bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Continuous and Predictive Viscosity Model Coupled to a Microemulsion Equation of State
Authors: Khodaparast Pooya , Johns Russell T. 
Published: December 2019

SummarySurfactant floods can attain high oil recovery if optimal conditions with ultralow interfacial tensions (IFT) are achieved in the reservoir. A recently developed equation-of-state (EoS) phase-behavior net-average-curvature (NAC) model based on the hydrophilic-lipophilic difference (HLD-NAC) has been shown to fit and predict phase-behavior data continuously throughout the Winsor I, II, III, and IV regions. The state-of-the-art for viscosity estimation, however, uses empirical nonpredictive based on of fits to salinity scans, even though other parameters change, such as the phase number and compositions. In this paper, we develop the first-of-its-kind microemulsion viscosity model that gives continuous viscosity estimates in composition space. This model is coupled to our existing HLD-NAC phase-behavior EoS.The results show that experimentally measured viscosities in all Winsor regions (two- and three-phase) are a function of phase composition, temperature, pressure, salinity, and the equivalent alkane carbon number (EACN). More specifically, microemulsion viscosities associated with the three-phase invariant point have an M shape as formulation variables change, such as from a salinity scan. The location and magnitude of viscosity peaks in the M are predicted from two percolation thresholds after tuning to viscosity data. These percolation thresholds as well as other model parameters change linearly with EACN and brine salinity. We also show that the minimum viscosity in the M shape correlates linearly with EACN or the viscosity ratio. Other key parameters in the model are also shown to linearly correlate with the EACN and brine salinity. On the basis of these correlations, two- and three-phase microemulsion viscosities are determined in five-component space (surfactant, two brine components, and two oil components) independent of flash calculations. Phase compositions from the EoS flash calculations are entered into the viscosity model. Fits to experimental data are excellent, as well as viscosity predictions for salinity scans not used in the fitting process.
Assessing the training needs of medical students in patient information gathering; a qualitative study
Authors: Gilligan Conor , Brubacher Sonja , Powell Martine 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Effective communication is at the heart of good medical practice but rates of error, patient complaints, and poor clinician job satisfaction are suggestive of room for improvement in this component of medical practice and education. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with experienced clinicians (n = 19) and medical students (n = 20) to explore their experiences associated with teaching and learning clinical communication skills and identify targets for improvements to addressing these skills in medical curricula. Results Interviews were thematically analysed and four key themes emerged; the importance of experience, the value of role-models, the structure of a consultation, and confidence. Conclusions The findings reinforce the need for improvement in teaching and learning communication skills in medicine, with particular opportunity to target approaches to teaching foundational skills which can establish a strong grounding before moving into more complex situations, thus preparing students for the flexibility required in medical interviewing. A second area of opportunity and need is in the engagement and training of clinicians as mentors and teachers, with the findings from both groups indicating that preparation for teaching and feedback is lacking. Medical programs can improve their teaching of communication skills and could learn from other fields s to identify applicable innovative approaches.
Factors associated with malnutrition in children &lt;5 years in western Kenya: A hospital-based unmatched case control study
Authors: Gudu Edwin , Obonyo Mark , Omballa Victor , Oyugi Elvis , Kiilu Cecilia , Githuku Jane , Gura Zeinab , Ransom James Anthony 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Globally, under-nutrition accounts for >3 million deaths annually among children <5 years, with Kenya having ~35,000 deaths. We sought to identify factors associated with malnutrition in children aged <5 years in Western Kenya. Methods We conducted a hospital-based unmatched case-control study carried out between December 2016 and March 2017. Cases were defined as children aged 6-59 months with either z-score for weight-for-height, ≤-2SD or ≥+2SD; weight-for-age, ≤-2SD or ≥+2SD; or height-for-age of ≤-2SD. Controls were children aged 6-59 months with age-appropriate anthropometric measurements. Cases were consecutively recruited while systematic random sampling was used to select three controls. Unconditional logistic regression using backward elimination was used to identify independent associative factors using Epi-Info. Results A total 94 cases and 281 controls were recruited. Of the cases, 86% (81/94) were under-nourished. Mother not having attended ante-natal clinic (OR=7.9; 95% CI: 1.5-41.2), deworming (OR=0.8; 95% CI: 0.4-1.2) and pre-lacteal feeding (OR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-3.0) were associated with under-nutrition. Delayed developmental milestones (AOR=13.9; 95% CI: 2.8-68.6); low birth weight (AOR=3.3; 95% CI: 1.4-7.6) and paternal lack of formal education (AOR=4.9; 95% CI: 1.3-18.9) were independently associated with under-nutrition. Urban residence (OR=5.4; 95% CI: 0.5-68.8) and male gender (OR=2.7; 95% CI: 0.7-11.8) were associated with over-nutrition with age <12 months (AOR=6.8; 95% CI: 1.6-29.7) and family income >5,000 Kenya shillings (AOR=4.6; 95% CI: 1.2-17.8) being independently associated. Conclusion Proper pre-natal care, child feeding practices and deworming programs should be enhanced to reduce pediatric malnutrition.
The Median Effective Dose (ED50) of cis-Atracurium for Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion during General Anaesthesia for Patients Undergoing Urinary Surgery
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Huang Ke , Yan Hao , Lan Fei , Yao Dongxu , Li Yanhong , Xue Jixiu , Wang Tianlong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
In clinical practice, the laryngeal mask airway is an easy-to-use supraglottic airway device. However, the cis- atracurium dosage for laryngeal mask insertion is not standardised. We aimed to determine the optimal dose of cis- atracurium using a sequential method for successful laryngeal mask insertion.
Method s :
The cohort study protocol is registered at clinicaltrial.gov (NCT-03668262). Twenty-three patients undergoing elective urinary surgery were sequentially administered doses (μg· kg -1 ) of cis- atracurium as follows: 150, 100, 70, 50, 30, and 20. The main outcome was the response to laryngeal mask airway insertion: ≥16 points and <16 points indicated “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory” responses, respectively. The median effective dose was estimated using the mean of the seven crossovers from “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory” responses. The primary outcome was to determine the median effective dose (ED50) of cis- atracurium for laryngeal mask airway insertion.
Result s :
The median effective dose of cis- atracurium was 26.5 μg·kg -1 (95% CI 23.6-29.8) using the sequential method. The heart rate was decreased in the 50μg·kg -1 group compared to the 30μg·kg -1 group at timepoints T7, T8, and T10 ( P = 0.0482, P = 0.0460, and P = 0.0236, respectively), but no difference with 20 μg·kg -1 group. The systolic blood pressure was decreased in the 50 μg·kg -1 group compared to the 20 μg·kg -1 group at timepoints T2, T3, T4 ( P = 0.0159, P = 0.0233, and P = 0.0428, respectively). The train-of-four value was significantly lower in the 50 μg·kg -1 group than in the 30 μg·kg -1 group at timepoint T3( P = 0.0326).
Conclusion s :
The ED50 of cis- atracurium was 26.5 μg·kg -1 for laryngeal mask airway insertion.
Nitric oxide is involved in the brassinolide-induced adventitious root development in cucumber
Authors: Yutong Li , Wu Yue , Liao Weibiao , Hu Linli , Dawuda Mohammed Mujitaba , Jin Xin , Tang Zhongqi , Yang Jianjun , Yu Jihua 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Brassinolide (BR), as a new type of plant hormones, is involved in the processes of plant growth and stress response. Previous studies have reported the roles of BR in regulating plant developmental processes and also response tolerance to abiotic stresses in plants. The main purpose of our study was to explore whether nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in the process of BR-induced adventitious root formation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).
Results: Exogenous application of 1 μM BR significantly promoted adventitious rooting, while high concentrations of BR (2-8 μM) effectively inhibited adventitious rooting. NO donor (S-nitroso-N-acerylpenicillamine, SNAP) promoted the occurrence of adventitious roots. Simultaneously, BR and SNAP applied together significantly promoted adventitious rooting and the combined effect was superior to the application of BR or SNAP alone. Moreover, NO scavenger (c-PTIO) and inhibitors (L-NAME and Tungstate) inhibited the positive effects of BR on adventitious rooting. BR at 1 μM also increased endogenous NO content, NO synthase (NOS-like) and Nitrate reductase (NR) activities, while BRz (a specific BR biosynthesis inhibitor) decreased these effects. In addition, the relative expression level of NR was up-regulated by BR and SNAP, whereas BRz down-regulated it. The application of NO inhibitor (Tungstate) in BR also inhibited the up-regulation of NR.
Conclusion: BR promoted the formation of adventitious roots by inducing the production of endogenous NO in cucumber.
Therapeutic efficacy of Schistosoma japonicum cystatin on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy in a mouse model
Authors: Gao Shifang , Li Huihui , Xie Hong , Wu Shili , Yuan Yuan , Chu Liang , Sun Siying , Yang Huijuan , Wu Lingqin , Bai Yongsheng , Zhou Qiao , Wang Xin , Zhan Bin , Cui Hu , Yang Xiaodi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundMyocardial dysfunction is one of the most common complications of multiple organ failure in septic shock and significantly increases mortality in patients with sepsis. In spite of many studies have confirmed that helminth-derived proteins have strong immunomodulatory functions and could be used to treat inflammatory diseases, there is no report on the therapeutic effect of Schistosoma japonicum-produced cystatin (Sj-Cys) on the sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction. MethodsA model of sepsis-induced myocardial injury was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mouse. Upon CLP operation, each mouse was intraperitoneally treated with 10 µg of recombinant Sj-Cys (rSj-Cys). Twelve hours after CLP operation, the systolic and diastolic functions of left ventricular were examined by echocardiography. The levels of myoglobin (Mb), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in sera and the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in cardiac tissues were examined as biomarkers for heart injury. The heart tissue was collected for checking pathological changes and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. To address the signaling pathway involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of rSj-Cys, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) was determined by Western blot in heart tissue of mice with sepsis and LPS-stimulated H9C2 cardiomyocyte cells. In addition, the therapeutic effects of rSj-Cys on LPS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis were also detected in H9C2 cells. The pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β were measured in sera and their mRNA levels in heart tissue of rSj-Cys-treated mice. ResultsAfter being treated with rSj-Cys, the sepsis-induced heart malfunction was largely improved. The inflammation and injury of heart tissue were also significantly alleviated characterized by significantly decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells in cardiac tissues and fiber swelling, reduced levels of Mb, cTnI and NT-proBNP in sera and MPO activity in heart tissue. The therapeutic efficacy of rSj-Cys is associated with down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and up-regulated regulatory inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β), possibly through inhibiting LPS-TLR4- MyD88 signal pathway. ConclusionsRecombinant Sj-Cys significantly reduced sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy and could be considered as be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of sepsis associated cardiac dysfunction.
Healthcare Expenditures Associated with Comorbid Anxiety and Depression among Adults with Migraine
Authors: Alwhaibi Monira , Meraya Abdulkarim M. , AlRuthia Yazed 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective. To examine direct healthcare expenditures among adults with migraine alone or with comorbid anxiety and/or depression. Methods. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using the 2012, 2014, and 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. Adult patients aged ≥22 years with migraine headache were included in the study. The direct healthcare expenditures of four migraine groups (migraine alone, migraine and anxiety, migraine and depression, migraine and both conditions) were compared. Results. There were 1,556 patients met the inclusion criteria and were eventually enrolled in the study. Approximately, 50% of the study sample had migraine with comorbid depression and/or anxiety (16.1% have depression, 12.3% have anxiety disorder, and 13.9% have both). The mean total healthcare expenditures of adults with migraine alone ($6,461) were significantly lower than those with comorbid depression and anxiety ($11,102), comorbid anxiety ($10,817), and comorbid depression ($14,577). Migraine with comorbid anxiety and depression was significantly associated with incremental costs of $1,027 in outpatient’s and $662 emergency room healthcare expenditures, compared to the migraine alone group after controlling for a multitude of covariates. Besides, migraine with comorbid anxiety and/or depression was significantly associated with incremental costs of prescription drug, compared to the migraine alone group. Conclusions. The healthcare expenditures associated with migraine with comorbid depression and/or anxiety are significantly higher than those without mental health comorbidities. Therefore, regular depression and anxiety screening for patients with migraine may help in reducing the healthcare expenditures associated with depression and/or anxiety comorbidities as well as in improving the quality of care.
Echocardiographic signs of subclinical cardiac function impairment in Duchenne dystrophy gene carriers
Authors: Kincl Vladimír , Panovský Roman , Pešl Martin , Máchal Jan , Juříková Lenka , Haberlová Jana , Masárová Lucia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Aim To assess subclinical cardiac function impairment in Duchenne dystrophy (DMD) female carriersMethods Forty-four female subjects proved as DMD carriers underwent echocardiographic examination including tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of mitral and tricuspid annulus. Seventeen age-matched healthy female subjects served as controls.Results A significant differences in peak systolic annular velocity (Sa) between carriers and controls were found for lateral and septal part of the mitral annulus and for tricuspid annulus (0.09 vs 0.11 m/s, p<0.001, 0.08 vs 0.09 m/s, p<0.01 and 0.13 vs 0.14 m/s, p=0.02 respectively). There was also difference in early diastolic velocity (Ea) of the septal part of the mitral annulus (0.11 vs 0.13 m/s, p=0.03).Conclusion The subclinical deterioration of systolic function is presented even in asymptomatic DMD female carriers.
DiCoExpress: a workspace to process multifactorial RNAseq experiments from quality controls to co-expression analysis through differential analysis based on contrasts inside GLM models.
Authors: Lambert Ilana , Roux Christine Paysant-Le , Colella Stefano , Martin-Magniette Marie-Laure 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background RNAseq is nowadays the method of choice for transcriptome analysis. In the last decades, a high number of statistical methods, and associated bioinformatics tools, for RNAseq analysis were developed. More recently, statistical studies realized neutral comparison studies using benchmark datasets, shedding light on the most appropriate approaches for RNAseq data analysis. Nevertheless, performing an RNAseq analysis remains a challenge for the biologists. Results DiCoExpress is a workspace implemented in R that includes methods chosen based on their performance in neutral comparisons studies. DiCoExpress uses the pre-existing R packages as well as FactoMineR, edgeR and coseq, to perform quality control, differential, and co-expression analysis of RNAseq data. Users can perform the full analysis, providing a mapped read expression data file and a file containing the information on the experimental design. Following the quality control step, the user can move on to the differential expression analysis performed using generalized linear models with no effort thanks to the automated contrast writing function. DiCoExpress proposes a list of comparisons based on the experimental design, and the user needs only to choose the one(s) of interest for his research question. A co-expression analysis is implemented using the coseq package. Identified co-expression clusters are automatically analyzed for enrichment of annotations provided by the user, and several result outputs proposed. We used DiCoExpress to analyze a publicly available Bra ssica napus L. RNAseq dataset on the transcriptional response to silicon treatment in plant roots and mature leaves. This dataset, including two biological factors and three replicates for each condition, allowed us to demonstrate in a tutorial all the features of DiCoExpress. Conclusions DiCoExpress is an R workspace to allow users without advanced statistical knowledge and programming skills to perform a full RNAseq analysis from quality controls to co-expression analysis through differential analysis based on contrasts inside generalized linear models . Hence, with DiCoExpress, the user can focus on the statistical modeling of gene expression according to the experimental design and on the interpretation of the results of such analysis in biological terms.
Could upfront temozolomide chemotherapy postpone the intervene of radiotherapy in young patients with high-risk low-grade gliomas?
Authors: Li Zeyang , Yuan Shiwen , Chen Hong , Zhuang Dongxiao , Lu Junfeng , Gong Fangyuan , Aibaidula Abudumijit , Shi Zhifeng , Wu Shuai , Guo Qihao , Song Yanyan , Wu Jinsong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundLow-grade gliomas that involves eloquent areas are difficult to be removed totally. Standard strategies for these young patients are radiotherapy and chemotherapy after maximum safe resection. Radiotherapy always brings cognitive impairments. We wonder whether temozolomide chemotherapy can postpone the intervene of radiotherapy to protect cognitive function.MethodsPatients underwent temozolomide chemotherapy (75mg/m2/day for 21 days per 28-day for 6 cycles) and were followed up by MRI and cognitive function evaluation. Primary endpoints are objective response rate (ORR), and secondary endpoints are intensity of response (IOR), duration of response (DOR), cognitive function results and the safety of chemotherapy.Results65 patients were recruited with a median follow-up of 39.6 months, and ORR was 37/65(56.92%). IDH mutant patients had better ORR than IDH wildtype patients (64.29% vs 11.11%, p=0.004), and IOR of IDH mutant tumors was more obvious (p=0.023). IDH-mutant group had longer DOR than IDH-wildtype group (median DOR, 52.4 vs 25.8 months; log-rank p=0.0007; HR, 4.269; 95%CI, 3.411 - 47.35), and 1p/19q codeletion group had a longer DOR than 1p/19q retain group (median DOR, 52.4 vs 37.5 months; log-rank p=0.049; HR, 2.369; 95%CI, 1.012 - 5.397). Cognitive function results showed improvement in cognitive function at early stage compared with radiotherapy.ConclusionIDH mutation was a predictive factor for better temozolomide response. Cognitive function evaluation proved that temozolomide chemotherapy could avoid cognitive impairments at early stage. We propose that young patients with IDH mutation can use upfront chemotherapy to postpone radiotherapy until progression to avoid potential cognitive impairments.
Effect Of 30-Day Administration Of Cellgevity® Supplement On Selected Rat Liver Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Activity And Supplement Interaction With Carbamazepine
Authors: Amponsah Seth Kwabena , Nguessan Benoit Banga , Akandawen Martin , Aning Abigail , Agboli Sedem Yawa , Danso Eunice Ampem , Opuni Kwabena Frimpong-Manso , Asiedu-Gyekye Isaac Julius , Appiah-Opong Regina 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundThere is considerable evidence that many patients concurrently take dietary supplements with conventional drugs, with a risk of potential drug-supplement interaction. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Cellgevity® supplement on selected rat liver cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and on the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine.MethodsSprague-Dawley (SD) rats were put into 5 groups and modulation of CYP enzyme activity by Cellgevity® was determined by comparing the enzyme activity of Cellgevity-treated groups with the negative control group after 30 days of treatment. For the effect of Cellgevity® on the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine, 12 SD rats were put into 2 groups; one group received an oral administration of carbamazepine plus Cellgevity®, and the other carbamazepine plus normal saline. Blood samples were collected at specific time points and analyzed for levels of carbamazepine. ResultsActivities of CYP1A1/2, CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 were significantly increased by Cellgevity®. The pharmacokinetic parameters for rats administered carbamazepine with Cellgevity® vis-a-vis carbamazepine with normal saline were changed as follows: Cmax; 20 μmol/L vs 11 μmol/L, AUC0→24; 347 μmol.h/L vs 170 μmol.h/L, Ke; 0.28 h-1 vs 0.41 h-1, and t1/2; 2.3 h vs 1.7 h, respectively.ConclusionsCellgevity® increased the activity of rat CYP1A1/2, CYP2C9 and CYP2D6, and also altered the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine in rats.