bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Remnant on Postoperative Clinical Results in Patients with Remnant Preserving Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Andonovski Alan Goce , Topuzovska Sonja , Samardziski Milan , Bozinovski Zoran , Andonovska Biljana , Temelkovski Zlatko
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) remnants have important biomechanical, vascular and proprioceptive function.AIM: To determine the influence of the ACL residual remnants after partial and complete ACL ruptures on postoperative clinical results in patients with remnant preserving ACL reconstruction.PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 66 patients divided into two groups. In patients from the investigation group remnant preserving ACL reconstruction was performed, in patients from the control group single bundle ACL reconstruction was performed. The results were assessed by Rolimeter measurements, Lysholm and Tegner scores and proprioception evaluation.RESULTS: The mean side-to-side difference of anterior tibia displacement (mm) was improved from 4.4 ± 1.06 to 0.4 ± 0.7 in the investigation group, and from 4.6 ± 0.68 to 1.9 ± 0.64 in the control group (p < 0.001). Difference in the angles in which the knee was placed by the device and the patient has improved from 1.5 ± 0.96° to 0.5 ± 0.53° in the investigation group and from 1.8 ± 0.78° to 1.3 ± 0.97° in the control group (p < 0.05).  Tegner and Lysholm scores showed no difference between the groups.CONCLUSION: Preservation of the ACL residual bundle provides a better knee stability and proprioceptive function.
Circumscribed Lipoatrophy of the Chin after Tooth Extraction
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Tchernev Georgi , Goldman Alberto
Published: July 2017

We describe the rare occurrence of circumscribed facial lipoatrophy after tooth extraction. Correction by minimal invasive esthetic techniques such as soft tissue fillers or autologous fat transfer is possible but was not warranted.
Mushroom-Like Skin Tumours: Report of Three Cases
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Langer Dana , Tchernev Georgi
Published: July 2017

Mushroom like the growth of skin tumour is a rare phenomenon although described already in 1806 by Alibert, who focused on mycosis fungicides. We identified only four case reports in PUBMED database using the terms "mushroom-like growth" and "skin tumour". We analysed our files and identified three elderly female patients (69 to 94 years old). Histological diagnosis was melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. All tumours could be completely removed by wide excision or delayed Mohs surgery. No metastatic spread was noted.
Subungual Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated with Long Standing Onychomycosis: Aggressive Surgical Approach with a Favourable Outcome
Authors: Grigorov Yavor , Philipov Stanislav , Patterson James , Tchernev Georgi , Gianfaldoni Serena , Lotti Torello , Wollina Uwe
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND: Tumours of the nail bed are rare. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent among them. Chronic infection, chemical or physical trauma/microtrauma, genetic disorders such as congenital ectodermal dysplasia, radiation, tar, arsenic or exposure to minerals, sun exposure, immunosuppression, and previous HPV infection have all been discussed as etiologic factors. The diagnosis is often delayed because of the variety of clinical manifestations, often resembling benign or common infectious processes. Rapidly growing ulcerative lesions should also be considered as potential malignancy. Furthermore, a lack of antifungal or antibacterial treatment response is the most indicative symptom, always requiring subungual biopsy. Early diagnosis is of great importance for therapeutic effectiveness.CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of subungual squamous cell carcinoma, associated with long-lasting onychomycosis in a 76-year-old female patient, treated with amputation of the distal phalanx and the distal part of the proximal phalanx.CONCLUSION: Although there are no available data in the literature to confirm or reject the contribution of the chronic nail infection to the malignant process, we emphasise the importance of this co-existence regarding the possible disguising of the malignant process. An early biopsy of a chronic persistent nail lesion may be preventive and beneficial regarding avoiding more aggressive treatments and achieving a favourable prognosis.
Genital Bowenʼs Disease in a Bulgarian Patient: Complete Remission after Surgical Approach
Authors: Tchernev Georgi , Lotti Torello , Wollina Uwe , Gianfaldoni Serena , Lozev Ilia , Lotti Jacopo , França Katlein , Batashki Atanas , Chokoeva Anastasiya
Published: July 2017

A 60-year-old male patient presented with complaints of persistent red to a brown-colored plaque on his scrotum, with duration of approximately three years. The patient had been treated with oral and topical antifungals for inguinal tinea for several months and after that with topical corticosteroids for eczema for several more months. None of the regimens achieved any therapeutic effect. The histopathological evaluation revealed the presence of atypical keratinocytes in all layers of the epidermis with the altered epidermal pattern, spread parabasal mitotic activity, without secondary satellites, multiple dyskeratotic cells and multinucleated cells. The diagnosis of an intraepithelial non-invasive squamous cell carcinoma, associated with koilocytic dysplasia and hyperplasia was made, meeting the criteria for Bowen disease. An elliptic surgical excision of the lesion was made, while the defect was closed with single stitches, with excellent therapeutic and aesthetic result. First described by John T. Bowen in 1912, Bowen disease (BD) represents a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ with the potential for significant lateral spread. Treatment options include the application of topical 5-flurorouracil cream – useful in non-hairy areas, imiquimod cream or destructive methods such as radiation, curettage, cryotherapy, laser ablation and photodynamic therapy, especially useful in nail bed involvement. Despite the early lesions, surgical excision is the preferred treatment option, regarding the potential malignant transformation risk.
Interstitial Granulomatous Dermatitis (IGD)
Authors: Tebeica Tiberiu , Voicu Cristiana , Patterson James W. , Mangarov Hristo , Lotti Torello , Wollina Uwe , Lotti Jacopo , França Katlein , Batashki Atanas , Tchernev Georgi
Published: July 2017

We report the case of a 42 years old male patient suffering from skin changes , which appeared in the last 7-8 years.  Two biopsies were performed during the evolution of the lesion. Both showed similar findings that consisted in a busy dermis with interstitial, superficial and deep infiltrates of lymphocytes and histiocytes dispersed among collagen bundles, with variable numbers of neutrophils scattered throughout. Some histiocytes were clustered in poorly formed granuloma that included rare giant cells, with discrete Palisades and piecemeal collagen degeneration, but without mucin deposition or frank necrobiosis of collagen. The clinical and histologic findings were supportive for interstitial granulomatous dermatitis. Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD) is a poorly understood entity that was regarded by many as belonging to the same spectrum of disease or even synonym with palisaded and neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis (PNGD). Although IGD and PNGD were usually related to connective tissue disease, mostly rheumatoid arthritis, some patients with typical histologic findings of IGD never develop autoimmune disorders, but they have different underlying conditions, such as metabolic diseases, lymphoproliferative disorders or other malignant tumours. These observations indicate that IGD and PNGD are different disorders with similar manifestations.
A Misleading Anamnesis: Learning To Suspect
Authors: Guarneri Claudio , Tchernev Georgi , Wollina Uwe , Lotti Torello
Published: July 2017

Leishmaniasis represents a complex, globally widespread opportunistic infection ranging from the visceral form, also called kala-azar, to the mucocutaneous and cutaneous disease.It is endemic in the Mediterranian Basin, Leishmania infantum being demonstrated as the main causative agent of autochthonous cases in Sicily, Italy. The long-term use of systemic antipsoriatic agents, including biotechnological drugs, may cause a higher susceptibility to opportunistic infections, so physicians maintain a high level of suspicion with treated patients. However, some skin tumours, because of the rare occurrence and/or the atypical clinical features, may mimic another kind of disease thus leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. An exemplary case is reported herein.
Rendering website traffic data into interactive taste graph visualizations
Authors: Jofre Ana , Dong Lan-Xi , Vu Ha Phuong , Szigeti Steve , Diamond Sara
Published: July 2017

We present a method by which to convert a large corpus of website traffic data into interactive and practical taste graph visualizations. The website traffic data lists individual visitors' level of interest in specific pages across the website; it is a tripartite list consisting of anonymized visitor ID, webpage ID, and a score that quantifies interest level. Taste graph visualizations reveal psychological profiles by revealing connections between consumer tastes; for example, an individual with a taste for A may be also have a taste for B. We describe here the method by which we map the web traffic data into a form that can be displayed as interactive taste graphs, and we describe design strategies for communicating the revealed information. In the context of the publishing industry, this interactive visualization is a tool that renders the large corpus of website traffic data into a form that is actionable for marketers and advertising professionals. It could equally be used as a method to personalize services in the domains of government services, education or health and wellness.
Proportional association based roi model
Authors: Huang Wenxue , Pan Yuanyi , Zheng Lihong
Published: July 2017

Based on a local-to-global proportional association measure proposed by Huang, Shi and Wang [9], with cost and revenue information known, an association measure is proposed to maximize the expected RoI. A descriptive experiment with a synthetical data set is presented.
Denticulados y muescas: ¿para qué sirven? Estudio funcional de una muestra musteriense en cuarzo del Abrigo de Navalmaíllo (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, España)
Authors: Márqueza Belén , Baquedano Enrique , Pérez-González Alfredo , Arsuaga Juan Luis
Published: July 2017

Los denticulados y las muescas son dos de los elementos más frecuentes en la panoplia musteriense. El creciente interés por el estudio de estos tipos permite vislumbrar su complejidad. La aparente estandarización de sus formas no lo es tal a la luz de nuevos estudios tipométricos. Así mismo, la especialización supuesta del denticulado parece encontrarse ahora en entredicho a partir de los nuevos datos revelados por estudios traceológicos que apuntan a que se trata de una pieza en esencia versátil. Presentamos en este artículo los resultados de un estudio funcional realizado sobre una muestra de denticulados y muescas en cuarzo procedente del yacimiento musteriense del Abrigo de Navalmaíllo (Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, España). Las huellas de uso sobre elementos de cuarzo son peculiares dadas las especiales características de la materia prima. Por otro lado, normalmente se conservan mejor que las formadas en materiales de mejor calidad como el sílex. Los resultados del estudio corroboran la versatilidad de dichas piezas para funciones distintas relacionadas, entre otras, con alguna de las actividades implicadas en el trabajo complejo de descuartizado y el trabajo de la madera.
Posibles casos de tuberculosis y brucelosis en poblados argáricos de Galera (Granada)
Authors: Rubio Ángel , Jiménez-Brobeil Sylvia A. , Sánchez-Barba Lydia P. , Laffranchi Zita , Molina Fernando
Published: July 2017

