Identifying and Modeling Non-Functional Concerns Relationships

Requirements elicitation step is of paramount importance in the requirements engineering process. In the distributed environment of so-called inter-company cooperative information system, this step is a thorny issue. To elicit require-ments for an inter-company cooperative information system, we early proposed a methodology called MAMIE (from MAcro to MIcro level requirements Elicitation) with an accompanied tool. In MAMIE methodology, requirements are the result of composing functional and non-functional concerns. Before non-functional concerns composition, it’s primary to identify relationships between them. According to the most existing approaches, a non-functional concern may have a negative, positive or null contribution on the other non-functional concerns. In this paper, we argue that using only these three contributions types is not sufficient to express relationships which may exist between non-functional concerns. Thus, we propose a process which aims to identify non-functional concerns’ relationships and model them using a fuzzy cognitive map. The resulting model is composed of non-functional concerns, relationships between them and the weight of these relationships expressed with linguistics fuzzy values. Using fuzzy cognitive maps to model non-functional concerns relationships allows moving from the conventional modelling toward developing a computer based model. An example from the textile industry is used to illustrate the applicability of our process.

3-61 MitoQ Induces Non-functional Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (NFMMP)

In the process of oxidative phosphorylation, protons are pumped into the intermembrane space to establish the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Relying on the electrochemical gradient, protons can return to the matrix through the ATP synthase complex with ATP generation. MitoQ, a lipophilic cation drug, can be bsorbed to the inner mitochondrial membrane with the cationic moiety staying at the intermembrane space[1].

Consensus of clinical diagnosis and treatment for non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms with diameter<2 cm

In clinical practice,pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(pNENs)with a diameter smaller than 2 cm are commonly referred to as small pNENs.Due to their generally favorable biological characteristics,the diagnosis and treatment of small pNENs differ from other pNENs and are somewhat controversial.In response to this,the Chinese Pancreatic Surgery Association,Chinese Society of Surgery,Chinese Medical Association have developed a consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of small pNENs,which is based on evidence-based medicine and expert opinions.This consensus covers various topics,including concepts,disease assessment,treatment selection,follow-up,and other relevant aspects.

Clinical,Biochemical,and Radiological Retrospective Analysis in Patients with Adrenal Incidentaloma-A Secondary Publication

Objective:To evaluate the epidemiological,demographic,clinical features,treatment approaches,and survival of patients followed up for adrenal incidentaloma.Methods:Data from 46 patients who were treated and followed up due to adrenal incidentaloma in the Endocrinology Department of Mersin University Health Research and Application Hospital between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Of the cases included in the study,13 were male,33 were female,and the mean age was 54.09±10.7 years.The most common reason for admission was abdominal pain in 34.78%of the patients,the most commonly diagnosed radiological method was dynamic adrenal CT in 60.87%,and the most common location was the left adrenal gland.The mean lesion diameter was between 26.8±16.5 mm.The frequency of hypertension was 50%,obesity 47.8%,type 2 diabetes 21.7%,osteoporosis 42.8%,and metabolic syndrome 41.3%.According to hormonal evaluation results,non-functional adrenal adenoma(NFAA)was found in 82.61%,subclinical Cushing’s syndrome(SCS)in 15.21%,and aldosteronoma in 2.1%.Myelolipoma,pheochromocytoma,and adrenocortical adenoma were diagnosed in 8 cases undergoing adrenalectomy.One patient died due to liver failure.No hormonal activation or growth in lesion size was detected during the follow-up of the patients.Conclusion:Due to the very different pathological and radiological appearances of adrenal incidentaloma,it is important to evaluate demographic,etiological,clinical,laboratory,and radiological data as a whole in the treatment and follow-up.

The clinical characteristics of three subgroups of non-functioning pituitary adenomas

Introduction: Despite the fact that non-functioning pituitary adenomas do not overproduce hormones, many will stain positive for a particular pituitary hormone, which can be used to differentiate these adenomas into subgroups. If these different sub-groups behave differently in terms of post surgical progression of disease (PSPD) rates or other clinical variables, then better treatment and prognosis could be predicted. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients who have undergone surgery for removal of a non-functioning pituitary adenoma at Emory University Hospital served as the source for all data used in this study (n = 184). Data were collected from a database of electronic medical records (EMRs) for these patients in 2010 documenting clinical and demographic variables including treatment and PSPD. Results: Risk for PSPD did not differ by adenoma subtypes: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH+), luteinizing hormone (LH+), or those that do not stain positive for any hormone (non-functioning, or NF?) (p = 0.971). There were two clinical characteristics statistically related to adenoma subtype: altered mental status and the anterior-posterior (AP) dimension of pre-operative adenomas. PSPD was related to several clinical characteristics, including gender, previous adenoma, post-operative residual, and follow-up time.

