bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PECULIARITIES OF NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SULODEXIDE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY
Authors: Topchiy I. I. , Semenovykh P. S. , Galchinskaya V. Yu. , Yakimenko Yu. S.
Published: June 2018

Introduction. Monocyte chemoattractant protein type 1 (MCP-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) play a key role in inflammation, fibrosis and progression of renal dysfunction. Sulodexide advantages in vascular pathology treatment were proved by clinical trials, however, its efficiency in diabetic nephropathy (DN) was investigated insufficiently.

The aim of the present work – to study the influence of sulodexide on clinical and laboratory parametres, MCP-1 and PAI-1 levels in blood plasma of patients with DN.

Materials and methods. 76 type 2 diabetic patients with different stages of DN were observed. 44 patients received basic therapy with anti-diabetic drugs and ACE- inhibitors, 32 patients in addition to basic therapy were treated with sulodexide in a daily dose 600 LU. Concentrations of MCP-1 and PAI-1 in blood plasma were determined using immunoassay kits.

Results. In patients with DN when compared with healthy controls MCP-1 and RAI-1 levels in blood plasma significantly increased already at initial stages of the disease. Such changes may promote a development of inflammatory and fibrotic processes in kidneys. Progression of the disease was accompanied by more essential growth of MCP-1 and RAI-1 in DN patients with expressed clinical manifestations of kidney injury. Sulodexide treatment in patients with DN resulted in essential decrease of inflammatory and fibrotic markers and had positive effect on urinary protein excretion.

Conclusions. Glicosaminoglycans, in particular, sulodexide, is effective in complex treatment of patients with DN.
RENAL FUNCTION IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Authors: Morozov Yu. A. , Marchenko T. V. , Dementieva I. I.
Published: June 2018

The review provides basic information to evaluation of renal function in children. Consider the formula calculation of glomerular filtration rate based on creatinine, cystatin C, β2-microglobulin. Particular attention is paid to renal function in children after renal transplantation.
OPTIMIZATION OF PERITONEAL DIALYSIS ІN 7 STEPS OF EDUCATIONAL WORK WITH A PATIENT
Authors: Ablogina O. , Stepanova N.
Published: June 2018

Informing the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients about the modalities of dialysis renal replacement therapy (DRRT), patient’s aware choice of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and regular qualified medical training are the main components of successful implementation of PD program with obtaining optimal treatment results. The aim of the review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the process of modality selection and PD-patient training, improving professional development of the PD-specialists.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN PATHOGENS CAUSING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Authors: Bezruk V V. , Blinder О. V. , Bezruk T.O. , Deyneka S.E.
Published: June 2018

В Украине отмечается увеличение количества пациентов с инфекцией мочевыводящей системы.

Цель. Установить спектр чувствительности к антибиотикам основных групп возбудителей инфекций мочевой системы у населения г. Черновцы и Черновицкой области.

Материалы и методы. На протяжении 2009 - 2013 годов проведено бактериологическое исследование 2828 образцов мочи пациентов лечебных учреждений г. Черновцы и Черновицкой области с целью верификации диагноза инфекция мочевой системы (ИМС).

Результаты и обсуждение. Всего выделено 801 штамм бактерий и грибов в этиологически значимых количествах. Изучена чувствительность выделенных штаммов к 24 антибиотикам. Установлена зависимость антибиотикорезистентности основной группы возбудителей ИМС — энтеробактерий (исключая протей) от возраста и пола пациентов. Штаммы бактерий, относящиеся к основным группам возбудителей ИМС (энтеробактерии, псевдомонады) высокочувствительны к карбапенемам и аминогликозидам. Сохраняется относительно высокая чувствительность к цефалоспоринам 3 - 4 поколений (в большей мере у штаммов, выделенных от пациентов женского пола), фторхинолонам.

Выводы. Применение пенициллинов, цефалоспоринов 1 - 2 поколений, тетрациклинов, а также канамицина и левомицетина без бактериологического анализа мочи и определения антибиотикочувствительности не целесообразно.
BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF RENAL DYSFUNCTIONS IN CRITICALLY ILL FULL - TERM NEWBORNS
Authors: Babintseva A.
Published: June 2018

Introduction. Full - term newborns with clinical signs of severe perinatal pathology constitute a high risk group of the formation of urinary system functional disorders, the diagnostic of which in the early neonatal period is complicated.

Objective of the research was to study the condition of renal functions in critically ill full - term newborns during the first week of their life by means of detection of specific biomarkers level in the blood serum and urine.

Materials and methods. A comprehensive clinical - paraclinical examination of 36 critically ill newborns (the main group) and 37 conditionally healthy newborns (the control group) has been conducted. Laboratory methods ofexamination included detection of the levels of creatinine, urea, sodium and potassium ions in the blood and urine, as well as protein, albumin, immunoglobulin G, a - - microglobulinand $ - microglobulinin urine.

Results and discussion. The neonates of the main group as compared to the control one presented statistically significant higher levels of creatinine (р<0,01) and urea (р<0,001) in the blood serum against the ground of lower glomerular filtration rate (р<0,05) and the level ofpotassium ions (р<0,01); in the urine — statistically significant lower level of creatinine (р<0,01), higher levels of urea (р<0,001) and sodium ions (р<0,05). Evaluation of urineproteinogramin the main group of newborns as compared to the control group enabled to find statistically significant higher levels of protein (р<0,01), albumin (р<0,01), immunoglobulin G (р<0,05), a - - microglobulin (р<0,01), $ - - microglobulin (р<0,01).

Conclusions. Critically ill full - term newborns with perinatal pathology receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit are under conditions of a complex influence of potentially nephrotoxic factors (hypoxia, reoxygenation - reperfusion, infection, artificial lung ventilation, infusion, inotropic, transfusion and antibacterial therapy). Severity of general condition, morpho - functional immaturity of the organism, multiple organ failure due to underlying perinatal pathology “obscure” renal symptoms and complicate the diagnostics of renal function disorders. The biochemical changes found in critically ill newborns require timely diagnostics to correct therapeutic measures on the stage of intensive therapy with the aim to prevent the development of severe renal pathology and chronic renal failure in future.
RATING EVALUATION OFSPECIALIZED MEDICAL CARE BYTHEPATIENTSNEPHROLOGIC PROFILE OFTHE UKRAINEPROVINSE
Authors: Kolesnyk M. , Kozlyuk N. , Nikolaenko S. , Stepanova N. , Gonchar Y.
Published: June 2018

The aim of the work was to conduct a comparative analysis of indicators of the performance of nephrological services in the regions of Ukraine by using the method of complex statistical coefficients.

Materials and methods. Evaluation of the performance of the system of provision of nephrological services in the regions of Ukraine was made by studying the indicators that characterize the structure, use of health care resources, quality and efficiency of its provision submitted to National Register ofpatients with chronic kidney disease and patients with acute kidney injury (2015).

Results. By using rating evaluation methodology, it was identified place of relevant region by each indicator, by each area and by all areas of provision of nephrological services in the region as a whole. Conclusions. As a result of a comprehensive study of the condition of the system of providing nephrological service in the regions, there were identified ranking places of the administrative territories.
RATING SCORE SPECIALIZED MEDICAL CARE PATIENTS RENAL PROFILE IN UKRAINE 2015
Authors: Kolesnyk M. , Nikolaenko S. , Snisar L.
Published: June 2018

Rating evaluation of specialized medical care for patients with renal deceases in Ukraine is conducted on basis of analysis of main criteria’s of its organization and availability, of results of treatment of CKD patients stage 5 HD, PD, T and AKI patients. Regional rating was evaluated separately for every group of parameters and then the summary rating evaluation was conducted.
CYTOKINE IMMUNITYINCKD PATIENTS TREATED WITH HD, HDF, PD
Authors: Dryanska V.E. , Dudar I.O. , Shifris I. , Gonchar Yu.I. , Loboda O.M. , Galsenluk F.Z. , Krot V.F.
Published: June 2018

Introduction. Cytokines play the corresponding role in the inflammatory processes and the development of endothelial dysfunction and therefore take an important place in the problem of systemic chronic inflammation (SCI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), stage V, who are treated with methods of the renal replacement therapy (RRT).

Aim of the work was to determine the features ofpro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, VEGF in patients with CKD stage V D, depending on the method of RRT (HD, HDF, PD).

Materials and methods. There were examined 56 patients with CKD, st. V treated with methods of RRT: gr.1 received hemodialysis (HD) (15 p), gr. 2 - hemodiafiltration (HDF) (28 p) and gr. 3 – peritoneal dialysis (PD) (13p). The cytokines levels (IL-6, -8, -10, -18, TNF-a, VEGF) were determined in blood serum by means of ELIZA.

Results. The CKD, st. V patients treated with RRT showed really increased levels of pro-inflammatory blood cytokines (TNF-a, IL-8, IL-18) (p < 0.001) and VEGF as important factor of endothelial dysfunction, in dependence on RRT the groups 1-3 did not differ (p > 0.05). In comparison with healthy donors, in patients of gr. 3 the level of antiinflammatory IL-10 was the highest (p < 0.001) in comparison with gr.1 (p = 0.080) andgr.2 (p = 0,043) (corresponding HD and HDF), and the ratio IL-18/IL-10 was really more low in comparison with both other groups (p = 0.035).

Conclusion. The high level of serum cytokines confirms the SCI availability in patients with CKD,st.V; the patients treated with PD showed the lower degree of inflammatory reactions by the data of balance between pro/anti-inflammatory immunity mediators.
Türkiye Bal Arısı Populasyonlarında Ön Kanat Deformasyonları
Authors: Kandemir İrfan
Published: June 2018

Bal arıları, (Apis mellifera) hemen hemen tüm bireylerde aynı damar oluşumunun
genel bir modelini gösteren iki çift zararlı kanada sahiptir. Kanat
hücrelerinin şekilleri ile birlikte kanat damarı oluşumu, bal arısı taksonomisi
çalışmaları için morfometrik karakter olarak kullanılmıştır. Bununla birlikte,
bu genel damar yapısına ek olarak, bilinmeyen nedenlerle bazı bireylerde,
ekstra damar oluşumları, damar bağlantıları veya mevcut
damarlarda belirli bir parça kaybı görülebilir. Bu çalışmada amacımız,
Türkiye'nin farklı bölgelerindeki bal arısı populasyonlarının kanatlarında
düzensiz damar anomalilerini araştırmaktır. Çalışmada Türkiye'de 23 ilden
toplam 6681 işçi bal arısı kullanılmıştır. Anomalileri görselleştirmek için,
işçi arı bireylerinin sol kanatları üzerindeki damarlarda yapısal farklılıklar
fotoğraflanmıştır. Bal arısı örneklerinde, kanat damarlarında farklı tipte
oluşumlar gözlenmiştir; Yeni damar oluşumları bağlantı noktaları veya eksik
damarlar gibi. Toplam 13 farklı damar anomalisi tespit edilmiştir. En yaygın
iki oluşum, sırasıyla marjinal hücrenin dış kenarında (oluşum 2) ve 2rs-m
çapraz damarının dış yüzeyinin arka çeyreğinde (oluşum 1) meydana gelmiştir.
2rs-m çapraz damarının dış yüzeyinin arka çeyreğinde meydana gelen damar
(oluşum 1) en yüksek Karadeniz Bölgesi bal arısı populasyonlarında görülmüştür.
Ek olarak oluşan en yaygın damar (oluşum 2) ise Ege Bölgesi bal arısı
populasyonlarında en yüksek oranda kaydedilmiştir. Kanat damarlanmasındaki
diğer bozuklukların düşük oranda olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
TRATAMENTO DA CAMA DE EQUINOS ATRAVÉS DO PROCESSO DE COMPOSTAGEM
Authors: De Souza Gustavo Henrique Ramos , Rodrigues Gilberto Aparecido
Published: June 2018

Com o desenvolvimento da sociedade atual, cresceram os impactos acometidos ao meio ambiente e aumentaram as preocupações para a melhoria da qualidade e proteção da saúde humana, onde organizações que atuam em diversos setores da cadeia produtiva vêm crescentemente voltando suas atenções para os impactos ambientais de suas atividades, produtos e serviços. O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar na literatura, informações sobre o processo de compostagem da cama de equinos e abordar os usos prováveis em horticultura. A metodologia utilizada neste estudo foi a revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema. O tratamento de resíduos agropecuários tornou-se uma preocupação para os produtores que mantêm seus animais confinados, já que estes resíduos são ricos em nutrientes que podem causar a contaminação do meio ambiente, dependendo dos modelos de produção e gerenciamentos envolvidos. Na equinocultura brasileira, os criadores buscam por alternativas e técnicas ambientalmente corretas para destinarem as camas de baias saturadas, geradas através de algum resíduo fibroso, com o propósito de absorver fezes, urina e restos de alimentos das baias dos animais. No presente estudo foi possível observar que a compostagem é uma técnica acessível e simples execução, e permite a redução de volumes de resíduo na propriedade. O uso de composto da cama de equinos é uma alternativa ambientalmente sustentável e é possível o seu uso na produção de hortaliças.
VELOCIDADE DO SELENIUM WEBDRIVER & JUNIT
Authors: Patrick Rijordy Moura , Rogério de Oliveira Marcus
Published: June 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar a diferença na velocidade entre realizar testes com o uso de Teste Manual e com Selenium WebDriver & Junit. Para isso, será feito uma breve introdução ao mundo de qualidade de software, dizendo o porquê de ser tão importante e a dificuldade de se entregar um produto no prazo e com a qualidade desejada. Também será comentado o que é a automação de testes de software, o porquê de ela ser tão necessária nos dias de hoje, e suas vantagens. Para ambos os tipos de teste será utilizada a mesma aplicação, que são dois formulários de cadastro. Para os testes automatizados serão utilizados: a Eclipse IDE para escrever os comandos em Java, o WebDriver, para realizar as operações Web e o Junit, que é necessário para estruturar os testes. Também serão mostrados os resultados obtidos, demonstrando que ao utilizar esse tipo de automação se consegue diminuir bastante os testes em longo prazo.
Sistem Manajemen Inventori Komputer Menggunakan Near Field Communication Berbasis Android Studi Kasus di STIE Pelita Indonesia Pekanbaru
Authors: Hamzah Muhammad Luthfi , Purwati Astri Ayu
Published: June 2018

Higher education is an institution that is heavily influenced by technological advances,especially in the field of computer technology. The purpose of this study is to create a computer inventory management system in higher education which is previously using manuals system become technology based system in order to work more effective and efficient. The research method used is design of inventory tracking system application using NFC android based. The results showed that by using Inventory Tracking Systems model is more effectiveand efficient to identify any inventory information in the computer lab STIE Pelita Indonesia

Keywords :Inventory Tracking, RFID, Near Field Communication, NFC
Pengaruh Deskripsi Pekerjaan terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Negeri Sipil pada Kantor Camat Tembilahan
Authors: Syelviani Meilisa
Published: June 2018

Job description or work flows is an important thing that needed in every company or organization. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of job description on civil servants performance in Tembilahan subdistrict office .Independent variable of this research is job description, and dependent variable is performance. Population of this research are 30 Civil Servants workers in Tembilahan subdistrict office.Sampling technique used is total sampling or census. Data analysis used is linear regression. Theresult showed that there is significance influence between job description against civil servants performance in Tembilahan Subdistrict office with the number of adjusted R square 72 percent, means the other 28 percent of employees performance influences by another factors.  

Keywords: Job Descriptions, Performance
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Kualitas Hidup Pasien Chronic Kidney Disease yang Menjalani Hemodialisa di Ruang Hemodialisa
Authors: Rustandi Handi , Tranado Hengky , Pransasti Tinalia
Published: June 2018

This study aimed to describe the factors that affect the quality of life of patients with CRF who undergo hemodialysis in dr. M. Yunushospital in Bengkulu 2016. The population of study is 205 people, the sampling technique used was an accidental sampling with a sample of 67 respondents.The results showed nearly all respondents aged smaller than 20 and greather than 35 years, more than the majority of respondents were female, more than the majority of respondents had pretty income or more, almost half of respondents had high levels of depression, more than the majority of respondents had either the family support, more than the majority of respondents had a high quality of life, there was a correlation between age, gender, producer, depression, and family support with quality of life, there was a relationship between sex with the quality of life for CRF patients undergoing hemodialysis in dr. M. Yunus Hospital in Bengkulu 2016.It is advisable for the public to provide health education for families of patients with CRF who undergo hemodialysis therapy on the importance of family support in improving the quality of life of family members.

Keywords: Accidental Sampling, Chronic Kidney Disease, Hemodialysis, Quality of Life.
Stimulasi Permainan Puzzle Berpengaruh terhadap Perkembangan Sosial dan Kemandirian Anak Usia Prasekolah
Authors: Setyaningsih Tunggul Sri Agus , Wahyuni Hesti
Published: June 2018

The aimed of study to analyze theinfluenced of puzzle game stimulation on socialization and independence development in preschoolers.This research was a quantitative research with Quasi experimental one group pre test post test design. The samples were 5 years old 60 months children with development in doubt on socialization and independence aspects which amounted to 17 people by purposive sampling technique. The instrument of this research was using a puzzle and Pre-screening Children Development Questioner. The statistical test used wilcoxon test for the children development status before and after the intervention showed a significant value 0,000 pvalue smaller than 0,05 so it can be concluded that there is a significant effect between puzzle stimulation to socialization and independence development.

Keywords: Development Area, Puzzle, Quasi eksperimental
ANALISA KEEFEKTIFAN HEAT EXCHANGER PIPA KOSENTRIS PADA PROSES AMONIAK DENGAN VARIASI LAJU ALIRAN
Authors: Nuruzzaman Muhammad Aryzal
Published: June 2018

Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dengan tujuan untuk membandingkan efektifitas dari heat exchanger pipa kosentris. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian yaitu dengan melakukan analisis baik secara perhitungan maupun hasil simulasi. Metode perhitungan dilakukan dengan metode Number of Transfer Unit (NTU) dan perhitungan simulasi dilakukan dengan menggunakan Ansys Fluent 16.0. Pada hasil perhitungan didapatkan perbedaan yang cukup signifikan terhadap hasil simulasi yaitu keefektifan heat exchanger pipa kosentris dari hasil perhitungan sebesar 25,88 % pada keadaan laju aliran fluida panas 360 l/jam dengan temperatur 80 oC dan aliran fluida dingin 180 l/jam dengan temperatur 20 oC sedangkan hasil keefektifan heat exchanger pipa kosentris dari hasil simulasi sebesar 20,79 % pada keadaan laju aliran fluida panas 360 l/jam dengan temperatur 80 oC dan aliran fluida dingin 180 l/jam dengan temperatur 20 oC.Kata kunci: efektifitas, heat exchanger, pipa kosentris, metode NTU, Ansys Fluent 16.0
Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis for hemorrhagic moyamoya disease: long-term outcome of a consecutive series of 95 adult patients from a single center
Authors: Wang Qian-Nan , Bao Xiang-Yang , Zhang Yong , Zhang Qian , Li De-Sheng , Duan Lian
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate long-term outcomes after encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) for the treatment of hemorrhagic moyamoya disease (MMD) and identify the risk factors for recurrent hemorrhages.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed 95 patients with hemorrhagic MMD who were treated with EDAS at 307th Hospital PLA. Clinical features, angiographic findings, and clinical outcomes were investigated. Rebleeding incidences were compared between anterior or posterior hemorrhagic sites. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate rebleeding risks after EDAS.

RESULTS

The average age at symptom onset was 37.1 years (range 20–54 years) for adult patients. The ratio of female to male patients was 1.16:1. In 61 of 95 hemorrhagic hemispheres (64.2%), the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) or posterior communicating artery (PCoA) was extremely dilated, with extensive branches beyond the choroidal fissure, which only occurred in 28 of 86 nonhemorrhagic hemispheres (32.6%). Fifty-seven incidences were classified as anterior hemorrhages and 38 as posterior. Sixteen of 95 patients (16.8%) suffered cerebral rebleeding after a median follow-up duration of 8.5 years. The annual rebleeding rate was 2.2% per person per year. The incidence rate was higher for the posterior group than for the anterior group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that the age of symptom onset (OR 1.075, 95% CI 1.008–1.147, p = 0.028) was a predictor of rebleeding strokes.

CONCLUSIONS

Through long-term follow up, EDAS proved beneficial for patients with hemorrhagic MMD. Dilation of the AChA-PCoA is associated with the initial hemorrhage of MMD, and rebleeding is age-related. Patients with hemorrhagic MMD should undergo follow-up over the course of their lives, even when neurological status is excellent.
Rates and predictors of seizure outcome after corpus callosotomy for drug-resistant epilepsy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chan Alvin Y. , Rolston John D. , Lee Brian , Vadera Sumeet , Englot Dario J.
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

Corpus callosotomy is a palliative surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy that reduces the severity and frequency of generalized seizures by disconnecting the two cerebral hemispheres. Unlike with resection, seizure outcomes remain poorly understood. The authors systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis to investigate rates and predictors of complete seizure freedom and freedom from drop attacks after corpus callosotomy.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were queried for primary studies examining seizure outcomes after corpus callosotomy published over 30 years. Rates of complete seizure freedom or drop attack freedom were recorded. Variables showing a potential relationship to seizure outcome on preliminary analysis were subjected to formal meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The authors identified 1742 eligible patients from 58 included studies. Overall, the rates of complete seizure freedom and drop attack freedom after corpus callosotomy were 18.8% and 55.3%, respectively. Complete seizure freedom was significantly predicted by the presence of infantile spasms (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.13–13.23), normal MRI findings (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.75–12.25), and shorter epilepsy duration (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.23–5.38). Freedom from drop attacks was predicted by complete over partial callosotomy (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.07–7.83) and idiopathic over known epilepsy etiology (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.35–5.99).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of seizure outcomes in both adults and children after corpus callosotomy for epilepsy. Approximately one-half of patients become free from drop attacks, and one-fifth achieve complete seizure freedom after surgery. Some predictors of favorable outcome differ from those in resective epilepsy surgery.
Microhemorrhagic transformation of ischemic lesions on T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging after Pipeline embolization device treatment
Authors: Nakae Ryuta , Nagaishi Masaya , Kawamura Yosuke , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Hyodo Akio , Suzuki Kensuke
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to demonstrate that hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic lesions is the main cause of delayed intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after Pipeline embolization device (PED) treatment and to estimate the rate of hemorrhagic transformation of new postprocedure ischemic lesions.

METHODS

Patients who underwent PED placement (PED group) from November 2015 to March 2017 or stent-mediated embolization (EN group) from December 2010 to October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and postprocedural MR images and 6-month follow-up MR images for each patient were scored for the presence of postprocedural bland ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions using diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and T2*-weighted MRI (T2*WI), respectively.

RESULTS

The PED group comprised 28 patients with 30 intracranial aneurysms, and the EN group comprised 24 patients with 27 intracranial aneurysms. The mean number of ischemic lesions on DWI 1 day postprocedure was higher in the PED group than in the EN group (5.2 vs 2.7, p = 0.0010). The mean number of microbleeds detected on T2*WI 6 months postprocedure was higher in the PED group than in the EN group (0.6 vs 0.15, p = 0.028). A total of 36.7% of PED-treated patients exhibited new microbleeds on T2*WI at 6 months postprocedure, with at least 77.8% of these lesions representing hemorrhagic transformations of the new ischemic lesions observed on day 1 postprocedure. The rate of adjunctive coil embolization (27.3% vs 0.0%, p = 0.016) and the mean number of ischemic lesions observed 1 day postprocedure (6.6 vs 4.3, p = 0.020) were predictors of subsequent microbleeds in the PED group.

CONCLUSIONS

New microbleeds detected using T2*WI at 6 months postprocedure were more common after PED treatment than after stent-mediated embolization. Approximately three-quarters of these lesions were hemorrhagic transformations of new ischemic lesions observed on day 1 postprocedure. Prevention of intraprocedural or postprocedural infarcts is necessary to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic complications following PED placement.
The surgical outcome of decompression alone versus decompression with limited fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis
Authors: Masuda Kenji , Higashi Takayuki , Yamada Katsutaka , Sekiya Tatsuhiro , Saito Tomoyuki
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of radiological parameters for surgical decision-making in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) by comparing the clinical and radiological results after decompression or decompression and fusion surgery.

METHODS

The authors prospectively planned surgical treatment for 298 patients with degenerative lumbar disease between September 2005 and March 2013. The surgical method used at their institution to address intervertebral instability is precisely defined based on radiological parameters. Among 64 patients with a Cobb angle ranging from 10° to 25°, 57 patients who underwent follow-up for more than 2 years postoperatively were evaluated. These patients were divided into 2 groups: those in the decompression group underwent decompression alone (n = 25), and those in the fusion group underwent decompression and short segmental fusion (n = 32). Surgical outcomes were reviewed, including preoperative and postoperative Cobb angles, lumbar lordosis based on radiological parameters, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores.

RESULTS

The JOA scores of the decompression group and fusion group improved from 5.9 ± 1.6 to 10.0 ± 2.8 and from 7.2 ± 2.0 to 11.3 ± 2.8, respectively, which was not significantly different between the groups. At the final follow-up, the postoperative Cobb angle in the decompression group changed from 14° ± 2.9° to 14.3° ± 6.4° and remained stable, while the Cobb angle in the fusion group decreased from 14.8° ± 4.0° to 10.0° ± 8.5° after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients in both groups demonstrated improved JOA scores and preserved Cobb angles after surgery. The improvement in JOA scores and preservation of Cobb angles in both groups show that the evaluation of spinal instability using radiological parameters is appropriate for surgical decision-making.
Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis for pediatric moyamoya disease: long-term follow-up of 100 cases at a single center
Authors: Zhang Yong , Bao Xiang-Yang , Duan Lian , Yang Wei-Zhong , Li De-Sheng , Zhang Zheng-Shan , Han Cong , Zhao Feng , Zhang Qian , Wang Qian-Nan
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

The object of this study was to summarize the long-term effect of encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) for the treatment of pediatric moyamoya disease (MMD) and to investigate factors influencing the clinical outcomes of EDAS.

METHODS

Clinical features, angiographic findings, and clinical outcomes were analyzed among MMD patients younger than 18 years who had been treated with EDAS between 2002 and 2007 at the authors’ institution. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate stroke risk after EDAS. Predictors of neurological outcome were assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred fifteen patients were identified. The mean age at symptom onset was 7.3 ± 4.0 years. The incidence of familial MMD was 11.3%. The female/male ratio was 1:1.16. A total of 232 EDAS procedures were performed, and the incidence of postoperative complications was 3%. Postoperative digital subtraction angiography was performed in 54% of the patients, and about 80% of the hemispheres showed good or excellent results. Neovascularization showed significant correlations with delay time (from symptom onset to first operation), Suzuki stage, and preoperative stroke (all p < 0.05). Clinical follow-up was available in 100 patients with a mean follow-up of 124.4 ± 10.5 months. Ten-year cumulative survival was 96.5% after surgery, and the risk of stroke was 0.33%/person-year. An independent life with no significant disability was reported by 92% of the patients. A good outcome correlated with a low Suzuki stage (p = 0.001). Older children and those without preoperative stroke had better clinical outcomes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of long-term follow-up data, the authors concluded that EDAS is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric MMD, can reduce the risk of subsequent neurological events, and can improve quality of life. The risk of ischemia-related complications was higher in younger patients, and older children showed better outcomes. Compensation was greater with more prominent cerebral ischemia. The long-term clinical outcome largely depended on the presence and extent of preoperative stroke.
The distribution, clearance, and brainstem toxicity of panobinostat administered by convection-enhanced delivery
Authors: Singleton William G. B. , Bienemann Alison S. , Woolley Max , Johnson David , Lewis Owen , Wyatt Marcella J. , Damment Stephen J. P. , Boulter Lisa J. , Killick-Cole Clare L. , Asby Daniel J. , Gill Steven S.
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

The pan–histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat has preclinical efficacy against diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), and the oral formulation has entered a Phase I clinical trial. However, panobinostat does not cross the blood-brain barrier in humans. Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a novel neurosurgical drug delivery technique that bypasses the blood-brain barrier and is of considerable clinical interest in the treatment of DIPG.

METHODS

The authors investigated the toxicity, distribution, and clearance of a water-soluble formulation of panobinostat (MTX110) in a small- and large-animal model of CED. Juvenile male Wistar rats (n = 24) received panobinostat administered to the pons by CED at increasing concentrations and findings were compared to those in animals that received vehicle alone (n = 12). Clinical observation continued for 2 weeks. Animals were sacrificed at 72 hours or 2 weeks following treatment, and the brains were subjected to neuropathological analysis. A further 8 animals received panobinostat by CED to the striatum and were sacrificed 0, 2, 6, or 24 hours after infusion, and their brains explanted and snap-frozen. Tissue-drug concentration was determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Large-animal toxicity was investigated using a clinically relevant MRI-guided translational porcine model of CED in which a drug delivery system designed for humans was used. Panobinostat was administered at 30 μM to the ventral pons of 2 juvenile Large White–Landrace cross pigs. The animals were subjected to clinical and neuropathological analysis, and findings were compared to those obtained in controls after either 1 or 2 weeks. Drug distribution was determined by LC-MS/MS in porcine white and gray matter immediately after CED.

RESULTS

There were no clinical or neuropathological signs of toxicity up to an infused concentration of 30 μM in both small- and large-animal models. The half-life of panobinostat in rat brain after CED was 2.9 hours, and the drug was observed to be distributed in porcine white and gray matter with a volume infusion/distribution ratio of 2 and 3, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CED of water-soluble panobinostat, up to a concentration of 30 μM, was not toxic and was distributed effectively in normal brain. CED of panobinostat warrants clinical investigation in patients with DIPG.
Effect of fascicle composition on ulnar to musculocutaneous nerve transfer (Oberlin transfer) in neonatal brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Smith Brandon W. , Chulski Nicholas J. , Little Ann A. , Chang Kate W. C. , Yang Lynda J. S.
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) continues to be a problematic occurrence impacting approximately 1.5 per 1000 live births in the United States, with 10%–40% of these infants experiencing permanent disability. These children lose elbow flexion, and one surgical option for recovering it is the Oberlin transfer. Published data support the use of the ulnar nerve fascicle that innervates the flexor carpi ulnaris as the donor nerve in adults, but no analogous published data exist for infants. This study investigated the association of ulnar nerve fascicle choice with functional elbow flexion outcome in NBPP.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective study of 13 cases in which infants underwent ulnar to musculocutaneous nerve transfer for NBPP at a single institution. They collected data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, active range of motion (AROM), and intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) (using 4 ulnar nerve index muscles). Standard statistical analysis compared pre- and postoperative motor function improvement between specific fascicle transfer (1–2 muscles for either wrist flexion or hand intrinsics) and nonspecific fascicle transfer (> 2 muscles for wrist flexion and hand intrinsics) groups.

RESULTS

The patients’ average age at initial clinic visit was 2.9 months, and their average age at surgical intervention was 7.4 months. All NBPPs were unilateral; the majority of patients were female (61%), were Caucasian (69%), had right-sided NBPP (61%), and had Narakas grade I or II injuries (54%). IONM recordings for the fascicular dissection revealed a donor fascicle with nonspecific innervation in 6 (46%) infants and specific innervation in the remaining 7 (54%) patients. At 6-month follow-up, the AROM improvement in elbow flexion in adduction was 38° in the specific fascicle transfer group versus 36° in the nonspecific fascicle transfer group, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Both specific and nonspecific fascicle transfers led to functional recovery, but that the composition of the donor fascicle had no impact on early outcomes. In young infants, ulnar nerve fascicular dissection places the ulnar nerve at risk for iatrogenic damage. The data from this study suggest that the use of any motor fascicle, specific or nonspecific, produces similar results and that the Oberlin transfer can be performed with less intrafascicular dissection, less time of surgical exposure, and less potential for donor site morbidity.
Quantifying Enhancement of Metal-Supported Zeolites Due to Hydrogen Spillover
Authors: Pai Shrivanand M. , Newalkar Barat L. , Parikh Parimal A.
Published: June 2018

As bifunctional catalysts, metal-supported zeolites play an important role in refining and petrochemical processes, e.g. isomerisation, alkylation, etc. Reduction in acidity and acid strength of zeolites upon their impregnation with metals have been widely reported. Also hydrogen spillover vis-a-vis the closeness of two catalyst functions (acid and metal) has been discussed at length. Hydrogen spillover has been claimed to give rise to formation of additional acid sites on supports. Here quantification of acid sites for two zeolites, zeolite Y and ZSM-5, impregnated with different metals in various proportions after exposing them to hydrogen, has been attempted using ammonia temperature programmed desorption. The observed acidity values have been explained on the basis of metal cluster size.
A Novel Framework for Reliable Network Prediction of Small Scale Wireless Sensor Networks (SSWSNs)
Authors: Sandhu Jasminder Kaur , Verma Anil Kumar , Rana Prashant Singh
Published: June 2018

In Small Scale Wireless Sensor Networks (SSWSNs), reliability is defined as the capability of a network to perform its intended task under certain conditions for a stated time span. There are many tools for modeling and analyzing the reliability of a network. As the intricacy of various networks is increasing, there is a need for many sophisticated methods for reliability analysis. The term reliability is used as an umbrella term to capture various attributes such as safety, availability, security, and ease of use. The existing methods have many shortcomings which include inadequacy of a novel framework and inefficacy to handle scalable networks. This paper presents a novel framework which predicts the overall reliability of the SSWSNs in terms of performance metrics such as, sent packets, received packets, packets forfeit, packet delivery ratio and throughput. This framework includes various phases starting with scenario generation, construction of a dataset, applying ensemble based machine learning techniques to predict the parameters which cannot be calculated. The ensemble model predicts with an optimum accuracy of 99.9% for data flow, 99.9% for the protocol used and 97.6% for the number of nodes. Finally, to check the robustness of the ensemble model 10-fold cross-validation is used. The dataset used in this work is available as a supplement at http://bit.ly/SSWSN-Reliability .
Analytical predictions and analysis of electromagnetic field and torque for eddy-current couplers with Quasi-Halbach magnet array
Authors: Li Zhao , Wang Dazhi , Zheng Di
Published: June 2018

Accurate analytical model is critical for the design and optimization of the electromagnetic devices. In this paper, a fully 3D analytical model for eddy-current couplers with a Quasi-Halbach magnet array is presented. The originality of this paper lies in the Halbach magnet array with arbitrary magnetization direction and the eddy currents generated in conductor rotor are considered in the 3D analytical computation. To avoid the complex computation with Bessel function, the 3D cylindrical geometry is linearized and discussed in 3D Cartesian coordinates. The magnetic scalar potential in the non-conductor region (PM, air-gap, and back iron) and magnetic field strength in eddy-current region (conductor disk and its back iron) are calculated based on the separation variable method. The electromagnetic field, axial force and torque are obtained. In the end, by using the 3D finite element analysis, the feasibility and validity of the general 3D analytical model are verified.
Protein Expression Profile of Twenty-Week-Old Diabetic db/db and Non-Diabetic Mice Livers: A Proteomic and Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Guzmán-Flores Juan Manuel , Flores-Pérez Elsa Cristina , Hernández-Ortiz Magdalena , Vargas-Ortiz Katya , Ramírez-Emiliano Joel , Encarnación-Guevara Sergio , Pérez-Vázquez Victoriano
Published: June 2018

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance in the liver. Insulin is not only involved in carbohydrate metabolism, it also regulates protein synthesis. This work describes the expression of proteins in the liver of a diabetic mouse and identifies the metabolic pathways involved. Twenty-week-old diabetic db/db mice were hepatectomized, after which proteins were separated by 2D-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (2D-PAGE). Spots varying in intensity were analyzed using mass spectrometry, and biological function was assigned by the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) software. A differential expression of 26 proteins was identified; among these were arginase-1, pyruvate carboxylase, peroxiredoxin-1, regucalcin, and sorbitol dehydrogenase. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that many of these proteins are mitochondrial and participate in metabolic pathways, such as the citrate cycle, the fructose and mannose metabolism, and glycolysis or gluconeogenesis. In addition, these proteins are related to oxidation–reduction reactions and molecular function of vitamin binding and amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, the proteomic profile of the liver of diabetic mouse db/db exhibited mainly alterations in the metabolism of carbohydrates and nitrogen. These differences illustrate the heterogeneity of diabetes in its different stages and under different conditions and highlights the need to improve treatments for this disease.
ReSOLV: Applying Cryptocurrency Blockchain Methods to Enable Global Cross-Platform Software License Validation
Authors: Litchfield Alan , Herbert Jeff
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a method for a decentralised peer-to-peer software license validation system using cryptocurrency blockchain technology to ameliorate software piracy, and to provide a mechanism for software developers to protect copyrighted works. Protecting software copyright has been an issue since the late 1970s and software license validation has been a primary method employed in an attempt to minimise software piracy and protect software copyright. The method described creates an ecosystem in which the rights and privileges of participants are observed.
A Constructed Wetland System for Rural Household Sewage Treatment in Subtropical Regions
Authors: Fu Xinxi , Wu Xiaofu , Zhou Sangyang , Chen Yonghua , Chen Mingli , Chen Runhua
Published: June 2018

A constructed wetland system, consisting of a surface-flow wetland cell connected in series with three vertical subsurface-flow wetland cells, was tested for treatment of domestic sewage from rural families in southern China. Diatomite, vermiculate, zeolite and hydrotalcite, were used, respectively, as filler adsorbents in the sequenced subsurface-flow cells for adsorption of organic, cationic and anionic pollutants. Selected trees, shrubs and annual herbs were planted to form a wetland plant community. The total treatment capacity, hydraulic loading rate and water retention time were 2 m3/d, 0.5 m/d and 48 h, respectively. Experimental data obtained from a year operation confirmed that the treatment process followed the dynamic pathway of pollutant transformation. The constructed system was effective to remove TSS, CODCr and BOD5 and their effluent concentrations met the first grade of the discharge standards legislated in China. The removal rates of TN, NH3-N and TP were relatively lower, and their effluent concentrations fell within the range between the first and second grade of the standards. An increase in initial pollutant loading and a decrease in temperature in winter caused apparent accumulation of TN, NH3-N and TP in the system. Discharge of sludge at adequate intervals was shown to be effective to enhance the treatment efficiency.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Authors: Floros Constantin
Published: June 2018

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky remains to this day one of the most-performed Russian composers. Based on recent studies and source editions, this book demonstrates the close interrelationship between Tchaikovsky’s life and his work. The author portrays the versatility of the musician who died at the mere age of 53 under controversial circumstances in St. Petersburg.

About the German edition of this book:

«[…] Constantin Floros devotes himself initially to the biography and then to the compositional oeuvre, divided according to genre and supplemented by concrete illustrations, thus giving greater significance to the music.»

(Forum Musikbibliothek 27, 2006)

«[…] the music gets more weight of its own in the more detailed analyses – illustrated with revealing note citations – which yet always remain readily accessible.»

(Steffen A. Schmidt, Das Orchester 02/2007)
Potentials of Coastal and Marine Tourism in Nigeria
Authors: Oladele Ademuyiwa H. , Digun-Aweto Oghenetejiri , Van Der Merwe Petrus
Published: June 2018

Nigeria is blessed with diverse water resources that range from resources of the inland and marine waters. However, the country has not adequately channeled these resources into use for water-based tourism. Several socioeconomic gains obtainable from marine and coastal tourism, as one
of the fastest growing forms of tourism, have been utilized by many countries. Therefore, this article reviewed coastal and marine tourism and highlighted its prospects from relevant literature as it relates to tourism development in Nigeria. Identification of aquatic resources in Nigeria
and their sustainable utilization for tourism will offer the country several benefits of diversified economy, which is capable of withstanding the instability of an oil-based monoeconomy. Some of the prospects of coastal and marine tourism that Nigeria can tap include revenue generation, job
creation, and resource conservation, among others.
Nanocomposites comprised of homogeneously dispersed magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles and poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Gyergyek Sašo , Pahovnik David , Žagar Ema , Mertelj Alenka , Kostanjšek Rok , Beković Miloš , Jagodič Marko , Hofmann Heinrich , Makovec Darko
Published: June 2018

Nanocomposites with a high, uniform loading of magnetic nanoparticles are very desirable for applications such as electromagnetic shielding and cancer treatment based on magnetically induced hyperthermia. In this study, a simple and scalable route for preparing nanocomposites with a high, uniform loading of magnetic nanoparticles is presented. The magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles were functionalized with a methacrylate-based monomer that copolymerized in a toluene solution with the methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer. The resulting suspension of magnetic nanoparticles decorated with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chains in toluene were colloidal, even in the presence of a magnetic field gradient. Nanocomposites were precipitated from these suspensions. The transmission electron microscopy investigation of the prepared nanocomposites revealed that the magnetic nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the PMMA matrix, even in amounts up to 53 wt %. The uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles in the PMMA matrix was attributed to the good solvation of the grafted PMMA chains from the magnetic nanoparticles by the PMMA chains of the matrix. The nanocomposites were superparamagnetic and exhibited large values for the saturation magnetization of up to 36 emu/g. Moreover, the nanocomposite with the largest amount of incorporated nanoparticles exhibited relatively large values for the specific power loss when subjected to alternating magnetic fields, giving this material great potential for the magnetically induced hyperthermia-based treatment of cancer.