bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Clinical Microvascular Imaging and Vascular Optics Facility
Authors: Allen John
Published: January 2017

The Newcastle Microvascular Diagnostics Service (MDS) provides a comprehensive array of optical and thermal technologies for assessing micro-circulatory blood flow and function. Thermography is a key modality, although the facility has capability for capillaroscopy, laser Doppler perfusion / speckle contrast imaging, as well as numerous non-imaging techniques. The test portfolio covers four main areas: connective tissue disease and Raynaud's phenomenon, specialist limb studies (i.e. amputation level, muscle compartment perfusion and venous physiology), neurovascular assessment, and burn wound depth assessment. The MDS greatly benefits from a state-of-the-art temperature and humidity-controlled clinical room, enabling thermal physiology investigations to be performed efficiently and with confidence. Extensive research and development (R&D) is also undertaken, with collaborations across a range of academic, clinical and industrial partners. This chapter summarizes the history and development of the MDS, tests performed, R&D undertaken, clinical management, and future service directions.
Cooling Agents' Effect Monitoring When Applied to Skin of Healthy Human Subjects
Authors: Ring Francis J , Jones Carl , Ammer Kurt , Plassmann Peter , Vardasca Ricardo , Bajwa Usama I.
Published: January 2017

There are cooling products available for relieving the pain of minor sports injuries, in muscles, tendons, joints, strains, sprains and knocks. These products are based on ice, gel and cold patches. In order to quantify objectively the effect of each type of those products thermal imaging was used. This monitoring method is suitable to quantify quickly large regions of interest in skin areas over time through the thermal radiation perceived by thermal camera sensors. All recorded images were taken in a controlled environment and following a standard capture protocol in terms of subject, equipment and examination room preparation and procedure of conduction the examination. Two experiments were performed. The obtained results demonstrate that quantitative thermal imaging is a simple and objective tool for evaluating topical cooling treatments. However, it is important to assess the emissivity of any applied substance, which could have a significant effect on temperature measurement by remote sensing.
Thermal Evaluation of Myogenous Temporomandibular Disorders and Myofascial Trigger Points in the Masticatory Muscles
Authors: Haddad Denise Sabbagh , Brioschi Marcos Leal , Arita Emiko Saito
Published: January 2017

It is known that the myofascial trigger points (MTP) and myogenous temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) cause regional sympathetic hyperactivity in local temperature due to the cutaneous vasomotor activity and, for detection of functional changes, thermography is used as an complementary diagnostic imaging method. This chapter intends to study two masticatory muscles, masseter and anterior temporalis, in measurement of the cutaneous temperature of volunteers with and without myogenous TMD and MTP. Results: The temperature levels measured at both muscles regions in myogenous TMD volunteers were significantly lower than those measured in controls. Infrared imaging indicated differences between referred and local pain in MTPs of 0.5ºC. Conclusions: Infrared imaging measurements seem to indicate that it can be used as an aid in complimentary diagnosing of TMDs and MTPs in masticatory muscles.
The Importance of Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty in the Service Sector
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: January 2017

This chapter presents the overview of customer satisfaction; customer satisfaction and service quality; customer satisfaction and Online Travel Agency (OTA) websites in the tourism industry; customer satisfaction and switching behavior in the mobile service company; the overview of customer loyalty; the advanced issues of customer loyalty program; and the relationships among customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, brand management, and social media. Creating loyalty among customers can help service company significantly increase the purchases of existing products, charge premium prices for the appreciation of value-added services, and create the positive word-of-mouth promotion for the company, which is the significant marketing objective in the service sector. The chapter argues that facilitating customer satisfaction and customer loyalty has the potential to enhance organizational performance and gain sustainable competitive advantage in the service sector.
QPLAN
Authors: Féris Marco Antônio Amaral
Published: January 2017

As business competition increases, there is pressure on software development projects to become more productive and efficient. Previous research has shown that quality planning is a key factor in enhancing project performance. Thus, this article reports on the successful development and implementation of a tool (QPLAN) that enhances software development project performance by evaluating the planning quality of any type of software project and introducing best planning practices (such as references from historical data) that suggest how to manage projects in an appropriate manner, including encompassing lessons learned and involving the customer in the development process. This is applied research aimed at solving a real problem; thus, Design Science Research was adopted as the research methodology and the design science research process (DSRP) model was selected to conduct it. This artifact was designed for the project management literature, and implemented and validated in 11 organizations in five countries.
Development of an Information Quality Framework for Mechanical Engineering Modules with Enhanced Treatment for Pedagogical Content
Authors: Asim Taimoor , Mishra Rakesh , Alseddiqi Mohamed
Published: January 2017

