bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of Survivin RNA expression in blood as a non‐invasive predictor of response to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in esophageal cancer
Authors: Grimminger Peter , Vallböhmer Daniel , Hoffmann Andreas , Schulte Christian , Bollschweiler Elfriede , Schneider Paul M. , Hölscher Arnulf H. , Metzger Ralf , Brabender Jan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAnalysis of survivin RNA expression in peripheral blood as a non‐invasive molecular predictor of response to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in patients with locally advanced cancer of the esophagus.Material and MethodsBlood samples were drawn from 29 patients with esophageal cancer prior to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. After extraction of cellular tumor‐RNA from blood samples, quantitative expression analysis of survivin was done by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR.ResultsTwenty of 29 (69%) of patients showed a minor histopathological response and 9 of 29 (31%) showed a major‐response to neadjuvant radiochemotherapy. RNA expression in blood of patients was detectable for survivin in 27.6%, and in 100% for β‐actin. The mean survivin expression was not significantly different between minor‐ and major‐responders. No significant associations were detected between survivin expression levels and patients clinical variables. A high expression level for survivin was significantly associated with a minor‐response to neoadjuvant treatment (P = 0.042). Relative survivin expression levels above 0.15 were not associated with major histopathological response (sensitivity: 35%; specificity: 100%).ConclusionMinor‐response to the applied therapy was significantly associated with a high survivin RNA expression level in patient's blood. Survivin appears to be a specific non‐invasive predictor of response to neoadjuvant therapy in esophageal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:447–451. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gastrinomas: A historical perspective
Authors: Yeung Meei J. , Pasieka Janice L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe journey of gastrinomas had its beginnings in 1955 when Zollinger and Ellison published their seminal paper (Zollinger and Ellison, Ann Surg 1955; 142: 709–723). The evolution of the diagnosis and management of this syndrome has paralleled many important advances in medicine, including the development of various diagnostic tools to the major impact of medical treatment on the management of an inherently surgical pathology. There are numerous excellent review articles on the most current developments and treatment options of gastrinomas available in the literature today. The purpose of this paper is to present a historical perspective on this most fascinating condition. This article will illustrate the way in which the discovery of gastrinomas evolved and how its management has developed with it. The evolution of the surgical treatment of gastrinomas has evolved over the last 50 years. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:425–433. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A retrospective comparison of clinical outcomes and quality of life measures between definitive chemoradiation alone and radical surgery for clinical stage II–III esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Yamashita Hideomi , Okuma Kae , Seto Yasuyuki , Mori Kazuhiko , Kobayashi Shino , Wakui Reiko , Ohtomo Kuni , Nakagawa Keiichi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundThis retrospective study was conducted to compare the treatment and quality of life (QOL) results between radical surgery and definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for stage II–III carcinoma of the esophagus.MethodsBetween 2000 and 2009, 128 consecutive patients were selected for this study in which 72 were treated with definitive CRT and 56 with radical surgery. QOL was assessed using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Esophagus for 51 patients who were free of disease at the time of survey.ResultsWith a median follow‐up period of 37.8 months with 66 survivors, the 4y‐DFS in the surgery group were 36% in the CRT group and 51% in the surgery group (P = 0.0028). In the CRT group, the number of cases of the advanced age, T4 stage, and stage III was significantly larger than the surgery group. QOL assessments were completed at rates of 100% in the CRT group and 88% in the surgery group. Overall E Total score had a significant difference between arms (CRT > surgery, P = 0.045).ConclusionsCRT was inferior to surgery in survival but superior in QOL measures, although the CRT group had a larger number of patients with poorer prognostic factors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:435–441. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic significance of immunohistochemically detected lymph node micrometastases in pT0N0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chao Yin‐Kai , Yeh Chi‐Ju , Chuang Wen‐Yu , Fan Kang‐Hsing , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Chu Yen , Cheng Ann‐Joy , Liu Hui‐Ping 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundPathological complete response (pCR) after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the best predictor of survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus. Although no adjuvant treatment is recommended for individuals who achieve pCR, approximately 30% of these patients develop a recurrence. We applied an immunohistochemistry (IHC) stain on resected lymph nodes to evaluate the incidence of lymph node micrometastases (LNMs) and its prognostic significance.MethodsBetween 1995 and 2004, paraffin‐embedded specimens for evaluating the presence of LNM were available for 52 pCR patients. We performed IHC staining with the cytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3 on resected lymph nodes and correlated the pathological findings to cancer recurrence and survival.ResultsA total of 510 lymph nodes from 52 patients were examined. The incidence of LNM in pathological complete responders after CRT was 11.5%. Only six patients were found to have AE1/AE3‐positive cells in the IHC staining. However, patients with LNM had a higher recurrence rate (50% vs. 22%, P = 0.16) and a reduced disease‐free survival rate (44% vs. 75%, P = 0.16). Patients with LNM had a 3.6‐fold higher probability to develop recurrence compared with those without LNM (P = 0.15).ConclusionLNMs are uncommon in pathological complete responders but hold prognostic significance. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:559–562. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The value of anatomical liver sectionectomy for patients with a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma from 2 to 5 cm in greatest diameter
