bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is nonabsorbable nasal packing after septoplasty essential? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Jong Seung , Kwon Sam Hyun 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesSeptoplasty is one of the most frequently performed rhinologic surgeries. Complications include nasal bleeding, pain, headache, septal hematoma, synechia, infection, residual septal deviation, and septal perforation. In this study, we aimed to compare complication rates among patients according to packing method.MethodsWe performed a literature search using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through August 2016. Our systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines. Random effect models were used to calculate risk differences and risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Cases referred to the nonpacking group included patients treated with transseptal sutures or septal splints. Cases referred to as the packing group included patients treated with nonabsorbable packing such as Merocel or gauze.ResultsOur search included 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1,321 subjects in the nonpacking group and 1,247 subjects in the packing group. There were no significant differences between packing methods regarding bleeding, hematoma, perforation, infection, and residual septal deviation. The risk differences of postoperative pain, headache, and postoperative synechia were −0.50 [95% CI: −0.93 to −0.07, P = .02], −0.42 [95% CI: −0.66 to −0.19, P = .0004], and −0.03 [95% CI: −0.06 to −0.01, P = .01], respectively.ConclusionsNonabsorbable nasal packing is no more effective than treatments without packing after septoplasty. Septal splints and transseptal sutures reduce postoperative pain, headache, and synechia.Level of Evidence1B Laryngoscope, 127:1026–1031, 2017
Spatial Distribution and Management Zones for Sulphur and Micronutrients in Shiwalik Himalayan Region of India
Authors: Shukla Arvind K. , Sinha Nishant K. , Tiwari Pankaj K. , Prakash Chandra , Behera Sanjib K. , Lenka Narendra K. , Singh Vinod K. , Dwivedi Brahma S. , Majumdar Kaushik , Kumar Anil , Srivastava Prakash C. , Pachauri Satya P. , Meena Mahesh C. , Lakaria Brij L. , Siddiqui Sahab 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAgricultural land degradation due to nutrient deficiencies is a threat to agricultural sustainability. As nutrients availability is influenced by soil heterogeneity, climatic conditions and anthropogenic activities; hence, delineation of nutrient management zones (MZs) based on spatial variability could be an effective management option at regional scale. Thus, the present study was carried out to delineate MZs in the Shiwalik Himalayan region of India by capturing spatial variability of soil properties and secondary and micronutrients status because of the emerging nutrient deficiencies. For the study, a total of 2575 geo‐referenced representative surface (0–15 cm depth) soil samples were collected from the study region covering an area of 53,483 km2. The soils were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, soil organic carbon, available sulphur (S) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B and Mo) concentrations. There was a wide variation in soil properties with coefficient of variation values of 14 (for pH) to 86% for available Mo. Geostatistical analysis revealed spherical, Gaussian, exponential, stable, circular and K‐Bessel best‐fit models for soil properties. Most of the soil properties were having moderate spatial dependence except soil pH and S (strong spatial dependence) and Zn (weak spatial dependence). About 49%, 10%, 2%, 13%, 11%, 12% and 8% area of the study region were found to be deficient (including acute and marginal deficiency) in S, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B and Mo, respectively. The principal component analysis and fuzzy c‐mean clustering were performed to develop the MZs. Four principal components with eigenvalues greater than 1 and accounting 65·4% of total variance were retained for further analysis. On the basis of fuzzy performance index and normalized classification entropy, four potential MZs were identified. Analysis of variance confirmed the heterogeneity in most of the studied soil properties among the MZs. The study indicated that the methodology of delineating MZs can be effectively used in site‐specific S and micronutrients management in the Shiwalik Himalayan region of India. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and Properties of New sPEEK/Zirconia/Protic Ionic Liquid Membranes for Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Batalha João Arthur Ferreira Lunau , Dahmouche Karim , Sampaio Rômulo Batista , de Souza Gomes Ailton 
Published: November 2016

Hybrid organic–inorganic membranes based on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (sPEEK), zirconium oxide, and the protic ionic liquid (PIL) diethylmethylamine triflate ([dema][TfOH]) have been synthesized. Their structure has been investigated by X‐ray diffraction and small‐angle X‐ray scattering and correlated to their electrical and thermomechanical properties. The membranes present good mechanical and chemical stabilities, as well as thermal stability over 300 °C. Zirconia contents up to 5 wt% (10 wt% PIL) lead to the formation of isolated zirconia‐rich aggregates dispersed in the polymer matrix, constituted of spatially correlated zirconia nanoparticles. This segregation of zirconia species in nanodomains, interacting with sulfonic groups of sPEEK, inhibits conductivity. Differently, zirconia content of 6 wt% (10 wt% PIL) induces a conductivity much higher than pristine sPEEK, due to the formation of an extended fractal structure in the whole sample, constituted of connected zirconia‐rich aggregates. Interaction of PIL molecules with the zirconia aggregates along this extended structure shall form new conducting channels for ion transport, favoring conductivity.
