bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecotourism in Poland
Authors: Oniszczuk-Jastrząbek Aneta , Dębicka Olga , Gutowski Tomasz
Published: January 2018

Development of the tourist industry often has negative effects on wildlife and local communities, and so for these values which are most valuable in attracting tourist to a particular place. Low tourist culture of travelling persons can result in a situation in which tourism may threaten the foundations of its existence. The responsible tourism and ecotourism seems to be an answer to this problem by focusing on fostering the sense of responsibility of a traveler towards the visited place. The purpose of this article is to present the concept of ecotourism in theory, and present the results of authors’ survey on the awareness of ecotourism in Poland. The methodology of the research includes review of the relevant literature allowing to present the relationship between sustainable tourism and ecotourism, and to discuss the principles of ecotourism. The awareness of Polish citizens in that sphere was analyzed through the questionnaire survey conducted in 2016. The sampling method used in the survey was a purposeful selection. It becomes a necessity to strive for responsible and sustainable development of the tourism industry and the tourists – to ensure such a development so that we can satisfy a need to travel without picking up future generation such possibility. To achieve this, some actions are needed to preserve natural resources and support local communities – both their economy and culture. Creation of another protected areas and their networks are of far more excitement, conflicts and criticism than innovation and satisfaction resulting from owning nature peculiarities of European importance. Surveys of tourists – although they were not extensive – brought together a fresh look at how to stimulate the sustainable development of tourism by proper eco-politics.
Effect of Methanolic Extract in Ointment and Powder of Kalanchoe Pinnata (Lamk) Leaf in Ointment towards Incision Wound Healing in Mice
Authors: Suprapto Adi K , Tih Fen , Evacuasiany Endang
Published: January 2018

Wound is a very common thing that can happen to all people around the world. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of methanolic extract and powder of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamk) leaf in ointment. The methodology is laboratoric experimental design. Six groups of mice (n=30) were incised for 8 mm and treated with different treatment: methanolic extract of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamk) leaves in ointment (SEMDSB) 10%, SEMDSB 20%, Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamk) leaves powder in ointment (SSDSB) 10%, SSDSB 20%, vaseline album (ointment) as negative control, and povidone iodine ointment as positive control. Examination is carried out by measuring the width of wounds in mice every day until the wound interlocked. Data analysis used one way ANOVA continued by Tukey HSD with α=0,05. The result showed the average time for wound healing (in days) are: SEMDSB 10% (7.2), SEMDSB 20% (6.6), SSDSB 10% (8.8), SSDSB 20% (7.6), negative control (10.6), and positive control (7.8). SEMDSB 10%, SEMDSB 20%, and SSDSB 20% showed highly significant difference (p = 0,000) and SSDSB 10% showed significant difference (p=0,021) when compared to negative control. As conclusion, methanolic extract  and powder of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamk) leaves in ointment can accelerate wound healing time. Keywords: ointment, Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamk), wound healing, mice
A Case Report: Clozapine in Diabetic Patient with Bipolar Mood Disorder
Authors: Vera _ , Sitha Christine
Published: January 2018

Depression and diabetes are often occur together and their morbidity has a significant impact of health outcomes. Antidepressants dan antipsychotics may cause metabolic abnormalities, as well as neurologic abnormalities. 52 years old diabetic woman presented to Immanuel Teaching Hospital with slurred speech. Since ten years ago, she had bipolar  mood  disorder, which was recently treated with clozapine. As patient consumed higher dose of clozapine (beyond her psychiatrist’s supervision), she had uncontrolled blood glucose level, fever, and slurred speech. The side effects of clozapine (weight gain, increased insulin resistance, dysarthria, fever) were discussed in this case report. During hospitalization, with strict supervision of clozapine use, the symptoms resolved. In diabetic patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders, a good collaboration between internist and psychiatrist is required to manage the patients effectively and comprehensively. Keywords: bipolar mood disorder, clozapine, diabetes mellitus, depression
Effects of Pomegranate Peel (Punica granatum L.) Extract as an Anthelmintic
Authors: Amelia Monica , Jasaputra Diana K , Tjokropranoto Rita
Published: January 2018

Helminths infections caused by Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) are found in manypeople living in developing countries, especially in rural areas. People often use pomegranate asan anthelmintic. The aim of this research is to find out the effects of pomegranate peel (Punicagranatum L.) as an anthelmintic to female Ascaris suum in vitro. The research on the effects ofpomegranate peel extract has been conducted on 900 female Ascaris suum in vitro. Ascaris suumare divided into 5 groups, group I: pomegranate peel extract of dose 25%, group II: pomegranatepeel extract of 50%, group III: pomegranate peel extract of 75%, group IV: 0.9% NaCl as anegative control, and group V is given mebendazole 0.5% as a positive control. The meanpercentage of dead worms in group I is 39%, in group II 61%, while in group III 82%, but itspotential is lower than mebendazole, which kills 100%. The treatment using pomegranate peelextract of 25%, 50% and 75% respectively has significant differences with p < 0.05 againstnegative control (NC) using a 0.9% NaCl. The research concludes that the pomegranate peelextract has an anthelmintic effect against Ascaris suum females in vitro.Keywords: pomegranate peel extract, anthelmintic effect, in vitro
New Pyranoanthocyanins Synthesized from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Anthocyanins
Authors: Guzmán-Figueroa María del Pilar , Ortega-Regules Ana Eugenia , Bautista-Ortín Ana Belén , Gómez-Plaza Encarna , Anaya-Berríos Cecilia
Published: January 2018

