bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endolymphatic sac tumor: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sun Yan-Hua , Wen Wen , Wu Jun-Hui , Song Jian-Ming , Guan Hong , Wang Kai-Xin , Xu Mei-Quan 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) is a rare neoplasm which can be encountered sporadically or in Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Here we report a sporadic case of ELST in 31-year-old man. Neither the symptoms nor a family history of VHL disease were found in the patient. CT imaging demonstrated an expansile lytic lesion of the mastoid process of the left petrous bone. MR scanning revealed a 5.2 cm × 4.7 cm × 4.2 cm mass which showed hyperintensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. Histologic sections showed a papillary, cystic or glandular architecture. The papillary and glandular structures were lined by a single layer of flattened cuboidal-to-columnar cells. The stroma of the papillary fronds was richly vascularized and chronically inflamed. The tumor showed diffusely positive reactivity with cytokeratin (Pan), cytokeratin 19, cytokeratin 5/6, cytokeratin 7, EMA, vimentin, CD56, and NSE and also showed variable reactivity with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and VEGF. The Ki-67 immunostain showed a proliferation index of < 1%. Because the mass was large, it was difficult to extirpate surgically. After surgery, the patient underwent gamma-knife radiosurgery for residual tumor. The findings indicate that ELST is a rare neoplasm with benign histopathological appearance and clinically destructive behavior. Because of the rarity of this tumor, it can easily be confused with other tumors such as paraganglioma, middle ear adenoma, adenocarcinoma, papillary carcinoma of thyroid or choroid plexus papilloma. Owing to its locally aggressive nature, it is difficult to extirpate surgically when it is large.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/7973320646763012
Analysis of inter-fraction setup errors and organ motion by daily kilovoltage cone beam computed tomography in intensity modulated radiotherapy of prostate cancer
Authors: Palombarini Marcella , Mengoli Stefano , Fantazzini Paola , Cadioli Cecilia , Degli Esposti Claudio , Frezza Giovanni Piero 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) enables a better conformality to the target while sparing the surrounding normal tissues and potentially allows to increase the dose to the target, if this is precisely and accurately determined. The goal of this work is to determine inter-fraction setup errors and prostate motion in IMRT for localized prostate cancer, guided by daily kilovoltage cone beam computed tomography (kVCBCT).

Methods
Systematic and random components of the shifts were retrospectively evaluated by comparing two matching modalities (automatic bone and manual soft-tissue) between each of the 641 daily kVCBCTs (18 patients) and the planning kVCT. A simulated Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) protocol using the average of the first 5 kVCBCTs was tested by non-parametric bootstrapping procedure.

Results
Shifts were < 1 mm in left-right (LR) and in supero-inferior (SI) direction. In antero-posterior (AP) direction systematic prostate motion (2.7 ± 0.7 mm) gave the major contribution to the variability of results; the averages of the absolute total shifts were significantly larger in anterior (6.3 ± 0.2 mm) than in posterior (3.9 mm ± 0.2 mm) direction. The ART protocol would reduce margins in LR, SI and anterior but not in posterior direction.

Conclusions
The online soft-tissue correction based on daily kVCBCT during IMRT of prostate cancer is fast and efficient. The large random movements of prostate respect to bony anatomy, especially in the AP direction, where anisotropic margins are needed, suggest that daily kVCBCT is at the present time preferable for high dose and high gradients IMRT prostate treatments.
M4 muscarinic receptor knockout mice display abnormal social behavior and decreased prepulse inhibition
Authors: Koshimizu Hisatsugu , Leiter Lorene M , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
In the central nervous system (CNS), the muscarinic system plays key roles in learning and memory, as well as in the regulation of many sensory, motor, and autonomic processes, and is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of several major diseases of the CNS, such as Alzheimer's disease, depression, and schizophrenia. Previous studies reveal that M4 muscarinic receptor knockout (M4R KO) mice displayed an increase in basal locomotor activity, an increase in sensitivity to the prepulse inhibition (PPI)-disrupting effect of psychotomimetics, and normal basal PPI. However, other behaviorally significant roles of M4R remain unclear.

