bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multicomponent intervention for the management of chronic pain in older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cheng Sheung-Tak , Chan Ka Long , Lau Rosanna W. L. , Mok Monique H. T. , Chen Phoon Ping , Chow Yu Fat , Chung Joanne W. Y. , Law Alexander C. B. , Lee Jenny S. W. , Leung Edward M. F. , Tam Cindy W. C.
Published: November 2017

Background

Studies have shown that physical interventions and psychological methods based on the cognitive behavioral approach are efficacious in alleviating pain and that combining both tends to yield more benefits than either intervention alone. In view of the aging population with chronic pain and the lack of evidence-based pain management programs locally, we developed a multicomponent intervention incorporating physical exercise and cognitive behavioral techniques and examined its long-term effects against treatment as usual (i.e., pain education) in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain in Hong Kong.

Methods/design

We are conducting a double-blind, cluster-randomized controlled trial. A sample of 160 participants aged ≥ 60 years will be recruited from social centers or outpatient clinics and will be randomized on the basis of center/clinic to either the multicomponent intervention or the pain education program. Both interventions consist of ten weekly sessions of 90 minutes each. The primary outcome is pain intensity, and the secondary outcomes include pain interference, pain persistence, pain self-efficacy, pain coping, pain catastrophizing cognitions, health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, and hip and knee muscle strength. All outcome measures will be collected at baseline, postintervention, and at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed using mixed-effects regression to see whether the multicomponent intervention alleviates pain intensity and associated outcomes over and above the effects of pain education (i.e., a treatment × time intervention effect).

Discussion

Because the activities included in the multicomponent intervention were carefully selected for ready implementation by allied health professionals in general, the results of this study, if positive, will make available an efficacious, nonpharmacological pain management program that can be widely adopted in clinical and social service settings and will hence improve older people’s access to pain management services.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IIR-16008387. Registered on 28 April 2016.
Heterogeneity in retinoblastoma: a tale of molecules and models
Authors: Stenfelt Sonya , Blixt Maria K. E. , All‐Ericsson Charlotta , Hallböök Finn , Boije Henrik
Published: November 2017

Retinoblastoma, an intraocular pediatric cancer, develops in the embryonic retina following biallelic loss of RB1. However, there is a wide range of genetic and epigenetic changes that can affect RB1 resulting in different clinical outcomes. In addition, other transformations, such as MYCN amplification, generate particularly aggressive tumors, which may or may not be RB1 independent. Recognizing the cellular characteristics required for tumor development, by identifying the elusive cell‐of‐origin for retinoblastoma, would help us understand the development of these tumors. In this review we summarize the heterogeneity reported in retinoblastoma on a molecular, cellular and tissue level. We also discuss the challenging heterogeneity in current retinoblastoma models and suggest future platforms that could contribute to improved understanding of tumor initiation, progression and metastasis in retinoblastoma, which may ultimately lead to more patient‐specific treatments.
Integration of broadband seismic data into reservoir characterization workflows: A case study from the Campos Basin, Brazil
Authors: Kneller Ekaterina , Peiro Manuel
Published: November 2017

Towed-streamer marine broadband data have been key contributors to recent petroleum exploration history, in new frontiers and in mature basins around the world. They have improved the characterization of reservoirs by reducing the uncertainty in structural and stratigraphic interpretation and by providing more quantitative estimates of reservoir properties. Dedicated acquisition, processing, and quality control (QC) methods have been developed to capitalize on the broad bandwidth of the data and allow their rapid integration into reservoir models. Using a variable-depth steamer data set acquired in the Campos Basin, Brazil, we determine that particular care that should be taken when processing and inverting broadband data to realize their full potential for reservoir interpretation and uncertainty management in the reservoir model. In particular, we determine the QC implemented and interpretative processing approach used to monitor data improvements during processing and preconditioning for elastic inversion. In addition, we evaluate the importance of properly modeling the low frequencies during wavelet estimation. We find the benefits of carefully processed broadband data for structural interpretation and describe the application of acoustic and elastic inversions cascaded with Bayesian lithofacies classification, to provide clear interpretative products with which we were able to demonstrate a reduction in the uncertainty of the prediction and characterization of Santonian oil sandstones in the Campos Basin.
Retrospective cohort follow-up study of individuals detained under Section 136
Authors: Burgess Jennifer L. , White Sarah-Jane , O'Brien Aileen
Published: November 2017

Background

An original cohort study found that over half of the individuals detained under Section 136 (S136) of the Mental Health Act 1983 were discharged home after assessment, and nearly half were intoxicated.

Aims

To investigate whether the cohort was followed up by psychiatric services, characterise those repeatedly detained and assess whether substance use was related to these outcomes.

