bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between osteoarthritis and dyslipidaemia: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baudart Pauline , Louati Karine , Marcelli Christian , Berenbaum Francis , Sellam Jérémie 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and whether OA and dyslipidemia are associated.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis, including cross-sectional, cohort and case–control studies, to assess the number of patients with OA and/or dyslipidemia. We calculated the mean (±SD) prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with and without OA and the risk of dyslipidemia (OR, 95% CI) among patients with OA.ResultsFrom 605 articles screened, 48 were included in the analysis (describing 29 cross-sectional, 10 cohort and 9 case–control studies). The mean prevalence of dyslipidemia was 30.2%±0.6% among 14 843 patients with OA and 8.0%±0.1% among 196 168 without OA. The risk of dyslipidemia was greater with than without OA overall (OR 1.98,95% CI 1.43 to 2.75, p<0.0001) and with knee OA (OR 2.27, 1.33 to 3.89, p=0.003) and hand OA (OR 2.12, 1.46 to 3.07), p<0.0001).ConclusionThe risk of dyslipidemia was twofold greater with than without OA, so lipid disturbances could be a risk factor for OA. Such a result supports the individualisation of the metabolic syndrome-associated OA phenotype.
‘Bottom‐hung window’ trauma in cats: neurological evaluation and outcome in 71 cats with bilateral hindlimb injury
Authors: Gradner Gabriele M , Dogman‐Rauberger Lina , Dupré Gilles 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesInfluence of neurological status on the mortality rate of paraparetic/paralysed cats presenting after entrapment in a bottom‐hung window was evaluated. It was hypothesised that (1) loss of deep pain sensation at admission would not be a negative prognostic factor for regaining motor function and that (2) mortality rate would be influenced by the severity of neurological grade upon admission.MethodsClinical and pathological data of affected cats that presented at our institution between 2001 and 2012 for this specific trauma were collected retrospectively: breed, age, sex, last contact with owner (<3 hours and >3 hours), whether the cat was suffering from monoparesis or paraparesis/paraplegia, duration of hospitalisation, rectal temperature, surface temperature of the skin of the hindlimbs, femoral pulse and tone of the pelvic musculature. Neurological status was categorised according to Scott's classification scheme with neurological grade 1 representing spinal pain on manipulation down to neurological grade 5 representing paraplegia with no deep pain sensation.ResultsData were collected for 98 cats that had been caught in the thoracolumbar area. A total of 71 cats were included in the statistical analysis after excluding 27 cats for the following reasons: monoparesis/monoplegia by getting one limb caught only (15), no initial neurological examination (5), was dead on arrival (1), caught within the thoracolumbar area but no clinical or neurological abnormalities (6). The proportional mortality rate overall was 35% (25/71) with 65% of these (16/25) dying with clinical signs of respiratory distress. The proportional mortality rate of patients with a neurological grade of 5 on admission was 55% (17/31).ConclusionsMortality was influenced by the severity of neurological grade on admission, with the majority of cats having a neurological grade of 5 (paraplegia with loss of deep pain perception) at admission dying (11/31) rather than undergoing euthanasia on admission at the owner's request (6/31). In the survivors’ group, loss of deep pain perception was not a negative prognostic factor for regaining motor function although it was associated with mortality.
Contribution of spiking activity in the primary auditory cortex to detection in noise
Authors: Christison-Lagay Kate L. , Bennur Sharath , Cohen Yale E. 
Published: August 2017

A fundamental problem in hearing is detecting a “target” stimulus (e.g., a friend’s voice) that is presented with a noisy background (e.g., the din of a crowded restaurant). Despite its importance to hearing, a relationship between spiking activity and behavioral performance during such a “detection-in-noise” task has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we recorded spiking activity in primary auditory cortex (A1) while rhesus monkeys detected a target stimulus that was presented with a noise background. Although some neurons were modulated, the response of the typical A1 neuron was not modulated by the stimulus- and task-related parameters of our task. In contrast, we found more robust representations of these parameters in population-level activity: small populations of neurons matched the monkeys’ behavioral sensitivity. Overall, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the sensory evidence, which is needed to solve such detection-in-noise tasks, is represented in population-level A1 activity and may be available to be read out by downstream neurons that are involved in mediating this task. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study examines the contribution of A1 to detecting a sound that is presented with a noisy background. We found that population-level A1 activity, but not single neurons, could provide the evidence needed to make this perceptual decision.
Hybrid Photovoltaic and Wind Power System with Battery Management System Using Fuzzy Logic Controller
Authors: Venkateshkumar M. , Raghavan R. 
Published: August 2017

