bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical Review of the Applications of Multi-Criteria Decision Making in Data Mining
Authors: Vanani Iman Raeesi , Emamat Mir Seyed Mohammad Mohsen
Published: November 2018

In recent years, multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) is a significant part of operations research (OR) and has become an interesting topic to researcher who works in the data mining (DM) field. The aim of this chapter is to provide an in-depth presentation of the contribution of MCDM in the field of DM. In order to develop a reliable knowledge base on accumulating knowledge from previous studies, we present a review of the usage of MCDM methods in DM field. The chapter presents methodology and application. The result shows that the most usage of MCDM in DM consists of evaluating classification algorithms, weighting criteria, and ranking association rules and clusters. Finally, some future research directions are suggested at the end of chapter.
Data Linkage Methods for Big Data Management in Industry 4.0
Authors: Doğan Onur
Published: November 2018

In recent years, the use of various digital devices that continuously generate massive amounts of heterogeneous, structured or unstructured data has increased. In parallel to generation, data collection, storage, and analysis technologies have developed. Big data sources have a variety of data quality. Preparing and clearing data is one of the first step of mining big data. It is often important to address the full data set found in different data sources to achieve the right result. Various techniques have been used to increase the accuracy of the data comparison. Deterministic and probabilistic linkage algorithms are the two main techniques used in literature. They have different steps to reach qualified and integrated results. To easily interpret the results of the linkage algorithm, a confusion matrix can be used. Measurements such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, false positive rate, and false negative rate, are considered to evaluate output quality.
History of International Collaboration on the Exploration and Development of the Arctic
Authors: Pasko Olga , Staurskaya Natalia , Gryaznov Alexander , Zakharchenko Alexander
Published: November 2018

The chapter discusses the key lines of international collaboration in the fields of exploration and development of the Arctic, from the first autonomous expeditions of the late 19th century to the powerful long-standing joint research conducted by thousands of scholars from all over the world. The chapter outlines the key trends of international cooperation within the framework of the exploration of the Arctic, as well as forecasts its development in the future. It is expected that the long-standing comprehensive studies of the Arctic will be continued due to the specific importance of this region for the future of the mankind. Robotic marine expeditions will start a new era in the exploration of the Arctic Ocean. Taking into account the complexity and high costs of polar studies and the growing interest of many countries to the High North, the international collaboration in the Arctic is expected to grow.
Securitization of the Arctic
Authors: Chakrabarti Sukalpa
Published: November 2018

The geopolitical importance of the Arctic is intensifying with the economic and strategic opportunities being unraveled in the wake of the impact of climate change. The chapter analyses the actors and the factors affecting the current security relations in the region and recommends the creation of a regional security architecture (RSA) to deal with the emerging conflict potential of the Arctic. Through the establishment of an effective RSA for the Arctic, the prime objective of building a security environment that protects the region and promotes sustainable economic growth will be achieved. The chapter has been conceptualized under the broad theme of security studies while drawing specifically from the constructivist-structuralist framework of the regional security complex theory (RSCT).
Collaboration Between Russia and the Countries of Northeast Asia in the Arctic
Authors: Voronenko Alexander , Tomilov Mikhail , Greizik Sergei
Published: November 2018

In the 21st century, the Arctic region has become an object of high attention and extensive studies from the side of the international community. The countries of Northeast Asia, particularly China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, demonstrate their interest in the Arctic issue. Among the opportunities to get involved in the development of the Arctic is the collaboration with Russia. The countries have common interests in the region and complementary opportunities. Moreover, Russia and the countries of Northeast Asia do not have critical disagreements between themselves. The authors argue that the collaboration between Russia and the countries of Northeast Asia can potentially establish a new economic paradigm in the High North. One of the key elements of such collaboration is the Russian region of the Far East, a territory that Russia attempts to develop and integrate into the economy of Northeast Asia. Among other issues, this chapter discusses the capacity of the Far East as a gate through which the countries of Northeast Asia may approach the Arctic.
Northern Sea Route
Authors: Górski Jędrzej
Published: November 2018

The Northern Sea Route (NSR) passes through international waters and therefore is subjected to international regimes which encroach upon the regulatory sovereignty of states having stakes in the Arctic. These commitments cover freedom and safety of navigation, delimitation of exclusive economic zones, and obligations related to sustainability such as marine pollution, or conservation of fisheries. Russia's historical claims to sovereignty over the navigation along the NSR have been substantiated after the adoption of the UNCLOS which allowed states to take regulatory actions against marine pollution in ice-covered areas. Such special rights come in tandem with the provision of public goods such as piloting, icebreaking, and rescue services by Russian authorities and state-owned enterprises. The issue of the right to natural resources along the NSR will not be completely settled until a conclusive decision on Russian claims to extended continental shelf filed under the UNCLOS. Sustainability issues are least controversial and subject to unhindered intergovernmental cooperation.
Russia's Circumpolar Territories Inhabited by Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Lipski Stanislav , Storozhenko Olga
Published: November 2018