Method

Data were retrospectively collected from the notes of 242 individuals, who presented after S136 detention to a place of safety over a 6-month period, and were followed up for 1 year.

Results

After 1 year, 48% were in secondary care. Those with psychosis were the most likely to be admitted. Diagnoses of personality disorder or substance use were associated with multiple detentions; however, few were in contact with secondary services.

Conclusions

Crisis and long-term care pathways for these groups need to be developed to reduce repeated and unnecessary police detention.
Mitochondrial dynamics and respiration within cells with increased open pore cytoskeletal meshes
Authors: Jang David H. , Seeger Sarah C. , Grady Martha E. , Shofer Frances C. , Eckmann David M.
Published: November 2017

The cytoskeletal architecture directly affects the morphology, motility, and tensional homeostasis of the cell. In addition, the cytoskeleton is important for mitosis, intracellular traffic, organelle motility, and even cellular respiration. The organelle responsible for a majority of the energy conversion for the cell, the mitochondrion, has a dependence on the cytoskeleton for mobility and function. In previous studies, we established that cytoskeletal inhibitors altered the movement of the mitochondria, their morphology, and their respiration in human dermal fibroblasts. Here, we use this protocol to investigate applicability of power law diffusion to describe mitochondrial locomotion, assessment of rates of fission and fusion in healthy and diseased cells, and differences in mitochondria locomotion in more open networks either in response to cytoskeletal destabilizers or by cell line.

We found that mitochondria within fibrosarcoma cells and within fibroblast cells treated with an actin-destabilizing toxin resulted in increased net travel, increased average velocity, and increased diffusion of mitochondria when compared to control fibroblasts. Although the mitochondria within the fibrosarcoma travel further than mitochondria within their healthy counterparts, fibroblasts, the dependence on mitochondria for respiration is much lower with higher rates ofhydrogen peroxide production and was confirmed using the OROBOROS O2K. We also found that rates of fission and fusion of the mitochondria equilibrate despite significant alteration of the cytoskeleton. Rates ranged from 15% to 25%, where the highest rates were observed within the fibrosarcoma cell line. This result is interesting because the fibrosarcoma cell line does not have increased respiration metrics including when compared to fibroblast. Mitochondria travel further, faster, and have an increase in percent mitochondria splitting or joining while not dependent on the mitochondria for a majority of its energy production. This study illustrates the complex interaction between mitochondrial movement and respiration through the disruption of the cytoskeleton.
Estimation of the fractal network properties of multicellular life by cellular box-counting
Authors: Prechl József
Published: November 2017

Multicellular life is based on the ability of cells to divide, differentiate, cooperate and die in a controlled and organised manner, generating and maintaining an organism. The temporal distribution of division, differentiation and death determines the cellular composition of the organism at any particular point in time. Like these ontogenetic events, phylogenetic development takes place with the changes in total cell numbers, the allocation of these cells to different tissues and the disappearance of certain tissues.

Fractal properties of complex networks, a result of growth, can be estimated by box counting, whereby the topological properties of the network are mapped by changing the resolution of examination, that is changing the size of the boxes used to identify and group network components. Here we develop the concept of cellular box-counting, referring to the fact that cells can be grouped on various levels of hierarchy and these various levels can be interpreted as boxes of different linear sizes. We apply the method to data representing distinct stages and groups of evolution of life and interpret the network properties of brown algae, green plants and animals. The results are in agreement with previously established values of degree exponent of biological networks and provide clues to the differences in the network organization of multicellular life.
The mid-childhood and adolescent antecedents of women’s external locus of control orientation
Authors: Golding Jean , Gregory Steven , Iles-Caven Yasmin , Nowicki Stephen
Published: November 2017

Background: External locus of control orientation (ELOC) is a powerful predictor of adverse consequences in regard to health, educational attainment, inter-personal relationships and well-being. Although many cross-sectional studies have been carried out, relatively little is known about antecedent factors influencing the development of ELOC.

Methods: Over 12,000 pregnant women who enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in south-west England, had completed a brief version of the Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External LOC scale, together with detailed questions concerning their own parents and childhood.  A series of hypothesis-free structured backwards stepwise logistic regression analyses used an exposome approach with ELOC as the outcome.

Results: Significant positive associations were found with smoking of the parents of the surveyed women, including prenatal exposure, and their own onset of regular smoking in mid-childhood (6-11 years). Increased odds of ELOC were also found with the absence of their fathers in early childhood, presence of older siblings, and with being born and brought up in the same area as they resided in at the time surveyed. Protective influences in the surveyed women included positive rating of their mother’s care, having a relatively educated mother, attending boarding school, their own age (the older they were, the less likely were they to have an external orientation), having a mentally ill parent, a sibling hospitalized or a relative die.

