bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: A propensity score‐matched comparative analysis of surgical outcomes and preserved renal parenchymal volume
Authors: Tachibana Hidekazu , Takagi Toshio , Kondo Tsunenori , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo compare surgical outcomes, including renal function and the preserved renal parenchymal volume, between robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using propensity score‐matched analyses.MethodsIn total, 253 patients, with a normal contralateral kidney, who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 131) or robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 122) with renal arterial clamping between 2010 and 2015, were included. Patients’ background and tumor factors were adjusted by propensity score matching. Surgical outcomes, including postoperative renal function, complications, warm ischemia time and preserved renal parenchymal volume, evaluated by volumetric analysis, were compared between the surgical procedures.ResultsAfter matching, 64 patients were assigned to each group. The mean age was 56–57 years, and the mean tumor size was 22 mm. Approximately 50% of patients had low complexity tumors (RENAL nephrometry score 4–7). The incidence rate of acute kidney failure was significantly lower in the robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (11%) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (23%) group (P = 0.049), and warm ischemia time shorter in the robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (17 min) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (25 min) group (P < 0.0001). The preservation rate of renal function, measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate, at 6 months post‐surgery was 96% for robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and 90% for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (P < 0.0001). The preserved renal parenchymal volume was higher for robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (89%) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (77%; P < 0.0001). The rate of perioperative complications, surgical margin status and length of hospital stay were equivalent for both techniques.ConclusionsRobot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy allows to achieve better preservation of renal function and parenchymal volume than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.
Impact of age on quality of life in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with high‐dose rate brachytherapy combined with external beam radiotherapy
Authors: Kikkawa Kazuro , Iba Akinori , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Noda Yasutaka , Sonomura Tetsuo , Hara Isao 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate age‐related quality of life changes in patients with localized prostate cancer treated by high‐dose rate brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation therapy.MethodsA total of 172 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were categorized to age groups <75 years and ≥75 years. Changes in their quality of life were evaluated using the Japanese version of Medical Outcome Study 8‐Items Short Form Health Survey, Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite and International Index of Erectile Function‐5 at baseline, and followed up to 24 months after treatment.ResultsThere were no significant differences in Medical Outcome Study 8‐Items Short Form Health Survey scores, and urinary and bowel scores of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for older men after treatment. International Index of Erectile Function‐5 summary scores were significantly decreased in both groups. Although sexual function and sexual bother scores were decreased in patients aged <75 years, these scores were maintained in patients aged ≥75 years.ConclusionsQuality of life of prostate cancer patients undergoing high‐dose rate brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation therapy does not seem to be significantly affected by age.
Impact of different antihypertensives on carotid arterial wall thickness
Authors: Kim Ki‐Hong , Song In Geol , Kwon Taek‐Geun , Park Jeong Bae , Kim Kee‐Sik , Kim Wuon‐Shik , Bae Jang‐Ho 
Published: February 2018

Hypertension has been associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima media thickness is increased in hypertensive patients. But, the correlation between carotid intima media thickness and antihypertensive agents is still uncertain. Therefore, we investigated carotid intima media thickness based on types of antihypertensive agents. 1809 patients were enrolled in this study and it showed that 1079 hypertensive patients had thicker carotid intima media thickness than non‐hypertensive patients, with carotid intima media thicknesses of (0.72 ± 17 mm vs 0.64 ± 15 mm, P < .001), (0.31 ± 0.07 mm vs 0.30 ± 0.06 mm, P < .001), and (0.41 ± 0.13 mm vs 0.35 ± 0.12 mm, P < .001). Additionally, hypertensive patients on beta‐blockers also had thicker carotid intima media thickness than the non‐beta‐blocker group, with carotid intima media thicknesses of (0.74 ± 0.18 mm vs 0.71 ± 0.16 mm, P = .018), (0.33 ± 0.09 mm vs 0.31 ± 0.07 mm, P = .029), and (0.43 ± 0.13 mm vs 0.40 ± 0.13 mm, P = .035). Multivariate analysis showed that carotid intima thickness was only correlated with beta‐blockers (odds ratio = 2.489, confidence interval = 1.183‐5.239, P = .016); however, this study showed that beta‐blocker could be associated with increased carotid wall thickness as well.
Post‐stroke hypertension control and receipt of health care services among veterans
Authors: Kohok Dhanashri D. , Sico Jason J. , Baye Fitsum , Myers Laura , Coffing Jessica , Kamalesh Masoor , Bravata Dawn M. 
Published: February 2018

Many ischemic stroke patients do not achieve goal blood pressure (BP < 140/90 mm Hg). To identify barriers to post‐stroke hypertension management, we examined healthcare utilization and BP control in the year after index ischemic stroke admission. This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke to a VA hospital in fiscal year 2011 and who were discharged with a BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg. One‐year post‐discharge, BP trajectories, utilization of primary care, specialty and ancillary services were studied. Among 265 patients, 246 (92.8%) were seen by primary care (PC) during the 1‐year post‐discharge; a median time to the first PC visit was 32 days (interquartile range: 53). Among N = 245 patients with post‐discharge BP data, 103 (42.0%) achieved a mean BP < 140/90 mm Hg in the year post‐discharge. Provider follow‐ups were: neurology (51.7%), cardiology (14.0%), nephrology (7.2%), endocrinology (3.8%), and geriatrics (2.6%) and ancillary services (BP monitor [30.6%], pharmacy [20.0%], nutrition [8.3%], and telehealth [8%]). Non‐adherence to medications was documented in 21.9% of patients and was observed more commonly among patients with uncontrolled compared with controlled BP (28.7% vs 15.5%; P = .02). The recurrent stroke rate did not differ among patients with uncontrolled (4.2%) compared with controlled BP (3.8%; P = .89). Few patients achieved goal BP in the year post‐stroke. Visits to primary care were not timely. Underuse of specialty as well as ancillary services and provider perception of medication non‐adherence were common. Future intervention studies seeking to improve post‐stroke hypertension management should address these observed gaps in care.
Elevated mitochondrial activity distinguishes fibrogenic hepatic stellate cells and sensitizes for selective inhibition by mitotropic doxorubicin
Authors: Gajendiran Priya , Vega Leonel Iglesias , Itoh Kie , Sesaki Hiromi , Vakili Mohammad Reza , Lavasanifar Afsaneh , Hong Kelvin , Mezey Esteban , Ganapathy‐Kanniappan Shanmugasundaram 
Published: February 2018

AbstractActivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is an integral component of the wound‐healing process in liver injury/inflammation. However, uncontrolled activation of HSCs leads to constant secretion of collagen‐rich extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, resulting in liver fibrosis. The enhanced ECM synthesis/secretion demands an uninterrupted supply of intracellular energy; however, there is a paucity of data on the bioenergetics, particularly the mitochondrial (mito) metabolism of fibrogenic HSCs. Here, using human and rat HSCs in vitro, we show that the mito‐respiration, mito‐membrane potential (Δψm) and cellular ‘bioenergetic signature’ distinguish fibrogenic HSCs from normal, less‐active HSCs. Ex vivo, HSCs from mouse and rat models of liver fibrosis further confirmed the altered ‘bioenergetic signature’ of fibrogenic HSCs. Importantly, the distinctive elevation in mito‐Δψm sensitized fibrogenic HSCs for selective inhibition by mitotropic doxorubicin while normal, less‐active HSCs and healthy human primary hepatocytes remained minimally affected if not, unaffected. Thus, the increased mito‐Δψm may provide an opportunity to selectively target fibrogenic HSCs in liver fibrosis.
GDF‐15 is a better complimentary marker for risk stratification of arrhythmic death in non‐ischaemic, dilated cardiomyopathy than soluble ST2
Authors: Stojkovic Stefan , Kaider Alexandra , Koller Lorenz , Brekalo Mira , Wojta Johann , Diedrich Andre , Demyanets Svitlana , Pezawas Thomas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGrowth differentiation factor (GDF)‐15 and soluble ST2 (sST2) are established prognostic markers in acute and chronic heart failure. Assessment of these biomarkers might improve arrhythmic risk stratification of patients with non‐ischaemic, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We studied the prognostic value of GDF‐15 and sST2 for prediction of arrhythmic death (AD) and all‐cause mortality in patients with DCM. We prospectively enrolled 52 patients with DCM and LVEF ≤ 50%. Primary end‐points were time to AD or resuscitated cardiac arrest (RCA), and secondary end‐point was all‐cause mortality. The median follow‐up time was 7 years. A cardiac death was observed in 20 patients, where 10 patients had an AD and 2 patients had a RCA. One patient died a non‐cardiac death. GDF‐15, but not sST2, was associated with increased risk of the AD/RCA with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.1 (95% CI = 1.1‐4.3; P = .031). GDF‐15 remained an independent predictor of AD/RCA after adjustment for LVEF with adjusted HR of 2.2 (95% CI = 1.1‐4.5; P = .028). Both GDF‐15 and sST2 were independent predictors of all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.4‐4.2; P = .003 vs HR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.05‐2.7; P = .030). In a model including GDF‐15, sST2, LVEF and NYHA functional class, only GDF‐15 was significantly associated with the secondary end‐point (adjusted HR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.05‐5.2; P = .038). GDF‐15 is superior to sST2 in prediction of fatal arrhythmic events and all‐cause mortality in DCM. Assessment of GDF‐15 could provide additional information on top of LVEF and help identifying patients at risk of arrhythmic death.
The Suicidal Narrative and Its Relationship to the Suicide Crisis Syndrome and Recent Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Cohen Lisa Janet , Gorman Bernard , Briggs Jessica , Jeon Min Eun , Ginsburg Tal , Galynker Igor 
Published: February 2018

