bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosensores y sistemas ópticos y de visión avanzados: su aplicación en la evaluación de la calidad de productos IV gama: su aplicación en la evaluación de la calidad de productos IV gama
Authors: Diezma Belén , Correa E. C.
Published: May 2018

Los productos mínimamente procesados son alimentos muy atractivos para los consumidores atendiendo a sus propiedades nutricionales y a su facilidad de preparación. Sin embargo, la seguridad microbiológica de estos alimentos requiere de especial atención, dado que a lo largo de su proceso no se someten a tratamientos que aseguren la letalidad de los microorganismos. Aparece así la necesidad de dotar a la industria alimentaria en general, y a la de IV gama en particular, de pruebas rápidas para la detección de contaminantes. En este trabajo se presentan los fundamentos de los biosensores y la imagen hiperespectral (IH) y sus aplicaciones en la aportación de información que se pueda correlacionar con la calidad y el estado de frescura de los productos IV gama y de otros alimentos.
Multiplication of Soybean Seeds at Low Seeding Rates
Authors: Menegaz Winícius , Suárez-Castellanos César Iván , Meneghello Geri Eduardo , Bohn Alberto , de Oliveira Alex Leal , Schuch Luis Osmar Braga
Published: May 2018

The genetic seed produced by the breeder is far from enough to supply the market demand, a problem that can be faced with a two-way approach: increasing the area of multiplication, and/or increasing the seed-multiplying factor. Testing the limits of low seeding rates to determine the resulting increase in individual plant seed production is an extremely useful trait for breeding programs as well as for seed production. The aim of this work was to establish the multiplication factor for soybean seeds resulting from stands obtained from low seeding rates. Stands of 35, 50, 65, 80, 95, and 110 thousand plants per hectare of soybean cultivar BMX Potência RR were displayed in a completely randomized block design, assessing seed yield, yield components and the physiological quality of seeds. Soybean seed yield from low stands treatments did not compromise the physiological quality of the seed produced, however, the higher seed potential of individual plants did not compensate for the lower seed yield per area obtained compared to that of seed rates close to the optimum. For each 15-thousand per hectare stand increase we observed an increase of up to 405 kg (16 % in average) for the range of seed rates studied, however, the seed multiplication factor decreased at a rate of 9 % per each 15-thousand plants per hectare.
Tamaño óptimo de parcela y número de repeticiones para evaluar el rendimiento de boniato con mulch y suelo descubierto
Authors: Rodríguez Richard A. , Nogueira Cícero , Rosales Roxanna , da Silva Patricia , de Moraes Helena Camilo
Published: May 2018

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el tamaño óptimo de parcela experimental y número de repeticiones para evaluar el rendimiento en el cultivo de boniato, cultivado con mulch de plástico negro y en suelo descubierto. Se realizaron de manera simultánea dos ensayos de uniformidad, con cobertura plástica (mulch) y en suelo descubierto, ambos en secano. La densidad de plantación fue de 2,5 planta m-2. Se establecieron dos parcelas de 120 plantas, y cada planta fue definida como una unidad básica. La variedad de boniato utilizada fue «RBS Cuia». El tamaño de parcela se determinó utilizando el método de máxima curvatura modificada y el modelo lineal segmentado con respuesta plateau. El número de repeticiones se calculó con base en la diferencia mínima significativa del test de Tukey (p = 0,05). Los valores promedio del rendimiento con mulch y en suelo descubierto fueron de 1,07 y 0,50 kg planta-1, respectivamente. El coeficiente de variación mostró mayor dispersión en condiciones de suelo descubierto. Entre ambos métodos utilizados para determinar el tamaño de parcela se encontró una diferencia de 2,0 y de 1,6 unidades básicas con mulch y en suelo descubierto, respectivamente. El tamaño óptimo de parcela experimental en condición con mulch y en suelo descubierto fue 12,5 m2 y 32,5 m2, respectivamente. El número de repeticiones para determinar 50 % de diferencia mínima significativa en condiciones con mulch y en suelo descubierto fue de 9 y 12 repeticiones, respectivamente, hasta 30 tratamientos.
QCD phase diagram from chiral symmetry restoration: analytic approach at high and low temperature using the Linear Sigma Model with Quarks
Authors: Hernandez Luis , Ayala Alejandro , Hernandez-Ortiz Saul
Published: May 2018

We use the linear sigma model with quarks to study the QCD phase diagram from the point of view of chiral symmetry restoration. We compute the leading order effective potential for high and low temperatures and finite quark chemical potential, up to the contribution of the ring diagrams to account for the plasma screening effects. We fix the values of the model couplings using physical values for the input parameters such as  the vacuum pion and sigma masses, the critical temperature at vanishing quark chemical potential and the conjectured end point value of the baryon chemical potential of the transition line at vanishing temperature. We find that the critical end point (CEP) is located at low temperatures and high quark chemical potentials $(\mu^{\text{CEP}}>320\ {\mbox{MeV}},T^{\text{CEP}}<40\ {\mbox{MeV}})$.
The Portuguese Empire and the Lusophone Postcolony as Diasporas
Authors: Klobucka Anna M.
Published: May 2018

