bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter-observer variation and diagnostic efficacy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements obtained by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in small renal masses
Authors: Ponhold Lothar , Javor Domagoj , Heinz-Peer Gertraud , Sevcenco Sabina , Hofstetter Martin , Baltzer Pascal Andreas 
Published: October 2015

Background Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is increasingly used to diagnose renal lesion subtypes. Especially in small renal masses, identification of less aggressive tumor types is of clinical interest, as active surveillance strategies can be applied. Purpose To evaluate the inter-observer variation and diagnostic efficacy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements obtained by DWI in small renal masses ≤4 cm (SRM). Material and Methods This retrospective IRB-approved study included 39 patients (46 SRM: 12 benign, 34 malignant). All underwent a 3 T DWI of SRM prior to surgery. Two radiologists independently analyzed all imaging data by three measurements. Limits of agreement, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), group comparisons by t-tests, and ROC analysis were performed. Results Reliability of ADC measurements was very high with an ICC of >0.9 for both observers. Inter-rater reliability was high with an ICC of 0.82. Limits of agreement for average ADC values between both observers were −23.5% to 38.3% with a mean difference of 7.5% between both observers. No significant differences were found between benign and malignant lesions ( P value Observer 1: 0.362, Observer 2: 0.622). Papillary carcinoma showed lower ADC values compared to non-papillary carcinoma ( P value Observer 1: 0.008, Observer 2: 0.012). Consequently, ROC analysis revealed a significant ( P < 0.001, respectively) area under the ROC curve of 0.853 (Observer 1) and 0.837 (Observer 2) without significant differences between both readers ( P = 0.772). Conclusion ADC measurements of SRM at 3 T show a high reproducibility and differentiate papillary from non-papillary carcinoma subtypes. However, measurement variability may limit the application of fixed ADC thresholds for lesion diagnosis.
Autologous stem cell transplantation aids autoimmune patients by functional renewal and TCR diversification of regulatory T cells
Authors: Delemarre Eveline M. , van den Broek Theo , Mijnheer Gerdien , Meerding Jenny , Wehrens Ellen J. , Olek Sven , Boes Marianne , van Herwijnen Martijn J. C. , Broere Femke , van Royen Annet , Wulffraat Nico M. , Prakken Berent J. , Spierings Eric , van Wijk Femke 
Published: October 2015

Key Points
Autologous HSCT induces functional renewal of regulatory T cells as well as a strong Treg TCR diversification in autoimmune patients. Adding regulatory T cells to the graft does not lead to additional clinical improvement but results in delayed donor T-cell reconstitution.
High-dose dexamethasone vs prednisone for treatment of adult immune thrombocytopenia: a prospective multicenter randomized trial
Authors: Wei Yu , Ji Xue-bin , Wang Ya-wen , Wang Jing-xia , Yang En-qin , Wang Zheng-cheng , Sang Yu-qi , Bi Zuo-mu , Ren Cui-ai , Zhou Fang , Liu Guo-qiang , Peng Jun , Hou Ming 
Published: October 2015

Key Points
HD-DXM is a preferred strategy to conventional prednisone as first-line management of newly diagnosed adult primary ITP.
VAC chemotherapy with valproic acid for refractory/relapsing small cell lung cancer: a phase II study
Authors: Berghmans Thierry , Lafitte Jean-Jacques , Scherpereel Arnaud , Ameye Lieveke , Paesmans Marianne , Meert Anne-Pascale , Colinet Benoit , Tulippe Christian , Willems Luc , Leclercq Nathalie , Sculier Jean-Paul ,   for the European Lung Cancer Working Party
Published: October 2015

