bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diffusivity of Gas Into Bitumen: Part I—Analysis of Pressure-Decay Data With Swelling
Authors: Richardson W. D. , Schoeggl F. F. , Maini B.. , Kantzas A.. , Taylor S. D. , Yarranton H. W. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThe oil-production rate of in-situ heavy-oil-recovery processes involving the injection of gaseous hydrocarbons partly depends on the diffusivity of the gas in the bitumen. The gas diffusivities required to model these processes are determined indirectly from models of mass-transfer experiments. However, the data in the literature are scattered partly because different methods and model assumptions are used in each case. In this work, the pressure-decay method is examined with a focus on accounting for swelling and the dependence of the diffusivity on the solvent content. To assess these issues, the diffusion of gaseous propane into bitumen is measured at conditions where significant swelling occurs. A numerical model is developed for the pressure-decay experiment that accounts for swelling (including excess volumes of mixing) and variable diffusivity. For gases, such as propane, with a relatively high solubility in bitumen, the error in the calculated diffusivity reached 25% when swelling was not included in the model. The error in the height of the gas/oil interface reached 15%. Nonideal mixing had no effect on the calculated diffusivity and only a small effect on the height of the interface. It was found that the diffusion data from a single experiment could be modeled equally well with a constant or a solvent-concentration-dependent (or viscosity-dependent) diffusivity. However, the apparent constant diffusivities for each experiment were different, confirming their dependence on the solvent content. The constant diffusivity approximately correlated to the viscosity of the oil. A larger data set is required to fully develop and test a correlation, and this work will be presented in Part II of this study (Richardson et al. 2019).
Diffusivity of Gas Into Bitumen: Part II—Data Set and Correlation
Authors: Richardson W. D. , Schoeggl F. F. , Taylor S. D. , Maini B.. , Yarranton H. W. 
Published: May 2019

Summary
The oil-production rate of in-situ heavy-oil-recovery processes involving the injection of gaseous hydrocarbons partly depends on the diffusivity of the gas in the bitumen. Data for gas diffusivities, particularly above ambient temperature, are relatively scarce because they are time consuming to measure. In this study, the diffusion and solubilities of gaseous methane, ethane, propane, and n-butane in a Western Canadian bitumen were measured from 40 to 90°C and pressures from 300 to 2300 kPa, using a pressure-decay method. The diffusivities were determined from a numerical model of the experiments that accounted for the swelling of the oil. In Part I of this study (Richardson et al. 2019), it was found that both constant and viscosity-dependent diffusivities could be used to model the mass of gas diffused and the gas-concentration profile in the bitumen; however, the constant diffusivity was different for each experiment and mainly depended on the oil viscosity. In this study, a correlation for the constant diffusivity to the oil viscosity is developed as a tool to quickly estimate the gas diffusivity. A correlation of diffusivity to the mixture viscosity is also developed for use in more-rigorous diffusion models. The maximum deviations in the mass diffused over time predicted with the constant and viscosity-dependent (mixture viscosity) correlations at each condition are on average 7.4 and 8.7%, respectively.
Isolated peripheral-type facial palsy due to the central lesion:two-case reports
Authors: jiang jiwei , Shang Xiuli 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

Isolated peripheral facial palsy (P-FP) can lead to lesions involving the inferomedial tegmentum of the pons. However, cases with P-FP in result of a medullary lesion have rarely been reported and result from a paraventricular lesion have never been reported before.

Cases presentation

We described a 63-year-old man presenting with isolated P-FP due to ipsilateral pontomedullary infarction. Brain diffusion MRI revealed a hyper-intense signal on the left dorsolateral portion of the upper medulla and pontomedullary junction. And then we experienced a 77-year-old man presenting with lateral paraventricular infarction who showed contralateral peripheral type facial palsy. Brain diffusion-weighted image(DWI) showed a high-signal intensity lesion in the right lateral paraventricule and part of the posterior limb of the right internal capsule.

