bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Slug Frequency for Medium Liquid Viscosity Two-Phase Flow in Vertical, Horizontal, and Inclined Pipes
Authors: Abdul-Majeed Ghassan H. , Firouzi Mahshid , Soto-Cortes Gabriel 
Published: July 2020

Summary
Several experimental studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of liquid viscosity on slug frequency in horizontal, vertical, and inclined two-phase flows. Analyses of these studies reveal that the slug frequency is positively related to superficial liquid velocity and liquid viscosity; the superficial gas velocity has a dual minor effect on slug frequency, with an initial increase for low superficial gas velocity and then a decrease for high superficial gas velocity; and the slug frequency increases with increasing flow deviation from horizontal. Also, the analyses reveal that for inclined viscous flow, the slug frequency and slug length follow the same inverse relationship shown in horizontal and vertical slug flows. In the literature, several models have been developed for predicting slug frequency in viscous horizontal flows, whereas only a few models exist for viscous vertical and inclined flows. In this study, we aim to develop models for prediction of slug frequency in two-phase flow of medium liquid viscosity (30 ≤ μL ≤ 250 mPa·s). Dimensional analysis of four published experimental data sets (218 data points) indicates that slug frequency is related to two dimensionless numbers; namely, a modified Froude number and inverse viscosity number. As a result, three slug frequency closure models are proposed for vertical, horizontal, and inclined flows, using a combination of these two numbers. The proposed models are tested against the four data sets, and very good results are obtained, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.96 to 0.97.
The pattern of stressful life events prior to suicide among the elderly in rural China: a national case-control psychological autopsy study
Authors: Mo Qiqing , Ma Zhenyu , Wang Guojun , Jia Cunxian , Niu Lu , Zhou Liang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: There is a lack of evidence concerning the stressful life events experienced prior to suicide which may be associated with an increased suicide risk for Chinese rural elderly. The aim of this study was to identify the pattern of stressful life events prior to suicide among the elderly in China. Methods: A total of 12 counties were randomly selected using two-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Suicide cases aged 60 years and older (n =242) were collected from those counties from June 2014 to September 2015. Matched living controls were selected 1:1 with suicide cases by age, gender, and location. Data in the study were collected through face-to-face interviews by a psychological autopsy method. The Life Event Scale for the Elderly was used to measure the stressful life events prior to suicide/interviews. Results: Approximately 99.6% of suicide cases and 88.4% of controls experienced at least one stressful life event. The suicide group experienced more long-term stressful life events than recent stressful life events. The top three most frequent stressful life events for the suicide group were being diagnosed with chronic disease, hospitalization, and being diagnosed with terminal illness. More female suicide cases experienced the death of a spouse, while more males experienced hospitalization, diagnosis with terminal illness and family poverty. Experiencing at least one stressful life event, having unstable marital status, physical diseases and mental disorders were the factors that increased the risk of suicide.Conclusions: Stressful life events were common for the rural elderly, especially long-term stressful life events. The experience of at least one stressful life event can increase suicide risk for this population. More attention should be given to the rural elderly who experienced more long-term stressful life events and experienced health related life events.
A cross-sectional study of Swiss ambulatory care services use by multimorbid patients in primary care in the light of the Andersen model
Authors: Messi Mia , Mueller Yolanda , Haller Dagmar M. , Zeller Andreas , Neuner-Jehle Stefan , Streit Sven , Burnand Bernard , Herzig Lilli 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Multimorbidity is frequently encountered in primary care and is associated with increasing use of healthcare services. The Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use is a multilevel framework classifying societal, contextual, and individual characteristics about the use of healthcare services into three categories: 1. predisposing factors, 2. enabling factors, and 3. need factors. The present study aimed to explore multimorbid patients' use of ambulatory healthcare in terms of homecare and other allied health services, visits to GPs, and number of specialists involved. A secondary aim was to apply Andersen's model to explore factors associated with this use. Method: In a cross-sectional study, 100 Swiss GPs enrolled up to 10 multimorbid patients each. After descriptive analyses, we tested the associations of each determinant and outcome variable of healthcare use, according to the Andersen model: predisposing factors (patient's demographics), enabling factors (health literacy (HLS-EU-Q6), deprivation (DipCare)), and need factors (patient's quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), treatment burden (TBQ), severity index (CIRS), number of chronic conditions, and of medications). Logistic regressions (dichotomous variables) and negative binomial regressions (count variables) were calculated to identify predictors of multimorbid patients' healthcare use.Results: Analyses included 843 multimorbid patients; mean age 73.0 (SD 12.0), 28–98 years old; 48.3% men; 15.1% (127/843) used homecare. Social deprivation (OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.62–0.89) and absence of an informal caregiver (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.28–0.88) were related to less homecare services use. The use of other allied health services (34.9% (294/843)) was associated with experiencing pain (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.59–3.90). The number of contacts with a GP (median 11 (IQR 7-16)) was, among other factors, related to the absence of an informal caregiver (IRR 0.90, 95%CI 0.83–0.98). The number of specialists involved (mean 1.9 (SD 1.4)) was linked to the treatment burden (IRR 1.06, 95%CI 1.02–1.10).Conclusion: Multimorbid patients in primary care reported high use of ambulatory healthcare services variably associated with the Andersen model's factors: healthcare use was associated with objective medical needs but also with contextual or individual predisposing or enabling factors. These findings emphasize the importance of adapting care coordination to individual patient profiles.
Lived experience of intimate partner violence among women using antiretroviral therapy and other outpatient services in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia: A phenomenological study
Authors: Meskele Mengistu , Khuzwayo Nelisiwe , Taylor Myra 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Ethiopia is one of the nations which has an enormous burden of intimate partner violence (IPV), and where it is usually difficult to talk about HIV separately from IPV. Objectives: This research aimed to explore the lived experience of IPV against women using antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other outpatient services in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia Methods: We used an Interpretive (hermeneutic) Phenomenological Analysis design among purposely selected adult women aged 18-49 years. A total of 43 women involved in this study, of whom 30 were using ART, and 13 women were using other health services. We used an in-depth interview and focus group discussions until data saturation, while conscious of the need to maintain the scientific rigor, dependability, and credibility. The data were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. We read the transcripts repeatedly to understand the content. We used NVivo 11 software to assist with data organization, and also, we used the framework analysis method. Results: We identified five themes from this analysis, namely: “women's terrifying experiences of violence,” “the effect of violence on women's health,” “support/lack of support /partner’s controlling behaviors,” “women’s feelings about the available services,” and “IPV prevention strategies from the perspective of women.” Interviewees described their violent experiences which included wife-beating, being stigmatized in front of others, having material thrown at the woman’s face, wife’s hand and teeth were broken, forced sex, restriction of movement, name-calling, threats to hurt, being insulted, being left alone, and the withdrawal of finances. The negative health impacts reported included abortion, infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, disability, child’s death, and depression. The disclosure of HIV test information resulted in violence. Inappropriate punishment of the perpetrator and the lack of a supportive women’s network to avert IPV were perceived as legal limitations .by the women. Conclusions: IPV is a considerable health burden, varying in its presentation and its negative impact on women’s health. Improved laws should provide justice for all victims. Establishing a women’s network to assist should be emphasized. Unwise HIV test result disclosure leads to IPV; hence HIV disclosure should be facilitated through health care providers.
Differentiation of soft tissue and bone sarcomas from benign lesions utilizing 18F- FDG PET/CT-derived parameters
Authors: Chen Bo , Feng Hongbo , Xie Jinghui , Li Chun , Zhang Yu , Wang Shaowu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Accurate differentiation between malignant and benign changes in soft tissue and bone lesions is essential for the prevention of unnecessary biopsies and surgical resection. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge and a standard diagnosis modality is urgently needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT-derived parameters to differentiate soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and bone sarcoma (BS) from benign lesions. Methods: Patients who had undergone pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and subsequent pathological diagnoses to confirm malignant (STS and BS, n = 37) and benign (n = 33) soft tissue and bone lesions were retrospectively reviewed. The tumor size, PET and low-dose CT visual characteristics, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and heterogeneous factor (HF) of each lesion were measured. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the significant risk factors to distinguish sarcoma from benign lesions. To establish a regression model based on independent risk factors, and the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs)of individual parameters and their combination were plotted and compared. Conventional imaging scans were re-analyzed, and the diagnostic performance compared with the regression model.Results: Univariate analysis results revealed that tumor size, SUVmax, MTV, TLG, and HF of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in the STS and BS group were all higher than in the benign lesions group (all P values were <0.01). The differences in the visual characteristics between the two groups were also all statistically significant (P <0.05). However, the multivariate regression model only included SUVmax and HF as independent risk factors, for which the odds ratios were 1.135 (95%CI: 1.026~1.256, P = 0.014) and 7.869 (95%CI: 2.119~29.230, P = 0.002), respectively. The regression model was constructed using the following expression: Logit (P) = -2.461+0.127SUVmax+2.063HF. The area under the ROC was 0.860, which was higher than SUVmax (0.744) and HF (0.790). The diagnostic performance of the regression model was superior to those of individual parameters and conventional imaging.Conclusion: The regression model including SUVmax and HF based on 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging may be useful for differentiating STS and BS from benign lesions.
MiR-137 Boosts the Neuroprotective Effect of Endothelial Progenitor Cell Derived-Exosomes in Oxyhemoglobin Treated SH-SY5Y Cells Partially via COX2/PGE2 Pathway
Authors: Li Yuchen , Wang Jinju , Chen Shuzhen , Wu Pei , Xu Shancai , Wang Chunlei , Shi Huaizhang , Bihl Ji 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: We have previously verified the beneficial effects of exosomes from endothelial progenitor cells (EPC-EXs) in ischemic stroke. However, the effects of EPC-EXs in hemorrhagic stroke have not been investigated. Additionally, miR-137 is reported to regulate ferroptosis and to be involved in the neuroprotection against ischemic stroke. Hence, the present work explored the effects of miR-137-overexpressing EPC-EXs on apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ferroptosis in oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb)-injured SH-SY5Y cells. Methods: The lentiviral miR-137 was transfected into EPCs and then the EPC-EXs were collected. RT-PCR was used to detect the miR-137 level in EPCs, EXs and neurons. The uptake mechanisms of EPC-EXs in SH-SY5Y cells were explored by the co-incubation of Dynasore, Pitstop 2, Ly294002 and Genistein. After the transfection of different types of EPC-EXs, flow cytometry and expression of cytochrome c and cleaved caspase-3 were used to detect the apoptosis of oxyHb-injured neurons. Neuronal mitochondrial function was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization, and cellular ATP content. Cell ferroptosis was measured by lipid peroxidation, iron overload, degradation of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase 4. Additionally, recombinational PGE2 was used to detect if activation of COX2/PGE2 pathway could reverse the protection of miR-137 overexpression.Results: The present work showed 1) EPC-EXs could be taken in by SH-SY5Y cells via caveolin-/clathrin-mediated pathways and macropinocytosis; 2) miR-137 was decreased in neurons after oxyHb treatment, and EXsmiR-137 could restore the miR-137 levels; 3) EXsmiR-137 worked better than EXs in reducing the number of apoptotic neurons and pro-apoptotic protein expression after oxyHb treatment; 4) EXsmiR-137 are more effective in improving the cellular MMP, ROS and ATP level; 5) EXsmiR-137, but not EXs, protected oxyHb-treated SH-SY5Y cells against lipid peroxidation, iron overload, degradation of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase 4; 6) EXsmiR-137 suppressed the expression of the COX2/PGE2 pathway, and activation of the pathway could partially reverse the neuroprotective effects of EXsmiR-137. Conclusion: MiR-137 overexpression boosts the neuroprotective effects of EPC-EXs against apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in oxyHb-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, EXsmiR-137 rather than EXs can restore the decrease in miR-137 levels and inhibit ferroptosis, and the protection mechanism might involve the miR-137-COX2/PGE2 signaling pathway.
Physical Activity Epidemiology of University Students
Authors: Gastélum-Cuadras Gabriel , LOPES TOMIRES CAMPOS , Oliveira Artur Luís Bessa de , Pernambuco Carlos Soares , Brandão Paula Paraguassú , Guimarães Andréa Carmen , Bello Maria de Nazaré Dias , Bispo Michael Douglas Celestino , Castro Leila , Carvalho Mauro Cesar Gurgel de Alencar , Valentim-Silva João Rafael , Dantas Estélio Henrique Martin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Moderate and vigorous physical activity is essential to maintain proper body composition and reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease, diabetes and cancer. In addition, it reduces the risk of stroke, hypertension and depression. Even so, it is an essential determinant of energy expenditure and, therefore, fundamental for energy balance and weight control. The objective of this epidemiological study is twofold: to quantify and qualify the physical activity of students at a federal public university in the Brazilian Midwest and to compare the level of physical activity of incoming and senior students, by sex and by campuses, considering the distance from large centers population. Method A questionnaire adapted for the Brazilian population was used, whose results were subjected to a normality test and the differences between groups were compared. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. All results are presented as mean and standard deviation. Results 18,986 students enrolled on the 5 UFMT campuses, 9,720 students accessed the questionnaire. Of these, 7,379 had their answers validated, corresponding to 75.92% of accesses or 38.87% of the universe studied. This study found differences in the level of physical activity among university students, observing less physical activity on the Rondonópolis campus, less physical activity of students in the areas of Linguistics and Humanities, when compared with students from other areas, less physical activity of female students. when compared to male students and less physical activity among enrolled students compared to undergraduate students. Conclusions The results suggest the need for greater investment in policies to promote physical activity among university students in all fields.
A Single-Center Retrospective and Descriptive Study of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Oncology during the COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Ming , Zhang Xiu-Ping , Xu Shuai , Tan Xiang-Long , Zhang Xuan , Hu Ming-Gen , Li Cheng-Gang , Gao Yuan-Xing , Zhao Guo-Dong , Liu Rong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective: In the battle against COVID-19, most medical resources in China have been directed to infected patients in Wuhan. Thus, patients with hepatobiliary pancreatic tumors who are not suffering from COVID-19 are often not given timely and effective anti-cancer treatments. In this study, we aimed to describe clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic oncology from our department, which retained normal working during the COVID-19 epidemic. We also sought to formulate a set of standardized hospitalization and treatment processes.Methods: A retrospective and descriptive study was conducted involving patients hospitalized from February 1, 2020, to February 29, 2020 (Return to work after the Spring Festival), at our Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Oncology. Results: The study included 92 patients from 12 provinces in the north of China who underwent surgical resection at our Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Oncology during the COVID-19 epidemic. Robotic surgery was performed on 82% (75/92) of patients, while the rest underwent laparoscopic (2/92) and open surgery (15/92). Eighty-six patients had malignant tumor, and six had emergency benign diseases. Only five patients had severe pancreatic fistula, and three had biliary fistula after operation. Conclusions: The standardized hospitalization and treatment processes described in this study could prevent cross-infection of patients and still ensure timely treatment of patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers. These study findings will guide the management of surgical oncology departments and treatment of patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic oncology during serious epidemics.
Ammonium and Nitrate Shift the Spatial Distribution of Soil Bacterial Communities and Association Networks Along a Distance from Maize Roots in an Acidic Red Soil
Authors: Zhang Hao Qing , Zhao Xue Qiang , Shi Yu , Liang Yuting , Shen Ren Fang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) are two major inorganic nitrogen (N) forms available for plant growth. Soil microbes affect the availability and transformation of these N forms in the rhizosphere, and this affects the N-use efficiency of plants. However, little is known about the responses of the rhizosphere bacterial community structure to NH4+ and NO3−. Here, a rhizobox containing a root zone (root growing area) and various soil compartments (0–0.5 cm, 0.5–1 cm, 1–2 cm, 2–4 cm, and 4–9 cm from the root zone) was designed to investigate the spatial distribution of bacterial diversity, community structure, and co-occurrence patterns along a distance from maize (Zea mays L.) roots with the addition of 15N-labeled NH4+ or NO3− in an acidic red soil.Results: Addition of NH4+ and NO3− reduced soil bacterial diversity in the maize root zone. The structures of soil bacterial communities differed between NH4+ and NO3− in the root zone and 0.5 cm away from the root zone. Soil pH was the major driver of bacterial community assembly during plant uptake of N. Maize roots recruited potentially beneficial acidophilic bacteria (e.g. Acidibacter, Burkholderia, and Catenulispora) under NH4+ treatment, and recruited growth-promoting bacteria that prefer higher pH (e.g. Sphingomonas, Sphingobium, Azospirillum, and Novosphingobium) under NO3− treatment. In the N-fertilization treatments, the soil bacterial networks were more complex in the root zone and its adjacent 0.5–1 cm zone than in other soil compartments. The soil bacterial networks were more complex under NH4+ treatment than under NO3−. More bacterial taxa in the networks responded positively and negatively to soil residual NH4+ than to NO3− in all zones in the rhizobox.Conclusions: The combined effects of the N form and the rhizosphere influenced the spatial patterns and co-occurrence network of soil bacterial communities at different distances from the maize root zone, mainly because of changes in soil pH during the uptake of NH4+ and NO3− by maize roots. Regulating microbial communities by adjusting soil pH through NH4+ and NO3− supply may be an environmentally friendly option for promoting soil microbial functions in intensively managed agro-ecosystems.
Normalization of enzyme expression and activity regulating vitamin A metabolism increases RAR-beta expression and reduces cellular migration in diseases caused by tuberous sclerosis gene mutations
Authors: Abdelwahab ElHusseiny MM , Bovari-Biri Judit , Smuk Gabor , Harko Tunde , Fillinger Janos , Moldvay Judit , Krymskaya Vera , Pongracz Judit E 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Mutation in a tuberous sclerosis gene (TSC1 or 2) leads to continuous activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR activation alters various cellular functions including cellular metabolism. In association with altered metabolism, several studies have shown reduced retinoic acid receptor beta (RARβ) expression. Investigation of the altered metabolic process can offer the identification of novel therapeutic targets and therapeutic strategies in diseases caused by TSC mutation with limited treatment options.
Methods

RARβ expression, metabolic enzymes expression and activity were assessed in human kidney angiomyolipoma cell line, primary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) tissue derived LAM cell lines as well as primary LAM lung tissue sections. TaqMan arrays, enzyme activities, qRT-PCRs, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescent staining, Western blotting and metabolic enzyme regulating miRNAs were analysed. The functional effects of retinoic acid (RA) and rapamycin were tested in a scratch assay and in a 3D aggregate tissue system to assess the ability of cell migration.
Results

Metabolic enzyme arrays revealed a general deregulation of many enzymes involved in vitamin A metabolism including aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs), alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) and Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). Furthermore, RARβ downregulation was a characteristic feature of all TSC-deficient cells and tissues. Combination of the two FDA approved drugs -RA for acute myeloid leukaemia and rapamycin for TSC mutation- normalised metabolic enzyme activity, restored RARβ expression and reduced cellular migration.
Conclusion

Deregulation of vitamin A metabolizing enzymes is a feature of TSC mutation. RA can normalize RARβ levels and limit migration. Combination of RA with reduced dose of rapamycin might be able to decrease adverse effects of rapamycin offering an alternative treatment for patients with TSC mutation.