The Arctic zone of Russia includes nine regions (five of them partially). In total, it covers an inland area of 4.9 million square kilometers and 0.2 million square kilometers of islands. Traditionally, land management has been well developed in Russia as a part of public policy with its established goals, including carrying out different land reforms. However, during previous years, the level of land management in the country as a whole and in the Arctic zone, in particular, has decreased significantly due to a number of economic, organizational, and legal factors. Various federal and regional legislative acts regulate a range of issues related to the activities of indigenous peoples and land management. However, a character of such regulation is neither consistent nor sufficient. Notwithstanding the fact that all territories of Russian Arctic inhabited by indigenous people are recognized as the specially protected natural areas, those territories are still engaged in business activities.
Social Media Analytics for Maintaining Financial Stability
Authors: Nidhiri Sebin B. , Saxena Sakshi
Published: November 2018

Risk and uncertainty are disliked but inevitable. The nature of these has changed and new sources of risk have risen. To mitigate risk and maintain financial stability, the firms need to adapt. The world wide web and, within it, social media have had tremendous growth and wide coverage lately, making them determining forces in any economic activity. This has led to generation of large amount of data on myriad concerns. Recent developments in computing technology has thrown open the possibility of mining useful information from the enormous and dynamic data. The chapter outlines the growth of social media and social media analytics and its financial implications to businesses, consumers, and governments. It details how risk management and social media, two domains earlier considered more diverged than chalk and cheese are now inextricably linked and explains using various cases how social media analytics is used to manage risk and uncertainty. The authors also look at the emerging challenges with these developments.
The Effects of Second Life on the Motivation of EFL Student Teachers
Authors: Kartal Galip , Balçıkanlı Cem
Published: November 2018

This study aimed at investigating the effects of using a virtual world, Second Life (SL), on the motivation of Turkish EFL student teachers. First, a 10-week real-life task syllabus was designed and conducted in SL. Focus-group interviews were utilized to enhance the quality of the tasks. Then, the effects of SL on motivation were tracked via qualitative research tools, namely semi-structured interviews, weekly evaluation forms, and observations. The findings showed that SL was effective in increasing motivation of the participating student teachers. The characteristics of the virtual world that were reported to have an effect on motivation were as follows: natural environment, realistic places, anxiety-free environment, excitement, and visual support. This chapter provides possibilities for those who are interested in employing virtual world technologies in foreign/second language teaching and learning and finally describes an investigation into the role of the virtual world in relation to affordances such technologies present across the globe.
A Framework for Engaging Language Learners in the Online Constructivist Classrooms
Authors: Mitchell Sarah , Mousa Widad
Published: November 2018

The traditional Westernized constructivist approach to online teaching will need modifications due to the proliferation of multicultural online classrooms. Instructional designers and teachers must uncover their own unconscious biases to foster a culturally sensitive learning environment. To discover discrepancies, the teacher must learn about and understand diverse cultures. With this knowledge, the teacher will be able to adapt their teaching skills to different populations. The employment of culturally sensitive techniques in the online constructivist model will promote a sense of belonging for all students.
Applying Social Media Intelligence for Successful Business Management
Authors: Maravilhas Sérgio
Published: November 2018

Marketing trends and competitive information is needed for clear decision making about what products to develop for what customers, at what cost, and through which distribution channels, reducing the uncertainty that a new product/service development always brings. There are several characteristics that describe the quality of information that will allow the analysis of the value of the information used. Information is an important aid in the decision-making process and must be of quality to improve its value. Social media intelligence allows the knowledge of competitors' moves and the analysis of trends from the communications exchanged in the networks of individual consumers, making it easy for companies to develop solutions according to their clients and prospects desires. Learning how to extract quality, unbiased, valuable information from these social tools is the aim of this chapter.
Supporting the Needs of the Independent Learner Within Higher Education
Authors: Costello Robert
Published: November 2018

This chapter offers a case study in adaptive personalized learning for higher education learners. The chapter presents a postgraduate recommender system for educational pathway to aid with online support towards selecting suitable transferable skills depending on department and captures a current snapshot of the current trends that the university is facing.
Can Applied On-Job Training Yield Increased Productivity?
Authors: Barrons Kevin Paul
Published: November 2018

On-job training (OJT) and the zone of proximal learning (ZPL) remain some of the top innovative approaches to increasing the efficacies required in progressive enterprises. Available data indicate that there is a positive correlation between OJT and cumulated productivity. The ZPL is at the cutting-edge of improving cognitive and affective and sensory practices while OJT upsurge the skillfulness required to boost performance in the value creation system. OJT and ZPL can be juxtaposed to progress explicit knowledge difficult for the competition to mimic. A case study is drawn to illustrate how OJT and the ZPL can be applied in the divided labor to grow specialization and design and implement the technology required to upsurge productivity in a successful organization.
Using Notions of “Play” Over the Life Course to Inform Game Design for Older Populations
Authors: Brown Julie A. , De Schutter Bob
Published: November 2018

