bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chlamydia psittaci in ocular adnexa MALT lymphoma: a possible role in lymphomagenesis and a different geographical distribution
Authors: Collina Francesca , Chiara Anna De , Renzo Amalia De , Rosa Gaetano De , Botti Gerardo , Franco Renato 
Published: April 2012

AbstractOcular adnexa MALT-lymphomas represent approximatively 5-15% of all extranodal lymphomas. Almost 75% of OAMLs are localized in orbital fat, while 25% of cases involves conjunctive. MALT-lymphomas often recognize specific environmental factors responsible of lymphoma development and progression. In particular as Helicobacter pylori in gastric MALT lymphomas, other bacterial infections have been recognized related to MALT lymphomas in specific site. Recently Chlamydia psittaci has been identified in Ocular Adnexa MALT lymphomas, with variable frequence dependently from geographic areas. Thus bacterial infection is responsible of clonal selection on induced MALT with subsequent lymphoma development. Moreover Chlamydia psittaci could promote chromosomal aberration either through genetic instability as a consequence of induced proliferation and probably through DNA oxidative damage. The most common translocation described in MALT lymphomas affects NF-kB pathway with a substantial antiapoptotic effect. Several therapeutic approaches are now available, but the use of antibiotic-therapy in specific cases, although with conflicting results, could improve the treatment of ocular adnexa MALT lymphomas. In this review we analyse the most relevant features of Ocular adnexa MALT lymphomas, underlining specific biological characteristics mainly related to the potential role of Chlamydia psittaci in lymphomagenesis.
Uptake and knowledge of voting rights by adult in-patients during the 2010 UK general election
Authors: McIntyre James , Khwaja Masum , Yelamanchili Venkata , Naz Sobia , Clarke Maria 
Published: April 2012

Aims and methodThis study explores knowledge and uptake of the voting rights of adult in-patients in the 2010 UK general election. A clinician-completed survey was used.ResultsEligible to vote psychiatric adult in-patients were half as likely to register as the general population and half as likely to vote if registered. Nine out of ten of those unregistered cited a lack of knowledge of their eligibility to vote or of the registration process. Long-stay patients were particularly disenfranchised.Clinical implicationsMany patients and staff remain unaware of the new rules which have given a greater proportion of in-patients the right to vote and have simplified the registration and voting processes. This information barrier may be addressed in future elections by providing timely written information to both patients and staff. Once registered, patients may need further support to overcome practical and psychological barriers, and cast their vote.
A Prescription for Drug Formulary Evaluation: An Application of Price Indexes
Authors: Glazer Jacob , Huskamp Haiden A. , McGuire Thomas G. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Existing economic approaches to the design and evaluation of health insurance do not readily apply to coverage decisions in the multi-tiered drug formularies characterizing drug coverage in private health insurance and Medicare. This paper proposes a method for evaluating a change in the value of a formulary to covered members based on the economic theory of price indexes. A formulary is cast as a set of demand-side prices, and our measure approximates the compensation (positive or negative) that would need to be paid to consumers to accept the new set of prices. The measure also incorporates any effect of the formulary change on plan drug acquisition costs and “offset effects” on non-drug services covered by the plan. Data needed to calculate formulary value are known or can be forecast by a health plan. We illustrate the method with data from a move from a two- to a three-tier formulary.
Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP) -- Best Practices Adopted by BAPCO (Bahrain Petroleum Company)
Authors: Goyal Ram K , Kugan S.. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
In 2007 BAPCO won the prestigious Robert W Campbell award for integrating safety into its primary business processes. The team who reviewed BAPCO processes on behalf of the Awarding agency made specific reference to the excellent quality of HAZOPs that BAPCO had conducted and reported. Such commendation for BAPCO HAZOPs did not come by chance. BAPCO has a very strong and rich tradition in this field; arguably the pioneers in this region. Bert Lawley, inventor of the HAZOP process, published his first paper on the topic in 1976; BAPCO conducted their first HAZOP meeting in as early as 1981!
The traditional P&ID (Piping and Instrument Diagram) line-by-line guideword-based HAZOP remains a very powerful tool in the armory of modern designers and engineers in minimizing hazard and operability related concerns from process plants in continuous as well as batch operations. Nonetheless, BAPCO have strengthened its effectiveness through developing some best practices of our own and adopting some recommended by other well-known authorities such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS).
One noteworthy best practice developed by BAPCO is the adoption of a comprehensive list of "Global Parameters." This is generally referred to as the last Node in HAZOPs and it addresses unit-wide or plant-wide concerns related to civil and structural integrity, instrumentation philosophy, fire water system, fireproofing, environmental concerns, reliability, emergency shutdown systems … the list goes on (currently there are 50 items under Global Parameters that BAPCO HAZOPs take into account).
In addition to the Global Parameters mentioned above, this paper describes the following best practices that we apply to our HAZOPs: use of specific checklists which will captures all the items that are not covered under Global Parameters, review of emergency inventory isolation block valves, modeling of gas blow-by scenarios, and overpressure protection.
HAZOP is a continually improving and evolving process in BAPCO. Our recent contacts with reputable engineering consultants have given us feedback regarding current best practices with EPC companies. We in BAPCO are committed to striving for excellence.
Database of CO2 Emission Sources and Analysis of Geological Structures for a Carbon Sequestration Project in Iran
Authors: Saeed Mohsen , Roayaie Emad , Jazayeri Mahmoud Reza , Malaki Mohammad Sabor , Minaie Majid , Emadi Mohammad Ali 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe world has been faced with the most serious environmental issues which is the global warming of the earth and this is due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHG: H2O, CO2, N2O etc.) generated by human activities (fossil fuel combustion). Reducing man-made CO2 emission is a key element in mitigating greenhouse gas emission specially CO2. Among the different solutions for CO2 emission reduction such as energy management, use of renewable energies, forestation, the technologies of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) into the geological structures has high potential in mitigation of CO2 emissions from anthropogenic sources.In this paper, after a brief introduction to CCS-EOR technology, the overall quantity of CO2 emission in Iran is introduced as a database. This involves different acid gas sources in petroleum industry and energy section and their high priorities.Iran has many sour oil and gas reserves and Assalueh gas field is considered as one of the highest priority sources of CO2 in NIOC in terms of both amounts of emission and the possibility of CCS deployment. Carbon dioxide obtained from sweetening of natural gas is considered as a major CO2 source because of its low cost of capturing compare to the other sources.According to this, assessment for a case study project is done in this field. Selecting optimal structures that match the CO2 underground storage criteria involve many factors like geological, geothermal and hydrodynamic conditions, emission source location, economic, legal issues etc.Based on theses parameters, this paper investigates possibility of CO2 injection in 24 different geological structures in south of Iran
Are You Ready? Developing an Effective Emergency Response Organization
Authors: Campbell Hugh , Al Katheeri Ahmed , Al Saadi Jamal , Lewis Christopher 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Recent events in the Gulf of Mexico, Australia and Japan bring to focus the importance of having an effective emergency management organization. This paper reviews the process of building an appropriate level of organizational capacity to support an Oil and Gas Operation in times of crisis.
Any team providing support during an emergency will benefit from having a structured plan to train, test and enhance its abilities to respond effectively and efficiently during crisis.
Total-ABK along with Petrofac Training Services embarked on a 2 year journey to develop and enhance its crisis management capabilities. Efforts began with the re-writing of the affiliate emergency plans to comply with company rules, local regulations and the International Command Structure (ICS). Following the re-write, efforts focused on training staff members for the on-shore emergency crisis team (ERCT) in their specific duties and functions. These staff came from various backgrounds with differing levels of experience.
The Company developed a tiered-approach to training the ERCT that began with:
Classroom training on the ERP and its contents Structured workshops with the ERCT on the Emergency Response Plan, their specific duties and responsibilities Table top exercises aimed a building confidence for all team members Targeted exercises with escalations in situational complexity Joint scenario workshops with on-shore and offshore participation Communications and media training Call-out exercises to test the emergency hailing system Live field exercises with real-life scenarios
The lessons from Total-ABK's efforts include:
A structured and tiered approach builds a high degree of confidence in the participants The system of situational escalations pushes participants to anticipate changing conditions and complexity The tiered-training system allows integration of new ERCT members at anytime. An overall sense of confidence in the organization's ability to respond to crisis.
Factors influencing uptake of contaminated particulate matter in leafy vegetables
Authors: Žalud Petr , Száková Jiřina , Sysalová Jiřina , Tlustoš Pavel 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The contents of cadmium, iron, lead and zinc in the biomass of two species of leafy vegetables after urban particulate matter (PM) application was investigated in lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) and chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla). The experimental design consisted of four variables: i) two different soil types, ii) two vegetables, iii) two size fractions of contaminated particulate matter (PM) (0.063–0.119 mm, and <0.063 mm), and iv) foliar and soil application of the PM. The aliquots of the PM samples were applied to the soil before the experiment and as a foliar suspension during plant growth. The element uptake by plant biomass was significantly higher via foliar application, simulating the atmospheric deposition, than via the roots from the soil application treatment. The content in plants increased rapidly compared to the control treatment for the elements iron, lead and zinc. Gently washing the leaves only slightly reduced the amounts of Fe and Zn. However, the majority of Pb was removed by washing with the concentration dropping from 3000% to 500%. The effect of PM application on Cd contents in plant leaves was negligible, in most cases. Lettuce exhibited higher element uptake compared to chard. No adverse effects of PM application on growth parameters of the vegetables were observed. No significant differences were reported for particle size fractions of PM. Fluvisol soils had a higher element uptake via roots than Chernozem soils. Moreover, the addition of PM into the Fluvisol altered the sorption properties of the soil resulting in a lower Cd uptake by plants growing in PM amended Fluvisols.
Experimental addition of Eleutherococcus senticosus and probiotic to the canine diet
Authors: Strompfová Viola , Plachá Iveta , Čobanová Klaudia , Gancarčíková Soňa , Mudroňová Dagmar , Lauková Andrea 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
There is a current trend to support pet health through the addition of natural supplements to their diet, taking into account the high incidence of medical conditions related to their immune system and gastrointestinal tract. This study investigates effects of the plant Eleutherococcus senticosus as a dietary additive on faecal microbiota, faecal characteristics, blood serum biochemistry and selected parameters of cellular immunity in healthy dogs. A combination of the plant with the canine-derived probiotic strain Lactobacillus fermentum CCM 7421 was also evaluated. Thirty-two dogs were devided into 4 treatment groups; receiving no additive (control), dry root extract of E. senticosus (8 mg/kg of body weight), probiotic strain (108 CFU/mL, 0.1 mL/kg bw) and the combination of both additives. The trial lasted 49 days with 14 days supplementation period. Results confirm no antimicrobial effect of the plant on the probiotic abundance either in vitro (cultivation test) or in vivo. The numbers of clostridia, lactic acid bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria as well as the concentration of serum total protein, triglyceride, glucose and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly altered according to the treatment group. Leukocyte phagocytosis was significantly stimulated by the addition of probiotic while application of plant alone led to a significant decrease.
Immunological Parameters Associated with the Development of Allergic Rhinitis: A Preliminary Prospective Study
Authors: Uekusa Yasuhiro , Inamine Ayako , Yonekura Syuji , Horiguchi Shigetoshi , Fujimura Takashi , Sakurai Daijyu , Yamamoto Heizaburo , Suzuki Homare , Hanazawa Toyoyuki , Okamoto Yoshitaka 
Published: April 2012

Background Many subjects are sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen but do not develop allergic rhinitis (AR). The aim of this study was to examine the immunologic parameters related to the development of AR in sensitized subjects. Methods The subjects were 33 adults who were sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen, but had not developed as of 2007. Cedar pollen–specific IgE (sIgE) and total IgE (tIgE) in serum, cedar pollen antigen (Cry j 1) Cry j–specific memory Th2 cell clone size, and the Cry j–specific induced regulatory T cell (iTreg) level were examined before and after the season in 2008. Results Eight of the 33 subjects developed cedar pollinosis. The sIgE titers before the season in these eight subjects did not differ from those in the subjects who did not develop pollinosis, but the titers after the season were significantly higher in the group that developed pollinosis. The sIgE/tIgE ratio increased in almost all subjects, but the ratio was significantly higher before the season in the subjects who developed pollinosis. Cry j–specific Th2 cells were detected in all subjects, but the clone size only increased in those that developed pollinosis. The Cry j–specific iTreg population did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion A high sIgE/tIgE ratio before the season may be predictive of development of pollinosis, and an increase in the allergen-specific Th2 clone size during the pollen season could be a biomarker for pollinosis. The role of allergen-specific iTreg cells in the development of pollinosis could not be clarified in this preliminary study.
The Significance of Computed Tomographic Findings in the Diagnosis of Fungus Ball in the Paranasal Sinuses
Authors: Chen Jia-Cheng , Ho Ching-Yin 
Published: April 2012

Background Sinus fungus ball (SFB), previously termed mycetoma of the paranasal sinus is a type of noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis and the treatment of choice for this condition is functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Predicting the possibility of SFB by performing preoperative computed tomography (CT) is important to ensure appropriate treatment. Various studies have reported the CT findings of SFB. We aimed to investigate the relationship between CT features and SFB to increase the preoperative diagnostic accuracy of CT. Methods Based on a literature review, we selected six CT features of SFB including calcification, erosion of the inner wall of the sinus, sclerosis of sinus lateral wall, heterogeneous opacification of sinus, absence of an air–fluid level, and sinus mucosal thickening. From January 2004 to February 2010, 96 SFB patients and 72 unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients were enrolled in this study. Preoperative CT images of all of the patients were interpreted by a radiologist and an otolaryngologist. Results All of the CT features except mucosal thickening showed statistically significant differences between SFB and CRS group patients. After adjusting for these CT features in a multiple logistic regression model, only the two features, viz., calcification and erosion of the inner wall of the sinus, were found to have a significant positive association with SFB. Conclusion We found that five CT features, particularly calcification and erosion of the inner wall of the sinus, increase the diagnostic accuracy of CT for SFB, and this ensures that the patient receives appropriate treatment.
Management of the Nasolacrimal System during Transnasal Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy
Authors: Sadeghi Nader , Joshi Arjun 
Published: April 2012

Background During transnasal endoscopic medial maxillectomy (TEMM) for sinonasal tumors, the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) is resected as it forms part of the medial wall of the maxillary sinus. This disrupts the nasolacrimal drainage system. To ensure that epiphora does not develop after such resection, an endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is traditionally performed. This is based primarily on prior experience with open medial maxilloethmoidectomy. It is unclear whether a concurrent DCR during endoscopic medial maxillectomy is necessary, however. This study was designed to compare patients undergoing TEMM with or without concurrent DCR for postoperative patency of the NLD. Methods This is a prospective cohort study comparing12 patients undergoing TEMM, 5 with concurrent DCR and 7 without, to assess for patency of the NLD system. In the group that underwent a concurrent DCR, a Jones silastic stent was inserted for 2–3 months. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year for assessment of epiphora. The patency of the NLD was judged by clinical and qualitative evidence for epiphora. Results None of the patients in either group developed epiphora. All were completely symptom free for epiphora during the follow-up period. Conclusion It appears that after TEMM, patients do not develop epiphora, whether or not a concurrent DCR is performed. Hence, a concurrent DCR does not seem necessary during TEMM.
Changes in Regional Brain Morphology in Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: CAGNOLI PATRICIA C. , SUNDGREN PIA C. , KAIRYS ANSON , GRAFT COURTNEY C. , CLAUW DANIEL J. , GEBARSKI STEPHEN , McCUNE W. JOSEPH , SCHMIDT-WILCKE TOBIAS 
Published: April 2012

Objective.Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition, reported to occur in 25%–70% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Brain imaging, especially magnetic resonance imaging, is frequently used to diagnose or exclude overt cerebral pathologies such as edema, hemorrhage, and central thrombosis. More advanced imaging techniques have been applied to demonstrate subtle changes in regional cerebral blood flow and brain structure. We investigated changes in regional gray-matter (GM) volume in SLE patients without neurological manifestations and NPSLE patients at an acute stage of the disease.Methods.Using high-resolution structural images and voxel-based morphometry (VBM), we investigated regional GM volume in 20 NPSLE patients (within 2 weeks of the acute manifestation), 18 SLE patients without neurologic and/or psychiatric manifestations, and 18 healthy controls.Results.VBM analyses revealed several regions of GM atrophy in various parts of the brain in NPSLE and SLE patients. GM atrophy was seen in both groups in the temporal and parietal lobes and was most pronounced in the posterior thalamus bilaterally. Both groups showed an increase in regional GM volume in the posterior parahippocampal gyrus.Conclusion.Our data suggest that changes in regional brain morphology are present in acute NPSLE, but also in SLE (as compared to controls), which might be indicative of a subclinical neurodegenerative process. Further research is needed to investigate whether specific neuropsychiatric symptoms are related to these changes.
FCGR2A/CD32AandFCGR3A/CD16AVariants and EULAR Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Blockers in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Longitudinal Study with 6 Months of Followup
Authors: RAMÍREZ JULIO , FERNÁNDEZ-SUEIRO JOSÉ LUIS , LÓPEZ-MEJÍAS RAQUEL , MONTILLA CARLOS , ARIAS MAITE , MOLL CONCEPCIÓN , ALSINA MERCÉ , SANMARTI RAIMON , LOZANO FRANCISCO , CAÑETE JUAN D. 
Published: April 2012

Objective.The efficacy of antibody-based biological therapies currently used in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) depends not only on their blocking effect on the targeted molecule but also on their binding affinity to genetically defined variants of cell-surface Fc-γ receptors. Our objective was to assess the potential influence of functionally relevantFCGR2A/CD32A(H131R) andFCGR3A/CD16A(V158F) genetic polymorphisms on the EULAR response to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) blocker therapy in PsA.Methods.In total 103 patients with PsA starting anti-TNF-α therapy were included. The efficacy of therapy was evaluated according to EULAR response criteria at 3 and 6 months.FCGR2A-R131H andFCGR3A-F158V polymorphisms were genotyped. Potential correlations between clinical response and theFCGR2A-R131H andFCGR3A-F158V polymorphisms were evaluated.Results.EULAR response (moderate plus good) was 85.4% at 3 months and 87.4% at 6 months, while good EULAR response was 61.2% and 62.1%, respectively. More patients with high-affinityFCGR2Agenotypes (homozygous or heterozygous combinations) achieved a EULAR response at 6 months compared to patients with the low-affinity genotype (RR; p = 0.034, adjusted comparison error rate < 0.025). This association was due mainly to the group of patients treated with etanercept. No correlation was found for theFCGR3Apolymorphism. Similarly, no effect of C-reactive protein levels was observed.Conclusion.Our data indicate thatFCGR2Apolymorphism may influence the response to TNF-α blockers (namely etanercept) in PsA in a direction opposite to that previously found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
High-dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment Increases Regulatory T Cells in Patients with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Authors: TSURIKISAWA NAOMI , SAITO HIROSHI , OSHIKATA CHIYAKO , TSUBURAI TAKAHIRO , AKIYAMA KAZUO 
Published: April 2012

Objective.We studied the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment on clinical symptoms and regulatory T (Treg) cell frequency in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).Methods.Twenty-two EGPA patients with severe mononeuritis multiplex or cardiac dysfunction received IVIG therapy combined with conventional therapy (corticosteroid, immunosuppressants, or both). As a control, 24 EGPA patients without severe vasculitic symptoms were treated with conventional therapy. Before, during, and after treatment, we determined percentages of Treg cells and other relevant cells in patients’ peripheral blood.Results.The frequency of CD25+ among CD4+ T cells was lower at onset in the study group than in controls but increased significantly after IVIG treatment, relative to controls. The frequency of CD25+ among CD4+ T cells correlated with the frequency of FOXP3+ among CD4+ T cells and interleukin 10 produced by CD25+CD4+ T cells.Conclusion.The increase in Treg cells seen with the combination of IVIG and conventional therapy may promote remission in EGPA.