Una de las características principales de las poblaciones argáricas de la Edad del Bronce de Granada es la existencia de una economía agropecuaria con la presencia de animales dentro de los núcleos poblacionales, lo que supone un riesgo de contagio. En este estudio se presentan unos casos atribuibles a dos enfermedades infecciosas de esta índole hallados en los poblados de Castellón Alto y Fuente Amarga, ambos en Galera (provincia de Granada). En estos yacimientos se han detectado cuatro sujetos que muestran formaciones de hueso nuevo en el tórax (escápulas y costillas) que pueden ser indicativas de tuberculosis y además, en Fuente Amarga, un individuo presenta una lesión característica en la columna vertebral atribuible a brucelosis (epifisitis vertebral). Estos procesos no son de extrañar en poblaciones que tuvieron un contacto estrecho con animales.
Design of Trusted Security Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Quantum Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Shu Xiaobin , Liu Caihong , Jiao Chunxia , Wang Qin , Yin Hongfeng
Published: July 2017

To design an effective secure routing of trusted nodes in wireless sensor networks, quantum ant colony algorithm is applied to the design of large-scale wireless sensor network routing. The trustworthy network is used as the pheromone distribution strategy.Then, the pheromone is encoded by the quantum bit. The pheromone is updated by the quantum revolving door, and the energy consumption prediction is carried out to select the path. Finally, the trusted security routing algorithm of the wireless sensor network based on the global energy balance is realized. The quantum ant colony algorithm is superior to the traditional ant colony algorithm in algorithm convergence speed and global optimization. It can balance the energy consumption of the network node and can effectively resist the attacks such as Wormholes.It is very promising to apply the quantum ant colony algorithm to the routing algorithm of large scale wireless sensor networks.
Design and Application of Residential Area Noise Monitoring Based on Wireless Sensor
Authors: Zheng Qiuling
Published: July 2017

A new node deployment optimization algorithm is proposed to solve deployment problems of the monitoring terminal. Based on wireless sensor, a kind of deployment optimization algorithm of sensor nodes location is put forward, and OMNET++ simulation is used for verification. The experimental results show that this deploy method can get good applications in different areas of the city and achieve higher deployment results. Therefore, it is concluded that the proposed algorithm is feasible and effective.
A Quality of Service Routing Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yang Xiaoqing
Published: July 2017

An Quality of Service(QOS) secure routing algorithm based on ant colony optimization is put forward to solve a variety of security problems in wireless sensor networks. The algorithm combines the ant colony optimization algorithm with the credit evaluation mechanism, and introduces the node 's credit as the control factor to obtain better security performance. The algorithm first cuts the network topology according to the QOS requirements, kicks out the nodes that do not meet the QOS requirements, and then quickly converges the route to the optimal route according to the ant colony optimization method. Finally, the security analysis of the algorithm is carried out from various aspects of network layer attack. The experimental results show that the algorithm has very good performance in wireless sensor networks. As a result, it is concluded that it can be widely applied in wireless sensor networks.
A Self-organizing Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Quantum Ant Colony Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Wang Lin-lin , Wang Chengliang
Published: July 2017

Aiming at the coverage problem of self-organizing wireless sensor networks, a target coverage method for wireless sensor networks based on Quantum Ant Colony Evolutionary Algorithm (QACEA) is put forward. This method introduces quantum state vector into the coding of ant colony algorithm, and realizes the dynamic adjustment of ant colony through quantum rotation port. The simulation results show that the quantum ant colony evolutionary algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively improve the target coverage of wireless sensor networks, and has obvious advantages compared with the other two methods in detecting the number of targets and the convergence speed. Based on the above findings, it is concluded that the algorithm proposed plays an essential role in the improvement of target coverage and it can be widely used in the similar fields, which has great and significant practical value.
Implementation of Air-conditioning Control Technology Based on Wireless Sensor
Authors: He Yecong , Tan Min
Published: July 2017

Using wireless sensor networks to collect indoor temperature and humidity data, a monitoring system is built.According to the data of the central processing unit, the state of the current room is analyzed, and the cooling capacity (heat) and air volume of the central air conditioner are calculated. Meanwhile, this system calculates the relevant fees based on the amount of cold (heat) consumed by each user, and provides a more accurate data base for the central air conditioning system for energy efficiency optimization. Theresults show that this system can accurately reflect the environmental status of the target room.Therefore, it is concluded that the indoor environment monitoring system based on wireless sensor network and embedded technology proposed in this paper is effective and feasible.
SONATA
Authors: Kantarci Burak , Carr Kevin G. , Pearsall Connor D.
Published: July 2017