In this study, we introduce the construct of the suicidal narrative, a hypothetical personal narrative linked to imminent suicide, and explore its relationship to near‐term suicidal risk and the suicide crisis syndrome (SCS). Psychiatric outpatients (N = 289) were administered the Columbia Suicide‐Severity Rating Scale (C‐SSRS), Suicide Crisis Inventory (SCI), and Suicide Narrative Inventory (SNI), a novel instrument combining the documented risk factors of Thwarted Belongingness, Perceived Burdensomeness, Humiliation, Social Defeat, Goal Disengagement, and Goal Reengagement. Dimensional measures of past month, lifetime, and past suicidal phenomena, incorporating ideation and behavior, were calculated from the C‐SSRS. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the interaction among variables. Factor analysis of the SNI yielded two orthogonal factors, termed Interpersonal and Goal Orientation. The former factor was comprised of Perceived Burdensomeness, Social Defeat, Humiliation, and Thwarted Belongingness, the latter of Goal Disengagement and Goal Reengagement. The Interpersonal factor correlated with both SCS severity and suicidal phenomena in each time frame and the Goal Orientation factor with no other variable. As hypothesized, the proposed model was significant for the past month only. Our findings support the construct of the suicidal narrative and its function as a near‐term suicidal risk factor.
STUDY ON ADHESION STRENGTH OF TIN COATED BIOMEDICAL TI-13ZR-13NB ALLOY
Authors: Shah A. , Izman S. , Ismail Siti Nurul Fasehah , H. Mas-Ayu , Daud R. 
Published: February 2018

One of the crucial factors which determine the success of coated implantation and stability in the long run is the strength of adhesion between the coating and substrate. After implantation, a weakly adhered coating may delaminate and this might seriously restrict the implant’s effectiveness and longevity. Based on past studies, the quality of TiN coating is directly influenced by the process parameters. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of N2 gas flow rate on adhesion strength of biomedical grade Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy. In this research, N2 gas flow rate of 100, 200 and 300 sccm were varied while the other parameters (substrate temperature and bias voltage) were fixed. The scratch testing method was used to examine the adhesion strength of the TiN coating. This research used the calibrated optical images to verify the total coating failures on the scratched coated samples. The results indicated that the micro droplet form on the TiN coating decreases as the flow rate of the N2 gas increases. In contrast, the TiN coating’s adhesion strength increases with the increase of N2 gas flow rate. It can be concluded that N2 gas flow rate was significant factor in improving the coating properties of TiN on Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy.
MICROSTRUCTURAL, SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND WETTABILITY OF TITANIUM ALLOY COATED BY YZP-30WT. % TIO2 FOR DENTAL APPLICATION
Authors: Jemat Afida , Ghazali Mariyam Jameelah , Razali Masfueh , Otsuka Yuichi 
Published: February 2018

