bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel tumor‐ablation device for liver tumors utilizing heat energy generated under an alternating magnetic field
Authors: Sato Koichi , Watanabe Yuji , Horiuchi Atsushi , Yukumi Shungo , Doi Takashi , Yoshida Motohira , Yamamoto Yuji , Maehara Tsunehiro , Naohara Takashi , Kawachi Kanji 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground and Aims:  We have developed a novel tumor‐ablation device for liver tumors utilizing heat energy induced by magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) particles under an alternating magnetic field (AMF) produced by electric currents. This novel device can repeatedly heat liver tumors at lower temperature than usual heating devices, such as radiofrequency ablation therapy, with slight infliction of pain. This study assesses its heating effect on rat liver tumors as local therapy.Method:  The small needle was manufactured from MgFe2O4 particles by sintering at 1100°C. After a MgFe2O4 needle was inserted into liver tumors comprising of dRLh‐84 cells, the tumors were heated for 30 min under an AMF. We examined cellular activity by using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) diaphorase staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated digoxigenin‐dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and evaluated the effect of suppressing tumor growth by sequentially comparing the tumor diameter with that of the control group.Results:  The mean temperature of the heated tumors was 60.2 ± 1.8°C. The tumor cells were constricted, and chromatin of nuclei had shrunk immediately after heating. The heat‐injury area that contained the tumors was negative for NADH diaphorase activity. After 3 days, the tumor cells in the heat‐injury area became positive for TUNEL staining, which detects cell death. At 7 days, the mean tumor diameters were significantly smaller in the heating group than in the control group (6.15 ± 0.47 mm vs 16.89 ± 2.69 mm; P < 0.05).Conclusion:  This device, utilizing heat energy induced by ferromagnetic metal under an AMF, appears useful as local thermotherapy for human liver cancer.
Long‐term prognosis of cirrhotics with an upper gastrointestinal bleeding episode: Does infection play a role?
Authors: Vlachogiannakos Jiannis , Sklavos Pantelis , Viazis Nikos , Manolakopoulos Spilios , Markoglou Costas , Kougioumtzian Anastasios , Triantos Christos , Theodoropoulos Jiannis , Raptis Sotirios , Karamanolis Dimitrios G 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  We evaluated the effect of infection on the short‐ and long‐term outcome of cirrhotic patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), in a series of patients not submitted to antibiotic prophylaxis.Methods:  The cirrhotic patients hospitalized for UGIB were prospectively followed up until the last visit, death, or transplantation. A standard screening protocol was used for bacterial infection at admission.Results:  In total, 205 patients were included in the study. Antibiotics were administered in 79 (38.5%) patients and an infection was documented in 64 (31.4%) patients. In total, 130 (63.4%) patients died after a mean (SD) follow up of 23.8 (30.9) months. Six‐week mortality was higher in the infected patients (P < 0.0001). The mortality of patients who were alive 6 weeks after admission was not different between the infected and non‐infected patients. Antibiotic use or bacterial infection, the Child–Pugh score, hepatocellular carcinoma, and creatinine were the independent predictors of 6‐week mortality. Age and the Child–Pugh score were the only predictors of mortality of the patients who had survived for more than 6 weeks after acute bleeding. In total, 51 (24.9%) patients rebled, 37 (18.1%) within 5 days of admission. Rebleeding was more frequent (41.8% vs 14.3%, P < 0.0001) in infected patients, mostly due to differences in early rebleeding (31.6% vs 9.5%, P = 0.0001).Conclusion:  Bacterial infection is associated with failure to control UGIB and early mortality in cirrhotic patients, but does not seem to affect the outcome of patients who overcome the bleeding episode.
Less lineages – more trait variation: phylogenetically clustered plant communities are functionally more diverse
Authors: Prinzing Andreas , Reiffers Reineke , Braakhekke Wim G. , Hennekens Stephan M. , Tackenberg Oliver , Ozinga Wim A. , Schaminée Joop H. J. , Van Groenendael Jan M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFunctional diversity within communities may influence ecosystem functioning, but which factors drive functional diversity? We hypothesize that communities assembled from many phylogenetic lineages show large functional diversity if assembly is random, but low functional diversity if assembly is controlled by interactions between species within lineages. We combined > 9000 descriptions of Dutch plant communities, a species‐level phylogeny, and information on 16 functional traits (including eight dispersal traits). We found that all traits were conserved within lineages, but nevertheless communities assembled from many lineages showed a smaller variation in trait‐states of most traits (including dispersal traits) than communities assembled from few lineages. Hence, within lineages, species are not randomly assembled into communities, contradicting Neutral Theory. In fact, we find evidence for evolutionary divergence in trait‐states as well as present‐day mutual exclusion among related, similar species, suggesting that functional diversity of communities increased due to past and present interactions between species within lineages.
Switching behavior, coexistence and diversification: comparing empirical community‐wide evidence with theoretical predictions
Authors: Carnicer Jofre , Abrams Peter A. , Jordano Pedro 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTheory shows that the presence of behavioural switching between alternative resources can contribute to coexistence when competitors differ in trophic‐related traits. In addition, switching can generate disruptive selection on such traits in a low‐diversity community, increasing the number of species. Both of these processes should produce communities in which species differ in their values of the trophic trait, and display corresponding differences in the time‐course of their switching from one resource to another. Here we present evidence for widespread switching behaviour for a diverse Mediterranean scrubland bird community. We show that species differ in a beak character related to their relative use of insect and fruit resource channels, and that the timing of switching is correlated with the relative use of resources. These patterns are consistent with theoretical predictions, suggesting a possible role of switching behaviour in promoting avian coexistence and diversification.
A modification of primary closure for the treatment of pilonidal disease in day‐care setting
Authors: Muzi M. G. , Milito G. , Nigro C. , Cadeddu F. , Farinon A. M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim  The best surgical technique for treating sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease (PD) is still controversial. We evaluated the outcome of a modified primary closure for the treatment of pilonidal sinus.Method  One hundred and fifty‐two consecutive patients with PD, who underwent excision and primary closure under local anaesthesia according to our method, participated in this prospective study. The duration of operation and of hospitalization, postoperative pain, time to first mobilization, postoperative complications, time to resumption of work were assessed.Results  The median operative time was 30 min (range: 15–40); the median postoperative pain visual analogue scale score was 1 (range 0–3). All patients were mobilized between 2 and 4 h after surgery and discharged within 10 h. Postoperative complications included eight small debridements of an infected wound (5.3%) and one case of wound dehiscence (0.6%). No recurrence was detected during a median follow‐up of 22 months (range: 10–34 months).Conclusion  The low complication rate, near total absence of wound dehiscence, the compliance of the patients, the type of anaesthesia and the patient satisfaction makes this method effective. A randomized trial with long‐term follow‐up is warranted.
Presentation and prognosis of local recurrence after total mesorectal excision
Authors: De Chaisemartin C. , Penna C. , Goere D. , Benoist S. , Beauchet A. , Julie C. , Nordlinger B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective  The aim of this study was to describe the presentation, treatment and prognosis of local recurrences following total mesorectal excision for rectal adenocarcinoma.Method  Between 1999 and 2002, 201 patients were treated with total mesorectal excision for mid or low rectal cancer and were followed up prospectively.Results  Overall 2‐year survival was 85%. The 2‐year recurrence rate was 8%. Eighteen patients developed local recurrence at 3–60 months.Nine recurrences originated from the pelvic sidewall. These recurrences were symptomatic in 90% of patients. Only two patients were reoperated with a R0 resection and were alive without local recurrence after 19 and 31 months. The seven others died within 9 months.Nine recurrences originated from an anastomotic suture line. Only two had symptoms. A R0 surgical resection was performed in all patients with a 67% sphincter conservation rate. After 26‐months of median follow‐up (range 7–58), all patients were alive.Conclusion  Half of the local recurrence after total mesorectal excision was located at the anastomotic site. Rectoscopic examination should be performed regularly to detect these anatomotic recurrences that are accessible to a R0 itérative resection.
Rectal intussusception and unexplained faecal incontinence: findings of a proctographic study
Authors: Collinson R. , Cunningham C. , D’Costa H. , Lindsey I. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  The aetiology of faecal incontinence is multifactorial, yet there remains an approach to assessment and treatment that focusses on the sphincter. Rectal intussusception (RI) is underdiagnosed and manifests primarily as obstructed defecation. Yet greater than 50% of these patients admit to faecal incontinence on closer questioning. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of RI at evacuation proctography selectively undertaken in the evaluation of patients with faecal incontinence.Method  Patients with faecal incontinence seen in a pelvic floor clinic were evaluated with anorectal physiology and ultrasound. Where the faecal incontinence was not fully explained by physiology and ultrasound, evacuation proctography was undertaken. Studies were classified as ‘normal’, ‘low‐grade RI’ (recto‐rectal), ‘high‐grade RI’ (recto‐anal) or ‘anismus’.Results  Forty patients underwent evacuation proctography (33 women, 83%). Median age was 63 years (range 34–77 years). Seven patients (17%) had a normal proctogram. Three (8%) had recto‐rectal RI. Twenty‐five (63%) demonstrated recto‐anal RI. Five patients (12%) had anismus.Conclusion  Recto‐anal intussusception is common in patients undergoing selective evacuation proctography for investigation of faecal incontinence. The role of recto‐anal intussusception in the multifactorial aetiology of faecal incontinence has been largely overlooked. Evacuation proctography should be considered as part of routine work‐up of patients with faecal incontinence.
