Recent advances in hybrid priority-based genetic algorithms for logistics and SCM network design

Gen, Mitsuo,Lin, Lin,Yun, YoungSu,Inoue, Hisaki Elsevier 2018 COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Vol.125 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Design and optimization of logistics and supply chain management (SCM) network is very important issue, which plans, implements and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services and related information between the point of origin and the point of consumption to meet customers’ requirements. A multistage based logistics or SCM network can be modeled by means of a sequence of stages, each consisting of a set of functions, i.e. the existing or potential facilities located in several countries or regions of the world where goods are transformed or manufactured or stocked and delivered: suppliers, plants, distribution centers (DCs) and customers. The structure of each stage of the supply chain is completed by a set of arcs connected to the nodes and representing the flow of goods: each arc has a weight proportional to the cost incurred in between the two nodes it connects together.</P> <P>In this paper, we survey a recent advance on hybrid priority-based genetic algorithms for solving a multistage logistics or SCM network problems. In particular, the following multistage based logistics or SCM network models will be introduced: (1) the sugarcane SCM network model, (2) multiobjective supply chain network model, (3) flexible multistage logistics network model, and (4) multiobjective reverse logistics network model. In each model, we summarize the background, mathematical model, hybrid priority-based genetic algorithm and numerical experiment. We also enhance a <I>hybrid genetic algorithm</I> (HGA) by combining a <I>local search</I> (LS) technique and tuning GA parameters by a <I>fuzzy logic control</I> (FLC) to fast the search ability of GA. Finally, numerical experiment of each case study is carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach by the hybrid priority-based genetic algorithms.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A priority-based genetic algorithm combining a local search technique and tuning genetic algorithm parameters by a fuzzy logic control is proposed. </LI> <LI> The sugarcane supply chain network model and multi-objective supply chain network model are presented. </LI> <LI> Flexible multistage logistics network model and multi-objective reverse logistics network model are presented. </LI> </UL> </P>

Transdermal Fentanyl for Chronic Low Back Pain

Seiji Ohtori,Gen Inoue,Sumihisa Orita,Yawara Eguchi,Nobuyasu Ochiai,Shunji Kishida,Masashi Takaso,Yasuchika Aoki,Kazuki Kuniyoshi,Junichi Nakamura,Tetsuhiro Ishikawa,Gen Arai,Masayuki Miyagi,Hiroto Ka 연세대학교의과대학 2012 Yonsei medical journal Vol.53 No.4

Purpose: Chronic low back pain is a common clinical problem. As medication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are generally used; however, they are sometimes non-effective. Recently, opioids have been used for the treatment of chronic low back pain, and since 2010, transdermal fentanyl has been used to treat chronic non-cancer pain in Japan. The purpose of the current study was to examine the efficacy of transdermal fentanyl in the treatment of chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods: This study included patients (n=62) that suffered from chronic low back pain and were non-responsive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Their conditions consisted of non-specific low back pain, multiple back operations, and specific low back pain awaiting surgery. Patients were given transdermal fentanyl for chronic low back pain. Scores of the visual analogue scale and the Oswestry Disability Index, as well as adverse events were evaluated before and after therapy. Results: Overall, visual analogue scale scores and Oswestry Disability Index scores improved significantly after treatment. Transdermal fentanyl (12.5 to 50 μg/h) was effective in reducing low back pain in 45 of 62 patients; however, it was not effective in 17 patients. Patients who experienced the most improvement were those with specific low back pain awaiting surgery. Adverse events were seen in 40% of patients (constipation, 29%; nausea, 24%; itching, 24%). Conclusion: Transdermal fentanyl significantly improved visual analog scale scores and Oswestry Disability Index scores in 73% of patients, especially those with specific low back pain awaiting surgery; however, it did not decrease pain in 27% of patients, including patients with non-specific low back pain or multiple back operations.

Efficacy of Combination of Meloxicam and Pregabalin for Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis

Seiji Ohtori,Gen Inoue,Sumihisa Orita,Masashi Takaso,Yawara Eguchi,Nobuyasu Ochiai,Shunji Kishida,Kazuki Kuniyoshi,Yasuchika Aoki,Tetsuhiro Ishikawa,Masayuki Miyagi,Hiroto Kamoda,Miyako Suzkuki,Junich 연세대학교의과대학 2013 Yonsei medical journal Vol.54 No.5