In recent year, the development of hybrid renewable energy sources has the important role of power generation. This paper focused on design of hybrid PV / Wind power system and its battery management system. The fuzzy logic control based battery management system has been designed for effective power utilization. The proposed control to operate the battery charging and discharging mode during non-linear power generation. The battery will charge whenever the renewable energy power is greater than to consumer load power as well as the battery will discharge whenever the renewable energy power is lesser than to consumer load power. The proposed model will be simulated using Matlab environment and analysis the proposed system results. Finally, simulation results are evaluated and validating the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for An Optimal Solution for Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch Problem
Authors: Bhongade Sandeep , Agarwal Sourabh 
Published: August 2017

In India Electrical Energy is generated mainly Coal based Thermal Power stations and hydro Electric Power Stations. The main aim of power generating company is to provide good quality and reliable power to consumers at minimum cost. The problem of Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch deals with the minimization of both fuel cost and emission of pollutants such as oxides of Nitrogen and Oxides of Sulphur. In our power system the emission is major problem created that’s why in now a days we move from green energy source or renewable energy such as Sunlight, Wind, Tides, Wave, and Geothermal Heat Energy. The Emission constrained Economic Dispatch problem treats the emission limit as an additional constraint and optimizes the fuel cost. In this paper we optimizes the Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch problem by using two different optimization method such as Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) and Genetic Algorithm (GA).The proposed ABC Algorithm has been successfully implemented is to IEEE 30 bus and Indian Utility sixty two Bus System The simulation result are compare and found the effective algorithm for Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch problem.
New Optimization Method of the MPPT Algorithm and Balancing Voltage Control of the Three-Level Boost Converter (TLBC)
Authors: Abouobaida Hassan , Bied Said El 
Published: August 2017

This paper is dedicated to studying the control of the three level Boost converters (TLBC) and the optimization method of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) based a variable step. The main objective of the optimization is to find a compromise between the response time and the amplitude of the oscillations around the optimal point. The nonlinear behavior of the (TLBC) is manifested by the presence of the disturbances. For reasons of simplicity of the control, a linearization based on the dynamic compensation of the disturbance is proposed. On the one hand, a cascaded MPPT algorithm and a simple linear regulator allow adjusting the inductance current and a maximum power operation of the wind system. On the other hand, a second linear regulator ensures balancing of the output voltages. The paper proposes a new approach to the optimization of the Inc-Cond MPPT. The suggested contribution consists of using an exponential function of the power derivative to develop a variable step. The adoption of the variable step size according to the dynamics of the wind system implies a compromise between the response time and the amplitude of the ripples around the optimal point. The simulation results showed that a variable step size, especially in transient conditions and during a very rapid climate change recover the optimum power point within a reasonable time and suitable amplitude of the oscillations. The results achieved in this study show the ability of the proposed approach to extract the maximum power according to the available wind speed while guaranteeing a better efficiency. The developed study is summarized by the following points: (a) modeling the wind conversion systems, (b) detailing the control approach of the (TLBC) and presenting the variable step method (c) presenting the simulations results and evaluating the perf
Acute and Midterm Outcomes of Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement for Treatment of Dysfunctional Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Conduits in Patients With Aortopulmonary Transposition and a Systemic Right Ventricle
Authors: Whiteside Wendy , Tretter Justin T. , Aboulhosn Jamil , Aldoss Osamah , Armstrong Aimee K. , Bocks Martin L. , Gillespie Matthew J. , Jones Thomas K. , Martin Mary Hunt , Meadows Jeffrey J. , Metcalf Christina M. , Turner Mariel E. , Zellers Thomas , Goldstein Bryan H. 
Published: August 2017

Background—
Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) is an established therapy for dysfunctional right ventricular (RV) outflow tract conduits. TPVR in patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, subpulmonary left ventricle, and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) conduit dysfunction has not been studied. Unique anatomic and physiological aspects of this population may contribute to distinct risks and outcomes.

Methods and Results—

Across 10 US centers, 27 patients with a dysfunctional LVOT conduit were evaluated in the catheterization laboratory between December 2008 and August 2015 with the intent to perform TPVR. TPVR was successful in 23 patients (85%). Five serious adverse events occurred in 4 cases (15%), including pulmonary hemorrhage, hypotension requiring vasoactive support, conduit disruption requiring covered stent (n=2), and acute RV dysfunction with flash pulmonary edema. After TPVR, the LVOT peak systolic ejection gradient decreased from median of 35 to 17 mm Hg (
P
<0.001); pulmonary insufficiency was trivial/none in all but 1 patient, where it was mild. Worsening of systemic RV dysfunction or tricuspid regurgitation was seen in 12 patients (57%) and was associated with a significantly lower post-TPVR LVOT peak systolic ejection gradient (median 17 versus 21 mm Hg;
P
=0.02) and higher post-TPVR RV sphericity index (median 0.88 versus 0.52;
P
=0.004). Post-TPVR, there were 2 late deaths because of RV failure and 1 cardiac transplantation because of progressive RV dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation.

