bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study to evaluate the relationship between serum vitamin d level and chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Sahni Dimple , Bagri Deepika , Bhagat Sanjeev , Sharma Dinesh , Singh Jasvir 
Published: August 2019

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) places a relatively large socioeconomic burden on developed nations, yet remains a difficult disease to treat. Vitamin D3 (VD3) deficiency is reported to be associated with increased incidence of allergic airway diseases. The ability of VD3 to augment innate and adaptive immune responses has sparked interest in its immunologic role in allergy. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between serum vitamin D level and chronic rhinosinusitis.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Total 90 patients were included in the study and divided into three groups i.e., 30 patients of chronicrhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), 30 patients of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) and 30 healthy subjects were used as control. The severity of CRSwNP was assessed with the Lund-Mackay (LM) score and polyp grading system. VD3 status was assessed by measuring circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) by using ELISA. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Serum 25OHD levels (ng/ml±SD) were significantly lower in patients with CRSwNP (16.16±8.86) than in those with CRSsNP (23.28±5.35; p=0.001) and control 44.37±19.87. The incidence of vitamin D deficiency (&lt;20 ng/ml) in CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients were 60% and 20%; however, the incidence of vitamin D insufficiency (20-30 ng/ml) in these patients were 37% and 70%, respectively. A significantly inverse relationship was found between serum 25OHD level and polyp grade (p=0.048), indicating lower serum 25OHD was associated with higher polyp grade. Serum 25OHD was inversely related to both LM endoscopic and LM CT scan score, which is found to be significant (p=0.001).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The available evidence indicates that there is a significant relationship between low VD3 levels and CRSwNP phenotype. Lower 25VD3 levels were associated with more severe mucosal inflammation on nasal endocscoy and CT scan.</p>
Foreign Direct Investment, Management and Their Role in Economic Development - Kosovo Case
Authors: BELLAQA Bashkim , Bajrami Halil 
Published: August 2019

One of the important aspects of a country's economic development is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), these investments impact on economic development and improve social aspects. At the international level as well as at the country level, FDI has a relevant significance which as an issue is related to the sustainable management policy that makes the country more attractive in absorbing FDI. The purpose of this paper is to present the trends of FDI in the Western Balkan countries with an open look in Kosovo and their comparison, investment policy management, GDP FDI correlation and comparison of the trends of the remittances .Firstly in the introduction of this paper there is a theoretical review of the literature on the definitions of FDI in the economic aspect. Secondly, FDI has been presented and compared over the years in the Western Balkans countries with a vacant look in Kosovo. Third, it analyzes the FDI trends in Kosovo based on the country of origin of these investments, etc. Fourth, in the framework of this research paper, country-level management policies were analyzed in terms of creating an incentive environment for FDI. Fifth, as part of this paperwork, there are also empirical analysis of the correlations between FDI and GDP in the case of Kosovo, etc.

Keywords:
One of the important aspects of a country's economic development is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), these investments impact on economic development and improve social aspects. At the international level as well as at the country level, FDI has a relevant significance which as an issue is related to the sustainable management policy that makes the country more attractive in absorbing FDI. The purpose of this paper is to present the trends of FDI in the Western Balkan countries with an open look in Kosovo and their comparison, investment policy management, GDP FDI correlation and comparison of the trends of the remittances .Firstly in the introduction of this paper there is a theoretical review of the literature on the definitions of FDI in the economic aspect. Secondly, FDI has been presented and compared over the years in the Western Balkans countries with a vacant look in Kosovo. Third, it analyzes the FDI trends in Kosovo based on the country of origin of these investments, etc. Fourth, in the framework of this research paper, country-level management policies were analyzed in terms of creating an incentive environment for FDI. Fifth, as part of this paperwork, there are also empirical analysis of the correlations between FDI and GDP in the case of Kosovo, etc.

Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment, Investment Policy Management, Correlations, Remittances

JEL classification: F21, M12, C33, F24

JEL classification: F21, M12, C33, F24
PERFIL DOS ALUNOS COTISTAS DO CURSO DE DIREITO DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO TOCANTINS APÓS A VIGÊNCIA DA LEI Nº 12.711/2012: A PRESENÇA DA UNIVERSITÁRIA NEGRA
Authors: Da Silva Sousa Aline , Pereira Ana Lúcia 
Published: August 2019

A pesquisa, de natureza empírica e teórica, investiga o perfil das pessoas que gozam das ações afirmativas no Curso de Direito da Universidade Federal do Tocantins, com recorte específico sobre a presença da universitária negra, nas turmas ingressantes em 2013.1; 2013.2; 2014.1 e 2014.2. O objeto de pesquisa tem como alvo investigativo a política de ação afirmativa no campo da Educação Superior e opta pelo método indutivo ao analisar a condição das acadêmicas negras do curso de Direito e avaliar, no âmbito da instituição, o grau de eficácia assumido pela lei nº 12.711/12, conhecida como Lei de cotas. O levantamento do perfil das acadêmicas negras (pretas e pardas) do curso de Direito é feito com destaque para as categorias de sexo, etnia, renda, escolaridade dos pais, expectativas em relação ao curso de Direito e análise do coeficiente de rendimento, confirmam a teoria de que sob o racismo, uma separação (segregação) é feita a partir da cor da pele das pessoas, permitindo as pessoas não-negras ocuparem posições superiores na hierarquia social, enquanto as mais escuras serão mantidas nas posições inferiores, independentemente de sua condição (ou de seus privilégios) de gênero ou quaisquer outros.
Palavras-chave: Política de ação afirmativa. Universitária negra. Curso de Direito.
DESINFECÇÃO DE ÁGUA DE POÇO POR RADIAÇÃO SOLAR (SODIS)
Authors: Cavallini Grasiele Soares , Araujo Dayane Lira Barros da Silva , Lima Jordan Gabriel Freitas 
Published: August 2019

