bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Secondary cytomegalovirus infection can cause severe fetal sequelae despite maternal preconceptional immunity
Authors: Zalel Y. , Gilboa Y. , Berkenshtat M. , Yoeli R. , Auslander R. , Achiron R. , Goldberg Y. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo describe our experience in cases with sonographic signs of fetal infection and with maternal serological ‘immunity’ to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.MethodsThis was a bicenter study of six pregnant women referred for evaluation of suspected fetal infection. All cases had confirmed maternal serology for past exposure to CMV but no evidence of recent secondary CMV infection. All underwent sonographic evaluation as well as complete investigation for CMV infection.ResultsThe mean age of the women was 29 (range, 23–35) years and the mean gestational age at diagnosis was 23.5 weeks (range, 20–31) weeks. Sonographic findings included microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, periventricular calcifications and cystic lesions, echogenic bowel, hydrops and hepatosplenomegaly. Amniocentesis was performed in all cases for fetal karyotyping and viral assessment, and all were found by polymerase chain reaction to be positive for CMV infection. Four pregnancies were terminated following the parents' request. One pregnancy continued until intrauterine fetal death occurred 2 weeks after diagnosis. Postmortem was denied in all cases but one. One infant was delivered with evidence of severe cerebral palsy.ConclusionIn the presence of sonographic findings suggestive of fetal CMV infection, prompt investigation of amniotic fluid should follow even if maternal serology does not support recent maternal seroconversion. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographic examination of uteroplacental separation during the third stage of labor
Authors: Mo A. , Rogers M. S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo characterize patterns of uteroplacental separation during the third stage of labor, and to investigate their association with previous history of Cesarean section (CS), delays in placental separation and blood loss.MethodsIn this cohort observational study, continuous ultrasound imaging of uteroplacental separation was performed during the third stage of labor in 78 vaginal deliveries. All women were primiparous and were divided into two groups: those with a previous vaginal delivery (n = 62) and those who had undergone CS (n = 16).ResultsThree patterns of separation were observed: ‘down–up’ (n = 64), ‘up–down’ (n = 12) and ‘bipolar’ (n = 2). Bipolar separation was observed only with fundal placentae. Up–down separation was significantly associated with a history of CS (P < 0.001; odds ratio 14.0; 95% CI, 3.4–57.4) and a longer second stage of labor (P = 0.02).ConclusionsIn most cases, uteroplacental separation begins at the lower placental pole and proceeds upwards. Women with a history of CS have a higher rate of up–down separation, possibly owing to impaired lower uterine segment contractility. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specific weight formula for fetuses with abdominal wall defects
Authors: Siemer J. , Hilbert A. , Hart N. , Hoopmann M. , Schneider U. , Girschick G. , Müller A. , Schild R. L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo develop and to evaluate a specific sonographic weight formula for fetuses with abdominal wall defects.MethodsFor formula finding, 380 preterm singleton pregnancies without fetal anomalies were included. Ultrasound examinations with complete biometric parameters were performed within 7 days before delivery. Stepwise regression analysis was carried out with birth weight as the dependent variable and sonographic parameters (abdominal measurements not included) as independent variables to obtain the best‐fit formula. The new equation was evaluated in a group of 97 fetuses with either gastroschisis or omphalocele.ResultsIn the evaluation group, the mean (SD) percentage error of the new equation was −0.84 (12.03), showing no systematic bias. The mean absolute percentage error was 9.29. The new specific method provided significantly greater accuracy than commonly used formulae.ConclusionsThis specific weight formula for fetuses with abdominal wall defects is an accurate method of estimating fetal weight. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Criss‐cross heart: report of three cases with double‐inlet ventricles diagnosed in utero