Purpose: Osteoarthritic pain is largely considered to be inflammatory pain. Sensory nerve fibers innervating the knee have been shown to be significantly damaged in rat models of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in which the subchondral bone junction is destroyed, and this induces neuropathic pain (NP). Pregabalin was developed as a pain killer for NP; however, there are no reports on pregabalin use in OA patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of pregabalin for pain in OA patients. Materials and Methods: Eighty-nine knee OA patients were evaluated in this randomized prospective study. Patients were divided into meloxicam, pregabalin, and meloxicam+pregabalin groups. Pain scores were evaluated before and 4 weeks after drug application using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Pain scales among groups were compared using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Before drug application, there was no significant difference in VAS and WOMAC scores among the three groups (p>0.05). Significant pain relief was seen in the meloxicam+pregabalin group in VAS at 1, 2, and 4 weeks, and WOMAC score at 4 weeks, compared with the other groups (p<0.05). No significant pain relief was seen in the meloxicam only group in VAS during 4 weeks and WOMAC score at 4 weeks compared with the pregabalin only group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Meloxicam+pregabalin was effective for pain in OA patients. This finding suggests that OA pain is a combination of inflammatory and NP.

Interspinous Ligament Lidocaine and Steroid Injections for the Management of Baastrup’s Disease: A Case Series

Kentaro Okada,Seiji Ohtori,Gen Inoue,Sumihisa Orita,Yawara Eguchi,Junichi Nakamura,Yasuchika Aoki,Tetsuhiro Ishikawa,Masayuki Miyagi,Hiroto Kamoda,Miyako Suzuki,Gou Kubota,Yoshihiro Sakuma,Yasuhiro Oi 대한척추외과학회 2014 Asian Spine Journal Vol.8 No.3

Study Design: Prospective study. Purpose: To examine the long-term effects of interspinous ligament injections of local anesthetics and steroids for the treatment of Baastrup’s diseases. Overview of Literature: Baastrup’s disease is associated with axial low back pains. Baastrup’s disease has been more recently described as the “kissing spinous processes” disease. Several authors have reported methods for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. However, there has been only one report of patients receiving interspinous ligament injections of agents for the treatment of Baastrup’s disease. Methods: Seventeen patients showed severe low back pains between spinous processes at L3–L4 or L4–L5. X-ray imaging, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed kissing spinous processes, consolidation of spinous process, or inflammation of an interspinous ligament. Pain reliefs after lidocaine and dexamethasone administration into interspinous ligament as therapy for low back pains were being examined and followed up. Results: Low back pain scores significantly improved immediately after injection of the agents into interspinous ligaments. At final follow-up (1.4 year), low back pain scores significantly improved as compared with before the treatment. Conclusions: Findings from the current study indicate that lidocaine and dexamethasone administration into interspinous ligament in patients diagnosed with Baastrup’s disease is effective for managing the pain associated with this disease.

Perioperative Evaluation of Respiratory Muscle Strength after Scoliosis Correction in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Wataru Saito1,Kosuke Mizuno,Gen Inoue,Takayuki Imura1,Toshiyuki Nakazawa,Masayuki Miyagi,Eiki Shirasawa,Kentaro Uchida,Masashi Takaso 대한척추외과학회 2017 Asian Spine Journal Vol.11 No.5

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Purpose: To investigate the effect of spinal correction on respiratory muscle strength in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Overview of Literature: Several studies have reported that scoliosis correction in patients with DMD does not improve pulmonary function. In these studies, pulmonary function was evaluated using the traditional spirometric values of percent vital capacity (%VC) and percent forced vital capacity (%FVC). However, traditional spirometry may not be suitable for patients with DMD because the results can be influenced by patient fatigue or level of understanding. Therefore, we evaluated respiratory function focusing on respiratory muscle strength using maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP), in addition to %VC and %FVC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients with DMD who underwent spinal correction surgery between 2006 and 2011 at Kitasato University Hospital. All patients were males, and the mean age was 13.5 years. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated using MIP, MEP, and SNIP. Measurements were obtained preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively, and %VC and %FVC were obtained preoperatively and within 6 months postoperatively. Results: The mean preoperative and postoperative %VC values were 54.0% and 51.7%, whereas the mean %FVC values were 53.9% and 53.2%, respectively. The mean MIP, MEP, and SNIP values obtained preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively were as follows: MIP, 40.5, 42.7 and 47.2 cm H2O; MEP, 26.0, 28.0, and 29.0 cm H2O; and SNIP, 33.4, 33.0, and 33.0 cm H2O; respectively. The mean MIP and MEP values significantly improved postoperatively. There were no significant differences in SNIP, %VC, or %FVC preand postoperatively. Conclusions: By focusing on respiratory muscle strength, our results suggest that scoliosis correction in patients with DMD might have a favorable effect on respiratory function.