Salvage chemotherapy (CT) for relapsing or refractory small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains disappointing.In vitroexperiments showed that valproic acid increases apoptosis of SCLC cell lines exposed to doxorubicin, vindesine and bis(2-chloroethyl)amine. The primary objective of this phase II study was to determine whether epigenetic modulation with valproic acid in addition to a doxorubicin, vindesine and cyclophosphamide (VAC) regimen improves 6-month progression-free survival (PFS).Patients with pathologically proven SCLC refractory to prior platinum derivatives and etoposide were eligible. After central registration, patients received VAC plus daily oral valproic acid.64 patients were registered, of whom six were ineligible. Seven patients did not receive any CT, leaving 51 patients assessable for the primary end-point. The objective response rate was 19.6%. Median PFS was 2.8 months (95% CI 2.5–3.6 months) and 6-month PFS was 6%. Median survival time was 5.9 months (95% CI 4.7–7.5 months). Toxicity was mainly haematological, with 88% and 26% grade 3–4 neutropenia and thrombopenia, respectively.Despite an interesting response rate, the addition of valproic acid to VAC did not translate into adequate PFS in relapsing SCLC or SCLC refractory to platinum–etoposide.
Surviving protein quality control catastrophes – from cells to organisms
Authors: Schneider Kim , Bertolotti Anne 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT
Organisms have evolved mechanisms to cope with and adapt to unexpected challenges and harsh conditions. Unfolded or misfolded proteins represent a threat for cells and organisms, and the deposition of misfolded proteins is a defining feature of many age-related human diseases, including the increasingly prevalent neurodegenerative diseases. These protein misfolding diseases are devastating and currently cannot be cured, but are hopefully not incurable. In fact, the aggregation-prone and potentially harmful proteins at the origins of protein misfolding diseases are expressed throughout life, whereas the diseases are late onset. This reveals that cells and organisms are normally resilient to disease-causing proteins and survive the threat of misfolded proteins up to a point. This Commentary will outline the limits of the cellular resilience to protein misfolding, and discuss the possibility of pushing these limits to help cells and organisms to survive the threat of misfolding proteins and to avoid protein quality control catastrophes.
Reduction of Chemical Oxygen Demand from Refinery Wastewater by Three-Dimensional Electrode-Electro-Fenton Process
Authors: Yan Long , Wang Yufei , Li Jian , Shen Huidong , Zhang Chao , Qu Tiantian 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
In this work, a three-dimensional electrode-electro-Fenton system (3DE-EF), where Fe particles and air were introduced simultaneously into a traditional two-dimensional reactor, was employed to treat refinery wastewater. The effect of operating conditions—initial pH, electrolytic voltage, amount of Fe particles, electrolyte type and electrolyte amount—on chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction were explored and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The possible reaction mechanisms of these processes were also discussed by comparing the results of COD reduction. The results showed that the COD of refinery wastewater nearly reached the grade I wastewater discharge standard (100 mg L−1) when the initial pH was 2.98, cell voltage was 13 V, electrolysis time was 60 min, and NaCl and Fe particles were added at 2.70 g/300 mL NaCl and 3.12 g/300 mL, respectively. The results indicated that the 3DE-EF system is a highly efficient COD reduction technology, successfully combining the features of a three-dimensional electrode and an electro-Fenton system.
Oxycodone IV?; Eliminate Teaspoonfuls; Avoid Vitamin D Products Dosed and Measured in Drops
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L. 
Published: October 2015

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Association of Uninterrupted Oral Anticoagulation during Cardiac Device Implantation with Pocket Hematoma
Authors: Melton Brittany L. , Howard Patricia A. , Goerdt Abby , Casey Jessica 
Published: October 2015

Purpose Implantation of permanent pacemakers (PPMs) or implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) may be complicated by the development of pocket hematomas. Current practice guidelines provide little guidance to clinicians about the preferred strategy for chronic oral anticoagulation (OAC). The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency and clinical significance of pocket hematoma among patients receiving uninterrupted OAC during cardiac device implantation. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing cardiac device implantation between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2012, at an academic teaching hospital. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, and medications. The primary outcome was development of pocket hematomas within 30 days of device implantation. Clinical significance was based on the need for additional intervention. Data were assessed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and chi-square tests. Results The final cohort included 380 patients. The median age was 68.4 years, and 56.6% were male. Cardiovascular comorbidities were common. Among 80 patients receiving uninterrupted OAC, 71.3% were taking warfarin, 11.2% rivaroxaban, and 17.5% dabigatran. The incidence of pocket hematomas for the entire cohort was 9.7%, of which 1.3% were clinically significant. Pocket hematoma occurred in 21.4% of patients continued on OAC versus 7.7% of those not anticoagulated ( P = .001). Pocket hematoma was more common among those receiving ICDs than PPMs (18.5% vs 5.7%, respectively; P < .001). Conclusions Continuing chronic OAC increased pocket hematoma formation but most were clinically insignificant. Pocket hematoma occurred irrespective of the oral anticoagulant drug used, but additional study is needed to determine comparative risks among the drugs.
Evaluation of a New Vancomycin Dosing Protocol in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Kosmisky Desiree E. , Griffiths Carrie L. , Templin Megan A. , Norton James , Martin Kelly E. 
Published: October 2015

Background Optimal dosing of vancomycin in morbidly obese patients (>100 kg and at least 140% of their ideal body weight) has not been determined. Conventional dosing strategies have led to the observation of supratherapeutic trough concentrations (>20 mcg/mL). Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a new vancomycin dosing protocol in morbidly obese patients in achieving therapeutic trough concentrations between 10 and 20 mcg/mL and to determine patient-specific factors influencing the trough concentration attained. Methodology A single-center, retrospective chart review included morbidly obese adult patients with a pharmacy-to-dose vancomycin consult and at least 1 trough concentration obtained at steady state. Patients were excluded if they had a creatinine clearance (CrCl) less than 35 mL/min or unstable renal function, were not dosed according to the revised protocol, or received vancomycin prior to initiation of the protocol. Results Of the 48 patients included, 17 (35.4%) achieved a therapeutic vancomycin trough concentration. Subtherapeutic concentrations (<10 mcg/mL) were observed in 27 patients (56.3%) and supratherapeutic concentrations were observed in 4 (8.3%) patients. Age less than 45 years and CrCl greater than 100 mL/min were associated with subtherapeutic trough concentrations. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the revised vancomycin dosing protocol led to the attainment of therapeutic trough concentrations in 35.4% of patients. The majority had subtherapeutic concentrations, which increases the risk of treatment failures and resistance. Further study is needed to determine the optimal dosing strategy in this patient population.
Developments and new vistas in the field of melanocortins
Authors: Leone Sheila , Noera Giorgio , Bertolini Alfio 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMelanocortins play a fundamental role in several basic functions of the organism (sexual activity, feeding, inflammation and immune responses, pain sensitivity, response to stressful situations, motivation, attention, learning, and memory). Moreover, a large body of animal data, some of which were also confirmed in humans, unequivocally show that melanocortins also have impressive therapeutic effects in several pathological conditions that are the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide (hemorrhagic, or anyway hypovolemic, shock; septic shock; respiratory arrest; cardiac arrest; ischemia- and ischemia/reperfusion-induced damage of the brain, heart, intestine, and other organs; traumatic injury of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves; neuropathic pain; toxic neuropathies; gouty arthritis; etc.). Recent data obtained in animal models seem to moreover confirm previous hypotheses and preliminary data concerning the neurotrophic activity of melanocortins in neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease. Our aim was (i) to critically reconsider the established extrahormonal effects of melanocortins (on sexual activity, feeding, inflammation, tissue hypoperfusion, and traumatic damage of central and peripheral nervous system) at the light of recent findings, (ii) to review the most recent advancements, particularly on the effects of melanocortins in models of neurodegenerative diseases, (iii) to discuss the reasons that support the introduction into clinical practice of melanocortins as life-saving agents in shock conditions and that suggest to verify in clinical setting the impressive results steadily obtained with melanocortins in different animal models of tissue ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion, and finally, (iv) to mention the advisable developments, particularly in terms of selectivity of action and of effects.
Multi-modal signal acquisition using a synchronized wireless body sensor network in geriatric patients
Authors: Pflugradt Maik , Mann Steffen , Tigges Timo , Görnig Matthias , Orglmeister Reinhold 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWearable home-monitoring devices acquiring various biosignals such as the electrocardiogram, photoplethysmogram, electromyogram, respirational activity and movements have become popular in many fields of research, medical diagnostics and commercial applications. Especially ambulatory settings introduce still unsolved challenges to the development of sensor hardware and smart signal processing approaches. This work gives a detailed insight into a novel wireless body sensor network and addresses critical aspects such as signal quality, synchronicity among multiple devices as well as the system’s overall capabilities and limitations in cardiovascular monitoring. An early sign of typical cardiovascular diseases is often shown by disturbed autonomic regulations such as orthostatic intolerance. In that context, blood pressure measurements play an important role to observe abnormalities like hypo- or hypertensions. Non-invasive and unobtrusive blood pressure monitoring still poses a significant challenge, promoting alternative approaches including pulse wave velocity considerations. In the scope of this work, the presented hardware is applied to demonstrate the continuous extraction of multi modal parameters like pulse arrival time within a preliminary clinical study. A Schellong test to diagnose orthostatic hypotension which is typically based on blood pressure cuff measurements has been conducted, serving as an application that might significantly benefit from novel multi-modal measurement principles. It is further shown that the system’s synchronicity is as precise as 30 μs and that the integrated analog preprocessing circuits and additional accelerometer data provide significant advantages in ambulatory measurement environments.
A novel exonuclease (TaqMan) assay for rapid haptoglobin genotyping
Authors: Renner Wilfried , Jahrbacher Renate , Marx-Neuhold Ernestine , Tischler Simone , Zulus Barbara 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground:Haptoglobin is an acute-phase binding protein that scavenges free hemoglobin. The human haptoglobin gene (Methods:We designed an exonuclease (TaqMan) assay targeting single nucleotide differences between the homologous regions of Hp1 and Hp2. The assay contained one probe specifically binding to a site in intron 4 of Hp2, and another probe binding equally to intron 4 of Hp1 and intron 6 of Hp2.Results:Measurement of post-PCR fluorescence allowed unambiguous discrimination ofConclusions:The new
Local Government Interest in and Justifications for Collecting Payments-in-Lieu of (Property) Taxes from Charities
Authors: Grønbjerg Kirsten , McGiverin-Bohan Kellie 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe use data from a survey of Indiana local government officials (LGOs) to explore their attitudes towards PILOTs for major types of charities. We consider whether these attitudes are related to local economic conditions, political factors, LGOs’ attitudes towards the relationship between local government and nonprofits, and the extent to which LGOs are personally involved with nonprofits as leaders, members or volunteers. We also explore whether these attitudes vary by type of charity involved (hospitals, schools/universities, churches) and present preliminary data on LGO agreement with various justifications for PILOT policies.
Reforming the Postal Universal Service
Authors: Gautier Axel , Poudou Jean-Christophe 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe postal sector has undergone dramatic changes over the recent years under the double effect of ongoing liberalization and increased competition with alternative communication channels (e-substitution). As a result, the mail volume handled by the historical operator has declined sharply while the latter’s ability to match the same standard of universal service may be under threat. Thus, a reform of the postal universal service is on the agenda. This paper examines possible reforming options ranging from keeping universal service within the postal sector to redefining universal service as spanning postal and electronic technologies.
Paramutation inDrosophilaRequires Both Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Actors of the piRNA Pathway and InducesCis-spreading of piRNA Production
Authors: Hermant Catherine , Boivin Antoine , Teysset Laure , Delmarre Valérie , Asif-Laidin Amna , van den Beek Marius , Antoniewski Christophe , Ronsseray Stéphane 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTransposable element activity is repressed in the germline in animals by PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a class of small RNAs produced by genomic loci mostly composed of TE sequences. The mechanism of induction of piRNA production by these loci is still enigmatic. We have shown that, in Drosophila melanogaster, a cluster of tandemly repeated P-lacZ-white transgenes can be activated for piRNA production by maternal inheritance of a cytoplasm containing homologous piRNAs. This activated state is stably transmitted over generations and allows trans-silencing of a homologous transgenic target in the female germline. Such an epigenetic conversion displays the functional characteristics of a paramutation, i.e., a heritable epigenetic modification of one allele by the other. We report here that piRNA production and trans-silencing capacities of the paramutated cluster depend on the function of the rhino, cutoff, and zucchini genes involved in primary piRNA biogenesis in the germline, as well as on that of the aubergine gene implicated in the ping-pong piRNA amplification step. The 21-nt RNAs, which are produced by the paramutated cluster, in addition to 23- to 28-nt piRNAs are not necessary for paramutation to occur. Production of these 21-nt RNAs requires Dicer-2 but also all the piRNA genes tested. Moreover, cytoplasmic transmission of piRNAs homologous to only a subregion of the transgenic locus can generate a strong paramutated locus that produces piRNAs along the whole length of the transgenes. Finally, we observed that maternally inherited transgenic small RNAs can also impact transgene expression in the soma. In conclusion, paramutation involves both nuclear (Rhino, Cutoff) and cytoplasmic (Aubergine, Zucchini) actors of the piRNA pathway. In addition, since it is observed between nonfully homologous loci located on different chromosomes, paramutation may play a crucial role in epigenome shaping in Drosophila natural populations.
Perlindungan Merek Terdaftar Dari Kejahatan Dunia Maya Melalui Pembatasan Pendaftaran Nama Domain
Authors: Dharma Setia 
Published: October 2015

Abstract: The Protection of Registered Trademark of Cyber Crime Through The Restriction of The Domain Name Registration. The progress of science and technology has implications for the progress of the current trading method. It is not only done conventionally but also carried out through cyberspace. Trading in the virtual world requires the use of a domain name (cyber squatting) as a differentiator between one company with other companies. Law No. 11 Year 2008 on Information and Electronic Transactions regulate the use of domain names and emphasize the element of good faith in the implementation. In practice, there is a breach of the domain name registration is a crime which is the trademark or name that has a commercial value. This paper is going to examine aspects of protection-registered trademark of cyber crime through the restriction of the domain name registration and implementation of good faith. Abstrak: Perlindungan Merek Terdaftar Dari Kejahatan Dunia Maya Melalui Pembatasan Pendaftaran Nama Domain. Kemajuan ilmu dan teknologi membawa implikasi pada kemajuan metode perdagangan yang saat ini bukan hanya dilakukan secara konvensional, namun juga dilakukan melalui dunia maya. Perdagangan dalam dunia maya mensyaratkan penggunaan nama domain (cyber squatting) sebagai pembeda antara satu perusahaan dengan perusahaan yang lainnya. Undang-Undang No. 11 Tahun 2008 Tentang Informasi dan Transaksi elektronik mengatur penggunaan nama domain tersebut dan menekankan unsur iktikad baik dalam pelaksanaannya. Prakteknya, terdapat pelanggaran nama domain tersebut yang merupakan merupakan kejahatan pendaftaran merek dagang atau nama yang memiliki nilai komersial. Tulisan ini hendak mengkaji aspek perlindungan merek terdaftar dari kejahatan dunia maya melalui pembatasan pendaftaran nama domain dan pelaksanaan iktikad baik. DOI: 10.15408/jch.v1i2.1463