Authors: Ngeh N. , Api O. , Iasci A. , Ho S. Y. , Carvalho J. S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCriss‐cross heart is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly characterized by crossing of the inflow streams of the two ventricles, due to an apparent twisting of the heart about its long axis and when the axes of the openings of the atrioventricular (AV) valves are not parallel. If unrecognized, this leads to incorrect sequential segmental analysis. We report three cases of double‐inlet ventricle with a criss‐cross spatial relationship of the AV valves detected on prenatal ultrasound examination at 19–23 weeks' gestation. The sequential diagnosis was confirmed at postmortem examination in two cases and by neonatal echocardiography in the other. Antenatal diagnosis of criss‐cross effect of the AV valves is feasible, allowing correct fetal diagnosis and appropriate counseling for this rare form of congenital cardiac disease. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wireless sensor networks in intelligent transportation systems
Authors: Tubaishat Malik , Zhuang Peng , Qi Qi , Shang Yi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWireless sensor networks (WSNs) offer the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of existing transportation systems. Currently, collecting traffic data for traffic planning and management is achieved mostly through wired sensors. The equipment and maintenance cost and time‐consuming installations of existing sensing systems prevent large‐scale deployment of real‐time traffic monitoring and control. Small wireless sensors with integrated sensing, computing, and wireless communication capabilities offer tremendous advantages in low cost and easy installation. In this paper, we first survey existing WSN technologies for intelligent transportation systems (ITSs), including sensor technologies, energy‐efficient networking protocols, and applications of sensor networks for parking lot monitoring, traffic monitoring, and traffic control. Then, we present new methods on applying WSNs in traffic modeling and estimation and traffic control, and show their improved performance over existing solutions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraoperative Application of Fibrin Sealant does not Reduce the Duration of Closed Suction Drainage Following Radical Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Melanoma Patients: A Prospective Randomized Trial in 58 Patients
Authors: Neuss Heiko , Raue Wieland , Koplin Gerold , Schwenk Wolfgang , Reetz Christian , Mall Julian W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundPatients suffering from malignant melanoma often require radical lymph node dissection of the axillary nodal basin. The effects of intraoperative application of fibrin sealant following radical axillary lymph node dissection (RALND) on the incidence of postoperative lymphatic secretion are discussed. To study the effect of intraoperatively applied fibrin sealant following RALND a randomized patient‐blinded trial was carried out.MethodsFifty‐eight patients with axillary lymph node metastases of malignant melanoma underwent therapeutic RALND and were randomized into two groups: 29 patients received 2 cc of fibrin glue intraoperatively and 29 patients were only irrigated with 0.9% saline. The amount of drainage was recorded every 24 h. The main outcome criterion was the duration of drain placement in the wound. Minor criteria were the total amount of fluid and the length of hospital stay. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s log–rank correlation and paired t‐test.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the nonfibrin group 5 days (range = 3.6–5.7 days) and the fibrin group 5 days (range = 4.1–8.5 days) (p = 0.701). The total amount of fluid for the nonfibrin group (410 cc, range = 362–727 cc) and that for the fibrin group (503 cc, range = 369–1098 cc) (p = 0.605) and the length of postoperative hospital stay of 6 days (range = 5.4–7) vs. 7 days (range = 5.9–10.7), respectively, were not different between both groups (p = 0.387).ConclusionConsidering our study results, we cannot recommend the use of 2 cc of fibrin glue intraoperatively in the prevention of lymphatic secretion in patients undergoing RALND for metastatic melanoma.