The technology based learning systems have capability to comply with diverse requirements of all the stakeholders in the modern education system. In technology based modules, such as those taught in Mechanical Engineering courses, the psychomotor content takes precedence over other domains of teaching and learning. Effective integration of pedagogical content within the Mechanical Engineering modules is of utmost importance for effectiveness in teaching and learning processes in these modules. Published literature is limited in this regard, and hence, the present study focuses on developing a novel an information quality framework for Mechanical Engineering modules, through which an enhanced treatment has been provided to the pedagogical content, in order to meet the educational goals and the industrial requirements worldwide. The novel information quality framework developed in the present study can be used as a guideline for measuring the effectiveness of Mechanical Engineering modules.
Proposed Framework for Mobile Decision Support Systems for Higher Learning Institutions
Authors: Sedoyeka Eliamani , Baruti Sophia Shabani
Published: January 2017

The vast amount of information brought about by the use of Information Technologies can sometimes pose a challenge to decision makers about the relevance and effectiveness of certain information. This paper proposes a Mobile Decision Support System (MDSS) suitable for Higher Learning institution. To arrive to the proposed design, researchers used traditional research techniques such a questionnaire and interview to understand the way decision makers operate in their respective organizations. Using four higher learning institutions located in Dar es Salaam as case study, data were collected, digitized and analyzed. Results showed that despite having access to computers and other forms of information technologies, most decision makers rely on tradition methods such word of mouth, document review and meetings to arrive to most of their decisions. Many participants expressed their skepticism on the state of the information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructures as some turned to their subordinates and offline sources as their convenient ways to gather information.
Influential Researcher Identification in Academic Network Using Rough Set Based Selection of Time-Weighted Academic and Social Network Features
Authors: G. Manju , V. Kavitha , T.V. Geetha
Published: January 2017

Researchers entering into a new research area are interested in knowing the current research trends, popular publications and influential (popular) researchers in that area in order to initiate their research. In this work, we attempt to determine the influential researcher for a specific topic. The active participation of the researchers in both the academic and social network activities signifies the researchers' influence level across time. The content and frequency of social interaction to a researcher reflects his or her influence. In our system, appropriate time-based social and academic features are selected using entropy based feature selection approach of rough set theory. A three layer model comprising semantically related concepts, researcher and social relations is developed based on the appropriate (influential) features. The researchers' topic trajectories are identified and recommended using Spreading activation algorithm. To cope up with the scalable academic network, map reduce paradigm has been employed in the spreading activation algorithm.
Using an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior to Study Nurses' Adoption of Healthcare Information Systems in Nova Scotia
Authors: Ifinedo Princely
Published: January 2017

This study used the theory of planned behavior (TPB), which was extended to include relevant constructs such as computer self-efficacy, anxiety and habit, to investigate registered nurses' (RNs') adoption of healthcare information systems (HIS) in Nova Scotia, Canada. An analysis of data collected from 197 RNs in a cross-sectional survey showed that their attitudes towards HIS were positively impacted by computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety (lack thereof). RNs' attitudes toward HIS and facilitating organizational conditions significantly influenced intentions to use HIS at work. Contrary to prediction, subjective norm did not influence RNs' intentions to use HIS in the research setting. Computer habit mattered for RNs' acceptance of HIS. Information from the study benefits the management of RNs' HIS use in Nova Scotia, in particular, and comparable parts of Canada and the world.
Natural history ofSymmetrischema lavernella(Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): a moth with two feeding strategies and the ability to induce fruit formation in the absence of pollination
Authors: Roulston T’ai H. , Cruz-Maysonet Stephanie , Moorhouse Amy L. , Lee Sangmi , Emerson Amber N.
Published: January 2017

The mothSymmetrischema lavernella(Chambers) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has two feeding strategies on its host plantPhysalisLinnaeus (Solanaceae): a fruitworm that feeds on developing ovules in a fruit and a budworm that consumes a floral bud. The fruitworm strategy occurs when a neonate caterpillar enters the ovary of a flower bud above a size threshold (~4 mm inPhysalis heterophyllaNees), consumes the developing ovules, and pupates in the fruit. InP.heterophylla, occupancy of the ovary byS. lavernellacauses fruit development to occur in the absence of pollination, indicating that the caterpillar initiates developmental pathways associated with pollination. The budworm strategy occurs in buds below ~4 mm, involves consumption of the ovary and immature anthers, and results in pupation inside the uninflated calyx. The two strategies co-occur on plants, determined by the sizes of the available buds at the time of oviposition. The most prominent natural enemy ofS. lavernellausing the fruitworm strategy was the frugivorous caterpillarHeliothis subflexa(Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), also a specialist ofPhysalis. The largerHeliothis subflexafeeds on the fruit externally, consumesS. lavernella, and caused 31.3% of fruitworm mortality in field surveys. Parasitoids included wasps (Hymenoptera) of the families Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, and Chalcididae.
Native bumble bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) pollinators vary in floral resource use across an invasion gradient
Authors: Gillespie S.D. , Bayley J. , Elle E.
Published: January 2017

