptysis, and dyspnea. Preventive measures such as masks, hand hygiene practices, avoidance of public contact, case detection, contact tracing, and quarantines are being discussed for reducing the transmission. To date, no specific antiviral treatment is proven effective, hence, infected people primarily rely on symptomatic treatment and supportive care. Conclusions: There has been a rapid surge in research in response to the outbreak of 2019-nCoV. During this early period, published research primarily explored the epidemiology, causes, clinical manifestation and diagnosis, as well as prevention and control of the novel coronavirus. Although these studies had relevance to the control of a public emergency, more high-quality research need to be conducted to provide valid and reliable ways to manage this kind of public health emergency in both short-and long-terms.
Ovarian metastasis from nongynecologic primary sites: a retrospective analysis of 177 cases and 13-year experience
Authors: Zhang Jing-Jing , Cao Dong-Yan , Yang Jia-Xin , Shen Keng
Published: February 2020

Background Although the most common nongynecologic primary site of ovarian metastasis is the gastrointestinal tract, metastasis to the ovary is not uncommon. Differential diagnosis between primary malignant ovarian tumor and metastatic ovarian tumor is important; otherwise, appropriate treatment cannot be determined. Furthermore, an optimal treatment strategy for ovarian metastasis from nongynecologic primary sites still needs to be explored. This study described the clinicopathologic characteristics of ovarian metastasis from nongynecologic primary sites and the significance of surgical treatment for these patients. Methods One hundred seventy-seven patients with ovarian metastasis from nongynecologic primary sites admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2005 and May 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Results The mean age was 48 years (range, 18 - 83). Approximately 60% of patients were premenopausal women. The two most common nongynecologic primary sites of ovarian metastasis were the colorectum (68 cases) and stomach (61 cases). In addition to the most common symptoms of abdominal distension (39.0%), abdominal pain (37.9%), and ascites (27.7%), 18.1% of patients presented with abnormal uterine bleeding. Half of the patients who tested serum CA-125 preoperatively had elevated CA-125 levels within the range of 35 U/ml to 200 U/ml. More than 70% of synchronous ovarian metastases were preoperatively misdiagnosed as primary ovarian cancer. Of these patients, 56.5% achieved optimal cytoreductive surgery (the diameter of the largest residual lesion < 2 cm). The overall 5-year survival rate and median survival time were 10% and 20 months, respectively. The primary site, optimal cytoreductive surgery, tumor differentiation, and postoperative adjuvant treatment were identified as prognostic indicators. Conclusions The colorectum and stomach are the most common nongynecologic primary sites of ovarian metastasis. Synchronous ovarian metastasis is easily misdiagnosed as primary ovarian cancer. Optimal cytoreductive surgery and postoperative adjuvant treatment can be performed to confer survival benefit in selected patients.
Effects of Ninjurin 2 Polymorphisms on Susceptibility of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Yan Yuping , Du Xiaoyan , Liu Xiaoxi , Li Jingjie , Xiong Zichao , Wu Jiamin , Sun Yao , Tian Gang
Published: February 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the effects of NINJ2 polymorphisms on susceptibility of coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods We conducted a case-control study with 499 CHD cases and 505 age- and sex- matched controls. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in NINJ2 (rs118050317, rs75750647, rs7307242, rs10849390 and rs11610368) were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY platform. Odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression to assess the association of NINJ2 polymorphism and CHD risk adjusting for age and gender.. Results NINJ2 rs118050317 significantly increased CHD risk among people older than 60 years old (allele: P = 0.010; heterozygote: P = 0.016; dominant: P = 0.015; additive: P = 0.021) and women (allele: P = 0.026; heterozygote: P = 0.015; dominant: P = 0.018; additive: P = 0.030). Rs118050317 and rs7307242 had strong relationship with hypertension risk in CHD patients. Additionally, rs75750647 significantly increased diabetes risk in multiple models among cases (allele: P = 0.014; homozygote: P = 0.037; heterozygote: P = 0.044; dominant: P = 0.019; additive: P = 0.013), whereas rs10849390 could protect CHD patients from diabetes in allele ( P = 0.035), homozygote ( P = 0.047) and additive ( P = 0.037) models. We also observed two block (block 1: rs118050317 and rs75750647; block 2: rs7307242, rs10849390 and rs11610368) in NINJ2 . Conclusion Our results suggest that NINJ2 polymorphisms are associated with CHD risk.
Subcellular localization of fibroblast growth factor receptor type 2 and correlation with CTNNB1 genotype in adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Haase Matthias , Thiel Anne , Scholl Ute I. , Ashmawy Hany , Schott Matthias , Ehlers Margret
Published: February 2020

Objective: Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)2 regulates the development of the adrenal gland in mice. In addition, FGFR2-mediated signalling has been shown to prevent apoptosis and to enhance proliferation in adrenocortical precursor cells. The activation of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT) / beta catenin pathway as a key mechanism of adrenocortical tumourigenesis has been linked to FGFR2 signalling in other cell types. Therefore we hypothesised that FGFR2 expression may also play a role in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). We conducted a pilot study and analysed protein expression of FGFR2 in 26 ACCs using immunohistochemistry technique. Data on the CTNNB1 mutation status and clinical data were correlated to the expression of FGFR2. Results: We observed a high variability in FGFR2 expression between the different tumour samples. There was a subset of ACC with comparatively high nuclear expression of FGFR2. We did not find a clear association between the CTNNB1 mutational status or clinical features and the FGFR2 expression. We conclude that FGFR signalling plays a role in adrenocortical carcinoma. Our data encourages further investigations of FGFR signalling in ACC, especially since new inhibitors of FGFR signalling are already entering clinical trials for the treatment of other cancer types.
Engineering central pathways for industrial-level D-(-)-acetoin biosynthesis in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Lu Lingxue , Mao Yufeng , Kou Mengyun , Cui Zhenzhen , Jin Biao , Chang Zhishuai , Wang Zhiwen , Ma Hongwu , Chen Tao
Published: February 2020