Six new pyranoanthocyanins were synthesized through the reaction between dephinidin-3-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-sam-bubioside, extracted from roselle calyxes, with 4-vinylphenol, acetone and 2-butanone. The reaction products were characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF-MS), ul-traviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis) and high-performance liquid chromatography. Those new pigments belong to the families of pino-tins and methylpyranoanthocyanins and show a hypsochromic shift, which results in a more orange colour compared to the red hue of the original anthocyanins. Therefore, these compounds could be used to obtain new colorants more stable against certain factors such as pH.
Divergent and Selective Functionalization of 2-Formylpyrrole and its Application in the Total Synthesis of the Aglycone Alkaloid Pyrrolemarumine
Authors: Martínez-Mora Eder I. , Caracas Miguel A. , Escalante Carlos H. , Madrigal Damian A. , Quiroz-Florentino Héctor , Delgado Francisco , Tamariz Joaquín
Published: January 2018

Diverse 1,2- and 1,2,5-substituted pyrroles were efficiently prepared through a regioselective functionalization of 2-formylpyr-role (5a). This methodology was applied for the first total synthesis of pyrrolemarumine (4b), the aglycone of the corresponding natural pyr-role alkaloid 4”-O-a-L-rhamnopyranoside. The synthesis of 4b was achieved starting from 5a through a seven-step process in 28% over-all yield.
Antibacterial Activity of Pipemidic Acid ions-MgFeAl Layered Double Hydroxide Hybrid Against E. coli and S. typhi
Authors: Santana-Cruz Alejandra , Flores-Moreno Jorge Luis , Guerra-González Roberto , Martínez-Ortiz María de Jesús
Published: January 2018

An anion exchange process was used to prepare pipemidic acid-MgFeAl composite from MgFeAl-Cl layered double hydroxide as inorganic matrix. The obtained hybrid material contains pipemidic acid anions as well as, in a less extent; carbonate and chloride species in its interlayer space. The antibacterial properties were evaluated against E. coli and S. typhi strains through dilution broth method. MgFeAl-Cl matrix resulted to be completely inactive against two bac-teria, while MgFeAl-PIP composite killed all colonies of E. coli after 90 min of exposure and showed a good activity to kill S. typhi bacteria at times as short as 120 min.
Application of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Coated Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles for the Extraction and Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Propranolol in Different Biological Samples
Authors: Bavili Tabrizi Ahad , Dehghani Teymurlouie Nadereh
Published: January 2018

A new analytical approach was developed involving mag-netic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) and spectrofluorimetric determi-nation of propranolol (PRO) in biological fluids. A urine or plasma sample was prepared and adjusted to pH 3-4, then PRO was quicklyextracted using Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) modified by the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and determined applying spectrofluorimetry. Experimental conditions, such as the amount of MNPs and SDS, pH value, standing time, desorption solvent and maximal extraction volume have been adjusted to optimize the extraction process and to obtain analytical characteristics of the method. Linearity was observed in the analyte’s concentration range of 2-75 ng mL-1 for both urine and plasma samples. The correlation coefficients (r) were higher than 0.99. The method showed good precision and accuracy, with intra- and inter-assay precisions of less than 5.0% at all concentrations. Standard addition recovery tests were carried out, and the recoveries ranged from 79.4% to 90.4%. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.85 and 2.80 ng mL-1, respectively, for urine and 0.74 and 2.43 ng mL-1, respectively, for plasma. The method was applied to the determination of PRO in human urine and plasma samples.
Synthesis and Modification of the Amyloid Peptide Sequence 37-42 of Aβ42 (AβPP): Efficient Synthesis of N-methylated Peptides, Expanding the Tools for Peptide Research
Authors: Rosas-Valdéz María Elena , Escalante Jaime , Bustos-Jaimes Ismael , Regla Ignacio , Boto Alicia
Published: January 2018

We report the synthesis and characterization of N-alkyl modified peptides by efficient coupling of N-methyl amino acids in solution phase. As a model peptide, the segment 37-42 (GGVVIA) of the Aβ-42 amyloid peptide derived from the amyloid precursor protein (Aβ-PP) was chosen. This peptide and its derivatives with N-methyl groups on Val40 and Ile41 residues were synthesized and character-ized. Because the synthesis was performed in solution-phase, the procedure can be easily scaled up for the production of larger amounts of the peptides described in this work or any linear N-methyl peptide with potential therapeutic application.
The Influence of co-catalyst in the Polymerization of 1,3-butadiene Catalyzed by Neodymium Chloride Tripentanolate
Authors: Valencia López Luis Alexandro , Enríquez-Medrano Francisco Javier , Maldonado Textle Hortensia , Soriano Corral Florentino , López González Héctor Ricardo , St Thomas Claude , Hernández  Gámez Francisco , Olivares Romero José Luis , Díaz de León Gómez Ramón Enrique
Published: January 2018

