bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive model of linear PMSM-based ropeless lift for comparing control algorithms – Field-oriented control versus direct torque control
Authors: So Albert , Chan Wai L 
Published: January 2020

This is a further study of two previous articles of the authors. The simulation model includes saliency and almost all common imperfections of linear permanent magnet synchronous machine. Based on the same model, three types of control have been applied to drive the lift car for a typical fully loaded upward journey, namely field-oriented control, which was used in two previous articles, direct force control (conventional direct torque control on a linear machine) and a newly proposed direct speed control (a new direct torque control method that could be used in the lift industry). The performances in terms of speed accuracy during start-up and rated speed operation, power and energy consumption have been studied. The conclusion is that for such a new application in the lift industry, at this moment in time, the more conventional field-oriented control is highly recommended. Two new findings are reported. Direct speed control that involves a simpler circuitry and reasonable speed control is proposed, although there is always a small steady-state error due to the absence of a proportional–integral controller. Conventional direct torque (force) control involves continuous integration to estimate the magnetic fluxes, which is not applicable to a permanent magnet synchronous machine with saliency. A new definition to analytically estimate the magnetic flux linkages in real time is also proposed. It should be noted that field-oriented control is superior at this time. When technology continues to get advanced, direct force control and direct speed control may one day be more appropriate for linear permanent magnet synchronous machine application. The software to perform the simulation has been uploaded to the BSER&T/SAGE website. Practical application: It is generally agreed by the lift industry that the installation of multi-dimensional lifts employing linear permanent magnet synchronous machines is a clear trend in the future. This article is a follow up of two previous ones, studying the performance of three types of control for linear permanent magnet synchronous machine. Necessary equations of the machine model, imperfections, digital control loops are included. Some findings regarding the differences in performance are reported. It is hoped that this article is useful for lift manufacturers to enter this new market of vertical transportation.
Multivariate analyses of MRI findings for predicting osteomyelitis of the foot in diabetic patients
Authors: Jang Yong-ho , Park Sunghoon , Park Young Uk , Kwack Kyu-Sung , Jeon Seong Woo , Lee Hyun Young 
Published: January 2020

Background There have been no previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies using multivariable analysis to diagnose osteomyelitis in patients with diabetic foot. Purpose To retrospectively investigate the MRI findings of osteomyelitis in patients with diabetic foot using multivariate analyses. Material and Methods From November 2015 to March 2018, 118 patients who underwent MRI of the foot to evaluate suspected osteomyelitis were included in this study. The patients were categorized into the presence or absence of osteomyelitis. The primary and secondary MRI findings were retrospectively reviewed. To identify independent predictive MRI findings, multivariate analyses with binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed including all 118 patients and 93 patients presenting decreased T1 signal intensity, respectively. Results T1 signal intensity, T1 marrow pattern, T1 marrow distribution, T2 signal intensity, concordance of marrow signal intensity, cortical interruption, ulcer depth, abscess, and wet gangrene were significantly different between the two groups ( P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses indicated that fluid equivalent T2 signal intensity, deep ulcer, and confluent T1 marrow pattern were major factors associated with osteomyelitis. The area under the curve of predicted probabilities for the combination of these factors was 0.799 across all 118 patients and 0.761 across 93 patients with decreased T1 signal intensity. Conclusion Confluent T1 marrow pattern is a reliable finding to suggest osteomyelitis in patients with diabetic foot. In addition, fluid equivalent T2 signal intensity and deep ulcer are important findings that may suggest osteomyelitis, irrespective of T1 signal intensity change.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of mitral stenosis before and after percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty in comparison to two- and three-dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Abdelaziz Hanaa MM , Tawfik Ahmed M , Abd-Elsamad Ayman A , Sakr Sherif A , Algamal Abdulsalam M 
Published: January 2020