Authors: Yamamoto Masakazu , Ariizumi Shun‐ichi , Katagiri Satoshi , Kotera Yoshihito , Takahashi Yutaka 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe value of anatomical liver sectionectomy for patients with a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from 2 to 5 cm in greatest diameter has not been clarified.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 454 patients with a solitary HCC from 2 to 5 cm in greatest diameter who underwent initial curative hepatectomy from 1991 to 2006. We separated the liver into three segments according to the Glissonean pedicle ramification (Takasaki's liver segments). Takasaki's segment is recognized as a section in the International Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary Association Brisbane 2000 terminology. Outcomes after sectionectomy (n = 143) and partial sectionectomy (n = 311) for patients with a solitary HCC from 2 to 5 cm in greatest diameter were examined.ResultsThe 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rate and survival rate after sectionectomy (42% and 81%, respectively) were significantly better than those after partial sectionectomy (27%: P = 0.0023, and 66%: P = 0.0006, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed sectionectomy to be a significant independent prognostic factor for recurrence‐free survival and overall survival in patients with a solitary HCC from 2 to 5 cm in greatest diameter (P = 0.0217, and P = 0.0085, respectively).ConclusionsAnatomical liver sectionectomy prevents intrahepatic recurrence of HCC and prolongs survival in patients with a solitary HCC from 2 to 5 cm. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:585–588. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative study of endoscopic thyroidectomy versus conventional open thyroidectomy in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients
Authors: Jeong Jong Ju , Kang Sang‐Wook , Yun Ji‐Sup , Sung Tae Yon , Lee Seung Chul , Lee Yong Sang , Nam Kee‐Hyun , Chang Hang Seok , Chung Woong Youn , Park Cheong Soo 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the early surgical outcomes of endoscopic and conventional open thyroidectomies in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).MethodsBetween September 2005 and December 2007, 499 patients with PTMC were enrolled. 275 patients underwent gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via the axillary route (endo group), and 224 patients underwent conventional open thyroidectomy (open group). We analyzed the patient's clinico‐pathologic characteristics and surgical completeness between the two groups.ResultsThe endo group was younger than the open group. The open group underwent more extensive surgery than the endo group. The operative time was longer in the endo group than the open group (138.5 ± 49.0 min vs. 105.5 ± 41.6 min; P < 0.0001), and a lesser number of lymph nodes were retrieved in the endo group compared to the open group (5.05 ± 2.94 vs. 5.96 ± 4.50, P = 0.007). We experienced complications in the endo group, such as transient hypocalcemia, transient RLN palsies, tracheal injuries, and esophageal injuries. There was no abnormal uptake on RAI scans in the two groups. From among patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy, all patients in the endo group had <1 ng/ml of serum Tg post‐operatively; the seven patients in the open group had >1 ng/ml of serum Tg post‐operatively. Tumor recurrence was detected in the open group only (n = 6). Also we checked the post‐operative Tg in patients who had undergone lobectomy in the two groups, and found that there were no statistical differences in the two groups.ConclusionsAccording to our experience, gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy using a trans‐axillary approach is a safe and feasible alternative to conventional open thyroidectomy in selected patients with PTMC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:477–480. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of study design and analysis methods on recovery rates in Bell's palsy
Authors: Berg Thomas , Marsk Elin , Engström Mats , Hultcrantz Malou , Hadziosmanovic Nermin , Jonsson Lars 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:We investigated how study design affects the rate of recovery in Bell's palsy.Study Design:Prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter trial.Methods:Data were extracted from the Scandinavian Bell's palsy study, which included 829 patients. The study design was factorial; 416 patients given prednisolone, 413 not given prednisolone, 413 patients given valacyclovir, 416 not given valacyclovir. Data were analyzed with intention‐to‐treat principle and complete‐case analysis methods and recovery was defined as Sunnybrook score 100, House‐Brackmann grade I or ≤grade II at 12 months.Results:With the intention‐to‐treat principle and last‐observation‐carried‐forward method (n = 829) and recovery defined as Sunnybrook 100, 300 of the 416 patients (72%) receiving prednisolone had recovered compared with 237 of the 413 (57%) who did not receive prednisolone (P < .0001). With recovery defined as House‐Brackmann grade I, the corresponding recovery rates were 324 of 416 (78%) and 266 of 413 (64%) (P < .0001). With complete‐case analysis and recovery defined House‐Brackmann grade I (n = 782), 335 of 389 patients (86%) given prednisolone recovered compared with 277 of 393 (70%) in the group not given prednisolone (P < .0001). With recovery defined as House‐Brackmann ≤grade II (n = 797), the corresponding recovery rates were 380 of 396 (96%) and 353 of 401 (88%) (P < .0001). The analysis method affected the recovery rates in the valacyclovir and no‐valacyclovir groups in a similar way as in the prednisolone and no‐prednisolone groups.Conclusions:Recovery rates in a Bell's palsy study are substantially affected by the choice of analysis method and definition of recovery. Laryngoscope, 2009
High temperature oxidation of FeCrAl‐alloys – influence of Al‐concentration on oxide layer characteristics
Authors: Engkvist J. , Bexell U. , Grehk M. , Olsson M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe superior high temperature oxidation resistance of FeCrAl alloys relies on the formation of a dense and continuous protective aluminium oxide layer on the alloy surface when exposed to high temperatures. Consequently, the aluminium content, i.e. the aluminium concentration at the alloy–oxide layer interface, must exceed a critical level in order to form a protective alumina layer. In the present study the oxidation behaviour of six different FeCrAl alloys with Al concentrations in the range of 1.2–5.0 wt% have been characterised after oxidation at 900 °C for 72 h with respect to oxide layer surface morphology, thickness and composition using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. The results show that a minimum of 3.2 wt% Al in the FeCrAl alloy is necessary for the formation of a continuous alumina layer. For Al concentrations in the range of 2.0–3.0 wt% a three‐layered oxide layer is formed, i.e. an oxide layer consisting of an inner alumina‐based layer, an intermediate chromia‐based layer and an outer iron oxide‐based layer. In contrast, the 1.2 wt% Al FeCrAl alloy is not able to form a protective oxide layer inhibiting extensive oxidation.
A stochastic analysis of the effect of magnetic field on the pitting corrosion susceptibility of pure magnesium
Authors: Li J. , Zhang T. , Shao Y. , Meng G. , Wang F. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe effect of magnetic field on the pitting corrosion susceptibility of pure magnesium was investigated by stochastic approaches. Stochastic models had been applied to simulate pitting corrosion as the combination of two physical processes: pit initiation and pit growth. The results revealed that magnetic field increased the pitting corrosion susceptibility of pure magnesium. For the pit initiation process, the presence of magnetic field changed the mechanism of pit initiation from the parallel birth and death stochastic model (B1) to the parallel birth stochastic model (A3). Magnetic field increased the pit generation rate λ while decreased the repassivation rate µ, which indicated that magnetic field accelerated the pit initiation process of pure magnesium. For the pit growth process, magnetic field didn't change the pit growth mechanism, but it could decrease the ability of repassivation of pitting corrosion resulting in a great probability for the stable pitting corrosion to grow up with a higher growth rate and finally develop into larger pit cavity.
Effect of ultrasound treatment of AlSi5 liquid alloy on corrosion resistance
Authors: Arrighini A. , Gelfi M. , Pola A. , Roberti R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe application of power ultrasound to liquid alloys can be a simple and cost effective method to induce both degassing and grain refinement in a single step, without the need of inert gas or inoculants additions. In this paper, the treatment of liquid hypoeutectic AlSi5 alloy by ultrasound waves and its effects on microstructure were investigated. The corrosion behavior of ultrasound treated samples was compared to that of the non‐treated ones by means of immersion and electrochemical tests. It was observed that the ultrasound treated alloy offers better quality, higher mechanical properties and improved corrosion resistance, as a consequence of a more uniform distribution of the solute.
Effect of corrosion on bond strength of steel and non‐metallic reinforcement
Authors: Demis S. , Pilakoutas K. , Apostolopoulos Ch. Alk. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractResearch attempts on the effect of environmental corrosion on bond between steel bars and concrete, report considerable losses of bond strength. Alternative solutions to the corrosion problem include the use of non‐metallic reinforcement. In this paper the effects of environmental corrosion (through accelerated carbonation) on the bond properties of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars with the surrounding concrete are investigated. The work presented is part of an extensive project addressing the durability of FRP in concrete 1. It was found out that, in contrast to what is generally believed, concrete alkalinity does not have a major impact on the durability of FRP bar and its bond strength. The expected bond deterioration due to carbonation is more than compensated by the increase in compressive strength due to time and carbonation, contrary to the case when steel reinforcement is used.
Energy storage ability and anti‐corrosion protection properties of TiO2–SnO2 system
Authors: Zhou M.‐J. , Zeng Z.‐O. , Zhong L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTiO2/SnO2 and TiO2–SnO2 coatings were prepared on type 304 stainless steel by sol–gel method, respectively. TiO2/SnO2 coating is compared with TiO2–SnO2 coating in terms of energy storage ability and anti‐corrosion property. The two coatings can be charged with reductive energy under UV irradiation in 3 wt% aqueous NaCl. The self‐discharging time of the TiO2/SnO2 coating is slower than that of the TiO2–SnO2 coating. The slow discharging may be suitable for an anti‐corrosion application for metal. In the case where TiO2/SnO2 coating electrode is electrochemically charged at −0.38 V (vs. SCE) for 1 h, it can maintain a good cathodic protection for type 304 stainless steel for 7 h in the dark, while the TiO2–SnO2 coating electrode can only maintain a good cathode protection for 0.5 h in the dark.
