bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of EMRSA-15 clone in hospitals throughout the Czech Republic
Authors: Melter O , Urbaskova P , Jakubu V , Mackova B , Zemlickova H , Czech participants in EARSS Collective
Published: October 2017

An epidemic clone of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (EMRSA-15) ST22-SCCmecIV has been detected in hospitals of all regions of the Czech Republic.
Vibrio vulnificus wound infections after contact with the Baltic Sea, Germany
Authors: Frank C , Littman M , Alpers K , Hallauer J
Published: October 2017

Health authorities in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany have reported three cases of wound infections with the bacterium Vibrio
Typing of Legionella isolates during an epidemiological investigation can be helpful but also misleading: an example from Greece
Authors: Velonakis E  N , Uldum S  A , Giakkoupi P , Loukoussias S , Nielsen S  S , Spala G , Vatopoulos A
Published: October 2017

The guidelines of the European Working Group for Legionella Infections (EWGLI) [1] are mainly based on epidemiological criteria, because clinical diagnosis of the infection is seldom based on the isolation of this bacterium from the patient
Outbreak of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli in a nursing home in Ireland, May 2006
Authors: Pelly H , Morris D , O’Connell E , Hanahoe B , Chambers C , Biernacka K , Gray S , Cormican M
Published: October 2017

In May 2006, a consultant microbiologist noted two isolates of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli associated with urinary tract infections in a single week in two residents in a nursing home in Ireland
Ostreopsis ovata algal blooms affecting human health in Genova, Italy, 2005 and 2006
Authors: Brescianini C , Grillo C , Melchiorre N , Bertolotto R , Ferrari A , Vivaldi B , Icardi G , Gramaccioni L , Funari E , Scardala S
Published: October 2017

In the summer of 2005, about 200 people who spent time on or near beaches in a stretch of the northwest Italian coast around the city of Genova, sought medical treatment for
Personal (non-pharmaceutical) protective measures for reducing transmission of influenza – ECDC interim recommendations
Authors: Nicoll A
Published: October 2017

Epidemics of seasonal human influenza occur every winter in Europe and people naturally wish to protect themselves and their families from infection. At present there is particular interest in developing guidance on personal protective measures
Coordinated European actions to prevent and control norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships
Authors: Depoortere E , Takkinen J , ECDC Norovirus expert group Collective
Published: October 2017

Between 1 January and 5 July 2006, 42 reported outbreaks of gastroenteritis on 13 different cruise ships sailing in European waters were confirmed or suspected to be caused by norovirus. Almost 1500 cases of gastroenteritis were reported among passengers and crew, but no common source has been determined.
A variant of Chlamydia trachomatis with deletion in cryptic plasmid: implications for use of PCR diagnostic tests
Authors: Ripa T , Nilsson P
Published: October 2017

A new variant of Chlamydia trachomatis with a deletion in the cryptic plasmid has been detected in Sweden, following an unexpected 25% decrease in
HIV/AIDS in Europe: trends and EU-wide priorities
Authors: Hamers F  F , Devaux I , Alix J , Nardone A
Published: October 2017

There are an estimated 740 000 people living with HIV or AIDS in western and central Europe today, and 1.7 million in the neighbouring countries of eastern Europe and Central Asia
Hajj 2007: vaccination requirements and travel advice issued
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the world.
Third case of vCJD reported in the United States
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

A clinical diagnosis of variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease was confirmed after brain biopsy investigations in a United States resident and reported in November.
Emergence and dissemination of multidrug resistant clones of Pseudomonas aeruginosa producing VIM-2 metallo-beta-lactamase in Belgium
Authors: Deplano A , Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector , Glupczynski Y , Bogaerts P , Allemeersch D , Grimmelprez A , Mascart G , Bergès L , Laurent C , Byl B , Struelens MJ
Published: October 2017

Emergence of carbapenem-hydrolysing metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been described worldwide. Infection with MBL-producing strains represents a therapeutic problem due to their resistance to all beta-lactams except monobactams. Several types of MBL enzymes have been identified in P. aeruginosa among which the VIM-type enzymes appear as the most prevalent in Europe with more than 12 allelic variants.
Measles deaths fall by 60 percent worldwide
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

Deaths as a result of measles fell by 60 percent worldwide between 1999 and 2005, it was announced this week by the Measles Initiative
New strategy to eliminate polio from India
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has achieved great successes since the World Health Assembly launched the project in 1988. However, the disease still remains endemic in four countries: India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (A/H5N1) in commercial poultry in Hungary and the UK – public health implications?
Authors: Influenza team (ECDC) Collective
Published: October 2017

The recently reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) due to influenza type A/H5N1 in Hungary and then the United Kingdom (UK) have caused considerable disquiet and interest in the agriculture industry and the media.
First reported waterborne outbreak of cryptosporidiosis with Cyclospora co-infection in Turkey
Authors: Aksoy U , Akisu C , Sahin S , Usluca S , Yalcin G , Kuralay F , Oral A M
Published: October 2017

