bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Diffusional Behavior and Viscosity of Liquid Mixtures
Authors: Adamson Arthur W.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 219, 1960, pages 158–165.

A model for transport processes in liquid mixtures is discussed which supposes that the elementary act involves a position exchange between two species and that the exchange is so confined by the solvent cage as to occur nearly isosterically. The rate-determining step, thus, is likened to a bi-molecular reaction and is so treated, using absolute rate theory. The cage model has been applied to diffusion, thermal diffusion, sedimentation and viscosity, but only the first and last of these phenomena are emphasized in the present paper.

The model leads to semi-empirical relationships between the absolute value for a diffusion coefficient and the activation energy for diffusion, between mutual and self-diffusion coefficients and for the variation of the viscosity of a binary mixture with composition. These are discussed in relation to experimental data for various systems, including hydrocarbon mixtures.

It is shown that the proposed viscosity equation and seven other commonly iced ones all may be regarded as special cases of a single general relationship; a brief critical analysis is made of the basis of selection of one or the other for data fitting or interpolation.

Introduction and General Theory

The present paper covers a brief discussion of a cage model for transport processes in liquid mixtures and how this model may be useful in treating the diffusional behavior and the viscosity of such systems. Since diffusion requires the more detailed treatment, it will be taken up first, and the model then applied to viscosity.

There are two types of diffusion coefficients that may be measured experimentally, apart from thermal diffusion quantities. The first is the mutual or binary diffusion coefficient, D, which may be defined in terms of Fick's first law.

.....................(1)

This states that the permeation, or flux P, is proportional to the concentration gradient. In the usual experiment, P is measured relative to a frame of reference fixed with respect to the medium (e.g., the diaphragm in a diffusion cell); as a consequence, the same value of D12 is obtained regardless of whether P and C refer to Component 1 or to Component 2; i.e., there is only one independent mutual diffusion coefficient for a binary system.
Determination of Effective Capillary Pressures for Porous Media from Imbibition Data
Authors: Handy L.L.
Published: February 2020

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 219, 1960, pages 75–80.

Two equations are compared for calculating imbibition rates of water into porous media. A linear relation was found to apply when the square of the volume of water imbibed was plotted against time for water imbibing in natural rock materials. The effect of absorbed organic materials on surface wettability was determined from measurements of rate of imbibition, water saturation and water permeability.

Introduction

An understanding of the mechanisms by which water displaces oil from porous media requires an understanding of the role of capillary forces in the displacement process. The capillary forces are determined by properties of the water-oil-solid surfaces. Consequently, some measure of the surface properties of reservoir rocks is necessary if displacement behavior in oil reservoirs is to be predicted from laboratory measurements.

Several experimental procedures have been proposed to assign quantitative wettability indexes to reservoir rock surfaces. The most recent of these proposals are those of Bobek, Mattox and Denekas and Amott. These indexes are designed to show a continuous variation from the preferential oil-wet to the preferential water-wet systems. They require measuring some property of the rock which is a function of surface wettability. The quantities are measured on unaltered core material and compared with values obtained for known oil-wet and water-wet extremes on the same material. These methods are useful but are semi-empirical in nature. they have the disadvantage that the measured quantities may be functions of other variables in addition to surface wettability.

Some understanding of the behavior of water-oil-rock systems may be obtained from studies of the simpler water-air-rock systems. Surfaces of a given wettability are more easily maintained for the latter. Also, certain approximations can be made for the flow of water and air which are not justified for water-oil flow. The theoretical and experimental work discussed in this paper is part of a study of the role of capillarity in the dynamic displacement of air by water. The expectation is that observations for the water-air system will lead to generalizations which are applicable to water-oil systems.
Automatic Well Testing
Authors: Foster George H.
Published: February 2020

Regional Fall Meeting of the Los Angeles Basin Section of SPE, 22–23 October, Pasadena, California

Honolulu Oil Corp., as operator for the Antelope Shale Zone Unit, Buena Vista Hills Field, has been testing 28 wells in a fully automatic system for the last three years.

The well gross volumes range from 25 to 500 BOPD. Cuts range from 0 to 95per cent; oil gravity is 30 API. Rapid oil-water separation makes the use of tank gauging practical. In conjunction with tank gauging, a simple device for the transmission and multiplication of the fluid data into daily rate has been found both reliable and accurate.

The well gas volumes range from 1 Mcf/D to 980 Mcf/D. Three positive displacement meters operate in parallel to measure the gas from dual stage gas-oil separation; a device for the transmission of the gas production flow and the multiplication of this flow into a daily gas production rate has been found satisfactory.

The operation of a satellite station in conjunction with the central station has been satisfactory; 10 wells are brought in sequence to the central station for test.