Integration of pollinator-dependent invasive plants into native pollination networks can have direct and indirect effects on local plant and pollinator communities. Impacts on local plants are well documented; however effects on native pollinators have gained less attention. We examine these issues in habitat fragments of the endangered oak-savannah ecosystem in British Columbia, Canada. We measured pollen collection by native bumble bees (Bombus Latreille; Hymenoptera: Apidae) and the introduced honey bee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus; Hymenoptera: Apidae) foraging on two common native plants in habitat fragments with varying invasive (Cytisus scoparius (Linnaeus) Link; Fabaceae) density. The Bombus species with the largest workers had higher proportions of invasive pollen on their bodies and in their corbiculae than smaller workers. Honey bees rarely collected C. scoparius pollen. While some native bumble bees species collect an increasing proportion of C. scoparius pollen with increasing C. scoparius density, this did not translate into an increased potential for pollination. Rather, measures of effective pollination decline with C. scoparius density. Overall, our results suggest that some bee species may be better at finding resources at highly invaded sites. Apis mellifera is likely not playing a major role in facilitating the spread of C. scoparius in our region. Rather C. scoparius is visited by a complement of native bumble bees that are similar to pollinators in the native range of this plant.
Are Spanish companies involved in profit shifting? Consequences in terms of tax revenues
Authors: Murciego Ángela Castillo , López-Laborda Julio
Published: January 2017

In this paper the authors analyze the existence of profit shifting between Spain and other OECD and EU countries. Using a sample of 1,169 Spanish subsidiaries owned by foreign OECD and EU parent companies and a sample of 317 EU subsidiaries owned by Spanish parent companies, taken from the AMADEUS Database for the period 2005 to 2014, and a simple tax rate difference as a measure of the tax incentive, the authors obtain a negative effect of corporate income taxes on reported profits. When the tax rate differences between Spain and the foreign countries vary by one percentage point, reported profits vary by approximately 2.7 to 3%. This is consistent with profit shifting activity by corporations and matches the empirical results in the literature. Furthermore, the authors calculate the impact of this activity on Spain’s tax revenues from the sample of Spanish subsidiary companies. They obtain that the tax revenues vary from year to year, depending on the level of taxation of the main investor countries in Spain in comparison to the Spanish tax rate.
Investigation of the mixing layer height derived from ceilometer measurements in the Kathmandu Valley and implications for local air quality
Authors: Mues Andrea , Rupakheti Maheswar , Münkel Christoph , Lauer Axel , Bozem Heiko , Hoor Peter , Butler Tim , Lawrence Mark
Published: January 2017

