Management of Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy

Oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OIPN) is a severe and potentially permanent side effect of cancer treatment affecting the majority of oxaliplatin-treated patients, mostly with the onset of acute symptoms, but also with the establishment of a chronic sensory loss that is supposed to be due to dorsal root ganglia neuron damage. The pathogenesis of acute as well as chronic OIPN is still not completely known, and this is a limitation in the identification of effective strategies to prevent or limit their occurrence. Despite intense investigation at the preclinical and clinical levels, no treatment can be suggested for the prevention of OIPN, and only limited evidence for the efficacy of duloxetine in the treatment setting has been provided. In this review, ongoing neuroprotection clinical trials in oxaliplatin-treated patients will be analyzed with particular attention paid to the hypothesis leading to the study, to the trial strengths and weaknesses, and to the outcome measures proposed to test the efficacy of the therapeutic approach. It can be concluded that (1) prevention and treatment of OIPN still remains an important and unmet clinical need, (2) further, high-quality research is mandatory in order to achieve reliable and effective results, and (3) dose and schedule modification of OHP-based chemotherapy is currently the most effective approach to limit the severity of OIPN.

Characteristics of commercial-scale radio-frequency/ vacuum (RF/V) drying for hardwood lumber

Two runs of commercial-scale radio-frequency/vacuum (RF/V) drying for maple hardwood were performed to explore the practical technology and its drying characteristics. The results revealed that the power density was a prerequisite for the drying schedule development. The drying time and in-process moisture content (MC) were evaluated by the calculated amount of dehydration at 1% MC removal. The drying defects, such as checks, bowing, and twist, and MC variation met the requirements of GB/T 6491 (2012). The drying rate of run 2 increased 22% after the drying schedule modification. The dehydration capacity was affected by the temperature, which first increased fast as the wood temperature increased to the boiling point and then increased more slowly after that point. The dehydration capacity was also associated with the initial lumber MC. Approximately 30% of the total energy maintained the chamber vacuum and approximately 70% was used for RF heating for both runs. The overall specific energy for water removal during RF/V drying had a competitive advantage compared with conventional kiln drying. The energy conversion efficiency of both runs was low at 50% during the warming stage, and increased to 80% and 90% for Run 1 and Run 2, respectively, during the drying stage.

Distinguishing Subgroups in Opposition to Infant Immunization: Results From the Listening to Mothers III Survey

ObjectiveTo investigate factors associated with parental intention of refusing or altering their child's vaccination schedule.MethodsData were from the 2011–2012 Listening to Mothers III survey (N = 1,053). Weighted bivariate and multivariate analyses examined factors related to refusing or altering vaccination.Results3.2% of mothers planned to refuse vaccination and 12.3% preferred to alter the recommended schedule. Preference to refuse was associated with maternal age <25 years (AOR 4.33; 95% CI: 1.18, 15.9), prior refusal of maternity care (AOR 6.04; 95% CI: 1.88, 19.4), and living outside of the Northeast. Schedule modification was only associated with prior refusal of care.ConclusionsMothers preferring not to immunize their children and those wishing to alter the vaccination schedule represent two distinct groups.

Statistical Analysis of Raw and Potable Water Quality from a Preparation Plant, as a Basis to Purpose the Re-schedule of the Physico-Chemical Current Routine Analysis Periodicity

The multivariate statistics analysis was used to analyze the correlations between 24 physical and chemical parameters values, for raw and potable water quality characterization, using data collected monthly from a potable water preparation plant during two years, 2015 and 2016. The t-Test (Student) and the Principal Component Analysis were used in order to analyze if there are tight dependences between the analyzed parameters, allowing eventually to purpose the analysis scheme schedule modification.

Train traffic control at suburban sections

Objective: There is a necessity to determine an approach to the development of train traffic control theory at suburban sections, on the basis of the analysis of conventional methods of train traffic control and service situations. Methods: Simulation methods, design theory and train traffic graphing were applied in the study. Results: The possibility of developing the conventional method of commuter service organization on railroads was demonstrated by means of a new data modeling approach, underlying the system of traffic handling capacity of suburban districts. It was shown, that the basis of such a technology is a train schedule modification. It was established that the schemes on selecting schedule modification, compiled in accordance with the standard methodology, may in some cases present the solutions different from conventional. It was concluded that an unexpected result might be achieved in case of simultaneous alteration of both the initial length of suburban zones and initial number of zone trains, that is zone schedule modeling, and elements of traffic schedule within regions, assigned in accordance with its periods and called configurations. The necessity in determination and modeling of configurations was justified by practical demand in traffic volume account of different types of trains at suburban sections. The simplest example of schedule modification and capacity values response to mutual position of trains and schedule elements in configurations was introduced. Practical importance: New theoretical conclusions, obtained as a result of the analysis of suburban areas’ length modeling results, the number of zone suburban trains and their position in configurations along with freight and passenger trains, provide justification of and scientific background for efforts of creating a new methodology of train traffic control at suburban sections. Such a methodology, built on the principles of zone schedule integrated modeling and the introduced traffic schedule configurations, makes it possible to considerably increase the flexibility of commuter service organization, achieve the reduction of passenger time spent on a trip and train expectation with guaranteed execution of the fixed schedule. According to the conducted analysis, the introduced approach may have positive influence on the capacity of suburban sections as well.