Short testing periods of 4, 6 or 12 hours are used; data on oil, water and gas is multiplied into daily rates and printed on a tape along with the direct four-digit well identification and the gauge period. Other test periods up to 24 hours can be incorporated; the multiplication system limits the selected test periods to multiples of 24 in order to print the final data as daily rate.

The present 28-well system control unit can be expanded to handle 22additional wells at minor additional cost.

The initial cost of the installation was $36,000; the operating cost averages $2.22 per day. The unit averages approximately four tests per 24hours.

Introduction

The system was designed to use the field facilities then in place. Standard telephone-type stepping switches and conventional open relays are used.

The control panel is constructed in one plane to permit maximum ease in checking the operation of the unit. This type construction also facilitates visual inspection and preventive maintenance.

The system is safe in the event of power failures. The well on test is returned to the production facilities. After the power supply is restored the well test is resumed and completed.
A Novel Correlation to Predict Gas Flow Rates Utilizing Artificial Intelligence: An Industrial 4.0 Approach
Authors: Kalam Shams , Khan Mohammad Rasheed , Tariq Zeeshan , Siddique Faisal Anwar , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez , Khan Rizwan Ahmed
Published: February 2020

Reservoir and production engineers rely heavily on well production rates to optimize well activities such as ensuring optimum reservoir monitoring. Individual gas well rates are not readily available, rather, they can be estimated thru multi-phase flow meter (MPFM) and well test analysis. These methods are associated with certain limitations such as high cost, high uncertainty, and technically elaborate calculations. Consequently, empirical and numerical calculations are employed with well test data to calculate daily rates. These practices lead to inaccurate gas rate estimations.

A model with an ability to provide accurate estimates of gas rates for a gas reservoir can serve as a handy tool for the subsurface engineers in addressing well and reservoir optimization strategies. This work presents artificial intelligence models to estimate gas rates in a gas field containing ten wells. The aim is to develop a correlation that is simple and easy to incorporate yet providing robust answers on a global scale. Multiple machine learning tools are employed. These include; Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Functional Network (FN), and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS).

Production data from a dry gas field X was used for the model development. Data cleaning and data reduction steps were carried out to ensure the input parameters for the proposed model are physically relevant and accurate. Missing these steps would result in the development of an erroneous correlation, i.e., garbage -in garbage-out (GIGO). This led to finalization of certain basic well-head parameters which are available at any typical well and had direct impact on the output production rate. The target parameter for model training is the gas rate. A rigorous comparison between the investigated artificial intelligence models was conducted by calculating average absolute percentage error (AAPE) and coefficient of determination. The comparative analysis shows that the intelligent model is able to predict the gas rate in condensate wells with accuracy in excess of 90%. Examples of such large accuracy has not been reported previously.

ANN performs a step ahead as compared to the various intelligent algorithms used in this study. This paper sheds light on the potential of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 for the Pakistani Oil and Gas Sector. Data-driven artificial intelligent models are capable of validating the well test and multiphase flow meter results. In addition, it can prove to be a vital tool in an engineer's tool-kit to reduce uncertainties in gas rate measurements.
Impact of Geo-Mechanical Effects in Reserves Evaluation of Naturally Fractured Carbonate Reservoir Using Rate Transient Analysis – A Case Study of Potwar Region
Authors: Muhammad Danish , Hussain Sadam , Hassan Mohsin , Zakir Mufaddal Murtaza , Qazi Shoukat Elahi , Ali Shahzad , Haleemuddin H. M
Published: February 2020

In Potwar Basin, Tight Naturally Fractured carbonate reservoirs usually have matrix porosity of the 2-3% and permeability less than 1 mD. It is very challenging to evaluate Gas initial in-place (GIIP) and reserves accurately in these type of reservoirs. The objective of this study is to evaluate Gas in-place and to characterize the reservoir energy mechanism using rate transient analysis (RTA). A comparison has also been made for Gas in-place from conventional material balance analysis and from rate transient analysis.

In this study, rate transient analysis has been performed in a well, located in Potwar with thirteen years of production history. The well is completed in Chorgali and Sakesar formations. Different scenarios of initial reservoir pressure, geo-mechanical effects during initial production of the well and aquifer volume were sensitized to evaluate the Gas initial in-place (GIIP) and reserves. Different type curves such as Agarwal Gardner, Blasingame and flowing material balance and analytical aquifer modelling with / without geo-mechanical effects were applied and matched with the production history. Production logging data was also incorporated in the study. During history matching (gas-rate and bottom-hole flowing pressure), different sensitivities were run to quantify the uncertain parameters and level of uncertainty in the simulator.