The Portuguese-Speaking Diaspora is an ambitious repository for a selective yet extraordinarily wide-ranging assembly of cultural artifacts drawn from the entire history of the Portuguese empire and Lusophone postcolony. Within the chronological expanse ranging from 1415 to (roughly) 2015, the book stages a storytelling enterprise of encyclopedic breadth and scope, skillfully intertwining historical accounts with brief vignettes and longer analyses of a wide array of artistic objects, from literary works to maps, paintings, decorative arts, sculpture, and cinema. Given the study’s broad definition of diasporic experience (which encompasses a variety of often nonpermanent or short-term dislocations) and its guiding focus on “imperially produced hybridity that is characteristic of lusophone culture” (72), the book is best read as a lively history of hybrid cultural processes and legacies of the Portuguese empire rather than as a sustained reflection on the diasporic condition as such.
History in Place: Territorialized Cosmopolitanism in Teju Cole’sOpen City
Authors: Johansen Emily
Published: May 2018

Teju Cole’s 2011 novel Open City has received a good deal of scholarly attention, the majority of which suggests that the novel depicts a failed cosmopolitanism: the narrator’s emphasis on literary and aesthetic forms of global connection is undercut by his repeated ethical failings. However, in this article, I argue that Open City instead demonstrates a form of “territorialized cosmopolitanism” that emphasizes the embodied negotiation between local places and global connections rather than the intangibly aesthetic. This is a model of cosmopolitanism that emphasizes the contingent and temporary instead of the universal. The cosmopolitanism present in Open City emerges in multiple ways: through the interaction with and interpretation of place, through embodied forms of sympathetic encounter, and through the transformation of rage at past trauma into a force for social justice and reparation. What unites these three cosmopolitan modalities is the novel’s rejection of a universalizing liberal cosmopolitanism, despite Julius’s erstwhile endorsement of such a view of global community. Open City, then, presents a model of cosmopolitan world fiction that offers glimpses of potential cosmopolitan futurities that do not seek either to elide messy historical or contemporary realities or to naturalize the language of class and cultural capital.
План дій України з антимікробної резистентності
Authors: Salmanov A.G.
Published: May 2018

План дій України з антимікробної резистентності (далі — План дій) розроблено Всеукраїнською асоціацією інфекційного контролю та антимікробної резистентності спільно з Національною медичною академією післядипломної освіти імені П.Л. Шупика. План дій визначає ціль, принципи, основні напрям- ки вдосконалення національної системи контролю та профілактики інфекцій, пов’язаних з наданням медичної допомоги (ІПМД), та антимікробної резистентності (АМР) патогенів цих інфекцій, механізми забезпечення її функціонування, а також очікуваний соціально-економічний ефект.

План дій наголошує на необхідності впровадження ефективного підходу «Єдине здоров’я» (принцип, згідно з яким здоров’я людей, тварин та навколишніх екосистем взаємопов’язане), що передбачає координацію між різними секторами та суб’єктами, зокрема спеціалістами з медицини, ветеринарії, сільського господарства, екології та добре поінформованими споживачами. План дій визнає та вра- ховує різноманітні ресурси, доступні для протидії резистентності до антибактеріальних препаратів.

Мета цього Плану дій — забезпечення якомога тривалішої безперервності успішного лікування та профілактики інфекційних захворювань завдяки ефективним та безпечним препаратам, які проходять контроль якості, застосовуються відповідально й доступні для всіх, хто їх потребує.

Основні завдання Плану дій України: а) удосконалити нормативне, правове та методичне забезпечен- ня системи профілактики ІПМД, лабораторну діагностику й моніторинг АМР, б) покращити обізнаність і розуміння резистентності до антимікробних препаратів через ефективну комунікацію, просвітницькі заходи та навчання, в) зміцнити знання та доказову базу шляхом епіднагляду та дослідження, г) змен- шити поширеність інфекцій завдяки ефективним санітарно-гігієнічним заходам профілактики інфекцій, д) оптимізувати застосування антимікробних препаратів у медицині та ветеринарії.

У результаті реалізації Плану дій очікується зниження кількості інфекцій, спричинених резистентними штамами мікроорганізмів, смертності, інвалідності та ускладнень від ІПМД, унаслідок чого збільшиться трудовий потенціал нації за рахунок зниження тимчасової і постійної втрати працездатності населення в результаті захворювань, підвищиться безпека пацієнтів і персоналу в процесі надання медичної допомоги.
Антибіотикорезистентність нозокоміальних штамів Pseudomonas aeruginosa в хірургічних стаціонарах України: результати багатоцентрового дослідження (2011-2015 рр.)
Authors: Salmanov A.G. , Verner O.M.
Published: May 2018

Мета роботи — вивчити антибіотикорезистентність клінічних штамів Pseudomonas aeruginosa, виді- лених у пацієнтів, госпіталізованих у хірургічні стаціонари у різних регіонах України.

Матеріали і методи. Досліджено 279 620 клінічних штамів P. aeruginosa, виділених від пацієнтів, госпіталізованих у 2011—2015 рр. у хірургічні відділення 42 багатопрофільних стаціонарів у 24 областях України, а також у м. Києві. Вивчено чутливість штамів P. aeruginosa до 36 антибіотиків (пеніцилін, ампіцилін, амоксицилін, оксацилін, ампіцилін/сульбактам, амоксицилін/клавуланат, цефазолін, цефалексин, цефуроксим, цефоперазон, цефотаксим, цефтріаксон, цефтазидим, цефепім, іміпенем, меропенем, гентаміцин, амікацин, тобраміцин, нетилміцин, еритроміцин, кларитроміцин, азитроміцин, лінкоміцин, кліндаміцин, тетрациклін, доксициклін, ванкоміцин, рифампіцин, офлоксацин, левофлоксацин, ломеф- локсацин, гатифлоксацин, ципрофлоксацин, пефлоксацин, норфлоксацин) відповідно до рекомендацій Національного комітету США з клінічних лабораторних стандартів.

