bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cystic Presentation of a Renal Medullary Carcinoma in a Young Woman
Authors: Sandri Giovanni Battista Levi , Spoletini Gabriele , Lai Quirino , Mennini Gianluca , Rossi Massimo
Published: December 2014

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare tumor, originating in the epithelial papillary cells, that primarily affects young black men with sickle cell trait. We report the case of a 29-year-old Caucasian woman, who at ultrasound showed a cystic mass at the right kidney, with a vascular pattern at the level of the cystic wall. A CT-guided biopsy of the lesion was performed, revealing the presence of unspecified tumor cells. A total nephrectomy was then performed. Microscopically, a tumor resulting from the epithelial papillary cells was observed; several areas of lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates were seen at the junction between the normal kidney tissue and the tumor, and a renal medullary carcinoma was diagnosed. Six months later, the patient developed multiple pulmonary metastases and started chemotherapy with Carboplatin, Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine. The patient died after 27 months of follow-up.

RMC is a tumor that usually occurs in young black men, at an average age of 25 years with extremes of 11 and 39 years. Sickle-cell disease or sickle-cell trait is often present. The longest documented survival (until now) for RMC was 16 months. The best treatment is surgery with enlarged nephrectomy. There are still no appropriate chemotherapy protocols.
They'll Need It for Calculus
Authors: Danielson Christopher
Published: December 2014

A calculus teacher with a middle school background challenges the assumptions that algebraic manipulation skills are the most important foundations for calculus. He suggests the use of a smaller set of big middle school ideas that will be important to later success with the ideas of calculus.
The Fire Pit
Authors: Cady JoAnn , Bair Sherry L.
Published: December 2014

To elicit creative student thinking, this open-ended problem asks solvers to analyze area and perimeter.
Parts of a Parallelogram
Authors: Bair Sherry L. , Cady JoAnn
Published: December 2014

This Solve It problem about polygons originally appeared in the April 2014 issue.
The Oldest Person You've Known
Authors: Bush Sarah B. , Karp Karen S. , Albanese Judy , Dillon Fred
Published: December 2014

A Super Bowl commercial became the impetus for engaging students in a meaningful data collection project.
Going Off-the-Pegs: Revisiting Geoboard Squares
Authors: Canada Daniel L. , Ciancetta Matthew A. , Blair Stephen D.
Published: December 2014

In a lively geometry investigation, students consider what happens when vertices of squares are not on the pegs of a geoboard.
U.S. Postage Rates
Authors: Okigbo Carol , Ayebo Abraham
Published: December 2014

A brief discussion of U.S. postage and rates of change.
Open access at the University of Tromsø - principles for a better practise
Authors: Storeheier Pål Vegar
Published: December 2014

(Abstract missing)
I need to publish more and read less! How new platforms will enable you to publish more effectively while reducing information overload
Authors: Neylon Cameron
Published: December 2014

The pressure on researchers to generate publications is increasing and the competition for increasingly scarce resources is bringing this pressure to critical levels. At the same time the web creates new opportunities to communicate, both to other researchers through sharing of things beyond the traditional journal publication, and to the wider community through lower costs of distribution. This is both a benefit, bringing opportunities for new forms of publication and reducing the costs of sharing research outputs like data, software, and research records, and also a burden, as it brings new expectations of the availability of information. The result of these pressures is an explosion of information which challenges our ability to cope. Looking ahead, how can we shape the way that we communicate, and the way that we discover information? What is the optimal design for a system that communicates research effectively and efficiently while allowing researchers to focus on their research?
Ensuring Availability and Quality of Research Data through Open Access and Public Peer-Review
Authors: Rasmussen Martin
Published: December 2014

The scientific and economic value of research data is enormous. In order to realize a successful subsequent usage, the scientific community needs efficient access to data. Thereby, the access has to be reliable and persistent. In addition, the quality of the data has to be proved following standardized work flows.One solution to these preconditions is to apply techniques of today’s scientific publishing to research data. Besides the access to the data sets through data repositories together with some metadata, the data should undergo a transparent peer-review using a publication platform.The presentation discusses two approaches. On the one hand, the data can be the basis for a research article and undergoes a review parallel to the review of the manuscript. The data is then a reviewed supplement to a scientific publication. On the other hand, the data itself can be the subject of a publication whose quality is then assured by peers.The presentation provides practical experience, especially with the latter strategy, realized through the open access journal Earth System Science Data (ESSD) with interactive public peer-review.
What's 'Open' about Open Access? The Vital Role of Copyright and Licenses
Authors: Prosser David C.
Published: December 2014

See video of the presentation.Access is only half of the Open Access story.  A vital component is what you can do with the content that you have access to.  Can you use it for teaching and learning in the classroom?  Text and data-mine? Create anthologies and reading lists? Archive and preserve the material for future generations?  The answers to these questions depend, in part, on the copyright status of the material and the licensing terms under which the material is made available.  This paper will investigate the importance of licenses and focus on the 'open' of Open Access.
Prestige and quality – DOAJ: New selection criteria and ongoing developments
Authors: Bjørnshauge Lars
Published: December 2014

