bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effect of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Self-Management in Type 2 Diabetic Patients on Dialysis
Authors: Ghannadi Shima , Amouzegar Atieh , Amiri Parisa , Karbalaeifar Ronak , Tahmasebinejad Zhale , Kazempour-Ardebili Sara
Published: July 2016

Background.Type 2 diabetes is an increasingly common condition with several preventable microvascular complications such as kidney damage. Nephropathy is expensive to manage, especially as hospital dialysis treatment. Improving patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward their condition can achieve better control, delay complications, and improve their quality of life. This study evaluated the KAP and self-care behaviors of diabetic patients on dialysis and variables that affect it.Methods.This cross-sectional study was conducted at Shahid Beheshti academic hospitals of Tehran, Iran. Face-to-face interviews were held to fill five validated questionnaires: three evaluating KAP, one evaluating self-management, and one evaluating quality of life.Result.117 diabetic patients on hemodialysis (42 females) with mean (SD) age of68.70±9.26years were enrolled in the survey. The scores for patient’s KAP, self-care, and quality of life were59.90±11.23,44.27±8.35,45.06±12.87,46.21±10.23, and26.85±13.23, respectively. There was significant negative correlation between patients’ knowledge and attitude with their glycosylated hemoglobin level and their fasting blood sugar. There was significant correlation between patients’ knowledge and practice with their self-care activities.Conclusion.The present study suggests that patients’ KAP scores have a practical effect upon self-care behavior. This highlights the needs for effective diabetes education programs in developing countries like Iran.
Small-Signal Modeling and Analysis of Grid-Connected Inverter with Power Differential Droop Control
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhang Changhua , Huang Qi , Ofori-Oduro Mark
Published: July 2016

The conventional voltage and frequency droop control strategy in grid-connected inverter suffers a major setback in the presence of disturbance by producing oscillations. Adding a power differential term in droop controller is an effective way to address such drawback. In this paper, grid-connected inverter’s small-signal models of the conventional droop control and the power differential droop control are established. The eigenvalues of the models are then determined by system matrix. The eigenvalues analysis is presented which helps in identifying the relationship between the system stability and controller parameters. It is concluded that the damping ratio of dominant low-frequency eigenvalues increased and the oscillation caused by the disturbance is suppressed when a power differential term is added to the droop control method. The MATLAB/Simulink models of grid-connected inverter with both control strategies are also established to validate the results of small-signal analysis.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Pancreatic Tumors: A Promising Tool in Management of Pancreatic Tumors
Authors: Changela Kinesh , Patil Rashmee , Duddempudi Sushil , Gaduputi Vinaya
Published: July 2016

Objective. Radiofrequency ablation is a well-established antitumor treatment and is recognized as one of the least invasive therapeutic modalities for pancreatic neoplasm. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) delivery can be used to treat both pancreatic cancer and asymptomatic premalignant pancreatic neoplasms and may serve as a less invasive alternative to surgical resection. This is an appealing option that may result in less morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review was to summarize and evaluate the clinical and technical effectiveness of EUS-guided RFA of pancreatic neoplasms.Methods. A through literature review was performed to identify the studies describing this novel technique. In this review article, we have summarized human case series. The indications, techniques, limitations, and complications reported are discussed.Results. A total of six studies were included. Overall, a 100% technical success rate was reported in human studies. Complications related to endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation delivery have been described; however, few cases have presented life-threatening outcomes.Conclusion. We believe that this novel technique can be a safe and effective alternative approach in the management of selected patients.
Health Status and Social Networks as Predictors of Resilience in Older Adults Residing in Rural and Remote Environments
Authors: McKibbin Christine , Lee Aaron , Steinman Bernard A. , Carrico Catherine , Bourassa Katelynn , Slosser Andrea
Published: July 2016

Purpose. Health status and social networks are associated with resilience among older adults. Each of these factors may be important to the ability of adults to remain in rural and remote communities as they age. We examined the association of health status and social networks and resilience among older adults dwelling in a rural and remote county in the Western United States.Methods. We selected a random sample of 198 registered voters aged 65 years or older from a frontier Wyoming county. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the association of health status as well as social networks and resilience. We also examined health status as a moderator of the relationship between social networks and resilience.Results. Family networks (p=0.024) and mental health status (p<0.001) significantly predicted resilience. Mental health status moderated the relationship of family (p=0.004) and friend (p=0.021) networks with resilience. Smaller family and friend networks were associated with greater resilience when mental health status was low, but not when it was high.Conclusion. Efforts to increase mental health status may improve resilience among older adults in rural environments, particularly for those with smaller family and friends networks.
Xerostomia, Hyposalivation, and Salivary Flow in Diabetes Patients
Authors: López-Pintor Rosa María , Casañas Elisabeth , González-Serrano José , Serrano Julia , Ramírez Lucía , de Arriba Lorenzo , Hernández Gonzalo
Published: July 2016