Conclusions

These two cases caution that a central nervous etiology should be considered in patients with P-FP, especially if they have high risk factors of cerebral infarction.
Determinants for tuberculosis in HIV infected patients in Debre Birhan town, Amhara national regional state, Ethiopia: a case control study
Authors: tewabe tilahun , zeleke gebyaw , Mohammed Abdurahman 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most frequent opportunistic infections in people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in high HIV prevalent population. There are various factors contributing for the occurrence of TB/HIV co-infection that are not well studied in this area. The purpose of this study is to assess determinants of Tuberculosis infection among HIV positive patients attending ART clinics in governmental health facilities at Debre Birhan town North Shoa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A case control study design was conducted from February 15, 2017 to April 30, 2017 in governmental health facilities at Debre Birhan town. A total of 276 individuals were to participated in this study (92 cases and 184 controls). Cases were adult patients with TB/HIV who were co-infection and controls were adult HIV patients without TB. A pre- tested interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data on Socio demographic variables, housing characteristics and personal behaviours. Host, clinical and immunological variables were taken from ART card and log books.
Result: In this study participants who; earn low monthly income (AOR) 0.024; 95% CI 0.004 to 0.14), smoker (AOR 10.53; 95% CI 1.53 to 72.18), kerosene (AOR 2.49; 95% CI 1.22 to 5.07), alcohol (AOR=5.48; 95% CI 1.29 to 23.56), family history of TB (AOR=2.51; 1.03,6.15) were at high risk of tuberculosis. While patients with opportunistic infections (AOR=3.35; 95% CI 1.62 to 6.91), bronchial asthma (AOR=14.77; 95% CI 6.25 to 34.91), diabetes mellitus (AOR 10.62; 95% CI 2.77 to 40.50) and low CD4 level (AOR=6.03; 95% CI 2.27 to 16.18) were at high risk of TB.
Conclusion: HIV patients with risk behaviours, opportunistic infections, diabetes, asthma, low CD4, kerosene user and poor were at risk of TB. To reduce the risk of TB health care providers and government should work to reduce risk behaviours, early screening and initiation of treatment for opportunistic infections, health education for chronic diseases, early staging and initiation of treatment for HIV, working with poor to improve their life were recommended.
Key words: Tuberculosis Infection, HIV Patients, Debre Birhan Town, Ethiopia
Ultrasound assessed a new method of needle insertion at an angle of 90°to the apex of the sacral hiatus for caudal block in newborns: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Li Shangyingying , Tan Yanzhe , Yang Fei , Liu Lifei , Tu Shengfen 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

Caudal block is widely used in paediatric anaesthetic practice. Many angles for needle insertion were compared to find a optimal angle during caudal block with high successful caudal injection and minimal risk of complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectivity of a new method of needle insertion at an angel of 90°to the apex of the sacral hiatus for caudal block in newborns.

Methods

Sixty patients were included in our study, aged 0 to 28 days, posted for inguinal hernia surgery, randomly divided into two groups: a conventional method (CM) group and a new method (NM) group. In both groups, 1 ml∙kg-1 0.5% lignocaine at a rate of approximately 0.5 ml∙s-1 was given for caudal blocks after anaesthesia, and ultrasonographic observation of local anesthetic in the epidural space. Failure rate at the first attempt, puncture frequency, complications, and durations of block were recorded.

Results

The failure rate at the first attempt of caudal block were 16.7% in the conventional method group and 3.3% in the new method group (p<0.05). The mean time required (standard deviation) to perform needle insertion in the conventional method group was 2.6±0.5 minutes and in new method group 1.6±0.5 minutes (p<0.05). There were three cases aspirating the needle to find blood and one case to find cerebrospinal fluid in the conventional method group. The majority level which the local anesthetic reached are L1 by ultrasound imaging, 86.7% in the conventional method group and 83.3% in the new method group.