O processo de desinfecção de água por radiação solar denomina-se SODIS, proveniente da expressão em inglês “solar disinfection”, e atualmente, é utilizado em 20 países por mais de 2 milhões de pessoas por ser uma alternativa de tratamento de água de baixo custo. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar o potencial da região sul do estado Tocantins, a qual apresentou excelentes resultados mesmo com o tempo nublado e independente da utilização de concentrador solar. O estudo foi realizado no município de Gurupi, onde foi constatada incidência solar suficiente para a desinfecção de 100% de E. coli (1,477 log), em 4 horas de exposição solar, e de coliformes totais (4,041 log), em 6 horas de exposição solar em ensaios utilizando água de poço, com turbidez de 0,52NTU. Após este processo a água de poço estaria bacteriologicamente apta para atender os limites estabelecidos pela Portaria do Ministério da Saúde n° 2914, de 12 de dezembro de 2011, que recomenda a ausência de coliformes totais e E. coli em 100 mL de água para consumo humano. Não foi observado recrescimento desses microrganismos em amostra tratadas após sua estocagem por até 66 horas na ausência de luz e a temperatura ambiente.
Palavras-chave: Tratamento de água SODIS, SODIS Gurupi, medidas de intensidade solar para SODIS.
An Analytical Method for Optimizing Fracture Spacing in Shale Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Mahmood Md Nahin , Guo Boyun 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHydraulic fracturing is the most prominent technique for increasing well productivity in shale oil and gas reservoirs. Spacing between perforation clusters, with Plug-and-Perf (PnP) fracturing method also believed to be spacing of fractures, is one of the parameters that need to be optimized in fracturing design. This work presents an analytical method to optimize fracture spacing based on the assessment of production data from multi-fractured horizontal wells. Five hydraulically fractured horizontal wells completed in a high clay-content shale formation were considered as examples in this study. Based on the theory of pseudo-steady state (PSS) flow, oil well productivity was investigated with special focus on perforation cluster spacing. Wells exhibiting linear flow in rate transient analyses are believed to have a potential of productivity improvement with shorter fracture spacings. Oil productivity potential with closer fracture spacing was identified for wells in the same reservoir. Result of analyses shows that some wells experienced linear transient flow, indicating significant separation between hydraulic fractures. Use of an analytical well productivity model to simulate pseudo-steady production indicates that fracture spacing could have been reduced to improve well productivity. These wells can be considered as candidates for re-fracturing if possible. Future wells to be drilled in the area nearby should be completed with shorter spacing of perforation clusters. Some wells in the case fields do not show linear transient flow, indicating interferences between either hydraulic fractures and/or natural fractures. These wells should not be refractured. New wells near these wells should not be completed with fracture spacing less than the spacing values used in the existing wells.
Lean Gas Huff and Puff Process for Eagle Ford Shale with Connecting Natural Fractures: Well Interference, Methane Adsorption and Gas Trapping Effects
Authors: Wang Leizheng , Yu Wei 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Currently many lean gas EOR pilot projects are implemented in Eagle Ford shale. The major component of lean gas is methane. From the field feedback, there is always large discrepancy between production forecast (or reservoir simulation) and the field results. The natural fracture system is complex and the communication between natural fracture, matrix and hydraulic fractures is even more complicated. Comparing connecting natural fracture between wells with short and low fracture conductivity, the well interference and the resulted optimal well spacing significantly change. In this study, according to field feedback, some connecting natural fractures with high fracture conductivity are mapped between wells to better represent the field geology and production status.
A composition reservoir simulation model is built for Eagle Ford shale. Typical production curve of Eagle Ford shale is matched for the first three years of primary production, lean gas Huff and Puff (HNP) process is simulated for the next three years for the parent wells and child wells. As the main composition of lean gas is methane, different methane adsorption effects are quantified between wells to investigate its influence on production. For lean gas Huff and Puff process, normally the Minimum Miscibility Pressure (MMP) is above 4000 psi. During lean gas cycling process, methane is adsorbed and desorbed, and the effective methane amount used to enhance miscibility between gas and oil phases is reduced, thus the reservoir pressure is not elevated to as high as no gas adsorption case. The methane adsorption effect significantly affects the oil and gas production. Relative permeability hysteresis and capillary pressure hysteresis (gas trapping effect) are the first time systematically studied to quantify the gas EOR performance in pad level production of unconventional reservoirs. Considering gas trapping effects, the cumulative gas injection amount and production amount is much better matched to the field pilot results. The oil incremental benefit of gas Huff and puff process considering gas trapping effect is quantified.
To our best knowledge, this is the first time that both methane adsorption and gas trapping effects are studied for pad level Huff and Puff process with the realistic connecting natural fractures between wells. Better matching of the production data with pilot results confirms the successful application of these two mechanisms. Considering the realistic complex natural fracture effects also greatly contributes to the correct production forecast and efficient design of gas EOR project for unconventional reservoirs such as Eagle Ford shale and other major basins.
Benefit of contrast-enhanced PET/CT versus non-contrast-enhanced PET/CT relative to lesion detection, lesion characterization, and diagnostic accuracy in patients with cancer
Authors: Thientunyakit Tanyaluck , Thiravit Phakphoom , Mali Pichet , Kanchanapiboon Potjanee 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

To investigate the benefit of contrast-enhanced PET/CT (PET/CECT) versus non-contrast-enhanced PET/CT (PET/NCCT) relative to lesion detection, characterization, and diagnostic accuracy in cancer patients.

Methods

This prospective study included patients aged >18 years with histopathologically proven cancer who underwent [F-18]FDG PET/CT at the Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand during the December 2014 to November 2017 study period. PET/NCCT was performed followed by PET/CECT scan in all patients. The results of PET/NCCT, PET/CECT, and pre/post-contrast enhanced PET/CT (PET/NCCT-CECT) for each patient were interpreted by 1 nuclear medicine physician and 1 radiologist. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated from ROC curve analysis.