The presence of xerostomia and hyposalivation is frequent among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. It is not clear if the presence of xerostomia and hyposalivation is greater in DM than non-DM patients. The aims of this systematic review are (1) to compare the prevalence rates of xerostomia, (2) to evaluate the salivary flow rate, and (3) to compare the prevalence rates of hyposalivation in DM versus non-DM population. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA group guidelines by performing systematic literature searches in biomedical databases from 1970 until January 18th, 2016. All studies showed higher prevalence of xerostomia in DM patients in relation to non-DM population, 12.5%–53.5% versus 0–30%. Studies that analyzed the quantity of saliva in DM population in relation to non-DM patients reported higher flow rates in non-DM than in DM patients. The variation flow rate among different studies in each group (DM/CG) is very large. Only one existing study showed higher hyposalivation prevalence in DM than non-DM patients (45% versus 2.5%). In addition, quality assessment showed the low quality of the existing studies. We recommend new studies that use more precise and current definitions concerning the determination and diagnosis of DM patients and salivary flow collection.
Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of 1-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-(4-diarylmethylpiperazine-1-yl)ethane-1,2-dione Derivatives
Authors: Jiang Jun-Rong , Xu Feng , Wu Han-Gui
Published: July 2016

Several new 1-(4-diarylmethylpiperazine-1-yl)-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethane-1,2-dione derivatives were synthesized by acylation of 1-diarylmethylpiperazine with 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetyl chloride. Their structures were confirmed by1H NMR, IR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis. These compounds were further evaluated for their anticancer activity, and most of them were found to have moderate-to-potent antiproliferative activities against Hela, A-549, and ECA-109 cancer cell linesin vitro.
The Typical Presentation Spectrum of Deep Vein Thrombosis Associated with Inferior Vena Cava Malformations
Authors: Pozzi Agostino , El Lakis Mustapha A. , Chamieh Jad , Carbonell Beatriz Barberà , Villa Fabio
Published: July 2016

Congenital malformations of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are rare and underreported. They can be a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) as a result of inadequate venous drainage of the lower extremities through collateral circulation. The significant number of cases reported in the literature highlights their importance, warranting investigating their existence in younger individuals with idiopathic DVT of the lower extremities and pelvic veins. In this systematic review, we depict the typical presentation of IVC malformations, their management, and the management of their associated DVT.
Thin Layer Chromatography‐Bioautography and Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry of Antimicrobial Leaf Extracts from Philippine Piper betle L. against Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Valle Demetrio L. , Puzon Juliana Janet M. , Cabrera Esperanza C. , Rivera Windell L.
Published: July 2016

This study isolated and identified the antimicrobial compounds of Philippine Piper betle L. leaf ethanol extracts by thin layer chromatography‐ (TLC‐) bioautography and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Initially, TLC separation of the leaf ethanol extracts provided a maximum of eight compounds with Rf values of 0.92, 0.86, 0.76, 0.53, 0.40, 0.25, 0.13, and 0.013, best visualized when inspected under UV 366 nm. Agar‐overlay bioautography of the isolated compounds demonstrated two spots with Rf values of 0.86 and 0.13 showing inhibitory activities against two Gram‐positive multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria, namely, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus. The compound with an Rf value of 0.86 also possessed inhibitory activity against Gram‐negative MDR bacteria, namely, carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae‐Klebsiella pneumoniae and metallo‐β‐lactamase‐producing Acinetobacter baumannii. GC‐MS was performed to identify the semivolatile and volatile compounds present in the leaf ethanol extracts. Six compounds were identified, four of which are new compounds that have not been mentioned in the medical literature. The chemical compounds isolated include ethyl diazoacetate, tris(trifluoromethyl)phosphine, heptafluorobutyrate, 3‐fluoro‐2‐propynenitrite, 4‐(2‐propenyl)phenol, and eugenol. The results of this study could lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents capable of dealing with specific diseases that either have weakened reaction or are currently not responsive to existing drugs.
Two Cases ofLegionella pneumophilaPneumonia with Prolonged Neurologic Symptoms and Brain Hypoperfusion on Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography
Authors: Ohta Hiromitsu , Yamazaki Susumu , Miura You , Seto Akira , Kanazawa Minoru , Nagata Makoto
Published: July 2016

Cerebral and cerebellar symptoms are frequently associated with Legionnaires’ disease. However, corresponding brain lesions are difficult to demonstrate using either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report here two patients withLegionella pneumophilapneumonia accompanied by prolonged neurologic symptoms. In contrast to brain CT and MRI, which failed to detect any abnormalities, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) showed multiple sites of hypoperfusion within the brains of both patients. These cases suggest that vasculopathy, which is detectable by SPECT, might be one of the causes of neurologic symptoms in patients with Legionnaires’ disease.
A Clustering Routing Protocol for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Huang Jinke , Fan Xiaoguang , Xiang Xin , Wan Min , Zhuo Zhenfu , Yang Yongjian
Published: July 2016