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Stimulus‐Responsive Nanoparticles and Associated (Reversible) Polymorphism via Polymerization Induced Self‐assembly (PISA)
Authors: Pei Yiwen , Lowe Andrew B. , Roth Peter J. 
Published: November 2016

Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) is an extremely versatile method for the in situ preparation of soft‐matter nanoparticles of defined size and morphologies at high concentrations, suitable for large‐scale production. Recently, certain PISA‐prepared nanoparticles have been shown to exhibit reversible polymorphism (“shape‐shifting”), typically between micellar, worm‐like, and vesicular phases (order–order transitions), in response to external stimuli including temperature, pH, electrolytes, and chemical modification. This review summarises the literature to date and describes molecular requirements for the design of stimulus‐responsive nano‐objects. Reversible pH‐responsive behavior is rationalised in terms of increased solvation of reversibly ionized groups. Temperature‐triggered order–order transitions, conversely, do not rely on inherently thermo‐responsive polymers, but are explained based on interfacial LCST or UCST behavior that affects the volume fractions of the core and stabilizer blocks. Irreversible morphology transitions, on the other hand, can result from chemical post‐modification of reactive PISA‐made particles. Emerging applications and future research directions of this “smart” nanoparticle behavior are reviewed.
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Fast and efficient free induction decay MR spectroscopic imaging of the human brain at 9.4 Tesla
Authors: Chadzynski Grzegorz L. , Bause Jonas , Shajan Gunamony , Pohmann Rolf , Scheffler Klaus , Ehses Philipp 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this work was to develop a fast and efficient MRSI‐FID acquisition scheme and test its performance in vivo. The aim was to find a trade‐off between the minimal total acquisition time and signal‐to‐noise ratio of the acquired spectra.MethodsMeasurements were performed on a 9.4 Tesla system. Sequence optimization included redesign of water suppression, optimization of the sequence gradients, and improvement of the sampling efficiency by minimizing the read‐out time. This resulted in an acquisition time of 2:47 and 22:13 minutes for 2D (TR = 57 ms; 3‐mm in‐plane resolution) and 3D MRSI (TR = 57 ms; 16 slices; 3‐mm isotropic resolution), respectively.ResultsDespite strong T1 weighting and first‐order phase problems, it was possible to obtain spectra of an acceptable quality. The average line width calculated for the tCr peak across the entire field of view was 26.9 ± 9.6 Hz for 2D and 30.0 ± 11.3 Hz for 3D MRSI. In 3D measurements, the percent fraction of voxels fitted with Cramer‐Rao lower bounds below 10% was 53.3 ± 4.1%, 63.4 ± 8.4%, and 81.0 ± 2.9% for Glu, tCr, and tNAA, respectively.ConclusionConsidering the typically long duration of high‐resolution MRSI, the proposed technique may be of interest for clinical applications and/or studies that focus on following the biochemistry of dynamic processes. Magn Reson Med 78:1281–1295, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Bromodomain and extraterminal protein inhibitors in pediatrics: A review of the literature
Authors: Jiménez Irene , Baruchel André , Doz François , Schulte Johannes 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe last few years have seen the identification of pharmacologic approaches to target bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins for cancer treatment. These proteins have an essential role in gene transcription regulation by binding acetylated lysine residues on histone tails, activating gene transcription. BET inhibitors have been tested in preclinical models including pediatric malignancies and several adult clinical trials are ongoing. Since the development of new drugs in pediatric cancer has long lagged behind programs for adults, the aim of this review is to show the importance of these therapies in pediatric malignancies to support their development in pediatric oncology/hematology.