Clinical Incidence of Sacroiliac Joint Arthritis and Pain after Sacropelvic Fixation for Spinal Deformity

Seiji Ohtori,Takeshi Sainoh,Masashi Takaso,Gen Inoue,Sumihisa Orita,Yawara Eguchi,Junichi Nakamura,Yasuchika Aoki,Tetsuhiro Ishikawa,Masayuki Miyagi,Gen Arai,Hiroto Kamoda,Miyako Suzuki,Gou Kubota,Yos 연세대학교의과대학 2012 Yonsei medical journal Vol.53 No.2

Purpose: Sacroiliac fixation using iliac screws for highly unstable lumbar spine has been reported with an improved fusion rate and clinical results. On the other hand, there is a potential for clinical problems related to iliac fixation, including late sacroiliac joint arthritis and pain. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients were evaluated. Degenerative scoliosis was diagnosed in 7 patients, failed back syndrome in 6 patients, destructive spondyloarthropathy in 4 patients, and Charcot spine in 3 patients. All patients underwent posterolateral fusion surgery incorporating lumbar, S1 and iliac screws. We evaluated the pain scores, bone union, and degeneration of sacroiliac joints by X-ray imaging and computed tomography before and 3 years after surgery. For evaluation of low back and buttock pain from sacroiliac joints 3 years after surgery, lidocaine was administered in order to examine pain relief thereafter. Results: Pain scores significantly improved after surgery. All patients showed bone union at final follow-up. Degeneration of sacroiliac joints was not seen in the 20 patients 3 years after surgery. Patients showed slight low back and buttock pain 3 years after surgery. However, not all patients showed relief of the low back and buttock pain after injection of lidocaine into the sacroiliac joint, indicating that their pain did not originate from sacroiliac joints. Conclusion: The fusion rate and clinical results were excellent. Also, degeneration and pain from sacroiliac joints were not seen within 3 years after surgery. We recommend sacroiliac fixation using iliac screws for highly unstable lumbar spine.

Injection of Bupivacaine into Disc Space to Detect Painful Nonunion after Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) Surgery in Patients with Discogenic Low Back Pain

Seiji Kimura,Seiji Ohtori,Sumihisa Orita,Gen Inoue,Yawara Eguchi,Masashi Takaso,Nobuyasu Ochiai,Kazuki Kuniyoshi,Yasuchika Aoki,Tetsuhiro Ishikawa,Masayuki Miyagi,Hiroto Kamoda,Miyako Suzuki,Yoshihiro 연세대학교의과대학 2014 Yonsei medical journal Vol.55 No.2

Purpose: Bupivacaine is commonly used for the treatment of back pain and the diagnosis of its origin. Nonunion is sometimes observed after spinal fusion surgery;however, whether the nonunion causes pain is controversial. In the current study, we aimed to detect painful nonunion by injecting bupivacaine into the disc space of patients with nonunion after anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgery for discogenic low back pain. Materials and Methods: From 52 patients with low back pain, we selected 42 who showed disc degeneration at only one level (L4-L5 or L5-S1) on magnetic resonance imaging and were diagnosed by pain provocation on discography and pain relief by discoblock (the injection of bupivacaine). They underwent ALIF surgery. If the patients showed low back pain and nonunion 2 years after surgery, we injected bupivacaine into the nonuniondisc space. Patients showing pain relief after injection of bupivacaine underwentadditional posterior fixation using pedicle screws. These patients were followed up 2 years after the revision surgery. Results: Of the 42 patient subjects, 7 showed nonunion. Four of them did not show low back pain; whereas 3 showed moderate or severe low back pain. These 3 patients showed pain reductionafter injection of bupivacaine into their nonunion disc space and underwent additional posterior fixation. They showed bony union and pain relief 2 years afterthe revision surgery. Conclusion: Injection of bupivacaine into the nonunion disc space after ALIF surgery for discogenic low back pain is useful for diagnosis of the origin of pain.

Up-Regulation of Pain Behavior and Glial Activity in the Spinal Cord after Compression and Application of Nucleus Pulposus onto the Sciatic Nerve in Rats

Masaki Norimoto,Yoshihiro Sakuma,Miyako Suzuki,Sumihisa Orita,Kazuyo Yamauchi,Gen Inoue,Yasuchika Aoki,Tetsuhiro Ishikawa,Masayuki Miyagi,Hiroto Kamoda,Gou Kubota,Yasuhiro Oikawa,Kazuhide Inage,Takesh 대한척추외과학회 2014 Asian Spine Journal Vol.8 No.5