Conclusions: There are two conclusions: (i) that not all stressful events contribute to the development of ELOC and it would be essential for models of antecedents of ELOC to take note of this complexity, and (ii) there are consistent (albeit unexpected) findings that highlight associations with cigarette smoke exposure of the woman from fetal life through to when starting to smoke regularly herself in mid-childhood. It is important that these findings are tested in other populations.
ANALYSIS OF WELFARE FACTORS, SUBJECTIVE HAPPINESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Authors: Щетинина Д. , Shchetinina D. , Яковлева Е. , Yakovleva E.
Published: November 2017

The article is devoted to the study of the level of happiness, welfare and quality of life of young people. The theoretical approaches to the “quality of life”, “welfare” and “happiness” concepts are examined. The infl uencing factors like the feeling of happiness, the quality of life of young people and the dependence of the young people well-being level from economic indicators are singled out. Methods for young people life quality studying include a number of author’s questionnaires — two questionnaires were developed: for working youth and for university students. Analysis of the factors shaping the quality of life, well-being and happiness of the modern young generation made it possible to specify the notion of “happiness”, “quality of life” and “well-being” and defi ne how the feeling of happiness and wellbeing aff ects the performance indicators and the potential of young people.
MANAGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL IN STATE AND MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES: THEORETIC AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECT
Authors: Марков И. , Markov I.
Published: November 2017

The article describes the main aspects of intellectual capital management in state and municipal authorities. The theoretical concepts and categories are adapted, which were developed to describe the processes of formation and development of intellectual capital in business organizations taking into account the specifi c characteristics of authorities. The article givesthe defi nition of intellectual capital in the state and municipal authorities, its structure is revealed. The concept of system of intellectual capital management in government by specifying its functions, subsystems, and procedural features is given. Special attention is paid to issues of qualitative and quantitative evaluation of intellectual capital in government. In the end, the author identifi es the main features of intellectual capital in the state and municipal authorities and underlines the need for targeted development in order to improve the effi ciency of government bodies.
Anatomy and physiology, 4. The brain
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: November 2017

The brain is the largest and most complex single organ in the body. This article introduces the healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner (HCA and AP) to basic aspects associated with the anatomy of the brain. The brain, along with the spinal cord, comprises the body's central nervous system and is the major control network for the body's functions and abilities, enabling conscious communication with the body and automatic operation of vital organs, such as the heart.

In this article, the specific functions of the brain are addressed. The four lobes of the brain are discussed, as well as the three meningeal coverings. The need for the HCA and AP to develop an understanding of the various functions in illness and health is emphasised. Understanding how the brain functions can help the HCA and AP to offer people care that is based on a sound knowledge base. A glossary of terms is offered, assisting in further developing understanding. A short quiz has also been provided.
A person-centred communication approach to working with older people who have dementia
Authors: Coleman Deborah June , Asiri Nawal Ali S
Published: November 2017

Dementia is prevalent among the older population, especially people over 65 years and is characterised by deterioration in a person's cognitive abilities ( National Health Service (NHS), 2017 ). The main signs and symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, impaired thinking and problem-solving skills, and difficulties with communication. Effective communication in the healthcare setting will ensure patient care is safe and enable support workers to understand the needs of the older person with dementia. Communication is a vital aspect of healthcare, making it essential for support workers to be aware of challenges that may hinder communication and to identify strategies to enable the person to communicate their needs for as long as possible.
Unavoidable pressure ulcers at the end of life and nurse understanding
Authors: Carlsson Maria , Gunningberg Lena
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

prevention of pressure ulcers (PUs) in end-of-life care is often problematic because both PUs and interventions to prevent them can cause suffering. The primary aim of this study was to identify and describe the different ways in which nurses understood unavoidable PUs in late palliative care. A second aim was to explore the expediency of the different levels of understanding.

Methods:

a qualitative interview study with a phenomenographic approach was carried out. The study participants were nurses and healthcare assistants who worked in nursing homes or in specialist palliative inpatient care units run by private providers, non-profit foundations, municipalities and county councils. A phenomenographic analysis of the interview data was undertaken.

Results:

all participants shared a fundamental understanding that the prevention of PUs is highly worthwhile in end-of-life care. Within this common view, practitioners' understanding of whether PUs could be prevented differed in four main ways, and were divided into categories: A: unavoidable PUs do not exist. All can be prevented if all interventions are applied, and all patients are at the same risk for developing PUs in end-of-life care; B: unavoidable PUs do not exist, but some patients do not participate in prevention interventions, which makes prevention difficult. The risk of developing pressure ulcers in end-of-life care varies between patients; C: some PUs are unavoidable because some patients do not participate in prevention interventions; the risk of developing pressure ulcers in end-of-life care differs between patients. D: some PUs are unavoidable, depending on the pathophysiological processes in the dying body. The risk of developing pressure ulcers in end-of-life care differs between patients.

Conclusion:

it is paramount to communicate to nurses that not all PUs can be prevented in dying patients, to lessen the burden of ethical stress for the nurses.
Why is the heel particularly vulnerable to pressure ulcers?
Authors: Gefen Amit
Published: November 2017

In this article, the vulnerability of the soft tissues of the heel to pressure ulcers (injuries) is explained from a biomechanical engineering perspective, and emerging technologies for protecting the heel, particularly low-friction garments, are reviewed. Sustained deformations in the soft tissue of the weight-bearing posterior heel cause progressive cell and tissue damage due to loss of homeostasis in the cells, as the cytoskeleton and plasma membranes of the affected cells lose integrity and functionality. This deformation damage onsets and evolves rapidly when there is no relief of the tissue distortion (e.g. in supine motionless lying). Hence, prevention should be timely and be applied across all patient populations that are at risk. In particular there is a need to protect tissues from the action of frictional forces that are shearing not only the skin but also the deep tissue structures of the heel. The internal anatomy and physiology of the posterior heel, the common hospital conditions (lying supine, head of the bed elevated) and medical conditions involving neuropathy and perfusion impairments may impose specific risk for heel (pressure) ulcers. There is growing evidence that low-friction-fabric garments may provide added benefits in preventing heel ulcers when used in addition to standard clinical and technology-supported pressure ulcer prevention strategies, as the low-friction fabric structures absorb frictional forces before these are able to considerably distort the susceptible heel tissues.
Research roundup: November 2017
Authors: Som Rita
Published: November 2017

In brief

Primary care in Wales under-using non-medical prescribing nurse resources Probiotic and peanut oral immunotherapy is associated with long-lasting peanut tolerance in children Review of nurse-led primary care interventions recommends better articulation of the role to the public High proportion of pregnant women search for medication safety information online: single reliable site needed
Prescribing and driving
Authors: Cox Ella
Published: November 2017

Ella Cox discusses the implications that some drugs can have on driving and what the non-medical prescriber should do in these situations
Modeling of rose coco beans using twenty four points optimum second order rotatable design
Authors: Tum Isaac , Mutiso John , Koske Joseph
Published: November 2017

The response surface methodology (RSM) is a collection of mathematical and statistical techniques useful for the modeling and analysis of problems in which a response of interest is influenced by several variables, and the objective is to optimize the response. The objective of the study was to model the rose coco beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) through an existing A-optimum and D-efficient second order rotatable design of twenty four points in three dimensions in a greenhouse setting using three inorganic fertilizers, namely, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Thus, the objective of the study was accomplished using the calculus optimum value of the free/letter parameter f=1.1072569. This was done by estimating the parameters via least square's techniques, by making available for the yield response of rose coco beans at calculus optimum value design for the first time. The results showed that, the three factors: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contributed significantly on the yield of rose coco beans (p<0.05). In GP3G, the second-order model was adequate for 1% level of significance with p value of 0.0034. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of response surface for rose coco yield showed that this design was adequate due to satisfactory level of a coefficient of determination, R2, 0.8066 and coefficient variation, CV was 10.30. This study demonstrated the importance of statistical methods in the optimal and efficient production of rose coco beans. We do recommend a randomize screening of all the fertilizer components with which it has influence on rose coco beans be done to ascertain the right initial amount of each fertilizer that could achieve maximum yield than this study realized.
Analytical treatment for the conformable space-time fractional Benney-Luke equation via two reliable methods
Authors: Ali Khalid K. , Nuruddeen RahmatullahIbrahim
Published: November 2017

In this study, with help of the Mathematica software, we employ the Kudryashov method and the modified extended tanh expansion method with the Riccati differential equation to analytically treat the Benney-Luke equation. The Benney-Luke equation considered in this study features fractional derivatives in both the spatial and the temporal variables of the newly introduced conformable fractional derivative. We extensively examine the equation via the two methods, and we construct various structures such as the exponential functions, trigonometric functions and hyperbolic functions. Finally, we depict the graphs of all solutions.
An introduction to the theory of ptychographic phase retrieval methods
Authors: Konijnenberg Sander
Published: November 2017

An overview of several ptychographic phase retrieval methods and the theory behind them is presented. By looking into the theory behind more basic single-intensity pattern phase retrieval methods, a theoretical framework is provided for analyzing ptychographic algorithms. Extensions of ptychographic algorithms that deal with issues such as partial coherence, thick samples, or uncertainties of the probe or probe positions are also discussed. This introduction is intended for scientists and students without prior experience in the field of phase retrieval or ptychography to quickly get introduced to the theory, so that they can put the more specialized literature in context more easily.
Bilinguals and knowledge of language: a commentary to “Language Acquisition and Linguistic Theory”
Authors: Laka Itziar
Published: November 2017