Influence of main chain on the phase behaviors of side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers with triphenylene mesogens of long alkyl tail substituents
Authors: Li Ping , Chen Sheng , Luo Hang , Zhang Dou , Zhang Hailiang 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTA series of side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers (SCLCPs) containing triphenylene mesogen, in which the long alkyl tail Tp connected directly with main chain, were synthesized successfully. The chemical structures of the monomers were confirmed by 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. The phase behaviors of polymers were investigated by a combination of techniques, including DSC, POM, 1D/2D WAXD, and SAXS. The experimental results suggested that the type of main chain played an important role in the LC phase structures of these polymers. Because of the steric effects of side chains and the coupling effects between the Tp moieties and the main chains, all the polymers exhibited columnar phase. However, the SCLCPs with poly(vinyl benzene methyl ether) or polynorbornene backbone displayed hexagonal columnar phase, while those with polyacrylate or polymethacrylate backbone presented columnar nematic phase, and the one with poly(vinyl benzoate) main chain showed rectangular columnar phase. Moreover, the clearing temperatures (Ti) changed with change in main chain. Especially, the Ti of the SCLCP with polymethacrylate backbone was above 300 °C. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 754–766
A new digital watermarking evaluation and benchmarking methodology using an external group of evaluators and multi‐criteria analysis based on ‘large‐scale data’
Authors: Zaidan B. B. , Zaidan A. A. , Karim H. Abdul. , Ahmad N. N. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryDigital watermarking evaluation and benchmarking are challenging tasks because of multiple evaluation and conflicting criteria. A few approaches have been presented to implement digital watermarking evaluation and benchmarking frameworks. However, these approaches still possess a number of limitations, such as fixing several attributes on the account of other attributes. Well‐known benchmarking approaches are limited to robust watermarking. Therefore, this paper presents a new methodology for digital watermarking evaluation and benchmarking based on large‐scale data by using external evaluators and a group decision making context. Two experiments are performed. In the first experiment, a noise gate‐based digital watermarking approach is developed, and the scheme for the noise gate digital watermarking approach is enhanced. Sixty audio samples from different audio styles are tested with two algorithms. A total of 120 samples were evaluated according to three different metrics, namely, quality, payload, and complexity, to generate a set of digital watermarking samples. In the second experiment, the situation in which digital watermarking evaluators have different preferences is discussed. Weight measurement with a decision making solution is required to solve this issue. The analytic hierarchy process is used to measure evaluator preference. In the decision making solution, the technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution with different contexts (e.g., individual and group) is utilized. Therefore, selecting the proper context with different aggregation operators to benchmark the results of experiment 1 (i.e., digital watermarking approaches) is recommended. The findings of this research are as follows: (1) group and individual decision making provide the same result in this case study. However, in the case of selection where the priority weights are generated from the evaluators, group decision making is the recommended solution to solve the trade‐off reflected in the benchmarking process for digital watermarking approaches. (2) Internal and external aggregations show that the enhanced watermarking approach demonstrates better performance than the original watermarking approach. © 2016 The Authors. Software: Practice and Experience published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
In‐memory distributed software solution to improve the performance of recommender systems
Authors: Costa‐Montenegro Enrique , Tsybanev Alexander , Cerezo‐Costas Héctor , Javier González‐Castaño Francisco , Gil‐Castiñeira Felipe , Barragáns‐Martínez Belén , Almuiña‐Troncoso Diego 
Published: November 2016