Background The experience with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in mitral stenosis (MS) is limited in contrast to mitral regurgitation. Purpose To compare CMR versus 2D and 3D transthoracic (TTE) and 3D transesophgeal (TEE) echocardiography in assessment of rheumatic MS before and after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). Material and Methods Twenty consecutive symptomatic patients with MS were evaluated prospectively and independently by CMR, TTE, and TEE pre-PBMV, and by CMR and TTE post-PBMV. Mitral valve area (MVA) was assessed by CMR planimetry, TTE and TEE planimetry, and pressure half time (PHT). Further assessment included trans-mitral velocity, mitral regurgitation (MR), and left atrial (LA) volume. Results PBMV was successful in 18 patients and failed in two patients (one with MVA <1.5 cm2, one developed severe MR). Pre-PBMV and MVA by CMR, 2D TTE, biplane, 3D TTE, 3D TEE, and PHT were 1.16, 1.16, 1.10, 1.02, 1.05, and 0.99 cm2, respectively. Post-PBMV, a significant increase in MVA was observed (2.15, 2.06, 2.07, 2.04, and 2.03 cm2, respectively). High agreement was observed between CMR and echocardiography before and after PBMV, except for PHT method. CMR significantly underestimated trans-mitral velocity and gradients compared to echocardiography (P<0.001). Before PBMV, mild MR was observed in 11, 12, and 19 patients by 2D TTE, 3D TTE, and CMR. After PBMV, MR was observed in all patients (19 mild, one severe) by all modalities. Echocardiography significantly underestimated LA volume compared to CMR (P<0.001). LA volume decreased significantly after PBMV (P<0.001). Conclusion CMR provides comprehensive assessment of several parameters in MS patients before and after intervention. Agreement with echocardiography is acceptable.
Infusion of chimeric antigen receptor T cells against dual targets of CD19 and B-cell maturation antigen for the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Tang Fang , Lu Yin , Ge Yongqin , Shang Jingjing , Zhu Xiaming 
Published: January 2020

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell infusion in patients with refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Methods Sixteen patients diagnosed with refractory MM were included in this study. Patients received initial infusions of T-derived CD19/B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CAR-T cells with 100% CD19, followed by second infusions with 40% BCMA and third infusions with 60% BCMA. The total doses were 0.5–1 × 107/kg CD19 and 1.2 − 6.2 × 107/kg BCMA. Patients were monitored after infusion. Levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was observed in all 16 patients. Thirteen patients with CRS stage II−IV had persistent hyperthermia from 5−14 days after infusion, while most patients developed hyperthermia from 1 day after infusion and their temperatures returned to normal within 2−10 days. Levels of all factors were significantly elevated 2 days after infusion, peaked at 5 days, and then gradually decreased to normal levels. All inflammatory factors showed normal levels by 10 days after infusion. Conclusion Body temperature and levels of inflammatory factors all increased dramatically after infusion of CD19/BCMA CAR-T cells, but recovered to normal levels after appropriate treatment and nursing.
Saturated hydrogen alleviates CCl4-induced acute kidney injury via JAK2/STAT3/p65 signaling
Authors: Wu Song , Fang Zheng , Zhou Shujun 
Published: January 2020

Objectives This study assessed the protective effects of saturated hydrogen against CCl4-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice, and investigated signaling pathways activated by exposure to saturated hydrogen. Methods A mouse model of CCl4-induced AKI was established; some mice were treated with saturated hydrogen. Levels of cystatin C and kidney injury molecule 1 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were measured on a fully automated biochemical analyzer. Interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ in serum and kidney tissues were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in kidney tissues were measured using biochemical kits. Oxidative stress in kidney tissues was analyzed using nitrotyrosine staining. Expression levels of p-JAK2, p-STAT3, and p-p65 signal protein were assayed by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results Compared with untreated mice with CCl4-induced AKI, mice that were treated with saturated hydrogen exhibited improved renal function and reduced oxidative stress. Moreover, expression levels of p-JAK2, p-STAT3, and p-p65 were significantly reduced in mice treated with saturated hydrogen, compared with expression levels in untreated mice. Conclusions Treatment with saturated hydrogen can reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine activation, potentially through inhibition of JAK2/STAT3/p65 signaling, thereby protecting against AKI.
HER-2 overexpression is a negative predictive factor for recurrence in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer on intravesical therapy
Authors: Moustakas Georgios , Kampantais Spyridon , Nikolaidou Anastasia , Vakalopoulos Ioannis , Tzioufa Valentini , Dimitriadis Georgios 
Published: January 2020