See video of the presentation.The presentation will highlight the important distinction between prestige and quality of (open access) journals and provide insight in the process and challenges of agreeing on and implementing new inclusion criteria for journals to be listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals as a service covering open access journals from all continents. The questions related to global acceptance of concepts of licenses, author deposit policies, persistent identifiers and long term preservation will be addressed as well.
Oh no – not yet another small, stand-alone humanities journal!
Authors: Frantsvåg Jan Erik
Published: December 2014

See video of the presentation.Small, stand-alone journals create problems for themselves, their authors and their readers. I will take a short tour of some of these problems. I will then present an outline of how a larger, Nordic, multi-disciplinary humanities and social sciences journal could be organized. They idea is not to sell a project, but to show editors and authors that there could be advantages to starting to think outside the traditional box.
“Book is a book is a book is a book”? Open Access monographs and the changing nature of contemporary scholarly publishing.
Authors: Morka Agata
Published: December 2014

See video of the presentation.Publishing an article in open access is hardly an act of courage anymore, as this model has been successfully applied to scholarly journals for quite a while now. The idea of publishing a book in OA is, on the other hand, still seen as a rather eccentric idea.  This presentation looks closer at this very eccentricity, examining current developments in the application of OA models with respect to books. It focuses on three main questions: successful business models, academic systems of career advancement and scholars’ attitudes towards open access. Although delivered by a publisher, rather than looking at the idea of open access monograph from a strictly business-related point of view, it seeks to paint a more nuanced landscape of the changing nature of the scholarly book itself and the challenges it faces. Using the open access model as a tool, it proposes to redefine the boundaries of the very nature of the contemporary scholarly monograph and encourages rethinking of the current mechanisms of construction and dissemination of knowledge.
How to support journal transitions in HSS – A new model for Utrecht University Library
Authors: Werner Inge
Published: December 2014

See video of the presentation.This paper presents a new model adopted by Igitur publishing, the Open Access journal publishing service of Utrecht University Library in the Netherlands. Using our experience as publisher of +20 OA journals over the last ten years, Igitur publishing will shift its focus to journal development and advising editorial boards and individual scholars on OA journal publishing. Igitur publishing intends to act as a mediator and incubator, forming a bridge between editorial boards, scholarly publishers, society publishers and the OA publishing market. For HSS, in particular, this new model turns out to be very beneficial.Journal developmentIn recent years, we noticed an increasing need for advice on OA publishing among scholars  from the faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law: these are the disciplines that are currently making the transition. The incubator model limits the lifespan of a journal in company: after 6 years a journal should either be ready for self-publishing (a likely scenario for society journals) or for transfer to the commercial OA publisher’s market. We intend to develop a journal in three predetermined stages within these six years, which enables us to help journals in these particular areas prepare for the technical transition from paper-based processes to xml typesetting and to prepare for a new financially sustainable OA model. These processes are particularly alien and complicated for scholars working in these fields, who are caught in between a strong paper tradition and the wish for online visibility.                AdviceOur experience in OA publishing is also valuable for scholars involved with journals that are not hosted and published in-company. Obviously, the Library is also often approached with queries on OA book publishing. Igitur publishing has a publishing consultant, a marketing consultant and a consultant on operational and technical aspects of OA publishing, all of whom address the changing world of academic publishing from their own field of expertise. In subject-specific issues they are assisted by the Library’s faculty liaisons. As in the case of journal transitions, requests for advice predominantly come from HSS. Recent examples of this advisory role are:-a society publisher struggling between scholarly ambitions and funding coming from an amateur society;-negotiating the transfer to an new OA publisher for an editorial board that was pushed out off the portfolio by its current publisher;-acting on behalf of three journals in a meeting discussing the future of publishing on Dutch studies.In these three cases, Igitur publishing’s role can again be described as a mediator between the interests of scholars and publishers. For the fields of HSS and Law, whose publishing processes and objectives are not yet adapted to online and OA publishing, this negotiating role is much needed.  It allows scholars to focus on their core business, their research, while we worry about how best to disseminate their results in Open Access.
Gold for Gold
Authors: Copsey May
Published: December 2014

(Abstract missing)
Formation of amorphous carbon nitride films by reactive Ar/N2 high-power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Kimura Takashi , Nishimura Ryotaro
Published: December 2014

Amorphous carbon nitride films are deposited by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) of a reactive Ar/N2 mixture, maintaining an average dissipated power of 60 W and an impulse repetition frequency of approximately 55 Hz. The discharge current corresponds to about 35 A during the pulse-on time and the peak instantaneous power is in the range of 20–22 kW. The deposition rate gradually increases from 3.8 to 7.0 nm/min with increasing nitrogen fraction. On the other hand, the film hardness is higher than 22 GPa when the nitrogen fraction is approximately 2.5%, but the hardness gradually decreases at nitrogen fractions up to 10% and then remains roughly constant as the nitrogen fraction exceeds 10%. In X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, C 1s peak broadening is observed owing to the presence of sp2 hybridization bonding, and the C 1s peak spectrum can be divided into four bands, whereas in the N 1s peak spectrum, two dominant components at binding energies of about 398.5 and 400.5 eV are observed. For all of the deposited films, two very broad overlapping bands (G and D bands) are clearly observed in the Raman spectra. The G peak position decreases at nitrogen fractions lower than 2.5%, beyond which the G peak position increases with increasing nitrogen fraction, showing a correlation of the G peak position with hardness.
Improvement of growth rate of plants by bubble discharge in water
Authors: Takahata Junichiro , Takaki Koichi , Satta Naoya , Takahashi Katsuyuki , Fujio Takuya , Sasaki Yuji
Published: December 2014

The effect of bubble discharge in water on the growth rate of plants was investigated experimentally for application to plant cultivation systems. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), radish (Raphanus sativus var. sativus), and strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) were used as specimens to clarify the effect of the discharge treatment on edible parts of the plants. The specimens were cultivated in pots filled with artificial soil, which included chicken manure charcoal. Distilled water was sprayed on the artificial soil and drained through a hole in the pots to a water storage tank. The water was circulated from the water storage tank to the cultivation pots after 15 or 30 min discharge treatment on alternate days. A magnetic compression-type pulsed power generator was used to produce the bubble discharge with a repetition rate of 250 pps. The plant height in the growth phase and the dry weight of the harvested plants were improved markedly by the discharge treatment in water. The soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD) value of the plants also improved in the growth phase of the plants. The concentration of nitrate nitrogen, which mainly contributed to the improvement of the growth rate, in the water increased with the discharge treatment. The Brix value of edible parts of Fragaria × ananassa increased with the discharge treatment. The inactivation of bacteria in the water was also confirmed with the discharge treatment.
Environment and Energy: A Public Opinion Survey in Davao City
Authors: COZO MAIAN J.
Published: December 2014

For the past decades, environment and its relevant issues are becoming the greatest concern of most countries. Public opinion becomes the interest of most policy makers and sociologist reformist. Improved understanding of public perceptions about global warming and other environmental issues can contribute to informing scientific and policy discussions. The aim of this study is to assess the (1) the extent of concern on the major environmental issues of the city (2) the preference between environmental protection and energy production, and (3) to compare the extent of concern of the public according to their respective district.  A total of 1151 respondents, ages 18 and above was derived using the systematic sampling at 95% confidence interval, and proportionate sampling distribution to ensure representativeness with the population of the city. The results suggest that Dabawenyos are greatly worried about global warming (92%), deforestation and urban flooding (88%), and energy crisis are considered as the most alarming environmental problem in the city. Moreover, they are more favorable to environmentally-friendly solutions in addressing the city’s energy problem, and the government should put greater emphasis on the development of renewable energy (96%). The degree of concerns and emphasis on environmental protection of the community can be directly equated to the traumatic environmental phenomena that had happened in the city.   Keywords: Ecology and Conservation, environmental issues, renewable energy, poll survey, Philippines
Status of Windowpane Oysters (Placuna Placenta) at Municipality of Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines
Authors: ALIMEN ROLANDO A. , SELORIO, JR. CORNELIO M.
Published: December 2014

The Windowpane oysters (Placuna Placenta) are considered as shells which have high quality value. These shells are used as raw materials for shell craft products (SEAFDEC, 2006) like chalk, shells, soldering lead, and paint (Ingole & Clemente, 2006). Furthermore, windowpane oysters were identified as second priority mollusk species for research, which located at the Philippines. In this connection, Philippines is a major source of windowpane shells fishery as cited by Madrones-ladja, 1997. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the status of windowpane oysters (Placuna Placenta) at the Municipality of Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines. Using the Line Intercept Transect (LIT) technique (English et al., 1997), the windowpane oyster shells (Placuna Placenta)were determined. At each site, 2-3 transect lines were laid on the intertidal floor parallel to the shore. For the physico-chemical measurements: water temperature was measured using thermometer; the transparency of the water was assessed using secchi disc; salinity and pH were measured using refractometer and pH meter; and the dissolved oxygen was measured using Winkler’s methods. Windowpane shells were collected randomly in the proposed site. Meristimatic measurements like length, thickness of the shell, and width are measured using measuring board. The data collected were analyzed to get the biometric relationship. The number of oyster increases as substrate from muddy-sandy to soft muddy slowly changes as depth increases. Common windowpane oysters found are juvenile (31- 45 mm) and having a shell thickness of 1.89 mm. The length-width relation and length-shell thickness relation are highly related, with an r value of 0.9439 and 0.5872, respectively. The populations of the site are mostly juvenile, which imposing a windowpane oyster sanctuary in it natural bed is highly recommended.Keywords: Marine Ecology, windowpane oyster, assessment, sanctuary, length-width relationand length-shell thickness relation, Southern Central Iloilo, Philippines
Spatio-Temporal Distribution, Abundance, and Lipid Content of Zooplankton (calanid species) in an Upwelling Area and Estuarine Plume in Northern Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: CANENCIA MAE OLJAE P.
Published: December 2014

Zooplankton category, calanidae copepod plays important roles in the marinefood web as an intermediate between primary and fish production at highertrophic levels. Their main ecological role is to provide sustenance for fish larvaeand adult fish such as whalesharks, manta rays and sardines. This study describedthe species composition, spatio-temporal distribution and abundance, body sizesand lipid content of calanids, in an upwelling area off Sindangan Bay and in an estuarine plume in Butuan Bay and Gingoog Bay. Five species were identified in two sampling sites: Nannocalanus minor, Undinula vulgaris, Cosmocalanusdarwini, Canthocalanus pauper and Neocalanus gracilis. In terms of body sizes,smaller sizes can be seen in the upper shallow strata (0-65 m and 65-135 m) of anupwelling area while larger ones could be seen in the same strata of an estuarineplume. Findings showed that the shallower the water, the more abundant are thecalanids associated with an upwelling system and an estuarine plume. The overallresults from the correlation analysis revealed that predictors of water physicochemicalparameters such as chlorophyll,salinity and temperaturecontributedsignificantlyto theabundance anddistributionofcalanid species butnegativelycorrelatedwith water depth of Zamboangadel Norteand Agusan del Norte.Keywords: Environment, calanids, spatio-temporal distribution, lipid,upwelling, descriptive-correlation design, Philippines
Current and Future Challenges in the Surgical Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review
Authors: Tsoulfas Georgios , Agorastou Polyxeni , Tooulias Andreas , Marakis Georgios N.
Published: December 2014

Challenges in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most frequent types of cancer worldwide. Surgery, although only a part of the armamentarium against HCC, represents the cornerstone in the management of this aggressive disease. This article will review the current and future challenges in the surgical management of HCC, with a special emphasis on the following areas: (1) the evolution of staging of the disease and the importance of the biological nature and behavior of HCC, (2) the effort to increase resectability, (3) technical innovations and the role of image-guided surgery, and, finally, (4) the role of liver transplantation in the continuum of care for these patients. Although by no means an exhaustive list, the issues mentioned above represent some of the most promising prospects for significant progress in the management of HCC.
Uncommon Complex Anomaly of Inferior Vena Cava and Left Iliac Vein Demonstrated by Multidetector-Row CT Angiography
Authors: Ogul Hayri , Yuce Ihsan , Yalcin Ahmet , Karaca Leyla , Okur Aylin , Kantarci Mecit
Published: December 2014

Retroperitoneal venous anomalies have clinical importance in retroperitoneal and pelvic surgery. Multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) angiography is an important imaging method to be preferred in evaluating vascular structures in this locality. We describe a complex retroperitoneal venous anomaly with a multidetector-row CT angiography.
Intraperitoneal Microdialysis as a Monitoring Method in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Konstantinos Tasiopoulos , Apostolos Komnos , Georgios Paraforos , Konstantinos Tepetes
Published: December 2014

Studies on surgical patients provide some evidence of prompt detection of enteric ischemia with microdialysis. The purpose of the study was to measure intraperitoneal microdialysis values (glucose, glycerol, pyruvate, and lactate) in patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU) with an underlying abdominal surgical condition and to correlate these values with patients' outcomes. Twenty-one patients, 10 female, were enrolled in the study. The intraperitoneal metabolite values were measured for 3 consecutive days, starting from the first day of ICU hospitalization. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. The t-test, repeated measures analysis, Holm's test, and a logistic regression model were applied. Level of statistical significance was set at P = 0.05. Mean age of participants was 68.10 ± 8.02 years old. Survivors exhibited statistically significantly higher glucose values on day 3 (6.61 ± 2.01 against 3.67 ± 1.62; P = 0.002). Mean lactate/ pyruvate (L/P) values were above 20 (35.35 ± 27.11). All non-survivors had a mean three day L/P values greater than 25.94. Low L/P values were related to increased survival possibilities. High microdialysis glucose concentration, high L/P ratio and low glucose concentration were the major findings during the first three ICU hospitalization days in non-survivors. Intraperitoneal microdialysis may serve as a useful tool in understanding enteric ischemia pathophysiology.
Intrahepatic Biliary Dilatation Caused by a Small Simple Hepatic Cyst: Report of a Case
Authors: Naitoh Hiroshi , Fukasawa Takaharu , Fukuchi Minoru , Kiriyama Shinsuke , Tabe Yuichi , Yamauchi Hayato , Suzuki Masaki , Yoshida Tomonori , Sakurai Shinji , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: December 2014

Biliary obstruction caused by small simple cysts is very rare. We present a case of biliary dilatation caused by a simple cyst with a 4-cm diameter. The patient was a 75-year-old woman referred to our hospital for evaluation of a cystic tumor associated with peripheral biliary duct dilatation in the left segment of the liver. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed that the cyst probably communicated with the intrahepatic bile duct. Malignant tumors, including intrahepatic papillary neoplasms of the bile duct, could not be ruled out; therefore, we performed surgery with the patient's consent. Histopathologic examination of the resected liver showed that the cystic lesion was a simple cyst. The finding that even small simple cysts can obstruct the biliary tract is important for the management of cystic lesions of the liver.
Exploratory Analysis to Find Unfavorable Subset of Stage II Gastric Cancer for Which Surgery Alone Is the Standard Treatment; Another Target for Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Aoyama Toru , Yoshikawa Takaki , Fujikawa Hirohito , Hayashi Tsutomu , Ogata Takashi , Cho Haruhiko , Yamada Takanobu , Hasegawa Shinichi , Tsuchida Kazuhito , Yukawa Norio , Oshima Takashi , Rino Yasushi , Masuda Munetaka
Published: December 2014

The aim of the present study was to explore the unfavorable subset of patients with Stage II gastric cancer for whom surgery alone is the standard treatment (T1N2M0, T1N3M0, and T3N0M0). Recurrence-free survival rates were examined in 52 patients with stage T1N2-3M0 and stage T3N0M0 gastric cancer between January 2000 and March 2010. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors using a Cox proportional hazards model. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates of the patients with stages T1N2, T1N3, and T3N0 cancer were 80.0, 76.4, and 100% at 5 years, respectively. The only significant prognostic factor for the survival rates of the patients with stage pT1N2-3 cancer measured by univariate and multivariate analyses was pathological tumor diameter. The 5-year RFS rates of the patients with stage pT1N2-3 cancer were 60.0%, when the tumor diameters measured <30 mm, and 88.9% when the tumor diameters measured >30 mm (P = 0.0248). These data may suggest that pathological tumor diameter is associated with poor survival in patients with small T1N2-3 tumors. Because our study was a retrospective single-center study with a small sample size, a prospective multicenter study is necessary to confirm whether small tumors are risk factor for the RFS in T1N2-3 disease.
Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation in the Ischemic Small Intestine: Pathological and Biochemical Evaluation in a Rat model of Superior Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Dumlu Ersin G. , Bozkurt Birkan , Tokaç Mehmet , Kiyak Gulten , Özkardeş Alper B. , Ergin Merve , Yazgan Aylin , Kılıç Mehmet
Published: December 2014

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in acute mesenteric ischemia. Thirty male Wistar albino rats weighing 240–260 g were randomized into control (no operation), sham (operation without ischemia), and ischemia groups. To induce ischemia, the superior mesenteric artery was sutured. Total antioxidant and oxidant capacity and lipid peroxidase activity were measured in blood samples collected at 0 min, 60 min, and 240 min, and the pathology of ileum segments resected at 240 min was evaluated. Total oxidant status did not differ among the groups. Total antioxidant status increased significantly with time in the ischemia group compared to the control and sham groups (P < 0.001). Although basal arylesterase activity was lower in the ischemia group than controls (P < 0.05), post-ischemia values were similar among the groups. Similarly, basal and stimulated paraoxonase activity in blood samples did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation have no significant role in the pathophysiology of acute mesenteric ischemia.
Recurrent, Spontaneous Esophageal Ruptures Associated With Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: Report of a Case
Authors: Naitoh Hiroshi , Fukuchi Minoru , Kiriyama Shinsuke , Fukasawa Takaharu , Tabe Yuichi , Yamauchi Hayato , Yoshida Tomonori , Saito Kana , Hagiwara Kei , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: December 2014

A 52-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a spontaneous esophageal rupture (Boerhaave syndrome) and was successfully treated. Eight years after the first incident, he was readmitted with a recurrent rupture. Recurrence of Boerhaave syndrome is extremely rare, with only 7 cases reported in the English literature. During treatment, the patient was also diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Although APS is known to cause a variety of symptoms due to vascular thrombosis, recurrence of Boerhaave syndrome, coincident with APS, has never been reported. The pathogenesis of Boerhaave syndrome has not been clearly determined. This report serves to increase awareness of the risk of APS, which results in an increased risk of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus.
Risk Factors for Renal Allograft Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Ortiz Jorge , Parsikia Afshin , Horrow Mindy M. , Khanmoradi Kamran , Campos Stalin , Zaki Radi
Published: December 2014

Renal allograft compartment syndrome (RACS) is graft dysfunction secondary to intracompartment hypertension. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for RACS. We reviewed 7 cases of established RACS and all intra-abdominal placements of the kidney in order to include potential RACS. We also studied early graft losses in order to rule out a missed RACS. We compared the allograft length and width, recipient height, weight, body mass index, aberrant vessels, site of incision, and side of kidney with the remainder of the cohort as potential predictors of RACS. Among 538 transplants, 40 met the criteria for actual RACS or potential RACS. We uncovered 7 cases of RACS. Only kidney length and width were statistically significant (P = 0.041 and 0.004, respectively). The width was associated with a higher odds ratio than was length (2.315 versus 1.61). Increased allograft length and width should be considered as a potential risk for RACS.
Perforation of the Sigmoid Colon and Massive Ischemia of the Small Intestine Caused by Amyloidosis Associated With Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report
Authors: Harada Kenichi , Ichikawa Daisuke , Konishi Hirotaka , Komatsu Shuhei , Shiozaki Atsushi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Otsuji Eigo
Published: December 2014

Amyloidosis is a metabolic disease that results in organ dysfunction because of the deposition of amyloid proteins in body tissues and organs. Amyloid accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to severe complications with poor outcomes. We report a case showing simultaneous perforation of the sigmoid colon and massive segmental intestinal ischemia caused by amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma. A 75-year-old woman presented to the emergency department in our hospital with a chief complaint of abdominal pain. Results of several examinations indicated sigmoid colon perforation and acute generalized peritonitis. She underwent an emergency exploratory laparotomy. Operative finding was a perforation of the sigmoid colon and many segmental discoloration sites appeared intraoperatively in the small intestine. A loop colostomy was performed by employing a double-barrel ileostomy with a massive resection of the segmentally discolored small bowel. Pathological findings suggested that the causative factor was amyloidosis with multiple myeloma. The patient was successfully treated with adequate surgery and with melphalan and prednisone after the operation. Meticulous and appropriate treatment for severe complications involving amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma can prevent a fatal outcome.
Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Primary Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Colon and Rectum: 22 Cases Reviewed With Literature
Authors: Belli Sedat , Aytac Huseyin Ozgur , Karagulle Erdal , Yabanoglu Hakan , Kayaselcuk Fazilet , Yildirim Sedat
Published: December 2014

Colorectal primary signet ring cell carcinoma (PSRCCR) is a rare entity with a dismal prognosis, mainly because of delayed diagnosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic features and prognostic factors for PSRCCR. This is a retrospective study including the data of 22 patients with PSRCCR who underwent surgery. Patients were categorized by age, sex, tumor site, and stage. Fifteen patients were male. Median age was 40 years. Sites for metastases were lymph nodes (86.4%), peritoneum (40.9%), and liver (9.1%). Most of the patients (91%) had stage III or IV tumors. The rates of curative and palliative resections performed were equal. Mean overall survival and mean progression-free survival times were found to be 33.3 ± 7.1 months (95% confidence interval, 19.4–47.2 months) and 11.8 ± 3.5 months (95% confidence interval, 4.9–18.7 months), respectively. It was concluded that site of the tumor, presence of bowel obstruction, peritoneum and lung metastases, adjacent organ infiltration, TNM stage, and efficiency of surgery have significant effects on survival. All in all, these aggressive tumors are generally diagnosed at advanced stages. Depending on the situation, survival is shorter. A high degree of vigilance is required for these patients to avoid the negative impact of late diagnosis on survival.
Cytotoxic Activity of Anticancer Drugs on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in Hypoxic-Hyponutritional Culture
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhu Lin-Zhong , Yang Ren-Jie , Zhu Xu
Published: December 2014

To investigate which anticancer drugs and combination of dual drugs could further promote the inhibition of cell growth in vitro against HCC cell line (HepG2) in the hypoxic and hyponutritional culture medium (HHCM) mimicked the different scenarios of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The cells of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by TACE suffered various hypoxia and hyponutrition. The cells were treated for 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, and 24 hours, respectively, using 10 drugs including epirubicin (EPI), cisplatin (DDP), mitomycin-C (MMC), oxaliplatin (OXA), hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), gemcitabine (GEM), docetaxel (DTX), thiotepa (TSPA), and pemetrexed disodium (PEM) in 4 concentrations of HHCM (5%, 10%, 25%, and 50%, respectively) mimicking the scenario of TACE and were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cells treated with combinations of dual drugs for 24 hours were also tested. The sensitive drugs with inhibition rates more than 30% were EPI, MMC, HCPT, OXA, and PEM in 4 types of HHCMs. The sensitivity of the cells to treatment with drugs for 24 hours was significantly higher than the sensitivity of the cells to treatment with drugs for 2 hours in 5%, 10%, and 25% HHCM. The sensitivity of the combination of dual drugs was no more than the sensitivity of the single drug with higher sensitivity in 4 concentrations of HHCM. EPI, MMC, HCPT, OXA, and PEM exhibited cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells in various hypoxia and hyponutrition states. Prolonging the time of exposure could increase the sensitivity of drug, and the combination of dual drugs cannot enhance the cytotoxic effect.
Bouveret's Syndrome: An Overlooked Diagnosis. A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Qasaimeh Ghazi Raji , Bakkar Sohail , Jadallah Khaled
Published: December 2014

Bouveret's syndrome is a rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction. Its diagnosis is often delayed or overlooked. It is characterized by the passage of a large gall bladder stone through a bilio-duodenal fistula, which becomes lodged in the duodenum causing duodenal obstruction. We report the case of a 70-year-old male with a history suggestive of gall bladder disease over a 1-year period. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound, which showed a single large gall bladder stone and the patient was planned for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One week prior to the elective surgery he presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding for which he was admitted, diagnosed by a gastroenterologist as bleeding duodenal ulcer and treated by local epinephrine injection and blood transfusion. One week later he presented with a picture of acute gastric outlet obstruction, which proved by endoscopy to be due to a large stone impacted in the duodenum. Endoscopic management failed and the stone was managed by open surgery. The patient made a good postoperative recovery and for the last year he has remained free of symptoms.
Production of Intraperitoneal Interleukin-6 Following Open or Laparoscopic Assisted Distal Gastrectomy
Authors: Kumagai Youichi , Tajima Yusuke , Ishiguro Toru , Haga Norihiro , Imaizumi Hideko , Suzuki Okihide , Kuwabara Koki , Matsuzawa Takeaki , Sobajima Jun , Fukuchi Minoru , Baba Hiroyuki , Ishibashi Keiichiro , Mochiki Erito , Ishida Hideyuki
Published: December 2014

The interleukin (IL)-6 concentration in plasma or serum has been considered to represent the degree of stress resulting from surgery. However, IL-6 in peritoneal fluid has rarely been considered. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration and amount of IL-6 in peritoneal fluid as indicators of surgical stress. To obtain basic data on peritoneal release of IL-6 during gastric cancer surgery, we measured IL-6 in peritoneal drainage samples, stored for up to 72 hours postoperatively, from patients who had undergone conventional open (ODG group, n = 20) and laparoscopic-assisted (LADG group, n = 19) distal gastrectomy. Within 24 hours, 61 and 77% of the IL-6 was released into the peritoneal cavity in the LADG and ODG groups, respectively. In both groups, the concentration and amount of peritoneal fluid IL-6 were significantly correlated with each other (LADG group: Spearman's rank correlation test [rS] = 0.48, P = 0.04; ODG group: rS = 0.58, P = 0.01). The concentration and amount of IL-6 in peritoneal fluid was 2.8- and 3.6-fold higher in the ODG than in the LADG group, respectively (P < 0.01). With regard to the relationship between the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) peak and the concentration or amount of peritoneal fluid IL-6 released within 24 hours, only the concentration of peritoneal fluid IL-6 in the LADG group was significantly correlated (rS = 0.60, P = 0.01) with the serum CRP peak. Our findings suggest that the amount and concentration of IL-6 released into the peritoneal cavity for up to 24 hours after surgery can each be a reliable parameter for assessment of surgical stress.
Harm Reduction and Treatment Among People at High Risk of Overdose
Authors: Bandara Sachini , Byrne Lauren , Berman Vanessa , Hurst Adrienne , King Dionna , Gibbons Jason B. , Sugarman Olivia K. , Livingston Amy , Kerins Lindsey , Hulsey Eric G. , Alves Alejandro , Saloner Brendan
Published: August 2024

Importance

Rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids remain high, increasingly involve stimulants combined with opioids, and are increasing rapidly in racially and ethnically minoritized communities, yet little is known about access to harm reduction and treatment services in these groups.

Objective

To characterize access and barriers to harm reduction and treatment in a racially and ethnically diverse population of people who use drugs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional telephone survey of people recruited from 39 treatment, harm reduction, and social service organizations in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin; Flint and Detroit, Michigan; and statewide in New Jersey was conducted from January 30 to July 28, 2023. Adults who used cocaine, methamphetamine, or opioids in the past 30 days called a study hotline and completed an interview in English or Spanish.

Exposures

Overdose experience, drug types used (opioids only, stimulants only, and polysubstance), and social risk factors (eg, financial instability and criminal legal involvement).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Recent use of any harm reduction services, fentanyl test strips, naloxone possession, treatment, and self-reported barriers to services.

Results

Of the total sample of 1240 adults, 486 (39.2%) were Black non-Hispanic, 183 (14.8%) were Hispanic, and 464 (37.4%) were White non-Hispanic. In the past 30 days, 826 individuals (66.6%) were polysubstance users, 135 (10.9%) used only opioids, and 279 (22.5%) used only stimulants. A total of 349 respondents (28.1%) experienced a prior-year overdose. Compared with those without a prior-year overdose, people with overdose were more likely to possess naloxone (80.7% vs 68.2%; P < .001), possess fentanyl test strips (36.8% vs 23.5%; P < .001), and use harm reduction services (63.4% vs 53.0%; P = .003), while differences in treatment use were nonsignificant (52.0% vs 46.6%; P = .24). Among stimulant-only users, 51.4% possessed naloxone compared with 77.3% of opioid-only users (P < .001) and 77.6% of polysubstance users (P < .001), with similar disparities in fentanyl test strip possession.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of people who used drugs in the past 30 days, findings highlighted low use of harm reduction and treatment services among people who use stimulants. Additional communication regarding their importance may help increase the use of the services amidst a rapidly changing drug supply.
Recurrent Pulmonary Tuberculosis in China, 2005 to 2021
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Bo , Du Xin , Pei Shaojun , Jia Zhongwei , Zhao Yanlin
Published: August 2024

Importance

Despite posing a significant challenge to global tuberculosis (TB) elimination efforts, recurrent TB remains understudied due to the challenges of long-term observation.

Objective

To investigate the burden of recurrent TB using data from patients with pulmonary TB (PTB) in China.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included all bacteriologically confirmed or clinically diagnosed PTB cases reported to the Tuberculosis Information Management System with completed or successful treatment outcomes from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2021. Data were analyzed from July 15, 2022, to October 28, 2023.

Exposures

Newly diagnosed PTB was classified into primary, hematogenous disseminated, or secondary PTB.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the annual recurrence rate, stratified by disease classification, over the 17-year observation period. The recurrence rate for year n was calculated by dividing the number of patients with recurrent TB in year n by observed person-years in year n. The secondary outcome was the annual proportion of recurrent TB among reported cases and associated risk factors.

Results

Of 13 833 249 patients with TB reported to the Tuberculosis Information Management System, 10 482 271 with PTB met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 68.9% were male, 22.3% were 65 years or older, 89.6% were of Han ethnicity, and 68.4% were agricultural workers. A total of 413 936 patients experienced a recurrent TB episode after successful treatment, resulting in an overall recurrence rate of 0.47 (95% CI, 0.47-0.48) per 100 person-years. The recurrence rate for patients with primary PTB was 0.24 (95% CI, 0.22-0.26) per 100 person-years; for hematogenous disseminated PTB, 0.37 (95% CI, 0.36-0.38) per 100 person-years; and for secondary PTB, 0.48 (95% CI, 0.47-0.48) per 100 person-years. The cumulative proportion of recurrences within the first 2 years accounted for 48.9% of all recurrent cases. The proportion of recurrent cases among notified incident cases increased 1.9-fold from 4.7% in 2015 to 8.8% in 2021. Among other factors, ages 45 to 64 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.77 [95% CI, 1.65-1.89]) and having completed treatment (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.14-1.18]) were identified as associated with recurrence.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective cohort study, the PTB recurrence rate was substantially higher than the incidence, and the proportion of recurrent cases increased. Almost half of the recurrence occurred within the first 2 years, suggesting that routine posttreatment follow-up may represent an important strategy for accelerating TB elimination.
Cell‐free and extracellular vesicle microRNAs with clinical utility for solid tumors
Authors: Hayashi Yoshinori , Millen Janelle‐Cheri , Ramos Romela Irene , Linehan Jennifer A. , Wilson Timothy G. , Hoon Dave S. B. , Bustos Matias A.
Published: August 2024

As cutting‐edge technologies applied for the study of body fluid molecular biomarkers are continuously evolving, clinical applications of these biomarkers improve. Diverse forms of circulating molecular biomarkers have been described, including cell‐free DNA (cfDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and cell‐free microRNAs (cfmiRs), although unresolved issues remain in their applicability, specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. Translational studies demonstrating the clinical utility and importance of cfmiRs in multiple cancers have significantly increased. This review aims to summarize the last 5 years of translational cancer research in the field of cfmiRs and their potential clinical applications to diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring disease recurrence or treatment responses with a focus on solid tumors. PubMed was utilized for the literature search, following rigorous exclusion criteria for studies based on tumor types, patient sample size, and clinical applications. A total of 136 studies on cfmiRs in different solid tumors were identified and divided based on tumor types, organ sites, number of cfmiRs found, methodology, and types of biofluids analyzed. This comprehensive review emphasizes clinical applications of cfmiRs and summarizes underserved areas where more research and validations are needed.
Electrocatalytic Urea Production with Nitrate and CO2 on a Ru‐Dispersed Co Catalyst
Authors: Wan Yuying , Zhang Zhuoyan , Wang Xiaomei , Yang Xing , Zhang Hu , Chu Ke
Published: August 2024

Urea electrosynthesis from co‐electrolysis of NO3− and CO2 (UENC) provides an alternative route for realizing efficient and sustainable urea production. In this work, single‐atom Ru dispersed on Co (Ru1Co) is demonstrated as an effective and robust catalyst for the UENC. In situ spectroscopic measurements and theoretical simulations unravel the cooperative effect of Ru1 and Co sites to promote the UENC process via a tandem catalysis mechanism, where the Ru1 site activates the adsorption and hydrogenation of NO3− to form *NH2, while the Co site activates the adsorption and hydrogenation/deoxygenation of CO2 to form *CO. The generated *CO is then transferred from the Co site to the nearby Ru1 site which promotes the C─N coupling of *NH2 and *CO toward the urea formation. Strikingly, Ru1Co assembled in a flow cell shows the highest urea‐Faradaic efficiency of 50.1% with the corresponding urea yield rate of 22.34 mmol h−1 g−1 at −0.5 V (RHE), superior to most reported UENC catalysts for urea production.