Conclusions—
TPVR in dysfunctional LVOT conduits is feasible but associated with an important rate of TPV nonimplantation and procedural serious adverse events. Worsening systemic RV function and tricuspid regurgitation may develop after LVOT TPVR.
The Menace of Domestic Violence: Improving the Lives of Women in Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemo Olaitan O , Bamidele Ifeoluwayimika 
Published: August 2017

The scourge of domestic violence as well as other forms of violence against women has eaten deep into the fabric of our society creating a lopsided gender balance with the female gender being the greatest victim. Violence has taken different forms ranging from sexual to physical and psychological as well as other forms. This degrades the humanity of the woman in our society. Abusive partners and perpetrators base their actions on superior nature of the male sex, religion, law, custom, economic situation, family pressure, and their behavioural pattern. It is believed that lack of a legal framework universally enforced as well as lack of trained law enforcement officers promotes the violence of women in Nigeria.
A proactive legal framework, establishment of confidential and well equipped family courts, training of law enforcement officers, shelters and counselling centres can reduce the abuse of women in Nigeria and across the globe. The physical, sociological and psychological effect of violence against women is unquantifiable. To achieve a fair and balanced society, women must be valued, respected and supported and not battered either by stick or word of mouth.
The Legal Protection of Development-Induced Displaced Persons in Africa
Authors: Adeola Romola 
Published: August 2017

Development-induced displacement has become one of the pressing human rights
concern in Africa with thousands displaced by development projects across the
continent each year. The political viewpoint that development projects are
panaceas for economic development has often made their socio-economic
implications for displaced persons’ pale in comparison.
In a bid to address this form of displacement, the African Union Convention for
the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons mandate states to
prevent development-induced displacement. Seeking to mitigate the tension
between the essence of the development project and respect for the rights of
displaced persons, article 10 of the Convention mandate states to prevent
development-induced displacement. This paper discusses the content of the
obligation in fostering legal protection for development-induced displaced
persons in Africa.
Pensions, Peasants, and the Informal Economy: Family and Livelihood in Contemporary Peru
Authors: Vincent Susan 
Published: August 2017

A Peruvian case study explores how urban informal workers negotiate their livelihoods as they age, highlighting reciprocity among urban informal workers, retired formal sector workers, and peasants in a pattern of rural-urban circular migration. Labor-intensive mining in the twentieth century created a proletarian workforce that included men from the peasant community of Allpachico. Their wages became an anchor for kin-linked clusters of households. Now, despite an economic boom, the lack of formal jobs forces younger Allpachiqueños to undertake precarious and informal work. Resource-sector-funded state social spending, such as through state-administered pensions for retired workers and the elderly poor, has replaced wages as a stable source of cash. This state mediation between the technology-intensive resource sector and citizens elicits suspicion and uncertainty. Dispossessed of the right to work and subjected to conditions of eligibility for social programs, urban informal workers continue to rely on kin and community. Un estudio de caso peruano explora cómo los trabajadores informales urbanos negocian sus formas de ganarse la vida conforma envejecen, y destaca la reciprocidad entre dichos trabajadores, los trabajadores jubilados del sector formal y los campesinos en un patrón de migración circular del campo a la ciudad. Durante el siglo XX, la minería intensiva dio lugar a una fuerza de trabajo proletaria que incluía a hombres de la comunidad campesina de Allpachico. Sus salarios se convirtieron en una forma de anclaje para grupos de hogares con vínculos consanguíneos. Ahora, a pesar del auge económico, la falta de empleos formales oblige a los jóvenes de Allpachico a trabajar de manera precaria e informal. El gasto social estatal financiado por los recursos del sector, como las pensiones estatales para trabajadores jubilados y los ancianos pobres, ha sustituido los salarios como fuente estable de efectivo. Dicha mediación estatal entre un sector de recursos con tecnología intensiva y la ciudadanía provoca sospechas e incertidumbre. Sin derecho a un trabajo y sometidos a los criterios impuestos de admisibilidad para recibir asistencia social, los trabajadores informales urbanos continúan dependiendo de sus familiares y comunidad.
Evaluation of the Thyroid Nodule
Authors: McCaffrey Thomas V. 
Published: August 2017

