Objective: Aim of this study was observation of hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) frequency by using a 3-hour graduated infusion protocol with appropriate premedication as a prophylactic measure in patients with gynecological cancer receiving carboplatin retreatment in second line or above. None of the patients had experienced HSRs to platinum previously. Method: All the patients in this study recei

Background: Monte Carlo simulations provide accurate models of nuclear medicine imaging systems as they can properly account for the full physics of photon transport. The accuracy of the model included in the maximum-likelihood–expectation-maximization (ML-EM) reconstruction limits the overall accuracy of the reconstruction results. In this paper, we present a Monte Carlo-based ML-EM reconstructio

Development of inhibitors to coagulation factor VIII or IX is still the most challenging complication in haemophilia care. 'Bypassing agents' may be used to treat a bleed but the eradication of the inhibitor by immune tolerance induction (ITI) is the main objective in the treatment of a patient with haemophilia who has developed neutralizing antibodies. Several options exist for ITI and the patien

The lack of treatments during the recent Ebola and Zika outbreaks dramatically exposed the vulnerability of the global health system and the dire consequences thereof. But even where therapies against infectious diseases had been available, an additional threat has gained world-wide attention: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A growing number of microbial organisms are becoming resistant to availab

In Case C-364/13 International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCC) v. Comptroller General of Patents (December 18th, 2014), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) distinguished its’ earlier ruling in Brüstle v. Greenpeace (Brüstle) with regard to non-fertilized human ova stimulated by parthenogenesis. The Court found that in order to be considered a ‘human embryo’- and thus to be unpatentable

While pluralism and minimum harmonisation may have advantages concerning substantive requirements for IP protection there is an argument to be made in favour of establishing further harmonisation concerning rules and principles for legal interpretation of international or regional IP treaties, conventions and other legal instruments. Increasing autonomy of IP Law as a legal discipline and the deve

The slippery slope argument is often used in (bio)ethical debates. It is an intriguing argument: it confronts us with fears, gut feelings, and fundamental values; it invites us to think about the future, and it forces us not only to look at a technology or policy in isolation but at the whole picture. Rhetorically it is attractive with its often vivid images and sweeping statements, sometimes deri

The international prognostic index (IPI) and similar models form the cornerstone of clinical assessment in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). While being simple and convenient to use, their inadequate use of the available clinical data is a major weakness. In this study, we compared performance of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and its variations (R-IPI and NCCN-IPI)

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the level of agreement between acute instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) measured across nonculprit stenoses in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and iFR measured at a staged follow-up procedure. Background Acute full revascularization of nonculprit stenoses in STEMI is debated and currently guided by angiography. Acute

Previous studies have suggested that thyroid function is associated with breast cancer risk, which could have an important clinical impact, as one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime. However, the underlying pathomechanism behind the association is still unknown. We used the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (a population-based prospective study consisting of 17,035 women)

Background: Regional ventricular pumping mechanisms in patients with volume-loaded right ventricles (RV) are altered, but the cause is unknown. The aim was to determine whether these changes in ventricular pumping mechanisms are influenced by the RV dilatation itself or the aetiology behind it. Methods: Seventeen patients with atrial septal defects (ASD) and 10 healthy controls underwent cardiovas

Emerging technologies open the prospect of extraordinary interventions on the human body. These may go beyond what is strictly necessary to sustain health and well-being. While responding to social and ethical challenges of such advances, the Law simultaneously faces the challenge of reflecting on the legitimacy to legislate and on whether the existing legal framework is appropriate to address the

Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, hold great promises for the advancement of science and technology. These foundational technologies enable to modify the genetic structure of living organisms with unprecedented precision. Potential applications include both plant, animal and human genetic interventions. In plant biology, gene editing introduces more precise, target- and time-efficien

Aim: To evaluate three types of ventilation systems for operating rooms with respect to air cleanliness [in colony-forming units (cfu/m3)], energy consumption and comfort of working environment (noise and draught) as reported by surgical team members. Methods: Two commonly used ventilation systems, vertical laminar airflow (LAF) and turbulent mixed airflow (TMA), were compared with a newly develop

This chapter offers a review of the literature in the field of critical security studies in order to discuss the various social constructions of climate change as a security issue and their policy implications. Will climate security discourse facilitate climate mitigation policy? First, the Copenhagen School asks whether extraordinary measures to protect the climate (including emission reductions)