SummaryMany recommender systems are currently available for proposing content (movies, TV series, music, etc.) to users according to different profiling metrics, such as ratings of previously consumed items and ratings of people with similar tastes. Recommendation algorithms are typically executed by powerful servers, as they are computationally expensive. In this paper, we propose a new software solution to improve the performance of recommender systems. Its implementation relies heavily on Apache Spark technology to speed up the computation of recommendation algorithms. It also includes a webserver, an API REST, and a content cache. To prove that our solution is valid and adequate, we have developed a movie recommender system based on two methods, both tested on the freely available Movielens and Netflix datasets. Performance was assessed by calculating root‐mean‐square error values and the times needed to produce a recommendation. We also provide quantitative measures of the speed improvement of the recommendation algorithms when the implementation is supported by a computing cluster. The contribution of this paper lies in the fact that our solution, which improves the performance of competitor recommender systems, is the first proposal combining a webserver, an API REST, a content cache and Apache Spark technology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimal Excision and Primary Suture is a Cost‐Efficient Definitive Treatment for Pilonidal Disease with Low Morbidity: A Population‐Based Interventional and a Cross‐Sectional Cohort Study
Authors: Khodakaram Kaveh , Stark Joachim , Höglund Ida , Andersson Roland E. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundConventional treatment of pilonidal disease with wide excision is associated with high morbidity. We describe the short‐ and long‐term results and the impact on the health care system of a simple operation performed in the office under local anaesthesia, consisting of minimal excision of pilonidal sinuses with primary suture—the modified Lord–Millar operation (mLM).MethodsAll patients operated with mLM from February 2008 till November 2012 were prospectively followed for recurrence by telephone interviews and examination of symptomatic patients till July 2015. The outcome is compared with that in all patients operated with conventional wide excision from January 2003 till February 2008. The effects on the health care system of a consistent use of mLM is analysed by comparing the management of all patients with pilonidal disease at three hospitals during 2013 and 2014.ResultsSome 129 patients underwent conventional surgical treatment, and 113 had the mLM operation. The mLM operation was more often performed under local anaesthesia, was less often admitted to hospital, had fewer post‐operative health care visits (2.4 vs. 14.6, p < 0.001) and a shorter sick leave (1.0 vs. 34.7 days, p < 0.001) indicating faster wound healing. The estimated 5‐year recurrence rate was similar (32 vs. 23%, p = 0.091). The cost per operated patient was lower (2231 vs. 6222 EUR, p < 0.001). The hospital consistently applying the mLM operation used less resources for pilonidal diseased patients (34,545 vs. 77,421 EUR per 100,000 inhabitants and year).ConclusionsThe mLM operation is simple, cost‐efficient and has low morbidity and good long‐term results.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Cholecystectomy: A Cost–Effectiveness Analysis at Rwanda Military Hospital
Authors: Silverstein Allison , Costas‐Chavarri Ainhoa , Gakwaya Mussa R. , Lule Joseph , Mukhopadhyay Swagoto , Meara John G. , Shrime Mark G. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is first‐line treatment for uncomplicated gallstone disease in high‐income countries due to benefits such as shorter hospital stays, reduced morbidity, more rapid return to work, and lower mortality as well‐being considered cost‐effective. However, there persists a lack of uptake in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Thus, there is a need to evaluate laparoscopic cholecystectomy in comparison with an open approach in these settings.MethodsA cost–effectiveness analysis was performed to evaluate laparoscopic and open cholecystectomies at Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH), a tertiary care referral hospital in Rwanda. Sensitivity and threshold analyses were performed to determine the robustness of the results.ResultsThe laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy costs and effectiveness values were $2664.47 with 0.87 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and $2058.72 with 0.75 QALYs, respectively. The incremental cost–effectiveness ratio for laparoscopic over open cholecystectomy was $4946.18. Results are sensitive to the initial laparoscopic equipment investment and number of cases performed annually but robust to other parameters. The laparoscopic intervention is more cost‐effective with investment costs less than $91,979, greater than 65 cases annually, or at willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) thresholds greater than $3975/QALY.ConclusionsAt RMH, while laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be a more effective approach, it is also more expensive given the low caseload and high investment costs. At commonly accepted WTP thresholds, it is not cost‐effective. However, as investment costs decrease and/or case volume increases, the laparoscopic approach may become favorable. Countries and hospitals should aspire to develop innovative, low‐cost options in high volume to combat these barriers and provide laparoscopic surgery.