Abstract. In this study one year of ceilometer measurements taken in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, in the framework of the SusKat project (A Sustainable Atmosphere for the Kathmandu Valley) were analyzed to investigate the diurnal variation of the mixing layer height and its dependency on the meteorological conditions. In addition, the impact of the mixing layer height on the temporal variation and the magnitude of the measured black carbon concentrations are analysed for each season. Based on the assumption that black carbon aerosols are vertically well mixed within the mixing layer and the finding that the mixing layer varies only little during night time and morning hours, black carbon emission fluxes are estimated for these hours and per month. Even though this method is relatively simple, it can give an observationally based first estimate of the black carbon emissions in this region, especially illuminating the seasonal cycle of the emission fluxes. In all seasons the diurnal cycle of the mixing layer height is typically characterized by low heights during the night and maximum values during in the afternoon. Seasonal differences are found in the absolute mixing layer height values and the duration of the typical daytime maximum. During the monsoon season a diurnal cycle has been observed with the smallest amplitude, with the lowest daytime mixing height of all seasons, and also the highest nighttime and early morning mixing height of all seasons. These characteristics can mainly be explained with the frequently present clouds and the associated reduction in incoming solar radiation and outgoing longwave radiation. In general, the black carbon concentrations show a clear anticorrelation with mixing layer height measurements, although this relation is less pronounced in the monsoon season. The daily evolution of the black carbon diurnal cycle differs between the seasons, partly due to the different meteorological conditions including the mixing layer height. Other important reasons are the different main emission sources and their diurnal variations in the individual seasons. The estimation of the black carbon emission flux for the morning hours show a clear seasonal cycle with maximum values in December to April. Compared to the emission flux values provided by different emission databases for this region, the here estimated values are considerably higher. Several possible sources of uncertainty are considered, and even the absolute lower bound of the emissions based on our methodology is higher than in most emissions datasets, providing strong evidence that the black carbon emissions for this region have likely been underestimated in modelling studies thus far.
Plant water resource partitioning and isotopic fractionation during transpiration in a seasonally dry tropical climate
Authors: De Wispelaere Lien , Bodé Samuel , Hervé-Fernández Pedro , Hemp Andreas , Verschuren Dirk , Boeckx Pascal
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Lake Chala (3°19′ S, 37°42′ E) is a steep-sided crater lake situated in equatorial East Africa, a tropical semiarid area with a bimodal rainfall pattern. Plants in this region are exposed to a prolonged dry season, and we investigated if (1) these plants show spatial variability and temporal shifts in their water source use; (2) seasonal differences in the isotopic composition of precipitation are reflected in xylem water; and (3) plant family, growth form, leaf phenology, habitat and season influence the xylem-to-leaf water deuterium enrichment. In this study, the δ2H and δ18O of precipitation, lake water, groundwater, plant xylem water and plant leaf water were measured across different plant species, seasons and plant habitats in the vicinity of Lake Chala. We found that plants rely mostly on water from the short rains falling from October to December (northeastern monsoon), as these recharge the soil after the long dry season. This plant-available, static water pool is only slightly replenished by the long rains falling from February to May (southeastern monsoon), in agreement with the two water worlds hypothesis, according to which plants rely on a static water pool while a mobile water pool recharges the groundwater. Spatial variability in water resource use exists in the study region, with plants at the lakeshore relying on a water source admixed with lake water. Leaf phenology does not affect water resource use. According to our results, plant species and their associated leaf phenology are the primary factors influencing the enrichment in deuterium from xylem water to leaf water (εl/x), with deciduous species giving the highest enrichment, while growth form and season have negligible effects. Our observations have important implications for the interpretation of δ2H of plant leaf wax n-alkanes (δ2Hwax) from paleohydrological records in tropical East Africa, given that the temporal variability in the isotopic composition of precipitation is not reflected in xylem water and that leaf water deuterium enrichment is a key factor in shaping δ2Hwax. The large interspecies variability in xylem–leaf enrichment (24 ± 28 ‰) is potentially troublesome, taking into account the likelihood of changes in species assemblage with climate shifts.
Connecting spatial and temporal scales of tropical precipitation in observations and the MetUM-GA6
Authors: Martin Gill M. , Klingaman Nicholas P. , Moise Aurel F.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. This study analyses tropical rainfall variability (on a range of temporal and spatial scales) in a set of parallel Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) simulations at a range of horizontal resolutions, which are compared with two satellite-derived rainfall datasets. We focus on the shorter scales, i.e. from the native grid and time step of the model through sub-daily to seasonal, since previous studies have paid relatively little attention to sub-daily rainfall variability and how this feeds through to longer scales. We find that the behaviour of the deep convection parametrization in this model on the native grid and time step is largely independent of the grid-box size and time step length over which it operates. There is also little difference in the rainfall variability on larger/longer spatial/temporal scales. Tropical convection in the model on the native grid/time step is spatially and temporally intermittent, producing very large rainfall amounts interspersed with grid boxes/time steps of little or no rain. In contrast, switching off the deep convection parametrization, albeit at an unrealistic resolution for resolving tropical convection, results in very persistent (for limited periods), but very sporadic, rainfall. In both cases, spatial and temporal averaging smoothes out this intermittency. On the  ∼  100 km scale, for oceanic regions, the spectra of 3-hourly and daily mean rainfall in the configurations with parametrized convection agree fairly well with those from satellite-derived rainfall estimates, while at  ∼  10-day timescales the averages are overestimated, indicating a lack of intra-seasonal variability. Over tropical land the results are more varied, but the model often underestimates the daily mean rainfall (partly as a result of a poor diurnal cycle) but still lacks variability on intra-seasonal timescales. Ultimately, such work will shed light on how uncertainties in modelling small-/short-scale processes relate to uncertainty in climate change projections of rainfall distribution and variability, with a view to reducing such uncertainty through improved modelling of small-/short-scale processes.
Wave spectral shapes in the coastal waters based on measured data off Karwar, west coast of India
Authors: Nair M. Anjali , Kumar V. Sanil
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Understanding of the wave spectral shapes is of primary importance for the design of marine facilities. In this paper, the wave spectra collected from January 2011 to December 2015 in the coastal waters are examined to know the temporal variations in the wave spectral shape. For 31.15 % of the time, peak frequency is between 0.08 and 0.10 Hz and the significant wave height is also relatively high (~ 1.55 m) for waves in this class. The slope of the high-frequency tail of the monthly average wave spectra is high during the Indian summer monsoon period (June–September) compared to other months and it increases with increase in significant wave height. There is no much interannual variation in slope for swell dominated spectra during the monsoon, while in the non-monsoon period when wind-seas have much influence, the slope varies significantly. Since the high-frequency slope of the wave spectrum is within the range 3–4 during the monsoon period, Donelan spectrum shows better fit for the wave spectra in monsoon months compared to other months.
Severe limitations of the poietic individual mind
Authors: Matusov Eugene
Published: January 2017

Review of the 2011 book Thinking, fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman published by New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (ISBN: 9780374533557; 499pp.)
Intravitreal Chemotherapy in the Management of Vitreous Disease in Retinoblastoma
Authors: Kiratli Hayyam , Koç İrem , Varan Ali , Akyüz Canan
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the therapeutic outcome of intravitreal melphalan injection in the management of vitreous disease in patients with retinoblastoma. We particularly aimed to assess whether higher melphalan dose with lower number of injections was more effective and associated with fewer side effects.