With the advent of mobile cloud computing paradigm, mobile social networks (MSNs) have become attractive tools to share, publish and analyze data regarding everyday behavior of mobile users. Besides revealing information about social interactions between individuals, MSNs can assist smart city applications through crowdsensing services. In presence of malicious users who aim at misinformation through manipulation of their sensing data, trustworthiness arises as a crucial issue for the users who receive service from smart city applications. In this paper, the authors propose a new crowdsensing framework, namely Social Network Assisted Trustworthiness Assurance (SONATA) which aims at maximizing crowdsensing platform utility and minimizing the manipulation probability through vote-based trustworthiness analysis in dynamic social network architecture. SONATA adopts existing Sybil detection techniques to identify malicious users who aim at misinformation/disinformation at the crowdsensing platform. The authors present performance evaluation of SONATA under various crowdsensing scenarios in a smart city setting. Performance results show that SONATA improves crowdsensing utility under light and moderate arrival rates of sensing task requests when less than 7% of the users are malicious whereas crowdsensing utility is significantly improved under all task arrival rates if the ratio of malicious users to the entire population is at least 7%. Furthermore, under each scenario, manipulation ratio is close to zero under SONATA while trustworthiness unaware recruitment of social network users leads to a manipulation probability of 2.5% which cannot be tolerated in critical smart city applications such as disaster management or public safety.
Development of Gelatin Films with Designed Antimicrobial Peptide and Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Abdalla Mohamed A. , Harding Hannah G. , Samuel Temesgen , Jayne Jesse , Aglan Heshmat A.
Published: July 2017

Gelatin films from cold water fish skin filled with designed antimicrobial peptide or silver nanoparticles were formulated for biomedical applications. Antibacterial activities of gelatin films containing silver nanoparticles and lytic peptides were evaluated to study the growth of a Staphylococcus species. The results suggest that inclusion of silver nanoparticles and lytic peptides into the composition of biocompatible films is feasible, with significant retention of the antimicrobial activity for both agents. The results presented here give evidence that both the silver nanoparticles and lytic peptides retain their antibacterial activity in such film matrices and the surrounding medium. Therefore, such biocompatible films may have potential use in biomedical applications such as wound dressing, superficial infection and contamination control. Evaluation of the mechanical properties for silver nanoparticles gelatin films revealed that the tensile strength appeared to be optimal at 0.3% silver nanoparticles loading. However, the strain-to-failure decreased with respect to the neat film.
Visual Orienting Attention was Influenced by Auditory Processing
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Li Chunlin , Wu Jingling , Toichi Motomi
Published: July 2017

Visual orienting is critical signal to ability of attention. In particular, eye gaze is one of important visual orienting to refer our belief, desires and feeling etc. However, in real life, visual orienting has been indicated to be influenced by others modality processing, such as auditory supplement. Less previous studies have been comprehensively investigated how visual orienting is influenced by auditory processing. In this study, the authors conduct two experiments to investigate how visual orienting effect would be influenced by auditory processing, when used nonsocial and social stimuli as cues respectively (i.e., arrow and eye gaze). The results indicate that visual orienting is clearly influenced by auditory processing in both social and non-social stimuli as cues. Functional MRI data suggest that DLPFC plays an important role in regulating visual and auditory attention.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Smart Job First Multilevel Feedback Queue (SJFMLFQ) Scheduling Algorithm with Dynamic Smart Time Quantum
Authors: Gupta Amit Kumar , Yadav Narendra Singh , Goyal Dinesh
Published: July 2017

Multilevel feedback queue scheduling (MLFQ) algorithm is based on the concept of several queues in which a process moves. In earlier scenarios there are three queues defined for scheduling. The two higher level queues are running on Round Robin scheduling and last level queue is running on FCFS (First Come First Serve). A fix time quantum is defined for RR scheduling and scheduling of process depends upon the arrival time in ready queue. Previously a lot of work has been done in MLFQ. In our propose algorithm Smart Job First Multilevel feedback queue (SJFMLFQ) with smart time quantum (STQ), the processes are arranged in ascending order of their CPU execution time and calculate a Smart Priority Factor SPF on which processes are scheduled in queue. The process which has lowest SPF value will schedule first and the process which has highest SF value will schedule last in queue. Then a smart time quantum (STQ) is calculated for each queue. As a result, we found decreasing in turnaround time, average waiting time and increasing throughput as compared to the previous approaches and hence increase in the overall performance.
Towards the Sixth Kondratieff Cycle of Nano Revolution
Authors: Wonglimpiyarat Jarunee
Published: July 2017