Conclusion

The study found that using the new method, the chance of performing a successful caudal injection can be increased, the time and the risk can be minimized compared to conventional technique. It is a safe and effective method.
Prevalence and Association of Retinal Vascular Abnormalities:a study among the Elderly in Rural Southwestern Harbin, China
Authors: Liu Ping , Wang Junwei , Leng Fei , Li Zhijian , Tang Xianling , Qian Hua , Li Xiaoguang , Zhang Yi , Chen Xuedong , Du Haitao 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: Data on the retinal vessel morphology in the north China are still scarce so far. The study aimed to evaluate retinal vascular abnormalities and their associations with self-reported diagnosis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascsular diseases in a rural adult population of northeast China.
Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted, using the cluster random sampling method. two 40° non-mydriatic retinal photographs of one eye from each participant was taken using a fundus camera. The main Outcome measures: the prevalence of focal and general arteriolar narrowing, arteriovenous nicking, arteriolar sheathing, and retinopathy. Clinical data including general parameters and system diseases were collected by physical and laboratory examination and standard questionnaires.The association between retinal vascular abnormalities and cardiovascular and cerebrovascsular diseases and their risk factors was determined using logistic regressions.
Results: Among 6 267 participants with an age ≥50 years, photographs were obtained of 99.2%, with quality sufficient to perform retinal evaluations in 82.5% (from 5172 participants). Among them, 432 subjects had diabetes. The average age was 61.25±7.37 years. The prevalence of focal arteriolar narrowing, arteriovenous nicking, arteriolar sheathing, retinopathy and general arteriolar narrowing were 9.1%, 8.9 %, 5.0 %, 6.6 % and 6.2% respectively. All the retinal lesions were associated with hypertension (all P<0.01). No significant associations were found between the subjects with or without the presence of diabetes mellitus (P >0.05). After adjusting for age, gender and left/right eyes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, habits of past or current smoking and alcohol drinking, arteriovenous nicking was strongly associated with the self-reported histories of coronary heart diseases (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09, 1.89) and retinopathy was significantly associated with self-reported histories of stroke (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.18, 3.57).
Conclusions: Retinopathy is associated with self-reported diagnosis stroke while arteriovenous nicking is associated with the self-reported diagnosis of coronary heart diseases, but the rest retinal lesions are not consistently related to the self-reported diagnosis of coronary heart diseases. Thus, an examination of retinal microvascular characteristics may offer clues to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascsular diseases and could be a potentially novel risk marker.
The acid-producing capacity and anti-microbial activity of Lactobacillus species isolated from patients treated for cancer in the head and neck region
Authors: Rahne Matilda , Basic Amina , Almståhl Annica 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: Lactobacillus are acid-producing bacteria associated with caries development. Some Lactobacillus have also anti-microbial properties. In patients treated for cancer in the head and neck region, a marked increase in Lactobacillus has previously been reported. The consequences of this ecological shift towards a Lactobacillus friendly environment are, however, still unknown. Little is known about the prevalence of different Lactobacillus species and their characteristics in these patients.
The aim of this study was therefore to identify Lactobacillus isolates from patients with head and neck cancer and to determine their acid-producing capacity and anti-microbial activity.
Methods: Lactobacillus isolates were collected from 21 patients pre-treatment, six and 12 months post treatment. For identification to species level, the isolates were subjected to DNA-extraction, amplification of 16S and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using the restriction enzymes Hpa II and Hae III. The acid-producing capacity was analyzed using a colorimetric fermentation test in microtiter plates. The anti-microbial activity of the isolates against Streptococcus mutans associated with caries, and the mucosal pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis was determined by determining inhibitory zones on agar plates.
Results: The most frequent species were L. paracasei (n=21), L. casei/rhamnosus (n=17) and L. fermentum (n=10). The highest proportion showing acid-producing capacity using sugars and sugar-alcohols was found among L. paracasei and the lowest proportions were seen for L. fermentum. Seventy-one strains showed an anti-microbial activity against S. mutans, one strain against S. aureus and none against C. albicans or E. faecalis.
Conclusion: The most frequent species Lactobacillus species isolated from patients with head and neck cancer were L. paracasei, L. casei/rhamnosus and L. fermentum of which L. paracasei showed the best acid-producing capacity. A weak anti-microbial activity against S. mutans was frequently detected. Further studies are needed to increase the knowledge of the role and characteristics of oral Lactobacillus.
