bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiation Pneumonitis: Old Problem, New Tricks
Authors: Jain Varsha , Berman Abigail
Published: July 2018

Radiation therapy is a major treatment modality for management of non-small cell lung cancer. Radiation pneumonitis is a dose limiting toxicity of radiotherapy, affecting its therapeutic ratio. This review presents patient and treatment related factors associated with the development of radiation pneumonitis. Research focusing on reducing the incidence of radiation pneumonitis by using information about lung ventilation, imaging-based biomarkers as well as normal tissue complication models is discussed. Recent advances in our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying lung injury has led to the development of several targeted interventions, which are also explored in this review.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential Differences between Cynomorium coccineum L. Growing in Italy and in Tunisia: Effect of Environmental Stress
Authors: Ben Attia Imen , Zucca Paolo , Cesare Marincola Flaminia , Piras Alessandra , Rosa Antonella , Chaieb Mohamed , Rescigno Antonio
Published: July 2018

Cynomorium coccineum is a parasitic plant that has been known for centuries in ethnopharmacology. However, its biological activities have been scarcely studied, particularly in the case of plant grown in North Africa. Thus, we compared the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of C. coccineum taken from two regions characterized by very different climates: the Tataouine region in southeast Tunisia, which lies near the desert, and Sardinia in south Italy, which lies near the coast. The antioxidant potential of freeze-dried specimens from the hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanolic, and aqueous extracts was tested using both electron transfer (ET) methods (i.e., TEAC-ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) assay (ORAC-PYR). The metabolic profiles of both the methanolic and aqueous extracts were further investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. We also obtained fixed oils by supercritical fractioned extraction (SFE) with CO2. GC and HPLC were then used combined to determine the fatty acids profile. All extracts showed significantly different antioxidant capacities. 1H NMR spectroscopy showed evidence for the presence of amino acids, organic acids, and carbohydrates. The main fatty acids in the oils were 18:1 n-9, 18:2 n-6, 16:0, and 18:3 n-3. All the results showed a difference in chemical composition that influenced the total antioxidant power and the biological activity, verifying that climate affects the chemical composition of plants.
A Robust Prescriptive Framework and Performance Metric for Diagnosing and Predicting Wind Turbine Faults Based on SCADA and Alarms Data with Case Study
Authors: Leahy Kevin , Gallagher Colm , O’Donovan Peter , Bruton Ken , O’Sullivan Dominic
Published: July 2018

Using 10-minute wind turbine supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system data to predict faults can be an attractive way of working toward a predictive maintenance strategy without needing to invest in extra hardware. Classification methods have been shown to be effective in this regard, but there have been some common issues in their application within the literature. To use these data-driven methods effectively, historical SCADA data must be accurately labelled with the periods when turbines were down due to faults, as well as with the reason for the fault. This can be manually achieved using maintenance logs, but can be highly tedious and time-consuming due to the often unstructured format in which this information is stored. Alarm systems can also help, but the sheer volume of alarms and false positives generated complicate efforts. Furthermore, a way to implement and evaluate the field deployed system beyond simple classification metrics is needed. In this work, we present a prescribed and reproducible framework for: (i) automatically identifying periods of faulty operation using rules applied to the turbine alarm system; (ii) using this information to perform classification which avoids some of the common pitfalls observed in literature; and (iii) generating alerts based on a sliding window metric to evaluate the performance of the system in a real-world scenario. The framework was applied to a dataset from an operating wind farm and the results show that the system can automatically and accurately label historical stoppages from the alarms data. For fault prediction, classification scores are quite low, with precision of 0.16 and recall of 0.49, but it is envisaged that this can be greatly improved with more training data. Nonetheless, the sliding window metric compensates for the low raw classification scores and shows that 71% of faults can be predicted with an average of 30 h notice, with false alarms being active for 122 h of the year. By adjusting some of the parameters of the fault prediction alerts, the duration of false alarms can be drastically reduced to 2 h, but this also reduces the number of predicted faults to 8%.
Reducing Biomass Utilization in the Ethiopia Energy System: A National Modeling Analysis
Authors: Yurnaidi Zulfikar , Kim Suduk
Published: July 2018

With its target of becoming a middle-income country by 2025, Ethiopia has set ambitious targets in its Growth Transformation Plan (GTP) II, such as increasing power generation capacity from 4.18 to 17.21 GW during the 2016–2020 period. However, according to the 2015 IEA energy balance table, Ethiopia depends heavily on biomass for its final energy use. In final energy service sectors, biomass takes more than 90% of the final energy consumption (36.9 out of 40.9 MTOE), 99% of which is consumed in the residential sector. Therefore, it is very important to achieve biomass utilization in the energy sector targets of Ethiopia. This paper aims to analyze the biomass consumption in the Ethiopia energy system, and discuss related policies. An integrated assessment model is chosen for its national energy modeling, and to simulate policy scenarios in a comprehensive and consistent manner. After building a reference case, three scenarios are developed: (1) higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and urbanization rate, (2) efficiency improvement of biomass technologies, and (3) sensitivity analysis of urbanization. It is found that biomass still holds the largest share of energy consumption in the future, which increases even more in the high GDP and urbanization scenario. Increasing efficiency of biomass technology can reduce biomass consumption, but the “rebound effect” is observed, which increases the energy service demand, thus dampening the effect of biomass efficiency improvement.
Overview of Wind Parameters Sensing Methods and Framework of a Novel MCSPV Recombination Sensing Method for Wind Turbines
Authors: Shen Xiaojun , Zhou Chongchen , Li Guojie , Fu Xuejiao , Lie Tek Tjing
Published: July 2018