Ovarian metastases from colorectal cancer: a clinicopathological analysis of 103 patients
Authors: Kim Dae D. , Park In J. , Kim Hee C. , Yu Chang S. , Kim Jin C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective  To improve management of ovarian metastasis through assessment of clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes associated with ovarian metastasis from colorectal cancer.Method  We recruited 103 subjects who were diagnosed with ovarian metastasis and subjected to surgery between June 1989 and December 2005. Clinical and pathological variables were evaluated. Survival and its associated factors were analysed with a median follow‐up of 31 months after ovarian surgery (range 1–129 months).Results  The mean age at diagnosis was 46 years (range 14–72 years), synchronous ovarian metastasis occurred in 74 patients and metachronous in 29 patients. The primary tumour was more commonly associated with the colon rather than the rectum (84/1608, 5.2%vs 19/1534, 1.2%, P < 0.001). Combined metastases occurred in 69 patients (67%). Complete resection was achieved in 34 (33%) patients without other metastases. The estimated 5‐year disease free survival and overall survival rate were 40.1% and 26.6%, respectively. From univariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion (35.6%vs 12.8%, P = 0.034), combined metastasis (50.9%vs 15.6%, P = 0.0035) and bilaterale ovarian metastasis (36.4%vs 10.6%, P = 0.015) were identified as significant poor prognosis factors, and from multivariate analysis combined metastasis and bilaterale ovarian metastasis were significant (P = 0.034 and P = 0.015, respectively).Conclusion  This study suggests a role for regular follow‐up computed tomography scans within 6 months postoperatively and tumour marker assays for the early detection of ovarian metastasis in premenopausal women after primary surgery, especially in colonic patients with poor prognostic factors.
Intersphincteric injected silicone biomaterial implants: a treatment for faecal incontinence
Authors: Soerensen M. M. , Lundby L. , Buntzen S. , Laurberg S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIntroduction  The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional efficacy of intersphincteric injected silicone biomaterial (PTQ™) in patients with faecal incontinence.Method  Prospective study of 33 consecutively included patients (male–female ratio: 9:24); median age 53 years (range: 21–75 years) with faecal incontinence of varied aetiology. The PTQ™ was injected under general anaesthesia with antibiotic cover. All patients had anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasonography and responded to faecal incontinence severity questionnaire (Wexner score) and SF‐36 short‐form health survey questionnaire before and 3 months postoperatively. At time of final follow‐up, the continence status and quality of life questionnaire were reassessed.Results  The mean follow‐up was 12.9 months (range: 3–22 months). The Wexner Continence Score was significantly reduced short term from 12.7 to 11.0 (P = 0.03) and long term to 10.4 (P = 0.02). The long‐term effect on liquid stool incontinence continued to improve significantly (P < 0.01). Six patients (18%) reported major improvement in Wexner Continence Score at the time of final follow‐up. Anorectal manometry was not affected except for the maximum tolerable rectal volume, which was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The SF‐36 short‐form questionnaire showed no significant improvement in quality of life after treatment with PTQ™.Conclusions  Treatment with intersphincteric injection of PTQ™ implants can provide an improvement in anal continence in patients with faecal incontinence of varied aetiology. However, the improvement is mainly limited to soiling and minor leakage. A majority of patients still have severe incontinence, both short‐ and long‐term.
Preventing unintended proteolysis in plant protein biofactories
Authors: Benchabane Meriem , Goulet Charles , Rivard Daniel , Faye Loïc , Gomord Véronique , Michaud Dominique 
Published: April 2008

SummaryNumerous reports have been published over the last decade assessing the potential of plants as useful hosts for the heterologous expression of clinically useful proteins. Significant progress has been made, in particular, in optimizing transgene transcription and translation in plants, and in elucidating the complex post‐translational modifications of proteins typical of the plant cell machinery. In this article, we address the important issue of recombinant protein degradation in plant expression platforms, which directly impacts on the final yield, homogeneity and overall quality of the resulting protein product. Unlike several more stable and structurally less complex pharmaceuticals, recombinant proteins present a natural tendency to structural heterogeneity, resulting in part from the inherent instability of polypeptide chains expressed in heterologous environments. Proteolytic processing, notably, may dramatically alter the structural integrity and overall accumulation of recombinant proteins in plant expression systems, bothin plantaduring expression andex plantaafter extraction. In this article, we describe the current strategies proposed to minimize protein hydrolysis in plant protein factories, including organ‐specific transgene expression, organelle‐specific protein targeting, the grafting of stabilizing protein domains to labile proteins, protein secretion in natural fluids and the co‐expression of companion protease inhibitors.
Exploring Children's Stereotypes Through Drawings: The Case of Musical Performance
Authors: Colley Ann , Mulhern Gerry , Relton Sarah , Shafi Suzana 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDrawings of ‘a person’ and of ‘a person playing music’ were collected from children aged seven to eight years and 10–11 years to discover whether children's musical representations would reflect gender differences evident in musical learning and performance, and the increased gender rigidity with age found in instrument preferences. As in previous drawing studies, same sex figures were overwhelmingly portrayed, although older girls drew more opposite sex figures than the other children. All except the older girls overwhelmingly drew same sex musicians irrespective of the gender stereotype of the instrument portrayed. The older girls drew similar numbers of male and female figures playing masculine instruments. Fewer feminine instruments were drawn by older than by younger boys. The increased gender rigidity with age accords with the results of the preference studies, but gender stereotyping was much weaker. This is discussed in relation to what the different methodologies measure.
Solitary‐functional Play and Solitary‐pretend Play: Another Look at the Construct of Solitary‐active Behavior Using Playground Observations
Authors: Nelson Larry J. , Hart Craig H. , Evans Cortney A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAlthough the construct of solitary‐active behavior calls for the aggregation of solitary‐functional play and solitary‐pretend play, there is little empirical support for combining them into one construct. Furthermore, little work has been done in early childhood to examine these behaviors on the playground. The purpose of this study was to observe children's behavior on the playground to explore whether solitary‐functional and solitary‐pretend behaviors are related to one another and to other indices of social adjustment/maladjustment. Examining a sample of 361 preschoolers, results revealed that (1) solitary‐functional and solitary‐pretend play were not related, (2) solitary‐functional play was associated with solitary‐passive and reticent behaviors, as well as less social play, co‐operative rough and tumble play, sociable/friendliness, assertiveness, and lower peer acceptance, and (3) solitary‐pretend play was linked to lower peer acceptance and more social maladjustment, including venting, reactive aggression (but not proactive aggression), active exclusion, victimization, and being distractible.
Over toleranties on passingen in den machinebouw
Authors: Sittig J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryTolerance problems in mechanical engineering ought to be treated with statistical methods.It is shown that the use of range (instead of standard deviation) for measuring variability in tolerances and fits leads to systematic errors.The suggestion is made to measure variability in mechanical engineering by T= 4,65 s̀, being the 98%‐range in the case of normal distribution.A simple statistical approach to selective assembling is mentioned.
De betrouwbaarheid van stukscontrôle
Authors: Enters J. H. 
Published: April 2008

Een methode voor het vergelijken van de bekwaamheid van controleurs tot het verrichten van massale metingenSummaryThe reliability of sampling inspection is usually being judged by comparing its results with those of a 100% inspection of the same batch. Obviously the need arises to find a method with which it will be possible to determine the reliability of 100% inspection itself.It is shown that this may be done by means of an experiment.A description is given of an experiment carried out at “Van der Heem N.V.”The diameters of 600 rotors were determined with the aid of six precision measuring instruments by six inspectors in turn.A method developed by Spearman is applied which makes it possible to express the capacity of the inspectors involved in a “saturation‐coefficient” which is computed from the correlation coefficients between the six series of measurements.
Statistische hulpmiddelen bij de kwaliteitsbeheersing I
Authors: Enters J. H. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryAn exposition is given of the methods of statistical quality control as applied to the results of measurements on a continuous scale. Examples are given of the information which may be obtained about production processes by using control charts for the mean and range of small samples taken with regular intervals out of a flow of products from a particular machine.
Slaapmiddelen en karaktertype
Authors: Bok Prof. Dr S. T. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryBefore the war the Institute of Praeventive Medicine issued an inquiry about the personal use of narcotics by physicians, part of it regarding the influence of the character. The scheme of Heymans and Wiersma being considered most apt to render characterising numbers, questions were included to diagnose whether “activity”, “emotionality” and/or “secondary function” are present. Statistical analysis of the returns from 1593 physicians, shows that emotionality highly enlarges the use of narcotics (not only by the fact that it is combined with more disturbances in sleep). Activity showed no influence, whereas it is possible that secondary function stimulates the use in a small degree. The different types of character act by their different amount of these three qualities only.
Toepassing der waarschijnlijkheidsrekening op enkele verkeersproblemen in de automatische telefonie
Authors: de Bruyn M. van Dobben 
Published: April 2008

SummaryAn investigation is made about the probabilities of loss and delay in automatic telephone traffic, using the method of the statistical equilibrium.The validity of several formulae found by Erlang, is discussed in connection with the fundamental formula of Poisson.
Weersverwachting op lange termijn
Authors: Visser Dr S. W. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryOn behalf of the long term weatherforecast a great number of correlations between the weatherconditions elsewhere and those in our country have to be calculated and considered.In this paper the Kon. Ned. Meteorologisch Instituut at De Bilt presents a method to find the best applicable meteorological elements to determine our weatherconditions in future. For the calculation of the best multiple coefficients of correlation, the partial coefficients of correlation are arranged in a so called correlationtriangle.