Play is a lifelong construct that is individually defined and is influenced by multiple variables that affect how play is interpreted and experienced in old age. This chapter highlights the significance of using a life course perspective to explore how play is shaped and reflected through digital gameplay and preferences as a game player ages. Using grounded theory methodology, 51 participants (age 43–77) were interviewed individually. The resulting transcripts were coded to identify emergent themes. The findings demonstrate 1) how play changes throughout the lifespan, 2) how play preferences established in childhood influence digital gameplay for aging adults, and 3) how aging adult gamers aspire to continue gaming as they grow older. Collectively, these themes provide insight into the aspects that need to be taken into account when designing games for aging gamer populations.
Modification of Electronic Structures with Lithium Intercalation in LixMn2O4 (x = 0 and 1) Studied by CRYSTAL14 Calculation Code
Authors: Suzuki Kosuke , Terasaka Ayumu , Abe Tomoya , Sakurai Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

In this study, we calculate electronic structures for Mn2O4 and LiMn2O4 by using CRYSTAL14 ab-initio calculation code in order to understand electrode reaction mechanism of LixMn2O4 by lithiation/delithiation. Mulliken population analysis for all electrons show that the redox orbitals with lithiation and delithiation is O 2p orbitals. However, difference charge densities between majority and minority electrons indicate the change of distribution in Mn 3d orbitals by lithiation. This modification of distribution in Mn 3d orbitals suggests the change of electron configuration because the number of electrons at Mn atom is almost constant in Mulliken population analysis for all electrons. As a result, this modification of distribution in Mn 3d orbitals improves electron conductivity of this material.
Photoluminescence Spectroscopy of Si:SiO2 Films Fabricated by Radio Frequency Sputtering
Authors: Tanaka Koichi , Okamoto Kanami
Published: November 2018

We fabricated Si:SiO2 films including silicon nanocrystallites as one of nanoscale materials, which were prepared by co-sputtering of silicon and silicon dioxide. Optical properties of these films were analyzed by photoluminescence spectroscopy. Specimens fabricated at higher pressure between 0.3 Pa to 0.9 Pa emitted photoluminescence strongly. Photoluminescence was strong at shorter wavelength. In case fabricated in same Ar gas pressure, specimens that had composition ratio, 0.04, of the silicon for target emitted the photoluminescence strongly. Peaks existed on some PL spectra of specimen fabricated by the Ar gas pressure 0.3, 0.5 Pa and the composition ratio 0.04. Suppose that silicon nanocrystallites were fabricated, these size were few nm.
Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Arrays of Fluorescent Centers in Single-Crystalline Diamond Using Particle Beam Writing
Authors: Haruyama Moriyoshi , Suda Yoshinori , Kada Wataru , Onoda Shinobu , Ohshima Takeshi , Miura Kenta , Hanaizumi Osamu
Published: November 2018

Micrometer-scale patterning was performed using the particle beam writing technique with a focused heavy-ion microbeam, allowing the creation of a unique two-dimensional distribution of fluorescent centers in single-crystalline diamond. The focused nitrogen microbeam was scanned over the target of single-crystalline diamond prepared by chemical vapor deposition to create nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers at defined positions. Imaging using a custom-built confocal fluorescence microscopy system revealed that the desired NV distribution was generated in the target crystal with a spatial resolution similar to the beam resolution. A two-dimensional matrix barcode test pattern was successfully generated in a diamond substrate to demonstrate the encryption of information inside a solid-state target.
Myeloid-Specific Deletion of Mcl-1 Yields Severely Neutropenic Mice That Survive and Breed in Homozygous Form
Authors: Csepregi Janka Zsófia , Orosz Anita , Zajta Erik , Kása Orsolya , Németh Tamás , Simon Edina , Fodor Szabina , Csonka Katalin , Barátki Balázs L. , Kövesdi Dorottya , He You-Wen , Gácser Attila , Mócsai Attila
Published: November 2018

Mouse strains with specific deficiency of given hematopoietic lineages provide invaluable tools for understanding blood cell function in health and disease. Whereas neutrophils are dominant leukocytes in humans and mice, there are no widely useful genetic models of neutrophil deficiency in mice. In this study, we show that myeloid-specific deletion of the Mcl-1 antiapoptotic protein in Lyz2Cre/CreMcl1flox/flox (Mcl1ΔMyelo) mice leads to dramatic reduction of circulating and tissue neutrophil counts without affecting circulating lymphocyte, monocyte, or eosinophil numbers. Surprisingly, Mcl1ΔMyelo mice appeared normally, and their survival was mostly normal both under specific pathogen-free and conventional housing conditions. Mcl1ΔMyelo mice were also able to breed in homozygous form, making them highly useful for in vivo experimental studies. The functional relevance of neutropenia was confirmed by the complete protection of Mcl1ΔMyelo mice from arthritis development in the K/B×N serum-transfer model and from skin inflammation in an autoantibody-induced mouse model of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Mcl1ΔMyelo mice were also highly susceptible to systemic Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans infection, due to defective clearance of the invading pathogens. Although neutrophil-specific deletion of Mcl-1 in MRP8-CreMcl1flox/flox (Mcl1ΔPMN) mice also led to severe neutropenia, those mice showed an overt wasting phenotype and strongly reduced survival and breeding, limiting their use as an experimental model of neutrophil deficiency. Taken together, our results with the Mcl1ΔMyelo mice indicate that severe neutropenia does not abrogate the viability and fertility of mice, and they provide a useful genetic mouse model for the analysis of the role of neutrophils in health and disease.
Reverse Takotsubo Syndrome, a Case Report of a Rare Cause for Postpartum Heart Failure
Authors: Kilian Leo , Haaf Philip , Pfister Otmar , Vischer Annina S. , Lapaire Olav , Burkard Thilo
Published: November 2018

Predominant causes for newly diagnosed postpartum heart failure are preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Being an anatomical variant of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) reverse TTS in this period is rare. We present a 36 year old patient, who had delivered triplets by cesarean section. Because of postpartum bleeding she was administered sulprostone. Later she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit with sudden development of dyspnea, tachypnea and tachycardia. Clinical symptoms, laboratory findings and chest radiograph showed signs of acute heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed reverse TTS with moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF 39%). The patient stabilized with loop diuretic, angiotensine-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockade. Breast-feeding was discouraged and bromocriptine administered. Left ventricular function normalized (LVEF 60%) within four weeks. TTS should be considered in patients with early postpartum development of heart failure. Rapid cardiac recompensation after the start of adequate therapy and complete resolution of clinical symptoms and TTE findings are typical for postpartum TTS.
Comparison of spontaneous and secondary pneumomediastinum
Authors: Kawata Natsuki , Yoshie Kohichiro , Oshita Fumihiro
Published: November 2018

Pneumomediastinum (PM) is an uncommon event defined as the presence of free air in the mediastinum. Its clinical picture includes retrosternal chest pain, subcutaneous emphysema, dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia and asthenia. PM is further divided into two groups of patients: spontaneous PM, without any obvious primary source, and secondary PM, with a specific responsible pathologic event, such as trauma, intrathoracic infections, violation of the aerodigestive track or others. We retrospectively examined and compared backgrounds, onset, treatments and outcomes of ten and 5 patients in spontaneous and secondary PM.
Study on improvement of recruitment maneuvers and extravascular lung water in oxygenation of high altitude acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Lin Lijun , Ma Siqing , Yao Yongli , Luo Junming , Shi Qingjun , Chen Qiang
Published: November 2018

To understand the improvement of recruitment maneuvers and extravascular lung water in oxygenation of high altitude acute respiratory distress syndrome, 30 HARDS patients were enrolled in the study from May 2012 to October 2013 from Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital. All the patients received recruitment maneuvers and Pulse Contour Cardiac Output, hemodynamics monitoring including intrathoracic Blood Volume Index; Global End-diastolic Volume Index; Global ejection fraction; Pulmonary Vascular Permeability Index; Extravascular Lung Water Index; Pulse indicates cardiac Index; Stroke Volume Variation; Pulse pressure variation; Maximum pressure to increase speed; Systemic Venous Resistance Index, oxygenation and hemodynamics were determined before and after 72 hours of recruitment maneuvers. The results showed that after treatment with recruitment maneuvers and capacity limitation, PaO2/FiO2 was increased significantly compared with those before treatment [PaO2/FiO2 (mmHg): 124.70±43.37 vs 186.87±41.20, t=9.43, P<0.001], ITBVI, GEDVI, PVPI, EVLWI, SVV were reduced significantly compared with those before treatment[ITBVI (ml/m2): 1031.00±275.88 vs 907.13±242.56, t=1.26, P=0.041; GEDVI (ml/m2): 822.40±143.30 vs 722.83±169.65, t=1.75, P=0.016; PVPI (ml/kg): 2.71±1.21 vs 1.98±0.65, t=2.86, P=0.001; EVLWI (ml/kg): 12.30±4.19 vs 8.12±2.94, t=8.27, P<0.001; SVV (%):17.30±5.65 vs 10.33±3.47, t=9.17, P<0.001]. Our results indicated that recruitment maneuvers and capacity limitation have been improved oxygenation in HARDS, extravascular lung water reduced, and lung capillary permeability also improved.
Characteristics of patients hospitalised in an emergency department observation unit in Japan
Authors: Mitsunaga Toshiya , Ohtaki Yuhei , Kiriyama Nobuaki , Ohtani Kei , Yajima Wataru , Hibi Takahiko , Takeda Satoshi
Published: November 2018

In Japan, transporting elderly patients to emergency departments has recently posed serious problems, including a longer average time from patients’ initial emergency calls to their arrival at hospitals. To manage emergency departments more efficiently, many hospitals in the United States and some other developed countries, including Japan, introduced emergency department observation units (EDOU). However, because the usefulness of EDOUs in managing elderly patients remains uncertain, we analysed data of patients admitted to a Japanese university hospital’s EDOU to gauge its efficacy. We followed 1,426 patients admitted to the hospital’s EDOU from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2014. The average age of patients who stayed in the EDOU increased, whereas the average length of time that they spent there decreased. Although the percentage of patients older than 65 years increased slightly, from 36.42% (2011–2012) to 37.73% (2013–2014), the proportion of those patients between the two periods did not significantly change (P = .61). Moreover, their average length of stay was 2.16 ± 0.91 days, whereas patients younger than 65 years stayed for significantly less time (1.92 ± 0.82 days). By condition, approximately 36% of patients older than 65 years presented with non-neurosurgical trauma, approximately 59% presented with other forms of trauma, but proportions of both categories of trauma were significantly smaller in patients younger than 65 years (nonneurosurgical trauma, 23%; all trauma, 47%). Most elderly patients with limb trauma prepped for surgery were transferred to other hospitals after a few days. Results suggest that the EDOU at the university hospital has served to as a buffer for regional emergency medical systems in Japan, especially given the continued ageing of the Japanese population.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the small bowel mimicking a gas-fluid collection
Authors: Savastano Sergio , Boi Luca , D'Amore Emanuele S.G.
Published: November 2018

Not available.
An explorative study of antecedents of organizational mindfulness in emergency room
Authors: Presutti Michele , Paolillo Rocco , Casagranda Ivo
Published: November 2018

Emergency Room (ER) can be considered as a High Reliability Organization expected to guarantee reliability despite facing hectic and unpredictable events. To achieve this status, ER should invest on the management style of Organizational Mindfulness, focused on anticipation and containment of errors. The aim of this exploratory research was to investigate how Organizational Mindfulness occurs in Italian ERs and what is the role of Safety Culture and Work Engagement in predicting Organizational Mindfulness measured with an ad hoc questionnaire. Results show how the communal sphere of Safety Culture seems a better predictor of Organizational Mindfulness than the individual sphere of Work Engagement.
Ultrasound screening at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy for diagnosis of placenta accreta in mothers with a history of cesarean section
Authors: Younesi Ladan , Karimi Dehkordi Zahra , Lima Zeinab Safarpour , Amjad Ghazaleh
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to add ultrasonographic screening criteria for placenta accreta in patients with cesarean section history at 11-14 weeks of gestation in order to identify those with the high risk of placenta accreta. Consequently, using ultrasound follow-up and confirmation of diagnosis can reduce mortality and morbidity. Pregnant mothers who were referred for routine screening for ultrasonography at 11–14 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study if they had a history of cesarean section. Of the 184 subjects who were included in the study, 23 of the low-risk groups were excluded from study for some reason such as miscarriage and a lack of required information on the time of delivery. Among the 152 subjects, 27 were classified in the high-risk group (17.7%) and 125 subjects in the low-risk group (82.3%). Only one case in the high risk group was identified in patients with placenta accreta by ultrasound and clinical diagnosis, which has undergone a cesarean section at the gestational age of 35 weeks. There was no relationship between placenta accreta and disease risk, placenta previa, cesarean section, maternal age, and gravidity. Therefore, placenta accreta screening using ultrasonography can identify high-risk individuals at week 14-11 and with subsequent follow-up for improving prenatal prognosis.
Does the addition of single joint exercises to a resistance training program improve changes in performance and anthropometric measures in untrained men?
Authors: Barbalho Matheus , Coswig Victor Silveira , Raiol Rodolfo , Steele James , Fisher James P. , Paoli Antonio , Bianco Antonino , Gentil Paulo
Published: November 2018

The present study compared changes in muscle performance and anthropometric measures in young men performing resistance training (RT) programs composed of only multi joint (MJ) exercises, or with the addition of single joint (SJ) exercises (MJ+SJ). Twenty untrained men were randomized to MJ or MJ+SJ groups for 8 weeks. Both groups performed the same MJ exercises. The difference was that the MJ+SJ group added SJ exercises for upper and lower limbs. Participants were tested for 10 repetitions maximum (10RM), flexed arm circumference, and biceps and triceps skinfolds. Both groups significantly increased 10RM load for the bench press (MJ 38.5%, MJ+SJ 40.1%), elbow extension (MJ 28.7%, MJ+SJ 31.9%), pull down (MJ 34.0% MJ+SJ 38.5%), elbow flexion (MJ 38.2%, MJ+SJ 45.3%), leg press (MJ 40.8%, MJ+SJ 46.8%) and knee extension (MJ 26.9%, MJ+SJ 32.9%), with no significant difference between them. The decreases in biceps (MJ -3.6%, MJ+SJ –3.9%) and triceps (MJ –3.4%, MJ+SJ -3.3%) skinfolds were significant for both groups, with no difference between them. However, the flexed arm circumference increased significantly more for MJ+SJ (5.2%), than for MJ (4.0%). The use of SJ exercises as a complement to a RT program containing MJ exercises brings no additional benefit to untrained men in terms of muscle performance and skinfold reduction, though it promoted higher increases in arm circumference.
Myokines in Home-Based Functional Electrical Stimulation-Induced Recovery of Skeletal Muscle in Elderly and Permanent Denervation
Authors: Sajer Sascha , Sauro Guardiero Giulio , Scicchitano Bianca Maria
Published: November 2018

Neuromuscular disorders, disuse, inadequate nutrition, metabolic diseases, cancer and aging produce muscle atrophy and this implies that there are different types of molecular triggers and signaling pathways for muscle wasting. Exercise and muscle contractions may counteract muscle atrophy by releasing a group of peptides, termed myokines, to protect the functionality and to enhance the exercise capacity of skeletal muscle. In this review, we are looking at the role of myokines in the recovery of permanent denervated and elderly skeletal muscle tissue. Since sub-clinical denervation events contribute to both atrophy and the decreased contractile speed of aged muscle, we saw a parallel to spinal cord injury and decided to look at both groups together. The muscle from lifelong active seniors has more muscle bulk and more slow fiber-type groupings than those of sedentary seniors, demonstrating that physical activity maintains slow motoneurons that reinnervate the transiently denervated muscle fibers. Furthermore, we summarized the evidence that muscle degeneration occur with irreversible Conus and Cauda Equina syndrome, a spinal cord injury in which the human leg muscles may be permanently disconnected from the peripheral nervous system. In these patients, suffering with an estreme case of muscle disuse, a complete loss of muscle fibers occurs within five to ten years after injury. Their recovered tetanic contractility, induced by home-based Functional Electrical Stimulation, can restore the muscle size and function in compliant Spinal Cord Injury patients, allowing them to perform electrical stimulation-supported stand-up training. Myokines are produced and released by muscle fibers under contraction and exert both local and systemic effects. Changes in patterns of myokine secretion, particularly of IGF-1 isoforms, occur in long-term Spinal Cord Injury persons and also in very aged people. Their modulation in Spinal Cord Injury and late aging are also key factors of home-based Functional Electrical Stimulation - mediated muscle recovery. Thus, Functional Electrical Stimulation should be prescribed in critical care units and nursing facilities, if persons are unable or reluctant to exercise. This will result in less frequent hospitalizations and a reduced burden on patients’ families and public health services.
Occult hepatitis B virus infection among hemodialysis patients
Authors: Nahid Samiei Rahil , Shokri Somayeh , Mahmoudvand Shahab , Makvandi Manoochehr , Shahbazian Heshmatollah , Shayanpur Shokouh , Nowrozi Sepideh , Hoseiny Nejad Khojasteh
Published: November 2018

Hepatitis B virus is a major public health impasse all over the world. Recently a new form of hepatitis B infection named Occult hepatitis B Infection (OBI) has appeared globally. The OBI is defined as the presence of HBV DNA in the liver and/or blood in the absence of detectable serum HBsAg with/without anti-HBc or anti-HBs. The prevalence of OBI has been reported in hemodialysis (HD) patients in different regions of the world. Thus, this study investigated the prevalence of OBI among HD patients. The cross-sectional study was carried out on 84 HD patients. These sera were checked for HBsAg, HBc-IgG assessment using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The DNA was extracted from the sera samples and tested for HBVDNA detection using Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (Nested PCR). The liver function tests including serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were carried out for all the HD individuals. 52/84(61.9%) of HD were males and 32/84 (38.1%) were females. The patient’s age ranged from 25 to 64 with a mean age of 52.4±15.2 years. HBsAg and HBc-IgG were detected in 1(1.1%) female. 2 (2.4%; a female and a male) patients were positive for HBsAg. 14/84 (16.7%; 6 female and 8 male) HD patients were positive for anti-HBc but negative for HBsAg, among them 4(28.6%; 2 female and 2 male) cases were positive for HBV DNA, indicating the presence of OBI in HD patients. Even distribution of OBI among the HD was found in 2(2.36%) male and 2(2.36%) female (P>.0.05). In the present study the moderate rate of 4.76% OBI has been observed in HD patients. The prevalence of seropositive OBI among the gender was 2(2.36%) male and 2(2.36%) female. The seronegative OBI have not been detected in the present study but requires further investigation. In this study the affliction of OBI in HD patients is not clear.
Annual scientific meeting 27 November 2017
Authors: V.V. A.A.
Published: November 2018

Not available
Relationship between type 2 diabetes and pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yilmaz M. Temel , Gürol Ali Osman
Published: November 2018

Diabetes mellitus and cancer are conditions that constitute a serious problem for the health of the world’s population, and their co-existence in the same person is becoming increasingly common. Glucose metabolism and the presence of insulin in inflammatory situations appear to be the main factors driving this association, where hyperinsulinemia has been shown to contribute to an increase in risk of association between type 2 diabetes and cancer. Therefore, administering lower levels of exogenously administered insulin to patients with type 1 diabetes would decrease their risk of developing cancer when compared to patients with type 2 diabetes. The results from animal experiments seem promising in terms of pharmacological treatment.
Preliminary results of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis: A single center experience
Authors: Yalcin Mihriban , Godekmerdan Katırcıoglu Eda , Erkoc Kamuran , Tiryakioglu Osman
Published: November 2018

Our aim is to explain follow-up in patients treated with pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT) followed by balloon angioplasty for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). A total of 19 patients who underwent PMT for DVT were included in the study. The patients underwent PMT with the Cleaner device after insertion of vena cava filters. The mean age was 45 years (range 20-56). The lesions were on the right side in nine patients and on the left side in 10 patients. Complete thrombus removal was achieved in 14 patients and the remaining five patients underwent balloon angioplasty and stenting to achieve significant patency. In conclusion, our single-center experience with short-term results suggests that PMT with the Cleaner device can be used to successfully manage acute and sub acute DVT.
Simultaneous presence of massive chyloperitoneum and chylothorax and its successful management
Authors: Bhattarai Mukul , Hudali Tamer
Published: November 2018

The incidence of massive chylous ascites and chylothorax after aortofemoral bypass grafting (AFBG) procedure is unknown. Leakage of chyle results in severe malnutrition and infection which can be life threatening. Because of the rarity of disease, the definitive guideline on management of such extensive accumulation of chyle is lacking. We present a case of a 68- year-old gentleman who developed large chylous ascites and chylous pleural effusions causing respiratory distress. His history was significant for aortofemoral bypass graft procedure 8 weeks prior to index presentation. He was successfully managed with chylous fluid drainage, judicious use of diuretics, adherence to a low-fat diet, and supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides.
Novel heterogeneous stiffness for dynamic compression reconstruction
Authors: Liu Rong
Published: November 2018

Not available
The impact of the double blinded randomized control trial Brave Dreams on the nursing staff
Authors: Todini Clara , Zanandrea Michela
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study is a qualitative pilot survey to evaluate the impact of the double-blinded randomized controlled surgical trial Brave Dreams on the nursery staff. Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a condition frequently associated to multiple sclerosis, and characterized by impaired venous drainage of the brain and spinal cord as a result of outflow obstruction in the extracranial venous system. The trial was of paramount importance, because the main objective was to test whether re-establishing a correct venous drainage could have therapeutic implications for multiple sclerosis patients, when the disease was associated to CCSVI. Basically, Brave Dreams assessed the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of extracranial veins. To assess the impact of the trial on the nursery staff, an ad hoc questionnaire was used to test a sample of 8 nurses. The tests investigated 5 macro areas: i) managing of patient assistance; ii) how the research team trained the nursery staff; iii) unmasking efficacy; iv) the overall satisfaction of the nursery staff; v) possible introduction of subjects that explain the methodology of clinical trials during degree nursing education. Data analysis showed that assistance in a trial context must be personalized and based on primary nursing principles. It also showed that staff training was extremely satisfying and helpful to the study successful outcome. Furthermore, it showed that each patient was convinced to have undergone a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and not a sham procedure. Moreover, the survey showed a strong synergy between the patients and the nursery staff involved in the study. Our conclusions are to examine in depth the notions of professional deontology, ethical behavior and patients’ psychology whenever nurses are called to take part in clinical randomized trials.
The omohyoid and sternocleidomastoid muscles entrapment of the internal jugular vein: Which role in Mèniére disease patients? Treatment perspective description
Authors: Piraino Davide , Garofalo Girolamo , Faletra Antonella , Messina Aldo
Published: November 2018

The objectives were to analyze the Internal Jugular vein entrapment caused by muscles compression and the possible role and correlation in Mèniére disease. We describe the eco-color Doppler evaluation of a sternocleidomastoid and omohyoid muscles compression of internal jugular vein in a Mèniére patient, responsible of an anomalous venous cerebral and ear outflow. The proposed treatment was a three months muscolar decontractration physiotherapy program. The physiotherapy session allowed a complete muscles relaxation with an improvement of Internal Jugular vein caliber associated to a normalized cerebral and inner ear venous outflow and a progressive attenuation of Mèniére symptoms during the treatment and its disappearance at the end of the physiotherapy program. The comfort of the patient was confirmed during one-year follow-up. Muscles entrapment of Internal Jugular veins may be correlated with an anomalous cerebral and inner ear venous outflow, promoting the Mèniére disease symptoms. Physiotherapy treatment may represent an intriguing option alternatively of muscle surgical. The present case seems to indicate a possible first line treatment by physiotherapy, reserving surgical resection to not responders. Further studies with a wider sample of patients are warranted.
Venture in 101 cranial punctures: A comparative study between frame-based versus frameless biopsy of 101 intracranial space occupying lesion
Authors: Bishokarma Suresh , Shrestha Pratyush , Koirala Sagar , Raut Manita , Gongal Dinesh
Published: November 2018