Results
In this study, to further investigate precise functional roles of M4R in the CNS, M4R KO mice were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests. M4R KO mice showed no significant impairments in nociception, neuromuscular strength, or motor coordination/learning. In open field, light/dark transition, and social interaction tests, consistent with previous studies, M4R KO mice displayed enhanced locomotor activity compared to their wild-type littermates. In the open field test, M4R KO mice exhibited novelty-induced locomotor hyperactivity. In the social interaction test, contacts between pairs of M4R KO mice lasted shorter than those of wild-type mice. In the sensorimotor gating test, M4R KO mice showed a decrease in PPI, whereas in the startle response test, in contrast to a previous study, M4R KO mice demonstrated normal startle response. M4R KO mice also displayed normal performance in the Morris water maze test.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that M4R is involved in regulation of locomotor activity, social behavior, and sensorimotor gating in mice. Together with decreased PPI, abnormal social behavior, which was newly identified in the present study, may represent a behavioral abnormality related to psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia.
Hemoglobin levels and transfusions in neurocritically ill patients: a systematic review of comparative studies
Authors: Desjardins Philippe , Turgeon Alexis F , Tremblay Marie-Hélène , Lauzier François , Zarychanski Ryan , Boutin Amélie , Moore Lynne , McIntyre Lauralyn A , English Shane W , Rigamonti Andrea , Lacroix Jacques , Fergusson Dean A 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Accumulating evidence suggests that, in critically ill patients, a lower hemoglobin transfusion threshold is safe. However, the optimal hemoglobin level and associated transfusion threshold remain unknown in neurocritically ill patients.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review of comparative studies (randomized and nonrandomized) to evaluate the effect of hemoglobin levels on mortality, neurologic function, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and multiple organ failure in adult and pediatric neurocritically ill patients. We searched MEDLINE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar. Studies focusing on any neurocritical care conditions were included. Data are presented by using odds ratios for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences for continuous outcomes.

Results
Among 4,310 retrieved records, six studies met inclusion criteria (n = 537). Four studies were conducted in traumatic brain injury (TBI), one in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and one in a mixed population of neurocritically ill patients. The minimal hemoglobin levels or transfusion thresholds ranged from 7 to 10 g/dl in the lower-Hb groups and from 9.3 to 11.5 g/dl in the higher-Hb groups. Three studies had a low risk of bias, and three had a high risk of bias. No effect was observed on mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, or multiple organ failure. In studies reporting on length of stay (n = 4), one reported a significant shorter ICU stay (mean, -11.4 days (95% confidence interval, -16.1 to -6.7)), and one, a shorter hospital stay (mean, -5.7 days (-10.3 to -1.1)) in the lower-Hb groups, whereas the other two found no significant association.

Conclusions
We found insufficient evidence to confirm or refute a difference in effect between lower- and higher-Hb groups in neurocritically ill patients. Considering the lack of evidence regarding long-term neurologic functional outcomes and the high risk of bias of half the studies, no recommendation can be made regarding which hemoglobin level to target and which associated transfusion strategy (restrictive or liberal) to favor in neurocritically ill patients.
The need for measurable standards in mental health interpreting: a neglected area
Authors: Cambridge Jan , Singh Swaran P. , Johnson Mark 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThis editorial offers an overview of mental health service provision across different languages and cultures in the UK. It is increasingly recognised that mental health service users with limited English proficiency are rendered doubly vulnerable by the combination of their illness and their language difficulties. Only recently has the importance of safe, coherent, nationally available interpreting, translation and language support (ITALS) been recognised by healthcare providers. We review the challenges within the interpreted interaction, some reasons for the scarcity of qualified and accredited ITALS suppliers, and some solutions to the ITALS problem.
Involving service users in the recruitment of mental health staff: the Service User Informed Tool for Staff Selection (SUITSS)
Authors: Sánchez-Bahíllo Angel , Davis Claire , Onyon Richard , Birtle Jan 
Published: April 2012

Aims and methodService user involvement in the development of services is a fundamental aim of the National Health Service (NHS). However, a structured and quantifiable approach to their involvement in the recruitment of NHS staff is still lacking. In this study, we used service-user focus groups within a therapeutic community for people with personality disorder in order to develop the Service User Informed Tool for Staff Selection (SUITSS).ResultsWe enabled service users to develop SUITSS as a Likert scale with which to define relevant staff characteristics and rate applicants according to them, informing the staff-selection process. The tool has a semi-quantitative format that allows to test whether applicants with higher ratings are actually appointed by selection panels or not.Clinical implicationsThis new tool provides an approach to enhancing service user contributions to staff recruitment. It may be adapted and refined for use in a range of services, with local input from service users, following the approach described here.
Valproate semisodium-induced encephalopathy: diet and polypharmacy interactions
Authors: Silva Nuno Rodrigues , Venâncio Ângela 
Published: April 2012

SummaryDespite extensive use of valproate in neurology and psychiatry, valproate-induced encephalopathy is a rarely reported complication. Although initially reported in the paediatric population, case reports are growing in the adult population.Clinicians need to be aware of this potentially life-threatening complication. We report a case in a 37-year-old woman with bipolar I disorder with previously uncomplicated valproate use, who developed encephalopathy when valproate was restarted a few years later. The patient has provided consent for publication.
Rollin's reflections: Henry Rollin at 100
Authors: Hilton Claire 
Published: April 2012

SummaryHenry Rollin had an outstanding career in psychiatry and is currently editor of the obituaries in The Psychiatrist. What is particularly noteworthy is that he has recently celebrated his centenary. To commemorate this event I interviewed him, in particular about his opinions on a number of topics which seem relevant to psychiatric practice today.
A Conjoint Model of Quantity Discounts
Authors: Iyengar Raghuram , Jedidi Kamel 
Published: April 2012

Quantity discount pricing is a common practice used by business-to-business and business-to-consumer companies. A key characteristic of quantity discount pricing is that the marginal price declines with higher purchase quantities. In this paper, we propose a choice-based conjoint model for estimating consumer-level willingness to pay (WTP) for varying quantities of a product and for designing optimal quantity discount pricing schemes. Our model can handle large quantity values and produces WTP estimates that are positive and increasing in quantity at a diminishing rate. In particular, we propose a tractable WTP function that depends on both product attributes and product quantity and that captures diminishing marginal WTP. We show how such a function embeds standard WTP functions in the quantity discount literature as special cases. We also demonstrate how to use the model to estimate the consumer value potential, which is the product of the premium a consumer is willing to pay and her volume potential. Finally, we propose a parsimonious experimental design approach for implementation.We illustrate the model using data from a conjoint study of online movie rental services. The empirical results show that the proposed model has good fit and predictive validity. In addition, we find that marginal WTP in this category decays rapidly with quantity. We also find that the standard choice-based conjoint model results in anomalous WTP distributions with negative WTP values and nondiminishing marginal willingness-to-pay curves. Finally, we identify four segments of consumers that differ in terms of magnitude of WTP and volume potential, and we derive optimal quantity discount schemes for a monopolist and a new entrant in a competitive market.
Using Proactive Root Cause Analysis to Manage Process Safety Risks
Authors: Perkinson Larry 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Root cause problem solving methodologies have been around for many years. Very few organizations have recognized the potential of using such methodologies the proactive analysis of processes and work systems and the analysis of the human performance part of potential equipment failures. This presentation will describe:
The basic elements of root cause methodology, including its various tools and components. How the methodology can be used to proactively anticipate human performance errors in interactions with complex processes such as we find in PSM. A simple case study.
In a case study, since a permit to work is a component of Process Safety Management, proactive root cause analysis was performed by mapping the permit to work process, identifying what key components should be reviewed, and auditing those key components.
Most audits go from issue to recommendation. This produces corrective actions but does not produce preventive actions. Once the audit revealed the significant issues, a forum was held with permit issuers and receivers to determine the "good reasons why" the significant issues existed within the work system. Using this information, a comprehensive root cause analysis was performed.
The analysis resulted in a wide ranging list of recommendations that touched almost every part of the permit to work system. The recommendations were reviewed by operating, training and safety personnel and found to be substantive and directly addressed common failures in the permit to work system.
Proactive root cause analysis is a powerful tool and can be used to analyze human performance errors both before and after an incident has occurred. Use of root cause analysis in a proactive manner can significantly reduce major incidents that result from the human error element of process failures.
Applicability of Dynamic Risk Assessment in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Fei Leong Weng 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
It is well understood that proactive accident prevention relies heavily upon effective risk management programs within an organization and at each of the organization's work locations. And, it is rare that organizations and workplaces today do not have some form of risk management in place. Yet, there remain a high percentage of root cause findings of accidents in the oil and gas industry that cite deficiencies in risk assessment or risk management as one of the primary or underlying causes of incidents. The key to an effective risk management program relies heavily upon a robust and effective risk assessment process. The tendency to reduce these processes to mere generation of paperwork or "tick-the-box" exercises is too often the problem in many organizations. The use of Dynamic Risk Assessment can help to avoid the common pitfalls associated with organizations believing they have effective risk management in place, when in fact they do not. A review of what Dynamic Risk Assessment is and the strategies to use to apply it within both the offshore and onshore work environments of the oil and gas industry is undertaken.
Performance Standards Enhance Asset Integrity Assurance
Authors: Cooke Steven J. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Plans are ultimately only as good as their execution. Without proper and timely execution, even the best safety measures and procedures will be ineffective. To improve the effective execution of critical safety processes and equipment a concise definition of expectations must be linked to the task and equipment performance measurements. This is accomplished through the development of Asset Integrity Performance Standards, which will be described in this paper.
ADGAS has developed a set of Performance Standards for Health, Safety and Environment Critical Equipment and Systems (HSE-CES) in compliance with a larger mandate in the ADNOC group of companies to assure the safety and integrity of its assets. These standards are grouped according to the common designations of barriers used in the "Bow-tie" diagrams for process safety. This assures the managers that all aspects of preventive and mitigation barriers are in place. The Performance Standards themselves are a compilation of references forming a continuous link from the design standards employed to achieve the stated objectives of the barrier to the final audit functions and document locations used to assure their proper implementation.
The use of these Performance Standards greatly improves the understanding of the processes and the asset criticality throughout the organization and provides a high level of transparency to the activities performed to assure continuing reliability and integrity of the assets. The integration of the entire lifecycle and purpose of critical assets into a single document (for each barrier type) is a best practice development from the previous independent collections of design, maintenance, inspection and audit specifications and records.
Public Protection and Gas Monitoring; Its Impact on the Community, Environment and the Bottom Line
Authors: Daher Elie 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
During typical well operations, production activities or processing plants, especially in sour environments, a barrier between the site and populated areas such as towns and villages is often overlooked. Operators and contractors are focusing on protecting site personnel while relying on simple general public guidelines to alert the neighboring communities. While the industry is seeing great progress towards a digital oilfield concept where monitoring of production and optimization of flow rates and fluids are remotely actuated to reduce the burden of manning the various oilfields and maximizing production of the reservoir, these concepts did not filter to the safety management of sites and to the public protection procedures that would apply on these sites.
A recent technology failure on March 6th 2011 at the Karachaganak Field resulted in a fatal outcome1. This incident occurred in March 2011, where one employee died and a second employee was found in a nearby hanger in a critical condition. Both employees were conducting cleaning works at the time of the incident. Individual protection gear, a gas indicator and special safety instructions all failed to save the life of the contractor's employee from Karachaganak's fatal atmosphere during the technology failure.
Village resident and leader of the village campaign for relocation, stated: "In accordance with official documents, in the event of an emergency at a well site, a plume of hydrogen sulfide could reach the village within 10–30 minutes, depending on the direction of the wind. The contractor is only obliged to notify village residents via a signal from a special tower located in the village and it is local authorities who must ensure the evacuation of residents. How this is to be conducted in such a short period of time remains unclear. Moreover, Berezovka residents themselves do not know what to do in such a situation; and what if an emission occurs at night? It is disturbing to think of the consequences that may occur in the event of an H2S situation".
Another technical failure in Canada in 2009 caused the release of 30,000 cubic meters of gas containing 6200ppm of H2S. The nearby community was not alerted until six hours after the release causing massive concern over procedures for public protection2.
This paper discusses lessons learned from the digital oilfield concepts and its applicability to remote safety monitoring and safety processes. In addition, suggestions for improvements and coordination with local villages and their authorities are also discussed.
Comprehensive Beat the Heat Program
Authors: Tamarra Robinson , Macwan Nancy 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
As part of its march towards HSE Excellence, ADMA-OPCO is constantly looking for ways to challenge what is traditional or conventional and put forth innovative ways of doing things to achieve its objective of continuous improvement.
With a strong conviction of "what is good can be better", ADMA-OPCO embarked on wide ranging efforts to find weakness in our systems with the ultimate aim to identify gaps and proposed methods to mitigate, if not eliminate faults and weak links.
Operating in this part of the world where heat is an unavoidable occurrence during the most part of the year, HEAT STRESS became one of the most important subjects to be tackled.
By closely examining historical occupational health data, disturbing trends had been uncovered wherein the effectiveness of yearly heat stress campaigns comes into question.

The Problems:
During the numerous brain-storming sessions, site visits, site inspection tours, as well as hundreds of personal interviews of the various levels of the workforce, the following facts became evident: