bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Myeloma Guidelines and Their Recent Updates: Implications for Imaging
Authors: Mosebach Jennifer , Thierjung Heidi , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Delorme Stefan 
Published: May 2019

Background In 2014, the diagnostic criteria for multiple myeloma were updated, leading to revised recommendations for imaging modalities and definition of therapy response. This review provides an overview of the current definitions of monoclonal plasma cell disease, diagnostic options, and changes relevant to radiologists.
Method A pubmed search regarding the multiple myeloma guidelines was conducted, and results were filtered considering publications of international associations and expert reviews. Recommendations by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, USA), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), and the European Myeloma Network are acknowledged.
Results and Conclusion Conventional skeletal survey is to be replaced by cross-sectional imaging techniques. For initial diagnostics of bone lesions or bone marrow involvement defining multiple myeloma, whole-body low-dose CT and whole-body MRI are recommended. Two or more focal bone marrow lesions suspicious for myeloma on MRI will now define symptomatic disease even in the case of intact mineralized bone. Follow-up imaging is not clearly specified so far. New guidelines concerning the definitions of minimal residual disease include the assessment of focal lesions before and after treatment using 18F-FDG-PET/CT, with the potential to redefine the role of PET/CT in the diagnostics of multiple myeloma.
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Test-Retest Reliability of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) in Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Aguiar Raiza Gorbachev Ribeiro , Almeida Katia de , Miranda-Gonsalez Elisiane Crestani de 
Published: May 2019

Introduction The Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) is a questionnaire designed to assess the auditory experience and quantify hearing disabilities in realistic communication situations, with particular attention to binaural hearing.
Objective To determine the test-retest reliability of the SSQ in Brazilian Portuguese.
Method A total of 35 individuals with mean age of 61 years and mean education of 7 years were interviewed. The mean auditory threshold was 44.29 dBNA in the best ear and 58.04 dBNA in the worst ear. The SSQ in Portuguese was applied at two time points, test and retest. An interval of 7 to 20 days between interviews was established. The level of significance adopted was 0.05, or 5%.
Results The analysis revealed a high Cronbach α coefficient for the three domains and for the general component of the scale, demonstrating good internal consistency between the items. In addition, a significant strong correlation was detected between test and retest of the SSQ on the analysis by domain and for the general component of the scale. A significant moderate-to-strong correlation between test and retest by question was found, except for question 2 of Part I.
Conclusion The test-retest reliability indicators showed good stability of the Portuguese version of the SSQ, indicating that the scale is suitable for use in the hearing-impaired population in Brazil.
Total Laryngectomy with Horizontal Mechanical Closure of the Pharyngoesophagectomy: Evaluation of the Effectiveness in Elderly Patients
Authors: Allegra Eugenia , Mantia Ignazio La , Azzolina Alfio , Natale Massimo De , Trapasso Serena , Saita Vincenzo 
Published: May 2019

Introduction The main modalities of surgical treatment for laryngeal cancer include transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), open preservation surgery, and total laryngectomy (TL). In the elderly, for the presence of comorbidities, the surgical approach more appropriate in many cases remains TL. The use of a stapler for the closure of the esophagus has been introduced to reduce surgical time and postoperative complications such as pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF).
Objective In the present study, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the use of the horizontal mechanical pharyngoesophageal closure in patients who underwent TL.
Methods This nonrandomized study was performed on consecutive patients with histopathologically proven squamous cell endolaryngeal carcinoma. The TL was performed using a linear stapler to mechanically suture the pharyngotomy using the semiclosed technique.
Results A total of 33 patients underwent TL, and 13 of them underwent neck dissection. A total of 15 patients (45.4%) were ≤70 years old, and 18 were > 70 years old. Analyzing the results in relation to age, patients > 70 years old showed tumors at an earlier stage than those aged ≤70 years old. Furthermore, in this group there was a greater number of patients who had comorbidities (p = 0.014). In total, we had 2 (6%) cases of PCF in 6.6% in the group ≤70 years old, and in 5.5% of the group > 70 years old (p = 1.00).
Conclusions The use of the stapler for the horizontal closure of the pharyngoesophagectomy in the patients subjected to TL is proven to be useful and safe even when used in elderly patients.
Pulmonary Complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Hannah Jennifer R. , D'Cruz David P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by the production of pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complexes and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality through a wide range of clinical manifestations which can affect almost any organ. Pulmonary involvement is prevalent and seen in 50 to 70% of SLE patients and may even be the presenting feature in 4 to 5% of patients. By 10 years postdiagnosis, 12% will have accumulated an element of permanent lung damage. Pulmonary complications are broad and include pleural disease, interstitial lung disease (ILD), vasculitis, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, large airway disease, shrinking lung syndrome, and infection. Conditions can range mostly from asymptomatic, for example, in mild cases of pleural effusion or obstructive airway disease, to life-threatening disease, for example, in acute lupus pneumonitis or diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. ILD and pulmonary hypertension are both frequently seen in other autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic sclerosis; however, in SLE, they tend to be milder and have a comparatively favorable prognosis. Although collectively pulmonary involvement in SLE is common, the heterogeneity of SLE and rareness of individual complications make clinical trials difficult and treatment is usually based on case series reports and anecdotal experience with various immunosuppressive agents. Some of these immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine, methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide have also been linked with drug-induced lung injury.
Possible Association between the Lack of Regular Physical Activity with Tinnitus and Headache: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bazoni Jéssica Aparecida , Dias Ana Carolina Marcotti , Meneses-Barriviera Caroline Luiz , Marchiori Luciana Lozza de Moraes , Teixeira Denilson de Castro 
Published: May 2019

Introduction Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for many aging-related symptoms. Studies suggest that physical activity may help to relieve tinnitus and headache.
Objective To investigate the presence of tinnitus and headache in elderly individuals by associating it with the lack of regular physical activity.
Methods A cross-sectional study including elderly individuals who live independently. The practice of physical activity and the complaints of headache and of tinnitus were checked by means of a questionnaire with objective questions. The statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test and relative risk, and a multiple logistic regression model was used to determine how well each factor predicted headache while controlling for each of the other factors.
Results Based on a sample of 494 subjects, it was found that 213 (43.11%) complained of tinnitus. Among the complainants, 97 (45.53%) practiced physical activity regularly. We have confirmed associations between headache with lack of physical activity among elderly individuals with tinnitus (p = 0.0440). It was also observed that certain factors, such as male gender and tinnitus, are independent factors for the complaint of headache.
Conclusion We have found that headache could be a symptom related to the lack of regular physical activity among elderly individuals with tinnitus.
Prescription Profile and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Treated with Oral Antihistamines or Nasal Corticosteroids
Authors: Sánchez Guillermo , Castro Carlos 
Published: May 2019

Introduction Oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids have been shown to be effective and safe for the treatment of allergic rhinitis; however, the evidence suggests a level of superiority of corticosteroids, so they should be preferred over the former.
Objective To know the prescription profile of two second generation antihistamines (cetirizine and levocetirizine) and two nasal corticosteroids (mometasone and furoate-ciclesonide) in a cohort of patients with allergic rhinitis, and to compare the clinical outcomes obtained.
Methods A cohort study was carried including patients with allergic rhinitis treated with cetirizine, levocetirizine, mometasone furoate or ciclesonide. The improvement was evaluated with the total nasal symptoms score (TNSS). This scale yields results between 0 and 12. Zero indicates absence of symptoms.
Results A total of 314 patients completed 12 weeks of follow-up. Seventy-five percent were treated with antihistamines, 20% with corticosteroids, and 5% with a combination of the above. The TNSS median for corticosteroid was 2.5 points; for antihistamines, its was 5 points, and for combination, it was 4 points. We found differences between corticosteroids and antihistamines.
Conclusion The prescription percentage of second generation oral antihistamines is higher than that of intranasal corticosteroids. However, patients with allergic rhinitis treated with the second option obtained better control of symptoms.
SHOX Deficiency in Argentinean Cohort: Long-Term Auxological Follow-Up and a Family's New Mutation
Authors: del Pino Mariana , Aza-Carmona Miriam , Medino-Martín David , Gomez Abel , Heath Karen E. , Fano Virginia , Obregon María Gabriela 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA cohort study on the growth of 19 Argentinean children, aged 0 to 18 years, and 11 of their first-degree relatives with alterations in the SHOX gene or its regulatory regions is reported. Children are born shorter and experience a growth delay during childhood with a stunted pubertal growth spurt. Body disproportion, with a sitting height/height ratio above +2 standard deviation score (SDS), was already present as early as 2 years old. Hand length was normal. Shortening of the radius, with a length below –1.9 SDS, was the earliest and most frequent radiological sign detected as early as 45 days old. We found a previously unreported mutation in a family with a highly variable phenotype, the boy had a severe phenotype with a milder presentation in other affected members of the family. We conclude that body disproportion and a shorter radius length on X-ray are useful tools for selecting children to undergo SHOX molecular studies.
Mitochondrial m.13513G>A Point Mutation in ND5 in a 16-Year-Old Man with Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Detected by Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Vázquez-Justes Daniel , Carreño-Gago Lidia , García-Arumi Elena , Traveset Alicia , Montoya Julio , Ruiz-Pesini Eduardo , López Ricard , Brieva Luis 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article reports a Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) case associated for the first time with mitochondrial m.13513G>A mutation. We present a 16-year-old man who complained of subacute, painless, visual loss. Ocular examination showed optic nerve atrophy, papillary pseudoedema, and optic disc pallor. Extraocular manifestations included hypertrophic myocardiopathy and myopathy. Initial genetic analysis excluded the three most common LHON mutations. Sanger sequencing of the whole mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid showed no mutation. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed m.13513G>A mutation in the NADH dehydrogenase (ND5) subunit gene (MT-ND5). The m.13513G>A mutation has never been associated with LHON phenotype without Leigh/mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes features. NGS techniques should be considered when this diagnosis is strongly suspected.
A Case of Neonatal Epileptic Encephalopathy due to SCN2A Mutation Responsive to a Ketogenic Diet
Authors: Bashiri Fahad A. , Hudairi Abrar , Al Ghamdi Malak , Mahmoud Adel A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNeonatal seizures may have multiple causes including metabolic and genetic etiologies. If a genetic diagnosis is known, it can guide the physician to choose the most appropriate treatment modality. SCN2A mutation is a rare cause of epileptic encephalopathy in the neonatal age group. It has a wide phenotypic variation, ranging from benign familial epilepsy to a malignant form of epilepsy. This mutation has been associated with Ohtahara syndrome, migrating focal seizures of infancy, West syndrome, Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, and generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus. We present the case of a newborn girl who presented with multiple types of seizures, starting at the age of 3 days. Our initial investigations were not able to identify the etiology of her intractable seizures. Whole exome sequencing confirmed an SCN2A mutation. Various antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including phenobarbitone, phenytoin, levetiracetam, topiramate, vigabatrin, carbamazepine, clonazepam, and mexiletine, were tried. However, none provided an optimal response. She ultimately showed a dramatic response to the ketogenic diet (KD). This report highlights the effectiveness of the KD as a treatment modality for SCN2A mutation-related epileptic encephalopathy, particularly when seizures are intractable and unresponsive to conventional AEDs.
Computer aided environmental analysis of a large-scale production of chitosan micro-beads modified with thiourea and magnetite
Authors: Bertel F , Cogollo G , Meramo-Hurtado S , González-Delgado A 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
In this work, environmental assessment of a large-scale production of chitosan micro-beads modified with thiourea and magnetite was performed using Waste Reduction Algorithm (WAR). This methodology evaluates eight impact categories, four toxicological and four atmospherics. Initially, the simulation of production process of micro-beads was realized. Then, WAR GUI software, which is based on WAR algorithm, was employed to quantify potential environmental impacts (PEI) generation and output rate for this process under 4 different cases. The synthesis of micro-beads was analysed using computer-aided process engineering, this is related to the fact that there is no bibliography reported for the industrial scale-up, simulation and environmental evaluation of this type of process Results shows that photochemical oxidation potential is the evaluated category which emits the biggest output rate of PEI, contributing in all cases with more than 49% of the total rate. In general terms, the process has a negative generated PEI which means that the process has a convenient environmental performance. This leads to the conclusion that the process is environmentally beneficial because it consumes environmental impacts.
Element Free Galerkin (EFG) sensitivity study in structural analysis
Authors: Martinez T J A , Arrieta O E W 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The present study shows a parametric analysis of the meshfree method, Element Free Galerkin (EFG), on the elastic analysis of a cantilever beam. This study allows us to determine the best convergence conditions of the solutions varying characteristic. EFG is based on the construction of Moving Least Squares (MLS) approximations using the weighted residual method on the weak formulation, with MLS form functions as the same weighting functions. We consider the parameters of the method such as the order of the basic functions of MLS functions, the size of the support domain of the local MLS functions and the density of Gauss points against errors calculated according to the L
2 norm and processing time. It is shown that by increasing the order of basic functions it is possible to obtain more precise results, however, a larger support diameter and Gauss points higher density are required in order to stabilize the solution, considerably increasing processing times. Therefore, it is only advisable to use high-order base functions when the precision in the results is the priority and a high computational resource is available.
Enhanced RDX Detection Studies on Various Types of Substrates via Tunable Quantum Cascade Laser Spectrometer Coupled with Grazing Angle Probe
Authors: Ruiz-Caballero J L , Blanco-Riveiro L A , Ramirez-Marrero I A , Perez-Almodovar L A , Colon-Mercado A M , Castro-Suarez J R , Pacheco-Londoño L C , Hernandez-Rivera S P 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Owing to scientific advances in the field of materials sciences and engineering, researchers have developed new energy sources used for spectroscopic applications and measurements of properties resulting from the interaction of matter and electromagnetic radiation in the mid-infrared (MIR) region. MIR lasers, such as quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), used for spectroscopy have quickly found numerous applications in a wide cadre of IR techniques. This provides the opportunity to study properties of highly energetic materials (HEM), among many other applications. MIR laser spectroscopy based detection experiments of HEMs were carried out using a QCL optically coupled to compact grazing angle probe mount (QCL-GAP) enabling reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) measurements of thin films of HEMs. A saturated solution of RDX in acetone was prepared, and aliquots of subsequent dilutions of the stock solutions were transferred to test surfaces for QCL-GAP back-reflectance measurements. RDX reflectance signals were monitored as function as the decreasing surface concentration until the signal/noise was ∼ 3. Stainless steel (SS) plates were used as reflective substrates, and anodized aluminum (AN-Al), cardboard, and Teflon were used as non-reflective (matte) substrates. Using generated calibration curves a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.7 ng/cm2 for RDX/SS and 95 μg/cm2 for RDX/AN-Al were found. Based on the area of laser spot (0.3 cm2) we conclude the minimum masses detected were 490 pg (RDX/SS) and 28 μg (RDX/AN-Al).
Identification of EMG activity with machine learning in patients with amputation of upper limbs for the development of mechanical prostheses
Authors: Zuleta J N , Ferro M , Murillo C , Franco-Luna R A 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
A study of electromyographic signals (EMG) in subjects with partial hand amputation using machine learning techniques (ML) is presented in this document. The EMG were analyzed for five hand poses. We used the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and Wavelet transform as descriptors for the feature extraction, the identification and classification system was implemented based on Vector Support Machines (VSM). Percentages of accuracy greater than 90% were obtained in the cases of close hand, left hand, right hand and relax hand, while open hand obtained an acceptable performance with accuracy percentages lower than 90%.
Position control module of myoelectric prostheses for people with upper limb loss at forearm level
Authors: Arenas C A , Monterroza R E , Marrugo A J , Rojas L 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This project emerges as a solution to the problem present in the Colombian population with upper limb movement disability, related to access to prostheses that provide them with a better performance in their daily and work activities, thus offering them a better quality of life. The objective of this project will be to build prostheses with state-of-the-art technology at relatively lower costs than similar versions in other countries, as well as strategies for people with limited resources to access them easily.
The scope of the project is limited to the construction of a control module, that will be divided into two phases, the first phase covers the design of the EMG signal acquisition system; this will focus on the establishment of the design criteria necessary for the acquisition of the myoelectric signal, model for obtaining the characteristics of the EMGs signal in the time domain and, parameters for the identification of the movements. And a second phase, where the acquisition module is developed, for performing functional tests with EMGs signals in real time, in order to be able to calculate the percentage of error between the expected value and the real value.
SafeWalk App, mobile application in health for people living in motor disabilities
Authors: Osorio E A , Osorio J D , García D A 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The research had the objective of develop a mobile application in health for people with motor disabilities oriented to be multiplatform and will allow integrate different accessibility functionalities. The exploratory method was used to aproach reality and as instrument, information search was carried out in government sources, main mass media of the country, observation in public places and semi-structured interviews to health area professionals. With that information was possible identify the need of this population in term of mobility issues, either because of its near or far enviroment. The application will gather information of the places available to serve this population and will be used to accessibility to their interest places. Users will be able to part of a community of people with similar conditions, interact with them and share information. Also they will have the possibility of communicate with tutors that can provide various kinds of help and contact them through a button available across the interfaces of the applications. It will generate information that will can be rated by users to estimate if the registered places are really accessibles and have good rating from those who have already been there.