The dynamic topology of a mobile ad hoc network poses a real challenge in the design of hierarchical routing protocol, which combines proactive with reactive routing protocols and takes advantages of both. And as an essential technique of hierarchical routing protocol, clustering of nodes provides an efficient method of establishing a hierarchical structure in mobile ad hoc networks. In this paper, we designed a novel clustering algorithm and a corresponding hierarchical routing protocol for large-scale mobile ad hoc networks. Each cluster is composed of a cluster head, several cluster gateway nodes, several cluster guest nodes, and other cluster members. The proposed routing protocol uses proactive protocol between nodes within individual clusters and reactive protocol between clusters. Simulation results show that the proposed clustering algorithm and hierarchical routing protocol provide superior performance with several advantages over existing clustering algorithm and routing protocol, respectively.
Precancerous Cervix in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Women Thirty Years Old and above in Northern Uganda
Authors: Izudi Jonathan , Adrawa Norbert , Amongin Dinah
Published: July 2016

Background. Little is known about precancerous cervical lesion (PCCL), the precursor of cervical cancer among Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) infected women in a postconflict setting of Northern Uganda.Objective. To establish factors associated with PCCL among HIV infected women above thirty years of age in a postconflict setting of Northern Uganda.Method. This retrospective cohort study used electronic data from 995 HIV-positive women that attended cervical cancer screening during June 2014 and December 2015. Data on social, sexual, obstetric, and gynecological factors was analyzed at 95% confidence level. Multivariate analysis determined factors independently associated with positive PCCL. Probability value less than 5% was considered significant.Results. Prevalence of PCCL was 3.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–4.3). A positive PCCL was significantly associated with absence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during clinic visits (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 0.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09–0.64;P=0.004) and first pregnancy before the age of 20 years (aOR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.21–7.89;P=0.018).Conclusion. The prevalence of PCCL was low in the postconflict setting of Northern Uganda. HIV-positive women presenting with STDs and those with first pregnancy before the age of 20 years were at increased risk of PCCL.
Artisanal Extraction and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Medicinal Use of Crabwood Oil (Carapa guianensis Aublet.) in a Peri‐Urban Várzea Environment in the Amazon Estuary
Authors: Nardi Mariane , Lira-Guedes Ana Cláudia , Albuquerque Cunha Helenilza Ferreira , Guedes Marcelino Carneiro , Mustin Karen , Gomes Suellen Cristina Pantoja
Published: July 2016

Várzea forests of the Amazon estuary contain species of importance to riverine communities. For example, the oil extracted from the seeds of crabwood trees is traditionally used to combat various illnesses and as such artisanal extraction processes have been maintained. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the process involved in artisanal extraction of crabwood oil in the Fazendinha Protected Area, in the state of Amapá; (2) characterise the processes of knowledge transfer associated with the extraction and use of crabwood oil within a peri‐urban riverine community; and (3) discern medicinal uses of the oil. The data were obtained using semistructured interviews with 13 community members involved in crabwood oil extraction and via direct observation. The process of oil extraction is divided into four stages: seed collection; cooking and resting of the seeds; shelling of the seeds and dough preparation; and oil collection. Oil extraction is carried out within the home for personal use, with surplus marketed within the community. More than 90% of the members of the community involved in extraction of crabwood oil highlighted the use of the oil to combat inflammation of the throat. Knowledge transfer occurs via oral transmission and through direct observation.
Boltzmann’s Six-Moment One-Dimensional Nonlinear System Equations with the Maxwell-Auzhan Boundary Conditions
Authors: Sakabekov A. , Auzhani Y.
Published: July 2016

We prove existence and uniqueness of the solution of the problem with initial and Maxwell-Auzhan boundary conditions for nonstationary nonlinear one-dimensional Boltzmann’s six-moment system equations in space of functions continuous in time and summable in square by a spatial variable. In order to obtain a priori estimation of the initial and boundary value problem for nonstationary nonlinear one-dimensional Boltzmann’s six-moment system equations we get the integral equality and then use the spherical representation of vector. Then we obtain the initial value problem for Riccati equation. We have managed to obtain a particular solution of this equation in an explicit form.
N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Excessive Activation Inhibited Fetal Rat Lung DevelopmentIn VivoandIn Vitro
Authors: Liao Zhengchang , Zhou Xiaocheng , Luo Ziqiang , Huo Huiyi , Wang Mingjie , Yu Xiaohe , Cao Chuanding , Ding Ying , Xiong Zeng , Yue Shaojie
Published: July 2016

