bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Secure Software Development in Agile Development Processes of E-Government Applications
Authors: Efe Ahmet , Mühürdaroğlu Nisanur 
Published: April 2018

Agile software development process is found
to be the most useful for software industry, since it provides flexibility over
requirements and specifications that can change over time. For this reason,
government departments and municipalities as well as private organizations can
develop products in a faster way but with some disadvantages as well as
advantages. One of the concerns is the security problem due to increasing
sophisticated attacks and their incrementing costs for cyber defense. Considering
the increasing attacks over e-government platforms, development of software
requires more emphasis on the security aspect. Particularly for government
institutions that mostly have to lean on third party providers for software
development that will provide automation of public services via internet,
secure software problem became one of the most crucial concerns. Because of
some vulnerability that is caused by incremental model developers are enforced
to make more secure products. In this
paper, large amount of literature has been researched to specify the security
issues in agile processes which is the most common and chosen methodology for
its elasticity. There are some challenges to provide secure software in agile
processes. We have tried to answer why we could not develop secure software
because of challenges and what methods can be used to overcome challenges.
Comparative security engineering processes have explained to have secure
software.
Analysis of EEG dynamics in epileptic children during carbamazepine therapy
Authors: Khachidze Irma , Gugushvili Manana , Kapanadze Nana , Koreli Aleksandre , Mamukashvili Marina , Maloletnev Victor 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: The analysis of the dynamics of background EEG characteristics on the different stages of CBZtherapy is very important for revealing the possible early predictors of benefit/adverse effects of the treatment and optimizing the anti-epileptic therapy. Objective: Evaluate the carbamazepine (CBZ) effect on the dynamics of EEG pattern in epileptic children at different stages of CBZ-monotherapy. Methods: Forty-five children (aged 3-9) with partial epilepsy were investigated. The EEG was recorded at rest and during functional tests prior to CBZ administration and three and six months after the initiation of CBZtherapy. Epileptiform graphoelements and baseline EEG activities were analyzed. Results: Following three months of CBZ-therapy an absolute power value in the low frequency bands of EEG spectrum increased while an average frequency of alpha waves decreased. During rest, CBZ reduced density of spontaneous epileptiform graphoelements and generalized epileptiform bursts. Generalized paroxysmal bursts decreased under functional tests. The EEG pattern maintained the same characteristics for six months. Deterioration of EEG pattern and clinical signs was observed in four children. Conclusion: Elevation of indices of low frequency bands, especially in occipital and parietal regions, concomitant with reduction of epileptiform elements and seizure frequency three months after initiation of therapy suggests that CBZ in appropriate doses might be continued. Otherwise, the strategy of antiepileptic therapy should be revised.
Light-enhanced antibiotic activity of Brazilian medical plants (Croton campestris A, Ocimum gratissimum L and Cordia verbenaceae DC)
Authors: Matias Edinardo F.F. , Santos Karla K.A. , Costa Jos Galberto M , Coutinho Henrique D.M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground: Although broad-band ultraviolet (UV)-A has been described as a therapeutic option for various skin diseases, there are few studies investigating the efficacy of UV-A irradiation in treating diseases related to infectious agents. Objective: Evaluate the light-enhanced antibacterial activity of Brazilian medical plants, Croton campestris A (Euphorbiaceae), Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae), and Cordia verbenaceae DC (Boraginaceae). Methods: Hexane extracts of Croton campestris A., Ocimum gratissimum L., and Cordia verbenaceae DC were assayed using a UV-A exposure method against strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Assays were performed in triplicate with and without exposure to UV-A radiation to test for light-activated or lightenhanced antibacterial activity. Results: All extracts showed activity against the S. aureus strain. Extracts of O. gratissimum and C. verbenaceae were the most active after exposure to UV-A light, with an increase in antibacterial activity of 140 and 100%, respectively. No extract showed light-activated antibacterial activity against E. coli. Conclusion: C. campestris, O. gravissimum and C. verbenaceae showed light-enhanced antibiotic activity. This suggests that phytochemical investigations may be warranted.
