bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studying Phase Behavior of Oil/Natural-Gas Systems for Designing Gas-Injection Operations: A Montney Case Study
Authors: Tran Son , Eghbali Sara , Dehghanpour Hassan 
Published: May 2020

SummaryAdvances in horizontal drilling and multistage hydraulic fracturing have unlocked tight-oil resources, such as the Montney Formation in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. However, the average oil-recovery factor after primary production is 5 to 10% of the original oil in place. The aims of this study are to investigate phase behavior and to estimate the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) of the Montney oil/natural-gas systems.First, we measure the MMPs of the oil/gas systems using the vanishing interfacial tension (VIT) technique. The gas samples are methane (C1) and mixtures of methane and ethane (C1/C2). Second, we perform constant-composition-expansion (CCE) tests to study the phase behavior of the oil/gas systems using a pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) cell. To complement the VIT and CCE tests, we perform bulk-phase tests to visualize vaporizing/condensing phenomena at the oil/gas interface using a visualization cell. Finally, we use the measured CCE and MMP data to calibrate the Peng-Robinson (Robinson and Peng 1978) equation of state (PR-EOS) and predict the MMP of the oil/gas systems using ternary diagrams. The results suggest that the dominant mechanism for developing miscibility conditions for oil/C1 and oil/C1/C2 systems is vaporizing and condensing gas drive, respectively. According to the results of the VIT and CCE tests, increasing C2 mole fraction in the gas mixtures significantly reduces MMP of the oil/gas system (from 4,366 psi for oil/C1 to 1,467 psi for oil/C1/C2 with 71.3 mol% C2) and increases the oil-swelling factor (from 1.47 to 1.61 by increasing C2 mol% from 0 to 70 mol%). The results of visualization tests show that the presence of C2 in the injection gas significantly enhances oil swelling compared with the pure-C1 case. We observe vaporizing flows of oil components in all tests and strong condensing flows of C1 and C2 into the oil phase in the C1/C2 test with increasing gas-injection pressure. The MMP values predicted by plotting two-phase equilibrium data on ternary diagrams appear to be in good agreement with the measured ones. The results can be used to optimize the injection-gas composition and operating pressure in the Montney.
Radial peripapillary capillary density in superior segmental optic hypoplasia measured with OCT angiography.
Authors: Abe Maiko , Omodaka Kazuko , Kikawa Tsutomu , Nakazawa Toru 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the diagnostic power of radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density, measured with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), in patients with superior segmental optic hypoplasia (SSOH).Methods: Forty subjects with SSOH and 40 age- and axial length-matched control subjects were retrospectively registered for this study. SSOH was defined as intraocular pressure less than 21 mmHg with the presence of two of the following: superior rim thinning, superior entrance of the central retinal artery, scleral halo, and pale optic disc; as well as non-progressive visual field loss. RPC density was measured with swept-source OCT-A (Triton, Topcon) overall, in the quadrants, and in the 12 clock-wise sectors. Changes in RPC density were also compared in SSOH patients and age-matched patients with mild- or moderate-stage of glaucoma. RPC density was compared in pairs of groups with Welch’s t-test. Diagnostic power was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). Results: Overall cpRNFLT was significantly different in the normal (106.7 ± 9.5 μm) and SSOH (77.2 ± 13.7 μm, p < 0.001) subjects. RPC density overall and in the superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants was significantly lower in the SSOH group (all, p < 0.001), but not in the temporal (p = 0.756) quadrant. The diagnostic power of RPC density was highest in the superior quadrant (AUC = 0.928) and the 1 o’clock sector (0.896). Comparing the SSOH and glaucoma patients showed that there were no significant differences in RPC density either overall (p=0.391) or in the superior quadrant (p = 0.268), while RPC density was significantly higher in the inferior (p = 0.005) and temporal quadrants (p < 0.001) and lower in the nasal quadrant (p = 0.029).Conclusions: Low RPC density was found in the three non-temporal quadrants of the optic nerve head in SSOH patients, in comparison to normal subjects. Regionally, RPC density in SSOH was lower in the nasal quadrant and higher in the inferior and temporal quadrants in comparison to glaucoma patients. Measuring RPC density with OCT-A may help the diagnosis of SSOH and may improve the management of glaucoma.