The paper presents an overview of the traditional methods to obtain wind parameters such as wind speed, wind direction and air density. After analyzing wind turbines’ arrangements and communication characteristics and the correlation of operation data between wind turbines, the paper proposes a novel recombination-sensing method route of “measuring–correlating–sharing–predicting–verifying” (MCSPV) and explores its feasibility. The analysis undertaken in the paper shows that the wind speed and wind direction instrument fixed on the wind turbine nacelle is simple and economical. However, it performs in-process measurement, which restricts the control optimization of wind turbines. The light detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology which is accurate and fast, ensures an early and super short-time sensing of wind speed and wind direction but it is costly. The wind parameter predictive perception method can predict wind speed and wind power at multiple time scales statistically, but it has limited significance for the control of the action of wind turbines. None of the traditional wind parameter-sensing methods have ever succeeded in air density sensing. The MCSPV recombination sensing method is feasible, both theoretically and in engineering, for realizing the efficient and accurate sensing and obtaining of such parameters as wind speed, wind direction and air density aimed at the control of wind turbines.
Fast γ-ray Variability: A Common Feature and Powerful Probe for Jetted AGNs
Authors: Liao Neng-hui
Published: July 2018

Among the highly dynamical non-thermal universe, flashes of γ-ray photons from jets in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are always attractive. Not only are they extraordinary observational phenomena, but they also become powerful probes of the jets. Benefiting from the current advanced γ-ray observational facilities, especially the Large Area Telescope aboard the Fermi space γ-ray observatory and Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope arrays, fast (intraday) γ-ray variability has become a common feature detected in various subtypes of jetted AGNs. Moreover, extreme events with variability timescales down to a few minutes have been occasionally detected, which put a severe constraint on the classical jet model. Herein, recent studies on the detection of fast γ-ray variability in jetted AGNs are summarized, and corresponding implications are discussed. Scenarios proposed to explain the minute-scale γ-ray variability as well as future observational opportunities are also briefly summarized.
Functional Analysis of Promoters of Genes in Lipid Metabolism and Their Transcriptional Response to STAT3 under Leptin Signals
Authors: Wu Kun , Tan Xiao-Ying , Xu Yi-Huan , Chen Guang-Hui , Zhuo Mei-Qin
Published: July 2018

We characterized the promoters of target genes of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, STAT3 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase I, CPT Iα1b, acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha, ACCα; fatty acid synthase, FAS; and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, PPARγ) in a teleost Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Binding sites of STAT3 were predicted on these promoters, indicating that STAT3 probably mediated their transcriptional activities. Leptin had no effect on the activity of ACCα and PPARγ promoters, but increased CPT Iα1b promoter activity and decreased FAS promoter activity. The −979/−997 STAT3 binding site of CPT Iα1b and the −794/−812 STAT3 binding site of FAS were functional binding loci responsible for leptin-induced transcriptional activation. The study provided direct evidence that STAT3 regulated the expression of CPT Iα1b and FAS at the transcription level, and determined the STAT3 response element on promoters of CPT Iα1b and FAS under leptin signal.
Combining Targeted Metabolites Analysis and Transcriptomics to Reveal Chemical Composition Difference and Underlying Transcriptional Regulation in Maca (Lepidium Meyenii Walp.) Ecotypes
Authors: Chen Qiansi , Li Meng , Wang Chen , Li Zefeng , Xu Jiayang , Zheng Qingxia , Liu Pingping , Zhou Huina
Published: July 2018

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) is a traditional Andean crop with great potential for various sanitarian and medical functions, which is attracting increased research attention. The majority of previous Maca studies were focused on biochemistry and pharmacodynamics, while the genetic basis of its unique characteristics lagged due to a lack of genome information. The authors perform gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis in the hypocotyls of three Maca ecotypes and identify 79 compounds. Among them, 62 compounds have distinct profiles among Maca ecotypes. To reveal the underlying regulatory mechanism of the chemical composition differences, de novo transcriptome sequencing is performed and the transcription profiles of three Maca ecotypes are comparatively analyzed. Functional analysis indicates several key pathways, including “starch and sucrose metabolism,” “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis,” “phenylalanine metabolism” and “plant-pathogen interaction,” are involved in regulating the chemical compositions of Maca. Combining metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis indicates transcription factors such as MYB and WRKY and mediators such as protein kinase and bifunctional inhibitors might be critical regulators of chemical composition in Maca. The transcriptome reference genome and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) obtained in this study might serve as an initial step to illustrate the genetic differences in nutrient component, secondary metabolites content, medicinal function and stress resistance in Maca.
The Influence of the Shape and Size of the Cell on Developing Military Passability Maps
Authors: Pokonieczny Krzysztof , Mościcka Albina
Published: July 2018