Background. Intrauterine hypoxia is a common cause of fetal growth and lung development restriction. Although N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are distributed in the postnatal lung and play a role in lung injury, little is known about NMDAR’s expression and role in fetal lung development.Methods. Real-time PCR and western blotting analysis were performed to detect NMDARs between embryonic days (E) 15.5 and E21.5 in fetal rat lungs. NMDAR antagonist MK-801’s influence on intrauterine hypoxia-induced retardation of fetal lung development was testedin vivo, and NMDA’s direct effect on fetal lung development was observed using fetal lung organ culturein vitro.Results. All seven NMDARs are expressed in fetal rat lungs. Intrauterine hypoxia upregulated NMDARs expression in fetal lungs and decreased fetal body weight, lung weight, lung-weight-to-body-weight ratio, and radial alveolar count, whereas MK-801 alleviated this damagein vivo.In vitroexperiments showed that NMDA decreased saccular circumference and area per unit and downregulated thyroid transcription factor-1 and surfactant protein-C mRNA expression.Conclusions. The excessive activation of NMDARs contributed to hypoxia-induced fetal lung development retardation and appropriate blockade of NMDAR might be a novel therapeutic strategy for minimizing the negative outcomes of prenatal hypoxia on lung development.
Accuracy and Precision of Three-Dimensional Low Dose CT Compared to Standard RSA in Acetabular Cups: An Experimental Study
Authors: Brodén Cyrus , Olivecrona Henrik , Maguire Gerald Q. , Noz Marilyn E. , Zeleznik Michael P. , Sköldenberg Olof
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose. The gold standard for detection of implant wear and migration is currently radiostereometry (RSA). The purpose of this study is to compare a three-dimensional computed tomography technique (3D CT) to standard RSA as an alternative technique for measuring migration of acetabular cups in total hip arthroplasty.Materials and Methods. With tantalum beads, we marked one cemented and one uncemented cup and mounted these on a similarly marked pelvic model. A comparison was made between 3D CT and standard RSA for measuring migration. Twelve repeated stereoradiographs and CT scans with double examinations in each position and gradual migration of the implants were made. Precision and accuracy of the 3D CT were calculated.Results. The accuracy of the 3D CT ranged between 0.07 and 0.32 mm for translations and 0.21 and 0.82° for rotation. The precision ranged between 0.01 and 0.09 mm for translations and 0.06 and 0.29° for rotations, respectively. For standard RSA, the precision ranged between 0.04 and 0.09 mm for translations and 0.08 and 0.32° for rotations, respectively. There was no significant difference in precision between 3D CT and standard RSA. The effective radiation dose of the 3D CT method, comparable to RSA, was estimated to be 0.33 mSv.Interpretation.Low dose 3D CT is a comparable method to standard RSA in an experimental setting.
A New Total Digital Smile Planning Technique (3D-DSP) to Fabricate CAD-CAM Mockups for Esthetic Crowns and Veneers
Authors: Cattoni F. , Mastrangelo F. , Gherlone E. F. , Gastaldi G.
Published: July 2016

Purpose.Recently, the request of patients is changed in terms of not only esthetic but also previsualization therapy planning. The aim of this study is to evaluate a new 3D-CAD-CAM digital planning technique that uses a total digital smile process.Materials and Methods.Study participants included 28 adult dental patients, aged 19 to 53 years, with no oral, periodontal, or systemic diseases. For each patient, 3 intra- and extraoral pictures and intraoral digital impressions were taken. The digital images improved from the 2D Digital Smile System software and the scanner stereolithographic (STL) file was matched into the 3D-Digital Smile System to obtain a virtual previsualization of teeth and smile design. Then, the mockups were milled using a CAM system. Minimally invasive preparation was carried out on the enamel surface with the mockups as position guides.Results.The patients found both the digital smile design previsualization (64.3%) and the milling mockup test (85.7%) very effective.Conclusions.The new total 3D digital planning technique is a predictably and minimally invasive technique, allows easy diagnosis, and improves the communication with the patient and helps to reduce the working time and the errors usually associated with the classical prosthodontic manual step.
Enriched Meshfree Method for an Accurate Numerical Solution of the Motz Problem
Authors: Hong Won-Tak
Published: July 2016

We present an enriched meshfree solution of the Motz problem. The Motz problem has been known as a benchmark problem to verify the efficiency of numerical methods in the presence of a jump boundary data singularity at a point, where an abrupt change occurs for the boundary condition. We propose a singular basis function enrichment technique in the context of partition of unity based meshfree method. We take the leading terms of the local series expansion at the point singularity and use them as enrichment functions for the local approximation space. As a result, we obtain highly accurate leading coefficients of the Motz problem that are comparable to the most accurate numerical solution. The proposed singular enrichment technique is highly effective in the case of the local series expansion of the solution being known. The enrichment technique that is used in this study can be applied to monotone singularities (of typerαwithα<1) as well as oscillating singularities (of typerαsin⁡(ϵlog⁡r)). It is the first attempt to apply singular meshfree enrichment technique to the Motz problem.
FPGA Based High Speed SPA Resistant Elliptic Curve Scalar Multiplier Architecture
Authors: Javeed Khalid , Wang Xiaojun
Published: July 2016

The higher computational complexity of an elliptic curve scalar point multiplication operation limits its implementation on general purpose processors. Dedicated hardware architectures are essential to reduce the computational time, which results in a substantial increase in the performance of associated cryptographic protocols. This paper presents a unified architecture to compute modular addition, subtraction, and multiplication operations over a finite field of large prime characteristicGF(p). Subsequently, dual instances of the unified architecture are utilized in the design of high speed elliptic curve scalar multiplier architecture. The proposed architecture is synthesized and implemented on several different Xilinx FPGA platforms for different field sizes. The proposed design computes a 192-bit elliptic curve scalar multiplication in 2.3 ms on Virtex-4 FPGA platform. It is 34%faster and requires 40%fewer clock cycles for elliptic curve scalar multiplication and consumes considerable fewer FPGA slices as compared to the other existing designs. The proposed design is also resistant to the timing and simple power analysis (SPA) attacks; therefore it is a good choice in the construction of fast and secure elliptic curve based cryptographic protocols.
A Case of New-Onset Dermatomyositis in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Akalin Tayfun , Akkaya Hatice , Büke Barış , Koçak İbrahim
Published: July 2016

Dermatomyositis (DM), a subtype of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), is characterized by skin rash, proximal muscle weakness, and inflammatory infiltrates in the muscle tissue. The peak incidence of the disease is at the age of 50–60 years, and only 14% of the patients with IIMs are estimated to present during reproductive years. Because of the limited pregnancy experience in patients with IIMs, little is known regarding the effects of DM on pregnancy or vice versa. We herein report a 40-year-old woman who developed DM in the second trimester of her pregnancy and did not respond to treatment with methylprednisolone. Her pregnancy was terminated at the 32nd week of gestation, due to preeclampsia and fetal distress. She delivered a healthy baby and improved rapidly after delivery. We have searched PubMed for relevant articles and reviewed previously published cases.
A Three-Parameter S-Shaped Function of Flood Return Period and Damage
Authors: Li Chaochao , Cheng Xiaotao , Li Na , Liang Zhongmin , Wang Yanyan , Han Song
Published: July 2016

With growing flood risk due to increased urbanization, flood damage assessment and flood risk management must be reconsidered. To demonstrate and assess the new features and trends of flood risk in urbanized areas, a novel S-shaped function of return period and damage(R-D)is proposed. The function contains three parameters, which are defined as the maximum flood damageA, critical return periodRc, and integrated loss coefficientk. A basic framework for flood damage assessment was established to evaluate flood damage in the Taihu Basin under various scenarios. The simulation results were used to construct the floodR-Dfunctions. The study results show that the floodR-Dmodel based on the Gompertz function agrees well with the mutability of flood damage in the highly urbanized basin when the flood scale exceeds the defense capability. TheR-Dfunction can be utilized for timely and effective flood damage assessment and prediction. It can describe the impacts of socioeconomic development, urbanization degree, and flood control capability improvements well. The turning points of the function curve can be used as gradation criteria for rational strategy development associated with flood hazards.
Lorentz Invariance Violation and Modified Hawking Fermions Tunneling Radiation
Authors: Yang Shu-Zheng , Lin Kai , Li Jin , Jiang Qing-Quan
Published: July 2016

Recently the modified Dirac equation with Lorentz invariance violation has been proposed, which would be helpful to resolve some issues in quantum gravity theory and high energy physics. In this paper, the modified Dirac equation has been generalized in curved spacetime, and then fermion tunneling of black holes is researched under this correctional Dirac field theory. We also use semiclassical approximation method to get correctional Hamilton-Jacobi equation, so that the correctional Hawking temperature and correctional black hole’s entropy are derived.
First Report ofClostridium lavalenseIsolated in Human Blood Cultures
Authors: Garceau Richard , Bourque Christine , Thibault Louise , Côté Jean-Charles , Longtin Jean , Domingo Marc-Christian
Published: July 2016

An 88-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with worsening malaise, fever, and weakness. Anaerobic blood culture bottles revealed the presence of an anaerobic, Gram-positive sporulated bacillus. Empirical antibiotherapy with intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam was initiated. The patient defervesced after four days and was switched to oral amoxicillin on his 6th day of antibiotic therapy and later discharged from the hospital. Four months later, he had recovered. The bacterium was initially identified asClostridium butyricumusing anaerobic manual identification panel. 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed the bacterium to beClostridium lavalense, a recently described species with no previously published case of isolation in human diagnostic samples so far. This is the first report ofClostridium lavalenseisolation from human blood cultures. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate the role ofClostridium lavalensein human disease and its virulence factors.
Intubation Success through I-Gel® and Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway® Using Flexible Silicone Tubes: A Randomised Noninferiority Trial
Authors: Naik Latha , Bhardwaj Neerja , Sen Indu Mohini , Sondekoppam Rakesh V.
Published: July 2016

Introduction. The study aims to test whether flexible silicone tubes (FST) improve performance and provide similar intubation success through I-Gel as compared to ILMA. Our trial is registered in CTRI and the registration number is “CTRI/2016/06/006997.”Methods. One hundred and twenty ASA status I-II patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures needing tracheal intubation were randomised to endotracheal intubation using FST through either I-Gel or ILMA. In the ILMA group (n=60), intubation was attempted through ILMA using FST and, in the I-Gel group (n=60), FST was inserted through I-Gel airway.Results. Successful intubation was achieved in 36.67% (95% CI 24.48%–48.86%) on first attempt through I-Gel (n=22/60) compared to 68.33% (95% CI 56.56%–80.1%) in ILMA (n=41/60) (p=0.001). The overall intubation success rate was also lower with I-Gel group [58.3% (95% CI 45.82%–70.78%);n=35] compared to ILMA [90% (95% CI 82.41%–97.59%);n=54] (p<0.001). The number of attempts, ease of intubation, and time to intubation were longer with I-Gel compared to ILMA. There were no differences in the other secondary outcomes.Conclusion. The first pass success rate and overall success of FST through an I-Gel airway were inferior to those of ILMA.
Topical Administration of Pirfenidone Increases Healing of Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Janka-Zires Marcela , Almeda-Valdes Paloma , Uribe-Wiechers Ana Cecilia , Juárez-Comboni Sonia Citlali , López-Gutiérrez Joel , Escobar-Jiménez Jarod Jazek , Gómez-Pérez Francisco J.
Published: July 2016

Only 30 percent of chronic diabetic foot ulcers heal after 20 weeks of standard treatment. Pirfenidone is a drug with biological, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical pirfenidone added to conventional treatment in noninfected chronic diabetic foot ulcers. This was a randomized crossover study. Group 1 received topical pirfenidone plus conventional treatment for 8 weeks; after this period, they were switched to receive conventional treatment only for 8 more weeks. In group 2, the order of the treatments was the opposite. The end points were complete ulcer healing and size reduction. Final data were obtained from 35 ulcers in 24 patients. Fifty-two percent of ulcers treated with pirfenidone healed before 8 weeks versus 14.3% treated with conventional treatment only (P=0.025). Between 8 and 16 weeks, 30.8% ulcers that received pirfenidone healed versus 0% with conventional treatment (P=0.081). By week 8, the reduction in ulcer size was 100% [73–100] with pirfenidone versus 57.5% with conventional treatment [28.9–74] (P=0.011). By week 16, the reduction was 93% [42.7–100] with pirfenidone and 21.8% [8–77.5] with conventional treatment (P=0.050). The addition of topical pirfenidone to conventional treatment significantly improves the healing of chronic diabetic noninfected foot ulcers.
Small Bowel Obstruction due to Anomalous Congenital Bands in Children
Authors: Erginel Basak , Soysal Feryal Gun , Ozbey Huseyin , Keskin Erbug , Celik Alaattin , Karadag Aslı , Salman Tansu
Published: July 2016

Introduction. The aim of the study was to evaluate our children who are operated on for anomalous congenital band while increasing the awareness of this rare reason of intestinal obstruction in children which causes a diagnostic challenge.Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the records of fourteen children treated surgically for intestinal obstructions caused by anomalous congenital bands.Results. The bands were located between the following regions: the ascending colon and the mesentery of the terminal ileum in 4 patients, the jejunum and mesentery of the terminal ileum in 3 patients, the ileum and mesentery of the terminal ileum in 2 patients, the ligament of Treitz and mesentery of the jejunum in one patient, the ligament of Treitz and mesentery of the terminal ileum in one patient, duodenum and duodenum in one patient, the ileum and mesentery of the ileum in one patient, the jejunum and mesentery of the jejunum in one patient, and Meckel’s diverticulum and its ileal mesentery in one patient. Band excision was adequate in all of the patients except the two who received resection anastomosis for intestinal necrosis.Conclusion. Although congenital anomalous bands are rare, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with an intestinal obstruction.
An Enhanced Discrete Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm to Minimize the Total Flow Time in Permutation Flow Shop Scheduling with Limited Buffers
Authors: Deng Guanlong , Yang Hongyong , Zhang Shuning
Published: July 2016

This paper presents an enhanced discrete artificial bee colony algorithm for minimizing the total flow time in the flow shop scheduling problem with buffer capacity. First, the solution in the algorithm is represented as discrete job permutation to directly convert to active schedule. Then, we present a simple and effective scheme called best insertion for the employed bee and onlooker bee and introduce a combined local search exploring both insertion and swap neighborhood. To validate the performance of the presented algorithm, a computational campaign is carried out on the Taillard benchmark instances, and computations and comparisons show that the proposed algorithm is not only capable of solving the benchmark set better than the existing discrete differential evolution algorithm and iterated greedy algorithm, but also capable of performing better than two recently proposed discrete artificial bee colony algorithms.
Clinical Course and Outcomes of Late Kidney Allograft Dysfunction
Authors: Denisov Viktor , Zakharov Vadym , Ksenofontova Anna , Onishchenko Eugene , Golubova Tatyana , Kichatyi Sergey , Zakharova Olga
Published: July 2016

Background.This study is provided to increase the efficiency of the treatment of kidney transplant recipients by predicting the development of the late allotransplant dysfunction.Methods. 330 patients who have lived for more than one year with functioning kidney allograft were evaluated. To predict the subsequent duration of the well-functioning of allotransplant the prognostic significance of 15 baseline clinical and sociodemographic characteristics on the results of the survey one year after transplantation was investigated. The result was considered to be positive in constructing the regression prognostication model if recipient lived more than 3 years from the time of transplantation.Results. It was established that more late start of renal allograft dysfunction after transplantation correlates with the more time it takes till complete loss of allograft function. Creatinine and hemoglobin blood concentration and the level of proteinuria one year after transplantation within created mathematical model allow predicting the loss of kidney transplant function three years after the transplantation. Patients with kidney transplant dysfunction are advised to renew the program hemodialysis upon reaching plasma creatinine concentration 0.5–0.7 mmol/L.Conclusion. Values of creatinine, hemoglobin, and proteinuria one year after transplantation can be used for subsequent prognostication of kidney transplant function.
NODAL3 Sensitivity Analysis for NEACRP 3D LWR Core Transient Benchmark (PWR)
Authors: Pinem Surian , Sembiring Tagor Malem , Liem Peng Hong
Published: July 2016

This paper reports the results of sensitivity analysis of the multidimension, multigroup neutron diffusion NODAL3 code for the NEACRP 3D LWR core transient benchmarks (PWR). The code input parameters covered in the sensitivity analysis are the radial and axial node sizes (the number of radial node per fuel assembly and the number of axial layers), heat conduction node size in the fuel pellet and cladding, and the maximum time step. The output parameters considered in this analysis followed the above-mentioned core transient benchmarks, that is, power peak, time of power peak, power, averaged Doppler temperature, maximum fuel centerline temperature, and coolant outlet temperature at the end of simulation (5 s). The sensitivity analysis results showed that the radial node size and maximum time step give a significant effect on the transient parameters, especially the time of power peak, for the HZP and HFP conditions. The number of ring divisions for fuel pellet and cladding gives negligible effect on the transient solutions. For productive work of the PWR transient analysis, based on the present sensitivity analysis results, we recommend NODAL3 users to use2×2radial nodes per assembly,1×18axial layers per assembly, the maximum time step of 10 ms, and 9 and 1 ring divisions for fuel pellet and cladding, respectively.
Reliability Evaluation for the Running State of the Manufacturing System Based on Poor Information
Authors: Xia Xintao , Zhu Wenhuan , Liu Bin
Published: July 2016

The output performance of the manufacturing system has a direct impact on the mechanical product quality. For guaranteeing product quality and production cost, many firms try to research the crucial issues on reliability of the manufacturing system with small sample data, to evaluate whether the manufacturing system is capable or not. The existing reliability methods depend on a known probability distribution or vast test data. However, the population performances of complex systems become uncertain as processing time; namely, their probability distributions are unknown, if the existing methods are still taken into account; it is ineffective. This paper proposes a novel evaluation method based on poor information to settle the problems of reliability of the running state of a manufacturing system under the condition of small sample sizes with a known or unknown probability distribution. Via grey bootstrap method, maximum entropy principle, and Poisson process, the experimental investigation on reliability evaluation for the running state of the manufacturing system shows that, under the best confidence levelP=0.95, if the reliability degree of achieving running quality isr>0.65, the intersection area between the inspection data and the intrinsic data isA(T)>0.3and the variation probability of the inspection data isPB(T)≤0.7, and the running state of the manufacturing system is reliable; otherwise, it is not reliable. And the sensitivity analysis regarding the size of the samples can show that the size of the samples has no effect on the evaluation results obtained by the evaluation method. The evaluation method proposed provides the scientific decision and suggestion for judging the running state of the manufacturing system reasonably, which is efficient, profitable, and organized.
A Recombinant Adenovirus Expressing P12A and 3C Protein of the Type O Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Stimulates Systemic and Mucosal Immune Responses in Mice
Authors: Xie Yinli , Gao Peng , Li Zhiyong
Published: July 2016

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious livestock disease of cloven-hoofed animals which causes severe economic losses. The replication-deficient, human adenovirus-vectored FMD vaccine has been proven effective against FMD. However, the role of T-cell-mediated antiviral responses and the mucosae-mediated antiviral responses induced by the adenovirus-vectored FMD vaccine was rarely examined. Here, the capsid protein precursor P1-2A and viral protease 3C of the type O FMDV were expressed in replicative-deficient human adenovirus type 5 vector. BALB/c mice immunized intramuscularly and intraperitoneally with recombinant adenovirus rAdv-P12A3C elicited higher FMDV-specific IgG antibodies, IFN-γ, and IL-4 cytokines than those in mice immunized with inactivated FMDV vaccine. Moreover, BALB/c mice immunized with recombinant adenovirus rAdv-P12A3C by oral and intraocular-nasal immunization induced high FMDV-specific IgA antibodies. These results show that the recombinant adenovirus rAdv-P12A3C could resist FMDV comprehensively. This study highlights the potential of rAdv-P12A3C to serve as a type O FMDV vaccine.
A Model for Selecting a Strategic Information System Using the FITradeoff
Authors: Henriques de Gusmão Ana Paula , Pereira Medeiros Cristina
Published: July 2016

This paper arose from the perceived need to make a contribution towards assessing a strategic information system by using a new method for eliciting the weights of criteria. This is considered one of the most complex and important stages in multicriteria models. Multicriteria models have been proposed to support decisions in the context of information systems given that problems in this field deal with many conflicting criteria. The new procedure for eliciting the weights of the criteria has the advantage of requiring less effort from the decision-maker and, thus, the risk of inconsistent answers is minimized. Therefore, a model based on this new procedure is proposed and applied using data from a glass packaging factory that needs to select a single information system from a set of systems previously identified as relevant. The results obtained are consistent both with the performance of alternatives and with the additive model used to evaluate the alternatives.
Constructing a Travel Risks’ Evaluation Model for Tour Freelancers Based on the ANP Approach
Authors: Lin Chin-Tsai , Hsu Shih-Chieh
Published: July 2016

This study constructs a new travel risks’ evaluation model for freelancers to evaluate and select tour groups by considering the interdependencies of the evaluation criteria used. First of all, the proposed model adopts the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to identify suitable evaluation criteria for evaluating travel risks. Six evaluation criteria and 18 subcriteria are obtained. The six evaluation criteria are financial risk, transportation risk, social risk, hygiene risk, sightseeing spot risk, and general risk for freelancer tour groups. Secondly, the model uses the analytic network process (ANP) to determine the relative weight of the criteria. Finally, examples of group package tours (GPTs) are used to demonstrate the travel risk evaluation process for this model. The results show that the Tokyo GPT is the best group tour. The proposed model helps freelancers to effectively evaluate travel risks and decision-making, making it highly applicable to academia and tour groups.
Involvement of the Nonneuronal Cholinergic System in Bone Remodeling in Rat Midpalatal Suture after Rapid Maxillary Expansion
Authors: Che Xiaoxia , Guo Jie , Wang Lue , Miao Cong , Ge Lihua , Tian Zhenchuan , Wang Jianhong
Published: July 2016

Few studies sought to analyze the expression and function of the nonneuronal acetylcholine system in bone remodelingin vivodue to the lack of suitable models. We established a rat maxilla expansion model in which the midline palatine suture of the rat was rapidly expanded under mechanical force application, inducing tissue remodeling and new bone formation, which could be a suitable model to investigate the role of the nonneuronal acetylcholine system in bone remodelingin vivo.During the expansion, the expression pattern changes of the nonneuronal cholinergic system components and the mRNA levels of OPG/RANKL were detected by immunohistochemistry or real-time PCR. The value of the RANKL/OPG ratio significantly increased after 1 day of expansion, indicating dominant bone resorption induced by the mechanical stimulation; however after 3 days of expansion, the value of the RANKL/OPG ratio significantly decreased, suggesting a dominant role of the subsequent bone formation process. Increasing expression of Ach was detected after 3 days of expansion which indicated that ACh might play a role in bone formation. The mRNA expression levels of other components also showed observable changes during the expansion which confirmed the involvement of the nonneuronal cholinergic system in the process of bone remodelingin vivo. Further researches are still needed to figure out the detailed functions of the nonneuronal cholinergic system and its components.
Surveillance Strategies for Sarcoma: Results of a Survey of Members of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society
Authors: Greenberg David D. , Crawford Brooke
Published: July 2016

Background. Surveillance is crucial to oncology, yet there is scant evidence to guide strategies.Purpose. This survey identified sarcoma surveillance strategies for Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) members and rationales behind them. Understanding current practice should facilitate studies to generate evidence-based surveillance protocols.Methods. Permission was granted by the Research and Executive Committee of the MSTS to survey members on surveillance strategies. First, the questionnaire requested demographic and clinical practice information. Second, the survey focused on clinicians’ specific surveillance soft tissue and bone sarcoma protocols.Results. 20 percent of MSTS members completed the survey. The primary rationale for protocols was training continuation, followed by published guidelines, and finally personal interpretation of the literature. 95% of the respondents believe that additional studies regarding appropriate surveillance protocols are needed. 87% reported patient concerns regarding radiation exposure from surveillance imaging. For soft tissue and bone sarcoma local recurrence, responders identified surgical margin, histologic grade, and tumor size as the most important factors. For metastases, important risk factors identified included histologic grade, tumor size, and histologic type. Protocols demonstrated wide variation.Conclusion. This survey demonstrates that surveillance strategies utilized by MSTS members are not evidence-based, providing rationale for multi-institutional studies. It also confirms the public health issue of excessive radiation exposure.
The Effects of Exercise on the Physical Fitness of High and Moderate-Low Functioning Older Adult Women
Authors: Mason R. Christopher , Horvat Michael , Nocera Joe
Published: July 2016

Introduction. Understanding how exercise affects individuals with varying levels of functional ability will provide further insight into the role of exercise during the aging process. It will also aid in the development of exercise programs that are appropriate for a wider spectrum of older adults. Specifically it was the primary aim of this study to determine and compare the effects of 10 weeks of community-based exercise on the cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance fitness components of older adult women with high and moderate-low levels of physical function.Methods. Participants were placed in either the high functioning (n=13) or moderate/low functioning (n=17) groups based on their level of physical functioning. Fitness components were measured by the Senior Fitness Test and physical function was determined by the Composite Physical Function scale.Results. The results of the 3 × 2 mixed ANOVA statistical analysis showed no significant interaction effect for time ⁎ group for any of the six subtests (chair stand, arm curls, 2-minute step, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, and 6-foot up-and-go) of the SFT. However, the main effect of time was significant for all fitness components and the main effect of group was significant for all fitness components except lower extremity flexibility.Discussion. Community-based exercise programs offering a variety of exercise types to people with varying levels of functional ability can be useful in maintaining or improving fitness and independence. These programs may also be capable of improving the self-efficacy of lower functioning older adults toward performing daily tasks.