Methods

This retrospective, interventional, noncomparative, and nonrandomized study included 39 eyes of 37 patients. Vitreous seeds were classified as dust, sphere, and cloud types. Intravitreal injections were performed through pars plana free of any visible tumor using 30-G needle. Response of the seeds (disappearance, conversion into inactive debris, or progression) and enucleation rate were determined as outcome measures.

Results

All patients previously received systemic or intra-arterial chemotherapy. Vitreous seeding was primary in 54% of eyes and secondary in 46% of eyes. Vitreous seeds were classified as dust in 9 (23.1%) eyes, sphere in 24 (61.5%) eyes, and cloud in 6 (15.4%) eyes. Melphalan dose varied between 20 and 40 µg and 20 (51.3%) eyes received >30 µg. The total number of injections was 70 (range 1-5, mean 1.8 per eye). Various types of regression were obtained in 27 (69.2%) eyes. Sphere-type seeds were the most responsive to melphalan. Nonresponse and disease progression were noted in 12 (30.8%) eyes. After a mean follow-up of 11.8 months, 17 (44%) eyes were enucleated. Vitreous hemorrhage (18%) and retinal pigment epithelial alterations (8%) were the most common side effects.

Conclusions

Intravitreal melphalan at 30-40 µg in 1 or 2 injections proved effective in 69.2% of eyes with vitreous disease.
Reading and Quality of Life Differences between Tecnis ZCB00 Monofocal and Tecnis ZMB00 Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: de Asís Bartol-Puyal Francisco , Talavero Paula , Giménez Galadriel , Altemir Irene , Larrosa José M. , Polo Vicente , Pablo Luis E.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To compare the NEI-RQL-42 quality of life questionnaire and the Radner Vissum reading test outcomes after bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of Tecnis ZCB00 monofocal and Tecnis ZMB00 multifocal intraocular lens (IOL).

Methods

Forty-two eyes of 21 patients who had phacoemulsification were implanted with Tecnis ZCB00 IOL and 82 eyes of 41 patients were implanted with Tecnis ZMB00 IOL. They answered the NEI-RQL-42 questionnaire before cataract surgery and 3 months after it. The Radner Vissum test was performed 3 months after the surgery with optical correction for near vision in patients with monofocal IOL, but without it in patients with multifocal IOL.

Results

Regarding the NEI-RQL-42 test, the multifocal group obtained better results in items 2, 7, 8, 11, 13, 31, and 40, and in the following categories: near vision, dependence on correction, and suboptimal correction (p<0.05). The monofocal group only showed better results in item 17. As for the Radner Vissum test, the multifocal group obtained significantly better results in phrases 1, 3, 4, and 5, and in the number of incorrect syllables (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with Tecnis ZMB00 multifocal IOL report a higher quality of life regarding the lack of need for optical correction for near vision in their daily activities, but halos in vision at night. Additionally, patients with multifocal IOL achieve similar or better reading quality at near vision and under photopic lighting conditions than patients with monofocal IOL with near vision optical correction.
International Coordinator Survey Results on the Outpatient Management of Patients with the Heartware® Ventricular Assist System
Authors: Schlöglhofer Thomas , Robson Desiree , Bancroft Jayne , Sørensen Gro , Kaufmann Friedrich , Sweet Leslie , Wrightson Neil
Published: January 2017

Purpose

While the HeartWare® Ventricular Assist System (HVAS) is a successful therapy for end-stage heart failure, outpatient management methods can vary significantly and require further investigation.

Methods

A survey to assess the long-term HVAS patient management and monitoring strategies was completed by 36 international heart centers that currently have over 1,450 patients on VAD support either at home or in the hospital. Multiple choice questions examined VAD program characteristics, anticoagulation management, driveline exit-site dressing and showering recommendations, blood pressure and pump parameter monitoring, and patient discharge protocols.

Results

Outpatient international normalized ratio (INR) was most frequently measured every 3–4 days (28.6%), and the most frequent schedule for changing driveline exit site dressings was 3 times per week (30.6%). Only 25.7% of centers required their patients to measure blood pressure at home. A subgroup analysis was performed to assess the influence of center experience and larger centers generally had more frequent monitoring compared to smaller centers.

Conclusions

This survey showed specific differences in outpatient management strategies that were previously unreported. However, further studies with correlations to patient outcomes are necessary to determine optimal patient management recommendations.
Correlation between Chromosome 9p21 Locus Deletion and Prognosis in Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: de Barros Érika Aparecida Felix , Pontes-Junior José , Reis Sabrina Thalita , Lima Amanda Eunice Ramos , Souza Isida C. , Salgueiro Jose Lucas , Fontes Douglas , Dellê Humberto , Coelho Rafael Ferreira , Viana Nayara Izabel , Leite Kátia Ramos Moreira , Nahas William C. , Srougi Miguel
Published: January 2017

Background

Some studies have reported that deletions at chromosome arm 9p occur frequently and represent a critical step in carcinogenesis of some neoplasms. Our aim was to evaluate the deletion of locus 9p21 and chromosomes 3, 7 and 17 in localized prostate cancer (PC) and correlate these alterations with prognostic factors and biochemical recurrence after surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated surgical specimens from 111 patients with localized PC who underwent radical prostatectomy. Biochemical recurrence was defined as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >0.2 ng/mL and the mean postoperative follow-up was 123 months. The deletions were evaluated using fluorescence in situ hybridization with centromeric and locus-specific probes in a tissue microarray containing 2 samples from each patient. We correlated the occurrence of any deletion with pathological stage, Gleason score, ISUP grade group, PSA and biochemical recurrence.

Results

We observed a loss of any probe in only 8 patients (7.2%). The most common deletion was the loss of locus 9p21, which occurred in 6.4% of cases. Deletions of chromosomes 3, 7 and 17 were observed in 2.3%, 1.2% and 1.8% patients, respectively. There was no correlation between chromosome loss and Gleason score, ISUP, PSA or stage. Biochemical recurrence occurred in 83% cases involving 9p21 deletions. Loss of 9p21 locus was significantly associated with time to recurrence (p = 0.038).

Conclusions

We found low rates of deletion in chromosomes 3, 7 and 17 and 9p21 locus. We observed that 9p21 locus deletion was associated with worse prognosis in localized PC treated by radical prostatectomy.
Evaluation of Dienogest Treatment Efficacy in Patients with Endometriosis
Authors: Dobrokhotova Julia E. , Ilyina Irina J. , Grishin Igor I. , Ibragimova Djamilya M. , Kalimatova Donna M. , Narimanova Metanat R. , Bondarenko Karina R. , Ilchenko Vera J.
Published: January 2017

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative dienogest treatment in endometriosis patients.

Materials and methods

A total of 53 patients suffering from endometriosis were enrolled. All participants underwent laparoscopic operative treatment. Afterwards, all patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (receiving dienogest 2 mg/day after surgery). Comparative analysis was performed evaluating patients’ condition and complaints in the postoperative period, the disease dynamics at 3 and 6 months after the surgery, pain assessment (visual analogue scale) and severity of metrorrhagia in both groups.

Results

Postoperative dienogest treatment reduces the severity of symptoms and improves treatment outcomes in endometriosis patients, leading to the improvement of the quality of life in these patients.

Conclusions

Dienogest (2 mg/day) is a highly effective drug for postoperative treatment of patients with endometriosis. Dienogest (2 mg/day) significantly decreases the severity of pelvic pain and metrorrhagia after surgery. The medication is safe and side effects are rare.
Adipose-Derived Cell Transplantation in Systemic Sclerosis: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Del Papa Nicoletta , Zaccara Eleonora , Di Luca Gabriele , Andracco Romina , Maglione Wanda , Vitali Claudio
Published: January 2017

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is one of the most complex connective tissue diseases. Although significant progress in the knowledge of pathogenic mechanisms and timely diagnosis, therapeutic options remain limited. The attempt to find new treatments for SSc has led researchers to investigate the potential of cellular therapies using autologous and allogeneic stem cells. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are considered an attractive candidate for cell-based therapies. MSCs comprise a heterogeneous population of cells with multilineage differentiation potential that are preferentially able to home to the sites of damage, and secrete various cytokines and growth factors that can have immunomodulatory, angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. MSCs from bone-marrow have been first extensively characterized. Adipose tissue represents an additional abundant and accessible source of stem cells. Compared with BM-MSCs, adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) offer several advantages, including ease of isolation, less donor morbidity, relative abundance, and rapidity of expansion. For all these reasons, at present ASCs are one of the most attractive and promising sources of adult stem cells for cell therapy, finding a field of application in the treatment of SSc, too. This review will focus on the current applications and possible future perspectives of adipose tissue-cell therapies in SSc.
Clinical Pearls from the World Congress on Systemic Sclerosis, February, 2016
Authors: Furst Daniel E.
Published: January 2017

The World Scleroderma Foundation Conference produced a number of abstracts of potential clinical interest. Multiple treatments for systemic sclerosis (SSC) are being brought forward; among these are studies of prokinetics for the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), mycophenolate mofetil and tocilizumab. Ultrasound of the skin overall, skin ulcers, lungs and musculoskeletal system shows progress and shows the potential usefulness of ultrasound. Capillaroscopy, too, continues to be developed. Fatigue is being more carefully examined and indicates the multifactorial nature of this symptom, although fatigue is not usually due to lack of sleep. In addition, several other areas were described, including gastrointestinal involvement in SSC and measurement of response criteria for juvenile systemic sclerosis.
The Comparability of Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue Scores between Cancer and Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Coroiu Adina , Kwakkenbos Linda , Levis Brooke , Hudson Marie , Baron Murray , Cella David , Thombs Brett D. ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group*
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-fatigue (FACIT-F) is commonly used to assess fatigue across diseases. The degree to which the FACIT-F demonstrates measurement equivalence across disease groups, however, is not known. The purpose of this study was to assess differential item functioning (DIF) of FACIT-F items between patients with cancer and systemic sclerosis (SSc or scleroderma).