Результати та обговорення. У хірургічних стаціонарах України 39,6 % штамів P. aeruginosa виявили резистентність до всіх досліджених антибіотиків. Найактивнішими щодо штамів P. aeruginosa були меропенем, тобраміцин, іміпенем та левофлоксацин. Високий рівень резистентності спостерігали до пеніциліну (66,6 %), еритроміцину (60,3 %), рифампіцину (58,2 %), тетрацикліну (56,8 %), азитроміцину (54,6 %), амоксициліну (53,8 %), цефалексину (52,4 %), ампіциліну/сульбактаму (51,2 %), кларитроміцину (51,0 %) та пефлоксацину (50,4 %).

Висновки. Антибіотикорезистентність нозокоміальних штамів P. aeruginosa в досліджених стаціонарах є серйозною терапевтичною та епідеміологічною проблемою. Найбільшою активністю до нозокоміальних штамів P. aeruginosa характеризуються іміпенем та меропенем. З огляду на постійні зміни рівня резистентності нозокоміальних штамів P. aeruginosa в регіонах України необхідно у кожному стаціонарі здійснювати постійний моніторинг за резистентністю до дії антибіотиків і на підставі отриманих даних розробити лікарняний формуляр антибіотиків. Тактику використання антибіотиків у кожному хірургічному стаціонарі слід визначати залежно від локальних даних резистентності до протимікробних препаратів. Необхідно організувати систему епідеміологічного нагляду за мікробною резистентністю на локальному, регіональному та національному рівнях.
Боротьба з резистентністю до антибіотиків на принципах концепції «Єдине здоров’я»
Authors: Salmanov A.G. , Muzyka V.P.
Published: May 2018

Частота інфекцій, спричинених антибіотикорезистентними бактеріями, збільшується серед населення і в медичних установах, тому ці інфекції є важливою медико-санітарною проблемою, яка кидає виклик системам охорони здоров’я в різних країнах. Унаслідок надмірного та неправильного застосування антибіотиків у бактерій, які містяться в організмі людей і тварин, може розвинутися стійкість до цих препаратів, тому інфекції, котрі раніше добре піддавалися лікуванню антибіотиками, стає важко, а іноді — неможливо вилікувати.

Для забезпечення ефективності лікування необхідно терміново вжити заходів з протидії подальшому формуванню та поширенню стійкості до антибіотиків унаслідок їх застосування у багатьох галузях. Оскільки стійкість не має екологічних, галузевих або географічних кордонів, її поява в одній галузі призводить до формування резистентності в інших галузях. Національні керівні органи, ветеринарні працівники, фермери, лікарі та пацієнти відіграють ключову роль у збереженні активності антибіотиків.

Висвітлено можливості для запобігання і стримування стійкості до антибіотиків на національному та міжнародному рівнях, зокрема регламентацію раціонального застосування антибіотиків у медицині, ветеринарії, сільському господарстві та виробництві харчових продуктів, підготовку фахівців, нагляд за тенденціями в резистентності та застосуванні антибіотиків, поширення інформації, проведення наукових досліджень, освітню та роз’яснювальну роботу для привернення уваги до проблеми. Запропоновано можливі шляхи для розробки цілісного міжвідомчого та мультидисциплінарного підходу на принципах концепції «Єдине здоров’я» для вирішення цієї важливої проблеми.
Резистентність до антибіотиків та біоцидів
Authors: Salmanov A.G.
Published: May 2018

Резистентність бактеріальної патогенної мікрофлори до антибіотиків збільшується, що призводить до терапевтичних невдач при лікуванні інфекційних захворювань людини і тварин. Це спостерігається в усіх країнах. Бактерії здатні швидко адаптуватися до нових умов довкілля та виживають при впливі протимікробних засобів завдяки розвитку різних механізмів резистентності. Резистентність бактерій до дії протимікробних засобів зростає пропорційно збільшенню застосування засобів протимікробної дії. На відміну від проблеми резистентності до антибіотиків, актуальність проблеми стійкості бактерій до біоцидів встановлено відносно недавно.

Деякі механізми резистентності до біоцидів та антибіотиків є спільними. Результати бактеріологічних, біохімічних та генетичних досліджень свідчать про те, що застосування активних молекул у продуктах біоцидної дії може призвести до збільшення кількості штамів бактерій, резистентних до антибіотиків. Селективний стрес, спричинений впливом біоцидів, може зумовлювати виникнення нових механізмів резистентності бактерій та їх поширення. Деяким біоцидам притаманна властивість сприяти збереженню мобільних генетичних елементів, носіїв генів, які кодують перехресну резистентність до біоцидів та антибіотиків. Поширення цих мобільних елементів, їх генетична організація та здатність до накопичення в біоплівках забезпечують умови, в яких підвищується потенційний ризик розвитку перехресної резистентності до антибіотиків та біоцидів.