Minimally Invasive Thyroid Surgery for Single Nodules: An Evidence‐based Review of the Lateral Mini‐incision Technique
Authors: Alvarado Raul , McMullen Todd , Sidhu Stan B. , Delbridge Leigh W. , Sywak Mark S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundMinimally invasive thyroidectomy techniques are being developed in an effort to minimize pain, shorten the length of hospital stay, and improve cosmesis. Various minimally invasive thyroid surgery (MITS) techniques have been shown to be safe and feasible with some benefits in terms of cosmesis and pain outcomes; however, no single technique has been broadly accepted. This study was designed to review the evidence in relation to MITS and our experience with the direct lateral mini‐incision technique.MethodsA review of literature published until December 2007 on minimally invasive thyroidectomy techniques was undertaken. Three issues were addressed: 1) Does MITS provide any benefit compared with conventional open thyroidectomy? 2) Is there any advantage to the use of endoscopic or video‐assisted techniques compared with the direct mini‐incision technique? 3) Is the lateral mini‐incision technique safe and efficacious? Additional data in relation to the above issues was derived from a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing mini‐incision thyroid surgery within our unit.ResultsIssue 1: Five prospective randomized studies and eight studies at a lower level of evidence have demonstrated consistent advantages of MITS compared with open thyroid surgery in terms of reduced pain and improved cosmesis with equivalent operative safety. Issue 2: In compiling four level III and IV studies that compared open and video‐assisted minimally invasive surgery, there do not seem to be significant differences in patient satisfaction with the incision. The video‐assisted approaches require significantly longer operative times but also seem to be less painful. Issue 3: Three cohort studies (level IV) have demonstrated that the lateral mini‐incision technique is both safe and efficacious compared with open surgery for hemi‐thyroidectomy. Data from our cohort study of 1281 patients (open hemi‐thyroidectomy 1054 vs. MITS 227) confirmed MITS to be a safe and effective procedure. The rate of postoperative hematoma formation and wound infection was equivalent between groups. The rate of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was 0.4% for MITS and 0.3% for CHT and not significantly different (p = 0.7).ConclusionsMITS has demonstrated advantages over conventional open approaches for both hemi‐ and total thyroidectomy and the benefits do not depend on the open or video‐assisted approach. For thyroid lobectomies, the lateral mini‐incision approach can be performed with an operative time and postoperative complication profile equivalent to conventional hemi‐thyroidectomy while providing excellent cosmesis with a 2–3 cm scar.
Laparoscopic Revisional Fundoplication with Circular Hiatal Mesh Prosthesis: The Long‐term Results
Authors: Granderath F. A. , Granderath U. M. , Pointner R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundFailure of hiatal closure has proven to be the most frequent complication leading to revisional surgery after primary failed open or laparoscopic antireflux surgery. To prevent hiatal hernia recurrence some authors recommend the use of prosthetic meshes for reinforcement of the hiatal crura. The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a circular hiatal onlay mesh prosthesis applied during laparoscopic refundoplication after primary failed antireflux surgery with intrathoracic wrap migration. The follow‐up period was 5 years.MethodsA total of 33 patients underwent laparoscopic refundoplication for recurrent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease after primary failed laparoscopic or open antireflux surgery. The underlying morphological complication for symptom recurrence in all patients was hiatal hernia recurrence with intrathoracic migration of the fundoplication. During revisional surgery, after breakdown of the former fundoplication, the esophageal hiatus was thoroughly revised and a circular polypropylene mesh was used to buttress the primarily simple sutured hiatal crura. Additionally, in all patients a refundoplication was performed. Recurrences, complications, functional data, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and cinematographic X‐ray results, as well as quality of life data, were evaluated for the 60‐month follow‐up period.ResultsAll reoperations were successfully completed laparoscopically. Twenty‐one patients underwent laparoscopic 360° “floppy” Nissen refundoplication, and 12 patients underwent laparoscopic 270° Toupet refundoplication. Hiatal closure was performed by placing a circular polypropylene sheet that had a 3–4 cm keyhole for the esophageal body. Of 24 patients who underwent redo‐surgery before May 2000, no patient developed a recurrent hiatal hernia during the first 12 postoperative months. All 33 patients were re‐evaluated and underwent complete diagnostic work‐up over a follow‐up period of 60 months postoperatively. During the long‐term follow‐up, a new recurrent hiatal hernia with intrathoracic wrap migration developed in 2 patients (6%). In both cases, slippage occurred anteriorly to the esophagus. Both patients were scheduled for repeat refundoplication. In all other patients no recurrence occurred for the complete follow‐up period, and no mesh‐related complications developed.ConclusionsLaparoscopic refundoplication for primary failed hiatal closure with the use of a circular mesh prosthesis is a safe and effective procedure to prevent hiatal hernia recurrence for short‐ and mid‐term follow‐up. However, for long‐term follow‐up, even with the placement of prosthetic mesh, re‐recurrence occurs in some patients, leading to repeated surgery.
Radiological and Pathological Assessment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Response to Radiofrequency. A Study on Removed Liver after Transplantation
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sanjuán Juan C. , González Francisco , Juanco Carlos , Herrera Luis A. , López‐Bautista Mercedes , González‐Noriega Mónica , García‐Somacarrera Elena , Figols Javier , Gómez‐Fleitas Manuel , Silván Martín 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe real efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in destroying hepatocellular carcinoma is not completely known, nor is the ability of computed tomography (CT) to precisely assess response. Our aims were to analyze pathological response, tumor size influence, and CT response evaluation.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective study of 30 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules treated by RFA before liver transplant (LT) in 28 patients. Pathological study of the whole removed liver was then performed and the tumor response was classified as complete, incomplete, or absent. The biggest nodule diameter was estimated by CT or ultrasound. The procedure was carried out percutaneously in all but 3 patients, and in those 3 it was done surgically.ResultsThe pathological response was complete in 14 nodules (46.7%) and incomplete in 16 (53.3%). The differences in mean preoperative diameter between cases with complete and incomplete response were not significant (p = 0.3). We found that small tumors were not always completely destroyed, whereas bigger tumors could be successfully deleted. There was no clear association between any location and better or poorer response. The detection of RFA incomplete response by means of CT scan had 50% sensitivity and 100% specificity.ConclusionsIn our experience, RFA can achieve some degree of tumor destruction in every treated case of hepatocellular carcinoma, the complete response rate being slightly lower than half. We have not found any association of response with tumor size or interval RFA‐transplant. Second, CT had not enough sensitivity to assess RFA response of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Outcome and Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Dick Florian , Grobéty Véronique , Immer Franz F. , Do Dai Do , Savolainen Hannu , Carrel Thierry P. , Schmidli Jürg 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundDurability of protection and long‐term quality of life (QoL) are critical outcome parameters of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The aim of the present study was to compare results of endovascular and open aneurysm repair (EVAR and OR) with adjusted standard populations, including stratification for urgency of presentation.MethodsRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 401 consecutive patients presenting with AAA between January 1998 and December 2002. Cross‐sectional follow up was 58 ± 29 months. Patients were grouped into three cohorts: elective EVAR (n = 68), elective OR (n = 244), and emergency OR (including symptomatic and ruptured AAA, n = 89). Endpoints were perioperative (i.e., 30 days or in‐hospital) and late mortality rates, as well as long‐term QoL as assessed by the Short Form health survey questionnaire (SF‐36).ResultsMean age was lower in the elective OR cohort (66 ± 10 years) than in the EVAR cohort (72 ± 7 years; p <. 05). Perioperative mortality rates were 4.4%, 0.4%, and 10.1%, for the EVAR, elective OR, and emergency OR cohorts, respectively (p <. 05). Corresponding cumulative survival rates after 4 years were 67%, 89%, and 69%, respectively. Long‐term QoL SF‐36 scores were in all cohorts similar to age‐ and gender‐adjusted standard populations, which score between 85 and 115: 99.6 ± 35.8 (EVAR), 101.3 ± 32.4 (elective OR), and 100.4 ± 36.5 (emergency OR).ConclusionsLong‐term QoL is not permanently impaired after AAA repair, but returns in long‐term survivors to what would be expected in a standard population. In this respect, differences were found neither between EVAR and OR, nor between elective and emergency repair. Perioperative mortality rates were highest in patients undergoing emergency OR. The outlook for such patients after the perioperative period, however, was similar to that for patients undergoing elective repair.
An experimental design and a statistical analysis separating interference from exploitation competition
Authors: Scharf Inon , Filin Ido , Ovadia Ofer 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPrevious experimental studies of competition among foragers rarely distinguished between exploitation and interference competition. In many systems this separation is experimentally impossible without interfering with the natural behavior of the animals. Consequently, these studies can only demonstrate the combined effect of interference and exploitation on the forager's feeding rate, namely, it usually decreases in a decelerating rate as a function of density. We suggest here a simple experimental and statistical procedure that facilitates the separation of the effects of interference from those of exploitation. This procedure includes manipulation of both predator density and the foraging experiment duration. The statistical analysis is based on multiple linear regression. The working assumption is that exploitation can be neglected at the beginning of the foraging experiment because, initially, predators do not experience diminishing returns in prey capture rates. Using both the results of an individual‐based simulation and a field experiment dataset of gerbils foraging for seeds in an artificial food patch located in the field, we demonstrate that our procedure can successfully detect and separate the effect of interference from the combined overall effect of competition (i.e., interference plus exploitation).
Effects of body size, age and maturity stage on diet in a large shark: ecological and applied implications
Authors: Lucifora Luis O. , García Verónica B. , Menni Roberto C. , Escalante Alicia H. , Hozbor Natalia M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractOntogenetic diet shifts are a widespread phenomenon among vertebrates, although their relationships with life history traits are poorly known. We analyzed the relative importance of body size, age and maturity stage as determinants of the diet of a marine top predator, the copper shark, Carcharhinus brachyurus, by examining stomach contents using a multiple‐hypothesis modeling approach. Copper sharks shifted their diet as size and age increased and as they became sexually mature, incorporated larger prey as they grew, and had a discrete shift in diet with body size, with only individuals larger than ≈200 cm total length able to prey on chondrichthyans. Body size was the most important trait explaining the consumption of chondrichthyans, while age determined the consumption of pelagic teleosts. Pelagic teleosts were consumed mostly by medium‐aged sharks, a result, probably, of a risk‐reducing feeding strategy at young ages coupled with either a senescence‐related decline in performance or a change in sensory capabilities as sharks age. Copper sharks of all sizes were able to cut prey in pieces, implying that gape limitation (i.e., the impossibility of eating prey larger than a predator's mouth) did not play a role in producing the diet shift. Our results suggest that, contrary to the current practice of setting minimum but not maximum size limits in catches, any plan to conserve or restore the ecological function of sharks, through their predatory control of large prey, should aim to maintain the largest individuals.
NPC1L1 and SR‐BI are Involved in Intestinal Cholesterol Absorption from Small‐Size Lipid Donors
Authors: Haikal Ziad , Play Barbara , Landrier Jean‐François , Giraud Annie , Ghiringhelli Odette , Lairon Denis , Jourdheuil‐Rahmani Dominique 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn the human intestinal content after a meal, cholesterol is dispersed in a complex mixture of emulsified droplets, vesicles, mixed micelles and precipitated material. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of the main intestinal cholesterol transporters (NPC1L1, SR‐BI) to the absorption processes, using different cholesterol‐solubilizing donors. Cholesterol donors prepared with different taurocholate concentrations were added to an apical medium of differentiated TC7/Caco‐2 cells. As the taurocholate concentrations increased, cholesterol donor size decreased (from 712 to 7 nm in diameter), which enhanced cholesterol absorption in a dose‐dependent manner (38‐fold). Two transport processes were observed: (1) absorption from large donors exhibited low‐capacity transport with no noticeable transporter contribution; (2) efficient cholesterol absorption occurs from small lipid donors (≤23 nm diameter), mainly due to NPC1L1 and SR‐BI involvement. In addition, bile acids significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of NPC1L1, but not of SR‐BI. In conclusion, bile acids present in the intestinal lumen and the micelles enhance intestinal cholesterol transport into the cell by two different regulatory processes: by reducing the lipid donor size, so that small‐size mixed micelles can more easily access brush‐border membrane transporters, and by increasing the expression level of the enterocyte NPC1L1. These mechanisms could account for the important inter‐individual variations observed in cholesterol intestinal absorption.