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor per platelet count in patients with biliary atresia
Authors: Chongsrisawat Voranush , Vejchapipat Paisarn , Poovorawan Yong 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive, sclerosing, inflammatory process resulting in complete obliteration of the extrahepatic bile ducts. The obstruction of bile flow engenders worsening cholestasis, hepatic fibrosis, and cirrhosis, which lead to portal hypertension and a decline in hepatic synthetic function. Hepatic stellate cells, which play roles in hepatic fibrogenesis, are an important source of various inflammatory mediators including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the injured liver. Objectives: Investigate the level of serum VEGF and serum VEGF per platelet count in patients with BA and its relation to clinical characteristics. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were taken from 70 BA patients and 15 healthy control children. Serum VEGF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We compared serum VEGF and serum VEGF per platelet count in BA patients with the respective results obtained in healthy control children. The relation of serum VEGF per platelet count with clinical variables of BA patients was investigated. Results: Serum VEGF levels and serum VEGF per platelet count in BA patients were not significantly different from those in normal controls (289.64±230.01 pg/mL vs. 312.36±189.05 pg/mL; p=0.72 and 1.72±1.21x106 vs. 1.57±0.97x106; p=0.66). Significant differences were observed among BA patients when VEGF per platelet count was categorized by the presence of esophageal varice (p=0.03). Only in BA patients was the serum level of VEGF correlated with the number of platelets (r=0.53, p<0.001). Conclusion: A high serum VEGF per platelet count is a useful marker for the development of portal hypertension in BA patients, especially for esophageal varice. Serum VEGF per platelet count may be useful for monitoring disease course in BA after hepatic portoenterostomy.
Bupivacaine scalp nerve block: hemodynamic response during craniotomy, intraoperative and post-operative analgesia
Authors: Tuchinda Lawan , Somboonviboon Wanna , Supbornsug Kaew , Worathongchai Sukhumakorn , Limutaitip Supodjanee 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Noxious stimuli during craniotomy may induce hypertension and tachycardia, giving rise to morbidity in patients with intracranial hypertension. Craniotomy is followed by moderate level of postoperative pain. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of scalp block on hemodynamic response to noxious stimuli, intraoperative fentanyl requirement and post-operative analgesia. Methods: Sixty patients undergoing elective craniotomy were randomly assigned to receive a scalp block with either 0.5% bupivacaine or 0.25% bupivacaine and 1:200,000 adrenaline (group A and B) or normal saline with 1:200,000 adrenaline (group C). Fentanyl 0.5 mcg/kg was administered for hemodynamic control. Intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), fentanyl doses, and post-operative pain scores were recorded. Post-operative analgesia was provided by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine for 24 hours. Results: MAP was greater in group C than group A during pinning and incision (p <0.05), and was greater in group C than group B during pinning, incision and craniotomy (p <0.05). HR differences were not statistically significant between all groups (p >0.05). Intraoperative fentanyl requirement was significantly greater in group C compared with group A and B (p < 0.05). Pain score, time to the first morphine administration and total morphine consumption were not significantly different between all groups. Conclusion: Pre-incision scalp blocks using either 0.25% or 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline were effective to prevent rising of MAP, but not HR in response to cranial pinning and skin incision, causing less intraoperative fentanyl requirement. However, they did not reduce post-craniotomy pain and morphine consumption.
Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes, hepatic steatosis and their correlation with clinical and virological factors in Pakistan
Authors: Safi Sher Zaman , Badshah Yasmin , Waheed Yasir , Fatima Kaneez , Tahir Sadia , Shinwari Alamgir , Qadri Ishtiaq 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Due to the inherently unstable nature of HCV, various genotypes have been identified. Steatosis is a histological feature in the progression of HCV-associated liver disease and has been shown to alter the host lipid metabolism. Objective: Assess the distribution of HCV genotypes in the two provinces of Pakistan, and determine the association of hepatic steatosis with altered clinical and virological factors in chronic HCV patients. Methods: One hundred twenty six chronic HCV patients (steatosis in 49 patients) were enrolled for qualitative analysis by PCR. Out of 126 ELISA and PCR positive samples, 119 (48 with hepatic steatosis) chronic HCV patients (mean age 42.0±13.3 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 24.2±4.1) were proved positive after PCR-based detection. Biochemical and virological factors such as HCV genotype, or glucose, in 119 CHC patients were determined and compared between patients with and without hepatic steatosis. Results: Out of 126 samples, 119 were HCV positive, where 58 (48.7%) were genotype 3a, 24 (20.2%) were 3b, 12 (10.1%) were 1a, eight (6.7%) were 2a, six (5.0%) were 1b, and one (0.8%) was 4. Furthermore, seven (5.9%) had a co-infection and three (2.5%) were untypable. BMI (p=0.004), genotype 3a (p<0.001), and triglycerides (p=0.002) were significantly associated with steatosis. It is noteworthy that cholesterol (p=0.281), glucose (p=0.305), lowdensity lipoprotein (p=0.101), high-density lipoprotein (p=0.129), alanine amino transferase (p=0.099), aspartate transaminase (p=0.177), bilirubin (p= 0.882), and age (p=0.846) showed non-significant association. Conclusion: Genotype 3a is the predominant genotype in Pakistan. Hepatic steatosis is quite frequent feature in HCV patients and strongly correlates with BMI, genotype 3a, and triglyceride contents in patients infected with HCV.
Endovascular aortic stent for thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm: imaging consequences and complications
Authors: Kittivanakul Seksan , Wangsuphachart Somjai 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Endovascular stent-graft implantation has been used as an alternative to conventional open surgery in treatment of aortic aneurysm. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) has been requested for follow-up and evaluation of aortic stent complications. Objective: Find the incidence of endovascular aortic stent complications and analyze the CTA features of postendovascular aortic stent consequences. Methods: Two radiologists reviewed CTA images of 635 patients who attended King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between Sep 1, 2003 and Aug 31, 2008. Thirty-eight patients had endovascular aortic stent installation with 95 CTA images. The incidence of endovascular aortic stent complications, the image appearances including consequences and time-interval of endoleak were analyzed. Results: There were 23 thoracic aortic stents, 10 abdominal aortic stents and five combined stents for thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Twenty-eight cases had aortic stent complications (73.7%). Two cases had immediately post procedural complication of groin hematomas (7.1%). Ten patients had more than one finding. Findings of the stent-graft complications were as follows: 19 endoleaks, 15 stent thrombosis, five stents without covered-dissection, two stent kinkings, two iatrogenic focal aortic dissection, two air within aneurysm after stent installation and one spreading infected aortitis. The most common complication was endoleaks (53.6%), which could progress, be persistent or resolvable. Time-interval to detect endoleak was between 1 and 464 days. Conclusion: CTA can be used as modality of choice in demonstration of stent location, consequences, and complications. The stent complication was still high in the first five-year experience.
Time duration to safety sitting in parturient receiving spinal anesthesia for cesarean section with 0.5% Bupivacaine and morphine
Authors: Mandee Sahatsa , Siriussawakul Arunotai , Suraseranivongse Suwannee , Khanwilai Jongrak , Nitigarun Pongsak 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Spinal anesthesia has been used for cesarean section for a long time. However, the proportion of post-cesarean paturients who were able to sit at the fourth hour still remains unclear. Objective: Investigate the proportion of post-cesarean paturients that were able to sit at the fourth hour following spinal anesthesia with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and morphine. Furthermore, investigate the optimum time to encourage ambulation, and the risk factors delaying time duration to sit. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in 240 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification I and II, and single pregnancy parturients undergoing cesarean section. The patients who had body mass index (BMI) >35, estimated blood loss >1000 mL, needed postoperative bed rest, or received postoperative sedation were excluded. Hyperbaric bupivacaine 8-11 mg and morphine 0.2-0.3 mg were used. The patients were evaluated at the fourth hour until they could sit without adverse events or complete the sixth hour. All patients were evaluated for risk factors delaying the time duration to sit. Results: Out of 240 patients, 77.0%, 90.9%, and 98.4% were able to sit at the fourth, fifth, and sixth hour, respectively. The risk factors that delayed time to sit were Bromage scale >1 and pain score >3 by the univariate analysis, and were Bromage scale >1 and pain score >3 by the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Seventy-seven percent of the patients could sit at the fourth hour, and most patients (98%) could sit at the sixth hour. The risk factors that delayed the time duration to sit were Bromage score >1 and pain score >3.
Biomedical prevention: what is the current status?
Authors: Celentano David D. , Davis Wendy W. , Beyrer Chris C. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Biomedical HIV prevention strategies for primary or secondary prevention of HIV transmission can be seen as an adjunct to behavioral prevention approaches. These interventions include vaccination, female controlled vaginal microbicides, male circumcision, treatment of sexually transmitted infections that cause genital ulceration, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). This article reviews results from recent randomized controlled trials of novel biomedical prevention approaches and discusses interpretation of the results. The only intervention consistently demonstrating reductions in HIV transmission was adult male circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa. Results of PREP trials will be available in the next several years.
Effectiveness of endotracheal-tube size by age-based formula for Thai pediatric cardiac patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Chumpathong Saowapark , Sukavanicharat Petcharat , Butmangkun Wassana , Suraseranivongse Suwannee , Raksakietisak Manee , Rushatamukayanunt Pranee , Sirivanasandha Busara 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases may have pathological airway abnormality and delayed development. To predict the appropriate size of endotracheal tube (ETT), a formula between diameter and age has been widely used for Western normal children. However, it is unclear whether this age-based (AB) formula is applicable to Thai pediatric cardiac patients. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of uncuffed ETT size by AB formula for pediatric cardiac patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using 320 cases of non-cardiac and cardiac patients aged 2-7 years old who were orally intubated with a regular uncuffed ETT at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. The exclusion criteria were history of tracheostomy, upper airway obstruction, and expected difficult intubation. Demographic data and final ETT used were recorded. Results: The tube- size predicted by the AB formula could be applied to 54.4% of non-cardiac and 48.1% of cardiac patients (p= 0.314), whereas three sizes of tubes (one above and one below the predicted size) covered 96.9% and 94.4% of non-cardiac and cardiac patients, respectively (p = 0.413). The ETT with 0.5 mm in ID larger than the predicted size were more often used in 35.0% of cardiac patients compared with 22.5% of non-cardiac patients (p= 0.019). There were no significant differences between methods using age (actual, round-up, and truncated) to calculate the AB formula. The Pearson’s correlation between the ID of the ETT with height in non-cardiac and cardiac patients were 0.430 and 0.683, respectively (p <0.001), whereas correlations with weight were 0.622 and 0.561 (p <0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The AB formula was applicable to non-cardiac and cardiac children aged 2-7 years old. For Thai pediatric cardiac patients, we recommend to use a one-size larger ETT than non-cardiac patients.
Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and anemia in postmenopausal Vietnamese women
Authors: Binh Tran Quang , Hien Vu Thi Thu , Khan Nguyen Cong , Lam Nguyen Thi , Mai Le Bach , Nakamori Masayo , Yamamoto Shigeru 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, is involved in hematopoiesis. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene has been suggested as one of the candidate genes for anemia. Objective: Investigate relationship between anemia and the commonly studied polymorphisms of VDR gene (FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI) in terms of genotype and haplotype in Vietnamese. Methods: A case-control study including 132 postmenopausal women without chronic kidney diseases was designed to investigate the relationship between VDR polymorphism and anemia. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), and TaqI (rs731236) were typed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Genotype distributions of four SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both anemia and control groups. The SNPs at the 3’end of the VDR gene (BsmI, ApaI and TaqI) exhibited a strong linkage disequilibrium. There was no significant association between anemia and VDR polymorphism in terms of allele, genotype, and haplotype in the analyses unadjusted or adjusted for the covariates (age, body mass index, educational level, serum ferritin, iron and albumin). Conclusion: VDR gene did not influence anemia in postmenopausal women without chronic kidney disease. For further study on the association between VDR gene and anemia, the use of larger sample size, a prospective study design, and additional markers would enhance the reliability and validity of findings.
Osteoinductive potential of small intestinal submucosa/ demineralized bone matrix as composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Honsawek Sittisak , Bumrungpanichthaworn Piyanuch , Thanakit Voranuch , Kunrangseesomboon Vachiraporn , Muchmee Supamongkon , Ratprasert Siriwimon , Tangchainavaphum Pruksapon , Dechprapatsorn Saran , Ratprasert Siriwimon , Suksamran Apasri , Rojchanawatsirivech Apimit 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is extensively used in orthopedic, periodontal, and maxillofacial application and investigated as a material to induce new bone formation. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) derived from the submucosa layer of porcine intestine has widely utilized as biomaterial with minimum immune response. Objectives: Determine the osteoinductive potential of SIS, DBM, SIS/DBM composites in the in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal bioassays for bone tissue engineering. Materials and methods: Human periosteal (HPO) cells were treated in the absence or presence SIS, DBM, and SIS/DBM. Cell proliferation was examined by direct cell counting. Osteoblast differentiation of the HPO cells was analyzed with alkaline phosphatase activity assay. The Wistar rat muscle implant model was used to evaluate the osteoinductive potential of SIS, DBM, and SIS/DBM composites. Results: HPO cells could differentiate along osteogenic lineage when treated with either DBM or SIS/DBM. SIS/ DBM had a tendency to promote more cellular proliferation and osteoblast differentiation than the other treatments. In Wistar rat bioassay, SIS showed no new bone formation and the implants were surrounded by fibrous tissues. DBM demonstrated new bone formation along the edge of old DBM particles. SIS/DBM composite exhibited high osteoinductivity, and the residual SIS/DBM was surrounded by osteoid-like matrix and newly formed bone. Conclusion: DBM and SIS/DBM composites could retain their osteoinductive capability. SIS/DBM scaffolds may provide an alternative approach for bone tissue engineering.
Prevalence of obesity among Thai schoolchildren: a survey in Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand
Authors: Sengmeuang Phouvang , Kukongviriyapan Upa , Pasurivong Orapin , Jones Chulee , Khrisanapant Wilaiwan 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: There is a worldwide increase in obese children and adolescents. No systematized biometric data are available to confirm this trend in Thailand. Objective: Estimate the prevalence of obesity among 12- to 18-years-old attending the secondary school in the municipality of Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand. Materials and methods: We used stratified, two-stage, cluster sampling to select 7,096 healthy boys and girls from 12,021 students of grades 7 to 12 at three government schools. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) (weight (kg)/height (m)2). Sex-specific, BMI-for-age growth charts were created from the data on the 2,593 boys and 4,503 girls (between 12 and 18 years of age) using simple random sampling. Sex-specific BMI-for-age growth charts and the weight-for-height (W/H) were used to estimate the prevalence of obesity and overweight. Results: The respective national prevalence of obese and overweight children was 4.9% and 9.5% in the BMI-forage, the rates between boys and girls being comparable. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of either obesity or overweight with increasing age. In the Thai standard W/H, 13.7% of the children were obese and 5.3% were overweight. Obesity was more prevalent n boys (18.9%) than girls (10.8%) and decreased with age. The prevalence of overweight did not change with age regardless of gender. Conclusion: Obesity among children in Khon Kaen was similar to, or less prevalent than that reported for other areas of Thailand. The prevalence of obesity needs to be judged by the same (or similar) criteria before any comparison among various studies is done.