How infant and adult humans learn languages and what this tells us about the various aspects of the language system is currently a central topic in linguistic research, one that more and more includes bilingualism and language attrition in its embrace. Despite the centrality of the problem of language acquisition for Generative Grammar, it is fair to say that other modes of language learning are now entering the arena of discussion, having shown their potential for discovery in Cognitive Science at large. Some aspects of grammatical knowledge that are hard to acquire and yield differences between native and non-native speakers reveal that language learning is indeed a special type of learning, which in turn reveals that knowing more about these entails knowing more about language.
A review on stray current-induced steel corrosion in infrastructure
Authors: Chen Zhipei , Koleva Dessi , van Breugel Klaas
Published: November 2017

Metallic corrosion can cause substantial damage at various levels and in almost all types of infrastructure. For metallic corrosion to occur, a certain external environment and the presence of corrodents are the prerequisites. Stray current-induced corrosion, however, is a rather underestimated issue in the field of corrosion and civil engineering. Stray current arising from power sources and then circulating in metal structures may initiate corrosion or even accelerate existing corrosion processes. The most frequent sources of stray current are light rail transits and subways, which are also main traffic tools with continuously accelerating urbanization all over the world. Stray currents from these systems may easily flow into nearby metallic structures, making stray current-induced corrosion the most severe form of damage of buried structures, such as tunnels, pipelines, and various underground reinforced concrete structures. The objective of this paper is to critically review stray current-induced steel corrosion in infrastructure with regard to sources of stray current and the characteristics and mechanism of stray current corrosion in view of electrochemical aspects. The methods and techniques for the evaluation, monitoring, and control of stray current-induced corrosion for steel and reinforced concrete structures are also presented and discussed.
Main development trends in public support of business research and development in Czechia
Authors: Kostić Miroslav
Published: November 2017

The article aims at identifying main structural characteristics and development trends of business R&D support in the Czech Republic in the period 2007–2015 and their assessment in light of the development of total R&D expenditures in the business sector. Possible impacts of business research support on R&D expenditure from own resources of businesses and on R&D employment are also examined at the level of individual economic sectors. The volume of support annually allocated from the state budget to non-investment R&D activities of businesses culminated between 2009 and 2012. Compared to domestic companies, the companies in foreign ownership obtained only a quarter of public support but their share in total R&D expenditures in the business sector exceeds over a long period the share of domestic companies. Moreover, the difference has further grown in the last years mainly due to rapid increase of private funding from abroad. As regards to the size of businesses the reduction of public funding in the last years occurred primarily in the group of large businesses. However, the decreasing volume of public funding impacted only minimally on large businesses while the reliance of medium and especially small businesses on public resources is considerably higher. Substantial amounts of R&D support from the state budget were allocated particularly to high-tech and medium high-tech industries: manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products; manufacture of machinery; and manufacture of other transport equipment. Unlike in the majority of industrial branches where the absolute annual amounts of public support decreased during the last years, the amounts allocated to the sector of IT services grew significantly. Neither increase of R&D expenditure from own resources of businesses nor increase of R&D employment indicate dependence on the share of domestic public resources in BERD at the level of NACE branches.
Corporate foresight in Czechia
Authors: Kováříková Ludmila , Valenta Ondřej
Published: November 2017

Corporate foresight in the Czech Republic has been still a rather undiscovered and unmapped subject. This drawback is at least partly reduced by this article presenting results of a pioneer empirical research among Czech companies. Results of the research indicate that the level of utilization of foresight among Czech companies is low; on the other hand, the results suggest existence of a latent demand for foresight as a tool for increasing the capacities and capabilities to innovate. Innovation activities in companies are at the same time one of the most significant way to deal with contemporary economic and social development, characterized by a rapid technological progress and accelerating pace of change.
The analysis of the public support, results, and the research field structure of the Czech security R&D in the years 2010–2015
Authors: Faťun Martin , Kučera Zdeněk , Vondrák Tomáš
Published: November 2017

The article is devoted to an analysis of the public support and results of the security oriented R&D in Czechia in the years 2011–2015. The aim is to provide a knowledge base for active participation of users of results and existing and potential beneficiaries of public support in the development of the system and programs of the security research after 2017. The introductory part of the text describes the national environment of the security R&D, and the methodology of the data analysis of projects and programs and the bibliometric analyses of results of the security research. The analysis is focused in particular upon the distribution of the public funding, and the results obtained in R&D programs financed by the Ministry of the interior (MoI). The existing overlaps between R&D activities sponsored by MoI and by other governmental bodies are also examined.
The involvement of Czechia in the international cooperation in the security research in the years 2010–2015
Authors: Kučera Zdeněk , Faťun Martin , Frank Daniel , Vondrák Tomáš
Published: November 2017

The aim of the paper is to assess the Czech participation in international cooperation in the security research and to identify obstacles which prevent a higher involvement of research teams from the Czech Republic in this cooperation. The methodological approach to the analysis and the used data sources are briefly described in the first part of the paper. In the next part we present the results of the analysis of the participation of entities from the Czech Republic in projects dealing with security issues, which were supported by the 7th Framework Program for Research and Technological Development and Horizon 2020, and by some other programs supporting the international cooperation in R&D. The obtained information is supplemented by results of the questionnaire survey between research organizations active in security research and by the findings of the expert workshop.
Influence of Fuel Premixing on Partially Premixed Flames in Porous-Wall Channels
Authors: Al-Malki Faisal
Published: November 2017

This paper examines the influence of mixing a fuel with an oxidizer-rich reactant on the existence and propagation of partially premixed flames formed in a porous-wall channel. The amount of the injected fuel has been taken as a parameter to generate different states of the combustion mixtures. The problem has been mathematically formulated in the framework of the thermodiffusive model under a single-step chemical reaction. Numerical simulations based on finite elements were then employed to solve the governing partial differential equations. The study has shown that the degree of fuel premixing in the combustion mixtures as well as the value of the Lewis number of fuel and oxidizer plays a great role on the existence and structure of triple flames. It is found also that flame extinguishes for larger values of the premixing parameter. Flame structures were also found to exhibit several changes such as the shift of the leading edge toward the fuel supply side and the formation of twin flames. It has been predicted that the premixing can substantially enhance the reactivity of the combustion mixture, but on the other hand it tends to shift the flame to the boundary which may destroy the underlying combustion chamber. For nonunit Lewis numbers, fuel premixing is found to shift triple flames from the stoichiometric surface and attach the flame to the channel walls. It is predicted also that the maximum reaction rate reduces with increasing the Lewis numbers.
Informationskompetenz — Forschung in Graz und Düsseldorf
Authors: Dreisiebner Stefan , Beutelspacher Lisa , Henkel Maria
Published: November 2017

Die Themen Informations- und Medienkompetenz werden seit vielen Jahren von verschiedensten Institutionen rund um den Globus wissenschaftlich beleuchtet. Auch die Abteilung für Informationswissenschaft der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf und das Institut für Informationswissenschaft und Wirtschaftsinformatik der Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz forschten zu unterschiedlichen Aspekten aus diesem Bereich. Neben der Erfassung des Stands der Informationskompetenz verschiedener Zielgruppen wurden auch neue Ansätze zur Vermittlung von Informationskompetenz in den Fokus genommen. Dieser Artikel gibt eine Übersicht über die an den Universitäten Düsseldorf und Graz erarbeiteten Forschungsprojekte zum Thema Informationskompetenz der letzten Jahre. Hierfür werden zunächst die nötigen theoretischen Grundlagen der Informations- und Medienkompetenz dargestellt und die Anstrengungen der beiden Standorte in diesen Bereichen aufgezeigt. Im Anschluss werden die Ergebnisse der verschiedenen Studien der Institute verglichen, diskutiert und zusätzlich die Möglichkeiten zur Vermittlung von Informationskompetenz erläutert. In diesem Zusammenhang wird dem vielversprechenden Thema der MOOC ein besonderer Platz eingeräumt.
Cytoreduction with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy and Renal Insufficiency Related to Diabetes Mellitus: An Anesthetic Challenge
Authors: Bartos Adrian , Breazu Caius , Bartos Dana , Ciobanu Lidia , Mitre Calin
Published: November 2017

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) improves the prognosis in selected patients with peritoneal surface malignancies but it is an extensive procedure predisposing to major complications. Among them renal toxicity was reported. Severe renal insufficiency is considered a contraindication for this complex procedure. We present a patient with diabetic nephropathy with renal insufficiency KDOQI 3 and peritoneal metastasis from sigmoid adenocarcinoma with a good clinical outcome after CRS with HIPEC, highlighting the anesthetic precautions considered for this particular clinical case.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Fusobacterium Species Infections in a Ten-Year Follow-up
Authors: Garcia-Carretero Rafael , Lopez-Lomba Marta , Carrasco-Fernandez Blanca , Duran-Valle Maria Teresa
Published: November 2017

Objective: Although uncommon, Fusobacterium infections have a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from local pharyngeal infections to septic shock. Our aim was to characterize and analyze the clinical features and outcomes in patients with Fusobacterium infections, and determine which variables were able to predict a poor outcome.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, hospital-based study using the computerized records of a second-level Spanish general hospital, serving a population of 155,000 inhabitants. The cohort was enrolled among patients cared for at the hospital between 2007 and 2016. Demographic, clinical data, microbiological characterization and outcomes at discharge, were analyzed.

Results: We collected data for all 26 patients over a 10-year period (annual incidence of 1.78 per 100,000), with an incidence of bacteremia of 0.53 cases per 100,000 population per year. F. nucleatum and F. necrophorum were the most frequent isolations (53.8% and 38.5%, respectively). F. necrophorum was found to be associated with a younger population. Although we found no deaths attributable to Fusobacterium, 15 patients (57%) were found to have severe infections due to this pathogen, and 7 patients (26.9%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The only identifiable risk factor for a severe infection (sepsis, septic shock or ICU admission) was the presence of bacteremia.

Conclusions: Fusobacterium infections are uncommon. F. necrophorum tends to cause infection in younger individuals, while F. nucleatum has a preference for older patients. The clinical spectrum is wide, ranging from local, non-severe infections, such as sinusitis or pharyngitis, to abscess formation and life-threatening infections.
Comparative Measurements of Aortic Diameters Using Transthoracic Echocardiography and Thoracic Computed Tomography Angiography in Neonatal Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Toma Daniela , Rusu Simina-Elena , Blesneac Cristina , Pop Marian , Togănel Rodica
Published: November 2017

Background: Critical aortic coarctation is defined as the severe narrowing of the isthmic aortic lumen, representing a neonatal cardiac emergency, part of the congenital heart diseases with duct-dependent systemic circulation.

Aim of the study: To assess the correlation between transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the measurement of aortic diameters in a group of newborns diagnosed with duct-dependent aortic coarctation and/or associated hypoplastic aortic arch.

Material and method: We performed a retrospective study on neonates diagnosed with duct-dependent aortic coarctation and/or associated hypoplastic aortic arch between January 1, 2015 and March 1, 2017. The studied parameters were diameters of the aorta at the level of the aortic annulus, coronary sinuses, sinotubular junction, ascending aorta, proximal and distal aortic arch, and the aortic isthmus. Measurements were obtained by transthoracic echocardiography and thoracic CTA.

Results: Fifteen newborns diagnosed with duct-dependent aortic coarctation and/or associated hypoplastic aortic arch were included in this study. There was no statistically significant difference between the two imaging methods, the T test highlighting differences only between the measurements of the aortic annulus (p <0.016) and coronary sinuses (p <0.008). The patients included in the study associated other cardiovascular abnormalities: persistent ductus arteriosus (100%), atrial septal defect (100%), aortic arch hypoplasia (80%), bicuspid aortic valve (73.3%).

Conclusions: These methods reveal important information on the anatomy of the cardiovascular malformation and its impact on the clinical and paraclinical status of the patient, being fundamental for establishing an optimal therapeutic approach.
Multiple Coronary Chamber Microfistulas or Persistent Thebesian Vessels?
Authors: Cernica Daniel , Bordi Lehel , Beganu Elena , Rodean Ioana , Benedek Imre
Published: November 2017

Coronary fistulas are rare, not gender-specific congenital conditions, consisting of communications between the coronary arteries and either another coronary vessel or a cardiac chamber. In contrast to large fistulas, small fistulas, named “minimae cordis veneae” or the Thebesius venous system, are draining into heart chambers and form a vascular network in the cardiac lumen. In this article, we present the case of a 72-year-old female with a significant history of cardiovascular disease, admitted to our clinic because of rest dyspnea, fatigue, and minimal chest pain. The 12-lead electrocardiogram showed a trifascicular block (a second-degree atrioventricular block Mobitz II, associated with a right bundle branch block and left anterior fascicle block) and negative T waves in DII, DIII, aVF, V4–V6 leads. An invasive coronary angiography was performed, which revealed no significant atherosclerotic lesions. However, a persistent capillary blush was present at the apex site of the left ventricular chamber, draining from the distal segments of both the anterior descending coronary artery and the posterior interventricular coronary artery. The intramural vascular network generating a left ventricle angiogram image of this kind was suggestive for persistent Thebesian vessels connecting the two coronaries with the left ventricular chamber.
Management of Microvascular Complications in Secondary Diabetes Associated with Autoimmune Diseases — Case Report
Authors: Nemes-Nagy Enikő , Tripon Robert Gabriel , Pál Sándor , Tilinca Mariana Cornelia
Published: November 2017

The association of multiple autoimmune diseases may represent the main focus of physicians treating patients with such pathology presenting no comorbidities of different etiology. However, autoimmune diseases and side effects of drugs may lead to development of silent health-threatening diseases that should be identified promptly. We present the case of an elderly, obese, Caucasian female patient suffering of autoimmune thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis, who developed arterial hypertension and insulin-treated secondary diabetes mellitus (due to long-term oral corticotherapy) with microvascular end-organ changes. Retinal imaging for capillary anomalies identified mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with apparent diabetic macular edema and hypertensive retinopathy. Laboratory investigations looking for further vascular risk factors revealed zinc deficiency, elevated serum homocysteine levels, and constantly high C-reactive protein concentration. Attention should be payed to the proper investigation of patients with autoimmune diseases, targeting the early diagnosis of microvasculopathies due to autoimmune diseases or possible medication side effects, in order to prevent end-organ damage.
Leukemia with Plasma Cells — Case Report
Authors: Benedek István , Benedek István , Köpeczi Judit Beáta , Kéri Johanna Sándor , Pakucs Annamária , Jakab Szende , Lázár Erzsébet
Published: November 2017

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is one of the most aggressive monoclonal gammopathies, being characterized by the presence of more than 20% of plasma cells in the peripheral blood and an absolute number of these cells of more than 2×109, with different morphology, from young elements to mature cells. The incidence of PCL varies between 2–4% among multiple myeloma (MM) patients. In comparison with MM, PCL appears more often in younger patients. The following article describes the case of a 49-year-old female patient diagnosed with PCL which needed urgent control of the clinical manifestations due to its irreversible complications. Urgent autologous stem cell transplantation is recommended in this group of patients.
Tree Physiology Optimization in Benchmark Function and Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Halim A. Hanif , Ismail I.
Published: November 2017

Nature has the ability of sustainability and improvisation for better survival. This unique characteristic reflects a pattern of optimization that inspires the computational intelligence toward different scopes of optimization: a nondeterministic optimization approach or a nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm. To date, there are many metaheuristic algorithms introduced with good promising results and also becoming a powerful method for solving numerous optimization problems. In this paper, a new metaheuristic algorithm inspired from a plant growth system is proposed, which is defined as tree physiology optimization (TPO). A plant growth consists of two main counterparts: plant shoots and roots. Shoots extend to find better sunlight for the photosynthesis process that converts light and water supplied from the roots into energy for plant growth; at the same time, roots elongate in the opposite way in search for water and nutrients for shoot survival. The collaboration from both systems ensures plant sustainability. This idea is transformed into an optimization algorithm: shoots with defined branches find the potential solution with the help of roots variable. The shoots-branches extension enhances the search diversity and the root system amplifying the search via evaluated fitness. To demonstrate its effectiveness, two different classes of problem are evaluated: (1) a continuous benchmark test function compared to particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA) and (2) an NP-hard problem with the traveling salesman problem (TSP) compared to GA and nearest-neighbor (NN) algorithm. The simulation results show that TPO outperforms PSO and GA in all problem characteristics (flat surface and steep-drop with a combination of many local minima and plateau). In the TSP, TPO has a comparable result to GA.
Chemerin, Resistin, and Adiponectin in Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases
Authors: Grygiel-Górniak Bogna , Grzelak Teresa , Czyźewska Krystyna , Puszczewicz Mariusz
Published: November 2017

Background:The exact role of cytokines in inflammation and metabolic disorders in case of connective tissue diseases (CTDs) is under discussion.

Methods:In this study, we intended to find the relationship between the selected cytokines in inflammatory and metabolic disorders in patients with CTDs (n=55) and compared the results with those of control group subjects (n=25) matched by age and body mass. We estimated their nutritional status by the bioimpedance method. The levels of basic biochemical parameters and the levels of adiponectin, resistin, and chemerin were also estimated. Multiple regressions and area under the curve in receiver operating characteristic (AUC–ROC) curve were used to find the associations of aforementioned parameters.

Results:Patients with CTDs exhibited higher levels of chemerin than that of control group subjects. We found an inverse relationship between chemerin, RBC count, and hemoglobin levels. The concentration of adiponectin inversely correlated with the levels of platelets and concentrations of glucose and triglycerides as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, whereas the concentration of resistin was positively correlated with WBC count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the amount of used oral glucocorticosteroids. The mean ± standard deviation for the AUC–ROC curve in case of chemerin was the highest (AUC–ROC=0.714,p=0.0005) than that of both resistin and adiponectin.

Conclusions:Chemerin and resistin levels are related to the inflammatory state in patients with CTDs, whereas adiponectin levels seem to be correlated with a protective effect. Chemerin can be considered as a marker differentiating a proinflammatory state present in CTDs.