Study Design: Experimental animal study. Purpose: To evaluate pain-related behavior and changes in glial activity in the spinal dorsal horn after combined sciatic nerve compression and nucleus pulposus (NP) application in rats. Overview of Literature: Mechanical compression and inflammation caused by prostaglandins and cytokines at disc herniation sites induce pain. Structural changes and pain-associated cytokines in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal dorsal horn contribute to prolonged pain. Glial cells in the spinal dorsal horn may also function in pain transmission. Methods: The sciatic nerve was compressed with NP for 2 seconds using forceps in the NP+nerve compression group; the shamoperated group received neither compression nor NP; and the control group received no operation. Mechanical hyperalgesia was measured for 3 weeks using von Frey filaments. Glial activity in the spinal dorsal horn was examined 7 days and 14 days postsurgery using anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein and anti-Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 antibodies to detect astrocytes and microglia, respectively. Results: Mechanical hyperalgesia was detected throughout the 14-day observation in the NP+nerve compression group, but not in control or sham-operated groups (p <0.05). Both astrocytes and microglia were significantly increased in the spinal dorsal horn of the NP+nerve compression group compared to control and sham groups on days 7 and 14 (p <0.05). Conclusions: Nerve compression with NP application produces pain-related behavior, and up-regulates astrocytes and microglia in the spinal dorsal horn, suggesting that these glia may be related to pain transmission.

Evaluation of Behavior and Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Ligand in Dorsal Root Ganglia after Sciatic Nerve Compression and Application of Nucleus Pulposus in Rats

Yoshiyuki Matsuyama,Yoshihiro Sakuma,Miyako Suzuki,Sumihisa Orita,Kazuyo Yamauchi,Gen Inoue,Yasuchika Aoki,Tetsuhiro Ishikawa,Masayuki Miyagi,Hiroto Kamoda,Gou Kubota,Yasuhiro Oikawa,Kazuhide Inage,Ta 대한척추외과학회 2014 Asian Spine Journal Vol.8 No.5

Study Design: Experimental animal study. Purpose: To evaluate pain-related behavior and changes in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), receptor activator of NF-kB (RANK), and ligand (RANKL) in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) after combined sciatic nerve compression and nucleus pulposus (NP) application in rats. Overview of Literature: The pathological mechanisms underlying pain from lumbar-disc herniation have not been fully elucidated. RANKL are transcriptional regulators of inflammatory cytokines. Our aim was to evaluate pain-related behavior and RANKL expression in DRG after sciatic-nerve compression and application of NP in rats. Methods: Mechanical hyperalgesia and RANKL expression were assessed in three groups of rats: NP+sciatic nerve compression (2 seconds), sham-operated, and controls (n=20 each). Mechanical hyperalgesia was measured every other day for 3 weeks using von Frey filaments. RANKL expression in L5 DRGs was examined at five and ten days after surgery using immunohistochemistry. Results: Mechanical hyperalgesia was observed over the 12-day observation period in the NP+nerve compression group, but not in the control and sham-operated animal groups (p <0.05). RANKL immunoreactivity was seen in the nuclei of L5 DRG neurons, and its expression was significantly upregulated in NP+nerve compression rats compared with control and sham-operated rats (p <0.01). Conclusions: The exposure of sciatic nerves to mechanical compression and NP produces pain-related behavior and up-regulation of RANKL in DRG neurons. RANKL may play an important role in mediating pain after sciatic nerve injury with exposure to NP.

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1-Immunoreactive Innervation Increases in Fractured Rat Femur

Yuya Kawarai,Seiji Ohtori,Miyako Suzuki,Kensuke Yoshino,Gen Inoue,Sumihisa Orita,Kazuyo Yamauchi,Yasuchika Aoki,Tetsuhiro Ishikawa,Masayuki Miyagi,Hiroto Kamoda,Go Kubota,Yoshihiro Sakuma,Yasuhiro Oik 연세대학교의과대학 2014 Yonsei medical journal Vol.55 No.1

Purpose: Pain from vertebral or femoral neck fractures is a particularly important problem in clinical orthopaedics. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a ligand-gated nonselective cation channel, and there are recent reports on an association between bone pain and TRPV1. However, an increase in TRPV1 activity has not been reported following femoral fracture. Materials and Methods: We applied a neurotracer [Fluoro-gold (FG)] onto femur to detect dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) innervating the cortex of the femur in 30 Sprague Dawley rats. Seven days after application, a closed mid-diaphyseal fracture of the femur was performed. FG labeled TRPV1-immunoreactive (ir) DRGs innervating the femur were examined in nonfractured controls, and 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after fracture. We evaluated bone healing of the femur and compared the ratio of TRPV1-ir DRG neurons innervating the femur at the time points. Results: Four weeks after fracture,complete bone union was observed. There was no significant difference in the ratio of FG labeled DRG neurons to total DRG neurons at each time point. The percentages of TRPV1-ir neurons in DRGs innervating the femur at 3 days and 1 week after fracture were significantly higher than those in control, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after fracture (p<0.05). Conclusion: Fracture induced an increase of TRPV1-ir neurons in DRGs innervating the fractured femur within 3 days, and decreased during bone healing over 4 weeks. These findings show that TRPV1 may play a role in sensory sensation of bone fracture pain.