Usefulness of intra-operative neuromuscular blockade monitoring and reversal agents for postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Domenech Gonzalo , Kampel Matias , Guzzo Maria Eugenia Garcia , Novas Delfina Sanchez , Terrasa Sergio , Fornari Gustavo Garcia 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: Current neuromuscular blockade (NMB) management techniques cannot completely prevent residual NMB (RNMB) during the postoperative period. Evidently, compliance to NMB monitoring is persistently low, and the risk of RNMB during the perioperative period remains underestimated. We have not found publications that report the incidence of RNMB in a university hospital where access to quantitative NMB monitoring and sugammadex is unlimited and where NMB management is not protocolised. The primary aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of RNMB in patients managed with or without sugammadex or neostigmine as antagonists and quantitative NMB monitoring in the operating room. The secondary aim was to explore the associations between RNMB and potentially related variables. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral university hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Records created between June 2015 and December 2015 were reviewed. In total, 240 consecutive patients who had undergone elective surgical procedures requiring NMB were included. All patients were monitored via acceleromyography at the adductor pollicis muscle within 5 min of arrival in the postanaesthesia care unit. Scheduled recovery in the intensive care unit was the only exclusion criterion. The primary outcome was the presence of RNMB, defined as a train-of-four ratio of <0.9. The secondary outcomes were the associations between RNMB and potentially related variables. Results: RNMB was present in 1.6% patients who received intra-operative quantitative NMB monitoring and 32% patients whose NMB was not monitored (P<0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed that the use of intra-operative quantitative NMB monitoring and sugammadex were associated with a lower incidence of RNMB, with calculated odds ratios of 0.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.005 to 0.401) and 0.18 (95% CI: 0.046 to 0.727), respectively. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that quantitative intra-operative NMB monitoring and use of sugammadex are associated with a decreased incidence of RNMB in the PACU, reinforcing the contention that the optimal strategy for RNMB avoidance is the use of quantitative NMB monitoring and eventual use of reversal agents, if needed, prior to emergence from anaesthesia.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Impact Indicator of Vancomycin Pharmacokinetics in Abdominal Cancer Patients complicated with Severe Infectious Disease
Authors: Zhang Xiaowu , Lyu Yang , Wang Donghao 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to investigate effectiveness of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and impact indicator of vancomycin pharmacokinetics in abdominal cancer patients complicated with severe infectious disease.
Methods: A total of 78 patients abdominal cancer patients complicated with severe infectious disease were included. Vancomycin serum trough concentrations were measured using the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) method. The patients were divided into early and delayed groups based on whether they achieve the target concentration. And clinical factors were compared between two groups.
Results: The average initial therapeutic dose of vancomycin was 15.18±3.29 mg/kg (q12h). Ultimately, we collected 78 patient‘s trough concentrations data. The research revealed that the abdominal cancer patients complicated with severe infectious disease had significantly lower initial vancomycin trough concentrations (median [IQR]: 6.90[5.28-11.20] mg/L) compared with the recommended standard goal vancomycin trough concentration (10-15 or 15-20 mg/L). Multiple regression analysis revealed that Cys-C was the most important variable for vancomycin target trough achievement. We divided patients into early and delayed groups based on whether the initial trough concentration achieved standard goal trough concentration. Although the clinical outcomes were similar between two groups, the duration of mechanical ventilation in Early group was considerably shorter compared with group Delayed group (χ2=4.532; p < 0.05; Fig 1E). Propensity score weighting further confirmed that the duration of mechanical ventilation (χ2=6.607; p < 0.05; Fig 1F) and vasoactive agent (χ2=6.106; p < 0.05; Fig 1D) was considerably shorter compared with group Delayed group.
Conclusions: The steady-state initial vancomycin trough concentration was significantly reduced in abdominal cancer patients complicated with severe infectious disease. Higher initial dosage regimen is needed to ensure clinical effectiveness. The baseline Cys-C level measured prior to administration of vancomycin is suggested to be the most suitable parameter to predict whether vancomycin trough concentration is up to standard dosage. Early attainment of target concentration significantly improved hemodynamic stability and reduced duration of mechanical ventilation.
Posterior deep neck infections at a single territory referral center
Authors: Zhao Jing-Chun , Zhang Nan , Wu Zhen-Dong , Wang Jian , Yu Qing-Hua , Hong Lei , Shi Kai , Yu Jia-Ao 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