The necessity to divide the analysed area into basic elements, regardless of the administrative division (cells or pixels, also called primary fields), and use them to prepare thematic maps emerged as early as by the end of the 19th century. The automation of map development processes brought a new approach to the function of cells, which made them a carrier that facilitates information processing, and presenting the results of analyses in the form of studies that very often function only in spatial information systems or on the Internet. Cells are currently used to conduct a series of advanced spatial analyses in practically all areas of application. The aim of the presented research was to analyse the influence of the shape and size of cells on the terrain classification results for the purposes of developing military passability maps. The research used the automatic terrain classification method, based on calculating the index of passability, calculated for cells of square, triangular, and hexagonal shapes and of different sizes, ranging from 100 m to 10,000 m. Indices of passability were determined basing on parameters derived from land cover elements that exist in the area of each of the adopted cells. Because of the fact that passability maps are mainly developed for military purposes, the study used a standardised vector spatial database—VMap Level 2. The studies have demonstrated that, if the surface areas of cells are identical, their shapes do not have a significant influence on the resulting passability map. The authors have also determined the sizes of cells that should be adopted for developing passability maps on various levels of accuracy, and, as a consequence, for being used on various levels of command of military troops.
Loneliness and Diurnal Salivary Cortisol in Emerging Adults
Authors: Lai Julian Chuk Ling , Leung Monique On Yee , Lee Daryl Yu Heng , Lam Yun Wah , Berning Karsten
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to examine the relationship between trait loneliness and diurnal rhythms of salivary cortisol. Fifty-One Chinese undergraduates provided six saliva samples on a weekday at immediately, 0.5, 3, 6, and 12 h after waking, and at bedtime. Saliva collection times were monitored using electronic devices (MEMS TrackCaps). Participants were also administered a questionnaire consisting of scales measuring, trait loneliness, depression, and demographics. Relationships between loneliness and the cortisol awakening response (CAR), diurnal slope (DS), and area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCG) were examined using multiple regression analyses. Results showed that a higher loneliness score was associated with an attenuated CAR, a large AUCG, and a steeper DS, with the effects of compliance, waking time, and depression being controlled. As a blunted CAR and a higher diurnal cortisol level have been shown to be associated with poorer health in prior studies, increased attention to the mechanisms translating loneliness into disease endpoints via elevated cortisol is warranted.
Red (635 nm), Near-Infrared (808 nm) and Violet-Blue (405 nm) Photobiomodulation Potentiality on Human Osteoblasts and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Morphological and Molecular In Vitro Study
Authors: Tani Alessia , Chellini Flaminia , Giannelli Marco , Nosi Daniele , Zecchi-Orlandini Sandra , Sassoli Chiara
Published: July 2018

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been used for bone regenerative purposes in different fields of medicine and dentistry, but contradictory results demand a skeptical look for its potential benefits. This in vitro study compared PBM potentiality by red (635 ± 5 nm) or near-infrared (NIR, 808 ± 10 nm) diode lasers and violet-blue (405 ± 5 nm) light-emitting diode operating in a continuous wave with a 0.4 J/cm2 energy density, on human osteoblast and mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) viability, proliferation, adhesion and osteogenic differentiation. PBM treatments did not alter viability (PI/Syto16 and MTS assays). Confocal immunofluorescence and RT-PCR analyses indicated that red PBM (i) on both cell types increased vinculin-rich clusters, osteogenic markers expression (Runx-2, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin) and mineralized bone-like nodule structure deposition and (ii) on hMSCs induced stress fiber formation and upregulated the expression of proliferation marker Ki67. Interestingly, osteoblast responses to red light were mediated by Akt signaling activation, which seems to positively modulate reactive oxygen species levels. Violet-blue light-irradiated cells behaved essentially as untreated ones and NIR irradiated ones displayed modifications of cytoskeleton assembly, Runx-2 expression and mineralization pattern. Although within the limitations of an in vitro experimentation, this study may suggest PBM with 635 nm laser as potential effective option for promoting/improving bone regeneration.
Endogenous Ouabain and Related Genes in the Translation from Hypertension to Renal Diseases
Authors: Simonini Marco , Casanova Paola , Citterio Lorena , Messaggio Elisabetta , Lanzani Chiara , Manunta Paolo
Published: July 2018