Triisobutylaluminum (TIBA), triethylaluminum (TEA), di-isobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAH) and methylaluminoxane (MAO) were evaluated as activators of neodymium chloride tripentanolate catalyst in order to investigate their influence over the catalytic activi-ty, macro- and microstructure, and thermal properties of of resulting polybutadienes. The higher catalytic activities were achieved by TEA and TIBA as co-catalysts, whereas TIBA and DIBAH led to the poly-mers with highest cis-1,4 structure content with 98.4 and 97.3% re-spectively. The catalytic activity was remarkably poor with MAO as co-catalyst, as well as low stereocontrol. Number average molecular weight values were observed in the range of 260 to 720 kg/mol.
Potential Antimicrobial and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Piper caldense Tissues
Authors: Silva Rocha Dayane , Da Silva Janete Magali , Do Amaral Ferraz Navarro Daniela Maria , Gomes Camara Claúdio Augusto , De Lira Camila Soledade , Souza Ramos Clécio
Published: January 2018

The essential oils from leaves, stems and roots of Piper caldense were analyzed by GC-MS. The antibacterial potential of the oils was evaluated against gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria. The major chemical constituents that were identified from various parts of this plant were α-cardinal, α-muurolol, tujopsan-2-β-ol and δ-cadiene in the leaves, valencene, pentadecane, elina-3,7-11-dieno α-terpineol in the roots and terpine-4-ol, α-terpineol, α-cadinol 2-β-ol in the stems. Tissue oils showed antibacterial activity against the bacteria tested except for Enterococcus faecalis. This is the first report of the biological activity and chemical composition essential oil of P. caldense.
Development and ICH Validation of a RP-HPLC-UV Method for the Quantification of Thimerosal in Topic Creams
Authors: Pérez-Caballero Guadalupe , Muro-Hidalgo Nancy , Morales-Hipólito Elvia Adriana , Villaseñor Alma , López-Arellano Raquel
Published: January 2018

A reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for determination of Thimerosal (TMS) in topical creams was optimized and validated according to the ICH guidelines which include accuracy, precision, selectivity, robustness, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity and range. For topical creams, sample treatment is often an overwhelming step essentially due to its oily nature. For the first time a simple and robust extraction procedure for TMS using phosphate buffer (pH 5.5, 0.2M) was successfully developed. This method describes the TMS quantitation by HPLC in a topical product containing 0.01% fluocinolone acetonide (FLA) as the active molecule. The HPLC separation was achieved on a Column Symmetry® and a methanol: phosphate buffer (pH 2.5, 0.05M) 70:30 v/v mobile phase and wavelength 218 nm. Results from both standards and samples showed adequate validation parameters. Noteworthy, linearity was within the range 1.2 - 2.8 μg/mL. Additionally, robustness and TMS stability were established after sample extraction. The method provides an efficient and safe quality control tool for determination of TMS in topical creams.
Preparation of Silica Supported Ionic Liquids for Highly Selective Hydroxylation of Aromatics with Hydrogen Peroxide under Solvent-free Conditions
Authors: Hu Yu Lin , Fang Dong
Published: January 2018

A series of silica supported functionalized ionic liquid catalysts have been prepared and tested in the hydroxylation of aromatics to phenols with H2O2 under solvent-free conditions. The properties of the heterogeneous catalytic system were studied by tuning various reaction parameters including selection of catalyst, amount of the catalyst, influences of reaction time and temperature. Among the catalysts, CuCl3-IL-SiO2 exhibited the highest efficiency in the hydroxylation of aromatics to phenols under the optimized condition along with good recycle performance.
Fast and Green Method to Synthesis of Quinolone Carboxylic Acid Derivatives Using Giant-Ball Nanoporous Isopolyoxomolybdate as Highly Efficient Recyclable Catalyst in Refluxing Water
Authors: Mirzaie Yahya , Lari Jalil , Vahedi Hooshang , Hakimi Mohammad , Nakhaei Ahmad , Rezaeifard Abdolreza
Published: January 2018

Various potentials antibacterial fluoroquinolone compounds were prepared by the direct amination of 7-halo-6- fluoroquinolone-3-carboxylic acids with variety of piperazine derivatives and (4aR,7aR)-octahydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-b] pyridine using (NH4)42 [MoVI72MoV60O372(CH3COO)30(H2O)72], a Keplerate-type giant-ball nanoporous isopolyoxomolybdate, as a catalyst in refluxing water. The results showed that this catalyst acts as effective catalyst and the reaction proceeded more easily and gave the highest yields of the products in short reaction time under refluxing water. Short reaction times, simple isolation of the products, and usage of eco-friendly catalysts are some features of this procedure. In addition, the catalysts was easily recovered and used in multiple catalytic cycles. This material was prepared according to a previously published literature procedure using inexpensive and readily available starting materials.
Cluster modeling and coordination structures of Cu+ ions in Al-incorporated Cu-MEL catalysts – a density functional theory study
Authors: Ghambarian Mehdi , Azizi Zahra , Ghashghaee Mohammad
Published: January 2018