While history matching and evaluating GIIP/reserves, it was observed that 8,060 psi reservoir pressure measured in the well was not stabilized and the reservoir was dominated initially by geo-mechanical effects. The best match was achieved with 10,935 psi initial reservoir pressure which was measured in the first well of the field. Without considering this pressure and geo-mechanical effects, the best match could not be obtained. It was also confirmed by different type curves that reservoir was geo-mechanically pressured during the early life of the well and also, it has a weak aquifer support during the late life of the well. The GIIP evaluated from these type curves are in the range of 75-90 BSCF whereas conventional material balance showed 60-70 BSCF indicative volume associated with the well. This study exhibited a significant difference in GIIP/reserves evaluated from conventional material balance and rate transient analysis, indicating remaining hydrocarbon potential in the region i.e. approximately 10-13 BSCF.

If the static reservoir pressure is taking too long to stabilize, the conventional material balance approach always depicts lower hydrocarbon volume associated with the well due to the tight and heterogeneous nature of the reservoirs. Therefore, conventional material balance cannot be applied in these reservoirs and unconventional approach such as rate transient analysis should be applied to evaluate GIIP / reserves and reservoir energy mechanism.
An Analytical Method for Solving Dipmeter Data
Authors: Rowland David A.
Published: February 2020

Annual Meeting of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, 24–28 February, New Orleans

This paper presents a new method for determining dip and strike of bedding planes observed in dipmeter survey data. A mathematical procedure has been developed for reducing these data to the dip and strike of formation penetrated by the drilling well. Computations are simplified and shortened with a Calculation Form which may be retained in the well files. The method is more accurate, faster, and easier to follow than any other method known to the author. The only requirements are a slide rule and a knowledge of elementary trigonometric functions.

Introduction

Of great importance to the engineer and geologist is a knowledge of the dip and strike of formations penetrated by the drilling bit. The solution of this problem may be dependent on a dipmeter survey, particularly in wildcat wells and in wells being drilled in areas of extreme diastrophism where surface methods are inaccurate. A difficult problem arises in the calculation of true dip and strike from dipmeter survey data.

Various methods of interpreting dipmeter data have been presented in the literature. They include usage of a mechanical reader, and application of numerous graphical techniques requiring stereographic nets and charts. The limitations of these methods become apparent when they are put into practice. This paper presents an analytical method of treating dipmeter data which is believed simpler, faster and more accurate than any of the methods now in general use.

Theory of the Dipmeter

The dipmeter device employs three electrode arms equally spaced along the circumference of the borehole. The electrodes are pressed against the wall of the well to insure adequate electrical contact with the rock formations being studied. Either SP, resistivity or microlog electrode arrangements are used to make continuous measurements of properties of the stratigraphic column at each of the three are position. the various factors involved in obtaining these data are well-covered in existing literature, and will not be elaborated upon in this paper.
Special Measurements of Core Properties - Effects of Pore Geometry on Oil Recovery
Authors: Aufricht W.R. , Koepf E.H.
Published: February 2020

Joint Annual Technical Meeting of the Petroleum Branch of AIME Student Chapters of the University of Texas and A. and M. College, 14–15 February, Austin, Texas

Conventional core data for defining reservoir fluid contacts, total pore storage space, permeability distribution and permeability to a single phase fluid have been In general use for many years. The development of reservoir analysis as a science required specific information on the properties of the reservoir fluids and the reservoir rock. Experience has shown that the rock properties affect productive characteristics and recovery more than the fluid properties.

Additional tests, frequently referred to as special core analyses tests, have been developed to provide the information required for reservoir analysis. Capillary pressure-saturation relationships, when used with conventional data, permit determination of the interstitial water content and the original distribution of fluids. Gas-oil relative permeability tests provide data to study the simultaneous flow of gas and oil. Various types of water flood tests are made to evaluate the displacement of oil by water.

The results of studies on many reservoirs show that the pore size and the pore size distribution affect markedly both the oil-in-place and the oil recovery. Information is presented to illustrate variations in oil-in-place, as determined from capillary pressure-saturation relationships, for three types of reservoirs where pore geometry is the only major variable. Ranges in recovery to be expected by solution gas expansion and by water flooding are also presented. The wide ranges in recovery estimates illustrate the marked effect of pore geometry and demonstrate the necessity of obtaining specific data on each reservoir being studied for accurate engineering evaluation.
Molecular mechanism of pyroptosis of mononuclear macrophages induced by pathogenic E. coli high pathogenicity island (HPI) in Yunnan Saba pigs
Authors: Shan Chunlan , Miao Shushu , Liu Chaoying , Zhao Weiwei , Zhang Bo , Yang Wei , Wang Hao , Cha Jinlong , Zhao Ru , Gao Libo , Gao Hong
Published: February 2020

Background In this study we evaluated the molecular mechanism by which pyroptosis is induced in mononuclear macrophages isolated from Saba pigs following infection with pathogenic E. coli high pathogenicity island (HPI). Mononuclear macrophages were divided into four treatment groups: control, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + adenosine triphosphate (ATP), HPI positive (+) strain and HPI negative (-) strain. The mononuclear macrophages and their culture supernatants were collected at 0.5, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h after infection. DNA changes were detected by TUNEL staining and the integrity of the cell membrane was evaluated by propidium iodide (PI) staining. Changes in mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 gene in mononuclear macrophages were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and caspase-1 protein expression was detected by indirect immunofluorescence. IL-1β and IL-18 concentration in the mononuclear macrophage culture supernatant were measured by ELISA. Results Compared with the control group, TUNEL and PI staining of mononuclear macrophages was significantly increased following infection with the HPI + /HPI - strains ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), with significantly higher levels detected in the HPI + group compared with those in the HPI - group ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the HPI groups were upregulated after pathogenic E. coli infection, with significantly higher levels detected in the HPI + group compared with those in the HPI - group ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Conclusions These findings showed that pathogenic E. coli HPI infection of Saba pigs results induced pyroptosis of mononuclear macrophages characterized by increased expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA in mononuclear macrophages, the induction of cell membrane pore formation, nuclear DNA damage, and the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 to enhance the inflammatory response.
Risk factors of hyperuricemia calculated by random forest machine learning
Authors: Gao Yuhan , Jia Shichong , Huang Chao , Meng Zhaowei , Yu Mei , Xu Tianyi , Liu Ming , Sun Jinhong , Jia Qiyu , Zhang Qing , Gao Ying , Song Kun , Wang Xing , Fan Yaguang
Published: February 2020

Objectives The present study aimed to develop a random forest (RF) based prediction model for hyperuricemia (HUA) and estimate associated risk factors. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 91,690 participants (52,607 males, 39,083 females). The prediction models were derived from training sets using RF learning machine. Performances of the prediction model were evaluated in validation datasets. Significant indicators were produced after comparing between true positive set and true negative set. Odds ratio was calculated by binary logistic regression models. Results The area under the receiver-operating curve was 0.732 in males and 0.837 in females in the RF prediction models. The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of the models were 0.686, 0.656 and 0.882 in males, 0.786, 0.738 and 0.978 in females, respectively. According to the feature value of each index in RF, a total of 10 explanatory variables were selected for each gender. Triglyceride, creatinine, body mass index, waist circumference, alanine transaminase, age, weight and total cholesterol were high-risk factors for HUA in both genders. Conclusion RF demonstrated good stability and strong predictive power in predicting HUA in Chinese population. People with high risk factors should be encouraged to actively control the above factors to reduce the probability of developing HUA.
Posteromedial Corner Release with the Knee in Figure-of-Four Position vs Conventional Position for Varus Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Ji Quanbo , Zheng Qingyuan , Li Juncheng , Geng Zongjie , Ni Ming , Sun Jingyang , Zhang Guoqiang
Published: February 2020

Backgroud: The objective of this study is to introduce posteromedial corner release with the knee in the figure-of-four position versus the conventional position for varus knee arthroplasty. Methods : From March 2015 to September 2019, 123 patients (139 knees) with varus knee were randomly and blindly allocated to experimental group (60 patients; 68 knees) and control group (57 patients; 65 knees). Patients in experimental group underwent posteromedial corner release with the knee in the figure-of-four position; and patients in control group with the knee in the conventional position. Time for soft tissue balancing was defined as the time from the start of spacer test to the end of balance test. Length of release was defined as the distance from the osteotomy surface of the tibial plateau to the farthest structures released. The rating system of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score was used to evaluate the clinical results. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results: The mean time for soft tissue balancing was 8.4±3.3 minutes and 8.4±3.3 minutes in experimental and control group, respectively ( p <0.05). The mean length of releasing posteromedial corner structures was 35.5±13.4 mm and 27.3±9.7 mm in experimental and control group, respectively ( p <0.05). HSS scores 5 years after surgery were 95.1±16.9 and 94.8±17.2 respectively ( p >0.05). Conclusion: During varus knee arthroplasty, the posteromedial corner can be released more extensively and thoroughly when the knee is placed in the figure-of-four position.
Acute popliteal artery thrombogenesis after total knee arthroplasty: a case report
Authors: Liu Ri , Gao Lishu , Wei Haiqiang , Xie Kunnan
Published: February 2020