Methods

Secondary analysis of FACIT-F data from cancer and SSc patients. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the factor structure of the FACIT-F in cancer and SSc patients. The multiple-indicator, multiple-cause model was utilized to assess DIF, comparing responses from cancer and SSc patients.

Results

A unidimensional factor structure for the FACIT-F was demonstrated with the cancer (n = 1141), SSc (n = 1186), and combined samples. Statistically significant, but small-magnitude, DIF was found for four items. Compared to cancer patients with the same level of fatigue, SSc patients had lower scores (more fatigue) for item 2 ( bodily weakness), 7 ( energy), and 8 ( ability to perform daily activities); and higher scores (less fatigue) for item 9 ( need to sleep throughout the day). For the entire scale, SSc patients had 0.47 SD lower FACIT-F latent factor scores (more fatigue) than cancer patients. After correcting for DIF, there was a change of only 0.03 SD in this difference (0.44 SD lower).

Conclusions

Although statistically significant DIF was detected for four FACIT-F items, the magnitude was small and the effect on fatigue latent scores was minimal. Thus, FACIT-F scores can be used equivalently in cancer and SSc.
Body Mass Index Based Evaluation of 6-Year Outcomes after Transobturator Tension-Free Vaginal Tape for Female Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Salvarcı Ahmet , Gurbuz Recai
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The long-term results will be presented according to the body mass index (BMI) rates for transobturator tension-free vaginal.

Methods

Three hundred nineteen female patients were evaluated (2008-2014). Their incontinence was classified according to the Stamey classification. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short form was filled in before and after surgery. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse quantification system was utilized. The Female Sexual Function Index and the International Index of Erectile Functions were asked to be filled in. Their satisfaction level was assessed in the sixth year with the modified Clavien classification system. BMI cut-off points for public health action for the Asian population were adopted in the present study as follows: 18.5-23.0 kg/m2 (normal), 23.1-27.4 kg/m2 (high) and at least 27.5 kg/m2 (obese), respectively.

Results

The median success rate on the 12th month was calculated as 81.25% in the follow-ups after TOT; it was observed that the median success rate after 72 months decreased to 79.15%. Significant improvements were observed in the Female Sexual Function Index and the Index of Erectile Dysfunction. The objective cure rates detected according to normal, high and obese BMI rates, respectively, were 93.1%, 75.9% and 81.4%, while the patient satisfaction rates were 83.3%, 81.3% and 83.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

It was observed that the objective and subjective patient satisfaction rates were very good in the long term in all BMI groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in perioperative complication rate, 6-year success rates and patient satisfaction among the three different BMI groups in the long term.
A Phytotherapic Approach to Reduce Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Patients with Male Infertility
Authors: Capece Marco , Romeo Giuseppe , Ruffo Antonio , Romis Leo , Mordente Salvatore , Di Lauro Giovanni
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Infertility affects 50 to 80 million (between 8 and 12% of couples). Male factor is a cause of infertility in almost half of the cases, mainly due to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. DNA fragmentation is now considered an important factor in the aetiology of male infertility. We studied the effects on semen analysis and on DNA fragmentation of in vivo admnistration of Myo-Inositol and Tribulus Terrestris plus Alga Ecklonia plus Biovis (Tradafertil; Tradapharma Sagl, Swizerland) in men with previously diagnosed male infertility.

Materials and Methods

Sixty patients were enrolled in the present study and were randomized into two subgroups: the group A who received Myo-inositol 1000 mg, Tribulus Terrestris 300 mg, Alga Ecklonia Bicyclis 200 mg and Biovis one tablet a day for 90 days, and the group B (placebo group) who received one placebo tablet a day for 90 days. The primary efficacy outcome was the improvement of semen characteristics after 3 months’ therapy and the secondary outcome was the reduction of the DNA fragmentation after treatment.

Results

The groups were homogenous for age, hormonal levels, sperm concentration and all parameters of sperm analysis. Sperm concentration and progressive motility improved after treatment with Tradafertil (3.82 Mil/ml vs. 1.71 Mil/ml; p<0.05; 4.86% vs. 1.00%; p<0.05) as well as the DNA fragmentation (-1.64% vs -0.39%, p<0.001). No side effects were revealed.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we can affirm that Tradafertil is safe and tolerable. It is a new phytotherapic approach to Oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT) syndrome that could lead to good results without interacting with hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis.
Long-Term follow-up of Trigonoplasty Antireflux Operation
Authors: Sharifiaghdas Farzaneh , Mahmoudnejad Nastaran , Kashi Amir H. , Ramezani Mehdi H. , Narouie Behzad
Published: January 2017

Background

Open trigonoplasty antireflux operation has been associated with promising results. However, its success in controlling reflux has not been evaluated in the long term.

Methods

All patients who underwent trigonoplasty for vesicoureteral reflux by one surgeon from 2004 to 2014 were included. Pre-Operative evaluations included direct radionuclide cystography (DRNC) or voiding cystourethrography, urine analysis and culture and abdominal sonography. Urodynamic study and cystoscopy was performed in selected patients. Trigonoplasty was done by a modified Gil-Verent method. The latest available patients’ DRNCs were used to judge for reflux relapse.

Results

Ninety-one patients, 142 refluxing units; median (range) age, 10.5 (1-45) years; M/F, (11/80) were followed for 18 to 135 months. Reflux resolution rate was 73.6% for patients and 75.4% for refluxing units. Relapse was associated with reflux grade (67% in grade V), ureteral orifice appearance (40% in golf hole/stadium), and patients with a history of pyelonephritis. Multivariable model based on the above variables had less than 10% sensitivity in predicting relapse.

Conclusions

Trigonoplasty success rate can decrease with long-term follow-up.
Accelerating Entrepreneurial Development in South Africa
Authors: Maas G.J.P. , Court P. , Zeelie J.
Published: January 2017

The worldwide trend towards outsourcing non-core, company-specific activities has a number of positive macroeconomic implications. The most notable of these is the contribution that this trend will have in promoting the growth of small, micro- and medium-sized enterprises. This, in turn, should stimulate the socioeconomic development of the environment by adding value at the lower levels of production. This paper sets out to document how the successful implementation of an outsourcing project was achieved in a developing economy and makes recommendations as to its successful replication in other developing economies.
Towards Integration: Understanding Entrepreneurship through Frameworks
Authors: Morris Michael H. , Kuratko Donald F. , Schindehutte Minet
Published: January 2017

While the area of entrepreneurship has grown dramatically in recent years, both in terms of courses taught and the volume of research undertaken, the field has historically relied heavily on other disciplines for much of its content. More recently, a body of core content has emerged within the field of entrepreneurship, although in a somewhat disjointed fashion. This article attempts to integrate this content into a series of frameworks. The frameworks themselves are not presented as comprehensive, instead demonstrating a useful approach for teaching and conducting research on some of the more salient topics within the field. An integrative ‘framework of frameworks’ is also proposed. This integrative perspective is presented as the potential foundation for a theory of entrepreneurship. The application of the frameworks perspective in a variety of contexts is examined.
Regional Policies for Entrepreneurship
Authors: Morgan Rhodri
Published: January 2017

In Notes from the Front, practising entrepreneurs and policy makers offer personal perspectives on significant issues in light of their own experience. This issue's author is Rhodri Morgan, First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales. The Assembly, established by the Government of Wales Act 1998 as part of the UK government's policy of devolution, develops and implements policies that reflect the particular needs of the people of Wales. In this article, Mr Morgan stresses the importance of a culture of entrepreneurship and business innovation for Wales and assesses the new Assembly's policy responses to date.
An audit of referral and treatment patterns of high-risk prostate cancer patients in Alberta
Authors: Alghamdi Majed , Taggar Amandeep , Tilley Derek , Kerba Marc , Kostaras Xanthoula , Gotto Geoffrey , Sia Michael
Published: January 2017

Introduction: We aimed to determine the impact of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) on rates of radiation oncologist (RO) referral, androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), radiation therapy (RT), and radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer (HR-PCa).Methods: All men >18 years, diagnosed with PCa in 2005 and 2012 were identified from the Alberta Cancer Registry. Patient age, aggregated clinical risk group (ACRG) score, Gleason score (GS), pre-treatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA), RO referral, and treatment received were extracted from electronic medical records. Logistic regression modelling was used to examine associations between RO referral rates and relevant factors.Results: HR-PCa was diagnosed in 261 of 1792 patients in 2005 and 435 of 2148 in 2012. Median age and ACRG scores were similar in both years (p>0.05). The rate of patients with PSA >20 were 67% and 57% in 2005 and 2012, respectively (p=0.004). GS ≤6 was found in 13% vs. 5% of patients, GS 7 in 27% vs. 24%, and GS ≥8 in 59% vs. 71% in 2005 and 2012, respectively (p<0.001). In 2005, RO referral rate was 68% compared to 56% in 2012 (p=0.001), use of RT + ADT was 53% compared to 32% (p<0.001), and RP rate was 9% vs. 17% (p=0.002). On regression analysis, older age, 2012 year of diagnosis and higher PSA were associated with decreased RO referral rates (odds ratios [OR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39–0.61; OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34–0.76; and OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.39–0.61), respectively [p<0.001]).Conclusions: Since CPG creation in 2005, RO referral rates and ADT + RT use declined and RP rates increased, which demonstrates a need to improve adherence to CPG in the HR-PCa population.