Background: Acetoin, especially the optically pure L-(+)- or D-(-)-enantiomer, is a high-value-added bio-based platform chemical and important potential pharmaceutical intermediate. Over the past decades, intense efforts have been devoted to the production of acetoin through green biotechniques. However, efficient and economical methods for the production of optically pure acetoin enantiomers are rarely reported. Previously, we systematically engineered the GRAS microorganism Corynebacterium glutamicum to efficiently produce D-(-)-acetoin from glucose. Nevertheless, its yield and average productivity were still unsatisfactory for industrial bioprocesses. Results: In this study, cellular carbon fluxes in the acetoin producer CGR6 were further redirected toward acetoin synthesis using several metabolic engineering strategies, including blocking anaplerotic pathways, attenuating key genes of the TCA cycle and integrating additional copies of the alsSD operon into the genome. Among them, the combination of attenuation of citrate synthase and inactivation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase showed a significant synergistic effect on acetoin production. Finally, the optimal engineered strain CGS11 produced a titer of 102.45 g/L acetoin with a yield of 0.419 g/g glucose at a rate of 1.86 g/L/h in a 5 L fermenter. The optical purity of the resulting D-(-)-acetoin surpassed 95%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest titer of highly enantiomerically enriched D-(-)-acetoin, together with a competitive product yield and productivity, achieved in a simple, green process without expensive additives or substrates. This process therefore opens the possibility to achieve easy, efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly production of D-(-)-acetoin via microbial fermentation in the near future. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest titer of highly enantiomerically enriched D-(-)-acetoin, together with a competitive product yield and productivity, achieved in a simple, green processes without expensive additives or substrates. This process therefore opens the possibility to achieve easy, efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly production of D-(-)-acetoin via microbial fermentation in the near future.
Health Care Professionals’ Perspectives On Screening And Management Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus In Public Hospitals Of South India – A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sahu Biswamitra , Babu Giridhara R , Gurav Kaveri Siddappa , Karthik Maithili , Deepa R , Lobo Eunice , John Daisy A , Oakley Laura , Oteng-Ntim E , Nadal Iliatha Papachristou , Kinra Sanjay
Published: February 2020

Background Women developing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus are subsequently at a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life. Screening and effective management of women with GDM is essential in preventing progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although the burden of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is high in India, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus screening and management is suboptimal in public hospitals. We aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers regarding the barriers and facilitators from the health system context that restrict the timely screening and effective management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Methods We conducted six in-depth interviews of health care providers- four with nurses and two with obstetricians in the public hospitals in India's major city (Bengaluru). The interviews were conducted in the preferred language of the participants ( Kannada for nurses, English for the obstetricians) and audio-recorded. All Kannada interviews were transcribed and translated into English for analysis. The primary data were analyzed using grounded theory approach by NVivo 12 plus Results Health care providers recognized and supported the need for design and implementation of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus screening and management services. While obstetricians were aware of the national guidelines regarding screening and management; nurses mentioned that they had unmet training needs in health promotion. Barriers identified to timely screening and management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus included unmet training needs of nurses regarding Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, delay in screening of pregnant women accessing antenatal care at private clinics initially and subsequently reporting at public hospital in late gestation, migration of pregnant women due to delivery of first born at natal home, lack of follow up system of deferred cases for gestational diabetes screening, resource deficit, and long waiting hours. Conclusion Provided the fact that there is effectiveness of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus screening and management services, there is a pressing need to develop and improve existing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Screening and Management services to tackle the growing burden of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in India. With the urgent need for these services, it needs to be extended to public hospitals.
Comparison Cost_Daly Of Hip Replacement Care In 12 Belgian Hospitals
Authors: Dehanne Fabian , Gourdin Maximilien , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Bihin Benoit , Wilder Philippe Van , Mareschal Bertrand , Leclercq Pol , Pirson Magali
Published: February 2020

Background In view of the expected increase in expenditure on hip replacement treatment in Belgium [10], the complication rate [3] and the possible reduction in waste estimated by the OECD [1], we are not yet in a position to objectify the effectiveness of hip replacement treatment in Belgian hospitals. This objective study aims to propose a hospital comparison through the use of a cost-DALY ratio for hip replacement surgery among 12 Belgian hospitals. Methods In our study, the DALY calculation was applied at the hospital level for complications. Mortality was calculated on the basis of the Belgian mortality and life expectancy tables [15]. A DALY has been assigned to readmissions within 30 days. The costs of this study are the hospital costs of the PACHA hospital analysis. The adjusted values (costs and DALYs) were obtained by relating the observed value to the predicted value obtained from the linear regression model. Results We have 2,411 inpatients with an average age (Standard Deviation) of 69 years (13.5 years). The complication rate during hospital stays is estimated at 6.93% while the mortality rate is 1.20%. The average cost (SD) of a stay is €8,013 (€4,304). We have registered a total of 246.5 DALYs for the 12 hospital institutions in the study. Conclusion Other indicators should complete our study, including the patient's perception of the actual results experienced by the patient. Our analysis invites the authorities to create good practice guides for common diseases such as hip replacement surgery. Based on this first experience for the orthopaedic sector, we are convinced of the usefulness of our approach in evaluating the "cost-effectiveness" of other care systems.