Background: Presumptive diagnosis based solely on the clinical picture and imaging is not sufficient to provide appropriate treatment with certainty and hence histopathological confirmation of intracranial space occupying lesion (ICSOL) is essential. Needle biopsy via stereotactic frame-based or frameless neuronavigation technique is efficient procedure. The objective of this study is to compare their accuracy and efficacy and safety. Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study conducted among 101 biopsies of ICSOL. Patients data were retrieved from medical record. Data were analyzed in SPSS ver. 20. P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 101 patients, Frame-based stereotactic biopsy was done among 55 patients (54.4%) while 46 patients (45.6%) underwent frameless stealth neuronavigation guided biopsy. Male to female ration was 2.1:1. Age ranged from 5 to 82 years. 54.5% (55 patients) have deeper location of tumor while 45.5% (46 patients) have lobar location of tumor. Frontal (16.8%) and Thalamic (13.8%) were the common site. Mean size of tumor was 3.09±0.85cms. There was statistically significant difference in operative duration among study groups. Overall Diagnostic yield was 89.1%. Glioma was the most common (50.5%) diagnosis. Glioblastoma WHO Grade IV was 37.6% followed by lymphoma (12.8%). Conclusion: Needle biopsy via stereotactic frame-based or neuronavigation frameless technique is a safe and efficient procedure having high diagnostic yield. Reasons for negative biopsy could be missed target or retrieval of gliotic tissue.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in noncommunicating hydrocephalus: Report on a short series of 53 children
Authors: Sarmast Arif , Khursheed Nayil , Ramzan Altaf , Shaheen Feroz , Wani Abrar , Singh Sarbjit , Ali Zulfikar , Dar Bashir
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Endoscopoic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is currently considered the best alternative to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems in the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. The aim of ETV is to communicate the third ventricle with the interpendicular cistern and create CSF flow which bypasses an obstruction to the circulation of the CSF. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the indications, efficacy, safety and outcome Of ETV pediatric patients of noncommunicating hydrocephalus. Material and Methods: This study is a 3 year prospective study from June 2012 to May 2015. Records were kept for age, gender, etilogical factors, symptoms, signs, previous use of shunt or external ventricular device, imaging findings, and surgical complications (intraoperative and postoperative). Only those patients with age between 6months and 18 years with symptoms of intracranial hypertension and radiographic evidence of noncommunicating hydrocephalus were included in the study. Results: A total of 53 patients were studied, out of these 29 were boys and 24 were girls. The mean age of the patients was 6.6 years. Overall a total of 50 successful ETVs were done in 53 patients. The success rate is estimated to be 94%. There was no mortality. The average postoperative hospital stay was 4 days. The followup ranged from 6 to 16 months (mean, 12 months). Conclusion: ETV in children is a safe, simple and effective treatment and a logical alternative to shunting procedure for patients of noncommunicating hydrocephalus.
A rare case of drug-induced liver injury caused by levetiracetam
Authors: Kawaguchi Tomohiro , Tominaga Teiji
Published: November 2018

Levetiracetam (LEV) is one of the newest antiepileptic drugs available on the market and is frequently used in neurosurgical patients requiring antiepileptic assistance. LEV is mainly excreted by the kidney with minimal hepatic metabolism, so it is considered to have a low liver toxicity. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) associated with LEV administration is extremely rare, with only eight reported cases. In this report, we describe the case of a 44-year-old man who was admitted because of generalized convulsion, and LEV administration at a dose of 3000 mg/day was started following a diagnosis of status epilepticus. Laboratory values before LEV administration were as follows: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 17 IU/L; aspartate transaminase (AST), 41 IU/L; and total bilirubin, 0.59 mg/dL. Viral serology tests for hepatitis B and hepatitis C yielded negative results. Several hours after LEV administration, the patient developed high-grade fever and his liver enzyme levels were found to be elevated. LEV administration was stopped immediately; the peak laboratory values were as follows: ALT, 1,192 IU/L; AST, 3,150 IU/L; and total bilirubin, 2.02 mg/dL. After conservative treatment, the patient's laboratory values were normalized. A drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test (DLST) was performed and showed a positive response, indicating that the administration of LEV was responsible for DILI in this patient. Clearly, LEV can provoke DILI despite its low liver metabolism profile. Therefore, readministration of the drug should be avoided in such cases. An in vitro examination, such as a DLST, can be useful for ensuring a definitive diagnosis of DILI.
Bilateral cerebellopontine angle osteomas: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yilmaz Bahadir , Egemen Emrah , Tekiner Ayhan , Öcal Özgür
Published: November 2018

Osteomas and exostoses of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are very rare, benign, and usually slow-growing lesions; few case reports have been published about these lesions in literature. The most common localizations of these temporal bone lesions are the mastoid cortex and the external acoustic canal. To our knowledge, only two cases of bilateral osteoma arising from both internal acoustic canals (IACs) have been reported. However, these tumors are usually asymptomatic and diagnose incidentally, and they can cause symptoms related to the 7th and 8th cranial nerve involvement. We report on a 75-year-old woman affected with bilateral osteoma of CPA and review the literature that 27 cases of IAC osteoma and exostoses have been reported.
Gestão do conhecimento no setor público: um estudo sobre os artigos publicados em periódicos nacionais no período 2005-2015
Authors: Nogueira e Silva Ana Paula , Dias Miranda Angélica Conceição
Published: November 2018

O conhecimento é um recurso de difícil tangibilização, sendo um desafio para os gestores gerenciá-lo, inclusive nas instituições públicas. Assim, são necessárias pesquisas que contribuam para o processo de gestão desse ativo nessas organizações. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os artigos sobre gestão do conhecimento no setor público publicados em periódicos nacionais da área, no período 2005-2015. A pesquisa caracterizou-se como uma bibliometria. Destacaram-se como principais resultados a grande quantidade de autores com uma publicação, poucas pesquisas com foco nos governos e temática centrada na estratégia e na tecnologia da informação. Concluiu-se que os estudos brasileiros nessa área estão em evolução e seguindo as tendências internacionais, com oportunidades para análise de outros campos relacionados à gestão do conhecimento no setor público.