bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An energy scheduling method for multiple users of residential community connected to the grid and wind energy source
Authors: Kakran Sandeep , Chanana Saurabh 
Published: September 2017

Energy management of residential consumers plays a very important role in the achievement of aim of energy saving, lesser cost of electricity for the residential consumers and highest possible satisfaction of the consumers. In this paper, a common energy scheduler for the multiple users has been designed for energy scheduling of residential consumers having smart appliances. Mathematical modelling of different types of appliances has been done to achieve the required results. Time of use tariff and day ahead real time pricing tariff have been used for energy scheduling. A wind energy source has been considered to reduce the burden of energy demand on the grids and to analyse the effect of renewable energy sources in a small scale energy management problem. A delay factor has been also included in the main objective function of the problem to maintain the satisfaction level of the consumers by reducing cost of waiting. The final designed problem is solved by mixed integer linear programming technique using GAMS software. The time taken for the solution is very less. In this paper, to increase the energy efficiency and the accuracy of the required results, the selected time horizon of 24 h is divided into 96 small time slots, each of 15 min duration. Achievement of the aim of the paper, that is reduction in the cost of electricity and attainment of the highest possible satisfaction level of the users, has been verified by the simulation results. Practical application: Our work is completely applicable in the practical field. This work can be used for the energy scheduling of home appliances.
Is early integration of palliative care feasible and acceptable for advanced respiratory and gastrointestinal cancer patients? A phase 2 mixed-methods study
Authors: Costantini Massimo , Apolone Giovanni , Tanzi Silvia , Falco Francesco , Rondini Ermanno , Guberti Monica , Fanello Silvia , Cavuto Silvio , Savoldi Luisa , Piro Roberto , Mecugni Daniela , Di Leo Silvia 
Published: September 2017

Background: There is evidence that early integration of palliative care improves quality of life, lowers spending and helps clarify preferences and goals for advanced cancer patients. Little is known about the feasibility and acceptability of early integration. Aim: Assessing feasibility of early integration of palliative care, and exploring concerns perceived and problems encountered by patients, relatives and oncologists. Design: A phase 2 mixed-methods study ( ClinicalTrials.Gov :NCT02078700). Methods: Oncologists of two outpatient clinics offered a specialised palliative care intervention integrated with standard oncological care to all consecutive newly diagnosed metastatic respiratory/gastrointestinal cancer patients. We interviewed samples of patients, relatives and oncologists to explore strengths and weaknesses of the intervention. Results: The intervention was proposed to 44/54 eligible patients (81.5%), 40 (90.1%) accepted, 38 (95.0%) attended the first palliative care visit. The intervention was completed for 32 patients (80.0%). It did not start for three (7.5%) and was interrupted for three patients who refused (7.5%). The Palliative Care Unit performed 274 visits in 38 patients (median per patient 4.5), and 24 family meetings with relatives of 16 patients. All patients and most relatives referred to the usefulness of the intervention, specifically for symptoms management, information and support to strategies for coping. Oncologists highlighted their difficulties in informing patients on palliative intervention, sharing information and coordinating patient’s care with the palliative care team. Conclusion: Early integration of palliative care in oncological setting seems feasible and well accepted by patients, relatives and, to a lesser extent, oncologists. Some difficulties emerged concerning patient information and inter-professional communication.
Clinical outcome and subsequent sequelae of cement extravasation after percutaneous kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty: a comparative review
Authors: Semaan Hassan , Obri Tawfik , Bazerbashi Mohamad , Paull Daniel , Liu Xiaochen , Sarrouj Marah , Elgafy Hossein 
Published: September 2017

Background Injection of cement during vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty can leak into surrounding structures and could be symptomatic. Purpose To identify the sites and incidence of cement extravasation after kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, and to evaluate their impacts on clinical outcomes. Material and Methods A retrospective review of 316 patients treated with kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty; 411 cases were included (223 kyphoplasty and 188 vertebroplasty). Cement extravasation was evaluated postoperatively by computed tomography (CT) scan of the spine. Clinical outcomes were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of cement extravasation between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty groups ( P < 0.04). The most common site of cement extravasation was in paravertebral soft tissues for vertebroplasty (n = 33, 40.7%) and for kyphoplasty (n = 30, 30%). In the subgroup where cement leaked into the intradiscal space, adjacent vertebral body fractures occurred in 3/26 vertebrae (11.5%) in the vertebroplasty group and in 2/18 vertebrae (11.1%) in the kyphoplasty group. Both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in both VAS ( P < 0.001) and ODI scores ( P < 0.001). There was no significantly difference in patient satisfaction between those who had cement extravasation and those who did not, in both groups. Conclusion Kyphoplasty has an advantage in terms of less risk of cement extravasation. However, this factor did not reflect on subsequent sequelae or final clinical outcomes. This study did not find a distinct correlation between intradiscal cement extravasation and increased risk of adjacent vertebral fractures.
Depressive disorders in patients with pharmaco-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Gonçalves Eleonora Borges , de Oliveira Cardoso Tania Aparecida Marchiori , Yasuda Clarissa Lin , Cendes Fernando 
Published: September 2017

Objectives To assess depressive disorders in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) refractory to medical treatment. Methods Adult patients with refractory MTLE completed two questionnaires (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) had a semi-structured psychiatric interview and a high resolution MRI scan. For complete neuropsychiatric diagnosis, as per International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the results were combined with clinical history and additional information from the patients’ family. Results Of the 40 patients identified for this case series study which took place from 2008–2012, 31 (77.5%) had a depressive disorder: 14 had dysthymia, 11 had recurrent depressive disorder and 6 had bipolar disorder. Of the nine patients without a firm diagnosis of mood disorder, seven had isolated symptoms of depression or anxiety and two presented with mixed depression/anxiety symptoms. Only 8/31 (25.8%) patients were receiving antidepressant treatment. There was no association between BDI scores and seizure frequency. No significant difference was found between patients with and without depression and the presence or laterality of HA. Conclusions Depressive disorders are common, underdiagnosed and undertreated in patients with refractory MTLE.
Screening of Sceptridium ternatum for antitussive and antiasthmatic activity and associated mechanisms
Authors: Huang Ping , Xin Wenxiu , Zheng Xiaowei , Luo Fang , Li Qinglin , Lv Guiyuan 
Published: September 2017

Objectives Sceptridium ternatum is an expectorant in traditional Chinese medicine and is prescribed for the treatment of asthma. The study aim was to screen Sceptridium ternatum for ingredients with antitussive and antiasthmatic effects and to study their associated mechanisms. Methods Cough in mice was induced using ammonia. Cough latency and the number of coughs within 3 minutes were determined. Airway responsiveness was assessed using ovalbumin as a sensitizer and characteristic asthma indicators were measured. Results Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts significantly reduced the number of coughs within 3 minutes, tidal volume, and the percentage of eosinophilic granulocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils. All extracts decreased airway responsiveness in asthmatic mice compared with the untreated group. Petroleum ether, chloroform and n-butanol extracts lowered the Penh values of asthmatic mice. Petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts greatly reduced interleukin-4 expression and the interleukin-4/interferon gamma ratio. Compared with the model group, all extracts reduced mRNA expression of the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor-1 (CysLT1). Conclusions Chloroform extract and ethyl acetate extract displayed obvious antitussive effects and reduced airway inflammation. Thus, these two extracts contain the effective ingredients of Sceptridium ternatum. The active mechanism was ascribed to inhibition of mRNA expression of the CysLT1 receptor in mice with bronchial asthma.
Does the Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure Effectively Correct “Off-Track” Hill-Sachs Lesions?
Authors: Plath Johannes E. , Henderson Daniel J.H. , Coquay Julien , Dück Klaus , Haeni David , Lafosse Laurent 
Published: September 2017

Background: The glenoid track concept describes the dynamic interaction of bipolar bone loss in anterior glenohumeral instability. Initial studies have successfully demonstrated this concept’s application in clinical populations. In clinical practice, the Latarjet procedure is commonly the preferred treatment in addressing “off-track” Hill-Sachs lesions. The effectiveness of this procedure in restoring such lesions to an “on-track” state, however, has not yet been evaluated or described in the literature. Hypothesis: The Latarjet procedure would transform “off-track” Hill-Sachs lesions to “on-track” lesions. Lesions would remain “on-track” during follow-up, despite glenoid remodeling. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients with “off-track” Hill-Sachs lesions treated with the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure between March 2013 and May 2014 were included. Glenoid track and coracoid graft contact surface area measurements using 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) were performed preoperatively and at 6-week, 6-month, and at least 12-month (final) follow-up. The mean final follow-up was 23 months. The glenoid diameter, as a percentage of the native glenoid, was also calculated from this imaging. Results: Twenty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. 3D-CT scans were available for all patients preoperatively and postoperatively, with 21 patients (81%) undergoing 6-month follow-up CT and 19 patients (73%) undergoing final follow-up CT. Hill-Sachs lesions remained “on-track” at all follow-up time points. The mean glenoid diameter changed significantly from 84.6% preoperatively to 122.8% at 6 weeks ( P < .001) and from 120.5% at 6 months to 113.9% at final follow-up ( P = .005). This was also reflected in significant remodeling seen in the coracoid graft articular contact area (6 weeks to 6 months, P = .024; 6 months to final follow-up, P = .002). This persisting glenoid arc enlargement at final follow-up avoided “off-track” Hill-Sachs lesions in 6 of 19 patients (32%), which would otherwise have occurred had the coracoid graft remodeled to native glenoid dimensions. Conclusion: The Latarjet procedure provides an effective treatment for “off-track” engaging Hill-Sachs lesions, despite an evident glenoid remodeling process. At a mean of 23 months postoperatively, a mean persisting enlargement of the glenoid arc of 14% beyond native dimensions remained, avoiding a recurrent “off-track” lesion in 32% of patients, which would otherwise have occurred with complete remodeling.
Novel Tenascin-C Haplotype Modifies the Risk for a Failure to Heal After Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Kluger Rainer , Huber Klaus R. , Seely Philipp G. , Berger Christian E. , Frommlet Florian 
Published: September 2017

Background: Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNC gene have recently been found to be associated with degenerative rotator cuff tears. Hypothesis: Exonic SNPs in the TNC gene are related to the risk for a failure to heal after rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 302 patients from the Vienna area and European Caucasian ancestry underwent mini-open rotator cuff repair for a full-thickness superior or posterosuperior tear and were assessed for the integrity of the repair 1 year postoperatively with a real-time 7.5- to 10-MHz ultrasound linear array transducer. Outcomes were classified as intact (complete footprint coverage), small (<200 mm2), or large (≥200 mm2) recurrent defect. Patients were genotyped for 15 previously identified risk SNPs within a 49-kbp segment of the TNC gene with the KASP genotyping technology or the Ion-Torrent Personal Genome Machine System. Results: All recurrent defects were atraumatic failures, and the overall failure rate was 39.7%. Of the traditional risk factors, only the initial tear size was significantly associated with a failure to heal. In a multinomial logistic regression model, the T allele at rs1138545 [C>T] was protective for a large recurrent defect (odds ratio = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.09-0.31). The role of rs1138545 was further backed by haplotype analysis, which showed that the combination of the C allele at rs1138545 [C>T], the A allele at rs2104772 [A>T], and the G allele at rs10759752 [A>G] formed the risk-related haplotype [CAG]. The CAG haplotype was associated with large recurrent defects ( P < .0001; haplotype frequency, 0.394; haplotype score, 4.518). Exonic marker rs1138545 transcribed into all isoforms of the TNC protein, whereas exonic marker rs2104772, which has been associated with Achilles tendinopathy before, transcribed only into large isoforms of the TNC protein. Conclusion: Recurrent defects after rotator cuff repairs are clinically relevant, and a heritable component of the disorder is plausible on the basis of a genetic association with 8 TNC variants. Characterization of TNC sequences that favor tendon healing will help engineer new products in regenerative medicine.
Psychoeducation Group on Improving Quality of Life of Mild Cognitive Impaired Elderly
Authors: Young Daniel Kim-wan , Ng Petrus Yat-nam , Cheng Daphne 
Published: September 2017

Purpose: This research study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducation group, which is founded on an Eastern approach to health care, in improving the quality of life of Chinese people with mild cognitive impairment (PwMCI). Method: In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 40 Chinese PwMCI were randomly assigned to either a 10-session psychoeducation group or the control group. Results: A paired sample t test indicated that the treatment group ( n = 18) showed significant improvement in their World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure (WHOQOL) score, while the control group ( n = 22) did not. Moreover, an independent t test showed that the treatment group was more effective than the control group to improve their WHOQOL score. A reduction in the depressive symptoms was related to the improvement in WHOQOL score. Conclusions: This RCT provides evidence to support the feasibility and effectiveness of psychoeducation groups for improving the overall quality of life of PwMCI.
Comparison of Posterior Approach With Intramedullary Nailing Versus Lateral Transfibular Approach With Fixed-Angle Plating for Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis
Authors: Mulligan Ryan P. , Adams Samuel B. , Easley Mark E. , DeOrio James K. , Nunley James A. 
Published: September 2017

Background: A variety of operative approaches and fixation techniques have been described for tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis. The intramedullary (IM) nail and lateral, fixed-angle plating are commonly used because of ease of use and favorable biomechanical properties. A lateral, transfibular (LTF) approach allows for direct access to the tibiotalar and subtalar joints, but the posterior, Achilles tendon–splitting (PATS) approach offers a robust soft tissue envelope. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of TTC arthrodesis with either a PATS approach with IM nailing or LTF approach with fixed-angle plating. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent simultaneous TTC arthrodesis with minimum 1 year clinical and radiographic follow up. Patients were excluded if they underwent TTC arthrodesis through an approach other than PATS or LTF, and received fixation without an IM nail or fixed-angle plate. Primary outcomes examined were union rate, revisions, and complications. Thirty-eight patients underwent TTC arthrodesis with a PATS approach and IM nailing, and 28 with a LTF approach and lateral plating. Results: The overall union rate was 71%; 76% (29 of 38 patients) for the PATS/IM nail group, and 64% (18 of 28) for LTF/plating group ( P = .41). Symptomatic nonunion requiring revision arthrodesis occurred in 16% (6 of 38) of the PATS/IM nail group versus 7% (2 of 28) in the LTF/lateral plating group ( P = .45). There were no significant differences in individual tibiotalar or subtalar union rates, superficial wound problems, infection, symptomatic hardware, stress fractures, or nerve irritations. Conclusion: Union, revision, and complication rates were similar for TTC arthrodesis performed with a PATS approach and IM nail compared with an LTF approach and fixed-angle plate in a complex patient population. Both techniques were adequate, especially when prior incisions, preexisting hardware, or deformity preclude options. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Risk factors for cefepime nonsusceptible Gram-negative infections in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Boyd AM , Perissinotti AJ , Nagel JL , Frame DG , Marini BL 
Published: September 2017

Purpose Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients undergo myelosuppressive chemotherapy to allow engraftment of stem cells and are at particularly high risk for bacterial infections and adverse outcomes. Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplant are at increased risk for healthcare-associated infections, including infections with multidrug-resistant pathogens. Cefepime is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for empiric therapy in hematopoietic cell transplant patients, but there is minimal data describing cefepime resistance rates, risk factors for resistance, and clinical outcomes associated with cefepime-resistant infections. Methods Adult (≥18 years old) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients with a culture positive for a gram-negative rod between January 2010 and January 2016 were spilt into two groups: cefepime susceptible and cefepime nonsusceptible . The primary objective of this study was to identify risk factors for cefepime nonsusceptible through multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 107 patients were included (27 cefepime nonsusceptible, 80 cefepime-susceptible), yielding a 25.2% nonsusceptibility rate. Multivariable analysis yielded age >60 years old, Klebsiella spp. infection, Acinetobacter spp. infection, healthcare exposures within 90 days, acute gastrointestinal graft-vs-host-disease, and chronic graft-vs-host-disease at multiple locations as significant risk factors for cefepime nonsusceptible. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of the model was 0.851. Thirty-day all-cause mortality (29.6% versus 16.3%, p = 0.13) and length of hospitalization (19 versus 12.5 days, p = 0.0650) were numerically higher in the cefepime nonsusceptible group. Conclusions Hematopoietic cell transplant patients with acute gastrointestinal graft versus host disease, extensive chronic graft-vs-host-disease, advanced age, previous healthcare exposures, or infections with Klebsiella and Acinetobacter are at increased risk for cefepime nonsusceptible. Patients infected with cefepime nonsusceptible pathogens may have higher rates of mortality and length of hospitalization.
Open Right Hemicolectomy Is a Safe and Suitable Procedure for Surgical Training: A Comparative Study With 133 Patients
Authors: Hirche Z. , Zabaka K. , Hirche C. , Xiong L. , Willis S. 
Published: September 2017

Background and Aims: A right hemicolectomy is a technically demanding procedure and the quality of the operation influences the short- and long-term outcomes. An increasing number of certified centers employ surgeons who are specialized in this procedure. Residency training is obligatory, but trainee surgeons often cannot perform technically demanding procedures because of economical and certification requirements imposed on the center. This study was performed to evaluate the suitability of right hemicolectomy as a training procedure. Material and Methods: Between 2009 and 2013, 133 patients received a right hemicolectomy during cancer treatment. Patient data were analyzed in two cohorts: cohort 1 contained 90 patients who were operated by a resident under supervision, and cohort 2 included 43 patients who were operated by a specialized senior surgeon. Outcome and safety were evaluated by mortality rate, anastomotic leakage, complication rate, and operation time. The resection status and the number of resected lymph nodes were surrogate parameters for oncological quality. Gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, body mass index, and general risk factors were compared in both cohorts. Results: There was no significant difference in the rate of anastomotic leakage between the two groups (p = 0.799). Oncological criteria were met in both cohorts and the oncological quality was similar between groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in risk factors, operating time, postoperative complications, and mortality between the groups. Conclusion: Oncological open right hemicolectomy is a safe and suitable training procedure for residency training under standardized conditions.