Nanotechnology is currently seen as a paradigm shift towards scientific revolution or ‘nano revolution. This article discusses the nano revolution within the global context. It is interesting to see that the governments around the world have formulated policies to manage the research and development (R&D) efforts and exploit the potential of nanotechnology to increase industry's ability in the global economy. The article analyses the successive waves of technological change based on Kuhn's model of scientific change and Schumpeter's model of Kondratieff cycles. As nanotechnology would have significant impacts on virtually every commercial sector, many countries commit to foster nanotechnology developments. This article will focus on nanotechnology framework policy recommendations. The policies and research activities of the most preeminent nations discussed in this article represent global research trend towards nano revolution in the next decades.
Safety of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in patients affected by Crohn’s disease
Authors: Dell'Atti Lucio , Galosi Andrea Benedetto
Published: July 2017

Purpose: Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. It is usually considered a contraindication to transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSBx). The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of TRUSBx in a small cohort of patients with CD. Methods: We queried our institutional database clinical data of patients with a diagnosis of CD undergoing TRUSBx, and a retrospective prospective study of 5 patients was planned. All patients enrolled were in the remission phase of CD and asymptomatic. They received the same antibiotic prophylaxis and a povidone-iodine aqueous solution enema before the procedure. A standardized reproducible technique was used with using a ultrasound machine equipped with a 5-9 MHz multifrequency convex probe “end-fire”. The patients were treated under local anaesthesia, and a 14-core biopsy scheme was performed in each patient as first intention. After the procedure each patient was given a verbal numeric pain scale to evaluate tolerability of TRUSBx. Results: TRUSBx was successfully completed in all patients. The number of biopsy cores was 14 (12-16). Of the 5 biopsy procedures performed 40% revealed prostatic carcinoma (PCa) with a Gleason score 6 (3+3). No patients required catheterization or admission to the hospital for adverse events after the procedure. The most frequent adverse event was hematospermia (60%), while hematuria was present in 20% of patients and a minimal rectal bleeding in 20% of the patients. No patients reported severe or unbearable pain (score ≥ 8). Conclusions: This study suggests that CD may not be an absolute contraindication to TRUSBx for prostate cancer detection, but still requires a careful patients selection.
Predictive factors for stone disease in patients with renal colic
Authors: Türk Hakan , Ün Sıtkı
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Many patients present to urology and emergency departments for acute renal colic complaints. There are many different imaging studies that can be used in patients with a pre-diagnosis of acute renal colic. In this study, we would like to assess the efficacy of using clinical and laboratory results in patients with flank pain complaint as a predictive factor of urinary system stone disease. Materials and methods: All patients were assessed using spinal non-contrast complete abdominal computerized tomography and urine analysis. Presence of stones and their number and size were recorded. Results: 516 patients who were included in the study were divided into 2 groups according to urinary stone presence. Group 1 (n = 388) consisted of patients with stones meanwhile patients in Group 2 (n = 128) were stone-free. According to these results, male sex, presence of microscopic hematuria, stone history in the family, nausea and emesis in addition to pain and accompanying urinary symptoms were detected as predictive factors in diagnosing urinary stone disease by multivariate analysis. Conclusion: From our study results, we can conclude that uroflowmetry is a very useful tool in monitoring lower urinary system complaints.
Pharmacological/dynamic rehabilitative behavioural therapy for premature ejaculation: Results of a pilot study
Authors: Mantovani Franco
Published: July 2017

Objectives: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a sexual disorder characterised by excessive rapidity of orgasm. It is defined as either primary (60%), present since the onset of sexual activity, or secondary (40%), manifesting later in life. To date, dapoxetine is the only preparation approved for the on-demand treatment of PE. However, side effects, costs associated with the treatment of chronic PE, drug dependence and its variable effectiveness leads to a not insignificant drop-out rate. Dynamic rehabilitative/behavioural therapy may be a viable therapeutic option, working alongside pharmacological treatment, as long as the participation and involvement of both the individual and the couple is optimal. Materials and methods: 18 patients were enrolled, aged between 25 and 55 (mean: 40), all with primary PE, free of comorbidities and with their partners involved. Six patients were prescribed 30 mg dapoxetine two hours before sexual relations for 3 months (group A); 6 patients began the dynamic rehabilitative treatment (group B); 6 other couples were assigned to pharmacological treatment in association with dynamic rehabilitative behavioural treatment for 3 months (group C). Division of subjects was carried out by simple randomisation, excluding patients with a short frenulum, phimosis, ED, chronic prostatitis or experiencing results from previous treatment. Results: Outcomes of treatment were evaluated at the end of the 3 months of treatment and 3 months after discontinuing treatment. In Group A 75% of patients were cured at 3 months and 25% at 6 months. In Group B 25% patients were cured at 3 months and 25% at 6 months. In Group C 75% of patients were cured 3 months and 50% at 6 months. "Cured" means a Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) score reduced from an average of 12 to an average of 6 and Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time (IELT) values from < 1 to > 6 minutes. Conclusions: the integration of pharmacological treatment with dynamic behavioural rehabilitation has the specific aim of optimising and stabilising the results, supporting a more efficient recovery of ejaculatory control. The close involvement of the partner is extremely useful for all results.
Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the thyroid gland 9 years after nephrectomy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Bayraktar Zeki , Albayrak Selami
Published: July 2017