In September 2005, an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis with co-infection of Cyclospora occurred in western Turkey, in a village about 25 kilometres from Izmir, the country’s third largest city.
Tularaemia outbreak in northern Norway
Authors: Brantsaeter A  B , Krogh T , Radtke A , Nygård K
Published: October 2017

Since November 2006, nine cases of tularaemia from three adjacent municipalities in northern Norway have been laboratory-confirmed. According to notification forms from clinicians, eight cases had cervical lymphadenopathy, with additional mention of oral or pharyngeal infection in five.
European Immunization week: 16-22 April
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

European Immunization Week is due to take place this year between 16 and 22 April across the continent. The initiative, which is coordinated by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO Europe) with support from organisations such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), was conceived in 2004 as a result of declining or stabilising immunisation coverage and sporadic, large outbreaks of measles across the region.
The European Network for Diagnostics of Imported Viral Diseases (ENIVD) – 12 years of strengthening the laboratory diagnostic capacity in Europe
Authors: Niedrig M , Donoso-Mantke O , Schädler R ,   ENIVD members
Published: October 2017

Changes in lifestyle, travel, and migration, as well as other factors such as climate change and terrorism have increased the vulnerability of the human population to imported, rare, and emerging infections. Numerous virus outbreaks have occurred in recent years, such as Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Democratic Republic of Congo (1995, 2001-2003), Uganda (2000) and Gabon (2001-2003), West Nile fever in the United States since 1999, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China in 2002, Chikungunya in the Indian Ocean and India since 2004/2005, and, most recently, avian influenza.
Distribution of Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 027 in British hospitals
Authors: Brazier J  S , Patel B , Pearson A
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of Clostridium difficile infection in Stoke Mandeville hospital in south-east England [1] in 2004/2005 was primarily due to a new and possibly more virulent strain known in the United Kingdom (UK) as PCR ribotype 027. Coinciding with this outbreak, a surveillance programme of C. difficile isolates from symptomatic patients in England with additional results of outbreak investigation requests to the Anaerobe Reference Laboratory (ARL) in Cardiff has established the true extent of its spread throughout British hospitals.
A large outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in western Ireland linked to public water supply: a preliminary report
Authors: Pelly H , Cormican M , O'Donovan D , Chalmers R , Hanahoe B , Cloughley R , McKeown P , Corbett-Feeney G
Published: October 2017

In mid-February 2007, there was a small rise in the number of laboratory-notified cases of cryptosporidiosis in the city and county of Galway, Ireland in comparison to February 2006.
Ostreopsis ovata and human health: epidemiological and clinical features of respiratory syndrome outbreaks from a two-year syndromic surveillance, 2005-06, in north-west Italy
Authors: Durando P , Ansaldi F , Oreste P , Moscatelli P , Marensi L , Grillo C , Gasparini R , Icardi G ,   Collaborative Group for the Ligurian Syndromic Algal Surveillance
Published: October 2017

There appears to be a lack of data regarding the effects on human health of Ostreopsis ovata, a marine dinoflagellate species usually living in tropical and subtropical areas but recently found with more and more frequency in the Mediterranean Sea.
Outbreak of tuberculosis in a junior school in south-eastern England
Authors: Howard J , Paranjothy S , Thomas S , Bracebridge S , Lilley M , McEvoy M
Published: October 2017

Several tuberculosis outbreaks in schools have been reported in the last decade, usually following transmission from an infectious staff member.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 in birds within the EU - Implications for Public Health
Authors: Influenza team (ECDC) Collective
Published: October 2017

Since the later part of June 2007, three European Union (EU) Member States (Czech Republic, Germany, and France) have recorded cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype A/H5N1 in bird populations.
Outbreak of trichinellosis in north-western Poland – Update and exported cases, June-July 2007
Authors: Golab E , Szulc M , Wnukowska N , Rozej W , Fell G , Sadkowska-Todys M
Published: October 2017

From 2 to 17 July, 16 additional cases of trichinellosis were registered in Poland, bringing the total number of people infected in this outbreak in Poland to 214, as of 18 July.
Outbreak of respiratory infection on a cruise ship
Authors: Sedgwick J , Joseph C A , Chandrakumar M , Harrison T  G , Lee J. V. , de Jong B
Published: October 2017

On 27 July 2007, the Department of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention of Stockholm County Council (SCC), Sweden, was informed by one of the infectious diseases hospitals in Stockholm that three elderly women travelling on a cruise ship had been hospitalised due to severe pneumonia
A Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands: a preliminary report
Authors: Karagiannis I , Morroy G , Rietveld A , Horrevorts A M , Hamans M , Francken P , Schimmer B
Published: October 2017

On 29 May 2007, a general practitioner (GP) from a rural village in the province of Noord- Brabant, in the south of the Netherlands, alerted the municipal health service about an unusual increase in pneumonia cases among adults in his practice.
A case of trichinellosis in Denmark, imported from Poland, June 2007
Authors: Stensvold C R , Nielsen H V , Mølbak K
Published: October 2017