The endogenous ouabain (EO) is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal gland with cardio-tonic effects. In this article, we have reviewed and summarized the most recent reports about EO, particularly with regard to how it may interact with specific genetic backgrounds. We have focused our attention on the EO’s potential pathogenic role in several diseases, including renal failure, essential hypertension and heart failure. Notably, these reports have demonstrated that EO acts as a pro-hypertrophic and growth-promoting hormone, which might lead to a cardiac remodeling affecting cardiovascular functions and structures. In addition, a possible role of EO in the development of acute kidney injury has been hypothesized. During the last decays, many important improvements permitted a deeper understanding of EO’s metabolisms and functions, including the characteristics of its receptor and the effects of its activation. Such progresses indicated that EO has significant implications in the pathogenesis of many common diseases. The patho-physiological role of EO in the development of hypertension and other cardiac and renal complications have laid the basis for the development of a new selective compound that could selectively modulate the genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in EO’s action. It is evident that the knowledge of EO has incredibly increased; however, many important areas remain to be further investigated.
Improved General and Oral Health in Diabetic Patients by an Okinawan-Based Nordic Diet: A Pilot Study
Authors: Holmer Helene , Widén Cecilia , Wallin Bengtsson Viveca , Coleman Michael , Wohlfart Björn , Steen Stig , Persson Rutger , Sjöberg Klas
Published: July 2018

Periodontal disease, periodontitis as well as the preceding gingivitis, has been associated with both obesity and diabetes. Studies have shown that diet changes can lead to a lower incidence of such inflammation. The aim of the present case series over four weeks was to study the effects on medical and dental conditions in patients with type 2 diabetes of the consumption of the Okinawan-based Nordic Diet (OBND®). Medical and dental examinations were performed to estimate the general health and gingivitis/periodontitis. Serum cytokine levels were assessed using Luminex technology. Eight of ten study participants completed the study. All participants lost weight (p = 0.012). Six out of seven that were treated with insulin could reduce their insulin intake after two weeks with OBND®. The reduction was about 16 units which corresponds to a 34% relative reduction compared to the starting point (range 15–63%). Fasting blood glucose values fell (p = 0.035). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (p = 0.01), triglycerides (p = 0.05), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p = 0.05) were also reduced. Bleeding on probing changed from ~28% before any dietary changes to ~13% after two weeks with OBND® (p = 0.01). The reduction in gingival bleeding was as substantial as might be expected from one session of professional tooth cleaning. Markers of inflammation were also reduced. The OBND® thus showed significant promise in alleviating the impact of diabetes on dental as well as general health.
The Relation of Personality and Intelligence—What Can the Brunswik Symmetry Principle Tell Us?
Authors: Kretzschmar André , Spengler Marion , Schubert Anna-Lena , Steinmayr Ricarda , Ziegler Matthias
Published: July 2018

Personality and intelligence are defined as hierarchical constructs, ranging from broad g-factors to (domain-)specific constructs. The present study investigated whether different combinations of hierarchical levels lead to different personality-intelligence correlations. Based on the integrative data analysis approach, we combined a total of five data sets. The focus of the first study (N = 682) was an elaborated measurement of personality (NEO-PI-R), which was applied with a relatively short intelligence test (Intelligence Structure Test 2000 R). In the second study (N = 413), a comprehensive measurement of intelligence (Berlin Intelligence Structure test) was used with a shorter personality questionnaire (NEO-FFI). In line with the Brunswik symmetry principle, the findings emphasize that personality-intelligence correlations varied greatly across the hierarchical levels of constructs considered in the analysis. On average, Openness showed the largest relation with intelligence. We recommend for future studies to investigate personality-intelligence relations at more fine-grained levels based on elaborated measurements of both personality and intelligence.
Significance of Fluvial Sediment Supply in Coastline Modelling at Tidal Inlets
Authors: Bamunawala Janaka , Maskey Shreedhar , Duong Trang Minh , Van der Spek Ad
Published: July 2018

The sediment budget associated with future coastline change in the vicinity of tidal inlets consists of four components; sea level rise-driven landward movement of the coastline (i.e., the Bruun effect), basin infilling effect due to sea level rise-induced increase in accommodation space, basin volume change due to variation in river discharge, and coastline change caused by change in fluvial sediment supply. These four components are affected by climate change and/or anthropogenic impacts. Despite this understanding, holistic modelling techniques that account for all the aforementioned processes under both climate change and anthropogenic influences are lacking. This manuscript presents the applications of a newly-developed reduced complexity modelling approach that accounts for both climate change and anthropogenically-driven impacts on future coastline changes. Modelled results corresponding to the year 2100 indicate considerable coastline recessions at Wilson Inlet (152 m) and the Swan River system (168 m) in Australia and Tu Hien Inlet (305 m) and Thuan An Inlet (148 m) in Vietnam. These results demonstrate that coastline models should incorporate both climate change and anthropogenic impacts to quantify future changes in fluvial sediment supply to coasts to achieve better estimates of total coastline changes at tidal inlets. Omission of these impacts is one of the major drawbacks in all the existing coastline models that simulate future coastline changes at tidal inlets. A comparison of these modelled future coastline changes with the predictions made by a relevant existing modelling technique (Scale Aggregated Model for Inlet-interrupted Coasts (SMIC)) indicates that the latter method overestimates total coastline recessions at the Swan River system, and the Tu Hien and Thuan An Inlets by 7%, 10%, and 30%, respectively, underlining the significance of integrating both climate change and anthropogenic impacts to assess future coastline changes at tidal inlets.
Laser-Ablated ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Photocatalytic Activity toward Organic Pollutants
Authors: Mintcheva Neli , Aljulaih Ali A. , Wunderlich Wilfried , Kulinich Sergei A. , Iwamori Satoru
Published: July 2018