Results

One hundred and ten patients were included. The mean age was 52.45±17.14 years, and 52.7% were female. Lymphoma was the most common cancer diagnosis (47.3%). No significant difference was observed between PET/CT techniques for detection rate at the primary tumor site, lymph node, or distant organ. High agreement was observed between PET/CT techniques for lesion characterization. Lesion characterizations were not significantly correlated with age, gender, BMI, or FBS; however, lesion characterization was found to be significantly associated with primary tumor size, indication for PET/CT and lesion size. The following ranges were observed from all PET/CT techniques: sensitivity 81.5%-85.3%, specificity 94.4%-95.5%, accuracy 89.4%-91.4%, PLR 14.572-18.719, NLR 0.155-0.196, PPV 90.4%-92.1%, and NPV 88.9%-91.3%.

Conclusions

[F-18]FDG PET/CT demonstrated no significant advantage over PET/NCCT for lesion detection, lesion characterization, or diagnostic accuracy in patients with cancer. The use of intravenous contrast material should be limited to select cases in order to reduce the risk of renal toxicity and/or anaphylactic reaction, and to minimize unnecessary costs.
The value of peri-lesional tissue stiffness and stiff rim sign in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant breast lesions
Authors: Kong wen-tao , Wang yin , Zhou wei-jun , Zhang yi-dang , Zhuang xiao-ming , Wang wen-ping , Wu min 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an important method in the diagnosis of breast lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of tissue stiffness around breast lesion and stiff rim sign for the differentiation of benign and malignant lesions.

Methods

192 patients (mean age, 44.6 ± 13.6 years) with 199 breast lesions proven by pathological examination underwent shear wave elastography (SWE). We first observed if there was a stiff rim sign. Then the shell around the breast lesion on SWE was automatically drawn by machine, with width of 1mm, 2mm and 3mm. Elasticity modulus of the lesion and surrounding tissue were recorded, including maximum elasticity (Emax), mean elasticity (Emean), minimum elasticity (Emin) and elasticity ratio (shell/lesion ratio). The optimal thresholds of elasticity modulus were calculated according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

There were 75 malignant lesions and 124 benign lesions. The average Emax, Emean of lesion and shell were significantly higher in the malignant group than in the benign group (P<0.05). The optimal cut-off value of Emax for diagnosing malignant lesion was 101.7 Kpa, with a sensitivity of 66.3% and specificity of 87.9%. The optimal cut-off value of Emean was 29.1 Kpa, with a sensitivity of 65.3% and specificity of 79.8%. The stiff rim sign had a highest diagnostic performance for malignancy than other elastic parameters, with an accuracy of 88.4%. However, measuring peritumoral tissue stiffness can achieve a relatively high sensitivity, whereas specificity was not improved significantly.

Conclusion

The stiffness of tissue surrounding breast malignancy was significantly higher than benign lesion. Stiff rim sign has the potential to improve the diagnostic performance of breast lesions.
The Fellowship Competitiveness Index: A Novel Way to Estimate Admission Competition into Internal Medicine Subspecialties
Authors: Tran Huynh Wynn , Jong Russell W. De , Gesiotto Quinto 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

The competitiveness of internal medicine (IM) fellowships have not been well studied. Our novel competitiveness metric aims to estimate IM subspecialty fellowships entry competitiveness in a single, concise number that is easily accessible and understandable. Through this we hope to offer assistance to prospective fellowship applicants in making an educated and realistic fellowship choice.