A density-functional-based cluster modeling was implemented on the Al-incorporated Cu-MEL zeolite catalyst (Cu-ZSM-11) to probe the electronic, energetic and structural features of the active sites of the catalyst at the B3LYP/6-311+G* and M06/Def2-TZVP levels. The HOMO–LUMO energy gap fell into the range of 3.31–5.15 eV at TD-BH&HLYP/6-311+G* with the lowest magnitude for the I–Cu and M1–Cu clusters. Population-averaged values for the exchange enthalpy and binding energy were also calculated, being approximately 125 and 171 kcal/mol, respectively.
Essential Metal-based drugs: Correlation between Redox Potential and Biological Activity of M2+ with a N2O2 Ligand
Authors: Verduzco-Ramírez Arturo , Manzanilla-Dávila Silvia Graciela , Morales-Guillén María Eugenia , García-Ramos Juan Carlos , Toledano-Magaña Yanis , Marin-Becerra Armando , Flores-Álamo Marcos , Ortiz-Frade Luis Antonio , Olguín-Contreras Luis Fernando , Ruiz-Azuara Lena
Published: January 2018

One of the major public health problems worldwide is cancer followed by a significant number of deaths due to the resistance developed by bacteria or protozoan to the currently employed treatments. This generates an immediate need to develop drugs to treat these afflictions (illnesses, diseases). It has recently been identified that tumor cell, bacteria or protozoa are quite sensitive to oxidative stress induced by the same drugs. Due to this, it is important to develop new drugs to attend them, in this case, by using metals to increase the concentration of oxidative species. In the present work, the ligand 2,9-diformyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline and its corresponding coordination compounds with essential metals such as iron(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) were synthesized. The electrochemical study shows that these compounds present three redox processes, all of them associated to the ligand. The compounds have shown inhibitory activity in vitro against human neuroblastoma CHP-212 cells, Escherichia coli and trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica HM1:IMSS. It has been found that the inhibitory activity of the compounds studied is related to the first reduction process of the ligand. The correlation between the inhibitory activity and the red ox potential was linear. The inhibitory activity in CHP-212 increased with the increase of the compounds’ redox potential values, in contrast with the behavior observed in Escherichia coli, where the compounds with lowest redox potential values have had significantly higher inhibitory activity. Many of these coordination compounds have shown a higher inhibitory activity than those typically used in the treatment of cancer (cisplatin). The next step is to prove these compounds in vitro against healthy cells in order to verify its selectivity or cytotoxicity in these systems.
A Green Synthesis of 3, 4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones via One-Pot Multi-Component Reaction by Using Cuttlebone as a Natural Catalyst under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Firoozeh Nooshin , Rezazadeh Soodabeh , Izanloo Cobra
Published: January 2018

In this paper, an efficient, green and eco-friendly method for synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones via one-pot multi-component reaction of aldehydes, urea and ethyl acetoacetate is shown at the presence of cuttlebone as an effective, reusable and natural heterogeneous catalyst. The advantages of this method are short reaction times, high yields, simple work-up, and reusable natural catalysts. The structure of cuttlebone was characterized by FT-IR spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS).
Preparation of Modified nano-SiO2 by Bismuth and Iron as a novel Remover of Methylene Blue from Water Solution
Authors: Salimi Farhad , Tahmasobi Keivan , Karami Changiz , Jahangiri Alireza
Published: January 2018

Modified nano-silica with Bismuth and Iron adsorbent was synthesized to be used as an effective adsorbent material for methylene blue (MB) removal from water solution. The prepared samples were characterized using SEM, FTIR, XRD and TEM. The effect of experimental parameters such as pH, contact time and initial concentration on adsorption treatment were studied. Results indicated that the optimum conditions for maximum adsorption of 20 mg/L MB were: contact time of 20 minutes, pH= 5-6 and 8 gr/L adsorbent, the remaining MB in solution was 1.75%. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were employed to model the experimental results and the Freundlich isotherm was the best-fitting models for the experiment results. The kinetic data were also analyzed through pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model well depicted the kinetics of dyes adsorption on adsorbent.
Non-linear Optical Response of Phenoxazine-based Dyes: Molecular Engineering of Thiadiazole Derivatives as π-spacers
Authors: Ashraf Janjua Muhammad Ramzan Saeed
Published: January 2018

In this article, various dyes have been quantum chemically designed which are based on A-π-D-π-A structural configuration. The main objective of this work is to study the effect of electron deficient thiadiazole derivatives as the π-spacers. The role of these π-spacers in phenoxazine-based dyes have been studied through electronic, non-linear optical (NLO) and absorption properties. The electronic structures, absorption spectra and NLO response were calculated by employing quantum chemical methods. The results reveal that the polarizability (α) and hyperpolarizability (β) remarkably increase from dye 1 to dye 5. As compared to model of dye 1, dyes 2-5have shown red-shifted absorption spectra and low band gaps.
Fabrication of bioactive porous bredigite (Ca7MgSi4O16) scaffold via space holder method
Authors: Ghomi Hamed , Emadi Rahmatollah
Published: January 2018

Bredigite has been recently evaluated as a biodegradable ceramic with high mechanical strength, biocompatibility, bioactivity and excellent cell behavior. The objective of this research was to fabricate a nanostructured bredigite scaffold for bone repair and restoration via the space holder technique. The crystallite size, phase composition, particle size, pore morphology and pore size distribution of the scaffold were characterized using X-ray diffraction, as well as transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed the fabrication of a highly interconnected porous scaffold, with a total porosity of about 86%, a pore size of about 400–600 μm, and the compressive strength of about 1.1 MPa. The prepared scaffold with nanosized structure and high porosity level leading to a high specific surface area could be used as an ideal scaffold for bone regeneration in bone tissue engineering applications.
Groundwater Quality Assessment through Water Quality Index (WQI) in New Karachi Town, Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Adnan , Qureshi Faiza Riaz
Published: January 2018

The aim of present study is to evaluate the groundwater quality of New Karachi Town using water quality index (WQI) measured through physico-chemical parameters. For this purpose, a total of 25 groundwater samples were randomly collected through boring wells at a depth range of 9-61 metres from the study area. Data revealed that TDS content of groundwater is very high (mean: 4781.6 mg/L) which far exceeded the WHO limit for drinking purpose. Highly elevated concentrations of Na (mean: 1397 mg/L), K (mean: 39.72 mg/L), Ca (mean: 308.7 mg/L), Mg (mean: 1408.65 mg/L), Cl (mean: 2502.345 mg/L), HCO3 (mean: 441 mg/L) and SO4 (mean: 332.4376 mg/L) are reported in more than 85% wells which also exceed the WHO guideline for drinking water. Very high concentration of these major ions (Mg, K, Ca, Na, Cl, SO4 and HCO3) indicates the sewage mixing with groundwater in the study area. The calculated value of water quality index (WQI = 189) indicated that groundwater in New Karachi Town is not suitable for drinking and for irrigation or industrial purpose. Thus, proper treatment of the available groundwater is required before its any public use in the area.
Design and performance characterization of a novel salient-pole surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine
Authors: Chen Zhenfei , Li Zhixin , Ma Hongzhong
Published: January 2018

The design and analysis of a novel salient-pole surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine (SSPMSM) are presented in this paper for wide-speed range applications. In this machine, iron teeth are placed in the d-axis on the surface of rotor core to increase armature inductance and enhance the effect of d-axis armature reaction. But torque ripple is also increased since the rotor teeth increase the saliency of the machine. So segmented Halbach magnetization is applied to reduce the electromagnetic torque ripple. In order to investigate the characteristics of SSPMSM, four finite element (FE) models with different rotor cores and magnetizations are built. Flux-weakening/enhancing characteristics, no-load characteristics and load characteristics are obtained and compared. The results show that SSPMSM has better magnetic field adjustment ability than traditional surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine (SPMSM).
Equivalent magnetic dipole method for designing gradient coils of the Halbach magnetic resonance device
Authors: Xu Zheng , Qi Jinfeng , Guo Pan , Cui Xianjun , Wu Jiamin
Published: January 2018

Based on the equivalent magnetic dipole theory, a method for designing gradient coils of the Halbach magnet is proposed. Minimizing the energy consumption of the gradient coil is set as the optimal object, and the variance between the calculated and expected magnetic fields is taken as the penalty function. In this way, a quadratic optimization problem that cannot easily satisfy the magnetic field constraint condition can be easily transformed into an unconstrained optimization problem. By using the lsqnonlin optimization toolbox of Matlab, the distribution of the stream function on the cylindrical surface is calculated, and the three gradient coils of the Halbach magnet are obtained according to the contour of the stream function. To validate the designed coils, the Biot-Savart law is applied to calculate the distribution of the magnetic field. The results show that the magnetic field distribution agrees well with the design object. The gradient coils are fabricated and the magnetic field distributions in the region of interest are measured. The measured data are almost similar with the calculated data, and the measured gradient uniformity of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] coils are 4.47% and 2.34%, respectively, which are less than 5% of the commercial gradient coil requirements.
Systematic Review: ClearCode 34 – A Validated Prognostic Signature in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC)
Authors: Ghatalia Pooja , Rathmell W. Kimryn
Published: January 2018

Background:

ccA/ccB classification was developed to classify clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) patients into high and low risk based on gene expression patterns. ClearCode34 is a genetic signature that was developed from the ccA/ccB classification to predict recurrence in localized ccRCC patients.

Objective:

This review will evaluate the molecular signature ClearCode34, discuss its role in predicting recurrence and consider the rational application of the tool as a strategy to guide future applications of adjunctive therapy in ccRCC.

Methods:

A review of all the relevant papers in PubMed with the terms “ccA/ccB” or “ClearCode34” in ccRCC were reviewed.

Results:

Gene expression data was used to model dominant molecular subtypes of ccRCC tumors using consensus clustering methods. The most stable model implied two dominant subgroups – subsequently named ccA and ccB. A 34-gene panel was developed for clinical application, with 10 genes highly expressed corresponding to ccB subtype and 24 from ccA subtype. ClearCode34 independently correlated with cancer-specific survival, overall survival and recurrence in localized ccRCC patients in multiple validations.

Conclusions:

ClearCode34 is a robust and well validated molecular signature that can identify aggressive ccRCC in primary tumors. Along with basic clinical and pathologic variables like stage, necrosis and grade, robust molecular based prognostic markers are needed that could help better predict groups of patients who will most benefit from risk-adapted treatment approaches.
Effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy with trunk restraint in early stroke patients: A single-blinded, randomized, controlled, pilot trial
Authors: Bang Dae-Hyouk , Shin Won-Seob , Choi Ho-Suk
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Reducing compensatory strategies during repetitive upper-limb training may be helpful in relearning motor skills.

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT), additionally modified by adding trunk restraint (TR), on upper-limb function and activities of daily living (ADLs) in early post-stroke patients.

METHODS:

Twenty-four participants with early stroke were randomly assigned to mCIMT combined with TR (mCIMT + TR) or mCIMT alone. Each group underwent twenty sessions (1 h/d, 5 d/wk for 4 weeks). Patients were assessed with the action research arm test (ARAT), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper extremity (FMA-UE), the Modified Barthel index (MBI), the Maximal elbow extension angle during reaching (MEEAR), and Motor Activity Logs (MAL-AOU and MAL-QOM).

RESULTS:

The mCIMT + TR group exhibited greater improvement in the ARAT, FMA-UE, MBI, MEEAR, and MAL-AOU, and MAL-QOM than the mCIMT group. Statistical analyses showed significant differences in ARAT ( P = 0.003), FMA-UE ( P = 0.042), MBI ( P = 0.001), MEEAR ( P = 0.002), and MAL-AOU ( P = 0.005) between the groups.

CONCLUSION:

Modified CIMT combined with TR may be more effective than mCIMT alone in improving upper-limb function and ADLs in patients with early stroke.
French validation of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QoL)
Authors: Legris Nicolas , Devilliers Hervé , Daumas Anaïs , Carnet Didier , Charpy Jean-Pierre , Bastable Philip , Giroud Maurice , Béjot Yannick
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE:

To adapt the SS-QoL into French and test its psychometric properties.

METHODS:

Seventy-seven patients from a population-based registry were enrolled 3 months after their stroke. SS-QoL, NIHSS score, Barthel index, HAD, FSS, SF-36 scales, and MMSE were administered at enrolment. SS-QoL was re-administered at 15 days and 2 months. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s α coefficients, factorial validity by an exploratory factor analysis and external validity by Mann-Whitney test and Spearman’s correlations ( ρ), comparing SS-QoL scores with those obtained from established scales. Reliability was assessed by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and responsiveness by standardized effect sizes (ES).

RESULTS:

Test-retest and inter-observer reliabilities were excellent (ICC> 0.88). Internal consistency was acceptable ( α= 0.65–0.91), except for the Personality domain ( α= 0.58). Factor analysis individualized eight homogenous axes. SS-QoL scores were different between groups opposed by their modified Rankin score at enrolment or their overall quality of life compared with pre-stroke status ( p < 0.001). Ten of the twelve domains correlated moderately ( ρ> 0.35) to strongly ( ρ> 0.5) with established measures. Nine domains were mildly to moderately responsive to change (ES> 0.3).

CONCLUSION:

The French version of the SS-QoL is a valid, reliable and moderately responsive instrument.
Validation of Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Manikowska Faustyna , Chen Brian Po-Jung , Jóźwiak Marek , Lebiedowska Maria K.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Weakness is a major impairment in many movement disorders, including cerebral palsy (CP), which presents as a decrease in muscle strength. Manual muscle testing (MMT) is very popular in clinical practice, however it has many limitations.

OBJECTIVE:

(1) Whether maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) measures differ across clinical MMT groups; (2) Whether an association exists between clinical MMT score groups and instrumental MVC measures.

METHODS:

Twenty-one participants with spastic CP were recruited (11 females and 10 males; age = 13.46±3.62 years). To achieve the aims of the study, we investigated the relationship between qualitative (MMT) and instrumental (MVC) measures of knee flexor muscles’ strength in patients with CP.

RESULTS:

MVC values increased somewhat proportionally with increasing MMT score group ( p = 0.032, MS = 207.54, F = 3.75). The differences in MVC values was only statistically significant between score groups 3 and 5. A weak correlation (R = 0.4, MVC = –2.54 + 4.50 MMT, p < 0.01) was found between measured MVCs and the MMT score groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

In pediatric research studies, instrumental MVC should be preferred over MMT scoring. Also, MMT score groups higher than 3 should be modified in clinical testing of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.
Reproducibility of gait kinematics and kinetics in chronic stroke patients
Authors: Fotiadou Styliani , Aggeloussis Nikolaos , Gourgoulis Vassilios , Malliou Paraskevi , Papanas Nikolaos , Giannakou Erasmia , Iliopoulos Ioannis , Vadikolias Konstantinos , Terzoudi Aikaterini , Piperidou Haritomeni
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

The search for reliable techniques to assess gait in stroke patients is crucial for the design and follow-up of rehabilitation programs.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the reproducibility of kinematic and kinetic gait parameters in chronic stroke patients using a three-dimensional gait analysis system.

METHODS:

Ten chronic stroke patients were assessed while walking along a 20 m walkway at their natural speed, using a gait analysis system of six infrared cameras and two force plates. Each patient performed 10 gait trials on 2 separate days. Inter-measurement agreement was assessed with the Coefficient of Multiple Correlation, while Root Mean Square Differences were used to quantify the variability of the trials.

RESULTS:

The majority of kinetics and kinematics showed excellent reproducibility in all patients. Joints’ power seemed to be more reliable compared with joints’ angle and moment. Most parameters presented greater variability in non-paretic than the paretic leg, while they were less variable in the sagittal compared with the non-sagittal planes. Less than 10 trials were sufficient to obtain excellent reproducibility for most kinematic and kinetic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS:

The reproducibility of movement assessment through three-dimensional gait analysis appears excellent in chronic stroke patients.
Bilateral anodal transcranial direct current stimulation effect on balance and fearing of fall in patient with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hadoush Hikmat , Al-Jarrah Muhammed , Khalil Hanan , Al-Sharman Alham , Al-Ghazawi Sadik
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

A number of studies have examined the therapeutic effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) stimulation in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) using unilateral anodal stimulation applied either on the left or right brain hemisphere. However, PD involves the dysfunctions of both brain hemispheres.

OBJECTIVES:

This study investigates the therapeutic effects of bilateral anodal tDCS stimulation on balance and fear of fall outcomes in patient with PD.

METHODS:

Eighteen patients with idiopathic PD completed the study. Ten sessions of bilateral anodal tDCS stimulation were applied over the FC1 and FC2 targeting both pre-frontal and motor areas for each patient, 5 sessions per week for 2 weeks. Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and 10 meters walk test (10mwt) were applied before and after the stimulation therapy.

RESULTS:

Paired t-test showed a significant increase in the BBS scores and decrease in the FES-I scores after the bilateral tDCS compared with those scores before tDCS therapy ( P < 0.05), as well improvement in the 10mwt scores.

CONCLUSION:

Our data showed that bilateral anodal tDCS serves as an effective, safe and feasible approach for rehabilitation of patients with PD with the issues related to balance and fear of fall.
Male and female opinions about orthotic devices of the lower limb: A multicentre, observational study in patients with central neurological movement disorders
Authors: Swinnen Eva , Lefeber Nina , Werbrouck Amber , Gesthuizen Yelena , Ceulemans Lisa , Christiaens Sofie , De Wael Lise , Buyl Ronald , Ilsbroukx Stephan , Van Nieuwenhoven Johan , Michielsen Marc , Lafosse Christophe , Kerckhofs Eric
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Because user-satisfaction and acceptance may partly determine the grade of compliance to an orthotic device (OD), the aim of this multicentre observational study was to inquire the reasons for acceptance and the user-satisfaction of an OD of the lower limb in male and female central neurological movement disorders (CNMD) patients.

METHODS:

Persons with CNMD having at least one prescribed OD of the lower limb were included. Two questionnaires were used: the MIRAD-ACCORT-II (reasons for acceptance) and a modified version of the D-QUEST 2.0 (user-satisfaction). Descriptive analyses were performed and to analyse the differences between the males’ and females’ answers Chi2- and Mann-Whitney U tests were used.

RESULTS:

Twenty-six stroke and 23 multiple sclerosis patients participated (53% males). “Comfort”, “safety”, “effectiveness” and “ease of use” were reported as most important aspects. 86% of the patients were (very) satisfied about their OD. Only for the aspect safety, compared to males, significant more females reported that if the OD is not safe enough they will not use it.

CONCLUSION:

For both, males and females, aspects related to comfort and functionality were reported as much more important than the esthetical aspects, and in general they are quite satisfied with the OD and the process of providing the OD. Orthopaedic technicians and health care providers can take these aspects into account when developing, constructing and providing OD’s.
A comparative study of rehabilitation therapy in traumatic upper limb peripheral nerve injuries
Authors: Milicin Cristian , Sîrbu Elena
Published: January 2018

INTRODUCTION:

Lower motor neurons are the only neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) with the ability to regenerate without any intervention after an axotomy.

AIM:

This present study was conducted to analyze clinical and electrophysiological parameters in four groups of upper limb peripheral neuropathies, before and after treatment, comparing the results obtained after three cures of complex rehabilitation therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We selected a number of 107 patients (66 women and 41 men) aged between 29 and 77 years (mean age = 49.6). Clinical (muscular strength, sensitivity) and electrophysiological parameters (accommodation coefficient α, nerve conduction velocity) were analyzed. All patients received 3 comprehensive treatment cures, each cure of 14 days and a rest period of 3 months between the cures.

RESULTS:

From the total of 107 patients included in the study, 52 were diagnosed with brachial plexus palsy, 27 with radial nerve palsy, 18 with median nerve palsy and 10 with ulnar nerve palsy. We did not observe a statistically significant difference between the mean age of males (47.2) and females (51.2) ( p = 0.07), but peripheral neuropathies were more common in young males. At the end of the rehabilitation treatment all patients achieved better outcomes in muscle strength, sensitivity, adjustment coefficient α and nerve conduction velocity ( p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The intervention of a physical therapy program in patients with peripheral neuropathies provided significantly better outcomes in clinical and electrophysiological parameters. Our rehabilitation protocol can be considered an alternative in order to stimulate and accelerate the nerve regeneration process.
What is the opinion of patients with multiple sclerosis and their healthcare professionals about lower limb orthoses? A qualitative study using focus group discussions
Authors: Swinnen Eva , Deliens Tom , Dewulf Elke , Van Overstraeten Shauni , Lefeber Nina , Van Nieuwenhoven Johan , Ilsbroukx Stephan , Kerckhofs Eric
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to collect patients’ and healthcare professionals’ opinions about lower limb orthoses (LL-orthoses): 1) the positive and negative aspects; 2) the differences in wearing them according to location; and 3) their recommendations for future modifications.

METHODS:

Four focus group discussions were performed, with in total twenty patients with MS with a prescribed LL-orthosis and seven healthcare professionals. Audiotaped discussions were transcribed and qualitatively processed (NVivo11).

RESULTS:

Healthcare professionals and patients state that a LL-orthosis improves gait and reduces the risk of falling. Some negative aspects were indicated like stigmatization, difficulties to put on and off the LL-orthosis and the aesthetic aspects. Several patients mentioned that they did not get enough or no correct information about the adaptability and use of the orthoses. Opinions regarding differences in wearing according to location (e.g. in and outside the rehabilitation center) were diverse. Recommendations for future changes were e.g. more refined and firmer orthoses.

CONCLUSIONS:

The opinions collected are interesting for taking into account in the process of construction and delivering of LL-orthoses. Future research should focus on the opinions concerning different types of LL-orthosis in relation with the severity of the limitations of the patients.
Mildly disabled persons with multiple sclerosis use similar net joint power strategies as healthy controls when walking speed increases
Authors: Brincks John , Christensen Lars Ejsing , Rehnquist Mette Voigt , Petersen Jesper , Sørensen Henrik , Dalgas Ulrik
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

To improve walking in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of walking. This study examined strategies in net joint power generated or absorbed by hip flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, knee extensors, and plantar flexors in mildly disabled persons with MS and healthy controls at different walking speeds.

METHODS:

Thirteen persons with MS and thirteen healthy controls participated and peak net joint power was calculated using 3D motion analysis.

RESULTS:

In general, no differences were found between speed-matched healthy controls and persons with MS, but the fastest walking speed was significantly higher in healthy controls (2.42 m/s vs. 1.70 m/s). The net joint power increased in hip flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, knee extensors and plantar flexors in both groups, when walking speed increased. Significant correlations between changes in walking speed and changes in net joint power of plantar flexors, hip extensors and hip flexors existed in healthy controls and persons with MS, and in net knee extensor absorption power of persons with MS only.

CONCLUSION:

In contrast to previous studies, these findings suggest that mildly disabled persons with MS used similar kinetic strategies as healthy controls to increase walking speed.
Using association rules to measure Subjective Organization after Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Parente Frederick , Finley John-Christopher
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Subjective Organization (SO) refers to the human tendency to impose organization on our environment. Persons with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) often lose the ability to organize however, there are no performance based measures of organization that can be used to document this disability.

OBJECTIVE:

The authors propose a method of association rule analysis (AR) that can be used as a clinical tool for assessing a patient’s ability to organize.

METHOD:

Twenty three patients with ABI recalled a list of twelve unrelated nouns over twelve study and test trials. Several measures of AR computed on these data were correlated with various measures of short-term, long-term, and delayed recall of the words.

RESULTS:

All of the AR measures correlated significantly with the short-term and long-term memory measures. The confidence measure was the best predictor of memory and the number of association rules generated was the best predictor of learning.

CONCLUSIONS:

The confidence measure can be used as a clinical tool to assess SO with individual ABI survivors.
Swallowing impairments in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Myotonic Dystrophy type 1: Looking for the portrait of dysphagic patient in neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Andrenelli Elisa , Galli Federica Lucia , Gesuita Rosaria , Skrami Edlira , Logullo Francesco Ottavio , Provinciali Leandro , Capecci Marianna , Ceravolo Maria Gabriella , Coccia Michela
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Dysphagia is a critical symptom of Neuromuscular Diseases and is often associated with considerable morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE:

This study is designed to investigate the prevalence of dysphagia and to identify different clinical profiles of swallowing disorders in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the most common Neuromuscular Diseases in the adult age.

METHODS:

Consecutive DM1 and ALS patients from 2013 to 2015 referred to a Centre for Neuromuscular Disease were enrolled. A comprehensive assessment of swallowing function with a Clinical Swallowing Examination and Fluid and Food Trials was performed.

RESULTS:

157 patients were included: 86 ALS, 71 DM1. The dysphagic patients affected by ALS and DM1 (79% and 86% of the respective samples) showed two different profiles. ALS patients with dysphagia were older and underweight. They experienced a global dysfunction of the oral and pharyngeal phases with more difficulty in swallowing thin liquids. Conversely, DM1 patients with dysphagia were younger and tended to obesity. Most of them showed impairment of oral phase and had more frequently difficulty in swallowing solid bolus.

CONCLUSION:

The recognition of specific clinical profiles supports and guides the detection of swallowing disorders in patients with neuromuscular diseases.
Optimization of Work Zone Segments on Urban Roads Using Cellular Automata Model in Mixed Traffic
Authors: Singh Mohit Kumar , Pandey Gaurav , Rao K Ramachandra
Published: January 2018

Increased delays and reduced speeds in work zones leads to congestion. This can be improved by optimizing the work zone length. The focus of this study is to model work zones using cellular automata model and to find the effects of work zones on traffic flow. The methodology adopted in the study involved creating work-zone on the road by blocking some of the cells and then determining traffic characteristics such as delay and queue lengths for model validation. For this the lateral movement rules of the existing Cellular Automata model were modified in order to replicate the traffic movement near work zones. This model is calibrated and validated using data from work zone observed near a metro rail station in Delhi. From the analysis it was evident that the queue length increased with increase in the length of work zone. Several relationships were tried between delay and work zone length. Among them the rational form was found suitable.