A 59-year-old Danish woman presented to her general practitioner (GP) at the end of June. A few weeks earlier, during a meal at home in Denmark, she had consumed a slice of pork sausage (‘teewurst’, German sausage) brought to her by three Polish visitors.
Salmonellosis outbreak in connection with the Formula One race, August 2007 in Hungary
Authors: Krisztalovics K , Szabó E , Danielisz A , Borbás K , Pászti J , Nagyné Papp E
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of acute gastroenteritis affecting 31 people occurred between 3 and 5 August 2007 during the Formula One race that took place at the Hungaroring in Mogyoród, Hungary. The venue has a capacity of around 200,000 spectators.
Influenza activity in the Southern Hemisphere: a preliminary look at the winter 2007 season
Authors: Editorial team Collective
Published: October 2017

Human seasonal influenza occurs in the northern and southern hemispheres in epidemics in the colder months of the year. These vary annually in their mix of viruses (which constantly evolve), the severity of the illness and the ‘fit’ with the vaccine composition, which is reviewed annually by the World Health Organization (WHO) for each hemisphere.
An outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 in Aberdeen, Scotland, September 2007
Authors: Webster Diana , Cowden J , Locking M
Published: October 2017

Scotland has higher rates of Escherichia coli O157 infection than other countries in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe.
An outbreak of measles in Lower Bavaria, Germany, January-June 2007
Authors: Bernard H , Santibanez S , Siedler A , Ludwig M S , Fischer R , Hautmann W
Published: October 2017

Between January and June 2007, a total of 90 cases of measles were notified in Passau and Rottal-Inn, two districts of Lower Bavaria in south-east Germany sharing a border with Austria.
Universal varicella vaccination in the Veneto Region, Italy: launch of a programme targeting all children aged 14 months and susceptible adolescents
Authors: Baldo V , Ferro A , Napoletano G , Milani S , Bertoncello L , Baldovin T , Trivello R
Published: October 2017

In Italy, 500,000 cases of varicella are estimated each year, most of them occurring in children aged between 0 and 14 years.
Clusters of measles cases in Jewish orthodox communities in Antwerp, epidemiologically linked to the United Kingdom: a preliminary report
Authors: Lernout T , Kissling E , Hutse V , Top G
Published: October 2017

In October 2007, a school health service in Antwerp reported eight suspected cases of measles in two Jewish schools in the city. The diagnosis of measles was confirmed on saliva and nasopharyngeal samples for five cases.
Guidelines for laboratory diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in Eastern European countries – results of an international collaboration
Authors: Domeika M , Savicheva A , Sokolovskiy E , Ballard R , Unemo M
Published: October 2017

During the past decade, the independent countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Western Balkans have undergone significant changes in economic, social and political conditions.
PENERAPAN SIMPLE ADDITIVE WEIGHTING AND LOCATION QUOTIENT UNTUK MENENTUKAN LOKASI PENYEBARAN TERNAK (Studi Kasus : Kabupaten Brebes)
Authors: Kusumaningrum Anggraini
Published: October 2017

The government self-sufficiency program about Cattle and Buffalo have not been success, because the distributed of livestock is not according with the regulation. It is only used the ecological factor and have not used the other factor like human resource and institutional factor, technology and the development of the region factor, development of infrastructure. This research have been modeling  with Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). Simple additive weighting (SAW) is  one method of MCDM, it used for decide the suitability of location and the result of SAW support by Location Quotient (LQ) for allocation priority of livestock in the region. The result of this research is the combination of methods  SAW and LQ could be implementation and give the right alternative based on priority allocation for the decision maker to allocation the livestock.
PERANCANGAN DAN ANALISA PERBANDINGAN ANTARA DELAY DAN THROUGHPUT PADA VIDEO STREAMING MENGGUNAKAN IPv4 DAN IPv6 TUNNELING
Authors: Sajati Haruno , Nugrahenny Dwi , Nugroho Eko Cahyo
Published: October 2017

Along with the rapid growth of the Internet, causing problem in the allocation of IPv4 addressing. Therefore, IPv4 only have less than 4 billion addresses and will soon be exhausted. Therefore, IPv6 has been created and used hexadecimal system on it addressing and has very large address allocation that is 3,4 x 1038 addresses. But now many network infrastructures in terms of hardware and software that have not fully support IPv6. So, the devices that still using IPv4 can through IPv6-based network infrastructures, they can use tunneling technique. This makes the emergence of the idea to test the delay and throughput in streaming video system which has a heavy workload on the network. Video streaming system on Vision 1.0 application takes advantage motor stepper webcam in order to support the visibility of the image that can be captured. Then the client who connected to the server can control remotely the motor stepper webcam. On the implementation phase, Vision 1.0 is running on IPv4 and IPv6 network. Next on the testing phase, carried out delay and throughput data collections from those both network systems. From the obtained results in testing, showed no significant difference. So, in general, the performance difference is not too pronounced when the video streaming system is running on both network systems. However, from a comparison based on mean value of delay and throughput, IPv4 is still superior due to the header of the data packet does not as big asIPv6 header which of course affects the packet data frame size, then the traffic network more crowded.
Studi Tentang Upaya Peningkatan Jumlah dan Kualifikasi Teknisi Pesawat Udara Di Indonesia
Authors: Abu zaka Nurhadi
Published: October 2017