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a type of artificial joint replacement surgery. An acute lower limb arterial embolism after TKA is extremely rare. Although the incidence of acute lower extremity popliteal artery thrombogenesis is very low, orthopedists need to be alert to the complication because it may lead to amputation and other serious consequences. We report a 65-year-old man who had 38 years of post-traumatic pain in the left knee joint, which has worsened in the past 3 years, thus limiting mobility. He had an acute popliteal artery thrombogenesis after undergoing a TKA. Although orthopedic and vascular surgeons took active measures in a timely fashion, the patient still had lower extremity dysfunction. After a TKA, patients should be actively instructed to perform rehabilitation exercises to prevent thromboses.
Clinical analysis of retinal detachment caused by ocular siderosis
Authors: Feng Chao , Xu Chong , Kang Xueqin , Wu Jianhua
Published: February 2020

Background: Until now, there was no report about retinal detachment caused by ocular siderosis. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics of retinal detachment caused by ocular siderosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed to analyse the clinical characteristics of retinal detachment caused by ocular siderosis in Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2016 to December 2019. Results: There were 12 patients (12 eyes) with retinal detachment caused by ocular sclerosis, 11 males (11 eyes) and 1 female (1 eye), aged 20-54 years. The median best corrected visual acuity (LogMAR) before and after surgery was 2.6 and 1.4, respectively. Retinal detachment recurred after the removal of silicone oil in four patients, all of whom had retinal tears. Conclusion: The prognosis of retinal detachment caused by ocular siderosis is poor, and retinal detachment easily recurs when retinal tears exist.
Consistency evaluation of intraocular lens power calculation methods in eyes that have undergone small-incision lenticule extraction
Authors: Li Jiawen , Chen Bo , Zhou Youhui , Xie Jing , Huo Shujia
Published: February 2020

Background To compare the differences in the consistency of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations with four different formulas for cataract surgery after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), and to select the most suitable formula to calculate the IOL power of cataract patients after SMILE. Methods 98 eyes of 51 patients who underwent small-incision lenticule extraction (preoperative spherical equivalents, -2.05 to -10.10D) between June 2019 to July 2019 in our department were included, all surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. IOLMaster 500 was used for biometric measurement and Haigis-L correction formula was calculated. AL-Scan was used to calculate Shammas-PL correction formula, Camellin-Calossi formula and Barret True K formula. We simulated the intraocular lens calculation before cataract surgery in all eyes with these four formulas. The consistency of the calculated IOL powers were evaluated by correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and Bland-Altman analysis.Results The average values of Barret True K formula, Shammas-PL correction formula, Camellin-Calossi formula and Haigis-L correction formula are 22.32±1.14 D, 23.28±1.21 D, 22.91±1.26 D, 23.54±1.23 D respectively. Simple correlation analysis: The average values of these four formulas were correlated, and the correlation coefficients were 0.94(Barrett Ture K and Shammas-PL), 0.98 (Barrett Ture K and Camellin-Calossi), 0.89(Barrett Ture K and Haigis-L), 0.98(Haigis-L and Shammas-PL), 0.88(Haigis-L and Camellin-Calossi) and 0.93(Shammas-PL and Camellin-Calossi)(significant, p=0.00); One-way ANOVA: There was no significant difference between the Shammas-PL correction formula and the Haigis-L correction formula. The Camellin-Calossi formula and the Barret True K formula were significantly different from the Haigis-L correction formula. Bland-Altman analysis: for the difference-mean scatter plot and the ratio-mean scatter plot: the maximum allowable error of the 95% limit is 9.61%, 7.45%, and 2.99%, respectively, indicating that the results are consistent. Conclusions Haigis-L and Shammas-PL formulas had good consistency when calculating the IOL power in eyes after SMILE.
Evaluation of pemetrexed in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Wu Yanmei , Jiang Jie
Published: February 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer.Results: Patients with platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer who received pemetrexed disodium chemotherapy at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University between January 2015 and December 2018 were identified. Dose delay and adjustment were permitted when serious side effects occurred. To observe the efficacy rate and follow up on its side effects, progression-free survival and overall survival after chemotherapy were monitored. A total of 96 cases were collected, and 340 cycles of chemotherapy were administered. The overall response rate (ORR) was 32.29% (31 patients), where 16 patients (16.67%) had a complete response, and 15 patients (15.62%) had a partial response. There were 68 platinum-resistant patients and 28 platinum-sensitive patients. The ORRs of platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant patients were 42.86% (12 patients) and 27.94% (19 patients), respectively, p = 0.16. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.52 months and 2.97 months (HR0.62, 95% CI, 0.37-1.02), respectively, and there was no significant difference (P = 0.06). The median overall survival (OS) of the two groups was 36 months and 18 months, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p= 0.01). There was no drug-related death in all patients, and all of the side effects were mild. The most common side effects were myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reactions and hepatotoxicity.Conclusion: Pemetrexed disodium is effective not only for platinum-sensitive but also platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer. And the side effects are tolerable. Pemetrexed disodium may be a choice for epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer.
Experiences of the mothers who have tried to intervene with their children’s obesity: A qualitative study
Authors: Piao Meihua , Kim Jeongeun , Byun Ahjung , Joung Woo Joung
Published: February 2020

Background: Childhood obesity has become increasingly prevalent not only worldwide but also in South Korea. It is known that the lifestyle habits and parents’ education were found to be effective. The aim of this research is to explore the experiences of obese children and their mothers regarding obesity and identifying barriers and facilitators to optimize their weight control practices.Methods: A qualitative method of focus group interview was used for the data collection. Overweight or obese children aged between 12 and 14 and their mothers participated in the interview.Results: Five pairs of participants (a mother and a child) were interviewed. Mothers tended to be aware of their children’s weight issue and tried to manage it themselves by supporting them more actively. They made considerable efforts to change their children’s lifestyles with regard to diet and exercise. Additionally, children expected to let their mothers guide them in order to control body weight. However, barriers to achieving their desired body weight were associated with their social contexts that prevented them from continuing their healthy lifestyles. Social context was influential for addressing childhood obesity. The busy and competitive environments in which they live forced the children into busy lifestyles that hindered them from performing their healthy habit promptly.Conclusions: The results suggest that interventions should be focused on setting a realistic goal and engaging in simple behaviors that could be performed in daily routine. Moreover, ensuring access to a communication channel with other parents or healthcare providers is important.
Transcriptome and small RNA combined sequencing analysis of cold tolerance response in non-heading Chinese cabbage
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhang Qinxue , You Xiong , Hou Xilin
Published: February 2020

Background: Non-heading Chinese cabbage ( Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis ), as an important leaf vegetable grown worldwide. However, there is currently no enough transcriptome and small RNA combined sequencing analysis of cold tolerance, which hinders further functional genomics research.Results: In this study, 63.43 Gb of clean data was obtained from the transcriptome analysis. The clean data of each sample reached 6.99 Gb, and the basic percentage of Q30 was 93.68% and above. The clean reads of each sample were sequence aligned with the designated reference genome ( Brassica rapa, IVFCAASv1 ), and the efficiency of the alignment varied from 81.54% to 87.24%. According to the comparison results, 1,860 new genes were discovered, of which 1,613 were functionally annotated. Among them, 13 common differentially expressed genes were detected in all materials, including 7 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated. At the same time, we used quantitative real-time PCR to confirm the changes of these gene expression levels. In addition, we sequenced miRNA of the same material. Our findings revealed a total of 34,182,333 small RNA reads, 88,604,604 kinds of small RNA, among which the most common size was 24 nt. In all materials, the number of common differential miRNAs is 8. According to the corresponding relationship between miRNA and its target genes, we carried out Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis on the set of target genes that each group of differentially expressed miRNAs. Through the analysis, it is found that the distribution of candidate target genes in different materials is different. We not only use transcriptome sequencing and small RNA sequencing, but also use experiment to prove that the expression level of differentially expressed genes are obtained by sequencing. Sequencing combined with experiments proved the mechanism of some differential gene expression levels after low temperature treatment.Conclusions: In all, this study provides a resource for genetic and genomic research under abiotic stress in Pak-choi.
Predictors of atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a propensity score-matched case-control study.
Authors: Li Zexiong , Luo Yanting , Huang Zhuoshan , Yuan Xiaosi , Peng Long , Xie Xujing , Zhu Jieming , Liu Jinlai
Published: February 2020

Background Compared to people without diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). Possible predictors of AF have not been adequately investigated in T2DM. We aimed to identify the factors associated with AF in such patients. Methods A total of 2,682 patients with T2DM, who was admitted to Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University between 1 June, 2015 to 1 Nov, 2019, were enrolled in the study. 641 patients were excluded. There were 122 patients with AF and 1,919 patients without AF. 1:1 propensity scores match was performed according to age and gender. Patients were divided into the two groups: with AF (122patients) and without AF (122patients). Clinical, demographic, echocardiographic, laboratorial data and medicine were compared between the groups. Results There was significant statistical difference in neutrophil, monocyte, creatinine, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100), monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), fasting glucose (FG), left atrial diameter (LAD), ejection fraction(EF), antiplatelet therapy and the prevalence of heart failure between the two groups. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the increase of MHR, FG and LAD, as well as the decrease of TC and antiplatelet therapy were independent predictors of AF. On receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, using a cut-off level of 0.568, MHR predicted AF with a sensitivity of 65.6%, a specificity of 76.2%, and an AUC of 0.736(95% CI 0.673-0.800). Using a cut-off level of 0.507, the combination of TC, MHR, FG, LAD and antiplatele therapy predicted AF with a sensitivity of 73.0%, a specificity of 84.4%, and an AUC of 0.862(95% CI 0.816-0.907). Conclusions The increase of MHR, FG and LAD, as well as the decrease of TC and antiplatelet therapy were independent predictors of AF. MHR only, as well as the combination of TC, MHR, FG, LAD and antiplatelet therapy can better predict the risk of AF in patients with T2DM.
Long-term survival of cemented versus uncemented total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of acute femoral neck fracture: A retrospective observational study with a mean 10-year follow-up
Authors: Han Xiulan , Yu Weiguang , Lin Jinluan , Zhao Mingdong , Han Guowei , Zhang Chao Xin
Published: February 2020

Background Despite the increased use of uncemented total hip arthroplasty (UTHA), there is little evidence of its superiority over cemented total hip arthroplasty (CTHA). The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the long-term survivorship and Harris Hip Scores (HHSs) of CTHA versus UTHA in the treatment of acute femoral neck fractures (FNFs). Methods Data involving 224 hips (CTHA, n= 112; UTHA, n=112) that underwent primary surgery in our medical institutions during 2005-2017 were analysed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was the risk of all-cause revision. The difference in the risk of all-cause revision between groups was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with a log-rank test and Cox regression analysis. Results The mean follow-up from surgery was 10 years (range, 3 - 13 years). Kaplan-Meier estimated that the 10-year implant survival was 98.1% (CI: 96.1–98.5) in the CTHA group and 96.2% (CI: 95.2–97.3) in the UTHA group (p = 0.030). The adjusted Cox regression analysis demonstrated a lower risk of revision in CTHA than in UTHA (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-2.6, p = 0.000). At the final follow-up, significant differences were detected in HHS (85.10[±12.21] for CTHA vs. 79.11[±13.19] for UTHA). Conclusion This retrospective analysis demonstrates that CTHA has superior survival to UTHA, with a significantly reduced revision risk and higher functional outcome scores. Further follow-up is necessary to verify whether the CTHA advantage persists over time.
Exploring the diagnostic value of multilayer spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in thoracogastric airway fistula
Authors: Zhao Yue , Zeng Yan-Wei , Yin Mei-Pan , Li Zhen , Li Chun-Xia , Ma Yao-Zhen , Xie Peng-Fei , Wu Gang
Published: February 2020

Background Thoracostomach-airway fistula is a rare complication of esophageal-cancer resection. We intended to explore the diagnostic value of multilayer spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in thoracostomach-airway fistula, to enhance its clinical understanding; evaluate an effective, convenient, and non-invasive diagnostic method; and provide the fundamentals for subsequent treatment. Methods The MSCT images and complete clinical data of 216 consecutive patients diagnosed with thoracogastric airway fistula were retrospectively analyzed. Results MSCT was able to determine the exact location, size of the fistula, and the adjacent bronchus between the fistula and bronchus in 192 out of 216 patients with thoracogastric airway fistula. All patients had pulmonary lesions including emphysema (n=68), ground glass density (n=25), bronchial wall thickening (n=28), patchy high densities along the lung texture (n=207), pulmonary consolidation (n=104), atelectasis (n=11), pulmonary nodules (n=53), bronchiectasis (n=19), lobular septal thickening (n=5), cavity (n=14), and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis (n=6). Further, 95 cases showed pleural effusion, 184 showed pleural thickening, 4 had pneumothorax, and 2 had subcutaneous pneumothorax. 12 patients with thoracogastric airway fistula had anastomotic wall thickening (mean: 20.63±9.57, range: 9.19–43.37 mm), while 13 patients showed thoracic gastric wall thickening (mean: 22.83(±)5.58 mm, range: 12.32–31.24 mm) on. 23 patients showed distant metastasis on MSCT. Conclusions MSCT can accurately display the location and size of thoracogastric airway fistula, as well as lung lesions, tumor recurrence, and distant metastasis, and provide the basis for the next therapy.
A broad insight onto the distribution pattern of Dirofilaria immitis in community dogs in Nepal
Authors: Rimal Subash , Adhikari Anil , Acharya Rabin , Singh Dinesh Kumar , Joshi Naresh Prasad , Shrestha Birendra , Kaphle Krishna , El-Dakhly Khaled Mohamed , Giannelli Alessio
Published: February 2020

Background Nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria are widespread vector-borne helminths (VBH) of increasing relevance. Indeed, dirofilariosis is frequently diagnosed in domestic pets, often dogs, associated with a severe clinical condition known as heartworm disease caused by D. immitis . Assessing the distribution pattern of canine dirofilariosis is pivotal to undertake appropriate control measures and define the risk of infection in animals and humans. This study revealed the occurrence of D. immitis in naïve community dogs from Nepal. Methods An epidemiological study was performed in 2019 in Siddharthanagar (Lumbini region, Nepal). A total of 150 blood specimens were examined using direct microscopy, buffy coat centrifugation and modified Knott's method aiming at isolating and identifying Dirofilaria microfilariae. In addition, hematobiochemical parameters, including packed cell volume (PCV), alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea and total protein were analyzed, along with a clinical scoring (i.e., body temperature and respiratory rate) of the animals enrolled in this study. Results Out of 150 dogs sampled, 29 (19.3%) had D. immitis microfilariae. The prevalence of the infection varied according to the technique used, ranging from 16.0% to 19.3% based on direct blood smear microscopy and modified Knott method, respectively. The infection rate was significantly ( P <0.05) higher in dogs aged more than 3 years. A positive correlation was observed between SGPT and SGOT and the presence of microfilariae ( P <0.05). Conclusion The current findings revealed the presence of D. immitis in dogs from Nepal, thus providing an explanation for the diagnosis of this VBH is human cases. Further investigations are warranted to accurately define the prevalence of the infection in other pets, instrumentally to reduce the potential burden on the infection in dogs and, accordingly, to control the spread of this parasite to humans.
Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency in Sweet Basil Production under Low Tunnels
Authors: Acharya Tej P. , Reiter Mark S. , Welbaum Greg , Arancibia Ramón A.
Published: February 2020

Low tunnels (LTs) enhance vegetative growth and production in comparison with open field, but it is not known whether nitrogen (N) requirements and use efficiency increase or decrease for optimal crop performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine differences in N requirement, uptake, and use efficiency in basil grown under LTs compared with open field. The experimental design each year was a split plot with four replications. The main effect (plots) was N fertilizer application rate (0, 37, 74, 111, 148, and 185 kg·ha−1) and the secondary effect (subplots) was production system (LTs covered with spun-bonded rowcover vs. open field). Plant height and stem diameter were greater under LT than open field; however, they were unaffected by N fertilizer rate. Total fresh and dry weight increased with LT by 61% and 58% and by 50% and 48% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Optimum N rates for fresh weight (98% of peak yield) were 124 and 104 kg·ha−1 N under LT and open field, respectively. Leaf N concentration decreased under LT, but total plant N uptake increased because of increased dry weight. Without fertilization, soil available N use efficiency (SNUE) for dry weight increased by 45% and 66% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Mixed results were obtained for N fertilizer use efficiency (NFUE) in response to N rate. In conclusion, LT increased summer production of sweet basil, total plant N uptake, and SNUE.
A simple and effective capsule sealing technique for hydrothermal experiments
Authors: Du Jun , Li Heping , Liu Hongwei , Chang Honglun
Published: February 2020

Capsule sealing has always been a key procedure in hydrothermal experiments to explore the composition and properties of geo-fluids and their influence on various geological processes. Previously reported capsule sealing techniques have primarily focused on either weld-sealing or cold-sealing methods, which have some disadvantages and limitations. Here, we report on a newly developed, simple, and effective capsule sealing technique incorporating operations from the cold-sealing and weld-sealing techniques. The technique includes three steps: first, preparing inner and outer tubes, both with a flat bottom at one end; subsequently, reverse-buckling the tubes to form a preliminary seal; and finally, welding shut the tiny slit at one end of the tubes. The new capsule sealing technique was tested in experiments for fluid inclusion synthesis. Fluid inclusions were successfully synthesized in 10 runs over a range of conditions (800~900 °C, 1~1.5 GPa). Considering the insignificant mass changes recorded and the occurrence of free fluid from the recovered capsules, the new capsule sealing technique was proven to be reliable. The simple and effective capsule sealing technique has the following advantages over the previous techniques. First, the capsule sealing technique is simple, effective, and easy to operate. The technique does not require a capsule body and lid with a complex structure, nor does it require dies or special tools. The critical weld-sealing operation is easier to complete due to the narrow and uniform slit surrounded by more metal, during which loss of volatilization is prevented by the preliminary seal. Second, the capsules can be sealed with uniform thickness and regular shape, prechecked for leakage in an oven, and annealed under high temperature and high pressure with less deformation, which could improve the success rate of experiments. Third, the theoretically required capsule materials can be changed (such as precious metals, alloys, etc.), as can the dimensions required to construct a capsule with the desired size and wall thickness (large volume or thick wall). Thus, sealed capsules are suitable not only for piston cylinders but also for multi-anvil presses and other gas-media or hydrothermal-media apparatus, such as autoclaves and pressure vessels, which means a wider range of temperatures and pressures are accessible and thus more fields of application.