bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography for the diagnosis of solitary thin‐walled cavity lung cancer
Authors: Xue Xin‐ying , Liu Yu‐xia , Wang Kai‐fei , Zang Xue‐feng , Sun Jun‐ping , Zhang Ming‐yue , Yang Bing , Ao Ting , Wang Jian‐xin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground and AimLung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed neoplasm and the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Despite the high incidence of lung cancer, the diagnosis of solitary thin‐walled cavity lung cancer is rare. The aim of this review is to explore the potentials of computed tomography (CT) as diagnostic tool for solitary thin‐walled cavity lung cancer.MethodThe literature search was made in electronic databases including PudMed, Ovid SP, Embase, Web of Sciences, EBSCO and Wiley online by using relevant key terms. Because of the rarity of the subject, no precise exclusion or inclusion criteria were used for article selection and the outcome dissemination was decided to be more descriptive rather than quantitative.ResultsThe detection of cavitation in lungs is frequently done utilizing chest radiographs CT scans. However, the diagnostic challenge remains the accurate detection of solitary thin‐walled cavity lung cancer among the prevalence of cavitary lung lesions in multiple thoracic disorders including benign disorders, infectious disease and malignant tumors. Moreover, an accurate diagnosis of solitary thin‐walled cavity lung cancer is further complicated by its subjective classification within the literature. In order to facilitate early diagnosis of this disease and circumvent the need for more invasive tests that may not be warranted, the overarching goal is to establish definitive radiological features of lung cavities that are indicative of malignancy. Herein, we describe the benefits of using CT to identify and diagnose solitary thin‐walled cavity lung cancer, as well as explore the underlying mechanisms that contribute to thin‐walled cavity formation in oncology patients.ConclusionCT is the best modality for the noninvasive differentiation between malignant and nonmalignant cavities as it provides reliable information regarding the morphology and density of lesions. Besides, CT densitometry can efficiently detect the calcifications in lesions.
Tacrolimus dosage requirements in lung transplant recipients receiving antifungal prophylaxis with voriconazole followed by itraconazole: a preliminary prospective study
Authors: Enderby Cher Y. , Heckman Michael G. , Thomas Colleen S. , Keller Cesar A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundConcomitant administration of the triazole antifungals, voriconazole or itraconazole, with tacrolimus can result in significant drug interaction in the transplant recipient. Limited published information exists regarding tacrolimus dosing when transitioning from voriconazole to itraconazole. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of the drug interaction with antifungal prophylaxis using voriconazole followed by a change to itraconazole in lung transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus.MethodsThis prospective study included lung transplant recipients receiving antifungal prophylaxis with voriconazole followed by a switch to itraconazole. Patients were followed from the time of transplant until two months after converting to itraconazole. All patients received standard immunosuppression with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and a corticosteroid. Tacrolimus dose normalized concentrations using concentration/dose ratio were compared while receiving voriconazole versus itraconazole.ResultsTwenty lung transplant recipients were included in the final analysis. No difference was found with the tacrolimus dose normalized concentrations on voriconazole 254 ± 28 (ng/mL)/(mg/kg) compared with itraconazole 234 ± 34 (ng/mL)/(mg/kg), p = 0.65.ConclusionTacrolimus dosage adjustments were not necessary when converting from voriconazole to itraconazole. Validation in a larger population is needed to confirm these findings.
Renal denervation in multiple renal arteries
Authors: Verloop Willemien L. , Vink Eva E. , Spiering Wilko , Blankestijn Peter J. , Doevendans Pieter A. , Bots Michiel L. , Vonken Evert‐jan , Voskuil Michiel 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn most previous studies investigating efficacy of renal denervation (RDN), patients with multiple renal arteries are generally excluded from treatment. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of multiple renal arteries in patients referred for RDN, to propose a classification for anatomical eligibility and to investigate the relation between the presence of multiple arteries and blood pressure (BP)‐lowering effect.Materials and methodsPatients referred for RDN who underwent noninvasive imaging of the renal arteries before treatment were included in present analysis. Eligible patients were treated. Renal function and BP were evaluated 6 months after treatment.ResultsHundred and twenty‐six patients referred for RDN were included in present analysis. Thirty‐four per cent had multiple arteries. Sixty‐nine patients underwent RDN. Office BP significantly reduced from 195 (± 26)/ 106 (± 14) mmHg to 165 (± 24)/ 95 (± 14) mmHg (P < 0·001). BP reduction in patients with multiple arteries which were all treated was comparable to patients with solitary arteries. However, patients with multiple which were not all treated showed a trend towards a less pronounced effect of RDN (β: 11·6, P = 0·11). The proposed classification appeared useful by identifying eligible anatomy. Renal function at 6 months did not differ from baseline in all subgroups.ConclusionsBased on our results and the high prevalence of multiple arteries, it seems reasonable not to exclude patients with multiple renal arteries from RDN. Current analysis suggests that BP reduction may be less pronounced in patients with multiple renal arteries of whom not all arteries were treated.