Через недостатність точних даних, зокрема щодо кількості антибіотиків та біоцидів, які використа- но, неможливо визначити, які саме біоциди найбільше підвищують ризик виникнення резистентності до антибіотиків. Припускають, що механізм розвитку резистентності бактерій запускається завдяки горизонтальній передачі генів та паралельному каскаду регулюючих сигналів, стимульованих впливом хімічних сполук, які діють як біоциди. Необхідно провести додаткові дослідження для визначення механізмів розвитку перехресної резистентності, виникнення резистентних до антибіотиків бактерій під впливом біоцидів у різних галузях їх застосування (наприклад, у медицині, ветеринарії, харчовій промисловості, при виготовленні косметичної продукції та інших споживчих товарів).
Operative and consultative proportions of neurosurgical disease worldwide: estimation from the surgeon perspective
Authors: Dewan Michael C. , Rattani Abbas , Baticulon Ronnie E. , Faruque Serena , Johnson Walter D. , Dempsey Robert J. , Haglund Michael M. , Alkire Blake C. , Park Kee B. , Warf Benjamin C. , Shrime Mark G.
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE

The global magnitude of neurosurgical disease is unknown. The authors sought to estimate the surgical and consultative proportion of diseases commonly encountered by neurosurgeons, as well as surgeon case volume and perceived workload.

METHODS

An electronic survey was sent to 193 neurosurgeons previously identified via a global surgeon mapping initiative. The survey consisted of three sections aimed at quantifying surgical incidence of neurological disease, consultation incidence, and surgeon demographic data. Surgeons were asked to estimate the proportion of 11 neurological disorders that, in an ideal world, would indicate either neurosurgical operation or neurosurgical consultation. Respondent surgeons indicated their confidence level in each estimate. Demographic and surgical practice characteristics—including case volume and perceived workload—were also captured.

RESULTS

Eighty-five neurosurgeons from 57 countries, representing all WHO regions and World Bank income levels, completed the survey. Neurological conditions estimated to warrant neurosurgical consultation with the highest frequency were brain tumors (96%), spinal tumors (95%), hydrocephalus (94%), and neural tube defects (92%), whereas stroke (54%), central nervous system infection (58%), and epilepsy (40%) carried the lowest frequency. Similarly, surgery was deemed necessary for an average of 88% cases of hydrocephalus, 82% of spinal tumors and neural tube defects, and 78% of brain tumors. Degenerative spine disease (42%), stroke (31%), and epilepsy (24%) were found to warrant surgical intervention less frequently. Confidence levels were consistently high among respondents (lower quartile > 70/100 for 90% of questions), and estimates did not vary significantly across WHO regions or among income levels. Surgeons reported performing a mean of 245 cases annually (median 190). On a 100-point scale indicating a surgeon’s perceived workload (0—not busy, 100—overworked), respondents selected a mean workload of 75 (median 79).

CONCLUSIONS

With a high level of confidence and strong concordance, neurosurgeons estimated that the vast majority of patients with central nervous system tumors, hydrocephalus, or neural tube defects mandate neurosurgical involvement. A significant proportion of other common neurological diseases, such as traumatic brain and spinal injury, vascular anomalies, and degenerative spine disease, demand the attention of a neurosurgeon—whether via operative intervention or expert counsel. These estimates facilitate measurement of the expected annual volume of neurosurgical disease globally.
Endovascular thrombectomy can be beneficial to acute ischemic stroke patients with large infarcts
Authors: Jiang Shaowei , Peng Ya , Jing Chao-hui , Fei Ai-hua , Wang Hai-rong , Gao Cheng-jin , Chen Miao , Li Yi , Pan Shuming
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess whether patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and large infarct lesions benefit from reperfusion management. To determine the efficacy of different recanalization managements on AIS patients with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) < 6, the authors retrospectively analyzed hospitalized patients with AIS.

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients with AIS and ASPECTS < 6 were screened from 13,285 hospitalized patients treated by thrombolysis, thrombectomy, or conventional care in two stroke medical centers. Logistic regression or Fisher’s exact test was performed for comparison of the outcome and risk events between patients treated by thrombectomy (or thrombolysis) and conventional care. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was used to assess the major clinical outcome of patients 3 months after disease onset. Disease outcome was also examined by analyzing symptom improvement at discharge. In particular, mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were evaluated as risk factors.

RESULTS

This study included 21 patients who received thrombolysis, 36 patients receiving thrombectomy, and 32 patients receiving conventional treatment. Among these 3 treatments, only the thrombectomy group clearly showed the most encouraging clinical outcome (mRS score 0–2; p < 0.05, Fisher’s exact test) and marked improvement (OR 25.84, 95% CI 2.44–273.59) compared with conventional treatment. It is noteworthy that the mortality rate of the thrombectomy and thrombolysis group was similar to that of the conventional group, and thrombectomy and thrombolysis increased the risk of sICH in comparison with conventional care (p < 0.05, Fisher’s exact test).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AIS and ASPECTS < 6 definitely benefited from thrombectomy with higher sICH risk, whereas thrombolysis management showed similar efficacy to the control group.
Continuous infusion of low-dose unfractionated heparin after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a preliminary study of cognitive outcomes
Authors: James Robert F. , Khattar Nicolas K. , Aljuboori Zaid S. , Page Paul S. , Shao Elaine Y. , Carter Lacey M. , Meyer Kimberly S. , Daniels Michael W. , Craycroft John , Gaughen John R. , Chaudry M. Imran , Rai Shesh N. , Everhart D. Erik , Simard J. Marc
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive dysfunction occurs in up to 70% of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) survivors. Low-dose intravenous heparin (LDIVH) infusion using the Maryland protocol was recently shown to reduce clinical vasospasm and vasospasm-related infarction. In this study, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to evaluate cognitive changes in aSAH patients treated with the Maryland LDIVH protocol compared with controls.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all patients treated for aSAH between July 2009 and April 2014 was conducted. Beginning in 2012, aSAH patients were treated with LDIVH in the postprocedural period. The MoCA was administered to all aSAH survivors prospectively during routine follow-up visits, at least 3 months after aSAH, by trained staff blinded to treatment status. Mean MoCA scores were compared between groups, and regression analyses were performed for relevant factors.

RESULTS

No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between groups. The mean MoCA score for the LDIVH group (n = 25) was 26.4 compared with 22.7 in controls (n = 22) (p = 0.013). Serious cognitive impairment (MoCA ≤ 20) was observed in 32% of controls compared with 0% in the LDIVH group (p = 0.008). Linear regression analysis demonstrated that only LDIVH was associated with a positive influence on MoCA scores (β = 3.68, p =0.019), whereas anterior communicating artery aneurysms and fevers were negatively associated with MoCA scores. Multivariable linear regression analysis resulted in all 3 factors maintaining significance. There were no treatment complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study suggests that the Maryland LDIVH protocol may improve cognitive outcomes in aSAH patients. A randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the safety and potential benefit of unfractionated heparin in aSAH patients.
Treatment of atlantoaxial dislocations among patients with cervical osseous or vascular abnormalities utilizing hybrid techniques
Authors: Wang Shenglin , Tian Yinglun , Diebo Bassel G. , Horn Samantha R. , Passias Peter G.
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE

Most cervical fixations for atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) are bilateral and symmetric; however, in the setting of osseous and vascular deformity at the craniovertebral junction, asymmetrical and hybrid fixations are used as “salvage” techniques. Because of the rarity of these cases, hybrid cervical fixations for AAD have not been fully explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility and outcomes of posterior hybrid cervical fixations for AAD.

METHODS

Twenty-one AAD cases were retrospectively studied; 18 had cervical myelopathy with Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores ranging from 9 to 16 (mean 13.5). Hybrid fixation techniques included unilateral pedicle screws, transarticular screws, C-2 laminar screws, cervical lateral mass screws, and spinous process screws. During the same period, 82 AAD cases, treated using symmetric traditional fixations, were analyzed as controls.

RESULTS

Atlantoaxial fixation was performed in 11 cases, while occiput-cervical fixation was used in 10 cases. All cases achieved solid osseous fusion. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 20 cases (95.2%). All 18 cases with myelopathy showed postoperative improvement, with JOA scores ranging from 13 to 17 (mean 15.5). Three cases (14.2%) experienced complications, including delayed wound healing, CSF leakage, and fixation loosening. Hybrid fixation techniques showed significantly greater estimated blood loss when compared with controls (208.1 ± 19.30 ml vs 139.63 ± 8.75 ml, p = 0.001). Operative duration (125.38 ± 6.29 min vs 119.41 ± 3.77 min, p = 0.464), complication rates (14.3% vs 4.9%, p = 0.148), and JOA improvement rates (61% ± 7% vs 49% ± 4%, p = 0.161) showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

For ADD with osseous or vascular deformity, posterior cervical reduction and stabilization can be achieved using hybrid techniques, resulting in comparable clinical results to symmetric traditional fixation.
Results of reoperation for failed ulnar nerve surgery at the elbow: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Natroshvili Tinatin , Walbeehm Erik T. , van Alfen Nens , Bartels Ronald H. M. A.
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE

The clinical results of reoperation for recurrent or persistent ulnar nerve compression at the elbow have not been clearly determined. The aim of this review was to determine overall improvement, residual pain, and sensory and motor deficits following reoperation regardless of the type of primary surgery performed for this condition.

METHODS

In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations, a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies was performed. An independent librarian performed a literature search using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the quality appraisal tool described by Moga et al. were used to assess the quality of included case series.

RESULTS

Of the 278 retrieved studies, 16 were eligible for analysis and included a total of 290 patients with failed surgery for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. Relief of symptoms after reoperation was reported in 85% of patients. A decrease in pain was noted in 85% of the patients (95% CI 75%–93%). Only 2.4% of patients with preoperative pain experienced worse pain after reoperation. Motor and sensory function improvement was noted in 77% (95% CI 63%–88%) and 77% (95% CI 61%–90%) of cases, respectively. Complete recovery from signs and symptoms at the final follow-up was noted in 23% of elbows (95% CI 16%–31%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the level of evidence of the included studies was low, the majority of patients had relief from their complaints after reoperation for recurrent or persistent ulnar nerve compression at the elbow following a previous surgery. The success rate of surgical treatment for a failed surgery was quite remarkable since almost a quarter of the patients completely recovered. Therefore, the authors recommend reoperation as a serious option for patients with this condition.
Perioperative complications and risk factors in neuromuscular scoliosis surgery
Authors: Toll Brandon J. , Samdani Amer F. , Janjua M. Burhan , Gandhi Shashank , Pahys Joshua M. , Hwang Steven W.
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE

High rates of perioperative complications are associated with deformity correction in neuromuscular scoliosis. The current study aimed to evaluate complications associated with surgical correction of neuromuscular scoliosis and to characterize potential risk factors.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected from a single-center cohort of 102 consecutive patients who underwent spinal fusions for neuromuscular scoliosis between January 2008 and December 2016 and who had a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. A subgroup analysis was performed on data from patients who had at least 2 years of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses, as well as binary correlational models and Student t-tests, were employed for further statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The present cohort had 53 boys and 49 girls with a mean age at surgery of 14.0 years (± 2.7 SD, range 7.5–19.5 years). The most prevalent diagnoses were cerebral palsy (26.5%), spinal cord injury (24.5%), and neurofibromatosis (10.8%). Analysis reflected an overall perioperative complication rate of 27% (37 complications in 27 patients), 81.1% of which constituted major complications (n = 30) compared to a rate of 18.9% for minor complications (n = 7). Complications were predicted by nonambulatory status (p = 0.037), increased intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.012), increased intraoperative time (p = 0.046), greater pelvic obliquity at follow-up (p = 0.028), and greater magnitude of sagittal profile at follow-up (p = 0.048). Pulmonary comorbidity (p = 0.001), previous operations (p = 0.013), history of seizures (p = 0.046), diagnosis of myelomeningocele (p = 0.046), increase in weight postoperatively (p < 0.005), and increased lumbar lordosis at follow-up (p = 0.015) were identified as risk factors for perioperative infection.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that in neuromuscular scoliosis, patients with preexisting pulmonary compromise and greater intraoperative blood loss have the greatest risk of experiencing a major perioperative complication following surgical deformity correction.
A comparison between core exercises with Theraband and Swiss Ball in terms of core stabilization and balance performance
Authors: Aksen-Cengizhan Pelin , Onay Derya , Sever Ozan , Doğan Ali Ahmet
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

Core exercises include exercises to train muscles that control and stabilize the movements of the abdomen, waist, and hip. Thanks to these exercises, the control and balance of the body are increased. Exercises on unstable surfaces increase the level of muscle activity, and by using elastic resistance tools, one or more joints can be simultaneously and efficiently trained.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare core exercises with Theraband and Swiss Ball in terms of core stabilization and balance performance.

METHOD:

A total of 22 women who perform recreational sports between 25 and 46 years of age participated in the study. The participants were separated into two groups: Swiss Ball (SBC, [Formula: see text] 11) and Theraband (TBC, [Formula: see text] 11). Both groups were subjected to core exercise programs for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, around 40 minutes per day. Prior to and after the 6-week exercises, body composition, core stabilization, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and Stork balance test scores were compared.

RESULTS:

No difference was found between groups in terms of pre-test values. While the weight and body mass index values decreased in all groups, the balance and core stabilization test scores increased significantly. With the exception of the SEBT, which has increased significantly in the TBC group, there were no differences between the groups in none of the scores.

CONCLUSION:

As both training methods lead to positive effect on the tested variables, the choice of the specific method should probably be decided based on individual preference and the training environment.
A method to improve forming accuracy in electromagnetic forming of sheet metal
Authors: Xiong Qi , Huang Hao , Deng Changzheng , Li Liang , Qiu Li , Tang Hongtao
Published: May 2018

Low forming accuracy is the main defects in electromagnetic forming process of sheet metal. One of the main reasons is that shapes of the coil and required workpiece are cylindrical and deep concave respectively. The distance between the coil and the side wall of deformed sheet metal is too far in forming process, which leads to a consequence that electromagnetic force in the side wall is not enough. To solve this problem, a solenoid field shaper was introduced to enhance the electromagnetic force at the side wall, and then improve forming accuracy of electromagnetic forming of sheet metal. To verify the effectiveness of the method, a series of simulations based on circuit-electromagnetic-structure were finished. The results showed that the maximum electromagnetic force with field shaper increased more than 10 times at the side wall. And the maximum deformation was 1.18 mm which can improve forming accuracy effectively. The presented method and results can be helpful in designing electromagnetic forming systems of sheet metal.
The effect of high-pulsed electric field pretreatment on vacuum freeze drying of sea cucumber
Authors: Bai Yaxiang , Luan Zhongqi
Published: May 2018

To reduce the vacuum freeze drying time and to decrease the energy consumption of sea cucumber drying, the vacuum freeze drying experiments for sea cucumber pretreated by a high-pulsed electric field (HPEF) were carried out. The effects of HPEF pretreatment on the drying time, energy consumption, and the shrinkage, rehydration rate, protein content, texture and acid mucopolysaccharide of the samples were determined to compare with those of control group. The results indicated that HPEF pretreatment can significantly reduce the drying time of sea cucumber, save drying energy and improve the rehydration rate of sea cucumber. Compared with control group, the samples treated by HPEF have no statistically significant difference in terms of shrinkage, texture, protein and acid mucopolysaccharide content. And, By a needle electrode, under applied voltages of 22.5 kV and frequency of 70 Hz, the drying time could be reduced 16.43%, the energy consumption could be saved 15.64%, and, the rehydration rate of dried samples could be improved 11.7%. This suggests an application potential for HPEF pretreatment in the vacuum freeze drying of sea cucumber.
Reporting accuracy of Social Security benefits and its implications in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Dushi Irena , Iams Howard
Published: May 2018

This paper examines whether and to what extent the amount of Social Security benefits of older survey respondents in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) are reported accurately. Inaccurate reporting leads to biased estimates of gross Social Security benefits, affecting estimates of elderly well-being, including the proportion of beneficiaries classified as poor or near poor. Our findings indicate that 73% of HRS respondents report only the net amount of Social Security benefits they receive, excluding Medicare premiums. The implication is that Social Security benefits in the HRS are underestimates of the true gross benefits. Therefore, the HRS data overestimate the proportion of the elderly respondents who are poor or nearly poor. Finally, even after correcting for gross benefits, Social Security income comprises at least 50% of the total family income for about half of elderly respondents.
Knowledge and attitudes of patients in primary care on off-label treatment
Authors: Ćurković Mario , Gorjanski Dražen
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE:

To examine primary care patients’ knowledge and attitudes on off-label treatment.

METHODS:

In 47 primary care offices in Osijek-Baranja County, 1300 patients were given questionnaires about their knowledge and attitudes on off-label treatment. Questionnaires were completed voluntarily and anonymously.

RESULTS:

Majority of patients (96.3%) had no knowledge about off-label treatment, and upon having it explained, 42.3% would not accept such treatment under any circumstances, while 54.5% would never accept such treatment for their children. Patients place more trust in primary care doctors than in hospital doctors; 69.6% of patients strongly believe that primary care doctors would not expose them to off-label treatment while only 41.2% of them think the same in relation to hospital doctors. In case of serious consequences following off-label therapy 49.9% of patients would sue doctors who prescribed it.

CONCLUSION:

Patients in primary care possess limited knowledge about off-label treatment. Most patients do not wish to be exposed to such treatment, and are particularly reluctant to have their children exposed to it. In case of serious side effects, half of the patients would sue doctors who had prescribed the off-label therapy.
Sidr Kashmiry honey and its fractions induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro
Authors: Rady Hanaa Mahrous , Hemmaid Kamel Zaki , Esmaeil Nora Naseef , Eid Maha Mohamed , Elshat Ahmed Ahmed
Published: May 2018

Positive evidence for anticancer activities of honey is growing and the mechanism on how honey has anticancer characteristics is an area of great interest. Honey has been studied in various cancer cell lines for its ability to induce apoptosis, with several mechanisms of action being suggested. This study aims to evaluate the apoptotic activity of the non cytotoxic Sidr Kashmiry honey and its residue of successive fractionation as well as the cytotoxic chloroform-methanol and ethyl acetate fractions against hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. Apoptosis was assessed by DNA fragmentation, diphenyl amine assay, and ultrastructure investigation. Micronuclei test was carried out to assess genotoxicity. Crude honey, residue, ethyl acetate and chloroform-methanol induced apoptosis, however, the residue and ethyl acetate caused high genotoxicity. Non cytotoxic Sidr Kashmiry honey and its cytotoxic chloroform-methanol fraction could be a powerful pro-apoptotic and non-genotoxic anticancer agent.
Relationships between the inflammatory potential of the diet, aging and anthropometric measurements in a cross-sectional study in Pakistan
Authors: Alam Iftikhar , Shivappa Nitin , Hebert James R. , Pawelec Graham , Larbi Anis
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

Little is known about associations between dietary inflammation, age and anthropometric measurements.

OBJECTIVE:

In this regard, we examine how DII is related to age, anthropometrics [weight, Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR)] and other parameters of nutrition (energy, protein, fats and cholesterol intake, Net Endogenous Acid Production (NEAP) and Phytochemical Index (PI)) in a cross-sectional study in Pakistan.

DESIGN:

Only men ( n = 651, age 54–95 years) participated in the study. Anthropometric data were collected using standard methods. DII was calculated from nutrients derived from 24-hr Dietary Recall questionnaires. NEAP and PI were calculated by established algorithms using information on nutrient intake.

RESULTS:

The results show that with increasing age, there was a significant increase in the DII score ( p < 0.05). Similarly significant positive correlations were found between DII score and weight, BMI, WHR and % BF ( p, for all trends < 0.05). DII score significantly positively correlated with the dietary factors studied i.e. energy, protein, and fats ( p, for all trends < 0.0001) but non-significantly with cholesterol ( p > 0.05). Similarly, a significant positive correlation with NEAP ( p < 0.0001) was found, but negative with PI ( p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, the present study shows direct positive correlations between the DII, age and indices of obesity, and thus supports the hypothesis that diet may have a role in the development of obesity through inflammatory modulation mechanisms in elderly.
Non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement based on mean impact value method, BP neural network, and genetic algorithm
Authors: Tan Xia , Ji Zhong , Zhang Yadan
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

Non-invasive continuous blood pressure monitoring can provide an important reference and guidance for doctors wishing to analyze the physiological and pathological status of patients and to prevent and diagnose cardiovascular diseases in the clinical setting. Therefore, it is very important to explore a more accurate method of non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement.

OBJECTIVE:

To address the shortcomings of existing blood pressure measurement models based on pulse wave transit time or pulse wave parameters, a new method of non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement – the GA-MIV-BP neural network model – is presented.

METHOD:

The mean impact value (MIV) method is used to select the factors that greatly influence blood pressure from the extracted pulse wave transit time and pulse wave parameters. These factors are used as inputs, and the actual blood pressure values as outputs, to train the BP neural network model. The individual parameters are then optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA) to establish the GA-MIV-BP neural network model.