Methods

Fellowship filled percentages, the percentage of applications from US medical graduates (USMGs), average matriculating USMLE Step 1 scores, and average post-fellowship salary were used to construct our metric. Procedural specialties included cardiology, pulmonary/critical care, and gastroenterology. Non-procedural specialties included hematology/oncology, rheumatology, endocrinology, infectious disease, and nephrology. Data were gathered from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) 2009 - 2018 reports, Medscape’s Physician Compensation Reports, and other sources used to corroborate salaries.

Results

2018 procedural FCI (25.92) was higher than non-procedural (15.61). Cardiology (FCI 28.72, salary $423,000, Step 1 237.67) was the most competitive field. Hematology/oncology leads non-procedural fields in FCI (28.02), USMG percentage (60%), and salary ($363,000). Nephrology fill rates have declined from 94.8% to 60.1% despite 32% salary increase, giving it the lowest FCI (7.04).

Conclusions

Calculations show procedural specialties are most competitive, with cardiology at the top. Hematology/oncology leads non-procedural fields and is approaching procedural competitiveness, as evidenced by multiple factors that rival or surpass gastroenterology and pulmonary/critical care. We believe that this metric is a simple, accessible, and valid measure of competitiveness of fellowship entry and with further manipulation can be generalized to residency competitiveness.
Exploring university students’ attitudes towards Primary Care: evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Voglino Gianluca , Moro Giuseppina Lo , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Bert Fabrizio , Siliquini Roberta 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

The general practitioner (GP) has a significant role in primary care, being more than a gatekeeper to health services access. In Italy, if a citizen moves for studies for at least 3 months, he/she can choose temporarily another GP in the new city (the so-called “Healthcare Domicile”, HD). The aims were to estimate the university students’ knowledge about the HD, evaluate the frequency of the transition to another GP and assess the university students’ attitudes towards the primary care services.

Methods

In 2018, a cross-sectional pilot study was performed in study rooms amongst students attending Turin’s University. Participation was voluntary, anonymous, without compensation. A 25-item questionnaire collected information about: socio-demographic characteristics, health services use, health conditions and medications, HD knowledge, HD use. The outcomes were having the GP far away, knowing HD, not moving the GP even if aware about HD. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, logistic regression analyses were performed. The significance level was p≤0.05.

Results

Participants were 388 and those who knew HD were 45.36%. Among those that moved to Turin (44.85%), 77.67% knew HD but did not move the GP anyway. The 72.68% used medications without prescription (the most taken: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics). Age, nationality and degree course type could be predictors for outcomes considered. HD knowledge resulted associated with a different use of healthcare resources.

Conclusions

The data of the present paper suggest that further studies are required to better understand the framework connected with the university students’ access to primary health care. Our results highlighted the need to implement campaigns targeted to university students to spread information about the HD and a more appropriate use of the healthcare services and medications.
Impact of Age on Tumor Mutation Burden in Gastric patients:a secondary analysis based on a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Mingming , Zhang Tongmei , Li Jie , Yang Yuan , li baolan 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Gastric carcinoma is aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Recent years, immunotherapy has been validated effective in a proportion of patients. Tumor mutational burden (TMB),microsatellite instability (MSI) status and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression are potential biomarkers to predict efficacy to immunocheckpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This study was undertaken to explore the correlationship between these biomarkers using the published data in a large patient cohort of gastrointestinal cancers.

Method

In total,367 gastric cancer patients were examined in this study. MSI and TMB were assessed by next-generation sequencing (NGS). PD-L1 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The population was divided into four groups according to age,TMB-High and MSI-high participants were more frequent in older groups.After adjusting sex, differentiation,histology,specimensite,MSI status and PD-L1 expression, a non-linear relationship between age and TMB was found,which had an inflection point of 73 years.The effect sizes and the confidence intervals on the left and right sides of the inflection point were 0.06 (-0.01to 0.13) and 0.56 (0.33 to 0.79), respectively. In different subgroups analysis,similar trends were observed.

Conclusion

The relationship between age and TMB is non-linear. Age was positively correlated with TMB when age was more than 73 years.