Treatment with human insulin does not increase thyroid cancer risk in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tseng Chin‐Hsiao 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundWhether human insulin therapy may increase thyroid cancer risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been investigated.Materials and methodsThe reimbursement databases of all Taiwanese diabetic patients from 1996 to 2009 were retrieved from the Bureau of National Health Insurance. The entry date was set at 1 January 2004, and 968 384 patients with T2DM were followed up for thyroid cancer incidence until the end of 2009. Ever‐users, never‐users and subgroups of human insulin exposure (using tertile cut‐offs of time since starting insulin, duration of therapy and cumulative dose) at entry date were calculated for thyroid cancer incidence. Insulin glargine was not marketed until after the entry date. Therefore, to exclude the potential contamination of insulin glargine, patients who happened to use insulin glargine were censored at the time of its initiation when calculating the period of follow‐up. Hazard ratios were estimated by Cox regression.ResultsThere were 111 121 ever‐users and 857 263 never‐users of human insulin, with respective numbers of incident thyroid cancer of 118 (0·11%) and 1047 (0·12%), and respective incidences of 23·9 and 23·8 per 100 000 person‐years. The overall hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) did not show a significant association with human insulin in either the age‐sex‐adjusted or the fully adjusted model: 0·942 (0·778–1·141) and 1·096 (0·888–1·353), respectively. When categorized into tertiles of the dose–response parameters, none of the hazard ratios was significant.ConclusionsThis study does not support the role of human insulin therapy in increasing the risk of thyroid cancer in patients with T2DM.
The regional distribution of foreign investment in Russia
Authors: Gonchar Ksenia , Marek Philipp 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis article conducts a plant‐level study of the factors affecting foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow to a large opening economy endowed with specific factor advantages. We conclude that the distribution of FDI in Russian regions depends on market access and can be most notably described by the knowledge‐capital framework. Factor endowments built by natural resources are more successful in explaining the location decisions of export–platform affiliates. The impact of natural resources depends on how the availability of these resources is measured. The results reject the crowding out effects of resource FDI and prove co‐location mode, when service investments are attracted to resource‐rich regions. Labour cost advantages better explain the preferences of non‐trading service affiliates.
Synovial osteochondromatosis
Authors: Smith M. R. W. 
Published: June 2014

SummarySynovial osteochondromatosis represents a very unusual synovial response in the horse and can be either primary or secondary. The condition describes metaplastic and focal formation of cartilage within the intimal layer of the synovial membrane. The condition is also uncommon in other domestic animals, although occurs more frequently in man. Treatment usually involves arthroscopic removal of osteochondral bodies and resection of abnormal synovium. Recurrence is quite common and malignant transformation rarely occurs although, to date, this has not been reported in the horse.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate mediates AKT/ERK maintenance of dental pulp homoeostasis
Authors: Pan H. Y. , Yang H. , Shao M. Y. , Xu J. , Zhang P. , Cheng R. , Hu T. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the cell status of dental pulp cells (DPCs) in a sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P)‐induced microinflammation environment and the possible mechanisms of cell homoeostasis maintenance by S1P.MethodologySphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor (S1PR) expression was examined in DPCs within a local S1P‐induced microinflammation model established using 1 μmol L−1 S1P. U0126 [extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor], LY294002 (AKT inhibitor) and Y27632 (ROCK inhibitor) were used to inhibit corresponding signalling pathways of DPCs. CCK8 and cell cycle analysis tested cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining JC‐1 detected changes of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Tests for apoptosis and the apoptosis‐related proteins Bax and Bcl‐2 were assessed by flow cytometry and western blot analysis, respectively. Expressions of ERK and AKT were evaluated by western blot analysis. The results were analysed using the Student's t‐test and the significance level set at P < 0.05.ResultsExpressions of S1PR1, S1PR2 and S1PR3 in DPCs differed amongst individuals. DPCs maintained self‐homoeostasis in response to S1P‐induced microinflammation via S1PRs. During this repair process, ERK, AKT and ROCK had a short‐term complementary interaction at 60 min, but then AKT and ERK gradually played decisive roles after 24 h in proliferation enhancement and apoptosis inhibition, respectively (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe AKT–ERK balance may determine whether DPC homoeostasis in S1P‐induced microinflammation is maintained by synergistic regulation of cell growth and apoptosis.
Lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement and erectile dysfunction: Are these conditions related to vascular dysfunction?
Authors: Shimizu Shogo , Tsounapi Panagiota , Shimizu Takahiro , Honda Masashi , Inoue Keiji , Dimitriadis Fotios , Saito Motoaki 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAlthough the pathogenesis of lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement and erectile dysfunction is poorly understood and thought to be multifactorial, it has been traditionally recognized that these conditions increase with age. There is increasing evidence that there is an association between cardiovascular disease and lower urinary tract symptoms as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement and erectile dysfunction in elderly patients. Age might activate systemic vascular risk factors, resulting in disturbed blood flow. Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis are also linked to the etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement and erectile dysfunction. In the present review, we discuss the relationship between decreased pelvic blood flow and lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement and erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, we suggest possible common mechanisms underlining these urological conditions.
Effect of propiverine hydrochloride on stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Sugaya Kimio , Sekiguchi Yuki , Satoh Tomoya , Shiroma Kazuo , Kadekawa Katsumi , Ashitomi Katsuhiro , Nishijima Saori 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate whether the anticholinergic agent, propiverine hydrochloride, is clinically effective for stress urinary incontinence.MethodsThe participants were adult female patients with the chief complaint of stress incontinence. Propiverine (20 mg once daily) was given for 8 weeks. If the response was inadequate after 4 weeks of treatment, the dose was increased to 40 mg/day. Before and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed. The urethral pressure and blood catecholamine levels were also measured.ResultsA total of 37 patients (mean age 69 ± 11 years) were enrolled, including 15 patients with stress incontinence and 22 with mixed incontinence. The number of episodes of stress incontinence decreased significantly from 2.6 ± 2.3 times per day to 1.3 ± 2.2 times per day after 4 weeks, and 0.4 ± 0.6 times per day after 8 weeks. The daytime and night‐time frequency of urination, and quality of life score showed significant improvement. The maximum urethral closing pressure and the functional urethral length increased significantly after treatment, but blood catecholamine levels, blood pressure and pulse rate at 8 weeks were not significantly different from those at baseline.ConclusionsPropiverine could be an effective drug for stress urinary incontinence by increasing urethral closing pressure without increasing blood catecholamine levels.
Comorbidities and causes of death in the management of localized T1a kidney cancer
Authors: Patel Hiten D , Kates Max , Pierorazio Phillip M , Gorin Michael A , Jayram Gautam , Ball Mark W , Hyams Elias S , Allaf Mohamad Ezzeddine 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveThe objectives of the present study were analyze specific comorbidities associated with survival and actual causes of death for patients with small renal masses, and to suggest a simplified measure associated with decreased overall survival specific to this population.MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results‐Medicare database (1995–2007) was queried to identify patients with localized T1a kidney cancer undergoing partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy or deferring therapy. We explored independent associations of specific comorbidities with causes of death, and developed a simplified cardiovascular index. Cox proportional hazards, and Fine and Gray competing risks regression were used.ResultsOf 7177 Medicare beneficiaries in the study population, 754 (10.5%) deferred therapy, 1849 (25.8%) underwent partial nephrectomy and 4574 (63.7%) underwent radical nephrectomy with none of the selected comorbidities identified in 3682 (51.3%) patients. Congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and cerebrovascular disease were associated with decreased overall survival. The cardiovascular index provided good survival risk stratification, and reclassified 1427 (41%) patients with a score ≥1 on the Charlson Comorbidity Index to a 0 on the cardiovascular index with minimal concession of 5‐year survival.ConclusionsCongestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and cerebrovascular disease were associated with decreased overall survival among Medicare beneficiaries with small renal masses. The cardiovascular index could serve as a clinically useful prognostic aid when advising older patients that are borderline candidates for surgery or active surveillance.
A Comprehensive Method for Precise Determination of Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd Concentrations and Os Isotopic Compositions in Geological Samples
Authors: Chu Zhuyin , Yan Yan , Chen Zhi , Guo Jinghui , Yang Yueheng , Li Chaofeng , Zhang Yanbin 
Published: June 2014

A comprehensive method for the precise determination of Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pt and Pd concentrations as well as Os isotopic compositions in geological samples is presented. Samples were digested by the Carius tube method, and the Os was extracted by conventional CCl4 method. The Re, Ir, Ru, Pt and Pd were first subgroup separated from the matrix elements into Re‐Ru, Ir‐Pt and Pd by a 2‐ml anion exchange column. Subsequently, the Re‐Ru was further purified by a secondary 0.25 ml anion exchange column or by microdistillation of Ru using CrO3‐H2SO4 as an oxidant followed by a secondary 0.25 ml anion exchange separation of Re. The Pd and Ir‐Pt were further successively purified by an Eichrom‐LN column to completely remove Zr and Hf, respectively. Rhenium, Ir, Ru, Pt and Pd were individually measured by multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS), except for Ru after microdistillation purification was analysed by negative‐thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (N‐TIMS). The analytical results for peridotite reference material WPR‐1 agree well with the previously published data. Finally, several mafic rock reference materials including TDB‐1, WGB‐1, BHVO‐2, BCR‐2, BIR‐1a and DNC‐1a were analysed for Re‐Os isotopes and platinum‐group element concentrations to test their suitability for certification.
Normative Power Europe and the Power of the Local
Authors: Gordon Neve , Pardo Sharon 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this article, the unfolding events surrounding the publication of the EU Guidelines prohibiting the allocation of funds to Israeli entities in the Occupied Territories are used to offer three observations about the impact of ‘the local’ on ‘Normative Power Europe’ (NPE). First, the case study reveals the growing influence of the power of ‘the European local’ on the decision of whether or not to deploy normative power. Second, it underscores the fact that local power relations in the target country often determine the reaction to NPE, while the reaction often produces the visibility of the normative edicts and thus helps empower NPE. And third, NPE's visibility has an impact on the EU's self‐identification, but not necessarily on the policies it criticizes. These observations underscore the importance of analyzing the various levels of ‘the local’ and their relation to NPE in order to understand the latter's political impact.
Evaluating the contributions of change in investment and change in efficiency to age‐related declines in male and female reproduction
Authors: Auld J. R. , Jarne P. , Sarda V. , Jourdan‐Pineau H. , Lamy T. , Pélissié B. , David P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIt is commonly observed that reproduction decreases with age, often at a different rate in males and females. This phenomenon is generally interpreted as senescence. Such reproductive declines may stem from at least two sources: a change in resource allocation and a decline in the ability to convert resources into offspring. This distinction is important because a shift in resource allocation may be favoured by selection, while reduced efficiency is purely deleterious. We propose a way to distinguish whether a decline in reproduction is purely deleterious based on estimating reproductive investment, output, and their ratio, efficiency. We apply this approach to the hermaphroditic snail Physa acuta and demonstrate that both male and female functions decline with age. The male decline largely stems from reduced investment into male activity while female decline is due to increased reproductive inefficiency. This shows that age‐related declines in reproduction can occur for a number of different reasons, a distinction that is usually masked by the general term ‘senescence’. This approach could be applied to any species to evaluate age‐related reproductive decline. We advocate that future studies measure age trajectories of reproductive investment and output to explore the potential processes hidden behind the observation that reproduction declines with age.
Training of Food Handlers in a Hotel: Tool for Promotion of the Food Safety
Authors: Gomes C.C.B. , Lemos G.F.C. , Silva M.C. , Hora I.M.C. , Cruz A.G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis paper aims to evaluate a methodology for training food handlers using a didactic material (booklet) developed to be used as a tool in further training sessions in the hotel sector. Microbiological indicators, such as mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliforms at 35 and 45C were tested in utensils, adornments, food handler hands and ready‐for‐consumption foods, in adverse conditions and routine tasks in an industrial kitchen environment. The results of the microbiological analyses clearly demonstrated the need for constant vigilance in order to obtain safe food, besides providing examples to be inserted into teaching materials, such as a guidebook, focusing on handlers who work in hotels, with the advantage of approaching examples of the routine of these establishments.Practical ApplicationsFood handler education in hotels should be compulsory part of a food safety program. In this study, presented are the development of a methodology using practical examples from daily activities of the employers and results of laboratory analysis. Easy understanding was observed among all the food handlers and improvements were observed after the implementation of the method. The methodology can be adopted in any hotel food service, without any extra economical cost.
Predictive Models to Describe Behavior of Staphylococcus aureus in Sweet Pumpkin Salad Under Constant and Dynamic Temperature
Authors: Park Ahreum , Hwang In‐Gyun , Lee Soon‐Ho , Cho Joon‐Il , Lee Soomin , Lee Heeyoung , Yoon Yohan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis study developed predictive models to describe the behavior of Staphylococcus aureus in sweet pumpkin salad. A five‐strain mixture of S. aureus was inoculated in 5‐g portions of sweet pumpkin salad. The samples were stored at 10–30C, and cell counts were enumerated. The growth data were fitted to the Baranyi model to calculate lag‐phase duration (h), maximum specific growth rate (Log cfu/g/h), lower asymptote (Log cfu/g) and upper asymptote (Log cfu/g). The growth parameters were then fitted to secondary models as a function of storage temperature. Dynamic models were also developed for changing temperatures. The model was validated using the observed data, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was calculated. S. aureus growth was observed at 15–30C. RMSE values were 0.428–0.847. The results indicate that the developed mathematical models should be useful in describing the behavior of S. aureus as a function of temperature.Practical ApplicationMany Staphylococcus aureus strains can contaminate sweet pumpkin salad. The salad may be stored at constant and nonisothermal temperatures, which may cause different S. aureus behaviors. Therefore, the developed model could be useful in describing and predicting the behavior of S. aureus with respect to temperature and time.