Inhibition of Mevalonate Pathway and Synthesis of the Storage Lipids in Human Liver‐Derived and Non‐liver Cell Lines by Lippia alba Essential Oils
Authors: Montero‐Villegas Sandra , Polo Mónica , Galle Marianela , Rodenak‐Kladniew Boris , Castro María , Ves‐Losada Ana , Crespo Rosana , García de Bravo Margarita 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe essential oils (EOs) of Lippia alba, an herb extensively used as a folk medicine in Latin America, are today promoted as an effective means of eliminating problems caused by hyperlipemia. We hypothesized that L.alba EOs inhibited cholesterol and triacylglycerols synthesis and decreased the intracellular depots of those lipids (lipid droplets), mechanisms involving the induction of a hypolipidemic response. Our aim was, therefore, to evaluate the hypolipogenic capability of the EOs of four L. alba chemotypes on liver‐derived (HepG2) and non‐liver (A549) human cell lines and to identify the potential biochemical targets of those chemotypes, particularly within the mevalonate pathway (MP). [14C]Acetate was used as radioactive precursor for assays. Lipid analyses were performed by thin‐layer and capillary gas chromatography, lipid droplets analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, and HMGCR levels determined by Western blot. In both cell lines, all four chemotypes exerted hypocholesterogenic effects within a concentration range of 3.2–32 µg/mL. Nonsaponifiable lipids manifested a decrease in incorporation of [14C]acetate into squalene, lanosterol, lathosterol, and cholesterol, but not into ubiquinone, thus suggesting an inhibition of enzymes in the MP downstream from farnesyl pyrophosphate. The tagetenone chemotype, the most efficacious hypocholesterogenic L. alba EO, lowered HMGCR protein levels; inhibited triacylglycerols, cholesteryl esters, and phospholipids synthesis; and diminished lipid droplets in size and volume. These results revealed that L. alba EOs inhibited different lipogenic pathways and such lipid‐lowering effects could prove essential to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Teaming Up to Take Down Community-Acquired Bloodstream Infections: A Program Aimed at Educating and Training Nurses in the Community
Authors: Falder-Saeed Karie , McClain Kristen , Patton Lindsey , Langford Melissa , Marusich Jennifer , Flom Lindsey 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Background: Advances in medical technology have allowed pediatric patients to be discharged home with complex devices, including central venous catheters (CVCs). For these patients to be safely discharged, families require training to care for these catheters. At a large children's hospital, extensive family education and training for CVCs was already established. However, community caregivers were not receiving the same training. In an effort to target these caregivers, an education program was designed and implemented in 2011.
Methods: The program was originally designed and implemented by nurses on a gastroenterology unit and has expanded to include instructors from the vascular access team, hematology/oncology department, and pulmonary department. All community nurses providing care for pediatric patients in the region are welcome to attend the free class with education hours offered. The class is structured with lecture time and skills practice through simulation.
Results: Since the program began in 2011, 34 classes have been offered and 305 nurses have attended from multiple home health companies and school districts in the region. Community-acquired central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates for the pediatric gastroenterology and oncology patient populations have decreased significantly since the class began.
Conclusions: An education program targeting nurses in the community who care for complex patients with CVCs can decrease community-acquired infection rates and complications. This program can be designed and tailored for multiple patient populations with varying complexities and medical devices.