Although the incidence and mortality of deep neck infection has decreased, this infection still relatively frequent and can be associated with lethal complications. In this study, the authors present our clinical experience of patients with posterior deep neck infection (PDNI) diagnosed and treated in a territory reconstructive unit in northeastern China.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with PDNI from January 2009 and December 2018 was performed. A data analysis was performed relating to demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, bacterial culture, laboratory and radiographic evaluations, diagnostic clues, management, complications as well as the clinical course and outcome.

Results

During the ten-year period there were 174 consecutive patients admitted to our reconstructive center with final diagnosis of PDNI were included. All the patients were adults with the majority were male (67.2%). The patient mean age was 51.3 years (range, 15 - 88 years). There were 114 patients (65.5%) who had associated systemic diseases, with the most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (40.2%). Common presented clinical symptoms were pain (90.8%), swelling (85.1%) and erythema (77%) of the neck. Surgical treatment was performed in all the patients and most of them (83.9%) received the first surgery within 24 h. The most commonly isolated pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (30%). Vancomycin (21.3%) was the most commonly used antibiotics, followed by cefepime (18.4%). All the patients survived and discharged with mean duration of hospitalization of 28.7 days. Those patients with underlying systemic diseases (31.4 ± 12.35 days) or complications (41.0 ± 12.5 days) tended to have a longer hospital stay. The mean cost of admission per patient was 47 644 RMB.

Conclusion

This study highlights the high cost burden of PDNI patients. Those patients with underlying systemic diseases or complications tended to have a longer hospital stay.
Management of Severe Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Xiangyang, China during 2008-2013
Authors: Liu Jian , Qi Jing , Zhan Fei , Jiao Rong 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background

Therapeutic strategies of severe hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) are inconsequent or deficient in evidence by now.

Methods

We have retrospectively analyzed HFMD outbreaks in Xiangyang from June 2008 to December 2013. All severe cases were enrolled to analyze the risk factors causing mortality and to compare the efficiency and outcome of some therapies by binary logistic regression.

Results

The HFMD involved 637 (1.26%) severe cases and 38 were fatal (0.75‰). Analysis indicate that age (<3y), EV71 (+), autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation, pulmonary edema/haemorrhage, CRP (>40mg/L) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) (>0.04ng/mL) are significant predictors of outcome for severe HFMD (all P < 0.05). IVIG and mechanic ventilation can significantly improve outcome of HFMD at early stage III (both P < 0.05) with odds ratios of 0.24 (95% CI: 0.10-0.57) and 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00-0.10) respectively. Methylprednisolone and milrinone administered at any stage did not make any significant differences on mortality (all P > 0.05). All therapies had no statistical significance on outcome at stage I and II (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Exactly recognition of the sever HFMD cases in early stage III and timely IVIG and mechanic ventilation application can significantly decrease mortality. Mechanic ventilation training program, and dispatching experts to county-level or district hospital when there are severe HFMD cases who lost transfer opportunity are two key successful administrative experience.