bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of mycobacterial cell wall nucleic acid complex in the treatment of bacillus Calmette–Guérin failures for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Packiam Vignesh T. , Pearce Shane M. , Steinberg Gary D. 
Published: October 2015

Introduction: The treatment of high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) utilizes transurethral resection followed by adjuvant intravesical immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is the mainstay of adjuvant immunotherapy, but there are limited nonsurgical options for patients that fail this treatment. Mycobacterial cell wall nucleic acid complex (MCNA) is an immunotherapeutic agent utilized primarily after failure of intravesical BCG. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the published literature regarding MCNA. Methods: A literature review was performed and identified studies indexed in MEDLINE® related to utilization of MCNA for patients with NMIBC. Results: Two trials assessed the efficacy of MCNA in patients with NMIBC, comprising a total of 184 patients. Most patients had carcinoma in situ (CIS) with (26%) or without (52%) concomitant papillary tumors. A minority of patients had only papillary tumors (22%). Most patients (95%) previously received BCG or other intravesical therapy prior to receiving MCNA. In the largest available trial, 25% and 19% of patients had no evidence of residual cancer in 1 and 2 years following initiation of MCNA. A total of 2.3% of patients had adverse events (AEs) leading to delay or discontinuation of therapy and 66% of patients had mild drug-related AEs. Conclusion: Based on analysis of available published data, MCNA offers a durable response for a small proportion of patients that have failed prior intravesical therapy. There still exists a large unmet need for nonsurgical treatment options for patients with NMIBC who have failed adjuvant intravesical therapies.
IDegLira Improves Both Fasting and Postprandial Glucose Control as Demonstrated Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring and a Standardized Meal Test
Authors: Holst Jens J. , Buse John B. , Rodbard Helena W. , Linjawi Sultan , Woo Vincent C. , Boesgaard Trine Welløv , Kvist Kajsa , Gough Stephen C. 
Published: October 2015

Objective: IDegLira is a novel, fixed-ratio combination of the long-acting basal insulin, insulin degludec, and the long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 analog liraglutide. We studied the effect of IDegLira versus its components on postprandial glucose (PPG) in type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this substudy, 260 (15.6%) of the original 1663 patients with inadequate glycemic control participating in a 26-week, open-label trial (DUAL I) were randomized 2:1:1 to once-daily IDegLira, insulin degludec or liraglutide. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for 72 hours and a meal test were performed. Results: At week 26, IDegLira produced a significantly greater decrease from baseline in mean PPG increment (normalized iAUC0-4h) than insulin degludec (estimated treatment difference [ETD] −12.79 mg/dl [95% CI: −21.08; −4.68], P = .0023) and a similar magnitude of decrease as liraglutide (ETD −1.62 mg/dl [95% CI: −10.09; 6.67], P = .70). CGM indicated a greater reduction in change from baseline in PPG increment (iAUC0-4h) for IDegLira versus insulin degludec over all 3 main meals (ETD −6.13 mg/dl [95% CI: −10.27, −1.98], P = .0047) and similar reductions versus liraglutide (ETD −1.80 mg/dl [95% CI: −2.52, 5.95], P = .4122). Insulin secretion ratio and static index were greater for IDegLira versus insulin degludec ( P = .048 and P = .006, respectively) and similar to liraglutide ( P = .45 and P = .895, respectively). Conclusions: Once-daily IDegLira provides significantly better PPG control following a mixed meal test than insulin degludec. The improvement is at least partially explained by higher endogenous insulin secretion and improved beta cell function with IDegLira. The benefits of liraglutide on PPG control are maintained across all main meals in the combination.
Mechanical thrombectomy with ‘ADAPT’ technique by transcervical access in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Castaño Carlos , Remollo Sebastian , García Maria Rosa , Hidalgo Cristina , Hernández-Perez Maria , Ciorba Mihaela 
Published: October 2015

Background The mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for endovascular clot retrieval has dramatically improved successful revascularization and clinical outcome in selected acute stroke patients. MT is typically performed via a transfemoral approach, but catheterization of the occluded vessel can be problematic in cases of extensive vessel tortuosity. We describe a case of MT with the ‘ADAPT’ technique by direct carotid access due to an inability to catheterize the ICA by a transfemoral approach for acute cerebral ischemia in the setting of left MCA occlusion. Excellent angiographic and good clinical results were obtained without any complications. Case report An 80-year-old woman was admitted with a stroke by occlusion of the left MCA, with an NIHSS: 11, and an ASPECT: 7 in the CT. Under sedation a transfemoral angiography was performed, but after multiple attempts, it was impossible to make a stable catheterization of the left CCA. A transcervical approach was pursued. With ultrasound guidance the CCA was catheterized. Using the ‘ADAPT’ technique, we performed a successful MT. Post-procedure angiography (at 14 minutes) demonstrated recanalization of the entire left MCA (TICI: 3), without complications. The carotid access point was closed with a percutaneous closure. Control TC at 24 h showed a slight hypodensity in the left lenticular nucleus, and loss of gray-white matter differentiation in the adjacent cortex. Neurologically, the patient presented with progressive improvement. At discharge, she had an NIHSS: 0, mRS: 0 and Barthel: 100. Conclusions MT by direct carotid access is an effective alternative technique in those cases where it is not accessible by a transfemoral approach.
Ileal interposition surgery for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus-pros and cons
Authors: Payab M. , Hasani-Ranjbar Sh. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNowadays, the surgical techniques for treating type 2 diabetes (T2DM) include: Ileal Interposition (II), Ileal Interposition in combination with Sleeve Gastrectomy (IISG) and Diverted Sleeve Gastrectomy (IIDSG). These procedures are not only for obese subjects, but are also used for non-obese subjects. These types of surgical procedures can improve glycemic control, and lead to a significant reduction in oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) and insulin therapy. The results of various studies have shown the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the surgical procedure for the treatment of T2DM. Although it is an effective treatment option, this procedure is not recommended for general use and long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings and potential side effects on a larger number of patients.
Draft genome sequence of Halomonas meridiana R1t3 isolated from the surface microbiota of the Caribbean Elkhorn coral Acropora palmata
Authors: Meyer Julie L. , Dillard Brian A. , Rodgers John M. , Ritchie Kim B. , Paul Valerie J. , Teplitski Max 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMembers of the gammaproteobacterial genus Halomonas are common in marine environments. Halomonas and other members of the Oceanospirillales have recently been identified as prominent members of the surface microbiota of reef-building corals. Halomonas meridiana strain R1t3 was isolated from the surface mucus layer of the scleractinian coral Acropora palmata in 2005 from the Florida Keys. This strain was chosen for genome sequencing to provide insight into the role of commensal heterotrophic bacteria in the coral holobiont. The draft genome consists of 290 scaffolds, totaling 3.5 Mbp in length and contains 3397 protein-coding genes.
Microbial ecology and geoelectric responses across a groundwater plume
Authors: Doherty Rory , McPolin Blathnaid , Kulessa Bernd , Frau Alessandra , Kulakova Anna , Allen Christopher C. R. , Larkin Michael J. 
Published: October 2015

We have used geophysics, microbiology, and geochemistry to link large-scale (30+ m) geophysical self-potential (SP) responses at a groundwater contaminant plume with its chemistry and microbial ecology of groundwater and soil from in and around it. We have found that microbially mediated transformation of ammonia to nitrite, nitrate, and nitrogen gas was likely to have promoted a well-defined electrochemical gradient at the edge of the plume, which dominated the SP response. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the plume fringe or anode of the geobattery was dominated by electrogens and biodegradative microorganisms including Proteobacteria alongside Geobacteraceae, Desulfobulbaceae, and Nitrosomonadaceae. The uncultivated candidate phylum OD1 dominated uncontaminated areas of the site. We defined the redox boundary at the plume edge using the calculated and observed electric SP geophysical measurements. Conductive soils and waste acted as an electronic conductor, which was dominated by abiotic iron cycling processes that sequester electrons generated at the plume fringe. We have suggested that such geoelectric phenomena can act as indicators of natural attenuation processes that control groundwater plumes. Further work is required to monitor electron transfer across the geoelectric dipole to fully define this phenomenon as a geobattery. This approach can be used as a novel way of monitoring microbial activity around the degradation of contaminated groundwater plumes or to monitor in situ bioelectric systems designed to manage groundwater plumes.
Development and pilot testing of a mental healthcare plan in Nepal
Authors: Jordans M. J. D. , Luitel N. P. , Pokhrel P. , Patel V. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundMental health service delivery models that are grounded in the local context are needed to address the substantial treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries.AimsTo present the development, and content, of a mental healthcare plan (MHCP) in Nepal and assess initial feasibility.MethodA mixed methods formative study was conducted. Routine monitoring and evaluation data, including client flow and reports of satisfaction, were obtained from patients (n = 135) during the pilot-testing phase in two health facilities.ResultsThe resulting MHCP consists of 12 packages, divided over community, health facility and organisation platforms. Service implementation data support the real-life applicability of the MHCP, with reasonable treatment uptake. Key barriers were identified and addressed, namely dissatisfaction with privacy, perceived burden among health workers and high drop-out rates.ConclusionsThe MHCP follows a collaborative care model encompassing community and primary healthcare interventions.
Truth Becomes Fiction When Fiction Is True: The Story of the Stone and the Visual Culture of the Manchu Court
Authors: Wei Shang 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This paper seeks to interpret The Story of the Stone with reference to the visual culture of the Manchu court. It argues that the Yongzheng reign (1723–1735) inaugurated a new era of visual culture when jia (the unreal or fiction) became itself a productive concept and an indispensable visual device in the illusionistic paintings and interior decoration of the Manchu palaces and gardens. In addressing the intricate interplay and intersections of zhen (the real or true) and jia, The Story of the Stone does more than rehash an inherited literary theme or rhetorical device. Drawing heavily on the contemporary paintings and decorative art of the imperial court, it gives both a gripping expression to and a sophisticated spin on the visual penchant and sensibility of the Manchu royal house and aristocracy.
Valuable Novelty: A Proposed General Theory of Innovation and Innovativeness
Authors: Stauffer Dennis A. 
Published: October 2015

A general theory of innovation is proposed based on an analysis of the common characteristics and dynamics of two innovation archetypes, natural selection and the scientific method, along with innovation in other contexts such as business and technology. This Valuable Novelty Theory posits a probabilistic pattern of innovation called the Innovation Cycle and a complimentary pattern called the Status Quo Cycle. This approach is designed in part to enable the measurement and comparison of innovativeness across a variety of activities, disciplines, and contexts. Two companion articles apply and test this theory.
This paper is one of three published in series, following a hypothetical deductive approach. This first article lays a theoretical foundation. The second article, “Evaluating Mindset as a Means of Measuring Innovativeness,” explains the creation of an evaluation instrument that applies this theory. A third article, “Innovativeness as a Predictor of Entrepreneurial Value Creation,” uses that instrument to test the theory’s predictive capabilities.
Patterns of disease in patients at a tertiary referral centre requiring reoperative parathyroidectomy
Authors: McIntyre CJ , Allen JLY , Constantinides VA , Jackson JE , Tolley NS , Palazzo FF 
Published: October 2015

Introduction Reoperative parathyroidectomy is required when there is persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism following the initial surgery (at least 5% of parathyroidectomies nationally). By convention, ‘persistent disease’ is defined as the situation where the patient has not been cured by the first operation. The term ‘recurrent hyperparathyroidism’ is used when the patient was confirmed to be biochemically cured for six months from the first operation but has hyperparathyroidism after this date. Reoperative surgery is associated with higher rates of postoperative complications as well as a greater rate of failure to cure. The aim of our study was to review our departmental experience of reoperative parathyroidectomy, with a view to identify patterns of disease persistence and recurrence. Methods Using a departmental database, patients were identified who had undergone reoperative parathyroidectomy between 2006 and 2014. All the pre, intra and postoperative information was documented including the operative note so as to record the location of the abnormal parathyroid gland found at reoperation. Results Almost two-thirds (63%) of patients had negative, equivocal or discordant conventional imaging so secondary investigative tools were required frequently. The majority of abnormal glands were found in eutopic locations. The most common locations for ectopic glands were intrathyroidal, mediastinal and intrathymic. A third (33%) of the patients had multigland disease and over a quarter (28%) had coexisting thyroid disease. Conclusions Persistent hyperparathyroidism represents a challenging patient subgroup for which access to all radiological modalities and intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring are required. Patient selection for reintervention is a key determinant in the reoperation cure rate.
Was macht einen Coach zum Coach? Weiterbildung und Qualifizierung
Authors: Lippmann Eric 
Published: October 2015

ZusammenfassungIn diesem Artikel wird der Frage nachgegangen, was denn eine gute Qualifizierung zum Coach ausmacht. Zuerst werden dazu Anforderungen an Coach und Coaching-Weiterbilder/innen beschrieben und mit den wichtigsten Wirkfaktoren im Coaching in Zusammenhang gestellt. Darauf aufbauend geht es um Anforderungen an die Coaching-Weiterbildungen, um am Schluss der Frage nachzugehen, was denn professionelle Coachs für ihre Weiterqualifizierung brauchen.
Crohn S Disease and Acne Fulminans as Associated Disoders (Case Report)
Authors: Pecova K , Vorcakova K. , Horakova M. , Vojarova L. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The authors are presenting a rare case of recurrent acne fulminans (AF) in man with Crohn‘s disease (CD). First attak of AF as associated disorder was observed at the age of 21 with positivity rheumatoid factor (28.0 U/ml), Creactive protein (86.7 m/l), ANA (1:160), p-ANCA (1:40) and 82 erythrocyte sedimentation rate/1 hour. The second attak of AF was observed after the 4th infliximab (5mg/kg) administration, with azathioprine (100mg/day), with positivity Epstein-Barr (EBV Real Time PCR - 1835 copies/ml). The effect of AF therapy was observed after methylprednisolone (0.5-1.0mg/kg/day) with isotretinoin (0.2-1.0mg/kg/day) administration, with continual infliximab administration.
Modeling and Analysis of Mechanical Properties in Structural Steel-DOE Approach
Authors: Bhatt A. , Parappagoudar M.B. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The present work focuses on the modeling and analysis of mechanical properties of structural steel. The effect of major alloying elements namely carbon, manganese and silicon has been investigated on mechanical properties of structural steel. Design of experiments is used to develop linear models for the responses namely Yield strength, Ultimate tensile strength and Elongation. The experiments have been conducted as per the full factorial design where all process variables are set at two levels. The main effect plots showed that the alloying elements Manganese and Silicon have positive contribution on Ultimate tensile strength and Yield strength. However, Carbon and Manganese showed more contribution as compared to Silicon. All three alloying elements are found to have negative contribution towards the response- Elongation. The present work is found to be useful to control the mechanical properties of structural steel by varying the major alloying elements. Minitab software has been used for statistical analysis. The linear regression models have been tested for the statistical adequacy by utilizing ANOVA and statistical significance test. Further, the prediction capability of the developed models is tested with the help of test cases. It is found that all linear regression models are found to be statistically adequate with good prediction capability. The work is useful to foundrymen to choose alloying elements composition to get desirable mechanical properties.
Application of Special Cause Control Charts to Green Sand Process
Authors: Perzyk M. , Rodziewicz A. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Statistical Process Control (SPC) based on the well known Shewhart control charts, is widely used in contemporary manufacturing industry, including many foundries. However, the classic SPC methods require that the measured quantities, e.g. process or product parameters, are not auto-correlated, i.e. their current values do not depend on the preceding ones. For the processes which do not obey this assumption the Special Cause Control (SCC) charts were proposed, utilizing the residual data obtained from the time-series analysis. In the present paper the results of application of SCC charts to a green sand processing system are presented. The tests, made on real industrial data collected in a big iron foundry, were aimed at the comparison of occurrences of out-of-control signals detected in the original data with those appeared in the residual data. It was found that application of the SCC charts reduces numbers of the signals in almost all cases It is concluded that it can be helpful in avoiding false signals, i.e. resulting from predictable factors.
Structure of MMCs with SiC Particles after Gas-tungsten Arc Welding
Authors: Przełożyńska E. , Braszczyńska-Malika K.N. , Mróz M. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The gas-tungsten arc (GTA) welding behaviors of a magnesium matrix composite reinforced with SiC particles were examined in terms of microstructure characteristics and process efficiencies. This study focused on the effects of the GTAW process parameters (like welding current in the range of 100/200 A) on the size of the fusion zone (FZ). The analyses revealed the strong influence of the GTA welding process on the width and depth of the fusion zone and also on the refinement of the microstructure in the fusion zone. Additionally, the results of dendrite arm size (DAS) measurements were presented.
Primary Crystallization Studies and Abrasion Analysis of Cr-Ni-Mo Cast Steel
Authors: Studnicki A. , Gromczyk M. , Kondracki M. , Suchoń J. , Szajnar J. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The article shows results of studies of primary crystallization and wear resistance of Cr-Ni-Mo cast steel intended for work in corrosive and abrasive conditions. The studies of primary crystallization were conducted with use of TDA method and modified tester allowing measurement casting cooling time influence on the cooling and crystallization curves of studied alloys. After heat treatment of examined cast steel wear tests of the samples were conducted on pin-on-disc type device.
Destruction of Moulding Sands with Chemical Binders Caused by the Thermal Radiation of Liquid Metal
Authors: Zych J. , Mocek J. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The obtained results of heating of sand moulds with binders by means of a thermal radiation of liquid metal are presented in this study. Standard samples for measuring Rg made of the tested moulding sands were suspended at the lower part of the cover which was covering the crucible with liquid metal (cast iron), placed in the induction furnace. The authors own methodology was applied in investigations. The progressing of the samples surface layers heating process was determined as the heating time function. Samples of a few kinds of moulding sands with chemical binders were tested. Samples without protective coatings as well as samples with such coatings were tested. The influence of the thermal radiation on bending resistance of samples after their cooling was estimated. The influence of several parameters such as: time of heating, distance from the metal surface, metal temperature, application of coatings, were tested. A very fast loss of strength of moulding sands with organic binders was found, especially in cases when the distance between metal and sample surfaces was small and equaled to 10÷15 mm. Then, already after app. 15 seconds of the radiation (at Tmet=1400°C), the resistance decreases by nearly 70%. Generally, moulding sands with organic binders are losing their strength very fast, while moulding sands with water glass at first increase their strength and later slightly lose. The deposition of protective coatings increases the strength of the mould surface layers, however does not allow to retain this strength after the metal thermal radiation.
Resistance to Abrasive Wear and Volume Fraction of Carbides in Cast High-manganese Austenitic Steel with Composite Structure
Authors: Tęcza G. , Głownia J. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Cast Hadfield steel is characterised by high abrasion resistance, provided, however, that it is exposed to the effect of dynamic loads. During abrasion without loading, e.g. under the impact of loose sand jet, its wear resistance drops very drastically. To increase the abrasion resistance of this alloy under the conditions where no pressure is acting, primary vanadium carbides are formed in the metallurgical process, to obtain a composite structure after the melt solidification. The primary, very hard, carbides uniformly distributed in the austenitic matrix are reported to double the wear resistance of samples subjected to the effect of a silicon carbide-water mixture.