Background Clinically detectable thyroid nodules occur in up to 4% of the population in the United States. With ultrasound, nodules may be found in up to 50% of those over 50 years of age. Methods The author reviews his own experience as well as that of others to define a sound clinical approach to the differential diagnosis and detection of thyroid cancer. Results Prior neck irradiation is a risk factor for thyroid malignancy. The association of a thyroid nodule with enlarged lymph nodes or fixation of the nodule to strap muscles or the trachea suggests malignancy. A diffusely multinodular gland is usually benign. Conclusions Thyroid function tests rarely help a differential diagnosis. Fine-needle aspiration is the “gold standard” for diagnosis. Tiny “incidentalomas” are often followed with repeat monitoring for change of size or character.
Physician-Assisted Suicide: The Legal Slippery Slope
Authors: Walker Robert M. 
Published: August 2017

Background In Oregon, physicians can prescribe lethal amounts of medication only if requested by competent, terminally ill patients. However, the possibility of extending the practice to patients who lack decisional capacity exists. This paper examines why the legal extension of physician-assisted suicide (PAS) to incapacitated patients is possible, and perhaps likely. Methods The author reviews several pivotal court cases that have served to define the distinctions and legalities among “right-to-die” cases and the various forms of euthanasia and PAS. Results Significant public support exists for legalizing PAS and voluntary euthanasia in the United States. The only defenses against sliding from PAS to voluntary euthanasia are adhering to traditional physician morality that stands against it and keeping the issue of voluntary euthanasia legally framed as homicide. However, if voluntary euthanasia evolves euphemistically as a medical choice issue, then the possibility of its legalization exists. Conclusions If courts allow PAS to be framed as a basic personal right akin to the right to refuse treatment, and if they rely on right-to-die case precedents, then they will likely extend PAS to voluntary euthanasia and nonvoluntary euthanasia. This would be done by extending the right to PAS to incapacitated patients, who may or may not have expressed a choice for PAS prior to incapacity.
The Evolving Role of Prostate Brachytherapy
Authors: Beyer David C. 
Published: August 2017

Background The publication of several large studies with long-term results on the use of prostate brachytherapy has resulted in increased use of this option for patients with localized prostate cancer. Methods A historical review of brachytherapy as an approach to prostate cancer management is provided, as well as a general summary of the implant technique and the results to date according to patient risk. The effects of combination therapies for specific patient groups are also reviewed. Results A recent 12-year follow-up reported no failures after 10 years, and 75% of recurrences occurred within the first 5 years. Patients at low risk for failure based on stage, grade, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) parameters are likely to have disease confined to the prostate. Those with more advanced disease are likely to have a lower probability of cure with brachytherapy as monotherapy. Complications involve primarily the urinary tract. Ideal candidates have a PSA of = 10, Gleason score of = 7, and low-volume/low-stage disease (stage T1c or T2a). Patients with more-advanced disease are candidates for brachytherapy combined with external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT). For high-risk men with multiple adverse prognostic features, consideration should be given to clinical trials investigating innovative treatment combinations (eg, the addition of androgen blockade, and EBRT). Conclusions The rarity of failures after 5 years and the absence of recurrence after 10 years suggest a that brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer can provide durable disease control. Future improvements in pathologic tools may lead to selection of patients more likely to respond well to brachytherapy.
Sexual Functioning in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Thors Christina L. , Broeckel Jo Ann , Jacobsen Paul B. 
Published: August 2017

Background A growing body of evidence suggests that sexual dysfunction may be among the more common and distressing symptoms experienced by breast cancer survivors. Methods This report reviews studies in which sexual functioning in breast cancer survivors has been investigated. Included are reports on the prevalence and nature of sexual difficulties, the relationship between specific breast cancer treatments and sexual difficulties, and the treatment of sexual dysfunction following completion of breast cancer treatment. Results A review of the literature suggests a wide range of rates for the prevalence of sexual problems in breast cancer survivors. Factors that may affect prevalence rates include the methods used to determine prevalence and the demographic and medical characteristics of the patients studied. With regard to treatment effects, evidence suggests that breast cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy are at high risk for sexual dysfunction after treatment. In contrast, there is little evidence of a link between type of surgical treatment (eg, lumpectomy vs mastectomy) or treatment with tamoxifen and sexual functioning outcomes. Conclusions A growing body of evidence suggests that sexual problems can be a long-term side effect of breast cancer treatment. Oncology professionals should initiate communication about sexual difficulties, perform comprehensive assessments, and educate and counsel patients about the management of these difficulties.