The development of the aviation industry in Indonesia increased significantly the last few years, so it is necessary adequate Aircraft Technician/Engineer (TPU), both the number and qualifications. The problem is, the amount of TPU in Indonesia is very limited and the majority academic level only senior high school, it making less competitive. The purpose of study to find out efforts to increase the number and qualifications of TPU by PT GMF Aero Asia Garuda Group (GMFAA) is cooperating with six universities in Indonesia to produce TPU with D-III level. Studies done by observation, interview and direct involvement at the Basic Aircraft Maintenance (BAM) for instructor, organized by GMFAA for 1,920 hours. The data were analyzed descriptively to obtain qualitative research. The study shows that in the first batch (2015-2016) has trained 16 lecturers of 6 universities to conduct AMTO class at each campus. In the first year (2015) has opened AMTO classes at six campuses with 226 students and 216 in the second year (2016). From the 4th year (2018) will certainly be produced aircraft technician/engineer with D-III qualifiers at least 200 people, so it's very helpful to accelerate the fulfillment of TPU in Indonesia Keywords— Aircraft Technician/Engineer, maintenance, AMTO
RANCANG BANGUN TURBIN ANGIN SAVONIUS 200 WATT
Authors: Rudianto Daniel
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to establish the type of Savonius wind turbines that capable of generating electric power of 200 Watts. This objective relates to Bantul District Government program which plans to build wind turbin generating electrical power (Pembangkit  Listrik Tenaga Bayu, PLTB) 200 Watt as a backup power source for powering cooling fish caught by fishermen in the southern coast. Savonius Turbine chosen with consideration that it has simple construction so that the cost is not expensive, not depending on the direction of the wind, and is suitable for small power plants.Design of Savonius turbine blade has been completed, the turbine blade height 168 cm and a diameter of 55 cm. Blade turbine mounted on an arm along 55 cm from the turbine shaft and separate 120º. The turbine is supported by a 3-foot-tall turbines framework 2,5 m iron box 4 cm x 4 cm. The test simulated to determine the turbine rotation has been performed at varying wind speeds, i.e. 2 m /s, 4 m /s and 6 m /s.Based on test results, the turbine is capable of rotating an average of 54,2 rpm at a wind speed of 2 m /s; 86,8 rpm at a wind speed of 4 m /s; and 124,2 rpm at a wind speed of 6 m /s. These test results indicate that the Savonius turbines can be used to drive a generator producing the need of electrical energy
Subdural hematomas in 1846 patients with shunted idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: treatment and long-term survival
Authors: Sundström Nina , Lagebrant Marcus , Eklund Anders , Koskinen Lars-Owe D. , Malm Jan
Published: October 2017

OBJECTIVE

Subdural hematoma (SDH) is the most common serious adverse event in patients with shunts. Adjustable shunts are used with increasing frequency and make it possible to noninvasively treat postoperative SDH. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and treatment preferences of SDHs, based on fixed or adjustable shunt valves, in a national cohort of patients with shunted idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), as well as to evaluate the effect of SDH and treatment on long-term survival.

METHODS

Patients with iNPH who received a CSF shunt in Sweden from 2004 to 2015 were included in a prospective quality registry (n = 1846) and followed regarding SDH, its treatment, and mortality. The treatment of SDH was categorized into surgery, opening pressure adjustments, or no treatment.

RESULTS

During the study period, the proportion of adjustable shunts increased from 75% to 95%. Ten percent (n = 184) of the patients developed an SDH. In 103 patients, treatment was solely opening pressure adjustment. Surgical treatment was used in 66 cases (36%), and 15 (8%) received no treatment. In patients with fixed shunt valves, 90% (n = 17) of SDHs were treated surgically compared with 30% (n = 49) in patients with adjustable shunts (p < 0.001). There was no difference in long-term patient survival between the SDH and non-SDH groups or between different treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

SDH remains a common complication after shunt surgery, but adjustable shunts reduced the need for surgical interventions. SDH and treatment did not significantly affect survival in this patient group, thus the noninvasive treatment offered by adjustable shunts considerably reduces the level of severity for this common adverse event.
Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Associate with Tumour Stage in Urothelial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Koti Madhuri , Xu Amanda Shuo , Ren Kevin Yi Mi , Visram Kash , Ren Runhan , Berman David M. , Siemens D. Robert
Published: October 2017

Background:

Urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) is a highly prevalent disease in North America, however its optimal management remains elusive. The contribution of B cell associated responses is poorly understood in bladder cancer. Lymphoid neogenesis is a hallmark of an active immune response at tumor sites that sometimes leads to formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) that resemble germinal centers formed in secondary lymphoid organs.