A Rare Case of Non-Functioning Pituitary Macroadenoma (NFMA)

NFMAs are benign tumors that do not produce any biologically active hormones and exceed 10 mm (0.39 in) in size. Although NFMAs are benign in origin, mass effects may lead to serious clinical symptoms such as visual impairments, chronic headache, and pituitary insufficiency. The authors describe a 51-year-old woman who had a NFMA (35 × 24 × 25 mm). The vision was reduced to 7/10 in the both eyes. A transnasal transsphenoidal surgery was performed and the tumor was successfully resected. Postoperatively, the patient had visual (9/10) and headache improvement. This case highlights a rare presentation of non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma.

Surgical management of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms are a rare and complex group of neoplastic lesions that develop from pancreatic islet cells.Their incidence has dramatically increased during the last two decades.Due to its complex nature and pathophysiological behaviour,surgical management continues to evolve.Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for most non-functional and functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours,while lymphadenectomy remains a controversial subject.Different techniques,such as pancreas-preserving and minimally invasive approaches,continue to evolve and offer the same overall outcomes as open surgery.This comprehensive review describes in detail the current and most up-todate classification and staging of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours,explores the rationale for nonsurgical and surgical management,and focuses on surgical treatment and more specifically,on minimally invasive approaches.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of extended right liver transplantation versus whole liver transplantation

Objective:To compare the differences in postoperative survival and complications between extended right liver transplantation(ERLT)and whole liver transplantation(WLT).Methods:The Chinese and English databases were searched for clinical studies on comparing ERLT with WLT for end-stage liver disease from the date of database construction to April 15,2022.The searched literature was de-duplicated and selected according to the order of title,abstract and content,after which NOS quality evaluation was performed for literature that matched the study.Postoperative complications and survival data were extracted from the eligible literature and subjected to Meta-analysis with Review Manager 5.3,and finally data sensitivity analysis and publication bias tests were performed.Results:The complication of ERLT such as biliary complications[OR=1.77,95%CI=(1.39,2.25),P<0.00001],biliary leakage[OR=2.16,95%CI=(1.64,2.84),P<0.0001],total vascular complications[OR=2.00,95%CI=(1.48,2.70),P<0.0001],hepatic arterial thrombosis[OR=2.06,95%CI=(1.50,2.83),P<0.00001],re-Transplantation[OR=1.93,95%CI=(1.53,2.45),P<0.00001]have a higher occurrence rate compared with WLT.While the biliary stenosis[OR=0.74,95%CI=(0.48,1.15),P=0.18],hepatic portal vein thrombosis[OR=1.72,95%CI=(0.84,3.49),P=0.14],primary non-function[OR=1.27,95%CI=(0.80,2.02),P=0.32]had no statistically difference in the incidence of complications after liver transplantation.In terms of survival,ERLT had lower 1-year graft survival rate[OR=0.64,95%CI=(0.54,0.76),P<0.00001]and patient survival rate[OR=0.75,95%CI=(0.62,0.91),P=0.003]than WLT.Fortunately,there was no statistically difference in 5-year graft survival rate[OR=0.97,95%CI=(0.76,1.23),P=0.78]and 5-year patient survival rate[OR=0.94,95%CI=(0.78,1.14),P=0.54].Conclusion:ERLT is a safe and effective treatment for adult end-stage liver disease.As a surgical method with postoperative complications and survival similar to that of WLT,ERLT can increase the source of donor liver.

Predictors of graft function and survival in second kidney transplantation: A single center experience

BACKGROUND The increasing kidney retransplantation rate has created a parallel field of research,including the risk factors and outcomes of this advanced form of renal replacement therapy.The presentation of experiences from different kidney transplantation centers may help enrich the literature on kidney retransplantation,as a specific topic in the field of kidney transplantation.AIM To identify the risk factors affecting primary graft function and graft survival rates after second kidney transplantation(SKT).METHODS The records of SKT cases performed between January 1977 and December 2014 at a European tertiary-level kidney transplantation center were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.Beside the descriptive characteristics,the survivals of patients and both the first and second grafts were described using Kaplan-Meier curves.In addition,Kaplan-Meier analyses were also used to estimate the survival probabilities at 1,3,5,and 10 post-operative years,as well as at the longest followup duration available.Moreover,bivariate associations between various predictors and the categorical outcomes were assessed,using the suitable biostatistical tests,according to the predictor type.RESULTS Out of 1861 cases of kidney transplantation,only 48 cases with SKT were eligible for studying,including 33 men and 15 women with a mean age of 42.1±13 years.The primary non-function(PNF)graft occurred in five patients(10.4%).In bivariate analyses,a high body mass index(P=0.009)and first graft loss due to acute rejection(P=0.025)were the only significant predictors of PNF graft.The second graft survival was reduced by delayed graft function in the first(P=0.008)and second(P<0.001)grafts.However,the effect of acute rejection within the first year after the first transplant did not reach the threshold of significance(P=0.053).The mean follow-up period was 59.8±48.6 mo.Censored graft/patient survival rates at 1,3,5 and 10 years were 90.5%/97.9%,79.9%/95.6%,73.7%/91.9%,and 51.6%/83.0%,respectively.CONCLUSION Non-immediate recovery modes of the first and second graft functions were significantly associated with unfavorable second graft survival rates.Patient and graft survival rates of SKT were similar to those of the first kidney transplantation.

Specifying the Global Execution Context of Computer-Mediated Tasks: A Visual Notation and a Supporting Tool

This paper presents the notion of the global execution context of a task as a representational construct for analysing complexity in software evolution. Based on this notion a visual notation and a supporting tool are presented to support specification of a system’s global execution context. A system’s global execution context is conceived as an evolving network of use scenarios depicted by nodes and links designating semantic relationships between scenarios. A node represents either a base or a growth scenario. Directed links characterize the transition from one node to another by means of semantic scenario relationships. Each growth scenario is generated following a critique (or screening) of one or more base or reference scenarios. Subsequently, representative growth scenarios are compiled and consolidated in the global execution context graph. The paper describes the stages of this process, presents the tool designed to facilitate the construction of the global execution context graph and elaborates on recent practice and experience.

Design Pattern Representation for Safety-Critical Embedded Systems

Design Patterns, which give abstract solutions to commonly recurring design problems, have been widely used in the software and hardware domain. As non-functional requirements are an important aspect in the design of safety-critical embedded systems, this work focuses on the integration of non-functional implications in an existing design pattern concept. We propose a pattern representation for safety-critical embedded application design methods by including fields for the implications and side effects of the represented design pattern on the non-functional requirements of the overall systems. The considered requirements include safety, reliability, modifiability, cost, and execution time.

A Semi-Automation of a Cost Benefit Analysis Method

This paper presents CBAM Assistant, a tool that semi-automates the Cost Benefit Analysis Method (CBAM) developed by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University. CBAM is a process used to estimate the Return on Investment (ROI) of various software architectural design strategies. CBAM generally follows the Architectural Trade-off Analysis Method (ATAM) also developed by SEI. ATAM aids in defining scenarios and architectural strategies. The result is a qualitative trade-off analysis of the various strategies. CBAM further refines the scenarios and architectural strategies from ATAM. CBAM aids in quantitative analysis for cost, utility and importance ratings to determine the ROI of each architectural strategy. CBAM Assistant is a web-based system that walks a user through the CBAM process which can be started by using scenarios and architectural strategies created from ATAM. The tool is intended to be used by a facilitator who will provide input from stakeholders. The primary output of the tool is the ROIs of each architectural strategy for comparison and selection.

Current status and recent advances of liver transplantation from donation after cardiac death

The last decade saw increased organ donation activity from donors after cardiac death (DCD). This contributed to a signif icant proportion of transplant activity. Despite certain drawbacks, liver transplantation from DCD donors continues to supplement the donor pool on the backdrop of a severe organ shortage. Understanding the pathophysiology has provided the basis for modulation of DCD organs that has been proven to be effective outside liver transplantation but remains experimental in liver transplantation models. Research continues on how best to further increase the utility of DCD grafts. Most of the work has been carried out exploring the use of organ preservation using machine assisted perfusion. Both ex-situ and in-situ organ perfusion systems are tested in the liver transplantation setting with promising results. Additional techniques involved pharmacological manipulation of the donor, graft and the recipient. Ethical barriers and end-of-life care pathways are obstacles to widespread clinical application of some of the recent advances to practice. It is likely that some of the DCD offers are in fact probably "prematurely" of-fered without ideal donor management or even prior to brain death being established. The absolute benef its of DCD exist only if this form of donation supplements the existing deceased donor pool; hence, it is worthwhile revisiting organ donation process enabling us to identify counter remedial measures.

Predictive factors of short term outcome after liver transplantation: A review

Liver transplantation represents a fundamental therapeutic solution to end-stage liver disease. The need for liver allografts has extended the set of criteria for organ acceptability, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes. Little is known about the early postoperative parameters that can be used as valid predictive indices for early graft function, retransplantation or surgical reintervention, secondary complications, long intensive care unit stay or death. In this review, we present state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the early posttransplantation tests and scores that can be applied during the first postoperative week to predict liver allograft function and patient outcome, thereby guiding the therapeutic and surgical decisions of the medical staff. Post-transplant clinical and biochemical assessment of patients through laboratory tests(platelet count, transaminase and bilirubin levels, INR, factor V, lactates, and Insulin Growth Factor 1) and scores(model for end-stage liver disease, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation, sequential organ failure assessment and model of early allograft function have been reported to have good performance, but they only allow late evaluation of patient status and graft function, requiring days to be quantified. The indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate has long been used as a liver function assessment technique and has produced interesting, although not univocal, results when performed between the 1th and the 5th day after transplantation. The liver maximal function capacity test is a promising method of metabolic liver activity assessment, but its use is limited by economic cost and extrahepatic factors. To date, a consensual definition of early allograft dysfunction and the integration and validation of the above-mentioned techniques, through the development of numerically consistent multicentric prospective randomised trials, are necessary. The medical and surgical management of transplanted patients could be greatly improved by using clinically reliable tools to predict early graft function.

Primary graft dysfunction after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) causes complications in liver transplantation, which result in poor prognosis. Recipients who develop PGD usually experience a longer intensive care unit and hospital stay and have higher mortality and graft loss rates compared with those without graft dysfunction. However, because of the lack of universally accepted definition, early diagnosis of graft dysfunction is difficult. Additionally, numerous factors affect the allograft function after transplantation, making the prediction of PGD more difficult. The present review was to analyze the literature available on PGD and to propose a definition.DATA SOURCE: A search of PubMed (up to the end of 2012) for English-language articles relevant to PGD was performed to clarify the characteristics, risk factors, and possible treatments or interventions for PGD.RESULTS: There is no pathological diagnostic standard; many documented definitions of PGD are different. Many factors such as donor status, procurement and transplant process and recipient illness may affect the function of graft, and ischemia reperfusion injury is considered the direct cause. Potentia managements which are helpful to improve graft function were investigated. Some of them are promising.CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses suggested that the definition of PGD should include one or more of the following variables: (1)bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL on postoperative day 7; (2) internationa normalized ratio ≥1.6 on postoperative day 7; and (3) alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase 】2000 IU/L within 7 postoperative days. Reducing risk factors may decrease the incidence of PGD. A majority of the recipients could recover from PGD; however, when the graft progresses intoprimary non-function, the patients need to be treated with retransplantation.

Compared efficacy of preservation solutions on the outcome of liver transplantation:Meta-analysis

AIM To compare the effects of the four most commonly used preservation solutions on the outcome of liver transplantations.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases up to January 31^(st), 2017. The inclusion criteria were comparative, randomized controlled trials(RCTs) for deceased donor liver(DDL) allografts with adult and pediatric donors using the gold standard University of Wisconsin(UW) solution or histidinetryptophan-ketoglutarate(HTK), Celsior(CS) and Institut Georges Lopez(IGL-1) solutions. Fifteen RCTs(1830 livers) were included; the primary outcomes were primary non-function(PNF) and one-year posttransplant graft survival(OGS-1). RESULTS All trials were homogenous with respect to donor and recipient characteristics. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of PNF with the use of UW, HTK, CS and IGL-1(RR = 0.02, 95%CI: 0.01-0.03, P = 0.356). Comparing OGS-1 also failed to reveal any difference between UW, HTK, CS and IGL-1(RR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.80-0.80, P = 0.369). Two trials demonstrated higher PNF levels for UW in comparison with the HTK group, and individual studies described higher rates of biliary complications where HTK and CS were used compared to the UW and IGL-1 solutions. However, the meta-analysis of the data did not prove a statistically significant difference: the UW, CS, HTK and IGL-1 solutions were associated with nearly equivalent outcomes.CONCLUSION Alternative solutions for UW yield the same degree of safety and effectiveness for the preservation of DDLs, but further well-designed clinical trials are warranted.

Liver retransplantation: indications and outcomes

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is a life-saving the- rapeutic modality for patients with end-stage liver diseases. After liver transplantation, however, more than 10% pa- tients may lose the grafts caused by a variety of reasons. This review covers the most frequent indications for liver retransplantation as well as the results and specific problems with each indication. DATA RESOURCES: Searching MEDLINE (1997-2003) for articles on liver retransplantation. RESULTS: The most frequent indications of liver retrans- plantation are primary non-function, hepatic artery throm- bosis, graft rejection and recurrent diseases. The results af- ter liver retransplantation remain inferior to those after first transplantation. CONCLUSION: Liver retransplantation, which is the only means of prolonging survival in those patients whose initial graft has failed, makes an important contribution to overall survival.

Postoperative Use of Dopamine Agonist in Controlling the Residual Mass in Non Functioning Pituitary Adenoma

Background: Non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) is a challenging tumor. It is usually reached to a large size before it is clinically manifested. Operative interference is the first option in treatment of large NFPA causing compressive manifestations but with frequent postoperative residual masses that is usually required additional treatment. Postoperative radiotherapy carried frequent side effects which open the door for postoperative medical treatment with dopamine agonist (DA) drugs based on the fact that these tumors have a variable amount of dopamine receptors. Lack of randomized, placebo-controlled trials prevents any conclusion on the efficacy of this drug. Its role in controlling postoperative proliferation and decreasing the rate of recurrence of NFPA is still questionable. Objective: Efficacy of bromocriptine (dopamine agonist (DA) drug) in reducing or preventing the re-growth of non-functioning pituitary adenoma NFPA after surgery. Methods: In this study, we examined the outcome of treating NFPA after surgery, with bromocriptine (dopamine agonists drug). This study was a retrospective review of consecutive patients that were treated by the authors at Assiut University Hospital between 2012-2018. All patients had postoperative Bromocriptine in a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily. Results: Thirty two patients were included in this study after they had surgery for NFPA. All patients had a residual mass documented by the immediate post operative MRI. After 6 months of postoperative bromocriptine treatment, and with comparing to immediate post operative images, eleven patients (34%) had mass reduction, thirteen patients (41%) of their residual masses remained unchanged and eight patients (25%) of the mass showed slight increase in size but not required re-surgery. After two years and throughout the follow up period, seven patients (22%) (all were males) had complete disappearance of the mass;ten patients (31%) had more reduction of the size of the mass (two of them were males) and four patients (13%) of the mass remained unchanged (none of them were males) and eleven patients (34%) had increase of the mass and they required re-surgery (two of them were males). Conclusion: Bromocriptine (DA drug) can play a role in reducing the size or preventing the re-growth of non-functioning pituitary adenoma after surgical debulking. Males showed noticeable response comparing to females. Its regular use might limit the need for surgery in this type of tumor. Further studies with large number of patients are highly recommended.

Identification of two aberrant transcripts derived from a hybridoma with amplification of functional immunoglobulin variable genes

Murine monoclonal antibodies(mAbs)are widely used but have limitations if administered in humans.The use of chimeric or humanized mAbs can reduce immunogenicity.The first step in producing such mAbs is to clone murine variable genes from a hybridoma,but it is possible to amplify both functional and aberrant variable genes,as they coexist in the hybridoma.During the development of a murine–human chimeric antibody,we have cloned from a hybridoma the functional heavy chain variable region(VH)and light chain variable region(VL)genes of a mAb that blocks the binding of anthrax lethal factor to protective antigen.In this study,we report the detection of two aberrant transcripts from a hybridoma produced using myeloma cell line OUR-1,the development of a method to distinguish between the functional and abundant aberrant VL transcripts,and the origins of these aberrant genes.The aberrant VL gene is derived from OUR-1 cells,while the aberrant VH gene might derive from antibody repertoires in B cells or from gene rearrangement in the hybridoma cells.The aberrant VH and VL genes in this study may facilitate discrimination between the functional and aberrant variable genes from hybridoma cells.

Functioning gonadotroph adenoma

To the Editor:Pituitary gonadotroph adenoma is a type of non-functioning pituitary adenoma of which approximately 35%ecrete biologically active luteinizing hormone(LH)or follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and these adenomas are named functioning gonadotroph adenoma(FGA).We present three cases of FSH-secreting adenomas who were admitted to our hospital between 2014 and 2016.Case 1:A 37-year-old woman was admitted due to menstrual irregularity and galactorrhea for 2 years.The laboratory tests showed a significantly elevated estradiol 2(E2)level,and multiple cyst fusions could be observed by transvaginal ultrasonography.The pituitary magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed an upper-right wing distension and detected a mass with a size of approximately 7.5 mm×10.7 mm in the saddle area,and a pituitarymacroadenoma was considered.The patient underwent a transsphenoidal microsurgical resection of the pituitary adenoma.The pathologic examination showed a positive result for FSH,LH,and SF-1,and a negative result for growth hormone,insulin-like growth factor 1,TPIT,and PIT1.