RESULTS:

Bland-Altman consistency analysis indicated that the measured and predicted blood pressure values were consistent and interchangeable.

CONCLUSIONS:

Therefore, this algorithm is of great significance to promote the clinical application of a non-invasive continuous blood pressure monitoring method.
The non-contact biometric identified bio signal measurement sensor and algorithms
Authors: Kim Chan-Il , Lee Jong-Ha
Published: May 2018

In these days, wearable devices have been developed for effectively measuring biological data. However, these devices have tissue allege and noise problem. To solve these problems, biometric measurement based on a non-contact method, such as face image sequencing is developed. This makes it possible to measure biometric data without any operation and side effects. However, it is impossible for a remote center to identify the person whose data are measured by the novel methods. In this paper, we propose the novel non-contact heart rate and blood pressure imaging system, Deep Health Eye. This system has authentication process at the same time as measuring bio signals, through non-contact method. In the future, this system can be convenient home bio signal monitoring system by combined with smart mirror.
Dense deconvolution net: Multi path fusion and dense deconvolution for high resolution skin lesion segmentation
Authors: He Xinzi , Yu Zhen , Wang Tianfu , Lei Baiying , Shi Yiyan
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

Dermoscopy imaging has been a routine examination approach for skin lesion diagnosis. Accurate segmentation is the first step for automatic dermoscopy image assessment.

OBJECTIVE:

The main challenges for skin lesion segmentation are numerous variations in viewpoint and scale of skin lesion region.

METHODS:

To handle these challenges, we propose a novel skin lesion segmentation network via a very deep dense deconvolution network based on dermoscopic images. Specifically, the deep dense layer and generic multi-path Deep RefineNet are combined to improve the segmentation performance. The deep representation of all available layers is aggregated to form the global feature maps using skip connection. Also, the dense deconvolution layer is leveraged to capture diverse appearance features via the contextual information. Finally, we apply the dense deconvolution layer to smooth segmentation maps and obtain final high-resolution output.

RESULTS:

Our proposed method shows the superiority over the state-of-the-art approaches based on the public available 2016 and 2017 skin lesion challenge dataset and achieves the accuracy of 96.0% and 93.9%, which obtained a 6.0% and 1.2% increase over the traditional method, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

By utilizing Dense Deconvolution Net, the average time for processing one testing images with our proposed framework was 0.253 s.
Biomechanical investigation of orthodontic treatment planning based on orthodontic force measurement and finite element method before implementation: A case study
Authors: Wu Jianlei , Liu Yunfeng , Zhang Jianxing , Peng Wei , Jiang Xianfeng
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

Orthodontic treatment planning (OTP) is primarily depended on clinical experiences of orthodontists at present, while equivocal OTP would increase the possibility of treatment failure.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective was to investigate a methodology for quantitatively evaluating OTP, using theoretical analyses, orthodontic forces measurement (OFM) and finite element method (FEM).

METHODS:

An OTP was theoretically designed based on a clinical case and forces on incisors in OTP were measured on a specialized platform. Further, FEM simulations were performed on the designed OTP and control group. At last, an 18-month tracking was carried out to observe treatment effects of the designed OTP.

RESULTS:

The moving tendencies of incisors were in keeping with ideal treatment from the designed OTP through FEM; the maximal hydrostatic stress and logarithmic strain in periodontal ligament (PDL) decreased by 26.81% and 32.60% compared to the control group. Clinical feedback indicated that a controllable correction of incisors was realized after 18 months, which was in accord with the FEM result and root/bone resorption by reason of stress/strain reduction on PDL did not occur.

CONCLUSIONS:

Biomechanical responses of periodontium can be quantitatively estimated using OTM and FEM. This study provided an alternative technological mean for the predictability and optimization of clinical OTP.
Force control of wire driving lower limb rehabilitation robot
Authors: Zou Yupeng , Ma Huizi , Han Zhiyuan , Song Yang , Liu Kai
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

To solve the technical problems associated with the research on lower limb rehabilitation robot in terms of configuration design, human-machine compatibility, lightweight, and multimodel rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE:

This study introduced a parallel wire driving lower limb rehabilitation robot. The robot featured modular design, reconfiguration, multimodel, and good human-machine compatibility.

METHODS:

The dynamics model of the wire driving module (WDM) was built based on which a multiple feedback loop controller (including a forward controller and a surplus force compensator) was designed.

RESULTS:

The experimental results showed that the WDM could load force accurately and reliably during the loading procedure.

CONCLUSIONS:

The machinery and control system of the WDM met the design request.
Laser parameters for efficient biomedical stimulation: A study to increase cognitive response rate
Authors: Kim Ji-Sun , Baek Jin-Young , Oh Han-Byeol , Lee Seong-Su , Jun Jae-Hoon
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND:

The laser is able to irradiate the exact amount of stimulation to an area by a non contact method, and has the advantage of being able to stimulate the local target area.

OBJECTIVE:

This study examined an efficient method of laser tactile stimulation using laser parameter combinations.

METHODS:

The laser parameters that could cause an increase in the cognitive response rate of human subjects were examined without increasing the amount of total laser energy.

RESULTS:

As a result, the appropriate matching parameters such as duty ratio, pulse frequency, and exposure time of laser pulses showed a dominant influence in effectively increasing the tactile response rate of subjects with limited amount of total laser energy.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study can be applied to neurophysiology, cognitive research, and clinical laser application.