Objective:

This study was conducted with an aim to investigate the presence and characteristics of TLS in UBC with a focus to compare and contrast the TLS formation in treatment naive low grade non-muscle invasive (NMIBC) and muscle invasive bladder cancers (MIBC).

Methods:

The study cohort consisted of transurethral bladder resection tumour (TURBT) specimens from 28 patients. Sections showing lymphoid aggregates in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained TURBT specimens were further subjected to multi-color immunohistochemistry using immune cell markers specific to CD20+ B cells, CD3+ and CD8+ T cells, PNAd+ high endothelial venules, CD208+ mature dendritic cells, CD21+ follicular dendritic cells to confirm the hallmarks of classical germinal centers.

Results:

Our pilot study investigating the presence of TLS in bladder cancer patients is the first to demonstrate that well-formed TLS are more common in aggressive high grade MIBC tumors compared to low grade NIMBC.

Conclusions:

These novel findings suggest B cell mediated anti-tumour humoral immune responses in bladder cancer progression.
Oncological Outcomes of Sequential Intravesical Gemcitabine and Docetaxel in Patients with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Milbar Niv , Kates Max , Chappidi Meera R. , Pederzoli Filippo , Yoshida Takahiro , Sankin Alexander , Pierorazio Phillip M. , Schoenberg Mark P. , Bivalacqua Trinity J.
Published: October 2017

Background:

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) unresponsive/relapsing patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who prefer bladder preservation over radical cystectomy (RC) or those who do not qualify for surgery may be offered intravesical therapies. Gemcitabine (GEM) combined with Docetaxel (DOCE) has been offered at Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH).

Objective:

To evaluate experience with GEM/DOCE, to confirm safety of the regimen, to identify populations that may benefit most, and to consider the appropriate endpoints for judging efficacy of second line therapies.

Methods:

Thirty-three patients who received full induction GEM/DOCE since 2011, per the protocol adapted from U. Iowa, were identified and characterized. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with recurrence. Cox proportional hazard models evaluated risk factors for disease-free survival (DFS) and high-grade recurrence-free survival (HG-RFS).

Results:

There were no serious adverse effects of therapy. Across all patients, median follow-up time was 18.6 months with a median DFS of 6.5 months, 42% 1-year, and 24% 2-year DFS. Median HG-RFS was 17.1 months with 56% 1-year and 42% 2-year HG-RFS. Among patients initially presenting with HG-NMIBC, 46% (13/28) had HG recurrence. BCG unresponsive/relapsing patients ( N = 25) displayed 49% 1-year HG-RFS and 34% 2-year HG-RFS. In total, there were 5 LG and 16 HG recurrences, with 5 progressions and 8 cystectomies among these.

Conclusions:

GEM/DOCE is a well-tolerated therapy that deserves further study as an alternative to immediate RC for highly selected patients with HG-NMIBC. BCG naïve patients responded more effectively than BCG unresponsive/relapsing patients. As anticipated, GEM/DOCE efficacy was improved for HG only patients.
Evidence of Atypical Recurrences After Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Audenet François , Sfakianos John P.
Published: October 2017

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has seen remarkable growth in the last decade. Despite a low level of evidence, numerous publications reporting on outcomes after RARC are now available. While definitive data on the long-term oncologic safety and efficacy of this technique are still lacking, similar oncological and functional outcomes compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC) have been reported. Several studies have also reported on atypical recurrences after RARC, including peritoneal carcinomatosis, extra-pelvic lymph node metastasis and port-site metastasis. While distant metastases overall do not appear to be affected by technique, it is possible that RARC may be associated with an increased risk of some atypical recurrences and this should be prospectively studied in RARC. However, atypical recurrences are rare events and are infrequent in their description. To date, there is no convincing evidence that, in the hands of equally experienced surgeons who treat bladder cancer routinely, a skillfully performed RARC is less oncologically efficacious than a skillfully performed ORC.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Efficacy of Chemotherapy with Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors as Definitive Therapy for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Moran George W. , Li Gen , Robins Dennis J. , Matulay Justin T. , McKiernan James M. , Anderson Christopher B.
Published: October 2017

Background:

Bladder-sparing treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) with systemic chemotherapy plus transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) is increasingly seen in the literature –both in case series and subanalyses of patients who opt out of or are unfit for radical cystectomy (RC). Survival outcomes among these patients are often impressive, but these are typically small retrospective studies from single institutions and therefore of limited clinical value.

Objectives:

Our aim is to summarize the literature regarding definitive treatment of MIBC with systemic chemotherapy plus TURBT and provide a meta-analysis of survival outcomes for patients who received this treatment.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed consistent with the Prisma statement to identify publications reporting the outcomes of patients treated with TURBT and systemic chemotherapy as definitive treatment for locally confined MIBC. Identified studies were screened in a two-stage process: first by title and abstract; then by full-text reading. 18 publications (518 patients) were included in the qualitative systematic review and 10 publications (266 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The primary objective was overall survival (OS).

Results:

Overall survival ranged from 20% to 87.5% across studies at median follow-up ranging 4 to 120 months. 5-year survival rate for all patients included in the meta-analysis was estimated to be 72% [95% CI: 64%, 82%].

Conclusions:

Definitive treatment with systemic chemotherapy plus TURBT can lead to favorable survival outcomes in select patients. Further study to improve patient selection for this method of treatment is needed.
Bladder Cancer Recovery Pathways: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maloney Ian , Parker Daniel C. , Cookson Michael S. , Patel Sanjay
Published: October 2017

Background:

Enhanced recovery pathways, also known as fast-track protocols, have been adopted since the early 2000s by various surgical specialties with the goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing the cost burden of major surgery on the health care system.

Objective:

To review the scientific literature on the origin of enhanced recovery pathways, track the contemporary utilization of such practices for patients undergoing radical cystectomy, and analyze the available data regarding their effect on morbidity, mortality, and treatment cost.

Methods:

A literature search of multiple electronic databases was undertaken. Manuscripts including patients undergoing radical cystectomy were chosen based on predefined criteria with an emphasis on randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Strength of evidence for each study that met inclusion criteria was assessed based on the risk of bias, consistency, directness, and precision.

Results:

Database searches resulted in 1,236 potentially relevant articles. A total of 485 articles were selected for full-text dual review and 106 studies in 52 publications met the inclusion criteria.

Conclusion:

The utilization of enhanced recovery pathways with the goal of improving overall patient morbidity and mortality is well supported in the literature, however standardization of implementation and adherence across institutions is lacking, and their direct efficacy on reducing preventable treatment related expenditures is unconfirmed.
Farmers knowledge and adoption level on goat healthcare management practices in selected areas of India
Authors: Roy R , Tiwari R
Published: October 2017

The study was taken up with the objective to find out the factors effecting knowledge and adoption of goat owners in healthcare management practices. The study was purposively conducted in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh due to its high population and two highest goat meat producing states in the country. In all, 180 respondents were randomly selected for the study. The study revealed that majority of the goat owners had knowledge on different healthcare management practices but in respect to extent of adoption of these practices, it was found low. The study shows that majority of the goat owners had medium level of knowledge about healthcare management practices. The study also shows that education, landholding, mass media exposure, formal interpersonal contact and social participation are significantly and positively correlated with knowledge level whereas education, landholding, knowledge level, mass media exposure, formal interpersonal contact and social participation are significantly and positively correlated with adoption index of the goat owners in healthcare management practices. The study further reveals that mass media exposure, education, informal interpersonal contact, landholding and flock size were the main contributing factors to farmers knowledge level in healthcare management practices whereas knowledge level in healthcare management practices, formal interpersonal contact, flock size and farming experience were the main contributing factors to farmers adoption index in healthcare management practices. Thus, a holistic extension approach for goat owners needs to be taken up considering all the factors which can enhance the knowledge level in improved healthcare management practices resulting in adoption of these improved practices so that they can prevent morbidity and mortality in their farm and thereby reduce economic losses.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2017. 46 (2): 95-101
A review on present status, problems and prospects of quail farming in Bangladesh
Authors: Redoy MRA , Shuvo AAS , Al-Mamun M
Published: October 2017

The aim of this paper is to review the current status of quail production, problems and its future prospects in Bangladesh. Poultry industry is an important sub-sector of livestock production in Bangladesh that plays a crucial role in economic growth and simultaneously creates numerous employment opportunities. As a fundamental part of animal production in Bangladesh, the industry is committed to supplying nation with a cheap source of good quality nutritious animal protein in terms of meat and eggs. Approximately 25% of the protein consumed in Bangladesh originates from poultry .Despite this data, Bangladesh is still one of the lowest poultry meat consuming countries in the world. Here per capita meat consumption is only 1.2 kg per person per year and per capita egg consumption is also about 32 eggs per person per year. With increasing incomes, the demand for meat, especially the cheaper option of poultry meat, and eggs is set to rise. More importantly, quail   becomes a promising poultry species in Bangladesh due to their smaller body size, hardiness against common chicken diseases, easy management, quick return over the invest, less labor cost and investment required for the farming. But still now the rearing quail is not yet popular like chicken farming due to poor marketing channel, subsistence farming, lack of specialized feed, lack of available day-old chicks, high chick mortality etc. Scientific feeding, training to the farmers about their management, creating organized marketing channel will be the probable solution for vitalizing this species in Bangladesh.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2017. 46 (2): 109-120
Actuators for Active Magnetic Bearings
Authors: Maslen Eric
Published: October 2017

The literature of active magnetic bearing (AMB) technology dates back to at least 1937 when the earliest work that clearly describes an active magnetic bearing system was published by Jesse Beams [...]
Antibiotic Prescribing for Uncomplicated Acute Bronchitis Is Highest in Younger Adults
Authors: Grigoryan Larissa , Zoorob Roger , Shah Jesal , Wang Haijun , Arya Monisha , Trautner Barbara W.
Published: October 2017

Reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is currently a global health priority. Current guidelines recommend against antibiotic treatment for acute uncomplicated bronchitis. We studied antibiotic prescribing patterns for uncomplicated acute bronchitis and identified predictors of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. We used the Epic Clarity database (electronic medical record system) to identify all adult patients with acute bronchitis in family medicine clinics from 2011 to 2016. We excluded factors that could justify antibiotic use, such as suspected pneumonia, COPD or immunocompromising conditions. Of the 3616 visits for uncomplicated acute bronchitis, 2244 (62.1%) resulted in antibiotic treatment. The rates of antibiotic prescribing were similar across the years, p value for trend = 0.07. Antibiotics were most frequently prescribed in the age group of 18–39 years (66.9%), followed by the age group of 65 years and above (59.0%), and the age group of 40–64 years (58.7%), p value < 0.001. Macrolides were significantly more likely to be prescribed for younger adults, while fluoroquinolones were more likely to be prescribed for patients 65 years or older. Duration of antibiotic use was significantly longer in older adults. Sex and race were not associated with antibiotic prescribing. Our findings highlight the urgent need to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use for uncomplicated acute bronchitis, particularly in younger adults.
Soil Dynamic Constitutive Model for Characterizing the Nonlinear-Hysteretic Response
Authors: Chong Song-Hun
Published: October 2017

Characterization of nonlinear hysteretic responses plays a significant role in predicting soil behaviors. They are mostly described with either simple empirical functions or complex constitutive models. However, the input parameters lack both a physical basis and robustness, and the use of these models is limited to some typical soils. Therefore, there is a need for a simple but robust model that uses only a small number of physically meaningful parameters. This study proposes explicit formulas to capture different nonlinear hysteretic soil responses, including a constitutive model, backbone curve, tangent shear modulus, secant shear modulus, and damping ratio. In particular, the Davidenkov model, with two physically meaningful parameters, is adopted to assess the constitutive relationships of soils under steady-state cyclic loading. The proposed models are validated with resonant column test (RCT) data (shear modulus and damping ratio). This paper finds that the use of the linear characteristic equation to calculate the shear modulus from the resonance frequency in the RCT, which is clearly irrelevant and approximate, produces data interpretation errors.
N-Type Semiconducting Behavior of Copper Octafluorophthalocyanine in an Organic Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Matumoto Akane , Hoshino Norihisa , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Matsuda Masaki
Published: October 2017

Based on the crystal structure analysis, the overlap integral between the frontier molecular orbitals of adjacent F8CuPcs in the one-dimensional chain is estimated: the overlap integral between the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals is 5.4 × 10−3, which is larger than that in a typical n-type semiconducing material F16CuPc (2.1 × 10−3), whereas that between the highest occupied molecular orbitals is 2.9 × 10−4. Contrary to previous studies in air, we found that an organic field-effect transistor (OFET) composed of F8CuPc essentially shows clear n-type semiconducting behavior in vacuum.
Impact of Cold Waves and Heat Waves on the Energy Production Sector
Authors: Añel Juan , Fernández-González Manuel , Labandeira Xavier , López-Otero Xiral , De la Torre Laura
Published: October 2017

Cold and heat waves represent a significant problem for the electricity generation sector. The disruptions cold and heat waves can cause in power production are beyond their consumption impacts through, for instance, higher peak demand. Unexpected stops at thermal or nuclear power plants by excessively high-temperature water constitute clear examples of this. In this invited paper, we use past case studies to analyze the impact of these kinds of events on power production. Subsequently we discuss how events of this nature may evolve over the future in view of their association to climate change. Although the review is not exhaustive, we do expose some ideas that may be relevant for decision making in this area
Production of 4-Ene-3-ketosteroids in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: García-Fernández Julia , Galán Beatriz , Felpeto-Santero Carmen , Barredo José , García José
Published: October 2017

Corynebacterium glutamicum has been widely used for the industrial production of amino acids and many value-added chemicals; however, it has not been exploited for the production of steroids. Using C. glutamicum as a cellular biocatalyst we have expressed the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase MSMEG_5228 from Mycobacterium smegmatis to demonstrate that the resulting recombinant strain is able to oxidize in vivo C19 and C21 3-OH-steroids to their corresponding keto-derivatives. This new approach constitutes a proof of concept of a biotechnological process for producing value-added intermediates such as 4-pregnen-16α,17α-epoxy-16β-methyl-3,20-dione.
Enzymatic Degradation of Poly(ethylene 2,5-furanoate) Powders and Amorphous Films
Authors: Weinberger Simone , Canadell Judit , Quartinello Felice , Yeniad Bahar , Arias Andrea , Pellis Alessandro , Guebitz Georg
Published: October 2017

Poly(ethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PEF) is arousing great interest as a biobased alternative to plastics like poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) due to its wide range of potential applications, such as food and beverage packaging, clothing, and in the car industry. In the present study, the hydrolysis of PEF powders of different molecular masses (Mn = 55, Mw = 104 kg/mol and Mn = 18, Mw = 29 kg/mol) and various particle sizes (180 < d and 180 < d < 425 µm) using cutinase 1 from Thermobifida cellulosilytica (Thc_cut1) was studied. Thereby, the effects of molecular mass, particle size and crystallinity on enzymatic hydrolysis were investigated. The results show that particles with lower molecular mass are hydrolyzed faster than those with higher masses, and that the higher the molecular mass, the lower the influence of the particle size on the hydrolysis. Furthermore, cutinases from Humicola insolens (HiC) and Thc_cut1 were compared with regard to their hydrolytic activity on amorphous PEF films (measured as release of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and weight loss) in different reaction media (1 M KPO pH 8, 0.1 M Tris-HCl pH 7) and at different temperatures (50 °C and 65 °C). A 100% hydrolysis of the PEF films was achieved after only 72 h of incubation with a HiC in 1 M KPO pH 8 at 65 °C. Moreover, the hydrolysis reaction was monitored by LC/TOF-MS analysis of the released reaction products and by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) examination of the polymer surfaces. Enzymatic hydrolysis of PEF with Thc_cut1 and HiC has potential for use in surface functionalization and recycling purposes.
A Computed River Flow-Based Turbine Controller on a Programmable Logic Controller for Run-Off River Hydroelectric Systems
Authors: Jidin Razali , Othman Abdul
Published: October 2017

The main feature of a run-off river hydroelectric system is a small size intake pond that overspills when river flow is more than turbines’ intake. As river flow fluctuates, a large proportion of the potential energy is wasted due to the spillages which can occur when turbines are operated manually. Manual operation is often adopted due to unreliability of water level-based controllers at many remote and unmanned run-off river hydropower plants. In order to overcome these issues, this paper proposes a novel method by developing a controller that derives turbine output set points from computed mass flow rate of rivers that feed the hydroelectric system. The computed flow is derived by summation of pond volume difference with numerical integration of both turbine discharge flows and spillages. This approach of estimating river flow allows the use of existing sensors rather than requiring the installation of new ones. All computations, including the numerical integration, have been realized as ladder logics on a programmable logic controller. The implemented controller manages the dynamic changes in the flow rate of the river better than the old point-level based controller, with the aid of a newly installed water level sensor. The computed mass flow rate of the river also allows the controller to straightforwardly determine the number of turbines to be in service with considerations of turbine efficiencies and auxiliary power conservation.
A Fuzzy-Based PI Controller for Power Management of a Grid-Connected PV-SOFC Hybrid System
Authors: Sukumar Shivashankar , Marsadek Marayati , Ramasamy Agileswari , Mokhlis Hazlie , Mekhilef Saad
Published: October 2017

Solar power generation is intermittent in nature. It is nearly impossible for a photovoltaic (PV) system to supply power continuously and consistently to a varying load. Operating a controllable source like a fuel cell in parallel with PV can be a solution to supply power to variable loads. In order to coordinate the power supply from fuel cells and PVs, a power management system needs to be designed for the microgrid system. This paper presents a power management system for a grid-connected PV and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), considering variation in the load and solar radiation. The objective of the proposed system is to minimize the power drawn from the grid and operate the SOFC within a specific power range. Since the PV is operated at the maximum power point, the power management involves the control of SOFC active power where a proportional and integral (PI) controller is used. The control parameters of the PI controller Kp (proportional constant) and Ti (integral time constant) are determined by the genetic algorithm (GA) and simplex method. In addition, a fuzzy logic controller is also developed to generate appropriate control parameters for the PI controller. The performance of the controllers is evaluated by minimizing the integral of time multiplied by absolute error (ITAE) criterion. Simulation results showed that the fuzzy-based PI controller outperforms the PI controller tuned by the GA and simplex method in managing the power from the hybrid source effectively under variations of load and solar radiation.
Controllability and Leader-Based Feedback for Tracking the Synchronization of a Linear-Switched Reluctance Machine Network
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yuan Jianping , Pan Jianfei , Wu Xiaoyu , Luo Jianjun , Qiu Li
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates the controllability of a closed-loop tracking synchronization network based on multiple linear-switched reluctance machines (LSRMs). The LSRM network is constructed from a global closed-loop manner, and the closed loop only replies to the input and output information from the leader node. Then, each local LSRM node is modeled as a general second-order system, and the model parameters are derived by the online system identification method based on the least square method. Next, to guarantee the LSRM network’s controllability condition, a theorem is deduced that clarifies the relationship among the LSRM network’s controllability, the graph controllability of the network and the controllability of the node dynamics. A state feedback control strategy with the state observer located on the leader is then proposed to improve the tracking performance of the LSRM network. Last, both the simulation and experiment results prove the effectiveness of the network controller design scheme and the results also verify that the leader-based global feedback strategy not only improves the tracking performance but also enhances the synchronization accuracy of the LSRM network experimentally.