Challenges of recruiting emergency department patients to a qualitative study: a thematic analysis of researchers’ experiences
Authors: Price Delyth , Edwards Michelle , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Cooper Alison , Davies Freya , Evans Bridie , Hibbert Peter , Hughes Thomas , Rainer Timothy , Siriwardena Niro , Edwards Adrian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: At times of increasing pressure on emergency departments, and the need for research into different models of service delivery, little is known about how to recruit patients for qualitative research in emergency departments. We report from one study which aimed to collect evidence on patients’ experiences of attending emergency departments with different models of general practitioners, but faced challenges in recruiting patients. This paper aims to identify and reflect on the challenges faced at all stages of patient recruitment, from identifying and inviting eligible patients, consenting them for participation and finally to engaging them in interviews and make recommendations based on our learning. Methods: A thematic analysis was carried out on field-notes taken during research visits and meeting minutes of discussions to review and improve patient recruitment throughout the study. Results: The following factors influenced the success of patient recruitment in the emergency department setting: complicated or time-consuming electronic health record systems for identifying patients; narrow participant eligibility criteria; limited research nurse support; and lack of face-to-face communication between researchers and eligible patients. Conclusions: This paper adds to the evidence for improving patient recruitment in different settings, with a focus on qualitative research in emergency departments. Our findings have implications for future studies attempting to recruit patients in similar settings.
Development of a DNA microarray assay for rapid detection of fifteen bacterial pathogens in pneumonia
Authors: Ma Xiuqing , Li Yanqin , Liang Yuan , Liu Yang , Yu Ling , Li Chunsun , Liu Qiqi , Chen Liangan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Rapid identification of pathogenic bacteria is important for appropriate antimicrobial therapy of pneumonia, but traditional bacteria culture is time-consuming and laborious. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a DNA microarray assay for the simultaneously detection of fifteen bacteria species directly from respiratory tract specimens in patients with pneumonia. These species included Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterobacter cloacae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Burkholderia cepacia, Legionella pneumophila and Chlamydia pneumoniae. The 16S rDNA and specific genes of each pathogen were chosen as the amplification target, amplified with multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and hybridized to the oligonucleotide probes on the microarray. Results: The DNA microarray can reach a detection limit of 10 3 copies/μL. Nineteen standard strains and 119 clinical isolates were correctly detected with our microarray and 3 non-target species from 4 clinical isolates were not detected. Meanwhile, bacterial pathogens were accurately identified when two or three bacterial targets were mixed together. Furthermore, the results of 99.4% (156/157) clinical specimens were the same to that from the conventional assay. Conclusions: we developed a DNA microarray that could simultaneously detect various bacterial pathogens in pneumonia. The method described here has the potential to provide considerable labor and time savings due to its ability to screen for 15 bacterial pathogens simultaneously.
Mitochondria transfer enhances proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell and promotes bone defect healing
Authors: Guo Yusi , Chi Xiaopei , Wang Yifan , Heng Boon Chin , Wei Yan , Zhang Xuehui , Zhao Han , Yin Ying , Deng Xuliang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation is considered a promising therapeutic approach for bone defect repair. However, during the transplantation procedure, the functions and viability of BMSCs may be impaired due to extended durations of in vitro culture, aging and disease conditions of patients. Inspired by spontaneous intercellular mitochondria transfer that naturally occurs within injured tissues to rescue cellular or tissue function, we investigated whether artificial mitochondria transfer into pre-transplant BMSCs in vitro could improve cellular function and enhance their therapeutic effects on bone defect repair in situ . Methods: Mitochondria were isolated from donor BMSCs and transferred into recipient BMSCs of the same batch and passage. Subsequently, changes in proliferative capacity and cell senescence were evaluated by live cell imaging, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, cell cycle analysis, Ki67 staining, qPCR and Western Blot analysis of C-myc expression, and β-galactosidase staining. Migration ability was evaluated by the transwell migration assay, wound scratch healing and cell motility tests. Alakine phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin Red staining, combined qPCR and Western Blot analyses of Runx2 and BMP2 were performed to elucidate the effects of mitochondria transfer on the osteogenic potential of BMSCs in vitro . After that, in vivo experiments were performed by transplanting mitochondria-recipient BMSCs into a rat cranial critical-size bone defect model. Micro CT scanning and histological analysis were conducted at 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation to evaluate osteogenesis in situ . Finally, in order to establish the correlation between cellular behavioral changes and aerobic metabolism, OXPHOS (oxidative phosphorylation) and ATP production were assessed and inhibition of aerobic respiration by oligomycin was performed. Results: Mitochondria-recipient BMSCs exhibited significantly enhanced proliferation and migration, and increased osteogenesis upon osteogenic induction. The in vivo results showed more new bone formation after transplantation of mitochondria-recipient BMSCs in situ . Increased OXPHOS activity and ATP production were observed, which upon inhibition by oligomycin attenuated the enhancement of proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation induced by mitochondria transfer. Conclusions: Mitochondria transfer is a feasible technique to enhance BMSCs function in vitro and promote bone defect repair in situ through the up-regulation of aerobic metabolism. The results indicated that mitochondria transfer may be a novel promising technique for optimizing stem cell therapeutic function.
Relationships between abnormal neural activities and cognitive impairments in patients with drug-naive first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Yan Wei , Zhang Rongrong , Zhou Min , Lu Shuiping , Li Wenmei , Xie Shiping , Zhang Ning 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Prior resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging studies via the regional homogeneity (ReHo) method have demonstrated inconsistent and conflicting results because of several confounding factors, such as small sample size, medicinal influence, and illness duration. Relationships between ReHo measures and cognitive impairments in patients with drug-naive first-episode schizophrenia (dn-FES) are rarely reported. This study was conducted to explore the correlations between ReHo measures, cognitive deficits, and clinical symptoms in patients with dn-FES. Methods A total of 69 patients with dn-FES and 74 healthy controls were recruited. MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to assess cognitive function, intelligence quotient (IQ), and clinical symptoms, respectively. The correlations between ReHo map and cognitive deficits, the severity of symptoms were examined using strict correlation analyses within brain areas. Results The ReHo values in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and the superior frontal gyrus (SFG) increased in the dn-FES group, whereas the ReHo values in the right cuneus decreased. Correlation analysis showed that the ReHo values in the right MFG were positively correlated with attention/vigilance impairments, social cognition deficits, the severity of clinical manifestations. Conclusions These findings suggested that abnormal spontaneous activities in the right MFG reflect the illness severity and cognitive deficits, which serves as a basis for establishing the objective diagnostic markers and might be a clinical intervention target for patients with schizophrenia.
Regional SUV quantification in hybrid PET/MR, a comparison of two atlas-based automatic brain segmentation methods
Authors: Ruan Weiwei , Sun Xun , Hu Xuehan , Liu Fang , Hu Fan , Guo Jinxia , Zhang Yongxue , Lan Xiaoli 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background：Quantitative analysis of brain positron-emission tomography (PET) depends on structural segmentation, which can be time-consuming and operator-dependent when performed manually. Previous automatic segmentation usually registered subjects’ images onto an atlas template (defined as RSIAT here) for group analysis, which changed the individuals’ images and probably affected regional PET segmentation. In contrast, we could register atlas template to subjects’ images (RATSI), which created an individual atlas template and may be more accurate for PET segmentation. We segmented two representative brain areas in twenty Parkinson disease (PD) and eight multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients performed in hybrid positron-emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR). The segmentation accuracy was evaluated using the Dice coefficient (DC) and Hausdorff distance (HD). and the standardized uptake value (SUV) measurements of these two automatic segmentation methods were compared, using manual segmentation as a reference. Results：The DC of RATSI increased and the HD decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the RSIAT in PD, while the results of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) found no significant differences in the SUVmean and SUVmax among the two automatic and the manual segmentation methods. Further, RATSI was used to compare regional differences in cerebral metabolism pattern between PD and MSA patients. The SUVmean in the segmented cerebellar gray matter for the MSA group was significantly lower compared with the PD group (P<0.05), which is consistent with previous reports. Conclusion：The RATSI was more accurate for the caudate nucleus and putamen automatic segmentation, and can be used for regional PET analysis in hybrid PET/MR.
Results of the Neuroblastoma-2015 protocol for treating neuroblastoma in China: experience from multiple centers
Authors: Yan Jie , Jin Yan , Li Fu , Jiang Lian , Lu Jun , Li Jianxin , Dai Yunpeng , Zhan Jianghua , Cao Yanna , Li Zhongyuan , Liu Yun , Wang Daowei , Li Zhanglin , Zhao Qiang , Li Jie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The collaborative efforts of the Chinese Childhood Cancer Organization (CCCG) have led to an improved understanding of NB biology, standardized classification, and stratification strategies, thereby improving outcomes in China. We aimed to assess the NB-2015 protocol developed by the CCCG in 2015 and to evaluate the degree of impact of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT). Methods: This study enrolled NB patients from seven medical centers in China between 2015 and 2018. In this paper, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of 161 patients and used their effect on survival as an outcome measure. Results: The 3-year event-free survival (EFS) rates were 95.5%, 91.6%, and 51.1% in the low-, medium-, and high-risk groups, respectively. In total, 3 out of 7 (42.8%) patients with stage 2B disease, none of whom had MYCN amplifications, relapsed. A total of 47 of the 78 patients in the high-risk group underwent external-beam radiation to the primary tumor bed (dose ranging from 18 to 36 Gy). There was a significant difference in efficacy between patients who received radiation therapy and those who did not (3-year OS P = 0.041). Within the high-risk group, The 3-year EFS rates of the patients with and without APBSCT were 72.6% and 37.1%, respectively (P=0.008).Conclusions: This study showed that satisfactory results were obtained without fatal complications using the NB-2015 protocol. Chemotherapy should be intensified in the stage 2B group. APBSCT can effectively improve the survival rate of NB patients, especially high-risk patients.
A long non-coding RNA signature predicts survival for glioblastoma as prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Li Zhenzhe , Lv Zhonghua , Yu Lei , Zhang Sibin , Wang Yingjie , Ai Siqi , Zhu Kaibin , Li Qingsong , Liang Peng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most fatal tumors in the central nervous system. Its prognosis is very poor. There is increasing evidence that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) participates in the biological process of glioblastoma. Nevertheless, the role of lncRNA in predicting the prognosis of GBM is still uncertain. Methods: In this study, using RNA-Seq and clinical follow-up data of GBM patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we performed differential analysis of lncRNA, univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis.Results: We identified four lncRNAs closely interrelated with survival and prognosis of GBM patients. This lncRNA signature was effective in both the training set and the testing set, and it was independent to clinical factors.Conclusions: Our data suggested that the four lncRNAs could be used as promising biomarkers for predicting prognosis in GBM patients.
Effects of anesthetic method on inflammatory response in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Hwang Won Jung , Joo Min Ah , Joo Jin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, which is influenced by innate and adaptive immunity. IL-17 is a characteristic cytokine secreted by Th17 cells, which acts as a powerful stimulator of neutrophil migration and infiltration and promotes the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. General anesthesia and surgical stress induce immune and inflammatory responses that activate the immunosuppressive mechanism in the perioperative period. The present study investigated changes in levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17, IL-1β, and TNF-α, in patients with PD undergoing general anesthesia with inhalational anesthetics or TIVA.MethodsAdult patients, aged 40–75 years, scheduled for cerebral stimulator implantation were enrolled. Upon arrival at the operating theater, patients were allocated to the inhalational (I) or TIVA (T) group using block randomization. In group I, anesthesia was induced by tracheal intubation 1–2 min after intravenous administration of propofol (1–2 mg/kg) and rocuronium (0.6–1 mg/kg). Thereafter, anesthesia was maintained with 1–2 vol% sevoflurane, 0.01–0.2 kg/min remifentanil, and O2/air (FiO2 0.4). In group T, propofol (3–6 µg/mL), remifentanil (2–6 ng/mL), and rocuronium (0.6–1 mg/kg) were administered using target controlled infusion (TCI) for induction of anesthesia. Blood samples were obtained preoperatively (T0), 2 h after induction of anesthesia (T1), and 24 h after surgery (T2). IL-17, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were evaluated by ELISA.ResultsSerum levels of IL-17 were elevated at T2 in group I compared to group T but the difference was not statistically significant. IL-1β tended to be greater in group I compared to group T, but the differences were not significant. (Fig. 3). TNF-α was slightly higher at all time points in group T and showed a tendency to increase at T2 in both groups, but this was not statistically significant (Fig. 4).Conclusions﻿TIVA may be useful for inhibiting neuroinflammation by inhibiting the increase in serum levels of IL-17 24 h after implantation surgery. Serum IL-17 level may be used as a biomarker for PD progression.TRIAL REGISTRATION:Clinical Research Information Service of Korea National Institute of Health (CRIS) Identification number: KCT0002061. Registered 25 October 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01.jsp?seq=15125
The impact of aiding robotic-assisted surgery, simulation, virtual reality game-playing and seniority on novices’ learning via skills simulator
Authors: Chen Yin-Yu , Chao Yin-Kai , Huang Yi-Ching , Chao Chung-Hsien , Hsieh Ming-Ju 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Robotic-assisted surgery learning is highly self-governance, albeit its flourishing. Novices of robotic-assisted surgery are usually trained by virtual reality simulators. This study aims to evaluate whether novices’ prior experiences of aiding robotic-assisted surgery, simulation on virtual reality or game-playing gives weight to their learning outcomes.
Methods

Novices’ attitudes towards robotic-assisted surgery and video game-playing experiences were investigated using a questionnaire. Voluntary novices (n = 70) comprising surgical trainees (first-year to sixth-year residents) and surgeons were then examined on a VR simulator. The simulator automatically generated examination scores. Questionnaires and examination scores were analysed using SPSS.
Results

Participants’ prior experiences of aiding robotic-assisted surgery (p < .01) and having robotic surgical simulation within six months (p < .01) was associated with significantly higher VR simulator performance, but not prior video game-playing (p > .05). Resident participant years 3–5 performed significantly better than resident participant years 1–2, and 6 and visiting staff (p < .01).
Conclusions

When formal robotic surgical training is lacking, novices’ learning can be developed via both simulation and engaging in real cases. Formal robotic surgical training should be ideally introduced during the middle part of the residency period.