Objective HER-2 is overexpressed in a variety of human malignant tumors and has been widely used in the prognosis and treatment of breast cancer. In urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder, some reports have shown an association between HER-2 overexpression and worse outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the association between HER-2 expression and other clinicopathologic parameters in 48 patients treated for primary non-muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Methods The initial expression of HER-2 in tumor specimens and its expression upon disease recurrence following instillation therapy (BCG, Mitomycin, or Epirubicin) were studied. Results HER-2 expression was significantly increased between these two timepoints. In multivariate analysis, HER-2 expression at the time of diagnosis was found to be the only independent factor and was associated with reduced recurrence free survival. Conclusions HER-2 status could be an additional biomarker for predicting the outcome of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which could help identify high-risk patients for recurrence and possible progression who require close observation and perhaps radical treatment, such as early cystectomy.
Cannulated iliac screw fixation combined with reconstruction plate fixation for Day type II crescent pelvic fractures
Authors: Li Ming , Huang Dichao , Yan Hailin , Li Haiyang , Wang Liping , Dong Jianghui 
Published: January 2020

Objective This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single cannulated iliac screw combined with reconstruction plate fixation for crescent pelvic fractures (Day type II). Method Thirty adult patients (23 men, 7 women) with a mean age of 42.3 years (range, 22–81 years) were retrospectively reviewed. The time interval between the injury and the operation ranged from 3 to 14 days. The duration of screw insertion, the frequency of C-arm X-ray examination, and the intraoperative blood loss volume were recorded. The minimum follow-up was 12 months (mean, 29 months; range, 12–36 months). Radiographic evaluation was performed using the Matta and Tornetta criteria. Results According to the Matta and Tornetta radiological criteria, the reduction was rated as excellent in 20 patients and good in 10 patients. Based on the Majeed functional evaluation at the follow-up appointment, the outcome was rated as excellent in 28 patients and good in 2 patients. Conclusion This technique can restrict damage to the surrounding soft tissues, decrease complications, and promote good clinical results.
Intraoperative ultrasound-guided lumpectomy versus wire-guided excision for nonpalpable breast cancer
Authors: Hu Xin , Li Si , Jiang Yi , Wei Wei , Ji Yinan , Li Qiuyun , Jiang Zongbin 
Published: January 2020

Objective This study was designed to compare the margin clearance and re-excision rates of ultrasound (US)- and wire-guided excision in a large number of patients with nonpalpable breast cancer. Methods In total, 520 women who were histologically diagnosed with nonpalpable breast cancer were recruited in this study. All nonpalpable lesions were visible by US. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: those who underwent wire-guided breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and those who underwent US-guided BCS. Re-excision rates and positive surgical margins were recorded. Results A total of 262 patients underwent US-guided excision and 258 patients underwent wire-guided excision. No differences were found in tumor or patient characteristics. The positive margin rate was 4.6% in the US-guided group and 19.4% in the wire-guided group with a significant difference. Age, menopausal status, excision volume, histological grade, and tumor type significantly influenced the positive surgical margin rate. The intraoperative re-excision rate was significantly lower in the US-guided group than wire-guided group (11.1% vs. 24.0%, respectively). Conclusions US-guided BCS seems to be more effective than wire-guided BCS for treatment of nonpalpable breast cancers in terms of the margin clearance and re-excision rates. Patients can avoid the discomfort caused by preoperative wire placement.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of acute kidney injury in infants with diarrhea: a cross-sectional study in Bangladesh
Authors: Shahrin Lubaba , Sarmin Monira , Rahman Abu SMMH , Hasnat Waliel , Mamun Gazi MS , Shaima Shamsun N , Shahid Abu SMSB , Ahmed Tahmeed , Chisti Mohammod J 
Published: January 2020