We report a case presenting with thyroid and lung metastases of renal cell carcinoma that was treated with molecular targeted therapy followed metastasectomy. A 52-year-old female underwent radical nephrectomy of right renal cell carcinoma in 2007. The patient presented 9 years after nephrectomy at the age of 61 years with sudden loss of vision on the left side and a mass on the neck. On magnetic resonance imagining, there was a mass on the midline of the neck, extending to the left, measuring 46 x 31 mm and containing central cystic-necrotic areas. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed. The histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed a lesion composed of malignant epithelial cells compatible with metastasis of renal carcinoma. Computed tomography showed multiple metastases in bilateral lungs. Metastasectomy and total tiroidectomy were performed. Thyroid and lung metastasis of renal cell carcinoma were pathologically confirmed. But on the first computed tomography after metastasectomy, there was residual tumor in the thyroid. Interferon-alpha therapy was given for 8 weeks. After that, pazopanib therapy started. Three months later, on computed tomography, residual metastatic foci were regressed. The patient was followed up for 1 year after metastasectomy. The patient is currently receiving a single dose of pazopanib per day (400 mg/day) and the general condition is good. Thyroid metastasis should be considered in patients with a thyroid nodule and positive history for renal cell carcinoma. Successful results can be obtained with metastasectomy and systemic targeted therapy.
Hutch bladder diverticulum - unusual cause of adult obstructive uropathy
Authors: De Oliveira Pedro Simões , De Oliveira Tiago Ribeiro , Martinho David , Lopes Tomé
Published: July 2017

Objective: To present a case of a Hutch bladder diverticulum containing the ureteral opening. Material and methods: An 83-year-old man presented a giant bladder diverticulum causing obstructive azotemia due to bilateral ureteral compression. Endoscopy revealed an unusual and potentially harmful anatomical alteration: the left ureteral orifice was inside in the diverticulum. Despite bladder emptying, the diverticulum remained full, causing bilateral ureteral compression. The patient underwent diverticulectomy with ureteroneocystostomy. Result: Post-operative follow-up showed renal and voiding functions restoration. Conclusion: Although clinical watching is a valid option in patients with Hutch diverticulum, reconstructive surgical approach, especially when complications are present, should be the standard of care.
Expression of the HPV18/E6 oncoprotein induces DNA damage
Authors: Cortés Gutiérrez Elva I. , Garcí­a-Vielma Catalina , Aguilar-Lemarroy Adriana , Vallejo-Ruí­z Veronica , Piña-Sánchez Patricia , Zapata-Benavides Pablo , Gosalvez Jaime
Published: July 2017

This study investigated possible variations in DNA damage in HeLa cells with silenced expression of the HPV/E6 oncogene compared with HeLa cells with normal expression of the E6 oncogene using the DNA breakage detection-fluorescence in situ hybridization (DBD-FISH) technique and a whole human genome DNA probe. The variable levels of DNA breaks present were measured quantitatively using image analysis after whole-genome DNA hybridization. HeLa cells with silenced expression of the HPV18/E6 oncogene showed a significant decrease in DNA damage compared with parental cells with normal expression of the E6 oncogene. These results were confirmed by alkaline comet assay. In conclusion, we demonstrated a decrease in DNA damage in HeLa clones associated with low expression of the HPV/E6 oncogene. The significance of this decrease regarding the HPV life cycle and carcinogenesis requires further exploration.
Gemst: a taylor-made combination that reverts neuroanatomical changes in stroke
Authors: Mangas Arturo , Yajeya Javier , González Noelia , Ruiz Isabel , Pernía Marianny , Geffard Michel , Coveñas Rafael
Published: July 2017

In a single transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model of stroke and using immunohistochemical techniques, the effects of a new therapeutic approach named Gemst (a member of the Poly-L-Lysine innovative therapies) have been studied in the rat brain. The expression of inflammatory (CD45, CD11b), oxidative (NO-tryptophan, NO2-tyrosine) and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase pathway (kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxy anthranilic acid) markers has been evaluated in early and late phases of stroke. For this purpose, we have developed eight highly specific monoclonal antibodies directed against some of these markers. In the early phase (3 and 5 days of the stroke, we observed no effect of Gemst treatment (7.5 mg/day, subcutaneously for 3, 5 days). In the late phase (21 days) of stroke and exclusively in the ipsilateral side of non-treated animals an overexpression of kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxy anthranilic acid, CD45, CD11b, GFAP and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1) was found. In treated animals, the overexpression of the four former markers was completely abolished whereas the overexpression of the two latter ones was decreased down to normal levels. Gemst reversed the pathological conditions of stroke to normal situations. Gemst exerts a multifunctional action: down-regulates the indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase pathway and abolishes brain infiltration, microglial activation and gliosis. Moreover, Gemst has no effect on the expression of doublecortin, a protein involved in neuronal migration. Gemst could be a new drug for the treatment of stroke since it reverses the pathological findings of stroke and normalizes brain tissue conditions following the ischemic insult.
Lipids: Evergreen autofluorescent biomarkers for the liver functional profiling
Authors: Croce Anna Cleta , Bottiroli Giovanni
Published: July 2017

Depending on their chemical nature, lipids can be classified in two main categories: hydrophilic, greatly contributing to membrane composition and subcellular organelle compartmentalization, and hydrophobic, mostly triglycerides, greatly enrolled in the storage and production of energy. In both cases, some lipid molecules can be involved as signaling agents in the regulation of metabolism and protective or damaging pathways in responses to harmful stimuli. These events could affect in particular the liver, because of its central role in the maintenance of lipid homeostasis. Lipids have been demonstrated to fluoresce, contributing to the overall emission signal of the liver tissue along with other endogenous fluorophores, relatable to energy metabolism and oxidative events. The mere estimation of the fluorescing lipid fraction in parallel with the other endogenous fluorophores, and with the common biochemical and histochemical biomarkers of tissue injury has been exploited to investigate the liver morpho-functional conditions in experimental hepatology. More interestingly, the fluorescing lipid fraction is greatly relatable to free fatty acids such as arachidonic, linoleic and linolenic acid, which are deserving increasing attention as precursors of products involved in several and complex signaling pathways. On these bases, the ability of autofluorescence to detect directly arachidonic acid and its balance with other unsaturated fatty acids may be exploited in the diagnosis and follow-up of fatty livers, helping to improve the personalization of the metabolic/lipidomic profiling. This could also contribute to elucidate the role of the injuring factors in the choice of suitable donors, and in the set-up of preservation procedures in liver transplantation.
A new approach to predict the fish fillet shelf-life in presence of natural preservative agents
Authors: Giufffrida Alessandro , Giarratana Filippo , Valenti Davide , Muscolino Daniele , Parisi Roberta , Parco Alessio , Marotta Stefania , Ziino Graziella , Panebianco Antonio
Published: July 2017

Three data sets concerning the behaviour of spoilage flora of fillets treated with natural preservative substances (NPS) were used to construct a new kind of mathematical predictive model. This model, unlike other ones, allows expressing the antibacterial effect of the NPS separately from the prediction of the growth rate. This approach, based on the introduction of a parameter into the predictive primary model, produced a good fitting of observed data and allowed characterising quantitatively the increase of shelf-life of fillets.
Cementless one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty in osteoarthritis patients: functional outcomes and complications
Authors: Taheriazam Afshin , Saeidinia Amin
Published: July 2017

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the successful and cost-benefit surgical treatments. One-stage bilateral THA (BTHA) has a large number of advantages, although there are concerns about the higher complications in this procedure. Aim of our study was to evaluate the complications and outcomes of cementless one-stage BTHA in osteoarthritis patients. A total of 147 patients from 2009 till 2012, underwent one-stage BTHA in Milad and Erfan hospitals, Tehran, Iran. A prospective analysis of the functional outcomes and complications of one-stage BTHA through Hardinge approach in patients with osteoarthritis was performed. We evaluated all patients clinically and radiologically with serial followups. A clinical hip score based upon the modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) was performed preoperatively and again postoperatively. During the period of study 89 men (60.5%) and 58 women (39.4%) with a mean age of 54.67±7.08 years at the time of presentation were recruited. The mean surgical time was 2.8±0.25 hrs. The mean hospital stay was 3.83±0.65 days. Hemoglobin level decreased significantly after operation (P=0.038). There was two deep venous thromboses, one superficial infection and one temporal proneal palsy but no pulmonary embolism, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture or heterotrophic ossification. The mean preoperative MHHS score was 41.64±5.42 in patients. MHHS score improved to 89.26±4.68 in the last followup (P=0.0001). Our results recommended the use of cementless one-stage BTHA through Hardinge approach in patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis.
Forced-air warming discontinued: periprosthetic joint infection rates drop
Authors: Augustine Scott D.
Published: July 2017

Several studies have shown that the waste heat from forced-air warming (FAW) escapes near the floor and warms the contaminated air resident near the floor. The waste heat then forms into convection currents that rise up and contaminate the sterile field above the surgical table. It has been shown that a single airborne bacterium can cause a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following joint replacement surgery. We retrospectively compared PJI rates during a period of FAW to a period of air-free conductive fabric electric warming (CFW) at three hospitals. Surgical and antibiotic protocols were held constant. The pooled multicenter data showed a decreased PJI rate of 78% following the discontinuation of FAW and a switch to air-free CFW (n=2034; P=0.002). The 78% reduction in joint implant infections observed when FAW was discontinued suggests that there is a link between the waste FAW heat and PJIs.
Orthopedic in-training examination question metrics and resident test performance
Authors: DePasse John Mason , Haglin Jack , Eltorai Adam E.M. , Mulcahey Mary K. , Eberson Craig P. , Daniels Alan H.
Published: July 2017

First administered in November 1963, the orthopedic in-training examination (OITE) is now distributed to more than 4000 residents in over 20 countries and has become important for evaluation of resident fund of knowledge. Several studies have assessed the effect of didactic programs on resident performance, but only recently has it become possible to assess detailed testtaking metrics such as time spent per question. Here, we report the first assessment of resident OITE performance utilizing this full electronic dataset from two large academic institutions. Full 2015 OITE score reports for all orthopedic surgery residents at two institutions were anonymized and compiled. For every question answered by each resident, the resident year, question content or domain, question result (correct or incorrect), and answer speed were recorded. Data were then analyzed to determine whether resident year, result, or domain affected answer speed and whether performance in each subspecialty domain varied based on resident year in training. Data was available for 46 residents and 12,650 questions. Mean answer speed for questions answered correctly, 54.0±48.1 s, was significantly faster than for questions answered incorrectly, 72.2±61.2 s (P<0.00001). When considering both correct and incorrect answers, PGY-1s were slower than all other years (P<0.02). Residents spent a mean of nearly 80 seconds on foot and ankle and shoulder and elbow questions, compared to only 40 seconds on basic science questions (P<0.05). In education, faster answer speed for questions is often considered a sign of mastery of the material and more confidence in the answer. Though faster answer speed was strongly associated with correct answers, this study demonstrates that answer speed is not reliably associated with resident year. While answer speed varies between domains, it is likely that the majority of this variation is due to question type as opposed to confidence. Nevertheless, it is possible that in domains with more tiered experience such as shoulder, answer speed correlates strongly with resident year and percentage correct.
Recent developments in the treatment of spinal epidural abscesses
Authors: Eltorai Adam E.M. , Naqvi Syed S. , Seetharam Ashok , Brea Bielinsky A. , Simon Chad
Published: July 2017

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a serious condition that can be challenging to diagnose due to nonspecific symptomology and delayed presentation. Despite this, it requires prompt recognition and management in order to prevent permanent neurologic sequelae. Several recent studies have improved our understanding of SEA. Herein, we summarize the recent literature from the past 10 years relevant to SEA diagnosis, management and outcome. While surgical care remains the mainstay of treatment, a select subset of SEA patients may be managed without operative intervention. Multidisciplinary management involves internal medicine, infectious disease, critical care, and spine surgeons in order to optimize care.
Comparison of continuous femoral nerve block with and without combined sciatic nerve block after total hip arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Nishio Shoji , Fukunishi Shigeo , Fukui Tomokazu , Fujihara Yuki , Okahisa Shohei , Takeda Yu , Yoshiya Shinichi
Published: July 2017

In association with the growing interests in pain management, several modalities to control postoperative pain have been proposed and examined for the efficacy in the recent studies. Various modes of peripheral nerve block have been proposed and the effectiveness and safety have been examined for each of those techniques. We have described our clinical experiences, showing that continuous femoral nerve block could provide a satisfactory analgesic effect after total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedure. In this study, we compared the effectiveness and safety of continuous femoral nerve block with and without sciatic nerve blockade on pain control after THA. Forty patients scheduled for THA were included in the study and randomly divided into 2 groups. Postoperative analgesic measure was continuous femoral nerve block alone, while the identical regimen of continuous femoral nerve block was combined with sciatic nerve block. The amount of postoperative pain was evaluated in the immediate postoperative period, 6 hours, and 12 hours after surgery. Moreover, postoperative complications as well as requirement of supplemental analgesics during the initial 12 hours after surgery were reviewed in the patient record. The obtained study results showed that the supplemental sciatic nerve blockade provided no significant effect on arrival at the postoperative recovery room, while the NRS pain score was significantly reduced by the combined application of sciatic nerve blockade at 6 and 12 hours after surgery. In the investigation of postoperative analgesiarelated complications, no major complication was encountered without significant difference in complication rate between the groups.
Critical comments on Afro-communitarianism: the community versus individual
Authors: Molefe Motsamai
Published: July 2017

This article draws our attention to the centrality of the normative idea of personhood in elucidating a robust Afro-communitarianism. To do so, it visits the debate between the so-called moderate and radical communitarians to argue that the assertion that a community takes priority over an individual is not an implausible position. It argues that this assertion, given a nuanced moral interpretation, can offer a promising African perspective on how to secure a life of dignity without necessarily appealing to rights but to the normative idea of personhood. It submits that the idea of personhood entails a morality of duties that prioritizes the well-being of all. It is this prioritization of the well-being of all as the proper moral-political goal of Afro-communitarianism that moral-theoretically captures the essence of the assertion that a community takes priority over an individual.Keywords: Afro-communitarianism, Duties, Personhood, Rights, Ubuntu