Corrosion behaviour of Mg–Al alloys with Al–11Si thermal spray coatings
Authors: Pardo A. , Merino M. C. , Casajús P. , Mohedano M. , Arrabal R. , Matykina E. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe corrosion resistance of AZ31, AZ80 and AZ91D Mg–Al alloys with Al–11Si thermal spray coatings was evaluated by electrochemical and gravimetric measurements in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The changes in the morphology and corrosion behaviour of the Al–11Si coatings induced by a cold‐pressing post‐treatment under 32 MPa were also examined. The as‐sprayed Al–11Si coatings revealed high degree of porosity and poor corrosion protection, which resulted in galvanic acceleration of the corrosion of the magnesium substrates. The application of a cold‐pressing post‐treatment produced more compact Al–11Si coatings with better bonding at the substrate/coating interface and slightly higher corrosion resistance. However, interconnected pores remained in the cold‐pressed coatings due to the low plasticity of the Al–11Si powder and galvanic corrosion of the substrate was observed after immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl for 10 days.
Study of microstructure and corrosion kinetic of steel guitar strings in artificial sweat solution
Authors: Rezić I. , Ćurković L. , Ujević M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractCorrosion processes of strings on musical instruments occur frequently. Such processes significantly influence sound quality, but also human health because metals may provoke skin allergy. Therefore, in this study the corrosion process of six guitar strings and metal ions release associated with nickel allergy was monitored after immersion in sweat solution for 28 days. Dissolution of metal ions was measured as a function of time, and the changes of the samples after 28 days were studied by SEM/EDS. The results have shown that the amounts of dissolved metal ions in corrosive solution are decreasing in the following order: Fe3+ < Sn2+ < Mn2+ < Si4+ < Ni2+. The corrosion of electric guitar strings in artificial sweat solution was determined by the solubility of samples. The electric guitar strings E6, A5 and D4 corrosion kinetic in artificial sweat followed parabolic rate relation, while g3, h2 and e1 strings followed linear rate relation. After the 4 weeks of monitoring, the quantities of the nickel eluted ions did not exceed the limits prescribed by standard regulations. Therefore, such items do not present a threat to human health.
Chitooligosaccharides promote peripheral nerve regeneration in a rabbit common peroneal nerve crush injury model
Authors: Gong Yanpei , Gong Leilei , Gu Xiaosong , Ding Fei 
Published: August 2009

AbstractChitooligosaccharides (COSs) are the biodegradation products of chitosan that have been demonstrated with neuroaffinity and/or neuroprotective actions. In this study, we investigated the possible benefits of treatment with COSs on nerve regeneration after crush injuries to peripheral nerves. The rabbits with the crushed common peroneal nerve were treated by daily intravenous injection of 1.5 or 3 mg/kg body weight of COSs or identical volume of saline (as the control) for a 6‐week period. At the end of COSs treatment, electrophysiological assessments, Meyer's trichrome and Masson trichrome staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the regeneration of injured common peroneal nerve and atrophy of the tibialis posterior muscle. The results showed that the compound muscle action potentials, the number of regenerated myelinated nerve fibers, the thickness of regenerated myelin sheaths, and the cross‐sectional area of tibialis posterior muscle fibers were significantly improved in the nerves that received COSs treatment and the results with COSs treatment displayed a dose‐dependent pattern. This study demonstrated that COSs accelerated peripheral nerve regeneration after crush injury to rabbit common peroneal nerves. The COSs could probably become a potential neuroprotective agent for improvement of peripheral nerve regeneration after the injury and deserve for further studies. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.
Spectral parameter power series for Sturm–Liouville problems
Authors: Kravchenko Vladislav V. , Porter R. Michael 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe consider a recently discovered representation for the general solution of the Sturm–Liouville equation as a spectral parameter power series (SPPS). The coefficients of the power series are given in terms of a particular solution of the Sturm–Liouville equation with the zero spectral parameter. We show that, among other possible applications, this provides a new and efficient numerical method for solving initial value and boundary value problems. Moreover, due to its convenient form the representation lends itself to numerical solution of spectral Sturm–Liouville problems, effectively by calculation of the roots of a polynomial. We discuss the examples of the numerical implementation of the SPPS method and show it to be equally applicable to a wide class of singular Sturm–Liouville problems as well as to problems with spectral parameter‐dependent boundary conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.