Objective We described the clinical and laboratory characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) in infants with diarrhea. Methods This medical record analysis was conducted in Dhaka Hospital of the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research Bangladesh from January to December 2015. Infants with elevated serum creatinine (>50 µmol/L) constituted cases (n = 146). We randomly selected 150 infants with normal creatinine levels as the controls. Both groups had diarrhea. Events occurring from admission to discharge were analyzed and compared to assess differences in characteristics of the groups. Results Among the 146 patients with AKI, 130 (89%) were discharged after recovery. Logistic regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders (such as oral rehydration salt intake at home, convulsions, abnormal mentation, and hypoxemia) showed that infants with AKI were independently associated with hypernatremia (odds ratio (OR) = 8.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.88–19.22), sepsis (OR = 4.71, 95% CI = 2.07–10.73), and severe dehydration (OR = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.78–7.95). Persistently elevated creatinine was associated with radiological pneumonia (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.09–4.31) and sepsis (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.14–4.40). Conclusion Dehydration, sepsis, and hypernatremia were found to be associated with AKI in diarrheal infants. After proper correction of dehydration, persistently elevated creatinine could be associated with sepsis and pneumonia.
Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets Encapsulating Cartilage Particles Facilitate Repair of Rabbit Osteochondral Defects
Authors: You Qi , Liu Ziming , Zhang Jun , Shen Mengjie , Li Yuwan , Jin Ying , Liu Yi 
Published: January 2020

Background: Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) are being widely applied in various fields. Therefore, hAMSCs represent a promising candidate to facilitate cartilage regeneration. Nonetheless, no studies have investigated the application of hAMSC sheets to repair cartilage defects in vivo. Purpose: To evaluate hAMSC sheets encapsulating cartilage particles to promote repair of rabbit osteochondral defects. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: hAMSC sheets were constructed with passage 3 hAMSCs. The phenotypic and structural characteristics of hAMSC sheets were evaluated by flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The potential for chondrogenic differentiation of hAMSC sheets was assessed by cartilage-specific marker staining, immunohistochemistry, and mRNA and protein expression (SOX9, COLII, and ACAN). Osteochondral defects (diameter, 3.5 mm; depth, 3 mm) were created in the left patellar grooves of 20 New Zealand White rabbits (female or male). The defects were treated with hAMSC sheet/cartilage particles (n = 5), cartilage particles (n = 5), hAMSC sheets (n = 5), or fibrin glue (n = 5). Macroscopic and histological evaluations of the regenerated tissue were conducted after 3 months. The survival time and differentiation of transplanted hAMSCs in the defect area were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results: hAMSC sheets had a multilayered structure, with cells stacked layer by layer. Importantly, hAMSC sheets highly expressed phenotypic markers of mesenchymal stem cells. Cartilage-specific marker staining and immunohistochemistry were positive, and mRNA and protein expression was higher in the chondrogenically induced hAMSC sheet group than in the hAMSC sheet group ( P < .05). hAMSC sheet/cartilage particles formed a large amount of hyaline-like cartilage in the defect area. In addition, macroscopic and histological scores were significantly higher than those in the other groups. Integration with surrounding normal cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration in the hAMSC sheet/cartilage particles group were better when compared with the other groups. A large number of human nuclear-specific antigen-positive cells were observed in the defect area of hAMSC sheet/cartilage particles and hAMSC sheet groups. Moreover, some positive cells expressed SOX9. Conclusion: hAMSC sheets encapsulating cartilage particles facilitate osteochondral defect repair. Clinical Relevance: Delivery of cells in the form of a cell sheet in conjunction with cartilage particles provides a novel approach for cell-based cartilage regeneration.
The Independence of Central Banks, Political Institutional Quality and Financial Sector Development in Africa
Authors: Agoba Abel Mawuko , Abor Joshua Yindenaba , Osei Kofi Achampong , Sa-Aadu Jarjisu 
Published: January 2020

Central Bank Independence (CBI) as a mechanism for achieving lower inflation and effective regulation and supervision of the financial sector should promote financial sector development. Though there is not much difference in CBI legal provisions, it seems to be more effective in developed countries than in African countries. There are suggestions that this could be due to differences in political institutional quality. Using panel data from 1970 to 2012, we find that CBI does not promote financial development in Africa. The impact of CBI is dependent on the level of development of a country. CBI promotes financial development more in countries with strong political institutions. JEL codes: E02; E44; E58
Evaluation of pharmacist interventions in a head and neck medical oncology clinic
Authors: Lau Kimberly M , Saunders Ila M , Sacco Assuntina G , Barnachea Linda C 
Published: January 2020

Introduction Head and neck cancers (HNC) are a complex and heterogeneous group of cancers, often necessitating a multidisciplinary approach across the care continuum. Oncology pharmacists are uniquely qualified to play a vital role on a multidisciplinary team and provide specialized care to optimize medication therapy. Methods This was a retrospective chart review evaluating the role of a board-certified oncology pharmacist in the head and neck oncology clinic at an academic, comprehensive cancer center from April 2017 through March 2018. The primary objective of the study was to describe the types of interventions made by the oncology pharmacists. Secondary objectives included quantifying time spent on patient education and number of prescriptions sent to pharmacies. Results The pharmacist had 873 encounters with 151 patients, resulting in 2080 interventions. Approximately 57% of the interventions were performed in the clinic. Patient education (58%), facilitation of new prescriptions or refill requests (49.9%), and supportive care management (32.6%) were the most frequent interventions. The oncology pharmacist spent 154.1 h on patient education and sent 811 prescriptions to pharmacies, with 63.6% of prescriptions sent to the institution’s cancer center pharmacy. Conclusion The incorporation of an oncology pharmacist in the HNC team optimized patient care through comprehensive and timely interventions across the care continuum. Our study is the first to highlight the vital role oncology pharmacists have in improving the overall quality of care of HNC patients. Future directions include exploring the impact of oncology pharmacist interventions on select Quality Oncology Practice Initiative measures by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy and quality of life in breast cancer patients
Authors: Salehifar Ebrahim , Janbabaei Ghasem , Alipour Abbas , Tabrizi Nasim , Avan Razieh 
Published: January 2020

Purpose Taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) is a common and bothersome toxicity. This study aimed to determine the incidence and severity of TIPN in patients with breast cancer and to investigate the relationship between TIPN and quality of life. Methods A total of 82 breast cancer patients with TIPN symptoms were included in this study. The criteria of National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE v4.03) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30, version 3.0) were used to evaluate grading of sensory neuropathy and quality of life, respectively. Analysis of the data was done by IBM SPSS statistics version 23. Results A total of 346 patients received taxane-based chemotherapy and 82 patients (23.7%) experience TIPN. The mean (SD) global health status/quality of life, physical functioning, role functioning, and pain subscales were 60.63 (5.26), 80.64 (9.05), 81.77 (10.41), and 43.88 (11.27), respectively. There were significant negative correlations between global health status/quality of life, physical functioning, and role functioning subscales with the grade of neuropathy (r = −0.33, −0.80, and −0.61, respectively) and positive correlation between pain subscale and the grade of neuropathy (r = 0.70). Conclusion This study shows a clear association between TIPN and worsened quality of life. These findings emphasize on detecting and management of TIPN in an effort to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients.