bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection of Appropriate Liver Resection in Left Hepatolithiasis Based on Anatomic and Clinical Study
Authors: Lee Seung Eun , Jang Jin‐Young , Lee Jeong Min , Kim Sun‐Whe 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundBecause of the possibility of injury to the left medial section of the bile duct (B4) and the presumed higher recurrence rate of hepatolithiasis, some surgeons have recently preferred left hepatectomy for left hepatolithiasis. We investigated the appropriate treatment for left hepatolithiasis by evaluating the anatomy and variations of the left hepatic duct system in a normal population and analyzed the clinical outcome of liver resection.MethodsWe reviewed the magnetic resonance imaging results of 115 normal subjects who underwent a workup for living related liver donation. An imaginary surgical resection line was established based on the lateral margin of the umbilical portion of the liver in T2‐weighted axial images. The junction of B4 with the left hepatic duct was evaluated to determine the possibility of injury during liver resection. We also analyzed the clinical outcomes of 181 patients who underwent left lateral sectionectomy or left hepatectomy.ResultsThe anatomic evaluation showed that B4 joined lateral to the umbilical portion of the liver in 7.0% (8/115) of cases. In patients with left hepatolithiasis, left hepatectomy was performed in 79 patients and left lateral sectionectomy in 102. The operating time for the left lateral sectionectomy was significantly shorter than that for left hepatectomy (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in complications or recurrence of stones.ConclusionPreoperative cholangiography should be performed to evaluate the anatomy of the left hepatic duct to avoid injuring B4. For most cases of left hepatolithiasis without a left hilar stricture, left lateral sectionectomy is the safest, most effective treatment.
The Usefulness of Distal Splenorenal Shunt in Children with Portal Hypertension for the Treatment of Severe Thrombocytopenia and Leukopenia
Authors: Moon Suk‐Bae , Jung Sung‐Eun , Ha Jong‐Won , Park Kwi‐Won , Seo Jeong‐Kee , Kim Woo‐Ki 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn the current era of transplantation and therapeutic endoscopy, the role of the distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) for portal hypertension (PH) has diminished. We reviewed the outcome of the use of DSRS in children to determine the usefulness of this operation.MethodsIn the follow‐up course for PH from 1987 to 2006, 15 patients who developed severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50 × 103/mm3) and/or leukopenia (WBC count < 3000/mm3) with normal liver function were referred for DSRS. Primary diagnosis was portal vein thrombosis (N = 10) and congenital hepatic fibrosis (N = 5). Platelet, WBC count, liver function test, and spleen size were checked before and after DSRS. Shunt patency was accessed postoperatively. Operative morbidity, mortality, and long‐term outcomes were measured.ResultsPlatelet count and WBC count increased in individual patients. Mean value of each count increased significantly after DSRS (p = 0.002,. 004, respectively). Spleen size decreased significantly (N = 7, p = 0.018). Shunt patency rate was 100%. There was one postoperative complication and no postoperative mortality. Two patients developed portopulmonary hypertension. No patients underwent subsequent transplantation or endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices after DSRS.ConclusionsDSRS is an effective and reliable procedure for children with PH and is still useful for selected pediatric patients.
Emergency Laparoscopic‐assisted versus Open Right Hemicolectomy for Obstructing Right‐sided Colonic Carcinoma: A Comparative Study of Short‐term Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Ng Simon S. M. , Lee Janet F. Y. , Yiu Raymond Y. C. , Li Jimmy C. M. , Leung Wing Wa , Leung Ka Lau 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes of emergency laparoscopic‐assisted versus open right hemicolectomy for obstructing right‐sided colonic carcinoma.MethodsBetween July 2003 and July 2006, 43 consecutive patients with obstructing right‐sided colonic carcinoma underwent emergency right hemicolectomy at our institution, 14 with the laparoscopic‐assisted approach and 29 with the open approach. Clinical data were retrospectively recorded and compared between the two groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to age, gender, co‐morbidities, duration of obstructing symptoms, tumor length, and tumor staging. The laparoscopic‐assisted group had longer operative time than the open group (187.5 min versus 145 min; p = 0.034) but less blood loss (20 ml versus 100 ml; p = 0.020). The median time to full ambulation was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic‐assisted group (4 days versus 6 days; p = 0.016), but the time to return of gastrointestinal function and the duration of hospital stay were similar between the two groups. More patients in the open group developed postoperative complications (55.2% versus 28.6%), but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsEmergency laparoscopic‐assisted right hemicolectomy for obstructing right‐sided colonic carcinoma is feasible and safe. In comparison with the open approach, the laparoscopic‐assisted procedure is associated with less blood loss, earlier ambulation, and possibly lower morbidity rate.
Cyclosporine-A-induced nephrotoxicity in children with minimal-change nephrotic syndrome: long-term treatment up to 10 years
Authors: Kranz Birgitta , Vester Udo , Büscher Rainer , Wingen Anne-Margret , Hoyer Peter F. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe impact of cyclosporine A (CsA) therapy in patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic-syndrome (SDNS) on long-term renal function is controversial. Data beyond 5 years are rare. Long-term renal function was evaluated in children with SDNS with and without CsA therapy, especially beyond 5 years. Twenty children were treated with CsA (study group) for a mean of 5.4 ± 2.2 years (ten patients for 5–11 years). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated before and after 3 and 12 months and at latest follow-up of therapy. Fifteen children with cyclophosphamide-treated SDNS without CsA served as controls. In the study group, GFR decreased within 12 months from 136 ± 19 to 120 ± 31, to 114 ± 14 ml/min per 1.73 m2at latest follow-up (p < 0.0001). Patients with CsA > 5 years had a GFR of 111 ± 14 ml/min per 1.73 m2at latest follow-up without a GFR below 90 ml/min per 1.73 m2. No CsA toxicity was found in biopsies. In the control group, GFR dropped within 3 months, from 137 ± 27 to 130 ± 24, to 126 ± 19 ml/min per 1.73 m2at latest follow-up (p = 0.1). Patients with and without nephrotoxic CsA therapy showed a drop in GFR. In CsA-treated patients, GFR was about 12% lower at latest follow-up compared with patients without nephrotoxic therapy but always remained within normal range. CsA seems to be safe, even in long-term treatment for more than 5 years.
Utility of the methylation‐sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) marker for detection of DNA methylation polymorphism and epigenetic population structure in a wild barley species (Hordeum brevisubulatum)
Authors: Li Yidan , Shan Xiaohui , Liu Xiaoming , Hu Lanjuan , Guo Wanli , Liu Bao 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe report here that by using a modified scoring criterion, the methylation‐sensitive amplified polymorphism or MSAP marker can be used effectively to detect polymorphism in DNA methylation patterns within and among populations of a perennial wild barley species, Hordeum brevisubulatum. Twenty‐four selected individual genotypes representing four natural populations of H. brevisubulatum distributed in the Songnen Prairie in northeastern China were studied. The utility of MSAP was evidenced by its detection of high levels of polymorphism in DNA methylation patterns between individuals within a given population, and the clear inter‐population differentiation in methylation patterns (methylation‐based epigenetic population structure) revealed among the four populations. The resolving power of MSAP to detect DNA methylation polymorphism was found to be comparable with that of a retrotransposon‐based sequence‐specific amplified polymorphism marker, or SSAP, to detect genetic polymorphism in the same set of plants, suggesting that MSAP with a modified scoring criterion can be used efficiently to detect DNA methylation polymorphism and assess epigenetic population structure in natural plant populations.
Gene expression signature associated with BRAF mutations in human primary cutaneous melanomas
Authors: Kannengiesser Caroline , Spatz Alain , Michiels Stefan , Eychène Alain , Dessen Philippe , Lazar Vladimir , Winnepenninckx Véronique , Lesueur Fabienne , Druillennec Sabine , Robert Caroline , van den Oord Joost J. , Sarasin Alain , Bressac-de Paillerets Brigitte 
Published: January 2008

With the aim to correlate BRAF mutation status with gene expression in human primary cutaneous melanomas, and thus to get more insight on the consequences of BRAF mutation on cell biology, we analyzed all expression data obtained in melanomas from which DNA was extracted from the same tissue slides that were used for the expression study.A cohort of 69 frozen primary melanoma whose oligonucleotide micro‐array expression data were available, were genotyped for BRAF and NRAS genes. The expression data from these melanomas were re‐analyzed according to BRAF mutational status.A set of 250 probes representing 209 genes that were significantly (raw P≤0.001) associated with BRAF mutation status was identified and 17 of these were previously shown to be implicated in cutaneous melanoma progression or pigmentation pathway‐associated genes driven by the microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF). The list of 34 top probes contained no more than 1% of false discoveries with a probability of 0.95. Among the genes that differentiated most strongly between BRAF mutated and non‐mutated melanomas, there were those involved in melanoma immune response such as MAGE‐D2, CD63, and HSP70.These findings support the immunogenicity of BRAFV600E, eliciting patients T‐cell responses in various in vitro assays. The genes whose expression is associated with BRAF mutations are not simply restricted to the MAPK/ERK signaling but also converge to enhanced immune responsiveness, cell motility and melanosomes processing involved in the adaptative UV response.
A randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of an intensive lifestyle intervention v. standard care in adults with type 2 diabetes immediately after initiating insulin therapy
Authors: Barratt Rachel , Frost Gary , Millward D. J. , Truby Helen 
Published: January 2008

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are inextricably linked. It is therefore unfortunate that insulin, the ultimate treatment to improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, is associated with significant weight gain. The aim of the present investigation was to ascertain whether a dietitian-led intensive lifestyle intervention could attenuate weight gain associated with commencing insulin therapy. Subjects (n 50) with type 2 diabetes, within 4 weeks of starting insulin therapy, were randomly allocated to a control or intervention group. The control group continued with standard care whilst the intervention group followed a dietitian-led intensive lifestyle intervention. Over 6 months the control group gained 4·9 (sd 3·6) kg (P < 0·001), whilst the intervention group maintained their weight ( − 0·6 (sd 5·1) kg (NS). The difference in weight change between the groups was 5·5 kg (P < 0·001). The control group had significant increases whilst the intervention group had slight decreases in: BMI (+1·7 (sd 1·3) kg/m2 (P < 0·001) v. − 0·3 (sd 2·0) kg/m2 (NS)), waist circumference (+5·3 (sd 5·0) cm (P < 0·001) v. − 0·4 (sd 5·2) cm (NS)) and percentage body fat (+1·5 (sd 2·0) % (P < 0·001) v. − 0·4 (sd 2·8) % (NS)). Differences between the groups for these parameters were significant (P < 0·01). Throughout the study, both groups experienced significant reductions in HbA1c, but only minor changes in blood lipids. The present study demonstrates that weight gain is not an inevitable consequence of starting insulin therapy, but attenuation of the weight gain requires a high level of intervention. The first 6 months to 1 year after initiating insulin therapy provides the ideal ‘window of opportunity’.
Vitamin D status and its determinants in adolescents from the Northern Ireland Young Hearts 2000 cohort
Authors: Hill Tom R. , Cotter Alice A. , Mitchell Sarah , Boreham Colin A. , Dubitzky Werner , Murray Liam , Strain J. J. , Flynn Albert , Robson Paula J. , Wallace Julie M. W. , Kiely Mairead , Cashman Kevin D. 
Published: January 2008

Despite recent concerns about the high prevalence of sub-clinical vitamin D deficiency in adolescents, relatively few studies have investigated the underlying reasons. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D inadequacy among a large representative sample of adolescents living in Northern Ireland (54–55°N). Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were analysed by enzyme-immunoassay in a subgroup of 1015 of the Northern Ireland Young Hearts 2000 cohort; a cross-sectional study of 12 and 15 year-old boys and girls. Overall mean 25(OH)D concentration throughout the year was 64·3 (range 5–174) nmol/l; 56·7 and 78·1 nmol/l during winter and summer, respectively. Reported intakes of vitamin D were very low (median 1·7 μg/d). Of those adolescents studied, 3 % and 36 % were vitamin D deficient and inadequate respectively, as defined by serum 25(OH)D concentrations < 25 and < 50 nmol/l. Of the subjects, 46 % and 17 % had vitamin D inadequacy during winter and summer respectively. Gender differences were also evident with 38 % and 55 % of boys and girls respectively classified as vitamin D inadequate during winter (P < 0·001). Predictors of vitamin D inadequacy during winter were vitamin D intake and gender. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in white-skinned adolescents in Northern Ireland, particularly during wintertime and most evident in girls. There is a clear need for dietary recommendations for vitamin D in this age group and for creative strategies to increase overall vitamin D status in the population.
Validation of ActiReg® to measure physical activity and energy expenditure against doubly labelled water in obese persons
Authors: Hustvedt Bo-Egil , Svendsen Mette , Løvø Arne , Ellegård Lars , Hallén Jostein , Tonstad Serena 
Published: January 2008

ActiReg® is an instrument that uses combined recordings of body position and motion to calculate energy expenditure (EE) and physical activity (PA). The aim of the study was to compare mean total energy expenditure (TEE) measured by ActiReg® and doubly labelled water (DLW) in obese subjects. TEE was measured by the DLW method during a period of 14 d in fifty obese men and women with metabolic risk factors. During the same period ActiReg® recordings were obtained for 7 d. RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry and also estimated by standardized equations. Because EE may be disproportionately increased in obese subjects during weight-bearing activities, we established a new set of physical activity ratios (PAR). These ratios were based on oxygen uptake measurements during treadmill walking. The mean TEE according to the DLW was 13·94 (sd 2·47) MJ/d. Mean TEE calculated from the ActiReg® data and measured RMR was 13·39 (sd 2·26) MJ/d, an underestimation of 0·55 MJ (95 % CI 0·13, 0·98; P = 0·012) or 3·9 %. RMR derived from standard equations based on weight, age and sex were overestimated while the RMR based on fat-free mass values in addition was underestimated. Despite slight underestimation ActiReg® may be used to measure TEE in obese subjects on two premises: RMR should be measured, and the increased EE during weight-bearing activities in obese subjects should be considered.
Consumption of fructo-oligosaccharide reduces 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Sasajima Naho , Aramaki Akiko , Sonoyama Kei 
Published: January 2008

Strategies to manipulate the intestinal microbiota have been considered to promote immune health. The aim of the present study was to examine whether fructo-oligosaccharide, a typical prebiotic, could suppress antigen-specific skin inflammation by favourably changing the population of intestinal microbiota. Female BALB/c mice were fed a synthetic diet with or without fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation for 3 weeks and were then epicutaneously immunised with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene. Afterwards, mice continued to receive their respective diets. At 5 d after immunisation, the mice were ear challenged with the hapten. Ear swelling after the challenge was significantly reduced in the mice fed the diet supplemented with fructo-oligosaccharide than in mice fed the control diet. To characterise the change in the intestinal microbiota, DNA samples isolated from fresh faeces were subjected to PCR–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and real-time PCR based on 16S rDNA gene sequences. Dietary fructo-oligosaccharide altered the composition of intestinal microbiota. The numbers of bifidobacteria, but not lactobacilli, were significantly higher in mice fed the fructo-oligosaccharide-supplemented diet than in mice fed the control diet. Ear swelling was negatively correlated with the numbers of bifidobacteria in the faeces. Sequence analysis revealed thatBifidobacterium pseudolongumwas the most predominant bifidobacteria in the intestine of mice fed the fructo-oligosaccharide-supplemented diet. These results suggest that consumption of fructo-oligosaccharide reduces contact hypersensitivity, which is associated with proliferation ofB. pseudolongumin the intestinal tract of mice.
On the design of traps for feeding 3D parts on vibratory tracks
Authors: Goemans Onno C. , van der Stappen A. Frank 
Published: January 2008

SUMMARYIn the context of automated feeding (orienting) of industrial parts, we study the algorithmic design of traps in the bowl feeder track that filter out all but one orientation of a given polyhedral part. We propose a new class of traps that removes a V-shaped portion of the track. The proposed work advances the state-of-the-art in algorithmic trap design by extending earlier work1,6,17—which focuses solely on 2D parts—to 3D parts, and by incorporating a more realistic part motion model in the design algorithm. We exploit the geometric structure of the design problem and build on concepts and techniques from computational geometry to obtain an efficient algorithm that reports the complete set of valid traps.
Fuelwood, forests and community management – evidence from household studies
Authors: COOKE PRISCILLA , KÖHLIN GUNNAR , HYDE WILLIAM F. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper reviews the state of economic understanding about fuelwood in developing countries. It synthesizes the main results from numerous empirical studies with the intent of identifying implications for policy and pointing out where important questions remain unanswered. Overall, the empirical results reviewed reinforce the contention that households alter their behavior in the presence of sufficient scarcity in ways that are least costly to them. Still, the cost can be substantial and many cases remain where policy intervention is justified to address concerns of both equity and efficiency. Addressing the coping capabilities of the very poor and the open access conditions of woodlands appear to be two ways of dealing with fuelwood scarcity that are likely to yield high social rates of return. Community forestry has the potential to address these two important areas, but there is little evidence to date that this is being done with fuelwood in mind.
International water transfer and sharing: the case of the Ganges River
Authors: BHADURI ANIK , BARBIER EDWARD B. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTThe following paper is concerned with water sharing of the Ganges River between India and Bangladesh, with possible augmentation through water transfers from Nepal. We analyzed the case when water from Nepal can be transferred to Bangladesh through the upstream country, India, as the local geography only permits such water transfer. A game theoretic model is formulated to determine the optimal share of water diverted to Bangladesh by India, and the optimal amount of water transfer from Nepal. India may gain positive externalities from such water transfer. The positive externalities generated from water transfer from Nepal may influence the water share of both India and Bangladesh. In the absence of altruism, India would allow less water flow to Bangladesh than in the case when there is no provision to buy water from Nepal. We also explored whether positive externalities could induce India to buy water jointly with Bangladesh, and such a case will only occur if the countries possess altruistic concerns and share water according to an agreement.
Intergenerational transfers, lifetime welfare, and resource preservation
Authors: VALENTE SIMONE 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper analyzes overlapping-generations models where natural capital is owned by selfish agents. Transfers in favor of young agents reduce the rate of depletion and increase output growth. It is shown that intergenerational transfers may be preferred to laissez-faire by an indefinite sequence of generations: if the resource share in production is sufficiently high, the welfare gain induced by preservation compensates for the loss due to taxation. This conclusion is reinforced when other assets are available, e.g. man-made capital, claims on monopoly rents, and R&D investment. Transfers raise the welfare of all generations, except that of the first resource owner: if resource endowments are taxed at time zero, all successive generations support resource-saving policies for purely selfish reasons.
Who knows, who cares? The determinants of enactment, awareness, and compliance with community Natural Resource Management regulations in Uganda
Authors: NKONYA EPHRAIM , PENDER JOHN , KATO EDWARD 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTAt the community level, bylaws and other regulations are commonly used to manage natural resources. However, there is limited research on how communities enact these regulations and what determines awareness and compliance with these regulations. A survey of 273 communities was conducted in Uganda with an objective of analyzing the determinants of enactment, awareness and compliance with community Natural Resource Management (NRM) regulations. Presence in the community of programs and organizations with focus on agriculture and the environment increases the probability to enact and to be aware of NRM regulations. The probability to comply with regulations enacted by village councils was greater than the case with such regulations passed by higher legislative bodies, suggesting the important role played by decentralization in NRM. Poverty is associated with lower compliance with NRM regulations. This supports the poverty-natural resource degradation trap hypothesis, and suggests that measures to reduce poverty can also improve NRM.