Various roughness and surface topography of titanium coated ceramic material have been developed and used in clinical trials especially in a medical implant. The present work aimed to investigate the phase and microstructural of the yttria stabilized zirconia (YZP) coating reinforced titania (TiO2) and its effects on wettability for dental implant application. Plasma spray technique was used to prepare the pure YZP and YZP-30 wt.% TiO2 coatings. The titanium alloys coated with YZP/TiO2 were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, roughness measurements, and contact angle analysis. The SEM analysis demonstrated a distinguished lamellae structure of YZP and TiO2 in the coating. Instead of low wettability, the YZP-30 wt.% TiO2 ceramic coating demonstrated high porosity and surface roughness (7.97±0.4 µm) than the pure YZP coating (7.06±0.9 µm) that is beneficial for cell growth and attachment.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT OPERATING PARAMETERS ON EXTRACTION OF ACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM PITAYA PEEL BY MICROWAVE ASSISTED EXTRACTION (MAE)
Authors: Nazeri Muhd Azlan , Mat Zain Norashikin 
Published: February 2018

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has been recognised as a powerful potential alternative for the extraction of active compounds from plant materials compared to other advanced methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pressurised liquid extraction (PLE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and Soxhlet. The advantages of MAE processing technique are reduced processing time, higher yield, lower usage of solvent, and smaller energy demand. Nevertheless, most researchers used organic solvents which have toxic effect on the environment. Therefore, in this study, distilled water was used as a natural solvent in the sample preparation. Pitaya peel is a form of potential fruit waste, especially in the food industry. Notably, its liquid extract can be applied as natural colouring and it contains beneficial active compounds that have commercial value. Wastage during the processing of food is inevitable and disposal can be a major problem for the industry and the society. Negative impacts such as pollution to the environment, hazards to human health, and loss of income to the waste generator may occur. Thus, extraction can be an effective solution for minimising waste produced by the food processing industry. Food waste often contain several usable substances of high value including some of that are beneficial for health such as mineral contents and phenolic compounds. The aim of this research was to find the optimal operating parameters for extraction of total phenolic content (TPC) from pitaya peel using MAE method. These parameters were the (1) weight of the sample, (2) temperature, (3) power, and (4) extraction time. In this research, the results showed that the best condition for the parameters of MAE were at the power of 400 W, temperature of 45 °C, and 20 min contact time when extracting 1.2 g pitaya peel in 50 mL distilled water. These figures were validated through statistical analysis using SPSS with Bonferroni post hoc tests. The TPC presented in the liquid extract was measured in GAE/g. In addition, the Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) of the liquid extract was determined by applying the best condition for the parameters of MAE and DPPH reagent as the synthetic free radical. The IC50 value obtained in this research was 0.52 mg/mL.
Hibiscus sabdariffa (ROSELLE) POLYPHENOL-RICH EXTRACT PREVENTS THE AORTIC OXIDATIVE DAMAGE IN TYPE 1 DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Mohammed Yusof Nur Liyana , Budin Siti Balkis , Mohamad Nasir Sharifah Niza , Yusoff Nur Afizah , Mohd Fauzi Norsyahida , Zainalabidin Satirah 
Published: February 2018

Diabetes mellitus complications mainly occur due to the oxidative stress-related condition. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of the polyphenol-rich extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) (HPE) on the aorta of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n=6/group); non-diabetes control (NDM), diabetes (DM), diabetes treated with HPE (DM+HPE) and metformin (DM+MET). HPE and metformin were given orally at the dose of 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg respectively for eight weeks duration. At the end of the experiment period, blood pressure was measured before the rats were sacrificed. Blood was taken for measurement of plasma glucose and lipid levels whilst aorta was excised for oxidative stress and histological evaluation. Results showed that HPE treatment reduced plasma glucose level, blood pressure and improved dyslipidemia significantly (p<0.05) in DM+HPE group compared to DM group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05) while GSH level was significantly increased (p<0.05) in DM+HPE group compared to DM group. No histological changes observed in the aorta of all diabetic groups compared to NDM group. In conclusion, HPE might have a potential in minimizing the risk of vascular damage in diabetic conditions.
SPEED CONTROL OF BLDC MOTOR WITH SEAMLESS SPEED REVERSAL CAPABILITY USING MODIFIED FUZZY GAIN SCHEDULING
Authors: Pothorajoo Satishrao , Daniyal Hamdan 
Published: February 2018

Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motors have gained popularity in recent years due to their high-power density. Many type of speed controller techniques have been developed and Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller has been the most widely used. However, PID’s performance deteriorates during nonlinear loads conditions. Over the past five years, controllers have been developed to overcome this limitations in BLDC speed control, however the solutions are focusing on forward motoring only. In this paper, a speed controller for BLDC with seamless speed reversal using Modified Fuzzy Gain Scheduling is proposed. The proposed controller regulates the speed using Fuzzy Gain Scheduling 49 base rules. The controller was tested for six test cases and compared to PID and Self-Tuning Fuzzy PID controller. It is found out the proposed controller yields lowest steady state error, ess of 0.025 % during step-changing speed test case. Overall, Modified Fuzzy Gain Scheduling BLDC speed controller outperforms the other two similar controllers in variable speed conditions. The controller has potential to be used as bidirectional drive in highly dynamic load conditions.
NUMERICAL EVALUATION OF CONCRETE FILLED STAINLESS STEEL TUBE FOR SHORT COLUMNS SUBJECTED TO AXIAL COMPRESSION LOAD
Authors: Abd Mutalib Azrul , Mussa Mohamed Hamza , Abusal Khaleel Mohammad Khaleel 
Published: February 2018

Recently, the concrete filled stainless steel tubes (CFSST) columns are widely applied in modern construction due to its aesthetic appearance, high corrosion resistant and less construction cost. The current study aims to evaluate the behavior of CFSST column with square hollow section (SHS) numerically under axial compressive load by using ABAQUS software. A good consistency had achieved between the numerical and experimental test results in terms of load-displacement behaviour and ultimate strength with a maximum difference equal to 2%. Intensive parametric studies had been conducted to determine the effects of stainless steel tubes and concrete properties on the ultimate load capacity of CFSST column. The results proved that the stainless steel tube thickness (t) capable to increase the strength of column by143.59% at t = 10 mm as compared with t = 2 mm, whereas a slight effect had observed for the variation of stainless steel proof stress ( ). On the other hand, the higher values of concrete strength (fc′) obviously reduced the lateral expansion of CFSST column at initial load and led to increase the ultimate load capacity by 34.18 % at fc′ = 80 MPa as compared with fc′ = 30 MPa. Furthermore, the design strengths calculated according to the Eurocode 4 for concrete filled steel tube (CFST) column appeared a good agreement with the numerical results within an average difference value 2.49%, hence, it could consider as the most rational design method to determine the ultimate strength of CFSST column.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON PYROLYSIS BEHAVIOR AND KINETICS OF TWO MACROALGAE BIOMASS (ULVA CF. FLEXUOSA AND HY. EDULIS) USING THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Roslee Amira Nabila , Munajat Nur Farizan 
Published: February 2018

Preliminary pyrolysis studies of macroalgae biomass (Ulva cf. flexuosa and Hy. edulis) which were collected from several coastlines of Peninsular Malaysia were performed by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The corresponding kinetic parameters were calculated through three model-free methods, namely Kissinger, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO). The TGA curves of both species exhibited three degradation stages: dehydration, devolatilization, and residual decomposition. The devolatilization stage is where the main pyrolysis occurred at a temperature around 150-590oC and released the total volatiles of 56.93% and 54.92% for Ulva cf. flexuosa and Hy. Edulis. The calculation of activation energy from Kissinger method for Ulva cf. flexuosa was 180.24 kJ/mol while 194.86 kJ/mol for Hy. edulis. The apparent activation energies for KAS and FWO methods are increased by increasing the pyrolysis conversion with average activation energies of 241.17 kJ/mol and 253.65kJ/mol for Ulva cf. flexuosa, while for Hy. edulis, are 244.75 kJ/mol and 258.9 kJ/mol. This study provides the basis for the further application for designing and modeling in thermochemical conversion system of macro algae biomass.