This work aimed to prepare nanostructures of ZnO with various lasers, testing them as photocatalysts, and comparing their morphology and activity in the degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous media. ZnO nanospheres (ns-ZnO) and ZnO nanorods (ms-ZnO) were prepared via the laser ablation of a Zn metal plate in water using nanosecond- and millisecond-pulsed lasers, respectively. The obtained materials were characterized using a set of optical, structural, and surface-science techniques, such as UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Under visible-light irradiation, both nanostructures were found to be catalytically active toward the oxidation of methylene blue, which was used as a model compound. The ZnO nanorods fabricated with the millisecond laser showed better photocatalytic performance than their spherically shaped counterparts obtained by means of the nanosecond laser, which could be assigned to a larger number of defects on the ms-ZnO surface.
Complex Symmetric Formulation of Maxwell Equations for Fields and Potentials
Authors: Livadiotis George
Published: July 2018

Maxwell equations have two types of asymmetries between the electric and magnetic fields. The first asymmetry is the inhomogeneity induced by the absence of magnetic charge sources. The second asymmetry is due to parity. We show how both asymmetries are naturally resolved under an alternative formulation of Maxwell equations for fields or potentials that uses a compact complex vector operator representation. The developed complex symmetric operator formalism can be easily applied to performing the continuity equation, the field wave equations, the Maxwell equations for potentials, the gauge transformations, and the 4-momentum representation; in general, the developed formalism constitutes a simple way of unfolding the Maxwell theory. Finally, we provide insights for extending the presented analysis within the context of (i) bicomplex numbers and tessarine algebra; and (ii) Lp-spaces in nonlinear Maxwell equations.
Modified Differential Evolution Algorithm Solving the Special Case of Location Routing Problem
Authors: Akararungruangkul Raknoi , Kaewman Sasitorn
Published: July 2018

This research article aims to solve the special case of the location routing problem (SLRP) when the objective function is the fuel consumption. The fuel consumption depends on the distance of travel and the condition of the road. The condition of the road causes the vehicle to use a different speed, which affects fuel usage. This turns the original LRP into a more difficult problem. Moreover, the volume of the goods that are produced in each node could be more or less than the capacity of the vehicle, and as the case study requires the transportation of latex, which is a sensitive good and needs to be carried within a reasonable time so that it does not form solid before being used in the latex process, the maximum time that the latex can be in the truck is limited. All of these attributes are added into the LRP and make it a special case of LRP: a so-called SLRP (a special case of location routing problem). The differential evolution algorithms (DE) are proposed to solve the SLRP. We modified two points in the original DE, which are that (1) the mutation formula is introduced and (2) the new rule of a local search is presented. We call this the modified differential evolution algorithm (MDE). From the computational result, we can see that MDE generates a 13.82% better solution than that of the original version of DE in solving the test instances.
The association between cytomegalovirus infection and aging process
Authors: Kanapeckienė Virginija , Kalibatas Julius , Redaitienė Elvyra , Čeremnych Jelena
Published: July 2018

Analysis of published scientific data suggests that cytomegalovirus infection has an effect on aging process in human, in particular on immunosenescence, resulting in an increased incidence of infectious diseases and consequent mortality in elderly individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between cytomegalovirus infection and a character of aging (premature, physiological, and slow). Materials and methods. In accordance with special criteria of the assessment of biological age, 146 healthy elderly women aged 60–90 years were divided into three groups: Group 1 – slow aging group (37 women, 25.4%); Group 2 – physiological aging group (58 women, 39.7%); Group 3 – premature aging group (51 women, 34.9%). Immune response to cytomegalovirus was studied using methods of enzyme immunoassay and indirect immunofluorescence. Results. Comparing immune response to cytomegalovirus in different aging groups, highest titres of both IgG antibodies against early antigens and IgA antibodies against late structural antigens were found in premature aging group. Results showed that premature aging was associated with an increased level of IgA antibodies characteristic for cytomegalovirus symptomatic infection and its frequent reactivations. Conclusion. Cytomegalovirus infection is associated with an increased risk of premature aging (OR=9.8; P<0.01).
Some aspects of long-term results of treatment of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis
Authors: Malcius Dalius , Barauskas Vidmantas , Užkuraitė Rūta
Published: July 2018

Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the treatment results of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis over 10 years and to determine the relationship between them and clinical course of the disease. Materials and methods. The patients with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis diagnosed 10 years ago (1995–1996) were enrolled in the study. The post mail or phone contacts with them or their parents were obtained, the questions were submitted, and the patients were invited for medical examination. The current complaints and limitations in physical activity were assessed. The amplitude of joint movements, tenderness during palpation, and deformations were evaluated during physical examination. Patients were divided into two groups: with and without complaints. The duration and severity of the disease, age, gender, presence of sepsis, arthritis, and subperiosteal abscess, the type of bone affected and bone lesion on x-ray, duration of fever, and maximal erythrocyte sedimentation rate during the acute period were compared between groups. Results. We made 50 phone calls and sent seven letters to the patients with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis who were treated in our department. In 14 (28%) cases, phone contact was obtained, and 7 of them were examined. Five answers (71%) to the letters were received. The overall response rate was 33%. Thirteen (68%) former patients had no any complaints; six (32%) had minor complaints, which were probably linked to acute hematogenous osteomyelitis. Fifteen (79%) former patients had no limitations in any physical activities, and four (21%) of them limit their physical activities. Seven patients were examined, but neither visible deformities and tenderness nor limitations in movement amplitude were found. Comparing the groups with complaints and without complaints by age, gender, presence of sepsis and arthritis, duration of the disease, and the presence of periosteal abscess, no statistically significant difference in any of variables was found. Conclusions. According to our data, 37% of the patients have complaints 10 years after acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, and these complaints are not associated with the clinical course of the disease.
Treatment diets in Estonian health care institutions
Authors: Kiisk Liidia , Kaarma Helje , Ots Mai
Published: July 2018

New system and nomenclature of diets for Estonian health care institutions have been developed in the university hospital based on theoretical and practical experience obtained over several years of cooperation with medical scientists from different fields of specialization. The nomenclature of diets includes ordinary food and eight groups of diet food with subgroups. The normative values of the basic nutrients are in accordance with the Estonian and Nordic nutritional recommendations. The whole system includes the menus and recipes of nutritional food portions. The system of treatment diets helps to optimize proper nutrition in different departments and organize better patient care.
Presurgical evaluation of epilepsy patients
Authors: Gelžinienė Giedrė , Endzinienė Milda , Vaičienė Nerija , Magistris Michel , Seeck Margaritta
Published: July 2018

Epilepsy surgery has been established as an effective treatment in pharmacoresistant focal epilepsies. Most candidates for epilepsy surgery are patients with partial epilepsy syndromes refractory to medical treatment. The curative surgery procedure is resection of the epileptogenic zone; therefore, precise detection of the site responsible for seizure generation is necessary. Modern structural and functional imaging techniques have made presurgical evaluation less invasive and available for a higher number of patients. Video electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, high-resolution structural and functional imaging techniques are used widely for presurgical evaluation. When noninvasive evaluation is not sufficient for the detection of the epileptogenic zone, invasive EEG monitoring and intracarotid amobarbital test are used. A classical example of a surgically curable epilepsy syndrome is mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with about 70–80% of patients becoming free of seizures after surgery. Results in extratemporal epilepsies are also satisfactory. Despite worldwide expansion during the recent decade, epilepsy surgery remains underutilized. Better understanding of advances in presurgical evaluation should reduce fears of epilepsy surgery and help to select patients who could achieve complete seizure control or significant amelioration after surgery.
Staphylococcus aureus prevalence among hospitalized patients
Authors: Pavilonytė Žaneta , Kaukėnienė Renata , Antuševas Aleksandras , Pavilonis Alvydas
Published: July 2018

Objective. To determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus strains among hospitalized patients at the beginning of their hospitalization and during their treatment and the resistance of strains to antibiotics, and to evaluate epidemiologic characteristics of these strains. Patients and methods. Sixty-one patients treated at the Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery were examined. Identification of Staphylococcus aureus strains was performed using plasmacoagulase and DNase tests. The resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to antibiotics, b-lactamase production, phagotypes, and phagogroups were determined. The isolated Staphylococcus aureus strains were tested for resistance to methicillin by performing disc diffusion method using commercial discs (Oxoid) (methicillin 5 mg per disk and oxacillin 1 mg per disk). Results. A total of 297 Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated. On the first day of hospitalization, the prevalence rate of Staphylococcus aureus strains among patients was 67.3%, and it statistically significantly increased to 91.8% on days 7–10 of hospitalization (P<0.05). During hospitalization, patients were colonized with Staphylococcus aureus strains resistant to cephalothin (17.6% of patients, P<0.05), cefazolin (14.6%, P<0.05), tetracycline (15.0%, P<0.05), gentamicin (37.7%, P<0.001), doxycycline (30.7%, P<0.001), and tobramycin (10.6%, P>0.05). Three patients (4.9%) were colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, belonging to phage group II phage type 3A and phage group III phage types 83A and 77; 22.6– 25.5% of Staphylococcus aureus strains were nontypable. During hospitalization, the prevalence rate of phage group II Staphylococcus aureus strains decreased from 39.6% to 5.7% (P<0.05) and the prevalence rate of phage group III Staphylococcus aureus strains increased to 29.5% (P<0.001). Conclusions. Although our understanding of Staphylococcus aureus is increasing, well-designed communitybased studies with adequate risk factor analysis are required to elucidate further the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Surveillance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus provides relevant information on the extent of the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus epidemic, identifies priorities for infection control and the need for adjustments in antimicrobial drug policy, and guides intervention programs.
Nutritional status of elderly surgical patients
Authors: Damulevičienė Gytė , Lesauskaitė Vita , Macijauskienė Jūratė
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to assess nutritional status of aged surgical patients, to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and factors associated with it. Material and methods. A total of 156 patients aged 45 years and more, treated at the Departments of Surgery and Urology of Kaunas 2nd Clinical Hospital, were enrolled in the study. Elderly group (aged 65 years and more) consisted of 99 patients, and middle-aged group (45 to 64 years old) of 57 patients. The following anthropometric measurements were performed: weight, height, mid-arm circumference; hemoglobin, serum albumin level, and total lymphocyte count were determined. Standard assessment scales included Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Mini Mental State Exam. Statistical analysis was performed with the help of SPSS 12.0. Results. Malnutrition was diagnosed in 53.5% of older patients and in 15.8% of middle-aged patients (P<0.05). Obesity was diagnosed in 32.3% of elderly patients and in 40.4% of middle-aged patients (P<0.05). Among men, obese patients made up 20%, among women – 54.4% (P<0.05). Malnutrition was more prevalent among elderly patients who underwent urgent operations than in patients who underwent planned operations (69.6% and 34.1%, respectively; P<0.05) and among elderly patients with impaired cognitive functions than among those without impaired cognitive functions (in 100% of patients with medium impaired cognitive function, in 59.3% of patients with mild impaired cognitive function, and in 44.4% of patients with unimpaired cognitive function, P<0.05). Malnourished elderly patients had lower functional level than the remaining (IADL score of 3.97 and 4.75 for men, 5.38 and 6.89 for women, respectively; P<0.05). The prevalence of malnutrition did not differ significantly in the groups of older patients with depression, probable depression and not depressed patients – 75.0%, 57.7%, and 46.7%, respectively (P>0.05). Conclusions. Malnutrition was diagnosed more frequently in elderly surgical patients than in middle-aged patients. Obesity was more common in women than in men. The prevalence of obesity was not associated with age. Malnutrition in elderly surgical patients was associated with poor functional status, impaired cognitive function, and urgent operation.
Trends in alcohol consumption among Lithuanian school-aged children in 1994–2006 and new challenges
Authors: Zaborskis Apolinaras , Žemaitienė Nida , Šumskas Linas , Grabauskas Vilius , Veryga Aurelijus , Petkevičius Robertas
Published: July 2018

Alcohol abuse is considered one of the most important risk-taking behaviors among young people in the world. This paper presents the results of the WHO collaborative cross-national study on Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) carried out in Lithuania and other European countries also in USA, Canada, and Israel in 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006. Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze features and trends in alcohol consumption among the samples of 11-, 13-, and 15-year-old adolescents (school-aged children) in Lithuania during 1994–2006. Material and methods. Representative samples of 5428, 4513, 5645, and 5632 respondents aged 11, 13, and 15 years were included into school-based questionnaire surveys in 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006, respectively. The standardized research methods were applied. The students have filled in the questionnaires anonymously in the classroom according to the methodology of international HBSC study. The students were asked about lifestyle habits, alcohol consumption, and episodes of drunkenness. Results. The number of students who had been drunk two or more times has increased by 2.5 times (from 9.8%. to 25.6%) during 1994–2006. A significant increase in alcohol consumption was observed among 15- year-old girls – the percentage of girls who have reported alcohol consumption almost approached the percentage of boys (50.3% and 56.8%, respectively; P=0.006). The reported mean age of the onset of first drinking had shifted by 2 years towards younger age during the period of 1994–2006. The comparison of data from 37 countries, participating in this cross-national study, revealed that the prevalence of alcohol consumption among Lithuanian school children is one of the highest (29.0% of boys and 22.1% of girls) and was in the second worst position on a rating scale when comparing with other 36 countries involved in HBSC study. The results suggest that increased use of light alcoholic beverages can cause an increase in the number of drinking teenagers. Ready-to-drink beverages (“alcopops”) at least once per week were used by 15.3% of boys and 17.5% of girls (P=0.216); beer – 16.9% of boys and 5.6% of girls (P<0.001). Conclusions. A significant shift of the onset of drinking alcohol towards younger age was observed in Lithuania during 1994–2006. In recent years, Lithuanian students as compared to peers from other countries are among those who consume alcohol most frequently.
Impact of electrical shock waveform and paddle positions on efficacy of direct current cardioversion for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Stanaitienė Giedrė , Babarskienė Rūta
Published: July 2018

Objective. Direct-current electrical cardioversion is the main method for the conversion of atrial fibrillation. Its success depends on many factors. In several studies, biphasic shock waveforms have been demonstrated to be superior to monophasic shocks for termination of atrial fibrillation; however, information about impact of paddle position is controversial. Initial energy level is an object of discussions. The aim of the study was to compare a truncated exponential biphasic waveform with monophasic damped sine waveform and antero-lateral with antero-posterior paddle positions for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, to determine its impact on early reinitiation of atrial fibrillation. Material and methods. A total of 224 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation underwent electrical cardioversion with biphasic (Bi, n=112) or monophasic (Mo, n=112) shock waveform in a randomized fashion. The position of hand-held paddle electrodes was randomly selected in both groups to be anterior-lateral and anterior-posterior. Energies used were 100–150–200–300–360 J (Bi) or 100–200–300–360 J (Mo). If monophasic shock of 360 J was ineffective, we used biphasic shock of 360 J. Early recurrent atrial fibrillation (ERAF) was defined as a relapse of atrial fibrillation within 2 min after a successful cardioversion, acute recurrent – within 24 h. Results. Two study groups (Bi vs Mo) did not differ with regard to age, body mass index, duration of AF episode (mean 98±147 days for the Bi group and 80±93 days for the Mo group, P=0.26), underlying heart disease, left atrial diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction. In the Mo group, more patients used amiodarone (59.82% vs 41.97%, P=0.002), in the Bi group more patients used propafenone (16.07% vs 8.93%, P=0.033). Cardioversion success rate was 97.32% in the Bi group and 79.46% in the Mo group (P<0.001). After biphasic shock of 360 J in Mo group, the cumulative success rate was 99.11%. Mean delivered energy and mean number of shocks were significantly lower in the Bi group (198.5±204.4 J, 1.5±0.9 shocks vs 489.1±464.2 J, 2.4±1.5 shocks). The efficacy of first shock was 66.96% in the Bi group and 37.5% in the Mo group (P<0.0001). Incidence of ERAF was 4.46% in both groups. Paddle position had no impact on efficacy of cardioversion and ERAF. Conclusions. For the cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, biphasic shock waveform has a higher success rate than monophasic shock waveform. We did not observe the influence of paddle positions on efficacy of cardioversion. Shock waveform and paddle position had no impact on ERAF. We recommend starting with biphasic energy of 150 J and monophasic of not less than 200 J for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
Prognostic value of reticulocyte hemoglobin content to diagnose iron deficiency in 6–24-month-old children
Authors: Kiudelienė Rosita , Griniūtė Rasa , Labanauskas Liutauras
Published: July 2018

Objective. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of reticulocyte hemoglobin content for diagnosis of iron deficiency in 6–24-month-old children. Material and methods. Children aged 6 to 24 months were consulted for suspected iron deficiency in the outpatient department in 2006–2007. Criteria for inclusion into the study were normal birth time and weight, no infection during the last two weeks before blood sampling (Creactive protein <5 mg/L), no iron supplements 1 month before the study. Red blood cell, reticulocyte indices and biochemical tests were analyzed. A total of 180 children were enrolled in our study. Iron deficiency was diagnosed when at least two of four parameters (ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation, and soluble transferrin receptors) reflected iron deficiency. Results. According to our criteria of iron deficiency, patients were divided into two groups: 116 had iron deficiency and 64 had normal iron stores. The iron deficiency group had significantly lower hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, reticulocyte hemoglobin content, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptors, iron and higher red cell distribution width, transferrin, and transferrin saturation (P<0.05) compared with the normal iron store group. Reticulocyte hemoglobin content, ferritin, and transferrin saturation had the highest sensitivity and specificity (76.6% and 78.4%, 81.3% and 81.9%, 85.9% and 87.9%, respectively). Conclusion. Reticulocyte hemoglobin content is comparable test with ferritin and transferrin saturation and can be used to detect iron deficiency in 6–24-month-old children.
Experimental Study of Surface Characteristic in Electrochemical Machining of 35CrMo Steel
Authors: Zhang Hang , Liu Shuhai , Yue Weichao , Xiao Huaping , Zhang Peng
Published: July 2018

35CrMo steel is a widely used material in machinery equipment for the petroleum industry. With the improvement of exploring technology, some particular complex features cannot be achieved with traditional processing methods. However, electrochemical machining provides a potential solution to such problems, especially in the machining of the turbine blades of turbine drilling tools, in which the surface behavior of the workpiece is an important basis for judging the machining effect. To investigate the surface behavior of 35CrMo after electrochemical machining, the electrochemical machining experiment of 35CrMo steel was conducted by a self-made experimental system. Effects of the electrolyte type, concentration, and current density on surface quality were investigated in this study. The surface characteristics of 35CrMo steel were analyzed under different current densities in three different electrolytes—NaCl, NaClO3 and NaNO3—with different concentrations. Based on the obtained results, an optimum machining plan was obtained. The principle of the electrolysis reaction of 35CrMo steel in NaCl, NaClO3 and NaNO3 electrolytes were studied as well. Experimental results showed that the best surface quality of 35CrMo steel was achieved under an NaClO3 electrolyte concentration of 200 g/L and current density of 30 A/cm2. The results in this paper provide a theoretical basis for the effective machining of complex parts such as downhole turbine blades.